Music Year 1978

This list was put together retrospectively from database hints in 2011, basically as research for a half-hearted poll. It is done virtually all from memory, which 33 years later may not be such a good idea.

& indicates a record rated based on streaming from Rhapsody (or some other source). [*, **, ***] indicates a B+ record given 1-3 stars, meaning that it was rated much later than most of these records. In many cases the rating was done on the basis of a later reissue, reflected in label with the reissue date in brackets. Not all of these reissues are properly noted, especially where they differ in no significant way (other than that they're on CD).

New Records

X-Ray Spex: Germ Free Adolescents (Blue Plate)
Pere Ubu: The Modern Dance (Blank)
Nick Lowe: Pure Pop for Now People (Columbia) -- UK: Jesus of Cool, reissued ([2008], Yep Roc)
Joe Ely: Honky Tonk Masquerade (MCA)

Talking Heads: More Songs About Buildings and Food (Sire)
Blondie: Parallel Lines (Chrysalis)
Johnny Thunders: So Alone (Real)
Neil Young: Comes a Time (Reprise)
Willis Jackson: Bar Wars (Muse)
Silver Convention: Love in a Sleeper (MCA)
Captain Beefheart: Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) (Bizarre/Straight)
The Rolling Stones: Some Girls (Virgin)
Brian Eno: Before and After Science (EG)
The Ramones: Road to Ruin (Sire)
Wire: Pink Flag (Harvest) -- 1977
Willie Nelson: Stardust (Columbia)
The Vibrators: Pure Mania (Columbia) -- 1977
Tom Robinson Band: Power in the Darkness (Razor & Tie)

Burning Spear: Social Living (Island; [1994], Blood & Fire)
Warren Zevon: Excitable Boy (Asylum)
Wire: Chairs Missing (Enigma)
Mary McCaslin & Jim Ringer: The Bramble and the Rose (Philo)
Zoot Sims/Jimmy Rowles: If I'm Lucky (Pablo)
Funkadelic: One Nation Under a Groove (Warner Brothers)
Art Pepper: Among Friends (Discovery; [1989], Storyville)
The Buzzcocks: Love Bites (United Artists)
The Clash: Give 'Em Enough Rope (Epic)
Dave Edmunds: Tracks on Wax 4 (Swan Song)
Zoot Sims: Warm Tenor (Pablo)
Television: Adventure ([2003], Elektra/Rhino)
Ian Dury: New Boots and Panties!! (Stiff) -- UK (1977)
Sonny Rollins: There Will Never Be Another You (1965, Impulse; [2011], Impulse)
Marvin Gaye: Here My Dear (Tamla) &
Ornette Coleman: Body Meta (Artists House)
Enrico Rava: Enrico Rava Quartet (ECM)
Elvis Costello: This Year's Model (Columbia)
Al Green: Love Ritual (1968-76, Hi)
Bill Evans: Getting Sentimental ([2003], Milestone) -- unreleased in 1978
Bootsy's Rubber Band: Bootsy? Player of the Year (Warner Brothers)
Don Pullen/Chico Freeman/Fred Hopkins/Bobby Battle: Warriors (Black Saint)
Dave Burrell: Plays Ellington and Monk (Denon)
Patti Smith Group: Easter (Arista)
Max Romeo: Open the Iron Gate (United Artists; [1999], Blood and Fire)
Steve Gibbons Band: Down in the Bunker (Polydor)
Kraftwerk: The Man-Machine (Capitol)
Barre Phillips: Three Day Moon (ECM)
Albert Collins: Ice Pickin' (Alligator)
Al Grey/Jimmy Forrest Quintet: Truly Wonderful (Stash)
Jimmy Murphy: Electricity (Sugar Hill)
Keith Jarrett: My Song (ECM)
Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Shuffering and Shmiling (Afrodisia; [2000], MCA) -- reissue twofer + No Agreement
Dexter Gordon: Live at Carnegie Hall ([1998], Columbia/Legacy) -- unreleased in 1978
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen Trio: Trio 2 (Steeplechase)
Kenny Wheeler: Deer Wan (ECM)
Sun Ra: Disco 3000 (El Saturn; [2009], Art Yard) & -- reissue adds much extra material
Van Morrison: Wavelength (Warner Brothers)
Pere Ubu: Datapanik in the Year Zero (Radar, EP)
Mickey Jupp: Legend (Stiff)
The Motors: Approved by the Motors (Virgin)
Keith Jarrett: Bop-Be (Impulse) &
Lucinda Williams: Ramblin' ([1991], Folkways)
Robert Ashley: Private Parts (Lovely Music)
Devo: Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (Warner Brothers)
Noah Howard: Schizophrenic Blues (FMP) &
Lee Dorsey: Night People (ABC; [2005], Raven) -- reissue twofer + Yes We Can

