Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s (part 7)
Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s (part 7) |
UP FOR THE DOWN STROKE
Parliament
Casablanca NBLP-7002 (1974)
“Poor” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Up For The Down Stroke” (6.2) • “The Goose” (5.9) • “I Can Move You (If You Let Me)” (5.0)

It took 4 years for George Clinton's Parliament to follow up their “Osmium” LP of 1970, the main man having been more co
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SUN SECRETS
The Eric Burdon Band
Capitol Records ST-11359 (1974)
“Poor” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Ring Of Fire [1974 album version]” (5.5) • “Letter From The County Farm” (5.5) • “It’s My Life” (5.2)

Covers a few Animals originals. As far as the Burdon solo catalogue goes, only “
Ring Of Fire” (Love Is, 1968) is a r
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A WOMAN LIVES FOR LOVE
Wanda Jackson
Capitol ST-554 (1970)
“Poor” Country
Jukebox picks: “The Dirt Behind My Years” (6.9) • “I’d Fight The World” (6.8) • “Stand By Your Man” (5.6)

Her second LP of 1970, a short set of ten, and not as tough on the preceding “Wanda Jackson Country”. Pleasing many no d
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TUSK
Fleetwood Mac
Warner Bros. Records K-66088 (1979)
“Poor” Folk Rock / Americana; Pop; Pop Ballad; Rock; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Never Make Me Cry” (6.4) • “That's All For Everyone” (6.1) • “That's Enough For Me” (5.9)

I'm still not loving 70s Mac, but “Tusk” at least has a bit of a go at connecting with the new wave, resulting in almost
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BOW STREET RUNNERS
Bow Street Runners
B.T. Puppy 1026 (1970)
“Poor” Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “Leaving Grit America” (6.2) • “Watch” (5.3) • “Another Face” (4.6)

Jefferson Airplane and Doors vibes all over what would prove to be the North Carolina quintet’s only LP for 30 years. So
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LIVE AT SOLEDAD PRISON
John Lee Hooker
ABC LP-761 (1972)
“Poor” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Bang Bang Bang Bang [live ’72]” (5.6) • “Lucille [live ’72]” (5.4) • “What’s The Matter Baby [live ’72]” (5.0)

This somewhat informal open-air concert was recorded in the baseball field at California's Soledad Prison in the early a
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THIRD
Soft Machine
CBS S-64080 (1970)
“Poor” Prog
Jukebox picks: “Out-Bloody-Rageous” (5.0) • “Facelift” (4.8) • “Slightly All The Time: Noisette / Backwards / Noisette Reprise” (4.2)

Whilst it's far from unbearable, this progressive rock-jazz fusion leaves me cold. Wikipedia succinctly paints the factu
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THE BATTLE OF DISCO
Bra Sello
Soweto SWA-14018 (1977)
“Poor” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Washa” (4.6) • “Call And Go” (4.4)

Just as he did on 1975's “Butterfly”, brother Sello Mmutung leads his saxophone on two side-long funky jams, technically
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BEFORE WE WERE SO RUDELY INTERRUPTED
The Original Animals
Barn Records Ltd 2314-104 (1977)
“Lame” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” (5.2) • “Lonely Avenue” (5.1) • “As The Crow Flies” (5.0)

The original 1964-1965 Animals line-up of Burdon, Price, Valentine, Chandler, and Steel had reunited for a benefit conce
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THE STRANGER
Billy Joel
Columbia JC-34987 (1977)
“Lame” Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Only The Good Die Young” (7.4) • “She’s Always A Woman” (6.4) • “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” (4.5)

The critically acclaimed fifth album from the 28-year-old piano man was delivered in September, 1977. It was a big comme
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SECRETS
Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson
Arista AB-4189 (1978)
“Lame” R n B; Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Third World Revolution” (6.0) • “Angel Dust” (5.4) • “Show Bizness” (5.2)

Keeping up his prolific decade, the 8th Gil Scott-Heron new music album arrived in September '78, the fifth of his long
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MOTOR BOOTY AFFAIR
Parliament
Casablanca NBLP-7125 (1978)
“Lame” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop)” (6.7) • “The Motor-Booty Affair” (4.8) • “One Of Those Funky Things” (4.6)

The sixth album in five years from the pop branch of the Clinton funk empire begins with a film-esque voiceover thus: “
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FAVOURITE TV THEMES
Ray Martin and his Orchestra
Decca SPA-333 (1973)
“Lame” Film Score / Incidental
Jukebox picks: “News At Ten (The Awakening)” (6.3) • “Wheelbase” (6.0) • “Nationwide (The Good Word)” (5.2)

