FEBRUARY
2026 Album Challenge (Home Link)
The Eagles - One of These Nights
Format: CD
Fiio FT-1 Headphones
Notes: Probably my favorite Eagles album, with apologies to the great Hotel California. They were transitioning on the spectrum from near country to near pop. Nominated for four Grammy's and winning one, it was another in a succession of top notch albums. Favorite tracks are "Lyin' Eyes" and "After The Thrill Is Gone".
Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks
Format: Apple Music
Fiio FT-1 Headphones
Notes: I will probably do a couple of Dylan albums. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan, but can like his music in small bursts. In 57 years, I've never listened to a full album, but I had an idea of what this may sound like. I was wrong. Much more rock than I was expecting, as I kind of figured it would be mostly filled with folk ballads. "Tangled Up In Blue" is an easy favorite, but the best song on the record, in my opinion, may well be "Idiot Wind".
Carole King - Tapestry
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700
Notes: I have always loved this record. I played it a lot for my daughter when she was younger and it was fun watching her jump around the house to "I Feel The Earth Move". Most albums, no matter how solid, will have some filler here and there, but this record is mostly "bangers" as the kids say. The first seven tracks are an unbelievable run of songs to start off an album with. One of my favorite pop tunes is "It's Too Late" and along with "Smackwater Jack" and "Way Over Yonder", this album has imprinted on my mind that it's one of the best of all time. That is supported by being in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Produced by the great Lou Adler, it won four Grammy's in 1972, including Album of the Year, and Record of the Year (not sure what the difference is) and is in many notable "Best Of..." lists including Rolling Stone and has been certified 14x Platinum, which is currently 39th for best all time. If you have never listened to this from top to bottom, treat yourself.
Yes - Fragile
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Fiio FT1
Notes: I have never been a big fan of Yes, and this record didn't really change that. I like a handful of songs and a couple of them are on this record. "Roundabout" is a great song....period. A lot of energy and a funky bass line that elevates the song. "Long Distance Runaround" is another notable track. Overall, not a bad listen, but just not what I am going to go to for more than a sonic treat when I am in a certain state of mind. I think I am better off liking them in bits and pieces.
The Beatles - Let It Be
Stereo
Notes: Was feeling like some Beatles and while this is probably not a record most fans would gravitate to first, it does have it's great moments. "Let It Be", "I've Got A Feeling", and "Get Back", being those, and there are a couple of underrated songs, by their standard (Across The Universe, Two of Us).
The V-Roys - All About Town
Fiio FT1
Notes: A record I am very familiar with and I have listened to it a lot over the years, but haven't visited it in awhile. A great band that deserved more, this album is a collection of songs that runs the spectrum of influence from The Beatles, to Roger Miller, to John Prine, to Neil Young. I suppose this could be considered a pop album, but not sure that sticks as there is quite a bit of country and even bluegrass and Celtic weaved through it. When Scott Miller and Mic Harrison click (The Window Song) it feels right as their voices play off each other. The entire record is a highlight, but "Mary" and "Fade Away" are absolute standouts in songwriting craft.
Miles Davis - A Tribute To Jack Johnson
Stereo
Notes: I got turned on to this by my friend Steve, who is no longer with us. I had called him to catch up and he had this blasting in the background and it just hit right, even over a cell phone. I have since listened to it several times. It can be explosive and then relent into ballad form and then back to the rollick. It's every bit rock n roll as it is jazz. It's an album I will likely revisit again and again.
The Beatles - The Beatles (aka; The White Album)
Stereo
Notes: I didn't really intend to do this album so quickly after doing "Let It Be", but I ordered the Super Deluxe box and it had the 5.1 blu-ray mix, so I sorta HAD to listen to it. It didn't disappoint. The surround mix brings new life to a few songs and overall it doesn't have any hint of "gimmick". "Dear Prudence" is immersive as is "Long, Long, Long" and "Why Don't We Do It In The Road?" (a song I don't have much affection for) has been rescued by the mix, with Paul's vocal performance dominating.
The Old 97's - Satellite Rides
Air Pods Pro 2
Recommendation: Brian
Notes: A solid album front to back. The Old 97's lean into power pop for many tracks but also manage to stay adjacent to their twangier side at times. I was surprised that this album is a 2001 release, as I would have had it pegged about 5 or 6 years prior. Standout tracks for me were "Rollerskate Skinny", "Weightless", and "Nervous Guy". Overall, as initially stated, this album is full of catchy songs. No filler.
Crosby, Stills, & Nash - Crosby, Stills, & Nash
Bose 700
Notes: The debut of the trio and it's a very good record. A little folk, a little rock, it's a nice blend that falls pretty close to the first couple of albums by The Band. The lead track (Suite Judy Blue Eyes) may be their most recognizable song and many would say their absolute best. I wouldn't disagree. Other notables are "Marrakesh Express", "Helplessly Hoping", and "Wooden Ships", although "Guinnevere" is as haunting and sublime as almost anything else they ever did.
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - The Roaring Silence
Format: Apple Music
Bose 700
Notes: I wasn't sure what to expect from this, I decided to listen to it after sort of rediscovering "Blinded By The Light" on a live YouTube video. Overall, it was enjoyable enough and much more eclectic than I thought it might be. Some fun tracks including "Singing The Dolphin Through" and "This Side of Paradise". Is it something I will revisit? Not sure. Again, I didn't dislike it, but I am very hit and miss on "prog rock".
Gerry Rafferty - City to City
Format: Vinyl
Stereo
Notes: A very solid album start to finish from the guy that brought you "Stuck In The Middle With You" when he was with Stealers Wheel. The most famous song, and rightfully so, is "Baker Street". But this record is much more than that. Other standouts are "Right Down The Line" and "Home and Dry" and they both have gotten air play over the years. I suppose this could be considered "Yacht Rock" (a term I am not fond of), but I think that limits its' appeal. A lot of great guitar riffs and solid musicianship.
Phosphorescent - Muchacho
Format: Apple Music
Airpods
Notes: Chris and I resurrected "Album Night" from the ashes and this was our first album, chosen by Chris. I didn't know what to expect, but this was a really good listen that I put on again a couple days later. It calls to mind the bands U2 and Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground, as well as Joe Henry. I can't say there was a weak song on the record, but there were a couple that stood out; "The Quotidian Beast" is an epic song that instantly calls to mind Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", with a little more giddy up to it. "Ride On/Right On" is an absolutely catch tune as well.
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