My music loving father is part of the reason I love music so much, and why I like to consider myself a music nerd. With that in mind, let’s take another history lesson on notable releases and events in music this week in history.
“Kiss”
On Feb. 18, 1974, the band Kiss released their debut, self-titled album. While this album only runs for about 34 minutes, it doesn’t outshine the long successful career of the band.
Even though this album might not feature some of the band’s most recognizable songs, I love a particular song on it titled “Black Diamond.” It was even one of the last songs played by the band at their final performance on Dec. 2, 2023 in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The death of Bon Scott
On Feb. 19, 1980, the rock world lost AC/DC’s lead singer, Bon Scott, at 33 years old. Scott’s cause of death was attributed to alcohol poisoning and accidental asphyxiation on his own vomit, after a night of partying.
This was a tragic loss, but unlike the bands Queen and Nirvana who broke up after the death of their lead vocalists, AC/DC announced on April 1 of that year their new lead singer: Brian Johnson.
Just shortly after that announcement in July 1980, the band released their seventh studio album “Back in Black,” which was the first album that didn’t feature Scott. Despite losing Scott, the band continued to have success and Back in Black became one music history’s best selling albums.
“For Emma, Forever Ago”
Locally-founded band Bon Iver released their first album, “For Emma, Forever Ago” on Feb. 19, 2008. The band currently has 18.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is probably familiar to Taylor Swift fans, as they were on her song “Exile.”
“The Ultimate Sin”
Ozzy Osbourne released his fourth studio album, “The Ultimate Sin,” on Feb. 22, 1986. Despite Osbourne’s rising success as a solo artist after his departure from Black Sabbath, this album is considered largely unsuccessful by critics.
I admit, I haven’t listened to a lot of tracks off the album, I do like the album’s one hit single, “Shot in the Dark.” Don’t call me a bandwagon.
“Pablo Honey”
Seven years after “The Ultimate Sin” on Feb. 22. 1993, Radiohead released their debut album, “Pablo Honey.” The lead single, “Creep,” gave the new band more attention on the music scene as they began touring later in the year.
“21”
Also on Feb. 22, but in the year 2011, Adele released her second album “21,” which later became the best-selling album of that year with 5.82 million copies sold.
The album describes her emotional break up with her ex, especially in the songs “Rolling In The Deep” and “Set Fire To The Rain.”
“Working Class Dog”
Rick Springfield’s album “Working Class Dog” was released on Feb. 24, 1981. This is often considered his breakthrough album as its hit single, “Jessie’s Girl” is his most recognizable song.
I think it is also very important to mention if you look at the album cover, Springfield’s bull terrier, Ronnie, is the centerpiece. The dog is very cute and I thought you would like to know that.
“Physical Graffiti”
On Feb. 25, 1975, Led Zeppelin dropped their sixth studio album, “Physical Graffiti.” The album was written by members Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (we don’t talk about Jimmy). With hits like “Kashmir” and “Custard Pie” it is a classic.
“Songs From The Big Chair”
Ten years later on Feb. 25, 1985, British synthpop duo “Tears for Fears” released their sophomore album, “Songs From The Big Chair.”
Featuring hits like “Shout” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” it is a very popular album. I feel like this album makes me nostalgic as I would force my dad to listen to it while we played basketball, so it just brings back good memories.
“Centerfold”
MOTHXR released their first and only album, “Centerfold,” on Feb. 26, 2016. While you may not be familiar with this band, you probably recognize the name of their lead singer – Penn Badgley.
This album may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like the strange indie vibes of it. My two favorite songs from this release are “Touch” and “Victim.”
“I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware”
Also on Feb. 26, 2016, The 1975 released their second studio album, “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware,” also called the pink album because let’s be honest, the title is a mouthful.
The tenth track, “Somebody Else” is amazing. It is currently the band’s second most played song on Spotify, just behind “About You” from their most recent album.
I still cannot believe I heard that song live, but I still wish I got to see “Paris,” which is also on the pink album.
With that, this concludes my second musical history lesson. You can also listen to the debrief on my show, “The Rewind,” which you can listen to on Blugold Radio Sunday’s spotify page.
Moris can be reached at [email protected].
