Top That!

A friend of mine recently put together a list of the top 50 rock and roll albums of all-time. His list included a Coldplay album, and an Alanis Morrisette, but curiously no Oasis and no Nirvana. Predictably, I had serious problems with his list. We got into an argument about this. I informed him that the disagreement was about syntax – if he just would’ve said “My top 50 Favorite Albums), all would be fine. However, he challenged me to put together my top 50 list. Currently, I have no time to do this, but I will put together a list of 10 albums that I absolutely love. In no way, am saying these are the best of all time – I know that I can’t make such a grandiose statement like this. But, I do hope that you will share your thoughts and list some albums you enjoy. I promise not to be too critical. Note – I will not be including greatest hits – that is for a different blog altogether:

1. Rolling Stones, Some Girls – In my opinion, this is the perfect album. It has rock, folk, country, and disco masterfully put together in such a way, that the entire album can easily (and enjoyably) be listened to from start to finish. This was a comeback of sorts for the Stones in 1978 after a string of lackluster albums (although I still love Black and Blue, Goats Head Soup, and It’s Only Rock and Roll).

2. The Who – Who’s Next – Many people think that Tommy or Quadrophenia are better albums, and although they are certainly more artistic, they can’t compete with the lineup of songs on this classic. Plus, the cover art is pretty funny.

3. The Killers – Hot Fuss – Just a great first release from this group with massive potential (the second album, Sam’s Town, is pretty good as well). A nice mix of disco and rock, with some fantastically strange lyrics (Somebody told me, you had a boyfriend who looked like the girlfriend I had in February).

4. Platinum Blonde – Standing in the Dark – Sure, call me gay, but I think this album is just incredible. Most, if not all, of you probably don’t even know this group, and chances are it’ll be tough to find anything from these guys on I-Tunes. This was their first release, and their sound is very similar to Duran Duran at this point, but they seem to have more powerful drums and more defining guitar-work. Still, they manage to keep the songs poppy and catchy (except, for some reason, the door never opened for them in the U.S.).

5. Electric Six – Fire – I keep telling myself that these guys are gonna be big someday soon. Maybe it’s better that they are not. This cd should be a party cd in every college dorm room – just some great disco, funk, heavy metal, and arena rock melding. If the song Danger, High Voltage doesn’t make your feet tap, you might want to start making funeral arrangements.

6. The Afghan Whigs – 1965 – This band was well-established by the time they released this gem in the late 1990’s. The schizophrenic writing and singing of Greg Dulli is chilling, yet comforting in a weird way. The soul-influenced sound, combined with distorted guitar play and vocals makes this band unique. An amazing mix of tunes that could be played at a heavy metal bar or at a séance.

7. Rolling Stones – Voodoo Lounge – Yes, I’m putting two albums from the Stones on this list … it’s MY list, dammit! And this strong release is probably the best Stones effort in at least a decade. The diversity displayed in this album is remarkable (Charlie Watts actually played drums on a trashcan in one of the songs). Quite possibly, my favorite Stones song ever hails from this 1994 release – Sparks Will Fly.

8. Urge Overkill – Exit the Dragon – This was the last official release of this volatile band, and this one followed the hugely popular Saturation album. Just a more complete album in my opinion, although airplay was nonexistent. I seem to like the albums that have a rock and disco mix for some reason (might also be the reason why I like fruity drinks).

9. The Capes – Hello – This album has a “power-poppy” feel to it, but each song seems to stick in my head for days. A fun album all around.

10. OKGO – Oh No – Probably the best purchase I’ve made in recent years. A very grooving style rock album with a lead singer with a catchy voice – he sounds like a mix between Lenny Kravitz and Anthony Keidis. Not a bad song on the disc.