40 Most Essential Albums (part I of II) (2662 hits)
Category: Sound & MusicLabels: ETS_Essays
Rating: 1.57 on 127 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (View user info) at 2005-10-14 00:25:00 EDT
In no particular order, here are the first 20 of the most essential albums for forming a solid and well-rounded foundation of music listening. I've split this post in 2 because it was going to be huge otherwise.
*****
Alice in Chains
Dirt
1992
One of the best bands to come out of the 90's grunge movement, and this was their height. With tracks like "Junkhead", "Angry Chair", "Would?", and the haunting ballad "Down in a Hole", Alice in Chains cemented their place in rock history on this record. The album is a tribute to the heroin underworld and echoes sickness throughout in Layne Staley's quivering, nasaly voice.
*****
Boston
Boston
1976
Probably the best produced album of the 1970's, and maybe of all time. Tom Schutz's guitar sound is just infinite, and Brad Delp's vocals soar to heights that are perennially mind-boggling. Made using many of his own inventions, the Boston sound was honed in the basement of Schultz's home. With tracks like "More Than A Feeling" and "Peace of Mind", Boston reinvent what it means to write a killer pop-rock hook. The guitar solos at the end of "Peace of Mind" are among some of the most sublime electric guitar strains of all time.
*****
Tool
Aenima
1996
This album is a monster. Quite simply, this album is alive. From the opening guitar feedback of "Stinkfist" to the closing warbles of the 15 minute epic trip that is "Third Eye", this album crawls under the skin and turns over things within the listener that have probably been dormant since the hippocampus was in charge of the mind. Weaving the philosophy of Karl Jung with the eviscerating wit of Bill Hicks, this album weaves a tapestry of dark musical bombast. One of the most striking features of this 78 minute masterpiece is the way in which the band work in complete cohesion to achieve the precise emotional dynamics to lull the listener into a nice calm state and then just UNLOAD on them the full force of a 100 megaton, blood-soaked euphoria. Listen in particular to the end of "Push It" how Maynard James Keenan's angelic, monastic-like vocals are juxtaposed against the screaming, larger-than-God guitar sound of Adam Jones, and the precise and impeccable rhythm section provided by Danny Carey (drums) and Justin Chancellor (bass).
*****
Anthology of American Folk Music
Various Artists (6 disk compilation)
1952
Harry Smith was an eccentric man with an interest in the occult, ritual majick, and, of all things, folk music. A self-proclaimed disciple of Aleister Crowley, Smith's spent years collecting, compiling and archiving American folk music as a pastime. The result was the Anthology of American Folk Music - a cross-section of his vast personal collection of rarities from the early days of recording and the depression era of dust bowls and soup lines. Much of the work of Bob Dylan was deeply influenced by Smith's Anthology, and the Beatles, Stones, and countless others in the rock music revolution of the 1960's have paid homage to it as a major influence. Everything from the civil rights and anti-war movement, to the free love and drug movements owe a dept to the release of this archive. There are many conspiracy and 'end-times' theorists who trace the Satanic influence in rock music back through this Anthology to Crowley, and use that as evidence that the 20th century was the beginning of Satan's reign on earth, and rock music was his vehicle. Even Sgt. Pepper's contains the visage of Crowley on its cover. Maybe there's something to it, maybe not. You decide. Either way, this music speaks for itself as the music of the common people of a bygone era in history.
*****
Beck
Mellow Gold
1994
By the time of Beck's major-label debut, 'Mellow Gold', he already had three full indie-released albums under his belt, but propelled by the infectious groove of the single "Loser", Beck's landmark 'Mellow Gold' stood as a beacon of true 'alternative' to the already congealing mainstream sound. Beck's twisted sense of lyrical style, both folk and hip-hop infused, successfully gives a sort of post-apocalyptic, trash can blues, superfly hobo-poet quality to his off-beat and eclectic musical sensibilities. Most will say that 'Odelay' is his best work, but there is something to be said for Mellow's sense of playful, near lo-fi sound. Songs like "Play it on 'till the Dawn" and "Black Hole" are like visions of a homeless man's death as he lies in the gutter looking up at the stars that have, at last, forsaken him.
*****
Beatles
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
1967
This album shows up at or near the top of nearly every list of great albums ever published, and for good reason. 1967 was the summer of love. A whirlwind of sociopolitical and artistic activity was afoot and The Beatles were in the eye of it all. They had already made enough money playing music, they could have simply retired right then and still would have been considered one of the greatest bands of all time. But they did not quit. Lucky for us. They did stop touring, however, and instead decided to devote all their time experimenting with their writing and recording techniques. The result was a string of epochal albums that firmly cemented them as the most influential band of all time, of any genre. What makes Sgt. Pepper's so amazing is the technology that was used to create it. The best thing they had available was the 4-track recorder, which was a recently new development. Before that, music was recorded with the entire band or orchestra in one take. Now with the advent of multitrack recording, musicians were free to experiment at will, erasing or editing as they saw fit. Also, before this time, most recordings were released in mono, which means that the left and right speaker on any given stereo system would play exactly the same music from a record; the Beatles revolutionized the use of the stereo spectrum in rock recordings. The list of technological innovations introduced around this time by The Beatles is virtually endless. The art of sampling, which is commonplace in today's music, found much of its origin in rock music with Sgt. Pepper's. The music itself was not the only point of particular interest in the Sgt. Pepper's album. The cover art was given a new level of importance with Sgt. Pepper's. The keen observer will note the presence of Aleister Crowley's bald head in the back row and a doll on the right side of the cover with the words "Welcome the Rolling Stones" on its shirt. The Rolling Stones' album of the same year "Their Satanic Majesty's Request" features pictures of the Fab Four in turn. (see Anthology of American Folk Music review above for more on this.) Sgt. Peppers also saw the first use of the 'gatefold' in album cover art. Another area of particular curiosity surrounding Pepper's is the end of the album. As the piano crashes at the end of "A Day in the Life", a 15 kilohertz sound, only audible to dogs and other animals, makes an appearance at the insistence of John Lennon just to fuck with any of the furry friends that might be sharing the Sgt. Pepper's experience with their masters. Then, as the album fades into the LP's runoff, the needle would fall into an endless loop of the words: "never could be any other way"... Perhaps they're right. Maybe Sgt. Pepper's could never be any other way. It's about as close to perfection as us feeble humans could ever hope to get.
