Rock (1980s)

ABC [1982– ]

The Lexicon of Love [1982, Mercury], B+
Beauty Stab [1983, Mercury], B+(*)
The Best of ABC (20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection) [1982–87, Mercury], B–

Afghan Whigs [1988– ]

Gentlemen [1993, Elektra], B+
Do to the Beast [2014, Sub Pop], B+(**)

Age of Chance [1987–1990]

Crush Collision [1987, Virgin], B+

GG Allin (1956–93)

The Troubled Troubadour + Bonus Tracks [1982–90, Mountain], C

Dave Alvin (1955– )

Romeo's Escape [1987, Epic], B+
Blue Blvd. [1991, Hightone], B+(***)
Museum of Heart [1993, Hightone], B
King of California [1994, Hightone], A
Interstate City [1996, Hightone], B+
Blackjack David [1998, Hightone], A–
Live From Austin TX [1999, New West], B+(**)
Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land [2000, Hightone], B–
Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women [2008, Yep Roc], B+(**)
Eleven Eleven [2011, Yep Roc], A–
w/Phil Alvin: Common Ground: Dave and Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy [2014, Yep Roc], A–
w/Phil Alvin: Lost Time [2015, Yep Roc], B+(*)
w/Jimmie Dale Gilmore: Downey to Lubbock [2018, Yep Roc], A–
The Third Mind: The Third Mind [2020, Yep Roc], A–
From an Old Guitar: Rare and Unreleased Recordings [(2020), New West], B+(***)
The Third Mind: The Third Mind / 2 [2023, Yep Roc], B+(***)
w/Jimmie Dale Gilmore: TexiCali [2024, Yep Roc], A–

Phil Alvin (1953– )

Unsung Stories [1986, Slash], B+
County Fair 2000 [1994, Hightone], A–

Laurie Anderson (1947– )

Big Science [1982, Nonesuch], A–
Mister Heartbreak [1984, Warner Brothers], A–
The United States Live [1984, Warner Brothers, 5 LP], A
Home of the Brave [1986, Warner Brothers], A
Strange Angels [1989, Warner Brothers], A+
Bright Red / Tightrope [1994, Warner Brothers], B
The Ugly One With the Jewels [1995, Warner Brothers], B
Talk Normal: The Laurie Anderson Anthology [1982–95, Rhino, 2 CD], A–
Homeland [2010, Nonesuch], B+(***)
Heart of a Dog [2015, Nonesuch], A–
w/Kronos Quartet: Landfall [2018, Nonesuch], A–
w/Tenzin Choegyal, Jesse Paris Smith: Songs From the Bardo [2019, Smithsonian Folkways], B+(***)
Amelia [2024, Nonesuch], A–

Thomas Anderson

Alright It Was Frank — And He's Risen from the Dead and Gone Off with his Truck [1988, Out There], A–
Blues for the Flying Dutchman [1993, Dutch East], B+
Bolide [1998, Red River], A–
The Moon in Transit (Four-Track Demos, 1996–2009) [1996–2009, Out There], A–
On Becoming Human: Four-Track Love Songs [2013, Out There], A–
Heaven [2016, Out There], B+(***)
My Songs Are the House I Live In [2017, Out There], A–
Analog Summer (Four-Tracks and Then Some) [2020, Out There], B+(**)
Ladies and Germs [2021, Out There], A–
The Debris Field: Lo-Fi Flotsam and Raged Recriminations, 2000–2021 [2020–2021, Out There], A–
Hello, I'm From the Future [2024, Out There], A–

Angry Samoans [1980–1988]

Back from Samoa [1982, Triple X], A–
Gimme Samoa: 31 Garbage-Pit Hits [1980–86, PVC], A–
STP Not LSD [1988, PVC], B

Antietam [1985– ]

Victory Park [2004, Carrot Top], B

Steve Arrington (1956– )

Dancin' in the Key of Life [1985, Atlantic], B+(***)
Down to the Lowest Terms: The Soul Sessions [2019–2020, Stones Throw], B+(*)

Art of Noise [1984– ]

In Visible Silence [1986, China/Polydor], B+(***)

Artists United Against Apartheid [1985– ]

Sun City [1985, Manhattan], A–

Sweet Pea Atkinson (1945–2020)

Don't Walk Away [1982, Island], B+

Au Pairs [1981–1983]

Sense and Sensuality [1982, Kamera], B

Aztec Camera [1983– ]

High Land, Hard Rain [1983, Sire], A
Knife [1984, Sire], B+
Love [1987, Sire], A–
Stray [1990, Sire], B

Babyface (1959– )

The Day [1996, Epic], B+
The Essential Babyface [1989–97, Epic], B+
A Collection of His Greatest Hits [1989–2000, Epic], B+
Face 2 Face [2001, Arista], B+
Return of the Tender Lover [2015, Def Jam], B+(***)

Bad Brains [1982– ]

Bad Brains [1982, ROIR], B+(**)
Rock for Light [1983, PVC], B
I Against I [1986, SST], B–
Banned in D.C.: Bad Brains Greatest Riffs [1979–89, Caroline], B+

Bad Religion [1982– ]

Into the Unknown [1983, Epitaph], B–
All Ages [1982–94, Epitaph], B
True North [2013, Epitaph], B+(*)

Philip Bailey (1951– )

Chinese Wall [1984, Columbia], A–
Love Will Find a Way [2019, Verve], B+(*)

Anita Baker (1958– )

My Everything [2004, Blue Note], B–
Christmas Fantasy [2005, Blue Note], B–

Bananarama [1983– ]

The Greatest Hits Collection [(1988), London], B

The Bangles [1982–1988]

All Over the Place [1984, Columbia], B+
Greatest Hits [1984–88, Columbia], B+
We Are the '80s [1984–88, Columbia/Legacy], B

Lester Bangs (1949–82)

Jook Savages on the Brazos [1981, Live Wire], A–
"Birdland" with Lester Bangs [1986, Bacchus], B

The Bats [1984– ]

Compiletely Bats [1984–86, Communion], B+(**)

The Beakers [1980–1981]

Four Steps Toward a Cultural Revolution [1980–81, K], B

The Beautiful South [1989– ]

Welcome to the Beautiful South [1989, Go! Discs], A+
Choke [1990, Go! Discs], B+
0898 Beautiful South [1992, Go! Discs], A
Miaow [1994, Go! Discs], A–
Carry On Up the Charts: The Best of the Beautiful South [1989–94, Polygram], A–
Blue Is the Colour [1996, Ark], A
Quench [1998, Polygram], A–
BBC Sessions [1989–98, UMVD, 2 CD], B+(**)
Painting It Red [2000, Ark 21], A–
Golddiggas: Head Nodders and Pholk Songs [2004, Sony Music UK], A–
Superbi [2006, Sony BMG], A–

Regina Belle (1964– )

Love Songs [1989–95, Columbia/Legacy], B–

Sandra Bernhard

Without You I'm Nothing [1989, Capitol], B+

Jello Biafra (1958– )

White People and the Damage Done [2013, Alternative Tentacles], B+(*)

Big Audio Dynamite [1985– ]

This Is Big Audio Dynamite [1985, Columbia], A–
No. 10, Upping St. [1986, Columbia], B
Tighten Up Vol. '88 [1988, Columbia], B

Big Black [1983–1992]

Racer-X [1984, Homestead], B+
Songs About Fucking [1987, Touch & Go], A–

Big Stick [1988– ]

Drag Racing Underground [1991, Albertine], B+
Some of the Best of Big Stick [1985–91, Drag Racing Underground, EP], B+(**)

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic [1984– ]

Magnetic Flip [1984, Ace of Hearts], B+
Sonic Geology [(1988), Rykodisc], B+

Black Flag [1981–1986]

Damaged [1981, SST], B+(**)
Who's Got the 10–1/2? [1986, SST], B+
Wasted . . . Again [1978–86, SST], A–

Blake Babies [1987–1991]

Sunburn [1990, Mammoth], A–
Innocence and Experience [1986–91, Mammoth], B+(***)

The Blasters [1980–1985]

American Music [1980, Hightone], B+
The Blasters [1981, Slash], B+
Non Fiction [1983, Slash], A
Hard Line [1985, Slash], A
The Blasters Collection [1980–85, Slash], A
Live: Going Home [2003, Shout Factory], B+

Michael Bolton (1954– )

The Essential Michael Bolton [1987–99, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD], B–
Bolton Swings Sinatra [2006, Concord], C+

Boredoms [1988– ]

Super AE [1998, Birdman], B+(**)

Bow Wow Wow [1981–1983]

We Are the '80s [1980–82, RCA/Legacy], B

Boy George

A Night In With Boy George: A Chillout Mix [2002, Moonshine], B

Billy Bragg (1957– )

Back to Basics [1983–85, Go! Discs], B–
w/Wilco: Mermaid Avenue [1998, Elektra], A
w/Wilco: Mermaid Avenue, Vol. 2 [2000, Elektra/Asylum], B+
w/Wilco: Mermaid Avenue, Vol. III [1998–2000, Nonesuch], B+(**)
w/Wilco: Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions [1998–2000, Nonesuch, 3CD], A–

The Brains [1980–1982]

The Brains [1980, Mercury], A–

Bobby Brown (1969– )

Don't Be Cruel [1988, MCA], A–
Dance! ... Ya Know It! [1989, MCA], B

Julie Brown

Goddess in Progress [1984, Rhino], A–
Trapped in the Body of a White Girl [1987, Sire], B

T Bone Burnett (1948– )

Truth Decay [1980, Takoma], B+
Trap Door [1982, Warner Brothers, EP], B+(**)
Proof Through the Night [1983, Warner Brothers], B+
T Bone Burnett [1986, Dot], B+(**)
The Criminal Under My Own Hat [1992, Columbia], A–
Twenty Twenty: The Essential T Bone Burnett [1976–2003, Columbia/DMZ/Legacy, 2 CD], B+(**)
The True False Identity [2006, DMZ/Columbia], A–
Tooth of Crime [2008, Nonesuch], B+(**)

Bush Tetras

Boom in the Night: Original Studio Recordings 1980–1983 [1980–83, ROIR], B+(***)
Rhythm and Paranoia: The Best of Bush Tetras [1980–2019, Wharf Cat, 2CD], B+(**)

Butthole Surfers [1983– ]

Butthole Surfers [1983, Alternative Tentacles, EP], B+(**)
Live PCPPEP [1984, Alternative Tentacles], B+
Psychic ... Powerless ... Another Man's Sac [1985, Touch & Go], B
Rembrandt Pussyhorse [1986, Touch & Go], B–
Independent Worm Salon [1993, Capitol], B+
Electriclarryland [1996, Capitol], B+(*)

