The Beach Boys, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix: Jack Bruce's six best albums
JACK BRUCE, 70, was the bassist and singer with Cream, best known in the late 1960s for Sunshine Of Your Love, White Room and I Feel Free. He has since pursued a solo career and his new album, Silver Rails, is out on Monday. See jackbruce.com
THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET: No Sun In Venice (Atlantic, import)
The Golden Striker on this was the first record I bought when I was at college studying classical music.
Though a jazz group, they played in a delicate classical style and I thought that was fabulous. I've still got the original one I bought, though it's a bit crackly.
HUMPHREY LYTTELTON: Bad Penny Blues (Performance)
I had this one as a kid and it was a big influence on The Beatles as well as on me. It's dirty, growly instrumental blues and the piano on it is lovely.
Years later I ended up sharing a flat with the piano player, stealing his girlfriend and marrying her.
THE BEACH BOYS: PET SOUNDS (Capitol)
This was so fresh and creative. It showed what could be done within the framework of a pop song and fired my ambition to write I Feel Free.
It's more sophisticated than their early stuff such as Surfin' USA and had the same impact as Sgt Pepper.
JIMI HENDRIX: ELECTRIC LADYLAND (Sony)
In my studio I have a signed copy that Jimi gave me so this one means a lot.
It's very intense and original. He was a classical songwriter, a deep musician ahead of his time and it's unfortunate not to have found out what would have happened next.
DAVID BOWIE: The Next Day (ISO/Sony)
At the time this came out I was writing my own album and it gave me so much encouragement. It's reflective because, if you get on a bit, it's bound to be but it's up there with the greatest he's done. The way he marketed it and caused a big stir was brilliant.
EARTH: The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull (Southern Lord, import)
I was introduced to this by one of my kids. I wasn't sure at first but I play it a lot. It's very meditative and simple, often just bass, drums and organ. It's nice to kick back to in the evening.