Issue #018
Featuring Wings, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Blundetto, Ederaldo Gentil & Ramsey Lewis Trio
1. CLASSICS: Band On The Run by Wings (1973)
It is well known that Paul McCartney just couldn’t stand still and had to make music after The Beatles breakup (thankfully so). But getting "Band on the Run" made was anything but smooth. Paul suggested recording the album at the EMI studio in Lagos, Nigeria. Shortly before departing, drummer Denny Seiwell and guitarist Henry McCullough left the group. To make things worse, upon arrival, some song lyrics and the album’s demo tapes were stolen during an armed robbery. So Linda, Denny Laine, and Paul recorded the entire album without the tapes, with McCartney playing bass, drums, percussion, and most of the lead guitar parts. Yet, throughout the album, you get a sense that McCartney was having fun with it, despite—or maybe because of—the obstacles. One of the album’s lesser-known tracks, the 8th one, has perhaps the most interesting backstory. During a visit to the set of the movie Papillon, Paul met Dustin Hoffman, who, at dinner, challenged him to write a song about "anything." They opened a magazine, found the story of Picasso’s recent death, and his famous last words became the theme for the challenge.
2. ROCK: The Ride by Catfish And The Bottlemen (2016)
The Ride by Catfish and the Bottlemen is straightforward, guitar-driven indie rock that's just enjoyable and relatable. It's as simple as that. An album full of passion and energy, even if it doesn’t reach the groundbreaking heights of early Arctic Monkeys or The Strokes. Produced by Dave Sardy, known for his work with iconic bands like Oasis and Jet, The Ride took the essence of rock 'n' roll rebellion, polished it up, and put their own stamp on it.
3. UNCHARTED: Bad Bad Things by Blundetto (2010)
Released on June 7th, 2010, by Heavenly Sweetness, "Bad Bad Things" is the debut solo album of French producer Maxime Guiguet — aka Blundetto. Self-produced and recorded in his Parisian home studio, the album is not easily categorized. With warm, groovy analog textures, it quietly dances somewhere between soul, dub, and jazz. It is a fine example of how to pay tribute to various musical influences while creating something that feels new. The album's closing track, “Sunset Stroll,” nicely captures the overall vibe of the album: a perfect end to a perfect day.
4. MADE IN BRAZIL: Pequenino by Ederaldo Gentil (1976)
Born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, Ederaldo was deeply rooted in the Afro-Brazilian traditions that shaped both his music and his life. He was a key figure in the Bahian samba scene, alongside legends such as Batatinha, Riachão, and Nelson Rufino. Released in 1976 under Chantecler (RCA) and produced by João de Aquino, Pequenino shows Ederaldo on the album cover, bare-chested and wearing only religious beads, as if to declare: "I am Black and proud of my culture and my people." Similar to the greats Adoniran Barbosa and Paulinho da Viola, Ederaldo’s compositions on Pequenino are a humble, unfiltered expression of samba from the heart. The album opens with a samba-enredo, and from then on, Ederaldo's voice carries the sorrows, joys, and simplicity of everyday life in Brazil.
5. JAZZ: The In Crowd by The Ramsey Lewis Trio (1965)
Recorded live at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington, D.C., in May 1965, “The In Crowd” is the kind of album that makes you start tapping your feet without even realizing it. Few jazz records manage to make jazz fun, accessible, and irresistibly groovy as this one does. Released by Argo Records and produced by Esmond Edwards, this Grammy award-winning live album is the result of a unique moment in time when jazz crossed over into the mainstream, while still retaining its essence. The setup was classic: a Steinway grand piano for Ramsey Lewis, a stand-up bass for Eldee Young, and a simple drum kit for Redd Holt, and from the very first note, it’s clear that this album is special.
💬 Join the conversation in the comments!
What's your take on these albums? Which albums have you been listening to lately? Feel free to comment below. See you next time!
Finally!! Glad you haven’t forgotten us!!! 😃