Spotlight

Keith Richards, "Take It So Hard" from Talk Is Cheap (1988): One Track Mind

Keith Richards, “Take It So Hard” from Talk Is Cheap (1988): One Track Mind

‘Talk Is Cheap,’ released by the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards on Oct. 3, 1988, was an island of rock and roll grit in a sea of shallow glitter.

With Reggatta de Blanc, the Police kept it simple on the way to stardom

With Reggatta de Blanc, the Police kept it simple on the way to stardom

Guitarist Andy Summers joins us to discuss the Police’s breakthrough album ‘Reggatta de Blanc,’ released on Oct. 2, 1979.

Genesis, "Home by the Sea / Second Home by the Sea" from Genesis (1983): One Track Mind

Genesis, “Home by the Sea / Second Home by the Sea” from Genesis (1983): One Track Mind

Released on Oct. 3, 1983 as part of their self-titled album, this represents one of the last rickety bridges between Genesis’ two eras.

Vinyl

Taj Mahal’s rangy, guest-packed Maestro was perfectly titled

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.

Gary Moore's imperfect Back on the Streets pointed to bigger things

Gary Moore’s imperfect Back on the Streets pointed to bigger things

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

Vinyl

Todd Rundgren’s Arena was a cool return to football stadium-sized rock

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.

Savatage, "Prelude to Madness / Hall of the Mountain King" (1987): One Track Mind

Savatage, “Prelude to Madness / Hall of the Mountain King” (1987): One Track Mind

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' Took Chances Steely Dan Never Did

Walter Becker’s ’11 Tracks of Whack’ Took Chances Steely Dan Never Did

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

Carl Palmer puts Emerson Lake and Palmer split in perspective: 'Couldn't have lasted any longer'

Carl Palmer puts Emerson Lake and Palmer split in perspective: ‘Couldn’t have lasted any longer’

‘In the Hot Seat,’ released on Sept. 27, 1994, is apparently the final LP by Emerson Lake and Palmer. Carl Palmer explains why he’s OK with that.

The Beatles' Abbey Road wasn't just a showcase for Paul McCartney

The Beatles’ Abbey Road wasn’t just a showcase for Paul McCartney

Released on Sept. 26, 1969, the Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ held many collaborative surprises. But I just couldn’t get over its Side One ending.