#251-255

     Closing out the bottom 50 with this entry. The running list on the bottom of this blog will be it's own post or page and on the next post we'll start with a new short listing of the next 50. New poll to the right as well issuing the age old question, which Beatles album? I'll also include a fun little rant from Matt concerning my inclusion of The Decemberists on the list AND, I'm very excited to say, a list of Mr. Michael Absher's top 20 hard rock albums. Those of you in the Flint, MI area know he is THE DJ in our neck of the woods and his 25th anniversary of broadening our musical horizons is just around the corner. For those of you NOT from this region, trust me, he's the man. Not that I'm kissing up in the hopes of getting more reviews or lists from him or anything....wouldn't want to pressure him with praise...he's also a very handsome man. Away we go....

255. Harvest - Neil Young (1972)
     Young's fourth solo album was the best selling of 1972. It stands today as one of the greatest Americana country rock album evah (says I). It sort of set the stage for the soft rock mid-70s to begin as both James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt make appearances. Young's old bandmates C,S,N are all here on backing vocals as well. I must admit, I'm not a huge Neil Young fan, but with Heart Of Stone, Old Man, The Needle And The Damage Done and Alabama, it's hard to argue against this album. Of course, this also has A Man Needs A Maid and There's A World, which sound like weaker retreads of older material, hence it's placement here in the top 300. Still, the second best solo album from Young, Rolling Stone had it ranked at 78.

254. Stankonia - Outkast (2000)
     This one I go the other way on from Rolling Stone, who had it ranked at 359. "Slumadelic" is what Big Boi branded as the sound of his fourth album with Andre 3000. This remains the group's best album as Outkast or going solo. Songs like Ms. Jackson and So Fresh, So Clean hadn't really been done in rap before. The mixing of so many different styles and genres on a hip hop album being done so well hadn't really been done before, either. The samba-tinged Humble Mumble remains one of my favorite rap songs with one of the sickest flows I swear I've ever heard, the metaled-up Gasoline Dreams and mad club vibe of B.O.B...even the 'throw-away' minute-long sketches are good. A great hip hop and funk album, if you don't know it, get to. My only beef is that, at 24 tracks long, it can feel just that at times. Do not let that stop you from experiencing this incredible music.

253. Confirmation - Charlie Parker (1995)
     If you don't know him, Yardbird was one of the greatest sax players ever. There are live recording of his blistering brilliance that are very good albums. This 2-disc set is my favorite, however, as it an incredible example of how versatile an artist Parker truly was. I believe Coltrane was the greatest (you'll see much of him later), but no jazz saxophonist could play as well as Bird in as many settings. These recordings are mostly from the early 50's. You've got everything from his playing in quartets to playing in big bands, be-bop to latin jazz, strings to a vocal from Ella, the man appeared well in any company. A must-have for anyone just getting into jazz or anyone who loves great music. There's too much to say about the man himself, but do yourself a favor and read a bio, see the movie "Bird" or look him up on line to get to know this tortured soul who fought his addictions to give us some of the greatest sounds ever heard.

252. Strictly Commercial: Best Of - Frank Zappa (1995)
     The fact that this great composer/guitarist has around 100 albums out almost guarantees him a seat at this table. Add to that his fierce dedication to defending against censorship in the arts and respect alone should put him on the list. Luckily, Zappa was pretty damn good at what he did, as is evident on this expertly put-together Best Of collection, so we'll just judge his albums. I believe there are two studio albums he did that outshine this set, but it's a great place to start. The organized insanity of Peaches En Regalia, goofball bluesy Don't Eat The Yellow Snow, the rocking anti-girlfriend's mom My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama, Zappa was a big fan of telling off-beat stories (this collection steers clear of the more sexually overladen Zappa tracks mostly) to different genres and styles of music. He could have fit onto an album of great American composers as easily as he could have a Dr. Demento set. Start here to check out this essential figure in jazz/rock history, but stay tuned for more Zappa later!

251. One From The Vault - Grateful Dead (1991)
     This one is kind of a special one for me (sniff) as this was the first Grateful Dead album I ever listened to. This 2-disc live set was recorded in 1975 in the Dead's home city of San Fran. Smokin' versions of The Music Never Stopped, Eyes Of The World, Sugaree and even Johnny Cash's Big River can be found here. Also, Jerry and the boys played their album Blues For Allah in it's entirety for the first time ever on this collection, so it's almost like 2 albums in one! Not to mention my favorite version of one of my all-time favorite Dead songs. I overheard Franklin's Tower for the first time playing in my brother's room back in high school and I asked to borrow it. When he eventually let me, I listened to nothing but that album for a month. Oh, and if you're looking Matt H (not the other Matt who is a frequent guest here), I still have it. Sorry, bro.


     Here's a nice little tirade against The Decemberists having their album The Crane Wife ranked at #267 on the list:
broseff you have an obsession with concept albums. The Decemberists! I got that album for free and still felt I was owed money back. I liked 2 songs kind of. But, the rest was just nonsense. Its not the vocals alone or even the instrumentals that I dislike its mostly lyrical. Just because you tie your songs together with a common theme or story that resembles musical movie doesn't make it interesting. In fact, it makes them more unrelatable to the listener. To me it seems most of the time concept albums show a lack of creativity and seem self indulgent. Usually concept album artists act like they think their brilliant musicians saying I can make a whole albums about one flat story line. But, I think they're trying too hard. If the symbolic content of a song is there and you want to expand it do so in a track or two or even three. But, I doubt anything that can be summarized in a paragraph or less is going to sound better stretched to over 90 minute! That's time I can't get back! Its like a one note movie you see the ending a mile away. But, then again you did like 'Shutter Island' didn't you?!? Lol jk I crack myself up:)
Ps I was soo pissed about that album I actually remember throwing that album onto I69 about a year and a half ago! So if you want another copy.... Lol It should be by an Alesana album too:) Ironically I got both for free with a Best Buy gift card and picked up Vampire Weekend with it too. I was purposely trying out bands I had vaguely heard of. Vampire Weekend I liked quite a bit, but the other two tasted the highway!
     I do love a good concept album, Matt, as long as the songs can stand up on their own, which is a little bit of my issue with The Wall. I thought The Crane Wife had several songs that do just that. And, I confess, I do like Shutter Island. I thought it got a bad rap. At least I got Vampire Weekend right in your book, right? Thanks, as always, for the comments, my friend. Keep 'em coming, and you other readers, you could chime in, too, you know?!

     Finally, here's that list from the only guy that I will freely admit schools me in music appreciation and knowledge, Michael Absher.
Aside from a brief flirtation with the form in high school, I've never been much of a heavy metal guy. But I'm not entirely immune to the charms of turgid testosterone driven rifferama. So, I present the first in a series of top 20 lists...strictly by personal taste, mind you.
1. The Stooges - Fun House
2. Nirvana - Nevermind
3. Bad Brains - I Against I
4. Mudhoney - Bigmuff Superfuzz plus Early Singles
5. The Who - Who's Next
6. Mother Love Bone - s/t
7. Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger
8. Faith No More - The Real Thing
9. Melvins - Stoner Witch
10. Van Halen - s/t
11. Janes Addiction - Nothings Shocking
12. Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf
13. Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
14. AC/DC - Highway to Hell
15. Foo Fighters - The Colour and the Shape
16. Led Zeppelin - s/t
17. Alice in Chains - Dirt
18. Monster Magnet - Dopes to Infinity
19. Rage Against the Machine - s/t
20. Tool - Lateralus
I limited myself to one album per artist. And if I did this list tomorrow it would likely be different. Still, an interesting exercise.

     And there you have it. You've already seen Fun House on both lists, will there be more shared albums? Only time will tell. As always, feel free....feel obligated, even...to take the poll on this page, send comments, album reviews, lists, general musical shenanigans and goings-on my way. Let me know how you feel about my picks, love em, hate em, first timers, share, people, SHARE!

#256-260

     Here are the next 5, along with a comment from dearest Connie. Unfortunately, Connie, I can't help you out, but good ole Matt has a review for ya that shouldn't disappoint. Wondering if I may hear some rumblings of 'WTF?' about one of these albums, the same way I caught a lil bit 'o hellfire over the placement of The Wall on the list....we'll see! Here we go...

260. St. Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkley (2006)

     Of course, everyone knows Crazy, everyone's heard it at least 1,473 times each in the past 4 years, BUT...it's still a damn good song, isn't it? The majority of this album is filled with pretty damn good songs, especially for a debut effort from rap/soul/ r&b master Cee Lo Green and one of, if not THE, greatest producers in the game today, Danger Mouse. You've seen DM on the list already as producer of Gorillaz second album. Not only is he the best producer of hip hop based pop in the game, he currently creates some of the greatest hooks out there in his many side projects. This album is no exception. Listen to Smiley Faces and Who Cares for an example. Even when Cee Lo, who you can really hear coming into his own as the great soul singer he was meant to be, spouts gibberish on a track, DM's affinity for sampling obscure 60s tunes and Italian movie scores keeps things sounding incredible. The band's second album was good, but this is their best.

259. A Hard Day's Night - The Beatles (1964)

     Okay, clearly this band will have at least 5 more albums much, much further up on the list. My argument for this being, what some may feel, a little low is that The Beatles didn't start out as an 'album' kind of band. Really, no rock/pop band in the early 60s was focused on albums. It was all about the 'single,' the radio cut, the 45. A couple years later, bands would be putting out entire albums full of great music left and right. If you listen to this, it does not really compare to what the boys from Liverpool would be doing even the next year with Rubber Soul. What this album is, however, is the first example of the incredible song writing skills of Lennon and McCartney. It's their third album, and the first with not a cover song on it. Favorites are here such as A Hard Day's Night (obviously) and Can't Buy Me Love, and several other great pop tunes of the time. Although there would be a couple other albums before the band truly began to realize the start of their artistic vision with Rubber Soul, this is the best album of their 'single' days. Oh, and recording the album took 1 day, people. 1 freaking day! Rolling Stone ranked it at 388, so I did give it quite a bump from that, as it should be. Just not any higher.

