The 1985 Listening Post - Kim Carnes - Barking at Airplanes

Kim Carnes - Barking at Airplanes

#153

May 5 1985

Kim Carnes

Barking at Airplanes

Genre: SynthPop

2.25 out of 5

Highlights:

Abadabadango

All I can see in my mind’s eye during this entire atrocity (eSPECIALLY when that male chorus comes in on the opening tack) are gold lame short clad dancers, moving in unison in a triangle behind Kim as a wind machine blows her flaxon trellises amidst a sea of dry iced smoke. 

And that’s this whole damned thing.

“Kimmy! Kimmelah! Get me another one of them ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ tunes! Imma sell a million of em. Already gots the DJs lined up to pump that shit out whenever I tell ‘em it’s go time!”

That’s this record. 

I almost like “Abadabadango”, but only because it comes close to sounding like an ABBA track. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/barking-at-airplanes-bonus-tracks/1275249646

The 1985 Listening Post - Paul Kelly - Post

Paul Kelly - Post

#152

May 1 1985

Paul Kelly

Post

Genre: Folk Rock

3.75 out of 5 

Highlights:

Incident on South Dowling

Looks So Fine, Feels So Low

A collection of personal songs by Aussie musician and ex leader of The Dots, Post is much better than I expected and easily leaps above the general reviews would have it. He comes across as a bit of a busker and I actually think he lives on the same musical block as Billy Bragg. No, his songs aren’t as ragged or as political but he draws me in and knows how to keep me interested. 

Sounds like Mr. Kelly went through some shit and found his way through it through song. But he didn’t mire it in depression. He wants you to tap your foot and sing along while he bores his way into himself. 

In a way he wants to be Dylan. He kind of succeeds at times. I think he’s a bit more honest about himself at times. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/post/1170639813

The 1985 Listening Post - New Model Army - No Rest for the Wicked

New Model Army - No Rest for the Wicked

#151

May 1 1985

New Model Army

No Rest for the Wicked

Genre: Rock

4.75 out of 5

Highlights:

Frightened

Grandmother’s Footsteps

Better than Them

No Rest

Drag it Down

NMA was a bit of a discovery for me last go round. Here they kick any post-punk to the rearview and amp up the pedal to the medal post-new wave rock. 

I’m a sucker for this band, it seems. 

Did they ever tour with The Alarm because they are trafficking in the same anthemic tropes. I wish there was someone’s roommate in college who would’ve exposed me to this. But I’m glad I get to hear them now. 

Impossible to categorize, perhaps that’s why they’ve never really broken hard into the mainstream, but this is the second excellent outing in a row from Justin Sullivan and the crew and I’m so grateful to this project for helping me discover them. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-rest-for-the-wicked/696714025

The 1985 Listening Post - Southern Culture on the Skids - First Album

Southern Culture on the Skids - First Album

#150

1985 Housekeeping

Southern Culture on the Skids

First Album

Genre: Psycho-Billy

4.25 out of 5

Highlights:

Primitive Guy

Psycho Surfing

I don’t really know much about these guys. I was sent an album of theirs about a decade ago and it wasn’t really my thing.

This is more psychobilly than I expected. Super lo-fi. I like it 50X more than The Fleshtones and more than The Cramps, which I know, I know…sacrilege to somebody. 

If this was produced better I bet it’s terrific. As it is it sounds like the soundtrack to an Alex Cox movie. 

It should be noted that, not only do SCOTS not record another album for 6 years, this one is not available for purchase on their website. 

What was going on in 1985 that resulted in the debuts of SCOTS and Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper, who all traffic in the same lunkheaded stripped down rockabilly lunacy? That and the Scorchers/Justice nexus tells me that something was going on in country rock that will explode soon enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqtFHEIv_xM

The 1985 Listening Post - Coney Hatch - Friction

Coney Hatch - Friction

#149

1985 Housekeeping

Coney Hatch

Friction

Genre: Arena Rock

3.25 out of 5

Highlights:

This Ain’t Love

No one loves Coney Hatch. I loathed their first album. Skipped their second accidentally. 

But, in light of our conversations about Canadian Rock, this is another fine example. This crackles with punch. You like that big 80s echo sound? It’s here, in spades but, the mix is…better than most. The instruments are separated nicely and, instead of flattening everything out, it all sounds like they are trying to sound like they probably did on stage. After a while the Foreigner impersonation wears thin, though. 

Coney was popular in the Great White North at their heyday, apparently. 

This was their last record. They knew it was time to get out. Sadly, many other bands of this ilk didn’t realize it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOcKJZJBFO8

The 1985 Listening Post - Fortune - Fortune

Fortune - Fortune

#148

1985 Housekeeping

Fortune

Fortune

Genre: Arena Rock

3.75 out of 5

Highlights:

Thrill of it All

Stormy Love

Out on the Streets

Which came first, Fortune or Cutting Crew? The first track would suggest that the Crew heard this album 

and then went to work.

If you’re like me and you dig that Asia/Meat Loaf/Asia/Foreigner when it’s gone well, this is right up your alley. 

I’ve toyed with adding a category to these reviews. DIMO (Did I Miss Out?). I mean, that was the purpose here in the first place, to see if I missed anything now that I have access to virtually everything. 

But that presents another problem: Would I have listened to it back then? If I did, would I have liked it? Do I have new appreciation for it now with a different mindset? 

Case in point:

I like Station. It’s a Brooklyn band that had a great first album. And they are steeped deeply in this Asia/Foreigner/Fortune/BOC/Journey sound. Do I like them ironically? A little. Did I hate this sound to be contrarian and “above it” back then? A lot. 

So, I can’t really do a DIMO category because there is no way I would say that I “missed out” on Fortune. But, now, 34 years later I have a kinder view of it. 

So, DIMO? No. But I do miss this sound. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fortune/1418954993

The 1985 Listening Post - Nils Lofgren - Flip

Nils Logren - Flip

#147

1985 Housekeeping

Nils Lofgren

Flip

Genre: Rock

3.75 out of 5

Highlights

Flip Ya Flip

I only know Lofgren from his guitar work with Bruce Springsteen. He’s kind of amazing to watch. And, during “If I Should Fall Behind” on the reunion album, I swore he was Patti Scialfa. His voice is clear, clean and delicate. It’s easy. As is his playing. When he sings that he’s “Destined to rock” on “King of the Rock” it’s hard to argue with him but also, you just know that Nils has only a small bit of Elvis in him. So, his rock is…gentle and unobtrusive. 

