Top 50 Favorite Albums: Part 8

Moving right along we continue our push to the top.

36. Chicken Skin Music - Ry Cooder

Cooder has pretty much been all things to all people musically over his long and eclectic career. I’ve been along for the ride nearly every step of the way and he’s provided untold hours of listening pleasure with his varied musical explorations. To narrow it down to one selection was difficult, but this album that was divided into two parts, one Tex-Mex and the other Hawaiian gets the nod. Both sides are first rate and the backing and performances are among the best he’s ever been associated with. You could hardly go wrong with any of his seventies output, but this or “Into The Purple Valley” is probably the best place to start.

37. Songs For Beginners - Graham Nash

I bought this one out of habit when it was released. I was buying anything and everything from CSN&Y (except for “C”) back in the day. Little did I know this one would mate with my turntable for days at a time. A recent listen to clear if for inclusion on this list confirmed that it is still one of my favorite albums. It exudes a calm ambiance while slipping in some pointed messages along the way. The politics add nothing to its longevity, but the craftsmanship and performances still bring a smile. Like George Harrison his voice is not strong, but makes for nice harmonies and shines on these self-penned selections.

38. Everly Brothers - Born Yesterday

This 1986 set was their second venture after reuniting in the eighties. While “EB84” is a fine album, this one edges it out at my house. All but the title track are well chosen covers. However, the title track is one of the best songs the duo ever wrote or recorded. If a song is capable of floating through the air then this cautionary tale is one of them. During the course of the album they don’t stray too far from what they had always done best. They mixed some up tempo songs around several gorgeous ballads into a seamless presentation. Their cover of Larry Raspberry’s “Always Drive A Cadillac” borders on perfection. One listen to this track and you won’t be able to get it out of your head at your next class reunion.

39. Kindness OF The World - Joe Henry

For this 1993 album Henry flirted with a country sound and came up with his best album ever to my ears. The strength of the material here is staggering. Nothing really misses, and most soar. Including a cover of Tom T. Hall’s melancholy “I Flew Over Our House Last Night” was nothing short of brilliant. A review I read when this was first released pointed out how his vocal approach was one of the best things about this recording. I couldn’t agree more, he stays just a step behind the beat and never quite lands on it. It’s a tricky tact, but he makes it work and draws you into each song. He’s made other worthy albums, but this one just gets better with each listen.

40. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison

I couldn’t begin to count how many times I’ve played the first two albums in this box set over the years. As for the third album of jams I am more certain: only twice. Since the box was priced as a two album set and the third album was essentially a bonus I’ve decided that I will include it on this list and not let the third album weigh the other twos merits down. In its own way if you think about it, it was the precursor to CD sets that offer a bonus disc.

Although I think Phil Spector is generally over praised this is one project where he deserves a lot of credit. George took a risk for his first full blown solo effort enlisting him but it worked. They came up with not so much a wall of sound, but more a hedge that allowed them both to show their best stuff. Essential songs abound on this one and they have aged well over the years. Each Beatle took a swing at writing a song about the Beatle experience over the years, some covert and some overt, all suffered for one reason or another. Harrison however offers up a majestic meditation with “Isn’t It A Pity.” While the other Beatles came up with something timely, he offered something timeless.