AC/DC – Powerage

I prefer the mixes on vinyl – the CD has lots of interesting overdubs, percussion and extra vocals, but the simple, raw mix on the vinyl version of the album allowed the listener to enjoy the power of the greatest rhythm section ever to take the stage – Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd.

Each song is played with passion and power. As an album, this one sits together perfectly – I never tire of listening to it, even now, approaching 40 years after its release.

 

Motorhead – Ace of Spades

Ace of Spades is best known for its title track, but every song on the album oozes power. It has a live feel that bring each song to life – something I often tried to emulate when recording.

 

Iron Maiden – Number of the Beast

The production on this album allows you to hear and appreciate Clive Burr’s mix of style and technical ability. His drumming always enhanced Maiden songs and complimented them – he knew where to add complex fills and where to leave breathing space.

 

Queen – Sheer Heart Attack

It’s all about the album cover… Actually, no, it’s about a mix of songs that shouldn’t sit together as an album as they’re diverse, but somehow Queen managed to make them flow perfectly. And the drumming on Stone Cold Crazy… awesome.

There’s a good mix of vocals on this album too, with Roger Tailor taking the lead on occasion. That shouldn’t work either, but it does.

 

Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine

I remember this coming out and being blown away by the production and musicianship. It was so clear and in your face. At the time, it was really innovative too – something no one had heard before that has been mimicked a lot since, but never done to this standard.

 

Deep Purple – In Rock

Ian Paice at his best – he nails every track on this album. Ian Gillan hollers his guts out and I love the use of John Lord’s Hammond lines.

 

Black Sabbath – Sabotage

This is all about the drums, especially on Symptom of the Universe – Bill Ward delivers a masterclass. The album has that lobbed down feel – the vibe and feel of the takes is what carries the album. 

 

The Cult – Electric

Yes, it’s an AC/DC rip off, but it’s a good one. The riffs are great and I remember listening to this album repeatedly when I was younger. It’s got a great feel and Billy Duffy carries it with some fantastic riffs. If anything the drums are too loud, but when you’re young and learning, that kind of mix and help you get a better feel for what the drummer is doing to complement the riffs.

 

Metallica – Master of Puppets

It’s all about the raw power and quality off the songs. This is the album that got me listening to Metallica seriously and appreciating what they do.

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Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV

Any drummer who doesn’t pick a Bonham album must have something wrong with him, right? Right. And this album shows Bonham off at his best – the feel of the drums is amazing throughout, with an interesting use of beats perfectly tailored for each riff.