Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Angel Station (1979)

Manfred was the keyboard player in the 60’s band named after him, apparently as it sounded so different.  He was a South African who survived the demise of the original band and as he already had name recognition even though he was not the lead singer, he used the name again.  The personnel in the band were quite fluid except of course for Manfred who wrote most of the material for the group.  This was actually the band’s ninth record, though this one was far more popular than most of the earlier ones, maybe because of the hit single ‘You Angel You’, a brilliant Dylan cover.  They really hit their stride with this record, a mix of Art rock and classic driving rock but with gentler moments too, and all driven by Manfred’s immaculate keyboards.  It has remained a real favourite of mine over the years along with the darker ‘Somewhere in Africa’.  Best songs on this – opener ‘Don’t Kill It Carol’, ‘Belle Of The Earth’ and ‘You Are – I Am’. 

Aimee Mann – I’m With Stupid (1995)

Born in 1960, Aimee was a late starter.  This (actually her second album – but who’s counting) she released when she was 35.  She was in a new-wave American band ‘Till Tuesday’ but they were not very successful.  I have, as you must know a sweet spot for girl singer-songwriters – and Aimee caught my attention with this one – her real breakthrough record.  It got excellent reviews but sold poorly; not sure why – the songs are quirky but melodic, the singing is great and the production tight – but the public are fickle, especially as she really arrived twenty years too late.  She is what is called a musician’s musician.  Still – I like her, which is all that matters. My favourite songs are ‘Sugarcoated’, ‘All Over Now’ and ‘It’s Not Safe’. 

Loggins and Messina – Sittin’ In (1971)

Jim Messina had been in Buffalo Springfield and worked on several CSNY albums as a session player.   He was working as a record producer when he was introduced to an unrecorded singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins.  Forming an instant friendship Messina agreed to produce his first album, but was so involved in playing and writing much of the album that they created a duo (the title referred to Messina ‘sitting in on Kenny’s sessions).  An instant success with a couple of hit singles they continued for five more albums before splitting in ’76.  This was the best though; it has a charm and gentle mood which they tended to lose later.   Best on this are ‘House At Pooh Corner’, ‘Vahevalla’, ‘Danny’s Song’ and ‘Same Old Wine’.   Kenny went on to a successful middle of the road solo career and Jim carried on a s a session player and producer.