ALBUMS

• WARREN ZEVON: WARREN ZEVON: 1976: 5 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: I always think of this as Warren’s first album but he did have one released 7 years earlier that sold like 5 copies. Very strong songs- many of them would go on to be covered by other artists- mainly Linda Ronstadt. His next album would be the one which drew attention to him- with “Werewolves Of London” but this album is his best.

• SEX PISTOLS: NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS-HERE’S THE SEX PISTOLS: 1977: 5 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: I love the smell of punk in the morning.

• VAMPIRE WEEKEND: FATHER OF THE BRIDE: 2019:4 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: Their 4th album- and first since 2013. A double album with 18 songs. Doesn’t sound like the same band which debuted in 2008 which isn’t necessarily bad. They have guest collaborators on the album including Danielle Haim- and the material is slower and darker and the World Music influences from the first couple albums are not as prominent. A lot of material to digest. Tentative grade 4 stars but will deserve more listening. The album went to #1 on the album chart after its release in May.

• DAVE EDMUNDS: TWANGIN’: 1981: 2 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: Recorded with the band Edmunds was in Rockpile- it was recorded as Rockpile was breaking up. Maybe that played a part- the record never seems to take off.

• X: UNDER THE BIG BLACK SUN: 1982: 5 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: Another excellent X album- their third album in three years. The album was produced by The Doors Ray Manzarek. Some of the highlights “Riding With Mary,” “Come Back To Me”, “The Hungry Wolf” “Motel Room In My Bed.” Love those harmonies between John Doe and Exene.

• THE WHO: MAGIC BUS: 1968: 3 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: This is a compilation of previously recorded material- the highlights the title track and “Pictures Of Lily”singles which made their first appearances on an album. When I bought it back in the late 70’s – it was packaged together in album form with The Who’s debut album “My Generation.” Two for the price of one.

• BUDDY HOLLY: BUDDY HOLLY LIVES! 20 GOLDEN GREATS: 1978: 5 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: A couple years after this- Chuck Berry would have The Great 28, this is Buddy’s Great 20. The first Buddy Holly I ever owned. Great stuff.