Denny Laine - Go Now! (live TV 1977)

RIP Denny Laine.

Denny Laine 1944-2023

Denny Laine with Paul McCartney and Wings

Sadly Denny Laine former Moody Blues and Paul McCartney & Wings fame passed away. Growing up in the 1970s you could hardly turn a radio on without a Wings song playing. Before joining up with the former Beatle he had been a founding member of the Moody Blues and sang their first big hit "Go Now". He eventually joined Wings with Paul McCartney and enjoyed tremendous success throughout most of the 70s before disbanding in 1981. Afterward, he released his solo albums and worked on various projects with other musicians. His last solo album, The Blue Musician, was released in 2008, on December 5, 2023, Denny lost his battle with Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD). Thank you for the music, RIP Denny. 

Now and Then - The Beatles

 

If you pay attention to the music world you've probably heard that The Beatles have released a new single called Now and Then. Didn't they break up long ago you might ask. Yes in 1970. Where did this song come from then? It was originally a demo John Lennon did around 1977 during his self-imposed leave of absence from the music world after his youngest son Sean was born. He didn't fully give up music though. His love of making music could only be kept quiet for a short time. In Ken Womack's book "Lennon 1980" it mentions that during this quiet period of 1975-80, John would spend time alone writing music on a piano or guitar in a separate apartment at the Dakota building where he and his family lived in New York City. It was in this period that "Now and Then" was born.

Now And Then - The Beatles (12" vinyl single)

I had preordered mine through The Beatles' official website (U.S.) and first ordered the 12-inch black vinyl with a 2023 remix of "Love Me Do" as the B-side. It took about 6 long days for it to arrive. In the meantime, social media is buzzing with the release. Even if the cover is analyzed, many hate it cause it just seems unworthy of such a highly anticipated song. Even when I first saw it online I thought it might be just a placeholder cover that would be updated upon release. 

Some have even claimed it's not even a real Beatles song. It's such silliness.

The lyrics and music denote a nostalgia that seems to fit the Beatles story so far. John and George are no longer with us but in this song, we get them both back for a moment. We get the late 70s John harmonizing with his much older bandmates over 40 years later. Paul and Ringo's voices worn over the years provide a now-and-then counterpoint to John's young voice which fits perfectly with the theme. I can't think of a better way to punctuate the Beatle's last song. 

Now And Then - The Beatles (CD Single)

The Beatles - Now And Then (Official Music Video)

Quadrophenia - The Who

Album Highlight #17: Aerosmith by Aerosmith

 Aerosmith - Aerosmith 

Record Label: Columbia KC 32005

Released: January 5, 1973 (Compact Disc Reissue 1993)

Aerosmith:

Steve Tyler - Lead Vocal

Joe Perry - Lead Guitar

Brad Whitford - Rhythm Guitar

Tom Hamilton - Bass

Joey Kramer - Drum

Track Listing:

1. Make It
2. Somebody
3. Dream On
4. One Way Street
5. Mama Kin
6. Write Me
7. Movin' Out
8. Walkin' the Dog

Produced By Adrian Barber

Recorded at Intermedia Studios in Boston, Massachusett October 1972

This was Aerosmith's debut album. By many accounts, their sound, production, and support from their label could have been more robust. It seemed they were a bit nervous at first. Steve Tyler complained he sounded like Kermit the Frog. Joe Perry said he never got the sound he wanted in the studio but didn't know how to do much in the studio being a novice. It was recorded fairly quick with minimal production beyond what the band played. Even the album cover looks like it was just scraped together without much effort or care. It was speculated that the label was throwing much more effort into another rookie artist from New Jersey called Bruce Springsteen whose debut album came out the same day. Bruce had some nerve.

Despite all the negatives I still think this is a good album. I don't hear the "Kermit" voice Tyler speaks of but I do agree their sound does sound thinner than later albums. The song 'Dream On" would enjoy success as an early example power ballad. "Mama Kin" would become a favorite and "One Way Street" is a hidden gem. 

Aerosmith Official Website

OK Go - Skyscrapers - Official Video

I love Maxwell's Silver Hammer by The Beatles. It was one the songs that helped me fall in love with the group at an early age I first learned of it in middle school music class where we not only listened to the song we looked at lyrics more in-depth than a typical kid would any pop music song on the radio or record. What I didn't know at the time was how polarizing it was among Beatle fans. Most either love it or hate it for whatever reason. Legend has it that Paul McCartney and his sometimes relentless work ethic when it came to songwriting drove his band mates crazy with this one in creating this. 