258. Hot Shots 2 - The Beta Band (2001) 

     The Beta Band had a pretty loyal and avid following in the UK when they released their first EP, but didn't get a lot of attention in America until John Cusack decided to sell 5 copies of the band's Three EP's album by playing the song Dry The Rain in High Fidelity. More on that album later. After curiosity started to peak for the band through their name being dropped in the film, this album was released. It's quite a departure from the experimental rootsy electronic folk of the first 2 albums, but it kept what it should have from those genres and added pop structure and more refined hooks. An excellent album, check out the first 3 or 4 songs and you will stay to listen to the rest. Don't skip the last song called Won, a killer re-imagining of One Is The Loneliest Number as a trip hop song. Awesomeness.

257. Headhunters - Herbie Hancock (1973)

     Attempting to make a funk album, Herbie Hancock and his Headhunters produced the first platinum selling jazz album...ever. Hancock stripped down his complex compositions and left a thick skeletal base for his 5-piece to flesh out through funk, jazz, rock and African folk improvisations. Although jazz purists cried foul, the album crossed over and was a monumental influence on future jazz, funk and hip hop sounds. There are only 4 songs on this album, so it can be found in bargain bins from time to time. The first half of the album is worth whatever you're charged for it. Chameleon in the jazz/funk standard to this day, often covered, sampled and borrowed from. Watermelon Man is a personal fave of mine and my maineth, the best friend, Josh. When in college, we would compose our own variation on the first minute of the song with only our voices and drunkenness as our instruments. On answering machines, in bars, at parties, people were blessed with a very unique version of a Herbie masterpiece. Unfortunately, there are no recordings of this incredible cover we performed. You'll just have to settle for the original. An album that blazed new trails in several genres, I could write for hours on this, but you should just go listen. The last word I have on this, along with all the other accolades, I believe this to be the best funk album ever recorded without use of a guitar other than a bass. Not one electric or acoustic. Incredible.

256. Seal - Seal (1991)

     I can hear it now. "Seriously? Over the other albums in this post? Over the albums on the last post? On this list at all?" Everyone has their guilty pleasures. I know people who eat at Old Country Buffet by choice and who have had a love affair with Zima. This album is one of mine. I don't think I should feel too guilty, however, as this is a fantastic rock/soul/pop album recorded before the singer dove into the ocean of R&B drudgery. Perhaps best known for the cheese-infused Kiss From A Rose or his marriage to Heidi Klum, Seal first came culturally into view when he did the producer Adamski's track Killer, and then with often-covered Crazy (similar to Gnarls above, the song was impossible to avoid for about a year). Honestly, this is a great chill-out-without-passing-out album with some songs you can dance to as a bonus. Aside from the previously mentioned tracks, Whirlpool and Future Love Paradise are favorites. Make fun, tease, but go listen to this album before you do. Seal's only great album, you just might fall into it's clutches as well.

      Here's a comment from a few posts ago from Connie:

As someone who has listened to BNL forever, owns every single album, and has seen them live 7 times (maroon 5 runs a close second).......I would hope at least one of their albums makes the list. Also I'm pleased you are including early rap :) 

     Sorry, Connie. There will be more early hip hop, but no Bare Naked Ladies on the list, just running through my house. That's not as awesome as it sounds. I did love BNL in the early 90s. If I Had A Million Dollars was sort of an anthem for myself and several friends at one point. I'm not as fond of their whole albums as I used to be. But, so as to not disappoint, our friend Matt did have a review at the ready...
Barenaked Ladies- 'Live Rock spectacle': This is the 4th album from this band but its their first of many live albums. In general I find this band cheesy and slightly hit or miss with each album. But, 'Its all been done', 'Old Apartment' and 'If I had a million dollars' are all great tracks on this album. Packed with tons of happy sing along songs this is a fun easy to listen to album. 

     There you have it, Connie. Maybe not the absolute kindest review, but it's better than none, right? I'll try to get the next 5 up within the next few days. Until then, take the poll in the top right, write me some comments or a review of any album you love and want to share, buy the ticket, take the ride....

#261-265

     I've been churning out the posts fairly quickly, but it'll probably be a few days before the next one. There should be plenty on here to catch up with for ya, though! I'll also include a couple new questions and comments from our friend Matt AND we'll have a new review of an album from an up and coming artist who I've been digging on lately thanks to the writer, Ryan. AND I'll have a new poll up in the top right corner. By the way, Lil Wayne beat out Tori by a slim margin as an album people thought should not be on this list. See, Jakey comin' with all sorts uv flava! All right, here we go...

265. The Ozzman Cometh: Greatest Hits - Ozzy Osbourne (1997)
     In junior high and early high school, I was all about Ozzy. Working out, mowing the lawn, practicing my soccer skills, jogging, playing air guitar, going to bed...EVERYTHING I did for a while was in tune to the soundtrack of Oz. I understood the act and, of course, thought all that evil devilish crap was pretty cool, but that wasn't what sold me. The Yardbirds are the only other band I can think of that went through 3 line-ups and each time got the most incredible guitarist you'd ever heard. Randy Rhodes, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, they're all here in their "holy shit, did you hear that?" glory. There's even a few from the Black Sabbath days. Overall, way more songs that you do want then you don't, a great Greatest Hits album. Ozzy appears twice more on the list, but this is the only studio album of his as a solo project listed.

264. Swoon - Silversun Pickups (2009)
     If Smashing Pumpkins (I mean the original line-up, the only line-up that counts) and My Bloody Valentine got together and decided they wanted to write some semi-radio friendly songs....they would rip each others' throats out and nothing good would come of it. BUT if that COULD work, this album is what you would have. Swoon is the band's second album and is another under-appreciated gem. Although the muddy distortion of the guitars is it's calling card, this band has a great rhythm section and vocal harmonies to match. My faves are There's No Secrets This Year, Substitution, Catch And Release and Surrounded. One of the great rock albums to come out in the past few years.

263. Gimme Fiction - Spoon (2005)
     Spoon has been a disappointing band to me. Not because they're a bad band, obviously. This album has some of their best, most evolved songs: The Beast And Dragon Adored, I Turn My Camera On, I Summon You, it does sound like a modern day circa late 60's/early 70's Stones album (not quite that good, though). They had just begun to expand their sound and take more time with their layering of a track from the shorter, rapid fire, killer hook driven songs of their previous albums, one of which is higher on the list. And then...they started to suck. Two albums of suckage with a good track here and there. I don't care if they sold more, they really do suck. Listen to Gimme Fiction and hear how great this band could've been.

262. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco (2002)
     I know nothing of this band. Honestly. Jeff Tweedy is their lead songwriter/singer. That's it. I've been lectured I should know more about them, claiming to be the music freak that I am. I've heard the three albums prior to this one, and it's always....meh. That should be viewed as a testament to how great this album truly is. I know less about this band than any other on the list, but, damn, what a great album. It is very critically acclaimed and was Wilco's best seller, so don't just take my word for it. Listen to Kamera, Jesus Etc. and I'm The Man Who Loves You for some immediate gratification, but give this whole album a listen and just try not liking it. I dare ya.

261. Gorillaz - Gorillaz (2001)
     The first band to have 2 albums on the list (see #290), this was the debut and thus-far greatest album from Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, A.K.A. Gorillaz. Never mind that the band was formed under the premise of being an animated band that (originally) would only appear as such in videos/performances. That's awesome, but that was the visual aspect, always a major component within the band. Aurally this album had some of the sickest, coolest beats to come out early in the decade. You want genres? We're talking hip hop, rock, punk, reggae, latin...you name it, it's here. An amazing album from a consistently ground-breaking band.

     Here's a few questions from good ole Matt. I'll do my best to come close to answering them.
**Jay do you count skits and anything with its own track # as a track? Because if you do that's silly:) no new rap album will ever make your list b/c it would lower their good to bad track ratio. Plus, some of the connecting filler tracks you talk about on albums could just be added to the next or previous track. Then, the track its added to might have a slightly lower rating by a number or two. But, that would still be better than getting a 1 out of 5 rating as a track on its own. I think your focusing too much on the overall score and not enough on number of great songs on the album. By your system more tracks tends to equal lower ranking. Which seems odd. Most rap albums are 10 good songs with 7 skit/intro/outro songs. That's gonna give them just over a 50% rating, even if the other ten got perfect scores. So does a new track number equal a new track? Just questions I have for you.

     Good questions, my man. First, I do count skits, intros and any 'song' labeled as a track individually. My feeling is if it was engineered to be a stand-alone track, it should be judged as one. Otherwise it would've been tacked onto another song, as you say. I make exceptions for intros of bands on live albums that are around 30 seconds or less. Otherwise, it counts. It's not always a bad thing. There are some Outkast skits, for example, that are damn funny or creative and contribute to the greatness of an album. Biggie has one of the greatest intros to an album ever, in my humble opinion, and it clocks in at about 1:30. Other albums by artists like Eminem and Tool worsen great albums with dumb sketches or 2 minutes of static or voice mails. Filler is filler, and I want less of it.
     Second, you're right, some percentages are slightly askew due to the length on an album. I've noticed that especially with the handful of boxed sets on the list. But, again, the point system is just a method to categorize groups of albums to listen to a third/fourth/fifth time for eventual ranking. I do not rely solely on that, far from it. It's also easy to see when an album I love has a percentage a little higher than an album I love more and rank accordingly. I promise you, no shortage of time has been attributed to any part of this project.

     We'll hear more from Matt in other posts. This review is from a friend who listens to much of what I don't hear about or catch. Luckily, I get mixes and garage listening nights to catch up on what he's already caught. Here's a review of the latest from one of my favorite new hip hop artists, introduced to me by one of his biggest fans, Ryan...

