# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/101 "2013-08-28T22:59:05Z")
**WordMan** , you got a beer comin’ at you if you’re ever in Charlotte. Couldn’t have said it better myself. ---
**Author:** ![Truman\_Burbank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/102 "2013-08-28T23:14:45Z")
Going senile, that’s the only explanation. Otherwise, how come it took me this long to mention “Waiting for Columbus” by Little Feat? And where were you all during my lapse? ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/103 "2013-08-29T00:29:07Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > **WordMan** , you got a beer comin’ at you if you’re ever in Charlotte. Couldn’t have said it better myself. I gotta make that happen! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/104 "2013-08-29T00:43:58Z")
I’m shocked that **Wordman** was unaware of “Urgh”. > [@Mahaloth](#): > > I would say I have been “immersed” in each album, but have not done a repeat playthrough of any before writing them up. 1+ listens is about as far as you can get from “immersed”. I get that you have A LOT of suggestions, so actually immersing yourself in all of them is impossible. But you’re really only getting a very superficial exposure. You are about as for from immersed as possible. This is more about which songs from these classic albums have immediate appeal as opposed to any real analysis. Which is understandable given the flood you have to deal with, but it does make it hard to take your opinions too seriously. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/105 "2013-08-29T00:54:41Z")
> [@Yookeroo](#): > > I’m shocked that **Wordman** was unaware of “Urgh”. Yeah, confounded by pockets of ignorance - so much good music, so little time. At least I have the T.A.M.I. Show on Blu-Ray! Seriously, look forward to checking Urgh 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:** [August 29, 2013, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/106 "2013-08-29T03:11:02Z")
> [@Yookeroo](#): > > but it does make it hard to take your opinions too seriously. I wouldn’t take them too seriously. It’s more of a fun thing than anything. I’m no music critic and I very well may be wrong on everything. ---
**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:** [August 29, 2013, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/107 "2013-08-29T03:11:13Z")
> [@Accidental\_Martyr](#): > > I find it hard to believe that you actually listened to _The Joshua Tree_ and _London Calling_ from the reactions you posted. I’ve gotta say, that I don’t like some of the music listed here. And The Clash comes under the heading of “Music I Wouldn’t Put On My IPod”, mostly because I listen to music to unwind, so I skew towards “pretty” music (like anything Mark Knopfler does). But _my god_, the ENERGY there on _London Calling!_ You canNOT dismiss The Clash or U2 or Prince or talking Heads. These are musical geniuses, even if you don’t ‘like’ them. ---
**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:** [August 29, 2013, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/108 "2013-08-29T16:19:24Z")
I’m listening to Guns N’ Roses Appetite for Destruction today. However, let me mention a couple of bands that I know very little about, but have heard of, and see which album I should listen to. \*\*Pink Floyd \*\*- Total cluelessness for me. What is their most accessible(or just best) album? **Queen** - I have seen Highlander and listened to the Highlander songs. So, I do know “Who wants to live forever” “Gimme the Prize”, etc. I also saw Wayne’s World, so I know Bohemian Rhapsody. Otherwise, nothing. Which album from them should I listen to? ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/109 "2013-08-29T16:27:10Z")
For Queen, most people will probably say _A Night at the Opera_, but I’d go with _Sheer Heart Attack_. My favorite song of theirs (“Under Pressure” with David Bowie) is unfortunately on their worst album (_Hot Space_). ETA: Actually, a lot of people on this board might pick _Queen II_ as the album to listen to, but it’s pretty shitty, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/110 "2013-08-29T16:31:25Z")
Pink Floyd’s most accessible is probably _The Wall_. If you don’t have a lot of experience with concept albums, it’s as good an introduction to them as any. It was my first Floyd. If you like it, do _Dark Side of the Moon_ next, then _Wish You Were Here_, then _Animals_. If you’re still enjoying it, the door’s open, pick anything. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/111 "2013-08-29T16:44:47Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > \*\*Pink Floyd \*\*- Total cluelessness for me. What is their most accessible(or just best) album? > [@KneadToKnow](#): > > Pink Floyd’s most accessible is probably _The Wall_. If you don’t have a lot of experience with concept albums, it’s as good an introduction to them as any. > > It was my first Floyd. If you like it, do _Dark Side of the Moon_ next, then _Wish You Were Here_, then _Animals_. If you’re still enjoying it, the door’s open, pick anything. I’ll vote for Dark Side instead. The Wall is a double album, which is kind of a challenge- but I’m also just not a fan. I think it’s overwrought and self-indulgent. Putting that side I think Dark Side of the Moon is just more accessible musically. ---
