Led Zeppelin-IV (1971): If there was a Classic Rock album I would require people to listen to at least one track from that was neither of my favorite Beatles albums, this would be it. Almost every track from this has become a classic rock radio staple, the rambunctious "Black Dog," the energetic "Rock and Roll," the softer acoustic songs "Battle of Evermore" and "Going to California," the keyboard-driven "Misty Mountain Hop," the drum and harmonica-heavy "When the Levee Breaks" or the complex guitar opus "Stairway to Heaven." Even the often-overlooked "Four Sticks" has a driving riff and powerful drumming delivering by the titular four sticks. This was truly Led Zeppelin's finest album and established them as a hard rock mainstay.
Deep Purple-Come Taste the Band (1975): The last of the David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes albums for Deep Purple. This was also the only album with American guitarist Tommy Bolin, most famous for two albums with James Gang. Bolin delivers a solid performance backing Coverdale on "Comin' Home" and "Dealer" and has great synergy with Hughes on "Gettin' Tighter." The final track, the duet "You Keep On Moving," is one of my favorite classic Deep Purple tracks, the instrumentation is top-notch for all the players and Coverdale and Hughes both deliver stellar performances. Like Abbey Road, though, it can be a bit bittersweet, especially since Tommy Bolin died of multiple overdoses in late 1976.
Sammy Hagar and The Circle-At Your Service (2015): Sammy Hagar and The Circle is another Sammy Hagar supergroup, this time featuring former Van Halen bandmate bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Vic Johnson and Jason Bonham, son of John Bonham, drummer of Led Zeppelin, as the drummer. In 2014, they underwent their first tour and I saw the show at the Tulalip Amphitheatre at the Tulalip Casino. This recording is from the previous show a week or two before in Atlantic City. There are many Van Hagar songs (songs from the days Sammy Hagar lead sang Van Halen), some performances of Sammy Hagar solo songs and a few Led Zeppelin songs. As could be expected from the four professionals, the show is top-notch and highly recommended for fans of the aforementioned bands. It's a fun album that I enjoy listening to in order to relive a great concert experience.
Tegan and Sara-Love You To Death (2016): I was first introduced to twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin as the opening act for Katy Perry in 2013. At the time, the duo had just released the album Heartthrob and the song "Everything is Awesome" for The Lego Movie. The album that followed, Love You To Death, was a joyous Pop album and a profound learning experience. Tegan and Sara are both lesbians and two of the songs on the album, "BWU" and "Boyfriend" make reference to wanting a girlfriend. Other songs like "U-Turn" are apologetic love songs, as well as anger at a lover leaving, like "Dying to Know." The fun pop production and willingness to approach lyrics from their own perspective make this album memorable and an enjoyable experience to listen to. My only problem is sometimes I have to worry about who's around if I'm listening to it out loud, even though I live in a blue area of a blue state.
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