Bands/Artists Who Knocked It Out of the Park on Those First Two Albums-Pick # 20
Join Pete Pardo as he lists his favorite first two albums out of the gate from some of his favorite bands. List yours in the comments each day as well!
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@jerrygeorgopolis8015
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Pete, Enjoy your channel and thanks for introducing ,reviewing for us music cd's ! I just picked up some Harkwind cd's you reviewed and Wow !!! Just picked up The Best of Santana !! All the best !!
@johnmichaelwilliams6694
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Greetings and good day, Pete. Another stellar SoT selection and one of the first that popped into mind when you announed this topic! Personal pick today? The American jazz-rock music group noted for combing a brass instrument section with rock band instruments and style and once again with the first two albums released in the same year (1968): Blood, Sweat & Tears (commonly called BS&T) with the February album Child Is Father To The Man followed in December by the eponymously named sophomore album. First the band members. The original eight on the debut were: Al Kooper on organ, piano; and lead vocals on several tracks; Fred Lipsius on piano & alto saxophone; Randy Brecker on trumpet & flugelhorn; Jerry Weiss on trumpet, flugelhorn, and backing vocals on one track; Dick Halligan on trombone; Steve Katz on guitars, lute, lead vocals on two tracks; backing vocals on one track, Jim Fielder on bass guitar& fretless bass guitars; and Bobby Colomby on drums, percussion, and backing vocals. Rather famously (and not discussed at lenghth here), the band asked Al Kooper to leave and brought in the Canadian David Clayton-Thomas on almost all lead vocals on the second album and who sang on all the singles that charted in the Top 40. The other seven of the original eight band members play on the sophomore album as well. The debut reached #47 on the US Billboard 200 charts, has been certified gold in the U.S. and had one single released (I Can’t Quit Her). The BS&T album reached the top of the U.S. charts and held that position for seven consecutive weeks. It also charted in Canada (three weeks at #1) and the U.K. (#15). The album has been certified at least four times platinum in the U.S. Five of the original ten tracks of the second album were released as singles and of which three successive ones reached the top five in the U.S. singles charts. This is a band where the oft-mentioned older brother brought the second album into the house and one of those that Dad always enjoyed hearing as well. The second album set the stage for the BS&T sound going forward with the notable vocals of its lead singer. However, the local (and first) “progressive FM” station often played songs from the debut album, particularly the single as well as the second track “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” and ultimately, I tracked down and bought a copy of that album. Often name the debut as my favorite from the band as it comes across a bit more eclectic musically in the songs presented. Though if it’s not my favorite at some point, the second album is. Favorite songs? Hard to name so won’t try. Those who haven’t given these a listen should give each full album a change – particularly the not-so-well-known debut. Some great music here that has stood the test of the almost 60 years that has passed. Thanks, Pete.
@titusgeorge9280
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Still in the 90’s, and my pick is due to MTV, seeing this video and wondering who in the world this is with these lyrics about how hard things are personally and in the world at the time. The song is “Sorry About The Weather”, a #20 hit on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in 1992 and the artist is Mark Curry. Pretty sure this is his only hit out of his five albums, well, six now, as he just released one this past February I just found out. His music is mostly acoustic rock, with an “alternative” slant, ranging from frantic frenzied strumming and banging drums, to softly picked ballads whose edge is in the lyrics in contrast to the music.
“It’s Only Time” was the debut album with the aforementioned hit song, filled with angst, regret, and humor. Favorite song back then and in my top 40 all-time is “Wanna Run Away”. Yes, it’s a relationship song, and how it’s hard to say what you feel, and sometimes you’re in a situation that you can’t get out of to be with that person. Pretty much just his unique voice and acoustic guitar, til the bridge/chorus when the drums kick in, and it kicks you in the heart. Or in your head.
“Musta Been Jo” and “Blow Me Down” are both favorite funky, fun rockers, with some scatting by Curry. “Drinkin’ And How” is another fun jam with strumming on the acoustic.
While that album was a great debut for the new solo artist (he was in the unknown Crystal Sphere with Aaron “El Hefe” Abeyta, who went on to NOFX, a punk rock band that probably had more success than Curry), his follow-up,
“Let The Wretched Come Home” in 1994 was even better. It has more of band feel, with a lot more drums, piano, etc.
