Number Three
Does anyone else remember the PMRC and those hearings in 1985? If you said yes then you are showing your age, but one thing that came from those hearings was an explicit lyrics warning sticker. The first album I ever saw one of these on is the album that I have ranked as number three in top ten hard rock/metal albums of 1985. That album is.....
WASP- The Last Command
Probably the only band to make my list that would have been considered as being at least sort of a big name in 1985. I loved their debut and in 1985 I wasn't as big on this album, but it has grown on me a lot. WASP proved and continue to prove that you can have a melody in your song and still pack a punch at the same time. With the Last Command, WASP managed to bring the punch they had on their debut plus you could tell Blackie Lawless was progressing as a songwriter. This band has gone through a lot of line-up changes and although they have never been the most talented players, they always make the best of what they do have. The Last Command is a prime example of WASP playing very tight and it works because almost everything about the album is strong, but not overpowering. I think WASP often suffered from having their music be overshadowed by their image. Their image got them some initial attention, but it may also have kept them from the recognition they deserved for their music.
Now it boils down to the final two and there were really just two albums that were competing for the number one spot. Actually the album that I now have as number two was probably my favorite album of 1985 from say the late 1980's up until just a few years ago. It's a great album, but the album I have as number one is just a little better. The hint for number two is that the vocalist who sang on the album is sadly no longer with us. Number Two will be revealed on Friday.
WASP- The Last Command
Probably the only band to make my list that would have been considered as being at least sort of a big name in 1985. I loved their debut and in 1985 I wasn't as big on this album, but it has grown on me a lot. WASP proved and continue to prove that you can have a melody in your song and still pack a punch at the same time. With the Last Command, WASP managed to bring the punch they had on their debut plus you could tell Blackie Lawless was progressing as a songwriter. This band has gone through a lot of line-up changes and although they have never been the most talented players, they always make the best of what they do have. The Last Command is a prime example of WASP playing very tight and it works because almost everything about the album is strong, but not overpowering. I think WASP often suffered from having their music be overshadowed by their image. Their image got them some initial attention, but it may also have kept them from the recognition they deserved for their music.
Now it boils down to the final two and there were really just two albums that were competing for the number one spot. Actually the album that I now have as number two was probably my favorite album of 1985 from say the late 1980's up until just a few years ago. It's a great album, but the album I have as number one is just a little better. The hint for number two is that the vocalist who sang on the album is sadly no longer with us. Number Two will be revealed on Friday.
posted by Metal Mark at
10:00 AM
5 Comments:
Well - my guess was wrong. Anyway - Last Command is a cool album for sure. Right now it is borderline on my top 10. Wildchild is certainly one of the top songs of the year.
I remember the PMRC hearings being in Summer of 85 and the Last Command came out in November (I think). So it was very soon after hearing that their album came out with the sticker on it. WASP's Animal also made the PMRC's Filthy Fifteen list.
1 Motley Crue Bastard (V)
2 Prince Darling Nikki (X)
3 Sheena Easton Sugar Walls (X)
4 W.A.S.P. Animal (F*** Like A Beast) (X)
5 Mercyful Fate Into The Coven (O)
6 Vanity Strap On Robby Baby (X)
7 Def Leppard High n' Dry (DA)
8 Twisted Sister We're Not Gonna Take It (V)
9 Madonna Dress You Up (X)
10 AC/DC Let Me Put My Love Into You (X)
11 Judas Priest Eat Me Alive (X)
12 Black Sabbath Trashed (DA)
13 Mary Jane Girls In My House (X)
14 Venom Possessed (O)
15 Cyndi Lauper She Bop (X)
For those interested. Some great tracks here, especially the Mercyful Fate.
I remember the whole PMRC thing (in the 90s, however.) Tipper Gore headed the thing, I think.
I remember there being a bunch of Urban Legends about them. I read that they wanted to ban liquor and they were completely funded by Coors Light. Couldn't pinpoint how the two stories went together.
Dee Snider seemed think that his testifying at these hearings led to the fall of Twisted Sister. However, I am of the opinion that releasing a lame cover of Leader of the pack as their first single off of Come out and play was their downfall. There are indeed some good songs on the filthy fifteen list. I am also sure that the list only succeeded in causing some teens to go and find copies of these songs so they could listen to them and see what all the fuss was about.
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