Consensus Top 350 Albums of All-Time: 1. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (221 Viewers)

[KarmaPolice]

Some quick hits:

I know I'm high score for Superunknown and In Rainbows, but i have been getting my *** kicked by pneumonia and don't have the bandwidth for that important of a decision. Some quality names with good music tastes below me in the rankings, so have at it.

As the emergency backup, I've put "Fell on Black Days" in the playlist. There are no shortage of candidates though, so feel free to chime in. Or KP can change it when he's feeling better.

--
113 (tie). 1984 – Van Halen (203 points)

I was going to make a case for "I'll Wait" (over 3-4 other high-quality songs), but several others have also chimed in positively about it, so I feel validated about putting it on there.

113 (tie). The Yes Album – Yes (203 points)

My preference for "Yours Is No Disgrace" or "I've Seen All Good People" from this album can vary on mood. Having Yo Mama's list as support (considering we were only one rank apart) is good enough for me to put on the former. If you disagree, well then, I guess I'm just a member of the silly human race.

I was confused when I saw it in the playlist after the mention of Spoonman. All good with me, that is my favorite song on the album and many days my favorite song of theirs overall. If I chose, that's where I would have landed.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

106 (tie). Tommy – The Who (208 points)

@Dr. Octopus #22
@Snoopy #30
@timschochet #33
@turnjose7 #34
@Dennis Castro #43
@Ghost Rider #61
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #66

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released on 17 May 1969. Written primarily by guitarist Pete Townshend, Tommy is a double album and an early rock opera that tells the story of the fictional Tommy Walker and his path to becoming a spiritual leader and messianic figure.

Really thinking that my picks for The Who, The Kinks, and the Beach Boys are gonna get left by the wayside and it’s such a drag. I’m going to have to watch the pizza get devoured while I look on hungrily and unfed at the feasting.

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

Thanks for caring. That’s cool. I know The Beach Boys one is dead and I was kicking myself the day after turning the list in, just like I was with the Stones. I think the two Beatles albums (I picked one) I had in mind will show up and if they don’t I’ll be stunned. But I worry about The Who and The Kinks.

The Who you could find with a basic search of me and The Who. The Kinks is off the British Open fairway and in a European sand trap at St. Andrew’s like the Beach Boys pick but I’m hoping Pip bails me out so that I only bogey the hole I’m on. That would be something else.

I have no idea why I’m using golf terminology. I would ask the reader to humor me.

Well, if it’s the Open Championship, then it’s a links course so you could salvage a bogey. And that would be something else. But if you double bogey, you’re likely going to meet your Waterloo.

 

[rockaction]

106 (tie). Tommy – The Who (208 points)

@Dr. Octopus #22
@Snoopy #30
@timschochet #33
@turnjose7 #34
@Dennis Castro #43
@Ghost Rider #61
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #66

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released on 17 May 1969. Written primarily by guitarist Pete Townshend, Tommy is a double album and an early rock opera that tells the story of the fictional Tommy Walker and his path to becoming a spiritual leader and messianic figure.

Really thinking that my picks for The Who, The Kinks, and the Beach Boys are gonna get left by the wayside and it’s such a drag. I’m going to have to watch the pizza get devoured while I look on hungrily and unfed at the feasting.

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

Thanks for caring. That’s cool. I know The Beach Boys one is dead and I was kicking myself the day after turning the list in, just like I was with the Stones. I think the two Beatles albums (I picked one) I had in mind will show up and if they don’t I’ll be stunned. But I worry about The Who and The Kinks.

The Who you could find with a basic search of me and The Who. The Kinks is off the British Open fairway and in a European sand trap at St. Andrew’s like the Beach Boys pick but I’m hoping Pip bails me out so that I only bogey the hole I’m on. That would be something else.

I have no idea why I’m using golf terminology. I would ask the reader to humor me.

Well, if it’s the Open Championship, then it’s a links course so you could salvage a bogey. And that would be something else. But if you double bogey, you’re likely going to meet your Waterloo.

I should really edit that, but I gotcha.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

106 (tie). Tommy – The Who (208 points)

@Dr. Octopus #22
@Snoopy #30
@timschochet #33
@turnjose7 #34
@Dennis Castro #43
@Ghost Rider #61
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #66

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released on 17 May 1969. Written primarily by guitarist Pete Townshend, Tommy is a double album and an early rock opera that tells the story of the fictional Tommy Walker and his path to becoming a spiritual leader and messianic figure.

Really thinking that my picks for The Who, The Kinks, and the Beach Boys are gonna get left by the wayside and it’s such a drag. I’m going to have to watch the pizza get devoured while I look on hungrily and unfed at the feasting.