Favorite song here is “11 Minutes”, a song about wishing someone the best that starts quiet but builds into a catchy melodic number. Other favorites include the frantic, frenzied “Cigarette Burns” and the ballad “How Does It Feel”. The parental advisory is well-deserved, and the parts of the album that are the reason for it are used for emphasis.
It’s a shame he didn’t get any more recognition than the one minor hit, maybe it’s because there were enough “unique” voices in the alternative rock sphere that there wasn’t room, or the label just didn’t really push his records to radio or have enough money to spare for MTV. Who knows. Still play both records today, especially when I’m “in a mood”.
@carl-johanfougstedt199
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
My pick for day 12 is Pearl Jam ( Ten + Vs. ).
@dtltmtgt
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
20. Tesla: Mechanical Resonance / The Great Radio Controversy
@ninamc6116
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
great pick for today! keep in mind everyone that Carlos was 21 and Michael Shrieve was 15 when they played at Woodstock. Their first album is killer!
@DennisStrattion
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Day 20 pick is The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Their first album was self titled it was released in 1965 on Electra Records. Best Songs are Born In Chicago. Blues With A Feeling. Mellow Down Easy and Look Over Yonders Wall. Their Second album East West was released in 1966 also on Electra. Mike Bloomfield would leave a few months after its release to form Electric Flag. Best songs on East West are Walkin Blues. I Got My Mind To Give Up Living. Two Trains Running and the jam East West. Members on the self titled album were Paul Butterfield vocals harmonica. Mike Bloomfield lead and slide guitars. Elvin Bishop rhythm guitar Jerome Arnold bass and Sam Lay drums. Only difference on the East West album was Bill Davenport was the drummer replacing Sam Lay.
@ChromeDestiny
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
The Mothers of Invention – Freak Out! and Absolutely Free.
@peterm.fitzpatrick7735
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Chicago:
"The Chicago Transit Authority" releaased in '69.
"Chicago" released in '70.
Both 2X Platinum in the U.S. of A. in 2026.
@mgerometta
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Lucifer's Friend Self-titled debut album 1971 & Where The Groupies Killed The Blues 1972.
@Quizwax_J
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Tori Amos – Little Earthquakes (1992) & Under The Pink (1994)
@christophercoles4401
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Outstanding choices, Pete! Have a great day.
@gadgettheratboy9051
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
#20: The Pink Fairies
LP #1: "Never Never Land" (May, 1971) – the first of ten LP's (so far) from the hard rock, psych, raw, proto punk British trio (Paul Rudolph, Duncan Sanderson & Russell Hunter) –
sort of a British MC5. Co-produced by the band and Neil Slaven (Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall, etc.) and features the single "Do It" (covered by Henry Rollins Band). The
first 200 LP's were pressed on pink vinyl. A fantastic debut – also includes "Heavenly Man," "War Girl," "Thor," and "Uncle Harry's Last Freakout."
LP #2: "What a Bunch of Sweeties" (July, 1972) – another strong release with Trevor Burton (the Move, Steve Gibbons Band) joining on a few tracks. Features "Pigs of Uranus,"
"Went Up – Went Down," "Portobello Shuffle," and "Marilyn" (cool drum solo). "Pigs" and their cover of the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" were released as singles.
They are still forging ahead strong, releasing a new 2026 LP "Covered in Pink." Great stuff!
@robertklimczak2207
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Today's picks are the first 2 albums from late 60's rock band Rare Earth, Dreams/Answers and Get ready. The second album was a platinum seller with the mega hit cover of the Temptations Get Ready. Many great songs on this hit record and a great live record a couple years later. Many members over the years bur never reached the success of the early records.
@rogertemple7193
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
The first two Santana albums were great thanks Pete.📻
@yokerecords803
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Today's pick is Boogie Down Productions-Criminal Minded and By All Means Necessary. Led by the mastermind KRS-One and the great DJ Scott La Rock, this sensational Hip-Hop act delivers the goods big time. Very creative stuff with memorable sngs like "9 MM Goes Bang", "South Bronx", "Word From Our Sponsor" and "My Philosophy". BDP are in the running for the best '80's Hip-Hop band along with artists like EPMD, Public Enemy and Ice Cub"…there are many exciting artists to explore in this space.
