All The Young Dudes - MOTT THE HOOPLE****

Sweet Jane/Momma's Little Jewel/All The Young Dudes/Sucker/Jerkin' Crocus/One Of The Boys/Soft Ground/ Ready For Love-After Lights/Sea Diver

After several years in the doldrums Mott The Hoople hit the big time with the UK top three single All The Young Dudes written by David Bowie. The group would maintain this success for the next two years. (US:89 UK:21)

“It rocks, and lyrically far outshines their previous releases. Sometimes they sounded loose but on this album they are tighter than on any other. If you have any interest in this band, this is where you should start.”

“A solid rock classic, All The Young Dudes is Mott The Hoople's finest hour. It's not just Ian Hunter's fabulous whiskey-smoke vocals, the roller-rink organ or relentless guitar riffing. It is the amazing quality of the songs that make this a masterpiece.”

“All The Young Dudes is a glorious song, with one of the greatest choruses and uses of an organ ever in rock 'n' roll history. Unfortunately, the rest of the album is heartbreakingly mediocre, disappointing to say the least. But then again, I guess Bowie didn't use his songwriting touch on any of the other songs, so...”

“I listened to the album for one song: All The Young Dudes. Thankfully, that wasn't all there was on this fantastically produced album. With the awesome 1970s David Bowie feel, the album really lives up to the solid expectations I had.”

“The major reason anyone would be interested in hearing this record now is that it features the first recorded version of David Bowie's song All The Young Dudes. Otherwise, the album is pedestrian Stones-style rock with a desperate shortage of memorable hooks. Apart from the title track and Momma's Little Jewel, there are no songs or performances of merit here.”

“A nice combination of pop-rock, in the vein of their collaborator David Bowie, with harder edged rock that occasionally borders on proto-metal, though with a slightly more progressive bent. All The Young Dudes delivers on all fronts; the instrumental work is strong, as are vocal performances, the songwriting is very good, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable album.”

“This is a good album for Rolling Stones fans and glam-era Bowie fans alike and of course it's a must own for the Ian Hunter faithful.”

Rocky Mountain High - JOHN DENVER****

Rocky Mountain High/Mother Nature's Son/Paradise/For Baby (For Bobbie)/Darcy Farrow/Prisoners/Goodbye Again/Season Suite

Rocky Mountain High conveyed John Denver’s love for nature and the environment. It also heralded his commercial breakthrough and he would retain a high degree of popularity for the remainder of the decade. The title track was a US top ten hit single. (US:4 UK:11)

“This album really shows John Denver’s love and respect for the land where he lived. The title track Rocky Mountain High is incredibly beautiful and one of the greatest country songs ever made. The other big highlight on this album is the Season Suite, but all these songs are really good.”

“John Denver hit the big time for good with this one, and deservedly so. Rocky Mountain High, the song, is tremendous. The lyrics alternate between sharp and clunky, but the music really soars, with a lovely guitar intro. Denver's in full acoustic mode, and there's not a bad song on the album.”

“I love acoustic music and John Denver's album Rocky Mountain High has some of the best acoustic guitar playing I have ever heard. From the opening lick on the opening track proclaiming the reverent majesty of the mountains, this album pays homage to the environment, a subject very dear to his heart.”

“John continued the largely acoustic musical style of his previous albums, using electronic effects and instruments sparingly to create a style of pop/country that remains as unusual today as it was then. The classic Rocky Mountain High was dominated by acoustic guitars and John Denver's voice in an echo effect, that creates a more expansive musical piece than a description would imply. The song itself is a song of loss and discovery in the mountains of Colorado.”

“With the release of this album John Denver was launched into superstardom. All the elements he used to achieve such singular fame and fortune as the best-selling and most popular singer of the 1970s is here. Rocky Mountain High portrays an intimacy with nature he sang about so effortlessly elegantly.”

“Hearing John sing in his youthful enthusiasm about what turns him on is still a rare treat. This one has weathered the years with all its energy and beauty intact. I love this album, and I think you will too.”

Liza With A ‘Z’ - LIZA MINNELLI****

Yes/God Bless The Child/Say Liza (Lisa With A Z)/It Was A Good Time/I Gotcha/Son Of A Preacher Man/Ring Them Bells/Bye Bye Blackbird/You've Let Yourself Go/My Mammy/Cabaret Melody/Bows

Liza With A ‘Z’ was recorded as a live TV special from the New York Lyceum Theatre in May 1972. Minnelli was at the peak of her fame at that time following her acclaimed performance in the movie Cabaret. (US:19 UK:9)

“Miraculously popular in its day, this is still a great introduction to the wonders of Minelli's craft. Despite tackling some contemporary songs she shines naturally on the show-biz stuff. Her version of Charles Aznavour's chilling You've Let Yourself Go is definitive, while the Cabaret medley gives the record a climax to remember. A great showcase for a great talent.”

