Their Masterpiece

[timwakefield 69]

A long time ago somebody made a pretty sweet thread with this title, but about actors and actresses. I thought it might be fun to do with musicians. So, what do you consider to be some of your favorite musicians' masterpieces, or at least their best work?Here's some of my random thoughts to kick things off.Outkast - Aquemini Nas - Illmatic (I only list that because jadaki once said Illmatic is not his favorite Nas album, which I thought was insane)Ghostface Killah - Supreme ClienteleRadiohead - hmmm...can anybody help me here?The White Stripes - ElephantJimi Hendrix - Electric LadylandBob Dylan - Blood on the TracksThe Rolling Stones - Beggars BanquetBy the way, I could have almost made this the 'which outkast album is best' thread, because to me that is the most interesting one for some reason. I mean I like them a lot, but I wouldn't call them my favorite group or anything. If I tried ranking their albums from favorite to less favorite, I think it looks like this:1. Aquemini2. Southernplayalistic...3. ATLiens4. Stankonia5. Speakerboxx/Love BelowSouthernplaya... is almost #1.Oh, and it's Kid A. I was being goddam sarcastic!

[SuitedAces21 2,741]

Phil Collins: No Jacket Required.And I would say that every Radiohead album is a masterpiece.

[Speed Limit 0]

Phil Collins: No Jacket Required.And I would say that every Radiohead album is a masterpiece.

There's a girl that's been on my mindddd

[Suited_Up 2]

Bone Thugs N Harmony: E1999 Eternal

[BigDMcGee 3,367]

I like skankonia the best probably, but I like up tempo stuff alot. Biggie = Ready to dieJay-Z Reasonable doubt.Wu-Tang-36 chambersTarintino- Pulp Fictionornette Coleman-Free JazzJohn Coltrane A love supremeMiles Davis- Kind of BlueThe Beach Boys- Pet SoundsThe Beatles- White Album Van Halen- Van HalenRush 2112Queen- Night at the OperaDeath - Individual Thought PatternsDevo- Q: Are we not men? A: We are DevoKool Keith - Dr. OctogonacologistJames Brown - Live at the apollo Johnny Cash Folsom PrisonWillie Nelson- Red headed strangerKing Crimson- in the court of the crimson kingNegativeland- Escape from NoiseMarvin Gaye -what's going oneNMH- IAAPOSGeorge Clinton- Maggot brainPavement -slanted and enchantedRATM-RATM ( non-stop laughs from begining to end)Ravi Shankar -live at monterray pop festivalStones-exileScott Walker-tiltSlayer-Reign in bloodtalking heads- remain in the lightVelvet underground-VU&NicoWeezer blue albumAmy Winehouse back to blackLily allen alright stillove-forever changescornershop when I was born for the 7th timede la soul -3 feet high and rising ( though Delasoul is dead is pretty genius too)TCQ- Midnight marauders Carole king- tapestryMeat Loaf Bat out of hell vol 1Neil Diamond - Brotherlove's traveling salvation show/sweet caroline ( different names depending on the recordingDusty Springfield dusty in memphisBone thugs E 1999 ternalBen folds the unauthorized biography of reinhold menzer

[LongLiveYorke 38]

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the SeaMy Bloody Valentine - LovelessAnimal Collective - Merriweather Post PavilionArcade Fire - FuneralBeck - OdelayBelle and Sebastian - If You're Feeling SinisterBroken Social Scene - Your Forgot it in PeopleThe Flaming Lips - The Soft BulletinThe Smiths - The Queen Is DeadSigur Ros - Agaetis ByrjunSonic Youth - Daydream NationWilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

[timwakefield 69]

I like skankonia the best probably, but I like up tempo stuff alot.

I actually just listened to Stankonia again, and I had forgotten how good it was. It might shoot all the way up to #3 on my favorite Outkast albums, possibly even as high as a tie for second. Excellent songs I had forgotten were so good: I'll Call Before I Come, We Luv Deez Hoez, Humble Mumble, Red Velvet, Slum Beautiful, and STAANK-LOOOVVVVE. And those are just the second tier songs (well, some of those are first-tier). You can't discrimi-hate cuz you done read a book or two.

[Jadaki 1]

Nas - Illmatic (I only list that because jadaki once said Illmatic is not his favorite Nas album, which I thought was insane)

I like It Was Written better.I actually almost like God's Son more than Illmatic. Nas is one of my favorite artists though so even his 3rd best album would be ahead of a lot of other peoples best.

[timwakefield 69]

I like It Was Written better.I actually almost like God's Son more than Illmatic. Nas is one of my favorite artists though so even his 3rd best album would be ahead of a lot of other peoples best.

I wanna hear some of your other favorites! I think you listen to a lot of stuff that I don't know very well, but which I might like.

