Consensus Top 350 Albums of All-Time: 58. Master of Puppets – Metallica (187 Viewers)

[Don Quixote]

I am confused I thought Wu Tang was already on the list and we added Protect Your Neck? Or was this a recalculation due to a missing vote?

Post in thread 'Consensus Top 350 Albums of All-Time: 58. Master of Puppets – Metallica'

Jul 7, 2025

331 (tie). Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) – Wu Tang Clan (80 points)

@SayChowda #2
@Ilov80s #60

Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is the debut studio album by the American hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, released on November 9, 1993, by Loud Records and RCA Records. The recording sessions took place during late 1992 to early 1993 at Firehouse Studio in New York City, and the album was produced by the group's de facto leader RZA. Its title originates from the martial arts films Enter the Dragon (1973) and...

• Dr. Octopus

• 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

174 (tie). Music from Big Pink – The Band (138 points)

@zamboni #21
@turnjose7 #30
@Don Quixote #40
@timschochet #58
@Pip's Invitation #68

Music from Big Pink is the debut studio album by the Canadian-American rock band the Band. Released on July 1, 1968, by Capitol Records, it employs a distinctive blend of country, rock, folk, classical, R&B, blues, and soul. The album's title refers to a house in West Saugerties, New York called "Big Pink", which was shared by bassist/singer Rick Danko, pianist/singer Richard Manuel and keyboardist Garth Hudson and in which the album's music was partly composed. The album itself was recorded at A & R Recording in New York and Capitol Studios in Los Angeles in early 1968, and followed the band's stint backing Bob Dylan on his 1966 tour (as the Hawks) and time spent together in upstate New York recording material that was officially released in 1975 as The Basement Tapes, also with Dylan. The cover artwork is a painting by Dylan. In 2000, the album was re-released with additional outtakes from the recording sessions, and in 2018, a "50th Anniversary Super Deluxe" edition was released with a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain.

Basically the birthplace of "Americana". There's more to it than that, though. It's a heartfelt and dynamic record that features incredible interplay by the band's three main vocalists, and it established Robbie Robertson as one of his generation's premier songwriters.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I guess it's very states-centric to me to find it odd that a Canadian band is the birthplace of Americana.

 

[titusbramble]

I guess it's very states-centric to me to find it odd that a Canadian band is the birthplace of Americana.

I also wonder if this is not the last Americana we see

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I am confused I thought Wu Tang was already on the list and we added Protect Your Neck? Or was this a recalculation due to a missing vote?

Long Ball Larry pointed out he had it ranked high on his list but called the album "Enter the 36 Chambers" so it went back in the pot until now.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I guess it's very states-centric to me to find it odd that a Canadian band is the birthplace of Americana.

It was all about Levon Helm.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I guess it's very states-centric to me to find it odd that a Canadian band is the birthplace of Americana.

North Americana?

(And they were 1/5 American thanks to Levon Helm.)

 

[KarmaPolice]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Their cover is fantastic - such a jam.

 

[Ilov80s]

I guess it's very states-centric to me to find it odd that a Canadian band is the birthplace of Americana.

North Americana?

(And they were 1/5 American thanks to Levon Helm.)

Yeah but I think we all know Americana is really about the roots music from the US, particularly the South. It's just an odd coincidence that the band that did it first and best was mostly Canadian.

 

[krista4]

174 (tie). Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots – The Flaming Lips (138 points)

@Juxtatarot #24
@kupcho1 #38
@Dr. Octopus #41
@Scoresman #43

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is the tenth studio album by American rock band the Flaming Lips, released on July 16, 2002, by Warner Bros. Records. The album saw the band pursue a more electronic direction than previous efforts, incorporating acoustic guitars and rhythms influenced by hip hop and top 40 music. The album was well-received critically and commercially, helping the band break into popularity, and was adapted into a musical in 2012. In 2022, the band announced a 20th anniversary box set version of the album and that they would perform the album in full twice in early 2023.

Hmph. Would have sworn I had this, and probably top half. Another mystery deletion by me.

You had another album by the same band listed, but not this one.

Yeah, I meant to have them both. I actually prefer this one slightly to the other.

 

[KarmaPolice]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Their cover is fantastic - such a jam.

I don't share your high praise, but its a quality cover. I still skip it if I am listening to the album though, so I had to give others of theirs the votes for this.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Rethink that plural: Of the seven CCR original albums, only one has no covers.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Their cover is fantastic - such a jam.