Does what it says on the tin. As you'd expect from Ray Martin the orchestration is top-notch, but it still feels a littl
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SHEER HEART ATTACK
Queen
EMI EMC-3061 (1974)
“Lame” Rock; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettos)” (6.6) • “Killer Queen” (5.4) • “Stone Cold Crazy” (5.2)

Queen delivered their second long-player of '74 in November, just 8 months after “Queen II”. The core quartet remain: Fr
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KRAFTWERK
Kraftwerk
Philips 6305-058 (1970)
“Lame” Avant-Garde; Prog
Jukebox picks: “Ruckzuck” (6.2) • “Megaherz” (4.8) • “Stratovarius” (3.4)

After their previous band, Organization, had split, Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider-Esleben formed Kraftwerk (German f
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DIRE STRAITS
Dire Straits
Vertigo 9102-021 (1978)
“Lame” Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Wild West End” (5.8) • “Down To The Waterline” (5.2) • “Sultans Of Swing” (5.2)

It would become easy and fashionable to knock Dire Straits in the 80s, and sometimes for very good reason, but three tra
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COSMO’S FACTORY
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fantasy 8402 (1970)
“Lame” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “Up Around The Bend” (5.7) • “My Baby Left Me” (5.3) • “Run Through The Jungle” (4.7)

The fifth album from the group was released in the summer of 1970 and was another massive hit for them, topping the albu
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LYDIA
Cold Blood
Warner Bros. Records BS-2806 (1974)
“Lame” Disco / Funk; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Ready To Live” (5.5) • “Consideration” (5.5) • “Simple Love Life” (5.0)

5th album in 6 years from the Californian soulsters, who seem to be heading towards “the Lydia Pense Show” in the billin
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PRONOUNCED ’LĔH-’NÉRD ’SKIN-’NÉRD
Lynyrd Skynyrd
MCA Records MCA-363 (1973)
“Lame” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Mississippi Kid” (6.3) • “Tuesday's Gone” (5.1) • “Free Bird” (5.0)

Million-selling debut album from Florida's concise Southern Rock septet, produced by Al Kooper for his Sounds of the Sou
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THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Vertigo 6360 112 (1974)
“Lame” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Hot City Symphony part 2: Man In The Jar” (5.8) • “Hot City Symphony part 1: Vambo” (4.9) • “Sergeant Fury” (4.6)

The seventh Alex Harvey album - the third as the Sensational Alex Harvey Band - was delivered in October, 1974. The unch
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THE YES ALBUM
Yes
Atlantic 2400101 (1971)
“Lame” Prog
Jukebox picks: “I've Seen All Good People: Your Move / All Good People” (5.3) • “The Clap [live '70]” (5.0) • “Starship Trooper: Life Seeker / Disillusion / Würm” (4.9)

Breakthrough third album from the London prog rockers who line up: Jon Anderson (vocals, percussion), Chris Squire (bass
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ATLANTIC CROSSING
Rod Stewart
Warner Bros. Records K-56151 (1975)
“Lame” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop Ballad; Rock; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Drift Away” (6.1) • “Stone Cold Sober” (4.9) • “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” (4.8)

Having dumped dumped all of his UK bandmates, the bold Rod was free to roam and play wherever and with whoever. He's los
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THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH HEELED BOYS
Traffic
Island Records ILPS-9180 (1971)
“Lame” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Hidden Treasure” (6.2) • “Rainmaker” (6.0) • “The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys” (4.3)

The fifth album in five years from Traffic arrived in November, 1971. The bookend pieces “
Hidden Treasure” and “
Ra...more →
SUNFLOWER
The Beach Boys
Reprise Records RS-6382 (1970)
“Lame” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Slip On Through” (5.7) • “This Whole World” (5.4) • “Add Some Music to Your Day” (5.2)

Pah, seems like the preceding “20/20” offered false hope. “Sunflower” is universally acclaimed as one of their very fine
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FOOT LOOSE AND FANCY FREE
Rod Stewart
Riva Records RVLP-5 (1977)
“Lame” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop Ballad; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Hot Legs” (6.7) • “You Got A Nerve” (5.3) • “You’re In My Heart” (4.3)

I used to think “
Hot Legs” was the epitome of cool music when I was 8. I still think it's pretty cool as a 41-year-o
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MEMPHIS HEAT
Memphis Slim, Canned Heat and The Memphis Horns
Blue Star 80.607 (1974)
“Lame” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Five Long Years” (5.0) • “Paris” (5.0) • “Trouble Everywhere I Go” (4.5)

