Every song from Taj Mahal’s ‘Maestro,’ released on Sept. 30, 2008, was a change up. He’s a Swiss Army knife of the blues.

Does ‘Repentless’ match Slayer’s classics? Not really. But it’s probably the best complete album they’ve done in decades and, for me, that’ll do.

‘Back on the Streets,’ released on Sept. 30, 1978, underscores why Phil Lynott asked Gary Moore to join Thin Lizzy.

Once again, noted Ottawa music critic Peter Hum walks the walk with a mainstream jazz album full of strong compositions and strong performances.

Believed to be Yes’ first anti-war song, “Yours is No Disgrace” features some of Jon Anderson’s most visual, yet compact lyrics.

Jon Bream’s “many voices” approach on ‘Dylan Disc by Disc’ is a great way to explore Bob Dylan’s varied career from all angles.

With ‘Arena,’ released on Sept. 29, 2008, Todd Rundgren again created music best heard cranked to 10 – loud enough to hear on the very back row.

The Junior League’s ‘Also Rans’ is smooth enough to boast power-pop accessibility, but flashes of punk-like energy keep things interesting.

Savatage’s classic ‘Hall of the Mountain King,’ released on Sept. 28, 1987, was an eye-opening experience for first-time producer Paul O’Neill.

Walter Becker’s ’11 Tracks of Whack,’ released on Sept. 27, 1994, is both a neglected minor treasure and a delightfully peculiar album.