I don't know anything about Lebanon's Praed, but this is stunningly good and remarkably diverse. Almost every enthralling track stands on it's own and distinguishes itself from the others. And if it's "live" at all, I certainly can't tell. This is probably in my top 10 albums of 2020. Highly recommended for those looking for something outside the norm to blow your minds with.

It seems that by most accounts the quality of Lady Pank's music took a quick nosedive after this debut album. But what a glorious debut album it is! Everything you love about the best new wave/post-punk is here. The only difference is that it's sung in Polish. And since 99% of pop music lyrics aren't worth paying attention to anyway, why should you care if you can't understand them? It's the music that counts. The only possible quibble I notice is that by the time this was released in 1983 it ... read more

This was the Gang's most hit-packed album. 4 of the 7 tracks were Top 20 hits in the US. Of course, it's very much a product of it's time. Everyone was trying to replicate the multi-platinum magic of Michael Jackson's Thriller. And while the Gang falls short of those lofty heights, this effort is good fun from start to finish.

A great record to throw on at your next 80's theme party, there's plenty here to pop, lock, moonwalk, and breakdance to, with the infectious "Fresh" a clear ... read more

This album was the beginning of a new sound and era for the Gang. With the addition of new lead singer James "J.T." Taylor's velvety croon, the band had transformed from hard funk to smooth pop-soul. And the move would prove hugely successful, with a string of hits lasting through the 1980's. But don't worry, booty shakers, the funky grooves are still here.

While their later albums in this style may have been spotty, this one is near perfect. The six long tracks are all winners, and ... read more

Mommy, make the bad men stop!

Their best album, IMO. Not only are there 5 great hit singles here but the remaining tracks are also prime 70's funk-pop. Feel no shame, put your worries aside, and just enjoy the grooves. Only drawback: This album is way too short.

The hits (with US chart positions):
(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty - #1 Pop, #1 RnB
I'm Your Boogie Man - #1 Pop, #3 RnB
Keep It Comin' Love - #2 Pop, #1 RnB
I Like to Do It - #37 Pop, #4 RnB
Wrap Your Arms Around Me - #48 Pop, #24 RnB

I don't care what anybody says. This is a great collection of funky catchy RnB-tinged pop, 70's style. And if that's what you like, this is what you want. FYI: You know the hits ("That's The Way I Like It", "Get Down Tonight" and "Boogie Shoes" are all here), but even the filler is killer!

Surprisingly good set. And Goldthwait proves himself a fine improvisor, as the audience interaction provides some of the funniest moments. One of the best stand-up albums I've heard recently.

I'm no jazz expert, but my ears know what they like. And Spiritual Jazz is probably my favorite of the sub-genres. Saxophonist Muriel Grossmann doesn't necessarily break any new ground here, but she's produced a set that easily holds it's own next to the masters of the style from the 60's and 70's (Pharoah Sanders, Don Cherry, Alice Coltrane). It's refreshing to know that there are still people making music like this, and as amazing as this, in our modern day. I look forward to exploring the ... read more

Who knew that jazz versions of gospel spirituals could sound so damn good? Archie Shepp and Horace Parlan, that's who. These two genres are a match made in... heaven.

This album is loads of fun as long as you're not expecting any originality. It's a total 80's flashback from start to finish. A little Siouxsie here, a dash of Nina Hagen there, a peppering of Cocteau Twins here, a dose of Missing Persons there. And every single track is a winner. At a time when everyone and their second cousin is imitating the sounds of the 80's, few do it better than this.

This is a good set, but at this late stage of her career, Mary Lou Williams mostly seemed to be coasting (she would die at age 71 five years later). If you really want to hear Williams at the peak of her creative powers, check out 'Signs of the Zodiac, Volume One' and 'Black Christ of the Andes'.

Lead track "Angie Baby" was the third of three #1 Pop hits for Reddy in the US. It's a pretty good tune. And it's the closest thing to "cool" she ever sounded. But all good will is immediately lost with the abomination that follows it. Helen Reddy is one of those very very very whitebread singers who should never, ever, under any circumstances, attempt to rock. Just don't do it, Helen. Nothing good could possibly result.

But attempt it she does. And her version of the then ... read more

Everything you always loved about Bryan Ferry is here, along with some fresh collaborators like the guitarist from Radiohead. Probably his best since "Boys and Girls". Favorite track: "I Thought" (with Brian Eno) is gorgeous and will give you goosebumps.

Sure, there are no great "songs" here, but it's a wildly enjoyable listen nonetheless. Hapshash & The Coloured Coat nail that crazy drugged-out communal/tribal psych/jam trip-your-balls-out-in-the-woods vibe (and in 1966, before almost anybody else was even doing that sort of thing). If these guys were a cult, I'd be tempted to join. I'm sure they're a hell of a lot more fun than those Heaven's Gate nerds.

60's Philly soul doesn't get much sweeter than this. The gorgeous title track was co-written by singer Brenda Payton and became the group's first and biggest hit (#2 RnB, #20 Pop). The remainder of Side A is given over to some fairly obvious cover choices. But Brenda and her team create such a warm, inviting sound that it's worth hearing these all-too-familiar chestnuts in Tabulation-ized form.

Side B consists of mostly originals, with the first five sticking pretty close to the hit single's ... read more

This is not a great album but it's a very enjoyable one if you're in the mood for it. Mid 70's disco rarely sounded this joyful and ethereal. The hit single here was "The Hustle", as undeniable a slice of roller disco euphoria as the era ever produced. And if you like that one, you'll probably dig the rest of this set too. About half the tracks are covers of familiar soul/funk hits of the day, but that's not as annoying as you would think. In at least a couple cases, McCoy's team ... read more

As accurate a title as could ever exist, this is just 46 straight minutes of old-school rapid-fire dirty jokes, delivered in Gottfried's uniquely hilarious style. And I can't recall the last time I laughed out loud this much while listening to a comedy album. What a great stress reliever!

But this is from 18 years ago. Why didn't Gottfried release any more albums after? Well, I can probably guess. In our current media hellscape of hyper-sensitive PC authoritarianism, where irreverent humor is ... read more

For fans of melancholy 70's troubadours, it doesn't get much better than this. There's a deep, authentic ache in Wiffen's voice. And it's well-suited to these mostly self-penned tunes. Even better is the 1973 follow-up, "Coast To Coast Fever".

After a 5-year dry spell with no hits (solo or with the Four Seasons), this album produced a big comeback for Frankie Valli. But unlike Who Loves You, which it preceded by 9 months, this one kinda sucks. The two hits here are the sappy "My Eyes Adored You" (US #1 UK #5) and the lounge-disco "Swearin' to God" (US #6, UK #31). Neither are any good. And the rest of the tracks are equally dull. So hokey and bloodless, they make Barry Manilow sound like Iggy Pop. These ... read more