African Head Charge: "Songs of Praise" - 1990 On-U
Way cool space, trance, dub reggae with spiritual chants and varied effects. Unlike so many dub effects, this particular disc changes each song in structure, special effects, vocalizations, and instrumentation. Not your average dub or reggae. Very hot! Recommended to any dub or On-U fan.
African Head Charge: "In Pursuit of Shashamane Land" - 1993 On-U
Thirteen wonderful ambient trance dub reggae worldbeat beauties. One of their finest with super chants and effects.
All That: "The Whop Boom Bam" - 1999 Rounder Records.
Cutting edge brass hop meets old school rap with a funky N'Awlins beat and smart butt lyrics. Hot!
Alpha & Omega: "Sound System Dub" - 1995 ROIR
Very nice deep dub ... soothing, cool, great production.
Amadou et Mariam: "Son Ni Tile" 1998 Emarcy/Polygram
Wonderfully soothing sounds by these two blind Mali singer - composers. Some songs feature background vocals, violins, horns and other instruments.
Annabouboula: "Greek Fire" - 1990 Shanachie
Wild Greek world beat dance and cerebral expanding music. Quite daring and unique; way different and hot.
Fiona Apple: "When the Pawn" - 1999 Sony
Heavy cool alternative rock with Fiona's beautiful vocals. A full instrumentation of sounds and feelings gives this a wonderfully intense sound.
Apples in Stereo: "Her Wallpaper Reverie" - 1999 spinART
Subtle, cool, psychedelic artsy and creative music. Sometimes weird, sometimes poppish. Very interesting.
Aria - 1997 Astor Place
An absolutely amazing selection of classical pieces by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini and Purcell put through a modern new synthesizer blender with wonderful vocals, instrumentation and production. Recommended.
Armik: "Isla Del Sol" - 1999 Baja/TSR
All instrumental guitar oriented romantic and upbeat flamenco.
Billy Boy Arnold: "Sinner's Prayer" - 1976 Red Lightnin (UK vinyl)
Billy Boy is a great harmonica player and has a smooth, cool vocal style. Backed by some fine piano, guitar, bass and other instrumentation, this is a fine blues collection, equally good on both sides A & B.
Asleep at the Wheel - 1974 CBS/Epic
Standard setting modern swing rock boogie with "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie," "Jumpin' at the Woodside" and nine others. "Miss Molly" rocks, old-timey swing style.
Aterciopelados: "Caribe Atomico" - 1998 BMG Columbia
Fascinating, hip, upbeat, sometimes wild and extremely varied collection of good tunes with some fine instrumentation and vocals. Really high quality and unique Columbian band.
Kevin Ayers: "Joy of a Toy" - 1970 EMI
Highly creative, brilliant and a tad quirky at times, English feel good ditties about love, insanity, and "Oleh Oleh Bandu Bandong." I'd owned most of the Ayers vinyl albums from way back and deemed this one worth also getting on CD. He's an eclectic type fellow. This release represents great creativity and his beautiful baritone vocals. Over time its aged nicely - his early releases were often super cool in their instrumentation and stylistic twists. This is from a magical age at the end of the 1960's and early 70's where lots of highly creative, distinct, flowery cool rockers made magical music, and this one was way cool. Recommended.
Issa Bagayoga: "Timbuktu" - 2001 Six Degrees Records
Excellent Mali singer and player of a lute-like instrument. Worldly with numerous traditional, electronic and other unique influences. Beautiful deep voice and song compositions. Recommended.
Patricia Barber: "A Distortion of Love" - 1992 Polygram
Fine jazz fusion with ethereal feelings. Patricia Barber plays piano and has a wonderful voice on some songs. Her version of "Summertime" is unique and intense, slowly building up in feeling. Many songs get quite instrumentally progressive, others are rather mellow.
Patricia Barber: "Companion" - 1999 Premonition/Blue Note
So cool and subtle in her interpretations of Bill Withers' "Use Me," Sonny Bono's "The Beat Goes On," and Peter Green's "Black Magic Woman." Very different, generally mellow jazz fusion.
John Barry: "Octopussy" - 1993 Danjao/Ryko
I love the instrumental James Bond numbers on all John Barry's soundtracks, and this one has some wonderful selections. The Rita Coolidge theme song is OK also.
