Best Ever Albums

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

benpaco — Wed, 21 May 2014 02:35:08 GMT

Author: benpaco

Posted: 05/21/2014 06:35

Ooh, yay, something I can finally speak to a little bit!

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Streams by Sam Rivers

This one just flows so well. There's something unique to it, it's like wind coming from nowhere.

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Relativity Suite by Don Cherry

I only vaguely remember listening to this album, actually, as most of what I know of his is "Eternal Rhythm", but I remember some interesting instrumentations here more than anything else. (Upon googling, it says it features Conch, Tampura, and Ching)

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Sextant by Herbie Hancock

I was never huge on Headhunters - Chameleon and Sly are great but the other two, even for more ballad style songs, just bore me, they lack some of the emotion I think he possesses. I found Sextant considerably more diverse and interesting, maybe even more experimental (though they both were clearly ahead of their time, in many regards).

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Wed, 21 May 2014 02:08:59 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/21/2014 06:08

1973: Jazz and Jazz Fusion
---------------------------------
The progressive rock movement was not alone in its attempts to incorporate jazz ideas into other genres of popular music. An increased public interest in soft rock and pop in the early ‘70s offered opportunities to a number of jazz-influenced rock musicians, like Chicago, the Doobie Brothers, and Steely Dan.

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Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan

It’s easy to overlook Steely Dan. Too understated for progressive rockers and less consciously commercial than their easy listening peers, their jazz-inspired sound continues to defy categorization. After a radio-friendly debut the previous year, their pop potential was quite high, but Countdown to Ecstasy was a clear statement. They were making the music they wanted to make.

And we would do well to listen carefully. They were renowned studio perfectionists and their melodic sensibility was highly unconventional, so their music holds up well to repeat listening. This was only the beginning of a stellar run of albums that would last all the way into the early ‘80s and although Countdown isn't my favorite of theirs, it still compares well to their best.

On the jazz side of things, the early ‘70s were all about the pianists. Coltrane was gone and Davis was in decline, but their former keyboardists were having their way with the music world.

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Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock

It’s clear that Herbie Hancock learned a great deal during his time as part of the second Miles Davis quintet, where he contributed to such masterpieces as In a Silent Way and On the Corner. Now he was the head of his own band, the Headhunters, and was asserting himself as a creative force. The story of his career was one of increasing commercial viability (at least until the early ‘80s) and decreasing subtlety -- Head Hunters falls right in the middle, offering a blend of funk and jazz that is both artful and fun.

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Enlightenment by McCoy Tyner

Coltrane’s influence shines bright on this excellent recording by McCoy Tyner. Here Tyner, who played on A Love Supreme (among other Coltrane gems), embraces free jazz concepts to make a spiritual statement of his own.

The influence of jazz will percolate through the musical world for decades to come and many in the community will remain active, but after the early ‘70s, popular music history recognizes relatively few pure jazz recordings. This may be the only section I devote to it in the current thread, but my adventures with jazz have been damn near life-changing, so I hope one day to rewind and discuss its origins.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

alelsupreme — Sun, 18 May 2014 16:02:19 GMT

Author: alelsupreme

Posted: 05/18/2014 20:02

Goodsir wrote:

Was actually afraid to bring that one up... it is, well, interesting

Don't care what anyone says, Karn Evil 9 is simply superb. I love every bombastic OTT minute of it.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 15:54:45 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 19:54

alelsupreme wrote:

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Brain Salad Surgery by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Can't talk about Prog Rock without bringing up possibly it's most divisive act.

Was actually afraid to bring that one up... it is, well, interesting

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

alelsupreme — Sun, 18 May 2014 15:52:29 GMT

Author: alelsupreme

Posted: 05/18/2014 19:52

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Brain Salad Surgery by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Can't talk about Prog Rock without bringing up possibly it's most divisive act.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Norman Bates — Sun, 18 May 2014 14:19:57 GMT

Author: Norman Bates

Posted: 05/18/2014 18:19

Goodsir wrote:

A few more that aren't as standout to me, but are worth checking out:

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Flying Teapot by Gong

I second that emotion. However, I would also like to point out that this baby

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Angel's Egg by Gong

from the same year is better than Flying Teapot.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 14:10:40 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 18:10

sp4cetiger wrote:

Now that I think about it, I actually did listen to that one, but only once and I remember being put off by some of the more grandiose bits. I'll give it another listen or two.

