Aloha. I reached out to many friends and colleagues asking for 10 albums….the response has been amazing. Mahalo!!!!
“I want to listen to more music and spend less time staring at my phone or TV. So if you would please make a list of 10 albums that you have some sort of connection too. One album has to be the first album you ever purchased with your own money. And if you put a few words about the albums you choose that would be great. All my love and aloha!!!
Steve Sullivan Here’s my list. No particular order.”
1. Squeeze- Argy BargyDanced my ass off this album for years.
2. Jack Johnson- in between dreams….just has a real Aloha vibe
3. Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon. Still best album to check out new ear buds, speakers, or sound system
4. Taylor Swift- 1989..I’m a sucker for good pop songs
5. Jill Scott – 826+. First time I saw her I was working a 4th of July concert. She was so good me and another camera operator took off our headset to listen. We didn’t hear on call from the director for her whole set. And she is so Philly.
6. Massive Attack- Mezzanine…just moody and beautiful
7. Elton Johns Greatest Hits. 1974…first album i ever purchased
8. Yes- Yessongs..Great double live album. Also great album to clean weed on
9. Fleetwood Mac- Rumors...when this album came out my buddys older sisters would play the 8 track non stop while driving us around
10. Sade- lovers rock…cause she’s the best when you need to set the mood
Owen M
. Bee gees- Saturday Night Fever. Good dancing song, have to have some disco songs.
Eagles- The very best of Eagles
Soft mellow rock. Great for a drive on the islands.
Kayne West-My beautiful dark twisted fantasy.
Some modern lyrical rap with good beats.
Hall and Oates- The very best of Daryl Hall and John Oates
Includes both soothing Melodies and upbeat.
Tame Impala- The Slow Rush
Perfect to listen to before bed
Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers.
Classic soft rock. Beautiful guitar
Bob Marley- Exodus. Tropical beach, surfing vibe.
Beatles -1- can’t talk about music without Beatles. Variety of types of songs. Can’t go wrong.
Midnight Marauders- A tribe called Quest.
Here’s some old school rap to bop your head .
Harry Styles- Fine Line.
Some modern mellow pop.
Haza A.
1. Melvins – Houdini – first CD I bought. It has a 10 minute drum solo at the end. I just liked the cover.
2. Massive Attack – Blue Lines. I liked the name Massive Attack, and I needed to come up with enough albums to get from Columbia House for a penny. I thought it was metal music and I was initially disappointed. Eventually it grew on me and became an all-time favorite.
3. The Cure – Kiss me kiss me kiss me. A foundational double album where I learned how to play guitar and meandering guitar solos.
4. Sade – Love Deluxe. I learned how to play bass by learning to play this album up and down. I still love this album and it gets an A+
5. John Frusciante -Niandra Lades and Usually Just A T-shirt. My favorite album of all-time. It’s very 90s we don’t give a shit and people question whether it is music and that’s just fine by me. I literally know every note forwards and backwards. Literally backwards.
6. Jeff Buckley – Grace. A lovely album by a lovely man. If he was still alive I’d be gay for him. Incredibly well-produced.
7. Gillian Welch – The Harrow and The Harvest. This is what I’m jamming nowadays
8. Caetano Veloso & Gal Costa – Domingo. The first bossa nova album. And my favorite. A classic for me.
9. Mozart – Requiem. Play this at my funeral.
10. Tool – Aenima. When it’s time to punch someone that deserves it.
Christina G
1. Crazy Sexy Cool:TLC (first album I ever bought such strong energy on this album. 90s nostalgia)
2. Thievery Corporation Cosmos Game: start to finish melodic beautiful and eclectic
3. St Germaine: Tourist (super groovy)
4. Bob Marley- Chant Down Babylon (cool renditions of classics)
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers: Blood Sugar Sex Magik (best album from them hands down)
6. Illmatic: Nas (a masterpiece)
7. Analog Drift Chico Mann (such a cool underrated artists. Feel good music.)
8. Moby- Play (genre bending magic)
9. Robbie Robertson- Music for Native Americans (one of the most beautiful haunting collection of song ever)
10. Incubus- Morning View (fantastic album always puts me in a great mood)
John H
1. Wallflowers (bringing down the Horse)
2. Nirvana (Nevermind)
3. Bob Marley & the Wailers (legend)
4. Les Miserables the complete symphonic recording.
5. Space (Tin planet)
6. Anne Lennox (Medusa)
7. Jewel (Pieces if you)
8. Natalie Merchant (Ophelia)
9. REM (out of time)
10. Savage garden (truly madly deeply)
Carl R
1. Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. My college roommate played this one night and I thought “who is this hillbilly with a harmonica?” Then I started listening to the words. “Blowin’ in the wind, Hard Rain’s a-gonna fall” and everything changed.
2. Janis Joplin – Pearl. The album came out just after she died, at the same time I was leaving Haight Ashbury to travel the world. “Me and Bobby Mcgee” sent me on my way.
3. John Coltrane – A Love Supreme. A jazz induced Spiritual journey.
4. the Beatles – Rubber Soul. “Norwegian Wood, In my Life, Girl”. The Beatles sounded like they were maturing, like I hoped to do someday. My first purchase.
5. Paul Horn – Inside. Recorded in the Taj Mahal in 1969. Just meditative flute and the acoustics of the Taj. I later visited the Taj Mahal and tested out the acoustics by surreptitiously making strange sounds that echoed crazily through the main chamber – much to the confusion and alarm of the people there.
6. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young – Deja Vu. “Woodstock”, “Teach Your Children”, and “Our House” Spoke to me about my life and state of mind then.
7.Joni Mitchell – Court and Spark. Jazzy folk and fun. My friends and I were all on that crazy happy trip.
8. Kool and the Gang – Celebrate!. Because it was just so kool and danceable!
9. Paul Butterfield Blues Band – East West – Chicago style Blues and something special – The title track was 13 minutes long and opened up a new world of music for me.
10. Sade – Diamond Life. “Smooth Operator” “Your Love is King” Sound track to many intimate evenings …
Brenn N
1. Michael Jackson, HISstory – Past, Present, Future – Book 1 1995– first album brought
2. Rascal Flatts, Rewind 2014 — like this album. Also just like their voices.
3.GIMS, À contrecoeur (Mon coeur avait raison) 2016 — went to France for the first time and my brother in law introduced me to this guy. He’s got classical opera training so he has a unique style. C’est bon !
4. The Green, The Green 2010 — Good Vibes
5. Backstreet Boys, DNA 2019 — I’m a Backstreet Boys fan and I did enjoy this album.
6. OneRepublic, Waking Up 2009 — Got to see these guys sing this live when we were living on Oahu. I mean Ryan Tedder is just genius.
7. Linkin Park, Hybrid Theory 2000 — Jammed this all the time. Still jam it now and then. Just gets me in a zone
8. Yandel, Dangerous 2015 — My wife loves Reggaeton so I got hooked on this album.
9. Kealiʻi Reichel, Kawaipunahele 1994 — Grew up listening to this all the time everywhere. Auntie, grandma, Mom guys all played this.
10. SOJA, Peace in a Time of War 2002 — Makes you contemplate the things we do sometimes.
Oh one more for fun The Darkness – One way ticket to Hell and Back 2003
Hope you have a wonderful 60th bro! Aloha nui!
Susie R
First: Grand Funk Railroad- Closer to Home
That song-helped me to survive.
Beatles- Dr Peppers…
Mixed in there next-
Chicago- Color My World;
Liza Minnelli- Liza With A Z;
Gershwin-Porgy and Bess;
James Taylor/
Carole King;
Earth Wind and Fire.
NOW- I can’t get enough of Led Zeppelin- go figure…
Shawn H.
Let’s see
1. First I bought w my own money… police ghost in the machine
Albums:
2. The cars
Super clean sound for an lp
3. Miles davis – kinda blueClassic cool jazz
4. Beach boys – pet sounds
Amazing interwoven music and harmonies- they beat the beatles to it… but sgt peppers came out soon after and destroyed the beachboys
5. Stone temple pilots- CoreHuge rock sound with great musical hooks
6. Boston–
Huge sound again – genius chords and mixing before any protools
Kathy L
Ok, this task really made me think back to my much younger days! I really haven’t had any albums around…Now, I just like all different single songs!
