101 Albums I Love
- Thread starter LONELYFOREVER
- Start date
Annika Montaigne
New member
Ha goodluck mate. Look what Urban Hatemonger has started now.
The question is who will finish their list first?
The question is who will finish their list first?
Julia & Carlos
New member
I'm not a huge Stones fan...especially in album form, I loved them live, but they never really put a great album together for my taste.
pedroeduardo
New member
71.
The Cure - Disintegration (1983)
WARNING: YOU ARE ADVISED TO WATCH THIS BEFORE READING THE REVIEW
YouTube - south park with robert smith
The Cure is an example of how to improve and grow as a band perfectly. In addition Robert Smiths incredible commitment to production of music at every level and attention to detail drives them to this peak. 1983's Disintegration marks the perfect storm of The Cure’s young raw dark and angry side and their more self aware musically efficient evolution. It is an intentionally bleak album and performed primarily in minor keys. The album has both the mayhem of their musical infancy and a new level of song construction and consistency as Smith orchestrates his finest composition. “Plainsong” transports you into the world of the Cure and applies Disintegrations first calming wave of sound. “Pictures of You” is the first song that grabs your attention, written about a fire in Smiths home and the remains he found, it is considered one of the banRAB greatest efforts. “Lovesong” had a resurgence recently when it was covered and quite well by 311. Still if you’d heard both versions you’d think the later was simply a live or alternate version by the Cure. Their unmistakable pulse carries the song along from start to end. The ominous single “Fascination Street” in a beautiful construction and an equal commercial success. Title track “Disintegration” is about as upbeat as the album gets but this is The Cure. Like most of the tracks on the album it pulls you into its blissful misery, it having a particularly strong hold. The penultimate “Home Sick” is one of the most perfectly titled tracks ever. The Cure being my sister’s favorite band of all-time it has always reminded me of home. A instrumental driven album with well placed and perfectly fitting vocals the “Untitled” final track is like a closing credits that you stay for out of respect for the movie of the whole and because you just have to have more. Fin.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Lovesong
70.
Nirvana – In Utero (1993)
Teenage angst has paid off well. Nirvana’s third and ultimately final effort is marked by what is to their unmistakably best composition. The Guitar in “Serve the Servants” had me thinking Beatles the moment I heard it. The album as a whole explores many directions but never fails to provide results. Following the satisfying group composition “Scentless Apprentice” is the first mainstream eye opener “Heart Shaped Box” with is magnetic rhythms and it’s an abrasive hazy chorus. Written by Kurt in five minutes in a closet so the story goes. The minimalist opening to “Rape Me” serves to provide greater impact with its energetic chorus. Even MTV refused to play the music video to the song and for obvious reasons it drew ire from feminist groups. Pushing On. Of “Frances Farmer will have her Revenge on Seattle”: Frances Farmer was a radical atheist and accused communist from the Seattle area and perhaps it’s Cobain, a similarly controversial character in a more progressive time, who is enacting said revenge. Just a thought, decent song anyway. With its opening lyrics becoming a sort an honorary eulogy for Cobain (“The Sun is gone but I have a Light”) “Durab” is another example of Cobain’s pensive song writing. I probably prefer the live version of “Pennyroyal Tea” but there is satisfaction in one of the deepest self examinations of any of Kurt’s songs in any form. “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter” is a middle singer pointing at every radio station as they plucked singles from the album because of demand. The swan song final track “All Apologies” was written three years prior and nipped and tucked to its form over the period between then and the release of In Utero. While Nevermind is responsible for making Nirvana explode they are remerabered, in my opinion, because of In Utero.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Heart Shaped Box
69.
