“Whatever” by Aimee Mann (No. 18)
A word of caution before listening to Aimee Mann‘s Whatever – it may very well cause you to recalibrate your standards for songwriting. If you’re setting your standards by this album, it’s almost unfair to most other bands. Almost. Released in 1993, Whatever was Mann’s first solo album –...
“Document” by R.E.M. (No. 19)
For Document R.E.M. picked up a much harder edge than previous albums. Sure, Life’s Rich Pageant dabbled a bit with more aggressive guitar, but Document has a much harsher sound throughout. And it sounds so, so good. Document practically kicks you in the face with the opening track, “Finest...
“Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” by The Cure (No. 20)
Most of The Cure‘s albums are outstanding, but Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me is simply magical. Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me shows The Cure delivering perfect, joyful pop right alongside languid and extended jams that don’t give a damn about radio play. I have to be honest,...
“Queen Elvis” by Robyn Hitchcock ‘n’ The Egyptians (No. 21)
Watching “alternative” bands like The Cure, R.E.M., and U2 punch through to mainstream success, I had high hopes that Robyn Hitchcock would break through with Queen Elvis. Released in March 1989, Hitchcock was opening for R.E.M. on the Green tour. Queen Elvis, by Robyn Hitchcock ‘n the Egyptians, was...
“Life’s Rich Pageant” by R.E.M. (No. 42)
It’s almost by accident that I wound up being a big fan of R.E.M. A happy accident, I might add. Earlier in this series I talked about my early obsession with Robyn Hitchcock. Not long after I became a big fan of Robyn Hitchcock, a friend of mine turned...
“Your Arsenal” by Morrissey (No. 66)
When I first got my hands on Your Arsenal back in 1992, I knew from the first few notes of “You’re Gonna Need Someone on Your Side” that it’d be a winner. No disrespect to Moz, but it’s tough to carry a band with vocals and lyrics alone. Johnny...