Band: Paul Burch Album: Last of my Kind Release Date: April 24, 2001 Genre: Country Folk Rating (1-10): 10
Yeah, I'm kind of a redneck, but of all the bluegrass albums I stumbled on this year, Paul Burch's album based on The Life of Jim has consistently blown me away. Whether it's the violence-loving Amos Glass ranting about murdering anyone who f***s with him, trying to grow up in the Depression, or accepting that the farmer's way of life has died, this album is full of gems. If you get one song off it, download 'Polio'. It's about a man visiting his Uncle whose been quarantined because of Polio on a mountain. Very simple song, very heartbreaking. It honestly still gets to me sometimes.
Band: The Velvet Underground Album: The Velvet Underground And Nico Release Date: March 1967 Genre: Art rock, experimental rock, protopunk Rating (1-10): 10 Why you chose to recommend this album: Well it's just about the most influential (not to mention best) album EVARRRRR. Not to mention that every single track on it is just perfect.
Band: Pubic Enemy Album: It Takes A Nation Of Milions To Hold Us Back Release Date: Genre: old skool hip hop Rating (1-10): 10 Why you chose to recommend this album: Well unfortunately NME says it better than I could "...the greatest hip-hop album ever....this wasn't merely a sonic triumph. This was also where Chuck wrote a fistful of lyrics that promoted him to the position of foremost commentator/documentor of life in the underbelly of the USA."
Band: Kataklysm Release: somewhere in 2008 Genre: Death metal Rating: 9/10 Why?: If you compare this with some of their earlier work, you just have to respect the group for the progress they made. First few albums were pretty shitty, then they got a new vocalist - from this point on they only got better with every album, this one being my favorite.
Band: Ratatat Album: Classics Release: August 22, 2006 Genre: Electronic Rating: 9/10 Reason: Ratatat may be somewhat repetitive but manages to sound very good. If you're not looking for a varied experience, but are willing to listen to something new and different, this album is for you.
Band: Ratatat Album: LP3 Release: July 8, 2008 Genre: Electronic Rating: 10/10 Reason: Though the underlying beats are quite similar to the previous works of Ratatat, the layers of sound on top prevent repetition from setting in as quickly as in Classics. The one fault which could be found in Classics was fixed, and LP3 was a good improvement on a great idea.
Band: Pavement Album: Slanted and Enchanted Genre: Rock Release: April 20, 1992 Rating: 10/10 Reason: This is one of the few albums which works significantly better as a collection that as a series of singles. The influences of the Replacements is obvious but welcome, and the songwriting is solid overall. I picked this one up in a record store a few days ago for $3; it was definitely worth it.
Band: Stars Album: Set Yourself on Fire Genre: Rock/Pop Release: September 14, 2004 / March 8, 2005 Rating: 10/10 Reason: The music is solid, the songwriting is great, and the production is excellent. Though it is a collection of singles rather than a cohesive package, the singles stand up on their own. The mix of instruments is inspired and each is utilized very well.
Artist: Eminem Release: May 23, 2000 Album: Mashall Mathers LP Genre: Rap/ Hip Hop Rating: 9/10 Reason: One of the greatest albums of this Millennium, this is Eminem's best album IMO with some of the best lyrics he has wrote, ever
Band: Korpiklaani Album: Tales along this road Release Date: May 2006 Genre: Humpaa, Folk Metal Rating (1-10): 9 Amazingly "happy" and fast, from start to finish brilliant! Happy Little Boozer is a great start to the album that will have you singing along within the first chorus.
Band: Bad Religion Album: Process of Belief Genre: Punk Rating (1-10): 10 Could pretty much pick any of their albums as a recommended. Songs on this one like Kyoto Now,Epiphany, Supersonic and (only on the japanese version) Shattered faith are brilliant in their own ways. Pretty much the most intelligent lyrical content that you can find in the punk genre.
Band:Mumford and Sons Album:Mumford and Sons Release Date: 2008 Genre:Folk / Bluegrass / Afro-beat. Rating (1-10): 9 Why you chose to recommend this album: One of the best new bands I've heard in a long time. Emotive lyrics, acoustic, real sound, incredible style. Check them out.
