MY SIX BEST ALBUMS

SHAKIN’ STEVENS, 70, is Britain’s bestselling singles artist of the 1980s with No.1 hits that include This Ole House and Green Door. His most recent album is Echoes Of Our Times and he is touring in March. See bookingsdirect.com

THE TRAVELING WILBURYS: Collection

(UMC)

Put together by George Harrison and Jeff Lynne in the late 80s, if ever there was a supergroup, this was it. You also had Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.

Their voices gelled yet retained their individual styles. The sad thing is they didn’t tour the UK – I would have been in the front of the queue.

JOHNNY CASH: American IV: The Man Comes Around

(Universal)

I had this sent to me as a gift and I was very impressed because it was a different Cash to the one I remember from the early days. This is more personal and very emotional. I play I Hung My Head a lot and he does a great version of Personal Jesus.

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL: The Legends Collection (Import)

I first heard Creedence when I was still at a day job as an upholsterer in Bridgend. To keep our sanity, they had the radio on. I was instantly impressed and started buying their records. I didn’t see them live but I did see John Fogerty perform later on – and what a voice.

JOE TURNER: Rockin’ The Blues (Collectables)

A blues guy I heard way back. I love his phrasing and delivery and he always had a great band. I recorded his track, Lipstick, Powder And Paint, and I do it in my set now. It’s a New Orleans type of track – brassy and saxy.

VARIOUS: A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector (Philles/Legacy/Sony)

In the lead-up to Christmas, this gets played in our house. It’s on in the background while I peel potatoes. They stand out as classic songs with uplifting arrangements. I’m a big fan of Darlene Love who does Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: Live In Dublin

(Sony)

A rootsy album with a lot of energy. I have the DVD as well. There are talented musicians playing banjo, mandolin, harmonica and violin. It’s nothing like the Springsteen we know. Very entertaining.