 | Illinoise by Sufjan Stevens
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $7.48 The fact that Sufjan doesn't sell as many albums as someone like Justin Timberlake or even Coldplay is an extremely sad comment on our popular culture.
|
 | Son by Juana Molina
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $7.77 There's greatness in Argentina, and this is her. Even if you're spanish impaired, this is some unique and amazing music. She has such a beautiful and haunting voice.
|
 | Our Endless Numbered Days by Iron & Wine
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $9.38 I have never played this for anyone, and that includes people from all walks of life (even the ones that actually like Kelly Clarkson) that didn't at least like it. Now imagine if the radio played it
|
 | At War with the Mystics by The Flaming Lips
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $2.44 The Lips give me hope that truly original music can still maintain a fan base as well as expand it. See them live if you ever get the chance.
|
 | The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $3.11 For me, this is their best album. Also check out the 5.1 version - it is almost a completely different album, though just as great. This stuff should be played on public speakers!
|
 | Personal File by Johnny Cash
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $4.06 I can almost guarantee that you'll never hear even one of these tracks on a commercial. It's just Johnny and his guitar, but they both have conviction.
|
 | Unearthed (5CD) by Johnny Cash
Buy new: $48.47 / Used from: $51.40 Johnny was a true singer, true songwriter, true performer. He didn't have to worry about his haircut, and he didn't have to use the voice matic 3000. He was the real deal.
|
 | Fool for Love by Paul Burch
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $4.54 This album could have been made in the late 50's or 60's. And if it had, it would have been a huge hit. Guys like Ryan Adams should have to give all their money to Burch.
|
 | Last of My Kind by Paul Burch
Buy used from: $4.44 This album could have been made in the late 20's or 30's. And if it had, it would have been a huge hit.
|
 | Escondida by Jolie Holland
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $5.50 Jolie is one of the most original voices to surface in recent years. Christina and Britney should both have to fork over all their money to this little lady. Her voice has the soul theirs is missing.
|
 | Master and Everyone by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $6.91 BPB, Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Musi,, etc. et al. Will Oldham is a friggin' genius. It's sad that no radio station, outside of the independents, will ever play him.
|
 | Greendale (Bonus DVD) by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $2.92 Neil has made the musical equivilant of a great novel here. The lyrics have what is missing from almost all music nowadays, meaning. He tells the story of the common men and women in this country.
|
 | Simple Pleasure by Tindersticks
Buy used from: $19.98 You are never going to hear The Tindersticks on the radio, except maybe on an independent. And that is a travesty. They are a great band and deserve better than relative obscurity.
|
 | The Theater Fire by The Theater Fire
Buy used from: $14.35 These guys give me hope that original music will never die. They are new but are quickly building that elusive cult following. This is their first one, but a second, even better one, is on the way
|
 | Bobby Bare Jr.'s Young Criminals' Starvation League by Bobby Bare Jr.
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $4.04 Waht pop should be. Nice hooks, very catchy, and coherent meaningful lyrics.
|
 | Hang on Little Tomato by Pink Martini
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $8.00 You want to bop along, you want to get that butt moving, you want to hear some variety, here you go.
|
 | Franks Wild Years by Tom Waits
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.99 If you've gotten this far down my list, you know why this is on it.
|
 | Bone Machine by Tom Waits
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $4.50 I would love to live in a world where Tom was even played at the grocery stores.
|
 | The Ultimate Curtis Mayfield by Curtis Mayfield
Buy new: $21.98 / Used from: $5.35 Lionel Ritchie killed soul, and spoiled his daughter rotten with the blood money. This is true soul. Hopefully Poof Daddy won't ever bastardize it and make himself another undeserved hit
|
 | New Skin for the Old Ceremony by Leonard Cohen
Buy used from: $5.53 Cohen should be a household name for this album alone. But is he?
|
 | VU by The Velvet Underground
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $3.33 This band should be as well known as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones. But besides "Rock and Roll' , they are never played on the radio. It just doesn't make sense.
|
 | Townes Van Zandt by Townes Van Zandt
Buy used from: $8.99 Another one of the greatest singer-songrwriters that few people listen to.
|
 | Songs for Drella by Lou Reed & John Cale
Buy new: $13.96 / Used from: $2.97 Just once I'd like to hear this play somewhere other than in my car and on my friends stereos.
|
 | The Asch Recordings, Vol. 1-4 by Woody Guthrie
Buy new: $44.98 / Used from: $34.88 Oh Brother, where art thou? If we had a hundred like him, we could end this war and get our nation's soul back.
|
 | The Essential Bob Dylan (Rm) (2CD) by Bob Dylan
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $7.39 Add a hundred Dylans to those Woodys and we could end all the wars and set things right once and for all.
|
Listmania!
