The most important debut album in history

[Machiavelli]

The Velvets are likely my favourite band of all time and I would listen to anything they've done ahead of the Pistols on any occasion you like. I don't deny that the Velvets, Stooges, MC5 and others paved the way for Nevermind The Bollocks but there was never that Sonic Boom in America that we had from 76-83 in the wake of Never Mind The Bollocks. Just a slow drip feed of influence to the CBGB's scene, Pere Ubu etc.... IMHO anyhow.

How about Neu! ? That's a massively influential debut record....

EDIT: And Suicide - Suicide - unvelievably important debut record.

Now Neu! are very, very good. Don't know Suicide. Will check out Lady Machiavelli's selection (which is much bigger than mine) to see if I can locate anything there.
I think we're agreement on how the impact of the VU and The Sex Pistols -- two of the best marketed bands in history (just to provoke you)? -- unravelled.

 

[Albumen]

Most important:

1. Please please me - The Beatles due to the self penned numbers and what followed
2. Tubular Bells - Mike Oldfield the launch of a label and Richard Branson's empire
3. Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath the launch of a genre

The PPMe album still has 6 of the 14 as covers. The Sound of [Billy] Fury has to be mentioned as his was the first Rock n Roll/ Pop album to hit with all his own songs on there.

So . . .

1) Velvet Underground & Nico
2) Sound of Fury
3) George Best because it's pure indiepop and was very important to me at least.

Stone Roses, George Best, VU&Nico, and Dubnobasswithmyheadman are my most played I'd say (yes I know Underworld had two albums released in the late 80's but it wasn't really them *puts fingers in ears*).

 

[W.C.]

Massive Attack - Blue Lines

nice

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I do chuckle at the NME though. If it's not the most influential album EVER it's the day music changed forever or some other sensationalist guff and an article about Nivana, The Ramones, The Pistols, The Smiths etc.

 

[Buzzer]

Saint Etienne's for me

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

In its own way, I think 'It's Great When You're Straight Yeah' by Black Grape deserves a mention. Important? It certainly was to Shaun Ryder, who was missing, presumed dead, by most, before his resurrection with a glorious album that compares favourably with anything Happy Mondays ever did. IMHO, like. Praise The Lord!

 

[Buzzer]

In its own way, I think 'It's Great When You're Straight Yeah' by Black Grape deserves a mention. Important? It certainly was to Shaun Ryder, who was missing, presumed dead, by most, before his resurrection with a glorious album that compare favourably with anything Happy Mondays ever did. Praise The Lord!

Debut album though? I kind of treat it as Happy Mondays part deux. Brilliant album with 'Shake Your Money' being the absolute stand out track for me.

 

[albionite]

I actually think The Stone Roses are quite an overated band. The reverence placed on them is incredible for what little they actually did. They did not really trouble anyone outside of England, they do not really have an enduring track or a big hit single and their influence is debatable; Oasis and The Strokes were further reaching. Please note this is not a criticism of the band themselves as BOTH their albums IMHO were top notch. I'm just not convinced of their position in the grand scheme of things.

I'd have to go with the Pistols in response to the original question.

Time will tell how important oasis first album is/was. It had all the acclaim at the start but the band went so far up their own arse's there has been a bit of a back lash to those saying they love them. Give it 10-20 years this album might be getting a few votes.

In my mind i see the word 'important' as to who they have influenced and what music has come out after. Stone roses was a big influence on say oasis along as was led zepplin.
I was 16 when stone roses came out so most of the bands i like have been influenced by them.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Another vote for Leona Lewis here

 

[spring hall convert]

I was 16 when stone roses came out so most of the bands i like have been influenced by them.

Like who? I take the Oasis influence, though that's far more in attitude than sound.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Debut album though? I kind of treat it as Happy Mondays part deux. Brilliant album with 'Shake Your Money' being the absolute stand out track for me.

'Reverend Black Grape' for me on account of the wondrous lyrics including the legendary: 'Put on your Reeboks man and go play f*cking tennis'

 

[spring hall convert]

What are the things that make up an "important" album anyway...

Sales?
Influence?
Quality?
Originality?

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

I'll nominate Blondie - Parallel Lines

 

[spring hall convert]

I'll nominate Blondie - Parallel Lines

I don't think it was a debut was it?

 

[red star portslade]

Saint Etienne's for me

My old college pal Selina Nash is the covergirl.

 

[Questions]

I'd go with 'The Velvet Underground & Nico'

Yep another shout for this one.

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

I don't think it was a debut was it?

Whoops, missed that important bit of the title.

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

Agreed - but to play and be a rock star? an icon? That book had been closed before the Pistols. Or at least it had in people's perceptions of what they could achieve.

So wrong, the book was opened by Elvis coming from nothing and showing the world what a country boy playing Rockabilly/Hillbilly can do and the money men got hold him and his ilk and gave us the likes of the Beatles sanitised Rock'n'Roll for the masses.... Then The Sex Pistols were released on the public as gate crashers and forerunners, they were porn's in another media frenzy.

 

[dougdeep]

Led Zepp 1
Piper at the gates of dawn.
Bleach.
Are you experienced?
Jerry Lee Lewis.

 

[spring hall convert]

Are you experienced?

Excellent call.