1. Smile (original bootleg) – The Beach Boys
Really a Brian Wilson solo album featuring the Beach Boys. Far superior to Pet Sounds in my opinion and on a totally different level.
2. Nixon – Lambchop
A great Memphis meets Nashville country soul record. Kurt Wagner’s lyrics are crazy and his cracked falsetto works a treat. One of my favourite albums of this decade so far.
3. Multiply – Jamie Lidell
Man this guy can sing-whatta voice. Proper contemporary quirky SOUL music like it should be done. Nuff respect.
4. My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts – David Byrne/Brian Eno
This album is a classic. It lays down a blueprint for sampled beats style music production. Both Funky and cerebral. Essential.
5. Inspiration Information – Shuggie Otis
Shuggie is my man! This a cult funk/soul classic that everyone should know. A great guitarist and all around musician. Shuggie is the missing link between Sly Stone and Steven Stills. Sunshine Soul at it’s finest.
6. Outlaw – Eugene Mcdaniels
Man this album! Country, Soul, Rock, Blues, Gospel, Psychedelia, Jazz, Funk, Proto-Rap, Crooning, Folk and all in the space of one song! check this man out-he’s a genius.
7. Let’s Get It On – Marvin gaye
This such a nice record to listen to. So warm and soulful and the drumming is so funky. It’s never failed to hit the spot over the years.
8. Come To My Garden – Minnie Ripperton
Charles Stepney’s String arrangements are gloriously over the top and Minnie’s voice soars like a frickin condor! Lush and beautiful and dripping with slippery reverbs this album is pure class.
9. Histoire De Melody Nelson – Serge Gainsbourg
This song cycle record opens with some slinky bass and never looks back. Funky drums, pick bass, rocky guitars and sparse dope string and choral arrangements from Jean- Claude Vannier and vocals from the legend that is Serge. Short and sweet!
10. The Edge – David Axelrod
This man is a genius. Not to mention a rhythm section to die for. The mighty Earl Palmer on drums and Carol Kaye on pick bass. So much inspiration in those grooves and the strings! Unbelievable.
“The Silent Poets have a brand new album ‘Sun’ out now on Nocturne Records”