Respect the classics, man!

[murlough23]

There are a lot of "classic" artists (particularly in the rock pantheon, though not exclusively limited to that style) whose legacy I have great respect for due to how it has influenced other artists I like, even if I haven't actually gone back and listened to much (or in some cases, anything) by those artists. I keep thinking that one of these days I'll embark on a massive "back catalogue" project to better understand some of them. Doing this for U2 several years back was helpful, and also in 2007 when I finally got into Bjork. So I thought I'd list some artists who I figure I'd benefit from getting into, either because they seem to have played a crucial role in rock history, or because a lot of others here seem to be into them and have recommended them to me on various occasions. (I'm sure y'all could add to my list... but this could potentially be a lifelong project. I can't get into everything).

First priority goes to artists who I've already heard one or more current albums by, and I just need to explore their older stuff (some of these aren't "classic" in terms of their popularity attained, at least not so far, but they've done enough to pique my sustained interest):

ELBOW

Albums Explored So Far:
Asleep in the Back - 2001 (B-)
Cast of Thousands - 2003 (C+)
Leaders of the Free World - 2005 (B)
The Seldom Seen Kid - 2008 (B+)
Build a Rocket Boys! - 2011 (B)

The Verdict: Elbow makes pretty music, though they can be ponderously slow at times, especially on their older albums.

INCUBUS

Albums Explored So Far:
S.C.I.E.N.C.E. - 1997 (B)
Make Yourself - 1999 (C+)
Morning View - 2001 (A-)
A Crow Left of the Murder - 2004 (B-)
Light Grenades - 2006 (B+)
Monuments and Melodies - 2009 (C-)
If Not Now, When? - 2011 (C-)

Left to Explore:
Fungus Amongus - 1995

The Verdict: They added a unique touch a the whole rap/metal thing back when they were starting out, but I don't think they get enough credit for their experimentation nowadays. People hear their radio hits (which in themselves have plenty of unusual and interesting quirks, for the most part) and write them off as a pedestrian power chord band.

MUSE

Albums Explored So Far:
Origin of Symmetry - 2001 (B-)
Absolution - 2003 (B-)
Black Holes and Revelations - 2006 (A-)
The Resistance - 2009 (A-)

Left to Explore:
Showbiz - 1999

The Verdict: OK, so Matt Bellamy can be a bit over-the-top at times. But this is a remarkably versatile and talented band with a flair from drama and showmanship. Glad to be late to the party rather than missing it altogether.

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

Albums Explored So Far:
Mass Romantic - 2000 (C+)
Electric Version - 2003 (C-)
Twin Cinema - 2005 (B+)
Challengers - 2007 (B-)
Together - 2010 (B-)

The Verdict: I'm definitely a fan, but their newer stuff does more for me than their older stuff. The exuberance needs a bit of careful craft to temper it, rather than just brash melodies going every which way. Plus some of the ballads on their later records really sneak up on you in a good way.

OVER THE RHINE

Albums Explored So Far:
Good Dog Bad Dog - 1996 (B)
Films for Radio - 2001 (B+)
Ohio - 2003 (B-)
Drunkard's Prayer - 2005 (B-)
The Trumpet Child - 2007 (B+)
The Long Surrender - 2011 (B+)

Left to Explore:
Till We Have Faces - 1991
Patience - 1992
Eve - 1994

PEARL JAM

Albums Explored So Far:
Ten - 1991 (A-)
Vs. - 1993(B)
Vitalogy - 1994 (C)
No Code - 1996 (B)
Yield - 1998 (C+)
Binaural - 2000 (B)
Riot Act - 2002 (C+)
Pearl Jam - 2006 (B+)
Backspacer - 2009 (B-)

The Verdict: Despite most of their albums being inconsistent (some quite frustratingly so), I admire this band for their experimentalism and for not doing what popular perception said they should do. They seem to consistently try to be an alternative to themselves.

