The Plastic blog
February 23rd
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published



Joanna Newsom • Have One On Me
Released 23 February 2010 · 17th anniversary
Three discs of sprawling, intricate storytelling make this a monumental achievement in modern folk. It functions as a dense, literary diary that rewards listeners who have the patience to get lost in its winding harp arrangements and lyrical depth.
Drag City captured a singular moment here, leaning into a lush, orchestral production style that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The record stands as a definitive artifact of the 2010s indie scene, showcasing a rare commitment to long-form composition that feels increasingly uncommon today.

The Roots • Things Fall Apart
Released 23 February 1999 · 28th anniversary
Erykah Badu’s haunting, soulful hook on "You Got Me" helped turn this record into a definitive moment for conscious hip-hop. It remains a masterclass in live instrumentation, proving that a band could capture the raw, gritty energy of a studio session while keeping the rhythm locked tight.
Released at the tail end of the nineties, the project solidified the group's reputation for organic, jazz-inflected production that stood apart from the polished commercial sound of the era. The chemistry between Black Thought’s relentless lyricism and Questlove’s intricate drumming creates a dense, textured atmosphere that still feels essential today.

Eminem • The Slim Shady LP
Released 23 February 1999 · 28th anniversary
Dr. Dre discovered this project after hearing a raw demo tape, leading to a partnership that changed the trajectory of mainstream hip-hop. The record introduced the world to an unhinged, cartoonish alter ego that blurred the lines between dark comedy and genuine aggression.
Production leans heavily on the crisp, bouncy G-funk aesthetic of the late nineties, providing a jarring contrast to the violent and nihilistic lyrical content. It remains a definitive document of the era's shift toward shock-value storytelling and unfiltered suburban angst.

Judas Priest • Angel Of Retribution
Released 23 February 2005 · 22nd anniversary
Rob Halford’s long-awaited return to the microphone marks a monumental reunion for the metal legends. The record serves as a defiant celebration of their classic sound, anchored by the epic, sprawling finale of the track Lochness.
Heavy, polished production defines this 2005 release, blending the band's signature twin-guitar attack with a modern, punchy edge. It captures the raw energy of a group reclaiming their legacy while proving their songwriting remains as sharp as ever.

Turnstile • Time & Space
Released 23 February 2018 · 9th anniversary
Melodic hardcore energy defines this 2018 release, blending aggressive riffs with unexpected pop sensibilities. The production captures a raw, high-octane atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of traditional heavy music.
Short, punchy tracks dominate the runtime, showcasing a departure from standard genre conventions. Listeners experience a seamless fusion of rhythmic intensity and catchy hooks throughout this influential record.

Neil Young • Dume
Released 23 February 2024 · 3rd anniversary
These recordings pull back the curtain on the legendary Zuma sessions, offering a raw, unfiltered look at one of rock's most prolific creative periods. You get to hear the band finding their footing on iconic tracks like Cortez the Killer and Powderfinger before they were polished for later releases.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse sound loose and electrified here, capturing the grit of mid-seventies California rock. The production keeps things intimate, making you feel like you are sitting right there in the studio as they chase down these timeless melodies.
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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