It recently came to mind that I never made a definitive list of my favourite music. You see I've been trying to get back into the music thing, and when I found I started to enjoy the new White Stripes and Foo fighters albums I thought about doing a top 10-15-20 albums list.
I'd like to see a few people try the albums I list as my top albums, but I don't really see people jumping all over the idea. Just try one of the albums on the list that you haven't heard, and give it a chance. You see I've had more than a few people say how diversified my taste in music is, everything from Hard Rock to Jazz to Classical and Soul.
In no specific order ....................................................
India.Arie ....Acoustic Soul .... 2001
Music for the soul!
Fred and Stew laughed at me when I pulled up to the first baseball practice with this album playing in the summer of 2001, mostly when I said it was a great album HHmm !
when the 2002 Grammy nominations were announced on January 4th 2002. That morning, India.Arie astonished the record industry by drawing nominations in seven categories, including Best New Artist, and Record, Song and Album of the Year -- the most of any solo artist, and one less than the most-nominated act, U2.
Was(Not Was) .... Are you OK? .... 1990
Funky Stuff !!
This is probably one of my favourite albums and has a place in "Stew's Civic" as my most listened to Cd in that car. By todays music it's pretty dated, but it has a combination of fun music(Are you ok?, K-mart wardrobe), to socially relevent stuff(Maria Navarro, I blew up The United States). Guests include Leonard Cohen, Syd Straw, Iggy Pop, the Roches and rapper G Love E, who puts his stamp on an otherwise straight (albeit updated) cover of the Temptations' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." The older albums are just as much fun, if less up tempo, and for the lack of a better word would be considered "different" by most people .... Nothing worng with being different though:-)
Billy Joel .... The Stranger .... 1977
Not much to say here, quite possibly the BEST solo male rock/pop artist ever. I KNOW I know, he ain't no Elton John, but Billy Joel writes all of his songs, and trys a different genre with each album. Good ole Rock and Roll from albums like Glass Houses to 50's based Innocent Man, even trying classical music with Fantasies and Delusions. Now let's see Elton John do that!!
Billy Joel and Stuart Malina won the Best Orchestrations trophy for "Movin' Out" at the 57th Annual Tony Awards. "Movin' Out" is a new musical conceived, choreographed, and directed by Twyla Tharp. It is based on the songs and music of Billy Joel.
Billy Joel .... An Innocent Man ....1983
50's style, doo-wop mostly
See above ...
To be completely honest I could include at least 3 other Billy Joel albums on this list, Piano Man, 52 Street(not including the craptacular "My Life"), and Storm Front, but I figure you may have heard of Billy Joel already.
Melissa Etheridge .... (Self Titled) .... 1988
Hillbilly rock ... BABY!
This was a great debut album. With her raspy voice and strong stange presence I couldn't wait to see this girl live even WAAAAYY back then. Lierally every song on this album is strong, "don't you need? don't you feel? sometimes I wonder if you are real!!" . I haven't pulled this out in a while, I think it's about time for an extended listen.
Check out Brave and Crazy, her second album, for some tracks that are great live and loud.
Pink Floyd .... The Dark Side of the Moon.... 1973
Rock and Roll with a side of really strong weed!
If you haven't heard this album, it's time to come out from under the rock where you live. I've probably listened to this album with headphones on 30 times over the years, just sit back and enjoy.
They recently released this on SACD with a new 5.1 surround mix, looks like I'll be getting that soon. Too bad I can't use the headphones anymore.
I could also include The Wall in this list, it's a fantastic album, I just felt this was a little stronger.
I also couldn't bring myself to watch the movie "The Wall", the eye brow shaving thing was a little much for me.
Fairground Attraction .... First of a Million Kisses .... 1988
I'll bet you that you've never heard of this album!
It's soft and poetic, it doesn't overrun you, it's perfect for that dinner party with the yuppies next door, I love it! FoaMK is a beautifully put together album where the songs fade in and out almost seamlessly, almost begging you to listen a little longer.
Don't expect to fall in love quickly, give it a chance, think of it as a hot bath on a cold day!
Jim Croce .... Photographs And Memories (His Greatest Hits) .... 1984
A folk/blues/rock singer with a penchant for stroy telling
If you buy only on Jim Croce album, make it this one. Songs like Operator, One Less Set Of Footsteps, and Time in a bottle make this a great album
Jim died in September 1973, who knows how big his career would might have been.
Oh, and I told myself I'd never include a greatest hit/live album, I'm sorry!
Rush .... Exit Stage Left(live) .... 1981
underrated live album form the Rock and Roll Kings of Canada.
Not recorded too well, tough to hear all of the instruments, but WOW what a show.
I don't know when I got this album since I was only 13 when it came out, but I know I listened to it many MANY times on the turntable of my Yorx stereo system. Neil Pearts drum solo on this album kicks serious ass and Geddy Lee goin high on ANY song was always a treat.
I really think I jumped ship after Signals was released in 1982 and the band lost some of it's direction.
Sinead O'connor .... The Lion and The Cobra ....1987
Pop/Rock glory.
Released in 1987 when I was 19 this is quite possibly the best debut by a solo female artist I've heard. Words in music have always meant a lot to me, The Lion and The Cobra delivers. I'm always amazed when she lets go and you feel the emotion, and the hurt in her voice. Listen to Troy for an incredible song, or pull out her next album "I do not Want what I haven't Got" and listen to the Prince cover of "Nothing Compares to you" for some vintage Sinead. I remember staring at the video of this song every time it played for a month. It's a really simple video of just her face looking at the camera .... fantastic.
Tracy Chapman .... (Self Titled) .... 1988
Folk music with social relevance.
Talking about hate, love, poverty, and abuse this albums strong points are the both the lyrics and Tracy Chapmans interesting voice. Her song about abuse "Behind The Wall" will shake you to the core, even stronger when you hear that it's done a cappela. Don't expect a light, flaky album, be ready to be hit with the issues.
Barenaked Ladies .... Gordon .... 1992
Fun pop music with a hook.
When my buddy Stew told me about the new group(that only had an EP out at the time) the Barenaked Ladies I almost laughed just because of the silly name. Now I look back and wish I'd have gone with Stew when he went to see them play at the Ontario Place way back then.
If you aren't tapping your toes after hearing this album... well you don't have any toes!
Highlights include "Box Set", "Brian Wilson", and " The King of Bedside Manor ", your choices may vary.
Back later !!!!!!!!
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2 comments:
Never heard of it, but of course that is, as you said, the purpose for this segment... You have my attention!
I agree with all you choices accept 2.. the India Arie I've never heard (...yet) so I can't comment. I didn't like the Sinead O'Connor. It was a sucessful debut for her, but not my kind of music. My favourite debut from a female artist ever is... Melissa Etheridge. Thanks for the post, you make a lot of good points. Time to dust off a few of these and have another listen. (I haven't 'Walked the Dinosaur' in months! .. I think I should sing that a karaoke one night...)
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