PETER GABRIEL
Up - 2002 (C+)

Left to Explore:
Peter Gabriel 1 (Car) - 1977
Peter Gabriel 2 (Scratch) - 1978
Peter Gabriel 3 (Melt) - 1980
Peter Gabriel 4 (Security) - 1982
So - 1986
Us - 1992
OVO - 2000
Scratch My Back - 2010
New Blood - 2011
I'll Scratch Yours - TBA

R.E.M.

Albums Explored So Far:
Document - 1987 (B)
Green - 1988 (B-)
Out of Time - 1991 (B)
Automatic for the People - 1992 (B+)
Monster - 1994 (B)
New Adventures in Hi-Fi - 1996 (B-)
Up - 1998 (B-)
Reveal - 2001 (A-)
Around the Sun - 2004 (D+)
Accelerate - 2008 (B-)
Collapse into Now - 2011 (B+)

Digesting:
Murmur - 1983
Reckoning - 1984
Fables of the Reconstruction - 1985
Lifes Rich Pageant - 1986

The Verdict: Quite a broad and fascinating back catalog. Stipe's lyrics seem to nearly always engage me, and I'm enjoying the diversions from the expected jangle-pop (whether they be the acoustic/folksy stuff, the harder rock stuff, or the electronic/ambient stuff). Still having a bit of trouble fully appreciating their earliest albums, but I figure that will come with time.

THRICE

Albums Explored So Far:
The Artist in the Ambulance - 2003 B-
Vheissu - 2005 (B+)
The Alchemy Index, Vols. I & II: Fire & Water - 2007 (B+)
The Alchemy Index, Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth - 2008 (A-)
Beggars - 2009 (B)

Left to Explore:
Identity Crisis - 2000
The Illusion of Safety - 2002
Major/Minor - 2011

The Verdict: They did screamo intelligently, but I like them better as modern, experimental rock chameleons.

Bands I haven't started to explore quite yet:

AMERICA
America - 1971
Homecoming - 1972
Hat Trick - 1973
Holiday - 1974
Hearts - 1975
Hideaway - 1976
Harbor - 1977
Silent Letter - 1979
Alibi - 1980
View from the Ground - 1982
Your Move - 1983
Perspective - 1984
Hourglass - 1994
Human Nature - 1998
Here & Now - 2007
Back Pages - 2011

THE BEACH BOYS
Surfin' Safari - 1962
Surfin' USA - 1963
Surfer Girl - 1963
Little Deuce Coupe - 1963
Shut Down Volume 2 - 1964
All Summer Long - 1964
Today! - 1965
Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) - 1965
Pet Sounds - 1966
Smiley Smile - 1967
Wild Honey - 1967
Friends - 1968
20/20 - 1969
Sunflower - 1970
Surf's Up - 1971
Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" - 1972
Holland - 1973
Love You - 1977
M.I.U. Album - 1978
L.A. (Light Album) - 1979
Keepin' the Summer Alive - 1980
The Beach Boys - 1985
Made in U.S.A. - 1986
Still Cruisin' - 1989
Summer in Paradise - 1992
Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 - 1996
SMiLE - 2011

THE BEATLES
Please Please Me - 1963
With the Beatles - 1963
A Hard Day's Night - 1964
Beatles For Sale - 1964
Help! - 1965
Rubber Soul - 1965
Revolver - 1966
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - 1967
The White Album - 1968
Yellow Submarine - 1969
Abbey Road - 1969
Let It Be - 1970

CAT STEVENS
Matthew & Son - 1967
New Masters - 1967
Mona Bone Jakon - 1970
Tea for the Tillerman - 1970
Teaser and the Firecat - 1971
Catch Bull at Four - 1972
Foreigner - 1973
Buddha and the Chocolate Box - 1974
Numbers - 1975
Izitso - 1977
Back to Earth - 1978
An Other Cup - 2006
Roadsinger - 2009

FLEETWOOD MAC
Fleetwood Mac - 1968
Mr. Wonderful - 1968
Then Play On - 1969
Fleetwood Mac in Chicago/Blues Jam in Chicago, Vols. 1-2 - 1969
Kiln House - 1970
Future Games - 1971
Bare Trees - 1972
Penguin - 1973
Mystery to Me - 1973
Heroes Are Hard to Find - 1974
Fleetwood Mac - 1975
Rumours - 1977
Tusk - 1979
Mirage - 1982
Tango in the Night - 1987
Behind the Mask - 1990
Say You Will - 2003

