10 of my Favorite Albums
in Alphabetical Order
Buena Vista Social Club
A masterpiece album featuring guitarist Ry Cooder and an unprecedented cast of all-star musicians from Cuba. Incredibly heartfelt performances that are beautifully recorded.
Sam Cooke
Night Beat
I wish to God 95% of today's pop artists could be locked in a room with this album on repeat for about a week. Where has this kind of vocalizing gone?
Drop Kick Murphys
Blackout
Probably the only punk album that ever brought tears to my eyes. Was it laughter - sadness? I don't know, but it kicks ass hard.
Les Miserables
Original Broadway Cast
I love the cast, the songs, and the show. Randy Graff as Fantine will rip your heart out.
Lhasa De Sela
La Llorona
My favorite album of the past ten years. The songs are an exotic weave of gypsy, Latin, cabaret, and klezmer. I recently saw a listing for her concert in Cleveland three days after it happened. Oh cruel fates why?
The Music Man
Original Broadway Cast
Great tunes. Humor galore. Robert Preston gives one of the all time great performances in musical theater history.
Frank Sinatra
Swingin Session
What more can be said about the Chairman of the Board? This is really a fun album. You may not be familiar with his rendition of Old Mac Donald.
Steven Sondheim
Putting It Together
Original Broadway Cast
The wizardry of the lyrics alone would put this in the top ten, but add to it Sondheim's intricate yet singable melodies and it makes your head spin. How can he be this frigging brilliant?
Van Halen
Fair Warning
My favorite rock album ever. Eddie Van Halen's guitar work is at it's absolute best. Roth's wily lyrics make this feel like a concept album. Very dark and aggressive - no pop hits needed.
Sarah Vaughan
Sassy Swings The Tivoli
Arguably the greatest jazz vocalist ever - certainly my favorite. I could have picked 10 of her albums for this list, but I chose this one because it's a double disc and it's live. At any moment be prepared to laugh or cry.
Five Favorite Directors:
Woody Allen
Jean Pierre Jeunet
Alejandro Jodorowsky
David Lynch
Martin Scorcese