Anyway, I used to listen to many albums in the 70’s and 80’s…so here it goes in no particular order…
1. Bay City Rollers. I think this was one of the first albums I bought with my own money. I loved this band in 6th and 7th grade! I even saw them in concert and made an outfit (plaid) for it! I had posters of them all around my room!
2. Elton John. I actually had just about all of his albums! He is still on of my favorites. I also saw him in concert a few times!
3. Beatles. I also had many of their albums and used to learn all the words and sing along!
4. The Cars. My favorite band in high school. My friends and I would always sing, Let the Good Times Roll. I also saw them in concert!
5. WFIL. This was back in the 60’s and early 70’s. I think it may have been Marybeth’s album first. It had Build Me Up Buttercup on it…still love that song!
6. Neil Diamond. Still one of my favorites! Love all the songs on his albums. I took my mom and dad to his concert when Bruce and I first got married. We were all dancing and singing! Great memory!!!
7. Squeeze. Lots of good songs. I would listen to it over and over.
8. Erasure. Another favorite band when I was in my 20’s. Great dance music. I also had most of their albums and went to their concert!
9. Partridge Family. I remember Friday nights watching the Brady Bunch and then the Patridge Family with my whole family. Loved David Cassidy and I can still sing all the words to, I Think I Love You!
10. Joe Jackson. Great dance music and my friends and I used to blare it out the car windows while driving around!
Oops, I have eleven
11. Kiss. My brother’s album, but I would steal it and play it over and over when I was younger. I used to fantasize that Paul Stanley was my boyfriend
Wow! That was a great trip down memory lane! Have the happiest of birthdays, Steve! Aloha!
Kate P
1. Meet the Monkees. I still have it. The jacket is held together by dried-out, crinkly masking tape. What can I say? It was 1966 and the power of television being what it is….all good though.
2. Maureen O’Hara’s Sings her Favorite Irish Songs. A family-classic at the Heaneys. Sometime in the late 1980’s I borrowed the album from my Mom & Dad. My intention was to copy it to cassette and make a copy for everyone. The album was lost to the world when I accidentally left it on the hood of my car…I spent time scouring record shops for awhile. Nothing could assuage the guilt I felt—until www and now with Spotify— anything’s possible.
3. All Broadway musicals from the 50’s and 60’s (with a few 40’s and 70’s thrown in). Again, thank you, Spotify!! Although somehow I’ve ended up with most of those albums from my childhood and I leave that to my powers of persuasion.
4. Petula Clark’s Greatest Hits.That was, I believe, a Sullivan acquisition. If memory serves many a summer day involved line dancing with the girls in the living room at 214.
5. Jesus Christ Superstar. Wow. I sometimes wonder what my parents may have been thinking when they got it and allowed our home performances…you know my Dad loathed rock music. \_(ツ)_/
6. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, Elton John.(I bought this one ) First album that, for me, was all about the lyric. Taupin is a poet.
7. Sweet Baby James, James Taylor . College favorite
8. Rumours, Fleetwood Mac. It’s Rumours—everyone’s favorite based on commercial background playlists.
9. Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen rocked. Gotta know all the words to Thunderroad.
10. On Florence Street.By The Tragic Thrills. Nothing more thrilling than knowing what’s possible and why ‘God is not yet discouraged of man’.
Kimmie K
Still a fan of Gershwin and
Bill Evans and
Coltrane and
Wes Montgomery.
My old favorites are
Beach Boys Pet Sounds.
Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge over troubled water.
Peter Paul and Mary: Peter, Paul and Mary.
James Taylor: Sweet Baby James.
Jaecey S
Otis Redding -sitting on the DOck of the Bay As my first album because I remember as a child playing it over and over and over, it was my first thing I remember about music
David A.
Hey Steve! What day does your birthday land on??
I have compiled a list of some of my favorite albums. Check ’em out!
Not in any particular order:
1- Radiohead: OK Computer.
This is the first (and probably only) album I ever bought and everything else I started downloading from the internet lol -amazing discography.
2- Avenged Sevenfold: The Stage.
Fantastic album, -I can probably sing every song word for word.
3- Electric Live Orchestra: Live.
Something about upbeat music makes even the gloomiest of days a whole lot better.
4- The Mars Volta: Deloused in the Comatorium.
Probably would have to be my top favorite band growing up. Any one of their albums is a hit in my book.
5- Tom Misch: Geography.
I got introduced to this album not too long ago and it was on repeat for a while. It’s a jazzy, mellow, and fresh.
6- Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
A little bit of pop/r&b/hip-hop, one of the most iconic albums that give me nostalgia.
7- Blonde Redhead: Misery Is a Butterfly.
Haza showed me this album when I was younger for like two seconds and it was immediately hooked on the Japanese girls vocals. Their music reminds me of Sonic Youth.
8- Mac Miller: Swimming.
This album has a good balance of musical instruments with a hip-hop base. Also kept on repeat.
9- Bob Marley & The Wailers: Legend.
This album needs no introduction. 10/10, anytime, anywhere.
10- Stevie Ray Vaughan: Texas Flood.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend. My number one guitar inspiration. This album is top 3 of all time for me.
Charlotte O.
10 Albums
1. Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers: a current favorite. Incredible imagery and metaphors.
2. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes: started listening to it because I liked the album cover
3. Mother Lode – Loggins & Messina: first vinyl/album I bought for $2
4. Rubber Soul – The Beatles: listened to it when I couldn’t sleep
5. Folklore – Taylor Swift: the best lyricism
6. Sounds of Silence – Simon & Garfunkel: it’s like sitting in the rain
7. You Can’t Believe Your Eyes and Ears – The Mamas & The Papas: classic
8. Holst: The Planets – Gustav Holst: it’s all-consuming
9. You Don’t Mess Around With Jim – Jim Croce: unique voice & instrumentals
10. Jazz – Queen: no going wrong with Queen
Miki K
Let’s see….
No particular order…
1. Queen: Greatest Hits I think this was the first album I have purchased???
2. Aerosmith: Pump
3: Janice Joplin: Greatest Hits
4. Led Zeppelin: Physical Graffiti
5. Santana: Guitar Heaven
6. Jimi Hendrix Experience: Are You Experienced
7. The Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers
8. Red Hot Chili Peppers: One Hot Minute
9. IZ: Facing Future
10. Julia Michaels: Nervous System
10 ain’t enough for me… anyway, I’ll have to do the comments some other times
Aloha
Kevin S
Here are some of mine:
Peter Gabriel-So
Pink Floyd- Dark Side
Queen – Night at the Opera and Greatest Hits (1981)
Simon and Garfunkel-Bridge over troubled waters (Listened to this on repeat in front of living room stereo – st Jude years)
Neil Young-Harvest (URI favorite)
Keith Urban- Greatest Hits (EU release circa 2005)(right time, right place for me)
Bruce – Born to Run (awesome concerts and Clarence sax riffs)
Meatloaf-Bat out of hell (remember singing this in Jrobb’s car in HS)
Led Zeppelin-IV (Albert Monaghan road trips to OCNJ)
Harry Chapin -Greatest Hits (saw him at DelVal…great show)
Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense
Jimmy Hendrix – are you experienced (Ogontz Fav)
I know I am leaving out a lot of other favorites but it’s a start.
Boston – another great album!
Greg S.
1st. Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life…..Album purchases at Montgomery Mall . With the $ i made being a alter boy at a wedding that day.
2- Almond Brothers – Eat a Peach
Earth Wind and Fire – White Album
3 – Chicago- transit Authority
4- Neil Young – Harvest Album
5 – Eagles – Hotel California
6 – Jethro Tull – Auqualung
7 – Queen – A night at the Opera
8 – Steve Miller Band – Book of Dreams
9 – Doobie Brothers – minute by minute
10 – Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath
These albums and many more were most of the time playing loud in my brothers room while participating with bong hits or hash under glass on one of the Album cover playing . Perhaps you were lucky enough to join me at the time .
