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TOP TEN
"Deserted Island"
The age-old question: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring 5 albums, which would they be? Well, it's simply impossible to narrow it down to 5 albums, and quite frankly is damn near impossible to narrow it down to 10 albums, but here is my best shot (listed in alphabetical order). Remember, this is not a list of the "best" records of all time, this is just my favorite albums that hold a special place in my heart for one reason or another. Needless to say, this was super difficult, but I managed to widdle it down using the theory of choosing albums that are not only outstanding, but also influential in my life. In other words, I chose albums that were monumental in the molding of my upbringing, my musical preferences, and my overall character. The only other criteria I had for this list was that EP's, Live Albums, Double-Disc Albums and Greatest Hits Albums were not available to choose. Only full-length studio albums were eligible.
DEFTONES
"Adrenaline"
Thoughts: The Deftones had me at "Bored". The very first song of their very first record had me immediately hooked and I never looked back. The 'Tones have easily become one of my all time favorite bands, but the only problem with having the Deftones on this list was choosing between Adrenaline and White Pony.
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM
"The '59 Sound"
Thoughts: The Gaslight Anthem came onto the scene firing with all cylinders. Their debut album The '59 Sound has hints of Springsteen and their sound and style just reaffirmed my love for great rock 'n' roll. This album is nails from front to back.
LAGWAGON
"Trashed"
Thoughts: There's so many great punk bands/albums to choose from, but this particular album, Trashed from Lagwagon, brings back so many memories of my youth. Everything going on in that album cover of theirs is what was going on in my life. And the memories go on in my head every time I hear this album.
THE OFFSPRING
"Ignition"
Thoughts: A trend that I'm finding as I'm writing out this list is that I've chosen some albums that have somewhat helped passed the torch between genres. In other words, Ignition basically "ignited" a new sound in my brain and paved a new road, steering me towards the skate-punk scene and away from Grunge bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The Deftones kind of did that same thing for me, going from Punk to Rap Rock / Hardcore. And The Gaslight Anthem kind of introduced a folky, bluesy, rock 'n' roll sound. Anyhoo, The Offspring have many songs on other albums that are less than stellar, but Ignition is pure gold all the way through.
PINK FLOYD
"Dark Side Of The Moon"
Thoughts: Had I been able to choose a Live Album or Double-Disc for this list, Pink Floyd would've been the one. They have countless recordings (particularly The Wall and Pulse) that include all of their greatest hits and I would've just been sitting pretty on my little deserted island, but I had to go and make it difficult. Honestly, I really wanted to go with Wish You Were Here, but that is techincally an EP, so that's off my list too. I ended up with Dark Side Of The Moon and it's only gone Platinum 14 times over, so there's really no other explanation needed.
RISE AGAINST
"Siren Song Of The Counter Culture"
Thoughts: Tim McIlrath is such a great story teller and lyrist; so much so that I chose to have his lyrics (from Everchanging) forever ingrained in my arm, by featuring them in my 3/4 sleeve tattoo. Had I not put RA on this list, I would simply be a fraud. Nevertheless, this album is another one of those that has me thumbing through the mental photographs and reminicsing of great times in my life. My only difficulty with choosing RA was deciding between RPM and Siren Song Of The Counter Culture.
STORY OF THE YEAR
"Black Swan"
Thoughts: Story Of The Year is easily one of my favorite bands of all time. They are the perfect blend of everything I grew up listening to; from hardcore Pantera-esque metal riffs and screams, to anthemic chorus chants, to fast Pennywise punk rock beats. And Black Swan is the pinnacle of all of that.
SUBLIME
"40 Oz. To Freedom"
Thoughts: You just can't go wrong with Sublime and this album is 22 songs of pure radness. I think everyone under the age of 50 has been to at least one epic party where smiles were on everybody's faces, beer is in their belly and Sublime is filling the airwaves in the background.
TOOL
"Aenima"
Thoughts: Whenever I talk about the best bands of all time, I tend to leave out and not even discuss TOOL. That's because TOOL is simply an echelon above every other band in the conversation. It's like Michael Jordan for basketball. Isn't just a given that TOOL (and Jordan) is the best? So the discussion should really begin at #2. Aenima just proves this theory.
THE TRANSIT WAR
"Miss Your Face"
Thoughts: The Transit War is a local band from San Diego that never made it to the big time. They were certainly deserving though and definitely had a good run, by signing a record deal and touring the nation, but life caught up to them before they could hit it big. I have many fond memories of their shows at The Casbah, which were always filled with cheap beer and friendly faces, and the music (especially the harmonies) is just too good to leave off my list. I wish this band was still around, writing new music and playing shows, because their talent level is unmatched by any other San Diego band.
Honorable Mention
BEASTIE BOYS
"Licensed To Ill"
Thoughts: These dudes paved the way for so many and have been throwin it down for as long as I can remember. In fact, this was the very first piece of music that I ever bought back in the 80's. I had the cassette tape when I was in the 3rd grade or something. Without Beastie Boys, you have no Eminem. No Aesop Rock. No Slug. No Macklemore and so on. From front to back, this record is a beast. Even Kerry King (from Slayer) plays the lead guitar on "No Sleep Till Brooklyn". Beastly.
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
"Crash"
Thoughts: Before you go bustin' my balls for going soft, I have two words for you, well actually a name, Carter Beauford. He's easily one of the greatest drummers of all time and the band is named after the singer/guitarist. This should explain the enormous talent level coming from this band and this particular album.
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