Best Ever Albums

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 17:23:41 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/27/2019 22:23

END OF LIST RETROSPECTIVE

Before I begin, I'd like to thank all of you lovely readers. If I hadn't received any feedback early on, I probably would've run out of steam around 17 and would've never come back to this website again. I'm so glad there's a (small) community of people wanting to read my idiotic musings on my favorite albums ever. Anyway, here are a few observations I made along the way.

1. I need to listen to more Hip-Hop.

This one is kind of a no brainer, as I only had 3 (I think) albums on my list. This is mostly due to the fact that I didn't start listening to Hip-Hop until College, and I had built up 18 years of listening to Classic rock, so it took a while to have any of it sink in. I do like a good amount, but not a lot is favorite album ever status. Regardless, I still need to listen to more and expand my genre knowledge.

2. I need to listen to more music outside the 70s.

Once again, more expansion required. 51 albums from a single decade is excessive to say the least. I'll be updating my list soon, and this should hopefully help this and the previous point.

3. I clearly think I'm funnier than you people do.

Honestly, I'm pretty funny. At least my mom says so, and she wouldn't lie to me like that. But seriously, some of the shit I've written on this thread is hilarious, but nobody has ever mentioned a thing about how funny I am. My dissertation on why I hate the Beach Boys 'Sounds of Summer' compilation had me rolling on the floor. Regardless, somebody tell me if my humor is asinine and unfunny, because if so, I'll stop trying.

4. I wish there was a way to link to specific entries.

This would totally make it easier to share specific posts with people. And please tell me if this feature already exists, I'm not too savvy on this website.

5. My use of gifs is unparalleled.

I used the following gif in one of my posts and it made complete sense in the context of the post.

Once again, I'm fucking hilarious.

6. I owe this website a lot.

I've been on this website for less than a year, and I've received dozens of fantastic recommendations, had countless respectful debates (except one where someone claimed that I couldn't express disdain towards Bob Dylan because I haven't accomplished as much as him) and become more musically diverse. It's continued my musical exploration, and kept my desire for new music fresh and always interesting.

That's all I can think of right now, but there are countless more things I've learned. Thanks to all of you for encouraging me along the way. I'll be updating my list shortly, and I'll add to this thread to the new additions and whatever moved up the most.

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 19:47:20 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/27/2019 00:47

#100: Help! // The Beatles

And here we reach the end of the list. Sad!

Link

I'll have a full breakdown of the list later, but for now, let's wrap this whole thing up.

As I have previously mentioned, my love for the Beatles has been a slow-burning love. I would decry their overplayed hits as overrated (I still think Hey Jude is overrated) and I never gave any of their albums a chance. That changed when I bought Sgt. Pepper on CD on a whim. I mean, it's universally accepted as (one of) the greatest albums ever, it has to be at least DECENT. After listening and deciding it wasn't that bad, I asked a friend to give me a flash drive of all the Beatles albums.

*Stephen A Smith voice* Howevah!

I only asked for the albums Revolver and beyond. Despite my ignorance, I knew that their most widely acclaimed part of their catalog was post-Sgt Pepper, and I knew Revolver was really good too. Everything else could be lost forever and I wouldn't have cared.

Slowly, as I listened more and more, I grew to love them more and more. The real turning point was when I listened to Rubber Soul for the second time, and actually found it was amazing. Rubber Soul opened the door to the Beatles catalog that I had previously deemed "worthless dreck" and "less than zero" and "music that terrorists listen to". It's kind of astonishing to think how ignorant I was about something that I really didn't know anything about, and the way I spoke about it in such an entitled and pretentious manner just made me sound like an asshole. Props to be for admitting how wrong I used to be.

Help! is the only early Beatles album I really love. Please Please Me and everything else up to this point is good, but it's hard to deny that this is where the Beatles really start to mature and develop into the musical geniuses we all know and love them as. The arrangements are improving, their writing is improving, and they're becoming more ambitious. After all, a string quartet on a pop song in 1965 was way outside the norm. They did all of this consciously, as they felt that an artist should be constantly developing and evolving their music. Well lucky us, because some of the greatest music ever came from this desire of change.

Thanks for reading everybody, this was a blast.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:09:51 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/25/2019 03:09

#99: Ram // Paul & Linda McCartney

The best solo Beatles album. Let me explain.

