#83: Snoop Doggy Dogg - Doggystyle (1993)

Zack: When this album came out, I was doing it puppystyle. It hearkens back to an era of West Coast G-Funk when gangstas ruled the rap scene and hoes knew their place. This album is packed to the brim with booze, drugs, and sex. The big single, Gin and Juice (coincidentally a must at any alcohol-fueled night involving Tanqueray), manages to pull off that trinity. He follows that up by repeating the trifecta in excess on just about every song and skit on the entire album. It's just that non-stop partying that really makes you wonder how Snoop has managed to maintain his string bean figure, even as he's slimmed down his name to just a single Dogg. As a hip-hop fan, I like to focus on the lyrical content above all other aspects of a rap song. Snoop leaves me hanging in that respect. But his signature flow is so slick (I thought about it for a long while and determined that smooth just isn't accurate enough) and the Dr. provides such a fantastic blend of beats that it makes up for it. At the end of the day, Snoop Doggy Dogg is one of the biggest and best pre-Tupac (if only slightly) West Coast rappers and has to be respected for advancing hip-hop to where it is today. Even if he has sold out a little (alright a lot. Pepsi man? Really!?), he was important in bringing rap music up to speed and still manages to drop strong albums all the way up to 2011's Doggumentary.
Favorite Tracks: Gin and Juice; Doggy Dogg World; For All My Niggaz and Bitches

Emily: Some of you may be wondering whether my newly burgeoning appreciation of hip hop was solidified by this album. Well, it wasn't. There's something about G-funk, or gangsta rap, or West Coast rap, that just doesn't fit with my broadening music tastes. Perhaps it's the subject matter, or just that I'm a white girl from the suburbs. Whatever the reason may be, my personal tastes do not prevent me from appreciating some aspects of Doggystyle. The beats are funky, the production is solid, and Snoop's flow is just chill to listen to. And, of course, who doesn't love the line "I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind"? Though I may not completely like or understand this album, I think it would go perfectly with some Tanqueray and dropping it like it's hot.
Favorite Tracks: Gin and Juice; Doggy Dogg World; Lodi Dodi

#82: M.I.A. - Kala (2007)

Zack: M.I.A decided to name this album after her mother, which seems like a sweet sentiment until you realize that it was so she could finally have a comeback to those lame "your mom" jokes everyone likes to make. Hey M.I.A, your mom! Shares her name with one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the decade. Yeah, what about her? Boom. Terrible joke=diffused. Well played. Stylistically, it's all over the place but always seems to have a vague sense of the exotic. Especially in the first half. For those first six tracks or so, I was really intrigued by the sound, although I can't say I really liked it much. It was surely different, however. Then the second half of the album rolled around and I was quickly won over. The tracks were all just as creative and carried the same beauty as M.I.A.'s soft mocha skin.
Favorite Tracks: Paper Planes; The Turn; Come Around

Emily: Kala has a sound that I can only qualify as "unique." Although it's filed under the genre of electronic music, there is so much more to M.I.A.'s music than just computer-crafted beats. She infuses these beats with layers of worldwide music and an overarching hip-hop influence. Perhaps the best song that represents this is Paper Planes. Yes, it's the only song that most people know by M.I.A. amongst her multiple award-winning albums. And, yes, most people only know it from the Pineapple Express trailer. But this song is a quintessential example of M.I.A's uniqueness. She takes electronic rhythms, raps over them well enough to be sampled by T.I., Jay-Z, Kanye West AND Lil Wayne, and then throws in the best use of a cash register sound in a song ever. All together, it's just crazy enough to work. Paper Planes, and all of Kala really, are new and cool, yet remain true to M.I.A.'s one-of-kind sensibility.
Favorite Tracks: Paper Planes; Come Around; The Turn

#81: Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (2005)

Emily: Does every state deserve its own album? Well, if they could all be like Sufjan Stevens' Illinois, then perhaps each state does deserve a musical treatment. This album embodies its concept without being too hokey and cliche. Clever lyrics, including a surprising AP U.S. History reference to the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, paint a new image of the humble Midwestern state to the rest of the world. But what really makes this album unique and successful is the wide range of styles. Slowed-down songs are soft without being sleepy, and faster paced songs are both fun and folky. Illinois a well-done, loving homage to its namesake state. How about Pennsylvania next, Sufjan?
Favorite Tracks: Come On! Feel the Illinoise!; The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts; Jacksonville