 

 

Maxwell's Silver Hammer

Release date: 26 September 1969

Joan was quizzical,
Studied pataphysical science in the home.
Late nights all alone with a testtube,
Oh, oh, oh, oh.

Maxwell Edison,
Majoring in medicine,
Calls her on the phone:
"Can I take you out to the pictures, Joan?"

But as she's getting ready to go,
A knock comes on the door.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell's silver hammer came down upon her head.
Clang! Clang!
Maxwell's silver hammer made sure that she was dead.

Back in school again,
Maxwell plays the fool again,
Teacher gets annoyed.
Wishing to avoid an unpleasant scene.

She tells Max to stay
When the class has gone away.
So he waits behind
Writing fifty times "I must not be so."

But when she turns her back on the boy,
He creeps up from behind.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell's silver hammer came down upon her head.
Clang! Clang!
Maxwell's silver hammer made sure that she was dead.

P. C. Thirty-one said,
"We've caught a dirty one,"
Maxwell stands alone.
Painting testimonial pictures,
Oh, oh, oh, oh.

Rose and Valerie
Screaming from the gallery
say he must go free.
The judge does not agree
And he tells them so.

But as the words are leaving his lips,
A noise comes from behind.
Bang! Bang!
Maxwell's silver hammer came down upon his head.
Clang! Clang!
Maxwell's silver hammer made sure that he was dead.

Silver hammer.

Album Highlight #16: Way Down In The Jungle Room - Elvis Presley

 

 

Way Down in The Jungle Room - Elvis Presley

Released August 5, 2016

Format: Compact Disc

Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1. Way Down
2. She Still Thinks I Care
3. Bitter They Are, The Harder They Fall
4. Pledging My Love
5. For The Heart
6. Love Coming Down
7. He'll Have To Go
8. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
9. Hurt
10. Never Again
11. Danny Boy
12. Solitaire
13. Moody Blue
14. It's Easy For You
15. I'll Never Fall In Love Again
16. The Last Farewell
    

 

 

Disc 2:

1. Bitter They Are The Harder They Fall (Take 1)
2. She Still Thinks I Still Care (Take 10)
3. The Last Farewell (Take 2)
4. Solitaire (Take 7)
5. I'll Never Fall In Love Again (Take 5)
6. Moody Blue (Take 1)
7. For The Heart (Take 1)
8. Hurt (Take 3)
9. Danny Boy (Take9)
10. Never Again (Take 9)
11. Love Coming Down (Take 3)
12. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (Take 4)
13. She Thinks I Still Care (Alternate Version Take 2)
14. It's Easy For You (Take 1)
15. Way Down (Take 2)
16. Pledging My Love (Take 3)
17. For The Heart (Take 4)

Executive Producer: Elvis Presley

Associate Producer: Felton Jarvis

Compilation Producers: Mikael Jorgensen & Robe Santos 

Engineers: Brian Christian (February 1976), Mike Moran (October 1976)

Musicians:

• Ronnie Tutt - drums
• James Burton - guitar
• Glenn D. Hardin - piano
• David Briggs - piano, clarinet
• Jerry Scheff - Bass
• The Stamps* - backing vocals

Alternate Musicians:

• Norbert Putnam -bass
• Billy Sanford - guitar
• Bobby Emmons - keyboards

*The Stamps are: Bill Baize, Ed Enoch, Ed Hill, Larry Strickland

 

 

I came across this Elvis compilation at my local library(you never know where you'll find music) and had to have it. The compilation is of recordings from Elvis's last two albums, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee(5/76) and Moody Blue (6/77), before passing away. A part of allure of this recordings are that they are recorded in the den of the King's world famous home Graceland. At this stage Presley much preferred to be at home rather than trekking to a studio. RCA brought to studio to him. The first disc is the finished studio work that finally went on the two albums. The second is the studios outtakes. 

 

 

Even at this stage of his life Elvis still had his voice in all it's deep baritone richness. The songs are well produced and are a mixture of country/pop/rock of the time. Many are covers passed through filter of unmistakable Elvis. The outtakes are incredible and even a bit humorous with Elvis's comments at times which are pure gold like phones ringing and dogs barking(in the background). On the song Hurt  he reached his voice a bit too far at the beginning of the song and exclaimed that "That hurt!" with irony and humor as he and the other musicians chuckle in the background. Other times he gives some direction to musicians. Even these takes sound amazing and sharp music wise. 

