No Bruce, no Beatles, no Stones, no apologies.
The list was originally compiled for a local non-commercial radio station event. It reflects strictly personal choices rather than significance. It may not be a true Desert Island Discography, but in a pinch, it would do for me.
1. Rumors - Fleetwood Mac
Why not? A great album whose very success assured the end of any possibility of music as a vehicle for change. I recently pitched it to a twenty-one-year old music freak who rolled his eyes at the prospect of actually having to listen to it. A week later he called and used the word “amazing” about it.
2. Hotel California - The Eagles
The same critique as Rumors. Go a couple of years without hearing anything from it (probably impossible if you ever got to shopping malls or own an FM radio) listen with fresh ears and test your reactions to it.
3. Wildflowers - Tom Petty
A so-called solo work, but a Heartbreakers’ album all the same, and the best thing old Tom’s ever done.
4. AJA - Steely Dan
A pinnacle for the band, filled with pop masterpieces,
5. Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
A never to be repeated tour de force covering an dazzling range of musical styles.
6. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic - The Sundays
A one-off classic that set the bar for alternative pop.
7. Slow Train coming - Bob Dylan
A much maligned Dylan effort, but the one that made a believer of me.
8. Being There - Wilco
A redefinition of pop-rock.
9. Songs For A Blue Guitar - Red House Painters
Don’t believe it? Listen to Kozelek’s cover of The Cars, “All Mixed Up.”
10. But Seriously Folks - Joe Walsh
A discarded musical jewel awaiting rediscovery.
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