Music is an integral part of just about everyone's life. Everyone, whether they realize it or not, has a soundtrack. This soundtrack could be anything. Some people don't put much thought into what they listen to while others are very critical of what they allow to pass through their ears. This post isn't about the quality of the music that I like. I already I know what's good and what's not. I stay away from top 40 because it's bad for your radio and your health. I stay away from fads, however, I'm able to recognize the difference between what's "fun" and what's actually "good." Some aren't able to tell between the two. Thankfully I am, thank God. The following albums (except for Abbey Road) will never ever be classics or stand the test of time, but they will stick with me forever. Whenever I hear the tunes from these albums they will take me back to that time. I hope you are aware of what you were listening to during particular chapters of your life. This is NOT a list of greatest albums of all time. Greatness after all is just a matter of opinion.
5. Dave Matthews Band; Before These Crowded Streets. My favorite track from this album has to be The Stone. When they bring back the motif at like triple forte at the end of the track it hits you right in the face. The jam at the end of Spoon is brilliant. Don't Drink the Water, I could go on and on.
4. The Beatles; Abbey Road. Ooooohh man. I was introduced to this album by my dad. Whenever he would drive Daniel and I to honor bands in high school, he would bump this album. She's so heeeeaaaaavvvvyyy! Ahh! Love it! If you haven't listened to this album you are deprived and need to broaden your horizons. I know many people like The Beatles for different reasons, but they were honestly one of the most creative most innovative songwriters to EVER LIVE PERIOD. If you disagree or don't like them because everyone says they like them then umm...open your ears, elitist and stop trying to be cool.
3. The Darkness; Permission to Land. My momma wants to know where I'm spendin all my dough, honey all she does is nag, nag, nag. But I won't apologize I'd inject it to my eyes if there was no where else to stick my stag. When I was 20 years old, Daniel, Nick, an old friend named Beth, Nick's brother Zach, and I drove from Alabama all the way up the east coast to NYC bumpin' this album. Fist pumping action indeed.
2. Coheed and Cambria; In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. In college Daniel, Nick, Zach and I had this college rock band called Twinick. We threw the BEST after parties on campus and actually turned this album into one of our party albums, even though it's not really meant for that. Yes the singer sounds like Getti Lee from Rush, yes they are prog rock, but the album tells a story and it rocks. Man your battle staaaaaations!!
1. Jeff Buckley; Grace. Jeff Buckley was before his time. He came out at the same time grunge came out and he really didn't get much attention until after he died. In my humble humble opinion, if heartbreak had a voice it would sound like Grace.
Honorable Mentions: Primus; Sailing the Seas of Cheese, anything by ZZ Top, Run DMC greatest hits, The Police; Synchronicity, Prince; Purple Rain, Pink Floyd; Dark Side of the Moon.
I don't have any particular style of music that I enjoy. I don't discriminate, but I don't listen to "everything." As stated before, I DO NOT THINK THESE ARE THE GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME. They just mean a lot to me.
If anyone is reading, what albums mean the most to YOU?
Great list. It's strange because I can hear some of these albums in my head and picture myself in different times before all of you. It's wonderful how music keeps us connected to life. Anytime I hear Eric Clapton or The Allman Brothers I can see myself singing back up lyrics with my sister while my dad and brother play their guitars. We had our own little cover band.
ReplyDeleteThe one album that will stick with me forever is Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. Not that it's this great album or anything, but it reminds me of younger, more innocent times. I used to drive my sister around, and we would blare it from the speakers of my 1995 Dodge Neon. Good times... Great post, David.
"It's strange because I can hear some of these albums in my head and picture myself in different times before all of you."
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you get it, Chelsie. Music connects us, it's one of the things that makes us human. It has this uncanny ability to remind us of people, events, etc. The best part is that one song can remind two people of two totally different life checkpoints. Thank you for reading :)