 

 

 

Album Highlight #15: Live in Hollywood - Linda Ronstadt

 Live in Hollywood - Linda Ronstadt

Released February 1, 2019

This live album was recorded on April 24, 1980, for an HBO special at Television Centers Studio in Hollywood, California. The master tapes weren't found again until recently. It is Linda Ronstadt's only live album to date. 

Track Listing:

1. I Can't Let Go
2. It's So Easy
3. Willin'
4. just One Look
5. Blue Bayou
6. Faithless Love
7. Hurts So Bad
8. Poor Poor Pitiful Me
9. You're No Good
10. How Do I Make You
11. Back In The U.S.A.
12. Desperado
13. Band Introductions

Executive Producer - Peter Asher

Personnel:

Linda Ronstadt - Lead Vocal

Dan Dugmore - Guitar, Pedal Steel

Bob Glaub - Bass

Russell Kunkel - Drums 

Peter Asher - Percussion, Backing Vocals

Danny Kortchmar - Guitar

Kenny Edward - Banjo, Guitar, and Backing Vocals

Billy Payne - Keyboards

Wendy Waldman - Backing Vocals

Label: Rhino

Trivia:

• Peter Asher, backing vocals, is also Linda's long term manager. He was a member of the 1960's duo Peter & Gordon. 
• The album came about after a dvd bootleg version of the show was discovered. When a search went out for the original recordings HBO did not have them. A chance encounter with a sound engineer who later found them misplaced in the archives brought us this album. We are all thankful. 

Linda Ronstadt - Just One Look (Live)

From the album Live In Hollywood - Linda Ronstadt

Album Highlight #14: Hotel California - Eagles

Hotel California - Eagles

The Eagles 5th studio album released December 8, 1976 (CD October 1984)

Track Listing:

1. Hotel California
2. New Kid in Town
3. Life in the Fast Lane
4. Wasted Time
5. Wasted Time(Reprise)
6. Victim of Love
7. Pretty Maids all in a Row
8. Try and Love Again
9. The Last Resort

Band Members:

Glenn Frey 

Don Henley

Joe Walsh

Don Felder

Randy Meisner

 

Produced by Bill Szymczyk

Label: Asylum

If you turned on a rock station in the late 70's early 80's you probably heard the title song within in an hour or so. I think only Satirway to Heaven surpasses it in complaints of being overplayed on the radio. It was even played at my senior prom in the mid-80's. Needless to say it was popular. Even I've gone periods of time where I don't play it because of this but then when I play the whole album I'm reminded of just how great this album is from start to finish. 

Hotel California was an attempt by the group to move away their country-rock sound to more mainstream rock. Much of this had to do the addition of Joe Walsh(James Gang) after founding member Bernie Leadon's departure. It would go on to sell over 32 million copies worldwide and win 2 Grammy's. 

Fast Facts:

• #37 on Rolling Stones 500 All-Time Greatest Albums(2020)
• Cover photo by David Alexander is of the Beverly Hills Hotel

 

My Music Collection #13: Sheryl Crow by Sheryl Crow

 

 

 Sheryl Crow by Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow's 2nd studio album

Released September 24, 1996

Label: A&M Records

Format: Compact Disc

Track List:

1. Maybe Angels
   
2. A Change Would Do You Good
3. Home
4. Sweet Rosalyn
5. If It Makes You Happy
6. Redemption Day
7. Hard To Make a Stand
8. Everyday is a Winding Road
9. Love is a Good Thing
10. Oh Marie
11. Superstar
12. The Book
13. Ordinary Morning

Produced by Sheryl Crow

 

 

This was one of my favorite albums of the 90's. Went through some stuff that decade and this really helped get me through. This is another album I enjoy straight through. I was thrilled to see her open for Heart in 2019. A Change would Do You Good, If it Makes you Happy and Everyday is a Winding Road are still favorites.

The album has sold over 3 million worldwide. It also earned two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for If it Makes You Happy(1997). It would peak at #6 on the Billboard 200. It also appeared on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time at #475(2020). 

