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Let's Make a New Dope Deal (Album of the Day)
The undisputed heavyweight champions of stoner comedy, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong cut some of the funniest records ever made. The pair's LET'S MAKE A NEW DOPE DEAL delivers on the promise of its title with subversive drug humor sprinkled about, but Cheech & Chong wring laughs from a wide variety of subjects here, including the then-recent Star Wars (“Queer Wars”), popular music (“Bloat On,” their parody of The Floaters' hit, nearly made the Top 40 itself) and even holiday perennial “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The 1980 Warner Bros collection is an effective time capsule, but thanks to the appealingly goofy (and often perceptive) characters heard here, LET'S MAKE A NEW DOPE DEAL remains as hilarious as ever.
Prince (Album of the Day)
Prince was far from a household name when he released his eponymous second album, but in hindsight, the bold combination of R&B, funk and rock that would make him a global superstar was already coming into place. PRINCE was virtually a one-man-show, and the performer displayed significant growth as a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist in the short time since his debut. “I Feel For You” would later provide a hit for Chaka Khan, and with “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” released on this day in 1979, Prince scored his first Top 40 single. If the lyrics are less explicit than they would soon become, these songs are no less sexy, coaxed along by seductive vocals and some dazzling guitar work (check out the riffage on “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?”). PRINCE certainly hints at future glories, but the Platinum-certified collection is also a mighty fine listen in its own right.
Release: Further Listening 2001 - 2004 (Album of the Day)
Pet Shop Boys were nearly two decades into their still-ongoing career when they released RELEASE, and the 2002 album has the sound of a band catching its second wind. The outgrowth of recordings made to fill out a greatest hits collection, these songs (“Home And Dry,” “I Get Along,” “London” and seven others) have the worldly sensibilities and catchy melodies for which the U.K. synth-poppers are famous but with a little something extra – guitar work by the great Johnny Marr. As part of a catalog upgrade, RELEASE has just been reissued with two "further listening" albums of additional tracks from the era, including previously unreleased songs, John Peel performances and a cover of Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again, Naturally" featuring Elton John.
Earth, Wind & Fire (Album of the Day)
Earth, Wind & Fire had a long string of R&B and pop smashes for Columbia in the 1970s and 1980s – so long, in fact, that many forget the band started out on Warner Bros. Drawing their name from leader Maurice White's astrological sign (Sagittarius), the group and its 1971 debut EARTH, WIND & FIRE served up humanistic lyrics and an inclusive musical vision well-described by those three elements. Featuring a 10-piece lineup including top Chicago and L.A. instrumentalists, these seven songs hew closer to raw funk than the group's later output, but “Fan The Fire,” minor hit “Love Is Life” and closer “Bad Tune” show EWF's playing was already sublime. The band received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on this day in 1995, and anyone interested in their work beyond a best-of ought to give EARTH, WIND & FIRE a listen.
The Spirit Room (Album of the Day)
With 2001's THE SPIRIT ROOM, Sedona, Arizona, native Michelle Branch made an impressive and precocious major label debut – she was just 18 when it was released. The Maverick collection would sound assured coming from a singer-songwriter twice that age; the 11 originals are insightful and melodic, and Branch proves a versatile and passionate vocalist. Producer John Shanks applies bright polish to the consistently catchy material, and the result was irresistible to radio: “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted” and “Goodbye to You” were all Top 40 singles, driving the album to double-platinum sales status. Michelle Branch made a welcome return to record stores in April after several years away, and while she still has a long career ahead, THE SPIRIT ROOM shows great talent was there from the beginning.
Twin Peaks (Music From The Limited Event Series) (Album of the Day)
Fans of Twin Peaks were in heaven when news broke that Mark Frost and David Lynch were revisiting their revolutionary television series for 18 episodes on Showtime this year. Directed entirely by Lynch, the new series picks up 25 years after the inhabitants of a quaint northwestern town were stunned by the shocking murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer; Kyle MacLachlan returns as FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper. The new TWIN PEAKS (MUSIC FROM THE LIMITED EVENT SERIES) underscores the central part music has always played in Lynch's work, and as it helped establish the haunting, dreamlike nature of the original series, it plays a key role in the new one, from the debut episode's "Twin Peaks Main Theme" by Grammy-winning composer Angelo Badalamenti to such enigmatic tracks as "Shadow" by Chromatics, an electronic band based in Los Angeles. You won't find TWIN PEAKS on any map, but this alluring soundtrack will lead you straight to the heart of its mystery.
The Innocents (Album of the Day)
Erasure's third studio album proved the charm; THE INNOCENTS became the commercial breakthrough for U.K. synth-poppers Andy Bell and Vince Clarke. Released as a single on this day in 1988, opener “A Little Respect” reached the U.S. Top 20, as did “Chains Of Love”; with “Ship Of Fools,” the duo had another signature song. In England the collection was even more successful, becoming the pair's first No.1 and helping Erasure earn a Brit Award for Best British Group. There isn't a dud among the 11 originals here, and producer Stephen Hague adds just the right amount of polish to the soulful vocals and punchy arrangements. The multi-platinum THE INNOCENTS remains one of Erasure's very best, and a must for any '80s fan.
I Got A Name (Album of the Day)
By the time of I GOT A NAME, Jim Croce's name was well established as a hitmaker and storyteller par excellence. Unfortunately, this fifth album would prove to be his last - the beloved singer-songwriter died in a plane crash on this day in 1973, a few months before the collection's release. While the tragic circumstances may have influenced sales of the Cashman-West-produced set (which reached No.2 on the Billboard chart), the high quality of the 11 tracks were sufficient to ensure success. The classic title number (originally recorded for the film The Last American Hero), “I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song” and “Workin' At The Car Wash Blues” were all Top 40 singles, and even the deepest album cuts shine with humanity and fine craftsmanship. As we remember Jim Croce, I GOT A NAME is a poignant reminder of the enduring appeal of his music.
The Wailing Dervishes (Album of the Day)
Even among Atlantic Records' storied 1960s jazz stable, Herbie Mann stood out as adventurous. The pioneering flutist was known for his skill incorporating influences from varied cultures and traditions, and in the case of THE WAILING DERVISHES, he adds Middle Eastern sounds to his considerable sonic palette. Stellar instrumental support from Chick Ganimian on the oud and Moulay "Ali" Hafid on percussion adds authenticity (while far removed from Arabia, Rufus Harley's bagpipes on “Flute Bag” are nonetheless pretty cool), and Mann's improvisational style holds it all together wonderfully. Recorded live 50 years ago, THE WAILING DERVISHES is an early example of world music that will still thrill broad-minded listeners.
Waking And Dreaming (Album of the Day)
“Still The One” was virtually inescapable during the latter half of 1976; in addition to radio airplay, the Top 5 single saw heavy use in fall season promos on ABC-TV. Orleans' biggest hit is the centerpiece of WAKING AND DREAMING but the Chuck Plotkin-produced collection features many other highlights, love song “If I Don't Have You,” the gentle, harmony-filled “Sails” and closer “Spring Fever” among them. Featuring soft rock rooted in R&B, the set would prove the final Orleans album from lead vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter John Hall. And don't judge this one by its cover - WAKING AND DREAMING will fill your days and nights with beautifully tailored sounds.