The Greatest Albums I Own
So first, "album" refers to mp3 rip of a CD that I have back in Rochester.... but the main point is that I made the selection based off the entire album. Some songs are great songs, but they alone are not enough to carry one team. Kind of like Michael Jordan of the early 90s vs MJ of the late 90s. He was still the greatest ever through the entire period, but the team around him was so much better later on and that's why they are considered some of the greatest teams ever.
Second, this pertains to stuff only on my iPod. There are probably arguments for other stuff out there, I just don't have it on my iPod. For reference, I have 955 albums on my computer, 55 GB of mp3s (including all my classical, jazz, etc) which is about 38.2 days worth of music to play. I state that to point out that I do have a lot of music to use as a reference for today's post.
U2, Achtung Baby - this should be on everyone's list. I actually have the original cover too where it is a try fold cardboard case, not the standard plastic clear case. I got that lucky while at Disc-Go-Round on Collins Plaza Road in Cedar Rapids (319, represent). It's one of the greatest evolution CDs from the sound that was defined in the 80s to the 90s rock. They continue to develop the U2 legacy by combining musical skill with technology to give us an album full of hits, but also a complete mixture when heard start to finish.
REM, Monster - There are no clear hits from this disc that will be played 20 years from now when someone requests REM at the Oldies Hour at the club. But the collection of REM's rock abilities remains a favorite of mine.
Beastie Boys, Hello Nasty - Again, more hits off of Licensed to Ill but Hello Nasty is complete start to finish. It has Intergalactic at the #7 spot (rather than the usual #3 spot for the first released song off of an album) but that song doesn't belong anywhere but #7. From start to finish (with even the weird calls, dialogged moments in the middle), it's one of the better produced CDs I have.
Dave Matthew's Band, Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95. The best live CD I have. And it's 13 years old! Was their peak moment, but they show why so many people can hear them over and over again live and never get sick of them. Each concert is unique.
Wynton Marsalis and Ellis Marsalis, Joe Cool Blues. While Wynton's other works Blood on the Fields and In This House, On This Morning are award worthy (which they did) and well written.... this one that follows the entire Peanuts Gang is easily my favorite. Songs for Snoopy, Woodstock,
Elvis Presley, Ultimate Gospel - While I was tempted to put his 30 #1 Hits album, the Gospel CD makes you feel closer to Heaven. Good to keep you awake in the car ride in the middle of the night as well since you'll be singing and dancing along!
Soundtrack to Romeo and Juliet - Varius artists, but Garbage, Cardigans, Butthole Surfers, Des'ree, Everclear, Radiohead.... nobody huge, but collectively it makes a fantastic album and a wonderful addition to the modern interpretation of Shakespeare (I do like the movie as well)
DC Talk, Supernatural - They were full into their rock years.... then they disbanded. Kind of crappy actually as this was easily their best album among some great works.
Garbage, Bleed Like Me - One of the loudest albums I own. That's probably part of the attraction. Still my vote for "most underrated band of the past 2 decades". Hopefully a new album in 2008????
Jamie Cullum, Twentysomething - A mix of pop and jazz by a 22 year old with an amazing talent at jazz piano.
Stone Temple Pilots, No. 4 - Yeah, I pick the weird albums that are non-typical for a list like this. But seriously - collectively, this was their best work. I even prefer this over their Greatest Hits album (Thank You)
Eminem, The Eminem Show - I like it because it's loud, and some good songs on there! He really is talented in my small perspective on rap music. I like it, and it's my blog.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stadium Arcadium - First album that convinced me that this group has talent. I was "ok" with their earlier stuff, but this 2 CD album was great stuff!!!
Nine Inch Nails, Downward Spiral - Yes, I love this album! Way ahead of its time and still quite "modern" to listen to for the world of Electric Music. Easily their best work although they seem to think they're not quite finished.
Metallica, S&M - This was the concert they did with the San Francisco Symphony.... pretty cool mix and innovative! Plus it sounds really good on my stereo back in the US!
Greatest Hits Honor Roll (since it kind of is cheating, but there are still some to note):
- Guns N Roses (mainly because it includes the good stuff, but no "Mr. Brownstone" which is a crappy song.
- INXS (although most are from Kick.
- Michael Jackson's Number Ones.
- Neil Diamond (duh).
- Queen (take your pick as there are like 20 of their greatest hit collections).
- Prince (again, a few to choose from but just make sure it has "Kiss", "Gett Off", "7", and "Raspberry Beret" then you've got the right one.
- Soundgarden A-Sides
Not to forget some Classical CDs:
- Edgar Meyer on String Bass performing Bach's Cello Suites... simply amazing and the greatest expression of extremely rare talent that I've ever heard. Proof that God does exist and helped Bach create (and Edgar perform) something so perfect.
- Mahler 2 conducted by Metha and the Israeli Philharmonic... best recording I've heard of this fantastic piece.
- Itzhak Perlman recording of Paganini's 24 Caprices
1 comment:
You left Journey's Greatest Hits off the Honor Roll.
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