Happy early Birthday Steve
Tom E
1- Al Hurt – That Honey Horn Sound – fell in love with playing the trumpet
2- Doc Severinson – Doc – started getting into playing in the band
3- Maynard Ferguson – MF Horn Two – started playing some series upper register pieces. Great times in high school with fellow bandies
4- Foreigner – Double Vision – parties and brew ball
5- The Cars – The Cars – trips to NJ to pick up beer
6- Supertramp – Breakfest in America –
7- Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway – Rob Gomeringer introduced me to the annihilater.
8- The Doors – LA Women – Pine Run working with Whitey
9- Frank Sinatra – That’s Life – the Chairman of everything
10- Freddie Hubbard – Red Clay – smooth
Dave S
1st album – Boston, I play it louder now than I did then.
Led Zeppelen II, broke 2 sets of speakers with Whole Lotta Love.
Pink Floyd Animals, dark but great.
John Coltraine Favorite Things, released the year of my birth, I run to it.
Rage Against the Machine – Battle of Los Angeles, another running album
The Clash – London Calling, I liked Combat Rock more back in the day but this holds up better.
Spoon – Hot Thoughts, my favorite sort of newer band.
U2, Under a Blood Red Sky, great live album.
Cowboy Junkies – Trinity Sessions, great Sweet Jane cover.
Stevie RayVaughan – In Step, play it loud.
I would have had Rumors, Harvest & Are You Experienced on this but they were taken
P.S. Read a book
Mike F.
Hey
Happy Birthday.
When’s the big day?
You coming to Jersey this summer?
Ok…. the list. Here goes:
Let’s look through the files:
Best of BB King (includes “nobody loves me but my mama….and she might be Jivin too”
Harry Chapin. Any album. He got me through highschool & Villanova. Great lyrics.
” the rock; mr Tanner; Sniper;the house that made America famous; Annie’s coming; 40k pounds of bananas.
Man was a songwriting god.
Ironically enough…after Harry
Dead man’s party. Oingo boingo
Todd Rundgren -anthologies
ELO – greatest hits
Greatest Hits – the Cars
Waiting for Columbus little feet.
Look sharp. Joe Jackson.
Sail Away- Randy Newman
White Album – Beatles
On a night like this – Buckwheat Zydeco
Running on Empty -JacksonBrown
Excitable boy- Zevon
Kinks – Kronikles.
Mott the Hoople- greatest hits.
Changes in Latitudes changes in attitudes. buffet . (Theme when I moved to Wisconsin)
First album I ever purchased:
Joey D and the Starlighters Live at the Peppermint Lounge.
Same day…. Cheap thrills – Big Brother & the holding co.
Santana
First CDs
(to replace the albums)
Bat out of Hell – Meatloaf
Dark Side of the Moon- FloydTommy-the who
Any Motown.
Any Blues (Spotify) let it do its classics.
That should be enough to get you started.
Happy Birthday you ole Hump
Let us know if you come to SI
Mailinda H
So the first album I ever owned was Rubber Soul by the Beatles. I’m not a huge fan as an adult.
My two favs that remind me of when I lived on Maui in the 1970s is
Innervision by Stevie Wonder And
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac.I waited on Stevie W in Kaanapali.I saw FM in Maui over Lahaina side in an outdoor amphitheater.
That’s it my friend that’s all I got.
Jeremy S
First CD:
Red Hot Chili Peppers“Mothers Milk”Bought used at a flea market. Higher Ground, Knock Me Down, and my fav Pretty Little Ditty( John Frusciante tearing it up!) Of course I thought i was bad ass at school (7th grade?) with the titty album cover too
Arcade Fire“The Suburbs”
I came around to AF way late but fell in love with this album. Just top to bottom great album. – I even think it was a Grammy winner for album of the year 2011
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band“Live 1975-1985”
I was never a fan of Springsteen. My wife is a super fan. She took me to a Springsteen concert when we were dating and I was hooked. Dude is insane. Just belting out the hits, playing guitar, piano running all over the place for like 3 or 4 hours. I have this on vinyl. “Nebraska” is also a good one but very dark.
Lynyrd Skynrd“1991 Box Set”
We all know Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama but these guys had so many other killer tracks that got lost over time. Mr Banker, All I can do is write about it, Roll Gypsy roll, Ballad of Curtis Loew and a ton of demo versions of tracks. Love me some Skynrd!
Ween“Chocolate and Cheese”
PA REPRESENT!!! So much weed smoked to this riding in my girlfriends Jetta. Life was good. Stupid good jams on this one. Tear for Eddie and What Was Deaner Talkin’ About are solid.
Kurt Vile“B’lieve im Going Down”
PA REPRESENT. Again. Kurt just slays it on this one. Every one a slammer. Pretty Pimpin, Dust Bunnies and Wild Imagination are stand outs
Violent Femmes“Violent Femmes” 1983
Whole album Just takes me back to high school life. Skating, smoking, fucking, ditching school….just living life. Every track solid.
A Tribe Called Quest“Midnight Marauders”
What a mix, you want to get a party hoping, Quest won’t let you down. Love the flow of the album. Brings back memories of cruising the block looking fresh in my friends dads Ford Explorer with the stock stereo at ELEVEN! Steve Biko, Award Tour, Electric Relaxation, God Lives Through are killer.
Nirvana“MTV Unplugged in New York”
I was a huge Nirvana fan, but at this point in their career I checked out. Not sure why. But wow. Revisited this many years later and it just struck me. So much going on in this project. The song choices, hits and b side rarity’s and all acoustic. The band seems so together and happy. Such a tragic ending. This is a cherished double vinyl I own.
Townes Van Zandt“Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, TX”Man….what a troubled soul. Unbelievable story teller, just his words and guitar. So many of these songs give me goosebumps. Deep, scary, real stories…they just make you FEEL the music. Pancho & Lefty, I I Needed You, Waiting ‘Round to Die…OOOF. So good.
Anthony M
Here’s my top 10 off my head:
Midnite “Unpolished”
Rage Against the Machine (self titled)
Miles Davis “Kind of Blue”
Jimi Hendrix “Band of Gypsys”
Blackilicious “Blazing Arrow”
RHCP “Blood Sugar Sex Magic”
Erykah Badu “Mama’s Gun”
Bjork “Post”
Lila Downs “Tree of Life”
Pearl Jam “Ten”
Gundi A
1. Journey – escape
Because I loved it
2. Reo speedwagen
Because I liked the song heard it from a friend who
3. Lover boy
4 falco
5 Kim Wilde
That’s all I can remember
Jay E
Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet. I believe first true album (cassette tape for me) I bought. You Give Love a Bad Name was such a cool song to me – I would scream it in my room singing along
Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA. Iconic all the way around from the cover to each of the tracks.
The Black Crowes – Amorica. Shake your Money Maker is their iconic one (and it’s amazing too) but Amorica is what I listened to endlessly during physical therapy + rehab after I broke my leg when I was a young teen. Wiser Time was the song that had lyrics that talked about good days not being everyday and bad days not being everyday which felt fitting for ups and downs of that process.
2Pac – Me Against the World. His lyrics and voice jumped out to me. My favorite hip hop artist to this day. Honestly his Greatest Hits is incredible but I’m trying to avoid Artist X Greatest Hits on this list….
The Postal Service – Give Up. I was introduced to them by Jackson Derbish on the road for Trading Spaces.
Gaslight Anthem – The 59’ Sound. I literally pulled my car off the road to write down the chorus of this song on the radio to look up later. On top of that, the whole album is one of my favorite ones top to bottom of all time. In 2019 I went to their 10 year anniversary concert in Asbury Park where they played it live from start to finish which was great.
The Lumineers (Self Titled Debut Album) – Top to bottom a classic for me
Of Monsters & Men – My Head is An Animal. Another one to me that just sounded different in a good way. Group from Iceland. Dirty Paws is a perfect song to me. Little Talks incredible too.
