Damn, you're just hearing Spoon - Kill The Moonlight now? That's one of my favorite albums. What's your first impression?

I heard so much about it, I picked it up before Gimme Fiction came out. Enjoyed it enough to get Fiction as well and I can see what the fuss is about. Great songs, somewhat beatleesque at times and crafted well (both cd's).

Fiery, I agree with you about the influences of Spoon.

Newsflash to Buck: The band that Spoon's last two albums sound the most like is the Beatles.

Well, just a couple things to note about the list.

1) Endless Summer by Fennesz would be my #1. I listen to it in its entirely at least once a day and have been doing so for God knows how long.

2) I am still miffed that A Ghost is Born got the shaft from Pitchfork. I still see it as Wilco's strongest album, though YHF is probably their most important. I would have liked to see it in the top 20.

3) No Last Exit by the Junior Boys?!? Hrm...

4) The Go! Team album should have ranked higher.

5) REALLY glad to see Discovery ranked so highly. I consider it the greatest 'dance' album of the past many, many years. And if you don't consider it dance, then Basement Jaxx's Rooty can take the cake for that honor.

6) I like Sung Tongs plenty, but I don't think it belonged in the top ten. Not even top 30 or 40.

7) The Blueprint is a little overrated - and is far from the best rap album of this young decade. I would consider Madvillain a better album... and Common's Electric Circus for that matter.

8) Broken Social Scene's You Forgot It In People should have been in the top ten. Scratch that. Top five. Easy.

... I could go on and on and on... but I didn't mind a good amount of it and a great amount of it was relatively predictable.

quote:

1) Endless Summer by Fennesz would be my #1. I listen to it in its entirely at least once a day and have been doing so for God knows how long.

Wow. I don't even like listening to the same album once a week. I just get sick of stuff pretty quickly, even stuff I like. It gets stuck in my head, reverberates there for days, and there's nothing I can do about it. You make me want to listen to that album though.

quote:

Originally posted by Platypus Quest:
2) I am still miffed that A Ghost is Born got the shaft from Pitchfork. I still see it as Wilco's strongest album, though YHF is probably their most important. I would have liked to see it in the top 20.

3) No Last Exit by the Junior Boys?!? Hrm...

4) The Go! Team album should have ranked higher.

5) REALLY glad to see Discovery ranked so highly. I consider it the greatest 'dance' album of the past many, many years. And if you don't consider it dance, then Basement Jaxx's Rooty can take the cake for that honor.

6) I like Sung Tongs plenty, but I don't think it belonged in the top ten. Not even top 30 or 40.

7) The Blueprint is a little overrated - and is far from the best rap album of this young decade. I would consider Madvillain a better album... and Common's Electric Circus for that matter.

8) Broken Social Scene's You Forgot It In People should have been in the top ten. Scratch that. Top five. Easy.

... I could go on and on and on... but I didn't mind a good amount of it and a great amount of it was relatively predictable.

I agree with you on the Wilco and Junior Boys fronts. B.S.S. - You forget it in people easily Top 5 is right on also.

Now I just need you to back up those Common comments in the Hip-hop thread. I like it's chances at the end of this decade to be in the Decade's top 100.

I own 41 of the albums on the list.

I don't understand why some of you make these concrete claims, like "This album is definitely in the top 10". Remember, this is their list, not yours. As much as we like to deny it, especially when it comes to our favorite bands, music is subject to opinion.
Sure, go ahead and make your own list, but pitchfork isn't somehow stupid for excluding one of your favorites from a list.

Anway, here is my list. I don't have an endless and vast knowledge of music and instruments and production - I'm only 15. But these albums have resonated deeply with me for some reason or another; my penchant for catchy pop (Outkast), the need for bare bones rock (spoon), otherworldy beauty (Sigur Ros), etc.

