Records have the power to make the present day feel like a time machine into music’s past. Artists like Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan engineered ethereal music that pulses and orchestrates sound through the minds of their listeners.
Popular music today has constantly evolved from the works of icons like Lou Reed and David Bowie, making it important not to forget whom artists are pulling inspiration from.
Lou Reed is one of the greatest examples of this. Without Lou Reed we probably wouldn’t have punk rock, which evolved into post-punk, then alternative rock, indie rock, shoe-gaze and so on.
Musicians leave legacies behind and here are a few albums that shouldn’t be forgotten.
· “Are You Experienced”- The Jimi Hendrix Experience
The psychedelic guitar riffs and numerous hits made this album one of Jimi Hendrix’s most memorable. Hendrix’s tunes made him one of the greatest instrumentalists in the 20th century, and his music still lives on. “Foxey Lady” would probably be the most familiar track to anyone who happens to be a “Wayne’s World” fan. “Love or Confusion” has to be one of my favorite tracks on the album and a good song to check out.
· “Houses of the Holy”- Led Zeppelin
Aside from my belief of Zeppelin being one of the greatest bands of all time, this album was a harmonious turning point in the band’s sound. This is definitely an album to listen to if you haven’t already. “D’yer Mak’er” is an excellent example of Led Zeppelin’s sound experimentation, infusing almost an imitation of reggae to their music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w3emvHepgU&list=PLrsbQkjm7ZKDW7cKYRuA90FCVeg_1Q4T7
· “Rumors”- Fleetwood Mac
How can one forget the mystic vocals of Stevie Nicks in Fleetwood Mac? The songs created by this band are celebrated everywhere. Their songs are constantly being redone and featured all over various media. Any “American Horror Story: Coven” fan couldn’t ignore Stevie Nicks’ appearance in the hit show. “Dreams,” “Gold Dust Woman” and “The Chain” are a few favorites of mine featured on the album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogaIeXITWNY&list=PLWnVxuqvY7Ji7LxOEK8vTWqp9aZGBwJSh
· “The Velvet Underground & Nico”- The Velvet Underground & Nico
This album is one of the most influential albums, a cornerstone of art that molded the minds of those who enjoyed their music. The combination of art and tender rock ‘n’ roll makes this album one of the most memorable. “Sunday Morning,” “I’m Waiting For The Man” and “Heroin” are classic tunes bound to make you groove.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bARrDYnNLKQ
· “Bringing It All Back Home”- Bob Dylan
The visionary of folk-rock, Bob Dylan, displayed poetic lyrics paired with the warm strums of an acoustic guitar. This album features hits like “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and, my personal favorite, “She Belongs to Me.”
Carly Plemons can be reached at [email protected] or @plemnz on Twitter.
