Our second Vinyl Club session had a clear theme: albums from the 1970s. Or at least it was clear to everyone except Jimmy, who turned up with a Semisonic LP from the late ’90s. After realising his error (and the numerous texts he ignored), he dashed off and returned with a suitable replacement. Food fuelled the music: chilli chicken and French stick courtesy of Bryn, and some interestingly chopped mushrooms thanks to Kels.
Below are the four LPs we played, complete with full track listings and commentary.
Bryn – The World of Them by Them (1970)
Bryn Played: Here Comes the Night, Baby Please Don’t Go, I’m Gonna Dress in Black, Richard Cory
This entry in Decca Records’ budget “The World of…” series offered a sharp blast of Northern Irish R&B. Them, fronted by a young Van Morrison, combined blues grit with rock urgency. This collection, released in 1970, featured standout singles and deeper cuts that showcased the band’s raw talent and Morrison’s growing vocal prowess.
For those unfamiliar with the band by name, tracks like Gloria and Here Comes the Night quickly jog the memory.
Full Track Listing:
- Side One: Here Comes the Night, Baby Please Don’t Go, I’m Gonna Dress in Black, Richard Cory, I Put a Spell on You, Bring ‘Em On In
- Side Two: Gloria, Mystic Eyes, Turn On Your Love Light, It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue, One Two Brown Eyes, Don’t Start Crying Now
Verso’s View: A solid start. A band not many know until they hear the songs. Some fine selections and a definite addition to my personal rotation.
Verso – Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Mac (1975)
Verso Played: Rhiannon, Over My Head, Say You Love Me, Landslide
This was a landmark pick in terms of musical shift. Released in 1975, this self-titled album marked Fleetwood Mac’s reinvention with the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. The blues roots of the early Mac gave way to a polished, California pop-rock aesthetic that would culminate two years later in Rumours.
This album laid the groundwork for what became one of the most successful bands of all time, with tracks like Rhiannon, Landslide, and Say You Love Me quickly becoming staples.
Full Track Listing:
- Side One: Monday Morning, Warm Ways, Blue Letter, Rhiannon, Over My Head, Crystal
- Side Two: Say You Love Me, Landslide, World Turning, Sugar Daddy, I’m So Afraid
Verso’s View: My most played LP of 2025 so far. Unfair of me to say, but I’d call this the best of the night.
Jimmy – Bolan Boogie by T. Rex (1972)
Jimmy Played: Ride a White Swan, Jeepster, Summertime Blues, Hot Love
After his 90s misstep, Jimmy came back strong with this glam-heavy compilation from Marc Bolan and T. Rex. Bolan Boogie pulls together non-album singles and B-sides from 1970–1971, as well as tracks from Bolan’s days in Tyrannosaurus Rex.
This album captures the joyous, stomping swagger of Bolan at his chart-bothering best. It’s not just a collection—it’s a celebration of glitter, groove, and genius.
Full Track Listing:
- Side One: Get It On, The King Of The Mountain Cometh, She Was Born To Be My Unicorn, Dove, Woodland Rock, Ride A White Swan
- Side Two: Raw Ramp, Jeepster, First Heart Mighty Dawn Dart, By The Light Of A Magical Moon, Summertime Blues, Hot Love
Verso’s View: A great addition to the club. “Summertime Blues” held its own. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who didn’t like Marc Bolan.
Coxy – Handsworth Revolution by Steel Pulse (1978)
Coxy Played: Handsworth Revolution, Bad Man, Soldiers, Sound Check
Coxy brought a serious tone with this politically charged reggae record. Released in 1978, Handsworth Revolution was Steel Pulse’s debut album and tackled systemic racism, police violence, and cultural pride in Birmingham’s black community.
Musically tight and thematically urgent, it’s one of the key records in UK reggae history. Despite its seriousness, it grooves hard and delivers its message with musical conviction.
Full Track Listing:
- Side One: Handsworth Revolution, Bad Man, Soldiers, Sound Check
- Side Two: Prodigal Son, Ku Klux Klan, Prediction, Macka Splaff
Verso’s View: Not really for me. I don’t hate reggae, and this had a few good moments—but it’s not something I’ll revisit. Sorry.
In Summary
The 70s gave us gold, and this meet-up proved it. Whether it was glam, folk-pop, reggae, or raw R&B, each LP brought something distinctive to the table. Even Jimmy’s detour added to the charm.
Vinyl Club is two-for-two. Roll on the next one.
