My personal favorite albums. It’s difficult to whittle it down to 10, but here it goes.
1) The Beatles, “Rubber Soul”: I think it’s the perfect transition album between their psychedelic persona of the late 60’s and their early 60’s roots-influenced music. Whatever it is, I just love the songs.
2) Tom Waits, “Orphans, Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards”: Probably the funniest album I’ve ever heard (Zappa’s “Joe Garage” is up there), the songs still evoke emotional responses.
3) Frank Zappa, “Apostrophe”: Just for the solo in Uncle Remus, but also because it’s a focused effort, quick and fun. My all-time karaoke dream would be to do St. Alfonso’s Pancake Breakfast, scare the shit out of everybody in attendance.
4) Pink Floyd, “Animals”: The best museum iPod album, the entire piece flows together naturally. Nobody makes albums like this anymore.
5) Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane, “At Carnegie Hall”: Best mix between old and new jazz, these two legends brought it. I can feel myself present while listening to this.
6) Bob Dylan, “Blonde and Blonde”: Everybody has their favorite Dylan album. This was the first one that spoke to me, after years of ignoring him. His maturing electric efforts combined with his deepening lyrical arsenal is best represented here. You can hear him pleading on Just Like a Woman.
7) Metallica, “Master of Puppets”: They’ve been the biggest band in the world for the last 20 years, so they must be doing something right. This album showcases Hetfield’s best lyrics, quickest riffs, and Cliff Burton’s power and elegance.
8) Beck, “Sea Change”: He always does something completely different. I love the simplicity here. It’s like a country album.
9) Radiohead, “In Rainbows”: Radiohead is clearly the best band of the last 15 years, it’s impossible to pick just one album. I guess this one because I saw this tour. Pick a number, though.
10) Grateful Dead, “Downhill from Here”: Alright, I’m cheating here, it’s a DVD first(Alpine Valley ‘89). But they’re on top of their game, and every part of this show has something that showcases their best aspects: Jerry’s voice (Standing on the Moon), his leads (I Know You Rider), Weir’s guitar (Deal).
Honorable Mention: The Strokes, “Is This It?”: One of those albums where every single song is amazing.
