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Live at the Rainbow '78 (Album of the Day)
After Foreigner's self-titled debut album had spent a year in the U.S. Top 20, rock's conquering heroes played a sold-out show at London's celebrated Rainbow Theatre on April 27, 1978. Now available, LIVE AT THE RAINBOW '78 features the classic lineup of guitarist Mick Jones, vocalist Lou Gramm, saxophonist Ian McDonald, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Ed Gagliardi and drummer Dennis Elliott and captures the essence of a group who would go on to become one of the world's best-selling bands. Opening with "Long, Long Way From Home," the set includes magnificent performances of hit singles "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice," as well as a preview of two tracks from the upcoming DOUBLE VISION album. “The audience was amazing that night,” notes Jones of LIVE AT THE RAINBOW '78. “We couldn't have wished for a better show.”
Sunbelt (Album of the Day)
Herbie Mann was one of the greatest flutists in jazz history, with a long string of successful albums for Atlantic Records. His 1979 release for the label, SUNBELT, features relaxing pop-jazz totally in keeping with the carefree beach cover art, with Brazilian influences that underline Mann's status as an early adopter of world music. Mann was also known as a popularizer, and while the 7 tracks here include versions of R&B hits “The Closer I Get to You” and “Let's Stay Together,” his groove-centered performances (and that of his band, which includes such ace instrumentalists as keyboardist Richard Tee and drummer Steve Gadd) are as nuanced as they are beautiful. Herbie Mann was born on this day in 1930, and we'll let SUNBELT shine in his honor.
Slave (Album of the Day)
Part of the Dayton, Ohio music scene that gave birth to the Ohio Players, Slave brought the funk in the 1970s. The horn-led collective was signed by Cotillion Records, releasing its self-titled debut in 1977. Cut in New Jersey (founder Steve Washington's stomping grounds) with producer Jeff Dixon, SLAVE got right to the point – opener “Slide” topped Billboard's R&B chart (and was also a Top 40 pop hit). As such titles as “Party Hardy” and “Screw Your Wig On Tite” suggest, uptempo grooves are the order of the day here, and the set is sure to keep you dancing. With a fine ballad (“The Happiest Days”) displaying the group's versatility, SLAVE is a terrific representation of the pre-Steve Arrington lineup's talents, and is mandatory listening for old school funk fans.
King Missile (Album of the Day)
New York-based art rock/avant-garde band King Missile were riding high on the success of their single “Detachable Penis” when they entered Manhattan's Baby Monster Studios to cut their eponymous sixth album. As the cover art suggests, it's a rather surreal collection, built around founder John S. Hall's poetry which, despite an occasional dark theme, is filled with wonderfully offbeat humor. Highlights of these 17 songs include opener “Love Is...,” “What If” and “Socks” - one of several tracks in the grunge-rock vein. Released 25 years ago today, KING MISSILE would prove to be the quartet's final album for Atlantic Records, and remains a tuneful and all-too-rare example of alternative rock that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Like A Prayer (Album of the Day)
Madonna's final album of the 1980s consolidated her success during the decade and remains one of the performer's very best. Dedicated to the singer's mother, "who taught me how to pray," LIKE A PRAYER is among the most personal and soul-searching she has ever recorded. All 11 songs were co-written and co-produced by Madonna in varied arrangements informed by classic rock and funk (Prince was one of her collaborators), and the collection spun off four Top 10 singles - “Express Yourself,” “Cherish,” “Keep It Together” and the title track, which reached the top of the Billboard chart 30 years ago today. The commercial success of the quadruple platinum No.1 album was matched by its critical acclaim; with the ambitious LIKE A PRAYER, Madonna's status as one of pop's greatest artists was undeniable.
Fairweather Johnson (Album of the Day)
Hootie & The Blowfish had their work cut out for them when they entered the studio to cut the follow-up to CRACKED REAR VIEW, one of the best selling albums of the 1990s, but FAIRWEATHER JOHNSON shows the South Carolina quartet building on the strengths of their debut. The Atlantic collection boasts thoughtful lyrics that belie Hootie's reputation for breezy singalongs, and passionate performances on such tracks as “Tucker's Town,” “Sad Caper” and “Old Man & Me (When I Get To Heaven)” underline the band's commitment to these songs. Released on this day in 1996, FAIRWEATHER JOHNSON debuted at No.1 and went double-platinum, and is in many ways an even more rewarding listen than its predecessor.
In A Sentimental Mood (Album of the Day)
Dr. John had long been a champion of the music of his native New Orleans when the release of IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD revealed an equal love for standards from the American songbook. The album includes favorites by Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter, among others, and opener “Makin' Whoopee” - a duet with Rickie Lee Jones - was picked up for theSleepless in Seattle soundtrack and became both a surprise hit and a Grammy winner. Producer Tommy LiPuma crafts easy-going blues and jazz arrangements (featuring such top players as saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman and guitarist Hugh McCracken) that fit Dr. John like a glove. Released 30 years ago, the Warner Bros. collection sparked a commercial resurgence for the performer, and is sure to put you IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD.
Stand Back (Album of the Day)
Last month Stevie Nicks made history as the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice - first as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998, and now for an extraordinary solo career that spans nearly 40 years. To honor Nicks' groundbreaking achievement, Rhino has just released STAND BACK, a collection celebrating her solo career with essential recordings chosen from studio albums, live performances and soundtrack contributions, plus several of her most-celebrated collaborations with artists including Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Don Henley. Drawing from such platinum albums as BELLA DONNA, THE WILD HEART and ROCK A LITTLE, the set includes Top 10 hits “Edge Of Seventeen,” "Stand Back" and "Talk To Me." Stevie Nicks is still going strong, and STAND BACK shows the beloved singer-songwriter at her best.
The Roaring Twangies (Album of the Day)
The film Bonnie & Clyde marked the crest of a wave of nostalgia for the decades preceding WWII, a wave that also brought us Duane Eddy's THE ROARING TWANGIES. The instrumentalist's second and final album for Reprise Records (after a series of hits for the Jamie label), the 1967 collection was produced by the great Lee Hazlewood and brings the spirit of the 1920s to life on such tracks as “Hello, Dolly,” “Bye Bye Blues” and single “Roarin'.” Aided by arrangements from the Wrecking Crew's Billy Strange, the performer's trademark twangy guitar work is strong throughout these dozen songs. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Duane Eddy was born on this day in 1938, and to wish him a happy birthday, we'll let THE ROARING TWANGIES roar once more.
The John Peel Sessions 1979-1983 (Album of the Day)
From post-punk roots, Echo & The Bunnymen grew to become Liverpool's second most famous foursome with music that was darkly mysterious, sweepingly romantic and increasingly ambitious. BBC DJ John Peel was one of British alternative rock's leading tastemakers during the band's initial incarnation; as can be heard on THE JOHN PEEL SESSIONS 1979-1983, their paths crossed several times. The six radio dates with Peel take the group from its beginnings (when drum machine Echo was still supplying the beats) to its masterpiece OCEAN RAIN. Showcasing fiery performances and Ian McCullough's talent for improvising lyrics, these 20 recordings include revelatory versions of such Bunnymen favorites as “The Killing Moon,” “Seven Seas” and “Heaven Up Here.” Now available as a limited edition 2-LP set on 180-gram black vinyl, THE JOHN PEEL SESSIONS 1979-1983 is a collection no fan of the band should be without