Creedence Clearwater Revival:

Creedence Clearwater Revival:(1968)

Bayou Country:(1969)

Willy And The Poor Boys:(1969)

Mardi Gras:(1972)

Chronicles:(1976)

Creedence Country:(1981)

I'm sure as soon as you read the band's name a tune of theirs started in your head, at least it does with me. In the late sixties and early seventies these guys were the most down to Earth rock'n'roll band around. They weren't flashy. There were times when they seemed out of step with the times. There was constant in-band fighting.  But, damn were the songs good, and plentiful for a time. In 1969 alone they released three classic albums, Bayou Country, Green River, and Willy And The Poor Boys. All of which contained hits. Sadly like a lot of bands who burn that brightly it all burned up way too quickly. Creedence are a testament to doing your own thing, and doing it to the best of your ability, and coming out on top in spite of prevailing trends. 

Cream:

Disraeli Gears:(1967)

Wheels On Fire:(1968)

I can't imagine a record collection without these two classics. In fact, I have two copies of Wheels On Fire. Up front I'll say, I like Clapton best when he's pushed, and surely Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker could do that. Dayglo and flare, Disraeli Gears picks up with all the psychedelia where Fresh Cream left off, but by Wheels On Fire, all things are striped down to drive and thrust. Side note, Wheels was the first double album to go platinum. I'm sure you know these albums, or can at least name the hit songs off them. I'll just listen and enjoy.

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.

Country Joe and The Fish:

Electric Music For The Mind And Body: (1967)

Considered to be one of the first psychedelic albums to come out of the San Francisco area, this Country Joe album is totally a product of that time, and I mean that in the best possible way. I'm actually surprised Country Joe & The Fish haven't made a resurgence in the way the 13th floor elevators have. Maybe they have, and I'm just out of those circles. Anyway, this is a killer 60's album.  

James Cotton:

High Energy:(1975)

Mid-Seventies Blues albums were an interesting blend of blues and R&B, as artists wanted to hit crossover success, and this is the case on this James Cotton album. So in addition to great blues harp playin', you also get some funky guitar work from Matt "Guitar"Murphy, and Allen Toussaint laying down some tasty piano. Highly recommend this album.

Elvis Costello:

This Year's Model:(1978)

I own almost the entire Elvis Costello catalogue in some form or another, sadly these are the only two I have on vinyl. Anyway, This Year's Model may be my favorite, at least in the top five. With this second album, and the line-up of the Attractions cemented a sound was born that was every bit as distinctive as any of the great bands. Elvis' lyrical prowess spit out with a punky snarl, Bruce Thomas's melodic playing high up on the bass, Pete Thomas's lyrical drumming (he's still one of my all time favorite drummers), and Steve Nieve bringing a touch of class to whole operation, it kind of doesn't get better than that. 

The River In Reverse:(2010)

This album is a gem.The great Allen Toussaint brings his songbook, and ear for incredibly unique arrangements to fruition in the best possible way. If you haven't heard this album, go look it up right now, maybe check out the two songs penned by Costello/Toussaint, The Sharpest Thorn and Ascension Day. The latter borrowing from Professor Longhair. A truly beautiful album

Chick Corea:

Secret Agent:(1978)

Friends:(1978)

Touchstone:(1982)

I'm not now, nor have I ever really been a fan of Chick Corea. Ok, the stuff he did with Miles was good, but his own stuff is a little too smooth for my taste. Jazz Lite in the polished silver can. Maybe it has something to do with that one time when I was eight and I came across the album Secret Agent in my parents' records, and thought, "this must be the record with the song Secret Agent Man on it." Boy was I disappointed. I suppose I've held onto these because they were my folks', I'm not really sure. I can tell you that I like the album cover for Friends, mainly because I had all those Smurf figurines when I was a kid...they'd probably be worth money if I had 'em now. Oh well...