Polyphonic Press: Classic Album Reviews

• Talking Book by Stevie Wonder - Ep. 96

  Talking Book is the fifteenth studio album by Stevie Wonder, released on October 27, 1972, by Tamla Records, a Motown subsidiary. Widely regarded as a landmark in soul and R&B music, the album marks a turning point in Wonder's career as he gained full creative control over his music. Blending elements of soul, funk, rock, and synthesizer-driven pop, Talking Book showcases Wonder’s innovative production, socially conscious lyrics, and emotional depth.The album features some of his most iconic songs, including the infectious, funk-infused "Superstition" and the tender ballad "You Are the Sunshine of My Life"—both of which became number-one hits. With contributions from legendary musicians like Jeff Beck and Ray Parker Jr., the album is celebrated for its rich textures, pioneering use of the synthesizer, and deeply personal songwriting.Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, Talking Book helped define the sound of 1970s soul and solidified Stevie Wonder’s reputation as a visionary artist.What did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

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• Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? by Megadeth - Ep. 95

  "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 19, 1986, through Capitol Records. Widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in thrash metal, it solidified Megadeth's position as one of the genre’s “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.The album showcases the band’s growing technical prowess, especially the intricate guitar work of Dave Mustaine and Chris Poland, and the tight rhythm section of David Ellefson on bass and Gar Samuelson on drums. Lyrically, the album deals with themes of political corruption, war, and social commentary—reflected in its iconic title track, "Peace Sells", which became a signature song for the band and a defining statement of 1980s metal's more rebellious and critical voice.Produced by Dave Mustaine and Randy Burns, Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? was a major step up in production from their debut, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, and became a benchmark for thrash metal's musical and thematic potential.Would you like a track-by-track breakdown or a summary of its critical reception and legacy?Listen to the album on Apple MusicListen to the album on SpotifyWhat did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

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• Close to You by The Carpenters - Ep. 94

  Close to You is the breakthrough album by the American pop duo The Carpenters, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. Marking their second studio release, the album propelled them into the spotlight with its soft pop sound, lush orchestration, and Karen Carpenter’s signature warm, melancholic vocals.The album features the iconic title track "(They Long to Be) Close to You," written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, which became a number-one hit and earned the duo two Grammy Awards. Another standout single, "We've Only Just Begun," also became a wedding standard and a top-charting success.With a blend of pop, soft rock, and easy listening, Close to You captures the early '70s zeitgeist of romantic optimism and gentle melodies. The album’s polished production, melodic arrangements by Richard Carpenter, and Karen’s emotionally resonant voice established The Carpenters as leading figures in the adult contemporary genre.Listen to the album on Apple MusicListen to the album on SpotifyWhat did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

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• Safe as Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band - Ep. 93

  "Safe as Milk" is the debut album by Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, released in 1967. The record is a wild blend of blues, psychedelic rock, and experimental music, showcasing the unique and often eccentric vision of frontman Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart).While rooted in traditional electric blues, Safe as Milk already hints at the avant-garde style that would define Beefheart's later work. The album features intricate guitar work, odd rhythms, and surreal, poetic lyrics. It's more accessible than Beefheart’s later records like Trout Mask Replica, but still packed with creative risks and strange beauty.The album features a young Ry Cooder on guitar, whose contributions helped shape the sound and keep it grounded, even as Beefheart pushed boundaries.Though it wasn't a commercial hit at the time, Safe as Milk has since become a cult classic and an essential record for fans of psychedelic and experimental rock. It marks the beginning of one of the most iconoclastic careers in 20th-century music.Listen to the album on Apple Music Listen to the album on SpotifyWhat did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

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• Hot Rats by Frank Zappa - Ep. 92

  What did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

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