David Byrne (1952– )

Songs from the Broadway Production of "The Catherine Wheel" [1981, Warner Brothers], A–
Music for "The Knee Plays" [1985, ECM], B+
The Knee Plays [1985, Nonesuch], A–
Rei Momo [1989, Luaka Bop], B–
Uh-Oh [1992, Luaka Bop], B–
David Byrne [1994, Luaka Bop], A–
Live From Austin TX [2001, New West], B+(***)
w/Brian Eno: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today [2006–2008, Todomundo], B–
w/Fatboy Slim: Here Lies Love [2010, Nonesuch, 2 CD], B+(*)
w/St. Vincent: Love This Giant [2012, 4AD], B+(*)
American Utopia [2018, Nonesuch], B

Camper Van Beethoven [1985–1990]

Telphone Free Landslide Victory [1985, IRS], B+
II and III [1986, IRS], B+
Camper Van Beethoven [1986, IRS], A
Vampire Can Mating Oven [1987, Pitch a Tent], B+
The Third Album Plus Vampire Can Mating Oven [1986–87, Pitch a Tent], A–
Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart [1988, Virgin], B+
Key Lime Pie [1989, Virgin], B
La Costa Perdida [2013, 429 Records], B
El Camino Real [2014, 429 Records], B+(**)

Peter Case (1954– )

Sings Like Hell [1993, Vanguard], A–
Doctor Moan [2024, Sunset Blvd.], B

Nick Cave (1957– )

Push the Sky Away [2013, Bad Seeds], B
Skeleton Tree [2016, Bad Seeds], B–
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Ghosteen [2019, Bad Seeds], B
w/Warren Ellis: Carnage [2021, AWAL], B

Exene Cervenka (1956– )

Old Wives' Tales [1989, Rhino], B

Change [1980– ]

The Glow of Love [1980, RFC/Warner Brothers], B+(**)

Tracy Chapman (1964– )

Tracy Chapman [1988, Elektra], A–
Crossroads [1989, Elektra], B

Toni Childs (1958– )

Union [1988, A&M], B+

The Chills [1987– ]

Kaleidoscope World [1982–84, Homestead], B+(*)
Brave Worlds [1988, Homestead], B+
Submarine Bells [1990, Slash], A
Soft Bomb [1992, Slash], A
Somewhere Beautiful [2011–2012, Fire], B+(**)
Silver Bullets [2015, Fire], A–
Snow Bound [2018, Fire], B+(**)
Scatterbrain [2021, Fire], B+(***)

Chumbawamba [1986– ]

Wysiwyg [2000, EMI], B+

The Church [1981– ]

Starfish [1988, Arista], B+

The Clean [1981– ]

Compilation [1981–82, Homestead], B+
Vehicle [1990, Rough Trade], B+
Anthology [1981–96, Merge, 2 CD], B+

Cleaners from Venus [1981–1990]

Blow Away Your Troubles [1981, Captured Tracks], B+(**)

George Clinton (1940– )

Computer Games [1982, Capitol], A
You Shouldn't-Nuf Bit Fish [1983, Capitol], A
Some of My Best Jokes Are Friends [1985, Capitol], B+
w/Parliament, Funkadelic: Mothership Connection (Live from the Summit, Houston, Texas) [1985, Capitol], A–
R&B Skeletons in the Closet [1986, Capitol], B
The Best of George Clinton [1982–86, Capitol], A–
Greatest Funkin' Hits [(1982), Capitol], A–
The Cinderella Theory [1989, Paisley Park], B+
Hey Man . . . Smell My Finger [1993, Paisley Park], B
Dope Dogs [1998, Dogone], A–

Edwyn Collins (1959– )

Losing Sleep [2011, Heavenly], B

Colorblind James Experience [1987– ]

Colorblind James Experience [1987, Fundamental], B+

Shawn Colvin (1956– )

A Few Small Repairs [1996, Columbia], A–
w/Steve Earle: Colvin and Earle [2016, Fantasy], B

Greg Copeland

Empire State [2024, Franklin & Highland, EP], B+(**)

Corrosion of Conformity [1983– ]

Corrosion of Conformity [2012, Candlelight], B

Cowboy Junkies [1986– ]

The Trinity Session [1988, RCA], B–

Marshall Crenshaw (1953– )

Marshall Crenshaw [1982, Warner Brothers], A–
Field Day [1983, Warner Brothers], A–
Downtown [1985, Warner Brothers], A
Mary Jean and Nine Others [1987, Warner Brothers], B
Good Evening [1989, Warner Brothers], A–
Life's Too Short [1991, MCA], A–
Live . . . My Truck Is My Home [1994, Razor & Tie], B
The 9 Volt Years: Battery Powered Home Demos and Curios [(1998), Razor & Tie], B+
#447 [1999, Razor & Tie], B
Jaggedland [2009, 429], B+(***)
The Wild, Exciting Sounds of Marshall Crenshaw: Live in the 20th and 21st Century [1983–2018, Sunset Blvd, 2CD], B+(*)

Cristina (1956–2020)

Cristina [1980, ZE], A–
Doll in the Box [1980, ZE], A–
Sleep It Off [1984, ZE], A–

Julee Cruise (1956–2022)

Floating Into the Night [1989, Warner Brothers], B

The Cucumbers [1983–2004]

The Cucumbers [1983, Fake Doom, EP], A–
Who Betrays Me . . . and Other Happier Songs [1985, Fake Doom], B+
The Fake Doom Years (1983–1986) [1983–86, Lifeforce], A–
The Cucumbers [1987, Profile], A
Where We Sleep Tonight [1994, Zero Hour], B
Total Vegitility [1999, Home Office], B+(**)
The Desk Drawer Tapes [1988–2005, Life Force], B+(**)
Old Shoes [2023, self-released, EP], A–

Culture Club [1982–1986]

Colour By Numbers [1983, Virgin], B

Dag Nasty [1986–1992]

Field Day [1988, Giant], B+

Danny and Dusty [1985– ]

The Lost Weekend [1985, A&M], B+

Terence Trent D'Arby (1962– )

Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby [1987, Columbia], A–
Neither Fish Nor Flesh [1989, Columbia], B+
Do You Love Me Like You Say: The Very Best of Terence Trent D'Arby (The Hits) [1987–95, Columbia/Legacy], A–

David and David

Boomtown [1986, A&M], B+

Danielle Dax

Dark Adapted Eye [1988, Sire], B

The dB's [1981– ]

Repercussion [1981, Albion], B+
Like This [1984, Bearsville], A–
The Sound of Music [1987, IRS], B
Falling Off the Sky [2012, Bar/None], B

Dead Can Dance [1984– ]

Momento [1985–96, Rhino/4AD], C–

The Dead Kennedys [1980–1991]

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables [1980, Cleopatra], B+

The Dead Milkmen [1985– ]

Big Lizard in My Backyard [1985, Enigma], A–
Bucky Fellini [1987, Enigma], B
Beelzebubba [1988, Enigma], B

DeBarge [1981–1985]

All This Love [1982, Motown], B+(***)
In a Special Way [1983, Motown], A–
Rhythm of the Night [1985, Motown], B+(*)
The Best of DeBarge (20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection) [1982–86, Motown], B+(*)
The Ultimate Collection [1982–87, Motown], B+(**)

El DeBarge (1961– )

El DeBarge [1986, Gordy], B+(*)
Gemini [1989, Motown], B
Heart, Mind and Soul [1994, Warner Brothers], B
Second Chance [2010, Geffen], B+(**)

Carmaig DeForest

I Shall Be Released [1987, Good Foot], B+

Defunkt [1980– ]

Heroes [1990, DIW], B

The Del-Lords [1984– ]

Frontier Days [1984, EMI America], B+
Johnny Comes Marching Home [1986, EMI America], B
Based on a True Story [1988, Enigma], B
Get Tough: The Best of the Del-Lords [1984–90, Restless], B+(***)
Elvis Club [2013, MRI], B+(*)

The Dentists

Some People Are on the Pitch They Think It's All Over It Is Now [1985, Trouble in Mind], B+(*)

Depeche Mode [1981– ]

Speak and Spell [1981, Sire], B
A Broken Frame [1982, Sire], B–
Construction Time Again [1983, Sire], B
Some Great Reward [1984, Sire], B+(*)
Catching Up With Depeche Mode [1980–85, Sire], B+(**)
Black Celebration [1986, Sire], B
Music for the Masses [1987, Sire], B+
Violator [1990, Sire/Reprise], B
Songs of Faith and Devotion [1993, Sire/Reprise], B–
Memento Mori [2023, Columbia/Mute], B–

Descendents [1981– ]

Milo Goes to College [1982, New Alliance], B+(***)
Bonus Fat [1980–81, New Alliance, EP], B+(**)
Two Things at Once [1980–82, SST], A–
Somery [1981–87, SST], B+(***)
Everything Sucks [1996, Epitaph], B

DFX2

Emotion [1983, MCA], A–

Dicks [1980– ]

Kill From the Heart / Hate the Police [1980–83, Alternative Tentacles], B+(***)
These People / Peace? [1980–86, Alternative Tentacles], B+(**)

Dinosaur Jr. [1987– ]

You're Living All Over Me [1987, SST], B+(**)
Bug [1988, SST], B
Farm [2009, Jagjaguwar], B–
Give a Glimpse of What Yet Not [2016, Jagjaguwar], B+(*)
Sweep It Into Space [2021, Jagjaguwar], B+(*)

Dirty Looks [1980–1981]

Dirty Looks [1980, Stiff], B+

Divinyls [1983– ]

Desperate [1983, Chrysalis], B+

Don Dixon (1950– )

Most of the Girls Like to Dance but Only Some of the Boys Like To [1981–85, Enigma], B+
Romeo at Julliard [1987, Enigma], B
Chi-Town Budget Show [1988, Restless], B+(*)

D.O.A. [1980– ]

War on 45 [1982, Alternative Tentacles, EP], A–

Thomas Dolby (1958– )

The Golden Age of Wireless [1983, Capitol], B–

Anna Domino (1955– )

East and West [1984, Les Disques du Crépuscle, EP], B+(***)
East and West + Singles [1984, Les Disques du Crépuscle], A–
Anna Domino [1986, Factory], B+(**)
This Time [1987, Les Disques du Crépuscle], B+(**)

The Donner Party [1987– ]

The Donner Party [1988, Pitch a Tent], B+

Will Downing (1963– )