*****
The Doors
The Doors
1967
The Doors were one of those groups whose music and artistic ideals were quintessentially 60's America. Their music throbs with the pulse of a time caught up in turmoil and war, love and hate, inward, as well as outward change. In the opening track of the album, the band's charismatic, Indian-possessed singer urges us, "Break on through to the other side!" This would set the tone for the career of a band that would be as stormy as the decade itself, and would end in the tragic and untimely death of one of rock's most revolutionary minds. The erudite poetry in much of their lyrics spoke to the depths of the human condition at times, and at others, simply reminded us that there is nothing in the world better than a drunken good time. Through it all, Morrison's voice is both brooding and insistent - spurring us to join him in some grand explosive revolution of mind, body, and spirit. The album's final track, "The End", is one of the all time great rock drama epics, meandering through blue busses and oedipal dreamscapes in a sort of stream-of-consciousness state of reverie. At nearly 10 minutes in length, the track was, in the stringent, radio-conscious world outside jazz and classical music of the time, nothing short of monumental.
*****
Bob Dylan
The Times They Are A-Changin'
1963
What can be said about Bob Dylan that hasn't been said before and better? In short, the man and his guitar were an instrument for rapid social change the likes of which hadn't been seen since the days of prophets and Arthurian kings. Listen to any one of the tracks on "The Times They Are A-Changin'" and in them you will hear the spirits of a thousand and one poets and sages shining through the ages. Listen to the sound of desperation and poverty turn cold and dark in "Ballad of Hollis Brown". Listen to the sound of the pain of longing, loss, and hopeless love on the road in "One Too Many Mornings". Listen to the tides of social discord as they lash against the early 60's shore in "When the Ship Comes In". Hear the instant epiphany as Bob lays out the history of American foreign conflict in "With God on Our Side". The importance of this album in the struggles for racial equality in America cannot be underrated. Listening to this album, one feels as if he is being educated by Socrates himself. In it is the accumulated wisdom of humanity... In it is the voice, not only of a generation, but of all mankind.
*****
Simon & Garfunkel
Collected Works
1990
This is the definitive collection of Simon & Garfunkel's work. This 3 disc set contains all their albums and is worth every penny. I've bought the $50 set twice now, as my first one was worn out from overuse. If Paul Simon had never written another song after "The Sound of Silence", he'd still be my hero. Him music tells the story of a poet minstrel looking for his place in an often cold and overwhelming world, and the harmonic melodies in which he and Mr. Garfunkel cloak his soul-wrenching words are often nothing short of Holy. Listening to Simon & Garfunkel is like worshipping at a sacred temple where there are none present but you and the almighty God.
*****
Leonard Cohen
Songs of Leonard Cohen
1968
This was really a toss up between this album and "Songs from a Room". Both are really equally moving. Throughout both records, Leonard Cohen's words are his talisman. They seem to reach down to places and touch a part of you that you didn't even know existed. It's akin to looking into the eyes of a great master when you are not worthy of his presence, soon you must either look away or submit to his will and allow him to carry you on this dark, ancient journey to the heart of the universe. This music sounds like what you imagine the first man would have sang had he the linguistic means. Dark...Explicit...Necessary. This is Leonard Cohen. One listen to this album and you'll know exactly what Kurt Cobain meant when he said, "Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld, so I can sigh eternally."
*****
Johnny Cash
The Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983 (3 CD)
1992
Johnny Cash was, and is, a legend...Period. Larger than life and greater than death - he was a living tall-tale...a figure of truly Biblical proportions - The Man in Black. His early career at Sun records helped lay the cornerstones of that thing that has come to define us as a species - rock and roll. Johnny Cash had a voice that you would imagine God himself might possess. If ever I read the Bible now, it's the voice of The Man in Black narrating. In fact, if there is a bearded man upstairs, I bet he's taking 'coolness' lessons from Johnny Cash right now - getting a straight-up PR makeover. This collection is exactly what it claims to be...essential. Get it.
*****
Hank Williams
All Time Greatest Hits (3 CD)
1993
I bought this set off a used rack in a CD store for $10. Best $10 I probably ever spent. Containing 36 of the best honky-tonk, country & western songs ever committed to tape, this collection contains the core of Hank Williams' catalogue - "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", "Lonesome Whistle", "Cold, Cold Heart", and my personal favorite "Lost Highway"...they're all there. Much like Robert Johnson before him, and Johnny Cash after him, Hank had a bit of a legendary element to him. The manner of his death is still surrounded in mystery and he stands to this day as the godfather and personification of country music, but few people know, he was taught much of what he knew about music by a black man. Take blues or 'race' music and throw in a steel guitar, a fiddle, a strong, steady back beat, and a nasal croon and voila! You get country.
*****
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings
1996
I've said it before and I'll say it again. This man probably had just as much to do with shaping the course of 20th Century music than anyone. His 29 songs have set the course for everyone that came after him. It is not only for this reason his music is essential listening. It is as vital today as it must have been 80 years ago. Check out the song structures and tell me that's not rock and roll a full 20 years before Elvis!
*****
Nirvana
Nevermind
1991
What always strikes me as ironic about this album and Kurt Cobain in general is the way the message is essentially one of 'I can't be bothered. Stay away from me because I don't give a shit about fame, money, and celebrity status'. Then when that strikes a chord with the populous, he gets it all anyway, eventually leading him to suicide. (Granted, the drugs probably helped.) Then, years later, when the album and memory of Kurt has become cliché, the so-called 'hipsters' say it's overrated. That always makes me laugh. Complete irony! It's beautiful, really. The truth is, Nevermind is as close to the perfect album my generation has had, and Kurt Cobain is as close to its spokesman as it has had. When you can say that you helped spark an entire worldwide musical movement, you've probably done something pretty worthwhile. There is a reason I remade the album...(shameless plug) http://www.electrictoothsyndrome.com/project.html
An interesting sidenote: Nevermind is often accredited as being the first CD to feature a hidden track.
*****
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Californication
1999
Often rated below "Blood Sugar Sex Majick" on the scale of RHCP importance, but while I've always liked that record, I always found this one more to my personal liking. This album is just one good song after another. I must have listened to this album for 2 years straight before I retired it to the CD case for safe keeping. This is the one they all reportedly got clean for, and is the one that saw the return of John Frusciante to guitar after a run of badness with others. Definitely an essential CD.
*****
Mr. Bungle
Disco Volante
1995
This recording is nothing short of genius. It's complete madness, yes. But it's genius. Disco Volante is a mind-fuck with a giant aural phallus. It's a black pot wherein the witch's brew of musical style and genre mix and mingle, melt and merge, until something comes out that represents nothing, but encompasses everything...jazz, country, rockabilly, death metal, calypso, reggae, ska, techno, industrial, classical...it's all there in some twisted form. Like a .32 slug that's been pulled from the dead, cold body of every musical form that's ever existed, or a piece of melted stained-glass found in the smoldering ashes of some sacred building. Half singing, half nonsensical noise-making, the vocals of Mike Patton are like the sounds a child makes when he's just discovered he has a mouth. Like some acid-addled cartoon bloodbath, Disco Volante stands as a monument of dysfunction in an organized world. In short, this is no wet dream...this is a wet nightmare.
