You Never Forget Your First (CD)

Within the spectrum of media formats, physical music has the unique ability to be memorable. If you ask anyone on the street to name their first CD, chances are they can. Contrast that with digital downloads. Can anyone remember their first MP3? Likely: *crickets*

A material, touchable record that you can hold in your hand is tangible proof of your taste in music at a certain time in your life. That’s really remarkable if you think about it.

You can look to your record collection as a timeline that maps out your changing preferences, varying moods and personal episodes. (Kinda like the Facebook Timeline but way better)

Your accumulated music collection can even provide cultural data! (Yes, people really did like MC Hammer and his parachute pants in the late 80s and early 90s.) (‘N Sync vs. Backstreet Boys was, like, a real dilemma in 1998.)

Isn’t that just so darn cool? Now, here’s my challenge to you. Can you recall your first CD? — if you can, tell us what it was in the comments section below. You can also let us know @murfiemusic with the hashtag #myfirstCD .

Everybody! Let’s determine once and for all if the sentiment holds true: you always remember your first (CD).

Throwback Thursday, Vol. 5

They’re HERE! A fresh batch of throwback albums is ready to go, compliments to the Murfie crew.

The Best of The Animals – The Animals
“The Animals’ cover of ‘The House of the Rising Sun’ has always had a spot in my heart. The Animals popularized this folk classic so much that when Bob Dylan performed it, people thought he was covering them. The root of the song actually goes back to 18th century England.” – Will

Best of Chess: Original Versions of Songs in Cadillac Records – Various Artists
“If you like Motown albums, you’ve got to check out Chess Records, a label out of Chicago that leans heavier on the blues side of the scale.” – Glynnis

Ten – Pearl Jam
“So many great tracks from the band that took grunge mainstream.” – Matt

Barney’s Favorites, Vol. 1 – Barney
“For those of us born in the late 80’s…this totally brings me back. Barney Theme Song video.” – Eileen

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis
“I distinctly remember playing air guitar to ‘Champagne Supernova’…many, many times.” – Kayla

Throwback Thursday, Vol. 4

And we’re back! It’s about goshdarn time we introduced a new round of Throwback Thursday albums, lovingly curated by our team of music experts @ Murfie HQ.

Dance Dance Dance: The Best of Chic – Chic
“These are the good times…” – Philip

Stop Making Sense – Talking Heads
“David Byrne’s created plenty of music and art since its release, but it still gets regular play on my turntable!” – Glynnis

The Best of Depeche Mode, Vol. 1 – Depeche Mode
“Depeche Mode is one of the most prolific New Wave groups that has influenced everyone from the Pet Shop Boys to The Killers.” – Will

Closer – Joy Division
“Closer is the last of two albums released by the British “post-punk” band Joy Division, just two months after the suicide of the group’s lead singer Ian Curtis. Joy Division single-handedly defined the post-punk genre with Closer.” – Corey

Sentimento Brasileiro: Music from the Brazilian Heart – Various Artists
“Amazing tunes from the Tropicália movement in Brazil circa 1960s; this disc features the psychedelic rock band Os Mutantes, as well as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Bebel Gilberto. Definitely great lounging-around music!” – Daniella

Pretty Hate Machine – Nine Inch Nails
“Both poppy and abrasive, NIN’s debut album really laid the foundation for their later works. What would industrial have become without classics like ‘Head Like a Hole’? Also, ‘Terrible Lie’ proves angry can be catchy too.” – Evan

Btw, you can click the tag “Throwback Thursday” for past volumes of – what else? – Throwback Thursday.

Throwback Thursday, Vol. 3

Yesterday was Wednesday. Tomorrow is Friday. So this day is Thursday. Here are today’s top throwback albums, handpicked by the team at Murfie HQ.

The Very Best of Cream – Cream
Cream is widely regarded as the world’s first successful supergroup. – moi

Live in Europe – Otis Redding
“Influenced by Little Richard, grew up singing in a Baptist church, a founding and influential artist on the Stax record label with a voice more powerful than Zeus’ thunderclaps. Say no more.” – Alyssa

Strictly Turntablized – DJ Krush
“Sophomore album by trip hop artist DJ Krush.” – Kayla

Walk Among Us – The Misfits
“This month marks the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut full-length album release. Tracks from this album have been covered by other bands such as Sick of It All, Pennywise, and My Chemical Romance.” – Keith

Marquee Moon – Television
“Was recorded in two weeks, and was so two decades before its time. I lovelovelove this album; some say too much…” – Henry
“According to Wikipedia, Television is widely regarded as one of the founders of “punk” and New Wave music.” – Philip

A Flock of Seagulls – A Flock of Seagulls
“The true 80s throwback.” – Will

Throwback Thursday, Vol. 2

Oh boy, it’s Thursday again! You know the drill. Take a seat in our time machine, and take a look at some awesome albums of yore. Hand-picked by the crew at Murfie. What’s your Throwback Thursday pick? Tell us in the comments section below.

Every Picture Tells a Story – Rod Stewart
Don’t even get me started on how much I dig “Maggie May.” – moi

By the Way – Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Doesn’t contain the track Road Trippin’ but is in fact the best RHCP album for road tripping, IMHO.” – Steve

Endtroducing… – DJ Shadow
“Cited in Guinness World Records as being the first album created entirely from sampling.” – Philip

3 Feet High and Rising, Disc 2 – De La Soul
“Selected in 2010 to be part of the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.” – Alyssa

The Very Best of Rufus featuring Chaka Khan – Rufus
“It makes me wanna learn how to play a mean bass.” – Melissa