Come Together as One [1989, Verve], B
A Dream Fulfilled [1991, Verve], B+(*)

Dramarama [1985– ]

Cinéma Verité [1985, Chameleon], A–
Box Office Bomb [1987, Chameleon], A–
Stuck in Wonderamaland [1989, Chameleon], B
Hi-Fi Sci-Fi [1993, Chameleon], B+
Color TV [2020, Pasadena], A–

The Dream Syndicate [1982–1989]

The Days of Wine and Roses [1982, Slash], B+
The Universe Inside [2020, Down There], B+(*)

Dumptruck [1983–1987]

D Is for Dumptruck [1983, Big Time], B

Duran Duran [1981– ]

Rio [1982, Capitol], B–
All You Need Is Now [2010, Tape Modern], B

Sheila E. (1959– )

In the Glamorous Life [1984, Warner Brothers], A–
Sheila E. [1987, Paisley Park], B+

Echo and the Bunnymen [1980– ]

Heaven Up Here [1981, Sire], B+

Bernard Edwards (1953–96)

Glad to Be Here [1983, Atlantic], A–

Einstürzende Neubauten [1980– ]

Strategies Against Architecture '80-'83 [1980–83, Mute], B–

Eleventh Dream Day [1988– ]

Lived to Tell [1991, Atlantic], B+

The Embarrassment [1979–1990]

Death Travels West [1983, Fresh Sounds], B+
Retrospective [1979–83, Fresh Sounds], A–
Heyday 1979–1983 [1979–83, Bar/None, 2 CD], A–
God Help Us [1990, Bar/None], B+

The English Beat [1980–1983]

I Just Can't Stop It [1980, IRS], A–
Wha'ppen? [1981, IRS], A–
Special Beat Service [1982, IRS], A
What Is Beat? [(1983), IRS], A–
w/Dave Wakeling: Here We Go Love [2018, Here We Go], B–

Erasure [1985– ]

Abba-esque [1992, Mute], B
The Neon [2020, Mute], B

Melissa Etheridge (1961– )

Skin [2001, Island], B

E.U. [1986–1996]

Livin' Large [1989, Virgin], B

Eurythmics [1981– ]

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) [1983, RCA/Legacy], B+(*)
Be Yourself Tonight [1985, RCA/Legacy], B
Greatest Hits [1982–90, Arista], B+(**)

Everything but the Girl [1984– ]

Walking Wounded [1996, Atlantic], B+(***)
Temperamental [1999, Atlantic], B
Fuse [2023, Virgin], B+(*)

The Ex [1980– ]

Disturbing Domestic Peace [1980, Ex], B+(**)
History Is What's Happening [1982, Ex], A–
Tumult [1983, Ex], B+(***)
Blueprints for a Blackout [1984, Ex], B+(*)
Pokkeherrie [1985, Ex], B+(***)
1936, the Spanish Revolution [1986, Ex, EP], B+(**)
Too Many Cowboys [1986, Ex], B+(***)
Hands Up! You're Free [1983–86, Ex], A–
Aural Guerrilla [1988, Fist Puppet], B+
Joggers and Smoggers [1989, Fistpuppet], B+(*)
Dead Fish [1989, Ex, EP], B+(*)
Singles, Period: The Vinyl Years 1980–1990 [1980–90, Ex], A–
w/Tom Cora: Scrabbling at the Lock [1991, Ex], B+(***)
w/Tom Cora: And the Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders [1993, Ex], B+(**)
Mudbird Shivers [1995, Ex], B+(***)
Instant [1995, Ex, 2 CD], A–
Starters Alternators [1998, Touch & Go], B+(**)
Ex Orkest: Een Rondje Holland [2000, Ex], B+(*)
Dizzy Spells [2000, Touch & Go], A–
Turn [2004, Touch & Go, 2CD], A–
30 [1980–2006, Ex, 2CD], B+(***)
Catch My Shoe [2010, Ex], B+(**)
w/Brass Unbound: Enormous Door [2013, Ex], A–
The Ex at Bimhuis (1991–2015) [1991–2015, Ex, 2CD], B+(***)
27 Passports [2018, Ex], A

Donald Fagen (1948– )

The Nightfly [1982, Warner Brothers], A
Kamakiriad [1993, Reprise], B–
Sunken Condos [2012, Reprise], B+(**)

Jad Fair (1954– )

w/Samuel Lock Ward: Happy Hearts [2023, Kill Rock Stars], B+(**)

Falco (1957–98)

Einzelhaft [1982, A&M], B

Tav Falco (1945– )

Tav Falco/Panther Burns: 10th Anniversary Live LP: Midnight in Memphis [1989, New Rose], B+(**)

The Fatima Mansions [1989– ]

Viva Dead Ponies [1991, Radioactive], B–

Feedtime [1985–1989]

Shovel [1986, Rough Trade], B

The Feelies [1980–1991]

Crazy Rhythms [1980, A&M], A–
The Good Earth [1986, Coyote], B+
Only Life [1988, A&M], B+
Time for a Witness [1991, A&M], A
Here Before [2011, Bar/None], B+(*)
In Between [2017, Bar/None], B+(**)
Some Kinda Love: Performing the Music of the Velvet Underground [2018, Bar/None], B+(**)

F/i

The Past Darkly / The Future Lightly: Rare & Unreleased 1983–1989 [1983–89, Lexicon Devil, 2CD], B+

The Fibonaccis [1981–1987]

Civilization and Its Discotheques [1987, Restless], B–

Fine Young Cannibals [1985–1990]

Fine Young Cannibals [1985, IRS], B+(**)
The Raw and the Cooked [1989, IRS], A

The Flaming Lips [1985– ]

The Soft Bulletin [1999, Warner Brothers], B
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots [2002, Warner Brothers], B+(***)
Embryonic [2009, Warner Brothers], B+(**)
The Terror [2013, Warner Brothers], B+(**)
With a Little Help From My Fwends [2014, Warner Brothers], B+(**)
American Head [2020, Warner], B+(*)

Flipper [1982– ]

Album: Generic Flipper [1982, Def American], A–
Gone Fishin' [1984, Subterranean], B
Sex Bomb Baby! [1988, Subterranean], B+

A Flock of Seagulls [1982– ]

A Flock of Seagulls [1981, Jive/Novus], B+(**)
The Best of a Flock of Seagulls [1982–85, Jive], A–
We Are the '80s [1981–86, Jive/Legacy], B+(***)

Dredd Foole

Dredd Foole and the Din: Songs in Heat 1982 [1982, Corbett vs. Dempsey], B+(*)

Fra Lippo Lippi [1984–1987]

Songs [1985–86, Rune Arkiv], B–

French Frith Kaiser Thompson

Live, Love, Larf and Loaf [1987, Rhino], B+

Mitchell Froom

A Thousand Days [2005, Kontextrecords], B

Fugazi [1988– ]

Repeater [1990, Dischord], B

Jimmy G. and the Tackheads

Federation of Tackheads [1985, Capitol], A–

Galaxie 500 [1987–1991]

Today [1988, Rough Trade], B
On Fire [1989, Rough Trade], B

Giant Sand [1985– ]

Ramp [1992, Restless], A–
Center of the Universe [1993, Restless], B–
Heartbreak Pass [2015, New West], B+(*)

Johnny Gill (1967– )

Johnny Gill [1990, Motown], B

Girls Against Boys [1989– ]

House of GVSB [1996, Touch & Go], A
Freak*on*ica [1998, DGC], B+

The Go-Go's [1981–1985]

Beauty and the Beat [1981, IRS], B
Talk Show [1984, IRS], B
Go-Go's Greatest [1990, IRS], B+

The Golden Palominos [1983– ]

The Golden Palominos [1983, Celluloid], B
Visions of Excess [1985, Celluloid], B
Blast of Silence (Axed My Baby for a Nickel) [1986, Celluloid], B–

Government Cheese [1985–1995]

Government Cheese: 1985–1995 [1985–95, Cedar Creek, 2CD], B+(***)

Great Plains [1984–1987]

Born in a Barn [1984, Homestead], B
Naked at the Buy, Sell and Trade [1985, Homestead], B+
Sum Things Up [1987, Homestead], A–
Length of Growth 1981–1989 [1981–89, Old 3C, 2CD], B+

Green on Red [1982–1993]

Gravity Talks [1983, Slash], B+
Gas Food Lodging [1985, Enigma], B
Here Come the Snakes [1989, Restless], B

Guided by Voices [1987– ]

Alien Lanes [1995, Matador], B
Live From Austin TX [2004, New West, 2 CD], B
Let's Go Eat the Factory [2012, GBV], B

Guns N' Roses [1986–1993]

Appetite for Destruction [1987, Geffen], B
The Spaghetti Incident [1993, Geffen], A–

Guy [1988– ]

Guy [1988, MCA], B+(*)
The Future [1990, MCA], B+(**)

Half Japanese [1980– ]

1/2 Gentlemen / Not Beasts [1980, Armageddon, 3 LP], B–
Sing No Evil [1984, Iridescence], B+
Music to Strip By [1987, 50 Skadillion Watts], B
Charmed Life [1988, 50 Skadillion Watts], B+
The Band That Would Be King [1989, 50 Skadillion Watts], B–
Greatest Hits [(1995), Safe House, 2 CD], A–
Overjoyed [2014, Joyful Noise], B+(***)

Jimmy Hall

Build Your Own Fire [2007, Zoho], B+(*)

Jody Harris

w/Robert Quine: Escape [1981, Lust/Unlust], B

Jerry Harrison (1949– )

Casual Gods [1988, Sire], B

Debbie Harry (1945– )

KooKoo [1981, Chrysalis], B
Rockbird [1986, Geffen], B
w/Blondie: Once More Into the Bleach [1988, Chrysalis], C
Def Dumb and Blonde [1989, Sire], B+
w/Blondie: The Complete Picture: The Very Best of Deborah Harry and Blondie [(1991), Chrysalis], A
Necessary Evil [2007, Eleven Seven], B

Grant Hart (1961–2017)

Intolerance [1989, SST], B

Bonnie Hayes

Bonnie Hayes and the Wild Combo: Good Clean Fun [1982, Slash], B+(***)
Good Clean Fun [1982–84, Blixa Sounds], B+(**)

Heaven 17 [1981– ]

The Luxury Gap [1983, Virgin], B

Nona Hendryx (1944– )

Nona [1983, RCA], B+
Mutatis Mutandis [2012, Righteous Babe], B+(*)
w/Gary Lucas: The World of Captain Beefheart [2017, Knitting Factory], A–

Don Henley (1947– )

