Consensus Top 350 Albums of All-Time: 68. Automatic for the People – R.E.M. (219 Viewers)

[The Dreaded Marco]

108 (tie). Astral Weeks – Van Morrison (207 points)

@Ilov80s #1
@Mister CIA #2
@Atomic Punk #26
@rockaction #48

Astral Weeks is the second studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was recorded at Century Sound Studios in New York during September and October 1968, and released in November of the same year by Warner Bros. Records.

The album's music blends folk, blues, jazz, and classical styles, signalling a radical departure from the sound of Morrison's previous pop hits, such as "Brown Eyed Girl" (1967). The lyrics and cover art portray the symbolism equating earthly love and Heaven that would often feature in the singer's subsequent records. His lyrics have been described as impressionistic, hypnotic, and modernist, while the record has been categorized as a song cycle or concept album.

Whatcha picking, @Ilov80s ? Has an artist ever been this deep inside his own head?

Title track and Sweet Thing are my chalky favorites. Cypress Avenue and Ballerina are amazing too.

Sweet Thing was my initial thought as well so let’s go with that. As the great Lester Bangs said, Astral Weeks is a “mystical document”. That Bangs review may be the best album review/ piece of rock criticism ever written.

What Astral Weeks deals in are not facts but truths. Astral Weeks, insofar as it can be pinned down, is a record about people stunned by life, completely overwhelmed, stalled in their skins, their ages and selves, paralyzed by the enormity of what in one moment of vision they can comprehend. It is a precious and terrible gift, born of a terrible truth, because what they see is both infinitely beautiful and terminally horrifying: the unlimited human ability to create or destroy, according to whim.

This album finally hit me in 2002 (maybe '03?) when I was floating on a houseboat on Lake Powell at 1 a.m. I couldn't sleep despite drinking a fair amount of gin over the evening. My wife, daughters and in-laws were all out. I hit play on this album on my iPod. I was transfixed for the next 47 minutes.

I'd heard the album many times before but this was the first time I truly listened to it and it was a great experience. And, yes, I'd only been drinking gin & tonics--no other substances.

I'm completely chagrined that I left it off my list.

FWIW, I would've gone with Madame George for the playlist, but you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Atomic Punk]

Catching up after throwing Mrs. Punk a 60th birthday party …

• Surprised at the amount of Yes love and will have to give these a new listen
• Not surprised by the Radiohead love but have tried multiple times to like these albums but find them very so-so
• Struggled choosing Pyromania and another earlier Def Leppard album that I love and didn’t want to include both, when there are some bands that I love that didn’t have a single album entry … but man, what a killer album this is!
• Listening to Jeff Buckley as I type this and digging it. I don’t think it would sniff my top 70 but I could see adding it to my album collection
• If I was choosing this list based on which albums get the most play in the Punk household, Astral Weeks would be top 3. Love everything about this album, especially that the birthday girl has an equal affinity for it

I plan on checking out a few more albums today that I’m not too familiar with.

 

[Dennis Castro]

121 (tie). Kid A – Radiohead (194 points)

@Juxtatarot #3
@Scoresman #10
@titusbarmable #29
@shuke #48

Kid A is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 2 October 2000 by Parlophone. It was recorded with their producer, Nigel Godrich, in Paris, Copenhagen, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Departing from their earlier sound, Radiohead incorporated influences from electronic music, krautrock, jazz and 20th-century classical music, with a wider range of instruments and effects. The singer, Thom Yorke, wrote impersonal and abstract lyrics, cutting up phrases and assembling them at random.

I spent most of my 90's music listening focused on things I already knew. Then I saw Radiohead perform on SNL in 2000 and they played The National Anthem and Idioteque. I was mesmerized. I immediately picked up Kid A, and then shortly after all their previous albums. They became, and remain, one of my favorite bands ever.

This is the band I alluded to earlier that I was shocked at how low I ranked their albums. I only ranked 3, and this was the lowest, but this album played a huge role in me searching out and finding new music.

