All Time Fav Albums

Since I have nothing bullish or non-depressing to post, I shall post about my all time fav albums. When we were younger, the list would change every few months, but the list kinda stop when you turn 35. See if you

have similar taste in music, or else you can post your fav in the comments section and reasons why. A better headline would be the top albums that I would take with me if I was LOST on an island with a CD player. While redoing the list, I found that I could not keep it to ten, it had to be twelve, hence Countdown from number twelve:

12)Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto - Daughter of the brilliant Joao Gilberto. This is Brazilian music jazzed up and highly seductive and hypnotic. Best album from Latin America for the last 10 years, if not longer.

11) Tapestry by Carole King - If I did not have balls, this would have easily rated higher. So many songs from this album became timeless classics, such as You've Got A Friend and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow. Its a great snapshot of a singer-songwriter right at the very peak of musical genius.

10) The Grand Illusion by The Styx - Loud, commercial but melodic band with loud hairstyles. Their best album by far. Every song has its own merits and weaved into a proper album. Derided by many but this album can stand the test of time. Check out The 70s Show parody of The Styx.

9)December by George Winston - Takes a lot to listen to one fella playing one piano with no additional instrumentation. Feeling wistful, philosophical, or just a quiet night to reflect. His notes lift you up and touches your soul literally. The title track, though instrumental may make your tears well up. Really.

8)Winelight by Grover Washington Jr & Bill Withers - Best romantic jazz ever. Enough said.

7)Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs - This man has a weakish voice but his songs were brilliant. Again, this album captures him at his musical genius peak. Songs like We Are All Alone, Harbour Lights and my favourite Love Look What You've Done To Me. Highly under-rated.

6)Bat Out of Hell by Meatloaf - Another album that needed to be heard in its entirety. May be too melodic and commercial to rock fans but its the anthem 70s album for good reasons. Songs like Heaven Can Wait, Two out of Three Ain't Bad and the title track - how not to be a top favourite.

5)Night At The Opera by Queen - Considered by many to be Queen's best album, but not to me, its the second best.

4)Rumours by Fleetwood Mac - Too much grass and alcohol can turn out really good music. This dysfunctional group at its best. Every song is a gem. This album is one of the reasons why the 60s and 70s were considered to be the best periods for popular music.

3)How Dare You by 10cc - Not many would select this album but its pure genius. You have to listen more than a few times to love it and then you are hooked for life. Its whimsical, very melodic and adventurous.

2)Year of The Cat by Al Stewart - Absolutely fantastic folk rock album by an Englishman, very under-rated.

1)Sheer Heart Attack by Queen - This will always be my top album. Its their raw talent at their finest. If you have a relative 35 and above buy him this for Christmas, if its an over 35 lady, cannot go wrong with Winelight or December.



Missing Out 

That's the trouble with compilation lists. You feel bad that you left out a few which maybe deserve a place as your favourites. Here is a list of those albums that just missed out:

16 Lovers Lane by The Go-Betweens 
A New World Record by ELO 
Soul Deep by Jimmy Barnes 
The Nightfly by Donald Fagen 
Hotel California by The Eagles

Surfing With The Alien by Joe Satriani
Very Best Roll Over by Chage & Aska
A Decade of Steely Dan by Steely Dan

Btw, aren't those album covers wonderful art pieces, certainly stood the test of time.