Current Events > My journey through "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" topic 2

(+) Yeah! (+)

Album #142
Marty Robbins- Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs (1959)
USA
Runtime: 35:25
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? YES

Marty Robbins is a trailblazing country and western artist. A spring from which help lead to outlaw country. First and foremost he's a storyteller. That being said every song here is catchy as hell with some very nice harmonies. I personally think that this is an essential country album. El Paso is this album's biggest hit and was actually the first country song to receive a Grammy.

This album was one of our go to records at my previous job. It was crazy to see all of us with very different music preferences come together for the love of one album. The first time I played it there, I thought I was going to get crap for playing it, but it was very well received. We probably listened to it once every couple of weeks. My favorite tracks are probably El Paso, The Strawberry Roan, and The Master's Call.

A fun bit of trivia I found in my research for this review: "American singer Chappell Roan chose her stage name in honor of her grandfather, Dennis K. Chappell, whose favorite song was "The Strawberry Roan".

Give it a shot. You might be surprised by it. Highly recommended.

Highlights:
The entire album

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPKiuFLGsAxpDipLa0XJp5qVaeHxzpH3s&si=g7fIylDAFS84JaPa

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
123/142
New album listens for me so far: 61
Heard it before: 81

That is such a good album. Hearing Marty Robbins first in Fallout got me to realize not all country is terrible. Over the years I expanded my listening to more, now I am at the opinion that all country music is terrible after 1995. I'm sure some day I will hear something else that will change that opinion

Album #143
Sly and the Family Stone- Stand! (1969)
USA
Runtime: 41:40
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? YES

I obviously had to steer away from the usual random pick, as unfortunately Sly Stone passed away today.

I was first introduced to Sly Stone in 1992 when Arrested Development covered/reworked "Everyday People." I wouldn't discover Sly and the Family Stone until a good 5 years later. I started out with this album and ended up picking up 4 more albums very quickly after that. Sly's music is in the soul/funk genre. It's catchy as hell and just downright fun. Really it's incredible just how many artists that were influenced by him. Everyday People and Stand! are this albums singles, both of which are also probably my favorite tracks.

I've included in links below their live performance of I Want to Take You Higher on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1968. Check it out, it's a lot of fun.

Sly Stone never got anywhere near the love and appreciation that he deserved from the masses. If you haven't listened to this band, give this a spin. Very highly recommended.

Highlights:
Stand!
I Want to Take You Higher
Somebody's Watching You
Sing a Simple Song
Everyday People
You Can Make it if You Try

Stand! Album link:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG3BG6P7u9CQcxiokLmtfL9nvmtlbz61N&si=Ul9mWRxqGNzb-YuQ

I Want to Take You Higher live performance:
https://youtu.be/WG_xmmllfFw?si=AKDwIyO_U9qvdLK9

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
124/143
New album listens for me so far: 61
Heard it before: 82

Good album. Sex Machine kinda carries on, but overall, something you can just put on and hit repeat.

Shotgunnova posted...

Good album. Sex Machine kinda carries on, but overall, something you can just put on and hit repeat.

Yeah it's really my only complaint about the album.

Sly and the Family Stone...so good! That album is awesome!

ai123 posted...

(With apologies for derailing the thread)

Well, I've now listened to Hemispheres, which I didn't hate, but didn't fall in love with like I did Moving Pictures. It felt kind of patchy and inconsistent. The songs weren't as strong and it was more the kind of thing I expected from the band. The side one track was a struggle to get through.

Also gave 2112 a listen. No problems with enjoying the side one track this time. I'd call this a pretty damn good hard rock album with prog tendencies.

Thanks for all the listening advice guys. I've not heard anything that made me want to stop exploring the discography.

