Fantaverse Top 100 Albums Of All Time (Thread #10) #10-#2

[silversurfer19]

Album No.10

englishozzy
Linkin Park, "Meteora", 2003



Linkin Park blew me away with their debut Hybrid Theory in a time I was listening to some pretty heavy stuff. But what made them cement their selves as my favourite band is their follow-up Meteora. It still had the essence of what made Hybrid Theory so successful (the blend of rap/rock/techno infused with Chester's harrowing voice) but also started progressing and defining their sound which showed that they were here for the long run.

"Breaking the Habit"

"Easier to Run"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RiDJ8_3Lo

Geezer
Weezer, "Weezer (The Blue Album)", 1994




1.My Name is Jonas – 5 stars
2.No One Else – 4 stars
3.The World Has Turned and Left Me Here – 4 stars
4.Buddy Holly – 5 stars
5.Undone (The Sweater Song) – 5 stars
6.Surf Wax America – 5 stars
7.Say It Ain't So – 5 stars
8.In The Garage – 4 stars
9.Holiday – 4 stars
10.Only In Dreams – 5 stars

What is there to say that hasn't already been said? 10 Songs, all of them are fantastic, so much so that its hard to choose which to display. Absolutely phenomenal debut from a tremendous band.

"Buddy Holly"

"Surf Wax America"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk9SJva85Bs
"In The Garage"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTlK3UVkK8Q

JohnErle
Led Zeppelin, "Houses Of The Holy", 1973



One thing I've always admired about Led Zeppelin is their versatility. Bluesy rock was their initial sound, but Jimmy Page often talked about his CIA influence (Celtic, Indian, Arabic) and those genres were also a big part of the Zeppelin arsenal. You don't automatically think of funk or reggae when you think of Led Zeppelin, but I do think of a band with incredible grooves, so it's no surprise they were able to lay down some funk on The Crunge and reggae on D'Yer Maker. But for me, the highlight of this album is definitely Over The Hills And Far Away, maybe the quintessential Led Zeppelin song in my eyes.

"Over The Hills And Far Away"

"The Ocean"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm6e4tBnca0
"D'Yer Mak'er"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBZ9gSJxwQ0

Leestu
Nirvana, “Bleach”, 1989



“Mr Moustache”

“Sifting”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZvJlhB8Dlk
“Floyd The Barber”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-hk4IkTPgI

NSpan
To Be Added At A Later Date

numbersix
A Silver Mt. Zion, “He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts Of Light Sometimes Grace The Corner Of Our Rooms”, 2000



Probably the least likely album to turn up in a Top 100, it's really just one of those records I keep coming back to, and keep having the same strong emotional response each time.

ASMZ are a sort of spin-off act from Canada's Godspeed You Black Emperor, mainly member Efrim Menuck. This is their first record, and was seemingly inspired by the death of Menuck's dog. Hence the sombre employment of chamber music throughout. Working in tandem with this is the act's anti-capitalist, evidenced in a sort of paranoid rock that relies on its simplicity. It's anger and its melancholy makes for a fascinating mix.

"Sit in the Middle of Three Galloping Dogs"

"Stumble Then Rise on Some Awkward Morning"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZstO_FhfR8g

Ron Burgundy
AC/DC, "Back In Black", 1980



The second highest selling album ever and my favourite AC/DC album. The album went close to never getting made after the death of the legendary Bon Scott. The songs here are just great pub rock, with Angus Young on lead guitar creating some of the best and most well known riffs.

"Back In Black"

"Rock N Roll Ain't Noise Pollution"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JWBmZTad2E
"Have A Drink On Me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUQT4hykPd0

silversurfer
The White Stripes, "White Blood Cells", 2001



While The White Stripes and De Stijl are two of my very favourite records, it was the first record I discovered by the band back in 2001 following John Peel's plugging of their new music on his radio show that still captures everything I love about The White Stripes. White Blood Cells is simply one of the most addictive records I have ever listened to. It's one of those albums that you just continually find yourself hitting repeat over. Crystallizing their blues rock template from their first two records into 16 perfectly concise songs of longing, with dirty, distorted electric guitar cranked to maximum amplification, this is a record that still stuns me with every listen. The White Stripes didn't innovate rock or the blues, but they embody it, heart and soul. Whether it's Jack's howling vocals, Meg's simplistic, yet forceful bashing of the drums, or the sheer aggression of the mangled guitar screams, this is a record that personifies The White Stripes, and bears it's soul for all to see.

