Listmania!
The 40 must own albums
By an Amazon.com customer
AnimalsAnimals by Pink Floyd
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $8.99
My #1 album and Pink Floyd's greatest work!
We're Only in It for the MoneyWe're Only in It for the Money by The Mothers of Invention
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $5.01
It's a cliche but the mothers and frank zappa's greatest achievement.
In a Silent WayIn a Silent Way by Miles Davis
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $3.88
If anyone wants an introduction into Miles' career, they should start here. The beginning of fusion.
Fifth DimensionFifth Dimension by The Byrds
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $25.29
An overlooked album by the one of the greatest music groups of all time.
The Who Sell OutThe Who Sell Out by The Who
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.40
Everyone talks about Who's Next but this is easily The Who's greatest gem.
Anthem of the SunAnthem of the Sun by Grateful Dead
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $4.34
Exotic and experimental. Their 2nd release defines them as rock and jam kings.
Rubber Soul (1990)Rubber Soul (1990) by The Beatles
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $2.92
The Beatles' magnum opus. Underrated and features some of their best numbers.
Wish You Were HereWish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $7.19
Full of crazy jams and sad ballads. A great testament to Syd.
The Who Sings My GenerationThe Who Sings My Generation by The Who
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $4.38
Rough, edgy, and raw. The beginning of a historic band.
On the CornerOn the Corner by Miles Davis
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $3.89
His strangest experiment but the most pleasurable.
Live at the ApolloLive at the Apollo by James Brown
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $4.22
One of the best live albums of all time. The energy was at a max that night.
Electric LadylandElectric Ladyland by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $6.08
A long encompassing journey into Jimi's mind.
The Notorious Byrd BrothersThe Notorious Byrd Brothers by The Byrds
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $2.80
They started to branch out at this point and it featured a wide palette of musical tastes.
Aftermath (UK)Aftermath (UK) by The Rolling Stones
Buy new: $10.97 / Used from: $4.88
The U.K. version is longer and in my opinion, better. Mother's Little Helper is a rocker.
Sticky FingersSticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Buy used from: $4.74
Established them as big-time blues rockers!
Bitches BrewBitches Brew by Miles Davis
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $9.25
His own revolution on record.
Uncle MeatUncle Meat by Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
Buy used from: $19.97
The beginning of his jazz excursions and filled with other fun dittys.
UmmagummaUmmagumma by Pink Floyd
Buy new: $20.99 / Used from: $6.50
Easily their strangest record but shows their progress as musicians.
Are You ExperiencedAre You Experienced by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $5.50
A classic. Must be in the discussion for the first hard rock album.
Out to LunchOut to Lunch by Eric Dolphy
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $4.66
Eric's powers as a soloist are defined inluding his thrust into modern jazz.
Pet SoundsPet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $5.47
Harmonies, saxophones, and barking dogs highlight this tremendous record.
Trout Mask ReplicaTrout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $5.99
Crazy guitar licks, and bizarre poetry are the benchmarks of The Captain's greatest release.
Freak Out!Freak Out! by Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $7.98
R&B gone crazy. The Mothers' maddening debut.
Smiley Smile/Wild HoneySmiley Smile/Wild Honey by The Beach Boys
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $5.14
Sounds like a collection of demos. But thats not a bad thing. Highly Underrated. The same can be said for Wild Honey.
InnervisionsInnervisions by Stevie Wonder
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $6.33
Funk in an unbelievable spectrum.
There's a Riot Goin' OnThere's a Riot Goin' On by Sly & the Family Stone
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $31.41
The beginning of deep funk and full of dark songs.
Live / DeadLive / Dead by Grateful Dead
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $3.70
Jamming is turned into an art form on their first live album.
Raw PowerRaw Power by Iggy & the Stooges
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $4.50
The perfect title. Basically began the punk revolution.
Live at the RegalLive at the Regal by B.B. King
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $2.88
BB King is more than just an amazing blues guitarist, he is an entertainer and this live document is more proof of that.
The Grand WazooThe Grand Wazoo by Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $7.04
Frank's best big band album. Truly progressive.
The Beatles (The White Album)The Beatles (The White Album) by The Beatles
Buy new: $31.49 / Used from: $8.72
Wildly uneven but still enjoyable.
Mothership ConnectionMothership Connection by Parliament
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $4.75
They hit their peak with this funktastic release.
Disraeli GearsDisraeli Gears by Cream
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $3.16
Psychedelia meets blues. The trio's best release.
The Piper at the Gates of DawnThe Piper at the Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd
Buy used from: $8.88
Astral and spacey psychedelia at its earliest and finest.
Houses of the HolyHouses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $5.47
My first Zeppelin album and still my favorite.
Forever ChangesForever Changes by Love
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $1.48
Delightful acoustic trips mixed with baroque pop.
Revolver [UK]Revolver [UK] by The Beatles
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $1.97
LSD seemed readily available at these sessions.
The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered)The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered) by Pink Floyd
Buy new: $27.99 / Used from: $15.61
My first Floyd purchase and still in my hearts.
The Allman Brothers at Fillmore EastThe Allman Brothers at Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $6.52
This whole concert is massive and magnificent.
The Best of the Duke Ellington Centennial EditionThe Best of the Duke Ellington Centennial Edition by Duke Ellington
Buy used from: $1.88
A fantastic summary of sir duke's career.