Returning to this if no one minds. I looked at my spreadsheet and I have given 7 Rush albums 5 stars. And I was wrong, Moving Pictures is #1. In order:

Moving Pictures
Hemispheres
2112
Permanent Waves
A Farewell to Kings
Counterparts
Grace Under Pressure

I am not a rush girl, but I do appreciate they are insanely good musicians. I like some of their stuff for sure, but I never go into them like my older brothers did. Maybe I was too young. I am more of a Dream Theater person.

Album # 144
The Beach Boys- Surf's Up (1971)
USA
Runtime: 33:57
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? YES

Unfortunately I'm having to skip my random pick again, as the great Brian Wilson passed away. He will be missed.

I was honestly surprised and happy to see that this album was included in the 1001. Right out the gate you realize that this isn't your typical Beach Boys album with Don't Go Near the Water. This album is part psychedelic and part progressive pop. It includes one of my favorite Beach Boys songs. (Surf's Up) Brian's genius is on full display with that masterful track. Some of my other favorites include 'Til I Die and the beautiful and nostalgic Disney Girls (1957). All the great harmonies you've come to know and love are still here...but this album sounds nothing like 1962's Surfin' Safari. And that's not a bad thing. Give it a spin. Highly recommended.

Highlights:
Don't Go Near the Water
The Long Promised Road
Disney Girls (1957)
Feels Flow
Student Demonstration Time
'Til I Die
Surf's Up

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAKBCdHlMy4_1HzkcvEE3QCMCm7xNE3T0&si=P1cyFfFVZF6q3xGL

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
125/144
New album listens for me so far: 61
Heard it before: 83

Album #145
Britney Spears- ...Baby One More Time (1999)
USA
Runtime: 42:20
Heard it before
Recommend a listen? No

These songs were unavoidable when this came out in 1999. (I can't believe this album is this old) My girlfriend owned this CD and I've heard this album more times than I care to admit. For what it is (pop, dance pop) it's fine and done well enough. That being said why is this in here? Maybe I'm just ignorant of the genre, but what does this album do that makes it stand out from the rest of the pack? The album was huge, no doubt, but is this book just about popularity or should it be about so much more than that? I can understand that they're just checking off a box here, but I can't help but to think of what albums were omitted for it's inclusion.

That aside, as I said above, it's fine for what it is. The front half of the album is stronger than the back half and for me it loses all its steam and I found myself bored after the sixth track. I can stand listening to these songs better as singles. As an album, not so much. My views on this album, may be tainted by my personal experience with being "forced" to listen it so many times and the fact I was always uncomfortable with how she was sexualized at such a young age. I included all the singles in the highlights. I honestly can't give this my recommendation, but no judgment on those that love this album.

Highlights:
...Baby One More Time
(You Drive Me) Crazy
Sometimes
Born to Make You Happy
From the Bottom of My Broken Heart

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kSwJwbDKMMgruIaQ58WXWclKbaI2DmX8&si=XgmEJRq4RrTo6rR8

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
125/145
New album listens for me so far: 61
Heard it before: 84

How was I supposed to know?
That TC didn't like it

...Baby One More Time is a banger, though

I think albums like One More Time get included for significance, rather than worth.

Like, these are not always the 1001 best albums, but they are the 1001 albums that tell you what you need to know about popular music since the 50s.

And the Britney album has a place there, as one of the first/most prominent examples of a genre that is still dominating today.

At least, that's how I see it.

Britney Spears' hit singles are all well crafted pop songs. Even if you're not a fan, it's hard to deny that they are catchy, memorable tunes. But the albums? The albums are dog shit.

Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, N'Sync, doesn't matter. It's the same for all the big pop artists of the late 90s / early 2000s. The album starts out with all the hits, usually in order of release, followed by a bunch of soulless bland filler songs that either make you cringe or leave no impression whatsoever. They don't even try to hide that they're just padding it out so they have enough tracks to justify selling it as an album.

What I'm saying is, if we're talking best SONGS of all times, Britney definitely deserves a place. But best ALBUMS of all time? Doesn't make much sense to me.

trentpac posted...

