In 1945 that the first albums chart appeared in the U.S.
At that time, an album was the term used for a set of 78 rpm singles, which were developed in 1915. The LP (long play album) wouldn't appear until 1948, when it was introduced by Columbia Records, now Sony Music. The same year, rival RCA Records added the 45 rpm single to the market.
"In 1948 the Columbia company had perfected the 12" Long Playing Vinyl disc. Spinning at 33 rpm the new format could play up to 25 minutes per side. This new record medium also had a much lower level of surface noise than did it's older shellac cousin. However, Columbia's big rival, RCA Victor then produced the seven inch 45 rpm vinyl disc. These could hold as much sound as the 12" 78 rpm discs they were to replace, but were much smaller and attractive." (45-rpm.org.uk)
In 1985 that Tears for Fears finished up a U.K. tour at the Royal Albert Hall.
Just before heading out on an eighteen month world tour "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" cracked the U.S. top 10 and would soon give them their first #1 hit. It was followed to the top by "Shout" a couple months later, both from the album Songs From The Big Chair.
"You'll love the title," says Roland Orzabal. "Songs From The Big Chair is, indeed, quite a name. It's taken from the TV film Sybil, about a girl with 16 different personalities and the 'big chair' was the only place she felt safe and comfortable." (tearsforfearsfans.com)
All additional material courtesy: sympatico.ca/gary.lessard
