Carole King spent the early part of her career co-writing hit songs with Gerry Goffin. In 1971 she released “Tapestry” and the album set the standard for singer/songwriter albums in the 70’s. It was the #1 album in the US for fifteen weeks, and stayed on the album charts for six years.

With “Penthouse”, Luna expanded their sound adding cellos, vibraphones and keyboards in with their trademark fuzzy guitar sound. Included among Rolling Stone‘s 150 essential albums of the 90’s, this one also features the guitar work of Televison’s Tom Verlaine.

“Unclassified” is the 2nd full release from New Jersey native and Sacred Steel genius Robert Randolph and his Family Band. Showing influences that range from The Allman Brothers to Bootsy Collins to Mahalia Jackson, Randolph fully realized his musical vision on this release, creating a unique blend of rock, R&B and gospel.

The Allman Brothers 1972 release “Eat A Peach” features the last work of founder and slide guitarist Duane Allman who died in a motorcycle accident during the recording process. The album is consider the standard bearer for southern blues/rock and features the classic tracks “Melissa” and “Blue Sky.”

For this record, U2 created a dark, expressive and American influenced sound deriving from rock, blues and country. The Edge’s trademark echoing guitar work and Bono’s passionate lyrics on songs such as “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” and “Where the streets have no name” helped the band achieve a Grammy for the year’s best album.

This is the folk rock group’s breakthrough album. Moving them from college rock favorites to hitmakers, as this album remained on the Billboard album charts for close to a year and a half. It was the first of many hit albums, making the band and singer Natalie Merchant into stars.

A Very Special Christmas was created by Producer Jimmy Iovine to benefit the Special Olympics. Stand out songs include "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by the Pretenders and "Merry Christmas Baby" performed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band. The CD also featured the likes of The Eurythmics, Run-DMC, U2 to name a few.

Throughout her career Angelique Kidjo has combined modern music styles with traditional African music. On “Black Ivory Soul”, Kidjo adds the sounds of Brazil. Some Brazilian artists perform on the album, including guitarist Vinicius Canturia. The album also features ?uestlove from the Roots and Dave Matthews.

For this release Graham Parker combined his singer-songwriter pub rock with more conventional pop elements to make a rather unconventional album. Considered to be one of the great records of the post-punk era, and one of Parker’s most successful. Setting him up for mainstream success that never happened.

The Jayhawks returned to their country-rock roots with their seventh and final album, “Rainy Day Music”. It also features guest performances from Jakob Dylan, Chris Stills and Matthew Sweet.