Head East-Head East

The Hard rock band Head East was formed in Champaign Illinois in 1968 by singer John Shlitt the other members were as follows Mike Somerville(guitar), Roger Boyd(keyboard),Don Birney(bass), and Steve Houston(drums). The band signed with A&M Records. In 1980 Don Birney and Mike Somerville left. John Schlitt was fired because of drug dependency. The two remaining members hired Mark Boatmam, Tony Gross, and Dan Odum. The album had four good songs the cover of Russ Ballerds "Since You've Been Gone", I'm Feelin Fine", "Dance Away Lover", and "Elijah" the song about the bible's old testament prophet. I give this album two and a half stars because it is chalk full of good songs with four great songs.

Thin Lizzy-Jailbreak

The sixth album released by the Irish hard rock band Thin Lizzy. Led by Phil Lynott (bass,vocals), Brian Downey (drums), Snowy White(guitar), and guitarist Eric Bell formed Thin Lizzy. Later the band had many other musicians join them such as Scott Gorham, Brian Robertson, Gary Moore, and John Sykes on guitar. Tommy Aldrige and Micheal Lee were on drums. Randy Gregal (bass guitar), and Eric Writton(keyboard). The band was also with a bunch of record companies such as: Decca Records, Vertigo Records, Mercury Records, EMI Records, Decam Records and others. the band split in the 80's. Jon Bon Jovi said that he based the whole style of his band off of Thin Lizzy. Jailbreak the album consisted of three great songs which where "The Boy's are back in Town", "Cowboy song", and "Jailbreak". "The Boy's are Back in Town" was the bands most famous song. I give this album 2 stars out of three because although there are good songs there are some not so good songs.

Motley Crue - Dr. Feelgood

The fifth album released by the hard rock band. The band Motley Crue consisted of Vince Neil (vocals), Mick Mars (guitar), Nicki Sixx (bass), and Tommy Lee (drummer). The album sold six million copies in the U.S alone. "Dr. Feelgood" and "Kickstart My Heart" were both nominated for best hard rock performance, but lost twice to Living Colour. The songs in the album are "Kickstart My Heart", "Dr. Feelgood", "T.N.T", "Don't Go Away Mad", "Without You", and others to form a total of 11 songs I rate this album 2 stars because even though there are many good songs there are many lesser songs.

The Cars - Candy -O

The second studio album for the Cars all of the songs in the album were written by Rick Ocasek, was released in 1979. The album was great - eventually going 4x platinum. Some of the impressive songs in this album include "Let's Go", "Shoo Be Doo", "Candy-O", "Got a Lot on My Head", "Night Spots", and "Dangerous Type", and more creating a total of 11 songs. I give this album two and a half stars, because even though many songs soon would become hits four or five of them were quite similar.

Vivid - Living Colour

In the album Vivid,  Living Colour released the song "Cult of Personality," "Glamour Boys" and "Open a Letter (to a Landlord)". The band was discovered by Mick Jagger.  Living Colour released Vivid taking them to the top of their game in 1988, becoming known for starting songs with a sound bite. When they released the album they were declared Best New Artist of the year.  Some of the lyrics in the album are political and not just disputing racism but attacking it. The band broke up in 1995 only have a reunion in 2000. I give this album two and a half stars.  I think that they were not the best new band in 1989, but definitely up there with the rest.  Their ticket to fame was the song: "Cult of Personality" - talking about leaders of the world and being careful when following them.

Do you think they were the best in 1989?  Feel free to comment.

London Calling - The Clash

Released in 1979. This album has many great songs included. The great hit "London Calling," "Lost in the Supermarket,"  "Koka Kola," and one of my favorites,  "Train in Vain." There are many more songs in this album. I graded it two and a half stars because later in the album all of the songs start to sound similar until you get to Train in Vain.

Work Shop Of The Telescopes

One of the best albums by Blue Oyster Cult. The band was previously called Soft White Underbelly. Some songs included in this great album are "Don't Fear the Reaper," "This Ain't the Summer of Love," "Godzilla,"  "E.T.I (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)," "Burnin For You," "Take Me Away," and a electrifying version of "Kick Out The Jams." The album is a great anthology for the band with 32 songs total on 2 discs. This Album takes you through 1972- 1986. that is why I give it 3 out of 3 stars.