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. 

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. 

Van Morrison:

His Band And Street Choir:(1970)

Too Late To Stop Now:(1974)

Veedon Fleece:(1974)

A Period of Transition:(1977)

Into The Music:(1979)

Poetic Champions Compose:(1987)

This man is one of the all time best singers, songwriters, and interpreters of songs. Period. I've always been enamored with how Van seems to be ad-libbing lyrics on so many of his songs. I know he's not, but he seems so in the moment, almost like he's just channeling some divine spirit. But, I suppose that's why his songs are so affecting on me. Now, that said, these albums are not equal to me. Some are so much stronger than others. So goes the artistic life. I'm sure there's an album of his that I don't care for that he would consider a great accomplishment. Right now I'm just enjoying some Van Morrison music.