Consensus Top 350 Albums of All-Time: 68. Automatic for the People – R.E.M. (203 Viewers)

[jwb]

97. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart (233 points)

@timschochet #1
@Mister CIA #9
@New Binky the Doormat #16
@zamboni #36
@Mookie Gizzy #60

Every Picture Tells a Story is the third studio album by British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, released on 28 May 1971, by Mercury Records. It incorporates hard rock, folk, and blues styles. It went to number one on both the UK and US charts and finished third in the Jazz & Pop critics' poll for best album of 1971. It has been an enduring critical success, including being ranked number 172 on Rolling Stone's 2003 list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", repositioned to number 177 in the 2020 revision.

I had to look at my list to see if there was a mistake... nope, no mistake. I left it off. I love this album.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

97. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart (233 points)

@timschochet #1
@Mister CIA #9
@New Binky the Doormat #16
@zamboni #36
@Mookie Gizzy #60

Every Picture Tells a Story is the third studio album by British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, released on 28 May 1971, by Mercury Records. It incorporates hard rock, folk, and blues styles. It went to number one on both the UK and US charts and finished third in the Jazz & Pop critics' poll for best album of 1971. It has been an enduring critical success, including being ranked number 172 on Rolling Stone's 2003 list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", repositioned to number 177 in the 2020 revision.

I had to look at my list to see if there was a mistake... nope, no mistake. I left it off. I love this album.

Just about anything off this album would be good - I would go with a "cover" no less! "(I Know) I'm Losing You"

I love me some Temptations but man - this is just so good.

 

[Mister CIA]

97. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart (233 points)

@timschochet #1
@Mister CIA #9
@New Binky the Doormat #16
@zamboni #36
@Mookie Gizzy #60

One vote for Mandolin Wind here

Just about anything off this album would be good - I would go with a "cover" no less! "(I Know) I'm Losing You"

I love me some Temptations but man - this is just so good.

I wouldn't let y'all tie my shoes. Maggie May for me. Over to @timschochet for the exclamation!

 

[Tau837]

111 (tie). Under the Table and Dreaming – Dave Matthews Band (204 points)

@Tau837 #6
@MAC_32 #11
@ConstruxBoy #33
@Ghost Rider #53
@Dwayne_Castro #57
@Dennis Castro #63
@Yo Mama #70

Under the Table and Dreaming is the debut studio album by the American rock band Dave Matthews Band, released on September 27, 1994. The album's first single was "What Would You Say", featuring John Popper of Blues Traveler on harmonica. Four other singles from the album followed: "Jimi Thing", "Typical Situation", "Ants Marching", and "Satellite". By March 16, 2000, the album had sold six million copies, and was certified six times platinum by the RIAA

One of two DMB albums in my list (I have another ranked higher). 83% of the album is just one killer song after another (tracks 1-10). I do sometimes wonder where I'd rank this all-time if the last two songs were as strong as the first 10 (to be fair, track 12 is pretty good, but Pay for What You Got is pretty bland).

I thought you were going to reference the 22 tracks of silence between Pay for What You Get and #34 on the original CD release.

IMO if Pay For What You Get is the worst song on an album, that is a great album. Hence, my ranking. Sorry to see it didn't crack the top 100.

I had Dave for one of MAD countdowns, and 4 of my top 5 ranked songs were from this album. Even though it has been played a lot, I have to go with my #1 for this playlist: Ants Marching.

Ants Marching is a good song. As is Best Of What's Around, What Would You Say, and Lover Lay Down. But Rhyme & Reason and Jimi Thing are better. Warehouse is next. Then Typical Situation. But I'm not sure it gets any better than Dancing Nancies. The only reason this wasn't higher than its already lofty ranking is an unpopular opinion- I can't stand Satellite.

In my previous Dave countdown, I had these songs from Under the Table:

1. Ants Marching
3. Dancing Nancies
4. Jimi Thing
5. Typical Situation
9. Warehouse
12. Lover Lay Down

 

[Dr. Octopus]

96. So – Peter Gabriel (237 points)

@Idiot Boxer #16
@Dr. Octopus #27
@Mt. Man #30
@Nick Vermeil #36
@New Binky the Doormat #51
@Yo Mama #53
@Juxtatarot #58
@Psychopav #60

So is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel, released on 19 May 1986 by Charisma Records, Virgin Records and Geffen Records. After working on the soundtrack to the film Birdy (1984), producer Daniel Lanois was invited to remain at Gabriel's Somerset home during 1985 to work on his next solo project. Initial sessions for So consisted of Gabriel, Lanois and guitarist David Rhodes, although these grew to include a number of percussionists.

