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April 26th
album anniversaries

April 26th album covers: The Gold Experience, Hyperdrama, Fishing For Fishies, Crash Talk, American Recordings, Fantômas
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The Gold Experience sleeve

The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) • The Gold Experience

Released 26 April 1995 · 32nd anniversary

Prince famously fought his record label during this period, famously appearing with the word 'SLAVE' written on his cheek to protest his contract. This record stands as a defiant middle finger to the industry, blending his signature experimental edge with some of his most direct pop hooks.

Deeply rooted in the Minneapolis sound, the production leans into crunchy rock guitars and slick, synthesized funk grooves. It captures a pivotal moment where he balanced high-concept artistic rebellion with an undeniable knack for crafting radio-ready R&B.

Hyperdrama sleeve

Justice • Hyperdrama

Released 26 April 2024 · 3rd anniversary

Vibrant synthesizers and driving basslines define this latest sonic exploration, marking a return to the duo's signature high-energy sound. The production balances polished pop sensibilities with the gritty, distorted textures that established their reputation in the electronic scene.

Nu-disco rhythms anchor the compositions, creating a seamless flow between dancefloor anthems and atmospheric interludes. Guest vocalists add depth to the arrangements, resulting in a cohesive experience that bridges the gap between classic French house and contemporary synth-pop.

Fishing For Fishies sleeve

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard • Fishing For Fishies

Released 26 April 2019 · 8th anniversary

Boogie-woogie blues meets psychedelic folk in this surprisingly laid-back pivot from a band usually known for high-octane thrash. It feels like a campfire jam session held in the middle of a swamp, trading complex time signatures for a loose, shuffling groove that invites you to just kick back and listen.

Recorded during a period where the group leaned into organic instrumentation and analog warmth, the production captures a dusty, vintage charm. It serves as a playful palate cleanser, proving these prolific rockers can handle a simple, swinging rhythm just as well as their signature experimental chaos.

Crash Talk sleeve

Schoolboy Q • Crash Talk

Released 26 April 2019 · 8th anniversary

Introspective lyrics meet polished production on this 2019 release. The project navigates themes of fame, personal growth, and the complexities of life after achieving mainstream success.

Collaborations with prominent industry figures help define the sonic landscape. Listeners will find a blend of hard-hitting beats and reflective storytelling that marks a significant chapter in modern West Coast hip hop.

American Recordings sleeve

Johnny Cash • American Recordings

Released 26 April 1994 · 33rd anniversary

Rick Rubin convinced the Man in Black to strip away the polished Nashville sound and record these songs in his living room with just an acoustic guitar. The result is a raw, haunting portrait of an icon staring down his own mortality through folk standards and stark originals.

Released in 1994, the record marked a massive career resurgence for a legend who had been largely overlooked by the mainstream industry. Its skeletal production highlights the deep, weathered gravity of his voice, proving that his storytelling power remained as sharp as ever.

Fantômas sleeve

Fantômas • Fantômas

Released 26 April 1999 · 28th anniversary

Mike Patton assembled this supergroup to explore a comic book aesthetic, structuring the entire record as a series of sequential 'pages' rather than traditional songs. The result is a frantic, cinematic experience that feels like a high-speed chase through a dark, surreal graphic novel.

Released on Patton’s own Ipecac Recordings, the album thrives on the chaotic energy of the late nineties experimental metal scene. It blends grindcore intensity with avant-garde sound design to create a jarring, unpredictable listening experience that refuses to sit still.

How to track album anniversaries in your collection

Give the records on your shelf another spin. Plastic helps you organize your vinyl and CDs, sync your collection with Discogs, and discover album anniversaries and the stories behind them. Explore new releases and rediscover something you already own.

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