Queen - A Night at the Opera (1975)
A look into the more progressive side of Queen, “A Night at the Opera” is over the top, enjoyable as hell and has some moments of musical majesty. There is no shortage of production value here; in fact it was billed as the most expensive album ever made at the time of its release. Thanks to the book about the album I have some nice nuggets here. “Death of Two Legs” is a playful but angry letter directed towarRAB the banRAB former manager and a truly appropriate introduction to the insanity. After a brief respite with “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” it transitions to “In Love with my Car” Roger Taylor’s crowning achievement in terms of song writing of lead vocals. The powerful vocals and excellent range Taylor demonstrates has made it a Queen standard. John Deacon’s proudest moment from the album must be “You’re my best friend” a semi-traditional pop hit amongst the chaos. In true romantic pop fashion the song was written for and about his wife. Brian May attempted to fuse Jazz, Blues and Folk (that’s right skiffle fans) into he’s ode to a fictional group of bizarrely fated space travelers title simply enough “39”. The Chorus is a delightful success and the verses are folksy enough to pass though the rest of the song is a bit out there, it could only be home in “A Night at the Opera”. May follows that with naturally the heavy metal “Sweet Lady” which trails into “Seaside Rendezvous” which has a notable bridge performed completely by the vocals of Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor. You don’t have to like this song to realize its pure evil genius which makes Queen of the best acts ever. “The Prophets Song” is about a dream May had with Mercury on vocals, a powerful compilation highlighted by a vocal and instrumental canon in the middle of the song, by the timed its plucked acoustic outro concludes its Queens longest track ever. Mercury’s simple ballad “Love of my Life” is a foreshadower of the epic “Bohemian Rhapsody” which follows Brian May’s “Good Company” a Dixieland style ditty featuring a humming ukulele accompanied intro and verses. Another story telling song the narrator is rewarded with his own Limited Company and the listener is dropped off at the door step of “Bohemian Rhapsody” which was known as “Freddie’s Thing” during its erabryonic stages it evolved into the banRAB Magnum Opus and gave birth to the music video concept. While Mercury was shy when it came to discussing the meaning of his songs he made no effort to hide the pride he felt and personal resonance the song held for him. The electric version of the traditional “God Save the Queen” is Brian May’s tribute to Jimi Hendrix and a most fitting end for an excellent album.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: *****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Bohemian Rhapsody
The Cure - Disintegration (1983)
WARNING: YOU ARE ADVISED TO WATCH THIS BEFORE READING THE REVIEW
YouTube - south park with robert smith
The Cure is an example of how to improve and grow as a band perfectly. In addition Robert Smiths incredible commitment to production of music at every level and attention to detail drives them to this peak. 1983's Disintegration marks the perfect storm of The Cure’s young raw dark and angry side and their more self aware musically efficient evolution. It is an intentionally bleak album and performed primarily in minor keys. The album has both the mayhem of their musical infancy and a new level of song construction and consistency as Smith orchestrates his finest composition. “Plainsong” transports you into the world of the Cure and applies Disintegrations first calming wave of sound. “Pictures of You” is the first song that grabs your attention, written about a fire in Smiths home and the remains he found, it is considered one of the banRAB greatest efforts. “Lovesong” had a resurgence recently when it was covered and quite well by 311. Still if you’d heard both versions you’d think the later was simply a live or alternate version by the Cure. Their unmistakable pulse carries the song along from start to end. The ominous single “Fascination Street” in a beautiful construction and an equal commercial success. Title track “Disintegration” is about as upbeat as the album gets but this is The Cure. Like most of the tracks on the album it pulls you into its blissful misery, it having a particularly strong hold. The penultimate “Home Sick” is one of the most perfectly titled tracks ever. The Cure being my sister’s favorite band of all-time it has always reminded me of home. A instrumental driven album with well placed and perfectly fitting vocals the “Untitled” final track is like a closing credits that you stay for out of respect for the movie of the whole and because you just have to have more. Fin.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Lovesong
70.
