Today’s Albums 1301-1400

The 5th album Sky at Night by Manchester-based alt-rock trio I Am Kloot celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Produced by Guy Garvey and Craig Potter of Elbow, the LP was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. Love Northern Skies and I Still Do.

The debut eponymous Foo Fighters album celebrates a 25th anniversary today! Almost entirely written and recorded by Dave Grohl in Seattle, the LP was a big step following the success of Nirvana. Includes This Is A Call and I’ll Stick Around.

The debut Ewart Beckford, better known as U-Roy, album Version Galore took Jamaica by storm. Recorded at the Treasure Isle studio, the LP saw the DJ U-Roy sing over many well-known classics, including five tracks by the Paragons. Legendary.

The new Ray Lamontagne album Monovision has been described on more than one occasion as ‘soothing.’ I can see why. The timid performer I watched at the Royal Albert Hall is now a confident, masterful singer-songwriter. An artist I always await new material.

The 4th album by English rock band Traffic, John Barleycorn Must Die, celebrates a 50th anniversary today! In late 1968 Traffic split, but soon were reborn. JBMD became the band’s first Gold album, and showed more structure to their jazz-rock style.

A new, yet old, Neil Young album called Homegrown has been released. Recorded late 1974 after On the Beach and before Zuma sessions. Often individual tracks or alternate takes are released over time, but a complete album, what a joy! Loved it. You?

I can’t believe I haven’t featured before To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar. The 3rd LP by the American rapper, released in 2015, was widely acclaimed and one of the most talked about LPs of the year. A timely listen today!

I thought oh no a new Bob Dylan album. What’s this going to be like is first in around 8 years? Better than expected to be truthful. Rough and Rowdy Ways was a pleasant surprise. A 79 year-old poetic wordsmith still making thought provoking music.

The Neil Young album Mirror Ball celebrates a 25th anniversary today! Recorded in Seattle with Pearl Jam whose influence is clearly prominent throughout.   Includes Peace and Love and the brilliant Downtown.  Good to hear again after so many years.

The 1995 debut LP Exit Planet Dust by The Chemical Brothers celebrates a 25th anniversary today! Critically acclaimed and commercial success in abundance.  The LP included the singles Leave Home and Song to the Siren.  A breakthrough under the new moniker.

The 1992 debut studio album by British electronic musician Richard D. James, under the pseudonym Aphex Twin, Selected Ambient Works – 85-92, is one of the electronica pioneering albums.  Some of the material was apparently recorded onto a cassette when James was in his teens!

The 1966 album Fifth Dimension by The Byrds is often referred as one of the initiating LPs in the psychedelic rock genre.  At release praise was muted, retrospective reviews more favourable for this transitional LP.  Includes the incredible Eight Miles High.

The 1976 Weather Report album Black Market saw more changes of personnel in the group and themes taking a world fusion vibe.  The track Cannon Ball is a tribute to Cannonball Adderley who died the year before. The beginning of the classic period.

The Savages front-woman Jehnny Beth has released a solo album To Love Is To Live, with an accompanying collection of erotic short stories.  The material is uncomfortably raw at times, yet musically intriguing. Further listens required.

The eponymous debut album by the Norwegian band Kvelertak celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Norwegian punk and black metal is definitely a niche genre…not normally my taste, but this LP is powerful, chord driven, relentless and strangely enjoyable.

The 2nd album by The Verve, A Northern Soul, celebrates a 25th anniversary today! This album was huge for me in the 90’s. The powerful opening of A New Decade, the tenderness of On Your Own, the symphony History. Magnificent LP.

The 1970 eponymous debut solo Diana Ross celebrates a 50th anniversary today! A mix of covers and new material written by Ashford & Simpson. Includes Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand) and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. A success for the former Supreme.

The latest Ambrose Akinmusire album on the tender spot of every calloused moment, released on Blue Note, timely reflects on black life in America. The visionary Jazz trumpeter and composer captures feeling through modern Jazz like no other. Incredible LP.

The new Run The Jewels album RTJ4, their 4th LP release, includes collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Mavis Staples, Josh Homme, and Zack de la Rocha. A timely release given the troubles in the US. Their best work so far?

The new album Folk n’ Roll Vol.1: Tales of Isolation by Ondara was composed and produced while in lock-down in Minneapolis over the course of a week. The LP is J.S Ondara’s response to the global pandemic. Very poignant.

The 1974 Betty Wright album Danger High Voltage is a fun filled ride from beginning to end. From southern funk to proto-disco, the LP is a joy to behold, and perhaps her finest work. Includes A fantastic cover of Allen Toussaint’s Shoorah! Shoorah!

The 1970 Grateful Dead album Workingman’s Dead celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP marked a shift from the psychedelic past of the 60’s to Americana, and even spawned a top 40 single Uncle John’s Band. Recorded in just 10 days.

The 2nd solo album by Icelandic recording artist Björk, Post, celebrates a 25th Anniversary today! The LP of eclectic art pop has a hit, yielding Army of Me, Isobel, It’s Oh So Quiet, Hyperballad, Possibly Maybe, and I Miss You as singles. Played this to death at the time!

A digital audio release of Prince and the Revolution: Live is now available. Recorded in 1985 concert in Syracuse, New York, the show was broadcast live in Europe. Opens with Let’s Go Crazy and finishes with an 18 minute Purple Rain. In between majestic Prince!

The new Steve Earl and the Dukes album Ghosts of West Virginia commemorates a fatal explosion a decade ago at coal mine in the state. Appalachian bluegrass and Americana is bread and butter to Earl. A poignant tribute.

The final studio album, Uprising, by Bob Marley and the Wailers celebrates a 40th anniversary today!  Bob died the following year after releasing this deeply religious LP.  Includes Could You be Loved and Redemption Song.  Miss you Bob.

The 1971 Eugene McDaniels album Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse has become much sought after by rare vinyl collectors, and has been sampled by numerous hip hop producers.  A protest album, dealing with racial struggles across many genres.  Fascinating LP.

The 1985 Dexys Midnight Runners album Don’t Stand Me Down followed their internationally successful LP Too-Rye-Ay. The band had streamlined from 10 members to just 4, but the LP bombed, but since been called a “neglected masterpiece.” I’m undecided…you?