Wagner's "Die Walkure" (The Valkyrie) live at the San Fran Opera House opened my 20 something eyes and ears to the wonder of opera and live orchestral music. This transformed my opinion of opera from being a very stuffy, pretentious art form to one that provides an overwhelming emotional experience, enervating all the senses (well, maybe not taste).
I get chills of pleasure rolling up and down my spine at certain moments in all of Wagner's operas. A very physical and uncontrollable experience. Wonderful! No other music does this to me.
Al Stewart's albums "Modern Times" and "Past, Present and Future" made me listen and understand lyrics as they're sung. To this day, I can understand every word sung on any track.
Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" illuminated my teenage rebellion against my parents, religion, and all other so-called authorities. There are so many quotable lines. Still a rebel.
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