I don't share your high praise, but its a quality cover. I still skip it if I am listening to the album though, so I had to give others of theirs the votes for this.

Thank god KP didn't grow up in the 50s/60s when most songs were cover songs.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Rethink that plural: Of the seven CCR original albums, only one has no covers.

If a cover song falls in the woods...

 

[Pip's Invitation]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Their cover is fantastic - such a jam.

I don't share your high praise, but its a quality cover. I still skip it if I am listening to the album though, so I had to give others of theirs the votes for this.

Thank god KP didn't grow up in the 50s/60s when most songs were cover songs.

He would have listened to Buddy Holly and nothing else.

 

[Don Quixote]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Their cover is fantastic - such a jam.

I don't share your high praise, but its a quality cover. I still skip it if I am listening to the album though, so I had to give others of theirs the votes for this.

Thank god KP didn't grow up in the 50s/60s when most songs were cover songs.

He would have listened to Buddy Holly and nothing else.

Would have skipped by Rave On though.

 

[Psychopav]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Their cover is fantastic - such a jam.

I don't share your high praise, but its a quality cover. I still skip it if I am listening to the album though, so I had to give others of theirs the votes for this.

Does this have anything to do with raisins? Would you have skipped it in the 70s, I wonder?

 

[KarmaPolice]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Rethink that plural: Of the seven CCR original albums, only one has no covers.

I'm aware. I am 2 for 2 with albums of theirs with a cover as well. They are short and 1 I dont love but it doesn't bother me as much since it's about 3min.

Grapevine is just not a song I loved to begin with, it got played to me in commercials and such, and it's too long for my ears.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Rethink that plural: Of the seven CCR original albums, only one has no covers.

I'm aware. I am 2 for 2 with albums of theirs with a cover as well. They are short and 1 I dont love but it doesn't bother me as much since it's about 3min.

Grapevine is just not a song I loved to begin with, it got played to me in commercials and such, and it's too long for my ears.

You don't like the Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight versions? YOU MONSTER!

 

[KarmaPolice]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

Their cover is fantastic - such a jam.

I don't share your high praise, but its a quality cover. I still skip it if I am listening to the album though, so I had to give others of theirs the votes for this.

Thank god KP didn't grow up in the 50s/60s when most songs were cover songs.

Hey, I just got scolded in the other thread for posting something similar!

 

[Mt. Man]

180 (tie). Sublime – Sublime (136 points)

Sublime was an artist I got introduced to through an earlier album, though it's the self-titled third album that's the strong one for me. Here are the bigger hits, though I still really enjoy "What I Got" and "Wrong Way". Not to mention that I usually sing along with "Santeria" when it comes on the radio, even though I hear it pretty often. Though there are some deeper cuts I enjoy just as much. I'm definitely good with "Santeria", but I'd also be behind "Burritos" as a deeper cut. Or "Doin' Time, complete with its partial use of "Summertime". I should throw "Pawn Shop" and "Caress Me Down" (who's lyrics on the album, IIRC, read simply 'Learn Spanish') some love too.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Yep. Which is why I'd vote for "Run Through The Jungle".

No idea about Mr R. I'll ask him when he gets back.

Edit- Mr R likes Travelin' Band.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Hmm, i wonder why other CCR albums got my vote over this one.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

171. Live at Leeds – The Who (141 points)

@Mister CIA #13
@turnjose7 #20
@New Binky the Doormat #39

Live at Leeds is the first live album by the English rock band the Who, recorded at the University of Leeds Refectory on 14 February 1970 and released on 11 May 1970, by Decca and MCA in the United States and by Track and Polydor in the United Kingdom. It is the band's only live album that was recorded with the classic line-up of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

170. The Soft Bulletin – The Flaming Lips (143 points)

@Dreaded Marco #25
@Pip's Invitation #30
@Mister CIA #51
@krista4 #47
@Juxtatarot #59

The Soft Bulletin is the ninth studio album by American rock band the Flaming Lips, released by Warner Bros. Records on May 17, 1999, in the United Kingdom, and on June 22, 1999, in the United States. The album was released to widespread acclaim, and was hailed by critics as a departure from their previous guitar-heavy alternative rock sound into a more layered, intricately arranged work.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

@KarmaPolice hates the song "Cover Me" - it's my second favorite on the album after "Bobby Jean".

