Van Halen by Van Halen
The incredible self-titled debut album from Van Halen
Some bands take a while to find their feet in the studio, whilst others arrive fully formed with a bunch of road-tested material and ready to rock. This album is a fantastic first attempt and it would be another six years before they got near it again in terms of song quality. Worth the price of admission just for their cover of “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks, the fact you get another ten great tracks is a bonus!
Favourite track: The blistering instrumental “Eruption” that announced the arrival of Eddie Van Halen to the world.
Rose Tattoo by Rose Tattoo
Rose Tattoo’s debut album was released on the Alberts label, home to AC/DC and the Angels
Hard-rocking Aussie band Rose Tattoo made a name for themselves in Sydney and members of AC/DC recommended them to their label who quickly signed them. Their debut contains some of their most well-known tracks, several of which would remain in their live repertoire for decades. A brilliant way to start and it is unsurprising that Guns ‘N’ Roses consider them an influence. Sadly, they were not able to maintain this consistent quality throughout the rest of their career.
Favourite track: The amusing track containing their band name in the lyrics, “Stuck On You”
Darkness On The Edge Of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen’s first full album with the classic E Street band line-up
This will always be my favourite Springsteen album. I love everything about it from the unassuming cover art, the awesome musicianship of the E Street band, to the amazing songs that make up the album’s track list. This album is also beautifully produced and recorded and still sounds great today. If you love this album half as much as I do, I recommend immersing yourself in the 3CD/3DVD box set of The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story.
Favourite track: This was a really difficult choice as I love every track on it but had to go with the brooding title track “Darkness On The Edge Of Town”
Some Girls by The Rolling Stones
Some Girls was the first album to feature Ronnie Wood as a fulltime band member
Some Girls was a critical and commercial success for the Stones, reaching #2 in the UK charts as well as topping the charts in the US. It would go on to become their biggest selling album in the US, selling over six million copies and including several successful singles. Some reviewers at the time consider the album their best since Exile On Main Street and I am inclined to agree.
Favourite track: The hilarious tongue-in-cheek country-influenced “Far Away Eyes”
Face To Face by The Angels
The sophomore effort from the Angels, Face To Face
Unlike Rose Tattoo and Van Halen above, it was the second album from the Angels where they really found their feet. Musically, there was tremendous growth since their first album having stumbled upon their signature sound. The album is a cohesive whole because of this sound. They are one of Australia’s unluckiest bands never quite obtaining the international success they should have due to a variety of factors including bad luck, poor decisions and band infighting.
Favourite track: So many classic songs on this album made it another one where it was difficult to choose just one. In the end I went with “I Ain’t The One”
The Slabthrower 