perfect albums

bunnyben · Post by **bunnyben** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:19 pm

after mr hunter's thread i was wondering what people would consider from begining to end an perfect album- completely flawless

velvets and nico
songs of leonard cohen

but those guys release amazing albums, also dylan but sometimes there's a moment in a song that jars slightly, dips from the masterfull. maybe the perfect album does not exist?

tied up · Post by **tied up** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:40 pm

what's going on - marvin gaye

five leaves left - nick drake

off the wall - michael jackson

rings around the world - super furry animals

Post by **spzretent** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:58 pm

Aliens Luna
Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet
Roxy Music Country Life

Stuart X.Hunter · Post by **Stuart X.Hunter** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:31 pm

Before anyone else (hopefully) chimes in;

Songs in A&E - Spiritualized

truly a masterpiece for a number of reasons...that i've already stated in other threads...follow the white rabbit...

Best,

Stuart

Post by **MODLAB** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 10:08 pm

not in any particular order.

The Stone Roses: The Stone Roses
One Nation Under a Groove: Parliament / Funkadelic
The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust: David Bowie
Spiritualized: LGM
Stereolab:Switched On (i know its the 3 singles. but they fit perfectly as an album)
Slowdive: Pygmalion
Stones: Beggars Banquet

I would say another 10-20 more.

olan · Post by **olan** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 11:43 pm

Here are the first few that cropped to mind:

The Durutti Column "LC"
Spiritualized "Pure Phase"
The Fall "The Wonderful and Frightening World of.."
Joy Division "Closer" (although I find this a bit heavy these days)
Cocteau Twins "Garlands"
My Bloody Valentine "Loveless"
Spacemen 3 "Playing With Fire"

All of these are albums that I listen to as a whole, other than the odd track popping up on shuffle on the iPod. There are other dics that I might play more but don't listen to everything on the disc (Recurring is a very good example of this).

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:13 am

The Perfect Prescription
Soul Kiss
A Northern Soul
The Holy Bible

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:17 am

Oh, and while I'm not touting it as perfect, Mary and I listened to Lifes Rich Pageant by REM this evening for the first time in years, and it was an absolute joy. It's top rated by early REM fans, but had never been my favourite. I might have to rethink that. Their cover of Superman should be over in the perfect pop thread.

toomilk · Post by **toomilk** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:21 am

These are albums that I find so good they hurt me on the inside.

Spz-LAGWAFIS
The Fall- Hex Induction Hour
Beatles- Rubber Soul
Spacemen 3 - Playing with Fire
Joy Division - Closer
MC5- Kick Out the Jams
Jesus and Mary Chain - Darklands

PS: Olan, you're stealing my thunder.

PPS: Ian, I've tried getting into The Holy Bible, but never could. Any thoughts?

Already There · Post by **Already There** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:29 am

There are only two at the moment that I am sure of

Definitely Maybe and Some Friendly. It pains me to say it. ^^ But well, that is what I feel like.

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:31 am

isnt this just a 'favourite albums' thread in disguise?

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:33 am

toomilk wrote:PPS: Ian, I've tried getting into The Holy Bible, but never could. Any thoughts?

Not really. I'm not a Manics devotee by any means - first two albums have a few good songs but aren't that great, and the post-Richey stuff could be distilled to an outstanding EP. But there's something deeply profound about The Holy Bible. It's almost a humbling experience listening to it. I do worry that its a bit too close to emotional voyeurism - much as I think it's am amazing work, I'd rather Richey had gone to a doctor rather than made it. In the same way that I don't feel the need to try heroin when I have The Perfect Prescription to let me know what it feels like (and I do feel it - plugging in to that album makes me feel differently to how I do during the rest of my life), The Holy Bible gives me an insight into a dark side of humanity that I usually choose to pretend doesn't exist.

Who's responsible? You fucking are.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:35 am

angelsighs wrote:isnt this just a 'favourite albums' thread in disguise?

Not from my POV. I can't include any Spiritualized here, much as I adore LGM and PP, because there are moments that don't quite cut it for me. Same goes for dozens of truly great albums that I can't say hold up for 100% of their duration.