In Paris, on September 18, 1970, Canned Heat went into the studio at the request of French music producer Phillipe Rault
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461 OCEAN BOULEVARD
Eric Clapton
RSO 2479-118 (1974)
“Lame” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Get Ready” (6.3) • “I Shot the Sheriff” (5.3) • “Motherless Children” (5.2)

The 29-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist was off the heroin, but still drinking heavily. He's now living with George
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SUGAR BABE
Ruth Brown
President Records PTLS-1067B (1976)
“Lame” Soul
Jukebox picks: “Stop Knocking” (6.5) • “Lots More Of Me Leaving (Less Of Me Coming Home)” (5.5) • “Ain’t No Piece Of Cake” (4.6)

Ruth Brown’s 1976 LP finds her in the house of Jerry “Swamp Dogg” Williams. You’d have thought such a pairing up would b
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PETER GABRIEL [1977]
Peter Gabriel
Charisma CDS-4006 (1977)
“Lame” Prog; Rock
Jukebox picks: “Solsbury Hill” (7.8) • “Down The Dolce Vita” (4.8) • “Moribund The Burgermeister” (4.7)

Having left Genesis in the summer of '75 due to disillusionment with the business itself, the Genesis machine and a desi
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WHAT’S GOING ON
Marvin Gaye
Tamla TS-310 (1971)
“Lame” Soul
Jukebox picks: “What’s Going On” (6.0) • “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” (5.2) • “Save The Children” (4.7)

Does (modern day) R n B start right here with this record? If so, the genre peaked early as this would be as good as it
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WATERLOO
ABBA
Polar POLS-252 (1974)
“Lame” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Waterloo [english version]” (7.4) • “Waterloo [swedish version]” (7.0) • “Suzy-Hang-Around” (6.5)

Staring back at you from the cover of their '74 debut as ABBA were the two couples (l to r): Anni-Frid Lyngstad (28, voc
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STILL WATERS RUN DEEP
Four Tops
Motown MS-704 (1970)
“Lame” Soul
Jukebox picks: “Reflections” (5.2) • “It’s All In The Game” (5.0) • “Everybody’s Talkin’” (4.5)

The Four Tops began the 1970s with a slightly new sound. The cheesy covers prevalent on “Yesterday’s Dreams” were kept a
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CONFESSIONS OF THE MIND
The Hollies
Parlophone PCS-7116 (1970)
“Lame” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Separated” (7.4) • “Too Young To Be Married” (5.2) • “Survival Of The Fittest” (4.8)

Into the 70s and The Hollies are still game and still in vogue after their smash hit “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother” a
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LARKS’ TONGUES IN ASPIC
King Crimson
Island Records ILPS-9230 (1973)
“Lame” Prog
Jukebox picks: “The Talking Drum” (6.8) • “Easy Money” (4.8) • “Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two” (4.6)

Group leader Robert Fripp had a major culling in '72; all four of his new recruits make their King Crimson LP debuts rig
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MCCARTNEY
Paul McCartney
Apple Records PCS-7102 (1970)
“Lame” Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “That Would Be Something” (5.3) • “Hot As Sun / Glasses” (5.2) • “Valentine Day” (4.7)

“
La-la-la-la-la-la lovely Linda, with the lovely flowers in the hair”. Ten seconds was all it took to realise this L
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WE ARE FAMILY
Sister Sledge
Cotillion SD-5209 (1979)
“Lame” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Lost In Music” (7.4) • “Thinking Of You” (5.9) • “He’s The Greatest Dancer” (5.1)

Third long-player from the Philly vocal group, maintaining their record of an album every two years since '75. The sibli
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KEEPER OF THE CASTLE
Four Tops
ABC/Dunhill Records DSX-50129 (1972)
“Lame” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Remember What I Told You To Forget” (5.4) • “Turn On The Light Of Your Love” (5.2) • “Keeper Of The Castle” (5.0)

The Motown company began to change in a number of ways during the early 1970s. Older acts such as Martha and the Vandell
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LAFFIN ROOM ONLY
Hector Nicol
Newkey Records NKR-900 (1976)
“Lame” Comedy
Jukebox picks: “Bonnie Wee Jeannie McColl [live]” (5.0) • “If I Had My Way [live]” (4.0) • “Big Gertie Gordon [live]” (3.8)

