PAUL SIMON, ‘THE PAUL SIMON SONG BOOK’ (TAPE ISSUED 1970) Paul’s overlooked solo debut offers revealing previews of future Simon and Garfunkel classics — and two songs you can’t hear anywhere else. Here are a pair of folk-rock trivia questions … Continue reading →
DR. BUZZARD’S ORIGINAL SAVANNAH BAND (SELF-TITLED, 1976); DON ARMANDO’S 2ND AVENUE RHUMBA BAND (SELF-TITLED, 1979) Two clever, quirky New York dance music acts with overlapping members explore the genre’s untapped possibilities. Do you hate disco? If so, you’re probably thinking … Continue reading →
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, ‘THE WILD, THE INNOCENT AND THE E STREET SHUFFLE’ (1973) Bruce’s second album proves to be a rich anthology of mostly urban American stories and memorable characters. This second Springsteen album is the first to utilize the full … Continue reading →
CHEECH & CHONG, SIX ALBUMS (1971-79) Over the ’70s, the iconic stoner-comedy duo ventures bravely (if not always successfully) out of its weed-soaked comfort zone. As a casual AM radio listener in the ’70s, you might have been baffled by … Continue reading →
A TRACKIN’ TRIBUTE: ARETHA FRANKLIN, ‘YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK’ (1972) Aretha’s gone, but she left a vast recorded legacy to comfort us. Since this superb, eclectic album exhibits so many of her strengths, it’s a great way to remember this … Continue reading →
M, ‘NEW YORK • LONDON • PARIS • MUNICH’ (1979) The album that brought us the giddy global smash “Pop Muzik” accurately predicts the silly synth-pop sound of the ’80s. Who’s the artist? M is a pseudonym for British musician … Continue reading →
EIGHT TIMES TWO: HENDRIX, ‘BAND OF GYPSYS’ AND BUDDY MILES, ‘THEM CHANGES’ (BOTH 1970) Two amazing musicians, two great albums, one timeless song. Time to change it up! The song: “Them Changes” (aka just “Changes”) is a fast, funky number … Continue reading →
YACHT ROCKIN’ PT. 4: SOUND HORN IN HARBOR (CHUCK MANGIONE 1977, HERB ALPERT, 1979) The yacht rock expedition heads back to shore with a couple danceable delights by leading ’70s horn players. Whether it’s a bugler sounding reveille, a warrior … Continue reading →
YACHT ROCKIN’ PT. 3: SHIP’S MATES: BOZ SCAGGS (1969/1972), HALL & OATES (1973) Years before “Lowdown” and “Rich Girl,” two soulful acts explore blues, swing, and country while charting a course for yacht rock. Though I don’t consider Boz Scaggs … Continue reading →
YACHT ROCKIN’ PT. 2: WISDOM OF THE WAVES (LOGGINS & MESSINA 1974 & CROSBY, STILLS & NASH 1977) Our yacht rock excursion continues with a couple tapes that mix sensitive lyrics with seductive grooves. Yacht rock isn’t just about dockside … Continue reading →