Judas Priest - Killing Machine (Hell Bent For Leather) [1978]

Although this was originally released under the moniker Killing Machine, I personally prefer the approach of the American re-release's title Hell Bent For Leather - in the existence of a title track, which is actually probably the best track on a stunning album. This is the point in Priest's career where their original blues rock influence was no longer at all present - I love those albums, but I'm grateful that it ended, because it caused the release of several more Priest classics, such as this.

128 kbps

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Thin Lizzy - Live and Dangerous [1978]

Referred to by many as one of the greatest live albums of all time, "Live and Dangerous" fully captures what it must have been like to be at a Lizzy gig in their heyday. And although it has been quite obviously dolled up in the studio a bit, this album and its renditions of some Lizzy classics are simply great. A particularly fantastic part of the album is "Cowboy Song" and how it seamlessly blends into "The Boys are Back in Town".

As you can probably tell, I love this album and think that you most likely will as well.

M4a, ~320 kbps (VBR)

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Crass - The Feeding Of The 5000 [1978]

In stark contrast to the Sex Pistols’ more populist, violent way to anarchism, Crass were a band who promoted pacifism and peaceful protest, whilst still having the anarchic quality to their beliefs and their music. This is their debut, and it is often similar to the style that the Subhumans would later develop - its shorter songs and rhythmic vocal delivery being far more pleasing than John Lydon’s forced accent. Whilst later albums would see more experimentation (but not in a bad, London Calling-esque manner), this is quintessential to all punk fans. The later Thatchergate scandal only adds credibility to the band.

128 kbps

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Rush - Hemispheres [1978]

"Hemispheres" marked the beginning of a transitional period for Rush. Containing their last 'epic' song (the 18-minute "Cygnus X-1 Book II"), it showed the beginning of a move away from their previous hard rock styles towards a more commercial sound. This period ultimately ended up with the hugely successful "Moving Pictures" (which in turn would pave the way for the overall sound of Rush's '80s albums), but "Hemispheres" is a gem in itself.

A mere 36 minutes in length, the album packs its initial punch with the opening chords of the first track, which tells the tale of a space explorer falling into a black hole. The middle two tracks are catchy (with "The Trees" being one of my favourite Rush tracks), and the album closes with the 9-minute instrumental "La Villa Strangiato" (appropriately sub-titled "An exercise in self-indulgence"). Overall a great album which showcases some of the band's best work. And you can even buy the album artwork as a t-shirt. What's not to like?

~320 kbps (VBR)

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