His name is Childish Gambino and he's here to take over. You may know him as Donald Glover, the actor who plays Troy on NBC's Community, but he is much more than that. Stand up comedian, writer, and the best new hip hop artist in the game. And for the last time, no, he is not related to actor Danny Glover

            With three full length albums, an EP, and a pair of mixtapes under his belt, not to mention two seasons on Community, and three seasons writing for 30 Rock, Donald is a very busy man. Thankfully, his work has not suffered.

            Gambino's latest full length album, Culdesac, is one hell of an album. Produced by Donald himself, with assistance from friend and Community composer Ludwig Goransson, Culdesac has something for everyone. From smooth, lovey tracks like "Got This Money" and "So Fly", to gritty confessional tracks such as "Fuck It All," "I'm Alright," and "The Last." Culdesac also has its share of bass bumping, feel good tracks.

            The thing that sets CG apart from other rappers is the content of his songs. He may talk his share of money, women, clothes and cars, but its lines like "and this next part sounds like nonsense/ but I swear to God Tina Fey gave me confidence/ taught me everything that is good comes from honesty/ everybody's gotta voice you just gotta follow it" that keep fans coming back for more. If more rappers were as accessible as Mr. Glover, more people would understand what Hip Hop is really about. Name dropping Tina Fey certainly doesnt hurt.

            Must have tracks: "Do Ya Like" "Freaks and Geeks" "Not Going Back" "I Be On That"

            You can download Culdesac for free at CULDESAC-ALBUM.COM 

     Thanks, Ryan. Excellent stuff, readers, you should check him out. I'll post again when I can. Don't forget to check the new poll in the top right corner, and, as always, REVIEWS! COMMENTS! RAGE! I'll take them all, in written form only, please. Don't come ragin' up my driveway. That's not cool. 

#266-270

     Here's the next 5 followed with some comments from my friend and yet another respected music geek Todd along with another of Matt's reviews of an album I feel is beneath me. Kidding! He's actually put up some pretty good ones, says I. Anyway, onward....

270. Cuckoo - Curve ( 1993)
     This one even my music geek compatriots might scoff at. I love this band. The duo of Dean Garcia and Toni Halliday seemed more destined to despise each other than to form a band. The first time they tried to play nice the band dissolved into a pair of lawsuits, one against the other. Despite this, the two formed Curve years later and established a mix of sampled beats and guitar/bass licks with a killer female vocal that alternated from sweet to sour and predated Garbage. This particular album is their least critically acclaimed and most deserving of praise. Their second album, Cuckoo, branched out from the shoegazer goth of their first effort to include more alt rock and psychedelica. Do yourself a favor and find All Of One, Superblaster and Left Of Mother for greatness.

269. Give Up - Postal Service (2003)
     This band was named for the way Jimmy Tamborello would send instrumental tapes to Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard, and the return of said tapes after Gibbard added vocals and did some editing. Their only album features several incredible electronic pop songs, none greater than The District Sleeps Alone Tonight, which would easily be in my top 100 songs (hear that, Josh?). Every time I hear Owl City I cringe and wish to the musical Gods that Postal Service would regroup and show us how it's really done.

268. Time Out - The Dave Brubeck Quartet (1960)
     For years, jazz music had broadened musical horizons both structurally and through mad improvisations, yet it rarely strayed from a 4/4 time signature beat. Basically, jazz songs were like a march. This album, originally released as a sort of experiment, would forever change that. Most popular for it's use of a 5/4 beat, Brubeck and his band didn't just paint new strokes, he emptied buckets of colors into this album. Take Five is the most popular, as it should be, but this album was far from critically lauded upon it's release. Classical jazz, improvisation, African and Turkish folk rhythms, it's all over the map in the best possible way.

267. The Crane Wife - The Decemberists (2006)
     Based on a Chinese folk tale meshed with Shakespeare and a few other tales tucked in, The Crane Wife doesn't seem as though it should be an album that was well-structured and engaging. It is, and it's the best album The Decemberists have put out yet. The short version of the story arc is man finds wounded crane, cares for it until it can fly, woman meets same man and marries, woman makes secret cloth to secure fortune man isn't allowed to see made, mans sees woman is crane using own feathers for cloth, woman/crane flies away. That completely makes you not want to hear this album at all, doesn't it? That would be your loss. In turns sweet and touching and inspiring and heartbreaking, this is an excellent concept album you shouldn't skip out on hearing.

266. Fun House - The Stooges (1970)
     All of my music geeks tend to love Raw Power or the debut album from our homestate punks as their fave. I believe this to be the best Stooges album. If you were paying attention in earlier posts, the debut came close. I just preferred it when the band learned how to actually play their instruments...a little better. To me, this was definitely the band's most accomplished work, despite the collective drug problems. Iggy Pop called the album "troglodyte groove." A completely confrontational, vicious wail of an album check Down On the Street, TV Eye and the slowed-down Dirt. Inspired by fellow Michiganders MC5, it's easy to see how instrumental this band, and album, truly were in the incoming conquering tides of punk rock.

     Here are a couple comments from Todd, yet another much respected music geek I have the pleasure of knowing. This is in regards to my wondering if The Wall ranked so low would be in issue for many...
No controversy from me ! On either Pink Floyd or REM ! While I was blown away when the Wall came out. It just doesn't hold up to the other great music made by the psychedelic dudes. Or the passage of time. Too much hatred ! Or at the very least, anger ! Roger Waters isn't my hero. If anyone from the Floyd is, it would have to be David Gilmour.

     Yeah, somebody agrees! Here's a brief threat about my "hatin'" on Coldplay....
Dude, Stop dissing Coldplay ! If you don't, I have to send out my soldiers!

     Hey, they did make the list, so they can't be all bad, right? Send me a review of an earlier album if ya like. Finally, here's another review from our good friend Matt. Never really got into this musician, but many friends like his style...
James Blunt-'Back to Bedlam' Most notably known for the debut single 'Beautiful'. This incredible songwriter with 'Rod Stewartess' vocals had his biggest success to date with this album. From cover to cover he covers a gambit of emotions from up tempo sing alongs, to songs of love and heartbreak, to politics and religion. There's something for everyone.

     Thanks again, Matt! I'll have the next 5 up as soon as I can. Comments and reviews and naysaying, people, that's what I'm hungry for. FEED THE BEAST....sorry. Seriously, though.

#271-275

     Here's another 5 that thrive (I read it as I wrote it, I'll never write it again, promise)! The equally lovely Mo and Kaley were with me when ranking these next albums. I'll also throw on 2 comments regarding my list of albums NOT making the cut and another review from Matt.

275. Coast To Coast Motel - G.Love and Special Sauce (1995)
      If you haven't heard G. Love and his band, they began as the perfect marriage of blues and hip hop in 1993, an era in music that officially kicked off non-hip hop bands somehow incorporating a hip hop influence into as many recordings as they could. This was the band's second album and leans more toward modern blues than their first. Later, G.Love would incorporate several different styles and genres of music into any given album, but I believe this to be his down-and-dirtiest. Check Kiss And Tell, Soda Pop and Small Fish for some early G.Love greatness. You'll get more of him, with and without Special Sauce, later.

274. Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends - Coldplay (2008)
     I hate Coldplay. I hated them before this album, when I would only admit to close friends I liked 2 of their songs, and I hate them now that they've put out a great album that I don't want to love, but do. They always sounded like Radiohead-lite to me, and now I've heard many bands that remind me of poor man's Coldplay. I just can't help it, every time I hear Strawberry Swing I tear up a bit because it reminds me of my girls. It's only a small tear. I can't help that I like to blast Yes and Lost in the convertible with the top down. I still turn it way down at stoplights. Great album. Damn Coldplay.

273. Live 5 - Phish (2001)
     Now, I know I've stated this in my first post, but it's just a reminder of what's to come: I was a diehard Phishhead. As a result, no other band has more albums on my list. Not the Beatles. Not the Stones. Not Dylan. The selection of Phish albums are not as high up in the ranks as those artists for the most part, but Phish outnumbers all here. Still reading? Good. Then check out this show from 2000 when the band was still smokin' live. Alpine Valley in Wisconsin is the venue, the location the band would usually play after they left my favorite venue of Deer Creek in Indiana. Possum and Run Like An Antelope (my personal fave Phish jam, but more on that later) are excellent examples of one of the greatest live bands in history.

272. We The People - Groove Collective (1996)
     Another hybrid by-product of hip hop eating into other genres in the 90s was the acid jazz. Whereas trip hop came to be associated with a DJ emulating jazz and psychedelica, acid jazz was the reverse. We The People, this band's second album, best demonstrates what the original line-up's creed always was: to compete directly with a DJ by playing the same range of music that said DJ is capable of playing, but by doing so with live music. That's pretty close to a direct quote, actually, taken from the band's first album, which we'll see later. Listen to the jazzed up, funked out soul of Groove Collective's only true album hit, Lift Off. If you can find this album, that is.


271. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (2008)
     This album was considered great before it was even released as the band enjoyed an enormous critical media build-up prior to the debut album dropping. I believe it was worth it. Rolling Stone and Spin both have the album near the top 50 released during that decade. This is an album that would still be on this list 10 years from now because the tunes are that great: simple, optimistic and danceable without being 'dance' music. Wearing many influences on their sleeves, most notably Paul Simon and The Police, the only disappointment with the African/Calypso infected album is that the band hasn't been able to match it's creative melodies and excellent hooks on another album. A-Punk is my daughter Mona's fave. I also love Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and Bryn, but really, not too many weaker songs on this one. A very fun album.

