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101 Albums I Love
Okay So here Goes Nothing. Nothing much to explain, it's been done by others and looks like a whole lot of fun. Let me know what you guys think of the format and I'll adjust as need be. Thanks and enjoy!
101.http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Baby_James.jpg James Taylor - Sweet Baby James (1970) A blueprint for young singer\songwriters of his and other generations. Tracks like the opener and title track "Sweet Baby James" and the prolific "Fire and Rain" are beautiful tracks that have stood the test of time and then some. In addition the satirical "Steamroller Blues" adds a another dimension to the album and it's graveling heart and soul of tracks like "Lo and Behold" and "Anywhere like Heaven" will have your toes tapping your mind at ease and your hands reaching for the acoustic guitar. Without a doubt James Taylor's best work in my eyes. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: ** Favorite Song: Fire and Rain 100. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...MellowGold.jpg Beck - Mellow Gold (1994) Beck's Debut mainstream album is driven by creative lyrics and combining of styles and genres of music. The most significant track is "Loser" which was born out of beck's frustration in his inability to rap. Mellow Gold also produced the bizarre singles "Beer Can" and "Pay No Mind" which beck wrote at age 18. In addition "Whiskeyclone, Hotel City 1997" is among my personal favorites. Beck is among my favorite solo artists of the last twenty years and Mellow Gold is a wonderful example of creative and unique an artist he is. Musical Content: *** Artistic Content: ***** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Loser 99. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...sBanquetLP.jpg The Rolling Stones - Beggars Banquet (1968) While perhaps not their strongest overall selection, the 1968 LP features two of what i consider to be the Stones top five songs. "Street Fighting Man" and the dynamic and powerful "Sympathy for the Devil" in addition Beggars banquet has a more Rhythm and Blues feel then some of Stones other work from the era which is more to my liking and marked then of the Brian Jones era for the band. The lesser known tracks "No Expectations" and "Prodigal Son" are also worth a listen Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: *** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Sympathy for the Devil 98.http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...wntheHorse.jpg The Wallflowers – Bringing Down the Horse (1996) A Surprisingly consistent and enjoyable second effort for Jacob Dylan’s band; “One Headlight” and “Sixth Avenue Heartache” both achieved success as radio singles, the former having reached number one in three straight years (96-98) but the depth provided by tracks like “The Bleeders”, Invisible City”, “Josephine”, “The Difference”, “Three Marlena's” and “Laughing Out Loud” is what sets this album apart for me. Great rhythms and melodies throughout and well written poignant lyrics make this a consistent album on my playlist year after year. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: *** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Invisible City |
im liking this :>
keep going |
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Mos Def - The New Danger (2004) Mos Def's second solo project and my personal favorite in that group by a nose. Thoughtful and eloquent lyrics with creative rock infused hip hop beats from a host of producers and the Black Jack Johnson house band make for a unique and enjoyable listening experience. From tracks like "Sunshine" and "Modern Marvel" with a mellow message to the powerful "War" and Kanye West Produced "Rapeover" a Jay-Z and mainstream Rap dis and the enigmatic "Ghetto Rock" an anthem for the ages in alternative hip-hop make this a must have for true old school hip hop fans. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Ghetto Rock 96. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...elsoffire.jpeg Cream - Wheels of Fire (1967) Clapton, Bruce and Baker. WOW! A double album featuring one studio disk and a live disk that includes performances of the Robert Johnson standard "Crossroads" and "Spoonful". The studio disk includes "White Room" perhaps Creams most well known song and among the best Blues Rocks songs of all-time. In addition to standards from greats such as Howlin' Wolf, Wheels of Fire also contains "Born Under a Bad Sign", "Passing the Time" and "As you Said" written in part by Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Wheels of Fire is a great mix of studio sound and the Live music that drove 1960's Blues Rock Musical Content: ***** Artistic Content: *** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Crossroads (Live) 95. http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/image...VL._AA240_.jpg Stealer's Wheel - Stealer's Wheel (1972) Sometimes when your a teenager you really like a particular song and you buy th album, and you realize why you had never heard of the Band before. Stealer's Wheels' 1972 debut is best known today for the classic rock standard "Stuck in the middle" which borrows attitude from the likes of Beatles stylistically. On the whole the Scottish rockers produced a quality album without a forgettable track. And while none measure up to the classic track featured in Pulp Fiction, they hold their own and push the music forward throughout the album. Try tracks like "I get By", "Gets so Lonely" and "Next to me" for an example of their all-around sound. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: *** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Stuck in the Middle |
I like what you have so far, perhaps you'll be one of the few that actually finishes their album project :).
