I really didn’t know what to call this segment but “Forever Albums” seems about right. I am going to talk about the albums that I can listen to the whole thing and like every single song which is hard to find.
Foo Fighters Colour and Shape
The year is 1997 and I am 14 years old. I had a deal with my parents; if I got A’s in school for every A I get a CD. And I wasn’t one those students who got A’s all that often even though I work my ass off but I was a C student. So it was great accomplishment to get an A and an A meant a CD. I remember going to Best Buy and back then Best Buy was my key to awesome CDs. Remember, it’s the 90’s, so that means no iTunes or mp3s, we all had CDs. I couldn’t wait to go to Best Buy and get Foo Fighters album, the only thing is that this CD had a warning label on it. I couldn’t have albums with warning labels on them which made me want them more.
I remember picking up the album and feeling “Oh great, how I am going to get this past my mom?” So I showed it to my dad first. (Sneaky!) When I showed him he was like “Ooh Foo Fighters are good. You can get it.” Then my mom came over “No, it has a warning label on it.” My heart sank, I really wanted this album. My saving grace was my dad. He somehow convinced her it was going to be fine if I got it. I couldn’t wait to get home and play it.
To this day I can listen to it and love every track. Of course I no longer have the CD; I have it in digital form. Everyone knows the three famous tracks: Monkey Wrench, Everlong and My Hero. But here, listen to another “My Poor Brain”. It’s also a great track.
The Offspring Smash
Smash came out in 1994 but I didn’t start listening to them till 1995, so I was 12. I remember picking up this album because of the cover. The cover has a skeleton on it. How cool! I think these days the younger generation does not appreciate cover art but I always found it to be interesting. You can’t really get that from your computer screen; you have to see it in person. Also albums came with the cover and the insert tells you the tracks. I feel back in the 90’s, and earlier, there was some real thought in what goes into that insert. Not all the time but most of the time. I kinda miss that.
I remember The Offspring on the radio with the song “Self Esteem” because how it first plays out with the “La La La” was interesting. I had to have this album. I remember getting this album at Best Buy with my Mom and (BONUS!) no warning label. Remembering listening to “Self Esteem” first then rest of the album and finding I liked every single song.
Here is “Bad Habit” it’s a good “road rage” song or if you are just mad or enraged this song is awesome.
Green Day Dookie
This album came out in 1994 that would make me 11 but I probably was 12 or 13 when I found this album. I do not recall how I found this album but I pretty sure I heard them on the radio and fell in love with their sound. I actually bought this album at a used CD store. Which we do not have any more but in the 90’s they were thriving.
Since then I have been a Green Day fan but I would say I am a lover of the old Green Day. I find I do not like any of their new stuff. I wish they would go back to the 90’s and play like they used too. Not to say I do not like all of their new songs some are catchy. OMG! Green Day catchy ugh…….
Here this is my favorite song and you know it too, “When I Come Around”.
The Suicide Machines Destruction by Definition
Yeah I can talk about a Punk album; I do not consider Green Day punk. The year is 1996 for this album but I didn’t listen to The Suicide Machines till the video game Tony Hawk Pro Skater came out and “New Girl” was on the soundtrack. (I loved that game.) So not until 1999, I am 16 years old.
By this time I already loved Punk which is the genre I could listen to it no matter who is playing. Not saying I do not have my favorites because I do and one happens to be The Suicide Machines. Their sound is fun to listen to as well.
This is one of my favorite tracks from the album, it’s called “Vans Song”. It’s a fun song about a shoe brand which I use to wear all the time back in the 90’s.
Reel Big Fish Turn Off The Radio
Ooo ska punk! The year is 1996 and I am 13. I remember this album like it was yesterday. I’ve owned two copies because the first one was destroyed by my younger brother. When I saw “Sell Out” on MTV it was a game changer. Not just Ska but Ska Punk! Can there be anything better? (If you say yes, well good for you.) I even saw them live at Warp Tour. Now that was cool! Even though I was in the way back. Something about the punk sound and horns is just an amazing sound.
Well we all know “Sell Out” and “Everything Sucks”. Here is another “Beer”.
Default The Fallout
This album came out in the year 2001, I am 18 and still in high school. I love the lead singer’s voice who is Dallas Smith. Unfortunately the lead singer now sings country. Kinda disappointed in that because I love this album so much and now he does not sound like Default. Not saying he is a bad singer in fact the opposite he is a really good singer. I expect one thing but got another like alternative to country. Everyone knows the song “Wasting Time” that is the reason I bought the album but fell in love with the whole thing.
My favorite song is “Faded” and that is the song I am going to leave you with. This song makes you think. Love it!