Ben Howard – I Forget Where We Were. That song in particular is great and the album as a whole I think is really impressive
Sam Cooke – The Best of Sam Cooke. I have a ton of Sam Cooke downloaded so the actual albums jumble for me but this one has Bring It On Home To Me which is in my opinion his best song
Honorable Mentions:
Guns N Roses – Use your Illusion I & II (double CD set),
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm,
Kiko Veneno – Esta Muy Bien Eso Del Cariño,
Lord Huron – Lonesome Dreams
Darian
Hey Steve! Happy birthday! Great music choices! I have a wide range of genres that I like but the first cassette I ever bought with my own money was
Michael Jackson’s “heal the world” it’s not my fave song of his in particular but I think hes a classic that definitely deserves a place on your list (think
pyt Billie Jean vibes!!!) Hope you have a great birthday and many more to come!!
Bill C.
Well, here you go:
Hejira (Joni Michell) – Such amazingly crafted songs with Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorious providing intensity and atmosphere. I wore my cassette out on my summer of 1989 route to 15 National and state parks.
Revolver (The Beatles) – And Your Bird Can Sing is probably my all time favorite pop song and John also gave us Tomorrow Never Knows on which Ringo presages drum machines by 25 years.
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (Genesis) – Senior year high school spring this was my rabbit hole. Still is.
Beat (King Crimson) – My first cd and they really displayed the allure of digital on it with their intricate interplay.
A Love Supreme (John Coltrane) – As I discovered Coltrane this stopped the process for a bit. Astounding soul in this one that leaves you thinking that there can be no greater musical expression. Thanks
Languidity (Sun Ra Arkestra) – The soundtrack I want played at my funeral. The sounds of cosmic galleons in search of other realities.
Seventeen Seconds (The Cure) – A perfectly conceived recording that has the atmosphere of a suffocating tomb. Joy and despair in equal portions.
Portrait In Jazz (Bill Evans Trio) – This made the power of a trio so immediately evident to me and made me a better listener.
All Shook Down (The Replacements) – I loved The Replacements intensely and am so happy they gave me this final expression of sweet, wistful weariness. They nailed their swan song.
Hope this gives you something to chew on!!
Paula GM
This is a great idea Steve! We love music! It was fun brainstorming the favorites and classics with Anthony! It was hard to keep it to 10 so I added some bonus albums, LOL!
1. Paula Fuga – “Lilikoi”…she’s my fav talented local artist! I wish she pump out with music! “Sunshine” is also a great new song of hers.
2. Tori Amos – “Little Earthquakes”. Fav talented artist since high school. This 1st album is the best! Tori is strong, fearless, vulnerable, passionate & sexy with that piano of hers!
3. Ozomatli – Ozomatli – 1st albums are always the greatest. These guys are fun & versatile! They are even better LIVE!
4. Alice In Chains – “Jar of Flies” this album is pure nostalgia for me & Anthony! High school lovers, cruising around late at night together through the mountains of CO.
5. Dry & Heavy – “Full Contact”
6. J. Cole – “4 Your Eyes Only” Steve, you gotta take a good listen to the song “Neighbors” on this album!
7. Lauryn Hill – MTV Unplugged. Love the rawness & realness of mtv unplugged
8. Les Nubians – “One Step Forward”
9. Arlissa – Acoustic Album. Check her out on You Tube. Beautiful voice beautiful presences.
10. Kaleo – “Surface Sounds” newly discovered. And I’m digging it.
John G
Well here it goes.
1) The Stranger-Billy Joel. First album I purchased. Hooked on Only the good die young. Probably something about puberty.
2) Born To Run. Springsteen. He has provided the sound track of my life. My mentor and guru.
3)John cougar Mellencamp. American Fool. Came out summer before senior year. Great memories from that fall. Always takes me back.
4) Tracy Chapman. By Tracy Chapman. Realization of the bubble I grew up in. Dawning of understanding racism and the disadvantaged. Probably lot to do with my current political beliefs.
5) Magic. Springsteen. Rediscovery of music after a dark period in my life.
6) Bat Out of Hell. Meatloaf. Great memories of early adulthood. Cover band called Big Edsel ( I think) Steve/ Kathy Luczak and friends we all go and listen to.
7) Lives in the Balance. Jackson Browne. More political awakening.
8) Sixteen Golden Greats. Peter Gabriel. Found him late through a great friend and again more political training. Especially Biko. ( I had followed him prior to album but first one I purchased )
9) Back in the Black. AC/DC. Great music at 2:00 a. m. When back from the bars and still wired. Must be played at max volume.
10) Joshua Tree. U2. So much raw power and insight.
Jackson D
Albums
Led Zepplin II
Beatles Abbey Road
NIN Pretty Hate Machine
RATM – debut album
System of a Down Toxicity
Andrew WK I Get Wet
Black Sabbath Master of Reality
Cat Steven’s Tea for the Tillerman
Bowie Hunky Dory
Electric Six Fire
The Faint Danse Macabre
Faith No More Angle Dust
Fugazi Repeater
Guided By Voices Alien Lanes
James Addiction Nothing Shocking
Kid Dynamite Self Titled
Pixies Dolittle
Sleater Kinney Call the Doctor
Slayer God Hates us All (fun fact, this album was released on Sept 11 2001. Most would say Reign in Blood is their best album, so I might in the minority here)
Smiths Louder than Bombs
If you haven’t listened to Wooden Ships check them out. Very trippy.
Miss you, love you!
Gabriele R
Through my life …. Copacabana
I loved to dance to that song together with my father as a young girl. The only song, we always danced together at Sylvester parties. I could’t wait for the band to play this song for us and that song was only reserved for me. Sorry mum.
Man O To
My recent transition to more awareness; although this song in particular has nothing to do with my personal crisis, but it was just there and gave support. I liked very much its calmness.
J’attends (I wait)
Not many French songs made it, but this is one – is just lovely. Always nice to know that people would wait for each another.
Summer Wine
This is a big European song. So it is mine too of a beautiful long joyfull summer.
Ashraf Al Araab
As I visited the Arabic world a couple times, I discovered that our music is too harmonious and very boring compared to a music using half tones. Disharmony with betweens is full of mystery and passion. I believe, there is soo much more to discover and I am blessed doing this with my Oman Msangrove reforestation project. We have a huge misunderstanding of this region and its people. They are romantic flowery warm people. More than I have ever have guessed. This is just a taste of a rich 1001 nights.
Changing Opinion
Here comes the contrast to the exotic. As a student, I found that classic piece from Philip Glass. None of my friends liked it, except me. I could not stop listening to it. I like about this song the mysterious in everyday life. The strange way of the other side – how a refrigerator can put in our personal experience. How the intensity is built up and the feelings that arise.
Lovely
What an intense song – beautiful and so sad. She is a real talent. She is on a tour through Europe. All tickets were sold out before you could snap fingers.
Aquarius
Hair songs sticked with me for long in my childhood. I once knew how to play well “Aquarius” on our piano – my favorite of the Hair album. Due to the lack of training, my piano carrier didn’t last too long. So it is a memory of my past.
Another love
I smuggled a second love song into this 10 song list. I could not decide which one I liked better: “Lovely” or this one. So I shared both with you. My hidden 11th.
On my mind
I love to dance – I wanted share “Horny Horns” as I love to dance to techno rythms. I favor strong rythms. Big dancing arenas or just on my own in empty streets when no ones sees. I still love it! Secretly, if I get the change, I still hit the dancing floors and stay all night just tasting the joy of movements.
Jill V
Aloha, Stubbz! Thanks for the invite to your birthday celebration by way of album retrospective.
I love having music playing always. I also suffer getting too caught up in phone and too much TV now in the Netflix era.
I am thinking of you on your milestone – I have unlimited time and people on my zoom if you’d want us to host one the evening of your birthday (afternoon for you). Just let us know if you would enjoy that
Here’s my album list… know that I’m eclectic and therefore generally passive to the musical tastes of whomever I’m with. Thinking of albums was a toughie!
JT by James Taylor 1977 was my first LP album purchased. I was 9. I enjoyed his album cover portrait as much as I enjoyed the music at that age.
Bill Joel’s greatest hits I & II. It was rare for me to buy music but this was among them.
5150 by Van Halen. I think this was the first CD I saw, purchased in March 1986 by my son’s dad when we were freshmen. I’m not generally a Van Halen fan but this had many special dorm memories.
