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General => Archive => General Music Archives => Topic started by: ReaperKK on September 13, 2011, 04:50:44 PM
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First of all, yes I will update this, once every couple of days, probably more often than that.
I took the bottom 10 slots and gave those spots to albums that I don't really listen to much anymore but were a big part of my life years ago. There will be some repeats and I haven't included any 2011 albums with the exception of one that is just killer.
Without further ado, here are my Top 50 albums:
50. Metallica - Metallica - [1991]
(https://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7560/50top.jpg)
To begin the list is an album that I found while looking through my dad's cd collection when I was 13-14 years old which in turn began my Metallica obsession for the following few years. Jam packed full super catchy riffs that chugged away as my soundtrack during my early teen years. To me this is the only Metallica album that is consistent throughout the whole album. I've never been a big fan of early Metallica, and mid to late 90's Metallica was a lot of rubbish but for whatever reason this cd just clicked with me. I gave this album a spin for the first time in many years when I decided to put it on my list and I couldn't wipe the smile from my face, the flood of great music and great memories that were latched on swarmed my head which secured it a spot on my top 50 list.
Favorite Tracks: Enter Sandman, Sad But True, Unforgiven
49. Elton John - Made In England - [1995]
(https://img109.imageshack.us/img109/7962/49top.jpg)
I've always been an Elton John fan. My earliest memories often contained his music playing in the background of my early years as a kid, needless to say most of my Elton John collection was inherited from my parents. This was the first album of his that I really enjoyed as an entire album. Production is top notch and the strings really add an almost haunting quality to the album, especially in the songs such as "Belfast". Many people will usually go for the greatest hits collection but this is an album that is well worth the purchase if you enjoy Elton John.
Favorite Tracks: Believe, Belfast, Latitude
48. Creed – My Own Prison - [1997]
(https://img683.imageshack.us/img683/5314/48top.jpg)
I remember in my High School guitar class I was arguing the finer points of why Creed sucks to a buddy of mine when he asked me which cd’s I’ve heard to which I responded with “Human Clay and Weathered” . The next day he bought me My Own Prison to listen to and I was floored, I was blown away by how solid the album was. Tremonti does some wonderful riff work on this seemingly unpolished album. Human Clay and Weathered still don’t click with me but I can’t deny that this is a great album.
Favorite Tracks: Torn, Pity For A Dime, Sister
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Not a fan of the first two, but that Creed album is awesome. They get way too much shit sometimes.
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Following.
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Although hard core Metallica fans blackballed them for this album, and how 'commercial' Bob Rock made it, it truly is a classic, and allowed Metallica to become something more than just cult metal gods. They really brought metal mainstream. What Sabbath did for metal in the 70s, and Maiden in the 80s, Metallica did even more in the 90s... for a couple of years at least, then that stupid grunge thing spread like VD.
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Although I'm not a huge Creed fan, "My Own Prison" is an amazing song. Good stuff thus far, though!
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**subscribe**
I love these lists.
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Not a fan of the first two, but that Creed album is awesome. They get way too much shit sometimes.
It really is a good album, the other two aren't as terrible as people make it out to be (or as bad as I used to make it out to be) but they seem to lack that raw feel the first album had. I haven't listened to Full Circle yet.
I'll be posting another update tonight so stay tuned!
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From what I've seen you post you have really good taste, so will follow. #50 is underrated as hell.
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Awesome another one of these threads. Will follow. :laugh:
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From what I've seen you post you have really good taste, so will follow. #50 is underrated as hell.
lol we'll see if you hold that opinion by the end of this, you'll notice my music taste take a turn around number 40
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I really dislike The Black Album, but props for Elton John.
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Alright update time!
47. Collective Soul - Collective Soul [1995]
(https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7854/47top.png)
This is another cd that I picked up when I was little, I loved it, hell I still love it. I drove my parents crazy when I got this cd (mainly because it’s one of the few pieces of music I had as a little kid) and I almost drove them to suicide when I got a guitar and started trying to learn all the music. In short this cd is full of memorable songs and catchy melodies with some really tasty solos thrown in (especially the one in “Bleed”). I might have ranked this cd higher if it wasn’t for the terrible, terrible live performance I saw a few years back that really tainted the band for me.
Favorite Tracks: “Untitled”, “December”, “Bleed”
46. 10 Years - The Autumn Effect [2005]
(https://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9809/46top.jpg)
It’s hard to describe why I enjoy this album as much as I do. It’s well written, catchy, great vocal melodies, and it’s a great album to put on if you’re going for a drive. It’s a shame that none of the follow-up releases have the same spark that this record does but to be fair that’s probably because my music tastes have changed. That said The Autumn Effect has aged really well for me.
Favorite Tracks: “Waking Up”, “Through The Iris”, “Prey”
45. A Perfect Circle – Mer De Noms [2000]
(https://img585.imageshack.us/img585/5404/45top.jpg)
Being a big Tool fan I had to check out A Perfect Circle when I heard that Maynard was doing vocals and it was definitely worth the time to do so. Mer De Noms has a cohesive feel that carries through the entire listening experience and it was always my go to choice for when I didn’t want to invest the time listening to Lateralus or Undertow.
Favorite Tracks: “The Hollow”, “Judith”, “Orestes”
There it is for today folks, I'll probably do another update tomorrow.
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Mer de Norms is awesome! :tup
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Is that 10 Years album the album with "Wasteland?" I love that song.
