In October of 1981 The Human League released their third studio album.

Following the exit of former bandmates Glen Gregory and Martyn Ware, Philip Oakey managed to put together a ragtag group of backup dancers, a former Scottish punk guitarists cum keyboardist, and studio session musician hired on full-time that went on to become a worldwide hits machine.

Let’s talk The Human League, Dare!

In June of 1981 The Psychedelic Furs unleashed their sophomore studio outing.

Robert Christgau:

Let’s talk The Psychedelic Furs, Talk Talk Talk!

In May of 1981 X released their sophomore album.

Fusing the high energy speed of punk w/ one foot still playing in the r&b, rockabilly, roots, and country sandbox, the resulting thirteen tracks are a Wild Gift, indeed.

Let’s talk X, Wild Gift!

(most humble apologies fro the crackle at the beginning of this podcast, it does go away.)

In December of 1981 Black Flag released their debut album.

Though largely ignored upon its release by critics, the album is now considered and absolute classic of American Hardcore and the band itself paved the way that future DIY and indie bands would tour for years to come.

Let’s talk Black Flag, Damaged!

In February of 1981 David Byrne and Brian Eno released their first album as a collaborative duo.

Recorded before the Talking Heads, Remain in Light, it was shelved for a year on account of sample clearance issues.

On the cusp of sampling’s 80s revolution, Eno’s love of tape loops are taken to their logical next step, while Byrne’s Afrobeat and Funk Rock leanings keep butts shaking.

Let’s talk David Byrne & Brian Eno, My Life in The Bush of Ghosts!

In February of 1980 OMD released their third studio album.

Taking inspiration from religious music, the band made use of chorale samples, the Mellotron, melodica and variety of other instruments to create the record’s beautifully lush sound.

Let’s talk Orchestral Manoeuvres in The Dark, Architecture and Morality!

In November of 1981 Soft Cell released their debut album.

Made on a tight budget, the band purportedly recorded almost entirely on a ReVox tape recorder.

With a borrowed drum machine, a Korg bass synth, and producer Mike Thorne’s Synclavier, the band created a true synth pop classic.

Let’s talk Soft Cell, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret!

Intro music by Bullet Points

In June of 1981 Motörhead released the greatest live record of all time.

Seriously y’all, it’s the best.

Let’s talk Motörhead, No Sleep ‘til Hammersmith!

In July of 1981 The Go-Gos released their debut album.

Its a stunning first outing with songs that are pure pop perfection. The record would climb to the top of the Billboard Hot 200 in 8 months time and eventually go on to sell over two million copies.

Let’s talk The Go-Gos, Beauty and The Beat!

In September of 1981 Penthouse 17 released their debut album.

After jumping ship on Human League, Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware chose their new band’s name from the fictional pop group mentioned in Anthony Burgesses’ A Clockwork Orange.

Let’s talk Heaven 17, Penthouse and Pavement!