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100 Albums I think you should hear
Okay, I'm not going to bother putting this in order. That's much too difficult for me - I might like one album for a totally different reason than I like another, so how could I possibly measure that?
Anyway, here are 100 albums I consider worth hearing before you die. I'm going to limit it to one album per artist, and I'll try to include a brief description with as many as I can. Alphabetical order: 1. Adolescents - Adolescents (1981) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s13932.jpg One of the greatest and most solid hardcore punk albums I've ever heard. Definitely opened my eyes when I first heard it. 2. Amon Düül II - Yeti (1970) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...es/s825338.jpg This is certainly one of the best of krautrock and deserves much more credit than it seems to get. 3. Art Ensemble of Chicago - Les stances à Sophie (1970) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...s/s1806393.jpg Don't really need to explain the appeal of this album. Just listen to the first few seconds of 'Thème de yoyo' and it'll certainly have your attention. 4. Albert Ayler - Spiritual Unity (1964) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s17775.jpg Extraordinary free-jazz. Worth hearing for its musical exploration alone. |
5. The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s63.jpg Do I really need to explain this one? If you can't enjoy the beauty of this album, you're probably inhuman. A pop masterpiece. 6. The Beatles - Revolver (1966) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s206.jpg In my opinion, this is their best album. It's not my favorite album of all-time anymore (in fact, not even close), but I think it's worth hearing nonetheless. It'll always mean something to me as *the* album that got me into music. 7. Big Black - Atomizer (1986) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s15189.jpg Extremely influential towards industrial. This is better than 'Songs About ****ing', and is a surprisingly fun listen for something so brutal. 8. The Birthday Party - Junk Yard (1982) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s13555.jpg Probably the best Aussie band, and this album is unlike pretty much anything I can think of from the era. |
9. David Bowie - Low (1977)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s629.jpg What can I say? Probably my favorite album ever. To me, this is the epitome of pop perfection - a record whose music is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Even some Bowie fans "hate" Low, but that says to me that they're just not used to any experimentation at all. This isn't the most challenging listen out there by any means, but to me it's the most rewarding. 10. Glenn Branca - The Ascension (1981) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s23310.jpg Extremely influential, The Ascension is Glenn Branca's masterpiece. Surprisingly accessible, too. 11. Peter Brötzmann - Machine Gun (1968) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s24505.jpg You've just got to hear this album. It's not likely to be your favorite jazz album after your first listen, but there's no denying it's interesting even then. But I won't lie, it's not for the faint of heart. 12. Can - Tago Mago (1971) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s6156.jpg The mother of all krautrock, Tago Mago is Can at their most experimental and their most incredible. This will likely lose some fans once Halleluhwah ends and Aumgn starts up, but give it a chance. This is in my top 5 albums ever. |
13. Captain Beefheart - Safe as Milk (1967)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s4869.jpg To me, this is Captain Beefheart's finest record - as a contact on RYM put it, "the perfect merger of the delta blues, pop music and the absurd". That it is. One of my favorite records ever, and certainly the best introduction to Beefheart. 14. James Chance and the Contortions - Buy (1979) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s17243.jpg My favorite album of 1979. Buy Contortions is a challenging mix of free-jazz and punk, but it's a ton of fun. Another one of those perfect mixtures of pop and experimentation. 15. Chrome - Half Machine Lip Moves (1979) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...es/s727291.jpg One of the more experimental bands of the post-punk era. Chrome influenced industrial music quite a bit, as is apparent from this album. 16. ****ney Rebel - The Human Menagerie (1973) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s5549.jpg One of the most underrated albums of the glam rock era. Steve Harley created a sound in 1974 that I think still sounds fresh today. |
17. Leonard Cohen - Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s3120.jpg I think this eclipses anything Bob Dylan ever did. Simply one of the most beautiful albums ever, and maybe the best folk album ever recorded. 18. Ornette Coleman - The Shape of Jazz to Come (1959) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...s/s1439107.jpg It's been said before: the title gives the perfect idea of the music you're about to hear. Simply one of the most fun and influential jazz records ever. You have to hear this. 19. Gal Costa - Gal (1969) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...es/s530571.jpg This and Caetano Veloso's debut are probably the two greatest introductions to tropicália. I happen to think this is also the greatest album of the genre. 20. Einstürzende Neubauten - Zeichnungen des Patienten O.T. (1983) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s8994.jpg One of the finest industrial albums ever. Totally uncompromising, but perhaps that's what makes it so enjoyable. |