The Beatles
Easily one of the finest groups ever to record. Should go down in history as highly creative and innovative while riding on and creating the crest of popular rock music. Immensely popular, memorable, and fun. Will withstand the test of time.
The Beatles: "A Hard Day's Night" - 1964 EMI/Parlophone
Thirteen heartfelt rockin' beauties.
The Beatles: "Revolver" - 1966 Apple/EMI
Highly creative and varied. Highly recommended.
Basin Brothers: "Stayin' Cajun" - 1991 Flying Fish
Great collection of Cajun waltzes and two-steps with French vocals. Upbeat, nice production, danceable, fun music.
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt & Jerry Douglas: "Bourbon & Rosewater" - 1996 Water Lily Acoustics
Eight instrumental cuts in a true East meets West arrangement with Jerry on dobro, Vishwa on guitar, and Edgar Meyer on bass. Pleasant songs with some fine picking. Unusual and reflective acoustic mood music.
Bicycle - 1999 Capricorn
Somewhat quirky, naive, almost 60's bubble gum style good feeling pop rock. It's O.K.
Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys: "Swinging West" - 1995 Hightone
Excellent swing rock-rockabilly, boogie woogie country fun music. Wonderful lyrics, hot instrumentation, and smooth vocals. Various songs stick in my mind for days after hearing them. Way fun - recommended.
Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys: "Feelin' Kinda Lucky" - 1997 HighTone
Spectacular CD with excellent song writing and Big Sandy's cool tenor vocals make this a top choice for an upbeat swing-rockabilly CD. Nearly every tune sticks in my mind after I've heard it and makes me long to hear this CD again. The combination of Lee Jeffriess on steel guitar and Ashley Kingman on lead guitar helps make this one of the finest touring bands in the U.S. today. Highly recommended.
Big Youth: "Screaming Target" - 1989 Trojan [UK]
Way too skanky reggae for most humans but nevertheless, supercool. Excellent, primitive, complex, wicked, funky, humbling D.J. reggae by a master. Perhaps my favorite skanky reggae...highly recommended.
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic: "Faultline" - 1989 Cuneiform
Instrumental music that's not quite rock or jazz. A little edgy and uneasy, but interesting.
Bjork: "Vespertine" - 2001 Elektra
Intense and beautiful tunes to drift you into an ethereal and enchanted world. Very nice and unique instrumentation backing Bjork's sometimes powerfully strong, sometimes fragile vocals.
Rory Block: "High Heeled Blues" - 1981 Rounder (vinyl)
Wonderful and original blues and folksy tunes by this talented guitar player and vocalist. Very cool.
Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy: "The Fire This Time" - 1992 In & Out Records (Germany)/Rounder
Smooth, hip, hot, live from the Moonwalker Club, Aarburg, Switzerland, 1992.
Elton Britt: "The RCA Years" - 1997 BMG
Twenty three tunes, mostly from the 1940's, including yodels, lover's ballands, and traditional country. Elton's voice is pretty and sincere, especially with his big hit "There's A Star Spangled Banner Waiving Somewhere." Very nice.
James Brown: "Prisoner of Love" - 1963 King/Polydor (vinyl)
Very emotional and groovy soul packed hip tunes. Very different than a best of from the early 60's includes the instrumental jazz number "The Thing in 'G'." Excellent.
Junior Brown: "Guit With It"; 1993 Curb Records
Killer hot cd. With a voice as deep as Ernest Tubb and guit-steel playing ability of Jimi Hendrix, Dick Dale, or Speedy West, this dude rules! Though he's not very flamboyant, try to see him live. Wow! This particular cd has numerous killer hot songs - perhaps his best. See Photos
Junior Brown: "Semi Crazy" - 1996 Curb Records
There's only ten songs, but man, they smoke in a countrifried manner. "Gotta Get Up Every Morning," "Venom Wearin' Denim" and "Joe the Singing Janitor" are classics. The rest of the CD is wonderful. Wow, this guy is hot. Super lyrics, pickin,' and boot kickin' fun. Check him out live...he smokes! Recommended.
Captain Beefheart & the Magic Band: "The Dust Blows Forward" anthology - 1999 Warner Archives
Way ahead of his time, part genius part madman, this compilation rules. Some songs just need to be turned up loud. Granted, Beefheart is an aquired taste - quirky, spazz, hot jammin' - it's not for everybody, but man, "Lick My Decals off, Baby," "Clear Spot," "Tropical Hot Dog Night," and so many other smokin' songs...you'd better get a note from yo mama!
