Since the first time I heard “Head Like a Hole” on the radio, I have loved Nine Inch Nails. So this week for Music Monday, I give you my list of NIN in my life.

• First NIN Album I Bought:

- “Pretty Hate Machine” – the story of how Trent created this album is one of the greatest stories of music. “Sin”, “Ringfinger” and “Sanctified” all remain strong and never sound dated.

• Favorite NIN Song To End a Workout:

- “Right Where It Belongs” from “With Teeth” – There is something about how this song flows that makes it the perfect cooling down to a strong hour long workout.

• Favorite NIN Album:

- 1999′s “The Fragile”. A double album that I regularly play from start to finish. Seriously, the entire (Left) side of the album [commonly referred to as Side 1 or Disc 1] is some of the most consistent music that flows into a single musical moment.

• Memorable NIN Concert Moment:

- I’ve seen NIN live twice: in 2005 for the “With Teeth” tour and in 1994 for the Downward Spiral tour. That tour date was at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City with my then wife Denise. The opening band was Marilyn Manson, but thanks to the giant pussy Larry H. Miller [Robin Finck's t-shirt said so], he didn’t want someone of that kind playing in his stadium. So instead of Marilyn Manson the band playing, Marilyn Manson the persona appeared on stage during the NIN set and ripped up a Book of Mormon. As for NIN themselves, it was one of the most intense concerts I’ve attended. The sound, the lights, the music, the atmosphere, the audience… all intense.

• Missed NIN Opportunity:

- In 2000, while touring for “The Fragile”, I was given the opportunity to a decent seat/ticket from a friend. I passed due to.. you know, I have no fucking clue why I passed up on opportunity to see NIN again in concert. [It had better been because I was spending time with my daughter.]

• Favorite NIN Song:

- You know how hard this is? Damn, I don’t know if I can pick a favorite. But if I had to, it would be “Heresy” from “The Downward Spiral”. The lyrics, the beat, the overall structure of the song is just good.

• Favorite cover song done by NIN:

- “Physical (You’re So)” from the “Broken” EP. Originally done by Adam and the Ants, Trent and band take this song into the next level. Musically, this song kicks some serious ass. A very close second for favorite cover is “Get Down, Make Love” for the Queen fan in me.

• Least Favorite NIN Album:

- “Year Zero” – I really, really loved the story, the lead up to the album’s release and how they got everyone – fans included – excited for new music. After a good 60 or so listens, there are parts of it that are not that enjoyable to me. Maybe if I saw them live for this tour, it would have got me more into this album.

• Most Exciting Moment In NIN History:

- When Trent won the Oscar for “The Social Network” soundtrack [along side Atticus Ross]. It was like a validation of everything he’s done from the beginning to that point in time. Plus, how cool was it to see Trent in a tux.

Original image found at Toronto Sun

• Most Respectable Move That NIN Did:

- The fan-created video project known as “Another Version of the Truth”, which has the full support of NIN. For Trent and NIN to recognize the power of the fan base over the old media dinosaur method of thinking gives him an incredible amount of respect. Trent’s criticism of the music industry was no surprise, given his support for this kind of project.

Any NIN fans out there? Any favorites you have? Comment away.

The Great Escape Artist

Since 1988′s “Nothing’s Shocking” album hit the scene, Jane’s Addiction has been one of my favorite hard edge alternative bands. And while they have only released four studio albums [not counting the endless number of compilation albums], they seem to always matter musically on many levels. Three of the original members remain for their latest album. Tracks like the first single “End To The Lies” are easily trumped by other songs like “Irresistible Force” which is a force of sound escaping from the speakers or headphones. Their trademark sound is evident in “Ultimate Reason”, which is more like a leftover from 2003′s “Strays” album. Evolving is what this album is all about and any Jane’s fan will like it, even if it lacks the bite from music released 23 years ago.

