Albums

Top Ten Albums 

To me there are really only two types of music: good and bad. I like everything from classical to hard rock. I grew up in the 70's and 80's, and most of my choices will reflect that. I do, however, also like the Big Band music of the 40's, the early Rock/Pop acts of the 60’s, and some of the newer performers of the 90's and beyond.  I have hundreds of albums (and CDs), and picking the top 10 was tough, but here are the ones I keep going back to:

My Number 1 choice:

Jethro Tull - Aqualung. The quintessential theme album. I first heard it in 1973, and haven't stopped listening to it since. I've seen Jethro Tull over a dozen times, and continue to be amazed by the musical talents of Ian Anderson and Martin Barre.

Number 2:

AC/DC - Back in Black. If the song "You Shook Me" doesn't get your blood flowing, then check your pulse. In the ultimate comeback album, the Young brothers took the death of Bon Scott in stride and came out with their best work to date.

Number 3:

Rush - Moving Pictures. Neal Peart was the best drummer ever, period. This album showed the maturation of Rush, who in my opinion remains one of the best bands to hear (note hear) in concert.

Number 4:

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood. SRV was the greatest guitarist to walk the earth. This Grammy-winning album has some classics on it, including Pride and Joy. Tragically, he's gone, but his music lives on.

Number 5:

The Beatles - White Album. I cannot say any more about the Beatles than has already been said. I wore this album out. Dear Prudence is my favorite Beatles song out of the hundreds they recorded.

Number 6:

Weezer - Weezer. I admit it, I'm nerdy sometimes... and these nerd rockers put together a great first album - sort of Heavy Metal meets the Beach Boys. Some catchy hooks, and a great sound. Hopefully, Rivers Cuomo will keep writing and cranking out the good stuff, whether it's with Weezer or some other group.

Number 7:

Pink Floyd - The Wall. I was never a big Pink Floyd fan, but this album still blows me away. Great stuff. What was that movie all about though?

Number 8:

America - Greatest Hits. Put this on when you are mellow, and it hits the spot. Put this on when your with your loved one, and...

Number 9:

The Cars - The Cars. Like Weezer, another first-album smash. Only one song is filler (guess?). I curse at the radio stations when they play "Moving in Stereo" and don't let it continue on to "All Mixed Up."

Number 10:

Billy Joel - 52nd Street. Billy Joel is an amazing musician and performer. While The Stranger was perhaps his biggest commercial success, I think the various musical styles represented on this album truly showcased his talents.