Blue Highway: "Wind To The West" - 1996 Rebel
Straight ahead bluegrass with nice male vocals and a couple of hot instrumentals. Nothing too wild here, just some good bluegrass.
Brand X: "A History: 1976-1908" - 1997 Caroline
The first three albums by this fusion rock band were smokin.' Really hot instrumentation and song structure. This CD covers some early songs and some later songs which were a tad more commercially minded and less instrumentally intense.
Dennis Brown: "Words of Wisdom" - Shanachie
An OK collection, straight forward reggae, but not his best.
Greg Brown: "Iowa Waltz" - 1983 Red House
A mix of up tempo and mellow, laid back, rural folk music with simple but fun lyrics. I really like this CD (his first of over a dozen) and Greg's baritone voice, and he's fun to see live. Recommended.
Greg Brown: "Further In" - 1996 Red House
Another beautiful collection of unpretentious folksy tunes and Greg's deep, beautiful, heartfelt voice. Includes Kelly Joe Phelps on lap slide guitar, Kate MacKenzie on vocals, and other guests. "I gotta be all alone...just think about you." Very nice.
Burning Spear: "Hail Him" - 1980 Tuff Gong (clear vinyl)
A classic album with fine vocals, horns, guitar, percussion and vocals provided by Burning Spear (Winston Rodney), Aston 'Family Man' Barrett and a few others.
Sam Bush: "Late As Usual" - 1987 Rounder
Collection of mostly upbeat instrumental tunes done with precision. Excellent backing players including Norman Blake, Bela Fleck and Mike Marshall. See Photos
Sam Bush: "Ice Caps: Peaks of Telluride" - 2000 Sugar Hill
Master of the mandolin and fiddle, singer, sometimes writer and arranger, comic and jester, showman and a whole lot of fun. This CD comes pretty close to capturing the essence of Sam, but you gotta see him live. Easily one of the best performers alive today. Instrumentals, vocals ("Sailin' Shoes" with John Cowan). Smokin'!!!
Don Carlos: "Day to Day Living" - 1982 Greeensleeves Import [vinyl]
Original, creative, crucial lovers rock and straight ahead reggae. Way hip with a great band and varied sound system. Consistently hot on the whole album. Don is a beautiful vocalist.
Don Carlos: "Just A Passing Glance" - 1984 RAS [vinyl]
Hot reggae music with Don's super cool voice. The title is hot and the "DJ Version" follow-up is real nice. Up tempo, smooth, hip, lovers style, mash it! Some tunes are a bit formula and so-so, but others smoke!
Don Carlos & Gold: "Ease Up" - 1994 RAS
I've always thought Don Carlos does some songs super cool! Way hot. Most of his records have a few killer tunes and a few good ones. Still, even in 1994 he's got a good hip sound. Great live also.
Betty Carter: "I Can't Help It" - 1976 MCA/1992 GRP
Is Betty on my top ten desert island discs? I know I've put her up there before and she deserves it. Wow! What feeling and what a voice. She's distinctive and on some songs she shines like no one else. I really love her versions of "By The Bend Of The River," "Babe's Blues," and "Stormy Weather." Twenty-four hot jazz songs in all makes this a winner with Kenny Dorham, Benny Golson, and Wynton Kelly.
Betty Carter - 1999 GRP
Another wonderful collection of 19 tunes by this beautiful jazz vocalist. Way cool!
Johnny Cash: "The Sun Years" - 1990 Sun/Rhino
Eighteen super songs by this master of simple, heartfelt country. Recommended.
Johnny Cash: "Now, There Was A Song!" - Columbia/Legacy
Johnny sings twelve songs written by others including "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," and "Honky-Tonk Girl." Nice, straight ahead Cash country music.
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: "Henry's Dream" - 1992 Elektra
"Brother My Cup is Empty" resounds in my mind hours after last hearing Nick's deep, manly, unique lyrics and heavy tunes. Compelling and majestic in a cool, dark alternative rock style.
Manu Chao: "Clandestino"; 1998 Ark21/Virgin France
I love world music, and this cd is one of my absolute favorites. The variety of songs, languages, the unique voices, the intense though sometimes sparse instrumentalists, the quirkiness, it all adds up very positively. It's fun, refreshing, unique, semi-popish yet not commercial, with toe-tapping beats. Wow. I give it a 10 out of 10.