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

Thanks for caring. That’s cool. I know The Beach Boys one is dead and I was kicking myself the day after turning the list in, just like I was with the Stones. I think the two Beatles albums (I picked one) I had in mind will show up and if they don’t I’ll be stunned. But I worry about The Who and The Kinks.

The Who you could find with a basic search of me and The Who. The Kinks is off the British Open fairway and in a European sand trap at St. Andrew’s like the Beach Boys pick but I’m hoping Pip bails me out so that I only bogey the hole I’m on. That would be something else.

I have no idea why I’m using golf terminology. I would ask the reader to humor me.

Well, if it’s the Open Championship, then it’s a links course so you could salvage a bogey. And that would be something else. But if you double bogey, you’re likely going to meet your Waterloo.

I should really edit that

Why?

 

[rockaction]

106 (tie). Tommy – The Who (208 points)

@Dr. Octopus #22
@Snoopy #30
@timschochet #33
@turnjose7 #34
@Dennis Castro #43
@Ghost Rider #61
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #66

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released on 17 May 1969. Written primarily by guitarist Pete Townshend, Tommy is a double album and an early rock opera that tells the story of the fictional Tommy Walker and his path to becoming a spiritual leader and messianic figure.

Really thinking that my picks for The Who, The Kinks, and the Beach Boys are gonna get left by the wayside and it’s such a drag. I’m going to have to watch the pizza get devoured while I look on hungrily and unfed at the feasting.

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

Thanks for caring. That’s cool. I know The Beach Boys one is dead and I was kicking myself the day after turning the list in, just like I was with the Stones. I think the two Beatles albums (I picked one) I had in mind will show up and if they don’t I’ll be stunned. But I worry about The Who and The Kinks.

The Who you could find with a basic search of me and The Who. The Kinks is off the British Open fairway and in a European sand trap at St. Andrew’s like the Beach Boys pick but I’m hoping Pip bails me out so that I only bogey the hole I’m on. That would be something else.

I have no idea why I’m using golf terminology. I would ask the reader to humor me.

Well, if it’s the Open Championship, then it’s a links course so you could salvage a bogey. And that would be something else. But if you double bogey, you’re likely going to meet your Waterloo.

I should really edit that

Why?

Just everyone’s been keeping mum and I should also. Heh.

 

[KarmaPolice]

First time I heard/saw Radiohead was on MTV’s Spring Break in 1993:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

Thought they were pretty cool but took me a long time to appreciate them. Not a fan like many here, but can’t deny their influence and talent.

OMG early era Thom. I forgot that video.

I was trying to remember my first interactions with them. I am sure it was via Creep on MTV at some point, and I got the album because of it. I don't remember liking the rest of the album much, and them in general - so much that I didn't even have The Bends when it came out. I think I stumbled on High and Dry or Fake Plastic Trees on a compliation and a friend recommended the album for Street Spirit, and I got it eventually because of that. I don't think they turned into my favorite band until well after OK came out. They definitely had to grow on me.

 

[KarmaPolice]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

 

[Don Quixote]

106 (tie). Tommy – The Who (208 points)

@Dr. Octopus #22
@Snoopy #30
@timschochet #33
@turnjose7 #34
@Dennis Castro #43
@Ghost Rider #61
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #66

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released on 17 May 1969. Written primarily by guitarist Pete Townshend, Tommy is a double album and an early rock opera that tells the story of the fictional Tommy Walker and his path to becoming a spiritual leader and messianic figure.

Really thinking that my picks for The Who, The Kinks, and the Beach Boys are gonna get left by the wayside and it’s such a drag. I’m going to have to watch the pizza get devoured while I look on hungrily and unfed at the feasting.

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

Thanks for caring. That’s cool. I know The Beach Boys one is dead and I was kicking myself the day after turning the list in, just like I was with the Stones. I think the two Beatles albums (I picked one) I had in mind will show up and if they don’t I’ll be stunned. But I worry about The Who and The Kinks.

The Who you could find with a basic search of me and The Who. The Kinks is off the British Open fairway and in a European sand trap at St. Andrew’s like the Beach Boys pick but I’m hoping Pip bails me out so that I only bogey the hole I’m on. That would be something else.

I have no idea why I’m using golf terminology. I would ask the reader to humor me.

Well, if it’s the Open Championship, then it’s a links course so you could salvage a bogey. And that would be something else. But if you double bogey, you’re likely going to meet your Waterloo.

I should really edit that

Why?

Just everyone’s been keeping mum and I should also. Heh.

