Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s (part 3)
Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s (part 3) |
GREETINGS FROM L.A.
Tim Buckley
Straight BS-2631 (1972)
“Good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Hong Kong Bar” (8.0) • “Get On Top” (7.6) • “Make It Right” (7.3)

Buckley abandoned the progressive jazz textures which had been at the core of his “Starsailor” LP of 1970 and, indeed, d
...more →
GET UP OFFA THAT THING
James Brown
Polydor PD-6071 (1976)
“Good” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Get Up Offa That Thing / Release The Pressure” (9.6) • “I Refuse To Lose” (7.7) • “Can't Take It With You” (6.8)

“
Get Up Offa That Thing / Release the Pressure” lives here in all of its 9-minute glory, a behemoth of the funky-dis
...more →
DAYS IN EUROPA
Skids
Virgin V-2138 (1979)
“Good” New Wave; Punk
Jukebox picks: “Charade” (9.2) • “The Olympian” (7.7) • “Working For The Yankee Dollar” (7.3)

The second album of the year from the young Fifers arrived in October '79, with drummer Tam Kellichan having departed du
...more →
THE ONLY ONES
The Only Ones
CBS CBS-82830 (1978)
“Good” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Another Girl, Another Planet” (10) • “No Peace For The Wicked” (7.8) • “The Immortal Story” (7.7)

Battling through their scarcely disguised pub rock tendencies, the debut from this quartet emerges triumphantly largely
...more →
LOADED
The Velvet Underground
Cotillion SD-9034 (1970)
“Good” Alternative Country; New Wave; Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Sweet Jane” (10) • “Rock And Roll” (7.5) • “Lonesome Cowboy Bill” (6.9)

After three stupendous LPs, the fourth, arriving in November ’70, was a big come-down for the punk-orientated within the
...more →
TOGETHER AGAIN
The Dubliners
RAM Records RMLP-1030 (1979)
“Good” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Danny Farrell” (8.2) • “The Mero” (7.7) • “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” (7.3)

After 5 years with the group, guitarist-vocalist Jim McCann left the Dubliners in March, 1979, to pursue his solo career
...more →
PINK FLAG
Wire
Harvest SHSP-4076 (1977)
“Good” Punk; Post-Punk
Jukebox picks: “Pink Flag” (8.3) • “Lowdown” (8.1) • “Three Girl Rhumba” (7.9)

Arriving in December ’77 was the debut set from the London quartet consisting of Colin Newman (23, vocals, guitar); Grah
...more →
KIMONO MY HOUSE
Sparks
Island Records ILPS-9272 (1974)
“Good” Cerebral Pop; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Falling In Love With Myself Again” (8.2) • “Equator” (7.7) • “Amateur Hour” (7.6)

“Kimono My House”?
Groan. I guess with the bona-fide front-cover Geisha randoms – who were plucked by chance from th
...more →
LATE CELESTINE UKWU SPECIAL
Ikenga Super Stars of Africa
RAS ASALPS-12 (1977)
“Good” Africana
Jukebox picks: “Ego Di Nogwu” (6.9) • “Late Celestine Ukwu Special” (6.5)

Even by their standards, two eighteen-plus minutes tracks was an epic offering, but they go through so many twists and t
...more →
PARANOID
Black Sabbath
Vertigo 6360-011 (1970)
“Good” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Paranoid” (9.3) • “War Pigs” (7.5) • “Hand Of Doom” (6.8)

The second album in seven months from these hard working class kids. And it’s even stronger than the first – I’m living
...more →
RAW POWER
Iggy and The Stooges
Columbia KC-32111 (1973)
“Good” Rock; Proto-Punk
Jukebox picks: “Search And Destroy” (8.3) • “Penetration” (7.2) • “Gimme Danger” (7.0)

With the Stooges having officially broken up, Iggy was on the march for a new solo pathway – he thought he might find it
...more →
BORN IN MISSISSIPPI, RAISED UP IN TENNESSEE
John Lee Hooker
ABC Records ABCX-768 (1973)
“Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Going Down” (7.6) • “Younger Stud” (7.1) • “Born In Mississippi, Raised Up In Tennessee” (6.6)

If there’s such a thing as stoner-blues then I think this might be it. The action is largely slow-chugging, but rich and
...more →
THE FINE ART OF SURFACING
The Boomtown Rats
Ensign ENROX-11 (1979)
“Good” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Someone’s Looking At You” (10) • “I Don’t Like Mondays” (9.8) • “Diamond Smiles” (9.1)