Cass County [2015, Capitol], B+(*)

Joe Henry (1960– )

Civilians [2007, Anti-], B+(**)
Reverie [2011, Anti-], B+(*)
Invisible Hour [2014, Work Song], B+(*)

Boo Hewerdine (1961– )

God Bless the Pretty Things [2009, Navigator], B+(*)

Richard X. Heyman (1951– )

X [2013, Turn-Up], B+(**)

Robyn Hitchcock (1953– )

Robyn Hitchcock [2017, Yep Roc], B+(*)

Bruce Hornsby (1954– )

Intersections 1985–2005 [1989–2005, RCA/Legacy, 4 CD+DVD], B
Camp Meeting [2007, Legacy], B+(*)

Hose [1983– ]

Hose [1983, Def Jam, EP], B

The Housemartins [1986– ]

London 0 Hull 4 [1986, Elektra], A
The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death [1987, Elektra], A
Now That's What I Call Quite Good! [(1988), Go! Discs], A–

Hüsker Dü [1981–1987]

Land Speed Record [1981, SST], C+
Everything Falls Apart [1982, Reflex, EP], B+(**)
Metal Circus [1983, SST], A–
Zen Arcade [1984, SST], B+
New Day Rising [1985, SST], A–
Flip Your Wig [1985, SST], B+
Candy Apple Grey [1986, Warner Brothers], A–
Warehouse: Songs and Stories [1987, Warner Brothers], B
The Living End [(1994), Warner Brothers], C

Billy Idol (1955– )

Charmed Life [1990, Chrysalis], B

Imagination

Body Talk [1981, MCA], B+(**)
In the Heat of the Night [1982, MCA], B+(***)

Indeep

Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life! [1983, Sound of New York], B+

Incorporated Thang Band [1986–1988]

Lifestyles of the Roach and Famous [1987, Warner Brothers], B

Indigo Girls [1986– ]

Indigo Girls [1989, Epic], B–
Retrospective [1987–2000, Epic], C+

Chris Isaak (1956– )

Chris Isaak [1987, Warner Brothers], B
Best of Chris Isaak [1985–2006, Wicked Game/Reprise], B–
Beyond the Sun [2011, Vanguard], B

Isley Jasper Isley [1984–1987]

Caravan of Love: The Best of Isley Jasper Isley [1984–87, Epic/Legacy], B

David J (1957– )

Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh [1985, Plain], B
On Glass: The Singles [1983–85, Plain], B+(*)

Janet Jackson (1966– )

Control [1986, A&M], B+(*)
Rhythm Nation: 1814 [1989, A&M], A–
Janet [1993, Virgin], B+
Design of a Decade 1986–1996 [1986–95, A&M], B+
The Velvet Rope [1997, Virgin], A–
All for You [2001, Virgin], B–
20 Y.O. [2006, Virgin], C+
Unbreakable [2015, Rhythm Nation], B+(*)

Colin James (1964– )

Colin James [1988, Virgin], B
Colin James and the Little Big Band II [1998, Elektra], A–
Open Road [2021, Stony Plain], B+(*)
Chasing the Sun [2024, Stony Plain], B

Jane's Addiction [1987–1991]

Nothing's Shocking [1988, Warner Brothers], A–
Ritual de lo Habitual [1990, Warner Brothers], B

Jason and the Scorchers [1982– ]

Fervor [1983, EMI, EP], A–
Lost and Found [1985, EMI], B
The Essential Jason and the Scorchers [1984–85, Capitol], B+

The Jayhawks [1986– ]

Blue Earth [1989, Twin/Tone], B+
Hollywood Town Hall [1992, Def American], A–
Tomorrow the Green Grass [1995, Def American], B+(*)
Tomorrow the Green Grass [Legacy Edition] [1995, American/Legacy, 2CD], B
Back Roads and Abandoned Hotels [2018, Legacy], B

Jesus and Mary Chain [1985– ]

Psycho Candy [1985, Reprise], A–
Darklands [1987, Warner Brothers], B+
Barbed Wire Kisses [1988–88, Def American], B–
Automatic [1989, Warner Brothers], A
Stoned and Dethroned [1994, Warner Brothers], A
21 Singles [1984–98, Warner Brothers/Rhino], A–
Damage and Joy [2017, ADA/Warner], B+(**)
Glasgow Eyes [2024, Fuzz Club], B+(**)

Joan Jett (1960– )

Bad Reputation [1981, Blackheart], B+
I Love Rock 'n' Roll [1981, Blackheart], B+
Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth [1984, Blackheart], B+
Up Your Alley [1988, Epic], A–
The Hit List [1990, Epic], B
Flashback [1979–93, Blackheart], A–
Fit to Be Tied: Great Hits by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts [1980–95, Mercury], A–
Unvarnished [2013, Blackheart], B+(**)
Bad Reputation [Music From the Original Motion Picture] [1976–2016, Legacy], A–

Eric Johnson (1954– )

Live From Austin TX [1988, New West], B+(*)

Daniel Johnston (1961–2019)

The Early Recordings Volume 1 [1980–83, Dualtone, 2 CD], C

Marti Jones

Unsophisticated Time [1985, A&M], A–
Used Guitars [1988, A&M], B

Katrina and the Waves [1983– ]

Katrina and the Waves [1985, Capitol], A–
Waves [1986, Capitol], A–
Break of Hearts [1989, SBK], B

Kid Creole and the Coconuts [1980– ]

Off the Coast of Me [1980, Rainman], A–
Fresh Fruit in Foreign Places [1981, Sire/ZE], A+
Wise Guy [1982, Sire/ZE], A
Doppelganger [1983, Sire/ZE], A–
Going Places: The August Darnell Years 1976–1983 [1976–83, Strut], A–
Lost Paradize Edits [1980–83, ZE], B+(*)
In Praise of Older Women and Other Crimes [1985, Sire], A–
Live in Paris 1985 [1985, Rainman], B+(*)
I, Too, Have Seen the Woods [1987, Sire], B+
Private Waters in the Great Divide [1990, Columbia], B
Kid Creole Redux [1980–90, Sire], A
You Shoulda Told Me You Were . . . [1991, Columbia], A
To Travel Sideways [1993, Atoll], B
Nothin' Left but the Rest [1996], B+(**)
The Conquest of You [1997, SPV], A–
Too Cool to Conga! [2001, Rainman], B+
I Wake Up Screaming [2011, Strut, 2CD], B+(*)

King Missile [1987– ]

The Way to Salvation [1991, Atlantic], A–

The Kingbees [1980–1982]

The Kingbees [1980, Omnivore], B+(**)

KMFDM [1986–1999]

UAIOE [1989, Wax Trax], B+
Angst [1993, Wax Trax], A–

The Knitters [1985– ]

Poor Little Critter on the Road [1985, Slash], C+

Lenny Kravitz (1964– )

Black and White America [2011, Roadrunner], B+(*)

Cyndi Lauper (1953– )

She's So Unusual [1983, Portrait], A
True Colors [1986, Portrait], B
The Essential Cyndi Lauper [1983–96, Epic/Legacy], B+
At Last [2003, Epic/Daylight], C–

The Leaving Trains [1984– ]

Loser Illusion Pt. 0 [1991, SST], A–
Favorite Mood Swings (Greatest Hits 1986–1995) [1986–95, SST], B+(***)

Let's Active [1983–1988]

Cypress [1984, IRS], B–

Lewis

L'Amour [1983, Light in the Attic], B

Liliput [1980–1983]

LiLiPUT [1980–83, Off Course, 2 CD], A
w/Kleenex: Live Recordings, TV-Clips and Roadmovie [1978–83, Kill Rock Stars, 2 CD+DVD], B+(*)

David Lindley (1944–2023)

El Rayo-X [1981, Asylum], A
Win This Record [1982, Elektra], A–
Very Greasy [1988, Elektra], B+

Arto Lindsay (1953– )

Envy [1984, Editions EG], A–
Greed [1988, Virgin], A
Lust [1991, Elektra], B
O Corpo Sutil / The Subtle Body [1996, Bar/None], B+
Hyper Civilizado [1996, Rykodisc], B+
Mundo Civilizado [1997, Bar/None], A–
Noon Chill [1998, Bar/None], B+
Prize [1999, Righteous Babe], B+
Invoke [2002, Righteous Babe], B+
Salt [2004, Righteous Babe], A–
Encyclopedia of Arto [1996–2012, Northern Spy, 2CD], A–
Cuidado Madame [2017, Northern Spy], A–
w/Joe McPhee, Ken Vandermark, Phil Sudderberg: Largest Afternoon [2019, Corbett vs. Dempsey], B+(**)

Linx [1981–1983]

Intuition [1981, Chrysalis], B+(**)

Lio (1962– )

Les Pop Songs [1980–91, ZE], B+(*)
Les Ballades [1980–96, ZE], B

Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam [1985– ]

Straight Outta Hell's Kitchen [1991, Columbia], B–

Living Colour [1988–1995]

Time's Up [1990, Epic], B
Stain [1993, Epic], B–
Everything Is Possible: The Very Best of Living Colour [1988–2003, Epic/Legacy], B

Local Boys [1983– ]

Moments of Madness [1983, Island], A–

The Long Ryders [1983– ]

September November [2023, Cherry Red], B+(**)

Loop [1987– ]

Sonancy [2022, Cooking Vinyl], B+(***)

Love and Rockets [1985–1999]

Love and Rockets [(1989), Beggars Banquet], B

Love of Life Orchestra [1980– ]

Geneva [1980, Infidelity], B–

Loverboy [1980–1989]

Get Lucky [1981, Columbia/Legacy], B–
We Are the '80s [1980–86, Columbia/Legacy], B–

L7 [1985–2000]

L7 [1988, Epitaph], B+(***)
Smell the Magic [1990, Sub Pop], A–
Bricks Are Heavy [1992, Slash], A
Wireless [1992, Easy Action], B+(***)
Hungry for Stink [1994, Slash/Reprise], A
The Beauty Process: Triple Platinum [1997, Warner Brothers], B+
Pretend We're Dead: Best of L7 [1992–97, Warner Music Group], A
Live Omaha to Osaka [1998, Man's Ruin], B+
Fast and Frightening [1990–98, Easy Action, 2CD], B+(**)
Slap-Happy [1999, Bong Load], B+(**)
Scatter the Rats [2019, Blackheart], B+(***)

Gary Lucas (1952– )

Gary Lucas' Fleischerei: Music From Max Fleischer Cartoons [2015, Cuneiform], A–
The Essential Gary Lucas [1981–2020, Knitting Factory, 2CD], B+(*)

