If you’re judging The Doobie Brothers’ What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974) by ‘Black Water,’ that’s like judging a restaurant by the bread basket. The main course is in the deeper cuts. ‘Daughters of the Sea’ alone justifies the spin. #DoobieBrothers #Vinyl

There are albums you listen to, and then there’s Brilliant Corners (1957), where you marvel that anyone could even play it. This album shows why Monk was considered a genius. He didn’t think outside the box, he built a new one. #TheloniousMonk #Jazz #Vinyl

The title track from The Horace Silver Quintet’s Song For My Father (1965) is one of those jazz tunes that crosses genres an is instantly recognizable. If you like ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’, meet its father. Steely Dan didn’t steal, they saluted. #Jazz #Vinyl #HoraceSilver

A great reissue makes you lean forward instead of sit back. Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here 50th does just that. The extras don’t dilute the album, they deepen it. The two albums of rarities aren’t bonus material, they are canon expansion. #PinkFloyd #Vinyl

Listening to Bill Evans’ Explorations (1961) is like watching someone fold a napkin with absurd precision, you don’t know why it’s so impressive, but it is. The album doesn’t fill a room, it occupies it. Calm but not boring, beautiful but not sugary, it’s jazz that is sophisticated but approachable.

Thrillington (1977) isn’t anyone’s desert island McCartney pick, but as a light orchestra detour through Ram, it’s surprisingly pleasant. like bumping into an old friend who’s wearing a tuxedo. If Ram is the main course, this is the mint that comes with the bill, and that’s why it works. #McCartney

Love’s Forever Changes was released at the height of the Summer of Love but contradicted almost everything it claimed to be about. The dream was still intact, but the cracks were visible and Arthur Lee wrote songs that lived inside those cracks. It’s psychedelic music with its eyes wide open. #Vinyl

Milestones (1958) is a transitional album that doesn’t sound transitional. It whispers it’s revolution, a recalibration of what jazz would be, the moment before the breakthrough. It’s the sound of Miles shifting from participant to architect, it is the blueprint before the cathedral. #MilesDavis

Dismissing The Early Beatles (1965) because it isn’t Sgt. Pepper is like skipping the first half of a boxing match because the knockout came later. This highlights tight arrangements, shared vocals, and instincts sharpened in clubs. Beatlemania wasn’t just magic, it was discipline. #Beatles

Live at Leeds is precision and fury. Live at the Oval 1971 (2025) is scale and swagger. Together they show the Who weren’t just a great live band, they were a force of nature. A reminder that The Who never played to a crowd, they played at it. By the end, I was sweating! #TheWho #vinyl

The genius of Thriller (1982) is in the construction and the sequencing that’s like a live show. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ erupts, Human Nature whispers, Thriller is cinematic, and Billie Jean distills it all with a single bassline and vocals that are part of the rhythm section. #MichaelJackson

John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme (1965) isn’t just an album, it’s a declaration. Some records say “listen closely.” This one says “sit up straight.” You don’t put it on, you consent to it. It is a unified statement, proving thematic narrative and repetition could elevate jazz into a true concept album

If joy had a soundtrack, it could be Off The Wall (1979). Put it on and suddenly you’re dancing and thinking your life needs more sequins. Even the deep cuts feel like hit singles. It’s the bridge between the end disco and the first spark of MTV and Michael Jackson fused them seamlessly. #Vinyl #MJ

The genius of Zappa In NewYork (1978) isn’t in one track, it’s the journey. Every moment is a reminder of how far a concert can stretch. Complex, theatrical, mischievous - peak Zappa. ‘The Purple Lagoon’ shows how ridiculously talented this band is. Virtuosity and irreverence in perfect balance.

That’s The Way Of The World (1975) isn’t just an album, it’s a meditation on living. Joy, sorrow, romance and spiritual uplift all orbit the same groove. Earth, Wind & Fire turning rhythm into revelation and funk into philosophy - one listen and the blueprint of their’70’d brilliance unfolds. #EWF

Rock of Ages. Many prefer the sound and the quality of the performances of this LP over The Band's legendary The Last Waltz. And I can understand that. There's a looser feel here and the horn arrangements add a new, interesting flavour to the tunes. Great musicianship. Excellent live recording.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s ambitious album – Brain Salad Surgery – was released today in 1973. It’s full-on ELP – with plenty of bombastic virtuosity. It’s difficult to imagine anyone other than Keith Emerson, Greg Lake & Carl Palmer throwing themselves into something akin to “Karn Evil 9”

Queen II (1974) wasn’t a commercial juggernaut, but it was a creative one. Overdubs, vocal choirs, fantasy themes-it’s where Queen found their voice. If you think Queen II is too much, you’ve understood it perfectly. Prog, glam, metal, theatre all colliding. Heaviness with theatrical precision.

