Dez's 5 Star Albums: N-O's

In picking my "N" selections, I was confronted by two issues. First was Nirvana. I own their records, I understand the significance of Nevermind. I even like it. But I don't love it. I am constantly reminded that this list comes from two different considerations. One is objective and one is subjective. I start with the subjective by picking records that I love. Then I look at them through an objective lens and ask: beyond me just digging this album, can I make a reasonable argument for its greatness? If both criteria are met, then it makes the list. Then there is the New Order dilemma. I love New Order. But none of the albums hold together at the five star level, but they have brilliant dance and rock songs interspersed throughout their career. So they do not appear, yet I really like them.

Graham Nash – Songs For Beginners (1971): Ironically, it is the least impressive (but most likeable) member of CSN who delivered the strongest solo record of any of them, with this beautiful singer-songwriter gem from the early 70’s that hits the perfect pitch.

Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger (1975): Willie’s often beautiful and melancholy concept album about the mysterious, troubled and dangerous title character is a highlight in a long career full of highlights; this is one of the cornerstones of the 70’s country outlaw movement.

New Pornographers – Twin Cinema (2005): Power pop supergroup’s (well, sorta supergroup) best record is full of great melodies and hooks; if not completely inspired, it is the work of consummate pop craftsmen (and women).

Randy Newman – Good Old Boys (1974): Newman was one of the most exciting and controversial singer-songwriters of the 70’s, and this concept record about the Deep South is by turns brutal and coarse (“Rednecks”), tender (“Marie”), pathetic and funny (“A Wedding in Cherokee County”) and deeply rooted in Southern American history (a fantastic tune about the promise and promises of Huey Long called “Kingfish,” that is preceded by a quick cover of the actual campaign song that was written by Long himself); and I cannot think of a better written song than the devastating “Louisiana 1929.”

Randy Newman – Land of Dreams (1988): Newman’s 70’s records are more critically lauded (like 12 Songs, Sail Away, the one above and even Little Criminals), but I’m a big fan of this one, where he writes his most autobiographical songs (in the wonderful opening trilogy), before returning to more familiar territory of biting character sketches, observations of class and race, and pure pop craft.

Oasis – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory (1995): Who says retro-Brit Invasion worshippers can’t still sound fresh and vital?

Richard O’Brien – ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ motion picture soundtrack (1975): This cult classic film has lived on through the decades in large part due to the catchy, tongue-in-cheek, witty and referential music, which has surprising depth and emotion if you can get through the camp and humor.

The Orb – The Orb's New Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld (1991): One of the most important innovators in ambient music, The Orb’s wonderful double album debut takes the listener on a trippy journey.

Ozzy Osbourne – No More Tears (1991): Aside from always working with top-notch musicians, what makes Ozzy’s brand of metal so great is that underneath the volume, bombast and silly imagery lie solid songs with great melody and hooks; musically speaking, Ozzy’s songs are at root great pop songs with volume, distortion and flashy solos.

Shuggie Otis – Inspiration Information (1974): A forgotten gem from a forgotten musical genius, Shuggie’s masterpiece mixes R&B, soul, rock and psychedelia in a unique and entrancing mix; this is one of those records that many people haven’t heard of but is worth searching out (and unfortunately, I think it is the only Shuggie album NOT available on iTunes).

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ABOVE: Shuggie Otis is one of those lost genius/burnouts that music snobs love to talk about. But he really is a huge talent, great guitar player and made some brilliant music when he was active.