The Plastic blog
January 17th
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published


Mac Miller • Circles
Released 17 January 2020 · 7th anniversary
Intended as a companion piece to his previous work, this record serves as a poignant, final reflection on the human condition. It captures a vulnerable artist finding peace within his own internal struggles through gentle melodies and honest lyrics.
Production leans heavily into lush, organic textures that blend elements of funk, soul, and blues into a cohesive soundscape. The result is a warm, intimate listening experience that feels like a quiet conversation held in the late hours of the night.

John Foxx • Metamatic
Released 17 January 1980 · 47th anniversary
Cold, mechanical precision defines this record, which famously marked a departure from the traditional rock band format in favor of drum machines and synthesizers. It stands as a blueprint for the minimalist electronic sound that would dominate the decade to come.
Recording sessions took place in the shadows of a rapidly changing London landscape, utilizing primitive gear to craft a stark, futuristic atmosphere. The production relies heavily on the Roland CR-78, creating a rigid, icy pulse that perfectly captures the anxiety of the early eighties.

Iron Butterfly • Ball
Released 17 January 1969 · 58th anniversary
Heavy psych pioneers stepped away from their signature epic-length jams to experiment with tighter, more melodic song structures on this sophomore effort. It remains a fascinating pivot point where the band traded sheer volume for nuanced studio arrangements and a surprisingly pop-oriented sensibility.
Released during the height of the late sixties transition, the record captures the transition from acid rock excess to the more polished production styles emerging at Atlantic Records. The sound is thick with swirling organ textures and fuzzy guitar tones that perfectly define the hazy, ambitious atmosphere of the era.

Joni Mitchell • Court And Spark
Released 17 January 1974 · 53rd anniversary
Jazz musicians began to weave their way into the arrangements here, marking a pivotal shift away from the pure folk sound of her earlier work. The result is a sophisticated, conversational tone that feels like catching up with an old friend over a glass of wine.
Sophisticated production choices define this 1974 release, blending soft rock sensibilities with a newfound rhythmic complexity. It captures the essence of the mid-seventies Laurel Canyon scene, balancing polished pop hooks with deeply personal, introspective songwriting.

Eminem • Music To Be Murdered By
Released 17 January 2020 · 7th anniversary
Alfred Hitchcock serves as the macabre muse for this project, with the legendary filmmaker’s voice weaving through the tracklist to set a chilling, cinematic tone. The record leans heavily into horrorcore aesthetics, blending sharp technical lyricism with dark, suspenseful storytelling that feels like a direct homage to classic thrillers.
Production here feels relentless and polished, balancing high-octane trap beats with moody, atmospheric soundscapes. It captures a specific moment where aggressive, rapid-fire delivery meets mainstream pop sensibilities, creating a dense listening experience that demands your full attention from start to finish.

Duncan Dhu • El Grito Del Tiempo
Released 17 January 1987 · 40th anniversary
This 1987 release marks a pivotal moment in Spanish pop rock history, showcasing the band's transition toward a more polished and melodic sound. The tracks blend catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of the late eighties music scene in Spain.
Listeners will find a collection of songs that define the era's aesthetic while maintaining a distinct rock edge. It remains a celebrated staple for fans of the genre, highlighting the group's ability to craft enduring melodies that resonated deeply with audiences at the time.
Also on this day

Giuseppe Verdi • Il Trovatore
Released 17 January 1890 · 137th anniversary

Ludwig van Beethoven • Sonata No. 30 In E Major, Op. 109 / Sonata No. 31 In A-Flat Major, Op. 110 / Sonata No. 32 In C Minor, Op. 111
Released 17 January 1956 · 71st anniversary

Ahmad Jamal Trio • Ahmad Jamal At The Pershing
Released 17 January 1958 · 69th anniversary

Eddie Harris • Exodus To Jazz
Released 17 January 1961 · 66th anniversary

Miles Davis • 'Four' & More (Recorded Live In Concert)
Released 17 January 1966 · 61st anniversary

Pete Seeger • God Bless The Grass
Released 17 January 1966 · 61st anniversary

Simon & Garfunkel • Sounds Of Silence
Released 17 January 1966 · 61st anniversary

Dr. John • Babylon
Released 17 January 1969 · 58th anniversary

Shin Joong Hyun & Donkeys • 신중현 싸운드 / 봄비 · 꽃잎 · 싫어
Released 17 January 1969 · 58th anniversary

Aretha Franklin • Soul '69
Released 17 January 1969 · 58th anniversary

Bob Dylan • Planet Waves
Released 17 January 1974 · 53rd anniversary

Frank Lowe • The Other Side
Released 17 January 1977 · 50th anniversary

21st Creation • Break Thru
Released 17 January 1978 · 49th anniversary

The Fifth Dimension • Star Dancing
Released 17 January 1978 · 49th anniversary

Black Ivory • Hangin' Heavy
Released 17 January 1979 · 48th anniversary

Johnny Hallyday • En Pièces Détachées
Released 17 January 1981 · 46th anniversary

Hiroshi Yoshimura • Soundscape 1: Surround
Released 17 January 1986 · 41st anniversary
Veronica Castro • Viva La Banda
Released 17 January 1990 · 37th anniversary

Sting • The Soul Cages
Released 17 January 1991 · 36th anniversary

The Durutti Column • Red Shoes
Released 17 January 1992 · 35th anniversary
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.