Although Gabriel continued to use the pioneering Fairlight CMI digital sampling synthesizer, songs from these sessions were less experimental than his previous material. Nevertheless, Gabriel drew on various musical influences, fusing pop, soul, and art rock with elements of traditional world music, particularly African and Brazilian styles. It is Gabriel's first non-eponymous album, So representing an "anti-title" that resulted from label pressure to "properly" market his music. Gabriel toured So on the This Way Up tour (1986–1987), with some songs performed at human rights and charity concerts during this period.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Our first 8 person entry

 

[Dr. Octopus]

96. So – Peter Gabriel (237 points)

@Idiot Boxer #16
@Dr. Octopus #27
@Mt. Man #30
@Nick Vermeil #36
@New Binky the Doormat #51
@Yo Mama #53
@Juxtatarot #58
@Psychopav #60

So is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel, released on 19 May 1986 by Charisma Records, Virgin Records and Geffen Records. After working on the soundtrack to the film Birdy (1984), producer Daniel Lanois was invited to remain at Gabriel's Somerset home during 1985 to work on his next solo project. Initial sessions for So consisted of Gabriel, Lanois and guitarist David Rhodes, although these grew to include a number of percussionists.

Although Gabriel continued to use the pioneering Fairlight CMI digital sampling synthesizer, songs from these sessions were less experimental than his previous material. Nevertheless, Gabriel drew on various musical influences, fusing pop, soul, and art rock with elements of traditional world music, particularly African and Brazilian styles. It is Gabriel's first non-eponymous album, So representing an "anti-title" that resulted from label pressure to "properly" market his music. Gabriel toured So on the This Way Up tour (1986–1987), with some songs performed at human rights and charity concerts during this period.

Pleasantly surprised to see this finish so high - so many amazing songs on this one - including the incredible “Don’t Give Up”.

 

[rockaction]

98. Hot Fuss – The Killers (227 points)

@titusbramble #8

Top 10 being drained quickly it seems

Tempted by an album tracks in either Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine or Believe Me Natalie as opposed to the singles options, if I was going a single it'd be Somebody Told Me, if anyone has strong preferences then shout up

I actually don’t have any huge preference out of those songs. “Jenny” might be the better of the two and “Somebody “ is a big banging song.

My favorites off of the album that are deeper are “Midnight Show,” which makes me think of the hottest dancer I was totally in love with (I was younger and stupid and asking to get taken) and “On Top” with its “Remember Rio/and get down/in some other city/in some other town,” but it’s all you, titus. Make your heart content.

 

[SayChowda]

100. The Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest (215 points)

@Nick Vermeil #7
@Yo Mama #16
@Long Ball Larry #19
@SayChowda #27

The Low End Theory is the second studio album by American hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released on September 24, 1991, by Jive Records. Recording sessions for the album were held mostly at Battery Studios in New York City, from 1990 to 1991. The album was primarily produced by group member Q-Tip, with a minimalist sound that combines bass, drum breaks, and jazz samples, in a departure from the group's debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990). Lyrically, the album features social commentary, word play, humor, and interplay between Q-Tip and fellow member Phife Dawg.

This is another album I wore out in college. Any of you other voters have thoughts on the track for the playlist? Leaning toward Check the Rhime or Excursions.

Those two would be my top selections. I also really like Buggin’ Out and have always been a fan of Scenario (despite its slight cheesiness).

Both work with me too, with a slight lean towards Check the Rhime.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

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.

Great to see INXS make the list here. Hard to go wrong with any of the songs on this album. I'll put in my vote for "New Sensation" but I'm happy with whatever @Mrs. Rannous decides.

Looking for suggestions now.

 

[Ghost Rider]

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.

Great to see INXS make the list here. Hard to go wrong with any of the songs on this album. I'll put in my vote for "New Sensation" but I'm happy with whatever @Mrs. Rannous decides.

Looking for suggestions now.

Feels like you can't go wrong with anything, but Devil Inside and Never Tear Us Apart are probably the hits with the most mass appeal at this point.

 

[Zeppelin]

Hey, hey, what can you do?

I'm packing my bags for the Misty Mountain.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

102. Bridge over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel (213 points)

@Psychopav #17
@Snoopy #23
@timschochet #23
@Idiot Boxer #42
@Ilov80s #57
@zamboni #58
@rockaction #64

Bridge Over Troubled Water is the fifth and final studio album by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The album was released on January 26, 1970 through Columbia Records. Following the duo's soundtrack for The Graduate, Art Garfunkel took an acting role in the film Catch-22, while Paul Simon worked on the songs, writing all tracks except Felice and Boudleaux Bryant's "Bye Bye Love" (previously a hit for the Everly Brothers).