1. The Moon & Antarctica ~ Modest Mouse
2. Kid A ~ Radiohead
3. Ágætis Byrjun ~ Sigur Rós
4. Turn on the Bright Lights ~ Interpol
5. Summer in Abaddon ~ Pinback
6. Kill the Moonlight ~ Spoon
7. Since I Left You ~ the Avalanches
8. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot ~ Wilco
9. Speakerboxx/the Love Below ~ Outkast
10. Transatlanticism ~ Death Cab for Cutie

Notes: 1. I have a slight bias given that Modest Mouse is my favorite band - but that doesn't really alter my list, because it is mostly due to this album that they are my favorites. 2. I like Kid A more than OK Computer. 3. Somewhat of a pet band for me, if you don't like Sigur Ros, keep it you yourself. 4. Ok, well I really like "Closer" too. But, seeing this album played live from frontrow seats (my 14th b-day) sealed the deal. The atmosphere and nasal voice and incredible guitar on TOTBL are mere shadows of their brilliance in concert. 5. Probably the most beloved album among me and my friends. Anyone with an ear for catchy melody and meaningful lyrics and the dreamy pop atmosphere that resounds on a summer day will love this album. 6. Spoon are fucking awesome. Rock without gimmickry or faux-intellect or pretension. 7. My favorite sampled album ever, even better than Endtroducing. And hearing "Frontier Psychiatrist" at my local radio station's midnight "club hour" was a plus. 8. Nothing to say about YHF that hasn't already been said...9. A rap album that doesn't take itself too seriously (Kanye) or pretend to be all badass (50cent). It's just about the music. 10. Plans was a few singles sprinkled with filler, but Transatlanticism is a very rare album. From start to end, the songs support a single thesis of separation and the longings and anxiety and beauty involved. Each song blends seamlessly to the next.

Sorry for such a long post - it's my first one..

I'll tell you what man, for 15 you have above-average, maybe WAY above-average, taste. At 15, I listened to nothing but Tool, I think. I'm 21 now and I I've "moved on" to Neurosis, so I'm not better than you and this whole thing is in no way judgemental, just observational. I'm just glad you're not an emo devotee like most your age. Again, I'm 21 so I have no idea, to what, "kids these days" (God I feel so old) are listening.

I'd say your list is safe, but above-average. Including "Kid A" AND the Sigur Ros record (I'll butcher the spelling) is essential, to me. So is YHF. Good job on that. The rest are pretty much wildcards. Interpol, Spoon and Pinback are good enough choices (and "Summer in Abandon"/Pinback in general doesn't get enough credit in hindsight, so props).

I personally dislike Modest Mouse, so as a topper it doesn't sit well with me. Number ones are especially subjective compared to the rest of the list, so that's just me. The Avalanches are just "eh" to me and I would much rather see "The Private Press" or perhaps "The Grey Album" in its place, were you looking for a different DJ/sampling record. The fact that you think "Since I Left You" is better than "Endtroducing..." is dubious, to say the least.

I would've picked Kanye's "College Dropout," even he does take himself really seriously, over any Outkast record any day. "Speakerboxxx/Love Below" has A LOT of filler. You would've done better with "Stankonia."

You have a good variety there in that last, much better than most people's. Though one more rap record and one more electronica record couldn't hurt, maybe a singer/songwriter or folk/americana record, too.

You might have some release date difficulty in your list, by the way.

I actually have a strong aversion to some of the interlude/skit tracks scattered around College Dropout. For me, the "filler" tracks aren't any worse than those. I love Kanye's publicity factor, with his eccentric arrogance and "Bush Doesn't Care About Black People". That actually made me care enough to listen to Late Registration, and I'd say I prefer it to College Dropout (though it's too late for this list specifically). Either way, Speakerboxxx is probably my biggest guilty pleasure. Some of those songs really impacted my pre-high school summer, in a way you wouldn't understand (obviously) as a decidedly "mature" college student. You know?
Well either way, top albums end up being subjective like you said because they are often pet bands and very personal in meaning and worth - sometimes that can cloud objective criticism, but The Moon & Antarctica is obviously pretty good, to say the least.
I don't know what you mean about the date conflict. I know Agaetis was technically released in 1999, not that I was in Iceland to hear about it.

