Ross's Favorite Records
1) BEATLES - Revolver: You can pick any Beatles record really. My
mom and pop liked them, played 'em, and we danced around with paper
guitars (called ourselves the Monk Monks). My entire concept of
melody and harmony
started with the Fabs. This is the one i like best though, so much
variety, but still a cohesive group of tunes.
2) ELTON JOHN - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: I heard "Bennie" on
the radio and had my teenage piano hero booked! I once tried to
win this record at a costume contest/sock hop. I actually
won,
dressed
as a "hippie", but the store was out of them that day,
so I got Aerosmith's "Get Your Wings," which I ended
up liking a lot, but still had to go get this one. Every song is
great,
not bad for a double album. "Grey Seal" slays.
3) GENESIS - Selling England By The Pound: In my early teens I
hit prog rock HARD. "Fragile" by Yes was also played
on my turntable a lot. I liked all of the Gabriel records, and
the first few
Phil
records, but then they got gawd-awful. This one is my personal
favorite. Gabriel's wordplay is outstanding, and the band is at its
pre-Lamb best.
4) STEELY DAN - Royal Scam: The only true jazz/rock hybrid that
worked (except maybe for Mahavishnu). This one is big on my
list as I lost my virginity to it in a blue Volare overlooking
the Atlantic with a fifth of Cuervo and the only 16 year old I'll
ever get lucky with. "Dont Take Me Alive" still stirs
the loins....ah!
5) BIG STAR - #1 Record/Radio City: Who'd have thought one of the
greats was ignored right here in Memphis? These 2 CD's are sold
as one now, and a better double powerpop whammy is not gonna be
found soon. Vulnerable, powerful, beautiful, sad...." Back
Of A Car" is the greatest non-hit ever.
6) MILES DAVIS - Kind Of Blue: Upon my Memphis arrival in 1978, I discovered
a nascent interest in jazz (there wasn't much of it in New Hampshire). This
record stands out in that it isn't a head-cutting session, and
the mood and vibe is perfect: soothing, yet engaging. I had
a brief fling with "fusion", but I can't say it had a
great effect on me.
7) STEVIE WONDER - Songs In The Key Of Life: Hope you kids noticed I
lifted the harp solo on "Isn't She Lovely" for the key
solo on "My First Million". I heard this and found
the rhythm I needed, and whatta batch of songs!
8) XTC -Oranges And Lemons: I love all the XTC albums; they are the
Beatles of our times (although I'm not overly fond of Wasp Star). I
like this one because they sound like they're enjoying the experience,
and the Paul Fox production is way cool. I like all songs here
but "President Kill"
9) NRBQ - Scraps/ Live At Yankee Stadium: I saw these guys live and
became a lifelong fan. I had a cassette with these 2 records back
to back, and it's my all-time fave road tape. I just like having
yer best pals in the backseat goofing, singing, doing whatever
all the way down the road. Great songwriting too.
10) BOOKER T & MG'S - Time Is Tight / METERS - Rejuvenation: My
Memphis experience was dictated by the grooves on these recordings.
These, plus my 2 years playing with Duck Dunn, put me in good shape
with the soul feel. Perfect R&B chamber music.
11) ME'SHELL N"DEGEOCELLO - Bitter: I absolutely love this
artist, and this CD in particular. A better lovemaking record does not
exist. Songs of heartbreak, sadness, vulnerability, loyalty. I never
get tired of this one.
12) SUPER FURRY ANIMALS - Rings Around The World: At last, a new
group I can really get into. I love the variety of sounds, dynamics,
and how Gruff Rhys holds it all down
with his world-weary voice and acoustic guitar. My new favorites.
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