Submitted by Charles Calvin

Denver, Co.

‘Bringing it All Back Home’ was the first album I ever bought for myself, as a college freshman. Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel defined the ’60s for me more than any other musicians, though there were others I liked and still listen to.

For me, tonality and rhythm are essential to music, and words that mean something are necessary for music to be a song. I’m in awe of the depth of storytelling Springsteen can put in a three-minute ballad. Gauthier and Carlile are right up there, as is Leonard Cohen at his very best.

• Bringing It All Back Home – Bob Dylan

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• Live In London – Leonard Cohen

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• Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen

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• Between Daylight and Dark – Mary Gauthier

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• The Story – Brandi Carlile

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