Meaningless Drivel.

Once again, Facebook has inspired a post. There are all kinds of lists being floated around and I saw someone push this one out there. I know, this is absolutely meaningless stuff but each of these records have a place in my life story. There are so many others that I could have put here but I figured this would be a good start. I could easily write a short story about each one of these and many others.

The Beatles, “Meet The Beatles”.

Whether you’re a fan or not, this album changed the world. Yes, the songs are simple and the lyrics are pretty basic but nothing like it had ever been heard on these shores before. Just look at what it spawned, just everything you’ve listened to since.

The Who, “Who’s Next”

If you’re within 10 years of my age, there isn’t one song on this album that you don’t know. That’s pretty amazing when you think about it.

Elton John, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton was The Beatles of the 70’s and this is the album that shot him into the stars. There are a number of other albums of his that I think are better, but most of us would have never even thought of listening to them had it not been for this disc.

Squeeze, “East Side Story”

I’m a huge pop music fan and these guys were masters of it. The song “Tempted” was the only semi-hit on the album but I can listen to this one from beginning to end on a weekly basis and not get tired of it. If you can find the song “Labelled With Love” give it a listen. Elvis Costello produced and sang backing vocals on a number of the songs.

Bruce Springsteen, “Born To Run”

If you haven’t felt the power of this one, well, you just haven’t been listening. From the opening notes of “Thunder Road” to the close of “Jungle Land” this record just plain smokes. I still get chills every time I hear the title song. “I wanna die with you Wendy on the streets tonight in an everlasting kiss”. Man that’s strong.

Todd Rundgren, “Something, Anything”.

Introduced to me by a fellow facebooker when I was around 13, thanks Tina, this record has been a part of every single faze of my life since. Remarkably soothing, trashy and humorous all at the same time. Todd’s truly the wizard of the studio and this is what started it all for me when it comes to really paying attention to who and what was involved in the music I listen to.

Peter Frampton, “Frampton Comes Alive”

Yeah, I know, we all got so sick of this thing that many can’t even imagine putting it on a list like this. Think about it though. Think about when you first heard it back in ’76. It really was a great album; we can’t help what we all did with it afterwards.

The Beatles, “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”

Lose the song “Within You Without You” and you have what could be the perfect album. Nuff said.

Aerosmith, “Get Your Wings”

The band’s second album, and at least to me, their best. This is a great rock n roll record. An outstanding version of “Train Kept A Rolling” along with “Woman Of The World”, and “Same Old Song And Dance” are just three of the songs on this that still hold up after all these years.

Pablo Cruise, “Worlds Away”

I can almost promise you that I’m one of the only folks around that feels this album belongs on such a list but I really do. I can put this in the player and just totally relax. There truly isn’t one bad song on the record.

Alice Cooper, “Billion Dollar Babies”

The first record I ever bought with my own money. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.

Barenaked Ladies, “Disc One, All Their Greatest Hits”

Probably my favorite record ever. I just think these guys are the best.

The Tubes, “Love Bomb”

For 99% of you out there this is probably the greatest record you’ve never heard of. Side two is simply a masterpiece. For a band to put “Wooly Booly” and “Theme From A Summer Place” into one tune, well, you’ve just got to hear it.

Pink Floyd, “Dark Side Of The Moon”

Not sure how this one wouldn’t be on everyone’s list. Great music, great lyrics and outstanding sound, this here’s a great one by any standards.