The Plastic blog
January 7th
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published



Lipps, Inc. • Mouth To Mouth
Released 7 January 1980 · 47th anniversary
Synthesizers and drum machines collide on this record, creating a sound that became synonymous with the late 70s disco explosion. The title track remains a landmark of electronic pop, showcasing a bold, futuristic approach to dance music.
Minimalist production choices allow the driving basslines and robotic vocals to take center stage. It is a lean, high-impact album that helped bridge the gap between traditional disco and the emerging synth-pop movement.

George Benson • 20/20
Released 7 January 1985 · 42nd anniversary
Smooth jazz legend George Benson leans heavily into polished pop sensibilities here, delivering a collection that feels tailor-made for mid-eighties radio. The record features the original version of the now-classic ballad 'Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You,' which became a massive international hit for the artist.
Production duties are handled with the slick, high-gloss sheen typical of 1985 studio sessions, blending synthesizers with Benson's signature fluid guitar lines. It is a quintessential snapshot of the era's sophisticated crossover sound, balancing romantic ballads with upbeat, danceable grooves.

The Runaways • Queens Of Noise
Released 7 January 1977 · 50th anniversary
Joan Jett and Lita Ford really hit their stride here, trading in the raw garage grit of their debut for a sharper, more polished hard rock sound. This record captures the band at their most cohesive, showcasing a tighter interplay between the guitars and vocals that defined their late-seventies aesthetic.
Produced during the height of the mid-seventies glam explosion, the tracks lean heavily into the sleazy, high-voltage energy of the Sunset Strip scene. It feels like a direct transmission from a neon-lit stage, perfectly balancing aggressive riffs with the catchy, anthemic hooks that made the band a staple of the era.

Nicky Hopkins • Jamming With Edward!
Released 7 January 1972 · 55th anniversary
Legendary session pianist Nicky Hopkins found himself in the studio with Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman during a downtime period in 1969. What started as an impromptu jam session while waiting for Keith Richards to arrive eventually became this loose, spontaneous record released three years later.
These tracks capture the raw, unpolished energy of rock royalty letting their hair down without the pressure of a formal album production. It feels like a fly-on-the-wall experience, showcasing a gritty blend of blues-rock improvisation that highlights the playful chemistry between these iconic musicians.

Gamma • Gamma 3
Released 7 January 1982 · 45th anniversary
Ronnie Montrose brought his signature guitar muscle to this project, creating a record that sits right in the pocket of early 80s arena rock. It is packed with the kind of high-energy riffs and driving rhythms that were built for stadium speakers.
The sound is polished and punchy, reflecting the high-gloss production standards of the time. You get a masterclass in power-chord dynamics that feels both aggressive and radio-ready.

The Mars Volta • Landscape Tantrums (Unfinished Original Recordings Of De-Loused In The Comatorium)
Released 7 January 2022 · 5th anniversary
Raw, unpolished demos provide a fascinating glimpse into the creative genesis of a modern progressive masterpiece. These tracks capture the band's frenetic energy and complex arrangements before the final studio refinements were applied.
Listeners gain unique insight into the evolution of iconic compositions through these stripped-back, visceral recordings. This collection serves as an essential companion for fans interested in the structural foundations of the group's early experimental sound.
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.
← More from the Plastic blog