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.
90.
Tears For Fears-
Elemental
(Break
It Down Again)
Roland on
his own as producer, songwriter, and instrumental performer is not something
to be afraid of. Given his obsessive tendencies when crafting songs, not
having Curt Smith let him write the music he wished to make here (and the
solid follow-up Raoul and the Kings of Spain album). Not to say that you
will hear something completely different from the band's first three albums:
the record is still "Tears for Fears" in sound and spirit.
album review--->
89.
Tom Petty
& The
Heartbreakers-
She's The One
(Hope
You Never)
This album is close to my heart
and I'm sure it always will be.
This album showed up in my life during a tough time. It was the shot in the
arm that I needed. The movie is just as good as the soundtrack. I'm not sure
which I prefer more. It's probably not among Tom's best albums. But it's
easily my favorite album of his.
It just has this really nice honest welcoming feeling to it.
album
review--->
88. I Mother Earth- Dig
A knockout debut
by a very unique band. I was in high school when this album came out, it
completely blew me away. The great guitar work along with the exceptional
great percussion really made me take notice on the possibility of where
music could go. I really don't know how to describe this album. Maybe
creative and expansive. If you are looking for something different and
outside the norm. And a very rocking album then maybe you should give this
one a spin.
album
review--->
87. Social Distortion- S/T
(Let
It Be Me)
Social Distortion have been well known
on the punk circuit for awhile now. But at heart I don't think they are a
true punk band. They have too much of a melodic sense
and desire to creep into other genre's of music to really be considered a
true punk band. This
album has kind of become legendary since its release almost 20 years ago.
Over the years they have gone on to garner much attention from the music
underground and has since become a extreme sports spokesman. Watch any
X-Games or any other extreme sporting event and I will guarantee you will
hear at least one or two Social Distortion songs.
86. The Autumns- Angel Pool
"Angel Pool" is a truly great debut. In fact maybe the best album by The Autumns. They have such a great sense of dynamics when it comes to song writing. There is an undeniably true beauty in the band's songwriting abilities. "Angel Pool" is a complete work of art. It's a shame The Autumns are an unknown band. They deserve to be heard.
album review--->
85. Delirious?- Glo
(Everything)
Delirious is
considered by many to be a front runner of modern worship.
This album displays some
sweet melodies and good worshipful tunes.
When it comes to mainstream Christian music, Delirious has been one of the
best and most consistent bands
around. Often compared to the likes of U2. Which is a reasonable comparison.
But is it so bad to be compared to one of the best bands of all-time. No not
at all.
84. Michael Knott- Fluid
(Cool)
83. Map- Secrets By The Highway
(
Perhaps it's because talent fountains Richard Swift and Frank Lenz engineered/produced/mixed Secrets by the Highway, but this is a distinctively different Map than the one found on their last release. The "band" (which is really just guitarist/vocalist/leader Josh Dooley who, along with Swift and Lenz, often moonlights in Starflyer 59) sounds much, much "lighter," with sprawling Californian sunshine replacing past shadows and noir-like darkness.
82. Helmet- Betty
(Speechless)
During high school and my early 20's I
was really into heavier music. I can still remember driving around in my old
Z-24 Chevy Cavalier blasting the heck out of this album. Artistically I
consider this the bands crowning achievement. Many would argue. In fact at
the time of release many were disappointed by this album. Claiming it was
far to "alternative" sounding. Losing the ferocity of
"Meantime."
Sure overall
"Meantime" had the harder driving
songs. But "Betty" showed a different
side of the band. A band that wasn't afraid to try new things.
81. Spoon- GaGaGaGaGa
This just a fun album that makes me feel like maybe I still have some kind of coolness in these silly bones of mine. The bounciness of this album is what drew me in. If Spoon was around in the 60's they would have been the first white band to compete with Motown. Fighting for Motown to give them a worth while record deal. Breaking down the color barrier proving that some white boys have soul too.
album review--->
