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Worst. Album. Ever.

It appears my torrid 2008 posting pace has slowed, but I'd like to assure you that I have new content in the works. The 5 year anniversary of this blog is coming up in a couple of months, and it's my goal to reach review #200 by then.

So I have a couple of reviews of new albums percolating, as well as a brand new feature. I haven't settled on a title, but contenders include "When Good Artists Go Bad" and "Rock Bottom". The basic premise is this: Pick a really good, established artist, find out (via actual research) what their consensus worst album is, listen to it, and share my thoughts. There were some limits, as the following types of albums don't count: 1) b-sides or remix compilations, 2) live albums, 3) albums recorded when the band was missing a principal member, and 4) forays into a different genres (i.e. classical).

I've done this accidentally a few times already, including here and here. But now look for 13 more, based on research and my own humble opinion. These are the artists I've chosen: The Beach Boys, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Elton John, The Monkees, Tom Petty, Prince, R.E.M., The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and XTC.

Keep reading and listening!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I hope you aren't choosing UP, Reveal, or Around the Sun as the worst R.E.M. albums because they were missing a member on those. Just sayin.

I would pick Around the Sun though. Yikes.
3:19 PM
Paul V. Allen said…
I'm going to consider all R.E.M., albums fair game because even though the band's sound changed after Berry left, I feel like it was more out of choice than necessity.

However, according to my research, Around the Sun is definitely the worst-reviewed album; I reviewed it back when it came out (http://3min49sec.blogspot.com/2004/10/53-rem-around-sun-2004.html) and don't agree that it's the worst. The other poorest reviewed contenders are Out of Time, Monster, Up, and Reveal. Stay tuned to find out which one gets the prize.
8:46 PM
Anonymous said…
Wow you don't agree that it's the worst? I'm a HARDCORE R.E.M. fan and even I can't listen to that album anymore. I gave it a chance, and even recommended it to people when it came out, but good lord, it is pretty bad.

I'll be interested in seeing these worst-of's.

By the way, I love the blog. I especially liked the 12 thing you were doing. Good stuff. I especially love that it come from a fellow Minnesotan.
3:40 PM
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