I can still recall going to see the band at Leeds Festival shortly after that momentous appearance on the John Peel show. There were not many people in attendance, it was just past lunchtime and most were either still in bed or watching some other band that probably came to nothing. But I was awestruck. That red and white peppermint logo, the sparcity of instruments, yet the rawness of the their sound. It truly is captivating to witness, and it's all brought together in full force on White Blood Cells. The band touch on some Sabbath, The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young and even Citizen Kane. But underneath it all is a crisp poetic bluesman. Jack wears his influences on his sleeve, and embraces how those emotions can be brought to a new generation as he addresses a distant lover and admits to love lost.

It's not something he hadn't touched on previously, but here, this is the sound of the band at the height of their powers. They had finally come into their own, where Jack and Meg White finally seemed not only comfortable with the path they'd chosen, but practiced, precise and able to convey the deepest sentiment in a single bound. It's an agonisingly astonishing record.

While both Hotel Yorba and Fell In Love With A Girl both made my top 100 song countdown, and Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground is also fantasti, this record is just filled to the brim with quality. So I'll highlight some of the lesser known classics.

"The Same Boy You've Always Known"

"I'm Finding It Harder To Be A Gentleman"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWNVrZFKmJ8
"The Union Forever"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuHrfmFxGTU

transformers
Megadeth, "Rust In Peace", 1990



"Tornado of Souls"

"Holy Wars.... The Punishment Due"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYlUe-SDqA0

[JohnErle]

Oh sure, as soon as I brag about being familiar with 99% of what's being posted here, Six goes and picks an obscure offshoot of a band that's already pretty obscure to begin with.

I already know what Godspeed! You Black Emperor sounds like, and I can't really judge this by a YouTube video on the crappy speakers on this crappy work computer, but it doesn't sound much different from what I expected. More strings and less guitars, but a familiar Godspeed template. And thank you for not using the term "post-rock."

As for the rest, it's the usual mix of stuff I would never listen to and stuff I know very well. Back In Black changed my entire musical identity when I was a kid, but if I had to pick a favourite today it would be the White Stripes.

[numbersix]

Actually, I wrote that piece in so much haste that I simply forgot to mention the genre!

Don't worry though, there will be plenty of references to another hyphened sub-genre before my Top 10 is out.

[englishozzy]

I apologise in advance with the lack of comments over the next week or so, i'm right in the middle of preparing for my wedding with 7 in-laws currently staying at my house. Unfortunately i'm not getting much time to myself at the moment and has come at a pretty bad time in this countdown.

Some good picks to start the Top 10 with the standouts being White Blood Cells and Back in Black. Have never heard of your band Six but it wasn't too bad of a listen. Overall there wasn't one album that I didn't enjoy.

[Geezer]

Mine's been added in, and I have commented on 14-11. Glad to be caught up, give me until tomorrow to submit my next one and review number 10. I need to go to work!

[numbersix]

A pretty solid round so far. Looking forward to seeing the quality remaining the same.

Except for Ozzy. Your list will get better, I'm sure At least the video for the first song was pretty.

Geez, this is a great pick and I'm going to get my hands on it.

John E, nice to hear more Zepp. I don't think I've ever disliked any of the songs posted here. I particularly liked The Ocean. I still think Physical Graffiti and IV are the albums I'll explore first.

Leetsu, an interesting pick. Are you the only one to include Bleach? I recently gave it a spin. It was interesting to hear the influences of bands that I only got into much later, such as the hardcore punk movement, Husker Du, etc. This isn't a bad record though I prefer the other two.

Ron, like Zepp this is another band I enjoy listening to.

SS, this was one of the few records I went out and bought within 24 hours of first hearing the band. I've always enjoyed them, though I don't think I've ever loved their albums. Even here, on possibly their best record, the first half totally overshadows the second half. Some amazing tunes on it, though. So no love for Elephant on your list?

Tranny, for metal this wasn't half bad. Reminded me a bit of Iron Maiden and Metallica, but less ostentatious in terms of vocals. Listenable!

[silversurfer19]

Album No.10

englishozzy: Linkin Park, "Meteora" - I honestly don't hear the progression in their music. Perhaps listening to both albums consecutively I would feel different, but it just sounded like that same old rap/rock with electro sounds, so Nu-Metal. And I was never a huge fan of that era in music. Doesn't help I don't like the vocals either.

