The Plastic blog
January 22nd
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published



The Good, The Bad & The Queen • The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Released 22 January 2007 · 20th anniversary
Damon Albarn assembled a supergroup featuring Paul Simonon of The Clash, Simon Tong from The Verve, and Afrobeat legend Tony Allen to create this haunting portrait of London. The project feels like a melancholic love letter to a city in transition, blending sharp social commentary with a deeply personal sense of place.
Danger Mouse produced the record, wrapping the songs in a murky, atmospheric soundscape that feels both timeless and distinctly mid-2000s. It captures a specific, hazy mood that sits somewhere between traditional British pop and dub-infused indie rock, making it a standout collaboration from that era.

George Benson • The Other Side Of Abbey Road
Released 22 January 1970 · 57th anniversary
Released just weeks after the Beatles' original masterpiece hit shelves, this record serves as a lightning-fast jazz-soul reimagining of the entire Abbey Road medley. It showcases a young George Benson applying his virtuosic guitar chops to the Fab Four’s final studio sessions, turning pop anthems into sophisticated instrumental grooves.
Creed Taylor produced this session for A&M Records, leaning into a lush, orchestral sound that feels both cinematic and intimate. The arrangements highlight the melodic strength of the songs while giving Benson plenty of room to stretch out with his signature fluid, bluesy improvisation.

Foxygen • We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
Released 22 January 2013 · 14th anniversary
Retro-glam swagger meets a chaotic, sun-drenched energy that feels like a fever dream of the late sixties. The songwriting channels the spirit of classic rock icons while maintaining a distinctly modern, unpredictable edge that keeps every track feeling fresh and slightly unhinged.
Lo-fi production choices give the record a raw, intimate texture that perfectly complements its psychedelic pop sensibilities. It captures the vibrant, restless spirit of the early 2010s indie scene, proving that nostalgia can sound surprisingly vital when handled with this much reckless enthusiasm.

Rüfüs • Bloom
Released 22 January 2016 · 11th anniversary
Sweeping synthesizers and emotive vocals make this album a standout in the modern electronic-pop landscape. The track 'Innerbloom' has become something of a modern anthem, known for its slow-burning, cinematic progression.
This record perfectly captures the Australian electronic sound, blending house rhythms with indie-pop sensibilities. It feels expansive and atmospheric, designed to fill large spaces while maintaining a personal connection to the listener.

Dr. John • Gris-Gris
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary
Mac Rebennack transformed himself into a voodoo-obsessed shaman to create this swampy, psychedelic masterpiece. It remains one of the most singular documents of the late sixties, blending traditional New Orleans mysticism with a dark, hypnotic sound that feels like a fever dream.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the sessions utilized a dense, atmospheric production style that captured the humid, rhythmic essence of the bayou. The result is a murky fusion of blues, jazz, and funk that sounds unlike anything else released during that era.

Megadeth • Dystopia
Released 22 January 2016 · 11th anniversary
Dave Mustaine revitalized the band's sound by recruiting guitarist Kiko Loureiro and drummer Chris Adler for this aggressive comeback. The record marks a sharp return to the technical, high-speed thrash roots that defined their most celebrated work.
Sharp production and intricate guitar harmonies drive the heavy, modern metal aesthetic found throughout these tracks. It captures a renewed sense of urgency that feels both nostalgic for the eighties and perfectly suited for the contemporary heavy metal landscape.
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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