"All Eyez On Me," "Loyal To The Game," "Me Against The World," "Resurrection."

Made a name for himself selling his mixtapes and now is the one of the most successful hardcore rappers. Hard to deny his raw talent."Get Rich Or Die Trying."

Experimental Jazz band led by saxophonist Edward Wilkerson. "Last Option."

Natalie Merchant has a great spirit to her and when these guys got it going, they made some very engaging music. "In My Tribe," "Our Time in Eden."

Folk-Pop performer. Her self-titled album is my favorite in her catalog, but she's written some really good songs over the years. "Armatrading Greatest Hits," "Lovers Speak."

These guys remind me a bit of Arcade Fire. They are a large group that plays many unusual instruments and they are experimenters. I love both of their albums. "Fingers Crossed," "In Case We Die."

"Funeral." My favorite album of '04."

Her rabidly devoted fans waited a long time to hear this one in its current form. She's at the top of her game. "Extraordinary Machine."

"Allright Still."
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"The Best Of Austin City Limits."

Original singer/songwriter who has recorded one terrific album after another. My favorite is still "Come to Where I'm From," but all his work is excellent. "Big City Secrets," "Come To Where I'm From," "Live," "NY 4/20/05," "Our Shadows Will Remain," "Redemption's Son," "Seattle", "And the thieves are gone."
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So much good music coming out of Canada these days. This is a terrific disc with an original sound. They experiment with different sounds and instruments. This album can hold its own with just about anything released over the last couple of years. "Folkloric Feel."

"29," "Demolition," "Gold," "Love Is Hell Pt 1 and 2," "Rock N Roll", "Easy Tiger."
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"I am a Bird Now" was the winner of the Mercury Award of 2005. A stunning disc, Antony sounds like the long lost love child of Nina Simone and Boy George with some Little Jimmy Smith thrown in. "I am a Bird Now."

A rocking band that has somehow escaped wide notice. "1965," "Congregation," "Gentlemen," "Historectomy."

"In Session (Live)."

"Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.", "Favourite Worst Nightmare."
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Made their rep at South By Southwest in Austin a couple of years ago. This live disc captures some of that magic. "From The Ground Up," "Traveling Circus."

"Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival." The Allman Brothers recorded some of the most exciting rock and roll ever made.

"Wati."

"The Kick Inside", "The Sensual World."

Another one of my brother Steve's picks... an excellent band. "Live," "Keep It Like A Secret," "Perfect From Now On," "There's Nothing Wrong With Love."

"Don't Give Up On Me."

"Live At The Apollo", "Star Time."

The newest "new Dylan," and who am I to argue. He is the great young hope for the music scene and hopefully will continue experimenting and writing brilliantly for many years to come. "Fevers and Mirrors," "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning," "Letting off the Happiness," "Lifted or the Story Is I the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground," "Motion Sickness."

How much good music is allowed to come out of Canada? Canada is becoming to music what the Swedes have become to online poker. BSS is another of the bands to watch from up North. "Broken Social Scene."

The Talking Heads frontman is still making music worth paying attention to. What a remarkable career he's had, and showing no signs of slowing down. "Grown Backwards," "Look into the Eyeball."

"Grace", "Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk."

Wonderful Cuban CD that is from the movie of the same name. "Buena Vista Social Club."

"Pilgrimage."
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"Strength and Loyalty."
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"Baby 81."
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An Indie Rock classic. "Last Splash."

"Master and Everyone."
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Solo Acoustic Vol 1.
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"Writers Block."
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"Live at Winterland Ballroom", "It all comes Back", "Sometimes I feel like Smiling", "The Ressurection of Pigboy Crabshaw."
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"Jesus East."
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"Magic Potion."
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Anton Newcombe is such an exceptionally gifted guy, he could probably make great music with Milli Vanilli. If he ever got his head straight, he could be one of the most important figures in modern music. check out the music documentary "DIG!" on DVD. The DVD features BJM and the Dandy Warhols. "And This Is Our Music," "Give It Back!," "Strung Out In Heaven," "Take It From The Man!"

For those unfamiliar with The Band, rent the DVD "The Last Waltz." It is the best music DVD of all time. "Music From Big Pink," "The Last Waltz."

The first white rap act to break through. These guys can hang in with just about anyone.

A brilliant singer songwriter, whos talent seems to have few limits. I like guys who gamble and Beck takes chances, we all get to go along for the ride. "Guero," "Mellow Gold," "Sea Change."

