Roger Waters

Robbie Robertson

Formerly of 'The Band', Robbie Robertson went solo with this self-titled album which, though spotty, contained three or four very good songs.

The Byrds

Magical 12-string sound.

Marvin Gaye

Dedicated to Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Prince

After Jimi died, Eric Clapton was asked whom he would now consider to be the greatest guitarist. Clapton answered without hesitation. "Prince, of course," he said. There's no telling why Prince never particularly highlighted this skill. But it certainly is true; he is one of the greats - and Clapton knew it.

COLD WAR KIDS

I just love this band! There's something primordial,raw,original about them - something that hasn't been heard since 'The Clash' decided to pack it in.

Dire Straits

Hat tip: Paul

Francoise Hardy

Francoise Hardy was a favorite with European audiences in the 60's. She sang mostly love songs. Her approach to music was serious (she almost never smiled) and direct. She sang mostly in French (the language of romance). In addition, she was considered to be exquisitely beautiful. Hardy would never have caught my attention if I hadn't frequently visited Europe during those years. She, like many others, were swept under the bridge by the British Invasion.

Phoebe Snow (1950 - 2011)

RIP

The Rolling Stones (cover)

Boogie-woogie cover, written by Don Raye, performed with gusto by Mick Jagger and the gang.

The Beatles

Rod Stewart

Wish You Were Here

The lines that caught my eye were: "year after year - running over the same old ground - what have we found? - the same old fears".

The same old political argument. I've said months ago that someone will come along to restore America. Someone always does. That's why we are blessed to live here.

At the time it was not yet obvious who it would be. I counseled patience; saying, if and when he (or she) announces, it will not be someone from the political world - and that we would recognize it instantly as the real deal.

Aphrodite's Child

From their double album "666".

Patti Smith

A bunch of us drove all the way up from Gettysburg to the Capitol Theater in Passaic (NJ) to see Patti Smith. Back in those days we never paid for tickets. Somehow we always got in. I made it all the way up front. There I stood, leaning up against the stage, barely tolerating the warm up band. But I was psyched.

Then somebody passed around a joint. I took a hit and promptly passed out. I came to just as everybody was taking a bow. I had been propped up against the wall in the back of the theater. Later, I found that Springsteen had also been there and did a couple of riffs with Patti.

It’s always stuck in my craw that I missed what probably was a great concert.

CREAM

This is the first time I've posted an artist twice. I just couldn't resist. Last night knocked me out, listening to Led Zep. Tonight it's CREAM. Love 'World of Pain'.

Phil Collins

Hope you've got a good sound system.

Joe Jackson

Teenage Sturm und Drang.

Graham Parker & the Rumour

Just one of Graham's many great songs on his album "Squeezing Out Sparks". His best, 'You Can't Be Too Strong' is difficult to find. May be politically incorrect. Graham was great live.

The Pretenders

You wanna know what I think? I think a long time ago, when Rush was looking for a theme song for his show, he had a huge crush on Chrissie Hynde. Believe me, I know how these things work.