You like Ludwig Van Beethoven? His early work was a little too viennese for my taste, but when Eroica came out in '05, I think he really came into his own, commercially and artistically. The entire symhpony has clear, salient structure, and a new varnish of unabashed romanticism really gives the four movements a big boost. He's been compared to W.A. Mozart, but I think Beethoven has a far more grandiose, inspired sense of projection. In '24, Beethoven released this: Symphony no. 9 D Minor, 'Choral', his most celebrated composition. I think his undisputed masterpiece is the final movement, Ode to Joy, a piece so famous, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just a joyous affirmation of humanity and friendship. It's also a personal statement about Beethoven himself.

You like Huey Lewis and the News? Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor. In '87, Huey released this; Fore!, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip To Be Square". A song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity and the importance of trends. It's also a personal statement about the band itself.