Too well done to be milquetoast. Too meek to matter.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/flip/350231869

The 1985 Listening Post - Fantastic Something - Fantastic Something

Fantastic Something

#146

1985 Housekeeping

Fantastic Something

Fantastic Something

Genre: Indie Pop

4 out of 5

Highlights:

Picking Up Little Adventures

Were we just talking about “Twee”? 

This is as gentle as a pop album can be. It seems to have stepped through a time door from 1972 to 1985. 

This exists but no one seems to have written anything about it anywhere. And maybe for good reason. It’s so treacly I have to brush my teeth in between each song. But, with hot sauce, to keep myself awake. 

This entire album is a gondola ride in Venice on a summer afternoon. 

 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBJ7ztNazTVD43Cg8-9Z5eG5vAUTY6k8r

The 1985 Listening Post - Leatherwolf - Leatherwolf

Leatherwolf - Leatherwolf

#145

1985 Housekeeping

Leatherwolf

Leatherwolf

Genre: Metal

4 out of 5 (for what it is)

Highlights:

Rise or Fall

Off the Track

Leatherwolf

Man, that is a LOT of guitars. I mean, this is an orgy of metal guitars. From what I’ve read this band pioneered a “Triple Axe Attack”. They are like the Monster Burger of metal bands. 

But, was anyone buying these records? There are so many of them. These aren’t really “songs” as much as they are guitar slinging excuses to shred. And these guys sure do shred. Also, Michael Olivieri’s high end is really quite something. I wonder what he would sound like singing…anything else. 

I’m ready for this genre to go away for good. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg7pwprEtUw&list=PL-kLYE3nvM0W8Z3lZbQaQN2snMEa109Q-

The 1985 Listening Post - Warrior - Fighting for the Earth

Warrior - Fighting for the Earth

#145

1985 Housekeeping

Warrior

Fighting for the Earth

Genre: Stadium Metal

3 out of 5

Highlights:
Fighting for the Earth

There’s a war out there. A war for the soul of the earth (And a fight against demons as well, I think) and Warrior is there to fight it. 

It’s a pretty level assault on those who would do ne’er good. I’m not really sure what they are worried about or why we need to take up arms but, apparently, for a brief moment, in Los Angeles, Warrior got everyone excited and then, poof, everyone lost interest. 

Like this record. 

I will tell you that as far as Hair Metal goes, playing this one on full with a top notch stereo driving in the streets of Los Angeles was kind of a hoot. 

But, it’s really dumb.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fighting-for-the-earth/53113654

The 1985 Listening Post - Feedtime - Feedtime

Feedtime - Feedtime

#144

1985 Housekeeping 

Feedtime 

Feedtime

Genre: post punk

4 out of 5

Highlights: 

HaHa

I Wanna Ride

You know what Noise Rock/Post Punk was missing all this time?

Rockabilly, it turns out. 

I prefer every second of this horrorscape to what we’ve heard from Sonic Youth so far. 

It’s like noise punk. 

And I liked it a lot. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feedtime/501578645

The 1985 Listening Post - Feargal Sharkey - Feargal Sharkey

Feargal Sharkey - Feargal Sharkey

#143

1985

Feargal Sharkey

Feargal Sharkey

Genre: SynthPop

4.25 out of 5

Highlights:

A Good Heart

You Little Thief

Ashes and Diamonds

Let’s get this out of the way: Sharkey’s voice has more vibrato in it than Beth Hart and she was warned off trying to have a mainstream career because of it. Didn’t stop her. And that didn’t stop Feargal. (Although his is the kind of quiver that does make me a little seasick)

Right from the top I immidiately think of the disaster that was Captain Sensible’s solo record and what a misstep that was. And yet, this one…isn’t. 

The first track is written by…yep…Maria McKee!

And from there he makes the correct move by singing a Benmont Tench tune before he gets to his own stuff. Smart, Fearful, smart. Also, it’s kind of weirdly neat since McKee was dating Tench and wrote that song about him.

But then Sharkey lets loose what is an obvious next step for The Undertones singer. It’s steeped in Motown but with Dave Stewart at the helm it has crunch. Sometimes it sounds like Sharkey fronting Eurythmics. Other time it sounds like a bizarre, cartoon version of Peter Gabriel. Both of them work for me. 

This is a solid effort and completely unexpected. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feargal-sharkey/724348924

The 1985 Listening Post - The Apartments - The Evening Visits...and Stays for Years

The Apartments - The Evening Visits...and Stays for Years

#142

April 1985

The Apartments

The Evening Visits...and Stays for Years

4 out of 5

Highlights:

Mr. Somewhere

The Black Road Shines (On Rainy Nights)

If there was a strikethrough feature on Facebook I would have written and crossed out Mazzy Star where the name of the band is. This is some moody stuff. Lovely and dreamy and was transported by Peter Walsh’s voice as he almost falls out of tune. There is a lushness that he can’t complement so he just allows it to lift him up. 

Either The Apartments influenced hundreds of bands because they all had this album or if these guys just tapped into something that was bubbling under the surface…not quite shoe gaze but on that journey…it’s hard to imagine that The Go-Betweens and Lloyd Cole and all of THEIR followers didn’t have this record. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-evening-visits-and-stays-for-years-expanded-edition/955959222

The 1985 Listening Post - Thee Mighty Caesers - Beware the Ides of March

Thee Mighty Caesers - Beware the Ides of March

#141

April 1985

Thee Mighty Caesers

Beware the Ides of March

4.25 out of 5

Highlights:

You can’t Judge a Book By the Cover

Billy Childish is back. This time he’s mining a different 60s sound. The sound of a high school band trying to be The Kinks or the Byrds or The Zombies or ? & the Mysterians or [insert 60s garage band here].

In a way I’m reminded of Deface the Music by Utopia. In that case, though, it seemed like Todd Rundgren was just trying to prove that The Beatles music was easily replicated and, through that replication, show that the emperor had little clothes. Childish seems to want to BE Ray and Dave Davies. And he doesn’t want to rehearse. While I applaud the devotion to the sound, it hews too close to carbon copying than it does to emulation. 

But, dammit, Childish makes me feel terrible about myself. I had one album and one ep in me. That was it. about 16 songs. I haven’t written a good one in 15 years. 