Back in college, I was walking with some bros to the neighborhood record store, and we began discussing our love of the Beatles. The discussion quickly turned to their solo work, and someone posed the question: what is the best album from a Beatles member? There were three of us, and, surprisingly, we gave three different answers: All Things Must Pass, The Plastic Ono Band, and RAM. Nobody chose a Ringo album.

A spirited debate ensued, tempers flared, minds were not changed, punches were thrown, authorities were called, charges were filed, court dates were missed, warrants were put out, identities were changed, plastic surgery was undergone, persons relocated across the country, and this subject has not been addressed since.

Here are my official stances on my comrades' choices of best solo Beatles album:

All Things Must Pass: I must admit, it's close between this and RAM for best solo Beatles album. Ranked 121 as of this posting, ATMP is a masterpiece from an underrated musical icon, and the first Beatles album to have wild success. The fact that it's a triple LP adds to it's standing, since it's hard enough to keep a listener engaged across one disc, let alone three. It does drag a little towards the end, but once again, there's three discs, and it doesn't fall that much, but enough to fall below RAM. It is kind of incredible that he sat on some of these tracks while still with the Beatles. Perhaps John and Paul should've let George write more. And let Ringo write and sing less.

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band: Full disclosure, I've only listened to this album twice, so I don't really have a full opinion on this album. I do, however have an opinion of John Lennon, and that opinion is this: John Lennon is a hypocritical asshole. He was a woman-abusing monster, a self-centered and self-righteous prick who chose to preach peace, love, happiness, and sharing the wealth, when he was an unloving brutal and selfish man. He wished that he would be assassinated, to die as a martyr and give himself a mythic standing, so that his legacy that may last forever. Well, he got his wish, and now a bunch of college students have poster of him standing with his arms crossed with those stupid sunglasses. Now, most of this hate is just directed at him because I don't like his music, or Yoko Ono. In summary, I don't like John Lennon's personality or his music.

Okay, back to RAM.

RAM is such a delightful album because you can hear the joy and love that was put into it. You can hear (relatively) recently wed Paul and Linda bonding over their love of creating music and composing, and it makes me genuinely happy listening to this album. Paul's voice is oh so soothing as usual, and his songs are peak solo McCartney it's incredible to think that this is only his second solo album. From top to bottom, this album is consistently amazing. The McCartney's crafted a homemade album that sounds like it was produced in the best studios with the best musicians that money could buy. Listen to the end of Back Seat of My Car to fully grasp what I mean. This album is McCartney continuing to stretch his legs post-breakup employing tricks he picked up with those other three guys, and the result is a lush album that enthralls the listener with outstanding arrangements, fantastic production, lovely lyrics, and an undeniable feeling of fun and pure joy not found in many records*.

RAM has received higher acclaim in recent years, and it's only a wonder why it wasn't lauded any sooner. So please, sit back and relax, and let Sir Paul McCartney sooth your soul with his lovely music and velvety voice.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

*John Lennon made zero fun records. I should know, I've listened to two of his albums.

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 21:55:49 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/23/2019 02:55

#98: Surf's Up // The Beach Boys

This is the sequel to Pet Sounds that I wanted.

I realize it's quasi-sacrilegious to not fawn over every single moment on Pet Sounds, but before the tomatoes and cabbage start raining down on me (metaphorically) at least let me get a head start.

I've never been a huge Beach Boys fan, mostly because all of their hits have the same structure and upbeat nature. One of my girlfriend's favorite CDs is the 'Sounds of Summer' Beach Boys compilation and it has a really personal connection between her, her childhood, and her grandfather. While that's all well and good, I would rather walk across a glass covered floor while ethnically ambiguous terrorists try to murder me.

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It's 30 tracks that all run together that I don't think I could actually make my way all the way through it. She always insists on playing it on car trips and every time, without fail, I lose all sense of motor control and end up swerving into oncoming highway traffic and causing several multi-car accidents. Then we put on Permanent Waves.

Where was I? Oh right, I've never been a huge Beach Boys fan. They constantly competed with early Beatles, and Pet Sounds was a response to Rubber Soul (or Revolver, I don't remember). And while Pet Sounds is a great album, it's never really clicked fully with me. I don't know what it is, but I just can't see it as the über album that should be placed above all other albums.

However, something did click for me the first time I listened to Surf's Up. This does not sound like a Beach Boys' record at all. The light and fun nature of their music is hardly found on this record, the lyrics are either decidedly pointed commentary or ambiguous, and the vocals were more akin to dirges or choir arrangements than exultations of life, the beach, and licentious women.