And Cream is great, can't say I've ever heard of Stealer's Wheel before. |
Oh I will finish it, after all I have created a Template, and therefore it shall be done in an orderly and acute manner.
I am a huge fan of Cream (both the band and the food product) but they never had that great album so this list will not reflect how much I enjoy them or Clapton. But a bit of foreshadowing there will be a revisit of my love for an Eric Clapton\Ginger Baker combination somewhere in the middle of this list. |
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Chimaira - Pass out of Existence (2001) I'm sure this will be a bit of a surprise to most of you, but this album is fucking great. I am not a huge Metal fan, but it has a place in my heart and never has anything so hard resonated with me like this album. I'm not sure which new genre of metal this would fall into maybe Metal Core or Death Metal but my favorite tracks include "Severed", "Dead Inside", "Split", "Painting the White to Grey", and "Pass out of Existence". There is just the right mix of brutal sound and technical detail to make it really captivating stuff. Musical Content: *** Artistic Content: *** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Painting the White to Grey 93. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg Hootie & The Blowfish - Cracked Rear View (1994) It may have been the phase of my life, but these guys hit me at just the right time. I enjoy there simple but pleasing sound and the song writing on this album is excellent. Countless radio friendly songs that are memorable and yet not overwhelming. "Hold My Hand" was the first radio hit, followed by "Let Her Cry", "Only Wanna Be With You" and eventually "Time". They also win points for paying their respects to their elders with a solid cover "Sometimes I feel" to close out the album. Musical Content: ***** Artistic Content: *** Impact: ** Favorite Song: Time |
I can't say I like 'em all, but you're sure doin' a good job of it.
Nice work!:thumb: |
James Taylor and Mos Def :)
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Beck and Mos Def<3, I should finish mine its still sitting on my desktop.
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Ha goodluck mate. Look what Urban Hatemonger has started now.
The question is who will finish their list first? |
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Poison The Well - The Opposite of December (1999) First heard this album by request of my nephew who asked me to pick up the riffs for him. While not at the time a fan of what I called scream music, I slowly began to build an appreciation for this band and in particular this album. At first the intensity is too much for a novice to the genre but by the time you hit the chorus of "Nerdy" and fully experience the melding of technical skill harmony and thrashing metal sound and screaming lyrics. "Artists Rendering of Me" is a high energy track with the most distinctive spoken\screamed word bridge\breakdowns that are a theme on this album. Another delightful element is the double bass drum (like in "Not Within Arms Length"), gives a very energetic feel to the music. Maybe not the best in the genre I've heard but the first and most relevant to me. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: *** Impact: **** Favorite Song: My Mirror No Longer Reflects 91. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg Sublime - 40 oz to Freedom (1992) The ultimate mood music. Filled with reggae\ska influence lending the perfect feel for a lazy summer day with a tall beverage. Their eclectic tastes are evident with tributes paid to musicians like KRS-One and the Grateful Dead. Memorable tracks include the title track "40 oz to Freedom", the humorous "Date Rape", "Rivers of Babylon" a great sing along, and the motivational anthem "Smoke Two Joints". That's not to mention my favorite track either. On the whole 40 oz brought Sublime into the consciousness of music fans and that is a good thing. Musical Content: *** Artistic Content: **** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Bad Fish 90. http://www.musicchannel.cc/images/15...ld,0,0,284.jpg Live - V (2001) I have always enjoyed Live and their music, but this album is on this list almost completely because of timing. I got it right before 9\11 after hearing "Overcome" played on the radio in studio. I enjoyed the song on it's own, but it was sort of picked up by some folks as good mood music and a sort of theme for the tragedy. Helping "V" is the fact that their are several solid Live tracks on it as well. "Simple Creed", "Deep Enough", Transmit your Love" and "Like a Solider" are solid musically, have good energy and are a good listen. This is not often considered Live's best work, but I prefer it to "Throwing Copper" and thus here it is. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: *** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Overcome 89. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg Led Zeppelin - Presence (1976) A little disappointing at first, (especially at 21) but it grows on you. (especially at 51) A kinder gentler Led Zeppelin, still blues driven with amazing diversity in influence. This album is strong end to end despite no great songs. "Hots on for Nowhere" is a funky jam with a great chorus. "Tea for One" starts almost like a medley from the first two albums and evolves as the band has into mellow blues driven feel. "For your Life" gives you yet another classic electric Zeppelin riff and "Achilles Last Stand" is a epic ballad in classic Zeppelin style. The music has grown on me so much I can even excuse the bizarre and creepy cover art. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Hots on for Nowhere Also Featured at #35 in http://www.musicbanter.com/general-m...-100-a-11.html |
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Thanks for the inspiration and cheers! |
Very kind of you to say so :)
I did start another thread with 1000 albums in. Of course I never expected to get anywhere near 1000 , it was more to list any new or interesting records I happen to find or be listening to at the time. With yourself & Coffeeshop doing lists it's given me an incentive to bump that thread again too. |
Is Presence really your favorite Zeppelin album? Or was it just a better fit for your list?
