Category: musicPage 13 of 81

Leon Russell, Leon Russell and the Shelter People, 1971 on Shelter Records

There’s been a resurgence of interest in Leon Russell lately, with a tribute album (A Song For Leon) and a biography (Leon Russell: The Master of Space and…

Nico, Chelsea Girl, 1967 on Verve

This album originally came out in ’67 as Nico’s solo debut, in the same year as the release of The Velvet Underground and Nico on which she sang…

Sylvan Esso, No Rules Sandy, 2022 on Loma Vista / Psychic Hotline

My copy is the VMP limited, numbered edition on orange vinyl, pressed at Memphis Record Pressing. There’s a partially opaque slipcover through which you can see the tracklist…

The Alarm, Equals, 2018 on The Twenty First Century Recording Company

The Alarm joined here by Billy Duffy from the Cult. The Twenty First Century Recording Company was set up by Mike Peters back in the 90s. The Alarm…

Modern English, After the Snow, 1982 on Sire

This was Modern English’s second album, following Mesh & Lace, and had the massive hit “I Melt With You” which I think was so iconic in the early…

Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, So Far, 1974 on Atlantic

I didn’t realize until many years later this was a compilation album – basically [Greatest Hits] So Far because I was coming to their music so many years…

Desmond Dekker, The Israelites, 1969 on Pyramid

The title track was top 10 both in the UK and in the US in 1969, making Dekker one of the most visible early stars of reggae outside…

Bonny Light Horseman, Rolling Golden Holy, 2022 on 37d03d

The sophomore album from Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson, and Josh Kaufman, joined here by Mike Lewis, and JT Bates. (Does this make BLH technically a supergroup, given…

Bonnie Bishop, Ain’t Who I Was, 2016 on Plan BB

I first heard the title track of this album on a Paste Sampler from 2017 so was happy to find the LP (produced by Dave Cobb) at Dyno…

Andrew Bird, The Mysterious Production of Eggs, 2005 on Righteous Babe / Grimsey

The original came out in the US on Ani Di Franco’s Righteous Babe Records, but my copy is a later reissue on Stillwater Minnesota’s Grimsey Records. Andrew Bird…

Various Artists, Footloose: Original Soundtrack of the Paramount Motion Picture, 1984 on Columbia

So in 1984 I’d have thought myself too cool for the Footloose soundtrack: Kenny Logins and Deniece Williams? But I also would have secretly loved it (as I…

Ry Cooder, Boomer’s Story, 1972 on Reprise

I love Ry Cooder’s career – so many different threads, all of which are wonderful. This was his third studio album in a roots/Americana/blues tradition. Randy Newman guests…

The Zombies, Begin Here, 1965 on Decca

My copy is a later reissue (2013) on Repertoire Records, half-speed mastered at Abbey Road Studios from HD 24 bit audio – the original was on Decca in…

Gil Evans, Gil Evans & Ten, 1957 on Prestige

My copy is the 2023 reissue by Craft Recordings for Record Store Day. Players: Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, this was Gil Evan’s fist recording as a pianist….

The Magnetic Fields, i, 2004 on Nonesuch

All the songs on the album start with the letter i, a very Stephin Merritt thing to do. (Is this also related to the “i” in his first…

Fugees, The Score, 1996 on Columbia / Ruffhouse

Very hard to find original pressings of this – my copy is a 2021 reissue. This is an absolute must have, alongside The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which…

INXS, Listen Like Thieves, 1985 on Atlantic

This was INXS’ fifth studio album, but had their first US breakthrough hit with “What You Need.” Recorded at Rhinoceros in Sydney and produced by Chris Thomas. Includes…

Bonnie Raitt, Takin My Time, 1973 on Warner Bros

Raitt’s third full length album, produced by John Hall. Great versions of Mose Allison’s “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy” and Jackson Browne’s “I Thought I was a Child.” Guests include…

John Mayall with Eric Clapton, Blues Breakers, 1966 on London Records

This was the debut studio album for Mayall and the Bluesbreakers but credited to John Mayall with Eric Clapton. The band here includes Mayall, Clapton, John McVie, Hughie…

Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder , Get On Board: The Songs of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, 2022 on Nonesuch

How could you possibly go wrong with Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder together? Joachim Cooder joins on drums and bass. Produced by Ry Cooder; recorded, mixed and mastered…