Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order

Ok, Here is #1 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order.

I am starting off with David Bowie's Blackstar because I think that a lot of what makes an album amazing is the back story. I mean, even if we don't know all the details, the energy that goes into making an album comes through . Blackstar was Bowie's goodbye and so every track has another message. I believe it to be the most honest of all Bowie's work. He is not hiding behind a character here. Although it is presented as though he is, he plays the role of the dying man, then we find out, it was no role. Fearless and brilliant.

#2 on Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order.

Prince's "Purple Rain", I mean come on, how could this album not be on this list. This is one of the sexiest albums ever. It flows from pop to funk to strait up R&B flawlessly. Impossible not to sing to and in the 80s it was everyone's secret and not so secret obsession.

At this point if you have not heard it, put an hour aside to do just that. You will be glad you did. Thanks Prince for helping me through puberty with this superb endeavor!

#3 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is The Beatles Abbey Road. When I was thinking of this list, I have to be honest Abbey Road didn't jump in my mind like many others. However it came up in my playlist the other day and I was reminded of how good it actually is. John had privately left the band, so there is this sense of wanting to really leave on a good note. George delivers his best writing to date on this with "Something" and "Here comes the Sun". It trips through several styles of music like a scrap book of their career.

Then there is the cover, that iconic scene of them walking across a crosswalk. Everyone has played the part walking across a street. Although it wasn't their last release. It was the last studio album, "Let it Be" being the final rooftop concert. If you haven't heard it, I urge you to take the time.

#4 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is one that I was obsessed with as a teen. Twisted Sister's "Under the Blade". It is raw, heavy for its time and has both fun and downright psychotic moments. I listened to it again recently just to make sure it was as good as I remember it, and it most certainly is! It is unfortunate that many never heard this album. I mean "Stay Hungry" was good, but under the blade is so raw I love it! So if you haven't heard it hunt down a copy and tell me what you think. \m/

#5 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Diamanda Galas' "The Singer". First off let me say, Diamanda is one of the most amazing singers ever. She has a range that is unbelievable. She is not mainstream by any stretch and has spent a lot of her efforts promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. I simply love almost everything she has done. The Singer is by far her most accessible album. It is indeed a perfect album. If you have never heard her, please do yourself a favor and find her version of "Gloomy Sunday" on YouTube. It will change your life. Then go and get The Singer, light some candles and listen to it. You will be glad you did.

#6 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is "Natural Born Killers" soundtrack. I guess "Purple Rain" was also a soundtrack, but this is the first and possibly the only compilation on this list. Trent Reznor put this soundtrack together for the movie. It is such an eclectic mix of music that somehow works beautifully. So here ya go number six:

#7 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is The Dead Milkmen "Soul Rotation". It is such an unusual and amazing concept album about the New Age, Alien abduction and government conspiracy done only the way the Dead Milkmen can do it. I had a hard time finding it for a while, but apparently it has been re-released. I highly recommend this album. Something fun to listen to on long road trips or late night coffee seasons.

#8 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Johnny Cash's "Unchained". This is second album produced by Rick Rubin and it just kicks ass! Full of guests and amazing covers. Johnny and Rubin really hit their stride with this album. Although I am a big fan of Johnny and love all the stuff he did with Rubin, this album holds up on its own and is one that I always fall back on if some one has never heard Johnny. His cover of "Rusty Cage" on it is enough to convert the unenlightened. Thanks Johnny and Rick!

#9 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Michael Jackson's "Thriller"... I mean come on! "Beat It", "Billy Jean", "Thriller"! This album defined pop for the decade after. This was the second of the Quincy Jones collaborations. This was by far the best in my humble opinion. So if you haven't heard it in awhile, dust off a copy and catch the "Thriller"....

#10 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Sarah McLachlan's "Fumbling toward ecstasy". Many people only know her from sad music playing over even sadder commercials about animal abuse. This album however is so painfully brilliant in the way it dances in the darkest and most painful wounds of the human heart. It is an album about love, loss, attachment and internal struggle. This is like a universal break up album. Perfect to listen to in the dark. If you haven't heard it, grab some tissue, sit on a pillow on the floor, open some cookie dough and enjoy.

#11 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is AC/DC's "Highway to Hell". This was the Late Bon Scott's last album with the band before his death. I became obsessed with AC/DC as a kid having discovered my older brother's 8-tracks. This was one of them that I played over and over, it is amazing how tough those old tapes were. As much as listened to it i'm so surprised it held up. Anyway, the raw heavy guitar of Angus Young and combined with Scott's growling bluesy vocals give this album a truly dark-bluesy feel that the band would never have again. If you haven't listened to it in awhile I recommend blasting it in the car with the windows down. It will make it feel like 1979 all over...

In my mind there are 4 great AC/DC albums, Highway to Hell, High Voltage, Back in Black and For those about to rock.

#12 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Tool's "Undertow". You knew it was going to be in here somewhere after all. This record changed the game for a lot of metal heads, its progressive rock roots and crazy math like time changes had many, including myself in awe when it came out. It still holds up as a solid piece of work. So thanks Tool, you crazy kids!

#13 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Alice Cooper's "Killers". It is just an amazing piece of work that would influence both members of the punk scene and metal scene. It's dark humor and almost progressive arrangements helps this album hold up among Cooper's best. I have long said that Alice Cooper was an underrated song writer and this is one of the reasons I feel this way. So check it out from start to finish if you haven't. It is dark though so be ready for that.

