Continuing my look at the albums of 1976…
The most influential debut of 1976 was the self-titled first release of punk rock band Ramones. This is one of those albums to which Brian Eno’s famous quote about The Velvet Underground’s debut applies: very few people heard it, but everyone who did started a band.
Running 14 tracks and under 30 minutes, Ramones is a collection of fast, furious, funny songs — head-bangy but deceptively melodic.
Continuing my look at the albums of 1976…
Today’s debut album is mostly a forgettable introduction to a band with great things in its future. But two great songs that (almost) bookend the album make sure it can’t be dismissed entirely.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ self-titled debut didn’t sell very well and received little attention from U.S. critics. It actually fared much better in the UK, where today’s SOTD gave the band their first Top 40 hit.
Continuing my look at the albums of 1976…
One of the most surprising debut albums I heard from this year is Heart’s Dreamboat Annie.
The record kicks off with ‘Magic Man’ and also features the similarly blistering ‘Crazy On You,’ two guitar-driven hits I expected from the band. But much of the album has a folk sound more reminiscent of The Carpenters or Joni Mitchell than Led Zeppelin.
Continuing my look at the albums of 1976…
If you want a debut album on which the artist emerged fully formed right out of the gate, look no further than Boston’s self-titled first release.
Consider that the first track on the band’s first album is ‘More Than a Feeling,’ a bona fide classic. And right on its heels comes ‘Peace of Mind,’ another all-timer. And closing out Side One of the nine-track album is ‘Foreplay/Long Time,’ a stellar instrumental followed by another classic rock song.
Continuing my look at the albums of 1976…
1976 was a big year for debut albums, and I’ll feature five of them to kick off this look at that year in music.
Debuts are interesting because some reveal a great artist emerging fully formed out of the gate, while others are rougher but contain seeds of the greatness to come. This week will include a bit of both.
Meet Me In Montauk 