Tag Archives: 500 greatest albums of all time

The Clash: Sandinista

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The_Clash_-_Sandinista!

On December 12, 1980, “CBS” label released “Sandinista!”, the fourth Clash studio album. The triple album 36 songs were recorded February – August 1980, at “Pluto Studios” in Manchester; “The Power Station” in New York, “Electric Lady Studios” in New York City, “Channel One Studios” in Kingston, and  at “Wessex Studios” in London, and was produced by Mikey Dread, Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked “Sandinista” on number 404, on it’s list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”; Sandinista! was voted best album of the year in the Pazz & Jop critics poll in “The Village Voice” and in 2012, “Slant” magazine ranked the album at number 85 on its “Best Albums of the 1980s”.

Personnel:

  • Joe Strummer– lead vocals, guitars
  • Mick Jones– vocals, guitars
  • Paul Simonon– vocals, bass
  • Topper Headon– vocals, drums
  • Tymon Dogg – vocals, violin, keyboard
  • Mickey Gallagher – keyboards
  • Ivan Julian – guitar
  • Noel ‘Tempo’ Bailey – guitar
  • Lew Lewis – harmonica
  • Davey Payne – saxophone
  • Gary Barnacle– saxophone
  • Arthur Edward “Bill” Barnacle – trumpet
  • Norman Watt-Roy – bass
  • Jody Linscott– percussion
  • Ellen Foley- co-lead vocal
  • Den Hegarty(Darts) – vocals
  • Luke & Ben Gallagher – vocals
  • Maria Gallagher – coda vocals

Track listing:

All tracks by the

Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon, except where noted.

  1. The Magnificent Seven
  2. Hitsville K.
  3. Junco Partner
  4. Ivan Meets G.I.Joe
  5. The Leader
  6. Something About England
  7. Rebel Waltz
  8. Look Here – Mose Allison
  9. The Crooked Beat
  10. Somebody Got Murdered
  11. One More Time –Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, Mikey Dread
  12. One More Dub – Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon,  Mikey Dread
  13. Lightning Strikes
  14. Up in Heaven
  15. Corner Soul
  16. Let’s Go Crazy
  17. If Music Could Talk – Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, Mikey Dread
  18. The Sound of Sinners
  19. Police on My Back – Eddy Grant
  20. Midnight Log
  21. The Equaliser
  22. The Call Up
  23. Washington Bullets
  24. Broadway
  25. Lose This Skin – Tymon Dogg
  26. Charlie Don’t Surf
  27. Mensforth Hill
  28. Junkie Slip
  29. Kingston Advice
  30. The Street Parade
  31. Version City
  32. Living in Fame – Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, Mikey Dread
  33. Sillicone on Sapphire
  34. Version Pardner
  35. Career Opportunities
  36. Shepherds Delight

Cream: Fresh Cream

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Fresh Cream

On December 9, 1966, “Reaction” label released “Fresh Cream”, the debut Cream studio album. It was recorded July – October 1966, at the “Rayrik Studios” and “Ryemese Studios” in London, and was produced by Robert Stigwood. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked the album at number 101 on it’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of all Time”.

Personnel:

  • Eric Clapton – vocals, guitar
  • Jack Bruce- vocals, bass, harmonica, piano
  • Ginger Baker- vocals, drums, percussion

Track listing:

  1. S.U. – Jack Bruce
  2. Sleepy Time Time – Jack Bruce, Janet Godfrey
  3. Dreaming – Jack Bruce
  4. Sweet Wine – Jack Bruce, Janet Godfrey
  5. Spoonful – Willie Dixon
  6. Wrapping Paper – Jack Bruce, Pete Brown
  7. Cat’s Squirrel – traditional, arr. by Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce
  8. Four Until Late – Robert Johnson, arr. Eric Clapton
  9. The Coffee Song – Ray Smith, Tony Colton
  10. Rollin’ and Tumblin’ – Hambone Willie Newbern
  11. I’m so Glad – Skip James
  12. Toad – Ginger Baker

 

The Beatles: Rubber Soul

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Rubber_Soul

On December 3, 1965, “Parlaphone” label released “Rubber Soul”, the sixth Beatles studio album. “Rubber Soul” was recorded in October and November 1965, at the “EMI Studios” in London, and was produced by George Martin. In 2012, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked “Rubber Soul” on number five on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel

  • John Lennon– lead, harmony and backing vocals, rhythm and acoustic guitars, electric piano
  • Paul McCartney– lead, harmony and backing vocals, lead, acoustic and bass guitars, piano
  • George Harrison– lead, harmony and backing vocals, lead, rhythm, acoustic and bass guitars, sitar
  • Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine, maracas, cowbell, bells, cymbals, lead vocals, Hammond organ
  • Mal Evans– Hammond organ
  • Robert Freeman- photography

Track listing

  1. I’ve Just Seen a Face – Paul McCartney
  2. Norwegian Woods – John Lennon, Paul McCartney
  3. You Won’t See Me – Paul McCartney
  4. Think for Yourself – George Harrison
  5. The Word – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison
  6. Michelle – Paul McCartney
  7. It’s Only Love – John Lennon
  8. Girl – John Lennon
  9. I’m Looking Through You – Paul McCartney
  10. In My Life – John Lennon
  11. Wait – Paul McCartney, John Lennon
  12. Run For Your Life – Paul McCartney, John Lennon

 

Pink Floyd: The Wall

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Pink Floyd - Wall

On November 30, 1979, “Harvest” label released “The Wall”, the eleventh Pink Floyd studio album. This was the last studio album released with the lineup of David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and  Nick Mason. Richard Wright left the band after the release of the album. It was recorded from December 1978 till November 1979, at the “Britannia Row”, “Super Bear Studio”, “Studio Miraval” in France, “CBS 30th Street Studio” in New York, and at the “Producers Workshop” in Los Angeles, and was produced by Bob Ezrin, David Gilmour, James Guthrie and Roger Waters. The album featured band’s only number one single “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2”, and became one of the best selling albums of 1980. By 1999 “The Wall” sold in more than 23 million copies worldwide. Magazine “Rolling Stone” ranked “The Wall” at number 87 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Roger Waters- vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, synthesizers, sound effects, design
  • David Gilmour- vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, bass, synthesizers
  • Nick Mason- drums, percussion
  • Richard Wright- piano, Hammond organ, electric piano, synthesizers, bass pedals
  • Children of Islington Green School– vocals
  • Bob Ezrin– piano, Hammond organ, synthesizers, reed organ, backing vocals
  • James Guthrie– percussion, synthesizer, sound effects
  • Jeff Porcaro– drums
  • Joe Porcaro, Blue Ocean & 34 other – snare drums
  • Lee Ritenour– guitars
  • Joe (Ron) di Blasi – classical guitar
  • Fred Mandel– Hammond organ
  • Bobbye Hall– congas, bongos
  • Frank Marrocco– concertina
  • Larry Williams – clarinet
  • Trevor Veitch – mandolin
  • New York Orchestra – orchestra
  • New York Opera – choral vocals
  • Unnamed children’s choir from New York – children’s choral vocals
  • “Vicki & Clare” – backing vocals
  • Bruce Johnston– backing vocals
  • Toni Tennille– backing vocals
  • Joe Chemay – backing vocals
  • Jon Joyce – backing vocals
  • Stan Farber – backing vocals
  • Jim Haas– backing vocals
  • Harry Waters– child’s voice
  • Chris Fitzmorris – male telephone voice
  • Trudy Young – voice of the groupie
  • Phil Taylor – sound effects
  • Bob Ezrin – orchestral arrangements
  • Michael Kamen– orchestral arrangements
  • Gerald Scarfe – design

Track listing:

All tracks by Roger Waters, except where noted.

  1. In the Flash
  2. The Thin Ice – David Gilmour, Roger Waters
  3. Another Brick in the Wall (part 1)
  4. The Happiest Days of Our Lives
  5. Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) – David Gilmour, Roger Waters
  6. Mother – David Gilmour and Roger Waters
  7. Goodbye Blue Sky
  8. Empty Spaces
  9. Young Lust – Roger Waters and David Gilmour
  10. One of My Turns
  11. Don’t Leave Me Now
  12. Another Brick in the Wall (Part 3)
  13. Goodbye Cruel World
  14. Hey You
  15. Is There Anybody Out There
  16. Nobody Home
  17. Vera
  18. Bring the Boys Back Home
  19. Comfortably Numb
  20. The Show Must Go On
  21. In the Flesh
  22. Run Like Hell – David Gilmour, Roger Waters
  23. Waiting for Worms
  24. Stop
  25. The Trial – Roger Waters, Bob Ezrin
  26. Outside the Wall