I’m sort of the same way. I knew next to nothing about Radiohead until I attended a Letterman taping, and they were the musical guest. Being mostly into classic rock, I’d never heard a sound like their’s before. Still really haven’t. I’m not a mega-fan, but I like them well enough and have tons of respect for how they helped makeover the 1990s alternative music scene.

Found the clip. I was about 20 feet away in the second or third row.

- YouTube

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

www.youtube.com

 

[Dr. Octopus]

121 (tie). Kid A – Radiohead (194 points)

@Juxtatarot #3
@Scoresman #10
@titusbarmable #29
@shuke #48

Kid A is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 2 October 2000 by Parlophone. It was recorded with their producer, Nigel Godrich, in Paris, Copenhagen, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Departing from their earlier sound, Radiohead incorporated influences from electronic music, krautrock, jazz and 20th-century classical music, with a wider range of instruments and effects. The singer, Thom Yorke, wrote impersonal and abstract lyrics, cutting up phrases and assembling them at random.

I spent most of my 90's music listening focused on things I already knew. Then I saw Radiohead perform on SNL in 2000 and they played The National Anthem and Idioteque. I was mesmerized. I immediately picked up Kid A, and then shortly after all their previous albums. They became, and remain, one of my favorite bands ever.

This is the band I alluded to earlier that I was shocked at how low I ranked their albums. I only ranked 3, and this was the lowest, but this album played a huge role in me searching out and finding new music.

I’m sort of the same way. I knew next to nothing about Radiohead until I attended a Letterman taping, and they were the musical guest. Being mostly into classic rock, I’d never heard a sound like their’s before. Still really haven’t. I’m not a mega-fan, but I like them well enough and have tons of respect for how they helped makeover the 1990s alternative music scene.

Found the clip. I was about 20 feet away in the second or third row.

- YouTube

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

www.youtube.com

Dammit the musical guest when I saw a Letterman taping was Bryan Adams singing the Robinhood song.

 

[zamboni]

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

- YouTube

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

youtu.be

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

 

[Dennis Castro]

Gotta be some common ground there

On a random shuffle of my annual playlists, I'd hear 5 of those artists.

Likewise - there's a substantial amount of "Who the heck is that?" as well. But that's why we're doing this, right? Find things we've otherwise missed.

I mean, where else am I going to find my next "Mongolian throat singing metal band"? (And yes, I listen to one of those. No spotlighting, though.)

band name that is a homophone of a super popular classic British band?

With traditional Mongolian instruments, such as the morin khuur.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morin_khuur

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Catching up after throwing Mrs. Punk a 60th birthday party …

• Surprised at the amount of Yes love and will have to give these a new listen
• Not surprised by the Radiohead love but have tried multiple times to like these albums but find them very so-so
• Struggled choosing Pyromania and another earlier Def Leppard album that I love and didn’t want to include both, when there are some bands that I love that didn’t have a single album entry … but man, what a killer album this is!
• Listening to Jeff Buckley as I type this and digging it. I don’t think it would sniff my top 70 but I could see adding it to my album collection
• If I was choosing this list based on which albums get the most play in the Punk household, Astral Weeks would be top 3. Love everything about this album, especially that the birthday girl has an equal affinity for it

I plan on checking out a few more albums today that I’m not too familiar with.

He's awesome. In my top 5 artists, which is tough with only one real release.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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


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

 

[Pip's Invitation]

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

@Mt. Man #17
@Yo Mama #18
@Mookie Gizzy #45
@shuke #47
@BrutalPenguin #48
@Ghost Rider #48

The Yes Album is the third studio album by English progressive rock band Yes, released in the UK on 19 February 1971 and in the US on 19 March 1971 by Atlantic Records. It was the band's first album to feature guitarist Steve Howe, who replaced Peter Banks in 1970, as well as their last to feature keyboardist Tony Kaye until 1983's 90125.

The other of their big three albums. I rank it ever so slightly lower than the other two because it doesn’t have Rick Wakeman, but it’s still a fantastic record and it has my #1 song from them, Yours Is No Disgrace.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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


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

This one was floating around my top 70.

