30 minutes to an hour of heaven
July 18, 2019 12:43 AM Subscribe
What are the best albums as albums -- albums with NO weak songs? Original releases only (no greatest hits). Single artist or group (no compilations). No classical. What say you?
Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick.
Jawbreaker 24 Hour Revenge Therapy.
posted by vrakatar at 12:51 AM on July 18, 2019
Jawbreaker 24 Hour Revenge Therapy.
posted by vrakatar at 12:51 AM on July 18, 2019
Blondie - Parallel Lines
The Long Blondes - Someone To Drive You Home
posted by corvine at 1:04 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Long Blondes - Someone To Drive You Home
posted by corvine at 1:04 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Abby Road
posted by Weeping_angel at 1:28 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Weeping_angel at 1:28 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Kind of Blue
posted by vacapinta at 1:31 AM on July 18, 2019 [8 favorites]
posted by vacapinta at 1:31 AM on July 18, 2019 [8 favorites]
Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid. Eclectic cyberpunk concept album ranging from R&B to psychedelic rock, pop, funk and beyond.
posted by Gordafarin at 1:31 AM on July 18, 2019 [9 favorites]
posted by Gordafarin at 1:31 AM on July 18, 2019 [9 favorites]
Beatles - Revolver
Radiohead - OK Computer
Massive Attack - Blue Lines
posted by Spacelegoman at 1:34 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
Radiohead - OK Computer
Massive Attack - Blue Lines
posted by Spacelegoman at 1:34 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
posted by thetarium at 1:50 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by thetarium at 1:50 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Drive-by Truckers - Decoration Day.
posted by essexjan at 2:20 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by essexjan at 2:20 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
Fiona Apple - Tidal
posted by lovableiago at 2:20 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Fiona Apple - Tidal
posted by lovableiago at 2:20 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Came to say Born to Run, but remembered She's the One on side 2, which is weak.
Then I remembered Blood on the Tracks, so that's my contribution to this thread.
posted by she's not there at 2:22 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Then I remembered Blood on the Tracks, so that's my contribution to this thread.
posted by she's not there at 2:22 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
'Astral Weeks' - Van Morrison
posted by oh pollo! at 2:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [17 favorites]
posted by oh pollo! at 2:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [17 favorites]
Portishead - Dummy
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Avalanches - Since I Left You
Modern Vampires of the City comes pretty close. I guess EPs are out or Beta Band would qualify.
posted by humuhumu at 2:28 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Avalanches - Since I Left You
Modern Vampires of the City comes pretty close. I guess EPs are out or Beta Band would qualify.
posted by humuhumu at 2:28 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
One Nation Under a Groove - Funkadelic
Ella and Louis - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Also, the first album of the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack is practically unimpeachable, but that may not fit your criteria for "album".
posted by J.K. Seazer at 2:54 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Ella and Louis - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Also, the first album of the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack is practically unimpeachable, but that may not fit your criteria for "album".
posted by J.K. Seazer at 2:54 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Hejira - Joni Mitchell
posted by el_presidente at 3:05 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by el_presidente at 3:05 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
The way I read the question, continuity of mood is key (the mood can change, but in a way that feels earned and doesn't feel like, oh this is the Ringo song)
Bruce Springsteen's would be Nebraska.
Antonio Carlos Jobim, Wave
Miles Davis, Bitches Brew
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
The Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin
AC/DC, Back in Black
posted by condour75 at 3:08 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Bruce Springsteen's would be Nebraska.
Antonio Carlos Jobim, Wave
Miles Davis, Bitches Brew
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon
The Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin
AC/DC, Back in Black
posted by condour75 at 3:08 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Pink Floyd - The Wall
posted by Roger Pittman at 3:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Roger Pittman at 3:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Seconding The Wall.
It's not an album but it is 24min long - Nightwish, Greatest song on earth
posted by sodium lights the horizon at 3:21 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
It's not an album but it is 24min long - Nightwish, Greatest song on earth
posted by sodium lights the horizon at 3:21 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
"Room on Fire" by the Strokes is the most consistent album I've ever heard.
posted by kevinbelt at 3:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by kevinbelt at 3:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Global Communication - 76:14
posted by bifter at 3:25 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by bifter at 3:25 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Belly - Star
posted by kokaku at 3:26 AM on July 18, 2019 [9 favorites]
posted by kokaku at 3:26 AM on July 18, 2019 [9 favorites]
Janelle Monáe - The Electric Lady
posted by Mizu at 3:36 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Mizu at 3:36 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars
posted by Homer42 at 3:43 AM on July 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by Homer42 at 3:43 AM on July 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
Brian Eno - Taking Tiger Mountain
posted by milkcrateman at 3:44 AM on July 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by milkcrateman at 3:44 AM on July 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
REM — Document
posted by nebulawindphone at 3:45 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by nebulawindphone at 3:45 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Starfish - The Church
Skylarking - XTC
Speak for Yourself - Imogen Heap
Rumors - Fleetwood Mac
Dreamboat Annie - Heart
Evolution - Journey
Ten - Pearl Jam
Lost in Space - Aimee Mann
posted by jzb at 3:50 AM on July 18, 2019 [8 favorites]
Skylarking - XTC
Speak for Yourself - Imogen Heap
Rumors - Fleetwood Mac
Dreamboat Annie - Heart
Evolution - Journey
Ten - Pearl Jam
Lost in Space - Aimee Mann
posted by jzb at 3:50 AM on July 18, 2019 [8 favorites]
Hejira - Joni Mitchell
"Old Furry Sings The Blues" is like a wart on its face; its white hipster appropriation did not age well
posted by thelonius at 3:58 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
"Old Furry Sings The Blues" is like a wart on its face; its white hipster appropriation did not age well
posted by thelonius at 3:58 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals
And since she's not there won't say Springsteen's Born to Run, I will.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 4:10 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
And since she's not there won't say Springsteen's Born to Run, I will.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 4:10 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Hell-on - Neko Case
posted by Gilgongo at 4:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Gilgongo at 4:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Blue, Joni Mitchell
Nina Simone & Piano, Nina Simone
Astral Weeks, Van Morrison
Concert in the Park 1991, Paul Simon (live)
808s & Heartbreak, Kanye West
Tonight’s the Night, Neil Young
Blood on the Tracks, Bob Dylan
posted by sallybrown at 4:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Nina Simone & Piano, Nina Simone
Astral Weeks, Van Morrison
Concert in the Park 1991, Paul Simon (live)
808s & Heartbreak, Kanye West
Tonight’s the Night, Neil Young
Blood on the Tracks, Bob Dylan
posted by sallybrown at 4:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
I would love to say Tapestry by Carole King, but it depends very much how you feel about Smackwater Jack. I grit my teeth until it's over, because the rest is sooo good.