George Harrison: All Things Must Pass

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George Harrison-All Things Must Pass

On November 27, 1970, “Apple” label released “All Things Must Pass”, the third George Harrison solo album. The material for the triple album was recorded from May to October 1970, at the Abbey Road Studios, Trident Studios,  Apple Studio in London, and was produced by Phil Spector and George Harrison. In 1993 “The Times” magazine ranked “All Things Must Pass” on number 79 on it’s list of “The 100 Best Albums of All Time”, magazine “Rolling Stone” ranked the album on place 433 on its list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. In January 2014, “All Things Must Pass” was inducted into the “Grammy Hall of Fame”. The album was certified 6 x Platinum in the US by “RIAA”.

Personnel:

  • George Harrison – lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, dobro, harmonica, Moog synthesizer, harmonium
  • Eric Clapton – acoustic and electric guitar, backing vocals
  • Dave Mason– electric and acoustic guitars
  • Pete Drake– pedal steel
  • Pete Ham– acoustic guitar
  • Tom Evans– acoustic guitar
  • Joey Molland– acoustic guitar
  • Tony Ashton– piano
  • Gary Brooker– piano
  • Gary Wright – piano, organ, electric piano
  • Bobby Whitlock – organ, harmonium, piano, tubular bells, backing vocals
  • Billy Preston– organ, piano
  • Klaus Voormann– bass, electric guitar
  • Carl Radle– bass
  • Ginger Baker– drums
  • Jim Gordon– drums
  • Ringo Starr– drums, percussion
  • Alan White– drums, vibraphone
  • Phil Collins– percussion
  • Mike Gibbins– percussion
  • Mal Evans– percussion, backing vocals
  • John Barham– vibraphone, harmonium, orchestral and choral arrangement
  • Bobby Keys– saxophones
  • Jim Price– trumpet, trombone, horn arrangements
  • Eddie Klein – backing vocals

Track listing:

All tracks by George Harrison, except where noted.

  1. I’d Have You Anytime George Harrison, Bob Dylan
  2. My Sweet Lord
  3. Wah-Wah
  4. Isn’t It a Pity (Version One)
  5. What Is Life
  6. If Not for You – Bob Dylan
  7. Behind That Locked Door
  8. Let It Down
  9. Run of the Mill
  10. Beware of Darkness
  11. Apple Scruffs
  12. Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)
  13. Awaiting on You All
  14. All Things Must Pass
  15. I Dig Love
  16. Art of Dying
  17. Isn’t It a Pity (Version Two)
  18. Hear Me Lord
  19. Out of the Blue
  20. It’s Johnny’s Birthday – Bill Martin,Phil Coulter, George Harrison
  21. Plug Me In
  22. I Remember Jeep
  23. Thanks for the Pepperoni

The Beatles: Same

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The White Album

On November 22, 1968, “Apple” label released the self titled, ninth Beatles studio album, known as the “White Album”.  It was recorded May – October 1968, at the “EMI Studios” and “Trident Studios” in London, and was produced by George Martin. In 2003, magazine “Rolling Stone” ranked it at number 10 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel

