Posts From Lee Zimmerman

Lee Zimmerman

Lee Zimmerman is an accomplished writer, blogger and reviewer who has contributed to any number of distinguished music publications and websites. His book, Americana Music: Voices, Visionaries and Pioneers of an Honest Sound, was published by Texas A&M University Press in 2019 and its followup, a biography of producer/engineer Jim Gaines, is due out later this year. He also cohosts the popular podcast, “My Backstage Pass.” He began his record industry career working in promotion for the late, great ABC Records and followed that with a lengthy stint at Capitol Records. He’s had opportunity to work with a number of notable artists over the course of his career, including Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffett and Steve Forbert, among many others. An obsessive music collector, he owns too many albums to count at this point, as well as a variety of musical instruments he’s yet to learn how to play. Samples of his work can also be found at his personal website, https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com.

Steve Winwood ‘Arc of a Diver’: Leaving the Past Behind

His most successful solo record, it allowed him to stand apart from the earlier work he had spawned with Traffic, Blind Faith and the Spencer Davis Group.

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When ELO Delivered Magic With ‘Face the Music’

Other triumphs would follow, but clearly this 1975 best-seller marked a turning point in both their tapestry and trajectory.

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King Crimson’s Debut: Laying the Groundwork for the Prog Revolution

The 1969 debut album set a standard for all prog-rock that followed and raised the bar in terms of expectation and achievement.

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Good ‘Sports’: How Huey Lewis and the News Hit a Home Run

The album remains one of the band’s most memorable efforts, and confirmation that they were decidedly in the game.

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The Rascals’ ‘Time Peace’: A Greatest Hits LP That Foretold the Future

While the collection could be considered a document detailing the end of an era, it also marked a makeover: Time was marching on for the band.

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Paul & Linda McCartney: ‘Ram’—Macca Magic

For all the criticism tossed his way, McCartney and his hired hands did an admirable job of conveying the mirth and merriment inherent in these songs.

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Bob Seger ‘Against the Wind’: Rockin’ the Mainstream

It’s difficult to discern any one Seger album that stands out overall. Yet even now, this 1980 release still ranks as one of Bob’s best.

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Todd Rundgren ‘Something/Anything?’: An Extravagant Opus

As its title suggests, the ambitious, far-reaching 1972 double album provided early proof that the possibilities were endless.

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Leo Sayer ‘Just a Boy’ @50: A Big Leap Forward

The singer-songwriter’s second LP found him at the cusp of a career that would lead to greater glories, while ensuring his stature on the singles charts.

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ELP ‘Brain Salad Surgery’: A Brainstorm of the Highest Order

The combination of high concept, grandiose execution and the trio’s usual artistic ambition made the 1973 album a mind-blowing effort.

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