I’ve made a list of over 17,000 albums to listen to, which should map out a history of Rock music in a rough chronological order. These are the ones I either rate highly or consider important to the story of Rock music. All albums can be found on my Musicboard profile linked in bio
King of the Delta Blues Singers by Robert Johnson
Whole lot of spirit on this album. The speed of Johnson’s playing is mixed up, with his voice adding another layer of interest to the songs. Several songs may follow the same basic blues pattern but there’s more than enough going on to hold your attention
Complete Jazz Series 1938-1939 by Pete Johnson
Excellent collection of piano based boogie jazz. An hour long compilation that flies by. The Boogie aspects of these songs really stands out, and of course just makes this a really fun listen
Leadbelly Vol. 1 1939-1940 by Leadbelly
Huddie Leadbetter has one of the finest recording voices I’ve ever heard. The man can sing super softly and bellow when needed, and has an incredible sense of rhythm in his voice. Oh and he’s a fine guitar player too. Everyone should check him out at some point in their lives
Les Paul’s New Sound, Vol. 2 by Les Paul with Mary Ford
Unlike the first volume, this one has Mary Ford’s beautiful vocals, which make these songs, and the record as a whole, a lot more emotion than New Sound Volume 1.
A strong mix of upbeat songs and slower, heartfelt ballads. There’s a country flavour splashed around, and an almost skiffle sound to some which adds a little energy. I’d recommend this to people interested in music of the time
Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Derby Sticks McGhee
Fun time songs drenched in wine. Stick McGhee has a crisp voice that always has a twinge of happiness just under the surface. I find it hard not to just sit back and enjoy this. Opening title track is a song I’ll be listening to for the rest of my life
The Hit Makers by Les Paul and Mary Ford
How High The Moon is a joy, the rest of this album is another showcase for Paul’s and Ford’s obvious talents
Classics in Jazz by T-Bone Walker
A great swirling mix of blues and jazz, which makes one nice album. A real good way of spending 35 minutes
Jumpin’ with Pete Johnson by Pete Johnson
The clue is in the title - an album mostly of jaunty jazz piano songs with some blues thrown in for good measure, ordered nicely and a fun way to spend 25 mins
T-Bone Blues by T-Bone Walker
The first 2/3 or of this album is a really nice mix of jazz and blues songs where it’s hard to pick holes at. I think the version I listened to has bonus tracks so it’s longer than the regular record. Mean Old World is a typical blues number where you almost expect the guitar to burst out of the regular beat but doesn’t quite make it, yet it still sounds all in place
Musings of Miles by Miles Davis
Recently knowingly heard Miles Davis for the first time (Kind of Blue) so was happy this was the next album on my list.
Great opener, sad second song, jumpy cool third. Miles Davis is great. Every song here is excellent, and this album should be played more often
Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and his Comets
Rock Around The Clock and Shake, Rattle & Roll both still sound like the fun early rock songs they are. And there’s a few more like that here which suits me fine, and a few others which I’m sure were massively appealing to American teenagers in the 1950’s. Good singles collection
The single Rock Around the Clock is also the biggest selling single world wide ever
Frisco Bound by Jesse Fuller
Wow, this is excellent and really surprised me as it sounds much more jumpy and rocky than most other acoustic acts I’ve heard from this time, and any. A true one man band, this collection of some of his 1950’s recordings has been excellent and definitely something to recommend anyone with an interest in this period of music to check out.
I hear the influences this had on Led Zeppelin at least, and I imagine a whole bunch of prog bands were into this as well
1/3
Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
I’m not going to write a history of Elvis. I’ve listened to all his studio albums at least once before, and this one was my favourite when I did them front to back a couple of years ago.
Blue Suede Shoes. An excellent opener to an album and an excellent cover. 50’s rock n roll like this is beautiful to my ears, a bop and not a note wasted.
2/3
The album is very much a young person’s album, blues energy with a back beat and ballads sung with the sincerity young people do. I love it.
The covers of Tutti Fruiti and I’ve Got A Woman…I can see why they’re here as they definitely fit for the energy the album is going for, but they don’t come near the originals for me, which are two all time top tier songs.
3/3
A very promising album that is definitely of it’s time. The excitement of being young and enjoying the fuck out of the songs is clear to see
1/2
The New Miles Davis Quintet by Miles Davis
I first put this album on when I was feeling a little work-stressed, and by the end I was feeling better. Put it on again and again felt much much better. Smooth jazz has the power to soothe, who knew?
