MUSIC MY SIX BEST ALBUMS

RALPH, 75, is a giant of English folk music. The Kent-born singersongwriter is best known for his hit Streets Of London, which reached the top 10 in 1974. He will play a one-off show at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on December 13.

THE BAND: The Band

(Capitol)

The Band introduced Americana to the world – even though they were mostly Canadian.As an album, this is hard to beat. I love its rough edges and original songs like The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

MILES DAVIS: Kind Of Blue

(Columbia)

The most thrilling modern jazz album of all time. Something magical occurred in the studio. It’s perfect. It doesn’t get better than this.

BOB DYLAN: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan

(Columbia)

This album convinced me that it was my generation’s turn. Bob opened the doors to an alternative way of writing and playing. He was a young man with a guitar. Every young man thought they could be Bob.

RANDY NEWMAN: Good Old Boys

(Reprise)

I had the pleasure of opening for him in 1971 in Philadelphia. He pricks pomposity and talks about the true America in simple two-minute songs.

RY COODER: Paradise And Lunch

(Reprise)

Ry synthesised the best of US roots music.The arrangements are stunning and he plays everything from mandolin to bottleneck guitar. The last track, Ditty Wah Ditty, is just stunning.

JONI MITCHELL: Blue

(A&M)

An old album but there isn’t a weak track on it.The lyrical poetry is wonderful and every other aspect is exceptional. If you asked me which LP I would dread not hearing again, this would be it.