Mink DeVille - Where Angels Fear To Tread
From 1983, the 5th album under the name Mink DeVille was effectively a Willy DeVille solo album, all the other original members of the band having left. The Latin feel present in the first four albums is even more pronounced here, and Willy's vocals are at their very best.
Joni Mitchell - The Hissing of Summer Lawns
The seventh album from the first lady of the American singer songwriter movement of the 60s and 70s, this album's jazz influences drew criticism at the time of its release in 1975, but is now recognised as one of, if not the best of her releases.
Joan Armatrading - The Shouting Stage
I know Joan Armatrading has achieved almost national treasure status, but I still don't think she gets the credit she is due, not only for her song writing, but also her guitar playing, which up there with the best.
This, her 11th studio album, doesn't have any stand out hits, but is still a perfect accompaniment to my morning coffee.
American Beauty by the Grateful Dead
I bought this 2020* repress of the Dead's 1970 classic album after the impossibly beautiful side 2 opener, Ripple was posted in last week's ThursdayFiveList.
The influence of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, who were recording Déjà Vu in the same studio at the time, is clear.
*Closer examination reveals that, contrary to the eBay listing, this is the 2011 pressing. I'm not fussed - it sounds great.
Tom Waits - The Heart of Saturday Night
Tom Waits doesn't quite have the full gravel voice in this, his second album, although it still oozes late night smoky bar room.
It received mixed reviews on release, but I enjoy it on every listen.
Afterburner from ZZ Top
A lukewarm critical reception for ZZ Top's ninth studio album didn't stop it going platinum in the UK.
I bought this as a "no extra postage" addition to another order. It's ZZ Top. What else can one say?
Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour '74
A day late for St Patrick's Day, but always worth a listen.
Dr Feelgood - Malpractice
I'm supposed to have stopped buying vinyl while I sort out more storage space, but I could not resist this when it came up on Discogs.
The Feelgood's second album from 1975 oozes raw energy, and this is an immaculate copy.
Joan Armatrading - Show Some Emotion
It's hard to believe this album is nearly 50 years old. Joan Armatrading's music, very much her own, is timeless. This album contains perhaps her biggest hit, Willow.
Rory Gallagher - Live (generally known as Live In Europe)
On what would have been Rory's 78th birthday, it seems appropriate to play this, the first album of his I bought.
I'd just seen him do two sets at the Great Western Express festival near Lincoln in May 1972. As I remember, I bought the album from the very young Virgin Records, when it was a cut price mail order company taking out full page ads in the Melody Maker and other music press.
It's a US pressing, and in remarkably good nick considering the almost constant playing it got from me as a 17 year old.
Andy Hort