This is exactly what I’ve been thinking about the last couple days. For me it’s easy. Back to my early days…Lou Reed, and Neil Young. Then, Jackson Browne. Then, Tom Petty. Then, Lucinda Williams, Jason Isbell, Shawn Mullins. Then I have to mention Bruce Springsteen. There are certainly a lot more, but those are my favorites that I listen to all the time. Great topic.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much. Again defining what a singer / songwriter is, is very difficult, because almost all the hundreds of artists I love, write and perform their own music, therefore they're almost all singer / songwriters. So I tried to limit it to a genre, which singer/songwriters definitely have. Certainly I'm a HUGE Tom Petty fan and love Lucinda, Springsteen, Isbell and Lou Reed - you know, Lou Reed probably should've been in my list, but I didn't think of him as a singer / songwriter...on the fence with that (but I'm a big fan of his).
@ChrisYossarian2 ай бұрын
Thanks for your list. Here’s mine, rather spontaneous. Guess it would change in case I would spend hours researching and comparing … 10 Nick Drake. I heard him first in mid Seventies while living in London for a few Month, and bought the Fruit Tree Box. 9. Kate Bush. Also got introduced to her during my time in London. 8. Al Stewart. I found ‘Love Chronicles’ at my favorite 2nd Hand store in my then home town of Vienna, continued with some of his other early Albums like Orange, but lost Interest soon after, wasn’t very impressed with Year of the Cat, and finally got to re-listen to him after buying the Box Set Monster ‘Admiralty Lights’. 7. Joni Mitchell.. one of the very few Artists i came to know in the early 70ies that i kept admiring and listening to over the last 50 or so years. 6. Mickey Newbury. 5. Daniel Lanois. His first two Solo Albums are just perfect. 4. Bob Dylan. I guess I should be close to 90 (Counting the number of CD discs, not Albums) in my collection as well. 3. PJ Harvey (Is she a Singer / Songwriter? In my eyes and ears, yes!) 2. Laura Nyro (I own her complete Discography on CD and adore every of her records. And Number One: Leonard Cohen. Nuff said. I have no words to describe this genius.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for your fantastic list. I've tried to get more into Laura Nyro - I'll have to give it another shot. The only one I've kept is an anthology album that I don't listen to much. I've been looking online at that Admiralty Lights boxset from Madfish - looks incredible. I haven't even started on the Caravan boxset I bought from them over a year ago, so I held off. Incredible box though. I've never heard of Mickey Newbury. I should check out the Daniel Lanois albums - great producer of course. Thanks so much again.
@markspooner12242 ай бұрын
That's a pretty awesome top 10, my favourites would be Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen but I love most of the others in your 10 too. I have one honourable mention, not for the top 10 but quite close and that's Joan Armatrading.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I’m a big fan of hers and thought about her. You’re right she really could be in this singer songwriter category. Thanks.
@davidkunzli6802 ай бұрын
Congratulations Alan, I hear that you bought the Queen catalog!!! I can't wait to see what you do with it. One of my absolute favorites is Randy Newman. Just love him. One of your viewers has mentioned Mickey Newbury. I love his stuff too. I see that Melanie has about every reissue you can imagine coming out. Nothing like dying to get your music out😂. Well, you got your Bowie shirt on. I'm listening to the Ziggy box. I'm enjoying it. PS....the sunburn seems to be doing ok. It's a shame nothing fell 😂😂
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
It's incredible - I haven't seen a new Melanie release in decades and yes, ever since she passed away - it's non-stop, including a new boxset coming out with like 6 CD's. A shame she wasnt' alive to see this resurgence. Ziggy box looks amazing. Talk about resurgence too - The Bowie releases and boxsets have been non-stop since he passed away. The way it is.
