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
The Doors Strange Days: We Want the World…
On their second album, Jim Morrison and the band moved into uncharted territory lyrically and instrumentally. When the music’s over, turn out the lights…
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Blondie’s ‘Parallel Lines’: An International Smash
The LP, which included the smash “Heart of Glass,” would transform the group from boutique act into a worldwide sensation. Our Album Rewind…
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Rolling Stones’ ‘Goats Head Soup’ Deluxe Edition: Review
Rock critics slammed it and even Mick Jagger later said it wasn’t a great one, but fans made the ‘Exile’ followup a huge seller. We take a fresh listen.
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‘Smiley Smile’: The Beach Boys Album That Wasn’t Supposed to Be
Their followup to ‘Pet Sounds’ was a quick replacement for an abandoned masterpiece-to-be. Some fans didn’t love it, but in time its reputation has grown.
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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.
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A New Set Offers a Magical Mystery Tour of Trippy Beatles Covers: Review
The program begins with a big built-in advantage: because these are Beatles covers, it delivers one great number after another.
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When Johnny Cash Did Time ‘At Folsom Prison’
Performing for prison inmates was nothing new for the legendary singer, but his record label was nervous about making an album at one. Good thing they did.
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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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Al Stewart’s ‘Year of the Cat’: Musical Cinema
Stewart liked the title track, but didn’t consider it suitable as a single, until producer Alan Parsons and the record company convinced him of its destiny.
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Rolling Stones Ya-Ya’s Still Unrivaled
The late Lester Bangs had “no doubt that it’s the best rock concert ever put on record.” Decades later, our writer feels that’s still true
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