This one is my pick. It looks like I did what a lot of users did: pick a personal cult favorite rather than an album that would objectively be on any kind of « essential » list. So, why this one out of my 4000+ records ? First, I wanted to share an album that was important for my formative years, one that influenced my own band in the 90s and that we knew inside out cause we would always listen to it on the road before a show to get us primed. Also, I thought the original list was lacking in music with another language. If I’m not mistaken, there’s only 4 records in French, from 3 different countries (and none from Québec - only there, you could easily pick 50 albums that are more important than some of the picks from the UK-centric list). I knew my pick would be controversial cause it’s French, it’s punk, it’s live and it’s a double album. Still, I had to turn off the notifications - all those 1 and 2 every morning were a bit depressing. Are you guys okay ? (I, for one, will not give a 1 or a 2 for the user’s pick out of respect for the thought process behind it.) Also, about the album itself, just the sheer energy it takes to pull such a live performance or, if you know anything about drums, you would hear how the speed on the hi-hat is near-impossible to reproduced, makes it something unique that can’t objectively be classified below average. Here I was, thinking that, after three years, people would be looking for flavors missing from the original recipe… Anyhow, if only one person discovers French punk because of my pick, I guess my job is done. If you feel like going further down the rabbit hole, here’s a few other live suggestions (I find the live versions to be more representative of these French band energy than the sometimes-tamed studio version): Berurier Noir (Viva Bertaga), Les Rats (Da prisa), La Souris Déglinguée (Paris 23.05.89), Parabellum (In vivo veritas), Wampas (Toutafonlive). For studio albums from bands that don’t really have a killer live album out there, check also Ludwig Von 88 (Hou la la 2: la mission) and OTH (Sur des charbons ardents). Enjoy !

Produced by Allen Toussaint and backed by some musicians from The Meters, this slab of New Orleans funk is way cooler than you might think by looking at that artwork. Great pick !

If you like this one, listen to the previous two, they’re even better, imo (especially « Si on avait besoin d’une cinquième saison » aka « Les 5 saisons » ). This one is harder for me to get into. Still a classic, nonetheless.

Nice to see something from Québec ! Classic album for sure, even if it’s a little too pop for my personal taste.

Great choice! The most influencial band for me when I was 14. The first big show I ever saw was their Tales from the Punchbowl tour (they’re really worth it live).

CD

CD

Thanks for the discovery !

If you like this one, listen to the previous two, they’re even better, imo (especially « Si on avait besoin d’une cinquième saison » aka « Les 5 saisons » ). This one is harder for me to get into. Still a classic, nonetheless.

This one is my pick. It looks like I did what a lot of users did: pick a personal cult favorite rather than an album that would objectively be on any kind of « essential » list. So, why this one out of my 4000+ records ? First, I wanted to share an album that was important for my formative years, one that influenced my own band in the 90s and that we knew inside out cause we would always listen to it on the road before a show to get us primed. Also, I thought the original list was lacking in music with another language. If I’m not mistaken, there’s only 4 records in French, from 3 different countries (and none from Québec - only there, you could easily pick 50 albums that are more important than some of the picks from the UK-centric list). I knew my pick would be controversial cause it’s French, it’s punk, it’s live and it’s a double album. Still, I had to turn off the notifications - all those 1 and 2 every morning were a bit depressing. Are you guys okay ? (I, for one, will not give a 1 or a 2 for the user’s pick out of respect for the thought process behind it.) Also, about the album itself, just the sheer energy it takes to pull such a live performance or, if you know anything about drums, you would hear how the speed on the hi-hat is near-impossible to reproduced, makes it something unique that can’t objectively be classified below average. Here I was, thinking that, after three years, people would be looking for flavors missing from the original recipe… Anyhow, if only one person discovers French punk because of my pick, I guess my job is done. If you feel like going further down the rabbit hole, here’s a few other live suggestions (I find the live versions to be more representative of these French band energy than the sometimes-tamed studio version): Berurier Noir (Viva Bertaga), Les Rats (Da prisa), La Souris Déglinguée (Paris 23.05.89), Parabellum (In vivo veritas), Wampas (Toutafonlive). For studio albums from bands that don’t really have a killer live album out there, check also Ludwig Von 88 (Hou la la 2: la mission) and OTH (Sur des charbons ardents). Enjoy !

Nice to see something from Québec ! Classic album for sure, even if it’s a little too pop for my personal taste.

Thanks for the discovery!

Nice discovery! Thanks!

Nice pick! A vinyl reissue is on pre-order right now at Real Gone.

Classic ! The original list is strangely lacking in jazz. This is a must for any jazz fan. 5 stars.

I knew about this album but never took the time to listen to it. Thanks !

Better than what I knew about Blink, thanks for the opportunity to revisit.

Modern classic!

Courtney Barnett didn’t sound at all like I thought she would. Great discovery! Thanks.

Produced by Allen Toussaint and backed by some musicians from The Meters, this slab of New Orleans funk is way cooler than you might think by looking at that artwork. Great pick !

The Jonathan Demme movie is a must, but as far as Talking Heads live albums go, I prefer the one before (The Name of this Band is Talking Heads (1982)).

Not totally convinced, especially by the singer, but they tick a lot of boxes I like.

Nice find !

This could’ve been on the original list. Saw them live, very powerful experience. RIP Amadou.

Excellent pick ! A contemporary gangsta rap classic. Madlib is a great producer. The fact that Madvilainy isn’t on the original list is a travesty.

Thanks for the discovery ! Now, I got to hunt a vinyl version that isn’t off-centered (even the streaming is a needle-drop that sounds off-centered on the last two songs).

This should’ve been on the original list for sure.

Fun pick!

How come this is not on the original list ?