70s – The Vinyl Press

Todd Rundgren – A Wizard / A True Star

A Wizard / A True Star by Tod Rundgren. (Bearsville cat# BR 2133)

This album was released in 1973 on the innocuous label Bearsville and was the first album after Rundgren’s triumphant (and my favorite) Something / Anything album which as we all know had a fair amount of commercial success. Following that success a couple of things occurred that led to the compilation we’re discussing today.

Bob Dylan – Desire

Desire by Bob Dylan (Columbia cat# PC – 33893).

There has been much written about Bob Dylan. One of my favorite quotes is from Jimi Hendrix, “When I first heard him I thought, you must admire a guy with that much nerve to sing so out of key. Then I listened to the words.” And there it is, the essence of Bob Dylan.

Marvin Gaye – Anthology

Anthology by Marvin Gaye.

I am admittedly not a big “greatest hits” guy. Always seems like it’s cheating to me to go there and it feels like you don’t get a true feel for the artist. There are a few exceptions I’ll make to that rule. One is “The Big Jangle” by Tom Petty and CSN & Y’s, “So Far.” I am adding one more to that list “Anthology” by Marvin Gay.

Pete Jolly – Seasons

Seasons by Pete Jolly (A&M Records Cat # SP – 3033)

I am going to start out by telling you I am not a jazz fan. It’s not that I don’t appreciate it, it’s just not what I turn on most of the time.

I first got into jazz back in the 70’s with a saxophone player named John Klemmer and his album Arabesque. I am sure I have some jazz fans rolling there eyes right now, but I liked it and it took me on to George Benson, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Dianna Krall.

This album is both rare and unique. First of all the album in Dorene’s store is a promo which is unique in itself.