Smashing Pumpkins - Machina/The Machines of God - They were already upsetting fans with the stylistic shift of Adore, but I think both Adore and Machina show them at their peak of musical creativity (well, Billy Corgan's peak anyway). Though it's a bit long, Machina is full of really excellent progressive rock that still stayed accessible. I think people were so used to the immediate gratification of stuff on Mellon Collie that people didn't have patience to let Machina grow on them (and it's definitely a grower).
Red Hot Chili Peppers - One Hot Minute - Sure, it's no Blood Sugar Sex Magic, but I found it to be really enjoyable. I like seeing a more aggressive side, which Dave Navarro's playing gave them. I think they actually should have taken a lesson from this recently when looking for another replacement. Instead of a John Fruciante clone, they should have found someone completely different so they could explore more.
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Confusion will be my epitaph...
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