Trivia:

• Got an early break doing backing vocal's on Michael Jackson's Bad tour (1987-1989)
• Sang the theme song for the James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies.
• Sheryl Crow was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023

 

 

 

My Music Collection #12: Moody Blue by Elvis Presley

 Moody Blue by Elvis Presley 

Moody Blue - Elvis Presley (2000 CD Reissue album cover)

Original album released July 19, 1977

CD version released in 1993

My CD is the 2000 Reissue with bonus tracks.

24th studio album and the last before Elvis passed away shortly after.

Song tracks:

1. Unchained Melody
2. If You Love Me(Let Me Know)
3. Little Darlin'
4. He'll Have To Go
5. Way Down
6. Pledging My Love
7. Moody Blue
8. She Thinks I Still Care 
9. It's Easy For You
10. Hurt*
11. Never Again*
12. Blue Eyes Cryin' in The Rain*
13. Danny Boy*
14. The Last Farewell*
15. For The Heart*
16. Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall*
17. Solitare*
18. Love Coming Down*
19. I'll Never Fall in Love Again*

Producer: Felton Jarvis

Format: Compact Disc

*CD Bonus Tracks (2000). Originally Released on From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee(1976)

Note: The song "Let Me Be There" was on the original album but was omitted from CD reissue due to being released on another CD album.

I think it's easy for many of my generation(Gen X) and later to know or realize that Elvis was still putting out albums long after the 50s (and his comeback in the late 60s). The recent Elvis biopic has in a way spurred my renewed interest in him and his work. This album was released just a short time before he passed away(He was the first major celebrity death I remember as a kid.). The CD reissue I have here is a compilation of Moody Blue(1-9)  and From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee(10-19) which was released in 1976. Both studio and live performances are used. Much of the studio work was done in a home-built studio in Graceland. The album hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts shortly after his death and would go on to sell over 2 million copies. 

The album is typical Elvis of the period which is a mix of country, pop, and rock.  It's all those elements passed the filter of Elvis's voice and larger-than-life persona. At the time he may have been battling health problems with prescription drugs, weight, and personal issues it didn't seem to have much negative effect on his voice. He could still go from an almost whispering tenor to a booming baritone with ease. I bought this on a whim recently and has been in my rotation frequently as of late. If you're a fan of Elvis or are curious about him this would be a very good choice. 

Trivia: 

• When originally released the vinyl was a translucent blue which was unusual in those days for a major artist release. It switched to black vinyl but after he passed away it was switched back to blue again. It is said the black vinyl version is the rare version. 
• The album cover was changed for CD released with a larger picture of Elvis used. If you flip over the booklet the original cover is seen. 
  
  

  

  Original album cover (1977)

My Music Collection #11: Garbage by Garbage

 

Garbage by Garbage

Released: August 15, 1995

Label: ALMOS Sounds - AMSD-80004

Format: Compact Disc

Produced by Garbage

Track List:

1. Supervixen
2. Queer
3. Only Happy When it Rains
4. As Heaven is Wide
5. Not My Idea
6. A Stroke of Luck
7. Vow
8. Stupid Girl
9. Dog New Tricks
10. My Lovers Box
11. Fix Me Now
12. Milk

Band Members:

Shirley Manson - Vocals, Guitar

Steve Marker - Guitar, Bass, Loops, Samples

Duke Erickson - Guitar, Keyboards

Butch Vig - Drums, Loops, Noise, EFX

This is one of my favorite albums of the 90s. It could make it into my top 10 albums of all time. The sound is raw yet has a layered polished sound. This is one of those albums that has no dead weight. I can play this one straight through without skipping anything. Then there is lead singer Scottish-born Shirley Manson with her distinct vocal ability. In songs such as Vow, Stupid Girl, and Only Happy When it Rains she is rebellious, powerful, and no-nonsense. Then she can dial it back and seduce you with her voice in songs such as Queer and Milk(at least it does for me). 

The album was released in the summer of 1995 and was well-received critically. It would peak at 20 on the Billboard 200(US) chart and 6 on the UK Album Chart.  The song "Stupid Girl" would be nominated for two Grammy Awards(Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group). As of 2019, it has sold over 4 million worldwide. 

