Bloggy Underpants
In a moment of High Fidelity-style compulsiveness, my friend Brian composed a list of 25 albums that changed his life, in chronological order. Inspired, I composed my own list, and I’ve encouraged several friends (Lee, Soop …) with an appreciation for music to do the same. This is essentially a loving tribute to the bands below. There are also bands I love (CCR, The Mad Caddies, The Beatles) that are conspicuously absent. But these albums have changed the course of how I perceive the world, which is art functioning at its best. This has been damn fun, and I encourage everyone to think of their own list and send it to me. Here we go!
25 Albums That Have Changed My Life, in chronological order:
1. Paul Simon – “Graceland” -- Some of my most vivid memories as a child are riding in the car with my Dad, listening to this album (seems like we were always riding somewhere in the car). My Mom is a total chatterbox on the road, but even now, when my Dad and I ride together, we hardly speak. It’s our own sort of driving etiquette. We just crank up the music, relax and enjoy the sound. I remember being lulled to sleep on long night road trips, still humming “Myth Of Fingerprints” in my head. I believe Paul Simon is the American John Lennon. No other American artist stretched the boundaries of pop music as Paul Simon did, and no other album with this sort of complexity had the deft accessibility of Graceland. Similarly, just as the Beatles introduced Indian rhythms and music styles into their music, Paul Simon brought a distinct African sound to the album. He also incorporated colloquial styles (such as the Cajun “Zydeco”) into some of the album’s best tunes. Of course, I didn’t recognize any of this as a kid. I just thought “Diamonds In The Soles Of Her Shoes” was a damn catchy tune.
2. Simon and Garfunkel – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – See above.
3. Weird Al Yankovic – “Dare To Be Stupid” – My dad had an LP of this album (not sure why). The needle probably wore a hole straight through the vinyl, I listened to it so much. Weird Al was extremely important to me over the years, but this was the first album of his that I really fell in love with.
4. Bill Cosby – “Wonderfulness” – Ok, so not music. But I used to stay up at night, when my parents were asleep, listening to records. I chose this one as often as any of the others, and it certainly gave me a perspective on how comedy is best performed. I can do many of the routines by heart.
5. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – “Greatest Hits, Vol. 1” – My Dad gave me this tape when I was a kid. Having full confidence in my father’s taste in music, I listened to it virtually non-stop. It was roughly around the time of this tape that I got my first Walkman. Top three tapes: Herb Alpert, The Simpsons Sing the Blues, and (shamefully) Kriss Kross. But this is the album I picked up most frequently, and it gave me the love of brass that ignited my seven-year love affair with the trumpet.
6. R.E.M. – “Monster” – The first rock album I ever purchased. Hardcore R.E.M. fans will insist it isn’t rock, but look no further than the glorious opening chords of Kenneth. And, on the rare nights when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic, the mournful guitar solo in that song can nearly make me cry. This may not be classic R.E.M., but it was my first, and, as such, was my introduction to their genius. Although Monster has received an enormous amount of pretentious criticism, I have heard more stories of personal growth inspired by this album than any other in R.E.M.’s ample catalogue. And I’m not just talking about the general population’s obsession with Kenneth. For just one example, a friend of mine told me that, after a nasty break-up, he went to his room and put Strange Currencies on repeat. He sprawled on in his bed, crying for hours, listening to that song over and over. Why this particular song was more important than, say, “Everybody Hurts,” is one of those beautiful mysteries of art. But Monster was underrated then and it’s underrated now. This is an album that does what rock does best: it relates both musically and lyrically to its fans.
7. They Might Be Giants – “Flood” – Most of my friends caught on to this album after Tiny Toon Adventures made a couple mock videos of their songs. I was well aware of the infamous episode, but my own obsession started when I heard the Johns on NPR. They played an amazing version of “Istanbul,” and I knew that finally there was a band to which a geek-rocker like myself could fully relate. I now own every They Might Be Giants album, and I’ve scoured the Internet for b-sides, singles, etc. that often have escaped even dedicated fans. They have other albums that I enjoy more, but when I’m honest, Flood the first and most important to my musical education.
