91.3fm WYEP: Discumentary

This could be considered Robyn Hitchcock's break out album, but it's also the band's major label debut. Globe of Frogs demonstrates Hitchcock's quirky songwriting with members of the Soft Boys, R.E.M. and Squeeze along for the ride.

Armed with more than two turntables and a microphone, Beck's sophomore effort mixes various genres of music together, resulting in an album that bridges the gap between country and hip hop. Produced by the Dust Brothers, this is Beck's most talked about album.

Many call this a groundbreaking album, as it experimented with rapid electronic beats long before the word "techno" was ever thought up as a music genre. It was also tremendously successful commercially, generating three hits that were eased into popularity thanks to the newly assembled MTV.

James Brown and his 16-piece band did a weeklong stint at Harlem's Apollo Theater late in 1962. This live recording was financed completely by Brown, and he went against his record label's wishes to make it in the first place. The album has been called one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, and was on the album charts for close to a year and a half.

Nina Simone and her music were just being rediscovered in 2003, when she passed away at age 70. This album, a selection of blues originals and covers, is considered to be one of her most solid albums.

For Dar Williams' long time fans, hearing this album must have been rather shocking, like when Dylan went electric. Williams set aside her acoustic singer-songwriter side and released this more "plugged in" album that features drum machines and electric guitars backing up her soprano voice and colorful songwriting skills.

Shortly after the American Folk revival that followed the frenzy around the "O, Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings released this album filled with heartfelt folk songs.

Oasis' second album came somewhere between the band having the fastest selling debut in British history, and their declaration that they were bigger than the Beatles. This album is often considered one of the greatest albums in British rock.

Before this album was released Warren Zevon was a singer/songwriter with a few albums out. His biggest claim to fame was that Linda Ronstadt had recorded some of his songs. "Excitable Boy" was the big breakout album for him, containing the big hit "Werewolves of London", a song that takes days to get out of my head.

Eddie Vedder and Company were coping with the new found fame from their debut album when they recorded this follow-up. This album sealed them a hardcore fan base with seven of its twelve songs becoming hits.

Belle and Sebastian grew out of a class project and became a sensation in the U.K. due to word of mouth. Their third album, which is steeped in a wide array of musical influences, grew their audience even more, and earned them a coveted Brit Award.

Norah Jones' debut album took the world by storm, a jazz-inspired disc that started out as a favorite of critics. The album went on to sell more than 18 million copies. It also earned Jones eight Grammy Awards.

Iris Dement's debut album became a success mostly due to the rave reviews it received, many critics called it an instant classic. The reviews led to Dement signing a contract with Warner Brothers who re-released the disc in 1993. The album features guest appearances by Emmylou Harris and Iris' mother, Flora Mae.

This album began Blondie's rise to stardom, and rocketed them past many of their CBGB's contemporaries as far as commercial success goes. This album contains "Heart of Glass", their first (and definitely not their last) #1 single in the U.S.

The band's sophomore effort is considered one of the greatest albums of the nineties. With elements of power pop, psychedelia, and rhythm and blues mixed in with their signature sound, Being There shows Wilco's evolution from being just a country-rock band.

Some artists need to appear younger or hipper to appeal to a younger audience. Not Johnny Cash, he sat down with his guitar, and did the same thing that made him a legend many years ago. This album, produced by Rick Rubin, won Cash a whole new generation of fans.

The Beach Boys came of age with this album, which represented a new direction for the group. Filled with the Boys' perfect harmonies and Brian Wilson's obsessive production, Pet Sounds is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.

Coldplay rose to stardom with their debut album. The British quartet redefined the Brit-rock sound. This album is not only appreciated by music fans, but by music critics as well.

Mick Ronson produces this album, which some critics have called the fifth Smiths album. It blends Morrissey's voice with rockabilly and glam rock influences to create Morrissey's most solid solo effort to date.

Cole's sophomore release; this album went Gold pretty quickly thanks to the singles "Where Have all the Cowboys Gone" and "I Don't Want to Wait." But there's more than hit singles to this album, including a duet between Cole and her mentor, Peter Gabriel.

Part glam rock, part progressive rock, Bowie$#39;s classic redefined himself in the UK and made him a hit for the first time in the US.

Patti Smith's groundbreaking debut album, often called the first art punk album. Smith's fusion of poetry and music defines a unique style that she continues to develop to this day.

