#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I was rather disappointed by this on release, particularly after its classic predecessor 'East Side Story', but over the years I've come to appreciate it much more. (I used to sing 'His House Her Home' in folk clubs.) Squeeze: 'Sweets From a Stranger' (1982)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying Another year, another excellent Carly Simon album - and this 6th effort might just be the best of the lot. What a fine and witty songwriter she is - I think, a highly underrated one, in spite of her long success. Carly Simon: 'Another Passenger' (1976)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying To June '76 albums I don't own, starting with what seems Carpenters' dullest effort. There's usually something weird on their albums, but 'Doofus' here falls horribly flat. Karen's vocals are as brilliant as ever, though. Carpenters: 'A Kind of Hush' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying For June, let's check out some old favourites that haven't come up, er, randomly. First: the (apparently) rushed sequel to 'Crime of the Century'. Not that us fans knew that at the time - we just heard another fine album. Supertramp: 'Crisis? What Crisis?' (1975)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying It's been over a decade since Emily's last album, although she has spent the intervening years usefully with the splendid Furrow Collective. But I for one am glad to see her back in such magically gothic form. Emily Portman: 'Dominion of Spells' (2026)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Keyboardists don't have to be 'flashy'. Few are better at evoking mood and atmosphere than Richard Barbieri, whether for Japan or Porcupine Tree, or on one of his fine solo albums. His latest is one of his very best, IMHO. Richard Barbieri: 'Hauntings' (2026)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying To end the month, my 3 most recent 2026 purchases, starting with Honorary National Treasure Tori's latest. She's always done 'righteous anger' rather well, and boy, is she angry here! Her best in years, in my view. Tori Amos: 'In Times of Dragons' (2026)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Of all the albums I'm listening to for the first time this month, this is the one that shames me most for not hearing, given my adoration of all 3. It goes without saying, this is bloody marvellous! Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris: 'Trio' (1987)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I've only ever heard their singles before, so high time to hear Dexys' debut. However fine the songs are - and they are great - I just cannot move past Kevin Rowland's overly-mannered vocals. Dexy's Midnight Runners: 'Searching for the Young Soul Rebels' (1980)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I saw an early Ants gig which supported an early Banshees show; even so, I've never listened to any of the albums. This is great fun: Interesting musically and lyrically, and very funny in parts. Adam and the Ants: 'Kings of the Wild Frontier' (1980)

