What a killer record. Released in 1980, this album finds Bowie on very solid ground, cranking out left-of-center pop-rock hit after hit. You’ll find “Fashion” and “Ashes To Ashes” here, but every song could be a radio staple.
Record Of The Day: Forever Changes – Love
Record Of The Day: Abandoned Luncheonette – Hall & Oates
Sure, I’ve heard the hits, and I was married for years to a big Hall & Oates fan. I also like Hall’s work on Robert Fripp’s album Exposure. But this album was a revelation. Cleverly crafted pop songs with gorgeous production values. You’ll know at least one song — the hit “She’s Gone.” This record is the perfect music for a summer afternoon in 1973, the year both it and I were released. And it sounds pretty darned good now, too.
Record Of The Day: The Band – Rock Of Ages
Take one of the great musical groups of, well, ever. Add arrangements by Allen Toussaint, one of the best arrangers ever to put pen to paper. Throw in a live concert environment. Stir. You’ve got a fabulous live album. This is The Band doing what they did best: playing deep, soulful rock music.
Record Of The Day: Lou Reed – New Sensations
This one took me by surprise. I mean, nobody spins a Lou Reed record expecting happy pop music, but that’s what a lot of the songs are on New Sensations. They’re not vapid or simplistic, but they have backbeats and major chords and happy guitar solos. Lyrically, Reed is still willing to pull off some scabs, but even when he’s telling it like it is, there’s a knowing smile in his voice.