[CaneBrain 97]

Kris Kross----Totally Krossed Out

[Balloon guy 158]

ABBA - Greatest hits Take a chance on me

[Mercury69 3]

First, sorry, BigD, but I couldn't agree less with the White Album as the Beatles masterpiece. I think it's gotta be Sgt. Pepper, although I prefer Rubber Soul and Revolver.Radiohead - OKComputer > Reason being it's a concept album and flows naturally from one song to the next with seamless ease. An absolute masterwork from a stellar band.Frank Zappa - Joe's Garage > Again, a concept album, with all the elements of Zappa's disgust of the music industry and politics in general. Features a whole range of styles and some super tasty guitar work.Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited > Kudos to Blood on the Tracks, which features my favorite Dylan song (Tangled Up in Blue), but it's awfully hard to pick a masterpiece from the master himself, but I'm going with Highway 61 Revisited, if only because there is not a single filler track and it features Like A Rolling Stone, one of the best songs of all-timeQueen - A Night at the OperaGenesis - Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

[BigDMcGee 3,367]

First, sorry, BigD, but I couldn't agree less with the White Album as the Beatles masterpiece. I think it's gotta be Sgt. Pepper, although I prefer Rubber Soul and Revolver.

I think there can be a case made for Rubber soul, Sgt Pepper's and the white album all for being the beatle's masterpiece, but I picked the white album because it has the most diverse spectrum of music, from the extremely experimental to the extremely sentimental. I think it was the furthest out of their various artistic directions. I almost picked Sgt Pepper, but I have to give the nod to the white album. Album highlights, imo...Back in the USSR- one of the funniest songs ever. The beatles get credit for a lot of things, but they don't get enough for being basically the first serious band to incorporate humor, irony and satirein their music ( well, unless you want to say zappa did it first, which you certainly can make the case for).Dear Prudence - just a lovely song, one of my personal faves of themWhile my guitar gently weeps- The best george song ever, probably. Happiness is a warm gun - More biting and dark satire.Rocky Raccoon - I've always loved this song, since I was a child. Helter Skelter- one of the biggest depature's from the norm Paul's ever done. Just a great rock song. I've heard that it was inspired by and was a reaction to the who..Revolution number 1- an allusion of things to come from John, in his solo work.Revolution number 9 - Completely indulgent and masturbatory, but will always have a sentimental spot from my drug experimentation years. I think the white album takes a lot of chances, and it is uneven.. it has a few clunker songs ( including "don't pass me by" maybe the worst beatles song), and it certainly doesn't have the cohesiveness of say, a Sgt. Peppers. But I think even in the ways some of the songs failed, they failed in an attempt to create something new and different, and I'll always give points for that.

[Jadaki 1]

I wanna hear some of your other favorites! I think you listen to a lot of stuff that I don't know very well, but which I might like.

I'm currently going back and finding under appreciated CD's in my collection, mostly early/mid 90's hip-hip that wasn't quite mainstream. That and everyone already knows about Biggie, Pac, Nas, Wu-Tang and the other huge acts from that time. Another album I like better for one artist than most others is Method Mans Tical 2000: Judgment Day. I prefer it to Tical which I seem to catch a lot of shit for.Anyway here are a few things in my current rotation.Tracey Lee - Many FacezI really like this CD. Tracey Lee is an east coast rapper out of Philly that I think has ties to Buster Rhymes crew at one point. This is sort of a concept album where he takes on multiple personalities and raps from each of their perspectives. A little schizophrenic but very creative, especially the last track where 4 of his personalities discuss who killed the 5th. There is a good mix of types of songs on there from club hits to storytelling to more laid back stuff so there is a bit for everyone. Not to mention is has a track with Biggie (Keep Your Hands High) that is off the charts good and gets overlooked by a large portion of his fanbase because his name isn't on the back of the CD. Songs to check out: Many Facez, The Theme (It's Party Time), On the Edge, Keep Your Hands High.Richie Rich - Seasoned VeteranWhile Tupac, Snoop and the rest of Death Row were getting all the credit for the west coast hip hop during the mid 90's there was a pretty good music scene in the bay area (El Guapo will back me up here) and this was my favorite CD from that group of artists. RR made a few guest appearances he is most well known for on some Tupac songs (Rather be your Nigga) and the Luniz I got 5 on it Remix, but his solo album was great. He has a unique voice and pretty mellow flow, covers some fairly typical topics like pimping and getting high, but his delivery and the production are solid so it's not boring. Some good guest appearances on the album from artists like T-Boz (Touch Myself Remix) and the Luniz. Also has the best of the tribute to Tupac songs (Do G's get to go to Heaven).Songs to check out: Lets Ride, Pillow, Do G's Get to go to Heaven, Touch Myself Remix.Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the PharcydeThis album went platinum, but I still feel like it's under appreciated. Pharcyde's sound was really unique and their content was fresh and colorful, at least on this album. The production was solid and the lyricism on display was great, full of humor and self depreciating content which was something you rarely see in hip-hop. I'm not even sure I can explain this album very well, you just have to give it a few spins.Songs to check out: Passin Me By, On the DL, Ya MamaOther stuff to check out...Black Sheep - A Wolf in Sheeps ClothingE-40 - Tha Hall of GameSouls of Mischief - 93 'Til InfinityMobb Deep - The Infamous (Just for Shook Ones pt 2 if nothing else)

[BigDMcGee 3,367]

Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the PharcydeThis album went platinum, but I still feel like it's under appreciated. Pharcyde's sound was really unique and their content was fresh and colorful, at least on this album. The production was solid and the lyricism on display was great, full of humor and self depreciating content which was something you rarely see in hip-hop. I'm not even sure I can explain this album very well, you just have to give it a few spins.Songs to check out: Passin Me By, On the DL, Ya Mama

I almost put this on my list, but I am not really that familar with pharcyde's other work, so I can't really comment that it's their masterpiece. I love this album alot, though, I listed to it all the time in college.