Stuart X.Hunter · Post by **Stuart X.Hunter** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:56 am

angelsighs wrote:isnt this just a 'favourite albums' thread in disguise?

Hmm...it may be heading that way as people are listing albums...maybe I'm too critical

Ones I can immediately agree with;
Definitely Maybe - Oasis absolutely this album is rammed with great tunes..."...you can't have (nearly) five (single releases) from a debut album..."
A Northern Soul - The Verve again yes; a dark brodding monster that for me elevated them from ASIH to a much higher place (in my record collection)
What's Goin' On - Marvin Gaye flawless

Ones I'm not convinced by'
Playing With Fire - Spacemen 3 granted I only have the 2001 re-issue and haven't bothered cutting/pasting the songs to form the original track listing but stacked against SOC & PP it feels a bit off the mark.
The Velvet Underground & Nico Firstly I really like VU and Lou Reed but this album has never had the impact for me that maybe it should. John Cale is all over it (sadly) but more than that Nico' voice is truly detrimental to my ears.
Off The Wall - Michael Jackson First half disco/funk second half pop/ballads...just not buying it

However, it's all horses for courses

Best,

Stuart

toomilk · Post by **toomilk** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:18 am

angelsighs wrote:isnt this just a 'favourite albums' thread in disguise?

Not necessarily. My picks were chosen without sentiment. They are not my favorite albums (aside from LAGWAFIS), but ones that I feel fit the definition of a "perfect album" closely.

But you can probably say "isnt this just a 'perfect "pop" album' thread in disguise?" Then I might have to say yes.

Post by **MODLAB** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:21 am

I will gladly back up the albums which I have posted. But as always it comes down to
personal preference and the inner feeling you have with each note and lyric.

M

gottafire · Post by **gottafire** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:39 am

Spiritualized - Let It Come Down
Spacemen 3 - Playing With Fire
The Charlatans - Between 10th And 11th
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
The Verve - Northern Soul
Radiohead - OK Computer
Rolling Stones - Beggar's Banquet
Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon
The Beatles - Sgt Peppers
Seasick Steve - Doghouse Music
Primal Scream - Vanishing Point
Ride - Going Blank Again

Shit I could go on and on

Post by **MODLAB** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:45 am

gottafire wrote:Spiritualized - Let It Come Down
Spacemen 3 - Playing With Fire
The Charlatans - Between 10th And 11th
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
The Verve - Northern Soul
Radiohead - OK Computer
Rolling Stones - Beggar's Banquet
Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon
The Beatles - Sgt Peppers
Seasick Steve - Doghouse Music
Primal Scream - Vanishing Point
Ride - Going Blank Again

Shit I could go on and on

Some great POP albums on there!!!

M

Stuart X.Hunter · Post by **Stuart X.Hunter** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:26 am

gottafire wrote: The Charlatans - Between 10th And 11th

Here, here that and "Up To Our Hips" certainly defined the "times" at the time...I guess...and probably got a tad overlooked as the furore of Supersonic/Oasis had just kicked off on The Word, 3days prior to release.

There's sinister melancholy...a certain...oh whats the word...*my Dad called me it once about that time*...Shit! can't remember...i feel it may sum it up...like a sense that nothing matters/you can't make it matter so why bother...not lacklustre...Ahhh!

Best,

Stuart

olan · Post by **olan** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:45 pm

angelsighs wrote:isnt this just a 'favourite albums' thread in disguise?

Not necessarily, but I can see why you might think so......

The records I nominated are perfect albums to me in the sense that I only listen to them from start to finish. However, I would listen to big chunks of other albums far more regularly. For example, I believe Closer by Joy Division to be an utterly beautiful piece of work, and almost unparalleled but I just don't need to listen to it that regularly anymore, and don't listen to individual tracks deliberately at all.

Something like Ride's Nowhere or Speak Slowly by The Stars of Heaven (both of which nearly made my list) gets played more regularly at my place than many of the records I listed simply because of the quality of individual tracks on the albums. But as albums these two have flaws (IMHO) that the records I listed do not.

