Difficult to think of anything more modern-sounding than Pere Ubu's Modern Dance from 1978. Actually, they put out two really crazy records in the same year, but let's concentrate on this one. And many of the songs on the record were from the preceding two years. I mean, if you can call them songs. They're more like the machinations of some randomized creature that grunts semi-melodically every so often. Bands made this kind of music like ten years later and still their sound did not make as much sense as it did on this record. Somehow. Obviously, some of this music misses the mark, but tracks like "Real World", "Street Waves", and yes, "Sentimental Journey", really hammer the point home. This was the near future and it was pretty bleak sounding. Gloriously so, I would say.

Millie Jackson cut a range of bizarre solo records throughout the 70's and 80's blending soul music and raunchy storytelling. In many cases, her reputation and live shows were more provocative than her studio output, and this record was no exception.

The Kids' debut record dared to mix Brit glam with down and dirty American-style blues rock, but for all their musicianship and charisma, it came and went relatively unnoticed by music fans on both sides of the Atlantic. They even authored (arguably) an era-defining song - the defiantly nostalgic "It's All The Same" - but maybe people were actually expecting heavy metal from these guys? There's none of that here. Just the New York Dolls with more range and bonnie British accents. Who wants to listen to that? (I do).

Gong's Flying Teapot was the first flowery salvo in a mind-expanding trilogy of records based on its' own unique, communal-based mythology. And it was probably the best. Although all three are worth hearing.

The Kinks were in a different phase at the time of this record, trying to connect more with heavier rock fans. However that went, one thing I can say about this record, it's no less cynical - and quirky - than the rest of their albums. I mean that as a big-time compliment. And I like just about every track here, except maybe "Catch Me Now I'm Falling". Certainly not a world beater but for sheer rock entertainment it's a winner.