Like no_vas, I have hundreds of CDs (although not as many as him), so it is hard to pick just a few. Here is my first try at it. I couldn't stop at 10 though. Some of these are more current favs over all-time favs.
Shirley Horn -
Here's to Life - one of the best vocal jazz albums ever. I could listen to this every day and not get tired of it. The title track alone makes it worth listening to.
Lyle Lovett -
The Road to Ensenada - has all the elements of good Lyle Lovett: humor, sadness, and hope. The tribute to Walter Hyatt is a warm touch.
Uncle Walt's Band -
The Girl on the Sunny Shore - Speaking of Walter Hyatt, this band's music is so clean. Inspired me to start learning to play guitar at age 35.
Chris Isaak -
Baja Sessions - music that sounds effortless.
Otis Redding -
The Otis Redding Story - did more before he died at age 26 than most of us could hope to do. My king of soul. Aretha got her "Respect" from Otis. The Blues Brothers got their theme song ("Can't Turn You Loose") and half their band from Otis. The Black Crowes became "Hard to Handle" due to Otis.
Sam Cooke -
The Man and His Music - anyone who could influence Otis Redding so much is worth a listen. Smooth soul. Obama could use his "A Change Is Gonna Come" as his theme song.
Lovin' Spoonful -
Anthology - fun folk.
John Hiatt -
Bring the Family - where did Bonnie Raitt get that song? -- from John Hiatt.
Greg Brown -
The Poet Game - the title track is perhaps my favorite song of all time.
Bruce Springsteen -
Tunnel of Love - a wonderful reflection on love.
Over the Rhine -
The Trumpet Child - beautiful music and a beautiful voice.
Josh Rouse -
Country House City Mouse - fun music.
Billy Bragg & Wilco -
Mermaid Avenue - modern music for the timelessness of Woody Guthrie lyrics. "Another Man's Done Gone" makes me contemplate my mortality.
Duffy -
Rockferry -- a current fav, another modern throwback soul singer from the UK.
She & Him -
Volume One - fun fun fun from Zooey Deschanel (the girl from
Elf who can really sing) and M. Ward.
Feist -
Let It Die - love Mushaboom.
Amos Lee -
Supply and Demand - saw him in concert recently and he was fantastic.
Los Lobos -
Good Morning Aztlan - hard to pick a fav from all of theirs. But this one rocks.
Santana -
The Best of Santana - so smooth, so sexy.
They Might Be Giants -
Here Come the ABCs - Not just for kids, but definitely get this for your kids.
Flight of the Conchords -
Flight of the Conchords - The #2 parody music duo in New Zealand -- need I say more?
