The 20 Most Influential Albums of My Life - JohnnyMac

1. ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – Worlds Apart

Key Track: "Would You Smile Again for Me"

This album warrants repeated listening in a major way.  I’ve always been a fan of albums that are written to work as one large piece of music, and this is one of the best in that category. Themes develop and recur throughout, and the way each song fits into the bigger arc of the record is masterful.

2. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV/ZOSO
Key track: "When the Levee Breaks"

I heard the first side of this album on vinyl repeatedly in my childhood, and the first time I heard the opening to Black Dog at the age of 5 or so, it was a life changing experience. However, when I finally wound up listening to the rest of the album in earnest years later, the epic nature of When the Levee Breaks and its bone quivering backbeat captured me entirely.

3. Clutch – Pure Rock Fury
Key track: "Red Horse Rainbow"

Clutch took a bit of openmindedness to get into, but once I did I was hooked, largely due to the incredible and unique style of drummer Jean-Paul Gaster. Playing along to and learning the songs on this album opened doors to me as a drummer that I never knew existed at the time.

The 20 Most Influential Albums of My Life - Jon

In no particular order...

1. "Yourself or Someone Like You" - Matchbox Twenty
Essential track - "Hang"
You know all the hits, but the heart of this record lies in the last track, a ballad that could be a throwaway track, if not for the haunting lyrics. Fun fact: First CD I ever owned.

2. "Full House" - The J. Geils Band
Essential track - "Musta Got Lost"
Before its "Love Stinks" glory days, The J. Geils Band was a bluesy powerhouse that could blow the tops off of arenas. I listened to this over and over again on my dad's turntable.

3. "Pulse" - Pink Floyd
Essential track - "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
The best live record I've ever heard, especially without one of Floyd's founding members - Roger Waters. This two-disc masterpiece includes a spot-on run-through of Dark Side of the Moon...all of it. Live. Suck on it Roger.

The 20 Most Influential Albums in My Life - Teig

1. Matthew Good Band - Beautiful Midnight 

Key Track: All

This album is front to back alternative rock masterpiece. From the intricate melodies to the lyrics (that have never been bettered), this is a lost classic.

2. The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds 

Key Track: "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)"

Before Pet Sounds, there wasn't anything like this in music, save Beethoven and Mozart. After it, there wouldn't be anything else to compare again. This invented modern pop.

3. The Replacements - Let It Be 

Key Tracks: ALL

This band showed me that music was fun, and loose, and full of attitude and passion, and that even if it doesn't sound perfect, it can Be perfect.

And awaaaay we go

Today marks the beginning of something new and exciting, the official launch of mcgriz Productions! The site will feature samples of music from the artists we're working with and information about upcoming events and performances. For some information about what exactly we do, check out the What is mcgriz? tab.

We'll also be featuring posts and discussions about music and other topics near and dear to our hearts led by our talented staff writers Teig and Jon.

If you're interested in recording or if you want more information about us, please feel free to contact us (mcgriz@mcgrizproductions.com) or e-mail any of our members.