I always tell people the first CD I got was Chronic 2001, but in actuality it was Americana. Chronic 2001 was just the first CD I bought for myself. I got Americana as an Easter gift from my dad, because it had that amazing song 'Pretty Fly, For A White Guy'. I listened to that song a million times before I got to anything else on the album.
I finally decided to listen to the whole thing, and was shocked. It was what I assumed was death metal. It was so fast and sounded nothing like the one song from the radio.
Although this record didn't make my list, I feel like it showed me a window into music that wasn't Spice Girls or Collective Soul and paved the way for being a bit more adventurous with what I listen to.
(Taken in 1998)
10. Barenaked Ladies - Stunt
So many hits on this, but the ones that aren't hits are absolute duds. Tough to listen to full-through and not get sick of it after you pass 'Call and Answer' - exception 'Some Fantastic'. Also, watch the Bathroom Sessions on Youtube with Ed Robertson and Steven Page - they turn 'Some Fantastic' into the best song on this record.
Hits: Call and Answer, It's All Been Done, One Week, Some Fantastic
9. Shellac - Terraform
Such a perfectly laid out record. Without hearing this record before the first track seemingly aims to set a slower tone for the rest of the record, but it gets better. This record still hits, but really find a way to bury the harder crescendos into layers of tracks.
Hits: Disgrace, Canada
8. Cake - Prolonging The Magic
One thing I came to when thinking of how to review this record was 'what genre is Cake?'. It's kind of like a Samba/Rock/Funk hybrid. Wasted too much time considering genre to write something meaningful. This record is lots of fun, quite a few hits buried in there too.
Hits: Hem of Your Garment, Satan Is My Motor, Never There
7. Alkaline Trio - Goddamnit
Gave this a chance in high school, but could never fully buy in. Shame, because old me loves it. Hits hard and although it's got some sappy emo themes, the punk influence is clear.
Hits: Cringe, Cop, San Francisco, Clavicle
6. Don Caballero - What Burns Never Returns
Such a great listen through. As far as instrumentals of this type go, it's miles ahead of the rest of the pack. It can be a bit spacey at times, but never boring.
Hits: Whole thing!
5. Bright Eyes - Letting Off The Happiness
Feels weird to have this so low, but I guess I like other albums more now... 18 year old me would be pissed. I remember playing this CD in the car with my dad the full way through. Few CD's hes hated more than that. Doesn't hold up quite like it used to, but still really love a few songs on here.
Hits: Contrast And Compare, June On The West Coast, Pull My Hair
4. The Tragically Hip - Phantom Power
Nothing like throwing this bad boy on and hearing the pop of the snare as 'Poets' starts up. Lots of sneaky hits here, but also carries one of my favourite Hip songs ever in 'Escape Is At Hand For The Travelling Man'. This album is a whole is just so fluid to me. Each song flows perfectly and although the themes and emotion vary through these songs, it all works together so well.
Hits: Something On, Escape Is At Hand For The Travelling Man, Fireworks, Poets
3. D'Angelo - Live At The Jazz Cafe, London
At this point in his career D'Angelo has only released 'Brown Sugar'. So a popular recorded live performance seems a bit bold, but it really gives such a different vibe to each of these songs. I also normally don't like crowd noise during live records, but this record has a way of making you feel like you're there.
Hits: Lady, Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine, Brown Sugar
2. Duster - Stratosphere
Please listen the whole way through. Couldn't think of what to write, this record is just really good.
Hits: Whole thing!
1. DMX - It's Dark And Hell Is Hot/Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood
This is really gonna piss of the editor, but I couldn't choose which one I liked more #yearofthedog. Debuts and drops two #1 rap records in the same year.. talk about running the game. Earl Simmons is a violent and crass man. He's unfiltered and probably has one of the best vocal tones in rap history.
Hits: Get At Me Dog, Damien, Bring Your Whole Crew, Ruff Ryders Anthem
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31iFfEzVmFzw3wYhcXudyH?si=6227e702bea54d92
Fuck man this was great.
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