Album # 144
The Beach Boys- Surf's Up (1971)
USA
Runtime: 33:57
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? YES

Unfortunately I'm having to skip my random pick again, as the great Brian Wilson passed away. He will be missed.

I was honestly surprised and happy to see that this album was included in the 1001. Right out the gate you realize that this isn't your typical Beach Boys album with Don't Go Near the Water. This album is part psychedelic and part progressive pop. It includes one of my favorite Beach Boys songs. (Surf's Up) Brian's genius is on full display with that masterful track. Some of my other favorites include 'Til I Die and the beautiful and nostalgic Disney Girls (1957). All the great harmonies you've come to know and love are still here...but this album sounds nothing like 1962's Surfin' Safari. And that's not a bad thing. Give it a spin. Highly recommended.

Highlights:
Don't Go Near the Water
The Long Promised Road
Disney Girls (1957)
Feels Flow
Student Demonstration Time
'Til I Die
Surf's Up

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAKBCdHlMy4_1HzkcvEE3QCMCm7xNE3T0&si=P1cyFfFVZF6q3xGL

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
125/144
New album listens for me so far: 61
Heard it before: 83

This ones on the list

Toonstrack posted...

This ones on the list

Huh?

trentpac posted...

Huh?

The album is on my list to listen through

Toonstrack posted...

The album is on my list to listen through

Ah gotcha.

Album #146
Chic- C'est Chic (1978)
USA
Runtime: 41:23
1st time listen
Recommend a listen? Yes

Chic is a disco/funk/r&b band. This was my first time listening to this album, but I of course had heard the songs Le Freak and I Want Your Love before. Both of which I like well enough. I've never really been that much of a disco fan, but there's plenty of disco songs that I enjoy. It's odd that that's the case as I love a lot of funk music, but when it gets more poppy and dancy, I have a harder time connecting to it.

This album's biggest hits are the aforementioned Le Freak and I Want Your Love. Both are good songs, but think I actually liked some of the other material more. Savior Faire is a great little instrumental, which is followed up by Happy Man. Happy Man starts off as a pretty run of the mill track, but by the end I'm just jamming out to its funky as hell bassline. I was happily surprised by this album as a whole, as I figured that this was going to be another album where its hits and popularity at the time were the reason for its inclusion. It's not a perfect album by any means (there's a couple filler tracks), but it's still pretty good and I'll definitely be returning to it in the future. Give it a spin.

Highlights:
Le Freak
Savior Faire
Happy Man
I Want Your Love

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nr6Oayul14irh3I6oz2v9KGCBcyFPIPxY&si=JWZAUu_Czg7v1R28

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
126/146
New album listens for me so far: 62
Heard it before: 84

I love Le Freak. LOL. I will have to listen to Happy Man.

elizajanegirl posted...

I love Le Freak. LOL. I will have to listen to Happy Man.

Happy Man is all about that bassline for me and where it really picks up for me is around the 2 minute mark when the guitar solo hits and onwards. After listening to it again, its probably my 4th favorite song on the album. The 2 singles, I Want Your Love and Le Freak are 2nd and 3rd...but I think that the instrumental Savior Faire is my favorite track though. There's some tastefully done soloing on it, but that's just the guitarist in me speaking.

IWYL has one of the all-time best basslines.

Album #147
Method Man- Tical (1994)
USA
Runtime: 43:43
Heard it before
Recommend a listen? No...but you do you lol

I'm bound to get some heat from this one. I've never been a fan of Method Man or the Wu-Tang Clan. I don't hate them...I'm just indifferent/meh on them. It's been a long time since I've listened to either of them, so I tried to go into this with as open of a mind as I could. I can't say that my opinion has changed. As much as I try, I just find myself bored. I just can't find my way in. I just can't connect to this in any meaningful way. I don't mind Release Yo' Delf. There's really no sense beating a dead horse. So check it out, but I can't give a recommendation to an album that I overall don't enjoy. Sorry not recommended.

