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1985 was a musical watershed moment—a year when rock transformed, pop perfected its formula, and metal forged its future. In this nostalgia-fueled episode, host Ben Maynard welcomes returning guest Shannon Cox (creator of the Talking Rock Fan podcast) and longtime friend Spaz to share their personal top five albums from this pivotal year.

The conversation reveals surprising depth as each participant brings remarkably different selections to the table. From mainstream commercial juggernauts like Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required" and Bryan Adams' "Reckless" to cult favorites like W.A.S.P.'s "The Last Command" and Aldo Nova's "Twitch," the trio celebrates both radio staples and deep cuts. Their enthusiasm is infectious as they dive into production details, chart performances, and personal memories connected to each album.

What makes this episode special isn't just the music discussed, but the stories behind them. Shannon recalls listening to George Thorogood with his older brother in the garage, Ben shares his excitement at meeting Loverboy frontman Mike Reno, and Spaz connects iconic songs to their appearances in classic 80s films. Their shared passion bridges generational divides, showing how music from four decades ago continues to resonate today.

Whether you lived through 1985 or are discovering its musical treasures for the first time, this episode offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, music appreciation, and friendship. By the end, you'll likely find yourself searching streaming services to rediscover these albums—and wondering which five from 1985 would make your own list.

Subscribe to the Ben Maynard Program wherever you get your podcasts, and be sure to check out Shannon's new Talking Rock Fan podcast dedicated to exploring music history with the same enthusiasm you hear in this episode.

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