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The Pretenders first album consistently received high marks from the critics and was a top 10 album in the U.S. when it was released, although it sounded like nothing else like anything else in the Top 40 at the time. It's a rock album with gorgeous melodies that, at times, disguise the disturbing subject matter of the lyrics. Though most of the songs were written by singer and rhythm guitarist Chrissie Hynde, this is a band album where every member plays an integral part in the album's success.

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On this episode, we talk about a band named after the inventor of the seed drill, Jethro Tull, and perhaps the band's best-known album Aqualung,  which happens to be the name of the underwater breathing apparatus invented by Jacques Cousteau.  Why Aqualung? Who knows. But there's plenty of other stuff discussed in this episode, such as the band's charismatic flute-wielding leader, the all-around excellent musicianship, and the always thought-provoking  (and often difficult  ) themes of this album (human worth and organized religion).  

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Dave Mason may not be a household name, but you are familiar with his work, especially his guitar playing, which has been on some of the most acclaimed songs of the late 60s and early 70s (which is why our cohost Tony calls him "The Forest Gump of Rock"). After co-founding and "leaving" Traffic, Mason recorded his first solo album, Alone Together. Mason is joined in the studio with some of rock's best musicians, including his Traffic teammate, Jim Capaldi. Find out why this particular album by is regarded by many as his best. 

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Hailed by critics as Los Lobo's best album, Kiko found the band in an experimental frame of mind. The band members themselves can't recall where some of the tunes and sounds came from. On this album, the band worked with famed keyboardist and producer, Mitchell Vroom (Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney), whose bank of keyboards color this album and make the fine songs sound textured and more interesting. Also, Tony introduces us the first all-covers album from the band, just released this year.

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DPA MacManus, also known as Elvis Costello, made some of  the most interesting tunes of the late 20th Century. Part of his charm was his ability to write witty, intelligent, and interesting pop songs that straddled the boundaries of Punk, New Wave, and Power Pop. In this episode, we delve into his second album, This Year's Model, and the background that spawned one of the most critically acclaimed album of the 70s. 

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In this special episode we ridicule some albums you probably love by Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, and The Eagles.

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Emmylou Harris' unmistakable voice has graced many artists' albums, both rock and country albums, usually as a backup singer or harmonizer. But on this, her 18th studio album, she takes a turn few would have imagined. Largely a collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Lanois (U2, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, Bob Dylan), Wrecking Ball is an album full of electronics and textures that provide Harris with a backdrop where she can really showcase her vocals. And her song choice by both established songwriters (Lucinda Williams, Bob Dylan, Neil Young) and relative new comers (at the time) (Gillian Welch) also show she knows a good song when she hears one.

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Southside Johnny may not be a household name, but he is the very definition of the New Jersey sound. Heralded by the likes of Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen (who has written many songs for him), Southside Johnny has made an indelible mark on the music industry. And this album is very much a collaboration with producer/songwriter/guitarist Little Steven Van Zandt (aka, Silvio on HBO's "The Sopranos"). If you like horns, Motown, and Stax, you'll love Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

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There are three bands from the early 70s that defined "power pop": The Raspberries, Badfinger, and Big Star. Named after a famous grocery in the Memphis area, Big Star became one of the most influential bands this side of the Atlantic. Perhaps their influence wanes only in comparison to the Velvet Underground. The two main personalities of this band, Alex Chilton (who sang one of the top smashes of 1967 with the Box Tops, "Letter") and Chris Bell (a meticulous studio-phile), wrote heartbreakingly earnest tunes that were instant ear candy. The only thing that impeded their success was technology.

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Hailed by critics, but mostly ignored by the recording buying public for several years after its release, the album, Dixie Chicken by Little Feat, highlights the songwriting, singing, slide guitar playing, and flute playing by the band's defacto leader, Lowell George. This is a band's band. And many other artists had hits with songs from this album. Listening to how this album seems steeped in the swamp rock of the south, it's hard to imagine the band had a mentor and proponent in Frank Zappa, with whom Lowell George played with.

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