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No it is ... really.
I just like it because I think it's them at their most vunerable. It doesn't have that bombastic feel of their more popular albums. I still think Tea For One is the best song they've ever written. |
That's quite a statement, but I can see how you could feel that way. It's a great track, I wish however they'd have revisited the intro riff at some point, maybe the middle eight or outro...
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Free - Fire and Water (1970) The first of several albums from the year 1970 in this section of the list. Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) vocals carry this album which is a departure from their Blues and Hard rock roots. Instead a more soulful sound was produced with tracks like "Heavy Load" and "Remember". They do their own take on a classic Rock Ballad in "Don't Say You Love Me" There is still a definite rock edge to them as evidenced in title track "Fire and Water" and the exceedingly popular "All Right Now" a song some of the band have harbored resentment for. Feeling that the casual nature of the song undermined the seriousness of their music. However it's doubtful their music would have ever reached so many people were it not for the lasting popularity of the single. Musical Content: ***** Artistic Content: *** Impact: *** Favorite Song: All Right Now 87. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg The Beatles - Help! (1965) Soundtrack to the second Beatles film and their fifth studio album. The title track was intended to be a slower more melancholy cry for help do to commercial pressure Lennon regretted. Perhaps the most popular song from the album is the McCartney ballad "Yesterday" a notable song. The album also contains the folk rock "You've got to Hide Your Love Away", "Ticket to Ride", and a country-rock cover of "Act Naturally" with Ringo on vocals which is surprisingly enjoyable. On of my favorite McCartney tracks "I've just seen a Face" also appears on the album. Most of the album is (quality) filler, but fits nicely into the context and flows between the better tracks. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: *** Favorite Song: You've Got to Hide Your Love Away 86. http://www.freakium.com/edicao10_paranoid1.jpg Black Sabbath - Paranoid (1970) Breakthrough for Ozzy and the boys seven months after their eponymous debut. Classic metal tracks "War Pigs\Luke's Wall", "Paranoid" and "Iron Man" blend in with five more outstanding songs. A definite cover to cover listen every time. The subtle and melodic "Planet Caravan" is a trance-like psychedelic experience. "Electric Funeral" is the darkest track on the album warning of Nuclear consequences. Cautionary tale "Hand of Doom" has haunting imagery within the music and the lyrics and is followed by the "Rat Salad" instrumental tying into the closing track "Jack the Stripper\Fairies Wear Boots" about Ozzy's hallucinations, turns out he did some experimenting. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: *** Impact: **** Favorite Song: War Pigs |
A few albums already that I have'nt heard, so I will endeavour to check them out. One fine day I will start mine, but I will let yours and Coffeeshop's finish first, and then steal your formats!
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the only way you could have chosen a worse mos def album was if you picked true magic.
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And Jayetc, The Opposite of December is a great album. My favorite metalcore album, and Nerdy is fantastic my favorite metal song easily. |
I was still changing it up till I did the top 5
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Ahh, I think i'll start then and take a break from getting picky with it.
