I've decided to create a special web page to help students to broaden their knowledge about popular music from the West. All of the music I am including on this page I regard as important elements for you to understand Western popular culture. Some of the albums and artists I will label here are absolutely 'essential' for you to own and enjoy. I will keep adding to it so check back often to see some new great stuff for you to listen to.  If you see a  beside the album it means you should drop what you are doing and get this and listen to it at all costs. Every person in the world should have these wonderful albums. I've added a 'Last FM' widget at the top of this page so that you can actually listen to some of the songs on the albums below. Early Robert Johnson: Hellhound on my tail (Blues) If you want to understand 'The Blues', anything by Robert Johnson is essential. 1950's Chuck Berry: Chuck Berry is on Top (Rock and Roll) (1959) This is probably one of the most important Rock and Roll albums of all time. Elvis Presley: Elvis Presley (Rock and Roll) (1956) The cat king who started it all. Buddy Holly: Buddy Holly (Rock and Roll) (1958) A great album with some colossal hits on it. 1960's Bob Dylan: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (Folk) An essential album to understand folk music of the early 1960's in America. Very important The Beach Boys: Endless Summer A fantastic compilation of one of the greatest and most loved American bands that has ever been. This album is a compilation of many of their most popular early songs. This album is really essential. The Mamas and the Papas: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (Folk Rock) (1966) The Mamas and the Papas represented the 'California' hippie sound and attitude of of the 1960's. Truly wonderful sounding album. Trust me, you'll like this one. The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) It is almost impossible to pick the quintessential Beatles album because they have had so many hits. However, this album really represents the style of music of the mid to late 1960's. You should go to the store now to get this album. The Who: The Who Sings My Generation (Mod) (1965) Classic mod band from the 60's that eventually transformed into one of the most popular hard rock bands of the 70's The Rolling Stones: 12X5 (Mod/Rock) (1964) Another classic mod/rock band from the 60's. Along with The Who, The Rolling Stones are one of the most important 'British Invasion' bands. The Doors: The Doors (Rock and Roll) (1967) Probably one of the most controversial and intellectually poetic bands of the late 60's. The 60's would not have been so cool without The Doors. 1970's Crosby, Still, Nash and Young: Deja Vu (Folk / Rock) (1970) The beautiful vocal sound and true talent of this band and this album is singular. This is the only band of the 60's that ever really approached the excellence of 'The Beatles'. Very representative of the late 1960's style of music. So good it makes you want to cry. The Ramones: The Ramones (Punk) (1976) The first quintessential American punk album The Sex Pistols: Never Mind the Bollock's Heres the Sex Pistols (Punk) (1977) The quintessential British punk album of 1977 The Clash: London Calling (Punk) (1979) Even though this album came out in the later part of the decade, it is probably the best and most listen-able of all the punk albums. My favorite! Bob Marley: Natty Dread (Reggae) (1977) A world away in Jamaica, Bob Marley was making some of the most important -and later- influentially popular music in the world. This album is a MUST! 1980's Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five: The Message (Rap) (1982) One of the very earliest rap acts. Very important to understand the beginning of the rap / hip-hop style. Run DMC: Raising Hell (Rap) (1986) 'The Beatles' of hip hop. Enough said! Very important! The Beastie Boys: Licensed to Ill (Rap) (1986) First 'white rapper' group. Managed to bring rap music to the masses. Public Enemy: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (Rap) (1988) Melded pro-black consciousness with social awareness. So important 1990's 2000's |
Last modified: Monday, 31 December 2007, 12:03 PM
