Items17The creator’s order
  1. 1Green Onions (1962)Green Onions (1962)Released Jan 1, 1962Set this on while you get the cutting board out. The title track puts the organ riff against short guitar answers and keeps the same unhurried push underneath. “Rinky-Dink” supplies a brighter organ sound without demanding a change of mood.0
  2. 2Introducing... Rubén González (1997)Introducing... Rubén González (1997)Released Jan 1, 1997“Cumbanchero” has enough rhythmic lift for chopping, and the piano lets you find your place again when you step away from the counter. Later, “Almendra” takes its time. Put it on when you’ll still be in the kitchen once the quick jobs are done.0
  3. 3África BrasilÁfrica BrasilThe bass and percussion in “Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)” make it easy to find the beat under the shouts and guitar. At “Taj Mahal,” the voices give you something else to latch onto. Pick this when you have several jobs left and want more energy in the room.0
  4. 4Canciones de Mi Padre (1987)Canciones de Mi Padre (1987)Released Nov 24, 1987“Por Un Amor” lets Ronstadt’s singing hold the room from the start. When “La Charreada” comes around, the much quicker delivery makes a welcome change of gear. Choose this for leisurely prep when you want a voice big enough to carry over the ordinary sounds of the kitchen.0
  5. 5Look-Ka Py PyLook-Ka Py Py“Funky Miracle” gives each little band figure room to land, with a drum pattern that’s easy to pick up when your attention goes back to the knife. “The Mob” brings a more rolling drum sound. Pick this if you want some spring during prep without a lot of volume.0
  6. 6Love & DeathLove & DeathThe horns bring the energy on “Victory,” but the drums and bass keep on going underneath them. “Nga Nga” offers more room to notice those parts interacting. This is a good record for a longer stretch at the counter when you want something brisk that can stay on.0
  7. 7Make the Road by Walking (2008)Make the Road by Walking (2008)Released Jan 1, 2008The title track’s recurring little figures are easy to pick back up when you’ve stepped away for an ingredient. The horns on “The Traitor” have a heavier sound, but the band still leaves space around the beat. It suits repetitive prep when you want a groove you can drop in and out of.0
  8. 8More Songs About Buildings and Food (1978)More Songs About Buildings and Food (1978)Released Jan 1, 1978“Found a Job” builds to a guitar-and-drum pattern that can carry you through the sort of prep that takes a little longer. Later, “The Big Country” gives the pace a little more air. Choose it when you’d like the music louder and more angular than the usual kitchen background.0
  9. 9Naturally (2005)Naturally (2005)Released Jan 1, 2005The band jumps in tight on “How Do I Let a Good Man Down” and leaves Jones enough space to put her own weight on the words. Her “This Land Is Your Land” keeps a repeated groove going underneath the verses. Put it on to make a long stretch at the counter feel a bit more sociable.0
  10. 10Shotgun Willie (1973)Shotgun Willie (1973)Released Jan 1, 1973The title song and “Whiskey River” have more rhythmic swing than you might expect from the first line of either song. The shuffle in “Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer)” makes it especially good for the last few chores before a long wait. Nelson’s phrasing gives you plenty to hear when you put…0