No, I saw the REAL farewell tour in 86 (I believe, it's all hazy) at the old Astrodome in Houston. They played with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and SRV. Homecourt advantage for SRV. The Who sounded like crap, got booed, and the crowd asked for more SRV. But, yes, still waiting.
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Top 250 Best Selling Rock Albums (1967 - 1981) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Anarchy99
- Start date
zamboni
Footballguy
Anarchy99
Footballguy
#234 - BILLY JOEL - Songs In The Attic (1981) (3.286 million albums)
Notable songs: Say Goodbye To Hollywood (#17), She's Got A Way (#23), You're My Home (didn't chart), Miami 2017, Summer Highland Falls, Captain Jack, Ballad Of Billy The Kid
Joel's first live album with a number of his earlier tracks before he hit the big time. There will be a lot of Billy albums on the list, so be prepared for as much Joel as in The Boys series. A little more soulful and less poppy than his later material.
#233 - RUSH - 2112 (1976) (3.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Suite, A Passage To Bangkok, The Twilight Zone
Quintessential mid-70's Rush. Even though it sold well, it only peaked at #61 on the albums chart. I would guess that the album garnered a lot of sales when Rush started becoming more popular / more mainstream. I can't speak to that, as I am not a die hard Rush fan and only started getting into them in the 80's. I am sure there are Rush aficionados that can chime in on this one.
#232 - BLACK SABBATH - Heaven And Hell (1980) (3.44 million albums)
Notable songs: Neon Knights, Die Young. Title Track, Lady Evil, Children Of The Sea
The first Sabbath album with Ronnie James Dio. My knowledge and interest in BS was mostly their early albums. I vaguely remember the title track and Neon Knights. Dio was born in my home state (New Hampshire).
#231 - DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (1980) (3.45 million albums)
Notable songs: Fashion (#70), Ashes To Ashes, Title Track, Up The Hill Backwards (All Top 40 in the UK)
Probably my second favorite Bowie album after ZS. I've always been a fan of Robert Fripp's guitar playing dating back to his King Crimson days. As I have mentioned many times, Bowie is an acquired taste, and I can see why a lot of people aren't into him.
#230 - GENESIS - Wind & Wuthering (1976) (3.47 million)
Notable songs: Your Own Special Way (#62), Afterglow
I told you that Genesis is well represented on this list. Your Own Special Way was their first song to chart in the U.S. IIRC, this is the last full studio album to feature Peter Gabriel on vocals before the transition to Phil Collins (and a subsequent pivot to their sound).
Notable songs: Say Goodbye To Hollywood (#17), She's Got A Way (#23), You're My Home (didn't chart), Miami 2017, Summer Highland Falls, Captain Jack, Ballad Of Billy The Kid
Joel's first live album with a number of his earlier tracks before he hit the big time. There will be a lot of Billy albums on the list, so be prepared for as much Joel as in The Boys series. A little more soulful and less poppy than his later material.
#233 - RUSH - 2112 (1976) (3.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Suite, A Passage To Bangkok, The Twilight Zone
Quintessential mid-70's Rush. Even though it sold well, it only peaked at #61 on the albums chart. I would guess that the album garnered a lot of sales when Rush started becoming more popular / more mainstream. I can't speak to that, as I am not a die hard Rush fan and only started getting into them in the 80's. I am sure there are Rush aficionados that can chime in on this one.
#232 - BLACK SABBATH - Heaven And Hell (1980) (3.44 million albums)
Notable songs: Neon Knights, Die Young. Title Track, Lady Evil, Children Of The Sea
The first Sabbath album with Ronnie James Dio. My knowledge and interest in BS was mostly their early albums. I vaguely remember the title track and Neon Knights. Dio was born in my home state (New Hampshire).
#231 - DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (1980) (3.45 million albums)
Notable songs: Fashion (#70), Ashes To Ashes, Title Track, Up The Hill Backwards (All Top 40 in the UK)
Probably my second favorite Bowie album after ZS. I've always been a fan of Robert Fripp's guitar playing dating back to his King Crimson days. As I have mentioned many times, Bowie is an acquired taste, and I can see why a lot of people aren't into him.
#230 - GENESIS - Wind & Wuthering (1976) (3.47 million)
Notable songs: Your Own Special Way (#62), Afterglow
I told you that Genesis is well represented on this list. Your Own Special Way was their first song to chart in the U.S. IIRC, this is the last full studio album to feature Peter Gabriel on vocals before the transition to Phil Collins (and a subsequent pivot to their sound).
