Ian McDonald – Drivers Eyes

There had been twenty-nine years since Ian McDonald’s last solo release in 1970, a collaboration with drummer Michael Giles, and this solo album ‘Drivers Eyes’ (1999). The album is a collection of songs that make up a perfect modern rock album, driving music played with thought and inspiration.

Grey Lady Down – The Crime

What is progressive rock? Well, it’s when you grow up and stop worrying about what the band looks like and start listening to the music. My British Bulldog friends Grey Lady Down are a fine example with their neo-progressive sound.

Cats In Space – Day Trip To Narnia

2020 was a good year for new rock albums. Cats in Space’s third album, Day Trip to Narnia, is no exception. After Too May Gods (2015), Scarecrow (2017), and a positively bouncing live album, Cats Alive (2018), Day Trip To Narnia is a massive step in the right direction.

Genesis – Live (1973)

Five songs were selected for Genesis Live, which rocketed into the charts in Britain, reaching #9. What you got were five epics, all clocking in at over eight minutes; in all forty-five minutes.

Uriah Heep – Look At Yourself

Look At Yourself (1971), the band’s third album, still is the ultimate Uriah Heep hard rock album to many. The cover is great; it’s a mirror, look at yourself! Get it?

Caravan – Cunning Stunts

Released in 1975, Cunning Stunts was Caravan’s sixth album and contained all their trademarks. Beautiful compositions, dexterous musicianship, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of ribald humour.

Whitesnake – Slip of the Tongue

Whitesnake can quite rightly claim to have released one of the last great rock albums of the eighties, Slip of the Tongue, as it was released in November 1989 after a long and difficult recording period.

Black Sabbath – Paranoid

Although this is far from a perfect album, upon its release it defined the whole Heavy Metal – Stoner Rock movement along with their debut released a mere six months earlier.