------------------------------------------------------- JUNE 17, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: The Guardian-Observer http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,13887,1241897,00.html Rick Wakeman Picks His Top 10 Favorite Albums 1. DEEP PURPLE: SHADES OF DEEP PURPLE I loved the way they took a Beatles track like Help and completely gave it a new treatment. Ahead of its time in many ways. 2. DAVID BOWIE: HUNKY DORY I didn't pick this because I was on it; I picked it because it shows David Bowie for the writing genius he is. Probably the best album of the Seventies for me. 3. STING: BLUE TURTLES I bought this album purely for the track 'Russians Love Their Children Too', which I think is truly wonderful. 4. LED ZEPPELIN: LED ZEPPELIN 1 The epiphany of rock and roll as it was meant to be. Oozes guts and class from start to finish. 5. OZZY OSBOURNE: OZZMOSIS Some great tracks on this album that really show that Ozzy is more than just a heavy metal singer. 6. KING CRIMSON: IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING Another album of true prog rock nature way ahead of its time. Tracks like '20th Century Schizoid Man' are little musical works of art. 7. THE BEATLES: SGT PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND For me this album changed the face of music and how it was recorded and perceived. It didn't just move things forward, it leapt so far into the lead that everything else was left trailing in its wake. 8. THE BUGGLES: LIVING IN A PLASTIC AGE Trevor Horne undoubtedly moved music forward another huge step in the early Eighties with all his production work, but this album, recorded in the late Seventies was produced on antiquated restrictive equipment and yet still stands up today in every respect. 9. PINK FLOYD: THE WALL A classic in every respect. A great album that was also a great stage show. 10. HEDJA: HEDJA An off the wall one this. Released virtually everywhere but the UK, and a massive success everywhere it was released too. Brilliant electronic rock bagpipes by this Spanish master (yes, that's right, rock electronic bagpipes!). Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com