Count Three and Pray
Artist: Berlin
Community Score: 9.43

A major change of direction for Berlin, Count Three and Pray was an artistic triumph but a commercial disappointment. After making a name for itself playing very European-sounding synth pop, the L.A. trio recruited producer Bob Ezrin (known for his work with Alice Cooper and others) and unveiled a more hard-edged, guitar-oriented sound. From the... Read More

Twice Upon a Time: The Singles
Artist: Siouxsie and the Banshees
Community Score: 8.00

Siouxsie Sioux has always maintained that it was not her intention to create the goth rock movement. While that lofty statement may be a little self-serving, it's partly right. The Banshees' post-1982 singles (documented in entirety on Twice Upon a Time) have a lush and expansive sound that directly influenced the goth sound. From the opening of... Read More

Texas Fever - JAPAN BONUS TRACKS
Artist: Orange Juice

Released in March 1984, the delicate structures and melodic avenues explored in Texas Fever contrast the volatility of the recording sessions which produced it, with reggae producer Dennis Bovell attempting to keep the peace between the entrenched factions. The rhythm section wanted to become progressively funkier (following the success of "Rip... Read More

The Secret of Association
Artist: Paul Young

In 1984, Paul Young scored a couple of medium-sized U.S. hits with "Come Back and Stay" and "Love of the Common People" from his album No Parlez. In 1985, however, with his stellar album The Secret of Association, the British singer gained his highest level of commercial success with several hit singles, most notable his chart-topping cover of... Read More

The Big Express
Artist: XTC
Community Score: 7.80

XTC took full advantage of their studio-bound status with The Big Express, creating their most painstakingly detailed, multi-layered, sonically dynamic album to date. The more upbeat material and brighter sound recall some of the band's earlier moments, but most of all, The Big Express signals a turning point for the band, setting the blueprint... Read More

Virgins and Philistines
Artist: The Colourfield

When it was initially released in the mid-'80s, the Colourfield's Virgins and Philistines had little in common with most of the albums recorded during that decade. The passing of years has only strengthened the LP's timeless appeal. Plucking sounds from the late '60s and early '70s, the Colourfield created an album that will never be dated... Read More

Greatest Hits
Artist: The Cars
Community Score: 7.60

The Cars were responsible for some of rock's most recognizable radio hits by the mid-'80s, so when the band took an extended break after their successful tour for Heartbeat City, 1985's Greatest Hits was assembled. Mixed in with the familiar selections was a brand-new track, the playful "Tonight She Comes" (which became a Top Ten hit), as well... Read More

The Collection 1973-1984 - CONCEPT
Artist: Split Enz

The Split Enz Collection is a two-LP package which focuses mainly on the hit singles, but also offers the majority of the band's better-known album tracks. While it's a nice collection, with brief liner notes, rare photos, and a basic discography, it has since been surpassed by better and more readily available collections. The album was on the... Read More