Classic Albums

Explore the making of one of the most outstanding jazz-rock albums of all time. Aja, the biggest successof Steely Dan’s career, was the result of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s relentless perfectionismin the studio. A year in the making, it was rewarded with a Grammy Award and three hit singles. Almost 45 years later, it is as fresh and memorable as it was upon its release in 1997.

Re-live the Glam era with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of thegroundbreaking albumthat took Lou Reed from cult hero of The Velvet Underground to international superstar as a solo artist. Reed’s second LP, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, featured the hits “Perfect Day” and “Walk on the Wild Side” and is considered to have been massively influential on generations of musicians.

Discover the stories behind these two groundbreaking albums, produced in 1973 and 1974, that encapsulate the artist’s musicality and wit. Over 30 years, Zappa’s records embraced rock, jazz, funk, blues, doo-wop and classical influences. Lyrically tinged with humor, satire and wry political observation, they also featured excellent musicianship and faultless production.

Explore the album that was a dominating force in 1991, with record sales that surpassed the likes of Michael Jackson, U2 and Dire Straits. Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall shares his musical vision and inspiration behind “Something Got Me Started,” “Your Mirror,” and the title track, while archival footage, promotional clips and exclusive interviews provide the key to its phenomenal success.

Rediscover the landmark album on its 50th anniversary, with new interviews from McLean about its recording and legacy. Released alongside Carole King’s Tapestry, Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Neil Young’s After The Goldrush, American Pie is considered a vital part of what has been called “Rock’s golden year.” A product of its era, the album’s impact, poignancy and relevance have lasted to this day.

Dive into The Band’s eponymously titled second album, with its musical and lyrical take on America that resonates as strongly today as it did upon its release in 1969. It showcased their brilliant ability to merge a variety of influences and confirms for many music lovers why they will always be The Band. Features interviews with Eric Clapton, George Harrison and surviving members of the group.

Dive into the making of the1977 punk rock album that was —and remains today —an inspiration worldwide for the alternative music scene and one of the most influential and controversial rock albums of all time. Interviews with the band plus concert footage illustrate how the Sex Pistols created an iconic record while sowing chaos and mayhem in the music business establishment.

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon and key collaborators lay bare the creative process of writing and recording her No Secrets album, including the classic single “You’re So Vain.” On this album, Simon perfected her unique style, an intimate and confessional form of song that spoke to a generation, especially young women.

Explore the two albums that illustrate the lyrical ideals of Canadian band Rush, who invented the Progressive Heavy Rock genre and, to this day, remain its leader. Released in 1976, 2112 represents the zenith of the band’s concept phase, while Moving Pictures is the crystallization of their skills as songwriters.

Discover the story of an abandoned multimedia project that became what many critics call one of the greatest rock albums of all time. A testament to the songwriting talent of Pete Townshend and the musical power of The Who, Who’s Next was the 1971 follow-up to the ground breaking album Tommy. Features interviews with Townshend, Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle, plus previously unseen performances.

Discover the arduous, but fateful story of one of the top-selling albums of all time. Meat Loaf and producer Jim Steinman recall the day they met and manager David Sonenberg discusses the many fruitless attempts to get a record deal. But perseverance eventually led to triumph when 1977’s Bat Out Of Hell became a phenomenal success.

Explore the story behind one of the world’s most popular reggae albums, which brought Bob Marley international recognition in 1973. Featuring rare archival interviews with Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and Marley himself as well as never-before-seen performances and footage from the Jamaican recording sessions, this episode provides insight into the process behind the recording of this landmark work.