Album recommendations for songwriting influence.

I never listened to Pink Floyd but was thinking they might be a good influence on my songwriting. what do you guys think? And what other epic rock records out there should I listen to? thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Jamekae on November 11, 2010 at 2:16am

Gregor =w= Langbehn said:

goodness, how did I not think about this album. So good and complete. So sad they aren't around anymore.

Jamekae said:

Forgot this in my first post. Dog Problems by The Format is another great album that is really creative and doesn't feel stifled at all.

It's no big tragedy, Nate Ruess went on to assemble fun. (which is incidentally the first band I recommended Rivers check out on the first page). If you haven't heard Aim and Ignite, check it out, I think it's even better than Dog Problems.

Permalink Reply by Jellystone on November 11, 2010 at 3:58am

The Replacements! I love all their albums!

Permalink Reply by ricardo gruner on November 11, 2010 at 4:43am

Rivers, you should try some brazilian stuff!
There's a classic album by Milton Nascimento & Lô Borges called "Clube da esquina" that is pure emotion. It's not rock, it's not samba, it's not bossa nova it's something very singular in brazilian popular music... the melodies are full of meaning, and you don't need even need to understand the lyrics to get it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqui-8Fgi-A

but if you're looking for good rock, listen to Teenage Fanclub's Bandwagonesque

Permalink Reply by t1000 on November 11, 2010 at 5:59am

the floyd were never scarred to milk a riff for all it's worth. each floyd album has it's own little riff built in to each song starting with "dark side". but for great influence, check their early stuff. like "childhood's end", or a live version of "fat old sun". or the entire "meddle" album.

Permalink Reply by Pete Hurdle on November 11, 2010 at 8:32am

I know there are a lot of artists/records listed but my humble suggestions would be:

The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle
It is an epic classic, might not be the 'rock' element you are looking for but it is just very good music, incredible vocal harmonies and great keys.

The Thermals - Now We Can See
I feel like this is a super strong three piece, it is pretty recent... it has some of the raw elements of rock that make you feel like you must keep on listening. I like the way the listener follows the lead singers voice like a guide.

Electric Light Orchestra
There are a number of albums you might want to listen to. A New World Record, Face the Music, Out of the Blue and Time are the ones that come to mind first. They also did an amazing job with some tracks to the "Xanadu" soundtrack which are very good songs. Jeff Lynne is a huge talent, it would be a dream come true if you did a project with him. They play rock, in fact you might be shocked when you look through their songs and see how many big hits they had, most people don't know they were all from the same band. While I feel like ELO has a very different style than weezer both bands have the ability to play far out of what is considered "their sound".

Last would be anything by Elliott Smith, Belle & Sebastain, Chuck Berry, La Roux, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens or The Traveling Wilburys.

I think it is awesome that you asked our ideas, I hope you find what you are looking for.

Permalink Reply by Mandy on November 11, 2010 at 1:37pm

Rivers, you don't need to listen to old classic rock albums to write good music. You can listen to modern things too. "OK Computer" by Radiohead is personally one of my favorite records and it's considered "classic" in the alternative rock world. Also, "Neon Bible" by Arcade Fire is "epic" too. Another great album is Death Cab for Cutie "We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes". Elliott Smith "XO" is great too. And Muse's "Absolution" and "Black Holes and Revelations" too. Last not but least, Neko Case "Middle Cyclone" is great since you're now working with Ryan Adams. She's country influenced and writes AMAZING lyrics. I could name more, but there's so many great albums out there.

Permalink Reply by Oil Can Boyd on November 11, 2010 at 3:08pm

Tom Petty - Free Fallin, damn the torpedoes

beach boys - pet sounds

any old stones albums sticky fingers and before.

Lots of other good music but newer, the new pornographers - electric version, joel plaskett emergency-down at the khyber, and smashing pumpkins- siamese dream

Permalink Reply by Blueperton on November 11, 2010 at 3:37pm

Rivers, just listen to the first 2 Pixies albums, Nevermind, Pet Sounds, and What's the story Morning Glory. You'll be golden.

Permalink Reply by matteo704 on November 11, 2010 at 6:54pm

I agree with the Wings/Beatle evolution quote.... Also, for Pink Floyd you would probably love "The Wall". Listen to that, i've been waiting for Weezer's double album rock opera for years now. Also, Quadrophenia and OK Computer!

Permalink Reply by Evan Double You-Tee on November 11, 2010 at 8:10pm

Honestly, Rivers? Just go listen to Pinkerton. Everything you'll ever need to know is in there.

Permalink Reply by legendofchin97 on November 11, 2010 at 8:22pm

Pete Hurdle said:

Electric Light Orchestra There are a number of albums you might want to listen to. A New World Record, Face the Music, Out of the Blue and Time are the ones that come to mind first.

Time is the greatest album ever recorded.

Also, there are a LOT of responses here. i say try something new musically, just have meaningful lyrics. no matter how the music is (solos don't hurt... also pink floyd is awesome) people will love it. i think people miss the more serious lyrics the most.

Permalink Reply by BigV on November 11, 2010 at 9:39pm

You can't go wrong with the 10 albums below:

Beatles - Revolver
Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde
Tom Waits - The Heart of Saturday Night
Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life
The Stooges - Raw Power
Prince - Sign O' The Times
Elvis Costello - Trust
Elvis Presley - Elvis 56
Mahavishnu Orchestra - The Lost Trident Sessions
Outkast - ATLiens

If all else fails...Dude... you should go for an acoustic or rootsy kinda vibe for the next album. You're cover of "The Weight" was killer...and the acoustic versions of "Pig" and "I Want to Be Something" were sublime as well. It might go to s*** with the record sales...but the fans who welcome the progression and changes of an artist such as yourself would love it.