The Beatles – “Abbey Road”
$17.98
“Abbey Road” represents my first purchase of a newly-released Beatles album. I remember the excitement of the moment: playing it for the first time; bringing it to school so we could listen to it in class (this was, after all, 1969); and “The Great McCartney Mystery” (was Paul really dead?!) which surrounded it! I had hoped that it would be the first of many such purchases. I was sadly mistaken. Their final recording, the stellar songs and new musical directions belie the group’s internal tensions. Thirty-five years and tens upon tens of listens later, I find it every bit as enjoyable as the first time I put the needle in the groove back in ’69.
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The Kinks – “The Kink Kronikles”
$19.98
An absolutely wonderful collection of some of their most noteworthy album tracks and sadly-ignored singles! Brilliant!
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The Who – “The Who Sell Out”
$12.98
Explosive rock and timeless pop delivered with a sense of humor. (The CD expands on this treasury of gems with a plethora of bonus tracks!)
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Chicago - "Chicago Transit Authority”
$16.98
Unfettered musical exploration and innovation. A shining (and prototypical) example of jazz/rock fusion. Guitarist Terry Kath (a favorite of Jimi Hendrix) stretches out on this, their debut release.
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The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced?”
$15.98
Visionary! Ground-breaking! Electronic! Powerful! “Mind-Expanding!” “Purple Haze” ( the single ) and “Are You Experienced” ( the album )! Jimi Hendrix' fiery debut was, to this listener’s ears, one of the most noteworthy and impactful of the rock era. Whether it be the delicate beauty of “May This Be Love” the ethereal, transporting quality of “Third Stone From The Sun”, the hyper-energized attack of “Fire”, or the turn-your-brain-inside-out approach of the title selection, “Are You Experienced?” was both a taste of and an influence on the future of rock music. Essential!
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Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention – “We’re Only In It For The Money”
$16.98
From the “Sgt. Pepper” – parody cover on the outside, to the pointed social commentary expressed through the lyrics inside, “W.O.I.I.F.T.M” is a significant contribution to the world of “rock” from a true musical genius. Frank Zappa’s talents as composer, lyricist, musician, satirist (and more) are also brought to the fore on this, one of my very favorite Zappa/ Mothers albums.
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David Bowie – “Hunky Dory”
$15.98
To my mind, “Hunky Dory” represents the zenith of his musical career. There is a stylistic diversity to both the music (which ranges from introspective ballads to sinewy rock) and lyrics (quite witty and insightful; sometimes quirky; often charming) but it is all uniquely Bowie! Highly recommended!
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Family – “Fearless”
$16.98
One of Britain’s best kept musical secrets of the late sixties and early seventies, Family created a “progressive” hard rock sound which was at the forefront of the U.K. “underground” scene. Few singers can match the dynamic performances and enthusiasm of lead vocalist Roger Chapman. Measure his enthusiasm by the number of tambourines he obliterated in concert; he of the voice that sounds as if he’s been gargling with rocks (and hard ones at that)! I enjoy every track, but “Change Partners” is the album’s tour de force.
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Sly & The Family Stone – “Greatest Hits”
$15.98
Every song a gem! It sounds as “fresh” and timeless to me today as it did when it was first issued. Sly was important as an innovator and trend-setter, but, equally important, is the sheer joy and positivity of this wonderful music! Put it on and smile!
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Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath”
$12.98
Although their blues/rock “roots” were showing (from, appropriately enough the days when they were named EARTH), their debut under this ominous moniker provided this listener with one of the most “cinematically” chilling audio experiences ever! Sounding like a tightly controlled volcanic explosion, highlighted by Tony Iommi's molten lava guitar assault, this would be the album that would launch a thousand imitators! Why not check out the real thing?! (P.S. for those dissuaded by my description, ‘tis not solely the audio "aura of impending doom." There’s some distinctly jazzy improvisation contained within, too!)
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Rain Man (DVD)
$14.98
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Toy Story (DVD)
$14.98
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Stripes (DVD)
$14.98
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Bullit (DVD)
$19.98
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Bananas (DVD)
$14.98
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