Electric Light Orchestra: “Roll Over Beethoven” (1973)
More Beatles than Berry and nowhere near Beethoven, it was a kindness that Ludwig was already deaf and dead.
[Review] Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band: Mirror Man (1971)
Recorded in between their first and second albums, this is four thick, meaty slices of classic Beefheart blues-rock dementia.
[Review] Yellow Magic Orchestra: Public Pressure (1980)
A live album that chronicles the band’s first Transatlantic Tour and features selections from their first two records.
[Review] Into Battle with the Art of Noise (EP) (1983)
A group of industry veterans proves that if you can’t beat them, beatbox them.
[Review] Nilsson: Nilsson Schmilsson (1971)
The Beatles loved Nilsson. You’ll love him too on this album.
[Review] The Moody Blues: Seventh Sojourn (1972)
The band’s last album before a five-year hiatus continues their winning ways with some of the strongest material of their career.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer: “Lucky Man” (1971)
Poetry, classical music and progressive rock intertwine perfectly on ELP’s first single.
[Review] Styx: The Serpent Is Rising (1973)
The band returns to their original confusion with another album of prog and rock that rarely combines the two effectively.
[Review] Robin Trower: Live! (1976)
The best songs from their first three albums, rolled in sugar with extra guitar solos for icing.
Steely Dan: “Peg:” (1977)
The perfectly done-up debutante from Aja, although her candied exterior already showed signs of cracking.
[Review] Vangelis: La Fête Sauvage (1976)
Similar to the score for Frederic Rossif’s earlier film, L’Apocalypse des Animaux, but with a small party of African percussionists.
[Review] Dio: The Last in Line (1984)
Every bit as good as their first album and, also, the last classic Dio album, but oh how brightly they burned.
The Stranglers: “Peaches” (1977)
An open booty call in army boots, this is one punk anthem I can get behind
[Review] Weather Report (1982)
More or less a Zawinul solo album, featuring lots of synthesizers and their most popular lineup for one last fling.
[Review] The Police: Outlandos d’Amour (1978)
Sounding like a cross between Cheap Trick and The Clash, The Police burst on the scene with this brilliant, energized debut.