What really enthralled me was the immense beauty of this album. The intimate idiosyncrasies of each song blow me away, and I often find myself in a daze listening to this album, so it's not ideal for driving. Specific songs include Don't Go Near the Water, Long Promised Road, Disney Girls, and the last 3 tracks. All of these songs exude an etherial beauty that puts me at a loss for words. I wish I could put the last minute of the title track on an endless loop and just live my life with that wondrous harmony following me around wherever I go.

I'm fairly sure I was recommended this album from this very website, and I couldn't be happier. What I found was an extremely under-appreciated album that is brimming with pure musical bliss. Please, ignore the compilations and go straight to the source.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

Repo — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 18:53:57 GMT

Author: Repo

Posted: 01/22/2019 23:53

Awesome job on this diary! This is like a mandatory read for me lately.

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

ramthecowy — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:41:18 GMT

Author: ramthecowy

Posted: 01/22/2019 21:41

Was out of the loop from this place for a while, came back to see your latest picks there's some top notch stuff! NMH, Hancock, even the Wu! Damn man, you're killing it and I always love coming back to read your thoughts. 😄

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 11:50:07 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/18/2019 16:50

Fischman wrote:

I do have to throw out one quibble. Freddie Hubbard was hardly a newcomer in 1964, having already released 10 albums as a leader, a couple of which are jazz classics, as well as having many appearances as a sideman.

Oops! Must've mixed him up with someone else. That's what I get for not confirming information before posting it hahaha

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

Fischman — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:55:50 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 01/18/2019 02:55

Yes!

Great album. Herbie was already blending sub genres and, like Miles, expanding the jazz palette.

I do have to throw out one quibble. Freddie Hubbard was hardly a newcomer in 1964, having already released 10 albums as a leader, a couple of which are jazz classics, as well as having many appearances as a sideman. That said, he did expand his sound working with Herbie.

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 20:17:51 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/18/2019 01:17

#97: Empyrean Isles // Herbie Hancock

Aaaaannnnnnnnd Herbie Hancock makes another appearance.

I got really into Herbie over the past year, and much like Miles Davis (whom he played with) his ability to transition between sub-genres of jazz is unparalleled.

Recorded with his peak lineup of fellow Miles Davis alumnus Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and with newcomer Freddie Hubbard, HH and co. attacked this record with a conciseness and flexibility that allows them to seamlessly switch from Hard Bop to Modal to Soul jazz. This album was Herbie's 4th as a leader, and finally brought him to the forefront of the modern giants of jazz, a reputation he would solidify further with his next album, Maiden Voyage.

This is a fantastic blend of styles that showcases a master just before full blossoming, and a record worthy of many, many listens.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

Fischman — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:57:45 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 01/14/2019 21:57

jdenny2018 wrote:

#96: Porgy And Bess // Miles Davis

Wildly ambitious Miles Davis strikes again!

Miles Davis could do no wrong at this point in his career. Then again, he hardly did any wrong ever. Regardless, Porgy and Bess is Miles' magnificent interpretation of George Gershwin's Opera.

Now, I've never listened to the original opera, but I'm sure Miles' interpretation is a fresh and lively update of a wonderful piece of original music. The lush and swelling orchestra accentuates Miles' trumpet, which, as usual, masterfully soars above everyone around him.

So take a moment to hear another masterpiece from Miles' catalog.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

So not having heard the original, it would be easy to say you're in no position to declare Miles' version "fresh and lively." ... but.... yep, I'll go ahead and confirm that for you. Better than just fresh and lively, I'd say it has Miles' unique stamp on it while remaining emotionally true to the original. One of Miles' many great accomplishments.

Although I don't generally share the same impression of his playing as I find most of his sidemen outshine him in the actual instrumental prowess department (think Cannonball and 'Trane on Kind of Blue), but in this case, Miles' inherent style is a perfect match for the piece being played, so it works here exceptionally well.

In fact, I think he exudes the mood of the piece here var better than he, for instance, captured the essence of Spain in the far more acclaimed and popular Sketches of Spain.

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 22:00:37 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/14/2019 03:00

#96: Porgy And Bess // Miles Davis

Wildly ambitious Miles Davis strikes again!

Miles Davis could do no wrong at this point in his career. Then again, he hardly did any wrong ever. Regardless, Porgy and Bess is Miles' magnificent interpretation of George Gershwin's Opera.