He gets an extra 1/2 star for that. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beware-the-ides-of-march/624539825

The 1985 Listening Post - Stephen Duffy - The Ups and Downs

Stephen Duffy - The Ups and Downs

#140

April 1985

Stephen Duffy

The Ups and Downs

Genre: SynthPop

2.5 out of 5

Highlights:

But Is It Art?

I have really been looking forward to this one. Stephen Duffy is an artist who I have never heard but whose name I have known for 2 decades now. Not because he was the original vocalist for Duran Duran but left before they recorded anything. Nope. Because in the late 80s Stephen Page started a correspondence with him and the two began working together and a bunch of Page/Duffy songs ended up on Barenaked Ladies albums. “Jane”. “I’ll Be That Girl”. “Call and Answer”.  And others. 

Naturally, I assumed that Duffy’s solo stuff must be terrific. 

It’s not. 

This album is Soft Cell-ian Synth-Pop. I also bet that Adam Ant was listening to a LOT of this record when he recorded Manners & Physique cuz this sounds JUST like it. 

A lot of this project is trying to split the difference of “Would I have liked it then?” vs. “Do I like it now?”.

This is neither. 

It says a lot to me that Duffy thinks this album is garbage. 

He’s not wrong. It’s a handful of ideas, recorded at different times, with no cohesion. And it’s not like it’s a bunch of red hot singles. It’s just a bunch of castoffs. 

Next. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-ups-and-downs/691961907

The 1985 Listening Post - Strawberry Switchblade -Strawberry Switchblade

Strawberry Switchblade - Strawberry Switchblade

#139

April 1985

Strawberry Switchblade

Strawberry Switchblade

Genre: Synthpop

3.5 out of 5

Highlights:

Since Yesterday

Deep Water

Coming so quickly on the heels of The Delmonas my first thought was: Did Billy Chidish work on this?? It’s like Moody Bananarama. Or, maybe, a female answer to The Cure in a way that Siouxie wasn’t. 

This is a strange entry. I’ve never even heard of it but it’s really pleasing. “Deep Water” sounds like it was crafted out of glass. 

I can totally see why they would never record again, though. There isn’t a lot to hang on to here. In a way I could hear them covering Melanie’s “Brand New Skates” and making it halfway dark. Not as dark as Billie Eilish but in that direction. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strawberry-switchblade/1251643791

The 1985 Listening Post - Chris Rea - Shamrock Diaries

Chris Rea - Shamrock Diaries

#138

April 1985

Chris Rea

Shamrock Diaries

Genre: Rock

2.75 out of 5

“Steel River” & “Stainsby Girls”. Right off the bat, Rea has decided being a Springsteen clone is the way to chart topping success. The former is a pleasant enough six+ minute mid-tempo offering but…why start your album with something this lugubrious? Throw it in the middle somewhere. It’s completely harmless and professional. The next track, is another Dire Straits-ian track but is so steeped in Bruce it drips working class earnestness. 

I’m not saying that Bruce should sue Rea for trying to steal his sound. 

I’m saying that Bruce should cock punch him for it. 

And then Knopfler should take a shot. 

And, you know what? Bowie should’ve taken a whack as well. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shamrock-diaries/208907963

The 1985 Listening Post - Pendragon - The Jewel

Pendragon - The Jewel

#137

April 1985

Pendragon

The Jewel

Genre: Prog Rock

2.75 out of 5

There exists a sea of bands from the 70s and 80s and 90s that not only have I never heard of, relegated to the bargain bin at Amoeba, but also, while never making a mainstream dent of ANY kind, continue to play as a unit TODAY. 

Pendragon. I know that there are some Marillion loving members in this group whom I am sure have a Pendragon shirt in their closet. 

My question is: How? How does a very mediocre band, whose musicianship was not all that epic, with songs that are even less epic, stick around for 35 years?

The production is awful and the arrangements are a confused mess of medieval sci-fi. It’s a shame because you can hear what they want to be on tracks like “Leviathan”, which is, well, they want to be Yes. 

There are so many of these bands…like Pallas…and, ugh, others, I can’t remember. And this is one of them. 

I know this isn’t really my bag but, if it’s great I can get behind a bit of it. I gave Planet P a 3.5, didn’t I? 

If these guys get better, let me know. But, based on this, I wouldn’t be running out to buy a Pendragon shirt. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCaxiiA1B8s

The 1985 Listening Post - Blurt - Friday the 12th

Blurt - Friday the 12th

#136

April 1985

Blurt 

Friday the 12th

Genre: No Wave

2.25 out of 5

Highlights:

Enemy Ears

When my band, Yeast Infection, played our one and only concert at The Dive in NY, the manager of the club came up on stage and blew his trumpet atonally during our opus, “I’m an Artist (You Don’t Believe Me, I’ll Draw on Your Fucking Face)”. 

That’s what this album sounds like. And you would not be able to convince me that he is not the sax player on this record. 

Thing is, I’m not sure I have any place for this in my life back then or now. It strikes me that I would rather listen to early Swans (again) than sit through this…indulgence. 

And that’s what it is…percussive indulgence with a dash of British horror snot. If you told me that this was all recorded by one guy, in his parent’s basement, who then, either killed himself or became an accountant, I would totally believe you. 

 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBJ7ztNazTVALlJzWCHS_fFd0iqsu0SS9

The 1985 Listening Post - Toy Dolls - A Far Out Disc

Toy Dolls - A Far Out Disc

#135

April 1985

Toy Dolls

A Far Out Disc

4.25 out of 5

Highlights:

She Goes to Finos

Modern School of Motoring

Bless You My Son 

Is this The Rezillos? It sounds like The Rezillos. Or the Revillos. You know how much I love The Rezillos?? When someone said my band sounded like The Rezillos I nearly kissed that person. Because The Rezillos album was one the best I’ve ever heard. 

Anyway. 

If you like cheeky, angular, super fast paced, airless, tight New Wave Oi, THIS is for you. 

I totally love this stuff. 

If you grew up in the 80s in New Jersey you will understand when I say that this is like a British Uncle Floyd Show. 

The fact that there is an actual commercial for the last record IN this record featuring snippets of hits from that record…I…just…can’t even. 

This is a blast. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-far-out-disc-bonus-tracks-edition/1143710506

The 1985 Listening Post - Richard Thompson - Across a Crowded Room

Richard Thompson - Across a Crowded Room

#134

April 1985

Richard Thompson

Across a Crowded Room

Genre: Folk Rock

4.25 out of 5

Highlights:

When the Spell is Broken

Fire in the Engine Room

Little Blue Number

When you marry good songwriting with solid musicianship you get this record. 

