Greatest Album in Rock History...

[Rich-n-Texas]

I'd say the #1 rock album of all time is Led Zeppelin's 4th album. I have the album which I purchased when it was released, had the 8 track and now have the CD. Just so happens that the #1 most popular Rock-n-Roll song of all time is Stairway to Heaven.

[Luvin Da Blues]

Stone, I see you have the Bobs covered (Dylan & Marley).

[GMichael]

It's hard to argue with the success of albums like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, The Beatle's White album or The Eagle's Hotel California, but song for song I'd like to put my vote in for Boston's first album. Every song was a hit.

[Swish]

It's hard to argue with the success of albums like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, The Beatle's White album or The Eagle's Hotel California, but song for song I'd like to put my vote in for Boston's first album. Every song was a hit.

Oh, you really are.

Ok, it was likable and all, but the greatest of all time? It's not even on my radar screen. First of all, they had to rely on studio trickery to get those nice vocal harmonies and the dual lead guitar riffs (an octave splitter is the apparatus I'm pretty certain. It takes your voice or other instruments and, as the name implies, creates a duplicate sound that is an octave higher, or lower, as the case may be). Then, when they couldn't replicate it live, it was a huge disappointment to their fans, with many saying how 'flat' they sounded. Well, duh! That's akin to lip-syncing in my opinion.

I'm not refuting your choice because you like what you like, but I'm stating my reasons for not giving it credence on such an esteemed level.

[GMichael]

Oh, you really are.

Ok, it was likable and all, but the greatest of all time? It's not even on my radar screen. First of all, they had to rely on studio trickery to get those nice vocal harmonies and the dual lead guitar riffs (an octave splitter is the apparatus I'm pretty certain. It takes your voice or other instruments and, as the name implies, creates a duplicate sound that is an octave higher, or lower, as the case may be). Then, when they couldn't replicate it live, it was a huge disappointment to their fans, with many saying how 'flat' they sounded. Well, duh! That's akin to lip-syncing in my opinion.

I'm not refuting your choice because you like what you like, but I'm stating my reasons for not giving it credence on such an esteemed level.

Fair enough, but I still stand by my choice.

More honorable mentions go out to Kansas - Leftoverture, and ELP - Brain Salad Surgery.

[Jack in Wilmington]

It's hard to argue with the success of albums like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, The Beatle's White album or The Eagle's Hotel California, but song for song I'd like to put my vote in for Boston's first album. Every song was a hit.

But GM isn't that like saying you can't argue with the success of American Idol. Just cause it's the most watched show on TV doesn't make it good. I do agree with your choice of Boston and the White Album.

[Sugar Beats]

Jeez! A girl tries to start a thread, what can I say, I like to have options. (what woman doesn't?)
If I had to pick a fav... It would either be Back in Black or London Calling.

[GMichael]

I like to have options. (what woman doesn't?)

[Swish]

....and should be in the top 25 or so.

Echo and the Bunnymen - Ocean Rain
XTC - Skylarking
XTC - English Settlement
Chameleons - Script of the Bridge
World Party - Goodbye Jumbo

[Luvin Da Blues]

Dylan might be big for some people... I just don't get him, I can barely understand a word the man says.

I can understand this with some of his tunes but the man is one of the top critically acclaimed songsters of all time. I challenge you to have a deeper listen (Tangled Up In Blue, Workingman's Blues #2, Buckets Of Rain, etc,.etc). If your interested, I could sent you a comp of, IMO, his better written, performed and recorded material.

[Sugar Beats]

I guess I'm always up for a challenge. Maybe inbetween the kids, the movie I am going to and the reg. weekend stuff, I'll take a listen... And then I'll let you know. I've just never liked him.

[Mr MidFi]

London Calling is a terrific choice. So is DSOTM. So are Beggar's Banquet and Let It Bleed (and Sticky Fingers and Exile, for that matter). Revolver too.

I'll throw Who's Next and Born to Run into the mix, just for ****zen giggles. And REM's Reckoning, just because I gotta be me.

[RoadRunner6]

Sugar Beats said

ROCK

Somebody listed Buck Owens and His Buckaroos - Live at Carnegie Hall......what are we smoking here folks?

[Sugar Beats]

what are we smoking here folks?

I don't know, but you got any you want to share!

Not a good day so far...could probably use something!

[Auricauricle]

In naming Dark Side of the Moon my pick as greatest album in Rock history, I realised I was going out on a limb. You guys have named albums that I have likewise considered: Hotel California, Rumors, Led Zep 4, Boston, etc.

First, for me DSOM is noteworthy for its awesome sales record that was usurped only when Michael Jackson's Thriller knocked it out of contention. To think that that album was Number One since its release in 1973 is pretty frickin' amazing.

Secondly, DSOM is a "compete album", in the sense that the cuts are great stand-alone hits but are integrated within the album in such a way that they represent a seamless whole. From the heartbeat that opens the album to the final beat, DSOM is a song cycle that is more contextual than many albums that are random assortments of great merit.

Thrird, DSOM is technologically very influential. With Alan Parsons at the helm in the control room, headphone listeners and quadrophonic fans were treated to a dazzling display of sound effects and musical wizadry that few albums to that time offered. Pink Floyd set the pace for a sound that opened up a huge vista of possibility for future musicians to emulate and perfect. DSOM ushered in this era and it is rightly appreciated if, not for anything else, for this enduring influence.

Fourthly, DSOM is not simply a "rock" album, but one whose musical influences span many genres that were integrated sensibly and with rare finesse. Without going into it, DSOM hearkens forth elements that can be likened to Stockhausen and Ligeti that soon shift to Blues, Jazz, Electronic (Ussachevsky, anyone?), Funk, and Rock. While it's true, many bands and musicians have brought their vast musical heritage to the stage, DSOM does so in a way that is, in my book, unrivalled.

Fifthly, and lastly (I can go on), DSOM is simply deep, man. While other groups sang about sunshine and marigolds, Pink Floyd was content to get to the nittiy-gritty of existence. I will concede that much of PF's earlier, Syd Barrett-inspired albums were rather trite, but that doesn't change the fact that as the band's sound and vision was honed, so did their dark message. DSOM is a thinking man's (or woman's) album, and cannot be casually laid aside once it's played.

So, there you go: My reasons for putting DSOM up, for good or ill but always, for your consideration!

[GMichael]

In naming Dark Side of the Moon my pick as greatest album in Rock history, I realised I was going out on a limb. You guys have named albums that I have likewise considered: Hotel California, Rumors, Led Zep 4, Boston, etc.

First, for me DSOM is noteworthy for its awesome sales record that was usurped only when Michael Jackson's Thriller knocked it out of contention. To think that that album was Number One since its release in 1973 is pretty frickin' amazing.

Secondly, DSOM is a "compete album", in the sense that the cuts are great stand-alone hits but are integrated within the album in such a way that they represent a seamless whole. From the heartbeat that opens the album to the final beat, DSOM is a song cycle that is more contextual than many albums that are random assortments of great merit.

Thrird, DSOM is technologically very influential. With Alan Parsons at the helm in the control room, headphone listeners and quadrophonic fans were treated to a dazzling display of sound effects and musical wizadry that few albums to that time offered. Pink Floyd set the pace for a sound that opened up a huge vista of possibility for future musicians to emulate and perfect. DSOM ushered in this era and it is rightly appreciated if, not for anything else, for this enduring influence.

Fourthly, DSOM is not simply a "rock" album, but one whose musical influences span many genres that were integrated sensibly and with rare finesse. Without going into it, DSOM hearkens forth elements that can be likened to Stockhausen and Ligeti that soon shift to Blues, Jazz, Electronic (Ussachevsky, anyone?), Funk, and Rock. While it's true, many bands and musicians have brought their vast musical heritage to the stage, DSOM does so in a way that is, in my book, unrivalled.

Fifthly, and lastly (I can go on), DSOM is simply deep, man. While other groups sang about sunshine and marigolds, Pink Floyd was content to get to the nittiy-gritty of existence. I will concede that much of PF's earlier, Syd Barrett-inspired albums were rather trite, but that doesn't change the fact that as the band's sound and vision was honed, so did their dark message. DSOM is a thinking man's (or woman's) album, and cannot be casually laid aside once it's played.