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Now you know why mine took about a year to finish :)
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Rush - Moving Pictures (1981) The eighth time is a charm for the greatest Canadian progressive rock trio of the last 30 years. But seriously, this was the first time I really gave Rush and fair shot and it turned me on to their music and I now enjoy this album and 2112. "Tom Sawyer" is probably Rush's best known single and a track you will recognize even if you don't know the band. As was the case with a lot of their music these mega-talented Canucks wear ahead of their time musically. Instrumental track "YYZ" sounds like a new song more then one written almost thirty years ago. It's inspiration is also a great story as it was inspired by an airport Morse code pattern. "Limelight" has among the best phrasing and transitions of any song I've ever heard and is a Rush standard as well. It is a Shakespearian story of Peart's discomfort with fame and the burdens it brings. There is also the 11 minute synthesizer driven "Camera's Eye" and the third installment of the fear series "Witch Hunt". If you don't know Rush and their music, buy this album. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Limelight 84. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...workingman.jpg The Grateful Dead - Workingman's Dead (1970) "God Damn well I declare" Workingman's Dead is a folky jaunt into the psychedelic. The opening track "Uncle John's Band" is in my opinion the best song the dead ever produced. The Bluegrass style acoustic sound and the harmonizing vocals are it's trademark. The closing track "Casey Jones" is among the Dead most popular tracks and gives us the memorable opening line "Driving that train High on Cocaine". The middle six tracks are largely country influenced folk music and lend the title of the album because they we're born out of Garcia's Merle Haggard "Workingman Blues" cover. My favorite among them is Robert Hunter's "Easy Wind". The album was recorded in a rush because of pending drug charges and increasing debt that crippled the band at the time making the accomplishment even more impressive. Musical Content: *** Artistic Content: *** Impact: ***** Favorite Song: Uncle John's Band 83. http://modernrock.com/images/album2/980.jpg Jack Johnson - On and On (2003) Thank goodness for acoustic folk and rock music today. I can't see how anyone would not enjoy this music as background at the least. On and On is not his strongest effort but still a very good album from end to end. "Times like these" is a solid opening track written about the 9\11 aftermath. "Taylor" is a catchy riff driven acoustic song with a snappy memorable intro. Dig the baseline on "Wasting Time" or the Rhythm of "Rodeo Clowns" to really get a feel for the sound he's aiming for. Back to back middle tracks "Holes to Heaven" and "Dreams be Dreams" are great mellow jams with a cozy mood for the later hours. The best track on the album in my mind is "Mediocre Bad Guys" chalked full of feeling, great lyrics with creative patterns & phrasing and catchy fills. Musical Content: ***** Artistic Content: *** Impact: *** Favorite Song: Mediocre Bad Guys 82. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...oadedalbum.jpg The Velvet Underground - Loaded (1970) The fourth effort by the band and the last with Lou Reed. One major strike against the album is the absence of drummer Mo Tucker. The standout performances of LP are "Rock & Roll" a real Rock & Roll Jam with upbeat lyrics and melodies throughout and the often imitated but never duplicated "Sweet Jane" that stills gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Still like all great albums it takes more then a few hits to make them notable and this one is "Loaded", to borrow the phrase, in more ways then one. The first track "Who loves the Sun" is a catchy little ditty that reminds us of their Andy Warhol days. There is also the far out track "Cool it Down" with a haunting dual lead vocal effect. While this is a sort of Velvet Underground swan song, it is also an evolution for the group. Warhol's influence and gravitas are gone and the music is still brilliant. To close their final album it'd be hard to write a better song then "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'" a harmonious lighters up swaying in the breeze type number. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Sweet Jane |
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That's awesome about Poison the Well too Crow, it's among my favorite new metal as well. You can call me J.J if you want, everyone I know does. |
Loaded is a very under rated album.
But i'm glad that John Cale had left by then because I prefer his solo stuff to either The Velvet Underground or Lou Reed's solo stuff. |
John Cale = Immense Talent
Not a huge fan of his stuff though, still I respect the hell out of it. What tracks do you like of Loaded Urban? |
I think one of the reasons I like the album is not because the individual songs are amazing or anything but because I can listen to it as an album.
