Amy Fleisher Madden: 5 Records Every '90s Rock Fan Must Own

Amy Fleisher Madden is celebrating the recent release of the second edition of her novel, A Million Miles, “an intense coming of age story told with the burgeoning indie/emo music scene of the late ‘90s as the backdrop.”

In addition to her new book, Madden started an independent record label when she was just 16, and is credited with the discovery and signing of bands like Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Recover and more. A Million Miles is Madden’s debut novel, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her give us her Top 5 picks for vinyl records every ‘90s fan should have in their stacks.

When you say "'90s rock," I take it seriously. We’re not talking indie rock, or emo, or punk -- we’re talking rock, so I’m going to keep this as pure rock as possible.

Here are five albums that I listened to religiously in the '90s, and if you’re looking for an authentic look at what it was like to be a teenager in the mid-'90s -- this is it. All of these records will beef up your '90s rock vinyl collection:

Capitol Records
Capitol Records
'OK Computer' (1997)
Radiohead
This might be my favorite record -- of all time. It just explodes off your turntable -- guitars blazing. I highly recommend opening a bottle of wine and cooking an intimate dinner for your friends while this plays in the background. Make some chicken. Yeah, chicken.
Epic Records
Epic Records
'Vitalogy' (1994)
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam fans love to argue what the best of the first three Pearl Jam records was … Ten, Vs. or Vitalogy. My vote for the record to own on vinyl is -- hands down -- Vitalogy. It sounds like the production was just made for a warmer sound. I don’t care that it’s cliché to say things like that. Just because giant corporations like McDonald’s are bastardizing that sentiment (thanks, advertising) doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
Grand Royal Records
Grand Royal Records
'Ill Communication' (1994)
Beastie Boys
If you got your driver’s license anywhere close to when this record was released, it will always have a special place in your heart. No one felt like more of a badass than the teenager whose newfound vehicular freedom was amplified by the sound of these three New York City geniuses.
DGC Records
DGC Records
'Pinkerton' (1996)
Weezer
From the moment I heard the self-titled blue album from Weezer I was hooked. But when songs like “Buddy Holly” blew up, I quickly tired of the record. Then, when Pinkerton was released, I felt like I had just met my new best friend. Pinkerton is the record for me, always and forever.
Original Recordings Group
Original Recordings Group
'MTV Unplugged in New York' (1994)
Nirvana
My vote for this record is for sentimental reasons … obviously, you’ll never get to see this band play live. So, the best solve for any sort of intimate feeling with this band comes in the form of a live acoustic performance. Save this one for bummy Sunday afternoons while your cat sleeps in a sunny spot on your hardwood floors, and good things will happen.