21. Brian Eno - Another Green World (1975)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s706.jpg This actually is my second favorite Eno album after his debut, Here Come the Warm Jets. This is, though, perhaps the only album I own that I can actually call 100% perfect from start to finish. 22. The Fall - Hex Enduction Hour (1982) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s9489.jpg This isn't everybody's favorite Fall record, but it is mine, and I think it's their most essential listen. It might sound inaccessible at first, but this album is a masterpiece from start to finish. Just might take some getting used to for some people. 23. Faust - Faust IV (1974) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s6210.jpg Totally accessible, fun, and at the same time innovative krautrock. A true masterpiece. 24. The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms (1980) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s3190.jpg A totally fun album from start to finish. Crazy Rhythms is also immensely influential, and The Feelies deserve much more credit than they receive. |
25. Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire de Melody Nelson (1971)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s685.jpg When I first heard this, it didn't take much longer than 10 minutes to decide that it was the coolest album I had ever heard. Give this record ten minutes or less, it'll sell itself. 26. Gang of Four - Entertainment! (1979) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s9655.jpg I have complete confidence in this record's ability to immediately grab your attention and never let go. One of the greatest post-punk albums ever (if not the greatest), and certainly one of the best too of the 1970s. Great. 27. The Gun Club - Fire of Love (1981) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s13683.jpg Definitely a contender for the title of "Best Punk Album Ever". It's stood the test of time incredibly well. 28. Herbie Han**** - Head Hunters (1973) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s4597.jpg Great from start to finish. There's nothing much else to say - this is one of the greatest jazz-fusion albums ever. More later... |
Urban, the joke's getting old! You already made this thread. ;)
http://www.musicbanter.com/editors-p...ban-100-a.html |
lol, we disagree on like everything that I'm seeing :(
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He saves all his Krautrock love for later places. Gotta admit though, he doesn't have much taste in jazz and those are some fantastic albums on your list.
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Thank you sir!
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29. Hüsker Dü - Zen Arcade (1984)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1093.jpg Definitely one of the greatest albums of the 1980s - this is an influential record, but it's also one that has stood the test of time as a very powerful and enjoyable one, undeniable influence aside. 30. The Jesus Lizard - Goat (1991) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s741.jpg Definitely one of my favorite albums of the 1990s. This album is incredibly fun and must be played loud. 31. Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures (1979) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s544.jpg The atmosphere this album creates is hauntingly beautiful, and it's no wonder why this album was such a trailblazer for things to come. Just great. 32. King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King (1969) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s2328.jpg This is, in my mind, the true masterpiece of prog-rock, not some Pink Floyd record. Definitely one of the best albums of the 1960s. Beautiful. |
33. Kraftwerk - Autobahn (1974)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s5481.jpg Definitely one of the greatest electronic albums of all-time. To me, this is Kraftwerk's finest hour. If you listen to any one of their albums, have it be this one. 34. Meat Puppets - Meat Puppets II (1984) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s38.jpg This is a very fun album, and one of the most unique punk records I think you'll ever hear. It's amateur in a good way. It does have its flaws, but I think that's what I like about it. 35. Charles Mingus - The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (1963) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s17906.jpg Quite simply, this might be the best jazz record of all-time. I have trouble deciding between this and The Magic City, but really, this is totally amazing. A masterpiece of epic proportions and all that. 36. Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime (1984) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1110.jpg My favorite album of 1984. Probably the finest hardcore album ever (if it can even be defined as such). There's no shortage of good songs on here - for a record with 40+ songs, there are hardly any low points. If there are, they're easily washed away by the several absolutely great songs that surround them. |
YES! The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is gorgeous, on par with everything else Mingus has done. I do like Mingus Ah Um more, but that's to be expected.
