Our Favorite Albums (21 – 25)
21. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars [1972]
Nominated by DJ Jagged Little Thrill of What the Funk & Word on the Street, DJ Deni of Lovin’ the 70’s, and Psychedelic Rick of The Psychedelicatessen.
Unlike its predecessor Hunky Dory, which was generally piano-led, the songs on Ziggy Stardust are primarily guitar-based, mostly due to the departure of keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The songs were influenced by the singer-songwriters Iggy Pop of the Stooges, Lou Reed of the Velvet Underground, and Marc Bolan of T. Rex. Two songs, “Moonage Daydream” and “Hang On to Yourself”, were originally recorded by Bowie in early 1971 with another band, Arnold Corns, before being rerecorded for Ziggy Stardust. The album’s lyrics discuss the artificiality of rock music, political issues, drug use, sexual orientation and stardom. (wikipedia.org)
22. Pearl Jam – Ten [1991]
Nominated by Andy Chatfield of Center for the Arts Radio Hour, DJ Cheshire Cat of Wonderland, and Johnny Ganache of Pint O’ Comics.
Johnny Ganache says: One of the greatest debuts. Ever.
DJ Cheshire Cat says: Pearl Jam’s debut album is one ringer after another. Many of these songs were composed by Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament and intended for their band Mother Love Bone before the untimely death of Andrew Wood. Convinced by Mike McCready to revisit both their partnership and music, Gossard and Ament brought in Vedder to provide lyrics and vocals. The personal loss and artistic resurrection of the band members is writ plainly throughout this amazing record.
23. The Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East [1971]
Nominated by Michael Benson of 75% Folk, Richard Kamins of River Valley Rhythms, DJ Deni of Lovin’ the 70’s, and Sir Jon of Pint O’ Comics.
Michael Benson says: Never tire of it. Love the energy of it.
Richard Kamins says: Blues-rock played right!
Sir Jon says: Continuing my affinity for live recordings, this one will always be a favourite for those incredible, lengthy jams.
24. Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water [1970]
Nominated by DJ Deni of Lovin’ the 70’s, Leith of The Light Fandango, and Karen Stein of Imagine.
Karen Stein says: This album changed my life, made me want to become a musician. It came out when l was 10, and l listened to it every day till l went to college. My awakening to fine songwriting, deft production, and, of course, the ability of harmony to transport the listener to higher realms.
25. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher [2020]
Nominated by DJ Livor Mortis of Word on the Street and DJ Jagged Little Thrill of What the Funk & Word on the Street.
Punisher was recorded over a year and a half at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and reunited Bridgers with producers Tony Berg and Ethan Gruska, who also engineered Alps. Its recording process was collaborative with its liner notes crediting over two dozen prominent musicians, including Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, Christian Lee Hutson, Jim Keltner, Blake Mills, and Conor Oberst. (wikipedia.org)
