The lovechild of Talking Heads, Joy Division, Bowie and New Order. James Murphy's LCD Soundsystem doesn't merely indulge into its influences or copy what has been done; it delves into the past to forge something new while connecting the dots between disparate sounds and movements. A culminating and indelible listen of pop, punk, dance and rock, LCD Soundsystem's Sound of Silver is a timeless piece. If you're a production geek, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store. Highlights: Spoiler
Godspeed You! Black Emperor “Lift Your Skinny Fists to Heaven”. Ranked number 19 all time by consensus vote on RYM.com More like a movie in its pacing, length, and movements. Before I heard this album, I would say that Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” had the best build to a high point of any music ever recorded. But there is a movement on here that equals or exceeds it. For that alone and the rest of this that is all brilliant, it qualifies as perfect for me.
My fave all time studio album. Great from start to finish, song placement, etc. not the most well known group, but for me it’s my top album.
This was going to be my submission as well. This album is absolute perfection and is in my top 5 favorite albums of all time.
I think, gun to my head, they are my favorite band, and yeah, this is the pinnacle of their catalog. That said, I love almost everything they've done - in fact, I'd probably put Bleed American on the bottom half of their discography.
Toxicity is System of a Down's magnum opus, a masterpiece that is a staple in modern metal and is defined as a instant classic. It can be found among the top-lists of all time. Their other 4 albums are near perfect as well. Highlights: Spoiler
Combines all of Daft Punk's pre-RAM songs into one package, breathing new life into their discography. Absolutely rips. Highlights: Spoiler
Really surprised this wasn’t already posted in here. No skip album for me. Still listen to it regularly
Blood on the Tracks turns 50 today. One of Dylan’s many perfect albums. An album so perfect even the bootleg entirely comprised of alternate takes is perfect.
Groundbreaking fusion of rock, jazz, and psychedelic. Robby Krieger's distinctive spider guitar work, Morrison's haunting lyrics, and Manzarek's organ riffs all culminating together for one of the greatest debut albums in rock history. Highlights: Spoiler
Recently read this (Doors bio written by the drummer). Recommend for any Doors fan; it's a good mix of what actually happened and how the participants felt about it.
From Mars to Sirius by Gojira is a modern masterpiece, blending the power of soul-crushing metal with profound thematic depth. From intricate guitar work to complex drumming and captivating basslines, the band’s musical prowess explores environmental destruction, humanity’s future, and the fragility of life. The album serves as a sonic journey, and I would regard it as one of the finest achievements in all of metal. Highlights (the entire album essentially): Spoiler
blend of punk, funk, metal, rock, techno and visceral lyrics, was well ahead of its time. wonderful album.
I still never tire of listening to this album beginning to the end. Such a great blend of storytelling and music.
One of the CD versions came with a DVD that has a 5.1 surround mix. It’s fucking bonkers on my home theater system.
Reality In Motion hits me in the feels. My 9 and 15 year old (when he doesn’t have his headphones on for 30 seconds) request this album a lot. I’m happy to oblige.
Far from everyone's preferences, but: Reclaimer and Melancholy by Shadow of Intent are two near-perfect, standout masterpieces in the deathcore scene. Reclaimer is a brilliant fusion of cinematic symphonic elements and crushing metal. It delivers a grand, immersive Halo inspired sci-fi experience accompanied by tight musicianship, soaring orchestration, and relentless energy. Melancholy is its flawless evolutionary mark. Taking on a darker, more personal journey that pushes emotional and technical boundaries, it dives deep into themes of suffering and loss through its raw and haunting atmosphere. Both albums are from a band at the top of their game lead by one of the best extreme metal vocalists. Highlights: Spoiler
Yoshimi barely ekes out the Flaming Lips' the Soft Bulletin for me. Both are phenomenal albums. Highlights: Spoiler