Excuse the waffle. I've had a long evening of very good Shiraz, Warlocks and Wooden Shjips, so I'm far too "relaxed" to write a short post.

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:28 pm

hmmm okay i guess that makes sense. But obviously the albums people list are by nature also going to be some of their absolute favourites. there's some natural overlap.
but sometimes the weaker/filler tracks can be part of an albums charm and flow. an album 'full of singles' can actually be quite exhausting.

I'm gonna backup these choices:

The Stone Roses= s/t
Verve- A Northern Soul
Velvet Underground & Nico

and add these badboys:

Television- Marquee Moon
Talk Talk- Spirit of Eden
Ride- Nowhere (no flaws here for me olan, i think its near perfect from top to bottom, far better than the very patchy Going Blank Again which i can't believe you chose gottafire- all personal taste i guess)

Already There · Post by **Already There** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:30 pm

angelsighs wrote:isnt this just a 'favourite albums' thread in disguise?

I have to admit that both Definitely Maybe and Some Friendly are two of my favourite albums as well, but I'd also call them perfect. -_-

gottafire wrote:Spiritualized - Let It Come Down
Spacemen 3 - Playing With Fire
The Charlatans - Between 10th And 11th
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
The Verve - Northern Soul
Radiohead - OK Computer
Rolling Stones - Beggar's Banquet
Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon
The Beatles - Sgt Peppers
Seasick Steve - Doghouse Music
Primal Scream - Vanishing Point
Ride - Going Blank Again

Shit I could go on and on

Going Blank Again comes very close to a perfect album in my opinion. But there's three tracks on the album that just don't quite fit. Sgt Peppers... I love some of the songs on there, still I don't feel as if all songs on there are perfect. -_- Ah, Dark Side Of The Moon... I have to admit, Us and Them is a bit... well...

But I love Speak To Me and Money. OK Computer... Also pretty close, like Going Blank Again. Ah, A Northern Soul... Very close. But... I might have listened to it a bit too often.

The Stone Roses... It's also pretty close to perfect. But Some Friendly really beats Between 10th and 11th. I mean... It's a great album, but not as perfect as Some Friendly.

Already There · Post by **Already There** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:37 pm

angelsighs wrote: Ride- Nowhere (no flaws here for me olan, i think its near perfect from top to bottom, far better than the very patchy Going Blank Again which i can't believe you chose gottafire- all personal taste i guess)

Ha, my last.fm charts make me laugh. First there is Going Blank Again, then after a while comes the Today Forever EP, immediately followed by Carnival of Light (Did I really listen to it that often? ^^), then the Smile EP and then finally comes Nowhere. I can't even explain this to myself. Right, this album is above it: Spacemen 3 â€“ Forged Prescriptions (disc 1) . I mean... How weird is that? I don't even really know that one...

Anyway, I still need to give Nowhere another go, I guess...

Post by **runcible** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:43 pm

I'm late to this one. Many of my nominations are already here.

I'll add:
Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti (some would add Led Zep 4 too but I can't listen to Stairway anymore), Led Zeppelin 3
The Heads - Everybody Knows We Got Nowhere, Relaxing With
Grateful Dead - American Beauty
Yo La Tengo - Painful
Rolling Stones - from Beggars Banquet - Exile (the entire period was perfect in my opinion)
Flaming Lips - Hit To Death In The Future Head, Priest Driven Ambulance
Opal - Happy Nightmare Baby
Congos - Heart of the Congos
King Tubby/Augustus Pablpo - King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown
CSNY - Deja Vu
Nirvana - Nevermind
Neu - Neu 75

That's off the top of my head - back to cooking lunch now.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 2:00 pm

runcible wrote:Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti (some would add Led Zep 4 too but I can't listen to Stairway anymore)

Oh, that's a good illustration of the difference between "perfect" and "favourite" for me. Zep 4 is probably my favourite of their albums, but I only really like about half of it, and actively dislike some of it. This sounds like damning with faint praise, but there are some outstanding songs on there and overall I think it's great.