About Endtroducing: It is an amazing album. I probably listen to it a fraction less than "Since I Left You". I am obsessed with making lists, and it put in my 'Top 10 of the Nineties'. The one slight fault of the album to me is that "Building Steam..." kind of stands a notch above the rest of the album. Remember again that personal influence is important, and I was around to hear "Since I left You" be released, while I heard Endtroducing well after the fact. I'm just offering some healthy explanation to the discrepancies on my list.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BContrat,

If you're 15, then by the time you go into college, and by the time you're graduated from college, you could be a dynamite music critic.

Study journalism, creative writing or english or something and you're there. Take some AP or IB classes in high school while you can and make sure you pass.

I can't put in Kid A because I haven't listened to it in 2 years and I don't remember what it sounds like! I actually lost it somewhere in my large pile of CD's. But here it goes anyways!
10. Sufjan Stevens- Michigan: Fabulous and dreamy folk
9. Sigur Ros- (): In my opinion, Sigur Ros took a new direction with this record that being said it's a very disturbing but stunning album.
8. Sufjan Stevens- Seven Swans: A religious masterpiece...
7. Arcade Fire- Funeral: This album is
beautiful without losing a rock edge for a folk soundtrack.
6. Explosions in the Sky- I may be the only one who thinks this album is worthy of top ten praise but all I can say is these Texas kids know what they are doing, Even if it's not innovative it doesn't make it less inspirational
5. Radiohead- Amnesiac: A great collection of songs even if some consider them outtakes
4. Madvillain- Madvillainy: The best rap album I've heard in 5 years
3. Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: This album is the most sophisticated look at America I have ever heard
2. GYBE!- Lift Yr. Skinny Fists...: Okay, I'm a newcomer to this album (just got it a few weeks ago) but I have to say that it has blown me away right out of my chair. The first time I heard them my stomach was vibrating and my arms and legs were shaking. It's just unbelievable.
1. Sigur Ros- Agaetis Byrjun: Now, this could be a possible substitute for Kid A because of my statement above. But it still is one of the greatest things I have ever heard in my life.
Thank you

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Everyoneanindividual,

quote:

Originally posted by Everyoneanindividual:
6. Explosions in the Sky- I may be the only one who thinks this album is worthy of top ten praise but all I can say is these Texas kids know what they are doing, Even if it's not innovative it doesn't make it less inspirational

I love these guys too. Which album though? Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die or The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place or How Strange Innocence?

quote:

Originally posted by RavingLunatic:

quote:

Originally posted by Everyoneanindividual:
6. Explosions in the Sky- I may be the only one who thinks this album is worthy of top ten praise but all I can say is these Texas kids know what they are doing, Even if it's not innovative it doesn't make it less inspirational

I love these guys too. Which album though? Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die or The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place or How Strange Innocence?

Sorry about that The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place! Thank You, Raving you saved the day... Nice to see you like them.

The link to the list doesn't work. Does anyone have the list/know where I can view it?

quote:

Originally posted by Yay!:
If you're 15, then by the time you go into college, and by the time you're graduated from college, you could be a dynamite music critic.

Study journalism, creative writing or english or something and you're there. Take some AP or IB classes in high school while you can and make sure you pass.

I don't know if BContrat even wants to be a writer, but if we're offering unsolicited advice, let's not stop with the mechanics of it.

Learn to play a musical instrument, any musical instrument. I took an introduction to John Milton when I was an undergrad with an excellent professor who, when commenting on the quality of Milton's early work, observed that if you've never tried writing poetry yourself, you probably ought to ask yourself why you're an English major. So, too, music. Having at least some sense of the musican's process is invaluable.

Study music theory, or at the very least music appreciation. As ChrisfromAstoria observed elsewhere, "The vast majority of the jazz writers don't have a musical background so they resort to metaphor to describe the music. It kind of covers up their numerous shortcomings." You might as well drop the word "jazz" because that's an accurate description of most of what's being written online and an alarming amount of what's finding its way into print.

Knowing a lot about records and knowing a lot about music are two different things.

Listen! Listen to lots of kinds of music. If you don't like something, make an effort to understand why. There's nothing at all wrong with not liking a record, a musican, or a genre, but too often the dismissal comes down to "it sucks," or "it's boring," which says a lot more about the individual dismissing it than the music.

