John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers - Silver Tones: The Best Of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (1998)

Something of an elder statesman of British blues, John Mayall is generally known as the guy who gave Eric Clapton his big break. However, compilations like Silver Tones highlight the best of Mayall's work and show why he deserves a place in the pantheon in his own right. His skill at several instruments more than makes up for his average vocal abilities, and if he's primarily known as a bandleader, there's a great deal to be said for providing the proving ground for musicians like Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Fleetwood. Silver Tones is rife with strong material, from the up-tempo smoothness of the opening "Mail Order Mystics" to the nice, slow shuffle of "I Could Cry" to the rock-out groove of "Ain't No Brakeman." "I Don't Mind" showcases some excellent piano work, and "Fan the Flames" finishes things off with a bang. --Genevieve Williams