"Dear Catastrophe Waitress."

Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, "Time To Discover."

"Cold Water Songs."
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The lead singer plays on Full Tilt Poker and their site is www.balletschooltroublemakers.com. Good stuff. "The Ballet School Troublemakers."

Damon Gough is the man behind BDB and he's a very gifted cat.

Alias of Steve Jones, "Ugly Beautiful" is my favorite of his records, but he has recorded a lot of excellent work. "Bad Shave," "Fatherhood," "I was Born a Man," "Ugly Beautiful."

Former Pixies' singer/songwriter has still got the touch. "Honeycomb," "Teenager Of The Year."

Currently collaborating with Jack White as a member of The Raconteurs, his solo work is first-rate. "Lapalco," "One Mississippi," "The Alternative To Love."

One of the great guitar gods to emerge from the 60's. I love all of his work, from his early stuff with Rod Stewart to his recent work. He still remains one of the great creative forces in music. "Beck-Ola," "Blow By Blow," "Truth," "Who Else?"

One of the most popular bands to come out of England, they have proven they've got the chops to hang in while most of the other bands seem to fade away."

Roots Rock, or whatever you call it. These guys wrote songs that had that classic Rock and Roll sound. "Collection."

"Mermaid Avenue."

One of the most brilliant songwriters and performers of our time. He has left some huge footprints on rock music and his songs still sound fresh today. "The Chess Box."

Alex Chilton and Chris Bell have influenced many with the Big Star sound. Check out their first few albums. "#1 Record," "Radio City."

Not sure why Big Pun hasn't gotten more notice. He was the first Latino platinum rapper and he can hold his own with just about anyone. Unfortunately died of a heart attack before his second album was released. "Capital Punishment."

A remarkable Scottish band. They've only recorded four albums in twenty years. Their debut, "A Walk Across the Rooftops," was followed up five years later with "Hats," They are two of my favorite albums of all time. I've enjoyed the third and forth albums, "Peace at Last" and "High," as well. "A Walk Across The Rooftops," "Hats," "High," "Peace At Last."

This CD just always finds it's way back onto my player. It is a near perfect collection of songs from the gifted Bob Forrest. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, this is one of the best albums I heard over the past 5 years. "You Come and Go Like a Pop Song."

"Breakthrough", "Mary," "My Life," "Share My World," "What's The 411?"

"Buscando America", "Ruben Blades y Son del Solar...Live!"

"The Adventures of ghosthorse and Stillborn."
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How much amazing music has John Fogerty produced over time? An American icon who is still producing impressive work today. "Bayou Country," "Chronicle, Vol 2."

"Melts in your brain not on your wrist."
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"Marshall Crenshaw."

"Crazy Horse."
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"Fate's Right Hand."

"Woke on a Whaleheart."
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"When the Roses Bloom Again."
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"Fire and Ice."
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Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce... rock's first great power trio. "Crossroads (Disc 1)."

"Time on Earth", "Recurring Dream", "Farewell to the World."

"Clandestino: Esperando La Ultima Ola."

"Pick a bigger weapon."
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"The Sound Of Revenge."

Slow powerful songs, allowed to speak for themselves without being overwhelmed by production. Chan Marshall sings in a style all her own. "The Covers Record," "The Greatest," "You Are Free."

"Crossroads", "Matters Of The Heart," "New Beginning," "Telling Stories," "Tracy Chapman," "Where You Live."

"The Birth Of Soul", "The Genius of Ray Charles."

"Hat Trick", "Restless Spirit."

"About To Choke", "Drunk", "Ghetto Bells."
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"Out West", This is a great record from "The King of Zydeco".

One of the most beautiful voices in contemporary music. I would recommend her to anyone. Tragically, she died at the age of 23 after releasing only one record. "American Tune," "Eva By Heart," "Imagine," "Live At Blues Alley," "Songbird."

"Black Cadillac", "The Wheel", "Interiors", "Kings Record Shop", "Seven Year Ache."
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Experimental, Indy Rock. This is the only album of theirs that I have, but I need to listen to them some more. Quiet, well written songs that play with many different sounds. "Quicksand/Cradlesnakes","Roots and Crowns."
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These guys make music influenced by an interesting mixture of Southwest and Spanish culture. "Hot Rail."

"The Globe Sessions."

"Let Them Drink."

"Daydream", "Emancipation Of Mimi."

