The most underrated band of all time and IMO the best band of the '80s — The Replacements — deserves two entries on this list.

 

"Let It Be" (1984) and "Tim" ('85) came right after one another, but the two couldn't be more different. "Let It Be" was the capstone to the band's early punk days, with uncomfortable but hilarious tunes about confused gender roles, creepy cradle robbers and teenage puberty. It showed singer/songwriter Paul Westerberg getting away from the 2-minute punk song formula into more crafted rockers, and gave a glimpse into what was to come. It has a catchy lo-fi feel to it that harkens to '70s glam rock, and even has a cool send-up of KISS' "Black Diamond."

 

With "Tim," the band made its major-label debut and showed further maturation of Westerberg's songwriting. The teenaged angst from the earlier albums had evolved into stories of downtrodden losers who never quite grew up. The songs were less punk and more diverse, with Westerberg showing an outstanding affinity for sad ballads and country-tinged rockers. Highlights include "Left Of The Dial," "Swinging Party," and "Here Comes A Regular."

The only album/band that I think needs to be appreciated more is the Dead Kennedys. Even though I know they are considered to be one of the better punk bands, I still don't think they get enough appreciation for what they did. Their album, "In God We Trust" was my first experience into a whole new world of music. I can remember a friend of mine giving me the tape and when I first listened to it, I thought the tape was warped or something was wrong. I just had not heard ANYTHING like that before.

 

To give everyone an idea of just how special this band was, check out this fun story.

 

On March 25, 1980, the DKs were invited to perform at the Bay Area Music Awards in front of music industry bigwigs to give the event some "New Wave credibility," in the words of the organizers. The day of the show was spent practicing the song they were asked to play, the underground hit, "California Über Alles." In typically subversive, perverse style, the band became the talking point of the ceremony when after about 15 seconds into the song, Biafra said, "Hold it! We've gotta prove that we're adults now. We're not a punk rock band, we're a new wave band."

 

The band, who all wore white shirts with a big, black S painted on the front, pulled black ties from around the backs of their necks to form a dollar sign, then started playing a new song "Pull My Strings", a barbed, satirical attack on the ethics of the mainstream music industry.

 

Jello Biafra has been doing spoken word tours for the last 20 years and I got a chance to hear him speak a couple years ago, just a really, really nice guy.

"Kids In Philly" by Marah

 

I saw someone compare this album to the sound of the classic "The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle." Makes sense, considering that's my favorite Springsteen album. Not only does "Kids In Philly" (2000) borrow a bit from early Boss, but it also borrows heavily from the soul and funk influence from the band's hometown. Motown and Philly soul, early '70s funk and rock, lots of horns and a driving backbeat, and even a little banjo and dobro mixed in makes this album a groovy, danceable sonic delight. Great live band as well!

I've always liked Throwing Copper from Live, released on April 26, 1994:

 

1 "The Dam at Otter Creek" – 4:43

2 "Selling the Drama" – 3:26

3 "I Alone" – 3:50

4 "Iris" – 3:59

5 "Lightning Crashes" – 5:25

6 "Top" – 2:42

7 "All Over You" – 3:59

9 "T.B.D." – 4:28

10 "Stage" – 3:08

11 "Waitress" – 2:49

12 "Pillar of Davidson" – 6:46

13 "White, Discussion" – 6:08

14 "Horse" (unlisted hidden track) – 4:16

 

I can listen to the album over and over again. Nicely done.

Another I like is Bush's, Sixteen Stone. Released December 6th, 1994.

 

1) "Everything Zen" – 4:38

2) "Swim" – 4:55

3) "Bomb" – 3:22

4) "Little Things" – 4:24

5) "Comedown" – 5:26

6) "Body" – 5:42

7) "Machinehead" – 4:16

8) "Testosterone" – 4:19

9) "Monkey" – 4:00

10) "Glycerine" – 4:26

11) "Alien" – 6:34

12) "X-Girlfriend" – 0:45

Everyone please keep the BGP rules in mind when posting your song titles.

 

 

Any attempt to use or suggest profanity is prohibited. This means you may not use symbols to replace some or all of the letters in a word that might otherwise be blocked by the BGP word filter.

You're right. But 2001 was pretty good as well, but nowhere near as important as "The Chronic."

I have both, as legandary as the origional was I actually prefer 2001. I just don't think it lived up too the origional, but some of the titles on 2001 should have been classics IMO.

Interesting (and very sad) fact about the Traveling Wilburys album -- it's not even in print!

 

This is a fun topic that's right up my alley. I'll get back with more on this one.

Tis true.

 

George Harrison owned the rights, and he passed before he could get a new release worked out.

 

I'm very lucky to have one. You can borrow it if you need it, Jim.:thumb:

Tis true.

 

George Harrison owned the rights, and he passed before he could get a new release worked out.

 

I'm very lucky to have one. You can borrow it if you need it, Jim.:thumb:

 

Thanks dude. But, as I'm sure you suspected, I got one! :ylsuper:

This is # 1 Pick. This is a very underrated Album and Band.

This Album came out in 1969 and is way ahead of its time. If you have never listened to this you are missing out.

This is a very underrated Album and Band.

This Album came out in 1969 and is way ahead of its time. If you have never listened to this you are missing out.

 

All three of the original Stooges albums are amazing, and way ahead of their time. :thumb:

This is my # 2 pick. Another one those underappreciated Bands/Albums.

MC5/Kick out the Jams/1968

If you like Fresh driving Rock and Roll give this a listen.

This is my #3 pick. The Ramones first album. Getting back to the basics of hard driving Rock and Roll.

My #4 Pick. The New York Dolls first release.

If you like the Stones you will love the Dolls.:thumb:

I've always been a huge Blink 182 fan, Enema of the State didn't have a bad song on it.:ylsuper: