The Jags - Party Games (1980)

There are some bands that have a formula for their music. Which can make it good or make it bad bad. In this instance, The Jags never fail to hit the mark

If you wanted to start listening to Power Pop, this British band from Scarborough formed in 1978 would be a good start.

Give It A Listen!

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The Jags - Dumb Blonde (1980)

Here is another Power Pop band out of the UK called The Jags. With only two releases to their name, they still were able to hit the mark with catchy lyrics and wonderous bright guitars. This one is no exception,

Give It A Listen!

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The Jolt - I'm In Tears (1979)

Just heard this one today, and it's Power Pop at it's finest. Very reminiscent of The Sorrows.

Give It A Listen!

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Joe Jackson - I'm the Man (1979)

MEMORY

This album is a fantastic piece of New Wave that never got it's recognition. Most of the songs have that Two-Tone and Ska feel to them. After hearing the Time Square Soundtrack Joe Jackson became a recognized and respected name for me. This easily could have been on 80s soundtrack.

I'M THE MAN

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Billy Joel - The Stranger (1977)

MEMORY

What an epic release this was. It was huge. It started the Billy Joel onslaught of music that was to come. There are soooo many great songs on here. There are two KILLER ballads on here "She's Always A Woman To Me" and "Just The Way You Are". There is the iconic whistling intro to "The Stranger", along with "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", "Only The Good Die Young". And the huge hit which is the featured song. Working too hard can give you a heart attack-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak

MOVIN' OUT (ANTHONY'S SONG)

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Rick James - Come Get It! (1978)

MEMORY

I remember the featured song from the nights at the roller skating rink. After a good listening to the rest of the album, there is some good stuff on here, like "Sexy Lady" and "Mary Jane". But there are some stinkers on here,like "Dream Maker", & "Hollywood".

YOU AND I

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Robert Johnson - Close Personal Friend (1979)

DISCOVERED

Another discovered Power Pop artist, and a good one at that. It's always a good things when I have to choose what song should represent this album. 

WISH UPON A STAR

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Judas Priest - British Steel (1980)

MEMORY

What a Legendary and Ground Breaking Album this was. Heavy, Hard, Fast Loud, METAL! There is no way to carve anything out of this. The cover itself is the most memorable of all. A man holding an over sized Razor Blade, in his hand, by his fingers. And.. on that blade, read the words, British Steel Judas Priest. It grabbed my attention, you throw on the album and it becomes a part of who you are.

GRINDER

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Joe Jackson - Beat Crazy (1980)

MEMORY

There were many things that we as brothers, we kept in a special light and will reside forever. The Time Square Soundtrack is one of them. It was like uncovering a buried treasure. There are so many songs that opening avenues of genres we never imagined.

They're getting closer but they ain't got robots yet
Just a hero with a smile like a tin man
No brains and no heart
Just pretty boys

PRETTY BOYS

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Joan Jett - Bad Reputation (1981)

MEMORY

Peppered with covers and loud guitar driven rock and roll. I remember this was part of my album collection and not nearly played as often as either Misspent Youth or I Love Rock N Roll, but it did have that title song that left a mark on not only me but viewers of MTV back in it's early days.

That Eye Ball on the TV and this sound.

BAD REPUTATION

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The Jam - All Mod Cons (1978)

DISCOVERED

I know I know, discovered, The Jam? Yeah, there as so much going on, so much music, I never went back to some of the earlier works of bands I listened too

'A' Bomb In Wardour Street 

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Elton John - A Single Man (1978)

MEMORY

I remember when this came out and instantly loved it. It starts slowly as the song slowly starts building It was catchy and had some guitar in it.

My favorite part is after the midpoint break, the 7 or eight note guitar riff before the strings kick in....

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Millie Jackson - A Moment's Pleasure (1979)

DISCOVERED

This has a Hot Chocolate kinda vibe...I discovered this slow disco cover.

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Billy Joel - 52nd Street (1978)

MEMORY

There are two songs on here that punched a hole in the radio airwaves of 1978. I don't know what it is about Billy Joel that I enjoy so much. Was it his New York attitude?

He married a super model?

First, Big Shot...the part of the song that I can't wait for is beginning part of the chorus near the end...nononononono You had to be a beeg schot- deen't  you.

BIG SHOT

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Second Memory is My Life. My Favorite part comes after the second drum.bass break, when he sings 'Don't Get Me Wrong' at about 3:26

MY LIFE

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Elton John - 21 at 33 (1980)

MEMORY

My cousin was a HUGE Elton John fan, and we were baptized endlessly with his music. I didn't care for him at the time, well...maybe some Bennie & The Jets, and Pinball Wizard, but this light airy stuff I ignored. Only to now realize that the man and his music is legendary. My favorite part of Little Jeannie well after the sax solo when Elton sings, Oh Jeannie...it's the echo,  'Oh Jeannie'..love it!

LITTLE JEANNIE

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