GENESIS
From Genesis to Revelation - 1969
Trespass - 1970
Nursery Cryme - 1971
Foxtrot - 1972
Selling England by the Pound - 1973
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway - 1974
A Trick of the Tail - 1976
Wind & Wuthering - 1976
...And Then There Were Three... - 1978
Duke - 1980
Abacab - 1981
Genesis - 1983
Invisible Touch - 1986
We Can't Dance - 1991
Calling All Stations - 1997

LED ZEPPELIN
Led Zeppelin - 1969
Led Zeppelin II - 1969
Led Zeppelin III - 1970
Led Zeppelin IV - 1971
Houses of the Holy - 1973
Physical Graffiti - 1975
Presence - 1976
In Through the Out Door - 1979

NIRVANA
Bleach - 1989
Nevermind - 1991
In Utero - 1993

PINK FLOYD
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn - 1967
A Saucerful of Secrets - 1968
Soundtrack from the Film More - 1969
Ummagumma - 1969
Atom Heart Mother - 1970
Meddle - 1971
Obscured by Clouds - 1972
The Dark Side of the Moon - 1973
Wish You Were Here - 1975
Animals - 1977
The Wall - 1979
The Final Cut - 1983
A Momentary Lapse of Reason - 1987
The Division Bell - 1994

RUSH
Rush - 1974
Fly by Night - 1975
Caress of Steel - 1975
2112 - 1976
A Farewell to Kings - 1977
Hemispheres - 1978
Permanent Waves - 1980
Moving Pictures - 1981
Signals - 1982
Grace Under Pressure - 1984
Power Windows - 1985
Hold Your Fire - 1987
Presto - 1989
Roll the Bones - 1991
Counterparts - 1993
Test for Echo - 1996
Vapor Trails - 2002
Snakes & Arrows - 2007
Clockwork Angels - TBA

SIMON & GARFUNKEL
Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. - 1964
Sounds of Silence - 1966
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme - 1966
Bookends - 1968
Bridge Over Troubled Water - 1970

SMASHING PUMPKINS
Gish - 1991
Siamese Dream - 1993
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness - 1995
Adore - 1998
Machina/The Machines of God - 2000
Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music - 2000
Zeitgeist - 2007
Teargarden by Kaleidyscope - 2009-present
Oceania - 2011

TALKING HEADS
Talking Heads: 77 - 1977
More Songs About Buildings and Food - 1978
Fear of Music - 1979
Remain in Light - 1980
Speaking in Tongues - 1983
Little Creatures - 1985
True Stories - 1986
Naked - 1988

THE WHO
My Generation - 1965
A Quick One - 1966
The Who Sell Out - 1967
Tommy - 1969
Who's Next - 1971
Quadrophenia - 1973
The Who by Numbers - 1975
Who Are You - 1978
Face Dances - 1981
It's Hard - 1982
Endless Wire - 2006

There are about a bazillion other "classic" rock favorites that you guys can gripe about my leaving out. If interested, I'm sure they'll get to their turn in the waiting list somewhere around 2020.

[bloop]

Pretty good list.  Just a few things:

• I would be surprised if you liked Nirvana.  I like them, but they are a bit messy at times (I personally prefer Smashing Pumpkins anyway).  Not saying you shouldn't try them, though.
• The Rolling Stones might be worth a peek.
• I'm not sure you'd see much benefit from fully exploring a catalog within jazz right now, but a survey of different styles and eras in jazz might be worthwhile.

[Aaron]

What frustrated me the most about Nirvana is how they became the poster child for those years while not being the best band from a musical standpoint.  Kurt Cobain was not a great guitarist or composer but he did write very honest lyrics that connected with many young people. I give credit for the lyrics.  Personally, I'd agree with bloop on The Smashing Pumpkins and then for grunge, go look at some other bands like Soundgarden during that time.



BTW, it still baffles me how Kurt Cobain is in the Top 10 on Rolling Stone's top 100 guitarists of all time.  It's pathetically laughable.

