Jimbo Jones Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Sound of Lies This wonderful post on the Jayhawks' Sound of Lies on the Aquarium Drunkard blog got me to thinking about underrated records. They can be from artists who are well-known, obscure, and everything in between. I thought it might be interesting to start a thread where people can talk about records that they think are very underrated. Post links, MP3s, and whatever else you want in an attempt to interest people in your choice(s). I'll start by talking about Public Image LTD's Flowers of Romance. Released after the post-punk classic, Metal Box, it was a major left turn for the band. Jah Wobble had been booted from the band leaving Lydon, Keith Levene, and drummer, Martin Atkins, to record the album. Instead of the searing guitars and throbbing bass of MB, the band chose to build the songs around thunderous drums and Lydon's distinctive wail. The results make for a difficult but very rewarding listen. The record tanked and Levene left the band, essentially closing the book on the first lineup of P.I.L. Listening to the record today, it's apparent that the band was way ahead of their time with the songs on this LP. Links: All Music Entry Amazon Entry Amazon listing contains samples and copies are available for as little as $6.63 used and new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nettles Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Sound of Lies This wonderful post on the Jayhawks' Sound of Lies on the Aquarium Drunkard blog got me to thinking about underrated records. They can be from artists who are well-known, obscure, and everything in between. I thought it might be interesting to start a thread where people can talk about records that they think are very underrated. Post links, MP3s, and whatever else you want in an attempt to interest people in your choice(s). I'll start by talking about Public Image LTD's Flowers of Romance. Released after the post-punk classic, Metal Box, it was a major left turn for the band. Jah Wobble had been booted from the band leaving Lydon, Keith Levene, and drummer, Martin Atkins, to record the album. Instead of the searing guitars and throbbing bass of MB, the band chose to build the songs around thunderous drums and Lydon's distinctive wail. The results make for a difficult but very rewarding listen. The record tanked and Levene left the band, essentially closing the book on the first lineup of P.I.L. Listening to the record today, it's apparent that the band was way ahead of their time with the songs on this LP. Links: All Music Entry Amazon Entry Amazon listing contains samples and copies are available for as little as $6.63 used and new. I always thought 'sound of lies' was unjustly panned, still listen to that record to this day. George Harrison- Living in the material world I've read some negative reviews, for one it followed up all things must pass, so expectations must have been pretty high. Also, it was thought to be a little heavy handed with the spiritualism , and I admit to not liking 'the light that has lighted the world' for that reason, but love every other tune, especially ' don't let me wait to long', 'who can see it', and 'be here now' Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bböp Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Sound of Lies This wonderful post on the Jayhawks' Sound of Lies on the Aquarium Drunkard blog got me to thinking about underrated records. They can be from artists who are well-known, obscure, and everything in between. I thought it might be interesting to start a thread where people can talk about records that they think are very underrated. Post links, MP3s, and whatever else you want in an attempt to interest people in your choice(s). I'll start by talking about Public Image LTD's Flowers of Romance. Released after the post-punk classic, Metal Box, it was a major left turn for the band. Jah Wobble had been booted from the band leaving Lydon, Keith Levene, and drummer, Martin Atkins, to record the album. Instead of the searing guitars and throbbing bass of MB, the band chose to build the songs around thunderous drums and Lydon's distinctive wail. The results make for a difficult but very rewarding listen. The record tanked and Levene left the band, essentially closing the book on the first lineup of P.I.L. Listening to the record today, it's apparent that the band was way ahead of their time with the songs on this LP. I [heart] Sound of Lies. My favorite Jayhawks record. Obviously Wilco has proven that good music doesn't always require tough times and struggles. But those sorts of emotions can produce some wonderful music as well, as in the case of SoL. I'd also nominate their subsequent album, Smile, as underrated as well. It's not the classic Jayhawks twangy sound, but I always love listening to it. (I'm sure that's heresy to some people.) Re: Flowers of Romance, I remember reading that Glenn said he was listening to that record a lot when he recorded YHF and specifically, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart. Here's the quote: "I was listening to 'Flowers of Romance,' by Public Image Ltd., and Martin Atkins' drum parts on that, which are just incredible, all sloppy and disjointed. I ran back to the drums and started playing some patterns and Jeff was like, 'that, don't change that.'" (Edit: It was from a story on Glenn in Signal To Noise magazine. You can read the whole thing here.) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Jayhawks are classic all albums have noteworthy songs! What about Matthew Sweet 100% Fun and Blue Skies on Mars...both wonderful underated pop albums! I put these on almost once a month! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aricandover Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 I [heart] Sound of Lies. My favorite Jayhawks record. Obviously Wilco has proven that good music doesn't always require tough times and struggles. But those sorts of emotions can produce some wonderful music as well, as in the case of SoL. I'd also nominate their subsequent album, Smile, as underrated as well. It's not the classic Jayhawks twangy sound, but I always love listening to it. (I'm sure that's heresy to some people.) I'm quoting, because Paul and I have had this conversation many times, and I agree 100%. sound of Lies is my favorite Jayhawks album. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
imsjry Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Every album by The ChurchSonic Youth-NYC Flowers and GhostsNeil Young-Silver and GoldLucinda Williams-WestWilco-A Ghost is BornLed Zep-PresenceAimee Mann-Lost in SpaceRyan Adams-Jacksonville City NightsRolling Stones-Emotional RescueFleetwood Mac-Tusk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DueReflection Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Darkhorse - George Harrison Love Over Gold - Dire Straits Waiting for Columbus - Little Feat I Against I - Bad Brains Big World - Joe Jackson Quote Link to post Share on other sites
