Heart “Dreamboat Annie” released on this date February 14th, 1976. Mushroom Records, gatefold. I love the so-very-70′s photos on the inner gatefold sleeve (mostly the vaguely sleezy guitarist), a gift for y’all on this Valentine’s Day. Dreamboat Annie became Heart’s major breakthrough, iconic 70′s release; the album hit #7 in the US in ‘76 and spawned three hit singles between ‘76 and ‘77: “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man” and the title track, “Dreamboat Annie.” (The first two = awesome, the songs at this point practically imbedded into my DNA, the last = meh, and it gets two more versions on the LP)

Ann and Nancy Wilson brought their brand of female bad-assery to rock-n-roll by masterfully weaving hard rock and smooth yet aggressive feminine voices into a sound now considered a classic rock staple. One of the best examples is “White Lightning & Wine,” its title, lyrics, music and vocals all showcase the interplay between hard (actually, harsh!) and soft.

This night’s gone…we’re moving on
Highway’s calling aloud
I bring them in with eyes of sin
It’s a down drinkin’ freaky crowd

Chew you up and spit you out
Never want to know your name
Don’t want to know you but I sure want to show you
Will forget I came

Oh the world’s all mine
White lightning and wine came on so fast
When did I last feel this fine?
White lightning and wine

Sweet little one let me love you some
Take me or leave me alone
The gooder they come, the harder they fall
Turn around you are a nasty joke

Yeah we all laugh, oh hah what a gas! Watching you chew on the bones       In the morning light you didn’t look so nice. Guess you’d better hitch hike home.