Best Albums - Reviewed

the cyberspace escape zone of
darien3

Some Best All-Time Albums/ CDs Reviewed ...
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So ... What is the "best album of all time?"

Well, that would be kind of hard to determine -
based on many different pluses and minuses on different recordings, and lots of other variables.
But I'd say that these are some pretty close contenders:

Title and Recording Artist:	Why? What's so great about it ...?
the 60s	.
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" The Beatles (rel. 1967)	Fore-runner to progressive rock; daring use of multiple instruments, innovative taping tricks, and infancy electronic synthesis. A godfather of modern rock.
"Best Of The Animals" The Animals	Singer/ Frontman Eric Burden had a mystique about him - as well as a style perhaps ahead of its time. Even in appearance, he had a snarly, devilish way about him ... The music is dark and largely hypnotic and the lyrics were a subject of controversy at the time of their release. The most memorable of these is likely their remake of the blues classic about a house of ill repute, "House Of The Rising Sun." They also scored many other hits, among them "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place," and "It's My Life." The keywords here are dark, rebellious, and underground. From Newcastle, England, most closely-comparable perhaps to Los Angeles, America's The Doors. Perhaps a forerunner of Gothic-type bands to come ... Burden would later go on to front the all-"black" band, War - likely another first. This alliance spawned the hit "Spill The Wine." Largely unrecognized beforehand, after Burden left War they would go on to receive major airplay on several other hits including "The World Is A Ghetto," "Slippin' Into Darkness," and "The Cisco Kid."
the 70s	..
"Cosmo's Factory" Creedence Clearwater Revival	Garage rock meets blues meets hillbilly meets psychadelia meets ... what else can be said? Crafty songs with catchy relevant-to-the-times lyrics, sung by the phenomenal and unique voice of John Fogerty. Released in July 1970, this album is a MUST have in anyone's collection who's serious about rock - although they made MANY other great records, too. To me, this album will always be THE seminal "anti-Vietnam War" commentary album. Listen to the ethereal "Run Through The Jungle..." Enough said?
"Crime of the Century" Supertramp (rel. 1974)	Some of the best piano work, great vocal work, provocative and relevant lyrics ...
"Who's Next" The Who (rel 1971)	Interesting synthesizer use - especially on "Won't Get Fooled Again," and "Baba O'Riley;" hypnotic landmark hooks; incomparably-"ballsy" lead vocals; a "must" in every serious "classic" rock fan's collection ...
"Quadrophenia" The Who (rel. 1973)	" ... ( ditto )
"Carney" Leon Russell (rel. 1972)	trippy, bluesy "Southern Rock;" This one spawned the hits "Tight Rope" and "This Masquerade." Another classic "gotta have"
"Easter" The Patti Smith Group (rel. 1978)	Yep - this is the ol' "hair under the armpits" cover shot one...! Seminal punk poetess Patti is at her finest hour throughout this album. Contains the hit "Because The Night," the ethereal "Ghost Dance" and "Easter," the new wave kick-ass "25th Floor," and the controversial "Rock and Roll Nigger." An engineering masterpiece - especially considering recording equipment limitations of the time period.
"Leftoverture" - Kansas (rel. 1976)	Besides for being a great bunch of guys, Kansas made a mark on musical history with the release of songs like "Carry On My Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind" and their many other soundtrack-like progressive rock anthems.
"Point Of Know Return" - Kansas (rel. 1977)	This album seemingly takes (took) over where "Leftoverture" left off - and it's just about as good. I saw Kansas during this tour - at the old Boston Garden - and they were an awesome spectacle in concert. Unquestionably, this was the height of their career. I again saw them in the early 90's, in Providence, Rhode Island, and had the privilege of meeting a few of the guys before their show. Their awesome vocals and musicianship were just as strong as ever.
"Fragile" - Yes (rel. 1972)	An amazing departure from the "usual" rock bands of the time. Extremely trend-setting ... This album is a must in any rock fan's collection. Contains the awesome "Heart of the Sunrise" and the radio hit "Roundabout." Rick Wakeman was introduced into the Yes lineup on this album, with awesome results.
"Close To The Edge" - Yes (rel. 1972)	Innovative to the max - emergence of "underground" progressive rock ... Incredible guitar work by Steve Howe - especially on "Siberian Khatru." Jon Anderson's vocals are particularly ethereal on the long time concert favorite "And You And I," and - as always - Rick Wakeman and Chris Squire shine through as the superior musicians that they are, as well.
"Relayer" - Yes (rel. 1974)	Borderline "Industrial/ Noise" before there was such a thing. In between, the beautiful and magical textures and vocal interplay you're used to hearing from Yes. A decidedly "harder edge" with Alan White joining on the drums; a more psychadelic backdrop with the transition from Rick Wakeman (The Great) to Patrick Moraz on keyboards, and a foray into the music and sound "unknown ..." When they reach into that realm on "Relayer," though - unlike the somewhat haphazard joinery within "Tales From Topographic Oceans ..." "Relayer" works ... "Wondrous Stories" from the album was a "hit" for them.
