Released 50 years ago this week, ‘Nuggets: Original Artyfacts’ seemed dated and raw, but that’s what turned it into such an influential compilation.

I really want Ozzy Osbourne to deliver that one badass swan-song album. I think ‘Patient Number 9’ is good, but unfortunately it’s not that.

‘Fanatic’ arrived 10 years ago today as the heaviest thing Heart had ever produced. At the same time, however, it was a deeply confessional recording.

‘Welcome to Zamrock! Vol. 1 and 2’ is proof positive that one can still be inspired by the music of the world, no matter who started it – or even who borrowed it.

Peter Gabriel returned 30 years ago this week with a heart-rending ‘So’ follow up that surveyed the wreckage of two past relationships.

Steely Dan signaled a shift in direction 45 years ago today with the release of ‘Aja,’ a finely tuned lyrical and musical triumph.

Bruce Hornsby had already put out two LPs credited with the Range before he finally released a proper group album. “Another Day” showed what they could do.

A remix reminds us why classic LPs like Pink Floyd’s ‘Animals’ – which burned prog-rock fire in the midst of a punk explosion – still deserve our attention.

Released 50 years ago today, ‘Close to the Edge’ represented a dramatic furthering of Yes’ creative process. They’d lose one member along the way.

Even 45 years later, ‘Chicago XI’ isn’t their best-loved original-lineup album. Yet, for better or worse, it remains one of the most memorable of the era.