My absolute favorite artists and why I like them are summarized here.
(Audio clips done with Cool Edit Pro)
The hardest part of making the audio clips is deciding what NOT to include, there are so many great songs by all of these artists. You almost can't go wrong with ANY of their music!
Boston - Without a doubt the best Rock and Roll song of all time is "Foreplay/Longtime". Everything goes just right, the organ, guitars, Brad Delp's vocals, and the lyrics. I never get tired of hearing that song (or any other Boston song, for that matter). I don't think that any one thing about Boston is exceptional, but everything comes together just right. It is not easy for me to nail down the specific reasons why I like Boston so much, all I can say is "Listen to the Record(s)!!!"
Sample of Boston music (325k RealAudio 3.0) -
More Than A Feeling, Longtime, Don't Look Back, Amanda, Cantcha Say, I Need Your Love, Star Spangled Banner.
Boston on UBL
Chicago - The "16" tour is when I first saw Chicago in concert, and I have been a big fan ever since. I am just amazed by the musical talent in this group. I have seen them in concert about 8 times now, and I am never disappointed. They have done so many great songs, it is difficult to pick a favorite.
Sample of Chicago music (300k RealAudio 3.0) - Beginnings, Make Me Smile,
Questions 67 & 68, 25 or 6 to 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Colour My World, Saturday In The
Park, If You Leave Me Now, Alive Again, Hard To Say I'm Sorry, Will You Still Love Me?, Look Away, In The Mood.
Chicago on UBL
Leo Kottke - I have always liked the sound of the acoustic guitar, but I never really heard anybody play it the way I like to hear it. Chet Atkins is close. One day around 1991 I was pushing the "Seek" button on the car radio and heard some fantastic guitar playing. I was almost home, but I continued to drive around because the station (WDCE) continued playing this great music. After about 20 minutes or so, the announcer came on and said "That's enough Leo Kottke for now…". I immediately went to Peaches and bought "The Best of Leo Kottke", and several more over the next few months. Two new albums were released this year, a Anthology by Rhino, and a new studio album, "Standing In My Shoes". Pretty much every song he does is great. In 1994 I saw Leo live for the first time, absolutely amazing, and a great sense of humor, too.
Sampling of Leo's music -268K Real Audio 3.0, William Powell,
Mona Ray, Up Tempo, Cripple Creek, Living in the Country
Leo on UBL
Selena - I had heard a little about Selena before she was killed. Again, I was listening to the radio and heard a lovely voice singing, I knew that it was Selena, the song was "I Could Fall In Love". I now own seven of her CD's. Even though I don't understand all of the Spanish lyrics, I really enjoy the sound of her voice. Possibly the best singer I've ever heard.
Sample of Selena's music - 369K Real Audio 3.0 - I Could Fall
In Love With You, God's Child, Dreaming of You, Amor Prohibido, El Toro Relajo, Tu Solo Tu, Como La Flor, No Me
Queda Mas.
Selena on UBL
Music by these artists and more available at
Honorable Mentions to:
Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band
Billy Joel
Rush
Journey
Styx
Badfinger
... and many more. (When I have time I'll expand on these, too.)