     Okay, here's a couple comments from the Peanut gallery. The first comes to us from Melissa...
I'm ashamed to admit I haven't even heard of some of these albums although I'd also admit that I stopped listening to new music right about the time I graduated from college. But I am inspired to at least check out some of them. I am hard pressed right now to think of 25 albums I like all the way through (and not just a couple of songs). I will defend Pearl Jam's Yield though (this would definitely be on my top 25). I don't know if you do this, but I associate albums and songs with certain memories. The year that this came out, 1998, is the first year I saw Pearl Jam live so I am probably a little biased. Every song on here from beginning to end is great, including "Lowlight" which is my second favorite Pearl Jam song of all time. This whole album was, to me, just a completely different sound for them and I loved it! I know this album didn't get a lot of attention (well, lots more than No Code anyway) but I'd venture to say it's my favorite album of theirs.

     Thanks, Melissa, and I really hope you find some albums on here you really enjoy. Well, I hope you enjoy ALL of the albums on my list, but that may be asking a bit much. And of course I understand your love of Yield. It really did almost make the cut. Of course, as you pointed out, one of the best things about music is that one song/album can mean so many different things to different people. No 2 people would have the same list of favorite albums, but I love debating choices and exclusions from this list, and I especially love hearing about a certain song/album's importance in someone else's life. It makes that music better for me, because I know how much it means to a friend. It gives it a new perspective.

     Here's a quick comment from Kelly...
Hey Jason - I'm reading here in NY. You got me interested with the Astral Weeks question (probably my fave album of all time, but whatever). I don't know half of the stuff you're writing about, but it's still interesting reading - and I'm sure will be interesting listening too, once I get around to checking it out. But mostly I'm writing now to support your exclusion of Jeff Buckley. I. Do not. Get. It. With him. At all. Have tried; can't stand it. That's it for now. xx 

     If you actually read the first post on this blog, you read about my love of theatre spawning from my pursuit of a lovely young lady. Hi, Kelly! Excellent to hear from you! Yeah, I'm sorry about Astral Weeks. Do you have any albums or bands that you actually wished you loved, it just doesn't click for you, regardless of multiple listenings and passionate, half-drunken debate? Astral Weeks and Bruce are those albums and musicians for me. And, don't get me wrong, I do like some Jeff Buckley stuff, just no full album. Thanks, Kell. I hope you'll chime in more as we move down the stretch.

     Finally, here's another review from Matt. I've been hearing a couple people are messaging me more reviews on facebook. I anxiously await. I've only got a few more from Matt!
Lady GaGa-'The Fame Monster': The debut album from Lady GaGa went 8 times platinum and had 7 #1 singles. She's the highest selling digital artist and Youtube artist ever! Now I don't normally care about these figures because usually the general population has low standards. But, this time they finally got it right. Granted only because of good marketing, but it worked. She's a mix of Freddie Mercury, Alice Cooper with yes a tad Madonna. GaGa wrote or produced every track on this album. Its obviously a pop album at heart. But, has hints of classic rock anthems and even a little r&b track or two. With piercing vocals and unforgettable melodies its the best pop album by anyone in the last decade. The only downfall is its over played singles from our awesome radio stations! :) 'The Fame' 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich' and 'Speachless' are great non released singles from this album. Whether you love or hate her no one can deny she's got natural talent and your talking about her! So her marketing plan is working! 

     I'll try to get the next 5 up over the next 2 days. We'll be through the bottom 50 before you know it! As always, looking for album-related stories, reviews, death threats about rankings, any feedback or comments you'd like to share are greatly appreciated. Go check out something you haven't heard!

#276-280

     Let's polish off the bottom 25. These 5 albums were also chosen without outside interference (I love the outside interference, don't get me wrong) so I have no one else to list. I'll throw on another review from good ole' Matt as well. Off we go....

280. Dulcinea - Toad The Wet Sprocket (1994)
     This is sure to elicit cries of 'Who' or, if you know this band, 'What?' If you don't know them, this band pretty much was around for the 90s and then ended before re-starting around 2006. I was a huge fan of this group in my high school and college days, playing practically all of 2 of their albums when I used to play guitar and sing in my cafe days. Their name comes from a Monty Python sketch...how cool is that? This album title, and several songs from it, make reference to the classic Don Quixote. They are a very literary band, composing lyrics for many songs based on works in other fields of artistic excellence. An acoustic, not-quite-easy listening album with a few rockers thrown in, it's a perfect sit around and drift album. There will be one other from this band further up.

279. Dookie - Green Day (1995)
     I realize that, since this album, they've released many other, more 'advanced' albums. Those are decent albums. This one's still their best. Recorded in 3 weeks, Dookie is solely responsible for kicking off the revival of the punk/pop amalgam of the 90's. With simple but great singles and some great underplayed tracks (check Pulling Teeth), a fun, energy inducing album Rolling Stone last ranked at 193 on their Best Albums list.

278. Cream Of Clapton: Greatest Hits - Eric Clapton
     I love Eric Clapton, who doesn't? I believe everybody must have at least one song he was involved with that they love. I've just never been a fan of his albums. Not solo. Not Derek And The Dominoes. Not even a Cream album really stands out to me. So, he is represented by this bargain bin GH collection, which is a good way to get your fill of Clapton. See Matt's review below for another good cheap collection. This features tracks written and performed by Slowhand and his various bands between 1966-1981 and has most of what you want from that era.

277. The Atomic Count Basie - Count Basie (1957)
     Jazz rears it's beautiful head for the first time here on the list. This album is known by a couple names, and I'm listing the version with the bonus tracks (the only version of the album now available) for the purpose of this list. Sure, if you need an introduction to Count Basie, there are albums with his original band that are better, but none that came after 1950 (the rule for inclusion on this list). Regardless, this is an amazing latter-day big band album with incredible compositions that really showcase his bandmates at that time. And that's exactly what a great big band album should do. Try tracks The Kid From Red Bank and Double-O and tell me you're not tapping your toes and in a better mood.

276. Power in Numbers - Jurassic 5 (2002)
     One of the most underrated hip-hop acts there was, J5 featured 4 MCs, some of them legit champion battle rappers from NYC, and 2 incredible DJs. If you don't know them, you've heard their songs in various forms on both the big and small screens. They weren't dumbed down enough for pop, not crude enough for gangsta or mafioso, and not batshit crazy enough for fringe rap. The only way to describe the whole unit is as masters of their craft. Check out Kool Keith's short contribution DDT and the assault of A Day At The Races with guest Big Daddy Kane! Remember His Name check for lyrical respect and Sum Of Us for their patented rap choruses that no one could match. Truly a great modern hip-hop album.

     And here's that other Clapton GH review from Matt....
Eric Clapton- Timepieces best of...:
Not sure how or where Clapton and his plethora of bands end up on your list. But, this album has all of the Clapton highlights. 'Layla', 'I shot the sheriff', 'After midnight' and 'cocaine' are all on this little cheap gem. There is only 10 or so songs and all are Clapton-rific! It was the first Clapton album I bought at 12 years old and covered all the bases. Although 'Cocaine' is prolly not pre-teen appropriate. 

      So there it is, 2 posts in one day. I'll try for the next 5 tomorrow. As always, tell me what you think and don't forget to do this week's poll at the top right!

#281-285

     Here are the next 5 albums you need to go find now. I'm expecting some backlash for one of these being so low. We'll see...

285. Straight Outta Compton - N.W.A. (1989)
     The birth of gangsta rap launched from South Central L.A. and splattered when dropped over cities and suburbs alike nationwide. Until this gem, hip hop was more-or-less controlled by the eastside. With Dr. Dre's beats and an unwavering anger mixed with unapologetic rawness expressed by Ice Cube and Eazy E, west coast rap arrived at the table. The group even received menacing letters from the F.B.I. Even by today's standards, an awesomely offensive collection of songs.

284. In The Court Of The Crimson King - King Crimson (1969)
     Progressive rock was still in it's infancy and trying to establish what exactly it was when King Crimson burst on the scene and defined the genre. Pink Floyd and the Moody Blues gave prog rock it's birth, but to my mind not even Yes or early Genesis truly melded rock, jazz and classical composition as well as this masterpiece did.

283. BloodSugarSexMagik - Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991)
     The Peppers had almost 'made it,' they just couldn't seem to close the deal. They got a little more mainstream and mushy with tracks like Under The Bridge and Breaking The Girl while staying true to their blend of funk/punk/psychedelica on other tracks and released their best album.  Having Rick Rubin  produce the album sealed the deal.

282. New Adventures In Hi-Fi - R.E.M. (1996)
     Their best album? No. But there's a lot of 'best albums' to be had with R.E.M., and I feel this was their last great one. This was their 10th album and their last with the original line-up. By combining their softer side from their most popular, acoustic based albums and mixing it with the harder rock the band discovered on Monster, this is a very versatile album. Check out Undertow, Leave and So Fast, So Numb.

281. The Wall - Pink Floyd (1979)
     There are 2 schools of thought to this album. Some Floyd fanatics swear this is the greatest thing the band did, period. Others agree it's a great album, but have other albums they would put above it. I, clearly, am of the second group. Don't get me wrong, the influence this album had was staggering, and still is, but I'm going to go on record and say that, strictly as an album and judging by the tracks alone....it's a little overrated. There, I said it. There just seems to me to be some weak transitional songs in the set just there to move the story along. I've had it argued that there must be, on all concept albums, such tracks for the trajectory of the concept. I say this to that...Tommy. Even the transitional tracks are excellent. Honestly, there are other concept albums I like more later in the list as well, but this album features greats such as Comfortably Numb, Run Like Hell and Another Brick In The Wall, all of which would be competing for placement on a list of favorite rock songs in my book.

     I have no one to thank but myself for this section of the list as I flew solo in the garage when completing it. As I've stated, gimme a call or hit me up. If I'm out there, you're more than welcome to stop by for a beer and/or a smoke and assist with the list.

     The first comment I'll post comes from Rachel and was on the last post. If you missed it, here is some welcome support  to my placing Tori on the list...
I've never been very fond of the chick songwriter. I don't care how wonderfully poetic the song is. And if there is a guitar involved. I'm outie. Apparently, I can make an exception for a chick with a piano. Her edges are so sharp that she demands your attention and then takes you on journey that while painful is hopeful in the end. "Cornflake Girl" grabs me and shakes me every time. 

