SOLID ALBUM SELECTIONS

As I was looking over the 80s bands that I've been posting, I got to thinking about some of the albums in my collection. How many albums (can we still call CDs Albums?) do I have that I would rate as a SOLID album. By that, I mean, that every song is great. Maybe not a radio hit, but an album that you generally like EVERY song. Not because you like the artist, but that has quality song after quality song.

I attempted to think about this objectively, so I have some albums in mind that I don't own because I don't like the artist. This doesn't mean the album isn't SOLID. It means that I don't like the genre or the artist. . .. not my cup of tea, as it were. Example: Born To Run. . .Not a fan. . .objectively a solid album though.

To start, I will begin my choices with the first three CDs that I ever purchased. When I first got a CD player, I set a rule for myself that I wouldn't replace any vinyl. That last about a year and a half. When I purchased these CDs at the Tower Records on South Street in Philadephia, the guy actually asked me if they were presents because they were "obviously not for the same person."

Keep in mind, some of my favorite artist/bands won't make this list because there are a few songs on a particular album that are (to me) filler. I may add a few Compilations, but will try to keep them to a minimum.

1. Elvis Costello - Armed Forces
With the possible exception of Party Girl (which I like), is there a song on this album that doesn't rate. This is one of those albums that you take if you are stranded (LOST?) on a desert island. A friend of mine said that the didn't like Mood for Moderns . . . .that song is Awesome! This doesn't excude This Year's Model. But I had to replace this on CD because Goon Squad had a scratch in it. Elvis at his angry best. Highly rated by Rolling Stone, this album is still highly underrated.





2. Jean Michel Jarre - Equinoxe
New Age at it's finest. Songs are Equinoxe 1 through Equinoxe 8 (or thereabouts). so, not a lot originality for song names, but the criticism ends there. Instrumental Euphoria. This is one of those albums that just begs for a nice set of headphones. I know a lot of people don't care for New Age or Electronica, but Equinoxe delivers as background music, relaxation music or hmm hmmm, mood music.





3. Carole King - Tapestry



That's Right! Tapestry! The New Wave guy Like Carole King's Tapestry. Deal! This is GREAT album! There is not a bad song on here. From the Title song to Smack Water Jack, this album is a 70s staple.

Remember, I bought these three albums together. The Tapestry album was my sister's and it looked like someone spilled chocolate milk on it. . . .replaced. Elvis was chipped . . .replaced. To be honest, I have no idea where I heard Jarre. It must have been on in a music store at some point. Next thing I know, I own three Jarre albums. Aaaaah, when I was single and my money was mine.