8. Hootie And The Blowfish – “Cracked Rear View” – Ok, before you laugh, let me put this in context. This album was my first CD – a present from my Dad, along with my first CD player. My Dad likes to say he’s always on the “cutting edge,” and in this case, he was right on the money. He gave me this CD nearly a full year before Hootie became the latest pop radio fad. In a way, I was sad when they became overplayed to the point of becoming a joke. This album demonstrated that pop music still had some force in the music world.
9. Reel Big Fish – “Why Do They Rock So Hard?” – Ah, my first ska album. And what a perfect intruduction. Anyone who’s ever actually sat down and learned to play a musical instrument will tell you that ska is one of the finest genres. It is complex, original, goofy, catchy and all-around fun. The ska-core nerds will insist there are much better bands than RBF out there, but I stand by my own opinion that they are the kings. Nobody encapsulates the genre as well as Reel Big Fish, and frankly, they deserve every bit of their success. They are the Beatles of ska: the best at what they do, as well as being the most popular. I had no idea this type of music existed outside of the Bosstones, and the silliness of this album enthralled the TMBG/Weird Al-loving kid in me. This album was perfect for my goofy style. From Reel Big Fish’s “Cheer Up” to The Toaster’s, “Don’t Let The Bastards Grind You Down,” ska has shaped me as a person more than any other genre.
10. Cake – “Fashion Nugget” – I’d heard “The Distance” and the remake of “I Will Survive,” but I was not prepared for the joyful sound explosion of Fashion Nugget. I once read an interview with John McCrea, in which he said, “If I were down to my last $18, I’d spend it on my own CD. That’s how much I love what we do.” This twisted passion shines through in “Fashion Nugget,” and his style of music should be a wake-up call to every other rock band in the world. It is rare that I can’t pick out at least a few influences of any particular artist, but then, Cake is a rare breed of originality. Nobody else sounds like Cake, and no one ever will. The disjointed delivery of lyrics, the strict enunciation of every syllable, the complex rhythms and structure … and yet every Cake song seems so simple. Simple theme, simple melody, simple words. Cake is the only other band besides They Might Be Giants that I give full credit for developing their own style, and pushing music in a new direction in doing so.
11. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Californication” – I can’t think of another album in the last 10 years that was so brilliantly produced. With the possible exception of “Porcelain,” every song on this album is strong. This is the Chili Peppers finest CD (I didn’t fall head-over-heels for “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” for a variety of reasons). In particular, Frusciante’s return to the band was solid and triumphant. But that shouldn’t overshadow the achievement of the other members. Flea was at the top of his game, and Anthony Kiedis’ vocals were mind-blowing. One thing in particular I’ve always loved about this album is Kiedis’ vocal emulation of the guitars. The lyrics are sharp and brilliant. As a whole, this is about as perfect as an album gets, and I strongly believe the Chili Peppers will prove the band with the most staying power of any 80s or 90s rock group.
12. Green Day – “Dookie” – If the Clash legitimized punk, Green Day solidified it as a form of rock that continues as an intimidating force. Everyone knows this album, so I don’t need a lot of detail about it. The constant references to walking amongst the dead are the sort of theme that makes this album gloriously futon-revolution-style punk rock.
13. Louis Armstrong – “Louis Armstrong” -- I picked up one of those “cheap-ass-classic-artist compilation” albums at a K-mart once, and I constantly return to this album for a sort of musical moral support. It provides a beautiful break from Punk if nothing else. The album is low-key, relaxing, and elegant. His trumpet skills are enough to make me wish I’d never stopped playing.
14. NOFX – “Pump Up The Valuum” – I’ll never forget the first time I heard a NOFX song. It was “Bottles To The Ground” on a Pittsburgh rock station (THE X), and I nearly ran my car off the road. I was just beginning my complete head-first dive into the world of punk, and NOFX was drilled into my heart at that very moment. I rediscovered them about a month later, when I heard, “We Threw Gasoline In The Fire and Now We Have Stumps For Arms And No Eyebrows” on an Epitaph compilation CD. Make no mistake, NOFX is the epitome of modern punk. Musically, they have driven punk forward at a breakneak pace (but, Fat Mike might ask, is there any other way to do it?). Lyrically, they are unrivaled in both wit and satire. The band as a whole has produced albums that are socially and politically poignant, without losing focus, a fate which has driven Bad Religion into the dust. Mocking society with a sense of humor is an anthemic soundtrack to the world of Trevor.
