Six decades of guitar

Being a sucker for good music I have compiled a mini-list of recommendations spanning over fifty years – six decades. All six records are slightly alternative – and all feature the rock instrument – guitar.

Ben Webster - “Soulville” [1957]
This masterpiece is timeless. An amazing production, simple and genius compositions and not least a historic lineup including – besides Mr. Webster – the man behind “Night Train” Oscar Petersson – and Brown, Ellis and Levey ecquisitely balancing the roles of guitar, bass and drums.

The Velvet Underground -”The Velvet Underground” [1969]
Their name was already established on the NYC underground scene after having released the “banana album” and “White Light/White Heat”, but with the absence of John Cale this third VU record allowed Lou Reed full control – the result was incredible pop tunes.

Big Star - “Third/ Sister Lovers” [1978]
This album collects a wide variety of musical directions under the same album sleeve – and it works. Despite (or because) of the destructive mode of lead singer Alex Chilton during recordings the underlying mood of the songs has a magically mystical feel – causing its later cult status.

Sonic Youth -”Daydream Nation” [1988]
Maybe this band invented “guitar dynamics” – the idea of pure energy consisting in the instruments vibrating up and down depending on temper swings, revelations and words. This album is one long ride planting the Sonic Youth candle into rock history. Today, “Daydream Nation” remains one of the best album of the 80s.

Brian Jonestown Massacre -”Give It Back” [1997]
The world’s best rockumentary “Dig” catapulted this band into indie fame and tour bookings, but not until a few years ago. Their previously undiscovered record catalogue displays one milestone release after the other. “Give It Back” uses numerous string instruments (incl. sitars) to enhance the talent of these California 60s-inspired maniacs. Buy it.

Blonde Redhead -”23″ [2007]
And finally a very fresh recommendation. You thought this band had topped with two incredible albums in a row (“Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons” and “Misery Is a Butterfly”) and then they simply did what you thought was undoable: They made something at least as original as the previously acclaimed. “23″ has the kind of songs that can lift you physically (no? yes, it’s true!).