So, there you go: My reasons for putting DSOM up, for good or ill but always, for your consideration!

I like your choice and can not dismiss any of your reasons. My only contention is that if I were to choose my favorite PF LP it would be Wish You Were Here instead.

Is no one going to bring up Yes - Fragile?

[ForeverAutumn]

I like your choice and can not dismiss any of your reasons. My only contention is that if I were to choose my favorite PF LP it would be Wish You Were Here instead.

Is no one going to bring up Yes - Fragile?

Ah hah, but the question wasn't "what is your favourite album". If it were I would agree with you that WYWH is a better album, musically, than DSOTM. But since that was not the question, I would have to agree with Auricauricle (how the heck do we shorten that?!).

Because the question is not, what is your favourite album, I would also dismiss Leftoverture. Although it is probably my all-time favourite album in the whole world, I'm not sure that it qualifies as Greatest Album in Rock History as defined by SB.

I might, however, include Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. I also agree that London Calling is a very good answer.

[GMichael]

Ah hah, but the question wasn't "what is your favourite album". If it were I would agree with you that WYWH is a better album, musically, than DSOTM. But since that was not the question, I would have to agree with Auricauricle (how the heck do we shorten that?!).

Because the question is not, what is your favourite album, I would also dismiss Leftoverture. Although it is probably my all-time favourite album in the whole world, I'm not sure that it qualifies as Greatest Album in Rock History as defined by SB.

I might, however, include Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. I also agree that London Calling is a very good answer.

In that case, do we need to throw in names like Bruce Springsteen and Elvis? (not that I think these two belong in the same sentence with each other)

[Rich-n-Texas]

Ah hah, but the question wasn't "what is your favourite album". If it were I would agree with you that WYWH is a better album, musically, than DSOTM. But since that was not the question, I would have to agree with Auricauricle (how the heck do we shorten that?!).

Because the question is not, what is your favourite album, I would also dismiss Leftoverture. Although it is probably my all-time favourite album in the whole world, I'm not sure that it qualifies as Greatest Album in Rock History as defined by SB.

I might, however, include Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. I also agree that London Calling is a very good answer.

psych_nurse. You can type it pretty fast.

[Ajani]

DSOM was usurped only when Michael Jackson's Thriller knocked it out of contention.

Exactly my point... see, even AA realises that Thriller is the greatest Rock album of all time

[Auricauricle]

Exactly my point... see, even AA realises that Thriller is the greatest Rock album of all time

C'mere, boy....Yer pickin' one, I got one fer yuh....

[RoadRunner6]

Sorry Sugar Beats if you're having a bad day. Smokes don't help but maybe some happy music. Very nice thread you started, thanks (you've got my musical wheels a turnin).

I just get a chuckle when someone lists Buck Owens under rock. We used to call him country western. Many of the early Bob Dylan albums when originally released were considered folk music, not rock. Dylan started out as a folk singer not a rock star. Bob Marley and James Brown under rock? I guess the definition of the genre has expanded.

RR6

[Ajani]

If Bob Marley (REGGAE) can be considered Rock, then Michael Jackson needs to be thrown in there too... Beat It and Dirty Diana are 2 of the best Rock songs of all time.... Billie Jean is just a masterpiece... And anyone who disagrees with me is a pixelthis clone (IMO)!!! Oh and did I mention that the ONLY version of 'Come Together' that I like is by MJ on the History Album (Beatles wrote great songs, too bad they couldn't also sing them)

Also, my favourite other Rock artists are:

Bon Jovi - Living on a Prayer and You give love a bad name... What's not to love???
Guns & Roses - November Rain & Knockin on Heaven's Door are amazing (oh yeah, Bob Dylan falls into the Beatles category as well)
AC/DC
The Eagles
Green Day
Prince

[Swish]

Bon Jovi - Living on a Prayer and You give love a bad name... What's not to love???

I didn't think so.

[Ajani]

I didn't think so.

You're banished from this thread and sentenced to debating Plasma Vs LCD with Pixelthis for your insolence!!!