A retrospective of Chicago's legendary Chess Records, America's greatest blues label. Chess was the home of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Little Walter, and many more.
Hit the southern backroads with these classic 45s from the birth of rock 'n' roll. And while you're out there, visit 706 Union Street in Memphis, where Sam Phillips' Sun Records birthed their pioneering mix of R&B and hillbilly music.
Say bonjour to French pop from the 1960s, also known as "ye-ye." This sexy, cosmopolitan sound rose to popularity with the mod movement that swept Europe and landed on American shores.
Whether you grew up on '70s AM radio or simply wish you did, this is the wake-up soundtrack for you. The pop, rock, and soul acts that ruled the airwaves in the '70s are gathered here for the sole purpose of easing you into consciousness after a night in dreamland.
Hailing from the worlds of folk, rock, country, blues, and beyond, these acoustic guitar instrumentals are organic enough to keep from jarring your focus, but they've got enough forward motion to motivate your mind.
You've got some reading you're ready to dive into, but you want to keep some music moving through the air. Here's an awesome array of ambient cuts perfect for putting a pillow of sound around your ears but subtle enough to avoid any distractions.
This playlist of mostly acoustic guitar-centric songs is perfect for long, relaxing nights in your bedroom. By yourself, or with someone special, listen to this until the sun rises.
Originating in the 1950s, bossa nova (Portugese for "new trend") combined harmonies and rhythms from American jazz with Brazilian samba. Now these songs have become standard jazz repertoire.
When the calendar starts inching closer to December 25th and you're in search of a Christmas soundtrack, turn to these classic country sounds that celebrate the holiday with heart, spirituality, and fun in equal amounts.
A fine collection of holiday favorites and traditional pieces for the classical aficionado. From solo guitar to full orchestra, no vocals, just pure musical joy. Happy Holidays!
Kids love the adventure, depth and whimsy of classical music. It inspires their imaginations and helps give them an understanding of history. Make the concert hall a magical place for kids of all ages!
Starting in the late 1940s, a new, more cerebral and mellower response to bebop became one of the dominant strains in jazz. Enjoy the birth, maturation and continuation of cool jazz, with an emphasis on ballads.
Take a break from the dancefloor and enjoy these trippy, atmospheric tracks made for the chillout room. Cool down and relax with no distracting lyrics or vocals.
From World War II through the early '60s, The Golden Age of Big Band Jazz brought us some of the greatest interpreters of song, arguably ever. This velvet sound is the stuff of legend.
Although MTV-friendly new wavers and poodle-haired metal bands got much of the decade's attention, the 1980s were vintage years for mainstream pop and rock. Kick back to all your favorites from the era of polo shirts and big sunglasses.
Nothing helps a blue mood like hearing from someone who knows just how you feel. From the sensitive singer-songwriters of the early '70s to the gloomy indie rockers of today, this is the perfect playlist when you're in the mood to mope.
Kick back on a weekend morning to let the cares of the week -- or the dust you kicked up last night -- blow easily by in the breeze. Here's some easy-rolling tracks to set the mellow mood for a "no sudden moves" sort of day.
Introspective folk-based songs to help you reflect during the fleeting moments of magic hour when the sun has dipped below the horizon but hasn't yet set.
A nice, relaxed dinner party needs a nice, relaxed soundtrack. Enjoy the best female jazz singers from the '40s to today, singing standards and forgotten favorites. Pass the wine, please.
Everyone with a soft spot for singer/songwriters knows their Troubadour History 101, filled with songsmiths from previous generations, but here's where you'll find the best of the current crop of artists committed to the crafting of thoughtful tunes.
Take a trip from Haight on down to Sunset with these acoustic-centric songs by California artists from the late '60s and early '70s. Singer-songwriter, folk rock, country rock, soft rock. Lots of harmony, and plenty of mellow.
Wake up in a luxurious hotel room overlooking Copacabana Beach with these classic bossa novas. Ease into your day with the sound of the golden era of Brazil's homegrown blend of jazz and samba.
Some songs just have a certain je ne sais quoi; when you hear them you start skipping down a crowded public street. Embarrassing? Absolutely. Will you care? Not likely.