because I like lists, and I love to talk about music, here's my top 5 obscure classics. In my opinion, these albums are landmark recordings, in many ways ahead of their time, and definitely great examples of rock music as art.

6. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-1968

Experimental NY by way of LA group, released one self-titled album. This lp is the very definition of "retro-future."

If you didn't know it was released in 1968, you'd swear it came out in 1994. A gem. They taught PORTISHEAD everything they know.

5. THE PRETTY THINGS-SF SORROW-1968

This album gets better every time I listen to it. It is their SGT. PEPPER, and it deserves the comparison. This is a concept album, and it inspired Pete Townsend to conceive TOMMY. It sounds like the who, the kinks the beatles, and 1971 era genesis (again, this is 1968), which is to say it sounds totally original. Their follow up, PARACHUTE, is equally as impressive.

4. WHITE NOISE-AN ELECTRIC STORM-1969

A British experimental electronic group. This band had members who worked for the BBC. Imagine sound effects machines used to make pop music...in 1969.

3. SAGITTARIUS-PRESENT TENSE-1967

"Band" made up of producers gary usher and curt boettcher (both of whom have passed), most of the LA wrecking crew, glen campbell, keith olsen, bruce johnson, and many others. Firesign theater even makes an appearance. This record is breathtaking. Listen to "my world fell down"..then try not to listen to it again.

2. ZOMBIES-ODESSEY AND ORACLE-1968

This one almost doesn't count because it contains the hit "time of the season", but the lp went largely unnoticed, plus it was the band's swan song. Every song, and I mean EVERY SONG, is an absolute gem and I would put this up against anything the beatles were doing at the time (if you knew how big a fan of the beatles I am, you'd know how serious this is). Think Brian Wilson if he'd hung out on Carnaby Street instead of in L.A.

And finally...

1. BIG STAR-#1 RECORD-1972

Memphis outfit led by former BOXTOPS singer (the letter/cry like a baby) Alex Chilton and Chris Bell. Shimmering guitars, byrd/beatle harmonies for DAYS, and just beautiful songwriting. A cynic might say they were the states' answer to BADFINGER, but a closer listen reveals distinct differences. why wasn't "in the street" (now the theme to "that 70s show") blaring from every car in America that summer? Because they were signed to an imprint on a label that didn't know how to market them. "#1 Record" languished in cutout bins, as did their second and third lps, despite massive critical praise.

Many 80s and 90s bands have since sung their praises and for good reason. This record is a masterpiece, and recorded beautifully. Chilton and Bell complimented each other well.

Thanks for letting me get this off my chest!

Now, please add your own to the list!