Billy Bang Survival Ensemble: New York Collage (Amina; [2011], NoBusiness) -- reissue twofer + Black Man's Blues (1977)
McKinley Mitchell: McKinley Mitchell (Chimneyville) & -- reissued in The Complete Malaco Collection ([1992], Waldoxy)
Leroy Jenkins: The Legend of A.I. Glatson (Black Saint)
The Adverts: Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts (Bright)
The Yankees: High 'n' Inside (Big Sound)
David Johansen: David Johansen (Blue Sky)
The Boys: Alternative Chartbusters (Nems)
Merle Haggard and the Strangers: The Way It Was in '51 (Capitol)
Cedric Im Brooks: United Africa (Water Lily)
Cecil Taylor: The Cecil Taylor Unit (New World)
Joe King Carrasco: Joe King Carrasco and the El Molino Band (Lisa)
Dexter Gordon Quartet: Manhattan Symphonie ([2005], Columbia/Legacy)
The David Johansen Group: Live (Blue Sky; [1993], Columbia/Legacy)
Parliament: Motor-Booty Affair (Casablanca)
Bryan Ferry: The Bride Stripped Bare (Atlantic)
Rodney Crowell: Ain't Living Long Like This (Warner Brothers) &
Anthony Braxton: Creative Orchestra (Köln) 1978 (Hat Art)
Jeff Wayne: The War of the Worlds ([2005], Columbia/Legacy, 2CD) [***]
Ashford and Simpson: Is It Still Good to Ya (Warner Brothers)
The Rezillos: Can't Stand the Rezillos (Sire)
Muddy Waters: I'm Ready (Blue Sky; [2004], Epic/Legacy)
Boney M: Nightflight to Venus (Sire)
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen Trio: Trio 1 (Steeplechase)
The Buzzcocks: Another Music in a Different Kitchen (United Artists) -- UK (1977)
Frederic Rzewski: The People United Will Never Be Defeated (New Albion)
Donna Summer: Live and More (Casablanca)
XTC: Go 2 (Geffen)
Scott Hamilton: Scott Hamilton, 2 (Concord)
Helen Humes: Sneakin' Around ([2002], Black & Blue) & [**]
David Murray: Live at the Lower Manhattan Ocean Club (Inner City; [2010], Jazzwerkstatt) & [**]
Michael Mantler: Movies (Watt)
The Cars: The Cars (Elektra)
Delroy Wilson: Dub Plate Style ([2009], Pressure Sounds) [**]
Big Star: 3rd (PVC) -- aka Third/Sister Lovers ([1992], Rykodisc)
Mal Waldron: Moods (Enja)
Thad Jones: Live at Montmartre (Storyville)
Sun Ra Arkestra: Lanquidity (Philly Jazz; [2000], Evidence)
The Police: Outlandos d'Amour (A&M)
Carla Bley: European Tour 1977 (Watt)
Cheryl Lynn: Cheryl Lynn (Reel Music)
Charlie Haden/Hampton Hawes: As Long as There's Music (Artists House)
Steve Reich: Music for 18 Musicians (ECM)
Son Seals: Live and Burning (Alligator) & [**]
Arild Andersen: Green Shading Into Blue (ECM) [**]
Etoile de Dakar: Xalis ([1994], Popular African Music)
Raydio: Raydio (Arista)
999: High Energy Plan (PVC)
John Prine: Bruised Orange (Asylum)
Hot Chocolate: Every 1's a Winner (Infinity)
The Residents: Duck Stab/Buster & Glen (Ralph) & [**]
Dr. John: City Lights ([2008], Verve) & [**]
Ken McIntyre: Chasing the Sun (Steeplechase)
Steel Pulse: Handsworth Revolution (Mango)
Anthony Braxton: For Four Orchestras (Arista) [**]
Max Roach/Anthony Braxton: Birth and Rebirth (Black Saint)
Ray Bryant: All Blues ([1995], Pablo OJC)
Julius Hemphill/Abdul K. Wadud: Live in New York (Red)
Public Image Ltd.: First Issue: Religion Attack (Virgin)
Dollar Brand: Ode to Duke Ellington (Inner City)
Hawklords: Hawklords (Charisma)
Robert Johnson: Close Personal Friends (Infinity)
Jimmy Giuffre/Lee Konitz/Bill Connors/Paul Bley: Giuffre/Konitz/Connors/Bley (IAI)
Horace Parlan: Blue Parlan (Steeplechase)
Brian Eno/Dieter Moebius/Hans-Joachim Roedelius: After the Heat (Skyclad)
Village People: Cruisin' (Casablanca)
Bob Marley & the Wailers: Kaya (Island)
Shoes: Black Vinyl Shoes (PVC)
Willis Jackson/Von Freeman: Lockin' Horns ([2000], 32 Jazz)
The Band: The Last Waltz (Warner Brothers)
Willie Nelson: Willie and Family Live (Columbia, 2LP)
Milt Jackson/Count Basie: Milt Jackson + Count Basie + The Big Band Vol. 1 (Pablo)
Joe Sample/David T. Walker: Swing Street Café ([2008], Verve) &
David Bromberg: My Own House ([1999], Fantasy)
Gato Barbieri: Ruby, Ruby (A&M) & [*]