     Thanks Rachel. There's more Tori to come. Here is an awesome new idea for a list from my bestest, the main man, Josh.... Having been inspired by Jason Hurley , I have started work my Top 300 Songs list. I am pleased to predict that singers/groups that start with "Tori", "Lil", or "Indigo" will not appear on the list. Aw yeah.

     I love that people are making their own album and song lists now. I feel very happy I've contributed to other music lovin' projects ideas, no matter how small that contribution is. I will say that Josh is nuts, though. Hard as it's been to do this list and the sheer amount of time spent on this (again, we're talking years, people) makes me fear for his sanity. A short while after posting the idea, Josh posted this...133 songs and only half way through the "b"s in my collection. ut oh. It ain't easy, folks. But it's a hell of a lot of fun just trying, and so rewarding to hear songs and albums you may have neglected or forgotten about over the years. Kudos. I want to read that list in process so I can heckle, I mean, debate.

     Finally, here is one of the reviews our friend Matt sent me as he works on his list. I enjoy reading Matt's critiques very much, and look forward to continued reading, but the reason the man is on every post in he's the only one to send me reviews! Still waiting, people. I would love to hear about some albums I've missed. I believe this is his current fave album, so we'll do this one today...
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals- 'Grace Potter & the Nocturnals': A mix of classic rock and blues. Grace Potter is the reincarnation of Janis Joplin. Her stellar vocals, guitar playing and amazing on stage presence make her one of rocks leading ladies. 'Paris', 'Hot Summer Night', 'Tiny Light' and 'medicine' are the upbeat highlights with slower melody tracks rounding out the album. I originally discovered this band while hearing their amazing cover of 'White Rabbit' and for you straight fellas she's freakin hot too!

     So, there you have it. As always, I hope I've introduced something new to hear or reminded you of a great album you've forgotten. I'll have another 5 up within 24 hours this time, maybe even 10! Let me know how you feel!

#286-290

     Another 5 for the people. Loving the assorted comments I'm getting on here, facebook and through e-mail. Still waiting on an actual album review I've missed.....
     If you haven't noticed, I have included a running tally of the list at the bottom of the blog for those wanting to skip on my ever-so-enlightening and charming commentary. Your loss, people. This particular post will also have comments from friends Lani and good ole Matt again, along with a comment from Michael A that has solidified my decision to explain (or attempt to explain) the math equation behind my album analysis. That's right, a lil bit 'o math up in here. Up and away....

290. Demon Days - Gorillaz (2005)
     Damon Albarn teamed with Danger Mouse for their second album, a producer who has many albums appearing on this list. A slew of guest artists appear all over the album, none cooler than Dennis Hopper on Fire Coming Out Of A Monkey's Head. Supposedly a loose concept album about the final survivors of some apocalyptic incident, I'll admit there's some filler here and there. Overall, however, with tracks like Feel Good Inc., Dirty Harry and DARE, this is an incredibly innovative and rewarding mix of styles and genres worth looking into.

289. Maximum Balloon - Maximum Balloon (2010)
     This was basically a criminally overlooked solo album from Dave Sitek, the mastermind behind TV On The Radio and a highly sought after producer in his own right. He utilizes his TV bandmates here, as well as other awesome guest spots from Karen O to a very fun track with David Byrne. I would even go so far as to say there is only 1 TV On The Radio album better than this one. Groove Me, Absence Of Light, Communion and Apartment Wrestling are my faves.

288. Best Of: Millennium Collection - Steve Winwood (1999)
     The first Best Of on the list. There are a few of the 20th Century Masters greatest hits collections on here as they are very good collections. This focuses on Winwood's work from 1966-1971. It's incredible to think that, in 6 years, Winwood pretty much headed up Spencer Davis Group (Gimme Some Lovin), Traffic (Dear Mr. Fantasy) and the supergroup with Eric Clapton, Blind Faith (Can't Find My Way Home). I am a fan of Back In The High Life, Winwood's ultra-successful comeback album from the 80's, but this is my favorite album featuring him and his work.

287. Raising Sand - Robert Plant / Alison Krause (2008)
     This 2009 Grammy winner for Album Of The Year may raise some eyebrows for being on here (I'm USUALLY not a big fan of the awards), but I don't care. This is a great album. It may be something you need to be in the mood for, but when you are, nothing beats it. An album of re-worked covers in various forms of reconstruction, T Bone Burnett is masterful at making the most out of minimal production values, keeping songs sounding haunting and brooding, yet absolutely beautiful. Having these two vocalists doesn't hurt, either. An amazing album. Did it deserve the Grammy? Who cares!

286. Under The Pink - Tori Amos (1994)
     Tori tends to divide my garage peeps, usually by gender. I am of the elusive straight male group who like Tori a lot. This was her second and best-selling album. At times it tends to dip a bit deep into drudgery, something I feel her first album completely avoided, otherwise this would be higher in the ranks. You just can't beat Cornflake Girl, though. I also love Cloud on My Tongue and Pretty Good Year.

Once again, the same wonderful people from the last 2 entries were with me. This is the last post of 5 that was decided from that night.

Let's start the comments from my dearest Lani, whom I wish was around more to be an ear in the garage and a spring to my step:
John Wesley Harding only at 300! I love that album with all my heart and soul. And Lil Wayne should never even make the top 50,000 albums not to mention ahead of Dylan in the top 300. gross. And the miseducation of Lauryn Hill didn't even make it.Youre killin me here.
     Thanks, Lani. I'm sure you're not thrilled with Tori being this low, either. There are 2 more Tori albums coming, though! Also, Lauryn Hill was actually on the first list I did, but when I went back to it I just didn't love it as much as I remembered. I did feel slightly wrong leaving it off, though. But it is. I still love you, though.

...and here's the latest from our friend Matt....
Jason thanks for the forwarding of my 'listless' comments to your blog! I know my comments arn't falling on deaf ears! Which is ironic since the List makes me wonder if your hearing is okay!:) I'm excited to see which albums I assumed wrong on. I'm pleased to see the Carter III on the list although its quite a bit higher on my list. Also, The Toadies-Rubberneck is an awesome pick on both our lists that I assumed you'd overlook. I had a paper book cover in high school with 'I come from the water' and the Toadies written all over it. I even have a friend with the Rubberneck cover guy tattoo as a tramp stamp! I freakin love that album. I'll be looking to check out something from your list and let you know what I think. I'll be reading and waiting for my surprises:) maybe Kanye?!? Jk
     I'm just happy someone else remembers The Toadies and how awesome that album was. Thanks again, Matt.

...finally, as stated before, one of the music geeks I respect most in this world, Mr. Michael Absher writes...
Lil Wayne is a Kool Keith wannabee. Just sayin. The rest on this page I will not argue with. I still don't know how you narrowed it down to 300.
     Now, I didn't put this on the blog originally because I wasn't sure it could be explained without talking through it. But since Michael asked and Mo had pushed me to speak on it, here is the simple math on how I decide where albums rank:
     I categorize every song on an album into Great, Good, Decent or Bad sub-categories. Great songs are worth 4 points, Good ones get 3, Decent 2 and Bad songs get 1 point just for coming to the dance. Now, let's say an album has 10 tracks. It has the potential to gain 40 points if every song is Great (4 x 10). Let's say said album has 4 Great, 2 Good, 2 Decent and 2 Bad songs. If you do the math, that's 28 points out of 40. To get a percentage, you divide the actual # of points (28) by the highest # of points the album could have garnered (40). This comes to 70%. So, this album would then be grouped with other albums that have the same percentage to determine the rankings for all albums that got 70%. It's a LOT of re-listening to the same albums, but that's very helpful in truly determining which albums you can listen to 5 times in a few days and never get sick of. Now, there is more to determining my list than that, but that is the basic equation I use to preliminarily rank albums. No idea if that made sense or not.
     I should have the next 5, maybe 10, up tomorrow. Keep the comments coming and someone has GOT to be upset enough with me for neglecting an album to write a lil mini-review of their own. Lemme know what ya feel, and keep reading! 

#291-295

     They're coming fast, folks! Here's the next 5 along with the rest of Matt's slaying of my leave-off list. The people assisting me with rankings were those I listed on the last post.

295. Paid In Full - Eric B. And Rakim (1987)
     I've had my share of debates with people over which album by this ground-breaking hip hop duo is the best. I stick with their first one. Rakim differed from other rappers of his day by applying a much more laid back delivery with his flow. He was also one of the first, and most successful, to employ internal rhyme schemes within his raps. It was a much more literary style than most used at the time. Truly an incredible early hip hop album.

294. Rubberneck - The Toadies (1994)
     This is one of those albums that people will say "who the hell are they?" The band had a couple hits, most notably Possum Kingdom which is featured in Guitar Hero and used on a track from Girl Talk's All Day (2010). The album did alright on the charts, especially modern rock, but I believe it to be one of the best of the overlooked 90s alt rock albums. I'm betting you haven't heard it, or if you have, you've forgotten it. Seek out and listen to Possum Kingdom, Away, I Come From The Water and Tyler. A little hair band, a little blues, a little grunge, a little Pixies in there....I think you likey.

293. Surrealistic Pillow - Jefferson Airplane (1967)
     Many will only know Somebody To Love and White Rabbit, but there are several genres covered here in one of many, many great albums to come out in '67. Not all of them are covered incredibly well, mind you, but if you haven't heard My Best Friend, Today, Embryonic Journey or Plastic Fantastic Lover, you're missing out on how versatile the band could be. Of course, this was also one of the most important albums to define the 60's hippie movement as well. The version I'm listing is the album with the 4 bonus tracks, it's well worth it.

292. Dear Science - TV On The Radio (2008)
     One of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year (voted best of the year by Rolling Stone and Spin), this is an excellent album that sees Dave Sitek and his cohorts expanding and polishing their sound. I know there are those who would have this even higher, but I feel this is their second best effort and there some tracks that feel quite b-sideish to me. Still, if you haven't heard this you're missing out on some great recent music.