Sticking with producer Robert John 'Mutt' Lange all the while, the third album in three years from the Irish sextet, del
...more →
COMING FROM REALITY
Rodriguez
Sussex SXBS-7012 (1971)
“Good” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Cause” (9.8) • “Sandrevan Lullaby Lifestyles” (7.4) • “A Most Disgusting Song” (6.9)

On his second album, there’s a general sense that his bitter stories of bad drugs, broken dreams and ghetto struggles ha
...more →
FUTURE BLUES
Canned Heat
Liberty LST-11002 (1970)
“Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Let’s Work Together” (9.4) • “My Time Ain’t Long” (7.9) • “London Blues” (7.2)

Into the 70s, and the band were in good shape, notching up another big hit with a classic take on Wilbert Harrison’s “
Le...more →
EAT TO THE BEAT
Blondie
Chrysalis CHE-1225 (1979)
“Good” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Dreaming” (9.3) • “Union City Blue” (9.2) • “Die Young, Stay Pretty” (9.2)

For the second album in a row Blondie present as a sextet: Deborah Harry (vocals), Chris Stein (guitar), Frank Infante (
...more →
TUBULAR BELLS
Mike Oldfield
Virgin V-2001 (1973)
“Good” Prog
Jukebox picks: “Tubular Bells, Part One” (7.3) • “Tubular Bells, Part Two” (6.0)

Who could fail to be impressed by the scope and breadth of this work – the work of a teenager? Since 13, he had been a f
...more →
LOOK SHARP!
Joe Jackson
A&M Records AMLH-64743 (1979)
“Good” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” (10) • “Fools In Love” (8.0) • “One More Time” (6.9)

The debut album from the 24-year-old singer-songwriter-musician arrived in January '79 and, although was a bit of a slow
...more →
ALADDIN SANE
David Bowie
RCA Victor LSP-4852 (1973)
“Good” Rock
Jukebox picks: “The Jean Genie” (9.8) • “Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?)” (8.2) • “Panic in Detroit” (7.0)

Although nowhere near as essential as “Ziggy Stardust”, “Aladdin Sane” maintains the good early 70s form of the restless
...more →
THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE
Gary Numan
Beggars Banquet BEGA-10 (1979)
“Good” Electronica; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Cars” (9.4) • “Observer” (7.4) • “M.E.” (7.1)

After fronting two album with Tubeway Army, the 21-year-old delivered his first solo full length in September '79. Comin
...more →
HOT BLAST
Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl
Blackthorne Records BR-1059 (1978)
“Good” Folk
Jukebox picks: “White Wind” (9.2) • “Cut-Price Hero” (7.2) • “Emily” (7.0)

The husband-and-wife duo continue with their fine 1970s form, with musical accompaniment from their sons Neil and Calum
...more →
TRUTHS AND RIGHTS
Johnny Osbourne
Studio One SOLP-0132 (1979)
“Good” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Can’t Buy Love” (8.3) • “Sing Jah Stylee” (8.1) • “Jah Promise” (7.1)

After some nine years in Canada singing with various soul and reggae groups, Johnny, recently turned 30, returned to his
...more →
MYSTIC MAN
Peter Tosh
Intel Diplo (1979)
“Good” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Crystal Ball” (7.9) • “Recruiting Soldiers” (7.0) • “Jah Seh No” (6.8)

His second album on the very welcome Rolling Stones platform continued to give him good exposure and he used it well. Fo
...more →
REAL LIFE
Magazine
Virgin V-2100 (1978)
“Good” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Shot By Both Sides” (8.8) • “Definitive Gaze” (7.3) • “Recoil” (6.6)

Even before Buzzcocks' seminal “Spiral Scratch” EP was released in late Janaury, 1977, Howard Devoto had announced his d
...more →
LOU REED
Lou Reed
RCA Victor LSP-4701 (1972)
“Good” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Love Makes You Feel” (8.5) • “Wild Child” (8.0) • “Ride Into The Sun” (6.7)

After quitting the Velvet Underground in August 1970, Reed took a job at his father's tax accounting firm as a typist, b
...more →
TUBEWAY ARMY
Tubeway Army
Beggars Banquet BEGA-4 (1978)
“Good” New Wave; Post-Punk
Jukebox picks: “Jo The Waiter” (8.4) • “Listen To The Sirens” (7.6) • “The Life Machine” (7.5)

10th February 1978 was a bit of a monumental day in the life of Gary Webb. With just under a month left as a teenager, h
...more →
THEY SAY I’M DIFFERENT
Betty Davis
Just Sunshine Records JSS-3500 (1974)
“Good” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Don’t Call Her No Tramp” (8.2) • “They Say I’m Different” (7.7) • “He Was A Big Freak” (7.3)

