Today’s Albums 1401-1500

The 5th Kings of Leon album Come Around Sundown celebrates a 10th anniversary today! The LP continued their journey into mainstream rock with their crowd-pleasing anthems as on the previous album Only By The Night.

The debut self-titled album by folk singer Joan Baez celebrates a 60th anniversary this month! Released when the folk music revival was gathering pace. The 19 year old pure voiced took the genre by storm. Love East Virginia and Mary Hamilton.

The Georgian native Brent Cobb is in reflective mood on this latest stripped down release Keep ‘Em on They Toes. Cobb was just involved in a serious car accident so give him some support by having a listen, you won’t be disappointed.

The Sufjan Stevens album The Age of Adz celebrates a 10th anniversary today! A personal LP, with musical themes exploring electronics and orchestration. The change in style received mixed reviews, however cemented Stevens as a much loved artist.

The Belle & Sebastian album Write About Love celebrates a 10th anniversary today. The Glaswegian indie pop band returned after a 4-year hiatus with their 8th LP. You know what you get with B&S, superb down-tempo ballads.

The Rocket From The Crypt album Scream, Dracula, Scream celebrates a 25th anniversary today! High energy rock n’ roll for the 1990s complete with trumpet. Includes the singles On a Rope, Born in ’69 and Young Livers.

The Beautiful South album Painting it Red celebrates a 20th anniversary today! In all honesty I’ve never liked TBS, but after revisiting I might just have been wrong. The concept album about middle age was their longest. Perhaps middle age has changed my tastes.

The Talking Heads album Remain In Light is 40 years old today! Inspired by Afrofunk and Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, the LP includes one of their best known tracks Once In A Lifetime. One of the best LPs of the 80’s?

The 3rd album by British punk rock band IDLES called Ultra Mono gives the listener a swift kick up the ass. You know what you get with the IDLES, high octane, politically charged, raucous and powerful tunes to shake you to your boots.

The indie folk band Fleet Foxes released a surprise new album Shore this month. Sure to be on the end of year best lists, Shore is packed full of lush melodies, stunning vocal harmonies, and captivating lyrics. Wonderful LP.

The 3rd Led Zeppelin album Led Zeppelin III celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP incorporated more acoustic and folk numbers than the previous LPs. Includes Immigrant Song, Gallows Pole, Tangerine, and Bron-Y-Aur Stomp. What’s your LZ top 3 LPs?

The Public Enemy album What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? tackles all that is wrong in the world, as a good PE LP should. After three decades PE remain relevant and enlist a mighty guest list. Fight the Power is back!

The 10th solo studio album You’re The One by Paul Simon celebrates a 20th anniversary today! The Grammy nominated LP was considered a comeback after the disappointment of his Broadway musical, The Capeman, and accompanying concept album for the show.

The 2nd Oasis album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory is 25 years old today! The LP made the band superstars. Includes the singles Some Might Say, Don’t Look Back in Anger, Roll with It, and Wonderwall. Favourite track? Cast No Shadow for me…

The only studio album by English rock band The La’s celebrates a 30th anniversary today! Often cited as one of the greatest one album wonders of all-time. Includes There She Goes and Timeless Melody. What other one album wonders do you love?

The 8th full-length solo studio release from Sufjan Stevens called The Ascension is first proper LP in 5-years. The lengthy expansive collection was described by The Quietus as “a dense work of art, stealthy and clandestine.” Potentially his finest work to date? Your thoughts?

The latest album American Head by The Flaming Lips is up there with The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The concept LP features a guest appearance from Kacey Musgraves. A blend of thoughtfulness and psychedelics.

The 2010 Deerhunter album Halycon Digest celebrates a 10th anniversary today! The LP was released to critical acclaim with a sound that almost drifts into dream pop. A career highlight? It’s surely up there. Love Desire Lines.

The 8th Tricky album Mixed Race celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Recorded in Paris, the autobiographical LP received mixed reviews. Includes a great collaboration with Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream. A short LP and to the point.

The Madness album Absolutely celebrates a 40th anniversary today! Now I feel old! A continuation of the One Step Beyond success. Includes Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment and the instrumental The Return of the Los Palmas 7. Madness fan?

The 1990 INXS album X celebrates a 30th anniversary today! The Aussie band found the success formula with Kick, then repeated and improved. Includes the singles Suicide Blonde, Disappear, Bitter Tears and By My Side. My Favourite INXS LP, yours?