@metalcousins1209
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
#20-(Boston)
(Self Titled-1976)
J.Boylan-T.Scholz
Epic
Peace Of Mind#38-More
Than A Feeling#83-Foreplay/
Long Time#99
#5(US 200 in 1976)(17x Platinum)
(Don’t Look Back-1978)
T.Scholz
Epic
A Man I’ll Never Be#39-Feelin
Satisfied#46-Don’t Look Back
#93
#72(US 200 in 1978)(7x Platinum)
B.Delp(Vocals/Rhythm Guitar)
T.Scholz(Guitar/Keyboards),
B.Goudreau(Lead Guitar),F.
Sheehan(Bass),S.Hashian(Drums)
HM-(The Eagles)
(Self Titled-1972)
Witchy Woman#9-Take It Easy#12
#22(US 200 in 1972)(1x Platinum)
(Desperado-1973)
Tequila Sunrise#64-Desperado
#64(US 200 in 1973)(2x Platinum)
@desrepeaston6722
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Hrothgar64 here.
As I said in chat, today's choice has been picked by a number of people already this month. I was thinking about doing a late substitution, but following a bit of consideration, I'm going to stick with my original pick.
Two albums that redefined what heavy metal was and could be.
Pick number 20 is Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning by Metallica.
@harizonflamingice3167
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Pick #12 of 1, 2 Punch Albums on the Old School List: Kansas's Kansas/Song for America. Incredibly back to US prog albums. I probably favor Song for America ever so slightly but it's a close battle.
Pick #12 of 1, 2 Punch Albums on the New School List: System of a Down's System of a Down/Toxicity. In spite of kind of being associated with the Nü Metal genre, there is something about System of a Down that's oddly timeless and I've really grown to appreciate them in the last decade, which is weird because back in the 2000s when I first heard songs like Chop Suey and BYOB I didn't actually like SoaD all that much. The debut is probably the more consistent album in terms of heaviness but I probably prefer Toxicity at this point.
Old School List:
#1: Cream's Fresh Cream/Disraeli Gears
#2: Jimi Hendrix Experience's Are You Experienced/Axis: Bold As Love
#3: Led Zeppelin's I/II
#4: King Crimson's In the Court of the Crimson/In the Wake of Poseidon
#5: Santana's Santana/Abraxas
#6: Black Sabbath's Black Sabbath/Paranoid
#7: Emerson Lake and Palmer's Emerson Lake and Palmer/Tarkus
#8: Atomic Rooster's Atomic Rooster/Death Walks Behind You
#9: Lynyrd Skynyrd's Pronounced/Second Helping
#10: Camel's Camel/Mirage
#11: Queen's I/II
#12: Kansas's Kansas/Song for AMerica
New School List:
#1: Alice In Chains' Facelift/Dirt
#2: Smashing Pumpkins' Gish/Siamese Dream
#3: Pearl Jam's Ten/VS
#4: Stone Temple Pilots' Core/Purple
#5: Radiohead's Pablo Honey/The Bends
#6: Tool's Undertow/Aenima
#7: Weezer's Blue Album/Pinkerton
#8: Oasis's Definitely Maybe/What's the Story (Morning Glory)
#9: Garbage's Garbage/Version 2.0
#10: Fiona Apple's Tidal/When the Pawn
#11: Daft Punk's Homework/Discovery
#12: System of a Down's System of a Down/Toxicity
@AaronC143
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
My #12: Alessia Cara – Know-It-All & The Pains Of Growing
@matthewJarnigan-m7g
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Today's pick #20. Kansas: Self-titled and Song for America
@ramonace4770
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
#20 THUNDER
– Backstreet Symphony (1990)
Tracks: "Dirty Love","Until My Dying Day" and "Love Walked In"
– Laughing on Judgement Day (1992)
Tracks: "Low Life In High Places","Empty City" and "Like A Satellite"
Hm:
BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE
– Bachman–Turner Overdrive (1973)
Tracks: "Gimme Your Money Please","Stayed Awake All Night" and "Don't Get Yourself In Trouble"
– Bachman–Turner Overdrive II (1973)
Tracks: "Let It Ride","Takin' Care Of Business" and "Give It Time"
@utvf68
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
The Black Crowes
Shake Your Moneymaker
The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion
@awesomeviper13
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
📀 Day 12: Van Halen
Some debut albums introduce a band. Others change rock music forever. Van Halen did exactly that in 1978. Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the electric guitar, David Lee Roth became one of rock's greatest frontmen, and the band followed one of the greatest debuts ever with another outstanding album just a year later.
