I'm just in a weird place with the Beatles. Maybe I've just heard every song too many times, and even though I think they're probably the greatest pop/rock band of all time, these days I hardly listen to them. Lately, I want to hear their solo stuff, John and Paul especially. But I know I'll get back to them eventually, and every time I do, I wonder what's taken me so long.
Many years ago I may have subconsciously stopped listening to things I like and know well, and so when I hear it on the radio it sounds fresh yet again.
But I'm reminded of ... (see after next comment)
If I was told that I could only listen to one artist for the rest of my life it would have to be Stevie Wonder. Writes some of the most gorgeous melodies, plays half the instruments on many of his tunes, and to top it off, sings better than anybody else.
Lately https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJqXpbDAQq0&list=RDxJqXpbDAQq0#t=15
I remember when that Hotter Than July album came out and he played Lately live, just his singing and playing piano, on the Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder (yeah, I'm about the same age as Stevie).
There was a collaboration with Paul Mc(NO! Not THAT song!)Cartney that as far as I remember never got airplay, but it's a high-energy funk number. I think it works well for a lot of reasons, one being that each of these guys had already put out whole albums where they had played every instrument.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B45thgFfko0
And for more general funkiness, I really like this alternate-take in the studio of " Superstition" - be sure to listen through to the jam at the end:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZFf0pm0SE
A couple of others on my list are Stephen Stills, who did a lot of notable things, starting with Buffalo Springfield in which he wrote and sung the anthem of 1968, "For What It's Worth." This newsgroup post describes the writing of that song:
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/rec.audio.pro/58VqUC5hwiM/IEVfHwAsIMoJ
Stills also
played almost all the instruments on the first Crosby, Stills and Nash album, as well as making much more good music since. His solo albums weren't always strong, but I think he's got a unique and great voice, whether solo or with the other guys. Their harmonies are great, yet I can always easily tell which part Stephen sings.
Then there's Linda Ronstadt. I've thought that I could enjoy hearing her sing the phone book, but didn't particularly like the Nelson Riddle/big band stuff. She still sang a LOT of other songs and styles, though, and all very well.
How many have I got left? Okay, Jimi Hendrix.
Do I have to pick more?