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).
No comments:
Post a Comment