Other than that, I have If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian, Hunky Dory by David Bowie, and Nina Simone at Town Hall.
Seconding Ella & Louie and Astral Weeks. Both are perfect records.
posted by rd45 at 4:24 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Other than that, I have If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian, Hunky Dory by David Bowie, and Nina Simone at Town Hall.
Seconding Ella & Louie and Astral Weeks. Both are perfect records.
posted by rd45 at 4:24 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Orb’s Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld.
posted by pompomtom at 4:29 AM on July 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by pompomtom at 4:29 AM on July 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
Rock:
Mer de Noms - A perfect circle
Core - Stone Temple Pilots
Electronic:
Random Access Memories - Daft Punk
In Sides - Orbital
Etc:
Shatter Me - Lindsey Stirling
Goddess - BANKS
Vespertine - Bjork
College Dropout - Kanye West
posted by bfranklin at 4:30 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Mer de Noms - A perfect circle
Core - Stone Temple Pilots
Electronic:
Random Access Memories - Daft Punk
In Sides - Orbital
Etc:
Shatter Me - Lindsey Stirling
Goddess - BANKS
Vespertine - Bjork
College Dropout - Kanye West
posted by bfranklin at 4:30 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Forever Changes - Love
Slanted and Enchanted - Pavement
Fantasma - Cornelius
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
Wide Awake - The Parquet Courts
Fragile - Yes
Marquee Moon - Television
posted by askmehow at 4:33 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Slanted and Enchanted - Pavement
Fantasma - Cornelius
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
Wide Awake - The Parquet Courts
Fragile - Yes
Marquee Moon - Television
posted by askmehow at 4:33 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
seconding or thirding Blue by Joni
Court and Spark is sublime and the three weakest songs are all together at the end of side 2 so it's easy to just stop listening instead of tediously skipping.
posted by nantucket at 4:40 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Court and Spark is sublime and the three weakest songs are all together at the end of side 2 so it's easy to just stop listening instead of tediously skipping.
posted by nantucket at 4:40 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
La Roux - La Roux
Boygenius - Boygenius (technically, only an EP)
Christine and the Queens - Chaleur Humaine (the US version is self-titled)
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Beyoncé - Lemonade
The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love
Stars - Set Yourself on Fire
The xx - The xx
Neko Case - Fox Confessor Bring the Flood
Emiliana Torrini - Fisherman's Woman
Sleater-Kinney - The Woods
posted by strangecargo at 4:47 AM on July 18, 2019 [9 favorites]
Boygenius - Boygenius (technically, only an EP)
Christine and the Queens - Chaleur Humaine (the US version is self-titled)
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Beyoncé - Lemonade
The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love
Stars - Set Yourself on Fire
The xx - The xx
Neko Case - Fox Confessor Bring the Flood
Emiliana Torrini - Fisherman's Woman
Sleater-Kinney - The Woods
posted by strangecargo at 4:47 AM on July 18, 2019 [9 favorites]
Getz/Gilberto
Metals - Feist
Ella and Louis Again
posted by BeHereNow at 4:51 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Metals - Feist
Ella and Louis Again
posted by BeHereNow at 4:51 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free
The story is supported by some strong songwriting and producing throughout.
The Roots - Things Fall Apart
Mark Ronson - Version
Don't know if this would meet your criteria as it is his version of a number of songs, but the versions are pretty inspired.
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 4:54 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
The story is supported by some strong songwriting and producing throughout.
The Roots - Things Fall Apart
Mark Ronson - Version
Don't know if this would meet your criteria as it is his version of a number of songs, but the versions are pretty inspired.
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 4:54 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Other Pink Floyd albums have been mentioned (justifiably so); but I have to nominate Meddle. All of the songs are different - it's definitely not a single-concept album - but they're all perfect.
posted by Gray Duck at 4:58 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by Gray Duck at 4:58 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Exile on Main St - Rolling Stones
posted by el_presidente at 4:58 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by el_presidente at 4:58 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
Whipping Boy - Heartworm
posted by runincircles at 5:03 AM on July 18, 2019
Whipping Boy - Heartworm
posted by runincircles at 5:03 AM on July 18, 2019
Huntza's new album Xilema ("Xylem") is like that. Not a single dud, imo.
Warning: They're from Guipúzcoa, and all the songs are in Basque. Spanish translations are available, but not English.
The full album is available to listen to on the band's Youtube channel. (Texts and translations are in the descriptions for individual songs.)
posted by nangar at 5:13 AM on July 18, 2019
Warning: They're from Guipúzcoa, and all the songs are in Basque. Spanish translations are available, but not English.
The full album is available to listen to on the band's Youtube channel. (Texts and translations are in the descriptions for individual songs.)
posted by nangar at 5:13 AM on July 18, 2019
Paris 1919-John Cale
posted by Mr. Yuck at 5:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Mr. Yuck at 5:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
There is a Pink Floyd album that perfectly matches your criteria: Wish You Were Here. Often overlooked, but IMO the best exhibition of their skill talent of any of their albums. Also, they literally set a man on fire for the album cover. That's serious commitment to the message.
The Final Cut probably also fits the bill, possibly even more so, but isn't as good to my ears.
posted by wierdo at 5:27 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
The Final Cut probably also fits the bill, possibly even more so, but isn't as good to my ears.
posted by wierdo at 5:27 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Billy Joel - An Innocent Man
John Hiatt - Perfectly Good Guitar
The The - Dusk
Elvis Costello - My Aim is True
posted by Calvin and the Duplicators at 5:30 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
John Hiatt - Perfectly Good Guitar
The The - Dusk
Elvis Costello - My Aim is True
posted by Calvin and the Duplicators at 5:30 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Rentals - Return of the Rentals
posted by unknowncommand at 5:35 AM on July 18, 2019
posted by unknowncommand at 5:35 AM on July 18, 2019
Black Sunday - Cypress Hill
Sweet Oblivion - Screaming Trees
nthing Blood on the Tracks
posted by lyssabee at 5:37 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Sweet Oblivion - Screaming Trees
nthing Blood on the Tracks
posted by lyssabee at 5:37 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Clash - London Calling
that dog. - Retreat from the Sun
posted by holborne at 5:40 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
that dog. - Retreat from the Sun
posted by holborne at 5:40 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
XTC “Skylarking”
The Cure “Disintegration”
Blur “Parklife”
The Kinks “The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society”
posted by cakelite at 5:43 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
The Cure “Disintegration”
Blur “Parklife”
The Kinks “The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society”
posted by cakelite at 5:43 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
Thriller. Who's Next. Hot Fuss. Hotel California. 1984 (Van Halen).