Recorded live at The Greenfield Social Club, Burnbank, Lanarkshire in 1976. Funny at times, but the old-skool nonsense l
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CLUBE DA ESQUINA
Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges
Odeon SMOAB-6005 (1972)
“Lame” Latin; Songwriter; Pop; Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Lilia” (6.5) • “Saídas E Bandeiras Nᵒ 2” (5.5) • “Saídas E Bandeiras Nᵒ 1” (5.4)

Acclaimed double album from the singer-songwriter-guitarists Milton Nascimento (29) and Lô Borges (20), the two being pr
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SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED
Stevie Wonder
Tamla TS-304 (1970)
“Lame” Pop; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Sugar” (5.1) • “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” (4.7) • “I Can’t Let My Heaven Walk Away” (4.6)

Opens with all four of the album's singles: “
Never Had A Dream Come True” (#26), “
We Can Work It Out” (#13), “
Si...more →
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Queen
EMI EMTC-103 (1975)
“Lame” Rock; Crooner / Cabaret
Jukebox picks: “Bohemian Rhapsody” (6.0) • “You’re My Best Friend” (5.7) • “'39” (5.0)

Freed from a nightmare management deal, Queen were financially rock bottom as this expensive production was launched in
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THE NEW AGE
Canned Heat
United Artists Records UA-LA049-F (1973)
“Lame” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Lookin’ For My Rainbow” (5.3) • “Framed” (5.2) • “Election Blues” (5.0)

Urgh, the sound of blues rock 1973. Boredum-de-dum. Influential Rock Critic Lester Bangs was fired from Rolling Stone fo
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BORN TO BE WITH YOU
Dion
Phil Spector International 2307-002 (1975)
“Lame” Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Only You Know” (5.8) • “Your Own Back Yard” (5.6) • “Born To Be With You” (5.1)

The all-time favourite album of The Who's Pete Townshend. Celebrated by Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream. Cited as an in
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MIND GAMES
John Lennon
Apple Records PCS-7165 (1973)
“Lame” Pop; Pop Ballad; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Bring On The Lucie (Freda Peeple)” (7.0) • “Mind Games” (5.7) • “Out The Blue” (4.6)

Another largely namby-pamby effort from an ex-Beatle; why do they all revel in conservative safe beat music? That said,
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THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
Pink Floyd
Harvest SHVL-804 (1973)
“Lame” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Brain Damage” (5.8) • “Money” (5.0) • “On The Run” (4.7)

Tirelessly touted as one of the greatest albums of all-time, the 7th Pink Floyd LP was a markedly different beast to the
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NILSSON SCHMILSSON
Nilsson
RCA Victor LSP-4515 (1971)
“Lame” Pop; Pop Ballad; Soft Rock / A.O.R.; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Jump Into The Fire” (7.4) • “Early In The Morning” (4.5) • “Gotta Get Up” (4.4)

The eighth album from the 30-year-old singer-songwriter arrived in November, 1971, and would prove to be the most succes
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CLOSING TIME
Tom Waits
Asylum Records SD-5061 (1973)
“Lame” Jazz; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Closing Time [instrumental]” (5.6) • “I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You” (5.0) • “Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards)” (5.0)

There's nothing special to report on the debut from the 23-year-old singer-songwriter-musician, featuring himself promin
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THAT’S THE WAY IT IS
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4445 (1970)
“Lame” Crooner / Cabaret; Pop; Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “I Just Can’t Help Believin’ [live]” (5.0) • “How The Web Was Woven” (5.0) • “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ [live]” (4.7)

Released in November, 1970, simultaneously with his documentary film of the same name, chronicling his August 1970 conce
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FLY LIKE AN EAGLE
Steve Miller Band
Capitol Records ST-11497 (1976)
“Terrible” Psychedelia; Rock
Jukebox picks: “Rock ’n’ Me” (7.7) • “Sweet Maree” (5.2) • “Dance, Dance, Dance” (4.4)

Ninth album from the San-Francisco-based rocker, his new core group recreated as a trio since 1973's “The Joker”. They l
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ELVIS COUNTRY (I’M 10,000 YEARS OLD)
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4460 (1971)
“Terrible” Country; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Tomorrow Never Comes” (5.8) • “There Goes My Everything” (4.5) • “Make The World Go Away” (4.5)

Almost entirely devoid of appeal for jukebox rebels, the new Presley '71 LP was recorded in Nashville and pitched for so
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NO OTHER
Gene Clark
Asylum Records 7E-1016 (1974)
“Terrible” Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Strength Of Strings” (5.1) • “Silver Raven” (4.6) • “Some Misunderstanding” (4.5)