I have nothing to add here. This is just fine Thompson. The playing is great and the songs are more than just “folk”, actually. He seems to be playing and writing with a ton of joy.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/across-a-crowded-room/1295998295

The 1985 Listening Post - Venom - Possessed

Venom - Possessed

#133

April 1985

Venom

Possessed

Genre: Heavy Metal

1.75 out of 5

Highlights:

Harmony Dies

Boy, how badly do Venom want to be Metallicahead?

This muddy concoction sounds like a band that has a LOT too much Bolivian Marching Powder. 

I get it. They really saw the Thrash Metal world taking off and probably thought they deserved a place in the pantheon of greats as one of the earlier bands to traffic in it, but this is no Black Metal. It’s just a mess. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/possessed-bonus-track-edition/1143702659

The 1985 Listening Post - Everything But the Girl - Love Not Money

Everything But the Girl - Love Not Money

#132

April 19 1985

Everything But the Girl

Love Not Money

Genre: Jangle Pop

3.25 out of 5

Much more lush and paisley than their previous coffee shop offering. 

I know this is lazy reviewing but it’s rare that I agree with Pitchfork: 

“The world EBTG created on Eden was so pleasant, even at its glummest, that you wanted to linger there a while. 1985's Love NotMoney, however, was a near-total reinvention and a complete stylistic mish-mash. One on hand, guitars came coated with about nine pounds of agreeably dated glitz, like the gaudily anthemic college rock being peddled by bands like the Icicle Works. On the other hand, it's the most soporific and studiously "serious" album EBTG ever made, and parts of it are a real drag. The murky, cavernous stuff assumes that droning on depressively is the best way to handle weighty topics, and some of the new touches, like the Celtic kitsch of "Sean", with ultra-kitschy tin flute, are so ham-fisted you'll cringe.”

This is exactly what i felt. Albeit with a bit more affection than Jess Harvell. 

It IS self-important. I don’t mind that. But it almost crumbles from the weight of that self importance. 

It’s hard to find fault with this record. It’s not “bad”. It’s a little alienating but it’s also sort of gorgeous. 

It’s also 40+ minutes of so much sameness that it’s hard to advocate for, since it feels twice as long. 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6RJMpsbRiNg5pm5w9x78x3?si=25RpH_8FTWGidDF60h6b2g

The 1985 Listening Post - Freddie Mercury - Mr. Bad Guy

Freddie Mercury - Mr. Bad Guy

#131

April 29 1985

Freddie Mercury

Mr. Bad Guy

Genre: Dance Rock

4.75 out of 5 (a biased rating. Your mileage may vary)

Highlights:

Let’s Turn it On

Made in Heaven

I Was Born to Love You

Your Kind of Lover

Living on My Own

Speaking from personal experience I guarantee you there were legions of Queen fans whose heads spun off their shoulders when they heard this. And, like me, they tried to explain it and adore it and give it cred.

Except that I really loved this record when it came out. I frequently return to the tracks from it, even though it’s not available on streaming platforms, much of it has been included in other Freddie compilations.

And then I really hated it for a while. I gave my CD copy to my brother who turned it into a desk clock. 

I didn’t get it. 

I do now. 

Look. It’s mostly disco. Fred was in a…place in his life. As the Bohemian Rhapsody detailed. Thing is, this is also a kitchen sink of ideas. The production is spectacular. “Let’s Turn it On” and “I Was Born to Love You” are expertly crafted studio creations (Imagine if the latter had been recorded by The Pointer Sisters, gold, Jerry, gold!). Ballads like “Made in Heaven” and “There Must Be More to Life Than This” would have fit perfectly on a latter day Queen record. (The former would appear as the title track of their last, posthumous one, the latter would reappear in 2014 as it was originally recorded: as a duet with Michael Jackson)

One thing that is very apparent, evidenced on the Side One closer, “Your Kind of Lover”, is that the years of untrained stadium anthem singing + cigarettes (and other things) are taking their toll on Fred’s voice. I started to notice it on News of the World. There’s more rasp and strain and that’s all over the place here. From 1973 -1978 he had no equal. Later he had to work harder and this song (a terrifically dopey tune) is a prime example. 

Side Two opens with the title track, and it’s here that we can begin to hear the sounds that will come to define Fred’s later work. It’s similar to “Play the Game” or “It’s a Hard Life” and will all come together in his epic, Barcelona, a few years later. It’s also his most confessional track here. And it’s telling. Fred isn’t a good guy. People are afraid of him, can’t get close to him. He has to be what he has to be to be who he really wants to be. 

I’ve said before that, amid his bombast Fred really writes tellingly confessional songs. “Somebody to Love” is a bloodletting scream from the bowels of loneliness. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is an admission of his inability to truly connect or trust intimacy. “Mr. Bad Guy” is that record here. Gussied up in fauxpera. (And, until this listen I completely forgot the Montserrat Caballe soprano impression he does on “Man Made Paradise”. Kudos!) “Living on My Own” is another good example of the solitude confessional dressed up as an upbeat rock/dance track (with Jazz Scat!!!). Fred hid is sadness so well. 

The 1985 Listening Post -Eurythmics - Be Yourself Tonight

Eurythmics - Be Yourself Tonight

#130

April 29 1985

Eurythmics

Be Yourself Tonight

Synth-Rock

5 out of 5

Highlights:

Would I Lie to You

There Must Be An Angel (Playing with my Heart)

I Love You Like a Ball and Chain

Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves

Adrian

Right from jump this is a different album for Lennox and Stewart. 

It starts with Motown rock, then moves into Yaz synth pop territory...with harmonicas. And then it never lets up.

This is Upstairs at Eric’s with muscle and crunchy Guitars. But it’s more than that. It’s solid. Even the non hits are excellent, “Conditioned Soul” and “Adrian” open Side Two with such easy confidence that I wonder how this album escaped my grasp over the years. It’s with “It’s Alright (Baby’s Coming Back)” that the album’s modus comes to an apex. It’s also the precise sound that Madonna would use to sell a billion copies of “Express Yourself” later in the decade.

