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.