91.3fm Wyep: Discumentary

The former lead singer of Them released his second solo album which became a favorite of critics. The album was recorded in two days in a New York City studio and was ranked as the 19th greatest album of all time, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

Disappointed with the music industry and recovering from a divorce, Kirsty MacColl, took six years off before recording “Tropical Brainstorm”. During her break, she spent a lot of time in Cuba and Brazil, which inspired the albums many tropical influences.

Produced by Rick Rubin, Tom Petty’s second solo album, “Wildflowers” was certified three times platinum in 1995. Critics praised the album, albeit being almost an hour long. Petty won his first Grammy for his performance of “You Don’t Know How It Feels”.

Considered by many to be one of the most influential albums of the nineties, Urban Hymns remains timeless in content. Despite internal struggles, drug addictions and a large lawsuit against the Rolling Stones, The Verve were able to create an album with grand atmosphere and true sense of purpose.

Getting her start in the Christian music community, Sam Phillips left after a dispute with her label at the time. She signed with Virgin Records in 1989. “Martinis and Bikinis”, her fourth solo album was produced by her future husband T-Bone Burnett.

The Cure’s sixth album merged their signature dark-goth and their pop sound which they achieved with later albums. The Head On The Door shows the band experimenting with different sylings and arrangements. This album gave them their first big success in America, reaching #59 on the Billboard album charts.

After becoming a popular DJ, and the success of his first few techno albums, Moby makes one of his most diverse albums. Here he strays from strictly eclectronica and blends elements of rock, blues, gospel and hip-hop, and even plays every instrument on the album.

Sam Cooke recorded “Night Beat” in three nights in February of 1963. The album features keyboardist Billy Preston, then at the age of 16. Cooke was given the chance to return to his gospel roots while recording this album.

Toots and the Maytals brought fourth Jamaican traditions in both sound and style. The album featured the song “Do the Reggay” which led to the term Reggae. The band also" made reggae versions of “Louie Louie” and John Denver’s Country Roads".

Headed by a commercially successful single, Feist’s third solo album is already being deemed as an instant classic. It was recorded in France with her longtime collaborator, Gonzales.

British rock legends The Who made their third album as an homage to Radio London. To give the album more of a “corporate” feel, they added in commercials here and there, with the album cover showing the band plugging product like Heinz Baked Beans.

Lynn had been performing for more than 40 years before releasing “Van Lear Rose”. The album was produced by White Stripes guitarist Jack White, who was also the band leader in the recordings

Mostly recorded in a hacienda in New Mexico, “Under the Pink” is Tori Amos second solo album. Even more piano-focused than her first, it features the singles “God” and “Cornflake Girl”.

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.

After the breakup of the Sugarcubes, Bjork released this album not only to tell the world that she had gone solo, but that she was taking things to a new level. From fun, upbeat dance numbers to sparse accapella songs, this album set the stage for Bjork's varied career.

Strummer's last album, which was finished by his band after his death, included introspective lyrics and a heavy reggae influence. The album is considered one of Strummer's finest since the Clash. It is partially produced by Rick Rubin, and features a cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song".

Unlike most other pop groups in the 70’s, 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"

Songs for Drella reunited former Velvet Underground members Lou Reed and John Cale for the first time since 1968. The two got together shortly after the death of Andy Warhol and decided to pay tribute to his life. The songs feature vocals from both Cale and Reed, focusing on story rather than lavish musical arrangements.

Comprised of Cuban and African musicians, Buena Vista Social Club, successfully mixed Cuban Rhythms and African style piano. Most of the band members were retired, and it’s oldest member was 89. The album topped Latin charts and went on to win a Grammy in 1997.

On Spike, Costello displays his influences and tries his hand at many different styles of music. The album features song collaborations with Roger McGuinn and the song “Veronica”, co-written with Paul McCartney. The album's eclectic nature gave it mixed reactions among critics, but remains a fan favorite.