[bloop]

Well, a more punk aesthetic was kind of the point with Nirvana.  The entire style was a reaction to flashy, showy kinds of guitar wankery with little to say.  I respect Nirvana, but "best band of the 90s"?  Nah.  The Smashing Pumpkins kept it interesting from a lyrical and musical perspective better, IMO, but they were approaching the whole alternative thing from a completely different angle.

[Aaron]

Well, a more punk aesthetic was kind of the point with Nirvana.  The entire style was a reaction to flashy, showy kinds of guitar wankery with little to say.  I respect Nirvana, but "best band of the 90s"?  Nah.  The Smashing Pumpkins kept it interesting from a lyrical and musical perspective better, IMO, but they were approaching the whole alternative thing from a completely different angle.

I can agree with that.

[spacebrat311]

While I don't thnk Nirvana is the best band of the 90s, I could never find Smashing Pumpkins all that interesting. For me, the messiness is the point with Nirvana. Really, though, I basically just can't deal with grunge and I see Nirvana as being somewhat separate from the grunge movement, even if distantly related- I group them more as the natural result of The Pixies, whom I love.

[bloop]

Indeed, Nirvana is heavily influenced by the Pixies (btw, I would recommend a survey of the Pixies material over Nirvana's). 

The Pumpkins, IMO, were a much more ambitious outfit, so they appeal to me more, but I know they aren't everyone's cup o tea.  They are definitely not grunge, though.

I'm not sure who I'd choose as the best band of the 90s, but I could see a decent case made for either of these bands.

[Aaron]

as for the 90s aspect, I'd take Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, and even Metallica over Nirvana.

[bloop]

I can buy Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins (although the former is straddling the 90s/00s lane line in terms of when they were great), but Metallica?  Other than their self-titled (which still isn't up to 80s Metallica quality), what did they come up with to compete with the likes of In Utero?

[murlough23]

Hmm, good point about Nirvana. Part of my interest in them was a bit more of a curiosity to see what exactly they did that helped to spark/galvanize the whole alternative revolution. But I do remember reading that when Pearl Jam first hit the scene, Kurt Cobain criticized them for not being "truly alternative" or some crap like that because - horror of horrors! - they had actual guitar solos. So I'm not sure if I'd like a band who would criticize someone else for actually enjoying playing their instrument. At the same time, the Nirvana songs that I am familiar with are pretty catchy to me, in their own effed-up way. At worst, it's three albums. Won't take me that long to listen to those and then chuck 'em if I don't like any of 'em.

But Smashing Pumpkins is a good suggestion. I'll add them to the list.

As for The Rolling Stones, I don't know why, but they've never interested me. (While I am trying to explore some of the history of rock, I'm not really attempting to explore that history in its entirety. This has more to do with bands that interest me personally and that are regarded as seminal, rather than trying to cover all the bases.)

And jazz is one of those things where I respect its influence on rock and pop, and I can see how some of its prime players are ridiculously talented, but as a style on its own, I can never really get into it. My perspective may change with age (and it'll take me long enough to finish this exploration of rock anyway).

[bloop]

Haha - I can't even remember most of the beefs these bands had with each other.  I know Courtney Love dated Billy Corgan before she married Kurt Cobain. 

I can't imagine . . .

Oh, and Hole is a lot of fun, but not really essential.

[murlough23]

Oh, and Hole is a lot of fun, but not really essential.

Hole doesn't seem like it really belongs on my list at the moment, but if I get bored, I'll stick it in.

[Wildcatblue7]

I guess I was the lambaster...sorry.  Start with Who's Next.  You'll be familiar with several of the songs right off the bat.  Actually, that or one of their many best-ofs might be a good jumping off point since they have a huge discography and a few albums are definitely anything but essential.

As for Zep, I don't really see you getting into anything involving Robert Plant in his prime, but once again, I would start with their Early Days/Latter Days set as a way to get started.  That's what I did and it really helped avoid some superfluous purchases...

Have fun with this monumental endeavor.

[NinjaRob17]

Indeed, Nirvana is heavily influenced by the Pixies (btw, I would recommend a survey of the Pixies material over Nirvana's).

