What's the record no collection can go without?
Basement Discs, Suzanne Bennett
Miles Davis, Kind Of Blue. Whether you're a jazz fan or not - this one is truly a classic and should be in everyone's collection. Groundbreaking, yet supremely accessible. Cool, cool jazz at its most sublime from the undisputed master of cool. (And, as far as I know, still the biggest selling jazz album of all time - because, it is, quite simply, GREAT!)
Sonic Sherpa, Steve Bell
Far from my fave, but the one record we really struggle to keep on the shelves is Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, the album that has it all: soap opera drama, reckless hedonism bordering on masochism and copious pop nous reflected in the abundant hooks and boundless harmonies.
Wah Wah Records, Ben Treyvaud
I don't think any collection can be complete without a Beatles record. Each one takes you somewhere else, and that's why a 'best of' doesn't really fill the scope. Start from the beginning and enjoy the ride. If pushed for a specific one, I'd say Rubber Soul.
Relove Oxley, Jason Fahy and James Lee
David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars. This is the record that killed rock and roll. It spawned a generation of musicians ranging from Nirvana to Iggy Pop to Marilyn Manson (who based his album Mechanical Animals on the story of Ziggy Stardust). If you are new to vinyl or an aficionado of amazing music you will definitely want this album in your collection.
Quality Records, Matt Griffiths
If you're asking me, everybody needs Marvin Gaye, What's Going On. It doesn't matter if it's the standard issue or a UHQR supermega audiophile pressing, you just need this album in your life. The story in the lyrics is so powerful and the music and vocals are so on point, it can't be beat.
Rocking Horse Records, Warwick Vere
No filler on any of these dinosaurs - if you don't have Bob Dylan's Blood On The Tracks you are missing out big time. Same could be said of The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main Street, Gram Parsons' Grievous Angel, and Van Morrison's Astral Weeks.
Dixon Recycled Records, Julie Wakefield
No record collection can go without The Beatles, Abbey Road - on vinyl, CD and even cassette! Why? Because it is the perfect pop-rock album from start to finish.
Phase 4 Records & Cassettes, Donat Tahiraj and Julie Morrison
The Saints, (I'm) Stranded (EMI, 1977). Upon release it was pressed in a dozen different countries and while (I'm) Stranded didn't sell a lot in commercial terms, it remains one of the most influential albums ever made of the punk era; and it was recorded right here in Brisbane! Such a shame it's been long out of print on vinyl.
What absolutely classic record have you never properly given a listen?
Basement Discs, Suzanne Bennett
Pink Floyd, The Dark Side Of The Moon. Despite personally having sold literally thousands of this album on all formats over the years, apart from the singles, I can't recall ever listening to this classic all the way through! (Maybe because everyone else was?) Clearly an embarrassing gap in my musical 'education'?! Ya can't love everything, right?
Sonic Sherpa, Steve Bell
I've never really been able to shed my complete apathy about Radiohead so I'll say OK Computer. The only time I've heard any of it was when friends tried to trick me by pretending it was something else or they didn't know what it was, but I always knew.
Wah Wah Records, Ben Treyvaud
I would say Queen's Greatest Hits. I would listen to the three hits then go, "Meh," and it was because I just didn't really understand this cabaret-operatic trip they were on. Then I realised I didn't have to really understand it to enjoy it, and to leave my trip at home. Great record.
Relove Oxley, Jason Fahy and James Lee
Any work from Beethoven. It would be sadly lost on most people but Beethoven has some of the greatest works ever written. We love Beethoven's Rondo Rage Over A Lost Penny. If you are a Black Books fan you will know the piece we are talking about.
Quality Records, Matt Griffiths
You know I never got the hype around Meat Loaf, Bat Out Of Hell. Apparently it's sold [43] million copies worldwide, that's no flash in the pan! I guess I just don't trust artists named after lunch meat.
Rocking Horse Records, Warwick Vere
Miles Davis' Big Fun. I'm not old enough for jazz yet... One day maybe!
Dixon Recycled Records, Julie Wakefield
The classic record I have never given a proper listen or chance - Pink Floyd, The Dark Side Of The Moon - because everyone else has.
Phase 4 Records & Cassettes, Donat Tahiraj and Julie Morrison
Jeff Buckley, Grace (Colombia, 1994). We get asked for this a lot and because vinyl was the format no one wanted in 1994, it's a $150 album and none of us could whistle a single tune from it. Not sure how we missed out, but we did. We do love his dad, Tim - surely that's a consolation!
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