Chateau Neuf: "Stolen Goods" - 1994 NorthSide
I imagine skipping thru a field of heather and lupines whilst chasing butterflies and rainbows. This is a Norwegian traditional folk big band, with multiple female vocalists sometimes backed by some rockin' sounds and loud horns, other times rather sparse, but usually very lively and beautiful.
Mark Chesnutt: "Too Cold At Home" - 1990 MCA
Nice selection of relatively smooth, safe, wholesome modern country. Generally not too rock N' rollish, yet the drum and chord progressions don't vary too much from tune to tune. Mark has a nice voice similar to George Strait. A few songs stand out like "Brother Jukebox," but others are rather mellow and lackluster, common for most modern country CDs.
Church of Betty: "Fruit on the Vine" - 1999 The Telegraph Co.
Strange mix of Indian vocalist and influences with modern dance tech beats and strangeness. Different and great for a few tunes, best included with multi-disc random play.
Cielo y Tierra (Heaven and Earth) - 1996 Elektra/WB
Cool Mexican worldbeat music with nice African and Native Indian influences.
Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert - Recorded Live 1973, Polydor
Despite a few poor technical moments, this is a wonderful group of versions of classics such as "Layla," "Badge," and "After Midnight."
Clare Quilty: "Suga-lik" - 1997 Dcide
Catchy alternative rock with hip female vocalist. The hard driving rock trio doesn't take away from the distinct vocals but lends itself to some mild head banging and fun. Fun tune about kitties - "Meow, meow, eat, eat, catch a mouse, go to sleep!" Similar to the Breeders. Very nice.
Patsy Cline: "Honky Tonk Merry Go Round" 1991 MCA [4 CD Box]
For me owning a 104 song 4-cd collection by Patsy is well worth it; I'm a big fan. A beautiful voice that's both strong and beautiful, backed often by some fine country instrumentation. Unlike many box sets this collection remains great all the way to disc four, with"Crazy Arms," a live version of "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," and "Why Can't He Be You." Numerous songs are from radio transcriptions with the D.J. introducing the tune. This is certainly an artist whose reputation of a spectacular artist is well deserved. Recommended.
Leonard Cohen: "Best of" - 1975 CBS
Classic singer/songwriter with a deep, resonating voice and demeanor. "Suzanne" is his classic, but all his tunes are deep and affecting.
Bruce Cockburn: "Night Vision" - 1973 High Romance/Columbia
Very nice early release by Bruce. Generally upbeat, fine folksy tunes.
Bruce Cockburn: "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws" - 1979 High Romance/Columbia
Only eight songs but certainly one of his finest releases with "Creation Dream" and the title song. Recommended.
Bruce Cockburn: "Big Circumstance" - 1988 High Romance/Gold Castle
Another wonderful selection by this Canadian folksy master. Thought provoking vocals and nice tunes.
Cocteau Twins: "Victoria Land" - 1986 4A.D./Capitol
Beautifully flowing eerie, majestic, mysterious, subtle, ambient, thought-provoking, elegant music with lovely female vocalizations. Very cool.
Nat King Cole: "Sus Mejores Canciones" - 1989 Capital
Beautiful collection of Latin American classics. Recommended.
John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman - 1963 (original) [see also Johnny Hartman]
The enjoyment of certain styles of music, from bluegrass to raj, klezmer to opera, takes time and an open mind. If along life's long road to auditory discovery you embrace male jazz vocalists, you'll not want to miss this classic. I think I could listen to "My One and Only Love" everyday and not tire of it. With Coltrane on sax, McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on Bass and Elvin Jones on drums, this seven song cd is a gem. Hartman's voice is smoooooth, but it's an acquired taste. Enjoy!
John Coltrane: "A Retrospective" - 1992 MCA [3 CDs]
A big mix of tunes spanning many years, and including a 16 minute "Chasin' the Trane," "Chim Chim Cheree," and "A Love Supreme." A total of 24 songs.
The Congos: "Natty Dread Rise Again" - 1997 RAS
Roots and straight reggae. Nothing too special but not a commercial piece either. It's OK.
Chris Connor: "Warm Cool: The Atlantic Years" - 1999 Atlantic
This two-disc set offers 40 tunes including "S'Wonderful," "Summertime," and "Misty," but amazingly missing her hit versions of "Lullaby of Birdland," "Lush Life" and "All About Ronnie." Connor's voice is cool and beautiful.
