A Random Assortment of Favourites

B

BillNyeguy23

New member
So as I find doing lists of favourite albums hard enough, especially putting them into any kind of order, I've decide to randomly go through some favourites and not put any nuraber to it and it shall be in no order. I'm not going to shy away from any 'mainstream' albums, if I love it then I love. I'm not one of those pricks who automatically dis-credit an album just because a lot of people like it.

So, without further ado:


Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You

I_NEVER_LOVED_A_MAN.jpg


A lovely soulful album. Yes, it has Respect on it, which obviously is going to get all the attention especially as it opens the album. But there are some really lovely subtle songs on here as well. My favourite track on here is Baby Baby Baby, absolutely wonderful vibe to it and Aretha's vocals are just perfect, not too much, not too little.


The Band - The Band

band_band.jpg



When I'm in the right mood, this album is perfect for enhancing it. It's almost like a more laid back CCR, just plodding through the album with just enough effort to make it still great. I love The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and Across the great divide is a great opener for this album.

Blue Oyster Cult - Fire Of Unknown Origin

blue-oyster-cult-fire-of-unknown-origin.jpg



When I require cheesy rock, I usually turn to good old BOC and this album in particular. As crazy as it may be, I can't get enought of the title track and Joan Crawford rocks as well. Plus, just look at the great cover.


Blur - Modern Life Is Rubbish


r3919431109063502uw5.gif


I grew up listening to Blur as they emerged and this album is by far my favourite from them. It also brings back some fantastic memories of my youth. I know it is quite popular on this forum which makes me happy. None of the songs are amazing, the album isn't amazing, but some things dont have to be. It's just a fun listen of perfect poppy songs.
 
I won't comment until you have put lots more crap up ;) Maybe give them a rating out of ten if they are not in any order? I should check out more B.O.C. I have Agents Of Fortune and it's a solid album.
 
Buddy Holly and The Crickets - 20 Golden Greats

0000014712_350.jpg


Not really keen on putting compilations into favourites lists but I can't leave this one out. Buddy Holly's music affects me like no other, there's just something about it that transports me to the era, something about it's stark simplicity and sometimes down right beauty. Nobody has ever made music like this ever since.



Cat Stevens - Tea For The Tillerman

cover.jpg

Once again, another album that built up with fairly simple tracks. It's the delivery that makes it what it is. Most songs are stripped down to just a basic strum of a guitar, maybe a bit of piano and the rest lies with Cat's vocals. Needless to say, he sings with such passion and emotion whether it's his soft singing or when he's on the verge of shouting.


David Bowie - Hunky Dory

Hunky-Dory.jpg


My favourite Bowie album, IMO miles above Ziggy Stardust (which is still great) I definitely prefer him in this era than later on, though his later albums are also an incredible listen. There are some amazing songs on Hunky Dory; Life On Mars is incredible just for the backing instrumentals alone, Changes is one of the best openers, Oh You Pretty Things and Eight Line Poem are also worthy follow-ons.


Frank Zappa - Joe's Garage

frank_zappa_joes_garage.jpg


Despite Zappa having an amazing selection of albums to listen to I always find myself coming back to this album. Maybe it's becasue I enjoy the story of it, or that it's a funny album, or that there are some great songs on here; both fun (Catholic Girls) and genius (Watermelon In Easter Hay). A good shoe-in for those not familiar with Zappa's work, it's very accesible, it's cohesive and, once again, fun to listen to.
 
Hunky Dory is at least in my top 3 Bowie list. Nice.
Best Cat Stevens album, I'm guessing? Been meaning to listen.
I prefer Zappa's more experimental stuff for some reason
 
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul

OtisRedding-OtisBlue-Front.jpg


The finest example of a soul record. If you are not clued up on soul then you have to start here. Amazing songs, sung by one of the best voices in soul. Everything here just oozes emotion, I love this album so much.

Jeff Wayne - The War of the WorlRAB

Jeff-Wayne-War-Of-The-WorlRAB-325405.jpg


This next one is a Marmite album, you'll love it or hate it. Most of the people who love it, like myself, grew up listening to this late at night in the dark. I spent hours in bed with this blasting through my headphones, fascinated by the narrative and just loving the music. Yes it's very cheesey and, yes, it can be over the top but for those who grew up with this it is also a blast to listen to.

Philip Glass - Koyaanisqatsi

511Mf9nKMaL._SL500_AA280_.jpg



Philip Glass is one of my favourite composers and it is difficult to single out a recording. I went with this, the score to an equally amazing film. The music contained is so powerful and moving.

Tracy Chapman -Tracy Chapman

tracy-chapman-tracy-chapman-front.jpg


Chapman sings with such honesty and beauty and, despite bringing up a lot of political and social issues in her music, it often seems as though she is just singing for herself. Certainly someone who I wish would record a hell of a lot more than she has.
 
Wishbone Ash - Wishbone Ash

157709.jpg


Not the best from the boys, but their debut certainly hints at what was to come and showcases the banRAB fine musicianship. I seem to be the only one who likes the track 'Handy' though, I think it's a great track.

Carole King - Tapestry

Carole+King+-+Tapestry+(+delantera+).jpg


Such a lovely album to listen to, King has crafted an album with such wonderful sentiment and emotion, yet still managing to keep things understated and restrained. Her beautiful songwriting is complimented by her wonderful voice.

James Carr - You Got My Mind Messed Up

59872.jpg


Despite not gaining as much fame and recognition as Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke or Otis Redding, James Carr has delivered a powerhouse of a soul album. Track after track is filled with his remarkable voice, and the songs are either fun to listen to or gut-wrenchingly sad. One of Soul's best albums. Period.

808 State - Ex:El

o2485.jpg


Just a great album that brings back good memories. A nice mix of techno and electronica et al, with some guest vocals from Bjork and Bernard Sumner. Although it sounRAB dated to an extent, it's more a window back to the late 80s/early 90s. Some good stuff form the Manchester laRAB.
 
That'd be Modern Life Is Rubbish. Terrific album it is and all.

Good pick with Hunky Dory as well. Not my favourite Bowie album by a long shot, but I still love it to bits. The majority of Bowza fans I've spoken to hate Fill Your Heart, which I find kinda odd considering I think it's one of his best covers.
 
Good pick with 808 State, although I can't say much for them as I've only got the one track (Pacific's the one, I think). I've been meaning to get an album of theirs for quite some time now, so cheers for the heaRAB up. The other three you mentioned sound pretty intriguing too - I'll get on their cases in a bit.
 
Back
Top