I agree with this wholeheartedly. Though I do like Nirvana, the Pixies are just better overall.

[spacebrat311]

Best of the 90s for me, in no particular order:

Radiohead
My Bloody Valentine
Nirvana
Neutral Milk Hotel

I can think of several classic albums from the 90s, but I wouldn't classify most of the bands that released them as 90s bands. I wouldn't classify Radiohead as such, but they needed to be on here, haha.

[murlough23]

I guess I was the lambaster...sorry.  Start with Who's Next.  You'll be familiar with several of the songs right off the bat.  Actually, that or one of their many best-ofs might be a good jumping off point since they have a huge discography and a few albums are definitely anything but essential.

As for Zep, I don't really see you getting into anything involving Robert Plant in his prime, but once again, I would start with their Early Days/Latter Days set as a way to get started.  That's what I did and it really helped avoid some superfluous purchases...

That's gonna be the challenge for me with some of these bands that have absolutely massive discographies - figuring out where to start. I know that in some cases these artists' first albums aren't particularly noteworthy, nor are some of their final albums (or most recent in the case of classic bands who have dragged it out well past their prime). Best-ofs cause consternation among fans because there's always something essential that gets left out or heavily edited. So the usual "start from the present and work backwards" approach might not be the best idea. Probably best to start with an album that I've heard is absolutely classic, and then expand from there if I like what I'm hearing.

Let's see... how would I approach it for each of the bands I listed:

Pearl Jam - Chronological starting from Ten up through Riot Act (since I've already heard the self-titled).

R.E.M. - Reverse chronological starting from Up (since I've already heard Reveal, Around the Sun, and Accelerate).

New Pornographers - Reverse chronological. (Still got their entire discog on the Pub, bloop?)

Green Day - Probably reverse chronological starting from Warning. (Whether I bother with any of their past stuff is probably gonna depend on my reaction to 21st Century Breakdown.)

Elbow - Reverse chronological. Only two albums to go for them, so I figure Cast of Thousands and then Asleep in the Back.

Over the Rhine - Reverse chronological from Till We Have Faces. I've heard everything from Good Dog Bad Dog on up.

Thrice - Reverse chronological from The Artist in the Ambulance. I own and love Vheissu and The Alchemy Index.

Incubus - S.C.I.E.N.C.E. and Fungus Amongus are all that's left here.

The Beatles - Tough call. I honestly don't expect their more simplistic early stuff to really be my cup o' tea. I'll either go reverse chron from Let It Be, or start with a best-of like The Number Ones and see where I want to go from there.

Pink Floyd - The Wall is supposed to be their magnum opus, right? I figure that's a good place to start.

The Who - Quadrophenia was the album recommended to me, but I know Tommy is also supposed to be a classic.

Simon & Garfunkel - I've heard their best of already, but it's been a while, so maybe I should dig that up again.

The Beach Boys - Definitely Pet Sounds. Similar thing to The Beatles, not sure if I'll be as receptive to their more bubblegum stuff.

Led Zeppelin - I'll take suggestions from Wildcat on where to start with these guys.

Niravana - Chronological seems to make the most since. This'll be a quick trip.

Smashing Pumpkins - I heard their reunion album was a bit disappointing, so maybe chronological is the best way to go here.

[murlough23]

My favorite artists from the 90's so far that were in any way influential on the music scene at large would be U2, Bjork, and Radiohead. Most of the rest are Christian bands, and may of those weren't terribly influential, but I think Jars of Clay did a lot for the Christian music ghetto.

[bloop]

My Bloody Valentine

My issue with putting MBV on a list like this is similar to my reason for Nirvana, but far more extreme.  In the 90s, there was Loveless (an absolute masterpiece) and then . . . nothing.  Unlike Nirvana, they don't even have death as an excuse.

The Beatles - Tough call. I honestly don't expect their more simplistic early stuff to really be my cup o' tea. I'll either go reverse chron from Let It Be, or start with a best-of like The Number Ones and see where I want to go from there.

If you don't know that you'd like their early work, start with Rubber Soul and work forward from there.

