Top Five Albums v3.0

OK, here we go. I am making a decision. No more mulling it over and listening to records over and over again. Here are my top five albums (and five honorable mentions) of all time with explanations. Leave you comments about how much of an idiot I am. Also, I would love to hear your list... post it you bastards (I'm looking at you Ron, Adam, Kev, Mark, Trevor, and Sam).

10. Red hot Chili Peppers "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" This record was life changing in high school. I didn't get into it right away, but it grew on me the more and more I listened to it. Although I play a totally different style of drums than Chad Smith, this album really helped shaped my appreciation for tight, hugely groove oriented beats. There are no "filler" songs and even the deep cuts could be singles.



9. U2 "Joshua Tree" Truly a master piece. From the opening note of "Where the Streets Have No Name" until the emotional ending of the "Mothers of the Disappeared" this record shines. An inspiration musically to me because of U2's simple, yet so complex way of song writing. They have a great way to be so emotional in a pop song.



8. Jeff Buckley "Grace" This is another record I didn't get into until very late; but it moved up as a favorite from the very first listen through. The vocals are unreal on this record, but I feel like the music aspect of the this record get overlooked way too much. The musicality of this record is rivaled by few.



7. At The Drive-In "Relationship Command" This record had the third most direct musical impact of all the records in my life. I remember buying it with Nate at Best Buy and listening to it in the parking lot. The jungle beat building from the opening song, Arcarsenal, made my heart rate spike. As we listened through the track, I could help but become giddy. When the track came to an end, Nate looked at me and basically told me that was awful. Meanwhile, I felt as thought I had finally found the type music that I wanted to play, experimental, unconventional, and beautiful.



6. Bob Dylan "Times They Are A-changing" I got three Dylan records when I went through my hippie phase when I was hanging out and jamming with Mortemore. This one, Freewheelin, and Another Side of Bob Dylan. Instantly I loved them. I remember singing The Ballad of Hollis Brown at the top of my lungs over and over again. I loved his raw emotion.

Here we go:
5. The Beatles "Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" My love for the Beatles started in my hippie phase in high school and never stopped. Obviously this band has had an enormous impact on the musical, political, and culture spectrum throughout the world. I loved the concept album and the characters that were created for this record. The songs are so singable, so groundbreaking, so enchanting. I love this record.



4. Mars Volta "De-Loused in the Comatorium" I have never done drugs, but the first time I listened to this record I felt like I was on mushrooms. I was lying in bed with huge headphones on and literally was stunned. I couldn't wrap my head around what I was hearing. It was like they took all the things I love in music and put it all together on one record. Truly remarkable and amazing. (Number 2 most musically influential record for me).



3. Johnny Cash "Ameriacn IV: When the Man Comes Around" Here is another artist that I didn't get into right away, but the more I listened to became more and more in love with. Cash and producer Rubin created such an amazing record by covering amazing songs but with Cash's flair. But what made this record stand out so much, was how Cash took songs that no one could have expected ("Personal Jesus," "Hurt," "We'll Meet Again") and made them his own. Each and every song on this record drips with emotion. Johnny used is ailing health create a somber, almost ominous feel on each track. Truly a masterful piece of art.



2. Rage Against the Machine "Rage Against the Machine" What can you say about this record? It was (and still is) such an earth shattering record. The lyrics, the guitar work, the rhythm section, and the vocals were so originally created, it is remarkable. This record is laden with tracks that move you, both physically (you can't help but rock you head) and emotionally (I think that Rage had a lot to do with me becoming politically conscious/active).



1. Led Zeppelin- "IV" This is the number one record of all time... there can be no arguing. This band has shaped more people (myself included) than any other. Every single song on this record is a masterpiece. The opening noises into the remarkable voice entrance of "Black Dog" ropes you in and the band doesn't let go until the last echoing kick drum of "When the Levee Breaks." It is amazing that this record contains classic rock and roll songs (Rock and Roll), beautifully created acoustic songs (Battle of Evermore and Going to California), experimental songs (Four Sticks and When the Levee Breaks), and epic anthems (Stairway to Heaven) and yet is able to keep it as a cohesive whole. From Plant's spectacular pipes, to Page's ripping solos, Bonzo's amazingly thick beats, and JPJ's grooves this is their magnum opus.