Tweet
I know in this age of I-Tunes many of you young'uns don't even know what an "album" is. See, back in the day, musicians released collections of songs on ye olde fashioned mediums such as CD's, tapes & vynil records, every so often. Some were very cohesive, even to the point of telling a story thru the collected songs (those were called "concept albums").
Every so often, one such album came along that was, in evolutionary terms, a favorable mutation, in that it stood head & shoulders above its brethren in quality. Some were just really good collections of great songs, some were game changers in their sub-genres and beyond, influencing much of what came after.
For those of you old or savvy enough to get this concept, can you name some of the albums you think fit this category? Mine would include (in no particular order, except the 1st entry):
1. "Dark Side of the Moon", Pink Floyd. It's the best selling rock album of all time for 30+ years for a REASON.
2. "Synchronicity", The Police. As if "Every Breath You Take", "King of Pain" and "Wrapped Around Your Finger" on the same album weren't enough, it's also got the title tracks (particularly Part II), "Walking In Your Footsteps", "Murder By Numbers", etc. Tracks that typify 80's rock.
3. "Master of Puppets", Metallica. Quite possibly the best heavy metal album of all time.
4. "Number of the Beast" Iron Maiden. The Title track & "Run to the Hills" would probably be enough, but it's also got "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "22 Acacia Avenue", "Invaders", "The Prisoner", and "Children of the Damned". My head exploded the 1st time I heard this album. Took months to put it back together, and pieces are reportedly still being found in Mom's living room. A game changer for sure.
5. "Business as Usual" Men at Work. Say what you will about these guys, they had a unique sound that clicked with Americans in a BIG way. When it was released in 83, this album was HUGE. Can't say they influenced anyone that I know of, because no one's ever tried (to my knowledge) to replicate their unique, quirky sound.
I'm sure there's more I'll add later, but I'm on my way out for a court appearance, and kind of rushing. Can't wait to see what you all add to the list.
Every so often, one such album came along that was, in evolutionary terms, a favorable mutation, in that it stood head & shoulders above its brethren in quality. Some were just really good collections of great songs, some were game changers in their sub-genres and beyond, influencing much of what came after.
For those of you old or savvy enough to get this concept, can you name some of the albums you think fit this category? Mine would include (in no particular order, except the 1st entry):
1. "Dark Side of the Moon", Pink Floyd. It's the best selling rock album of all time for 30+ years for a REASON.
2. "Synchronicity", The Police. As if "Every Breath You Take", "King of Pain" and "Wrapped Around Your Finger" on the same album weren't enough, it's also got the title tracks (particularly Part II), "Walking In Your Footsteps", "Murder By Numbers", etc. Tracks that typify 80's rock.
3. "Master of Puppets", Metallica. Quite possibly the best heavy metal album of all time.
4. "Number of the Beast" Iron Maiden. The Title track & "Run to the Hills" would probably be enough, but it's also got "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "22 Acacia Avenue", "Invaders", "The Prisoner", and "Children of the Damned". My head exploded the 1st time I heard this album. Took months to put it back together, and pieces are reportedly still being found in Mom's living room. A game changer for sure.
5. "Business as Usual" Men at Work. Say what you will about these guys, they had a unique sound that clicked with Americans in a BIG way. When it was released in 83, this album was HUGE. Can't say they influenced anyone that I know of, because no one's ever tried (to my knowledge) to replicate their unique, quirky sound.
I'm sure there's more I'll add later, but I'm on my way out for a court appearance, and kind of rushing. Can't wait to see what you all add to the list.
Comment