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I'm very tempted to check some of these albums out.
Good list. :) |
I'm really liking this list so far.
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Thank you sirs!
37. My Bloody Valentine - Loveless (1991) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s355.jpg This is a beautiful album. Loveless is definitely a contender for the best of the 1990s, and it's not hard to see why. I'm not sure that I find it as awe-inspiring as others do, but it's a must-listen nonetheless. 38. Neu! - Neu! (1972) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s2645.jpg This still has a lasting impact on music. Neu!'s debut was far beyond its time, and if the first track "Hallogallo" doesn't mesmerize you I don't know what to say. 39. New York Dolls - New York Dolls (1973) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s10004.jpg This might be one of the most influential albums of all time. I think Morrissey claims that seeing the New York Dolls on the Old Grey Whistle Test had the biggest influence on his music of anything, and I believe it. This laid the groundwork for the style that punks would later adopt. 40. Nico - The Marble Index (1968) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s8428.jpg Probably the most experimental of any of the VU's members' solo records (other than Desertshore or Metal Machine Music, I guess). This isn't an easy record - it's dark, haunting, droning. At the same time, though, it has sort of a gloomy beauty to it that can take a while to sink in, but when it does it's fantastic. |
ooh sams going to have something to say about 37
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41. Arvo Pärt - Tabula Rasa (1984)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...es/s137491.jpg Even when I wasn't into classical music this album appealed to me. It's definitely one of the most engaging pieces of modern classical that I've heard. I think it's probably as timeless as anything. 42. Pere Ubu - The Modern Dance (1978) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s792.jpg Okay, this is my favorite album from 1978, probably by far. It's another fine example of the avant-garde mixed with pop music to a wonderful effect. Quite simply, this is some of the post perfect pop music I have ever heard, and certainly some of the most fun. 43. Pink Floyd - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1030.jpg A landmark of psychedelia! As tired as some people might think the "Syd Barrett was the true genius of Pink Floyd" claim is, this is the album that led me to that conclusion on its own, and I've never looked back. 44. Public Image Ltd. - Metal Box (1979) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s16347.jpg This isn't for everyone. It's an album that, yes, you do have to be in the mood for, but when you are, it delivers. This is dark, repetitive, and abrasive, but also as enjoyable as can be. |
Already had my say elsewhere. :D
I was listening to three of those four albums earlier today, guess something on there is good. ;) |
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45. The Residents - Not Available (1978)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s10584.jpg If you're a fan of experimental music, this might be the album for you. It's nearly indescribable, and I don't want to strain my already poor summary/review skills. 46. Roxy Music - Roxy Music (1972) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s5542.jpg To me, this did for the 70s what The Velvet Underground & Nico did for the 60s, to a lesser extent. I think Andy Mackay put it best: "we certainly didn’t invent eclecticism but we did say and prove that rock 'n' roll could accommodate - well, anything really". 47. Arthur Russell - World of Echo (1986) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s15910.jpg Why this man isn't better known I have no idea. This album is Arthur Russell at his most experimental, and one of the best albums I have ever heard at creating an atmosphere unlike anything else. 48. Klaus Schulze - Irrlicht (1972) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s8218.jpg This is some of the most beautiful electronic music I have ever heard. The soundscapes Schulze is able to create (in 1972, no less) are absolutely mesmerizing. A must-listen. |
