The Kids Are The Same, is the second album by Power Pop  L.A. band, Paul Collins' Beat.  From 1982, released on Columbia FC 36794, here is the title track:

Phil Collins debut solo album, Face Value, released in 1981, became an instant success selling over 5 million units in the States alone.  Phil Collins is one of only three artists to sell over 100 million albums, separately, both as a solo artist and as the principal member of a band.
My pick from this album is the cover of the Beatles song Tomorrow Never Knows:

From 1982 comes Hello, I Must be Going, another very successful release by Phil Collins which contains may hit singles like the cover of the Supremes song You Can't Hurry Love.  Not until 1985 did Phil Collins release another album, No Jacket Required, his third studio release, won three Grammy awards, including album of the year.  While these are both very good albums, they are a little too pop for my taste, and certainly sound like the 1980's.  That being said, I do really like Long Long Way To Go:   from No Jacket Required.

Serious Hits...Live! is just that; live recordings from Phil Collins 1990 Seriously, Live World Tour.  Instead of just recording the live show, this album is made up of his top hits, but recorded live.  This is an excellent representation of him live.  Well recorded, with great sound and all hits!

Chicken Skin Music, the fifth studio release by Ry Cooder, is an interesting mix of music styles and adaptation of traditional songs.  From early blues to Hawaiian gospel.  Here is a Hawaiian style version of Yellow Roses:

The Long Riders, is the soundtrack from the movie about the James-Younger Gang, released in 1980 on Warner Brothers XHS-3448.  Know for his interest in roots music and traditional instruments, Ry Cooder did a fabulous job on this album, giving it a very authentic feel.
Listen to I'm a Good Old Rebel:

Sometimes called the "Father of Soul", Sam Cooke had a large influence on future soul singers like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and others.  I go to a lot of garage sales during the season, and this album, among other great soul classics, was at a rather out of the way sale.  I think the owner was as surprised by my selections as I was to find such great music.  It turned out his family moved from Philadelphia, and brought the records with them.  From 1961 on RCA Victor LSP-2392, here is Don't Get Around Much Anymore: