Essential Albums

This is a fairly simple thread. Post the cds you think are essential for everyone to have in their collections, what you feel is essential in your own collection, or simply what has been an essential influence on music today. It's a pretty open subject, so have fun with it. I figure this'll be good for recommendations and stuff. Be as specific as you wish.

First up:



Burzum - Hvis Lyset Tar Oss

We all know about the whole Varg Vikernes situation (if not, look it up) so I'm going to skip it and get to the genious behind all this. Burzum is a one man band consisting of Varg Vikernes on all instruments (with the exception Samoth as a session bassist on Aske). The sound itself varies from some of the most disturbing, genuine black metal in existance; to some of the most beautiful and relaxing ambient music seen in this genre. The vocals may be an obstacle for a listener to get used to, as they're generally... well, literally screamed by Varg as though he's being tortured (with the exception of Filosofem and the later ambient works). This particular album is what I view as Varg's crowing achievement. Everything about it screams epic, moving, and extremely hypnotic. On my first listen I could literally see the pulsing from the bassline/keyboards from behind my closed eyes. Overall, if you're looking for a powerful black metal album that hasn't been matched in its quality, check this music journey out.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/Shin-Ra/ulverbergtatt.jpg[/IMG]

Ulver - Bergtatt

So many bands have been influenced by this album. The basic sound of this, their first effort is a mix of mesmerizing folk melodies and black metal. It is pulled off in such a flawless beautiful manner that I have no doubt why this is considered a classic. The lyrics are entirely in Norwegian, but the english translations are quite interesting. This album is perfect for campfires and late night wanderings.



Bathory - Under the Sign of the Black Mark

What can I say, Quorthon is the master of Black and Viking Metal. This album is the last of his pure Black Metal material and what I view as the single most influential black metal album ever. "Call From the Grave", "Woman of Dark Desires", "Equimanthorn", and "Massacre" are have their own sounds which I hear a lot of in bands of today, including Burzum and Immortal. The cd itself is extremely haunting and effective in its purpose. A definite recommendation.



Anathema - Judgement

[url=http://vgchat.com/showthread.php?t=1680]In depth review I wrote[/url]

More to come.

This thread was taken from: http://www.metalhigh.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34

Quick Silver Messenger Service - Happy Trails:



Basically it's a 50 minutes live session at Filmore East and West covering Bo Diddley's classic song "Who Do You Love". Incredible Acid Rock/Psychedelic Rock album. One of the best ever.

The Incredible String Band - The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter



The best album that came from The Incredible String Band. The best of folk music and story telling is on this album!

I'll edit the others in later I just feel like doing these currently. :double:

The Velvet Underground and Nico - Self-Titled
[IMG]http://image.com.com/mp3/images/cover/200/drf800/f866/f86637hbo58.jpg[/IMG]
The Velvet Underground are quite simply the most important American band, ever. Their first album probably shows this best, and therefore is an essential purchase.

The Beatles - Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
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Hey, it's the Beatles, and if it's chosen by a prominent rock magazine as the best rock album ever, then it's worth a purchase.

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV
[IMG]http://image.com.com/mp3/images/cover/200/drf900/f993/f99368bif16.jpg[/IMG]
The definitive Led Zeppelin album, and touchstone for most harder rock following its release.

Those are the only ones I can think of that are completely and totally essential.

well just thought i'd add a few ideas about albums worthy of a play:

in no particular order:

Jamiroquai - travelling without moving

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/bazariah/resi%20stuff/Jamiroquaitravellingwithoutmoving.jpg[/IMG]

this is one funky album, words cannot describe this album.. so go and listen to it :D

oasis - definetly maybe

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/bazariah/resi%20stuff/oasisdf.jpg[/IMG]

oasis's debut album, full of vibrancey and energy... has catchy anthems and is just so raw

the beatles - white album

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/bazariah/resi%20stuff/beatleswhite.jpg[/IMG]

the most influential group of all time, in my humble opinion this is the best album they ever put out, lots of experimental stuff here (reveloution 9 anyone?) and sweet little ditties.. and back in the ussr is one of the best songs in the pub during a drunken night

CKY - vol 1

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/bazariah/resi%20stuff/ckyvol1cover.jpg[/IMG]

it's just so hardcore, so just listen to it

oasis - the masterplan

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/bazariah/resi%20stuff/oasismasterplan.jpg[/IMG]

the oasis b-sides circa 1993 - 1997 the tracks on this album are so cool, even better than the a-sides which is a tough thing to do.. aquiese and the cover of i am the walrus are the most notable tracks on the disc