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This year's Top 10 is remarkable for its high percentage of debut albums: the Pretenders, Undertones, Gang of Four and English Beat are all vinyl rookies, although the fast-moving 'Tones didn't wait until 1981 for a less successful follow-up. Add Public Image Ltd., whose first LP never came out here, and half this list is composed of artists new to the US. (Whether they're here to stay is another question, as the preceding article makes clear.)
Of the veterans, our win, place and show acts are no strangers to TP's year-end appraisals. Indeed, Elvis Costello and Rockpile's dominance (the latter under their former guises of "Dave Edmunds" and "Nick Lowe") is becoming boringly predictable; this year the Clash picked them off from the top of the perch. Only Talking Heads and Squeeze represent breakthroughs, finally entering TP's hall of fame with their third and fourth albums respectively.
1. THE CLASH, London Calling
A magnificent entry to America's hearts and minds. Stirring music that isn't afraid to show its feelings.
2. ELVIS COSTELLO, Get Happy!!
He keeps changing course, but Costello still leads where others follow. A tour de force of craftsmanship.
3. ROCKPILE, Seconds of Pleasure
No message beyond dionysian revelry, but how those mother-country boys can play. Details on page 19.
4. THE PRETENDERS
New, unsettling twists on what we had thought were standard themes. A rare case of the public seconding the critics.
5. THE UNDERTONES
The Ramones sow in New York, the Undertones reap in Ireland and vive le difference! Infectious stuff.
6. GANG OF FOUR, Entertainment!
Pretentious? Perhaps; just don't try to convince a furiously dancing throng. Not to be ignored.
7. TALKING HEADS, Remain in Light
Something's happening and we don't know what it is — but it'll be fun finding out. Into the '80s.
8. PUBLIC IMAGE LTD., Second Edition
Love 'em or leave 'em, you've never heard sounds (music, if you will) like this before. An economy version of the English Metal Box.
9. ENGLISH BEAT, I Just Can't Stop It
The best of two rarely compatible worlds — ska and rock. As artistically successful as it was criminally ignored.
10. SQUEEZE, Argybargy
With their zippy music and clever lyrics, Squeeze proves you don't need flash to be fresh. Wit you can hum.
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