Album Rewinds
Given the 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 a fresh perspective
Dave Edmunds’ ‘Tracks on Wax 4’: In the Spirit
He told a journalist, “Three-minute singles with a bit of feeling and class, were what we based Rockpile on.”
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Dave Mason: ‘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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J. Geils Band’s ‘Live—Blow Your Face Out’ Revisited
It wasn’t their first live album, but ‘Blow Your Face Out’ took the band’s manic rock ‘n’ soul energy to another level entirely.
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Rod Stewart ‘Unplugged…And Seated’: Having a Party
Pushing the “unplugged” concept to its limit, Stewart is backed by a full string section and a dozen other musicians and vocalists.
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Roger Daltrey and His 1973 Solo Debut: Doing A Favor
He wasn’t even planning on recording a solo album. But one thing led to another and soon The Who’s lead singer found himself with 10 songs of his own.
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‘L.A. Woman’: The Doors’ Last Call
Their 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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‘Desperado’—Eagles’ Sagebrush Country-Rock Opera
With its sophomore effort, the band tethered its polished country-rock to a concept album driven by a Wild West narrative.
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‘Europe ’72’: On the Bus with the Grateful Dead
What’s most important about the live album and the thing that still makes it shine in the GD catalog, are those songs that never got a studio reading after its release.
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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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Leonard Cohen: His “Gloomy” ‘Songs of Love and Hate’
His third studio album cemented his reputation as “the grocer of despair.”
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