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.

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. 

Mott The Hoople:

Greatest Hits:(1976)

"Mott The Hoople, and the Game of Life", words sung by Michael Stipe in the R.E.M. song, Man in The Moon. Well, here's Mott the Hoople. If you know one song of theirs, there a good chance it's All The Young Dudes. Which David Bowie wrote for them. Personally, I dig the Bowie version best, although they sound damn near identical. If I was reaching for a song to listen to off this collection, I'd most likely go with All The Way From Memphis, or Foxy Foxy. All in all, this is a great slice of Seventies Rock'n'Roll. 

Ian Hunter:

All-American Alien Boy:(1976)

Having come up in a time when people thought vinyl was dead, a lot of people were just willing to give me there collection, or at least let me dig through, and take a couple pieces. Usually there was one or two albums that they insisted I take because they just 'knew' I was going to love it. Such is the case with this album. Now, I dig some Mott The Hoople, but I've never been able to fully get into Ian Hunter. Mostly his music comes across as a second rate Bowie. That said, I do like the open track on this album, Letter To Brittania From Union Jack. And, the song, You Nearly Did Me In, which features the fellas from Queen singing back-up, is pretty decent. This album has a serious 70's British rock vibe. 

Crosby, Stills, Nash & sometimes Young:

Crosby, Stills & Nash:(1969)

Deja Vu:(1970)

4 Way Street:(1971)

Graham Nash David Crosby:(1972)

So Far:(1974)

CSN:(1977)

Hmm, let's see. Where to begin with this group of albums? I own three vinyl copies of Deja Vu. One of the first five or so albums I bought myself as a kid, along with Bob Dylan, The Stones, and The Byrds was, So Far. This was also one of the groups that inspired and informed my politics in a big open armed socialist hippie kind of way. Not to mention, these dudes could sing their asses off. But some of my favorite bits are when Neil Young and Stephen Stills get to exchanging guitar solos, then magic happens. Every time I'm about to walk into a hair appointment I start singing Almost Cut My Hair in the dark corners of my mind. These songs, sung by these people are so much a part of my life that even when I haven't listened to them for years I feel instantly at home when one of them comes on, or I drop the needle in the groove.

Crazy Horse:

Loose:(1972)

After the Rockets were rechristened Crazy Horse by Neil Young they continued to release albums on their own when not playing with Neil. This was their second. While it contains the same kind of ragged edge they've always brought, the songwriting is lacking that spark that Neil brings in abundance. This is a nice record, and as I'm listening to it now, I'm enjoying it. But, it's not one I play often at all.

The Cars:

The Cars:(1978)

Who wouldn't want to release a debut that had as many hits, and classic radio staples as The Cars first album? To me this is a perfect pop-rock album filled with hooks, and interesting production. Obviously Ric Ocasek's influence would run on to Weezer, and then to countless overly saccharine groups to clogged up airwaves for a time in the late 90's. But, meanwhile back here at the start of it all, this record is kick ass. I'd list key tracks, but you already know them.

Candy-O:(1979)

While Candy-O was a bigger selling album upon its release, I've always found it less exciting than the first. It's good, don't get me wrong, but feels slightly sterile and slow. In fact this album sounds like a product of the 70's in a way the other manages to dodge. However, it does include a cool cover by pinup artist Alberto Vargas. My favorite track on this album may be Shoo Be Doo, which seems like an attempt to sound a little like suicide...cleaned up and blow dried Suicide. The title track is good too.