Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s (part 4)
Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s (part 4) |
SNEAKIN’ SUSPICION
Dr. Feelgood
United Artists UAS-30075 (1977)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “Paradise” (9.3) • “You'll Be Mine” (6.6) • “Walking on the Edge” (6.5)

My favourite of the three Dr. Feelgood albums that I own, largely down to the exceptional “
Paradise”, their finest h
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SONIA
Orchestre Le Peuple and Trio Ce.Pa.Kos
Pathé 2C064-15952 (1977)
“Decent enough” Africana
Jukebox picks: “Malata” (7.4) • “Tango Ya La Vie” (6.3) • “Sonia” (6.2)

After the dissolution in 1972 of Les Bantous De La Capitale, the band which he founded in 1959, Celestin Kouka wasted li
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COP YER WHACK FOR THIS
Billy Connolly
Polydor 2383-310 (1974)
“Decent enough” Comedy; Folk
Jukebox picks: “Lucky Uncle Freddie [live ’74]” (8.4) • “Sergeant, Where’s Mine? [live ’74]” (8.1) • “Three Men From Carntyne [live ’74]” (7.9)

Recorded live at the Unicorn Leisure production “The Billy Connolly Show” in the Kings Theatre, Glasgow. He’s not yet a
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BEFORE AND AFTER SCIENCE
Brian Eno
Polydor 2302-071 (1977)
“Decent enough” New Wave; Moodcore
Jukebox picks: “By This River” (7.9) • “No One Receiving” (7.1) • “Energy Fools the Magician” (6.8)

He’s made it there or thereabouts into my Top 30 album chart 3 out of the last 4 years, so he must be doing something ri
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TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT
Neil Young
Reprise Records MS-2221 (1975)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Tired Eyes” (9.1) • “Tonight's The Night, part II” (7.6) • “Tonight's The Night” (7.4)

Released in June ’75 almost two years after it was recorded; how strange for a set that was considered by Neil to be the
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INDEPENDENCIA
Teta Lando
CDA NALP-6000 (1975)
“Decent enough” Folk; Africana
Jukebox picks: “FNLA - MPLA” (8.5) • “Lulendo Mpaxi” (7.7) • “Lembele Iembele” (7.4)

What with the stresses and hardships caused by the Angolan War of Independence (1961-1974), it perhaps comes as no surpr
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SURF’S UP
The Beach Boys
Reprise Records RS-6453 (1971)
“Decent enough” Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “Take a Load Off Your Feet” (7.8) • “Surf's Up” (7.2) • “Don't Go Near the Water” (7.1)

The Beach Boys ironically titled 1971 LP stands in contrast to the group’s reinvention as a socially conscious unit. Alb
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THE BEST OF THE WAILERS
The Wailers
Beverley's Records BLP-011 (1970)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Stop The Train [album version '70]” (7.7) • “Back Out” (7.0) • “Soul Shakedown Party” (6.9)

Largely recorded in May 1970 at Leslie Kong's Dynamic Sound Studios, backed by the house band, Beverly's All Stars. Agai
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ZUMA
Neil Young with Crazy Horse
Reprise Records MS-2242 (1975)
“Decent enough” Rock; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Don’t Cry No Tears” (7.5) • “Barstool Blues” (7.4) • “Stupid Girl” (7.1)

Following the death of Danny Whitten, the future for Crazy Horse as an independent group of their own looked to be over
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THANK YOU FOR…
Bridget St. John
Dandelion Records 2310-193 (1972)
“Decent enough” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Lazarus” (7.1) • “Fly High” (6.7) • “Nice” (6.9)

For the third and final part of her Dandelion trilogy, Bridget was keen to take a much more active role in the productio
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HOOKER ’N HEAT
John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat
Liberty LP-35002 (1971)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “The World Today” (8.1) • “Whiskey And Wimmen [1970 version]” (7.4) • “Burning Hell” (7.3)

Recorded in L.A. in May 1970, 17 John Lee Hooker songs. Reworks several tracks from the Hooker back-albums, but all trac
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SIREN
Roxy Music
Island Records ILPS-9344 (1975)
“Decent enough” Cerebral Pop; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Love Is The Drug” (7.8) • “Both Ends Burning” (6.9) • “Whirlwind” (6.8)

“Siren” was widely acclaimed, but I can’t escape the feeling that they’re slowly slipping away from me at this stage. Th
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A NICKEL AND A NAIL AND ACE OF SPADES
O.V. Wright
Back Beat BLP-70 (1971)
“Decent enough” Soul Ballad; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Eight Men, Four Women” (7.3) • “Ace Of Spades [main version]” (6.7) • “Afflicted” (6.7)

