Dire Straits - "Dire Straits" (1978)

British pub rockers Dire Straits, named for the poor financial status the band was in when they formed in 1977, would find themselves with a hit record and opening for the Talking Heads just one year later. Their debut album, Dire Straits, showcases how locked in the band was from the get-go as well as the talents of lead singer and guitarist Mark Knopfler. His bluesy guitar playing is smooth, quick and precise without being rushed and cluttered. This laid back, clean tone hints at jazz and world music that when matched with the image driven pop lyrics of Knopfler make Dire Straits a must have. -- Chris Baginski

1. "Down to the Waterline" (3:55)
2. "Water of Love" (5:23)
3. "Setting Me Up" (3:18)
4. "Six Blade Knife" (4:10)
5. "Southbound Again" (2:58)
6. "Sultans of Swing" (5:47)
7. "In the Gallery" 6:16)
8. "Wild West End" (4:42)
9. "Lions" (5:05)

See Mark Knopfler On Tour

Taj Mahal - "Taj Mahal" (1968)

Over the course of his 20something studio albums, Taj Mahal broadened the scope of blues music by blending it with a variety of world sounds and rhythms. (Check out his Hawaiian/Calypso Blues album, Sacred Island). This mixing of styles ultimately began with his debut album, Taj Mahal, where he brought the current day form of blues together with it's mighty origins. The music is fierce and precise making for essential blues listening. -- Chris Baginski

1. "Leaving Trunk" 4:51
2. "Statesboro Bules" 2:59
3. "Checkin' up on My Baby" 4:55
4. "Everybody's Got to Change Sometime" 2:57
5. "EZ Rider" 3:04
6. "Dust My Broom" 2:39
7. "Diving Duck Blues" 2:42
8. "The Celebrated Walkin' Blues" 8:52

J.J. Cale - "Naturally" (1971)

When Eric Clapton cites you as a major influence, covers your songs, and finally, records an album with you, you've probably done something right. J.J. Cale has flown under the radar for the better part of 40 years and that just the way he wants it. The epitome of laid-back, J.J.'s music and breezy guitar style comes of so effortlessly it's clear to see why Clapton, and others from the ranks of Neil Young and Mark Knopfler, have sought to emulate his groove. This combination of the blues, rockabilly, country, and jazz came to be know as the Tulsa Sound and is recognized as one of the most chilled of vibes. -- Chris Baginski

1. "Call Me the Breeze" 2:35
2. "Call the Doctor" 2:26
3. "Don't Go to Strangers" 2:22
4. "Woman I Love" 2:36
5. "Magnolia" 3:23
6. "Clyde" 2:29
7. "Crazy Mama" 2:22
8. "Nowhere to Run" 2:26
9. "After Midnight" 2:23
10. "River Runs Deep" 2:42
11. "Bringing It Back" 2:44
12. "Crying Eyes" 3:13

Buddy Guy & Junior Wells Play The Blues (1972)

By all accounts, the greatest album ever cut by Chicago electric blues legend Buddy Guy and his studio and stage cohort Junior Wells. Features Eric Clapton, Dr. John, and members of The J. Geils Band in a thrilling, first-take studio session from Miami, done without rehearsal and with minimal overdubbing. Buddy Guy & Junior Wells Play the Blues is regarded by some critics as among the finest electric blues recordings of the modern era. -- Various

1. "A Man of Many Words" 4:01
2. "My Baby She Left Me (A Mule To Ride)" 3:11
3. "Come On in the House / Have Mercy Baby" 4:23
4. "T-Bone Shuffle" 4:19
5. "A Poor Man's Plea" 3:13
6. "Messin' With the Kid" 2:15
7. "This Old Fool" 3:11
8. "I Don't Know" 4:30
9. "Bad Bad Whiskey" 4:14
10. "Honeydripper" 3:49