Now, I've never listened to the original opera, but I'm sure Miles' interpretation is a fresh and lively update of a wonderful piece of original music. The lush and swelling orchestra accentuates Miles' trumpet, which, as usual, masterfully soars above everyone around him.

So take a moment to hear another masterpiece from Miles' catalog.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 22:08:44 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/11/2019 03:08

#95: In The Aeroplane Over The Sea // Neutral Milk Hotel

I once read that this album is "Like walking along a beach with your girlfriend who you've been with since high school after she just had a miscarriage." I really hope that person isn't speaking from experience.

Regardless of the underlying root of that particular sentiment, I believe that assessment is only partly correct. While I do believe that walking on the beach with your spouse after a miscarriage is depressing and traumatic, but I feel that's only one part of the album's aesthetic. The part the aforementioned description lacks is the ever-present feeling of "Now what?"

That's the question I have every single time I listen to this album. It's an emotionally exhausting album that always leaving me feeling introspective and terribly down.

This a fantastic album to drift away to and contemplate the meaningless existence we all feel.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Wed, 9 Jan 2019 21:31:34 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/10/2019 02:31

#94: Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan

Holy Shit. What an album.

As someone who's not too particularly well versed in Hip Hop, this album was quite a shock when I first listened to it. This album goes from zero to 100 in light speed, and I can't believe I made it through the first time through.

This entire album top to bottom is absolutely stunning, from the lyrics to the interplay between artists, sampling, song structure, and the producing. I don't know much else about this album, but you don't really need to know much to know about it to know it crushes.

https://www.boombapnation.com/categories/view/232241174

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

Fischman — Sat, 5 Jan 2019 23:49:54 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 01/06/2019 04:49

It's great to see the Tatum love. Indeed, a true master.

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Sat, 5 Jan 2019 22:55:50 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/06/2019 03:55

#93: Body And Soul // Art Tatum

A rare compilation album that I'll actually listen to(o?) without complaining.

Though I can't really complain about the existence of this compilation since albums didn't, ya know, exist when Art Tatum made his initial recordings. I found this compilation in the local record store and since it was the only one I had to take it, lest I not own some music by a master pianist.

I first encountered Art Tatum when he had a brief appearance in the 2004 biopic, Ray. Later, I encountered him whilst reading the monumentally in-depth History of Jazz book by Ted Gioia (Sidenote: 10/10 book, will read again). After reading about Tatum's lengthy pedigree as a master player, I felt I had to actually listen to some of Tatum's work to fully understand his brilliance.

His technical mastery confounded me, as well as the multiple styles he was able to emulate and even invent a few new styles in the process. The CD came later, which contains over an hour of some of the most spellbinding solo piano I've ever heard.

So take a trip way back in time to the oldest recordings on this list, and listen to one of the masters of the piano.

I can't find a link so you'll have to do the finding yourself

Godspeed music junkies!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Thu, 3 Jan 2019 22:03:49 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/04/2019 03:03

#92: Ambient 2: The Plateaux Of Mirror by Harold Budd & Brian Eno

A rare sequel that actually holds up next to the original source.

Part 2 of Eno's Ambient series has Eno pairing up with pianist Harold Budd, with Budd improving over soundscapes created by Eno. This album is essentially a much prettier and less abrasive version of (No Pussyfooting), Eno's collaboration with Robert Fripp a few years earlier.

Regardless of similar structure, these two album could not be farther apart in sound. (No Pussyfooting) has a much more loose and raw feel to it, like Eno just kidnapped Fripp, drugged him with some Quaaludes, set him in a windowless room with a guitar and just said "play music to whatever comes out of those speakers."

