Entertainment Weekly recently did a special 1,000th issue. In it, they picked the 100 New classics in Film, Televison and Music. More than one blogger went through the various lists and added their two cents. This is something I wanted to do, so I was inspired by Johnny Bacardi, who in turn was inspired by Roger Green, to go ahead and do it for the music list.
I am going to comment on what albums I have, where I think EW got it right, and where it shows EW's lack of being in touch, if not their general overall whorish nature.
Code is as follows:
DNH: I don't have this in any form.
HOT: I have it on Cassette, but it hasn't been updated to CD yet.
HOCD: I have this one on CD
Here we go:
1. Purple Rain - Prince and the Revolution (1984): (DNH): Strangely enough, I do not have this album. I have Prince's greatest hits, but not this one.
2. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill (1998): (DNH): I think the mainstream media thinks Ms. Hill is better than she really is. Personally, I think Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Macy Gray are better and I like more than this album.
3. Achtung Baby - U2 (1991): (HOCD): I'll admit that I think that U2 can be a bit pretentious at times, but this is one is one great album, chock full of great songs.
4. The College Dropout - Kanye West (2004): (HOCD): Okay, I like Kayne, and I have this CD, but is it really #4 out of the last 25 years? Really? There was a lot of stuff that came out in that time.
5. Madonna - Madonna (1983): (DNH): I have a couple later Madge album, thanks mainly to not returning a record club response card in time, but not this one. But putting this on the list is like showing films of Hank Aaron in the minor leagues to give you an idea of what kind of player he is
6. American Idiot - Green Day (2004): (HOCD): I love Green Day. Big fan. I think they out of anybody are the true forebears of the Ramones and American Punk Music. I was amazed by the reaction to this album, where the press was all amazed that they could put out a good punk album after being around for 10 years. Like the only good punk music is done my people in their 20s. I have two words to refute this: Good Charlotte.
7. The Blueprint- Jay-Z: (2001): (DNH): I like what I've heard from Jay-Z but don't have any albums. I might have to pick this one up.
8. Graceland - Paul Simon (1986): (HOCD): I like Paul Simon, but sometimes he makes me wince a bit. Not this album, though. I really like this album.
9. Back to Black - Amy Winehouse (2007): (HOCD): See, I get sad whenever I think of Amy Winehouse. I loved this album and think she has the potential to be truly great, but she seem to be on a fast-moving downward spiral. It's a shame when someone who has real talent, and I think Winehouse does, wastes it.
10. In Rainbows - Radiohead (2007): (DNH): This is probably where I disagree with music critics most. They love Radiohead, and I can stand to listen to anything they put out after The Bends. This was free and I didn't even get it, that should tell you something.
11. MTV Unplugged in New York - Nirvana (1994): (HOCD): This is what frustrates me about EW. Instead of the raw brilliance of their debut Bleach, the sonic power of Nevermind, the never fulfilled potential of In Utero, they choose this, the one Nirvana CD your grandma is most likely to own, as their classic. Don't get me wrong, I like the album, but the others are more deserving of the term classics.
12. Stankonia - OutKast (2000): (HOCD): LIke Outcast and like this album, but think Speakerboxx/The Love Below is more deserving of the term "classic"
13. You Are Free - Cat Power (2003): (DNH): I don't have this one, but just downloaded "The Greatest" off eMusic. Does that count?
14. Disintegration - The Cure (1989): (HOT): I have come to grown to like the Cure. I didn't as much in high school.
15. The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem (2000): (HOCD): I like some Eminem, which makes me feel like I should register with the police. Some of his stuff is out there.
16. Rain Dogs - Tom Waits (1985): (DNH): I have friends, good friends, who like Tom Waits. I've borrowed stuff of his off them but he just doesn't do it for me. Listening to him is like listening to gravel talk for me (if gravel could talk, that is).
17. Odelay - Beck (1996): (HOCD): Beck is another critical favorite who I don't like as much as the music critics say I should. I think this is his best album, but I don't think every thing he does is genius.
18. People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm - A Tribe Called Quest (1990): (DNH) Although, I do like what I've heard of TCQ.
19. Dangerously in Love - Beyoncé (2003): (DNH): Although I do have B'Day, which I think is a stronger album.
20. Tidal - Fiona Apple (1996): (HOCD) I like Fiona Apple and I like this album a lot. However, having her being on the list this high and Tori Amos, who, let's face it, Apple follows in the footsteps of, not being on the list at all really shows that EW has its head up its ass, I mean, really? I'm not saying this shouldn't be on here, but not before Little Earthquakes.
