Today’s Albums 1501-1600

The 2005 Grammy nominated Ry Cooder album Chávez Ravine tells the story a Mexican-American community demolished in the 1950s for public housing, although they were never built, instead the Brooklyn Dodgers built a stadium on the site. An ambitious LP.

The debut studio album by British singer and songwriter Celeste called Not Your Muse was a much anticipated release…and did not disappoint. Includes the single Strange, Stop This Flame, A Little Love and Love is Back. An LP that lived up to the hype!

The 2019 full-length release Your Wilderness Revisited, under the East India Youth artist’s own name William Doyle, features a guest appearance from Brian Eno. A sentimental dreamy LP from Doyle, and perhaps his best work to date?

The debut album, The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes, by British Babylon Zoo celebrates a 25th anniversary today! The single Spaceman was featured in a popular Levi’s jeans TV ad catapulted Jas Mann and his band into the limelight.

The debut self-titled album by London-based electronic music producer James Blake celebrates a 10th anniversary today! The LP was nominated for the 2011 Mercury Prize, was praised by critics for his song-writing and use of Auto-Tune and vocoders.

The debut album I See from the London busker and new age traveller Cam Cole was recommended to me. Cole’s one man band is influenced by grunge, delta blues and rock n’ roll. Another LP for fans of the Black Keys. Great sound.

The 2nd album, Tago Mago from the German krautrock band Can celebrates a 50th anniversary this month. Recorded in a castle near Cologne, the LP perhaps their finest incorporates experimental avant-garde and electronic tape editing techniques. Hugely influential LP.

The first full-length studio album by The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow, celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Recorded at The Art House in Nashville the Grammy nominated LP included Poison & Wine, 20 Years and the title track. Amazing melodies.

The Suede album Coming Up is 25 years old later this year! The 3rd album by English alternative rock band was nominated for the 1997 Mercury Prize, and included five singles, Trash, Beautiful Ones, Saturday Night, Lazy and Filmstar.

The 1996 Tortoise album Millions Now Living Will Never Die celebrates a 25th anniversary today! The LP is seen as a ground-breaking album for the post-rock genre. The 20 minute opening track Djed just sucks you in!

The 2016 album Good Times! by The Monkees was their first in 20 years. Released to commemorate the band’s 50th anniversary, features Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, as well as a posthumous contribution from Jones. So much better than expected.

The American rapper Pharoahe Monch has released a new album A Magnificent Day For An Exorcism with a band called Th1rt3en. Known for his complex lyrics and intricate delivery, Monch does not disappoint. An incredible display of wordplay.

The 1981 Brian Eno and David Byrne album My Life In The Bush of Ghosts was Byrne’s first without Talking Heads. A ground-breaking LP full of loops, sampling and soundscapes. Always loved the third track Regiment.

The 2nd LP by British post-punk band Shame, Drunk Tank Pink, is a more accomplished than their debut Songs of Praise. An LP to turn up to eleven from one of the most exciting bands around at the moment. Intense LP.

The 1991 Alexander O’Neill album All True Man celebrates a 30th anniversary today! The follow up to Hearsay did well in the UK. Includes What Is This Thing Called Love? and the popular title track.

The 2nd album by Adele, 21, celebrates a 10th anniversary today. The LP was composed in the aftermath of her separation from her then partner, and includes Rolling in the Deep, Someone like You and Set Fire to the Rain. The opener is tremendous.

The 1981 Elvis Costello & The Attractions LP Trust was his 5th release, 4th with the Attractions, and 5th produced by Nick Lowe. Perhaps one his most underrated LPs, Trust might just be one of his best. Love New Lace Sleeves. How do you rate?

The 1976 self-titled Joan Armatrading album really put the singer-songwriter on the map. Recorded at the legendary Olympic Studios, London the LP includes the brilliant tracks Down to Zero and Love and Affection. Great vocals.

The 1996 Red Snapper album Prince Blimey found itself in a world dominated by trip-hop bands such as Portishead and Massive Attack. However, Red Snapper are masters of drum rhythms and bass, superbly demonstrated in Prince Blimey.

The 1965 album Maiden Voyage led by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock is an oceanic concept LP, with and all-star cast, Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), George Coleman (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass), and Tony Williams (drums). Hancock was just 24 years old…incredible!

