Support NeoGAF

[Maiden Voyage]

The title of the thread is from a book title by a Robert Dimery which collects information about various albums released over the years that are considered mandatory by the editor. The book covers music from across genres and from all over the world.

As an experiment, and because I love music discovery, I opted to start down the path of listening to one of these albums each day. If this sounds interesting to you, join me. There are only two things you need:

1) I'm using this website to randomly generate an album each day. After you listen and rate the days album, at a specific time, a new one will be listed. Repeat the process. There are a few settings you can adjust, like receiving albums on weekends. You can extract your data at any time.​

1001 Albums Generator

Explore the history of music. One album a day. From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

1001albumsgenerator.com

​

2) A copy of the book or access to Wikipedia if you want to learn more about the album. The book is out of print these days, however a PDF copy is up at the Internet Archive.​

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

archive.org

---

A few highlights for me so far (on day 19 today):
Bob Dylan - Bringing It All Back Home: While I've been well aware of most of Dylan's hits, I've never delved into his albums. Day 1 started off with a bang as I enjoyed this album so much that I picked up a copy on vinyl about a week after hearing it.



Hugh Masekela - Home Is Where The Music Is: I love jazz but I'm not going to pretend my knowledge is deep. Masekela's album was a joy to listen to and I'm happy to add him to my pool of artists. I quite enjoyed the book's writeup of the origin of the album as well. It really helped drive home the meat of the album. My standout track on first listen was Minawa.



The Blue Nile - A Walk Across The Rooftops: I had never heard of this band before. The album was a knockout for me. I see it described as pretentious, and I do agree, but this hits all the right notes for me. Reminds me a lot of Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads. The audio quality is top tier.



Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson: I've of course heard Coconut, as I'm sure just about everyone has. I was surprised by the rest if the album, as it was my first time hearing Nilsson's other work. I had no clue he was so regarded by The Beatles. Early in the Morning was the early standout track for me.



Sister Sledge - We Are Family: I am familiar with the titular track but the rest of the album was a solid listen as well. The standout track for me is Think of You, which I had not heard prior

---

Of course there have been a number of albums that I am already familiar with. Work by Incubus, Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, My Bloody Valentine, and Portishead for example.

Here's what my ratings look like so far.

 

[AJUMP23]

Make sure you listen to the Joshua Tree.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Make sure you listen to the Joshua Tree.

U2 sucks.

 

[AJUMP23]

U2 sucks.

but the Joshua Tree is good.

 

[Trogdor1123]

U2 sucks.

I hate attitudes like this in music.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

I hate attitudes like this in music.

Music is subjective. I didn't say they weren't talented. They're just not for me.

 

[AlteredForms]

The 1001 series is a great reference for those interested in a particular area, though not everything about them is positive. They pack way too many entries of the same franchise, at least they did in the gaming book. It had like 6 Final Fantasy games and other series which ate up the 1001 total.

I do like the comic one though as it has some diverse selections.

 

[EverydayBeast]

People consume music like drinking water with the amount of technology available.

 

[DonJorginho]

I'd say if you love music then In Rainbows is an album EVERYONE should at least listen to once before they die.

 

[Trogdor1123]

Music is subjective. I didn't say they weren't talented. They're just not for me.

Frankly, you didn’t say that. You made a blanket statement. Saying “I think they suck” would have been different but you didn’t say that.

That being said, it’s not a big deal, I’m making a deal out of nothing, you clarified your point, and I don’t want to derail the thread.

Also, I do t like u2 either…

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Frankly, you didn’t say that. You made a blanket statement. Saying “I think they suck” would have been different but you didn’t say that.

That being said, it’s not a big deal, I’m making a deal out of nothing, you clarified your point, and I don’t want to derail the thread.

Also, I do t like u2 either…

Yeah, see? U2 sucks!

 

[EviLore]

I'd say if you love music then In Rainbows is an album EVERYONE should at least listen to once before they die.

From the basement version, too.

 

[RAÏSanÏa]

There's quite a few I haven't heard and there's stuff off the beaten track like Talvin Singh and Gotan Project. I'll try this out.

One that I didn't see that I'd add is Mr. Doctor's The Girl Who Was Death
Since the first time I heard it it's been my top recommendation of needing to be heard at least once.

I might sign up later. For now I think I'll pick albums I haven't heard at random to get a sense of what's there and avoid having to listen to Ryan Adams again.

This looks good after mentioning Mr. Doctor

 

[Power Pro]

These kind of lists are so stupid to me, because music is highly subjective. A lot of the "great albums" I personally find unbearable, and would never want to subject myself to again.

 

[DetectiveBananas]

1001 is a hell of an endeavor. Sounds interesting but do you skip songs you’re not feeling?! Can’t imagine sitting through 40-60 minutes of something that’s not at all for me. Bright side is you already found a new record worth owning so

 

[Wildebeest]

So I'm allowed to die after finishing this?