The Megadeth album Rust in Peace celebrates a 30th anniversary today! Kerrang magazine described the LP as the best thrash metal records of all time. Includes the tracks Hangar 18 and Holy Wars… The Punishment Due. What an LP.

The 2nd Santana album Abraxas celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP was the band’s first to reach number one in the US. An incredible mix of rock, jazz, Latin salsa, and blues. Includes the majestic Oye Cómo Va. Own it on vinyl?

The first full-length LP in over 10 years by the Doves called The Universal Want was described by Uncut magazine as “complex as a Rubik’s cube.” In my mind the LP revisits past glories, themes and techniques. A triumphant return.

The John Legend and The Roots collaborative album Wake Up! celebrates a 10th anniversary today! The LP was inspired by the 2008 United States presidential election and features primarily 60s and 70s soul covers about awareness, engagement, and consciousness.

The 1980 Ozzy Osbourne album Blizzard of Ozz celebrates a 40th anniversary today! Osbourne’s first release following his firing from Black Sabbath the year before. Rolling Stone ranked the LP at No.9 in 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time list. Fan of the LP?

The 3rd Neil Young album After the Gold Rush celebrates a 50th anniversary today! At release critics gave the LP mixed reviews…the fools. A masterpiece from Young, where does it rate in your Young favourites? Love Southern Man.

The Madonna album Music celebrates a 20th anniversary today! The LP was her first in more than a decade to top the charts in the US. Includes the singles Don’t Tell Me, What It Feels Like for a Girl, and the title track. Does it rate high in your Madonna top LPs?

The 1990 Cocteau Twins album Heaven or Las Vegas celebrates a 30th anniversary today! The band’s most commercially successful release, recorded at September Sound, Twickenham, better known as Eel Pie Studios. Pure bliss.

The 2015 debut album of American singer-songwriter Julien Baker Sprained Ankle was championed by NPR.   Originally released on Bandcamp, it was reported the LP was mostly recorded alone, singing and playing into a microphone, sometimes in a single take.  Captivating LP.

Guilty pleasure time! The 1976 Leo Sayer album Endless Flight features his biggest hits the Grammy winning You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and When I Need You.  Don’t tease, some of the musicians include Earl Slick (Bowie), Jeff Porcaro and even Ray Parker Jr.

The latest Tricky album Fall to Pieces is among his best work.  Following the loss of his daughter last year Tricky turned his grief into an appropriately titled emotionally charged LP.  The loss and tragedy shared throughout is palpable.  A masterpiece.

The Edwin Collins album Losing Sleep is 10 years old today! Released on Heavenly Records, the 7th solo LP from Edwin includes guests Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy, Aztec Camera’s Roddy Frame, and Johnny Marr. Great LP.

The 3rd LP by Scottish new wave band Simple Minds Empires and Dance celebrates a 40th anniversary today. Inspired by touring in Europe and the dance music genre. Love the opener I Travel and This Fear of Gods. Anyone own this on vinyl?

The 4th Blur album The Great Escape celebrates a 25th anniversary today! The Battle of Britpop album, and Blur’s last in the sub-genre. Includes the singles Country House, The Universal, Stereotypes and Charmless Man. Not Parklife, but a huge success.

The third full-length release Songs for the General Public from the brother duo Brian and Michael D’Addario better known as The Lemon Twigs continue their journey into the sounds of yesteryear. They sure do love the 70’s…anyone fans of TLT?

The 1990 Neil Young album Ragged Glory celebrates a 30th anniversary today! The LP revisits the hard-rock style explored on Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere and Zuma. A garage rock gem? Where does it rate in your Neil Young favourites?

The 2nd release from Los Angeles trio L.A. Witch called Play With Fire continues the journey into gothic rock. Described by beatsperminute.com as “the cursed love children of Black Sabbath and The Shangri-Las.” What a compliment!

The 2010 self-titled Interpol album celebrates a 10th anniversary today! The LP was self-produced and recorded at Electric Lady Studios. A difficult recording with tensions and departure in the band, not favoured compared to earlier work. I like this LP, you?

I had no idea Erasure were still around. But when I heard they had a new album, The Neon, I thought I’d check it out. I was pleasantly surprised, The Neon has everything you expect and want from an Erasure LP, catchy melodic electronic hooks with the dulcet tones of Andy Bell.

I wasn’t sure whether to feature this LP given the allegations against Ryan Adams. I always try to focus on the music. Heartbreaker celebrates a 20th anniversary today. An incredible LP which includes To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High) and Oh My Sweet Carolina.