Hurry Up We’re Dreaming

Hurry Up We’re Dreaming

I’m a newcomer to the M83 scene. How new? Well, this is my first M83 album. Yeah, catching on with their sixth release. Better late than never. So what do I think? This double disc of electronica is a dream. Far beyond the lead single of “Midnight City”, the tracks on this album are all filled with dance, funk, pop and a bit of smooth. Songs like “Train To Pluton”, “Splendor” and “Steve McQueen” are quite accomplished numbers. Normally it takes a double album quite a few listens before it grows on me. And so it is with the latest from this French outfit. I hope to have many more listens.

In The Pit Of The Stomach

In The Pit Of The Stomach

Thanks to KevinIL for turning me onto this band. A nice mix of alternative, indie and edgy rock, this sophomore album picks up where their debut album “These Four Walls” left off. Tracks like the opener “Circles and Squares” with it’s raw guitars to “Picture of Health” which shows off their musical stylings quite well to the very Radiohead-esque “Sore Thumb” are all flowing with creative lyrics and jams. I am really liking this album with each additional play. Not bad for a Scottish group breaking into the US indie territory.

Foster The People “Torches”

Both Kevin Apgar [also known as KevinIL] and Dave2 had mentions of this band on Twitter. Took me a while to get past the constant radio play of “Pumped Up Kicks” and to finally hear the two other songs – “Houdini” and “Helena Beat” – that came out before the official album was released.

The album doesn’t go official until tomorrow is officially available today, which I bought via pre-order from their official site a couple week back and got an email today that it was available via download.

Call me a fan now. Very pop and indie cred bleeding all over the sounds of guitars and keyboards. Reminds me a lot of MGMT, but they have their own sound that separates them from the rest of the hipster crowd of bands.

My only minor disappointment is that the same three songs above that were on their EP are also included in this album. I was hoping for three newer songs, but alas, not to be. Regardless of that, Foster The People is still fucking awesome for a brand new band from Los Angeles. They are on tour now, so on top of getting this new album, go see them live. I know I plan on it.

The Cars “Move Like This”

Nothing, and I mean nothing, can touch the first two Cars albums as being brilliant pieces of rock music. In 1978, there was “Best Friend’s Girl”, “Moving In Stereo” and “Good Times Roll” that were played so much. On the other hand, just about every track from 1987′s “Door To Door” – not so much.

Fast forward 24 years and we have a new album from all of the original members of The Cars, minus of course Benjamin Orr, who died in 2000. Which means all lead vocal duties are handled by Ric Ocasek. And while there is that vocal difference that Orr put into the songs of past, Ric’s vocals are familiar enough to make this album seem like they weren’t even apart. “Sad Song”, “Blue Tip” and “Drag On Forever” have that trademark sound that makes you want to relive the late 70′s and early 80′s. I like this new venture and hope it turns die-hard Cars fans on, too.

Fleet Foxes “Helplessness Blues”

This band’s second album is very like it’s first, which for Fleet Foxes, that’s a good thing. Their debut self-titled album is like a cross between Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” and classic Simon and Garfunkel. Very folk like and calming. My daughter turned me on to them and they have lasted past the “new and hipster” music that they’ve been rated at previously. Songs like “Sim Sala Bim” and “The Cascades” showcase the melancholy and tight-knit music together for a grand effect. If you are into independent music and something different than the general rock and pop sounds, they are very much going to be appreciated.

Lady Gaga “Born This Way”

I admit to not being much of a Lady Gaga fan, but for 99 cents to buy the latest album on Amazon [Monday 5/25/11 only]… Sure, why not.

It’s a pop album. It’s a dance album. It’s got some bizarre lyrics (“It doesn’t matter if you love him/or capital H. I. M.”). The album cover is pretty wild. But for this 25 year old pop star, today’s release is all about her. I give her props for her mega marketing efforts. And I have to admit she was pretty damn funny in some of the skits from this last weekend’s Saturday Night Live.

If you are already a Gaga fan, then this album is a no-brainer. Otherwise, it may not be your style if you are shelling out more almost $10 for it.