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Yup, it's a good song although I'd put it in the bottom tier of the album.
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Love the Collective Soul CD. I've listened to that thing so much over the years.
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lol creed
BC
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I love The Black Album. I like it better than Kill Em All and Master of Puppets.
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Alright so a quick little update. I'll be back to a more regular updating this coming week.
44. Dark New Day - Twelve Year Silence
(https://img813.imageshack.us/img813/2214/44top.jpg)
I can’t remember how I discovered this album. I think that stumbled across it on an all music station on TV but I remember when I heard “Free” I was hooked. I spun and spun and spun this cd to no end. Memorable vocal hooks and with a heavy layered guitars fill this cd from start to finish. All I can really say about this album is check it out if you’re a fan of Sevendust or Chevelle.
Favorite Tracks: “Free”, “Pieces”, “Heal In Time”
43. Alter Bridge - One Day Remains [2004]
(https://img577.imageshack.us/img577/6726/43top.jpg)
This is cd is what I wanted Creed to be. Tremonti really is the star of this album. Not only are his solos blistering but they are tasteful and well done. The whole band seems to groove incredibly well together and it really shines through on this album.
Favorite Tracks: “One Day Remains”, “Down To My Last”, “The End Is Here”
42. OSI - OSI [2003]
(https://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3096/42top.jpg)
I discovered OSI roughly around the same time I discovered DT. I remember logging onto DT.net and seeing OSI listed in the headline that the debut album was released. I immediately scooped it up and was far from disappointed. Kevin Moore’s voice and all the keyboards really fit the mood of the album. What really drew me more and more into OSI is how different it was compared to the music I was listening to at the time.
Favorite Tracks: “Head”, “Hello Helicopter”, “Standby (Looks Like Rain)”
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One Day Remains :heart :heart :heart
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Wow, the Autumn Effect. Didn't expect that.
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Wow, the Autumn Effect. Didn't expect that.
It's a great CD. Kinda went downhill after that although Division had some good moments.
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I know, I love it too. At least I did when it came out. I haven't listened to it in ages.
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Give it a spin, most of these albums from the bottom ten are ones that I enjoyed long ago but they still hold up now.
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Time for another update!
41. Joe Satriani - Is There Love In Space? [2004]
(https://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3532/41top.jpg)
I’ve always heard music from Satch growing up and I never really gave it a fair shake until I was lurking the JP forums. I saw a thread for this cd when it was released and figured “What the hell?”. I loved every second it. The tone was phenomenal and more importantly the cd kept me interested all the way through which is rare for albums in the instrumental rock genre. From the cd I went ahead and checked out all his other solo work and while good nothing really appealed to me as a whole as Is There Love In Space?
Favorite Tracks: “Is There Love In Space?”, ”Searching”, ”Bamboo”
40. Tori Amos - Boys For Pele [1996]
(https://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7933/40top.jpg)
Boys For Pele isn’t the first I’ve heard of Tori Amos but it is the first whole album I listened to by her. My initial reaction was a little bit of confusion, I wasn’t quite sure if I liked it or not but through repeated listens the album sort of opened up to me. I kept enjoying more and more tracks with each listen. One aspect of the cd that immediately clicked was Tori’s voice, it’s incredible and I can’t think of any female singer in the pop genre that can really compare.
Favorite Tracks: “Beauty Queen/Horse”, “Blood Roses”, “Marianne”, “Doughnut Song”
39. Tool - Lateralus [2001]
(https://img827.imageshack.us/img827/2293/39top.jpg)
I’m a big Tool fan and while I don’t listen to them as much I used to their cd’s still get their fair share of attention at my house. Out of all those Tool releases, this is my favorite. It sounds tight, well thought out, well rehearsed, and most importantly original (10k Days I thought was phoned in). This album to me is the peak of their career and I really don’t think they’ll be able to Lateralus (I’d like to see them try).
Favorite Tracks: “The Grudge”, “The Patient”, “Disposition”, “Reflection”
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Awesome to see Tori Amos and Tool!
Personally I just love Tori, and Boys For Pele would actually be closer to the bottom then the top (I've heard all her albums up to and including Scarlets Walk so far), but I still really love it.
It just says how strong her discography is I guess. :P
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Very interesting list so far!
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nice.. following :tup
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Yes, more lists! Love lists.
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Awesome to see Tori Amos and Tool!
Personally I just love Tori, and Boys For Pele would actually be closer to the bottom then the top (I've heard all her albums up to and including Scarlets Walk so far), but I still really love it.
It just says how strong her discography is I guess. :P
I keep saying that I'm going to check out the rest of her discography but I can't seem to find the time. I'm surprised to hear you say Boys For Pele is near the bottom, I always thought it was regarded as one of her best albums.
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It's regarded as one of her 'classic 4', the other three albums being Little Earthquakes, Under the Pink and From the Choirgirl Hotel.
Don't get me wrong, I love Boys For Pele a lot, but if I would rank her albums (the one's I know), it would look something like this:
From the Choirgirl Hotel
Under the Pink
Little Earthquakes
To Venus and Back
Boys For Pele
Scarlet's Walk
Love them all though, the new album was really good as well, can't say yet how high it will climb.
But you should check out the rest of her discography. :)
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Satriani and Tool. :tup
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I saw 10 Years live on the Family Values tour (I was there to see Dir en grey) and was really impressed. Love that album :tup
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Looking forward to 40 on down.
