In July of 1986 Astor Piazzolla (featuring Gary Burton) recorded a live concert at the Montreux Festival.

Written and composed by Piazzolla over a 40 year period (with some arrangements specifically made for Burton), this document of virtuosity is absolutely astonishing.

Lets talk Astor Piazzola & Gary Burton, The New Tango!

In the year 1987 Butthole Surfers released their third studio album.

Sick and tired of being on the road and broke, the band opted to purchase an Ampex 8 track tape machine, two microphones, and recorded the entire album themselves in a two bedroom apartment they were renting in Winterville, GA.

The limitations of the technology mixed with the freedom to record whenever they felt like (in between bong rips and massive doses of hallucinogens) made for one of the most influential and disturbing albums of the 80s.

Lets talk Butthole Surfers, Locust Abortion Technician!

In January of 1987 Hüsker Dü released their 6th & final album.

Let’s talk Hüsker Dü, Warehouse Songs and Stories!

In October of 1987 George Michael released his debut solo album.

Nine tracks, seven charting singles, winner of Album of The Year, and one of the best selling records of all time.

Lets talk George Michael, Faith!

In November of 1987 Sisters of Mercy released their 2nd Studio album.

This is the record that launched a thousand capes.

Let’s talk Sisters of Mercy, Floodland!

In September of 1987 Depeche Mode released their 6th studio album.

Considered by many a fan and critic to be one of their finer outings, the subsequent tour would also bequeath us the fine tour documentary, 101.

Lets talk Depeche Mode, Music for the Masses!

In April of 1987 The Cult released their 3rd studio album.

Gone are the days of the band’s goth phase, this time opting to have none other than rap and heavy metal producer Rick Rubin come in and sculpt a new sonic trajectory for the group.

Lets talk The Cult, Electric!

In March of 1987 Prince released his ninth studio album.

Spanning two discs and coming in at 80 plus minutes over 16 tracks,

Lets talk Prince, Sign ‘O’ the Times!

In August of 1987 R.E.M released their 5th studio album.

The first of a decade’s worth of records to be produced by Scott Litt, the band dials in their tone with an eye on the mainstream and wind up with their first of many platinum selling successes.

Let’s talk R.E.M, Document!

In August of 1987 Def Leppard released their fourth studio album.

Produced by Mutt Lange over the course of three years, the record became an unstoppable glam pop juggernaut, spawning 7 singles, and selling over 12,000,000 copies stateside.

It rules!

Lets talk Def Leppard, Hysteria!