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 2:11 pm

runcible wrote: Yo La Tengo - Painful

darn it- thats one of the Yo La Tengo albums I can't find on CD for love nor money. never heard it.

I would nominate I Can Hear The Heart.. but thats prob near perfect rather than perfect. not quite there.

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 2:12 pm

Already There wrote:Anyway, I still need to give Nowhere another go, I guess...

you really should!

olan · Post by **olan** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 3:46 pm

angelsighs wrote:
Already There wrote:Anyway, I still need to give Nowhere another go, I guess...
you really should!

I agree. It is an astounding (if not perfect

) album and is, IMHO, simply the best album Ride wrote. The outro on Vapour Trail where the cello kicks in is simply fantastic. I have very, very fond is hazy (ahem) memories of a gig at the Jericho Tavern in late 1990/1991.

I like Going Blank Again, but felt it suffered from being a bit rushed. What I mean by this is that from Jan 1990 - March 1992 Ride released 5 eps and two albums and struck me as being a bit short of energy/ideas by the time of the second album. A bit of time off before recording GBA might have helped.....

Interesting that Gardener and Bell tried the "you write one side and I'll write the other" thing. Didn't seem to work to well there either.........

bunnyben · Post by **bunnyben** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 4:15 pm

angelsighs wrote:isnt this just a 'favourite albums' thread in disguise?

it's not supposed to be

a lot of my favorite albums have flaws on them that make them less than perfect- then again from the amount of albums that have been responded with maybe my version of perfection is higher than others?

gottafire · Post by **gottafire** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:54 pm

I gotta say this is a bit of a null thread to be honest. The way I see it there's no such thing as 'perfect'. It's little imperfections that make something perfect to an individual so angelsighs does have a very good and valid point.
I doubt anyone on the board would agree with everyone else.
And as for being 'pop' if by that you mean 'popular' which 'pop' is a shortened term for, well considering how high Ladies And Gents charted wouldn't that be described as 'pop' also? hmmm?

mc · Post by mc » Sun Sep 13, 2009 6:34 pm

As has been pointed out, this is a difficult question to answer. The following are albums where (IMHO) every song is outstanding and couldn't possibly be left off without ruining the overall whole. As such, many of my favourite albums are absent from this list.

Spiritualized - Lazer Guided Melodies
R.E.M. - Murmur, Reckoning, Lifes Rich Pageant, Automatic For the People
Eels - Electro-Shock Blues
Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town
Belle and Sebastian - Tigermilk
Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
The Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat
Pink Floyd - Animals
Earth - Earth 2
Julian Cope - Jehovahkill
Miles Davis - In A Silent Way
Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses

Post by **runcible** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 6:47 pm

gottafire wrote: The way I see it there's no such thing as 'perfect'.

That's true but how many albums do you know where you can genuinely say every track is brilliant and the running order just right? Not that many. In another thread Lazer Guided Melodies wasn't listed in the greatest double albums ever because the writer didn't like Symphony Space that much so that rules LGM out for that reason athough I rather like that track. I left off Led Zep 4 as I can't bear Stairway to Heaven anymore despite it being among the most popular songs ever written. For me it lets the album down so LZ4 isn't on the list. I'd love to put The White Album as I love all of it with the exception of Revolution 9 (does anyone actually love Revolution 9?!). I listed records where I can play the whole thing and feel comfortable with it and even feel that delightful tinge of excitement in aticipation of the next track.