Highlights:
Bring the Pain
All I Need
Release Yo' Delf

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL32REY8qN7H0Vt1HPcmP1nz4qbxy_oaBz&si=he9nbva60RZwdfhN

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
126/147
New album listens for me so far: 62
Heard it before: 85

You don't even like Liquid Swords?

Shotgunnova posted...

You don't even like Liquid Swords?

I own it. It's okay. I haven't listened to it more than a handful of times in the 15ish years I've owned it.

Album #148
Tracy Chapman- Tracy Chapman (1988)
USA
Runtime: 35:51
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? YES

Tracy Chapman is a singer-songwriter/folk/etc. artist. Her songs are not only catchy, but lyric-wise wonderfully crafted spotlights on whatever issue she's singing about.

This was her debut record. Like most people, I was introduced to her by this albums mega hit "Fast Car." I always liked the song, as well as a few other hits she's had along the way. But it wasn't until about 15 years ago, that I randomly bought this album and began to fully appreciate her artistry. Easily my favorite song on the record is "Across the Lines." The whole album is great, but this album is another one of those albums that is so front loaded, that side two's songs can be overlooked. Four of the five best tracks are on side one. But don't sleep on side two. Mountains O' Things is probably my favorite track on the back half. It's just such a well put together song. There's really not a bad track on the record. I highly, highly recommend this album.

Highlights:
Talkin' Bout a Revolution
Fast Car
Across the Lines
Baby Can I Hold You
Mountains O' Things
She's Got Her Ticket
Why
For My Lover
If Not Now...

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lJiJ1eSjBfk73-87m_0i9ubOA5RGSiLUs&si=Ixik9RM1Y7bg5Wxk

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
127/148
New album listens for me so far: 62
Heard it before: 86

OK, that's one I need to listen to. It gets a lot of praise, but I don't think I've heard anything but Fast Car and Talking 'bout a Revolution.

Album #149
Violent Femmes- Violent Femmes (1983)
USA
Runtime: 36:15
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? YES

My lord do I love this album by the Violent Femmes. I can't think of anything that sounded like it when it came out. They're a folk punk/alternative rock band. They are unique, quirky, sincere and authentic. This album was part of my soundtrack in junior high and going forward. It even helped me lick my wounds after my first girlfriend broke up with me in 7th grade. I kept playing it over and over...it really just helped me get my mind off of things.

This is their debut album and is widely considered their best. I'd have to agree, but don't stop with this album. They've got so much more to offer. Some other albums to check out after this one are:

-Hallowed Ground (a darker album and my 2nd favorite V.F. album)
-The Blind Leading the Naked
-3
-Why do the Birds Sing?
-Freak Magnet (a later album that I think is criminally underrated)

If you pick this album up on vinyl, you should also get the 45 of the non album single Ugly/Gimmie the Car as they were released along side it 1983. I think they're worth picking up. If you get it on CD or digitally, they are usually included.

A very important album to me and if course I highly, highly recommend it.

Highlights:
I love it all

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAdIgOo8GqGYHpLdejmOApWXpXvuZHDCb&si=6n_0SvQNpv76RxDR

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
128/149
New album listens for me so far: 62
Heard it before: 87

I saw them play that one and hallowed ground straight through. It was awesome

Garlands_Soul posted...

I saw them play that one and hallowed ground straight through. It was awesome

I hope they're still playing that set list. They're coming to my neck of the woods this year, and I'm going. Either way it'll check off another off my concert bucket list.

I used to get a lift to work with a guy who was obsessed with Violent Femmes and Hoodoo Gurus. They were all he would ever play in the car.

It didn't put me off either band.

ai123 posted...

I used to get a lift to work with a guy who was obsessed with Violent Femmes and Hoodoo Gurus. They were all he would ever play in the car.

It didn't put me off either band.

Oh wow, I totally forgot about The Hoodoo Gurus. I remember liking a couple of their songs back in the day.