49. Slint - Spiderland (1991)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s2671.jpg This is the album that I often find myself preferring to Loveless of 1991, and it always feel like I've made the right decision. The Jesus Lizard's Goat is fantastic as well, but it has a tough time having as lasting an impact of Spiderland does. 50. The Soft Boys - Underwater Moonlight (1980) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s7323.jpg I really, really like Underwater Moonlight. It's a glorious mixture of post-punk and jangle pop with obvious psychedelic influence. A neo-psychedelic masterpiece. 51. The Stooges - Fun House (1970) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s845.jpg One of the most powerful albums ever. You can see why Iggy has been called the "Godfather of Punk", it's because of this stuff. 'Down on the Street' has to be one of the best openers ever. 52. Suicide - Suicide (1977) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s9013.jpg I can't believe I hated this for the longest time. It took a while to click, but I was so glad that it did. This album might sound like a boring dronefest when you first listen to it, but give it some time. |
53. Sun Ra - The Magic City (1966)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s26720.jpg Along with Atlantis, my favorite Sun Ra album. I think it might even be my favorite jazz album of all-time, but I'll have to listen to the contenders again one day and make the best decision. This album is just remarkably ahead of its time. 54. Talking Heads - Remain in Light (1980) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1036.jpg It's hard for me to point out one single flaw with this album. Few albums have passed the test of time as well as Remain in Light has - but I guess that's what I'd expect from something so remarkably forward-thinking and perfectly executed. This is in my top ten for good reason. 55. Television - Marquee Moon (1977) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1167.jpg While I didn't listen to 'Marquee Moon' for the first time and say "wow, that's the best album I've ever heard", I did think to myself, "wow, they really did pull that off perfectly". They really did. This is one of the most perfectly executed albums of all-time (certainly of the punk era), and it's also difficult to decide whether this is punk or post-punk. Truly a milestone. Oh, and this might be one of the best guitar albums ever. 56. Throbbing Gristle - Second Annual Report (1977) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s16443.jpg This is an extreme record, probably one of the more disorienting (and maybe disgusting) ever. Worth hearing, although you probably won't want to turn this on for a road trip with your buddies. |
57. T.Rex - Electric Warrior (1971)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s5313.jpg An album packed full of great tunes. This wasn't about breaking ground, but I imagine to Marc Bolan's surprise, Electric Warrior did end up being largely influential. It remains a timeless example of rock 'n' roll done perfectly. 58. The Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat (1968) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s174.jpg Enough about their debut. Sure, it was maybe more influential than White Light/White Heat (as influential as this album has been), but this is the album I like to listen to most. Not even TVU&N could've prepared listeners for the abrasiveness found on this record, but I mean that in a good way. I think the true masterpiece of this album is "I Heard Her Call My Name" which is a glorious, blistering deconstruction of pop music and includes a mindblowing solo by Lou Reed. 59. Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes (1982) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...es/s923022.jpg Perfect album. It's timeless, catchy, fun, and pulled off with great skill. I'm sure most people will love it. 60. Wire - 154 (1979) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1432.jpg This is perhaps the epitome of the style that Wire adopted earning them the nickname "Punk Floyd". This is their most underrated of their acclaimed first three albums, but I think it's their most innovative. |
T. Rex<3
Violent Femmes<3 Wire<3 im going to get tired of doing this so I'm just going to appropriately use this smiley :clap: |
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I approve of this list so far.
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Keep it coming ;)
Superb list so far. Good call on Gal Costa...love that album! |
This is rapidfire listing, a bunch of great albums down and plenty that I'm probably going to check out thanks to you.
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This is a brilliant list so far, served as a reminder to get a few more albums i forgot about as well. Very nice!
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Thank you kind sirs!
