Special Request

This post goes out to all of you who don't know too much music before 1990! Enjoy!

1) The Band, 1960s-late 70s -- No library is complete without two albums, "Music at Big Pink" and "The Band". This music is like medicine. You can take it any time to make you feel better. Or, if you're not interested in feeling better, some of these will bring you down - but in that good way, where other guys are down with you. The perfect bar band; three of rock n roll's best singers; the tightest shit there is. Feel the wood. Also: "Rock of Ages," "Music from the Last Waltz" (see the concert film by Marty Scorsese. Simply one of the best movies of all time in any genre.)

2) Elvis Costello -- Simply put, he's my boy. The man is one of the most gifted pop songwriters of all time. I'd say just make your way through his catalogue, album by album, from "My Aim Is True" - classics on this record! Feels like music at a 50s dance with the intensity, wit, and snarl that characterizes so much new wave music - to "Imperial Bedroom," a quirky masterpiece produced by Beatles' engineer Geoff Emerick. Everything in between is excellent, with tracks that hit you right in the heart. The Attractions are the best rock n roll backing band ever, bass, keys, and drums. EC is a must.

3) "Tusk" - Fleetwood Mac. Man, my dick just got hard. This sprawling two-disc set (now available as one CD due to cutting off half of track "Sara") is as beautiful as it is quirky. Lindsey Buckingham, lead songwriter, producer, guitarist and general mastermind of the band presents song after song of goodness. The two ladies, Nicks and McVie, have some gorgeous songs, but its the 9 Buckingham tracks that can be listened to over and over. He has a certain sensibility here that is like no other -- the man's got a screw loose, but boy, these are great love songs. One of my favorite albums.

4) Randy Newman - Anything by this man will impress, melodically and lyrically. He has his own unique sound, and his lyrics are clever, funny and true. I prefer "12 Songs" and "Good Old Boys," both full of pop gems. A true heir to Dylan. (Also scores a sick soundtrack, i.e., "The Natural" starring Robert Redford.)

5) "New York" by Lou Reed. The man's insane, crude, dumb, and smart. The man makes one of a kind shit. This album is beautiful in its ugliness. Better than "Transformer". You feel the city streets. Great guitar and lyrics as always. "Romeo Had Juliette" - classic album opener.

AND: Any Nick Cave and Tom Waits.