0002. Sadly Overlooked CDs of the 90s
Submitted by lbangs on Tue, 02/20/2001 - 10:22
Tags:
- Adam Again - Dig
- Afghan Whigs - 1965
- Dan Bern - Dan Bern
- Bruce Cockburn - Live
- Mark Heard - Satellite Sky
- Mike Knott - Rocket and A Bomb (shamelessly stolen from JohnnyW's list)
- Mary Lou Lord - Got No Shadow
- Primal Scream - Screamadelica (at least in America)
- Vigilantes of Love - Killing Floor
- XTC - Apple Venus Vol. 1
Author Comments:
Obviously, still under construction.
I bought a used copy of Screamadelica because of "Movin' On Up", and was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the album.
Great! I believe the album peaked at number 8 in England, but didn't even make the charts in America. The inspired fusion of dance and rock music added to a delightful, eclectic kaleidoscope of styles missing from most albums today wins me over every time. They are easily some of the best songwriters to grace the genre. Their latest, XTRMNTR, might be my favorite CD of the year so far. It is quite a bit harsher and more electric, but a fine CD from a band I didn't expect much from anymore.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Dude, people in America love Primal Scream-Screamadelica. At least critics, it made just about enery American magazine's best of the 90's list.
One of those proofs that people's tastes are different: Of the two albums on your list that I've heard I don't especially care for either (Afghan Whigs - 1965 & XTC - Apple Venus Vol 1)
I can dig that. I have friend who find the XTC album a bit too precious, and I know many longtime Afghan Whigs fans can't stand 1965.
If you don't mind me asking, what did you not like about them? Or did they just not grab you?
I admit, they are two of my favorites from the 90s.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Just didn't grab me I guess. I greatly prefer earlier XTC (Oranges and Lemons being my favorite).
1965 is the only Afghan Whigs album I've ever heard, so it's possible I just don't care for them.
Yeah, I also really enjoy early XTC as well.
Well, hey, you do like William Blake and Tom Robbins, and I enjoyed reading your poetry on your home page, so we can still be friends. :) Always nice to find somebody who writes poetry...
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
*laugh* thanks ;)
Do you mean overlooked by critics or overlooked by the general public?
Personally, I feel that anything XTC and everything XTC has released is superb. They could release a CD of them belching and it would be great!!!!
A little of both, actual. Screamadelica is finally getting recognition from American critics, but it was largely ignored upon its initial release.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
So, any CDs that in the last year or so, you feel would make this list (whether it's the nineties or not)? I'd say my strongest nomination for an addition is Weezer's Pinkerton, from 1996. It takes a major step forward from their debut, and the album's songs are cohesive in both subject matter and sound without becoming repetitive at any point. Weezer's recent reemergence and acclaim has been a long time coming, but still isn't anywhere near the level that they (or Pinkerton) deserve.
Johnny Waco
I agree with you on Weezer's Pinkerton. A great album. Too bad the public seemed to abandon the group after the first album. At least many seem to be coming around now.
My two prime candidates from last year would be Joseph Arthur's Come to Where I'm From and the Dirty Three's Whatever You Love You Are.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
When I saw the title of your list, I immediately thought of Apple Venus, Vol. 2 (Wasp Star). But, I wasn't surprised to see Vol 1 on your list.