Pink Floyd - The Wall is supposed to be their magnum opus, right? I figure that's a good place to start.

The Wall is an album of extremes, but it's not a bad place to start if you're planning on working backward.

New Pornographers - Reverse chronological. (Still got their entire discog on the Pub, bloop?)

Indeed I do.

[spacebrat311]

My issue with putting MBV on a list like this is similar to my reason for Nirvana, but far more extreme.  In the 90s, there was Loveless (an absolute masterpiece) and then . . . nothing.  Unlike Nirvana, they don't even have death as an excuse.

True, but many a band have based their entire sound off trying to copy Loveless. Sometimes one classic album is enough of a contribution to warrant that kind of devotion.

[Wildcatblue7]

The Beatles - Tough call. I honestly don't expect their more simplistic early stuff to really be my cup o' tea. I'll either go reverse chron from Let It Be, or start with a best-of like The Number Ones and see where I want to go from there.

As bloop said, start with Rubber Soul and go forward.  Abbey Road side 2 is my favorite Beatles "album" period, except for Sgt. Pepper straight through (minus Lucy in the Sky...gah.)

Pink Floyd - The Wall is supposed to be their magnum opus, right? I figure that's a good place to start.

I'm a horrible person to ask about PF as I'm not really a big fan, but please start with Dark Side of the Moon.  The Wall is long, bloated, pretentious, and Dark Side is actually...well, good.

The Who - Quadrophenia was the album recommended to me, but I know Tommy is also supposed to be a classic.

Quadrophenia is my favorite album in the whole wide world...but don't start there. And for the love of all that is good and holy, don't start with Tommy.  Ick.  My recommendation is this:

1) Start with this.  This was the first Who-related album I got and I knew exactly where to go from there after I heard it.  In my humble I-love-the-Who-so-freaking-much opinion, I don't see any major omissions on this particular compilation.

2) Who's Next.  Arguably their best work and there really isn't a weak song on it. Get the original 9 song version remastered; a lot of the remastered versions have superfluous bonus tracks after "Behind Blue Eyes" that I really don't think you need to hear at this point.

3) Quadrophenia.  This is an exhausting listen the first few times; don't break it up, so listen to both discs straight through.  This one takes time, but it is more than worth it, and I know you're capable of digesting heavy albums like this.

4) Pick 'em: Live at Leeds, if you liked the energy of the previous two, although you don't strike me as a huge fan of live albums.  However, this is probably one of the best live albums...ever, so take that for what it's worth.  The Who By Numbers, which is post-Quad and highly underrated.  I actually think you would enjoy this one a lot; it's more contemplative.  Tommy, which ... is just overrated.  It does have some great songs, but it's overlong and pretentious.  Not their finest moment IMO. 

5) If you're still in by now, Who Are You, The Who Sell Out, or something like that.  Or a Pete Townshend solo album like Empty Glass.

Led Zeppelin - I'll take suggestions from Wildcat on where to start with these guys.

1) Here's the best-of I was talking about before.  It's the best one out there. 

2) You have to go hear Led Zep IV, even though it's overrated and you'll hear most of it on Early Days.

3) Houses of the Holy has some funky stuff on it, but on the whole I like it.

4) I'm weird and like later Led Zep better than early...I'm probably not the best person to ask about LZ.  But essential later tracks include "Fool in the Rain" and "Achilles Last Stand."

that's more than you wanted to know, I'm sure...haha, sorry.

[murlough23]

that's more than you wanted to know, I'm sure...haha, sorry.

That's cool; I'm sure it'll be helpful, so long as I can still dig this thread up several years from now.

[Aaron]

Led Zeppelin - Get everything except for Coda & In Through The Out Door.  The end of their career was truly disappointing.


and bloop, remember that I don't have much respect for Nirvana on the music aspect so I don't think any of their albums were great.  Lyrics were solid but music knocked it down a peg for me.  I'm one of the people who think Dave Grohl is better with the Foo Fighters than he was as the drummer of Nirvana.  Just my 2 cents.