Helping to plug the gap left by the demise of Otis Redding, O.V. Wright was keeping the Southern Soul flag flying proudl
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RADIO-AKTIVITÄT
Kraftwerk
Kling Klang 1C 062-82 087 (1975)
“Decent enough” Electronica
Jukebox picks: “Radioaktivität” (9.4) • “Radioland” (8.5) • “Ohm Sweet Ohm” (8.3)

Arriving in October ’75 was the next instalment from the fascinating and mysterious electronic group from Düsseldorf. Th
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THE QUALITY OF MERCY IS NOT STRNEN
The Mekons
Virgin V-2143 (1979)
“Decent enough” Punk; Post-Punk
Jukebox picks: “What” (7.2) • “After 6” (6.8) • “Watch The Film” (6.6)

“The quality of mercy is not strain’d” is a quote from Act 4, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice. Acco
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SUPERFLY
Curtis Mayfield
Curtom CRS-8014-ST (1972)
“Decent enough” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Freddie’s Dead” (9.4) • “Pusherman” (7.0) • “Junkie Chase [instrumental]” (6.8)

This classy brand of deeply-grooved orchestral-funk was ideal for the big screen; so effective was the music, that the O
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MACKA FAT
Jackie Mittoo
Studio One SOL-1120 (1971)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Ghetto Organ” (7.5) • “Lazy Bones” (7.4) • “Whoa Whoa” (7.2)

A tidy all-instrumental set from the 23-year-old keyboardist, produced by Clement Dodd at Studio One. Features only two
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LET’S STAY TOGETHER
Al Green
Hi Records SHL-32070 (1972)
“Decent enough” Soul
Jukebox picks: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” (7.4) • “La-La For You” (7.0) • “It Ain't No Fun to Me” (6.9)

The smooth ones such as Al Green are usually up against it with me but, by and large, he wins me over here on his 4th LP
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NEW BOOTS AND PANTIES!!
Ian Dury
Stiff Records SEEZ-4 (1977)
“Decent enough” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “My Old Man” (7.3) • “Plaistow Patricia” (7.0) • “Blackmail Man” (6.8)

Chock-full of character, the debut solo album from the 35-year-old rock poet arrived in September, 1977, immediately car
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THE FANTASTIC LAUREL AITKEN
Laurel Aitken
Hebra Records LP-61 (1972)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Heile Heile (The Lion)” (9.4) • “Souls Of Africa” (7.5) • “Dallas Texas” (6.8)

For some reason, the set wasn’t released in Laurel’s home territory, and it was the little known Belgian label Hebra Rec
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GP
Gram Parsons
Reprise Records MS-2123 (1973)
“Decent enough” Country
Jukebox picks: “That’s All It Took” (9.0) • “Streets Of Baltimore” (6.5) • “We’ll Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning” (6.4)

The debut solo LP from the 26-year-old finally arrived in January ’73 after a lot of stop-start stalling since 1970. The
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ROOTS REGGAE
Toots and The Maytals
Dynamic Sounds DY-3343 (1974)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Time Tough” (7.4) • “In The Dark” (7.3) • “Revolution” (6.6)

Recorded at Dynamic Studios in Kingston with Warwick Lyn, Neville Hinds and Carlton Lee on co-production duties. There’s
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CALIPSOS
Lord Cobra con The Beachers
Tamayo LPT-1084 (1972)
“Decent enough” Caribbean
Jukebox picks: “Hindu” (8.3) • “La-La For You” (6.6) • “It Ain't No Fun to Me” (6.4)

From the culturally diverse land of Panama comes Lord Cobra and his good-natured, highly danceable brand of calypso. He
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BACK IN THE USA
MC5
Atlantic SD-8247 (1970)
“Decent enough” Proto-Punk
Jukebox picks: “The American Ruse” (8.0) • “Looking At You” (7.6) • “Shakin’ Street” (7.4)

So I’ve now collected all three MC5 albums and my long-held view that they’re nowt special is confirmed; way too much bl
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THE BELLS
Lou Reed
Arista AB-4229 (1979)
“Decent enough” Cerebral Pop
Jukebox picks: “All Through The Night” (8.3) • “The Bells” (7.0) • “I Want To Boogie With You” (6.6)

