The 10-ish Albums That Made Me - The 10's.

Here’s a list, for anyone that’s interested, of the 10 (ish) albums that changed my life, from the 10’s. I’m a 70’s child, born in May 1970, so yes...here’s the records that still, to this day, mean so much to me. In no particular order....disclaimer : Picking from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s was hard! The 00’s brought me slim pickings. Hey ho...Let's see what the 10's Bring!

The Wildhearts - 'Renaissance Men' (2019)


The old guard. What was, for me, England's finest rock band since Def Leppard, The Wildhearts had been around since the late 80's. Fronted by charismatic and bloody talented Geordie, Ginger they always a bit on and off with their career. Drugs, depression, suicide attempts, alcohol abuse...you name it, they ticked the boxes. Always played and wrote with their hearts or their sleeves.

This album, really, is one of their very finest. With tracks like 'Dislocated', the title track, 'Diagnosis' (a finely crafted, simply staggering song, about depression and cure...al la "..you are not your diagnosis") and 'Emergency (Fentanyl Babylon)' just showcasing some of their musical and lyrical endeavours.

Motorhead meets Cheap Trick meets Metallica? Something like that.

Adorable!


The Band Perry - 'The Band Perry' (2010)


On the cusp. Blame Brad Paisley for my introduction to country. Whilst rock wasn't quite dead...the old guard kept up the quality but newer acts that I liked were few and far between..with country, I hit a rich seam of exciting music.

At the time, Taylor Swift (Spoiler alert...coming up in this list later!) was seen as fraternising with...yuck...'pop'....so there was a gap in the market. I kept hearing that this band was to be 'the next big thing'...

I hate hype...

But, I listened...and I liked! They sounded fresh, and exciting. Wonderful songwriting from lead vocalist, Kimberly Perry, and some wonderful arrangements and performances. More pop than country? Maybe in places, but I loved it! Excited on how their careers might just pan out.

'You Lie', 'Hip To My Heart', 'If I Die Young', 'Walk Me Down The Middle'...beautiful songs, one and all.


David Bowie - 'Blackstar' (2016)


His final, in his lifetime, studio album. Talk about old guard again. I love this album, wrote and recorded in the depths of David's terminal illness. Such gravitas, such dignity, such beautiful music.

So the premise goes, David saw this jazz infused band and asked them to create the album together.

Sounds fresh. Sounds exciting. From 'Blackstar' itself to closing 'I Can't Give Everything Away', it's class.


Imani Coppola - 'Hypocrites' (2017)


New old guard. A more modern artist that I totally love. A breath of fresh air.

Her best album? I think so. Just stands over some fantastic albums...maybe by a nose!

'I'm An Artist', 'Facetime Continuum', 'Mixed Nut', 'Just Feels Good'. Probably my most-played album out of all this list.


Jenny Tolman - 'There Goes The Neighbourhood' (2017)


Her debut. Country music. So, what would you call this? Kinda like a Concept album, of sorts. Jen has inverted her own suburb, called Jennyville, and these songs are the tales of some it's residents, complete with TV/Radio adverts (for the carwash and weather forecast, I kid not!). Great sets of tunes.

'Ain't Mary Jane', 'So Pretty', 'High Class White Trash', 'My Welcome Mate', the title track...oh, from top to toe...wonderful tracks.


Rival Sons - 'Head Down' (2012)


Now...we're talking! Pretty much the only new rock band that I listen to. Blending 60's pop, blues, occasional latin and good old 70's rock. Phenomenal. Who knows, there just might be another of their albums in this list!

Highlights? 'Keep On Swinging', 'Wild Animal', 'Until The Sun Comes', 'Jordan', 'All The Way' and the two 'Manifest Destiny' tracks.


Rush - 'Clockwork Angels' (2012)


Bit like the Bowie one in that, If you want to finish your career, do go out in style.

The final of the Lee, Lifeson, Peart axis is a stormer! A concept album, very prog rock, played with orchestrations on some tracks, but all played with utter vitality and enthusiasm.

Great tunes! 'Caravan', 'BU2B', the title track and 'The Garden' are amongst a plethora of riches here.


The Struts - 'Young & Dangerous' (2018)


UK band. I believe their guitarist is from my old stomping grounds in Derbyshire. Anyways. Great 2nd album from a band that's a little pop, a little AC/DC, a little Queen...a lot unique.

Some of my favourite tracks include 'Body Talks', 'Primadonna Like Me', 'Bulletproof Baby' and 'Tatler Magazine'. Never take themselves too seriously.


Taylor Swift - 'Red' (2012)


Looks like 2012 was a great year in music. Who'd knew?!?

My initiation into Taylor, basically. She'd started in country and transformed to a more Americana cum pop come rock album...the pop career was just around the corner, but by god..this is good!

Her lyrics? Some great heartfelt themes. Musically, I'm a sucker for the whole U2 meets Springsteen that is 'State Of Grace', the opening track. That had me hooked! Then you have the title track (awesome!), 'I Knew You Were Trouble', 'All Too Well', '22' (try singing that at 55 and you get funny looks, let me tell you!), 'We Are Never...' and just lots and lots more!


Rival Sons - 'Feral Roots' (2019)


Told ya! More Rival Sons. More time to make the album, this time. Fantastic tunes. From 'Do Your Worst', right through to 'Shooting Stars' at the end it's 48 wonderful minutes.


Def Leppard - 'Hysteria At The O2' (2019)


The venue? The O2 Arena in London. The date? 8th December (I do believe) 2018. It's the complete run-through of the epic 'Hysteria' album, live on tour...and I was there!

Plus...they're MY band!

So, there's my list. Not much other acts around that piqued my interest, sadly. What about your list?

SJD x