Artist: Van Canto Album: A Storm To Come Release: January 10, 2007 Genre: A Cappella Sample: #1#2#3
Artist: Van Canto Album: Hero Release: October 14, 2008 Genre: A Cappella Sample: #1#2
Reason: Two amazing albums showing the true awesomeness of A Cappella. Both their originals and their covers are extremely well done and have music to both hype you up and calm you down.
Band: Radiohead Album: OK Computer Release Date: 1995 Genre: Alternative rock/Experimental rock Rating (1-10): 10 Why you chose to recommend this album: It's just incredible. Seriously. It doesn't even need an explanation. Listen to it.
Damn it. I was going to do that. Okay second and third choices:
Band: Last of the shadow puppets Album: The age of the understatement release date: august 2007 genre: indie rock rating: 9/10 why you chose to recommend this album: because it is really really brilliant, dont know what else to say, check it out.
Band: The Arcade fire album: funeral release date: september 2004 genre: indie rock rating: 9/10 why you chose to recommend this album: its amazing, at the same time uplifting and depressing. such and emotional and powerful album.
Band: At The Drive-In Album: Relationship of Command Release: 12 September 2008 Genre: Post-Punk/Post-Hardcore Rating: 10/10
I concur wholeheartedly.
For my own, it'd have to be...
Band: Portugal. The Man Album: Censored Colors Release: September 16, 2008 Genre: Alternative/Experimental Rating: 9/10
Discovered this album through Omar Rodriguez-Lopez's (see how this ties in with the quote? clever eh?) Myspace bulletins, and I must say, it's been a while since I got excited about an album, a fact made even better since they are a band i'd never heard of, and after a couple of months of listening, I am thrilled that I followed it up.
Beautifully arranged songs, from the melodies to the orchestral accompanyment, excellent vocals and lyrics, and it works well as a whole piece, as, like Mars Volta, a lot of the songs run together to create a flowing sound across the whole album. They also have elements of 60's Pop, Reggae and Folk in there, with retro recording sounds and catchy vocal and guitar-based hooks.
Recommended for relaxing to in the dark, or do as I do and take a walk at night and turn it up loud.
Band: Skinless Album: Trample The Weak, Hurdle The Dead Release Date: 2006 Genre: Brutal Death Metal Rating (1-10): 10/10 Why you chose to recommend this album: My personal favorite album ever. Every song is well written, memorable, and has great instrumentals. Skinless sold out a bit on the album before it, From Sacrifice to Survival, but they were able to bounce back and are as awesome as ever. The Black Sabbath cover is a bit lame but I don't count covers when I talk about albums.
Band- Jethro Tull Album- Thick As A Brick Genre- Progressive Rock Rating- 10/10 Why I chose it- It is the definitive example of prog done right. Behind the numerous movements, time-signature changes, instrumental interludes, and the sheer damn length of the thing (one track spread out over 40 minutes), are some of the most beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics you will ever hear. It's an album that's grand without being overblown, deep without being pretentious.
Band- Porcupine Tree Album- Deadwing Genre- Progressive Rock/Metal/Ambient Rating- 10/10 Why I chose it- Porcupine Tree are my favourite band of the moment, and they seem to be on one hell of a roll. Their last few albums have all been absolute blinders, and in my opinion this is the best of the lot. From the beautiful 'Lazarus' and the mighty 'Arriving Somewhere...' to the absolutely epic 'Start Of Something Beautiful', this is an abum from a band who are truly coming into their own. In a music scene that seems to be getting ever more stagnant, this band isn't just a breath of fresh air. They're an oxygen tank hooked straight to the lungs, causing feelings of all kinds of euphoria and exhilaration.
Band: Alcest Album: Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde Release Date: 2007 Genre: Shoegaze,
Alcest is the band of one talented man named Niege from France. He plays all the instruments, and sings (has a few guest singers). His music, at first seems somewhat depressing, but its more nostalgic than anything. Absolutely fantastic album, love every song on it.