#albumsfrom40yearsago #NowPlaying And so to May '86. First up, the (usually) wonderful Joan Armatrading. Apparently she produced the album herself, but you wouldn't know it - it's crammed with horrible 80s-isms which get in the way of the songs for me. Joan Armatrading: 'Sleight of Hand' (1986)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying My 3 fav bands from punk days were/are XTC, the Banshees and - first off - Ultravox! (with a !) But it was the John Foxx version that I loved: when he left, that was it for me. So, never bothered with this until now. And I rather like it! Ultravox: 'Vienna' (1980)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying I own quite a lot of Donavan's 60s work, but nothing from the 70s onwards, so this is totally new for me. It's pleasant enough, but something seems to be lacking. All a bit safe, maybe? Glad he's still making records, though. Donavan: 'Slow Down World' (1976)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying Hello, Old Friend. Had a cassette copy of this fine album at the time, which died the death of most cassettes: wrapped around the internal workings of a cheap player! I only have a 'Best Of' collection now. Poco: 'Rose of Cimarron' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Quite why I've never listened to this is a mystery, given I know other Jam albums so well. I also bought the single 'Eating Trifles'😆 at the time, so no excuse. I've played it twice already this morning - perhaps their finest album? The Jam: 'Setting Sons' (1979)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I didn't like The Clash's first two, so I was profoundly uninterested in their 3rd album... which is 'one of the greatest albums ever recorded'. According to everybody but me, it seems. Emperor's New Clothes time, IMHO. <Yawn> The Clash: 'London Calling' (1979)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying In which Sir Cliff revitalised his career by trying to not sound like Cliff. It's a pretty decent album, all in all, but not my cup'o'char. Passes a quiet Saturday morning adequately. Cliff Richard: 'I'm Nearly Famous' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I always found New Order ass-numbingly tedious, so I never felt any need to check out JD. In for a penny.... O Gawd - wish I hadn't bothered. Dull. Dull. Dull. At least I never have to hear it again. Joy Division: 'Unknown Pleasures' (1979)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying This was an unexpected delight, given that Sammy's first solo album was dismissed as a failure at the time, apparently. His own songs coupled with a range of well-chosen covers makes for an entertaining listen. Sammy Hagar: 'Nine on a Ten Scale' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying The last of Bruce's first 7 albums I've not previously heard. Most of his 70s albums have not really appealed to me: too bombastic, too declamatory. This is no exception, I'm afraid. Not for me. Bruce Springsteen: 'Darkness on the Edge of Town' (1978)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying I've never owned this, but I remember lots of friends did. And it's just as I remember it - interesting when the synths are firing on all cylinders, as on the title track, but dropping in interest when they aren't. Steve Miller Band: 'Fly Like An Eagle' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying A surprising choice? Whatever - I've never previously listened to it. As ever with 'pop' acts, the outstanding tracks are the singles; the deep cuts sound far weaker. 'The Name of the Game' is one of my all-time fav singles - a gem. Abba: 'ABBA- The Album' (1977)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying May '76, and albums from two UK heavy rock bands whose careers seemed to be travelling in opposite directions at the time. The Heep album is rather disappointing; I much prefer UFO's effort. Uriah Heep: 'High and Mighty' / UFO: 'No Heavy Petting' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Having played 1976's 'Turnstiles' recently, I have no hesitation in moving on to Billy's masterpiece for the first time. Even tho' I've heard most of the tracks individually! Loving this - holds up so well as a unified collection. Billy Joel: 'The Stranger' (1977)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying There must be something wrong with me... in recent days I've loved albums by the Bee Gees, Van Morrison, Styx... I can't possibly like this album from The Grateful Dead as well, surely? Oh. It's almost prog, in parts.😱🤣 The Grateful Dead: 'Terrapin Station' (1977)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Look, the truth is that 70s US prog is different from 70s UK prog, so let's celebrate both. And so to Styx's proggiest album, which I've never previously heard. I haven't much liked their earlier efforts, but this is excellent. Styx: 'The Grand Illusion' (1977)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying I've never really listened much to Billy Joel, but even I know he is one of the 50 greatest living American songwriters - unlike the morons at the New York Times who don't, apparently. This is a really good album, IMHO. Billy Joel: 'Turnstiles' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I firmly believe that 'Astral Weeks' is the most overrated album in the canon, so I've never really bothered with Van's catalogue. Time for his other so-called masterpiece.... Hang on - this is great! I'm well and truly shocked.😱 Van Morrison: 'Moondance' (1970)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying 'Werewolves of London' is the sole WZ track I've previously heard, yet I've known several of his songs for a very long time, thanks to Linda Ronstadt. This is the 1st of his albums I've heard in full - I've enjoyed it immensely. 'Warren Zevon' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I own every DP studio album from 'In Rock' onwards, but none before. A couple of years ago, I listened to and enjoyed most of the rest. Not this, though. Trail blazing, yes, but it doesn't really work for me. Deep Purple: 'Concerto for Group and Orchestra' (1969)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I've always been suspicious of anyone described as a 'cult' act, so I've never given Scott's music a chance. High time to give his 'best' album a try. Wow! The man has one hell of a voice. Even so, it's not really for me, I'm afraid. Scott Walker: 'Scott 4' (1969)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying A bit of a cheat, this, in that I've known most of these tracks since teen days; indeed, I've been in bands covering them. But, I've never listened to the full album, until now.... Surprise, surprise - I love it! 'The Stooges' (1969)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Surprising that this Françoise Hardy fan has never listened to the giant of French pop, M.Gainsbourg, especially to this legendary/notorious recording. Mais non. It's a bit silly, eh? I mean, 'Orang-outan'? Really? Mais oui. 'Jane Birkin/ Serge Gainsbourg' (1969)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying The 15-year-old me was solidly in the target audience when this was released and, yes, I admit it - I loved it! However, I only own a 'greatest hits' collection these days, which contains much of it. 50 years ago, eh? Ain't ageing fun?! 'The Runaways' (1976)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying As regulars may recall, I've struggled to enjoy Todd's albums, other than Utopia's first 2. This ain't going to change my view. Side 1's note-for-note covers are utterly pointless, and most of his own songs are, frankly, dull. Todd Rundgren: 'Faithful' (1976)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Ridiculous, really, that I've never heard this, given that 'Bitches Brew' was one of the first albums I ever owned. I'll need to give it a few more listens, but I can hear why it's so highly regarded. Miles Davis: 'In a Silent Way' (1969)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Here we go again... no idea why I've never listened to Baby Elton's debut, given I own all of those early/mid 70s classics.He's obviously still to develop his own unique style, but this is still a fantastic debut. Elton John: 'Empty Sky' (1969)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Really don't know why I've never previously heard Free's debut, given their others are so important to me, but, you know, it happens. This is rawer, and has more 'traditional' blues than what followed. Still great, though. Free: 'Tons of Sobs" (1969)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying As someone who earned a bit of a living drumming in dance bands in the late 70s, I grew allergic to all things Bee Gees! I wish I'd known about this fine album at the time, I might have been more sympathetic. Bee Gees: 'Odessa' (1969)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I have heard a couple of Pretty Things albums, but never their masterwork 'first rock opera', for some reason. Obvs it's not as good as 'Tommy', it's alleged 'competitor', but it's well worth a listen or several. Pretty Things: 'S.F.Sorrow' (1968)