Interesting notes:

• Drummer Butch Vig not only co-produced this album he also produced the legendary album Nevermind by Nirvana. 
• The record label ALMOS Sounds was created by well-known musicians Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss. Both of whom also had created A&M Records. Herb Alpert is also known for the famous titillating album cover of Whipped Cream & Other Delights with model, Delores Erickson, all covered in whipped cream. 
• The song "As Heaven is Wide" appeared in the popular Playstation game Gran Turismo

My Music Collection #10: The Best of The Mamas and The Papas (20th Century Masters / Millennium Edition)

The Best of The Mamas and The Papas (20th Century Masters / Millennium Edition)

The Mamas and The Papas

Format: Compact Disc

Released March 21, 1999

Track List:

1. California Dreamin'
2. Monday, Monday
3. Creeque Alley
4. Dedicated to the One I Love
5. Twelve Thirty(Young Girls are Coming to the Canyon)
6. Words of Love 
7. Look Through My Window
8. I Saw Her Again Last Night
9. Dancing Bear
10. Make Your Own Kind of Music (Mama Cass)
11. Dream a Little Dream of Me

All Tracks were Produced by Lou Adler, except "Make Your Own Kind of Music" Produced by Steve Barri

The  Mamas and The Papas distinct harmonies are among the most indelible 1960s pop music sounds coming out of California. Their first single "California Dreamin'" is an incredible example of this. "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is an amazing heartwarming vocal performance by Mama Cass(aka: Cass Elliot). The autobiographical song "Creeque Valley" is a favorite. 

My Music Collection #9: Blue Oyster Cult (Self-Titled)

 This is Blue Oyster Cult's debut album which was released on January 16, 1972. I had this on cassette when I was a teenager decades ago. The group was a rock radio mainstay at the time. The one track that I remember was "Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll". I lost or donated the cassette long ago. I recently replaced it with CD version which adds some bonus tracks. It's not a bad album and if you're into BOC  it's worth it if you like deep tracks. For myself, the tunes "Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll" and "The Came the Last Days of May"(they liked long song titles), are the ones that stand out. 

Song List:

1. Transmaniacon MC
2. I'm on the Lamb but I Ain't no Sheep
3. Then Came the Last Days of May
4. Stairway to the Stars
5. Before the Kiss, a Redcap
6. Screams
7. She's as Beautiful as a Foot
8. Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll
9. Workshop of the Telescopes
10. Redeemed
11. Donovan's Monkey*
12. What is Quicksand?*
13. A Fact About Sneakers*
14. Betty Lou's Got a New Pair of Sneakers*

*CD Bonus Tracks (2001)

Produced by David Lucas

My Music Collection #7: Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles

 

Magical Mystery Tour was The Beatle's follow-up project to the much acclaimed Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. It is a combination soundtrack/singles compilation album. The film was first shown in the UK in December 1967. The film wasn't well received at first. It probably didn't help the first showing was in black and white, it was later shown in color the next month. It wasn't seen in the US until 1974 when it was released to theaters. 

In the UK the soundtrack was in EP form with the songs used in the film. The US version was expanded to a full album including singles released by the group in 1967. It would be available in the UK in the 70s and when released in 1987 for CD it became the core version of the album. 

 

I originally got this in vinyl as a teenager in large part it had so many iconic Beatle's songs on it like I am the Walrus, Hello Goodbye, All You Need is Love, Penny Lane and Strawberry Field's Forever. It wasn't until later I learned it was a combination soundtrack and compilation album. The title track is rocking opener that I always included in mix tapes when when I wanted something with a lot of energy. The Fool on the Hill and Your Mother Should Know seems to be Paul be whimsical and sentimental which he excels at. Flying is a rare instrumental credited to all four Beatles. George is waiting for his friend's on Blue Jay Way probably enjoying something herbal. If you enjoyed Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band you'll certainly enjoy this follow up. The CD version has mini-documentary promo video too which can be seen on your computer. It is one of my favorite go-to Beatle albums.

Track List

1. Magical Mystery Tour
2. The Fool on the Hill
3. Flying
4. Blue Jay Way
5. Your Mother Should Know
6. I am the Walrus
7. Hello Goodbye*
8. Strawberry Fields Forever*
9. Penny Lane*
10. Baby You're a Rich Man*
11. All You Need is Love*
    

 *US Album

Produced by George Martin 

Released:

US LP November 27, 1967

UK EP December 8, 1967

My Music Collection #7: Arrival by ABBA

  

 

Arrival - ABBA

Arrival was ABBA's 4th studio album and was released October 11, 1976 (Compact Disc 1984). This is the first record album I remember getting as a kid in the mid-70's. ABBA was all over the radio in that era. At the time the music catchy with wonderful harmony's of Agnetha and Ann-Frid(Frida). Although they seemed upbeat at the time I later realized much of the lyrics(Usually written  members Bjorn and Benny) being sung were of adult relationships and breakups. I later realized they had been two couples that were married and divorced all the while they carried on making music. They were perhaps Sweden's version of Fleetwood Mac. This album is a sentimental favorite of mine. 