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📀 Album #1: Van Halen (1978)
Released on February 10, 1978, Van Halen captured the band's explosive club sound after being recorded at Sunset Sound Studios with producer Ted Templeman. Blending hard rock, blues, and incredible musicianship, it became one of the greatest debut albums ever released.
The album reached No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified Diamond in the United States. Songs like "Runnin' with the Devil," "Eruption," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Jamie's Cryin'," and "You Really Got Me" helped redefine rock music.
The cover, featuring each member performing live, perfectly captures the band's energy, while Eddie's famous Frankenstrat became one of rock's most recognizable guitars.
🎵 My Favorite Song: Little Dreamer
I love Little Dreamer because it shows a different side of Van Halen. Eddie's soulful guitar playing and David Lee Roth's emotional vocals make it one of the band's most underrated songs.
🎤 My Girlfriend's Favorite: Eruption / You Really Got Me
Aurora loves hearing Eruption explode into You Really Got Me. Eddie's revolutionary solo changed guitar forever before launching into one of the greatest rock covers ever recorded.
❤️ Our Song: Ice Cream Man
Starting as an acoustic blues tune before exploding into classic Van Halen energy, it's one of the band's most fun performances and perfectly blends their blues roots with Eddie's innovative guitar style.
⭐ Rating: 10/10
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📀 Album #2: Van Halen II (1979)
Released on March 23, 1979, Van Halen II proved the debut wasn't a fluke. Recorded after the band's first world tour, many of its songs had already become live favorites before reaching the studio.
The album reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified 5× Platinum. Alongside the hit "Dance the Night Away," the album delivered fan favorites like "Somebody Get Me a Doctor," "Beautiful Girls," "D.O.A.," and "Bottoms Up!"
🎵 My Favorite Song: Somebody Get Me a Doctor
The massive riff, Eddie's incredible solo, and David Lee Roth's wild performance make this one of Van Halen's hardest-rocking songs. It captures everything that made the early band so exciting.
🎤 My Girlfriend's Favorite: Dance the Night Away
Aurora loves its upbeat melody, catchy chorus, and feel-good atmosphere. It proves Van Halen could write huge melodic hits without losing their hard-rock edge.
❤️ Our Song: Bottoms Up!
Fast, loud, and full of energy, Bottoms Up! perfectly captures the carefree spirit that made early Van Halen one of the greatest live bands in rock history.
⭐ Rating: 10/10
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🏆 Why This Is One of the Greatest Debut/Sophomore Combos Ever
The debut introduced Eddie Van Halen's revolutionary guitar playing.
Van Halen II proved the band had plenty more to offer.
Together these albums gave us "Runnin' with the Devil," "Eruption," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Jamie's Cryin'," "Dance the Night Away," "Somebody Get Me a Doctor," and "Beautiful Girls."
They became the blueprint for countless hard rock and glam metal bands throughout the 1980s.
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🎤 Our Final Take
🎤 I Believe
Favorite Album: Van Halen
Favorite Song From The Debut: Little Dreamer
Favorite Song From The Sophomore Album: Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Did The Sophomore Surpass The Debut? No.
Overall Thoughts: The second album is fantastic, but the debut completely changed rock music and remains untouchable.
🎤 My Girlfriend Thinks
Favorite Album: Van Halen
Favorite Song From The Debut: Eruption / You Really Got Me
Favorite Song From The Sophomore Album: Dance the Night Away
Did The Sophomore Surpass The Debut? No.
Overall Thoughts: The debut has an excitement and impact that's impossible to duplicate, even though the sophomore album is excellent.
❤️ Our Thoughts
🎵 Our Favorite Song From The Debut: Ice Cream Man
🎵 Our Favorite Song From The Sophomore Album: Bottoms Up!
🎸 Which Album Do We Prefer Together? Van Halen
❤️ Why? Every song feels fresh, energetic, and revolutionary while introducing one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived.
🌟 What Makes This One-Two Punch So Special To Us?
One album reinvented rock guitar.
The next proved it wasn't beginner's luck.
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🏅 Final Verdict
⭐ Debut Album Rating: 10/10
⭐ Sophomore Album Rating: 10/10
⭐ One-Two Punch Rating: 10/10
❓Do We Think This Is One of the Greatest Debut/Sophomore Combinations Ever?
My Answer: Absolutely.
My Girlfriend's Answer: Absolutely.
