The Bulldog 150

jackhammer · 03-09-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

39. Thievery Corporation - The Mirror Conspiracy (2000)

More nocturnal trip-hop here, this time mixing atmospheric elements of Brazilian, Jamaican, French and Indian musical forms into their own breezy, chilled electronic soundscapes. Where it's not delivering elegant and easygoing grooves alone, it features the wonderful vocal contributions of Pam Bricker, Lou Lou, Ella Fitzgerald and the mighty Bebel Gilberto. Although these guys have made great records before and since (their latest effort, Radio Retaliation, is well worth a go if this is your thing), this album probably had the most immediate impact on me. Seeing as it got me started on trip-hop and a lot of contemporary electronica, it's also a very important album to my current musical taste as well.
The best bits: Focus On Sight, Shadows Of Ourselves, The Mirror Conspiracy

This was the first Thievery Corporation I bought too although I prefer The Richest Man in Babylon as my favourite TC album. I have to say that I was very dissapointed with Radio Retaliation. Have you heard TC DJ Kicks mix? It's what got me into them in the first place and stops off at every continent in the world- it is one of my very favourite mix albums.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

And while I'm still hanging around...

38. Massive Attack - Blue Lines (1991)

To put the lid on all the trip-hop on this list is the one which started the whole thing (even if the term didn't actually come into use 'til a few years later). Here lies the first album to filter American hip-hop through the British clubbing subculture. Add a dash of dub here and there, shake it up and you've got the musical cocktail that is Blue Lines. I could easily have included the equally brilliant Mezzanine here (and, indeed, was going to 'til about ten minutes ago), but in terms of the sweeping influence it had on dance and pop music, as well as the Unfinished Sympathy factor, this is the album I'd stick in a top albums list such as this.
The best bits: Be Thankful For What You've Got, Unfinished Sypathy, Daydreaming

35. Transglobal Underground - Impossible Broadcasting (2004)

I got three of these guys' albums at once and of all of them, needless to say, this is the one made the most immediate impact. Another one the more overlooked groups out there, Transglobal Underground deliver a breathtaking mish-mash of Indian atmospherics, dub rhythms, ragga vocals, rock guitar riffs and some killer, danceable rhythms (sometimes all in the same tune), which is fully realised with this, their artistic peak (to me).
The best bits: Drinking In Gomorrah, Isis K, Take the Tram

I think Mezzanine is far superior by Massive Attack. Blue Lines is a great album but it's dated badly i think.

Glad you liked the Transglobal Underground albums

I agree that Impossible Broadcasting is probably their best.

Some great choices as ever.

JukeBoxHero · 03-09-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

1. The Saints - Know Your Product
2. The Kinks - Phenomenal Cat
3. Talking Heads - Crosseyed and Painless
4. Joy Division - Isolation
5. DJ Shadow - The Number Song
6. Gladys Knight & the Pips - (I Know) I'm Losing You
7. Morcheeba - Fear and Love
8. XTC - Rocket From a Bottle
9. Hybrid - Snyper
10. Super Furry Animals - Guerilla

All great albums, my favorites of those 10 are the Talking Heads and X-Tay-Say(XTC)!

Bulldog · 03-09-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piss Me Off

What's He Building? is one of your fave tracks? You're more of a man than me, terrifies the hell out of me.

Yeah, same here

Fantastic piece of work though - it's a screenplay just waiting to be written.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urban Hatemonger

And Lemmy if you have the expanded version.

That's on Ballroom Blitz isn't it? One of my favourite cover songs that. I'd have dropped a mention in my bit about it, but I don't think it was part of the album sessions was it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

This was the first Thievery Corporation I bought too although I prefer The Richest Man in Babylon as my favourite TC album. I have to say that I was very dissapointed with Radio Retaliation. Have you heard TC DJ Kicks mix? It's what got me into them in the first place and stops off at every continent in the world- it is one of my very favourite mix albums.

I think Mezzanine is far superior by Massive Attack. Blue Lines is a great album but it's dated badly i think.

Glad you liked the Transglobal Underground albums

I agree that Impossible Broadcasting is probably their best.

Some great choices as ever.

I loved Radio Retaliation myself - Vampires is a killer track. I've heard of a TC remix album, can't remember what it was called though; it's probably what you mentioned. As for Babylon, as much as I love TC I've only got three of their albums (the other one being the good-but-not-great Cosmic Game). Should probably hunt down the rest of their discography sometime.

As for Blue Lines, I agree it has dated, but that adds to its charm for me. And any album with Unfinished Sympathy on it deserves a mention I reckon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonsubmissivewife

Good pick! I also thought this was the best album of the lot...Isis K was a highlight.

Great track that, fabulous album too. Dunno about anyone else who's heard it, but the one which really grabbed my attention on the first listen was Drinking In Gomorrah - can't get enough of that tune.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JukeBoxHero

All great albums, my favorites of those 10 are the Talking Heads and X-Tay-Say(XTC)!

