Arnold_layne: You would say that! ;-) |
It's interesting that many people picked "My Aim Is True". If I were to pick a Top 10 list it would certainly be included. It was really the first "New Wave" album to spin out of Punk Rock and had a huge impact on music.
Van Halen's debut would also enter my Top 10 list, not only because it was great musically, but it came out at a time when critics were beginning to reject "Corporate Rock" bands like Journey, Boston, ELO, Styx, Foreigner and others. |
OKAY ENOUGH ALREADY! So a few people; including myself, messed up on actual debut records. Does that warrant snobby comments from the Rolling Stone archive list crowd? I think not!
Regarding Keith Emerson being the greatest keyboard player of all time. Hmmmmmmmm, not so fast with that title. Emerson was great and I'm a big fan to this day, but I'd put Rick Wakeman ahead of Emerson for that crown.
We've all seen muscians perform solo's during a concert and over the years I've witnessed some great ones from the likes of Eric Clapton, Pat Metheny, Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jeff Beck, Prince, Muddy Waters and too many drum solos to ever recount. However, of all the solo's I've seen one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Rick Wakeman performed a solo during Yes' Reunion tour in the early '90's that completely blew me away. What separated this solo from so many I'd seen in the past was his attention to composition. He designed the solo not only to showcase his incredible talent, but also to make it rhythmically engaging for the audience. It was a very complex piece executed flawlessly - a true master of his instrument. |
Dawgbyte,
You are talking in RocknRoll right cause I mean no disrespect but in the classical realm there are a few GODS that Wakeman couldn't carry their tune literaly. |
Tvad and Lindisfarne...keep in mind that a first release album to you wherever you live is not necessarily a first release album to somebody in another country. It is not uncommon for some albums to be available only as an import. If and when an act becomes big, then the breakthrough album may be the "first release" in a particular country, with the previous import albums re-released to take advantage of the newfound publicity.
Maybe the post should be renamed "Best Break-Through Album" in order to avoid this type of confusion. |
Qdrone, yes I'm talking about Rock/Pop. It would be foolish to say Rick Wakeman is the greatest keyboard/piano player in the world.
Markphd - good post and very true. |
Here's a twist: How about best debut that's also a swan song? My kick-off nomination in the only-one-album-but-oh-what-an-album-it-is sweepstakes is The La's self-titled (and self-tortured) minor masterpiece from 1990 (hit that's endured: "There She Goes") -- not only the lone album they managed to release during some 10 years of nominal band activity, and to critical raves, but also over the objections and rejection of leader Lee Mavers and without full band participation 'til the end of production, which was left to Steve Lillywhite to pull together on his own. |
Re: Zaikesman's swan song contender challenge -
Blind Faith
only-one-album-but-oh-what-an-album...cover (ahem, slightly controversial). |
The Doors-(st). The first alternative rock band? |
What a gas reading this again, I retained zero memory of its existence. Scary... |
Bring It On by Gomez. "Their sound is versatile and evades typical music genres falling into blues, indie, alternative, rock, folk, psychedelic and experimental." |
Here's some other thoughts...
REM - "Murmur". Technically, the Chronic Town EP came before, but since the thread title is for "albums", I figure this one qualifies.
Nine Inch Nails - "Pretty Hate Machine". Damn, this is still one fine release. It was rightly mentioned before, but I'm bringing it up again.
The Cars - "The Cars". Quintessential rollerskating pop delight. IMHO, if you can't find something to like before the needle leaves the groove, you really need to not think too much.
Rage Against the Machine - "Rage Against the Machine". This is a sonic kick to the crotch. After becoming hooked, I had to see them live just to know how Tom Morello did what he does.
Tool - "Undertow". Yes, another technicality where the Opiate EP came before. This album brought many of the same feelings that Nirvana's "Nevermind" brought, but in a more cerebral way (rather than something you felt in the gut).
Uncle Tupelo - "No Depression". Arguably, the beginning of the alt-country movement. Punk aggression with back porch sensibility. It's a must have. Seriously.
The XX - "XX". Well, this is actually their only album, but it's an instant classic. There are no "hits" on this release, and much of the material will elicit a "Why didn't I think of that?" Turn off the lights, let your eyes roll back into your head, and take it all in.
Son Volt - "Trace". After the demise of Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar created Son Volt and their first release was a logical extension to his musical roots, but in a new direction.
Interpol - "Turn On the Bright Lights". As a huge Joy Division fan, the first listen to this release was like finding my soul mate. Moody and restrained. More like a sophomore release with something to prove after an unexpected pop masterpiece. Interpol had their first 2 albums backwards.
Sleigh Bells - "Treats". Another "best album because it's their only album". If you're looking for a contender in the loudness war, look no farther. Sugary-sweet vocals over pure sonic mayhem. Genius or awful? You decide. I have, and it made this list. |
"The Divine Comedy" by Milla Jojovich (yes that Milla) is actually and surprisingly quite good and unique. Plus of course the fact that she is Milla Jojovich and quite hot does not hurt. |
How about Hudson Bays "Masked Marauders"? |
Alt J , and Ben Howard's Everyday Kingdom are stellar! |
I'll add The New Radicals "Maybe You've Been Brainwashed, Too". Another great one and one, ala The Las. |
Many very good choices already. Here are a couple more that I don't believe I've seen yet.
Ozzy Osbourne- Blizzard of Oz
Bad Company- Bad Company
Def Leppard- High 'n' Dry |
Byrds-Mr. Tambourine Man. They had that signature, glorious sound from the first note of the first track of the first album. Blended cream vocals over Rice Crispies guitar for sonic endorphins. |
Freak Out--Zappa/Mothers Music from Big Pink--the Band
Fresh Cream Are You Experienced
If you weren't around before they were released these may not make sense to you.
BTW, if it hasn't been mentioned, Fragile was not the first album by Yes--I believe it was the fourth. |
Tracy Chapman
Rush
AC DC
Eels
Cracker
Matthew Sweet
Freedy Johnston
Lenny Kravits
Little Village
REM
U2
Live
Pearl Jam
Chicago
Amos Lee
Dire Straits
Cowboy Junkies
Traveling Wilburys |
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Robert Cray
Aimee Mann
Somebody stop me, please. |
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Do you mean Gerry Rafferty? This helps prove how overlooked his songwriting is by the masses and even audiophiles! |
