Selling England By The Pound. Genesis.

This is the album that introduced me to Genesis as a young Lad. It has never faded in my estimation, and remains my favourite of the original line-up of the band.

 

Spilt Milk. Jellyfish.

I was introduced to Jellyfish by my co-producer Rob Aubrey and was instantly hooked. Amazing songs, brilliant vocals and lush Queen/Beach Boys/Beatles arrangements.

Hopes and Fears. Keane.

Some of the best pop songs you'll ever hear in my opinion. Beautiful melodies and simple, sparse arrangements. Proof that the songs are what matters.

The Shaming Of The True. Kevin Gilbert.

I first discovered Kevin Gilbert with the "Toy Matinee" album. I searched for more albums frantically with no success. Stupidly I hadn't taken much notice of the individual members of the band for some time until Mr Aubrey mentioned Kevin Gilbert and Toy Matinee in the same breath. Only then did I discover the absolute Gems "Thud" "The Shaming" and "Kaviar".

Nude. Camel.

I love all of Camel's albums but "Nude" is probably my favourite as a whole album. Andy Latimer's guitar playing is unbelievable.

Timeless Flight. Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel.

I'm a massive fan of Steve Harley and have been lucky enough to have become good friends with him over the years. He is one of my main songwriting influences. "Timeless Flight" features the Acoustic Guitar in a big, big way. Not one of his more successful records but definitely his song writing pinnacle.

Signals. Rush.

Once again, I like all their albums but "Signals" is a real cracker. A difficult choice with so many great recordings.

Picture. Kino.

Fantastic album by my good pals Mitchell and Beck. I supported them on their one and only tour and had a great time with them. John Mitchell...no one should be able to play a Guitar that well and be an excellent vocalist too. Bastard!

Trick Of The Tail. Genesis.

How does a Band lose it's incredible front man/Singer and focal point (Gabriel) and bounce back with a record of this quality? Words fail me. Next album to this of course was "Wind And Wuthering" Pheew!

Crisis, What Crisis? Supertramp.

This album has never lost it's sparkle for me. My favourite track is "A Soapbox Opera" and also "Sister Moonshine" Having said that, I love it all.

Fear Of A Blank Planet. Porcupine Tree.

These guys never cease to amaze. The writing consistency from album to album is staggering. Drummer Gavin Harrison appears on one track on Emotional Creatures 2 "Wayward" and hopefully more on my next one.

     

Ever. IQ.

I remember my first listen to this great IQ album. At the end of it I remember thinking Wow! These Guys are getting seriously good now". Definitely their best album to date. Favourite tracks "Leap Of Faith" and "Came Down". I've had the pleasure of singing "Came Down" on stage with Martin Orford on 3 or 4 occasions.

Fragile. Yes.

A very short album this. Under forty minutes I believe but absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Chris Squire's Bass playing is something else. An album I constantly revisit.

Amused To Death. Roger Waters.

This album is a Headphones treat. Must have taken a lifetime to record and mix. The depth of the music and lyrics is endless. Bloody brilliant.

More Than Meets The Eye. Jadis.

One of the best "prog" albums ever made in my opinion. Gary Chandler's Guitar playing is truly brilliant and unique and very emotional also. It's a treat to be playing with them live doing 2nd Guitar and Back Vocals on some of my favourite ever songs. Gary and I also co-wrote "There's A Light" on the Photoplay album.

River. Michael Hunter.

If you've not heard this album, it's an Ambient, drifty affair. Hunter is a Producer come Keyboard player and programmer who has worked with Marillion. Some of the treated loops are Mr Rothery's, lifted from various albums I believe. I love this album for it's floaty vibe and superb production.

Apple Venus:Volume 1. XTC.

Wonderful songwriting and clever arrangements. Lots of English humour makes this a real Gem. XTC are one of the great English Bands of all time. Apple Venus 2 is also brilliant. Check it out sometime.

Hunky Dory.David Bowie.

I've always been a fan of his since an early age. I own pretty much every album on CD and Vinyl (Shit! I'm getting old). He got me twice over. Hunky Dory's always been my overall favourite being filled with classic songs such as "Life On Mars" and "The Bewlay Brothers".

The Colour Of Spring. Talk Talk.

Talk Talk were proggressive in the true sense of the word. They changed and developed greatly from album to album, leading to the very underated "Spirit Of Eden".
The lead singer Mark Hollis has solo stuff so I'm told. Never heard it yet but must get round to it soon. Bet it's brilliant.

In Absentia. Porcupine Tree.

This album is Steve Wilson and Co at their very best as is "Deadwing" So many styles under one Umbrella ella ella. Stop it! Highlights are "Blackest Eyes" "Trains" and the haunting and and beautiful "Collapse The Light" make 'In Absentia' one of my most played Porcupine Tree albums.