In the past couple of weeks, I’ve invited some of my co-workers here to write about jam-packed albums — those albums that have hits from beginning to end. Today’s entry comes from Tribune features writer Sarah Linn.
Take it, Sarah:
When Pat proposed a series of posts about jam-packed albums,* my thoughts immediately sprang to “Abbey Road.”Released in 1969, “Abbey Road” demonstrates the best of The Beatles in stunning fashion.On one end of the spectrum, you have some of the Fab Four’s most fabulous songs (“Something,” “I Want You (She’s So Heavy,” “Because”), written at the pinnacle of their musical and lyrical genius. On the other, an operatic 16-minute medley that captures all four musicians’ unique styles.If records were sandwiches, “Abbey Road” would be peanut butter and raspberry jelly. On wheat bread. With the crusts cut off.That’s partially the problem with “Abbey Road,” though. It’s too obvious. Too comfortable.The same goes for “Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” a psychedelic dreamscape familiar to any Deadhead or college dropout.I’d urge my fellow music fans to broaden their horizons.With that in mind, here are a few perfect or near perfect albums that others have neglected to mention, compiled “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
“Bad Hair Day,” Weird Al Yankovic It’s gotten to the point where I can’t even listen to Coolio’s “Gansta Paradise,” without singing the words to Weird Al’s hilarious “Amish Paradise” instead.“Bad Hair Day” is stuffed with great novelty numbers, including “Gump” (a parody of The Presidents of the United States’ “Lump”) and the ’90s-centric “Alternative Polka.”It’s a toss-up between this, “Dare to Be Stupid” and “Straight Outta Lynwood” for best Weird Al album ever.
“The Blue Album,” WeezerSome may argue that “Pinkerton” is the better album, but I’ll always have a sentimental attachment to Weezer’s charmingly geeky 1994 debut. (It reminds me of high school.)Hits include “Buddy Holly,” “Undone (The Sweater Song)” and “Say It Ain’t So” — now a beginner’s favorite on “Rock Band.”
“Check Your Head,” Beastie Boys Hot, fresh and fun, “Check Your Head” features the Beasties’ trademark wisecracking hip hop mixed with hardcore punk rock. “So Watcha Want?”
“Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” Wu-Tang ClanWhy is this album important? Lessee …“36 Chambers”
- Showcases RZA and GZA while marking the first appearances of Ghostface Killah, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Method Man and Raekwon.
- Restored the New York hiphop scene to national prominence.
- Paved the way for scores of East Coast artists, including Nas, Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z.
- Has influenced countless artists with its lyrics, vocals, beats, sampling and hardcore street sound.
Oh yeah, and many critics consider “36 Chambers” the best hip-hop album of all time. ‘Nuff said.
“Hairway to Steven,“ Butthole Surfers If you like your punk rock with silly lyrics and a rude ‘tude, this is the album for you.Just look at the song titles: “I Saw an X-Ray of a Girl Passing Gas.” “Rocky.” “Julio Iglesias.” “Fast” (a.k.a. “Fart Song”).
“I Just Can’t Stop It,” The English Beat From start (“Mirror in the Bathroom”) to finish (“Jackpot”), The English Beat delivers infectiously catchy, totally danceable ’80s-style ska.It’ll make you smile. It’ll get you grooving. It might even have you hitting the dance floor the next time you hear “Hands Off … She’s Mine.”Trust me, folks. This is one for the ages.
“London Calling,” The Clash” London Calling” is a bit obvious, which is why I’m surprised no one has mentioned it so far.This classic punk album merges elements of ska, soul, rockabilly and reggae while tackling such tough subject matter as race, drugs and joblessness. It’s smart and fierce, tough and frequently funny.Most importantly, it rocks. Hard.
“Pet Sounds,” The Beach Boys Baroque. Beautiful. Nuanced. There’s no other album like “Pet Sounds.”Released in 1966, “Pet Sounds” marked bandleader Brian Wilson’s evolution from sun-lovin’ surfer dude to full-on musical genius, and influenced the likes of Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Elton John.From “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” to “God Only Knows,” it’s hard to find a bad track in the bunch.
“Rain Dogs,” Tom WaitsWith his smoky, gravelly voice and deliciously dark worldview, Tom Waits just might be the perfect combination of prophet, pimp and backroom drunk.He’s got the fiendish creativity of Kurt Weill, the soul-piercing lyricism of Johnny Mercer. His songs are written with the same relentless eye as investigative journalist Lewis W. Hine.“Rain Dogs,” dedicated to “the urban dispossessed” of New York City, is Waits’ masterpiece — wild, odd and painfully, painstakingly gorgeous.
“Surfer Rosa,” The Pixies A seminal alternative rock album, “Surfer Rosa” is raw, ragged and offbeat — everything you’d want from a ’80s album. Although all 13 tracks are uniformly great, one in particular stands out: “Where Is My Mind?” It perfectly captures that sense of solitude and confusion we all share at times. What’s more, it was used to spectacular effect at the end of “Fight Club.”Some other classic albums:
- “OK Computer,” Radiohead
- “Perfect from Now On,” Built to Spill
- “Reign in Blood,” Slayer
* Well, I technically came up with the idea. But he’s welcome to it.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 by Pat
Filed under: Music
Slayer? Nice.