388 of 1001 Albums: Guided By Voices' Alien Lanes

Guided By Voices has one of those staple 90's sound in it, and they seem to be the ones who drove it into existence. There are some obvious other bands from the 90's that seem like they took a note from their book and followed suit. Guided By Voices though has some really catchy sounds that stick to this raw formula. While I wished they would have cleaned it up a bit I think they sound good, and keep it chill.

History: The album has some of the most mixed reviews I've seen thus far on the list. With some claiming it was a huge failure, and others noting that it is one of the best albums of the 90's. I'm sure the musicians are happy with the turn out of the album though considering they claim that it cost more than a few dollars to make, and they earned all their money back and then some from the album.

452 of 1001 Albums: Beth Orton's Central Reservations

 Today was a Beth Orton type of day. With the back drop of the moody, cloudy, and rainy day, her tunes carried a lot more power. They were also uplifting enough to provide a bit of silver lining to the day. Her voice is powerful, and with the backdrop of the soothing music, it's the perfect balance.

Each song on the album sounds different. One moment it veers into an indie pop inspired tune, or the next more with folk roots. I could see Norah Jones having potentially being inspired a lot by the tune of Beth Orton. The album did start out a little slow to me, but as it continue on I did relate to the songs better, and I enjoyed the instrumentals of each tune, and how it grew the personality of the album as the songs went on. It grows into a beautiful album.

The 1999 album will also bring you back to the late 90's, and make you think of the music that transcending us into another century. It received great reviews and feedback from the critic audience, and proved a success with fans as well by shooting to the top of many charts around the world. It would also win awards and receive recognition.

Now there are also many artists of varying genres these tunes put me in mind of as well if you enjoy these other ones, like Tori Amos or Sarah Maclachlan. She has a rustic tone to her voicing, and with the wide range of instrumentals adding a variety of emotions to her singles it adds impacts.

It will take time to know whether this will be an album I will go back to, but tunes like "Feel to Believe" still stick with me.

450 of 1001 Albums: The Divine Comedy's Casanova

Next up to listen to was a guy I remember being very interesting to listen to previously. The combination of unique arrangement of instrumentals, and a voice that shows a lot of presence make it hard to forget. The album lives up to the theme of the name though, and as you're listening you're not only intent on hearing the instrumentals, but also trying to understand the sentiment of the lyrics.

History: The album is the fourth for the band, debuting n 1996, and the one that would chart their commercial breakthrough. The album after this, A Short Album About Love, is the one I've also heard. There are many British influences in this album, and it combines those influences with the talent of the band for an unique sound. Several singles were released from the album as well.

As I was listening to this album I noticed that sometimes I couldn't help but listen. I would be writing, and then be paused to listen. Now I don't think this is an album I would go and listen to again, but it is intriguing. It sets the mood for an overall theme, and the instrumentals align to make that vibe almost seem like a soundtrack for the tone they are going for.

Neil Hannon is the singer, and he does have a talented voice. I think I was more so a fan of the vocals than the instruments. Then again, I'm not a person who follows pop closely, which is what this genre most falls into. I found it interesting I stumbled onto The National and The Divine Comedy comparisons, I did pick up on a few crossovers, and I could see where there were influences. I'm a huge fan of The National.

One of the memorable songs from the album is also a single, Something For the Weekend. Don't get me wrong, there are many memorable songs because they all have an unique flare, but this one maybe the one listeners most likely recognize at first.

Not all the songs are so dramatic. There are gentler ones like "Songs of Love", which I did prefer. There is a theatrical sound throughout most the album that pours a lot of emotion into the songs. There are songs like "Through a Sleepless Night" that go far to utilize that. They have two types of vocals to strengthen the pattern like from high to low.  The lyrics were a hurtle for me. I don't know that I personally related to much, but the performers know how to weave together a story with lots of passion.

448 of 1001 Albums: Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels on a Gravel Road was a deviation in what I'm currently listening to in music. The combination of the rock, folk, and heavily country influence come together to be suiting for Williams voicing. This might just be an album you can turn on while traveling on a gravel road in your car...preferably I hope to be on gravel roads as little as possible.

Williams' fifth album would be released in 1998 with much acclaim and success. It would even score her a first album to go gold. With the multiple genres layered on the album in the realm of country it is very appealing for many audiences. Not only with the musical talent though, there is Williams' voicing that impressively conveys the content of her lyrics, and relates to you. It's definitely one of the pioneering albums in music for women.

credit: qbq903

The imagery of the album gets off to a great start by presenting this image of driving on a car on a gravel road, and then from there your mind can grasp the deeper meanings and feelings you will be grasping in the album. If you're from the country as I am, then you might remember when roads were more graveled than paved as they are now even. It not only allures to the rough parts of life as we are going over them, but it brings out the nostalgia effect as well if you're thinking back to certain times.

