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| 6 |
OK
Computer- Radiohead As
I said, OK Computer and The Bends are just about equally great to
me. If you read what professional musicians say are their biggest
influences or favorite recordings, this is almost always on it, and
rightfully so. Nothing like this has ever been released before and
I think it's great that it has opened up people's minds to different
ways to produce music. The electronic parts do not detract from the
songs which is the often the case, but instead add to the desired
effect. "Paranoid Android" and "Let Down" are
probably my top 2, though each song contains something new and fresh.
This cd cemented the fact that Radiohead are geniuses and kind of
exist on another plane than most other groups. I also think it came
along at the perfect time, when the music industry needed something
to redefine all the rules. Bravo. |
1.
Airbag
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| 7 |
Edges of Twilight- The Tea Party My buddy Adi described this cd to me as a cross between The Doors and Led Zeppelin.He didn't tell me that it was many times better than anything either of those bands ever put out! This cd kicks ass. Starting off with the classic "Fire in the Head", going on into "The Bazaar" and then when it hits the third song "Correspondences", it's official that this band is as musically tight as anything else out there. By blending countless ethnic instruments, complex dissonant melodies, and crisp, full vocals by Jeff Martin, this cd packs a punch on virtually every song. This cd is so damn good that it probably went over many people's heads... Just listen to "Drawing Down the Moon" and listen to how it goes from being a multi-layered ballad to immediately becoming all out thrash rock. All of Tea Party's cd's are brilliant, but I think this is the best example of what they represent and what they bring to the table. |
1. Fire In The Head |
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8 |
Grace-Jeff
Buckley
Jeff's only "official" studio release when he was alive, this record displays what a rare talent he was and sadly hints at what would probably have been a brilliant career. He's destined to be a cult figure because of these ten songs (and of course because of his shy personality and the fact that he died young). He was really the whole package with his beautiful haunting voice and wonderful guitar playing. "Dream Brother" and "Lover, You Should've Come Over" are my favorite originals, but his cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is literally one of the best things I've ever heard. His falsetto is gorgeous. This album is essential listening. I also recommend the book "Dream Brother" that tells the stories of Jeff and his father Tim- both young musicians, both dying young. |
1.
Mojo Pin |
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| 9 |
Crooked Fingers- Red Devil Dawn This band is still a recent discovery for me but Eric Bachmann could be the best songwriter out there today. There is absolutely nothing light about this music- I can't really listen to it casually because the songs are so complex and say so much that they kind of get into your head. While Bachmann's voice takes a little getting used to, it eventually fits in with the intricate melodies and countless instruments that are employed here. First and foremost, though, the lyrics take center stage. This is the band's third album and I think that any of them could go in this spot- they are all brilliant. It can be described as a mixture of haunting mellow songs and drunken beer rants (quite a mix!). A lot of it is very dark stuff, but I wouldn't say it's necessarily depressing...It's completely unique and original in every way, and I really didn't know that music this smart existed. Another band that completely redefined music and its possibilities for me. And the bonus???- He just moved to Seattle! |
1.
Big Darkness |
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| 10 |
Bob Dylan- Blood On The Tracks Probably the greatest songwriter ever to live, I think he's at his best here. Guess it could be deemed the "heartbreak" record of all time, but it covers just about everything in life in just ten songs. "Idiot Wind" and "You're A Big Girl Now" show what is so great about Dylan- that he wears every inner thought on his sleeve and in some way they are YOUR thoughts as well. Due to his prolific writing, he has so much material out there and not all of it is good. However, when exploring his recordings, this is the best place to start..and the best place to finish. (The coolest thing is the guy is still putting out great music today!)
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1.
Tangled Up In Blue |
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