I might have surprised a few people with my Baby Huey choice last time round, but I've gone for a more expected choice of Essential Album on this occasion.
Simultaneously their first and last album, this was released on 28th October 1977 and, although it might sound a little old hat to some people nowadays, it still packs a Tyson-like punch to the face for my money. First things first, if you're not a fan of guitar-based rock n roll then there is no point going any further, but if you are, then this is about as good as it gets. Yes, there have been plenty of classic rock albums over the years, Led Zep, Black Sabbath, The Who, etc, but this came out as of a bit of a side project for Malcolm Maclaren and his attempt to court controversy by shaking up the music/fashion/political establishment with a crazy idea for a 'dirty boy band'.
I won't go much further in to the background of the British punk movement at this point, as you can find all this out on your own and there's been enough programmes, books, films and documentaries about it over the years. All I'm really focused on is the sheer power, anger and no little musicianship in the production of an album that really changed things forever.
Paul Cook's solid, no nonsense drumming, Steve Jones' concrete-splitting Gibson guitar playing, Glen Matlock's surprisingly melodic bass-playing (Sid didn't actually play on the album, as he couldn't!) and John Lydon's eclectic and electric singing style and lyrics, spat out with pure anger and venom on every track, make each song a joy and the whole album a work of punk art.
Even the cover is completely iconic, causing as it did at the time, a protracted court case where Malcolm Maclaren found himself standing up in court arguing that the word 'bollocks' was perfectly legal and acceptable and shouting it out repeatedly in front of the judge.
After buying this album, I played it so much, including throughout my 14th birthday party - when I entertained the whole street with it - that I wore it out and had to go and nick a new one from the HMV in Bradford the next day.
Anyway, enough of my waffle. If you are familiar with it, then just enjoy it for what it is; one of the greatest rock and roll albums of all time. If you are new to it, then cop a listen to the marvellous production and revel in its power, anger and sheer majesty.