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The Voidz ‘Virtue’ (2018)
When Julian Casablancas returned with The Voidz’s 2014 debut album Tyranny, it was a a surprising shift considering his earlier solo work and his garage rock career with The Strokes. The band focused surprised many critics with its focus on dystopian themes and sonic complexity that could be described as a polished sci-fi pop sound.…
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Hellripper ‘Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags’ (2023)
It’s pretty incredible when you stumble upon a one-piece black metal band, especially one who is recording exclusively in their home studio. The brainchild of Scottish-based guitarist James McBain, Hellripper was recommended to me by a new friend who loves speed metal– I immediately loved it for some obvious reasons (Hellripper sounds like the combination…
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Isaac Hayes ‘Hot Buttered Soul’ (1969)
Hot Buttered Soul is just plain cool. Released in 1969, it had an indelible impact on the soul music genre and how artists could use fashion and the album cover itself to make a statement. Isaac Hayes blended lush orchestration, deep grooves, and spoken word interludes, creating a rich, immersive soundscape that transcended traditional song…
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Sonic Youth ‘Daydream Nation’ (1988)
There are few bands who truly redefined a specific genre of music. Sonic Youth is certainly one of them. Emerging from the American underground in the mid-80’s, the band’s inventive use of alternate tunings, dissonance, and feedback was combined with the intensity of hardcore punk and further imbued with the performance art aesthetic of New…
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Bobby Caldwell ‘What You Won’t Do For Love’ (1978)
On the yacht rock front it doesn’t get much better than the title track off this album. It’s one of the smoothest and vibey songs in that genre, a mainstay on playlists and radio stations who turn up that smooth dial to 11. It was nearly an instant classic in that regard– lyrics that focus…
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Maylene & The Sons of Disaster ‘Self-Titled’ (2005)
I first learned about Maylene & The Sons of Disaster after falling in love with Underoath’s album They’re Only Chasing Safety in 2004. That album is a magnum opus in the post-hardcore genre, I was completely obsessed, and I soaked up everything associated with the band. Upon doing a little bit of research and listening…
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Mannequin Pussy ‘Patience’ (2019)
Outside of the stellar band name (you’re lying if this one didn’t catch your eye immediately), Mannequin Pussy is a pretty exceptional punk rock band. I first heard Patience earlier this year and was immediately gripped by its earnest accessibility. The album strikes a balance between chaotic energy and profound vulnerability, filled with intricate melodies…
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Metallica ‘S&M’ (1999)
The marriage between Metallica and orchestral music is almost too good to be true. It’s no secret that the heavyweight heavy metal band’s arrangements have always had a flair for the dramatic, and the classical music influences in their songs were a big component of former bassist Cliff Burton’s songwriting approach that dominated their mid-80’s…
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Miles Davis ‘Kind of Blue’ (1959)
Kind of Blue is one of those albums you see everywhere– best of lists, college dorm rooms, your father’s vinyl record collection, a poster in a music store. It’s undoubtedly the de facto initial phase of the “I’m expanding my musical tastes and diving into jazz” starter pack that all music lovers hit somewhere around…
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Chuck Strangers ‘The Boys & Girls’ (2023)
On The Boys & Girls Chuck Strangers eschews optimism and embraces pessimism in a stark way. With a brooding baritone Strangers embarks on a somewhat cryptic journey, weaving together bits and pieces of anecdotes in a way that makes it clear the aesthetic he’s shooting for is a lo-fi blueprint very similar to Earl Sweatshirt’s…
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The Smiths ‘The Smiths’ (1984)
The Smiths have been an Indie Rock touchstone since forming in 1982 in Manchester, England, and have had a profound impact on alternative music and the culture surrounding it. Their jangly guitars, melancholic melodies, and introspective lyrics helped define the “sad boy” genre with Morrissey’s grim outlook on life. The Smiths frontman has a distinct…
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Nico ‘Chelsea Girl’ (1967)
Nico’s debut album Chelsea Girl showcases her as a pioneering figure in goth music, embodying a haunting, lunar sorceress singing of lost dreams. After leaving The Velvet Underground after their incredible album 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico, an experience that she described feeling “like a mannequin,” she partnered up with Jackson Browne and…
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Can ‘Tago Mago’ (1971)
