Johnny's Jukebox...
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Let's say the jukebox only holds 25 discs. The following alphabetical list would be a real good guess as to what I'd put in it.
Boomtown Rats, Fine Art of Surfacing
History hasn't been kind to this band, mostly due to Geldof's big mouth, but hopefully someday this record will get the respect it deserves.
David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars
"We can't dance, we don't talk much, we just ball and play." Sure, it was Bowie's finest hour, but guitarist Mick Ronson almost steals the entire show.
Jeff Buckley, Grace
I didn't become a fan until after his death, and now I regret having missed him - the guy was pretty "out there."
Buzzcocks, Singles Going Steady
The punk/pop bible. As it was written in Buzzcocks: Volume 3, song 1, verse 2, `Johnny's...got the energy; he will amaze. '"
The Cars, The Cars
One listen will tell you how much I've stolen from this record.
Cheer Accident, The Why Album
My favorite from the C-Ax boys. Call me a purist, but I do relate well to the three-minute format presented here.
Crowded House, Woodface
If the jukebox plays only ONE song, it had better be "Only Natural" from this album.
The Damned, Machine Gun Etiquette
Too bad this band couldn't sustain this level of quality for their entire career. I think I can still play every song on this record in my sleep!
Devo, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We are Devo!
How on EARTH did this album get made back in 1979? It's still a risky, abrasive, and brilliant album, even by today's standards.
Neil Finn, Try Whistling This
I think Neil Finn is destined to get better and better until he takes over the universe.
Garbage, Garbage
Totally hot mix of techno and pop. Shirley Manson's voice makes me want to take my clothes off.
Green, Green
How many copies of this have I worn out? Three? Four? Can I get it on CD yet, Jeff? Hello?
Green Day, Dookie
Hey! Someone reunited my first high school punk band without me! Cut it out!
Hoodoo Gurus, Mars Needs Guitars
It isn't easy to convey your sense of humor on a record, but the Gurus did it here - alongside some ingenious pop gems.
The Knack, Get The Knack
The quintessential 70's pop record. Snicker if you like, but let's see YOU pull off the solo in "My Sharona."
MC5, Back In The USA
Punk rock before it even had a name. Three chords and a lot of anger - what else do you need?
NRBQ, Grooves in Orbit
Worth the price based on the track "Some Kind of Blues" alone. Luckily for all of us, the rest of the record is just as good.
Ramones, It's Alive!
While the other Slugs will almost certainly choose "Live at Leeds" as their favorite live album, I have to give my nod to Joey and the boys instead.
The Slugs, Non-Stop Holiday
This album can still give me goosebumps - it's THAT good. If you don't have it, get it. Now.
Smoking Popes, Destination Failure
Without question, my biggest single influence during the late 1990's. Yes, Josh does sound a little like Kermit the Frog at first, but you get used to it. (Then you fall in love with it.)
T-Rex, Best of T-Rex
Okay, so his career was pretty uneven, but DAMN if Bolan didn't know how his way around a hook. I don't need T.V. - I've got T-Rex.
Webstirs, Rocket To The Moon
Imagine my surprise and delight when this little band from Chicago puts out one of the best records of the year!
The Who, Tommy
First record I ever owned. (If you can consider stealing from your older brother "owning.")
Robbie Williams, The Ego Has Landed
If I were ever to teach a class in pop music, this record would be one of the textbooks. If you don't know, go ask a fifteen-year-old girl who he is.
XTC, Oranges & Lemons
Arguably their best; easily my favorite. I almost gave up songwriting entirely after hearing this album!
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Surprised? Let me know! johnnyl@theslugs.com
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