It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and, while the rest of my mind is in lockdown, I’m making the following list.  My favorite vocalists of all time.  I’m not sure if these truly go in any particular order, but hell, I need to write something.

1. Neko Case - I’ve had a thing for her voice since I first heard her album “Blacklisted” played on WXRT.  Her previous album, “Furnace Floor Lullaby” was one of my picks for best albums listened to in 2007.  I eagerly await future releases.

2. Jack Lukeman - Not really known on this side of the pond, Jack L sells out shows months in advance in Ireland.  A bit of an anachronism.  One of the last great crooners, expressive baritone–and also one of the more unique musicians I’ve discovered over the years. I would very much like to see him in concert, and steal his voice.

3. Chris Cornell - I was first exposed to Chris Cornell with his Temple of the Dog project.  I didn’t pay his music much mind till Soundgarden’s “Superunknown” and its follow-up “Down on the Upside”, both of which are still in heavy rotation.  His first solo record “Euphoria Morning” showcases his voice quite well–equally home at screaming heavy metal or belting the blues, he has one of the most expressive voices I’ve heard on record.

4. Billy Bragg - Billy has one of the best voice tones and sounds good with or without reverb.  A lot of people I know can’t get past the heavy cockney accent, but that’s all part of the charm.  Even putting politics aside, he’s a great singer and songwriter.

5. Tom Waits - Arguably one of the most influential musicians of the late 20th century, Tom Waits voice really has grown on me.  His later works are mind-blowingly bizarre–for better or for worse.   Whether he’s singing sad bar-room ballads or losing his sanity, one thing Tom Waits has is passion.  One of my musical heroes.

6. David Bowie - Another expressive voice, once you hit the 1980’s.  His earlier work is great fun and set many a trend, blazed many a trail.  But as Mr. Bowie’s matured, his songwriting, experimentation, and vocal range has improved dramatically.  Check out “Sunday” from his “Heathen” album, dirge-like as it is–beautiful. Another of my musical heroes.

7. Martin Sexton - I cannot say that there is a single album of Martin Sexton’s that I actually like, but the live material I’ve heard from him is probably the impressive live performance I’ve ever heard.  Smooth, soaring, Mr. Sexton has an incredibly range both in vocal ability as well as his guitar playing.  I’d love to catch him live some day.

8. Elvis Costello - Another musical hero of mine.  Partly because I’d like to do what he did with his life.  Like me, Mr. Declan McManus (for that it is his real name) was a computer programmer who finally got his break after a few years.  Elvis is hit or miss with me, depending on the album.  I like his early and later career probably the best. Both have piss and vinegar and demonstrate a keen pop sensibility, biting lyrical wit, and strong musicianship.

9. Nina Simone - Wow.  How did she get so far down this list?  Probably because I don’t listen to her music nearly as much as I’d like to.  One of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.  Now that I think about it, she has one of those voices that stops you dead in your tracks and you can hardly pay attention to anything else going on around you.

10. Keely Smith - Music and life partner (at least for a time) of Louis Prima.  I actually like her voice much more than Ella Fitzgerald.  Probably because she didn’t scat nearly as much.  Smooth as silk and rich as cream.  I caught her on late night television a few years back.  Conan O’Brien I believe it was.  She still has it!

Honorable mentions: Pat Dinizio (of the Smithereens), Ella Fitzgerald, Yukimi Nagano, Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil), Nick Cave, Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel), Erlend Oye (Kings of Convenience, Whitest Boy Alive), John Grant (The Czars)