Gary Murray's- Most Influential Albums
The LN songwriter shares ten records that shaped his music.
I sat up late last night scribbling album names that changed the way I looked at music and the world, trying to narrow down a handful that I felt were "inspirational" to me. It's not an easy task.
I was fortunate enough to have great music around me while growing up. My older sister was heavily into underground folk of the '60s and '70s, so I had an early insight into what great songwriting meant. Some of these records I grew up with, while others I discovered after I started making my own music.
Mind you, this is only a small sample from my original list. I'm influenced and inspired by so many artists that it was difficult to choose just a few.
1. Tom Rush — The Circle Game
Funny thing is that I discovered Tom Rush before discovering Joni Mitchell, even though she was the core songwriter of this record. This record still shakes me up. The songs are incredible, but Tom's voice and delivery are what make the album.
2. Leonard Cohen — Songs of Love and Hate
"Famous Blue Raincoat," in my humble opinion, is and probably always will be the greatest song ever written.
3. Joni Mitchell — Blue
This needs no further explanation.
4. Bridget St. John — Thank You For
Quite possibly the most underrated folk artist in history. Bridget is spectacular. Her version of "Silver Coin" on this album still makes me cry.
5. Serge Gainsbourg — Histoire de Melody Nelson
It amazes me how much of this record has been used by other artists, including Beck, Portishead and many others. Even if you don't speak French, this record is incredible. The production alone is inspirational, from instrument placement to song arrangement. It's a wild ride.
6. Slowdive — Pygmalion
I've loved everything from them, but Pygmalion stands out for me as the pinnacle.
7. Sonic Youth — Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star
Even though they had been making wonderful noise for a long time before this album, I think this one made me see noise as an integral part of songwriting and not just as embellishment.
8. Belly — Star
What a great record. Lyrically and musically flawless—and that rhythm section. I could listen to just the bass and drums from this album.
9. Cocteau Twins — Heaven or Las Vegas
There's no need to elaborate on this one either.
10. Rollerskate Skinny — Horsedrawn Wishes
I remember walking into a local record store in Cleveland. It was after LN's Novel hit the shelves, and I was curious whether my record was there. Horsedrawn Wishes was playing, and I was floored.
I remember talking to the store owner, who I'm still good friends with, for an hour while we listened to the CD. The sounds on this thing are amazing. There are even squeak toys and slide whistles.
It amazes me that this wasn't as huge as Loveless, and it amazes me even more that so many people still haven't heard it. I'm still waiting to make my Rollerskate Skinny-esque, over-the-top production album, but I will someday.
I think that's it. There are hundreds of records I adore. It felt sort of wrong to name just a few.
