George Michael - Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1

Label: Columbia
Genre: Pop
Year: 1990
Recommended by: Marta Conlon

Man, 1990s pop is a thing. Each song is a poppy anthem. I was waiting for a song like "Wake Me Up" or "Faith", but they were kind of all just bummers. 

When people complain about pop music today, I will point them to this album to show them that pop music is pretty much always not the greatest. It's about being catchy and repeatable. Maybe Volume 2 has all the great hits.

The Ataris - So Long Astoria

Label: Columbia
Genre: Pop Punk
Year: 2003
Recommended by: Stephen Weidner

I like The Ataris. I hate So Long Astoria. "Boys of Summer" was bad when Don Henley originally wrote it, the cover is still not good. 

I'm going to sound like a hipster, but End is Forever is The Ataris album you should listen to. It's songwriting is better, the music is more interesting, and Don Henley didn't write any of the songs.

The Ataris basically became the American Nickelback. They are an unoffensive capable band who can churn a few hits out there, but seem to be uninterested to say anything. Listen to End is Forever.

Chicago - Chicago Transit Authority

Label: Columbia
Genre: Rock with Horns
Year: 1969
Recommended by: Jeff Sherry

Chicago claims to be "Rock with Horns". I believe that may be true on their later albums, but this is really Jazz and Blues with a slant towards rock. You can't be rock with horns and have every song be just under ten minutes.

Many of the songs just take too long to get where they are going with out redeeming itself by the end of the song. That is no reason not to like the album as a whole, but it makes it difficult to listen to it from beginning to end. You need to listen intently to get full enjoyment. I feel that way with every song, with one exception. "I'm a Man" is great. They it's not a Chicago original, but it works perfectly.

I'm surprised Chicago hasn't been sampled by more hip hop songs, although they have been plenty of times. Here is a fun new site to waste your time! It let's you know what samples are in every song.

Also, Chicago Transit Authority is a better name and the CTA should have just gotten over it.

George Ezra - Wanted on Voyage

Label: Columbia
Genre: Folk, Blues
Year: 2014
Recommended by: Todd Tompkins

The bluesy folk rock singer who is inspired by his childhood hero Paddington Bear has a very good debut album. "Wanted on Voyage" is a sticker on the suitcase that Paddington Bear was always lugging around. I'm unfamiliar with Paddington Bear, but I feel as a teddy bear he didn't need a lot of extra items. Maybe he sweats a lot and needs several identical outfits to change over the course of a day. Still it's just an overcoat and a hat. I guess it's more exercise.

The record is good. It should be a bit more popular here in the States, but it'll just continue the tradition of a British band getting a cult following in America.

Bruce Springsteen - Darkness on the Edge of Twon

Label: Columbia
Genre: Rock 'n Roll
Year: 1978
Recommended by: Jeff Sherry

This is Bruce Springsteen. This is good Bruce Springsteen. There are still times when he goes a little extra "The Boss", but it features great songwriting and the production doesn't overwhelm the rest of the album.

His biggest album, "Born in the USA", is just this problem. That and he basically stopped being a singer-songwriter and became a heartland rocker. The best version of John Mellencamp. Still not a compliment.

Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue

Label: Columbia
Year: 1959
Genre: Blues
Recommended by: Abe Martinez and Jeff Sherry

I've never been one for Blues. It just seems like easy listening music. Kind of Blue is often pointed to for Blues genius. It is far superior to most of the genre that I have heard, limited that it may be. I enjoy attending a Blues bar, but I feel like a connection is missing when listening to it in your headphones.

"Kind of Blue" is a must listen for any person, although I wouldn't say be prepared for your life to be changed. 

Ned's Atomic Dustbin - God Fodder

Label: Columbia
Year: 1991
Genre: Alternative Rock
Recommending Person: Paul Conant

I was first made aware of Ned's Atomic Dustbin by the amazing soundtrack on the NCAA Football 06. Maybe the best soundtrack in video game history, right up there with MVP Baseball 05, FIFA 98 Road to the World Cup, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

While "Kill Your Television" is the biggest hit on the album it is not the only enjoyable song on God Fodder. The entire record is full of punk rock goodness I think best exemplified by "Throwing Things". While Trip Shakespeare was over taking by the grunge dominance of 1991, Ned's Atomic Dustbin was huge in the UK and was able to have a fantastic career. 

Fun record, Fun Fact: Carl Winslow is quoted from Die Hard "Why don't you wake up and smell what you've been shoveling!"

Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water

February 14th, 2015
Label: Columbia
Year: 1970
Genre: Folk Rock
Recommending Person: Rose Sherry

This is one of the all time classic albums. It is the final album from the duo of musician Paul Simon and the artist Art Garfunkel.

Everyone loves "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Cecilia", "The Boxer", and "The Only Living Boy in New York". Besides the hits the album tracks are absolutely fabulous as well.

My question is that when an incredibly popular and successful duo each have solo albums and only one of them remains successful does that lessen the importance of the 'lesser' artist?

I think no, as Art Garfunkel may be one of the most interesting artist in the last 50 years. I think he is infinitely more interesting than Andy Warhol. He was a Mathematics professor, a painter, an Oscar nominated actor, and you know that whole half of one of the best American Acts ever.

Fun Fact: ArtGarfunkel.com leads you to Ugg boots. I think this may detract from my previous statement.