The free spirited one co-wrote this with ex-Crazy-Horse Nils Lofgren and introduced experimental jazz trumpeter Don Cher
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PURE MANIA
The Vibrators
Epic EPC-82097 (1977)
“Decent enough” Punk; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Baby Baby” (8.0) • “Whips & Furs” (6.9) • “I Need A Slave” (6.6)

Rock n roller lovers turned punks, London's Vibrators came into this one in good heart, having built great momentum in t
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THESE FOOLISH THINGS
Bryan Ferry
Island Records ILPS-9249 (1973)
“Decent enough” Pop
Jukebox picks: “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” (10) • “These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)” (7.9) • “Don’t Worry Baby” (7.2)

In 1973, Bryan Ferry was giving James Brown a run for his money for the title of “
the hardest working man in show-busi...more →
THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD
David Bowie
Mercury SR-61325 (1970)
“Decent enough” Rock
Jukebox picks: “The Man Who Sold The World” (9.2) • “After All” (7.2) • “Saviour Machine” (6.6)

The ultimate pop chameleon turns rock for his third album, the Zep and the Sabbath now seemingly being the greatest thin
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PAUL SIMON
Paul Simon
Columbia KC-30750 (1972)
“Decent enough” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard” (7.7) • “Paranoia Blues” (7.5) • “Mother And Child Reunion” (6.9)

The bromance with Art Garfunkel now seemingly at end, Paul Simon reverted back to writing and recording solo material, a
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SOLID AIR
John Martyn
Island Records ILPS-9226 (1973)
“Decent enough” Jazz; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Over the Hill” (7.7) • “Go Down Easy” (7.4) • “Solid Air” (6.4)

Arriving in February ’73 was “Solid Air”, already the sixth new-music album from the classy 24-year-old songwriter. By a
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DUCK STAB / BUSTER & GLEN
The Residents
Ralph Records RR-0278 (1978)
“Decent enough” Avant-Garde; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Hello Skinny” (7.3) • “The Electrocutioner” (7.2) • “Semolina” (6.9)

The fifth album from the determinedly anonymous art collective is regarded as one of their most accessible works; I can'
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NOW
The Dubliners
RAM Records RMLP-1012 (1975)
“Decent enough” Folk
Jukebox picks: “The Auld Triangle [album version ‘75]” (7.3) • “Farewell To Carlingford” (6.9) • “The Lark In The Morning” (6.9)

During the middle of 1974, the Dubliners lost two of their five; Ciarán and Ronnie. Ciarán Bourke (tin whistler and guit
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U
The Incredible String Band
Elektra 2665 001 (1970)
“Decent enough” Alternative Folk; Folk
Jukebox picks: “Bad Sadie Lee” (9.1) • “I Know You” (8.4) • “El Wool Suite” (8.1)

All the best groups are a bit bonkers and Incredible String Band certainly fit into that category. As the 60s turned int
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BLACK UNITY
Bobby Ellis and The Professionals meet The Revolutionaries
Third World TWS-921 (1977)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Skanking Rockers” (8.2) • “Rocking Jamboree” (6.4) • “Hot Lava” (6.4)

Studio One horn arranger and ace trumpeter Bobby Ellis is paired with legendary saxophonist Tommy McCook for the third t
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BLUE VALENTINE
Tom Waits
Asylum Records 6E-162 (1978)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Romeo Is Bleeding” (7.0) • “Wrong Side Of The Road” (6.6) • “Somewhere” (6.4)

The first Tom Waits album where Jazz doesn't emerge as the foremost genre. The story goes that part way through the sess
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CLIFTON CHENIER AND HIS RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
Clifton Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band
Arhoolie Records 1078 (1978)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Tante Na Na” (8.4) • “Grand Prix” (7.2) • “Hungry Man Blues” (7.0)

Fine LP from the 53-year-old “King Of Zydeco”, produced by Chris Strachwitz and recorded on April 25th, 1977 at Sea-Sain
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PHYSICAL GRAFFITI
Led Zeppelin
Swan Song SSK-89400 (1975)
“Decent enough” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Kashmir” (9.8) • “Black Country Woman” (7.7) • “Bron-Yr-Aur” (7.5)

Their tenure at Atlantic now at an end, “Physical Graffiti”, delivered in February ’75, was the first on their own label
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BUMPS AND BRUISES
Joe Tex
Epic PE-34666 (1977)
“Decent enough” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)” (9.4) • “We Held On” (8.5) • “Jump Bad” (6.8)