**Author:** ![Accidental\_Martyr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ce7236/32.png) [@Accidental\_Martyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Accidental_Martyr)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/112 "2013-08-29T16:57:13Z")
How about _The Game_ by Queen. It was their biggest selling album in the US and the only one to reach #1. This was one of the first albums I got when I was twelve in 1980. The other two were AC/DC-_Back in Black_ and Cheap Trick _In Color_. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/113 "2013-08-29T17:12:37Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > For Queen, most people will probably say _A Night at the Opera_, but I’d go with _Sheer Heart Attack_. My favorite song of theirs (“Under Pressure” with David Bowie) is unfortunately on their worst album (_Hot Space_). With some bands/artists (though not all), a good approach is to start with a Greatest Hits album, and then, if you like it enough, go back and pick up the individual albums that those hits were drawn from (or that were released subsequently). That was my approach to Queen (with the original 1981 Electra records version of _Greatest Hits_, which gave me “Under Pressure” without any crappy filler), and I think it worked pretty well. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/114 "2013-08-29T17:29:34Z")
I do hope you give “Purple Rain” another go, so many of those tracks will sink deep if you give them a bit of a chance. Many other favourites of mine already mentioned so won’t delve too deep into them (other than to second the many intro albums to Pink Floyd…I came to them late and started with “wish you were here” FWIW) One not mentioned yet is “Quadrophenia” by The Who. So very rich and varied. From orchestral and borderline ambient to very hard-rocking indeed. It also contains what is arguably the greatest drum/bass intro ever…“The Real Me” This does need time, it needs three full listens to all four sides _in order_, preferably in a darkened room with headphones on. My wildcard would be another varied concept album. “Jordan: The Comeback” by Prefab Sprout. Could be a like-or-loath situation but worth a go if you’ve got a dreamy 90 minutes you’d like to fill. ---
**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:** [August 29, 2013, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/115 "2013-08-29T18:05:50Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > I do hope you give “Purple Rain” another go, so many of those tracks will sink deep if you give them a bit of a chance. I will. I liked the album. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/116 "2013-08-29T18:27:46Z")
For Pink Floyd, I’d got with Dark Side. From a music standpoint, I think **Mahaloth** will find it a good way in. Queen - I’d go with a Greatest Hits. They shoot for the stars, and their hits are timeless brilliance. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/117 "2013-08-29T18:29:27Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > \*\*Pink Floyd \*\*- Total cluelessness for me. What is their most accessible(or just best) album? Dark Side of the Moon is the most accessible I think. > [@](#): > > **Queen** - I have seen Highlander and listened to the Highlander songs. So, I do know “Who wants to live forever” “Gimme the Prize”, etc. I also saw Wayne’s World, so I know Bohemian Rhapsody. Otherwise, nothing. Which album from them should I listen to? I’d recommend a greatest hits package for Queen, or you could do worse than watch their Live Aid performance for a taster: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQsM6u0a038](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQsM6u0a038) ---
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/118 "2013-08-29T18:39:12Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > What is it with **Back in Black**? To be clear: a _great_, totally respect-worthy album. But compared to **Highway to Hell**? With Bon Scott’s lyrics and delivery? Girls’ Got Rhythm? Shot Down in Flames? It doesn’t get any better. > > It’s like comparing Woodstock with Monterey Pop - one is the mainstream, popular breakout - deservedly so - but the other is just that much…better. Well, as you say it’s a great album, it was well-reviewed, it sounds fantastic, they didn’t tone down their approach and it has been an absolutely **monster** hit - #2 best selling album worldwide of all time (“Thriller” is #1 IIRC). Depending on what numbers you trust it’s sold somewhere between 25-50 million copies, and that was done without downloads or much in the way of videos, and I’m pretty sure it continues to sell strongly; definitely not a “flavor of the month”. If I were going to recommend one AC/DC album of course that’s the one I’d pick; it’s not like it’s a watered-down version of their sound or something that doesn’t give a true feel for the band. I love me some “Rocker” and “Riff Raff” but let’s not overcomplicate things - they’re the world’s biggest bar band so it’s not like there’s one album displaying some special awesome musical talent not found on their other recordings, or the lyrics on one record are deep and philosophical compared to the rest. ---
**Author:** ![Truman\_Burbank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/119 "2013-08-29T19:13:46Z")
OK, I’ll do the obvious - yes, do pick **Night At The Opera** , by Queen. Not sure little gems like " '39 " would show up in a greatest hits package. (I just checked, it doesn’t). Did we do Zevon yet? ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217/120 "2013-08-29T20:07:36Z")
I’ll try to offer some early 80’s (mostly cheesy fun) suggestions for ya… Metallica - Master Of Puppets Huey Lewis and the News - Sports Van Halen - 1984 The Police - Syncronicity Aerosmith - Toys in the Attic Twisted Sister - Stay Hungry Or if you want to go with greatest hits: The Police - Every Breath you take Aerosmith - Greatest Hits Phil Collins - Hits [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-thoughts-on-albums-everybody-has-already-heard-recommendations-accepted/667217.md?page=7)