Nuggets I

It's odd that a box set of forgotten songs would become a classic must-have, but this 4-CD set collects many non-Top 40 classics, underrated, rare, or weird songs from '65-'68 and it really is an essential part of '60s rock.

Screaming Blue Messiahs - Bikini Red

Quirky with a kick. That's how I would describe this three-piece from the UK. Bowie was a big enough fan to request they open for him on tour in the mid-80s. One of their songs was used as the theme music for MTV's "120 Minutes" show. The great Vic Maile (The Godfathers, Motorhead) produced their first two proper albums, "Gun Shy" and "Bikini Red," which spawned the novelty almost-hit "I Wanna Be A Flintstone." Despite that song, there's nothing cute about the propulsive opening track "Sweet Water Pools," which sounds like driving a dual-carb muscle car through a desert highway at 120 mph after a sleepless 3-day bender.

To The Outside of Everything - Post Punk 1977-1981

To The Outside of Everything - UK Post Punk 1977-1981 is a nice 5 x CD box set, which serves as a great introduction to the genre.

David Bowie - 2010s and beyond

 

 

When he reappeared with a new album in 2013, something was clearly amiss. We now know the unfortunate reasons behind it all and were lucky enough to be graced with the last couple years of material. And there have been, and will continue to be, releases posthumously.

The Fall - RIP

The wonderful and frightening world of the Fall, indeed. By the time you've finished reading this, there will undoubtedly be a new Fall record. They've darn-near put out an album a year since 1979. Some are completely mediocre... except for that one track that is pure magic. And, thus, it's very hard to simply recommend one single album. You're going to have to dig.

EDIT: RIP Mark E Smith

Modern Eon

Modern Eon's lone full length album from 1981 never made the transition to the digital world. It's very post-punk with a bit of early shoegaze sound.  From my vinyl rip, tried to clean it up as best I could.

Aztec Camera

Aztec Camera were essentially a vehicle for Roddy Frame. They scored some big hits in the UK, but only made a minor splash in America, via college radio.  Do check out the final AC album Frestonia, one of the forgotten gems of the '90s.