The former Byrd, now 29, delivered his ambitious sixth album in September, 1974. Over $100,000 in the making, the west c
...more →
LEAVE THE REGGAE TO US
Greyhound
Mercury SRM-1-1054 (1975)
“Terrible” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Mango Rock” (6.1) • “Sky High” (6.0) • “Wappadusa” (5.7)

Only really 2 or 3 worthwhile tracks here, the rest all a bit schmaltzy and insincere…
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MANASSAS
Stephen Stills Manassas
Atlantic SD 2-903 (1972)
“Terrible” Country; Folk Rock / Americana; Rock; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Blues Man” (6.7) • “Hide It So Deep” (5.3) • “Jet Set (Sigh)” (5.1)

The sixth album in the name of Stephen Stills, man of many collaborations, and the first with his new band, Manassas, dr
...more →
BAND ON THE RUN
Paul McCartney and Wings
Apple Records PAS-10007 (1973)
“Terrible” Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Jet” (5.7) • “Band On The Run” (4.5) • “Nineteen Hundred And Eighty-Five” (4.2)

The second album billed to Paul McCartney and Wings - largely recorded in an ill-advised sojourn to Nigeria - was releas
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THE FIRST MINUTE OF A NEW DAY
Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson
Arista A-4030 (1975)
“Terrible” Jazz; R n B
Jukebox picks: “Pardon Our Analysis (We Beg Your Pardon) [live]” (5.2) • “Guerilla” (4.8) • “Winter In America [album version 1975]” (4.8)

The move to Arista Records led to a bigger, smoother, slicker and jazzier production than ever before, with the eight-pi
...more →
CRIME OF THE CENTURY
Supertramp
A&M Records AMLS-68258 (1974)
“Terrible” Prog
Jukebox picks: “Dreamer” (5.0) • “Crime Of The Century” (4.8) • “School” (4.6)

Disillusioned with their lack of success, Supertramp's original group members had deserted the cause, leaving songwriter
...more →
MEETING UP
King Kennedy
EMI Brigadiers RG-V-1006 (1975)
“Terrible” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Ride On Scorpio” (4.4) • “Meeting Up” (4.3) • “Midnight Moon” (3.1)

I wonder how many record buyers committed their hard-earned on the strength of that cover? Alas, King Kennedy is not the
...more →
FULL CIRCLE
The Doors
Elektra EKS 75038 (1972)
“Terrible” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “4 Billion Souls” (5.2) • “Hardwood Floor” (5.0) • “The Mosquito” (4.6)

The second post-Morrison album from the seemingly tasteless trio continues to wander down that path marked “Elton John w
...more →
NURSERY CRYME
Genesis
Charisma CAS-1052 (1971)
“Terrible” Prog
Jukebox picks: “The Musical Box” (5.2) • “Harlequin” (4.2) • “For Absent Friends” (4.1)

Genesis came close to calling it quits when co-founding guitarist Ant Phillips packed it in midway through 1970, just af
...more →
PLAYS YOUR ALL-TIME PARTY HITS
Joe Loss and his Orchestra
Music For Pleasure MFP-5227 (1971)
“Terrible” Orchestra Dance
Jukebox picks: “I Came, I Saw, I Conga’d” (7.9) • “March Of The Mods (Finnjenka Dance)” (6.0) • “The Charleston” (5.5)

Well, hey if you’re going to have a tea-party you might as well get the grandmaster’s lot on. They do a superb conga! Of
...more →
PRAISE THE LORD
Wanda Jackson
Capitol ST-11023 (1972)
“Terrible” Country
Jukebox picks: “The King Is Coming” (6.0) • “Oh Happy Day” (5.5) • “Glory Hallelujah (Battle Hymn Of The Republic)” (4.7)

Wanda converted to Christianity in 1971, marking the transition with a gospel number “
People Gotta Be Loving”, the o
...more →
PLAY GOOD OLD ROCK N’ ROLL
The Dave Clark Five
Starline SRS-5090 (1971)
“Terrible” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (5.5) • “Reelin’ And Rockin’” (5.2) • “Good Old Rock n Roll Medley: Good Old Rock ´N Roll / Sweet Little Sixteen / Long Tall Sally / Chantilly Lace / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes” (4.7)

Having split the previous year, the UK LP “Play Good Old Rock N’ Roll” (EMI Starline SRS 5090) was a “final squeeze of t
...more →
A CALL FROM THE NORTH
The Wick Scottish Dance Band
Talisman STAL-5029 (1973)
“Terrible” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Canadian Reel: Bowing The Strings” (5.0) • “The Morpeth Rant: Harrys Trip / You Need Na’ Run / Dancing At The Ceildh” (4.8) • “Gaelic Waltz: Move Over And Give Me Your Hand / Will You Go With Me Mary?” (4.4)