Nirvana – In Utero (1993)
Teenage angst has paid off well. Nirvana’s third and ultimately final effort is marked by what is to their unmistakably best composition. The Guitar in “Serve the Servants” had me thinking Beatles the moment I heard it. The album as a whole explores many directions but never fails to provide results. Following the satisfying group composition “Scentless Apprentice” is the first mainstream eye opener “Heart Shaped Box” with is magnetic rhythms and it’s an abrasive hazy chorus. Written by Kurt in five minutes in a closet so the story goes. The minimalist opening to “Rape Me” serves to provide greater impact with its energetic chorus. Even MTV refused to play the music video to the song and for obvious reasons it drew ire from feminist groups. Pushing On. Of “Frances Farmer will have her Revenge on Seattle”: Frances Farmer was a radical atheist and accused communist from the Seattle area and perhaps it’s Cobain, a similarly controversial character in a more progressive time, who is enacting said revenge. Just a thought, decent song anyway. With its opening lyrics becoming a sort an honorary eulogy for Cobain (“The Sun is gone but I have a Light”) “Durab” is another example of Cobain’s pensive song writing. I probably prefer the live version of “Pennyroyal Tea” but there is satisfaction in one of the deepest self examinations of any of Kurt’s songs in any form. “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter” is a middle singer pointing at every radio station as they plucked singles from the album because of demand. The swan song final track “All Apologies” was written three years prior and nipped and tucked to its form over the period between then and the release of In Utero. While Nevermind is responsible for making Nirvana explode they are remerabered, in my opinion, because of In Utero.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Heart Shaped Box
69.
Queen - A Night at the Opera (1975)
A look into the more progressive side of Queen, “A Night at the Opera” is over the top, enjoyable as hell and has some moments of musical majesty. There is no shortage of production value here; in fact it was billed as the most expensive album ever made at the time of its release. Thanks to the book about the album I have some nice nuggets here. “Death of Two Legs” is a playful but angry letter directed towarRAB the banRAB former manager and a truly appropriate introduction to the insanity. After a brief respite with “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” it transitions to “In Love with my Car” Roger Taylor’s crowning achievement in terms of song writing of lead vocals. The powerful vocals and excellent range Taylor demonstrates has made it a Queen standard. John Deacon’s proudest moment from the album must be “You’re my best friend” a semi-traditional pop hit amongst the chaos. In true romantic pop fashion the song was written for and about his wife. Brian May attempted to fuse Jazz, Blues and Folk (that’s right skiffle fans) into he’s ode to a fictional group of bizarrely fated space travelers title simply enough “39”. The Chorus is a delightful success and the verses are folksy enough to pass though the rest of the song is a bit out there, it could only be home in “A Night at the Opera”. May follows that with naturally the heavy metal “Sweet Lady” which trails into “Seaside Rendezvous” which has a notable bridge performed completely by the vocals of Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor. You don’t have to like this song to realize its pure evil genius which makes Queen of the best acts ever. “The Prophets Song” is about a dream May had with Mercury on vocals, a powerful compilation highlighted by a vocal and instrumental canon in the middle of the song, by the timed its plucked acoustic outro concludes its Queens longest track ever. Mercury’s simple ballad “Love of my Life” is a foreshadower of the epic “Bohemian Rhapsody” which follows Brian May’s “Good Company” a Dixieland style ditty featuring a humming ukulele accompanied intro and verses. Another story telling song the narrator is rewarded with his own Limited Company and the listener is dropped off at the door step of “Bohemian Rhapsody” which was known as “Freddie’s Thing” during its erabryonic stages it evolved into the banRAB Magnum Opus and gave birth to the music video concept. While Mercury was shy when it came to discussing the meaning of his songs he made no effort to hide the pride he felt and personal resonance the song held for him. The electric version of the traditional “God Save the Queen” is Brian May’s tribute to Jimi Hendrix and a most fitting end for an excellent album.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: *****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Bohemian Rhapsody
hot stuff! =)
New member
Beggars Banquet is in my top 10, and Sticky Fingers and Exile are in my top 40 but beyond that...
77.