15. Bouncing Souls – “Hopeless Romantic” –I love anything that is different, anything that adds a unique voice (this goes for people as well as music). For this reason, I love The Bouncing Souls. They’re very punk, but also very positive – an idea that practically turns the genre on its head. I’m in a glum period right now, but I’m generally a very optimistic person, and the Bouncing Souls speak to me in that respect. I remember being 17 or 18, driving at reckless speeds, windows down, with my friend Joe. I careened into a Denny’s parking lot for the sheer purpose of being random, and began screaming along to “Hopeless Romantic” as we turned donuts. Ruckus. That’s the Bouncing Souls, and that’s me.
16. Bad Religion – “No Control” & Pennywise – “About Time” – These two albums share this spot because a) I listened to them at precisely the same point in my life and b) they changed me in a very similar manner. I was a little intimidated to start listening to Bad Religion at that point, because I was strongly Christian then. But Bad Religion wasn’t the “Jesus is bad, faith is dumb” band that one would assume upon seeing their name. To my knowledge, there is no Bad Religion song that outright denounces Christian faith (although Brett Gurewitz is Jewish, so it wouldn’t be all that surprising). Instead, Bad Religion challenges all faiths, with bold questions for the firm believers of any religion. I have always been one to challenge and ask questions – a trait which fuels my journalism quite well. These two albums challenge social structures, belief systems, corporate dominance, and the general selfishness of the American lifestyle. They are bold and radical (as was Jesus, which many people seem to forget), even in the world of punk rock. And they’ve encouraged me to continue to question anyone who tries to persuade me that their way is the right way. Bad Religion understands why sometimes “I Want To Conquer The World,” and Pennywise reminds me that “I’m not cut from the same mold / I’m don’t read from the same old story.” These albums are enlightening, empowering, and a lot of fun to thrash to.
17. Offspring – “Smash” – Like Green Day’s “Dookie,” this album was both a great punk record and a commercial success. Whenever someone asks why anyone would sign to an indie label, I point to this album. Granted, the Offpsring are major-label now, but Smash was done by Epitaph (formed by none other than Brett Gurewitz himself), and still remains their strongest. Though Green Day might be the modern punk saviors, they also spawned every disgusting generic punk-pop band on the radio today. The Offspring should have been the shape of punk to come (to make a punk pun), and this album makes me want to get up and kick ass.
18. Weezer – “Weezer” (Blue) – It’s as cliché as “Dookie,” but it must be on here. Weezer is incredible, and every album is nearly equally strong. But the first album has a sort of magical naïve and unassuming quality. “The World Has Turned” is one song in particular that I often adopt during (or, really, at the end of) my own relationships. Besides, Rivers Cuomo has sexy glasses.
19. Catch 22 – “Keasbey Nights” – This is another “first album,” and it is the furthest thing from unassuming. It opens with a chaotic attack of guitar and brass instruments, and the energy never dissipates. This is one of my all-time favorite albums ever. The combination of punk and ska is personally intriguing to me, but the lyrics are sensational. They are more poetic and inflammatory than anything a rap artist has ever produced, and darker than the typical punk/ska band (remember, I like DIFFERENT). The music is both intricate and passionate. This is another album that just fuels me to want to do great things …
20. Rancid – “… And Out Come The Wolves” – This is as punk and punk gets, and Rancid was at the top of their game. If you haven’t heard Matt Freeman play bass, then you’re missing some true wizardry. Unlike the other Rancid albums, the lyrics here are almost romantic (think “Good Morning, Heartache”) and nostalgic (“Back To Olympia”). Rancid has an amazing story (ask me about it), and this album is the product of a lot of creative effort. It suits many mood styles, which is a rare thing for punk, and I think that is part of the reason it is so dear to me.
21. Sublime – “Sublime” – I made a promise never to listen to commercial radio about the same time I discovered punk rock. Because of this, I missed out on Sublime, and that has worked in my favor (radio, like MTV, destroys all forms of music). “What I Got” was fresh and wonderful when I first listened to this album, and it is as inspiring to me now as it was the first time I heard it. I feel like many people have become numb to the genius of this song, or “Wrong Way” or any of the other hits. This album truthfully speaks about life and the streets of America, and encompasses rock, ska, punk, reggae, hip/hop – a stunning artistic achievement.