What a great album. I even like "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright", usually (although I didn't when I first heard it).

Of course the album includes not one but two indisputable all time great songs in the title track and "The Boxer", but I love so much about this album. I'd love to hear opinions but I am inclined to go with either "The Only Living Boy in New York" or "Keep the Customer Satisfied" as the playlist choice.

Trivia time again: the song "Cecilia" was actually inspired by writer's block. St. Cecilia, you see, is the patron saint of musicians and the singer is expressing his frustration and ultimate happiness when Cecilia abandons him in the songwriting process and then returns to bless him once again. Listen to the song with this meaning in mind and it sheds a whole new light on the lyrics.

The Only Living Boy in NY would be my choice for a song that’s not one of the 2 biggies

I have never heard this track despite Only Living Boy in New Cross being my favourite Carter track. Similarly I have never heard Cecilia, although I have heard Suggs' cover version

Featured on an episode of How I Met Your Mother, complete with Venn Diagram.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

100. The Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest (215 points)

@Nick Vermeil #7
@Yo Mama #16
@Long Ball Larry #19
@SayChowda #27

The Low End Theory is the second studio album by American hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released on September 24, 1991, by Jive Records. Recording sessions for the album were held mostly at Battery Studios in New York City, from 1990 to 1991. The album was primarily produced by group member Q-Tip, with a minimalist sound that combines bass, drum breaks, and jazz samples, in a departure from the group's debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990). Lyrically, the album features social commentary, word play, humor, and interplay between Q-Tip and fellow member Phife Dawg.

This is another album I wore out in college. Any of you other voters have thoughts on the track for the playlist? Leaning toward Check the Rhime or Excursions.

Those two would be my top selections. I also really like Buggin’ Out and have always been a fan of Scenario (despite its slight cheesiness).

Both work with me too, with a slight lean towards Check the Rhime.

Check the Rhime added.

 

[Psychopav]

96. So – Peter Gabriel (237 points)

@Idiot Boxer #16
@Dr. Octopus #27
@Mt. Man #30
@Nick Vermeil #36
@New Binky the Doormat #51
@Yo Mama #53
@Juxtatarot #58
@Psychopav #60

So is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel, released on 19 May 1986 by Charisma Records, Virgin Records and Geffen Records. After working on the soundtrack to the film Birdy (1984), producer Daniel Lanois was invited to remain at Gabriel's Somerset home during 1985 to work on his next solo project. Initial sessions for So consisted of Gabriel, Lanois and guitarist David Rhodes, although these grew to include a number of percussionists.

Although Gabriel continued to use the pioneering Fairlight CMI digital sampling synthesizer, songs from these sessions were less experimental than his previous material. Nevertheless, Gabriel drew on various musical influences, fusing pop, soul, and art rock with elements of traditional world music, particularly African and Brazilian styles. It is Gabriel's first non-eponymous album, So representing an "anti-title" that resulted from label pressure to "properly" market his music. Gabriel toured So on the This Way Up tour (1986–1987), with some songs performed at human rights and charity concerts during this period.

Surprisingly pleased to see this finish so high - so many amazing songs on this one - including the incredible “Don’t Give Up”.

That one would be my pick, followed by In Your Eyes and Red Rain.

 

[Mt. Man]

103 (tie). Kick – INXS (209 points)

Great to see INXS make the list here. Hard to go wrong with any of the songs on this album. I'll put in my vote for "New Sensation" but I'm happy with whatever @Mrs. Rannous decides.

Looking for suggestions now.

All of 'em?
If forced, I'd go Never Tear Us Apart, Devil Inside, New Sensation, Mystify. But the margin is paper thin, so if you have a strong favorite, go for it.

 

[Val Rannous]

459. Four – Blues Travelar - @Idiot Boxer / @Mrs. Rannous

Mine was Four by Foreigner

I kinda feel about DMB the way Uruk Hai feels about Billy Joel. Maybe not quite so strongly.

Also, seeing all this Styx now makes me think even more that the one I submitted is not in the top 350

@Idiot Boxer , you still doubled up with "4" by Foreigner, just with the other Rannous. Oh, and both of us are "Why?" on DMB, so preach it, Brother!

 

[Psychopav]

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.