"Olias Of Sunhillow" - Jon Anderson (rel. 1976)	.
"Ommadawn" - Mike Oldfield (rel. 1975)	If you liked "Tubular Bells" think of this recording as blowing that one right away. Not that the first isn't "good" - just that this is so much better. A must for anyone who likes orchestration and/ or mystical music.
"The Dream Weaver" - Gary Wright (rel. 1975)	.
"Little Queen" - Heart	To anyone who remembers, it was obvious from the get-go that this band had something very special. Ann Wilson is phenomenal on vocals - even, or perhaps especially - live ... The rest of the band are equallly talented though - all are accomplished players and performers, a league above many others. Other essential elements of any HEART collection are: "Dog and Butterfly" "Dreamboat Annie" and "Heart" (their mid-80's 'comeback' album)
"Naturally" - Three Dog Night	These guys are 70s ICONS, when one stops to think about it. Tough it would be to try to pin down their "best" album. Renouned for their vocal abilities (they had three lead front vocalists, Chuck Negron, Cory Wells, and Danny Hutton) these guys pumped out hit after hit after hit from the late 60s thru the early/ mid 70s ... "Joy To The World" - a big hit for them - is about the worst song on this album, if you ask me ... Maybe because they played it so much on the radio at the time that it grew sickening! "One Man Band" and the incomparable anthem "Liar" are also here. Other essential albums by them would include "Seven Separate Fools" and "Golden Biscuits." The former contains the haunting love song "Pieces of April" and "Freedom For The Stallion," and the latter is an excellent greatest hits compilation of their earlier material, including the ethereal "Easy To Be Hard," "One," "Mama Told Me Not To Come," and a slew of other memory-jogging hits.
"Chicago V" and "Chicago - Live At Carnegie Hall" - Chicago	.
"Pieces Of Eight" - Styx	This concert tour was an unforgettable experience, as Styx were at the height of their heyday. Incomparable vocal harmonies, mesmerizing playing ability and stage presence ... Gems from this album include the title track, "Renegade," "Queen Of Spades," "Too Much Time On My Hands," and the kick-ass everyman conformist laborer's anthem "Blue Collar Man." Other must-haves in any Styx fan's collection would be the "Paradise Theater," "Equinox," and "The Grand Illusion" albums.
"Agents Of Fortune" (1976) and "Spectres" (1977) - Blue Oyster Cult	What else can be said? FIVE guys lined up across the front of the stage, all playing guitars ... Entering the stage on a motorcycle ... I had the opportunity of seeing these New York guys live several times, and they blew me away every show. They have been around for a long time and have an extensive body of work, but these are the two albums which I would recommend you start out with. The first spawned the seminal hit "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," which of course everyone knows. There's a LOT more here, though. The album is seemingly thematic - one song flowing into the next - as is "Spectres ..." Both are a voyage through the darkside ...
"The Best of The Guess Who" - The Guess Who	Burton Cummings was one of the most dynamic rock vocalists EVER. I just love those rock singers with BALLS in their voice. I like some of Lenny Kravitz's work - but he has to be fucking KIDDING with his remake rendition of "American Woman." Nothing like the way Cummings sang it. NOWHERE NEAR IT. Matter of fact, he SUCKS doing it - even the music SUCKS. Just a hint, Lenny - STUDY what the fuck the original artists did - THEN attempt the remake. And if you don't sound anywhere near it, then shitcan the idea of redoing the song. Anyhow ... there are a LOT MORE jewels on this greatest hits package than "American Woman." One after another, all of this Canadian band's earlier hits are represented - and the album flows with its own familiar style - for those of us who remember it well. A classic.
"Blood Sweat and Tears" and "Greatest Hits" - Blood, Sweat and Tears	Some of these Pearl Jam wannabe singers of today really ought to take a close study of the vocal style and delivery of past artists like BST's lead singer, David Clayton Thomas. The keyword here is "SINGER." You know, INTEREST - as opposed to DRONING. Also known as: this is where we separate the MEN from the BOYS.
"Sweet Baby James" - James Taylor	The title says it all. Can't get enough of the sweet anthems of this Massachusetts/ North Carolina boy ... This one contains "Fire and Rain" and is his best.
"Brain Salad Surgery" and "Trilogy" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer	The H.R. Geiger artwork alone is good enough reason to buy the first one! But, don't stop there. The fantastic musical wizadry of these three Brits is legendary - and quite apparent on any of their albums. These two are arguably their best - created while at the height of their career. Before they stop touring, you MUST see them in concert. I have several times, and they are always awesome.