21. The Emancipation of Mimi - Mariah Carey (2005): (DNH): I like her earlier stuff, and appreciate she made a comeback from the whole Glitter fiasco, but her latest stuff all sounds the same.
22. 3 Feet High and Rising - De La Soul (1989): (DNH): I like "Me, Myself and I" but don't have this album.
23. The Soft Bulletin - The Flaming Lips (1999): (DNH): Part of me thinks I would like The Flaming Lips, but I haven't heard anything outside of "She Don't Use Jelly".
24. Come On Over - Shania Twain (1997): (HOCD): Part of me, to the consternation of my wife, really likes country. It doesn't hurt when it's sung by a gorgeous woman either.
25. Turn On the Bright Lights - Interpol (2002): (DNH): I believe I have the follow up (or the one after that) and wasn't terribly impressed.
26. Time Out of Mind - Bob Dylan (1997): (DNH): I am torn about Dylan. I respect his artistry, but I really can't get into his later stuff.
27. Funeral - Arcade Fire (2004): (DNH): I have Neon Bible and like it quite a lot. I believe this one is on eMusic as well. Maybe I'll pick it up.
Oh, and BTW, I pretty sure that EW is picking all the older albums form today's trendy bands--instead of the albums that made their name for them--in an attempt to seem hip.
28. Illmatic - Nas (1994): (DNH): Never really got into Nas.
29. Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson (2004): (HOCD): I really, really like this album. I guess I should be embarrassed by admitting I like an albumn by an America Idol winner, but it won't be the most embarrassing admission from me on the list.
30. Appetite for Destruction - Guns N' Roses (1987): (HOCD): This truly is a classic. It's sad that Axl Rose has become an oddity. I mean, I could work on an album for 16 years and have it come out half way decent.
31. FutureSex/LoveSounds - Justin Timberlake (2006): (HOCD): I mean this as a complement, but I believe Timberlake has the potential to be a modern day Michael Jackson. He is a good pop artist who sings solid pop songs. Of course, if you are including pop songs as "classics", then why no N'Sync or Backstreet Boys?
32. Life's Rich Pageant - R.E.M. (1985): (HOCD): I love R.E.M. I totally think they should have ranked higher. I do have to give EW credit for not going with the more obvious Out of Time or Automatic for the People for this list, although I think Fables of the Reconstruction is a better album.
33. As I Am - Alicia Keys (2007): (HOCD): I own this, and love the single from it, but have yet to listen to it all the way through. That happens a lot and has to stop.
34. Is This It - The Strokes (2001): (HOCD): I have this, listened to it, and thought it was just okay. I think either of the Killers albums, The Vines, or even Franz Ferdinand should be on the list before this one.
35. Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette (1995): (HOCD): I like Alanis and think this one should be on the list, but above/instead of Tori Amos of Sarah McLaclan? I don't think so.
36. CrazySexyCool - TLC (1994): (HOCD): I'll agree this qualifies as a classic. I don't love everything about it, but it was good.
37. The Moon & Antarctica - Modest Mouse (2000): (DNH): See #27. Also, they opened for R.E.M. at MSG. First time I heard anything other than "Float On". A lot of shouting to disjointed music. Yeah, not for me.
38. Raising Hell - Run DMC (1986): (DNH): But they deserve a place on the list.
39. Sheryl Crow - Sheryl Crow (1996): (HOCD): I like Sheryl Crow. I feel like I shouldn't, or at least feel embarassed I do, but I do like her.
40. Ready to Die - The Notorious B.I.G. (1994): (DNH): I did listen to it. I though it was okay. I wonder if it would still be legendary if Biggie was still alive?
41. Legend - Bob Marley and the Wailers (1984): (HOCD): Isn't this a greatest hits collection? If that's the case, why aren't all of the 100 greatest hits collections?
42. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)- Wu-Tang Clan (1993) (DNH): I like the Wu-Tang Clan in principle (and who wouldn't like a band with one or more comic book fans in its line-up) but never really heard enough to garner an opinion on their music.
43. Paul's Boutique - Beastie Boys (1989): (HOCD): Now this is a classic. I love the Beasties. This is the one where they went from Frat Rap to something more special.
44. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams (1998): (DNH): I don't know much about Williams, but I get the impression that I ewould like her if I gave her the chance.
45. If You're Feeling Sinister - Belle and Sebastian (1996): (DNH): I don't know anything about Belle and Sebastian. Except that I think of a Disney movie whenever I hear their name.
46. Homogenic - Björk (1997): (DNH): I like maybe three songs by Bjork, but otherwise, she really grates on me. I don't think doing crazy stuff on record is automatically artistic.
47. Exile in Guyville - Liz Phair (1993): (HOCD): I love Liz Phair and this is the best representation of her. Good choice.