posted by Kwine at 5:52 AM on July 18, 2019
posted by Kwine at 5:52 AM on July 18, 2019
Spiritualized: Lazer Guided Melodies
posted by archimago at 5:59 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by archimago at 5:59 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Depeche Mode - Violator
Tears for Fears - The Seeds of Love
The Bird and the Bee - The Bird and the Bee
Jukebox the Ghost - Let Live and Let Ghost
posted by homodachi at 6:05 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Tears for Fears - The Seeds of Love
The Bird and the Bee - The Bird and the Bee
Jukebox the Ghost - Let Live and Let Ghost
posted by homodachi at 6:05 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Astral Weeks - Van Morrison
Graceland - Paul Simon
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams
The Road to Ensenada - Lyle Lovett
L.A. Woman - The Doors
King of America - Elvis Costello
Imperial Bedroom - Elvis Costello
posted by Redstart at 6:05 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Graceland - Paul Simon
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams
The Road to Ensenada - Lyle Lovett
L.A. Woman - The Doors
King of America - Elvis Costello
Imperial Bedroom - Elvis Costello
posted by Redstart at 6:05 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
U2 - The Joshua Tree
posted by Lazlo Hollyfeld at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by Lazlo Hollyfeld at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Talking Book by Stevie Wonder is this album for me. Perfect.
I also like to put on anything by Sade.
posted by mai at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
I also like to put on anything by Sade.
posted by mai at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Since Rumors and Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld are already mentioned, I'll contribute:
Matthew Sweet: Girlfriend
They Might Be Giants: Lincoln
posted by neilbert at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
Matthew Sweet: Girlfriend
They Might Be Giants: Lincoln
posted by neilbert at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
Fall Out Boy's M A N I A is the only album to hit this for me, but YMMV if you don't have a personal connection to bipolar disorder.
posted by brook horse at 6:18 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by brook horse at 6:18 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Fall - Perverted by Language
posted by porn in the woods at 6:22 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by porn in the woods at 6:22 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Nthing Beyoncé's Lemonade.
posted by thelastpolarbear at 6:25 AM on July 18, 2019
posted by thelastpolarbear at 6:25 AM on July 18, 2019
New Order - Technique
Depeche Mode - Violator
Portishead - Dummy
The Cure - Disintegration
posted by AuroraSky at 6:34 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Depeche Mode - Violator
Portishead - Dummy
The Cure - Disintegration
posted by AuroraSky at 6:34 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Owen Pallett In Conflict
Don Cherry Symphony for Improvisers
The Mekons Fear and Whisky, So Good It Hurts and Honky Tonkin'. The Mekons are an extremely underrated band for reasons that confuse me.
In A Silent Way, Miles Davis. The truth is that I'm not qualified to judge when a jazz album is perfect or not. I'm pretty sure there are lots more perfect albums than the ones that strike me as perfect given the limits on my listening. So this one and the Don Cherry one are just albums that I personally experience as perfect.
posted by Frowner at 6:35 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Don Cherry Symphony for Improvisers
The Mekons Fear and Whisky, So Good It Hurts and Honky Tonkin'. The Mekons are an extremely underrated band for reasons that confuse me.
In A Silent Way, Miles Davis. The truth is that I'm not qualified to judge when a jazz album is perfect or not. I'm pretty sure there are lots more perfect albums than the ones that strike me as perfect given the limits on my listening. So this one and the Don Cherry one are just albums that I personally experience as perfect.
posted by Frowner at 6:35 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
REM - Automatic for the People
Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Prince - Purple Rain
Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson
posted by fourpotatoes at 6:41 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Prince - Purple Rain
Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson
posted by fourpotatoes at 6:41 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Pet Sounds
posted by pinochiette at 6:42 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
posted by pinochiette at 6:42 AM on July 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
If you're OK with folk, Silly Sisters by Maddy Pryor and June Tabor.
posted by FencingGal at 6:49 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by FencingGal at 6:49 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Forgot one: Bat Out of Hell - Meat Loaf
posted by jzb at 6:55 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by jzb at 6:55 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park is almost 20 years old and it's the rare album I still listen to straight through.
I think there's a good argument to be made for Fear by Toad The Wet Sprocket - they even did a play through tour fairly recently - but man, I have to be feeling really down to do that.
Counting Crows, August And Everything After, but ditto.
posted by joycehealy at 6:59 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
I think there's a good argument to be made for Fear by Toad The Wet Sprocket - they even did a play through tour fairly recently - but man, I have to be feeling really down to do that.
Counting Crows, August And Everything After, but ditto.
posted by joycehealy at 6:59 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Prodigy - Fat of the Land
posted by foxjacket at 7:03 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by foxjacket at 7:03 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Pearl Jam, "Ten"
Queensryche, "Operation: Mindcrime"
posted by Aquifer at 7:04 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Queensryche, "Operation: Mindcrime"
posted by Aquifer at 7:04 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes
Pixies - Doolittle
posted by gaspode at 7:17 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Pixies - Doolittle
posted by gaspode at 7:17 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
PJ Harvey - Rid of Me
D'Angelo - Black Messiah
Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
posted by dis_integration at 7:21 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
D'Angelo - Black Messiah
Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
posted by dis_integration at 7:21 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Space Oddity and Ziggy Stardust by Davie Bowie
posted by jquinby at 7:27 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by jquinby at 7:27 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
paul's boutique
posted by poffin boffin at 7:29 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 7:29 AM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Son Volt - Trace
The Golden Smog - Weird Tales
posted by COBRA! at 7:36 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Golden Smog - Weird Tales
posted by COBRA! at 7:36 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Franco & Rochereau, Omona Wapi
Orchestra Baobab, Specialist in All Styles
Youssou N'Dour, Nothing's in Vain
Manu Chao, Próxima Estación: Esperanza
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Jama Ko
posted by Mothlight at 7:38 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Orchestra Baobab, Specialist in All Styles
Youssou N'Dour, Nothing's in Vain
Manu Chao, Próxima Estación: Esperanza
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Jama Ko
posted by Mothlight at 7:38 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
King Crimson, Discipline.
