In this thread, we will discuss and share our ESSENTIAL albums. Perhaps we can expand our musical horizons.
My personal essentials:
The Misfits: Yellow Skull
This used to also be referred to as Green Skull, but it is now called Collection 1, as they released a Collection 2 some years ago. This isn't a best of album per se, but just a collection of songs. Collection 2 gathers up what was left off of Yellow Skull, but Yellow Skull is the heart and soul of what the Misfits represented. It is a mix of their more punk songs and their foray into thrash/speed metal. A must for any fan of Punk, no matter the sub-genre.
Operation Ivy: Operation Ivy
This is all you need to have from this band as it covers just about every one of their songs except for like 4 or 5. The album itself is a expanded re-release of Energy. This is the forerunner to Rancid and, for myself, marks the end of the great punk bands, with crappy, but still entertaining bands like Green Day and Blink 182 attempting to take up the mantle, but failing. They hold a special place for me, as they are a hometown band and I was around for their brief, but influential heyday.
Metallica: Kill 'Em All
An obvious choice for sure, but that doesn't change the fact that no music collection is complete without this album.
Hank Williams III: Rising Outlaw
This album is amazing. Nothing like the bubble cuntry that gets radio play. It is a throwback to a style that much more resembles his grandfather, than the crap that his dad puts out. It is all heartache and sorrow and twang, and that is a very good thing.
Slayer: Decade of Aggression
A live album, but for myself, it translates the real power that Slayer has and that is in their live act. One of the few bands I prefer live over studio. Every song is a faster, more powerful, more aggressive version and they are all better for it.
N.W.A.: Straight Out Of Compton
This is the album that started it all. Almost every single rap song you hear today owes itself to this album. Ice-T and some others were there first, but N.W.A. made it happen and perfected it with this album.
Led Zeppelin: IV (Signs, Zoso)
IMO, with the exception of Whole Lotta Love, this album contains all the best songs of the mighty Zeppelin. It is a close to a perfect album I have ever heard. There isn't much to say about it that hasn't already been said.
Third Eye Blind: Third Eye Blind
I know, I know. This album just forces me to listen to it all the way through. I know nothing about the band, it's members name, how many there are... I don't even think I know the names of all the songs, but sure as hell I can sing along with every single one of them. I think I like this album because a pretty large group of girls I was banging when it came out liked it, but whatever the reason, I have to have it in my collection.
The Ramones: The Ramones
Fuck The Clash. Fuck The Sex Pistols. Fuck everyone else. You want Punk? This IS Punk plain and simple. Everyone else bows down at the feet of The Ramones.
The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds
Damn, I don't think there is a better sing along album ever made than this. Believe the hype with this album, it is that good.
The Buzzcocks: Singles Going Steady
The only other punk band I would even consider mentioning in the same breath with The Ramones. This album is the basis for every pop/bubble punk song or band you have ever heard, and while they make me cringe, the Buzzcocks make me sing along with glee.
Rush: Chronicles
Another compilation. I absolutely love Rush, and this is an essential for myself simply because I can't pick every album they put out up to and including Roll the Bones.
Danzig: IV
I love the bluesy, mellow, yet hard and foreboding music on this album. It pumps me up and soothes me all at the same time. It is a great listen.
Johnny Cash: With His Hot and Blue Guitar
This is another one of those amazing albums that is so full of amazing songs that it is almost ridiculous. JC did most of them again and even better in some cases on later albums, but this is the original and still the one that you must have,
