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
Poco’s Country-Rock Legacy: “Deliverin’” @ 50
With its stellar vocal harmonies and instrumental dexterity, the album established Poco for decades to come and drew a blueprint for country-rock’s future.
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Roger Daltrey’s 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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Elvis Costello’s ‘Armed Forces’: What’s So Funny?
The band’s third album was a leap forward in songcraft and sonic ambition, a song cycle weaving the personal and political.
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When the Moody Blues Found Their ‘Lost Chord’
If you’ve been listening to this music on a scratchy vinyl LP for the last 50 years, you’re bound to find the surround-sound version to be a real trip.
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Steely Dan Delivers Bite-Sized Gems on ‘Pretzel Logic’
On their 1974 LP, Fagen and Becker honed their humorous lyrics and perfected their luscious arrangements that straddled multiple genres.
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The Band’s 2nd Album: A Rustic Masterpiece
Following up their debut Music From Big Pink, Dylan’s former backup band made a transcendent, self-titled masterpiece in 1969. Here’s the story.
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Bob Seger’s ‘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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The Grateful Dead’s ‘American Beauty’ @50: The Expanded Edition
At least half of its songs are recognized as Dead classics: “Box of Rain,” “Friend of the Devil,” “Sugar Magnolia,” “Truckin’” and “Ripple.”
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The Bee Gees’ ‘Main Course’: The Turning Point
Just when it seemed as if their career might be over, the brothers Gibb drastically altered their style. They would soon find out what success really was!
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Traffic’s ‘John Barleycorn Must Die’: Forward into the Past
Begun as a Steve Winwood solo project, the album morphed into a Traffic reunion with the addition of Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to the fold.
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