Great to see INXS make the list here. Hard to go wrong with any of the songs on this album. I'll put in my vote for "New Sensation" but I'm happy with whatever @Mrs. Rannous decides.

Looking for suggestions now.

Feels like you can't go wrong with anything, but Devil Inside and Never Tear Us Apart are probably the hits with the most mass appeal at this point.

Oh yeah Never Tear Us Apart is another one. I could definitely go for that one too.

 

[Val Rannous]

351. The Grand Illusion – Styx @Ghost Rider / @Val Rannous

Whoo hoo, @Ghost Rider ! We missed the list by thaaaat much.

 

[Val Rannous]

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.

Great to see INXS make the list here. Hard to go wrong with any of the songs on this album. I'll put in my vote for "New Sensation" but I'm happy with whatever @Mrs. Rannous decides.

Looking for suggestions now.

Feels like you can't go wrong with anything, but Devil Inside and Never Tear Us Apart are probably the hits with the most mass appeal at this point.

Oh yeah Never Tear Us Apart is another one. I could definitely go for that one too.

So much good on that album - Mrs. R is currently re-listening to the whole album, so expect a pick in about an hour.

 

[Mt. Man]

124. Elephant – The White Stripes (186 points)

Elephant is one of the newer albums among my selections, which didn’t have many from the last 25 years or so. Though some of the M-AD artists may change that in the future.

The opener, “Seven Nation Army”, needs no introduction. You might also know the drum-heavy “The Hardest Button to Button”, at least partially from its music video. Or the cover of “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself”. (Some of the) other songs I really enjoy are “There’s No Home For You Here” and “Girl You Have No Faith in Medicine”. The latter is brave enough to rhyme “medicine” with "acetaminophen". Not to mention “Ball and Biscuit”, a rare longer song with the heart of the blues, that was chosen for the playlist.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

103 - Kick - INXS
I'll go with "Never Tear Us Apart". It has a lovely video.

Never Tear Us Apart

INXS · Kick · Song · 1987

open.spotify.com

 

[Dr. Octopus]

95. Machine Head – Deep Purple (241 points)

@Mookie Gizzy #10
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #21
@Val Rannous #21
@New Binky the Doormat #37
@Mt. Man #44
@Atomic Punk #52



Machine Head is the sixth studio album by English rock band Deep Purple. It was recorded in December 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland, and released on 30 March 1972, by Purple Records. It is the band's third album to feature the Mark II line-up of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice.

Previous recording sessions had been slotted into the group's gigging schedule. This time, Deep Purple wanted to dedicate time to record an album away from the typical studio environment, hoping it would result in a sound closer to their live shows.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

 

[Dr. Octopus]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

Two of Neil’s best songs are on here. Helpless is one of my favorite songs, period and Country Girl is a hidden gem. My old college girlfriend loved Country Girl and sang it in a nice sultry voice.

 

[MAC_32]

98. Hot Fuss – The Killers (227 points)

@titusbramble #8

Top 10 being drained quickly it seems

Tempted by an album tracks in either Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine or Believe Me Natalie as opposed to the singles options, if I was going a single it'd be Somebody Told Me, if anyone has strong preferences then shout up

I'll never forget looking in the rear view mirror (foreshadowing?) on a road trip seeing our then 4 year old 'I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier' for every bar in a row til the wrap. All These Things I've Done is a top 5'er of the century.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Probably needs to be in the Movie Thread, but I had the awesome opportunity to experience the final showing of the recently extremely limited release of "Roger Waters: Live From Prague-This Is Not A Drill" on Sunday. Was stunning. Waters always puts on an incredible show. Hopefully there will be another longer run because I'm already ready to see it again. I highly recommend seeing it if it does come around your neck of the woods.

Sorry for the diversion Dr. Oct...

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

97. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart (233 points)

@timschochet #1
@Mister CIA #9
@New Binky the Doormat #16
@zamboni #36
@Mookie Gizzy #60

One vote for Mandolin Wind here

Just about anything off this album would be good - I would go with a "cover" no less! "(I Know) I'm Losing You"

I love me some Temptations but man - this is just so good.

I wouldn't let y'all tie my shoes. Maggie May for me. Over to @timschochet for the exclamation!

your mom ties my shoes for me.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

102. Bridge over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel (213 points)

@Psychopav #17
@Snoopy #23
@timschochet #23
@Idiot Boxer #42
@Ilov80s #57
@zamboni #58
@rockaction #64

Bridge Over Troubled Water is the fifth and final studio album by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The album was released on January 26, 1970 through Columbia Records. Following the duo's soundtrack for The Graduate, Art Garfunkel took an acting role in the film Catch-22, while Paul Simon worked on the songs, writing all tracks except Felice and Boudleaux Bryant's "Bye Bye Love" (previously a hit for the Everly Brothers).

