Nico:

Chelsea Girl:(1967)

For years, I never thought I'd own an entire record of Nico singing. I could tolerate her on the Velvet Underground's debut, but that was it. Then one day, about eight years ago, on a whim, I decided I needed to give this album chance. Partly because I'm a Jackson Browne fan, and not only does this album hold the first recording of These Days, but Browne plays guitar on half the album. Lo and behold, I couldn't stop playing the album. It's become a favorite of mine to play in the mornings. There's an otherworldly mystic quality to it that seems to fit the sunlight around 7:30/8am. 

Stevie Nicks:

Bella Donna:(1981)

Wild At Heart:(1983)

Rock A Little:(1985)

In this little dark corner of the collection... Yes, I own these three records. I really dig Bella Donna, and not just for the cool Tom Petty tune, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, but for about three other songs on there, including Leather and Lace. The other two have their moments as well. I get a kick out of singing Little Red Corvette over Stand Back. 

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.

The Neville Brothers:

Treacherous: A History of The Neville Brothers 1955-1985:(1988)

Yellow Moon:(1989)

I've said it before, I'll repeat it now, it's unfair how insanely talented the Neville family are, and have been since the fifties. Voices that soar, and musicianship so deep that it grounds the soul in the fertile soil of the Earth. 

Treacherous is a great overview of their early stuff as solo artists, through the formation and rise of the Neville Brothers band. This is a compilation I play quite frequently. Yellow Moon on the other hand, is one of my favorite albums ever. First, there's the Nevilles' talent on full display. Second, it's produced by one of my favorite producers, Daniel Lanois. Who has the incredible ability to create deep atmosphere in the records he touches. 

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."