@andee72552 ай бұрын
Hi Alan! You've got a really nice list of the greats here undoubtedly. I was big on Neil's "Comes A Time" when it came out and agree it is one of his overlooked gems. I was a big fan of Joni's latter day material beginning with "Shadows and Light". Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorious just push her music to such great heights especially on "In France They Kiss on Main Street"; awesome guitar work by Metheny on that track. I agree "Court and Spark" is the album that reflects the top form of her 70's work but it's her 80's work where I think she really shines. I Love "Wild Things Run Fast" as well ("(You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care"- just LOVE the bass on that song!!). Her whole 80's catalog was so amazing ("Ethiopia" is a powerful song of human fragility from "Dog Eat Dog"), yet it's her 70's material that will always overshadow it. I love the simple arrangements of Nick Drake but my go to artist of all time is on your list at #7. Yes, Yes, Yes it's Al. "Carol" got a reasonable amount of college radio airplay and it took me by storm. What a folk rocker. The sound was fresh somehow and when I got the album ("Modern Times") from the Columbia House catalog it was the album I put on my record platter 90% of the time for a FULL YEAR! I thought at the time it was his debut album only to find out it was his sixth!! Alan Parsons clearly helped add a spark to Al's musical trajectory as the album scratched the top 30 in America and gave him a slot as the opening act to Linda Ronstadt's tour at the time. The other thing was that 2 members of my favorite band (Sutherland Brothers and Quiver) were musicians that played on the album: Tim Renwick and Peter Wood. Just icing on the cake! I totally agree that Al's first cd compilation is his best. But as I've mentioned in the past it should be expanded as there is about 8 minutes of disc capacity unfilled. "Carol" and "Soho (Needless to Say)" would really round out that disc very nicely. The other single compilation disc I would recommend from Al would be "The Essential Al Stewart". Although it does not include any of his long length historical documentary songs, it does include all of his main "hits" as well as the album version of "Running Man" and the unforgivingly overlooked "Lori Don't Go Right Now". With adequate promotion that song should have been a bit of a comeback for Al; albeit it's album of origin "Russians and Americans" did chart in the UK. The 2 artists I did miss on your list are Carole King and Carly Simon. After Al I have to say they would be next in line on my list. Carole is an amazing songwriter whom like Joni, her 80's material has been overshadowed by her 70's string of successful albums. "Music" was her only other studio album to reach platinum status outside of "Tapestry" and it deserves that distinction; it is an all time favorite that will never grow old on me. Thoroughly enjoyed this video Alan. Thanks and have a great day! - Andee ✨💫✨
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks Andee - I love, as always, your comments. I will continue to get more and more into Al Stewart. I recently picked up Last Days Of The Century but I haven't listened to it yet - in my ever expanding backlog. I think Carole King is an extraordinary songwriter, but beyond Tapestry, one of the greatest perfect albums of all time, I'm not overly impressed with her beyond her songwriting. I also have a live laserdisc and other stuff as well. But no doubt she's and incredible songwriter. Wow, did I forget Carly Simon - damn - yea I'm a fan - great choice that I overlooked and yes she is a "singer-songwriter". Can't believe I overlooked her - damn. I know of Sutherland Brothers and Quiver - I think they're in my backlog as well..lol. And they're your favorite of all time - wow - I shall have to look into them. I didn't realize Peter Wood came from them. Interesting. Thanks again as always.
@andee72552 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShowAl wound up recording on so many record labels that eventually went bankrupt: Janus, Passport and yeah the label "Last Days..." was recorded on - Enigma. Just think, he had the opportunity to sign with Geffen but went with them instead! "Ghostly Horses of the Plains" became an instrumental as the result of the producer wanted to remove the vocal. The original is a bonus track on the reissued version of the album which you may have gotten Alan. "Josephine Baker" is great as well. Enjoy! By the way do you have anything from the British prog band Nektar? Recently learned of them. Oh, and if you only ever get to listen to one SB&Q album you've got to listen to "Lifeboat". Yeah, the record companies still liked shorter tunes even in the early seventies but it is a really great pop/rock album. I'm glad Rod Stewart recorded a version of their song "Sailing" so they could enjoy the fruits of their labor!! Unfortunately, Ian Sutherland has past on, may he R.I.P. Til next time - Thanks Alan! - Andee ✨💫✨
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@andee7255 I didn't know Sailing was their song - wow - seriously, probably my all time favorite Rod Stewart (maybe also People Get Ready with Jeff Beck). Wow - I have to check them out for sure. I love Nektar - I have 19 Nektar albums including all the original classics. I've mentioned Remember The Future in my all time favorite / influential albums. My favorite and their best album, though Recycled and Tab In The Ocean are also great (if you like them). Down To Earth is also good. Try Remember The Future - progressive but melodic. An all time classic though sadly forgotten by most. I think you'll really like it.
@joejenkins35952 ай бұрын
Great top 10. Some others I like a lot: Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Chuck Prophet, Dave Alvin, John Prine, Nanci Griffith, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Lyle Lovett, Alejandro Escovedo, Elvis Costello, Luke Winslow King, Warren Zevon.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I'm not familiar with some of these - I have to investigate. Yea I didn't think of Warren Zevon (I'm a fan for sure), but in retrospect - yea - could have fit in my list. Thanks so much.