As Yay! said, your listening and your ability to articulate your listening are far beyond that of the average 15-year-old. Actually, they're well beyond that of the average listener. It's a pleasure hearing from you.

Now Playing: NPR's Morning Edition

quote:

Originally posted by L. R. William Spencer:
The link to the list doesn't work. Does anyone have the list/know where I can view it?

So nobody knows?

quote:

Originally posted by L. R. William Spencer:

quote:

Originally posted by L. R. William Spencer:
The link to the list doesn't work. Does anyone have the list/know where I can view it?

So nobody knows?

----> here <----

quote:

Originally posted by Yay!
If you're 15, then by the time you go into college, and by the time you're graduated from college, you could be a dynamite music critic.

Study journalism, creative writing or english or something and you're there. Take some AP or IB classes in high school while you can and make sure you pass.

I think the best way to become a good music reviewer is to read a ton of reviews. I think it works similiar to writing novels in that way. Must novelist are well-read. I don't consider myself a great (or even good, really - yet) music reviewer, but I see a vast improvement from the earlier work I did to now. I attribute most of that to reading the professionals and learning from them.

quote:

Originally posted by LinnTate:
Learn to play a musical instrument, any musical instrument

Yes, I absolutely agree with this too. In fact, that's a really good suggestion, Linn.

quote:

If you don't like something, make an effort to understand why

This is another great suggestion. It can be painful, but I never review an album unless I've listened through all of it at least 4-5 times, plus repeating particular songs I'm focusing on. Even that isn't enough listens sometimes, but everyone has deadlines

quote:

Originally posted by ericg75:

quote:

Originally posted by L. R. William Spencer:

quote:

Originally posted by L. R. William Spencer:
The link to the list doesn't work. Does anyone have the list/know where I can view it?

So nobody knows?

----> here <----

thanks

I've got 30, and I think that it is a pretty decent list.

Here's my top 41... I know, it's an odd number, but it's all the albums that I felt deserved mention. I also made sure to include every album that I owned from the Pitchfork list, even the ones that aren't that great (specifically the last 5).

Please tell me which albums I'm missing, as I've surely forgotten dozens of deserving albums due to the fact that it's too time consuming to go searching for a bunch of release dates.

01. Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
02. The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
03. The Microphones - The Glow, Pt. II
04. Arcade Fire - Funeral
05. Wilco – A Ghost Is Born
06. The Shins - Oh, Inverted World
07. The Unicorns - Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?
08. The Wrens - The Meadowlands
09. Sufjan Stevens - Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State
10. Radiohead - Kid A
11. The Fiery Furnaces - Blueberry Boat
12. Billy Bragg & Wilco – Mermaid Avenue Volume II
13. The New Pornographers - Mass Romantic
14. Iron & Wine - The Creek Drank the Cradle
15. Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans
16. Spoon - Kill the Moonlight
17. Apples in Stereo – The Discovery of A World Inside the Moone
18. The Fiery Furnaces – Gallowbird’s Park
19. Brian Wilson - SMiLE
20. GY!BE - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven

21. The Shins - Chutes Too Narrow
22. Essex Green – Everything is Green
23. M83 – Dead Cities, Red Seas and Lost Ghosts
24. Devotchka – How It Ends
25. Radiohead - Hail To The Thief
26. Giant Sand – Chore of Enchantment
27. Cat Power - You Are Free
28. Circulatory System – Circulatory System
29. Destroyer – This Night
30. Neko Case – Blacklisted
31. Mountain Goats – Tallahassee
32. Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing in the Hands
33. Radiohead - Amnesiac
34. The Notwist - Neon Golden
35. Broken Social Scene - You Forgot It in People
36. Iron & Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days

37. The Go! Team - Thunder, Lightning, Strike
38. The Decemberists - Castaways and Cutouts
39. The Rapture - Echoes
40. The Strokes - Is This It
41. The Postal Service - Give Up

This message has been edited. Last edited by: L. R. William Spencer,