Ken Peplowski- Unheard Bird (2024)- ***1/2
Al Di Meola- Elegant Gypsy (1977)- ***
Sharks- First Water (1973)- ***1/2
Boxer- Below The Belt (1975)- ***
(I love Timebox. I love Patto. But Boxer just didn't do it for me. There are a handful of solid tunes on this debut, including the one below. But overall, it falls flat compared to their earlier works.)
Billy Preston- Encouraging Words (1970)- ****
(Billy's first record for Apple had him backed by Eric Clapton & George Harrison on guitar, Keith Richards on bass (!) and Ginger Baker on drums. This album is basically Billy with Derek & The Dominoes, as well as Klaus Voorman and Ringo Starr. Both records are getting reissued in a few weeks and both are really solid spins.)
The Toms- Sound Bytes (2025)- **1/2
(Stick with the debut. It's legendary. This did not work for me at all. It tries too hard and the songs lack the hooks and melodies of the debut.)
The Plugz- Electrify Me (1979)- ****
(One of the greatest punk records of all time! The follow-up, "Better Luck," is excellent too, just not as aggressive. Both are essential.)
(Plugz Lagniappe)
Clifton Chenier- King Of Louisiana Blues & Zydeco: Disc Two (2026)- ***1/2
James Taylor- New Moon Shine (1991)- ***1/2
(I hadn't listened to James Taylor in ages. No reason, really. I am a fan, saw him live a number of times in the late 70's and 80's, but I just stopped paying attention in the 90's and beyond. I really enjoyed seeing him on the Colbert show and it put me in the mood. Listened to this record for the very first time and it's quite good. It's got Bob Dylan's favorite James Taylor song on it, according to J.T..)
Faces- A Nod Is As Good As A Wink... (1971)- ****
Pixies- Trompe Le Monde (1991)- ****
(I've always loved this album because this tour was the only time I saw the band live other than opening for U2. I had V.I.P. treatment. Reserved seats in the front row of the balcony at The Ritz, pre-show meet and greet where I had drinks with Frank Black, Joey Santiago and David Lovering. No Kim. Just a great night. The record still holds up. Really solid, even without the memories.)
Bryan Ferry- In Your Mind (1977)- ****
(My favorite Ferry. This record sounds like the perfect follow-up to "Siren" and a perfect lead-in to "Manifesto.")
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