Toshiko Akiyoshi: Finesse (Concord)
Tonio K: Life in the Foodchain (Epic)
Sham 69: Tell Us the Truth (Sire)
Lou Reed: Street Hassle (Arista)
Gato Barbieri: Tropico (A&M) &
Al Cohn/Jimmy Rowles: Heavy Love (Xanadu)
Gregory Isaacs: Mr. Isaacs (DEB Music; [1982], Shanachie)
John Cage: Etudes Australes for Piano (Tomato)
Village People: Macho Man (Casablanca)
Woody Shaw: Rosewood (Columbia)
Peter Tosh: Bush Doctor (Rolling Stones)
Kate & Anna McGarrigle: Pronto Monto (Warner Brothers)
Woody Shaw: Stepping Stones: Live at the Village Vanguard ([2005], Columbia/Legacy)
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band: Stranger in Town (Capitol)
The Jam: All Mod Cons (Polydor)
Love and Kisses: How Much, How Much I Love You (Casablanca)
Bob Marley & the Wailers: Babylon by Bus (Island)
Be-Bop Deluxe: Drastic Plastic (Harvest)
Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson: Waylon and Willie (RCA Victor)
Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band: Meets King Penett (RCA Victor)
Generation X: Generation X (Chrysalis)
Anthony Braxton: For Trio (Arista)
The Suicide Commandos: The Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert (Anthology)
Joseph Jarman/Famadou Don Moye: Egwu-Anwu (Sun Song) (India Navigation)
Loudon Wainwright III: Final Exam (Arista)
Iggy Pop & James Williamson: Kill City (Bomp)
Mickey Jupp: Juppanese (Stiff)
Elizabeth Barraclough: Elizabeth Barraclough (Bearsville)
Brian Eno: Music for Films (EG)
XTC: White Music (Geffen)
Steve Forbert: Alive on Arrival (Nemporer)
Paul Motian Trio: Dance (ECM)
Bennie Wallace: The Fourteen Bar Blues (Enja)
Rahsaan Roland Kirk: Simmer, Reduce, Garnish and Serve (Warner Brothers)
Magazine: Real Life (Virgin)
Miroslav Vitous: Miroslav (Freedom)
John McLaughlin: Electric Guitarist (Columbia)
Plastic Bertrand: Ca Plane Pour Moi (Sire)
Blue Oyster Cult: Some Enchanted Evening ([2007], Columbia/Legacy)
Herbie Hancock: The Piano ([2004], Columbia/Legacy)
Dennis Linde: Under the Eye (Monument) [RC:B+]
Bunny Wailer: Dubd'sco Volumes 1 and 2 ([1999], RAS)
The Crusaders: Images (Blue Thumb) &
David Gilmour: David Gilmour (Columbia)
The Vibrators: V2 (Epic [UK])
Richie Beirach/Dave Liebman: Omerta (Storyville)
Kevin Ayers: Rainbow Takeaway (Harvest)
Otis Blackwell: These Are My Songs! (Inner City)

Joe Walsh: But Seriously Folks (Asylum)
Richard & Linda Thompson: First Light (Chrysalis)
Ry Cooder: Jazz (Reprise)
Phil Manzanera: K-Scope (EG)
Robert Palmer: Double Fun (Island)
Abba: The Album (Polygram)
Flamin Groovies: Now (Sire)
Graham Parker and the Rumour: The Parkerilla (Mercury)
Dudu Pukwana: Diamond Express (Arista/Freedom)
Charles Mingus: Cumbia and Jazz Fusion (Atlantic)
Bruce Springsteen: Darkness on the Edge of Town (Columbia)

Todd Rundgren: Hermit of Mink Hollow (Bearsville)
Boston: Don't Look Back ([2006], Epic/Legacy)
Journey: Infinity ([2006], Columbia/Legacy)

Roy Ayers: You Send Me (Verve)

Barry Manilow: Even Now ([2006], Arista/Legacy)

Meat Loaf: Bat Out of Hell (Epic)

Pending

Air: Open Air Suit (Novus)
Bob Brookmeyer: Back Again (Sonet)

Candidates

These are records that show up on other lists that maybe should be considered.