#14 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Iron Butterfly's "Ball". This album is a masterpiece in psychedelic rock. It is trippy, heavy and just some solid fun rock and roll. The vocals on this album are what I think of when I think of Iron Butterfly. Just haunting and beautiful. So please check it out if you haven't heard it. Make sure you light some incense and turn on the lava lamp first.

#15 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Queensryche "Operation Mindcrime". This is prog metal at its finest. There are a few albums that I run around when they come out and say "you have to listen to this". This album is one of those albums. After this of course the band hit it big with "silent lucidity". To me however this is their pinnacle. If you haven't heard it, it needs to be heard from start to finish, it is also helpful to have a notebook by your side to write down plot notes. Enjoy!

#16 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the Sex Pistols "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols". This was not a master piece of artistry. It was not the greatest of song writing, but it was one of the most influential albums of all time. It was to begin the flood of English punk bands getting heard. In many ways it was the shot heard around the world for the punk movement. So many people reference the pistols, it is surprising to me how many people have never heard this record. Do yourself and give it a listen, you may find yourself yelling it loudly in a bad English accent...well that is what I do anyway.

#17 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is The Cure's "Wish". This album is just a masterpiece of guitar work in my humble, nonguitarplaying mind. Robert Smith's guitar is like a serpent slithering through each song. I was mesmerized by this album. To this day it is one of my all time favorites. I mean ya, it has "Friday I'm in Love" on it, but it seems to fit in the context of the rest of the album. I would highly recommend dancing under the stars to this...alone of course, just you, the stars and Robert.

#18 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Depeche Mode's "Some great reward". This album was my soundtrack my freshman year of 9th grade. I had never quite heard anything like it. I think it launched my love for new wave, post punk and industrial music. This album specifically is innovative, provocative, thought provoking and easy to dance to. I still have to sing loudly anytime "People are people" or "Blasphemous Rumors" plays.

So again put on your prettiest torn black dress and listen to this by candle light with thick incense smoke under the midnight moon and dance!

#19 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order. Nine Inch Nails "Pretty Hate Machine". This album is beautiful, it flows from noisy to subdued. After its release every industrial band wanted to sound like this. Reznor has stated that he thought the record company messed with this mix to much and he never wanted it to be so pop sounding. I would say that is a perfect accident. The pop sound of this album is what makes it so wonderful. It is like bubblegum laced with arsenic. So sorry Trent I have to side with the plastic heads on this one. I don't think they knew what they did, in efforts to clean up the tracks, they made them more infectious and covert.

Find your black hair dye and nail polish and dance to this masterpiece. But dance aggressively like an angry vampire!

#20 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Pearl Jam's "Ten". I remember I was working at a radio station in Virginia when this came out. I played it constantly. I already had the thing memorized when some time later the rest of the world caught on. It was a sound I had never heard before with an deeply sentimental writing style that I had not heard in awhile. Then there was Vedder's voice. All the poser grunge bands tried to do the "Vedder" .

Find your flannel, make some strong coffee and give this a listen if you haven't in awhile. It still holds up. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the video for "Jeremy" talk about prophetic!

#21 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Mary Robbin's "Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs". This album was one of my absolute favorite albums a teeny weenie kid. As I grew up I would go back to it from time to time realizing it was still great. As an adult I was surprised to hear some of the tracks show up in the game "Fallout". I have also talked to many people, musicians mostly that will note this record as one of their favorites. So there ya go, I had good taste as a kid...who knew.

So strap on a six iron, and some black boots, practice your draw in the mirror and play this from start to finish.

#22 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Pink Floyd's "The Wall". This is just an obvious choice, and the first double album in the list. I once had a roommate tell me that when he was facing a decision in his life or felt stuck, he would listen to "The Wall" and contemplate his life. This album is a masterpiece in both story telling and progressive rock. It will take you in and then back out again of whatever personal strife you may have going on.

I remember having the 45 of "Another Brick in the Wall" as a kid. Even then I was mesmerized by this strange kind of music that wasn't quite my mothers "Moody Blues".

This is a dark room with headphones kind of a record so take some time, grab lots of pillows and snuggle into this epic recording.

#23 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Fear "The Record". I just love this record, it has everything that I love about punk. From "Let's have a war" all the way to "No more nothing" track after track is fast, raw and growling. I have spent countless hours being angry and amused to this record. I remember back in the day I would whip around to this in my living room until I got dizzy screaming at the top of my lungs. Good times, good times indeed.

So grab the safety pins and some bleach, put on this record and make some expressive wardrobe decisions.

#24 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Metallica's "Master of Puppets". This album was one of those defining moments in music. In the time when metal was either glam or apocalyptic with either bands like Poison or Iron Maiden. This album came out with more of a post punk heaviness. It was heavier and darker than what was going on at the time with a whole lot of talent to back it up. This cassette tape was instantly in heavy rotation in my car and would continue to be for years.

Give this one a listen if you haven't in awhile, open the windows and turn it up up up up...

#25 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Tori Amos "Little Earthquakes". Tori's intuitive style of piano and the raw intense lyrical content of this album make it a true work of art and expression. I remember when I first heard it, I literally stopped what I was doing to listen. "Who is this ?" I asked. My friend Ginger just smiled and said, Tori. I have loved a lot of what she has done, but I still hold this album up as the best.

