One World – John Martyn

The first few years of British singer-songwriter-guitarist John Martyn’s career are fascinating in terms of artistic progress. Starting out in the clubs playing traditional folk-blues, as displayed on his debut album ‘London Conversation’ in 1967

Car Wheels on a Gravel Road – Lucinda Williams

To give a brief background on Williams, she was born a rolling stone. Her late father Miller Williams was a college professor. She was much travelled as her family moved often, to Mexico and Chile and a dozen Southern towns. Williams’s rebellious attitude resulted in her getting expelled from a New Orleans high school for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of Vietnam

Smash Your Head Against The Wall – John Entwistle

In many ways, John Entwistle was sort of the George Harrison of The Who, both being quiet by temperament, and generally content to let their instruments do the talking.

Sheer Heart Attack - Queen

As we celebrate Freddie’s birthday on 5th September, I thought it appropriate to review a Queen album, and picked ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. This is their third studio album released in late 1974 and in fact the first Queen album that I ever heard.

English Settlement – (Double album) - XTC

The year 1982 was a major turning point for idiosyncratic British popsters XTC, what with lead singer and songwriter Andy Partridge developing serious mental health issues, which led eventually to him collapsing on stage, and swearing off touring altogether.

Branigan 2 - Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan as everyone will know was famous for the song ‘Self Control’ (1984) that had the title song that went to No 1 in Canada and Germany. But this album is one that was released before monstrous success came to her.

Lionel Richie – Lionel Richie

The ex – Commodore co – founder, has been around for the past five decades and gives you an opportunity to sit back and take stock of the 9 tracks on his debut solo album. The four times Grammy, an Oscar and a Golden Globe winner, brings you an album that is appealing with love songs that you will truly cherish.

Two of a Kind – Olivia Newton John – John Travolta (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Olivia Newton John – John Travolta’s second film, ‘Two of a Kind’ simply didn't capture the magic of ‘Grease’, lacking the humor, style or great music of that musical landmark

Marquee METAL – Various Artists

It takes a very special Various Artists package to earn four or five stars. This one doesn't fill all the requirements, but it is still a very good compilation. Although this LP contains many classic heavy metal tracks

Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits

The rock sound diminished on Dire Straits fifth album ‘Brothers In Arms’, that pushed the band’s established work into a pop setting and became immensely successful, quickly becoming the biggest selling LP in the UK during the 80s, a double Grammy award winning album in 1986