Lydia Lunch (1959– )

Queen of Siam [1980, ZE], B+

The Lyres [1981– ]

On Fyre [1984, Matador], B

Kirsty MacColl (1959–2000)

Galore [(1995), Capitol], B–
Tropical Brainstorm [2001, V2], B+

Madonna (1958– )

Madonna [1983, Sire], A–
Like a Virgin [1984, Warner Brothers], B+(**)
True Blue [1986, Sire], A–
You Can Dance [1987, Sire], A
Like a Prayer [1989, Sire], A–
The Immaculate Collection [1983–90, Sire], A+
I'm Breathless [1990, Sire], A
Erotica [1992, Maverick], A–
Bedtime Stories [1994, Maverick], B
Something to Remember [1984–95, Maverick], B
Ray of Light [1998, Maverick], B+
Music [2000, Maverick], A–
American Life [2003, Maverick/Warner Bros.], B+
I'm Going to Tell You a Secret [2004, Warner Brothers], A–
Confessions on a Dance Floor [2005, Warner Brothers], A–
The Confessions Tour [2007, Warner Brothers], A–
Hard Candy [2008, Warner Brothers], B+(**)
The Sticky and Sweet Tour [2008, Warner Brothers], B+(***)
Celebration [1982–2009, Warner Brothers, 2 CD], A–
MDNA [2011, Interscope], A–
Rebel Heart [2015, Interscope], B+(***)
Madame X [2019, Interscope], A–
Finally Enough Love [1982–2019, Warner], B+(***)
Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones [1982–2019, Warner, 2CD], b+(***)

Barbara Manning

One Perfect Green Blanket / Lately I Keep Scissors [1989–91, Heyday], B+

Martha and the Muffins [1980– ]

Metro Music [1980, DinDisc], A–
Trance and Dance [1980, DinDisc], B
Danseparc [1982, RCA], B
Far Away in Time [1980–82, Virgin], A–

Nick Mason (1945– )

Nick Mason's Fictitious Sports [1981, Sony], A–

Material [1981– ]

One Down [1982, Restless], B+
Seven Souls [1989, Virgin], B+
The Third Power [1991, Axiom], B

Sarah McLachlan (1968– )

Mirrorball: The Complete Concert [1999, Arista/Legacy, 2 CD], C+

Meat Puppets [1981– ]

Meat Puppets II [1984, SST], B+
Up on the Sun [1985, SST], B
Huevos [1987, SST], B+
Monsters [1989, SST], B+
No Strings Attached [(1990), SST], B+

Mecca Normal [1983– ]

The First LP [1986, K], C+

Metallica [1983– ]

St. Anger [2003, Elektra], C–

The Method Actors [1980–1981]

This Is Still It [1980–81, Acute], B+(*)

George Michael (1963– )

Faith [1987, Columbia], A–

Michel'le

Michel'le [1989, Ruthless], B

Ministry [1981– ]

The Land of Rape and Honey [1988, Sire], B+
In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up (Live) [1990, Sire], B+
Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs [1992, Sire], B+

Kylie Minogue (1968– )

Fever [2002, Capitol], B+(**)
Aphrodite [2010, Astralwerks], B+(***)
Disco [2020, BMG], B+(**)
Tension [2023, BMG], B+(**)

The Minutemen [1980–1986]

What Makes a Man Start Fires? [1982, SST], B+
Buzz or Howl Under the Influence of Heat [1983, SST, EP], A–
The Politics of Time [(1984), New Alliance], C+
Double Nickels on the Dime [1984, SST], A
Project: Mersh [1985, SST, EP], B+
Post-Mersh, Vol. 2: Buzz or Howl under the Influence of Heat / Project Mersh [1983–85, SST], B+(**)
3-Way Tie (For Last) [1985, SST], A–
Ballot Result [(1987), SST], A–

Miriodor [1984– ]

Parade + Live at Nearfest 2002 [1999–2005, Cuneiform, 2 CD], B–

Mission of Burma [1980–1983]

Signals, Calls and Marches [Definitive Edition] [1979–81, Matador, CD+DVD], B+(*)
The Horrible Truth About Burma [Definitive Edition] [1983, Matador], B–

Mofungo [1982–1989]

Frederick Douglass [1985, Coyote], B+
Messenger Dogs of the Gods [1986, Lost], A–
End of the World, Part 2 [1987, Lost], B+
Bugged [1988, SST], A–
Work [1989, SST], A–

Moondog

Demos [1989, Anthology], B–

John Moore (1964– )

The John Moore Rock and Roll Trio: Roll Your Activator Volume 1 [2010, Greaser], B+(**)

Junie Morrison

Bread Alone [1980, Columbia], B+
Evacuate Your Seats [1984, Island], B–

Morrissey (1959– )

Your Arsenal [1992, Sire], B+
You Are the Quarry [2004, Attack], B+

Bob Mould (1961– )

Silver Age [2012, Merge], B
Beauty and Ruin [2014, Merge], B+(**)
Patch the Sky [2016, Merge], B+(*)
Sunshine Rock [2019, Merge], B+(**)
Blue Hearts [2020, Merge], B+(*)

My Bloody Valentine [1985– ]

Isn't Anything [1988, Warner Brothers], B
Glider [1990, Sire, EP], B–
Tremolo [1991, Sire, EP], C+
Loveless [1991, Sire], B
MBV [2013, MBV], B–

Nastyfacts

Drive My Car + 2 [1981, Left for Dead, EP], A–

Negativland [1980– ]

Escape from Noise [1987, SST], B–
Helter Stupid [1989, SST], B

Ivan Neville (1959– )

Touch My Soul [2023, The Funk Garage], B+(**)

New Model Army [1984– ]

The Ghost of Cain [1986, Capitol], B+

New Order [1981– ]

Movement [1981, Factory], B
Power, Corruption and Lies [1983, Qwest], B+
Low Life [1985, Qwest], B+
Brotherhood [1986, Qwest], A
Substance 1987 [1982–87, Qwest, 2 CD], A
Technique [1989, Qwest], B+
Republic [1993, Qwest], B+(***)
The Best of New Order [1981–93, Qwest], A–
Get Ready [2001, Reprise], A–
Retro [1981–2002, London, 4 CD], A–
Waiting for the Sirens' Call [2003–2004, Warner Brothers], A–
Lost Sirens [2003–2004, Rhino], B+(**)
Singles [1981–2005, Rhino, 2 CD], A
Music Complete [2015, Mute], A–
NOMC15 [2015, Pledge Music, 2CD], B+(***)

Stevie Nicks (1948– )

In Your Dreams [2011, Reprise], B
24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault [2014, Reprise], B+(*)

Nightingales [1982– ]

Mind Over Matter [2015, Louder Than War], B+(*)

Willie Nile (1949– )

American Ride [2013, Loud & Proud], B

Nine Inch Nails (1989– )

Pretty Hate Machine [1989, TVT], A–
The Downward Spiral [1994, Interscope], B+
The Fragile [1999, Interscope, 2 CD], B+(*)
With Teeth [2005, Nothing], B+(**)
Year Zero [2007, Interscope], A–
Ghosts I-IV [2008, Halo Twenty Six, 2 CD], A–
The Slip [2008, The Null Corporation], B+(**)
Hesitation Marks [2013, Halo], B+(*)

Nirvana [1989–1994]

Bleach [1989, Sub Pop], B
Nevermind [1991, DGC], B+
Hormoaning [1990–91, DGC, EP], B+(**)
Incesticide [1988–91, DGC], A–
Live at Reading [1992, DGC], B
In Utero [1993, DGC], B+
From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah [1989–94, Geffen], B
MTV Unplugged in New York [1994, DGC], A–
Sliver: The Best of the Box [1985–94, DGC], B+(*)

Mojo Nixon (1957– )

w/Skid Roper: Bo-Day-Shus!! [1987, Enigma], B+
w/Skid Roper: Root Hog or Die [1989, Enigma], A–
Whereabouts Unknown [1995, Ripe & Ready], A–
Gadzooks!!! The Homemade Bootleg [1997, Needletime], B+(**)

NOFX [1988– ]

White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean [1992, Epitaph], B+
Punk in Drublic [1994, Epitaph], B–
War on Errorism [2003, Fat Wreck Chords], A–

The Nomads

Outburst [1984, What Goes On], B+

Sinéad O'Connor (1966–2023)

The Lion and the Cobra [1987, Chrysalis], B
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got [1990, Ensign], B+(**)
So Far: The Best of Sinead O'Connor [1986–97, Capitol], B+(**)
Sean-Nós Nua [2002, Vanguard], B+

The Offspring [1989– ]

Americana [1998, Columbia], B+

Oh-OK

The Complete Recordings [1982–84, Collector's Choice], A–

Alexander O'Neal (1953– )

Hearsay [1986, Tabu], B+(**)
All Mixed Up [1988, Tabu], B+

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark [1980– ]

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark [1980, Virgin], A–
Organisation [1980, Virgin], A–
Architecture and Morality [1981, Virgin], B
Junk Culture [1984, A&M], B+
The Best of OMD [1979–88, A&M], A–
History of Modern [2010, Blue Noise], B+(**)
English Electric [2013, Relativity], B+(**)
The Punishment of Luxury [2017, White Noise], B+(***)
OMD: Bauhaus Staircase [2023, 100%], B+(**)

Ozzy Osbourne (1948– )

Patient Number 9 [2022, Epic], B–

Oxbow [1989– ]

Thin Black Duke [2017, Hydra Head], B+(*)
An Eternal Reminder of Not Today: Live at Moers [2018, Trost], B+(***)

Ozric Tentacles [1984– ]

Sunrise Festival [2007, Snapper, CD+DVD], B

Pajama Party [1989–1991]

Up All Night [1989, Atlantic], B+(**)

Charlie Peacock (1956– )

Love Press Ex-Curio [2005, Runway], B+
No Man's Land [2012, Twenty Ten], B+(*)

Perfect Disaster [1985–1990]

Up [1989, Fire], A
Heaven Scent [1990, Fire], B

Steve Perry (1949– )

Street Talk [1984, Columbia/Legacy], D
For the Love of Strange Medicine [1994, Columbia/Legacy], C–
Greatest Hits [1977–98, Columbia/Legacy], D+

Persian Gulf [1984–1986]

Changing the Weather [1984, Raven], A

Pet Shop Boys [1986– ]

