DONNA SUMMER — LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY
This is the album that launched both Summer and producer Giorgio Moroder into the disco pantheon. The 17-minute title track remains audacious: a slow-burning, hypnotic groove built around Summer’s breathy, erotic vocals and Moroder’s pulsing synthesizers. Its frank sexuality redefined how intimacy could sound in pop music — not sleazy, but hypnotic and empowered. The remaining tracks, tight and soulful if a little lightweight by comparison, nevertheless confirm Summer’s range beyond er, moaning. Love to Love You Baby fused desire, rhythm and technology into something new, modern, and very sexy.
*
KLAUS SCHULZE — TIMEWIND
Timewind is an expansive, meditative, and richly textural LP comprising two long-form pieces, “Bayreuth Return” and “Wahnfried 1883.” The album evokes cosmic vastness through interlocking sequencer patterns, drifting synthesizer layers and subtle shifts in timbre. It channels romantic grandeur into electronic form, merging the mechanical with the mystical. As always, the pacing is hypnotic. A pivotal album in Schulze’s journey but also for electronic music generally, as Timewind laid the groundwork for both ambient music and Berlin School electronica.
*
STEVE HACKETT — VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE
The Genesis guitarist recorded his first solo album between The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (1974) and the band’s first post-Gabriel LP A Trick Of The Tail (1976). Combining rich instrumental music with under-stated yet mystical songs, Voyage Of The Acolyte is a fine example of 70s progressive rock. It offers moments of beauty, grandeur and reflection and has a pleasingly poetic air.
*
CLEARLIGHT — FOREVER BLOWING BUBBLES
There is an elegance to Forever Blowing Bubbles. It offers a lush, kaleidoscopic journey through the French progressive and space-rock cosmos, blending symphonic rock, jazz fusion, and psychedelic ambience into a seamless, dreamlike whole. Led by pianist and composer Cyrille Verdeaux, the music radiates a cosmic Canterbury vibe — whimsical yet disciplined. Tracks like “Way” and “Et Pendant Ce Temps Là” glide through shifting tempos, mellotron swells, and soaring guitar lines. It’s a lovely trip, as is their other 1975 (self-titled) album.
*
GONG — SHAMAL
After the psychedelic space explorations and whimsy of the previous two Gong albums there was a major changing of the guard. In particular, Daevid Allen departed and drummer/percussionist Pierre Moerlen took over the reins, bringing more of a progressive jazz-rock feel to the music. Some world music touches keep things interesting and Steve Hillage’s liquid guitar is a highlight on the two tracks where he guests. Often under-rated, Shamal’s measured sophistication offers a grooving, varied listen that bridges Gong’s cosmic past with its jazz-rock future.
*
JETHRO TULL — MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY
The follow-up to Warchild finds Ian Anderson refining the band’s fusion of folk, rock, and baroque with considerable flair… if not hit singles. Recorded in Monte Carlo after lineup tensions, it balances acoustic intimacy with electric drama. Sonically, it is noticeable that Martin Barre’s guitar brings a harder edge to the arrangements without sacrificing musical cohesion. Minstrel is ornate, observational, and unmistakably theatrical. It deserves its reputation as one of Tull’s finest albums. (The LP also feature in the Art On Your Sleeve series.)
*
WILLIE NELSON — RED HEADED STRANGER
This album is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling and emotional restraint. Recorded with simple arrangements and quiet confidence, it weaves a spare Western narrative of love, loss, and redemption. Nelson’s soft, conversational voice and understated guitar carry the album, while piano and harmonica provide gentle punctuation. I first heard songs from the LP as part of the soundtrack to Edge of Darkness, one of my very favourite UK television series. That’s a long way from the mythic American West, but it made an impact and provides an unusual entry into this list.
*
EDGAR FROESE — EPSILON IN MALAYSIAN PALE
Tangerine Dream’s founder released his first solo LP in 1974. This, his second, came out the following year. It is an altogether warmer and more exotic sound than the chilly ambience of Aqua. In some ways it resembles TD’s Phaedra (which some may recall was VC’s #1 from 1974) more than Edgar’s previous solo album. Melody and rhythmic sequences move with the inviting sensuality of tropical tides; bathe in the gentle currents or sit back and sip a long drink. Either way, a fine LP.
*
SOFT MACHINE — BUNDLES
The addition of brilliant guitarist Alan Holdsworth moves Soft Machine further away from the jazz-psychedelic feel of their earlier work towards a highly charged, fluid jazz-rock. The opener, “Hazard Profile,” showcases his soaring, liquid tone against Karl Jenkins’ structured compositions and Mike Ratledge’s synthesizer textures. The rhythm section — Roy Babbington on bass, John Marshall on drums — anchors the complex interplay with precision. If jazz-rock is your thing, this is a dazzling example of the British version of the idiom.