Buffalo Springfield – Buffalo Springfield (1967)
The short lived but legendary and influential folksters Buffalo Springfield broke onto the scene in 1967 with their eponymous debut. Most known for containing one of the greatest songs in music history “For What it’s Worth” it’s a folk rock requisite featuring songs written by Steven Stills and Neil Young. “Hot Dusty RoaRAB” is a country folk song that was a popular live performance. The album is usually considered a far second to their sophomore effort “Again” and while the production of the second album is considerably better the song writing and purity of the 1967 effort are unmatched. “Burned” is Neil Young’s finest and most upbeat contribution to the album. The closing track “Pay the Price” has considerable CSNY foreshadowing in its harmony driven sound with a country folk influence. Buy both albums and decide for yourself you might just agree with me.
Musical Content: ***
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: For What it’s Worth
76.
Blues Traveler - Four (1994)
Jam Band Blues Traveler hits the studio and magic happens. 1994 was another good year for music and this album is a major reason why. From the opening track the radio hut “Runaround” one of the best hooks of the year to the actual song “Hook” dealing with just that topic A powerful song with Poppers memorable harmonica solo, speedy bridge singing and its Pachelbel’s Canon structure. “Stand” is a dynamic bonding of sections connected with Poppers outstanding harp work. The emotional ballad “Look Around” is another song that seems almost out of place on a Blues Traveler album because of its catchy nature but just try not to enjoy it. “Price to pay” and its electric chorus, subtle bridge and harm led interludes are the backbone for another strong effort. In true Jam band form “The Good the Bad and the Ugly” is an up-tempo improvisational instrumental that fits the Blues Traveler M.O. to perfection. The penultimate track “Just Wait” is another emotion driven ballad with outstanding vocals and excellent harmony to draw you in. The album burns out in a bluesy flash with the unforgettable “Brother John” the ragging electric guitar solos between verses of comprehensible speed scat style lyrics and final crescendo loop stomp an indelible mark into your music psyche. When I listen to this album I think, this is what music can be when its done just right. Also that “The Mountains win Again” song makes me want to go out and buy cheap American Beer for some reason.
Musical Content: *****
Artistic Content: ***
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Just Wait
75.
The Clash - London Calling (1979)
The Union between punk and Reggae begins with the jaunty Armageddon themed title track “London Calling” setting the tone for a ride from the end of the world to the center of your skull. A double album; A nice mix of song styles holding a general theme, with occasional welcomed well timed departures. “Jimmy Jazz” brings the Reggae sound to the forefront telling the tale of the outlaw title character, a song I never get tired of hearing. “Revolution Rock” has the heaviest Reggae sound of the album. There is a friendly familiarity to “Rudy can’t Fail” as it drives through on its rockabilly rhythm. “Lost in the Supermarket” is a poppy punk ballad has stood the test of time musically. “Clampdown” steps it up a notch midway through the album with all the energy and rhythm of a teen anthem. “Wrong ‘Em Boyo” is a tribute to Folk Legend Stagger Lee (A great story to check out) down in Ska form. “The Card Cheat” is the only song credited to the entire band and is a powerful elaborate experience and one of the albums best efforts. “Train in Vain” was a last minute addition to the album and may be responsible for bringing the album to the mainstream. A brilliant emotional exclamation on fidelity and the most successful song from the album.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: The Card Cheat
Buffalo Springfield – Buffalo Springfield (1967)
The short lived but legendary and influential folksters Buffalo Springfield broke onto the scene in 1967 with their eponymous debut. Most known for containing one of the greatest songs in music history “For What it’s Worth” it’s a folk rock requisite featuring songs written by Steven Stills and Neil Young. “Hot Dusty RoaRAB” is a country folk song that was a popular live performance. The album is usually considered a far second to their sophomore effort “Again” and while the production of the second album is considerably better the song writing and purity of the 1967 effort are unmatched. “Burned” is Neil Young’s finest and most upbeat contribution to the album. The closing track “Pay the Price” has considerable CSNY foreshadowing in its harmony driven sound with a country folk influence. Buy both albums and decide for yourself you might just agree with me.