The Beach Boys' Today! It came out just a few months after Beatles for Sale and the Stones' 12 X 5. People always talk about Pet Sounds but the Boys made good stuff before that. This is where the band (and esp. Brian Wilson) became more mature. Good batch of tunes. A few covers but mostly originals.

Recorded in 2008, released for the first 2025 Record Store Day: Todd Rundgren’s Arena Tour Live features inspired lyrics, stellar guitar work, and a reminder that beneath the riffs Todd is writing about identity, conviction, and cultural fatigue with precision. #ToddRundgren #vinyl #RSD2025

Welcome To The Blackout (Live In London ‘78) (2018) is the missing link between Bowie’s Berlin trilogy and his stadium shows of the ‘80’s. It feels raw and immediate, like he’s rearranging his own puzzle pieces in real time. It’s Bowie’s laboratory on stage. You get the artistry and the thrill.

Boz Scaggs reached his commercial (& professional) peak w/ his now-classic 1976 LP, Silk Degrees. Recently rediscovered it and it stood the test of time rather well. Top-notch studio musicians (starting w/ the late great Jeff Porcaro). Smooth, soulful, filled w/ humour. Blue-eyed soul at its finest.

Traffic always stretched musical boundaries. Their album Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (released today in 1971 on Island) was Traffic at their most adventurous – and agitated. The album’s famous swirling, near-mystical title track is something of a protest song against the music industry.

Tupelo Honey (1971) feels like Van Morrison traded his scowl for overalls and a sun hat. It’s his “I bought a farmhouse and now I ‘talk about the land a lot’ album. It’s a good Sunday morning album. Not essential, but essential to understanding Van Morrison. #Vinyl #VanMorrison

Dressed To Kill (1975) May sound tinny, but it’s the blueprint: short songs, sharp riffs, big melodies, and the prelude to Alive! when the bottom end finally matched their ambition. Proof that impact isn’t about fidelity, it’s about connection. Tin today, thunder tomorrow. #KISSArmy #Vinyl

Joni Mitchell’s Hejira Demos (2024) aren’t replacements, they’re revelations. The album is the polished novel; these demos are proof that even her rough drafts are masterpieces. Every chord a choice, every line a confession - together they complete the journey. #JoniMitchell #RSD

Todd Rundgren’s collaborations on White Knight (2017) aren’t gimmicks, they’re reminders he’s made a career out of defying categorization- the musical equivalent of a Rubik’s Cube. Uneven, brilliant, baffling, unmistakably Todd. Cohesion is for cowards; chaos is for artists. #ToddRundgren #Vinyl

A poet & performance artist by night, an employee of a small bookstore by day, Patti Smith’s life changed on this date in 1975 when her debut album Horses was released on Arista. One of the most influential albums of the decade, “Redondo Beach” & “Birdland” are two of the many key tracks on Horses.

The Kinks’ Lola vs Powerman (1970): It isn’t a rock opera, it’s a rock autopsy of the music biz. Ray Davies harmonized his grievances. Each track a chapter in disillusionment that slices through fame with melody as its weapon. A Trojan horse of catchy tunes and industry takedown. #TheKinks #Vinyl

The title Everybody Digs Bill Evans (1959) wasn’t marketing, it was prophesy. Some albums age, this one marinates. It’s a masterclass in restraint and resonance. The kind of album that makes you lean in, not turn up. It doesn’t demand attention, it earns it. #Jazz #BillEvans #Vinyl

Something Else By The Kinks (1967) -the hinge between distortion and concept albums. A bookshelf in disguise, full of Ray Davies’ character studies of domestic melancholy. You can hear the kettle boiling between verses. It’s like showing up to a psychedelic party in a tweed jacket. #Kinks #vinyl

The Idiot is the hidden gem from Bowie and Iggy Pop's Berlin era. It's easy to masquerade Pop as the title, but this made Low and Heroes possible, while being essential listening in itself. It was the result of a new world for its creators, all while sounding like the end too. #MusicSky #VinylSky

You don’t find Brief Encounter’s 1977 debut, it finds you. If Earth, Wind & Fire had a quiet cousin who recorded at Muscle Shoals, it’d be Brief Encounter. Same soul. Less spectacle. All groove. This album doesn’t walk, it glides, nods, and hands you a drink. #vinyl #funk #soul

I wasn't a big fan of Eric Carmen's solo career but I loved The Raspberries. For some reason, I always compared them to Big Star: '70s power pop group with a real gift for strong hooks, started recording the same year as Big Star. Two underrated bands that deserved more recognition. RIP Eric Carmen.

