Browsing: Album Rewinds

The highly regarded British singer/songwriter/producer and his pals from Rockpile cut this classic album at the height of the new wave era.

At the start of sessions, no one could predict that the quirky former Genesis frontman would produce an album that would sell a zillion copies.

For all the criticism tossed his way, McCartney and his hired hands did an admirable job of conveying the mirth and merriment inherent in these songs.

The album’s success underscores how Squeeze’s elan as a lively, kinetic pop-rock outfit was elevated by Difford and Tilbrook’s artistry as storytellers.

Years of playing and professionalism produced one of the era’s best records, whose sheer musicality shines as brightly today.

For one of his final recordings, Cash teamed with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. “I was with a bunch of people and we had fun,” he said.

Chicago’s speedy ascent was fueled by a landmark debut that made an immediate splash with critics and listeners, but it was more than a hit record.

They came out of Downey, California, mashing together blues, country, rockabilly, jazz and good ol’ rock & roll into something all their own.

“We don’t fit into anyone else’s category, so we’re going to have to create our own,” said David Byrne about the band’s second album.

His third studio album cemented his reputation as “the grocer of despair”