22. Elvis Costello – “The Very Best of Elvis Costello And The Attractions” – I loved Elvis Costello before I got this album, but this cemented that love as firmly as any wedding vow. Elvis Costello is punk in a laid-back sort of way. The album is a relaxing affirmation of my own beliefs about life.
23. Streetlight Manifesto -- “Everything Goes Numb” -- Consisting of the most talented ex-members of Catch 22, Streetlight Manifesto has redefined ska (just as Catch 22 did with “Keasbey Nights”). Every song has a unique theme and the arrangements are stunning. Every time I listen to this album, I catch new things. I first heard it in Australia, when my friend Colin received it in the mail from his brother. Colin’s brother informed him that he had to hear the album before he got back – it was that exceptional. This album is a work of beauty, and I have so much to say, but I’ll leave it with one more anecdote: The members of the band decided to raise their own money and record the album on their own time. Once finished, they sold it to their former label, insisting that no producer touch it. The result is a raw and original artistic statement, straight from the heart of the band. I see this album as a validation of my own embracement for the original and unique. These are the qualities that can induce change, whether that change affects a musical genre or the world …
24. Soul Coughing – “El Oso” – Mike Doughty and gang taught me a very valuable lesson: electronic music can be fun. It’s not all 80s music and Postal Service. Indeed, there can be innovation and a little bit of soul added to an electric background. Rock on, Doughty.
25. The Clash – “London Calling” – I’d heard the Clash before this album, but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why the band behind “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” and “Rock the Casbah” made such a huge splash. At that time, I didn’t understand the history of The Clash. Still, I felt that to truly appreciate punk, I should own this album. On a whim, I picked it up at a used CD shop, put it into my car player, and suddenly discovered what everyone was talking about. Songs about London, drugs, the supermarket … even Montgomery Clift. The Clash experiment with Reggae, Dub, punk, R&B, Jazz … I can’t think of another punk album so innovative. In fact, I can’t think of many rock ablums this innovative. It also has my favorite album cover of all time.
That’s it! All 25 albums. Whew. Anyway, I love movies, but music has always been my greatest passion. Other albums, such as The Eels’ “Shootenanny!” are currently shaping my life (thanks Brian), but the albums above have so far had the greatest impact. So check them out. Or ask me, and I’ll hook you up with a copy.
Love to all.
Nas-T.
25 Albums That Have Changed My Life, in chronological order:
1. Paul Simon – “Graceland” -- Some of my most vivid memories as a child are riding in the car with my Dad, listening to this album (seems like we were always riding somewhere in the car). My Mom is a total chatterbox on the road, but even now, when my Dad and I ride together, we hardly speak. It’s our own sort of driving etiquette. We just crank up the music, relax and enjoy the sound. I remember being lulled to sleep on long night road trips, still humming “Myth Of Fingerprints” in my head. I believe Paul Simon is the American John Lennon. No other American artist stretched the boundaries of pop music as Paul Simon did, and no other album with this sort of complexity had the deft accessibility of Graceland. Similarly, just as the Beatles introduced Indian rhythms and music styles into their music, Paul Simon brought a distinct African sound to the album. He also incorporated colloquial styles (such as the Cajun “Zydeco”) into some of the album’s best tunes. Of course, I didn’t recognize any of this as a kid. I just thought “Diamonds In The Soles Of Her Shoes” was a damn catchy tune.
2. Simon and Garfunkel – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – See above.
3. Weird Al Yankovic – “Dare To Be Stupid” – My dad had an LP of this album (not sure why). The needle probably wore a hole straight through the vinyl, I listened to it so much. Weird Al was extremely important to me over the years, but this was the first album of his that I really fell in love with.
4. Bill Cosby – “Wonderfulness” – Ok, so not music. But I used to stay up at night, when my parents were asleep, listening to records. I chose this one as often as any of the others, and it certainly gave me a perspective on how comedy is best performed. I can do many of the routines by heart.
5. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – “Greatest Hits, Vol. 1” – My Dad gave me this tape when I was a kid. Having full confidence in my father’s taste in music, I listened to it virtually non-stop. It was roughly around the time of this tape that I got my first Walkman. Top three tapes: Herb Alpert, The Simpsons Sing the Blues, and (shamefully) Kriss Kross. But this is the album I picked up most frequently, and it gave me the love of brass that ignited my seven-year love affair with the trumpet.
