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The Coffeeshop 100
Ok this could be the single biggest disaster on the internet but this website needs a bit of excitement again.
Anybody who has been here long enough surely knows the Urban 100 thread where he posted his top 100 albums and reviewed them as well. I have nowhere near the experience of music and writing ability of that thread but over the last year or so I have compiled my own list. I will hopefully post mine in a similar fashion and they are my current favourite albums as of August 2007 so it may have changed in a year if you are reading back on this thread when it is completed. :) Wish me luck. |
Writing ability?
I just listened to the album & typed out whatever came into my head while I was listening to it & then jumbled it around so it had some sort of order to it. Good luck :) |
I wish you luck, I tried this I still have a rough draft I may re-try it, its hard I commend you. And good luck again, i'll be interested in it.
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Ok I might as well start this then. I will post one hundred different artists and post album art too so basically an indentical thread with my choices.
I will also let you down with the information there isn't a Beatles, The Who or Rolling Stones album here to found. The very reason for this this isn't that I don't like or respect these bands, it is just I have not enough experience of them and I feel I would be a bit pretentious to post my favourite album by each otherwise. http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...37769a8kv3.jpg 100. Thom Yorke- The Eraser- 2006 Ok this was a pleasant suprise. After listening to Kid A I was still missing something, a stripped down electronica album with thom yorkes vocals on it. And this is exactly what I got. Whether it be the piano on the title track, scattered beats everywhere, recurring vocals or strange lyrics and I would expect no less from Thom. Key Songs: The Eraser, Harrowdown Hill, And It Rained All Night http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...327872mfni.jpg 99. Wishbone Ash- Argus- 1972 Ok I am 17, I am not supposed to like Wishbone Ash a forgotten prog rock band from the 70's. But my cousin got me into them and I actually saw them live in Leicester! This album is probally the most catchy work by them and most famous so that's why it is here. Key Songs- Throw Down the Sword, Sometime World, The King Will Come http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...28008hxdrb.jpg 98. Deerhoof- Friend Opportunity- 2007 Oh my lord what a band. Every album they release is great so I had to pick the most recent one. Basically the singer is a female and japanese and has the cutest vocals you'll ever hear. The music is influenced by experimental and alternative music of the 80's and 90's. The combination is either amazing or unlistenable you decide. Key Songs- The Perfect Me, +81, Matchbook Seeks Maniac |
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97. The Strokes- Is This It- 2001 I absolutely loved the Strokes when they first appeared. Probably one of the first alternative rock bands I actually got into properly. This album when I listen to it still sounds as fresh as when it first came out and since this album they seem to have not really regained this level of quality. The singles will remain in my mind forever. (NB. The album art is the US version) Key Songs- The Modern Age, Someday, Last Nite http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...904448364o.jpg 96. The Charlatans- Tellin' Stories- 1997 The first of many great albums which came out in 1997. Let's face it The Charlatans have never been as prolific as some of their peers but this is probably the closest they came to making a definitive album. While it was being completed the keyboardist Rob Collins was killed in a car crash so Martin Duffy of Primal Scream fame helped complete the album. There are many great songs here so if you like 90's indie it is essential. Key Songs- With No Shoes, North Country Boy, One to Another http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...07880059u1.jpg 95. Black Grape- It’s Great When You're Straight...Yeah- 1995 Haha this album makes me laugh. Who the hell had thought it after the Happy Mondays Ryder and Bez would be back and even with a rapper called Kermit. I heard Kelly's Heroes first and then bought the album for about £3. If you want Happy Mondays + More Fun + A Rapper buy this. Key Songs- In the Name of the Father, Kelly's Heroes, Yeah Yeah Brother |
Cheers for taking up this project. A few stuff I've never even heard of and I'll definitely check out.
