Won't Trade
Here are some albums I wouldn't trade for nothin'*. They knock it out of the park. You have these in your line-up and you'll be kicking goals with both feet. Arranged alphabetically. Forgot to include Springsteen's 'Born to Run'. |
| 1 |  | At the Drive-In
Relationship of Command
I've had this for six or seven years. It's one of the few I'd still spin from this period. |
| 2 |  | The Beatles
Magical Mystery Tour
I prefer Revolver and Abbey Road, but this has three absolute essentials, nearly in succession, starting with I Am The Walrus. That's from 1967 and I haven't heard any pop music that pre-dates it that matches that insanity, especially in the outro. |
| 3 |  | Beyonce
Dangerously In Love
I'll catch some shit for this one. The album choice is irrelevant here - they all have alot of filler and are inconsistent, with little to no thought given to the order of tracks. But take the best songs from the four studio albums and make a custom playlist and by jove, it fucking rules it does. |
| 4 |  | Bill Evans
Explorations
My favourite pianist. Released three absolutely essential jazz albums in the space of a year (I think). The other two are live albums - this is the studio offering from that line-up. Easy accessible listening without compromising quality. |
| 5 |  | Bill Evans
Sunday at the Village Vanguard
See above. This is one of the two live albums from that period - the other being Waltz For Debby. |
| 6 |  | Bjork
Homogenic
I recommend this album so much it's a form of promotion and realistically I should be paid. |
| 7 |  | Bjork
Medulla
Homogenic is my favourite and then Vespertine, but this is pretty interesting. The majority of what you hear is vocals. |
| 8 |  | Bob Dylan
Blood On The Tracks
Highway 61 has got it beat imo (just). This is just incredible songwriting. |
| 9 |  | Bon Iver
Bon Iver, Bon Iver
I slightly prefer For Emma, but this is consistent and good and from 2011. |
| 10 |  | Cat Power
Moon Pix
Recorded down under. To me it sounds like a grunge or alt. rock album is just waiting to break loose but it never does. Pretty freakin' solid save for a few tracks at the end. |
| 11 |  | Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker With Strings: The Master Takes
The only Charlie Parker I own. Jazz standards with an orchestra. I'd describe it as charming. The strings remind me of old movies and then there's this incredible sax playing. |
| 12 |  | David Bowie
Station to Station
Just fascinating music. |
| 13 |  | Elliott Smith
Either/Or
This gets compared to Pink Moon alot, so let me open that pointless can of worms and say this is slightly better. After the strength of the first four songs, the rest could be white noise and I'd still rate favourably. |
| 14 | | Erykah Badu
Mama's Gun
It drags a bit for me but there are some amazing songs. |
| 15 |  | Flying Lotus
Cosmogramma
I missed this last year. First listen was all wtf. Blew my mind. |
| 16 |  | Herbie Hancock
Sextant
Only heard this once but the first track just fucked up my head. It's from '72 but to me it's so far ahead of its time. |
| 17 |  | Jeff Buckley
Grace
Near perfect. |
| 18 |  | Joanna Newsom
Ys
I'm obligated. |
| 19 |  | John Coltrane
Crescent
Inferior to A Love Supreme, Giant Steps and My Favourite Things, but still really really solid. More depressing vibe on this one. |
| 20 |  | Kate Bush
The Dreaming
I prefer Hounds of Love but this is the most insane pop album I've ever heard. |
| 21 |  | Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
It drags a tad for me but it's still awesome. I wasn't keen on her rapping/talking voice at first but I came around. Great singing and her rapping is pretty good too. |
| 22 |  | Michael Jackson
Off The Wall
Thriller is a stronger album, and possibly Bad. This one has aged pretty well though. Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Rock With You and I Can't Help It are all top notch. |
| 23 |  | Nujabes
Metaphorical Music
Some amazing songs on this. I read the review on Sputnik and some people diss the rapping but I found it to be alright. The production is the highlight though. |
| 24 |  | Q-Tip
The Renaissance
Everyone with a heart, soul and two ears (and an appreciation of hip hop with jazz influenced production) likes A Tribe Called Quest. In my eyes this is not that far behind The Low End Theory/Midnight Marauders. Kamaal/The Abstract delves further into jazz and live instruments, but this is more fun, catchy and immediate. |
| 25 |  | Stevie Wonder
Songs in the Key of Life
If you hate popular music and you haven't heard this, put aside the bias for two hours or so and have a listen. Some unbelievably good songs. It took me 22 years to listen to this the whole way through and that's disgusting. |
|