Zack: This album definitely prompted me to feel the Illinoise. Before you worship me as the god of clever quips that I am, I should probably mention that, while the actual title is Illinois, the stylized cover title is Come on Feel the Illinoise. So I can't take total credit for that one. If you still want to worship me after admitting that, however, I certainly encourage it. This album was appealing to listen to, which came as a surprise to me since it was labeled under "Indie Pop" in my iTunes. When I didn't hear 13 minute harpsicord solos, it had already exceeded my expectations. Stylistically, it fluctuates between slow tempo songs that I felt were simply beautiful and slightly faster paced songs that were still smooth. My only real complaint is that he hasn't continued their state-based album concept. I would love to hear Sufjan's rendering of my home state of New Jersey. I mean, there's so much to talk about. There's The Boss, Woodrow Wilson, Toni Morrison, Jon Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart, that whole McGreavy thing....uh....sleaze! We practically invented sleaze, no matter what Rob Blagojevich's hair says. And there's so many possibilities for titles! Dirty Jersey, Flirty Jersey, Newer Jersey, Newest Jersey. Just for starters, anyways. Come on Sufjan. You would be doing a disservice to the most densely populated state not to...
Favorite Tracks: Jacksonville; The Seer's Tower; They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhhh!

#80: The Smiths - Meat is Murder (1985)

Emily: The Smiths do melancholy the right way. Meat is Murder is music for sad teenagers, but only if those teenagers are cool and edgy at the same time. The band mixes alternative instrumentation, a bit of synth, and a hint of punk to create a unique sound that even today is relevant and modern. Morrissey’s heartbreakingly beautiful vocals add the melancholy element to the slowed-down tracks and vibrant energy to more upbeat ones. I absolutely loved this album. Maybe I’m just a wannabe edgy teenager at heart, or maybe it’s because I just watched (500) Days of Summer (in which the music of The Smiths play a fairly prominent role), or maybe this album actually is just as awesome as I think it is. Whatever the reason, I’m definitely looking forward to the remaining Smiths albums on this list.

Favorite Tracks: Rusholme Ruffians; How Soon Is Now; That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore

Zack: While I may not agree with the title of this album, it definitely has a sound I can get behind. Besides for the obvious pro-salad message, it also unabashedly spews out opinions on a myriad of other issues. But when accompanied to such hypnotizing vocals and an equally persuasive instrumentation, it’s hard to begrudge them.

Favorite Tracks: The Headmaster Ritual, Meat is Murder; Barbarism Begins at Home

#79: UB40 - Signing Off (1980)

Zack: Good ol’ reggae. Even though it’s raining where I am right now, it still makes me feel like I’m lounging on the shores of Jamaica with a daiquiri in one hand and a tropical woman in the other. Those Jamaicans sure do know how to devise a catchy tune. Naturally, however, the British do it better. That’s right. Our friends from across the pond went through a phase where they just loved to take the traditional music from the Caribbean and serve it with a spot of tea. I don’t know if they did it so that they could pretend it doesn’t rain almost every day there or if it’s just part of that British wit that we Americans fail to understand, but they may have been on to something. UB40 is a very relaxing and fun band and Signing Off really represents that. It naturally fades into the background and makes whatever you’re doing at that moment more upbeat. You find yourself smiling and nodding your head with no recollection of when you started. It may be less Bob Marley and more Robert Marley the III of Yorkshire, but it still carries the same aura as its island predecessor.

Favorite Tracks: Food for Thought; Signing Off; King

Emily: Believe it or not, I've seen UB40 live. They performed at Live 8 in 2005, and I was in the audience. Granted, I was behind Jumbotron #3, I was 13 years old, and I don't remember anything about their performance, but the name has stuck with me since then. Having actually listened to their music 5 1/2 years later, I can kind of see why the music didn't stick - but that's not at all to say it's bad. Signing Off is an example of reggae at its finest. It's laid back and relaxing - definitely a welcome change of pace after yesterday's selection - but also has a pointed political message. I would like to listen to the album again to truly get a sense of that message - it's definitely stronger than the island rhythms make it out to be.

