: The band disintegrated shortly after its release, and the album never received a proper global push, making it a "hidden gem" that collectors frequently mention alongside giants like Journey or Foreigner. 4. Simple Minds — Sons and Fascination / Sister Feelings Call
The most commercially accessible of the four. Hailing from Vancouver, The Fabulous Dirt signed to a major distributor (MCA Canada) but the deal fell through after the A&R man was fired. The album was mastered but never officially distributed—only 200 test pressings exist. 4 Rare 80s Albums -Part 64- Glam Rock- AOR- New...
Released on Mercury Records, this all-female quintet from California delivered a sound that bridged the gap between the melodic pop of The Go-Go’s and the harder-edged glam of Poison. : The band disintegrated shortly after its release,
(1985, USA)
With jagged synth lines and detached, cool vocals, the album captures the urban isolation that defined the early 80s underground club scene. It’s an intellectual take on dance music that has aged remarkably well. 4. Stranger – Stranger (1982) The Bridge Between Hard Rock and AOR Hailing from Vancouver, The Fabulous Dirt signed to
Only 500 copies were pressed. Most were destroyed in a warehouse flood in Zurich in 1987. The cover art—a airbrushed panther wearing aviator sunglasses—has become a meme in serious collector circles. Expect to pay $1,200+ for a near-mint copy.
The 1980s were a goldmine for high-production rock and experimental synth-pop, but for every Def Leppard or Duran Duran , dozens of incredible bands fell through the cracks of record label restructuring and shifting trends. In Part 64 of our deep-dive series, we’re uncovering four rarities that define the glitz, the melody, and the neon-soaked atmosphere of the decade.