Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

7. Ricky SkaggsHighways & Heartaches

Ricky Skaggs is known for bluegrass and country music, and if you had to give someone a primer as to what is country music then Highways & Heartaches is the album that I would point people to. That album is incredible. If you let it bother you that it’s country music then I would say that music isn’t your thing. I know that Steve Earle has helped to popularise a genre that is known as outlaw-country, and that he gets a lot of press, but if I’m being honest with you, I don’t think Steve Earle can sing. One thing about the choices I’ve made here is that there are no weaknesses when it comes to the singing – even Neil Young is very musical in his voice. I’d disagree with people who say that Neil Young can’t sing.

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