# My thoughts on albums everybody has already heard.(recommendations accepted) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [August 26, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217 "2013-08-26T17:18:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 22
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2021, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/421 "2021-06-09T18:15:12Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Thoughts on where to start with David Bowie? _Space Oddity_ is my personal favorite, and it’s the only one I own that isn’t a Bowie Compilation, of which I have 2-3. Other artists/albums that (depending on age) everybody’s probably already heard that I’d recommend: Billy Joel, has always been a favorite of mine, which may or may not be to everyone’s taste (shrug), and if I had to pick best albums it would probably be _Nylon Curtain_, _Piano Man_, and _Storm Front_. If you end up liking any of Billy Joel’s work, I’d recommend the more modern Gabe Dixon Band, especially their self titled 2008 album. Or for something completely different, I am also a huge fan of Shinedown, so I’d take a look at _Somewhere in the Stratosphere._ ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2021, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/422 "2021-06-09T18:23:35Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > …and it’s the only one I own that isn’t a Bowie Compilation, of which I have 2-3… Can you recommend a specific “best of” compilation? ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2021, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/423 "2021-06-09T18:44:25Z")
The most inclusive one I have is this: > **[BOWIE,DAVID - Best Of - 2CD Set with Alternate Tracklisting - Amazon.com Music](https://www.amazon.com/Best-Uk-DAVID-BOWIE/dp/B00006J3KT)** > > BOWIE,DAVID - Best Of - 2CD Set with Alternate Tracklisting - Amazon.com Music This is specifically the UK version, which is a 2 CD set. It pretty much covers a wiiiiiiide era of Bowie’s music, so if you like his older stuff more than the later stuff, you’ll feel kinda meh about half of it. And of course, the reverse applies. The US version is one cd, and about half the songs, but half the price as well, still hitting on many of the best known songs as well. If you have Amazon Prime, I’d recommend [https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-David-Bowie/dp/B01LZYTZ7H/ref=tmm\_msc\_swatch\_0?\_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=](https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-David-Bowie/dp/B01LZYTZ7H/ref=tmm_msc_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) Which is free to stream (again with Prime, doesn’t need Prime Music Unlimited) and cuts some of the less common tracks out. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2021, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/424 "2021-06-09T22:49:36Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > Which is free to stream (again with Prime, doesn’t need Prime Music Unlimited) and cuts some of the less common tracks out. Ah, I was listening to that through prime. It’s great to hear Man Who Sold the World, which is an example of a song where the cover(Nirvana) has always been etched into my mind much more than the original. ---
**Author:** ![CorpusNeptune](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/corpusneptune/32/17561_2.png) [@CorpusNeptune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CorpusNeptune)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2021, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/425 "2021-06-09T22:54:38Z")
I’m not sure if this has been recommended in the thread already, but… **Every Breath You Take - The Police** is one of my favourites. It reminds me of when I was but a naive wee lad and listened to it in my dad’s 1999 Jeep for the first time. _Ahhh…how I wish for those times again…_ ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2021, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/426 "2021-06-10T02:30:02Z")
Yeah, The Police could be an interesting diversion, particularly Synchronicity and Ghost in the Machine. @Mahaloth if strong lyrically driven music is your thing maybe check out Leonard Cohen’s I’m your Man. Cohen can’t sing but his compositions are incredible. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2021, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/427 "2021-06-10T19:28:50Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > I find it funny that, in a thread titled “albums everybody has already heard”, that posters must post examples of bands that no one has heard. There’s always someone that has to show their music cred by posting the most obscure bands. So, yeah, I started [a thread](https://www.forensicfocus.com/forums/general/adult-content-links-geocities-urls/) “Thoughts on albums noone has heard, except you and the bartender’s girlfriend from somewhere in Canada". But it’s, like, on a much sweeter message board, that nobody goes to, doesn’t even have a name… ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2021, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/428 "2021-06-10T19:31:10Z")
> [@digs](#): > > But it’s, like, on a much sweeter message board, that nobody goes to, doesn’t even have a name… I heard it might not even come out. Only a few of us have seen it. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2021, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/429 "2021-06-10T19:34:31Z")
Been listening to Ziggy Stardust and there are some good songs on there and some songs I did not find too interesting. I liked: Starman \<–yes, this obviously rang a bell from TV and movies It Ain’t Easy Rock N Roll Suicide I liked some other tracks OK as well, but those stood out. I saw a performance of Starman from 1999 that was honestly so joyful, it was even better than the studio track. [I just had to share this video because Bowie looked so happy singing it.](https://youtu.be/brrdk_VIXUA) ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2021, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/430 "2021-06-10T19:34:35Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > I heard it might not even come out. Only a few of us have seen it. Well, I was into it before anyone! But now it’s just too popular. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2021, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/431 "2021-06-10T19:38:24Z")