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Incorrect. Gabriel's last album was The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974). This was the second album after his departure; the first was A Trick of the Tail. This was the last album for guitarist Steve Hackett, hence the record after this is called ...And Then There Were Three.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
2112 was Rush's fourth album and outsold the first three combined within a few months of its release. After the third album, the label had told them they would be dropped if their fourth did not sell better. Instead of trying to make their sound trendier, the band decided that if it was going to go out, they would do so on their own terms, and made the metal/prog/hard rock fusion album they always wanted to. And it resonated with the rock audience immediately, raising their profile. Many of the sales did come later after new fans came aboard due to popular albums such as Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures and Signals, as said fans learned soon enough of the reputation of 2112 and wanted to check it out.
Significant radio play wouldn't come until a year later with "Closer to the Heart" from the fifth album, A Farewell to Kings.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Of this group, the Skynyrd album is by far my favorite. It's a weak crop for me.
This version of "Free Bird" got played WAY more on the AOR channels in my neck of the woods than the studio version did.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
For me, a tie between Squier, Heart, and Petty. The Elvis LP is better than it has any right to be, given the shape he was in at the time. Sorry again, Genesis.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Elton x 2, then Neil x 2, then poor little Paul in a distant 5th place.
Neil's just a little more hit-and-miss for me than Elton, though I think these are two of his three best.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
They are.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Sabbath by a mile, and I'm not even a huge fan. There's a 3-way tie for 2nd, then a million other blank places, then Billy Joel.
FairWarning
Footballguy
Looking at how close Billy Squire and Tom Petty are in sales shows how big Squire was in 81-82. I can’t imagine Don’t Say No selling nearly what Damn the Toroedos has in the last 10 years. I love both albums.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Yeah, I'd bet Squier sold like 95% of his total by 1985.
FairWarning
Footballguy
The Rock Me Tonight video just killed his career.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
This is a solid collection of his early songs performed live with his band (as opposed to playing with studio musicians as they were recorded on their original album). Surprised it didn't do a bit better, although as mentioned Billy Joel is going to do pretty well on this list.
Wonder if the album sales might have done better if side 2 was flipped to side 1.
Side 2:
| 1. | "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" | July 14, 1980, at Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI | 4:25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2. | "Captain Jack" | July 5, 1980, at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA | 7:16 |
| 3. | "You're My Home" | July 23, 1980, at the Bayou, Washington, D.C. | 3:07 |
| 4. | "The Ballad of Billy the Kid" | June 24, 1980, at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | 5:28 |
| 5. | "I've Loved These Days" | July 16, 1980, at The Horizon, Chicago, IL | 4:35 |
zamboni
Footballguy
Came in to say pretty much the same thing about 2112. They were toast if 2112 didn't splash like it did - and maybe they would have been toast if they followed the label's demands. I agree that 2112 probably sold much more subsequently, during that great run up to and through Moving Pictures.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
This, 100%. The album went gold pretty quickly in 1977 but took until 1981 to go platinum and until 1993 to go 2x platinum, so people definitely also picked it up later.
If someone were interested in 2112 for the first time, Overture and The Temples of Syrinx is a good sampling that won't take too long lol (around 7 minutes total). They are the first two songs in the title suite.
Here is a live performance of those songs from a little later on in their career:
Rush 2112 Overture Temples of Syrinx (Live in Rio)
Nós temos tomado conta de tudoAs palavras que você ouve, as músicas que você cantaAs imagens que dão satisfação aos seus olhos.É um por todos e todos por umN...
www.youtube.com
That's a collector's item. Can't believe it's so cheap.
zamboni
Footballguy
That Rio crowd might be one of the best audiences in history.
Here is a live performance of those songs from a little later on in their career:
Rush 2112 Overture Temples of Syrinx (Live in Rio)
Nós temos tomado conta de tudoAs palavras que você ouve, as músicas que você cantaAs imagens que dão satisfação aos seus olhos.É um por todos e todos por umN...
Loved when they "sung" along to YYZ:
RUSH In Rio HD - "YYZ" - Live In Brazil 2002 - Audio & Video Remaster - 1080p 60fps
This DVD has been my biggest challenge yet in terms of finding a way to improve it. It is one of my least watched Rush DVD's and it's a known fact that there...
www.youtube.com
Anarchy99
Footballguy
#229 - AEROSMITH - Aerosmith (1973) (3.54 million)
Notable songs: Dream On (#59 . . . #6 when re-released), Mama Kin, Walkin' The Dog, Somebody
Note to self: Look up how many debut albums made the list. Dream On took Steven Tyler 4 years to write and develop. He began working on the song when he still went by Steven Tallarico after he left the band Chain Reaction. I believe they released two singles and were a band for 4-5 years. Aerosmith fared much better.
