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Today in rock history: on this date in 1981, Canadian power trio Rush released its eighth album, the enormously successful Moving Pictures. Opting for shorter, more radio friendly songs on this release rather than the longer epics that appeared on previous records, the band scored its highest selling and most successful album in America, England as well as its native Canada. Containing Rush classics like “Vital Signs,” “Red Barchetta” and “Limelight,” Moving Pictures received lots of rock radio airplay throughout 1981 and led to a highly successful world tour. “Tom Sawyer,” the band’s most recognized song, also appears on this fine record which was received positively by fans and critics alike. “YYZ,” an astounding, intricate instrumental from the album that gets it title from Toronto, Canada’s airport identification code earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Sales figures for this landmark album topped the five million sold mark in America alone and remains a favorite among Rush fans around the world.
GOODBYE GREGG
Gregg Allman, co-founder of Allman Brothers, dead at 69
Today in rock history: on this date in 1972, leading southern rock group The Allman Brothers released its fourth album, the 2-LP set, Eat A Peach. Following the attention and accolades the band received for its previous album, 1971’s breakthrough live recording, At Fillmore East, all eyes were on the large ensemble for its follow-up to that superb concert record. The Brothers rose to the occasion and put together this fantastic mix of rock, jazz, blues and improvisation that continued the band's hot streak and contained both studio and live recordings. The album peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s pop albums chart and reached platinum sales status not long after its release. Sadly, Duane Allman, the band’s lead guitarist and real-life brother of singer and keyboardist Gregg, would pass away later in the year of the album’s release as a result of a motorcycle accident, which made “Eat A Peach” the last Allman Brothers record on which the multi-talented guitarist would appear. Highlights on the record include “Melissa,” “One Way Out” and the live, improvised piece “Mountain Jam” which clocked in at just under 35 minutes and took up two of the album’s four sides of vinyl.
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Today in rock history: on this date in 1982, exquisite British pop band XTC released its fifth studio album, the 2-LP masterwork, English Settlement. Incorporating other styles and sounds besides the quirky new wave pop and frantic punk rock of previous albums made this the group’s most ambitious record this this point. It was also the band’s highest charting album in its native England where the record climbed as high as No. 5 on U.K. album charts and contained the group’s first bona fide hit single, the top 10 pop gem, “Senses Working Overtime.” Unfortunately, the set was trimmed down to a single album for release in several countries around the world, which was made possible by omitting five of the album’s original tracks to help make it be more commercially attractive. Other highlights from this outstanding album include a pair of songs that were also released as singles in England: “No Thugs In Our House” and “Ball and Chain.” The tour to support the album was cut short as a result of lead singer and chief songwriter Andy Partridge’s personal issues with performing live and the band would never embark on any other subsequent concert tours after April of 1982.
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Today in rock history: on this date in 1952, ex-Doobie Brothers member and accomplished studio musician Michael McDonald was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Getting his start as a professional musician and a touring and studio member of famed jazz/rock band Steely Dan, McDonald was recruited as a temporary fill in 1975 for Doobies lead vocalist Tom Johnson who was too ill to remain with the band. The success and popularity McDonald brought to the group ensured his extended stay and his becoming a permanent member. The band enjoyed its greatest success with its 1979 album Minute By Minute which became a No. 1 album in America and brought the band a total of four Grammy awards. Continuing his work with Steely Dan through the heyday of the Doobies, McDonald eventually broke away from the Brothers and embarked on a highly successful solo career. Besides his solo hits “I Keep Forgettin’” and “On My Own,” a duet with soul singer Patti Labelle, McDonald was worked with or written songs for artists like Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Christopher Cross, Toto and Van Halen and remains a popular recording and touring artist to this date. Read CL's October 2017 interview with McDonald here.
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