Krautrock was an experimental genre of music that developed in West Germany during the late 1960’s, combining elements of psychedelic rock, avant-garde composition, and electronic music. One thing the genre was especially known for was the usage of musique concrète, which basically describes the process of taking a typical sound recording (instrument or voice), modifying…
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The National ‘Boxer’ (2007)
It’s been a few years since I’ve listened to Boxer. I burned through this album during my early 20’s (it was my de facto soundtrack during my commute up highway 280 from Cupertino to San Mateo during my first job out of college) and it sounds just as great as it did back then. The…
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311 ‘311’ (1995)
When I was in elementary school I had a friend whose house I would spend a ton at. He was a little rough around the edges despite growing up in a really affluent family, and had an older brother who always had a collection of CD’s that were super interesting and (most importantly) had the…
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Mach-Hommy ‘#Richaxxhaitian’ (2024)
Mach-Hommy is known for his opaque caginess lyrically and his ability to shapeshift verbally, twisting into different verbal configurations both stylistically as well as linguistically– the album is kind of a trip in that he abruptly will transition from English to Kreyòl and back again at a moment’s notice. But the thing I appreciated most…
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Eagles of Death Metal ‘Peace Love Death Metal’ (2004)
Eagles of Death Metal is a fun little garage rock project fronted by principal songwriter Jesse Hughes with contributions by alternative rock legend Josh Homme. The name is a play on words to 70’s rock band the Eagles, and the fact that they aren’t a death metal band makes that little inside joke even more…
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Eagles ‘One of These Nights’ (1975)
Eagles’ One of These Nights is a masterclass example of studio alchemy, a pivotal moment that reshaped the band’s trajectory and left an indelible mark on 70s rock. Recorded at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles, the album emerges from a tumultuous period for the band, who were grappling with internal friction and the pressures…
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The Impressions ‘Keep On Pushing’ (1964)
In Keep On Pushing Curtis Mayfield harnesses his gospel roots to deliver a powerful message of strength and perseverance during the heart of the Civil Rights movement. This album marks the Impressions’ first true effort as an album, showcasing beautifully crafted songs, supported by Johnny Pate’s horn arrangements, the trio’s captivating harmonies, and of course…
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Jane’s Addiction ‘Nothing’s Shocking’ (1988)
Jane’s Addiction played a pivotal role in defining the grunge sound of the early ’90s, melding elements of punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative music in a way that influenced countless bands. Their debut album Nothing’s Shocking showcased an eclectic mix of styles, characterized by Perry Farrell’s ethereal vocals and a fusion of gritty guitar…
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Refused ‘The Shape of Punk To Come’ (1998)
When you look at the history and development of punk rock music it’s easy to reference some of the most iconic albums throughout it’s forty year run– there is of course what I refer to as The Holy Trinity of Punk Albums (Ramones self-titled debut, The Clash’s London Calling, and Sex Pistols’ Never Mind The…
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Art Blakey ‘Moanin’ (1959)
Moanin’ is cornerstone of hard bop jazz that showcased Art Blakey’s prowess and exceptional talent as a drummer and bandleader. It’s filled with infectious grooves, soulful piano melodies, and powerful drumming that creates a dynamic interplay which highlights each musician’s strengths– the album’s blend of bluesy influences and intricate rhythms is a fun as hell…
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The Matches ‘Decomposer’ (2006)
My love for The Matches was first sparked by their debut album E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals. It was one of the first pop punk albums that truly felt personal to me in a significant way– as I wrote earlier this year when reviewing the album: There was a point in high school where…
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Mott The Hoople ‘The Hoople’ (1974)
Mott the Hoople was formed in 1969 during an interesting time in rock history– psychedelic music was in its heyday and the advent of distorted electric guitars was becoming more commonplace. In addition, artists like David Bowie were beginning to push the pace sonically and bringing in a more avant-garde experimental sound to the masses…
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Hall & Oates ‘Private Eyes’ (1981)
