Former Radio Birdman guitarist Chris Masuak is in town to play a show at La La La's on Thursday October 8th. He took some time out in the lead up to his Australian tour to reflect on five albums that have had an impact on him.
Your first album.
The first album that I bought (with my younger brother) was The Beatles “Sgt Peppers”when it first came out. I still have the original Canadian pressing, replete with gatefold and inserts. I know it’s now hip to state that the band is somehow “overrated”, but they still always astonish.
The album that changed your musical outlook. It can be your most influential, one that led you down a certain path, or had a long-lasting impact on you.
There was always music in our household, with my Dad and Grandfather being erstwhile musicians. I think there was a brace of records that really made an impact when I was about 13 or so. My stepbrother’s collection really piqued my interest … Steppenwolf’s first few albums, Vanilla Fudge, Hendrix “Are You Experienced”, Cream’s “Wheels of Fire”. My mom actually bought a pretty cool bunch of records for me. From that grab bag, Jimi Hendrix “Smash Hits” is still my favorite Hendrix release. I preferred writer/arranger Jimito the later jamming Jimi. And also in that mix, Led Zeppelin II blew my teenaged mind. Then a friend gave me a bunch of records that he “didn’t like” The Doors “LA Woman”, Grand Funk Railroad “Live Album”, and Jimi Hendrix “Electric Ladyland”. Those were all an epiphany. When I got to Australia and was introduced to Blue Oyster Cult, The Dictators, and the MC5 it was game over!
An album that you love but is not as widely known as it should be.
There’s this quirky album by Woody Johnson that I really dig. He’s kind of an archivist that fossicks for rare Americana on music rolls, or through oral tradition. Children’s clapping songs, field workers songs, that kind of thing.
The record that drew you in with its visuals. It can be the cover art, a press pic of the band that made you take notice, ect.
People may not recall or be aware that album covers were as much part of the musical experience as the vinyl inside. The Beatles “Sgt Peppers” was insane … there was so much to explore. The Seeds “Future Now” captured my attention. It’s still on high rotation in Casa Masuak. And, The Rolling Stones “Exile on Main Street” was magnificent. I still have the double album with all the postcards!
The album you are currently loving the most at the moment.
I have an eclectic collection that constantly rotates. At the moment I’m listening to Madeline Peyroux “Dreamland”, Lucinda Williams “West”, The Best of The Small Faces, and Bill Kirchen “Hot Rod Lincoln Live!” When I finally come around to listening to a buried album again I’m always happy!
Catch Chris Masuak at La La La's on Thursday October 8th with support from Sugar Beats and Buzzwagon.
