1. The Doors – L.A. Woman: The Doors’ music is dark, mysterious and unpredictable. They are also, in my opinion, the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band to ever walk the face of the earth. My obsession with the Doors began a few years ago when I bought their greatest hits album. Their music hit me quite differently than the other rock ‘n’ roll bands of that generation. Their poetic lyrics, mystical melodies and very distinct sound separated them from all the other bands. Their last album “L.A. Woman,” combined all the aspects the fans ever loved. Their special blend of blues, psychedelia, soul, rhythm & blues and rock ‘n’ roll made the Doors the rock ‘n’ roll band for me.

2. The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: The Beatles shall always be considered “the” rock ‘n’ roll band. Everybody knows their story – they started off as pop superstars and became the rock ‘n’ roll band of the century. So if you’re familiar with the Beatles – you should’ve already heard “Sgt. Pepper’s.” It’s the Beatles’ defining album and one of the albums that brought rock ‘n’ roll its fame. It is a complete and utter masterwork.

3. Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti: Led Zeppelin took a big step with “Physical Graffiti.” It’s a 15-song double album that contains Led Zeppelin’s best overall work. It contains the epic and immortal songs “Kashmir,” “Trampled Underfoot” and “Ten Years Gone.” Led Zeppelin has always been a big band for me. Jimmy Page’s playing is absolutely brilliant and unpredictable. Their music shall never die and their following can only get bigger.

4. Bob Dylan – Highway 61 Revisited: Bob Dylan’s sixth studio album may be his greatest work. Sure he was a pure folk musician who turned electric but so what? His words are always heard and analyzed because of their value to society. This album contains his greatest songs like “Like A Rolling Stone,” “Tombstone Blues,” and his most ambitious song – “Desolation Row.” Dylan’s words stand as a testament to music.

5. Phish – A Picture Of Nectar: Known for their “jam-band” status, when it comes down to it – Phish’s music displays and centers around rock ‘n’ roll. They are considered a “jam-band” because of the expanded and improvisational parts in their music but their sound is absolutely indescribable. They mix rock ‘n’ roll, funk, rhythm & blues, Latin rhythm with progressive tendencies. All of the members of the band have virtuoso ability and their improvisational skills are mind-blowing. This album should be listened all the way through to fully realize and appreciate Trey Anastasio and the mighty Phish.

6. The Doors – The Doors: The Doors’ first album was a fantastic debut album. With songs like “Break On Through,” “Light My Fire” and “Soul Kitchen” on the album, the Doors popularity broke through. Their killer sound impressed audiences everywhere and their repertoire began to grow. This might just be the greatest rock ‘n’ roll debut ever.

7. Lynyrd Skynyrd - (pronounced ‘l?h-’nérd ’skin-’nérd): Southern rock’s heroes Lynyrd Skynyrd are a band to behold. They’re down to earth and they play rock ‘n’ roll fused with Southern elements and country. Their infectious grooves captivated listeners everywhere with songs on the album like “Tuesday’s Gone” and “Gimme Three Steps.” “Free Bird” needs no explanation. Period.

8. The Who – Tommy: The Who is another huge, influential band from the rock ‘n’ roll generation. Their album “Tommy” is one of the best concept albums ever made. When it was first released, critics didn’t know whether to consider it a masterpiece or trash, because of the concept’s dark nature. But nowadays, there is no question whether or not it is a masterpiece. From the very start of “Overture” to the last note of “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” The Who’s Tommy is a record that is so loved and respected.

9. The Beatles – Revolver: The Beatles need no introduction and neither does “Revolver.” It’s their seventh album and contains some of their most famous songs like “Taxman,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Good Day Sunshine,” and “Tomorrow Never Knows.” This album was also the breakthrough for George Harrison’s songwriting as he contributed three songs. This album also contains their ode to marijuana – “Got To Get You Into My Life.”

10. The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed: From the opening guitar lick of “Gimme Shelter” until the end of the anthem “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” the listener is captivated. The Rolling Stones bring you their world of rock ‘n’ roll swagger, rhythm and blues, and even soul. Their dynamics keep the listener hooked and the album packs a big punch. What I love about this album are the bluesy tones and the rawness delivered by the Stones.

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