Pavement:

Watery, Domestic:(1992)

I'm pretty sure the election of Bill Clinton had something to do with this EP's release... Oh, wait, it was just 1992. Excellent EP, excellent way to start the day.

Les Paul & Mary Ford:

The World Is Still Waiting For The Sunrise:(1974)

No matter what your musical taste, Les Paul has influenced it in some way. From his incredible guitar playing to his innovations in electric guitar construction on to his pioneering of multitrack recording, no form of popular music would be the same without this man. To top it all off, together with his partner, Mary Ford, he scored Pop hits!

Buck Owens:

Buck Owens:(1961)

The Best of Buck Owens:(1964)

You're For Me:(1969)

If the Beatles have covered a song of yours, and you've had a particular musical style attributed to you, you must be a legend. In this case, you must be Buck Owens. Purveyor of the Bakersfield Sound. I can't stand modern Country music at all, but put on something from this era, and I'll stick around. It's worth noting that just because some musicians played with Buck, it doesn't mean that Country was all they did. In the case of Nokie Edwards, he played Surf music with the Ventures in addition to performing with Owens.

The Outfit:

The Outfit:(2016)

Met this band from Denver when they need a local act on the bill, and Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy answered the call. They've always been an awesome energetic group of gentlemen who happen to play some kickass Rock'n'Roll. By complete happenstance, I was in Denver when they played the release show for this album. I was playing a gig across town. After the show, my buddy Steve and I hopped a ride over to catch these guys. Picked this record up after the show. Now, most reading this probably haven't ever heard of this band, so what do they sound like? Well, I know they've drawn some comparisons to the Strokes, and I can hear that. However, I also hear a bit of a Dead Boys tone in there. Great album! 

Roy Orbison:

Mystery Girl:(1989)

There has never been a singer like Roy Orbison. Never! Now, sure his earlier hits; Pretty Woman, Cryin' etc, are amazing, but this is a great later day album. And, a great album to go out on, as this was Orbison's last. I don't even want to write much about this record, I just want to listen to it. From the exquisite title track, penned by Bono, to one of my personal favorites, The Only One, written by Orbison and Mike Campbell, this album is a gem.

  

Okkervil River:

I Am Very Far:(2011)

The Silver Gymnasium:(2013)

The first time I recall hearing Okkervil River a friend of a friend said, I think you'll really like this band, and played me something off of The Stage Names, I think. Now, I've mentioned before in this blog, that the absolute worst way to introduce any music to me is by saying something to that effect. My brain, for whatever reason, just starts sticking its fingers in its ears and humming really loudly like, heck no. I'm just weird that way. Needless to say, I didn't care for this band upon that listen. Flash forward a few years, and I'm helping my wife research a project for a dialect class. We were finding songs with city names, and trying to analyze how people from different parts of the country sang those cities as a means for mapping dialect, or something like that. Anyway, the song Kansas City from the Okkervil River album, Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See was one we ended up using, and I dug that song. Shortly there after, Silver Gymnasium came out, and I fell in love with that album. Which then led me back to I Am Very Far. There's my story of how I came to dig some Okkervil River stuff.

Ohio Players:

Honey:(1975)

This album might be one of the peaks of 70's R&B sexploitation, and with the exception of maybe the Beatles legend that Paul was dead, it carries one of the best urban legends. You know, the one where the model from the album cover was injured when the honey adhered to her skin, and caused some painful wounds, then when she came to the recording studio during the recording of Love Rollercoaster seeking money for damages the band stabbed her death, and that's how they got that blood curdling scream you hear in the background. Ah, Rock'n'Roll myth.  

The O'Jays:

Ship Ahoy:(1973)

Message in The Music:(1976)

Ah, the Philadelphia Sound. The more cosmopolitan brethren of the Motown and STAX sound. And no group exemplified this sound more than the O'Jays. Man, Gamble and Huff had a great thing going, music with killer grooves, and vocalists like the O'Jays to carry songs with serious social and political messages. Obviously, as a kid I heard O'Jays tracks on the radio, but I think I first became aware of who they were when they appeared on the Bob Dylan 30th anniversary tribute concert performing a show stopping rendition of Emotionally Yours. Then it was, "Oh, these are the guys who sang For The Love of Money. I get it now." 

  

Laura Nyro:

The First Songs...:(1969)

Nyro's first album was More Than A New Discovery (1967), this album is the 1969 reissue. As a kid I heard Wedding Bell Blues on the radio, catchy tune. I wondered who Bill was, and did he mind being called out on a popular song on the radio... This album also contains the song, And When I Die, but I preferred the Blood Sweat and Tears cover. Nyro was ahead of the game as a performing singer/songwriter, and a woman in the business in the 1960s. I was watching a documentary on Frank Zappa's label, Straight Records, and it was talking about the ill-fated attempt at Zappa producing Nyro. Turns out, he was a fan. But through over commitment, and general craziness, Nyro was left to flounder in the studio waiting on Zappa. Eventually another producer was brought in to finish the sessions. Nyro has such a strong esthetic, I can imagine she Zappa butting heads.