Harry Chapin Greatest hits. First CD I purchased. First musical connection with Kevin though he claimed to not like only one song not on the album that was actually not on my version of the CD so I was unfamiliar.
Van Morrison any and every. Because I’m lazy around music, their greatest hips was probably my most enjoyed.
Bee Gees Saturday night fever. And yes, I had the matching T-shirt.
Simon and Garfunkel’s greatest hits played every Sunday morning in our sophomore year townhouse while we would putter around and make breakfast.
Boston’s Boston
Raffi’s greatest hits. Couldn’t have survived motherhood and our countless and long car trips without those singalongs.
Speaking of road trips, Soul Surfer soundtrack for the movie of Bethany Hamilton. My girls didn’t want me to switch it so it played on repeat the whole 12-hour down to Tennessee to see their brother – then rowing and not yet surfing – in nationals.
Thanks Stubbz for taking me on this musical retrospective. I wish you a great retrospective of your six decades as you come up on this milestone! In the short time I’ve known you, I see that you bring the world so much beauty and your family so much joy.
Anne WB
So I could have listed dozens of albums, but here are my top 11-ish favorites
1. First vinyl: soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever
Although I wasn’t allowed to see the movie, I loved the music and danced to it all the time.
2. First cassette: Off the Wall by Michael Jackson
I would put Thriller into this listing as well. The songs, the videos, the cultural phenomenon were all around
3. I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got by Sinead O’Connor
I loved her lyrics and sound because they were original. An album to listen to from start to finish
4. Listen Without Prejudice by George Michael
This was on repeat my entire junior year of college.
5. The first four albums by The Indigo Girls
Introduced me to female folk music that helped me branch out to other amazing female artists.
6. Erasure by Erasure
A great example of their style. Listen from start to finish.
7. Achtung Baby by U2
I know the Joshua Tree is supposed to be their best, but I’d been listening to them since 1982, and Achtung Baby’s tracks are truly perfection.
8. Rio by Duran Duran
My favorite band of all time. I love the hits from this, but the other tracks are even better.
9. Savage by The Eurythmics
Each song is gold. Best listened to with volume on very high.
10. The Ups and Downs by Stephen Duffy
Original member of Duran Duran. This was on repeat when I was in 8th grade. As an adult, I know how silly the songs sound now, but all of them are a happy memory for me.
11. The Album by ABBA
My dad had this on 8-track, and I memorized every song. Listening to it again recently, I hear how brilliant their vocals and harmonies are.
P.S. Hounds of Love by Kate Bush, start to finish
Giancarlo R.
Hey Stubz! It’s Giancarlo. My mom sent me this and figured I’d play along.
Hope you are well…I’ve been surfing a lot. Miss our times on Maui in the good ol days. This is my list in no particular order, I could have a list twice as long but this will do. Enjoy!
1.) Scott Henderson & Tribal Tech – Illicit
2.) Porcupine Tree – Out Absentia
3.) Radiohead – In Rainbows
4.) Robert Glasper – Black Radio
5.) Simon & Garfunkel – Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme
6.) Steely Dan – A decade of steely Dan
7.) Mark OConner – Heroes
8.) Hank Williams radio (on Spotify)
9.) Dub Reggae Bass Addict (on Spotify)
10.) Blues Masters playlist (on Spotify)
Matt K
Joe Jackson-look sharp
AC/DC back in black
Styx-the grand illusion
Smashing Pumpkins-Siamese Dream
Radiohead- Ok Computer
Foreigner – Foreigner 4
Was my first album. It was 81 ..my Bro graduated. I felt I needed to add music to household since he got his own apartment right away and took all his music with him..vinyl, 8 track and mix cassette
Pink Floyd -DSM..best Headphone album ever in my humble opinion
Pink Floyd – The Wall
The Eagles – The long Run
David Bowie- Let’s Dance
Pearl Jam – 10
Was one of funnest periods of my life living with 4 other Dudes in Lahaina chasing tourist ass every day 24/7
Donna S
1. Amy Winehouse:Frank AND Back to Black
Out of the gate and I’m cheating already – two albums counting as one.
Her voice, that soul, the rawness. She was brilliant
2. Alice In Chains: SAP
It’s an acoustic EP. Haunting. A guest vocal by Ann Wilson who has the most amazing pipes. I played this so much these songs are actually part of my DNA
3. Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Hip Hop full of Soul. It came out around the time Jade was born and it’s one of those albums we both know by heart and sing along to together
4. David Bowie: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Simply the best of Bowie
5. Lovage: Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady ByLounge-y, seductive, trippy. Anything Mike Patton is part of is innovative
6. The Kills: Midnight Boom
Grungey rock duo. Fun guitar filled and energetic
7. Beck: Midnight Vultures
Don’t know what to say other than I just like it
8. Queens of the Stone Age:Like ClockworkDesert Rock. Hard hitting, lyrical, and damnit just a good time
9. Wet Leg: Wet Leg
New indie rock duo. Poppy and fresh
10. Jamiroquai: Traveling Without Moving
Funky and groovy. Makes me want to wear a polyester leisure suit and shake my booty
Bob D.
Ok, I’m late to the party. Had to give it some thought.
1. Yes Album-first album purchased with my own money at the Montgomeryville, Mart.
Love those soft pretzels.
2. Genesis-A Trick of the Tail. Ripples still gives me goose bumps.
3. Dave Matthews-Busted Stuff. Bartender, great song.
4. Peter Gabriel-So. Actually any Gabriel album.
5. Pat Methany- First Circle. Amazing jazz guitarist.
6. Griffin House-Flying upside down. Great voice, saw him a few times in bars in Philly.
7. Counting Crows-August and Everything After. Have to go with Sullivan Street, great song.
8. Joni Mitchell-Ladies of the Canyon.
9. U2-Joshua Tree.
10. Taylor Swift-Folklore.
Yes, you all read it correctly. Great songwriting.
10b-REM,
Ed Sheeren,
Dermott Kennedy,
Ziggy Albert.
And I really love country music, thanks to my children.
Kim M
Bet my list will be your most eclectic…or strange… First money spent
1. Beach Boys Endless Summer
2. Blondie. Parallel Lines because Fade Away and Radiate is STILL a great song to scrump to
3. Dan Fogelberg Souvenirs not a bad song I wore the album out.
4. Jesus Christ Superstar, because I am still a theater geek
5. King Crimson Court of the Crimson King had never heard that sound before
6. Sinatra In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning...because I loved Frankie so.
7. Crosby, Stills Nash and Young. Deja Vu the harmonies
8. Kd lang Shadowland almost perfect and in my key
9. Springsteen Wind Innocent and the E Street Shuffle. Met him at UVA. We were both so young.
10. Ella Fitzgerald sings the Cole Porter Songbook.…I bet I could still sing them in album order….happy almost birthday, baby lamb. I hope it is perfect.
Erin SV
1. Spice Girls — first album. I play the Wannabe video for my kids and still rock out to that pop favorite without shame at almost 36 years young
2. Same Keith Urban as my Dad, it was my introduction to country music. Now seeing him live in concert on my birthday and can’t wait.
3. Billy Joel Greatest Hits volume 1 & 2 — was the anthem of my childhood. Many a Saturday morning cleaning session spent belting out “Captain Jack will get you high tonight” before knowing what it really meant.
4. Staind Break the Cycle – got me through a really depressive phase in high school. My appreciation of harder rock ended up being a bonding point with me and my best friend Heather. We are still friends over 25 years later
5. Incubus Make Yourself — first concert with my first boyfriend and a summer beach soundtrack for my high school years
6. Justin Timberlake 2020 Experience — his transition from boy band heartthrob to true talented musician.
7. Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium — 2 disc album that chronicled the early years of John and my relationship. We are now seeing them in Philly for the first time ever over labor day weekend to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.
8. Billy Walton Band Crank It Up — a local NJ band we made friends with through John’s family. One of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen in person (he does a wicked cover of Hendrix’s version of Along the Watchtower). They played at our wedding and we did a conga line to Pink Floyd.
9. Eminem Recovery — John is a big Eminem fan and I was not into rap when we met. I still am not much into rap in general but this was the first album that let me get past the profanity and crudeness of certain songs and appreciate how much of a poetic genius this man is.
