Released 40 years ago this week, ‘The Final Cut’ presented Pink Floyd songs as nothing more than infrastructure for Roger Waters’ narratives.

With “Waking Up,” Nick Finzer continues to deliver engaging compositions which challenge both the players and his listeners.

Released 50 years ago, “Sail On, Sailor” was a highlight of a Beach Boys era marked by seismic change, both musically and visually. It wouldn’t last.

Pianist and composer David Ake continues to make his infrequent releases count. ‘Green Thumb’ is plenty good enough the savor until Mr. Ake is ready to make another quality collection of modern and mainstream jazz.

‘The Next Day’ found David Bowie making a surprise return 10 years ago this month, but without the old theatrics and an artsy agenda.

‘Voortvlugtend,’ from South African cult-favorite Buckfever Underground, simply begs for repeated listening – preferably wearing big, scruffy earphones.

I was completely unaware of Patti Smith’s story when she released ‘Easter’ 45 years ago this month.

The Vincent Meissner Trio found a perfect moment that covers youth and European, turning a brisk cover of “Young Folks” into an appealing jazz song.

The music on ‘Ribbon of Water’ is delicate, yet woven through with a lyrical strength that comes from the experiences Andrea Ward clearly taps into.

When Ward Davis’ solo acoustic performance at the Louisiana Grandstand theater was announced, I almost decided to skip it.