The 2026 3 Albums A Week Challenge; June

        June

2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)

The Replacements - Dead Man's Pop

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This is the "Matt Wallace" mix of the Don't Tell A Soul album and just like "Let It Bleed", this is now my definitive version of the album. It's stripped away some of the layered guitars which really dated the record and brought Westerberg's vocals more to the front. The little nuances, like the banjo on "Talent Show" have been unearthed and the overall feel of the record is more in line with what one would expect of this band. "I'll Be You" and "Achin' To Be" are big hits in an alternate universe. 

Steely Dan - Aja

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: I don't really think I have to say much about this album. Everyone familiar with rock knows that this is one of the definitive albums when it comes to near perfection in its' production. This is before the digital age when performances in the studio were caught as they happen. Steely Dan as record producers were the Stanley Kubrick of music. A beautiful album with great performances from Larry Carton, Bernard Purdie, and Jeff Porcaro among others. Just a first class album. 

Paul McCartney - Tug of War

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: I have only heard this once previously and it was probably 30 years ago. I don't remember being enamored with it. Today? I think it's a really good record, but not an essential listen in my opinion. "Take It Away" is a great pop song....and well....McCartney always manages to have at least one great song on every album. 

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This band owned the 70's and this doesn't quite get the attention it deserves as a follow up to Dark Side of the Moon. It's a masterwork on its' own. A mix of blues, synth, and prog rock, it's immersive and a top shelf "stoner album". Of course the title track is an all-time great song and "Have A Cigar" is not too far behind it. 

Willie Nelson - Dream Chaser

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: The 79th solo record from Willie and while it may not hold up to Red Headed Stranger (not many country albums do) it's got a great feel. It sits right along side his best works from the 70's and 80's in tone, pace, and bringing home that Willie Nelson vibe. A brisk 30 minute listen is well worth repeating and soaking in fantastically written and performed gems like "We'd Make A Good Movie", "Fly Away", and one that checks all the outlaw boxes "Whiskey Wants Me To". 

Willie Nelson - Always On My Mind

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: One of Willie's best. "The Party's Over", "Always On My Mind", and "Permanently Lonely" all shine and don't sleep on the Procol Harum cover "A Whiter Shade of Pale". 

Jackson Browne - Running on Empty

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This is a record that garnered two Grammy nominations and is just chock full of greatness. The title track, "Cocaine", "The Load Out", "Stay", "Rosie".......the entire album just hits. Life on the road....the fans, the people met, the joy of playing music....the boredom! This is a must listen for any fan of 70's rock. A pleasure to listen to. 

John Mellencamp - Scarecrow

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: Arguably Mellencamp's best record. Loosely conceptual, it deals with the ideas of America's heartland, time slipping away, and longing for a simpler time. If you have never heard this album front to back, please do yourself a favor and sit with it. Give it your attention. A rewarding record from one of the best pop song writers in American rock. 

Al Stewart - Year of the Cat

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: I have not heard this in its entirety since I was a child. Once I got a minute into the first track, it came rushing back. A mellow, cinematic group of songs that may dare to give you diabetes! It's so buttery and sweet. I need to listen to it with headphones soon as I believe that is gonna be a real treat. The title song is one of the better pop songs ever written, but try on "On The Border" and "If It Doesn't Come Naturally" for size. 

Henry Gross - Release

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: One of my dad's favorites. Not really sure why. I am not saying it's not good, it is just kind of out of left field for him. The biggest draw on this record is "Shannon". A tear jerker that goes full on Beach Boys while lamenting the death of Carl Wilson's (yes, of the Beach Boys) dog. 

Bob Burkett - Loner

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: OK, I can hear you; "Who the fuck is Bob Burkett?" Hell, I don't know. It was another one I pulled from my dad's vinyl collection. I have never heard it and it's not easy to find ANY information on this album. I mean....VERY difficult. A search of The Google yields very little. Even if it was a "must listen", I can't tell you where to hear it unless you come over. Anyhow, it's a mid 70's era album that is probably 5 to 10 years too late. It calls to mind the Monkees, the Turtles, and Gerry & The Pacemakers. Definitely a folk/rock vibe with sprinklings of British Invasion. A fun listen and actually, I will likely spin it again at some point. 

UNKLE - Where Did The Night Fall

Format: Apple Music

Stereo

Notes: Not exactly in my "wheelhouse" so to speak, but I did enjoy the listen after being suggested by Tanner. Pop oriented, with lots of synth. Some 80's feel to it. The standout tracks for me were Ablivion, The Healing and On A Wire. 

Neil Young - Trans

Format: Vinyl

Stereo

Notes: This isn't a typical Neil Young record. The songwriting is there, but it's mostly electronic type music with his voice going through a synthesizer. A nice follow up to UNKLE and an album I have enjoyed since I was a kid. "Transformer Man" is a great song in any genre and while it can be a bit muddy here, it gets the "Unplugged" treatment on the MTV show and shines. 

Spiritualized - Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space

Format: Apple

Bose 700 Headphones

Notes: Chris brought this one out for album night. It's a bit long, but delivers a sometimes bluesy psychedelic vibe that weaves it's way through the record. Definitely an immersive listen with headphones and under the influence. "I Think I'm In Love" and "Come Together" are excellent tracks and it was cool to hear a shout out to John Prine's "Sam Stone".