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My collection
I still possess a collection of 1,200 vinyl LPs in addition to a collection of about 400 CDs. I own a reasonably high end hi-fi that I enjoy listen to music through. I used to buy at least two albums a week, but have become more discriminating in what I buy. I am not at all into digital downloads for listening to music seriously, because I find the sound quality is often lacking. Downloads are my way of trying before I buy – I often use P2P networks to download potentially interesting music to listen to on my iPod. If I find something to my liking, I will then buy the CD. Uninteresting stuff gets deleted within a matter of days. That doesn't mean I don't make spontaneous purchases when I go shopping for music.
Adolescent Sex, Japan – pure raw rock energy from this novice outfit, before the introspective and ambient period
Aja, Steely Dan – without doubt the best from the Becker and Fagen stable, their creative lyrics and melodies; superb drumming by Steve Gadd, and guitar work from Larry Carlton amongst others – from the best session musicians in the business.
Battle Studies, John Mayer – Creative and versatile, his songs are catchy and his mastery of the various styles of Blues makes him one of my favourite contemporary bluesmen.
Buena Vista Social Club, Buena Vista Social Club –I was so totally blown over by this, introduced to my through cinema, 15 years ago. Buena Vista Social Club was that film, which introduced a bunch of magnificent musicians long-forgotten because of the US boycott/embargo of Cuba. Most of the folks who comprised the group who recorded the album of the same name were octogenarians at the time they were re-discovered, and have gone to meet their makers, but thanks to Wim Wenders and Ry Cooder for bring these wonderful artists to public attention.
Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa – highly commercial album with many-a-potential hit. I don't know for how long this will please but her Tiny Desk Concert oozed confidence, pop and sex appeal
Gaucho, Steely Dan – Becker and Fagen's creative lyrics and melodies, backed by just wonderful musicianship from the best session musicians in the business.
My Aim Is True, Elvis Costello – 1960s-influenced debut album from this successful musician. In production terms, it's very minimalist. You can feel the anger in most of Elvis' vocals; every time I listen to the title track, I can't stop the tears welling up in my eyes.
Protection, Massive Attack – slow burn of British trip hop is just perfectly complemented by Tracy Thorn's smoky vocals on the title track; I'm forever mesmerised by the breathing sounds that run through on "Heat Miser".
Rapture, Anita Baker – powerful schmaltzy soaring mellow ballads. When I put this on, I have the same sweet warm feeling that I have when drinking hot chocolate. Ever the Soulstress, this is only bettered by her more energetic prior release The Songstress
Silk Degrees, Boz Scaggs – Pop songs from this blues musician, served up with the backing of the best session musicians in the business at the time (and that led directly to the formation of Toto)
Tales, Marcus Miller – Miller redefines "jazz-funk". Funkadelic and Larry Graham did their bit for the movement, but Miller carries the torch in sophistication.
The Raspberries, The Raspberries – nobody for me outdoes the power ballad of the Raspberries' first album. "I Can Remember" is a perennial favourite on my platter
The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga – A cleverly constructed blend of infectiously catchy pop tunes laced with Power Pop, Glam Rock, Country & Western, Hip Hop. The energy levels are always in high-gear; the melodrama surprises. Highlights include the Abbesque "Alejandro"; the obsessive "Paparazzi" (viz: I'm you biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me, Papa Paparazzi...); how she puts on the most cheeky Southern Twang a la Tammy Wynette in "Speechless" really does me in.
Tin Drum, Japan – Japan's final studio album, and idiosyncratic to the end. Its melodies take time to get used to due to the frequent use of discordant tones.
Weekend in L.A., George Benson – I love listening to the guitar work on his earlier stuff (Verve) the best, but this live album before the era of overproduction, the title track and the 10-minute cover of Leiber–Stoller tune "On Broadway", complete with his unmistakable guitar work and scats, is soul music at its best.
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