I
haven't written one of these 'Best of an Era' posts since April but I've still
been listening to records from a different era every month since then. I've ranked them just for fun, but I decided not to
post any words here as I've been quite busy adapting to this new life in Hong Kong. But
after eight months abroad, I'm ready to ease back into music criticism. So, I've
decided to resume these monthly imaginary medal ceremonies. Here is the best of
1978 to 1979.
Gold Medal: London Calling by The Clash
I've never really enjoyed anything labeled 'punk'—anything other than The Clash that is. Of course, many would call London Calling an
esoteric blend of many genres rather than simply punk music. Still, it's the
defining album of a defining punk band so by that logic...it's punk. With these
nineteen songs forming one powerful punch in the gut, The Clash's first
double album did more to vindicate waning late-seventies rock and roll
than just about any other record in the era. No holds barred is an
understatement. This is music to awaken the beast that every clueless
disco dancing teenager didn't know they had. And the best part is, it
doesn't take itself to seriously. It's angst-ridden as hell but also
tongue-in-cheek. Never again will there be a rock statement quite like
this.
Silver Medal: This Year's Model by Elvis Costello
Elvis
Costello has had a prolific career but nothing has been quite as sublime
as his first two albums. After the simple but brilliant debut, My Aim Is True,
Costello put out the record with an album cover and a sound that
solidified him as a true nerd of rock and roll, decades before Weezer.
Starting with the surging "No Action," every song on this record is memorable; they're chalk full of clever hooks, clever lyrics and clever instrumentation. Sure,
there are other words that can be applied, but pure cleverness seems to radiate
from every aspect of this album. This is pop, but with a quirky side
that set the stage for hundreds of snide acts that followed. And just for what it's worth, Clash guitarist Mick Jones appears on "Big Tears," making him
present on two thirds of this list. What an honor for him :)
Bronze Medal: Further Adventures Of by Bruce Cockburn
While the first two records on the list are deeply
associated with the crowded, dingy venues of London, Bruce Cockburn’s
Further Adventures Of is right out of the Canadian wilderness; it even
concludes with a dog’s bark. Blessed with prodigious acoustic guitar skills and an expressive voice,
Cockburn’s songs have titles such as “Bright Sky” and “Rainfall.” The mood of
the album is serene at times but these songs are far from background,
relaxation music. Many tracks are set up to evoke powerful imagery of class
conflict and unrest. This record is genuine, providing thrills but no frills.
It’s hard to say why Bruce Cockburn is hardly even known outside his home
country.
And here's some rankings from previous months. Sorry that there are no descriptions.
April: 1966
1. Revolver by The Beatles
2. Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
3. Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dyland
May: 1976
1. Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
2. The Royal Scam by Steely Dan
3. A New World Record by Electric Light Orchestra
June: 2006
1. The Crane Wife by The Decemberists
2. Yellow House by Grizzly Bear
3. The Life Pursuit by Belle and Sebastian
July/August: 1967
1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles
2. Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles
3. Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
September: 1977
1. Aja by Steely Dan
2. Animals by Pink Floyd
3. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
October: 1997-8
1. OK Computer by Radiohead
2. Either/Or by Elliott Smith
3. XO by Elliott Smith
November: 2007
1. In Rainbows by Radiohead
2. Bayani by Blue Scholars
3. Nighttiming by Coconut Records
December: 2011
1. Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes
2. Father, Son, Holy Ghost by Girls
3. Bon Iver, Bon Iver by Bon Iver
January: 1968
1. The Beatles (The White Album) by The Beatles
2. Oddesey and Oracle by The Zombies
3. Music from Big Pink by The Band
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