[bloop]

If you're going to go through Pink Floyd chronically, I would actually suggest started before Dark Side . . . .  Like, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn early.

Oh, and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" is a great song.  If I was forced to pick a weak point on Sgt. Pepper's, it would be "Good Morning, Good Morning", and that under much duress.  

and bloop, remember that I don't have much respect for Nirvana on the music aspect so I don't think any of their albums were great.  Lyrics were solid but music knocked it down a peg for me.  I'm one of the people who think Dave Grohl is better with the Foo Fighters than he was as the drummer of Nirvana.  Just my 2 cents.

I don't know that I necessarily love Grohl as a drummer, but I love what Nirvana's producers did with it. 

I don't have a big issue with their music.  As I said, it's messy, but rather intentional.  I still don't think the Metallica of the 90s compares favorably, but I would put Metallica over Nirvana all day if we can go back to Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, And Justice, etc.

[murlough23]

Metallica's probably too dark for me. I'm sure some of it's awesome musically. But I have to acknowledge my limitations here.

NP: "Two Hands", Jars of Clay

[Wildcatblue7]

Metallica's probably too dark for me. I'm sure some of it's awesome musically. But I have to acknowledge my limitations here.

NP: "Two Hands", Jars of Clay

If by dark you mean...oh man, I can't even think of a suitable word.  I can't take Metallica seriously because of James Hetfield's ridiculous vocal delivery.  It's the prototype for "WE ARE METAL AND WE ARE SCARY, RAHH!"

You're allowed to skip Metallica's discography, just listen to "Master of Puppets" or something.

[murlough23]

If by dark you mean...oh man, I can't even think of a suitable word.

It's mostly an issue of language and subject matter.

[bloop]

Metallica's probably too dark for me. I'm sure some of it's awesome musically. But I have to acknowledge my limitations here.

NP: "Two Hands", Jars of Clay

I think by now you've figured out that this thread has already veered off into not being about you.   

When I'm in the mood, I must be honest, Metallica rocks my face off.

[murlough23]

I think by now you've figured out that this thread has already veered off into not being about you.   

I intended for it to be used by anyone interested in mentioning what bands they'd been meaning to check out but hadn't gotten around to it yet.

Though I did actually think you might be recommending Metallica specifically to me. So, good to know I'm off the hook on that one.

[Aaron]

actually, the latest Metallica album is a really good album and I've never been a big fan of them.  Most metal sucks nowadays (and hell, it did back then) so it is really tough to make a truly great metal album.

[murlough23]

Most metal sucks nowadays (and hell, it did back then)

Them's fightin' words!

(I'm Switzerland.)

[bloop]

actually, the latest Metallica album is a really good album and I've never been a big fan of them.  Most metal sucks nowadays (and hell, it did back then) so it is really tough to make a truly great metal album.

Yeah, they've returned to form on that one (although I thought it was horribly ugly the first time I listened to it as it was a clipping mess).  Mastodon and Opeth carry the torch well.

Some I need to listen closer (I'm familiar, not not deeply familiar beyond what most people would be on most of these):
Buddy Holly
Chuck Berry
Patti Smith
Cream/Clapton (The Derek and the Dominoes record was quite good. Cream, too.)
Janis Joplin
Bob Marley (Chill music. I play it for others more than for myself, though.)
Sam Cooke (Beautiful voice.  A bit syrupy musically, which is typical of the era.  I enjoyed it.)
Roy Orbison
Ray Charles
Run D.M.C. (killer)
Joy Division (every bit as good as I've heard)
Kraftwerk (If they have a bad album, I haven't found it)
Rush
Frank Zappa (Good stuff so far, but his discography is intimidating. It would kill my ratio, seriously.)
Wire

I'll just add to this list if I think of any more.

[murlough23]

Janis Joplin

If copyright issues get in the way of you downloading her music, you can always give Jackie Jormp-Jomp a try.

[Aaron]

Yeah, they've returned to form on that one (although I thought it was horribly ugly the first time I listened to it as it was a clipping mess).  Mastodon and Opeth carry the torch well.

