Due to the Covid 19 crisis I have seen people on social media posting their top 10 albums that influenced their musical taste. So I thought that I would give you mine.
#1. The Wall- Pink Floyd
The Wall is my earliest memory of music. I remember when I was really young I was entranced by the fact that it was a double album. It was bigger than all the other CD's and young me thought that meant it was was better than all the other CD's. I didn't think much of it when I first listened to the wall, but over the years and after dozens of listens, I have come to realize that The Wall is nothing short of a masterpiece that has influenced my life in music.
#2 (Pronounced 'Leh-Nerd'Skin-'Nerd)- Lynyrd Skynyrd
While making this list, I realized that my dad had a very large influence on the music that I listened to as a kid. This is the record that I listened to every day on my way to school for the first few years of elementary school. It was a tape in my dad's truck and I got very good at knowing how long to hold the fast forward button to get to my favorite songs.
#3 David Russel plays Bach- David Russell
I went to college at the University of Northern Colorado where I studied the classical guitar. The first time I heard David Russel play Bach, it felt like I had finally opened my eyes. The control and mastery of such difficult and emotionally complex music had me listening to it for days on end. This started me down the road of my Bach obsession that has not been quelled to this day.
#4 The Last Waltz- The Band
This album/documentary was directed by Martin Scorsese and follows The Band on their "farewell concert". It consists of some of their greatest hits as well as a plethora of guest appearances; such as Dr. John, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton. I watch this documentary at least 2 or 3 times a year. It is a constant source of inspiration.
#5 In Session- Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan
This is what happens when you put two of the greatest blues guitar players ever into a room. Both were my two favorite blues guitar players growing up and when I found this record it had a hold of me from the start. It does a great job of showing what made each of them great in their individual way, without getting in the others way. Must listen for any blues player.
#6 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road- Elton John
Another one that I took from my dad’s library of CDs. The fact is, this album is just jam packed with so many wonderful songs. The title track "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," is one of my favorites to this day.
#7 The Fall of Ideals- All That Remains
This was my first real introduction to heavy-metal music. I never thought much of it until I heard this album. It opened my mind to how incredibly talented these musicians are and how broad the genre can be. It was the first in a long line of heavy metal bands that I have become lost in.
#8 Mothers Milk- Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Chili Peppers and specifically John Frusciante have left a remarkable impact on the music world. Their ability to blend genres and create memorable melodies and lasting grooves is second to none. John is definitely one of my top guitar heroes
#9 This Side- Nickel Creek
The man at the helm, Chris Thile, is simply put a musical genius. He earned the MacArthur Genius Grant for being an amazing mandolin player. Their music just represents quality musicianship and excellent song writing. I heard this album at a very young age not knowing what it was, but I always had it with me and to this day it’s still sitting in my car.
#10 I Will Rise- Benjamin Tod
Benjamin Tod spent most of his life homeless, train hopping, and writing songs. This led to a brutally honest, crystal clear song writing style that I feel is unmatched. It’s not perfect, it’s not exact, but it is as real as it gets.
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