Tag: Palm Springs CA
-
John Cougar Mellencamp, Big Daddy, 1989 on Mercury
This was Mellencamp’s tenth studio LP, and the fourth to carry “Mellencamp” after the “John Cougar” era. (It was the followup to Lonesome Jubilee). It was produced by Mellencamp and recorded at his own studio (Belmont Mall in Belmont Indiana). Lisa Germano plays violin, before she kicked off her solo career. My copy—via Gré Records…
-
Julian Lennon, The Secret Value of Daydreaming, 1986 on Atlantic
This was Julian Lennon’s sophomore album, following Valotte. Billy Joel joins on piano on “You Get What You Want.” It was recorded at Compass Point in the Bahamas and produced by Phil Ramone (who also produced his debut). Was startled to see the twin towers on the inner sleeve so close to the 25th anniversary…
-
Carole King, Tapestry, 1971 on Ode
Sophomore album from Carole King (her debut album was called Writer), this album is often cited on shortlists of the greatest albums of all time. It was produced by Lou Adler, and won four grammy awards in 1972. It’s been certified 14x platinum. You can find a copy of Rumours in just about any record…
-
The Dream Academy, Remembrance Days, 1987 on Reprise
Sophomore album from Nick Laird-Clowes, Kate St. John, and Gilbert Gabriel aka “The Dream Academy.” Most well known for “Life in a Northern Town” from their debut album. This second release got less attention, but I love it – “Indian Summer” and “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” in particular. Guests here in Lindsey Buckingham, who played…
-
Peter Wolf, Lights Out, 1984 on EMI America
Debut solo album from Boston’s own Peter Wolf, after parting ways with the J. Geils Band. Wolf put out a memoir in 2025: Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters, and Goddesses. It’s a great read and emphasizes all the unlikely connections and Forrest Gump-like moments where Wolf touched some key artist or milestone.…