One year on from her debut and Betty was back with a whole new ensemble already – which, considering there are more than
...more →
UBHEK’UZULU
Amagugu
Skyline Jazz SK-80162 (1974)
“Good” Africana
Jukebox picks: “Chuchu Makgala” (8.4) • “Imvula” (7.6) • “Inyoni Emhlophe” (7.4)

In 1967, Sannah Mnguni, her sister Francina ‘Thopi’ Mnguni and Thoko Khumalo were three of the four founding members of
...more →
UMUNTU OTHULILE
Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje
Masterpiece Records LMS-541 (1979)
“Good” Africana
Jukebox picks: “Indoda Eyixoki” (7.3) • “Nhlebi Ndini” (7.2) • “Umuntu Othulile” (7.1)

Good album, though not in the same class as previous efforts, largely down to this new “soulful” vibe which is infiltrat
...more →
DAMNED DAMNED DAMNED
The Damned
Stiff Records SEEZ-1 (1977)
“Good” Punk
Jukebox picks: “New Rose” (8.9) • “1 of the 2” (7.2) • “Born To Kill” (7.1)

The excellent “
New Rose” had whipped up a storm as the first British punk single in October ’76, and took pride of p
...more →
ON THE BEACH
Neil Young
Reprise Records R-2180 (1974)
“Good” Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Revolution Blues” (8.2) • “Walk On” (7.5) • “See The Sky About To Rain” (6.8)

The pessimistic one is in very fine form here, evidenced immediately on “
Walk On”, a coolly laid-back blues rocker w
...more →
ENTERTAINMENT!
Gang Of Four
EMI EMC-3313 (1979)
“Good” Post-Punk; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Ether” (8.1) • “At Home He’s A Tourist” (8.1) • “Damaged Goods” (7.2)

Well, here we are in 1979 and already there are groups making Punk sound old-fashioned, its toughness herewith re-channe
...more →
IF YOU MISS ’IM … I GOT ’IM
John Lee Hooker featuring Earl Hooker
Bluesway LP-6038 (1970)
“Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Bang Bang Bang Bang [1969 version]” (7.9) • “I Don’t Care When You Go” (7.2) • “If You Take Care Of Me, I’ll Take Care Of You” (7.0)

Earl Hooker and his band backed his cousin John Lee Hooker on a series of club dates in California; afterwards John Lee
...more →
BIG FIVE
Prince Buster
Melodisc MLP-12-157 (1972)
“Good” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Wine Or Grind” (9.2) • “Pum Pum A Go Will You” (7.9) • “Bald Head Pum Pum” (7.4)

This was Mellodisc out with their second Prince Buster LP of 1972. As with “Wreck-A-Pum-Pum” (Blue Beat BBLP-821, 1968),
...more →
THE SLIDER
T. Rex
T. REX BLN-5001 (1972)
“Good” Rock; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Chariot Choogle” (8.7) • “Metal Guru” (8.2) • “Spaceball Ricochet” (7.7)

The ever-dependable T. Rex continue as the acceptable face of pop music in 1972, and Tony Visconti’s tasteful arrangemen
...more →
A RODA
A Roda
Movieplay 17.1258/8 (1977)
“Good” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Pousa, Pousa” (9.8) • “Cantiga De Montefurado” (8.0) • “Cantinela Do Piepe” (7.8)

After playing as friends informally in the taverns, the Galician folk ensemble A Roda was formed in 1976 in Vigo. Eleven
...more →
HUNKY DORY
David Bowie
RCA Victor LSP-4623 (1971)
“Good” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Queen Bitch” (8.9) • “Changes” (8.3) • “Life On Mars?” (8.0)

Each passing album has been getting better since 1967 – “Hunky Dory” is the first proper good ‘un. Previous bass player
...more →
MESSAGE FROM THE KING
Prince Far I
Front Line FL-1013 (1978)
“Good” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Moses, Moses” (8.8) • “Message From The King” (7.1) • “Black Man Land” (6.6)

The biggest story in the 1978 world of reggae music came as a result of Richard Branson and Johnny Rotten's visit to Jam
...more →
MUSWELL HILLBILLIES
The Kinks
RCA Victor SF-8243 (1971)
“Good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Rock
Jukebox picks: “20th Century Man” (8.6) • “Holiday” (7.6) • “Muswell Hillbilly” (7.5)

Musically, another uniquely Kinks affair, marrying trad English brass with American country rock. The brass section incl
...more →
THE IDIOT
Iggy Pop
RCA Victor PL-12275 (1977)
“Good” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “China Girl” (8.7) • “Nightclubbing” (8.5) • “Sister Midnight” (6.6)