Gary Numan:

The Pleasure Principle:(1979)

I was not raised with much exposure to electronic music. Sure I heard the odd Bowie tune with Brian Eno's hand on it. Or a Talking Heads song, again, with Brian Eno's hand on it. But, I just didn't hear that much synth driven stuff. So as I started getting into music at thirteen, and started rummaging through thrift stores and garage sales for records, I picked up things I had no idea about. It was through these avenues that I discovered certain type of music. Electronic music being one of those. And it happened in a week's time. One day I came across a pair of Kraftwerk albums in the twenty-five cent bin, I'd heard of them, so I took these records home. Four days later I came across The Pleasure Principle. I seemed to vaguely remember the song, Cars. I picked it up out of the twenty-five cent bin, and took it home. To my surprise, I really dug all three of these records. In particular, the human element of Gary Numan's work. It was darker, but more human. Obviously, as I later learned, this was a hugely influential album. Go back, and listen to it again today, I'm sure you can pick out several groups that came after the 1979 release of this album that drew influence.

Don Nix:

Hobos, Heroes and Street Corner Clowns:(1973)

Don, who? Don't know the name? You're probably not alone, but you probably DO know his work. Don Nix started out playing sax in the Mar-Keys, who had early hits for Stax records. He then transitioned into production/writing/arranging work for Stax, working with artists like The Staple Singers and Freddie King. Outside the company he worked with Leon Russell, and George Harrison. Here on this '73 release are the gentle sounds of a seventies singer/songwriter album tempered with the Southern flavor Nix had helped cultivate throughout his career. 

Nirvana:

Bleach:(1989)

When Nirvana were at the peak of their popularity, I didn't like 'em. I'm the odd duck that shuns most things that get too popular. It's like my brain just shuts down, and says, "Nope, we're not liking that, just because." So while Alt-Rock of the Nineties reigned supreme, I was listening to old blues. It was my way of being rebellious, Punk, if you will. After all the fury over the music died down, I could go back, and admit that there was good stuff there, like Nirvana. Bleach, contains one of my all time favorite Nirvana songs, Negative Creep. It's just so unrelenting, in the best possible way. Only recently did I come by a vinyl copy of this album, which just has so much more bottom end than a CD. 

Harry Nilsson:

Harry:(1969)

Nilsson Schmilsson:(1971)

Son of Schmilsson:(1972)

Son of Dracula:(1974)

Sandman:(1976)

Oddball. Brilliant. Singer par excellence. All these things, and then some, describe Harry Nilsson. The sympathy for the human condition is buried in the humor, and Pop Rococo of a Nilsson record. "I'd rather be dead than wet my bed" sung with a senior citizen choir. The humor doesn't get much darker, or more empathetic. I was fourteen or so when my godfather gave me most of his old records, but there was one he was not ready to let go of, even though he didn't have a functioning turntable. And that record was Son of Schmilsson. I wondered what was so special about that album, but I didn't push. I didn't even know who Harry Nilsson was. I was just grateful to be getting records. A few years later, when I had procured a copy of Nilsson Schmilsson, I began to understand, and appreciate the magic that this man could put down on wax. It's so out of left field, and yet so mainstream all at the same time. Genius. Timidly, I broached the subject of the lone record with my godfather. After a discussion about Nilsson, he handed me the album. That album still holds a very dear place in my heart.

"I sang my balls off for you, baby."

Nico:

Chelsea Girl:(1967)

For years, I never thought I'd own an entire record of Nico singing. I could tolerate her on the Velvet Underground's debut, but that was it. Then one day, about eight years ago, on a whim, I decided I needed to give this album chance. Partly because I'm a Jackson Browne fan, and not only does this album hold the first recording of These Days, but Browne plays guitar on half the album. Lo and behold, I couldn't stop playing the album. It's become a favorite of mine to play in the mornings. There's an otherworldly mystic quality to it that seems to fit the sunlight around 7:30/8am. 

Stevie Nicks:

Bella Donna:(1981)

Wild At Heart:(1983)

Rock A Little:(1985)

In this little dark corner of the collection... Yes, I own these three records. I really dig Bella Donna, and not just for the cool Tom Petty tune, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, but for about three other songs on there, including Leather and Lace. The other two have their moments as well. I get a kick out of singing Little Red Corvette over Stand Back. 

Randy Newman:

Little Criminals:(1977)

Much to my wife's disapproval, I'm a Randy Newman fan. Can't help it, I find his songs darkly comedic, and often very poignant. I also believe no one can write a sad song like Randy Newman. This was a fairly popular album for him, what with the success of Short People. Which is probably why it was an easy thrift store score. That said, Texas Girl At The Funeral of Her Father, is maybe my favorite song on this album. And the title is almost longer than the song. 

