Albums 80 thru 71

80. The Black Keys – “The Big Come Up” What a cool name for an album. I came across this album at NewBury Comics in the record section and bought it just because of the cover art. It blew me away. Their sound was a stripped down blues-rock made for our times. People like to compare them to “The White Stripes”, but I think they a bit more bluesy.

Key Tracks – “I’ll Be Your Man”, “Buster” and “Breaks”

79. Ben Harper – “Both Sides Of The Gun” This is a double CD album. One is softer, while the other is electric. Harper’s vocals are howling and soulful. One of the coolest things about this album is the unique funky sound on the electric album you don’t hear on his other albums. May I suggest if you never have listened to Ben Harper before to pick up “Fight For Your Mind”.

Key Tracks – “Gather ‘Round The Stone”, “Black Rain”, “Morning Yearning” and “Waiting For You”

78. Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me” I know that you are more likely to find this on a smooth jazz station or in your parent’s CD collection. But I still like it and I will never forget seeing her live with Marie in Cleveland at an open-air amphitheater on a stormy night. It was quite an amazing show.

Key Tracks – “Don’t Know Why”, “Come Away With Me” and “I’ve Got To See You Again”

77. Passion Pit – “Manners” Great running music! This is a very up beat rock album. The lead singer’s high voice may be a little unconventional, but it works well with this style of indie rock. You can now hear them on a commercial for the Palm Pixi cell phone. It sad you have a better chance finding good music on commercials rather then on radio or TV, this suck!

Key Tracks – “Sleepyhead”, “To Kingdom Come”, “Little Secrets” and “The Reeling”

76. Ghostface Killah - “Supreme Clientele” Ghostface has always been my favorite Wu-Tang disciple. Ever since his first album “Ironman” came out, which I stole from my big brother in 7th grade, I’ve been a fan. This album is his best.



Best Tracks – “Nutmeg”, “One”, “Apollo Kids” and “Cherzchez LaGhost”

75. Adele – “19” I was truly surprised by this album. Adele is one of the many white soul singers to come out of England in the last five or so years. What makes her different is the quality of her song writing and musicianship you can hear throughout the entire album. For once I agree with The Grammy’s choice for best new artist.

Key Tracks – “Chasing Pavement”, “Best For Last” and “Right as Rain”


74. Kings Of Leon – “Only By The Night” The Kings are a band I can say I have been a fan of since their beginning way back in 2002. Oh how far they have come and how much they have grown as a band... and they have changed for the good. I’m glad to see them get the airplay for this album it is a good album and now when I talk about one of my favorite band people know who I am talking about.

Key Tracks – “Closer”, “Use Somebody” and “Sex On Fire”

73. Deltron – “Deltron 3030” This is the epitome of alternative hip-hop. You are more likely to find this CD in a skater kid’s backpack than in a jock’s gym bag. Wikipedia says that the song “Time Keeps On Slipping” was the catalyst for forming the super group “Gorillaz”.


Key Tracks – “Mastermind”, “3030” and “Things You Can Do”

72. Jack Johnson – “On And On” Who doesn’t love a little Jack Johnson? His music is so simple sounding you can’t not like it. What makes this album stand out from all his others is one song that I hold dear to me: “Cookie Jar”. It speaks to society and how no one wants to take reasonability for themselves and the way we blame others for the evils of the world. I will say this I am a sucker for music with idealistic messages.

Key Tracks – “Cookie Jar”, “Taylor” and “Gone”

71. The Raconteurs – “Broken Boy Soldiers” One of Jack White’s side projects is a deeper rock sound from the stripped down sound from The White Stripes. The first track is an instant classic. “Steady As She Goes” has a timeless rock rhythm and hook.


Key Tracks – “Steady As She Goes”, “Together” and “Level”