For lists like these I like to only like to pick one entry for each artist. It keeps things varied and more interesting I think...
1. Metropolis Part II: Scenes From A Memory- Dream Theater
Hands down one of my favorite albums. A triumph for progressive music, metal music, and the perfect mixture of skill, style, substance, and story.
2. The Bends- Radiohead
If Radiohead had put out more albums akin to "The Bends" they would be one of my favorite bands. Reckless angst, acoustic and electric blends, a healthy respect for noise, and chaotic guitar playing all meet in an album with some genuine magic in it.
3. Different Class- Pulp
"Different Class" is like the "Sgt. Pepper" of indie music and with it's flag ship "Common People" it ironically harpoons the hipsters who listen to the music it ultimately inspired. Wildly different compositions and Jarvis' always witty, snarky, and relatable lyrics make this one of the deepest records that is still very fun.
4. The Living End- The Living End
The Stray Cats crash headfirst into Green Day circa "Dookie" era and produce one of my all time favorite punk bands and albums. This album it like attaching a nuclear battery to Johnny Ramone's guitar is letting loose on the word never ending energy. While most punk bands have very limited musicianship the Living End all all very accomplished on their respective instruments and play fast, masterfully, and most importantly for me....with melody.
5. Whatever and Ever, Amen- Ben Folds Five
Drums, piano, and bass together produce what? Punk rock for sissies as coined by Mr. Folds himself. This jazz based ensemble of instruments alone is something to be skeptical of but when fuzzy bass met Billy Joel inspired songwriting and teenage smart ass-isms it produced one of the 90's most melodic, fun, and wonderful albums.
6. Grace- Jeff Buckley
I'm not sure there is much left to say about Jeff Buckley's only true album. It's been picked to the bone in the years since his passing but to keep it short and sweet this is one of the most beautiful marriages of tenderness and heaviness to ever exist.
7. Rage Against The Machine- Rage Against The Machine
I know people around here hate nu metal but that is not a genre that Rage is in. Rock and rap only existed to a wide audience in sparse collaborations before RATM's first album came out and this album added lyrical meaning that the genre had never had before and has yet to have since. With super focused aggression and highly political lyrics Rage's self titled album had a message to few albums fail to match.
8. Mule Variations- Tom Waits
Every Tom Waits album is a very unique trip for the listener but "Mule Variation" is easily one of my favorite. It's like 16 tales of dusty, ol' Oklahoma... only far seedier. Songs like "Filipinion Box Spring Hog" and "Take It With Me" have no business being in the same zip code as each other, much less back to back on the same album. Also, as harsh as Tom vocals are (as if they ever aren't) on "Come On Up To The House" I think it's one of his very best vocals performances.
9. Ritual de lo Habitual- Jane's Addiction
I love Jane's Addiction. I really really do. There is simply nothing that sound ever close to them and this is my favorite of their albums. Dave Navarro's mixture of soft electric playing and screaming riffs and solos (which came out years before Nirvana popularized the drastic dynamic switch), Perry Farrell's double track, unmistakable vocals. the powerful and skillful rhythm section of Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins. There is just something so completely unique about what Jane's Addiction does and put out on this album. The first half being raw, rocking songs and the second half being very experimental and progressive. It's a very fascinating blend.
10. Automatic For The People- R.E.M.
R.E.M. is one of the greatest champions of alternative music but I feel like they always wrestled with combining all of their assets. Melody, message, feeling, versatility, adoration, and of course the music all came together on one album in a way that R.E.M. has never done since and only came close to once (with "Green").
Honorable Hidden Gem: So Much For The Afterglow- Everclear
I've always had a soft spot for Everclear. They have the melody of the Beach Boys but grunge attitude and angst that has always been a pleasant combination to me. Unlike "Nevermind" which, aside from "Lithium" I always say as camouflaged pop sensibility, Everclear isn't afraid to be upfront with their melody without being all THAT poppy and still having good, reasonably pissed off and sad lyrics.
P.S. I didn't
not plan for this to be quite as.....large as it ended up being. I got carried away...