The 1970 live album Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert celebrates a 50th anniversary today! Recorded in New York City and Baltimore in November 1969, just before the release of Let It Bleed. The first live LP to reach No.1 in the UK.

The 2nd George Michael solo album Listen Without Prejudice Vol.1 celebrates a 30th anniversary today. A huge commercial success in UK, but not US, which led to legal action against Sony. Includes singles Praying for Time, Waiting for That Day, Cowboys and Angels, Freedom, and Heal the Pain.

The debut studio album by the American punk rock band Dead Kennedys Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables celebrates a 40th anniversary today! Includes the singles Kill the Poor, California Über Alles and Holiday in Cambodia. The US Pistols?

The debut album by American soul musician Curtis Mayfield, called Curtis, celebrates a 50th anniversary this month! A political and social commentary the LP includes (Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go and Move On Up. Top draw 70’s soul.

The 1970 album Sunflower by The Beach Boys is 50 years old today! Their first release on Reprise Records, was a commercial failure despite critical acclaim. Perhaps their best work post-Pet Sounds, and the last to truly feature Brian’s input and active involvement.

The 1975 Paul Simon album Still Crazy After All These Years won 2 Grammys. On My Little Town Simon was reunited with Art Garfunkel for first time since 1970. Also includes 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover and Gone at Last. Classic Simon.

Signing Off by British reggae band UB40 celebrates a 40th anniversary today! The band struck a chord in the UK with their politically-concerned lyrics through dub-influenced rhythms. Includes the singles King and Food for Thought. It’s been a while since I listened to this!

The 1995 self-titled The Charlatans album celebrates a 25th anniversary today! The LP, their most successful, had a greater emphasis on dance themes. Includes the singles Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over and Crashin’ In.

The band Etran Finatawa are nomads of the Wodaabe and Tuareg Saharan nomadic people, but based in Niger. The 2008 album Desert Crossroads is an LP of nomadic blues, although more traditional than the better known group Tinariwen.

The 1986 Iron Maiden album Somewhere in Time was their first to incorporate guitar synthesizers. Recorded in the Bahamas, Netherlands and New York, the LP includes the singles Wasted Years and Stranger in a Strange Land. Seen as a disappointment. Do you agree?

The 1977 Gregory Isaacs album Extra Classic is a collection of singles recorded with a host of producers in Jamaica.  Isaacs known for his incredible vocals excels on Extra Classic.  Love Mr Cop, Once Ago, Pauper and the title track.

The Aretha Franklin album Spirit in the Dark celebrates a 50th anniversary today! At release the LP was a commercial failure, but now seen as one of her classic Atlantic releases. Includes the singles Don’t Play That Song (You Lied) and the title track. Fan of the LP?

The 2nd LP by the British indie rock band Klaxons, Surfing the Void, celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Follow-up to debut Mercury Prize winning effort was problematic. Polydor requested a re-record as to too experimental. Decent LP.

The debut full-length album, Atomizer, by American punk rock group Big Black was described by Allmusic as “horrifying as the day it was recorded.” Released in 1986 the LP includes arguably their finest moment the track Kerosene.

The Prince album Graffiti Bridge celebrates a 30th anniversary today! From the movie of the same name, includes the singles Thieves in the Temple and New Power Generation. The weakest of his film soundtracks, but its Prince…so wonderful (biased indeed).

The debut album I Slept On The Floor from Another Sky showcases the incredible vocals of lead-singer Catrin Vincent. The powerful and intense LP has Radiohead influences, and will surely be on many albums of the year lists.

The 1967 Miles Davis album Miles Smiles was recorded at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York City, nicknamed The Church, with Davis’s second great quintet, which included saxophonist Wayne Shorter and pianist Herbie Hancock. Masterful playing.

The 3rd Harry Nilsson album Aerial Ballet, released in 1968, includes the cover of Fred Neil’s Everybody’s Talkin’ which later became a hit single after the movie Midnight Cowboy featured the track. The title came from the high wire circus act of his grandparents.

The 3rd album by The Band, Stage Fright, celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP received mixed reviews, despite some career highlights, including The Shape I’m In and the title track. Probably due to the up-tempo music and embittered lyrics. Solid work though.

The 1976 ABBA album Arrival was the bestselling LP in the UK the following year. Includes some of their biggest hits Dancing Queen, Money, Money, Money, Fernando and Knowing Me, Knowing You. Go on admit it, you love a bit of ABBA?

The debut self-titled studio album by American band Garbage celebrates a 25th anniversary today! This LP blew me away at the time. Includes the singles Vow, Only Happy When It Rains, Queer, Stupid Girl and Milk. Great memories!