Three years after the break-up of The Stooges, Iggy Pop was back on the scene, with a whole batch of new songs mainly co
...more →
THIS IS THE MODERN WORLD
The Jam
Polydor 2383-475 (1977)
“Good” New Wave; Punk
Jukebox picks: “The Modern World” (8.5) • “Life From A Window” (7.7) • “The Combine” (7.4)

Hot on the heels of “In The City” came album no.2 from The Jam, with much more of the same, although the songs weren’t /
...more →
SOUL REVOLUTION PART II
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Upsetter (1971)
“Good” Reggae; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Keep On Moving [album version '71]” (8.0) • “Sun Is Shining [album version '71]” (7.5) • “Duppy Conqueror [album version '71]” (7.3)

The Wailers early 70s mission to deliver a new soulful brand of reggae moves on from last years’ part I (“Soul Rebels”)
...more →
ÉQUINOXE
Jean Michel Jarre
Disques Dreyfus FDM-83150 (1978)
“Good” Electronica
Jukebox picks: “Equinoxe, part 5” (8.7) • “Equinoxe, part 8” (7.0) • “Equinoxe, part 6” (7.0)

After the huge success of “Oxygène”, Jarre delivered the follow-up in December '78, exactly two years later. The wondrou
...more →
IN MY OWN TIME
Karen Dalton
Just Sunshine Records PAS-6008 (1971)
“Good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Something On Your Mind” (9.7) • “Same Old Man” (8.2) • “Katie Cruel” (7.7)

The Karen Dalton album story ends here – although it doesn’t quite have the strength in depth of her 1969 debut, it’s an
...more →
NEW PICNIC TIME
Pere Ubu
Chrysalis CHR-1248 (1979)
“Good” Avant-Garde
Jukebox picks: “Have Shoes, Will Walk (The Fabulous Sequel)” (8.7) • “Goodbye” (7.5) • “Jehovah's Kingdom Comes!” (7.2)

“
It's me again” yelps our frontman on the excellent “
Have Shoes, Will Walk (The Fabulous Sequel)”, so introducin
...more →
MAVOUNGU
Lolo-Lolitta and his Likwe-Likwe Band
Establishment Bonne Musique EBM-LPS-005 (1978)
“Good” Africana
Jukebox picks: “Ambiance A Abidjan” (7.0) • “Malelissa” (6.4) • “Samboulouma” (6.1)

Recorded in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan, this lively and entertaining production features 3 pieces, with the blisteri
...more →
LICK MY DECALS OFF, BABY
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band
Straight RS-6420 (1970)
“Decent enough” Prog; Avant-Garde; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “The Smithsonian Institute Blues (Or The Big Dig)” (9.3) • “I Love You, You Big Dummy” (8.4) • “Space-Age Couple” (7.7)

Following on from “Trout Mask Replica” 18 months earlier, the mad gruff one and his crazy gang began the 1970s with “Lic
...more →
COMME À LA RADIO
Brigitte Fontaine, Areski Belkacem and The Art Ensemble of Chicago
Saravah SH-10006 (1970)
“Decent enough” Avant-Garde
Jukebox picks: “Comme À La Radio” (9.2) • “Lettre À Monsieur Le Chef De Gare De La Tour Carol” (8.5) • “L'Été L'Été” (8.0)

The restless actress from Brittany, by now 31, had branched out into singing and composing several years earlier. Most o
...more →
ROCK AND ROLL HEART
Lou Reed
Arista AL-4100 (1976)
“Decent enough” Songwriter; Cerebral Pop
Jukebox picks: “Temporary Thing” (8.9) • “Rock And Roll Heart” (7.4) • “Banging On My Drum” (7.0)

With his contract at RCA expired, Lou moved on to Arista for his next episode, “Rock and Roll Heart”, a decent set, even
...more →
T SHIRT
Loudon Wainwright III
Arista AL-4063 (1976)
“Decent enough” Folk; Country
Jukebox picks: “Talking Big Apple ’75” (8.5) • “Wine With Dinner” (8.0) • “Wine With Dinner (Night Cap)” (7.8)

By and large a full-blown band supports Loudon on his sixth offering – I’m extremely wary. To be fair, he doesn’t let me
...more →
THE GOOD BOOK
Melanie
Buddah Records BDS-95000 (1971)
“Decent enough” Songwriter; Folk
Jukebox picks: “Babe Rainbow” (8.9) • “Good Book” (7.9) • “The Saddest Thing” (7.2)

This was the final newly conceived album on Buddah Records from the 24 year-old New Yorker, what with the label attempti
...more →
GARDEN IN THE CITY
Melanie
Buddah Records BDS-5095 (1971)
“Decent enough” Folk Rock / Americana; Folk
Jukebox picks: “People In The Front Row” (8.8) • “Garden In The City” (8.1) • “Stop! I Don’t Wanna Hear It Anymore” (6.4)