Favorite Tracks: Burden of Shame; Little By Little; Tyler

#78: Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band - Trout Mask Replica (1969)

Emily: On paper, Trout Mask Replica sounds pretty good. Inspired by blues and jazz? An influence on post-punk and alternative? Number 58 on Rolling Stone's list of the top 500 albums of all time? Check, check, check - sign me up! Unfortunately, this album did not live up to any of these proclamations. It was a lot of sounds that didn't really go together, some off-key singing, some spoken-word interludes, and distant and distorted production. In a word, it's a mess. After sitting through almost an hour and a half of it, my head hurts, my laptop battery is almost dead, and my ears are craving some rhythm and melody. Maybe I'm just too bourgeois, too mainstream, or too 21st century to understand Trout Mask Replica. Or maybe my ears just work too well.
Favorite Tracks: Pachuco Cadaver; Sugar 'n Spikes; When Big Joan Sets Up

Zack: After I finished listening to this album, I tried to write this review. Unfortunately, it gave me such a strong migraine that I was unable to look at the bright light of my laptop screen. This gave me even more time to stew in my thoughts and realize how much I truly despised this 79 minute marathon of terror. And yet somehow Rolling Stone decided that it is the 58^th best album ever. That blows my mind more than a woman of loose morals with a hair dryer. The vocals are very scratchy and rough, which has led me to believe that Captain Beefheart is actually Captain Hook’s younger brother. Instrumentally, it’s random and free-range. It has an artsy feel to it that makes it similar to audio Salvador Dali, but not nearly as friendly on the ears as Dali is on the eyes. To clarify, I’m not talking about Dali’s art there. It’s a sexy little moustache, isn’t it? This album made my ears hurt and caused quite a series of cringes. If that’s your thing, then this is a perfect album for you. If you’re a normal person who does not have a vendetta against their eardrums, then stay away.

Least Despised Tracks: My Human Gets Me Blues; Moonlight on Vermont; Veteran’s Day Poppy

#77: Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor (2006)

Emily: I’m not quite sure how this happened, but somehow this list has vaguely rendered me a hip-hop fan. Now I’m sure this will change by the time we get to ‘90s gangsta, but for now I’m liking the more intellectual, socially conscious rap of the 2000s. First it was Kanye, and now we have Lupe. This album was interesting and thought-provoking, with much deeper themes than many other rap albums. Once again I was a big fan of the use of samples. Songs like Daydreamin’ bridge the gap between hip-hop and alternative. The combination of ethereal singing from the sample and Jill Scott with Lupe’s flow and lyrics create something totally unique and modern. If this is the future of hip-hop, I just may become a hip-hop fan after all.

Favorite Tracks: Sunshine; Daydreamin’; He Say She Say

Zack: Well folks, I’m afraid funny, joking Zack will not be joining you in this entry. I take my Lupe far too seriously to play around. If you look back to our very first post, you can see that Lupe stood alone as a hip-hop artist in my top five. I love me some rap, but I’ve always been more into the rock scene. Lupe is the only artist who bucks that trend, even if we were to extend the list to top 10. He’s a transcendent artist. Jay-Z described him as “a breath of fresh air” in a stagnant rap scene. That’s Jigga himself, one of the greatest rappers of all time, saying he’s phenomenal. Carries a little bit more weight than me saying it, doesn’t it? Food & Liquor, his first studio album, is a perfect example of why he is so acclaimed as an artist. You listen to it, and you realize pretty quickly that it’s not like any other hip-hop album around. My third favorite song on the album won a Grammy! THIRD!!! The only thing sharper than the wit in his lyrics is their point. He cuts through all the bullshit that usually fills radio hip-hop and presents a series of tracks that are purely fantastic. His flow is smooth and fluctuates from breakneck speeds and slowed down, emphasis-centered sections effortlessly. The production is stunning as well. Not surprising since it was handled by such big names as The Neptunes, Kanye, and Mike Shinoda. Beyond this album, though, is something even more. Lupe was the first hip-hop artist I ever saw live (along with Asher Roth) and he puts the same intensity that goes into crafting each of his albums into that show. He truly gave it his all. Lupe is a king in the rap game. To me, he can do no wrong. Both Food & Liquor and The Cool are tremendous. He kills it live. He even dominates as a post-punk frontman in Japanese Cartoon. And when I finally get my hands on Lasers later today (after years of waiting), I expect nothing less than to be blown away.