Geezer: Weezer, "Weezer (The Blue Album)" - Glad to see someone else regards it as highly as I do, awesome pick.

JohnErle: Led Zeppelin, "Houses Of The Holy" - Probably still my least favourite record from the band, and the one I find myself listening to the least. It has a few good moments on here for me, naturally Over The Hills and The Ocean, but bar those I just don't get the same stirring feelings from this record.

Leestu: Nirvana, “Bleach” - I only recently purchased Bleach, and it's a decent album, certainly for me light years behind Nevermind, but it has some good tracks, notably Floyd The Barber, Love Buzz, Negative Creep and About A Girl.

numbersix: A Silver Mt. Zion, “He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts Of Light Sometimes Grace The Corner Of Our Rooms” - It took me a while to fall in love with GY:BE!, but eventually I was consumed by their awesomeness, this was good too. Same typical post-rock slow build up to a crescendo, and certainly has that emotional pull. Second track not quite so much, but while I'm surprised to see this rank higher than your GY:BE! record, I'm intrigued to hear more.

Ron Burgundy: AC/DC, "Back In Black" - Yeah, this is the AC/DC I really have no time for. Is it just me or does anyone else hear a little Spinal Tap? Pub rock as far as I'm concerned.

silversurfer:The White Stripes, "White Blood Cells" - While the first side of the record has the obvious hit singles, I don't believe there is a drop in quality later in the record. Songs like I Can Wait, This Protector, Offend In Every Way and I Think I Can Smell A Rat are some of my absolute favourite White Stripes songs. And no, no Elephant. While there are moments on that record that are fantastic, overall I don't really like the switch in sound and style.

transformers: Megadeth, "Rust In Peace" - Certainly prefer this to the growly stuff. Some good riffs, a good solo, vocals I can tolerate and certainly not as heavy as I anticipated from the name. Decent stuff.

[silversurfer19]

Album No.9

englishozzy
GreenDay, "Dookie", 1994



My first introduction to Green Day and their best album to date. Dookie contains most of my favourite songs from Green Day and I still listen to this album all the time.

"Basket Case"

"Welcome to Paradise"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTKm2Tf97D4

Geezer
Dropkick Murphys, "The Warrior's Code", 2005



1.Your Spirit's Alive – 5 stars
2.The Warrior's Code – 5 stars
3.Captain Kelly's Kitchen – 5 stars
4.The Walking Dead – 4 stars
5.Sunshine Highway – 5 stars
6.Wicked Sensitive Crew – 4 stars
7.The Burden – 4 stars
8.Citizen C.I.A. - 3 stars
9.The Green Fields of France – 5 stars
10.Take It And Run – 4 stars
11.I'm Shipping Up To Boston – 4 stars
12.The Auld Triangle – 5 stars
13.Last Letter Home – 5 stars
14.Tessie – 5 stars

The best albums from one of my top 5 favorite bands. It certainly belongs in my top 10 of all time. There's nothing in here that will convince you on the band if you haven't been already, as it isn't all that different, so don't expect that. It's just so much fun! It's also an awesome drinking album. And if you've seen the Fighter, you might recognize the title track, as it was briefly used in the film, and is entirely about Mickey Ward.

"Captain Kelly's Kitchen"

"The Warrior's Code"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CZyLiBxaQE
"Sunshine Highway"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbZMgEGrccs


JohnErle
Big Sugar, "Hemi-Vision", 1996



Canada's best kept-secret, Big Sugar started off as a jazz/blues combo. Their second album, "500 Pounds", which made my top 25, downplayed the jazz and focused more on blues and rock, while dabbling in reggae on the song "All Over Now". With the addition of a Jamaican-born bass player for the album "Hemi-Vision", Big Sugar developed the rock/blues/reggae hybrid that became their signature sound. Canadian multiculturalism in musical form, seemingly tailor made for my eclectic tastes.

"Diggin' A Hole"

"Joe Louis/Judgement Day"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOAE39sH5-Q
"If I Had My Way"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjk5app3Zmc

Leestu
Primal Scream, “Screamadelica”, 1991



Being a big fan of JAMC when the drummer Bobby Gillespie left to form Primal Scream I was interested from the start, and their early releases were good. Good enough to get this as soon as it came out. At first I was unsure at the major change of direction they had taken, but it had enough in it to keep me returning and one specific listen it just clicked with me. It is now one of my favourite, great mood records.