By the time of this release in November 1971, Melanie had left Buddah Records and signed with Neighbourhood. In a move w
...more →
SOUL REBELS
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Upsetter TBL-126 (1970)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Soul Rebel” (8.4) • “Try Me” (6.8) • “400 Years [1970 version]” (6.8)

Following LPs cut by Coxsone Dodd (1965) and Leslie Kong (1970) the Wailers moved on to work with Lee Perry who was, by
...more →
AMBIENT 1ː MUSIC FOR AIRPORTS
Brian Eno
Polydor 2310-647 (1978)
“Decent enough” Ambient
Jukebox picks: “1/1” (8.1) • “1/2” (6.2) • “2/2” (5.9)

“Brian Eno? What does ‘e know?” I used to scoff, back in the day when I was an ignorant youth. Sorry about that Brian. K
...more →
THE BACK DOOR WOLF
Howlin’ Wolf
Chess CH-50045 (1973)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Speak Now Woman” (6.9) • “The Back Door Wolf” (6.9) • “Coon On The Moon” (6.8)

Recorded in August ’73, the final album from the urban blues veteran was in the shops by November. Now at 63-year-old, t
...more →
THE MADCAP LAUGHS
Syd Barrett
Harvest SHVL-765 (1970)
“Decent enough” Alternative Folk; Lo-Fi; Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “No Good Trying” (9.9) • “Terrapin” (9.3) • “Love You” (7.7)

Syd’s first solo LP was fairly more gentle than his Pink Floyd material, often willing to be exposed barely with his lyr
...more →
CUFFED, COLLARED AND TAGGED
Swamp Dogg!
Cream Records CR-9009 (1972)
“Decent enough” Soul Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Don’t It Make You Want To Go Home” (9.6) • “Sam Stone” (9.2) • “Knowing I’m Pleasing You And Me” (7.2)

Dogg’s third features seven originals and three covers. His interpretation of John Prine’s “
Sam Stone” is stunning.
...more →
BLUE
Joni Mitchell
Reprise Records MS-2038 (1971)
“Decent enough” Songwriter; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Carey” (8.4) • “All I Want” (7.4) • “This Flight Tonight” (7.2)

She wants to have fun and shine in the sun but personal politics are making the lady blue on her 4th LP. The brave lass
...more →
SHALIMAR
R. D. Burman
Polydor 2392-147 (1978)
“Decent enough” Crooner / Cabaret
Jukebox picks: “Title Music” (9.2) • “Naag Devta” (8.3) • “Aaina Wohi Rehta Hai” (7.1)

I knew before I picked up this soundtrack that I was getting the classic
Title Music for my money – an epic of the c
...more →
RAT ON!
Swamp Dogg
Elektra EKS-74089 (1971)
“Decent enough” Soul; Soul Ballad
Jukebox picks: “That Ain’t My Wife” (8.0) • “I Kissed Your Face” (7.4) • “Remember I Said Tomorrow” (7.2)

The cover features the black man, Swamp Dogg, riding on the back of an oversized white rat – unusual! He’s an off-the-wa
...more →
MACHINE GUN ETIQUETTE
The Damned
Chiswick Records CWK-3011 (1979)
“Decent enough” Punk
Jukebox picks: “Love Song” (9.5) • “Noise Noise Noise” (7.0) • “Machine Gun Etiquette” (6.9)

Their initial explosion which delivered two albums in '77 led to a pressured implosion early in '78 due to tensions with
...more →
BACHARACH BAROQUE
The Renaissance
Ranwood RLP-8084 (1970)
“Decent enough” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Always Something There To Remind Me” (9.3) • “Do You Know The Way To San Jose” (7.9) • “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” (7.1)

Issued late in 1970. Snazzy orchestration that fairly injects some life into these Bacharach and David compositions. BSN
...more →
I LOOKED UP
The Incredible String Band
Elektra 2469 002 (1970)
“Decent enough” Alternative Folk; Folk
Jukebox picks: “This Moment” (7.9) • “Black Jack Davy” (6.9) • “Pictures In A Mirror” (6.8)

Another fine LP from the quartet, described by Robin Williamson as a bit of a quickie. They lined up for this one: Robin
...more →
KING TUBBYS MEETS ROCKERS UPTOWN
Agustus Pablo
Yard Music (1976)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Young Generation Dub” (7.7) • “Keep On” (7.4) • “Satta” (7.2)