10. Panic! At the Disco Pray for the Wicked — a fantastic album showcasing the incredible vocal talents of lead singer Bredon Urie. My first concert experience being on the floor, a very generous gift to us from Shannon. These guys know how to put on a spectacular show…lights, video, sound, and a platform suspended from the ceiling with a baby grand piano that soars over the crowd….oh yes and Brendon Urie singing and playing the whole time. I will never forget it!
Tom S
Greatful Dead Box of rain one of my favorites
Zappa Joe’s garage
I played Zappa one time, then my dad broke it in half. Not sure if it was crew slut or catholic girls that hot him
Little FeatWaiting for Columbus
Neil young decade
Crosby Stills and Nash. So far. Won a contest on wmmr, got tickets and back stage passes. Graham Nash signed thus one
Zz top fandango
Elvis Costello. My aim is true
Lou Reed rock and roll animal
Led Zepplin 4
Rennaciance Live
The Jam Snap
The Pretenders the singles
Steely Dan Katy lied
Prince 1999
Talking Heads Stop making sense
David Bowie ziggy Stardust
Tony G
Ok here goes…
1)John Barleycorn must die Traffic first album I bought and still love it today
2) electric ladyland..Jimi Hendrix best album he made especially cause it has Jack Cassidy on bass and steve win wood on organ with a host of other greats
2) Grover washington live at the Bijou love cause it was recorded at one of my fav clubs and has my man doc gibbs on percussion
3) Return to forever…Romantic Warrior it was my breakthrough jazz fusion
4) A love Supreme John Coltrain it took me awhile to be able to listen to this but worth it
5)Tutu Miles Davis
6)Bettye Davis nasty Gal The original funky gal way ahead of her time and was married to miles
7) Bettye Lavette interpretations one of these people who can make any song her own
8) Let it Bleed The Rolling Stones one of their few albums I an listen to cover to cover it takes me back to high school and smoking doobies in my friends car on the way to school
9) peter Gabriel reply anything he recorded especially New blood
10) King Crimson Court of the crimson king best because it’s the original line up but
Discipline is also killer
Of course I have many more but here is my answer for today
Bridget S
Happy Birthday, Brother!!!
Amazing lists above. Thank you for sharing.
First album purchased – think it was Duran Duran. My big brother Steve took me to my first-ever concert, also Duran Duran. I had won tickets from a radio station give away and he had promised to take me if I won, as long as it wasn’t Duran Duran. He took me (7 and the Ragged Tiger tour), and I loved the fact that he actually enjoyed himself almost more than being at the show.
2. 1776 – the first live musical I saw, in 1976 at the Valley Forge Music Fair. Family sing-alongs, and songs that tell a story are always special to me. I can give a sidebar of soundtracks that are on a list like this.
Also – I once worked on another show with the actor who played Richard Henry Lee in the 1776 movie. It was the only time I “geeked out”
at work.
Other show soundtracks:
Sunday in the Park with George; Godspell; Hamilton; Next to Normal.
3. Indigo Girls – their first two albums got me through college, and the rest have helped me through this adventire called life. A former boyfriend in college said I would like their music. I was just learning to play guitar then and was quickly hooked on their vocal harmonies, smart lyrics and deep sense of humanity.
4. Jonatha Brooke – Angel in the House; Plumb. Jonatha Brooke and the Story – Grace in Gravity. A former dancer, excellent songwriter and musician, Jonatha’s music also helped me survive college and early career/adulthood. She is a poet and composer i her works. Like James Taylor with sass. I have seem her live several times in smaller venues, and she connects so well with audiences. It is a real treat.
5. Styx – The Grand Illusion and Greatest Hits. So many hours spent belting out every song on this 8-track in Mom and Dad’s basement, with the neighborhood gang.
6. Genesis Three Sides Live / Billy Joel (all but especially Piano Man and Glass Houses – hours of listening at the Heaney’s);
Crosby Stills Nash Young- So Far;
The Police – Zenyayta Mendatta — influences of three older brothers with lots of records and 8-tracks at my disposal.
Stubbz bought me Zenyatta Mendatta for my birthday one year. He listened to it more than I did! But I love it and am still a solid Sting fan. He is amazing, diverse and prolific.
And, Yes, Erin! Captain Jack!!
7. Peter Gabriel – So. Say Anything the movie. And this album. Yep. Teenage years.
8. Squeeze – Singles 45 and Under. Dance music and funky grooves.
9. Elvis Costello (and the Attractions) – Spike; This Year’s Model.
10. Bonnie Raitt – Luck of the Draw and Nick of Time. Right time and right place.
Also – Fun dance albums–
Janet Jackson -Control (if only I could dance like that);
B-52s Cosmic Thing;
Go-Go’s. Listened to these a lot when “shuffle” meant rotating CDs or making a hand-crafted mix tape.
REM – Automatic for the People and Green.
Amy Grant – A Christmas to Remember. Collette and I have sung this entire album on holiday trips to family for the past 25 years. And it’s a bit like praying.
I cheated and listed too many. It’s a fun thing to over-do.
Will share Collette’s list later, as she is not on this thread.
Aunt T
My favorites are Glenn Miller and the show tunes
especially South Pacific.
Have a great day.
Love, Aunt Trudy
Val D
hauʻoli lā hānau iā ʻoe!!
Happy Birthday! In my family we don’t mention years anymore.
I love music but I am terrible at remembering specific albums. In no particular order,
I like
Chicago,
Chuck Mangione,
Eva Cassidy,
Elton John,
Billy Joel,
Chet Atkins,
Keiko Matsui,
Peter Kater and
Peter White, amongst others.
One of my favorite songs is
Somewhere Over the Rainbow sung by Israel Kamakawiwo`ole. I seem to like older music. I know that’s not what you asked for…
Aloha
Bruce S
Happy birthday, but my calendar birthday notification said you are 58 today, so, I don’t know what that’s all about. Maybe I have two more years to complete my “favorite albums” assignment? That’s a pretty daunting last minute task that I will have to drab and dribble out in the next couple weeks. I can state that the first album I bought with my own money was SURFIN’ USA” by The Beach Boys. I bought it for the hot rod songs, (Shutdown) but, stayed for the surf tunes. This was 1964, after all, and things got wilder after that…to be continued?
Nori
Hi Steve, hope u had a great birthday!
1.First album i ever bought: Supertramp, Breakfast In America…i can still see the album cover
2.Tragically Hip, Fully Completely
…my Canadian Roots
3. The Police, Synchronicity…
4. Morrissey, Best Of
5. R.E.M., Life’s Rich Pagent
6. The Shins, Oh, Inverted World & Chutes too Narrow
7. Drapht, We Own The Night
8. Beastie Boys, Licensed to Ill
9. Alanis Morossette, Jagged Little Pill
10. Gordon Lightfoot, Gord’s Gold…classic
Sean H
So here’s my list, my soon to be 60 year old friend. I put a lot of thought into this one. No particular order, but cutting it down to 10 was difficult.
Queen- A Night At The Opera. The first album I ever bought, I had to wait 7 weeks after I bought till I could play it, since I didn’t have a record player in Maine where I was staying for the summer. Was it ever worth the wait! Front to back every song is great.
Eagles- Hotel California. My sister bought this and it was beyond amazing. I’d never heard guitars played like Walsh and Felder played on Hotel California. And Life in the Fast Lane was another rocker that woke me out of my pre-teen haze and converted me from country to rock n roll
Steve Miller Band- Book of Dreams. Stevie “Guitar” Miller with one of the best front to back albums I ever heard. This was what the blues sounded like with some electric added to them. Can’t find a bad song on it. Plus the album cover art may be among the coolest ever produced.
Queen- Queen II. I went back and bought this as I added to the collection. This may be my favorite Queen album, though I love them all, this one is still special. A lot of myth and legend spun into song like a tapestry. And listened to non head phones is a rich experience of layers, and subtle sounds you miss over regular stereo, plus years later a song I had dismissed as average, became one of my favorites as I heard it in a different understanding. 30 years later discovering something new makes it great for me.