291. Stop Making Sense - Talking Heads (1984)
     This refers to the 16 track re-release, not the original 9 song LP. To be perfectly honest, the 9 song would have placed higher. There are some excellent live versions of some great songs (Psycho Killer, Thank You For Sending Me An Angel, Crosseyed And Painless) and some I feel that don't quite live up to the hype critics afford this great soundtrack. Listen to Genius Of Love to see what I mean. Still, definitely the good outweighs the bad and, if you only owned 2 Talking Heads albums, I would say this should be one of them.

     I have no comments to post yet, but here is the end of Matt's delicious rant. More of these, please.
I leave the Black Album by Metalica and Alice in Chains' Greatest Hits alone because I'm sure the bands will be on your list somewhere. Besides I'm sure you've debated this horse to death. Metallica fans are pretty intense. I love those albums and they on my 150 but not high enough for me to lose sleep over. Since you say that particular Bob Dylan is not on the list, I'm guessing he's on there more than once. I don't get it! I really really really hate Bob Dylan. His music is mostly folky/antiwar music. Its slow and boring. I like my musicians to have a few main things personality, influence, instrumental ability, vocal ability and lyrical ability. One area can be non existent but something else has to make up for it. I find Bob Dylans personality and vocal ability on a scale of 1 to 10 to be a -1.5. Nothing can make up for his vocals. Although, the Wallflowers I kinda liked oddly enough. Apparently his vocal ability skipped a generation. No ABBA greatest hits? I couldn't care less, but it was on my original 300. They were the first group I remember my mother liking and I have nostalgia about that album. Weezer!! I'm not sure why there is no Green or Blue albums on here. I don't have to go into detail because you know why they are great albums. But, neither?!? Yet multiple Dylan? Okay I'm done with the Dylan:) Aerosmith deserves to be on your list too. Toys in the attic, Permanent Vacation, Nine Lives and Get a Grip are all awesome albums. Some better than others yes. But, I think you should've at least taken advantage of the greatest hits rule with Aerosmith. 'O' Yeah the hits' from 2001. That would've let you at least put them on the list. 2 of their four best albums were in my top 150. That's almost it. I have no idea how many pages this is because I'm using a Blackberry. But, here's my list of people I'm assuming won't be on your list before I send you reviews in a couple of days. TLC - 'crazysexycool'. Matchbox 20 - 'Yourself or Someone like you'. Barenaked Ladies - 'Live'. Oasis - 'Morning Glory' Duncan Shiek (any album). Justin Timberlake - 'Justified'. Nelly - 'Country Grammar'. Ludachris - 'Back for the first time'. James Blunt - 'Back to Bedlam'. Prodigy - 'Fat of the Land'. Moby - 'Play'. Depeche Mode - 'Greatest Hits'. Incubus - 'Make Yourself' and 'Morning View'. Jason that's just the begining. I could go on and on all day about albums I think your overlooking. But its your list, who am I to say its wrong? (Except someone who is right;)) I think if you do this again in five years or so there should be an artist or genre limit. Sometimes comparing albums from two different genres is too difficult. Its all personal preference at that point because both could be equal in the factors that make an album great. Well you sparked a never ending entertaining debate for me. I'm usually on my own with these discussions. I'm pretty passionate about my eclectic musical tastes but realize most people won't agree with them. At least here we have a decree to agree to disagree. Until next time or until my reviews of the unlisted. Peace out Broseff!

     Thanks again, my man! The next 5 will be up in a day or 2 and I'll see if I can put this in a strictly list format somewhere in the blog without comment. Keep checking back, and go listen to something on here you haven't heard before. Then send me some comments!

#s 296-300 (In time, we all rhyme.)

     Mo, one of my most consistent garage frequenters, really wanted that last bit in the title as a sub-title. I aim to please. Below are my picks for #296-300 with some brief comments included. There were quite a few people here for the christening of the list and those good people will be listed below as well. Finally I am including the first half of a long but excellent rebuttal concerning not one, not two, but many of the bands and musicians I neglected for the sake of my list. Well done, Matt. Here we go.....

300. John Wesley Harding - Bob Dylan (1967)
     This was recorded during Dylan's tenure with The Band, although he ran off to Nashville and picked up a couple of session players to record this. It was a return to pure folk-country after a few electric albums. The album is basically a composite of various character sketches from the Bible and America's history. Noted as being a very stripped-down album with Bob pulling back a bit on the tenacity of his lyrics. Still, an excellent album that, if nothing else, gave the world All Along The Watchtower. Rolling Stone last ranked it at 301.

299.- With Teeth - Nine Inch Nails (2005)
     Influenced heavily by Reznor's battle with substance abuse and the recovery that followed, this album followed a six year hiatus by NIN. Very popular when released, this album has fallen in favor with many critics as being weaker that the preceding 3 albums. I would agree with 2 of those albums being higher, but with tracks like Only, The Hand That Feeds and Every Day Is Exactly The Same, along with several slow-builders typical of Reznor's style, it's a classic.

298. Tha Carter 3 - Lil Wayne (2008)
     This album definitely caused the most dissent in the garage. My favorite attempted insult was "this is exactly what high school girls listen to." Thanks for that, Patrick! Critically acclaimed upon it's release and in most critics' top 10 lists for the year, the album won a Grammy and had a #1 single...none of which I really care about. I feel it is an album of inconsistencies but, overall, the production is excellent. I am hot and cold on Weezy as this is his only album on my list, but when his flow is on, as in A Milli, it's just sick. I also hate to admit it, but it's near impossible for me not to bounce to Got Money.

297. The White Stripes - The White Stripes (1999)
     Recorded in Detroit before Jack White declared his dislike for the city and refusal to play there again, this 2-person unit took the blues and kicked it's ass all over the fretboard. The assault from a guy and a girl that looked like they worked in your local cafe absolutely bowled me over the first time I heard them. People who know me know of my undying love for Jack White and, therefore, know this is the first of many albums to be seen featuring him. This actual physical cd hold a special place in my heart as it was impossible for me to find when released until a visit to Wyatt Earp's (an excellent local music store) and one of my most respected music lovers, Michael Absher.

296. Illinois - Sufjan Stevens (2005)
     Another Detroiter, this entire album is based on the people, places and events of the state of Illinois. He had previously done an album similarly referencing all things Michigan, but Illinois is when he really found his songwriting stride. It was rumored Sufjan would be doing an album for every state, but that was later admitted to be a bit of a publicity ploy. A lover of large orchestral arrangement, he never better utilized that passion than on Illinois. The shorter instrumental blurbs and religious reference can be tiring at times, but overall an awesome album. Everyone seems to have a different favorite song, another testament to how good this album is. Check out Jacksonville, Chicago, John Wayne Gacy Jr. and They Are Night Zombies!

     Here are the brave souls who started this trip with me....
Brookelyn Walters / Joshua Sauvie / Mo Hnatiuk / Courtney Wilson / Ella Thorp / Christopher Robinson / Ryan Vizcarra / Kaitlin Kilbourne / Chris Keller / Patrick Munley / the incredible Tiffany Hurley
     Thanks to all of you for your company and input. Much appreciated, stop by and help anytime, just call first. 

     Finally, here is the first half of a passionate fellow music fan and friend sent to me via facebook....
Jason buddy 'o pal, what the hell are you thinking! Lol jk When I heard of this list of yours, I was super excited. See, not to steal your thunder. But, I too love list/surveys. I always used to fill out those stupid publishers clearing house and random surveys my grandma received in the mail. I too love all things pop culture. So since your combining the two, your list got me excited for sure. I figured yesterday the only way for me to adequately comment on your blog was to make my own 'rough draft' list. When I got to 300 I just dwindled it down to 150. I took out anything that doesn't fit your rules and anything I felt I could go either way with. I only had 2 country albums on my list and the Grease soundtrack so those 3 were really easy. Now out of my top 150 you've already broken my heart:( lol Your 'unlisted' list killed me! Out of 150 I now know at least 55 of my picks are not listed. 55 Jason!!!! I thought we would have closer musical tastes than that. I think your pallet needs cleansing:) I'm gonna prepare reviews for all 55. Even though I know it'll take a min and fall on deaf ears, I'm gonna try any way. But, I'm a dork with tons of extra time! Also out of my 150 and your unlisted, I now believe I only have 15 guarantees to be on both our lists. Only 15 out of 300! The other 80 songs on my list are maybes for both, but I figured 50-60% of those won't be on yours either. So I'm hurtin' here buddy. I may agree on about 55 out of your 300 that's a low number. Now just a quick overview of why we differ so much w/o actual album reviews. #1 no freakin' Jagged Little Pill? Really?!? I know you like it everyone does. But, not even in your top 300? Every song was awesome! 3 or 4 #1 hits. All written by her angry girl rocker self. Its the #1 debuting album for a female artist ever! or it was before GaGa. Which brings me to the no love for your homos section:) No GaGa? Okay I realize its her 1st album and its not old enough to see if it stands the test of time. But, being that I've seen 4 concerts in 2.5 years. I'm a self proclaimed monster. Her album is honestly great from cover to cover. Her performance ability though not part of this list is off the charts. If the influence on culture or other artists is a factor, she should be included. Everyone in pop music is trying to find there own 'GaGaesque' style. I get the Madonna references I do, but unlike Madonna she wrote or produced every song on her albums. She plays multiple instruments including classical piano and sings live unlike the material girl. Frankly, if you strip down GaGa she is nothing like Madonna, she has talent!! The comparisons are mainly from studio production and marketability aspects like subtle chanting, beats, gay influence etc. I would really consider her more of a female Freddie Mercury/Alice Cooper mix. I might lose my gay card for this. But, Madonna is the overrated one. She talk/chants every song and has like a 5 note vocal range. I only had her greatest hits album on my list. But, once again she's influenced everyone that followed her. Which, is funny b/c she was originally compared to Marilyn Monroe. In fact, every new pop star still is told they copy Madonna, so why no list # Jason? Huh? Huh? Lol I'm gonna go out on an obvious limb and mention I know there is no Scissor Sisters album on your list and I had 2 on mine. So boo, from the gay peanut gallery. In fact, I feel like your list may be popless. Which I didn't know until yesterday fills like 25% of my list. I always thought of my self as a rock/alternative guy. But, not so much after really analyzing the situation. I'm concerned about your rap choices too el dudarino. No Kanye at all?!? What! You got to be crazy. College Dropout is definitely his best work. He produced the shit out of the whole album and its lyrically phenomenal. 'Through the wire', 'Jesus Walks', 'All Falls Down', 'Workout Plan' and those are just the singles released. I know it cover to cover, listen to it monthly and it was on repeat for the first 6 months it came out. Its an original rap album that talks of politics, racism and lifes struggles. Instead of money, hoes, drugs and cars like most rap tends to do. His douchness makes him disliked w/o really paying attention to the talent he is being over looked for. I'm concerned about your singling out of The Eminem Show too. That means I know you have 2 if not 3 Em albums on your list. The Marshall Mathers LP is by far his best. Recovery is my 2nd. Then, the Eminem Show and Slim Shady LP rounds out his good albums. I hope to the non-existent god above that you do not put on the Slim Shady LP. First of all its not as good as the Eminem Show. Secondly, there is no Kanye and his album is better than either the Em Show or Slim Shady LP. I know I'm gonna be looking closely at all your rap picks trying to find the place where Kanye should be. I know you like B.I.G. and Tupac so I'm guessing when you put multiple albums by them, that's when I'll be questioning your sanity.

