Akira

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 number 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



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




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




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




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.

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Bulldog

One brilliant album and three more I really should be getting. I like your taste sir Good start to the list.

Akira

...and which album would that be?

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Pornographie Nouveau

Nice Aretha there.

NSW

I already think you have great taste in music...this list should be fun.

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jackhammer

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.

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Akira

Buddy Holly and The Crickets - 20 Golden Greats



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


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



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



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.

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Pornographie Nouveau

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

Akira

It's my fave cat Stevens out of the two I've heard. Teaser and the Firecat is good but nowhere near Tillerman, IMO.

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Bulldog

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.