1 Liz Story: Part of Fortune
Solo Piano (except the last track, refer below). The genre label New Age has probably stopped a lot of people discovering the wonders of solo piano. This not New Age as you know it, it's by no means hippy bullshit tree-hugging, hemp-wearing weirdos recording rain forests and whales farting, it's genuine instrumentalists doing their thing. Liz is a superb pianist, at no stage veering towards Richard Clayderman and his crimes towards humanity, but original and heartfelt musings on varying themes. 'Reconciliation' is just ace, a beautiful piece, at once mourning and optimistic. She also conducts a vocal choir for a version of Ubi Caritas (Where There's Mercy for those at home) which is strange, cool, and strangely cool.
Try this for Sunday afternoons on the deck, sitting in the sun with a glass of whatever you like to put in your glass on a Sunday.
2 Charlie Sexton Sextet: Under the Wishing Tree
Acoustic Rock. This guy is very hard to pigeon hole. Young, talented, and at no time looking for stardom and the need to pander to record company demands. This long album doesn't have a single bad track. The songs are well crafted, brilliantly produced and engineered (by Malcolm Burn, who also produced Chris Whitley's Living with the Law). The ten minute 'Plain Bad Luck And Innocent Mistakes' is a gem, and due to his literal rather than metaphorical lyrics it is always clear what he is singing about, and he is unafraid to let you into his life. Look him up on Wiki, he has had an interesting upbringing.
Try this for a long roadtrip.
3 Bodeans: Home
Rock. This album came out in 1989 just when bands were starting to turn off their synths and plug in their guitars again. Drummers that had been replaced by computer programs were starting to get work again. And Bodeans released Home. The key to the album (and probably all of the other albums I am crapping on about) is the songs. Some to sing along with, some to dance to, and some just to think about.
Try this really loud while doing housework.
4 The Blessing: Prince of the Deep Water.
Rock/Pop. Strange fucking album this one. Gravely vocals, weird subject matter, cool guest musician list that reads like a who's who of the LA studio scene. 'Hurricane Room' and 'I Want You' are standout tracks. Flawed but enjoyable.
Try this while playing on the Playstation/XBox.
5 Jonatha Brooke: 10c Wings.
Acoustic Pop/Rock. Firstly, it's not a typo, her name is really Jonatha. Who knows, maybe her Dad wanted a boy. She was one half of The Story, and they were great. On her own, she is even better. Great voice, great song, and she's not hard on the eyes either. There are some real quality on this album. Subsequent albums have been a bit lacking though. Visit iTunes and have a listen.
Try over dinner with some good friends.
Eight: Moving
Rock. Being a Kiwi I have to put a New Zealand band on the list, and this is the best one of late. All excellent musicians, they have forged an album of tasty riffs and slamming grooves.
Try in your iPod while jogging, I guarantee you will run faster.
6 Jars Of Clay: Much Afraid.
Christian Pop. For the record I am not a Christian, but this is possibly the best pop album I own. Fantastic songs, and although I know who they are singing about, I just pretend the lead singer is talking about a woman instead. 'Frail' is fucking awesome.
Try this when a bit depressed.
7 Tool: 10,000 Days.
Hard Rock. If there are any non head-bangers out there looking for accessible hard rock/metal, it doesn't get any better than this. Fantastic musicians, introspective mentalist lead singer and more odd times than you can shake an inordinately large drumstick at. Look these guys up in Wiki, and revel at the fact that they are not only allowed out in public, but have consistently been producing some of the cleverest rock music of all time.
DO NOT try this album when depressed. Try this album when you are really pissed off about something/someone.
8 Nizlopi: Half These Songs Are About You
Acoustic. Two Poms, one plays acoustic guitar and sings, the other plays an upright bass/cello and human beatbox. Nice songs, and doesn't really sound like anything else you have.
Try this when you just have to listen to something that's not quite normal.
9 Rupert Hine: Immunity.
Weirdo Pop. This guy is one of the best producers in the world. He is also completely fucking weird. This album sounds like nothing you have ever heard. Ever. 'Weirdo 80s shit' doesn't really sum it up, but he can't be summed up. If you get past the staccato synths, alien-esque singing and bizarre drum-programming, there are some nice melodies trying to get out. But they don't really get out, and I mean that in a good way. Pure, and unique. And fucking odd.
Try this when you think you are going insane. If you make sense of the songs, you probably are going insane.
10 Indigo Girls: Indigo Girls
Acoustic Pop. The fact the two singer/songwriter/instrumentalists are lesbians deflects attention from the fact they are actually quite good. They will always have a giant fan base of women with comfortable shoes, but don't let this distract you from the songs, which are very good. Good melodies, subject matter, and nice harmonies.
Try this when feeling in touch with your feminine side.
Well I hope you get something out of this list, please feel free to let me know what you think of any of these artists, even if you hate them. I will never be annoyed by an honest opinion, just remember that I am always clearly right and you are clearly wrong though.
Just kidding.
Well sort of.......
PS: I don't have Toad The Wet Sprocket or Glen Phillips on the list, because I am assuming you read my last blog, saw the light, and bought some albums.
