Sell Out (noun) 1. a concert at which every available ticket is purchased; 2. an artist who writes songs with the sole intention of making money off of them or through corporate sponsorships of their touring where said songs are performed.
Ever since the mid to late 80's, if a band had the ability to accomplish definition #1, they were automatically considered to meet the criteria for definition #2. To this day, many of those willing to admit they like the groups on this playlist will only do so with a disclaimer including the words 'guilty pleasure' in it.
In the '70s and early '80s however, if a performer had the ability to accomplish definition #1, that just meant that they were rock and roll gods. There was a time, specifically before The Beatles, when stadiums and arenas weren't scheduled on tour itineraries, and it was an honor to be able to play larger venues. Furthermore, the ability to write hook-laden, sing-along songs that were played on the radio to the point of becoming ubiquitous was considered a talent. It took about 10 years of that before the general listening audience decided they had heard enough of the same formulaic crap and that those who still wrote it were sell outs.
Well, the formula worked so well for so long because it resulted in kick-ass songs! You will probably find yourself singing along to most of the tracks below, or at least thinking to yourself, "Oh my gosh, I remember loving that song when I was 17 years old." It may even give you pleasure and, if so, we hope there's nothing guilty about it. Dig in, and enjoy!