This is bubble bath and cleaning the house naked music, so get clean and then get busy.

#26 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds "Murder Ballads". This is just an outstanding collection of murder ballads, both traditional and new. Nick Cave is like a young angry Leonard Cohen in this album. This album was on constant repeat for about a year after it came out for me. Still a great road trip album or house cleaning album.

So lock up your guns, put away the knives, hide the poisons and listen to this over and over until your neighbors get nervous.

#27 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order goes to Savatage "Hall of the Mountain King". Ok, the first time I heard this band I was handed a tape by some kid that wanted me to sing for his band. He said we are looking for someone that can sing like this. I listened to the tape and was like...ummm... Jon Oliva's voice is one of the most unique voices in metal. He can go from zero to extreme falsetto in 1 second.

"Hall of the Mountain King" came out while I was in high school and I was instantly obsessed with it. We played it a lot and we played it loud! We had to, we didn't want anyone to hear us try to hit those notes.

To me this album was when the band started to take a turn toward the more operatic which would become the bands direction for the rest of their recording. This album still had one foot in their dark metal roots so to me is just amazing.

So turn it up, no more upper, still upper... there now listen to it until your ears bleed!

#28 in Caleb's 100 perfect album in no particular order is Dead Can Dance's "Into the Labyrinth". I love most of everything that Dead Can Dance has done, "into the Labyrinth" however is like a walk through the coolest fun house ever. It is a dark, mystical and sometimes playful album. If you are not familiar with the duo or this album, I can't recommend it enough. One of my best memories in the world is driving through old cemeteries listening to this. I know it sounds strange, but it was a beautiful and strange moment in my life.

So light some winter candles. Turn off all the lights, sit on the floor with some cheese and listen, I mean really listen.

#29 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Tracy Chapman's "Crossroads". In many cases an artist has a follow up album to their first album and because of pressure or time it just isn't as good as the first one. This is not one of those cases. Tracy's follow up to her self titled debut album is just amazing. Her song writing takes center stage. It has folk, blues and dylanish moments. Just outstanding!

This is an album that your going to get into, so listen on a road trip, in the bath tub or in front of a fireplace. You will think, you may cry, but you most certainly will feel.

#30 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast". Well of course! As far as 80s metal goes this is about as good as it gets. This was the album that became what everyone wanted to sound like in the metal scene. It was kinda like the "Sgt. Pepper's" of the metal world. This album is still one of the best metal albums ever made. Maiden was in their prime with talent just spilling out. Of course Maiden is one of my favorite bands of all time, but this album is part of the reason. I still go back to it and think, "Damn, what a record".

So put it on, turn it up, louder, LOUDER! Sing with Bruce like no one is watching and play air guitar until your fingers bleed!

#31 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is 4 Non Blondes "Bigger, Better, Faster, More!". This was the only album that the band did which is either really good or unfortunate. It really is just an outstanding album. It would have been hard to follow this up. However, it would have been interesting to see how the band evolved given the chance. It is certainly one of those cases of the whole being greater than its parts. Some of the members went on to do other things, notably Linda Perry. However Perry's solo stuff just doesn't have the same soulful intensity that this album has. Her vocals on this album however are just amazing. This album as a whole is in your face, bluesy, soulful and very edgy for its time. I still love it and will sing along as loud as possible when I play it.
If you have only heard "Whats Up?" off this album, do yourself a favor and check the whole album out especially "Morphine & Chocolate" and "Drifting". Just outstanding. This is some eating ice cream angry kinda music, so you may want to grab a pint or two.

#32 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is another 80s metal classic. Accept "Balls to the walls". I can not say enough good about this album. It is just incredible. From the growling vocals to the screaming guitars, everything I loved about 80s metal. Accept never wanted to be pretty like Poison and such. They were more like Maiden or Priest, but didn't have a vocalist that could hit those notes, instead they had a man with the voice of a madman and thick German accent. Even more menacing and powerful at times. This album was by far the their best.

So if you like metal, and I know you do. Pull this up in your play list and have a listen, play if for the kids. You will be glad you did.

#33 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Ofra Harnoy's "Vivaldi - Cello concertos, Vol.3". I could say that all of Ofra Harnoy's work is amazing, I chose Vol. 3 because is beautiful and haunting. Her mastery over the cello and familiarity with Vivaldi's work shine in this album. Simply amazing and awe inspiring. I highly recommend taking the time to listen to all of Harnoy's Vivaldi trilogy, but if you don't have the time, do yourself the favor of hearing vol. 3.

This is candle light music for sure. You will be moved more than you had expected to be....

#34 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Psychefunkapus "Skin". Chances are you never heard this, if you did your lucky. This came our in the 90s I was working in a radio station and so got a copy. I listened to this day and night. It is a lot like what you would expect, crazy psychedelic funk. Absolutely brilliant.

This is something to check out, great road trip or party music, fun and funky!!

#35 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana". Specifically a recording made by the San Francisco Symphony and Choir, Conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. I have heard many many versions of this piece but stumbled across this piece when I was working during the summer at the University of Notre Dame's radio station hosting a classical radio show. I was looking for a version that was close to an hour or under. I played this version and was just blown away. It is performed with a complete orchestra, choir, and child choir. Hauntingly beautiful, spectacular in every way. I can't recommend this enough.

This is music to play on a stormy night by candle light. Don't plan on doing anything other than sitting in awe for an hour. If it isn't storming, that is okay, just turn out all the lights, light some candles and sit back and be transported.

