People often ask me what I listen to while I’m cranking out strategies, so here’s my list of albums that I typically listen to while cranking out client documents.
These are truly the records that inspire big, passionate thinking, and ambitious, measurable strategies. Enjoy the linkage, and I hope that they inspire you too.
Here’s an embedded playlist so you can check out a sample track from each album:
1. Rush – Caress Of Steel – Rarely do I get as much mileage out of an album as this one. I think that what propels me so much is that this was their most ambitious album at the time, and even though the cover came out printed all wrong, it was still a total success. Frequently, on the social web, the best laid plans don’t mean all that much.
2. Alkaline Trio – Agony & Irony
– This is more of a recent favorite. My band in college, Bicycle Rider, used to open for them, and they’re probably my favorite Chicago band of all time. There’s something that’s so real and visceral about their darkness. This is one band that just reels you in and hooks you – just like the best content out there.
3. The Jam – Singles Box Set: 1980-1982
– This one is all about a combination of style and soul. Actually, the cover of the Jam’s last 12”, Beat Surrender, was the inspiration for this website, in terms of design and layout. When I want to check in with groove and passion, this is the record I put on.
4. Jawbreaker – Dear You
– There’s something to be said for self-effacing honesty, and about a dozen really good hooks. Talk about music that never pretended to be anything that it wasn’t.
5. Yes – Relayer [Expanded & Remastered] – If you’re really trying to think BIG – this is the record to put on. It will totally clear your head, and let you concentrate on the long-term picture.
6. King Crimson – Larks Tongues in Aspic – 30th Anniversary Edition Remastered – Although this one’s sadly not available for digital download, this is the one I put on when I’m thinking to out-think the competition, and look for ways for my clients to flank their competitors.
7. Rival Schools – United By Fate – The most obvious answer is generally the one sitting right in front of your face, even when you choose to ignore it. This album makes that answer dangerously clear. My design firm, Love Has No Logic , gave it to me during a really tough period of my life this year, and it really helped me focus on what was truly important.
8. Genesis – Foxtrot
– When you need to create magic, and think of things that may not currently exist, this is the record to put on. The incredible vocals of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins (yes, I’m admitting that I like his vocals and drumming), combined with astounding guitar from Steve Hackett make this one of the most inspiring albums I’ve ever heard.
9. Mars Volta – Frances the Mute – Well, we all knew that the future was going to be pretty scary when Rush predicted it back in 1976, but now, we actually know what it might sound like. This album will be looked back on, 20 years from now, much like King Crimson’s aforementioned one is today.
10. Judee Sill – Dreams Come True
– I’ve learned that the human emotional side of things is what drives anyone to interact with anything in the digital space. Ignore this factor at your peril. Be real, be honest, and good things will happen.
Feel free to add your suggestions or your favorites to the comments below.
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