“Higher Than The Sun”

“Damaged”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaPizqtODtE
“Loaded”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O9sLkn3nz0

NSpan
To Be Added At A Later Date

numbersix
Henryk Gorecki, “Symphony 3: A Symphony of Sorrows”, 1976



While I would never call myself a fan of classical music, this symphony is a stunning example of the power of classical music. I'm more into the minimalist, a school from which Poland's Henryk Gorecki hails from. This symphony is divided into three parts, all dealing with the theme of loss (of mother and child, taking place in Biblical times, during the Holocaust, and a Polish uprising in the 1920s). It's endlessly moving but surprisingly varied in music, so as to not labour the same tone over and over. There moments of deep sorrow and moments of soaring beauty.

I've always found this symphony to be deeply cinematic, and am surprised it hasn't become overused in films to do the work the story and performance can't. But perhaps it's too powerful. Still, that didn't stop Terrence Malick from using it throughout To the Wonder, and for the most part it works.

"Movement 2"


Ron Burgundy
Faith No More, "Angel Dust", 1992



Mike Patton is simply put a musical genius, he didnt do much on the previous Faith No More album apart from sing (the band wrote and recorded everything apart from the vocals), here he wrote most of the lyrics while working with the band after a year and a half off from the The Real Thing, a commercial hit. The new direction of the band, bold to say the least was a creative blast, and managed to blend music genres and pace with softer sounds and cool funky baselines. I saw them live too, so freaking awesome!

"Midlife Crisis"

"Kindergarten"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0tMHaebt98
"Easy"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko4ah-a4IJk

silversurfer
The Smiths, "The Queen Is Dead", 1986



I think I've mentioned previously this was the first record I ever owned, buying it for my 8th birthday with money I had been given. And while nostalgia certainly plays a part in it's position within my top 100, I can't deny that this is still an amazing record, one which easily stood the test of time due to fantastic song writing and Johnny Marr's magical guitar work. Indeed, while I also adore "Meat Is Murder" and it's , I believe it is Marr's ability to craft wonderfully jangly melodies into songs that are truly catchy that sets is slightly apart from their previous record. It's a majestic record, filled with sonic swirls and Morrissey's lyrical bile all the more provocative while at the same time his most revealing and poignant self analysis. It's such a diverse album too, shifting between high and low-brow, vulgar comedy and heartbreaking self doubt so convincingly and rapidly over just 36 minutes.

For me this is The Smiths at the height of their powers. Morrissey and Marr at their absolute best, and still twenty three years later, I can't stop listening to it. Best birthday present ever.

"I Know It's Over"

"Bigmouth Strikes Again"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4EUQReXNdY
"The Queen Is Dead"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tb8Xmq0k7w

transformers
Pantera, "Cowboys from Hell", 1990



"Cemetery Gates"

"Domination"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYPFrXvc2rE

[JohnErle]

And the hits just keep on coming from numbersix! I predict that his #1 pick will be an album so obscure, even the people who worked on it have no memory of it.

Okay, after a quick Google, apparently that album was a big hit by classical standards, but I don't think I've ever heard of it. I'm not really a fan of classical beyond a bit of Vivaldi or Erik Satie. Is Erik Satie even considered classical? I don't know. I hate labels.

I found that a bit more repetitive than your description implied, and it didn't really maintain my interest after starting off well. Maybe if I was in the right mood.

As for the rest, I'm tired of saying The Smiths are my favourite for a given round, so I'll go with Green Day. The first time I heard Basket Case on the radio I did a U-turn, went straight to the nearest record store, bought Dookie and never regretted it.

[numbersix]

And the hits just keep on coming from numbersix! I predict that his #1 pick will be an album so obscure, even the people who worked on it have no memory of it.

I'll come clean: it'll actually be a 10-disc set of recording of me playing the tin whistle from my nose. Mucous Musings was only released for 15 seconds on Lithuanian MP3 site вѣди.com until they realised the political subversion inherent in the music and took it off.

I found that a bit more repetitive than your description implied, and it didn't really maintain my interest after starting off well. Maybe if I was in the right mood.

Perhaps I misrepresented it. What I meant is that for such sad subject matter it isn't always downbeat or dreary.

[JohnErle]

And the hits just keep on coming from numbersix! I predict that his #1 pick will be an album so obscure, even the people who worked on it have no memory of it.

