Landmark Albums

Okay, first off, let me start this off with a simple question: What do YOU, consider to be a true, groundbreaking landmark album? Something that can either define a specific genre, or maybe even an entire era or decade. Or perhaps both?

Basically, to me anyways, a landmark album doesn't necessarily have to be a band BEST, but their most groundbreaking album. The one that defines them. Or like I mentioned, a genre.

A good example of this is Black Flag's Damaged. Perhaps it's not their best(that is up for debate), but it is the album most people seem to think about when they think of Black Flag. Everything from the blistering hardcore music, to iconic image of Henry Rollin's fist punching that mirror and shattering. Perhaps a visual metaphor for something?

Then there are the ones that actually influence a genre. The Ramones' self titled debut is a perfect example, as it is very famous and is looked upon as one first, true punk albums. Of course, I think The Ramones were the first band to take the influences they had(Rock 'N Roll and perhaps what some refer to as "proto-punk") and make actual punk out of it. And that first album is what started it all.

Then looking at other genres, you can almost fit it together like some sort of puzzle. Most people consider Nirvana's Nevermind to be the definite grunge album(although while I agree with this, I think In Utero was a bit more tolerable, but that's a topic for a different time) And Reign In Blood by Slayer is a landmark album for the Thrash genre.

Now where does this all bring me? Well, I hate to be one of those "nowadays" type of people, but honestly, nowadays we don't have inspirational albums that truly break the ground. And please save the agony and not say "Tha Carter"

Now is it poor record sales and less bands being given the exposure they deserve? Or is it poor records themselves that cause people to think "no, nothing out of the ordinary about these guys" The future of the record business is up in the air and can go anyway. One of those unpredictable things. Will it make another rebound? Or will it eventually die out? Either way, hopefully we will still have our good 'ol underground punk music to salvage our needs.