[Review] Spirit: The Family That Plays Together (1968)
Randy California emerges as a second songwriter on the band’s scintillating second album.
Eric Clapton: “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (1975)
Clapton nicked Knock while working with Arthur Louis, effectively preempting Louis’ own shot at a hit single.
[Review] Phil Manzanera/801: Listen Now (1977)
A highly listenable collection of left-of-center songs from Manzanera and the MacCormick Brothers.
[Review] Wall of Voodoo (EP) (1980)
If Johnny Cash had a son who joined a punk band, it might sound like this.
Crowded House: “Something So Strong” (1987)
When it came to their singles, three was clearly a crowd pleaser.
[Review] Aerosmith: Get Your Wings (1974)
A solid record, but the real treasures were waiting to be discovered in the attic.
[Review] Cluster II (1972)
Space music of a higher order, as Cluster embarks on six shorter excursions into the musical cosmos.
Madness: “The Return of the Los Palmas 7” (1981)
Another silly instrumental to brighten an English day, for two minutes anyway.
[Review] Joe Jackson: Mike’s Murder Soundtrack (1983)
The real mystery is why Joe Jackson’s soundtrack to the film didn’t appear in the film when it was released months later.
[Review] Freddie Hubbard: Goin’ Up (1961)
On his second session as a leader, Hubbard, Hank Mobley and Coltrane’s crew explore their soulful side.
Echobelly: “Insomniac” (1994)
The band’s second single garnered a little more attention for the impish Madan and her butterfly stompers.
[Review] Jerry Harrison/Casual Gods: Walk on Water (1990)
The second coming of Casual Gods, although I wouldn’t expect any miracles.
[Review] Van Morrison: Hard Nose the Highway (1973)
At this stage, Van was drifting further from the main road, but you’d be wise to follow.
The Beatles: “From Me to You” (1963)
The Fab Four’s first number one single, the harmonies and melody on this are absolutely killer.
[Review] Elton John: Rock of the Westies (1975)
A blast featuring some past members, new faces and his hardest-rocking set yet.