Top 100 of All Time: 21-30

John Hartford

I was lucky to have discovered JH back in the late 70's. I remembered him from the Smothers Brothers show and the Glen Campbell Good Time Hour, not to mention Hee-Haw, but only figured out what he was really all about after hearing a friend's vinyl copy of Mark Twang. Aside from having written the greatest country song ever, "Gentle on My Mind," his records and live performances were celebrations of music and tradition and fun.

My favorite: Nobody Knows What You Do (1976).

Eric Clapton

He isn't really God, and his latest output borders on lame, but nobody was a greater rock guitarist from 1965 to 1985. Yardbirds. Cream (Wheels of Fire, 1968). Derek & the Dominos (Layla, 1970). Blind Faith (Blind Faith, 1969). Early solo stuff (Eric Clapton, 1970; 461 Ocean Boulevard, 1974).

Joni Mitchell

The songs, the voice, the guitar. I bought Court and Spark because of "Help Me," but I had no idea what it would lead to. That was a great record, and it led me to her magnificent catalog. Never seen her live. That's on my bucket list. Oh please go on tour, Joni!

Another must-hear: Hejira (1978).

The Beach Boys/Brian Wilson

I never would have put the Beach Boys on this list if I had been making it 10 or 15 years ago. But I have listened, I have heard, and I have realized what a tremendous oversight that would have been, "Kokomo" notwithstanding.

Just gotta hear Pet Sounds (1966), Holland (1973)

Heart

If anyone bothers to read any of this, I'd probably get flamed for putting this band so high on the list, but I don't care. I can't live without 'em.

As if you haven't already guessed: Dreamboat Annie (1976).

Talking Heads

Regarded as an 80's or New Wave band, but that doesn't scratch the surface. One of the greatest live shows I've ever seen.

I'm still partial to: More Songs About Buildings and Food (1978).

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Can you imagine "Classic Rock" without these guys?

I still dig Bayou Country (1969).

Linda Ronstadt

The greatest female voice in pop/rock. Period.

No one could choose just one, so: Heart Like a Wheel (1974), Prisoner in Disguise (1975).

The Byrds

Created "jangle rock," spawned a hundred bands, made Dylan safe for the masses (JK).

Always and forever my fave: (Untitled) (1970).

Jefferson Airplane

Probably the most important band to emerge from the San Francisco scene in the 60's, next to the Grateful Dead. Raw beautiful harmonies, trippy guitars, fantastic songs. Their spawn, Jefferson Starship, deserves at least a mention, too, at least for their work up to and including Red Octopus.

In the studio, After Bathing at Baxter's (1967); live, Bless Its Pointed Little Head (1969).

Top 100 of All Time: 31-40

Lou Reed/The Velvet Underground

Godfathers/mothers of Punk. They probably should be higher, simply because of the fact that so much of what we've heard over the past 30-40 years would have been impossible without their influence.

Where it all began: The Velvet Underground and Nico (1967)

Graham Parker

Transcends the "pub rock" label that has stuck to him and many others. Undoubtedly one of the best songwriters to emerge from the late 70's.

Arguably his best: Squeezing Out Sparks (1979)

Merle Haggard

The Hag, the Fugitive, the Okie from Muskogee. This is real country, baby! Pioneered the Bakersfield sound with Buck Owens & others.  Wrote so many great songs, it's hard to count them all.

Citing a box set may be a cheap move, but the timelessness and breadth of his work demands it: Down Every Road (1996)

Rickie Lee Jones

Sadly under-appreciated. Everyone knows "Chuck E.'s In Love," but that doesn't even scratch the surface of what she has achieved artistically. One of the few, in my opinion, who's never made a bad record.

Too many great ones to choose from, so I'll go with the brilliant first two: Rickie Lee Jones (1979); Pirates (1981)

Tom Waits

Pure coincidence that Tom Waits follows up his sister-in-spirit Rickie Lee Jones. From his bohemian beret-topped piano days to his current incarnation as the gravelly-voiced blues growler and critics' darling, Tom has one of the widest-ranging catalogs you'll find. 

For me, it all started with Nighthawks at the Diner (1975), and later, Swordfishtrombones (1983).

