100 Albums – Page 5

August 31, 2016

“Psonic Psunspot” by Dukes of Stratosphere / XTC (No. 41)

Psonic Psunspot is the best collection of 60s psychedelia ever recorded in the mid-80s. The members of XTC, working under the pseudonym Dukes of Stratosphear basically channeled some of their musical influences from the 60s and delivered 10 outstanding replicas that easily stand alongside XTC’s best work.

Psunspot is actually XTC’s second venture back in time under the Dukes name, the first release was an EP called 25 O’Clock. I prefer Psunspot not just for length, but also because the lyrics are a little sharper and it has a few truly outstanding tracks. Continue reading ““Psonic Psunspot” by Dukes of Stratosphere / XTC (No. 41)”

August 30, 2016

“Life’s Rich Pageant” by R.E.M. (No. 42)

It’s almost by accident that I wound up being a big fan of R.E.M. A happy accident, I might add.

Earlier in this series I talked about my early obsession with Robyn Hitchcock. Not long after I became a big fan of Robyn Hitchcock, a friend of mine turned up with tickets to R.E.M.’s Green tour. Was I interested? “Dunno,” I responded, “I’m not really a big R.E.M. fan” – and threw out an unlikely scenario “unless Robyn Hitchcock is opening or something…” Turns out, yes, he was. So… I decided to brush up on my R.E.M. Continue reading ““Life’s Rich Pageant” by R.E.M. (No. 42)”

August 29, 2016

“O, You Sinners” by Eliza Rickman (No. 43)

A few years ago, I went to see Welcome to Night Vale, expecting to be moderately amused. Instead, I was blown away by the WtNV cast, and their supporting musical act Eliza Rickman. At first I was thinking “well, this lady with the toy piano should be interesting.” And then… she sang.

Having almost no expectations, I was absolutely blown away when Rickman began singing. Her voice is lovely, powerful, and entrancing. If she were a siren, I’d have gladly steered my ship towards the rocks. Instead, I steered myself to the merch table and snagged O, You Sinners.

Continue reading ““O, You Sinners” by Eliza Rickman (No. 43)”

August 28, 2016

“Rust Never Sleeps” by Neil Young & Crazy Horse (No. 44)

Rust Never Sleeps is another album I experienced mostly through radio until I was in my late 20s. Experienced piecemeal, the songs are great. Pulled together, and given the dichotomy of the first and final tracks, it’s even better.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse have a strong track record, but this is the one I’d run back into a burning building for – assuming it was the only copy, and I couldn’t just head to Vintage Vinyl and pick up a new copy. Also why are they leaving the only copy with me? That’s just irresponsible. Continue reading ““Rust Never Sleeps” by Neil Young & Crazy Horse (No. 44)”

August 27, 2016

“Pretty Hate Machine” by Nine Inch Nails (No. 45)

Nine Inch Nails album cover for Pretty Hate Machine

When I wrote about Hallucination Engine by Material I alluded to two albums on this list being purchased solely on the strength of a review. Nine Inch Nails‘ debut, Pretty Hate Machine is the other, and it was love at first listen.

The first few seconds of “Head Like a Hole” grabbed me, sort of like Depeche Mode‘s Black Celebration had a few rough years and bought a few Skinny Puppy albums. Continue reading ““Pretty Hate Machine” by Nine Inch Nails (No. 45)”

August 26, 2016

“Vs.” by Pearl Jam (No. 46)

Pearl Jam‘s Vs. hits all the sweet spots for me as a fan of the band. All the band’s metaphorical engines are firing at full, and there’s not a wasted track on the album. You certainly can’t credit MTV for this album’s success – the band decided not to create videos for the album, and didn’t release singles either.

Vs. represents a band that got super-successful all at once and freaked out a little bit. Long-term I think this resulted in some self-sabotage (e.g. some unlistenable tracks on Vitology and shying away from “Better Man” which is one of the band’s best), but Vs. actually turned out quite well. Continue reading ““Vs.” by Pearl Jam (No. 46)”

August 25, 2016

“Wings Over America” by Paul McCartney & Wings (No. 47)

Wings live album Wings Over America is another one of those albums that I pretty much wore out the cassette tape. Thank goodness for CDs and being able to play something hundreds of times without wearing out the media!

As a rule, I’m not a big consumer of live albums, but I’ll make a big exception for Wings Over America. I don’t recall what year I first picked this one up, but I was somewhere in my mid-teens and still massively obsessed with The Beatles and their solo careers. Paul McCartney and John Lennon in particular. Continue reading ““Wings Over America” by Paul McCartney & Wings (No. 47)”

August 24, 2016

“Little Earthquakes” by Tori Amos (No. 48)

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos album cover

What’s not to love about Tori Amos‘ debut album, Little Earthquakes? Amos’ command of the piano, her lovely and haunting voice, and the incredibly well-written songs make for an incredibly compelling package.

If you’ve never listened to Amos before, you realize with “Crucify” that you’re not in for a standard pop record. Her voice, her piano playing, the dynamics of the song… everything comes together like nothing else you’ve heard before. Or if you have, you need to tell me what I’ve been missing out on! Continue reading ““Little Earthquakes” by Tori Amos (No. 48)”

August 23, 2016

“Purple Rain” by Prince & The Revolution (No. 49)

As I pulled together my list of my 100 albums, I definitely wrestled with a few of the choices. Where to rank certain albums, whether to include an album or not, and whether I can exclude certain albums or groups. Ultimately I’ve left off a lot of albums that I recognize as great albums, but they’re not terribly important to me personally. One album that’s never been in doubt, is Prince And The Revolution‘s Purple Rain. Continue reading ““Purple Rain” by Prince & The Revolution (No. 49)”

August 22, 2016

“The Queen is Dead” by The Smiths (No. 50)

The Smiths ‎– The Queen Is Dead album cover

The Smiths didn’t last long, but they left behind an amazing legacy and incredible impact. By the time the band recorded The Queen is Dead they were already fraying at the seams, but it didn’t diminish their ability to create amazing tunes.

“Frankly, Mr. Shankly” is Morrissey at his lyrical best, or worst, telling off an imaginary boss. The line about making Christmas cards with the mentally ill took me for a loop the first time I heard it, it was so offbeat. The music is compelling, but quirky, and completely unique. Continue reading ““The Queen is Dead” by The Smiths (No. 50)”