posted by egypturnash at 7:41 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by egypturnash at 7:41 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
It was mentioned earlier, but "Since I Left You" by the Avalanches is perfect. Not a single beat out of place.
posted by arco at 7:47 AM on July 18, 2019
posted by arco at 7:47 AM on July 18, 2019
Oh hey, I wasn't even thinking: Cui Jian's Rock and Roll On The New Long March is a perfect album. I can't hear the opening track without my heart lifting.
posted by Frowner at 7:53 AM on July 18, 2019
posted by Frowner at 7:53 AM on July 18, 2019
Appetite for Destruction (1987), by Guns N' Roses
posted by alex1965 at 7:57 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by alex1965 at 7:57 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Little Feat, Dixie Chicken
The Who, Quadrophenia, nthing Who's Next
Shawn Colvin, Steady On
Jennifer Warnes, Famous Blue Raincoat
posted by conscious matter at 8:01 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Who, Quadrophenia, nthing Who's Next
Shawn Colvin, Steady On
Jennifer Warnes, Famous Blue Raincoat
posted by conscious matter at 8:01 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Otis Redding – Otis Blue
posted by MinPin at 8:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by MinPin at 8:15 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Peter Gabriel's So ("Sledgehammer", "In Your Eyes", "Big Time") has some songs that don't work as singles, but as an album, listened to straight through, it is absolutely unimpeachable.
posted by Etrigan at 8:25 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Etrigan at 8:25 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Stranger (1977), by Billy Joel
Band on the Run (1973), by Paul McCartney and Wings
posted by alex1965 at 8:32 AM on July 18, 2019
Band on the Run (1973), by Paul McCartney and Wings
posted by alex1965 at 8:32 AM on July 18, 2019
Nthing Joni Mitchell's Blue
Leonard Cohen, Songs of Love and Hate (yes, even Diamonds in the Mine)
Bruce Springsteen, Nebraska
The Thermals, The Body, the Blood, the Machine
Future of the Left, Travels with Myself and Another
Neutral Milk Hotel, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Parliament, Mothership Connection
David Bowie, Station to Station
Brian Eno, Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
Steeleye Span, Below the Salt
Willie Nelson, Red Headed Stranger
The Go-Betweens, 16 Lovers Lane
Kraftwerk, Trans-Europe Express
Misfits, Static Age
The Wrens, The Meadowlands
Depeche Mode, Black Celebration
posted by quatsch at 8:35 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Leonard Cohen, Songs of Love and Hate (yes, even Diamonds in the Mine)
Bruce Springsteen, Nebraska
The Thermals, The Body, the Blood, the Machine
Future of the Left, Travels with Myself and Another
Neutral Milk Hotel, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Parliament, Mothership Connection
David Bowie, Station to Station
Brian Eno, Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
Steeleye Span, Below the Salt
Willie Nelson, Red Headed Stranger
The Go-Betweens, 16 Lovers Lane
Kraftwerk, Trans-Europe Express
Misfits, Static Age
The Wrens, The Meadowlands
Depeche Mode, Black Celebration
posted by quatsch at 8:35 AM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Twenty One Pilots' Blurryface was a huge hit for a reason. Every song on that record is really strong. I also think their new record, Trench, is arguably even better.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 8:35 AM on July 18, 2019
posted by rabbitrabbit at 8:35 AM on July 18, 2019
Prince Purple Rain
Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Popcaan Where We Come From
posted by caveatz at 8:40 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Popcaan Where We Come From
posted by caveatz at 8:40 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Songs:Ohia's Ghost Tropic is probably the most perfect record I can think of, it's a whole entire mood.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 8:43 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 8:43 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Fugees The score
Beastie Boys Check your Head
posted by shmurley at 9:00 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Beastie Boys Check your Head
posted by shmurley at 9:00 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
I don't have my iTunes library in front of me at the moment, but off the top of my head when I think of albums that are "all bops," I think of:
Emmylou Harris, Wrecking Ball
Tom Waits, every album, but especially (to me) Foreign Affairs, Blue Valentine, Blood Money, and Bad As Me (seriously there's basically one Waits track I routinely skip among all of his albums)
Tank and the Bangas, Think Tank
PJ Harvey, every album again, but especially To Bring You My Love, Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea and White Chalk
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Naturally
Dr. John, Gris Gris (I just got this one recently and it blew my mind), Goin' Back to New Orleans, and Locked Down
Trombone Shorty, Parking Lot Symphony
Leonard Cohen, I'm Your Man and Dear Heather
Laura Mvula, Sing to the Moon
Lizzo, Coconut Oil
Agree with Joni Mitchell, John Cale and Brian Eno suggestions from earlier, as well
posted by Slothrop at 9:04 AM on July 18, 2019
Emmylou Harris, Wrecking Ball
Tom Waits, every album, but especially (to me) Foreign Affairs, Blue Valentine, Blood Money, and Bad As Me (seriously there's basically one Waits track I routinely skip among all of his albums)
Tank and the Bangas, Think Tank
PJ Harvey, every album again, but especially To Bring You My Love, Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea and White Chalk
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Naturally
Dr. John, Gris Gris (I just got this one recently and it blew my mind), Goin' Back to New Orleans, and Locked Down
Trombone Shorty, Parking Lot Symphony
Leonard Cohen, I'm Your Man and Dear Heather
Laura Mvula, Sing to the Moon
Lizzo, Coconut Oil
Agree with Joni Mitchell, John Cale and Brian Eno suggestions from earlier, as well
posted by Slothrop at 9:04 AM on July 18, 2019
Grateful Dead, Working Man's Dead
NRBQ, At Yankee Stadium
posted by AugustWest at 9:18 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
NRBQ, At Yankee Stadium
posted by AugustWest at 9:18 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'd like to add to the already excellent list:
Cardiacs, On land and in the Sea or any other Cardiacs album, actually
Wire, 154
Talk Talk, Spirit of Eden
Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Lift Your Skinny Fists...
Bark Psychosis, Hex
posted by fregoli at 9:21 AM on July 18, 2019
Cardiacs, On land and in the Sea or any other Cardiacs album, actually
Wire, 154
Talk Talk, Spirit of Eden
Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Lift Your Skinny Fists...
Bark Psychosis, Hex
posted by fregoli at 9:21 AM on July 18, 2019
The Pogues, If I Should Fall From Grace With God
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 9:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 9:23 AM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Pulls up a chair and goes through my library... Here are my top albums that are great start to finish, and infinitely replayable. I've also linked an amazing song from each album.