*****
Black Sabbath
Paranoid
1971
Black Sabbath are the godfathers of metal and Paranoid is probably their masterpiece. I was half tempted to list their debut self-titles album here instead, but thought better of it. Paranoid sees the band hitting on all cylinders. With essential Sabbath tracks like "War Pigs", "Iron Man", and the title track, the album sounds like the hand of doom coming down out of the sky to crush all non-believers with chunks of crushing metal. This album should be the cornerstone of any self-respecting metal music collection.
*****
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin (IV)
1971
Choosing a Led Zeppelin album to be represented in this list is more difficult than one might expect, but this is a testament to the quality that runs throughout their career together. While placing them in these lists might seem like a bit of a no-brainer or a bit of a cop-out, there is no question that any list such as this would not be complete without them in it somewhere. Eventually one almost has to settle for the one with "Stairway to Heaven" on it. Stairway is often one of the first songs an aspiring rock guitarist learns, and is often touted as the greatest rock song of all time. It seems that every time I've ever played for a crowd of people, some jackass either yelps out "play some Skynard" or "play stairway" - one of the two. It's really almost to the point of ridiculousness. Led Zeppelin's music is way more complex than its blues roots, and its accessibility can at times belie that complexity. But the truth of the matter is, their music is just plain good, no matter how you look at it. Probably the greatest band of the 70's.
*****
Metallica
Master of Puppets
1986
In metal music, there are a handful of bands that not only forged the way, but brought it to its absolute heights. Metallica is one of those bands. Building upon the pillars of 70's hard rock and the new wave of British heavy metal, Metallica ruled the 80's and early 90's metal scene with their no-holds-barred approach to kickassery. I remember the first time I heard the album "Master of Puppets". I was 13 years old at the time, and I don't know if I realized it or not, but my life would never be the same after that. This was the album that inspired me to be a musician. There is something about this album that, to this day, I can't quite put my finger on, but it makes me want to bang my head till the fucker falls off, while my headless body hold up devil horns in approval. From the opening acoustic intro to "Battery", that lulls you into a false sense of security, to the end of "Damage Inc.", there is no question that every single track is an absolute classic. Listen to the solo section in the title track, "Master of Puppets", or the instrumental track, "Orion", and picture if Beethoven had had electric guitars and a drum kit. That's what he would have sounded like. Listen to the anti-war song, "Disposable Heroes", as it paints a horrific scene of war and death, and a hardened soldier who is "left to die with [his] only friend" as alone he clenches his gun, and tell me that doesn't send shivers right down your fucking spine to the pit of your animal self. This album is, was, and will always remain one of the most moving albums I've ever heard.
*****
Neutral Milk Hotel
Aeroplane Over the Sea
1998
This is one of those artist a lot of you will probably go "who"? But those of you who say that can't have heard this album, so you're excused. Remedy that as soon as possible by acquiring it by any means necessary. There is a kind of childhood innocence that courses through the album. "King of Carrot Flowers" starts us off with a nice narrative about the discovery of sex at an early age, and trailer parks, and alienated youth, and just when you think to yourself, "this has got to be the best song on the album. I just don't see how it can get much better than this," it does. The second track begins by repeating this earnest and ambiguous pleading "I love you Jesus Christ!" And it repeats it and repeats it..."I love you Jesus Christ!" And you don't know if he's being serious or not, and it requires you to realize that it doesn't matter really. The album can be enjoyed fully from both perspectives, and both are just as beautiful. Each subsequent track builds on this growing theme of dysfunctional introversion, of playful freedom with music, and of an underlying sadness that sticks with some people forever. This is an album that's best taken in when your 'friends' aren't around to judge you for what you're listening to. This album is about complete vulnerability. It's about the overwhelming humanity that's an essential part of us all. This album may be inspired by the "Diary of Anne Frank", but it, like the book, is not something middle school kids are really prepared for maturity-wise. There is a contingent of even adults who just don't get it and sadly, probably never will, but for those who do, this one will be a life-long friend. For more on this album, read this review: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/n/neutral-milk-hotel/in-the-aeroplane-over-the-sea.shtml Or just buy the fucking thing and see what I mean.
*****
User Reviews
Submitted by Axolotl (user info) at 2006-10-10 21:03:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Definitely hank williams.
Submitted by Confuzitron (user info) at 2005-11-17 21:49:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Can't believe I missed this. So much awesomeness! Alice in Chains, Mr. Bungle, Nirvana... awesomeness. Also gotta love Robert Johnson: The man who sold his soul to the devil!
Submitted by yeahthatme (user info) at 2005-10-21 12:15:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
While I agree with your choice of The Chili Peppers, I think the album Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic is much more of a musical staple than Californication. Just my two cents. Nice topic though.
Submitted by wookie (user info) at 2005-10-21 12:08:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2005-10-18 12:35:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
THE ONLY SONG A MAN NEEDS! http://www.ubersite.com/m/62292
Submitted by Metalliman98 (user info) at 2005-10-18 00:58:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
A decent list in all. But what about System of a Down? The obvious choice of theirs is "Toxicity", but I would actually pick their self-titled album for the list. It was just so different from anything else at the time, and indeed System STILL IS so different from everyone else, one of their albums has to be on this list.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-17 20:54:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
*head snaps around making a "WHIPEEEESSSHHHH" sound, and mouth moves out of sync with words*
"Then you shall die the death of someone who really deserves to die, but not in an honorable way...because your dishonor has caused me to determine that you should indeed die, and that the manner of that death should be performed - in a manner consistent with the extent of your dishonorability - in a dishonorable fashion; furthermore, the fact that your death shall be one of complete dishonor - for you are, for all intents and purposes, dishonorable - shall not dissuade me from personally seeing to it that I am the sole cause of your death, but not before making such determination as necessary that said death shall be experienced by all those present, living or deceased, as being a markedly dishonorable one."
Submitted by Drone_of_Industry (user info) at 2005-10-17 20:28:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
NEVER!
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-17 18:51:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I agree with your assessment of much of this. In fact, in the case of Nirvana, for instance, I'd choose Bleach over any of them if I had to escape to a desert island with only one of their albums. But this is more about which albums I'd choose if I had to teach, say, a 6 week course on rock and roll to elementary schoolers, or bush people from Brazil or something, who might not know the first thing about modern western popular music at all. The point is, I'd want them to get some kind of overview that might help them get a better understanding of the current state of music, not just choose my favorites.