Gal Costa: "O Sorriso Do Gato De Alice" - 1993 RCA/BMG
Up tempo and beautiful vocalist with a great selection of guests, including Caetano Velosa, Gilberto Gil, and Arto Lindsay. Great for that international party.
The Country Gentlemen: "Sugar Hill Collection" - 1995 Sugar Hill
A very good straight ahead bluegrass band. Nothing bad or too exceptional. Personally I'm drawn a bit more to the Seldom Scene and certainly Del McCoury, but this a fine collection from one of the most talented and popular bluegrass bands out there.
Creation Rebel: "Starship Africa" - 1980 On-U
A super studio instrumental reggae and dub band with killer production work from Adrian Sherwood. Graceful and cool English space dub fusion.
Lol Creme & Kevin Godley: "L" - 1978 Polygram (vinyl)
Quirky, strange, intense, intelligent, original...uh...way different with songs like "Sandwiches of You." I really like it for its unique features, pointed vocals, good players, and great production. Mix art rock, avant garde, progressive new wave, and unique lyrics into a rather brilliant hodgepodge. Features Andy Mackay on sax on two songs.
Deirdre Cunningham: "City of Tribes" - Lake Records (Irish)
Very interesting and beautiful tunes from this innovative band mixing female vocals, didgeridoo, accordion, fiddle and numerous other instruments in a blend of world music, Irish traditional and modern ethereal effects.
Holger Czukay: "Good Morning Story" - 1999 Tone Casualties
Way cool collection of six weird and wonderful classic Czukay/Can-style tunes with help from Irmin Schmidt, Jah Wobble, Jaki Liebezeit, Michael Karoli and others. Way beyond common pop, rock, or new wave, this stuff is unique and hip with vocal tape loops, electronica progressions and repetitions, Holger's distinctive guitar work, ambient and ethereal explorations. One of his best projects yet.
Bruce Daigrepont: "Petit Cadeau" - 1994 Rounder
Bruce is a wonderful accordion player and singer and here presents 14 straight ahead Cajun tunes.
John Delafose & the Eunice Playboys: "Pere et Garcon Zydeco" - 1992 Rounder
Smooth, danceable zydeco with some fine vocals and accordion and production. Features John's daddy Geno Delafose.
Chaka Demus & Pliers: "for Every Kinda People" 1996 Island
Pop-soul Reggae. It's ok, but I might sell this cd. Make an offer: mail@priorities.org
Dao Dezi: "World Mix Album" 1994 Capitol Records (France)
Upbeat, lively, techno world fusion dance with various systhesizers and voice samplings, male vocalists singing in ? language, and on various tracks bag pipes, violins, uilleann pipes, and tin whistles. This is a side project from members of the wonderful world beat band, Deep Forest. Good tunes and sound: recommended.
Wasis Diop: "No Sant" - 1996 Triloka
Really smooth and cool Senegal writer, deep voiced singer and worldly guitar player. Accompanied by the beautiful Lena Fiagbe on a few tracks, this whole CD is beautiful. Recommended.
The Doors: "The Soft Parage" - 1975 Elektra
Perhaps my favorite of their many excellent albums. I really like the way "The Soft Parade" flows but all the tunes are distinctive and good. A classic well worth having.
Nick Drake: "Pink Moon" - 1972 Island
Almost hauntingly mellowish simple folksy rock, yet with a seemingly infectious mood setting tone. Somewhat similar in temperament to early Bruce Cockburn. Very thought provoking and nice.
Mikey Dread: "SWALK" - 1982 DATC [vinyl]
Mighty fine and distinctive reggae from this master at the controls.
Dr. John: "Cut Me While I'm Hot" - 1994 Magnum [UK]
On the back of the CD itself it rates the quality as a 7 out of 10, which may be pushing it. Nonetheless, despite the mono box-like recording quality it is a great selection of tunes and playing by the N'Awlins creole voodoo master. Nineteen tunes including mostly Rebennack originals and three Professor Longhair classics.
Dr. John: "Anutha Zone" - 1998 Virgin
Fourteen voodoo inspired tunes not destined for radio airplay, not aimed to be commercial hits even for the New Orleans circuit (except perhaps the funky "Why Come"), simply sensual tunes representing the good doctor's ample song writing and mood inducing genius.