The final studio album On Every Street by Dire Straits was a difficult last album. Released in 1991 On Every Street had to follow, albeit 6 years later, the massively successful album Brothers in Arms. The LP still topped the UK Charts, and has some fine guitar moments by Knopfler.

The Billie Holiday compilation album Lady in Autumn: The Best of The Verve Years highlights her best work during a troubled period with the legendary jazz label. A stunning collection from Lady Day, with many highlights including Stars Fell on Alabama and Don’t Explain.

The 2006 Ali Farka Touré album Savane was the Malian artist’s final LP. Recorded at the Hôtel Mandé in Bamako, where Ali was suffering from Cancer. Ali declared the LP was his finest, and I think he was right, his guitar work is sublime.

The 2000 Kevin Coyne album Room Full of Fools is a unique take on folk blues. An underrated artist, who used unconventional narratives, dark humour and his unique vocals. Sadly Coyne died of lung fibrosis in 2002. One to check out if he is new to you.

The John Lee Hooker double-album Hooker ‘N Heat celebrates a 50th anniversary today. The LP was recorded at Liberty Records, Los Angeles with Canned Heat. The final track Boogie Chillen No. 2 stretches over 11 and a half exhilarating minutes.

The debut self-titled album by British singer-songwriter Anna Calvi celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Recorded on vintage studio equipment at Black Box studio in France. Produced by Rob Ellis, a stunning debut.

The recording project of Chris Emmington, Easy Giant from Lake Tahoe, California released an album in 2017 called To The Moon. If you like the Black Keys you will hear a more than passing resemblance…but I really enjoyed this recommendation.

The 3rd LP by The Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness celebrated a 25th anniversary late last year. The Chicago band released this masterpiece at their peak. Includes the singles 1979, Zero, and Tonight, Tonight.

The second and final Janis Joplin album Pearl celebrates a 50th anniversary today. Released three months after her death, the LP was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood with the Full Tilt Boogie Band. She sure had some lungs! Love Janis?

The debut studio album, Timeless, by British electronic musician Goldie is regarded as one of the pioneering releases in drum and bass music. The opening 21 minute title track set the standard. Incredible double LP.

The 1983 David Bowie album Let’s Dance was Co-produced by Chic’s Nile Rodgers, and opens with three hit singles Modern Love, China Girl and the title track. Critics were split on the commercial pop sound. Where do you stand?

The 4th LP Behaviour by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys celebrated a 30th anniversary in October last year. I remember finding Behaviour rather bland upon release, but definitely grows on you with repeat plays. Ironically includes Being Boring.

The electronic music artist Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet was clearly busy in lockdown. On Christmas Day 2020 he dropped not one, but two albums, Parallel and 871. The former is a tremendous ambient LP opening with a majestic 26 minute track. 871 is still on the listening pile.

The debut studio album Boy by Irish rock band U2 celebrated a 40th anniversary late last year. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, and recorded at Dublin’s Windmill Lane Studios, the LP includes one of U2’s first singles to receive airplay I Will Follow. The beginning…

The last solo studio release, Shiver, for the Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi was recorded in Berlin, Helsinki, London, and Reykjavik. A vulnerable LP, has been described as a smorgasbord of delights, and that voice…magnificent.

The only double LP by Bruce Springsteen The River celebrated a 40th anniversary last year. Perhaps The Boss at his lyrical peak! Nominated for a Grammy, the LP includes his first US Top 10 single Hungry Heart, and the majestic title track.

The new album We Will Always Love You by the Australian electronic duo The Avalanches features a plethora of guest appearances including Leon Bridges, Neneh Cherry, Perry Farrell, Mick Jones, Johnny Marr, and Tricky. A quality LP, from a quality act.

The Paul Simon album The Rhythm Of The Saints celebrated a 30th anniversary late last year! Following the success of Graceland Simon continued the world music theme. Includes the single The Obvious Child. Not Graceland, but still quality LP.

Happy New Year! The 1961 debut Bobby Bland album Two Steps From The Blues celebrates a 60th anniversary today! Recorded at Universal Studio, Chicago, Illinois, the LP includes the singles I Pity The Fool and Don’t Cry No More. One of the early examples of when blues met soul.