I thought about a post where I referenced five or six different Kinks albums out there, but I kinda thought that might give rise to a controversy, so declined and typed something else instead, but maybe will preserve it for later.

 

[rockaction]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

Same here. Heck, people were wondering how mine could be my number one. I’m now wondering how that happened, but I do love it, so it’s not entirely ridiculous. But it got zero other votes. #381.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

First time I heard/saw Radiohead was on MTV’s Spring Break in 1993:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

Thought they were pretty cool but took me a long time to appreciate them. Not a fan like many here, but can’t deny their influence and talent.

OMG early era Thom. I forgot that video.

I was trying to remember my first interactions with them. I am sure it was via Creep on MTV at some point, and I got the album because of it. I don't remember liking the rest of the album much, and them in general

I really like Stop Whispering......and a couple others are decent. But, yeah, things really got a lot better going forward.

 

[KarmaPolice]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

Same here. Heck, people were wondering how mine could be my number one. I’m now wondering how that happened, but I do love it, so it’s not entirely ridiculous. But it got zero other votes. #381.

I was surprised at your #1, not because it's not a great album, but more because I mentally associate you with a few other artists and styles of music.

I take it zegras didn’t submit one of these?

 

[KarmaPolice]

First time I heard/saw Radiohead was on MTV’s Spring Break in 1993:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

Thought they were pretty cool but took me a long time to appreciate them. Not a fan like many here, but can’t deny their influence and talent.

OMG early era Thom. I forgot that video.

I was trying to remember my first interactions with them. I am sure it was via Creep on MTV at some point, and I got the album because of it. I don't remember liking the rest of the album much, and them in general

I really like Stop Whispering......and a couple others are decent. But, yeah, things really got a lot better going forward.

I like more now such as Ripcord, Blow Out, and the one you mentioned. In 93 I was a little more into Ministry and NIN so newer bands had to grab my attention more to crack the main rotation.

 

[rockaction]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

Same here. Heck, people were wondering how mine could be my number one. I’m now wondering how that happened, but I do love it, so it’s not entirely ridiculous. But it got zero other votes. #381.

I was surprised at your #1, not because it's not a great album, but more because I mentally associate you with a few other artists and styles of music.

I take it zegras didn’t submit one of these?

I don’t think he did submit one. I think at my age that punky power-pop and hip hop are my dominant genres, so a power-pop album like Beauty And The Beat by the Go-Go’s being number one is spot-on. ‘70s punk is also still a huge favorite and might trump power-pop, but I was not in a wound up mood that day I made my selections. There are a bunch of albums that I’m a bit confused wound up there upon consideration, but what the heck.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

There’s one punk album that is out of my top ten that hasn’t left my top ten in ten years. Weird mood that day, I guess. Discovery by Daft Punk is not my number two album of all time. My list is sorta garbage in spots, but it keeps things loose and fun.

 

[kupcho1]

This might be an unpopular take, but
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers = phenomenal
Tom Petty = perfectly fine

 

[kupcho1]

BENTMONT TENCH FOREVER FTW!!!

 

[ConstruxBoy]

106 (tie). Tommy – The Who (208 points)

@Dr. Octopus #22
@Snoopy #30
@timschochet #33
@turnjose7 #34
@Dennis Castro #43
@Ghost Rider #61
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #66

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released on 17 May 1969. Written primarily by guitarist Pete Townshend, Tommy is a double album and an early rock opera that tells the story of the fictional Tommy Walker and his path to becoming a spiritual leader and messianic figure.

Still not time for my Who hot take.

Tommy has some very high highs and some stuff that is… not that.

I've always thought it was interesting that the lead singer/North Star of my favorite band (Pearl Jam) is a HUGE Who fan and I find them just OK.

 

[KarmaPolice]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

Same here. Heck, people were wondering how mine could be my number one. I’m now wondering how that happened, but I do love it, so it’s not entirely ridiculous. But it got zero other votes. #381.

I was surprised at your #1, not because it's not a great album, but more because I mentally associate you with a few other artists and styles of music.

I take it zegras didn’t submit one of these?

I don’t think he did submit one. I think at my age that punky power-pop and hip hop are my dominant genres, so a power-pop album like Beauty And The Beat by the Go-Go’s being number one is spot-on. ‘70s punk also but I was not in a wound up mood that day.

There’s one punk album that I think is out of my top ten that hasn’t left my top ten in ten years. Weird mood that day, I guess. Discovery by Daft Punk is not my number two album of all time. My list is sorta garbage in spots, but it keeps things loose and fun.

