Renowned guitarist John 5 recently revealed his top five favorite vinyl records during an episode of AXS TV’s Vinyl Obsession podcast. Each selection holds a special place in his heart, reflecting the profound impact they’ve had on his musical journey.
1. The Monkees – The Monkees (1966)
As a child, John 5 was captivated by The Monkees’ television show, leading him to acquire their debut album through a mail-away offer. He fondly recalls, “Just seeing these guys — they were my heroes.” Meeting band members Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz years later was a dream come true for him.
2. Pink Floyd – The Wall (1979)
The rock opera The Wall left a lasting impression on John 5. He describes the album as a visual and auditory masterpiece, stating, “The production, the writing — everything is very visual with me because I loved TV.” His first viewing of the 1982 film adaptation was so intense that it left him feeling unwell.
3. Joni Mitchell – Blue (1971)
Introduced to Blue by his sisters, John 5 was drawn to Joni Mitchell’s melodies and heartfelt lyrics, especially in tracks like “California” and “My Old Man.” He admires the autobiographical nature of her songwriting, noting, “All these songs were things that happened in her life… It’s unbelievable.”
4. KISS – Love Gun (1977)
At seven years old, John 5 was mesmerized by a promotional display for KISS’s Love Gun in a Sears store, despite not knowing the band at the time. The display was so captivating that he immediately wanted the record. He recalls believing that whenever he heard KISS on the radio, they were performing live at the station.
5. Van Halen – Van Halen (1978)
John 5 purchased Van Halen’s debut album after noticing Gene Simmons’ involvement mentioned on the cover. The groundbreaking sound, particularly Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work, left him in awe. He reflects, “I think maybe this record was the one that gave me the biggest shock because of the sound.”
These albums not only shaped John 5’s musical tastes but also influenced his development as a guitarist, showcasing the diverse range of genres that have inspired him throughout his career.