One of the things that's always bothered me about the Velvet Underground is that for every great song you get , you get a really awful unlistenable one. The beauty of Loaded for me is although the best songs on it are not as great as some of the ones on other albums , because it's probably their most mainstream sounding album the worst songs on it are not as unlistenable as some of the worst songs on the other albums. If that makes any sense :) |
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Soundgarden - Superunknown (1994) Remeber this Shit? To me one of the most underrated commercial successes of the 1990's. "Spoonman", "Fell on Black Days", "Superunkown", "My Wave" and of course "Black Hole Sun" all charted as singles in the 18 months following the release of the album. Spoonman is about a Seattle street performer named Artie for those of you who had always wondered, Google it sometime. Cornell's dark melancholy lends itself to some painstakingly real lyrics. "Fourth of July" is a musical narrative of a bad acid trip and a great track near the end of the album. "The day I tried to live" deals with the suicide attempts of a friend of the band. So like most great music, Soundgarden's Superunkown is born out of pain, which translates to pleasure as you listen. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Fourth of July 80. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...zmerize-LP.jpg System of a Down - Mezmerize (2005) System of a Down's fourth album is the first of a part release, the other being Hypnotize. The album features dual lead vocals by Serj and Daron and The Iraq was is a major theme of the album from the intro track "Solider Side" to the radio single "B.Y.O.B" which garnered attention when the graphic explicit lyrics at the end of the song made it over national airways on Saturday Night Live when the band failed to alter the ending of the song as they had rehearsed. There is also the thundering System styled "Revenga", the eclectic "Radio\Video" and my personal favorite "Question!" a haunting and energetic track in the middle of the album. The last two tracks deal with Hollywood culture and there is a great story attached to "Old School Hollywood" which is a song about a celebrity softball game in which Hollywood mogul Jack Girardi and Adam Carrola almost came to blows. The energy and creativity on "Mezmerize" are typical of System of a Down and the consistent quality of the songs as well as the thoughtful track ordering make it a great Metal album. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Question! 79. http://www.kkbox.com.tw/funky/album/51989.jpg 311 - Grassroots (1994) The second 311 album and the one that made me a fan for life. There is an amazing synergy within this album, a myriad of styles mix together to create the most creative pop\rock album of the year 1994. "Applied Science" was the first song that I got into and before long I was listening to the entire album 2 or 3 times a day. The critics and radio also loved Grassroots as singles "Homebrew", with it's catchy chorus and Led Zeppelin guitar riff and title track "Grassroots" with it's thumping rhythm were 311's biggest successes ever at the time. In addition the unique "Omaha Stylee" which is almost like three songs trapped in one provided a funky edge to 311's sound that would continue to explore in future albums. The Choruses on the Grassroots album have some of the best hooks I have heard. Still one of the most popular albums with hardcore fans of 311, many of whom follow them each summer that they tour. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: *** Impact: ***** Favorite Song: Omaha Stylee 78. http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...3L._AA240_.jpg KRS-One - Return of the Boom Bap (1993) For those who do not know: The artist name means Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone. The album name references a return to the roots of hip-hop music. It was KRS-One's first solo project, his previous albums had been released with Boogie Down Productions. The Rap\Reggae influenced album touches on subjects from racism and police discrimination with tracks like "Black Cop" and "Sound of Da Police", the state of hip-hop past and present in "Mortal Thought", the title track "Return of the Boom Bap" and the autobiographical "Outta Here". The album also contains the humorous dream sequence "Can't Wake Up" as Kris dreams of being a blunt being smoked by hip-hops biggest names. This is KRS-One best effort as an emcee; classic hip-hop beats back some of the most creative and crushing lyrics in rap history. Despite going on 15 years old "Boom Bap" stands the test of time better then you might think. Musical Content: *** Artistic Content: ***** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Outta Here |
you people must have a TON of time on your hands!
ive seen at least 3 of these "100 favorite album" thingys eh, go ahead on with your bad self :) |
Oh I will!