Phish

Grabbed the jam band mantle from the Grateful Dead, and ran with it. Took a break but returned stronger than ever. Few bands have more faithful tour followers, and deservedly so.

The studio records are OK, but any true measure of this band is in the live recordings. Live Phish Downloads.

Ry Cooder

Slide guitarist, ethnomusicologist, paid assassin. Just kidding about the assassin part, but he was asked to join the Rolling Stones at one point. It's funny to think about how that might have changed music history, but I'm not unhappy that Ry chose his own path. 

Stone cold funky classic: Paradise and Lunch (1974)

Willie Nelson

No explanation necessary.The man is an American legend, treasure, and hero.

No excuses, you must have Red Headed Stranger (1975)

Patti Smith

Among the few rockers who deserve the title of poet. So much more, though. The songs, the voice, the passion are astounding. Her later ouevre is uneven but not without brilliant moments. Early works are stark and beautiful.

Listen: Horses (1975), Radio Ethiopia (1976)

Pearl Jam

These guys made me love hard rock again. They emerged from the Seattle "grunge" scene but outgrew it quickly. Yeah, they became huge, but I don't hold it against them.

Sometimes you cant resist going with the awesome debut: Ten (1991)

Top 100 of All Time 41-50

Miles Davis

Arguably the greatest figure in Jazz, with no disrespect intended to so many jazz greats. 

Essential: Kind of Blue (1959), Bitches Brew (1970)

Allman Brothers Band

Invented Southern Rock. Still showin' 'em how it's done.

Hope you like jammin': At the Fillmore East (1970)

Dire Straits

Defined guitar rock and virtuosity in the late 70's-early 80's Commercial success was the beginning of their end, unfortunately.

One of the truly great debut albums by any band: Dire Straits (1978)

Chuck Berry

You don't want your daughter dating him, but his contribution to the evolution of rock guitar cannot be underestimated.

If you have just one CB compilation, it should be The Great Twenty-Eight (1982)

Emmylou Harris

Perhaps the purest female country voice ever. A true treasure.

Where to begin? So hard to decide. Elite Hotel (1975), Wrecking Ball (1995)

Sandy Denny

If Emmylou is the purest country voice ever, Sandy is the purest folk/rock voice ever. Throw in songwriting chops that rival nearly anyone, and it's abundantly clear that losing Sandy was one of the most significant tragedies in music ever. Her stuff with Fairport Convention, her solo records...we are fortunate to have so much to remember her by, but the thought of what could have been...

Must-haves: Liege & Lief (Fairport Convention, 1969), The North Star Grassman and the Ravens (1971)

Muddy Waters

From the Delta to Chicago and beyond, many discussions of blues begin and end with the great Muddy Waters.

Gotta have: Folk Singer (1964), Hard Again (1977)

Steely Dan

A true American original. Becker and Fagen masterminded this unique amalgam of rock, jazz, R & B, & pop that has no equal. The guitar talents of Jeff "Skunk" Baxter were an essential ingredient. Ever listen to the solo in "Rikki Don't Lose That Number"?

Get it: Countdown to Ecstasy (1973)

John Prine 

Of all the "new Dylans" to emerge from the 70's, John Prine was maybe the most deserving of the title, even if he was never that Dylanesque. Funny, sad, wry, and twenty other adjectives.

The album that put me on the road to fandom: Sweet Revenge (1973)

Fleetwood Mac

In all of their incarnations, they're deserving of a place in this list. Brit-blues scions transformed into pop/rock icons. Things dragged a bit in the middle, but that's only a minor inconvenience. For me, at least.

One masterpiece from each era: Then Play On (1969), Mystery to Me (1973), Rumours (1978)

Santana

An argument can be made that he is the greatest ever on his instrument. His Latin roots brought a quality previously unseen in rock. The musical ethos of the Bay Area in the late 60's, early 70's were perfect for his (their) rise to greatness.


My personal faves: Abraxas (1970), Caravanserai (1972)

Top 100 of All Time: 51-60

Todd Rundgren

Producer, musician, songwriter, genius.