     Thanks, Matt, and I'm glad to play a small part in the inspiration to formulate your own list 'o faves. You'll have to wait and see, but I will say you are in the wrong with some of your assumptions with what did and did not make the list. I'll look forward to surprising you. Thanks again for the message, this is exactly what I'm hoping for and I'll post the second half of this with my next 5.
     Again, anyone and everyone can send my review, rebuttals, referrals straight to hell and I'll post them. So far Matt's is the only thing I've gotten. The only comment I can post is from my main, Josh, who I hope will be contributing frequently in all ways to the blog......

Yes, and NIN and REM weren't popular bands? Your goth logic is faulty. I will prove it so. You got a problem and I will bring The Cure. Disintegration before The Black Album! Aw Sooky.
J
     This was in reference to my first post. He keeps fighting for The Cure in vain. Don't we all, my friends, don't we all.

      The next 5 are coming soon. Let me know how ya feel!

The Ones You'll Hate Me For (but hopefully still follow the blog)

     Alright, let's get this over with. First, these are that almost made the list. I do enjoy these discs, just not quite as much as the ones that made it. I expect hellfire to rain down oe'r me for some of these, but I gots ta be honest. Here we go.....
Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys = Let's get this straight. Without this album, there might not be a Sgt.  Pepper's. This was actually composed and conceived as an attempt to top Rubber Soul. The Beatles came back with the above mentioned classic, and Brian Wilson went completely insane. Not really, but clearly The Beatles won this little competition. Great album, Rolling Stone has it ranked at #2. I respectfully and completely disagree.
Blonde On Blonde - Bob Dylan = People who know me know I love Dylan. There are 8 Dylan album on this list, half of them won't be seen until the top 30. I like this album, I respect it, it's just not one of my fave Dylans. I'm hoping this may be one that someone might send me a short review on stating why it's as great
as it's considered in the Dylan lexicon. I just don't get it.
Plastic Ono Band - John Lennon = I do like this album but, again, not quite enough. There are no solo Lennon albums on this list. There, I said it. Nope, not Imagine either.
Van Morrison - Astral Weeks = Sorry, Patrick.
     The rest of the 'almost' albums...
Alice In Chains - Greatest Hits
Blur - Blur
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane
Digable Planets - Reachin'
Pearl Jam - Yield
Phish - Rift
Phish - Junta
Metallica - (black album)
Alanis Morisette - Jagged Little Pill (seriously, this is still a good album)
Jack Johnson - On And On
Bob Marley - Catch A Fire
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Eminem - The Eminem Show
Fugazi - 13 Songs
G. Love and Special Sauce - Philadelphonic
Genesis - Turn It On Again: The Hits
R.E.M. - Murmur
Bob Seger - Greatest Hits
Elliot Smith - Figure 8
The Smiths - Best Of, Volume 1
Sonic Youth - Dirty
The Stooges - The Stooges
The Verve - Urban Hymns
War - Anthology
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
Stevie Wonder - Talking Book
Neil Young - After The Gold Rush
The Young Rascals - Groovin'
Cee Lo Green - The Ladykiller
Cinematic Orchestra - Everyday
Medeski, Martin and Wood - Combustication
Curtis Mayfield - "Superfly" Motion Picture Soundtrack
     Of course, there were many other good albums not making the cut, but those were the ones that got cut last.

     Below are the bands/musicians that have NO albums on the list. Again, I know I keep pimping this, but if you would like to write a short review on ANY album by anyone listed below, I will eventually post it. The ones I suspect I'll get the most grief about first...
Bruce Springsteen - I know, the guy's got 3 albums in most people's top 20. I like songs by him, I respect the hell outta is lyrics, what he's done, what he stands for...I just don't love him. I've heard every album, had several people try to convince me why I should be a fan, I'm just not. Sorry.
Kanye West - I've said it before, I'll say it again: he's a top notch producer and an overrated rapper. Plus, he's a douche. Admittedly.
Lady Gaga - I like her, I do, and she is a talented songwriter and performer, but I also think she's ever-so-slightly overrated and thought it meant more when she was here the first time as Madonna.
The Cure - The person who's musical tastes I respect more than any other, my best friend Josh, has, for years, tried to convince me that Disintegration not being on this list makes the entire list void. Another band that I truly respect, like some songs, just never dug an entire album. Sorry, Stubbs.
     ....and here's the rest that people have given me grief about or I anticipate will....
Aerosmith  / Depeche Mode / The Four Tops / The Supremes / The Four Seasons / The Clash / Chuck Berry  / Stevie Wonder / Joni Mitchell / Carole King /  The Eagles / Sex Pistols / Love / Patti Smith  /  Little Richard  /  Al Green  /  Ray Charles / Sly And The Family Stone / Buddy Holly / Elvis Costello  / Weezer / Frank Sinatra  / Sam Cooke  /  Liz Phair /  Husker Du  / The Byrds / Television / Patsy Cline /The Replacements  /  Blondie  / Otis Redding  / The B-52's / Kiss / A Tribe Called Quest / Joy Division / Willie Nelson / Peter Gabriel / T. Rex / Tina Turner / The Smiths /   Neil Diamond  / The Kinks / Madonna / Abba / Janet Jackson / Blood, Sweat and Tears  / Smokey Robinson and the Miracles / MC5 / Jeff Buckley / Jethro Tull

     Finally, there was only 1 album that really, truly, deeply pained me to not include on the list because it was against my rules...kinda. King Of The Delta Blues by Robert Johnson is one of my favorite albums. It would have been in my top 50 at the very least. The album was released in 1961, however, every track was recorded in the 30s. I could not, in good conscience, include it knowing I had bent my very own guidelines, so I left it off. It is a remarkable album from one of the greatest guitarists of any genre, ever, and if you are unfamiliar with it I HIGHLY recommend checking it out.

     That's it! We start ranking tonight, so I should have #s 296-300 up as early as tomorrow! Check back again and, for the last time, if you see some album or group on here you're very passionate about and think it's crazy I'm not giving them their due, don't sit and sulk, write a little sumpthin sumpthin, comment on here, e-mail me or message me on facebook, and I shall make sure your voice is heard. Stay tuned!

    

Rules and Regulations

     These are really more guidelines, mind you. Most were created the first time I did my top 300...that's right, this is my second go-round. The idea to massively combine two of my greatest passions actually came about in 2005 when Rolling Stone published their Top 500 Albums Of All Time. There were, of course, many favorite albums of mine that were not featured on their list, many I thought were crazy choices, and many I had never heard. I sought out every album on the list I didn't already own to listen to, kept the ones I knew I must have and disregarded the rest. That took a year. Going through my entire collection, which now numbered over a thousand, took another. I spent many spring and summer nights in the garage ranking them until I completed the list that encompassed albums released between 1950 and 2006 in late '07.
     At that time my rankings were based on several factors: the ratio of great to decent to bad songs on each album, it's influence, originality and creativity, the Rolling Stone rating, other reviews, lyrics, craftsmanship...it was pretty overblown and relied quite a bit on the popular vote as opposed to mine. This time I spent a little time integrating each album's influence on culture, but mostly they are MY CHOICES concerning the 300 greatest albums ever made. As I rate, it's always fun to have friends stop by and put their 3 cents in and try to sway my judgement. I still welcome that, but I have chosen all 300 albums without interference and I've done some preliminary ranking. Whenever I have contributors (which is often during the summer) they will be joining me in tearing through 15-20 albums, trying to determine the lowest 5 at a time.
     So, here are my basic guidelines for album judgement.....

