In July of 1982 Elvis Costello & The Attractions released their 6th studio album, together.

The first to not be produced by Nick Lowe and recorded between November of 1981 and March of 1982 at AIR studios, this aural outing is considered by most to be a high water mark in a career consisting of only high water marks.

Lets talk Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Imperial Bedroom!

In October of 1982 Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five released their debut album.

It’s an important one.

Let’s talk Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, The Message!

In October of 1982 Prince released his 5th studio album.

The double LP was the first recording to feature The Revolution as his backing band, cementing the Minneapolis sound as the future of 80s funk, and has been hailed as one of the best albums of the decade.

Let’s talk Prince, 1999!

In June of 1982 ABC released their debut studio album.

Produced by Trevor Horn, the record would go on to spawn four singles, hit number one on the UK charts, and was very well received by critics.

Let’s talk ABC, The Lexicon of Love!

In November of 1981 ABBA released their 8th studio album.

With Benny and Frida’s relationship hitting the skids, the record takes a darker tone than previous outings.

The recording stood to be their last until the release of Voyage in 2021, four decades later.

Let’s talk ABBA, The Visitors!

In February of 1981 Rush released their 8th studio album.

Recorded in October and November of 1980 at Le Studio in Morin Heights, the record would go on to spawn three singles, a Grammy nomination, and was their highest selling album, stateside.

Let’s talk Rush, Moving Pictures!

In October of 1981 Tom Tom Club released their debut album.

When your lead singer writes you out of the song writing credits on the last album, whats a rhythm section to do?

If your Tina Weymouth & Chris Frantz you call up one the best guitarists alive, Adrian Belew, head on down to the Bahamas, and make one of the greatest albums of the 1980s.

Let’s talk Tom Tom Club, Tom Tom Club!

In November of 1981 Bobby Womack released his 13th studio album…

Nine months later a whole lot of babies were born.

Let’s talk Bobby Womack, The Poet!

In October of 1981 Bauhaus released their 2nd studio album.

Expanding their sonic palette with the addition of keyboards and acoustic guitars, the band managed to one up themselves in what is arguably their best work.

Let’s talk Bauhaus, Mask!

In late August of 1981 The Gun Club released their debut album on Ruby Records.

Taking their cues from such blues luminaries as Robert Johnston but adding in the fury of punk into the mix, Jeffery Lee Pierce and co. trail-blazed the way for other stripped down roots rock, blues punk, cow punk, et al, still to this day.

Let’s talk The Gun Club, Fire of Love!