
The Album Years
Music is finite, opinions are endless. On The Album Years podcast, long term friends, collaborators and music nerds Steven Wilson and Tim Bowness discuss and bicker about their favourite music released during the golden album years, which they reckon to be from around 1965 to the end of the millennium. Each episode focuses on a single year picked at random. At the end of each episode they pick their personal favourites and the album they think had the most long-term impact on music. Can you guess which albums they will pick?
Latest episodes

Dec 18, 2024 • 47min
#64 1994: Soundgarden, Blur, Oasis, Massive Attack & more
Back in September we made an appearance at the Haarlem Vinyl Festival for a special live podcast on the year 1994! Here's the second part of an abridged version of the show (we've had to cut out the sections we played music on the turntable due to copyright issues). For 1994, we were both astounded at how many great records we found, both established favourites and underrated classics. On this second part, we cover albums by Portishead, Massive Attack, Soundgarden, Blur, Yes, Oasis and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2024 • 40min
#63 1994: Jeff Buckley, Nine Inch Nails, Aphex Twin & more
Back in September we made an appearance at the Haarlem Vinyl Festival for a special live podcast on the year 1994! Here's the first part of an abridged version of the show (we've had to cut out the sections we played music on the turntable due to copyright issues). For 1994, we both found a treasure trove of great records. On this first part, we cover albums by Jeff Buckley, Nine Inch Nails, Oasis, Aphex Twin and many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2024 • 56min
#62 1982: The Grand Finale! Rush, Alan Parsons Project, Marillion & more!
The discussion highlights the evolution of heavy metal with iconic bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, along with landmark albums from the era. It delves into the transformative journey of progressive rock in 1982, blending pop influences and retaining classic elements. Nostalgic reflections on key releases like Asia's 'Heat of the Moment' showcase the era's musical diversity. The conversation also touches on the enigmatic artist Yandek, emphasizing outsider art and its unique appeal, alongside the cultural impacts of Philip Glass's 'Glassworks'.

Oct 24, 2024 • 35min
#61 (1982 Part 5) Who Changed With The Times? King Crimson, Pete Townshend, Squeeze & more!
On this week's podcast, we explore which artists in 1982 adapted to the changing musical climate and which stayed true to their own style—with results ranging from mixed on King Crimson’s Beat to the absolutely exceptional All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes by Pete Townshend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2024 • 42min
#60 (1982 Part 4) Post-Punk: The Cure, XTC, Cocteau Twins & more!
On the podcast this week: an album that might just be the most bleak and depressing album ever made (and it's not one by Steven, believe it or not!), plus post-punk releases by Cocteau Twins, Felt, XTC & more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2024 • 38min
#59 (1982 Part 3) Big Hitters: Queen, Prince, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney & more
Dive into the music of 1982 with a spotlight on legends like Queen, Prince, and Michael Jackson! Discover the mixed reception of Queen's 'Hot Space' and how tracks like 'Under Pressure' redefine musical norms. Marvel at the cultural impact of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and explore Prince's game-changing '1999.' Listen to stories of rediscovery among iconic artists, and uncover the personal experiences that shaped the wonder of that pivotal year in music.

Oct 1, 2024 • 41min
#58 1982 (Part 2) Synth-Pop: Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Associates, Thomas Dolby & more
Continuing our series on the year 1982, up for discussion this week are synth-pop albums, featuring Duran Duran's smash hit Rio, Thomas Dolby's debut masterwork The Golden Age of Wireless, Associates' Sulk, Gary Numan's I Assassin and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2024 • 48min
#57 1982 (Part 1) Innovative Pop: Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, ABC, Simple Minds & more!
Dive into the innovative pop sounds of 1982, where Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, and ABC pushed music boundaries. Discover the transformative effect of emerging production technologies on iconic albums like 'The Dreaming' and 'The Lexicon of Love.' The evolution of female representation and the impact of sampling in music also take center stage. Explore how socio-political themes influenced pop during this vibrant era, alongside Simple Minds’ shift to polished stadium rock, showcasing the lush, dynamic sounds that defined a generation.

Sep 17, 2024 • 50min
#56 1972 Jazz & Prog Rock: Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Aphrodite's Child & more
We've reached the sixth and final part of our odyssey into 1972! On this week's episode we discuss great jazz records by Miles Davis and Frank Zappa and progressive albums from outside the UK, including the undoubted masterpiece that is Aphrodite's Child 666. Plus, our roundup of 1972 with our favourite and most influential albums from the year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3, 2024 • 30min
#55 1972 Soul Destroyers & The Indefinable: Gil Scott-Heron, Terry Callier, Scott Walker, Osibisa & more
On this week's episode of The Album Years, we continue exploring deep into 1972, with great releases from soul legends Gil Scott-Heron & Terry Callier, and ever indefinable works from Todd Rundgren, Scott Walker, Osibisa and more!Pre-order Tim Bowness' eighth studio album Powder Dry here: https://burningshed.com/store/timbownessGet tickets for Steven Wilson's The Overview Tour in 2025: https://stevenwilsonhq.com/tour-datesFor more info about The Album Years, visit https://thealbumyears.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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