2/2
I continue to be impressed by Miles Davis style of jazz. I’m no expert but I’m yet to really hear anything unpleasant by him and that continues here on this record. Whether it’s a slower song like Just Squeeze Me or a faster one such as How Am I To Know? the record just hits lovely
The Wildest by Louis Prima
A fine mix of a jazz influenced swing and blues. Prima’s vocals work well with those of Keely Smith, his wife. There’s a party atmosphere that’s been recorded on here which is inescapable. Really good record
1/2
Gospel Train by Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Given the title of this album, I was expecting a record of gospel music. The opening song, Jericho, let me know straight away that I should know better from Sister Rosetta Tharpe - it’s an organ based track with religious overtones for sure, but it has a rock drum beat and guitar. The next song has high and low pitched backing singers akin to a doo wop group. I realise I’m being led down a gospel path that I didn’t know existed.
2/2
It’s really strange hearing gospel with a swagger, but it’s there in Rosetta’s playing and her voice (and what a voice). This one has opened my eyes that not all gospel has to be the boring type I usually associate with it
1/2
This is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
I love Fats Domino’s voice. He sounds smooth and joyful, and I’m also a fan of his music. His piano based style of early rock and roll, with added sax is just great to hear.
2/2
The songs put together here make up an enjoyable collection with the odd tinges of sadness. The charisma of Fats Domino bleeds through the recordings. Whether it’s a classic like Blueberry Hill, something more contemplative like So Long or joyous like La La, Domino’s character is what makes me love the songs more than anything. A real classic
Fats is very much the Roll in Rock and Roll
1/4
Johnny Burnette and the Rock ‘N Roll Trio by Johnny Burnette & The Rock ‘N Roll Trio
This must be one of the earliest records with rock & roll in the title, and the opening track starts with a low toned electric guitar, letting you know what you’re in for
2/4
Burnette’s voice isn’t too dissimilar to Elvis’, but he’s got a good scream. He also adds variety to his voice, with little jumps, groans and passion aplenty. The album leans more towards rock than most other rockabilly I’ve heard. I can hear the influence this record would go on to have on bands that came later (Sweet Love on my Mind immediately made me think of Everybody’s Trying to be my Baby by The Beatles). Oh and it’s got a killer version of Train Kept A Rollin’
3/4
When I started doing this mammoth task I’m undertaking it was in the hope to find gems like this album. It doesn’t sound special by today’s standards but if was a teenager at the time when I first heard this I’d be all over it. Great record that makes me want to get up and dance along, but unfortunately it takes a step down towards the end. The cover of Drinkin’ Wine Spo Dee O Dee is lacking the energy of the Sticks McGhee version.
4/4
Such a shame this doesn’t quite keep up the same high standards throughout, but still a record I’d heartily recommend
1/3
Dance Songs of Carl Perkins by Carl Perkins
What a way to start a record. While it’s not the most famous version of Blue Suede Shoes, it’s still a cracking song.
The album sounds like a country artist writing new songs in the burgeoning Rock and Roll style of the time. I can see why Elvis loved Carl Perkins so much given he was a fan of both styles. There’s also the sound of skiffle in this record without the traditional skiffle instruments being used.
2/3
Honey Don’t is another I recognise from this record. This version has a bit more behind it than The Beatles’ cover. However Perkins’ cover of The Platters’ Only You sways too far into Country vocals for my liking. Everybody’s Trying to Be my Baby is another I recognise from the Beatles cover
3/3
Overall I’m impressed with this record. It’s got the excitement of early rock with a few country sensibilities. Matchbox towards the end of the album takes on a different tone sonically and a stronger electric direction, which many others would soon follow. The final song Boppin’ The Blues *almost* takes the next step but refrains rather than letting go.
1/4
After School Session by Chuck Berry
The debut album of another of the early greats of rock and roll. Chuck Berry may not have been a nice person but he sure does make some excellent music, and his talent and ear for what he wants to do is all there from the opening track. Hail Hail Rock and Roll indeed
2/4
Berry plays with freedom and determination that comes across as fun more than anything else. He was just over 30 when this was released, the songs sound like something to appeal teenagers/people younger than him.
There’s plays on classic blues riffs in things like No Money Down. Berry’s voice is really complimentary to his guitar tones on this record.