At the core of the band in '73 were fiddler Addie Harper and accordionist Eann Nicolson, both of whom had been there sin
...more →
INSPIRATION INFORMATION
Shuggie Otis
Epic KE-33059 (1974)
“Terrible” R n B; Jazz
Jukebox picks: “Not Available” (5.2) • “Aht Uh Mi Hed” (5.0) • “XL-30” (4.7)

Sly-Stone-inspired album of space-age-funk from the 20-year-old, almost 3 years in the making. Impressively, he plays ev
...more →
LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS
Derek and The Dominos
Polydor 2625 005 (1970)
“Terrible” Rock; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Layla” (5.8) • “Key To the Highway” (5.6) • “Keep On Growing” (4.9)

Formed in the spring of 1970 after Blind Faith had split, Eric Clapton teamed up with some of his new musician mates to
...more →
VENUS AND MARS
Wings
Capitol Records PCTC-254 (1975)
“Terrible” Rock; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Call Me Back Again” (5.5) • “Magneto And Titanium Man” (5.3) • “You Gave Me The Answer” (4.4)

For this May '75 release the trio was expanded to a quintet featuring Paul McCartney (vocals, bass, guitars, keyboards,
...more →
SLAYED?
Slade
Polydor 2383-163 (1972)
“Terrible” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Move Over” (4.8) • “Look At Last Nite” (4.5) • “Gudbuy Gudbuy” (4.5)

Third album from the Wolverhampton rockers who line-up: Noddy Holder (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Dave Hill (lead guita
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QUEEN II
Queen
EMI EMA-767 (1974)
“Terrible” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Seven Seas Of Rhye” (5.8) • “The March Of The Black Queen” (4.6) • “Funny How Love Is” (4.2)

The second album from London's more thoughtful heavy-glam rockers arrived in March '74. They line up: Freddie Mercury (2
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ONE MORE RIVER TO CROSS
Canned Heat
Atlantic SD-7289 (1973)
“Terrible” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “You Am What You Am” (4.6) • “Shake, Rattle And Roll” (4.5) • “L.A. Town” (4.4)

Over US$30,000 in debt, manager Skip Taylor advised the band to sign away their future royalties to their previous Liber
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PRETZEL LOGIC
Steely Dan
ABC Records ABCD-808 (1974)
“Terrible” Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Charlie Freak” (5.6) • “With A Gun” (4.7) • “Barrytown” (4.6)

The arbiters of taste dictate that this is the one you should all be raving about in 1974. Album-of-the-year in the NME,
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ADOLESCENT SEX
Japan
Ariola Hansa AHAL-8004 (1978)
“Terrible” New Wave
Jukebox picks: “Don't Rain On My Parade” (5.3) • “Communist China” (5.0) • “Adolescent Sex” (4.2)

The debut album from this young guitar-funk 5-piece arrived in April '78, the South Londoners lining-up: David Sylvian (
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CSN
Crosby, Stills and Nash
Atlantic SD-19104 (1977)
“Terrible” Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Cathedral” (5.9) • “Fair Game” (4.8) • “Cold Rain” (4.7)

My first Crosby album in six years is, unsurprisingly, a new low in my esteem, gliding ever-further away from the Byrds,
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HONKY TONK HEROES
Waylon Jennings
RCA Victor APL1-0240 (1973)
“Terrible” Country
Jukebox picks: “Ride Me Down Easy” (5.2) • “Willy The Wandering Gypsy And Me” (4.8) • “You Asked Me To” (4.0)

The 36-year-old Texan country singer had wrestled with RCA to gain full creative control over his output and “Honky Tonk
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ABRAXAS
Santana
Columbia KC-30130 (1970)
“Terrible” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Oye Como Va” (5.2) • “El Nicoya” (5.0) • “Singing Winds, Crying Beasts” (4.9)

Much lauded LP from the San Franciscan Latin rock sextet who line up: Carlos Santana (lead guitar, backing vocals), Greg
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HUMAN CONDITION
Canned Heat
Takoma TAK-7066 (1978)
“Terrible” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Human Condition” (5.3) • “She’s Lookin’ Good” (4.4) • “Open Up Your Back Door” (4.0)