I will say, though, that the second half will be a touch more controversial. I'll go ahead and tell you that Pinkerton is on there if that tells you anything. Their least successful album commercially is the one with, in my opinion, the most heart and raw energy. A lot of this comes from the fact that the production is minimal, and much of it sounds like it was recorded in the first take.
I'll make you a deal... Don't patronise me like I'm some kind of musical numbskull who can't recognize sincerity in music when I hear it, and I won't accuse you of being a lo-fi musical snob who only listens to certain albums over others because of the presence of tape hiss.
Deal? ;)
Submitted by Drone_of_Industry (user info) at 2005-10-17 18:49:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
...and I don't need to post on some internet forum to prove I'm good. Whether ubersite likes my songs has nothing to do with any of this. They're just gonna judge me cause I DO have tape hiss (at least some of em). Besides, I'm lucky enough that I can perform on a regular basis. So don't say I don't have any balls! I've got fuckin elephantitis, bitch! And if I never get to perform at the House of Blues then that's fine with me.
Submitted by Drone_of_Industry (user info) at 2005-10-17 18:32:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
OK I WILL!
TOMORROW!
...and don't say I judge things cause they're too polished. It is not that I like songs because they have tape hiss, It's just a lot of that studio stuff particularly lacks personality in the recording! Blockbuster Ballbusters Weezer/Pinkerton, NIN/Downward Spiral, Nirvana/InUtero, Badly Drawn Boy/Bewilderbeast, RHCP/BSSM, etc are all recorded top notch and still with authenticity.
The producer is just another bandmate when it comes to the recording process.
My freind's dad works above a major studio that rock/rap/pop superstars have recorded. They have a staff of studio producers and what not. He said he could try to get me in there on an off day for (a cheap!?) 500 dollars an hour, but what would that sound like if I had no relationship with that producer/the people I would be working with? It would sound really clean. That's all.
You know all this, and I do too, so give me more credit than some stubborn lo fi guy. Recording is an art. Not a standard.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-17 16:29:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Drone: How can something be 'essential' to a well-rounded modern music education if no one has heard the fucking thing? How can an album have influence over the course of musical evolution if only 20 people know about it? Dude, if you want to make some kind of stand against the 'man' by shit-slinging at everything that sells over 10,000 copies, you're speaking to the choir.
I suggest if it means that much to you, make a post about it and spread the message. Hell, for that matter, grow some balls and post YOUR stuff! If you truly believe in it, it shouldn't be an issue.
You think even MY shit sounds too polished? Fine. Then put something out there to combat it, otherwise you have no leg to stand on.
Submitted by Drone_of_Industry (user info) at 2005-10-17 16:03:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I wouldnt call Neutral Milk Hotel obscure by any means. I'm sure you could get all their albums at Best Buy.
Comparing STP to Beatles cause both of their lyrics are 'non-sensical'...I dunno about yooz guyz.
Maybe you'd be happier with the Beatles Greatest Hits.
Be sure to add NKOTB since they pioneered the onslaught of white shit pop music boy bands for pre teens. If we are talking impact on the world. I'm sure NKOTB played Turkey or Mongolia.
And don't forget some of the greatest composers of all time like BEETHOVEN! AND MOZART! AND BACH! and that guy that composed STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES! Those are definitely the greatest composers of all time. You know why. Cause Everyone says so...
You should've called this list "The Best Marketed Albums of All Time (except for the terribly obscure Neutral Milk Hotel that only tens of thousands of people have heard)
Now get back to work!
Submitted by thaumaturge (user info) at 2005-10-17 15:30:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I think that you and I should throw a party or something. There is not one selection I would even try to argue with. Cohen to Beatles to Nirvana to Boston. Perfect.
Educate them, my good man.
Looking forward to the next lot.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-17 13:27:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
fartsmeller: If you feel that way about The Beatles, then I suspect you haven't been rightly exposed to the right stuff. Sure, I'd agree with you if all I ever heard from them was their early material a-la "I Wanna hold Your Hand", but once they take those suits off and stop touring around 1966, they become something completely different...fucking brilliant, and in every way revolutionary.
Think about the time period for a second...you have top 40 radio that features songs literally about bubble gum and puppy love to a large extent, and here come The Beatles with somethis like "I Am the Walrus". It fucking blew people's minds. Listen to that song with headphones on sometime and sit in absolute MARVEL at how they accomplished that with the technology at their disposal. It's breathtaking.
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2005-10-17 12:28:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Give Up by The Postal Service is my all time favorite album.
Neutral Milk Hotel is teh awesome.
Great list, I'd like to see what you have in the second one.
Submitted by FartSmeller (user info) at 2005-10-17 12:26:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Good point, ETS. I hadn't thought about that. Well, in that case, I'll mention one thing specifically. I disagree with your choice of Mellow Gold for Beck's entry. I think if you're going to put his "essential" album on there, it's got to be Odelay. Using the guidelines that you're going by, with your point being well-made about redundancy, I think Mellow Gold was a little too obscure to be considered essential.
Also, what's the deal with the Beatles? Am I the only one that really really hates them? I just find them to be meaningless Brit-pop, with lyrical meaningfullness akin to STP (i.e. Meatplow, et al). At least STP had good guitar work going for them...
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-10-17 12:17:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 even though I adamantly disagree about the choice of RHCP.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-17 11:48:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
The list is not what it is because it is 'safe'. The list is what it is because when you're talking about albums that made a great impact on music or even society, or albums that are well produced, or albums that had great influence on future generations of musicians, then naturally the list is going to be somewhat redundant. The point of this exercise for me was to articulate WHY I like these albums or WHY I think they were landmark in some way. True, some may not be considered 'essential' by the established music press, as in the case of "Aeroplane Over the Sea", but most will, simply because, if for no other reason, truly 'great' albums rarely remain entirely obscure.
The next part of the list will feature a few more 'personal' picks, but overall, there is still going to be a trend of established artists there. To try and pick an 'essential' list without established artists is an oxymoron, and is missing the point of why the music is 'essential' to begin with.
Submitted by FartSmeller (user info) at 2005-10-17 11:23:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Don't get me wrong, these CD's are all very good, I just feel like this is a very "safe" list. I mean, these are CD's that everyone likes, by default they should be in a record collection. I'd like to see you do a list of twenty great CD's that not a lot of people know about. Simon and Garfunkel rock, though. Props on that.
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2005-10-17 06:24:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-10-16 03:09:46 (#)
Ranking: 2
Yeah I would have to agree on some of these.
Submitted by TheSpook (user info) at 2005-10-16 15:56:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Not my top 40, but good albums just the same.
Submitted by Whiplash (user info) at 2005-10-16 14:39:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Tallica, Sabbath, and Chains were the only good ones. Just one mans opinion though.
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2005-10-16 03:18:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
great aside from hank williams, nirvana and boston.
