These are in no particular order, and each one is a link to a good site for that artist. LET US KNOW
Forgive us if we refer to "albums", we're old, and we actually have most of these on vinyl.
...and please be patient if the image isn't there, we haven't gathered them all...yet
Agree? Disagree?
VAN HALEN
...the musical equivalent of a kick in the balls. Eddie at his angriest, greasiest best, and the best word paintings of David Lee Roth's carreer. The standard that they are still trying to live up to (best since: VH - F.U.C.K., DLR - EAT EM AND SMILE)...somebody said "fair warning", lord strike that poor boy down
STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN
...although all his stuff is equally worthy of owning, this album is the one that has the tone that rips the skin from your body. He is greatly missed...the angels have waited for so long, now they have their way
STEVE VAI
...one man's musical and spiritual vision realized. From the thudding rock of "The Audience is Listening" to the shimmering delicacy of "the Ballerina"...listen to "For the Love of God" and be ascended...we may be human, but were still animals
JIMI HENDRIX
...once again, all are worth listening to, but this one is the most raw, yet most focused...everyone knows"Purple Haze", but "Manic Depression" is the best track on the album...not neccessarily stoned,but beautiful
the BEATLES
...sure, the obvious pick would be Sgt. Pepper, but Revolver is a lot looser, and it sounds like they're still having fun...turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream...
FRANK ZAPPA
...the Iliad, the Oddyssey, Joe's Garage...whip-smart, hilarious, frighteningly accurate...and a kick-ass rock and roll album, to boot...the white zone is for loading and unloading
KISS
...if you can't see beyond the gimmick,you're missing a flawless concert by a lean and hungry band (i know, I know...but drum solos don't count, and 100,000 Years is a great song...think of the solo as a chance to go to the bathroom...twice)...I'm sorry to have taken so long, it musta been a bitch while I was gone
GRATEFUL DEAD
...all right, it's an obvious choice, but it's also an all-meat, no-filler album, and the perfect soundtrack for any outdoor summertime activities...if I knew the way, I would take you there
Z
...the first album...included on this list for two simple reasons: (1) It's great, and (2) You must come to know and love the Singer in the Woods...I can make a lion swallow soup
TOOL
...so you think that you're angry and depressed? Well, you're a bucket of frothy joy compared to these guys...WARNING!! DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM IF YOU HAVE EASY ACCESS TO FIREARMS!!...why can't we not be sober..
THE ALLMAN BROTHERS
...another semi-obvious choice, but this is what taking advantage of the freedom of music can produce..if the could include "Blue Sky" from "an Evening with..", this album would be perfect...they call me stormy monday, but tuesday's just as bad
AC/DC HIGHWAY TO HELL (this isn't a link, they're not worth it anymore)
...remember when? Angus wasn't repeating himself, Bon Scott was alive, and Mutt Lange was at the helm...the next time you're forced to endure "Moneytalks", think of this album, and weep...the body of Venus with arms
THE TRAGICALLY HIP
...proof that Molson and hockey aren't the only great things to come out of Canada...the best band you've never heard...they found armor in my belly
BOSTON
...soaring melodies (yes, "soaring melodies" is an over-used modifier - but Boston
invented the concept), multi-guitar harmonies, ground-breaking production, the cleanest rock vocalist of all time, and feelgood post-hippie / pre-postmodern lyrics -- this classic release was the biggest selling debut album of all time until a little known band from South Carolina released "Cracked Rear View"
thanks to Mr. Trump