An Awesome Wave by Alt-J (Tessellate)
Most of the Decemberist's albums are awesome, but I'd put The King is Dead at the very top of that list. (Down by the water)
From A Basement on the Hill by Elliott Smith (Let's get Lost)
Going back to the 90s, Edie Brickell's Ghost of a Dog is a great folk-ish album. (Black and Blue)
Americana by the Offspring is a fantastic listen if you like their music. (The kids aren't alright)
Full Moon Fever by Tom Petty is full of great song after great song. (Apartment Song)
Elephant by the White Stripes (Hardest button to button)
posted by hydra77 at 9:28 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
An Awesome Wave by Alt-J (Tessellate)
Most of the Decemberist's albums are awesome, but I'd put The King is Dead at the very top of that list. (Down by the water)
From A Basement on the Hill by Elliott Smith (Let's get Lost)
Going back to the 90s, Edie Brickell's Ghost of a Dog is a great folk-ish album. (Black and Blue)
Americana by the Offspring is a fantastic listen if you like their music. (The kids aren't alright)
Full Moon Fever by Tom Petty is full of great song after great song. (Apartment Song)
Elephant by the White Stripes (Hardest button to button)
posted by hydra77 at 9:28 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Other Pink Floyd mentioned above, but I seriously love The Division Bell album
Annie Lennox Diva
posted by Ftsqg at 9:54 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Annie Lennox Diva
posted by Ftsqg at 9:54 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Air - Moon Safari
posted by Superfrankenstein at 9:55 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Superfrankenstein at 9:55 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Billy Bragg and Wilco, Mermaid Avenue (but not Mermaid Avenue 2, which is spottier)
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:13 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:13 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
I am seconding the Joshua Tree. Not only are there no weak songs in it but the first 5 songs especially are just flat out amazing.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:02 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:02 AM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
So many to choose from....
American Beauty by the Grateful Dead
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel
The Cars by The Cars
The Harder They Come by Jimmy Cliff (not a single-artist album but the whole damned thing is awesome)
Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1
Whipped Cream and Other Delights by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
posted by vitout at 11:21 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
American Beauty by the Grateful Dead
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel
The Cars by The Cars
The Harder They Come by Jimmy Cliff (not a single-artist album but the whole damned thing is awesome)
Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1
Whipped Cream and Other Delights by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
posted by vitout at 11:21 AM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Todd Rundgren should be here on principle (e.g., he produced at least 2 of the albums mentioned above), so I'm going to add Something/Anything.
posted by she's not there at 11:31 AM on July 18, 2019
posted by she's not there at 11:31 AM on July 18, 2019
Do live albums count? If so:
Frampton Comes Alive, Pete Frampton
At The Fillmore East, The Allman Brothers
posted by jquinby at 11:53 AM on July 18, 2019
Frampton Comes Alive, Pete Frampton
At The Fillmore East, The Allman Brothers
posted by jquinby at 11:53 AM on July 18, 2019
Kate Bush: Hounds of Love.
Actually, any Kate Bush Album.
posted by archimago at 12:11 PM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Actually, any Kate Bush Album.
posted by archimago at 12:11 PM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
The Dave Grusin Quartet - Time Out
Nina Simone - Pastel Blues
The Blues Brothers - Briefcase Full of Blues
George Michael - Faith
The KLF - The White Room
Apollo 440 - Electro Glide in Blue
posted by monopas at 12:14 PM on July 18, 2019
Nina Simone - Pastel Blues
The Blues Brothers - Briefcase Full of Blues
George Michael - Faith
The KLF - The White Room
Apollo 440 - Electro Glide in Blue
posted by monopas at 12:14 PM on July 18, 2019
Matthew Sweet- Girlfriend
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 12:25 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 12:25 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Sorry, Dave Brubeck, not Dave Grusin. Too many Daves in Jazz, and not enough coffee in me.
posted by monopas at 12:26 PM on July 18, 2019
posted by monopas at 12:26 PM on July 18, 2019
Swamp Ophelia by Indigo Girls
Flood by They Might Be Giants
The Execution of All Things by Rilo Kiley
Random Access Memories by Daft Punk
Come On, Come On by Mary Chapin-Carpenter
Man@Work by Colin Hay
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy by Sarah MacLachlan
Feed the Animals by GirlTalk
posted by ApathyGirl at 12:32 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Flood by They Might Be Giants
The Execution of All Things by Rilo Kiley
Random Access Memories by Daft Punk
Come On, Come On by Mary Chapin-Carpenter
Man@Work by Colin Hay
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy by Sarah MacLachlan
Feed the Animals by GirlTalk
posted by ApathyGirl at 12:32 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
It's My Life by Talk Talk
Days of Future Passed by the Moody Blues
seconding Pet Sounds
Note my first choice has a track called "Does Caroline Know?"
just sayin'
posted by Rash at 12:32 PM on July 18, 2019
Days of Future Passed by the Moody Blues
seconding Pet Sounds
Note my first choice has a track called "Does Caroline Know?"
just sayin'
posted by Rash at 12:32 PM on July 18, 2019
Metallica - Master of Puppets
Future - 56 Nights (also Monster)
Rush - Exit stage left (yeah, yeah, it's a live album I know, it's perfect though)
Young Thug - Barter 6
The Cure - Disintegration
posted by so fucking future at 12:36 PM on July 18, 2019
Future - 56 Nights (also Monster)
Rush - Exit stage left (yeah, yeah, it's a live album I know, it's perfect though)
Young Thug - Barter 6
The Cure - Disintegration
posted by so fucking future at 12:36 PM on July 18, 2019
OH OH OH I Just remembered the James album Laid which is incredibly good from start to finish.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 12:39 PM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 12:39 PM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
A Larum by Johnny Flynn
I Often Dream of Trains by Robyn Hitchcock
Fables of the Reconstruction by REM
posted by jabes at 12:40 PM on July 18, 2019
I Often Dream of Trains by Robyn Hitchcock
Fables of the Reconstruction by REM
posted by jabes at 12:40 PM on July 18, 2019
Meat Puppets - Out My Way
Bill Callahan - Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest (new release, really holds up as a coherent whole)
posted by sjswitzer at 12:44 PM on July 18, 2019
Bill Callahan - Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest (new release, really holds up as a coherent whole)
posted by sjswitzer at 12:44 PM on July 18, 2019
Stevie Wonder:
Songs in the Key of Life
Innervisions
Kendrick Lamar:
To Pimp a Butterfly
posted by eusebis_w_adorno at 12:45 PM on July 18, 2019
Songs in the Key of Life
Innervisions
Kendrick Lamar:
To Pimp a Butterfly
posted by eusebis_w_adorno at 12:45 PM on July 18, 2019
gil scott heron - winter in america
funkadelic - america eats its young
nick cave and the bad seeds - henry's dream
the sisters of mercy - first and last and always
trans am - liberation
nick drake - bryter layter
posted by 20 year lurk at 12:49 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
funkadelic - america eats its young
nick cave and the bad seeds - henry's dream
the sisters of mercy - first and last and always
trans am - liberation
nick drake - bryter layter
posted by 20 year lurk at 12:49 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
OMG, yes, "nick drake - bryter layter." A perfect album from start to finish.
