Previously I published part 1 and part 2 of the top twenty debut rock albums of all time. Here is a new list. My top ten favorite obscure debut rock albums. When I say obscure – I mean it. Feel free to share your own list in the comments.
The criteria I used for creating this list
Here are the three criteria I used for selecting My top ten favorite obscure debut albums:
- Must be obscure based on number of records sold
- The debut album must be an awesome album
- I still have to enjoy listening to the album
For example, Temple of the Dog’s debut album is excellent but it sold a ton of copies. It is not on this list. The Hooter’s Nervous Night is a great album. But, it sold a lot of records and I don’t listen to it much these days even though I own the original vinyl.
Obscure Debut album #10 – Urban Beaches by Cactus World News
Let’s start the list with a truly obscure choice – Urban Beaches by Cactus World News. Most of you have never heard of this Dublin-based band. They were backed by U2 and released an excellent debut album. Afterward – they just disappeared. Bono liking your band does not guarantee success.
At #9 – Birth, School, Work, Death by the Godfathers
Coming in at #9 – Birth, School, Work, Death by the Godfathers. Talk about a depressing album title. This guitar-heavy band’s debut album is excellent. It really rocks. I enjoy it to this day.
Coming in at #8 – Havana 3 am
Some of you are thinking who in the hell is Havana 3 am. Let me give you some background. After the Clash break-up, several members join other bands. Paul, the bassist, becomes a member of Havana 3 am. Their debut album is killer. Once again, this band disappears after.
Obscure Debut Album #7 – Forever Young by Alphaville
Here is a song that you may have heard before – Forever Young by Alphaville. Their excellent debut album is named after that song. Alphaville is a German band. Their debut album was popular there and sold a lot in Europe. Not so much in the states. It includes several good songs like Big in Japan.
Obscure Debut album #6 – In a Chamber by Wire Train
Wire Train was a new wave band in the 1980s. I am not sure why they were not more popular. They released several good albums including this obscure debut album. It is top-tapping new wave music.
At #5 – Whiskey Falls
Some may consider Whiskey Falls a country music band. I think they are rock-n-roll like the Eagles. Their debut album was awesome. I don’t know what happened to this band afterward. They fell off the face of the earth never to be seen again.
At #4 – Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams by the BoDeans
The BoDeans are one of my favorite bands from the 1980s and 90s. Their debut album was excellent. Some people do not like the lead singer’s voice. It takes a while to get used to, but listen to this album. And go see them live in concert – they sound great.
Obscure Debut album #3 – Generation X
Time for the top three. At #3 – Generation X. There is one specific reason to know about this band – it is where Billy Idol started his career. Gen X was one of the original punk bands from London in the late 1970s. This album contains the energy of that movement and moment in time.
Coming in at #2 – Stoneage Romeos by the Hoodoo Gurus
The Hoodoo Gurus debut album is #2 on my list. Saying the band’s name is fun, and look at the album cover. It looks like they let a child color it. The Gurus are my second favorite Australian band after INXS. Their obscure debut album is full of great songs and they were awesome in concert back in the day.
Obscure Debut album #1 – Inflammable Material by SLF
My favorite obscure debut album is Inflammable Material by Stiff Little Finger. I am kind of obsessed with this band. They are the original Irish Punk rock band. Based in Belfast they were the forerunners of U2. They experienced the Troubles in Northern Ireland firsthand and wrote songs about it. This album includes the title track, Alternative Ulster, Wasted Life, and Barbed Wire Love. I saw them play this entire album live and it is end-to-end angry Irish Punk rock music.
There you have it – my list of top ten obscure debut rock albums. If you think of other ones – let me know in the comments. All feedback is welcome. Feel free to post your own list.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.