Tag: 1974
-
Steely Dan, Pretzel Logic, 1974 on ABC Records
Third Steely Dan studio LP out in 1974 on ABC Records and the last to include the full quintet: Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, Denny Dias, Jim Hodder, and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter – plus studio musicians. “Ricky Don’t Lose That Number” may have become their most well known song over time, though I love “Any Major…
-
Shuggie Otis, Inspiration Information, 1974 on Epic
This was the third and last Shuggie Otis studio LP on Epic, released in 1974 after three years in the making. Otis is credited with guitar, bass, organ, piano, vibes, and percussion – basically most of the instruments, with some guests on harp and horns. It became something of a cult classic – not a…
-
Eagles, On the Border, 1974 on Asylum
Yes, it really is just “Eagles” not “The Eagles.” This was their third studio album produced mostly by Bill Szymczyk and includes “Already Gone” and “Best of My Love” and I was surprised to find a cover of Tom Waits’ “Ol’ 55.” There’s really some great music hand songwriting here. My copy—via private sale—is a…
-
James Taylor, Walking Man, 1974 on Warner Bros.
I became a James Taylor fan in the 80s via a CD of Greatest Hits but as I’m rebuilding my vinyl collection have been picking up his early 70s albums. Walking Man was his fifth, out in 1974 on Warner Bros. (after his debut had been on Apple Records). It was less successful commercially than…
-
The Blues Project, Archetypes, 1974 on MGM
Reissue of 1969’s The Best of the Blues Project, which was on Verve Forecast. There is a whole series of releases titled Archetypes from the mid-seventies on MGM – not sure if they are all reissues or not. Other artists in the MGM Archetype Series are: Charlie Parker, Tim Hardin, Billy Holiday, Blues Project, Velvet…
-
Bill Evans, Return Engagement, 1974 on Verve
Title sometimes listed as Verve Return Engagement – part of a series of basically compilations of Jazz greats published in the 1970s by Verve. (I have the Oscar Peterson one as well). Nice way to get a bunch of Bill Evans tracks from across 8 albums in a new package. My copy—via Down in the…
-
Bob Dylan, Planet Waves, 1974 on Asylum
Dylan’s first album after leaving Columbia for Asylum Records, with The Band as the backing group, and his fourteenth overall. (The only other was Before the Flood – both were later reissued by Columbia). Includes not one but two version of “Forever Young” – fast and slow – along with “Going, Going, Gone” and “On…
-
Stan Getz & Bill Evans, Previously Unreleased Recordings, 1974 on Verve
Sometimes just referred to as Stan Getz & Bill Evans, this was recorded in 1964 but not released until 1974. Ron Carter (A side) and Richard Davis (B side) on bass, with Elvin Jones on drums. Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Englewood Cliffs NJ and produced by Creed Taylor. There’s a whole series…
-
David Bowie, David Live, 1974 on RCA Victor
First live album from Bowie, recorded at the Tower Theater outside Philadelphia, on the first leg of the Diamond Dogs tour. Reissued in 2005 (on CD) with a new mix by Tony Visconti (with a 2017 3xLP version). My copy—via the Worcester Record Riot—is an RCA Indianapolis pressing on the orange labels.
-
Tom Waits, The Heart of Saturday Night, 1974 on Asylum
Second studio album from Tom Waits, following Closing Time, and the first produced by Bones Howe. An absolute must have. Much of Waits’ catalog is now being reissued but I love a chance to find early pressings of these in good shape. It’s amazing to me how timeless he is – this could come out…
-
Oscar Peterson featuring Stephane Grappelli, Peterson/Grappelli, 1974 on Prestige
2xLP from Prestige bringing together Canadian jazz pianist Peterson with French jazz violinist Grappelli. The two also appeared together on a live Pablo album (Skol) in 1982 (recorded in 1979). This double LP was recorded in Paris February 22nd and 23rd, 1973. Peterson and Grappelli are joined by Niels Henning Oersted Pederson on bass and…
-
John Mayall, The Latest Edition, 1974 on Polydor
I collect lots of John Mayall – this followed the era of Mayall moving to the US in the late 60s, and the band here includes Larry Taylor, Red Holloway, Soko Richardson, Hightide Harris and Randy Resnick. Lots of jazz/fusion influence here with saxophone. Mayall is wearing a cast on the cover. Mayall passed unfortunately…
-
Nilsson, Pussy Cats, 1974 on RCA Victor
I first came to discover Harry Nilsson via The Point!, the fable accompanied by an animated film adaptation that aired on ABC in 1971. (I was too young for it at the time but came upon it later). I then came to realize all the songs he was responsible for and how deep and broad…
-
Willie Nelson, Phases and Stages, 1974 on Atlantic
This was Nelson’s 17th studio album and second (and last) of the Atlantic era, following Shotgun Willie, produced by Jerry Wexler and recorded at Muscle Shoals in Alabama. As the listening notes explain, while Nelson disclaimed the autobiographical elements of the record, “when you make . . . the most devastating divorce record of all…
-
Labelle, Nightbirds, 1974 on Epic
Labelle were a trio including Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash, and grew out of Patti Labelle and the Bluebells. They are the original “Lady Marmalade” power trio – and this was their best-selling album. Allen Toussaint produced and The Meters supplement (replace?) Labelle’s usual band. My copy is the January 2024 Vinyl Me…
-
Junior Walker and the All-Stars, Anthology, 1974 on Motown
While many folks only know Walker and the All-Stars via their first and biggest hit, “Shotgun,” this 2xLP release collects recordings from 1965-1973 – good way to get to know more of their catalog. Motown issued a whole series of Anthology releases in the mid-seventies – mostly 2xLP releases of collections from their best selling…
-
Hound Dog Taylor and the House Rockers, Natural Boogie, 1974 on Alligator Records
Second record from Hound Dog Taylor and his band, originally issued as AL 4704. The band her includes Ted Harvey on drums and Brewer Phillips on 2nd guitar, with Hound Dog Taylor on lead guitar and vocals. (Their debut LP had been the first release on newly-formed Alligator in 1971). Great electrified Chicago blues. Unfortunately…
-
David Bromberg, Wanted Dead or Alive, 1974 on Columbia
I’m a huge David Bromberg fan – he’s an under-appreciated player in the universe of bluegrass/blues/folk/jazz. This was his third LP. One side was recorded with Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Keith Godchaux and Bill Kreutzmann (of the Grateful Dead) and the other side was recorded live. The opener “The Holdup” was cowritten with George Harrison,…