Enough about me though. The album itself is a good one, but the main thing that will hold me back from enjoying it again is my lack of enjoyment of country toned music. Don't get me wrong, this isn't like your mainstream country station that was occurring even in the 90's. It's much better than that, and the talent shines through all elements of the album.

 Credit: p1nkp4nt3r

The best way to listen to this album might just be turning it on while you're driving. Not driving to work or to the grocery store, but on a road trip. It's reflective, and the lyrics are well crafted. Lucinda Williams is a very talented voice, and the power she exudes when singing showcases the talent she has. You can also feel the emotions she has toward her lyrics, and for the listener this brings you in closer to what is being sang.

Fans of genres that fall into rock, country, and folk will find something to like about this album. It has a tone that resonates with the listener, and makes you feel what is being sang. Better than listening to the album might be giving the song a listen to live though to hear the talent.

447 of 1001 Albums: Red Hot Chili Pepper's Californication

When you think about it Red Hot Chili Peppers have been around a very long time. There career actually spans back before I was even before. These guys have been making music since 1983, and are working on an 11th album now. One of their most popular albums, and arguably the most popular at that, is Californication. Even at the age of 11 I remember the hits that came from this album.

History: Dave Navarro leaving the band must have let loose a lot of pent up creative energy they wanted to disperse that they hadn't been able to since John Frusciante had departed the band after Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The album seems to emerge with a lot more maturity than even that album, and it channels sounds that sound more intentional. It would spawn many hit singles as well including "Californication" and the one I remember most clearly, "Scar Tissue".

Vocals: Anthony Keidis are very noticeable whether he is singing fast, or in a more serious tone. While I can hear the appeal of faster tracks like "Parallel Universe" I'm more into the tracks where not only the instrumentals slow down a bit, but also the vocals. Some of the favorite tracks where I thought the vocals were some of the highlights were "Around the World" or "Otherside". There seems to be a lot more burst of emotion throughout as well. You can't forget "Scar Tissue" though, which features some of the most impressive vocals because without the little emphasis on certain words you wouldn't have near as memorable a song that stuck with you after listening, which is also why it was such a memorable single.

Instrumentals:  I assume that most fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers were very glad to have the guitar work of Frusciante back. While the various other musicians are good the other unique signature of Red Hot Chili Peppers is the way the guitar sounds. With the darker themes on the album the guitar still has a more upbeat vibe that just doesn't quite match the lyrical content of what ranges from drugs to suicide. For the listener it provides some introspective thoughts while also not getting us down in the dumps listening to the album.

Did I hear any tunes from this album prior to listening?: I was vaguely familiar with this album before listening, but this isn't one of the albums I had listened to as I had other albums from the band. It lives up to expectations though from the one single I had heard, "Scar Tissue". There were many songs that kept catching my attention on the album, to be honest though I still don't prefer the faster ones though and remain a fan of the slower tunes.

I think any album like this could be enough to convert a person into a fan of the band. There is a reason this band has found longevity in their music. It's remained consistent over the years in making music that stays in line with what fans know from the band, but always keeping it unique. This album provides a different offering with each tune, but regardless of what you like it sounds like the band.

444 of 1001 Albums: Mariah Carey's Butterfly

In 1997 this music was huge and I'm sure at 10 I loved the tunes, though I don't remember listening to Mariah Carey as much. I found some tunes that might have appealed to me on it then. Nowadays though the album sounds incredibly 90's. As I enjoy the sounds of the 80's, I am sure the 90's pop sound is enjoyable to others. There is one thing that can't be denied though, and that is that Mariah Carey has an amazing voice.

History: This was the 6th album for Mariah Carey, and it showed her music growing in a positive way. The album was a direction for her that continued her growing into the hip hop and R&B genres, which also complimented her voice very well. Critics gave the album mostly positive reviews as well. The album also debuted as well with it being a chart topper.

440 of 1001 Albums: Buena Vista Social Club's Self Titled

I had no idea what to expect to hear when I turned on Buena Vista Social Club's 1997 album. This Latin album though is very enjoyable, and also easy to kick back to or get things done to. It's easy to feel inspired when you're listening to the lively composition of the album, and with all the talent involved it's no surprise the album turned out so well.

History: The album was put together by Cuban band leader Juan De Marcos Gonzalez and American guitarist Ry Cooder with other Cuban musicians. Interestingly, the album and band name is attributed to a music scene that was a popular club in the 40's and 50's, and most the people working on the album performed there during the time. The album is a critical success with it making the best of on several lists. It also achieved Billboard success as well at the time of it's release.

