I'm well aware that top-10 lists are trite and overdone, but I'm making one anyway. These 10 albums are the basis of my love of music, different genres, different decades, different sounds, but all beautiful in my opinion.
10. "Place 54"- Hocus Pocus
The only public offering from French hip-hop artist Hocus Pocus, this album is not only for Francophiles. The first (and title) track from the album is an entrancing combination of sounds, from the slow chugging of a train to the cry of a baby. The highlights of the album are "Mr. Tout le Monde" and "Move On," two very different tracks, but both go to show the breadth of his artistry.
9. "Hoist"- Phish
I know, I know. It's considered blasphemy to consider this the best Phish album. I, however, would point to the wide variety of styles implored by the band in creation of this album, which includes well known tracks such as "Julius" and "Sample in a Jar." From the melancholy "Lifeboy" to the hard-edge of "Axilla Part II", this album has something for everyone.
8. "Paul's Boutique"- The Beastie Boys
Even though it did not live up to commercial expectations, "Paul's Boutique", the second album from Manhattan based rap trio The Beastie Boys is arguably their most creative record. Released just before legislation would greatly reduce the ability to sample other records, this album utilizes literally hundreds of tracks from artists in all different genres to create an entirely new sound. The final track, "B-Boy Bouillabaisse" is a compilation of 9 different short vignettes, all loosely tied together, in a manner that only the Beastie Boys could pull off.
7. "Untitled"- Led Zeppelin (a.k.a. "Led Zeppelin IV)
While it is know mostly for "Stairway to Heaven," Led Zeppelin's 5th studio album gives us a myriad of classics such as "Black Dog", "Going to California" and "Rock and Roll." My personal favorite, however, is "When the Levee Breaks", a grungy, harmonica-heavy blues track, featuring the always superior guitar work of Jimmy Page.
6. "Cosmo's Factory"- Creedence Clearwater Revival
The fifth offering from the Bay Area's Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Cosmo's Factory" begins with the underrated "Ramble Tamble," a 7-minute long rock odyssey, and gives us their fantastic rendition of "Heard it Through the Grapevine." Their cover of blues standard "Before You Accuse Me" is exemplary, and John Fogerty's vocals and guitar licks are on great display throughout the album.
5. "Performance and Cocktails"- Stereophonics
The second album from Welsh rock group Stereophonics, "Performance and Cocktails" expands on the potential the band showed in their first album "Word Gets Around." The first single from the album, "The Bartender and the Thief" is a hyper-paced pseudo-punk anthem, complete with lots of distortion and a catchy chorus. The band goes on to foray in to a wide variety of rock sub-genres throughout the album, highlighted by "Half the Lies You Tell Ain't True." The final track, "I Stopped to Fill My Car Up" relies heavily on the unique vocal style of front man and lead guitarist Kelly Jones.
4. "Regulate... G Funk Era"- Warren G
The first hip-hop album I ever owned turned out to still be my favorite of all time 16 years after it first came out. The opening track, "Regulate" featuring Nate Dogg is still the most well known, and remains a perfect example of the laid-back west coast gangsta style of the early-to-mid 90's. Warren G provides us with some off-color sketches in "Gangsta Sermon" and "'94 Ho Draft." A special listening has to go out to "This DJ" which has one of the catchiest hooks ever recorded.
3. "Blood Sugar Sex Magik"- Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Chili Peppers at their funkiest. Produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin, and recorded at the infamous "Mansion" (Harry Houdini's old home) in Los Angeles, the Chili Peppers would go on to write some of their most famous songs, including "Under the Bridge" and "Give it Away." Special mention must go to the last song on the album, their very unique cover over Robert Johnson's blues standard "They're Red Hot."
2. "Wood"- Brian Bromberg
Virtuoso jazz bassist Brian Bromberg's first all-acoustic album delivers with a bang. In stark contrast to most of his other work, "Wood" is very stripped back, featuring his unique jazz bass style, accompanied by piano and percussion. Along with unique covers of well known tunes such as "Come Together" and "The Star-Spangled Banner," Bromberg adds a wide variety of lesser known jazz tracks, highlighted by opening track "The Saga of Harrison Crabfeathers." The only original work on the album is arguably the best as well. "Goodbye (For my Father)" is a beautifully crafted tribute. All in all, a must-have for any jazz lover.
1. "Graceland"- Paul Simon
This is easily the album I have listened to the most in my life. Paul Simon takes us on a journey from his socially critical "Boy in the Bubble" through multiple tracks with renowned South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Most notably "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes"). The most famous single from the album, "You Can Call Me Al" is a perfect representation of Simon's unique musical style. All in all, I would argue, one of the most well-rounded albums ever produced.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it is a basis of conversation. I'm interested to hear what others have to say about it.