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-10-16 03:09:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yeah I would have to agree on some of these.
Submitted by Bob_Dole (user info) at 2005-10-15 18:16:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for the effort... but, here comes the gutter...
BABY PEENER!! BABY PEENER!!!
Submitted by Dead_0hi0_Sky (user info) at 2005-10-15 18:07:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
auto +2 for Tool.
like i wasnt going to. look at my handle for christ's sake.
Submitted by erinly (user info) at 2005-10-15 16:40:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Automatic +2 for Tool.
Submitted by Ingsoc (user info) at 2005-10-15 16:22:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Fail!
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-10-15 15:58:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:33:42 (#)
Ranking: 2
Don't fuck with Suge.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:34:40 (#)
Ranking: 2
P.S. That's not a "period".......that's a bullet hole.
------------
hahahahaah i love the way your mind works
Good list, and before I read this I knew Nirvana would be on your list, you obsessed freak
Please don't kill yourself, emo boy = (
Submitted by mikethescottish (user info) at 2005-10-15 15:41:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good choices- though, in my humble opinion, an education in Johnny Cash can't be complete without at least a few tracks from the American Recordings years.
Submitted by firefly (user info) at 2005-10-15 10:31:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-10-14 21:12:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Downloaded a load of Robert Johnson because of this list, never previously heard of him. Tis rather good. Thanks for that.
Submitted by Phallic_Cymbals (user info) at 2005-10-14 20:44:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Alice in Chains: YES. FUCKING YES. Talk about underrated, they should be remembered as one of the best bands of the 90's. "Walkin' toward machine gun men, they spit on me in my homeland"
Tool: Aenima rocks my fucking face. "Fuck L Ron Hubbard, and fuck all his clones, fuck all these gun-toting hip gangster wannabes"
Sgt Peppers: Mindboggling. And with incredible longevity. "I saw a film today, oh boy..."
The Doors: Rawk. Pure rawk. "Father, i want to kill you... mother, i want to FU-UCK YOU!"
Bob Dylan: Well, yeh. Lets just say im listening to "Subterranean homesick blues" right now and coming. "Johnny's in the basement mixing up the medicine, im on the pavement, thinkin bout the government"
Simon and Garfunkel: Yep. "When you're down, feeling blue..."
Leonard Cohen: No Comment. Basically go back to find where i've written reviews on this site while being fuckeed off my face on booze and codiene and you'll see what i think of Leonard. An Angel.
Nirvana: Yes. At the same time overrated and underrated. Bleach is still my favorite.
Black sabbath and Metallica: Yes to both.
Great list, ETS.
Submitted by Nator (user info) at 2005-10-14 20:35:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: -1
rock is ghey
Submitted by olivia_tremor_control (user info) at 2005-10-14 18:08:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
neutral milk hotel is so good. jeff mangum is a god
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2005-10-14 17:55:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Drone_of_Industry (user info) at 2005-10-14 13:19:35 (#)
Ranking: 2
I was interested to read a few of your reviews (prolly cause I know you personally, otherwise I wouldn't give a rat's ass what your internet opinion was), but I hate this top 40 bullshit. I have seen this top 20 a hundred times! Your not very far off from SPIN or ROLLING STONE. We've heard all of these guys and they're fantastic, the status quo will confirm that you are right, but let's keep exploring. There is SO MUCH MORE god damn music in this world. And it equally brings me to tears just as much as the unsheathed truth of Dylan or the madhatter turvy of John Lennon. There is an overabundance of visionaries all utilizing completely different palettes of color.
===
Best comment on this post.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-10-14 17:52:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
also
Celtic Frost - To Mega Therion
Venom - Welcome To Hell
Mercyful Fate - Melissa
Candlemass - Epicus Doomicus Metallicus
are all better than Master of Puppets, and were released around the same time
not as essential though, I guess
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 17:43:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
1 album per band, yes.
Submitted by Death_Metal_Dude (user info) at 2005-10-14 17:35:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
are you only doing 1 album per band, because Revolver is right up there with Sgt Pepper
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2005-10-14 14:41:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
A damn fine collection ETS. I probably should have done something more like this, instead of the top 15 albums that influenced ME. I got flamed for this post ---> http://www.ubersite.com/m/76942
Submitted by ruthless (user info) at 2005-10-14 14:08:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hooray for Mr. Bungle.
ETS - there is a local band around here that is heavily influenced by Bungle and are pretty fucking awesome - you should check them out - idiotsavantmusic.com
Submitted by DarthAwesome (user info) at 2005-10-14 13:47:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I gotta ask you, Are You Experienced?
Submitted by penisvonmunchousen (user info) at 2005-10-14 13:34:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Not bad, although the best Chili Peppers album is mother's milk, but then again they weren't popular yet. Hendrix should have been on there, as well as Cream, The Clash's London Calling, Dr. Dre's the Chronic, Stand by Sly and the Family Stone, James Brown, Big Star #1 Record. Actually these are just my opinions and you did a kick ass job with the ones you did select.
Submitted by Drone_of_Industry (user info) at 2005-10-14 13:28:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
http://blogfiles.wfmu.org/FJ/la_sunshine_jefferson-live_long.mp3 this is the number one song of all time JUST AFTER STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN, OF COURSE!
Submitted by shitfuck (user info) at 2005-10-14 13:24:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Besides Neutral Milk, I own all those albums. Awesome picks.
Submitted by Drone_of_Industry (user info) at 2005-10-14 13:19:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I was interested to read a few of your reviews (prolly cause I know you personally, otherwise I wouldn't give a rat's ass what your internet opinion was), but I hate this top 40 bullshit. I have seen this top 20 a hundred times! Your not very far off from SPIN or ROLLING STONE. We've heard all of these guys and they're fantastic, the status quo will confirm that you are right, but let's keep exploring. There is SO MUCH MORE god damn music in this world. And it equally brings me to tears just as much as the unsheathed truth of Dylan or the madhatter turvy of John Lennon. There is an overabundance of visionaries all utilizing completely different palettes of color.
But yeh I like alot of those albums. Californication lacks character though where Blood Sugar Sex Magic excels.
punk
Submitted by dodahdave (user info) at 2005-10-14 13:19:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice list. Good to se NMH on there, awesome choice.
I was actually listening to your cover of "On A Plain" last night. Good shit.
Submitted by SkinnyKenny (user info) at 2005-10-14 12:22:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Damn comprehensive list. Looking forward to the next 20. Glad to see Black Sabbath included here. A lot of people don't realize that they were selling as many albums as Led Zeppelin at the time Paranoid came out.
Submitted by DCWoody (user info) at 2005-10-14 12:06:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
well these are all amazing, not sure if they should all be in the top 40 but, gah.