439 of 1001 Albums: Sebadoh's Bubble and Scrape

Sebadoh is a band I hadn't heard of, nor do I know of anyone personally who does. It seems like a band that a good many people would like though. The sound is appeasing, and it sounds like an influence of Weezer as well. There is something I did enjoy about this album, and though I can't remember quite what I want to listen again to find out.

History: In 1993 Eric Gaffney would release his last album with the band he founded, Sebadoh. He also would let this be the last time he wrote with them as well. In an album filled with heartache though he shows a lot of talent. The album was well received by critics as well with mostly positive reviews in feedback. Fans might also like or dislike the slightly varying new sound from recording in the studio, which the band hadn't done before.

438 of 1001 Albums: Elvis Costello's Brutal Youth

I know there are a lot of Elvis Costello fans out there, and I can see the appeal, but honestly the more I listen to Costello the more I don't enjoy hearing it. With Brutal Youth Costello is veering out of the sounds from the 70's and 80's, and taking his talent into the 90's, and while it may not be my thing the guy is good about finding a style that he sticks with and carrying it over decades.

History: The last album I listened to was Blood and Chocolate, and well since that last time I listened to it, it was also the last album that Costello recorded with the band The Attractions until this one, in 1994. The albums reviews though would be very mixed though. Some would give it a positive review, while others would give it a mix one. The album would do well with the public, but it would't quite achieve the billboard success others had.

437 of 1001 Albums: D'Angelo's Brown Sugar

I haven't heard an album that sounds this sexy since Marvin Gaye. The sounds are very 1995, and I have to say they are quite catchy. It's some of the most relaxing music I've heard. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but the mood is good for winding down to if you've had a long day, or you're looking for something to be a backdrop to your romantic dinner.

History: The debut album from D'Angelo would land in 1995. The sound of the album does remind you of older hip hop and the mix of what was modern in 1995, and this can be attributed to the fact that D'Angelo mixed the vintage recording with the modern electronic ones. D'Angelo was multi-talented enough to handle most the aspects of recording this album. He could perform several instruments, and had the vocal talent that was inspired by his gospel music upbringing. Most critics really loved the album, and the album would become a chart hit upon it's release as well.

430 of 1001 Albums: Pixies' Bossanova

Pixies have some of the best guitar riffs I've heard in an album on their album, Bossanova. The singer also has a great voicing, and the instrumental arrangement was enjoyable. They also seemed to go with the space theme that is prominent on the album cover. I've heard of the Pixies before, but I hadn't ever listened to them, so hear is my first listen from the Pixies.

History: Pixies are an American band that released their fourth album on a British label. This would bring the album to be a hit in the U.K where it was marketed. The album as it's roots in space and surf rock with an uniquely combined sound. The album would spawn a couple of singles, and would hit the charts in the U.S., but not quite as powerfully as it did in the U.K. Critics mostly would give the album positive reviews, but there were some who weren't as receptive to the album.

428 of 1001 Albums: Tom Waits' Bone Machine

Tom Waits is one of the most interesting artists that you'll listen to. There were songs that were great, and others that I just didn't care for all that much. His voice is consistently unforgettable though. This album though is very well acclaimed, and one of Waits more popular works. It definitely breaks the mold of music.

History: Tom Waits had been releasing albums way earlier on, but Bone Machine would mark his return from a long break. The album is known as one of the best of 90's and charts several lists. The album would win a Grammy. The album features many guest appearances as well including The Rolling Stones musician, Keith Richards. The songs from the album have appeared in numerous places including movies like Fight Club. The experimental sounds and rock mix would garner it a lot of attention, and make it a classic over time.

427 of 1001 Albums: Bob Dylan's Live 1966 "The Royal Albert Concert Hall"

There are two types of people in live. Those who like Bob Dylan and those who don't. I fall into the category of liking Bob Dylan. There is something about his music, particularly the writing, that is interesting. Whether he is singing about women, faith, things that make no sense, or most notably social and political activism the way he sings evokes something in the person listening and enjoying the tunes.

History: This album was recorded during the shift in Bob Dylan's music from acoustic to electric. It was recorded at the Manchester Free Trade Hall during his 1966 tour. The place where it says on this recording it was recorded is actually even a mistake, but I guess no one wanted to change it. If you watched Don't Look Back you see how the changes in his music were received by the audience, because when he brought out the electric guitar the crowd actually got nasty. This would end up being the last tour he took until 1974.

426 of 1001 Albums: Blur's Self Titled

The sound of the 90's is defined by many bands, one of them being Blur. They have songs that still hit the airwaves quite regularly like "Song 2", and their sound ranges enough to probably almost have any type of song that a person could find enjoyable on their album. Blur though gets the album kicked off quite enjoyable, but ends it on a very different note than it begins.