"American IV: The Man Comes Around", "American Recordings," "At Folsom Prison," "God, Love and Unearthed", "American III Solitary Man", "Life", "Personal File", "Ride the Train", "The Sun Years", "The fabulous Johnny Cash."
Added on January 15th, 2008

"I'm Staying Out", "Begonias."

"Come On Come On."

Lead by Margo Timmons' magnificent, hypnotic voice, the Cowboy Junkies have made some really enjoyable CD's throughout the years. "Black-Eyed Man."

A very influential singer-songwriter whose fans include REM and Paul Westerberg of the Replacements. "High Priest."

Fast Indie Rock with a psychedelic twist. Sonic Youth meets Roky Erickson. "Blue Catedral."

"A Love Supreme", "Giant Steps," "The Heavyweight Champion-The Complete Atlantic Recordings."

"The Future."

Thought by some to be raps' greatest lyricist. He is surely up there. "Be," "Like Water For Chocolate", "Finding Forever."
Added on January 15th, 2008

"Chavez Ravine", "Into The Purple Valley."

Consistently good CD and these guys put on a surprisingly good live show, as well. "August and Everything After."

One of my all time favorite concerts was seeing Elvis acoustic at Lincoln Center. His first few albums contain some of the best crafted and executed pop songs ever written. "Costello and Nieve," "Get Happy," "My Aim Is True," "The Delivery Man," "This Years Model," "My Flame Burns Blue."

"Live at The Harlem Square Club", "Night Beat, "The Man and His Music."

One of rocks pioneers, who unfortunately died way too early at the age of 21. What songs he left show an inspired talent whose early rockabilly sound still influences many. "Rock 'n' Roll Legend", "Guitar Picker: Rare Recordings 1954 - 1960."
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"Mad Dogs and Englishmen", "Sheffield Steel", "Hymn For my soul."
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I find it funny that now you have all these teenybopper bands posing as punk rockers. These guys were the real deal. "London Calling," "Sandinista!," "The Clash."

"Crossroads."

This 3 man alternative band writes graceful, lo-fi songs. "You Were A Diamond," "Your Favorite Music."

The Grandmaster of Funk puts down some of the most infectious beats in the business. "The Best of George Clinton."

One of alt country's most respected singer songwriters. Like Lucinda, he takes great care in the crafting of his songs/albums and often goes years between releases. "Keepers (Live)."

"Betty Davis."
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"Milo goes to College."
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"To an Ambient Hollywood."
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"Soul Rush", "Heres my song."
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"We All Belong."
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"Friend Opportunity."
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Updated 70's rock candy. "Permission To Land."

"Forever Hasn't Happened Yet."

These guys kick ass. They're on my short list of bands I would love to see live. They just started touring again. "Bug," "Ear-Bleeding Country: Best Of Dinosaur Jr," "You're Living All Over Me", "Beyond."
Added on January 15th, 2008

Life for Rent. I think this is a really underrated album. Dido's second record and has many personal songs on it, that reveal themselves over a trip-hop beat."

"12 Songs."

Spend the Night. A girl group that writes some really catchy rock/pop songs. This is the only album of theirs.

"The Chronic", "2001." Legendary Rapper/Producer whose influence can not be overstated."

There's Dylan and then there's everyone else. What I find most inspiring about Dylan is that even 40 years into his career he's still making brilliant music. He is truly in his own league and his whole catalog is inspiring. The Scorcese DVD that is out is a terrific look at his early years. "Blood On The Tracks," "The Bootleg Series Vol 1-5," "Love & Theft," "No Direction Home," "Oh Mercy," "Time Out Of Mind.", "Modern Times."

The Dirty South. Alternative Southern Rockers. One of '04s best records."

I've got a bunch of Dr. John albums on my Ipod. One of my favorite voices in music, and a New Orleans legend. When he plays piano and sings you can't help but smile. "All by Hisself (Live at the Lonestar, NYC, 22-3 Dec. 1986." "Anutha Zone," "Dr. John Plays Mac Rbennack," "Gumbo," "In The Right Place," "Television."

"Songlines."

Righteous Babe, indeed. She owns her own label and his been thumbing her nose at the music industry for years. Her live album "Living in Clip" is my favorite."

"In The World From Natchez To New York."

Accomplished Indie band. See the DVD "Dig!", for a more detailed look at them. It's a terrific flick."

"Puzzle."

Chronicle: The Complete Prestige Recordings 1951-1956, "Kind Of Blue," "The Complete Live At The Plugged Nickel."

