My Top 10 Albums Of All Time
Sep 16 '00
How does one go about defining the top 10 albums of all time? Some alternatives: Roll of the dice, blindfolded pick, careful time consuming thought, Consumer Reports scientific testing, and listener choice. I didn't use any of these methods.
My method is simple - what albums can I listen to over and over, like more every time, and never get tired of? It's as simple as that, and I will probably have different choices than many for this reason. So, here goes...
10. Rush - Different Stages
This is a little unfair, because it's three CD's. However, it is 3 live CD's of one of the greatest and most talented "hard rock" bands out there. I never get tired of the drum solos. The real benefit of this album is that it covers 25 years worth of music, so you get the full flavor of what the band has to offer.
9. Enya - Watermark
Easy listening has never been better. I first heard Enya on the soundtrack of "L.A. Story" with Steve Martin, one of my favorite movies. There is a scene at the end, where a storm comes out of nowhere to keep a plane from taking off, and in the background is a song from Watermark. The music made the scene so powerful that I never forgot it, and when I heard the song later at a friends house, I immediately bought the album.
8. John Denver - Greatest Hits
Many people remember John Denver for his touchy feely latter music (much of which I like), and they lose focus on what is a crowning achievement of songwriting and fun music. Few people realize that it was John Denver, and not Peter, Paul and Mary, that wrote Leaving on a Jet Plane. Combine this with Rocky Mountain High and the other early songs, and you have a timeless album.
7. Annie Lennox - Medusa
This album is a series of cover songs done by the ex (and current) Eurythmics performer. The choice of songs is eclectic, and she even says on the album sleeve that she chose the songs that she enjoyed and felt she could interpret in new and interesting way. She delivers a new and interesting version on every single song. I especially like "Don't Let Them Bring You Down" by Neil Young.
6. Encomium - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
What? You don't list Led Zeppelin, but you list a tribute album? That's right. Why? It is through the tribute/cover mentality (see Annie Lennox, above) that you really learn the power of the original's work. My wife was never a big Led Zeppelin fan, but this is one of her favorite albums as well, and after this album she became a bigger fan of Led Zeppelin.
5. Peter Gabriel - Greatest Hits
I have a friend who won't buy a greatest hits album because he believes each album tells a story (see, Pink Floyd - The Wall below, but even others). I, on the other hand, like all my favorite songs together, and this album does it. The album starts of with the right tone and beat with Salsbury Hill, and every song thereafter is outstanding.
4. Sarah Brightman - Time to Say Goodbye
I first heard this album in a used bookstore, and her voice was so beautiful that I was mesmerized. It is the first time I have ever asked what a store was playing, and within the week I had my own copy. I really enjoy the opera as well as the "pop" songs, and the duets with Andrea Bocelli and Jose Cura are fantastic.
3. Jewel - Spirit
Yes, Jewel. Yes, Spirit. I know that a lot of people are not fans of Jewel, and even many Jewel fans don't like this album much. I admit that I didn't like it much either. Yet, as I listened to it again and again, I grew to enjoy all of the songs more, finding nuance in each song, finding the story and undertones in each song, finding the themes in the music.
2. Pink Floyd - The Wall
Contrary to popular (or unpopular) belief, you do not have to be on drugs to enjoy this album (or the movie). The story told through song is about as good as it comes,and this album is a masterpiece.
1. Dave Matthews Band - Under the Table And Dreaming
What can I say? I was not a great fan of Dave Matthews at first, but like caviar, he has grown on me as an acquired taste. I have grown to love each and every song on this album, including my least favorite songs. I had this CD in my car for 5 weeks running and did not tire of it.
That's it. Quite a wide range, but life would be boring if I listened to the same thing all the time.
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