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Alright another update:
38. Chroma Key - Dead Air For Radios [1998]
(https://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2025/38top.jpg)
Another great album that I discovered through DT. I can’t remember who said that Chroma Key was "like OSI but more atmospheri"c but that is exactly what it is. This album is always a pleasure to hear no matter what the occasion, whether I have it playing in the background or I want to put on my headphones and really focus on the music there is always something to discover and enjoy.
Favorite Tracks: “Colorblind”, “Even The Waves”, “America The Video”
37. Grails - Burning Off Impurities [2007]
(https://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6384/37top.jpg)
I don’t really know in what genre I would place this album. I’d classify it as post-rock however it doesn’t really fit with most post-rock bands that I listen to. Grails has a heavy psychedelic feel and groove to it, an earthy quality to the music. It’s very layered, it never feels rushed and has a loose sense of time. They have a pretty descent sized discography and I haven’t gone through a lot of it but from what I have gone through this album stands out the most.
Favorite Tracks: “Soft Temple”, “Silk Rd”, “Dead Vine Blues”
36. The Pineapple Thief - Variations Of A Dream [2003]
(https://img199.imageshack.us/img199/1068/36top.jpg)
This album is excellent from start to finish that keeps me interested the whole way through. It’s also the first album where Bruce's vocals don’t drive me crazy. This album I think he finally hit is song writing stride which carried on through Little Man. I love the atmosphere in the album and the mixing is really great which really adds to the listening experience, every instrument is able to breathe. This is also the album I'd probably recommend to anyone starting out with TPT.
Favorite Tracks: “We Subside”, “Vapour Trails”, “Part Zero”
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That Chroma Key album is very good. Have to remind myself to check into OSI soon.
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Let's go! The Earth isn't turning any slower.
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I'll have an update up today, had a very long weekend.
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Good stuff so far reaper, I know you like OSI a lot I hope to see more :P
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Glad to see some Pineapple Thief around. I already finished my TPT-crush phase (for now) but I still think they make very solid albums.
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Yea I was on a TPT kick for a while. My only complaint with them is that some songs just seems to draaaaaaaagggggg.
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great updeat
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Another update as promised:
35. Erik Mongrain - Equilibrium [2008]
(https://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9048/35top.jpg)
Erik Mongrain was one of my first introductions to the world of solo instrumental acoustic playing. At the time I heard of him he didn’t have an album out so I just watched his youtube videos over and over while eagerly awaiting his first album. He style was so unlike anything I’ve ever heard and that uniqueness is what attracted me to his music. His first album was good but not great, it seemed to be a cluster of good ideas that were poorly strung together so I then (even more)eagerly awaited his sophomore album which was everything I had hoped for. There are still some really unique and interesting melodies in this record but it never loses that “song” feel, you never feel lost. The playing is suburb and the Rainsong he plays on has one of the best acoustic tones I’ve ever heard. Either one of his records is very hard to get into if you’re not familiar with the genre but it is worth a listen.
Favorite Tracks: “Equilibrium”, “Muse”, “The Silent Fool”, “Pandora’s Box”, “Maelstrom”
34. Kanye West - Graduation [2007]
(https://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6175/34top.jpg)
I was a little late to check out Kanye West but after getting a few cd’s from my girlfriend in college and I really enjoyed his 3 records at the time. Dropout and Late Registration were good but Graduation was the most memorable. I’m still a relative Hip-Hop/Rap n00b but my collection is slowly expanding however nothing has topped this album for me. The beauty of this album is that almost every song will get stuck in my head in a good way, some of the synth lines are near impossible to forget at times. It’s memorable and well written. Writing this reminds me that I need to check out his work post-graduation.
Favorite Tracks: “Good Morning”, “Stronger”, “Good Life”, “Flashing Lights”
33. Emancipator - Safe In The Steep Cliffs [2010]
(https://img825.imageshack.us/img825/9746/33top.jpg)
My brother turned me onto this artist. I don’t know much about him but I do love this album. It has a little bit of a trip hop vibe to it but with extremely lush soundscapes painted with a wide variety of instruments. This is another one of those albums that is perfect for almost any situation, you can have it playing in the background or give it your full attention, there will always be something to discover.
Favorite Tracks: “Black Lake”, “Jet Stream”, “Kamakura”, “Bury Them Bones”, "Vines"
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Allright, allright... you got this update in just before I slagged ya. Interesting dynamic of genre's going on here.
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I'll try to update everyday this week because I know I won't this weekend.
Usually the genre's I listen to change during the day lol but those are some good albums.
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Don't really know any of these, but it's always fun to see some new artists and albums, and not the same ones rotated in everyone's list. :)
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I need to get into more Kanye West.
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ERIK MONGRAIN YES!!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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Update Time!
32. The Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream [1993]
(https://img202.imageshack.us/img202/4379/32top.jpg)
I’ve only just recently gotten into The Smashing Pumpkins but from the moment I hear Siamese Dream I immediately fell in love with it. It’s a solid alternative rock album from start to finish with each song being incredibly strong which in turn makes the album a fun listening experience. Also the album has some great solos which are always a plus.
Favorite Tracks: “Hummer”, “Soma”, “Mayonaise”
31. Sarah Fimm - Nexus [2004]
(https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4431/31top.jpg)
I have to thank Ravenheart for his thread which got me into this album. To put it simply it’s a great album; creative with a minimalist feel that is accompanied by Sarah’s great voice. This is another one of those albums that I can put on whenever and enjoy.