🎬 Final Thoughts
Van Halen's first two albums forever changed rock music. From "Eruption" redefining lead guitar to classics like "Runnin' with the Devil," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Dance the Night Away," and "Somebody Get Me a Doctor," these records remain essential listening. When Eddie Van Halen played those first tapped notes, the future of rock guitar changed forever—and this one-two punch remains one of the greatest in music history. 🤘
@alexandercaviedes2559
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
20.Housemartins – London 0 Hull 4 (86) was an auspicious debut. Happy Hour, Sheep,Sitting on a Fence, Think for Minute, and my favorite, We’re Not Deep are allmemorable The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death (87) is just as good, withBuild being my favorite track, yet I can't put my Finger on it, the titletrack, Me and the Farmer, Bow Down, and Five Get Overexcited are all excellentas well. And that was it for this band – just two albums.
31. The Cult
30. The Darkness
29. The Doors
28. ABBA
27. Metallica
26. Foreigner
25. King's X
24. Weird Al Yankovic
23. Van Halen
22. Nine Inch Nails
21. Billy Joel
20. Housemartins
@roberts.4261
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Asia: Asia and Alpha
@guarddl9522
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
# 20 – King Crimson: In The Court of the Crimson King (1969) / In the Wake of Poseidon (1970)
The first iteration of the band with Greg Lake on most vocals, put out 2 great albums to start. The debut of course is a prog rock defining classic, whereas the sophomore release is a nice companion. Both albums are similar in structure, sound, and arrangement. I dig the sophomore album quite bit which is why KC makes it in today.
Favorite Songs: 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, The Court of the Crimson King, Pictures of a City, Cat Food, The Devil's Triangle
@JoelPrice253
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
#20. Nevermore (1995) & The Politics of Ecstasy (1996)
@kamranmalik8546
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Day 12: Motörhead/Overkill
Day 1: Melissa/Don’t Break the Oath
Day 2: Rising Force/Marching Out
Day 3: On Through the Night/High ‘n’ Dry
Day 4: Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd/Second Helping
Day 5: The Allman Brothers Band/Idlewild South
Day 6: Dire Straits/Communique
Day 7: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn/A Saucerful of Secrets
Day 8: Emerson, Lake and Palmer/Tarkus
Day 9: Aerosmith/Get Your Wings
Day 10: Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good/Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying?
Day 11: Kill ‘Em All/Ride The Lightning
@damon7956
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Pick #12 The Cars
1. self titled debut (1978)
2. Candy – O (1979)
@CAMPBELLOBK97
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
20. Elvis Presley-(Self-titled) & Elvis
Though they are only just under 30 minutes long as were most albums back then, Elvis's first two albums catapulted him to be arguably the greatest music artists of all time. The thing I like most about these albums and Elvis's albums in general is you don't realize how good he really was until you listen to his deep cuts and the same can be said for bands like The Beatles and Queen.
My favourite tracks:Blue Suede Shoes and Love Me
21. Rage Against The Machine-(Self-titled) & Evil Empire
22. Kiss-(Self-titled) & Hotter Than Hell
23. Emerson, Lake & Palmer-(Self-titled) & Tarkus
24. Bruce Hornsby & The Range-The Way It Is & Scenes From The Southside
25. Loverboy-(Self-titled) & Get Lucky
26. Ozzy Osbourne-Blizzard Of Ozz & Diary Of A Madman
27. Eminem-The Slim Shady LP & The Marshall Mathers LP
28. Stereophonics-Word Gets Around & Performance & Cocktails
29. Oasis-Definitely Maybe & (What's The Story) Morning Glory
30. TOTO-(Self-titled) & Hydra
31. Uriah Heep-Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble & Salisbury
@Fastnbulbous1969
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
20. Iggy Pop – The Idiot / Lust for Life (1977)
What an incredibly productive partnership this was, Iggy and Bowie living and working together in Berlin, releasing four albums just in 1977 alone. First there was Low, released January 14, then The Idiot on March 18. Iggy headlined a tour to support the album with Bowie on keyboards! They returned to Berlin to then bang out Lust for Life on Sep 9 and "Heroes" on October 14. Bowie's experimentation with electronics and cold, industrial European modernism are all over The Idiot, aesthetically overlapping with Low. Iggy credits Bowie with helping him rebuild himself. After the tour with a crack band including Hunt & Tony Sales, Iggy confidently takes the reigns on a more band-driven album that better reflects his brighter, swaggering rock 'n' roll persona. Bowie still co-wrote a few songs and played piano, but otherwise stepped back, letting Iggy run the show and banging out the best album of his solo career in 8 days. While The Idiot is truly impressive and massively influential, it's impossible not to love the latter the most, especially the timeless "The Passenger."