Marcia Ball mixes the blues with country honky-tonk and a little boogie on this album. This is the first album to showcase Ball's songwriting skills and it also features her notorious piano playing, that at times would make Jerry Lee Lewis jealous.

This is the breakout album for Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, it includes the single "Tomorrow People". Produced by Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club members Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz, this album is one of the top-selling reggae albums ever.

The Cranberries formed in Limerick, Ireland in 1990, and three years later they had their first of many Top 10 hits. The band's sound is defined by the vocals of Dolores O'Riordan, who co-writes the songs with bass player Noel Hogan.

This album is a series of demos that the Modern Lovers recorded in 1973 with John Cale of the Velvet Underground producing. It was released three years later three years after the band had broken up. Jonathan Richman used the Modern Lovers name on other projects he worked on, but the original line up of Richman, Jerry Harrison, David Robinson and Ernie Brooks went on to make a classic album, that is still highly regarded by critics.

The album that The Church is most renowned for, it features their smash single "Under the Milky Way". The U.S. breakthrough gave the Church a top forty hit and a Gold album, as well as sold out world tours.

After the demise of Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams went solo with the album Heartbreaker, to much critical praise. But it was his Gold album that broke him out into the mainstream, earning him crossover success and new legions of fans.

The The is the concept of its leader, Matt Johnson, the band's line-up varies from album to album. This time around his band featured Johnny Marr of the Smiths. Controversial and political in nature, Mind Bomb features songs with titles like like "The Beat(en) Generation" and "Armageddon Days are here (Again)".

This is the album that made this sixty-something year old gospel group known to more than the "masses". With a little help from Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Ben Harper, It won them their second Grammy award and it features songs from Prince, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfieldand even Parliament Funkadelic.

This is the third, last and most experimental album that The Jimi Hendrix Experience released. It shows Hendrix's versatility; not only as a guitarist, but also as a singer and producer. Even with its experimental nature, it generated a couple of hits for Hendrix at the time, and remains a legendary album today.

Miriam Mekaba's life has been an interesting one. From her beginnings as a South African jazz singer to her thirty year exile from her homeland. Mekaba chronicles these experiences on this disc, and also updates her worldwide hit "Pata Pata".

Armatrading's second non-acoustic album turned her into a pop star in Britian. For this album she ranges from folk rock, to new wave to reggae. She's joined by Thomas Dolby, Sly and Robbie, Steve Lillywhite and Andy Partridge from XTC.

John Lee Hooker was already a legend before the making of this album. Produced by Van Morrison and Los Lobos, it features new songs a few classic remakes, further cementing his legendary status.

Ronstadt's fifth album, which made her a star. She perfects her folk rock sound through covers of songs by Paul Anka, Hank Williams and Anna McGarrigle. This album had number one hits on the country and pop charts, went platinum, and even earned Ronstadt a Grammy award.

Upon its release, Interview Magazine called Exile in Guyville "folk rock that could make you blush". This is Liz Phair's response to the Rolling Stones classic Exile on Main St. -- a pretty big undertaking for a debut album.

Although it was a commercial failure, Dusty in Memphis is regarded by many critics to be one of the greatest albums of all time. This album mixes the sultry soulful voice of the British Pop singer with the production team for Aretha Franklin and the songwriting skills of Goffin and King, Bacharach and David, and Randy Newman.

Uncle Tupelo's final effort is often hailed as their best, a perfect blend of the elements in their country-rock sound. This album was recorded completely live in an Austin studio. Less than a year after its release, both Son Volt and Wilco had been created from Uncle Tupelo's ashes.

Taking close to three years off between his debut album and Poses, this album features Rufus Wainwright with a soaring full band, and in scaled down acoustic numbers. His theatrical-style is enhanced with elements of opera, rock and electronica.

From the ashes of college-radio faves Camper Van Beethoven, came Cracker. David Lowery formed Cracker which brings a mainstream rock sound to his quirky and cynical lyrics. Their debut album earned them success in the growing alternative radio scene of the time, as well as a mainstream hit.

Harrison's first non-Beatle album was actually a triple album. Now available on a double CD set, It proves to be one of the best of his solo career. Produced by Phil Spector, and featuring appearances by Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Peter Frampton to name a few.

A remarkable album of songs written by Tom Waits, performed by John Hammond, produced by Tom Waits. The result leads to new interpretations of some of Waits' best known songs, and a feat rarely seen in the music industry.