I like you already

Welcome to the boards pal.

jackhammer · 03-09-2009, 05:52 PM

Thievery Corporation started life as DJ's in this big old fuck off house in Wahington D.C playing beats from all around the world which lead to them making a compilation in the DJ Kicks series, they then also began to make their own music. They do have a remix album called Babylon Rewound which is stellar but they also have approx 6 mix albums they have done themselves. If you want any just holler as I have their discog.

CartelzWW · 03-12-2009, 09:28 PM

Was Animals your favorite Pink Floyd album?

Bulldog · 03-13-2009, 09:16 AM

And away we go...

30. Supergrass - Road To Rouen (2005)

Supergrass are a funny band. Seems like everytime they release a bright and chirpy pop album they follow it up with madly ambitious and moodier pieces of work, and vice versa. As had happened after their debut I Should Coco (which was followed by two other fantastic albums), Road To Rouen was the followup to the great yet flawed Life On Other Planets. The quirky melodies and infectious choruses are gone (you won't any songs like Grace here) and instead we're presented with lavish orchestral arrangements, lengthy instrumental passages, art-rock atmospheres, glam-rock riffs and shades of folk (such as on the gorgeous Low C), reggae (Coffee In the Pot) and even jazz (St. Petersburg). The only song here which resembles any of their past work is the punchy Kick In the Teeth (which, while being a musical standout, still manages to work well enough within the album). All in all, this is an absolutely wonderful album - it's the sound of one of Britain's finest musical exports trying something new with one of the most theatrical and exciting records of the decade.
The best bits: Tales Of Endurance Pts. 4 5 & 6, Roxy, Low C

29. The Beatles - The Beatles (White Album) (1968)

There had to be one Beatles album eh? It could have been Revolver, Rubber Soul, Magical Mystery Tour, Sgt Pepper's or Abbey Road, but if I marooned on a desert island Crusoe-style with only one Beatles album for company, I'd probably pick this one. While it's basically the total opposite of their other albums in its disjointed and eclectic nature, it's for me an album which is greater than the sum of its parts. I think I'll throw in that whole 'it's the sound of the band splitting up' cliche too (seeing as many of these songs are solo compositions). It's a gigantic labyrinth of an album, finding the Beatles dispensing with the psychedelic sheen of their last few works in favour of a more lo-fi and raw sound and an album which incorporates so many styles and moods, such as ska (Revolution 1), country (Don't Pass Me By), folk (Dear Prudence), blues-rock (Yer Blues), hard rock (Helter Skelter), sound collages (Revolution 9), you get the picture. Basically, if you haven't already, give it a go for crap's sake. Sure, it's an album which lacks the sense of unity of, say, Abbey Road, but the dazzlingly eclectic approach taken here makes for easily the most fascinatingly experimental and (in places) dark Beatles record - even if this results in with the odd miss, whatever low-points there may be a re more than made up for by the highlights; written and executed as they are with typical panache.
The best bits: Happiness Is a Warm Gun, Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey, Long Long Long

28. Human League - Dare (1981)

By 1981, the Human League had released two admirably profound and ambitious enough albums, but to no effect in terms of chart payout. After splitting the original lineup, singer Philip Oakley brought two teenage backing vocalists on board (Joanne Cathrell and Susan Sulley) and, with an arsenal of synthesizers, took to the studio without much hope. What resulted was an album that sold by the continent-load; a smash hit against all the odds and one of the first albums to be recorded entirely on synth. Although it's easy to dismiss as unabashed synthpop, it certainly does maintain shades of the Human League's artier, earlier albums (a prime example of this being on the aptly entitled Darkness), but while the more experimental ethics behind their earlier releases had been virtually disregarded by Oakley and his co-writers on the record, pop melodies play more of a part in the song structures here. Sure, synthesizers and drum machines have become more advanced since then (Do Or Die sounds like the soundtrack for a Snes game in places), but for a start that adds to the charm and, secondly, rarely has a band manipulated machinery in the studio and yielded such infectious, melodic and emotional results. One of the most important pop albums of all time, and definitely one of the best too.
The best bits: Open Your Heart, Darkness, Don't You Want Me

27. Love - Forever Changes (1967)

One of those albums which barely made a dent in the charts upon its initial release, but has had its reputation grow significantly down the years. Here is where the more electric, harder-rocking edge on Love's music gives way for a much more gentle and contemplative sound, with an album dominated by some of the finest acoustic guitar-work ever and some beautiful orchestrations to back it up. All this is tied together majestically by Arthur Lee's terrific voice, resulting in a truly essential album which merges baroque pop, psychedelia and folk-rock. It's another one you probably already have if you're reading this (if that's not the case, what are you waiting for?!).
The best bits: Alone Again Or, Andmoreagain, the Red Telephone

jackhammer · 03-09-2009, 06:30 PM

Evidence is such an awesome track i have to say.

Mojo · 03-10-2009, 09:24 AM

I never got into Londons Calling I must admit. Their self titled is where it's at for me though.

Bulldog · 03-10-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojopinuk

I never got into Londons Calling I must admit. Their self titled is where it's at for me though.

It's true that it's not for some people, but it does take time to truly appreciate. To be honest it's Sandinista that I've had more trouble getting into.

jackhammer · 03-10-2009, 03:07 PM

Another 4 great albums there and I have seen quite a few on your list from my humble self- I'm honoured!

