Solo's Top 100 (200?, 300?) Albums OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!1

[yesitis]

i've shamelessly stolen the idea for the format of this thread from another forum i post on. the idea is to create a list showcasing the varied tastes of the users of the board. name the band, the album, the year of release, write a little something (or a long something if you're so inclined) about the album - why you chose it, when you first heard it, a little about the band, where you think it stands in musical history, etc. - and then provide two or three songs from the album as mp3s for the listening pleasure of other members. if you can't upload anything, just post a youtube link or something. we're not ranking these albums, just making up a list of albums we really like and would like to expose others to. i guess we just keep going until people stop posting. or if no-one is interested we just let this thread die and never speak of it again.

so, to start off.

1. Supersystem - Always Never Again - 2005, Touch and Go Records

supersystem began life as el guapo, but changed their name in 2004/5 as a result of legal threats brought forth by a band of the same name or a general dislike of the original name, depending who you believe. they released a few albums under their original name, all of which i think are worth checking out.

i feel like they really hit their stride and formed their disparate influences into a cohesive sound with the release of always never again in 2005. the album is a mish mash of punk, dance, pop and electronica and more that i have listened to many many times and still can't get over. this is one of the few bands out there that actually make me want to dance and, on the two occasions i was lucky enough to see them live before they split in 2006, i did just that (i also forced the comment "this room smells like a bong" from bassist/singer justin destroyer). the influences are quite apparent, but they never seemed to fall into the pastiche/ironic appreciation for the sounds of the 70s and 80s that make so many bands unlistenable to me.

i find the lyrics cheerful, funny, horrifying, purposefully inane and very sincere in equal measures.

i might edit in some more about the album when i can get my thoughts together, and if this thread doesn't die on its arse i'll probably write something about their second album which i like even more, but that's it for now.

DEFCON - http://www.sendspace.com/file/d0spuh

MIRACLE - http://www.sendspace.com/file/s22fsz

1977 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/54mgiz

 

[Hidden By Rags]

Hopefully I'm speaking for others as well, but thanks for taking the time to post this. The fact that it takes some thought and effort to put a description together may mean a slow start though, but give it a chance. I'll have to dl and have a listen.

edit: of the three, I really enjoyed 'Miracle'.

 

[oye terence]

Great idea! I shall ponder this and post an album and all that jazz.

 

[Kewpie]

2. High Land, Hard Rain - Aztec Camera

I discoved Aztec Camera by accident in December 1983 listening to a weekly radio show on NHK (Japanese equivallent to BBC) which was hosted by a monthly music magazine publisher / critic.
I was struck by the beautiful melody of guitar sound, stunned by the fact Roddy Frame was only 17 when the album was released.
Actually I still don't know how to describe how I feel about the album.

Rolling Stone review

http://roddyframe.com

 

[yesitis]

yep, that's how you post a picture. now how about a little something about it, why you like it, song suggestions or links, etc.

and could you number it please? danke.

 

[Vic Strangeways]

2. High Land, Hard Rain - Aztec Camera

I discoved Aztec Camera by accident in December 1983 listening to a weekly radio show on NHK (Japanese equivallent to BBC) which was hosted by a monthly music magazine publisher / critic.
I was struck by the beautiful melody of guitar sound, stunned by the fact Roddy Frame was only 17 when the album was released.
Actually I still don't know how to describe how I feel about the album.

Rolling Stone review

http://roddyframe.com

Very good choice, sir. Saw an interview with Johnny Marr and he mentions that jingle jangle guitar in 'walk out to winter' as one of his influences.

 

[oye terence]

3.Respect - Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians

Released in 1993, This was a bit of a departure from the last few albums by Robyn Hitchcock, gone was the jingle jangle Beatles/Byrds inspired music, such as on 'Perspex Island'.Recorded with the use of a mobile BBC recording unit, this is mainly acoustic and had an organic feel to it.Hitchcock is often known for his quirky lyrics and those do remains to some degree, but there is an overall seriousness to everything on this album that may have been lacking in earlier albums.There is a dark, overbearing sense of loss to the album , though one of the more standout tracks ,'Arms of Love', is quite uplifting.'The Wreck of the Arthur Lee' is quite haunting, while 'The Yip Song' is typical quirky Hitchcock.'Respect' is the finest album, I believe of his career,he is an interesting and unique songwriter.One of a kind.

