Better Photography From August 2016

One of the better entries to emerge from a genre that was quickly growing tired. Return to Forever drummer Lenny White, while not as powerful or talented as counterparts Billy Cobham or Alphonse Mouzon, had an excellent feel for funk and an amazing sense of taste. "Chicken-Fried Steak" contains enough odd-time beats and fills to satisfy any drum fanatic, but White proves to be more than just a technician. "The Venusian Summer Suite" and "Mating Drive" are both moody pieces that were obviously influenced by the music of Tangerine Dream.

Jazz pianist Chick Corea established his reputation as a Miles Davis sidesman playing on such iconic albums as 'In A Silent Way' and 'Bitches Brew'. Corea formed Return To Forever with Stanley Clarke, Lenny White and (joining later) Al di Meola to feature on both these recordings. Digitally remastered and slipcased, and with extensive new notes by distinguished author Alyn Shipton.

"Alternative" is a compilation album by English synthpop duo Pet Shop Boys. It was first released in 1995. "Alternative" is a 2-disc set, consisting of 30 B-sides in chronological order. The title Alternative was a last-minute change from the title that had been long saved for such an album, Besides, but that title was taken by American rock band Sugar, who released their own B-sides compilation two months prior. "Alternative" only really gained popularity among devoted fans of Pet Shop Boys with the exception of the UK, where it entered the charts at #2. A remake of the original 7-inch "Paninaro", titled "Paninaro '95", was released as a single (which was featured in the later PopArt set) to promote the 2-disc compilation. The cover of Alternative features photographs of Tennant and Lowe in fencing masks. The first copies of the CD have a lenticular image on the cover which shifts between the two photographs.

"They Don't Make Them Like They Used To" is the 19th studio album by country superstar Kenny Rogers. The album's title cut was used as the theme tune to the box office hit movie Tough Guys. The song "You're My Love" was written by Prince under the pseudonym "Joey Coco" and features El DeBarge on backing vocals. The album was a top 20 success on the country charts (and crossed over into the pop Billboard 200) with the single "Twenty Years Ago" peaking at #2. Two singles came from the album. The title cut, released at the end of 1986, only made #53 in the country charts although it did well by hitting #10 on the contemporary charts. When RCA released "Twenty Years Ago" in 1987, however, Rogers returned to the top five at #2, matching this feat in Canada as well.

"Madman Across the Water" is the 4th studio album by Elton John, released in 1971. This was the last album to feature John's regular touring band (Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson) on only a single song. Later band member, percussionist Ray Cooper, makes his first appearance with this album. As with all John songs during this period, the lyrics were penned by his writing partner, Bernie Taupin. This was the last album to be recorded at London's Trident Studios, although subsequent albums would be remixed or overdubbed at Trident. Caleb Quaye and Roger Pope would not play with John again until Rock of the Westies in 1975, following Murray and Olsson's departure from the band. "Madman Across the Water" barely reached #41 on the UK Albums Chart, spending only two weeks there. It has been the lowest-charting album of his career to date. The album fared much better in North America, peaking at #8 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums and placing at #10 on the year-end list of 1972.

"Stronger" is the 26th studio album by British singer Cliff Richard, released in October 1989. The album was produced by Alan Tarney and includes the singles "The Best of Me"(UK #2), "I Just Don't Have the Heart" (UK #3), "Lean On You" (UK #17) and "Stronger Than That" (UK #14). The album reached Platinum, peaking at #7 in the UK Albums Chart.

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is the seventh studio album by Elton John, released in 1973. The album sold over 12 million copies worldwide, and is regarded as one of John's best. It was recorded at the Château d'Hérouville in France after problems recording at the intended location of Jamaica. Among the 17 tracks, the album contains the hits "Candle in the Wind", "Bennie and the Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" plus "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" and "Harmony".

"Just a Matter of Time" is an album by American vocalist Marlena Shaw recorded in 1976 and released on the Blue Note label. The song "Be For Real" was covered by Leonard Cohen on his 1992 album "The Future".