A reminder - it’s a personal selection. Of course it is. And it reflects a certain time period as well. But you wouldn’t go far wrong in seeking out these albums/downloads and adding them to your collection…..
I’ve excluded compilations and they are kind of in an order, but can pretty much change at will, depending upon the mood you’re in. Here are the next ten; there could have been so many more! Let me know what you think!
1. PINK FLOYD – THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
Floyd at their best. ‘Time’, ‘Money’, The Great Gig’…. If you’ve not heard them, you’re missing one amazing album.
2. ADELE – 21
A new and prodigious talent. A mix of folk and soul with most of the tracks written by Adele, who was only 21 when writing! ‘Rolling in the Deep, ‘Rumour Has It’ and ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ are just three of the brilliant tracks, with no weak ones in sight. Now famous the world over - with reason.
3. HARRY NILSSON – NILSSON SCHMILSSON
The Beatles declared Nilsson as their favourite artist and this, the strongest of his albums, is why. ‘Gotta Get up’, ‘Coconut’ and ‘Without You’ are the best of a strong set of tracks. And Nilsson’s version of ‘Without You’ went on to be a worldwide hit.
4. DEREK AND THE DOMINOES – LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS
Trying to tie Eric Clapton down to a ‘best album’ is next to impossible. He has continued to produce top quality albums to this day. But if I had to pick, I’d go back in time to this one. It has the best guitar lick of all time in ‘Layla’ and strong tracks all the way, partly due to the able assistance of a strong band including Duane Allman.
5. JONATHAN KELLY – TWICE AROUND THE HOUSES
I can pretty much guarantee you won’t have heard of this guy. His album is haunting, emotional folk-rock. Great lyrics, especially on ‘Ballad of Cursed Anna’ and the political ‘We Are The People’. And for every up tempo song, there is a lilting ballad such as ‘Madelaine’ and ‘Rock You To Sleep’ (which I used to sing to my children when they were growing up!)
6. SANTANA – ABRAXAS
How can one album pack so many classic Santana hits? It does! ‘Black Magic Woman’, ‘Samba Pa Ti’ and ‘Oye Como Va’. Incredible guitar playing. So different to most guitarists, you can tell it’s Santana within a few seconds as the Latin-Rock style begins.
7. PAUL MCCARTNEY AND WINGS – BAND ON THE RUN
Slightly controversial choice in that I put this ahead of all the Beatles albums! Pop at its slickest, McCartney at his best.
8. SIGUR ROS – TAKK
The Icelandic band with a made up language and grandstanding melodic symphonies. ‘Takk’ gets the nod ahead of other albums mainly because of 'Hoppipolla', a beautiful melody. You will have heard it; believe me, you will have heard it!
9. BOB DYLAN – SLOW TRAIN COMING
This is from Dylan’s ‘God’ era and is all the more wonderful for it, with fabulous lyrics alongside the best of melodies. ‘When He Returns’, the title track, and the fun (for Dylan) ‘Man Gave Names to All the Animals’ are the best of a strong bunch.
10. MOUNTAIN – NANTUCKET SLEIGHRIDE
A close run final slot with Mountain just seeing off Stray and ‘Saturday Morning Pictures’. Leslie West’s guitar and vocals is what gives it the edge. Strong, powerful rock. Wish I’d made it to one of their concerts!
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