[Review] Joe Walsh: You Can’t Argue with a Sick Mind (1976)
On the eve of joining Eagles, Walsh released this live disc to fulfill his contract with ABC Records.
Jethro Tull: “Living in the Past” (1969)
Tull’s timeless song about choosing the past over the present gave them their first big hit.
[Review] Tangerine Dream: Firestarter — Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1984)
This soundtrack is an alternately melodic and moody companion to the Stephen King adaptation.
[Review] The Electric Light Orchestra: The Night the Light Went On (in Long Beach) (1974)
An early live album that was banished to the continent for its infidelities, only to return partially restored and redeemed years later.
Roger Daltrey: “Oceans Away” (1976)
The last single from Ride a Rock Horse, this one never even got out of the gate.
[Review] Split Enz: Dizrythmia (1977)
Despite the lineup shakeup, the band doubles down on the clown imagery with mixed results.
[Review] Herbie Hancock: Sextant (1973)
If you thought Crossings was a trip, wait until you enter the uncharted waters of Sextant.
Phil Collins: “I Don’t Care Anymore” (1983)
More or less “In the Air Tonight, the Day After” with a Beatlesque twist in the middle.
[Review] Madness: One Step Beyond… (1979)
Ska mixed with music hall, helium arrangements and English humor, this was an instant classic.
[Review] Curved Air: Air Cut (1973)
Sonja Kristina stitched together a new band and released an album cut more or less from the same progressive rock cloth.
Howard Jones: “Life in One Day” (1985)
A positive message wrapped in island melodies, from the same decade that brought you Don’t Worry, Be Happy.
[Review] Ringo Starr: Old Wave (1983)
Life’s been good. Now that would have been a great vehicle for Ringo. In my car? Meh.
[Review] Gentle Giant: Acquiring the Taste (1971)
The followup to their eponymous debut is even more ambitious, with lots of heavy VDGG/Crimson undertones.
The Moody Blues: “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)” (1972)
John Lodge famously breaks the fourth wall on this classic Moodies single.
[Review] Brian Eno-David Byrne: My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1981)
A kind of Remain in Blacklight as Eno and Byrne re-imagine a psychedelic postmodern third world.