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94. Ciccone Youth- The Whitey Album- 1988 Ok this is the first presence of Sonic Youth on the list and not the last. This album is so complicated to explain that I might die trying. First let's ask the question now what would happen if Thurston, Kim and Mike Watt's obsession with Madonna would ever actually be acted on in the form of covers? Ok first answer would be Burnin' Up from Watt with the Blag Flag guitarist and Into the Groovy from Thurston with a Madonna sample. Secondly what the hell would happen if Sonic Youth wanted to make a completely crazy experimental album with dance elements? Answer, it would probably be not very well received so in the late 80's Ciccone Youth was spawned, Ciccone being Madonna's real surname. Added to that a karoke version of Robert Palmer's Addicted to Love from Kim and you are already onto a winner! This is probably the most insane album I own and I love it. Whether it be the pointless minute of silence, dance version of a Confusion is Sex song, Thurston Moore ghetto rapping or Kim and a friend listening to Krautrock band Neu this album has it all for an ardent Sonic Youth fan. NB. The Whitey Album title refers to Sonic Youth's threat to record a whole album of Beatles covers. Key Songs- Macbeth, Into the Groovey, Addicted to Love |
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93. The Libertines- Up the Bracket- 2002 Some people called them the most important band of this generation and others said they were overrated junkie tabloid scum. The answer is probably a mixture of both. Clash, Beatles, Stones and Stooges for the modern age I would describe this record therefore it very understandable why they became famous so fast. The Americans had the ultra successful Strokes and record labels were hot on the heels of any similar bands so finding the Libertines was probably like finding the gold at the end of the rainbow for them. The relationship between Doherty and Barat is what makes the Libertines. Listening to the lyrics it is hard to pass any time without hearing references, although more so on their nearly as good burning out follow up. Ok Doherty is the worst rock star symbol we have seen for a very long time and he has pissed around since predictably releasing lower quality material and trying to stay alive/out of jail/with Kate Moss. Barat has made the middle of the road Dirty Pretty Things borrowing the Libertines sound and drummer. But I think most people who liked them think they were only truly something together and whether it'll ever happen again who knows. Key Songs: Time For Heroes, Death On the Stairs (If Your Copy has it), Up the Bracket |
Every time I see this as top thread I always think "hey an adult contemporary list!" Good luck and hand in there. i've told myself I'd do one of these but I'm lazy as hell. I'll be watching with interest as we approach numero uno.
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92. Be Your Own Pet- Be Your Own Pet- 2006 Thurston Moore liked this band so much he signed them to his own record label Estatic Peace. It is quite easy to see why with the slightly insane Jemina Pearl singing and shouting away and the noise pop sound of the music. While recording this album they were all still in high school and they all look very fresh faced and ready to rock. The evidence of this can be shown at none other than at the All Tomorrow's Parties Nightmare Before Christmas 2006 curated by Sonic Youth were they were joined by Thurston himself more interested in helping them completely trash the set than helping with the music side of things. Be Your Own Pet are definitely not for everyone with vocal schizophrenia from Jemina blasting out of your speakers only interupted by a couple of high quality slower songs and these are probably the picks of the album. If they expand on this album next time and slightly refine their sound then my top 100 will be different. Key Songs- Adventure, October, First Account, Ouch http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...43474eq0c9.jpg 91. Interpol- Turn on the Bright Lights- 2002 So what Interpol are Joy Division in the new millennium they have enough about them to still be a very good band. The similar case is for Editors and the Bunnymen although the former were less lucky about being included in the list. This is a sweaping debut of solid songs from the New Yorkers from Untitled to Leif Erikson this is a dreary listen but if you are prepared to take it then you might find it quite rewarding. Key Songs: NYC, the Obstacles, PDA http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...73339heog3.jpg 90. AC/DC- Highway to Hell- 1979 There just had to be an AC/DC album here somewhere. The greatest band ever to have all of its songs somehow connected to sex and women (look at the track list on this album for proof if you need it). Although die hard fans might know better albums by them in my mind Highway to Hell is the only one I could put into the list. Last album with the alcoholic genius that is Bon Scott before the predictable happened and they were lucky to find a somewhat suitable replacement in Brian Johnson. Whether they are a Scottish or Austrialian hard rock band who cares they are most fun you are going to have in this genre in my opinion. There are so many good songs on Highway to Hell no wonder it made them legends and mainstream all at once. Angus Young is unstoppable and if you try to resist you are sure to be crushed. Key Songs: Highway to Hell, Walk All over You, Night Prowler |
Good luck coffeeshop.
