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Guest Collector: The Little Ones

No band is a musical island. Even the most experimental, off-beat artists spring from a common musical lineage; a set of shared roots that sprout contemporary sounds, which in time mature into their own limbs for burgeoning artists to branch off. Los Angeles indie popsters The Little Ones are more than just aware of their place on this family tree; they fully embrace their ancestry by putting their own inimitable spin on the successful sounds of the past with their debut Morning Tide. From the sun-drenched melodies they plucked from The Beatles and The Zombies to the subtle traces of Skip James's blues that flavor their riffs, singer/guitarist Ed Reyes shared 10 of his favorite and most influential albums with ARTISTdirect.

George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
This is my holy grail of records. This double LP from George Harrison shows us what he had accumulated during his tenure with The Beatles. At one point I listened to this record everyday for a month. I still turn to this record when I want to be inspired.

The Beatles - The Beatles (White Album)
Although this is the most disjointed record from The Beatles, it's so captivating. The double LP covers so much sonic ground, from the wilting, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" to rock numbers such as "Helter Skelter." I finally discovered each Beatles' distinctive writing style through the White Album.

The Zombies - Odessey & Oracle
The Zombies recorded this album in 1967 at Abbey Road where The Beatles recorded Sgt. Pepper's a year earlier. Pretty big shoes to fill but The Zombies created the perfect pop record. This is one record that I can put on from start to finish and still want to hear it again. I can only hope to write songs of this caliber.

The Pretty Things - Parachute
One of the great albums of 1970. Both dark and lyrically complex. I love how each song intertwines with each other. It was named album of the year by Rolling Stone and I can see why. I love the harmonies and lush guitar tones.

Os Mutantes - Os Mutantes
This is my favorite Os Mutantes records. A hallmark of the Tropicalia movement in Brazil. Their ability to infuse Brazilian rhythmic figures with a 60's pop sensibility was so unique. Without a song like "A Minha Menina" I would be totally lost.

T. Rex - Electric Warrior
This was my first introduction to T.Rex. Marc Bolan's catchy songs and big guitar sound is so infectious. The slower tempo songs like "Monolith" show off his sunny and mellow side. While, "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" is nothing short of perfect. This record taught me the power of the perfect pop song.

Johnny Cash - Bitter Tears: Ballads of The American Indian
Even though Johnny Cash discovered he had no Native American blood he still championed Native American causes. This concept record from Johnny Cash was so ahead of the time in the fact it showcased the plight of the Native American.

Dusty Springfield - Dusty In Memphis
Dusty showcases her divine interpretation of American R&B. This was her first proper stab at it and she does a great job. "I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore" is a song I can listen to over and over again. Her voice is inspirational and her emotion is very present on this record.

King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King
One of the strongest progressive rock records of 1969. They were the pioneers of fusing blues oriented-rock with jazz and classical elements. You can find so much sonic inspiration from songs like "I Talk To The Wind" and "Moonchild".

Skip James - Devil Got My Woman
A blues masterpiece to me. This was released in 1968 after his rediscovery and is a great showcase of his high-pitched voice and open D-Minor tunings. The songs on this record are so expressive and unconventional. My favorite track is "Catfish Blues."


—The ARTISTdirect Staff
11.24.08