There’s a Riot Goin’ On – Sly & Family Stone’s 5th studio album – was released today in 1971 on Epic. It should have been a peak moment for the band, but Sly Stone’s personal well-being was quickly deteriorating – there is a melancholic feel to the lp. Nevertheless, it reached #1 on U.S. lp charts.

War’s biggest selling lp – The World is a Ghetto – was released today in 1972 on United Artists. Buttressed by two top-10 singles – “Cisco Kid” (#2 pop) & the title track (#7 pop) – this lp climbed to #1 on both the pop/rock & the R&B album charts. The World is a Ghetto likely is War’s masterpiece.

OK, regardless of source, credit where due: That's a great headline.

Rust Never Sleeps. The first acoustic side is contemplative and quite splendid. But the electric side is where things get really good. Powderfinger alone is worth the price of the LP. One of Young's best works and a landmark rock album. Period. Still stunning in 2025.

#Nowplaying The Steve Miller Band 'Sailor' UK 1969 stereo. One of those often forgotten gems. #SteveMillerBand #psychedelic #rock #Blues #1960s #rockmusic #vinyl #Music #Musicsky #vinylcollection #vinylcommunity

The 1st Crosby, Stills & Nash LP is a bona fide classic. The thought of it always bring me back to my record-selling job in the early '90s. It's clearly a product of its time but the quality of the material and the lovely vocal harmonies transcend a few dated elements. Judy Blue Eyes is a highlight.

RIP to one of the all-time greats... Jack DeJohnette has passed away at age 83. The legendary drummer is pictured here at the September 24, 1965 recording session for Jackie McLean's "Jacknife," which marked his first appearance on a Blue Note record.

Starless and Bible Black. Sandwiched between Larks Tongues in Aspic and Red, it is harder hitting and more "vocal" than the former and weirder, more ambitious than the latter. In hindsight, it's arguably KC's most balanced LP. Superb performances all around. Bruford is especially impressive here.

Hejira. For some, this LP is Joni's Taj Mahal. The high point of her career. For me, it's a spacious, comfy hotel room. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Not her most melodic work. Takes a few spins to warm to it; a real grower. Love the jazz elements and the presence of the great Jaco Pastorius.

Superfly (1972) is a blaxploitation flick where the soundtrack is the moral compass. Curtis Mayfield was the Greek chorus in bell bottoms. The film said “Priest’s got a plan.” Curtis said, “Sheeet, get wise mofo, that Cadillac don’t come with a conscience. Soul with a warning label. #Vinyl

At 22, most people are just figuring out laundry, Dylan was calling out senators. The Times They Are A-Changin’ (1964) is Dylan’s most direct album, the closest he came to journalism, before the masks multiply. He doesn’t rage, he judges like someone who knows how the story ends. #BobDylan #vinyl

Matt Andersen’s voice on Halfway Home by Morning (2019) is so rich it should come with a cholesterol warning. He doesn’t need autotune, he needs a mic, a groove and enough room for his voice to knock the walls down. If you get the chance to see him live, go. He’s a force of nature. #MattAndersen

#nowspinning #nowplaying #musicsky #bobdylan Bob Dylan - Tempest 2012 Columbia CD urge to listen to some "recent" bob. it's 13 years old already! sigh old timey sound vocals skillfully croaked crack band enables it all

You don’t just listen to Otis Redding’s Otis Blue (1965), you surrender to it. It’s a soul baptism. Every track a sermon, every note a scar. Otis didn’t sing songs, he testified. He walked into the studio with a voice and a vision. Recorded in 24hrs - that’s not talent, that’s sorcery! #OtisRedding

#ArtistFave15 Joni Mitchell #MusicChallenge 3—Help Me This single was maybe the first sign that Joni was going jazzy. Nobody seemed to mind. When your song boasts a perfect melody line, supported by an arrangement this beautiful, it would be churlish to complain. #musicsky #nowplaying #vinyl

October 10.1969 It’s too nice to be inside ; so I have the windows open and King Crimson on the turntable for its 56th birthday. Released in 1969 - In The Court Of The Crimson King is regarded as the intro to Prog Rock. Love this cover. #kingcrimson #vinylcommunity #vinylrecords #vinylsky