Bob Dylan: "Greatest Hits" - 1967 CBS
The only reason not to own this, and volumes 2 & 3, is if you're working on collecting all the originals. "Subterranean Homesick Blues," "I Want You," "Just Like A Woman," "Like A Rolling Stone"...classics that will withstand time as great tunes.
Bob Dylan: "John Wesley Harding" - Columbia
Excellent classic folk tunes, including "All Along the Watchtower."
Bob Dylan: "New Morning" - 1970
A mixed bag. Popular was "If Not For You" - my favorite is the unusual "If Dogs Run Free" and "Father of Night." Good back up work by David Bromberg - electric guitar & dobro, Harvey Brooks and Charlie Daniels on electric bass, Al Kooper on the keyboards, and others, including background vocalists.
Bob Dylan: "Self Portrait" 1970
The reviewer from Allmusic.com gives this a bad review and only two out of five stars. I think it's a wonderful compilation of 24 songs including many covers. About 50 musicians, from Doug Kershaw to Robbie Robertson contributed.
Bob Dylan: "Blood on the Tracks" - 1974 CBS
An excellent classic must-have for afficionados of Amcericana musica. Beautiful!
Snooks Eaglin: "Teasin' You" - 1999 Black Top
Kind of a New Orleans happy blues. Nothing burning hot but a pleasant CD. Nice versions of "Black Night" and "Don't Take it So Hard." "Heavy Juice is a nice instrumental and "Red Beans" really cooks!
Steve Earle: "I Feel Alright" - 1996 WB
This up tempo, rough and tumble singer/songwriter won't be heard on many radio stations, which is a real shame given his wonderful abilities and heartfelt lyrics and emotion.
Steve Earle: "El Corazon" - 1997 WB
Good alternative, unique, honky tonk country twang folk. Real.
Billy Eckstine: "No Cover No Minimum" - 1960/1992 EMI
Powerful jazz vocalist has 21 beautiful covers such as "Lush Life," "In The Still of the Night," "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me," and "Misty."
Eek A Mouse: "Assassinator" - 1983 RAS (vinyl)
While perhaps not quite as super hot as his debut, this is a very strong piece from this highly talented, unique 6'6" reggae master.
Elektro Robotik Dub Arkestra: "Strictly Automatik" - 1984 Ariwa vinyl
Hip, cool, instrumental dub with great production and interesting effects.
Joe Ely: "Musta Notta Gotta Lotta" - 1981 MCA
Kinda a unique mix of rockabilly with independent bar rock, but cool. Rockin' version of Jimmie Gilmore's "Dallas."
Eno: "Before and After Science" - 1977 EG Records
Very uptempo and quirky rockin' avant garde new wave. Very moody and fresh with very creative song structures and instrumentation. Way cool.
Euphoria - 1999 Six Degrees Records
Smooth, cool, flowing trans-hop fusion with hip female singing at times. Nice and easy.
Gil Evans: "Out of the Cool" - 1961 MCA
Cool jazz on the edge, sometimes a bit avante garde and freeform, other times with a James Bond style precision. Very nice band, arrangements, production, and many different horns.
Gil Evans: "Where Flamingos Fly" - 1981 A&M
Ethereal, intense, cool jazz. Great CD which leaves me humming some of the songs like Kenny Dorham's 17 minute "El Matador."
Cesaria Evora: "Cabo Verde" - 1997 Nonsuch/WB
Beautiful, smooth, heartfelt, exotic female vocalist from the island of Cape Verde.
Cesaria Evora: "Café Atlantico" - 1999 RCA/BMG
From Cape Verde, Cesaria's voice is compelling in it's depth and sincere if not haunting beauty. Very smooth and moving tunes sung in Portugese. All of her CDs are absolutely beautiful and romantic.
Fairport Convention: "Expletive Delighted!" - 1987 Rounder
Ten fine British folk rock instrumentals. No beautiful vocals by Judy Dyble on this one, yet very nice tunes.
Fantcha: "Criolinha" - 1998 Tinder Records
Spectacular protege of Cesara Evora with soaring and emotional vocals. Sung in Portugese she is backed by excellent Cape Verde musicians for a truly beautiful and exotic international sound.
Faudel: "Baida" - 1997 Sankara-Mercury
The little prince of Rai music incorporates some good production and modern international influences with strong, heartfelt vocals.
