I was going to post this on tuesday, but then I got an idea for an actual entry, so I use filler on a day that didn't need filling. Because I'm organised. Anyway, my top ten albums of all time in no particular order, with some short justification.
Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd (1974). This album is, and always will be, a classic. It hasn't dated production-wise, is still lyrically relevant and balances it's challenging music with enough melody and hooks to keep everyone happy. I can safely say that if you do not like this album, you don't like music. Interesting sidenote, it was on the Billboard top 100 from 1974 to 1983. That is fucking incredible.
OK Computer by Radiohead (1997). One of those defining, zeitgeist-y records, probably the best thing to come out of the nineties. The whole thing has this washy, spacey vibe, even during rocky moments, it's a record you can get lost in. Cool kid points go to guitarists Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien, who turn ideas about leads, chords, distortion and effects on their heads.
Frames by Oceansize (2007). This short lived UK band is no longer with us, but all 4 of their albums are really something special. This one, their third, stands out as my favourite because it seems much more complete than their other records, at least in my humble opinion. What really sets it apart is how groovy it is, and how much of a headspace you can get into while listening, despite the fact there's nary a bar of 4/4 to be seen.
Ritual de lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction (1990). Jane's Addiction were grunge before grunge, funk metal before funk metal, a psycho-sexual extravaganza of a rock band. Their second record stands out as a classic because of the strength of both "sides" (remember when records had those?) The first five songs are about the funkiest, danciest hard rock songs you'll ever hear, while the last four are these amazing, eastern-influenced prog-rock epics. Also, Dave Navarro pissing out solos as if no-one told him to stop is about as awesome as you can get.
Miss Machine by Dillinger Escape Plan (2004). This is the hardest, fastest, most abrasive listen you're ever likely to hear. It is absolutely, mind-destroyingly hardcore. And yet, somehow, there are bits that get stuck in your head. There are hooks, there are melodies, there are textures. Subtle destruction is how I'd describe it. Amazing slice of math-core.
The Great Misdirect by Between The Buried And Me (2009). Is it death metal? Is it country? Is it technical? Is it jazz? Is it Legend of Zelda? Well, it kinda has all of those things. With only 6 tracks, you might think you're getting short changed, but there are about 3 albums worth of ideas crammed into one brutal, technical yet ultimately brilliant album. All five members of this band are leaders in their chosen instruments, amazing to listen to.
Fear of a Blank Planet by Porcupine Tree (2007). Steven Wilson, singer, guitarist and songwriter of Porcupine Tree (among other things) basically saved prog from being a relic in the 00's. This album is a perfect example of how to put lots of disparate ideas into one record without making it disjointed. Plus, any record that bitches about young people for 50 minutes is fine by me.
Kezia by Protest the Hero (2005). Technical progressive hardcore concept album? I'll take ten! Well, in reality, you only need one, because this is the best concept album to come out in a long time. Every note is immediate and in your face, every moment completely relevant. 10 songs, no filler, amazing record.
De-Loused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta (2003). You will never hear a record that sounds like this one. It is singularly unique. I still have no idea how the fuck it got made in this day and age, it's so out there, abrasive and challenging, every section mangles anything you expect about music. Listen with an open mind and no presuppositions, it'll mess you up.
Congratulations by MGMT (2010). I bought this record based on nothing other than some mixed reviews. I hate hate hated MGMT when they first came out, then all the reviews seemed to say things like "what the hell are MGMT doing?" and "this sounds nothing like their first record!" Well, I love weirdness, and this is exactly what it is. 9 weird, catchy, psychedelic tunes and a really cohesive, interesting album. Gives me hope for the next decade.
And those are my ten favourite albums. I don't expect everyone to like everything on this list, but frankly, you'd be hard pressed to find ten records, all of this quality that also cover this much stylistic ground. And that's a bit of a challenge to anyone reading. Have at, kids.
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