Favorite Tracks: Hurt Me Soul; Kick, Push; Daydreamin’

#76: Santana - Abraxas (1970)

Emily: Carlos Santana is one of the best guitar players of all time, and that definitely shines through on Abraxas. The lyrics are kept to an absolute minimum to make the instruments the stars of the show. The songs can speak without words because Santana doesn't just play his guitar, he feels with it. Every note is fused with emotion, an emotion that can resonate with any listener. Combine that with rock roots, Latin rhythms, and a hint of jazz, and you end up with a classic album that proves why Santana has reigned as a supreme guitar god for his entire career.
Favorite Tracks: Samba Pa Ti; Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen; Se a Cabo

Zack: This album bitch slaps you with its Latin passion. It salsas all over your soul. And if you don’t enjoy it, then I don’t know what’s wrong with you. It’s smooth and sultry but still rockin’, like Marvin Gaye’s voice played through Jeff Beck’s guitar with some maracas for good measure. In short, it’s fantastic. Furthermore, I can’t believe its 40 years old. The album is just so timeless that dating it feels weird. Whether you play Abraxas 40 years ago, today, or 100 years from now, it will always sound transcendentally modern.

Favorite Tracks: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen; Hope You’re Feeling Better; Oye Como Va

#75: Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisted (1965)

Zack: Maybe the (currently) old man could never sing, but he’s always been able to write one hell of a song. Highway 61 has nine fantastic examples of that song-writing prowess in action. Every track is beautiful in its own way. And that’s despite the Kermit the Frog vocals. The writers of the list recognized Dylan’s influence on modern music by giving seven of his albums the thumbs up. Now that I think about it, with six more Dylan albums coming up, I kind of wish I hadn’t already dropped that Kermit line. But that’s beside the point. Highway 61 Revisited is a classic example of Dylan at his best. Every song is folksy and well-constructed. And, no matter what, Dylan proves that he can dominate a harmonica like no one else. He is a music icon that nobody else can rival.

Favorite Tracks: Like a Rolling Stone; Highway 61 Revisited; Ballad of a Thin Man

Emily: This list keeps changing my preconceptions about music. First, it vaguely makes me a rap fan. Now, it has made me not hate Bob Dylan as much as I once did. I still think he can't sing to save his life, but Dylan is a legendary songwriter. His music is a reflection of a time of tremendous turmoil and change. The lyrics are powerful protests, coupled with a simple folk sound that really lets the message shine through. For that alone this album is a classic, and has certainly made Dylan a musical legend. Even if I can sing better than him.

Favorite Tracks: Tombstone Blues; Desolation Row; Like a Rolling Stone

#74: The Offspring - Smash (1994)

 

Zack: Out of the three major punk revival bands (Green Day, Rancid, The Offspring), this is the only band that I can’t bring myself to mock mercilessly. Quite frankly, The Offspring are just too good. When I need my punk fix, they’re one of the first bands I turn to. Their music is guaranteed to get you through even your most severe punk withdrawals. Everything you need is there. They’re fast, loud, and rebellious. Most of all, they’re consistent. Every Offspring album is great, but I have to agree with the authors of the list (who I always imagine as a group of robed men and women standing around a fire passing judgment, Gladiator-style) that Smash is their best work. From start to finish, it’s got everything you need to start your own mosh pit. In the end, that may be the greatest reward an album can get…

Favorite Tracks: Self Esteem; Nitro (Youth Energy); Killboy Powerhead

Emily: This album is a lot of fun. Loud, fast, moshy fun. The Offspring's early stuff tends to have that effect. While sticking close to their punk roots, they also venture into ska, pop, and metal with great success. The Offspring are definitely one of the bands I have on my list to see live. I almost did a couple summers ago, but they were co-headlining with Papa Roach and I really couldn't bring myself above shame to buy those tickets. Anyway, hearing punk live is an experience. It's sweaty, crazy, and filled with unnecessarily spiky people - yet the music translates so well to an audience that it's amazingly fun. I think The Offspring would fit that mold perfectly. They've gone a little emo in the past few years, but I can always come back to vintage Offspring for a '90s neo-punk fix.

Favorite Tracks: Come Out and Play; Self Esteem; It'll Be A Long Time