The Clash – The Clash, US version, natch (1977)
To punk what Jesus is to dudes on crosses, The Clash far overshadowed their peers by creating music that not only had that fabulous aggression, but also had a real point and purpose with its message. Questions were asked, possible answers were given, and a lot of people listened. Far better than the iffy (in places) London Calling. Choice cut – (White Man) in Hammersmith Palais.
The Cure – Disintegration (1989)
Trey Parker’s most favourite album ever, and there’s something about its dreamy melodic guitar sound that just sweeps you away. Choice cut – Pictures of You.
David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)
Bowie’s brave attempt to explore space, and another reason why Bowie is the most revolutionary musician there’s ever been. Something new on every listen can be found, as Bowie refuses to conform to any set style or pattern, yet never letting up on that quality quirk of the near perfect pop he’s so adept at. Choice cut – Ziggy Stardust.
That rare thing of a hip hop album without a bitch or a ho nor indeed a cap or an ass in sight. Just positive messages expressed in their playful manner, with witty skits and beats far more inventive than most all thrown in for good measure. Choice cut – Me, Myself and I.
Jello Biafra spouts and spurts to fearsome effect in this collection of short but powerful hardcore punk classics. The album that developed the scene from simple anger at nothing, to shouted challenges against those in power, transforming them, like The Clash amongst late 70s British punks, far above thier fellow hardcore punk cohort in the US. Choice cut – Holiday in Cambodia.
Delgados – The Great Eastern (2000)
DJ Shadow – Endtroducing (1996)
Blurring the lines of hip hop and electronica, this was the first album ever to be created entirely from samples. Ominous and dark throughout, this is the album that tried to be everything and succeeded. Choice cut – Building Steam With a Grain of Salt.
Forget your Shania Twains and Keith Urbans all your other loathsome new stars of country pop, just listen to this and you’ll see how just how personal and emotional the genre can be. Dolly is fantastic, and so are the songs. Choice cut – Jolene.
Horrid album cover, but this mid 90s effort was something remarkable amidst the fading dance pop genre. Reminiscient of the magnificent St. Etienne, sublime female vocals over soothing strings and synths filled this album with charm and style. Choice cut – Not So Manic Now.
So sixties, so sexy, so stupidly great. Her incredible voice over a host of classic tracks that have never sounded better. Choice cut – Son of a Preacher Man.