The second solo Steve Winwood album Arc of A Diver celebrates a 40th anniversary today! Recorded at his Netherturkdonic Studios on his farm in Gloucestershire. Winwood played all instruments, wrote the music, and produced and engineered it himself. Includes the single While You See a Chance.

The first live album by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, Unleashed In The East, was recorded over two nights in Tokyo, and released in September 1979. Apparently the vocals were re-recorded…thought they sounded too clean. Still enjoyed.

A welcome release at the end of an unpleasant year. It’s 40 years since Paul McCartney released McCartney II, now the final album in the trilogy, III was released to critical acclaim. Like I and II a mix of brilliance and the bizarre.

The 2009 album Hyperboreans by English Folk artist Jackie Oates is a delightful light and breezy mix of original and traditional songs. Her brother is the singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Jim Moray. One for fans of Kate Rusby.

The 1968 Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington and his big band album Francis A. & Edward K was a collection of slow numbers. Apparently Ol’ Blue Eyes was suffering from a cold while recording, but still sounds pretty good to me!

The 1988 Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album Tender Prey opens with the iconic masterpiece The Mercy Street. The LP was produced by Flood, on Mute records, and was recorded mostly in West Berlin. One of the great NC albums?

A Very Special Christmas to all the wonderful @todayzalbum followers. I hope Santa brings all the LPs for which you wished. Enjoy some festive tunes from U2, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Run DMC, Eurythmics and many others. Merry Christmas everyone!

The 1987 debut Public Enemy album Yo! Bum Rush The Show was at the time became one of the fastest-selling hip hop records. Hugely influential, the LP featured Chuck D’s politically charged rhymes that are still relevant over 30 years later.

The debut studio album by British band Jarv Is, led by former Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker, is another for the end of year ‘best of’ list. The LP titled Beyond The Pale is cited his best work since Pulp. A compelling album.

The 3rd LP by Bad Brains I Against I, released in November 1986, is the band’s bestselling album and often cited as their masterpiece. The vocals to Sacred Love were recorded over the phone from prison where H.R. was serving time. Love House of Suffering.

The 4th LP from Kevin Parker’s project Tame Impala, The Slow Rush, was released earlier this year. The end of year ‘best of’ contender was less guitar, and more electronic pop than previous releases. Perhaps a little lengthy, but quality no less.

The 2010 album Red Barked Tree by the English post-punk band Wire celebrates a 10th anniversary today! The album was loved by critics, and seen as taking the essence of their best work into a new album. A first listen for me.

The Phoebe Bridgers album Punisher, released earlier this year, will surely rank high on the end of year best of lists. A collection of sorrowful tunes, masterfully arranged and written. Despite the gloom the sun still shines in her music.

The Bill Callahan album Gold Record, released in September, makes a bold statement given the title. Fortunately the quality is worthy of gold status. A relaxed, seemingly spontaneous affair, demonstrating Callahan’s song-writing skills.

I heard Kandia Crazy Horse’s album Stampede mentioned on the @rocksbackpages podcast. Kandia is most notably recognised as a rock critic, journalist and writer. But her country LP released in 2014 shows her talent extends to behind the microphone.

The 6th Mike Oldfield album, QE2, turned 40 this year. Named after the ocean liner, the LP included two covers Arrival by ABBA and Wonderful Land by The Shadows. Not as iconic as other work, but surprisingly was the bestselling album of 1981 in Germany!

I’ve been catching up on celebrated LPs from this year. None more so than the LP Untitled (Black Is) from SAULT. A powerful protest LP and celebration of black culture. DJ Gilles Peterson played the whole album on his BBC 6 Music show.

The debut full-length self-titled album by New Zealand folk parody duo Flight of the Conchords, released in 2008, includes some of their best known tracks Business Time, Inner City Pressure, and The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room). Still makes me smile!

The 1956 album by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong simply titled Ella & Louis was their first of three LPs recorded together on the Verve label. The pair were accompanied by the Oscar Peterson Quartet. Simply charming!

The Clash triple album Sandinista! celebrates a 40th anniversary today! The 36 track, 144 minute Clashtravaganza covered a broad range of musical styles and includes the singles The Magnificent Seven, Hitsville U.K. and The Call Up. Any Clash fans out there?