@randybaker60422 ай бұрын
Great job on defining the undefinable. Has to be done and you did it well. We took our 11 year old son to see Neil Young and Crazy Horse for his first concert. He loved it. I won't go into the details and this isn't a sad story, but I had a friend of mine sing Comes A Time at my son's funeral later that year. When it comes to listening, Neil Young and Dan Fogelberg would be at the top of my list. Didn't I hear David Crosby say that every time Neil went to the restroom, he came out with a great song? 🤣
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing such a personal story. The power of music - perhaps the greatest power, outside of love, that there is. What a wonderful heartfelt song to play. Love that you have Neil Young and Fogelberg at the top...wonderful. Thanks so much.
@southsheff2 ай бұрын
I understand your categorising about the genre. I would have had Elvis Costello and post Rumour Graham Parker as well as Jason Isbell southeastern type offering. Chuck Prophet is a new one to me and have gone all out on his work recently since seeing live in Oxford. More hardcore singer songwriters I have enjoyed are endless but I get criticised for liking "slit your wrists music! lol
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I'm certainly not the "definitive" judge. Maybe you're right - I don't really think Elvis fits but if he did he'd be way up there for me too. I don't know of Chuck Prophet. Misery loves company I say, nothing wrong with liking "slit your wrist music". Best, Alan
@user-hf7no3jb6q2 ай бұрын
Another great video, Alan. Thank you for doing it. Jackson Browne - 'Running on Empty' - magnificent. As I'm a contemporary of you, I agree with so many of your selections. In 1980 or so Neil Young's 'Live Rust' was often on the truntable in our common room at my English grammar school. Great album. I agree wholeheartedly with you about 'Street Legal' - underrated and I also love 'Infidels'. Thanks again for your considered, thought provoking and so well-informed video, Alan. Will check out that Joni Mitchell album. David Butterworth
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks as always David. I hope you enjoy Joni's Wild Things Run Fast. I think you will. Best, Alan
@richard-mr1vz2 ай бұрын
Hiya Alan!…Dan Fogelberg had an outstanding career let’s face it…I mean, Netherlands is just gorgeous along with masterpiece The Innocent Age, you just can’t go wrong…Phoenix has some amazing deep cuts like Along The Road, Wishing On The Moon and Heart Hotels, absolutely beautiful music!
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Absolutely. Terrific talent he was. Sorely missed
@richard-mr1vz2 ай бұрын
Without a doubt, a fan favorite if there ever was one-How ‘bout “As The Raven Flies” from Souvenirs?…Wow!
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@richard-mr1vz oh yea - cooking song - especially live - rockin'
@ronalaurence4105Ай бұрын
I agree with you 100% about singer/songwriters being a full-fledged genre. I suppose that it would be “technically accurate” to say that everyone who writes a song that they perform is a singer/songwriter. But that negates a musical distinction that makes the existence of genres reliable cues for experiencing what we know we have an affinity for - or exploring what we think will be sonically rewarding to us (IMHO).Like every other category of music, the singer/songwriter genre is based on a style of music. That style includes lyrics that contain storytelling elements and/or the singer’s personal thoughts and feelings brought to the surface through introspection. The lyrics are usually married to music played on one instrument, typically a guitar or piano. After starting out as one person on stage playing one instrument while singing very personal songs they wrote, many singer/songwriters moved on to employing full bands to back them up (e.g. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg and James Taylor among others). Their beginnings, however, involved just them - alone with one instrument. From that perspective, my top singer/songwriter picks are Bob Dylan, the greatest wordsmith in popular music, and Joni Mitchell, whose songs have moved me more on a personal level than probably any other singer/songwriter. Both Dylan and Joni also have the gift of coming up with great melodies. But in the music history books, they will, without a doubt, be most lauded and remembered for the wordplay in their songs - as I believe they should be. As a lover of words (almost as much as music), I have fond memories of spending plenty of time analyzing the song lyrics while listening to the music of these two masters of mixing intelligent words with wonderful melodies. In no particular order, my other favorite singer/songwriters include: Paul Simon; Dan Fogelberg; Jackson Browne; Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake. I love a great many Neil Young songs, but I don’t include him because I discovered those songs by listening to him play with a band (i.e. Buffalo Springfield). I’m also not including Carole King because out of all the songs she wrote or cowrote,including nearly 120 that were on the Billboard charts, I think that the majority of her very best songs were cowritten with Gerry Goffin. What a sensibility he had to pen the lyrics to “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?”