I’ve been a fan of Joe’s for a long, long time and some of the man’s 60s cuts are indelibly inked into my psyche; “I Bel
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YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK
Aretha Franklin
Atlantic 7213 (1972)
“Decent enough” Soul Ballad; Soul
Jukebox picks: “All The Kings Horses” (9.7) • “(To Be) Young, Gifted And Black” (7.7) • “A Brand New Me” (6.6)

Team Aretha remain on good form in 1972. Jerry Wexler on production with The Memphis Horns and The Sweet Inspirations an
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BOSS SOUL - 12 POEMS BY SARAH WEBSTER FABIO
Sarah Webster Fabio
Folkways Records FL-9710 (1972)
“Decent enough” Poetry; Hip Hop / Rap
Jukebox picks: “Work It Out” (8.6) • “A Lesson Twice Learned” (7.1) • “Glimpses” (6.9)

Debut album from the 44-year-old mother-of-five / poet / literary critic / teacher, one of those people who put you to s
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MOVIES
Holger Czukay
Harvest 1C-064-45-754 (1979)
“Decent enough” Prog
Jukebox picks: “Hollywood Symphony” (7.0) • “Persian Love” (6.9) • “Oh Lord Give Us More Money” (5.4)

Can's co-founding bassist quit the group late in 1977, allowing himself time for a break and leaving himself free to exp
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GO GIRL CRAZY!
The Dictators
Epic KE-33348 (1975)
“Decent enough” Punk
Jukebox picks: “California Sun” (7.0) • “Two Tub Man” (6.7) • “Master Race Rock” (6.6)

The snotty debut from these delinquents with attitude was only slightly spoiled by the vaguely cartoonish nature of thei
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NASTY GAL
Betty Davis
Island Records ILPS-9329 (1975)
“Decent enough” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “F.U.N.K.” (8.2) • “Dedicated To The Press” (6.9) • “The Lone Ranger” (6.6)

Another solid album of hard-funk nastiness, only slightly hampered by the laws of diminishing returns. Album highlight “
...more →
WAVE
Patti Smith Group
Arista AB-4221 (1979)
“Decent enough” New Wave; Soft Rock / A.O.R.; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Seven Ways Of Going” (7.5) • “Wave” (6.6) • “So You Want To Be (A Rock ’n’ Roll Star)” (6.4)

Patti's fourth is decent enough, although Todd Rundgren's production could do with a bit more grit and edge for my taste
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ONE WORLD
John Martyn
Island Records ILPS-9492 (1977)
“Decent enough” Dubbeat; Jazz
Jukebox picks: “Couldn't Love You More” (8.2) • “Dancing” (7.8) • “Certain Surprise” (6.2)

With his ninth long-player the 29-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist underlined that affecting music wasn’t to be the
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STRANGE LOCOMOTION
Siren
Dandelion Records DAN-8001 (1971)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Some Dark Day” (7.7) • “Soon” (7.4) • “Relaxing With Bonnie Lou” (6.5)

Arriving at the beginning of '71 was the second and final LP from the Peel favourites who lined up: Kevin Coyne (guitar,
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PASS THE PIPE
Toots and The Maytals
Island Records ILPS-9534 (1979)
“Decent enough” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Feel Free” (7.2) • “Famine” (6.8) • “Inside, Outside” (6.2)

With “Monkey Man” getting a 2-Tone makeover in '79, the timing for a new Toots & The Maytals record was good, but it see
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MEMPHIS UNLIMITED
O.V. Wright
Back Beat BLP-72 (1973)
“Decent enough” Soul; Soul Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Ghetto Child” (6.9) • “Lost In The Shuffle” (6.8) • “He’s My Son (Just The Same)” (6.7)

Another thoroughly decent set from the 33-year-old soul singer, just that little bit rougher and tougher – therefore bet
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FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Tom Waits
Asylum Records 7E-1117 (1977)
“Decent enough” Jazz; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Potter’s Field” (8.3) • “Barber Shop” (6.9) • “A Sight For Sore Eyes” (6.2)

The fifth album in five years from the bad-ass Frank Sinatra arrived in September, 1977, nicely produced and engineered
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LIQUID ACROBAT AS REGARDS THE AIR
The Incredible String Band
Island Records ILPS-9172 (1971)
“Decent enough” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Darling Belle” (7.2) • “Talking Of The End” (6.5) • “Here Till Here Is There” (6.4)