Like you're taste in music and I'll look forward to this. |
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89. Rage Against the Machine- Rage Against the Machine- 1992 In a perfect world rap metal should have just ended after this album. This album out of all the albums in my list probably spawned the largest amount of rubbish imitators which ruled mainstream rock in the late 90s and early 2000s. I won't name them but you probably know the biggest few already. We have Tom Morello more hard rock and metally charged than Ozzy Osbourne's big toe. Then have Zack de la Rocha who is probably the angriest person in the world rapping and blasting out his politically charged lyrics. Added to that they also have a drummer and a bassist and you can see why they exploded onto the scene in 1992. I can hardly fault this album at all in any place it does exactly what it was set out to do. Whether it be opening blast of 'Bombtrack', the eternal cries of 'F*ck You I Won't Do What You Tell Me', the Led Zeppelin fueled 'Wake Up' or the all over the place 'Township Rebellion'. Credit to them they already set themselves up for never being able to repeat this record while making it. Key Songs: Killing in the Name, Take the Power Back, Township Rebellion |
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88. Jamiroquai- Synkronized- 1999 I have always liked Jamiroquai but I have never properly acted on this until I got this from a charity shop! This is probably my favourite style of Jay Kay more dance influenced with the big single Canned Heat. If anybody has seen Napolean Dynamite will love that song even if they don't like Jamiroquai. He of course still keeps all his best attributes though with Jazz and Funk still strongly present like 'Black Capricorn Day' for instance. Every album they make is top quality so really just pick the one with your favourite musical direction. Key Songs: Canned Heat, Deeper Underground, Planet Home http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...63018zhy8t.jpg 87. Arctic Monkeys- Favourite Worst Nightmare- 2007 Ok let's all listen to my Arctic Monkeys history. First single comes out 'I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor' and I think this is pretty good might check out this band. Then holy sh*t! NME, British Press and almost everybody hypes this band into the next universe. The climax of this was when NME put their debut into the top 5 best British albums ever. That was it I had had enough already add to that I thought the songs on the album were very mixed and there was a lack of maturity mixed in there. But then low and behold they destroy the first barrier of rock and roll, the second album curse. First of all they have got it out when they are still fresh writing whilst touring the first album and secondly it is actually quite a job well done. The excellent single 'Brianstorm' opens the album with its 'do anything, go anywhere' attitude which is literally all over this album. Every song is good in its own way apart from maybe the bit where they did go a bit far on the annoying slowdown of 'Only Ones Who Know'. They finish the album with '505', which I can't believe they wrote when I first heard it, really good stuff showing a great maturity of music from the past but keeping it very much in the future and that is the ethos of the whole album. They have matured so much in a year in the process losing their bassist but if they can carry this up they have every right to ride the hype. Key Songs: Brianstorm, Do Me A Favour, 505 http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...59800panv0.jpg 86. LCD Soundsystem- LCD Soundsystem- 2005 I only heard them after the latest album which I also love in a different way but when I saw this for £5 in a shop with the bonus disk I lapped it straight up. James Murphy isn't half a character, I read an interview with him in a music newspaper earlier this year and it was a mixture of depression, humour and happiness. This all comes out on this record but with the added music nerdiness he pocesses. 'Daft is Playing At My House' sounds exactly like it should sound like. Tribulations is a pick with its disco beat and great vocals. He even makes a lost Beatles song with 'Never as Tired as When I'm Waking Up' and Brian Eno with 'Great Release'. The bonus disc continues on with the brilliance where he parades the nerd within him in 'Losing My Edge' which has trendmendously well worked lyrics, 'I was there at the first Can show in Cologne' and 'I was the first guy playing Daft Punk to the rock kids, I played it at CBGBs'. 'But I was there!' is the recurring line of insecurity. Another pick from the disk is 'Yeah' with its two versions the vocal one which they often play live named fittingly 'Crass Version' and the instrumental one 'Pretenious version'. Sometimes I feel like saying 'Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah' too. Key Songs: Daft Punk is Playing at My House, Tribulations, Losing My Edge |
A few albums I have'nt heard and you are half my age! you are putting me to shame! Keep this up. Nice to see BLACK GRAPE in there. A cracking album.
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Can anyone guess what the number one album will be?:D
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De-Loused or FTM obv.
