The Plastic blog
January 22nd
album anniversaries
By Plastic · Published


The Good, The Bad & The Queen • The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Released 22 January 2007 · 20th anniversary
Damon Albarn assembled a supergroup featuring Paul Simonon of The Clash, Simon Tong from The Verve, and Afrobeat legend Tony Allen to create this haunting portrait of London. The project feels like a melancholic love letter to a city in transition, blending sharp social commentary with a deeply personal sense of place.
Danger Mouse produced the record, wrapping the songs in a murky, atmospheric soundscape that feels both timeless and distinctly mid-2000s. It captures a specific, hazy mood that sits somewhere between traditional British pop and dub-infused indie rock, making it a standout collaboration from that era.

George Benson • The Other Side Of Abbey Road
Released 22 January 1970 · 57th anniversary
Released just weeks after the Beatles' original masterpiece hit shelves, this record serves as a lightning-fast jazz-soul reimagining of the entire Abbey Road medley. It showcases a young George Benson applying his virtuosic guitar chops to the Fab Four’s final studio sessions, turning pop anthems into sophisticated instrumental grooves.
Creed Taylor produced this session for A&M Records, leaning into a lush, orchestral sound that feels both cinematic and intimate. The arrangements highlight the melodic strength of the songs while giving Benson plenty of room to stretch out with his signature fluid, bluesy improvisation.

Foxygen • We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
Released 22 January 2013 · 14th anniversary
Retro-glam swagger meets a chaotic, sun-drenched energy that feels like a fever dream of the late sixties. The songwriting channels the spirit of classic rock icons while maintaining a distinctly modern, unpredictable edge that keeps every track feeling fresh and slightly unhinged.
Lo-fi production choices give the record a raw, intimate texture that perfectly complements its psychedelic pop sensibilities. It captures the vibrant, restless spirit of the early 2010s indie scene, proving that nostalgia can sound surprisingly vital when handled with this much reckless enthusiasm.

Rüfüs • Bloom
Released 22 January 2016 · 11th anniversary
Sweeping synthesizers and emotive vocals make this album a standout in the modern electronic-pop landscape. The track 'Innerbloom' has become something of a modern anthem, known for its slow-burning, cinematic progression.
This record perfectly captures the Australian electronic sound, blending house rhythms with indie-pop sensibilities. It feels expansive and atmospheric, designed to fill large spaces while maintaining a personal connection to the listener.

Dr. John • Gris-Gris
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary
Mac Rebennack transformed himself into a voodoo-obsessed shaman to create this swampy, psychedelic masterpiece. It remains one of the most singular documents of the late sixties, blending traditional New Orleans mysticism with a dark, hypnotic sound that feels like a fever dream.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the sessions utilized a dense, atmospheric production style that captured the humid, rhythmic essence of the bayou. The result is a murky fusion of blues, jazz, and funk that sounds unlike anything else released during that era.

Megadeth • Dystopia
Released 22 January 2016 · 11th anniversary
Dave Mustaine revitalized the band's sound by recruiting guitarist Kiko Loureiro and drummer Chris Adler for this aggressive comeback. The record marks a sharp return to the technical, high-speed thrash roots that defined their most celebrated work.
Sharp production and intricate guitar harmonies drive the heavy, modern metal aesthetic found throughout these tracks. It captures a renewed sense of urgency that feels both nostalgic for the eighties and perfectly suited for the contemporary heavy metal landscape.
Also on this day

Jo Basile, Accordion And Orchestra • Rome With Love
Released 22 January 1957 · 70th anniversary

Rossini • The Barber Of Seville - Highlights
Released 22 January 1962 · 65th anniversary

Canned Heat • Boogie With Canned Heat
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary

Aretha Franklin • Lady Soul
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary

Autosalvage • Autosalvage
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary

Spirit • Spirit
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary

Elly Stone • Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary

Iron Butterfly • Heavy
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary

Boudewijn de Groot • Picknick
Released 22 January 1968 · 59th anniversary
Spring (6) • Spring
Released 22 January 1971 · 56th anniversary

Gioacchino Rossini • Il Barbiere Di Siviglia (Selezione)
Released 22 January 1973 · 54th anniversary

Sister Sledge • We Are Family
Released 22 January 1979 · 48th anniversary
Rufus • Numbers
Released 22 January 1979 · 48th anniversary

The Selecter • Celebrate The Bullet
Released 22 January 1981 · 46th anniversary

Nick Straker Band • The Nick Straker Band
Released 22 January 1981 · 46th anniversary
Dexter Gordon • The Other Side Of Round Midnight
Released 22 January 1986 · 41st anniversary
Chagall Guevara • Chagall Guevara
Released 22 January 1991 · 36th anniversary

Poison Idea • Blank, Blackout, Vacant
Released 22 January 1992 · 35th anniversary

Luciano Ligabue • Sopravvissuti E Sopravviventi
Released 22 January 1993 · 34th anniversary

Deep Dish • Penetrate Deeper
Released 22 January 1996 · 31st 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.