The 1973 classic album Solid Air by British folk singer-songwriter John Martyn was recorded in just 8-days. The title track was dedicated to Nick Drake who would die just over a year later. The album has been described timeless, hypnotic and ground-breaking….enough said.

The 3rd Pixies album Bossanova celebrates a 30th anniversary today! Inspired by surf rock and space rock, the LP followed their smash hit album Doolittle. A Quirky sci-fi feel with great guitar work by Joey Santiago. Not their best work, but still great.

The 2001 Muse album Origin of Symmetry was met with a mixed reaction, some thought overindulgence, and others incredible. Which fence do you sit on? Superb LP for me. Includes the singles Plug In Baby, New Born, Bliss, and the double A-side Hyper Music / Feeling Good.

The 1972 Marvin Gaye album Trouble Man was a soundtrack, his only soundtrack, to the Blaxploitation film of the same name. Marvin’s first LP written and produced by himself, and sought the successes of other soundtracks like Superfly and Shaft.

The 1992 album Check Your Head by New York hip hop trio Beastie Boys used more instruments, and less samples, and new styles which music press found confusing. Personally, I’ve always loved this LP, and believe it’s some of their strongest output. Your thoughts?

The 2010 debut album Queen of Denmark by former The Czars frontman John Grant was cited an ‘instant classic’ by Mojo. A collaboration with American folk rock band Midlake, the LP. Is a song writing masterclass. Love Where Dreams Go to Die.

The debut self-titled Ben Folds Five album celebrates a 25th anniversary today! Turned up the piano, and lost the guitar. The trio from North Carolina used the debut to showcase their material and cause a bidding war by major record companies, won by Sony. Love Boxing.

The debut album by American dance music band Deee-Lite, World Clique, celebrates a 30th anniversary today! Guests included Bootsy Collins and Maceo Parker. Features the smash hit Groove Is In The Heart. Good fun LP.

The 2011 album Diamond Mine by Scottish singer-songwriter King Creosote and English electronica musician Jon Hopkins was inspired by East Neuk of Fife in Scotland. Nominated for the Mercury Prize the LP is a poignant portrayal of Scottish village life.

The Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band album Doc At The Radar Station celebrates a 40th anniversary this month!  The LP was mostly a reworking of old ideas from around the time of the Trout Mask Replica sessions.  Got to love Beefheart…you?

The self-titled debut Mapache album was another recent discovery.  Rough Trade described them “breath-taking harmonies and heartfelt yet heady sound, was honed by surfing the beaches and exploring the deserts and canyons of their native California.”  Just my ticket!

I stumbled across a new artist to me, Arthur Ahbez and his LP Gold. His website describes his music ‘a soul lost in the spirit of song…finds solace in the ethos of jazz, folk, and psychedelia movement of the 20th century.” Love The Fundementals.

The 3rd album by Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire, The Suburbs, celebrates a 10th anniversary today.  The award winning album received universal acclaim and has been described as their OK Computer.  Captivating work.

The debut studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, celebrates a 25th anniversary today!  Always struck by the complex and masterly crafted lyrics, surely Raekwon’s greatest attribute.

The album Hub-Tones by American jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, released on Blue Note, was a clear indication that John Coltrane’s modal style was influencing Hubbard.  Herbie Hancock played piano in this quintet.  One of Blue Note’s greats.

The U2 and Brian Eno side project Passengers released Original Soundtracks 1 in 1995.  The LP came to mind after hearing a track in the movie Heat.Drummer Larry Mullen, Jr said “There’s a thin line between interesting music and self-indulgence.” Includes Miss Sarajevo with Luciano Pavarotti.

In 1971 the novelty turban wearing act Sam the Sham, he of Woolly Bully fame, Sam Samudio released an album Sam Hard and Heavy full of bluesy, garage and soulful rock.  A mix of covers and originals the LP saw Sam in a new light.

The debut J.S. Ondara album Tales of America tells of the illusion of the American dream.  Ondara was born in Kenya then moved to Minnesota in 2013, a shock to the system.  Ondara is a new voice in American folk, and what a voice.

The 1977 Pink Floyd album Animals is a progressive and concept LP focusing on the social-political conditions in the 1970’s.  The famous inflatable pig floats over the Battersea Power Station on the iconic cover.  Where does Animals rate in your Pink Floyd LPs?

The 2016 Eli Paperboy Reed album My Way Home reveals inspiration from gospel music of yesteryear.  Akin to Southern predecessors such as Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding, Reed effortlessly works his rhythm and soul numbers.

