Posts From Mark Leviton
The Doors’ ‘L.A. Woman’: Last Call
The Doors’ sixth and final studio LP re-energized the band through a return to their roots in American blues, and served as a tribute to their hometown.
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The Paul McCartney Solo Debut: His Declaration of Independence
The 1970 album, his first outside of the Beatles, is a picture of Paul in transition, a historical document of quiet beauty.
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Willie Nelson ‘Stardust’: Reimagining the American Songbook
His record label was reluctant to issue it, but the album defied expectations and revived interest in the classic songwriting of the mid-20th century.
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Bob Seger ‘Live Bullet’: Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll
Although he was a star locally, the Detroit rocker had been struggling for years to break out nationally—until he formed the Silver Bullet Band.
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Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass’ ‘Whipped Cream & Other Delights’: Sweet & Swinging
The faux mariachi-style LP spent three years on the charts and appealed to seemingly every category of record buyer.
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Ray Charles’ Soulful Country Music’: ‘It’s Got to Move Me’
Charles: “The words to country songs are very earthy like the blues, very down.”
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Jim Croce ‘You Don’t Mess Around With Jim’: An Everyman Arrives
With more time, he might have taken his place as an equal of James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon, etc.
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Ian Hunter ‘You’re Never Alone w/a Schizophrenic’: Dynamic Duo
Teaming with his favored guitar sidekick Mick Ronson, plus members of the E Street Band, the former Mott the Hoople leader created his best solo effort.
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Squeeze and Their Hook-Filled ‘Argybargy’
The album became the British band’s first charting album in the U.S. upon release in 1980 thanks to songs like “Another Nail in My Heart.”
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‘Johnny Rivers at the Whisky à Go Go’ @60: Rockin’ on Stage
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to dance to live rock and roll at a Los Angeles discotheque in 1964, here is your answer.
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