And I have a Metric Ton of time on my hands, I'm retired. |
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Buffalo Springfield – Buffalo Springfield (1967) The short lived but legendary and influential folksters Buffalo Springfield broke onto the scene in 1967 with their eponymous debut. Most known for containing one of the greatest songs in music history “For What it’s Worth” it’s a folk rock requisite featuring songs written by Steven Stills and Neil Young. “Hot Dusty Roads” is a country folk song that was a popular live performance. The album is usually considered a far second to their sophomore effort “Again” and while the production of the second album is considerably better the song writing and purity of the 1967 effort are unmatched. “Burned” is Neil Young’s finest and most upbeat contribution to the album. The closing track “Pay the Price” has considerable CSNY foreshadowing in its harmony driven sound with a country folk influence. Buy both albums and decide for yourself you might just agree with me. Musical Content: *** Artistic Content: **** Impact: **** Favorite Song: For What it’s Worth 76. http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s671.jpg Blues Traveler - Four (1994) Jam Band Blues Traveler hits the studio and magic happens. 1994 was another good year for music and this album is a major reason why. From the opening track the radio hut “Runaround” one of the best hooks of the year to the actual song “Hook” dealing with just that topic A powerful song with Poppers memorable harmonica solo, speedy bridge singing and its Pachelbel’s Canon structure. “Stand” is a dynamic bonding of sections connected with Poppers outstanding harp work. The emotional ballad “Look Around” is another song that seems almost out of place on a Blues Traveler album because of its catchy nature but just try not to enjoy it. “Price to pay” and its electric chorus, subtle bridge and harm led interludes are the backbone for another strong effort. In true Jam band form “The Good the Bad and the Ugly” is an up-tempo improvisational instrumental that fits the Blues Traveler M.O. to perfection. The penultimate track “Just Wait” is another emotion driven ballad with outstanding vocals and excellent harmony to draw you in. The album burns out in a bluesy flash with the unforgettable “Brother John” the ragging electric guitar solos between verses of comprehensible speed scat style lyrics and final crescendo loop stomp an indelible mark into your music psyche. When I listen to this album I think, this is what music can be when its done just right. Also that “The Mountains win Again” song makes me want to go out and buy cheap American Beer for some reason. Musical Content: ***** Artistic Content: *** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Just Wait 75. http://www.thewho.net/linernotes/LondonCalling.jpg The Clash - London Calling (1979) The Union between punk and Reggae begins with the jaunty Armageddon themed title track “London Calling” setting the tone for a ride from the end of the world to the center of your skull. A double album; A nice mix of song styles holding a general theme, with occasional welcomed well timed departures. “Jimmy Jazz” brings the Reggae sound to the forefront telling the tale of the outlaw title character, a song I never get tired of hearing. “Revolution Rock” has the heaviest Reggae sound of the album. There is a friendly familiarity to “Rudy can’t Fail” as it drives through on its rockabilly rhythm. “Lost in the Supermarket” is a poppy punk ballad has stood the test of time musically. “Clampdown” steps it up a notch midway through the album with all the energy and rhythm of a teen anthem. “Wrong ‘Em Boyo” is a tribute to Folk Legend Stagger Lee (A great story to check out) down in Ska form. “The Card Cheat” is the only song credited to the entire band and is a powerful elaborate experience and one of the albums best efforts. “Train in Vain” was a last minute addition to the album and may be responsible for bringing the album to the mainstream. A brilliant emotional exclamation on fidelity and the most successful song from the album. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: **** Favorite Song: The Card Cheat |
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Tool - Lateralus (2001) Tool - Lateralus.zip Lateralus is a dreamlike experience. Mood music at its most evolved it will hurl you into a melodic trance significantly departed from any grounded mental arena. The familiar complex song structures and haunting intensity are there but there is a also a marked increase in terms of focus and direction as compared to previous efforts. “The Grudge” an eight minute opening experience as much as a song sets the table to perfection for the carnage that waits. The wonder dichotomy of “Parabol” with it’s sweet serenity and it’s kick you in the face doppelganger “Parabola” shows the beyond mere mortal songwriting capabilities of the band and the attention to detail of that can only be described as musical OCD. Title track “Lateralus” is a thundering ode to metal’s past and a kick down the doors announcement of the arrival of its new face. It’s theme is centered around the Fibonacci sequence which shares a relationship with spirals, and is named for Leonardo of Pisa, another example of the thoughtful lengths the band will go to find creative inspiration for their music. “Schism” the initial single off the album is performed in a variety of times and speeds that even the most gifted musical mind could not pigeon-hole. Interlude tracks like "Eon Blue Apocalypse" and "Mantra" are the necessary gasps of air in between the drowning abrasive rhythms of the album’s nucleolus. “Disposition” a mellow daze of a song escorts you effortlessly into the longest track on an album filled with six plus minute endeavors. “Reflection” builds from a the familiar electronic tribal hymn into an instrumental masterpiece with a short shout of vocals in it’s finale. Not an album you can fully appreciate