Big Albums of May 1974: Sparks, Bowie, Olivia Newton-John and More

Important LPs, for one reason or another, from 50 years ago this month.

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Sparks - Kimono My House

This album was big breakthrough for this eccentric (to say the least) duo, which is still putting stuff out. Ron Russell Mael unleash their nothing-like-it blend of glam, prog, power opera on the unsuspecting, denim-clad world with the epic, classic "This Town issn't Big Enough for both of Us." The proto New Wave "Amateur Hour" reinforces how far ahead of their time they were. 

New York Dolls - Too Much Too Soon

Critics and the music trades called this hard rock at the time, but we all know it was punk. David Johansson predicts Joe Strummer on opener "Babylon," while the campy cover of "Stranded in the Jungle" hints at Johansson's future Buster Poindexter incarnation. The funky protesting of "It's Too Late," takes from the Stones and points to the Sex Pistols.

David Bowie - Diamond Dogs

This is the bridge between between Ziggy Stardust and Young Americans, and not as strong as either. But it does see the return of producer/arranger Tony Visconti and includes the Bowie standard, "Rebel Rebel."

Olivia Newton-John - If You Love Me, Let Me Know

A collection cobbled for the U.S. and Canadian market, this one includes some of Olvia's early best, including the catchy, country-style title trackd, the sweet sappy "I Honestly Love You," the hippie-gospel "Free the People" and a nice cover of Brian Wilsons "God Only Knows." Looks like it's out of print.

Billy Preston - The Kids & Me

A strong collection from the singer and keyboard whiz. It includes the hit "Nothing from Nothing" and the original recording of his "You Are So Beautiful," later a big hit for Joe Cocker (and reputedly co-written by Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys). Moog freakout instrumentals "Struttin'," "St. Elmo" and "Creature Feature" bring the groove.

Ry Cooder - Paradise and Lunch

The stringed instrument specialist updates an array of old timey gospel, blues, country and ragtime tunes, including "Jesus on the Mainline. The reggae version of "It's All Over Now" isn't bad, either