‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ released 30 years ago this week, started a journey. Iron Maiden is now a part of me, and I am a part of what’s kept them around.

Material Issue’s ‘Telecommando Americano’ was completed early in 1996, but wasn’t released until after Jim Ellison took his life – making for a rather bittersweet affair.

‘Spitting Feathers’ feels like part of a journey for Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, but not one which is complete.

The early ’70s may not have been a very good time for the country America – witness the Vietnam War and Watergate – but it was a very good time for the musical act America.

Mixing standard pop and rock practices with experimental sprinklings, ‘Nazz Nazz’ should have sent Todd Rundgren’s band into the superstar stratosphere.

‘The Remains’ documents the unstoppable exuberance of an exciting – and sadly short-lived – young band.

Although the Young Rascals were already tuned in and tight, ‘Groovin” showed off a new-found sense of maturity and sophistication.

This remains a strong, too-often overlooked Warren Zevon album. Yet ‘Mr. Bad Example’ marked the beginning of his career’s second act.

Mixing and matching experimental edges with bouts of moodiness, the Temptations stage more exceptional performances throughout ‘All Directions.’

The Lovin’ Spoonful really sounded like nobody except themselves, and their 1966 sophomore release ‘Daydream’ consistently underscored that individuality.