posted by sjswitzer at 12:52 PM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by sjswitzer at 12:52 PM on July 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
Billy Joel - Glass Houses
Neko Case and Her Boyfriends - Furnace Room Lullaby
Pup - Morbid Stuff (welllll maybe not that last track, arg)
Amon Tobin - Supermodified
Fiona Apple - When the Pawn...
posted by bitterkitten at 12:52 PM on July 18, 2019
Neko Case and Her Boyfriends - Furnace Room Lullaby
Pup - Morbid Stuff (welllll maybe not that last track, arg)
Amon Tobin - Supermodified
Fiona Apple - When the Pawn...
posted by bitterkitten at 12:52 PM on July 18, 2019
max roach: speak brother speak
posted by 20 year lurk at 1:28 PM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by 20 year lurk at 1:28 PM on July 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Gerry Rafferty - City to City
Simon and Garfunkel - Bookends
posted by Altomentis at 1:43 PM on July 18, 2019
Simon and Garfunkel - Bookends
posted by Altomentis at 1:43 PM on July 18, 2019
Beck, Sea Change
Ratatat, Classics
Ben Folds, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner
They Might Be Giants, Glean
posted by eirias at 3:03 PM on July 18, 2019
Ratatat, Classics
Ben Folds, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner
They Might Be Giants, Glean
posted by eirias at 3:03 PM on July 18, 2019
Cornelius - Fantasma
Cornelius - Point
Fugees - The Score
Squarepusher - Big Loada
Ween - The Mollusk
They Might Be Giants - Apollo 18
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 3:16 PM on July 18, 2019
Cornelius - Point
Fugees - The Score
Squarepusher - Big Loada
Ween - The Mollusk
They Might Be Giants - Apollo 18
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 3:16 PM on July 18, 2019
Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy
Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
Grizzly Bear - Yellow House
Sebadoh - Harmacy
Bettie Serveert - Palomine
Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane over the Sea
Radiohead - Kid A
Grandaddy - The Sopthware Slump
PJ Harvey - Dry
The Wrens - Meadowlands
Son Volt - Wide Swing Tremelo
Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime
McClusky - McClusky do Dallas
Thelonius Monk - Brilliant Corners
Chavez - Better Days Will Haunt You
Squirrel Bait - Squirrel Bait
Yo La Tengo - I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One
Belle and Sebastian - Push Barman to Open Old Wounds (or really anything of theirs)
Mogwai - Mr. Beast
Guided By Voices - Bee Thousand
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
Half Japanese - Half Man/Not Beasts
Dinosaur Jr - Bug
Deerhoof - The Runners Four
Giant Sand - Chore of Enchantment
posted by sjswitzer at 3:54 PM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
Grizzly Bear - Yellow House
Sebadoh - Harmacy
Bettie Serveert - Palomine
Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane over the Sea
Radiohead - Kid A
Grandaddy - The Sopthware Slump
PJ Harvey - Dry
The Wrens - Meadowlands
Son Volt - Wide Swing Tremelo
Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime
McClusky - McClusky do Dallas
Thelonius Monk - Brilliant Corners
Chavez - Better Days Will Haunt You
Squirrel Bait - Squirrel Bait
Yo La Tengo - I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One
Belle and Sebastian - Push Barman to Open Old Wounds (or really anything of theirs)
Mogwai - Mr. Beast
Guided By Voices - Bee Thousand
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
Half Japanese - Half Man/Not Beasts
Dinosaur Jr - Bug
Deerhoof - The Runners Four
Giant Sand - Chore of Enchantment
posted by sjswitzer at 3:54 PM on July 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Japan - Gentlemen Take Polaroids
Brian Eno - Another Green World
The Cure - Faith
OMD - Organisation
Felt - Crumbling the Antiseptic Beauty
Simple Minds - Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call (if listened to as the double album that they really are)
posted by Chairboy at 4:38 PM on July 18, 2019
Brian Eno - Another Green World
The Cure - Faith
OMD - Organisation
Felt - Crumbling the Antiseptic Beauty
Simple Minds - Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call (if listened to as the double album that they really are)
posted by Chairboy at 4:38 PM on July 18, 2019
Garbage (self-titled)
Ramones (self-titled)
Def Leppard - Hysteria
Michael Jackson - Thriller, Bad, maybe Dangerous
I've got a short list of these, above, already, as part of a podcast project in development. This thread is a boon, or maybe a tidal wave.
posted by Sunburnt at 4:39 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Ramones (self-titled)
Def Leppard - Hysteria
Michael Jackson - Thriller, Bad, maybe Dangerous
I've got a short list of these, above, already, as part of a podcast project in development. This thread is a boon, or maybe a tidal wave.