“Liza Minnelli is legendary performer and this album shows you how great she was back in her heyday in the early 70s. Liza With A 'Z' is a dynamic, powerful, energetic performance. Every song is a proof of her incomparable vocal power. She belts these songs with strength and passion. A brilliantly done live album by a legend.”

“From the charged great opener Yes it is clear that this is going to be an extraordinary musical trip with a great, singer. Drama and pathos make God Bless The Child a moving and incredible experience and Liza With A ‘Z’ is great fun and a tongue-twisting feat that Liza never once flubs on. Exuberant and soulful is the definitive version of It Was A Good Time and wildly soulful is the rhythmic I Gotcha, a great dance routine where Liza really shines.”

“If anyone can't understand what all the fuss was about when Liza Minnelli started years ago, listen to this tape. She was in fine form as one of the greatest singers and dancers of our time.”

“In this collection of songs from her live TV special of 1972 Liza is at the top of her game. All the tracks are stand-outs but it is really is thrilling towards the end of Cabaret to hear her hit that long extended note with a pure and perfect vibrato and then chop it off with almost a growl.”

“I had heard about the Liza with A ‘Z’ song, and I really wanted to hear it. Well, then I listened to the other songs and they were just superb. I really loved the medley from Cabaret.”

Summer Breeze - SEALS & CROFTS***

Hummingbird/Funny Little Man/Say/Summer Breeze/East Of Ginger Trees/Fiddle In The Sky/The Boy Down The Road/The Euphrates/Advance Guards/Yellow Dirt

Summer Breeze was the breakthrough album for the American soft-rock duo Seals and Crofts. They were very popular in the US during the mid 1970s but little appreciated in the UK. The lightweight title track was a US No. 6 hit single. (US:7)

“Far out, man. Break out the hookah. This is some real hippie music, with some Middle Eastern religious/spiritual overtones, even quoting Baha'i scripture in East Of Ginger Trees. Comparable to Cat Stevens only not quite as good, but some lovely harmonies however.”

“Summer Breeze is like listening to candy, a song that is pure pop perfection. Unfortunately nothing else here equals its greatness. In fact it's hard to get through the whole thing. Hummingbird is fun, the rest form a languid hippy folksy dream.” ,p> “Seals & Crofts were a duo who specialized in a mix of soft-rock and wistful folk. They created wonderful, soothing music to heal, soothe and uplift during times of hardship.”

“Summer Breeze is a beautiful collection of folk-rock tunes, with reflective, emotional and poignant lyrics, some of which feature spiritual overtones. Not only that the musicianship and arrangements are all of high calibre. Jim Seals also possessed one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.”

“Seals & Crofts' Summer Breeze is a soft and easy album with excellent harmonies and folky grooves. The title track is a classic piece of music with vivid lyrics and sweet harmonies. Hummingbird has a strong chorus and The Euphrates and East Of Ginger Trees have some deep lyrics. This perfectly encapsulates the folk-rock sound of the early 70s.”

“Being a long time fan of this duo, Summer Breeze is where they started on a great career. While the title track got the most airplay, the rest of the songs were sadly neglected. Yellow Dirt is one of my favourites, as well as East Of Ginger Trees. The finely crafted harmonies and mandolin woven together with Jim's classical guitar make for some excellent music.”

Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me - MAC DAVIS***

Dream Me Home/The Lonesomest Lonesome/Everybody Loves A Love Song/Naughty Girl/Friend Lover Woman Wife/Half & Half (Song For Sarah)/Spread Your Love On Me/Whoever Finds This I Love You/Poor Boy Boogie/Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me/The Words Don't Come Easy

Before his commercial breakthrough as a singer with Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me Mac Davis was best known as a songwriter for other artists, including Elvis Presley. The title track was a US No. 1 hit single. (US:11)

“I like low/middle-brow nostalgia-inducing seventies stuff, but this just smirks too much and is misogynist. The arrangements are generic to the point where I wonder if they weren't programmed to sell to middle Americans prone to buying any record that featured a TV personality with a nice smile on the cover.”

