Here are some of the most important music links I've collected to date. But first, be sure to check out Amazon.com for all your CD needs. You'll find a huge selection of titles, and a great price on all of them -- guaranteed. Click on the logo to the left for more information. You can do a search on literally thousands of titles.
 

GEORGE MICHÆL
Current single: “Outside,” from Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael.

I have been a fan of George Michael ever since the first days of Wham! His newest release, Ladies And Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael, is a must for anyone who loves the best of '80s and '90s music. I am very excited about this, because George remains one of the most influential and important musicians of the '80s and '90s. Songs like "Father Figure," "Faith," "Fastlove," "Freedom '90" and "Too Funky" are brilliant chapters in an otherwise unremarkable book of late '80s/early-to-mid '90s music. The more people that are exposed to his incredible body of solo work, the better.  (No bathroom jokes, please.)

Even before his solo From classic fun-time hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" to timeless melodies like "Careless Whisper," Wham! made an indelible mark on American pop music. "If You Were There -- Wham!'s Greatest Hits" was released in the UK back in November 1997. You can import a copy (which, of course, I recommend) from a couple of places, including Amazon.com (see above) and EQS Music, a truly outstanding import company that not only stocks hard-to-find George recordings from the UK, but also things like calendars and rare books. You'll like what you find there.

Here's how to get started on your journey through George's music.

• First, visit the official George Michael site at Aegean, his record company. The site is truly impressive. Be sure to have Shockwave installed with your browser. At Aegean, you'll find all sorts of exclusive fan club features unavailable anywhere else, including the "Members Online" fan club area.
• Pay a visit to PlanetGeorge, the place George Michael fans call home. As the electronic international GM fan club, PlanetGeorge boasts nearly 2,000 members in around 100 countries. You'll find things there you won't find anywhere else. It's well-done, informative and very professional. Jewel, Basia and Rick, the three who more or less run the site, are wonderful people who would love for you to stop by and say hello.
• You'll find some of my very own contributions at the Listen Without Prejudice pages. I wrote some commentaries about various George tracks, and also an introduction to the page. This is also an excellent site to hear George's music -- especially the rare tracks. You'll want to make sure you have the RealPlayer, so you can hear the wonderful GM sound files in RealAudio format. Also, recently added was a section on the making of Older. Interesting read.

"Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael" (1987)

 It's all here -- every classic hit. You'll find "Fastlove," "Father Figure," and "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," "Careless Whisper," and so many more. This is ESSENTIAL.

"Faith" (1987)

 You'll remember "I Want Your Sex," "Father Figure," and "One More Try." You'll also find "Faith," "Monkey" and "Kissing A Fool." Other tracks include "Hand To Mouth," "Look At Your Hands," and "A Last Request." Quite simply one of the best albums ever made.

This album was recorded for Sony in 1987. It won several awards, including two American Music Awards and a Grammy. George wrote and produced on every song, and played nearly every instrument. Interesting now to think of the flak that "I Want Your Sex" caused (hundreds of radio stations banned it), compared to the lyrics you'll hear in 1998.

This is an R&B/'80s pop must-have.
 
 

ELTON JOHN
 
 

I'm not going to say too much about Elton, because I'm sure you know enough about him already. What I WILL say, however, is that Elton is what real music is all about. There's probably no one on the planet who doesn't know one of his songs, and for good reason. In his 30+ years of songwriting with partner Bernie Taupin, Elton's music has provided the soundtrack to a generation, as well as causing the feet of countless millions of fans young and old to thump along with ease. With a string of records behind him and a series of achievements no other performer has ever matched, it's plain to see that 30 years on, Elton is still the man.

Always remember: Without Elton, you are nothing. :-)

Take a look at The 22nd Row -- A professionally-run web site devoted to the discussion of his life and music. Say howdy to Jim McKay, the group's fearless leader, and tell him Brian in Houston sent ya.
• There's probably no site as definitive and comprehensive as Cornflakes and Classics, where you can find all sorts of Elton minutiae that even I didn't know :-)
• Check out the web companion to East End Lights, the must-have quarterly magazine for true Elton John fans. It includes lists of Elton performances, media sightings, collectibles, information on the Elton John AIDS Foundation and a tribute to Elton's buddy, the late Gianni Versace.

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1974)

 This is one of the best-selling albums of the 1970s, and is generally regarded by critics and fans alike as the best album Elton John ever recorded. Judge for yourself -- this is a double album that delivers non-stop hit after hit. You'll find "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding," "Candle In the Wind," "Bennie And The Jets," and the title track -- and that's just the first four songs! Other notable tracks include Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)," "I've Seen That Movie Too," and the fan favorite "Harmony." GYBR (as the fans know it) is a panoramic recording that is a true listening experience. Once again, this is simply one of the best albums ever made. Gus Dudgeon's remaster makes the disc absolutely sparkle.

"Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" (1974)

 Rather than try to convince you to buy all of his albums right off the bet, you need to, at the VERY least, buy the greatest hits.

This disc covers the early years, and contains "Your Song," "Daniel," and "Don't Let The Sun go Down On Me," among others. Albums recorded during this period include "Elton John," "Tumbleweed Connection," "Madman Across The Water," "Honky Chateau," "Don't Shoot Me," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and "Caribou."