 

[jwb]

I thought I had Astral Weeks on my list, but indeed I did not. I do have another Van Morrison on there, very high. Astral Weeks is widely regarded as his best, and I wouldn't argue it's not, but I just have a personal preference for the other.

Me too. Probably the same one.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

108 (tie). Astral Weeks – Van Morrison (207 points)

@Ilov80s #1
@Mister CIA #2
@Atomic Punk #26
@rockaction #48

Astral Weeks is the second studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was recorded at Century Sound Studios in New York during September and October 1968, and released in November of the same year by Warner Bros. Records.

The album's music blends folk, blues, jazz, and classical styles, signalling a radical departure from the sound of Morrison's previous pop hits, such as "Brown Eyed Girl" (1967). The lyrics and cover art portray the symbolism equating earthly love and Heaven that would often feature in the singer's subsequent records. His lyrics have been described as impressionistic, hypnotic, and modernist, while the record has been categorized as a song cycle or concept album.

I've heard this entire album was done in one take. The entire album from start to end. If that's true, it's amazing.

He recorded it with jazz guys, so that would track.

 

[KarmaPolice]

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

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


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

This one was floating around my top 70.

Same. I had it in the next wave of 30-40. I've been very slowly digging through all the Chad Smith projects and had forgotten how much I like the back 1/2 of this album. Naked in the Rain and The Greeting Song have always been a couple favorites from this one.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

My highest-ranked Stones albums are from their “peak” years, but Some Girls is excellent as well.

I am not a huge Beasties aficionado but I like their Ill Communication sound the best and the note that it was influenced by On the Corner makes perfect sense. It was cool to see them do their thing with live instruments at Lollapalooza ‘94.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

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

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


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

This one was floating around my top 70.

Same

 

[turnjose7]

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

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

 

[turnjose7]

Went with a different Van Morrison album, but Astral Weeks is incredible and could have easily gone with that. I'll still contend Van the Man is underrated in the pantheon of rock legends.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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

I’ll post everyone’s full list at the end.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

or I’ll do some more slow releases from people’s lists when I have time.

 

[shuke]

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

Best, IMO.

 

[shuke]

Gonna guess on the ones one you don’t know

Glass animals - indie rock but I thought they’re fairly popular so maybe you know them

Earshot - late 90s alt rock / metal vocalist sounds a lot like Maynard. Headstrong was on Queen of the damned soundtrack and got a lot of radio play you’d probably recognize it if you listened to any alternative radio in that timeframe

The Upsetters - its Lee “scratch “ Perry’s reggae band

Infectious grooves - funk metal side project of some of the guys from suicidal tendencies

Julia Jackson - typical chick singer she opened for head and the heart and we liked her

Immortal Technique- politically charged rapper - dance with the devil is probably one of the darkest songs lyrically if anyone wants to give that a try

Robert earl keen - alt country singer / songwriter I guess…still no idea how I came across him probably a Billy strings connection

Will check some of these out. Familiar with Keen. As for Julia, do you mean Julia Jacklin? I like her.

 

[shuke]

108 (tie). Astral Weeks – Van Morrison (207 points)

@Ilov80s #1
@Mister CIA #2
@Atomic Punk #26
@rockaction #48

Astral Weeks is the second studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was recorded at Century Sound Studios in New York during September and October 1968, and released in November of the same year by Warner Bros. Records.

The album's music blends folk, blues, jazz, and classical styles, signalling a radical departure from the sound of Morrison's previous pop hits, such as "Brown Eyed Girl" (1967). The lyrics and cover art portray the symbolism equating earthly love and Heaven that would often feature in the singer's subsequent records. His lyrics have been described as impressionistic, hypnotic, and modernist, while the record has been categorized as a song cycle or concept album.

One of my last 10 out. Love it, just haven't listened to it as much as the others on my list.

 

[shuke]

then a 69 point submission came in.

Nice.