Favorite Tracks: “Mercury”, “Strange”, “Be What You Want To Be”
30. Chambao - Caminando 2001-2006 [2006]
(https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6274/30top.jpg)
I didn’t really want to put a compilation album on this list but it’d be crime to ignore this double album. I actually got it from an ex of mine from a few years back, it took a while to warm up to it but in the end it turned out to be a very satisfying listen. It has a great relaxed flamenco feel to it with unique vocals. I can see how a lot of people don’t like Mari’s vocals (at least from a few friends I’ve talked to) but they are worth a try. If you’re looking for something different to listen to, check this band out.
Favorite Tracks: “No Te Pierdas”, “Luz”, “Chambao”, “Deconocido”, “Los Muchacos De Mi Barrio”
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Sarah Fimm and Smashing Pumpkins :heart
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31. Sarah Fimm - Nexus [2004]
(https://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4431/31top.jpg)
I have to thank Ravenheart for his thread which got me into this album. To put it simply it’s a great album; creative with a minimalist feel that is accompanied by Sarah’s great voice. This is another one of those albums that I can put on whenever and enjoy.
Favorite Tracks: “Mercury”, “Strange”, “Be What You Want To Be”
I SQUEALED IN JOY WHEN I SAW THIS I LOVE THIS ALBUM SO MUCH FJFKSKWKDK :heart
Siamese Dream is pretty awesome, too.
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Sexy sexy update time!
29. Steven Wilson - Insurgentes [2008]
(https://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2844/29top.png)
This album is probably the biggest grower on the list. When I first heard it I only enjoyed one track and that was “Harmony Korine”. Each listen helped me realize what this album had to offer which is summed up to me as a dark sonic adventure and the album’s enjoyment is still growing with every listen.
Favorite Tracks: “Harmony Korine”, “Abandoner”, “Only Child”, “Get All You Deserve”, “Insurgentes”, “Puncture Wound”
28. Dire Straits - Making Movies [1980]
(https://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5204/28top.jpg)
Another band that I always heard growing up but it’s only recently that I’ve come to truly appreciate Dire Straits and specifically Mark Knopfler. One of the most gifted guitar players I can think of. He has a talent to write some of the most beautiful solos or simply add some licks to accompany his vocals, whatever he does, it’s brilliant. Each song shines on this album and is crafted in the usual Dire Straits way of storytelling through the lyrics. Whenever I hear a Dire Straits album I realize how much good lyrical content can greatly improve the overall quality of the album and this album is no exception. With all that said, it was extremely hard to put just one Dire Straits album on my list as all of them are great.
Favorite Tracks: “Tunnel Of Love”, “Romeo And Juliet”, “Expresso Love”
27. Mogwai - Mogwai Young Team [1997]
(https://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5381/27top.jpg)
One of the first bands I got into when I started to explore the Post-Rock genre. If I had to describe this album with a single word I’d say it was subtle. It’s has a quiet feel throughout with explosions of sounds sprinkled on top. Every track from first to last seems so delicately constructed in some areas, it’s a very somber album, one that would be listened to best at night with some headphones on.
Favorite Tracks: “Yes! I Am A Long Way From Home”, “Tracy”(One of my favorite songs of all time), “Summer (Priority Version)”, “R U Still In 2 It”, “Mogwai Fear Satan”
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SW and Mogwai! awesomesauce
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Mogwai!
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Awesome to see SW and Mogwai.
I think that Mogwai doesn't get enough praise on this forum, one of my favorite post-rock bands for sure. :hat
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If you guys like "Tracy" by Mogwai, check out the Kid Loco remix of it, it's pretty good.
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Dire Straits + Mogwai = nice. :D
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I'll just say: :heart
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Update:
26. Coldplay - Parachutes [2000]
(https://img594.imageshack.us/img594/2318/26top.jpg)
I don’t imagine there being many Coldplay fans on this board, hell I don’t even follow the band that closely but there is no denying this album is great. At the time I discovered this cd it was a lot different from the metal phase that I was in, it was sort of a breath of fresh ear for my ears.
Favorite Tracks: “Don’t Panic”, “Shiver”, “Spies”, “Trouble”, “We Never Change”
25. Candlebox - Candlebox [1993]
(https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4720/25top.jpg)
I used to hear Candlebox singles on the university radio station all the time so one day a few years back I decided I needed some new music for my bus ride to Miami. I grabbed the first Candlebox disc, which led into a 6 hours listening marathon of this album. There is so much more to this cd than what you hear on the radio. A lot of the songs are short, to the point, have great vocals, and usually contain an awesome solo thrown in for good measure. The mix of the album really stands out to me as well however I have a hard time pointing out why. Usually albums from the 90’s era sound a bit thin to me but this album has a much richer, fuller, hairer sound.
Favorite Tracks: “Don’t You”, “Change”, “No Sense”, “Far Behind”, “Blossom”, “He Calls Home”
24. Michael Kelsey - Gruvency [1996]
(https://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2898/24top.jpg)
This guy is fucking phenomenal and he is grossly underrated. He has a unique style, there is a little folk thrown into the songs that he sings on (there are few) but the songs mainly comprise of solo guitar. If you are a guitar player you have to check this album out simply for the creativity he brings to the table. It’s a merge of Kaki King (her early albums) and Antoine Dufour but much more cohesive than Kaki King and more groove than Antoine. This album never ceases to amaze me every time I put it on and it’s always an inspiration to pick up my guitar and play whenever I hear it.
