January 12, 1978 DISC ussions By Gregory Hall 1977 Discussions Awards THE BEST OF THE BUNCH -In no particular order, the following eight albums are my choices for best of the year. Hopefully I've included some thing for everyone. Aja by Steely Dan was unquestionably the all-time best fusion of jazz with rock and pop strains. Hopefully this album will be a trendsetter, and as for Becker- Fagen duo, .their intellectually warped, sardonic, and rich poetic imagery of the '7os America is a welcome step outside the rather bland mainstream. J.T. by James Taylor marked a new highpoint in this singer / songwriter's long. uneven career. Special credit must go to producer Peter Asher for the state-of-the-art recording which works to make James and his songs sound as they haven't in years. Itasurs by Fleetwood Mac is the most logical, if not necessary, choice for the album of the year. Not much more can be said for an album that as of the first week of the new year has returned to the number one position on the charts after previously holding a near monopoly on that position for 28 weeks out of the year put. This album is justified not only by massive, record-breaking sales figures but by the enormous talent of the group itself. Simple Dreams by Linda Ronstadt, although on a whole not her best effort, is nevertheless a finely crafted record, again thanks to the talent of Peter Asher. Little Criminab by Randy Newman is a brave, poetic, weird, sometimes somewhat For All By Bob Buckingham Bluegrass started with Bill Monroe, but where did Monroe start? The basis for Monroe's music can be found in the country music tradition. Ancient fiddle tunes and ballads, a smattering of blues and some popular songs make up this tradition which survives today mostly in the form of bluegrass. There are however those who find that these traditional elements make for good music on its own. The Red Clay Ramblers are one such group. The Ramblers see their music, as a means for growth which is apparent from the variety., of music they play. Blues such as Bo Carter's "I've Got The Whiskey" or Bessie Smith's "I've Got What It Takes (But it Breaks My Heart elusive, inspired work of a genius at large on New Orleans and an undeserving America. Rough Mix-Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane. The Who's Godsend Prophet and Guitarist meets the British roots and ballads of Ronnie Lane. The end product is sixties British, insightful, and a great collab oration which produces some of the best . Townshend writing since Tommy /Who's Next era. Des Juan's Reckless Daughter is a rather late arrival from Joni Mitchell, having been released in Mid-December. This two-re cord set carries the progressive jazz and folk mixture begun on her last album to an extrava gant conclusion with brilliant use of her personal style of poetic metaphor and stark self-confessional impressionism, both verbal and musical. Beanbag Oa Dimity by Jackson Browne may be the definitive statement of the American mindset in the seventies. Also released in December, the album consists of ten new songs recorded live on stage, in Holiday Inns, and on a bus. So far Browne has been the only performer with the balls (and the talent) to state what he feels, exactly how he feels and sees it. RUNNER'S UP AWARDS: Mewllower - Santana Book of Dreams - Steve Miller Band Year of the Cat - Al Stewart The Stranger - Billy Joel Down Two Then Left - Boz Scaggs Going For The One - Yes ECCENTRIC FAVORITES-not for everyone Foreign Affairs - Tom Waits You Feces Flailers to Give it Away), are side by side with fiddle tunes, "Give the Fiddler a Dram", and a sentimental piece, "Keep the Home Fires Burning." The Ramblers have a bit more sophistication than some other groups and this may be due to their role in Diamond Studs, an off Broadway production based on the life of Jessie. James. With each of their three albums they have evolved more articulate ar rangements and have even written material incorporating old forms with new lyrics to produce old sounding contem porary songs. They make little effort to sound slick or citified preferring rough edges to ;glossy smooth production. .Their new Ip, "Merchants Lunch" has been released and it will be interesting to see where they, will go nests , Good newsier ll you feces ARTS and CULTURE Peter Gabriel My Aim is True - Elvis Costello MOST PROMISING NEW TALENT OF '77- the best debuts Karla Bonoff Sea Level Kenny Loggias Dickie Betts & Graet Southern ' Southern HOLDING PATTERN AWARD, for no career advance ment Graham Parker for his third album Stick To Me. DISAPPIHN THE YEAR Heart Crosby Stills and Nub COMPETENCY AWARD Foreigner DOROTHY AND TOM AWARD Kowa, also winners of the first annual "That Oughts be Hung by Their Fingernails" Award for pretentious lyric writing. OUTSTANDING JAZZ AWARD to Pablo Records for their outstanding output of great records. SECOND ANNUAL FOREVER WAITING STILL AWARD Again, to Bruce Springsteen GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR '7B AWARD Bruce Springsteen Boston "2" FIRST ANNUAL BLIND - LEADING - THE BLIND CONSUMER AWARD The "New Wave" music The Punks themselves Their promoters, producers, investors, and exploiters Next Week: Guest columnist Joe Taylor talks about the State of the Rock.... flailer,s, bluegrass is getting a foothold. The Open Hearth is finally getting some really outstanding bands. Namely The West Orrtanna Stringband (January 14) and the outra geously. fine Bluegrass Cardinals (january 20). This will be the Cardinals first job in the Harrisburg area and one of the few by The West Orrtanna Stringband. Thursday night is bluegrass night at Dante's and they too are featuring some top notch bands such as Whet Stone Run and Still on the Hill on consecutive Thursdays. Mackley's Mill continues to have fine music every weekend featuring Ted Lundy and The Southern Mountain Boys and other bands mentioned in this column. So now if the money holds out, well then perhaps I'll see you there. Until then flail those feces. C.C. Reader Januaryl2 6:00 P.M. - Women's Basketball. 8:00 P.M. - Varsity Basketball - Lancaster Bible College vs. Capitol - Capitol Campus. Januaryl3 9:00 P.M. - Keggar - ITE - Student Center. 1:00 P.M. - Bowling - Capitol Campus vs. PSU - University Park, Pa. 1:00 P.M. Women's Basketball - Capitol vs. Delaware College Campus- Media, Pa. January 15 1 :00 P.M. Bowling - Shippensburg State College vs. Capitol - Capitol. 7:00 P.M. - Mass - Student Center. 8:00 A.M. - Making the "I'm OK - You're OK" Ideas work for you workshop- Continuing Education - Capitol Campus. 7:30 P.M- Varsity Basketball - California State vs. Capitol - Capitol. 7:30 p.m. - President's Council Meeting - Gallery Lounge. Januaryl7 9:00 P.M. - Keggar - Beta Chl - Student Center January 18 8:00 P.M. - Varsity Basketball - Capitol vs. Delaware College - Capitol. D))? j Ksow you Se. Lif vE you umbeitsT AND (ART you THINK I SA 11) JT t AM NoT Suez you REALIZE "~â–ºATgT you 14SAM) Is mar up AAT tw SO kb January 14 January 16 reo Attu Page 3