Five Records That Changed My Life, Part 74: Derrick Green
American vocalist Derrick Green has been fronting Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura since he successfully auditioned to join the band in 1997. Prior to joining Sepultura, Derrick sang in the American bands Outface and Alpha Jerk. Roppongi Rocks’ Stefan Nilsson checked in with Derrick to find out about the five albums that changed his life.
Rush “Moving Pictures” (1981)
“One of the first albums that I ever purchased was an album by the band Rush, ‘Moving Pictures’. This album changed my life in many ways. It started me on the road to buying vinyl as much as possible. It opened the door to my curiosity of music an art. I love the album artwork because it looks so mysterious and I had no idea if the artwork was related to the music which I found out it was in my mind. I knew then that the songs on the album would stand the test of time and still ring true today.”
Descendents “Milo Goes to College” (1982)
“The same day that I purchased Rush’s ‘Moving Pictures’ album, I purchased the next album that changed my life which was from a band called Descendents and the album was ‘Milo Goes to College’. I was mystified by the simplicity of the album cover and I felt there was a story behind the title of the album. The lead singer had gone off to pursue the profession of a scientist. I thought this was so cool and punk rock to leave the band at such a great point in their career. This was a strong introduction into the world of punk and hardcore music. Fast pace, great melodies, clever lyrics, everything that I could relate to that was going on in my life at that time. Rebelling and questioning everything, I was ecstatic to know that there were other people that felt the same way that I did.”
“Walt Disney Presents Peter and the Wolf” (1958)
“This album was a game changer for me and my love of classical music began at a very young age because of this album by Sergei Prokofieff. It started a realization in my mind that music could create such a magnificent story. This album helped in brightening my imagination. Each instrument became a character in the story. This was absolutely mind blowing to me.”
The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967)
“I still remember where I was and who I was with when I first heard this album. It was at my neighbour’s house in our new neighbourhood and it was with my first white friend. I’ve never heard anything like this before. Every song was so memorable and easy to sing along to. I thought they had the perfect formula for writing songs but each song had its own character. Still when I listen to it today it brings back a flood of memories of my childhood and the innocence of being a child.”
U2 “War” (1983)
“It was refreshing to hear this album for the first time. I knew that the times were rapidly changing and U2 had their finger on the pulse of what was really going on in the world. I love the fact that they were from a place I’ve never been to, I knew nothing about, but I could still understand the message that they were communicating with their music. I wanted to collect everything they had ever done and anything they were going to produce in the future. I became an instant fan. I still have not seen them live. I don’t want to ruin the image I’ve held in my mind for so many years.”
