Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells (original)

Somebody posted some prog old farts belting out a live version of this so I thought I'd give it a go. Part One is nice, solid progression until the sublime bassy part with Viv Stanshall calling out the instruments. Part Two is a bit pastoral for my liking, with only the lunacy of the mid-section keeping my interest. Fail to see how this could advance Branson's fortunes even if it is radical for its time.

Woody Guthrie - Dust Bowl Balladeer

Always wanted to check out early Dylan's main influence. Some songs clearly spelt out the direction of Dylan's first three albums - Talking Dust Bowl Blues, Pretty Boy Floyd and Tom Joad (Pts 1 and 2). Others are barnyard singalongs which aren't that interesting - Buffalo Skinners, Mule Skinner Blues, although they sound like they were responsible for the skiffle boom. And the Leadbelly songs are better done by ol' Led - Take a Whiff On Me and Go Tell Aunt Rhody.

Big Star - Third/Sister Lovers

I heard "Radio City" and "#1 Record" and wasn't very impressed. This unfinished record, however, is the bee's knees. Dark, depressing, volatile, it clinches a sound oft imitated never captured by the likes of The Replacements and R.E.M. on their slower songs. I could do without the generic bonus track Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On but otherwise stellar. Could see why Big Bri (poster on the message board I go to) loves 'em so much.