Hokay! so
I realize that my first question yesterday was a bit tough, and i asked it for just that reason. First i'll explain why I asked it, then i'll tell you my answer to the question.
Preface- I'm totally not tooting my own horn or being grandous with this explanation
That question seems simple enough. Whats the best album ever? Well, you could pick from a completely subjective point, like which album as a whole has been able to comunicate with you the most. Or which album may never be your fav at that point in time, but is always your second or third. Staying power like that has to hold some weight.
Or you could try to be completely objective. Which album sold the most units. Or, which album do an overwhelming majority of that artist's fans and listeners agree is that artists absolute best album (and i mean like 95%). Or a producers best peice. or the most exemplary peice of work using certain equipment.
Or you can try to mix up both subjective and objective reasons. And it may not be just Artist specific. I got one response that was a Compilation that opens up hundreds of other doors. As you can see, the question isnt that simple.
But who cares how complicated it is, it's just a silly question, right? Well, judging from the trouble people have answering that question, i'd say it's not so stupid. I think it has a lot to say about a lot of things.
Just a bunch of silly sounds in a certain order. Thats all music is. Why is it such a prevalent part of our lives? How does it capture us? Of course i've studied several answers to those questions, but i'll spare you guys unless you really want to know. (just tell me)
But my question brings up the highly debated preliminary question, "What makes a good album?" A question that i've asked that have caused arguments that have lasted for hours. With such opinionated questions, one may say that answering is useless because everyone's answer will be different. True, but dont you have an opinion? Thats what i'm asking for. I'm not so much concerned with the actual answer as to what it says about you as a person. And how it compares to my pick. And the reasons that different people use as criteria for their decision. I love the psychology and science of music. Fibonache, frequencies, rhythmic trances, etc..
I could go on for pages and pages, but i fear it's long enough.
My personal choice for all time best album ever made, when weighed against all albums i've ever heard and even many i havent i suppose, is Paul Simon's Graceland.
I think the only album that even comes close on all my ratings across the board is Michael Jackson's Thriller. But the emotional content of that album ranks very low.
As a frame of reference, my two favorite albums are Mr. Bungle Mr. Bungle, and Janes Adicition Nothing Shocking. Graceland i think is a close 3rd.
And i didnt shave. I'll do it when i move into my new apartment. Start fresh, ya know. You know my beard is red, my hair is brown, and my crotch hair is blonde? yeah, that kinda freaks me out.
I realize that my first question yesterday was a bit tough, and i asked it for just that reason. First i'll explain why I asked it, then i'll tell you my answer to the question.
Preface- I'm totally not tooting my own horn or being grandous with this explanation
That question seems simple enough. Whats the best album ever? Well, you could pick from a completely subjective point, like which album as a whole has been able to comunicate with you the most. Or which album may never be your fav at that point in time, but is always your second or third. Staying power like that has to hold some weight.
Or you could try to be completely objective. Which album sold the most units. Or, which album do an overwhelming majority of that artist's fans and listeners agree is that artists absolute best album (and i mean like 95%). Or a producers best peice. or the most exemplary peice of work using certain equipment.
Or you can try to mix up both subjective and objective reasons. And it may not be just Artist specific. I got one response that was a Compilation that opens up hundreds of other doors. As you can see, the question isnt that simple.
But who cares how complicated it is, it's just a silly question, right? Well, judging from the trouble people have answering that question, i'd say it's not so stupid. I think it has a lot to say about a lot of things.
Just a bunch of silly sounds in a certain order. Thats all music is. Why is it such a prevalent part of our lives? How does it capture us? Of course i've studied several answers to those questions, but i'll spare you guys unless you really want to know. (just tell me)
But my question brings up the highly debated preliminary question, "What makes a good album?" A question that i've asked that have caused arguments that have lasted for hours. With such opinionated questions, one may say that answering is useless because everyone's answer will be different. True, but dont you have an opinion? Thats what i'm asking for. I'm not so much concerned with the actual answer as to what it says about you as a person. And how it compares to my pick. And the reasons that different people use as criteria for their decision. I love the psychology and science of music. Fibonache, frequencies, rhythmic trances, etc..
I could go on for pages and pages, but i fear it's long enough.
My personal choice for all time best album ever made, when weighed against all albums i've ever heard and even many i havent i suppose, is Paul Simon's Graceland.
I think the only album that even comes close on all my ratings across the board is Michael Jackson's Thriller. But the emotional content of that album ranks very low.
As a frame of reference, my two favorite albums are Mr. Bungle Mr. Bungle, and Janes Adicition Nothing Shocking. Graceland i think is a close 3rd.
And i didnt shave. I'll do it when i move into my new apartment. Start fresh, ya know. You know my beard is red, my hair is brown, and my crotch hair is blonde? yeah, that kinda freaks me out.
VIEW 9 of 9 COMMENTS
i think its grand that you've thought so much about what makes a good album. the reticence to even engage with the question is a study unto itself, really. i mean, is it that we are so identified with our music that we want to articulate only what we think comprehensively defines us? i could also go on forever about identity signifiers, and what that might mean, especially as they richochet through other aspects of identity/sociality. so, if you have more to say, feel free to go the hell off. i think its quite fascinating.
on the artist tip, i was trying to think of what prince album i thought best originally. i considered the black album, not because it is the greatest, but because it was fabulously forward, but not so raw as claimed, and yet it was this bizarre media event.
graceland is a beautiful record. i love the sounds on it ~ so melodious. thriller is a great choice too, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it marks the spectacular (in the worst possible way) demise of michael jackson. now mr. who? what is that?
tx on the picture! and you, my precious, seem to be a calico cat! cool.