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Space Jam (Album of the Day)
When the Looney Tunes are challenged to a basketball game by a team of aliens, they turn to legendary player Michael Jordan for an assist in SPACE JAM, a 1996 blockbuster blending live action and animation. The film's soundtrack was also a commercial smash that peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified platinum six times. A steady stream of hit singles fueled its success, including Seal’s cover of the Steve Miller classic “Fly Like An Eagle,” Quad City DJ’s “Space Jam” and “Hit ’Em High (The Monstars’ Anthem),” which featured an all-star team of hip-hop artists: B-Real of Cypress Hill, Coolio, Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan, LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes. The album delivered even bigger hits with its two Top 5 songs: “For You I Will” by Monica and “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly (the latter track also earned three Grammys). With a new sequel arriving in theaters, SPACE JAM (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE) has just been reissued as a limited edition double-LP on 180-gram red and black vinyl.
Pleasant Dreams (Album of the Day)
Though the Ramones are rightfully seen as punk pioneers, 1960s radio hits were always a strong influence on the band, and PLEASANT DREAMS plays to that strength. Graham Gouldman, who penned classics for the likes of Herman's Hermits and The Yardbirds, helmed the Sire set and gives these dozen tracks clean sound even as they touch upon heavier rock territory. Joey and Dee Dee split the songwriting duties here and come up with another batch of winners including opener “We Want the Airwaves” and “The KKK Took My Baby Away.” Featuring guest appearances from Debbie Harry of Blondie, Russell Mael of Sparks and a couple of The B-52's, PLEASANT DREAMS was released 40 years ago today and will still put a smile on the face of any Ramones fan.
Foreign Affair (Deluxe Edition) (Album of the Day)
FOREIGN AFFAIR was Tina Turner’s third studio album since her dramatic global resurgence, following the monumental success of PRIVATE DANCER and BREAK EVERY RULE, as well as her lead role in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. The 1989 collection went on to be a multi-platinum record across the world, including the U.K., Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and many more. The biggest track to come from the album was '80s anthem “The Best,” which features one of the most recognizable choruses in music history. On top of that single, the album is complemented by several Turner favorites, such as “Steamy Windows,” “I Don’t Wanna Lose You” and the title track. Now available, the 4-CD/1-DVD FOREIGN AFFAIR (DELUXE EDITION) boxed set includes the original album fully remastered, a disc of B-sides, remixes and a previously unheard demo of “The Best,” as well as an iconic Tina Turner live show from Barcelona in 1990.
Original Pirate Material (Album of the Day)
The Streets pushed the hip-hop world forward in 2002 with a striking debut album, ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL. Recorded and mixed digitally in main man Mike Skinner's rented house in Brixton, the collection draws equally from 1990s U.K. garage and U.S. rappers like Nas and Wu-Tang Clan on its 14 self-penned tracks. Skinner's knack for rhyme is equaled by his sense of humor and observational skills; these tales of geezers in need of excitement, blunted university students and losers in love will ring true even for listeners who've never set foot in England. On such songs as “Turn The Page,” “Has It Come To This” and “Stay Positive” the beats are accented with string and piano loops that elevate the stage on which these varied characters tread. A Mercury Prize nominee that was hailed by such outlets as NME and Pitchfork, ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL is a musical treasure chest.
Begin To Hope (Album of the Day)
Born in the Soviet Union and raised in the Bronx, Regina Spektor turns an unusually broad array of influences into a cohesive whole on BEGIN TO HOPE. The 2006 Sire album (her second for the label and first of all-new material) includes listener-friendly singles “Fidelity,” “Better” and “On The Radio” and the polished production of David Kahne, but the performer's individuality is proudly on display as well. Spektor's voice is a sweet, quirky instrument, her lyrics go beyond confessional intimacy to encompass orca whales and biblical verse, and her arrangements reflect the classical piano she grew up playing, as well as anti-folk, vintage soul and contemporary electro-pop. Greeted with critical acclaim upon release, the gold-certified BEGIN TO HOPE topped the Billboard Heatseekers chart and offers new hope for singer-songwriter fans.
