Music N' Other Drugs

I’ve spent the past few months trying to pin down what exactly the Buffalo “sound” is and I remain no closer to a conclusion today than I was at the beginning. While locales such as Seattle, New Orleans, and Memphis have a flavor that can be instantly recognizable, Buffalo appears to be less about a particular sound than a cornucopia of styles that converge to make the scene something truly special.

What follows is a list of 10 albums from the Western New York area that remain an essential part of my listening regimen. Some are obvious, but some are gems from our own backyard that deserve a wider audience than what they’ve been given.

Goo Goo Dolls – “Superstar Car Wash” (1993)

You couldn’t go anywhere in the summer of ’93 without hearing “Fallin’ Down” blasting from somebody’s speakers. I’m probably in the minority on this, but I don’t think the band ever captured the kinetic energy of this album again.

Jackson C. Frank – “Jackson C. Frank” (1965)

This lost classic from 1965 has taken on a mythical quality in recent years, because Frank’s story is as tragic as it gets. He used a settlement from the 1954 Cleveland Hill school explosion to sail to England and record a masterpiece riddled with emotion and survivor’s guilt.

Rick James – “Street Songs” (1981)

James’s reputation is what it is at this point, but there’s no denying that he was a baaaaaaaad man in his musical prime.

The Alyn Syms Group – “The Offering” (1981)

Buffalo Music Hall of Famer Alyn Syms delivers scorching guitar work throughout this album and the cover alone solidifies its place on this list. Also, it’s likely the only album to refer to Lackawanna as the center of the universe.

Actor – “Actor” (1983)

It’s only six songs, but Jessie Galante’s presence makes each one of them sting.

Talas – “Sink Your Teeth Into That” (1982)

Talas was primed to be the next big thing, but Billy Sheehan’s talent and ambition outgrew the region in a hurry.

Son of the Sun – “The Happy Loss” (2010)

I saw this band more than any other local act between 2009 and 2013, so I urge you to seek this one out and discover what should have been.

Gamalon – “Gamalon” (1987)

A brilliant fusion record featuring thunderous percussion from Ted Reinhardt and sizzling six-string sorcery from George Puleo and Bruce Brucato.

Ani DiFranco – “Not a Pretty Girl” (1995)

She arrived on the scene with a shaved head and a bad attitude, but proved herself to be Buffalo’s own Joni Mitchell with a percussive picking technique and a perspective on the world that demanded to be taken seriously.

Willie Nile – “Places I Have Never Been” (1991)

He comes back to play Buffalo every year, but I’m still shocked by the lack of knowledge among local residents. This is the album that should have broken him and it even landed him a spot on Letterman.