#36 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is King Diamond's "The Eye". Okay, so King Diamond did a bunch of story based concept albums, this being one of them. I like the others okay, they have their fun moments. The Eye however is a masterpiece. It tells a story that would make a good Hammer film so detailed that it is like having a movie playing in your head. This is what Diamonds operatic voice was meant for. Then there is the song "Two Little Girls", possibly the creepiest song ever!

If you are not familiar with King Diamond, then you most likely are not into metal. If you are not familiar with "The Eye". You are most likely not familiar with King Diamond. If you are into metal and open to something interesting, put in the headphones and check this one out..But not at night when your trying to sleep....cause again "Two Little Girls"...super creepy.

#37 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Buju Banton's "'Till Shiloh". When I heard this album I was simply mesmerized. I was actually walking down the street and heard a track playing out of a shop and stopped to ask the guy what was playing. I then listened to it repeatedly. Banton's vocals are a growling and the lyrics are introspective and social. I simply love this album.

If you are not familiar with his work, this album is a new direction for him. In my opinion a great direction. So check it out, but your gonna want to turn it up and dance.

#38 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in not particular order is Acid Bath's "When the Kite String Pops". This is when I was introduced to Dax Riggs, the lead singer, his amazing voice and dark poetry. This is album is addictive, at the time I had never heard anything quite like it. Dax's voice is smooth and haunting, but it was matched with accompanying screaming vocals and dark lyrics about murder and death. The music is swampy, and dark like an electric dirge.

The band did two studio albums, this one is far superior and although I like Dax Riggs solo stuff and other projects. His vocals in Acid Bath remain for me my favorite. So check it out if you feel up to it. I warn you though, this album is dark....very dark. Great middle of night music, your neighbors will thank me.

#39 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the self titled debut album of Suicidal Tendencies. I love this album! It is everything that I loved about punk music. It is fun, crass, and raw. Although I like some of the stuff ST did after they fully evolved into a thrash band. This first album I consider a separate band entirely. It has very little in common with the latter much more serous thrash metal stuff.

This is good open garage door blaring music. So get to it kids!

#40 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is The Velvet Underground's Debut album with Nico. This album sparked a whole movement and I would go as far as to say gave birth to what would become the Goth movement. This album is music for the sake of art and is just like nothing else before or since. Lou Reed and Nico trade off songs over dark lazy guitars and noise. It is avant-garde poetic musical mayhem. Absolutely brilliant.

Again if you haven't heard this you really really need to. From start to finish while eating cheese and grapes in the floor naked, possibly smoking a hookah.

#41 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Mötley Crüe's "Shout at the Devil". As far as hair metal goes, this album has it all. Androgynous guys, ritualistic overtones, powerful riffs and youthful rebellion. Perfect! If your a hipster you most likely have a Mötley Crüe shirt and I hope you have heard more than "Girls, girls girls". This album and "To fast for love are really great".

So grab some AquaNet, tease that hair and Shout at the Devil!!!

#42 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Guns and Roses "Appetite for Destruction'. This is just a great rock 'n' roll album. It is straight forward, hard hitting and stripped down rock. Pretty refreshing for its time when glam rock ruled the world. This album holds up like some of the good old classic rock albums.

I'm sure you have heard many if not all the tracks on this album, but just in case.... give it a listen.

#43 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Rage Against the Machine's self titled debut album. This album was like nothing before it. The guitar seemed divinely inspired, the lyrics intelligent and challenging. The vibe was just fed up with everything. This album felt like a slow rage that had finally boiled over. It was one of those albums that I literally called people and told them about it having a hard time finding words to describe it.

This is a good album for an election year, give it a good listen.

#44 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Blind Melon's self titled debut album. This band's sound was so fresh and unique due largely to Shannon Hoon's Vocal performance. He had a soulful voice reminiscent of Janis Joplin. This combined with the introspective topics of the lyrics made for some very moving moments. Unfortunately, like Joplin, Hoon died way to early.

If you have only heard what played on Mtv, do yourself a huge favor and listen to the whole album. It is amazingly good. You will be happy that you did.

#45 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Bauhaus "Burning from the Inside". Although this isn't the most popular album from the Gothic Gods Bauhaus, to me it is amazing. It rides that line between punk, and post punk Goth. It has almost a carnival feel, but you a carnival in which something is about to go terribly wrong. This album has almost a hidden danger in it.

Wait until the sun goes down and play it loud, all the better if there is a storm outside.

#46 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is George Harrison & friends "The Concert for Bangladesh". This album is just incredible and I think it is the only live album so far in this list. These albums include George Harrison, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston and Eric Clapton. I mean can you imagine these guys sharing a stage and playing together as a band. Incredible. The first half of the concert features chill out Indian music with the second half being rock. Just an incredible thing that Harrison did for Bangladesh and for anyone that likes music.

Find those incense, make some curry and enjoy this amazing recording.

#47 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the Goo Goo Dolls "A boy named Goo". So the Goo Goo Dolls became huge right after this album. After their commercial success they kinda went back into the shadows, but before it they did this wonderful album. This album is a mix of punk, alternative and collage rock elements. It has a hint of the slow self reflective style that made them hit it big, but just a hint. The perfect amount. What I really love about this album is that every track has its own life. This reminds me of bands like Fleetwood Mac or Queen. Although the style is nothing like them of course. So check it out.

