By the time of their last albums, Made In America (1981) onwards, it was all falling apart, and I sense neither had their heart in it. A Kind Of Hush has some nice songs and a good second side.
But in between they made some great albums.
Passage (1977) gets a mention. It has some funky stuff on, and the superb recording of the Klaatu’s Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft which was a single, but also has the unlistenable Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.
But let’s talk about their two great albums.
First is Now And Then. The first side has the rather catchy Sing on, but the second gives what was a popular inclusion in their stage act, an extended oldies medley. It’s great fun. Guitarist Tony Peluso does his radio DJ voice, the songs flow… it’s just too short.
Also a must listen is A Song For You. Karen has never sounded better. The songs are great, funny and tuneful, from the title track to Top Of The World, Goodbye To Love and more. The band had been touring non-stop for a long time and were beyond tired. The second side rather reflects that and seems downbeat and rather sad. It was also one of the first albums to have a cover made from recycled materials.