Impossible to decide on one greatest LP, so I'll go with the obvious: Something/Anything (1972)

Jackson Browne

Pioneer of the SoCal sound of the 70's. Made the Eagles big stars with "Take It Easy."

Landmark album: Running On Empty (1979)

David Bromberg

Played with everyone. One of the greatest session men ever, which, unfortunately, obscures most of the great stuff he has done as an artist in his own right. I can attest that he is one of the most amazing live performers ever.

Check it out: How Late'll Ya Play 'Til? (1976)

Nick Drake

Among the greatest of the English folkies of the 70's. Unfortunately lost to depression and suicide. Possibly the most obscure artist to have his song used in a VW commercial: "Pink Moon."

Enjoy Pink Moon (1972)

CSN (& Y)

Neil Young gets in on his own, but these guys invented beauty vocal harmony in the 70's.

Essential: Déjà vu (1970)

Roxy Music

When I first heard "Love Is the Drug" on the radio in the 70's, I had an idea that this band was not your typical top 40 outfit. Smooth, sexy, Euro---and these guys could play. They launched the 80's. Greatest LP artwork, too.

You need to hear: Country Life (1974)

Wilco

From the ashes of the great alt-country band Uncle Tupelo arose Son Volt and these revolutionary pop stars. Live, or in the studio, they won't let you down!

The Who

Long Live Rock! They haven't recorded anything of note in years, but up until 1974 or so, oh boy!

Turn it up! Live at Leeds (1970)

Led Zeppelin

No explanation necessary.

Not going with the obvious. Instead: Houses of the Holy (1973)

Roy Orbison

The shades, the voice, the tears!

Top 100 of All Time 61-70

Fela Kuti

Fela is the king of world music. Inventor of Afrobeat, as it's called. It's a simmering amalgam of jazz, funk, soul, highlife, and protest music. His canon is extensive and well worth examining. I came to appreciate Fela's work somewhat tangentially, having been turned on to King Sunny Ade and wanting more African sounds. From his early "singles" period through his  later side-long funky jams, you WILL move your arse to this!

Recommended: Army Arrangement (1985), Afrodisiac (1973)

Leon Russell

Almost too legendary to describe. He has played with everyone, written songs that have turned everyone on. No restrictions of genre or time. 

My favorites: Carney (1972), Hank Wilson's Back (1973)

George Clinton/Parliament-Funkadelic

Tear the roof off the sucka! When we were kids, we made fun of this stuff. Boy, were WE dumb! 

Put your headphones on for: Maggot Brain (1971)

Miles Davis

My favorite jazz artist of all. Maybe the coolest dude who ever lived. Whatever--he has done everything in music. I can't diss Bird, 'Trane, nor any of the other greats, but Miles is IT.

Traffic

In my view, Traffic was one of the most original and versatile rock bands ever. The group was always in flux, but they rode it all out for a string of great albums. 

My faorite: The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971)

XTC

I nearly left them out because of their aversion to touring, but that would disqualify a lot of great artists. First experienced them in the film Urgh! A Music War. That paved my way for appreciating punk and "new wave" of all stripes. No one besides Big Star wrote catchier songs without having any real "hits." But it isn't about hits, but great songs and albums. They have lots of both.

Get into: Skylarking (1986)

The Pogues

It's just a coincidence that I am posting this on St. Patrick's Day. The Pogues are the quintessential Irish band: sloppy, angry, fiery, humorous, sincere. Maybe Shane MacGowan is more famous for getting drunk, but this is one band I so regret never having seen live. I had a chance to see Shane live at Guinness Fleadh in 1997, but passed so I could see Van Morrison on the main stage. I still agonize over that one!

You won't regret spinning If I Should Fall from Grace With God (1986)

Robert Johnson

You may have heard of him. Sold his soul to the devil to become the greatest bluesman ever. Well, that's an utter crock, but he probably was anyway.

Just get it: The Complete Recordings (1990)

Lucinda Williams

She deserves a spot for songwriting alone. But that voice!

Her opus grande: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (1998)

Paul Simon

Wrote oodles of great songs. Introduced the world to the wonders of African Music. Collaborated with a guy named Garfunkel.


Groove to: Graceland (1986)