Submitted by Wrightcopy (user info) at 2005-10-14 11:42:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
We can hardly stand the wait, please Christmas don't be late. God damn, now I have that song stuck in my head.
Pretty good list. I certainly don't like all of the music on this list (ahem, Hank Williams, ahem), but they are all important to music in general.
Submitted by ParlorTrick (user info) at 2005-10-14 11:19:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Who was the artist who did that Slow Burn tune? When is his album coming out?
Johnny Cash -- when you need someone to climb in and stir up your dead.
Where is Stevie Ray damn you?
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:51:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Quite a variety of music genres here. You and I would get along well on a long car ride.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:36:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
nitty: If you're looking for Billy Joel, check out my Top 25 Songwriters post. I linked it below.
As for him being on this list, that's a difficult call. I don't dispute that a little exposure to Billy Joel is at some point going to be essential, but it's a struggle to see that the singer-songwriters of the 70's are represented. Who's to say which one it should be? There are so many good ones. I had to make a personal choice on that one, which will show up in the second half.
Submitted by johnhutch (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:35:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
IIIII STILL WAAAAAANT A HUUUUULA HOOOOOP
Submitted by congo (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:30:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Damnit. Part 2 BETTER have the Chipmunks Christmas album. That's as classic and must-have as it gets.
Submitted by johnhutch (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:27:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Fuck Billy Joel. What the hell has HE done that's so fucking great? piano man? I shit on piano man.
Submitted by William_Q_Percy (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:26:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by HighFructoseCornSyrup (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:34:42 (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by William_Q_Percy (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:49 (#)
Ranking: 2
This +2 is for the nod to Robert Johnson.
I know his story is something that legends are made of, but the fact that so few people know of it is tragic.
------------------
So few people? What other bluesman is more famous?
---
I guess in terms of bluesmen, he is the most famous. But it's not like bluesmen are a very famous lot overall, wouldn't you agree?
Submitted by nitty34 (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:16:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Lots of work went into this, but I really wanted to knock you down a peg for no Billy Joel
Submitted by johnhutch (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:15:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I hear ya about classical, but you shoudl check out some of the minimalist composers from the 70's. In particular, check out
Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians, Phillip Glass's Music in 12 Parts, or any number of Terry Riley's stuff. These guys
made albums and they were brilliant.
+2 for the burn on that shit-rag rolling stone. there's only one good thing about that magazine and his name be David Fricke.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:02:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Yellow-Man: Funny you should say that... Rust in Peace was on my preliminary list for a while before I had to whittle them out for some of the very reasons mentioned by johnhutch.
johnhutch: You might be right, but I can tell you this is VERY difficult. I'm having to balance personal opinion a bit with historical importance as well, and it's no exact science. There will undoubtedly be mistakes and things left out or underrepresented. I can tell you that classical will not be considered in this list, mainly because classical composers don't create 'albums' in the traditional sense of the word. They create pieces of music that might later be recorded and put on albums, but to rummage through all the millions of different interpretations of each piece would be an absurd venture to try an quantify in any way that might be useful to my purposes here.
I can tell you this much at least. This is NOT Rolling Stone's list. This is MY list. I'm not going to leave out what I consider a great album just to squeeze one in that has a token of historical importance. My primary criteria are the quality of the album and its uniqueness and representation of a great artist. In each case I will do my best to explain myself, but I'm feeling more and more as if I should have named this "40 Albums That Have Shaped Who I Am" or something. Eh, no on'es perfect. Especially me.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2005-10-14 10:01:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
There's 17 pretentious pieces of shit on that list. I can hardly wait for part 2.
Submitted by YELLOW-MAN (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:42:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
only a plus one, no Megadeth on the list my friend.
Submitted by professorfuckface (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:38:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
that was before I knew anything about guitars. you could have played tears in heaven and I would have given you the same compliment
Submitted by johnhutch (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:36:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Awesome, can't wait to see the next 20.
You only get a +1, though, cause there is absolutely NOTHING here from the 80's and the only 70's you have is classic rock.
Where's the punk rock, krautrock, noise rock, prog rock, new wave, or no wave? Where's the reggae and ska? Where's the jazz?
Classical? BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN!?
While I totally feel you on all of these picks, I feel like there were smoe redundancies you could have eliminated to add
more diverse picks, creating a much better representation of the music world. In particular, Nirvana AND Alice in Chains? I
feel like this is a punk rock vs. metal battle over grunge, but it's still the same statement. Same with Black Sabbath vs.
Led Zepp, cept it's the blues and metal sides of the same coin.
But yeah, I'm being overly critical. You've got some great picks. Just uh... lose the Boston. ferreal.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:35:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Teephaphaphaphaph: To say that the Chili Peppers are any certain way just because that's the way they started out their career is to fail to understand the growth cycle of musicians and artists as they age, gain different experiences, etc.
Also, to say that Rick Ruben forced them into doing something thaey didn't already open themselves up for is too much of a blanket statement on them.
It's very akin to the way I've always though that Bob Rock fucked Metallica up on the Black Album, so I guess I'm guilty too.
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:33:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This does need some Pixies, Ramones, Clash, Cliches, Operation Ivy, Bad Religion, Vandals, NOFX, Sex Pistols, Millencollin, or at least SOME better punk representation.
Also, three words:
Bob Marley - Legend
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:30:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
professorfuckface, I have just one thing to say to you...
http://www.ubersite.com/m/52916#986610
I rest my case.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:29:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2005-10-14 02:40:02 (#)
Ranking: 2
You forgot my seminal album "Everyone Must Die", written and recorded largely upon being woken at six in the fucking morning by my mother hammering on the bedroom window shouting "ARE YOU AWAKE?! ARE YOU AWAKE?!" at such a volume that even those in neighbouring towns promptly sat bolt upright and scowled.
The follow-up, "For The Love Of God, Just Tone It Down Please Woman" is a masterwork truely capturing the pure, overpowering despair of then letting said mother into the house and watching impotently as she whirlwinds round the kitchen, wiping down surfaces and screeching "It stinks of fags in here. Stop smoking. It stinks of fags in here. Stop smoking. It stinks of fags in..."
My third album, "Thank God She's Gone But Sweet Christ I Can't Take Many More 13 Hour Shifts Without Some Serious Rest", is set to be released in about ten minutes. The sound of sobbing will feature heavily.
---------------------
awwwwwww...you poor bitch. :P
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:26:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'll grant you that my distaste for Alice In Chains is the result of a defect in my character,okay? I'll give you that.
