Top Eleven

Everybody and their bald-headed midget cousin does a top ten , so here is my top eleven albums [how old is this guy?] This list is ever changing and includes more than just alt country, so here I go 1] John Prine, by John Prine, his first. What can you say a guy in his early twenties writes songs that are deep, clever, and with a wisdom far beyond any lyrics ever scribbled on a dusty notebook. 2] Revival by Gillian Welch, [ see my blog] 3] Blackjack David by Dave Alvin, [ again, see my blog] 4] Dark Side of the Moon, by Pink Floyd [ yeah, I know it went commercial but it is one of those rare moments when something really great gets the recognition it deserves ] This music is more relevant today than it was nearly forty [count him ] years ago. So you doubt me? Get the old headphones out, lay down and crank up the volume and listen to the greatest rock music of all time. It is not a series of songs thrown together, it is a story of life, death, and struggle. 5] Don Quixote by Gordon Lightfoot, again a rarity, a commercial success and an artisticmasterpiece. No one did it like the smooth, thoughtful, reflective and inteligent Lightfoot. Not a clunker in the batch, one gem after the next. 6] Tulare Dust, a songwriters tribute to Merle Haggard, hear these young and somewhat unknown artists give a splendid tribute to the greatest country music artist of all time. Listen to Lucinda Williams seductive and touching version of You Don’t Have Very Far to Go, it will make you want to go out and stick your head in a barrel of cream gravy [ peppered] 7] Old Ways, Neil Young, one of his least known ‘ventures’ Neil goes country and willie and Waylon join in and the results are mind boggling. Listen to “One of These Days” and realize that this man is one of the greatest songwriters of our time , yet gets little credit for it. This may be a hard find but it is worth it. 8] In Search of the Lost Chord, by The Moody Blues, a concept album that will blow you away and leave you perplexed. 9] Rules of Travel, by Roseanne Cash, the daughter speaks from the depths of love and grieve and the results are fantastic, and the overall effect will leave you speechless. 10] Spinning Around the Sun, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, a truly unique artist and songwriter that will captivate your mind. The duet with Lucinda is a splendid piece of work. 11]Essence, by Lucinda Williams, ok, I will take all the heat …..yes I love Car Wheels, yes it was a breakout for her but I got to be honest with you, the critics panned Essence but I ain’t worried about the dam critics, they will not influence me, I love it, listen to Baton Rouge, no listen to it twice, it is the best song she ever wrote….. now hit me with your best shots fellow music lovers, but before you do, I urge you to listen to these and after all, it is just my humble opinions……….thanks dc