1001 Albums Summary

Without a doubt one of the most timeless albums of the 80s, and in fact all time. The four singles alone make it a classic, but the deeper cuts display a more experimental side to the coin that are only hinted at in Mother's Talk. It's a perfect blend of melodic pop and avantgarde angular themes, with a dash of jazz and desperation...in other words, everything the "new wave" was supposed to be about. It's a perfect score regardless of the ranking system.

The blueprint for all things both prog and accessible. People saying they're "tired" of Roundabout need to settle down, because that bassline never gets old. Anyone interested in hearing what Yes is about before 1983 should start here.

It was the time of the preacher... What a fantastic opening line, and from an artist like Willie, you know that there's a story coming worth hearing. This album is perhaps the pinnacle of outlaw country music, full of longing, regret, rage, tenderness, and no short amount of fear. Song for song, it may not stand up against many of his best songs, but as a cohesive concept album with a righteous beginning and a satisfying conclusion, you'd be hard pressed to find one to paint a better picture of "how it is" outside of Ray Price's Night Life...oh yeah, Willie (co)wrote that song too!!

One of the blueprints for American indie rock. Catchy, quirky, visceral...the album art rocks with loads of off kilter melodies, jagged guitar, punchy bass, and those booming drums driving it all full force. Plus, nobody can scream like Black Francis. Pixies never sounded like this again, just built from there - and tons of other acts have been hard pressed to properly glean their sound.

Dire Straits is one of those artists where, at least with the first five albums, whichever album you're listening to is currently your favorite Dire Straits album. So, right now this is it. How can it not be, cos they came out fully formed, all those mellow melodies and tasty licks, and so Dylan-esque in all the best ways. Down to the Waterline and Water of Love (that wood block...click-click...) would absolutely dominate this album with their easy flow...but the mighty Sultans of Swing is here, and it's not only the best track on this album, it's the best by the band, and a top 25-50 song of all time for me.