#228 - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle (1973) (3.55 million)
Notable songs: Rosalita (Come Out Tonight), 4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy), Incident On 57th Street, The E Street Shuffle
Another album from 1973 . . . Bruce's 2nd release. It ranked #345 in Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums in 2020. Springsteen brought back Kitty's Back and The E Street Shuffle for his 2023 tour. Another artist that I got more familiarized with later in his career (when he was uber popular). Tim had it at #47.
#227 - DEEP PURPLE - Fireball (1971) (3.56 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track, The Mule, Strange Kind Of Woman (some releases)
The album before Machine Head, so I am guessing the popularity of that album gave this album a big boost. Not sure how many Deep Purple fans lurk among us, but I am not that familiar with their catalog. This album had Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord, and Paice. I do like The Mule, but can't say I remember or have listen much to this one.
#223T - U2 - October (1981) (3.6 million albums)
Notable songs: Gloria, Fire, Title Track, I Fall Down, Rejoice
The album before they hit it big. I remember playing it as a DJ in high school when they were new and different. Once War came out, they were too popular for us to play (we were going for more obscure / alternative artists). October finds the band in high energy without the same level of production on their later albums. The sound is rawer and less processed.
#223T - PINK FLOYD - Obscured By Clouds (1972) (3.6 million albums)
Notable songs: Free Four, Title Track, When You're In, What's Uh The Deal, The Gold It's In The
Speaking of albums before a band hit the big time, OBC was the soundtrack to the film La Vallee and was recorded on a limited budget. The band recorded it in the middle of touring and while recording DSOTM. The casual Floyd fan likely won't know much from this album, but it is a building block from some of their earlier psychedelic work to their more accessible, mainstream albums. Definitely an album I have enjoyed when I got older (but wouldn't really touch when I was younger). It was the first Floyd album to crack the Top 50 albums in the U.S.
Notable songs: Dream On (#59 . . . #6 when re-released), Mama Kin, Walkin' The Dog, Somebody
Note to self: Look up how many debut albums made the list. Dream On took Steven Tyler 4 years to write and develop. He began working on the song when he still went by Steven Tallarico after he left the band Chain Reaction. I believe they released two singles and were a band for 4-5 years. Aerosmith fared much better.
#228 - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle (1973) (3.55 million)
Notable songs: Rosalita (Come Out Tonight), 4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy), Incident On 57th Street, The E Street Shuffle
Another album from 1973 . . . Bruce's 2nd release. It ranked #345 in Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums in 2020. Springsteen brought back Kitty's Back and The E Street Shuffle for his 2023 tour. Another artist that I got more familiarized with later in his career (when he was uber popular). Tim had it at #47.
#227 - DEEP PURPLE - Fireball (1971) (3.56 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track, The Mule, Strange Kind Of Woman (some releases)
The album before Machine Head, so I am guessing the popularity of that album gave this album a big boost. Not sure how many Deep Purple fans lurk among us, but I am not that familiar with their catalog. This album had Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord, and Paice. I do like The Mule, but can't say I remember or have listen much to this one.
#223T - U2 - October (1981) (3.6 million albums)
Notable songs: Gloria, Fire, Title Track, I Fall Down, Rejoice
The album before they hit it big. I remember playing it as a DJ in high school when they were new and different. Once War came out, they were too popular for us to play (we were going for more obscure / alternative artists). October finds the band in high energy without the same level of production on their later albums. The sound is rawer and less processed.
#223T - PINK FLOYD - Obscured By Clouds (1972) (3.6 million albums)
Notable songs: Free Four, Title Track, When You're In, What's Uh The Deal, The Gold It's In The
Speaking of albums before a band hit the big time, OBC was the soundtrack to the film La Vallee and was recorded on a limited budget. The band recorded it in the middle of touring and while recording DSOTM. The casual Floyd fan likely won't know much from this album, but it is a building block from some of their earlier psychedelic work to their more accessible, mainstream albums. Definitely an album I have enjoyed when I got older (but wouldn't really touch when I was younger). It was the first Floyd album to crack the Top 50 albums in the U.S.
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Doug B
Footballguy
Don’t feel bad for Billy Joel. His double-disc greatest hits collection probably cannibalized a bunch of studio album sales — and itself is going to appear very, very late in this exercise.