 

[Atomic Punk]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Yep. Which is why I'd vote for "Run Through The Jungle".

No idea about Mr R. I'll ask him when he gets back.

Edit- Mr R likes Travelin' Band.

Sorry Mr. R, I’m going with Run Through the Jungle mainly for the above mentioned connection to my granddaughter … with a shout out to the very simple Long as I Can See the Light, which always stops me in my tracks from whatever I’m doing.

 

[rockaction]

172. Pink Moon – Nick Drake (140 points)

@rockaction #34
@zamboni #37
@shuke #44
@krista4 #53
@Ilov80s #53
@Long Ball Larry #67
@timschochet #69

Pink Moon is the third and final studio album by the English musician Nick Drake, released in the UK by Island Records on 25 February 1972. It was the only one of Drake's studio albums to be released in North America during his lifetime. Pink Moon differs from Drake's previous albums in that it was recorded without a backing band, featuring just Drake on vocals, acoustic guitar and a single piano melody overdubbed onto the title track.

Pink Moon, like Drake's previous studio albums, did not sell well during his lifetime, and its stripped-back, intimate sound received a mixed response from critics. However, the album has since garnered significant critical acclaim, appearing on a number of best-of lists.

Oh wow. I'd of course love there to be discussion but don't want it to overwhelm the thread or the guy having to make the final decision. I vote for Captain Obvious because if one hadn't heard the album until the famous commercial with one's cool friends, one might have never even heard of the man.

So I'd vote "Pink Moon" but if there are strong opinions among the group then I will defer. I'm looking to introduce people to him. The rest of the album is also haunting and beautiful, but really, I think "Pink Moon" is the song to play your friends if they're skeptical of emotive or contemplative singer/songwriters (like I am).

eta* I really love "Place To Be," "Road," and "Which Will" because if one listens to "Pink Moon" enough, eventually one hears those as well just from letting the album run. In fact, the first side of this album ran itself to where the whole album became #34 in my heart for this exercise (my heart, heh). I love those songs just mentioned and the rest of the whole album. Which is, as I think while I type, sort of an argument for how good of a song "Pink Moon" actually is.

 

[Ilov80s]

172. Pink Moon – Nick Drake (140 points)

@rockaction #34
@zamboni #37
@shuke #44
@krista4 #53
@Ilov80s #53
@Long Ball Larry #67
@timschochet #69

Pink Moon is the third and final studio album by the English musician Nick Drake, released in the UK by Island Records on 25 February 1972. It was the only one of Drake's studio albums to be released in North America during his lifetime. Pink Moon differs from Drake's previous albums in that it was recorded without a backing band, featuring just Drake on vocals, acoustic guitar and a single piano melody overdubbed onto the title track.

Pink Moon, like Drake's previous studio albums, did not sell well during his lifetime, and its stripped-back, intimate sound received a mixed response from critics. However, the album has since garnered significant critical acclaim, appearing on a number of best-of lists.

Oh wow. I'd of course love there to be discussion but don't want it to overwhelm the thread or the guy having to make the final decision. I vote for Captain Obvious because if one hadn't heard the album until the famous commercial with one's cool friends, one might have never even heard of the man.

So I'd vote "Pink Moon" but if there are strong opinions among the group then I will defer. I'm looking to introduce people to him. The rest of the album is also haunting and beautiful, but really, I think "Pink Moon" is the song to play your friends if they're skeptical of emotive or contemplative singer/songwriters (like I am).

eta* I really love "Place To Be," "Road," and "Which Will" because if one listens to "Pink Moon" enough, eventually one hears those as well just from letting the album run. In fact, the first side of this album ran itself to where the whole album became #34 in my heart for this exercise (my heart, heh). I love those songs and it. Which is sort of an argument for how good "Pink Moon" as a song actually is.

I am also team Pink Moon. You were the highest voter so I think it's your call. It's his signature song and there may be people here who aren't familiar with Nick Drake. This is really the best introduction as you point out.

 

[rockaction]

I'd also like to point out that this rockaction guy has a ton of hip-hop and non-rock albums on his countdown. Heh. Two non-rockers in the top five and maybe more in the top ten.

 

[Dennis Castro]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

For my sixth selection, let’s go with Darlington County.

