MUSICIANS ON THEIR FAVORITE GUITAR RECORD OF ALL-TIME
As a music lover, there is nothing better than reflecting on the one album that changed everything for you. The album that make you shift perspectives on something or the LP that opened your ears and welcomed you into a brand new world. We’ve asked some of our favorite musicians to tell us about their favorite guitar record of all time and how it had impacted them.
Oskar Gudinovic, CARDINALS
Jar Of Flies – Alice In Chains
“An album I listened to when I started playing guitar. Fell out of love with it for years, and now it’s entered my rotation again. Jerry Cantrell’s prodigious, quacky guitar lines paired with Layne Staley’s stiff, moody riffs produce an infectious combination. Throwing their iconic vocal harmonies in the mix creates a wonderful counterpoint, adding further to the
haunting sound of Alice in Chains.”
Victoria Winter – SHOWER CURTAIN
Pinback – Pinback
“I find myself always coming back to this record.
The songwriting is flawless from beginning to end, and it covers all range of emotions and moods. In certain songs, I love how the bass becomes the star
of the show by playing “guitar-like” parts and having an awesome tone. I also love how this album approaches producing traditional guitar music and add- ing fun drum machines, little synths, and even record scratches. It levels up the songs to be so special and unique. I never get tired of this album, and it’s a perfect nostalgic listen to drive to on a sunny day.”
Danny Gomez & Justin Barry – NATIVE SUN
White Light/White Heat – The Velvet Underground
“This is a big album for us. It’s not about virtuosity or showing off, it’s about feel, impact, and things barely holding together. It made it okay for guitars to be messy and loud, but still intentional, like you’re catching something as it happens.
That shows up in bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Sonic Youth, and Parquet Courts, where noise and repetition become part of the energy instead of something you clean up. It shaped how we approached Concrete Language, keeping things
live and immediate with that same tension.”
Gene Gallagher, VILLANELLE
Loveless – My Bloody Valentine
“I think it truly captures the beauty of loud guitars without sounding too overwhelming. The tone on that album is darn superb! Loud Jazzmasters are bloody lovely!”
Aaron Hurley, CARDINALS
Zuma – Neil Young & Crazy Horse
“My favourite Crazy Horse record for sure, I’m a sucker for the distorted guitars, and my go-to refer- ence when it comes to anything guitar. Lou Reed was onto something with his praise for Cortez the Killer and the acoustic Through My Sails closer is possibly my favourite ending to an album.”
