Good evening all! I hope everyone is doing OK tonight. It’s Almost Wednesday, so that’s a good thing. I wanted to do something I have not done in awhile, talk about music. I mentioned along time ago, I love music and I am trying to listen more than I used to. I wanted to just give you guys a small taste of some of the music I listen to. Everyone loves lists, so I figured this is the way to go! I imagine most will find these albums boring, especially any younger readers who happen upon this. I am not saying these are the best albums ever made, but these are my “go to” albums, depending on my mood. I used to be a really terrible music snob. I have definitely mellowed over the years. It’s not for me to judge or say that my music is better than your music. It doesn’t matter. You like what you like and I like what I like and life goes on. With that, here we go!

Number 5: Jethro Tull The Broadsword and the Beast.

Now this album is probably not a fan favorite, but it was one of my first exposures to Jethro Tull and I instantly fell in love with it. The album is during a short phase where their music was a heavy mix of keyboards and did not have the traditional “Tull” sound, however the essence is there. It is a mixture of songs dealing with politics, love and the changing times. English folk is there, but the sound is more electronic not as organic as previous albums such as “Heavy Horses” and “Songs from the Wood”. This is an album I can get lost in. Ian Anderson’s voice is on point and the songs flow together nicely. There is definitely a nostalgia factor with this, since it goes back to middle school where I first heard it.

Number 4: Pink Floyd- Wish You Here

Now there is not much I can say about this album that hasn’t been said before. It is my favorite Pink Floyd Album. Way back when I used to have a homemade cassette tape with this on one side and “Dark Side of the Moon” on the other. I can’t even begin to know how many hours I would sit in the dark listening to those. This is a very laid back album. It is another one you can put on and escape in.

Number 3 Van Morrison- Avalon Sunset

This album has a lot of sentimental value to me. It takes me back to a certain time in my life where I was in love with someone I thought was very special at the time. It is also one that inspired me to write a lot of poetry and it is a joy to listen to. This was somewhat of a “comeback” album for Van. I know that “Whenever God Shines His Light” got radio play of some adult contemporary radio stations. It’s funny how music can take you back. This album does it so well. The songs explore, love, spirituality and long summer nights spent with someone you love. I have to mention one outstanding track for me. “Orangefield”, that song always takes me back to that special person. It is a bittersweet memory, but I think eventually all memories become bittersweet.

Number 2 The Rolling Stones- Exile on Main Street

This album has been played by me so many times over the years. This to me is the best album the Stones ever made. I know critics all say that, but there is a reason for it. This album is a perfect mix or rock, blues, country and everything that made the Stones great. They never topped this album. They never could. It’s a complete album, Put it on and let it play through, but you have to play it loud! Get the remaster, it is well worth it. I love the Stones and this album is the reason why. For me when I think of a “classic rock” album, Exile is it.

Number 1 Jackson Browne – Late for the Sky

I have to confess, this album is an all out nostalgia attack for me. So many songs fit the way I was feeling when I was in my 20’s. The songs seem to flow parallel with my life at the time. This is my rainy day album. It is for when I want to look back and just remember some special times and friends. Songs of lost love and friends, of misunderstanding of feelings. It is another laid back album, two upbeat songs and the rest ballads. The album is like a long lost friend that you rediscover and realize again what you loved about them. It’s worth a listen to.

Now I would be amiss if I didn’t add a couple of honorable mentions to this list. These albums also got played to death when I was younger and now as well. It was hard not to add these, but I really just wanted to do a top 5 for now.

Honorable Mention- Stevie Nicks- Bella Donna

Well, this album holds a very special place in my heart. It was the first CD I ever owned. I had the actual album before it. I love Stevie Nicks. She is amazing. Total disclosure, I had and still have the biggest crush on her. Her music spoke to me at a young age. I guess it was the romantic in me. Loving someone the way she must have and to have it come out in her music always moved me. I will always be a fan. Please give this one a listen. I do not think you will regret it.

Honorable Mention – The Kinks- Muswell Hillbillies

This album is a really well crafted album by a band that had already had a list of hits behind them. This is just a fun listen. It talks about various subjects as modern life and the stress involved, going home, the English love for tea. It is not really a concept album as their previous albums were, but more a collection of songs with similar themes and feelings. When I first listened to this album, I know I played it at least three times in a row. I love the Kinks and this is one of their best.

So there you have it! Here are some of my favorite albums. It’s not really a hodgepodge of different styles and such, but these albums have a lot of meaning to me. I hope you take a chance and listen to one. Might not be your cup of tea and I get that. If you do happen to listen to one, please let me know!

Take care!