Nirvana:

Bleach:(1989)

When Nirvana were at the peak of their popularity, I didn't like 'em. I'm the odd duck that shuns most things that get too popular. It's like my brain just shuts down, and says, "Nope, we're not liking that, just because." So while Alt-Rock of the Nineties reigned supreme, I was listening to old blues. It was my way of being rebellious, Punk, if you will. After all the fury over the music died down, I could go back, and admit that there was good stuff there, like Nirvana. Bleach, contains one of my all time favorite Nirvana songs, Negative Creep. It's just so unrelenting, in the best possible way. Only recently did I come by a vinyl copy of this album, which just has so much more bottom end than a CD. 

Harry Nilsson:

Harry:(1969)

Nilsson Schmilsson:(1971)

Son of Schmilsson:(1972)

Son of Dracula:(1974)

Sandman:(1976)

Oddball. Brilliant. Singer par excellence. All these things, and then some, describe Harry Nilsson. The sympathy for the human condition is buried in the humor, and Pop Rococo of a Nilsson record. "I'd rather be dead than wet my bed" sung with a senior citizen choir. The humor doesn't get much darker, or more empathetic. I was fourteen or so when my godfather gave me most of his old records, but there was one he was not ready to let go of, even though he didn't have a functioning turntable. And that record was Son of Schmilsson. I wondered what was so special about that album, but I didn't push. I didn't even know who Harry Nilsson was. I was just grateful to be getting records. A few years later, when I had procured a copy of Nilsson Schmilsson, I began to understand, and appreciate the magic that this man could put down on wax. It's so out of left field, and yet so mainstream all at the same time. Genius. Timidly, I broached the subject of the lone record with my godfather. After a discussion about Nilsson, he handed me the album. That album still holds a very dear place in my heart.

"I sang my balls off for you, baby."

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.