I was expecting mogwai, harder punk, or a hip hop act at the top.

I understand about mood and age dictating a list like this as well. I probably leaned a little too hard into what i was listening to at the time, making me miss a few that were key to my music taste, but just haven’t visited in a few years. I also put into together faster than i usually do these so i didn't obsess over a 3rd ongoing project/list. (Assuming many of mine wouldn't land in the rankings anyway)

 

[rockaction]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

Same here. Heck, people were wondering how mine could be my number one. I’m now wondering how that happened, but I do love it, so it’s not entirely ridiculous. But it got zero other votes. #381.

I was surprised at your #1, not because it's not a great album, but more because I mentally associate you with a few other artists and styles of music.

I take it zegras didn’t submit one of these?

I don’t think he did submit one. I think at my age that punky power-pop and hip hop are my dominant genres, so a power-pop album like Beauty And The Beat by the Go-Go’s being number one is spot-on. ‘70s punk also but I was not in a wound up mood that day.

There’s one punk album that I think is out of my top ten that hasn’t left my top ten in ten years. Weird mood that day, I guess. Discovery by Daft Punk is not my number two album of all time. My list is sorta garbage in spots, but it keeps things loose and fun.

I was expecting mogwai, harder punk, or a hip hop act at the top.

I understand about mood and age dictating a list like this as well. I probably leaned a little too hard into what i was listening to at the time, making me miss a few that were key to my music taste, but just haven’t visited in a few years. I also put into together faster than i usually do these so i didn't obsess over a 3rd ongoing project/list. (Assuming many of mine wouldn't land in the rankings anyway)

That’s exactly what I did . Did it with haste so I didn’t dwell, but there’s a doozy or two on there. One I haven’t listened to all the way through since, oh, 1993 but it was a formative album so. . . so what, man? That one is a doozy but I put it there because I used to love it, which isn’t totally stupid or off but really not where I’m at.

There are a couple like that. There are about seven that could disappear and I’d still be a good boy. Seven more that I would pace and growl about. The rest I’d bear my canines if anyone took them. *snarls*

 

[KarmaPolice]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

Same here. Heck, people were wondering how mine could be my number one. I’m now wondering how that happened, but I do love it, so it’s not entirely ridiculous. But it got zero other votes. #381.

I was surprised at your #1, not because it's not a great album, but more because I mentally associate you with a few other artists and styles of music.

I take it zegras didn’t submit one of these?

I don’t think he did submit one. I think at my age that punky power-pop and hip hop are my dominant genres, so a power-pop album like Beauty And The Beat by the Go-Go’s being number one is spot-on. ‘70s punk also but I was not in a wound up mood that day.

There’s one punk album that I think is out of my top ten that hasn’t left my top ten in ten years. Weird mood that day, I guess. Discovery by Daft Punk is not my number two album of all time. My list is sorta garbage in spots, but it keeps things loose and fun.

I was expecting mogwai, harder punk, or a hip hop act at the top.

I understand about mood and age dictating a list like this as well. I probably leaned a little too hard into what i was listening to at the time, making me miss a few that were key to my music taste, but just haven’t visited in a few years. I also put into together faster than i usually do these so i didn't obsess over a 3rd ongoing project/list. (Assuming many of mine wouldn't land in the rankings anyway)

That’s exactly what I did . Did it with haste so I didn’t dwell, but there’s a doozy or two on there. One I haven’t listened to all the way through since, oh, 1993 but it was a formative album so. . . so what, man? That one is a doozy but I put it there because I used to love it, which isn’t totally stupid or off but really not where I’m at.

There are a couple like that. There are about seven that could disappear and I’d still be a good boy. Seven more that I would pace and growl about. The rest I’d bear my canines if anyone took them. *snarls*

I maybe got a little cute with a few of mine, but I just looked at my submission and its a wide variety and pretty good representation of a 2025 desert island album grab vibe i decided to go with.

Listening today to some staples from my youth taken recently like 1984, Pyromania, Chili Peppers got me second guessing myself a little. I probably didn't need two King Diamond, Aimee Mann, or Oingo Boingo albums on there for example, but I will still stick with my gut because i am honestly going to listen to them more going forward than Def Leppard and VH, no matter the nostalgia I have for those albums.

The biggest surprise for me has been how few albums ranked I have never listened to before. The last one was probably 80-90 albums ago.

 

[krista4]

I've always thought it was interesting that the lead singer/North Star of my favorite band (Pearl Jam) is a HUGE Who fan and I find them just OK.