What a great album. I even like "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright", usually (although I didn't when I first heard it).

Of course the album includes not one but two indisputable all time great songs in the title track and "The Boxer", but I love so much about this album. I'd love to hear opinions but I am inclined to go with either "The Only Living Boy in New York" or "Keep the Customer Satisfied" as the playlist choice.

Trivia time again: the song "Cecilia" was actually inspired by writer's block. St. Cecilia, you see, is the patron saint of musicians and the singer is expressing his frustration and ultimate happiness when Cecilia abandons him in the songwriting process and then returns to bless him once again. Listen to the song with this meaning in mind and it sheds a whole new light on the lyrics.

The Only Living Boy in NY would be my choice for a song that’s not one of the 2 biggies

I have never heard this track despite Only Living Boy in New Cross being my favourite Carter track. Similarly I have never heard Cecilia, although I have heard Suggs' cover version

The dude from Madness covered Cecilia?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

96. So – Peter Gabriel (237 points)

@Idiot Boxer #16
@Dr. Octopus #27
@Mt. Man #30
@Nick Vermeil #36
@New Binky the Doormat #51
@Yo Mama #53
@Juxtatarot #58
@Psychopav #60

So is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel, released on 19 May 1986 by Charisma Records, Virgin Records and Geffen Records. After working on the soundtrack to the film Birdy (1984), producer Daniel Lanois was invited to remain at Gabriel's Somerset home during 1985 to work on his next solo project. Initial sessions for So consisted of Gabriel, Lanois and guitarist David Rhodes, although these grew to include a number of percussionists.

Although Gabriel continued to use the pioneering Fairlight CMI digital sampling synthesizer, songs from these sessions were less experimental than his previous material. Nevertheless, Gabriel drew on various musical influences, fusing pop, soul, and art rock with elements of traditional world music, particularly African and Brazilian styles. It is Gabriel's first non-eponymous album, So representing an "anti-title" that resulted from label pressure to "properly" market his music. Gabriel toured So on the This Way Up tour (1986–1987), with some songs performed at human rights and charity concerts during this period.

I went to a private school for suburban rich kids (graduated 1989). Perhaps the two most popular albums among my classmates in high school were So and Kick.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

95. Machine Head – Deep Purple (241 points)

@Mookie Gizzy #10
@BroncoFreak_2K3 #21
@Val Rannous #21
@New Binky the Doormat #37
@Mt. Man #44
@Atomic Punk #52



Machine Head is the sixth studio album by English rock band Deep Purple. It was recorded in December 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland, and released on 30 March 1972, by Purple Records. It is the band's third album to feature the Mark II line-up of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice.

Previous recording sessions had been slotted into the group's gigging schedule. This time, Deep Purple wanted to dedicate time to record an album away from the typical studio environment, hoping it would result in a sound closer to their live shows.

This made my 71-100 list. I don’t think keyboard-based hard rock/heavy metal has been done better. RIP Jon Lord.

 

[jwb]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

Good showing by the boys here.

I'm partial to either Almost Cut My Hair or Woodstock - get the whole band in.

 

[zamboni]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

Two of Neil’s best songs are on here. Helpless is one of my favorite songs, period and Country Girl is a hidden gem. My old college girlfriend loved Country Girl and sang it in a nice sultry voice.

Big overlooked miss by me. Country Girl, as you mentioned, and Almost Cut My Hair are my favorites off it.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

Oh cool, it’s jwb’s pick. It’s Helpless, yes?

Rankings in my Neil countdown:

Helpless 5
Country Girl 103
Everybody I Love You (co-written with Stills) 139

In addition I ranked the outtake Birds, which ended up on After the Gold Rush, at #35, and the outtake Sea of Madness, which appeared on the Woodstock soundtrack in a live version that was not actually recorded at Woodstock, at #70.

In that thread I also discussed Neil’s incredible guitar playing on Woodstock, Almost Cut My Hair and the live version of Carry On that appears on Four Way Street.

The record as a whole is a triumph of songcraft and performance from all four principals. It sounds so “easy” but was incredibly hard to make — Stephen Stills spent an ungodly amount of hours in the studio to get that sound.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

Good showing by the boys here.

I'm partial to either Almost Cut My Hair or Woodstock - get the whole band in.