Solitude/Solitaire (Album of the Day)
On Peter Cetera’s second solo set – and first after leaving the group Chicago – the vocalist displays the same knack for romantic balladry that helped make his previous band one of the most successful in pop history. Though titled SOLITUDE/SOLITAIRE, the singer-songwriter is hardly alone; among the ace session players here are guitarist Ray Parker Jr., percussionist Jeff Porcaro of Toto and keyboardist Michael Omartian (who co-produced this collection). The nine tracks include two No.1 singles: the Amy Grant duet “The Next Time I Fall” and the Karate Kid II theme “The Glory Of Love.” Released 35 years ago today, the platinum-selling SOLITUDE/SOLITAIRE proved to be Cetera’s most popular album, and its consummate craftsmanship and memorable melodies retain their allure.
Anticipation (Album of the Day)
On Peter Cetera’s second solo set – and first after leaving the group Chicago – the vocalist displays the same knack for romantic balladry that helped make his previous band one of the most successful in pop history. Though titled SOLITUDE/SOLITAIRE, the singer-songwriter is hardly alone; among the ace session players here are guitarist Ray Parker Jr., percussionist Jeff Porcaro of Toto and keyboardist Michael Omartian (who co-produced this collection). The nine tracks include two No.1 singles: the Amy Grant duet “The Next Time I Fall” and the Karate Kid II theme “The Glory Of Love.” Released 35 years ago today, the platinum-selling SOLITUDE/SOLITAIRE proved to be Cetera’s most popular album, and its consummate craftsmanship and memorable melodies retain their allure.
All the Greatest Hits (Album of the Day)
Formed around Roger Troutman and three of his brothers, Zapp was among the leading lights of the rich '70s/'80s Dayton, Ohio, funk scene. Signing with Warner Bros. at the suggestion of Bootsy Collins and George Clinton, Zapp and its frontman released a string of R&B hits for the label, the best of which are gathered on ALL THE GREATEST HITS. The collection's 17 tracks include such classics as “More Bounce to the Ounce,” “Dance Floor” and “Computer Love” and feature guest vocals from Shirley Murdock - along with plenty of Roger's signature “talk-box” singing. Released in 1993, by which time rappers including Tupac Shakur and the Beastie Boys had begun to champion Zapp, ALL THE GREATEST HITS became a platinum certified, Top 10 R&B album, and is now available as a double-LP on colored vinyl.
Soul Brothers (Album of the Day)
Atlantic Records' Tom Dowd was mastering a Modern Jazz Quartet album when Ray Charles overheard some of it and remarked that the band's Milt Jackson has “got soul.” That the admiration was mutual resulted in the 1958 album SOUL BROTHERS, the first of two collaborations between the performers. In spite of the title, the music leans more toward jazz than R&B, but the smooth and relaxing sounds here are just as effective as Brother Ray's more raucous hits. The chemistry between the two is strong on these half-dozen tracks, and both prove versatile instrumentalists - keyboardist Charles blows a mean alto saxophone on "Soul Brothers” and vibraphonist Jackson lights up the frets on “Bag's Guitar Blues.” An unusual but satisfying entry in two stellar discographies, SOUL BROTHERS has just been released on vinyl in honor of Black Music Month.
Golden Hits (Album of the Day)
Vocal group The Drifters was initially a rougher R&B outfit led by Clyde McPhatter, but when the group broke up in 1958, its manager recruited singer Ben E. King and a new band to take a more mainstream pop approach. Released in 1968, GOLDEN HITS gathers the best of the band's preceding decade with King and successors Rudy Lewis and Johnny Moore. The Drifters had their pick of radio-ready hits penned by top Brill Building songsmiths, including “This Magic Moment,” “Up On The Roof,” “On Broadway” and the No.1 smash “Save The Last Dance For Me” - all of which are included in the Atlantic collection. A supremely listenable introduction to the work of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers, GOLDEN HITS was just re-released on vinyl as part of Black Music Month.