All the promise is fulfilled with this disc. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/be-yourself-tonight-2018-remastered/1400483749

The 1985 Listening Post - Manilla Road - Open the Gates

Manilla Road - Open the Gates

#129

April 28 1985

Manilla Road

Open the Gates

Genre: Heavy Metal

2.25 out of 5

Highlights:

Weavers of the Web

I must confess I had high hopes for this one. I really liked Crystal Logic so I thought this might be as surprising and fun as that one.

Alas. I also must confess…the only way I could get through this was to drink. A lot. Yes, it was an Orange SodaStream & cheap gin night. Because this album is 3 hours long. How they fit all that on a 40 minute lp is sort of amazing. 

“Heavy Metal to the World” might as well have been a Motörhead song. And one that Lemmy would have rejected. The whole record is one shoutfest after another with little to hold on to as you wait for the next majestic shredtastic solo.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/open-the-gates-remastered-ultimate-edition/1009337510

The 1985 Listening Post - The Hooters - Nervous Night

The Hooters - Nervous Night

#128

April 26 1985

The Hooters

Nervous Night

Genre: Power Pop

3.5 out of 5

Highlights:

And We Danced

Day By Day

Blood From a Stone

Next to Hoobastank is there any worse named band in the history of Rock? 

No. 

The answer to that is no no no. 

Also, “And We Danced” is a serious earworm. Admit it. Just reading those words you have the song in your head now, right?

You know why? Cuz it’s a blast. I dare say…it’s a hoot. It’s joy. I cringed every time they played on MTV but, deep down, I loved that song.

Not enough to buy their record, however. 

And now, here we are.

I’m still not a fan of the songs from their previous EP and, instead of rocking out, they soften their sound with instruments like a melodica which makes them sound like The Rubinoos, which is fine but there’s already a Rubinoos and that sound didn’t really burn up the radio waves, did it?

The album is definitely a step up from Amore but I find it cloying (“Where Do the Children Go?”) and a bit derivative. 

Yeah, “Blood From a Stone” was a highlights on their first one but, it’s a good song and it deserves it’s place here. Plus Red Rockers covered it and it was great there, too. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nervous-night/185829874

The 1985 Listening Post - Lone Justice - Lone Justice

Lone Justice - Lone Justice

#127

April 25 1985

Lone Justice

Lone Justice

Genre: Alt Country/Cow Punk

4.75 out of 5 (I could be convinced to go up to 5, though)

Highlights:

East of Eden

After the Flood

Don’t Toss Us Away
Working Late

Pass It On

You Are the Light

In 1986 I heard that William Shatner, the success of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, at his sails, would be hosting Saturday Night Live. Susan Forrestal, Lorne Michaels ex-wife, was a customer at the video store where I worked and she procured me tickets for that show. 

I sat in the front row. My hair was bleached white. Shatner tripped on my knee as he raced to the “Get a Life” sketch on the stage to my left. 

There are many moments from that night etched into my brain. 

The difficulty in seeing any sketches because of our seats, which were great for the monologue, the news and…the musical act.

The guest that night was Lone Justice. 

Here’s the weird part: I LOVED their performance and I fell crush over heels for Maria McKee. I loved everything about her, her looks, her explosive energy, her stage presence, her voice…even her wardrobe choices (which look more like the coming tide of 90s thrift store than 80s bangles and underwear) and yet…I never listened to her music. Never bought a Lone Justice record. Never gave them an ounce of support. 

But that night, for those two songs, I became a rabid Lone Justice Fan. 

There is a lot to love on this record and I imagine they would’ve made a fine bill with Jason and the Scorchers. In a way I even like this better than that magical record. 

Why wasn’t Lone Justice bigger? 

Probably because there were a lot of idiots like me who fell in love with Maria McKee as long as she was right in front of our faces but, for some reason, we never pursued her further. 

My loss. This record is terrific. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lone-justice/113482

Here is the performance that made me fall for Maria McKee. For one night. 

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xv2kjt

The 1985 Listening Post - Exodus - Bonded By Blood

Exodus - Bonded By Blood

#126

April 26 1985

Exodus

Bonded By Blood

Genre: Thrash Metal

3 out of 5

Highlights:

A Lesson in Violence

This band was started by Kirk Hammett whose manager suggested he leave them and join Metallica. 

I think he made the right choice. Not to say this is bad, the playing is remarkable. Put them up with Slayer, Megadeth and Metallica. But the songs…they aren’t very inspiring. The lead singer (I know he gets replaced soon after this) is just more a caricature than a rousing inspirer. But, damn can these guys play!

Some have said that Exodus should be included in the Holy 4 of Thrash Metal with Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth, making it 5. I don’t know. I get that they were early practitioners. This didn’t blow me away. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bonded-by-blood/1004701980

The 1985 Listening Post - Men at Work - Two Hearts

Men at Work - Two Hearts

#125

April 23 1985

Men at Work

Two Hearts

Genre: Rock

2.25 out of 5

The final Men at Work album is the sound of fatigue. Of fulfilling a contract. Of writing by numbers. 

The songs are perfectly mundane but the band sounds like they wrote it by committee. It’s not fun but it’s not horrible. If I kept this in my library or a tune came up randomly on an 80s playlist I wouldn’t change the station or move to the next song. I would just let it play out, “She Gives Me Everything” is a perfect example. It’s like weak coffee. The taste is there but it doesn’t give me that jolt. 

Why why WHY is there RAP ON A MEN AT WORK ALBUM?!?!?

This album is a bore. I can’t recommend a single song on it. That makes me sad. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/two-hearts/952362256

The 1985 Listening Post - Prince and the Revolution - Around the World in a Day

Prince and the Revolution - Around the World in a Day

#124

April 22 1985
Prince and the Revolution

Around the World in a Day

Genre: Pop Rock

2.5 out of 5

Highlights:

Paisley Park

Yes. I know. This isn’t “rock”. But it’s Prince and, in light of Purple Rain I feel like we have to give this a spin. Most likely we won’t revisit him as he goes far astray of our mission statement in the future. But, this one is like his Sgt. Pepper, yes?

I have a very distinct memory of this record’s release, with it’s Peter Max-ian cover and the surreal sounds contained within. I never heard it. But my manager at the video store where I worked bought it immediately.

And he was just as immediately disappointed. 

For good reason. This is not a good record. The ideas are half baked (“Trampoline”). Some are downright turgid (“Condition of the Heart”). And the hit songs are not as good as I remembered, if they ever were. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/around-the-world-in-a-day/213034763

The 1985 Listening Post - 'Til Tuesday - Voices Carry

'Til Tuesday - Voices Carry

#123

April 15 1985

’Til Tuesday

Voices Carry

3 out of 5

Highlights:

Love in a Vacuum

Has there ever been a more New Wave named band than ’Til Tuesday? I think not. And, I admit, I’ve never heard anything more than that first single. I’ll rectify that now. 

