Baroness Bassist Matt Maggioni: Five Albums That Changed My Life

The rock world was shocked last week (Aug. 14) with the news that Baroness had been in a bus crash. Vocalist/guitarist John Baizley broke his left arm and leg and drummer Allen Blickle and Matt Maggioni each suffered fractured vertebrae, during the accident. The incident happened in Bath, England, where the Georgia sludgesters had been touring in support of their recently released third album, Yellow & Green.

Just yesterday, the good news came in from Baroness' publicist released an update letting everyone know that the band members were recovering well from the accident. A couple of weeks before the bus crash, Noisecreep asked Maggioni to take part in our ongoing 'Five Albums That Changed My Life' series.

Nevermind, Nirvana (1991)

"I started playing music around the time this record came out. I remember playing along to these songs with my friend Joe and basically learning how to play the bass guitar to this record. We started our first band shortly thereafter, which was essentially a Nirvana cover band. This record is still a great listen, packed with killer songs, it will be in my rotation forever...endless nameless."

Burning Cold, Damad (2000)

"This record was sort of my gateway into heavy music. Damad were from Savannah where I grew up. These guys took myself and the other dudes I was playing music with under their wings and showed us the ropes. Taught us about touring and playing shows, helped us record, etc. At the time this music was the heaviest, grittiest, crustiest shit I'd ever heard. It was and still is a great record. Every time I listen to it I still hear new things."

Another Green World, Brian Eno (1975)

"I love Brian Eno, and most everything he does. This record was my first experience with experimental, minimalist, spacey music. It's great front to back, dismal, ethereal and overwhelming."

Tres Hombres, ZZ Top (1973)

"This record has been the soundtrack to many tours I've been on throughout the years. It fucking slays. So many great songs, such great guitar work, it makes the road much easier to travel. I always have it on hand."

Abbey Road, Beatles (1969)

"How can anyone pick a favorite Beatles record? I think that the Beatles have influenced my musical life more than most bands. I love them. Their musicianship is indisputable and their ability to craft songs and albums is unparalleled. This record is specifically influential in how to structure songs within a record and make it a unified whole. Great care was taken in preparing this record as a unified entity instead of just a collection of songs."

Listen to "Eula" from Baroness

Yellow & Green, Baroness' third album, is out now via Relapse Records.