Bristol natives Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons joined forces to create Portishead, making a benchmark for the trip-hop genre. They relased their debut album, “Dummy” on Go Records in 1994, which reached the top 40. The group’s collaborative effort produced merit, winning them Britain’s Mercury Prize and play on MTV.

Considered one of the greatest rock albums from the 80’s, “Let it Be” is The Replacements third release. A coming of age album in its own right, its fun and disjointed complete with a Kiss cover and songs about their bass player getting his tonsils out.

Known as Lennon's most important work, this album features its anthemic title track, Phil Spector's "wall of sound", scathing lyrics about Paul McCartney, and the guitar playing of George Harrison. Released in 1971, it was the first of only three of Lennon's solo albums to hit number one.

Sly Stone and his group sounded different than the hippie bands coming out of San Francisco in the late Sixties. But the integrated group's message was still one of peace, love and understanding. Their funky sound earned them a bunch of hits, including the album’s title track.

Rediscovered and re-released by David Byrne in 2001, this album holds up more now than it did in 1974. Far ahead of his time, Shuggie Otis and this album are cited as influences by many electronic artists today. The son of bandleader Johnny Otis, Shuggie only released two albums and performs live rarely.

Greg Brown is definitely a leader in today's modern folk movement, He is the founder of Red House Records and has released many albums in the genre. Further In is one of his best efforts, in which brown delivers a solid performance backed with his descriptive lyrics.

Following the huge success of the Fugees, Lauryn Hill went solo with this one. Creating a disc of very personal songs, she demonstrated just how versatile Hip Hop could be. It also showed that Hill could be a force on her own, by winning 5 Grammy Awards and earning a Gold Record.

Creating what he calls "Conscious Music for the Masses," Micheal Franti tackles topics like AIDS, homelessness and police brutality but sets these themes to melodies you can groove to. "Everyone Deserves Music" is an extension of this method that includes elements of funk, folk, reggae and rock.

The main theme of this album is based on a Japanese girl who is set to fight an army of robots that are pink. Less of a concept album and more of an album in which certain songs have a narrative thread, the Lips experimentation with music, makes this an album in which you hear something new every time.

In the Talking Heads' third album Fear of Music, the band releases for the first time, classics such as Heaven and Life During Wartime, as well as experimenting with songs like I Zimbra. This interesting title track combines African rythm sections with lyrics by poet Hugo Ball, and is also partly credited to Brian Eno, who had a big role in the Talking Heads' previous album.

Sgt. Pepper's was released in June of 1967, solidifying the Beatles new style introduced in their 1966 album Revolver. The complex and arrangements along with Martin's innovative production style recreated rock music in an album that Rolling Stone considers to be the greatest of all time.

Tidal was Apple’s debut album, it came out in 1996 when she was 19 years old. Produced by Andrew Slater, he sought to bring out Apple’s voice, piano playing, and provocative lyrics through various song arrangements. The album reached number 18 on Billboard’s Top 40 and has sold more than 2.7 million copies since its release.

This album received rave reviews from blues fans who praised Tedeschi for continuing and advancing the blues tradition. It features 5 songs written by Tedeschi plus a few written by her band members Tom Hambridge and Adrienne Young. Just Won’t Burn went to number 2 on the mainstream blues charts, getting her opening gigs for the likes of BB King, Dr. John and Buddy Guy.

Short, Sharp, Shocked has a folky sound with a bit of country-tinged production, its a collection of personal songs inspired by Shocked’s youth. The album received great reviews upon its release. It’s biggest hit was the song “Anchorage,” a letter from a friend in Alaska, set to music.

In spirit of the singer-songwriter tradition that was beginning to resurface, Chapman’s debut album sits comfortably alongside such names as Natalie Merchant and Suzanne Vega. The album is largely political in nature, dealing with issues such as racism, violence against women and poverty.

By the time XO had come out, Smith had disbanded his group Heatmiser and earned a good reputation as a solo artist. His contributions to the film “Good Will Hunting” earned him notoriety and made XO his major album debut. It featured lush vocal sounds and was compared to the Beatles in style and arrangements.

The third release by the White Stripes showcases a more polished and refined sound than their previous efforts. The songs on the album show the range of the group’s influences, from Led Zeppelin to early Delta Blues. The music takes elements of these influences and fuses them with new trends.