John Abercrombie: Characters (ECM)
John Abercrombie/Dave Holland/Jack DeJohnette: Gateway 2 (ECM)
Muhal Richard Abrams: 1-OQA+19 (Black Saint)
Muhal Richard Abrams: Lifea Blinec (Novus)
Muhal Richard Abrams: Spiral: Live at Montreux 1978 (Novus)
King Sunny Ade and His African Beats: Private Line (Sunny Alade)
Charlie Ainley: Bang Your Door (Nemporer) [RC:B+]
Air: Air Time (Nessa)
Air: Montreux Suisse (Novus)
Toshiko Akiyoshi Trio: A Tribute to Billy Strayhorn (Jazz America)
The Monty Alexander 7: Jamento (Pablo)
Willie Alexander: Willie Alexander and Boom Boom Band (MCA)
Rance Allen: Straight From the Heart (Stax)
The Alpha Band: The Statue Makers of Hollywood (Arista) [RC:B+]
AMM: To Hear and Back Again (Matchless)
Fred Anderson: Another Place (Moers)
Dan Ar Bras: Allez Dire a la Ville (Hexagone)
Joan Armatrading: To the Limit (A&M) [RC:B+]
Art Bears: Hopes and Fears (Random Radar)
Art Ensemble of Chicago: Kabalaba (AECO)
Asleep at the Wheel: Collision Course (Capitol)
Azimuth: The Touchstone (ECM)
Benny Bailey: Grand Slam (Storyville)
Chet Baker: Live at Nick's (Criss Cross)
Chris Barber's Jazz Band: Ice Cream (Storyville)
Kenny Barron: Innocence (Wolf)
Gary Bartz: Love Affair (Capitol)
The Beach Boys: M.I.U. Album (Brother/Reprise)
Richard Beirach: Hubris (ECM)
Louie Bellson: Prime Time (Concord)
Big Youth: Isaiah First Prophet of Old (Nichola Delita)
Big Youth: Reggae Gi Dem Dub (Nichola Delita)
Tony Bird: Bird of Paradise (Columbia)
Elvin Bishop: Hog Heaven (Capricorn)
Black Sabbath: Never Say Die! (Warner Brothers)
Ran Blake: Realization of a Dream (Owl)
Hamiett Bluiett: Resolution (Black Saint)
Arthur Blythe: Bush Baby (Adelphi)
David Bowie: Stage (RCA Victor)
Lester Bowie: African Children (Horo)
Lester Bowie: The 5th Power (Black Saint)
Joanne Brackeen: Aft (Timeless)
Joanne Brackeen/Ryo Kawasaki: Trinkles and Things (Timeless)
The Brecker Brothers: Heavy Metal Be-Bop (Arista)
Willem Breuker: Doodzonde (BV Haast)
Willem Breuker: Getrommel in de Nacht/Tambours dans la Nuit (BV Haast)
Willem Breuker/Leo Cuypers: . . . Superstars (FMP)
Brides of Funkenstein: Funk or Walk (Atlantic)
Dee Dee Bridgewater: Just Family (Elektra)
Bob Brookmeyer: The Bob Brookmeyer Small Band (Gryphon)
James Brown: Jam/1980's (Polydor) [RC:B+]
Marion Brown/Gunter Hampel: Reeds 'N Vibes (IAI)
Ray Brown/Jimmy Rowles: As Good as It Gets (Concord)
Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor (MCA)
Burning Spear: Marcus' Children (Burning Music)
Gary Burton/Steve Swallow/Roy Haynes/Tiger Okoshi: Times Square (ECM)
Kate Bush: The Kick Inside (EMI America)
Kate Bush: Lionheart (EMI America)
Jerry Butler: Nothing Says I Love You Like I Love You (Philadelphia International)
Terry Callier: Fire on Ice (Elektra)
Joe "King" Carrasco and El Molino: Tex-Mex Rock-Roll (Lisa) [RC:B+]
Ron Carter: A Song for You (Milestone)
Ron Carter: Third Plane (Milestone)
Marshall Chapman: Jaded Virgin (Epic)
Cheap Trick: Heaven Tonight (Epic) [RC:B+]
Chic: C'est Chic (Atlantic)
Pete Christlieb/Warne Marsh Quintet: Apogee (Warner Brothers)
Jimmy Cliff: Give Thankx (Warner Brothers)
Hank Cochran: With a Little Help from My Friends (Capitol)
Richie Cole: Alto Madness (Muse)
Willie Colon & Ruben Blades: Siembra (Fania)
Bill Connors: Of Mist and Melting (ECM)
Chick Corea: Friends (Polydor)
Larry Coryell: European Impressions (Arista Novus)
Alec R. Costadinos & the Syncophonic Orchestra: Romeo & Juliet (Casablanca)
Stanley Cowell: Waiting for the Moment (Galaxy) [RC:B+]
R. Crumb and the Cheap Suit Serenaders: Number Three (Blue Goose)
Culture: Africa Stand Alone (April)
Culture: Culture Dub (Sky Note)
Culture: Harder Than the Rest (Front Line)
Andrew Cyrille: Metamusicians' Stomp (Black Saint)
Anthony Davis Quartet: Song for the Old World (India Navigation)