03-09-2009, 05:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Thievery Corporation started life as DJ's in this big old fuck off house in Wahington D.C playing beats from all around the world which lead to them making a compilation in the DJ Kicks series, they then also began to make their own music. They do have a remix album called Babylon Rewound which is stellar but they also have approx 6 mix albums they have done themselves. If you want any just holler as I have their discog. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

03-13-2009, 09:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	And away we go... 30. Supergrass - Road To Rouen (2005) Supergrass are a funny band. Seems like everytime they release a bright and chirpy pop album they follow it up with madly ambitious and moodier pieces of work, and vice versa. As had happened after their debut I Should Coco (which was followed by two other fantastic albums), Road To Rouen was the followup to the great yet flawed Life On Other Planets. The quirky melodies and infectious choruses are gone (you won't any songs like Grace here) and instead we're presented with lavish orchestral arrangements, lengthy instrumental passages, art-rock atmospheres, glam-rock riffs and shades of folk (such as on the gorgeous Low C), reggae (Coffee In the Pot) and even jazz (St. Petersburg). The only song here which resembles any of their past work is the punchy Kick In the Teeth (which, while being a musical standout, still manages to work well enough within the album). All in all, this is an absolutely wonderful album - it's the sound of one of Britain's finest musical exports trying something new with one of the most theatrical and exciting records of the decade. The best bits: Tales Of Endurance Pts. 4 5 & 6, Roxy, Low C 29. The Beatles - The Beatles (White Album) (1968) There had to be one Beatles album eh? It could have been Revolver, Rubber Soul, Magical Mystery Tour, Sgt Pepper's or Abbey Road, but if I marooned on a desert island Crusoe-style with only one Beatles album for company, I'd probably pick this one. While it's basically the total opposite of their other albums in its disjointed and eclectic nature, it's for me an album which is greater than the sum of its parts. I think I'll throw in that whole 'it's the sound of the band splitting up' cliche too (seeing as many of these songs are solo compositions). It's a gigantic labyrinth of an album, finding the Beatles dispensing with the psychedelic sheen of their last few works in favour of a more lo-fi and raw sound and an album which incorporates so many styles and moods, such as ska (Revolution 1), country (Don't Pass Me By), folk (Dear Prudence), blues-rock (Yer Blues), hard rock (Helter Skelter), sound collages (Revolution 9), you get the picture. Basically, if you haven't already, give it a go for crap's sake. Sure, it's an album which lacks the sense of unity of, say, Abbey Road, but the dazzlingly eclectic approach taken here makes for easily the most fascinatingly experimental and (in places) dark Beatles record - even if this results in with the odd miss, whatever low-points there may be a re more than made up for by the highlights; written and executed as they are with typical panache. The best bits: Happiness Is a Warm Gun, Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Monkey, Long Long Long 28. Human League - Dare (1981) By 1981, the Human League had released two admirably profound and ambitious enough albums, but to no effect in terms of chart payout. After splitting the original lineup, singer Philip Oakley brought two teenage backing vocalists on board (Joanne Cathrell and Susan Sulley) and, with an arsenal of synthesizers, took to the studio without much hope. What resulted was an album that sold by the continent-load; a smash hit against all the odds and one of the first albums to be recorded entirely on synth. Although it's easy to dismiss as unabashed synthpop, it certainly does maintain shades of the Human League's artier, earlier albums (a prime example of this being on the aptly entitled Darkness), but while the more experimental ethics behind their earlier releases had been virtually disregarded by Oakley and his co-writers on the record, pop melodies play more of a part in the song structures here. Sure, synthesizers and drum machines have become more advanced since then (Do Or Die sounds like the soundtrack for a Snes game in places), but for a start that adds to the charm and, secondly, rarely has a band manipulated machinery in the studio and yielded such infectious, melodic and emotional results. One of the most important pop albums of all time, and definitely one of the best too. The best bits: Open Your Heart, Darkness, Don't You Want Me 27. Love - Forever Changes (1967) One of those albums which barely made a dent in the charts upon its initial release, but has had its reputation grow significantly down the years. Here is where the more electric, harder-rocking edge on Love's music gives way for a much more gentle and contemplative sound, with an album dominated by some of the finest acoustic guitar-work ever and some beautiful orchestrations to back it up. All this is tied together majestically by Arthur Lee's terrific voice, resulting in a truly essential album which merges baroque pop, psychedelia and folk-rock. It's another one you probably already have if you're reading this (if that's not the case, what are you waiting for?!). The best bits: Alone Again Or, Andmoreagain, the Red Telephone Last edited by Bulldog; 03-14-2009 at 11:38 AM.

03-09-2009, 06:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Evidence is such an awesome track i have to say. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

03-10-2009, 09:24 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	I never got into Londons Calling I must admit. Their self titled is where it's at for me though. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

03-10-2009, 03:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Another 4 great albums there and I have seen quite a few on your list from my humble self- I'm honoured! __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

03-12-2009, 09:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
CartelzWW Groupie Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Hollywood Posts: 15	Was Animals your favorite Pink Floyd album?