1001 Albums Summary

Highlight: Shining Star

Not my favourite Beck album, but a huge step-up from Mellow Gold, showing that he could actually string together a cohesive and innovative LP after Loser framed him as a fortuitous one-hit wonder who would disappear as quickly as he rose to prominence. Favourites: Lord Only Knows, the New Pollution, Where It’s At, Devil’s Haircut

Arcade Fire arrived with a fully-formed sound and delivered their most cohesive and emotional album in one fell swoop. “Funeral” is easily one of the most influential albums of the 2000s, with every band from Florence + the Machine to Black Country, New Road being indebted to its powerful songwriting. Its influence has not been all positive; the likes of Mumford & Sons and Of Monsters and Men may have never broke the mainstream if it was not for Arcade Fire. However, this does show the deep resonance of Arcade Fire’s climactic style, as even taking their basic formula without approaching the writing or performance skills or the virtuosity of the band could bring mainstream success. And ultimately, Arcade Fire execute their formula better than anyone else, giving us a number of the best indie anthems of the 2000s (“Neighborhood #1 (Power Out)”, “Neighborhood #3 (Tunnels”, “Rebellion (Lies)” and “Wake Up”), only punctuated by beautiful ballads like “Haiti” and “Une Annee Sans Lumiere”.

The defining achievement of krautrock, ranging from ‘shorter’, catchier tracks to extended, multi - sectional pieces, ambient tracks and sound collage. It remains unmatched in the genre despite being released in 1971.

Not Rod the Mod’s best album, and it falters a little on the back end, but certainly contains some must-hear material.

Sarah Vaughan earns her reputation as one of the all time great jazz vocalists on this stunning live show, especially on tracks 1 and 3.