The debut studio album by John Lennon Plastic Ono Band celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP was co-produced by Lennon, Yoko Ono and Phil Spector, and was heavily influenced by Lennon’s then-recent primal scream therapy. His finest solo work?

The 3rd album by Erasure The Innocents released 1988 made the synthpop band stars in the UK and US. The cover is of the stained glass window in Chartres Cathedral. Includes Ship of Fools, Chains of Love and the hit A Little Respect.

The album Sunshine Superman by British singer-songwriter Donovan was released in two different versions, one in the US and one in the UK due to contractual problems. Includes Season of the Witch and the superb title track. Classic LP.

The last studio album by Scottish folk singer Bert Jansch, The Black Swan, released in 2006 included guest contributions by Beth Orton and Devendra Banhart. A mix of new, and old, blues, traditional folk, Celtic, a melting pot of excellence.

The 1978 Gregory Isaacs album Cool Ruler was recorded at Channel One Studios in Kingston Jamaica. The LP includes John Public, and was supposed to bring him International acclaim. Although not achieving the goal, it’s a fine LP by a fine reggae artist.

The 2004 Patti Smith album Trampin’ was her first on Colombia Records. Smith’s daughter Jesse joined her on piano on the title track. The LP is politically charged and as passionate as she had sounded for years.

The 11th full-length (and I mean full length) studio release by The Smashing Pumpkins, CYR, has recently been released. A sprawling synth-rock LP with original members Jimmy Chamberlain and James Iha joining Corgan. I kinda liked it…

The debut studio album by American hip hop group Brand Nubian, One for All, celebrates a 30th anniversary today! The LP was an acclaimed success, due to the social and political commentary, but not commercially. Forgot about this one…great LP.

The debut album MCMXC a.D. by German music project Enigma celebrates a 30th anniversary today! Mixing dance beats with Gregorian Chants was a surprise success. The single Sadeness (Part I) was a smash hit single. Sade dis moi…

The Bomb The Base album Clear celebrated a 25th anniversary this year! The LP was restructured for an American release, and now the most commonly played version. Includes Bug Powder Dust, One to One Religion and Dark Heart.

The 2nd album, Dub Housing, by American post-punk band Pere Ubu, is considered their finest work. A darker LP than their debut, a commercial failure, although for many a hugely influential album. The cover shows the building where the band lived while making the LP.

The 1974 Linda Ronstadt album Heart Like A Wheel is considered her breakthrough album. The LP topped the Billboard chart and won a Grammy. Includes You’re No Good, and a cover of The Everly Brothers’ When Will I Be Loved. Love Linda?

The 1974 Queen LP Sheer Heart Attack marked a step towards the classic Queen sound. A greater emphasis on using the studio as an extra instrument. Includes the singles Now I’m Here and the hit Killer Queen.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of The Jam Sound Affects album. The LP, apparently Paul Weller’s favourite Jam album, included the tracks Pretty Green, That’s Entertainment and Start! I was 8, one of my earliest album memories.

The 4th studio album, Autobahn, by German electronic band Kraftwerk, released 1974, was their first LP to fully embrace the repetitive electronic sound. The title track (in shorter form) was a surprise hit single. Love Kraftwerk.

The 1993 album The Yellow Shark is an orchestral live album by Frank Zappa and the Ensemble Modern. Released a month before Zappa lost his life to cancer, he described the project one of the most fulfilling projects of his career.

I had thought the end was nigh for AC/DC then all of a sudden…POWER UP. The best material in years from the ageing rockers. No surprises, no ballads, just pedal-to-the-metal rock and roll all the way. Brightened up my day!

The 2011 Kate Bush album 50 Words For Snow was her first following a six year hiatus. The LP made Bush the first female recording artist to have an album of all-new material in the UK album top five during each of the last five decades. Perfect for a wintry day.

The 1960 Elvis Presley album His Hand In Mine celebrates a 60th anniversary today! The first of three gospel music albums The King would make in his lifetime. Recorded at the legendary RCA Studio B in Nashville. Long live The King.

The Kanye West album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy celebrates a 10th anniversary today! Includes the singles Power, Runaway, Monster, and All of the Lights. The LP was a bigger success than his presidential campaign!

The 1980 Steely Dan album Gaucho celebrates a 40th anniversary today. The troubled LP was massively over budget, using at least 42 different musicians in the studio, there was band tensions, record label lawsuits, and even jazz musician Keith Jarrett threatened legal action over plagiarism.

