This kind of thing is getting rarer. Still, I know that something special may be lurking just around the corner. Hope springs eternal.

1) Ambrosia/Ambrosia--An excellent recording in every way imaginable. It touches the heart yet stimulates the head. It gets the toe tapping too.

2) Marillion/Script For A Jestors Tear--This was proof positive that prog had a future and that I wasn't going to be limited to the prog classics of the 70s.

3) King's X/Gretchen Goes To Nebraska--The best album from the best power trio since Rush.

4) Porcupine Tree/Stupid Dream--These guys resurrected my hope for rock'n'roll. Maybe the ole' girl has some life in her yet.

5) Bela Fleck & The Flecktones/UFO TOFU--Take the best elements of bluegrass, jazz and funk, meld them together withh a group of excellent musicians, and you end up with something really special.

6) Gentle Giant/Free Hand--This recording is probably the best place to start for those wanting to partake of the Giant. Vocal and instrumental interplay doesn't get better than this.

7) Black Sabbath/Vol. 4--A headbanger's delight. Supernaught still kills to this day.

8) Rush/2112--My first exposure to this band was back in high school. Somebody had this on their portable 8 track. If I recall correctly my response was..."No way! That is not a dude singing that stuff."

Dave M