Emmylou Harris “Luxury Liner”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#205 in the Series) is Emmylou Harris, Luxury Liner. This album was released during the peak of Emmylou’s ‘Hot Band’ era. They were Hank DeVito (pedal steel), James Burton (electric guitar), Rodney Crowell (acoustic + electric guitar), Emory Gordy, Jr. (bass), John Ware (drums) and one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Albert Lee (electric guitar). All of those musicians went on to marvelous careers. I’ve made it a project to find some videos from this era to attach below. Be sure to give them some play. The highest charting hit here was Emmylou’s rendition of Chuck Berry’s ‘You Never Can Tell (C’est la Vie).’ She also covered two songs either written...
Sex Pistols "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols"
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#147 in the Series) is the Sex Pistols, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. This album was a huge deal when it came out in 1977. Punk Rock is Here. CBGBs!!! Malcolm McLaren!!! Johnny Rotten!! Sid Vicious!! ….and on and on and on. What I remember about this album at the time was that I liked the songs. I think many of them were pretty darn catchy and poppy myself, thank you. Sure they were played with a much harder edge. But there was quite a bit of commercial pop in those tracks. Don’t fool yourself. For a movement that was so ‘anti-establishment’ there sure was a sound and a plan...
Grateful Dead “Terrapin Station”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#126 in the Series) is Grateful Dead, Terrapin Station. You hardly ever hear people mention this album when they talk about the Dead, well maybe a little but it doesn’t get it due. What Terrapin Station is known for is the full sided title track that is side two. The sixteen plus minute song, and one that was performed in it’s entirety many times by the band. It’s broken into six parts: –Lady With a Fan –Terrapin Station –Terrapin –Terrapin Transit –At a Siding –Terrapin Flyer –Refrain Two songs on side one did get some actual airplay. They were Bob Weir’s ‘Estimated Prophet’ and their take on the traditional favorite “Sampson and Delilah.” “Dancin’ in...
Pink Floyd "Animals"
Today’s “Cool Album of the Day” is Pink Floyd, “Animals.” Well, I thought it was time to pull out a big hitter. So it’s Pink Floyd today. “Animals” is basically three biting political satire songs. Pigs, Dogs and Sheep. It’s mainly a Roger Waters album as he wrote the entire album except for ‘Dogs’ which he co-wrote with David Gilmour. The album opens and ends with a short into/exit song called, Pigs on The Wing. If you had the 8-Track of “Animals” you’d know that these are looped together to form one song. Nice touch. “Animals” was also the catalyst for one of Pink Floyd best tours. This was when we were first introduced to the flying pigs. It...
Elvis Costello "My Aim Is True"
Today’s Cool Album of the Day is Elvis Costello, My Aim Is True. The live Elvis’ debut release. I remember when it came out and ‘XRT jumped on it. Great song followed by great song. Little did I know that he’d be putting out great music with unmatched variety to this day. His backing band on ‘My Aim is True’ was an unheard of band called ‘Clover.’ They went on to become, ‘The News’ as in Huey Lewis and….’ They should have suck with Elvis. There are many memorable moments here. “Angel’s Want To Wear My Red Shoes, Mystery Dance, Radio Sweetheart, Alison, Less Than Zero and Watching the Detectives.” It’s hard to find many better debut albums. Elvis...
