Pat Martino was moved to pick up the guitar again after hearing Jim Ridl, and that deep connection is thrown into high relief on this standout track.

“Universe-sized Arms” is a strange-bird of a song, so much like the earliest of Chris Stamey’s triumphs but also like something else entirely.

Released this week in 1981 as part of ‘Modern Times,’ “Find Your Way Back” represents the zenith of Jefferson Starship’s heavier-rocking period.

“Hell to Pay” doesn’t represent the rootsy Bonnie Raitt pushing Boz Scaggs into a new direction, so much as reminding him from whence he came.

The sweeping, deeply inspiring “Rise” keeps the synths, even as Todd Rundgren begins looking outward rather than inward.

“Might As Well Smile” explores a new kind of song for Beth Hart, part of a new kind of album – one framed by hope, rather than pain.

As sun-flecked as Ron Sexsmith’s melodies no doubt are, his lyrics often run the other way. “Can’t Get My Act Together,” however, feels brand new.

Boz Scaggs released his biggest-ever hit this month in 1976, providing the big-bang moment for an up-and-coming band named Toto along the way.

Daryl Hall has said he and Robert Fripp were trying to combine sounds from two different cultures to “form a third kind of music.” They did.

If you’re expecting another rootsy upbeat rocker from the BoDeans, the frankly scarifying blues of “Slave” likely comes as something of a shock.