John Fahey was more groundbreaking, Robbie Basho more spiritual and Peter Lang more of a traditionalist, but Kottke's dazzling fingerstyle technique and composing ability have made him the true titan of Takoma Records. His armadillo-covered, all-instrumental label debut went on to sell a half-million copies and continues to astound and baffle players today. The dexterity required to play the frenzied opening cut, "The Driving of the Year Nail," is enough to make you want to hang up the guitar forever but the infectious latter tracks will undoubtedly inspire you to pick it back up and practice, practice, practice. Compositions such as "The Fisherman" and "Busted Bicycle" are moving instrumental narratives rooted in the blues, yet thoroughly modern; his take on "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire" is meditative and stunning. Kottke himself no longer plays many of these lightning-fast pieces, but they're still a high-water mark for what two hands can do with a six and 12-string guitar.