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Albums Who Shaped Who I Am

Writer's picture: Feef MooneyFeef Mooney

I stole this idea from Fern Perdomo who stole it from Mindy Hertzon.


And I am certain that once I write this list, I will think of other albums, music that kept me company, filled me with a new world, seeped into my voice and language skills, somehow becoming that inner voice that dictates the songs I write.

First album: Pete Seeger: Abiyoyo and Other Story Songs. When you have parents who read to you. Pete could tell a story about a man inside a whale, and sing the refrain "Abiyoyo, Abiyoyo, Abiyoyo ya yo yoya yo yo" and you couldn't help singing along. This was my first encounter with a ukelele and the idea of collective singing. It would forever shape my idea that a good song is a simple one that belongs to everyone.

Second Album: The Greatest Hits of Sly and the Family Stone. I remember summers and my father playing basketball outside. This album was always on. It was just plain fun, and I loved to watch my dad with these hippie guys hustling on the court. This album gave me the idea that music can be upbeat and energizing and fun.

Third Album: Blue, by Joni Mitchell. From my mother's collection of music, I remember the sway and the mood and the purity of Joni Mitchell's voice. I had never heard someone sing so high and so pristinely, without vibrato. Everything she sang felt so personal and made me want to cry. It felt like secrets shared and confessions. It was the smartest sadness I have ever felt.

Fourth Album: School days. I'll never forget SO, by Peter Gabriel. The album just shook me. I could not stop listening to it. I had no knowledge of anyone who could weave African vocals and rhythms into English rock music. "In Your Eyes" was anthemic as was "Don't Give Up." This was when music became a force field, or a new planet. A huge atmosphere.

Fifth Album: The Joshua Tree by U2. I had never heard a song like "Bullet The Blue Sky." It felt dangerous and political ,violent and alive. I had a huge crush on Bono then, I remember, but it was the guitar playing. It was The Edge. I was out of my body transfixed .

Sixth Album: Nevermind by Nirvana. Up to the time before Kurt Cobain, I was a melancholy confessional songwriter who could write a protest or singalong song. After "Smells Like Teen Spirit," I cut my hair short and bought an electric guitar. I threw myself in the moshpit. I wore my flannel shirts with pride.

Seventh Album: Everybody Else is Doing it, So Why can't We? by The Cranberries. My songwriting, my vibe, my attitude, all shaped by Dolores O'Riordan. Feeling like a bird trapped in a cage. Playing with guys in bands. Feeling so female and so fragile yet so plastic and flexible. So alone. So weak, so strong. Dolores' "Linger" was my anthem as was "Zombie."

Eighth Album: The Bends by Radiohead. Taking the feelings of isolation, darkness, weirdness, despair and rage to another level. The pathos of my own personal struggle at this time, leaving one deal and entering into another. The pressure to perform, to be singular, to be sexy, to be real, to be good. I had met John Leckie, the man who produced this album, and I was enthralled and challenged. This was a scary time. I was so broke yet so alive. And just about to move to the United States.

Ninth Album: Tidal by Fiona Apple. I had and have never heard a voice like this nor songs this raw, this beautiful, this compelling, ,this real. The style is one thing, but the sheer power and fragility and reality of "Criminal" and the fact that there are no songs not completely worthy and personal and strong and engaging on this album.

Tenth Album: And here I have to stop, realizing I have left so many out. So many. I would have to say Crosby Stills Nash, and then Young. I would have to mention Richard Thompson, particularly with Linda Thompson and the Shoot Out the Lights album. I'd have to mention Donovan. Then Crowded House, then Rickie Lee Jones, Marvin Gaye, Janet Jackson, the Smithereens, Bob Mould. I would have to mention Fernando Perdomo's "Zebra Crossing" and Chris Price's "Stop Talking." I had never heard music like this, really, so cleverly crafted yet so emotionally stunning and surprising.

Of course, with the advent of Spotify and Bandcamp and other streaming services, I feel like I listen in single format so often. I would have to list my current favorite singles and write about them differently.

I also haven't mentioned classical recordings or the mind-numbing brilliance of so many jazzers. And the stunning wordsmanship of so many hip hop artists I have encountered. And oh no, I left out Tom Petty. You see how this goes?

I admit to being a 90s rock kid who is transitioning slowly into the pop world, whilst not losing folk roots. You'll notice I have not mentioned Country Music. I am sure it is waiting for me, as is Gospel, and all kinds of Spanish language sounds.

I had better end here by saying I am nowhere near being done in terms of being shaped by albums, sounds, music. This process continues. With open ears and an open heart, the only danger exists in acknowledging how much music is out there. I'll never be able to take it all in.

But hey, I'll keep trying.


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