Sean G. From Fairfield

1. Bob Marley: Songs of Freedom – An unbelievable collection of Bob’s best. Very few are missing from this collection.
2. Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions: Anthology – Curtis Mayfield was an unbelievably talented musician and songwriter. “Move On Up” is possibly the greatest song ever.
3. B.B. King: Got the Blues – This CD was released on a UK label called Catfish Records in 2001 or 2002. It’s a compilation of some of King’s best material, in my opinion. I found this one at the library one day and made sure to add it to my collection. 20 tracks deep and every one of them great. This being an import, it’s likely that it will not be found at your local Best Buy. I love playing it for people though.
4. Muddy Waters: The Anthology – The Blues master.
5. Little Brother: The Minstrel Show – Bringing the soul back to hip hop, LB’s sophomore effort is an undeniable classic. The title refers to the control that record labels have over hip hop artists, forcing them to conform to the image that the execs feel is marketable if they want to be heard.
6. Billie Holiday: Lady in Autumn – There is no one like her. Passion, pain, and soul.
7. Jay-Z: Reasonable Doubt – If pressed, I’d probably say that this is my favorite hip hop CD. Jay’s flow has developed to monumental proportions since his debut, but this album can hold up to the best of anyone’s catalog. I never get tired of it.
8. 2Pac: Me Against the World – Definitely the best from Tupac. This album shows every side of the man more than any other.
9. The Beatles: The White Album – I’m actually a little embarrassed to say how and why I first came across this and gave it a chance. Some true Beatles fans probably wouldn’t appreciate it. But, hey I finally listened and now it’s on this list. That’s all that matters, right? It’s all thanks to DangerMouse, who before being well known as one half of Gnarls Barkley, broke out in the US with his blend of this album with the acapella version of Jay-Z’s masterpiece The Black Album (not on this list because I could only pick 10). This effort, called The Grey Album, forced me to take note of the musical genius that is The Beatles.
10. Isley Brothers: It’s Your Thing Box Set – Everyone’s gotta have the Isley’s in their life.