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In September of 1978 former Roxy Musician turned sound sculptor, Brian Eno, released his 6th studio album. Before the advent of the Walkman when one traveled by plane, one was left to the devices of the airport's music overlords; and that made Brian Eno mad. So mad, infact, that he spearheaded the advent of ambient music. Let's talk Brian Eno, Ambient 1 Music for Airports!

In November of 78, known disease lacking youths and all around great band, X-Ray Spex, released their debut album. To say that Poly Styrene had a singular voice and style is an understatement and her contribution to punk rock cannot be overstated. Through her song-craft, vocal delivery and stage presence, she showed an entire generation of women that they too could write tunes and play in rowdy bands. What of the album's quality, you ask? It is one of the very best punk records of all time. Let's talk X-Ray Spex, Germ-Free Adolescents!

In August of 1978 Chic released their 2nd studio album. The album was their most successful in a commercial sense, due in large part to the hit single, Le Freak, which dominated the charts globally, selling over six million copies in the US alone. Nile Rogers is on full display, here. Bask his disco guitar "chunking" glory. Lets talk Chic, C'est Chic!

In April of 1978, beloved pot enthusiast and Highwayman, Willie Nelson, released his 22nd studio album. Following the breakout success of 1975's The Redheaded Stranger, 1976's platinum selling Wanted! The Outlaws, and 1978's #3 Billboard Country Top Country Album, From Lefty To Willie, Nelson decided he'd like to record some songs from his childhood. With the help of his neighbor/producer Booker T. Jones and much to the chagrin of Columbia record executives, he did just that. Let's talk Willie Nelson, Stardust!

In December of 1978, Marvin Gaye released is 15th studio album. Herein lies the tale of a man, his divorce, the four months of studio time and double LP he made chronicling it. Let's talk Marvin Gaye, Here, My Dear!

Known Australian band not named INXS or AC/DC, The Saints, released their sophomore album in May of 1978. Recorded in 1977 and originally title International Robots, the album is considered by the band to be their first proper release, as the previous record, (I'm) Stranded, was made of various demos. It is considered to be one of the very best LPs of the first wave of punk. Lets talk The Saints, Eternally Yours!

In June of 1978, known band featuring Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits, released thier debut album. With Steve Winwood's brother working the faders, the record took just under a month to produce. Critical reception varied from "an accomplished debut" to "It's almost as if they were aware that their forte has nothing to do with what's currently happening in the industry, but couldn't care less." Let's talk Dire Straits, Dire Straits!

In the year 1978, known Akronites and pioneers who got scalped, DEVO, released their debut studio album. Recorded at Conny Plank’s home studio in Cologne Germany and w/ Brian Eno at the helm, the album is a true turning point in what punk was devolving towards. “The fittest shall survive, yet the unfit may live.” Let’s talk DEVO, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!

In June of 1978, The Cars released their debut album. Recorded at AIR studios in London and produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the resulting nine songs play as a best of album. Lets talk The Cars, The Cars!

In the year 1978, Rubén Blades and Willie Colón released their second of four collaborative works. This was the best selling Salsa album of all time, with most all of the tracks on the record being a #1 single in countries across Latin America. With infectious grooves and sick hooks such as these, the collective butts of the world can do nothing but shimmy and shake to their dulcet tones. Let's talk Rubén Blades and Willie Colón, Siembra!

In February of 1978 Van Halen released their debut album. Taking there live set directly into the studio and over the course of two week, the band recorded everything thing they knew how to play. The results? Well, they speak for themselves. Lets talk Van Halen, Van Halen!

In March of 1978 The Buzzcocks release their first studio album. It features neither the single Orgasm Addict nor What Do I Get on account of the misguided British punk ethos "if a person buys the single and the record and the single is on there, they will feel like they've been ripped off". That's great for 1978, not so much for crate digging in the 21st century. Those physical media quibbles aside, it is a master class in popcraft. Let's talk The Buzzcocks, Another Music in a Different Kitchen!

In July of 1978, Talking Heads released their second studio album. With this outing (and subsequent two other recordings) being helmed by Brian Eno, the band's sound truly begins to come into it's own. Lets talk Talking Heads, More Songs About Building and Food!

In the Summer of 1978, known Dino's denizens and boys returning home, Thin Lizzy, released their Live double album. Compiled from various live recordings the world over and with the occasional studio overdub done by Tony Visconti, the resulting seventy six minutes and twenty six seconds of rock music has been rightfully hailed as one of the greatest live albums of all time. Let's talk Thin Lizzy, Live and Dangerous!

In December of 1978, Throbbing Gristle released their second studio album. Is it an easy listen? Absolutely not. Is it important? Absolutely yes. Lets talk Throbbing Gristle, D.o.A: Third and Final Report!

In September of 1978 Funkadelic released their 10th studio album. It was their most successful release, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Magazine's R&B charts and number 16 on the Billboard 200. Lauded by critics, considered by many one of the best albums of all time, but it is as fun as Mothership Connection? Let's talk Funkadelic, One Nation Under a Grove!

In the Summer of 1978, Magazine released their debut album. Shrugging of the constricts and posturing of punk, the band opted to push that raw energy into a more melodic form. The results? A fantastic recording with pop sensibilities and true lyrical depth. Let's talk Magazine, Real Life!

In December of 1978, Public Image Limited released their 1st studio recording. The record is a mess. Brimming with the lyrical stylings of a young man desperate to show he’s got serious things to say, but delivered with the obnoxious air of one who just couldn’t be bothered. It is a juvenile master class in self-importance, masquerading as a grand statement. These are not songs. This is not an album. But goodness gracious, that guitar tone and bass work is setting a pretty table for the future of rock music. Let’s talk PiL, First Issue!

In November of 1978, The Resident's released their 5th studio album on Ralph Records It was their most commercial sound recording to date and that is really saying something. Lets talk The Residents, Duck Stab/Buster and Glen!

In the year 1974, after two commercial failures with Radio City and #1 Record, Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens went back into Ardent studio to record some tracks. What came of those sessions was so depressive, ramshackle, and unmarketable that the recordings languished in rock n roll purgatory until PVC Recordings acquired and released them under Big Star's name four years later. Truly, this is the dulcet sound of everything falling apart. Lets talk Big Star, Third - Sister Lovers!