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Zebra (Album of the Day)
Formed in New Orleans in the mid-1970s, Zebra relocated to Long Island in pursuit of their dreams, and earned a contract with New York-based Atlantic Records. ZEBRA became one of the fastest-selling debuts in the label's history, and one listen shows why – it's first-class hard rock with strong Led Zeppelin influences. Produced by Jack Douglas, the 1983 collection is packed with great songs, all but a version of “Slow Down” penned by frontman Randy Jackson; “Tell Me What You Want” and “Who's Behind the Door?” were both radio hits and “Take Your Fingers From My Hair” would later be covered by Dream Theater. Still the trio's biggest commercial success, ZEBRA features catchy progressive metal sure to please headbangers of every stripe.
Wild! (Album of the Day)
Erasure hit the big time with THE INNOCENTS, and the British synth-pop duo made the most of that breakthrough with follow-up WILD!, released 30 years ago today. The 1989 Sire set was the group's second consecutive U.K. chart-topper, thanks to such irresistible singles as “Drama!,” “Blue Savannah,” “You Surround Me” and “Star.” Andy Bell and Vince Clarke worked with separate producers (Gareth Jones and Mark Saunders, respectively) on the vocal and instrumental parts, and the strategy paid off with inspired performances and inventive arrangements that demand repeated listening. Danceable, theatrical and filled with hooks, WILD! captures Erasure in peak form and remains a fan favorite.
New Wave (Album of the Day)
Florida punk heroes Against Me! had a trio of indie albums under their belts when they signed with Sire for NEW WAVE. If less rough-hewn than their earlier work, the 2007 collection is just as passionate, and the sharper production - by the great Butch Vig - only adds to the power of this music. The song “Piss and Vinegar” offers an apt description of the fiery singing and playing here (James Bowman's guitar work is particularly impressive), but tracks like “White People for Peace,” “Stop!” and Modern Rock charting “Thrash Unreal” make it clear there's a lot going on underneath the electrifying surface. This was Spin magazine's album of the year, and musician Ben Lee covered it in its entirety, noting that “as heavy and gnarly as it sounds at times, it is unmistakably a pop masterpiece.” One listen to NEW WAVE and you'll join the fan club too!
Pick of the Litter (Album of the Day)
When it comes to '70s R&B, the Spinners were the cream of the crop and PICK OF THE LITTER shows why. The collection was the group's fourth for Atlantic Records, and like their others for the label, was cut with Philly soul genius Thom Bell behind the boards. The quintet sing like angels; if tenor Philippé Wynne got most of the attention, don't discount the velvety vocals of Bobbie Smith and Henry Fambrough (Dionne Warwick makes an uncredited guest appearance for good measure). Eight tracks and not a dog among them - while ballads like “Sweet Love of Mine” predominate, there are several uptempo numbers as well, such as “Games People Play,” which topped the R&B singles chart on this day in 1975. PICK OF THE LITTER reached the Top 10 on Billboard's album chart as well, becoming the Spinners' most successful LP.
Rattus Norvegicus (Album of the Day)
The Stranglers may be less famous than some of their U.K. punk brethren, but they were there at the scene's beginning (the band opened at the first Ramones concert in England). Aging pub-rock types who actually knew how to play their instruments, The Stranglers didn't quite fit into the fast, roaring guitar mold that soon became punk orthodoxy. The quartet's debut, RATTUS NORVEGICUS, was released on this day in 1977 and included Doors-y keyboard work and even some prog rock touches on such grimy looks at London street life as “(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)” and the leering, bass-heavy hit “Peaches.” This is what U.K. punk actually sounded like back in the day - when The Stranglers were outselling The Sex Pistols and The Clash.
Live at the Rainbow '78 (Album of the Day)
After Foreigner's self-titled debut album had spent a year in the U.S. Top 20, rock's conquering heroes played a sold-out show at London's celebrated Rainbow Theatre on April 27, 1978. Now available, LIVE AT THE RAINBOW '78 features the classic lineup of guitarist Mick Jones, vocalist Lou Gramm, saxophonist Ian McDonald, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Ed Gagliardi and drummer Dennis Elliott and captures the essence of a group who would go on to become one of the world's best-selling bands. Opening with "Long, Long Way From Home," the set includes magnificent performances of hit singles "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice," as well as a preview of two tracks from the upcoming DOUBLE VISION album. “The audience was amazing that night,” notes Jones of LIVE AT THE RAINBOW '78. “We couldn't have wished for a better show.”
Sunbelt (Album of the Day)
Herbie Mann was one of the greatest flutists in jazz history, with a long string of successful albums for Atlantic Records. His 1979 release for the label, SUNBELT, features relaxing pop-jazz totally in keeping with the carefree beach cover art, with Brazilian influences that underline Mann's status as an early adopter of world music. Mann was also known as a popularizer, and while the 7 tracks here include versions of R&B hits “The Closer I Get to You” and “Let's Stay Together,” his groove-centered performances (and that of his band, which includes such ace instrumentalists as keyboardist Richard Tee and drummer Steve Gadd) are as nuanced as they are beautiful. Herbie Mann was born on this day in 1930, and we'll let SUNBELT shine in his honor.
Slave (Album of the Day)
Part of the Dayton, Ohio music scene that gave birth to the Ohio Players, Slave brought the funk in the 1970s. The horn-led collective was signed by Cotillion Records, releasing its self-titled debut in 1977. Cut in New Jersey (founder Steve Washington's stomping grounds) with producer Jeff Dixon, SLAVE got right to the point – opener “Slide” topped Billboard's R&B chart (and was also a Top 40 pop hit). As such titles as “Party Hardy” and “Screw Your Wig On Tite” suggest, uptempo grooves are the order of the day here, and the set is sure to keep you dancing. With a fine ballad (“The Happiest Days”) displaying the group's versatility, SLAVE is a terrific representation of the pre-Steve Arrington lineup's talents, and is mandatory listening for old school funk fans.
King Missile (Album of the Day)
New York-based art rock/avant-garde band King Missile were riding high on the success of their single “Detachable Penis” when they entered Manhattan's Baby Monster Studios to cut their eponymous sixth album. As the cover art suggests, it's a rather surreal collection, built around founder John S. Hall's poetry which, despite an occasional dark theme, is filled with wonderfully offbeat humor. Highlights of these 17 songs include opener “Love Is...,” “What If” and “Socks” - one of several tracks in the grunge-rock vein. Released 25 years ago today, KING MISSILE would prove to be the quartet's final album for Atlantic Records, and remains a tuneful and all-too-rare example of alternative rock that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Like A Prayer (Album of the Day)
Madonna's final album of the 1980s consolidated her success during the decade and remains one of the performer's very best. Dedicated to the singer's mother, "who taught me how to pray," LIKE A PRAYER is among the most personal and soul-searching she has ever recorded. All 11 songs were co-written and co-produced by Madonna in varied arrangements informed by classic rock and funk (Prince was one of her collaborators), and the collection spun off four Top 10 singles - “Express Yourself,” “Cherish,” “Keep It Together” and the title track, which reached the top of the Billboard chart 30 years ago today. The commercial success of the quadruple platinum No.1 album was matched by its critical acclaim; with the ambitious LIKE A PRAYER, Madonna's status as one of pop's greatest artists was undeniable.