I bought my first album, Bob Dylan's Planet Waves, nearly four years ago. At the time, I did not own a record player, I knew nothing about a vinyl being "warped" or had a clue that I would become addicted to searching hours on end in stores for a single record.
Being the old soul and "purist" that I am, it only seemed right that my first vinyl be a work from my creative hero. For years I just kept the record out. I displayed it, I dusted it, and finally I put it away in a box. When I finally bought a record player, it was the first album I wished I had to slap down, but that honor went to John Denver's Back Home Again. That Dylan album I purchased so many years ago was still in a box in Tennessee.
All of that to say... collecting vinyl is a fun, unique, frustrating hobby for any music lover. As I sit here, typing away at my first blog post and Johnny Cash's Live at San Quentin plays, I have been thinking of the essentials any vinyl lover should have in their collection. I don't mean The Beatles' Revolver or Michael Jackson's Thriller (while they are both great pieces), I mean vinyls that have a reason for being one of those selected pieces that make you really love digging around in crates, searching for the next addition. So here they are, the Top 10 Essential Vinyls:
10. A vinyl that makes you laugh. Yes, laugh.
: Beach Boys' Party! "You know I can't read!" "Ba-ba-ba you don't know how to sing!" These two quotes get me every time. I just loose it laughing when I hear them trying to figure out what key they agreed to sing Barbara Ann in. Then, during the middle of the song they are laughing because half of them are seconds behind in the song... Literally, I die laughing.
9. A vinyl that holds that coveted honor of being your "favorite."
: Tom Petty & The Heart Breakers' Pack Up the Plantation Live! This album though. Tom Petty is definitely the best performance I have seen live. His energy and the love you could feel between the band and the fans was surreal. The little girl beside us immediately started screaming when the first few lines of American Girl were sang. Every song on this album makes my heart smile. I think one of the most amazing things about this album is the fact that I feel that I could have been at this concert and felt that same energy. Good musicians are timeless.
8. A vinyl that you can close your eyes, and literally be back at the concert when you first heard their song.
: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's Deja vu. Back in 2011, I saw Tom Petty and his opening act was Crosby, Stills, and Nash. At first it was going to be ZZ Top (which I was stoked about), but then they entered our leg of the tour. I was pleasantly surprised, and they have since been one of my favorite bands to collect. Teach Your Children was stuck in my head for months after that show. Every time I put this album on, I listen to that track first, and then start the album at the beginning of side A. It never fails.
7. A vinyl that challenges you. Maybe an album that you haven't completely decided if you love it or hate it.
: Various, Woodstock Two. While I LOVE my Woodstock album, I feel that Woodstock Two was a sad attempt to compile some of my least favorite songs from the event. At the same time, it has some of the most influential artists of the day. I feel conflicted because I want to love it as much as the first album, but I always feel like I am left a little underwhelmed.
6. A vinyl that makes you forget all your worries.
: James Taylor's Sweet Baby James. I am embarrassed to admit the first time I really remember hearing Fire and Rain, but I remember it so vividly that I can't lie about it. One late night in my middle school years, a PBS infomercial on The Best of the 60s was on and my dad and I kept it on repeat for hours (or so it seemed). Every time that track played, I couldn't help but sing along. I love James Taylor, and that song is definitely (in my opinion) his most beautiful work.
5. A vinyl you can cry to when your heart feels broken.
: Florence + The Machine's Lungs. This album kept me alive through high school. I relied on having these songs to comfort me through some of my most helpless moments. Whether I was angry, hurt, furious, or simply sad, there was always a track or two to turn on and just let it out. Dog Days Are Over inspired me to pick myself back up and dance it out.
4. A vinyl that you bought on a whim.
: Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Willie Nelson's Walking the Line. "What could be better than all three on one album?" That is the exact thought that entered my head when I went to purchase this album. Willie has definitely been a friend to me. I really didn't know anything about the album, but it was a positive experience because nothing is better than hearing Merle and Willie sing Half a Man.
3. A vinyl that reminds you of "home."
: John Cougar Mellencamp's Scarecrow. I grew up listening to "Oldies 96.3" and until the age of thirteen, I definitely thought those songs were "current." There is no telling how many times I have listened to this album. I know every song like the back of my hand. I get pumped up listening to The Face of the Nation and Justice and Independence. The whole album is full of tracks that I remember riding around listening to with my family. I was convinced Small Town was written about everyone in my hometown.
2. A vinyl that brings to life a person that has been gone far too long.
: Chet Atkens's Back Home Hymns. I always listen to this album with my eyes closed. I can hear Nana sing the missing lyrics from this instrumental piece. Chet Atkins is absolutely one of the most talented guitarist to ever live. I always get excited when I see his other pieces floating around in those special wooden crates out-and-about. In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross were some of her favorites. I pretend that she is singing like she used to, sometimes even in her sleep. Thanks Chet, for bringing me that special connection.
1. A vinyl that makes you remember why falling in love is the most special emotion any two people can share.
: Florence + The Machine's Ceremonials. All This and Heaven Too. I love this song, and I feel like it accurately paints the beautiful and raw picture of what true love is, the ultimate struggle to have the right words or convey just exactly how you feel. I also love loving this song because it unveils love in almost every sense. Love isn't always romantic, sometimes it is wholesome, comforting, and relentless.
I promise, no matter if your collection is 20 pieces or 4,500 pieces, if you have all 10 of these essentials, your collection is amazing. You are doing it right.
Until Next Time,
H.