Apparently, first is 2112 by Rush. Rush make me think of weirdly intense boomers with esoteric interests. They are like Yes for people who have an Ayn Rand poster by their bed.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

These kind of lists are so stupid to me, because music is highly subjective. A lot of the "great albums" I personally find unbearable, and would never want to subject myself to again.

The point isn't that all 1001 albums will be bangers. It's meant to introduce the listener to different genres and artists. Lots are mainstream pop affairs, but there's a lot of lesser known bands in there as well. I enjoy it for both music discovery as well as education/perspective/context of certain works.

1001 is a hell of an endeavor. Sounds interesting but do you skip songs you’re not feeling?! Can’t imagine sitting through 40-60 minutes of something that’s not at all for me. Bright side is you already found a new record worth owning so

I'll be doing one a day so just shy of 3 years. I'm a music lover so I won't be skipping any tracks unless the work is really bad. I tend to have music streaming throughout the day anyway. You can absolutely skip tracks, albums, or entire genres if you want. I believe the set-up phase even allows you to disable genres.

So I'm allowed to die after finishing this?

Apparently, first is 2112 by Rush. Rush make me think of weirdly intense boomers with esoteric interests. They are like Yes for people who have an Ayn Rand poster by their bed.

Yeah, the list starts with the 1950s and goes through the 2000s. There's a lot of interesting stuff. I haven't entirely read through the book yet but I've seen some niche stuff in there as well as obvious Beatles, Stones etc.

 

[01011001]

50 Cent is in this... list instantly invalid.
you'd have to pay me to listen to that dogshit excuse for music

 

[Maiden Voyage]

50 Cent is in this... list instantly invalid.
you'd have to pay me to listen to that dogshit excuse for music

How do you feel about U2?

 

[01011001]

How do you feel about U2?

lol...
as a kid I really liked Hurt me, Thrill me, Kiss me Kill me... I still kinda like it, 50% due to nostalgia I guess

 

[Bragr]

I always wanted to be in a music or film or book or game club, talking about it as its watched/played, I just cant find a good place for it.

 

[Bragr]

Yeah, see? U2 sucks!

How can you diss Miss Sarajevo like that.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Today's album is a bit of a treat for me. Otis' Redding's third album, Otis Blue (YT link for anyone interested). Redding is probably my favorite vocalist of all time. His voice just resonates in the depths of my soul. I've never actually sat down and listened extensively to his albums. I've just known the singles.

While listening to the album this morning, I decided to read the excerpt from the book and then the Wiki article.
Imagine being in the studio, recording this work with legends in a 24-hour span, only taking a break to go play some live gigs. Absolute legends.

Redding recorded the album with the Stax house band Booker T. & the M.G.'s (keyboardist/bandleader Booker T. Jones, guitarist Steve Cropper, bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn, drummer Al Jackson Jr.), Isaac Hayes on piano, and a horn section consisting of members of the Mar-Keys and the Memphis Horns. The album was largely recorded in a 24-hour session between 10 am on July 9 (a Saturday) and 2 pm on July 10, 1965, with a break from 8 pm Saturday to 2 am on Sunday to allow the house band to play local gigs.[6][7][8][9]

 

[jufonuk]

From the basement version, too.

for me listening to Radiohead goes like this oh this song sounds ok, then after a while i start skipping ahead and it sounds like the same song
then too much gets me all

 

[EviLore]

for me listening to Radiohead goes like this oh this song sounds ok, then after a while i start skipping ahead and it sounds like the same song
then too much gets me all

It's a mood for sure. But there's a lot going on if you listen critically.

 

[Rien]

It's a mood for sure. But there's a lot going on if you listen critically.

Radiohead is another level if you ask me. Their songs often doesn't click the first time you hear them but are growers. Seen them twice live, amazing band. In Rainbows is a fantastic album

 

[Rien]

For me the best album is John Coltrane- A Love Supreme. Just perfection from the first until the last second.

 

[Dr.Morris79]

U2 sucks.

I always thought it was strange that when I first met my loving wife all those years ago that her U2 albums went missing about three months into the relationship. It was so weird. I used to love hearing them on repeat.

I'm so pleased we now have streaming services, where I get to hear them again, on repeat

Forever.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

for me listening to Radiohead goes like this oh this song sounds ok, then after a while i start skipping ahead and it sounds like the same song
then too much gets me all

I find sad/depressing sounding music to actually make me happy, weirdly enough. Those songs often have some of the best lyrics or storytelling. Elliott Smith is a favorite of mine. The Decemberists once prompted someone in my family to tell me I listen to the most depressing shit. But just read these lyrics--they're amazing!