But you are WAY the fuck OFF BASE with Californication. If there is one band I know something about it's the Chilis, and everything after and including the album produced by SATAN HIMSELF Rick Ruben (Blood Sugar Sex Magic) sucks ass. (and incidentally, is there a band out there that Rubin hasn't attempted to destroy? Beastie Boys, Black Crows? Who else?) Lucifer turned the Chilis into something they were never meant to be. Go get Uplift Mofo Party Plan (or Mother's Milk - the one they originally all got clean for, after the death of Hillel) and then we'll talk.
Beyond that, all this is good.
Submitted by Sassmasterr (user info) at 2005-10-14 09:14:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
HAR HAR BABY PEENER
Submitted by hairycoo (user info) at 2005-10-14 08:38:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
good work
Submitted by polyamorousaj (user info) at 2005-10-14 08:17:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Damn good list.
Submitted by AwesomeJohnson (user info) at 2005-10-14 08:06:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I've never been more down with a list of music. (Just better be some Floyd on the next half!)
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2005-10-14 06:26:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
"One thing that amazes me with Americans making these kinds of lists is never including The Pixies."
-----------------------------------------------
You are a wise man, Saxon. Hey, ETS, where the fuck is OK Computer?
Submitted by professorfuckface (user info) at 2005-10-14 05:42:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
for someone is so fucking uppity about music taste you sure do record a lot of shit
Submitted by nahnoneofit (user info) at 2005-10-14 04:23:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
youre a fucking tool
except for hank williams
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2005-10-14 04:03:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
music is down to personal taste entirely.
being snobbish about music is retarded.
not that I am accusing you of that but i bet if i read the reviews there will be alllllllll kinds of teen snobbishness.
if that is even a word.
Submitted by FilthyAssistant (user info) at 2005-10-14 02:40:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You forgot my seminal album "Everyone Must Die", written and recorded largely upon being woken at six in the fucking morning by my mother hammering on the bedroom window shouting "ARE YOU AWAKE?! ARE YOU AWAKE?!" at such a volume that even those in neighbouring towns promptly sat bolt upright and scowled.
The follow-up, "For The Love Of God, Just Tone It Down Please Woman" is a masterwork truely capturing the pure, overpowering despair of then letting said mother into the house and watching impotently as she whirlwinds round the kitchen, wiping down surfaces and screeching "It stinks of fags in here. Stop smoking. It stinks of fags in here. Stop smoking. It stinks of fags in..."
My third album, "Thank God She's Gone But Sweet Christ I Can't Take Many More 13 Hour Shifts Without Some Serious Rest", is set to be released in about ten minutes. The sound of sobbing will feature heavily.
Submitted by HighFructoseCornSyrup (user info) at 2005-10-14 02:19:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
In no particular order, here are the first 20 of the most essential albums for forming a solid and well-rounded foundation of music listening. I've split this post in 2 because it was going to be huge otherwise.
---------------------
This isn't well-rounded at all. Everything here is American rock (or directly related to it), with an emphasis on the last 20 years and over-hyped stuff from the 60s. If you wanted well-rounded, you should include classical (Romantic, Baroque, Classical, etc.), tribal, Indian, Caribbean, traditional Asian, and a bunch of other shit. Not that I really know anything about that music, but to be well-rounded and versed in the history and diversity of music, you'd have to sample from everything that has ever drawn a significant following.
What you've put together is just a list of what you think are the most important and influential albums in the specific genres of music that you enjoy. Of course, there are 20 albums up there that all appeal to 20-something white people (a.k.a. Ubersite) so anybody who wants to show off their taste in music will say "+2 for _______", and this post will get a 1.50 rating on at least 80 reviews and at least 1000 hits.
Have a 0 because I would've just ignored this post if you had correctly labeled it as "My Favorite 40 Albums".
Boston. Jesus Christ. I met Tom Schultz once, and he's a really nice guy, but that will never change the fact that Boston was basically a mundane musical science experiment that was exploited by a record label.
Submitted by morontian (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:55:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:34:40 (#)
Ranking: 2
P.S. That's not a "period".......that's a bullet hole.
------------
*dies and rots*
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:50:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:37:42 (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:36:32 (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by HighFructoseCornSyrup (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:47 (#)
Ranking: -2
Boston is fucking terrible and represents everything that sucks about the recording of music onto reproduced media.
----
You've been sniffin' glue again....NO?
----------------------
My thoughts exactly. But hey, he's entitled to his opinion......however WRONG it may be. :P
-----
opinions are like assholes...everyone has one.....he's a complete idiot. I'm
fired up now. WATCH OUT!!!
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:46:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I HATE WHEN I FORGET TO LINKWHORE!
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:44:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh yea, I almost forgot. IF you enjoy reading my wonderfully accurate and informed opinions on all things music, check out the following:
My Ultimate Guitarist List: http://www.ubersite.com/m/37411
Songwriter's Hall of Fame (Top 25 Songwriters of All Time): http://www.ubersite.com/m/37456
That is all for the moment. Bedtime, uber.
Night, fuckers.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:41:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
It's an 'MMMMM' fest up in here right now. Something must taste awful fucking good...must be my cock again. Goddamn thing is always getting in the way.
Once there was this girl who
Wouldn't go and change with the girls in the change room
But when they finally made her
They saw scars all over her body
She couldn't quite explain it
They'd just been there.....since the surgery
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:37:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:36:32 (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by HighFructoseCornSyrup (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:47 (#)
Ranking: -2
Boston is fucking terrible and represents everything that sucks about the recording of music onto reproduced media.
----
You've been sniffin' glue again....NO?
----------------------
My thoughts exactly. But hey, he's entitled to his opinion......however WRONG it may be. :P
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:36:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by HighFructoseCornSyrup (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:47 (#)
Ranking: -2
Boston is fucking terrible and represents everything that sucks about the recording of music onto reproduced media.
----
You've been sniffin' glue again....NO?
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:35:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:32:36 (#)
Ranking: 2
I predict Electric Ladyland in part deux. Otherwise we are going to fall out my emo friend.
---------------------
I cannot say right now. The list is already done, but I'm sworn to secrecy.
Submitted by HighFructoseCornSyrup (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:34:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by William_Q_Percy (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:49 (#)
Ranking: 2
This +2 is for the nod to Robert Johnson.
I know his story is something that legends are made of, but the fact that so few people know of it is tragic.
------------------
So few people? What other bluesman is more famous?
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:34:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
P.S. That's not a "period".......that's a bullet hole.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:33:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Well, MMMMMMMBop is facing stiff competition from "MMM MMM MMM MMM"
It's an 'MMMMM' fest up in here right now. Something must taste awful fucking good...must be my cock again. Goddamn thing is always getting in the way.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:33:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Don't fuck with Suge.
.