As you’d expect with Tubby and Pablo at the desk, this is a primal dub affair with all shades of nice keys from the melo
...more →
STICKY FINGERS
The Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones Records COC-59100 (1971)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Moonlight Mile” (8.1) • “Brown Sugar” (7.9) • “You Gotta Move” (7.7)

For their first of the new decade, released in the springtime of ’71, the Stones now lined up: Mick Jagger (27, lead voc
...more →
PAT GARRETT AND BILLY THE KID
Bob Dylan
Columbia KC-32460 (1973)
“Decent enough” Folk; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Billy 1” (8.6) • “Billy 4” (7.8) • “Main Title Theme (Billy)” (7.6)

Dylan’s first album in three years was his first film soundtrack LP. He also had an acting part in the movie. There’s a
...more →
WHEN THE RIGHT TIME COME I NEED A ROOF
The Mighty Diamonds
Well Charge JOE-JOE-101 (1976)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Them Never Love Poor Marcus” (8.5) • “Why Me Black Brother Why” (7.7) • “Have Mercy” (6.8)

Virgin’s raid on Jamaica for talent led to the debut long player of the Mighty Diamonds vocal-trio – Donald Shaw, Fitzro
...more →
ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE
Bryan Ferry
Island Records ILPS-9284 (1974)
“Decent enough” Cerebral Pop
Jukebox picks: “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (8.2) • “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” (8.0) • “You Are My Sunshine” (6.8)

Predominantly another covers album from the smooth one, although he did write the
title-track which closes the LP. T
...more →
HARVEST
Neil Young
Reprise Records MS-2032 (1972)
“Decent enough” Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Words (Between the Lines of Age)” (8.2) • “The Needle and the Damage Done [live '71]” (7.2) • “A Man Needs a Maid” (7.1)

America’s best-selling album of 1972 has plenty going for it. The usual brand of agreeable head-nodding Americana is pre
...more →
A BEARD OF STARS
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Regal Zonophone SLRZ-1013 (1970)
“Decent enough” Alternative Folk; Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “Elemental Child” (7.8) • “Organ Blues” (7.6) • “By The Light Of A Magical Moon” (7.6)

With Steve Peregrin Took having been ousted as a result of artistic frictions, Marc appointed a new sideman and marched
...more →
DUB HOUSING
Pere Ubu
Chrysalis CHR-1207 (1978)
“Decent enough” Dubbeat; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Navvy” (8.7) • “Dub Housing” (7.1) • “On The Surface” (6.9)

The second album of the year from the vocally imaginative David Thomas and his experimental gang of avant-garage adventu
...more →
MORE SONGS ABOUT BUILDINGS AND FOOD
Talking Heads
Sire SRK-6058 (1978)
“Decent enough” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Thank You For Sending Me An Angel” (8.0) • “I’m Not In Love” (7.0) • “With Our Love” (6.8)

“
When we were making this album I remembered this stupid discussion we had about titles for the last album. At that ti...more →
TALKING HEADSː 77
Talking Heads
Sire SR-6036 (1977)
“Decent enough” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Psycho Killer” (9.4) • “Pulled Up” (8.5) • “Tentative Decisions” (6.8)

At the time of release in September ’77 the New Yorkian quartet were: David Byrne (25, guitar, vocals); Chris Frantz (26
...more →
PINK MOON
Nick Drake
Island Records ILPS-9184 (1972)
“Decent enough” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Know” (8.2) • “Free Ride” (7.6) • “Parasite” (7.5)

Eschewing the production embellishments of his previous works, Nick decided that he would take the old fashioned singer-
...more →
SMALL CHANGE
Tom Waits
Asylum Records 7E-1078 (1976)
“Decent enough” Jazz; Crooner / Cabaret
Jukebox picks: “Step Right Up” (10) • “Pasties And A Gstring (At The Two O’Clock Club)” (6.8) • “Bad Liver And A Broken Heart (In Lowell)” (6.1)

Another smoky late-night jazz-rap session from the 26-year-old who seems to be going on for 57. His Louis Armstrong styl
...more →
THIRD
Big Star
PVC Records PVC-7903 (1978)
“Decent enough” Moodcore; Songwriter; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Kanga Roo” (9.8) • “Stroke It Noel” (8.3) • “Nighttime” (7.1)

Their “#1 Record” long-player of ’72 may have been highly-rated but was a bit of a soft-rock snooze-fest for me. “Third”
...more →
NIGHTHAWKS AT THE DINER
Tom Waits
Asylum Records 7E-2008 (1975)
“Decent enough” Jazz
Jukebox picks: “(Intro) To "Better Off Without A Wife"” (8.8) • “(Opening Intro)” (7.9) • “Emotional Weather Report” (7.4)