Steely Dan- The Royal Scam. Hard to choose one album from these guys, they were so original but Kid Charlemagne is my favorite Steely Dan Song, so that gives this album the slight nod over all their other great ones
Joe Walsh- But Seriously Folks. Joes my favorite solo artist, and I love a lot of his albums, but this one is another front to back amazing collections of great songs in his thoughtful and sometimes comical look at life, accompanied by a blazing slide guitar.
Joe Walsh- Smoker You Drink, The player You Get. You could include this just for the title and cover art, but the songs are masterful. Recently departed from The James Gang, this shows Joe busting out of a three piece band and creatively expanding way beyond where he was. And if you take the time to listen Happy Ways, try not to smile as you listen.
Johnny Horton- Greatest Hits. Johnny was a contemporary of Elvis and Johnny Cash, and the rest of that early rockabilly sound. Somewhere between rock and country. And amazing songwriter with a voice that could growl or be mellow and smooth, this was the first album I played as a kid, since my parents were country western fans. Still a great listen. And for tibia, his wife/widow, was also Hank Williams wife/widow.
Ricky Nelson- Greatest Hits. A guy who was a teen idol and somewhat manufactured in his early days on TV, but who has/had one of the smoothest greatest voices ever IMO. Gone way to soon, his voice is an early rock n roll/pop instrument for the ages.
Sam Cooke- Best Of. Another great voice with amazing song writing skills. Sam was a leader in the civil rights movement and a giant cut down way to early in still suspicious circumstances.
Hope you enjoy these my friend, hit YouTube and you can find all of these artists for a listen!
Happy Birthday Steve!
Bonus album ELO-Out of the Blue.
Shannon S
Here are my albums! Had to really think about it as like I said I’m not a big full album person
Backstreet Boys – Millennium – first album I got from my friends for my 5th birthday along with a boom box. Honorable mention of the boy band era is
Five’s 5ive album.
Paramore – Paramore
Jon Bellion – The Definition
Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift – Lover
Jhene Aiko – Sail Out
Quinn XCII – A Letter To My Younger Self
Dirty Heads – Sound of Change
Ben Howard – Every Kingdom
K. Flay – Life As A Dog
Kehlani – You Should Be Here
Richie G
Truckin with Albert Collins
The Yes Album
ELO Out of the Blue
Beatles Sgt Peppers
The Who Who’s Next
Genesis The Lamb Lies Down on Braodway
Seth S
You’ve been jumping around in different text strings.
1. Beatles 1 number ones hits of the the Beatles cause they’re the Beatles and life really is a long and winding road!
2. AC/DC Back in Black – the first band and live show I ever saw and the best album of all time because we all know it and can sing to it and Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution!
3. Scorpions Worldwide Live because I rocked out myYouth to this album and who doesn’t want to be rocked like a hurricane?
4 Alice Cooper Schools Out – cause every teen need to be rebellious and we really wanted school to be out!
5. The Beach Boys – pick any album. The good vibrations of being a teen and summertime.
6. BB King – Completely Well. Because the thrill is never gone and who are you gonna listen to if you want to hear the blues except BB. Steve No BB?
7 Brian Lee and the Jump Street 5 – the Blues is….if you want to hear some good Bourbon Street New Orleans Blues the Braille Blues Daddy is your man!
8. Sade – Best of…Steve and I used to see her every year at the Mann. One of the sexiest and sultriest singers of all time. She really was a Smooth Operator.
9. Steve Miller Band – The Joker – Really any of their albums. Some of my best Memories were seeing / listening / singing to them with all my college friends. Never Missed them at the Mann because the were always Rockin Me!
10. Simon and Garfunkel – Greatest – probably one of the best singing Duos of all time. Simon could write his ass off and no one could tell a story in song like this pair. Always loved listening to them because I always hated the sound of silence!Bonus –
The Stray Cats – Stray Cats – if you ever wanted to play upright String Bass Lee Rocker was the coolest hippest guy in a 12 year olds mind. If you love Rockabilly try out the Cats cause you might end up doing the stray cat strut or rock this town!
Happy 60th bro!
Kevin M.
Al Green….Al Green Changed my Life
Frank Sinatra – In The Wee small hours of the Morning
Herbie Hancock – Takin Off
The Staple Singers-Be Altitude, Respect Yourself
Heatwave- Central Heating
Herb Alberts Tijuana Brass- Whipped Cream and Other Delights
Irakere
Warren Zevon – Stand in the Fire
Gil Scott Heron- Pieces of Man
Billy Price and the Keystone Rhythm Band- Is it Over
War- Greatest Hits
Tara O
Here is my list. Favorite records when I was a young kid:
1. The Great Muppet Caper Movie Soundtrack
2. Men At Work- Down Under
3. Blondie- Best of Blondie. “Tide is high” was my all time fave song as a kid.
4. Pat Benatar- Crimes of Passion
5. Michael Jackson- Thriller
6. ABBA- The Album
7. Toto – 45 single if Rain Down in Africa.
Records in my young teens:
8. Tiffany- Tiffany
9. Debbie Gibson- Out of the Blue
10. Def Leopard- 45 single of Pour some Sugar on Me. *** This was the first album I bought. Got it from Sam Goodie. After that, I was all about the tapes.
Elena C.
First purchase w own money:
Cheap Trick Budokan
Real influencers
Let it be- Beatles
Lamb lies down on Broadway- Genesis
A day at the races- Queen
Let it bleed- Rolling Stones
Outlandos d’amour- Police
My aim is true- Elvis Costello
Joshua tree- U2
In rainbows – Radiohead
Duane Allman Anthology
Last Waltz- The Band
Honorable mention –
darkness on the edge of town- Bruce Springsteen
Heroes – David bowie
John C.
Cosmos Factory – CCR.
Animals – Pink Floyd.
Woodstock Album.
Yes -Relayer.
Hot Rocks – Rolling Stones
Genesis Live.
Sgt. Peppers – Beatles
Morrison Hotel – The Doors
Days of the future past – Moody Blues.
Deja-Vu – CSNY
Marc G
Sorry for my lateness. But here is what I came up with.
Dance Little Sister- Rolling Stones First album I was given was a 45 from the guy putting new records in the jukebox at our bar. I was probably 5/6 years old. Favorite song to this day.
The Gift – the Jam First album I remember buying. 6/7th grade.
Now In no particular order:
Street Core- Joe strummer and the mescalaros. Unbelievable on every level. Released after his death.
Thriller- Michael Jackson. Says it all right there.
Cafe Blue – the style council. Maybe the greatest pop album and pop band ever.
Quadrophenia – The Who. Top 5 band of all time for me.
Chef soundtrack – misc artists. Just love the vibe of this whole album. Downloaded so many of the artists afterward.
Rock and Roll – John Lennon Just a great raw rock album of his favorite songs.
Elvis Presley – elvis Presley. Amazing debut album
Back to Black – Amy Winehouse. Such a loss
London Calling – the ClashThe only band that matters.
Others that should be on the list
I just can’t stop it – English Beat
Born in the USA. – Bruce
All the Rage – General Public
Let it Bleed – Stones
Forever Blue – Chris Isaak
American Music – The Blasters
So hard to stop listing the albums I always go back too!!!!
Frank L
1 – Stadium Arcadium – Red Hot Chili PeppersThe first RHCP album I bought myself. The main hits are great, but the whole album is awesome.
6 – Hozier- Hozier Hozier’s first album is incredible. While Take Me to Church is the big radio hit, I think it is the worst song on the album.
10- Elephunk – Black Eyed Peas First CD I ever bought myself. Where is the Love is the main single, but I loved the energy the whole group brought in this.
7 – American Idiot – Green Day Man this was a great listen for me. Holiday is still one of my favorite songs to sing along to.
2-Set In Stone – Stick Figure Saw him in concert right after this released. Probably could be my #1 album.
5- Back in Black – AC/DC Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution is one of my favorite songs of all time.
8 – Encore – Eminem The song Encore on this album is one of my favorite pump up songs
9 – Mastermind – Rick Ross Rick Ross is a confident artist and this album showcases that
3 – AM – Arctic Monkeys Made me love this band. I love their old stuff now as well.