Bob Hite’s excessive drinking and drug use on stage is leading to tumultuous line-up changes behind the scenes at this t
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
T-Neck KZ-32453 (1973)
“Terrible” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Summer Breeze” (5.4) • “Sunshine (Go Away Today)” (5.2) • “You Walk Your Way” (4.2)

The long-standing vocal trio of Isley brothers O'Kelly, Rudolph and Ronald officially expanded their family affair to si
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NOKUZOLA
The Sherbone Stars
Ziya Duma BL-174 (1979)
“Terrible” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Nokuzola” (6.8) • “Kudala Ngihlupheka” (4.7) • “Ngiyizwile Inyoni” (4.3)

In the disco-soul-jive style of the day, this West Nkosi production was released in '79 on the Ziya Duma label. South Af
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VAN HALEN
Van Halen
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3075 (1978)
“Terrible” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Runnin' With The Devil” (4.7) • “You Really Got Me” (4.5) • “Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love” (4.3)

The debut album from the Pasadena hard-rockers - named after the band's two Dutch brothers - arrived in February '78. Th
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PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Island Records HELP-1 (1971)
“Terrible” Prog
Jukebox picks: “The Curse Of Baba Yaga [live '71]” (6.1) • “The Hut Of Baba Yaga [live '71 i]” (5.8) • “The Hut Of Baba Yaga [live '71 ii]” (4.8)

Not as entertaining as the preceding “Tarkus”, their second long-player of 1971 was an ambitious set at Keith Emerson's
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TALKING BOOK
Stevie Wonder
Tamla T-319L (1972)
“Terrible” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Superstition” (7.8) • “Big Brother” (5.2) • “Tuesday Heartbreak” (3.4)

The fifteenth album from the 22-year-old genius sees him move further into funky territories, but it contains way too mu
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SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE
Stevie Wonder
Tamla T13-340C2 (1976)
“Terrible” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Sir Duke” (6.8) • “Pastime Paradise” (6.4) • “Village Ghetto Land” (5.4)

On the ratings front, I include the 17 LP tracks, but exclude the bonus 4 track single that came with the album. The 2LP
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GLORYHALLASTOOPID (OR PIN THE TAIL ON THE FUNKY)
Parliament
Casablanca NBLP-7195 (1979)
“Terrible” Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “The Big Bang Theory” (4.8) • “Prologue” (4.5) • “Colour Me Funky” (4.0)

Another tedious concept album which tries to explain that Funk was responsible for the creation of the universe. Tired,
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WHERE I’M COMING FROM
Stevie Wonder
Tamla TS-308 (1971)
“Terrible” Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Do Yourself A Favor” (6.2) • “Look Around” (4.0) • “If You Really Love Me” (3.8)

His last album for Motown before his contract ran out, all co-written with his then-wife, Syreeta Wright. There's an eve
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KRAFTWERK 2
Kraftwerk
Philips 6305-117 (1972)
“Terrible” Avant-Garde; Prog
Jukebox picks: “Klingklang” (5.6) • “Strom” (5.0) • “Wellenlänge” (4.8)

They were back down to a duo from this one, drummers Andreas Hohmann and Klaus Dinger having left the fold. Any required
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LEAD KINDLY LIGHT
King’s Messengers Quartet
Skyline SK-80159 (1973)
“Terrible” Operatic / Choral
Jukebox picks: “Live In Humble” (5.5) • “Watchman On The Walls Of Zion” (4.7) • “Near To The Heart Of God” (4.1)

Ideal for all your manly bass hum needs! This acapella quartet was founded by Billy Mahlalela at the Bethel College in 1
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YEAR OF THE CAT
Al Stewart
RCA Victor RCA LP-3015 (1976)
“Terrible” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Sand In Your Shoes” (4.9) • “One Stage Before” (4.2) • “Broadway Hotel” (3.7)

Seventh album from the 30-year-old Glaswegian singer-songwriter recorded at Abbey Road, and notable for the lush orchest
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BAD COMPANY
Bad Company
Island Records ILPS-9279 (1974)
“Terrible” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Seagull” (4.8) • “Can't Get Enough” (4.2) • “Bad Company” (4.1)

Hugely succesful debut album from the Led-Zepp supported hard-rock supergroup, reaching #1 in the States and #3 in the U
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HOW DARE YOU
10cc
Mercury 9102-501 (1976)
“Terrible” Prog
Jukebox picks: “I Wanna Rule The World” (6.2) • “How Dare You” (3.5) • “Art For Arts Sake” (3.5)

