Top 100: Ten at a Time

I was recently challenged to compile a top 100 albums of all time list. Of course, this was agreed upon during a rowdy dinner party that included a lot of Prosecco and homemade Orange Cognac. I guess the good news is that I remember the challenge, but regret agreeing.

However, a promise is a promise. So, in order to keep it manageable, I will post ten at a time, with some explanations, of course.

100. "Spirit" Willie Nelson

Nelson's musical career has been incredible, but there have been some disasters along the way (The "Rainbow Connection" comes to mind). But, when Willie's good, he's amazing. And "Spirit" is one of those albums that illustrates his brilliance lyrically and musically. What is most spectacular about this album, is its simplicity and starkness. It reminds me a lot of "Red-Headed Stranger," which had this story-like sound. Though "Spirit" doesn't have a narrative, its religious theme is present but without the preachiness.

99. "OK Computer" Radiohead

I have mixed feelings towards Radiohead generally. I don't like music that sounds like a ruckus, and Radiohead has plenty of that. Fortunately, they also have many thoughtful and beautifully arranged songs, and many happen to be on this album. In fact, if you listen to the entire thing from start to finish, it's a story. I've actually written an entire Holocaust Musical using these songs. "Exit Music for a Film" would be a scene where two siblings prepare to escape the concentration camp and "Karma Police" could be used at the end during the Nuremberg Trials. I know that sounds vulgar, but this is sometimes what goes on in my small brain.

98. "Tigerlilly" Natalie Merchant

Only Natalie Merchant could write such a compelling song about River Phoenix's death, aptly called "River". She has a the ability to write a lament about something that is rather insignificant, like River's absence on the planet. Sorry, but I never really understood the great appeal of that

guy. Anyway, there is also a couple of tunes like "Beloved Wife" and "Seven Years" that are unforgettable.

97. "Faith & Courage" Sinead O'Connor

If there is an album of feminist anthems, this is it. It's Sinead at her best: super pissed off and simply fed up. The themes are strong and obvious: Sinead leaves earthly love for spiritual love and finds a non-judgmental man in "God." It's not at all preachy, but celebratory and at the end of the day, I like it because I love her voice.

96. "Lost Herd" Ian Tyson

Though Ian Tyson has become the new "Blue Rodeo" to me (they're at every single folk festival anywhere you go), this album makes the cut because it's so sincere. Tyson can write some amazing songs, and I am particularly fond of "La Primera," the first horse to arrive in North America. I listened to this album a lot when we lived in Cochrane, and it was the perfect soundtrack to that experience.

95. "La Carretera" Julio Iglesias

Believe it! Julio Iglesias makes my top 100 albums of all time. I absolutely love this Spanish masterpiece. When I worked as a waitress at Zenari's on 1st in 1996/1997, we listened to this album constantly, and it brings back great memories. And, it's a really good compilation of songs. Of course, there is a terrific cheese factor, but it's sexy cheese.

94. "Ten New Songs" Leonard Cohen

Oh, Leonard. When you write songs like "By the Rivers Dark," it almost makes me want to have your baby. Except for the growing another person inside my body aspect. Anyway, this was a long awaited body of work, and it did not disappoint. It's nearly ten years old now, and what is so special about Cohen is his relevance. I can listen to pretty much anything of his, regardless of release date, and appreciate its freshness, still.

93. "Essence" Lucinda Williams

I went to Calgary a couple of years ago to see Lucinda Williams in concert, and let me tell you, she does not look like her photos. Holy crap, she is rode hard and put away wet, but who doesn't like that in a woman? She had a lot of trouble recalling lyrics to her own songs, but whatever, right? That's why artists record CD's! Despite her fetching shortcomings, "Essence" is a dazzler. From "Lonely Girls" to "I Envy the Wind," every song is its own universe. I can't imagine that she will ever create an album more inspired than this one.

92. "Dummy" Portishead

I love Beth Gibbons and would like to marry her. I picture her sitting at the kitchen table, sullenly chain smoking and writing lyrics like, "did you really want. did you really want. did you really want." I know, it sounds lame, but put to really revolutionary electronic music, it's pretty sublime.

91. "Around the World in a Day" Prince

Dear Prince Rogers Nelson: I love your dirty sensitivity. To be clear: I am aware of the album "Purple Rain," but this one is better. "Condition of the Heart" and "The Ladder" are songs that I listened to for the first time when I was 13 (the album came out in 1985) and I will never forget that experience. All of Prince's music is remarkably raw, but these two gems are so stark and pure, you won't be able to handle it.

FIN FOR NOW