6. R.E.M. – “Monster” – The first rock album I ever purchased. Hardcore R.E.M. fans will insist it isn’t rock, but look no further than the glorious opening chords of Kenneth. And, on the rare nights when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic, the mournful guitar solo in that song can nearly make me cry. This may not be classic R.E.M., but it was my first, and, as such, was my introduction to their genius. Although Monster has received an enormous amount of pretentious criticism, I have heard more stories of personal growth inspired by this album than any other in R.E.M.’s ample catalogue. And I’m not just talking about the general population’s obsession with Kenneth. For just one example, a friend of mine told me that, after a nasty break-up, he went to his room and put Strange Currencies on repeat. He sprawled on in his bed, crying for hours, listening to that song over and over. Why this particular song was more important than, say, “Everybody Hurts,” is one of those beautiful mysteries of art. But Monster was underrated then and it’s underrated now. This is an album that does what rock does best: it relates both musically and lyrically to its fans.
7. They Might Be Giants – “Flood” – Most of my friends caught on to this album after Tiny Toon Adventures made a couple mock videos of their songs. I was well aware of the infamous episode, but my own obsession started when I heard the Johns on NPR. They played an amazing version of “Istanbul,” and I knew that finally there was a band to which a geek-rocker like myself could fully relate. I now own every They Might Be Giants album, and I’ve scoured the Internet for b-sides, singles, etc. that often have escaped even dedicated fans. They have other albums that I enjoy more, but when I’m honest, Flood the first and most important to my musical education.
8. Hootie And The Blowfish – “Cracked Rear View” – Ok, before you laugh, let me put this in context. This album was my first CD – a present from my Dad, along with my first CD player. My Dad likes to say he’s always on the “cutting edge,” and in this case, he was right on the money. He gave me this CD nearly a full year before Hootie became the latest pop radio fad. In a way, I was sad when they became overplayed to the point of becoming a joke. This album demonstrated that pop music still had some force in the music world.
9. Reel Big Fish – “Why Do They Rock So Hard?” – Ah, my first ska album. And what a perfect intruduction. Anyone who’s ever actually sat down and learned to play a musical instrument will tell you that ska is one of the finest genres. It is complex, original, goofy, catchy and all-around fun. The ska-core nerds will insist there are much better bands than RBF out there, but I stand by my own opinion that they are the kings. Nobody encapsulates the genre as well as Reel Big Fish, and frankly, they deserve every bit of their success. They are the Beatles of ska: the best at what they do, as well as being the most popular. I had no idea this type of music existed outside of the Bosstones, and the silliness of this album enthralled the TMBG/Weird Al-loving kid in me. This album was perfect for my goofy style. From Reel Big Fish’s “Cheer Up” to The Toaster’s, “Don’t Let The Bastards Grind You Down,” ska has shaped me as a person more than any other genre.
10. Cake – “Fashion Nugget” – I’d heard “The Distance” and the remake of “I Will Survive,” but I was not prepared for the joyful sound explosion of Fashion Nugget. I once read an interview with John McCrea, in which he said, “If I were down to my last $18, I’d spend it on my own CD. That’s how much I love what we do.” This twisted passion shines through in “Fashion Nugget,” and his style of music should be a wake-up call to every other rock band in the world. It is rare that I can’t pick out at least a few influences of any particular artist, but then, Cake is a rare breed of originality. Nobody else sounds like Cake, and no one ever will. The disjointed delivery of lyrics, the strict enunciation of every syllable, the complex rhythms and structure … and yet every Cake song seems so simple. Simple theme, simple melody, simple words. Cake is the only other band besides They Might Be Giants that I give full credit for developing their own style, and pushing music in a new direction in doing so.
11. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Californication” – I can’t think of another album in the last 10 years that was so brilliantly produced. With the possible exception of “Porcelain,” every song on this album is strong. This is the Chili Peppers finest CD (I didn’t fall head-over-heels for “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” for a variety of reasons). In particular, Frusciante’s return to the band was solid and triumphant. But that shouldn’t overshadow the achievement of the other members. Flea was at the top of his game, and Anthony Kiedis’ vocals were mind-blowing. One thing in particular I’ve always loved about this album is Kiedis’ vocal emulation of the guitars. The lyrics are sharp and brilliant. As a whole, this is about as perfect as an album gets, and I strongly believe the Chili Peppers will prove the band with the most staying power of any 80s or 90s rock group.