Arriving in October was the second LP of the year from the Incredible String Band. Having split with Mike, Rose Simpson
...more →
BARRETT
Syd Barrett
Harvest SHSP-4007 (1970)
“Decent enough” Folk Rock / Americana; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “It Is Obvious” (7.8) • “Wined And Dined” (6.7) • “Wolfpack” (6.2)

The second and final Barret album arrived in quick succesion to the first. A good record, but the unfortunate reality is
...more →
DOING IT TO DEATH
The J.B.’s
People Records PE-5603 (1973)
“Average” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Doing It To Death Parts 1 & 2” (9.4) • “You Can Have Watergate Just Gimme Some Bucks And I’ll Be Straight [album full length version]” (7.2) • “More Peas” (7.1)

For the second J.B.’s album the twelve funkateers extraordinaire were: James Brown (lead vocal); Darryl ‘Hasaan’ Jamison
...more →
BROKEN ENGLISH
Marianne Faithfull
Island Records M-1 (1979)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Cerebral Pop; Dubbeat; Folk Rock / Americana; New Wave; Pop; Post-Punk; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Working Class Hero” (7.4) • “Why D'Ya Do It” (7.2) • “The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan” (6.3)

The sixth album from the 32-year-old singer-songwriter arrrived in November, 1979, and what an achievement it was, given
...more →
DOWN BY THE JETTY
Dr. Feelgood
United Artists UAS-29727 (1975)
“Average” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “That Ain't The Way To Behave” (7.4) • “Twenty Yards Behind” (7.1) • “I Don't Mind” (7.0)

After more than 3 years of hard-slog ‘round the pub-circuit of the South East, things were beginning to happen for this
...more →
HANDSWORTH REVOLUTION
Steel Pulse
Island Records ILPS-9502 (1978)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Prediction” (6.9) • “Sound Check” (6.6) • “Soldiers” (6.3)

Three years of hard work had led the Birmingham group to Island Records, who were seemingly hellbent on becoming a world
...more →
BUSH DOCTOR
Peter Tosh
Intel Diplo DSR-6923 (1978)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Dem Ha Fe Get A Beatin’” (6.6) • “(You Gotta Walk) Don’t Look Back” (6.5) • “Bush Doctor” (6.5)

A good move for Tosh business wise, his 4th solo album in 4 years was tied in with the Rolling Stones label, involved Ja
...more →
IN PERSON
Gregory Isaacs
Hit G.G. Stereo 004 (1974)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Sweeter The Victory” (7.5) • “Love Overdue” (7.3) • “Financial Endorsement” (7.0)

“In Person” was the debut album from the 23-year-old, although he was already 6 years in the business by now, and drivin
...more →
THE FEEDING OF THE 5000
Crass
Small Wonder Records WEENY-2 (1979)
“Average” Punk
Jukebox picks: “They’ve Got A Bomb” (8.0) • “Do They Owe Us A Living?” (7.7) • “Well?…Do They?” (7.6)

Crass were just a name on the back of leather jackets – I was just too young to get them first time around – but I tend
...more →
FUTURISTIC DRAGON
T. Rex
T. REX BLN-5004 (1976)
“Average” Pop; Rock
Jukebox picks: “New York City” (8.5) • “Jupiter Liar” (7.4) • “All Alone” (7.2)

The shifting line-ups continued on album #11 with only Marc Bolan (vocals, guitars, moog), Gloria Jones (backing vocals,
...more →
PIN UPS
David Bowie
RCA Victor RS-1003 (1973)
“Average” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Shapes Of Things” (7.2) • “See Emily Play” (6.8) • “Rosalyn” (6.7)

Arriving in October ’73, just six months after “Aladdin Sane”, was “Pin Ups”, David Bowie’s cover-versions album. Ever s
...more →
RED HEADED STRANGER
Willie Nelson
Columbia KC-33482 (1975)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Medley: Blue Rock Montana / Red Headed Stranger” (6.9) • “Red Headed Stranger” (6.8) • “Denver” (6.8)

A major success for Willie, establishing him once and for all as a big player in his own right in the country field, and
...more →
COME BACK DARLING
Johnny Osbourne and The Sensations
Trojan Records TTL-29 (1970)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Warrior [1970 version]” (7.9) • “Come Back Darling” (7.5) • “Fish Mouth (He Who Keepth His Mouth)” (6.2)

Johnny Osbourne's first LP was recorded when he was in early 20s, just before he emigrated to Canada. Producer Winston R
...more →
GAG A MAGGOT
Swamp Dogg
Stone Dogg SD-3001 (1973)
“Average” Soul
Jukebox picks: “Please Let Me Kiss You Goodbye” (7.8) • “Mighty Mighty Dollar Bill” (7.1) • “Plastered To The Wall (Higher Than The Ceiling)” (6.9)

