1. Tom Waits — Raindogs

This album was released in 1985 standing out like a sore thumb amongst the ridiculous synth pop and hair metal that was going on.

The record transports you back to the 1950's downing whiskey with Jack Kerouac at a dive bar in Minnesota.

Catch you on the next boxcar.

2. The White Stripes — White Blood Cells

Jack White and his “sister” Meg on their seminal record out to change popular preconceptions of what the blues should be.

It’s a red and white peppermint package of analogue goodness designed to inspire the luddite in all of us.

Hold your guitar against the amp, feedback never sounded better.

3. Arcade Fire — Neon Bible

Imagine if Bruce Springsteen was a goth.

Catchy as a bible on fire. Sad as a rainy Sunday.

Its the perfect record for lonely kids in suburbia, a roller coaster of feels that echoes desperation and beauty.

4. My Bloody Valentine — Loveless

At first it sounds like some sort of unholy white noise.

Then you realise there is a whisper of melody in the background.

Then you fall in love.

Repeat.

5. The Velvet Underground — The Velvet Underground & Nico

Want to experience heroin without taking the drug? Listen to this record, it is so cool it will make you feel warm inside.

VU are the perfect amalgamation of punk and the dark side of hippie culture.

The ultimate college rock record, one of the members earning a PhD in medieval literature.

6. Tame Impala — InnerSpeaker

Much has been said about revivalist bands but rest assured Tame Impala have more in common with daft punk than they do with Cream.

A one man recording show, with a few mates to fill out the live band.

Their sound is reminiscent of jumping from a cliff into a pool of warm water.

7. The Kills — Keep on your Mean Side

The England x USA duo bust out with an explosive debut that marks the beginning of a genre known as “post blues”.

What is post blues you ask?

The feeling of chain smoking a pack of Marlboro reds whilst exorcising your demons into an eight track tape recorder.

8. Radiohead — Kid A

Bought this album when I was fourteen listened to it once, promptly put in the “never listen to again” category. Fast forward a decade and my mind is blown.

Its a geeky call to arms, and almost a precursor to changes that were about to affect the music industry.

The genre is best described as “digital jazz rock”.

9. Nirvana — Nevermind

Much of rock music seems to be about capturing the essence of youth anger and confusion, packaging it up, and then selling it back to young people.

Cobain succeeds wholeheartedly.

Nevermind represents the sound and movement that inspired a whole generation.