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85. Howling Bells- Howling Bells- 2006 I went to see them in Manchester earlier this year and I was very impressed with the intimate feel of the gig and Juanita Stein's performance and vocals! They are a lot more Australian than AC/DC that is for sure. This album is a mixture of pop, country, alternative rock and folk. In Interviews they often cite their influences as a bit of everything and one member even said he had a Boards of Canada song as his ring tone but I would say the only thing which they have influenced them with is atmosphere. The best thing about this album is atmosphere it makes you feel relaxed in a shoegaze kind of way. It simply has lots of great songs and is well worth for repeated listens. Key Songs: Setting Sun, Blessed Night, Low Happening http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...70989bif16.jpg 84. Bloc Party- Silent Alarm- 2005 I take the point there have already been too many albums from the new millennium in my list but you have to appreciate from the age of 10 onwards the new millennium of music has effected me enormously! Most of the bands which have influenced them I like so it is no surprise that I like Bloc Party. This debut album is by no means perfect but it is definitely better than the follow up. They look like University rejects and have an obsession with being cool but at least this band has some killer songs to make themselves worth your while. We open with 'Like Eating Glass' ie 'It's so cold in this house' which gets it all off to a promising start. Then suddenly you'll fly off in a helicopter, feel some positive tension, eat a banquet, be blinded by a blue light, hear some voices, have some modern love, become a pioneer!, fill your car up with gas, find out where you are, look at the moon, make some plans then take the compliments. And that is only if you have my copy of the album. :) Key Songs: Helicopter, This Modern Love, So Here We Are http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...47779yigj1.jpg 83. Faith No More- Angel Dust- 1992 Mike Patton is one of those mad scientist type characters he will do anything to see what the result will be. He has started/been in more bands and side projects than your brain can count past. I don't think the genius of him comes across any more than on Angel Dust although The Real Thing is possibly an easier listen. Also note the rift between Mike Patton and Anthony Kiedis is the most laughable thing in the history of music read into it if you have time and type Mr Bungle Red Hot Chili Peppers Covers into youtube. Where do I start with this album? It is really one of those you HAVE to listen to. There are no barriers. Rap, metal, classic rock, alternative rock, funk and electronica are all spinning around in Patton's head and he decided to showcase most of it on this album. This even stretches as far as the funniest cover ever in Lionel Ritchie's 'Easy'. Absolutely essential listen from the 90s one of those must hear before you die albums. Key Songs: Midlife Crisis, Kindergarten, Be Aggressive |
Is the Real Thing on your list as well?
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I will continue the list once I get back from the Leeds festival so enjoy waiting. ;) |
holy ****ing **** i praise you for putting be your own pet on the list. I HAVE FINALLY SEEN SOMEONE WHO LIKES IT ON THIS SITE. Good luck i praise you.
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Great Work so far, keep it up and good luck
I have my own list I'd love to do in this format sometime also. |
Some good choices so far...
If Sonic Youth aren't at the top i'll eat my hat. |
Let's get this back on track before I go to London. ;)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...35553xbhar.jpg 82. Blue Öyster Cult- Secret Treaties- 1974 Everybody has heard the song (Don't Fear) The Reaper, it is probably one of the most recognisable songs in the history of music and is regarded as a classic from the 70's and quite rightly so. However, the actual album it is on, Agents of Fortune, is not really along the same lines of that song at all and while other people may like it I personally for the most part do not. Rewind 2 years back to 1974 and their true classic is staring you right in the face. Secret Treaties is a hard rock masterpiece in the true sense of the form. Everything which makes the band great is on display here. The opener 'Career of Evil' for example gives you a sure idea of what is to come, clever rock hooks and riffs at super speed with added showmanship. You can definitely see why they have been called the thinking man's band of the genre, their lyrics for a start are worth mentioning for their mysteriousness and story telling. However, also they add the little things to songs most bands around the time would not even think of doing for instance the weirdness of some kind of child's toy at the end of 'Harvester Of Eyes'. And after all that the last two songs on the album are probably the most famous and greatest. 'Flaming Telepaths' is a bruising rock single which again shows what they are capable of. But the closer 'Astronomy' goes far beyond anything else on the album, an epic 6 and a half minute rock ballad is up there with any other from the 70's whether it be 'Stairway to Heaven' or 'Wish You Were Here'. Key Songs: Career of Evil, Flaming Telepaths, Astronomy |