I'll come clean: it'll actually be a 10-disc set of recording of me playing the tin whistle from my nose. Mucous Musings was only released for 15 seconds on Lithuanian MP3 site вѣди.com until they realised the political subversion inherent in the music and took it off.

That's a surprising choice. I found it a bit too commercial and much preferred your earlier unreleased demo, Nasal Nocturne.

[numbersix]

#9 picks were a bit of a disappointment, to be honest. For me the best was of course The Queen is Dead. I keep forgetting how SS bought it when he was a kid. How he's not fucked up I'll never guess.

Dookie is probably the best Green Day have to offer.
Geez, what's a drinking song? Is it like a drinking game? Liking music to facilitate alcoholism is a cry for attention. Someone get that boy some help. Or else a bucket.
Leetsu, never really liked this record, as it seemed to be a blend of the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses, neither of which I like. I think Evil Heat and XTRMTR are way better than this.
John E, so I'm the obscure one yet nobody knows half your picks! Anyway, it's hard to use the blues so extensively and then sound refreshing. This wasn't my thing, but I dig the multicultural approach.
Ron B, this is the best Faith No More stuff I've heard.
Tranny, another listenable metal band.

[silversurfer19]

Album No.9

englishozzy: GreenDay, "Dookie" - Certainly my favourite Green Day record, with the likes of Longview and Basket Case being highlights for me. Was my introduction to the band and while I don't think they've ever elipsed it, it'd have to be something special to do so anyway.

Geezer: Dropkick Murphys, "The Warrior's Code" - Sorry buddy, not my thing.

JohnErle: Big Sugar, "Hemi-Vision" - Very 90s, but bar Joe Louis, none of it really clicked with me, it was pleasant enough, just didn't really stand out.

Leestu: Primal Scream, “Screamadelica” - My introduction to Primal Scream. I adore the likes of Come Together and Loaded, and while I haven't listened to it in a long while it is indeed a fantastic mood record. I do prefer XTRMNTR over it, though I hate Evil Heat interestingly enough, and probably place Give Out But Don't Give Up above this also (though I'm sure I'm in the minority). The Scream were easily one of my favourite live acts I'd ever seen too. I saw them promoting XTRMNTR and they were like an assualt rifle on the 4th July, magical stuff.

numbersix: Henryk Gorecki, “Symphony 3: A Symphony of Sorrows” - Although a couple of times recently you've suggested that you are not a fan of classical music, I can't help feel your love of post-rock like Mogwai, Godspeed etc have a definite origin point in classical. While this didn't quite have the same impact as those types of act, it was certainly a sorrowful piece, pierced by some soaring elements. Certainly a mood piece, and while I don't find the situation to listen to this sort of music most of the time, I would certainly be intrigued to do so.

Ron Burgundy: Faith No More, "Angel Dust" - Bar Midlife Crisis, I have to say I much prefer The Real Thing, and find myself listening to it much more. Not that this is a bad album, there are some great tracks, but what came before is just stronger for me.

silversurfer: The Smiths, "The Queen Is Dead" - I really am a damaged individual. Listening to this and constantly replaying Landis' Thriller video for a good year of my life, how could I not be!

transformers: Pantera, "Cowboys from Hell" - First off, funny that I was also tempted to include the song Cemetry Gates by The Smiths on my pick today. Not that they sound anything alike, mind! Anyway, did not expect that first song at all. Very moody piece reminicent of Metallica perhaps. Second was more like what I expected, I heard quite a bit of Therapy? in there, which was very welcome. Good stuff.

[silversurfer19]

Album No.8

englishozzy
White Stripes, "Elephant", 2003



Jack White is a musical genius FULL STOP. I love the earthy sound that comes out of this album, with some brilliant guitar riffs. These two were at top form when they made this album with Seven Nation Army one of my favourite songs of all time.

"Seven Nation Army"

"You've Got Her in Your Pocket"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz90QvjL0Fo

Geezer
To Be Added At A Later Date

JohnErle
Yaz, "Upstairs At Eric's ", 1982



Vince Clarke was a founding member of Depeche Mode and Erasure, but in between those two bands he founded Yaz (or Yazoo depending on where you're from) along with the incredible husky-voiced singer Alison Moyet, and together they delivered the best synth-pop album of all time. There's only one song on this album I would ever dream of skipping over, and I count at least eight potential hit singles.