Favorite Tracks: “Life Mural”, “Mind’s Eye View”, “25 Years”, “Gruvency”, “Midnight Voices”, “Slow Dance”
Here are some youtube links to him performing 2 of his songs from this album to give a feel of what the album is like. Check them out!
Midnight Voices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIRQj8PR5rQ
Gruvency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA8mLuYJJyo
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30. Chambao - Caminando 2001-2006 [2006]
(https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6274/30top.jpg)
I normally don't criticize peoples musical taste cause it's something very subjective but in this case I have to say no. You can't put a Chambao album in your top 50. That is plain wrong. Even more if it's in a better position than Lateralus.
Sorry for being an ass here but that kind of music really irritates me.
Aside from that, you have some very cool stuff in your list. :heart Dire Straits.
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26. Coldplay - Parachutes [2000]
I don’t imagine there being many Coldplay fans on this board, hell I don’t even follow the band that closely but there is no denying this album is great. At the time I discovered this cd it was a lot different from the metal phase that I was in, it was sort of a breath of fresh ear for my ears.
I'm not a "fan" but I think Parachutes and Rush of Blood are pretty solid. I also discovered those after a metal phase so it helped broaden my musical taste I think. I haven't really listened to any of their other stuff.
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While it's not my favorite Coldplay album, I do think "Don't Panic" is one of the most beautiful songs ever. Great opener.
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Nice to see Candlebox in the list. Great album from a much under appreciated band. :tup
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23. Dream Theater - Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence [2002]
(https://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4443/23top.jpg)
The only DT album on my list but it’s one hell of an album. This was literally my first exposure to DT and it was just a stellar listening experience. At the time I haven’t heard anything like it mainly from a technical stand point, the playing was just so immense. I will be honest though, SDOIT (the song) was kind of a disappointment after finishing the first disc so most of my praise does to the first disc.
Favorite Tracks: “The Glass Prison”, “Blind Faith”, “Misunderstood”, “The Great Debate”
22. From Monument To Masses - The Impossible Leap In One Hundred Easy Steps [2003]
(https://img683.imageshack.us/img683/3636/22top.jpg)
FMTM is one of the best post-rock bands that I have ever heard. They are able to craft a beautiful soundscapes without having overly lengthy songs that you get lost in. They are also a politically charged band so you’ll hear a lot of snippets of quotes or news clips throughout songs but it never gets in the way. The arrangements work well together and the whole band has a great groove to them. They are a must listen if you like post-rock.
Favorite Tracks: “Sharpshooter”, “From Mountains To Prairies”, “Comrades And Friends”
21. Balmorhea - Rivers Arms [2008]
(https://img600.imageshack.us/img600/3196/21top.jpg)
It’s hard to classify these guys. I would say they would fall into a minimalistic post-rock category. All instruments are acoustic and there are no drums, sort of a folk meets post rock I guess. Anyway, with those ramblings aside this is another great record to chill to. It’s slow but it moves along without feeling as if the songs are dragging. The compositions are unique, simple and very dynamic. Worth a listen however I can see a lot of people falling asleep to this.
Favorite Tracks: “San Solomon”, “Lament”, “The Summer”, “Grayish Tapering Ash”, “Barefoot Pilgrims”
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I hadn't heard about Monuments, I'm checking the songs you mentioned and I'm loving them :tup
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I have their self-titled but I haven't really listened to it. Will get around to do it now though!
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I hadn't heard about Monuments, I'm checking the songs you mentioned and I'm loving them :tup
They are a great great band, no longer together lucky enough I was able to catch them before they broke up.
I have their self-titled but I haven't really listened to it. Will get around to do it now though!
If I remember correctly the self-titled was originally a demo that was turned into an EP, it's still good but a little rough around the edges.
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20. God Is An Astronaut - All Is Violent, All Is Bright [2003]
(https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7384/20top.jpg)
Another post-rock band but of a different flavor this time. God Is An Astronaut is more of a band that sets an atmosphere with each other their songs. Often slow, very densely layered and a lot of synthesizer use this band left quite the impression on me with first listen and with every repeated listen.
Favorite Tracks: “Fragile”, “Suicide By Star”, “Remembrance Day”
19. Dave Matthews Band - Before These Crowded Streets [1998]
(https://img804.imageshack.us/img804/302/19top.jpg)
DMB early work is awesome and it really peaks with this album. I’ve always been a casual DMB listener but when I first laid my ears on this album it was something special that at the time I hadn’t really heard before. The arrangements are done perfectly, the mix is awesome, Carter Beauford is a monster, and all the songs just seem to come to life. I know there are a lot of people that will dismiss DMB but this is truly an album worth your time.
Favorite Tracks: “The Last Stop”, “Don’t Drink The Water”, “Stay (Wasting Time)”, “Pig”, “Spoon”
18. Ludovico Einaudi - Islands [2011]
(https://img716.imageshack.us/img716/748/18top.jpg)
Another compilation however this album has gotten more spins at my house than anything else and it was just released this year. I love Ludovico Einaudi but I know a lot of people will dismiss him because his music can be very minimalistic, although that is where I think the greatness in his work lies. This is one of the albums I put on when I don’t want tons of notes flying at me; this is an album that I put on to relax and just drift off into the music.
