Maxene: An Andrews Sister
Artist: Maxene Andrews

Patty, not Maxene, Andrews was the lead singer of the Andrews Sisters, with Maxene and third sister Laverne providing harmony and backup. But since the sisters split up, Maxene obviously has learned to sing lead, since she projects a definite identity on this, her debut solo album (which came nearly 50 years after she started recording). The... Read More

1936
Artist: Putney Dandridge
Fight Dirty/Good Morning America
Artist: Charlie

This double disc from Charlie, who sounds like a cross between Toto and America, includes both the Fight Dirty and Good Morning America albums and is a fair depiction of their AOR style. The high harmony vocals of Terry Thomas set up the backdrop of saxophone and piano, accompanied by simple melodies set adrift on three-minute rock songs. While... Read More

As I Remember It
Artist: Frank Sinatra, Jr.
Secret Love - BEAR FAMILY
Artist: Doris Day
The Ugly One with the Jewels and Other Stories
Artist: Laurie Anderson

On her later albums, Laurie Anderson had moved from her earlier spoken word-plus-effects style to a more overtly musical approach, with less effective results. The Ugly One With the Jewels, a recording of a live performance of readings from her book Stories From the Nerve Bible, returned her to speaking instead of singing, and it was her best... Read More