#48 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Shellac "1000 hurts". I was introduced by this band by a roommate of mine. When I heard "Squirrel Song" I was hooked. I would call these guys are considered "hate core". I would just consider it a variation on punk. Hard, angst rock with some collage rock elements. This album is funny, loud and wonderful!

#49 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is "Marilyn Manson's "Antichrist Superstar". This album takes a bit from here and there. It has some Ziggy Stardust, some Alice Cooper and a little bit of a concept album flavor thrown in. All that being said, really it is one of those albums that defines a time. It is an anthem for a generation, and like many albums on its list is link to peoples youth angst and personal struggles.

Get out the black nail polish kids!

#50 in caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Stevie Wonder's "Talking Book". Wonder in his prime shaping R&B to come and helping put Motown a household name. Even if you haven't heard the album from start to finish, you have heard some of the tracks. So take the time, dim the lights and let Wonders voice tuck you in.

#51 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Pantera's "Cowboys from Hell". Okay, let me set the stage, it is the early 90s I am working at a radio station in Virginia. I was asked to pick up a band named Wrathchild America for an on air interview. They where great guys, who I later became good friends with. Anyway, they had an album out called "surrounded by idiots". The said they where touring with a band named Pantera on a "Cowboys and idiots tour". I later had dinner with them and Pantera and crew. They seemed fun...

When Pantera hit the stage it was complete mayhem. The raw power and energy of their performance blew me away. I of course started to listen to this album after that. It was the hardest thing out there at the time. It had the energy of punk, but not in a crossover way, this was pure metal. I loved it, still do. So check it out and turn it up...upper.....more upper...upper a little more...ya!!

#52 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Meatloaf's "Bat out of Hell". I really don't thing I need to explain this one much. It is just a brilliant piece of work. I first heard it as a kid at my step mother's house. Then later when Mtv became a thing they played a videos from the album. It was still awesome. Now, decades later it is still the top of my list of epic recordings.

Check if out if you aren't familiar with it. Simply brilliant.

#53 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Smashing Pumpkin's "Siamese Dream". I know that Mtv introduced me to this album, but it was when I was traveling with my buddy Rod that I really really got into it. It is a very deep and introspective album for its time. It still holds up strong after all this time. It was the first album that I heard a real combination of soft vocals over noisy music. I have since heard it done more, but never so brilliantly.

It is a rainy day in Georgia, this is the perfect album for it.

#54 on of caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is David Bowie's "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars". This album really needs no explaining along with Sgt Pepper's, one of the most influential albums of all time. So please listen to it if you haven't. If you haven't in awhile it is a must.

I still miss you Mr. Bowie

#55 of Caleb's list of 100 perfect albums in no particular order is The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Like Ziggy Stardust, one of the most influential albums of all time. Every band after was searching for their "Sgr Pepper's". The term became synonymous with ones crowning or perfect achievement. This was indeed it for The Beatles. From its controversial cover to the amazing song writing to the innovative studio production. This album became the gold standard.

If you haven't heard it,.....well, what the hell? get to it man!

#56 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Jane's Addiction "Ritual de lo habitual". As far as post punk alternative rock, Jane's Addiction along with a few others set the bar. This album in particular was so fresh, so original and so "what the hell?" that it quickly became everyone's favorite in the underground scene. This is the album that all your favorite bands listen to.

If you haven't heard it, please please take the time. Mainly because Jane Says, she is done with Sergio. 

#57 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the Misfits "Static Age". A punk classic that was another that I think all my friends must have owned at least once, many of us bought several times. To me it combined two of my favorite things, horror movies and punk. So I loved the 'fits' from the beginning, this album was the perfect introduction to their fast and spooky brand of punk.

Get out the face paint and gel your hair into a devil lock and enjoy.

#58 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the self titled album by the project "Temple of the Dog". This was a wonderful project with Chris Cornell and members of Mother Love Bone. Sprinkle in some Eddie Vedder and you end up with a very powerful album. This album is slower and more introspective than what these artists are known for. Temple of the Dog is an ode to the human condition, tinged with grief. I simply love this album, this is one I go to when I myself am feeling introspective.

Perfect driving or alone in your room music, please take the time to check it out if you haven't.

#59 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in 10,000 Maniacs "Blind Man's Zoo". Conscious folk style college rock is how I would describe this album. Still has a place today with topics such as poverty, pollution and so on. Great story telling and song writing and Merchant's voice is one of a kind. I first heard this album in Indiana in this girls living room. Me and my friend Rod stayed the night and took showers while we where traveling. She gave me her VW van because she decided to travel with a leather dealer. She played this album for us in a candle light room while singing softly and swaying back and forth. It was a beautiful moment.

enjoy.

#60 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular is 45 Grave's "Debasement Tapes". To me this is what death rock is all about. Punk riffs, horror references, experiments in noise. This album has it all. It is still my absolute favorite 45 Grave recording, and one of my favorite records of all time.

So if your into spooky, noisy, punky music with a bit of playfulness about it. Check it out!

#61 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Johnny Cash "At Folsom Prison". This is one of those rare moments when a live album is just so amazing that it becomes a classic. I can't think of to many times that this has ever happened outside of a festival record like Woodstock. This album however shows us everything we love about Johnny. He is an outlaw, a man of the downtrodden, you know the "Man in Black". His powerful delivery of his classics, the jabs at the guards and finely the bursting out of "A Boy Named Sue". Just a spectacular album.

