Led Zeppelin II / III
Strictly speaking, Led Zeppelin II belongs on the previous page as it was released in 1969, but let's not get too fascist about it. It sounds a little dated now but since almost everything by Zeppelin sounds good don't let that stand in your way.
For Led Zeppelin III the lads made for the Welsh hills to discover their sensitive side. The result is a more acoustic but still stompin’ record. An album that people who don’t like Led Zeppelin can enjoy.
Led Zeppelin IV (or whatever it's called) is not included here because I can't bear to listen to 'Stairway to Heaven' again. But if you're young and haven't heard it a gazillion times then hey, go for it.
Deja Vu
In the days of steam powered stereo systems my friends and I would buy equipment on how good this record sounded on it. I liked it then and I like it now, even if it doesn't sound quite so good on the digitally compressed crap we have today.
The Yes Album / Close to the Edge
The Yes Album is the best record Yes made before disappearing up their collective semi-mythical arse except, perhaps, Close to the Edge.
"I get up, I get dow-ow-own"....What?
The Inner Mounting Flame
If you like your records with lots of notes then this is for you. This has more notes than Bill Gates has dollars - well. perhaps not that many - and almost all of them are wonderful. It isn't easy on first listen but ultimately it may become inspiring.
The Spotlight Kid / Clear Spot
From the subdued blues of The Spotlight Kid to the white lightning of Clear Spot this is the Beefheart at his most accessible. If you can't bend your head round Trout Mask Replica - and even if you can - slap this on, max the volume and scream at the top of your voice, "Don't let anything get in-between us"
Blue
Cited as an inspiration by modern female singer/songwriters and much beloved by young men seeking their feminine side in the hope of getting laid more often.
Flat Baroque And Berserk
Roy smokes a joint and sings about his 'lady', as well as more challenging topics. It's a bit soppy in places but it's one of Roy's most enduring records and some of his prettiest songs.
Roxy Music / For Your Pleasure
Even now these strange, sometimes comic, records sound as though they emerged from a parallel universe, and in some ways the post 'swinging' London of 1973 was just that. Depending on your view, Roxy Music are a sublime moment in British rock music or of no consequence whatsoever.
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Probably the only bearable early Genesis album - unless you enjoy wearing felt flowerpots on your head. It's got something to do with a bloke called Rael but exactly what remains a mystery to most. Regardless, it does have some very pretty tunes.
The Quiet Zone - The Pleasure Dome
Peter Hammill, the man who makes Morrissey seem cheerful, enlists the help of virtuoso violinist Graham Smith and produces a record which unsurprisingly has lots of violin. A favourite of dour student types and a must for gypsy theme nights.
Drums and Wires
Every XTC record has something worthy and this is an early gem. Someone once said: "An album you can play five times a day seven days a week and still feel like listening to the next week."
I wouldn't disagree.
/ Music 1980 onwards