Because why not?
So here’s my “10 albums that made a lasting impression on you as a teenager” thing. I think I did this fairly recently, but what the hell. Rules are: only one per band/artist. Don’t take too long and don’t think.
(I made my list of albums that were released when I was a teenager, as opposed to albums that might have been released before I was a teenager. Because I’m weird like that.)
1983 – 1989
Big Country – The Crossing
That guitar. Those words. I miss you, Stuart. Your voice is needed now.
New Edition – New Edition
Great boy-band pop songs that helped me through one of my early bad breakups. “I’m Leaving You Again” is heart-wrenching.
The Smiths – Hatful of Hollow
Was never the same after “Reel Around the Fountain” and “Girl Afraid” and “Back To The Old House” and “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want”
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – Junk Culture
“NO NO NO.” Pop and synths. Their mainstream response to their least mainstream album. I fell in love with this album in the record store and brought it home with me.
New Order – Low-Life
Starts with that snare and that melodica-sounding thing. Ends with a song whose joyful refrain is “Oh, how I cannot bear the thought of you.” This record covers every emotion and is gorgeous.
Fishbone – EP
Some of the most joyful, sophomoric, cool-ass ska I’ve ever heard. Seeing them on Halloween in 1986 is one of my favorite concert memories.
The Replacements – Tim
Westerberg the Clown wrote side one. Paul the Poet wrote side two. Side two is my side.
Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman
Such beautiful songs. A window into a completely different world from mine. Very grateful to have had the open eyes to see.
Billy Bragg – Workers Playtime
Helped me through my first bad breakup in college. Well, this album and a LOT of alcohol. Holy crap. But really, this record. So smart. So wise. So much pain. And then…you’ve made it through. And the sun is out again.
Pixies – Surfer Rosa/Come On Pilgrim
Fucking weird as shit. But those *hooks*!
What are your 10 teenage albums?
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