  • John Lennon– lead, harmony and backing vocals, acoustic, lead, rhythm  and bass guitars; piano, Hammond organ, harmonium, Mellotron , harmonica,  tenor saxophone,  extra drums and assorted percussion, tapes, tape loops, sound effects
  • Paul McCartney– lead, harmony and backing vocals, acoustic, lead, rhythm and bass guitars, acoustic and electric pianos, Hammond organ, assorted percussion,  tambourine, cowbell, hand shake bell, handclaps, foot taps, vocal percussion, drums, recorder, flugelhorn
  • George Harrison– lead, harmony and backing vocals, lead, rhythm, acoustic and bass guitars, Hammond organ, extra drums and assorted percussion and sound effects
  • Ringo Starr– lead and backing vocals, drums and assorted percussion, piano , sleigh bell
  • Eric Clapton– lead guitar
  • Harry Klein, Dennis Walton, Ronald Chamberlain, Jim Chest, Rex Morris – saxophone
  • Raymond Newman, David Smith – clarinet
  • Art Ellefson, Danny Mossand,  Derek Collins – tenor sax
  • Ronnie Rossand Bernard George – baritone sax
  • Ted Barker – trombone
  • Leon Calvert – trumpet, flugelhorn
  • Alf Reece – tuba
  • Mal Evans– trumpet, handclaps, backing vocals
  • Stanley Reynolds, Ronnie Hughes – trumpet
  • Tony Tunstall – French horn
  • Henry Datyner, Eric Bowie, Norman Lederman, Ronald Thomas, Bernard Miller, Dennis McConnell, Lou Soufier, Les Maddox – violin
  • Jack Fallon– violin
  • John Underwood and Keith Cummings, Leo Birnbaum, Henry Myerscough– viola
  • Reginald Kilby, Eldon Fox – cello
  • Frederick Alexander – cello
  • Chris Shepard – stumpf fiddle
  • Yoko Ono– lead and backing vocals, speech, tapes, sound effects
  • Jackie Lomax– backing vocals, handclaps
  • The Mike Sammes Singers– backing vocals
  • Maureen Starkey– backing vocals
  • Pattie Harrison– backing vocals
  • Richard Hamilton – design

Track listing

All tracks by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, except where noted.

  1. Back in the U.S.S,R
  2. Dear Prudence
  3. Glass Onion
  4. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
  5. Wild Honey Pie
  6. The Continuing Story of Bungallow Bill
  7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps – George Harrison
  8. Happiness Is a Warm Gun
  9. Martha My Dear
  10. I’m So Tired
  11. Blackbird
  12. Piggies – George Harrison
  13. Rocky Raccoon
  14. Don’t Pass Me By – Richard Starkey
  15. Why Don’t We Do it in the Road
  16. I Will
  17. Julia
  18. Birthday
  19. Yer Blues
  20. Mother’s Nature Son
  21. Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey
  22. Sexy Sadie
  23. Helter Skelter
  24. Long, Long, Long – George Harrison
  25. Revolution 1
  26. Honey Pie
  27. Savoy Truffle – George Harrison
  28. Cry Baby Cry
  29. Revolution 9
  30. Good Night

 

Sly And The Family Stone: There’s A Riot Goin’ On

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Theres a riot

On November 20.1971, “Epic” label released “There’s a Riot Goin’ On”, the fifth Sly and the Family Stone” studio album. It was recorded in 1970 and 1971, at the”Record Plant Studios” in Sausalito, California, and was produced by Sly Stone. In 2003, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” was ranked number 99 on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s list of the “500 greatest albums of all time”. The album was certified Platinum in the US by “RIIA”.

Personnel:

  • Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart) – vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, synthesizer, drums, drum programming, keyboard programming, arrangements
  • Bobby Womack– guitar
  • Freddie Stone– guitar
  • Ike Turner– guitar
  • Rose Stone– vocals, keyboards
  • Billy Preston– keyboards
  • Larry Graham– bass, backing vocals
  • Greg Errico– drums
  • Gerry Gibson – drums
  • Jerry Martini– tenor saxophone
  • Cynthia Robinson– trumpet
  • Little Sister– backing vocals
  • Chris Hinshaw, Jack Ashkinazy, James Conniff, James Greene, Robert Gratts, Willie Greer, Rich Tilles – engineer
  • Lynn Ames, John Berg – artwork concept

All tracks  by Sylvester Stewart.

  1. Luv n’ Haight
  2. Just Like a Baby
  3. Poet
  4. Family Affair
  5. Africa Talks to You ‘The Asphalt Jungle’
  6. There’s a Riot Goin’ On
  7. Brave & Strong
  8. (You Caught Me) Smilin
  9. Time
  10. Spaced Cowboy
  11. Runnin’ Away
  12. Thank You for Talkin’ to Me Africa

Led Zeppelin: IV

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Led_Zeppelin_-_Led_Zeppelin_IV

