Items20The creator’s order
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I, Jonathan (1992)Released Jan 1, 1992In “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar,” Richman sounds like he’s telling you about a night out while the song is still happening. “That Summer Feeling” turns down the room and takes its time remembering why a good stretch of life can stay with you. Try them together for a record that can talk and…0 - 2
Elis & TomListen near the end of “Águas de Março,” when the handoff between Regina and Jobim begins to sound like play. Then try “Só Tinha de Ser com Você” for the same pleasure at a gentler pace. Their ease with the timing makes the album feel like a conversation already under way.0 - 3
Still Bill (1972)Released Jan 1, 1972Bill Withers makes the offer in “Let Me in Your Life” sound small enough for another person to accept. “Lean on Me” uses a plainer melody and a refrain that’s easy to sing back. There’s room to hear him as one person talking in a space that can eventually hold a few more.0 - 4
Sweet Revenge (1973)Released Jan 1, 1973Try “Grandpa Was a Carpenter” for the brown tie and the habit of dressing up for dinner, details John Prine uses to keep his grandfather close. He switches to another kind of company on “Dear Abby,” where the live audience gives his advice-column jokes someone to land with. There’s a storyteller…0 - 5
The Roches (1979)Released Jan 1, 1979The sisters introduce themselves on “We” with three voices and an eye for a comic detail. By “Hammond Song,” their blend has become so close you could follow any one line and still feel the others around it. Start here if the sound of people who know one another well feels like company.0 - 6
Other Voices, Other RoomsNanci Griffith opens with “Across the Great Divide,” in a calm, conversational voice. In “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness,” John Prine joins his own song on harmony and gives her voice company. The appeal of this record is hearing her make other writers’ songs into something people can pass back…0 - 7
Live at The Old Quarter, Houston, Texas (1977)Released Jan 1, 1977Townes Van Zandt’s introductions and jokes are part of the pleasure of this live record. Between tragic stories comes the dry absurdity of “Fraternity Blues,” and you can hear the room respond. The effect is an evening with a singer who has learned when a room needs a little air.0 - 8
Blossom Dearie (1989)Released Jan 1, 1989“I Won’t Dance” gives Dearie room to tease the words without having to raise her voice. In “Tout Doucement,” the lighter French phrasing makes it feel as if the band has leaned a little closer. Choose this when you want a little wit within hearing distance.0 - 9
After MidnightOn “Sweet Lorraine,” Nat King Cole gives each line time to settle before the instruments answer. “It’s Only a Paper Moon” has a more playful pace, but you can still hear the balance among the players. Listen for how his trio keeps its small-group feel even when a guest soloist joins in.0 - 10
The Convincer (2001)Released Jan 1, 2001Lowe makes “Has She Got a Friend?” sound like a small question with a long history attached. Put it beside “I’m a Mess” to hear what his dry delivery does for a line that could otherwise ask for sympathy. The record has the feel of someone keeping the conversation going because the company is good.0