[Jadaki 1]

I almost put this on my list, but I am not really that familar with pharcyde's other work, so I can't really comment that it's their masterpiece. I love this album alot, though, I listed to it all the time in college.

They only have one other album where all of them appear on it, and after that the group was down to 3 members for one more album before dissolving completely. Their second CD is really hit or miss, and not nearly as good overall as the first so I think it's pretty safe to call it their masterpiece.Though I really do like some tracks off the second CD, most notably Drop.

[frautotenkinder 1,026]

Aretha Franklin--Live at the Filmore 1971I love this album, because it's filled with songs that are familiar, familiar to the point of being toothless. But this was recorded in 1971, when Aretha still had her full voice, and hadn't alienated herself from fantastic backup musicians.Looking at the tracklisting, some of the usual suspects are there--Respect, and Dr. Feelgood. But Respect has been kicked up and energized, and she absolutely crushes a cover of Eleanor Rigby.

[BigDMcGee 3,367]

Aretha Franklin--Live at the Filmore 1971I love this album, because it's filled with songs that are familiar, familiar to the point of being toothless. But this was recorded in 1971, when Aretha still had her full voice, and hadn't alienated herself from fantastic backup musicians.Looking at the tracklisting, some of the usual suspects are there--Respect, and Dr. Feelgood. But Respect has been kicked up and energized, and she absolutely crushes a cover of Eleanor Rigby.

This is a great pick. That eleanor rigby is a fantastic cover.

[FCP Bob 1,323]

Otis Redding - Live In EuropeOtis was the man and maybe the greatest soul singer ever. Died far too young at 26 in a plane crash.Side one # Title Writer(s) Length 1. "Respect" Otis Redding 3:00 2. "Can't Turn You Loose" Redding 3:20 3. "I've Been Loving You Too Long" Butler, Redding 3:40 4. "My Girl" Smokey Robinson, Ronald White 2:44 5. "Shake" Sam Cooke 2:51 Side two # Title Writer(s) Length 6. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" Mick Jagger, Keith Richards 2:53 7. "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)" Steve Cropper, Redding 3:37 8. "These Arms of Mine" Redding 2:57 9. "Day Tripper" John Lennon, Paul McCartney 2:54 10. "Try a Little Tenderness" James Campbell, Reginald Connelly, Harry M. Woods 5:0

[BigDMcGee 3,367]

Otis Redding - Live In Europe

I almost went with Otis Blue, which is a godlike album, but again I don't have any other otis redding albums to compare it to. His version of satisfaction ( the quintessential rock and roll song) is just amazing. Here's a live version.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQszoQJT0Tc

[timwakefield 69]

I almost went with Otis Blue, which is a godlike album, but again I don't have any other otis redding albums to compare it to.

Definitely get Live in Europe and also Live at Monterey Pop.

[BigDMcGee 3,367]

Live at Monterey Pop.

I should pretty much just get the entire monterey set.. best festival of all time.

[Mercury69 3]

Aretha Franklin--Live at the Filmore 1971I love this album, because it's filled with songs that are familiar, familiar to the point of being toothless. But this was recorded in 1971, when Aretha still had her full voice, and hadn't alienated herself from fantastic backup musicians.Looking at the tracklisting, some of the usual suspects are there--Respect, and Dr. Feelgood. But Respect has been kicked up and energized, and she absolutely crushes a cover of Eleanor Rigby.

I believe that is King Curtis, an unbelievable jazzman, leading the backup band. They used to come out and play a few tunes to warm up the crowd before Aretha came out. Some great covers.

[Jadaki 1]

Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (it's too bad she went batshit crazy)IceCube - Death CertificateGame - The Documentary

[frautotenkinder 1,026]

I believe that is King Curtis, an unbelievable jazzman, leading the backup band. They used to come out and play a few tunes to warm up the crowd before Aretha came out. Some great covers.

Yeah, it's King Curtis, and she even brings out Ray Charles for a song or two! (Depends if you get the one or two disc version.) I know it's a cliche, that Aretha is the voice of God, but holy crappoli, listening to this album makes me wish she hadn't turned all Diva and Adult Contemporary. She was a serious, serious talent, and did most of her own arrangements.

Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (it's too bad she went batshit crazy)

I like the album, but that's where I think the putting in of "skits" between songs started. She's got a lot to answer for.