 

[rockaction]

172. Pink Moon – Nick Drake (140 points)

@rockaction #34
@zamboni #37
@shuke #44
@krista4 #53
@Ilov80s #53
@Long Ball Larry #67
@timschochet #69

Pink Moon is the third and final studio album by the English musician Nick Drake, released in the UK by Island Records on 25 February 1972. It was the only one of Drake's studio albums to be released in North America during his lifetime. Pink Moon differs from Drake's previous albums in that it was recorded without a backing band, featuring just Drake on vocals, acoustic guitar and a single piano melody overdubbed onto the title track.

Pink Moon, like Drake's previous studio albums, did not sell well during his lifetime, and its stripped-back, intimate sound received a mixed response from critics. However, the album has since garnered significant critical acclaim, appearing on a number of best-of lists.

Oh wow. I'd of course love there to be discussion but don't want it to overwhelm the thread or the guy having to make the final decision. I vote for Captain Obvious because if one hadn't heard the album until the famous commercial with one's cool friends, one might have never even heard of the man.

So I'd vote "Pink Moon" but if there are strong opinions among the group then I will defer. I'm looking to introduce people to him. The rest of the album is also haunting and beautiful, but really, I think "Pink Moon" is the song to play your friends if they're skeptical of emotive or contemplative singer/songwriters (like I am).

eta* I really love "Place To Be," "Road," and "Which Will" because if one listens to "Pink Moon" enough, eventually one hears those as well just from letting the album run. In fact, the first side of this album ran itself to where the whole album became #34 in my heart for this exercise (my heart, heh). I love those songs and it. Which is sort of an argument for how good "Pink Moon" as a song actually is.

I am also team Pink Moon. You were the highest voter so I think it's your call. It's his signature song and there mayb be people here who aren't familiar with Nick Drake. This is really the best introduction as you point out.

Thanks, man. I know I'm the high voter; I'm just thinking if the group had a nearly unanimous strong feeling about a different song I'd defer. I also love the discussion aspect (and maybe I'll learn something from it from anyone here chiming in or even lurking who has not thought to comment before but is passionate about this record or artist) so I didn't just want to trammel over everybody who might have an opinion. This whole first side is incredible. "Horn" where (I think) he's using harmonics with no vox is pretty damn beautiful, too, as is "Things Behind The Sun."

It's all incredible.

I'm wondering if everybody knows about the "Five Leaves Left" box set they just put out. Maybe @krista4 or @simey knows of it or is interested in it. Do not buy from Amazon if interested. It's $180 for the vinyl and you can get it here for $85 as of now with quality shipping (Amazon records often come damaged or warped, and I have nothing against Amazon in any way, either—it's just unfortunately true).

Nick Drake: The Making of Five Leaves Left Vinyl 4LP Boxset - PRE-ORDERVinyl 4LP Boxset

Buy Nick Drake: The Making of Five Leaves Left Vinyl 4LP Boxset at TurntableLab.com, a Better Music Store Experience since 1999.

www.turntablelab.com

 

[Dwayne_Castro]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

I was surprised that only three of us voted for this album, but then again, I understand that the Boss is somewhat controversial in this realm.

With that said, BITUSA saved Springsteen’s career. The record company had him on a short leash and were likely to drop him if he put out another (seemingly) lackluster album. What he released was one of the top selling albums of the decade. It helped that many Americans rallied behind the title track despite it being a protest song.

 

[Ilov80s]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

I was surprised that only three of us voted for this album, but then again, I understand that the Boss is somewhat controversial in this realm.

With that said, BITUSA saved Springsteen’s career. The record company had him on a short leash and were likely to drop him if he put out another (seemingly) lackluster album. What he released was one of the top selling albums of the decade. It helped that many Americans rallied behind the title track despite it being a protest song.

I love the Boss but there just is an album of his I greatly prefer that I assume is still to come.

 

[Mt. Man]

174 (tie). Songs For The Deaf – Queens of the Stone Age (138 points)

We'll see if other QotSA albums show up. At least one other was pretty close, but this was the only one I ranked. This is the first QotSA album with Dave Grohl on drums, though it's still Gene Trautmann on 2 of the tracks. As Doc Octopus mentioned, it's a loose interpretation of a concept album. A journey through the desert with clips from radio stations (fake ones, though you can tell the clips are mocking existing channels) as interstitials.

