Harper Blynn – Loneliest Generation (2009) – It’s all about pop music and motion.
The Hold Steady – Boys And Girls In America (2006) – They sound like the children of Bruce Springsteeen
The Hold Steady – Stay Positive (2008) – They sound like the children of Bruce Springsteeen somewhere between a killer case of the DTs and a drinking jag.
Iris Dement – Lifeline (2004) – The best sing-songwriter currently working. Enough to make you believe in God. Perfection with just a piano earlier this year in concert.
Jackson Browne – The Naked Ride Home (2002) – “My Stunning Mystery Companion” always breaks my heart
Jamey Johnson – That Lonesome Song (2008) – When George Jones said Taylor Swift wasn’t country he meant she wasn’t Jamey Johnson.
Jarvis Cocker – Further Complications (2009) – This guy is actually getting better.
Jay-Z – The Blueprint (2002) – If only because it introduced Kanye.
Jay-Z – The Black Album (2004) – He’s got 99 problems but a song aint one.
Jay-Z – American Gangster (2007) – Plus the movie killed.
Jeff The Brotherhood – Heavy Days (2009) _ you know how people say there’s no center to the music scene. They mean people don’t get the chance to listen to awesome rock psychedelic whatever band Jeff the Brotherhood.
Joan Baez – Day After Tomorrow (2008) – Costello’s best moment of the decade is cover by Joan Baez.
Johnathan Rice – Further North (2007) – Oh yeah? Blew his girlfriends band right off stage at Irving Plaza.
Justin Timberlake – Justified (2002) – Didja ever see him opening for the Stones in Brazil, getting booed off stage, and then going back on stage to sing “Miss You”? There were some Puerto Rican girls who were just dying to meet him…
Justin Timberlake – Future Sex/Love Sounds (2007) Took my niece Hyam Lababedi to see the concert they taped for HBO. Just unbelievable, unreal, see it if you can.