So I’m sitting there with Thomas a few weeks back, and we’re shooting the shit, and the conversation gets to music. This is something both Thomas and I feel very strongly about since our Uni days, and it’s great having these conversations with Thomas, for although we don’t see eye to eye on every single thing, we agree on more than not. We’re coming from roughly the same POV as it where. He’s got hip hop where I’ve got my electronica. What brings us together is the rock element. So the Top 10 question came up, and for once I decided to actually write it all down. This is the list of albums I think everyone should have on their shelf. I explain why they mean so much to me, or where I was when I heard them etc. In no particular order:

1. Pearl Jam - Ten This is a classic in every way. Obviously the break out song being Jeremy, which is one of the best songs ever written. I've played this album to death and yet it still sounds fibrant as ever.
2. Nirvana - Nevermind Not much can be added to this, except that my favourite line as with many people in the entire album is 'oh well whatever, nevermind'.
3. Foo Fighters - Foo Fighters Funny thing about this album, when I first heard it, I hated it. Took me a good few listens, and the fact that it was on the radio and MTV all the time, it grew on me. A year later I couldn't understand what the hell was wrong with me, and how I didn't see the genius that is Dave Grohl.
4. Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine You're 14, your parents have pissed you off again. You go into your room, SLAM the door and go to track number 5. Don't know what I'm talking about? Go and listen to it.
5. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness The greatest double album (and still the most successful) EVER. This was the one that made me sit up and notice the genius that is Billy Corgan.
6. Radiohead - OK Computer Although 'The Bends' has got the better ULTIMATE SONG (Street Spirit), this was just a better all round album. Everything about this album is memorable.
7. Massive Attack - Mezzanine I can't help but smile whenever I listen to this album. It's such a well produced bit of music, it's sometimes scarey.
8. REM - Automatic for the People In the same vein as the Radiohead selection, even though 'Losing my religion' isn't on this album, this is another flawless album.
9. The Offspring - Smash Would you believe that this album actually made me start listening to alternative? Hell yes!!! I was an electronica boy. Now I listen to both, but selective electronica generally speaking.
10. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication After years of silence, they come back and they completely bring down the house. Final year of University.