The second studio album by American hip hop group  Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, E. 1999 Eternal, celebrates a 25th anniversary today!   Released four months after the death of rapper Eazy-E, a mentor and executive producer of the LP.  Grammy nominated.  Quality LP.

1958 album by jazz pianist Sonny Clark Cool Struttin’ is a hard-bop classic.  The recording also features alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, trumpeter Art Farmer both members of the Miles Davis Quintet.  So soulful.  How do you rate?

The 1992 Peter Gabriel album Us focused on personal themes, divorce, relationships and estrangement. Includes the singles Digging in the Dirt, Steam, Blood of Eden, and Kiss That Frog. Loved the Secret World tour the following year!

The 1967 Elvis Presley album How Great Thou Art was his first non-soundtrack LP since 1962. Recorded in RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, the Gospel LP has two very different sides. Side A sincere and crooning, and Side B more rocking and lively.

The latest My Morning Jacket album, The Waterfall II, sees Jim James having fun. Their 8th studio album was recorded the same time as The Waterfall in 2015. Hooks a plenty, a wonderful LP for the summer. Your views?

The 1965 debut self-titled album by Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch includes his best known song Needle of Death. Apparently the LP was recorded on a reel-to-reel tape recorder at engineer Bill Leader’s house and sold to Transatlantic Records for £100…a bargain!

The latest Rufus Wainwright, Unfollow the Rules, is the first LP of original material by the singer-songwriter in 8 years. If you love the swooning and luscious arrangements of earlier work, Unfollow the Rules will be right up your street. Gorgeous LP.

The second and final Joy Division album Closer celebrates a 40th anniversary today! Released two months after the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis, the LP seen as a masterpiece and a crowning glory of the post-punk genre. Dark and atmospheric. Classic LP.

The 1976 Brian Eno album Ambient 1/Music For Airports was the first of Eno’s four LP ambient series. One of the first LPs to be labelled “ambient music”, which meant some critics struggled to appreciate the genre. Classic Eno.

The 1970 Creedence Clearwater Revival album Cosmo’s Factory celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP saw CCR in their pomp, powerful rocking tracks, jams and a lengthy jam of Marvin Gaye’s I heard It Through The Grapevine. Love Long as I Can See the Light.

The 1986 album Infected by English post-punk band The The was described by Q magazine as a “bizarre collision between Soft Cell and Tom Waits”. An intense and brooding listening experience, yet satisfying. Includes the single Heartland.

The 9th studio album Korn III: Remember Who You Are by American nu metal band Korn celebrates a 10th anniversary this week! Jonathan Davis and co. returned to former successes with this LP reminiscent of earlier work. Not my bag, but worth a listen.

The 1980 album Vienna by British new wave band Ultravox celebrates a 40th anniversary this week. Their first with Midge Ure taking over vocals. The title track famously was kept off the UK Singles Chart top spot by Joe Dolce’s Shaddap You Face. Classic Vox!

The 2010 album Butterfly House by The Coral celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Produced by Radiohead and The Stone Roses producer John Leckie, the comeback LP was well received, and continued to show the Merseyside band know how to write a good tune.

The debut Coldplay album Parachutes celebrates a 20th anniversary today! I have a huge soft spot for this LP. Coldplay were the last band I saw live before going travelling in 2000, leaning on Chris Martin’s piano. The LP was a good companion on lonely plane and bus rides!

The 1970 Syl Johnson album Is It Because I’m Black is the perfect listen for these troubled times. Described the greatest black concept album of all time, the LP was released 13 months prior to Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On? Powerful work.

The new Paul Weller album, On Sunset, sees the Modfather return with a laid back LP. An artist that consistently delivers material of a high standard. On Sunset, his 15th studio LP, deserves multiple listens, I might just play it again. Your thoughts?

The release of the Miles Davis Quartet The Complete Live at The Plugged Nickel 1965 celebrates a 25th anniversary today!  The mammoth 7 ½ hour collection of 7 live performances at the Chicago nightclub is one for the Davis aficionados…to which I am one.

The 2nd album by The Stooges, Funhouse, celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP has been described as “raw and sweaty”, and one of the forerunners to the punk rock genre.  That band sure had electricity.  A classic.  Your views?

The Charles Mingus album Tijuana Moods was recorded in 1957, but not released until 1962.  The LP was inspired by a trip to Tijuana, and is cited among Mingus’s finest work.  Other players include Clarence Shaw on trumpet and Jimmy Knepper on trombone.  Masterful work.