“Gag A Maggot” is the fourth album in four years from the prolific soul maverick, now on his own label, Stone Dogg Recor
...more →
THE BRAND NEW Z.Z. HILL
Z.Z. Hill
Mankind 201 (1971)
“Average” Soul; Soul Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Faithful And True” (7.3) • “Second Chance” (6.5) • “Choking Kind” (6.5)

Arriving in October, 1971, “The Brand New Z.Z. Hill” was the second full-length from the 36-year-old soul man, now recor
...more →
ASWAD
Aswad
Island Records ILPS-9399 (1976)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Back To Africa” (7.1) • “Concrete Slaveship” (6.6) • “I A Rebel Soul” (6.4)

Fine debut from the London roots-rockers, very much in the vein of The Wailers. The core line up was: Brinsley 'Chaka B'
...more →
DIAMOND DOGS
Bowie
RCA Victor APL1-0576 (1974)
“Average” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Rebel Rebel” (8.9) • “Diamond Dogs” (7.1) • “Candidate” (6.1)

So now you're half man half dog? Er, right you are then. By this stage, it seems to me that Bowie is obsessed by larger
...more →
ERIC BURDON DECLARES WAR
Eric Burdon and War
MGM Records SE-4663 (1970)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Tobacco Road : I Have A Dream” (8.7) • “The Vision Of Rassan : Roll On Kirk” (7.0) • “The Vision Of Rassan : Dedication” (6.7)

The first post-post Animals album, and the first of two to be created with War. The concept was simple and engaging and,
...more →
UNREQUITED
Loudon Wainwright III
Columbia PC-33369 (1975)
“Average” Alternative Folk; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “The Untitled [live ’74]” (7.9) • “Rufus Is A Tit Man [live ’74]” (7.8) • “Mr. Guilty [live ’74]” (7.0)

Speaking of that memorable cover shot, Loudon says: “
The big picture of me on the front cover of the album with the te...more →
BLACK SABBATH
Black Sabbath
Vertigo VO-6 (1970)
“Average” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Black Sabbath” (7.7) • “N.I.B.” (6.4) • “The Wizard” (6.3)

The landmark debut album from the likeable Birmingham Four has been cited as a pioneer for heavy metal, stoner rock, doo
...more →
FATS
Fats Domino
Reprise Records RS-6439 (1971)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Soul
Jukebox picks: “I’m Going To Cross That River” (7.6) • “These Old Shoes” (6.7) • “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (6.4)

Recorded in 1970 and produced by Dave Bartholomew. 2 reworkings onboard - “
Wait Till It Happens To You” (Fats Is Bac
...more →
TONY JOE WHITE
Tony Joe White
Warner Bros. Records WS 1900 (1971)
“Average” Rock
Jukebox picks: “I Just Walked Away” (7.5) • “Five Summers For Jimmy” (7.3) • “A Night In The Life Of A Swamp Fox” (6.4)

His stint at Monument now over, Tony Joe White signed with Warner Bros. in an attempt to propel his status further upwar
...more →
THE RAVEN
The Stranglers
United Artists Records UAG-30262 (1979)
“Average” Post-Punk; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Duchess” (7.2) • “Don’t Bring Harry” (6.7) • “Genetix” (6.2)

Despite recent solo LPs from both Cornwell and Burnel, the Stranglers still managed to deliver their fourth LP in Septem
...more →
ANOTHER GREEN WORLD
Eno
Island Records ILPS-9351 (1975)
“Average” Electronica; Ambient; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Everything Merges With The Night” (7.7) • “The Big Ship” (7.4) • “Golden Hours” (7.2)

Once again, “Another Green World” seen the bold Mr Eno enter the studio with no pre-conceptions, no fore-planning, bar t
...more →
BLACK CAESAR
James Brown
Polydor PD-6014 (1973)
“Average” Disco / Funk; Film Score / Incidental
Jukebox picks: “Mama Feelgood” (7.5) • “Down And Out In New York City” (7.4) • “The Boss” (6.7)

Having witnessed some of the success achieved by the likes of Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield and Bobby Womack, Team JB div
...more →
SHE USED TO WANNA BE A BALLERINA
Buffy Saint-Marie
Vanguard VSD-79311 (1971)
“Average” Songwriter; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Song Of The French Partisan” (7.8) • “Helpless” (6.8) • “Soldier Blue” (6.5)