ABBA is: Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad(Frida), Anna Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus

 

Arrival Song list

1. When I Kissed the Teacher
2. Dancing Queen
3. My Love, My Life
4. Dum Dum Diddle
5. Knowing Me, Knowing You
6. Money, Money, Money
7. That's Me
8. Why Did it Have To Be Me?
9. Tiger
10. Arrival
11. Fernando*
12. Happy Hawaii*

*CD Bonus Tracks

 Produced by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus

 

Dancing Queen would hit number one almost everywhere, or at least it seemed like it. It would become an iconic pop/disco song of the era. Knowing Me, Knowing You would also be a huge hit. Fernando was originally recorded for a solo album by Frida then with lyrical translation(Swedish to English) it was released as a single a few months before the album. Happy Hawaii was recorded for the album but didn't make the final cut. It was released as a B-side to  Knowing Me, Knowing You. 

 

 

My Music Collection #6: Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen

Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen

The original album was released on June 4, 1984, on LP(vinyl to you youngsters) and cassettes. It was to be the first music Compact Disc to be pressed and released in the United States by CBS Records Plant in Terre Haute,  Indiana just a few months later on September 24, 1984. 

The album was Springsteen's 7th studio album. The record was recorded over several years concurrently with his previous album Nebraska. Born in the U.S.A. would have a fuller pop/rock production versus the grittier stripped-down Nebraska album. 

The album has sold over 17 million albums in the U.S. alone and 30 million worldwide, unsurprisingly making it The Boss's biggest and most successful album to date. It hit number one in the album charts for 7 weeks in the summer of 84 and stayed on the charts for 135 weeks. It also spurned 7 top ten hits. 

When this came out I was in my late teens entering my senior year of high school. I remember the single "Dancing in the Dark" being the first released and it made a big splash  I believe it was Springsteen's first music video for MTV. Then it was just one hit song after another for the next year and a half. There was a bit of a controversy when President Ronald Reagan's reelection campaign would play the title song or Reagan used it in speeches thinking it was a patriotic song when it was actually about a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran returning home.  

I did have this on cassette when it came out and a few of the singles off of it. Recently replaying in CD reminded me how solid this album is. Not really anything that I'd consider album filler. This is as much of a pop album as one would get from Springsteen but it's done very well. I don't think his artistic street cred suffered much afterward. 

Song List:

1.  Born in the U.S.A.
2. Cover Me
3. Darlington County
4. Working on the Highway
5. Downbound Train
6. I'm on Fire
7. No Surrender
8. Bobby Jean
9. I'm Goin' Down
10. Glory Days
11. Dancing in the Dark
12. My Hometown

All songs written by Bruce Springsteen.

Album Cover Photography: Annie Leibowitz

Produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, Stevie Van Zandt

My Music Collection #5: Fire of Unknown Origin - Blue Oyster Cult

 

 

I've long been a fan of this album and have it on vinyl and finally got the Compact Disc version. This was Blue Oyster Cult's 8th studio album. Produced by Martin Birch.It was released in June of 1981 and came out on CD in 1985. It would turn out to be the last with the original lineup as drummer Albert Bouchard would be let let go while touring for this album. 

 

Song List:

1. Fire of Unknown Origin

2. Burnin' For You

3 Veteran of the Psychic Wars

4. Sole Survivor 

5. Heavy Metal: The Black and Silver

6. Vengeance(The Pact)

7. After Dark

8. Joan Crawford

9. Don't Turn Your Back

A few of the songs were written for the movie Heavy Metal. The song "Vengeance(The Pact)" even follows the story line of a movie. Ironically the song that made it the film "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" was not one of the ones written for the movie. 

Song list

 

 

The album would peak at #24 on Billboard 200 charts. The song "Burnin' For You" , aided by an early MTV video, hit #1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Charts..

I really enjoy this one and is my favorite by them.