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Browse the Sharp Notes Library Shelves

A Recap of What's Being Pulled From the Stacks and What's Spinning On the Platter


Elliott Smith's second album on vinyl

Elliott Smith – Elliott Smith (Kill Rock Stars – KRS 246, 1995/2002)


Smith’s music may resound more effectively on a rainy day than during a summer’s heat wave, but perhaps there’s something to his compositions that reminds us to stay grounded and avoid getting too comfortable in the sunshine. This early @killrockstarsofficial repress sounds quite good and well captures the intimate soundscape that Elliott created for his audience.


Bonnie Raitt's Nick of Time album on vinyl

Bonnie Raitt - Nick of Time (Capitol Records – C1-91268, 1989 🇺🇸)


Bonnie Raitt’s rebirth in the late 80s was a win for all music fans. Those who had followed her career since the 70s could witness a talented musician enjoy a second chance and those of us - who had no idea who she was - just accepted her at face value. Her presence was confident and cool, but that visage came from years of struggle. The album title was apt: Bonnie Raitt took one of her last shots and made it stick.


A picture of the original Rockpile album on vinyl and the recent reissue on Yep Roc records

Which is which? Find out how the recent @yeproc reissue of Rockpile’s one and only studio album stacks up against the original pressing. Cruise over to @trackingangle to find read more!


Lord Sutch and His Heavy Friends on vinyl

Lord Sutch And Heavy Friends (Cotillion – SD 9015, 1970 🇺🇸)


Seen often, but never in person, I grabbed this storied psych rock release from 1970 at a recent @recordriotsrock show in NJ last week. Suffice it to say, it’s a much better album than is usually portrayed, but with a personnel like this one in the studio, how could it not be?


Osibisa on vinyl

Osibisa – Osibisa (Decca – DL 75285, 1971)


An engaging afrobeat/rock/soul mashup produced by Tony Visconti, including artwork from the great Roger Dean. Picked this one up at the latest Record Riot in Parsippany. Hear this - and many others - on this week’s episode of Sharp Notes Radio.


The Commodores on Vinyl

Commodores – Commodores (Motown – M7-884R1, 1977)


It’s not what the drum into is, it’s what it isn’t. The Commodores belong on your turntable this summer (even though it’s still technically spring). Get an early start and let the Commodores be your guide. News flash: the poster isn’t really autographed by the band, but you’re familiar enough with corporate marketing to not have fallen for that one. Right?


An original UK pressing of the first Men at Work album in black and white

Men At Work – Business As Usual (CBS – SBP 237700, 1981 Australia 🇦🇺)


It’s not a bad Xerox of the 80s classic, it’s the original cover as it first appeared in Australia because it’s an Australian copy. A great pop album, and it’s more than great: it’s one of the highest selling releases in Aussie history. Plus, it got @colinhay warmed up for his long-time songwriting career.

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