@TheAlanRosenbergShowАй бұрын
Thanks for your perfect description, which I should have hit on more. "That style includes lyrics that contain storytelling elements and/or the singer’s personal thoughts and feelings brought to the surface through introspection. The lyrics are usually married to music played on one instrument, typically a guitar or piano". Then as you said, they expanded with musicians and even different styles. Our favorites are so in alignment. Interesting comment on Neil Young. I was very much on the fence with him, as I discovered him with the Decade compilation and then Comes A Time - I saw Rust Never Sleeps tour. But even when he was in a band, he far outshown the other members - was always on the outside. And his solo spots were always highlights. Great point with Carole King by the way. I put her in that category for the Tapestry album alone, although she co-wrote many of those songs as well.
@MortenAastad2 ай бұрын
Natural Born Killers? Great soundtrack, and movie. Jackson Browne I love. And Paul Simon of course. You could sing I go 15 ways to play his music 😄
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
THAT's The ONE!!!! - -Thanks Morten - Love that movie!!! Damn couldn't think of it. Thanks again.
@MortenAastad2 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow 😎
@noahbody4172 ай бұрын
I have most of Bob Dylan's 1960s output. But my 1st Dylan album was Infidels (go figure). I did buy a couple of his official bootlegs series. Did buy the box set of 1966 live tour with the Band as his backing band. I don't have any Joni Mitchell albums, but when the archive series came out a last year, I bought vol 1 and vol 2. A lot of home demos and early solo concerts.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Nice - I actually haven't picked up the Joni Mitchell Archive Series boxsets yet. My backlog of boxsets is already massive so I'm slowing down (or trying to), but eventually I'll get them. I find those boxsets fascinating but at the same time, don't tend to listen to them much. More historical than repeat listening for me.
@jedikiah15412 ай бұрын
Laura Nyro was untouchable in her early years. Her first for albums are terrific, with Eli And The Thirteenth Confession, New York Tendaberry and Christmas And The Beads Of Sweat, being truly innovative.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I’ll have to listen to the compilation I have again. Been awhile. Thanks.
@jedikiah15412 ай бұрын
It is best really to start with Eli And The Thirteenth Confession. That album demonstrates really well the variety in her music. That album is up with the best of all time.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@jedikiah1541 thanks. Believe it or not I had it but a long time ago. Perhaps I just wasn’t ready for it back then. I only kept the compilation for space reasons. I’m not sure what it is about her. I’ll give her another shot. Was a long time ago.
@jedikiah15412 ай бұрын
Yes - i'd be interested in your opinion. Her first album, More Than A New Discovery, was great, and was a fine mix of jazz and soul, but very conservative for 1967. Eli is the best in that it repesents the breath of her talent, and displays a variety of styles. New York Tendaberry is perhaps her highlight artistically, but it less accessible. Christmas And The Beads Of Sweat is quite soulful in part, but also at times quite artistic and challenging. All great albums, in my opinion.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@jedikiah1541 I'm sure I had Tendaberry as well. I had both of those, then the compilation, then dumped the two studio because I never listened and didn't overly enjoy them and figured the comp would suffice for me. Oh well. Always another go round.
@mikedavis79252 ай бұрын
Does Carole King even get an honorable mention? She is super successful. I heard about Nick Drake a few years ago. Need to check him out.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I mentioned her. Tapestry is beyond incredible. One of the greatest of all times. I enjoy her more as a songwriter than her own albums or performances, beyond Tapestry to be honest though.
@DriftyTrick2 ай бұрын
With all the music you have - I respect your decision. You should of done a little series and done top 50 countdown.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks. I've seen other channels to a video of the day as a series. I always felt it was milking it to make lots of videos and figured it's easier for everyone to do a list in one video. Hmm - perhaps in the future I should do that? I know for me as a viewer, I find it frustrating. Thanks again.
@glendepietro15212 ай бұрын
I'll probably go with Rickie Lee Jones and Lou Reed. Secondly how could you miss that Leonard Cohen show? I traveled from Buffalo for that one.. we could've hung out😮. P.S we all enjoy when the CDs topple over.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I'll never forgive myself for missing that Cohen show. I'm a big Lou Reed fan- just didn't think of him as part of the "singer-songwriter" genre, but in retrospect, probably should have. He'd be way up there for me too. Haven't had a big topple in a while....and that's good. Have to replace those jewel cases after..lol
@glendepietro15212 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow thanks again Alan for all you do with this video production I love it. Also.. unfortunately we all have regrets for a show we missed.. especially when there's no makeup show later on.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@glendepietro1521 thanks Glen. I definitely have a few.
