by Lisa Pickering

Created on: January 29, 2009

Music is an ever present art form, destined to go on and on forever, constantly changing and evolving. My musical tastes vary so much that I find it impossible to truly commit to one genre. Therefore, I found it quite difficult to pick my top ten favorite albums. There is an enormous amount of good even great music out there if you know where to look. I mean how does one actually decide between a masterpiece like Abbey Road and a masterpiece like Revolver? For that matter how does one pick only one Beatles album to be on your list when your top ten list could actually just include Beatles albums? It all boils down to taste; whatever serves to pleasure your musical pallet. I'm sure I have neglected some great albums and I'm sure I'll look back and kick myself for forgetting some that I really love, but for now, this is what I have decided:

I'm starting with Music From Big Pink by The Band. There are numerous reasons for this. A) they are my second favorite band of all time B) I love Levon Helm and Rick Danko C) the skill level of each musician on that album is unparalleled, and D) it has The Weight on it, my favorite song of all time. I could go on but you get the gist. The Band does not get as much credit as they deserve and Music From Big Pink definitely deserves some high praise. I have never heard any kind of music quite like that. It combines such a plethora of musical styles from southern rock, blues, folk, and r&b, that it really creates a genre all its own. The three superb lead singers each add their own twist to each song and the harmonies of their combined voices often leaves one lost for words. No other Band album has harmonies quite like this one from We Can Talk to Chest Fever. Richard Manuel's voice can actually make you weep on Tears of Rage and I don't know how he hits notes on I Shall Be Released. The Weight is one of the best musical masterpieces of all time, telling a fascinating story and introducing you to all sorts of characters, getting better each time I hear it. I also have a special place in my heart for this album because it was recorded in Woodstock, NY
where The Band lived for the majority of their career, which is very close to me.

For my second album I'm having a hard time deciding between Back In Black and Highway to Hell by ACDC. Back In Black has some timeless classics but Highway to Hell moves in such a great rhythmic way. I love how each song has a similarity to it and sort of flows flawlessly. Bon Scott's voice is untouchable

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