Based on your perceptions of prog, I have this feeling you'll hate it. 🤣
It doesn't get much more pompous than "The Battle of Epping Forest".
EDIT: drak got it spot on. Listen to him, because I suck at writing.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

drakonium — Sun, 18 May 2014 14:07:10 GMT

Author: drakonium

Posted: 05/18/2014 18:07

Yes, I wanted to post the Genesis one as well, surprising omission as it's one of the most acclaimed prog records ever. It's personally my favorite. It's totally overblown and grandiose etc, but I also think it's extremely catchy, Gabriel's voice is one of the most powerful of all time (as opposed to most other prog bands with non exceptional singers), and the instruments are very exciting and do lots of entertaining things. I do not hear masturbation, but rather anti-Ramones : instead of having fun by doing short and amateurish songs, they get enjoyment out of long kitschy musical interplay and majestic lyrics. Not sure if it even makes sense though.

Does this count as prog, too?

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Crime Of The Century by Supertramp

I have a gigantic soft spot for this band, and this is their best. Again, exceptional singers, and no dicking around. Whereas Genesis create a kind of goofy medieval ambiance, Supertramp build a darker one, more cynical, but very human as well. Possibly very cliché, but I don't really care. That said, it sounds very calculated; it doesn't bother me but I can totally get how the being-dramatic-for-the-sake-of-it approach can grate.

Hope it makes sense. Anyway, the only good conclusion is that both of them are breathtaking records IMO.

EDIT : shit, it's from 1974. Ah well. Too late.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 13:43:13 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 17:43

Goodsir wrote:

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Selling England By The Pound by Genesis

This is one of the best albums of all time, imo. And easily one of the top ten best prog rock albums ever.

Now that I think about it, I actually did listen to that one, but only once and I remember being put off by some of the more grandiose bits. I'll give it another listen or two.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 12:57:06 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 16:57

Thanks, Goodsir!

RepoMan wrote:

But if your listening to lyrics of Hawkwind,you're really missing the point. :P

Yeah, I guess... but how do I not hear them? 🤣

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 12:38:51 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 16:38

Faves from 1973:

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Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson

You nailed this one on the head, nice synopsis.

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Selling England By The Pound by Genesis

This is one of the best albums of all time, imo. And easily one of the top ten best prog rock albums ever.

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Tales From Topographic Oceans by Yes

Extremely polarizing among Yes fans. I like it enough.

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Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh by Magma

Extremely underrated French prog band. They practically invented the subgenre of Zeuhl.

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For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night by Caravan

Not as good as In the Land of Grey and Pink, but it's another great Canterbury Scene release from Caravan

A few more that aren't as standout to me, but are worth checking out:

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Flying Teapot by Gong

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Camel by Camel

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Illusions On A Double Dimple by Triumvirat

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In A Glass House by Gentle Giant

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Ashes Are Burning by Renaissance

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 12:27:36 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 16:27

Awesome synopses. But if your listening to lyrics of Hawkwind,you're really missing the point. 😜

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 00:48:25 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 04:48

One more thing. I know we have a lot of prog fans here, so please speak up for your favorites. My summaries never need to be the final word.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 18 May 2014 00:26:26 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/18/2014 04:26

1973: Progressive Rock and Rock Opera
-------------------------------------------------
The shortcomings of progressive rock are given right in its name. The genre attracted musicians who held the conceit that rock music was in need of progression -- that it was a low art begging for recognition by the academic establishment. Although its proponents varied widely in how this should be achieved, the majority drew from Western classical music tradition, creating a subgenre known as symphonic prog. For the most part, these folks thought it would be a good idea to take the blues out of rock and make it as sickeningly white as possible. Not that there's anything wrong with European classical traditions, mind you, but when you take the blues out of rock and roll, you take away most of what makes it special.

The genre was not without its virtues, the most notable of which were its encouraging of experimentation and its willingness to stray from traditional song structures. What’s more, some progressive rock musicians drew heavily from jazz tradition, thus retaining its blues foundation, only in a different form.

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Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson

King Crimson, much like their other progressive rock peers, had lofty ambitions. Unlike most of their peers, however, they may have actually been up to the task. If you were wondering why their work gets a pass from critics who are otherwise dismissive of prog, albums like this should help you understand. The highs are absolutely transcendent, though the transitions between songs struck me as awkward at times. Even so, jazz fusion has seldom been done better from the rock side.

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The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd

Dark Side of the Moon is possibly the most polarizing album on BEA. While vaguely symphonic in structure, it is seldom considered to be an example of symphonic prog. Floyd does make heavy use of synthesizers, but it is not with the intention of mimicking orchestral instruments; rather, I would say the resulting soundscape more closely echoes their psychedelic rock origins than a classical composition. Regardless, it’s generally considered to be one of the cornerstones of progressive rock and was certainly influential.