Miles Davis: Water Babies (1967-68, Columbia) [RC:B+]
Dead Boys: We Have Come for Your Children (Sire)
Jack DeJohnette: New Directions (ECM) [RC:B+]
The Dells: New Beginnings (ABC)
Manu Dibango: Afrovision (Island) [RC:B+]
The Dictators: Bloodbrothers (Asylum)
Dire Straits: Dire Straits (Warner Brothers)
Eric Dolphy: The Berlin Concerts (Inner City) [RC:A]
Arne Domnèrus/Bob Wilber: Rapturous Reeds (Phontastic)
The Doobie Brothers: Minute by Minute (Warner Brothers)
Dr. Alimantado: Best Dressed Chicken in Town (Greensleeves)
Johnny Dyani/John Tchicai/Dudu Pukwana: Witchdoctor's Son (Steeplechase)
Bob Dylan: Street Legal (Columbia)
Emerson Lake & Palmer: Love Beach (Atlantic)
Firefall: Elan (Atlantic)
Ella Fitzgerald: Lady Time (Pablo)
Tommy Flanagan: Something Borrowed, Something Blue (Galaxy) [RC:B+]
Tommy Flanagan/Hank Jones: Our Delights (Galaxy)
Chico Freeman: Beyond the Rain (Contemporary)
Chico Freeman: Kings of Mali (India Navigation)
Dave Frishberg: You're a Lucky Guy (Concord)
Peter Gabriel: Peter Gabriel (Atlantic) -- 2nd album
Ganelin Trio: Concerto Grosso (Melodiya)
Jan Garbarek: Places (ECM)
Red Garland: Red Alert (Galaxy)
Carlos Garnett: The New Love (Muse)
Gloria Gaynor: Love Tracks (Polydor) [RC:B+]
Stan Getz: Another World (Columbia)
Globe Unity: Improvisations (Japo)
Gong: Expresso II (Arista)
Dexter Gordon: Great Encounters (Columbia)
Dexter Gordon Quartet: Swiss Nights Vol. 2 (Steeplechase)
Stephane Grappelli: Parisian Thoroughfare (Arista/Freedom) -- reissue of (1975, Black Lion)
Grateful Dead: Shakedown Street (Arista)
Georg Gräwe Quintet: Pink Pong (FMP)
Al Green: Truth N' Time (Hi) [RC:B+]
Merle Haggard: I'm Always on a Mountain When I Fall (MCA)
Daryl Hall & John Oates: Along the Red Ledge (RCA Victor)
Herbie Hancock: Sunlight (Columbia)
Beaver Harris: African Drums (Owl)
Emmylou Harris: Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town (Reprise)
Dan Hartman: Instant Replay (Blue Sky)
Jon Hassell: Earthquake Island (Tomato)
Kees Hazevoet/Han Bennink: Calling Down the Flevo Spirit (Snipe)
Heart: Dog & Butterfly (Portrait)
Gerry Hemingway: Kwambe (Auricle)
Julius Hemphill: Raw Materials and Residuals (Black Saint)
The John Herald Band: The John Herald Band (Bay)
Tommy Hoehn: Losing You to Sleep (Power Play)
Dave Holland: Emerald Tears (ECM)
Loleatta Holloway: Queen of the Night (Gold Mind) [RC:A-]
Freddie Hubbard: Super Blue (Columbia)
Ijahman: Haile I Hymn (Chapter 1) (Mango)
Instant Composers Pool: Groupcomposing (ICP)
Gregory Isaacs: Cool Ruler (Front Line)
The Isley Brothers: Showdown (T-Neck)
The Isley Brothers: Timeless (T-Neck) [RC:B+]
Millie Jackson: Get It Out'cha System (Spring) [RC:B+]
Milt Jackson/Count Basie: Milt Jackson + Count Basie + The Big Band Vol. 2 (Pablo)
The Jacksons: Destiny (Epic) [RC:B+]
Etta James: Deep in the Night (Warner Brothers)
Jandek: Ready for the House (Corwood Industries)
Keith Jarrett: Sun Bear Concerts (ECM)
Garland Jeffreys: One-Eyed Jack (A&M)
Billy Joel: 52nd Street (Columbia)
Elton John: A Single Man (MCA)
Clifford Jordan: Inward Fire (Muse)
Duke Jordan Quartet: Duke's Artistry (Steeplechase)
Sheila Jordan & Arild Andersen: Sheila (Steeplechase)
Jules and the Polar Bears: Got No Breeding (Columbia)
KC & the Sunshine Band: Who Do Ya Love? (TK)
Roberta Kelly: Gettin' the Spirit (Casablanca) [RC:B+]
Chaka Khan: Chaka (Warner Brothers)
Steve Khan: The Blue Man (Columbia)
B.B. King: Midnight Believer (ABC)
The Kinks: Misfits (Arista)
Toshinori Kondo/Henry Kaiser/John Oswald: Moose and Salmon (Music Gallery Editions)
Kongas: Anikana-o (Salsoul)
Lee Konitz: Tenorlee (Choice)
Ernie Krivda: The Alchemist (Inner City)
Steve Kuhn: Non-Fiction (ECM)
Steve Lacy: Catch (Horo)
Steve Lacy: Clinkers (Hat Hut)
Steve Lacy: Points (Le Chant du Monde)