Please do yourself a favor and listen to classic Cash being Cash.

#62 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is 16 Horsepower "Secret South". So I want to start off by saying that 16 Horsepower is the band that inspired me to learn how to play banjo. It sounds like preaching when they play it. This is one of my favorite bands and out of their releases "Secret South" is a good representation of their music. I highly recommend it.

#63 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Melissa Etheridge's "Brave and Crazy". Her voice, straight forward rock progression and intense passion all come together on this album in an unforgettable way. This is an exploration of the human heart in a search for love and meaning. This is a drive down the road screaming and crying while beating the steering wheel kind of record. But please be responsible if you Melissa and drive.

#64 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the Indigo Girls self titled second album. This album came to me when I was cleaning my life up. Had kicked drugs and was really trying to find some direction in my life. So it is always an emotionally charged listen for me. But I think even if I wouldn't have been going through all that it would be. Of course the duo became famous many many years after this album. I hold this recording up as their most honest, soulful and intense work as a whole. I mean I love much of what they did, and living in Atlanta have seen them perform several times and ran into them on many occasions. But still this album, this album moves me deeply.

So dim the lights, get the tissue and give it a good listen.

#65 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Depeche Mode "Songs of Faith and Devotion". I remember when this album hit, it was shocking only because it seemed like a left turn from what the band had previous done. It was hard and raw at moments, not the very clean electronic sound I had come to expect. With topics of faith and loss and the struggle of finding our place in the universe, this album seemed personal. I loved it then and love it now. I even sang an acapella version of "One Caress" at some festival.

If you have only heard "I feel you", you need to treat yourself and hear the rest.

#66 in caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Dio "Last in Line". I mean Dio defined eighties metal. This was the album that introduced him to Mtv and most of the world. He freaked out our parents, not in the same way as the hair bands did. He was gothic, dark and intelligent in his writing and his voice! On this album his voice sounds like it is escaping Hell itself. Just powerful and amazing.

\m/ \m/ 

#67 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is for those that just can't get enough camp! If your not one of them, it is best to just skip this one. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack". This is performed by the cast of the movie and is just amazing, I mean Tim Curry and Meatloaf! My god what could be better!

So get ready to do the "Time Warp" folks.

#68 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular albums is Klaus Nom's self titled debut. If you don't know who Klaus Nomi is, you really need to. He was a brilliant vocalist and a huge influence in the New York New Wave scene. After finely landing a big record deal and releasing what was to be his major label release "Simple Man" the album following this one, Klaus fell victim to HIV/AIDS and so the world would hardly know him. He left us some music however. His first one being in my opinion pure Klaus, it includes "Cold Song" my absolute favorite. That alone makes this album great, but all the tracks are wonderful. Please check out Klaus on youtube and then get his music. You will be glad you did.

#69 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is F. M. Einheit "Radio Inferno". Okay, i'm not gonna lie, this is not for everyone. But if you are a fan of industrial and ambient noise, or a fan of Dante's Inferno you will love this. This is basically a telling of Inferno through industrial noise. I was captivated by this album for some time. I kept giving it to my friends to listen to. Simply brilliant!

Great listen for these summer storms.

#70 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Fleetwood Mac "Rumors". This is just an exceptional album, It is personal and enchanting. I like many others have moments when I just want to hear this album and nothing else will do. The haunting vocals, the simple yet intricate arrangements. Just wonderful. I also loved Tusk a great deal although it seemed to me more like a single for some reason. Anyway this is the album that solidified the band as superstars and it was well deserved. If it has been awhile give this another listen.

#71 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is AC/DC "Back in Black". This was the first album they did after the death of Bon Scott, and as I understand it most of it was written by him. So it is kinda spooky to me in that way. This is just a great album from start to finish and would define the new sound of the band. A classic for sure and helped solidify Brian Johnson as the new member. Give it a listen if you haven't in awhile.

#72 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is The Beautiful South "0898". If you haven't heard the Beautiful South, think cheesy but catchy melodies that sound sugary sweet....until you listen to the lyrics. It has very dark humor undertones. A male and female vocal jousting. This album in particular hits on topics such as murder, alcoholism and of course love. Simply brilliant, please check it out.

#73 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Fiona Apple "Tidal". This is such a great album for both its song writing and of course her amazing voice. This album has a timeless quality about that will bring me back to it again and again. It has a darkness about it, but the human emotional kind. Like someone dancing with the shadow that lives within them.

This is a good dinner alone album. Just you, a frozen pizza and Fiona.

#74 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is another one by Diamanda Galas, this time being joined by the legendary John Paul Jones. You read that right! Anyway, this is quite a departure from her other projects, it has elements of pop, jazz, funk and blues with a liberal sprinkling of insanity to make it interesting. Her take on "Dark End of the Street" is so haunting I have had it stuck in my head for literally years. Even if your not into Diamanda, this album is accessible to most and a delight to all.

Hide the kitchen knives and turn it up, cause your neighbors are going to want to hear this.

#75 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Janus Joplin "Pearl". This voice, no one compares to her, this was her final album before her untimely death. If seems unlikely that a flame could burn as intensely as this for very long. Her raw passion, gut wrenching pain revealed. We get a glimpse of what drives her, but it was just to late for us to save her.
If you haven't heard this album in its complete form, please please get it, turn it up and scream...you will feel better.