Those would be good choices too. There is only one song I would argue against, but a lot of people think it is very very fine.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

126. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere – Neil Young (183 points)

@timschochet #22
@jwb #23
@Dr. Octopus #23
@rockaction #33

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is the second studio album by Canadian-American musician Neil Young, released in May 1969 on Reprise Records, catalogue number RS 6349. His first with longtime backing band Crazy Horse, it emerged as a sleeper hit amid Young's contemporaneous success with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, ultimately peaking at number 34 on the US Billboard 200 in August 1970 during a 98-week chart stay. It has been certified platinum by the RIAA.

The album is on the list of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. In 2003, the album was ranked number 208 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and at number 407 in the 2020 edition. Additionally, it was voted number 124 in the third edition of Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000).

The Neilness of it all really started here. He had to share control with others in Buffalo Springfield, and his first solo album has good songs but an approach to producing and arranging that was typical of the trends of the time but not really what Neil was most comfortable with.

Here, he is in his element, developing the sound that made him a force on FM radio and eventually earning him the title of Godfather of Grunge. Both the stomping rock of the first two tracks and the freewheeling improvisation of both side closers (another album that ranks with LA Woman and Zeppelin IV for best pair of side closers) set the template for his approach to electric music and were monumentally influential to aspiring rockers everywhere.

So why isn’t this on my list? I can’t overload with Neil and had to make some tough choices. But the main reason is that I don’t think the other three songs are anything special.

Here’s how I ranked the EKTIN songs in my Neil countdown:

Down by the River 3
Cowgirl in the Sand 9
Cinnamon Girl 21
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere 26
The Losing End (When You’re On) 176
Round and Round (It Won’t Be Long) 186

I did not rank the seventh track, which I actively dislike.

These sessions and the tour for the album also produced Winterlong (#83), Dance, Dance, Dance (#151), Wonderin’ (#187) and a song that showed up on an album that we are sure to see later.

The mystery song from my final sentence is Helpless.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

Good showing by the boys here.

I'm partial to either Almost Cut My Hair or Woodstock - get the whole band in.

I added Woodstock, since I like that better than Almost Cut My Hair.
The entire album is one great song after another really.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

CSNY’s version of Woodstock would have been my #2 song in the covers countdown had it been available on Spotify at the time.

 

[Psychopav]

102. Bridge over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel (213 points)

@Psychopav #17
@Snoopy #23
@timschochet #23
@Idiot Boxer #42
@Ilov80s #57
@zamboni #58
@rockaction #64

Bridge Over Troubled Water is the fifth and final studio album by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The album was released on January 26, 1970 through Columbia Records. Following the duo's soundtrack for The Graduate, Art Garfunkel took an acting role in the film Catch-22, while Paul Simon worked on the songs, writing all tracks except Felice and Boudleaux Bryant's "Bye Bye Love" (previously a hit for the Everly Brothers).

I decided to go with "Keep the Customer Satisfied" since it's a nice earworm and we already have a slow Simon song with a similar theme in "Homeward Bound". Plus it has the little added bonus of what I like to call the "Elvis Outro".

 

[Pip's Invitation]

259 (tie). Fantastic Planet – Failure (105 points)

@Pip's Invitation #12
@landrys hat #25

Fantastic Planet is the third album by the American alternative rock band Failure, released on August 13, 1996, by Slash Records and Warner Bros. Records. It was the last album released on Slash Records prior to its acquisition by London Recordings in 1996.

The album was produced by Failure themselves in a process that took longer than their previous two albums, with each song being recorded and produced soon after being written. Space rock themes are present in the lyrics, as well as various indirect references to drug addiction, drug-related experiences, and prostitution. The album is cyclical, in that the chiming sound effect which ends the final track "Daylight" begins the opening track "Saturday Saviour", and was the beginning of a system of numerically designated segues in Failure's studio work, which would continue on later albums

This is a '70s epic disguised as '90s "alternative rock." It is every bit as ambitious, well-conceived, well-crafted and sonically awesome as your top-tier Zeppelin and Floyd records. And it succeeded wildly on every level except commercially (though it did outsell their first two albums and its single "Stuck on You" gained airplay on "modern rock" radio stations.) If there's such a thing as grunge-prog, this is it.

I happened upon Failure in 1994 when they were opening for Tool in support of their second record Magnified. I was instantly charmed by their sound and immediately bought and loved Magnified, which is kind of an embryonic version of Fantastic Planet. When I first heard Fantastic Planet, my entire senses turned to jelly; I had thought this kind of sonic experimentation was dead.

