1. Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Trust Trouser Press wrote: “A confident show from Mr. Reliable before plunging into Nashville terra incognita.” Trust was the first of two albums Elvis Costello released in 1981, and, as the review implies, the … Continue reading College Countdown, The Trouser Press Top 10 of 1981, 1
2. U2, Boy Trouser Press wrote: “Raw, quivering messages from the heart. Defiant expressionism at a time we could use it.” Well, credit Trouser Press with the prescience of astute early adopters in this instance. It’s not that U2’s debut … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top 10 of 1981, 2
3. The Clash, Sandinista! Trouser Press wrote: “Overblown, overambitious and only this bunch could pull it off. Still the only band that matters?” How in the hell does a band follow-up a double-album that immediately got tagged with wholly justifiable … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top 10 Albums of 1981, 3 (tie)
3. The Go-Go’s, Beauty and the Beat Trouser Press wrote: “Refreshing dose of pop insouciance. Also the new wave chart invaders of the year.” The previous subject of the College Countdown feature, 90FM’s Top 90 Albums of 1989, was presented on air on New Year’s Eve, with the process of getting to the top of the list intended to occupy the entire programming day. The way the countdown was structured, however, required a little something more to help fill out the time. Luckily, CMJ, the trade publication that served college radio, was celebrating its tenth anniversary and had sent … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top 10 Albums of 1981, 3 (tie)
5. Squeeze, East Side Story Trouser Press wrote: “Craftsmanship needn’t be dull. Someday their songs will get the recognition they deserve; don’t wait.” Well, Trouser Press was sure correct about that “someday” part of the review. Though the album was … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top Ten Albums of 1981, 5
6. Holly and the Italians, The Right to Be Italian Trouser Press wrote: “More polished than the Go-Go’s, but just as breezy and tuneful. (Subscribers: Play flexi-disc for details.)” The album The Right to Be Italian opens with lead singer … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press, Top Ten Albums of 1981, 6
7. The Pretenders, II Trouser Press wrote: “Derivative? Sure! But Chrissie Hynde can still charm your pants off (sic) when she wants.” Let me start by noting that I don’t get that review. It’s not that I substantively disagree with … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top 10 Albums of 1981, 7
8. The dB’s, Stands for Decibels Trouser Press wrote: “Thanks to an amazing timewarp, this band is with us right now–and almost singlehandedly saving power pop’s reputation.” Some records announce that they’re special from the very first notes. Stands for … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top 10 Albums of 1981, 8 (tie)
8. The Undertones, Positive Touch Trouser Press wrote: “Derry’s finest grow up without growing old. Refined yet rocking, and true to its title.” Naturally, Trouser Press isn’t going to provide a nice, clean exercise in backwards counting. Idiosyncrasy must run … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top 10 Albums of 1981, 8 (tie)
10. The Dictators, Fuck ‘Em if They Can’t Take a Joke Trouser Press wrote: “Our first cassette-only selection. Rock will never die as long as bands like this are around to give it a swift kick in the pants.” Thirty … Continue reading College Countdown: The Trouser Press Top 10 Albums of 1981, 10
Coffee for Two 