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Michael Brochstein
1. Live at the Star Club in Hamburg and Live at the Hollywood Bowl of the Beatles. Did you really have any doubt at all? I sure didn't.
2. Phil Spector's Greatest Hits, Phil Spector. It's been said before. and it'll be said again: Phil Spector is a bloody genius. Tina Turner's vocal on "River Deep, Mountain High" is worth the price of the album alone.
3. Richard Thompson Live! (More of Less) Richard and Linda Thompson. Cheating a little here, since the material on this album is compiled from two previous British releases. But the music here is just too good to be ignored. Richard Thompson is the most criminally neglected singer-songwriter-guitarist in rock today.
4. Get it, Dave Edmunds Rockabilly lives! This guy's got it in him to make the definitive rock 'n'roll album. This ain't it, but it'll do until it comes along.
5. Twilley. Don't Mind. Dwight Twilley Band - An infectious pop record. and Bill Pitcock IV gets my vote as guitarist of the year. Hopefully. Dwight's gonna make it.
6. Rough Mix, Pete Townsend-Ronnie Lane-Who says religious types can't rock? Quiet yet intense, this album flashes with wit and compassion. Pete Townsend and Ronnie Line are real people.
7. Stick to Me, Graham Parker and the Rumour - Admittedly uneven in spots, it still contains some of the best stuff Parker's written and recorded. And that's why it's here.
8. My Aim Is True, Elvis Costello - The hype he's been getting is slowly becoming abrasive, but it doesn't mar the fact that this is the best debut record of the year. My only question is - is that his real last name?
9. Hollies Live, The Hollies. When you hear the nearly perfect execution of those famous three part harmonies. you'll find it hard to stay convinced that this is live music. The performances are so good, its easy to ignore the sometimes banal lyrics.
10. The Rubinoos, The Rubinoos - A great pop-rock album, and a cover of "I Think We're Alone Now" to boot. The summer album of 1977.
Bobby Byrd
All in all, I've seen better years for contemporary music. Two of my favorites, Bruce Springsteen and The Who, failed to release anything for the second year in a row, and several other favorites died. Literally.
Nonetheless, there were some highlights. The records below are not necessarily the most important, or creative, or technically excellent. They are, simply, the 10 best records I enjoyed more last year, for whatever reason.
1. This Time It's for Real. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes - These guys don't mess around. The most instantly engaging, and ultimately the most listenable album of the year. Anybody that owes so heavy a debt to both Springsteen and The Five Satins gets my vote - no questions asked.
2. My Aim Is True, Elvis Costello The sound is basic rock and roll, but it sounds like Elvis has lived in isolation for 20 years and invented the style all by himself. but no one has the heart to tell him that he isn't first
3. A Man Must Carry On, Jerry Jeff Walker - A triumphant mostly live package from the most underrated of the Texas Trio. L.A. Freeway remains one of the best songs ever recorded by human beings, and Willie Nelson's cameo attempt to spell "Mother" on "Up Against the Wall, Redneck" has to be heard to be believed
4. The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl George Martin's production, considering the problems involved, is a masterpiece. The Fab Four proves that they could do it live, at least until their psychedelic downfall. Not to be confused with the Star Club album, which is interesting. but lousy.
5. Love You Live, The Rolling Stones - One of the world's two greatest rock and roll bands in their third live LP: only fair by Stones' standards, but good by anyone else's. The club side stands out.
6. Monkey Island, Geils - Comeback time for the J.G B. The boys from Boston celebrate 10 years by expanding into more artistry and less boogie To hear Peter Wolf sing "I'm Fallin'" is to know the meaning on introspection
7. Running On Empty, Jackson Browne - Not his best, but an above-average concept album, about going on tour, that was recorded on tour. A couple of cuts have no business here, but the "Loadout-Stay" medley alone deserves a vote.
8. Street Survivors, Lynyrd Skynyrd- And not because they're dead either.
9. Mac McAnally - Who? A little known 20-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Bellmont, Mississippi. Mac has a golden voice, and wisdom far beyond his years. He also turns a phrase better than most.
10. Hollies Live, The Hollies - The sound on this Canadian import is just too tight to overlook. Incredible harmonies.
Kurt Wood
After having gone through an extensive New Wave education during the past year, these are my 1977 top 10 picks.
1. The Clash, The Clash
Perhaps the best rock and roll album of the past 10 years. Despite the hard to understand vocals, the blisteringly powerful guitar work and the excellence of the songs make this one of the true sonic monuments (They do reggae, too).
2. Rocket to Russia, The Ramones
Their best yet, showing a slow but true progression into the reattn of power pop
3. My Aim Is True, Elvis Costello
I don't own a copy of this yet. but I've heard enough of it to realize how fascinating and moving it is. Loved his appearance on NBC Saturday Night - "I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen. but there's really no need for us to do this song here "
4. Black Vinyl Shoes The Shoes
This is a limited edition home-made album put out by an Illinois group. The album is an incredible collection of pop rock songs, each one overflowing with hooks, harmonies, and studio effects. A band with, to say the least, a future.
5. Marquee Moon, Television
My favorite New York city group after the Ramones. Very "Progressive," but they never lose sight of their roots, maintaining their integrity.
6. In the City, The Jam
Bear in mind that The Jam are trying to do only one thing. recreate in image and music the 1965-66 pop art-Mod era as originally practiced by the Creation, the Small Faces and the Who. Their success at this is not cause for criticism but jubilation.
7. Get It, Dave Edmunds
Edmunds' own great production highlights this album. which gives it a contemporary rockabilly feeling
8. Never Mind etc. The Sex Pistols
Of course, it doesn't live up to the media hype (what could?), but it's a powerful album just the same. "EMI" is probably the best album only track. But of course, "Anarchy" and "God Save the Queen' are there, too.
9. Talking Heads Talking Heads: 77
New York strikes again with an album of highly original music Number three, but they try harder.
10. Rock Roots No. 5 Small Faces
Finally Decca has done a public service in releasing the five singles (A and B sides), this group did for them. In those long gone days, Marriot was easily one of the greatest rock vocalists ever, giving Lennon, Jagger. etc., stiff competition. The rest of the band wasn't far behind. Skip the Small Faces' reunion album and get the real thing.
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