My top ten albums
posted by John Surname @ 5:30 PM
When I wrote the post below about Australia's music tastes much of it was in jest. Do I really think Nevermind is a nothing album? Well....yes...but I understand it means a lot to a lot of people and really is many people's favourite (still can't say the same for other choices though).
Anyway, here is my list:
10. Devo - Q: Are we not men? A: We are Devo!
Probably the best punk/post punk album ever made. Hard, fast, angular, hilarious and often quite frightening. The band later ruined their career with Whip It.
9. The Whitlams - Undeniably (2001 version)
Their best album, made when the other two members were still alive and Tim Freedman wasn't allowed near Warner Bros. large cash reserves. The songwriting shines through here, and it's not all about the production.
8. Dexy's Midnight Runners - Too-Rye-Ay
Yes, this album spawned Come On Eileen but it also has one of the greatest running orders I can think of. Pretentious, self indulgent, and totally brilliant. Makes me want to burn down Dublin.
7. Divine Comedy - Absent Friends
Bought on import. Neil Hannon hired an orchestra and they recorded a brilliant orchestral pop album. Anything you may have heard about me shedding tears during Freedom Road is totally unfounded.
6. XTC - Black Sea
Straight out rock. It's loud. It's big. And, my, those drums! Contains some of the best pop singles of all time (Respectable Street, Genereals & Majors and Sgt. Rock (is going to help me)) and pretty much bankrolled Virgin Records for a year.
5. XTC - Skylarking
XTC's best, once they'd thrown away touring (and valium). A summer's day concept album.
4. Godley & Creme - L
I don't know how to describe this album, I really don't. But it's great.
3. 10cc - Self titled
The 50's were never funnier. 50's music better than it actually was.
2. Split Enz - Second Thoughts
The best music hall/prog rock album ever recorded, and far and away the Enz's best. Recorded when Phil Judd was still in the band and long before they took the road to success and boringness. As you will notice from the cover, Split Enz had REAL STYLE, not like any bands today.
1. Sparks - Hello Young Lovers
Sparks are too good not to be here, and although XTC are more consistent, Sparks get the top because this album is just incredible. It's hilarious, ingenious, and I haven't stopped telling strangers about it since Janurary. It's sort of like Queen, but better is the only way I can describe it.
Anyway, here is my list:
10. Devo - Q: Are we not men? A: We are Devo!
Probably the best punk/post punk album ever made. Hard, fast, angular, hilarious and often quite frightening. The band later ruined their career with Whip It. 9. The Whitlams - Undeniably (2001 version)
Their best album, made when the other two members were still alive and Tim Freedman wasn't allowed near Warner Bros. large cash reserves. The songwriting shines through here, and it's not all about the production.8. Dexy's Midnight Runners - Too-Rye-Ay
Yes, this album spawned Come On Eileen but it also has one of the greatest running orders I can think of. Pretentious, self indulgent, and totally brilliant. Makes me want to burn down Dublin.7. Divine Comedy - Absent Friends
Bought on import. Neil Hannon hired an orchestra and they recorded a brilliant orchestral pop album. Anything you may have heard about me shedding tears during Freedom Road is totally unfounded.6. XTC - Black Sea
Straight out rock. It's loud. It's big. And, my, those drums! Contains some of the best pop singles of all time (Respectable Street, Genereals & Majors and Sgt. Rock (is going to help me)) and pretty much bankrolled Virgin Records for a year.5. XTC - Skylarking
XTC's best, once they'd thrown away touring (and valium). A summer's day concept album.4. Godley & Creme - L
I don't know how to describe this album, I really don't. But it's great.3. 10cc - Self titled
The 50's were never funnier. 50's music better than it actually was.2. Split Enz - Second Thoughts
The best music hall/prog rock album ever recorded, and far and away the Enz's best. Recorded when Phil Judd was still in the band and long before they took the road to success and boringness. As you will notice from the cover, Split Enz had REAL STYLE, not like any bands today.1. Sparks - Hello Young Lovers
Sparks are too good not to be here, and although XTC are more consistent, Sparks get the top because this album is just incredible. It's hilarious, ingenious, and I haven't stopped telling strangers about it since Janurary. It's sort of like Queen, but better is the only way I can describe it.