Please [1986, EMI America], A–
Please / Further Listening 1984–1986 [1984–86, Parlophone, 2 CD], A–
Disco [1986, EMI America], B
Actually [1987, EMI America], A
Actually / Further Listening [1987, Parlophone, 2 CD], A–
Introspective [1988, EMI America], A
Introspective / Further Listening 1988–1989 [1988–89, Parlophone, 2 CD], A–
Behavior [1990, EMI America], A+
Behaviour / Further Listening 1990–1991 [1990–91, Parlophone, 2 CD], A–
Discography: The Complete Singles Collection [1985–91, EMI America], A+
Very [1993, Capitol], A+
Very / Further Listening [1993, Parlophone, 2 CD], A–
Disco 2 [1994, Capitol], B–
Alternative [(1995), EMI, 2 CD], B+
Bilingual [1996, Atlantic], A–
Essential Pet Shop Boys: Limited Edition 1998 [(1998), EMI], B+
Nightlife [1999, Parlophone/Sire], B+
Release [2002, Sanctuary, 2CD], B+
Disco 3 [2003, Sanctuary], A–
Pop Art: The Hits [1985–2003, Parlophone, 2CD], A–
Fundamental [2006, Rhino], B+(**)
Yes [2009, Astralwerks], B+(***)
Pandemonium Live [2009, Caroline, CD+DVD], B+(**)
The Most Incredible Thing [2011, Parlophone, 2CD], B
Elysium [2012, Astralwerks], A–
Electric [2013, X2], B+(***)
Super [2016, X2], A–
Inner Sanctum [2018, X2], A–
Agenda [2019, X2, EP], B+(**)
Hotspot [2020, X2], B+(***)
Smash: The Singles 1985–2020 [1985–2020, Parlophone, 3CD], A–
Nonetheless [2024, Parlophone], A–

Peter and the Test Tube Babies [1983– ]

The $hit Factory [1990, Triple X], B+

Bob Pfeifer

After Words [1987, Passport], B

P-Funk All-Stars [1982–1983]

Urban Dancefloor Guerillas [1983, Uncle Jam], B+

Sam Phillips (1962– )

Cruel Inventions [1991, Virgin], A–
Martinis and Bikinis [1994, Virgin], A
Push Any Button [2013, Littlebox], B+(*)

Phish [1988– ]

Slip, Stitch and Pass [1997, Elektra], B

Pixies [1987–1991]

Come On Pilgrim [1987, 4AD, EP], B+(*)
Surfer Rosa [1988, 4AD/Elektra], B+(*)
Doolittle [1989, 4AD/Elektra], B
Bossanova [1990, 4AD/Elektra], B+
Trompe le Monde [1991, 4AD/Elektra], A–
Best of Pixies: Wave of Mutillation [1987–91, 4AD], B+

Robert Plant (1948– )

w/Alison Krauss: Raising Sand [2007, Rounder], B+(*)
Band of Joy [2010, Rounder], B+(*)
w/Alison Krauss: Raise the Roof [2021, Rounder], B+(*)

The Pogues [1984– ]

Rum Sodomy and the Lash [1985, MCA], A
If I Should Fall from Grace with God [1988, Island], B+

Poi Dog Pondering [1989– ]

The Best of Poi Dog Pondering (The Austin Years) [1989–91, Columbia/Legacy], B

Buster Poindexter [1987– ]

Buster Poindexter [1987, RCA], B
Buster's Spanish Rocket Ship [1997, Island], B

Poison [1983–1993]

Best of Ballads and Blues [1986–94, Capitol], B–

The Pooh Sticks [1988– ]

Formula One Generation [1990, Sympathy for the Record Industry], B+
The Great White Wonder [1991, Zoo], A–
Million Seller [1993, Zoo], B

Pop Will Eat Itself [1986–1996]

Box Frenzy [1987–88, Sanctuary/Castle], B

Pop-O-Pies [1982–1993]

Pop-O-Anthology 1984–1993 [1984–93, www.pop-o-pie.com], B

Genesis P-Orridge (1950–2020)

w/Astrid Monroe: When I Was Young [2001, Important], B+(**)

The Posies [1988– ]

Amazing Disgrace [1996, DGC], B+(*)

Pretenders [1980– ]

Pretenders [1980, Sire], B+
Learning to Crawl [1984, Sire], A–
The Singles [(1987), Sire], A
Packed! [1990, Sire], B+
Last of the Independents [1994, Sire], B+
¡Viva el Amor! [1999, Warner Brothers], A–
Loose Screw [2002, Artemis], A–
Break Up the Concrete [2008, Shangri-La Music], B+(***)
Live in London [2009, E1/Stroboscopic], B+(***)
Alone [2016, BMG], B+(*)
Hate for Sale [2020, BMG], B+(***)
Relentless [2023, Rhino], B+(*)

Prefab Sprout [1984–1990]

Steve McQueen (Legacy Edition) [1985–2006, Legacy, 2CD], B

Primal Scream [1987– ]

Vanishing Point [1997, Reprise], B+
XTRMNTR [2000, Astralwerks], A–
More Light [2013, First International], A–
Chaosmosis [2016, First International/Ignition], B+(**)

The Primitives [1986–1989]

Lovely [1988, RCA], A–
Pure [1989, RCA], B

The Psychedelic Furs [1980– ]

The Psychedelic Furs [1980, Columbia], A–
Talk Talk Talk [1981, Columbia], A–
Forever Now [1982, Columbia], B+
Mirror Moves [1984, Columbia], B+
All of This and Nothing [1980–88, Columbia], A
Should God Forget: A Retrospective [1979–91, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD], A–
Made of Rain [2020, Cooking Vinyl], B+(*)

Pulnoc [1989– ]

Live at P.S. 122 [1989, bootleg], A–
Pulnoc [1991, Globus International], A
City of Hysteria [1991, Arista], A
w/Elliott Sharp, Gary Lucas: Live in New York [1991, Globus International], A–

Pulp [1983–2001]

Different Class [1995, Island], A–
This Is Hardcore [1998, Island], B
Hits [1992–2002, Island/Chronicles], B

The Pursuit of Happiness [1988– ]

Love Junk [1988, Capitol], B

Pussy Galore [1986–1990]

Right Now! [1987, Caroline], B

Robert Quine (1942– )

w/Fred Maher: Basic [1984, EG], B+

Lee Ranaldo (1956– )

Between the Times and the Tides [2012, Matador], B+(*)
Lee Ranaldo and the Dust: Last Night on Earth [2013, Matador], B
Electric Trim [2017, Mute], B+(*)
w/Raül Refree: Names of North End Women [2020, Mute], B+(*)

Rank and File [1982–1987]

Sundown [1982, Collectors' Choice], A–
Long Gone Dead [1984, Collectors' Choice], A
Rank and File [1987, Rhino], B–

The Rattlers [1979–1985]

Rattled! [1985, Bacchus], B+

The Rave-Ups [1985–1990]

Town and Country [1985, Fun Stuff], B+(***)
The Book of Your Regrets [1988, Epic], B+

Red Hot Chili Peppers [1984– ]

Blood Sugar Sex Magik [1991, Warner Brothers], B
Unlimited Love [2022, Warner], B

Red Lorry Yellow Lorry [1982– ]

Smashed Hits [(1987), Red Rhino], A–
Generation: The Best of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry [(1994), Cleopatra], B+

Redd Kross [1980– ]

Researching the Blues [2012, Merge], C+

The Reducers [1984– ]

Let's Go [1984, Rave On], B+

R.E.M. [1982– ]

Chronic Town [1982, IRS], B+
Murmur [1983, IRS], B+
Reckoning [1984, IRS], B
Lifes Rich Pageant [1986, IRS], B–
Dead Letter Office [(1987), IRS], C+
Document [1987, IRS], A–
Eponymous [(1988), IRS], B+
Green [1988, Warner Brothers], B+
Out of Time [1991, Warner Brothers], A–
Automatic for the People [1992, Warner Brothers], B+
Monster [1994, Warner Brothers], A–
New Adventures in Hi-Fi [1996, Warner Brothers], B+(***)
Up [1998, Warner Brothers], B
Accelerate [2008, Warner Brothers], B+(***)
Collapse Into Now [2011, Warner Brothers], B

René and Angela

René and Angela [1980, Capitol], B
Street Called Desire [1985, Mercury], B+(***)

The Replacements [1981–1991]

Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash [1981, Twin/Tone], B
Stink ("Kids Don't Follow" Plus Seven) [1982, Twin/Tone, EP], B+(**)
Hootenanny [1983, Twin/Tone], B+
Let It Be [1984, Twin/Tone], A
Tim [1985, Sire], A
For Sale: Live at Maxwell's 1986 [1986, Rhino, 2CD], B+(**)
Pleased to Meet Me [1987, Sire], A–
Don't Tell a Soul [1989, Sire], B
All Shook Down [1990, Sire], B+(*)
All for Nothing / Nothing for All [1985–90, Reprise, 2CD], B+(***)
Don't You Know Who I Think I Was? The Best of the Replacements [1981–2006, Sire/Reprise/Rhino], B+(***)
Songs for Slim [2013, New West, EP], B+(*)

Revolting Cocks [1986– ]

Big Sexy Land [1986, Wax Trax], B+

Keith Richards (1943– )

Talk Is Cheap [1988, Virgin], B
Vintage Vinos [1988–92, Mindless], B–
Crosseyed Heart [2015, Virgin], B

Stan Ridgway

Black Diamond [1995, New West], B

Will Rigby (1956– )

Paradoxaholic [2002, Diesel Only], A–

Robbie Robertson (1943–2023)

Robbie Robertson [1987, Geffen], C+

Rockpile [1979–1980]

Seconds of Pleasure [1980, Columbia/Legacy], A–

Nile Rodgers (1952– )

Adventures in the Land of the Good Groove [1983, Mirage], A
B-Movie Matinee [1985, Warner Brothers], A–

Royal Crescent Mob [1986– ]

Spin the World [1989, Sire], A–

Royal Trux [1988– ]

White Stuff [2019, Fat Possum], B+(**)

Sade (1959– )

Soldier of Love [2010, Epic], B

Walter Salas-Humara

Work: Part One [2015, Sonic Pyramid], B+(**)
Explodes and Disappears [2016, Sonic Pyramid], B+(***)

Joe Satriani (1956– )

Surfing With the Alien [1987, Epic/Legacy], B+(*)
Surfing With the Alien (Legacy Edition) [1987–88, Epic/Legacy, CD+DVD], B–

Scandal

We Are the '80s [1982–84, Columbia/Legacy], C

Scrawl [1987– ]

Smallmouth [1990, Rough Trade], B
Nature Film [1998, Elektra], A–

The Screaming Blue Messiahs [1984–1992]