Album #150
Silver Jews- Bright Flight (2001)
USA
Runtime: 35:34
1st time listen
Recommend a listen? Sure

The Silver Jews are a indie rock band that have elements of country in it. I have 100% heard something from them before, but I don't have a clue what it was. I feel like I discovered them, threw them on a playlist intending on checking them out later, and then I obviously completely forgot about them. I feel like they could really grow on me. If I had to pick a favorite track, I'd probably go with "I Remember Me." The album has a lot of variety on it, while remaining very cohesive. They're certainly worth at least a listen, especially if you like indie rock. I'll take some other album recommendations from y'all if you've got em!

Highlights:
Slow Education
Room Games and Diamond Rain
I Remember Me
Horseleg Swatsikas
Tennessee
Death of an Heir of Sorrows

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nNTXyVAb-0oC9gwIJR9cqwMg03GfJHHJY&si=2ZRyHH-Ko0LrwYCM

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
129/150
New album listens for me so far: 63
Heard it before: 87

another baffling entry in the list; American Water is the canonical classic Silver Jews album that should have made it

TheGoldenEel posted...

another baffling entry in the list; American Water is the canonical classic Silver Jews album that should have made it

Yeah! "Federal Dust" is amazing.

TheGoldenEel posted...

another baffling entry in the list; American Water is the canonical classic Silver Jews album that should have made it

Well shit, then I'll check it out. I liked this one well enough so I'll probably enjoy that one as well.

trentpac posted...

Oh wow, I totally forgot about The Hoodoo Gurus. I remember liking a couple of their songs back in the day.

They're great live too. I saw them do their whole first album last year.

TheGoldenEel posted...

another baffling entry in the list; American Water is the canonical classic Silver Jews album that should have made it

Tanglewood Numbers >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Album #151
Alice Cooper- School's Out (1972)
USA
Runtime: 35:57
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? Yes

I was really into Alice Cooper from around 1989-1996. I was introduced to him by my older sister's record collection. She had just picked up his latest album at the time, "Trash." I was immediately hooked. I'll always give that album more love than it probably deserves as it was my jumping off point. Flash forward a few years later when I started buying cassettes at pawn shops (As I talked about in a previous review), I bought nearly every album of his when they turned up.

Crazily enough, this album was probably somewhere in the 10th to 12th album that I had heard from him. Initially I was pretty underwhelmed by this album. It has since grown on me considerably over the years. This album is more of a hard rock/musical. There's also a bit of big band and jazz mixed in as well. If you're expecting every song to be in the vein of "School's Out", you're going to be very disappointed by the album. If you go in with a more open mind, you'll find lots to enjoy here. It's a great record.

All that being said, I think there's 3 other Alice Cooper records that deserve to be included over this one. (Billion Dollar Babies is also included in the 1001) "Welcome to My Nightmare", "Killer", and my personal favorite Alice Cooper record "Love it to Death" all, IMO are better albums, and are more worthy of the slot. That aside, I highly recommend giving this a shot, but I wouldn't recommend starting here with Alice Cooper.

Highlights:
School's Out
Luney Tune
Blue Turk
Public Animal No. 9
Alma Mater

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_krsCII4MCWnRORGli0sy_lVZWkVyjaUOY&si=HaXtYNsQ9UU1DHTO

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
130/151
New album listens for me so far: 63
Heard it before: 88

I'm a huge fan of his Flush the Fashion - DaDa album streak

Garlands_Soul posted...

I'm a huge fan of his Flush the Fashion - DaDa album streak

You might be the only one. While that period isn't my favorite album wise, I can't deny that that era has some really great songs. Clones (We're All) and Former Lee Warmer are great tunes for example.