Musical Content: ***
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: For What it’s Worth
76.
Blues Traveler - Four (1994)
Jam Band Blues Traveler hits the studio and magic happens. 1994 was another good year for music and this album is a major reason why. From the opening track the radio hut “Runaround” one of the best hooks of the year to the actual song “Hook” dealing with just that topic A powerful song with Poppers memorable harmonica solo, speedy bridge singing and its Pachelbel’s Canon structure. “Stand” is a dynamic bonding of sections connected with Poppers outstanding harp work. The emotional ballad “Look Around” is another song that seems almost out of place on a Blues Traveler album because of its catchy nature but just try not to enjoy it. “Price to pay” and its electric chorus, subtle bridge and harm led interludes are the backbone for another strong effort. In true Jam band form “The Good the Bad and the Ugly” is an up-tempo improvisational instrumental that fits the Blues Traveler M.O. to perfection. The penultimate track “Just Wait” is another emotion driven ballad with outstanding vocals and excellent harmony to draw you in. The album burns out in a bluesy flash with the unforgettable “Brother John” the ragging electric guitar solos between verses of comprehensible speed scat style lyrics and final crescendo loop stomp an indelible mark into your music psyche. When I listen to this album I think, this is what music can be when its done just right. Also that “The Mountains win Again” song makes me want to go out and buy cheap American Beer for some reason.
Musical Content: *****
Artistic Content: ***
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Just Wait
75.
The Clash - London Calling (1979)
The Union between punk and Reggae begins with the jaunty Armageddon themed title track “London Calling” setting the tone for a ride from the end of the world to the center of your skull. A double album; A nice mix of song styles holding a general theme, with occasional welcomed well timed departures. “Jimmy Jazz” brings the Reggae sound to the forefront telling the tale of the outlaw title character, a song I never get tired of hearing. “Revolution Rock” has the heaviest Reggae sound of the album. There is a friendly familiarity to “Rudy can’t Fail” as it drives through on its rockabilly rhythm. “Lost in the Supermarket” is a poppy punk ballad has stood the test of time musically. “Clampdown” steps it up a notch midway through the album with all the energy and rhythm of a teen anthem. “Wrong ‘Em Boyo” is a tribute to Folk Legend Stagger Lee (A great story to check out) down in Ska form. “The Card Cheat” is the only song credited to the entire band and is a powerful elaborate experience and one of the albums best efforts. “Train in Vain” was a last minute addition to the album and may be responsible for bringing the album to the mainstream. A brilliant emotional exclamation on fidelity and the most successful song from the album.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: The Card Cheat
grandmajjandcali
New member
Yes, I had a look at that. Marvelous thread; incredibly personal and yet consistent. To be Sure, The motivation for me taking my list and writing reviews for each. I've tried to add a personal touch to mine but I am going to take your ideas of both adding content to the reviews as time goes on and listening to the albums as I review them. It's a great way to reflect & reminisce as you review your music catalog.
Thanks for the inspiration and cheers!
Thanks for the inspiration and cheers!
Very kind of you to say so 
I did start another thread with 1000 albums in. Of course I never expected to get anywhere near 1000 , it was more to list any new or interesting recorRAB I happen to find or be listening to at the time.
With yourself & Coffeeshop doing lists it's given me an incentive to bump that thread again too.
I did start another thread with 1000 albums in. Of course I never expected to get anywhere near 1000 , it was more to list any new or interesting recorRAB I happen to find or be listening to at the time.
With yourself & Coffeeshop doing lists it's given me an incentive to bump that thread again too.
Peace Love Me
New member
Morning View is such a fantastic album, Incubus seem to get over looked because they're mainstream rock but they're a great band. Plus Brandon Boyd is a great singer, he pisses all over Cornell at that whole nasally singer type thing. Drive is probably my favorite song off of it. Pardon Me is great too you didn't mention that one D=!
sportegirl7
New member
I respect Queen but I can't say I like them. In Utero would have been higher on my list. In the high forties probably.
