Metallica’s Master of Puppets was an early introduction to heavy music. When this album hit my ears I was steeped in punk rock so the sound was fresh and easy to like. “Damage, Inc.” will always be an underrated contender to “Master of Puppets”.
The Illusion of Safety is an easy favorite. If I had to listen to only one band for the rest of my life it would be Thrice; definitely my favorite band of all time. This album was a gateway when I first heard it: opening my eyes (and ears) to thoughtful, intentional music.
Mineral. It’s a tough call between their two releases (Endserenading and The Power of Failing) but without a doubt one of them makes my top 5. Honesty and raw musicianship at its finest.
Relationship of Command wanted to turn my world upside down. At The Drive-In created such a multilayered sound, I can hear something new each time I listen to this album.
Saves The Day’s Through Being Cool is a simple favorite. It’s nothing incredibly special but the memory associations keep it fresh. I remember driving a 1990 Volvo 240 with the windows down and this album blaring in the heat of summer. This is one of those albums that I can hear the final track fade directly back into the first track and repeat forever.
This may be the toughest list I’ve ever made. This is my top five albums of all time. Here is a supplemental list of five honorable mentions.
The Scaries – Souvenir (2002)
Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1970)
Sunny Day Real Estate – Diary (1994)
Isis – Oceanic (2002)
The National – Boxer (2007)