Black Sabbath | Sabbath Bloody Sabbath – Classic Commentary

When it comes to Black Sabbath albums, the go-to’s seem to be the first three — Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master Of Reality. There’s little argument that these early...

Cheap Trick | At Budokan – Classic Commentary

In 1978, if you wanted a copy of Cheap Trick's At Budokan, you had to plop down $11.99 for the Japanese import. Epic, in their infinite wisdom, eventually released the...

The Doors | The Doors – Classic Commentary

As debut albums go, The Doors packed a punch that still reverberates to this very day. Jim Morrison was young and hungry, ready to take a big bite out of the...

Jethro Tull | Aqualung – Classic Commentary

In a previous write-up on Jethro Tull's Aqualung, I boldly proclaimed that the album, released in 1971, had ingrained itself into the rock stratum forever. On its 40 anniversary,...

Queen | A Night At The Opera – Classic Commentary

In and around the mid 70s, there was a cluster of different styles and temperaments stirring around in the pop music kettle. With progressive, glam and hard rock all...

Pink Floyd | The Wall – Classic Commentary

Pink Floyd's The Wall was bound for greatness despite the financial woes and internal friction brewing between the band's principals — Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Rick Wright, and Nick...

Carole King | Tapestry – Classic Commentary

The story has all the makings of a splendiferous fairy tale: Brill Building songwriter goes solo and her second record becomes one of the biggest selling albums of all time....

The Rolling Stones | Beggars Banquet – Classic Commentary

So many musical puzzles fell together in 1968. The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix lead the way with career-defining albums released in November. Somehow, though, the Rolling Stones got in...

The Who | Who’s Next – Classic Commentary

At the beginning of the 70s, the impact of Tommy weighed heavily on Pete Townshend's shoulders. How on earth would he and the Who top such a successful and...

Paul McCartney & Wings | Band On The Run – Classic Commentary

Band On The Run remains a standout among recordings by Paul McCartney that followed the Beatles’ 1970 break-up. With the shadow of the beloved Fab Four hanging precariously overhead, it...