Kat Von D’s Vinyl Obsession: Her Top Five Favorite Albums
Tattoo icon, makeup guru, and musician Kat Von D recently joined the Vinyl Obsession podcast on AXS TV to share her five all-time favorite vinyl records. A passionate collector since her teenage years, Von D’s vinyl collection has grown to “in the hundreds,” showcasing her deep love for music, particularly punk rock.
From Punk Rock to Vinyl Collecting
Von D’s journey into vinyl began with her fascination for punk rock, which opened her ears to a diverse range of artists. She candidly admitted that her vinyl purchases were often influenced by the album artwork, leading to some unexpected hits and misses. One notable example she shared was KISS’ 1976 album Destroyer, where she felt the cover art conveyed a more intimidating vibe than the music itself.
Kat Von D’s Top Five Vinyl Records
The Cure, ‘Disintegration’ (1989)
Von D chose The Cure’s eighth studio album, Disintegration, as her top pick, praising it as a flawless album from start to finish. “I’m a huge Cure fan; there’s not a Cure album that I don’t like. But this one has always been my favorite,” she stated, highlighting the title track as “the perfect rainy day song.” She commended Robert Smith’s poetic lyricism and relatability.
Depeche Mode, ‘Songs of Faith and Devotion’ (1993)
For her second choice, Von D selected Depeche Mode’s Songs of Faith and Devotion, noting that she typically prefers bands’ earlier works but finds this album to be the exception. She expressed her admiration for Dave Gahan’s soulful vocals and how the band’s willingness to showcase imperfections adds to their charm.
Motorhead, ‘Ace of Spades’ (1980)
Von D’s third favorite is Motorhead’s iconic album, Ace of Spades. She reflected on her transition from punk to metal during the time she discovered Motorhead, declaring, “I love everything about this album. The artwork, the music—everything.” Remembering Lemmy Kilmister, she shared how much she misses him and emphasizes Motorhead’s rock ‘n’ roll essence.
Bjork, ‘Homogenic’ (1997)
For her fourth choice, Von D selected Bjork’s Homogenic, suggesting that the album remains a complex enigma. She likened the depth of its lyrics to that of black metal, praising Bjork’s distinctive voice and delivery, placing her vocal artistry alongside icons like Morrissey and Axl Rose.
Bauhaus, ‘In the Flat Field’ (1980)
Lastly, Von D highlighted Bauhaus’ debut album, In the Flat Field. She expressed her love for tracks like “Double Dare” and the title song, describing them as “tribalistic.” Although she doesn’t recall the exact moment she first heard Bauhaus, she believes it coincided with her growing appreciation for bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode.
Conclusion
Kat Von D’s selections reveal not only her eclectic taste in music but also her deep emotional connections to these albums. Each record holds a special place in her heart, reflecting her journey through different musical landscapes. To delve deeper into her thoughts on these vinyl treasures, listeners can check out the full episode of Vinyl Obsession.
FAQs
What inspired Kat Von D to start collecting vinyl records?
Kat Von D began collecting vinyl records as a teenager after getting into punk rock, which led her to explore a variety of artists and genres.
Why did Von D choose ‘Disintegration’ by The Cure as her top album?
She considers Disintegration a perfect album, praising its poetic lyrics and the relatability of Robert Smith’s songwriting.
Which other artists did Von D mention in her top five albums?
In addition to The Cure, she also chose albums from Depeche Mode, Motorhead, Bjork, and Bauhaus as her favorites.
How many vinyl records does Kat Von D have in her collection?
She mentioned that her vinyl collection has grown to “in the hundreds” over the years.