Hank Ballard and The Midnighters:

Singin' and Swingin': (1959)

This album is a killer. A great piece of rough and ready R&B, and it's got the original version of the Twist on it too. That's right, it was not a Chubby Checker original. I also love how dirty the guitar tone is on all the Hank Ballard stuff. Do yourself a solid, and look up Whatsonever You Do. Such a great track. It's easy to see why some consider Ballard to be one of the first Rock'n'Roll artists. While never as recognized as some of his contemporaries, which is why the Chubby Checker release hurt so much, Ballard trudged on making records that kicked ass. He was inducted to the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Bad Company:

Straight Shooter: (1975)

Having this album in the collection might be a bit cheesy, but since I was a kid I liked the song Shooting Star. As far as 70's rock albums go, this one is actually pretty tame. Only many years later did I learn about the connection to Ronnie Lane, as Bad Company were using his mobile recording truck to record this album... in a fucking castle. Which, come on, that's cool. Aside from the hit tunes, a lot of critics said that this album didn't have enough strong songs to support a whole album. However, I've always dug Weep No More, which kind of reminds me of a Little Feat tune for some reason. Anyway, there it is...70's Big Rock from the collection.

Burt Bacharach:

Reach Out: (1967)

Some things in the collection beg the question, "Why do I have this?" This is one of those albums. It's an alright compilation of Bacharach's instrumental tunes. Guess if you need background for a 60's themed party, this would come in handy. But in the attempt to listen to the entire collection, I have to write a little something.  This isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, just sedate and snoozy. The original Muzak, I suppose.

B-52's:

Wild Planet: (1980)

Is there a more fun band than the B-52's? This second album is a classic, full of all the quirk they were known for putting on display. From the opening line by Fred Schneider, "Surprise!" (you just said that in your head in Fred's voice, didn't you.) to the credits acknowledging the hairdresser, this album couldn't pop more. Private Idaho, and Devil In My Car are personal favorites. 

Mesopotamia EP: (1982)

The B-52's produced by David Byrne, what more do you need to know? It spawned some chart success, but I find to be one of the quirkier 52's albums. Perhaps because it's out there, but trying to reach for the middle. 

Hoyt Axton:

Less Than The Song: (1973)

I love this album, its gentle bluesy acoustic riffs, its evocative lyrics just wrap around you like the big arms of the man himself. That said, I knew Axton as an actor, specifically as the Dad on Gremlins, before anything. Then I was hipped to the fact that he had written a song I've always dug, I've Never Been To Spain, which lead me to reading more about him. Damn, he lived quite a life. I came across this album for twenty-five cents in a bin at a thrift shop, and with the first play, I loved it. When this came out in '73 Rolling Stone said it was, "one of the most rewarding achievements by a singer/songwriter." I would suggest a key track for you to check out if you haven't heard this album, but really you should hear it all. So, see if you can pull it up on one of the many avenues online, or search your local record store. This really is a gem.  

Gene Autry:

Back In The Saddle Again: (1966)

A nice compilation of Autry's singles from 1939 to 1946. This is quintessential Americana in look and feel, with music that blends genres from country to folk to jazz to gypsy to pop. What's not to like? Sure, it's not the gritty scratchy slice of Guthrie or Hank Williams Sr. You can't taste dust in your mouth, and the sun doesn't make your eyes squint in these tunes. But, it's as authentic as the cowboy image we've come to love from movies that never existed either. Now, I'm much to young to have grown up being influenced by seeing Gene Autry sing and act in films, but when I listen to this stuff it makes me feel about six years old again.

Chet Atkins:

In Hollywood: (1959)

Chet Atkins is one of those towering figures in music of the last century. For a long time he was the music business. His guitar playing shaped so many players like George Harrison, Mark Knopfler, and Brian Setzer to name a few. That said, among his records some are better than others. In Hollywood is pretty snoozy, and to my ear, uninteresting. 

Mr. Guitar: (1959)

This album on the other hand is the kind of Chet Atkins record I want to hear with great straight ahead guitar jams like only Chet can deliver. After all, he was Mr. Guitar.

Teensville: (1960)

More uptempo ditties from Mr. Guitar, this time trying to get in on the music those crazy teenagers were diggin'. From the perspective of many decades removed, it seems like an interesting piece in his catalogue, but thinking of it in its time, it seems very out of touch. Key track to look up here is Boo Boo Stick Beat, cool tune for sure with a great bassline.  

The Most Popular Guitar: (1961)

When I was five or six I saw this album in my grandmother's house. I thought it was the best album cover I had ever seen...can't imagine why... This is still one of my favorite Chet Atkins records. It's a nice blend of his guitar work with orchestration, and multiple genres. Check out track one, It Ain't Necessarily So. 

Chester and Lester:

    Chester & Lester: (1976)

    Guitar Monsters:(1978)

As a guitar player it's hard to pass up a record with two of the greats playing together...even when they get snoozy. Here of course are Les Paul and Chet Atkins cakewalking through impossible guitar riffs that they could play in their sleep. No doubt the two men had fun making these records. Chet made good duet records. I really loved the first Mark Knopfler/Chet Atkins album Neck'n'Neck. These are great lazy Sunday morning albums to toss on when the sun is shining.