US release was January, 1980. Remember when album releases were Big Deals? You anticipated them (if you were a dork and read up), had to go out and buy one, and, very occasionally, got bowled over when something came out that altered the terrain. As did this one.
Tales of True Adventure for Rugged Men Not Unlike Yourself
Being younger than some on this blargh, I was late to the game. I bought a copy of London Calling on cassette in 1985 (or so) because I was trying desperately to expand my teenage horizons. (And it had the coolest cover I’d ever seen.) But I’m trying to remember how I was even aware of it. Maybe a mention in SPIN?
Brain melted on first listen.
1980 was squarely Supertramp / Styx territory for me. And definitely Air Supply slow songs at middle school mixers.
Hard to believe I evolved into such a badass (cough).
Fortunately, my brother worked in a record store back then, so I was able to snag a copy of the British release that came out a month or two earlier. Even more fortunately, I saw them preview some of the songs live in Atlanta the previous October. Unfortunately, due to a misadventure I care not to discuss, I was unable to listen with full attentiveness. I still hold a grudge against my companions of that evening.
Nothing wrong with Supertramp. I never could take the other two, but I was definitely in the minority.