David Bowie
Aladdin Sane
My older sister gave me this record when I was maybe 8 or 9 - didn't know what I was listening to, but some of the sounds (that I later learned were electric guitar) made me want to understand and make music.
KISS
Alive!
I saw them on Don Kirschner's Rock Concert when I was probably 10 or 11, and was blown away. I knew I HAD to play rock music - wanted to be Ace Frehley SO BAD!!!!!
Boston
I don't think there has ever been a more perfect record: every note, every beat, every harmony is absolute perfection. Still a joy to listen to, especially with headphones.
Kansas
Point of Know Return
After hearing "Carry On..." on the radio a million times, I remember being in a record store and seeing this new album from them; from the first notes, I was in awe of the musicianship, and the vocals.
Rush
Moving Pictures
This was released right around the time I was "comfortable" with pentatonic rock stuff, and the odd meters and lyrical imagery sparked imagination - started writing my first original music because of this record.
YES
90125
I was a fan of the early incarnations of Yes, but 90125 was a surprise. More condensed writing, better hooks, and a heavier edge appealed to my ears. All the songs are great, and Jon's angelic vocals are an instantly recognizable thumbprint for the band.
Steve Vai
Flexable
After getting a plastic record of "The Attititude Song" in an issue of Guitar Player, I went out and got Flexable. This was at a time where I actually thought I knew what I was doing on guitar - this record took me back to guitar "kindergarten" so to speak.
Joe Satriani
Not of This Earth
I read that Joe taught Steve, so when I saw this in a Listening Booth store, I grabbed it immediately. Joe's sense of melody and harmony, along with his incredible chops, made me appreciate how little I knew about guitar...
Steve Vai
Passion and Warfare
I believe this to be the most important rock guitar record ever created. The writing is not your standard fare, the production is astounding, and Steve's otherworldly melodies and harmonies transported me to another plane of existence.
Even today, I still marvel at this creation - a guitar musical masterpiece!
Sonia Dada
A Day at the Beach
Not a guitar record, but the songs are brilliant, the playing is great, and the vocals are out of this world!