[Review] Deep Purple: Machine Head (1972)
Hard rock, heavy metal, call it what you want, Machine Head is an absolute classic.
Wings: “With A Little Luck” (1978)
With songs like this, who needs luck? McCartney scored another number one hit with this low-key, high-production gem.
[Review] James Gang: Rides Again (1970)
This kicks off with the tight “Funk #49,” then unravels (except for “The Bomber,” which totally Ravels).
[Review] The Damned: Strawberries (1982)
Their most sophisticated studio album yet, this brought the band new fans even as it cost them a few old fans.
[Review] Joni Mitchell: Court And Spark (1974)
This is the clouds parting, and the sun shining, and the insects trilling and the birds singing.
Joni Mitchell: “Raised On Robbery” (1973)
Not the worst song on Joni’s best album, but if you bought this hoping to spark your interest in Court, you were robbed.
[Review] Procol Harum: A Salty Dog (1969)
An epic musical voyage, with the band’s collective artistry in full sail and Keith Reid’s poetry as their north star.
[Review] The Soft Machine (1968)
Experimental, psychedelic “art” rock that gave the intellectuals in the audience something to chew on until prog arrived.
[Review] Eric Clapton: Slowhand (1977)
This is probably the cream of the crop among Clapton’s 70s albums… slow, back-handed compliment that it is.
[Review] The Clash: Give ‘Em Enough Rope (1978)
Punks as the new agents of peace? Believe it on The Clash’s classic second album.
The Blow Monkeys: “It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way” (1987)
The opening single from Grocer’s Daughter doesn’t sound nearly as fresh as it did thirty years ago.
[Review] Rick Wakeman: Aspirant Sunset (1990)
The second in his Sun series of soporific soundtracks, stocked with stately synthesizers and the sonorous strains of soothing sssleep.
[Review] Tangerine Dream: Wavelength Original Soundtrack (1983)
Classy, futuristic score to this science-fiction potboiler featuring Robert Carradine has aged better than the movie.
The Cars: “You Might Think” (1984)
Turbocharged by top-of-the-line audio and video production, The Cars enter their mass-production phase.
[Review] Nilsson: Pandemonium Shadow Show (1967)
Nilsson’s major-label debut attracted a wider spotlight, but the real show was just getting started.