The experimental goth-folk tones of the preceding “Illuminations” had not sold well, and Buffy was under label pressure
...more →
THE KÖLN CONCERT
Keith Jarrett
ECM Records ECM-1064/1065 (1975)
“Average” Contemporary Classical; Jazz
Jukebox picks: “Köln, January 24, 1975 Part I” (7.2) • “Köln, January 24, 1975 Part II a” (6.8) • “Köln, January 24, 1975 Part II b” (5.5)

An absorbing 66 minutes from one man and a piano, with occasional moans and grunts in all the right places, resulting in
...more →
CRY TUFF DUB ENCOUNTER PART 2
Prince Far I
Front Line FLX-4002 (1979)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Gongola Dub” (7.2) • “Suru-Lere Dub” (6.7) • “Ogun Dub” (6.2)

Far I in dub once again, this time with Prince Jammy engineering the desk. Unlike the first chapter, almost all material
...more →
ALL I HAVE IS LOVE
Gregory Isaacs
Micron Music Limited (1976)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Help Us Get Over” (8.6) • “All I Have Is Love [single version '75]” (6.3) • “Sinner Man” (6.2)

I’ve witnessed first hand the adoration for the cool ruler in his homeland and it’s not difficult to understand just why
...more →
NEW SONGS FROM THE BRIARPATCH
Tom Paxton
Vanguard (1977)
“Average” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Mister Blue / White Bones Of Allende [live]” (8.4) • “Bring Back The Chair [live]” (7.5) • “Born On The Fourth Of July [live]” (7.3)

Very much a homecoming album for the 39-year-old globe-trotting wanderer who had spent three or four years mainly based
...more →
AQUALUNG
Jethro Tull
Island Records ILPS-9145 (1971)
“Average” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Wond'ring Aloud” (7.9) • “Mother Goose” (6.7) • “Cheap Day Return” (6.2)

Their fourth long-player “Aqualung” was released in March, 1971. Considering the acclaim, their reputation for being ove
...more →
SAN FRANCISCO DUES
Chuck Berry
Chess CH-50008 (1971)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “Lonely School Days [1966 version]” (6.5) • “Oh Louisiana” (6.4) • “Let’s Do Our Thing Together” (6.2)

Not too bad, but not too great either. Another kinda predictable set of “Chuck by numbers”, all penned by the man himsel
...more →
BRUISED ORANGE
John Prine
Asylum Records 6E-139 (1978)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Sabu Visits The Twin Cities Alone” (8.2) • “Crooked Piece Of Time” (6.4) • “The Hobo Song” (6.4)

Disillusioned with Atlantic, the 31-year-old singer-songwriter jumped ship to Asylum Records and, after a lot of wasted
...more →
HELLO, I’M JOHNNY CASH
Johnny Cash
Columbia KCS-9943 (1970)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “To Beat The Devil” (7.6) • “Devil To Pay” (7.3) • “Route No. 1, Box 144” (6.6)

First foot into the 1970s for JC… and what a great title for an album. Surprised he hasn’t used it ’til now, what with
...more →
WANDA JACKSON COUNTRY
Wanda Jackson
Capitol ST-434 (1970)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Everything’s Leaving” (7.6) • “The Hunter” (7.0) • “By The Time You Get To Phoenix” (6.4)

A strong set by recent standards, her best since “Blues In My Heart” 5 years earlier.
...more →
JUST IN TIME
Justin Hines and The Dominoes
Mango MLPS-9532 (1978)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Positive Way” (6.7) • “Let Jah Arise” (6.2) • “Help Your Falling Brother” (6.1)

The second long-player from the Rastafarian convert, once again produced by Jack Ruby with a pucker cast, the busy studi
...more →
JESUS OF COOL
Nick Lowe
Radar Records RAD-1 (1978)
“Average” Pop; New Wave
Jukebox picks: “I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass” (7.8) • “So It Goes” (7.2) • “Marie Provost” (6.7)

Debut album from the 28-year-old singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist, taking some timeout as the bassist with Rockpi
...more →
ONE NATION UNDER A GROOVE
Funkadelic
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3209 (1978)
“Average” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “One Nation Under A Groove” (8.4) • “Who Says A Funk Band Can’t Play Rock?!” (6.5) • “Groovallegiance” (6.2)