Lonely People of the World, Unite! I expect we will hear a great deal more from this guy. One of the best independent releases of '05."

"Death Row Greatest Hits."

"Lets Get Free."

"Transatlanticism." "One of the very best of the Indie pop bands. This is a terrific album."

Indie band led by the always inventive E. "Blinking Lights And Other Revelations," "Daisies Of The Galaxy," "Electro-Shock Blues," "Rotten World Blues EP," "Souljacker," "Live at Town Hall."

"Failer."

Music written and recorded by one F.M. Cornog. I like all his CD's but the ones that garnered him the most praise were "Mel" and "Poor Fricky." "Mel," "Poor Fricky," "Shining Hours In A Can."

In Our Lifetime-Southern Rap at its best.

"Living Black: Recorded Live."
Added on January 15th, 2008

"El Corazon", "Guitar Town," "Live From Austin, TX."

Another pick from my brother Steve, my most trusted music advisor. This brit/punk/pop band has drawn comparisons to Blondie. "Elastica."

"Don't Slander Me", "I Have Always Been Here Before."

"Living Large". "Looking for some modern Funk? This album has some amazing songs on it, irresistible beats."

"The First Lady. Strong R&B album with lots of guests."

"Paid in Full."

"Rocking' The Joint."

He's really underrepresented on my Ipod, with only a few tunes. What I have heard from him is outstanding. "With Charles Mingus," "Max Roach," "Money Jungle."

Charles Barkley said it best when he said, "You know this world is fucked up when the best rapper's white and the best golfer's black." Eminem can be offensive for sure, but it's hard to ignore his talent. "Encore," "The Eminem Show," "The Marshall Mathers LP," "The Slim Shady LP."

One of the English bands to watch. They are three albums into their career and making some of the best dream pop to come from the other side of the pond. Allmusic calls Elbow "the Coldplay that its ok to like." That's too funny to improve on. "Cast Of Thousands."

Stacey's Mom was their irresistible breakout hit, but this whole album is bursting with great pop energy. "Welcome Interstate Managers", "Traffic and Weather."
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"Costello Music."
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"Cullidh?"
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Check out Rod Stewart when he was good! Great rock band from the late 60's early 70's. "A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse," "Five Guys Walk Into A Bar," "Long Player," "Ooh La La."

A brother and sister duo, making some of the most original, quirky and interesting music around. "EP," "Gallowsbird's Bark."

"Heaven."

Steve Forbert first album "Alive on Arrival" is one of the best debuts Ive ever heard. He was immediately pegged as the newest "new Dylan" and the pressure of living up to that must have been overwhelming. His second album is the excellent "Jackrabbit Slim." Sometimes an artist just hits you in the gut and never lets go, and that's the way things are with Forbert for me. I still love the sound of his voice and the heart that goes along with his music. "Alive On Arrival," "Any Old Time," "Jackrabbit Slim," "Just Like There's Nothin' To It," "Young Guitar Days", "Strange Names and New Sensations."
Added on January 15th, 2008

I'm not normally a fan of electronically inflected music, but I heard the song "Slow Jam" and they won me over."

"13 songs is an Alt rock/punk classic."

"The Folk Arrival 1961 - 1965 (Various Artists)."
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Insanely fun and musically adventurous alternative band.

"The Reminder."
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Winners of 2004's Mercury Award for their self titled debut. I think their second effort is just as good. "You Could Have It So Much Better."

Queen of Soul. 'Nuff said. "Who's Zooming Who ?"

One of the best songwriters of our times. "Deja Vu All Over Again."

"Irish Tour."
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"Supreme Clientele."
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"Ongiara."
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"Gravity Tales."
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"Exploration", "Entirely Live."
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Peter Gabriel 3, "So," "Us."

A New Day at Midnight. He broke big with his album "White Ladders." This one is worthwhile as well."

The Time is Now. This album is very hard to find, but if you like indie bands (compare to the Replacements), I put this record up there with some of the best I've heard."

They've been compared to the Flaming Lips, Radiohead, and Sparklehorse and hold their own with all of them. That's very high praise… "Under the Western Freeway", "The Software Slump."
Added on January 15th, 2008

Southern rap giants. Their first two albums, "Soul Food" and "Still Standing" are some of the best rap CDs ever made."

My First Holly Golightly Album.

"Greatest Hits Vol 1", "Greatest Hits Vol. 2."

"American Idiot is Green Day's rock opera."