Band- The 5.6.7.8's Album- Teenage Mojo Workout Genre- ...surf punk? Rating- 10/10 Why I chose it- The band play with a great deal of enthusiasm, the songs are good...it is all tastefully done.
Of Montreal - "The Sunlandic Twins" Rating - 9/10 Very good album with a very happy sound that pulls off pop and manages to sound like nothing you've ever heard. Check it out.
Mushroomhead XIII 2003 Alternative Metal/Nu Metal 4.5 out of 5
Mushroomhead is one of the few bands I can think of (alongside their on-again, off-again rivals Slipknot) where talented musicians actually stemmed from the nu-metal scene. XIII is their second album under a record label, and it's a really good starting place if you're not familiar with the band. There's a surprisingly strong variety of songs on display, everything from whiplash-educing headbangers to songs that are epic in scope and intricate in their arrangement. The only real weakness on the album is their cover of Seal's "Crazy", which I think might've been the studio's fault more than the band's, and even that's not too bad.
Pink Floyd - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (Psychedelic Rock)
Why? It's Pink Floyds first album, and it's often forgotten next to their later work. Mostly written by the mad genius Syd Barrett, the album is very different from their later style. Instead of long progressive pieces, the songs are short, unpredictable and wonderfully surreal. This album is one of the best psychedelic rock album I have heard and a must for anyone with ears.
Another one of my favorites. This one might be a bit hard to find, but if you ever see it, don't hesitate. This is one of those precious few things that justifies Denmarks existance. It's pretty well known there I think, but it's sadly overlooked elsewhere and that's a shame of biblical proportions. I have a hard time describing it's beauty in words, but luckily youtube pulled through.
Band: Justin Timberlake Album: Futuresex/Lovesounds Release Date: 2006 Genre: Pop/R&B/Hip Hop Rating (1-10): 10 Why you chose to recommend this album: You're all nerds with terrible, shallow and horribly unhip taste in music and it wouldn't hurt to actually have some good music that won't make beautiful and interesting people run away from you.
You fail at life.
Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers Album: By The Way Release Date: 2003 Genre: Funk Rock Rating: 10 Why: Because it's such a brilliant and varied album, and in my opinion the Chili's finest. There's a song on there for everyone, from the funky Can't Stop to the slow and mellow Dosed.
Band: 36 Crazyfists Album: Rest Inside The Flames Release Date: 2006 Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore Rating: 10 Why: For Metalheads only, one of the best albums of the american metalcore scene (and far better than welsh metalcore), heavy as hell, with awesome riffs and brilliant vocals, including an appearance by Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage.
Band: Alice Cooper Album: Along came a spider Release Date: July 29, 2008 Genre: Rock Rating (1-10): 11 no really 11 Why you chose to recommend this album: Well a rocker whose been going at it since 1969 and is still able to adjust to fit today's music taste needs a listening to. If you want to learn more about him then look at any metal band or punk rocker and yell you ripped Alice off. He created his own genre of rock called shock rock which over the years has turned into basically every band since then.
Eggo: Metalcore is awesome! I still live with my parents!
Your living arrangements are irrelevant. The point, you are the one with the shallow taste in music if you listen to music because it is "hip" (and since when was the word "hip" actually hip?). And if by beautiful and interesting people you mean people who consider chart tosh to be the be all and end all of music and anyone who doesn't like it is a nerd/freak/other insulting term, and are only interested in what's "hip", then quite frankly I'd be glad if they ran away from me, I much prefer the ugly and dull people who don't give a shit about being "hip".
PedroSteckecilo: (image cut to save space) Band: The New Pornographers Album: Twin Cinema Genre: Indie Rock/Pop Rating: 9/10
Probably the premier album by one of Canada's best Indie Rock collaborations. Joining together the stellar talent of Danny Bejar (Destroyer), Neko Case and Carl Newman, Twin Cinema presents a stronger sound with a clearer direction than the bands previous endeavors and puts forward some awesome Rock, Power Pop and sometimes just plain weird tracks. The albums highlight are the brilliant tracks "Use It" and "Bleeding Heart Show" both of which well convey the New Pornographers musical styling. Basically if you like Strong Vocal Harmony's backed by awesome drums, great guitar and some more eclectic musical arrangement, you'll like this album.