posted by Sunburnt at 4:39 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
So much great stuff here! I'll add:
Sufjan Stevens -- Carrie and Lowell
Radiohead -- A Moon Shaped Pool
David Byrne & St. Vincent -- Love This Giant
J Dilla -- Donuts
NOMO -- New Tones
Tortoise -- TNT
Alice Coltrane -- Journey in Satchidananda
Bill Evans -- Live at the Village Vanguard
Miles Davis -- In a Silent Way
Sam Yahel -- Truth and Beauty
posted by kelborel at 4:44 PM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Sufjan Stevens -- Carrie and Lowell
Radiohead -- A Moon Shaped Pool
David Byrne & St. Vincent -- Love This Giant
J Dilla -- Donuts
NOMO -- New Tones
Tortoise -- TNT
Alice Coltrane -- Journey in Satchidananda
Bill Evans -- Live at the Village Vanguard
Miles Davis -- In a Silent Way
Sam Yahel -- Truth and Beauty
posted by kelborel at 4:44 PM on July 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Darden Smith-Little Victories
David & David-Boomtown
posted by LaBellaStella at 5:46 PM on July 18, 2019
David & David-Boomtown
posted by LaBellaStella at 5:46 PM on July 18, 2019
slint - spiderland
the replacements - pleased to meet me
posted by 20 year lurk at 6:10 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
the replacements - pleased to meet me
posted by 20 year lurk at 6:10 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Cure - Bloodflowers
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 6:36 PM on July 18, 2019
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 6:36 PM on July 18, 2019
The Trinity Sessions - Cowboy Junkies
case/lang/veirs - Neko Case, K.D Lang & Julie Veirs
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams
posted by gingerjules at 8:09 PM on July 18, 2019
case/lang/veirs - Neko Case, K.D Lang & Julie Veirs
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams
posted by gingerjules at 8:09 PM on July 18, 2019
I'd say that Weezer's The Blue Album is pretty damn great. Clocks about 30 minutes IIRC.
posted by radioamy at 8:26 PM on July 18, 2019
posted by radioamy at 8:26 PM on July 18, 2019
There are many albums above that I totally agree with. I'll add:
Morcheeba - Big Calm
Morphine - Cure for Pain
The Sheepdogs - any album, they're all pretty good and will remind of some awesome 70's southern rock
Cassandra Wilson - jazz singer, any album since she's amazing, but maybe start with New Moon Daughter
James - Laid (mentioned above but also worth mentioning that it was produced by Brian Eno who is on this list four times and has at least one other album that he produced (U2).
The Who - Who's Next. I know, already mentioned but shit, it's so fucking perfect.
posted by ashbury at 8:30 PM on July 18, 2019
Morcheeba - Big Calm
Morphine - Cure for Pain
The Sheepdogs - any album, they're all pretty good and will remind of some awesome 70's southern rock
Cassandra Wilson - jazz singer, any album since she's amazing, but maybe start with New Moon Daughter
James - Laid (mentioned above but also worth mentioning that it was produced by Brian Eno who is on this list four times and has at least one other album that he produced (U2).
The Who - Who's Next. I know, already mentioned but shit, it's so fucking perfect.
posted by ashbury at 8:30 PM on July 18, 2019
Bright Eyes - I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning
Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
F**ked Up - David Comes to Life
Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen
Bob Marley - Soul Rebel
Beatles - White Album
+1 for:
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions
Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 9:01 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
F**ked Up - David Comes to Life
Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen
Bob Marley - Soul Rebel
Beatles - White Album
+1 for:
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions
Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 9:01 PM on July 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Tallahassee - the Mountain Goats
Figure 8 - Elliott Smith
Dagger Beach - John Vanderslice
The Bones of What You Believe - CHVRCHES
Hourglass - James Taylor
Always Been - Mason Jennings
Now We Can See - the Thermals
The Beast In Its Tracks - Josh Ritter
We Will Become Like Birds - Erin Mckeown
Full Force Galesburg - the Mountain Goats
Remember That I Love You- Kimya Dawson
posted by fairlynearlyready at 10:12 PM on July 18, 2019
Figure 8 - Elliott Smith
Dagger Beach - John Vanderslice
The Bones of What You Believe - CHVRCHES
Hourglass - James Taylor
Always Been - Mason Jennings
Now We Can See - the Thermals
The Beast In Its Tracks - Josh Ritter
We Will Become Like Birds - Erin Mckeown
Full Force Galesburg - the Mountain Goats
Remember That I Love You- Kimya Dawson
posted by fairlynearlyready at 10:12 PM on July 18, 2019
Lee Perry - Superape, Roast Fish, Collie Weed & Corn Bread
Tackhead - Tape Time
Singers & Players - War of Words, Revenge of the Underdog
Kraftwerk - Man Machine, Computer World
Coil - Horse Rotorvator
posted by Kosmob0t at 11:59 PM on July 18, 2019
Tackhead - Tape Time
Singers & Players - War of Words, Revenge of the Underdog
Kraftwerk - Man Machine, Computer World
Coil - Horse Rotorvator
posted by Kosmob0t at 11:59 PM on July 18, 2019
6 and 12 String Guitar – Leo Kottke
posted by Chitownfats at 2:10 AM on July 19, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Chitownfats at 2:10 AM on July 19, 2019 [3 favorites]
The first two Ramones albums (self-titled, Leave Home).
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin
The Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree
posted by Pink Frost at 2:51 AM on July 19, 2019
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin
The Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree
posted by Pink Frost at 2:51 AM on July 19, 2019
If under an hour is the cutoff:
Bangles - All Over the Place
A Tribe Called Quest - The Love Movement
Madonna - Hard Candy
Jonghyun - Poet | Artist
(I would have picked Hysteria as well if the intro to "Excitable" hadn't scared the bejeezus out of 12-year-old me)
posted by Recliner of Rage at 7:10 AM on July 19, 2019
Bangles - All Over the Place
A Tribe Called Quest - The Love Movement
Madonna - Hard Candy
Jonghyun - Poet | Artist
(I would have picked Hysteria as well if the intro to "Excitable" hadn't scared the bejeezus out of 12-year-old me)
posted by Recliner of Rage at 7:10 AM on July 19, 2019
Roxy Music - Avalon
Freedy Johnston - This Perfect World
Son Volt - Trace
Lloyd Cole & The Commotions - Rattlesnakes
(About 10 years ago (!) there was a similar question: What album is so good that you never skip a song? And edmz was kind enough to compile that thread into a spreadsheet, if anyone's interested.)
posted by Bron at 7:48 AM on July 19, 2019 [3 favorites]
Freedy Johnston - This Perfect World
Son Volt - Trace
Lloyd Cole & The Commotions - Rattlesnakes
(About 10 years ago (!) there was a similar question: What album is so good that you never skip a song? And edmz was kind enough to compile that thread into a spreadsheet, if anyone's interested.)
posted by Bron at 7:48 AM on July 19, 2019 [3 favorites]
Bob Marley & the Wailers, Natty Dread
Sonny Sharrock Band, Highlife
Beats International, Let Them Eat Bingo
posted by Mothlight at 9:22 AM on July 19, 2019
Sonny Sharrock Band, Highlife
Beats International, Let Them Eat Bingo
posted by Mothlight at 9:22 AM on July 19, 2019
INXS - Kick or Listen Like Thieves
Samiam - You are Freaking Me Out
Seaweed - Four
Dave Clark 5 greatest hits
posted by The_Vegetables at 10:16 AM on July 19, 2019
Samiam - You are Freaking Me Out
Seaweed - Four
Dave Clark 5 greatest hits
posted by The_Vegetables at 10:16 AM on July 19, 2019
Some of these second previous comments.
