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....
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!
Love that you included NWA here. My mom wouldn't allow me to own Guns N'Roses because of the Charles Manson connection, but Straight Outta Compton was in my collection :)
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