The Plastic blog
November 28th
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published



The Rolling Stones • Let It Bleed
Released 28 November 1969 · 57th anniversary
Brian Jones was essentially phased out during these sessions, leaving Keith Richards to shoulder the heavy lifting on guitar while Mick Taylor began his tenure with the band. The result is a gritty, tension-filled masterpiece that captures the Stones at their absolute peak of blues-rock swagger.
Released at the tail end of 1969, the record serves as a dark, cynical bookend to the optimism of the decade. Its raw, loose production perfectly mirrors the chaotic atmosphere of the era, cementing its place as the definitive soundtrack to the end of the sixties.

Carly Simon • No Secrets
Released 28 November 1972 · 54th anniversary
This 1972 release solidified a transition toward polished pop rock production. It features the iconic hit single "You're So Vain," which remains a definitive cultural touchstone of the decade.
Sophisticated arrangements and intimate songwriting define the record's enduring appeal. These tracks capture the essence of early seventies singer-songwriter craftsmanship through a blend of melodic accessibility and personal lyrical depth.

The Jam • Sound Affects
Released 28 November 1980 · 46th anniversary
Paul Weller famously drew heavy inspiration from the Beatles' Revolver era for this record, resulting in a sharper, more psychedelic edge to the band's signature sound. It features the acoustic masterpiece 'That's Entertainment,' which Weller reportedly wrote in just ten minutes while walking home from a pub.
Released in 1980, the album captures a transitional moment where the raw energy of punk began to bleed into more sophisticated, melodic arrangements. The production feels tight and punchy, perfectly reflecting the restless, observational spirit of the British Mod revival scene.

Miles Davis • Tutu
Released 28 November 1986 · 40th anniversary
Marcus Miller essentially built the entire sonic architecture of this record, playing almost every instrument except Miles' iconic trumpet. The project was originally intended as a collaboration with Prince, and you can still hear those lingering, moody pop sensibilities woven into the arrangements.
Synthesizers and drum machines define the sound, marking a sharp departure from the acoustic jazz of the past. It captures the polished, high-tech aesthetic of mid-eighties studio production while keeping that unmistakable, haunting trumpet tone at the center of the mix.

The Darkness • One Way Ticket To Hell ...And Back
Released 28 November 2005 · 21st anniversary
Roy Thomas Baker, the legendary producer behind Queen's A Night at the Opera, helmed this high-octane follow-up. It captures the band at their most ambitious, leaning heavily into the theatrical excess of seventies stadium rock.
Layered guitar harmonies and falsetto vocals define the record's polished, arena-ready sound. The production emphasizes a massive, widescreen aesthetic that perfectly complements the flamboyant glam rock sensibilities throughout the tracklist.

Ian Dury And The Blockheads • Laughter
Released 28 November 1980 · 46th anniversary
Wit and cynicism collide in this final collaboration with the band, featuring lyrics that are as sharp and biting as ever. The music experiments with funk and disco rhythms, providing a strange, danceable contrast to the dark humor of the vocals.
Production is layered and eccentric, reflecting the band's willingness to push pop structures into weird, uncharted territory. It is a complex, challenging record that rewards repeated listens with its unique blend of social commentary and groove.
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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