"It's Only Rock and Roll" Part II
Putting together lists or compilations seems like old hat and I’m sure that, “Not another list, Ugh” will be on the tip of your tongue, but as much as we hate them, we always look at lists. Greatest this or the the Top 25 of that. It always draws our attention and taking the time and creating this Substack column gives me the right to make my own lists. So there.
I do enjoy reading rankings of things, I’ll be honest with you. Best schools in the US. Greatest Beaches in the World. It doesn’t matter, make a list, I’ll read it.
So, I decided to put together a list of the greatest Rock and Roll albums of all time. While you may think that’s a fairly intimidating undertaking, I will tell you how I made it less intimidating.
First, I didn’t assign a rank. Hard to say if one album is greater than all the others and again, I am no rock critic, I am just a fan.
Second, I eliminated the standard for classic albums. Thats to say I really could care less what some refried rock critic felt about an album. They aren’t always right. It’s their opinion, thats it.
Third, I didn’t include any album I never listened to. This is where you may find fault with my list but I find being truthful better than being inclusive.
So here goes. These are not in any particular order and there will be more albums in subsequent columns so bitch and moan all you want today, but remember, I am writing for the long haul.
Bob Dylan-Blood on the Tracks. My favorite Dylan album and one of my all time favorite albums period.
The Who-Quadrophenia. Better than Tommy. More lush, a better story and the most complex rock album ever written.
The Beatles-The White Album. Critics didn’t love it but like almost every Beatles album, you could listen to it from beginning to end and enjoy every song.
Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon. This album didn’t chart for 30 years straight because it sucked. Mind bending but strangely approachable.
Led Zeppelin-IV. Drop Stairway to Heaven off this album and it still would be one of the greatest albums ever produced.
Jimi Hendrix Experience- Are You Experienced. One of the greatest debut albums ever. Hendrix set the standards few guitarists could ever reach.
Rolling Stones-Exile on Main Street. Double record that had hits, explorations of their roots and maybe the best record Keith Richards ever played on.
The Who- Who’s Next. I know, I know, two Who albums on this initial list but it’s my list and this album probably is one of the ten most influential records ever made in Rock history.
Creedence Clearwater Revival-Cosmos Factory. Interesting tidbit: This is the first album I ever purchased with my own money. I played it so much that I was forbidden from playing it in my house. It had tons of hits and reset music for me at an early age.
Bruce Springsteen-Born To Run. I can bitch about Springsteen now but this album still stands the test of time. Probably has more meaning to people of a certain age but the quality of the work is forever. His greatest achievement.
Elton John-Tumbleweed Connection. The country-ish vibe on the album fit with the mood in the country at the time. Excellent songwriting and musical score showed just what Bernie Taupin and Elton John could do together. Every song is strong.
Deep Purple-Machine Head. If you asked me five years ago, I would never include this album on this list but I have listened to it over and over again and it belongs. By far, their best album and again, I say, give a listen to “Lazy”.
Aerosmith-Toys In The Attic. Believe me, I am no fan of the band but this album is great. It is Aerosmith at their absolute best and every song is a showcase for Tyler and Perry.
U2-Joshua Tree. U2 fanatics may think some of their other stuff was better but I find this album is easy to listen to and enjoy and Bono’s vocals are perfect on every song. It can rock, it can slow down. Everything that is great about U2 is here.
Alice Cooper-Schools Out. Shoot me okay but Alice Cooper is one of my “Guilty Pleasures” and this album is almost like a mini-rock opera. Growing up is uncomfortable at times and Alice Cooper knows it.
Jethro Tull-Aqualung. Derided, hated and dismissed initially, Aqualung introduced the World to another skillfully written story by an Englishman. It eventually became so played out, no one wanted to listen to it anymore. Until, you play “My God” and then you love it all over again.
Steely Dan-Aja. Another album that I have listened to regularly since it came out. The title track is both beautiful and sincere. I know that a lot of people are not big fans of Steely Dan but everyone should give a listen to this album in its entirety and I bet many will change their minds.
Beatles- Abbey Road. Another no-brainer here. From the beginning to “The End” not one week song. No filler here. Maybe it’s me but the album plays so much better in order, with no “shuffling” of songs.
David Bowie-The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. When I first listened to this album I just did not get it. I thought there were some really good songs and the concept was interesting but as I got older I realized what a masterpiece this is.
Van Morrison-Moondance. Ok, Astral Weeks was this great album and nothing Morrison could ever do will equal it. Uh, Side one of this album might just be the best five songs ever put on one side of one album in history. I will argue that one forever.
To be continued….