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got is O’Connor’s sophomore album and the follow up to 1987's The Lion and the Cobra. Her hit song "Nothing Compares 2U", was written by Prince and helped propel her to stardom. It was her no-nonsense approach of the album influenced several female singer-songwriters from the nineties.

Shortly after joining supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, Orbison made what was to be his final solo album. "Mystery Girl" featured the top ten hit "You Got it " and brought him popularity to a new generation.

Playing off of Apocalyptic themes and experimenting with new sounds, Prince's double album had a bit of everything. The songs range from rock to funk to psychedelic blues to gospel and show his dynamic as a musician. Popular songs included the title track and "Strange Relationship".

On Spike, Costello displays his influences and tries his hand at many different styles of music. The album features song collaborations with Roger McGuinn and the song “Veronica”, co-written with Paul McCartney. The album's eclectic nature gave it mixed reactions among critics, but remains a fan favorite.

Comprised of Cuban and African musicians, Buena Vista Social Club, successfully mixed Cuban Rhythms and African style piano. Most of the band members were retired, and it’s oldest member was 89. The album topped Latin charts and went on to win a Grammy in 1997.

Songs for Drella reunited former Velvet Underground members Lou Reed and John Cale for the first time since 1968. The two got together shortly after the death of Andy Warhol and decided to pay tribute to his life. The songs feature vocals from both Cale and Reed, focusing on story rather than lavish musical arrangements.

Unlike most other pop groups in the 70’s, Big Star made songs with sensible harmonies as well as catchy hooks. Band mates Chris Bell and Alex Chilton shared guitar and vocals for most of the record. While Big star never received critical acclaim, they unofficially started the genre "power pop"

Strummer's last album, which was finished by his band after his death, included introspective lyrics and a heavy reggae influence. The album is considered one of Strummer's finest since the Clash. It is partially produced by Rick Rubin, and features a cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song".

After the breakup of the Sugarcubes, Bjork released this album not only to tell the world that she had gone solo, but that she was taking things to a new level. From fun, upbeat dance numbers to sparse accapella songs, this album set the stage for Bjork's varied career.

For this release Graham Parker combined his singer-songwriter pub rock with more conventional pop elements to make a rather unconventional album. Considered to be one of the great records of the post-punk era, and one of Parker’s most successful... setting him up for mainstream success that never happened.

Toots and the Maytals brought fourth Jamaican traditions in both sound and style. The album featured the song “Do the Reggay” which led to the term Reggae. The band also" made reggae versions of “Louie Louie” and John Denver’s Country Roads".

The Cure’s sixth album merged their signature dark-goth and their pop sound which they achieved with later albums. The Head On The Door shows the band experimenting with different sylings and arrangements. This album gave them their first big success in America, reaching #59 on the Billboard album charts.

Sam Cooke recorded “Night Beat” in three nights in February of 1963. The album features keyboardist Billy Preston, then at the age of 16. Cooke was given the chance to return to his gospel roots while recording this album.

After becoming a popular DJ, and the success of his first few techno albums, Moby makes one of his most diverse albums. Here he strays from strictly eclectronica and blends elements of rock, blues, gospel and hip-hop, and even plays every instrument on the album.

Headed by a commercially successful single, Feist’s third solo album is already being deemed as an instant classic. It was recorded in France with her longtime collaborator, Gonzales.

British rock legends The Who made their third album as an homage to Radio London. To give the album more of a “corporate” feel, they added in commercials here and there, with the album cover showing the band plugging product like Heinz Baked Beans.

Mostly recorded in a hacienda in New Mexico, “Under the Pink” is Tori Amos second solo album. Even more piano-focused than her first, it features the singles “God” and “Cornflake Girl”.

Lynn had been performing for more than 40 years before releasing “Van Lear Rose”. The album was produced by White Stripes guitarist Jack White, who was also the band leader in the recordings

Getting her start in the Christian music community, Sam Phillips left after a dispute with her label at the time. She signed with Virgin Records in 1989. “Martinis and Bikinis”, her fourth solo album was produced by her future husband T-Bone Burnett.

Considered by many to be one of the most influential albums of the nineties, Urban Hymns remains timeless in content. Despite internal struggles, drug addictions and a large lawsuit against the Rolling Stones, The Verve were able to create an album with grand atmosphere and true sense of purpose.

Produced by Rick Rubin, Tom Petty’s second solo album, “Wildflowers” was certified three times platinum in 1995. Critics praised the album, albeit being almost an hour long. Petty won his first Grammy for his performance of “You Don’t Know How It Feels”.