Gun Shy [1986, Elektra], B
Bikini Red [1987, Elektra], B

Screaming Trees [1986–2000]

Ocean of Confusion [1990–96, Epic/Legacy], B

Screeching Weasel [1987– ]

First World Manifesto [2011, Fat Wreck Chords], B

Scritti Politti [1982– ]

Cupid and Psyche 85 [1985, Warner Brothers], A–
White Bread Black Beer [2006, Nonesuch/Rough Trade], B

Sebadoh [1989– ]

Sebadoh III [1991, Domino, 2 CD], B
Bakesale [1994, Sub Pop], A–
Harmacy [1996, Sub Pop], B+
The Sebadoh [1999, Sub Pop], B+

The Selecter [1980– ]

Too Much Pressure [1980, Chrysalis], B+(***)

Brian Setzer (1959– )

The Dirty Boogie [1998, Interscope], C+
Vavoom! [2000, Interscope], C

Phil Seymour (1952–93)

If You Don't Want My Love [1980–85, Sunset Blvd], B+(**)

Michelle Shocked (1962– )

The Texas Campfire Tapes [1986, Mercury], B
Short Sharp Shocked [1988, Mercury], A–
Captain Swing [1989, Mercury], B
Arkansas Traveler [1992, Mercury], B+

Shonen Knife [1983– ]

Brand New Knife [1997, Big Deal], B–

Shop Assistants

Shop Assistants [1986, Blue Guitar], B+(**)
Will Anything Happen [1986, Cherry Red], B+(**)

Shriekback [1983– ]

Oil and Gold [1985, Island], B+
Big Night Music [1986, Island], B
Go Bang [1988, Island], B+

Shrimp Boat [1986–1993]

Speckly [1989, AUM Fidelity], B+
Something Grand [1986–93, Aum Fidelity, 3 CD], A–

The Silos [1985– ]

About Her Steps [1985, Record Collect], B+(***)
Cuba [1987, Watermelon], B+(**)
When the Telephone Rings [2004, Dualtone], A–

Simply Red [1985– ]

Simplified [2005, Verve Forecast], B–

Slayer [1983– ]

Reign in Blood [1986, Def American], B

Slint [1989–1991]

Spiderland [1991, Touch & Go], B

T.V. Smith (1956– )

Handwriting [2024, JKP/Easy Action], B+(***)

The Smiths [1984–1987]

The Smiths [1984, Sire], B+(*)
Hatful of Hollow [1983–84, Sire], B+(***)
Meat Is Murder [1985, Sire], B
The Queen Is Dead [1986, Sire], B+(**)
The World Won't Listen [1984–86, Sire], B
Louder Than Bombs [1983–86, Sire], B
Rank [1986, Sire], B+(*)
Strangeways, Here We Come [1987, Sire], B
Singles [1983–87, Reprise], A–
The Sound of the Smiths [1983–87, Reprise, 2CD], A–

Snap [1987– ]

World Power [1990, Arista], B+

Soft Cell [1981–1985]

Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret [1981, Sire], B–
Happiness Not Included [2022, BMG], B+(**)

Sonic Youth [1982– ]

Sonic Youth [1981–82, Geffen], B+(***)
Confusion Is Sex [1983, Neutral], B+(**)
Kill Yr Idols [1983, Zensor, EP], B+(**)
Bad Moon Rising [1985, Blast First], B
Walls Have Ears [1985, Goofin'], B+(***)
Evol [1986, SST], B–
Sister [1987, SST], A–
Ciccone Youth: The Whitey Album [1987–88, Geffen], B
Screaming Fields of Sonic Love [1982–88, Geffen], B+
Daydream Nation [1988, DGC], A
Daydream Nation (Deluxe Edition) [1988–89, Geffen, 2CD], A
Goo [1990, DGC], A–
Dirty [1992, DGC], A+
Dirty (Deluxe Edition) [1992, Geffen/Chronicles, 2CD], B+
Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star [1994, DGC], A
Washing Machine [1995, DGC], B
Anagrama / Improvisation Ajoutée / Tremens / Mieux: De Corrosion [1997, SYR, EP], B+(*)
Slaapkamers Met Slagroom / Stil / Herinneringen [1997, SYR, EP], B+(*)
A Thousand Leaves [1998, Geffen], A–
Live in Los Angeles 1998 [1998, Sonic Youth Archive], B+(***)
NYC Ghosts and Flowers [2000, Interscope], A–
Murray Street [2002, Geffen], A–
Sonic Nurse [2004, Geffen], A–
Rather Ripped [2005–2006, Geffen], A–
The Destroyed Room: B-Sides and Rarities [1994–2003, DGC], B+(*)
Battery Park, NYC, July 4th 2008 [2008, Matador], A–
The Eternal [2009, Matador], A–
Simon Werner A Disparu [2010, SYR], B+(**)
In / Out / In [2000–2010, Three Lobed], B+(**)
Live in Brooklyn 2011 [2011, Silver Current, 2CD], B+(***)

Soul Asylum [1984– ]

Let Your Dim Light Shine [1995, Columbia], B

Soul II Soul [1989– ]

Keep On Movin' [1989, Virgin], A–
Vol. II A New Decade [1990, Virgin], A–

Soundgarden [1987–1999]

Superunknown [1994, A&M], A–

A Split Second [1987– ]

From the Inside [1988, Wax Trax], B+

Stacey Q (1958– )

SSQ: Playback [1983, Enigma], B+(**)
Greatest Hits [1982–95, Thump], B+(***)
Jet Town Je T'Aime [2020, Synthicide], B+()

Chris Stamey (1954– )

The Great Escape [2023, Car], B+(*)

Sting (1951– )

Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984–1994 [1984–94, A&M], B–

The Stone Roses [1987–1996]

The Stone Roses [1989, Silvertone], B+(*)
Second Coming [1994, Geffen], A–

Joe Strummer (1952–2002)

Earthquake Weather [1989, Epic], C
Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros: Global a Go-Go [2001, Epitaph], B+
001 [1981–2002, Ignition, 2CD], B+(**)
Assembly [1986–2002, Dark Horse], B+(**)

Poly Styrene (1957–2011)

Translucence [1980, United Artists], A–
Generation Indigo [2011, Future Noise], A–

The Subdudes [1989– ]

Miracle Mule [2004, Back Porch], B

The Suburbs [1980–1987]

In Combo [1980, Twin/Tone], A–

The Sugarcubes [1988–1992]

Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! [1989, Elektra], B+
Stick Around for Joy [1992, Elektra], B–

Superchunk [1989– ]

Majesty Shredding [2010, Merge], B+(*)
I Hate Music [2013, Merge], B+(**)
What a Time to Be Alive [2018, Merge], B+(**)
Wild Loneliness [2022, Merge], A–

Swans [1983– ]

The Great Annihilator [1995, Invisible], B+
Soundtracks for the Blind [1996, Young God/Atavistic, 2CD], B
Public Castration Is a Good Idea [1986, Thirsty Ear], B
My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky [2010, Young God], B+(*)
The Seer [2012, Young God, 2CD], B–
To Be Kind [2014, Young God, 2CD], B
The Glowing Man [2016, Young God, 2CD], B+(*)

Matthew Sweet (1964– )

Girlfriend [1991, Zoo], A–
Son of Altered Beast [1994, Zoo], B+
100% Fun [1995, Zoo], B
Living Things [2004, RCAM], C+

Swing Out Sister [1987– ]

Where Our Love Grows [2004, Shanachie], B
Live [2005, Shanachie], B+

Tears for Fears [1983– ]

The Hurting [1983, Mercury], B+(*)
Songs From the Big Chair [1985, Mercury], B
The Seeds of Love [1989, Mercury], B–
The Tipping Point [2022, Concord], B–

Technotronic [1989– ]

Pump Up the Jam [1989, SBK], A–
Recall [1995, SBK], A–

10,000 Maniacs [1982– ]

In My Tribe [1987, Elektra], B

That Petrol Emotion [1986– ]

Manic Pop Thrill [1986, Demon], B+
Babble [1987, Polydor], B+
End of the Millennium Psychosis Blues [1988, Virgin], B–

Thelonious Monster [1987– ]

Stormy Weather [1989, Relativity], B+
Beautiful Mess [1992, Capitol], B
California Clam Chowder [2004, Lakeshore], A–
Oh That Monster [2020, Outliner], B+(***)

They Might Be Giants [1983– ]

They Might Be Giants [1986, Restless], A
Lincoln [1988, Restless], B+
Flood [1990, Elektra], B
Apollo 18 [1992, Elektra], B
Long Tall Weekend [1999, www.emusic.com], B+(***)
Dial-a-Song: 20 Years of They Might Be Giants [1986–2002, Rhino/Elektra, 2CD], B
A User Guide to They Might Be Giants [1986–2002, Rhino/Elektra], A
Here Come the 123's [2008, Disney Sound], B+(**)
Here Comes Science [2009, Disney Sound], B+(**)
Join Us [2011, Idlewild], B
Nanobots [2013, Idlewild], B+(***)
Glean [2015, Idlewild], B+(*)
Book [2021, Idlewild], B+(*)

The Thompson Twins [1981– ]

The Best of Thompson Twins: Greatest Mixes [1982–88, Arista], B–

Tracey Thorn (1962– )

Love and Its Opposite [2010, Merge], B+(**)
Record [2018, Merge], B+(**)

The Three Johns [1983– ]

Atom Drum Bop [1985, Abstract], A–
The World By Storm [1986, Abstract], A
Crime Pays . . . Rock and Roll in the Demonocracy: The Singles 1982–1986 [1982–86, Abstract], A–
The Death of Everything [1988, Caroline], B+
Eat Your Sons [1990, Tupelo], B+(**)

Throwing Muses [1984–1997]

Sun Racket [2020, Fire], B+(*)

Timbuk 3 [1986– ]

Greetings from Timbuk 3 [1986, IRS], A
Eden Alley [1988, IRS], A–
Edge of Allegiance [1989, IRS], B+
Big Shot in the Dark [1991, IRS], B

The Time [1981– ]

What Time Is It? [1982, Warner Brothers], B+

Sally Timms (1959– )

To the Land of Milk and Honey [1995, Feel Good All], B
Cowboy Sally [1997, Bloodshot, EP], B+(**)
Cowboy Sally's Twilight Laments . . . for Lost Buckaroos [1999, Bloodshot], B+(*)
w/Jon Langford: Songs of False Hope and High Values [2000, Bloodshot, EP], B+(**)
In the World of Him [2004, Touch & Go], B+(*)

