Tag Archives: 500 greatest albums of all time

On February 25, 1997.

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On February 25, 1997, “Kill Rock Stars” label released “Either/Or”, the third Elliot Smith studio album. It was recorded in 1996, and was produced by Elliot Smith, Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf. In 2013, “NME” magazine ranked Either/Or at number 149 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, and in 2020, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked the album at number 216 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Elliott Smith – vocals, all instruments, mixing
  • Larry Crane – recording
  • Joanna Bolme – mixing, back cover photography
  • Rob Schnapf – mixing
  • Tom Rothrock – mixing
  • Don C. Tyler – mastering
  • Neil Gust – sleeve layout
  • Debbie Pastor – front cover photography

Track listing

All tracks by Elliott Smith.

  1. Speed Trials
  2. Alameda
  3. Ballad of Big Nothing
  4. Between the Bars
  5. Pictures of Me
  6. No Name No.5
  7. Rose Parade
  8. Punch and Judy
  9. Angeles
  10. Cupid’s Trick
  11. 2.45 AM
  12. Say Yes

In September 1966

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In September 1966, “Phillips” label released “Wild Is the Wind”, the sixth Nina Simone studio album. It was recorded 1964 – 1965, in New York City, and was produced by Hal Mooney. In 2020, it was ranked 212 on “Rolling Stone’s” list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Nina Simone – vocals, piano, arranger
  • Horace Ott – arranger
  • Sid Mark – liner notes
  1. I Love Your Lovin’ Ways – Bennie Benjamin, Sol Marcus
  2. Four Woman – Nina Simone
  3. What More Can I Say – Horace Ott, Wade Brown Jr.
  4. Lilac Wine – James Shelton
  5. That’s All I Ask – Horace Ott
  6. Break Down and Let It All Out – Van McCoy
  7. Why keep On Breaking My Heart – Bennie Benjamin, Sol Marcus
  8. Wild is the Wind – Dimitri Tiomkin, Ned Washington
  9. Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair – traditional
  10. If I Should Lose You – Ralph Rainger, Leo Robin
  11. Either Way I Lose – Van McCoy

On March 4, 1957.

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On March 4, 1957, “Specialty” label released “Here’s Little Richard”, the debut Little Richard album. It was recorded September 1955 – October 1956. In 2003, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked the album at number 50 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, and ranked the track “Tutti Frutti” at number 43 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Little Richard (Richard Penniman) – vocals, piano
  • Edgar Blanchard – guitar
  • Frank Fields – bass
  • Earl Palmer – drums
  • Lee Allen – tenor saxophone
  • Alvin “Red” Tyler – baritone saxophone
  • Huey Smith – piano
  • Justin Adams – guitar
  • William “Frosty” Pyles – guitar
  • Roy Montrell – guitar
  • Nathaniel Douglas – guitar
  • Lloyd Lambert – bass
  • Olsie Richard Robinson – bass
  • Oscar Moore – drums
  • Charles Connor – drums
  • Renald Richard – trumpet
  • Clarence Ford – tenor and baritone saxophone
  • Wilbert Smith – tenor saxophone
  • Grady Gaines – tenor saxophone
  • Joe Tillman – tenor saxophone
  • Clifford Burks – tenor saxophone
  • Jewell Grant – baritone saxohone

Track listing:

  1. Tutti Frutti – Richard Penniman, Dorothy LaBostrie, Joe Lubin
  2. True, Fine Mama – Richard Penniman
  3. Can’t Believe You Wanna Leave – Leo Price
  4. Ready Teddy – Robert Blackwell, John Marascalco
  5. Baby – Richard Penniman
  6. Slippin’ and Slidin’ – Richard Penniman, Eddie Bocage, Al Collins, James Smith
  7. Long Tall Sally – Enotris Johnson, Robert Blackwell, Richard Penniman
  8. Miss Ann – Richard Penniman, Enotris Johnson
  9. Oh Why? – Winfield Scott
  10. Rip It Up – Robert Blackwell, John Marascalco
  11. Jenny, Jenny – Enotris Johnson, Richard Penniman
  12. She’s Got It – John Marascalco, Richard Penniman

On July 27, 1993.

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On July 27, 1993, “Virgin” label released “Siamese Dream”, the second Smashing Pumpkins studio album. It was recorded December 1992 – March 1993, at “Triclops Sound Studios” in Marietta, Georgia, and was produced by Butch Vig and Billy Corgan. In 2003, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked it number 362 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. The album was certified 4 x Platinum in Canada by “CRIA”, and 4 x Platinum in US by “RIAA”.

