Sleeper Debut Lps...70s classic rock

I've always been a fan a King Crimson. I do demos at RMAF and the like with the 2nd and 4th LPs in particular. Both are quite well recorded. I have original imports of both, but if you have an original American pressing they are quite good too!

After Pete Sinfield stopped offering 'visions' for the band, the sound changed rather dramatically. 'Lark's Tongues in Aspic' turned out to be an amazing album though.

Agree with you Phasecorrect regarding REO prior to their mainstream success. Both their first and 2nd albums are just great rock and roll in the best tradition of garage bands that really soared. Gary Richrath's raw guitar riffs is the REAL deal. Their recording of Chuck Berry's "Little Queenie" on the 2nd album is one of my favorite R&R cuts ever along with Zep's "Rock and Roll". Really great boogie piano featuring Neil Doughty with Boots Randolph doing a guest appearance on Alto Sax, and of course Richrath soaring on the final solo. Every other version I've heard of this classic is anemic compared to this one. It's amazing to me how this band's early works was off the radar as it is IMO their best. Check it out on YouTube.

I always liked Van Halen's first album. Not classic rock, but later in the 70s: REM, U2, Elvis Costello, B-52s. Seems like a lot of New Wave bands came out with good debut Lps around that time.