Photo coutesy of Marc Ford
Through his massive contributions to classic ‘90s records like The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992), Amorica (1994), and Three Snakes and One Charm (1996), SoCal native Marc Ford set the standard for old-school, blues-based, hard rock guitar in the ‘90s.
In an era where most were brandishing off-set Fender Jags, and Mustangs while perpetuating distorted grunge chaos, Ford kept it real, slung various vintage Les Paul’s and Strat’s over his shoulder, and stomped on well-worm Ibanez Tube Screamers and Fuzz Faces with zero regard for what was considered trendy.
It worked, and Ford cemented his place amongst the greats. Be it his phrasing, sing-along yet cutting solos or heart-stopping tone, it doesn’t get better than Marc Ford’s stylings. And that’s as vivid as ever, judging by the depth of his solo records, like Weary and Wired (2007), Holy Ghost (2014), and his outstanding tribute to Neil Young, Neil Songs (2023).
While on a break from his solo activities, Marc Ford beamed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to recount the ten albums that changed his life. Can you spot any of your favorites?
# 10 – Exile on Main St. – The Rolling Stones (1972)
![Exile On Main Street [Remastered]](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/61XY8m20waL._SL500_.webp)
What more can I say? I chose this because it’s maybe one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll records ever made.
# 9 – Planet Waves – Bob Dylan (1974)
Many Bob Dylan records were influential to me but, with The Band playing behind him it sounded so loose and fresh to me—a big lesson in how a band should serve the song.
# 8 – The Wall – Pink Floyd (1979)
This album was a big “coming of age” record, and David Gilmour is a master of tasteful phrasing when it comes to guitar.
# 7 -The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie (1972)
When it comes to this album, the biggest thing I can say is to listen to Mick Ronson, who was a beast.
# 6 – Band of Gypys – Jimi Hendrix (1970)
Recorded live at Filmore East in New York City, a friend at school played this record for me, and I thought it was the heaviest thing I’d ever heard. I wasn’t even sure what I was listening to. It totally changed the way I listened to music.
# 5 – Truth & Beck-Ola – Jeff Beck (1968 & 1969)
I found these two records packaged together, so I never really separated them in my mind. Both great. I learned a lot about attitude from listening to these records.
# 4 – Frampton Comes Alive! – Peter Frampton (1976)
![Frampton Comes Alive! [Vinyl]](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/51Y6nuYJzML._SL500_.webp)
Someone gave me this record, and as I had just started playing guitar, this record introduced me to more guitar-based music: me and about 50 million others.
# 3 – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John (1973)
![Goodbye Yellow Brick Road [2 LP]](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/51hJk2cubL._SL500_.webp)
This was the first record I ever asked my parents to buy for me. I thought the cover was interesting, and the music inside delivered the same. It took me to so many places.
# 2 – The Concert – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1980)
This was one of the few records my dad had where I loved the grooves and energy across the board.
# 1 – Rubber Soul – The Beatles (1965)
![Rubber Soul [LP]](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/51wqQoqZ7kL._SL500_.webp)
This was my earliest memory of being really interested in music. I had this on 8-track and played it on repeat in my mom’s car. Running errands with her and hearing those songs over and over really grabbed me.
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Marc Ford Interview: 10 Albums That Changed My Life article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
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