In July of 1987 Guns N Roses released their debut studio album. Sales wise, the album floundered for the first year, selling only two hundred thousand units and battling Aerosmith’s return and hit makers, Def Leppard; it took the lobbying efforts of Geffen to convinces MTV to play the video for Welcome to The Jungle…

In September of 1987 The Smiths released their fourth and final studio album. Tensions between Morrissey and Johnny Marr had been growing steadily regarding musical direction and all that came to a head with this recording. Orchestration and voicing are at their lushest, and Morrissey’s witty prose is sharpened to a razor’s edge. Lets talk…

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…

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, this critically lauded opus does not disappoint. 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!

In March of 1987 a who’s who of country stars featuring Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris & Linda Ronstadt released their first collaboration. It received all the accolades, was nominated for a ton of awards, won a few of them, and is just a delight for the ears. Let’s talk Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, & Emmylou…

In December of 1987 Dinosaur Jr. released their second studio album. Hailed by critics and bands alike as a landmark record in the burgeoning indie/alternative genre, inspiring both Nirvana and My Bloody Valentine and showing the punks that guitar solos are still cool. Lets talk Dinosaur Jr., You’re Living All Over Me!

In March of 1987 Anthrax released their 3rd studio album. Does it thrash? You bet! But do the the lyrical stylings leave us wanting? Lets talk Anthrax, Among The Living!

In May of 1986 Peter Gabriel released his fifth studio album. An inescapable juggernaut of a record, it brought the underground musical genius into the mainstream and is considered by more than a handful of critics to be his best output. Let’s talk Peter Gabriel, So!

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In March of 1986 Anita Baker released her second studio album. The record was a breakout success for the artist, signaling to the industry at large that there was still a significant market for adult/contemporary music. Let’s talk Anita Baker, Rapture!

In November of 1986 Bad Brains released their second studio album. The record is a departure from their seminal hardcore roots, adding a bit of reggae, funk and heavy metal into the mix. It’s influence cannot be overstated and is considered by many to be the bands best output. Let’s talk Bad Brains, I Against…

In March of 1986 Steve Earle released his debut studio album. It rules. Let’s talk Steve Earle, Guitar Town!

In October of 1986 XTC released their 9th studio album. With known studio imp Todd Rundgren called for in to produce and the subsequent clashing of egos that took place, the results are nothing short of sublime. Let’s talk XTC, Skylarking!

In May of 1986 Run DMC released their 3rd studio album. It is literally the greatest rap/rock album ever made. Lets talk Run DMC, Raising Hell!

In August of 1986 Paul Simon released is seventh solo studio album. Following the commercial flop that was Hearts & Bones and his recent divorce from Carrie Fisher, Paul found himself in a deep depression. A bootleg cassette of South African street music got him excited about music again and the rest is history. Let’s…

In September of 1986 Throwing Muses released their debut album. It was the first record by and American group to be released on the British 4AD Label (paving the way for The Pixies just a few years later). Allmusic review: “A startling collision of punk energy, folky melodicism, and Kristin Hersh’s mercurial voice and lyrics…puts…