Within the multiverse of music, vinyl has risen in recent years . It is the go-to for musicians, artists and music aficionados alike. Given that fact, here's a recommended list of 22 vinyl that we thought you should have. Now we know that 22 is a big number for some, but I guarantee that you can never have enough. But give yourself the time to actually go out there ( not physically of course, because that would be stupid and unsafe right now) to get these vinyl gems!
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road-Elton John
Who doesn't love a lil bit of Elton John, with his eccentricity and boundless energy.
Fun Facts:
Elton John wanted to get away from fame and recognition with this record
The yellow brick road being a symbol of that fame, saying goodbye to it.
Legend -Bob Marley & the Wailers
Bob Marley's charisma and attitude towards life, is aspirational. As he famously once said during an interview: " Possessions make you rich? I don't have that type of riches. My riches is life forever"
A Night in Tunisia-Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers
Art Blakey famously once said about his influence on Jazz: “I always try to develop band leaders in my group, let them grow and get out there and form more good jazz groups.”
The White Album-The Beatles
There's not much that people don't know about this album. But, did you know that the Prudence, in 'Dear Prudence' was a reference to Mia Farrow's sister
Jolene -Dolly Parton
What Dolly Parton had to say about that particular song shows us that a song can come from anywhere and anyone:
"One night, I was on stage, and there was this beautiful little girl — she was probably eight years old at the time. And she had this beautiful red hair, this beautiful skin, these beautiful green eyes, and she was looking up at me, holding, you know, for an autograph. I said, 'Well, you're the prettiest little thing I ever saw. So what is your name?' And she said, 'Jolene.' And I said, 'Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene.' I said, 'That is pretty. That sounds like a song. I'm going to write a song about that."
The Yes Album-Yes
The band famously opened for Cream during Cream's farewell concert and that's where they started to get recognition.
Zombie-Fela Kuti
This album was a result of years of military rule in Nigeria and it had gained popularity within its population as a voice against the oppression that has been felt. Fela Kuti was known to be outspoken and critical of the government and this album earned him global recognition. Proof, if there ever needed to be any, that music can be used as weapon in the fight to be treated fair. The power of the saxophone is something to behold.
Jesus Christ Superstar- Andrew Lloyd Webber
Talk about a Broadway Musical. There was very little that was similar to this back in 1971. A story told from Judas's viewpoint? The epitome of deception? Who'd have thunk it? Essentially a rock opera to beat all rock operas.
Dark Side of the Moon-Pink Floyd
If an album could reach 'Rock-God' status, this would be it. People have often referred to this as their 'go-to' when in the mood to experience the 'multi-dimensional'. There's not much that I can say about it that hasn't been said before so I'm just gonna try and give you some lesser known facts;
Like did you know that more than just traditional musical instruments were used for one particular song? I'm going let you guess which record its for( which im sure you will google, unless you want to challenge yourself).
Another fact that you might come as a pleasant surprise is that some of the proceeds of the album was given away to help finance the brilliant 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'
Mothership Connections-Parliament
Ready for some P-Funk? This album hit the stratosphere (almost quite literally). With the concept being escapist by nature with multiple references to outer space, it helped its listeners imagine a place beyond the stars. Among its many accolades, it has also been featured in the book. ' 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die'.
Tusk-Fleetwood Mac
Origins of this song and album is a big boost to the male ego, if it ever needed such a boost with a strong indication that size, does indeed matter. As far as the music of this album is concerned, I think it is best summarized in a 1995 interview where Mick Fleetwood himself, where he begins by saying,
" In soundchecks we used to jam on that riff, and I did the riff in drum form. When it came time to make the album, we pulled that riff out, screwed around with it, put it in the dustbin, and then a year into making that album, I pulled it out again and took it with me as a rough track to Normandy and came up with the idea of using the brass band on it, and using about 100 drummers on it, which we did. That really worked. It's a glorious noise, and it's something I'm proud of because it's all drums. There's really no lyrics to it.
So I resurrected that, much to everyone's amazement, and I insisted on recording the USC marching band at Dodger Stadium. By this time they'd thought for sure I'm round the twist, and I said, 'Well, I'm going to pay for it. And we're going to film it.' They thought, 'For sure, he's blown it. He's way off the deep end."
Black Star-David Bowie
Releasing his final album on his 69th birthday. What a true legend. This album became his swansong and what an album to have. The album was recorded in secret as a testament of what Bowie was struggling with. Everything about this album became an instant success including the mysteriously designed album cover which some would describe as apt.
Black Velvet- Charles Bradley
Now for some Soul. Another farewell album. If there was ever a doubt that color is a powerful indicator of things to come, David Bowie and Charles Bradley using it sure answers some of those questions. Like most soul music, this is also a story of struggle and determination. In fact, it is popularly said that this album was meant as a 'Final Love Letter' to his fans and a fond farewell from music.
To Pimp A Butterfly-Kendrick Lamar
Who doesn't like a little bit of rap. Having said that, this album is more than just rap. Musically speaking, it has elements of jazz, funk and some blues. It is culturally significant and powerful. Collaborations with multiple musicians and storytellers in the making of this album is proof of that.
Kind of Blue-Miles Davies
When you think jazz, you think Miles Davis. Let's be honest, this album is jazz in a nutshell. About life like most jazz music is, its a life from a different time, a different place. Technically sound with all the right chords in all the right places, it is also a tumultuous journey in the best way possible.
The Jazz Soul Little Stevie-Stevie Wonder
We can't seem to get enough of Jazz. Another stalwart and living legend, Stevie Wonder takes you back to his salad days. Even at the tender age of 11 years old, there was greatness there and everyone who was around back then could sense it. This album is most famous for the fact it is only one of two where Wonder does not contribute with vocals but with percussion and other instruments.
Fetch the Bolt Cutters-Fiona Apple
This album by Fiona Apple was used as a way to stand u to her past life and experiences and as a way to move forward. The power of this album is raw because the emotions behind each song is raw. I'm sure that the rage used was poetic and that is evident in its title.
Is This it-The Strokes
The Strokes stormed into the scene with this album. It is popularly believed that around 11 of the tracks in this album were finished within the time it takes to prep for and eat a meal. If that's not true talent, I don't know what is.
Emmaar-Tinariwen
This album is true to its African roots. It is tribal and rustic in the best way possible. Each track in this album takes you into a different sort of journey. The instruments that are used are traditional to its truest form and a joy to listen to.
Kid A-Radiohead
The title of this album is famous because of its ambiguity. The most interesting lesser known fact is that even though it ended u being one of its most popular albums, disagreement and in group fighting almost caused the band to break up. Could you even picture a world without Radiohead?
We Will Always Love You-The Avalanches
I know that it's weird to have an Aussie band on any list without it being AC/DC but there is good reason for that. This electronic group has won so many accolades in recent time, that putting them on this list could not be helped. And with such an endearing title, everyone needs someone to always love. It has also been well received by the contemporary music world.
Heaven and Earth-Kamasi Washington
To end this recommended collection for 2022, why not go back to jazz and Kamasi Washington has been a path-breaker with his music. This album, like most other albums influenced by jazz is inspired by a personal journey in life and how that beautifully juxtaposes Heaven and Earth. The music, as expected, takes you on a roller coaster.
So, there you have it folks! Something to start the year with but by no means is it the end.
Happy Hunting for these treasures!