Amazingly, the voice of the 25-year-old has aged some 30 years overnight, and we’re to believe he’s now a seasoned old g
...more →
HISTOIRE DE MELODY NELSON
Serge Gainsbourg
Philips 6397 020 (1971)
“Decent enough” Cerebral Pop
Jukebox picks: “Cargo culte” (8.3) • “Melody” (8.1) • “Valse de Melody” (6.7)

“Histoire de Melody Nelson” is regarded by many critics and fans to be Gainsbourg's magnum opus. The concept album has a
...more →
ENDLESS BOOGIE
John Lee Hooker
ABC LP-720 (1971)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “House Rent Boogie [1970 version]” (9.3) • “Kick Hit 4 Hit Kix U (Blues For Jimi And Janis)” (7.5) • “(I Got) A Good ’Un” (6.5)

The 53 year-old journeyman lands with ABC for his latest offering – a highly polished full-group effort, but a highly re
...more →
BETTY DAVIS
Betty Davis
Just Sunshine Records JSS-5 (1973)
“Decent enough” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “If I’m In Luck I Might Get Picked Up” (8.0) • “In The Meantime” (6.7) • “Walkin’ Up The Road” (6.6)

Bored with her modelling career, the 28-year-old Betty Davis decided it was time to focus in on her literate musical her
...more →
MOTHERSHIP CONNECTION
Parliament
Casablanca NBLP-7022 (1975)
“Decent enough” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” (7.7) • “Unfunky Ufo” (7.1) • “P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up)” (6.4)

A whole lotta rhythm goin’ down… yowsa yowsa yowsa etc etc. Can’t say I was ever overly impressed by George Clinton’s hi
...more →
NEU!
Neu!
Brain brain-1004 (1972)
“Decent enough” Avant-Garde
Jukebox picks: “Hallogallo” (9.2) • “Negativland” (8.9) • “Weissensee” (5.7)

New! From Germany. Damned right. This duo from Düsseldorf were Michael Rother (22, guitar, bass guitar) and Klaus Dinger
...more →
THE WORLD IS A GHETTO
War
United Artists Records UAS-5652 (1972)
“Decent enough” Disco / Funk; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Four Cornered Room” (7.7) • “The Cisco Kid” (7.1) • “Beetles in the Bog” (6.9)

Released in November ’72, “World is A Ghetto” went on to become America’s biggest selling LP of the year in 1973 – no me
...more →
CHIEF COMMANDER EBENEZER OBEY AND HIS INTERNATIONAL BROTHERS
Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey and his International Brothers
Decca WAPS-38 (1972)
“Decent enough” Africana
Jukebox picks: “Edumare Soro Mi Dayo / Ajala - Alhaja / Alhaji Babs. / Animashaun / Laide Oropo / Bode Oshinusi” (6.6) • “Board Members / Efori Jiwa / Bisi Cash / Madam / Chief Funsho / Oyename (Remo-Carpet)” (6.1)

This was the 4th new-music LP from the 30-year-old Nigerian, delivered in the national style of Jùjú. The form had been
...more →
OUTLANDOS D’AMOUR
The Police
A&M Records AMLH-68502 (1978)
“Decent enough” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “So Lonely” (9.5) • “Can’t Stand Losing You” (8.8) • “Roxanne” (8.8)

Just as well they called it “Outlandos d'Amour” coz “Outlaws of Love” just sounds naff! Cheap japes aside, this decent d
...more →
MOVING TARGETS
Penetration
Virgin V-2109 (1978)
“Decent enough” New Wave; Punk
Jukebox picks: “Future Daze” (7.3) • “Life's A Gamble” (6.9) • “Freemoney” (6.8)

With two non-album singles and a Peel session behind them, the artful County Durham group of pop-rockers / new wavers /
...more →
WRECKLESS ERIC
Wreckless Eric
Stiff Records SEEZ-6 (1978)
“Decent enough” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Whole Wide World” (9.7) • “Reconnez Cherie” (7.0) • “There Isn't Anything Else” (6.8)

The debut album from the Ian-Dury-inspired 23-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist, known by day as Eric Goulden. His (t
...more →
A NEW BLACK POET - SMALL TALK AT 125TH AND LENOX
Gil Scott-Heron
Flying Dutchman FDS-131 (1970)
“Decent enough” Hip Hop / Rap
Jukebox picks: “Comment #1 [live ’70]” (8.8) • “Introduction / The Revolution Will Not Be Televised [live ’70]” (8.7) • “Small Talk At 125th & Lenox [live ’70]” (7.2)

