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1. Yes 90125
All you power-pop gurus and alternative-emo music elitists that read this blog are groaning or stunned, but this is my most listened to album. It’s the one I never ever get tired of. I like every song on it. It is arguably the best *produced* album ever thanks to the amazing Trevor Horn. Old school prog fans have made a hobby of railing against Yes for this one. Too bad though because they’re missing out on a brilliant album simply because it isn’t old school Yes. It broke records, boundaries and there was nothing else that sounded quite like it. It has amazingly withstood the test of time. A perfect blend of melodic pop, with layers and layers of Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Chris Squire on vocals...I’ve never heard vocals that I liked better on any album before or since. But as always it all comes down to the songs and these are the best written and most melodic songs these guys ever put out.
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2. Electric Light Orchestra Out of the Blue
Jeff Lynne’s masterpiece featuring "Mr. Blue Sky," "Turn To Stone" and "Sweet Talkin’ Woman." I love ELO. Jeff Lynne is one of my favorite songwriters of all time and many would argue that this is his best. I like to imagine that this is what the Beatles would have sounded like had they still been releasing albums. Very melodic and lots of orchestration combined with good old rock and roll.
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3. Daniel Amos Doppelganger
If the rules of the Desert Island Discs list would allow it, I would include all 4 albums in the Alarma Chronicles series here in a 4-way tie, because it’s really next to impossible for me to say one is any better than the other. If I had to rank my favorite bands of all time, there would be a 3-way tie for number one: Daniel Amos, Yes and ELO (which explains the top 3 albums on this list I suppose). I probably listen to these three bands more than all the others on this list combined. But back to DA…The underrated Terry Scott Taylor is one of the worlds greatest songwriters and I rank him up there with Jeff Lynne, Lennon/McCartney and Brian Wilson. Many of you may have no idea who I’m talking about or what this album sounds like. If so, go here now: www.danielamos.com
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4. Jellyfish Spilt Milk
Jellyfish are simply one of the greatest bands of all time. At least they were...Had they had a little more staying power and put out more than just 2albums they probably would be higher than number four on this list. Oh the songs! This band defines the power-pop style and genre as much as Brian Wilson and the Beatles. Both of their albums are worthy of this spot. It’s all hooky and melodic with great lyrics. Influences range from Wings to Queen. What’s not to love? When they toured I saw them every time they played in the
Southern Cal
’ area and those are shows that I will never ever forget. Also saw one of their last shows in
Nashville
just a few days after I was married. My wife loved the fact that we were cutting the honeymoon short to make it home in time to go to a concert. I go back and forth on which of the two albums I like better. For me personally it's often Bellybutton over Spilt Milk, but I think if I looked at it more objectively this may actually be the better of the two.
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5. Toy Matinee Toy Matinee
This album is in somewhat the same vein of Yes’ 90125 album where it just has amazing production, vocals and combines melodic pop with prog influences. Patrick Leonard and Kevin Gilbert delivered a masterpiece. This one will always be in my top ten albums of all time. Kevin’s untimely passing was a devastating blow. His music has really impacted me and I never tire of turning people onto this great album. Kevin really was an underappreciated musical genius.
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6. Human Radio Human Radio
Human Radio was a one-album wonder (well, only one official release). Coincidently I would describe Human Radio’s music as a cross between Toy Matinee and Jellyfish. All three of these bands seem to appeal to the same fans. Human Radio is on the quirkier side with songs like “Me and Elvis” and “Monkey Suite.” Great songs, vocals and arrangements combined with hooky melodies make this one a must. It’s extremely hard to find now though.
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7. The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour
Let the flames and criticisms of my taste begin (more like continue at this point probably). It’s always dangerous to make any kind of statement about the Beatles or rank their work in any way, because you’ll always offend someone. But of all their records (as good as Revolver,
Abbey Road
and Sgt. Peppers are) this is the one that has more of my personal favorites on it and it is the most enjoyable for me to listen to as a whole. I will admit, that is probably because this is the first full album of theirs that I personally owned. I grew up listening to all of their 45 rpm singles that my mom had but as far as full albums go this is the first one I bought. “Your Mother Should Know” and “Hello Goodbye” are two of my favorite Beatles songs. In fact, this album contains 6 of my all time favorite Beatles songs.
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8. Brian Wilson Smile
I’ve reviewed this album in the past here, and hopefully you’ve heard it all before. How he’s a tortured genius, one of the greatest songwriters of all time, the Beach Boys rule, etc. It’s all true and this is album is a mind-blowing musical journey that has inspired so many for so long. Get it now. Listen. Enjoy.
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9. Frank Zappa Them or Us
Speaking of musical genius and mind blowing music…Zappa! Not for everyone. You’re either into it or your not. I think this is his most underrated record and it’s from my favorite period of his, the early to mid 80’s. Steve Vai and Frank Zappa together on guitars! You’ve got to hear it to believe it. With songs like “Truck Driver Divorce” and “Frogs with Dirty Little Lips” Frank was in rare form…even for Frank! My favorite track is actually the long instrumental and somewhat orchestral piece called “Sinister Footwear II” with an amazing guitar solo, cool keyboards and a French horn sound! I've always liked the album cover and packaging on this one as well.
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10. Rush Moving Pictures
"Well-weathered leather, Hot metal and oil, The scented country air, Sunlight on chrome, The blur of the landscape, Every nerve aware"- From the song “Red Barchetta”
This is, in my opinion, one of the greatest rock albums of all times. Tom Sawer, YYZ, Red Barchetta and Limelight are 4 of the best progressive rock songs ever recorded and they’re all here on Moving Pictures. It’s amazing what these three talented guys from
Canada
have achieved over the past 30 years. Neil Peart is not only the greatest rock drummer I’ve ever seen but one of my favorite lyricists as well, and Red Barchetta is one of his best.
That’s it for the *current* Top Ten. Here’s the rest of the top 50:
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11. Kevin Gilbert -The Shaming of the True
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12. The Call - Reconciled
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13. Cheap Trick - One on One
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14. Joe Walsh - Got Any Gum
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15. Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
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16. The Sugarplastic - Bang! The Earth is Round
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17. Swirling Eddies - Outdoor Elvis
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18. The Call - Modern Romans
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19. King Crimson - Three of a Perfect Pair
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20. Roger Taylor - Fun in Space
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21. Terry Scott Taylor - John Wayne
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22. Bruce Cockburn - The Trouble With
Normal
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23. Daniel Amos - Mr. Buechner's Dream
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24. Jellyfish - Bellybutton
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25. Electric Light Orchestra - Time
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26. Yes - Fragile
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27. Lost Dogs - Little Red Riding Hood
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28. Self - Subliminal Plastic Motives
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29. Pink Floyd - The Wall
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30. Adam Again - Dig
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31. Roger Waters - Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking
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32. Fountains of Wayne - Welcome Interstate Managers
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33. The Cars - The Cars
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34. Jon Anderson - Animation
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35. Daniel Amos - Alarma
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36. Chris Squire - Fish Out of Water
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37. They Might Be Giants - Flood
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38. Dissociatives - Dissociatives
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39. King Crimson - Discipline
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40. Queen - The Game
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41. Marillion - Clutching At Straws
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42. Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend
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43. The 77's - Sticks and Stones
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44. Boston
- Third Stage
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45. Surf Punks - My Beach
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46. Semisonic - Great Divide
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47. Jon & Vangelis - Private Collection
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48. Men Without Hats - Pop Goes the World
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49. Suburban Lawns - Suburban Lawns
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50. Talking Heads - LIttle Creatures
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