Here are some more:
Plasticland - Wonder Wonderful Wonderland
Plasticland - Salon
The Damned - Damned Damned Damned
The Damned - Machine Gun Etiquette
The Clash - The Clash
Pink Floyd - Meddle
Black Crowes - The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion
The Rezillos - Can't Stand The Rezillos
13th Floor Elevators - Easter Everywhere

gottafire · Post by **gottafire** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:09 pm

All the albums I listed were perfect in my opinion but there ya go, it's my opinion. I listen to live at the royal albert hall all the way through every time and still love it, even though it isn't strictly a live album. I find this to be perfect. Likewise LGM. Symphony Space is a great track and I often find myself zoning out to this while I'm laying on the floor. Brilliance.
None of us will agree on everything here but it's given me cause to go back and listen to other peoples opinions of 'perfection' for myself, since the insurance replaced all my missing cd's

scratch · Post by **scratch** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:01 pm

angelsighs wrote: Talk Talk- Spirit of Eden

+1

Multi · Post by **Multi** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:13 pm

Laz69 · Post by **Laz69** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:51 am

A lot of those already mentioned are ones i'd claim too, most notably:

Spectrum - Soul Kiss
Spiritualized - Lazer Guided Melodies

But one i've always found worked really well from start to finish (and is easily in my top 5 albums of all time) is:

The Boo Radleys - Everythings Alright Forever

There are probably more but those are the most obvious ones

bunnyben · Post by **bunnyben** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:14 am

gottafire wrote:I gotta say this is a bit of a null thread to be honest. The way I see it there's no such thing as 'perfect'. It's little imperfections that make something perfect to an individual so angelsighs does have a very good and valid point.

i agree, although obviously perfect is subjective. what would be interesting is a perfect album that yiou cannot abide, an album you hear that is very well made yet you cannot stand it hmm...

TheWarmth · Post by **TheWarmth** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:23 pm

Multi wrote:Beggars Banquet.

I know of no other.

I think Sticky Fingers is perfect. I wouldn't change a thing about that album.

warmgun. · Post by **warmgun.** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:32 pm

Off the top...

Deserter's Songs - Mercury Rev
Giant Steps - Boo Radleys
A Love Supreme - John Coltrane

Post by **runcible** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:01 pm

TheWarmth wrote:
Multi wrote:Beggars Banquet.

I know of no other.
I think Sticky Fingers is perfect. I wouldn't change a thing about that album.

And Let It Bleed. And Exile On Main Street (which, Kyle, you included in your acceptable double albums list, along with Physical Graffiti which I nominated here!).

warmgun. · Post by **warmgun.** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:32 pm

The 60's, 70's and 90's all seem well represented so after some reflection, a few from the 80's.

The Queen Is Dead - The Smiths
Disintegration - The Cure
The Hounds Of Love - Kate Bush
R.E.M. - Life's Rich Pageant

All records that still captivate me regularly and are arguably "perfect" to these ears...

Multi · Post by **Multi** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:01 pm

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:51 pm

warmgun. wrote:R.E.M. - Life's Rich Pageant

a fine, fine, album. only 'What If We Give It Away' lets it down.

runcible wrote: The Clash- The Clash

hmm, see this is where the distinction may be useful. The album is obviously very tight and concise, and perfect in a way. However, for all its inconsistencies, experiments, etc, I love Sandanista to bits and would much rather listen to it. Weird isn't it.

Airwaves · Post by **Airwaves** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 1:24 am

ok, here is mine list for today

Godspeed You Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Ant
Spiritualized - Lazer Guided Melodies
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation / Evol
Kraftwerk - Radioactivity
The Smiths - Hatfull of Hollow
Pink Floyd - The pipes at the gate of dawn
My Bloody Valentine - Loveless
Spacemen 3 - The perfect prescription
Pil - Metal Box
Sigur Ros - Agaetis Byrjun
The Velvet underground and Nico
Joy Division - Closer

shalloboi · Post by **shalloboi** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 3:40 am

brian jonestown massacre- bravery, repetition and noise
the cure- disintegration
neko case- fox confessor brings the flood
rolling stones- rolling stones, now (i also agree that 'sticky fingers' is a good choice- definitely the best of the four mentioned)
the kinks- kontroversy
mojave 3- ask me tomorrow
low- things we lost in the fire
kate bush- hounds of love
cocteau twins- victorialand
mbv- loveless (i know it's a bit of an obvious choice, but it's never been anything less than my favourite album since i was 16)
spiritualized- songs in a & e
radiohead- the bends

i dunno... these are albums i listen to a lot- some of them regularly since i was a teenager. they give me something unique that keeps me coming back.