Two of the biggest Beatles fans ever were Ozzy and Lemmy, but I'd expect that many of their fans don't feel the same. In that case, lots of people don't know where their favorite music came from. Your situation seems like it might be different, though.

 

[rockaction]

I probably didn't need two King Diamond, Aimee Mann, or Oingo Boingo albums on there for example,

I say this with the best of intentions. It sounds like you could have used a “one album per” rule.

eta* I am probably wrong here. What are the albums and what is the distinction between them? Like, people would laugh at me if I tried to explain how Reign In Blood, South Of Heaven, and Seasons In The Abyss are all very different.

 

[krista4]

As we head tomorrow into the top 100, it seems like a good time to thank @Dr. Octopus for all his efforts here.

 

[Barry2]

108 (tie). Reckoning – R.E.M. (207 points)

@Barry2 #17
@simey #19
@kupcho1 #19
@Snoopy #37
@Dr. Octopus #56

Reckoning (alternatively titled File Under Water) is the second studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on April 9, 1984, by I.R.S. Records. Produced by Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, the album was recorded at Reflection Sound Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, over 16 days in December 1983 and January 1984. Dixon and Easter intended to capture the sound of R.E.M.'s live performances, and used binaural recording on several tracks. Lead singer Michael Stipe dealt with darker subject matter in his lyrics, with water-related imagery being a recurring theme on the album.

I'm good with whatever you choose, Barry. My favorites are (Don't Go Back To) Rockville and So. Central Rain.

I have to go with Harborcoat, one of my favorites from the band. It's uptempo that sounds a little happy but according to Stipe the puzzling lyrics are about The Diary of Anne Frank. huh? either way great song.

 

[Barry2]

103 (tie). Wildflowers – Tom Petty (209 points)

@Tau837 #4
@Barry2 #23
@Dennis Castro #26
@Chaos34 #33
@Ghost Rider #63
@Uruk-Hai #68

Wildflowers is the second solo studio album by American musician Tom Petty, released on November 1, 1994, by Warner Bros. Records. It was the first album released by Petty after signing a contract with Warner Bros., where he had recorded as part of the Traveling Wilburys. It was the first of three of his albums produced with Rick Rubin. Wildflowers was very well-received by critics upon release and was certified 3× platinum in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2020, Wildflowers was ranked at number 214 on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".

Petty is one of my favorite 5 artists of all time, so I felt compelled to include one of his albums in my top 5. I think this is his best, so it was an easy choice. I had him in one of the previous MAD countdowns, and I will go with my #1 choice in that countdown for the playlist: the title track.

Wildflowers and Time to Move is what comes to my mind with this album. I don't know how popular they are but they seem to be overlooked a bit.

 

[rockaction]

BENTMONT TENCH FOREVER FTW!!!

I have a friend that used to insist that Matt Sharp was the glue that held Weezer together and I'm not sure I can disagree with him given what Weezer became and Sharp's work in The Rentals.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I probably didn't need two King Diamond, Aimee Mann, or Oingo Boingo albums on there for example,

I say this with the best of intentions. It sounds like you could have used a “one album per” rule.

eta* I am probably wrong here. What are the albums and what is the distinction between them? Like, people would laugh at me if I tried to explain how Reign In Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons In The Abyss are all very different.

Those 3 Slayer albums ARE quite different. I do have one of those ranked as well, and a little higher than Diamond.

I talk about the King in passing jokingly, mostly because people aren't into metal and if they are even he is bit much for people usually. However if you took a snapshot of my 2025 metal listening it would be Opeth, Mastodon, King Diamond ..... then a gap with a bunch of others. All my music loves are checked off: concept albums, fantastic drumming, duel guitars with shredding solo, etc. I definitely had Them back in the day, but even then it was a bit much and it sort of creeped me out. About a decade ago as I got back into metal more and more, I randomly put on the 2003 album The Puppet Master and was surprised how much I loved it, and it and King still could creep me out a bit with the story. That one is about a husband and wife who get kidnapped and turned into living puppets in Budapest. It has a bit of a different sound because all but King and Andy LaRocque had been replaced with other members, but it's still King Diamond. Like Maiden, the music doesn't morph that much. Since then I have been listening to King Diamond more and more and about a year and half ago I started doing some metal deep dives and MAD31 playlists on the side. King Diamond was the first and I dug through the Mercyful Fate stuff which I had never dug into either. There are a few albums in the later Diamond catalogue I didn't love like House of God, but all together between Mercyful Fate and King Diamond solo there are 10-12 albums I listen to a lot and other songs from random albums I put on that playlist I really dig too. The playlist is at 42 songs since I didn't want to cut anymore. Anyway, those are the two I had on my list Them for being my first introduction to them and for Mickey Dee's drumming, and Puppet Master for being my re-introduction to them and giving me the reason to want to listen to them again. But yeah, I knew they had a 0% chance of showing up on the countdown.

