Harry Nilsson was already a Grammy winning artist by the time he released “Nilsson Schmilsson” but this record is regarded as his crowning glory by critics and fans. Borrowing Barbra Streisand’s producer and using lilting Tin Pan Alley melodies Nilsson created a classic record that would influence a new generation of brainy, sardonic songwriters.

When Ray Charles set out to record an album of country songs, his record label though he was crazy. Charles proved them all wrong when “Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music”, became a hit. It gave Charles the crossover success he needed, eventually making him a household name.

“Little Plastic Castle” was Ani Difranco’s 8th studio album and her most commercially successful release. Tune in to hear the story behind the album and the unique artist who is considered one of the most powerful independent artists in the music world.

Considered one of the greatest rock albums from the 80’s, “Let it Be” is The Replacements third release. A coming of age album in its own right, its fun and disjointed complete with a Kiss cover and songs about their bass player getting his tonsils out.

Bristol natives Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons joined forces to create Portishead, making a benchmark for the trip-hop genre. They relased their debut album, “Dummy” on Go Records in 1994, which reached the top 40. The group’s collaborative effort produced merit, winning them Britain’s Mercury Prize and play on MTV.

"Time Out of Mind" was Dylan’s 29th studio record and first album since 1990. Produced by Daniel Lanois (U2, Brian Eno) the album featured dark lyrics and more blues and country style songs. It marked a comeback for Dylan in the 90’s and spawned the hits “Lovesick” and “Not Dark Yet”.

Its been said that the Velvet Underground sold very few copies of their debut album, but everyone who bought one started a band. This album, which is considered to be one of the most influential in rock history, is ripe with experimentation and hardly sounds dated. This album launched the careers of Lou Reed and John Cale and features the art of its producer, Andy Warhol.

Aretha’s third album for Atlantic records, this one includes the hits “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and Chain of Fools. It also reatures an impressive collection of musicians, including a young Eric Clapton.

This was CCR’s fifth album, released around the two-year anniversary of their vinyl debut. Cosmo’s Factory was the groups peak of popularity featuring “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and an eleven-minute version of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.”

His record label considered this album much stranger than his previous albums so they dropped Tom Waits and he took his work elsewhere. Island Records signed him and released the album in 1983 to a warm reception from fans and critics. Known for the varieties of percussion and horn experimentation, “Swordfishtrombones” was the genesis of Waits’ signature sound.