Shaun · Post by **Shaun** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:23 pm

Stuart X.Hunter wrote:Before anyone else (hopefully) chimes in;

Songs in A&E - Spiritualized

truly a masterpiece for a number of reasons...that i've already stated in other threads...follow the white rabbit...

Best,

Stuart

It's a decent album up to and including 'Baby I'm Just A Fool', and then beyond that it's a stuggle apart from 'Goodnight Goodnight' and I think I only like that because of it being familiar from the Acoustic Mainlines. Far from being perfect...

solarflarez · Post by **solarflarez** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:32 pm

for now...........
Beatles- Revolver
Jimi Hendrix- Electric Ladyland
Stones- Beggars Banquet
Syd Barrett- Madcap Laughs
Neil Young- Harvest
Pink Floyd- DSOTM
Sex Pistols- Never Mind The Bollocks.....
Happy Mondays- Bummed
The Stone Roses- The Stone Roses
Primal Scream- Screamadelica
Super Furry Animals- Fuzzy Logic
Oasis- Definetly Maybe
Radiohead- OK Computer
Spiritualized- LGWAFIS

lots of predictable ones i know, but its what i honestly think

Shaun · Post by **Shaun** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:51 pm

The The - Soul Mining, it does exactly what it says on the cover. A brilliantly dark and emotive album, but quite uplifting by the end.

Post by **runcible** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:25 pm

Shaun wrote:The The - Soul Mining, it does exactly what it says on the cover. A brilliantly dark and emotive album, but quite uplifting by the end.

The opening track of that used to kill me as I got into it around the time of a very painful break-up and it summed up the feelings I had back then. It's a quality album but I feel it got a little too raw and edgy at times. The best bits are majestic no question.

Shaun · Post by **Shaun** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:21 pm

runcible wrote:
Shaun wrote:The The - Soul Mining, it does exactly what it says on the cover. A brilliantly dark and emotive album, but quite uplifting by the end.
The opening track of that used to kill me as I got into it around the time of a very painful break-up and it summed up the feelings I had back then. It's a quality album but I feel it got a little too raw and edgy at times. The best bits are majestic no question.

I think the raw and edgy parts (and I know what you mean by that Mark, there are plenty of them) are the pieces that knit the album together which make it so good. Since I first heard it years ago it's an album that's always been shadowing me, always there burning eyes in the back of my mind. And 'Perfect', which was added to the original cd to close the album, finishes with the ironic line "What is there to fear from such a regular world?" Great wit after listening to the rest of the album.

Post by **runcible** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:43 pm

Shaun wrote: And 'Perfect', which was added to the original cd to close the album, finishes with the ironic line "What is there to fear from such a regular world?" Great wit after listening to the rest of the album.

In many ways I regard Perfect as The The's greatest track. So simple, so fantastic.

bruce_brobertson · Post by **bruce_brobertson** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:30 pm

MODLAB wrote:not in any particular order.

The Stone Roses: The Stone Roses
One Nation Under a Groove: Parliament / Funkadelic
The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust: David Bowie
Spiritualized: LGM
Stereolab:Switched On (i know its the 3 singles. but they fit perfectly as an album)
Slowdive: Pygmalion
Stones: Beggars Banquet

I would say another 10-20 more.

Grateful for mentioning Slowdive's Pygmalion, everyone goes on about Souvlaki being their magnum opus but this album is truly breathtaking.

Multi · Post by **Multi** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:28 pm

Post by **BzaInSpace** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:58 pm

Whaaaat? But that would surely mean Don't Hold Me Close, The Waves Crash In and Borrowed Your Gun ???

I think it took a few listens to really appreciate them. Probably as I totally OD'd on the first half of A&E initially. (probably up to Baby...)
But they're fantastic! The last two in particular for me are Spiritualized at their finest. Sort of new phase for them too I think. I'm with Stuart on this one - it's the gift that keeps on giving. All the way through.