Personnel:

  • Billy Corgan– lead vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar, Mellotron, string arrangements, mixing
  • James Iha– rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • D’arcy Wretzky– bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Jimmy Chamberlin– drums
  • Mike Mills– piano
  • Eric Remschneider– string arrangements, cello
  • David Ragsdale– string arrangements, violin
  • Butch Vig– engineering, mixing, string arrangements
  • Jeff Tomei – engineering
  • Tim Holbrook – special technical engineering
  • Alan Moulder– mixing
  • Howie Weinberg– mastering
  • Len Peltier – sleeve art direction
  • Steve J. Gerdes – sleeve design
  • Melodie McDaniel – sleeve photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Billy Corgan, except where noted.

  1. Cherub Rock
  2. Quiet
  3. Today
  4. Hummer
  5. Rocket
  6. Disarm
  7. Soma – Billy Corgan, James Iha
  8. Geek U.S.A
  9. Mayonaise – Billy Corgan, James Iha
  10. Spacebot
  11. Silverfuck
  12. Sweet Sweet
  13. Luna

In April 1962.

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In April 1962, “ABC-Paramount” label released “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music”, the 19th Ray Charles album. It was recorded in February 1962, at “Capitol Studios” in New York City and “United Recording Studios” in Hollywood, and was produced by Sid Feller, Ray Charles and Joe Adams. In 1999, the album was inducted into the “Grammy Hall of Fame”. In 2001, the album track “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was inducted into the “Grammy Hall of Fame”. in 2001,  the album was cited by “The Recording Academy” as a recording of “historical significance. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was ranked number 49 on “Country Music Television’s” list of the “100 Greatest Songs of Country Music”  In 2001, “VH1” channel listed the album in its list of “The 100 Greatest Albums of R ‘N’ R”. In 2003, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked the album at number 104 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Ray Charles– vocals, piano
  • Hank Crawford– alto saxophone
  • Gil Fuller, Gerald Wilson– big band arrangements
  • Marty Paich– string arrangements
  • Todd Everett – liner notes
  • Bill Inglot, Ken Perry – remastering
  • Michael Ochs Archives, Hugh Bell – photography
  • Bill Putnam, Gene Thompson, Johnny Cue.Bob Arnold, Frank Abbey – engineering

Track listing:

  1. Bye Bye Love – Boudleaux Bryant, Felice Bryant
  2. You Don’t Know Me – Eddy Arnold, Cindy Walker
  3. Half As Much – Curley Williams
  4. I Love You So Much It Hurts – Floyd Tillman
  5. Just a Little Lovin’ (Will Go a Long Way) – Eddy Arnold, Zeke Clements
  6. Born To Lose – Frankie Brown, (Ted Daffan)
  7. Worried Mind – Ted Daffan, Jimmie Davis
  8. It Makes No Difference Now – Floyd Tillman, Jimmie Davis
  9. You Win Again – Hank Williams
  10. Careless Love – traditional, arranged by Ray Charles
  11. I Can’t Stop Loving You – Don Gibson
  12. Hey, Good Lookin’ – Hank Williams

 

In March 1966.

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In March 1966, “Dunhill” label released “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears”, the debut Mamas & the Papas album. It was recorded 1965 – 1966, and was produce by Lou Adler. In 2003, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked it at number 127 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Denny Doherty– vocals
  • Cass Elliot– vocals
  • John Phillips– vocals, guitar
  • Michelle Phillips– vocals
  • F. Sloan– guitars, additional vocals
  • Larry Knechtel- keyboards
  • Hal Blaine– drums
  • Joe Osborn– bass guitar
  • Bud Shank– flute
  • Peter Pilafian – electric violin
  • Bones Howe– engineer
  • Guy Webster – photography

Track listing:

  1. Monday, Monday – John Phillips
  2. Straight Shooter – John Phillips
  3. Got a Feelin’ – John Phillips, Denny Doherty
  4. I Call Your Name – John Lennon, Paul McCartney
  5. Do You Wanna Dance – Bobby Freeman
  6. Go Where You Wanna Go – John Phillips
  7. California Dreamin’ – John Phillips, Michelle Phillips
  8. Spanish Harlem – Jerry Leiber, Phil Spector
  9. Somebody Groovy – John Phillips
  10. Hey Girl – John Phillips, Michelle Phillips
  11. You Baby – Steve Barri,  F. Sloan
  12. The ‘In’ Crowd – Billy Page

On December 26, 1999.