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After a little break I'm back. I've just realised how hard this task is going to be! ;)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...47739q3hx3.jpg 81. Depeche Mode- Violator- 1990 Depeche Mode's worldwide phenomenon. After being a popular synth pop band fitting in with the 80's era, the 90s were approaching and Depeche Mode had to deliver something more. What they delivered was Violator a dark, murky album with some classic songs which have outlasted everything else similar from the time period. I can understand why many people would dislike them. David Gahan's vocals for one could easily be a factor or his personal life for another matter. It is not really cool to say you like Depeche Mode but I think there are lots of people who secretly do. Catchy lyrics and synth beats and that is all Violator really is. But just done very well. 'World In My Eyes' is a tremendous opener, 'Personal Jesus' is a classic single although I personally have never really cared for it, 'Enjoy the Silence' is the song on the album which really took them to another level though. The rest of the album upto the haunting closer 'Clean' really is top material, no wonder it gained them so many more fans. Key Songs: World in My Eyes, Enjoy the Silence, Policy of Truth |
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A storming album. This turned a lot of people onto the fact that electronically lead music could be just as important as guitar based music. |
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80. Air- Moon Safari- 1998 After Daft Punk released Homework in 1997, there started to be a lot more recognition for electronic artists. However, Air were very different from their peers. There is no evidence of big beat or other associated sub genres of the era but instead it is one of the most chilled out and relaxing albums you can listen to. To say Moon Safari is an almost magical experience would not be an understatement. There isn't a skippable song to be found as it flows through the dreamy electronica seamlessly using organs, sythesizers and an array of other instruments with the perfect blend of vocals. Key Songs: Kelly Watch the Stars, Remember, You Make It Easy http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...05307cf3zd.jpg 79. Thurston Moore- Trees Outside the Academy- 2007 Ok I didn't expect this but it was a very nice surprise. Thurston Moore uses his calm, mellow vocals which are more evident on the last couple of Sonic Youth records but it is accompanied with his acoustic guitar, a violinist and Steve Shelly on drums. It is quite extraordinary how much Thurston can diversify, throughout the history of Sonic Youth he has been at the helm of a band constantly changing and releasing new material, but this is only his second proper solo album following Psychic Hearts in 1995. Sonic Youth fans will be pleasantly surprised by this effort, whilst it is nothing revolutionary, it shows another side to Thurston's musical ability in being able to combine folk and acoustic genres into something distinctly recognisable as his work. It is suprisingly accessible as well so might even suit mainstream tastes bar maybe when noise creeps back into the pallet for example on the instrumental piano and noise piece of 'American Coffin' and the half a minute blast of 'Free Noise Among Friends'. The album closes with a recorded message from Thurston at 13 years old who even at that tender age seems already set for experimentation and it is quite an intriguing listen of his crazy teenage boredom. Key Songs: Frozen Gtr, The Shape is in a Trance, Wonderful Witches + Language Meanies |
Welcome Back Coffeeshop!
You got a lot of work to do... Kudos on including such a recent album...Bold move. |
Yeah I have a long way to go, I might even take longer than Urban at this rate.
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...00675ute0e.jpg 78. Bat For Lashes- Fur & Gold- 2007 I have to admit I watched the Mercury Award performance of 2007 and was instantly won over. I downloaded the album soon after and was blown away. The project is lead by Natasha Khan who recalls all the great female vocalists and instrumentalists of years gone by from the likes of Cat Power to Bjork to Kate Bush with her own unique style. The album commences with the sublime 'Horse and I', which was performed to full effect at the awards. As soon as the piano starts you know the class of the album waiting to be listened to. Natasha sings about haunting stories of magic, animals, sadness and female characters with a back drop of instruments including piano, strings and drums. Every song shines brightly and there are many great moments from the enchanting and mysterious 'What's a Girl to Do?' to the loneliness of 'Sad Eyes' to the lost Kate Bush song 'The Wizard' or the stark warning call of 'I Saw a Light'. This album may become a classic in the future but as it currently stands it already cements Khan with the greatest of female vocalists of the past and present. Her vocals are simply out of the world and she does not really put a foot wrong with the musical side all the way through, this is a perfect example of how the genre should be done. Key Songs: Horse and I, What's a Girl to Do?, Sad Eyes http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...74467tjqej.jpg 77. A Tribe Called Quest- The Low End Theory- 1991 If you could only buy one rap or hip hop album you seriously could not do much better than this one. 14 songs, 47 minutes of jazz infused rap from Q-Tip and Phife Dawg with the slickest production and a clear vision throughout. Time and time again experts of the genre parade this as one of the most important albums ever and even with one listen you can clearly appreciate why. This is a very intelligent album which sets Tribe apart in the golden era of rap. They take in all that is going around with references to the likes of Busta Rhymes and Chuck D in the lyrics them but instead of following the crowd they make their own incredible sound. They use carefully placed samples, jazz influences and electronic instruments creating such classic songs as 'Excursions', 'Show Business' and 'Check the Rhime'. People who are not usually fans of rap and hip hop should still definitely give this album a chance. It is a monolith in the relatively short history of the genre. As it goes in 'Vibes and Stuff', they almost certainly 'have the vibe'. Key Songs: Excursions, Verses From the Abstract, The Infamous Date Rape http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...49325w60jy.jpg 76. Mclusky- Mclusky Do Dallas- 2002 If you ever wondered what is the musical equivalent of running full speed straight into a wall, well erm... here it is. Mclusky were a Welsh alternative rock outfit influenced by hardcore punk and college rock. Before the release of Mclusky Do Dallas they did not look like they offered much else to any other alternative band but with help from the production of Steve Albini they accomplished a landmark album. The lead singer, Andy Falkous, is often compared with Black Francis with his crazy, manic chants but in truth he is about a million times more outrageous. This is helped no end by the absurd lyrics he delivers which range from 'Turning me on with my lightsabre c**ksucking blues' to 'My dad is bigger than your dad, he's got eight cars and a house in Ireland, sing it!' to 'We had crazy f**king times, till her visa card expired'. The best way to play this album is very loud. The album consistently rocks for 35 minutes with a whildwind of classic songs encountered on the way. There is even an old alternative rock cliche of the hidden song, which no doubt was to some extent the influence of Albini who famously helped 'All Apologies' last over 30 minutes on Nirvana's In Utero. They were anti-mainstream to the extent that they were hated by their homeland Wales and pretty much everywhere else. But they had and still have strong underground fanbase, which is why when they disbanded in 2005 after only 3 albums it was all the more disappointing. Mclusky were a blast of fresh air into 21st century British rock. Key Songs: To Hell With Good Intentions, Alan is a Cowboy Killer, Whoyouknow |
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The Low End Theory is a great album and showcases how good Hip-Hop can be. Good shout on the Thurston Moore album too. I got hold of it a couple of days ago and cannot stop playing it! |
Haven't got as much to say about these 3 so should speed things up a bit.
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...302665u6rv.jpg 75. Neutral Milk Hotel- In The Aeroplane Over The Sea- 1998 Neutral Milk Hotel I feel are probably one of the most unique bands I have ever listened to. I got into them after a suggestion from a friend and it took me a while but after some repeat listens I realised exactly how remarkable 'In The Aeroplane Over The Sea' actually is. There's lo-fi, shoegaze textures, psychedelia and just straight out rock, which is what bizarrely makes this an intriguing listen even if you do not normally like this type of thing. Lyrically it is intense and confusing, this only adds to the strength of the album. Jeff Mangum is a funny chap since this album he has turned into a bit of a Kevin Shields type recluse, when like Shields he could had carried on making brilliant records with his band. The songs speak for themself really on this record from the poppy Anne Frank tune 'Holland, 1945', to the epic 'Oh Comely and the spectacular 'Two Headed Boy' songs. Songwriting ability interchanged with masterful musical insight makes this album a classic. I LOVE YOU JEEEEESUS CHRRRRRISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSST! Jesus Christ I love you yes I do! Key Songs: Two-Headed Boy, Holland, 1945, Oh Comely http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...556971d732.jpg 74. Nine Inch Nails- Pretty Hate Machine- 1989 I couldn't decide which NIN album to include so I chose the one which started it all! There's something about NIN which strikes the perfect balance between musical styles whether it be electronic or metal. Their songs are usually both powerful and mysterious. Pretty Hate Machine was released in 1989 years ahead of its time in so many ways. The bi-polar Trent Reznor focusses sound the angst of the teenage generation into a record with addictive riffs and cleverly worked songs. With lyrics which are mostly based around fantasies and sex and delivered by Mr Reznor, this album hardly falters. Something I Can Never Have has to be mentioned as it stands out as possibly the first ballad in the genre and it is beyond amazing. The world was not quite ready for NIN in 1989 but in 2007 they are the biggest industrial band in the world. Credit to old Trent really even with the ridiculous gaps there are usually between albums. Key Songs: Head Like a Hole, Terrible Lie, Something I Can Never Have http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...12575gvo26.jpg 73. Foo Fighters- The Colour and the Shape- 1997 Foo Fighers might not be one of the most prolific rock bands but they have been fairly consistent since their birth after the demise of Nirvana in 1994. Dave Grohl got straight to work in 1995 and released the self-titled debut with the solo songs he been writing during the Nirvana era. In the 1997 the first true Foo Fighters album was released and arguably still their best. Everlong is worthy alone of making this album make the top 100, I have been into the Foos since the 'One By One' era and this song has always stood out to me as one of the greatest of all time. The guitar riff is simply out of this world and the vocals are both desperate and enchanting. They haven't made a song like it since. Aside from Everlong which I could talk about for at least another few paragraphs there are many moments where this album stands out even if it does have some lesser points take the ferocious single 'Monkey Wrench' and the anthemic 'Hey, Johnny Park!' and 'My Hero' for instance. It is a solid record by very likable band from a very likable band leader in Dave Grohl. One of the best mainstream rock albums of the 90s in my humble opinion. Key Songs: Everlong, My Hero, New Way Home |
In The Aeroplane Over The Sea is such a seemingly flawless album, couldn't agree more on picking Holland, 1945 as a stand out track.