@timhewtson62122 ай бұрын
Alan, you are killing me, and I'm close enough to my end already. I just don't have time for all your insightful suggestions. Thank God I have a fairly good working knowledge of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. I agree with you - Leonard Cohen's later work is amazing. He got ripped off by his manager and had to start again. 'You want it darker?' Breathtaking! As for Neil Young, strangely, one of my favorite albums of his is 'This Notes For You,' where he totally rewrites the Blues. Not a popular choice. And, yeah, Bob Dylan has 2-4 good songs per album latterly, plus a lot of filler. I prefer Ian Hunter - no filler at all. Dan Fogelberg hasn't grabbed me so far, so I probably need to listen to more. I'm in the middle of a deep dive on Joni Mitchell. Or at least I was, and then forgot. Time to return. Yeah, the Peter Himmelman music is really quite interesting. Sort of Elvis Costello meets Joe Jackson, and that's no insult. A certain sound and a lot of variation within it. And then Nick Drake. I listened to him recently and didn't connect. You sent me back, and this time I surely did. I can't believe he was writing that stuff in the 60s. That's late 70s/80s music. I've always adored John Martyn, and obviously Nick Drake was his source, which he exaggerated to great effect. I'm definitely going to listen to all Nick Drake's albums, all three of them. Would you be so kind as to do more shows on Alvin and the Chipmunks and ABBA for the next few weeks? You are overloading me. In fact, please close down your channel for a while - I can't take the pressure. And there is Nick Cave too. And I've just remembered Joan Armatrading. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Lol- best comment of the day. That's it.. I quit. Takes the pressure off me too...lol. Great description of Himmelman - Elvis Costello meets Joe jackson - wow - that's awesome. I have no John Martyn...and I don't know why. Once bought a live laserdisc of his, but I wasn't thrilled. I'll have to re-investigate. I thought of Joan Armatrading - I'm a fan for sure. Yea - I probably should have included her. Thanks. Go relax - I'll take some time off. Thanks as always for your support.
@SpenceCurryАй бұрын
Cant resist the lists. Scott walker roy harper victoria williams david werner nick drake
@TheAlanRosenbergShowАй бұрын
I did pick up that David Werner album on vinyl last year - still in my backlog though - the one with the shirt and tie cover.
@painless4652 ай бұрын
Lou Reed/John Cale Tim Buckley John Martyn Roy Harper Graham Parker Alejandro Escovedo Warren Zevon Mark Lanegan John Prine John Hiatt
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Some great ones here. I LOVE Lou Reed and like Graham Parker, Warren Zevon (I really like Warren Zevon) and John Hiatt. To me they were outside my definition for singer/songwriters as a genre - but in retrospect I get it.
@georgemathie81232 ай бұрын
Here a few that i like paul Kantner, steve Winwood, joni Mitchell, Neil Young, James Taylor and Jackson Browne there are many great ones to choose from
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks - there sure are many to choose from.
@perrygoddard15202 ай бұрын
Hi mate another great show. Like Brian previously mentioned Billy Joel. More the earlier albums. That said "...didn't start the fire" has such a brilliant lyrical thread. To my shame it took "The Looming Tower" (outstanding 2018 tv series) for me to pick up a Cohen album 🤦. Will take your pointers for further investigation. The tans coming on nicely mate. Getting plenty of time in the currant (currant bun - sun) it would seem. You'll be bilingual in Cockney rhyming soon. 😂
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks. Yea - I thought of both Billy Joel and Elton John. Of course they're both "singer-songwriters" - yet I don't really think they fit that genre of "singer-songwriters" - well they did on their first album or two but left that genre decades ago in my opinion.
@andee72552 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShowIn a way Elton John was really The John-Taupin Duo. Has Elton ever written any of his own lyrics??? Just a thought. 🤗
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@andee7255 great point. No. Elton always has a lyricist even when not working with Taupin.
@martinstarnes22372 ай бұрын
Interesting. Six of the albums you ended up displaying are also in my collection. Although I think Richard Thompson tops the lot! I'd argue his case in any court in the land.....
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Singer Songwriter is hard to pin down. I'm a big Richard Thompson fan, and he did occur to me, and I just felt he fell outside the "genre". But maybe you're right. An incredible career - Fairport, with Linda and his massive solo career. Fantastic guitarist and talent - and great songwriter too. Thanks.
@martinstarnes22372 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow I once was ushered through the wrong door to be confronted by Richard Thompson, as we say over here, 'stark-bollock naked'. The perils of opening unknown doors! Lol! Incidentally, I have posted a further comment on my Charlie Daniels exploration - you may have missed it, or you may have considered it unworthy of response........ Lol! Be careful when opening doors
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@martinstarnes2237 I didn't see another Charlie Daniels comment - no - I always answer. Gonna look for it. This Richard Thompson story is hysterical....That's a classic....I have no further response to it.....lol. I guess the only obvious is did you have a look....lol
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@martinstarnes2237 Forgot to answer about Jerry Donohue - sounds familiar - Was he in Fotheringay and married to Sandy Denny. I had Fotheringay at one point and do have some Fairport and Sandy Denny stuff. Not sure but think he was in Fotheringay and maybe Fairport?
