25 – Monster Magnet – Mastermind
The Monster Magnet album Mastermind celebrates a 10th anniversary today! The last LP to feature long-term lead guitarist Ed Mundell. Frontman and songwriter Dave Wyndorf played it safe with Mastermind, but still an enthralling listen.
28 – Miles Davis – Miles Davis at Fillmore: Live at the Fillmore East
The 1970 live album by jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, Miles Davis at Fillmore: Live at the Fillmore East, celebrates a 50th anniversary today! Players include Chick Corea on electric piano and Keith Jarrett on Contempo Organ. Miles LP top 3?
30 – Elton John – Tumbleweed Connection
The 3rd Elton John album Tumbleweed Connection celebrates a 50th anniversary today! The concept LP based on country and western theme was recorded at the legendary Trident Studios, London. Includes Son of Your Father. In your Elton top 3 LPs?
31 – OutKast – Stankonia
The fourth studio album by American hip hop duo OutKast, Stankonia, celebrates a 20th anniversary today! The LP was well received both commercially and critically, NME said “a rare balance of creative eccentricity and mass appeal.” Spot on!
Tori Amos – From The Choir Girl Hotel
The 1998 Tori Amos album From The Choir Girl Hotel progressed Amos from her minimalist piano sound to greater electronic and full band arrangements. Includes the single Spark, her last UK Top 40 hit to date. Such a strong song writer.
Country Joe & The Fish – Electric Music For The Mind And Body
The 1967 debut Country Joe & The Fish album Electric Music For The Mind And Body was one of the first psychedelic LPs to come out of San Fran. Fantastic performances all round. Love Flying High and Section 43.
Jimmy Smith – Organ Grinder Swing
The 1965 Jimmy Smith album Organ Grinder Swing was recorded at the famous Van Gelder Studio in Englewood. The popular Blue Note trio of Smith (organ), Kenny Burrell (guitar), and Grady Tate (drums) returned. Masterful playing.
The Temptations – All Directions
The 1972 album All Directions by The Temptations includes the No.1 twelve-minute cover Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone. Recorded at Hitsville USA studio, Detroit for Motown, the LP might have just saved the band’s career. Great LP.
Albert Collins – Ice Pickin’
The 1978 Albert Collins album Ice Pickin’ put the blues man back on the map. Recorded at Curtom Studios, Chicago the LP captured Collins in fine form. The playing outshines the vocals, but worth the purchase for the guitar alone. Fine LP.
Kvelertak – Meir
The 2nd studio album by Norwegian heavy metal band Kvelertak, Meir, released in 2013, set the bar in the genre. Sung in Norwegian, inspired by Viking and Norse mythology, the result is a powerful cacophony. Not normally my thing, but this LP was very alluring.
Bruce Springsteen – We Shall Overcome: Seeger Sessions
In 2006 when Bruce Springsteen We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions was released, I thought The Boss singing old activist folk songs, mmm might give that a miss, and I did. But now I have, and was pleasantly surprised. This is no tribute album, but an up-tempo reworking of Pete Seeger’s chanteys, knees ups and ballads.
Keane – Under the Iron Sea
The ‘difficult 2nd album’ for Keane, saw lead singer Tom Chaplin suffering drug abuse issues and allegedly tensions were high within the band. Despite this keyboardist and chief song smith Tim Rice-Oxley managed to write on the road. The result was the 2006 LP Under the Iron Sea, which includes Is It Any Wonder? and Nothing in My Way.
Primal Scream – Riot City Blues
Primal Scream’s 8th studio LP Riot City Blues, released in 2006, was a noticeable departure from the familiar electronic sound in favour of trashy rock. It received mixed reviews, with Guardian critic Alexis Petridis saying ‘everything here sounds a bit like something else.’ I agree, but hell let’s cut loose and enjoy the romp.