most important albums ever
over on asmallvictory, michele has a mini-rant about wanting to see a more honest music critic, one that doesn't carry the normal music industry spiel prattling on about bass-lines, smooth transitions, and tunes that make you want to dance. lets talk about the albums conjur up good (or bad) memories and otherwise made an impression in your life. it is about albums that are important to you and why, not the industry and it's mega-million dollar sales targets.
in semi-chronological order, i reveal to you some of the albums that find their way onto my list of important albums and a little bit about why.
Love At First Sting, Scorpions
this was the album that i listened to (loudly) as a teen when i was upset. i'd pop the cassette into the tape player of my car and drive. and drive. and drive faster with the music playing as loud as my stereo and speakers could handle (250 watts). between the engine roar, music blasting, and wind blowing in through the windows as i approached what i would now consider a wrecklessly high rate of speed -- i was left not being able to hear myself think. and that was half the point.
Slippery When Wet, Bon Jovi
after a long drive over to virginia beach, this was played on the jukebox at pizza hut far too many times to count as we sat eating, chatting, and being the nervous kids that we were.
Dark Side Of The Moon, Pink Floyd
laying in the back of my mustang late at night in the back parking lot of a ponderosa steakhouse. waiting. the music was certainly not new to me, but it was to her and will now always be attached to her in my memory. a reminder of more innocent times.
Behind the Gardens..., Andreas Vollenweider
funny thing about this cd is i've listened to it only a handful of times. why is it important to is because it was a gift from arguably one of my favorite college instructors and eventual first boss. i'd say professor, but he'd remind me that he wasn't one of those. he gave me the cd as a going away gift when i left the company and area.
Silhouette, Kenny G
i don't feel right calling it important, but it is memorable. early 1990-ish, i listened to this cd every night to fall asleep while i was away in philadelphia at a technical conference. scarey.
i was trying to think of some recent albums (like in the last 10 years), but it seems that over time, as it has become easier to create mix tapes and cds, my memories tend to be attached more to individual tracks than entire albums. perhaps some day i'll reveal the most important songs ever, but not until the world is ready. or me for that matter.
Posted by ac at October 27, 2004 07:34 PM