It was hard finding videos for this band because even I think the fashions looks ridiculous, and I'm old enough to have vague memories of 1982. The look may be dated, but the music still sounds fresh, and it was bands like Yaz who set the template for what LCD Soundsystem, M83, and Animal Collective are doing today.

Geezer might recognize the original version of Bad Connection, which Everclear covered as a B-side, and apparently the great ballad "Only You" was featured in the final episode of the Office, so some of you may be familiar with that one, but I get the impression love songs are a hard sell around here so I haven't linked to it. It ain't hard to find.

"Don't Go"

"Bad Connection"
http://youtu.be/JML9mtoUrnw
"Winter Kills"
http://youtu.be/4DvP3N1IeOA

Leestu
Sonic Youth, “Goo”, 1990



“Tunic (Song for Karen)”

“Cinderella’s Big Score”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi3ZPT9iSNo
“Mildred Pierce”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLU4fed-mp4

NSpan
To Be Added At A Later Date

numbersix
Radiohead, “Kid A”, 2000



Many were bowled over by the new and more complex style Radiohead introduced when OK computer hit the streets. I can only imagine how they felt when Kid A appeared in the Autumn of 2000. What a perfect time to release a record. I remember listening to it on the bus from my hometown back to college some weekends, mesmerised by the orange nighttime lights whizzing by as the electro sounds of Everything in its Right Place or the title track alienated me from my surroundings.

Around this time I was starting to listen to electro music more. I no longer dismissed it as the moronic bangs of nightclub DJs just trying to whip-up a dunce frenzy. A late-night radio show was introducing me to Krautrock, Eno's ambient work, and the abstract sounds of pioneering Warp Records. So hearing Radiohead embrace this felt like the right, if not inevitable, move for me. It's a record of surprises, of experimentation, and perhaps is an ever greater achievement than OK Computer.

"How To Disappear Completely"

"Kid A"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP006CpKUPE

Ron Burgundy
Spoon, "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga", 2007



You may ask why this album rates so highly? Well its just that i love the catchyness of the whole thing, and throughout the years ive found this again and again and every time i enjoy it even more. The guitar seeps into songs and then rips into your ears and the percussion lifts the songs from great to excellent.

"The Underdog"

"Dont You Evah"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaqWSGenyE0
"My Little Japanese Cigarette Case"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnKcRXNN-xY

silversurfer
Radiohead, "OK Computer", 1997



My word this record is astonishing. I can still recall my first listen, I picked it up from some tiny town in Andorra while on holiday, where we had gone on a day trip from Spain. As we had traversed the delicately cobbled mountain sides back down, I had placed OK Computer into my CD player. I can distinctly remember being tossed into some distant dimension as Thom and co. sent shivers down my spine, as sharp as the bends my mother attempted to navigate safely. I was left numb. I knew what Radiohead were capable of, but I didn't think it ever possible that they could come close to matching The Bends. However, while that previous record was introspective, this felt very much a move away from anything they had previously covered, and indeed to some isolated, cold planet. At times it's quite terrifying, at others sorrowful. Being a depressed fifteen year old on holiday with your parents in the baking heat (when your skin allows for little more than a glimmer of sunshine), I clung to this record for all I could. However, at every turn there are moments of pure beauty within this turmultuous music, and so while at first it appeared to be a much less commercially viable record, it was a record that I think could touch anyone willing to give it a chance.

It's still a chilling album for me to listen to today. Listening to the likes of Exit Music (For A Film), Climbing Up The Walls or Karma Police, it's a record which recalls those descending from those icy mountains of Andorra back into the blistering heat of Spain, and the devastating effect it had on my musical tastes simultaneously.

"Exit Music (For A Film)"

"Climbing Up The Walls"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbtZyuOMdHI
"Karma Police"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M7f1vOx_MM

transformers
Nas, "Illmatic", 1994



"The World is Yours"

"One Time 4 Your Mind"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSztF78vJIc

[JohnErle]

John E, so I'm the obscure one yet nobody knows half your picks! Anyway, it's hard to use the blues so extensively and then sound refreshing. This wasn't my thing, but I dig the multicultural approach.

My picks probably wouldn't seem so obscure if you were ten years older and lucky enough to have been born Canadian. As for the blues, it's a genre that's only been around for a hundred years or so, so one could argue that anyone drawing on the blues, reggae, or rock as influences sounds a lot fresher than someone writing classical music, which has been around for centuries.

As for the latest round, Elephant is the clear winner for me with Sonic Youth as a solid #2.