Henry Badowski- Life Is A Grand... (1981)- ***
(I've seen this record countless times over the years, in collections I've purchased, in records stores, at record shows. Hadn't heard a note until now, after seeing it get an anniversary reissue. Not bad, if a bit dated. Sounds like if Syd Barrett fronted an 80's electro-pop band.)
Sinead O'Connor- Essential (2011)- *** 1/2
The Love Affair- Everlasting Love Affair (1968)-****
(I knew the single, of course, but I had never heard the entire record. This was great fun. It's mostly covers, but all of them are convincing, even if the band can't decide who they want to be. Sometimes it's the Small Faces. Sometimes it's Deep Purple. Sometimes it's The Action. But it all works.)
Teenage Fanclub- Howdy! (2000)- ***1/2
(Well, after listening to four different albums, my verdict remains the same. They've got great songs, but not enough to make a great album. I really liked the way this album began, but then halfway through, I lost interest.)
David Bowie- I'm Only Dancing: The Soul Tour (2020)- ***1/2
(It's a shame that this recording isn't better. The band is on fire and the set list wacky.)
Joe Higgs- Life Of Contradiction (1975)- ****1/2
(Hard to argue against Peter Tosh- "Equal Rights" being the greatest reggae record of all time. But I need to toss this album into the ring.)
Donna Summer- Bad Girls (1979)- ****
(Genius Giorgio Moroder! This isn't disco fluff.)
8 comments:
I might need to work on a best of reggae list, although my depth of exposure isn't what yours is. You introduced me to Life of Contradiction, and it is outstanding. That Sonia Pottinger record was tasty too, among others.
You're right about the Higgs, Cleveland Jeff. It's a winner. Thanks Sal for the tip.
Today's best listen has been a one-off gig from Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe where they sing each others songs. It was a charity event at the former bordello known as The Great American Music Hall. Check it out here: https://albumsthatshouldexist.blogspot.com/2026/01/elvis-costello-nick-lowe-costello-sings.html
- Paul in DK
I posted that Elvis Sings Nick on Burning Wood back in 2010, a week after the show. I even mentioned that the show was a benefit for Austin De Lone's son and put a link to donate. I received an incredibly nasty email from Austin De Lone, berating me for taking money out of his son's hands.
He claimed the performance was coming out officially and that I had no right to record it or post it. Even after I explained that I wasn't at the show, that I live 3000 miles away, and that the show was readily available on the internet, he continued to be a dick.
He's dead now, so I guess the show is fair game.
How sad and ridiculous.
- Paul in DK
“Toot toot, hey, beep beep”
One of the great double albums ever! Nice call :)
How did I not know (or how did I forget) that both Elvis Presley and David Bowie were born on January 8??!! An historic day in rock and roll!
Soupy Sales was also born on this date in 1926. His sons, Hunt and Tony, would play with Bowie on Lust for Life and in Tin Machine (six degrees of separation). :)
Looking forward to enjoying I’m Only Dancing - I recall David Live being the second Bowie album I owned, after Changesone, and I played the hell out of it. Never knew of “Foot Stompin’” until after his passing. Or this video of his performance on “The Dick Cavett Show”. For the best, I think - I was too young for puberty (“Hey, Cherry!” at 1.21) but, that would’ve done it. Lol! :)
https://youtu.be/PCKFMTeVBO0?si=-n4AQ5rSJh0VLfTM
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