And it is very New Wave. But with the angular edges softened. They’re still there, but it’s not harsh or jagged, the way the Cars often seem to be. In fact, I’m reminded of how Neil Finn took those edges off Split Enz and came up with Crowded House, which this reminds me of, for some reason.

However, at it’s best it’s fine New Wave (“Voices Carry”) or subdued Go-Go’s (“Maybe Monday”) or a fairly on-target Bangles impression (“Sleep”) and at it’s worse it’s bad Madonna (“Winning the War”) or pale attempts at Kate Bush doing a Cyndi Lauper song (“You Know the Rest”).

It’s really just a meh record at best. And the only reason anyone remembers “Voices Carry” is because of that video. Otherwise…meh. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/voices-carry-expanded-edition/1282208222

The 1985 Listening Post - Shooting Star - Silent Scream

Shooting Star - Silent Scream

#122

April 15 1985

Shooting Star

Silent Scream

Genre: Rock

3.5 out of 5

Highlights:

Somewhere in Your Heart

Time

Remember that Michael Bolton album? This sounds JUST like that. Only this singer is slightly more apropos for this music and he’s not buried in the mix.

UFO, Triumph, Journey…this band fits in with those nicely. The fact that this is their FIFTH record and I’ve never heard of them should say something about them, though. They aren’t bad enough to be memorably so. The songs are all appropriately 80s theatrical if they don’t have any real personality. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/silent-scream/20729936

The 1985 Listening Post - Overkill - Feel the Fire

Overkill - Feel the Fire

#121

April 15 1985

Overkill

Feel the Fire

Genre: Thrash Metal

3 out of 5

Highlights:

Feel the Fire

The problem with speed metal is that none of it really diverges from another. They all sound the same after a while. Machine gun drumming. Hyper rhythm guitar strumming. Supersonic fingers. 

Truly, this is the amping up and merging of Johnny Ramone’s strumming, Eddie Van Halen’s soloing & Bruce Dickenson’s vocals. 

I think that pretty much surmises the genre. For many bands, just add some devil worship.

Weirdly, it doesn’t sound dated to me. Like this album doesn’t sound like it was made 34 years ago. And I can’t put my finger on why. Is it that this genre hasn’t really changed much in 3+ decades? Is it that, if you remove echo and satan worship you strip it of it’s era defining characteristics and it becomes…timeless? 

I don’t know. 

Is it weird that my favorite track is the most Satan-y? 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feel-the-fire/932619714    

The 1985 Listening Post - China Crisis - Flaunt the Imperfection

China Crisis - Flaunt the Imperfection

#120

April 11 1985

China Crisis

Flaunt the Imperfection

Genre: Synthpop

2 out of 5

But your album sound like is was crafted in a synth pop factory. What is the “imperfection” of which you speak?

Some New Wave bands become experimental. Some go full throttle dance or rock. But, every so often a few of them go reggae lounge act. 

This album is softer than a weak Vampire Weekend song. With unctuous saxophone!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/flaunt-the-imperfection/723332639

The 1985 Listening Post - Demon - British Standard Approved

Demon - British Standard Approved

#119

April 

Demon

British Standard Approved

Genre: Prog-metal

4 out of 5

Highlights:

Prxima

Wonderland 

So...abandoning the traditional metal or even just the metal they had embraced, Demon cones up with a strange prog-metal record, with act outs and synthesizers and I love every second of the first half. 

It’s goofy, weird, head banging fun. They have fully embraced their Pink Floyd dreams and run it hard (“Proxima”). 

By “New Ground” they sound nothing like the Demon we’ve come to know...the full Foreigner transformation is complete. 

Weird record from these guys. Total departure. Can’t imagine what Demon fans thought in 85. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/british-standard-approved/527422470

The 1985 Listening Post - The Colourfield - The Colourfield

The Colourfield - The Colourfield

#118

April 6 1985

The Colourfield

The Colourfield

Genre: Twee

3.75 out of 5

Highlights:

Thinking of You

Terry Moore was always the best purveyor of Twee. If you listen to this too many times you create bands like Belle & Sebastian. Because this is exactly that. 

Only it’s much more. It’s lush and pastoral. And feels it stepped out of 1971. 

Does Terry Hall get enough credit for his versatility and contributions beyond FB3 and “Our Lips Are Sealed”?

This record starts out great and then Peters out towards the end. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/virgins-philistines/651425784

The 1985 Listening Post - The Crucifucks - The Crucifucks

The Crucifucks - The Crucifucks

#117

April 5 1985

The Crucifucks. 

The Crucifucks

Genre: Snot Punk

1 out of 5

If Eddie Deezan grew up to become completely disillusioned with his life and still had enough money that he could do what he wanted (like, say his family owned a bank or something) and he hooked up with musicians that he could pay to indulge his anarchic punk rock fantasies, he would be Doc Dart of The Crucifucks. 

This album is like 3rd rate DKs with a snot nosed asshole at the helm. 

When he sings about all the things he hates on “No One Can Make Me Play Along” my first response is the same as Robert Prosky’s in Broadcast News after William Hurt ends his first emergency broadcast with “in other words, I think we are all going to be okay.”

“Who cares what you think?”

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/our-will-be-done/275671573

The 1985 Listening Post - The Exploited - Horror Epics

The Exploited - Horror Epics

#116

April 15 1985

The Exploited

Horror Epics

2.75 out of 5

Highlights:

No More Idols

For a band that never really excited me they really sort of fall flat here. The aggro percussion attack that opens the record belies a lack of interesting ideas and suffers from a deeply muddy sound. 

When they fire on all pistons as on “No More Idols” and the blisteringly angry “Maggie” (as in Thatcher”) they remind me of what punk was all about. 

Of course, by this time, the scene and the sound was played out but I can’t help but wonder what this would be like if wasn’t produced to sound like garbage. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC0cvKEWAG0

The 1985 Listening Post - Tall Dwarfs - That's the Short and the Long of It

Tall Dwarfs - That's the Short and the Long of It

#115

March 5 1985

Tall Dwarfs

That’s the Long and the Short of it

Genre: Indie

4.5 out of 5

Highlights:

Nothing’s Going to Happen

Burning Blue

13 years after the release of this record one of the (arguably) most effective, evocative and influential records of the modern era would be released. 

