Diana Ross: "Swept Away" - September 1984

Diana Ross - "Swept Away" - September 1984. An interesting album that I've always rather liked. It opens with "Missing You," a beautiful ballad written by Lionel Richie and dedicated to the recently deceased Marvin Gaye. The title track was written by Daryl Hall. The album also included a duet with Julio Iglesias, "All of You." All 3 singles were substantial hits. And then there's that hair.... I mean, how can you not love that hair? But the best part is the video for "Swept Away." It's so wonderfully awful and cheesy that it sorta transcends into genius pop art. Sorta.

Leon Bridges - "Coming Home" - June 2015

Amazing album by Leon Bridges. It's a time-warp. It sounds like it was recorded about 5 decades ago.

D'Angelo - "Brown Sugar" - July 1995

Released almost exactly 20 year ago - July 3, 1995. He's only released two albums since. All 3 are amazing.

Billie Holiday - "Lady in Satin" - June 1958

June 1958. "Lady in Satin" - the final album Billie Holiday released before her death in July 1959. By the time she recorded "Lady in Satin" her voice was ravaged by years of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and performing, but she still used it to devastating effect. This album is haunting and echoes with all of the sorrow and pain in her life. In my opinion "Lady in Satin" is one of the great recordings of all time.

Bill Withers - "Still Bill"

Found a good condition used LP copy of Bill Withers' 1972 album "Still Bill." I've been looking for this one for a while, so I'm pretty pleased. The sound quality really impresses me - this is one well-produced album. It sounds fresh and alive. A great pressing. And Withers' songs and the performances are outstanding. "Who is He (and what is he to you)?" has that slow, funky bass groove... it's just killer. And of course "Use Me" and "Lean on Me" are classic singles that have been covered many times.

"Still Bill" is a hugely influential album that deserves every accolade.