“They call me the seeker…” because I search low and high for great music. If your New Year’s resolution is to find that elusive gem — the undiscovered album that you won’t know how you lived without — the Discman’s Top 100 Albums can help.
-
It has plenty of Twang, a little bang, and k.d. lang;
some great unknowns, jazzy tones, Styx and the Stones.
Actually, NONE of those artists is in the Top 100, but you get the point: it’s an eclectic mix. You are sure to find some new sounds for the new year.
For you fanatics that just have to have more, here’s another 100 picks. And if you want a list without “all that jazz,” check out the 100% Twang-approved list.
Drum roll…Presenting the Top 10…
#1 – Quadrophenia – The Who (Rock)
An ambitious double LP that succeeds where other concept albums fail: each song is a mini-masterpiece that thrives apart from the others; there’s not a shred a filler, no connecting pieces, interludes or wasted notes. Together, the 17 tracks make up the most determined, fully realized 80 minutes of recorded rock music.
#2 – Who’s Next – The Who (Rock)
A sonic marvel, still ahead of its time. Pete Townshend puts on a synthesizer clinic, while Keith Moon’s drumming (“Bargain”) and Roger Daltrey’s vocals (“Won’t Get Fooled Again”) have scarcely been equaled on record
#3 – Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (Rock)
Gritty urban themes framed by words of extraordinary insight and precision, and sheets of dramatic sound.
#4 – The Last of the True Believers – Nanci Griffith (Folk)
Indelible portraits of mythic small-town U.S.A., swimming in melody, smothered by charm, and served up with Nanci’s usual delicate grace.
#5 – Blue – Joni Mitchell (Folk/Rock)
Joni bares her music and her soul, exposing unguarded emotion as few records have ever attempted.
#6 – The War of the Worlds – Jeff Wayne (Rock)
An adventurous adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic, as imaginative and innovative as the book. A true one-of-a-kind: gorgeous analog synths, 40-piece strings, striking narration by the inimitable Richard Burton, and exceptional cameo performances by Phil Lynott, Justin Hayward and Julie Covington.
#7 – Handful of Earth – Dick Gaughan (Folk)
Stern political themes and loving tributes to homeland, delivered through Gaughan’s principled voice, deft guitar and laconic arrangements.
#8 – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway – Genesis (Rock)
A dense, sprawling, vague, sometimes disturbing 100-minute, Peter Gabriel-inspired concept of the fabled New York City underground. Difficult to digest, but also a uniquely rewarding listening experience.
#9 – Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (Rock)
Exceptional pop music. Overplayed and overexposed in the 70’s. Underappreciated and unmatched today.
#10 – Making Movies – Dire Straits (Rock)
An anachronism of the 80’s, Making Movies is a simple blend of quality songs and prodigious guitar playing, without apology to MTV. Side 1 is one of the pristine sides of music (see Sgt. Pepper for another), highlighted by the astonishing “Romeo and Juliet.”
About the author: To change this standard text, you have to enter some information about your self in the Dashboard -> Users -> Your Profile box.