CD's that you probably don't have.... but should (ctd.)

5. Moby Play. I almost guarantee that you've heard at least one track on this album. The entire album, in a clever move by Moby, was licensed out for commercial use. Many of the songs are in car commercial, movies, and in the clubs. Personally, I'm not a big techno or electronica fan, but this album has a lot of rock influences in it that make it quite catchy and appealing. In addition, the lyrics in the songs Moby didn't sample are great. The instrumentals towards the end of the album are really good too. Songs to check out: Inside, Guitar flute & string, Natural blues, Southside, Run on

4. Led Zeppelin II. Zeppelin is recognized by everyone for "Stairway to Heaven," what some consider to be the greatest rock song of all time. But Stairway is on IV, and I'm talking about II, an album I consider to be just as good as, if not better than, IV. Two showcases Jimmy Page's incredible riffs, but just as importantly, it also showcases some amazing bass licks from John Paul Jones. Case in point, The Lemon Song features a couple of solos with Jones accompanying Page in some shreds up and down a chromatic scale at blistering speeds. Drummer John Bonham's solo on Moby Dick is also quite notable. The album also features some good classics like Livin' Lovin' Maid and Heartbreaker. Songs that are a must: Whole Lotta Love, Bring it On Home, The Lemon Song, Livin' Lovin' Maid

3. The Mars Volta de-loused in the comatorium. The album is as weird, if not weirder, than the band's name and album title. The band is made up of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (guitar) and Bixlar Zavala (vocals), former members of the now defunct At the Drive-In. Don't forget that producer Rick Rubin and bass-god Flea lend their talents to this album as well. I would first like to say that the album is probably entirely different from anything that you've probably ever heard. It borrows from a number of rock styles like punk, emo, and progressive; moreover, a little bit of salsa is thrown in to spice up the album. At first glance the lyrics seem to be absolute non-sense, however, if you have a lot of time you could probably figure them out. The whole album is written about a friend of the bandmates, Julio Venegas, who apparently went comatose after a drug overdose and died shortly thereafter. This probably accounts for the album's songs shifting from states of calm tranquility into an almost all out panic attack. What impressed me was the effects used throughout the album, the band definately made use of the studio to the fullest possible extent, and put Pink Floyd to shame in the process. All in all, a very good album to have in the collection, just remember to be open minded.... it's what makes this album great.

2. Dream Theater Train of Thought. Probably one of the most talented, but overlooked, groups of musicians out there today. But that's understandable, considering prog-metal hasn't really caught on with the masses (and probably never will). Nevertheless, Train of Thought is comprised of 7 songs and is over an hour in length. Guitarist John Petrucci's solos are absolutely phenomenal and will totally blow you away. The speed at which he shreds up and down his scales is absolutely amazing. Bassist John Myung adds a very nice backing line on most of the songs with his 6-string, even joining Petrucci on his solos on a few parts of the album. Mike Portnay's drumming is great, the opening 10 seconds of Honor thy Father prove this. The lyrics and vocals are pretty good (they remind me of Iron Maiden, but overall it is just the instrumentals that I think make the album. This truly is prog-metal at it's finest and that is why this is a must-have CD. Tracks to check out: As I Am, Endless Sacrifice, Honor Thy Father, Stream of Consciousness

1. Zwan Mary Star Of The Sea. Remember The Smashing Pumpkins and how much they rocked? Well singer Billy Corgan is back and better than ever with his new band Zwan (recently defunct yet again, actually). What you may remember about the Pumpkins was there usually depressing and cynical tone, save for a few songs. However, it seems that Corgan has now found some happiness in his life and may have even discovered Christianity. The album takes on a very joyful outlook on life and it's quite refreshing. The drumming and guitar solos are quite exceptional and they fit into the attitude or mood that Corgan is trying to get across in the songs. For your ear, I definately recommend: Lyric, Settle Down, El Sol, Ride a Black Swan, Endless Summer.

So there you have it, 10 CD's you need to rush to the store and get.... be happy! ~ Rich