61. The Zombies - Odessey & Oracle (1968) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s9363.jpg Definitely one of the best pop albums to come out of the 60s. The songwriting is brilliant, the arrangements are beautiful, and Colin Blunstone's voice is incredible. Love this one. 62. 不失者 - Untitled - PSF 3/4 (1989) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...es/s118151.jpg Definitely one of the strongest releases by Fu****susha, and also one of the more accessible. Definitely want to hear this if you're a fan of psychedelic noise-rock. Starting over alphabetically: 63. Antena - Camino del sol (1982) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s11256.jpg A true masterpiece of bossa nova-infected synth pop. About 20 minutes of pure loveliness. 64. Associates - Fourth Drawer Down (1981) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s11412.jpg Great dark, Bowie/Sparks/Eno/etc influenced post-punk. Overshadowed by 'Sulk', but I think this is vastly superior. |
65. Black Tape for a Blue Girl - Remnants of a Deeper Purity (1996)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s8884.jpg Hauntingly beautiful gothic soundscapes. This will be boring to some, but I think if you're in the right mood it'll all make sense. 66. Boredoms - Vision Creation Newsun (1999) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s13394.jpg Perhaps Boredoms' strongest release. From start to finish, this is an intensely powerful psychedelic monster. 67. Tim Buckley - Starsailor (1970) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s8508.jpg One of the most unique albums you'll ever hear. I can't decide between this and Lorca, but I think this might be the best introduction to Buckley. Beautiful album. 68. Buzz****s - Singles Going Steady (1979) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s912.jpg A nearly perfect collection of arguably the best pop-punk songs ever laid down. This is delightful! |
Great call on Odessey & Oracle. Definitely one of the most perfect pop albums to come out of the '60s. It should be ranked up there with Pet Sounds, Sgt. Pepper's, Velvet Underground & Nico, Village Green, Bookends, etc.
This is a very cool list. The albums I know I think are great additions, and the ones I don't know seem quite diverse and are generally from artists I've heard great things about but haven't yet gotten to. |
69. Jaki Byard - The Jaki Byard Experience (1968)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s72093.jpg Some of the most versatile playing in the history of jazz. This is an astounding masterpiece. Now that I think of it, I might like this just as much as any other jazz album I've heard... and that's saying a lot. 70. Don Cherry - "mu" Second Part (1970) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/albu...es/s143226.jpg Another one of my favorite jazz records. This and "'mu' First Part" are both wonderful, but I think I prefer this one. Actually, just listen to both parts. 71. Comus - First Utterance (1971) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s4052.jpg A perfect album of psychedelic freak-folk. No other album does it quite as well as this. It's in a class of its own. 72. Cromagnon - Orgasm (1969) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s39681.jpg Definitely a contender for "weirdest album ever". It's debatable whether this is a primitive masterpiece or a complete mess, but I'll let you be the judge. Worth hearing at least. |
73. Devo - Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (1978)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s913.jpg Definitely one of the more innovative releases of the post-punk/new wave era. I think their EP "Be Stiff" may be a finer example of their work, but this is nonetheless a great release. 74. Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left (1969) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s52.jpg Possibly Nick Drake's finest release. I think this is probably his best batch of songs, but it's tough to decide. Either way, this is a beautiful album that I think everyone should hear at least once. 75. Brian Eno & David Byrne - My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1981) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s14763.jpg Forget the fact that today this might not sound as original as it did in 1981. This is still a masterful experiment of sampling. It's also quite eerie in places - it's got an interesting atmosphere. 76. Family - Music in a Doll's House (1968) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s11265.jpg Terribly underrated. This is remarkably ambitious for a debut album, and I can't imagine it more expertly pulled off. Such a shame this has been overlooked. |
wow. thanks a ton. checking a lot of stuff out from this list.
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77. Foetus - Nail (1985)
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s15086.jpg An eclectic masterpiece of industrial, modern classical, post-punk, etc. Underneath the cacophonous assault is something that creates a sense of genius. 78. Funkadelic - Maggot Brain (1971) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s7764.jpg A masterpiece of funk/psychedelic rock. The title track is a true masterpiece, and the rest of the album touches on so many things and pulls them off so effortlessly that this is definitely one of the best albums of 1971, and of all of the 70s for that matter. 79. Gong - Flying Teapot (1973) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s8222.jpg Progressive space rock at its finest. Some say that Camembert Electrique is better - no it ain't! I don't think Gong did anything to top this. 80. The Holy Modal Rounders - Indian War Whoop (1967) http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s36557.jpg One of the most unique albums of the 1960s. Sometimes I wonder how enjoyable this actually is, but other times it seems to be surprisingly fresh. Guess it depends on your mood. |
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