1. CLASSICS: Odessey & Oracle by The Zombies (1968)
When The Beatles wrapped up their recording sessions for "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" at Abbey Road, they left behind a bunch of unconventional instruments (like the Mellotron), and the rooms were certainly still filled with loads of creative energy. The band who walked in next were The Zombies, who recorded their third studio album, "Odessey and Oracle," which sounds as colourful and varied as the album cover looks.
2. ROCK: Being So Normal by Peach Pit (2018)
Peach Pit’s debut album 'Being So Normal' is an easy-on-the-ears indie rock album. They might have remained in some dark underground pit of indie music if it weren't for a fan and influencer from the Philippines who shared one of their songs online. Soon, they started gaining fans all over the world who connected with Neil Smith's melancholic (some would say depressive) lyrics, drawn from his own life experiences.
3. UNCHARTED: Schmilco by Wilco (2016)
“Schmilco” should definitely be on your next road trip playlist. The gentle strumming of guitars and Jeff Tweedy's soft vocals make for a perfect soundtrack for driving past countryside landscapes. It was recorded at The Loft (Wilco’s studio in Chicago), during the same sessions as the band’s previous album, Star Wars. The fact that the album cover was commissioned by spanish artist Joan Cornellà is the cherry on top of a great album.
4. MADE IN BRAZIL: Moraes Moreira by Moraes Moreira (1975)
This album marked Moraes Moreira's debut as a solo artist after his departure from the group Novos Baianos. It's a joyful tribute to brazilian life from the perspective of an artist that, although very well connected, was doing his own thing - like blending samba, frevo, and psychadelic rock. The album includes a partnership with Luiz Gonzaga and a cover of the song "Se Você Pensa" by Roberto and Erasmo Carlos. Play it loud and enjoy!
5. JAZZ: Change Of The Century by Ornette Coleman (1960)
"Change of the Century" is a milestone recording in the early days of the free jazz movement. Rather than resting on the success of his previous album, Coleman returned with a more confident and adventurous approach. He pioneered what he called "harmolodics" – a forward-thinking method to scientifically approach free jazz improvisations, which would later influence numerous jazz-funk artists.
Allow me this time congratulate you for the special research and for the more than great way to exploit and describe each Album. This time my pick is the morais moreira’s song ballad “nesse mar nessa ilha”. Peach Pit was just a great discovering as well!
I first heard Odessey & Oracle in 2014 after I heard “Care of Cell 44.” I binged on that album for a couple years. It’s sweet and delightful.