Beck and Orlov collect 80 overlooked LPs favorite musicians loved
What are the albums that truly define a musician’s taste when they step away from the established classics? A new book is ushering in a fresh perspective, diving deep into the overlooked gems and beloved recordings that matter most to the artists themselves.
, penned by music industry veteran Brian Beck and writer and educator Piotr Orlov, arrives on November 17th through Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House. This collection doesn’t aim to create another static canon of universally acknowledged masterpieces. Instead, it focuses on recordings and albums that its contributors believe deserve significantly more attention—spanning self-released records, out-of-print tapes, and essential tracks that failed to find the audience their creators deserved.
The list is a vibrant tapestry of genres and generations, featuring recommendations from iconic figures like Dolly Parton, Brian Eno, Erykah Badu, Billie Eilish, The Roots’ Black Thought, Four Tet, Jamie xx, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O, Laufey, Philip Glass, Sonny Rollins, and Talking Heads’ Tina Weymouth.
The selection reveals an incredible depth of musical appreciation. For instance, Billie Eilish highlights Dø’s 2014 album Shake Shook Shaken, while Erykah Badu champions Prince’s Sign o’ the Times. Brian Eno points to the Consolers’ 1982 gospel album Jesus Brought Joy>, and Black Thought selects Amnesty’s Free Your Mind (The 700 West Sessions). The book beautifully illustrates how these artists connect their personal listening experiences to the wider musical landscape.
Other compelling picks include Jamie xx’s choice of Ruby Andrews’ 1972 Black Ruby, Max Richter’s selection of Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden, and the inclusion of Fats Waller recordings by Sonny Rollins. The contributors also pull from diverse corners, including Laufey’s pick of Chet Baker and the inclusion of works by Angélique Kidjo, Anoushka Shankar, and Earl Sweatshirt.
The book is anchored by the expertise of its authors. Beck, a former global head of music at Sonos and a veteran of artist management, brings a deep understanding of the industry. Orlov, who teaches music history and writing at New York University, provides the scholarly framework that elevates these personal recommendations into a fascinating study of musical history.
To celebrate the launch, the authors are kicking off a national series beginning November 6th. This event will feature radio appearances, DJ sets, book events, and in-store appearances, offering a chance for listeners to engage directly with the music and the stories behind the selections.
Adding a layer of purpose to the project, a portion of the authors’ proceeds will benefit Deaf Defy and Deaf Child Worldwide, nonprofits dedicated to supporting access to hearing technology, sign language, and educational opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The book promises not just a list of songs, but a powerful conversation about the music we overlook and the incredible depth of talent that exists just beyond the mainstream.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
