Our Favorite Albums (201 – 210)
201. Digable Planets – Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) [1993]
Nominated by Fluccs Capacitor of Time Moves Slow who says: While the masses were drawn in by Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) with its infectious bassline this whole album was tough in the sense that jazz was being presented by the mainstream as a ‘non-challenging’, non-aggressive parallel to the in your face hip hop of the 90s while artists like Gangstarr full owned and operated their jazz infused vehicle and A Tribe Called Quest blended jazz and funk to create anthemic music for youth to groove to, the DP’s spit Marxist creeds, pro-choice thoughts, and pro-black manifestos to truly innovative production.
202. The Michael Cleary Band – MCB 5 [2011]
Nominated by Robbie of Homegrown.
The Michael Cleary Band has been performing for 20 years and their newest cd MCB Five is their finest yet. This disc is their first that is completely self produced and recorded in their own studio. Their efforts have resulted in a collection of songs described as an organic melting pot of great lyrics, catchy tunes, and sonic ear candy. (michaelclearyband.com)
203. Alan Sorrenti – Aria [1972]
Nominated by Francesco Fiumara of Caffè Italia who says: You start to become addicted.
204. Various Artists – Digital Zandoli 2 [2017]
Nominated by DJ Livor Mortis of Word on the Street.
Further explorations in zouk and synthetic funk from the French west indies. (bandcamp.com)
205. Ahmad Jamal Trio – At The Pershing: But Not For Me [1958]
Nominated by DJ MTSPEN of Storytime/Motivation Nation who says: My favorite live jazz recording. So much emotion in all the tracks.
206. King Crimson – Red [1974]
Nominated by Rob of Chocolate Cake who says: If progressive rock is so unhip then how come this was an influence on Nirvana? This is an all-out aural assault.
207. A Tribe Called Quest – People’s Instinctive Travels & The Paths of Rhythm [1990]
Nominated by Big Bent of Dub Revolution (and many more!) who says: comedic – serious – beautiful – expression of hip hop
208. David Bowie – “Heroes” [1977]
Nominated by Karen Stein of Imagine who says: Bowie had many phases in his career but l like him best in his Heroes phase, the mid-70’s. He was totally unique- theatrical, musical, self-conscious. Brilliant collaboration with Brian Eno. Every song sounds like it could be a very short theater piece. And you can dance to it.
209. Bob Dylan – Time Out of Mind [1997]
Nominated by Andy Chatfield of Center for the Arts Radio Hour.
Dylan demoed some of the songs in the studio, something he rarely did. Members of Dylan’s touring band were involved in these sessions. Dylan also used these loose, informal sessions to experiment with new ideas and arrangements. Dylan continued rewriting lyrics until January 1997, when the official album sessions began. It was the second collaboration between Dylan and Lanois, who had previously produced Dylan’s 1989 release Oh Mercy and was known for his work with artists such as Emmylou Harris (on Wrecking Ball) and U2 (on The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby). Dylan wanted the sound of Time Out of Mind to be influenced by early blues musicians, such as Charley Patton, Little Walter, and Little Willie John, and he recommended that Lanois listen to their recordings to prepare for the sessions. (wikipedia.org)
210. The Doors – The Doors [1966]
Nominated by DJ Steve of WES Sports and Beyond who says: As with Led Zeppelin, it’s all downhill after that.