74.
Tool - Lateralus (2001) Tool - Lateralus.zip
Lateralus is a dreamlike experience. Mood music at its most evolved it will hurl you into a melodic trance significantly departed from any grounded mental arena. The familiar complex song structures and haunting intensity are there but there is a also a marked increase in terms of focus and direction as compared to previous efforts. “The Grudge” an eight minute opening experience as much as a song sets the table to perfection for the carnage that waits. The wonder dichotomy of “Parabol” with it’s sweet serenity and it’s kick you in the face doppelganger “Parabola” shows the beyond mere mortal songwriting capabilities of the band and the attention to detail of that can only be described as musical OCD. Title track “Lateralus” is a thundering ode to metal’s past and a kick down the doors announcement of the arrival of its new face. It’s theme is centered around the Fibonacci sequence which shares a relationship with spirals, and is named for Leonardo of Pisa, another example of the thoughtful lengths the band will go to find creative inspiration for their music. “Schism” the initial single off the album is performed in a variety of times and speeRAB that even the most gifted musical mind could not pigeon-hole. Interlude tracks like "Eon Blue Apocalypse" and "Mantra" are the necessary gasps of air in between the drowning abrasive rhythms of the album’s nucleolus. “Disposition” a mellow daze of a song escorts you effortlessly into the longest track on an album filled with six plus minute endeavors. “Reflection” builRAB from a the familiar electronic tribal hymn into an instrumental masterpiece with a short shout of vocals in it’s finale. Not an album you can fully appreciate in one listen, it is an experience and one worth having again and again.
Musical Content: ***
Artistic Content: *****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Lateralus
73.
The Beatles - Revolver (1966)
Revolver is the Beatles seventh and most electric album to date at the time. Critically it is often one of their best reviewed albums and with good reason however I find it as I often do some of their middle work to have a few real lousy tracks mixed in with the brilliant ones. “I’m only sleeping” is one of the brilliant ones and in the right mood, my favorite Beatles song. It’s a wonderful effort written by John Lennon about his affinity for the reclusive lifestyle. On Paul’s end the simple but soothing “Good Day Sunshine” belongs on the keeper list but if you asked John, Paul’s best effort from the album is “Got to get you into my Life” and it’s hard to argue. The amazing horn section backing the building dynamism of the song as it explodes into its emphatic demanding chorus. Despite its seemingly clear suggestion of a tale of lover not shared it is actually about Paul’s love of marijuana. Go figure. The biggest commercial success from Revolver is about the lonely people. While I have grown weary of “Eleanor Rigby” the story of it’s origins is enjoyable. (From Paul "I was sitting at the piano when I thought of it. The first few bars just came to me, and I got this name in my head... Daisy Hawkins picks up the rice in the church. I don't know why. I couldn't think of much more so I put it away for a day. Then the name Father McCartney came to me, and all the lonely people. But I thought that people would think it was supposed to be about my Dad sitting knitting his socks. Dad's a happy lad. So I went through the telephone book and I got the name McKenzie. I was in Bristol when I decided Daisy Hawkins wasn't a good name. I walked 'round looking at the shops, and I saw the name Rigby. Then I took the song down to John's house in Weybridge. We sat around, laughing, got stoned and finished it off." My guilty pleasure from this album and a karaoke main stay “Doctor Robert” is John’s lighter side with a playful autobiographical tale about his days as the unofficial “doctor” for the band. While not on the album “Paperback Writer” which was solely released as a single was written and recorded along with Revolver and the last song included on the Beatles live play list. Revolver marks the arrival of the Beatles as a studio band and is the final step in their evolution as the greatest band in Rock & Roll.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Got to get you into my life
72.