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I would have placed ITAOTS much higher myself, but it is the Coffeshop 100.
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Hello I'm back now and might as well finish this off. :)
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...61999arnrp.jpg 72. The Smiths- The Queen is Dead- 1986 Not really a massive Smiths fan, always liked their catchy singles but if I had to pick an album to include in my top 100 it would be this one. And even this one has songs I don't particularly rate in it. But for the opening title song alone this album deserves the praise it has received over the years. I rate it amongst one of the best alternative songs of the 80's and I've heard it was one of their best live songs. Jonny Marr's guitar work in this song is inhuman combined with one of Morrissey's best vocal performances. Frankly, Mr Shankly is a fun little song, however I don't think the album picks up again until Bigmouth's Strikes Again which is again one of their best songs. As soon as you hear the intro you know you are in for 3 minutes of excellence. This is followed by the Boy With the Thorn in His Side which is another catchy little number. And then there is "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" which is probably their most famous song with one of the most iconic videos in the history of music (Salford Lads Club and Morrissey lookalikes on bikes). This album is by no means perfect but it includes some of their greatest songs. To quote Alan Partridge: "The queen is dead, long live the king singers!" Key Songs: The Queen is Dead, Bigmouth Strikes Again, There is a Light and It Never Goes Out http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov...55609hv7de.jpg 71. Happy Mondays- Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches- 1990 Keeping the theme of Manchester bands going, Happy Mondays were one of the iconic bands from the baggy Madchester scene in the late 80's and early 90's. Fronted by Shaun Ryder with his distinctive snarly vocals and not forgetting Bez (the dancer) who when once asked what he did in the band he replied "I take all the drugs". Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches was released in the middle of another two classic albums of this period which I won't mention but will feature later. :) The Haçienda scene was its peak with "Rave on" on everybody's lips. The album open's with "Kinky Afro" which has probably one of the naffest videos every made but none the less it is a legendary single. "God's Cop" is next which opens with a wild guitar rifts and beats and actually one of my favourite songs on the album. Another pick from the album is "Loose Fit" which is a very chilled out tune which I would happily sunbathe to somewhere in the Mediterranean. I can't finish this review without mention the anthemic "Step On" which is a truly ingenious single with the classic lyrics "You're Twisting my melon man"! If you don't like this song then you are no fun. The whole theme through this album is partying, holidays and fun and it never looses throughout which is why it is one of the greatest albums ever produced. Key Songs: Kinky Afro, Step On, Holiday |
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70. Ian Brown- Golden Greats- 2000 You see a certain pattern forming? Yes yet another god from Manchester with what I still regard his best solo album so far with "Music of the Spheres" just behind. It opens with "Gettin' High", a bruising electronic rocker followed by one of his best singles "Love Like a Fountain". The whole album is very solid, there isn't a weak track to be found with "Free My Way" one of my favourites. "Dolphin's Were Monkey's" is the standout track on the album though with its single along chorus and groovy back beat. Ian Brown said he never expected to have such a successful solo career after the Stone Roses but with albums like this he has deserved one. Key Songs: Love Like a Fountain, Dolphin's Were Monkeys, Babasonicios |
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wow nice bump :)
Good taste you have there(so far so good!) Can't wait to see top ten! Good call on Argus by Wishbone Ash! Love that album. |
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