album pick's

Some album recommendations for your iPod.

Bruce Springsteen: Nebraska

This is the album that made me want to write songs.  When I first heard it I was in high school and I can remember sitting on my bed trying to learn all the words to "Johnny 99".  I love the stripped-down story telling on this album and I always wanted to create something like it with its dark characters and acoustic folk feel.  My favorite songs are "Johnny 99", "Atlantic City", and "Highway Patrolman".

This is one of my favorite albums.  It's amazing how much energy Dylan has on this recording, he's truly a one-man show.  I've been listening to this album for a long time and never get tired of it.  My favorite songs are "Don't Think Twice It's Alright", "Honey Just Allow Me One More Chance" and "Girl From The North Country".   

No one writes lyrics like Dylan... believe me I've tried.  I've always wanted to make a CD that sounds like this one with its simplicity, energy, humor and sentiment.  Sometimes when I listen to Dylan I want to give up songwriting because he’s so good.

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Johnny Cash: The Essential

Of all the performers I’ve heard, Johnny Cash is the most likeable.  He knows how to tell a story, which inspired me to emulate him in a couple of my songs.  I'm a sucker for a great story and character, and Johnny Cash knew how to develop both well.  My favorite songs are "Boy Named Sue", "Folsom Prison" and "One Piece At A Time". 

I've been playing "Boy Named Sue" for years in clubs and that song always works.

I wish I could write songs like Ryan Adams.  This album is flat out amazing and I think he is one of the better contemporary songwriters out there.  My favorites are "Oh My Sweet Carolina", "Call Me On Your Way Back Home" and "Come Pick Me Up".

I love the argument in the studio at the beginning of the album.  I laugh every time I hear it.