• We are looking for the greatest albums, not bands or songs. If an album has 11 tracks and 3 are just incredible with the rest not bad, it's not a great album. At least, not a top 300 album.
• Albums released from 1950 through 2010 were considered. If there are songs on a greatest hits album released prior to '50, the album must contain less than 20% from years before. Did I say 'greatest hits?' Well......
• Greatest Hits, Best Ofs and Boxed Sets are included on the list. This gets the biggest groans from my music lovin' loyalists. Look, there are musicians and bands who are absolutely amazing talents who've released 20 great songs, but never a great album. But they HAVE if they or their label have released an excellently produced Best Of featuring the exact songs that should be featured without filler. I listened to the Best Of The Doors for a year straight. That's a great album. You'll also find that many bands who have greatest hits on the list also have studio albums ranking higher that their GH. Trust me, with each choice I'll explain why I chose that particular album. I know it will still irk many, to which I say....it's my list, dude. Comment on here and plead your case for the stupidity of choosing Best Ofs. I'll read it.
• Each album, however, must feature the same musician or band. Therefore, collections and soundtracks focusing on more than one are not included. No classical compositions or original cast recordings will be found.
• Live albums are also included. It's too hard not to have certain albums from Allman Brothers, The Band or Johnny Cash that were recorded live on here. It was difficult, however, sorting through Grateful Dead and Phish. Even outlawing bootlegs and sticking with label released live albums is overwhelmimg. In the end, I believe I chose right, although there are no Dick's Picks albums (those who know the Dead will understand that comment).
• Albums must be full-length, not EPs.
• There are no country albums. I don't like it. I don't want it. Johnny Cash and The Avett Brothers...that's as close as I get. 

     And them's the rules. My last post before the list begins will list some honorable mentions, albums that came close to listitude. I'll also list the some of the musicians/bands that have NO album featured and that I know I'll hear about. That way if anyone out there wants to take me up on writing a paragraph or 2 why an album by a certain musician/band SHOULD be listed and why I'm an ass to not be a fan, you can. Comment on a post or shoot me an e-mail. Facebook friends should send reviews as a message, I check there more than anywhere. I hope I get some takers but, please, keep any reviews/rebuttals to under a page. As promised, every post I'll include one review and one previous blog comment...when available. One more before the first 5!

The attempt at justification.

     When I was a toddler, with only a handful of recognizable weapons in my verbal arsenal, there was an utterance I continued to sound that baffled and intrigued my parents more than the rest of the "syllables" that dribbled from my mouth. As the story goes, I would stand in the backseat of the car (apparently toddler safety seats weren't really a concern in the late 70's) and sing with the radio...but I would sing the same phrase over and over again. To the captive audience of my parents in the front seat it sounded like 'yiggy, yiggy!' repeated tenaciously with no reprieve.  At first it was thought that the teddy bear I was flailing around must be named Yiggy and his awesome arrival needed to be announced to the world. Eventually it was discovered that what I was really doing was singing my name, or rather, the name that my grandma called me by, Jakey. I was learning my name by singing it in rhythm to the radio. This is why friends, when they speak affectionately of me (which happens constantly, RIGHT?), often call me Jakey...also why my display name here is J-Key ...without the A (I thought it looked cooler, SHUT UP).
     Now, why the hell would I open a Top 300 Albums blog with that story? Yes, thank you for asking, the reason is that I feel that story demonstrates how early on my passion for music truly took hold in me. Others might argue that story also tells other tales about me, such as my sometimes disgraceful need to perform for others and an early start to an overinflated ego, but let's sidestep those ridiculous notions and stick to the point. Most who know me know I am a freak when it comes to music history, music nostalgia, music love. There is nothing better to me than chilling with friends opening fresh ears up to some band or album that's never passed that way before, or being introduced to some great ear candy that's escaped me. If you want to cheer me up, start a conversation or gain a friend for life, start talking music...any music (except much country, but more on that in another post). Below I will attempt to help justify a reason for those who DON"T know me to take a look at what will be a great list of albums and why I feel, if nothing else, I can be relied upon to throw down some great album exploring influence without actually being someone influential in creating, critiquing or manufacturing albums. I could also give a brief history of why I am truly a Master List Ninja Czar, but maybe that can wait for the next huge list I tackle, and this is already crazy wordy. Okay, from the top....
    The opening story is the most notable as a toddler. My mom would sing me "You Are My Sunshine" as an early baby fave of mine, and there was a music box I was quite taken with that would play "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" (kind of a morbid song for a baby, but I dug it). Aside from that, I didn't become completely infatuated with music until pre-school. This was when I discovered the treasure in our basement...cardboard boxes packed with my dad's collection of lp's and 45's. I learned very quickly how to work the turntable and started mixing...it's not quite as cool as it sounds. What I mean is, I began making mix tapes from my dad's albums. I would DJ using a mic hooked up to the stereo, talking about what little I knew about the songs, dedicating songs to my parents, making up weather reports. Sometimes my dad got the tapes, other times I would keep them to re-do until I felt they were perfect. Simon and Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Cat Stevens, early Beatles, Elton John, Chicago, tons of Motown, 60's pop and 70's rock albums. I never did make it through all of them, but a couple boxes still exist. Anyway, this is what I would do on rainy days or when I wouldn't be pulled away.
     Pre-school was also the first time music turned on me. I was madly in love with this girl Margaret. I decided on Valentine's Day I would bring her candy and serenade her with "Cecelia" in front of the whole class. Why I decided to sing "Cecelia" for a girl named Maragaret...who knows, it was pre-school. SO, I stand in front of the class, scared shitless no doubt, begin singing the song and realize Margaret is listening while holding hands with this other kid. I finished the song, humiliated, and went on a killing spree 3 days later. No, I got over it eventually, but I was stung by that song. Maybe Margaret didn't like that I was singing her another girl's name either.
     Once the 80s hit I had a new musical influence in my life...babysitters. I was introduced to Duran Duran. Seven And The Ragged Tiger was the first cassette I ever purchased with my own money earned from chores. Around that time they would also have the Top 20 songs on TV each Friday night at 11. I would beg my parents to let me stay up and see if "Take On Me" or "Easy Lover" would hit #1. They often let me. My influences wouldn't expand until middle school.
     By the late 80s I considered myself a burnout without actually being a burnout. I didn't smoke, didn't drink, didn't skip school, but was all about the metal and hair band glory of that time. I'm not just talking about Crue and Metallica and G 'n R, I'm talking Kix and Brittany Fox, all the hair band greatness and complete crap alike. I knew it all. Ozzy Osboune became my favorite. That led to Sabbath, which led to other 60s and 70s band my dad hadn't had a lot of. The Doors, Jimi and Led Zeppelin made me realize how much I had been missing by my strict diet of MTV. My cassette collection was crossing over the 100 tape mark. It was also during this time that my brother got a guitar for Christmas. It lasted a month in his room and then came to live in mine. I taught myself how to play by playing constantly until I could play, or at least fake, most of what was on the radio or TV. A steady supply of tab books didn't hurt, either.
     Many musical influences attacked me once high school hit. The first was Public Enemy, N.W.A. and Geto Boys had poured into the suburbs. Overnight kids traded their shoulder length hair and Anthrax tees for fades with their names shaved in them and triple fat goose coats. ALL kids, black or white, rich or poor, didn't matter. I then dove full force into a world that included Big Daddy Kane, EPMD and Boogie-Down Productions. In 3 years I gathered all I could until the next musical revolution in my life took place.
     My junior year in high school, the theatre bug took an enormous chomp out of my ass. At first it was to get a girl, I confess, but then I fell in love with the process it took to win the prize. With drama came musical theatre and choir. I saw a production of JC Superstar that left me agape and I was all in for original cast scores. Any decade, any musical, I hunted them out. Choir brought about my desire to learn more about classical music, and I began dating a french horn player...not to broaden my musical horizons, mind you, that was just a nice add-on. The biggest piece of my musical fandom pie to be served up from the dramatic arts influence, however, would happen when my choir teacher introduced the aural sensation that was John Coltrane. When I had finished my run of catching up on stage musicals, I would begin learning as much about jazz and it's operators as I could.
      Wrapping up high school was my brother's extreme love of the Grateful Dead, which turned me on to the band I've seen the most, heard the most from, and worshiped the most through my college years...Phish. From the combination of the Dead and Phish I also FINALLY learned of Mr. Robert Zimmerman and much of the other folk and roots rock I had missed or was going to be coming up in the next couple years. Santana, The Band, Dave Matthews was on the verge of breaking wide open, Rusted Root, those bands.
      I also began hanging with the goth kids, who during this time weren't really 'goth' like we know it now, but closer to...alternative...or something. Hard to describe, but The Cure and Depeche Mode were the popular bands. I was more into R.E.M. and a certain album I became obsessed with (and actually started me drinking) called Pretty Hate Machine. After my love of this album I heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on the radio and, for the second time, I watched a massive cultural shift in my town overnight. This is when I switched over to cds and my band ( I became lead singer and writer of my first as a senior in high school) began covering Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains.
   Once college hit my tastes for music expanded, but by this point you get the gist. I listen to just about everything. I didn't get into my discovery of Muddy Waters and the blues, or the first time I heard Sgt. Pepper's or Exile, or my first well baked encounter with Dark Side Of The Moon. By now, hopefully you are sold and, with a promise that I'll try not to drone on as often in future posts (or at least be more interesting), you'll come back and check out the list. To conclude, I have listed some of my firsts below. I would LOVE some comments on your firsts as well...musically speaking, that is. I can say that I still play guitar and write music, I still make friends mixes monthly and keep a list of every mix I've made for every friend since 1994, AND, as you will see, I still am completely consumed by music.

FIRST CASSETTE OWNED-Seven and The Ragged Tiger, Duran Duran
FIRST CD OWNED - Ten, Pearl Jam
FIRST CONCERT - The Grass Roots, The Turtles, Gerry and the Pacemakers
FIRST NON-PARENT-ATTENDED CONCERT - MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, Bel Biv Devoe
BAND I'VE SEEN THE MOST LIVE - Phish (17 shows), Tool (4 shows)
LAST CONCERT ATTENDED - BB King, Buddy Guy
BEST CONCERT ATTENDED - Allman Brothers Band (when Dickie Betts was still in the band)
ONLY MUSIC GENRE I DON'T LISTEN TO - Country...you get that yet?

The next post will detail my rules and regulations for album consideration in the top 300, which will be fun as it will be sure to raise some eyebrows. Stay tuned!!!