The Top 5 Connection

by Eric Hancsak
June 15, 2005

What makes someone enjoy listening to Kenny G, Jim Brickman or Linda Eder? It's the same thing that makes someone worship Napalm Death, Fantomas or The Locust. When it comes to music, it's about a connection.

Ask any music fan and they will tell you that much of what they listen to, they listen to because it makes them feel a certain way. A connection has been made whether it be from a particular riff, or a specific lyric. Have you ever involuntarily started dancing or moving in your chair while listening to a song? Ever get goose bumps during the chorus? Ever caught yourself in the midst of making a classic rock n' roll face? Ever cry during a guitar solo? If you answered yes to one, then you probably answered yes to them all. You have made a connection with your music.

Carlos Santana said in an interview once, "Music changes your body's molecular structure." When questioned by the interviewer Santana replied, "Ever get goose bumps when listening to music?" Interviewer nods yes. Santana replies, "Hence, music has changed your body's molecular structure."

This is the type of passion that many of us feel when it comes to music. We have our favorites, and those we "hate." But the beauty of it all is the diversity. Music comes in so many colors, and shades, and hues. We all prefer something a little different than the next. We all have the ultimate mix tape constantly rolling in our heads.

For this article I have asked several of our contributors to give me a list of their top 5 records of all time. I should tell you however, that if you wait a few days and ask any of these people about their top 5, it will change completely. Trust me folks, this is a daunting task! To make it a bit easier I've asked for an additional 5 records as honorable mention.

Next time you are in a music store, or shopping online, pick something up that you've never heard. Give it a chance. You may not make a connection. But then again, you might open a door you never knew existed.

On to the top 5, in no particular order...

Eric Hancsak

Primus: Frizzle Fry
I have yet to hear a band as original. "Ground Hog's Day" and "John The Fisherman" opened my eyes.

Tool: Aenima
Took me a few listens. But once I connected, I CONNECTED! "Hooker With a Penis" is an all-timer.

Morphine: Cure For Pain
"Let's take a trip together. Headlong into the irresistible orbit." What more can I say.

Stevie Ray Vaughan: Live Alive
I remember the exact instant I first heard SRV's version of "Superstition." I have been in his service ever since.

The Slackers: Better Late Than Never
There are a lot of third wave ska/reggae bands out there. Most of them are hacks. The Slackers do it right.

Honorable Mentions:
Live: Mental Jewelry
Soul Coughing: Ruby Vroom
The Police: Zenyata Mondata
Stanley Turrentine: Ballads
Charlie Hunter Quartet: Songs From the Analog Playground

Drew Dallet

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros: Global A Go-Go
Joe Strummer (The Clash) and the Mescaleros recorded, start to finish, one the greatest rock records never to be heard. Musically extraordinary and lyrically original. Track 4 "Bhindi Bhangee" must be turned up to 11. You don't have to be a Clash fan to love any of their 3 albums.

Phish: Lawn Boy
Phish at their finest. With their second album release in 1989 Phish showed early on that it really is all about the groove! Track 2 "Reba" breaks into possibly their finest studio jam ever recorded.

Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
No words can properly describe this masterpiece! Y.H.F is the album bands dream of recording. It sets the bar for all music to come. Jeff Tweedy and Wilco created 11 of the most uniquely arranged, melodically original, musically complex, and beautiful songs ever put to tape. Track 7 "Heavy Metal Drummer" will have bouncing in your seat or dancing around the room.

The Who: Tommy
The original rock opera. In 1970 Pete Townsend and The Who set out to break the mold of traditional rock and ended up smashing it to bits! Pete's story telling and Roger Daltry's vocals set the tone for all concept albums to follow.

Dave Matthews Band: Crash
Dave Matthews Band created a flawless blend of college-rock-parental-pop-hippie-jam music that made everyone sing at the top of their lungs. Track 3 "Crash into Me" is one of the few rock songs that will always give me chills when I hear it.

Honorable Mentions:
The Go! Team: Thunder Lightning Strike
The Jayhawks: Hollywood Town Hall
Rancid: Life Won't Wait
Uncle Tupelo: 89/93 Anthology
Tenacious D: Tenacious D

John Mizer

Jeff Buckley: Grace
This album still gives me goosebumps. Ethereal, bombastic, precious, angelic and interpretative, Grace's influence is stil heard today. If I had a favorite song it would be on this album.

Portishead: Dummy
I bought this CD on the strength of all the rave reviews it was garnering at the time. The first time I played it-it wasn't what I preconceived. The next time I heard it (after three glasses of red wine), Dummy was everything I hoped for and more.

The Replacements: Let It Be
A wonderfully flawed record. Let It Be is The Clashes' London Calling for the midwest. A great band at their peak.

Matthew Sweet: 100% Fun
Power Pop at its finest. Short, concise songs with a heavy 70's influence flourish under a relaxed production.

Julia Fordham:Porcelain
I may lose my man card over this one. Porcelain could be Joni Mitchell and Sting's lovechild.

Honorable Mentions:
World Party: Goodbye Jumbo
Guster: Lost And Gone Forever
Morphine: Cure For Pain
Radiohead: The Bends
Over The Rhine: Ohio