It took me 10 years to finally get around to listen to In the Aeroplane O’er the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel and I unabashedly adore it. 

Listen to “Burning Blue” and you will hear what I hear, I believe. 

This is the genesis not of “90s rock” but of the Elephant 6 sound that would come at the end of that decade. 

This is experimentation and psychedelia wrenching itself from Rock tropes and creating something new.

Tall Dwarfs were a decade ahead of their time, but also steeped in the acid influence of the late 60s. 

omg, I just read the Wiki on them. “Bands who have claimed to be influenced by the Tall Dwarfs include Elf Power^, Neutral Milk Hoteland Olivia Tremor Control. In 2005, they did a small number of concerts in the USA, playing with the Olivia Tremor Control.”

So, Tall Dwarfs ARE responsible for that entire Elephant 6 sound. All hail New Zealand!

The 1985 Listening Post - Faith No More - We Care a Lot

Faith No More - We Care a Lot

#114

April 1 1985

Faith No More

We Care a Lot

Genre: Post-punk/funk-rock

3.75 out of 5

Highlights:

We Care a Lot

The Jungle

Pills for Breakfast

I know exactly one song by Faith No More. Well, I thought I did. Turns out I knew a second, the opening title track here but I thought that was Beastie Boys. Listen to it. It’s Beasties, no? 

I wasn’t expecting as much tribal drumming and punk sounds from them. 

Where Red Hot Chili Peppers just pissed me off with their attempts at funk rock fusion, FNM is actually more earnestly weird. I appreciate them for that. 

(It’s 1985 and the 90s have officially begun, fyi)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-care-a-lot-deluxe-band-edition-remastered/1111849252

The 1985 Listening Post - Raven - Stay Hard

Raven - Stay Hard

#113

April 1 1985

Raven

Stay Hard

Genre: pop metal

1 out of 5

What happened here, guys? After three solid metal records in a row you put out this generic, juvenile garbage?

Nothing works here. The presentation is pedestrian. The singing is obnoxious and forced. The lyrics are puerile at times. 

Stay away from this. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stay-hard/936185474

The 1985 Listening Post - Thor - Only the Strong

Thor - Only the Strong

#111

April

Thor 

Only the Strong

Genre: Heavy Metal

3.5 out of 5

Highlights:

When the Gods Collide

True story. 

John Seven and I went to CBGB to see Spinal Tap play their first ever live show before their SNL appearance. 

It was packed. 

I remember the show. 

I don’t remember the giant dude who banged into a John on the crowded floor. 

That man, apparently, was Thor. 

There is a terrific documentary about this guy. 

I wish the music was up to the rep. 

Suffering from 80s hyper-echo, Thor’s vocals are too far down in the mix of mediocre Hair/Hell Metal. 

Oh, what could have been. 

I have a lot of affection for the sheer dumb rockness of “Now Comes the Storm” and “Thunder on the Tundra”. It’s definitely more fun that most of Twisted Sister’s offerings. 

It’s an even record and not 100% inspiring. But I’m glad I finally heard it. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/only-the-strong/818951560

The 1985 Listening Post - The Dukes of Stratosphere - 25 O'Clock

The Dukes of Stratosphere - 25 O'Clock

#112

April 1 1985

The Dukes of Stratosphere

25 O’Clock

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

4.75 out of 5

Highlights:

25 O’Clock

Bike Ride to the Moon

The Mole from the Ministry

But, Allen, I thought we weren’t doing mini-albums!

Yes, that’s true. But in this case, I’m making an exception, simply because I forgot TDoS when I did my XTC retrospective a decade ago. I find Partridge to be a challenge and I wanted to see if this would follow suit or endear me to him/them. 

From jump, this is different. It reminds me of Foxboro Hot Tubs or The Network, side bands for Billie Joe Armstrong that delve into different genres than Green Day fans would/might not tolerate. 

The late 60s, Strawberry Alarm Clock/Pink Floyd/Latter day Beatles sound (“My Love Explodes”) is actually spot on and, day I say, terrific? Like the Morlocks of last month, this is slavishly devoted to the era its trafficking in and it does so, so lovingly that it’s impossible to not like. The songs are strong, the approach equally so. And for the first time in a long while, the weakest track is the Moulding one. Huh.

https://open.spotify.com/album/46ZRujqytRXcbgloCKA9Q7?si=O0KQqbaUTwClhxl1eVSHew

The 1985 Listening Post - Hearts on Fire - Dreams of Leaving

Hearts on Fire - Dreams of Leaving

#110

1985 Housekeeping 

Hearts on Fire

Dreams of Leaving

4.5 out of 5

Highlights:

Flamingo Affair

Hidden Heart

Zero Ours

There is no record of this band. No Wikipedia entry. Nothing on Allmusic. Just the Discogs entry to prove this solidly 80s pop paisley thing exists. 

Do you like 10,000 Maniacs? Well, Hearts on Fire was there first. The lead singer, Syn D’Cody isn’t as powerful as Natalie Merchant but she comes close, as do the U2 meets REM songs. (“Shall We Be Dancing” is a great example of this).

I loved this and wonder how and why they never got their push out into the mainstream. The label was probably garbage. 

Too bad. 

This was excellent. And ahead of the curve. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dreams-of-leaving/215365005

The 1985 Listening Post - Halloween - Don't Metal with Evil

Halloween - Don't Metal with Evil

#109

1985 Housekeeping

Halloween

Don’t Metal with Evil

Genre: Heavy Metal

3.75 out of 5

Highlights:

Busted

Don’t Metal with Evil

What a Nice Place

Where most Satan Metal or thrash either takes their cues from early Sabbath or Metallica/Slayer Halloween seems to be taking theirs from Ozzy. They are searching for, and often finding, melodies. And I’ve enjoyed the whole journey. 

There’s a bunch of controlled chaos happening here and I fell for it. 

The 1985 Listening Post - The Delmonas - Dangerous Charms

The Delmonas - Dangerous Charms

#108

1985 Housekeeping

The Delmonas

Dangerous Charms

Genre: 60s Revival

4 out of 5

Highlights:

Wow Now

Who is Billy Childish?

No, really. Who is he?

This is a progenitor of The Pipettes. It seems like Childish put together a faux-sixties girl group, wrote a couple tracks and then produced a bunch of covers. 