Sorry Shaun, I never got back to this when asked ages ago...

James T · Post by **James T** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:21 pm

Only 3 for me. I wanna say Ladies & Gents... but No God Only Religion kind of annoys me sometimes.

Low - Long Division
Blur - Parklife
Songs of Leonard Cohen

gottafire · Post by **gottafire** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:30 pm

BzaInSpace wrote:Whaaaat? But that would surely mean Don't Hold Me Close, The Waves Crash In and Borrowed Your Gun ???

I think it took a few listens to really appreciate them. Probably as I totally OD'd on the first half of A&E initially. (probably up to Baby...)
But they're fantastic! The last two in particular for me are Spiritualized at their finest. Sort of new phase for them too I think. I'm with Stuart on this one - it's the gift that keeps on giving. All the way through.

Sorry Shaun, I never got back to this when asked ages ago...

Too true. This album is pretty much perfection for me too but I'd already put Let It Come Down and didn't wana go all pro Spiritualized, but for me every one of their albums are perfect. In fact I have them in order on a playlist on my G1 and not a single time do I skip, I just let it play, even Symphony Space and Pure Phase.
But yeah, Borrowed Your Gun is probably one of Spritualized best songs in my opinion and a travesty it hasn't been attempted live yet. The last few seconds of that song, I think it goes 'It's time to make up'...just sends me out in goosebumps. Been in love with A & E since release and it's still on regular rotation.

mc · Post by mc » Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:08 pm

As far as Pure Phase goes, 'Electric Phase' and 'Good Times' are the reasons it didn't make my perfect list; I rarely listen to the former, and the latter feels a bit humdrum to me. I've always been a fan of the title track - I love the way everything in the foreground fades away and leaves the backbone of the album to drone by itself for 6 minutes.

olliemorr · Post by **olliemorr** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 12:12 am

Some repeats, but hey...:

Spiritualized - Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized - Fucked Up Inside (live album, I know)
Spacemen 3 - The Perfect Prescription
Idlewild - 100 Broken Windows
Mclusky - Mclusky Do Dallas
Future Of The Left - Travels With Myself And Another
Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible
My Bloody Valentine - Loveless
Elbow - Asleep In The Back
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Shake Your Skinny Fists.
Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden, I Miss Everyone
Low - Things We Lost In The Fire
The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground
Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures
Grandaddy - The Sophtware Slump
Mercury Rev - Yerself Is Steam
Julian Cope - Jehovahkill
Radiohead - The Bends
Radiohead - OK Computer
Radiohead - Hail to the Thief
Neil Young - Decade (I know, I know, I know...it's a compilation...)
Neil Young - Rust Never Sleeps
Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Pavement - Wowee Zowee
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
Amusement Parks On Fire - Out Of The Angeles
Amusement Parks On Fire - Amusement Parks On Fire
The Black Angels - Passover
The Warlocks - Phoenix
The Strokes - Is This It
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
The Wedding Present - George Best
Pixies - Doolittle
Suicide - First Album

....I got a bit carried away there. I had to leave out some of my favourite albums purely because they contained maybe 1 or 2 skippable tracks.
I'd perhaps chuck in some Sigur Ros, but I've not listened to them in a while and can't remember if there are any slighty dud tracks.

danesmoor · Post by **danesmoor** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 12:48 pm

Beach Boys - Pet Sounds

Brian Eno - Music For Airports

Bonnie Prince Billy - I See A Darkness

Super Furry Animals - Mwng

Tortoise - Millions Now Living Will Never Die

Slint - Spiderland

His and Hers - Pulp

Mogwai - CODY

All at least *near* perfection

Shaun · Post by **Shaun** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:36 pm

BzaInSpace wrote: Whaaaat? But that would surely mean Don't Hold Me Close, The Waves Crash In and Borrowed Your Gun ???

Absolutely. I would not go as far and say they are rubbish and be that disrespectable, but after 'Baby' it [Songs in A&E] does get quite tedious.

BzaInSpace wrote:I think it took a few listens to really appreciate them. Probably as I totally OD'd on the first half of A&E initially. (probably up to Baby...)

