91.3fm Wyep: Discumentary

Janis Joplin died during the recording of this album, leaving the project to be finished by her band and producer. It demonstrates Joplin’s amazing vocal ability, and is considered a classic. It includes Joplin’s only #1 song, “Me and Bobbie McGee”.

McKeown's third album, features songs all written by her. She along with producer and musician David Chalfant and drummer Brian Jones, played all the music on this album. It not only explores various musical styles and shows off McKeown's talent, but also was somewhat inspired by the life of Judy Garland.

At a time when female singer-songwriters were in vogue Indigo Girls were signed to Epic Records in 1988. Their second studio album,released in 1989, won critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Recording.

This is one of Glam-rock’s quintessential albums. Marc Bolan’s folk-influenced songs took on a new life when matched with the electric-blues-influenced rhythm section of drummer Bill Legend and bassist Steve Currie. Produced by Tony Visconti, the album hit the top of the British charts and the song “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” became the band’s biggest U.S. hit.

Already an established poet and novelist, Leonard Cohen released his debut album in 1967. Audiences were drawn to his literate songwriting on songs like "Suzanne" and "So Long Marianne".

Beth Orton’s sophomore release took a step back from her earlier “folktronica” leanings and brought an album that was more organic in sound. This allowed for a focus on her excellent songwriting and performance, enhanced by guest artists like Dr. John, Terry Callier and Ben Harper.

In 1995, Phish teamed up with producer Steve Lillywhite to create their seventh album. Many critics cite this album as the closest representation of the energy of Phish's live performances. It also gave them their highest charting single in the U.S.

English art-rock band, Roxy Music, released it’s 8th and last studio album in 1982. “Avalon” featured sophisticated production,complex melodies, and Bryan Ferry’s soulful crooning. The album was the band’s only platinum U.S. release and produced the hit single, “More Than This.”

Unlike most other pop groups in the 70s, Big Star made songs with sensible harmonies as well as catchy hooks. Band mates Chris Bell and Alex Chilton shared guitar and vocals for most of the record. While Big star never received critical acclaim, they unofficially started the genre “power pop.

Recovering from the deaths of two of their band members, Chrissie Hynde reinvented the Pretenders with “Learning to Crawl”. Her lyrics are more emotional here, but never depressing, as the Pretenders rock out in top form.

The punk/mod-revival band The Jam released their 3rd full-length release in 1978. “All Mod Cons” produced one of their biggest hits, “Down In The Tube At Midnight” and received both commercial success and critical acclaim.

This 2003 release was the first time in 10 years that Ben Harper did not credit his band, Innocent Criminals, even though the band did back him, aided by new addition Marc Ford, formerly of the Black Crowes. The songs reveal a wide range of influences as Harper deftly mixes gospel, soul, rock, and reggae.

Rickie Lee Jones’ eponymous debut marked the assent of a mature artist and songwriter and won her the Grammy for best new artist of 1979. Jones’ songs are populated by street beatniks and her music spans cabaret to jazzy-pop. A stellar band assists her, including Randy Newman, Dr. John, and Michael McDonald.

Often referred to as Dylan’s divorce record, “Blood On the Tracks” marked Dylan’s return to Columbia Records after a 2 album stint with Asylum. It also took Dylan back to the top of the charts and won him the critical and commercial success that had eluded him for several years.

This 1965 release established Otis Redding as a major star, as he brought raw passion to the songs of Sam Cooke, B.B. King, and The Rolling Stones. It also contains the original version of Redding’s self-penned classic “Respect.”

Iggy Pop released two albums in 1977 during a very prolific time spent in Berlin with David Bowie. Bowie produced and played on both albums, as well as co-wrote some songs with Iggy Pop. “Lust for Life” is considered to be the best of Pop’s career, and contains some of his best known songs.

Almost two years in the making, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot had Wilco jumping record labels, losing band members and significantly changing their sound. The result was worth it for the band, resulting in one of the most beloved albums of 2002.

Tom Waits was in the process of creating his distinctive stage persona at the time of his second studio release. “The Heart of Saturday Night” finds Waits trading in his earlier folk-rock arrangements for a 1950’s West Coast style of jazz and Waits' newly evolving gruff vocal presentation.

Jeff Buckley’s only complete studio album featured a strong Led Zeppelin influence and, although critically acclaimed, was not initially a commercial success. Over the years it has gained legendary status thanks to Buckley’s stunning version of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah” and for his soaring vocals and passionate delivery.

“Rumours” is the second album featuring Mick Fleetwood, John and Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. The McVies were in the process of divorcing, as was Mick Fleetwood. Nicks and Buckingham were breaking up as a couple. As their relationships unraveled the band’s music poured out, producing their most commercially successful work. “Rumours” sold 40 million units and won the Grammy for album of the year.