Scratch My Back by Peter Gabriel
Released in February 2010, Scratch My Back was Peter Gabriel’s 8th solo studio album
Gabriel decided to release an album featuring his interpretations of other artist’s compositions using only orchestra and voice, resulting in Scratch My Back. The intent was always for his covers to be reciprocated by the artists he covered. Most played along and after some delays the companion album, And I’ll Scratch Yours, was released in 2013. The album performed well on album charts around the world reaching the top 5 in Belgium, Sweden, France, the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Canada. It also achieved top 20 in the UK and top 30 in the US.
Favourite track: “My Body Is A Cage”, originally performed by Arcade Fire
Bingo! by The Steve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band’s 16th studio album, Bingo!, was released after a 17 year hiatus
Bingo! was recorded at the studio owned by George Lucas, appropriately named Skywalker Studios. Miller chose to record covers of some of his favourite songs, predominantly in the blues genre. He intended the recording to be a “party album” that would make people get up and dance. Joe Satriani also turns up on a couple of tracks.
Favourite track: “Tramp”
What Lies Beneath by Tarja
This is Tarja’s first album in which she is credited for composition on every track
Original Nightwish lead singer, Tarja Turunen, released her third studio album in September of 2010. It is probably the first to sound closer to the music she made with her former band. Four singles were released from the album and it performed well in the charts of various European countries. Joe Satriani turns up on this one too!
Favourite track: “Anteroom Of Death”
The Final Frontier by Iron Maiden
The Final Frontier, the 4th studio album released since Bruce Dickinson rejoined the band
I loved this album right from the first listen and it remains one of my favourites from the band. I also got to see them live at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on the tour for this album. I thought they were amazing and the new songs held up well in the live format. The album received favourable reviews and topped the charts in 28 countries.
Favourite track: “Isle Of Avalon”
American Slang by The Gaslight Anthem
American Slang, was the Gaslight Anthem’s third studio album, released in June 2010
I first heard a track from this band and from this album on another of those sampler compact discs that came free with a music magazine. The album was successful in the US, Ireland and Australia. Five singles were released from the album to limited success. The band also toured Australia on the back of the album.
Favourite track: “The Spirit Of Jazz”
The Slabthrower 