Music that moves me - my favourite albums

With bush fires officially declared out (hallelujah) in our neck of the woods, and a bit like hot cross buns appearing on supermarket shelves on boxing day, a new crisis has swiftly come and taken their place. And isn’t the media having a field day! Not to downplay the seriousness’s of COVID-19 (cause it is very serious I know), but it has inadvertently taken peoples attention away from other important matters, such as, um…the environment!

I didn’t want to blog about the distressing start to 2020 that we have all experienced (I've already written about my bush fire story here), I wanted instead to take a more light-hearted approach, take my mind (and perhaps yours too) off it completely, even just for a little while. And what better way to do that, than through music?!

This train of thought got me thinking about the music that has resonated with me over the years, what brings on those nostalgic feels, what makes me want to get up and wiggle ma booty, and what music makes me want to sit back, relax and just soak up the voices and melodies?

So, with that in mind, I have compiled a list of my favourite albums thus far in life. Of course, there were many more I could have added, and it is most definitely very 90’s influenced, but I rekon it’s a pretty good, somewhat eclectic list.

“When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest of times, and to the latest.” – Henry David Thoreau

In no particular order of preference, nor chronological (apologies if this is a trigger for you), here is my list of music that moves me.

Pearl Jam – Ten (1991)

The first album I ever bought with my own money; it is also the best album I have ever owned. Alright, just this one is in order, No.1 always. Eddies voice is like no other, and seeing Pearl Jam live in concert for the first time was the closest I’ve come to a ‘spiritual’ experience. Even whilst my poor sister suffered along side me sick-as-a-dog, took one for the team sis!

The Waifs – The Waifs (1996)

My sister and I (we've seen lots of music together, it's our thing) saw The Waifs perform for the first time at a small local country hall; we were suitably blown away. Their harmonies and song writing smarts had us yearning to pack up our guitars, hit the road & run away with them!

Frente – Marvin The Album (1992)

Oh my aspiring singers heart! Singing along to Angie Harts sweet Australiana voice and Frente’s poppy tunes was what got me started on my singing journey. For that, this album will always be a bit spesh to me. And you know you had Accidently Kelly St stuck in your head more than once, don’t even try to deny it!?

Magic Dirt – Life Was Better EP (1994)

After discovering Magic Dirt in the pages of a Rolling Stone magazine (as you did back in the day) and then witnessing them tear up the stage at The Big Day Out, I basically wanted to be Adalaita. I even dyed my hair like her, fan girl much.

King of Leon – Because of The Times (2007)

KOL were the support act for one of Pearl Jams Australian Tours and Caleb Followills voice captured my attention then & there (it’s all about the voice). I do prefer their earlier albums over the new, but their super skinny jeans and southern drawl made me feel like a teenager again. Being in the ‘mosh pit’ for their headline tour years later was not terrible, not gonna lie.

Ocean Alley – Chiaroscuro (2018)

I listened to this album non-stop for months, it was quite literally my summer 2018/2019 soundtrack. I’d not fallen in love with a more recent (modern?) album for a long time but this one got me good. Their chill vibe, voices, harmonies, lyricism and catchy as heck tunes had me grooving all summer long. Hoping to catch them live one day.

The Cranberries – No Need to Argue (1994)

I was devastated when I heard Dolores O’Riodan was pronounced deceased back in 2018, what a tragic loss. Such a unique voice and talent, I had this album on repeat for much of my teenage hood. Did you even school disco if you didn’t head band to Zombie?

Beyonce – Lemonade (2016)

This album was not at all what I expected from Queen B following her Destiny’s Child days and previous solo work, it may well be why I like it so much. My daughter and I cranked this in the car on many occasions. An anthem for female power, okay ladies now let’s get in formation.

Silverchair – Frogstomp (1995)

This album was what teenage girl’s dreams were made of…or was that just the band members? Silverchair exploded on to the Australian music scene back in the mid nineties and I, along with my girlfriends got caught up in the hype. Tomorrow gives me all the feels, even to this day.

Hozier – Hozier (2014)

I knew (and still don’t) little about Hozier, it was his voice (see, told you!) and beautiful melodies that caught my attention. For me to really dig an artist, the album in its entirety must be good, not just a few songs. I love this entire album, moody, thoughtful & catchy, can put it on any time and just enjoy.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

If this is not one of the best albums of all time, I will eat an egg. And that’s saying a lot because I really dislike eggs! Funky, quirky, sexy and catchy af, it’s full of dance around the house like a crazy person tracks. Takes me right back to my formative years, back when I was foot loose and fancy free.

That was fun! And you bet I Spotified the shit out of all these albums while compiling this list. Any of these albums your favourites too? Do people have favourite albums any more or has 'streaming' destroyed that? What would you include in your list? Are you more genre driven or does your 'favourites list' look as eclectic as mine?

Peace out homies

xx Kara