4) Little Feat – Waiting for Columbus (1978)
I have an admission to make: I only bought this album because Phish played it as their Halloween musical costume this past year! And ever since I’ve asked myself, what the hell was I thinking? I had already heard some Little Feat through my father, and certainly knew the classics “Fat Man in a Bathtub” and “Dixie Chicken” but had never ventured deeper into their catalogue. I now am thankful everyday that I have purchased this live album, originally released in 1978. This album is an amalgamation of southern rock, funk, New Orleans’ boogie, latin rhythms, and the genius of Lowell George. It combines all my favorite music and I’m pained to admit that I only started listening to it this year. This is one album that must be listened to at the highest possible volume, and from start to finish. If you haven’t heard “Fat Man in a Bathtub” or “Dixie Chicken,” check those out. If you have, try “Time Loves a Hero,” “Spanish Moon,” or “Mercenary Territory.”
5) Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra – Talkatif (2002)
I originally started listening to this group after I saw Fela! on Broadway (if you haven’t seen it trust me, just go, it’s incredible). While Talkatif is the Brooklyn based band’s second album, it’s the first album of theirs I’ve listened to. The mixture of jazz, funk, and Caribbean and African drumming combines to create an amazing sound that very few others groups can replicate. I could attempt to try and describe the sound more, but to be honest, just go listen for yourself. Check out “Gabe’s New Joint” and “Talkatif” for starters.
6) The Band of Heathens – The Band of Heathens (2008)
In order to enjoy these guys, you have to already enjoy southern rock or country music in some way. The music of the Band of Heathens, formed by three singer-songwriters who initially plied their own trade in Austin, Texas, has since been placed under the Americana genre. Colin Brooks, Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, however, provide songs that range from country, to Americana, to bluegrass, to simply soulful southern rock. The truth is, the diversity of their songwriting makes them a real Americana act worth seeing. I haven’t yet had the privilege to see them live, but a trusted friend of mine who lives in Houston says they are phenomenal in concert. My favorites include “Jackson Station,” “Nine Steps Down,” “Hallelujah” and “Heart on my Sleeve.”
Disclaimer: Their videos on youtube on not the best quality. I highly suggest listening to their studio music, or checking out their Austin City Limits performance, both of which are spectacular.
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