91.3fm Wyep: Discumentary

The debut album from the French duo of Nicolas Godin and Jean Benoit Dunckel was quickly hailed as an instant classic. Air’s sound was unlike many others in the electronica movement of the time, trading in big beats for mellow grooves that equally evoke trip-hop and Burt Bacharach.

Folk artist and activist Joan Baez released her album “Diamonds and Rust” in 1975. Now considered one of her seminal works, the album went gold. Its title track, a ballad that explored her relationship with Bob Dylan, proved to be one of her biggest hits, and eventually hit number 35 on the pop charts.

Joni Mitchell introduced jazz inflections into her folk-rock style signaling a new direction for the Canadian singer/songwriter. “Help Me” became Mitchell’s only top-ten hit and the album hit double platinum.

In 1974 Steely Dan was structured as a standard band consisting of Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, Denny Dias, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, and Victor Feldman. Under the guidance of producer Gary Katz the band’s songs became more complex and featured a tribute to Charlie Parker and a cover of a Duke Ellington instrumental. “Pretzel Logic” was a critical and commercial success and won the band its first top 10 single with “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.”

After flirting with breakthrough success Al Green shot to super-stardom with his 1972 album “Let’s Stay Together.” By blending Memphis horns with traditional soul grooves Green created a sound that came to epitomize ’70’s soul. The title track became Green’s first #1 hit.

Randy Newman’s 1974 release “Good Old Boys” became his major commercial breakthrough. Originally conceived as a concept album about a southern man named Johnny Cutler the album morphed into a satirical examination of the Southern mystique. Newman incorporated historical events into his prism including Louisiana’s great 1927 flood and elements from Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long’s life, and took on taboos ranging from slavery, racism and Northern hypocrisy.

“Catch a Fire”, released in 1973, surprised many fans of Bob Marley and The Wailers with its socially aware lyrics and militant tone. However, songwriters Bob Marley and Peter Tosh created a positive tone toward the future that emphasized the power of the individual.

This is Clapton’s first album after kicking heroin and his 2nd solo release following the breakup of Derek & The Dominos. Clapton turned to the blues, choosing to record songs written by Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Johnny Otis, and scored a hit with his take on Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.”

When Ray Charles set out to record an album of country songs, his record label thought he was crazy. Charles proved them all wrong when “Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music” became a hit. It gave Charles the crossover success he needed, eventually making him a household name.

Kathleen Edwards shot to the forefront of the alternative country scene with her 2003 debut release. Her blunt lyrics, character sketch approach to songwriting, and sexy prairie drawl drew raves from critics and comparisons to Lucinda Williams.

After Interscope rejected her album as not commercial enough Aimee Mann bought back the rights to her songs and in 2000 released it via the Internet. Its success led her to release it on her on SuperEgo label and helped inspire the film “Magnolia.”

The Police’s fifth studio album is revered as their best. Its first single, “Every Breath You Take”, earned two Grammys and pushed the album to the number-one position on the Billboard charts.

The 9th release from Alison Krauss and Union Station peaked in Billboards top 50 albums in the fall of 2001 and won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year, while the single “The Lucky One” nabbed a Grammy for Best Country Duo or Group Performance.

Steve Earle’s 1986 debut was hailed by critics as an instant classic. Earle’s writing style incorporated elements of Townes Van Zandt’s mournful ballads and Springsteen’s depictions of small town life.

The Smith’s 3rd studio album featured songs by guitarist Johnny Marr and singer Morrissey. It was released in June of 1986 and helped to establish the band as one of the best British rock bands of the era. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “Big Mouth Strikes Again” highlight the album that is widely regarded to be The Smiths’best.

After going solo, Paul Simon went on to create a strong career for himself. The album created a lot of controversy due to the fact that Simon recorded six tracks in South Africa with native musicians in the era of apartheid. “Graceland” went on to win two Grammy Awards, one for Album of the Year and the title track won Record of the Year.

Detroit soul singer Bettye Lavette spent 4 decade in the music industry and suffered many disappointments and missed opportunities. This 2005 release featured 10 covers of songs written by women including Lucinda Williams and Sinead O’Conor and helped revive her career.

Taj Mahal released his second album in the fall of 1968. Building on his multi-cultural approach to the blues, these songs feature elements of Delta blues but also include an expanding range of influences including rock and country.

Narrative songs and harmonies gave the punk band X an edge in the Los Angeles music scene. Produced by Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, Los Angeles includes a cover of Jim Morrison’s “Soul Kitchen”.

After having great success in college radio, Hitchcock assembled The Egyptians which featured two members of his former band The Soft Boys and REM's Peter Buck. The album spawned the single Balloon Man, and eventually reached 111 on the Billboard top 200. It marked Hitchcock's major label debut.