Apropos of nothing, I somehow remember my favorite single and album from 1983. And since it’s the 30th anniversary of the end of 1983…I guess that’s reason enough to share. At the time, I was involved with certain activities that allowed me to hear everything, and I mean everything, that came out on vinyl. So these felt like good selections to me, coming from a solid base of information.
For best album, I picked “Grapes of Wrath” by Spear of Destiny. This was the debut album for the new band formed by Kirk Brandon and Stan Stammers, formerly of Theatre of Hate. This is a band that didn’t seem to get a lot of acclaim, and most don’t even consider this their best album, but I think this is something special.
The songs are anchored by throbbing bass and some big 80’s drum sound. Saxophone plays a key role in the band and the music is rounded out by Kirk, with his mix of psychedelic, jangly and echoing guitar as well as his voice. Kirk’s singing is a bit unusual; it has always struck me as somewhat haunting or ghostly, but in a way on this album his voice is almost like another sax – sometimes frail, sometimes aggressive, and occasionally squealing and screaming. The overall feel of the music to me is very drama filled and uplifting. It’s a bit of a mystery to me why they are not as well-known as, say, contemporaries Simple Minds or U2.
My choice for best single was “Never Stop” by Echo & The Bunnymen. Echo was three albums into their career when this track was released as single (it was not originally part of an album); all of their strengths as a band came together perfectly on this song. Their slightly dark psychedelia embellished with orchestral strings and a dance beat made for an amazing song. Twice during the song the tension builds with the strings, and then explodes as the guitar and band kicks in. Arguably this is one of vocalist Ian McCulloch strongest performances on record.
The artists on both these releases seem to be reaching for something greater than simple pop tunes, and they definitely succeeded. Both of these records have stuck with me over the years and nothing has diminished their greatness in my eyes (ears?).
In closing let me wish a “Happy 30th Anniversary” to 1983; I hope you can make the reunion!