On November 8, 1971, “Atlantic” label released the untitled, fourth Led Zeppelin studio album, known as “Led Zeppelin IV”.  It was recorded December 1970 – March 1971 at the  Victorian  House  “Headley Grange”, in Hampshire, and was produced by Jimmy Page. The album was certified 23 x Platinum in US by the “RIAA” and with more than 37 million sold copies worldwide, it became one of the best selling music albums ever. Magazine “Rolling Stone” ranked “Led Zeppelin IV” on number 69 on it’s list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

Personnel:

  • Jimmy Page– electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin
  • Robert Plant– lead and overdubbed backing vocals, tambourine, harmonica
  • John Paul Jones – bass guitar, electric piano, mellotron, mandolin, recorders, EMS VCS 3, acoustic guitar
  • John Bonham– drums
  • Sandy Denny– vocals
  • Ian Stewart– piano
  • Andy Johns – engineer, mixing
  • George Chkiantz – mixing
  • Barrington Colby M.O.M. – The Hermit illustration
  • Graphreaks– design coordination
  • Keith Morris – photography
  • Peter Grant – executive producer

Track listing

  1. Black Dog – John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
  2. Rock and Roll – John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page,  Robert Plant
  3. The Battle of Evermore – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
  4. Stairway to Heaven – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
  5. Misty Mountain Hop – John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
  6. Four Sticks – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
  7. Going to California – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
  8. When the Levee Breaks – John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Memphis Minnie

Grateful Dead: American Beauty

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Grateful_Dead_-_American_Beauty

On November 1, 1970, “Warner Bros Records” released “American Beauty”, the sixth Grateful Dead album. It was recorded August – September 1970, at the “Wally Heider Studios” in San Francisco, and was produced by Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Pigpen, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann,  and Steve Barncard. In 2003, “American Beauty” was ranked number 258 on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of all Time”.

Personnel:

  • Jerry Garcia– vocals, guitar, pedal steel, piano
  • Bob Weir– vocals, guitar
  • Pigpen (Ron McKernan)– vocals, harmonica
  • Phil Lesh– vocals, bass, guitar, piano
  • Bill Kreutzmann– drums
  • Mickey Hart– percussion
  • Dave Torbert– bass
  • David Nelson– electric guitar
  • David Grisman– mandolin
  • Howard Wales– organ; piano
  • Ned Lagin– piano
  • Kelley / Mouse Studios – artwork
  • George Conger – photography

Track listing:

Alltracks  by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, except where noted

  1. Box of Rain – Phil Lesh,  Robert Hunter
  2. Friend of the Devil – Jerry Garcia, John Dawson, Robert Hunter
  3. Sugar Magnolia – Bob Weir, Robert Hunter
  4. Operator – Ron McKernan
  5. Candyman
  6. Ripple
  7. Brokedown Palace
  8. Till the Morning Comes
  9. Attics of My Life
  10. Truckin’ – Jerry Garcia,Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Robert Hunter

U2: All That You Can’t Leave Behind

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U2-all-that-you-cant-leave-behind

On October 30, 2000, “Island” label released “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”, the tenth U2 studio album.  It was recorded 1998 – 2000, at the” HQ”,” Windmill Lane Studios”,”Westland Studios” and“Totally Wired” in Dublin, and was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno. The album and its songs won seven “Grammy Awards”.  In 2012, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” at number 280 at its list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.  

Personnel:

  • Bono – vocals, guitar, synthesizers
  • The Edge – vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizers, strings
  • Adam Clayton– bass guitar
  • Larry Mullen Jr.– drums, percussion
  • Brian Eno – synthesizers, programming, backing vocals, string arrangements
  • Daniel Lanois – guitar, backing vocals
  • Paul Barrett – brass
  • John Harris – engineer, mixing
  • John Feldman – engineer
  • Steve Lillywhite – mixing
  • Arnie Acosta – mastering
  • Scott Sedillo – mastering
  • Shaughn McGrath – design
  • Anton Corbijn – photography
  • Gavin Friday – creative director

Track listing:

Lyrics by Bono except where noted, music by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr..

  1. Beautiful day
  2. Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of – lyrics by Bono, The Edge
  3. Elevation
  4. Walk On
  5. Kite – lyrics by Bono, The Edge
  6. In a Little While
  7. Wild Honey
  8. Peace on Earth
  9. When I Look at the World – lyrics by Bono, The Edge
  10. New York
  11. Grace