The latest Chris Stapleton album Starting Over might just be the finest country release this year. Tender, bluesy, and produced by Dave Cobb…perfect. Even two members of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell joined in the fun. Great LP.

The 1991 Taj Mahal album Like Never Before was a return to form for the blues musician following a series of side projects and children’s albums. The LP includes covers of Goffin and King, John Martyn and Howlin’ Wolf, as well as new material.

The 1979 album Real to Real Cacophony was the 2nd release from the Scottish band Simple Minds. The LP was lauded with other post-punk classics, and a million miles from their synth pop LPs later in their career.

The fifth album by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Double Fantasy, celebrates a 40th anniversary today! The LP was Lennon’s return to full-time recording music after a 5-year hiatus. Reviews were mixed, although sales rocketed after Lennon’s murder three weeks after its release.

The debut self-titled Stephen Stills album celebrates a 50th anniversary today! Released in the wake of the CSNY 1970 chart-topping album Déjà Vu to mixed reviews. Always loved the opener Love the One You’re With. Classic LP. Your thoughts?

The new Ólafur Arnalds album some kind of peace is the sound of Iceland…the country not the frozen food supermarket, although both are cold. The LP has been described “as timely as it is timeless,” a perfect description.

The 6th studio album by American punk rock band the Offspring, Conspiracy Of One, celebrates a 20th anniversary today! Columbia Records threatened to sue as the band planned to release first on their website. A mature release.

The 2nd album by The Beautiful South, Choke, celebrates a 30th anniversary today. The second dose of satirical, cynical and witty song writing by the band from Hull. Includes the South’s first and only UK number one single A Little Time.

A new artist to me, Keaton Henson reminds me of a tender Ray Lamontagne on first listen. Keaton’s new album, Monument is an intimate account of the loss of his father. Radiohead’s Philip Selway provided drums and percussion. Captivating and candid LP.

The 4th Marilyn Manson album, Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death), celebrates a 20th anniversary today! The concept LP was a rebuttal of accusations levied against the band’s music influencing the perpetrators of Columbine High School massacre. Manson’s finest work?

The 20th full-length studio release for Bruce Springsteen was recorded over five days with the E Street Band. Letter to You is raw and sentimental, and mostly recorded live. The Boss had to do something while not out on the road…he should stay at home more often. Your views?

An LP of covers by the late Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings called Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Rendition Was In) has been released. A magical collection of covers from artists such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers and many more. Love this LP.

The Malian band Songhoy Blues return with a new LP Optimisme. SB are one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Africa in recent years. The lead album track is called Badala, Songhoy for We Don’t Give a F*ck!

The 1970 Tim Buckley album Starsailor celebrates a 50th anniversary this month! The LP saw Buckley incorporate jazz rock and avant-garde styles, which alienated some of his fanbase. Includes one of his best known songs Song to the Siren.

The 3rd album by English electronic music duo Autechre, Tri Repetae, celebrates a 25th anniversary today! Released on Warp records, the LP features more repetitive rhythmic patterns than previous releases. Still sounds as fresh as a daisy.

The 3rd album by the Happy Mondays, Pills ‘N’ Thrills and Bellyaches, celebrates a 30th anniversary today. Released on Factory Records, and produced by Paul Oakenfold the LP includes Kinky Afro and the classic Step On. Madchester!

The 3rd David Bowie album The Man Who Sold The World was released (in the US) 50 years ago today! The LP marked a shift to a harder rock and blues sound and was released 5 months later in the UK. I always hear Kurt Cobain when I think of the title track. In your Bowie top 5?

The 2nd album by Adam and the Ants, Kings of the Wild Frontier, celebrates a 40th anniversary today! A unique sound for the time. Includes the singles Kings of the Wild Frontier, Dog Eat Dog and Antmusic. I had this on cassette, anyone else?

The latest full-length studio release for Damon Albarn’s project Gorillaz, Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, features guest appearances from artists such as Beck, Peter Hook, Elton John, and even The Cure’s, Robert Smith. Great listen.

The 5th Grateful Dead album, American Beauty, celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The LP, often compared to their previous Workingman’s Dead, continued the folk rock and country music style. Includes Truckin’. Fan of the LP?