(No thanks to Uruk-Hai
)
Anarchy99
Footballguy
No greatest hits albums. And even if they were eligible, Joel’s came out several years past the date range under consideration.Don’t feel bad for Billy Joel. His double-disc greatest hits collection probably cannibalized a bunch of studio album sales — and itself is going to appear very, very late in this exercise.
(No thanks to Uruk-Hai
FairWarning
Footballguy
Huge Deep Purple fan. Obviously Machine Head was the big album, but the production sucked. The critics really liked Fireball, helps that it had their best lineup.
zamboni
Footballguy
Undoubtedly more examples of albums that really picked up momentum many years Iater, after the band became extremely popular. If the data were available, it would be really interesting to see the trend of album sales for many of these by year.
I first remember learning about October during the early MTV days when the "Gloria" video got a lot of airplay. Thought they had a really cool sound and really liked them through War, but that was my peak interest with them.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Purple's #1 for me in this group, followed by Aerosmith. I don't dislike the remaining three, but have to be in the mood for them and a little of each goes a long way with me.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I don't know who were the producers and engineers on the early Aerosmith albums, but big props to them taking a somewhat sloppy live band and making them sound tight as a drum.
zamboni
Footballguy
The Mule is probably more known from Purple's landmark Made In Japan live album that followed Machine Head, with Ian Paice going beast mode on the drum kit (including a 6+ minute solo):
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Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Paice is also outstanding on Fireball's title track.The Mule is probably more known from Purple's landmark Made In Japan live album that followed Machine Head, with Ian Paice going beast mode on the drum kit (including a 6+ minute solo):
zamboni
Footballguy
One of the best, and underappreciated, drummers in rock history.Paice is also outstanding on Fireball's title track.The Mule is probably more known from Purple's landmark Made In Japan live album that followed Machine Head, with Ian Paice going beast mode on the drum kit (including a 6+ minute solo):
Anarchy99
Footballguy
#223T - BOB DYLAN - Slow Train Coming (1979) (3.6 million albums)
Notable songs: Gotta Serve Somebody (#24), Precious Angel, Man Gave Names To All The Animals, Slow Train, When He Returns
Zimmerman got shut out on Tim's thread but already has three appearances here. I know the top tier of Dylan songs, and some secondary songs. I would not pretend to have a deep knowledge of his expansive catalog. Yet I somehow ended up at probably his most famous show, a 50-song, 5-hour show at a club in New Haven in 1990. The only song from STC he played that night was I Believe In You.
#223T - BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE - Not Fragile (1974) (3.6 million albums)
Notable songs: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet (#1), Roll On Down The Highway (#14). Title Track
YASNY was the band's biggest hit. I was more a fan of Takin' Care Of Business from BTO2 (which ranked #100 on Tim's list), which also had Let It Ride on it. I always preferred The Guess Who of Bachman's bands.
#222 - CHEAP TRICK - At Budokan (1979) (3.636 million albums)
Notable songs: I Want You To Want Me (#7), Ain't That A Shame (#35), Surrender, I Need Your Love
Cheap Trick was one of the earliest concerts I ever went to (at an amusement park when I was a kid). Saw them many times afterwards. Also the only band on the countdown I can stake a claim to having performed with. Back when I was in college, we held some concerts at our school, and I was on the set up and breakdown crew. I was there getting everything ready to go and on the drum kit getting levels / the mix right at the time when the band wanted to do a soundcheck. Except I didn't know it. I started playing the drum into to Ain't That A Shame, and suddenly Rick Nielsen started playing the chords at the beginning of the song and Robin Zander started singing the words. Drummer Bun E. Carlos was right next to me and told me to keep going. Finished the song and handed him the sticks. He joked maybe he could take the night off. I countered that I didn't smoke. Wished they had cell phones back then.
#221 - THE BEATLES - Hey Jude (1970) (3.637 million albums)
Notable songs: Hey Jude (#1), Lady Madonna (#4), Ballad Of John & Yoko (#8), Revolution (#12), Don't Let Me Down (#35), Old Brown Shoe
I struggled with what to do with this one. The album was also known as The Beatles Again and was released in the U.S., featuring songs that had not appeared on an album in the U.S. market before. The content on Beatles albums varied on UK and US versions. I believe the two Past Masters CDs incorporated all the leftover songs that were not part of albums, making this album mostly an afterthought. It finally was released on CD in 2014.
#220 - DAVID BOWIE - Diamond Dogs (1974) (3.65 million albums)
Notable songs: Rebel Rebel (#64), Title Track, 1984, Rock & Roll With Me
I suspect that Bowie got a lot of catalog sales having been around for years (and with new generations discovering his music). I remember when he died all his albums suddenly sold again after being formant for years. Bowie's calling card was evolving and changing personas and song styles. As mentioned before, a lot of people will say he's not for them.