Bryan Ferry: "Another Time, Another Place" - 1974 E.G. Records (vinyl)
A very classy collection of uptempo martini lounge and dramatic tunes, such as "The 'In" Crowd," "Funny How time Slips Away," and "(What a) Wonderful World." Unique and very cool.
Fiamma Fumana: "1.0" - 1999 Mescal
Really cool Italian worldbeat group with beautiful Fiamma on vocals and two musicians creating a rich and entertaining sound. Recommended.
The Firemen: "Rushes" - 1998 Capital
Very nice electronica, guitar soundscape, instrumental music. Regardless of Paul McCartney's considerable contribution, this is a very good CD.
Patrik Fitzgerald: "Gifts and Telegrams" - 1982 Red Flame (vinyl)
Moody, somewhat dour, synthesizer backed, yet somewhat infectious. Obscure and you'll never hear his ilk on the radio, yet it's very heartfelt and unique in its own way. I like it for it's honest simplicity and telling poetry but it's far from anything that'll ever be popular.
Flatt & Scruggs: 1948-1959 Box Set - 1991 Bear Family Records
Spectacular 4 CD collection from two of the finest bluegrass players ever, period.
Rosie Flores: "Dance Hall Dreams" - 1999 Rounder
Kick up your heals with this up tempo, honky tonk queen. With a rockabilly and country influence she conjures up some fine tunes here.
4 Etoiles: "Sangonini" - 1993 Stern's Africa
Good, uptempo rhythmic dance music with great harmonizing. Lively, fun, easy to get in the groove while not being commercial. Really sweet horn, guitar and percussion work.
Frente!: "Marvin the Album" - 1994 Mushroom
Songstress sounds a lot like Ricky Lee Jones. Fourteen upbeat and poppy tunes. Nothing too special or unique, but nice.
Kinky Friedman: "Sold American" - 1973 Vanguard
Folksy singer songwriter funnyman brings us some hot pickin' with John Hartford, Norman Blake and many others. Tunes are all satirical and funny with "High on Jesus," "Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed," and nine others.
Lefty Frizzell: "The Best Of" - 1991 Rhino
Eighteen wonderful old country tunes by this beautiful singer/songwriter. Frizzell's work is clean and simple yet he's one of my favorite country musicians. The problem is many of his tunes and even complete CDs, like the one's you'll find in convenience stores, are saturated with strings and background vocalists that take away from Lefty's beauty. This one has a little of that but is mostly excellent.
Lefty Frizzell: "Look What Thoughts Will Do." 1997 Sony/Columbia Legacy/Country Classics
When I get rich I'm going to buy the big German Bear Family Records box set of Lefty. For now I have this 34 song 2-disc set. You may have noticed I list Lefty on my top ten at the top of this page. For pure, original country with some nice instrumentality, thought provoking lyrics, and a tap along beat he is a legend. This isn't the heavy honky tonk of George Jones or Buck Owens, which I also love, but it's heartfelt smooth music.
Fuhrs & Frohling: "Strings" - 1979 Brain (vinyl)
Beautiful flowing mostly guitar and synthesizer based instrumental progressive European fusion.
Garbage - 1995 Almo
Stylish and loud, uncommercial yet popish grunge blaring alternative rock.
Jerry Garcia/Dave Grisman - 1991 Acoustic Disc
A spectacular selection of hot instrumentals and beautiful vocals, including "The Thrill is Gone," and "Walkin' Boss." Very smooth, cool, and wonderful tunes. Recommended.
Genesis: "Foxtrot" - 1972 Charisma (vinyl)
A progressive rock classic. Peter Gabriel's melodramatic vocals and tales about "butterflies, flutterbyes, gutterflies..." is accented by Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, and Steve Hackett. "Watcher of the Skies" and "The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man" are wonderfully powerful tunes. Created at perhaps the best period for Genesis.
Gilberto Gil: "Quanta" - 1997 Warner Music Brasil
Straightforward tunes in Portugese are quite beautiful with Gilberto's soothing voice. Nothing too wild, just peaceful.
Bebel Gilberto: "TantoTempo" - 2000 Crammed Discs/Six Degrees Records
Beautiful bossa tunes ala Astrug Gilberto. Spectacular voice and intonations on wonderfully warm and romantic tunes, some of which could fit in a dreamy dance lounge music genre.
Jimmie Dale Gilmore: "Spinning Around the Sun" - 1993 Elektra/WB
Jimmie has a sort of brittle voice backed by heavy emotional feeling. His music is rocksy-folksy with a country twang influence. Very heart felt and generally beautiful tunes.