@martinstarnes22372 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow He was in Fotheringay, but he wasn't married to Sandy. He was in Fairport between 73-76, and returned to play with then on many occasions in the following decades. He has a signature Fender Telecaster, and if you have five minutes one fine day, you might put Fairport Convention Tokyo in KZfaq and see what occurs. The Live 82 which may come up has Dave Pegg during his Tull days too.
@thomaswery30872 ай бұрын
Here are mine Alan 1.Cat Stevens 2.Neil Young 3.Tom Petty 4.Ray Davies 5.Paul McCartney 6.Tori Amos 7.Donovan 8.Steve Miller 9.Ian Hunter 10.Paul Simon
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Love everyone of them, except I still have to discover Tori Amos - she's been in my backlog for two years now. As I mentioned in other responses - I can't consider McCartney, Davies, Petty, Steve Miller as singer /songwriters - because to me then anyone who writes and performs there own songs are singer songwriters - I'm thinking more of the genre. Otherwise for me would be Jagger, Davies and Townshend...and they're not singer songwriters to me.... Ian Hunter....also for me not a "singer songwriter, although he is an incredible "singer / songwriter".... hope that makes sense. It does in my little brain...lol
@thomaswery30872 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow Yes my friend that made clear as mud lol
@jasonpp19732 ай бұрын
Chip Taylor is actor Jon Voight's brother. I like the Rhino 16 track Al Stewart best of. I also like the Dan Fogelberg/Tim Weisberg Twin Sons of Different Mothers, Power of Gold has some killer Fogelberg six string shredding as well.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Yes - I knew that about Chip Taylor - wrote Angel Of The Morning - fantastic song. That is a great Fogelberg album as well. Thanks so much.
@jasonpp19732 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow Wrote Wild Thing too, talk about two totally different song styles! Juice Newton did a great remake of Angel in the 80s
@andee72552 ай бұрын
Jason, Yeah the Rhino disc is a good overview of Al's musical journey up to the "Last Days of the Century" album (the song itself however l think shouldn't have made it on this compilation); "Josephine Baker" and "King of Portugal" are two shorter songs from the same album that shine much brighter and make for a good replacement and would have complimented the nice flow that disc has. The thing that really makes Al's first compilation disc special are the two live tracks it takes from "Indian Summer/Live at The Roxy"; absolutely awesome!!! The two songs it does miss and has room for are "Carol" and "Soho (Needless to Say)" which are featured on the otherwise well done Rhino compilation; still a nice recommendation Jason!! - Andee ✨💫✨
@jasonpp19732 ай бұрын
@@andee7255 I have the first Al comp as well, somewhere...
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@jasonpp1973 I forgot he wrote wild thing too.
@kingofallmediums2123Ай бұрын
I have a lot of Dan Fogelberg vinyl because I got each for $2, but I never listened to them! 😒
@TheAlanRosenbergShowАй бұрын
you should check him out - yea even his CD's are cheap and plentiful at thrift stores and used record stores.
@wizardwandmusic64572 ай бұрын
Happy to see Arlo Guthrie album being mentioned. Niel Young confuses some people who think he's a Band member & others who think of him as a singer song writer. 🎶🎶🎶✌️
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Yes - he went far passed the "singer-songwriter" phase, but still always a big part of him.
@jasonhochman37502 ай бұрын
Good list, I would add Lou Reed. Jackson C Frank. And Jonathan Rich man became a singer songwriter after Modern Lovers.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Interesting - I never really followed Jonathan Richman after the Modern Lovers. I'm also not familiar with Jackson Frank. Thanks.
@jasonhochman37502 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow Jonathan is truly a singer-songwriter now-I've seen him several times, and he plays guitar, with just a drummer, who has a very limited drum set. Jackson C. Frank has only one album, he had a tragic life. If you wanted to consider country music singer songwriters, I would have to nominate Tom T. Hall, as well as Hank Williams and Kris Kristofferson.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@jasonhochman3750 thanks again.