Favorite Tracks: “I Giorni”, “The Earth Prelude”, “Le Onde”, “Nuvole Bianche”, “Passagio”, “L’origine Nascosta”
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That GIAA album is awesome!
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Yes, yes it is.
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Loving all the post-rock!
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It is indeed. Suicide By Star is one of my favourite God Is An Astronaut songs.
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Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here [1975]
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I’ve been a fan of this album for as long as I’ve been listening to music. This is the perfect PF album. It has a better overall mood over DSOTM while still bringing soul to the album unlike The Wall. David Gilmour was the reason I first picked up the guitar and this album had a large part in that. Every bit of this album seems so intricate, so well thought out and composed. I’m really at a loss for words when describing this album, so I’ll just say that this was one of the first albums that made me notice that music is more than just background noise to my life and for that reason it gets a spot on my list.
Favorite Tracks: All of them.
16. Incubus - Fungus Amongus [1995]
(https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9918/16top.jpg)
I’ve been an Incubus fan for a long time but it took me almost nearly as long to listen to the debut album. After that first listen I was left a little loss for words, so I gave it another spin and it started to click more with me. What makes this album so brilliant is that it is just so different from the usual music I listen to. Dirk and Mike and the highlights of this album and to this day I wish Mike would play with that aggressive guitar sound that he has on this album. It’s not a perfect, but it’s definitely memorable.
Favorite Tracks: “You Will Be A Hot Dancer”, “Trouble In 421”, “Medium”, “Speak Free”, “Psychopsilocybin”
15. Antoine Dufour - Existence [2008]
(https://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9471/15top.jpg)
This is the album where Antoine Dufour really mastered the art of writing songs. Often times with solo acoustic performer’s pieces sound as if they get lost. Existence is a collection of songs that fire and foremost are great songs comprised of great melodies. However this is still an Antoine Dufour album so you will be hit with some very crazy guitar playing but that just adds to the fun of this cd rather than being distracting.
Favorite Tracks: “Song For Stephen”, “Reality”, “You And I”, “Mother”, “Into Your Heart”
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Agree 100% about Wish You Were Here... (although it wasn't the musical "eye-opener" for me like it was for you)... I'd just rank it even higher! :D
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:tup :tup On WYWH. Although, I disagree with the comment about having more soul than The Wall. It's a brilliant album, but (IMO) The Wall has a life of it's own, and is not lacking any soul whatsoever. But, 5 (really, 4) brilliant tracks.
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You have awesome taste, Reaper.
Also, obligatory 'YES DMB YES!!!' :lol
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14. Across The Delta - Dancing To Architecture [2006]
(https://img836.imageshack.us/img836/5180/14top.jpg)
This cd is one of my favorite alternative rock cd’s out there. I remember first discovering the band in 2Timer’s song of the day back on the old DT.net days and the band has stuck with me since then. These guys have really add some creative spark to the genre and still they are a great band to rock out to. Song arrangements catch you off guard, solos are peppered in unusual places at times (and at one point a sax shows up to do a solo), the mix is top notch, and the chorus’ are catchy as hell.
Favorite Tracks: All of them, it’s a short album and each song is incredibly solid.
13. Scott Matthews - Passing Stranger [2006]
(https://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2298/13top.jpg)
This album caught me off guard, especially considering I first heard of this guy on the JP forums. To put it simply this album is folk meets pop and it’s one hell of a mix. The album is incredibly dense, on the surface it sounds as if simple 4 piece but when you listen closely the album it just opens up to. Scott Matthews has a great voice that just blends perfectly with the music with great lyrics thrown in as an added bonus.
Favorite Tracks: “Dream Song”, “The Fool’s Fooling Himself”, “Passing Stranger”, “Elusive”
12. Don Ross - Passion Session [1999]
(https://img838.imageshack.us/img838/2162/12top.jpg)
Alright so I’m sure that everyone is tired of all the acoustic albums I’m putting up on my list but they are a big part of my listening life and this is another one that really changed the way I viewed music. If you’re not familiar with Don Ross, well he is another guitar playing machine but he is the most accessible. If I were to introduce anyone to the genre this would be the album I’d give someone and for good reason, it’s catchy (which is remarkable considering it’s entirely instrumental)and Don can groove with his acoustic like no other.
Favorite Tracks: “Kimbim”, “Michael, Michael, Michael”, “Tight Trite Night”, “First Ride”, “Give Me Seven Reasons”
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I don't know any of those albums, that Don Ross album sounds pretty good thopugh, maybe I'll give it a listen
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I've been into Don Ross for years but I only own a couple albums that has his playing. Music for Vacuuming is particularly good.
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I don't know any of those albums, that Don Ross album sounds pretty good thopugh, maybe I'll give it a listen
Check it out! :tup
I've been into Don Ross for years but I only own a couple albums that has his playing. Music for Vacuuming is particularly good.
I don't have many Don Ross cd's either but Passion Session is really worth the listen. I'll have to check out Music for Vacuuming this weekend.
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Mini update so I can start from 10 onwards:
11. Michael Kelsey - Submerged [2011]
(https://img854.imageshack.us/img854/7335/11top.jpg)
First off, if you’re a guitar player, get this album now. This album, out of all on the list, has some of the most creative and inspirational guitar playing I’ve ever heard. Now, with that said, this is one hell of a chill album, something to put on while cooking dinner or reading and that really is the purpose for which it was written, something to fit the background of life. It flows wonderfully and is meant to be listened to as a whole album and you’d be amazed how much this album does suck you in even when only being played in the background.
