Friday 80s Flashback for February 26, 2016

[The World Won't Listen - Redux*] -- This week in 1987 (2/23/1987), The Smiths' record company, Rough Trade Records, released the compilation album The World Won't Listen. It is a collection of singles and their B-sides -- as well as a few unreleased gems -- spanning the years 1985 to 1987. The record's title could be a reference to Morrisey and the band's frustration that they weren't getting enough radio play or record sales. In true Smiths fashion, this record had to take a backseat when, just three months later, Rough Trade released the expanded and US-intended collection titled Louder Than Bombs. Still, this is a good compilation with such standouts as "Bigmouth Strikes Again," "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," and "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side."

Listen to the full album after the break.    

Friday 80s Flashback for February 12, 2016

[February 1988] -- Even with my new day job, which I started in December, I started 2016 strong with three straight weeks of 80s music blogging.

And then I lapsed for two weeks.

But I'm here this week with a brand new post. And although the Billboard Hot 100 provided no inspiration (I mean, come on, Tiffany at #1?), there were several strong albums released in February 1988. So, I felt I could highlight three. In no particular order, we have ... Robert Plant, that guy who used to front a little band called Led Zeppelin, releasing his fourth solo studio album, Now and Zen. It was a top 10 record in both the US and the UK, and it included two tracks featuring Jimmy Page on guitar. Australian rock band The Church released their fifth (and most commercially successful) studio album, Starfish. And The Primitives released their debut album, Lovely. OK, that last one was actually released in March of 1988, but its first single did hit the charts in February of 1988.