I'd only really consider 1965-7 and 1971 as competition. There was a lot going on in the world around that time which adds to the music greatly. 1997 and 1991 are well up there as well.

I love 1979. My favorite records of the year are:

London Calling
Rust Never Sleeps - Neil Young
Into the Music - Van Morrison
Armed Forces - Elvis Costello
Squeezing Out Sparks - Graham Parker
Damn the Torpedoes - Tom Petty
Rickie Lee Jones - s/t
Look Sharp - Joe Jackson
Live Rust - Neil Young
Labour of Lust - Nick Lowe


I'm pretty sure I'm the Man by Joe Jackson also was 1979. Also, the Who's classic rock doc, "The Kids Are Alright" came out in 1979. Other artists releasing good records that year included Talking Heads, Police, Blondie, The Cars, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, The Roches, The Jam, XTC, Pink Floyd, Squeeze, The Specials, and if you're into that sort of thing, ACDC, Public Image, Chic, Michael Jackson...

great great year... even if it spawned some bad stuff, tough to deny the great music of that year... I don't think my main list above has any of whatever it was montana was trying to describe.

know whats a real drag?
The Allman Brothers Band.

Gang of Four rocks my shit.