The New York Dolls:

New York Dolls:(1973)

One of the bands that helped usher in Punk, ladies and gentlemen, the New York Dolls. This album is so good. This album is also a bridge. Unlike the Stooges, who created something so totally new, the Dolls really did serve as a link between the garage rock of the sixties, the glam of the seventies, and the harder rock that soon would be called Punk coming out of New York. I venture to say, even if you've never heard this band, if you dig Rock'n'Roll, you'll dig this album.

The Neville Brothers:

Treacherous: A History of The Neville Brothers 1955-1985:(1988)

Yellow Moon:(1989)

I've said it before, I'll repeat it now, it's unfair how insanely talented the Neville family are, and have been since the fifties. Voices that soar, and musicianship so deep that it grounds the soul in the fertile soil of the Earth. 

Treacherous is a great overview of their early stuff as solo artists, through the formation and rise of the Neville Brothers band. This is a compilation I play quite frequently. Yellow Moon on the other hand, is one of my favorite albums ever. First, there's the Nevilles' talent on full display. Second, it's produced by one of my favorite producers, Daniel Lanois. Who has the incredible ability to create deep atmosphere in the records he touches. 

Neutral Milk Hotel:

In The Aeroplane Over The Sea:(1998)

I'll admit, I was a bit of a late comer to this album. In fact it had probably been out for nine or ten years when I was turned on to it. Now, I regard it as one of the most perfect albums I've ever heard. Firstly, the songwriting is incredible. So dense, and graphic, and evocative. Then there's the music, and arrangements that bring the lyrics to life with atmosphere, and power. Lastly, and not least, there's the artwork, which is an excellent match. Which I find to be a rarer thing than most people would think. Anyway, I dig all the Neutral Milk albums, all two of them (and the EP), but I love this album. 

Willie Nelson:

Shotgun Willie:(1973)

The Troublemaker:(1976)

"hello walls":1978)

Stardust:(1978)

Waylon & Willie:(1978)

Pretty Paper:(1979)

Always On My Mind:(1982)

Few people will ever be famous, and fewer still will attain the "Icon" status that Willie Nelson has. Has the man written great songs? Yes. Has the man recorded some great covers? Yes. Has the man made a few cringe-worthy recordings? Yes, but come on, he's also got over a hundred albums to his credit in a career that's lasted over sixty years. Hell, included in these seven bits of vinyl that I posses, is even a Christmas album. And, I don't care for Christmas music. But, It's Willie Nelson. There's something so comforting about his voice. It instantly makes me feel at home. And as a guitar player, I have to drop massive amounts of praise on Willie for being such a distinctive player. Unmistakable, really. I recently heard one of Willie newest songs, It Gets Easier, and all I could think was, "Well, damn. That's why he's the master."

Johnny Nash:

I Can See Clearly Now:(1972)

Yes, this album contained a massive hit song. You're probably already playing it in your head just reading the title. This is a good album lead by Nash's smooth voice into the music the Fabulous Five Inc. are laying down. 

Graham Nash:

Songs For Beginners:(1971)

This is such a good solid album. Not quite Nash's debut, but his debut as a solo artist. As a kid I heard Carrie Anne by the Hollies, which was probably the earliest song sung by Graham Nash that I dug. And of course there's CSN. But, this album has a special magic to it. The song, Simple Man, is worth the price of admission in itself. Then you've also got Chicago, and Military Madness. 

The Music Explosion:

Little Bit O'Soul:(1967)

Best known for their number two hit, Little Bit O'Soul, this is the debut (and only) album by Ohio band, The Music Explosion. Since I was little, I have loved the song Little Bit O'Soul. I found this album in a fifty cent bin at a thrift store, and was floored to finally have a copy. If you're going to be a one hit wonder, well, this is a pretty rockin' hit to be remembered by. 

Muddy Waters:

McKinley Morganfield A.K.A. Muddy Waters:(1971)

This powerful figure of a man changed everything. Everything. It would be hard to imagine popular music without the influence of Muddy Waters. Hell, the man invented electricity. I got my first real taste of Muddy's music at the age of thirteen when an older friend gave me a cassette tape, The Best of Muddy Waters. I was blown away. This man sounded bulletproof. His music was stylish, and tough, and full of spirit. It's no wonder that he garnered the respect of so many musicians, musicians who came to see him as a father figure. This particular compilation double album, out on Chess Records, is a great collection, well curated and presented. Muddy was the MAN. And, without him, the Rolling Stones might have had a different name. 

I'm drinkin' TNT

I'm smokin' dynamite 

I hope some screwball

Starts a fight

'Cause I'm ready

Ready as any man can be

I am ready for you

I hope you're ready for me

Mountain:

Climbing!:(1970)

If the late sixties, early seventies was good at one thing, it was producing guitar heavy rock bands. It was in that climate that this, Mountain's debut album, was released. Like so many, I've always been a sucker for Mississippi Queen. Great guitar riff! I've always heard that Leslie West was playing Jack Bruce's psychedelic Fender Bass VI on this track. Not sure if that true, but makes for a good story.