Could Patti Smith meld thoughts on family with her patented brand of punk-poet attitude? We found out 25 years ago today.

Lou Reed’s live ‘Animal Serenade’ delivered the goods 15 years ago this week, but – gasp! – in an elegant, almost cerebral fashion.

John Frusciante released a solo album 15 years ago this week that wasn’t as hot as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, nor as funky – but more distinctive than you might expect.

By now, you’ve probably had just enough of the same old holly jolly stuff. Mark Saleski is here to help with some suggestions from off the beaten path.

The underrated ‘Flavors of Entanglement,’ issued 10 years ago today, found Alanis Morissette in a moment of fearless introspection. Critics be damned.

When Lindsey Buckingham’s terrific ‘Live at Bass Performance Hall’ arrived 10 years ago on March 25, 2008, I realized that I had forgotten some of the minor hits.

Mark Saleski makes the case for Arto Lindsay’s take on “Erotic City” as the best-ever cover of a Prince song.

’80/81′ visits “out” material and more straight ahead jazz, with a healthy introduction to Pat Metheny’s idea of “folk jazz.”

Released in November 1995, Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Ghost of Tom Joad’ traced the distance between the American Dream and the American Reality.

Queen once again showcased their ability to play tough hard rock as well as more anthemic material on ‘News of the World,’ released Oct. 28, 1977.