I've been talking
about doing this list for years and finally I'm
making it happen. I'm making it happen. This list is comprised
of albums that for one reason or another I have grown to love
over the years. Some of them date all the way back before I
was born. I was a child of the 80's. So most of the 80's entries
are kind of nostalgic.
Many
of these albums I dare to consider some of the best
ever written. I hope you enjoy the list and maybe even
feel drawn to check out a few that you are unfamiliar with.
60.
Brandtson-
Hello,
Control
(Earthquakes
and Sharks)
Hello, Control is a brilliantly
packaged 13 song album that delivers as much as its exterior promises. The
pop-rock hooks are bountiful as always, but
Brandtson spends a great deal of their time developing a new foundation
for their songs - electronica. No, this isn't Death Cab getting all Postal
on us, this is Brandtson getting all
arty and exploiting the genius within them.
album review--->
59. The Choir- Circleslide
(A
Sentimental Song)
After the much publicized addition of bassist Robin Spurs to the Choir's
lineup and her highly unpublicized departure, the Choir released this
recording, their strongest effort and the last release of their so-called
"atmospheric" period. They are at their most experimental here, with rich
textures and lots of noise. "If I Had a Yard" features saxophonist Dan
Michaels playing through a wah-wah pedal manipulated by
Steve Hindalong
as part of his drum kit.
album review--->
58. The Cure- Bloodflowers
Parting is never easy, especially after a bond of more than two decades. Bloodflowers is sort of a farewell album by The Cure, and every song seems to have been written by a moribund band, distressed, and in a state of turmoil, reflecting the fragile state of mind of a waning band. album review--->
57. Ester Drang- Infinite Keys
(No
One Could Ever Take Your Face)
"Wispy." By definition, it means "someone or something thin, frail, or
slight; A thin or faint streak or fragment, as of smoke or clouds; a
fleeting trace or indication, a hint, a suggestion." I don't think I could
possibly come up with a better word to describe
Infinite Keys, the second album by
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma's Ester Drang.
album review--->
56. Dinosaur Jr.- Hand It Over
(Mick)
55. Quicksand- Slip
This album changed hardcore forever. After this album, everyone either tried to emulate Quicksand's style, or just gave up. It made everyone look around at the state of hardcore at that time and say, 'what have we been doing this whole time?!?' This was the first record of its kind, though Swiz and Fugazi were probably influences. If 'Dine Alone', 'Fazer', 'Freezing Process', and 'Lie and Wait' had any more groove to them, the world would have to just stop spinning.
54. Dishwalla- Opaline
Dishwalla was a band that achieved stardom in the 90s with 'Counting Blue Cars' (which was one of the most-played indie radio songs of that year). Yet, when Dishwalla released 'Opaline' in 2002, their popularity was already in sharp decline. For reasons unknown, 'Opaline' did not turn that trend. Because 'Opaline' is by far the best album Dishwalla has ever released. Gone are the jarringly disjointed songs of old, replaced by truly mesmerizing tunes that carry the same theme from begin to end. album review--->
53. Aaron Sprinkle- Bareface
Aaron Sprinkle's extraordinary history in music has graced us with yet another amazing album. From Poor Old Lu, to Rose Blossom Punch, and now to his solo projects, his work has been truly inspired. He has amazing God-given talent, and is like a breath of fresh air in this world where music has become a mere formula.
album review--->
52. Counting Crows- August & Everything After
(A
Murder Of One)
Counting Crows were just what the music scene needed when
they released their debut album August And Everything After in 1993. After a
couple of years dominated by heavy electric guitars and aggressive singers,
Counting Crows offered a certain gentleness and sensitivity. Their jangly
pop slices with free-associative lyrics and muppety vocals by Adam Duritz
brought refreshing memories of late 1960s innocence, especially Van
Morrison, but they married this old-timey feel to a very contemporary
exploration of the complexities of relationships and failed dreams.
51. Sleeping At Last- Ghosts
(Say)
For most
people, the name Sleeping at Last won't strike a bell. At least not yet.
Hailing from the Chicago music scene where they have developed a strong
local following, Sleeping at Last is poised to turn heads and attract a
large crowd of listeners with their first major label release on Interscope. album review--->
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