Failure was unable to capitalize on their artistic accomplishment because of tension between songwriters Ken Andrews and Greg Edwards, exacerbated by Edwards' out-of-control heroin habit (though Andrews has admitted that he was going through his own issues at the time as well), and they broke up after the tour to promote Fantastic Planet concluded in 1997.

But in some corners, the band's achievement was appreciated, and the album developed a cult following, which expanded after A Perfect Circle covered one of its songs, "The Nurse Who Loved Me". (There's that Tool connection again.)

Andrews and Edwards reconnected in 2013 and decided to book a reunion gig in their hometown of LA, not thinking anyone would care. It sold out in minutes. That led to the revival of the band for numerous tours (including a 20th anniversary tour for Fantastic Planet in 2016, at which the album was played in its entirety) and three albums that approach Fantastic Planet in quality. A documentary about the band directed by Andrews, Every Time You Lose Your Mind, is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. I need to get around to watching that soon.

I took the penultimate track "Heliotropic," which occupies some magnificent territory in between prog and stoner rock, in krista's US countdown and have added it to the playlist.

Heliotropic

Failure · Fantastic Planet · Song · 1996

open.spotify.com

Other favorites include the hard rocker Sergeant Politeness

Sergeant Politeness

Failure · Fantastic Planet · Song · 1996

open.spotify.com

The emotional and well-covered The Nurse Who Loved Me

The Nurse Who Loved Me

Failure · Fantastic Planet · Song · 1996

open.spotify.com

and the epic closer Daylight

Daylight

Failure · Fantastic Planet · Song · 1996

open.spotify.com

“Stuck on You” from this album was named to Far Out’s list of “Songs That Sound Like They Are From Another Planet “.

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/five-songs-from-another-planet/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL07ahleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhGdEmAlZbS3Dofp5C3jN4PVm_QKIDtQHdPiCxD5edAJq1Ijhv6qVHNF0pfw_aem_YqWmjayMFshBzBoUeXt2uQ

 

[Ilov80s]

The converse of me thinking Bob Marley’s Exodus was a greatest hits album, it wasn’t until relatively recently that I figured out CSNY’s So Far was a greatest hits and not just an album. For 20 years I had that in my mind as one the 10 best albums ever put out. No idea why I didn’t realize what it was, I just didn’t.

 

[Mt. Man]

119 (tie). Jar of Flies – Alice in Chains (196 points)

Hey, look, more acoustic AiC! This time in EP form. At least technically, as this is over 30 minutes. Only 7 songs and I ranked this way high because I love every second of it,, so let me look at each of them briefly. Especially since I’ve been encouraged to occasionally gush about everything on an album.

Rotten Apple: The long song (just shy of 7 minutes) of the group, about the loss of innocence.
Nutshell: A completely introspective song, as shown by lyrics like “If I can’t be my own, I’d feel better dead”
I Stay Away: Lots of harmonization and a string quartet for backup, with a very powerful chorus
No Excuses: Catchy, rather straightforward song about accepting people (/yourself) as things are.
Whale & Wasp: Guitar-heavy instrumental which shows off the talent of Cantrell (and Inez)
Don’t Follow: As mentioned, my favorite AiC song. Fantastic harmonization, soft and sentimental.
Swing On This: Actually has some swing in it. Definitely a fun, energetic song.

 

[Ghost Rider]

96. So – Peter Gabriel (237 points)

@Idiot Boxer #16
@Dr. Octopus #27
@Mt. Man #30
@Nick Vermeil #36
@New Binky the Doormat #51
@Yo Mama #53
@Juxtatarot #58
@Psychopav #60

So is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel, released on 19 May 1986 by Charisma Records, Virgin Records and Geffen Records. After working on the soundtrack to the film Birdy (1984), producer Daniel Lanois was invited to remain at Gabriel's Somerset home during 1985 to work on his next solo project. Initial sessions for So consisted of Gabriel, Lanois and guitarist David Rhodes, although these grew to include a number of percussionists.

Although Gabriel continued to use the pioneering Fairlight CMI digital sampling synthesizer, songs from these sessions were less experimental than his previous material. Nevertheless, Gabriel drew on various musical influences, fusing pop, soul, and art rock with elements of traditional world music, particularly African and Brazilian styles. It is Gabriel's first non-eponymous album, So representing an "anti-title" that resulted from label pressure to "properly" market his music. Gabriel toured So on the This Way Up tour (1986–1987), with some songs performed at human rights and charity concerts during this period.

I went to a private school for suburban rich kids (graduated 1989). Perhaps the two most popular albums among my classmates in high school were So and Kick.