History: The band would be meeting a lot of challenges with the release of their fifth self titled album. Their last album, The Great Escape, hadn't went over well because it was shadowed by Oasis' success, and the genre they were becoming highly identified with, Britpop, wasn't too successful in America. The band though brought forth some changes on their new album inspired by other bands that would help this one become a worldwide hit. This album would produce hits like "Beetlebum" and "Song 2" that also becomes classics.

424 of 1001 Albums: Massive Attack's Blue Lines

Massive Attack isn't a group I had heard of before, but their sound is one that is distinctly memorable. They have a bit of a classic sound, but it also sounds more modern than 1991. It makes the album have a timeless vibe to it. The vocals also work to add diversity to each tune as you switching from rapping vocals to other vocals that have a good range.

History: The debut album from Massive Attack, Blue Lines, was released in 1991. Some of the ideas for the song were almost up to a decade old that the band had been working on for the album. This album is also known as the first trip hop album even though the term wasn't really used at the time of it's release. It also would be apart of the alternative hip hop genre. The album would reach critical acclaim after it's release, and it's one of the most notable British albums ever released.

423 of 1001 Albums: Red Hot Chili Pepper's Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Red Hot Chili Peppers have been around a long time. Even before this album was released in 1991 they had already released four other albums. The band though found a hit with this one. It does have some good songs, and shows a band that is finding more of their identity. While I prefer some of the later work there were a few good songs on here that made the album a stand out.

History: Going into the new decade the band also decided it was time for a time. Dropping a lot of their rock sounds from the 80's, the band softened their music a bit. You'll find the lyrics to be much more upfront graphic as well. This album would also make the charts, and give the band the success that prior albums hadn't brought them. The album was a critical success as well with most enjoying the new sounds of the album.

421 of 1001 Albums: The Pharcyde's Bizzare Ride II

The Pharcyde is a hip hop band like one of the first of it's kind at the time. There is a lot more rhythm and beats that sound well arranged into the tunes. I think the lyrical content will still keep me from listening though. Otherwise I do prefer their style of rapping, and I like how they seem to be using a lot more real instruments in their songs.

History: This is the debut album The Pharcyde, released in 1992. At first the album wasn't popular among the audience. Over time the album has been much better well received even making the best of album lists. The album at the time did meet with reviewers who enjoyed the sound, but that couldn't help the sales. The album's lyrics was much the appeal for some people with the content ranging from being about sexual encounters, to drug use, to violent acts.

419 of 1001 Albums: Wilco's Being There

Like many my first listen of Wilco was after I had watched Juno. The band had been around way before then though. Their second album is Being There. It creates some of the most interesting blend of music I've heard, with one of my favorite country elements, the guitar, and blending it with rock and folk sounds. There are some moments where the album is really quirky and other moments where the album just sounds beautiful.

History: This album seemed to have been made with some huge pressures laying on it. The stress of Jeff Tweedy's personal life was putting a lot on his second album to make it, but not only for it to at least bring financial stability, but also be a great representation of the band's musical and artistic talent. It turns out that this album would be that breakthrough. It made more sales than their previous album, and it was a hit with critics.

417 of 1001 Albums: Eels' Beautiful Freak

If you're a fan of Shrek or Scream then you might have heard the band pop in the movies with two of their hit songs, "My Beloved Monster" and "Your Lucky Day in Hell." Oddly, since these are their most popular songs and did appear in movies they seem to have also sold the rights, so the songs can't be listened to on Spotify with the rest of their album.

History: This is the debut album from the Eels released in 1996. Also, to make sense of it being used in the movies it was used in the album was the first on Dreamworks Records. Now it all makes sense as to how they dictate all that! What is also pretty cool is that this album is mainly a solo work from Mark Oliver Everett. The critical reviews for the album was generally positive.

414 of 1001 Albums: Teenage Fanclub's Bandwagonese

There is something very rock about Teenage Fanclub, but it's honestly very difficult for me to get past their name. I thought I was going to be listening to something a lot more poppy. Instead there are a lot of catchy guitar parts and you have a lead singer who does match his vocals well to the tone of the album. In a way the album is very teenager, and with talent.

History: This Scottish band would become popular because Spin would have them voted as the best album of 1991, beating out Nirvana's album, Nevermind. Considering the popularity of that album it's a huge feat for this band. "Star Sign" would become the band's biggest hit in the U.S. Just to warn though that the bag with a dollar sign on it is actually trademarked by Gene Simmons, so the band had to pay him a fee for using the image on their cover. Ridiculous right? The influence this band had is still prominent with bands who hear nowadays though like Jimmy Eat World.