Amorica by the Black Crowes
Amorica’s risque cover photo was taken from the July 1976 issue of Hustler magazine
Amorica was the third studio album released by the Black Crowes and the second of three featuring what is for me the definitive line-up of Chris and Rich Robinson, Eddie Harsch, Marc Ford, Johnny Colt & Steve Gorman. The album was another successful one for the band, reaching the top 20 in Australia, the US and the Netherlands and made it in to the top 10 in the UK.
Favourite track: “High Head Blues”
The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails released their second studio album five years after their debut
The Downward Spiral was intended as a concept album detailing the self-destruction of a man from the beginning of his misanthropic “downward spiral” to his suicide. Dark and abrasive, I have always considered this both a challenging and rewarding listen. Progressive rock guitarist Adrian Belew, was given a brief that asked him play freely yet react to melody, concentrate on rhythm and use noise. He certainly stuck to the brief!
Favourite track: “Hurt”, both the original version and the fantastic Johnny Cash cover version.
Around The Next Dream by BBM
BBM was an acronym for the last names of members Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce & Gary Moore
In 1993 legendary power trio Cream were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and were briefly reunited to play a few tracks at the induction. Baker and Bruce wanted to reform and go on tour but Eric Clapton was not ready to do so (they would not reform until 2005). Not wanting to lose momentum they formed a short-lived trio with Gary Moore instead. They recorded just the one album, went on a short tour and then disbanded. Being a fan of both Cream and Gary Moore, I bought the album on its day of release and have loved it ever since.
Favourite Track: The track featuring one of Gary Moore’s finest solos, “Why Does Love (Have To Go Wrong?)”
Grace by Jeff Buckley
Jeff met his singer-songwriter father Tim Buckley, only once during their equally short lives
When Grace was released sales were initially slow despite critical acclaim and celebrity endorsement from the likes of David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Brad Pitt, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. The album sold well in Australia and Buckley toured twice in late 1994 and early 1995. The album consisted of his own compositions alongside three covers, including his well-known take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.
Favourite track: “Last Goodbye”
Purple by Stone Temple Pilots
Purple, the hugely successful second album from Stone Temple Pilots, released in June 1994
Purple debuted at number one on the US charts and would go on to sell six million copies. Three singles were released and were also successful. The album didn’t just do well in the US, it also topped the charts in Australia and was a top ten hit in Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK. I love this whole album, including the hilarious hidden track, and I still listen to it as an album regularly.
Favourite Track: “Big Empty”
The Slabthrower 