Listmania!
A few "staples" discovered after fifteen years of collecting
By an Amazon.com customer
Turn Me On, Im a Rocket ManTurn Me On, Im a Rocket Man by EG
Buy used from: $58.50
Delivers insight into the male perspective, with passion, sensitivity and ingenuity.
Subterranea: The ConcertSubterranea: The Concert by IQ
Buy used from: $18.90
Actually the studio version is the one I love, but I know they are good live, too. Wow, THIS is progressive music.
Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge SingersRequiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $6.96
The best contemporary requiem out there, sung by the best choral group out there. Gives me chills and tears every time.
The Colour of SpringThe Colour of Spring by Talk Talk
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $3.10
This one grows on you, and when it does, watch out. The only CD of which I have three different pressings. Also, try "Spirit of Eden," and Mark Hollis' "Mark Hollis."
Hounds of LoveHounds of Love by Kate Bush
Buy new: $15.49 / Used from: $7.01
Remastered!! And with BONUS TRACKS!! A fabulous concept album.
Forgiven, Not ForgottenForgiven, Not Forgotten by Corrs
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $0.01
An enticing mix of slower and upbeat songs, with excellent harmonies and short irish music interludes.
English SettlementEnglish Settlement by XTC
Buy used from: $2.98
Passionate punk music with great rhythmic patterns that make ya wanna dance!
Temple of Low MenTemple of Low Men by Crowded House
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $0.77
Darker than their debut but more interesting. Also try "Together Alone" if you can find it.
Clock Comes Down the StairsClock Comes Down the Stairs by Microdisney
Buy used from: $74.99
I admit the sound quality is not great, however it is good enough to demonstrate Blah Blah's (Cathal Coughlan's) deep, dark vocals and lyrics married to Sean O'Hagan's melodic sensibilities. :)
Unaccountable EffectUnaccountable Effect by Liz Story
Buy used from: $2.91
Sensitive, charming, thoughtful and soothing piano, all at once! Also try "The Gift."
15 Minutes15 Minutes by Nik Kershaw
Buy used from: $4.68
Upbeat driving music that weaves from minor to major effortlessly!
The Hissing of Summer LawnsThe Hissing of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $5.49
My favorite of the excellent Joni Mitchell seventies albums. Combines the poetry and pop of its predecessor, "Court and Spark," with the jazzier phase that escorted her out of the decade.
Two Wheels GoodTwo Wheels Good by Prefab Sprout
Buy used from: $3.50
Undeniably eighties in production, but undeniably timeless in its ideas, musically and lyrically.
Jazz Not JazzJazz Not Jazz by Hue & Cry
Buy new: $10.98 / Used from: $2.48
Good chord progressions and very good production. Also try "Remote" if you can find it, for its top-notch melodies.