Feb. 22, 1981: “The nominees this year represent a new low in Grammy conservatism,” Robert Hilburn says. "The gap in attitude between NARAS members — the people who are in the business of making music — and critics, who spend their time thinking about and responding to music, is conveniently underscored in the Village Voice's annual poll of the nation's leading pop and rock critics.

The results of the Village Voice best album poll:

1. The Clash, "London Calling"
2. Bruce Springsteen's "The River"
3. Talking Heads "Remain in Light"
4. "Pretenders"
5. Public Image, Ltd's "Second Edition"
6. Captain Beefheart's "Doc at the Radar Station"
7. Elvis Costello's "Get Happy!!"
8. Stevie Wonder's "Hotter Than July"
9. Prince's "Dirty Mind"
10. Gang of Four's "Entertainment"

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