Like, once the number of people is an integer, it’s too late, total sell out. ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2021, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/432 "2021-06-10T19:56:36Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > This is specifically the UK version, which is a 2 CD set. > [@ParallelLines](#): > > The US version is one cd, I was going to dispute this, as I own the 2-CD US version, but it turns out there were 2 US/Canada versions, one single disc and one double. Searching Amazon turns up the single disc version, but after clicking on “all formats” I eventually found [mine in the CD/Vinyl section.](https://www.amazon.com/Best-Bowie-David/dp/B00006JYI7/ref=tmm_acd_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1623354206&sr=1-2) Streaming appears to be limited to the single disc version. Bowie had so many different phases, it’s probably better to start with a compilation, figure out what you like, and then explore those albums in depth. Personally I love the glam rock, the Berlin trilogy and the 80s pop stuff, but usually skip over his “plastic soul” era of the 70s and some of the 90s dance stuff. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2021, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/433 "2021-06-11T03:59:20Z")
Thanks! Ignorance fought. I just wanted to make sure Mahaloth had the best option, and my 2 CD UK set was my most ‘complete’ compilation. Glad to know there was an equivalent US option. ---
**Author:** ![veryfrank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/87869e/32.png) [@veryfrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/veryfrank)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2021, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/434 "2021-06-11T13:40:26Z")
Another good Bowie compilation is 2014’s Nothing Has Changed. It’s three CDs and covers all periods (skipping Tin Machine) from an early pre-“Space Oddity” single up to a track that wouldn’t appear on an album until Blackstar two years later, days before his death. It includes the key hits but also includes a handful of interesting remixes, like the Pet Shop Boys version of “Hallo Spaceboy.” It’s sequenced in reverse chronological order for some reason, but it’s a worthwhile package good for either fans or newbies. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2022, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/435 "2022-03-27T19:08:11Z")
How about **Rush**? I always hear that they are a popular band I’ve never heard a single song from them that I am aware of. Is there an album from Rush I should listen to? I think 2112 was recommended by @Smid Is that the best place to start? ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2022, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/436 "2022-03-27T19:48:33Z")
I would recommend “Moving Pictures”, or perhaps the live “Exit… Stage Left”. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2022, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/437 "2022-03-27T19:54:31Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > I would recommend “Moving Pictures”, or perhaps the live “Exit… Stage Left” I prefer studio albums for bands and artists, especially when starting out. Moving Pictures, then? ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2022, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/438 "2022-03-27T20:14:08Z")
Moving Pictures has “Tom Sawyer” (which you are no doubt familiar with) and “Red Barchetta” and “Limelight” (which you may have heard). One short instrumental, one of their long 10 minute epics… I’d call it fairly representative. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2022, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/439 "2022-03-27T21:26:19Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > Moving Pictures has “Tom Sawyer” (which you are no doubt familiar with) and “Red Barchetta” and “Limelight” (which you may have heard). One short instrumental, one of their long 10 minute epics… I’d call it fairly representative I’ll check it out, but I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a single Rush song. I’ll probably end up finding out that they have many songs featured in movies and TV that I had no idea were theirs. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2022, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/440 "2022-03-27T21:54:47Z")
I’m a big fan of Michael Penn/March. [You may remember this song of his, “No Myth,” from the album.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxkJHX7ukKE) Some trivia about him…well, he’s Sean Penn’s (and the late Christopher Penn’s) brother. And he’s married to Aimee Mann, who was in 'Til Tuesday and sang “Voices Carry.” I really enjoy his guitar, harmonies, lyrics, the whole bit. [“Walter Reed” is another of his](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWGL3mPE114) , from the album Mr. Hollywood Jr. 1947, was in an episode of House. Wikipedia says: > In late 2009, Penn composed the music for the film _[That Evening Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Evening_Sun)_ .[[9]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Penn#cite_note-9) > > In 2012, Penn began work as the composer for the HBO TV show _[Girls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_(TV_series))_ .[[10]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Penn#cite_note-10) > > In January 2013, the _Girls Vol. 1_ soundtrack was released on [iTunes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes). The album contained a new song by Michael Penn titled “On Your Way”, which was featured in the finale of Season 1. > > He also joined the crew of [Showtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showtime_(TV_channel))’s _[Masters of Sex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masters_of_Sex)_ in 2013 as series composer. The show’s pilot episode was initially set to be scored by [Thomas Newman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Newman), but this did not come to fruition and Penn scored both the pilot and the rest of the series. > > In 2018, he joined two new TV series as a composer - _[Good Girls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Girls_(TV_series))_ on NBC and _[Here and Now](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_and_Now_(2018_TV_series))_ on HBO. > > In 2020, Penn released a new single, “A Revival”. It was his first non-soundtrack work in 15 years.[[11]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Penn#cite_note-11) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217.md?page=23)