Steve Lacy/Michael Waisvisz/Han Bennink/Maarten Van Regteren Altena: Lumps (ICP)
Oliver Lake: Life Dance of Is (Novus)
Art Lande and Rubisa Patrol: Desert Marauders (ECM)
Denise LaSalle: Under the Influence (ABC)
Latimore: Dig a Little Deeper (Glades) [RC:B+]
George Lewis: George Lewis (Black Saint)
Little Feat: Waiting for Columbus (Warner Brothers)
Charles Lloyd: Weavings (Pacific Arts)
Mandingo Griot Society: Mandingo Griot Society (Flying Fish)
Moon Martin: Shots From a Cold Nightmare (Capitol)
Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy (Warner Brothers)
Bennie Maupin: Moonscapes (Mercury)
Prince Nico Mbarga: Prince Nico Mbarga & Rocafil Jazz (Decca)
Cecil McBee Sextet: Music From the Source (Enja)
Bat McGrath: The Spy (Amherst)
Jackie McLean: New Wine, Old Bottles (Inner City)
Jim McNeely Quintet: Rain's Dance (Steeplechase)
John McNeil Quintet: Embarkation (Steeplechase)
Joe McPhee: Graphics (Hat Hut)
Charles McPherson: Free Bop! (Xanadu)
Jay McShann: Last of the Blue Devils (Atlantic)
The Meditations: Message From the Meditations (United Artists)
Misha Mengelberg/Han Bennink: Midwoud 77 (ICP)
Misha Mengelberg/John Tchicai/Han Bennink/Derek Bailey: Fragments (ICP)
Pat Metheny Group: Pat Metheny Group (ECM)
Harry Miller: In Conference (Ogun)
Jacob Miller: Dread, Dread (United Artists) [RC:B+]
Charles Mingus: Three or Four Shades of Blues (Atlantic)
Roscoe Mitchell: Duets With Anthony Braxton (Sackville)
Roscoe Mitchell: L-R-G/The Maze/S II Examples (Nessa)
James Moody: Beyond This World (Vanguard)
Louis Moholo Octet: Spirits Rejoice! (Ogun)
Pablo Moses: I Love I Bring (United Artists) [RC:A-]
Geoff Muldaur/Amos Garrett: Geoff Muldaur and Amos Garrett (Flying Fish)
David Murray: 3D Family (Hat Hut)
David Murray: Conceptual Saxophone (Cadillac)
David Murray: Interboogieology (Black Saint)
David Murray: Sur-real Saxophone (Horo)
David Murray Quartet: Last of the Hipman (Red)
Zbigniew Namyslovski: Namyslovski (Inner City)
New York Jazz Quartet: Blues for Sarka (Enja)
NRBQ: At Yankee Stadium (Mercury) [RC:B+]
The Only Ones: The Only Ones (CBS) -- UK, expanded as Special View (1979, Epic)
Orchestre du Bawobab: Ndeleng Ndeleng (Musicafrique)
Orchestre du Bawobab: Un Nuit Au Jandeer (Musicafrique)
Oregon: Out of the Woods (Elektra)
Oregon: Violin (Vanguard)
Oriental Brothers International Band: Oriental Brothers International Band (Afrodisia)
Oriental Brothers International Band: Nwanne Awu Enyi (Afrodisia)
The Original Texas Playboys: Live and Kickin' (Capitol)
John Oswald/Henry Kaiser: Improvised (Music Gallery Editions)
Evan Parker: Monoceros (Incus)
Evan Parker/John Stevens: The Longest Night Vol. 2 (Ogun)
Horace Parlan Trio: Hi-Fly (Steeplechase)
Parlet: Pleasure Principle (Casablanca)
Tom Paxton: Heroes (Vanguard)
Johnny Paycheck: Armed and Crazy (Epic)
Peaches & Herb: 2 Hot! (Polydor) [RC:B+]
Ann Peebles: The Handwriting Is on the Wall (Hi)
Teddy Pendergrass: Life Is a Song Worth Singing (Philadelphia International) [RC:B+]
Houston Person: The Nearness of You (Muse)
Houston Person: Wild Flower (Muse)
"Hannibal" Marvin Peterson: Naima (Eastworld)
Marvin "Hannibal" Peterson: Hannibal in Antibes (Inner City)
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: You're Gonna Get It! (ABC/Shelter)
Wilson Pickett: A Funky Situation (Big Tree)
Planet Gong: Live Floating Anarchy 1977 (Charly)
Bonnie Pointer: Bonnie Pointer (Motown) [RC:B+]
The Pointer Sisters: Energy (Planet)
Prince: For You (Warner Brothers)
Professor Longhair: Live on the Queen Mary (Harvest) [RC:A-]
Richard Pryor: Wanted: Live in Concert (Warner Brothers)
Don Pullen: Montreux Concert (Atlantic)
Queen: Jazz (Elektra)
Radio Birdman: Radios Appear (Sire)
Gerry Rafferty: City to City (United Artists)
Genya Ravan: Urban Desire (20th Century-Fox)
Don Ray: The Garden of Love (Polydor)