Arms of Love
http://www.sendspace.com/file/6zlwde

The Wreck of the Arthur Lee
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ed0j7n

The Yip Song
http://www.sendspace.com/file/uyq5xt

 

[Kewpie]

4. Circus Maximus - Momus

Momus aka Nick Currie is very underrated in his own country.
Most of the songs are based on simple acourstic guitar sound, however, you cannot underestimate the power of simplicity with thought-provoking lyrics.

http://imomus.livejournal.com/

 

[McLovin]

Cool thread. I will be pontificating ad nauseam in it.

 

[columbula]

5. Ringo Shiina - Muzai Moratorium (Innocence Moratorium)

She's pretty much my female Morrissey. She debuted when she was 19 in 1998. She released her first album Muzai Moratorium in '99. She put out 2 other solo albums and in 2004 she formed the band "Tokyo Jihen," with whom she's put out 3 albums. She's releasing a new solo album on June 24th this year.
She's a strong, painfully intelligent female figure in an industry full of overly girly idols. She's well versed in her music history and loves experimenting with other genres, especially jazz which she works perfectly with.

All of her albums are pretty much perfect, but this one still stands out as my favorite. It's the most pure rock and it's brimming with youthfulness. (Though her 3rd album is nothing short of a masterpiece.)

Here's some of my favorites by her, Kabukicho no Joou (Queen of Kabukicho):


Koufukuron (Theory of Happiness)

Sid to Hakuchumu (Daydreaming with Sid)

 

[Pokey]

Ok that song is actually pretty awesome

 

[Mr. Springheeled]

6. Cousteau (self titled) 1999

Cousteau's debut effort, very stylistic, moody, intelligent, for fans of Scott Walker, The Divine Comedy, Bowie even...

Great example of their sound below (which I have no idea how to embed)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uQJ2uFhurM

 

[nogodsnomasters85]

A couple of lesser-known gems...

Cock Sparrer-Shock Troops

Undeniably Shock Troops is they're best album. One of the greatest obscure bands of punk/oi. This album contains most of they're best material recorded at they're peak. The apex being "Where Are They Now?" a soulful punk ballad that should bring a tear to the eye of anybody who deeply loved early british punk. "Riot Squad" is a close second. It's got the simple barroom anthem feel of Sham 69 but with the catchier, more accessible elements of the Ramones.
If you like old school punk, do yourself a favor.

Social Distortion-Live at the Roxy

This is essentially a "Best Of" with all the greatest songs from they're career but with the power of a live performance, the recording is crystal clear, and theres' a few classic covers in there, Rolling Stones, and Johnny Cash. "Prison Bound" is, in my opinion, they're greatest moment, and it's even better live. Social Distortion have a fascinating sound that blends traditional punk, blues, country, and rockabilly elements. Tough but soulful, they express loss and heartache, but in a totally masculine way which I find unique.

 

[Jukebox Jury]

The Stone Roses debut album with the same name (Eponymous?)

f***ing class 20 years on......

Jukebox Jury

 

[Jukebox Jury]

Siouxsie & The Banshees - Juju

The album that launched and defined 1000's of goths, yet still appealed to the punks and post punk kids too!
Contains 'Spellbound', my second favourite ever single of all time

Jukebox Jury

 

[anon x]

The Stone Roses debut album with the same name (Eponymous?)

f***ing class 20 years on......

 

[Vic Strangeways]

7. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen (August 25, 1975)

His third album and at that point he was about to be dropped by CBS, he was given an enormous budget in a last-ditch effort at a commercially viable record, so he had to come up with a classic. The album took more than 14 months to record, with 6 months alone spent on the song "Born To Run" itself, he battled with anger and frustration over the album, saying he heard "sounds in his head" that he could not explain to the others in the studio and he also changed producers in the middle of recording. I watched the documentary 'Wings for Wheels' and even I got stressed by watching Bruce and band working on the album, mixing, re-writing songs, changing arrangements, etc... and they managed to accomplish the Wall of Sound type production. The cover art of Born to Run is one of rock music's most popular and iconic images and if you look closer you can even see Elvis. The song sequence is also really well structured, Thunder Road (in my opinion) is the best album opener in history and it sets the mood and it feels like the whole album is an adventure happening in one night...a masterpiece.

And to quote John Cusack:

"Thanks, Boss!"

http://rapidshare.com/files/138193785/Bruce_Springsteen_-Born_to_Run.rar