Thank you pearl....

#76 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Nirvana "Nevermind". This album was important for its timing and the movement in music that is helped launch. I remember the first time I heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit". I was in Virginia at the Peppermint Beach Club. I was waiting for some friends of mine to play and that song came over the PA. It was new, raw and had a angst that had been missing in music. Metal had become all very technical by that time and punk was just basically absent. This was something akin to both, but neither. I really liked it. Later it would become my soundtrack to most of my Florida adventure, so become part of my own history.

I know there has been a lot of hype around Kurt's death and many would argue that "Bleach" was better. But this album hit a nerve and has that angst quality about that I just love.

#77 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Queen "Innuendo". I know everyone thinks that "A Night at the Opera" is Queen's best. You may be right, however Innuendo like Bowie's "Black Star" is Freddy's goodbye to us. The music is hard and technically perfect, the song writing introspective and the overall vibe of the album is one of reflection and hope. I simply love this album. No voice compares to Freddy Mercury and no band quite sounds like Queen and this album sums up their carrier brilliantly.

Thank you Freddy.....

#78 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Ozzy Osborne "No More Tears'. This was the come back album of all comeback albums. This introduced Ozzy to a new generation which would lead to Ozfest. The album itself made the Oz relevant in the 90s when most metal bands where having a hard time finding their place. Lets face it, metal was dying. It would take bands like Korn to reinvent it again, but before that, Ozzy did this masterpiece and gave us all hope.

#79 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Tom Waits "On Broadway". I think this is the only "bootleg" that has showed up on this list. This is Waits in his element. Telling stories and singing in that growling lounge singer way of his. This is in fact the album that made me fall in love with his unique music stylings. I could only find a youtube link for it. Which isn't all that bad, since you can just listen to it.

This is good doing anything music.

#80 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Sinéad O'Connor "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got". That voice, so amazingly beautiful together with raw emotionally driven lyrics make this an amazing emotional roller-coaster. I'm a big fan of O'Connor and love almost everything that she has done. I chose this album because this was the album that introduced her to the world. I also think that after this album she was aware that the world was watching and that effected her song writing, not in a bad way, but it did change it slightly. So this album is pure artistry.

#81 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Type o Negative "Bloody Kisses". I really love the dark sense of humor that this band had. From their early post punk music to the Goth Metal stuff they did. All of it had a playful side to it that I enjoyed.
This album led to their commercial success, but that isn't why I chose it. It was the album that would define their new formula for future releases. This style would go on to defined the band.

Get out the black hair dye, the clove cigarettes and enjoy...

#82 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the Ramones self titled debut album. Again, I love albums that change everything and like the Sex Pistols "Never Mind the Bollocks", this album changed everything. This album would become the blueprint for American punk. It was straight forward angst, aggressively unpolished. This was the answer to all the polished, guitar driven stadium rock that had taken over. Sure maybe everyone wanted to be like Led Zeppelin, but everyone could be the Ramones. That was and still is the message. This inspired a whole generation to pick up a guitar and play.

#83 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the Dead Kennedys "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables". This album changed my life. I mean I was introduced to punk via the Sex Pistols, but DK was a whole new level. I remember spray painting the DK symbol on clothes in High School. This album in particular could double as a greatest hits for the band. It also gives us an indication of why they got targeted by Tipper Gore. This album is sarcastic, political, social and most of all punk as hell!

Sharpen up those safety pins kids and give this a spin.

#84 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Run-D.M.C's self titled debut album. Again this is one of those albums that changed everything. This album became the blueprint for early hip-hop. On top of all that, this album is smart and fun.

When I was a kid and I stumbled on this record, I played it over and over until I could rap the lyrics. I had a couple of friends that were into them too and we would see who could rap them the best. I can't think of any other artists that had that kind of impact at that time.This is important, because what they wrote about was a world that I didn't really have any experience with. As a skinny white kid growing up in Indiana, I didn't think I would have anything in common with an urban inner city black kid. Run D.M.C. showed me that I was wrong, they brought it down to a human experience. Although I still didn't really understand completely what it was like to be an inner city kid and never would. I understood the frustration, struggle and confusion. They brilliantly laid it out there so even someone like me could relate.

#85 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order The Clash "London Calling". The Clash is one of my favorite punk bands mainly because they evolved. London Calling is just straight up punk in all its angsty political glory. The title track itself is one of the greatest punk anthems of all time. So go and give this a listen...it will change you life!

#86 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Outkast "Stankonia". Now I'm not just saying this is a great album because of its connection to l5p, well, maybe a little. It is a great album nonetheless. Let me tell you how great it is.

I was in a Subway sandwich shop on the Island of Oahu when I heard Outkast playing. The staff was obviously having fun while the manager was out. I smiled noticeably. The album I thought was so great because It had that ATL feel. This group of kids half my age, across the Pacific ocean also loved. That is how great of an album this it.

So ya... check it out.

#87 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Yngwie Malmsteen "Rising Force". This is pure 80's self indulgent heavy metal. That being said, Malmsteen's mastery over his guitar on this album had me entranced as a kid. I remember leaning into the speakers, unable to get close enough when listening to this. I wanted to feel every note and sink into the snare of its crazy riffs. Add to this Soto's vocals and you have a masterpiece. This album because it became the goal of 80's guitar, still it holds up as some impressively crazy playing.

