Just a quick post pointing out some of the albums I think deserve a special mention in the Uncut 150:
Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker
I'm not sure everyone knows that Ryan Adam's first album is still his best. Simple and heartfelt songs wringing with emotion. His natural talent seemed to flicker after his first couple of albums, amid reports of drug abuse and personal troubles. He was pretty stoned when I saw him live!
LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
Disco/rock/punk. No need to say more.
Queens of the Stone Age - Rated R
Best band of the decade. Most critics call "Songs for the Deaf" their best album, but I think I'll plump for this one. It's not a concept album and it's certainly not refined, but it fuckin' rocks.
The National - Alligator
I never hear too much about this band, which surprises me. The album is a bit of slow-burner with plenty to keep coming back for. Matt Berninger's lyrics are evocative and personal. Whilst the words flow naturally, I suspect he spent hours agonising over them.
Other favourites include The Hold Steady, Primal Scream, Nick Cave, Warren Zevon (I think I'll write a completely separate post on The Wind) and Johnny Cash. And I could go on...
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I continue to marvel at how people overrate Heartbreaker, when Love is Hell and Cold Roses, and most of Jacksonville City Nights are his masterpieces. Heartbreaker isn't a bad album but it's just nowhere near as good as the others. And by the way, he hasn't been stoned or drunk in concert-or anywhere else- in quite a while, I saw him a number of times from late 2006 to the last tour in 2009, and the shows were all excellent.
ReplyDeleteIt was a long time ago I saw him live (2002 I think!), I don't want to imply he's always like that - and it was still a good concert. He was supported by Jesse Malin, who was also great.
ReplyDeleteI haven't got all his albums, but I always found his later albums a bit patchy. I should listen to them again. I'll post an apology if I agree with you ;)
Thanks for the comment!