10. Alice In Chains: MTV Unplugged
    
    The first time I heard Alice In Chains, it was 1990 and they had just released “Facelift” I really wasn’t that into it. It only took a short time before their sound grabbed me and I became a fan. But the album of theirs that I listen to most is “MTV Unplugged” from 1996. The raw and stripped down sound is so clean and fresh. Plus it’s one of the last time’s Layne performed with the band. Just try and listen to this version of “Down in a Hole” without feeling goosebumps.

 

11. U2: The Joshua Tree
    
    The music released in 1987 was tops. An excellent year for many bands. U2 was already becoming a household name, but this album made sure no one mistook the band for the military plane. Songs like “With Or Without You” and “Bullet The Blue Sky” forever changed the status of this Irish band. This album is still in constant rotation in my CD player on on my iPod.

 

12. Prince: Purple Rain
    
    I found Prince’s music when he released the album 1999. But it was seeing the movie Purple Rain that helped me get more into this funk master’s mindset and his grooves. Even the backwards masking controversy could not stop people from embracing this album. “Darling Nikki” will always bring a smile to my face, and “Let’s Go Crazy” starts off any party with a blast.

 

13. Led Zeppelin: Houses of the Holy
    
    I’ve been a Zeppelin fan since the beginning of their career. And I like pretty much all of their music. This album, released in 1973, came out on top and stayed there. Even missing the title track (which showed up on their next album, “Physical Graffiti”), it still didn’t take away from the tracks like “Dancing Days” and “No Quarter”. In fact, this album contains my favorite Zep song – “The Rain Song” which is almost eight minutes of pure enjoyment.

 

14. The Eagles: Hotel California
    
    Even with their country infused sound, the Eagles forever changed the landscape of rock with this 1976 album. Hearing “Life In The Fast Lane” on the radio that year, wiped out any stereotype I had from their previous work. And although I prefer the version of “Hotel California” from their album “Hell Freezes Over”, the original studio version still stands up in its classic format.

 

15. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours
    
    If you have ever read the story of the making of this album, you will be amazed that it actually got made. To date, it has sold over 30 million copies and is considered one of the best rock albums ever made. And with songs like “The Chain” (which is my favorite), it’s hard not to keep playing this album over and over. This is the album that gets put on when I leave for a camping trip, driving down the highway and backroads.

 

16. Sex Pistols: Nevermind The Bullocks
    
    “God Save The Queen/Her Facist Regime” Opening lyrics that became glued to every punk kid’s memory. Released in 1977, it is the first and only album recorded by the Sex Pistols. It’s also the one that everyone turns to when they think of the start of the punk rock revolution. Raw, unapologetic and dirty, this album has stood the test of time and inspired many followers over the years.

 

17. Marilyn Manson: Antichrist Superstar
    
    Not too many people know what a huge fan of Marilyn Manson I am. I’ve seen him twice in concert (2001 and 2008) and have always considered his music misunderstood by most. Most people may remember all of the odd things he’s done over the years, but it’s this 1996 release that will remain one of his best works. Produced by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), it tells a story of a misguided rock star looking for whatever it can find to satisfy any desire in life. Besides the well-known “The Beautiful People”, songs like “Little Horn” and the title track make this album one I never get tired of hearing.

 

18. Rolling Stones: Exile On Main Street
    
    I can’t tell you how many great albums were released in the 70′s. Today most are known as classic rock. Eight years into their career, the Rolling Stones came out with this album. Except for “Tumbling Dice”, there wasn’t a lot of well-known radio hits, but that wasn’t the point of this record. Playing it from start to finish is much more what Mick & Keith and Co. had in mind. Eighteen songs long, it’s easily my favorite, and with many music critics, as well.