12. Green Day – “Dookie” – If the Clash legitimized punk, Green Day solidified it as a form of rock that continues as an intimidating force. Everyone knows this album, so I don’t need a lot of detail about it. The constant references to walking amongst the dead are the sort of theme that makes this album gloriously futon-revolution-style punk rock.
13. Louis Armstrong – “Louis Armstrong” -- I picked up one of those “cheap-ass-classic-artist compilation” albums at a K-mart once, and I constantly return to this album for a sort of musical moral support. It provides a beautiful break from Punk if nothing else. The album is low-key, relaxing, and elegant. His trumpet skills are enough to make me wish I’d never stopped playing.
14. NOFX – “Pump Up The Valuum” – I’ll never forget the first time I heard a NOFX song. It was “Bottles To The Ground” on a Pittsburgh rock station (THE X), and I nearly ran my car off the road. I was just beginning my complete head-first dive into the world of punk, and NOFX was drilled into my heart at that very moment. I rediscovered them about a month later, when I heard, “We Threw Gasoline In The Fire and Now We Have Stumps For Arms And No Eyebrows” on an Epitaph compilation CD. Make no mistake, NOFX is the epitome of modern punk. Musically, they have driven punk forward at a breakneak pace (but, Fat Mike might ask, is there any other way to do it?). Lyrically, they are unrivaled in both wit and satire. The band as a whole has produced albums that are socially and politically poignant, without losing focus, a fate which has driven Bad Religion into the dust. Mocking society with a sense of humor is an anthemic soundtrack to the world of Trevor.
15. Bouncing Souls – “Hopeless Romantic” –I love anything that is different, anything that adds a unique voice (this goes for people as well as music). For this reason, I love The Bouncing Souls. They’re very punk, but also very positive – an idea that practically turns the genre on its head. I’m in a glum period right now, but I’m generally a very optimistic person, and the Bouncing Souls speak to me in that respect. I remember being 17 or 18, driving at reckless speeds, windows down, with my friend Joe. I careened into a Denny’s parking lot for the sheer purpose of being random, and began screaming along to “Hopeless Romantic” as we turned donuts. Ruckus. That’s the Bouncing Souls, and that’s me.
16. Bad Religion – “No Control” & Pennywise – “About Time” – These two albums share this spot because a) I listened to them at precisely the same point in my life and b) they changed me in a very similar manner. I was a little intimidated to start listening to Bad Religion at that point, because I was strongly Christian then. But Bad Religion wasn’t the “Jesus is bad, faith is dumb” band that one would assume upon seeing their name. To my knowledge, there is no Bad Religion song that outright denounces Christian faith (although Brett Gurewitz is Jewish, so it wouldn’t be all that surprising). Instead, Bad Religion challenges all faiths, with bold questions for the firm believers of any religion. I have always been one to challenge and ask questions – a trait which fuels my journalism quite well. These two albums challenge social structures, belief systems, corporate dominance, and the general selfishness of the American lifestyle. They are bold and radical (as was Jesus, which many people seem to forget), even in the world of punk rock. And they’ve encouraged me to continue to question anyone who tries to persuade me that their way is the right way. Bad Religion understands why sometimes “I Want To Conquer The World,” and Pennywise reminds me that “I’m not cut from the same mold / I’m don’t read from the same old story.” These albums are enlightening, empowering, and a lot of fun to thrash to.
17. Offspring – “Smash” – Like Green Day’s “Dookie,” this album was both a great punk record and a commercial success. Whenever someone asks why anyone would sign to an indie label, I point to this album. Granted, the Offpsring are major-label now, but Smash was done by Epitaph (formed by none other than Brett Gurewitz himself), and still remains their strongest. Though Green Day might be the modern punk saviors, they also spawned every disgusting generic punk-pop band on the radio today. The Offspring should have been the shape of punk to come (to make a punk pun), and this album makes me want to get up and kick ass.
