A Night on the Town

This album is considered one of Rod Stewart's finest. The cover is based on Renoir's painting, "Bal du moulin de la Galette," with Rod inserted in the painting in period attire.

A Night on the Town (1976) includes some of Rod's classic hits, such as "Tonight's the Night," "The First Cut Is the Deepest," and "The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)." I bought this album when it was originally released, and it sounds as good today as it did then.

Definitely give this one a listen! You can borrow it instantly via Hoopla today.


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Greatest Hits 2 by Bob Seger

After listening to Greatest Hits 2, you will know why Bob Seger is one of the bestselling artists of all time. This compilation album released in 2003 contains some of his best music, including "Katmandu," "Tryin' To Live My Life Without You," and "Rock And Roll Never Forgets." Once you've heard this album, it will be obvious why Bob Seger has a career spanning six decades and has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

Listen to the album on Hoopla today.



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Slowhand by Eric Clapton

Originally released in 1977, Slowhand is considered to be one of Eric Clapton's best. This is still one of my favorite albums, and I never get tired of listening to it. There are the hits that we all remember, such as "Cocaine," "Wonderful Tonight," and "Lay Down Sally," but don't overlook the rest of the songs.

This 35th anniversary edition contains a total of 27 songs, and there are some hidden gems. I recommend "Next Time You See Her," "May You Never," and "Knocking on Heaven's Door" to name a few. By the way, did you know that the title of the album is Eric Clapton's nickname?

Listen to Slowhand on Hoopla today.


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Joanne by Lady Gaga (2016)

joanneI have not been able to stop listening to Lady Gaga’s newest album Joanne. The album is named in tribute to her long-deceased Aunt Joanne, who passed away at the age of 19 and Gaga never had a chance to meet.

Gaga’s previous albums are much more glam/dance/pop and Joanne is a refreshingly stripped-down showcase of Gaga’s incredible vocal and musical talents.  There is a lot of variety on Joanne – it’s a little bit country, a whole lot of rock, and at times has Latin and Motown influences.

A few of my favorite tracks include: “A-YO” (a party tune that’s just plain fun);  “Joanne” (a heartbreaking acoustic ballad written to her late aunt);  “Hey Girl” (a funky duet with Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine); “John Wayne” (a crowd-pleasing guitar-heavy anthem); “Just Another Day” (perhaps a tribute to the late David Bowie or the Beatles); and “Million Reasons” (a beautiful catchy ballad that you won’t want to stop playing on repeat).  All the songs on this album truly showcase Lady Gaga’s absolutely stunning vocals and her incredible range as an artist.

If you don’t want to wait for the CD, stream it instantly via Hoopla!
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Give Up (10th Anniversary Edition) by The Postal Service (2013)

One of my favorite albums Give Up by The Postal Service has been re-released as a tenth anniversary set. There are only two unearthed songs on the album, but they are fantastic.

The rest of the album serves as reminder of how great Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello are together. Touring for the first time ever this summer, I hope to finally see them live.

http://youtu.be/0wrsZog8qXg
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Gossamer by Passion Pit (2012)

A fabulous and fun album, Gossamer is guaranteed to get you on feet. Despite the upbeat tempo the lyrics tackle some bleak topics such alcoholism, immigration, and suicide.  This is the second album for the electro-pop group, Passion Pit, and it is a wonderful mix of the highs and lows of life. Here is a clip of one of my favorite tracks “Take a Walk.”

httpv://youtu.be/dZX6Q-Bj_xg

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Blunderbuss by Jack White (2012)

If you're a fan of the minimalist tunes of The White Stripes, Blunderbuss by Jack White will have many tunes to please you. Don't miss the song "Love Interruption."

For more on Jack White (half of The White Stripes duo), visit his website.

httpv://youtu.be/iErNRBTPbEc

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Boys & Girls by Alabama Shakes (2012)

One of the most talked about the albums of the year, the debut Boys and Girls by the Alabama Shakes does not disappoint. On this powerful soul record, Brittany Howard's vocals are reminiscent of Janis Joplin and Otis Redding.

After hearing the band interviewed on the radio program Sound Opinions, I was struck by the band’s story and how they struggled to get this record made. The song “Hold On” has an infectious rhythm and will get you dancing no matter where you are.
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Making Mirrors by Gotye (2012)

The Australian singer Gotye covers a lot of ground from psych-rock to soul in his latest album Making Mirrors. However, the songs that stand out are reminiscent of ‘80s pop, especially the hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” This is a fun and different album that everyone should listen to this year.

Check out reviews from NPR and Pitchfork.

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Hard Rock Treasures

Hard Rock Treasures (2005)
Hard Rock Treasures is the history of Hard Rock Cafes and how they obtain memorabilia of rock groups. Entertaining and educational! Showed lots of old rockers! Fun!

Don Bernstine hosts the documentary. Learn more at the Hard Rock blog. Visit Hard Rock's YouTube Channel for glimpses of treasures and so much more.

Lungs by Florence + the Machine

Lungs by Florence + the Machine (2009)
This debut album from the eccentric British pop singer Florence Welch is not only mesmerizing but it is also a lot of fun.  Welsh’s elegant voice stands out on this record amid the building crescendos of frenzied percussion. With tracks like “You’ve Got the Love” and the “Dog Days are Over,” you won’t be able to resist dancing. This is a perfect album for the summer.

Check out a review of the album.

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After Robots by BLK JKS

After Robots by BLK JKS (2009)
A South African band influenced by western rock/pop music, BLK JKS (pronounced Black Jacks) has tribal and modern influences and sings in four different languages (including English). The group has been compared to everyone from The Cure to Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Check out reviews in The Guardian, Pop Matters, and Billboard.com.
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Offend Maggie

Offend Maggie by Deerhoof (2008)
Deerhoof is a weird, challenging, and passionate band with a real knack for catchy melodies. They sound like jazz/punk fusion with a toddler on lead vocals.

Offend Maggie is their newest and best album. Read other reviews of the CD.
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