Leon Redbone: Champagne Charlie (Warner Brothers)
REO Speedwagon: You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish (Epic)
Revolutionary Ensemble: Revolutionary Ensemble (Inner City)
Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers: Back in Your Life (Beserkley) [RC:B+]
Sonny Rollins: Don't Stop the Carnival (Milestone)
Max Romeo: Reconstruction (Mango)
Linda Ronstadt: Living in the U.S.A. (Asylum)
Root Boy Slim: Root Boy Slim & the Sex Change Band Featuring the Rootettes (Warner Brothers)
Rova Saxophone Quartet: Cinema Rovaté (Metalanguage)
Otis Rush: So Many Roads (Delmark) [RC:B+]
Paul Rutherford/Paul Lovens: Untitled (Po Torch)
Mitch Ryder: What I Did on My Vacation (Seeds & Stems)
Terje Rypdal: Waves (ECM)
The Saints: Eternally Yours (Sire)
Pharoah Sanders: Love Will Find a Way (Arista)
Santana: Inner Secrets (Columbia)
Alexander von Schlippenbach/Sven-Åke Johansson: Kung Bore (FMP)
Manfred Schoof Quintet: Light Lines (Japo)
Irène Schweizer: Hexensabbat (FMP)
Irène Schweizer/Rüdiger Carl: The Very Center of Middle Europe (Hat Hut)
Irène Schweizer/Rüdiger Carl/Louis Moholo: Tuned Boots (FMP)
Gil Scott-Heron: The Mind of Gil Scott-Heron (Arista)
Gil Scott-Heron/Brian Jackson: Secrets (Arista) [RC:B+]
Sham 69: That's Life (Polydor)
Woody Shaw: Little Red's Fantasy (Muse)
Archie Shepp: On Green Dolphin Street (Denon)
Carly Simon: Boys in the Trees (Elektra)
Nina Simone: Baltimore (CTI)
Zoot Sims: For Lady Day (Pablo)
Siouxsie and the Banshees: The Scream (Polydor) [RC:B+]
Slave: The Concept (Cotillion)
Leo Smith Trio: The Mass on the World (Moers)
Phoebe Snow: Against the Grain (Columbia)
Soprano Summit: Live at Concord '77 (Concord)
Dusty Springfield: It Begins Again (United Artists)
Dusty Springfield: Living Without Your Love (United Artists) [RC:B+]
Staple Singers: Unlock Your Mind (Warner Brothers)
Gary Stewart: Little Junior (RCA Victor)
Rod Stewart: Blondes Have More Fun (Warner Brothers)
Rod Stewart: Foot Loose and Fancy Free (Warner Brothers)
Stormin' Norman & Suzy: Ocean of Love (Polydor)
Frank Strozier Quintet: What's Going On (Steeplechase)
The Suicide Commandos: Make a Record (Blank)
Sun Ra: St. Louis Blues: Solo Piano (IAI)
Sun Ra & His Arkestra: Live at Montreux (Inner City)
Sun Ra Arkestra: Unity (Horo)
Sun Ra Quaret: Other Voices, Other Blues (Horo)
Sylvester: Step II (Fantasy) [RC:B+]
Lew Tabackin: Dual Nature (Inner City)
Horace Tapscott: Song of the Unsung (Interplay)
Buddy Tate/Bob Wilber: Sherman Shuffle (Sackville)
Koko Taylor: The Earthshaker (Alligator) [RC:B+]
Jack Tempchin: Jack Tempchin (Arista)
Barbara Thompson: Paraphernalia (MCA)
George Thorogood and the Destroyers: Move It on Over (Rounder)
Ralph Towner/Eddie Gomez/Jack DeJohnette: Batik (ECM)
Bonnie Tyler: It's a Heartache (RCA Victor)
Bonnie Tyler: Natural Force (RCA Victor)
Charles Tyler: Saga of the Outlaws (Nessa)
UFO: Obsession (Chrysalis)
U.K. Squeeze: U.K. Squeeze (A&M)
Ultravox: Systems of Romance (Antilles) [RC:B+]
Sarah Vaughan: How Long Has This Been Going On? (Pablo)
Tom Waits: Blue Valentine (Asylum)
Cedar Walton: Animation (Columbia)
David S. Ware: From Silence to Music (Palm)
Doc & Merle Watson: Look Away! (United Artists)
Weather Report: Mr. Gone (Columbia/ARC)
Eberhard Weber Colours: Silent Feet (ECM)
Barry White: The Man (20th Century-Fox)
The Who: Who Are You (MCA) [RC:B+]
Hank Williams Jr.: The New South (Warner Brothers)
Mary Lou Williams & Cecil Taylor: Embraced (Pablo)
Wings: London Town (Capitol)
Johnny Winter: White, Hot and Blue (Blue Sky)
Wreckless Eric: Wreckless Eric (Stiff)
O.V. Wright: The Bottom Line (Hi)
Tammy Wynette: Just Tammy (Epic)
Tammy Wynette: Womanhood (Epic)
Snooky Young/Marshall Royal: Snooky and Marshal's Album (Concord)
Tapper Zukie: Man Ah Warrior (Mer) [RC:A-] -- 74?

