Recently in April, I was exploring around South Street with my boyfriend when we happened to pop into a record/music store. I always automatically go to the $1 vinyl record sections most of these stores have, because you never know what you could find in there. This time around I picked up a couple tribute records to Benny Goodman and the original Broadway soundtrack to Fiorello!. While these were good finds, it got me thinking about all the records I already have, so I decided to compile a list of my favorite records I have, in no particular order of favoritism!
1. Led Zeppelin IV (Remastered) by Led Zeppelin
This self-titled album is almost a cult classic when it comes to Led Zeppelin. My dad is a huge classic rock fan, so some of my records I have now are (forced) hand-me-downs from him. Stairway To Heaven, which is featured on this record, was one of the first songs that fueled my love for classic rock, from what I remember. This record has an obvious place on this list.
2. The Four Seasons by Vivaldi
While this is in no way the original, I have always loved Vivaldi and his work in The Four Seasons. When I saw this vinyl in the $1 section, I had to snag it. The cashier warned me, because the case is falling apart, that the vinyl may not work properly. Luckily for me, it doesn’t skip and sounds great, so I can listen to these sweet violins whenever I want.
3. 1961 Italian Song Hits from San Remo Festival
This one is pretty cool. My mother and her parents and siblings are all immigrants from Italy, so I grew up in a very traditional Italian heritage. Listening to Italian music, especially older generations of music, was very common in my household. This is a must have for me and must be on this list.
4. PARAMORE by Paramore
The inner angsty teenager in me will never let go of Paramore. It will never happen and no need for further explanation!
5. Rumors by Fleetwood Mac
Rumors is such a classic album for Fleetwood Mac, and my love for Stevie Nicks is too immense to deny them a spot on my top 10 list. The songs Dreams, Go Your Own Way, and Songbird are some of my favorites from this particular record.
6. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles
Anybody who knows me well knows I love my Beatles. This album in particular holds so many great hits from The Beatles, and even just the cover art is fantastic. I used to listen to The Beatles in the morning on the radio on my way to high school, so my dad eventually got me this vinyl for Christmas. 10/10, good job, dad.
7. Hot Rocks 1964-1971 (Remastered) by Rolling Stones
If you caught onto the theme by now, I have an affinity towards classic rock. This is currently the only Stones record I have with me, but I needed to include them on this list.
8. Bubblegum, Lemonade & Something For Mama by Mama Cass
As soon as I say there is a theme, I derail it. Freshman year, my roommates and I found this record in Philly AIDS Thrift on South Street. It was an immediate must-have, and there hasn’t been any regrets since. I’m not even going to talk about her music; I suggest wholeheartedly you experience it yourself without any bias.
9. CATS, the original Broadway soundtrack
Agree to disagree, I actually enjoy the music in CATS. Some people don’t; others hate the whole thing. It is okay; we all have different opinions, just don’t hate on this particular one of mine.
10. Jesus Christ Superstar, the original Broadway soundtrack
Last but not least, ending this with another Broadway musical, is Jesus Christ Superstar. One of the most controversial musicals to be performed on Broadway, yet I find it fantastic. You can thank my dad again for giving me this vinyl as well.