[Review] Robert Fripp: God Save the Queen/Under Heavy Manners (1980)
A half album each of Frippertronics and discotronics, the latter serving as a bridge between “I Zimbra” and Discipline.
[Review] Music from the Motion Picture: The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002)
A smashing collection of Afropop (and that other kind of pop) from the movie.
AC/DC: “High Voltage” (1975)
AC/DC’s high-voltage rock and roll: a steady source of power since 1975.
[Review] Queen: A Day at the Races (1976)
Presented as a bookend to the masterful Opera, this is just a slight notch below in terms of quality and power.
[Review] Kraftwerk (1970)
They put the “rock” in krautrock with a steady beat and minimalist machine music.
The Doors: “Light My Fire” (1967)
The Doors’ most recognizable song burns shorter but brighter on this edited single version.
[Review] Santana: Caravanserai (1972)
Santana’s fusion aspirations blossom on this brilliant recording, which sounds a lot like Mahavishnu Orchestra.
[Review] Frank Zappa: Lumpy Gravy (1968)
Frank’s music concrète masterpiece sounds like the whole 20th century being sucked into a black hole.
Cheap Trick: “I Want You to Want Me (live)” (1979)
The band scored their first US Top 10 hit with this classic concert version.
[Review] Gentle Giant (1970)
Gentle Giant’s debut introduced their brilliant ear for counterpoint couched in complex classical/rock structures.
[Review] Howard Jones: Dream Into Action (1985)
From beginning to end, a treasure trove of ‘80s synthesizer pop with a positive message.
Electric Light Orchestra: “Showdown” (1973)
ELO scores another hit with their update on the Marvin Gaye classic, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
[Review] 801 Live (1976)
A certain ratio of Phil Manzanera, Brian Eno and Quiet Sun songs performed live.
[Review] Jerry Harrison: The Red and The Black (1981)
Another impressive solo album from the now detachable Heads proves they all had something to say.
Nick Lowe: “Cruel to Be Kind” (1979)
His first (and only) US hit and a new marriage to Carlene Carter, you’re looking at the high point of Lowe’s career.