“I have loved Mac Davis' music for years. He was such a great entertainer and Baby Don`t Get Hooked On Me was my all time favourite album. I would love to see him entertaining again. His music had such warmth and love in it from the heart.”

“Mac is a wonderful entertainer as well as writer. He brings you into his life with each word. I felt as if I was there during relationships, break-ups and the joy of his children. He has no idea how much pleasure he has given to us as we listen, laugh and cry with him.”

“Texas songwriter/singer Mac Davis knew the ins and outs of how to pen a good pop song; Kenny Rogers and Elvis both scored hits with his compositions.”

“Mac Davis was one of those singers from the 1970s that when you tell people now that you liked him they kind of roll their eyes at you.”

Back Stabbers - O'JAYS****

When The World's At Peace/Back Stabbers/Who Am I/(They Call Me (Mr Lucky)/Time To Get Down/992 Arguments/Listen To The Clock On The Wall/Shiftless Shady Jealous Kind Of People/Sunshine/Love Train

Backstabbers was the breakthrough album for the Philadelphia soul group O’Jays thanks to the creative input from new producers Gamble & Huff. Love Train topped the US singles charts with the title track reaching No.3, both also being UK top twenty hits. (US:10)

“One of the quintessential Philly soul albums, bolstered by two famous singles, the multi-layered paranoia of Back Stabbers and the TV commercial favourite Love Train. Those two aside there's nothing really to complain about as they spin tales of love, hope, devotion, as well as deceit and despair with equal grace and skill.”

“As far as Philly soul goes, this was probably the most consistently good group of them all. This album is really their true debut. It's when Gamble and Huff first started producing them and they gained an identity as a group.”

“The excessive strings do make this feel a little too saccharine at time. But is there a single dud on this record? No, just impeccable harmonies and creative arrangements that make this one a real winner.”

“Gamble and Huff took a risk by going for this sound in the early 70s. The popular sound was funk, and there would have seemed to be no room for their clean soul sound. There obviously was though as Philly International grew to become one of the most successful soul labels. We are certainly lucky that they took the risk though, as the label provided so many great albums, this one perhaps being the best.”

“Although they had been enjoying minor hits since the early sixties, the O’Jays’ true breakthrough was with the album Back Stabbers, their first with the production and song writing team of Gamble and Huff. It features the hit title track as well as the No.1 hit Love Train, and is considered one of their best efforts. Although the entire album is listenable, there really isn’t much that can compete with the two hits which are easily the most wonderful tracks here, both being the kind of classic pop that imprints itself indelibly on the listener’s mind, and are almost too easy to enjoy.”

“This is Philly soul at its finest, crafted with love, passion, and feeling. The title track is among the most influential songs ever, and it remains as one of the most nerve-hitting tales of betrayal and hypocrisy.”

Rock Of Ages - THE BAND***

Don't Do It/King Harvest (Has Surely Come)/Caledonia Mission/Get Up Jake/The W S Walcott Medicine Show/Stage Fright/The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down/Across The Great Divide/This Wheel's On Fire/Rag Mama Rag/The Weight/The Shape I'm In/Unfaithful Servant/Life Is A Carnival/The Genetic Method/Chest Fever/(I Don't Want To) Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes

The live double album Rock Of Ages was recorded in December 1971 at the Academy of Music in New York City. The songs differ from the studio versions by the addition of horns. (US:6)

“The Band seemed to be enjoying themselves as they were at the top of their game. The musicianship is technically excellent and the harmonies precise. The set remains a live testament to one of the great rock ‘n’ roll groups and a sad reminder of what can never be again.”

“It's a shame there isn't a live record of The Band that was recorded earlier in their career, because even by 1972 you could tell they were starting to get tired. They hadn't really written much good new material since the self-titled album in 1969, and this has a surprising going through the motions vibe. You are really better off just sticking to the first two studio records.”

“The most obvious difference from the studio versions is the addition of a horn section to nearly every song, which provides an interesting change of pace, but can sometimes come off as clumsy.”

“This was The Band playing with a horn section, the whole thing just comes alive, and makes them sound even funkier than before.”

“The Band don't just play many musical styles, they embrace all of them. Their love for the music is completely sincere, and the treat every tune like a craftsman would treat a fine piece of wood. They troop through their cannon of work with emotion and integrity. The horns add a whole new musical layer to many songs.”

“Rock Of Ages is a landmark in musicianship. The Band live were already energetic performers always in sync with each other. The added horn arrangements create a truly rich listening experience. Without a doubt this is one of the greatest live documents ever made and about the best The Band released.”