48. American IV: The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash (2002): (HOCD): Johnny Cash is the man.
49. A Rush of Blood to the Head - Coldplay (2002): (DNH): I'm sorry but I think Coldplay is the sonic equivalent of warm milk. After I listen to them, I feel the need to take a nap. It doesn't mean they don't make good music, it's just not for me.
50. Sounds of Silver - LCD Soundsystem (2007): (DNH): This is another buzz band I have heard a lot of good reviews for. Maybe I should check them out.
51. The Score - Fugees (1996): (DNH): I guess this is good for what it is. But, in my opinion, they have a great reputation for very little music. I'd like to hear more before I'd call them legends.
52. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon (2007): (HOCD): Actually, I have this on MP3 downloaded from eMusic. Since I didn't make an abbreviation for that, I guess this one will have to do. Another CD I have yet to listen to all of.
53. King of America - Elvis Costello (1986): (DNH): I like Elvis and am just starting to get into him more.
54. Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 - Janet Jackson (1989): (HOCD): See, this album is almost too good. Everything she put out is compared to this and, really, that's not fair.
55. It Takes a Nation of Millions... - Public Enemy (1988): (DNH): I have one of their greatest hits, and like what I've heard, but haven't picked up any individual albums yet.
56. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco (2002): (DNH): I've liked what I've heard of Wilco, but never got any further into them.
57. Harvest Moon - Neil Young (1992): (DNH): I like Neil Young a lot. One day, I might pick up more albums by him. All I have is his greatest hits.
58. Surfer Rosa - The Pixies (1988): (DNH) I don't have this yet, but it is on eMusic.
59. Ray of Light - Madonna (1998): (HOCD): This was one of the Columbia House specials. It's a good disc. Frozen is a great song.
60. Crooked Rain Crooked Rain - Pavement (1994): (DNH): I tried getting into Pavement in the 90s, but at the time I didn't like what I heard. But I think if I listened to them now, I might like them better.
61. Paid in Full - Eric B. & Rakim (1987): (DNH) I've seen this on a lot of best-of lists. Maybe I should pick it up.
62. OK Computer - Radiohead (1997): (DNH) See #10.
63. The Joshua Tree - U2 (1987): (HOCD): The CD is actually my wifes, but I do have it on Tape as well. YEah, I don't really have to say much about how good it is. If you don't know, nothing I say could convince you.
64. Mama's Gun - Erykah Badu (2000): (DNH): I've liked what I've heard, but haven't bought anything by her.
65. Elephant - The White Stripes (2003): (DNH): This is the one White Stripes I don't have. I like the WS quite a lot. Eventually, I will have to buy this one too.
66. The Chronic - Dr. Dre (1992): (DNH): See, this is going to sound weird. But I'm not a pothead. I don't like it. So I really can't get past the title. That is my main reason for not picking it up.
67. Metallica - Metallica (1991): (HOT): I like this album a lot. I really should listen to more Metallica.
68. Wrecking Ball - Emmylou Harris (1995): (DNH): Emmylou Harris has worked with a lot of artists that I like. So I would probably like her if I gave her a chance. But I haven't really heard any of her work.
69. Give Up - The Postal Service (2003): (DNH): It might be just me, and this isn't a shot against The Postal Service, but there sure are a lot of hip and trendy Alt fave bands from the last five years on the list. Could they be classics eventually? Maybe. Are some of them classics now? Perhaps. Did they knock off other albums that should be considered classics off the list? Most definitely.
70. My Life - Mary J. Blige (1994): (DNH): In principle, I should like MJB. And I have liked what I have heard. But I guess not enough to delve any further.
71. Rock Steady - No Doubt (2001): (HOCD): I like No Doubt a lot, but I find myself hard pressed to consider any of their music "classic". It's good stuff, but will kids in 2021 be tracking it down?
72. 1984 - Van Halen (1984): (HOCD): Another dead solid perfect choice for classic. Maybe not the best from the band, but one of the most influential.
73. The Queen is Dead - Smiths (1986): (DNH): Love the Smiths. I have the greatest hits, but no single records. Someday, I'll probably fix that.
74. Play - Moby (1999): (DNH): I almost bought this once or twice but never pulled the trigger.
75. Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen (1984): (HOCD): Yes, classic.
76. Heartbreaker - Ryan Adams (2000): (DNH): Ryan Adams is another artist I would like to hear more from. I liked Gold.
77. Dummy - Portishead (1994): (DNH): I've liked some of what I've heard, but I have never really been in the mood for to hear more.
78. Vs. - Pearl Jam (1991): (HOCD): This is a pretty good choice. It's more polished than Ten, less experimental that Vitalogy. Therefore, a good representative of the best period of the band.