Bo Hansson - Lord of the Rings
Blondie - Eat to the Beat
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Cosmo's Factory
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Through the Looking Glass
David Bowie - Low
Janelle Monae - The Archandroid
Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
The Pixies - Doolittle
The Cure - Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
The The - Infected
Genesis - A Trick of the Tail
Depeche Mode - Music for the Masses
Kate Bush - The Dreaming, probably everything else
Spearhead - Stay Human
My relationship to albums changes as I change and as the culture changes, so many choices I might have listed in the past are stricken because I'm unsure about my current relationship to the lyrics, as with Funkadelic, or with Abbey Road by the Beatles (so close, but a line in Polythene Pam bothers me).
posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 11:21 AM on July 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
Bo Hansson - Lord of the Rings
Blondie - Eat to the Beat
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Cosmo's Factory
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Through the Looking Glass
David Bowie - Low
Janelle Monae - The Archandroid
Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
The Pixies - Doolittle
The Cure - Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
The The - Infected
Genesis - A Trick of the Tail
Depeche Mode - Music for the Masses
Kate Bush - The Dreaming, probably everything else
Spearhead - Stay Human
My relationship to albums changes as I change and as the culture changes, so many choices I might have listed in the past are stricken because I'm unsure about my current relationship to the lyrics, as with Funkadelic, or with Abbey Road by the Beatles (so close, but a line in Polythene Pam bothers me).
posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 11:21 AM on July 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
Also want to super nth Minutemen's Double Nickels on the Dime.
posted by holborne at 12:28 PM on July 19, 2019
posted by holborne at 12:28 PM on July 19, 2019
King Sunny Adé: Syncro System
Cesária Évora: Miss Perfumado
Gillian Welch: Time (The Revelator)
Seconding "Blue" and "Stop Making Sense" as two essentially perfect albums.
posted by Rumple at 1:18 PM on July 19, 2019
Cesária Évora: Miss Perfumado
Gillian Welch: Time (The Revelator)
Seconding "Blue" and "Stop Making Sense" as two essentially perfect albums.
posted by Rumple at 1:18 PM on July 19, 2019
Pink Floyd: Piper at the Gates of Dawn
Prefab Sprout: Steve McQueen (aka Two Wheels Good)
Thomas Dolby: The Golden Age of Wireless (the one with "One of Our Submarines"), Aliens Ate My Buick
and though it's under half an hour:
The Dukes of Stratosphear: 25 O'Clock
posted by scruss at 1:27 PM on July 19, 2019
Prefab Sprout: Steve McQueen (aka Two Wheels Good)
Thomas Dolby: The Golden Age of Wireless (the one with "One of Our Submarines"), Aliens Ate My Buick
and though it's under half an hour:
The Dukes of Stratosphear: 25 O'Clock
posted by scruss at 1:27 PM on July 19, 2019
Spectacular question, and spectacular answers. I'm gonna give Art of Doubt by Metric a ton of credit here, because it's the most Metric album they've ever released, with the distillation of everything they've come to be in the past twenty(!) years.
posted by spbb at 4:02 PM on July 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by spbb at 4:02 PM on July 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
Uncle Tupelo - Anodyne
posted by polecat at 4:05 PM on July 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by polecat at 4:05 PM on July 19, 2019 [1 favorite]
And if we're going international, it's a little difficult to get your hands on...but the first self-titled album by SHISHAMO is start-to-finish perfect, especially for hot summer nights.
posted by spbb at 4:13 PM on July 19, 2019
posted by spbb at 4:13 PM on July 19, 2019
The Alan Parsons Project - Turn Of A Friendly Card
King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King
Pink Floyd - Obscured By Clouds (the most underrated of all their albums)
posted by fairmettle at 1:40 AM on July 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King
Pink Floyd - Obscured By Clouds (the most underrated of all their albums)
posted by fairmettle at 1:40 AM on July 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
I feel like a weirdo for saying it but I really liked You’re Not Alone by Andrew WK. There are a handful of monologues but they’re thematically consistent and compelling in my opinion. The title track and Music Is Worth Living For are the best songs but I think it’s a solid album.
posted by kat518 at 5:01 PM on July 20, 2019
posted by kat518 at 5:01 PM on July 20, 2019
Sam Evian - Premium
His follow up album is also excellent, but I would start with this one.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:48 AM on July 21, 2019
His follow up album is also excellent, but I would start with this one.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:48 AM on July 21, 2019
Moby's Play comes to mind, as does the Beatles' Revolver, Pendulum's In Silico, Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out, Led Zepellin IV, Daft Punk's Discovery, Floyd's Wish You Were Here.
posted by talldean at 8:18 PM on July 21, 2019
posted by talldean at 8:18 PM on July 21, 2019
Grace - Jeff Buckley
Leftism - Leftfield
It’s a shame about Ray - the lemonheads (but end it before the song mrs Robinson, that’s was added later, due to it being popular single, but as an album track, really jarring)
posted by ben30 at 11:13 AM on July 23, 2019
Leftism - Leftfield
It’s a shame about Ray - the lemonheads (but end it before the song mrs Robinson, that’s was added later, due to it being popular single, but as an album track, really jarring)
posted by ben30 at 11:13 AM on July 23, 2019
The Faint - Wet From Birth is just fabulous all the way through (listening right now actually)
The sophomore release by my favorite band, The Matches', is one of my favorite albums of all time, and every single song is different but just so damn good
posted by radioamy at 3:46 PM on July 23, 2019
The sophomore release by my favorite band, The Matches', is one of my favorite albums of all time, and every single song is different but just so damn good
posted by radioamy at 3:46 PM on July 23, 2019
Beck - Morning Phase (47:08 according to wikipedia)
Beirut - The Rip Tide (33:11)
The Shins - Oh, Inverted World (33:31)
nthing the Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Gillian Welch, & Neutral Milk Hotel selections
posted by onell at 9:38 AM on July 26, 2019
Beirut - The Rip Tide (33:11)
The Shins - Oh, Inverted World (33:31)
nthing the Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Gillian Welch, & Neutral Milk Hotel selections
posted by onell at 9:38 AM on July 26, 2019
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posted by Crystalinne at 12:47 AM on July 18, 2019 [18 favorites]