“A New Black Poet” proclaims the sleeve headline, missing a trick. “The Birth Of Rap” now
that would have been a hea
...more →
SHOOT YOU FULL OF LOVE
Wilbert Harrison
Juggernaut JUG STLP-8803 (1971)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Down On The Corner” (7.9) • “Near To You” (7.2) • “Things I Used To Do” (7.1)

Following on from his revival success with “Let’s Work Together”, Wilbert recorded two albums for Juggy Murray – “Let’s
...more →
JONATHAN RICHMAN AND THE MODERN LOVERS
Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers
Beserkley BZ-0048 (1976)
“Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “Lonely Financial Zone” (8.4) • “Rockin' Shopping Center” (8.0) • “Abominable Snowman In The Market” (7.7)

The debut album statement from the 25-year-old Jonathan Richman finally arrived in the summer of ’76, six years after he
...more →
NEW YORK DOLLS
New York Dolls
Mercury SRM-1-675 (1973)
“Decent enough” Proto-Punk; Rock
Jukebox picks: “Trash” (8.2) • “Personality Crisis” (7.6) • “Pills” (6.5)

At the time of release in July 1973 they were: David Johansen (23, gong, harmonica, vocals); Arthur ‘Killer’ Kane (24, b
...more →
OVERKILL
Motörhead
Bronze BRON-515 (1979)
“Decent enough” Rock
Jukebox picks: “(I Won’t) Pay Your Price” (7.8) • “Overkill” (7.4) • “Tear Ya Down” (7.3)

Having survived from being on the verge of extinction, the London trio were now going from strength to strength, and the
...more →
QUIET LIFE
Japan
Ariola Hansa AHAL-8010 (1979)
“Decent enough” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Quiet Life” (9.3) • “All Tomorrow’s Parties” (6.6) • “Halloween” (6.5)

After a rather underwhelming start, Japan came good in '79 on their third long-player, synthesizers to the fore and a ge
...more →
FINAL EXAM
Loudon Wainwright III
Arista AB-4173 (1978)
“Decent enough” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Fear With Flying” (8.0) • “Golfin’ Blues” (7.2) • “The Heckler” (6.9)

The second of his two-record deal with Arista was, rather unfairly, a critical and commercial flop. Your journeyman is o
...more →
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE BULL & MOUTH
Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl
Blackthorne Records BR-1055 (1977)
“Decent enough” Folk
Jukebox picks: “The Ballad Of Sharpeville [live '77]” (7.1) • “Up In Wisconsin [live '77]” (7.0) • “The Blakleg Miner [live '77]” (6.9)

This live album was recorded at the Bull & Mouth pub in London, England, in April and May, 1977. 2 tracks from the back
...more →
MUSIC FROM THE PENGUIN CAFÉ
Members of the Penguin Café Orchestra
Obscure obscure no. 7 (1976)
“Decent enough” Alternative Folk; Contemporary Classical
Jukebox picks: “Giles Farnaby's Dream” (8.2) • “Penguin Cafe Single” (7.2) • “From The Colonies (For N.R.)” (6.7)

The Penguin Café Orchestra, founded by classically trained English guitarist, composer and arranger Simon Jeffes and cel
...more →
THERE’S A RIOT GOIN’ ON
Sly and The Family Stone
Epic KE-30986 (1971)
“Decent enough” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Family Affair” (7.5) • “Luv n' Haight” (7.0) • “Africa Talks to You 'The Asphalt Jungle'” (7.0)

“What’s going on?” asked Marvin. “There’s a riot going on” replied Sly. Slow and low, these stark and dark urban grooves
...more →
LADIES OF THE CANYON
Joni Mitchell
Reprise Records RS-6376 (1970)
“Decent enough” Songwriter; Folk
Jukebox picks: “Big Yellow Taxi” (10) • “Conversation” (7.4) • “The Circle Game” (6.7)

Third LP from the 26-year-old singer-songwriter, a lady of Laurel Canyon, a hub of counterculture in L.A. which was home
...more →
FREE FROM SIN
Prince Far I
Trojan Records TRLS-175 (1979)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Light Of Fire” (7.2) • “Don’t Deal With Folly” (7.1) • “When Jah Ready You Got To Move” (6.6)

His second album of '79 is on familiar grounds, preaching Rastafari with righteous conviction. A thoroughly decent set,
...more →
TEENAGE HEAD
The Flamin’ Groovies
Kama Sutra KSBS-2031 (1971)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “High Flyin’ Baby” (7.2) • “Doctor Boogie” (7.2) • “Teenage Head” (6.8)

Decent fourth album from the gritty Californian power rockers, running a full range of Rock n Roll which digs dirtily al
...more →
Album Charts by year
1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Album Charts by decade
1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s