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Neneh Cherry, Raw Like Sushi, 1989 on Virgin
I don’t think I knew it at the time, but Neneh Cherry is Swedish-born (Neneh Mariann Karlsson), and related to both Don Cherry the jazz trumpeter (step-daughter) and Eagle-Eye Cherry (shared mother, different fathers). This was her debut studio album and “Buffalo Stance” was huge in the late 80s. It’s really a great album well…
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Dave Van Ronk and The Hudson, Dave Van Ronk and The Hudson Dusters, 1967 on Verve Forecast
The Hudson Dusters were Dave Woods, Ed Gregory, and Rick Henderson – Phillip Namanworth also appears here as “Pot” on the rear cover. They took their name from an early 20th century NY gang. Picked this up on a lark because I enjoy Dave Van Ronk – no idea how rare or common it is.…
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B.B. King, Live at the Regal, 1965 on ABC Paramount
Recorded live at the Regal Theater in Chicago in 1964, and released by ABC Paramount (in the US) in 1965. Fantastic live blues album and a must have. It was a cold, raw day in traditionally windy Chicago on November 21, 1964, but hundreds of people found a quick way to warm up! There were…
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Bob Marley and The Wailers, Live!, 1975 on Island / Tuff Gong
Recorded at the Lyceum Theatre in London, July 1975, and released by Island Records. Fantastic live album. The only thing wrong with this album is that isn’t a 2xLP or longer. My copy—not sure where I picked this up—is a post 2015 reissue by UMe on Tuff Gong labels, including a fold-out poster.
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Neil Young, Crazy Horse, Barn, 2021 on Reprise
Young’s first post-covid album, recorded in an old (1870s?) barn in Colorado with Nils Lofgren, Billy Talbot, and Ralph Molina. I like the way it is credited and titled – just three nouns: Neil Young, Crazy Horse, Barn. I love Neil Young and really enjoyed new music from him with Crazy Horse, even if this…
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Keb’ Mo’, Good to Be . . . , 2022 on Rounder
Fifteenth studio album from Keb’ Mo’ whose career I’ve followed for a long time, since his self-titled debut (as Keb’ Mo’) in 1994. He’s joined by Darius Rucker, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Kristin Chenoweth (yes, that Kristin Chenoweth) on specific tracks. Nominated for a Grammy for best Americana album in 2023. I was super…
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Dr. John, Things Happen That Way, 2022 on Rounder
Dr. John’s final studio LP, posthumously released by Rounder after he passed in 2019. Guest appearances by Aaron Neville (“End of the Line”), Willie Nelson (“Gimme That Old Time Religion”), and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real (“I Walk on Guilded Splinters”). Great covers here: Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away,” Hank Williams…
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Sarah Jarosz, Polaroid Lovers, 2024 on Rounder Records
Seventh studio album from Jarosz (who is also part of I’m With Her), produced by Daniel Tashian and recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville TN. Tashian, Natalie Hemby, Ruston Kelly and others share co-writing credits on different tracks. My copy—direct from Rounder Records’ Store—is a Memphis Record Pressing issue on “purple translucent marble” vinyl.
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Indigo Girls, Look Long, 2020 on Rounder Records
15th album from Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, with guests including Lucy Wainwright Roche, Lucy Jules, and producer John Reynolds. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Bath and Reynolds’ own New Aer Studios in Kilburn. Loved seeing the Lilith Fair documentary Building a Mystery and the role Indigo Girls seemed to play in…
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Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Blood & Chocolate, 1986 on Columbia
Costello’s 11th studio LP and 9th with The Attractions, as a follow up to King of America, and produced by Nick Lowe. Didn’t do so well commercially at the time, but now called one of his best. Costello is credited on the rear sleeve as “Napoleon Dynamite” – which is also the name of the…
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Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Imperial Bedroom, 1982 on Columbia
Seventh studio LP from Costello and the sixth with The Attractions, out of F-Beat in the UK and Columbia in the US. A must have for collectors of Costello or indeed the whole new wave / alternative era of the late seventies to mid eighties. My copy – direct from the artist at a show…
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Sturgill Simpson, The Ballad of Dood & Juanita, 2021 on High Top Mountain Records
The seventh studio album from Sturgill Simpson with guest Willie Nelson on “Juanita.” A concept album set in Kentucky during the Civil War, this may be the last album under his own name. I just love Simpson’s approach to music and composition as well as the whole band here, which includes: Sierra Hull, Stuart Duncan,…
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The Cars, The Cars (Self-Titled), 1978 on Elektra
Debut album from Boston’s own The Cars, out in 1978 on Elektra, and produced by Thomas Baker. Killer debut, with “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Good Times Roll,” and “Moving In Stereo.” Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, Elliot Easton, David Robinson, and Greg Hawkes in the original lineup. My copy, via a private…
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U2, Live “Under a Blood Red Sky, ” 1983 on Island
I always thought of this as recorded at Red Rocks in Colorado, but with additional tracks from the Orpheum in Boston (“11 O’Clock Tick Tock”) and Rockpalast in Germany (all of Side B, “I Will Follow”). There was a live video – Live at Red Rocks: Under A Blood Red Sky, which was the full…
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Sir Douglas Quintet, Texas Tornado Live, 2023 on Liberation Hall
Recorded Sept 1971 at the Troubadour in LA, but released in 2023 as part of Record Store Day. The Sir Douglas Quintet, led by Doug Sahm, out of San Antonio TX via San Francisco CA. Great collection including probably their best known song “She’s About a Mover” and “Dynamite Woman.” My copy via a private…