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THE PURPLE TOUR (LIVE) (Album of the Day)
David Coverdale handled lead vocal duties for Deep Purple on three of the British band's albums before forming his own group, Whitesnake, in 1978. The ties between the two bands were reinforced in 2015 with the release of THE PURPLE ALBUM, which offered fans modern interpretations of DP classics like “Burn” and “Mistreated.” The new concert collection THE PURPLE TOUR (LIVE) presents highlights from the supporting tour, with scorching versions of Purple favorites including “You Fool No One,” “The Gypsy” and “Soldier Of Fortune” alongside such Whitesnake hits as “Here I Go Again.” “Each member of the band brought their incredible individual talents and a real band identity to this music,” noted Coverdale of Whitesnake's take on mid-'70s Deep Purple, and THE PURPLE TOUR (LIVE) enriches the legacy of both hard rock legends.
Spinners (Album of the Day)
The Spinners had cut several records for Motown but the Detroit vocal group didn't really hit its stride until signing with Atlantic Records; the quintet's eponymous 1973 debut for the label was nothing less than a masterpiece. Recorded with producer Thom Bell, the album epitomized the “Philly soul” sound that would dominate airwaves for much of the decade - a seamless blend of passionate vocals and nimble orchestration. The set features impeccable harmonizing, with recent arrival Philippé Wynne joining lead vocalists Bobby Smith and Henry Fambrough on 10 tracks including the classic “I'll Be Around.” Both that and “Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" were Top 10 singles, and in "One of a Kind (Love Affair)" and “Ghetto Child,” the group had two more signature songs. An R&B chart-topper, SPINNERS captures this great band at the peak of its powers, and remains endlessly listenable.
Where You Been (Album of the Day)
Released 25 years ago today, Dinosaur Jr.'s fifth studio album roars as loudly as any of its grunge-era contemporaries, but without their occasional bombast. WHERE YOU BEEN features 10 terrific songs, kicking off with the yearning “Out There” and Top 10 Modern Rock hit “Start Choppin,” and never lets up from there. While J Mascis plays a dominant role – in addition to writing and production credits, his just-woke-up vocals and epic guitar solos thread through every song – this is Dinosaur Jr.'s sole Sire set with a full band behind him, as bassist Mike Johnson and drummer Murph provide the insistent rhythmic drive. As close to mainstream success as the group ever got (the collection reached #50 on the Billboard album chart), WHERE YOU BEEN frames a gentle outlook with alt-rock thunder, and is a fan favorite for good reason.
Takin' It To The Streets (Album of the Day)
When stomach ulcers sidelined Doobie Brothers frontman Tom Johnston, the group's guitarist, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, suggested his former Steely Dan bandmate Michael McDonald. The arrival of the singer-keyboardist would change the Doobies' sound somewhat, but it was clear from TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS that the NorCal hitmakers had gotten a second wind. Produced by Ted Templeman, the 1976 Warner Bros. collection introduced not just a soulful new vocalist but a talented songwriter; McDonald-penned singles “It Keeps You Runnin'” and the title track both reached the Top 40. Welcoming the new kid into the fold, the rest of the band contribute strong material and terrific performances to TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS, and we'll give the album another spin to wish McDonald a happy birthday.
Brotherhood (Album of the Day)
By the mid-1980s, Manchester quartet New Order had emerged from the shadow of Joy Division, the pioneering post-punk group in which singer-guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris got their start. While Hook's melodic fretwork was a link to that previous group, newcomer Gillian Gilbert's synth playing gave New Order's music a brighter feel, as the effervescent "Bizarre Love Triangle" makes clear. That hit single is but one of the highlights of the band's 4th album, BROTHERHOOD, which neatly balances dance club techno with rock-edged songs like “Weirdo.” As this is Hook's birthday, we thought we'd celebrate with this 1986 U.K. indie charttopper.
In Effect Mode (Album of the Day)
Albert Joseph Brown III seemed destined for fame; a high school football star, he turned down an athletic scholarship for a music career and was “discovered” by Quincy Jones in a talent contest. By the time of his 1988 debut album, the performer had adopted the name Al B. Sure!, and IN EFFECT MODE was a huge success. Originally interested in rap, the performer shifted to smoother R&B for this set and was quickly embraced by new jack swing fans (the presence of Teddy Riley in the production booth helped on that front). Except for a cover of “Killing Me Softly,” Sure! co-wrote all of these songs, including Top 10 single "Nite and Day," one of several hits that drove the collection to the top of the R&B chart. The passionate balladry of IN EFFECT MODE makes it perfect for anyone in romantic mode, so we'll give the million-selling album another spin for Valentine's Day.
By The Light Of The Moon (Album of the Day)
Their debut for Slash Records revealed Los Lobos to be much more than just another band from east L.A., and its thoughtful follow-up, BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON, earned further critical acclaim. Aided by producer T-Bone Burnett, the quintet add social conscience and Mexican influences to good time roots rock; along with the traditional “Prenda Del Alma,” the set's 10 originals include such distinctive songs as “One Time One Night,” “Shakin' Shakin' Shakes” and “River of Fools.” While 1987 saw Los Lobos enjoying their commercial day in the sun with the La Bamba soundtrack, it's on the masterfully played and sung BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON that the group's heart and soul truly emerges.
First Step (Album of the Day)
When vocalist Steve Marriott left to form Humble Pie, his three Small Faces bandmates regrouped with Jeff Beck Group axeman Ron Wood and singer Rod Stewart. With the name shortened to Faces, the U.K. quintet made an auspicious debut in 1970 with FIRST STEP, a title that made sly reference to the beginner's guide to guitar that Wood holds in the cover photo. But there was nothing inexperienced about any of these musicians, and their chemistry and superb performances are evident on each of the 10 tracks. After an ace cover of Dylan's “Wicked Messenger” the material is all original, with songwriting duties spread fairly evenly among the members; with a pair of instrumentals and such fine tracks as “Around the Plynth” and “Three Button Hand Me Down,” it's a consistently enjoyable collection. Faces were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and the journey that brought them there begins with FIRST STEP.
Homogenic (Album of the Day)
After establishing herself as one of alternative music's most eclectic and unpredictable artists, Bjork decided to make an album of “only one flavour,” and thus was born HOMOGENIC. Recorded in Spain with such producers as Mark Bell and Howie B behind the boards, the 1997 collection features soundscapes defined by techno beats, the Icelandic String Octet … and some bleak emotional depths. Recent personal upheavals leave their mark on such melancholic songs as “Hunter” and “Bachelorette,” though rays of light still shine through in the Icelandic ode “Jóga” and closing “All Is Full Of Love.” The set drew near universal acclaim upon release, and today we'll give the gold-certified HOMOGENIC another spin to wish Bjork a happy birthday.
The Clovers (Album of the Day)
Longtime members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Clovers came together in Washington, D.C. shortly after WWII. By 1951 the band had landed a contract with Atlantic Records; their self-titled debut album followed five years later and, like the label's other early longplayers, strung together existing single sides. Though cut with several different group lineups, THE CLOVERS is consistently strong, and all but three of the 14 tracks were Top 10 R&B hits, including “Devil Or Angel,” “Hey, Miss Fannie,” “Ting-A-Ling” and “Love, Love, Love.” Whether on ballads or uptempo cuts, the smooth harmonizing, rambunctious rhythms and bluesy guitar playing of Bill Harris rarely miss, and anyone interested in the roots of 1950s rock should pick up THE CLOVERS.