There's a place your mother goes
When everybody else is soundly sleeping
Through the lights of Beacon Street
And if you listen, you can hear her weeping

She's weeping

'Cause the gentlemen are calling
And the snow is softly falling on her petticoat
And she's standing in the harbor
And she's waiting for the sailors in the jolly boat

See how they approach

With dirty hands and trousers torn
They grapple 'till she's safe within their keeping
A gag is placed between her lips
To keep her sorry tongue from any speaking

Or screaming

And they row her out to packets
Where the sailors' sorry racket falls for maidenhead
And she's scarce above the gunwales
When her clothes fall to a bundle and she's laid in bed

On the upper deck

And so she goes from ship to ship
Her ankles clasped, her arms so rudely pinioned
'Till at last she's satisfied
The lot of the marina's teeming minions

In their opinions

And they tell her not to say a thing
To cousin, kindred, kith or kin or she'll end up dead
And they throw her thirty dollars
And return her to the harbor where she goes to bed

And this is how you're fed

So be kind to your mother
Though she may seem an awful bother
And the next time she tries to feed you collard greens
Remember what she does when you're asleep

 

[jufonuk]

It's a mood for sure. But there's a lot going on if you listen critically.

 

[jufonuk]

I find sad/depressing sounding music to actually make me happy, weirdly enough. Those songs often have some of the best lyrics or storytelling. Elliott Smith is a favorite of mine. The Decemberists once prompted someone in my family to tell me I listen to the most depressing shit. But just read these lyrics--they're amazing!

for me to relax me it's usually something heavy metal ish or Jazz depending on my mood

 

[Maiden Voyage]

for me to relax me it's usually something heavy metal ish or Jazz depending on my mood

For sure. I listen to all sorts of stuff from pop, dance, metal, punk, prog rock, jazz, etc. Music is by far my favorite form of artistic expression. I'm happy to listen to just about anything except U2.

 

[jufonuk]

For sure. I listen to all sorts of stuff from pop, dance, metal, punk, prog rock, jazz, etc. Music is by far my favorite form of artistic expression. I'm happy to listen to just about anything except U2.

what did bono ever do to you?

my favourite form of artistic expression for me is film. but I love how image and music work together.
movie wise I am more open to all sorts of films but music wise I am a bit pickier.

 

[SpiceRacz]

Glad to see you appreciated Loveless. That's an incredible album.

No doubt Disintegration by The Cure is on there. You should give that a listen if you get the chance. Probably my favorite album ever.

 

[Wildebeest]

Second album is Kendrick Lamar - good kid, bad city. I don't think I can do this. 1001 days of hate listening to full albums I just don't like is a tough ask. Could I just listen to albums I like instead, and let other people listen to these albums they like in peace?

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Second album is Kendrick Lamar - good kid, bad city. I don't think I can do this. 1001 days of hate listening to full albums I just don't like is a tough ask. Could I just listen to albums I like instead, and let other people listen to these albums they like in peace?

Yes

 

[spawn]

If you like metal take a listen to the new Chelsea Grin Album Suffer in Heaven. It's a fuckin 10 out of 10

 

[The Fartist]

 

[Maiden Voyage]

If you like metal, try cobalt. It’s underrated.

 

[Rien]

Glad to see you appreciated Loveless. That's an incredible album.

No doubt Disintegration by The Cure is on there. You should give that a listen if you get the chance. Probably my favorite album ever.

Disintegration is a classic.

 

[ikbalCO]

Maybe it is there somewhere but couldn't see lady gaga - fame monster in the list which makes entire book invalid.

 

[Scotty W]

U2 sucks.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Maybe it is there somewhere but couldn't see lady gaga - fame monster in the list which makes entire book invalid.

The original book was published in 2005, prior to Gaga's album.

 

[Dakota22]

Just add music

 

[The Fartist]

 

[Ozzy Onya A2Z]

Most albums are hit and miss from the first track to the last. I couldn't stand flicking sequentially through that many albums/songs. Give me a per album shortlist of "hit" + "worth listening" + "something experimental" so I can skip all the garbage in between, 3 per album is a more curated experience and achieves far more than blind flicking/listening. Just my two cents.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Most albums are hit and miss from the first track to the last. I couldn't stand flicking sequentially through that many albums/songs. Give me a per album shortlist of "hit" + "worth listening" + "something experimental" so I can skip all the garbage in between, 3 per album is a more curated experience and achieves far more than blind flicking/listening. Just my two cents.

In the book they do give the just listen tracks noted by an arrow. Check that example screenshot in the OP.

 

[Kev Kev]

'August and Everything After' is one of those albums where every single song is good. Maybe it's just me, but this album is a must...

 

[LegendOfKage]

I find sad/depressing sounding music to actually make me happy, weirdly enough.

Are you also a fan of really happy sounding music set to very dark and depressing subject matter? Sometimes I really enjoy that sort of thing. The Cardigans and Passion Pit come to mind.

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Are you also a fan of really happy sounding music set to very dark and depressing subject matter? Sometimes I really enjoy that sort of thing. The Cardigans and Passion Pit come to mind.

Yes!