#315Albums is a list of 315 albums that appear on both the Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, as well as the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die book, edited by Robert Dimery. At its best, it is a representation of some of the greatest music ever released; at its worst, it is a journey through the history of music that the majority see as important, influential, and/or relevant. If nothing else, these albums are worth experiencing at least once to get a better understanding of music, which is why we are working to complete all #315Albums.


No. 001

Transformer had glam flash courtesy of guitarist Mick Ronson, and ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ brought drag queens and hustlers into the Top 20.”

Artist: Lou Reed
Album: Transformer
Released: 1972
Label: RCA
Rolling Stones Ranking: 194

What a way to start! I didn’t realize until after my initial listen of this album that Lou Reed was a part of Velvet Underground (immediately exposing my ignorance, and explaining why I am taking this journey), but it makes total sense. This feels a lot like what made me fall for Velvet Underground when I was in undergrad. It’s different, low-key, and androgynous. It is a mellowing experience that I’m excited to take over and over again.

Cinefessions’ #315Albums Rating: 89%

Image and quote courtesy of Rolling Stone Magazine.