3/4
Brown Eyed Handsome Man is worthy of comment on it’s own. The song sounds utterly tremendous while addressing serious issues with a playful tone: black men being arrested/in trouble, but then women saying for the brown eyes handsome man to be released. It’s been going on 3000 years as the song says, and stands out as a hugely inspirational song both sonically and as a social comment.
Berry’s delivery of songs is also varied. The way he sings Downbound Train reminds me of Mick Jagger
4/4
This is a fine collection of songs. The idea of an album wasn’t really mainstream at this time, there’s a good bunch here though and I’ve enjoyed listening to this
1/2
Cookin’ With the Miles Davis Quintet by Miles Davis
More Miles and I’m immediately at home with this record. A lovely slow start before the jazz comes through on My Funny Valentine is a great way to start.
Blues by Five kicks up a gear. I’m really into how the bass keeps diving up and down against the piano. The Quintet are on form with this record.
2/2
Airegin is quicker again with Paul Chambers hammering away on the bass the star of the show for me. The musicianship on show here really is top class.
A drums opening to Tune Up and it’s even more frenetic than before. The record is sublime with the tempo going up and up on each song
1/3
Here’s Little Richard by Little Richard
A true masterpiece. Rock and Roll gets loud. This album is almost a blueprint to every exciting rock album that followed. It makes me want to dance and sing/scream along.
Little Richard makes every song here sound like a party. Tutti Frutti is widely recognised as an all time classic: the thing is, this record is bursting with them. True Fine Mana is a great song along. Ready Teddy blisters on.
2/3
The rawness Little Richard has in his voice, especially the shrieks, have captivated me since I was a kid. This is the music I can always go back to and know I’m going to have a great time.
Long Tall Sally is probably the other well known song here and rightly so. Rip It Up I like mainly for the chorus, Little Richard shows a softness and tenderness in his voice that isn’t always on display.
3/3
The album is mainly about love, sex and enjoying life as a young person, and rarely has it been matched. Very much the Rock to Fats Domino’s Roll
1/2
With His Hot and Blue Guitar by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s debut album. I associate Cash with country music mostly and this album is a blend of country and rockabilly. The rockabilly songs I quite like, Cash’s quick delivery and the thick picking sound compliment each other.
2/2
Cash’s deep voice is always great to hear even if his delivery can get repetitive. This is a minor criticism on an otherwise great little record. I was a little surprised to see both I Walk The Line and Folsom Prison Blues on this album, I hadn’t realised that two of his biggest songs happened this early on. A record definitely worth checking out
The “Chirping” Crickets by Buddy Holly and The Crickets
I love this album. Wall to wall great songs and it’s easy to see why Buddy Holly became such an inspiration for so many people.
The perfect mesh of pop and 50’s rock in one record. The high pitched backing vocals are really something. The songs about pure young romance paint an earnest picture but I’m a sucker for this done well.
1/2
At Home with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
I think everyone knows I Put A Spell On You, which will give anyone an idea into the wild and chaotic moods on this record. Spontaneous screaming like this alongside deep baritone and a background guitar make for a jazzy rock n roll record.
2/2
There’s a couple of slower songs here aren’t to my tastes but show off Jay Hawkins’ incredible singing voice and also mix up the tempo of the album.
1/3
Bo Diddley by Bo Diddley
The man created his own legendary beat and opens his debut album with possibly the finest double A side ever released. Bo Diddley the song sounds way ahead of its time even now, while I’m A Man works as song of empowerment and belief.
2/3
There’s a swagger to the beat on this record which is also charming at the same time. The use of harmonica compliments the sound perfectly. Even songs with standard blues structures like Before You Accuse Me have a little something to take the sound somewhere you can’t always anticipate.
The Best of Little Walter by Little Walter
I believe this is a compilation of singles and B-sides released by Little Walter in the early to mid 50’s.
Little Walter was a singer, guitar player and harmonica player. The songs are blues inspired with little touches of rock added in. I’m a sucker for stuff like this so have really enjoyed this record
Cash was and is impressive, even though I never was a fan of country music.
Two of my favourite songs by him are rather early, too. And I guess "One piece at a time" can be considered at least kind of Rockabilly.
Boy named Sue (recorded at Folsom prison)
https://invidious.fdn.fr/watch?v=WOHPuY88Ry4
One piece at a time
https://invidious.fdn.fr/watch?v=eu9pK-GrSJk
And I just have to mention this example of the late Cash as well (though Richard Dawkins would be spinning in his grave):
God's gonna cut you down
https://invidious.fdn.fr/watch?v=6BBFQUh6Dko