Find Your Own Classics!

Written by David, May 2005

hat is a classic anyway? And who decided that it would be labeled as such? Well, in somewhat objective retrospect you can conclude that many of the so-called classics are not actually that divine and untouchable in a different light, from a different angle. But still you will be considered by many as a complete idiot if you prefer The Dark Ride before Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II.

nd how many times haven't you heard that you 'must' own this and that record, because it's a classic? I would say, don't ever listen to these people! If they can argue for why this particular album is the best - fine, but if they only have the classic argument - be sure to make your own opinion. It is easier than you may think to fall for the group pressure. After all, we want to understand the greatness of the album in question, so that we can celebrate it along with the rest of the fans.

ost of the classics are released between 1970 and 1989. Then one can ask if it simply is impossible to make a classic album today, or if it just happened to be that no one has succeeded lately… Wake up! Not everything was better in the good old days. Bands actually can evolve into something better, and new band members can bring new influences and in the long run be better, both musically and for the harmony of the group, than the legends they replace.

y record collection is growing as fast as my wallet allows. But if you knew all the classics it is missing, you would probably react with great surprise. Sure, I'm planning to get them all some day, and I do fill some black holes from time to time. But usually I'm more curious about finding the albums that are just as great - or better - but simply released in the 'wrong' year, or with the 'wrong' lineup.

en modern classics that you must own - and ten oldies they are better than:

Saxon - Metalhead (1999) - Wheels Of Steel (1980)
Motörhead - Bastards (1993) - Bomber (1979)
Running Wild - Victory (1999) - Port Royal (1988)
Helloween - The Dark Ride (2000) - Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II (1988)
Megadeth - Youthanasia (1994) - Rust In Peace (1990)
Def Leppard - Retro Active (1993) - Hysteria (1987)
Exodus - Tempo Of The Damned (2004) - Bonded By Blood (1985)
Kreator - Violent Revolution (2001) - Pleasure To Kill (1986)
Manowar - Warriors Of The World (2002) - Sign Of The Hammer (1984)
U.D.O. - Thunderball (2004) - Accept - Russian Roulette (1986)

David - May 2005