21. Brian Eno – Here Come the Warm Jets / Taking Tiger Mountain By Strategy (1974)
22. Pere Ubu – The Modern Dance / Dub Housing (1978)
23. Elvis Costello – My Aim is True (1977) / This Year's Model (1978)
24. The Feelies – Crazy Rhythms (1980) / The Good Earth (1986)
25. Nick Drake – Five Leaves Left (1969) / Bryter Layter (1971)
26. R.E.M. – Murmur (1983) / Reckoning (1984)
27. The Stranglers – IV Rattus Norvegicus / No More Heroes (1977)
28. Buzzcocks – Another Music in a Different Kitchen / Love Bites (1978)
29. The Chameleons – Script of the Bridge (1983) / What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1985)
30. Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden (1980) / Killers (1981)
31. The Doors – The Doors / Strange Days (1967)
@ykmgeedee
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Voivod s/t War and Pain. They'd evolve starting with next release but for now it's pure thrash. Guitarist Denis d'Amour and vocalist Denis Belanger in particular go for the jugular.
@ScottBerry-yn8rw
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
20. Chicago – Chicago Transit Authority (1969) & Chicago II (1970)
21. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble – Texas Flood (1983) & Couldn’t Stand The Weather (1984)
22. Dio – Holy Diver (1983) & The Last In Line (1984)
23. Elvis Costello – My Aim Is True (1977) & This Year’s Model (1978)
24. Mahavishnu Orchestra – The Inner Mounting Flame (1971) & Birds Of Fire (1973)
25. Jesus and Mary Chain – Psychocandy (1985) & Darklands (1987)
26. The Band – Music From Big Pink (1968) & S/T (Brown Album) (1969)
27. Jeff Beck – Truth (1968) & Beck-O-La (1969)
28. Cream – Fresh Cream (1966) & Disraeli Gears (1967)
29. The Police – Outlandos D’Amour (1978) & Regatta De Blanc (1979)
30. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Pronounced (1973) & Second Helping (1974)
31. The Cars – S/T (1978) & Candy-O (1979)
@Brother_MarkG
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Day 12. Fear Not – S/T & Fields Of Sorrow There are many symbols of class in the field of hard music. If you think of power metal, you think of Blind Guardian and Theocracy – of progressive metal, you think of Dream Theater and Affector – and of thrash metal, you think of Megadeth, Metallica and old school Deliverance. When you mellow out a bit and think of AOR and melodic hard rock, you have, well, a whole lot of options to think about. On the mainstream side of the fence, the first that come to mind are big names such as Foreigner, Journey and Survivor, although do not discount equally strong contenders Giant, Harem Scarem and TNT. Options are somewhat limited within Christian hard music circles, which might have found the form peaking in the early to mid nineties. Hindsight might be 20/20, but I cannot help but feel Fear Not might have received greater acclaim in the late eighties as opposed to the grungy, flannel short wearing early nineties of its release. In other words, it potentially came out 4 to 5 years too late. Regardless of era, one cannot deny the albums virtues in the form of commercial hooks, energetic band performance and understated heaviness. Groups success ended up fleeting in that it disbanded shortly thereafter and went on to join the ranks of other notable Christian hard music acts Rage Of Angels, Recon and Eternal Ryte to release a lone acclaimed album before dropping from the scene. That is until now when against all odds the original four members to Fear Not reunited with new front man Eddie Green. Fields Of Sorrow does a better job staying true to the signature Fear Not melodic hard rock basis but with a twist. Yes, Fields Of Sorrow still presents with the occasional modern metal to grunge like moment – by no means a bad thing – but also points to a stripped down and bare bones hard rock yielding in which Fear Not explores a blues based and acoustic facet to its songwriting. It adds up to a more current and up to date Fear Not that despite a potentially redefined albeit analogous melodic sound, achieves similar levels of artistic creditability.
