Recommended by Bill Keith, station manager at WSDP, 88.1 (The Escape).

Check our other Fave Five lists, too!

The Legend of Johnny Cash

by Johnny Cash
I tried to select one CD from the Man in Black and ran into a roadblock - which CD should I pick? This sampler is a nice overview from his early days to his later recordings with Rick Rubin. He was an artist that was truly important at all points in his career.

Behind the Eyes

by Amy Grant
Amy isn't usually held up as one of the best songwriters, but this album holds up well. She recorded this album just before the end of her first marriage, and the music reflects her honest sadness.

Gretchen Goes to Nebraska

by Kings X
This is the second album from these Texas hard rockers. Think hard rock and metal with a Beatles influence. Their influence goes well beyond their record sales as many hard rockers point to the importance of their music.

Audible Sigh

by Vigilantes of Love
Bill Mallonee may be one of the best poets in Americana. I might even put him in the league of Bob Dylan. Buddy Miller does amazing things behind the studio controls, but its the songs that make this such an important record. You get a real sense of the weariness of life on the road in songs like "Nothing Like A Train." Emmylou Harris and Julie Miller contribute background vocals.

Let's Stay Together

by Al Green
The CD is worth the price for the title track alone. Al may go down as the smoothest R&B singer of all time. His latest albums that reunite him with longtime producer, Willie Mitchell, are also worth checking out.