*
RICHARD AND LINDA THOMPSON — POUR DOWN LIKE SILVER
Created during the couple’s embrace of Sufi Islam, Pour Down Like Silver abandons the folk-rock swagger of I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight for a stripped-down, devotional tone. Richard’s guitar work is spare but searing, his solos like flashes of revelation amid the restraint, while Linda’s voice carries extraordinary emotional depth — poised somewhere between faith, sorrow, and tenderness. Songs such as “Night Comes In” and “Dimming of the Day” are transcendent meditations on love and surrender. This timeless album richly rewards time spent with it. (The 2004 CD re-issue has excellent live material added on.)
*
NEXT: #50 — #41
vinylconnection.com.au 
I love Donna Summer’s stuff; it’s emblematic of an era and evokes so many memories (good ones, i.e. youthful ones). I know Willie Nelson of course, but confess I’ve never been a fan. And I’m embarrassed to say I’m not more familiar with the Thompsons. I do like Tull, but don’t know this particular album well. The other names on this list were all new to me; sounds like I have some homework to do!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’d be curious to know what you made of Clearlight, JDB. There is a neo-classical thread that I find well woven and very French. 🙂
LikeLike
Time of the Preacher …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Were you a fan of ‘Edge of Darkness’, DD?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I really liked Edge of Darkness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just heard that Edgar Froese today thanks to the soulless Spotify algorithm that looped it in post-La Düsseldorf. Didn’t know Moroder’s foray was that Summer album! Daft Punk have a great song/tribute to him, have you heard it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, maybe spotty does have a soul. Did you enjoy Epsilon? It’s one of my solo Edgar faves.
Love Georgio’s sound, so will seek out that tribute track.
Cheers, Bill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I recognized various artist names, the only album I know is Klaus Schulze’s “Timewind.” And even though there isn’t a lot of variation going on, I actually love it. Headphones are a must to get the full experience. This music can put you in a trance, make you feel like you’re floating and put you to sleep – until the rough endings of “Wahnfried 1883” and especially “Bayreuth Return” rudely awaken you!🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even though Klaus’s music is certainly not ambient (with some discussion over certain pieces) it is definitely minimalist. He works with slow changes and gradual rises and falls in tension/drama. I love it too.
“Pour down like silver” would be one to check out, Christian. Some very fine song-writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bruce, always happy about your tips. Sadly, I hardly have listened to any music by Richard Thompson or Fairport Convention, for that matter – something I know I ought to change!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Summer was the Queen of Disco.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed.
LikeLike
It’s not often we’ll see dense prog like Klaus Schulze and Edgar Froese next to a disco queen and an outlaw country artist! I have that Hackett album, which I like, but prefer his few songs with Genesis (very underrated). That Clearlight album is now on my listening list: love the artwork, and love your write-up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s all about variety, this time around! Reckon you’ll appreciate those first two Clearlight albums, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many greats so early in the countdown. Hackett’s first album is a good listen. I have the other Clearlight album so now have to investigate. Shamal has been a go to album for me recently it’s a respite from the whimsy, I am finally think going to have to dive into Soft Machine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All those you mention are VC faves, Neil. Clearlight was so interesting. I was sure I’d choose the first, self-titled one (that you mention) but when I re-listened, something about Forever… charmed me entirely.
Reckon you’ll love Bundles. Holdsworth shines.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clearlight was new to me. And I’m loving those bubbles. 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super. 💙
LikeLike
I’ve already seen three of my own personal Top Tens of ’75 reported. (Your intro made me go look at my collection to be reminded of what the year gave us). A really fascinating blend of stuff so far, representing a really transitional year in both pop and non-pop idioms, stages set for so many things ripe to emerge. Gonna be an eye-opening barn-burner as your work your way up to the top of the pile!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you’re enjoying another ride on this train, J.Eric.
Which three are near the top of your list?
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Minstrel in the Gallery,” “Venus and Mars,” and “Voyage of the Acolyte.” Of course . . . over the next couple of months, you’ll remind me of various things that elicit “Oh yeah!” reactions and cause me to scribble down new top entries, so as always, every list is subject to change until it’s not!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! That’s part of the fun, right? I’ve been known to do some last minute tweaking myself. (Don’t tell anyone!)
LikeLike
I was on one of my Holdsworth kicks this summer and I had never heard Bundles. Of course I loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous. Isn’t it great adding a new title to your picture of a favourite artist!
LikeLike
Happy to see Voyage of the Acolyte – it’s terrific.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure is. The most Genesissy of his solo works, I think.
LikeLike
[…] 1975 COUNTDOWN | #75 — #66 1975 COUNTDOWN | #60 — #51 […]
LikeLike