 

[rockaction]

All my music loves are checked off: concept albums, fantastic drumming, duel guitars with shredding solo, etc.

That's all that matters. I think the King is wayyyy over the top and too into darkness and far out for me (in an almost campy way, though), but I also listen to a band that had a shirt that read "Slaytanic Wehrmacht," which I don't know what it means, but it probably isn't "Super Happy Fun Time Pokemon Card Flip Show," so yeah, I put the laughing guy there, but I know what it's about.

Annnnnnnnd . . . I just typed in the German name above and sure enough I didn't want to know. Okay, I was always uncomfortable with their cashing in on dark arts but can we at least get the Allied Forces here as a model? Forget it, I'm just waving my hand as I exchange albums.

 

[KarmaPolice]

All my music loves are checked off: concept albums, fantastic drumming, duel guitars with shredding solo, etc.

That's all that matters. I think the King is wayyyy over the top and too into darkness and far out for me (in an almost campy way, though), but I also listen to a band that had a shirt that read "Slaytanic Wehrmacht," which I don't know what it means, but it probably isn't "Super Happy Fun Time Pokemon Card Flip Show," so yeah, I put the laughing guy there, but I know what it's about.

Annnnnnnnd . . . I just typed in the German name above and sure enough I didn't want to know. Okay, I was always uncomfortable with their cashing in on dark arts but can we at least get the Allied Forces here as a model? Forget it, I'm just waving my hand as I exchange albums.

Maybe the artists do, but i never take that stuff too seriously in metal, unless its Swedish stuff where they are literally burning churches and using suicdes of members for album covers and ****. It taps into my love of horror and is decent storytelling through albums. I consider the theatrics in the campy realm similar to Ghost which is much more popular even around these parts. I wouldn’t bother if i didn't think the backing music was that good, which i do. The guitars are fantastic.

They didn't ride it as hard but even Slayer tapped into the dark side for songs and imagry over the years, even if behind the scenes they didn't really believe it.

 

[rockaction]

Just deleted that. I can PM anyone who missed my Scandinavia black metal thing if they're curious. But there's no use bumming out the thread with it plastered all over.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Sorry for the derail, back to the top 100!

 

[Rand al Thor]

106 (tie). Blood Sugar Sex Magik – Red Hot Chili Peppers (208 points)

@Idiot Boxer #9
@Snoopy #21
@Mookie Gizzy #31
@Rand al Thor #48
@Long Ball Larry #56
@Scoresman #59
@Nick Vermeil #65


Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the fifth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on September 24, 1991, by Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Rick Rubin, its musical style differed notably from the band's previous album Mother's Milk (1989), reducing the use of heavy metal guitar riffs and accentuating the melodic songwriting contributions of guitarist John Frusciante. The album's subject matter incorporates sexual innuendos and references to drugs and death, as well as themes of lust and exuberance.

When I first saw the video for True Men Don't Kill Coyotes back in 1984, it was unlike anything I'd seen/heard before. I had all their albums up through BSSM, and then I just fell out of love with the group. I'll turn the channel if they come on the radio if it's anything released after Soul to Squeeze (which was supposed to be on this album but they thought they already had too many slow songs so this one got the ax and was released on the freaking Coneheads soundtrack. This album and Mother's Milk were RHCP at their best and there is some great musicianship and songs on these two albums. I can't remember right now if Mother's Milk made my top 70, but it should have based on how many plays it got on my stereo. I can't believe they're still putting out new albums., but good for them.

 

[Rand al Thor]

I will forever stand by I'll Wait as being one of their best songs ever

Best, IMO.

That's cuz Michael McDonald pretty much wrote it.

 

[Rand al Thor]

108 (tie). Reckoning – R.E.M. (207 points)

@Barry2 #17
@simey #19
@kupcho1 #19
@Snoopy #37
@Dr. Octopus #56

Reckoning (alternatively titled File Under Water) is the second studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on April 9, 1984, by I.R.S. Records. Produced by Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, the album was recorded at Reflection Sound Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, over 16 days in December 1983 and January 1984. Dixon and Easter intended to capture the sound of R.E.M.'s live performances, and used binaural recording on several tracks. Lead singer Michael Stipe dealt with darker subject matter in his lyrics, with water-related imagery being a recurring theme on the album.

This and Murmer were late cuts but would've made the top 100. They were big albums for me in my teens, but I haven't listened to them in years for whatever reason.

