Foobar Studios

One of the most recognizable names in music, Led Zeppelin released this masterpiece 1971. The album includes the most infamous of all rock songs, Stairway to Heaven. This impeccable piece of work has been hailed by fans and critics alike. It has been forever immortalized as one of the greatest guitar solos via pop culture (see Wayne’s World) and guitar lovers. Such classics on this album are Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Misty Mountain Hop, Going to California, and When the Levee Breaks. Oh, who am I kidding, the entire album is classic. There is at least ONE song on this album that ANY music fan can and will enjoy.

Johnny Cash’s seminal work before his passing was American IV: The Man Comes Around. The album, although littered with covers, it is a phenomenal closing statement for his life. There are covers of Depeche Mode, The Eagles, and even Nine Inch Nails. Arguably, what has become one of Cash’s most famous songs is his cover of Hurt. Reportedly, Trent Reznor was furious about the fact that Johnny Cash was recording a cover version, but when he listened to it, was astonished and taken aback. Cash made it his own. The gut-wrenching, painful cut of a song would bring tears to a grown man’s eyes. If that didn’t do the trick, then the video that was made shortly before June Carter-Cash, and The Man himself, will. Mr. Cash even goes as far as covering The Beatles, by having his own version of In My Life.

There is no doubt that this is one of his best albums, and the fact that it is mostly covers proves that he was a man of musical talent and genius. Now that he’s gone, may he rest in peace, and we will always remember him for his powerful, and provoking music.

Any true metal fan will tell you that this seminal album from Metallica, is not only their best work, but arguably one of the best albums within the genre. So, without further ado, “‘Nuff said.”

Such a bombastic record from The White Stripes deserves an entry in this list, and what album could fit more perfect than Elephant? The album, recorded in two weeks time in a London studio has such a diverse, and organic sound.  Jack White also shows preference to antiquated amps and guitars that he showcases in the record.

The album opens up with Seven Nation Army. The song’s impossible bass-level guitar effects thunder throughout the song and its catchy chorus. Their second single, The Hardest Button to Button is another catchy and very minimalistic/dirty rock tune that is great to jump in on. Mort Crim provides the spoken introduction to Little Acorns, which, aside from Black Math, is one of the hardest hitting songs on the album.

All in all, it’s an album you absolutely must listen to.

One of Pink Floyd’s greatest albums, and possibly one of the greatest albums of all time has got to be The Dark Side of the Moon. The album is very much full of concepts that cover a wide range of topics from insanity, greed, and even aging. From the haunting time-piece introduction of Time to the chimes of a slot machine in Money, this album has proven to be one of the most influential progressive rock albums of all time! David Gilmour’s guitar work in this album has become a classic example of technical proficiency while recording and playing live. His meticulous and spot on guitar solos are some of the greatest ear candy you could ever listen to. The vocal work by Clare Torry provide an almost hauntingly effervescent and spotless piece. It’s hard to believe this timeless album was originally released in 1973!

What a way to start off a list, than with Muse! This phenomenal band which hails from England has the ability to incorporate prog rock, and infuse it with almost impossibly danceable grooves. Supermassive Black Hole is a perfect example. The thundering bass line just makes you want to get up and shake it! They cover a lot of ground with their melody and sound. In what almost sounds like excessive use of a slide, and an almost Hawaiian sound, Invincible invokes an almost epic feel. Knights of Cydonia, probably Muse’s most well known song on this side of the Atlantic (thanks to Guitar Hero 3), finishes up an album that just keeps kicking. The song is a frantic, Rush-like amalgamation of progressive rock. The song takes off with the sound of horses galloping and a synthesizer. It progresses into the opening chords, that hit hard. If it could hit any harder, I don’t think it would be possible. The track concludes a most impressive album from Muse.

So there we have it, my first album out of the 1000 Albums You MUST Hear!

I’m starting a new project called “1,000 Albums You Should Hear”. It will encompass many genres, and I am absolutely certain that there will be someone out there who disagrees with me.  Such genres will include country, rockabilly, classic rock, alternative, metal, blues, and maybe an occasional pop and rap album. Let me say this to the hecklers before they even begin: It is a matter of opinion, and my opinion may resonate with others, and maybe not with you.

These will be posted in no particular order. Such a task will take me some time, and be VERY strenuous to complete. And without further ado, let’s get started!