Favorite Albums
I put together a list of my favorite albums. I had to cut some out to make this list a little more manageable.
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band - The Beatles
This is generally considered the greatest album by the greatest band... ever. Sure, that is debatable, but none the less, check it out if you haven't. Chances are you have heard one of the many well known songs off of this album. While I generally think of myself as someone who prefers early Beatles, This is unquestionably my favorite album by the supergroup.
Are You Experienced - Jimi Hendrix
He's the man who single handedly shaped the sound of modern guitar as we know it today, and the gentlemen behind this spontaneous trick shooting guitar virtuoso weren't too shabby either. This is the definitive Hendrix sound, check it out.
Astral Weeks - Van Morrison
For most of you this is simply the "Brown Eyed Girl" guy singing songs other than "Brown Eyed Girl," but I promise if you sit and listen to it from start to finish you will not be disappointed. You can then sit and ponder, like I do, about how this album came out of one man's head.
Led Zeppelin I - Led Zeppelin
Many of you know Led Zeppelin and probably like some of their catalogue. This is the first album by one of the most influential rock bands of all time. It displays the immense talent that each member gave to the group. Additionally, it is the pivotal missing link between the sound of blues that defined pop music in the 1950s and 60s, and rock and heavy metal that can be found in almost any band today. Furthermore, after hearing a large portion of Jimmy Page's guitar parts were recorded in an empty bathroom shower (something I do not recommend attempting), it stands as a mind blowing display of innovation for anyone into the science of sound.
Deuce - Rory Gallagher
There's a strong chance you don't know this man, and that's fine. Just listen to this album. Rory Gallagher stands next to Hendrix as one of those individuals who influenced every modern rock guitar player seen today.
London Calling - The Clash
Most of you have seen this image. However, you should really listen to the album. blending reggae, pop, funk, and rockabilly, this is certainly a sound that I found incredibly unique.
Outlandos d'Amour - The Police
The first album by the Police, or for many, that band Sting played in. However, there is more here to this group. This is one of those bands that people shell large sums of cash to see when they reunite and has inspired countless cover bands. In most cases you have heard several of the songs on this album. This album displays the raw sound and talent of this group and their extraordinary musicianship held by each band member.
Appetite For Destruction - Guns-N-Roses
Yes, this album. The first album from the one redeeming band to come out of the hair metal scene found in the 1980s. You've heard many of the songs on this album. Just go ahead and listen to it in its entirety and tell me you didn't like it, I dare you.
Nothing's Shocking - Jane's Addiction
Avert your eyes. The album cover is X-Rated. However, it covers the first studio album by one of the most influential (and self destructive), alternative rock bands to have been formed. You've probably heard the song "Jane says" in car or beer commercials. However, the whole album is great. Check it out.
BloodSugarSexMagik - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Again, you've probably heard most of the songs on this album already. Just sit down and give it the full listen. This is one of two albums that define the sound of one of the most unusual sounding rock bands around today.
Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine
For the most part the blending of Rap/Hip Hip and Rock is terrible. Rage Against the Machine however, defied that norm with flying colors. This is the first album of one of the most influential and innovative bands of the 90s. What I like about this album most is it stands as the arguably the most ambitious of any RATM album. The band isn't simply trying to be a rhythm section of samples for their MC Zach De La Rocha, and Zach himself is doing unusual
Ill Communication - The Beastie Boys
It's often easy to write off the Beastie Boys for their humorous novelty. However, listen to this album. You will hear more genres blended then most modern acts. Additionally, this is how all of you aspiring MCs need to use samples in your songs.
OK Computer - Radiohead
I know what you're thinking, and I feel the same way, I really don't understand Radiohead either. I don't think anyone truly does. you can listen to anyone of their albums a hundred times and something new will come up each time. Radiohead is the Stanley Kubrick of music, they change every album, and while each one may not be incredibly commercially successful they become cult classics.
Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Yes, I really like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This album defined the more melodically driven sound of the band found in the late 90s. Additionally, after already learning of the musical brilliance of Flea, and the ambitious vocal talents of Anthony Kiedis, This album also solidified John Frusciante as a truly great guitarist.
Relationship of Command - At The Drive-In
I'll make this very simple. This is the grandfather of most bands found in the 2000s. While it was hated by every member of the band upon it's release, Relationship of Command will most likely be put onto greatest albums lists in the future.
The Big Come Up - The Black Keys
So, these guys are super stars now, but back in 2002 they were a small town sloppy blues duo from Akron, Ohio. You take away the huge production that their later albums have, (and their is nothing wrong with) and you're left with a simple minimalist blues duo. Give this album a try.
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes - T.V. On The Radio
The sound of the future. Electronica meets rock and roll. I was resistant to this band at first, but have now grown to really like everything they produce.