Compilations

Neil Young: Decade (Reprise, 3LP)
Hank Williams: 40 Greatest Hits (1947-52, Polydor, 2LP)

Big Youth: Natty Universal Dread (1973-79 [2000], Blood & Fire, 3CD)
Ducks Deluxe: Don't Mind Rockin' Tonite (1974-75, RCA Victor)
Earth, Wind and Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind and Fire, Vol. 1 (Columbia)
Willie Nelson: Face of a Fighter (Lone Star; [2003], Delta Blue)
Orchestra Baobab: On Verra Ça ([1992], World Circuit)
Mahmoud Ahmed: Éthiopiques, Vol. 7: Erè Mèla Mèla (1975-78 [1999], Buda Musique)
Emmylou Harris: Profile: The Best of Emmylou Harris (Reprise)

Living Chicago Blues, Vol. 1 (Alligator)
The Steve Miller Band: Greatest Hits 1974-1978 (Capitol) [**]
The Marshall Tucker Band: Greatest Hits (Capricorn)

No New York (Antilles)
Harry Belafonte: All-Time Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 (1952-69, RCA)

Oscar Peterson & the Trumpet Kings: Jousts (Pablo)

Candidates

Merle Haggard and the Strangers: Eleven Winners (Capitol)
Tom T. Hall: Greatest Hits: Volume III (Mercury) [RC:B+]
Carole King: Her Greatest Hits (Ode) [RC:B+]
Disco Party (Marlin) [RC:B+]
Kiss: Double Platinum (Casablanca)
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Skynyrd's First and . . . Last (MCA)
Mighty Clouds of Joy: The Very Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy (ABC) [RC:B+]
Nilsson: Greatest Hits (RCA Victor) [RC:B+]
Johnny Paycheck: Greatest Hits Volume II (Epic) [RC:A-]
Spinners: The Best of Spinners (Atlantic) [RC:A-]
Steppin' Out: Disco's Greatest Hits (Polydor) [RC:A-]
Stiffs Live (Stiff) [RC:B+]
Billy Swan: At His Best (Monument) [RC:A-]
The Trammps: The Best of the Trammps (Atlantic) [RC:A-]
Conway Twitty: The Very Best of Conway Twitty (MCA)
Wings: Wings Greatest (Capitol) [RC:B+]
Woodstock Mountains: More Music From Mud Acres (Rounder)
Working (Columbia) [RC:B+]
Tammy Wynette: Greatest Hits Volume 4 (Epic) [RC:B+]

Eligibility Notes

Albums listed by Robert Christgau as 1978 but regarded as belonging in some other year:

David Behrman: On the Other Ocean/Figure in a Clearing (Lovely Music) -- 1977 [B+]
Dwight Twilley Band: Twilley Don't Mind (Arista) -- 1977 [B]
Status Quo: Rockin' All Over the World (Capitol) -- 1977 [B]
Archie Shepp: Steam (Inner City) -- 1976 (1976, Enja) [B]

The Boomtown Rats: The Boomtown Rats (Mercury) -- 1977
Steve Goodman: Say It in Private (Asylum) -- 1977
National Lampoon: "That's Not Funny, That's Sick!" (Label 21) -- 1977
Johnny Paycheck: Take This Job and Shove It (Epic) -- 1977
Alan Price: Alan Price (Jet/UA) -- 1977

Albums listed by other sources as 1978 but regarded as belonging in some other year:

Culture: Two Sevens Clash (Front Line) -- 1977 (Joe Gibbs Music), 1987 (Shanachie) [A+]
Pere Ubu: Dub Housing (Chrysalis) -- 1979 [A]
Annette Peacock: X-Dreams (Aura) -- 1979 [A-]

Henry Cow: Western Culture (Broadcast) -- 1980