Seriously, this. Well, this band anyway - I'd recommend the Electric Version album over this because it has 'All For Swinging You Around', which is not just one of my favourite songs but one of only about three songs in the history of music that I'd regard as perfect in every way. You win the prize for best suggestion so far.
Also, hooray for OK Computer and Relationship Of Command suggestions, you're speaking my language right there.
Expand your horizons, folks. Music doesn't begin and end with metal. Take that Justin Timberlake suggestion seriously - ignore the name and pretend it's someone else if you have to - it's a fucking good album if, like me, you enjoy dancing in your chair to something that's fun and doesn't take any intellectual effort to enjoy.
Band: Massive Attack Album: Mezzanine Release Date: 1998 Genre: Electronic Rating: 10/10 Why: Universally agreed to be this band's best album. This album marks a major departure from the jazzy and laidback sound of the band's first two albums (Blue Lines and Protection), for it invokes the dark undercurrents which had always been present in the collective's music. Give this one a listen for the song "Teardrop" alone. You will not be disappointed.
Expand your horizons, folks. Music doesn't begin and end with metal. Take that Justin Timberlake suggestion seriously - ignore the name and pretend it's someone else if you have to - it's a fucking good album if, like me, you enjoy dancing in your chair.
Not insulting the suggestion of Justin Timberlake (admittedly I don't like him and I've heard enough stuff to have that opinion, but if you like it then fair enough, I have no problem with that), and my taste consists of more than metal, I like a spot of Pendulum, Gorillaz, Ruslana (Ukrainian pop), more than just metal. My problem was was his reason for recommending it, that we are apparently all nerds with a shallow and unhip taste in music. Sorry if it seemed like I was insulting Justin Timberlake.
Unfortunately, this isn't true at all. Your living arrangements play a huge role in your development as a person and an aesthete.
The point, you are the one with the shallow taste in music if you listen to music because it is "hip" (and since when was the word "hip" actually hip?).
I listen to the music I find enjoyable for me to listen to; considering I listen to *a lot* of music which is terribly unhip, I think you're completely offbase here. It's okay, I bet it's a hard concept to understand.
And if by beautiful and interesting people you mean people who consider chart tosh to be the be all and end all of music and anyone who doesn't like it is a nerd/freak/other insulting term, and are only interested in what's "hip", then quite frankly I'd be glad if they ran away from me
Since when did I say FS/LS was the be all and end all of music? I have the most diverse and deep taste in music on these boards (not that you guys put up much of a fight) and you would be sorely mistaken to think that just because I recommend an excellent pop album to all you hopeless neckbearded dweebs means that's the only thing I listen to.
I much prefer the ugly and dull people who don't give a shit about being "hip".
Well, we all like to be surrounded by the people we can most relate to :)
Artist: Rory Gallagher Album: Tatto Release Date: 1973 Genre: Blues/rock Rating (1-10): 9 Why you chose to recommend this album: This album is my personal favourite but he is, quite simply, the best guitarist to come out of Ireland. His music is not only fucking amazing but has inspired a lot of other musicians, Slash (Guns n Roses), Brian Mar (Queen), Glenn Tipton (Judas Preist). His guitar solos alone are reason enough to listen to him. Also, hes my namesake.
Band: Bloc Party Album: Silent Alarm Release Date: 2005 Genre: Rock, Alternative/Indie Rating (1-10): 9 Why: A really good debut album with some clever lyrics and catchy riffs and hooks, with a variation in the style of songs that appear with the fast paced songs and some more melodic ones too. It can just be listened to over and over.
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Band: Cake
Album: Comfort Eagle
Genre: Geek rock or something.
Rating: 9/10
It's just friggin' awesome. Kinda laid back rock with a funkier bassline and trumpets. And somehow it manages to sound cool.