94   Bert Jansch

Jimmy Page was obsessed with him, and Neil Young has called him his favorite acoustic guitarist. Jansch's fusion of jazz, blues and classical with traditional folk has made him a standout since his 1965 debut, and even latter-day groups such as Oasis and Pulp have given him props.


Essential Recording: "Poison," Birthday Blues (1969)

95   Kevin Shields
of My Bloody Valentine

In concert, Shields stood stone-still and played at such unspeakable volume the overtones suggested instruments that weren't there. His band was labeled "shoegazers" and his music "dream pop." My Bloody Valentine's shape-shifting, surreal melodies and contrast of delicate beauty with unbearable noise concocted an entirely new language for the electric guitar.


Essential Recording: "Only Shallow," Loveless (1991)

96   Angus Young
of AC/DC

Young specializes in the sort of filthy solos that first made people characterize the blues as the devil's music. His playing is drenched in testosterone, booze and punk venom, but it's the blues swing that keeps AC/DC's hard rock trend-proof.

Essential Recording: "Hells Bells," Back in Black (1980)