#albumsfrom50yearsago #NowPlaying Finally, an Aerosmith album I like unreservedly! I can see why it's rated so highly. Still don't really like Steven Tyler's vocals (sorry, fans) but the playing is Zep-challengingly top notch. Aerosmith: 'Rocks' (1976)

#albumsfrom60yearsago #NowPlaying A two-fer for this afternoon. Who else thinks nobody exemplifies The Swinging Sixties better than Nancy Sinatra? These 2 have turned swinging 60, and are both flamin' groovy, man! Love and Peace! Nancy Sinatra: 'Boots'; 'How Does That Grab You?' (1966)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Johnny Cash was my late father's favourite artist, in his final years anyway. High time I copped an ear to this legendary album. 🎵I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die🎵 It's fantastic. Big surprise: it's really funny! 'Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison' (1968)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Given how long I've loved the Wolf's 2nd album, I can't believe I've never sat down to listen to the debut. Which is, of course, wonderful. Track 6 sounds vaguely familiar....🤣 'Steppenwolf' (1968)

#albumsfrom60yearsago #NowPlaying The 3rd 'UK' album by The Animals. Mostly 'old style' r&b covers, which are not my cup of tea at all. 'Clapping' is simply odd. Filler? I'm afraid I still struggle with mono recordings like this. The Animals: 'Animalisms' (1966)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying I know and love all but one of Traffic's albums, yet the only one I actually own is 'John Barleycorn...'. The one I haven't heard until now is this debut. It's SO 1967.🤣 Dave Mason's songs sound like a different band, though.🤔 Traffic: 'Mr Fantasy' (1967)

#albumsfrom60yearsago #NowPlaying Whilst I've owned 'Ogdens...' for a long time, there's nothing else from Small Faces in my collection, so this is a first listen to the debut - sadly, 3 tracks are unavailable on Apple Music. Which sucks. Unlike the album, which is great. 'Small Faces' (1966)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying Don't know how I missed a 'random' day last week, but to make up, here's a double header from Country Joe (RIP). How have I not heard these great psych albums? Country Joe and the Fish: 'Electric Music for the Mind and Body'/ 'I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die' (1967)

#albumsfrom60yearsago #NowPlaying And so to May '66. Stevie was just turning 16 when this was released! Even with a couple of early pre-voice-breaking tracks, it's a fine collection. Ironically, a weak spot is the muffled production on the classic title track. Stevie Wonder: 'Up-Tight' (1966)

#randomalbumoftheday #NowPlaying So, Elvis's debut album. Look, I know it's important, but it does absolutely nothing for me. But then, 50s rock'n'roll never did. (Not that this is all rock'n'roll; in fact, much of it is country or crooning.) Great cover, though. 'Elvis Presley' (1956)