My Top 10 Favorite Albums

(version 1.0)
  1. Velvet Undergound & Nico (1967)
    I think I'll never grow tired of this album.
  2. Curtis Mayfield: Curtis (1970)
    His first and best solo album - superb material and great production! "Roots" (1971) is almost as good, and I think I could have chosen a couple of sixties albums by the Impressions, too.
  3. Bobby Bland: Two Steps From the Blues (1961)
    Probably the strongest A-side ever on any record! And the B-side isn't bad, either.
  4. Everly Brothers: Roots (1967)
    A beautiful early country rock album, including some of the best singing Phil and Don ever put on wax. A psychedelic version of their fifties hit "I Wonder If I Care As Much" is only one of many highlights.
  5. Van Morrison: Moondance (1970)
    A very entertaining album, including some of Morrison's most beautiful songs.
  6. Marvin Gaye: What's Going On (1971)
    I guess this is a rather obvious choice, but it really is that good.
  7. Candi Staton: Candi Staton (1972)
    A little-known gem that is not available on CD. Songs include "In the Ghetto" and the magnificent "You Don't Love Me No More".
  8. Etta James: At Last (1960)
    Her first album on Argo. Although Etta has later claimed that these early albums were hastily thrown together, this is a solid set, and the song selection is nearly perfect. The string arrangements seem to turn off some people, but I have nothing against them either.
  9. Anita Baker: Compositions (1990)
    Although most people seem to prefer her 1986 album "Rapture", I like the acoustic, jazzy feel of this set. The material is also very strong, especially on side A. Yes, I have this on vinyl...
  10. Fairground Attraction: First of a Million Kisses (1988)
    Although most people only know their hit song "Perfect" (which I'm somewhat tired of), this is actually a beautiful album.

This is a list of my ten favorite albums. "Greatest Hits" or "Best of" albums are not included on the list (at least Sly & the Family Stone would make the list if they were), and I have also left out all of the compilation albums which have songs by various artists.

I also decided not to include albums that I know are great but have never actually owned in any format. For example, all songs that I've heard from Clyde McPhatter's 1964 Mercury album "Songs Of the Big City" have been very good, but I've never even seen the album (BTW, I wonder if someone could put it out on CD?).


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