9. Queens Of The Stone Age – Songs For The Deaf
Rated R is a brilliant album, but this record – as a beginning, middle and end – was QOTSA’s most defining record. The interaction between Nick, Josh and Mark was unbelievable and I loved that dynamic that reminded me in the same way of Massive Attack – different people performing on different songs, which was unusual for a rock record. The beauty of what Josh did vocally against the heaviness of Nick and soulfulness of Mark was brilliant. It was really influential for me in the way I looked at beats and drums, and the way those songs were put together. They were unique journeys themselves. Everything at the time was all about lo-fi and New York cool – what was going on with the Strokes and the White Stripes – and this record had so much bollocks to it. There’s a melancholy and darkness to it, but also classic rock & roll. They’re one of my favourite bands.