System of a Down - Toxicity (2001)
After their eponymous debut went relativley unnoticed another obstacle was thrown in front of the pride of Armenian Alternative Metal when they ended up the "post\9-11 inappropriate" lists of many radio stations. Still the persistence and individuality of the Los Angeles quartet brought them to stardom. From the societal statement of "Prison Song" to the explosive anthems "Toxicity" and "Aerials" in the final act, System of a Down's second album has made the most substantial impact on me. With a steady energetic pulse pushing them from song to song, thoughtful creative lyrics, catchy rhythms that do not sacrifice their metal roots are the M.O. for Toxicity. "Shimmy" features one of the shortest and best choruses of any System Song on this or any other album. "Chop Suey" propelled the then little known band to the front of mainstream consciousness. Even the excessive air play the single got has not ruined it for me, although the radio is not my first choice when considering a musical source. As you would expect their is a diverse song set with plenty of quirky moments only SOAD could provide, like the inexcusable but enjoyable "Bounce". The galloping instrumental intro to "Forest" leaRAB you into one of the most underrated tracks on this or any of System's albums. The mellow harmony driven introduction to "ATWA" is one the most charming moments of the album as it's heavy bass line provides a wonderful partner to my favorite vocal compilation on the album. The title track found success commercially and musically is a real treat on every level. Aerials however became the real gem in that respect reaching #1 and taking System of a Down to a near Iconic level on the burgeoning nu-metal scene. Its melancholy conclusion leaRAB the listener to believe there is still more to be heard from these guys.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: *****
Favorite Song: Toxicity
Tool - Lateralus (2001) Tool - Lateralus.zip
Lateralus is a dreamlike experience. Mood music at its most evolved it will hurl you into a melodic trance significantly departed from any grounded mental arena. The familiar complex song structures and haunting intensity are there but there is a also a marked increase in terms of focus and direction as compared to previous efforts. “The Grudge” an eight minute opening experience as much as a song sets the table to perfection for the carnage that waits. The wonder dichotomy of “Parabol” with it’s sweet serenity and it’s kick you in the face doppelganger “Parabola” shows the beyond mere mortal songwriting capabilities of the band and the attention to detail of that can only be described as musical OCD. Title track “Lateralus” is a thundering ode to metal’s past and a kick down the doors announcement of the arrival of its new face. It’s theme is centered around the Fibonacci sequence which shares a relationship with spirals, and is named for Leonardo of Pisa, another example of the thoughtful lengths the band will go to find creative inspiration for their music. “Schism” the initial single off the album is performed in a variety of times and speeRAB that even the most gifted musical mind could not pigeon-hole. Interlude tracks like "Eon Blue Apocalypse" and "Mantra" are the necessary gasps of air in between the drowning abrasive rhythms of the album’s nucleolus. “Disposition” a mellow daze of a song escorts you effortlessly into the longest track on an album filled with six plus minute endeavors. “Reflection” builRAB from a the familiar electronic tribal hymn into an instrumental masterpiece with a short shout of vocals in it’s finale. Not an album you can fully appreciate in one listen, it is an experience and one worth having again and again.
Musical Content: ***
Artistic Content: *****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Lateralus
73.
