Spring has well and truly sprung – and it’s vinyl season here at Audio Affair! Potentially our favourite season of them all! All of this lovely weather and the frolicking that it inspires has got us all thinking – what are our favourite records to whack on the decks? If we were stuck on a desert island with nothing but a turntable… well, you know where this is going! So I asked my colleagues at Audio Affair for them to pick out their favourite vinyl for me – and here is what they came up with!
The Miseducation Of – Lauryn Hill
Nothing quite shows off the gnarls and grooves of vinyl quite like the seamless fusion of R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Gospel, and Neo Soul that Hill presides over. This album was initially released in 1998 – and has since accumulated 10 Grammys! With collaborations with soul singer D’Angelo, guitarist Carlos Santana and pianist John Legend – this a remarkable slice of soul and R&B history that has very much stood the test of time – particularly on vinyl!
Return of the Space Cowboy – Jamiroquai
Whenever we compile a list like this – Jamiroquai always features. It’s almost guaranteed. Incredibly groovy and tight, Space Cowboy saw an improvement on the infectious blend of funky R&B and Acid Jazz in 1994. An album far reaching the limits of its rivals in that decade, this is one that has continued to inspire over two decades since its release. And its deep hitting political and environmental messages ring ever truer with each passing year.
Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix Experience
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Settling on one Hendrix isn’t easy – as we discovered when the name was thrown into the playing court. But Electric Ladyland is certainly not a compromise! The 3rd (and final!) album of Jimi’s tragically short career is seen as the absolute pinnacle, bringing together several genres into one iconic and imitable sound – and some of the most enduring psychedelic anthems ever to be performed. Any music fan of any genre of preference can agree on Electric Ladyland’s impact in ever genre it touched upon.
Blonde on Blonde – Bob Dylan
Another artist who needs no introduction – and many would argue this iconic album doesn’t need one either! Blonde on Blonde is Dylan’s 7th studio album, and the third in his trilogy of rock albums. Containing five of Dylan’s most revered recordings, this is an absolute must have for any fan of Dylan’s – or indeed any lover of music. It was listed as Rolling Stone’s 9th Greatest Album of all time (out of 500) so it’s place on this list is hard to argue with!
Plans – Death Cab for Cutie
Sometimes, you just need a little Indie. And if you need a little Indie, you need to go Death Cab. Laid back, rural and chilled – the band described this – their best received and best selling album to date – as their opportunity to ‘exhale’, a atmosphere which is present throughout. Not the hardest of rock – but that certainly isn’t a bad thing. And when it’s on vinyl, it’s even better.
Down The Way – Angus & Julia Stone
You’ve had your iconic, your legendary – your well known… how about something emerging? Australian singing and songwriting duo Angus and Julia have created completely encompassing and absorbing acoustic folk, which takes you on a journey quite unlike one you have ever experienced. With the sound of the homeland ever prevalent – this is one to try if you wish to explore and ultimately lose yourself.