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:32:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I predict Electric Ladyland in part deux. Otherwise we are going to fall out my emo friend.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by morontian (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:28:04 (#)
Ranking: 2
If The Handsome Family isn't in part 2 you're gonna have something to answer for.
--------
Oh, don't worry, ETS aleady assured me that MMMMMmmmmmmBopp would be a staple.
Submitted by William_Q_Percy (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This +2 is for the nod to Robert Johnson.
I know his story is something that legends are made of, but the fact that so few people know of it is tragic.
http://www.ubersite.com/m/41361
Submitted by HighFructoseCornSyrup (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Boston is fucking terrible and represents everything that sucks about the recording of music onto reproduced media.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:30:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I was dead set on letting those two Macarena guys in too...awww shucks. Oh well, maybe I can convince Vanilla Ice to forfeit his spot. If not, I'll just get Suge Night to toss his ass out a window.
Submitted by morontian (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:28:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
If The Handsome Family isn't in part 2 you're gonna have something to answer for.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:27:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I know......it brought a tear to my eye.
UPDATE:
Pink said she'd forfeit her JMM position for the Baja Men.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:23:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:08:15 (#)
Ranking: 2
Sooooo, how do you feel about the slightly recent usage of 'Ring of Fire' in hemorrhoid commercials?
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Did they really do that????
*jaw hits floor*
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:22:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
hahahahah...I'm sure Pink Floyd would happily step aside for either one of those amazing artists. :D
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:21:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
FYI-
John Michael Montgomery decided that he would forfeit his spot for Pink.
Submitted by Saxon (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:18:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Bugga sorry ETS i must have missed that part <blushes embarrassment and sneaks out back door>
Submitted by morontian (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:15:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Already a very solid list. Makes me wish I was a little more diversified in my own musical collection.
Submitted by Darshiscool (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:14:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:07:26 (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:00:10 (#)
Ranking: 2
Yes, needs more robots and Yoshimi.
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Flaming Lips.....Right On, Lady!!!
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my thoughts exactly
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:11:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
BB King (and Lucille) just told me that they'd like to be included in the second round.
Submitted by The_Yellow_Dart (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:09:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I expect to see some Pink Floyd, The Cure and perhaps Radiohead or Opeth in the next 20.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:08:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Saxon: the list isn't over yet. This is only the first HALF. You'll have to wait and see who is next.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:08:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Sooooo, how do you feel about the slightly recent usage of 'Ring of Fire' in hemorrhoid commercials?
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:07:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:00:10 (#)
Ranking: 2
Yes, needs more robots and Yoshimi.
----
Flaming Lips.....Right On, Lady!!!
Submitted by PokeyPecker (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:04:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Mine.
http://www.ubersite.com/m/73215
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:01:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Holly: you ARE in Crazy Town. :P
Spam: Yea, it woulda be great if it had've worked out where I could make it over there. I think it would have been good fun. Hey, maybe next time. I'll be back there at some point.
As for Lateralis over Aenima, it's a close call for me too. Lateralis, like Aenima really grew on me over time, and what's strange is, as dark as Aenima is, Lateralis is almost just as hopeful. It's a weird dichotomy that just works, and is yet another reason Tool is probably the greatest rock band out there right now. If they made more albums, it would be more evident to more people...but I guess in a way, that's a good thing. They don't speak until they have something to say. That is the definition of what good art is.
Another interesting thing about Aenima is that at first I hated it. I couldn't understand it really. I really had to adjust my mental screws to wrap my head around it, but once I did, I could'nt unwrap it.
Submitted by Saxon (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:00:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This is certainly an impresive list and one not many could argue with but as with most things it is the oppinion of one and everyone has an oppinion. I would have included Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon but im not sure at what albums expence. One thing that amazes me with Americans making these kinds of lists is never including The Pixies. Do Americans not realise the importance of that band?
You would be surprised to learn how many bands where influenced by The Pixies but perhaps it was mainly European, Australian and Brittish bands that their influence touched.
I applaud your choice of Dylan album and your inclusion of Cash as these should be there. On a side note i was alive and a music lover when Black Sabbath did Paranoid in fact i was at the record stores door at oppening time the day after that records release to buy it.
Yeh yeh im old deal with it.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 01:00:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yes, needs more robots and Yoshimi.
Submitted by The_Cyst_Master (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:56:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Doors, Straight up. Oh snap! Cowabunga dudes!
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:56:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by PokeyPecker (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:37:24 (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 but this is all random opinion and conjecture. What's essential to you may be despicable to another.
--
True, but I think the reviews make this, it's not "these albums are fucking brilliant and you're an idiot if you disagree", it's "I love this albums and heres WHY."
I'm going to shut up now. I think insomnia is getting the better of me.
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:55:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good post Brad. Needs more Bobby Darin and
Flaming Lips...Otherwise...fantastic.
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:54:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I probably would've chosen lateralus over aenima.
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:52:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Nevermind is as close to the perfect album my generation has had, and Kurt Cobain is as close to its spokesman as it has had
Spot. Fucking. On.
These are some brilliant reviews, I really wish you'd have made Ubercon UK.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:51:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
You forgot Wilson Phillips and Crazy Town!
-2 for being so blatanly neglegent!
+4 for some other reason.
Submitted by electrictoothsyndrome (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:41:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by CoreaPeekay (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:34:47 (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't agree with you hardly at all on music but puppets also inspired me to become a musician. The solo was the first guitar solo I could play and life hasnt been the same since I picked up guitar because of hetfield and co.
so +2 for puppets.
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We're more alike than you think then. I just probably have a few years on you. Give yourself time to expand. It's a good thing.
Submitted by hollygolitely (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:40:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I own three of the above mish mashed albums. (Alice, Nirvana....(of course)......and dear Mr. Irreplaceable Cash.
Have you ever listened to DeVotchKa!? They don't exactly fit in here, but I thought I'd ask.
Submitted by fudgepacker (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:39:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I feel I've started a trend here. cool. the world need more music.
good picks. i especially like the hank williams and johnny cash.
i hope part two has some hip-hop in there because you're completely neglecting a very powerful sector of music (seeing as how this is an 'essential' list....perhaps some run-dmc or wu-tang or roots or tribe called quest......something needs to represent that arena).
Submitted by PokeyPecker (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:37:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 but this is all random opinion and conjecture. What's essential to you may be despicable to another.
Submitted by Orla (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:37:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
There's no way I could give this anything but +2
Submitted by CoreaPeekay (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:34:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't agree with you hardly at all on music but puppets also inspired me to become a musician. The solo was the first guitar solo I could play and life hasnt been the same since I picked up guitar because of hetfield and co.
so +2 for puppets.
Submitted by Spooner (user info) at 2005-10-14 00:26:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
A friend of mine performed as Robert Johnson for Living Museum last year. Fun Times.