Notable songs: Gotta Serve Somebody (#24), Precious Angel, Man Gave Names To All The Animals, Slow Train, When He Returns
Zimmerman got shut out on Tim's thread but already has three appearances here. I know the top tier of Dylan songs, and some secondary songs. I would not pretend to have a deep knowledge of his expansive catalog. Yet I somehow ended up at probably his most famous show, a 50-song, 5-hour show at a club in New Haven in 1990. The only song from STC he played that night was I Believe In You.
#223T - BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE - Not Fragile (1974) (3.6 million albums)
Notable songs: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet (#1), Roll On Down The Highway (#14). Title Track
YASNY was the band's biggest hit. I was more a fan of Takin' Care Of Business from BTO2 (which ranked #100 on Tim's list), which also had Let It Ride on it. I always preferred The Guess Who of Bachman's bands.
#222 - CHEAP TRICK - At Budokan (1979) (3.636 million albums)
Notable songs: I Want You To Want Me (#7), Ain't That A Shame (#35), Surrender, I Need Your Love
Cheap Trick was one of the earliest concerts I ever went to (at an amusement park when I was a kid). Saw them many times afterwards. Also the only band on the countdown I can stake a claim to having performed with. Back when I was in college, we held some concerts at our school, and I was on the set up and breakdown crew. I was there getting everything ready to go and on the drum kit getting levels / the mix right at the time when the band wanted to do a soundcheck. Except I didn't know it. I started playing the drum into to Ain't That A Shame, and suddenly Rick Nielsen started playing the chords at the beginning of the song and Robin Zander started singing the words. Drummer Bun E. Carlos was right next to me and told me to keep going. Finished the song and handed him the sticks. He joked maybe he could take the night off. I countered that I didn't smoke. Wished they had cell phones back then.
#221 - THE BEATLES - Hey Jude (1970) (3.637 million albums)
Notable songs: Hey Jude (#1), Lady Madonna (#4), Ballad Of John & Yoko (#8), Revolution (#12), Don't Let Me Down (#35), Old Brown Shoe
I struggled with what to do with this one. The album was also known as The Beatles Again and was released in the U.S., featuring songs that had not appeared on an album in the U.S. market before. The content on Beatles albums varied on UK and US versions. I believe the two Past Masters CDs incorporated all the leftover songs that were not part of albums, making this album mostly an afterthought. It finally was released on CD in 2014.
#220 - DAVID BOWIE - Diamond Dogs (1974) (3.65 million albums)
Notable songs: Rebel Rebel (#64), Title Track, 1984, Rock & Roll With Me
I suspect that Bowie got a lot of catalog sales having been around for years (and with new generations discovering his music). I remember when he died all his albums suddenly sold again after being formant for years. Bowie's calling card was evolving and changing personas and song styles. As mentioned before, a lot of people will say he's not for them.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
Agree 100% that October has a more raw sound then later releases. I picked up October after getting War, which I got when it first came out, but before The Unforgettable Fire came out. As an Irish kid from New York City, I was into U2 early and often. I'll still go back and listen to October in its entirety around once a month or so.
Before The Joshua Tree, in my circles U2 was being taken in by the new wave kids, alongside bands like The Cure, Howard Jones, Depeche Mode. I was more in the Led Zeppelin, Rush, Van Halen type crowd. But I was all in on U2 early.
zamboni
Footballguy
That's a great story.
Agree about Guess Who. That's an awesome story. Cheap Trick wins this group for me. Timeless album for IMO.
zamboni
Footballguy
While the Budokan "live" version of IWYTWM is the standard, the album version of IWYTWM is pretty stale. But the original studio version rocks out.
timschochet
Footballguy
There is one song from Slow Train Coming that will be on my 53 obscure songs list.
skol asylum
Footballguy
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Dylan's LP is the worst on the list, but I love "Gotta Serve Somebody" (though I like a bunch of its covers better).
Outside of that album, this is a pretty good rack.
"Not Fragile" - I wore out at least two copies of the vinyl and one 8-track of this one. So, I'm responsible for 5 units of the 3.6 million sold. I was 12 years old when it hit - the perfect audience for them. The title track is my favorite.
"Hey Jude" is a cheat code. Once the Beatles' albums got canonized in their British configurations in the '80s and - as Yudkin noted - Past Masters put a bow on everything else, it made owning these LPs a waste. Until recently, as many Anglophiles decided they want the American versions of the Fab albums (I'm guessing Paul didn't mind). This record has the most great songs in this group.