79. Let It Be - The Replacements (1984): (HOT?): I like the Mats a lot, and they should be in the Hall of Fame, by the way, but I think I have this in Tape, not CD. Well, not yet anyway.
80. Back to Basics - Christina Aguilera (2006): (HOCD): You know what? I like Xtina. She's got a great voice and she takes risks. At times playful, others heartbreaking. She, not Britney, is the modern day Madonna Only with better pipes.
81. The Downward Spiral - Nine Inch Nails (1994): (HOCD): NIN is a band I should really like, even today, yet we grew apart. This is a good representation, though.
82. Grace - Jeff Buckley (1994): (DNH): Never got into him.
83. Learning to Crawl - The Pretenders (1984): (DNH) I never really liked the Pretenders. I don't know why. Maybe it has to do with the fact Chrissy Hynde scared me when I was a kid. She could be the sweetest woman on Earth, but she looks like she could cut you at a moments notice just to watch you bleed. At least to the stupid idiot kid version of me she did.
84. Low-Life - New Order (1985): (DNH): I like New Order but don't have any individual albums.
85. Home - Dixie Chicks (2002): (HOCD): Dixie Chicks rock. As does this album. Loaded with great songs.
86. Loveless - My Bloody Valentine (1991): (HOCD): Funny thing is, I got this one when I was working in a record store in the late 90s. It was a promo that no one ever took home. It was like it was waiting there for years waiting for me. I'm glad it was, it is a deceptively good album. You kind of forget how good it is after you haven't listen to it.
87. All Eyez on Me - 2Pac (1996): (DNH): Yeah, I'm not a fan. See #40.
88. So - Peter Gabriel (1986): (HOT): Yeah, this is one great album. I like Peter Gabriel quite a bit. My wife does too. So I got that going for me, which is nice.
89. Bachelor No. 2 - Aimee Mann (2000): (DNH): My wife is a Aimee Mann fan but I don't think she has this one.
90. Toxicity - System of a Down (2001): (HOCD): Odd to see System on this list. I mean, I think they're great, but not what you'd tinstantly think as classic.
91. Siamese Dream - Smashing Pumpkins (1993): (HOCD): Great album.
92. The Writing's on the Wall - Destiny’s Child (1999): (DNH): Is this pre-purge Destiny's Child (where they lost two members overnight and only got one in return)? Or post-purge?
93. Either/Or - Elliott Smith (1997): (DNH): I like Elliot Smith and have X/O. But not this one.
94. Synchronicity - The Police (1983): (DNH): I love Synchronicity 2 off the album, but I don't own this one. I own the Police greatest hits and that's about the same thing, almost.
95. Trap Muzik T.I. (2003): (DNH): Yeah, not at all familiar with this one. This is how I know I'm getting old.
96. Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea - PJ Harvey (2000): (DNH): I love early P.J. I should really catch up on her later stuff.
97. Britney - Britney Spears (2001): (HOCD): Yeah, I own a Britney Spears CD. But wait, it gets worse. I own EVERY Britney CD. It's worse still, Either of her first two CD's should be on this list instead of this one.
I am not proud. What can I say. I like pop music.
98. Transatlanticism - Death Cab for Cutie (2003): (DNH): This is another critical darling that I am unsure of. What I've heard I've kinda liked, but didn't seem worthy of all the accolades.
99. Live Through This - Hole (1994): (HOT): This is their breakthrough, and the closest thing they have to a "classic", but I like Celebrity Skin better.
100. Faith - George Michael (1987): (DNH): I have the greatest hits, but not this one. This one was a "secret like". I was in high school when it came out, and if I admitted I liked it, I would be picked on mercilessly. And since I was already picked on mercilessly, I didn't need more punishment.
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By my count, I have 44 out of 100 (although it is quarter of two when I am writing this, and my math might be lacking).
Of course, as is the case with any of EW's lists, there are some glaring omissions. Like Dave Matthews Band, the first Jewel album, Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan. Perhaps even Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, and maybe Weezer? There could have been more from R.E.M. Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. But the biggest omission has to be Michael Jackson's Thriller. It came out in 1983, same as Madonna's album. And no matter what kind of person Jacko turned out to be, you cannot deny that Thriller was one of the most legendary albums to come down the pike in the last 25 years. I'm not a fan of the man, but, cripes, I grew up in the 80s. Thriller was everywhere in the 80s.
I think EW does this deliberately. Before these lists are even calculated they pull the most obvious choice out of consideration and add the most wacky, oddball choice as a definite. It gets people talking about the list and that means more people are talking about EW. And that's why I can't take these lists 100% seriously.