Disappointed with the music industry and recovering from a divorce, Kirsty MacColl, took six years off before recording “Tropical Brainstorm”. During her break, she spent a lot of time in Cuba and Brazil, which inspired the albums many tropical influences.

The former lead singer of Them released his second solo album which became a favorite of critics. The album was recorded in two days in a New York City studio and was ranked as the 19th greatest album of all time, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

Even though they were a trio, the Ben Folds Five formed in North Carolina and released this as their debut. It bridged the gap between piano rock and alternative rock, and paving the way for their breakout success.

John Linnell and John Flansburgh had their breakout success with their major label debut. The biggest hit off the album, “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”, was actually a cover, but their take on it fits in with the rest of the album. Flood is their best selling album to date.

His record label considered this album much stranger than his previous albums so they dropped Tom Waits and he took his work elsewhere. Island Records signed him and released the album in 1983 to a warm reception from fans and critics. Known for the varieties of percussion and horn experimentation, “Swordfishtrombones” was the genesis of Waits’ signature sound.

This was CCR’s fifth album, released around the two-year anniversary of their vinyl debut. Cosmo’s Factory was the groups peak of popularity featuring “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and an eleven-minute version of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.”

Aretha’s third album for Atlantic records, this one includes the hits “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and Chain of Fools. It also reatures an impressive collection of musicians, including a young Eric Clapton.

Its been said that the Velvet Underground sold very few copies of their debut album, but everyone who bought one started a band. This album, which is considered to be one of the most influential in rock history, is ripe with experimentation and hardly sounds dated. This album launched the careers of Lou Reed and John Cale and features the art of its producer, Andy Warhol.

"Time Out of Mind" was Dylan’s 29th studio record and first album since 1990. Produced by Daniel Lanois (U2, Brian Eno) the album featured dark lyrics and more blues and country style songs. It marked a comeback for Dylan in the 90’s and spawned the hits “Lovesick” and “Not Dark Yet”.

“Little Plastic Castle” was Ani Difranco’s 8th studio album and her most commercially successful release. Tune in to hear the story behind the album and the unique artist who is considered one of the most powerful independent artists in the music world.

When Ray Charles set out to record an album of country songs, his record label though he was crazy. Charles proved them all wrong when “Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music”, became a hit. It gave Charles the crossover success he needed, eventually making him a household name.

Harry Nilsson was already a Grammy winning artist by the time he released “Nilsson Schmilsson” but this record is regarded as his crowning glory by critics and fans. Borrowing Barbra Streisand’s producer and using lilting Tin Pan Alley melodies Nilsson created a classic record that would influence a new generation of brainy, sardonic songwriters.

On their third release, British punk-rock legends The Clash made it even more apparent of their political stances on various tracks. Criticizing the likes of Margaret Thatcher and American consumerism. This is consider by many to be one of the greatest albums ever recorded.

Amherst College English majors Jonatha Brooke and Jennifer Kimball performed in various Boston venues and coffeehouses during their school days. They went their separate ways after graduating in the 1980s, but reunited to record as The Story. The album was released on Green Linnet and produced by Brooke’s then-husband Alain Mallet.

With the release of “It Still Moves,” My Morning Jacket had arrived. The album featured epic tales laid out over an arrangement of sparse chords, echoing reverb and Jim Jones’ high lonesome vocals and lead some critics to call the band’s sound “Southern Psych.”

After a constant tour schedule, Neko Case recorded “Blacklisted” in Arizona, giving her a new view of her music. The album features John Convertino and Joey Burns of Calexico and covers of songs by Aretha Franklin and Sarah Vaughn.

Described as “Cosmic American Music” by Parsons himself, “Grievous Angel” was his second solo album. Parsons would never get to see the album’s release, due to his death from a drug overdose. Linda Ronstadt is featured on the song, “In My Hour of Darkness”.

Following the success of "The Graduate", Simon and Garfunkel put together a well crafted folk album featuring Simon’s poignant lyrics and Garfunkel’s elusive vocals. The album featured a completed and re-arranged version of Mrs. Robinson, the hit song America, and a recording of old people simply called "Voices of Old People".

Lucinda Williams took 6 years to complete "Car Wheels On a Gravel Road" but the album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album and has made many top 100 albums lists. Williams writes sparse, unsparingly honest and often painful stories of ordinary lives.