Favorite Tracks: “Lost On Purpose”, “Sky On All Sides”, “Bending Shadows”, “Solace”, “Figments”, “The Free Spirit”
Trailer for the album if you're interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljIuw8qAOvU
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10. OSI - Blood [2009]
(https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7760/10top.jpg)
OSI is my favorite side project of DT and the first two albums are great sources of great music but Blood is really where they hit their stride. There have only been a few times that I’ve been hit in the face with a wall of awesomeness like when I first heard “False Start” and that was just my first taste of musical ecstasy that followed. This is a nearly flawless album and sucked me in on first listen (unlike Free and OSI) and didn’t let go. Gavin is a wonderful addition to the album and gels way better than MP (not knocking MP abilities) creating one strong back bone to this extremely powerful and heavy album.
Favorite Tracks: “The Escape Artist”, “Terminal”, “False Start”, “Radiologue”, “Microburst Alert”, “Blood”
09. From Monument To Masses - On Little Known Frequencies [2009]
(https://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7436/09top.jpg)
This is the definitive Post Rock album. Once the synth line kicks in on “checksum” it grabs you and doesn’t let go until you’ve gotten through the whole album. This album grooves, it moves, it’s perfectly mixed and produced, it doesn’t drone on aimlessly like so many other post rock albums, and it has enough twists and turns to keep this album on repeat without getting stale for a long time. Heavy synth leads and many looped guitars fill this album but never to the point where you think it’s too much. Sadly, On Little Known Frequencies is the last album the FMTM released before calling it quits and they certainly did it right going out with a bang and a flash of style. If you enjoy post rock, even in passing, get this album now.
Favorite Tracks: “checksum”, “Beyond God And Elvis”, “A Sixth Trumpet”, “An Ounce Of Prevention”, "The First Five"
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Blood is fantastic.
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Blood is a very good album. I wouldn't put it this high, but definitely can see why someone would. :)
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I only have their self-titled. I'll check out On Little Known Frequencies though, thanks!
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Been meaning to check OSI out and I guess I know where to start :)
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This is the definitive Post Rock album.
Well shit. I suppose I should check this out then.
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Is it bad that i've never listened to OSI?
I should listen to OSI
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Yes it is bad, I listen to those three OSI albums more than I listen to DT now-a-days
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Just wanted to say that I haven't forgotten about this, I've had a power outage the past few days at my place.
I'll do a double update tomorrow.
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I'm listening to From Monument to Masses right now and really enjoying it. I wouldn't call it "the definitive post-rock album" or anything, but it's pretty good.
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I guess what really strikes me is that there is a lot of post rock that just doesn't go anywhere really for an 11 minute song. Explosions is the biggest offender in my opinion.
I'm a little biased on FMTM because I saw them live with the original line right before they broke up, one of the best shows I've ever seen.
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I really loved the From Monuments to Masses album, so thanks a ton for the recommendation, man.
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I guess what really strikes me is that there is a lot of post rock that just doesn't go anywhere really for an 11 minute song. Explosions is the biggest offender in my opinion.
I'm a little biased on FMTM because I saw them live with the original line right before they broke up, one of the best shows I've ever seen.
I agree with you about EITS except for on The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place.
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The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place is just typical EitS really.
I do think it's their best album, and I do think it's pretty great, but it isn't different from their other albums in any major way, they just happened to do something... better with that release, but it's still a lot of 'playing around on the guitars for the lulz'. ;)
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As promised a double update:
08. Kaki King - Dreaming Of Revenge [2008]
(https://img846.imageshack.us/img846/9933/08top.jpg)
Anyone who has read any of my music related posts probably has seen me mention Kaki King. She is one of my favorite artists and her body of work just keeps getting stronger and stronger. This album is the peak of hers from the full band era. There is such a diversity of songs here ranging from great little alt. rock tunes to some of the most intricate and beautiful compositions around. All the music is layered and lush leaving behind the acoustic tracks of the first couple records. She also starts doing a bit more vocal work on this album.
Favorite Tracks: “Life Being What It Is”, “Sad American”, “Can Anyone Who Has Heard This Music Really Be A Bad Person?”, “2 O’Clock”, “Zeitgeist” (Bonus Track), “I Need A Girl Who Knows A Map”(Bonus Track with some crazy guitar work)
07. Incubus - Morning View [2001]
(https://img840.imageshack.us/img840/3087/07top.jpg)
I’ve owned this cd since its release in 2001 when Incubus was just a band that I heard of through word of mouth. This is a magnificent album with not a single weak track on it. To me in blends the elements of earlier work with what now has become the softer Incubus. This album contains an hour of non-stop great guitar riffs coupled with unique and catchy lyrics. Mike again truly shines on this album and really solidifies my belief that he is one the most underrated guitar players out there. It’s been 10 years since the release of this cd (fuck I’m getting old) and I still listen to this cd as often as I did back then because it never gets old.
Favorite Tracks: Every song is excellent.
