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
Elvis Costello ‘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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ELP ‘Brain Salad Surgery’: A Brainstorm of the Highest Order
The combination of high concept, grandiose execution and ELP’s usual artistic ambition made ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ a mind-blowing effort.
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Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson ‘Waylon & Willie’: Two of a Kind
It was actually a strange hybrid, but it proved irresistible to record buyers, including many rock fans who’d never bought a country album before
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‘Before the Flood’—Memorializing Dylan and The Band’s ‘Tour ’74’
More than seven years after his shocking motorcycle accident, Dylan returned to live performance in style, along with his favorite musicians.
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Steve Winwood ‘Arc of a Diver’: Leaving the Past Behind
His most successful solo record, it allowed him to stand apart from the earlier work he had spawned with Traffic, Blind Faith and the Spencer Davis Group.
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The Band ‘Rock of Ages’: Their Live Pinnacle?
It belongs on any short list of the best live albums ever, while serving as a coda to the group’s groundbreaking influence.
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When the Christopher Cross Classic ‘Yacht-Rock’ Debut Went Sailing to the Top
After kicking around the Austin, Texas, scene for several years, the singer found his way to success with a 1st album that sold millions.
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Badfinger ‘Straight Up’: A Power Pop Masterpiece
They began as proteges of the Beatles, then became power pop heroes. The story behind one of the classic Apple Records albums.
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‘Their Satanic Majesties Request’—The Rolling Stones’ Worst, or An Unfairly Maligned Gem?
Some say it was little more than a ‘Sgt. Pepper’ ripoff. Others consider it one of their most original LPs. We gave a fresh listen.
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Deep Purple ‘Made In Japan’: Onstage Chemistry
The reserved Japanese audience is clearly stunned as the concert ends, and is silent for a moment until exploding into raucous applause.
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