Daryl Hall ‘Sacred Songs’
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#792 in the Series)is Daryl Hall,Sacred Songs. This is one of the main reasons that I’ve decided to create this site. That is to point out ditties like this. I have a feeling that many people did not know this gem existed. It’s the first solo release by Daryl Hall of “Hall and Oates” fame. I don’t know if DH is the best rock vocalist of all time, but he’s in the team picture. This was recorded in 1977 but not released until 1980. The wonderful RCA records held the album because is was ‘not commercial enough.’ I guess ‘very good’ just isn’t a good enough reason for a label to release...
Deep Purple ‘Machine Head’
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#790 in the Series) is Deep Purple, Machine Head Many musicians that are in their early 60s claim it was seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show that pushed them into the music stores to grab their first guitars and to begin the dream about making music. For those a bit younger it was one riff that made many of them jump. Thinking back I really feel for the guitar teachers of 1972, while they were handing kids an acoustic and making attempts to teach them C, D, G and maybe the odd A-minor chord, the kids just wanted to learn one thing. “Show me how to play ‘Smoke on the...
Heartsfield “Heartsfield”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#365 in the Series) is the self-titled debut from Heartsfield Happy Birthday to Us, Happy Birthday to Us, Happy Birthday Dear “Cool Album of the Day.” Happy Birthday to You!!! Well, not exactly. This is our 365th entry. So we’re going to call this our birthday! Yeah, we may have started a little over a year ago but we did miss a few days early, but since this is # 365, it’s our birthday. Keeping that in mind, I’m going to feature another album by my dear friends, Heartsfield. Yes, we’ll be getting back to some more current goodies very soon, but since it’s our birthday, I’m going to give myself this gift...
Glen Campbell + Jimmy Webb “Reunion: The Songs of Jimmy Webb”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#774 in the Series) is Glen Campbell & Jimmy Webb, Reunion: The Songs of Jimmy Webb. This album had its beginnings in those wonderful Glen Campbell hits of the late 60′s, five absolute gems released between 1967 and 1970 : “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Galveston’” “Where’s The Playground Susie ?”, “Honey Come Back” and, of course, the ever shining jewel that is “Wichita Lineman.” All five were written by one of the very best up-and-coming songwriters of the era, Jimmy Webb. Before those recordings both men had careers which were very much on the ascent but when Glen decided to record the first of those songs (Phoenix) as the...
The Kinks “The Kinks Present a Soap Opera”
Today’s Kool Album of the Day (#773 in the Series) is The Kinks, The Kinks Present a Soap Opera Kronikling a Kool & Kollectable Kinks Klassic “The Kinks Present A Soap Opera” Emerging on the first tidal wave of the British Invasion, The Kinks quickly established themselves as one of the greatest bands to kome out of London. Rather than following the footsteps of Liverpool’s Finest, like so many other akts who kopied the Merseybeat and Liverpudlian sounds, The Kinks took about defining a sound that remains unique in Pop and Rock musik. Along with Amerikan producer Shel Talmy, The Kinks went on to kreate The POWERKHORD … even beating The Who-> to play the first POWERKHORD with...
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band “Live”
Today’s Cool Album of The Day (#769 in the Series) is The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Live. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Live, (aka SAHB) was a Scottish band formed in 1972 during the glam/theatrical period that brought us the likes of David Bowie, Genesis, The New York Dolls, Alice Cooper and many more. While not quite as theatrical as some of their peers, Alex Harvey always managed to weave some great storytelling into his songs. The guitarist, Zal Cleminson was known for always taking the stage wearing mime makeup. Alex was almost always seen in his black and white striped t-shirt and leather jacket. Double live albums were de rigueur during this period but SAHB managed to squeeze...
Attila “Attila” … a 1970 Billy Joel Metal Album!
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#768 in the Series) is Attila, Attila Close the door. Make sure you lock it too, and then turn your speakers up to 10. Attila is an underrated masterpiece. Consisting of Billy Joel on organ, Jon Small on drums, this album has remained long out of print since its release in 1970. It still has not gotten a proper reissue. Some people love it, some people don’t. Billy Joel himself has called it “Psychedelic bullshit.” I am one of those people who enjoys this album, and it just might be one of the most underrated albums in progressive rock history, simply because not a lot of people know it. But, if you...
Derek and the Dominos “Layla and other Assorted Love Songs”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#756 in the Series) is Derek and the Dominos, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. One of the greatest albums of all time and one of the defining moments in Eric Clapton’s legacy is all you really need to know about this album. “The Layla Album” was released in 1970. It’s interesting to note that while it reached #16 in the US, the album did not chart in the UK. What were they thinking? The band was made up of Eric Clapton on guitar vocals. Duane Allman on guitar; Carl Randle, bass; Bobby Whitlock, organ and vocals and Jim Gordon, Drums. Duane Allman did not play on three of the most popular songs....
Dave Mason “Let it Flow”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#751in the Series) is Dave Mason, Let it Flow. Dave Mason has put out a big ol’ chunk of good music, from the days he spent with Traffic through a long solo career. His latest album, 26 letters – 12 Notes is also strong as Dave still remains relevant to this day. It’s too bad radio didn’t go near it. He commented from the stage at a recent show I saw, “It’s like ‘I’m Selling Encyclopedias to them.” Let it Flow was released in 1977. Yup, that’s 35 years ago folks! It contained his biggest hit. “We Just Disagree.” I think it’s one of the best ”this just ain’t workin’ babe” songs...
The Sons of Champlin “Welcome to the Dance”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#749 in the Series) is The Sons of Champlin, Welcome to the Dance The Sons of Champlin were one of the most original bands to come out of the San Francisco ‘scene’ of the the late 1960’s. Headed up by Bill Champlin, they performed regularly at The Fillmore West and Avalon Ballroom, along with The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Tower of Power, among others. Their first album release was in 1969, Loosen Up Naturally, which featured a great hippie anthem, “Get High.” Two more releases for Capitol Records followed, after which the band was on the verge of breaking up, mainly due to personnel issues. A certain San Francisco “hippie” who...