18. Weezer – “Weezer” (Blue) – It’s as cliché as “Dookie,” but it must be on here. Weezer is incredible, and every album is nearly equally strong. But the first album has a sort of magical naïve and unassuming quality. “The World Has Turned” is one song in particular that I often adopt during (or, really, at the end of) my own relationships. Besides, Rivers Cuomo has sexy glasses.
19. Catch 22 – “Keasbey Nights” – This is another “first album,” and it is the furthest thing from unassuming. It opens with a chaotic attack of guitar and brass instruments, and the energy never dissipates. This is one of my all-time favorite albums ever. The combination of punk and ska is personally intriguing to me, but the lyrics are sensational. They are more poetic and inflammatory than anything a rap artist has ever produced, and darker than the typical punk/ska band (remember, I like DIFFERENT). The music is both intricate and passionate. This is another album that just fuels me to want to do great things …
20. Rancid – “… And Out Come The Wolves” – This is as punk and punk gets, and Rancid was at the top of their game. If you haven’t heard Matt Freeman play bass, then you’re missing some true wizardry. Unlike the other Rancid albums, the lyrics here are almost romantic (think “Good Morning, Heartache”) and nostalgic (“Back To Olympia”). Rancid has an amazing story (ask me about it), and this album is the product of a lot of creative effort. It suits many mood styles, which is a rare thing for punk, and I think that is part of the reason it is so dear to me.
21. Sublime – “Sublime” – I made a promise never to listen to commercial radio about the same time I discovered punk rock. Because of this, I missed out on Sublime, and that has worked in my favor (radio, like MTV, destroys all forms of music). “What I Got” was fresh and wonderful when I first listened to this album, and it is as inspiring to me now as it was the first time I heard it. I feel like many people have become numb to the genius of this song, or “Wrong Way” or any of the other hits. This album truthfully speaks about life and the streets of America, and encompasses rock, ska, punk, reggae, hip/hop – a stunning artistic achievement.
22. Elvis Costello – “The Very Best of Elvis Costello And The Attractions” – I loved Elvis Costello before I got this album, but this cemented that love as firmly as any wedding vow. Elvis Costello is punk in a laid-back sort of way. The album is a relaxing affirmation of my own beliefs about life.
23. Streetlight Manifesto -- “Everything Goes Numb” -- Consisting of the most talented ex-members of Catch 22, Streetlight Manifesto has redefined ska (just as Catch 22 did with “Keasbey Nights”). Every song has a unique theme and the arrangements are stunning. Every time I listen to this album, I catch new things. I first heard it in Australia, when my friend Colin received it in the mail from his brother. Colin’s brother informed him that he had to hear the album before he got back – it was that exceptional. This album is a work of beauty, and I have so much to say, but I’ll leave it with one more anecdote: The members of the band decided to raise their own money and record the album on their own time. Once finished, they sold it to their former label, insisting that no producer touch it. The result is a raw and original artistic statement, straight from the heart of the band. I see this album as a validation of my own embracement for the original and unique. These are the qualities that can induce change, whether that change affects a musical genre or the world …
24. Soul Coughing – “El Oso” – Mike Doughty and gang taught me a very valuable lesson: electronic music can be fun. It’s not all 80s music and Postal Service. Indeed, there can be innovation and a little bit of soul added to an electric background. Rock on, Doughty.
25. The Clash – “London Calling” – I’d heard the Clash before this album, but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why the band behind “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” and “Rock the Casbah” made such a huge splash. At that time, I didn’t understand the history of The Clash. Still, I felt that to truly appreciate punk, I should own this album. On a whim, I picked it up at a used CD shop, put it into my car player, and suddenly discovered what everyone was talking about. Songs about London, drugs, the supermarket … even Montgomery Clift. The Clash experiment with Reggae, Dub, punk, R&B, Jazz … I can’t think of another punk album so innovative. In fact, I can’t think of many rock ablums this innovative. It also has my favorite album cover of all time.
That’s it! All 25 albums. Whew. Anyway, I love movies, but music has always been my greatest passion. Other albums, such as The Eels’ “Shootenanny!” are currently shaping my life (thanks Brian), but the albums above have so far had the greatest impact. So check them out. Or ask me, and I’ll hook you up with a copy.
Love to all.
Nas-T.
posted by Sketch E. at 2:30 AM
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