The Glands: "The Glands"
Kinda nice. A bit too melancholic for my tastes, but some of the early songs with strings are tasteful. I prefer it on a random rotation of disks than to listen to these 14 tracks all the way through. Try Yo La Tango's "Fakebook" for a similar but more enjoyable disk.
Phillip Glass: "Koyaanisqatsi (Life out of Balance) - 1983 Antilles
This soundtrack about our life out of balance is wonderful with or without the video. As a solo piece it is fast moving and repetitive with plenty of overlapping horns, stringed instruments and vocalizations. Intense and cerebral. I like his work, have seen him in Washington D.C. in the 1980s, and enjoy his bigger collection: "Einstein on the Beach." Very different.
The Go-Betweens: "Send Me A Lullaby" - 1981 Missing Link/Rough Trade (vinyl)
Australian alternative indie pop rock with deep, somewhat moody and intelligent rock.
The Go-Betweens: "Before Hollywood" - 1982 Rough Trade (vinyl)
Moody, cerebral, yet wonderful Australian alternative rock.
Go-Betweens: "Spring Hill Fair" - 1984 Beggars Banquet
Nice group of hip, non-commercial pop new wave tunes by this Australian band.
Goblin: "Roller" - 1976 Cinevox/Attic
Italian progressive rock fusion with a slightly eerie and dramatic feel on some of the tunes.
Gong: "Zero to Infinity"; 2000, One Eyed salmon Records, UK
Smokin' hot typical Gong. I'm a Gong fan from way back, a fan of progressive, psycho-pixie fusion space rock. Great CD w/ Didier Malherbe Bloomdido Bad de Grass on alto & flute, Theo Travis on soprano and tenor saxes & keyboards, Chris Taylor on percussion, Gili Smyth on voice whisper et al, and Daevid Allen on lead guitar and vocals.
Gong: "Live to Infinitea" - 2000 Snapper
Fourteen tunes with Zero th Hero and the Witch's Spell sending one's mind beyond progressive space pixie fusion live.
Gong: "Wingful of Eyes - A Retrospective 75' - 78";
Comprised of songs from three hot fusion releases, Shamal, Expresso II, and Gazeuse. Way more progressive rock fusion than Daevid Allens original Gong. No pixies and few vocals, just killer jammin'. I'll get up some photos of their 25th anniversary concert with Daevid and Mother Gong in Denver soon.
Gong: "Live on TV 1990" - 1993 Code 90/Demon Records (UK)
Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Bloomdido Bad De Grass, Pip Pyle, Steffi Sharpstrings, Keith Da Missile and Twink take you on a progressive fusion pot headed pixie escapade into the land of flying teacups and inner visions.
Grateful Dead: "Workingman's Dead" 1970 Warner Bros.
What a classic, excellent representation of some of the best Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter compositions. A must have for any fan of country, blues, folk, & rock n' roll.
Grateful Dead: "Dick's Picks Vol. Eight" - 1987 Grateful Dead
Three CD collection, especially disc #1 of 3, is one of the better in this series with fine renditions of many classics.
Grateful Dead: "So Many Roads (1965-1995) - - Grateful Dead Records/Arista
A super collection of choice tunes over the years and across the nation. Mostly excellent selections and good production. Recommended.
Al Green: "Greatest Hits" - 1972/1995 The Right Stuff
Super cool, smooth, hot soul with feeling. Easily one of the best soul singers ever with "Love and Happiness," "I Can't Get Next to You," and five bonus tracks on the CD. Highly recommended.
Gianluca Grignani and Massimo Luca: "Di Plastica" - [Italian]
Lots of vocals over rock that sounds very important but is overall so-so.
Guitar Shorty: "Roll Over Baby" - 1998 Black Top
William Kearney's (Guitar Shorty) guitar style can cook like B.B. King, and his stage gymnastics are reminiscent of Guitar Slim. This CD was cut in New Orleans with and features a wide variety of styles. There's a long version of "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix, whose stepsister Guitar Shorty married. Good rockin.
Buddy Guy & Junior Wells: "Alone & Acoustic" - 1991 Alligator
Simply a guitarist and harmonica player pickin,' blowin,' and singing. You won't find the screeching electric rockin' blues guitar sound of most of these masters music, just simple acoustic blues numbers.
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