Album List

August 12th is “Vinyl Record Day.” I know that there are a lot of worthy causes is in the world today that need help, but this is a little less known that all my friends here at JamsBio can get behind. The story begins back in 2002 when the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors in California proclaimed August 12th “Vinyl Record Day.” August 12th being the day Edison invented the phonograph in 1877.

The idea behind the event is to celebrate all types and styles of music and to encourage friends and family to take a day and get out all the old dusty vinyl out of the garage and enjoy listening to it.

The idea somewhat snowballed and in 2003 they became recognized as a non-profit organization intent on the “Preservation of the cultural influences, the recordings and the cover art of vinyl is an important goal of Vinyl Record Day.”

Their mission statement also states, “No less important to the purpose of preservation is the goal to establish a national day to enjoy our favorite music. Perhaps most important of all, Vinyl Record Day is to not lose touch with what is individual to us, yet is shared by millions worldwide; the ability for music to remind us that regardless of national news, or personal daily challenges, we attach fond memories to our music, nothing else connects us to friends, family, and special times as the songs of our personal soundtrack.”

Truly ideas the community here at JamsBio chooses to celebrate on a daily basis. So sometime today, take some time out, dust off an old vinyl album and dance around your living room. Do it with friends, with family, or just by yourself.

In honor of Vinyl Record Day, I’ve compiled a list of my top-10 most memorable vinyl records, from my own collection, separated into two categories. The first being records I inherited (by either my mom, dad, or big brother). The second of course being my own (records I spent my hard earned allowance buying at the local record store myself).

INHERITED

Pearl by Janis Joplin (1971)

This was one of many albums that I taped onto cassette so I could take with me anywhere. Her first and only solo album, Pearl forever defined what a true female rock star should be.

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company (1968)

Released shortly after Janis & Big Brother made rock ‘n roll history with their legendary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, Cheap Thrills went on to be the biggest album of the year. Its success was short lived, however, as Janis left shortly thereafter to pursue a solo career. A solo career cut short by her untimely death in 1971. My all time favorite song sung by Janis, “Summertime,” is on this album.

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin (1969)

My very first exposure to Zeppelin was II, an album I found in my parents collection, and adored from the very opening licks of “Whole Lotta Love.” It was unlike anything I’d ever heard before or since. Some of my favorite Zeppelin tunes are from this album (“Ramble On” & “The Lemon Song”). It wasn’t long after my first listening of this album that I would begin to consider them my favorite band of all time.

Absolutely Live by The Doors (1970)

I had already discovered The Doors when I discovered this album in my parents’ collection. This was the first album I’d ever heard, and considering it was edited from a dozen different concerts, it was certainly the best of the best live performances by Morrison and the boys.

Party! by The Beach Boys (1965)

This was my dad’s, it even had a label on it because he received it as part of a Columbia House music club kind of thing. I dearly loved this album, and was instantly taken by Dennis Wilson’s take on the Beatles, “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.” Truly the beginning of my lifelong love of The Beach Boys.

MY OWN

St. Elmo’s Fire Soundtrack by Various Artists (1985)

Though I owned all the Brat Pack movie soundtracks at one time or another, this was only one I owned on Vinyl. I remember very much buying this album, and listening to “For Just a Moment (The Love Theme)” over and over and over…

Thriller by Michael Jackson (1983)

I used to keep this album opened up on top of my dresser because I LOVED the awesome picture of MJ in that white suit and the tiger. That was beyond cool. You can’t display CD’s like you could a cool vinyl album.

Tiffany by Tiffany (1987)

Though I did outgrow my Tiffany phase, I still stand by my declaration that “Could’ve Been” is one of the beautiful love songs of the eighties.

Out of the Blue by Debbie Gibson (1987)

Though I preferred Tiffany to Debbie Gibson, even at such a young age I was totally down with the fact that Debbie wrote each and every song on the album. Something a lot of pop artists weren’t doing at the time. Obviously because at the tender age of 17 (take note, Britney!) Debbie was the youngest person to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit single. Nice title to hold (a title she now shares with only one other, Soulja Boy).

Girls Girls Girls by Motley Crue (1987)

Yes, this is correct. I was purchasing both Debbie Gibson and Motley Crue records during my tenth year on earth. It’s no wonder my taste in music is still so out of control, even today.

In honor of “Vinyl Record Day” I would like to clarify that each and every one of the above listed albums is still in my possession to this day. What’s collecting dust in your old vinyl collection? I hope that everybody celebrates Vinyl Record Day, loudly and with pride!

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