1. Television – Marquee Moon & Adventure
2. Tower of Power – East Bay Grease & Bump City
3. New Riders of the Purple Sage – S/T & Powerglide
4. Elvis Presley – S/T & Elvis
5. Barren Cross – Rock for the King & Atomic Arena
6. Quicksilver Messenger Service – S/T & Happy Trails
7. Mothers Finest – S/T & Another Mother Further
8. Ted Nugent – S/T & Free-for-All
9. The Stooges – S/T & Fun House
10. Cactus – S/T & One Way… or Another
11. The Move – S/T & Shazam
12. Fear Not – S/T & Fields Of Sorrow
@iainhead9898
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Hello everyone, well, I've just about got over watching England stutter their way to the semi-final: bring on Messi and the reigning champions I say! Anyway, on to today's picks, and we're firmly back in melodic hard rock territory, with a dash of AOR and pomp thrown in across the 2 bands in question…
MAIN PICK #12:
GIANT 'Last Of The Runaways" (A&M, 1989) & "Time To Burn" (Epic,1992)
Founded by singer/guitarist Dann and drummer David Huff of Christian rock band WHITEHEART, and also featuring session keyboard legend Alan Pasqua and bassist Mike Brignardello, the debut Giant album made big waves when it splashed down in the melodic rock ocean thanks to the huge guitar sound, massive choruses and great musicianship, all brought together by Terry Thomas' sterling production. I'm A Believer, I Can't Get Close Enough, Shake Me Up, Stranger To Me, Hold Back The Night and The Big Pitch all stand out, as does their one hit, I'll See You In My Dreams which got to #20 on tbe Billboard chart.
There was a couple of years gap before Time To Burn came out, same line-up and producer but a change of label, and although there was still a lot of great stuff on here, some of it really punchy (opener Thunder And Lightning for starters, and the title track is a really heavy hitter) it didn't get the ban any further forward and they faded from the scene.
They did reappear, minus Pasqua, in 2001 with the imaginatively titled Giant III, and have released others since, but with Dann Huff stepping away from playing with the band they've just never hit the heights they achieved with these two belters…
HON. MENTION #12:
HOUSE OF LORDS "S/T" (Simmons/RCA 1988) & "Sahara" (Simmons/BMG 1990)
These very nearly made my main list, mainly through the brilliance of the debut, but Sahara has always just come across, to me at least, as a slightly weaker follow-up than it should have been.
Essentially, "House Of Lords" should have been the 3rd Giuffria album, but when the band signed to Gene Simmons' label a change of name and vocalist were called for, so enter James Christian as lead singer alongside Gregg Giuffria on keyboards of course, Lanny Cordola on lead guitar and the rhythm section of Chuck Wright and Ken Mary. HOL is a melodic rock/pomp rock gem, Cordola's guitars given full reign to meld seamlessly with Gregg's keys. Opener "Pleasure Palace" has all the tropes of early Angel, I Wanna Be Loved was a minor hit – the Stan Bush cover Love Don't Lie should have been a major one – while Lookin' For Strange and Slip Of The Tongue are full on heavy rockers: Hearts Of The World and Under Blue Skies see Gregg's keys parping away to great effect… just a classic album.
Sahara just wasn't I the same league, imho, although it wasn't a bad album by any stretch. Cordola had left to be replaced by Michael Guy (Shark Island) and other guest guitarists including Doug Aldrich and Mandy Meyer, but they had another minor hit with a cover of Can't Find My Way Home (Blind Faith).
Now, if their 3rd album, Demon's Down, had been their 2nd, then we'd be back talking main list, easily!
@theomoor8513
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Today's picks "Inexpressible Infinity/ Illusions & Realities" 2019/2021 by Levitation Orchestra.
Jazz from London
@Paul_Progressive
July 12, 2026 at 1:27 pm
#20 Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath – Paranoid)
No explanations required. That’s where it all began.
#21 King Crimson (In the Court of the Crimson King – In the Wake of Poseidon)
#22 The Police (Outlandos d’amour – Regatta de blanc)
#23 Roxy Music (Roxy Music – For Your Pleasure)
#24 Riverside (Out of Myself – Second Life Syndrome)
#25 Heart (Dreamboat Annie – Magazine)
#26 Uriah Heep (…Very ‘Eavy…Very ‘Umble – Salisbury)
#27 Kansas (Kansas – Song for America)
#28 The Cure (Three Imaginary Boys – Seventeen Seconds)
#29 Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden – Killers)
#30 Arcade Fire (Funeral – Neon Bible)
#31 Foreigner (Foreigner – Double Vision)