4- Cleopatra – The Lumineers They releases this album as a 25 minute music video and it’s incredible.
Sorry not in order, but this took me a while! Showed me how diverse the music I’ve listened to over the years has been!
Herb K.
I know you sent me a request for favorite Artists, but I cannot find from where it was sent!
Anyway here goes;
Linda Ronstat
Shiana Twain
Signature Sound (quartet)
Patsy Kline
Bruce Springsteen
John C.
The Doors – The Doors ….first album purchased….and rock t-shirt
Bob Marley – Legend
CSNY – Deja Vu
The Cure – Disintegration
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin
The Clash – London Calling
U2 – Unforgettable Fire
The Cars – The Cars
The Police – Outlandos d’amour
These 10 are in no specific order. This was so difficult only because my musical tastes are truly all over the place. This list sparked so many incredible memories….the power of music is incredible and timeless….never stop listening and always turn it up!! Shoope
Gina M
1st CD I ever owned: All-4-one, All-4-one album (the one with I swear). I would listen to that album over and over on my sisters hand me down discman that would burn through batteries like no other! “I swear” still brings be back to laying on my bed in the dark with my head phones singing this song as loud as I could.
Bob Marley “Exodus” – When I was forced to move when I was 16, this album (and his whole discography) got me through life. I was super depressed but hard to be depressed when you can hear the love in his songs. Also read his book Catch A fire around this time. Great book!
Shai “If I ever fall…” Brings back so many old memories and also how many times I have tried to reach those high notes but never even come close!
Tavana – “Sway” This is a newer one for me but I saw him in a small venue and listened to pretty much only his music for 2 months after I heard him.
Jurassic 5 “Power in Numbers” – All of their albums really but I think I listened to this one the most. Freedom, thin line, I am somebody – killer songs
Al green “Lay it down” – I loved this album because it was released decades after his original hits but he didn’t change his sound and style. He reminded us that R&B is classic.
Garth Brooks “No Fences” – I’m not a country music fan but this album reminds me of when I was young and we had to drive up to feed the horses. This is one of the few albums me and my mom could agree on to listen to.
Fat Freddys Drop “Based on a True Story” But all their albums really.
Katchafire – “revival” – I’ve seen them several times at small venues around Maui. I would be dancing their entire show right in front of the stage. I can’t bring myself to see them at the MACC because its too big and I had it too good with that intimacy.
John Legend “get lifted” – He came to maui in 2009. I already loved him and thought he was talented, but seeing him perform in person brought it to the next level. He is such a beautiful guitar player and has so much passion to his performances.
Elias R.
•King’s Disease ||; Nas; Nas is a rapper who was super big from 1994-2002 (it’s really worth the time checking out the releases of these years) and this is his successful comeback after years of being in the shadow of the music industry
•future nostalgia; Dua Lipa; I mean it’s Dua Lipa so I had to include that album of her (almost every song of that playlist is a banger)
•voodoo; D’Angelo; I found the song ‘spanish joint’ on a playlist from Obama and it reminded me of sitting on the beach in one of these foldable camping chairs and watching the sunset.
•Black Pumas; Black Pumas; is an album I hear to chill down and relax. It has a weird vibe because it just makes you forget everything else (fav. song: colors)
•chopin-ballades,zimmerman; Playlist by bhyoo-ca; I heard the ‘Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 in a movie once and can’t get over it it’s just too good haha
•The rockstarr hits collection; Taio Cruz; to every party I go I here so many songs of that album especially ‘Dynamite’ (also check ‘hangover’ also by Taio)
•Get rich or die tryin’; 50 Cent; just an amazing album, it is considered one of the classics in rap culture (fav. song: in da club)
•VI (Deluxe); Sido; the best german artist
•Bad Blood; Bastille; Pompeii is the first song I remember hearing
5 Singles so almost an album:•
Get to me; Jauz•Critique;Jay Dunham•Ocarina – Bassjackers Remix; Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Bassjackers, Wolfpack•King of my castle – Don Diablo Edit; Keanu Silva, Don Diablo•Jaw Drop; Curbi
Carl B.
It is impossible to keep this at 10. I cut it down to 13 and that was very tough.
Genesis – Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Steven/Stubbz was playing this at U of H as I was walking by. Hence the beginning of a very long
friendship.
Thelonious Monk – Brilliant Corners
This takes time to grow on you. His syncopation is a bit disturbing. Not for the faint of heart
Goldfrapp – Velvet Mountain
Really surprised she didn’t make it bigger
Peter Gabriel – 3
I listened to Biko in college with no understanding of the significance. Later in life I read the
book by Donald Woods, and then the Richard Attenborough movie, Cry Freedom (Kevin Kline, Denzel
Washington).
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
Just transcendent jazz. He played often with Miles and Thelonious (Brilliant Corners)
Who – Quadrophenia
I spent many hours driving in a Datsun 310 GX with my best friend searching for nirvana with
this single cassette in the deck
Davis Sancious – Forest of Feelings
Keyboardist for the E Street Band. Beautiful stuff
Miles Davis – Bitches Brew
Who needs further explanation? One of the true paradigms of music. I could pick any of his
albums in this list (Sketches of Spain, Seven Steps to Heaven, Miles Ahead).
Frank Zappa – One Size Fits All
The true master of hyper syncopation. Inca Roads is just indescribable. A shot at all the UFO
hunters, maybe even Erich von Däniken. Forget about the lyrics for a moment and listen to the music.
Chris Squire – Fish out of Water
My favorite solo gig from the Yes entourage.
Gong – Angels Egg/The Flying Teapot
Explorations into the world of Canterbury music. Daevid Allen’s glissando guitar, and Gili Smyth’s
space whispering
David Bowie – Scary Monsters
The first time I heard this was at the U of H radio station as John Lennon’s death was
announced. Funny how those things stick in your mind.
King Crimson – Discipline
I always think of Andrew Glackin when I listen to this. He was an amazing bass player and friend
who was taken from us all to early.
Amy HF
1. Rolling Stones – Exile On Main Street
2. Bowie – Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust
3. Norma Kaukonen- QUAH
4. Grateful Dead – American Beauty
5. Jefferson Airplane – Flight Log
6. David Crosby – If I Could Only Remember My Name
7. Talking heads – Fear of Music
8. Joni Mitchell – Miles Of Aisles
9. Blind Faith – Blind Faith
10. Roxy Music – Siren
1st Album Bought- Elton John – Captain Fantastic And The Brown dirt Cowboys
Alpine H.
1. The Damned-“Damned,Damned, Damned”
2. Black Sabbath-“We Sold our Soul for Rock and Roll”
3. David Bowie-“The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”
4. Lynyrd Skynyrd”One More from the Road”
5. The Specials-“The Specials”
6. Sex Pistols-“Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols”
\7. Jackson C. Frank- “Jackson C. Frank”
8. Led Zeppelin-“Physical Graffiti”
9. Dead Kennedys-“Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables”
10. Peter Tosh-“Legalize it”
*first record I ever bought was also the same as Stubbz’s: Elton John’s Greatest Hits. ”
Rich S.
The king Blue. Save the world get the girl
The specials. The specials
Jaya the Cat: A good day for the Damed
The clash: London Calling
Death of Guitar Pop: I’m over our heads
The Sex Pistols: Never mind the Bollocks.
Franz Ferdinand : You could have it so much better.
Johnny Thunders: Stations of the Cross
The Kinks: one for the Road
Mad Caddies: Consensual selections
Spunge: Room for Abuse
Alpine Addendum
Some records I forgot to mention:
*Neutral Milk Hotel -“In an Aeroplane Over the Sea”
*Ass Ponys- “The Known Universe”
*Pogues- “Rum, Sodomy and the Lash”
*Ramones- “Rocket to Russia”
*Neil Young- “Decade”*
Nick Drake- “Pink Moon”
*Deep Purple -“Machine Head”
*Pixies- “Surfer Rosa”
*Beach Boys-“Endless Summer”
When I was a kid I’d walk every week or so to the library in the center of town and take out Machine Head and J. Geils “Bloodshot”. The librarian said one time, “We have other records too you know.”
Snubs
Deep Purple – Made in 