 

[Rand al Thor]

As we head tomorrow into the top 100, it seems like a good time to thank @Dr. Octopus for all his efforts here.

Word. Many Thanks, I love these types of lists and they're really the only things I participate in around here. Speaking of, when is the babe bracket coming back????

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

But if you double bogey, you’re likely going to meet your Waterloo.

Couldn't escape if you wanted to.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Now taking suggestions for Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

 

[rockaction]

Now taking suggestions for Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

I used to listen to this during my second senior year of high school, which was away from home. I didn't pick it, but I'm up and bored so here goes. Literally counting down the top five. This makes two Chili Peppers records with maybe (unlikely, but possibly) more to come, huh?

5) The Righteous & the Wicked (because it's got that last word in the title—you gonna argue with the words "wikkid" and "righteous" together forever, my friend?)
4) Breaking The Girl (because it's got those wind instruments in the background and Kiedis is at his best crooning along to the softer stuff while lamenting his masculine vulnerability and conquests)
3) Funky Monks (because there are no monks in our band)
2) Blood Sugar Sex Magik (because it's the title track and it's got a slow burn to it)
1) I Could Have Lied (because it's got that beautiful Frusciante guitar work and Kiedis is at his best crooning along to the softer stuff while lamenting his masculine vulnerability and conquests)

Yes, the ballad is number one in my book. Was then and is now. Kiedis, for all the hate he gets, could pen some modern AM Gold.

I should have lied I'm such a fool
My eyes could never never never keep their cool
Showed her and I told her
How she struck me
But i'm ****ed up now

 

[turnjose7]

As one of a few posters whose #2 album didn't make the cut, I guess I'll say something about it. Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970 is my second favorite live recording ever. It was recorded just about 8 months before my favorite live recording. It's a little hard to discuss without saying too much about that other recording which will surely come later, but in this one you can just start to hear the Allman Brothers reaching their peak powers. Duane and Dickey, as always, play off each other magically, but this is also one of the earliest recordings in which you can appreciate what a force Butch, Jaimoe, and Berry are. The highlight of the album is an incredible "Mountain Jam" in which the band is joined by Johnny Winter for a high energy performance.

Re-reading these posts about highest ranked albums that missed the cut and the discussion about how no one has heard of most of the bands @Dan Lambskin listens to, it got me thinking. I believe everyone's #1 ended up making the countdown, right? It looks like for four of us our #2 missed the cut and #3 did for a handful of others. But I'm pretty sure my #2, #3, and #4 will all be left off. My #5 will definitely appear, but after this is over I'd be interested to hear if anyone else had so much of the top of their list that was that non-chalky. I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

Nope.

Same here. Heck, people were wondering how mine could be my number one. I’m now wondering how that happened, but I do love it, so it’s not entirely ridiculous. But it got zero other votes. #381.

Sorry guys. completely missed that

 

[turnjose7]

106 (tie). Tommy – The Who (208 points)

@Dr. Octopus #22
@Snoopy #30
@timschochet #33
@turnjose7 #34
@Dennis Castro #43
@Ghost Rider #61
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #66

Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released on 17 May 1969. Written primarily by guitarist Pete Townshend, Tommy is a double album and an early rock opera that tells the story of the fictional Tommy Walker and his path to becoming a spiritual leader and messianic figure.

I love Christmas- but willing to listen for playlist suggestions.

That sounds ok with me, but alternatively if the Overture makes you excited about the rest of the album, you could always go with that

 

[turnjose7]

I'm guessing not. Kind of a bummer not to get the chance to talk about some of my favorite albums.

I expect you could talk about them and no one would have a problem with that. There are a few of mine I'd like to see mentioned that I know aren't going to make anyone's list. (Not even Mr R's.)

I was planning a post after it was over of three things:
Albums I was not surprised didn't make it
Albums I was surprised didn't make it
Last 4-6 albums out of my 70

I like this approach

 

[Chaos34]

This might be an unpopular take, but
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers = phenomenal
Tom Petty = perfectly fine

Unpopular? I don't know. Wrong? I think so. Why? The band on almost every track is The Heartbreakers. So I guess you think it's phenomenal and were maybe referring to some other Petty solo work.

