Tag: 1970s
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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.
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David Bowie, Lodger, 1979 on RCA Victor
Third album in the so-called Berlin trilogy (after Low and “Heroes”) in collaboration with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti. Recorded in Switzerland and New York city, and the first Bowie album to feature Adrian Belew alongside Carlos Alomar. A remastered Lodger came out in 2017 as part of the box set A New Career In…
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Jeff Beck Group, Rough and Ready, 1971 on Epic
Third studio album by the Jeff Beck Group, in this case with Clive Chapman (bass), Bob Tench (vocals), Cozy Powell (drums) and Max Middleton (piano). Bob Tench recorded with Peter Green, Beck, Van Morrison, Freddie King, Ginger Baker and others – and was in Humble Pie, The Gass, and others. Sadly he passed in 2024.…
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Willie Nelson & Leon Russell, One for the Road, 1979 on Columbia
The first in a series of duet albums from Willie Nelson, released in 1979. Nelson went on to release duet albums with Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Webb Pierce, and Roger Miller all in the early 80s. (There were also many more later of course). Double LP from two of my musical heroes – joined by…
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Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Zuma, 1975 on Reprise
Seventh studio album from Neil Young, and the first credited with Crazy Horse after Danny Whitten died in 1972. The individual song credits have two songs not attributed to Crazy Horse: “Pardon My Heart” (credited just to Neil Young) and “Through My Sails” (credited “with Crosby, Stills & Nash”). “Cortez the Killer” is a 7…
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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…
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John Prine, Diamonds in the Rough, 1972 on Atlantic
This was Prine’s sophomore album, following the self-titled John Prine. Prine is joined by Steve Goodman, David Bromberg, Steve Burgh, and Dave Prine. I just love Prine’s songwriting: “Souvenirs,” “Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You” and “Late John Garfield Blues” on this LP. He also does “Diamonds in the Rough” by…
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Joni Mitchell, The Hissing of Summer Lawns, 1975 on Asylum
Mitchell’s seventh studio LP and third on Asylum – continuing to draw on more jazz-rock influences and more synthesizers (Moog, ARP). Some find it a step down from 1974’s Court and Spark but I really love this record and this presing. My copy is the 2024 Vinyl Me, Please reissue by Rhino in the Vinyl…
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T. Rex, T. Rex, 1970 on Reprise
Debut album as “T. Rex” for Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn, having previously released as Tyrannosaurus Rex, out on Reprise in 1970. Tony Visconti produced and reportedly added bass and recorder to some tracks. The electric guitar Bolan holds on the gatefold cover signals the shift into a more rock sound from the folkier early…
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Isaac Hayes, Black Moses, 1971 on Enterprise
This double LP was Hayes’ fifth studio album and was the follow-up to Shaft. Wonderful covers of “Never Can Say Goodbye” as well as “Close To You” and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.” Reportedly the label exec Dino Woodward called Hayes “Black Moses.” The Bar-Kays are here on a few tracks, otherwise the band…
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Dire Straits, Communiqué, 1979 on Warner Bros
Sophomore album by Dire Straits, released in 1979 by Warner Bros. (in the US). This was the last album before David Knopfler left, and went to number 11 on the US charts. I just love Mark Knopfler’s guitar playing and compositions – these albums are all fantastic. Look how young they all are! My copy—via…
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John Cougar, John Cougar, 1979 on Riva
Third album album from the guy we now know as John Mellencamp, after two (Chestnut Street Incident and A Biography) as “Johnny Cougar.” It was his second on Riva Records but the first Riva put out in the US. Includes “I Need A Lover” which had been a hit in Australia and was covered by…
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Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan At Budokan, 1979 on Columbia
Third of three live Dylan albums from the 70s (Before the Flood and Hard Rain are the other two), and the second to be 2xLP in format, At Budokan was recorded at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo in February and March of 1978. (The US release was in 1979). Many folks don’t care for the…
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Guy Clark, Old No. 1, 1975 on RCA Victor
Guy Clark’s debut album, out in 1975 on RCA Victor, reissued here by Vinyl Me Please in their Country track in 2024. Cover painting by his wife Susanna Clark. Backing vocalists here include Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and Steve Earle – among a shortlist of the folks Guy Clark was a tremendous influence on. Liner…
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Bob Dylan, Street-Legal, 1978 on Columbia
This was Dylan’s 18th studio LP, made with a band that included Jerry Scheff, Ian Wallace, Alan Pasqua, Billy Cross, Steven Soles, Steve Douglas, and David Mansfield – many of whom were in the Rolling Thunder Revue. (David Mansfield also went on to be part of The Range). Not as many absolutely central Dylan songs…
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Kiss, Destroyer, 1976 on Casablanca
This was the fourth full length for Kiss, with the Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley line up, supported by Dick Wagner on three tracks. (Sadly Ace passed this week). This is the first vinyl record I remember holding and listening to – I loved “Beth” and the Casablanca label – but I’ve…
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ZZ Top, Fandango!, 1975 on London Records
Fourth release from Texas blues band ZZ Top, Fandango! included an A side with live songs (from The Warehouse, in New Orleans) and a B side of new studio recordings. A Fandango is a dance originating in Spain and Portugal – which wikipedia tells me “is used as a synonym for ‘a quarrel’, ‘a big…
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Randy Newman, Little Criminals, 1977 on Warner Bros
Randy Newman’s fifth studio LP and his highest charting, in part due to “Short People,” which was also a hit single. Produced by Lenny Waronker and Russ Titelman, with supporting players including Waddy Wachtel, Joe Walsh, Glen Frey, J.D. Souther, Tim Schmit, Klaus Voorman, Jim Keltner, Willie Weeks, and even Ry Cooder on mandola on…