I swear, I am one of the rare big solo Peter Gabriel fans who doesn't have mad love for So. It has a few tracks I find pretty skippable and I didn't like Don't Give Up that much until I heard the live version with Paula Cole (I just don't like Kate Bush's voice). Mercy Street and Red Rain are certainly amazing, and the three bit hits are all very nice, though.

 

[kupcho1]

We're about 10 picks out from my favorite of the mangled album names.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

We're about 10 picks out from my favorite of the mangled album names.

When I was compiling some albums for tomorrow’s feature I fixed two (typo) mistakes in album names that showed it didn’t match with anyone when I know those albums had many mentions. So two albums moved up a bit more. They were albums yet to come at least.

 

[jwb]

94. Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (244 points)


@jwb #18
@Snoopy #25
@Dr. Octopus #26
@Long Ball Larry #41
@Pip's Invitation #45
@Atomic Punk #48
@New Binky the Doormat #50


Déjà Vu, is the second studio album by American folk rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash, and their first as a quartet with Neil Young. Released on March 11, 1970, by Atlantic Records, it topped the Billboard 200 chart for one week and generated three US Top 40 singles: "Woodstock", "Teach Your Children", and "Our House". It was re-released in 1977 and an expanded edition was released in 2021 to mark its fiftieth anniversary.

In 2003, the album was ranked No. 148 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and later was ranked No. 220 on the 2020 edition of the list. Certified 7× platinum by RIAA, the album's sales currently sit at over 8 million copies. It remains the highest-selling album of each member's career to date

Good showing by the boys here.

I'm partial to either Almost Cut My Hair or Woodstock - get the whole band in.

I added Woodstock, since I like that better than Almost Cut My Hair.
The entire album is one great song after another really.

Cool. Woodstock is a great song.

 

[jwb]

CSNY’s version of Woodstock would have been my #2 song in the covers countdown had it been available on Spotify at the time.

I left Spotify when Neil and the gang left, as they were all over many of my playlists. Went to Apple, and my wife and I do the two-person plan so I've adapted (still like spotify's Windows app better). I sometimes rejoin for a month or so when we do these countdowns.

 

[Mister CIA]

97. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart (233 points)

@timschochet #1
@Mister CIA #9
@New Binky the Doormat #16
@zamboni #36
@Mookie Gizzy #60

One vote for Mandolin Wind here

Just about anything off this album would be good - I would go with a "cover" no less! "(I Know) I'm Losing You"

I love me some Temptations but man - this is just so good.

I wouldn't let y'all tie my shoes. Maggie May for me. Over to @timschochet for the exclamation!

your mom ties my shoes for me.

They were velcro, and you needed help.

 

[timschochet]

97. Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart (233 points)

@timschochet #1
@Mister CIA #9
@New Binky the Doormat #16
@zamboni #36
@Mookie Gizzy #60

Every Picture Tells a Story is the third studio album by British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, released on 28 May 1971, by Mercury Records. It incorporates hard rock, folk, and blues styles. It went to number one on both the UK and US charts and finished third in the Jazz & Pop critics' poll for best album of 1971. It has been an enduring critical success, including being ranked number 172 on Rolling Stone's 2003 list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", repositioned to number 177 in the 2020 revision.

Obviously my favorite album of all time. I will go with the absolutely sublime “Mandolin Wind”. And I love ya. Yes indeed and I love ya.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

96. So – Peter Gabriel (237 points)

@Idiot Boxer #16
@Dr. Octopus #27
@Mt. Man #30
@Nick Vermeil #36
@New Binky the Doormat #51
@Yo Mama #53
@Juxtatarot #58
@Psychopav #60

So is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel, released on 19 May 1986 by Charisma Records, Virgin Records and Geffen Records. After working on the soundtrack to the film Birdy (1984), producer Daniel Lanois was invited to remain at Gabriel's Somerset home during 1985 to work on his next solo project. Initial sessions for So consisted of Gabriel, Lanois and guitarist David Rhodes, although these grew to include a number of percussionists.

Although Gabriel continued to use the pioneering Fairlight CMI digital sampling synthesizer, songs from these sessions were less experimental than his previous material. Nevertheless, Gabriel drew on various musical influences, fusing pop, soul, and art rock with elements of traditional world music, particularly African and Brazilian styles. It is Gabriel's first non-eponymous album, So representing an "anti-title" that resulted from label pressure to "properly" market his music. Gabriel toured So on the This Way Up tour (1986–1987), with some songs performed at human rights and charity concerts during this period.

Let’s go with Don’t Give Up