@Tau837 ranked it #4. I like that. It's a phenomenal album for sure. 15 tracks and no skips. Tom made it a solo album because he didn't want to be
'strapped" to 5 musicians. The songs mattered to him on a deep emotional level. He wanted to build them by bringing in musicians one at a time to lay down tracks after he'd recorded them on acoustic guitar in his home. Those musicians were The Heartbreakers. The result is phenomenal, imo. It has songs that are more than and less than The Heartbreakers. One features a horn section with the legendary Jim Horn on sax. Another features Ringo Starr on drums and another legend, percussionist Lenny Castro on a few tracks. A few have Carl Wilson harmonizing with Tom. He worked with Tom Kamen a highly requested composer for orchestral work on several tracks. That may be the best part of the album. It's a masterpiece. It's Tom and The Heartbreakers and much more.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

This might be an unpopular take, but
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers = phenomenal
Tom Petty = perfectly fine

Most of the Heartbreakers play on the albums where only Tom Petty is credited - but I 100% agree with the premise.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

As we head tomorrow into the top 100, it seems like a good time to thank @Dr. Octopus for all his efforts here.

Word. Many Thanks, I love these types of lists and they're really the only things I participate in around here. Speaking of, when is the babe bracket coming back????

I was afraid to put “Blood Sugar SEX Majik” in the thread title for fear of it getting shut down, so don’t think babe brackets will fly here.

 

[Chaos34]

This might be an unpopular take, but
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers = phenomenal
Tom Petty = perfectly fine

Most of the Heartbreakers play on the albums where only Tom Petty is credited - but I 100% agree with the premise.

I already don't like you. Now you're just making it worse.

 

[Mookie Gizzy]

BENTMONT TENCH FOREVER FTW!!!

Since he played on Hollywood Town Hall, but he was session player on many great 80’s& 90’s albums

BENTMONT TENCH FOREVER FTW!!!

 

[Dr. Octopus]

103 (tie). Kick – INXS (209 points)

@Mrs. Rannous #11
@Mt. Man #15
@Ghost Rider #33
@Val Rannous #54
@Psychopav #54
@Juxtatarot #55
@Idiot Boxer #66


Kick is the sixth studio album by Australian rock band INXS, released on 19 October 1987 through WEA in Australia, Mercury Records in Europe, and Atlantic Records in the United States and Canada. The album was produced by British producer Chris Thomas, recorded by David Nicholas in Sydney and Paris and mixed by Bob Clearmountain at AIR Studios in London.

The band's most successful studio album, Kick has been certified six times platinum by the RIAA and peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. The album also spawned four US top 10 singles, "New Sensation", "Never Tear Us Apart", "Devil Inside" and "Need You Tonight", the last of which reached the top of the US Billboard singles charts.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

This might be an unpopular take, but
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers = phenomenal
Tom Petty = perfectly fine

Most of the Heartbreakers play on the albums where only Tom Petty is credited - but I 100% agree with the premise.

I already don't like you. Now you're just making it worse.

et tu, Chaos? I already lost JML as a friend over this.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

103 (tie). Is This It – The Strokes (209 points)

@titusbramble #9
@Ilov80s #29
@shuke #30
@Dan Lambskin #31
@Nick Vermeil #59
@KarmaPolice #64
@Mister CIA #66


Is This It is the debut studio album by American rock band the Strokes. It was first released on July 30, 2001 in Australia, with RCA Records handling the release internationally and Rough Trade Records handling the United Kingdom release. It was recorded at Transporterraum in New York City with producer Gordon Raphael during March and April 2001. For their debut, the band strived to capture a simple sound that was not significantly enhanced in the studio. Building on their 2001 EP The Modern Age, the band members molded compositions largely through live takes during recording sessions, while lead singer and songwriter Julian Casablancas continued to detail the lives and relationships of urban youth in his lyrics.

 

[rockaction]

Wow. titusbramble, choose wisely. I always thought Room On Fire was their opus, but that’s a hotter kind of take. This is a brilliant record by a wealthy city kid and his friends, sure, but a talented one with talented friends. These guys have great ears and critical acumen. They’re also perfectly cool in school. Love it.

Bored again top five with comments:

5) Someday (dooo dooo)
4) Modern Age (a go go go go go go go go)
3) Last Night (__ ... they don’t understand)
2) Hard To Explain (speedy)
1) Alone, Together (beautifully staccato)

 

[Dr. Octopus]

This might be an unpopular take, but
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers = phenomenal
Tom Petty = perfectly fine

Most of the Heartbreakers play on the albums where only Tom Petty is credited - but I 100% agree with the premise.

I already don't like you. Now you're just making it worse.

I just don’t like that his most popular album (Full Moon Fever) was without the Heartbreakers - I prefer his early albums with the Heartbreakers by a wide margin.

I was the only one who chose his debut self-titled album. It’s my favorite on some days but finished behind another TP&H in my list - which is also an early album.