Posts From Sam Sutherland

Squeeze’s ‘East Side Story’: A Wily New Wave Classic

The album’s success underscores how Squeeze’s elan as a lively, kinetic pop-rock outfit was elevated by Difford and Tilbrook’s artistry as storytellers.

Read More

Steely Dan’s ‘Royal Scam’: Rock on a Grand Scale

The 1976 LP proved divisive, augmenting the leaner ensemble core of prior albums with more aggressive ensemble arrangements

Read More

Dr. John’s ‘Gumbo’: A New Orleans Master’s Thesis

For the sessions, instead of his own new material, he breathed authentic life into lively new versions of hometown classics.

Read More

‘Late for the Sky’—Jackson Browne’s Confessional Masterpiece

Browne achieved a poetic force with the eight songs comprising the album, their lyrics demanding a closer listen.

Read More

Manassas: Stephen Stills’ Finest (Solo) Hour

Stills’ third full-length as leader showcased a collaborative ensemble flexible enough to cover a broad stylistic palette.

Read More

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris’ ‘Trio’: Soaring Sisterhood

Their partnership is among the purest, boasting a celestial vocal blend, rooted in mutual admiration and the sheer joy of making music

Read More

Bonnie Raitt Rebounds in the ‘Nick of Time’

Just when her career needed a boost, Raitt switched labels and came up with her biggest hit album, which took her all the way to number one

Read More

Warren Zevon’s Hard-Boiled Asylum Debut: Rock Noir

With production by Jackson Browne and great songs like “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” and “Hasten Down the Wind,” the 1976 LP is an unsung classic.

Read More

Rickie Lee Jones’ Debut: Hipster Chic, Beyond Laurel Canyon

She reached beyond folk, rock and blues influences then dominant among Los Angeles’ singer-songwriters, looking to earlier generations of songsmiths.

Read More

When Donald Fagen Lightened Up With ‘The Nightfly’

On his debut solo album, cut during Steely Dan’s ’80s hiatus, Donald Fagen trades cynicism for nostalgia in a song cycle.

Read More