Beech Tree News Network

Against The Grain by: Andy Sullivan

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of some classic albums that have helped shaped the history of Rock & Roll, and just music in general.  The first album is The Joker by the Steve Miller Band.  The Joker is the 8^th studio album by Steve Miller Band.  The album was recorded at Capitol Studios and released by Capitol Records in October 1973.  The album marked a period of significant change for the group as they abandoned their psychedelic-oriented music for a more melodic, smoother rock/blues sound.

The title track was their biggest hit.  “The Joker” peaked in the top 10 of the trade charts of six countries-reaching #1 in four.  Their next most successful hit, “Abracadabra” wasn’t until 9 years later.  Back then, most albums didn’t even have the standard 10 tracks.  The Joker, for instance, only had 9 tracks.  (www.officialcharts.com)

Another album that turns 50 this year is Tres Hombres by ZZ Top.  For those wondering, Tres Hombres means Three Men of a certain age.  The album was released on July 26, 1973. Tres Hombres was their 3^rd studio album.  It was released by London Records in 1973 and was the band’s first collaboration with engineer Terry Manning.  “La Grange” was the only single from the album.  That sounds wild in these times.  Back then, however, an artist might release two albums a year compared to one every few years today.  The album was released to a lukewarm reception, yet it peaked at #8 in the United States and was certified Gold. (www.wikipedia.com) .  Not too shabby if you ask me.

For our final factoid, we move to vinyl.  According to the 1949 Columbia catalog, issued September 1948, the first 12-inch LP was Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E Minor by Nathan Milstein on the violin with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Bruno Walter.  Columbia-specifically engineer Peter Carl Goldmark-is credited for introducing the 33 1/3 rpm 12-inch LP in 1948.  It became the most popular format for recorded music for some two decades-until the compact disc took hold in the early 1980’s.  Vinyl records can last up to 100 years with the right care.  (Vinyl Obsession, AXS-TV)

Feel free to check out my podcast Blendertainment at the links below,

https://open.spotify.com/show/61yTPt9wXdz37DZTbPUs16?si=w5jHghPVRmaTaP5ZEI-wzQ

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blendertainment/id1541097172