Album of the Day

For all its generic packaging, Public Image Ltd.’s ALBUM is hardly run-of-the-mill. Rather than record with his touring band, frontman John Lydon recruited an all-star line-up including guitarist Steve Vai, keyboardist Ryuichi Sakamoto, drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Bill Laswell (who co-produced the collection). “I make records for myself. I want them to be completely precise,” noted Lydon of the 1986 set, which sounds as fiery as ever despite the seasoned session players. Highlights include opener “F.F.F.” “Home” and “Rise,” which became one of PiL’s most successful singles. An unusually accessible set (it reached the U.K. Top 20), ALBUM remains an excellent point-of-entry to one of the 1980s’ most challenging groups.