Certain spiritually-intoxicated medieval mystics, we are told, were sometimes privileged to hear the fabled music of the spheres in all their heavenly glory. The equally discerning ear of our resident rock-critic and distinguished wine connoisseur, Robin Hemmings, chooses the much-coveted Golden House-Sparrow Album Of The Day Award - when his lucid intervals permit.
(NB Worn out by his creative frenzy of earlier months, The Rock Critic Of The Year is currently saving his chiselled epigrams for an occasional series of reviews. Who says it's not tough at the top...?)
DP
April 21
The Who By Numbers : The Who
Booming self analysis. Loud, soul-searching heavy rock - not, however, lacking in variety. For the first time in the band's history, there features an acoustic ballad.
April 20
Good As I Been To You : Bob Dylan
Fascinating return to roots and grammatical inconsistencies. Some delightful solo cover versions of traditional folk songs
April 19
Out Of Time : REM
Moody if commercially viable work where they honed their extraordinary sound. Superlatively good.
April 18
Revolver : The Beatles
Under-rated. This could be a greatest hits album for any other influential band, but it was just one for the Beatles. One which saw them exploring new dimensions of rock and roll, and pushing their limits as a band unit.
April 17
Let It Bleed : The Rolling Stones
Superb and diverse work with blues, R and B, honky tonk and classic Stones rockers and ballads. This is, quite simply, one to take to bed with you!
April 16
Now And Then : The Carpenters
As usual, this high-school smoochers type album included a few hits, a few carers, a few duffers and a medley. Nice album...fun in places, touching in others, and not too bad on the reach-for-the-bucket rating!
April 15
The Gift : The Jam
Their last and most successful album is a fine and entertainingly diverse affair. Three hit songs and a fine supporting cast; mature Mod-Rock at its best. 'Britpop"? Pah!
April 14
Band On The Run : Wings
By popular opinion, this is McCartney's best offering of the 1970's. Recorded in Lagos by a band of just three (including Linda!), Macca is at his melodic, enthralling best. It may be cheesy in places, but it's always fun, and laughs off those vocal harmonies with a cheery grin. Damn fine stuff!
April 13
Who's Next : The Who
A seminal album, every song a classic. Loud, thunderous, stomping R-and-B. Superbly written, faultlessly played, and moving to a fault. Beware though; even the ballads could make your walls shake!
April 12
Bringing It All Back Home : Bob Dylan
Half rock, half acoustic. This is an all-time classic show-casing a young, hungry and philosophical Dylan as he moved away from his folk roots to invent "folk-rock", despite his own protestations that there was no such thing.
April 11
Hits...And More : Yardbirds
This (or any other) Yardbirds collection shows a rootsy r-and-b band developing in a time of musical change. Almost all the members of this ever-changing band went on to be legends (Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin etc.,).
April 10
The Wall : Pink Floyd
Their classical psychoanalytical opera explores the relationship between the individual and his surrounding world. Classic cosmic rock, infinitely deep and melodic.
April 9
A Weapon Called The Word : The Levellers
Debut album showed reputable roots and a cutting edge. The emphasis was on folk and this is the Brighton-based indie/folk-band's most honest and spontaneous work to date.
April 8
Queen : Queen
Debut album showed immense promise and the heavy influence of Yes and Led Zeppelin. Bluesy, cutting and fun.
April 7
After The Gold Rush : Neil Young
An early folk-based album which broke this particular guitar hero onto the market. Sparsely arranged, it showcases his "pining-away" voice and succeeds at every turn.
April 6
Viva Hate : Morrissey
His first post-Smiths effort saw our solemn friend exploring his favourite topics - wasted sexuality, wasted childhood; but a fairly tight production and spangly new guitarist ensure he barely wastes a track!
April 5
A Pagan Place : The Waterboys
Lovely blend of rock and - well, pure inspiration. References to point would include Dylan, Russian folk and U2!
April 4
Killing Floor : Howlin' Wolf
Love that apostrophe! This classic bluesman played a mean harp/guitar and inspired Page, Clapham and numerous others. Educative.
April 3
A Night At The Opera : Queen
This was always intended to be a classic album and it fits the bill perfectly. A classic dose of multi-textured vocal harmonies and guitars.
April 2
Year Of The Cat : Al Stewart
Why not mellow back today and let a cool, rippling voice bombard you with poeticism and exquisite melodies.
April 1
Dark Side Of the Moon : Pink Floyd
Their most established work is a timeless wonder, defining cosmic rock in its day and beyond. An absolute must.
March 31
Tommy : The Who
The original double-album sprawling rock-opera is still a fine listen. Author Pete Townsend combines elements of instrumental, opera, jazz and more with a bizarrely psychological story and, of course, The Who's inimitable heavy R and B style.
March 30
Hup! : The Wonder Stuff
A monumental contribution to the Indie canon back in 1989, Hup saw TWS losing their mysterious Bass Thing, but gaining a folksy fiddle and twang. Not to the detriment of the frantic, stomping, Uni-bar free-for-all....
March 29
John Wesley Harding : Bob Dylan
A laid-back, acoustic-based album from the Bard himself. Quiet, understated album with mysterious poeticism. Maybe not his best, but well worth the Experience...!
March 28
Led Zeppelin : LZ
Debut '69 album for the thunderous quartet saw them exploiting a newly-popular "heavy blues" sound for all their worth. Moody, punchy and rootsy, this will stand the test of time.
March 27
Imagine : John Lennon
Probably his best solo effort. This was a poignant, melodic album way back in '71. Contains the title track, Jealous Guy. Bare and definitive.
March 26
Bang! : World Party
The critics' fave in summer '93. Karl Wallinger, ex Waterboys and World Party's only member, plays out all instruments on a number of well-constructed songs ranging from melodic ballads to pseudo-techno. Almost a kind of sampling, so strongly are his influences reflected in his music - interesting.
March 25
Wild Wood : Paul Weller
Sumptuous solo-work by the ex-Jam man. This finds him mellowing with age and sounding more and more confident on those acoustic ballads - still rocks good, though. Almost a concept album, too.
HedWeb
HerbWeb
BLTC ResearchE-mail Robin
robin@peacehaven.co.uk