I was in High School when "At Budokan" hit and it was everywhere. A true phenomenon.
I like "Diamond Dogs" better than "Ziggy".
1. "Not Fragile"
2. "Hey Jude" (docked for not playing fair)
3. "Budokan"
4. "Diamond Dogs"
5. "Slow Train.........."
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I was too young to experience the hardcore Dylan fans' initial reaction to him putting out an album of born-again Christian music. But it must have sent them into a tizzy. I think Slow Train and Gotta Serve Somebody are good songs. I haven't heard the rest and don't really care to. I remember reading that Dylan hired big names like Mark Knopfler to back him, and wanted the sound to be as mainstream/trendy as possible, so that his message would reach as wide an audience as possible.
Two more albums of this, and then *poof* by 1983 he was back to being Bob Dylan.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
#219 - GEORGE HARRISON - All Things Must Pass (1970) (3.66 million albums)
Notable tracks: My Sweet Lord (#1), What Is Life (#10), Isn't It A Pity, If Not For You, Beware Of Darkness, Title Track, Wah-Wah
Included in the most recent Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums. Tim had it at #33. It makes you wonder how things could have panned out if The Beatles evolved into a songwriting trio (and actually looked at George as an equal). I don't think it will be considered much of a hot take, but for my money the best of the Beatles solo albums.
#217T - U2 - Boy (1980) (3.7 million albums)
Notable tracks: I Will Follow, Out Of Control, The Electric Co., An Cat Dubh, Into The Heart
It says a lot when I am describing an album from 44 years ago, while in the U2 thread, people are describing the shows they just saw in Las Vegas. The band has yet to play anything from this album in their LV residency (31 shows as of last night). They were all 18-20 years old when they recorded the Boy album.
#217T - ROLLING STONES - It's Only Rock 'N Roll (1974) (3.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#16), Ain't Too Proud To Beg (#17), Dance Little Sister, If You Can't Rock Me, Time Waits For No One
The first of many from The Stones and the last of the 6 albums Mick Taylor played on as a regular band member. I like a lot of the songs by The Stones, but I can't say I was ever someone to listen to entire albums by them very often. I think this album is a solid effort, but coming off a slew of insanely great albums, IMO, this one is only very good.
#216 - LINDA RONSTADT - Simple Dreams (1977) (3.72 million albums)
Notable songs: Blue Bayou (#3), It's So Easy (#5), Poor Poor Pitiful Me (#31), Tumbling Dice
Ronstadt had 21 Top 40 hits including a number of rock-oriented efforts in the 70s and early 80s before she went down the adult contemporary path. I was a fan back in the day and heard her a lot on AM radio (remember that?) Sheryl Crow reminds me of her. Due to health issues, Linda has had to retire and hasn't performed in almost 6 years.
#215 - ROD STEWART - Tonight I'm Yours (3.74 million albums)
Notable songs: Young Turks (#5), Title Track (#20), How Long (#49), Just Like A Woman, How Long
There was a lot of heated discussion about whether Rod was considered a classic rock artist or not. At various stages in his career, Stweart has wondered through rock, pop, disco, adult contemporary, even big band genres. As a young teen, I liked Young Turks a lot.
Notable tracks: My Sweet Lord (#1), What Is Life (#10), Isn't It A Pity, If Not For You, Beware Of Darkness, Title Track, Wah-Wah
Included in the most recent Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums. Tim had it at #33. It makes you wonder how things could have panned out if The Beatles evolved into a songwriting trio (and actually looked at George as an equal). I don't think it will be considered much of a hot take, but for my money the best of the Beatles solo albums.
#217T - U2 - Boy (1980) (3.7 million albums)
Notable tracks: I Will Follow, Out Of Control, The Electric Co., An Cat Dubh, Into The Heart
It says a lot when I am describing an album from 44 years ago, while in the U2 thread, people are describing the shows they just saw in Las Vegas. The band has yet to play anything from this album in their LV residency (31 shows as of last night). They were all 18-20 years old when they recorded the Boy album.
#217T - ROLLING STONES - It's Only Rock 'N Roll (1974) (3.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#16), Ain't Too Proud To Beg (#17), Dance Little Sister, If You Can't Rock Me, Time Waits For No One
The first of many from The Stones and the last of the 6 albums Mick Taylor played on as a regular band member. I like a lot of the songs by The Stones, but I can't say I was ever someone to listen to entire albums by them very often. I think this album is a solid effort, but coming off a slew of insanely great albums, IMO, this one is only very good.