#88 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Sigur Rós "( )". Ya I can't tell you how to say any of that, but what I can tell you is this is a great album. If your not familiar with Sigur Rós, they are an Icelandic band. They sing in a made up language to over ambient, ethereal music. It has moments that are so beautiful that I catch my self feeling the words of a nonsensical language. Simply brilliant, please check them out if you haven't heard them.

#89 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Antony and the Johnsons self titled debut album. I you are unfamiliar with band you really need to check them out. Anohni's voice is so very haunting. This coupled with the openhearted honesty of the lyrics create a musical experience that is very moving. This release in particular is just pure perfection, from the moment we hear that voice on "Twilight" to the strangely beautiful tribute to the drag queen Divine in the song by the same name. Anohni's voice will told you under its spell. I love this album!

#90 in Caleb's perfect albums in no particular order is David Lee Roth "Eat Em and Smile". This album is so much fun! This was Diamond Dave's kick off to his solo career, and coming out of the gate he was smoking! The band he had playing with him is epic, 

the vibe is playful and campy. Just a great great album.

#91 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is The Cure "Disintegration". If you ask any cure fan they will tell you that this is their favorite album. There is some good reason for that, It really is perfect. Smith's vocals pull you into his world of love, disappointment and regret. This is an ode to a broken heart. Simply amazing, I think this is a favorite among fans because, chances are, if you listen to this album you will be a cure fan.

#92 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Nine Inch Nails "The Downward Spiral". This album is wonderful for many reasons. First the play between noise, chaos, silence is brilliant. Lyrically this is possibly the best Reznor has ever done. If you have ever been in the grips of addiction, or loved anyone that was, then this album will speak to you. Lastly this album in a whole feels like you are falling down faster and faster. This in my humble opinion is the industrial Sgt. Pepper, it really is that good.

Turn the lights low, turn the music up and ride the spiral!

#93 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Bjork "Post". Honestly there is little that Bjork has done that I didn't like, her voice is infectious, her lyrics are emotionally driven an insightful and her one-girl-show style of production is like a great artist's painting. In this way she reminds me of Reznor, both can and will walk into a studio and play everything if necessary to get the sound they are looking for. Out of all her stuff I picked "Post" because this is the Bjork that captured the heart of the world. Her unique sound, look and videos had us all intrigued. The love affair would have stopped there if the album wasn't so brilliant, but it is and so has become a staple in any music lovers catalog.

Put on some ear phones, if only for the last track and enjoy.

#94 of Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Alice in Chains "Facelift". I love Alice in Chains, I think they are one of those great underrated bands and this album plays like a greatest hits. This album dropped as grunge took over and I think they got lumped into the Seattle Sound, more than that they really defined a lot of that sound. Many of the bands that came after, tried to imitate that sound using this album as their blueprint.

Time to brew some strong coffee, kick back and enjoy.

#95 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Nina Hagen "Om Namah Shivay". I love Nina Hagen a whole lot, I put her in that category of creative genius with Bowie, Nomi and Galas. This album was an interesting turn for her. Instead of her post punk new wave awesomeness, this album is her rendition of Hindu Chants. It is both interesting and beautiful to hear her take on these sacred chants. Very powerful and mesmerizing. So if you have never experienced Nina Hagen, and have never heard a Hindu chant, here is your opportunity.

OMMMMMM!

#96 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Faith No More "The Real Thing". This album came to my attention through Mtv and the video "Epic". The song had funk, metal, rock and ended with a piano piece. I loved the song, little did I know how wonderful the whole album would be. This is still one of those that I will think about and dust off from time to time. This album has funk, jazz, rock elements all fussed wit metal riffs. It was like all the planets aligned in order to bring about a musical experience. If all you have heard is "Epic" It is way past time to check out the whole offering.

  #97 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Alpha Blondy "Apartheid is Nazism". Those that are not familiar with Alpha Blondy, he was an amazing reggae singer from the Ivory Coast. His music is highly political as one would assume from the title. There is something captivating about his voice, even though he often sings in several languages, the emotion comes through. This album I love, he seems to really put it all out there. He doesn't hold back, it is amazing.

Please check it out.

#98 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is Billy Joel "River of Dreams". Billy Joel went through a very very pop period, then his divorce happened. This album happened as a result. This is one the best break up albums ever. It is full of personal jabs and misdirected anger, but underneath all that is some honest soul searching. I love the honesty of this album, it is like watching someone that you are close to process grieve, it has elements we can all understand. I would encourage you to give it a listen if you are not familiar with it.

#99 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order is the Original Broadway Cast's recording of "Hair". This is another one of those eight tracks that I discovered as a kid that really changed my life. This soundtrack and the play has enough playful elements to make the overall heaviness of the play palatable. I'm pretty sure I had this whole soundtrack memorize by the time I hit Middle School and so had to be the most socially aware tween in my little town. To this day I will hunt down my copy of it to play when I want something to sing to. I am sure there are many recordings of this production, I chose this one because, well it started them all.

Finally #100 in Caleb's 100 perfect albums in no particular order goes to Arson Garden "Wisteria". I was introduced to this band when I worked in radio and unfortunately they didn't get the attention they deserve. This album is spectacular, it has a slow grungy feel to it with a female vocalist leading the band through their poetic sometimes cryptic lyrics. This is a lonely contemplative album, great for stormy nights. Check out youtube you should be able to find something by them or just trust me and buy the CD.