well played: Ram, Paul McCartney

Always a firm favourite of mine but generally dismissed by critics when it was released in 1971 (even John, George and Ringo didn't like it). Decades on this 'post-Beatles mish-mash' is regarded as one of McCartney's finest solo works

well played: Innvervisions, Stevie Wonder

The third of five albums released by Stevie Wonder during his 'classic period' from 1972-76. Innervisions is an effortlessly melodic album with socially conscious lyrics covering a wide range of issues prevalent to 70's urban America (drugs, politics, race and religion). The striking artwork used for the cover is by Efram Wolff, depicting Wonder as the blind visionary seeing better than those around him

well played: Barton Hollow, The Civil Wars

One of the best debut albums I've heard in a while and definitely one to seek out if you haven't already. For the most part songs are simply vocal harmonies accompanied by acoustic guitar with a sound that draws influences from blues, folk, Americana and country. If you missed the bands scintillating performance on BBC2's Later with Jools Holland in October last year you can watch it here

well played: Townes Van Zandt

I've probably listened to more of Townes Van Zandt than any other artist this year and just don't seem to tire of his unique and gently delivered brand of country-folk-rock. If you're looking for a starting point to his work you could do worse than pick up Texas Troubadour - a 4 CD box set that covers seven of his studio albums, and which is currently available through Amazon for under a tenner

well played: Dusty in Memphis

Although now regularly found in greatest albums of all time lists it's still difficult to understand how this masterpiece from Dusty Springfield was a commercial disaster on release in 1969 and was even initially disliked by the artist. Eleven perfectly produced pop-soul tracks penned by some of the best writers of that era and every song expertly delivered  - what's not to like? Available via Amazon

well played: Rumours, Fleetwood Mac

Released in 1977, and one of the biggest selling albums of all time, Rumours captured Fleetwood Mac literally falling out of love with each other. The groups well documented romantic and emotional turmoil during recording didn't affect their output though, with the album widely regarded as their best ever work. Rumours was remastered and repackaged in 2004 with the inclusion of an additional bonus CD - definitely worth picking up if it's not already part of your collection. Available via Amazon

well played: Big Star

One of the best bands you may never of heard of: Big Star released three albums between 1971 and 1974 (#1 Record, Radio City and Third) and although the band received widespread and enthusiastic critical acclaim their records failed to achieve chart success. Big Star's musical style has drawn comparison to The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Byrds and in turn the group are cited as having had a profound influence on artists such as REM, Primal Scream and Teenage Fanclub. If you're a fan of any of these bands you should enjoy all three of Big Star's excellent albums. You can read further reviews, listen to sample tracks and buy the albums via Amazon

well played: Bon Iver

This eagerly awaited second album from US indie folk singer songwriter Justin Vernon doesn't disappoint. The acoustic solitude of 2008 debut LP For Emma, Forever Ago has been ditched in favour of a more expansive sound with multi layered instruments. There is more than a passing nod to Bruce Hornsby on a of the few tracks, but don't let that put you off - Bon Iver is one of my albums of the year. Read further reviews, listen to sample tracks and order the album on-line via Amazon

well played: Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson

If you're interested in dipping your toe into a bit of outlaw country this 1975 low budget concept album from Willie Nelson might be a good starting point. The album is mostly just guitar and piano with lyrics loosely based around a story of a fugitive runaway preacher. Red Headed Stranger proved to be the breakthrough record for Nelson and turned him in to the A-list performer he remains today. Read further reviews, listen to sample tracks and order the album through Amazon

well played: Band on the Run, Paul McCartney and Wings

This 1973 album from Paul McCartney and Wings is McCartney's most successful post-Beatles release. It could easily have been disastrous - lead guitarist Henry McCullough and pianist Denny Seiwell decided to quit the band shortly before recording was due to start in what turned out to be a poorly planned and in part dangerous trip in Nigeria. The album is a great mix of full throttle hits (Band on the Run, Jet) alongside subtle gems (Bluebird, Let Me Roll It) - even John Lennon was said to have liked a few of the songs... Order on-line, listen to sample tracks and read further reviews at Amazon

well played: Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle, Bill Callahan

I picked up this album from former Smog frontman Bill Callahan at around the same time as I bought 'Beware' from Bonnie Prince Billy (aka Will Oldham) a couple of years back. There are definite similarities in style and sound between the two artists (a sort of bleak lo-fi folk) and both these CD's are great but Callahan's slightly more offbeat lyrics just about edge it for me. You can read further reviews, listen to sample tracks and order either CD through Amazon here and here 

well played: Nirvana Unplugged

Although originally only recorded for MTV's 'Unplugged' series this now legendary performance from Nirvana was released as a record following the death of lead singer Kurt Cobain in April 1994. The all acoustic album contains an interesting mix of some of the bands lesser known tracks together with six brilliantly re-worked cover versions. If it's not already part of your CD collection I'd highly recommend picking it up - you can order on-line via Amazon by clicking here 

well played: Sea Change, Beck

 

This 2002 release from Beck is unlike any of his other albums and is easily my favourite. Lots of really mellow tracks  featuring lush string arrangements - the album has drawn comparison with work from Nick Drake and Gram Parsons and is generally very highly regarded. Order via Amazon here

well played: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco

This critically acclaimed 2002 release from Chicago based band Wilko has something to suit most music tastes. Although more often than not labelled alt-country there is a more than a hint of pop to a few of the tracks on this album (and I don't mean that in a negative way). Read further reviews, listen to sample tracks and order the album on-line at Amazon by clicking here

well played: Grand Prix, Teenage Fanclub

This Byrds influenced 1995 album from Scottish indie band Teenage Fanclub is totally infectious
13 flawless tracks and well worth the current £4.37 price tag on Amazon

well played: Van Lear Rose, Loretta Lyn

This Jack White produced album from country legend Loretta Lynn is one of my favourites from the last decade. The combination of Lynn's distinctive country vocals set against a background of blues, honky-tonk and rock arranged by White is just terrific. You can listen to sample tracks and buy the album at Amazon

well played: Is a Woman, Lambchop

Nashville collective Lambchop consistently excel at a kind of ambient alternative country. Lead singer Kurt Wagner's hushed vocals are the perfect accompaniment to the band's mainly downtempo arrangements on this album from 2002
Order via Amazon here

well played: The Band

Although possibly best known for their work with Bob Dylan The Band recorded two of the most critically acclaimed albums of the late 60's: Music From The Big Pink in '68 and The Band (or 'Brown Album') in '69. Both provide a great mix of old country and rock that has gone on to influence countless other artists from Clapton to Kings of Leon. Pick up either album here

well played: King of America, Elvis Costello

This album is one of Costello's later releases (1986) and although it may not have the reputation of early Attractions records I think it stands up rather better. There is a definite country feel to the largely acoustic guitar driven tracks which I particularly like. You can order the CD at any of the usual suspects including Amazon for a Fiver

well played: Ryan Adams

Alt country singer songwriter Ryan Adams has been a firm favourite of mine for a while now. In addition to being a prolific solo artist Adams has also has released work under group name Whiskeytown and with his backing band The Cardinals
Choose just about any album from his substantial back catalogue - I don't think you'll be disappointed