#216 - LINDA RONSTADT - Simple Dreams (1977) (3.72 million albums)
Notable songs: Blue Bayou (#3), It's So Easy (#5), Poor Poor Pitiful Me (#31), Tumbling Dice
Ronstadt had 21 Top 40 hits including a number of rock-oriented efforts in the 70s and early 80s before she went down the adult contemporary path. I was a fan back in the day and heard her a lot on AM radio (remember that?) Sheryl Crow reminds me of her. Due to health issues, Linda has had to retire and hasn't performed in almost 6 years.
#215 - ROD STEWART - Tonight I'm Yours (3.74 million albums)
Notable songs: Young Turks (#5), Title Track (#20), How Long (#49), Just Like A Woman, How Long
There was a lot of heated discussion about whether Rod was considered a classic rock artist or not. At various stages in his career, Stweart has wondered through rock, pop, disco, adult contemporary, even big band genres. As a young teen, I liked Young Turks a lot.
timschochet
Footballguy
Rod Stewart’s first 4 albums, along with his contributions to Faces and Jeff Beck, are all classic rock. After that not so much.
Doug B
Footballguy
Picked him as my All-Star Band's drummer in a forever-ago FFA music draft (like around 2004-06). Can't remember if anyone in this thread used to do those ... @higgins is still around.One of the best, and underappreciated, drummers in rock history.Paice is also outstanding on Fireball's title track.The Mule is probably more known from Purple's landmark Made In Japan live album that followed Machine Head, with Ian Paice going beast mode on the drum kit (including a 6+ minute solo):
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
The Get Back documentary crystalized that George had matched John and Paul as a songwriter but wasn't getting the proper recognition or exposure for it, and that because of that, George proposed that they alternate Beatles albums with solo albums, but the others rejected the idea.
Around the release of the documentary, it came out that during their final meetings before breaking up, there was a proposal on the table after Abbey Road to do an album with four John songs, four Paul songs (John and Paul would no longer be taking co-writing credits), four George songs and two Ringo songs. But at that point they couldn't stand to work with each other anymore and broke up.
This is far and away the best Beatles solo album, which makes total sense because it includes a lot of songs that George wrote during his time in the Beatles but couldn't get on Beatles records because John and Paul limited him to two songs per album. (And the title track, which the Beatles cut for Let It Be but Paul was dissatisfied with.)
Nice grouping here. Linda
and I agree with Tim's comments regarding Stewart. He "was until he wasn't."
Anarchy99
Footballguy
#213T - GENESIS - The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (1974) (3.76 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track, The Carpet Crawlers, In The Cage
Already our third entry from Genesis (with more to follow). I like the band without Peter Gabriel, and I like Peter Gabriel without Genesis. So the breakup worked out as far as I'm concerned. About once every 10 years or so I'll blow the dust off and play this one. But certainly not in heavy rotation for me.
#213T - ELTON JOHN - Caribou (1974) (3.76 million albums)
Notable songs: Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (#2), The B.i.t.c.h Is Back (#4), Step Into Christmas (re-release), Pinball Wizard (re-release)
And our third album from Elton. Not my favorite Elton album (and one of the 70s ones that I never got around to owning). IMO, not a lot past the two big hits. I can give him a pass, as this was essentially his third new album recorded in a year.
#212 - JOURNEY - Evolution (1979) (3.77 million albums)
Notable songs: Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' (#16), Just The Same Way (#58), Too Late (#70), City Of The Angels
Journey first started getting traction and airplay with their previous album Infinity (when they added Steve Perry). They would be FM radio and touring staples for almost 10 years from the time Infinity was released.
#210T - EAGLES - Desperado (1973) (3.8 million albums)
Notable songs: Outlaw Man (#59), Tequila Sunrise (#64), Title Track, Doolin-Dalton
The second Eagles album. I remember hearing Desperado (the song) on the radio a ton back in the day and was surprised that it was never released as a single (and made Rolling Stones' Greatest 500 songs of all time). It's been the band's second most played song (after Hotel California). I always liked Linda Ronstadt's version#210T - EAGLES - Desperado (1973) (3.8 million albums) as well.
#210T - BOB DYLAN - Nashville Skyline (1969) (3.8 million)
Notable songs: Lay Lady Lay (#7), Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With Me (#50), I Threw It All Away (#85), Girl From The North Country, To Be Alone With You
And the 4th album from Bob Dylan. He's hit or miss with me, and his folky sound often is a little too mellow for my liking. This album was his 5th Top 10 album in a row. He would go on to have 24 Top 10 albums, which seems like a crazy high total to me.