With a catalog like that to draw from, it's no surprise that this disc is solid gold -- literally. (In fact, it's platinum.) One of the top selling catalog albums ever.
 
 

SARAH McLACHLAN

Current Single: Adia (from Surfacing)

What can I say? Sarah ROCKS. She's got it all -- beauty, style, a killer voice and a great musical sense. "Surfacing," her latest album, is simply brilliant.

You probably already know the hits "Building A Mystery," "Sweet Surrender," and "Adia," but the other haunting tracks like "Angel" and "Full of Grace" are of the spine-tingling variety.

The clarity, strength and delicacy of Sarah's voice make her simply startling.

During her live performances, the audience often goes silent -- a raity, and a tribute to the raw power of her voice. You really owe it to yourself to get this disc.
 

ALANIS MORISSETTE

Current Single: Thank U (from Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie)

Alanis is AWESOME. Having redefined the female rocker genre in 1995 with the megaplatinum album Jagged Little Pill, Alanis gained notoriety for her edgy, if not quirky, songs that dwelled on anger and revenge.

Fast forward to 1998. After a cathartic trip to India where she found herself, Alanis turns to messages of healing, coping and forgiveness, as in the song "Thank U."

Her voice is still edgy and quirky -- but ultimately it is arresting. The lyrics here are more poetry than anything, and astoundingly personal and deep.

You'll find a singer/songwriter who is not happy being successful ; instead, she wants to be successful with a message.
 

COUNTRY If you know me, you know I love country music (guess it's the Texan in me). Here are some great links:

JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY

• Here is the official John Michael page. I think JMM's great; click here to see a picture of me and John Michael together at UT's Frank Erwin Center in Austin on Nov. 9, 1995.
• Here's Marie's John Michael Montgomery page.
• Here's another JMM page, the Great American Country John Michael Montgomery Page.
• And what's one more page devoted to the man and his music?

"Leave A Mark" (1998). This release features the hit "Cover You In Kisses."

DOUG SUPERNAW

• Doug is one the few rugged Texans that still live country music on a daily basis. Learn more about him here.

• And of course, I *love* Martina McBride. Don't think I've ever seen eyes that blue before.
• Here's yet another Great American Country Martina McBride Page.

"Evolution" (1997)

 A fantastic recording that showcases Martina's incredible vocal range and power. Famous for legendary 90s country hits like "Independence Day" and "Phone Are Ringing All Over Town," Martina pushed the sound envelope with this recording. Through the use of experimental microphones and cutting edge equipment, this disc is crystal clear and delivers Martina's forceful voice with a power that is truly moving. After listening to every track on all four of her CDs, it's become clear to me that Martina is the most underrated singer in country today -- and quite possibly the most talented. If you don't believe me, listen to the end of "A Broken Wing," and then we'll talk.

Also, be sure to check out her Christmas CD for a great holiday purchase,

LONESTAR

• I really, really love Lonestar, all the members of which happen to hail from Texas. :) Lonestar consistently cranks out great country music that is a cut above much of what Nashville feeds radio. I get a little defensive because I think that they too are vastly underrated. I have yet to listen to a Lonestar cut that wasn't great. I wish country music would recognize them in a manner they deserve, instead of fawning over any hack who wears a tank top, mumbles into a mike and marries a producer :-). Go buy a Lonestar CD; you won't be disappointed.

  You can see me with the boys if you click

• Their official site, excellently done by band member Michael Britt, is here. It's a very well-designed site that's a lot of fun.

The latest album:

"Crazy Nights" (1997)

 Great driving country, including "You Walked In," and "Come Cryin' To Me," and the tender ballads like "Say When."

Also be sure to check out their debut album where you will find outstanding track after outstanding track. There is no filler here; instead you get a CD that you'll listen to time and time again. This disc features the hits "No News," "Tequila Talkin'," and "When Cowboys Didn't Dance."

OTHERS

And here's the Clay Walker page. Clay's another Texan.

Things are lookin' good for Ty Herndon, who puts on an incredible show live.

And don't forget about LeAnn Rimes, the 15-year-old sensation with a voice of silk.

 

 

RADIO STATIONS

First, try the absolute, without-a-doubt, no-question, without equal, BEST RADIO STATION ON THE PLANET -- 95.8 CapitalFM, London's hit top-40 station. You can even listen to it live on the net! All you need is the Real Audio program (and Netscape), available at the Capital FM site.

Next, try my favorite Houston country radio station, 93Q Country, for a rowdy good time.

Other notable country stations here include Young Country 95.7 FM, and FM 100 KILT.

Here's 104 KRBE, the top radio station in Houston. KRBE holds the distinction of having quite possibly the best morning show team on the air anywhere today, Sam Malone and Maria Todd. Funny beyond belief, without ever getting stupid. Rare and welcome.

Now, try Mix 96.5, Houston's MIX station. The site's a little hard to use, but can be fun.

I have a good friend who works at MIX 94.7 in Austin. It's really a "light alternative" station, so don't let the name fool you.

 

For all sorts of music information, try the Lyric Server for all the words to your favorite hits. Rather slow.

And you really need to take a look at Billboard Online, a great source of all kinds of music information, including all the chart information you could ever ask for.

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