Album of the Day

Tones, by Eric Johnson (1986): 1986 was a pretty good year for debuts (Hornsby's The Way It Is came out in 86, too). Although he'd been playing with other people for years (and being part of The Electromagnets), this was Johnson's first solo album. It's a brilliant showcase for his range and skill as a guitarist. Without a doubt, he can keep up speed-wise with any shredder out there. But his playing is so much more interesting that your typical Strat strangler. It's a shame it takes him years upon years to crank out a new album.