The Beatles - Revolver (1966)
Revolver is the Beatles seventh and most electric album to date at the time. Critically it is often one of their best reviewed albums and with good reason however I find it as I often do some of their middle work to have a few real lousy tracks mixed in with the brilliant ones. “I’m only sleeping” is one of the brilliant ones and in the right mood, my favorite Beatles song. It’s a wonderful effort written by John Lennon about his affinity for the reclusive lifestyle. On Paul’s end the simple but soothing “Good Day Sunshine” belongs on the keeper list but if you asked John, Paul’s best effort from the album is “Got to get you into my Life” and it’s hard to argue. The amazing horn section backing the building dynamism of the song as it explodes into its emphatic demanding chorus. Despite its seemingly clear suggestion of a tale of lover not shared it is actually about Paul’s love of marijuana. Go figure. The biggest commercial success from Revolver is about the lonely people. While I have grown weary of “Eleanor Rigby” the story of it’s origins is enjoyable. (From Paul
"I was sitting at the piano when I thought of it. The first few bars just came to me, and I got this name in my head... Daisy Hawkins picks up the rice in the church. I don't know why. I couldn't think of much more so I put it away for a day. Then the name Father McCartney came to me, and all the lonely people. But I thought that people would think it was supposed to be about my Dad sitting knitting his socks. Dad's a happy lad. So I went through the telephone book and I got the name McKenzie. I was in Bristol when I decided Daisy Hawkins wasn't a good name. I walked 'round looking at the shops, and I saw the name Rigby. Then I took the song down to John's house in Weybridge. We sat around, laughing, got stoned and finished it off." My guilty pleasure from this album and a karaoke main stay “Doctor Robert” is John’s lighter side with a playful autobiographical tale about his days as the unofficial “doctor” for the band. While not on the album “Paperback Writer” which was solely released as a single was written and recorded along with Revolver and the last song included on the Beatles live play list. Revolver marks the arrival of the Beatles as a studio band and is the final step in their evolution as the greatest band in Rock & Roll. Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****
Favorite Song: Got to get you into my life
72.
System of a Down - Toxicity (2001)
After their eponymous debut went relativley unnoticed another obstacle was thrown in front of the pride of Armenian Alternative Metal when they ended up the "post\9-11 inappropriate" lists of many radio stations. Still the persistence and individuality of the Los Angeles quartet brought them to stardom. From the societal statement of "Prison Song" to the explosive anthems "Toxicity" and "Aerials" in the final act, System of a Down's second album has made the most substantial impact on me. With a steady energetic pulse pushing them from song to song, thoughtful creative lyrics, catchy rhythms that do not sacrifice their metal roots are the M.O. for Toxicity. "Shimmy" features one of the shortest and best choruses of any System Song on this or any other album. "Chop Suey" propelled the then little known band to the front of mainstream consciousness. Even the excessive air play the single got has not ruined it for me, although the radio is not my first choice when considering a musical source. As you would expect their is a diverse song set with plenty of quirky moments only SOAD could provide, like the inexcusable but enjoyable "Bounce". The galloping instrumental intro to "Forest" leaRAB you into one of the most underrated tracks on this or any of System's albums. The mellow harmony driven introduction to "ATWA" is one the most charming moments of the album as it's heavy bass line provides a wonderful partner to my favorite vocal compilation on the album. The title track found success commercially and musically is a real treat on every level. Aerials however became the real gem in that respect reaching #1 and taking System of a Down to a near Iconic level on the burgeoning nu-metal scene. Its melancholy conclusion leaRAB the listener to believe there is still more to be heard from these guys.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: *****
Favorite Song: Toxicity
ghostinthecrowd
New member
I totally agree with you, that album was called "A crow left of the murder" I think. Also there most recent album Light Gernades is pretty weak too. Still there first three albums (mainstream) are very very good. You should give morning view another listen sometime soon, I think you'll be surprised how much you still like it.
pumaleon123
New member
Cool review of Revolver! I love that album, and just happened to be playing it when I clicked your post. Nice work!
Staypuff MarshMallow Man
New member
I think one of the reasons I like the album is not because the individual songs are amazing or anything but because I can listen to it as an album.
One of the things that's always bothered me about the Velvet Underground is that for every great song you get , you get a really awful unlistenable one.
The beauty of Loaded for me is although the best songs on it are not as great as some of the ones on other albums , because it's probably their most mainstream sounding album the worst songs on it are not as unlistenable as some of the worst songs on the other albums.
If that makes any sense
One of the things that's always bothered me about the Velvet Underground is that for every great song you get , you get a really awful unlistenable one.
The beauty of Loaded for me is although the best songs on it are not as great as some of the ones on other albums , because it's probably their most mainstream sounding album the worst songs on it are not as unlistenable as some of the worst songs on the other albums.
If that makes any sense