OK, the original concept of this thread was to create a kind of 'Desert Island' music list, but unlike most "Top Ten"'s, I wanted to put together the top 1,000 albums 'of all time' ----IN MY OPINION.

Looking through my 11,000+ albums, I could only come up with 970 "must haves" (I know---this sounds ridiculous to some, but I listen to music constantly and must have variety).

So, in a COUNT DOWN, I am going to mini-review my TOP 970 albums that I couldn't do without if I was trapped on a desert island (with a portable generator, plenty of food, books and about a half-dozen women, of course).

Feel free to point out YOUR favorites, without condemning MINE.

The first review coming up shortly...

 

NUMBER 970:

"Green River"---Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

Led by John Fogerty, four Southern California boys channel the Mississippi Delta sound and come up with their own version of 'bayou music'.

Containing the hits "Green River", the rockabilly "Bad Moon Rising" and the oft-covered "Lodi", this album also contains the blues-oriented "Tombstone Shadow" and "Cross-Tie Walker". Even the semi-silly attempt to mimic Ray Charles' version of "The Night Time Is The Right Time" is worth a listen or two.

 

NUMBER 969:

"The Clash"---The Clash (1977)


Opening with "Clash City Rockers", the debut of London's THE CLASH was filled with a biting cynicism and a feeling of, if not quite anger, at least an energy that cried "Get off your duffs and pay attention!"

Soon dubbed "the only band that matters' by their fans, The Clash mixed rock, reggae and rockabilly into what many called 'punk', but was really something quite unique and separate from developing punk in the period.

While there are two or three so-so songs on "The Clash", most of the 15 tracks are outstanding, including "I'm So Bored With The U.S.A.", "Complete Control", "White Man In Hammersmith Palais" and a version of The Crickets' "I Fought The Law" that kicks ass.

 

NUMBER 968:



"Who Will Save The World"---The Groundhogs (1972)


This record may be best known for it's 'comic book' cover, drawn by the incredible Neal Adams, but it is the music within that should be the main attraction.

Often overlooked, the blues/rock band, The Groundhogs has been together in one form or another since 1962. Originally a backing band for John Lee Hooker, Little Walter and other blues artists, the Groundhogs began to record on their own in 1968. Lead guitarist Tony McPhee has been the mainstay of the group for over forty years.

Stand-out tracks on "Who Will Save The World" are 'Earth Is Not Room Enough', 'Death Of The Sun' and 'The Gray Maze'.

Well worth a listen if you have any affinity at all for British blues/rock.

 

NUMBER 967:


"Let's Get It On"---Marvin Gaye (1973)


The epitome of sexy soul, Marvin Gaye followed his politically charged 1971 LP, "What's Going On" with a return to sensually-charged romance.

Gaye might have been the the only artist in history to make a song entitled "You Sure Love To Ball" sound like a romantic dinner conversation compliment.

Every track on this album (which also includes the hits 'If I Should Die Tonight' and 'Distant Lover') is A+; if there are any complaints to be made about "Let's Get It On" they include it's short length (only about 32 minutes for 8 tracks) and the fact that the track 'Keep Gettin' It On' is essentially identical to 'Let's Get It On' and could alternately be called a 'reprise'.

Nonetheless, an exceptional album that should be heard.

 

My must have at the moment is 'The Mummers' with their 'Tale to Tell' album. It has a fantastic circus/fairground feel to a lot of it. they are a big band of proper musicians, and the whole album is filled with great arrangement. It has a feel that it's being piped through from a slightly different reality where their is a little bit of magic in the air.
That doesn't give you all much of an idea what to expect but give them a go. They have a myspace page with music on it to check out. Love 'em I do!

 

Thank you so much for the suggestion, Katie!

The MUMMERS...

 

NUMBER 966:


"Walkabout"---The Fixx (1986)


One of four outstanding efforts by The Fixx in the 1980s. Quirky rhythms dominate along with Cy Currin's recognizable vocals.

All ten tracks are extremely listenable and 'Secret Separation', 'Built For the Future', 'Sense of Adventure' and 'Camphor' are top rate.

 

NUMBER 965:


"Bayou Country"---Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)


While limited to only seven tracks, Fogerty and Creedence produce their best overall effort including the iconic "Proud Mary". Contains several other gems such as "Keep On Chooglin' ", "Born On The Bayou", "Penthouse Pauper" and a rousing version of "Good Golly Miss Molly".

 

If you got this you must have "London Calling". The pure energy of the all the tracks always blows my head even 30 years later. especially
Londons Calling
Guns of Brixton
Rudie Can't Fail
Spanish Bombs.

It was their fusion of punk, ska and reggae that first blew my mind away in the late seventies, music had found a way of rescuing itself from the blandness of the disco and prog rock years.

 

Thanks, Rich! "London Calling" is INDEED on the list! I will get to it soon!

 

NUMBER 964:


"Rise & Fall, Rage & Grace"---The OFFSPRING (2009)


To quote 'You're Gonna Go Far, Kid', "DANCE, FUCKER, DANCE!"

What I'd like to know is how three guys who are clearly having so much fun can also show so much maturity...

The OFFSPRING offer 12 out of 12 top tracks, led by 'Half-Truism', 'Trust In You', and 'Fix You' within a party atmosphere that also provides killer musicianship.

A decade after nuevo-punk bands started to sound stale, The OFFSPRING manage to sound fresh on an album that just sounds better with every listen.

 

NUMBER 963:


"Split"---Groundhogs (1971)

There are stories to some of these, and here is one.

I'm not certain WHY I like this record so much; it is very good, but is it really in the 'Top 1000' category?

Well, for me it is, but its hard for me to put my finger on it. I've been listening to it at least once a month for about 32 years---which clearly makes it a winner to me---ever since I came across it in a girlfriend's dad's record collection. I heard it, loved it, and there you go.

Tony McPhee, Pete Cruickshank and Ken Pustelnik hand over the 20 minute + track 'Split', the band's only Top 5 single hit in the UK, 'Cherry Red', a bit of psychedelia in 'Junkman', and two pure blues, 'A Year in the Life' and 'Groundhog'.

Perhaps this record deserves to be as onscure as it is, but I don't think so...

 

I loved CCR as a teen. And I can't think of much sexier music than that of Marvin Gaye. Thank you for this thread, Ump. I'm spending a lot of time on YouTube listening to your suggestions.

 

Couldn't round it out with 30 more?

Well, if you ever get down to your top ten or so, I'll have to check back with this thread.

Although I gotta say, I'm already impressed by the list. From most of them, I was expecting you to go for older music than I usually listen to, then you popped the Offspring in there, with a fantastic album. Nice

 

I love the Clash!
I like the U.K. version of the first album mainly due to "White Riot" is much more raw than the US version and the song "Deny".

 

Chagrin, you will find all kinds of music on this list (except full-blown opera), and stuff from the 1950s through well, now....

Thanks for the input!

 

There is more variety coming, ejls. Keep your YouTube warm....

 

Thanks, Baddog! I've got the U.K. LP...and I agree

 

YAY! Been waiting on this thread ump!