Bill Oddie' favorite albums
15/06/2012 20:51 GMT

Posted by lisa

Bill Oddie talks about his six favorite albums in The Express in an article online at http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/326610/My-Six-Best-Albums-Bill-Oddie/


Here's a cut & paste of the article:

MY SIX BEST ALBUMS- BILL ODDIE

Friday June 15,2012

By Daily Express reporter

TELEVISION presenter and birdwatcher Bill Oddie, 70, made his name in the BBC comedy series The Goodies which ran between 1970-82 and on Springwatch/Autumnwatch. www.billoddie.com


CHARLES MINGUS: Mingus
Ah Um
(Sony)
Even heavy rock and rollers rate Mingus because they can relate to him. He was funky and his music contained a wild spirit which appealed to rockers.
The melodies are so simple and memorable.
His arrangements contain the sound of Duke Ellington mixed with a raucous, rebellious feel often containing political references and he was a real genius.


PRINCE: Sign ‘O’ The Times
(Warner)
I’m a huge Prince fan and can’t imagine anyone being more satisfying in concert than him.
I’ve seen him lots of times and you get music and great showmanship. I think that people who dismiss him have got it so wrong. This album is my favourite as it’s packed with such brilliant tracks.

JONI MITCHELL: Shadows and Light
(Elektra)
The musicianship on this live double album is stunning.
Mitchell’s music is a mix of beautifully complex and straightforward tunes as demonstrated here. There is a great mix of tracks on this album. There are some excellent singer-songwriters around but most would bow to Joni Mitchell, agreeing no one is as good as her.


PAUL SIMON: Paul Simon
(Warner)
I wasn’t a massive Simon and Garfunkel fan but am a huge admirer of Paul Simon.
This is his first solo album and is the real deal. As well as being one of the few people who can write excruciatingly sad songs, he can write humorous lyrics.
He’s a tremendous musician with a wonderful musical mind.
This is a significant album.


THE BAND: The Band
(Capitol)
I’ve never been a massive Dylan fan as a performer, preferring others singing his songs.
As The Band were Dylan’s backing group I find this is perfect listening.
Their seminal album was probably Music From Big Pink but I would pick this as my favourite.
Their music has influenced so many artists.


LAURA NYRO: Eli and the Thirteenth Confession
(Columbia)
Laura Nyro was a tremendous, gorgeously voiced singer.
Although she possessed almost an operatic voice she wrote some earthy songs with meaty lyrics.
A versatile artist, Laura was also brilliant live and this album reflects that brilliance.