Bump

Album #152
Meat Puppets- Meat Puppets II (1983)
USA
Runtime: 30:55
Heard it before/own it
Recommend a listen? YES

The Meat Puppets are a mix of country, folk, punk, alternative, and psychedelic rock. I'm very familiar with their work from 1982's S/T to 1994's Too High To Die. After that I haven't listened to much. If you're looking for something more polished, these guys might not be for you. If you're a weirdo like me, you'll love them.

I like most people were introduced to the Meat Puppets through Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance, where the Puppets came out and played a few songs of theirs with them. They played 3 songs from this album "Plateau", "Oh, Me", and "Lake of Fire." Oh, Me didn't make the broadcasted version of the show. If you're a fan of these songs through Nirvana, you should give the originals a shot. After that concert, I did a deep dive into the band and found a good deal of material to enjoy. This is probably the best place to start with them. I had a blast listening to this album again, as it had been a really long time. Highly recommended.

Highlights:
Split Myself in Two
Lost
Plateau
Aurora Borealis
Oh, Me
Lake of Fire
I'm a Mindless Idiot

https://youtu.be/IenJY0QWIJE?si=bTfcTCxJCh-f9wxq

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
131/152
New album listens for me so far: 63
Heard it before: 89

Mirage is my favourite of their albums, but I could really do with revisiting them.

So much music, so little time.

ai123 posted...

Mirage is my favourite of their albums, but I could really do with revisiting them.

So much music, so little time.

That's for sure. I should revisit Mirage, as I haven't listened to the entire album in years. I have a few playlists that have Confusion Fog and Get On Down on it.

So many of these I have never ever even heard of

Never really listened to the meat puppets, but I should like them because I like a lot of weird alternative from that era

they opened for a show I saw once in Milwaukee (actually they were co-headlining but they played first), but I was only going to see Dean Ween Group and I ended up watching the Packers beat the Bears at a nearby bar before heading to the concert and missed all of the meat puppets

elizajanegirl posted...

So many of these I have never ever even heard of

That's all part of the fun. They're harder to write reviews for, but this is why I'm doing this in the first place. I'm looking for those diamonds in the rough.

TheGoldenEel posted...

Never really listened to the meat puppets, but I should like them because I like a lot of weird alternative from that era

they opened for a show I saw once in Milwaukee (actually they were co-headlining but they played first), but I was only going to see Dean Ween Group and I ended up watching the Packers beat the Bears at a nearby bar before heading to the concert and missed all of the meat puppets

They're generally not an album group for me. There's a few standout albums for sure...but every album I've heard has at least a few bangers on them.

Good album. Sometimes I randomly get the Meat Puppets "Whistling Song" in my head.

I do listen to Too High to Die a lot more nowadays, though.

Album #153
The Crickets- The "Chirping" Crickets (1957)
USA
Runtime: 25:59
Heard it before
Recommend a listen? Oh boy, YES!

The Crickets were the late great Buddy Holly's band. Buddy Holly only released 3 albums, one under The Crickets and the other 2 under his name Buddy Holly.

As you can see below in the highlights, this album includes some of early rock and roll's finest tunes. The whole album is great, but those songs are next level.

Everyone of course knows about his tragic death, when he, The Big Bopper, and Richie Valens died in a plane crash on their way to their next show at Moorehead, MN in 1959. All of them were incredible talents in their own right. All of which were some of my father's favorite artists. His best friend owned a beautiful red 57 Chevy when I was just a young boy in the 80s. Occasionally he would take my dad and I out for a drive on the highway, wind in our hair, blasting the oldies. I hadn't thought of that in years, and it came flooding back to me listening to this album today.

He was an incredible and important artist for the time, and I can't recommend this album highly enough.

Highlights:
Oh Boy!
Not Fade Away
Maybe Baby
Tell Me How
That'll Be the Day
I'm Lookin' for Someone to Love
Rock Me My Baby

https://youtu.be/0dTdBUR62TA?si=F0LstP8KdLRcJkAK

Recommended out of the 1001 so far:
132/153
New album listens for me so far: 63
Heard it before: 90