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 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.”
Read More
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
Read More
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.
Read More
The Supremes at Their Peak With A’ Go-Go: Review
The expanded edition of the Motown trio’s first—and only—studio album to hit #1 includes mono and stereo mixes plus loads and loads of covers
Read More
Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ Album: Crazy, Man, Crazy
The 1984 album yielded 5 hit singles and became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time. It was his first LP to hit #1
Read More
New Riders of the Purple Sage’s Debut LP: Country + Rock + Jerry Garcia = ?
They began as a country-influenced offshoot of the Grateful Dead, but, by the time they recorded this debut, they’d morphed into something else altogether.
Read More
Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’: Struggle & Liberation
The album, a landmark release for Motown, remains a monument to Marvin Gaye’s big heart and soul, and a prophecy for our time.
Read More
The Grateful Dead’s Eponymous 1971 Live LP—‘Skull & Roses’—Expanded: Review
The album, now doubled in length, includes nods to country, but paints a picture of a more versatile group via funky rock and a return to psychedelia.
Read More
The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ Special Edition Review: ‘The Thrill Was Still There’
The set includes 27 previously unreleased jams, rehearsal performances and outtakes, more than enough to justify its purchase.
Read More