Triple Plays Top Ten

Friday, July 11, 2008

1. Emmylou Harris-“All I Internded To Be” Great music from one of the world of music’s great treasures. Emmylou is still one great singer and interpreter of songs and this CD really is her best CD in the past 10 years hands down!

2. James McMurtry-“Just Us Kids” McMurtry has that very rare ability to draw the listener into his songs and keep them listening throughout the entire album. The ultimate observer and one of America’s great songwriters is back in a big way as a singer-songwriter and musical activist.

3. John Hiatt-“Same Old Man”-Another great effort from one of Americas great singer-songwriters. Hiatt backed by a top-notch band delivers a seamless blend of Blues, R & B and Americana in a style that is as unique as Hiatt’s incredible voice.

4. Al Green-“Lay It Down” Killer classic soul from the last great southern soul singers and one of the great singing voices of any time. Green delivers in a big way here and adds proof that some of the greatest artists from the 60’s and 70’s are still great!

5. Joe Cocker-“Hymn For My Soul” Joe Cocker is good for your soul because he has enough of it to share with others. On this CD he pulls out all of the stops and comes up with one of his most accomplished works to date. Great covers abound as usual.

6. Van Morrison-“Keep It Simple” Speaking of soul, this CD is full of it. From the aptly titled Soul to How Can a Poor Boy and Behind The Ritual are three of the great soulful songs on this excellent stripped down recording.

7. Mudcrutch-“Mudcrutch” Tom Petty, Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell and Tom Leadon reunite here for the first time in almost 30 years and the results are absolutely one of Tom Petty’s finest efforts and one of this year’s best recordings.

8. Wreckless Kelly-“Bulletproof” Gritty, edgy catchy and clever. This is the best effort from this up and coming alt/country/rock group. American Blood rivals McMurtry’s We Can’t Make It Here and Springsteen’s Born In The USA when it comes to great social commentary.

9. Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers-“Turbo Ocho” Since his days in the Refreshments Clyne has always been a very clever songwriter. With an ability to deliver social commentary in a very clever and tactful way. Not to be missed are Captain Suburbia and Mexicosis.

10. Steve Winwood-“Nine Lives’ Nine great extended tracks here that harken back to Winwood’s early solo days in style and sound. Old friend Eric Clapton shows up on Dirty City and only adds to the experience of this great CD.

GJ Sentinel Music Column Evey Friday