evol79 Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Sonic Youth-NYC Flowers and Ghosts I agree on that one. Very poetic! I also think Experimental Jet Set was way underrated. It had "Bull in the Heather" but there's so much more going on on that album than just that one track. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
imsjry Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 David Bowie-HoursTom Petty-EchoBob Dylan-Planet WavesPeter Gabriel-UpLos Lobos-The Town and the CityPearl Jam-BinauralU2-PopSmashing Pumpkins-AdoreTalking Heads-NakedThe Clash-SandinistaBruce Hornsby-Spirit Trail Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PopTodd Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Define "Underrated".Do you mean just "under-heard" or albums you think are great that the critics have panned or that have had more influence than is being recognized? I mean, the 1970 self-titled debut from Emmitt Rhodes was critically praised, but ain't many folks heard it. But it would certainly qualify under the initial criteria I listed. Also, how many of you here think of Ike Turner as anything more than a wife-beater? He was one of the original architects of rock n' roll, after all. And for albums that are unfairly slagged: Led Zeppelin - In Through the Out Door is a great pop record. Period. May not be what most folks wanted to hear from Zep, but had any other band put it out, everyone would be drooling all over it. Great album. Period. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
boywiththorninside Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Bob Dylan - "New Morning" I've learned never to call anything underrated, but I like this album more than most people seem to. I would put it much higher in my personal ranking of Dylan's best albums than most people do. I love his singing voice on this one. I like the down home feel. I like the simple lyrics. There is nothing I don't like about this album. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PopTodd Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Bob Dylan - "New Morning" I've learned never to call anything underrated, but I like this album more than most people seem to. I would put it much higher in my personal ranking of Dylan's best albums than most people do. I love his singing voice on this one. I like the down home feel. I like the simple lyrics. There is nothing I don't like about this album. When it comes to Dylan, that's how I feel about Nashville Skyline. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
imsjry Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Define "Underrated". Definition: give too low assessment of: to judge the value, degree, or worth of somebody or something to be less than it really is Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PopTodd Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Definition: give too low assessment of: to judge the value, degree, or worth of somebody or something to be less than it really is In context, smartass. And thank you for what you actually meant.Yeah, the Led Zep one definitely qualifies, IMO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lammycat Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Dylan's New Morning is in my top 5 of his. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Golyadkin Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Off the top of my head:Blind Melon - SoupBlack Crowes - AmoricaTindersticks - Can Our Love...Cee Lo Green - And His Perfect ImperfectionsYo La Tengo - Two Hearts Beating as OneKIDS - Movie SoundtrackPink Floyd - Meddle Gomez - In Our GunTom Waits - Blue Valentine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MattZ Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Yo La Tengo - Two Hearts Beating as One Did you mean I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One? Or is this an album that I have not heard of? In which case, it's really underrated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rileykill Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 David Bowie-Hours Tom Petty-Echo Bob Dylan-Planet Waves Peter Gabriel-Up Talking Heads-Naked The Clash-SandinistayepOff the top of my head:Blind Melon - Soup Black Crowes - Amorica Cee Lo Green - And His Perfect Imperfections Pink Floyd - Meddleyep ... my wife would argue with Soup but I think it's awesome. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Golyadkin Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Did you mean I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One? Or is this an album that I have not heard of? In which case, it's really underrated. oh man... yup that is the one... Sorry about that, Doug was reading them off to me as I typed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
froggie Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Bob Dylan - "New Morning" I've learned never to call anything underrated, but I like this album more than most people seem to. I would put it much higher in my personal ranking of Dylan's best albums than most people do. I love his singing voice on this one. I like the down home feel. I like the simple lyrics. There is nothing I don't like about this album. best hangover album ever! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JerseyMike Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 I agree with most so far... Marah-Kids in Philly -IMO, one of the more interesting rock records in the past few years Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Left Arm Tan Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 Dylan's New Morning is in my top 5 of his. same here... might actually be my favorite. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PopTodd Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 The Boo Radleys - Kingsize Their swansong is also a much better BritPop record than the critics would lead you to believe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Synthesizer Patel Posted October 24, 2007 Share Posted October 24, 2007 I've actually just written an article about 10 albums from the 1970s I feel are underrated (not heard by enough people) for Twisted Ear. The link is here You can stream one track from each album too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Rich Posted October 24, 2007 Share Posted October 24, 2007 I agree with most so far... Marah-Kids in Philly -IMO, one of the more interesting rock records in the past few years If anything that record is OVER-rated, haven't been more disappointed in a record after someone recommending it to me. As for my choice, there's plenty to mention but one that always sticks: Mark Hollis' self-titled solo album is criminally under heard and has slipped under the radar and disappeared into obscurity. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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