So, I’m reading Andrew’s top 100 and alot of his readers Top Ten’s and I’m thinking…”okay Pink Floyd is only good when your stoned, and since I don’t smoke pot…BORING,” and I like alot of other peoples albums on their list because they are bands that I like and junk. Some I like for the merit of the music, but some I liked, ’cause ya know, people who are cool and INTO music are supposed to like them. Because let’s face it, I am NOT cool, was never cool, and am now too old to be cool
So, I decided my 6-10 are going to be albums that really did impact me. And they are all from my 20’s when I was (Elivs singing) “in the ghetto”. But all of these artists rose out of that scene, and honestly, rose above that scene with their music.
Soldiers Under Command - Stryper
Metal up yer ass (at least for Christians) The album that made me want to rock for God and not for evil. Well, I still wanted chicks, but in a good way. They had the hair, the coordinating outfits, the RAWK! I was able to see that you could seriously rock for Jesus and it made me really, really, really want to be in a band. My first band did a cover of theirs. Their music still kinda “does it” for me. My kids like “The Singalong Song”. A lot.
me too.
On the Fritz - Steve Taylor
The first record where I realized I was more New Wave than metal. His sarcasm and satire appealed to the cynic in me, plus I really liked the music. I have always been a fan of Steve’s since then. The guys in my band were total metalheads, but this was way more appealing to me. I played it for them, and they didn’t get it.
Now is the season of my discontent (at church).
Ten Songs - Adam Again
Wow…the band that changed how I looked at songwriting from a Christian perspective. Gene Eugene’s voice is full of pathos and meloncholy and his songs full of funk and questions all at the same time. The musicianship was head and shoulders above what I was listening to at the time. Every Adam Again album since this has been played to death. I have worn out three tapes of Ten Songs. When Gene died unexpectedly and mysteriously, I was saddened that one of the most talented and unsung voices in music was quieted, even though he finally found his rest with Jesus.
Beat Peculiar indeed.
Smash - One Bad Pig
Who knew a Southern Baptist Preacha could scream like that? The Pig was FULL of satire and spittin’, snarlin’, eye-bulging, vein-poppin’, screaming and guitars that sounded like a frikken chainsaw. I played this at a Christian Bookstore on some headphones and turned it up as loud as I could stand it. Some blue-hair looked at me liked Satan was attatched to my ears and quickly scurried away from me. I immediately purchased the tape and made sure every time I listened to it, it was ear-shattering and made sure to offend as many people as I could. I realized punk had WAY more energy and emotion than metal. My disgust with church structure and politics found it’s emotion with these guys. For me, it was rebellion by volume.
Kings X
When I first heard these guys it was another “oh…my…god…” moment. A black soul singer with a metal band…and it WORKED. Doug Pinnock’s impassioned singing and wailing and screaming, and Ty Tabor’s amazing wall of guitar sound just hammered me. How could something so heavy be so musical. The Beatles harmonies amazed me amidst the phenominal guitar solos. It was/is unreal how three guys could put out such big sound. They still make me raise the Rock Fist.
BTW, I’ll be sure to post (and link to) your list today.
AC
Five of my favorites are:
Harry Connick Jr. – 25 – Opened my eyes to jazz, New Orleans style. I didn’t understand the strange rhythms at first, but I grew to love it.
Eddie From Ohio – Portable EFO Show – Folk music can and is cool even if people tell you otherwise. These guys are awesome!
An Evening in December – one of my favorite, comfort Christmas albums. Just beautiful.
Parade(Musical Soundtrack) – I only heard one song on this album and instantly loved it. This is one of my favorite musicals and I have never actually seen it performed. It is everything I love in theatre – witty, engaging, funny, and strongly poignant.
Smothers Brothers – It Must Have Been Something I Said – I learned the most useful information in my life from the Smothers Brothers (and from the tv show, MASH). Like, who lived on the shores of Gitchy-Gooney by the Shining Dixie Waters (that would be Hiawatha). Listening to their records, I learned what humor was….I laughed at jokes I didn’t even get at the time.
Oops, I don’t think I ever posted your list, did I? I’ll try to get to it soon (this week), but no promises. Been busy.
AC
OK, finally you’re linked to my blog. Thanks again for playing.
AC
P.S. - Pink Floyd is actually better when you’re not stoned (believe it or not).