Probably only listened to it all the way through about half a dozen times. I don't even have a copy of it anymore, and I bought two.

BzaInSpace wrote:But they're fantastic! The last two in particular for me are Spiritualized at their finest. Sort of new phase for them too I think. I'm with Stuart on this one - it's the gift that keeps on giving. All the way through.

I'm not convinced Barry. I appreciate your views, but I certainly can not agree with you on this one.

TheWarmth · Post by **TheWarmth** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:04 pm

"Don't Hold Me Close," "The Waves Crash In" and "Borrowed Your Gun" are three of my favorite tracks from A&E. As far as I'm concerned, that trilogy of songs if the highlight of the album. If I were to complain about any of the songs from that album, it'd be "I Gotta Fire" and "Yeah Yeah," which are both pretty forgettable.

johnnyboy · Post by **johnnyboy** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:58 pm

Borrowed Your Gun is beautiful. It was mentione a few posts back that Goodnight Goodnight was loved because of the memory of Acoustic Mainlines. It's still a great song on it's own but I agree. I also think they need to release Silent Night from those gigs. Not sure how many they played it at but it was def at Union Chapel before Xmas. Wonderful moment.

But as for 'perfect albums'.......off the top of my head I'll put these down because I never know what to play after I've listened to them, which is the sign of a pretty perfect album.

Primal Scream - Screamadelica
Funkadelic - Funkadelic
Gene Clark - No Other
Sly Stone - There's A Riot Going On
Spacemen 3 - Playing With Fire
13th Floor Elevators - Easter Everywhere
LCD Soundsystem - 45:33 (if that counts)

angelsighs · Post by **angelsighs** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:26 pm

olliemorr wrote: Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures
Neil Young - Rust Never Sleeps
The Black Angels - Passover

agree with all these, forgot them.

olliemorr wrote: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Shake Your Skinny Fists.
Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden, I Miss Everyone

as for these- Skinny Fists is astounding but is missing a big ending to finish it i think,, it just kinda tails off.
And for me the greatest and most perfect Explosions albums is The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place. All Of A Sudden has those two kind of lowkey piano tracks on, that don't match up to the rest of the album.
This may seem petty but such is the criteria for the 'perfect album'.

Another contender for me is Scott Walker- Scott 4. So tight and compact, and sonically and lyrically amazing.

Which brings me to another point- most of these albums seem to be 40 mins or under, reminds me of the recent thread where we were discussing that albums are getting longer these days and less consistent.

I agree that A&E does tail off a bit at the end.. I love Dont Hold Me Close. But the arrangements of Waves and Gun are very effective but the songwriting isnt quite there on those.. too many slow tracks in a row too.

I also prefer the Acoustic Mainlines Goodnight- the studio one seems clunky in comparison.

niamhm · Post by **niamhm** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:59 pm

I think someone mentioned it earlier,but I`m gonna say it too and agree,
Velvet Underground -Loaded ,any time I put it on it never fails to lift my mood and give me a feeling of general well being ,every track ,probably been coming back to this record for almost 25 yrs now,

perfect is pretty much just to tall an order, but this one comes very close.To allow for the vagaries of time ,taste and fashion(hey we all victim to it at some point) ,for an album to be considered perfect its got to be 20 odd years old I think ,you know something you take with you and still get something from years later.

I`m sure I consider more perfect but this one springs to mind at the present....The Blue Nile ,Hats ? ..yeah thats pretty close too.

Post by **spzretent** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 3:42 pm

runcible wrote:I'm late to this one. Many of my nominations are already here.

I'll add:
Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti (some would add Led Zep 4 too but I can't listen to Stairway anymore), Led Zeppelin 3

I had to go back to this thread because I couldn't understand how Led Zeppelin ll constantly gets overlooked. It is my favorite Led Zeppelin record by quite some distance. Just sayin...

Post by **runcible** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 4:05 pm

Led Zep 2 is fantastic but how many times can you listen to Moby Dick? That riff is incredible but the drums are dull!