in one listen, it is an experience and one worth having again and again. Musical Content: *** Artistic Content: ***** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Lateralus 73. http://home.att.net/~chuckayoub/Revolver.jpg The Beatles - Revolver (1966) Revolver is the Beatles seventh and most electric album to date at the time. Critically it is often one of their best reviewed albums and with good reason however I find it as I often do some of their middle work to have a few real lousy tracks mixed in with the brilliant ones. “I’m only sleeping” is one of the brilliant ones and in the right mood, my favorite Beatles song. It’s a wonderful effort written by John Lennon about his affinity for the reclusive lifestyle. On Paul’s end the simple but soothing “Good Day Sunshine” belongs on the keeper list but if you asked John, Paul’s best effort from the album is “Got to get you into my Life” and it’s hard to argue. The amazing horn section backing the building dynamism of the song as it explodes into its emphatic demanding chorus. Despite its seemingly clear suggestion of a tale of lover not shared it is actually about Paul’s love of marijuana. Go figure. The biggest commercial success from Revolver is about the lonely people. While I have grown weary of “Eleanor Rigby” the story of it’s origins is enjoyable. (From Paul:) "I was sitting at the piano when I thought of it. The first few bars just came to me, and I got this name in my head... Daisy Hawkins picks up the rice in the church. I don't know why. I couldn't think of much more so I put it away for a day. Then the name Father McCartney came to me, and all the lonely people. But I thought that people would think it was supposed to be about my Dad sitting knitting his socks. Dad's a happy lad. So I went through the telephone book and I got the name McKenzie. I was in Bristol when I decided Daisy Hawkins wasn't a good name. I walked 'round looking at the shops, and I saw the name Rigby. Then I took the song down to John's house in Weybridge. We sat around, laughing, got stoned and finished it off." My guilty pleasure from this album and a karaoke main stay “Doctor Robert” is John’s lighter side with a playful autobiographical tale about his days as the unofficial “doctor” for the band. While not on the album “Paperback Writer” which was solely released as a single was written and recorded along with Revolver and the last song included on the Beatles live play list. Revolver marks the arrival of the Beatles as a studio band and is the final step in their evolution as the greatest band in Rock & Roll. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: **** Favorite Song: Got to get you into my life 72. http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/60/toxicity5yd.jpg System of a Down - Toxicity (2001) After their eponymous debut went relativley unnoticed another obstacle was thrown in front of the pride of Armenian Alternative Metal when they ended up the "post\9-11 inappropriate" lists of many radio stations. Still the persistence and individuality of the Los Angeles quartet brought them to stardom. From the societal statement of "Prison Song" to the explosive anthems "Toxicity" and "Aerials" in the final act, System of a Down's second album has made the most substantial impact on me. With a steady energetic pulse pushing them from song to song, thoughtful creative lyrics, catchy rhythms that do not sacrifice their metal roots are the M.O. for Toxicity. "Shimmy" features one of the shortest and best choruses of any System Song on this or any other album. "Chop Suey" propelled the then little known band to the front of mainstream consciousness. Even the excessive air play the single got has not ruined it for me, although the radio is not my first choice when considering a musical source. As you would expect their is a diverse song set with plenty of quirky moments only SOAD could provide, like the inexcusable but enjoyable "Bounce". The galloping instrumental intro to "Forest" leads you into one of the most underrated tracks on this or any of System's albums. The mellow harmony driven introduction to "ATWA" is one the most charming moments of the album as it's heavy bass line provides a wonderful partner to my favorite vocal compilation on the album. The title track found success commercially and musically is a real treat on every level. Aerials however became the real gem in that respect reaching #1 and taking System of a Down to a near Iconic level on the burgeoning nu-metal scene. Its melancholy conclusion leads the listener to believe there is still more to be heard from these guys. Musical Content: **** Artistic Content: **** Impact: ***** Favorite Song: Toxicity |
Cool review of Revolver! I love that album, and just happened to be playing it when I clicked your post. Nice work!
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Revolver is a fantastic album, great review even though you didn't mention by favorite song. For No One =(. I havn't listened to London Calling in awhile, or the Clash in general actually but Train In Vain is a great song, as is Lost In the Supermarket, i'm a big Mick Fan. This is great so far, though i've never been an SOAD fan.
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I had doubts about doing my own list because I felt people would be mean and say "all those bandz suxors!!!11!" but upon seeing that no one has poked fun at you so far for including albums by Live, Free, Sublime, Tool, Soundgarden, 311, System of a Down, Blues Traveler and Rush on your list. I have some newly restored confidence. Thank you.
Seriously. This being a forum where many go bonkers at the single mention of classic rock. Making a top 101 and adding a Free album takes a lot of balls good sir. |
^^ Lost In The Supermarket and Jimmy Jazz have always been my two favorite Clash songs.
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your list is bitchin! keep up the good work.
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