Thread: Albums everyone should listen to before they die.

Originally Posted by mutton

i wouldn't put an album of theirs on such a list either, but everyone should listen to an energetic live recording before they die, and arcade fire is a fine example

I was really disappointed with Arcade Fire when I saw them live. Now they're just a semi-pleasant band who I'm not eager to listen to but I don't turn them off the radio either.

although Lifted has better songs overall, people should listen to Fevers and Mirrors over it because the feverish vocals and sounds really set the tone

I think Fevers and Mirrors has some of the best lyrics I've ever heard on any album but, at the same time, I really don't think it's everyone's cup of tea and I can see how most people would hate it which is why I think albums like this aren't great choices for lists like these which should be a mix of accessibility and greatness.

Although with that in mind I'm now thinking about replacing the John Coltrane album I listed. Not to mention the Sonic Youth.

Originally Posted by simonj

I think Fevers and Mirrors has some of the best lyrics I've ever heard on any album but, at the same time, I really don't think it's everyone's cup of tea and I can see how most people would hate it which is why I think albums like this aren't great choices for lists like these which should be a mix of accessibility and greatness.

Although with that in mind I'm now thinking about replacing the John Coltrane album I listed. Not to mention the Sonic Youth.

of the great albums you've never listened to, there are ones that you already know you will like but just never had a chance to listen to, and there are ones that you think you would hate but will actually blow your mind if given the chance

with the common hate against "emo"-sounding songs by people who've heard only generic examples, fevers and mirrors may be the best album that helps people see into it, for various reasons not even particular to the "genre":
- fever as i said
- lyrics as you said
- the way the first song seems to be placed around the opening sample, rather than the other way around
- mock interview to show that it doesn't take itself seriously
- more instruments than many are used to with 4-piece bands
- recurring themes, cohesiveness in spite of pace changes, blah blah blah

sure, these features are not unique and many people will hate it
they will use it to reinforce their opinion, but at least they now have a better idea

the same goes for rap, country, metal, pop, and every other genre; it's not hard to conceive that there are listen-to-this-before-you-die albums in all of them