Our Favorite Albums (151 – 160)
151. Grateful Dead – History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One (Bear’s Choice) [1973]
Nominated by DJ Steve of WESU Sports & Beyond who says: Pigpen was a force. I recall hearing onstage banter at a show, “Pigpen wants to do King Bee.” The drummers had started into something else. They ended up playing King Bee.
152. George Michael – Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 [1990]
Nominated by Rob of Chocolate Cake and DJ Cheshire Cat of Wonderland.
Rob says: Critics missed the fact that the teen heartthrob who made “Faith” actually had talent. George gave them undeniable proof here, even if they still couldn’t listen without prejudice. Everything here is superb. Lyrics & melodies beautifully crafted and he reached a new peak as a singer with this one. A perfect mature pop record.
DJ Cheshire Cat says: I was 13 years old, carrying a ancient Walkman that weighed a thousand pounds, listening to this album between every class in middle school. George Michael injected so much moody soulfulness into these songs that I was just gobsmacked.
153. The Moody Blues – Days Of Future Passed [1967]
Nominated by Karen Stein of Imagine and DJ Cheshire Cat of Wonderland.
Karen Stein says: Another album that l listened to every day when l was young. When it was released it was different from anything else out there- it is thematic- it chronicles the course of a day, from morning till night. It is rock, but with lush symphonic orchestration. Listening to it now it feels a little dated but l am still awed by how difficult it was to produce this album that was cutting edge for its time.
DJ Cheshire Cat says: The first time I heard this music, I was unaware of the album’s strange pedigree. The Moody Blues were floundering as a rhythm and blues band, and they accepted an offer to record with a symphony to showcase Decca’s new recording techniques. Embracing the opportunity, The Moodies composed one the cornerstones of progressive rock and pop.
154. Sufjan Stevens – Illinois [2005]
Nominated by DJ Jagged Little Thrill of What the Funk & Word on the Street.
Stevens recorded and produced the album at multiple venues in New York City using low fidelity studio equipment and a variety of instruments between late 2004 and early 2005. The artwork and lyrics explore the history, culture, art, and geography of the state—Stevens developed them after analyzing criminal, literary, and historical documents. Following its release, Stevens promoted Illinois with a world tour. (wikipedia.org)
155. Gil Scott-Heron – Pieces of a Man [1971]
Nominated by Rick Reaction.
Pieces of a Man marked the first of several collaborations by Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, who played piano throughout the record. (wikipedia.org)
156. Buffy Sainte-Marie – Coincidence And Likely Stories [1992]
Nominated by Karen Stein of Imagine who says: Songs that span the gamut from deep anger at the system to deep sorrow of the pain of losing a loved one. Native American rights always at the fore- her song Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee recounts contemporary atrocities and is one of the most powerful protest songs ever written. But it’s eminently listenable and, sad to say, after 30 years, still true.
157. Bad Brains – Quickness [1989]
Nominated by Big Bent of Dub Revolution (and many more!) who says: Bad Brains rule but this one is my favorite!
158. King’s X – Faith Hope Love [1990]
Nominated by Johnny Ganache of Pint O’ Comics who says: Great harmonies, heavy and melodic all over
159. Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Brain Salad Surgery [1973]
Nominated by Rob of Chocolate Cake who says: 70’s progressive rock doesn’t get any better.
160. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver [2007]
Nominated by DJ AmorOso of WTF: What the Funk & Storytime.
Murphy recorded Sound of Silver at the Long View Farm in Massachusetts, where Murphy had previously recorded LCD Soundsystem’s eponymous debut album. Murphy was uncomfortable recording his own vocals, calling the experience “horrifying”. Murphy covered the entire studio in silver fabric and tin foil. (wikipedia.org)
