Album Rewind
Given the passage and test of time and the wisdom of hindsight, how do significant albums from the past sound and play today? Our critics take a second look from today’s perspective.
Alice Cooper’s #1 Breakthrough: Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper was still a band, not just one guy, and this was the album that took started their transition from novelty act to classic rock legends.
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Talking Heads’ Fear of Music: A Transitional Gem
“The first step in David Byrne’s assumption of power, moving Talking Heads from a band to his band… It was dance music that reflected the time.”
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Dave Mason’s ‘Alone Together’: Colorful Throughout
It’s often remembered for its multi-colored marble vinyl, but the former Traffic member’s solo debut also contained some of his finest songs
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Beach Boys Party! – Fun Time or Waste of Time?
Capitol Records wanted a new album for the holiday shopping season. Brian was busy with ‘Pet Sounds.” Here’s what they got, as did many fans for Xmas 50+ years ago.
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On the Menu: Supertramp’s ‘Breakfast in America’
The band had enjoyed steady growth with their first 5 albums. That all changed in 1979 with this blockbuster release which became one of the year’s top sellers
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Harry Nilsson’s Ambitious ‘Schmilsson’ LP Revisited
Noteworthy for its scope and ambition, the album was justifiably rewarded with worldwide success that took Nilsson to the next level of stardom.
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Prince ‘Purple Rain’ Deluxe Reissues Review
Says our reviewer: “It is both a welcomed arrival and a mixed bag, delivering some very desirable material and some far less so.”
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Elton John’s ‘Madman Across the Water’ Revisited
He was everywhere in 1971 but still hadn’t quite found his way. Then he released the first album that defined his singular gifts.
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The Guess Who Go Hard With ‘American Woman’
The Canadian band had been scoring with ballads like “These Eyes” and “Laughing.” Now they wanted to rock. American Woman introduced a new Guess Who.
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Badfinger Straight Up: A Power Pop Masterpiece
They began as proteges of the Beatles, then became power pop heroes. The story behind one of the classic Apple Records albums.
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