Notable songs: Title Track, The Carpet Crawlers, In The Cage
Already our third entry from Genesis (with more to follow). I like the band without Peter Gabriel, and I like Peter Gabriel without Genesis. So the breakup worked out as far as I'm concerned. About once every 10 years or so I'll blow the dust off and play this one. But certainly not in heavy rotation for me.
#213T - ELTON JOHN - Caribou (1974) (3.76 million albums)
Notable songs: Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (#2), The B.i.t.c.h Is Back (#4), Step Into Christmas (re-release), Pinball Wizard (re-release)
And our third album from Elton. Not my favorite Elton album (and one of the 70s ones that I never got around to owning). IMO, not a lot past the two big hits. I can give him a pass, as this was essentially his third new album recorded in a year.
#212 - JOURNEY - Evolution (1979) (3.77 million albums)
Notable songs: Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' (#16), Just The Same Way (#58), Too Late (#70), City Of The Angels
Journey first started getting traction and airplay with their previous album Infinity (when they added Steve Perry). They would be FM radio and touring staples for almost 10 years from the time Infinity was released.
#210T - EAGLES - Desperado (1973) (3.8 million albums)
Notable songs: Outlaw Man (#59), Tequila Sunrise (#64), Title Track, Doolin-Dalton
The second Eagles album. I remember hearing Desperado (the song) on the radio a ton back in the day and was surprised that it was never released as a single (and made Rolling Stones' Greatest 500 songs of all time). It's been the band's second most played song (after Hotel California). I always liked Linda Ronstadt's version#210T - EAGLES - Desperado (1973) (3.8 million albums) as well.
#210T - BOB DYLAN - Nashville Skyline (1969) (3.8 million)
Notable songs: Lay Lady Lay (#7), Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With Me (#50), I Threw It All Away (#85), Girl From The North Country, To Be Alone With You
And the 4th album from Bob Dylan. He's hit or miss with me, and his folky sound often is a little too mellow for my liking. This album was his 5th Top 10 album in a row. He would go on to have 24 Top 10 albums, which seems like a crazy high total to me.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I much prefer the first two Eagles albums to the others. I love Outlaw Man and am surprised it never gets any radio play despite being a single. It’s the hardest they ever rocked without Joe Walsh.
higgins
Footballguy
I know I was a part of one of these "make your own band" drafts but I have zero idea how long ago it was -- was there more than one of those? I do remember that my front man was David Bowie so I named my band Bowie's Knife.Picked him as my All-Star Band's drummer in a forever-ago FFA music draft (like around 2004-06). Can't remember if anyone in this thread used to do those ... @higgins is still around.One of the best, and underappreciated, drummers in rock history.Paice is also outstanding on Fireball's title track.The Mule is probably more known from Purple's landmark Made In Japan live album that followed Machine Head, with Ian Paice going beast mode on the drum kit (including a 6+ minute solo):
I also remember timmy's great Rock & Roll draft where we also had to draft individual musicians, etc.. I happen to still have a have a snippet of convo between myself and a certain drummer-judge expressing that it was about time someone made my pick (Colaiuta).
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
George laps the field in this grouping. The rest are all fine and have their moments.
I can't recall if Stewart was still getting AOR play when this album came out. AOR was a rotting carcass by this time and had resorted to playing stuff like "Allentown", so maybe "Young Turks" got a spin or two.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Don't tell anyone, but Eagles win this one for me. It's their 2nd best LP, IMO. I expect my #1 is still to come.
I think "Skyline" is my favorite Dylan album. I like most of the songs and he does the best singing of his career on it (I think he had quit smoking before cutting it).
Prime Journey has zero bad songs. By that, I mean everything they released was at least well-done. Boston was like this, too, though they were a lot less prolific.
Elton was careening towards serious career and personal burnout with this one, but it's still a good record. "The ***** Is Back" is a better Stones song than what the Stones themselves were doing around the same time.
Not crazy about the Gabriel version of Genesis. The title track here probably gets the most airplay nowadays of all of the Gabriel era.
zamboni
Footballguy
As mentioned upthread, give me the first three U2 albums all day when their sound was so much rawer. An Cat Dubh is one of their very best tunes IMO.
zamboni
Footballguy
When I was listening to the radio back then, it was mainly Top 40, so don't recall if Rod got a lot of AOR airplay at that point - he seemed to be more known for the likes of "Passion" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" . MTV definitely gave him a renewed boost with the videos for "Young Turks" and, to a lesser extent, the title track.
