Vinyl Muppet

  20th Century Records – 1973 What did it Cost: 20 paltry SEK Looks: Now we're talking! This is a beautiful record and my copy is in excellent condition (much better than the crappy copy in the image to the right). Sounds: Probably the best of the bunch this time around. This Barry White-produced slice of romantic soul is sublime. All lush strings, mellow horns and those silky sweet voices on top. Opener "Love's Theme (Instrumental)" is an instant classic with epic sweeping strings that out Barry Whites Barry White himself. If you don't feel your heart swell 30 seconds in you should check yourself. It's that good. The rest of the album is surprisingly consistent. So many good cuts on here: the cinematic wahwah's of "Under the Influence of Love", first single "It May Be Winter Outside (But in My Heart It's Spring" and epic closing track "Yes, We Finally Made It" are three highlights. But this is an album you should listen ...

 Island – 1986 What did it Cost: 20 SEK Looks:  I suppose they were going for classy here. Sounds: I need to admit that I absolutely adore "Higher Love". It's one of those songs that always gets me in a good mood. Nile Rodgers on guitar! Chaka Khan on backing vocals! That chorus! Man, it's good . This album, however, is not good. In fact I've listened to it just now and not a single song was memorable. It just blends into the background with its weak vocals, strutty keyboard riffs and cheap hooks. How this album won a bunch of Grammys is beyond me, it's just plain boring. Standout Track: "Higher Love" Worth it?:  No.

  RAK – 1981 What did it Cost:  20 hard earned SEK Looks: Classic '80s new wave. It's definitely a good looking record with that classic Greg Mankowitz photo. My copy was in pretty nice condition. Sounds:  Typical thin new wave production. The songs were composed by Marty and Ricky Wild (Kim's father and brother) and the latter produced the album. Symphonic rock band The Enid backed on most tracks (thanks wikipedia). Opener "Water on Glass" is ok but its the second cut "Our Town" that takes it up a notch. The eclectic mix of songs are entertaining and, mostly, charming. Reggae (!) track "Everything We Know" is surprisingly good. The first side ends with mega hit "Kids in America" but more interesting is the excellent B-side opener "Chequered Love", the standout track of the record for me. The rest of side B is pretty naff to be honest with the horrible ska-tinged "2-6-5-8-0" being the worst offender. "You...