Plateaux of Mirror sounds like Harold Budd and Brian Eno went out to a fancy dinner, and the live grand piano player failed to show up for the evening show. Perhaps they got stuck in traffic, maybe their significant other instigated a petty argument that they insisted they needed to have now, despite the obvious fact that the argument could've taken place after the pianist's shift. Regardless of the situation, there is no music, and the mood is decidedly mediocre. Eno, noticing the severe lack of ambience, implores Budd that he should go up and play something. After all, they'd just finished their smoked salmon appetizer, and dinner was still far off. "Brian, I mustn't" Budd protests. "Harold" Eno presses, "You're a majestic player, and these filthy plebeians deserves to know what majesty they're in the presence of." Budd relents with one caveat: "Fine. But you play something too." Eno, without missing a beat, pulls out a pocket MOOG Synthesizer from underneath the table. "You never know" he says with a smirk. Eno and Budd galavant up to the piano, where they begin to play together in a lovely manner. The crowd notices the familiar piano tune, but is perplexed by the synthesizer addition. After some mild confusion, the dinner crowd notices the improved atmosphere, and forget the Budd or Eno exist. Suddenly, a frenzied staff member of the restaurant rushes over. "What are you two doing? You don't work here!" Eno and Budd look at one another puzzled. Eno responds "There was no ambiance, now there is, what's the bother?" "Oh, there's no bother" the staff member replied. "I just wanted to inquiry if you're available to play the rest of the evening. We'll pay for your dinner." Budd and Eno looked at one another: "Deal." "Perfect. I'll just have to find a replacement for tomorrow night as well." "What happened to the bum who was supposed to play here tonight?" Harold asked. "Oh Francis? He was stabbed to death about 45 minutes ago while waiting for the bus. He doesn't work here anymore." The staff member walked away leaving a shocked Budd and Eno. Suddenly they didn't feel like playing music anymore. They quickly stopped and went back to their table to eat their meal that had just been placed down on their table. Brian had roasted duck, which was a little dry but still splendid. Harold had the filet mignon rare, but it came out more medium rare than rare, perhaps a measure to ensure that he wasn't being served undercooked meat. Though it was slightly overcooked, the filet was still phenomenal. They paid their bill and left a moderate tip, as the service wasn't overly spectacular. They both went back to their respective domiciles, and slept with a belly full delicious food. And then they made beautiful music together.

So yeah. That's what I think about The Plateaux of Mirror.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

P.S. I'm definitely gonna write a full narrative to the recording of (No Pussyfooting) in the future. This was too much fun.

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Thu, 3 Jan 2019 20:24:52 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/04/2019 01:24

I'm back! I originally planned to finish my top 100 thread by the end of 2018, but then I just went on living my life.

Regardless, I'm back and I'll be finished soon!

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Thu, 3 Jan 2019 19:34:27 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 01/04/2019 00:34

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 22:36:36 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 12/19/2018 03:36

#91: Band Of Gypsys by Jimi Hendrix

Once again, fuckin' Hendrix, man.

This might be one of the funkiest and grooviest album that has ever existed. Hendrix sweet guitar glides miles above us plebeians and creates wondrous music that soothes, entrances, and mystifies. The vocals aren't really anything special here, but the music is some of Hendrix's best work in his far-too short career.

Recorded live on New Year's Day 1970, Band of Gypsys shows Hendrix in a transitional period, coming off of Woodstock and moving towards more Funk and Soul music and away from his earlier sound. This album is highly indicative of the direction he would've taken had he not died such an untimely death, and stands as a testament to his virtuosity on the guitar.

When I bought "Are You Experienced?" at a record store at school, the guy behind the counter (who was in his teens when Hendrix came up) told me about his first time he heard Hendrix, saying how he was fascinated by the "strange sounds" and how enthralled he was to keep listening.

There's not much more that can be said because, after all, it is Hendrix, and if you don't know about him by now, you really need to get yourself some headphones and listen up, bud.

Link

Godspeed music junkies!

P.S. I know this is from Isle of Wight, but this is the most metal thing I've ever seen.

[/quote]

Re: A Deep Dive Into My Top 100 Albums ever

jdenny2018 — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 21:25:37 GMT

Author: jdenny2018

Posted: 12/14/2018 02:25

#90: Bad // Michael Jackson

*Aggressive crotch grabbing*

And here lies the final album of Michael Jackson's collaboration with Quincy Jones. An incredible trilogy of albums, Jones is a key part of Michael Jackson's sound, and his technical mastery is on full display on Bad.

Michael Jackson also goes all the way in on Bad, making this a rough and angry album. Off the Wall and Thriller were much more subdued and laid back, which makes Bad a much more jarring album considering this is the same guy that gave us a disco album and a light-hearted landmark pop album.

I've always passively enjoyed Michael Jackson and his music. His singles were always good enough for me, and I never really cared to dive any deeper into his albums, not even Thriller. Yes, Thriller, supposedly one of the greatest albums ever created, and I was too lazy to even listen to it. Like most things in my past, I regret these ignorant thoughts.

To be honest, Off the Wall or Thriller could easily occupy this spot, but Bad has something that I can't pinpoint that just barely puts it over the other two.

Well, maybe you can figure it out.

Link

Godspeed music junkies![/i]