@JohnMacRae232 ай бұрын
Cool topic, nice list, nice to see Nick Drake in yours. Here’s mine, 15, and I went with artists who write their music and lyrics (within a band and/or solo). 1. Peter Gabriel 2. Neil Young (Solo & CSNY & Crazy Horse) 3. Bob Dylan 4. Kate Bush 5. Nick Drake 6. Gordon Downie (Solo & The Tragically Hip) 7. Robert Pollard (Solo & Guided By Voices, & many others) 8. Andy Partridge (Solo & XTC) 9. Pete Townsend (Solo & The Who) 10. Tom Petty (Solo & Heartbreakers) 11. Robyn Hitchcock (Solo & Soft Boys) 12. Beck 13. Bob Mould (Solo, Sugar and Husker Du) 14. Tom Waits 15. Joni Mitchell Note, Downie is a slight exception, he didn’t write all of the music but I think he wrote some of the most poetic and unique lyrics in rock music.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Great list - and I love most on your list, but for me I have to separate Singer-Songwriters as a genre. Most of rock music (that I love anyway), they write their own songs and play them - so therefore most everyone would be a singer-songwriter. So then I'd have Mick Jagger, Ray Davies, Pete Townshend etc - and they are not singer / songwriters to me. Just my opinion. Interesting that you have Peter Gabriel as your #1 too. I'm a fan, especially of his years with Genesis which are my favorite progressive rock band of all time. Thanks.
@JohnMacRae232 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow I dunno the "Singer-Songwriter" genre is an outdated and useless term. Tell me the difference between Pete Townsend solo albums and say Jackson Browne solo albums? Both write and sing the their own songs. Just because Townsend is also in group, he can't be a singer songwriter? All of my artists I chose (except one) write the actual music AND the lyrics of their songs.
@BryanDean-id2rq2 ай бұрын
Like Jackson Browne.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Yea - when he's great, he's great for sure.
@Larrybabbin19572 ай бұрын
Cat Stevens and Neil Young my faves here. Lou Reed is up there for me. So many love James Taylor and Carole King but they never did it for me.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thanks Larry - Lou Reed popping up on so many comments. And I'm a BIG fan - I guess I should have included him. I just think of him outside that circle, but I guess I'm wrong. I always found James Taylor very overrated beyond his classic greatest hits he's been repeating for decades.
@DerekPugh-uj4yd2 ай бұрын
Check out the last 4 or 5 albums from Israel Nash if you haven't already...also, Book Of Shadows 2 by Zakk Wylde. Good stuff.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Thank you. I've never even heard of either - I'll be on the lookout. Best, Alan
@DavidGutierrez-ib7rgАй бұрын
For me, itll always be Jagger/Richards, Pete Townshend and Bono. Throw Bruce in there as well!!! Thanks Alan!
@TheAlanRosenbergShowАй бұрын
I'm with you completely....except none that you mentioned are "singer-songwriters".....its a genre of music....and they're not a part of it.
@DavidGutierrez-ib7rgАй бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow yeah I realized that after typing the comment. Shows I have tunnel vision about the Stones!!!! Denver show was magical and I wish they could live and tour forever!!!! The Denver version of Midnight Rambler was funkier than usual, and it was the first time I saw them do Bitch live.
@TheAlanRosenbergShowАй бұрын
@@DavidGutierrez-ib7rg No prob - many have made similar comments. But yea greatest songwriters - I'm with (with Ray Davies too).
@chrisboerger4652 ай бұрын
It's early in the morning here in Columbus, Alan, plus I just got done walking my dog in the oppressive humidity, my brain isn't functioning, so don't take this as a criticism, but I'm still not sure I understand your criteria, why Springsteen doesn't qualify, or for that matter someone like David Bowie. I would rank them both very high. When I think singer/songwriter, I also think of Mike Scott, for his solo albums, sure, but also because he's such a great poet, and in his work with the Waterboys he's still the dominant voice, and force. The Waterboys are basically Scott and whomever he's working with at that time. So I could see including him. I would appreciate more clarification if you don't mind, maybe it will explain why you also left out my number one, Elvis Costello! Thanks.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I think the more you analyze it, the more difficult and frustrating it could be. Some are suggesting anyone who writes their own songs and performs them are singer-songwriters. With that criteria that would be pretty much everyone in my catalog. To me (and most I think) - that's favorite songwriters. Singer-songwriters were a genre - typically started out in Laurel Canyon, CA area - James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young. Of course it spread out to other countries. Certainly in parts Elvis Costello would qualify (he's a favorite artist of mine as well). Listen, this is not definitive. But there have been movies (Laurel Canyon for instance) and books on singer-songwriters - it's a genre. Hope that helps. PS I also love The Waterboys - yea - probably could have included Mike Scott.
@chrisboerger4652 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow Thanks!
