Doing a 140: Jim Croce and Urban Cowboy

Okay, okay, we know “Doing a 140” doesn’t have even remotely the same ring as “Doing a 180,” but what can we tell you? These particular reissues are on 140-gram vinyl rather than 180-gram vinyl, so we felt like it was better to be factual. It’s just the right thing to do, you know? (Also, it’s the legal thing to do, so there’s that as well.)

Jim Croce, PHOTOGRAPHS & MEMORIES – HIS GREATEST HITS Get it at Barnes and NoblesIf anyone should need a reason to mourn the fact that Croce died at such a young age, they need listen no further than this compilation. Of the 14 tracks, all of which were released over the course of two years, you’ve probably heard half of them enough to be able to sing along, so just imagine how much more he might’ve accomplished if he’d lived. Sigh…

URBAN COWBOY: ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK Get it at Barnes and Nobles It’s a little bit rock and a whole lot of country, but it’s another case where you’ll walk away staggered by how many songs you know by heart, including Johnny Lee’s “Lookin’ for Love,” Anne Murray’s “Could I Have This Dance,” Mickey Gilley’s “Stand by Me,” Boz Scaggs’ “Look What You’ve Done to Me,” Kenny Rogers’ “Love the World Away,” The Eagles’ “Lyin’ Eyes,” and The Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” It’s a perfect encapsulation of what you could find on the radio back in 1980, and it sounds better than ever.