1. The Beach Boys - The Smile Sessions (Capitol) – I have had a copy of this in digital format for years, and I know a guy who was invited to Capitol Records to authenticate some of the recordings, but it is nice to have a proper copy of Brian Wilson’s masterpiece. If you ever think you are too good for The Beach Boys, like I used to be, this is the one that starts your deeper love and appreciation for the band.
2. Olivia Tremor Control- Music from the Unrealized Film Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle/Black Foliage, Animation Music Vol. 1 (Cloud Recordings) – I tried buying these records for years, but could never get them at a suitable price. Now, I own and cherish these records, which only collectively come in at No. 2 because of the fact that so much of what OTC does is directly influenced by the Beach Boys.
3. Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On (Motown)- Hey, you all know who Marvin Gaye is and that What’s Going On is considered his greatest record, but how vital and pertinent the message of this record still is today is a testament to the man’s genius.