Tin Machine

Tin Machine [1989, EMI], C+

Tom Tom Club [1981– ]

Tom Tom Club [1981, Sire], B+

Tony Toni Toné [1988– ]

House of Music [1996, Mercury], B+
Hits [1988–97, Mercury], A–

Too Much Joy [1987– ]

Son of Sam I Am [1988, Giant], A–
Cereal Killers [1991, Giant], B+
Mistakes Were Made [2021, People Suck Music], B+(**)

Transvision Vamp [1988–1991]

Velveteen [1989, UNI], B+

The Traveling Wilburys [1988–1990]

Volume One [1988, Warner Brothers], B+
Volume 3 [1990, Warner Brothers], B+
The Traveling Wilburys [1988–90, Rhino, 2 CD+DVD], B+(**)

Trio [1981–1985]

Trio and Error [1983, Mercury], B+

Tronics [1980– ]

Love Backed by Force [1981, What's Your Rupture?], B

Trotsky Icepick [1986–1994]

Poison Summer [1986, SST], B

Trouble Funk [1981– ]

Drop the Bomb [1982, Sugar Hill], A–
Live / Early Singles [1980–82, 2.13.61, 2CD], A–
Trouble Over Here / Trouble Over There [1987, Island], B+(**)

John Trudell (1946–2015)

AKA Grafitti Man [1992, Rykodisc], A–

True West [1983–1986]

Hollywood Holiday Revisited [1983–84, Atavistic], B+(***)

The Trypes [1984– ]

Music for Neighbors [1984, Pravda], B+(**)

Moe Tucker

Life in Exile after Abdication [1989, 50 Skidillion Watts], B+
Dogs Under Stress [1994, Sky], B+
I Spent a Week There the Other Night [1994, Sky], A–

Tina Turner (1938– )

Private Dancer [1984, Capitol], B+
Simply the Best [1984–91, Capitol], A–
What's Love Got to Do with It [1993, Capitol], A–

Tuxedomoon [1980– ]

Vapour Trails [2007, Crammed Discs], B

U2 [1980– ]

Boy [1980, Island], B–
October [1981, Island], B–
War [1983, Island], B
Under a Blood Red Sky [1983, Island], B+
The Unforgettable Fire [1984, Island], B–
The Joshua Tree [1987, Island], B
Rattle and Hum [1988, Island], B+
Achtung Baby [1991, Island], B+(*)
Zooropa [1993, Island], B+(**)
Pop [1997, Island], B+(*)
All That You Can't Leave Behind [2000, Interscope], B+
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb [2004, Interscope], B+(**)
No Line on the Horizon [2009, Interscope], B
Songs of Innocence [2014, Interscope], B

Luther Vandross (1951–2005)

Never Too Much [1981, Epic], B+
The Best of Luther Vandross: The Best of Love [1980–89, Epic, 2CD], B+(***)
The Essential Luther Vandross [1981–96, Epic/Legacy, 2CD], B
Love, Luther [1980–2005, Epic/J Records/Legacy, 4CD], B

The Vaselines [1986–1990]

The Way of the Vaselines [1986–89, Sub Pop], A–
Sex With an X [2010, Sub Pop], B+(***)

Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954–90)

In the Beginning [1980, Epic], B
Couldn't Stand the Weather [1984, Epic], B+
Live Alive [1986, Epic], B+(**)
Solos, Sessions and Encores [1978–88, Epic/Legacy], B
In Step [1989, Epic], A–
Greatest Hits [1983–90, Epic], B+(***)
The Real Deal: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 [1983–90, Epic/Legacy], B

Holly Beth Vincent

Minnesota California [2009, Holly Beth Vincent], B+(**)

Violent Femmes [1982– ]

Add It Up [1981–93, Warner Brothers], A–

Voice of the Beehive [1987– ]

Let It Bee [1988, London], A–
Honey Lingers [1991, London], A
Sex and Misery [1995, Discovery], B+

Volcano Suns [1985– ]

The Bright Orange Years [1985, Homestead], B–
All Night Lotus Party [1986, Homestead], C+

Volebeats [1989– ]

The Volebeats [2010, Rainbow Quartz], B+(*)

The Vulgar Boatmen [1989–1995]

You and Your Sister [1989, Safe House], A–
Please Panic [1992, Caroline], B+
Wide Awake [1989–95, No Nostalgia], A–

The Waitresses [1981–1983]

Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful [1982, Polydor], A–
King Biscuit Flower Hour [1982, King Biscuit], B+(*)
Bruiseology [1983, Polydor], B+
The Best of the Waitresses [1982–83, Polydor], A–

Was (Not Was) [1981– ]

Was (Not Was) [1981, Island], B
Out Come the Freaks [1981–83, ZE], B
(The Woodwork) Squeaks [1981–83, ZE], B+
Born to Laugh at Tornadoes [1983, Geffen], B+
What Up, Dog? [1988, Chrysalis], B+
Are You Okay? [1990, Chrysalis], A
Boo! [2008, Rykodisc], B+(*)

The Waterboys [1981–1993]

Fisherman's Blues [1988, Ensign], B+

Chuck E. Weiss (1952– )

Red Beans and Weiss [2014, Anti], B+(*)

Barrence Whitfield (1955– )

Ow! Ow! Ow! [1987, Rounder], B+
Dig Thy Savage Soul [2013, Bloodshot], B
Under the Savage Sky [2015, Bloodshot], B+(*)
Barrence Whitfield and the Savages: Soul Flowers of Titan [2018, Bloodshot], B+(***)
Barrence Whitfield Soul Savage Arkestra: Songs From the Sun Ra Cosmos [2019, Modern Harmonic], B+(**)

Webb Wilder

Mississippi Moderne [2015, Landslide], B+(*)

Victoria Williams (1959– )

Happy Come Home [1987, Geffen], B+
Swing the Statue! [1990, Rough Trade], A–
Loose [1994, Mammoth], B+
Musings of a Creekdipper [1998, Atlantic], B+

Brian Wilson (1942– )

Brian Wilson [1988, Sire], B–
I Just Wasn't Made for These Times [1995, MCA], B–
w/Van Dyke Parks: Orange Crate Art [1995, Warner Brothers], B–
Presents Smile [2004, Nonesuch], A
That Lucky Old Sun [2008, Capitol], B+(**)
Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin [2010, Walt Disney], C+
No Pier Pressure [2015, Capitol/Virgin], B+(*)
At My Piano [2021, Lakeshore], B+(**)

Womack and Womack [1983– ]

Love Wars [1983, Elektra], A–
Radio M.U.S.C. Man [1985, Elektra], B+
Conscience [1988, Island], A–

X [1980– ]

Los Angeles [1980, Slash], B
Wild Gift [1981, Slash], B+
Los Angeles / Wild Gift [1980–81, Slash], B+
Under the Big Black Sun [1982, Elektra], B+
More Fun in the New World [1983, Elektra], B+
Live at the Whiskey a Go-Go on the Fabulous Sunset Strip [1988, Elektra], B–
Live in Los Angeles [2004, Shout! Factory], B+
Alphabetland [2020, Fat Possum], B+(*)
Smoke and Fiction [2024, Fat Possum], B+(*)

Yaz

Upstairs at Eric's [1982, Sire], B+

Yo La Tengo [1986– ]

Ride the Tiger [1986, Matador], A–
New Wave Hot Dogs [1987, Coyote], B+(**)
President Yo La Tengo [1989, Twin/Tone], A–
Fakebook [1990, Bar/None], B+(*)
May I Sing With Me [1992, Alias], A–
Painful [1993, Matador], B+(***)
Electr-O-Pura [1995, Matador], A–
Genius + Love = Yo La Tengo [1988–95, Matador, 2CD], B+(**)
I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One [1997, Matador], A–
And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out [2000, Matador], B+(***)
Summer Sun [2003, Matador], A–
I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass [2006, Matador], A–
Popular Songs [2009, Matador], B+(***)
Fade [2013, Matador], B+(**)
Stuff Like That There [2015, Matador], B+(***)
There's a Riot Going On [2018, Matador], B+(**)
We Have Amnesia Sometimes [2020, Matador], B
This Stupid World [2023, Matador], A–

Young Fresh Fellows [1984–1993]

The Men Who Loved Music [1987, Frontier], B+
This One's for the Ladies [1989, Frontier], B

Zazou Bikaye

Mr. Manager [1986, Pow Wow], B

Various Artists

Black Havana [1989, Capitol], A–
C81 [1981, NME/Rough Trade], B+(*)
C86 [Compact Digital Edition] [1986, Cherry Red], B+(*)
Disco: A Fine Selection of Independent Disco, Modern Soul and Boogie 1978–82 [1978–82, Soul Jazz, 2CD], B+(*)
Electro Throwdown: Sci-Fi Inter-Planetary Electro Attack on Planet Earth 1982–89 [1982–89, Soul Jazz], B+(**)
Gimme Indie Rock, Vol. 1 [1984–99, K-Tel, 2CD], B+(*)
Go Go Crankin': Paint the White House Black [1985, 4th & Broadway], A–
The HighTone Anthology: Rockin' From the Roots [1976–2006, Time Life, 2 CD], B+(***)
In the Beginning There Was Rhythm [1978–84, Soul Jazz], B+(***)
Industrial Strength Machine Music: The Framework of Industrial Rock 1978–1995 [1978–95, Rhino], B+(**)
Let Them Eat Jellybeans! 17 Extracts from America's Darker Side [1982, Alternative Tentacles], A
No Seattle: Forgotten Sounds of the North-West Grunge Era 1986–97 [1986–97, Soul Jazz, 2CD], B
Sherwood at the Controls, Volume 1: 1979–1984 [1979–84, On-U Sound], B+(**)
Space Funk: Afro Futurist Electro Funk in Space 1976–84 [1976–84, Soul Jazz], B+(*)
Space Funk 2: Afro Futurist Electro Funk in Space 1976–84 [1976–84, Soul Jazz], B+(**)
Strum and Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983–1987 [1983–87, Captured Tracks], B+(*)
This Are Two Tone [1979–82, Chrysalis], A–
The 2 Tone Collection: A Checkered Past [1979–86, Chrysalis, 2 CD], B
12" / 80s [1980–89, Family, 3 CD], B
United Kingdom of Punk: The Hardcore Years [1979–84, Music Club], B+
Wanna Buy a Bridge? [1980, Rough Trade], A–
Zetrospective: Dancing in the Face of Adversity [1978–84, ZE], A–
Zetrospective: Hope Springs Eternal [1980–84, ZE], B+(**)

Introduction