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!