The
Who - Who Are You - 1978 - This album is as sad as it is good. Almost
every song recognizes that music must change, it can't stagnate, see
you later disco. But at the same time, as the cover clearly
illustrates, The Who are surrounded and encumbered by the decadence of
arena rock. As much as Pete Townsend tried to be the catalyst of
change, it would be for the next generation (not yours Pete) to make
those innovations. This is also Kieth Moon's last album, marking not
only the end of the original Who but also one of the most mental and
adventurous rock and roll drummers.
The
Promise Ring - Nothing Feels Good - 1997 - Take equal parts of the raw
energy of punk, the intelligence of jazz, the sheer fun of pop, poetic
lyrics that sound like they're written by T. S. Eliot, and a touch of
mid-western malaise, and you have this album. Really though Promise
Ring are a good old rock and roll band who happen to play extraordinary
music.
The
Police - Zanyatta Mondatta - 1980 - I know, I know, The Police are all
amazing musicians, I could never do what they have, but let's face it
Sting is a creepy weirdo. For example, "Don't Stand so Close to Me,"
Voices Inside my Head," "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da," "Man in a Suitcase."
I think David Byrne of the Talking Heads wrote "Psycho Killer" about
Sting.
Cruddy
- Negative World - 2011 - Maybe it is just my limited knowledge of
punk rock but these guys ensure me that punk is still alive. They
remind me a little of a less interesting Dead Kenedys, and a less
quirky Black Flag (both band's earliest albums). They seem to grasp the
philosophical ramifications of punk music too, just look at their
band's name.
Led Zeppelin - Presence - 1976 - Again this one is not one of my favorites of Zeppelin. It always seems like it's their "prog" album, but then there is that smoking old time blues in "Nobody's Fault but Mine," and the last track "Tea for One," and who can argue with obelisks?
