Mike Collins is a respected WSBT-TV news anchor who has been in love with rock and roll since he bought his first Buddy Knox 45 back in 1957. He is also the only M.C. who is allowed to lay down his raps and use the menís room in LakinLand.

Well, for better or worse here it is. It is in no particular order and my notes are short. Still, I gave it great thought. Thanks for asking me to be a part of the group.
 
Bruce Springsteen..."The Rising". Some critics are having a field day picking it apart. I think it ranks with his best work and with time it might be his best. In short, Bruce pulled it off.
 
Beth Orton....."Daybreaker". This gets better with each listening. And I think it will sound just as good ten years from now.
 
Los Lobos..."Good Morning Aztlan". Too bad Los Lobos somehow fell off most people's radar screen. Though that also might be good since this is basic east L.A. rock and roll.
 
Norah Jones..."Come away with me". Even if she wasn't so good looking it would be in my top ten.
 
The Flatlanders..."Now again". Jimmie Dale Gilmore has one of the sweetest voices in modern music. His buddies aren't bad either. Solid American roots music.
 
Steve Forbert..."Any old time". The songs of Jimmie Rodgers. Give Forbert credit...he has alway stayed true to himself and he really pulls this off.

The Blasters...."Trouble bound". From The Blasters reunion tour. Funny, they sound just like The Blasters. Always loved them, always will.
 
Foo Fighters...."One by one". For my money Foo Fighters are a terrific rock and roll band.
 
Pearl Jam..."Riot act". I think it is one of their best CD's and "Bush Leaguer" pretty much says it all about whats his name.
 
Steve Earle...."Jerusalem". Don't know what all the fuss is about. Lindh will be out of prison before most guys who rob banks. Steve Earle is an American treasure.
 
FROM THE VAULTS
 
The Blasters....."Testament, the complete slash recordings". See above! And its all the stuff you would want.
 
The Band...."Last waltz box set". Easily one of the best box sets ever. What a great job. I play it all the time.
 
DVD OF THE YEAR
 
The Band..."The last waltz". So good. A great remastering job. Just to have document of Muddy Waters would be enough to buy it....and Van the man. Best moment is when Robbie Robertson takes over lead guitar after Eric Clapton breaks his guitar strap.