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Jose’s Tunage Picks

This is a selection by Jose and represents top picks from personal collection. Thanks, Jose!

Sir Paul 1970-2018

Yes, it's Paul McCartney fresh out of the...Beatles. Always a great writer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and PRESENCE. His first release in 1970 was "McCartney". His second, "Ram" from 1971, has Linda and Paul credited on the release. Following that was Paul McCartney and Wings. Then Paul went solo again in 1980. He always had the reputation of not writing albums that were "consistent". They had some great content with a lot of filler. I feel he hit his stride with "Flaming Pie" in 1997 and had a great string of fully consistent well-written albums. Those include "Driving Rain" (2001), "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" (2005) and "Memory Almost Full" (2007). We run through that period and end with a track from 2018's "Egypt Station".

Tunes to Love 2

My question would be "What's not to love ?" This is peppered with great listening tunes. This is an exclusive Jose picked tunes show.

J Tull III 1973-1978

Jethro Tull...We start out with 1973's "Passion Play" with 2 selections. It was initially released as 2 side long tracks. It was later re-mastered with shorter tracks where many ran together. We tripped along to 1975's "Minstrel in the Gallery". Then comes the wonderful "Songs From the Wood" from 1977. To end are songs from 1978's "Heavy Horses".

J Tull II 1971-1972

Jethro Tull...this takes us into 1971 and through 1972. Featured releases are "Aqualung", "Thick as a Brick" and "Living in the Past". I try to avoid the hits, because you can hear those anywhere and to a certain extent they're overplayed. One or two hits may sneak in.

J Tull I 1968-1970

This is PURE Jethro Tull. No hits, just great songs. What separated Jethro Tull from other bands? A guy named Ian Anderson (he's Not Jethro Tull) that played a flute. He's also the singer and writer and plays acoustic guitar, keyboards and stands on one leg when playing the flute. "Showman", you ask? Yes! We start with a rudimentary release from 1968 "This Was" and go to "Stand Up" from 1969. The real jump to develop their sound is 1970's "Benefit". We end with a live Medley from the Isle of Wight from 1970.

Power Pop II

More Todd and company. Radio friendly, shorter and more songs!

Progressive Masterpieces Vol. 3 Sweden

Hear what Sweden did to help resurrect the dying progressive music scene from the early 90's on. Many used vintage analog instrumentation with modern recording techniques (avoiding the dreadful 80's). The style and songs were a throwback to the heyday of early 70's progressive rock. Featured artists include Anekdoten, Opeth, Gosta Berlings Saga, Paatos, Dungen and Black Bonzo. There is one song with Swedish lyrics, so if it doesn't float your boat, slide the bar forward. Cheers!

Folk Show

If you haven't heard of Roy Harper, you need to listen to this. The second track by Comus is kinda 'in your face'. 'Song For Comus' is a unique track though with flute, violin/fiddle, acoustic guitar and vocal effects. That song grew on me and it's a great example of Acid Folk.

Progressive Masterpieces Vol. 2 US

There is not as big of a pool to select from vs. UK and Italy. Progressive Rock was not as big (and/or got a later start) as Europe. The featured bands are Kansas, Cathedral, Frank Zappa (yes!), Alice Cooper (yes again!) and Utopia.