 

19. Tears For Fears: Songs From The Big Chair
    
    How many times do you hear an album for the first time and think, “This is going to be huge” Tears For Fears second release from 1985 was one of those albums that I heard and uttered the above phrase. “Shout” and “Head Over Heels” were heard everywhere. You couldn’t escape them if you wanted to. And now 23 years later, I enjoy them just as much as when they were in heavy rotation on pop radio.

 

20. Notorious B.I.G.: Life After Death
    
    I don’t like too many rap artists. In fact, I can only name four or five that I really count as musicians that matter in the music industry. One had his life cut short, just days before the release of this album. Christopher “Biggie” Wallace knew how to rap. Just listen to “Hypnotize” and “Going Back To Cali” and you’ll hear someone who really spent time perfecting his talent. And to have one of the best selling double albums, it’s a 1996 release that you should really check out.

 

21. Pink Floyd: Dark Side Of The Moon
    
    Who knew that in 1973, an long time jazzy blues band was going down a more creative route musically. They had several albums that resulted in their efforts, but it was this album that sticks in most people’s minds as the definitive crown. Spending over 12 years on the Billboard Top 200 list, it’s the one album that most people own and play often. It’s meant to be played from start to finish and you can listen to tracks like “Money” and still be blown away at how well this sounds.

 

22. Black Sabbath: Paranoid
    
    The start of the 70′s found the a band from England releasing one of their best selling and most popular albums. “War Pigs”, “Faries Wear Boots” and “Iron Man” are some timeless classics, you can’t help but listen each and every time they are played. They would go on to release six more albums with Ozzy Osbourne at the helm, but Paranoid remains the one that most people know and love.

 

23. The Cars: The Cars
    
    An odd lead singer with an even odder name, Ric Otcasek (later changed to Ocasek) helped start this Boston band on its road to success. Their first album is yet another one that must be played from the beginning to the end. And with no gaps between the tracks on each side of the album, it flows perfectly. It’s very common for me to play all of side 2 (which is the final three songs) for a lot of people, just to show how well it sounds. “Good Times Roll” and “Best Friend’s Girl” are the stand out tracks that makes this record a keeper.

 

24. The Cure: Pornography
    
    Long considered a goth band, The Cure was always a favorite of mine. In 1982, they released the first of the trilogy of albums [Disintegration (1989) and Bloodflowers (2000) were the other two] that would define their drastic and dread-like sound. “One Hundred Years” and “Hanging Garden” are classic alternative songs that make you want to mosh and sway.

 

25. Nine Inch Nails: The Fragile
    
    A double album is not something that’s easy to release, let alone expect the buying public to embrace. Bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Peter Frampton made them work. And so did Nine Inch Nails in 1999. The album is broken up into two: Left and Right. While I prefer the Left side (another one that is great from start to finish), the Right side contains the Grammy-nominated song “Starfuckers Inc.”, which is not only a killer song, its lyrics tell a sordid tale about torn friendships.

 

So there you have it. I guess I could go on with my favorites, which could fill countless blog posts. But we’ll stop a the Top Nine and the rest of the top 25 favorites. Comment away if you have anything to add to this or add your favorites or suggestions.

And now to start things off, I give you the list of the top nine albums that I have listened to so many times, that if CDs and MP3s had grooves, I would have worn deep cuts in them. And back in the day, with the LP and cassette, I did wear out some after being played so much and so often. These albums also have some significant part of my life, where they just make me feel good and take me back to that time and place burned into memory.

9. Rush: Hemispheres
   
   I started buying albums late in the game. Sure I had my share of Disney 78′s and some 45′s here and there, but LPs were put off till I was 14. I missed out on some good albums, but in 1978, there was Rush’s Hemispheres, which I found on sale for $3.99. Upon first listen, it was so cool to have all of side 1 be a single song, broken up into multiple segments. But turning the record over, I found “The Trees” a song whose lyrics and message cemented my interest in politics. Even today, I steer people towards this album for it’s expert songs and thought-provoking messages.

