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,...

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...

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....

Al Stewart | Year Of The Cat – Classic Commentary

Released in 1976, Year Of The Cat is the album that put Al Stewart on the map, showcasing his lyrical prowess and musical finesse. The album encapsulates Stewart's distinctive...

Supertramp | Breakfast In America – Classic Commentary

One of my fondest memories from my high school years, is from Spring 1979, sitting shotgun in my buddy Bill's Chevy Nova, managing yet another weekday afternoon drive home...

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...

Big Star | #1 Record & Radio City – Classic Commentary

Big Star was a wondrous anomaly in the heavy-duty early 70s. All the proggy, acid-fueled, blues-based dirge couldn’t diminish the group’s pop sensibilities, despite the infighting and distribution hassles....

Moody Blues | Seventh Sojourn – Classic Commentary

In November 1972, the Moody Blues released Seventh Sojourn, their aptly named seventh album. At the time, rock was becoming an extremely complex palette on which to navigate and...

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 Band | The Last Waltz – Classic Commentary

Considered by many to be the greatest rock film of all time, The Last Waltz is the last word on the Band's final concert that took place on Thanksgiving...