Their most celebrated work, critically and commercially, arrived in September '78. “Let's dance our way to freedom” is t
...more →
PUSSY CATS
Harry Nilsson
RCA Victor CPL1-0570 (1974)
“Average” Pop; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Old Forgotten Soldier” (6.8) • “Save The Last Dance For Me” (6.6) • “Don’t Forget Me” (6.4)

“Nilsson Schmilsson” got all the acclaim for Nilsson in the 1970s, but “Pussy Cats” is way cooler, albeit never
too ...more →
OSMIUM
Parliament
Invictus ST-7302 (1970)
“Average” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Oh Lord, Why Lord / Prayer” (9.2) • “Little Ole Country Boy” (7.9) • “Moonshine Heather” (6.6)

Debut album from the expansive psychedelic funk collective, a loose cast twelve to fifteen strong, depending on whose co
...more →
SALLY CAN’T DANCE
Lou Reed
RCA Victor CPL1-0611 (1974)
“Average” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Kill Your Sons” (8.7) • “Billy” (6.6) • “Ride Sally Ride” (6.0)

Good grief – Lou Reed plays soft-rockers? All trust between us is blown 4ever. But wait a minute – Top 10 in the U.S. po
...more →
JOHN LENNON / PLASTIC ONO BAND
John Lennon
Apple Records PCS-7124 (1970)
“Average” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Working Class Hero” (10) • “God” (6.5) • “Isolation” (6.2)

Arriving just in time for Christmas 1970 was the 4th long player from the 30-year-old singer-songwriter, his first
pro...more →
PIECES OF A MAN
Gil Scott-Heron
Flying Dutchman FD-10143 (1971)
“Average” Jazz; Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised [album version ’71]” (9.9) • “Home Is Where The Hatred Is [original album version]” (7.0) • “When You Are Who You Are” (6.5)

Had I been there at the time, after the hard-hitting rap debut I'd have been kinda hoping that Scott-Heron might have de
...more →
MOTÖRHEAD
Motörhead
Chiswick Records WIK-2 (1977)
“Average” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Motörhead” (7.5) • “Train Kept A Rollin’” (7.1) • “Lost Johnny” (6.6)

Following an aborted attempt a couple of years earlier, Motörhead finally emerged with a debut album right in the middle
...more →
OBSCURE ALTERNATIVES
Japan
Ariola Hansa AHAL-8007 (1978)
“Average” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Obscure Alternatives” (7.0) • “The Tenant” (6.8) • “Suburban Berlin” (6.4)

They stick with the German Ariola Hansa label for this October '78 release and prove to all and sundry what a difference
...more →
TUPELO HONEY
Van Morrison
Warner Bros. Records WS-1950 (1971)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Country
Jukebox picks: “(Straight To Your Heart) Like A Cannonball” (6.7) • “Starting A New Life” (6.7) • “Wild Night” (6.6)

A Top 30 album in the States, but a bit of a flop in Britain and Europe where it failed to chart; deemed too American pe
...more →
LANDED
Can
EMI Electrola 1C 062-29 600 (1975)
“Average” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Half Past One” (8.0) • “Full Moon On The Highway” (6.6) • “Red Hot Indians” (6.1)

More conventional than their preceding works, “Landed” can be viewed as the first Can album to look backwards; a confusi
...more →
SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH
Black Sabbath
WWA Records WWA-005 (1973)
“Average” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” (7.0) • “A National Acrobat” (6.2) • “Fluff” (6.0)

The album kicks off with “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” and I’m immediately pleased about the return of the great, heavy riffs
...more →
LINK WRAY
Link Wray
Polydor 24-4064 (1971)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Rise And Fall Of Jimmy Stokes” (6.9) • “Fallin' Rain” (6.7) • “Juke Box Mama” (6.6)

Link's self-titled released of '71 is probably best described as a homemade bluesy brand of southern rock, recorded in h
...more →
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
Rod Stewart
Mercury 7142 042 (1971)
“Average” Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Mandolin Wind” (7.2) • “Seems Like A Long Time” (6.4) • “Maggie May” (6.1)

Massive album for the 26-year-old AOR star, number one on both sides of the Atlantic, regarded as his pièce de résistanc
...more →
SELDA 4
Selda
Türküola (Germany) Cassette 475 (1975)
“Average” Folk; Folk Rock / Americana; Middle Eastern; Rock
Jukebox picks: “Bad-I Sabah” (8.6) • “Mehmet Emmi” (7.3) • “Yaylalar” (6.8)

It’s exceedingly difficult to get a good grasp of Selda Bağcan’s complete discography – I spent a long-time having a go,
...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
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1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s