 

[shuke]

Found the clip. I was about 20 feet away in the second or third row.

That is awesome.

 

[AAABatteries]

I also have zero matches with Dan Lambskin, who has demonstrably terrible taste

Hey, @AAABatteries , why aren't you in this thingy? From previous music drafts, I know I dig your taste in music - we could have helped each other get stuff on the main list!

I appreciate it and I did consider it but I’m not an album guy at all. I’ve stated before I’m jealous of people who “get” albums. I don’t and I’d be lying if I said I did. I have bands I like and just listen to their songs. 99% of songs I listen to I have no clue what album they are on and most of these album titles I’ve never heard of. The Beatles are my favorite band and I don’t think I’d get 25% of the songs right if I tried to match them to albums. I’m weird I think.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

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

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

 

[Ilov80s]

Went with a different Van Morrison album, but Astral Weeks is incredible and could have easily gone with that. I'll still contend Van the Man is underrated in the pantheon of rock legends.

100% agree that he's really a foundational piece of 20th century music. His ****ty personality, modern political views and his consistent efforts to redefine his music seem to have kept him just outside of the legend status with the general public.

Things of note for Van

• Brown Eyed Girl is estimated as the 2nd most played song in the history of radio and one of the few 60s songs left still being played on oldies stations
• 2 albums that consistently pop up extremely high on best albums of all time lists
• One of the best singers in rock history able to do soft, loud, falsetto, growl, spoken word, you name it. Rolling Stone ranked him 37th best singer among any genre of music.
• He's one of the defining figures of garage rock writing and performing some it's most popular and played songs with Them
• Jim Morrison, Bruce Springsteen and Iggy Pop all cite Van as a huge influence not just on their music but on their stage presence. Especially Jim and Iggy who took from him a sense of menace. Obviously those 3 have been copied over and over again as well spreading that Van Morrison stage presence across rock music.
• He was at the forefront of bringing jazz to rock.
• The Moondance album basically creates soft rock and simultaneously puts him at the center of the 70s singer-songwriter movement as it's starting while also serving as a key influence on what we now call yacht rock
• One of the key artists of Blue Eyed Soul movement
• IMO he's second only to Dylan as a songwriter. Rolling Stone put him at 22.
• His coked out performance damn near steals The Last Waltz
• It's Too Late to Stop Now is an all time classic live album
• 45 studio albums, 7 live albums
• Pretty much every significant rock musician from Bono to Bob Seger to Ed Sheran to Tom Petty cite Van as a huge influence.

 

[Ilov80s]

Sounds like with a little more luck Astral Weeks could have picked up another 30 points or so. Oh well, I am curious to see where the other Van Morrison album lands.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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

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

 

[Tau837]

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

Best, IMO.

Agree I'll Wait is one of their best, but for me none of their songs tops the combo of Eruption and You Really Got Me.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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

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

I said earlier I'm a sucker for concept albums and Townsend and The Who take it a step further with this rock opera. I get so excited when I start the Overture and hear all the themes I know are coming back later on in the album.

Also I own a condo in Weehawken (I used to live there) and this album would be the soundtrack to the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show while we watched from my balcony.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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

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

 

[ConstruxBoy]

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

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

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

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Gonna guess on the ones one you don’t know

Glass animals - indie rock but I thought they’re fairly popular so maybe you know them

Earshot - late 90s alt rock / metal vocalist sounds a lot like Maynard. Headstrong was on Queen of the damned soundtrack and got a lot of radio play you’d probably recognize it if you listened to any alternative radio in that timeframe

The Upsetters - its Lee “scratch “ Perry’s reggae band

Infectious grooves - funk metal side project of some of the guys from suicidal tendencies

Julia Jackson - typical chick singer she opened for head and the heart and we liked her

Immortal Technique- politically charged rapper - dance with the devil is probably one of the darkest songs lyrically if anyone wants to give that a try

Robert earl keen - alt country singer / songwriter I guess…still no idea how I came across him probably a Billy strings connection

Will check some of these out. Familiar with Keen. As for Julia, do you mean Julia Jacklin? I like her.