There are plenty of hits, with songs that very much deserve their stature. "No One Knows" is a powerful song that hooks you right from the guitar intro. "First It Giveth" gets pounded into your head, in a best way possible. "Go with the Flow" is pure energy and groove, a ride I heavily enjoy over and over again. Past those huge hits are songs like the rather introspective "The Sky Is Fallin'". The fantastic harmonization between Homme and Mark Lanegan in "Hangin' Tree". The almost Jock Rock quality of "Do it Again". All ending with "Mosquito Song", an acoustic 'hidden track' that I have a ton of love for.

Anyway, what I'm saying is that there are few to no wrong answers here. I might lean slightly towards "Go With The Flow" foremost, or "Mosquito Song" of the deeper cuts. But titusbramble deserves the final call.

 

[Atomic Punk]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

I was surprised that only three of us voted for this album, but then again, I understand that the Boss is somewhat controversial in this realm.

With that said, BITUSA saved Springsteen’s career. The record company had him on a short leash and were likely to drop him if he put out another (seemingly) lackluster album. What he released was one of the top selling albums of the decade. It helped that many Americans rallied behind the title track despite it being a protest song.

I’d put at least three of his albums over this one … love the Boss!

 

[Dwayne_Castro]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

I was surprised that only three of us voted for this album, but then again, I understand that the Boss is somewhat controversial in this realm.

With that said, BITUSA saved Springsteen’s career. The record company had him on a short leash and were likely to drop him if he put out another (seemingly) lackluster album. What he released was one of the top selling albums of the decade. It helped that many Americans rallied behind the title track despite it being a protest song.

I love the Boss but there just is an album of his I greatly prefer that I assume is still to come.

I have another one of his that has not been shown. I hope it will be a while before we see it.

 

[Mister CIA]

171. Live at Leeds – The Who (141 points)

@Mister CIA #13
@turnjose7 #20
@New Binky the Doormat #39

Live at Leeds is the first live album by the English rock band the Who, recorded at the University of Leeds Refectory on 14 February 1970 and released on 11 May 1970, by Decca and MCA in the United States and by Track and Polydor in the United Kingdom. It is the band's only live album that was recorded with the classic line-up of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon.

Any Todd Margaret fans in the house?

What do you think fellas? I'm partial to all of it. 15-minute version of My Generation might wear thin on sensitive ears.

 

[KarmaPolice]

167 (tie). Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (146 points)

@Dennis Castro #17
@Dwayne_Castro #18
@ConstruxBoy #32

Born in the U.S.A. is the seventh studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, through Columbia Records. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt, and Chuck Plotkin, the album was recorded in New York City with the E Street Band over two years between January 1982 and March 1984. Some of the songs originated from the demo tape that yielded Springsteen's previous album, the solo effort Nebraska (1982), while others were written afterward. The sessions yielded between 70 and 90 songs; some were released as B-sides, some later saw release on compilation albums, while others remain unreleased.

@KarmaPolice hates the song "Cover Me" - it's my second favorite on the album after "Bobby Jean".

 

[rockaction]

Oh, and I'm not going to do a personal background blurb about the album Pink Moon or Nick Drake because others know his story (and the album's story) really well and despite having done some reading about it I'm not too comfortable as any sort of even imagined authority about the album, its artist, and the creation and eventual hugeness of it. (If you're interested after reading the following, do listen to it—you might love it.) This comes from a guy who normally doesn't like singer/songwriters, either.

I can say that Nick Drake was an unheralded English singer-songwriter of Burmese descent (I only put that in there because of George Orwell) who was not overly popular in his time but exploded in popularity in the '90s due to a wonderful use of the song "Pink Moon" in a Volkswagen commercial where the song plays while a car drives through a country scene on a somewhat winding road at night. The camera pans out and shows you the headlights on the car and the stars above and it's a really effective piece of commerce/art. It introduced a generation (and then some) to the song and artist, who had been forgotten about in the annals of pop culture. The album received renewed interest and became quite big for that type of seemingly melancholic singer/songwriter record. But it doesn't seem so melancholic after a few listens—it is described by the magazine Uncut in this way:

"Pink Moon was a quiet revolt. While Drake’s first two albums, Five Leaves Left (1969) and Bryter Layter (1971), were lush, orchestrated, beautifully arranged, Pink Moon was stripped bare. The only person present other than Drake during the sessions was Sound Techniques owner and engineer John Wood. Save for a brief, simple piano overdub on the title track, the album featured just Drake’s voice and guitar. The 11 songs spanned a mere 28 minutes. To describe Pink Moon as stark is to undersell its radical minimalism."

