This one is perhaps not quite as highly rated as the ABB's classic output from the Duane Allman-era, but to me it is quite possibly the best thing they've ever done, an immensely strong, varied, and superbly produced collection of rock, blues, and everything in between. To me, the swampy blues-funk of "Who to Believe" is the best song of 2003.

The legendary Fillmore album is phenomenal, no doubt about that. But there is just something special about this one...lean, mean blues-rock played with urgency, power and passion. To me, these two discs match the Fillmore concerts every step of the way, due to the quality of the performances as well as the exceptionally clear sound and wonderful three-dimensional mixes.

Stevie's second album was almost as magnificent, and this expanded edition is even better than the original. "Couldn't Stand the Weather" is highly, highly recommended to all lovers of electric blues and blues-rock, and anyone with a liking for innovative, non-hysterical blues and rock guitar.

Think "Born in the USA" was over-exposed? Well, this tough, gritty 1978 album is even better, even if it wasn't as hyped. "Born to Run" was really good, but this, to me, is Bruce Springsteen's first truly great record, the one where absolutely everything came together. It's not as pop-friendly as "Born in the USA", but these songs have incredible depth and power.

That this one, of all Texas blues guitarist Johnny Winter's studio albums, should be out of print is not just a crime, it is thoroughly bizarre. "White, Hot & Blue" is simply Winter's best, most cohesive blues record bar none, a wonderful collection of smouldering blues with some of the finest, most tasteful blues guitar playing you'll ever hear. Get it anyway you can!

The Stones keep releasing one live album after another, but this one form 1970 remains their best. "Ya-Ya's" is the ultimate Stones record, really; everything the Stones can do is right here on this ten-track CD: Hard rock, blues rock, rock n' roll, blues and a little bit country & western, and absolutely everything is right on the money. A must-have if ever there was one!

"Bring the Family" is usually considered singer-songwriter John Hiatt's finest hour, and it is very, very fine, indeed. But this lesser-known gem has a special place in my CD-player. The material is so strong all the way through, and perfectly presented, too, and this, to me, is the finest roots-rock record of the 90s - along with...

"Blue Moon Swamp" was tight but laid-back, not as hard-rocking as Creedence and not as pop-oriented as "Centerfield", but better and more mature than anything else that John Fogerty has created as a solo artist. And the ensuing tour, which saw Fogerty mix solo material and old Creedence songs, resulted in this hugely enjoyable live album. This music never gets old.

Would that make "Highway 61 Revisited" the second-best album ever? Well, I don't know about that, but it is Bob Dylan's second-best studio album, which means that it is fantastic. This is when Dylan created something new, proving that rock n' roll could indeed be an art form without actually being "art rock" (shudder!).

The Band gained fame as Bob Dylan's nameless backing group in the 60s, and this is their second album. It is a singular blend of rock, folk, blues and country, and it includes many of their finest songs. A genuine masterpiece, "The Band" is highly personal and endlessly original, and it sparked an interest in The Band equalled only by the critics' fascination with Bob Dylan and The Beatles.

Predictable, but it is a tremendously succesful album, I can't help it. Led Zeppelin's best and most mature album, and not just because of "Stairway to Heaven". Not heavy metal at all, but masterful blues, rock, and folk.

The original "Layla" was really, really good, but this one, which includes a disc of alternates and additional tracks, is even better. Better sound, much better mixes...this is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of blues, rock and everything in between. Eric Clapton at his finest for sure.

To say that this is the best Simon & Garfunkel album will perhaps offend some fans who love their acoustic folk-pop of the late 60s. But it is, and even casual listeners who aren't big fans of S&G should enjoy this wonderful live recording. It is much more lively than their strictly acoustic outings, and it is the most appealing, enjoyable and immediately accessible item in their entire catalogue.

“San Quentin” in particular is an amazingly rough, edgy performance, and Cash makes even the most traditional country cliches sound sincere and believable as he careens through a series of ballads, spirituals, and rockabilly ravers, drawing energy from the audience, and creating an incredibly intense atmosphere which results in one of the rawest and most stimulating performances you'll ever hear.

And this one is a must-have! One of Muddy Waters' most accessible albums for sure, but without selling out in the slightest; there is plenty of grit and gravel here. Twenty songs, including a brief but smoking live set at the end, and a magnificent band backing Mr Morganfield. If you're new to "real" Chicago blues, this would be a perfect starting point. An absolutely wonderful record.

Let's not forget the mighty Wolf, either. Waters' most serious rival on the 50s blues scene, Howlin' Wolf was an awesome figure with a huge, gravelly roar of a voice, perhaps the most impressive performer the blues has ever seen. He was mostly a singles artist, but this fine introduction gathers most of his best sides. Rough, tough, bone-crunching electric blues, and not one for the squeamish!

Not as well known as Muddy or the Wolf, Aleck "Rice" Miller was nevertheless a tremendous artist, a better and more personal songwriter than both, a phenomenal blues harmonica player, and an excellent vocalist. This collection of is classic Chess singles maintains an incredible level of quality all the way through.

This compilation of Chicago blues queen Koko Taylor's early Chess singles is another find for blues fans. Tough but melodic blues and R&B sung in Taylor's impressive growl of a voice...The record company that decided to discontinue this must be...something.

This disc really shows what a seminal figure Louis Armstrong was, the most important figure in jazz music bar none, and even a asual listener should appreciate this magnificent performance. Armstrong plays definitive versions of some of his best tunes, and his solos are pure liquid fire all the way through. At once highly accessible and utterly magical, this CD is Louis Armstrong at his best.

And here is his finest, most varied and most accessible latter-day album. It is not nearly as well known as his 60s and 70s output, but it should be. A wonderful album.