TOP 100 ALBUMS - 90-81

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  • 90) Pulp-His 'N' Hers: This is Pulps fantastic break through album, released in 1994. Jarvis Cocker is on top form and delivers the songs with his usual cynical, dark, yet slightly humorous tone. Thinking about it, this is probably the soundtrack to his adolescent years. Best Songs: Some of the work on here remains Pulps best efforts especially on songs like Babies, Joyriders and Pink Glove.
  • 89) The Smiths-Meat Is Murder: I'm not a big fan of 80's music, but The Smiths are one of my all time favourite bands. Morrissey could have almost written some of his songs for me (How Soon Is Now?), and this therefore gives me a strong connection to them. This is probably their weakest album, and the fact that it still appears on my top 100 just shows the shere brilliance of the band. Every song is classic Smiths. Best Songs: The Headmaster Ritual, How Soon Is Now?, Barbarism Begins At Home.
  • 88) Fleetwood Mac-Rumours: I've always been more of a fan of their earlier work, but this is a classic and probably their best. Best Songs: Dreams, Go Your Own Way, The Chain.
  • 87) Stevie Wonder-Innervisions: This album shows what a genius Stevie Wonder is. To be blind and to write, produce and arrange an album with songs as strong as Too High and Higher ground on is just incredible. The 70's were definitely Wonder's best period, and this album is a terrific representation of a man in excellent form. Best Songs: Too High, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing.
  • 86) Pulp-We Love Life: I didn't care much for this album at first, but, like many others, it grew on me. Now I see it as an artistic masterpiece produced by a band whose work continues to amaze me. Definitley Pulps most beautiful work (The Birds In Your Garden), with great orchestration (the brilliant centrepiece, Wickerman), surprising optimism (I Love Life) and proffessional production from Scott Walker. One of the best albums of 2001. Bets Songs: The Night Minnie Timperley Died, Wickerman, The Birds In Your Garden.
  • 85) Mansun-The Attack Of The Grey Lantern: Mansun are probably the most under-rated indie bands, this statement being confirmed by a listen to their phenomenal 1997 album. This album never fails to please me and I cannot understand why it has not been given more attention. Well worth the buy. Best Songs: The Chad Who Loved Me, Wide Open Space, Stripper Vicar.
  • 84) Bob Dylan-Time Out Of Mind: Dylan's first great album since Street Legal, and what a return! It's incredibly depressing, but incredibly brilliant. Ever since my lovely (ex-)girlfriend Joanna left me I have listened to this album constantly. Its a great help to know there is someone else out there who's as depressed as you. Thanks Bob! Best Songs: Love Sick, Standing In The Doorway, Tryin' To Get To Heaven.
  • 83) Cream-Disraeli Gears: An essential classic rock album (see ECRA list), with Clapton on absolute top form. This is a joy to hear from start to finish (leave out Mother's Lament!), and showcases Clapton as the nearest threat to Hendrix. Best Songs: Strange Brew, Sunshine Of Your Love, Tales Of Brave Ulysses.
  • 82) Paul McCartney & Wings-Band On The Run: McCartney's best 'solo' album by a mile, and a great one at that. Not a dull moment on this one. I've had Jet ringing in my head since the first time I heard it. Band On The Run is also a possible contender for one of the greatest McCartney songs ever. Best Songs: Band on The Run, Jet, Let Me Roll It.
  • 81) Nick Drake-Bryter Layter: The best way to listen to this album is to sit out on a lazy summers evening, watching a peaceful game of cricket (I'm english!) with a glass of chilled white wine whilst hearing the birds sing softly in the trees (I'm also a poet!). Alternatively just listen to it in your room!! Either way, you won't be dissapointed. This is a tremendously soft, subtle and insightful album written and performed by one of my favourite artists of all time. Best Songs: At The Chime Of A City Clock, Hazey Jane I, Northern Sky.
Author Comments: 

This is my top 100 albums of all time. Simple rules - no bootlegs, live albums or compilations. Only officialy released studio albums get in.
The Led Zep/Dylan maniac I am, there are going to be some obvious choices, but with the odd surprise thrown in here or there, I hope this list will keep you reasonably entertained. I have included comments about each album, aswell as my favourite three tracks from each album. This was a tremendously difficult task, and there were many albums I love which didn't quite make it. Enjoy!(Idea from L.Bangs).
All comments welcome!

Cloned From: 

:)

While I wouldn't put Mansun so high on my list, it is very nice to see them here. Not too many folks here in the states heard that album. You mention the band, they ask, "Who, Marilyn?"

Shalom, y'all!

L. Bangs