Elliott Smith - Elliott Smith

Label: Kill Rock Stars
Genre: Indie Folk
Year: 1995
Recommended by: Pat S.

This is a good album for a rainy day. Well a rainy day that you would like to mope around the house and cuddle into some blankets.

I first listened to this in High School when everything is heartbreaking, and nothing is surmontable(sic).  His limited production makes the album feel more intimate while his song writing escape the feeling of a cheap and whiny teenage angst.

If you are interested in mysteries, you should read up on his death, as this record label proves ominous. 

Rocket From the Crypt - Scream, Dracula, Scream

Label: Interscope
Year: 1995
Genre: Punk Rock
Recommmending Person: Paul Conant

This is a band I have not heard of previously, so I was excited. The general vibe is something I am generally very into. There is a performance aspect of becoming an entirely different character that I enjoy. It's really much more enjoyable than a performer just trying to sell themselves as slightly different than what they are in real life. 

Rocket From the Crypt experienced much larger popularity in the UK than the US, which has a weird history which one day I want to be fully explored by someone talented (aka Not me), and they do a good job of melding Rock genre's into their Punk Rock aesthetic. I particular enjoy a Bruce Spingsteenian offering in in the song "Used". It maybe the orchestral backing or the harmony driven chorus, but I could easily see it covered by "The Boss" in a 25 minute long live version.

Oasis - (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

Label: Creation
Year: 1995
Genre: BritPop, Rock
Recommending Person: Ryne Hendrich

This is one of the first albums I listened to with the ability to understand what was happening. I was about 8 at the time and my sister Melissa had the Album. I don't think I really got into it until I was 10, but it has a lasting on me. 

Wonderwall has become the shot across the bow for every guy learning the guitar. It is a song now notorious to sing to women after a long night filled with libations. It's not that great of a song and has become super cheesy. 

Another cheesy song that I love is Don't Look Back in Anger.  It's the definition of sappiness, but it just fits perfectly and I believe is ultimately the better sing along than Wonderwall. This record was a nice throw back.