I would disagree with stark. I listen to stark music as nearly my job. This is lush compared to modern hip-hop in almost an almost any iteration of hip-hop in general (aside from jazzy, sample-heavy hip-hop). Nick Drake's incredibly dexterous finger-picked guitar work, his speciality and that which partially gave him his uniqueness (his vocals and writing round it out), gives the "stripped-down" sound an almost baroqueness amongst the quiet backdrop.

That might be why I love this album so much. What people find stark and moody strikes me as very filled-in and lush because of that guitar picking. His voice gives everything an ethereal beauty and fills in whatever is missing. Compared to his other albums that have lush string accompaniment and swells of other instruments it might seem stark, but I think those albums' instrumentation distracts from the beauty of Drake alone with his instrument. That said, I would let the reader beware: I also like the stripped down American Recordings albums of Johnny Cash and also Cash's At Folsom Prison album much better than instrumentally accompanied songs of his.

And that's the best way I can characterize this album to the new listener. It's a great experience, and it's worth the half-hour of one's time.

 

[Mister CIA]

170. The Soft Bulletin – The Flaming Lips (143 points)

@Dreaded Marco #25
@Pip's Invitation #30
@Mister CIA #51
@krista4 #47
@Juxtatarot #59

The Soft Bulletin is the ninth studio album by American rock band the Flaming Lips, released by Warner Bros. Records on May 17, 1999, in the United Kingdom, and on June 22, 1999, in the United States. The album was released to widespread acclaim, and was hailed by critics as a departure from their previous guitar-heavy alternative rock sound into a more layered, intricately arranged work.

We did it!

I'm not angling to make the pick, just sharing that my personal favorite is Suddenly Everything Has Changed. Wondering what others have as there favorite.

 

[DocHolliday]

174 (tie). Songs For The Deaf – Queens of the Stone Age (138 points)

We'll see if other QotSA albums show up. At least one other was pretty close, but this was the only one I ranked. This is the first QotSA album with Dave Grohl on drums, though it's still Gene Trautmann on 2 of the tracks. As Doc Octopus mentioned, it's a loose interpretation of a concept album. A journey through the desert with clips from radio stations (fake ones, though you can tell the clips are mocking existing channels) as interstitials.

There are plenty of hits, with songs that very much deserve their stature. "No One Knows" is a powerful song that hooks you right from the guitar intro. "First It Giveth" gets pounded into your head, in a best way possible. "Go with the Flow" is pure energy and groove, a ride I heavily enjoy over and over again. Past those huge hits are songs like the rather introspective "The Sky Is Fallin'". The fantastic harmonization between Homme and Mark Lanegan in "Hangin' Tree". The almost Jock Rock quality of "Do it Again". All ending with "Mosquito Song", an acoustic 'hidden track' that I have a ton of love for.

Anyway, what I'm saying is that there are few to no wrong answers here. I might lean slightly towards "Go With The Flow" foremost, or "Mosquito Song" of the deeper cuts. But titusbramble deserves the final call.

No One Knows gets in your head like few other songs.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Soft Bulletin was on my initial top 70 before I did a bit of tweaking; I hated leaving it off. Great album. Yoshimi, also featured today, is almost as good. Few bands are as fun to see live as the Flaming Lips.

 

[rockaction]

Shout out to Doc Oc @Dr. Octopus for the solid write-ups. Every album I've voted for—and also the ones I know—has received a very solid blurb. I just wrote a little thing on Nick Drake and realized that the central part of it (and my brief and friendly dissent from it) was covered. They help those of us that don't know the album at least get an idea of what its basic thrust is. Good work. Not too esoteric, but with a bit of information to get one started.

 

[krista4]

172. Pink Moon – Nick Drake (140 points)

@rockaction #34
@zamboni #37
@shuke #44
@krista4 #53
@Ilov80s #53
@Long Ball Larry #67
@timschochet #69

Pink Moon is the third and final studio album by the English musician Nick Drake, released in the UK by Island Records on 25 February 1972. It was the only one of Drake's studio albums to be released in North America during his lifetime. Pink Moon differs from Drake's previous albums in that it was recorded without a backing band, featuring just Drake on vocals, acoustic guitar and a single piano melody overdubbed onto the title track.

Pink Moon, like Drake's previous studio albums, did not sell well during his lifetime, and its stripped-back, intimate sound received a mixed response from critics. However, the album has since garnered significant critical acclaim, appearing on a number of best-of lists.