I find myself straddling the boundary of the debate over this album. It has both wowed me and bored me at times. I do think it’s their most cohesive work, but unfortunately it also shows hints of their more… theatrical offerings to come.

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Berlin by Lou Reed

While the rock opera form is not restricted to the progressive rock movement, it has been subject to many of the same criticisms. On the surface, rock operas appear to be an attempt to elevate rock music by fusing it with an artistic form that is respected by the establishment. Early examples, like The Who’s Tommy, were certainly… ostentatious.

As usual, however, Lou Reed was the exception. His 1973 rock opera, Berlin, was so overwhelmingly dismal that I have to wonder if it was intended to be a parody of the form. Never grand or showy, this tragic tale of drugs and suicide unfolds like a long funeral march. It’s very good, but you might still regret listening to it.

Others I listened to:

Quadrophenia by The Who - I can’t believe I sat through this twice. This album seems to have its share of fans on the forum, so somebody please make their case for why this isn’t a massive wankfest.

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren - Prog can work quite well when it actually acknowledges how silly it can be. Also worth hearing for the lovely soul medley.

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield - Downright quixotic. This album barely even tries to be anything other than mass-marketed classical music.

Space Ritual by Hawkwind - Smooth and trippy in its best moments. But those lyrics...

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

meccalecca — Mon, 12 May 2014 15:55:17 GMT

Author: meccalecca

Posted: 05/12/2014 19:55

RepoMan wrote:

Double No kidding. You two should seriously tag team the rest of rock history. Mecca can make cameos. It'd be the best thread on here by a country mile. Loving all these recs!!! Screaming Target and Blackboard Jungle are now in my frequent listening bin & loving both. Thanks!

If we could bring back Lethal and Norman for this as well, it'd be overwhelming. It's really hard to even keep up with all of the amazing recs that come out of this thread. I've been totally focused on writing my synopses of my favorite albums of the 90s and 00s, so that's basically all I've been listening to.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Jimmy Dread — Mon, 12 May 2014 14:41:48 GMT

Author: Jimmy Dread

Posted: 05/12/2014 18:41

Always happy to help. Oddly enough I'm pretty well versed in constructing long diatribes about music, having had to write a university thesis on punk and reggae whilst suffering a raging abscess in the Summer of '00. Highlight being an e-mail conversation I had with Jon Savage, who really does not like Noel Edmonds (ask the Brits here who I'm talking about).

Nowt special about 1974 reggae-wise (apart from Natty Dread, ironically enough, and Keith Hudson's Pick A Dub). I'll wait on the subs bench until you get to '75. In fact 1974's a pretty naff year all round, if you ask me. I think you should skip it!

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 11 May 2014 21:40:15 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/12/2014 01:40

noWaxJim wrote:

I strictly roots.

🤣 🤣

RepoMan wrote:

Double No kidding. You two should seriously tag team the rest of rock history. Mecca can make cameos.

Anybody who is willing to devote time to writing the initial summaries is more than welcome to do so. For example, I would love to see how Jim would summarize 1974 in Jamaican music (or some other year in the '70s) when we get there.

Actually... that's not a bad idea. Maybe we could get some of the resident experts sign up to do summaries on their favorite genre/year combos. I can still do whatever areas that nobody takes and people can still comment as much as they like, but having more "formal" guest contributions would provide some welcome variety.

Regardless, anyone who doesn't like my summary should do exactly what Jim did and write about their own perspective. That goes especially for genres that I tend to dislike (like prog, coming soon).

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 11 May 2014 20:06:13 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/12/2014 00:06

sp4cetiger wrote:

No kidding. I'm almost tempted to post something else controversial so he'll add more to the thread.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Jimmy Dread — Sun, 11 May 2014 14:28:07 GMT

Author: Jimmy Dread

Posted: 05/11/2014 18:28

sp4cetiger wrote:

No kidding. I'm almost tempted to post something else controversial so he'll add more to the thread.

After all, Jimmy Buffett was the best thing to ever happen to Jamaican music.

You're wrong, obviously. It was these two...

Link

I strictly roots.

Re: BEA Reviews the History of Popular Music

Anonymous — Sun, 11 May 2014 12:23:38 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/11/2014 16:23

meccalecca wrote:

You can't go wrong with noWaxJim's chart. Dude seriously knows his stuff.

No kidding. I'm almost tempted to post something else controversial so he'll add more to the thread.

After all, Jimmy Buffett was the best thing to ever happen to Jamaican music.