Hall & Oates’ Private Eyes epitomizes the duo’s signature yacht rock sound—a smooth blend of pop, rock, and soul that captures the essence of early ’80s radio. The album features some of their most iconic tracks, including the title song “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” both of which showcase…
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Dr. Dre ‘The Chronic’ (1992)
The Chronic revolutionized hip-hop and established the G-Funk sound as a defining genre of the West Coast rap scene. Following his tumultuous departure from N.W.A. (which is detailed rather extensively throughout the entire album), Dre sought to carve out his own identity, blending smooth funk samples with hard-hitting beats. The album’s lush production, characterized by…
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The Who ‘My Generation’ (1965)
Released in 1965, The Who’s debut album My Generation not only defined the sound of British rock but also marked the band’s explosive entry into the music scene. With its raw energy, catchy melodies, and rebellious spirit, the album captured the essence of youthful defiance. Tracks like “My Generation” and “The Kids Are Alright” resonated…
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Omnigone ‘Against The Rest’ (2023)
Tomorrow night I’ll be going to see The Matches live for the first time in over 15 years. They’ll be doing a reunion show in San Francisco celebrating the 20 years anniversary of their debut album E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals and I couldn’t be more excited about it. Omnigone is going to be…
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Pere Ubu ‘The Modern Dance’ (1978)
The Modern Dance somewhat reshaped the landscape of avant-garde rock during the late 70’s. Its fusion of punk energy, experimental soundscapes, and visceral essence is apparent from the opening track– jarring rhythms, theatrical vocals, buzzy bass, and inventive guitar work creates a sense of unpredictability at every turn. It’s chaotic, urgent, unsettling, and captivating at…
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Kids See Ghosts ‘Kids See Ghosts’ (2018)
When Kanye West and Kid Cudi teamed up to drop Kids See Ghosts in 2018 it was a pretty historic moment in hip hop history. Both MC’s were at the height of their powers commercially and the subject matter they dove into was uniquely introspective. The album broke conventional boundaries in a way only a…
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Smoking Popes ‘Destination Failure’ (1997)
Smoking Popes lead singer Josh Caterer was famously obsessed with big band tunes, and that love affair helped him develop a vocal style that was decidedly unique in the punk rock world. You can hear the influence Caterer had on his contemporaries when you listen to Alkaline Trio bassist Dan Andriano, whose vocal style and…
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Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer ‘Self-Titled’ (2002)
As I wrote in my writeup for Circa Survive’s magnum opus On Letting Go, I’m a huge stan for Anthony Green. From my perspective everything he touches is gold: The obvious element which makes it work Anthony Green. Green’s prolific artistic output as both a member of multiple bands (he currently fronts four of them)…
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Dan Hartman ‘I Can Dream About You’ (1984)
I Can Dream About You is a quintessential 80’s album that perfectly captures the era’s vibrant energy and cheesy earnestness. Blending pop, rock, and synth elements, Hartman’s powerful voice cascades over arrangements whose bias for danceability hides some pretty excellent melodic choices. If you close your eyes and listen closely you can hear the influence…
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Post Malone ‘F-1 Trillion’ (2024)
When I first heard Post Malone was dropping a country album I was absolutely ecstatic. I was obviously familiar with Postie for his massive chart-topping pop singles (my mom and daughter held numerous dance parties together to “Circles” for about three straight weeks when she was about two years old) but had also seen his…
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Sleep ‘The Sciences’ (2018)
Sleep’s stoner rock bonafides were cemented during the 90’s but in 2018’s The Sciences the band cemented their place as stoner doom metal legends. The album was a triumphant return after a two-decade layoff, and features all of the things that made Sleep such a cult favorite in a bygone era– copious references to marijuana,…
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Backstreet Boys ‘Backstreet Boys’ (1996)
I was nine years old living in a two-bed two-bath apartment when I first heard the Backstreet Boys’ debut album. It was one of the first albums I would ever own alongside Third Eye Blind’s self-titled debut and Mighty Mighty Bosstones Let’s Face It, which in retrospect is a pretty awesome trio of albums to…
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About the Author
Jason Matthew Plank listens to copious amounts of music and writes about one album each day. He is currently active in the bands Related to Strangers (post-hardcore) and Kindergarten Cartel (punk covers of children’s nursery rhymes).
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