Oh wow. I'd of course love there to be discussion but don't want it to overwhelm the thread or the guy having to make the final decision. I vote for Captain Obvious because if one hadn't heard the album until the famous commercial with one's cool friends, one might have never even heard of the man.

So I'd vote "Pink Moon" but if there are strong opinions among the group then I will defer. I'm looking to introduce people to him. The rest of the album is also haunting and beautiful, but really, I think "Pink Moon" is the song to play your friends if they're skeptical of emotive or contemplative singer/songwriters (like I am).

eta* I really love "Place To Be," "Road," and "Which Will" because if one listens to "Pink Moon" enough, eventually one hears those as well just from letting the album run. In fact, the first side of this album ran itself to where the whole album became #34 in my heart for this exercise (my heart, heh). I love those songs and it. Which is sort of an argument for how good "Pink Moon" as a song actually is.

I am also team Pink Moon. You were the highest voter so I think it's your call. It's his signature song and there mayb be people here who aren't familiar with Nick Drake. This is really the best introduction as you point out.

Thanks, man. I know I'm the high voter; I'm just thinking if the group had a nearly unanimous strong feeling about a different song I'd defer. I also love the discussion aspect (and maybe I'll learn something from it from anyone here chiming in or even lurking who has not thought to comment before but is passionate about this record or artist) so I didn't just want to trammel over everybody who might have an opinion. This whole first side is incredible. "Horn" where (I think) he's using harmonics with no vox is pretty damn beautiful, too, as is "Things Behind The Sun."

It's all incredible.

I'm wondering if everybody knows about the "Five Leaves Left" box set they just put out. Maybe @krista4 or @simey knows of it or is interested in it. Do not buy from Amazon if interested. It's $180 for the vinyl and you can get it here for $85 as of now with quality shipping (Amazon comes damaged or warped often—I have nothing against Amazon in any way, either, it's just true).

Nick Drake: The Making of Five Leaves Left Vinyl 4LP Boxset - PRE-ORDERVinyl 4LP Boxset

Buy Nick Drake: The Making of Five Leaves Left Vinyl 4LP Boxset at TurntableLab.com, a Better Music Store Experience since 1999.

www.turntablelab.com

I didn't know about the Five Leaves Left set - thank you! That was my higher rated of his albums, even though I totally get why Pink Moon was higher overall.

 

[krista4]

We did it!

I'm not angling to make the pick, just sharing that my personal favorite is Suddenly Everything Has Changed. Wondering what others have as there favorite.

The first one that came to mind for me was the Spiderbite song. Other favorites are Waitin' for a Superman and A Spoonful Weighs a Ton. There are no wrong answers on this one for me.

On a different front, given the number of times it's been mentioned, I'm now convinced that I'm the only person who has no memory at all of Pink Moon being used in a VW ad.

 

[Val Rannous]

174 (tie). Cosmo's Factory – Creedence Clearwater Revival (138 points)

Incredible collection of songs.

Surprised this is as low as it is but still happy to see it here. The high ranking definitely has something to do with it being one of my two year old granddaughters favorite album (another one coming up later, I’m sure). Happy to get song recommendations from the other voters.

I'm fine with whatever you choose, just so long as it's a CCR song (e.g., not "I Heard It Through the Grapevine").

Yep. Which is why I'd vote for "Run Through The Jungle".

No idea about Mr R. I'll ask him when he gets back.

Edit- Mr R likes Travelin' Band.

Sorry Mr. R, I’m going with Run Through the Jungle mainly for the above mentioned connection to my granddaughter … with a shout out to the very simple Long as I Can See the Light, which always stops me in my tracks from whatever I’m doing.

Absolutely no problem, I like Run Through the Jungle as well. Excellent choice!

 

[Mister CIA]

We did it!

I'm not angling to make the pick, just sharing that my personal favorite is Suddenly Everything Has Changed. Wondering what others have as there favorite.

The first one that came to mind for me was the Spiderbite song. Other favorites are Waitin' for a Superman and A Spoonful Weighs a Ton. There are no wrong answers on this one for me.

On a different front, given the number of times it's been mentioned, I'm now convinced that I'm the only person who has no memory at all of Pink Moon being used in a VW ad.

I was thinking Waitin' for a Superman and Race for the Prize would be the favorites.

I remember the VW commercial. That was my introduction to Nick Drake, if memory serves.