Yeah I spaced out or fat fingered it maybe both

 

[Tau837]

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

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

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

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

 

[Dan Lambskin]

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

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

Love Petty

Originally tried to find a spot for this but it was another where I don’t think I’ve actually listened to the album

 

[Mister CIA]

Went with a different Van Morrison album, but Astral Weeks is incredible and could have easily gone with that. I'll still contend Van the Man is underrated in the pantheon of rock legends.

100% agree that he's really a foundational piece of 20th century music. His ****ty personality, modern political views and his consistent efforts to redefine his music seem to have kept him just outside of the legend status with the general public.

Things of note for Van

• Brown Eyed Girl is estimated as the 2nd most played song in the history of radio and one of the few 60s songs left still being played on oldies stations
• 2 albums that consistently pop up extremely high on best albums of all time lists
• One of the best singers in rock history able to do soft, loud, falsetto, growl, spoken word, you name it. Rolling Stone ranked him 37th best singer mong any genre of music.
• He's one of the defining figures of garage rock writing and performing some it's most popular and played songs with Them
• Jim Morrison, Bruce Springsteen and Iggy Pop all cite Van as a huge influence not just on their music but on their stage presence. Especially Jimy and Iggy who took from him a sense of menace. Obviously those 3 have been copied over and over again as well spreading that Van Morrison stage presence across rock music.
• He was at the forefront of bringing jazz to rock.
• The Moondance album basically creates soft rock and simultaneously puts him at the center of the 70s singer-songwriter movement as it's starting while also serving as a key influence on what we now call yacht rock
• One of the key artists of Blue Eyed Soul movement
• IMO he's second only to Dylan as a songwriter. Rolling Stone put him at 22.
• His coked out performance damn near steals The Last Waltz
• It's Too Late to Stop Now is an all time classic live album
• 45 studio albums, 7 live albums
• Pretty much every significant rock musician from Bono to Bob Seger to Ed Sheran to Tom Petty cite Van as a huge influence.

And the seven albums released in 68-74 is one of the greatest album runs of all time.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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

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

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

I had two Petty albums on my list - one, no one else picked, but it’s my favorite or second since I did rank one higher.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

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

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

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

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

 

[zamboni]

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

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

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

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

I had two Petty albums on my list - one, no one else picked, but it’s my favorite or second since I did rank one higher.

Well damn (I think).

 

[rockaction]

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

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

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

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

 

[Pip's Invitation]

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

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

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

Still not time for my Who hot take.

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

 

[Ilov80s]

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

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

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

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

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

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

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

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

As with The White Stripes, CCR, the Wilburys and others, I completely biffed Petty. He should be represented on my list but isn’t. I probably would have picked his best Iovine production or his best Lynne production, but his best Rubin production is great as well.

 

[Don Quixote]

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

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

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

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

I have two Kinks picks and two Beach Boys picks still out there. Curious to see if line up, but I guess will wait in suspense for the reveal.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

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

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

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

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

Your Who pick — I know what it is because you’ve discussed the album several times on this board — will be a corollary to my Who hot take when we get there.

 

[rockaction]

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

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

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

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

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

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

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

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

 

[rockaction]

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

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

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

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

Your Who pick — I know what it is because you’ve discussed the album several times on this board — will be a corollary to my Who hot take when we get there.

I never knew precisely what a corollary was so I looked it up. You’re correct in that I’ve said what it is before, and I look forward to your hot take if it makes the countdown. I’ll also be interested in how it’s an almost given from that album’s appearance, existence, or whatever you postulate from it.

Nice suspense builder. I feel like Stimpy over the giant red button he’s not supposed to touch (at all costs).

How are you not touching the shiny, red button?!

 

[Ilov80s]

I

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

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

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

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

I’m very curious which you chose. Very.

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

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

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

I am pretty sure I know The Who album. Not sure on the other two.

 

[Mt. Man]

Some quick hits:

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

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

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

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

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

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