"Burn," "Stormbringer," "Made In Japan" (live album) and (of course) their landmark "Machine Head" - Deep Purple	Teriffic musicianship ... Kick ass heavy metal with keyboards ... What else can be said? Definitely one of the most influential bands of the early 70's. Both vocalists (Ian Gillan on "Made In Japan" and "Machine Head" and David Coverdale - later of Whitesnake fame in the 80's - on "Burn" and "Stormbringer") shine as excellent rock singers with ballsy voices. Both of these guys definitely inspired me, let me tell ya ... Ian Gillan left to perform as Christ in the original "Jesus Christ Superstar." Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work is legendary (later of "Rainbow," with Ronnie James DIO - not to mention his on-stage antics ... also known as destruction of equipment !!!) Jon Lord also does some of his best keyboard work on these mentioned albums. Roger Glover and Ian Paice are also excellent on bass and drums. I remember driving to Boston through a blinding snowstorm to see these guys in the late 70's - and it was definitely worth the pain in the ass of driving in that weather. Nazareth's warm-up performance ("Love Hurts" and "Hair of the Dog" - i.e. "now you're messin' with a son of a bitch ...") was nothing to scoff at, either.
"Aerosmith" (self-titled first album) and definitely "Get Your Wings" - Aerosmith	.
"Love It To Death," (rel. 1971) "Killer," (1971) "School's Out," (1972) "Billion Dollar Babies," (1973) and "Welcome To My Nightmare" (1975) - Alice Cooper	Alice Cooper's "Welcome To My Nightmare" tour was an awesome spectacle - one which I'm glad to have had the pleasure of seeing live. For this particular tour, he used a literal entourage of dancers on stage - the stage was really on a couple of levels - with the band playing in the back, the dancers and Alice out front. I'll never forget how eerie it seemed when the manequin he'd been slamming around the stage while performing the song "Cold Ethyl" appeared to get up and start dancing at the beginning of "Only Women Bleed ..." It looked SO REAL ... One of my best friends in life - ever - and certainly a teenage-years best friend, Pete Cote, and I went to this concert. I think that we both had black and blue marks on our legs the next day from jumping up and down on the seats - which were the folding type of chairs. We were fortunate enough to have gotten excellent floor seats. Guess those Haffenreffer "green giants" will get you wild like that. We were 16 at the time - ahem ... I'll never forget that my parents kept one of those beers which they found in my van FOR YEARS after that in the refrigerator. I was well into my 20's, I think, by the time I went over there and FINALLY drank it one day ...
"Master Of Reality," (rel. 1972) "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," (1973) and "Heaven And Hell" (1980) - Black Sabbath	.
"Night Moves" (rel. 1976) and "Stranger In Town" (1978) - Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band	.
"Boston" (self-titled first album - rel. 1976) and "Don't Look Back" (1978) - Boston	.
"Closer To Home" - Grand Funk (Railroad)	.
"Anthology Of Bread" (rel. 1985) -	.
"Born To Run" (rel. 1975) - Bruce Springsteen	.
"The Cars" (self-titled first album - rel. 1978) and "Candy-O" (1979) - The Cars	.
"Dark Side Of The Moon" and "Wish You Were Here" - Pink Floyd	.
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the 80s	.
"Pyromania" and "Hysteria" - Def Leppard	.
"Slippery When Wet" (rel. 1986) - Bon Jovi	.
"Reckless" (rel. 1982) "Cuts Like A Knife" (1983) "Waking Up The Neighbors" (1991) - Bryan Adams	When we were going to see Bryan Adams at the Worcester Centrum in the early 90's, I really didn't know what to expect from his concert. For whatever reason, I really didn't expect it to be as loud, hard, and kick-ass as it was. It turned out to be one of the best shows I have ever seen - and believe me - I have been to a LOT of concerts ... The musicianship of the entire band was excellent, and Bryan is one hell of a showman ...
"Greatest Hits" - Blondie	Late 70's/ early 80's New Wave icons, Blondie are pretty much covered here. More die hard fans could probably get all of their albums on CD. Contains the raw killer "One Way Or Another..." and the dreamy "Heart Of Glass"
"Crimes Of Passion" - Pat Benatar (rel. 1980)	For starters, excellent guitar work throughout. Another "gotta have" in your classics collection.
"Frontiers" - JOURNEY	.
the 90s and beyond ...	.
"Sixteen Stone" - Bush (rel. 1994)	Absolutely AWESOME live
"Throwing Copper" - LIVE (rel. 1994)	Innovative use of vocals; catchy but dark lyrics; riveting presence
anything ... - SoundGarden	Easily one of the best bands of the late 80's/ early 90's period
"A Boy Named Goo" - The Goo Goo Dolls (rel. 1995)	With hits like the incomparable show-opener "Naked" these guys have but only one way to go: UP ...!!! Another band who's awesome in concert ...
"Core" and "Purple" - Stone Temple Pilots	.
"My Own Prison" - Creed	.
"Yourself Or Someone Like You" - matchbox20 (rel. 1996)	.
"Clumsy" - Our Lady Peace	.
"Supernatural" - Santana (rel. 1999)	.