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
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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10cc’s ‘The Original Soundtrack’: A Widescreen Masterpiece
The talented quartet was committed to using satire, parody, jokes and sonic guffaws in their eclectic mix.
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The Hard-Boiled Asylum Debut of Warren Zevon: 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.
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Todd Rundgren ‘Something/Anything?’: An Extravagant Opus
As its title suggests, the ambitious, far-reaching 1972 double album provided early proof that the possibilities were endless.
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The David Crosby Solo Debut—Well Worth Remembering
For the 1971 release, Croz gathered a superb supporting cast, one that featured the communal contributions of friends and fellow travelers.
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Steely Dan’s ‘Gaucho’: Perfection and Chaos
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s quest for the perfect groove proved a key denominator across the 1980 album.
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‘All Things Must Pass’–George Harrison’s Crowning Solo Set
Released in 1970 as the Beatles officially split and all four dropped solo albums, Harrison’s mammoth boxed set was a dark horse.
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The Grateful Dead: ‘American Beauty’—The Cream of the Crop
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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Beach Boys Party! – Fun Time and Lots (and Lots) of Covers
Capitol Records wanted a new LP for the ’65 holiday shopping season. Brian was busy with Pet Sounds. So they recorded plenty of their contemporaries’ songs
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The Doors ‘Waiting for the Sun’ Deluxe: Review
There’s a lot to like on this third Doors album, and it’s not difficult to see why it did so well. We review the 50th anniversary edition of their only #1 LP.
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