Fourth album from the Stockport four recorded, as usual, at their own hometown Strawberry Studios. Once again, all playe
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LET’S GET IT ON
Marvin Gaye
Tamla T-329V1 (1973)
“Terrible” R n B; Soul; Soul Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Let’s Get It On” (6.6) • “Keep Gettin' It On” (5.8) • “Please Stay (Once You Go Away)” (3.2)

A new direction for the 34-year-old smooth soul man, three years in the making, shaded with a light touch of funk, essen
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NATURE PLANNED IT
Four Tops
Motown M-748L (1972)
“Terrible” Soul
Jukebox picks: “Medley: Hey Man / We Got To Get You A Woman” (4.7) • “I Can’t Quit Your Love” (4.6) • “You Gotta Forget Him, Darling” (4.4)

I’m on a downer straight from the off as they croon away on “
I Am Your Man” – straight away it’s clear this is not g
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OL’ BLUE EYES IS BACK
Frank Sinatra
Reprise Records FS-2155 (1973)
“Terrible” Crooner / Cabaret
Jukebox picks: “Nobody Wins” (5.4) • “There Used To Be A Ballpark” (4.3) • “Noah” (4.0)

Thought to be retired since mid-71, the 57-year-old crooner returned in the fall of '73 reinvigorated, and the absence h
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SHEET MUSIC
10cc
UK Records UKAL-1007 (1974)
“Terrible” Pop; Prog; Rock; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Clockwork Creep” (5.5) • “Hotel” (4.7) • “The Worst Band In The World” (4.4)

The second album from the inventive Stockport four was delivered in May, 1974, on Jonathan King's UK Records label. The
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LOVE LETTERS FROM ELVIS
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4530 (1971)
“Terrible” Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “It Ain’t No Big Thing (But It’s Growing)” (5.0) • “Love Letters ’71” (4.8) • “Got My Mojo Working” (4.5)

The third of the LPs pooled from his middle-of-the-road Nashville recording sessions of June, 1970, all of which adhere
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NEVER SAY DIE!
Black Sabbath
Vertigo 9102-751 (1978)
“Terrible” Rock
Jukebox picks: “Never Say Die” (5.1) • “Breakout” (4.8) • “Shock Wave” (3.6)

The final Black Sabbath album to feature Ozzy Osbourne as the band’s lead singer starts promisingly with the “Boys Are B
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TECHNICAL ECSTASY
Black Sabbath
Vertigo 9102-750 (1976)
“Terrible” Rock
Jukebox picks: “You Won’t Change Me” (4.8) • “Back Street Kids” (4.3) • “Dirty Women” (4.0)

The core four-piece are augmented by Gerald Woodruffe on keyboards. I’m really not digging their new “theatre rock opera
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HONKY TONK MASQUERADE
Joe Ely
MCA Records MCA-2333 (1978)
“Terrible” Country
Jukebox picks: “Boxcars” (5.6) • “Honky Tonkin'” (4.2) • “West Texas Waltz” (3.8)

Joe Strummer was a massive fan. There's a slinky allure with “
Boxcars”, I'll give him that, but that's about yer lot
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ELVIS [1973]
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor APL1-0283 (1973)
“Terrible” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Where Do I Go From Here?” (5.5) • “It’s Still Here” (4.2) • “I Will Be True” (4.0)

A whole one point raise on the thoroughly dire “Elvis Now” and “He Touched Me” albums of last year, but sitting through
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HITS ON PARADE IN SWINGING MILITARY STYLE
Music For Pleasure House Band
Music For Pleasure MFP-1414 (1970)
“Terrible” Novelty
Jukebox picks: “Yesterday Man” (5.0) • “Rock ’n’ Roll March” (4.2) • “I Was Kaiser Bill’s Batman” (4.0)

Tell you what, when the MFP stable see a gap in the market they go for it. What the world needs, thought some feckless e
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SLEEPWALKER
The Kinks
Arista SPARTY-1002 (1977)
“Terrible” Rock; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Life Goes On” (5.0) • “Brother” (4.7) • “Sleepwalker” (4.6)

Last time I checked (“Muswell Hillbillies” in '71) they were on fine form, but the three whole points downturn since the
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WHEN THE EAGLE FLIES
Traffic
Island Records ILPS-9273 (1974)
“Terrible” Prog; Soft Rock / A.O.R.
Jukebox picks: “Walking In The Wind” (5.6) • “Dream Gerrard” (4.2) • “Memories Of A Rock N' Rolla” (3.6)

Well, drummer Roger Hawkins and bassist David Hood, from the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio house band, didn't last long. On
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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