You will notice that most of these albums are from the 80s. When I thought about it, I realized that this is when I bought and listened to whole albums. Over and over and over. Nowadays it's so easy to just buy and play singles that I'm likely to wait a few years and get a greatest hits compilation. Plus I don't love artists like I did back then.
Okay, so here goes. Remember, these album things are all subjective but feel free to add (or subtract) anything you think I may have forgotten in the comments. Here goes:
U2: The Joshua Tree
This is one of those albums I listen to front to back and whenever I hear one track on the radio, I crave the whole thing for hours.
Morrissey: Bona Drag
Even Scott who is lukewarm (at best) about the moaning wails of Morrissey enjoys Everyday Is Like Sunday. My personal favourite from this album is Interesting Drug.
The Smiths: Hatful of Hollow
I tried not to double up artists but I couldn't help but cheat by having both Morrissey and is old band on this list. Every song on this album is incredible. The guitar on How Soon is Now? is a revelation and do yourself a favour and listen to the underheard (it's a word now, people) Back To The Old House. It's absolutely heartbreaking. Just writing that made me go to YouTube and listen to it again. Holy shit.
Depeche Mode: Some Great Reward
This post is already taking forever because as soon as I mention something I want to immediately listen to it. Argh! Let me just shorten the process by saying listen to the whole thing. I've seen Depeche Mode 4 times in concert and considering they only play synthesizers, they are fantastic live. Master and Servant is a favourite from this one. And People are People is something that should be blasted into every bigot's prison cell from now until the end of time.
Bruno Mars: Unorthodox Jukebox
This is the newest album on the list. I love that every song on here is like a master class in classic styles and artists. You want Prince? It's on there. You want Earth Wind and Fire style disco? It's on there. You want something with a good beat that you can dance to? Check. This album is so much fun.
The Beatles: Sergeant Pepper
This is the oldest album on here. I like a lot of Beatles stuff but I find this album to be so much fun. And my kids still crack up when they hear me hollering "Good morning good morning good morning good morning good morning-a!"
The English Beat: Beat This
Seriously, How much fun is this album? Just shut up and dance.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack
If Scott doesn't play I'm Going Home at my funeral, I'm coming back to haunt him for the rest of his days.
Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
What kind of fuckery is this?* She was so freaking talented. Everytime I listen to it I'm reminded of sitting in the back seat of my dad's Chevy Chevelle listening to old school r&b/soul on the 8 track on long drives to Toronto or Upper New York State. Sigh.
Bob Marley: Legend
How could I not?
The B52s: The B52s
Rock Lobster. Down down down down... Would Fred ever pass the first level of American Idol? No way. My answer to that is so what. His enthusiasm and sense of fun makes this whole album a joy. Fun fact: Henry Mancini (the guy that wrote the Pink Panther theme among other things) co-wrote Planet Claire.
The Matrix Soundtrack
I love to run to this. The beats are relentless and it makes me go fast. It makes me feel invincible.
Elvis Costello: My Aim is True
Alison. That is all.
Violent Femmes: Violent Femmes
Ahhh... this one reminds me of my misspent college days. Oh, and the time I took my 3 month old nursing infant daughter and 2 1/2 year old son to their concert in 1998. Yeah, that happened.
Sinead O'Connor: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
What a voice. Too bad she was certifiable. The most popular song is the Prince cover Nothing Compares 2 U but there are so many other great songs on this as well. I Am Stretched On Your Grave and 3 Babies spring to mind.
The Cure: Standing On A Beach
I'd have to turn in my 80s alternative card if I didn't include something from The Cure. This album is so great because it incorporates a bit of fun into the discography of an otherwise potentially mopey, navel-gazing band. In fact, this band was actually the worst band I'd ever seen live. They didn't move a muscle and the songs were exactly like they were on the album. I could have saved the $15.50** and stayed in my bedroom with my record player.
So there it is. Let me just let you know that it took me the better part of 3 hours to write that and I'm still listening to music in the background. Care to add your favourites? I know, there's no Duran Duran on here but I just couldn't I loved them as a kid but really? Best album of all time? I just couldn't in good conscience.
One more thing... if you read this blog in feedly or another blog reader, you may miss all or some of the videos I posted. Get thee to blogger.
kxx
*it's a lyric from one of the songs. Promise.
** the going price of a concert ticket at the Montreal Forum in 1983
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