@ElChupacabra77B12 күн бұрын
Alan I noticed your top 5 have "Canadian" acts in this category (singer-songwriter) and in the "same" ranking as in the Canadian category: coincidentally Leonard Cohen at #5, Joni Mitchell at #3, and Neil Young at #2. You must have a deeper appreciation for Canadian Music despite being form the United States.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow12 күн бұрын
That's interesting, but totally makes logical sense. Really it's by the numbers - how much I listen to an artist - how many albums, how successful the albums were for me etc. So yea, they should relatively be similar on similar type lists. Great observation which I didn't realize, but shows my consistency. Very best, Alan
@anthonyaswe41742 ай бұрын
Hi Alan...great video. However, I am having a problem with the 'singer-songwriter' distinction--I mean, they are ALL singer-songwriters, if you ask me. But at the same time, I understand that the singer-songwriter is a modicum for anyone that writes songs and performs them vocally, while at the same type signifying a particular type of artist--even though these artists can be very distinctive from each other. I mean, Hank Williams is definitely a singer-songwriter, but not the same kind of artist as, say, James Taylor (both of whom I could put on my list as among the best of that genre)--hence the conundrum. All that being said, don't you think Springsteen, Bowie, and especially Lou Reed would qualify as singer songwriters? Or are they all too broad in their scope to fit that?? If their 'depth' as writers is a distinction, are not Dylan and Neil Young excused because they are clearly artists of the same broad range as the other guys I mentioned above? Or is the 'singer-songwriter' more of a 'troubador' style of performer? One more at home in the coffee houses, or story telling venue--the personal, inter-reflective nature of writing and performing? But yet, an instrumental improvisor is very much 'personal and reflective' as well--be it Keith Jarrett or John Coltrane...so I don't know. But, obviously, those artists are jazz improvisors/composers--not singers. But if I'm making a list, I have, like you, Dylan and Neil as #1 and #2 as well--followed by Reed and Bowie...and from their it gets a little interchangeable.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I totally hear you and agree to an extent. I knew going in this would happen as the term singer-songwriter could theoretically comprise anyone who writes and sings their own songs - so hence could be Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, Robert Plant etc - on and on. But anyone who grew up in the early 70's especially knew what a singer-songwriter was because it was a genre - James Taylor, Jackson Browne, certainly Dylan when he started etc. It was a genre. Dylan and Neil Young were crucial in that genre, though they far outgrew it. I'm a HUGE Bowie fan and his first stuff could be singer-songwriter like - but no one will convince me Bowie is a "singer-songwriter" from that genre although he's one of the greatest songwriters / singers ever. Lou Reed I think I missed. I'm a BIG fan and I considered him (and Warren Zevon too). In retrospect, perhaps I should've included him, though in my heart he's not part of that genre either....But hey it's just music, genres and fun talking about it. It's not definitive. Most importantly it's about the great music that hopefully people will turn on to.
@anthonyaswe41742 ай бұрын
@@TheAlanRosenbergShow Yeah, I'd have to concede the same with David...but he leapt to my mind when considering a list...even though he does not fit into the 'genre' of singer-songwriter the way the others do, save for those first two albums. And yes, the 70s were the penultimate period for singer songwriters...remember how all of us rock guys used to dismiss Neil Diamond? I remember scratching my head when he was at The Last Waltz, but Robbie produced some of his albums during that time--and he was one of the greatest singer-songwriters of that era, for sure.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
@@anthonyaswe4174 totally respect that. Something about Neil Diamond just irks me. I just can’t listen to him. Yea he was at Last Waltz because Robbie just produced Beautiful Noise
@nickfryearson15312 ай бұрын
Please tell me gene Clark is in there...
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
I'm actually a big fan of Gene Clark, have had him in some videos in the past. I did not including him in "singer-songwriters", although in retrospect, yea he probably would have fit in. Favorite album for me is So Rebelous A Lover with Carla Olson. And doesn't get better than the song Jokers Are Wild - though he didn't write that one. Yea - good choice.
@BryanDean-id2rq2 ай бұрын
Billy Joel.
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Certainly when he first started, but I don't really consider him a "singer-songwriter" - as part of that genre - same with Elton John.
@BryanDean-id2rq2 ай бұрын
Wow no Paul McCartney? Barry Gibb? Elton John?
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
To me they're "singer-songwriters", but not part of that genre.
@STEVEHEROLD2 ай бұрын
some Swifty you turned out to be
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
lol.
@christopherschlacter49532 ай бұрын
Freedy Johnston, Ben Folds, Tom Waits, Liz Cooper, Warren Zevon
@TheAlanRosenbergShow2 ай бұрын
Yea - I probably should have included Warren Zevon - I'm a fan for sure. Thanks.