Discumentary

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.

Produced in 2004 by Brian Siewiorek

The debut album from the French duo of Nicolas Godin and Jean Benoit Dunckel was quickly hailed as an instant classic. Air’s sound was unlike many others in the electronica movement of the time, trading in big beats for mellow grooves that equally evoke trip-hop and Burt Bacharach.

The Allman Brothers 1972 release “Eat A Peach” features the last work of founder and slide guitarist Duane Allman who died in a motorcycle accident during the recording process. The album is consider the standard bearer for southern blues/rock and features the classic tracks “Melissa” and “Blue Sky.”

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”.

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 #18 on Billboard’s Top 40 and has sold 2.7 million copies since its release.

Arcade Fire’s 2004 debut took many by surprise. Funeral shows the Canadian 5-piece band with their fascinating arrangements and a big sound for an indie-rock band. Funeral set the stage for Arcade Fire to grow bigger musically and become one of the most successful acts of recent years.

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.