1981’s ‘Black & White’ Shows the Pointer Sisters’ Lasting Influence
Forty years later, Black & White is still an indispensable Pointer Sisters album. Their versatility is their biggest triumph and the cherry on top of their quality repertoire.
Pop Past
Natalie Cole Became a Legend on ‘Unforgettable with Love’ 30 Years Ago
The success of Unforgettable… with Love led Cole to repeatedly revisit jazz and pop standards throughout the rest of her career.
Jan de Bont’s ‘Twister’ Wreaks Havoc for 25 Years
In the 25 years since Jan de Bont released Twister, it has not stopped tearing through my life. This is my devastating love story.
40 Years Ago, Village People Tried to Survive the Death of Disco by Changing Sound and Look on ‘Renaissance’
Today, Renaissance feels like both a momentary blip in Village People’s career and an unnecessary reply to the “death” of disco (that never really happened).
Unlocking Death Cab for Cutie’s ‘Codes and Keys’ 10 Years On
A full decade later, Death Cab for Cutie’s Codes and Keys is far from the disappointment fans initially perceived.
15 Years Ago Pet Shop Boys Responded to the Bush Era with ‘Fundamental’
Pet Shop Boys’ Fundamental was the rare protest record that challenged politics with tunes set for the dance floor.
A Fascinating Cross: Elton John’s ‘The Fox’ at 40
Forty years after its release, it’s time for The Fox to be recognized as a minor classic in Elton John’s discography. It’s nothing less than a lost gem.
Steady, As It Goes: The Raconteurs’ ‘Broken Boy Soldiers’ Turns 15
The Raconteurs’ Broken Boy Soldiers sets itself apart from anything like it, even 15 years later. The band’s debut somehow starts two great stories.
Manic Street Preachers Were Reborn with ‘Everything Must Go’ 25 Years Ago
Manic Street Preachers’ Everything Must Go is a haunted album, yet its greatest accomplishment is that it never feels oppressive or weighty.
Alarmed By the Seduction: Squeeze’s ‘East Side Story’ at 40
For East Side Story, British popsters Squeeze hired a brilliant producer and made an album that’s both eclectic and remarkably consistent 40 years later.
30 Years Ago Primus Went ‘Sailing the Seas of Cheese’
Primus’ Sailing the Seas of Cheese established a template for how a band could achieve both a large, passionate fanbase and a modicum of mainstream success.