My own definitive 10
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently compiled a list of 200 recordings “every music lover should own,” called the Definitive 200.
Starting with the Beatles’ 1967 concept album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and ending with Grand Funk Railroad’s rockin’ masterpiece We’re an American Band, the list contains some of the most influential rock, folk, country, R&B and hip-hop albums ever recorded.
In honor of the list, the Varsity Mart bookstore is holding “What’s Your Definitive 10” contest, allowing students to enter their top 10 favorite albums and later be compiled into NDSU’s ultimate definitive album list.
Being a rock ‘n’ roll fan, I had to jump in and create my own definitive list. Take a look at what I chose.
Bob Dylan – Blonde on Blonde
Every time I listen to Dylan’s ’60s electric work, I wish there was more of it. I don’t go many places without a copy of this 1966 gem. Originally a two-disc set, Blonde on Blonde contains over 70 minutes of classic Dylan at his peak. Rock, blues, pop and folk collide, driven by the songwriting legend’s incredible lyrics.
Tom Petty – Damn the Torpedoes
It’s been said Petty, while a consistent songwriter, never had one great, definitive album. Anyone who says that – including those jerks at Rolling Stone – need to take a better look at this 1979 album. Five of the nine tracks – “Don’t Do Me Like That,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “Refugee,” “Even the Losers” and “Shadow of a Doubt” – are rock classics. Damn the Torpedoes made Tom Petty a household name.
T. Rex – The Slider
Recorded a year after their glam rock masterpiece Electric Warrior, T. Rex’s dirty rock ‘n’ roll assaulted the British charts once again with 1972’s The Slider. The title track is one of my favorite tunes of all-time – other favorites include “Mystic Lady” and “Ballrooms of Mars.”
The Rolling Stones – Let it Bleed
The Stones claim to be the World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band, and I wouldn’t disagree. Let it Bleed is a Stones classic, containing the hits “Gimme Shelter” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” as well as a countrified version of “Honky Tonk Woman.” My personal favorite is the bluesy “Midnight Rambler.”
Big Star – Radio City
You probably haven’t heard of this band. Most people haven’t. But you should’ve. Big Star was one of the greatest bands of the ’70s to never hit it big and broke up after only three albums. Their second, 1974’s Radio City, is a power pop masterpiece. Every song could have been a hit, but not one of them was.
Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night
Tonight’s the Night is an often-overlooked gem in Young’s expansive catalog. Severely depressed after the drug-related deaths of two close friends, Young retreated to the studio to record this grim, somber collection of songs. While depressing, the album is a unique glimpse into a suffering songwriter’s head, as well as a rock masterpiece.
The Velvet Underground – Loaded
The New York band only recorded four albums, and their last one was their most commercial. Lou Reed replaces his usual dark, druggy songwriting with catchy tunes like “Sweet Jane,” “Rock & Roll” and “Who Loves the Sun.”
David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
I have to be careful; my love of glam rock is showing. A concept album centered around the story of an alien who comes from Mars to play guitar, Ziggy Stardust is a dark rock ‘n’ roll drama. I love every track on the album.
The Beatles – Abbey Road
I’ve never been of fan of Sgt. Pepper, and what would a definitive list be without the Beatles? Their entire catalog is practically a definitive rock ‘n’ roll list in itself. George Harrison shines with two of the best songs – “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun” – on the last album the Fab Four ever recorded.
Eric Clapton – Slowhand
While one of the best guitarists in rock history, Clapton’s solo career often suffered, propelled sometimes only by his fame. Clapton’s 1977 album contained two of his most well-known songs, “Wonderful Tonight” and “Cocaine.” Other favorites of mine include “Next Time You See Her” and “Lay Down Sally.”