May 19, 1998
After 1996's excellent Travel On, Rider sank without a trace upon release, Scrawl seemed dispirited even by their gloomy standards, and their second major label album (and final LP overall), 1998's Nature Film, was divided half-and-half between new songs and re-recorded numbers from their back catalog. Surprisingly, it found them playing with fierce passion and taut focus, and the re-records often top the originals. A great final salvo from a wildly underappreciated band.
1976
Produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, Calling Card found the Irish rocker exploring other musical paths, and caught him on one of his most consistent songwriting streaks. While the soulful, jazz-tinged title cut remained an audience favorite for the rest of Gallagher’s life, "Moonchild," "Country Mile," and "Secret Agent" displayed punchy riffs and raging guitar work, while the acoustic "Barley & Grape Rag" and the elegant ballad "I'll Admit You're Gone" proved the guitarist’s quieter, melodic talent was equally cutting.