Quarkmonkey, Author at Quarkmonkey's 1001 Album challenge

210. The Bee Gees – Trafalgar

Let’s just cut to the chase shall we? This NINTH Bee Gees album came out in 1971, the BIG year that gave us Funkadelic, Joni Mitchell, “What’s Going On?” and “Sticky Fingers”. So what the fuck is it doing here in the list?

209. Yes – The Yes Album

Once more the spectre of prog rock is showing itself, and who better to introduce it to us than Yes?…

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (album cover)

208. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On?

Quarkmonkey rediscovers Marvin Gaye’s groundbreaking album after spending far too much money on a pair of Apple headphones.

207. Sly and the Family Stone – There’s a Riot Goin’ On

After the release of “Stand” and their storming appearance at Woodstock, Sly and the Family Stone were in the spotlight.…

David Crosby - If I could only remember my name (cover)

206. David Crosby – If I could only remember my name

David Crosby’s debut solo album is at various points ethereal, dark and poignant. Inspired by his girlfriend’s death from a car accident, it seems like a soulful hangover from the summer of love.

205. Jethro Tull – Aqualung

I’ve not really hidden my distaste of prog rock, and I think, listening to Jethro Tull’s behemoth, I’m beginning to understand why.

A dull moment?

There is a lot to be excited about this year. Over the next few posts I’ll be rediscovering “Sticky Fingers”, “Tapestry”, “What’s Going On?” and “Maggot Brain”, among others, and so I really ought to get on it.

204. Syd Barrett – The Madcap Laughs

Syd Barrett’s post-Floyd debut mixes mischief and sparkle with the melancholy of an artist who was beginning to fall apart.

A quick detour

There’s only so much boomer music you can listen to before you get a bit bored. So here’s a quick peek at the best albums of the 2010s.

203. Santana – Abraxas

Or as it would be better known, Santana’s Greatest Hits. Seriously, bung 2000’s “Smooth” on the end and you’re or…

202. Paul McCartney – McCartney

“McCartney” was eviscerated by critics on its release, and was never popular with fans (apart from “Maybe I’m Amazed”). Still, time has been kind to it, and its gentle modesty shines through.

201. James Taylor – Sweet Baby James

Following a disappointing first album, James Taylor returned to the studio with a powerful country-rock songwriter work, famous for its title track and soulful anthems like “Fire and Rain”.

WHERE THE HELL IS!? #2. Eric B and Rakim – Paid in Full

Since I started to add posts about the albums that are notably NOT in the 1001 Albums book, my list of exiled albums has grown and grown. But the one that really shocked me was this one. “Paid in Full”, if I may be so bold, is one of the greatest, most influential hip hop albums ever.

200. The Stooges – Fun House

The Stooges’ second album isn’t the easiest to get into, and it’s famous for flopping on release, but “Fun House” is fun, exciting, and clearly where Iggy started to go ballistic.

199. Traffic – John Barleycorn Must Die

Steve Winwood’s return to Traffic after Blind Faith and solo disappointment mixed jazz with blues-rock and folk, with less than remarkable results.

198. Cat Stevens – Tea for the Tillerman

Cat’s breakthrough fourth album is as gentle as it is bold, filled with beautiful songwriting and mature themes, as well as a good few hits.

197. Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge over Troubled Water

Created as their creative bromance came to a natural end, Paul and Art’s final album is epic in scope, exciting and heartwarmingly accessible.

196. George Harrison – All Things Must Pass

It’s a big beast, and it takes a while to get the hang of, but George Harrison’s debut album can stand proud among the Fab Four’s solo efforts.

195. Rod Stewart – Gasoline Alley

Showing there’s more to Rod than the 70’s tartan caricature, “Gasoline Alley” captures an artist in his prime, with this impressive and underrated surprise.

194. Soft Machine – Third

The dark winter of Prog rock is coming, but Soft Machine’s final behemoth album isn’t without its intrigue, even if it is hard work.

193. The Who – Live at Leeds

While intriguing, if longwinded, in its 2000 expanded release, this album’s original 1970 version is a true live classic.

192. Ananda Shankar – Ananda Shankar

Fresh from turning down an album collaboration with Jimi Hendrix (surely a crime?), this debut from Ravi Shankar’s classically trained nephew grabs your attention.

191. Nick Drake – Bryter Later

Richer and more creative than his debut, Five Leaves Left, Nick Drake’s second album, gives a real sense of what could have been.

190. The Grateful Dead – American Beauty

“American Beauty” is the landmark of the Dead’s back catalogue, but despite its soul, harmonies and craftsmanship, it never quite feels enough.