Albums that you consider "perfect"...

[Metaltronix]

King Diamond - Them

 

[5StringBlues]

Charles Mingus-Ah Um. If it hasnt already been said..............

 

[rcarraher]

I thought this would be an interesting idea for discussion - while there are lots of great albums out there, are there any that you would consider absolutely perfect? The rarest of albums where every song is amazing, and whenever you put it on, you feel like you can't turn it off until the end? So basically name some albums that you consider perfect and briefly explain why.

While I can name hundreds of great albums, it's a lot more difficult to name perfect albums. For me there are only 3 that really stick out: "Hemispheres" by Rush, "Orgasmatron" by Motorhead and "Heaven and Hell" by Black Sabbath.

"Hemispheres" - I'll admit, I'm a bit tired of this one after ridiculously overplaying it for several years, but it's still a perfect album to me. The song is just amazing and tons of fun to play, Circumstances and The Trees are 2 of the best short songs Rush has ever written, and La Villa Strangiato... enough said! Granted, there are only 4 songs, but still, they're all incredible.

"Orgasmatron" - this probably isn't most people's choice for the greatest Motorhead album, but after listening to it repeatedly at work, I've realized that every song on there is fantastic! 7 of the 9 songs are among my all-time favorite Motorhead songs, and the title track is amazing in its simplicity. Besides that, it has some of their fastest, catchiest and most entertaining songs.

"Heaven And Hell" - Easily my favorite Sabbath album, 6 of the 8 are absolute classics, and the other 2 (Lady Evil and Wishing Well) aren't quite as good as the rest, but still great songs in their own right. I can't get enough of "Die Young" right now, and "Neon Knights" has been one of my favorites for years. And besides that, "Children Of The Sea" is one of the most beautiful, yet still hard-rocking songs out there.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't exactly listen to a huge range of music, so let's hear some other suggestions for "perfect" albums, in any genre.

Beatle-Revolver- There had never been an album like this before. Some say Sgt. Pepper was the master piece, but it started with Revolver
Steely Dan-Aja- Just perfect and it has my favorite song Deacon Blue
Steely Dan- 2 Against Nature-It was a long wait, but they made it worth it. Very Coherant album, rowing older, wife problems, younger women, opinionated old fart, etc...
Dire Straits-Dire Straits-I was given this in 1978 by a friend in England, The Guitars were awsome, after spending the 70's trying to get used to over produced, over the top arena rock, here was Knofler, a new guitar maestro, playing claw hammer blues, but not something from 1930. Great lyrics too.

 

[bstringkyle]

Rush-2112, Farewell to Kings, Fly by night, Moving Pictures
Kiss-Alive! (Not huge fan, but this live album brings so much raw energy)
Children of Bodom-Follow the Reaper
Black Sabbath-Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
NightWish-Once
Iron Maiden-Iron Maiden, Killers, Number of the beast, Peice of Mind, And Powerslave.
Marcus Miller-Marcus
Michael Manring-Soliloquy

 

[rollcall]

Praxis Transmutation mutandis

 

[Bass_Thumper]

Steely Dan's entire back catalogue.

I'll see your Steely Dan catalogue and raise it with Kind of Blue.

 

[dvh]

I'll see your Steely Dan catalogue and raise it with Kind of Blue.

+ a million. Now there is a seminal album.

But, unless you go over to the dark side (DB forums) most content on here is about popular music or classic rock...

 

[BassBrass]

Sonny Sharrock - Ask the Ages

YES! I know every note! Bill Lazwell producer!!!
more:

Kind Of Blue
On The Corner
Massacre-Bill Lazwell, Fred Frith, Bill Mayher
PJ Harvey-Dry
The Pixies-Surfer Rosa
Talking Heads-Fear of Music
the first Golden Palomino album w/ Arto Lindsey
Morphene-Cure for Pain
Pylon-Chomp! (bass players take note!)
Fascinoma-Jon Hassel
Gnu Hi-Kenny Wheeler
which reminds me: My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts-Eno, Byrne and Hassel
Pygmy Music of the Utiru Forrest
Led Zeppelin I
Black Sabbath- Paranoid
The Sporting Life-Diamanda Galas and John Paul Jones
Gateway-John Abercromby/Jan Hammer/ some drummer
Inner Mounting Flame-some guitard
Cocteau Twins...any, but Blue Bell Knoll is nice...
best to stop now...

 

[rumbler]

Iron Maiden - Brave New World

 

[Ray man]

I'd say Different Stages by Rush.
This one spoiled me.

 

[Richland123]

Lots of great albums listed already. Here are a few of my personal favorites that provided an entire album of great tunes.

Robin Trower Band - Bridge Of Sighs
Montrose - Montrose
The Edgar Windter Group - They Only Come Out At Night
Saga - Saga

 

[Dave-Action-Fig]

Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Meshuggah - Catch Thirtythree
Pink Floyd - Dark side of the moon

 

[Basshappi]

Lots of great albums listed already. Here are a few of my personal favorites that provided an entire album of great tunes.

Robin Trower Band - Bridge Of Sighs
Montrose - Montrose
The Edgar Windter Group - They Only Come Out At Night
Saga - Saga

Good call!

The Eagles- Hotel California
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Queen - A Night At The Opera
Yes - Fragile
Pat Travers Band - Live, Go For What You Know

 

[Schlyder]

Pat Travers Band - Live, Go For What You Know

Isn't this a great live rock and roll album. Mars Cowling plays awesome on it. One of my most favorite live albums. The recording is fantastic for live.
There are just so many great albums mentioned, and no need to repeat, so I will just add one I didn't see. By a fellow Canadian too

Alain Caron - Rythymn 'n Jazz

 

[retardedpossum]

steely dan - aja

 

[ccyork]

Help! I can't make up my mind!

 

[Richland123]

Pat Travers Band - Puttin' It Straight
Kansas - Song For America
Kansas - Leftoverture
Gentle Giant - Octopus
Emerson, Lake, & Palmer - Brain Salad Surgery
Emerson, Lake, & Palmer - Tarkus

 

[bobostein]

Nekromantix -Return of the Loving Dead

 

[millsbass5]

KISS-KISS (First Release)1973(?)
That is the first record that I can honestly say that I "bonded" with,as a bass player. From beginning to end,it's just so raw,and full of energy. I just really wish the "Gene bashers" would give it a good,honest listen. Incredible,imo.

Rating:

KISS-Alive! (1975)
IMHO,I think this was THE album that made rock fans take notice of the energy and excitement,that a live show can be captured on vinyl. That's a very hard thing to do. Props to Eddie Kramer!

Rating:

RHCP-Blood Sugar Sex Magik
I think this album is a total masterpiece. From the band,AND Rick Ruben. Flea's playing on this album,is his best to date,imho. Wow!! What tone!! His playing shines,big-time. But somehow,it still doesn't sound like he was "overplaying."

Rating:



Queensryche-Empire
Of all the albums that I've EVER listened to,this album "sucks me into it",the most. Shoot,throw on some good headphones, and I'm right there in the studio with'em. Absolutely,hand-down,the best mix on an album that I've EVER heard. I can even hear someone breathing during one of the intros. They really copped a great vibe on this release.

Rating:

 

[dougjwray]

Innervisions ~ Stevie Wonder
Rubber Soul (U.S. version) ~ The Beatles
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs ~ Derek & the Dominos
At the Fillmore East ~ Allman Brothers Band
Harmony Row ~ Jack Bruce
Live at the Regal ~ B.B. King
The Who Sell Out ~ The Who