06. Porcupine Tree - Stupid Dream [1999]
(https://img6.imageshack.us/img6/411/06top.jpg)
I discovered PT around 2006 with In Absentia being my first listen to the band. I loved it, it was different, different like the first time I listened to DT only instead of being blown away with technical prowess, I was blown away by the great song writing. Despite playing IA over and over I never really explored the back catalog of music until a few years ago. Stupid Dream was one of the last albums I heard but I deeply regret putting it off for so long. Just like Incubus from the above post, Stupid Dream seems to connect early PT and later PT wonderfully combining the strengths of each era. The songs, to put simply, are touching. They contain some of SW’s best lyrical content as well as some of the most interesting mixing I’ve heard.
Favorite Tracks: “Even Less”, “Slave Called Shiver”, “This Is No Rehearsal”, “Stranger by The Minute”, “Stop Swimming”
05. Fair To Midland - Fables From A Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True [2007]
(https://img838.imageshack.us/img838/759/05top.jpg)
I mentioned a few times throughout my Top 50 about some bands that took me away from one genre and exposed me to another genre, well Fables brought me back to the hard rock/metal genre. Upon hearing this album for the first time I was just taken back, it was just so unique with such a unique voice behind the band. Seriously, Darroh is an animal and is one of the main reasons I enjoy FTM as much as I do. The lyrics are drenched in metaphors, the chorus’ stick with you for days, and every song is as strong as the last.
Favorite Tracks: All of them.
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Stupid Dream :metal
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FABLES :heart :heart :heart
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All of those albums except Kaki King which I haven't heard :heart
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FUCK YEAH FABLES
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Another great group of albums! :tup
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Kaki King, PT and Fair to Midland! :heart
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All of those albums except Kaki King which I haven't heard :heart
Listen to that album, immediately!
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5 day bump
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04. Porcupine Tree - In Absentia [2002]
(https://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7752/04top.jpg)
My first and favorite PT album; a great album from start to finish. I’ll never forget the summer that I first heard this album, it was coupled with some dramatic changes in my life which is part of the reason I have this album so high on my Top 50 list. Another reason is that it’s a phenomenal record; mixed incredibly well, brilliant song writing, and awesome vocal melodies which at the time were pretty unfamiliar to me. It’s hard for me to pin point exactly why I love this album as much as I do but it just grabs me and takes me away every time I listen to it.
Favorite Tracks: All of them.
03. dredg - Catch Without Arms [2005]
(https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/162/03top.jpg)
Anyone who as paid attention to my post in the GMD probably has seen me mention dredg at least at one point. I’m a huge fan, I have been for years and this is the album that introduced me to the greatness that is dredg. It’s extremely accessible and has a great pop/alt rock feel with beautiful, lush guitars, great lyrics, and is a perfect example of how great rock tunes should be done. It’s a shame that this album never got any real radio play because every song is strong as well as a hit and every song has its own individuality while still sticking the underlying theme of the album.
Favorite Tracks: All of them.
02. Kaki King - Everybody Loves You [2003]
(https://img838.imageshack.us/img838/8848/02top.jpg)
This is the debut album from Kaki King and probably the least accessible album on my list if I’m honest. Everybody Loves You is an album worth discovering though, it’s raw and feel of very outside of the box ideas for guitar, even amongst her guitar playing peers. Every song does have a soul to it and that is what I love about this album, every song has character tied to it, some songs are fun, some are downright depressing but in the end they all tie in beautifully to form one the best albums I’ve ever heard.
Favorite Tracks: “Night After Sidewalk”, “Fortuna”, “Joi”
01. dredg - El Cielo [2002]
(https://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1240/01top.jpg)
El Cielo is my favorite album, it has been for a long time but it took almost as long to become my favorite. There is a lot to this album that can only be discovered after multiple listens. To start the album is mixed perfectly, the whole cd seems to breathe as you listen to it. Mark’s guitar tones on this album are incredibly dense and a joy to listen to. The flow of the album is brilliant and it all comes down to probably the best album closer of any I’ve heard which is “The Canyon Behind Her”
One big reason that I have such an attachment to this album is that it seemingly fit perfectly as the soundtrack to my life when I first heard it. It was unique and original to me and I had moved to new town so my best company was this album for some time, but it was a great time in my life so like a good friend when I put this album on I can relive my great memories that are attached to it.
Favorite Tracks: "Sanze", "Triangle", "Scissor Lock", "The Canyon Behind Her"
Well that's it for my list, thanks to everyone for commenting and checking out the list. Sorry for the delays I had in updating this thing but I hope some of you discovered some new music to enjoy :)
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dredg :heart
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2 dredg albums and PT
I like you.
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Thanks for taking the time to make the list! It was a good read :)
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Some cool albums, none would make it this high for me, but still.
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2 albums I'd put in my top 10 as well. What a great last post!
Also:
2 dredg albums and PT
I like you.
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Well that settles it. I need to listen to dredg
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Oh fuck yeah El Cielo. Top 5 album ever for me too.
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El Cielo and Catch Without Arms are fantastic. Good choices. :tup
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El Cielo is also near my top 5.
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I created a Dredg station on Pandora because of this thread.
It started with Triangle on El Cielo.
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Great song.
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I've heard a little bit from Dredg; will be checking them and OSI out as soon as I finish my own list write ups.... :)
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:omg: :heart :-* :angel: ;)
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Awesome list, love that Morning View in particular is so high, it's such an evocative album.
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Morning View is a really special album, there is some outstanding song writing on that album.
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Aqueous Transmission alone is one of the best things ever, never mind the whole album!