 

8. Guns N’ Roses: Appetite For Destruction
   
   I hated this album when it first came out in the middle of 1987. My ex-wife’s nephew had this album and it was all I could do to avoid hearing anything from it. Fast forward 10 years, when I re-discovered this album on an Original Master Recording Gold CD. My hate went away instantly. This remains one of the records I turn to when I need to release some aggression. Songs like “Out Ta Get Me” and “It’s So Easy” get me in a mood that makes me wish I had those 10 “hate” years back.

 

7. Stone Temple Pilots: Purple
   
   In 1992, STP hit the scene with “Core”, which is a great album. But when a sophomore release exceeds all of your expectations, then it takes its place in your “best of” list. Lyrics like “If you die before me, ask if you can bring a friend” may be cleverly cheesy, they tend to stick with you, as do the hits “Big Empty” and “Interstate Love Song.” If you haven’t heard this album in years, put it back in your iPod and maybe you’ll find yourself getting tickets to this year’s reunion tour.

 

6. Radiohead: OK Computer
   
   Other than “Creep”, the mainstream audience may have written off Thom Yorke and Co. as an odd band that had even odder songs. But it’s hard to ignore this album from 1997, even if you find it hard to get into it upon the first few listens. Give it another 10 or more spins and you’ll be humming “Karma Police” in your sleep. For me, this album inspires me to be creative and think very much outside the box.

 

5. Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
   
   I heard my first Elton John song on the radio in 1970. “Your Song” was pretty mellow, and the piano was subtle, but it stuck to me enough to want to hear more. It wasn’t until two years after it’s 1975 release that I discovered “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, with it’s 11 minute opening opus, “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding”, not to mention “Benny and the Jets” being an oft-hummed tune. Even if you are not familiar with song titles like “Harmony” or “Grey Seal”, the tune will be familiar.

 

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
   
   1992 was a powerful year in music and “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” stands as the album no one could avoid. “Give It Away” was trumped many times over by “Under The Bridge”, making Red Hot Chili Peppers a household name. I was already a fan, but this album guaranteed me following them for the foreseeable future. And who can’t enjoy a naughty little ditty like “Sir Psycho Sexy” with it’s “lady cop… trying to cop a feel” story line.

 

3. The Beatles: Revolver
   
   I have never really liked a lot of the early Beatles songs. I was always more into their experimental stage their last 4 years of recording. At the start of this stage, normally referred to as the ‘drug years’, “Revolver” kicked things off with “Taxman”, a slam against Brittan. And from that tune until “Tomorrow Never Knows”, it became one of the first albums that was good from start to finish. I’m surprised more people are not familiar with it when I talk about my favorite Fab Four release.

 

2. Mad Season: Above
   
   I’m sure there’s several of you out there that are saying, “Mad Season?? Isn’t that a Matchbox Twenty album??” But while it would be another year before Rob Thomas and his band mates would break out on the scene, a super group comprised of Layne Staley (Alice In Chains), Mike McCreedy (Pearl Jam), Barrett Martin and Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees) made a big noise with their only release “Above”. In the 13 years that I’ve owned this album, it has been played more than any other rock album I own. And with the guitar talent of Mike McCreedy on songs like “November Hotel”, it’s hard not to get into this entire album, which is meant to be played all the way through.

 

1. Depeche Mode: Violator
   
   My first experience with Depeche Mode was being on the 405 in Los Angeles on August 6, 1985 and hearing “People Are People” on the radio. From that 4 minute moment, they have been one of my favorite bands. And even after seeing them live eight times, my all-time favorite is, without question, 1990′s “Violator.” And you have to admit that no matter how many times you hear “Enjoy The Silence”, you never get tired of it. I know I never do.

 
So Many More

Picking a top list of anything for me is hard. And especially with music, one of my greatest loves in life. (along with writing) Then to try narrowing it down to the top nine is like asking me to pick between food or water. I will do another post soon with my honorable mentions, or those albums that just missed the cut off.

So what do you think of my list? Any suggestions? Rants? What The Fuck’s? Any favorites you have that I might like? Comment away.