bloggedy blog: the personal weblog of a music lover and aging punk wannabe

:: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 ::

Greatest Pop/Rock Albums, Vol. 5: 60-51
Now it's getting serious, music fans. No more Wilson Phillipses or John Mayers from here on out.

Previously in our countdown: Vol. 4 (70-61); Vol. 3 (80-71); Vol. 2 (90-81); and Vol. 1 (100-91).

60. The Smiths, The Smiths
Raw and stark, the debut album from this short-lived post-punk/pre-goth group is their best. Our resident Smiths expert, Ben Squires, elaborates: "There is no better combination of singer and guitarist than Morrissey and Marr, the combination that has inspired so many towards greater lyricism with guitar work which carries the weight of the lyrics."

59. Specials, The Specials
Here's a message to you, Rudy: If you don't love this debut album from the greatest ska band of all-time, you have no soul. Produced by Elvis Costello, Specials ushered in a ska revival. "The Specials took punk, Jamaican ska rhythms, and created one of the most unique pop albums ever," writes David Hopkins. "And then, copycats took their lead. Imitation is the best form of flattery?" Make no mistake: Were it not for The Specials, there would be no Madness, no English Beat, no Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

58. Automatic for the People, REM
David Hopkins again: "Every time we thought they made their best album, they made a better one." Yeah, this one was pretty decent -- with "Man on the Moon," Michael Stipe's tribute to Andy Kaufman, and the ballad "Everybody Hurts" -- but I think REM's best work is yet to come on this countdown.

57. Violent Femmes, Violent Femmes
"The quintessential new wave album," according to guess who. Catchy acoustic riffs and weary, plaintive vocals are trademarks styles for the Femmes, starting with "Blister in the Sun," the Femmes' best-known tune. The pattern continues in "Kiss Off," "Please Do Not Go," etc.

56. Rust Never Sleeps, Neil Young and Crazy Horse
One of the finest offerings from a masterful songwriter, with beautiful bookends -- the acoustic "My My, Hey Hey" (Out of the Blue) and the rocking "Hey Hey, My My" (Into the Black) -- bracing great tunes ("Powderfinger" is my favorite). Sez Mista Sinista: "This one grips me from start to finish, as does the video of the stage show that accompanied this soundtrack."

55. Disraeli Gears, Cream
Vastly underappreciated, Disraeli Gears defines acid rock. "Sunshine of Your Love" is the essential bluesy-rock single from this album. Eric Clapton shines.

54. At Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash
Pop/rock purists will throw stones at this pick. But country-pickin' Johnny Cash's rockabilly style comes through loud and clear on "Folsom Prison Blues," "Cocaine Blues" and, yes, even "Orange Blossom Special." My mom made me listen to this album as a youth. Thanks, Mom!

53/ Deja Vu, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
Neil Young joins CS&N, adds a new dimension to already beautiful harmonies. Includes the consummate '60s hippie anthem, "Woodstock."

52. Led Zeppelin IV, Led Zeppelin
"Stairway to Heaven" made me want to learn how to play guitar. "Black Dog" and "Rock & Roll" made me dream of becoming a guitar god. "Misty Mountain Hop" made me dream, period.

51. Alice's Restaurant, Arlo Guthrie
"Alice's Restaurant Massacree" took up one entire side of this album. Was it worth it? Probably. But "Motorcycle Song" was also worth a listen on Side B.

*****
My Top 10
by Richard Hall

10. Born in the USA, Bruce Springsteen
9. Symbols, Led Zeppelin
8. Hymns to the Silence, Van Morrison
7. Various Positions, Leonard Cohen
6. The Joshua Tree, U2
5. Rattle & Hum, U2
4. The Wall, Pink Floyd
3. Seal, Seal
2. New Boots and Panties, Ian Dury and the Blockheads
1. Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd

:: Andrew 09:37 + ::
...