You know what?

It’s totally listenable. 

Are you having a party?

Will you be putting on some, say, B52s? Add this one to that set. Seriously. The first two B52s records, this one and the first Pipettes record and you have about 3 hours of excellent retro party stuff.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dangerous-charms/590086319

The 1985 Listening Post - Trouble - The Skull

Trouble - The Skull

#107

March 1985

Trouble

The Skull

Genre: Doom Metal

3.25 out of 5

Highlights: 

Wickedness of Man

Psalm 9 fades out at the end and….

The Skull fades in. I like that. I like that they are saying, “Here’s a continuation of what we do.” What they do is Doom Metal. And, I’ve gone on record as saying it’s not really my thing. But as that thing goes this is, I think, perfect for the introspective and awkwardly murderous teen. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-skull/1218647784

The 1985 Listening Post - Graham Parker and the Shot

Graham Parker and the Shot

#106

March 1985

Graham Parker and the Shot

Steady Nerves

Genre: Pop Rock

4.25 out of 5

Highlights:

Break Them Down

Lunatic Fringe

Wake Up (Next To You)

It’s really incredible how Elvis Costello got all the accolades and Graham Parker (Who I am still not convinced isn’t actually Elvis irl) languishes in the margins of rock history. I mean…seriously, they sound exactly the same and write songs that sound just like each other. Listen to “Canned Laughter” and tell me which Costello it sounds like (Answer: A lot of them…or do they sound like Parker???)

I admit bias. It took this project’s inception for me to give Parker a try. Squeezing Out Sparks, The Up Escalator, Another Grey Area…all superb. In fact, pound for pound, they give Costello a run for his money. It was on 83’s The Real Macaw that he was felled, like Costello would be in 84.

But, this comeback is better than I expected. A solid record for Mr. Parker. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/steady-nerves/95958333

The 1985 Listening Post - Rick Wakeman - Silent Nights

Rick Wakeman - Silent Nights

#105

1985 Housekeeping

Rick Wakeman

Silent Nights

Genre: Prog Rock

3.25 out of 5

Highlights:

The Opening Line

The Ghost of a Rock ’n’ Roll Star

Elgin Mansions

Not to be left out of the Planet P fun, Rick Wakeman steps up the weird quotient, enlists Gordon Neville to be the anti-Jon Anderson, a saxman named……yes, Bimbo Acock and some other guys and comes up with the proggiest of porgy jams of 1985. 

Rick is not a good lyricist, or constructor of songs. He’s a terrific musician and probably would have some serious organ-offs with Jon Lord of Deep Purple. 

So, this is sort of poppier Yes. I think. It’s more focused. That doesn’t mean it’s better, not by a long shot but, after 90125, it sounds more like Yes than Yes does. 

Even when it seems like it might be ponderous, Rick pivots back to the 40s and gives us a nice boogie for our patience (“The Opera”). 

I kind of wish Wakeman went full Hollywood after Crimes of Passion instead of trying to still be a Rockomposer. He’s better when he’s part of a whole. (How often have we said that??)

The best track here is the autobiographical “The Ghost of a Rock ’n’ Roll Star”. At least Rick is in on the joke. 

And “Elgin Mansions” is lovely.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/silent-nights/185201844

The 1985 Listening Post - Dirty Looks - Dirty Looks

Dirty Looks - Dirty Looks

#104

1985 Housekeeping

Dirty Looks

Dirty Looks

Genre: Hair Metal

2.75 out of 5

Highlights:

Take Your Time

Was this recorded in a banquet hall? The acoustics are awful. Like a lot of these bands, they seem to be influenced by Kiss more than anything else. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Except mid-80s Kiss wasn’t very good and everyone was moving on from that sound. 

And we really only need one Kiss, right? 

This one is an independent release so I forgive them a lot. 

But, boy does “Wild Child” sound like Spinal Tap. In fact, a lot of this does. 

So, there we go. Dirty Looks is the intersection point on the Venn Diagram that is Kiss/Spinal Tap.

Also, the band has had, like, 50 members over the years. Here’s a list:

• Henrik Ostergaard – Vocals and guitars (deceased)^[5](1984–1996; 2006–2011)
• Paul Anthony Stage – bass guitar (1984)
• Paul Anthony "Buck" Dulle – drums (1984–1985)^[6]
• Scot T. Garcia – guitar – (1984)
• Jimmy Chartley – bass guitar (1984–1985)
• Boyd Baker – (1985–1986)
• Steve McConnell – drums (1985–1986; 1993–1996; 2007)
• John Pelinski – bass guitar (1985–1986)
• Jack Pyers – bass guitar (1986–1990; 1991; 2007–200
• A.D. Adams – drums (1986–1987)
• Chris Bensch – guitar (1987)
• Gene Barnett – drums (1987–1990; 1993)
• Paul Lidel – guitar (1987–1994; 2007)
• Chris Caffery – guitar (1988–1989)
• Dave Naro – bass guitar (1990–1991)
• Cary Devore – drums (1990–1991)
• Brian Perry – bass guitar (1991–1993)
• Ed Collins – drums (1991; 2008)
• J.Michael Davis – drums (1991)
• James Harris – drums (1991–1993)
• Robin Crosby – guitar (deceased) (1993)
• Paul Monroe – drums (1993)
• Keith Barrows – bass guitar (1994–1995)
• Alex Kane – guitar (1994)
• Charlie George – drums (1994–1995)
• John Allen – drums (1994)
• Nicky Kay – guitar (1994)
• Idzi – bass guitar (1994)
• Mike Ondrusek – guitar (1994–1995)
• Mike Smith – guitar (1994–1996)
• Todd Yetter – drums (1994)
• Jassen Wilber – bass guitar (1994–1996)
• Ron Sutton – drums (1994–1996; 2007; 2008)
• Garbiel Scott (Robison) – lead vocals (1996)
• Mike Ohm – guitar (2007)
• Trevor Huster – guitar (2007)
• Doug Welser – drums (2007)
• Jeremy Hummel – drums (2007)
• Eric Brewer – guitar (2008)
• Christopher Shaner – guitar (2008–2009)
• Doug Phillips – bass guitar (2008)
• Scott Parmenter – guitar (2009–2011)
• Greg Pianka – bass guitar (deceased)^[7] (2009–2010)
• Jeff Smith – drums (2009)
• Bill Dailey – drums (2009–2011)