Some I need to listen closer (I'm familiar, not not deeply familiar beyond what most people would be on most of these):
Buddy Holly
Chuck Berry
Cream/Clapton
Bob Marley
Sam Cooke
Run D.M.C.
Joy Division


I'll just add to this list if I think of any more.

Oh hell to the yes on the ones I quoted here.   Marley wasn't the best reggae out there but he put it on the map.  I'll have some other great reggae to check out within a few days. Gotta find that magazine article.  I cannot recommend Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye enough.  Al Green is also an essential.

[bloop]

Jackie Jormp-Jomp would make a great avatar.  

I could use more Otis Redding and Al Green, too.  I'm pretty well-familiarized with Marvin Gaye.

[murlough23]

Marley wasn't the best reggae out there but he put it on the map.

I've made similar comments/conjectures about certain rock artists before - noting that I have respect for how they helped to invent/reinvent/popularize a certain sub-genre or way of doing things, but positing that others who came after them have done it better (or at least that I've enjoyed their work more). It's notable to be the first to do something. That doesn't always mean your work will be automatically better than that of your followers. Which is why I'm trying to go back to artists whose work I presume still holds up well compared to the music of today. I can make allowances based on technical limitations that existed at the time or understanding that something which seems commonplace now was pretty daring then, etc. But I'm looking for actual enjoyment as well as a history lesson.

NP: "Scenic Route", Jars of Clay

[Aaron]

For a modern take on some soul classics, Marc Broussard did a wonderful job with his album S.O.S. - Save Our Soul.  He covered some of the legends.

[Wildcatblue7]

Yeah, his cover of "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" is bone-chillingly good.  "Respect Yourself" (should read "yoselff") is awesome as well.

I like Carencro better than S.O.S., though.  /aside

[Aaron]

Yeah, his cover of "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" is bone-chillingly good.  "Respect Yourself" (should read "yoselff") is awesome as well.

I like Carencro better than S.O.S., though.  /aside

Carencro and Keep Coming Back are different approaches, IMO.  S.O.S. was purely a cover record (I think he had 2 originals).  While his 1st and 3rd albums are mostly his original work.  Carencro is one of the more underrated albums of the past few years.  That dude is the best soul singer since the legends and probably the best white singer of soul ever.

[eatenbytehworms]

Jimi Hendrix-heavily influential in guitar rock

Queen-A Night at the Opera (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Sheer Heart Attack are good.  i think their 70s stuff was better than 80s.  also, the first 2 self-titled albums are a bit overbearing - i guess Queen was figuring out the limits of how overthetop their compositions could be.  Regardless, their music is mostly excellent, and Freddie Mercury had an exceptional voice.

Pixies-for an 80s band, I think they were relatively atypical.  i suppose you could start with Surfer Rosa, especially Gigantic and Where is my Mind?

Jeff Buckley-only released one album.  his most well-known track is a cover of Hallelujah.  Great voice.  You can tell he influenced Radiohead, Muse, Coldplay, and many others.

Muse-often criticized as Radiohead imitators (which annoys me since RH is my favorite nonclassical artist), but I think they're more of a fusion of Hendrix, Black Sabbath, and Jeff Buckley. 

not sure if you'd like it, but classical music is my favorite; however, it's out of the range of popularity amongst most people.  Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Messiaen...

as for the Beatles, you should probably start with Sgt. Pepper or Rubber Soul

[murlough23]

Muse-often criticized as Radiohead imitators (which annoys me since RH is my favorite nonclassical artist), but I think they're more of a fusion of Hendrix, Black Sabbath, and Jeff Buckley.

I tried a Muse album once (Absolution), and NEVER AGAIN. Whether they're imitating Radiohead or whether Muse and Radiohead just have common influences is a moot point. I just can't handle the vocal histrionics. (The vocals aren't really one of the things that draw me to Radiohead anyway. I'm lukewarm about The Bends for the same reason.)

not sure if you'd like it, but classical music is my favorite; however, it's out of the range of popularity amongst most people.  Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Messiaen...

The problem there becomes, whose recordings of those composers' work do you start with? I respect classical, but my primary interest tends to be modern, rock-based music (where album versions tend to be the definitive versions of most songs).