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On December 26, 1999, Curtis Lee Mayfield died aged 57. He was musician (guitar, keyboards, piano), singer, songwriter and record producer, regarded as one of the most influential musicians and composers in soul and politically conscious African-American music. Mayfield started the career in a gospel choir, gained wide recognition as member and main composer of The Impressions, and later had a successful solo career. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked his 1965 song “People Get Ready” at number 24 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. The same song was also included in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”, and in 1998 was inducted into the “Grammy Hall of Fame”. His album with the soundtrack for the 1972 movie “Super Fly”  was ranked at number 72 on “Rolling Stone’s” list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.  In 1994, Mayfield won a “Grammy Legend Award” in and a “Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1995. In 1991, he was inductee into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” as a member of the Impressions, and in 1999 as a solo artist.

In November 1976.

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In November 1976, “Asylum” label released “The Pretender”, the fourth Jackson Browne studio album. It was recorded in 1976, at “The Sound Factory” in Hollywood, and was produced by Jon Landau. The album was ranked at number 391 on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Jackson Browne– vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, photography
  • John Hall, Albert Lee, Fred Tackett, Waddy Wachtel– acoustic and electric guitars
  • Luis Damian – acoustic guitar, harmony vocals
  • Lowell George– slide guitar, harmony vocals
  • Roberto Gutierrez – guitarron, violin, backing vocals
  • David Lindley– fiddle, lap steel guitar
  • Roy Bittan, Craig Doerge, Bill Payne, Michael Utley– keyboards
  • Bob Glaub, Chuck Rainey, Leland Sklar– bass
  • Jim Gordon, Russ Kunkel, Jeff Porcaro– drums
  • Gary Coleman – percussion
  • Arthur Gerst – harp, backing vocals, musical arrangements
  • Chuck Findley– trumpet
  • Richard Hyde– trombone
  • Jim Horn, Quitman Dennis – saxophones
  • Rosemary Butler, David Crosby, Don Henley, Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, D. Souther– harmony vocals
  • John Haeny, Mark Howlett, Greg Ladanyi – engineers
  • Paul Black – assistant engineer
  • Val Garay, Greg Ladanyi – mixing
  • Dennis Kirk – mixing assistant
  • Bernie Grundman – mastering
  • John Haeny – recorder
  • David Campbell, Arthur Gerst, Jim Horn – arrangers
  • David Campbell – string arrangements
  • Paul Black, Dennis Kirk – assistants
  • Gary Burden – art direction, design
  • Howard Burke – photography
  • Tom Kelley – cover photography
  • Jon Landau – notes editing

Track listing:

All tracks by Jackson Browne except where noted.

  1. The Fuse
  2. Your Bright Baby Blues
  3. Linda Paloma
  4. Here Come Those Tears Again – Jackson Browne, Nancy Farnsworth
  5. The Only Child
  6. Daddy’s Tune
  7. Sleep’s Dark and Silent Gate
  8. The Pretender

 

In November 1968.

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In November 1968, “Warner Bros” label released “Astral Weeks”, the second Van Morrison studio album.It was recorded September – October at “Century Sound Studios” in New York City, and was produced by Lewis Merenstein. In 1995 “Mojo” magazine ranked “Astral Weeks” at number two on its list of the greatest albums of all time; in 1998 it was voted the 9th greatest album of all time in a “Music of the Millennium” poll conducted by “HMV”, “Channel 4” and “The Guardian”; in 2000, “Q” magazine ranked it at number 6 on its list of the “100 Greatest British Albums Ever”; in 2003, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked it at number 19 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, and in 2006, “Time” magazine included “Astral Weeks” in its list of the “All-TIME 100 Albums”.

Personnel:

  • Van Morrison— vocals, acoustic guitar
  • John Payne — flute; soprano saxophone
  • Jay Berliner— classical and steel-string acoustic guitars
  • Richard Davis— double bass
  • Warren Smith, Jr.— percussion, vibraphone
  • Connie Kay— drums
  • Larry Fallon— string arrangements, conductor; harpsichord
  • Barry Kornfeld — acoustic guitar
  • Brooks Arthur — engineer
  • Ed Thrasher— art director
  • Joel Brodsky— photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Van Morrison.

Part One: In The Beginning

  1. Astral Weeks
  2. Beside You
  3. Sweet Thing
  4. Cyprus Avenue

Part Two: Afterwards

  1. The Way Young Lovers Do
  2. Madame George
  3. Ballerina
  4. Slim Slow Slider