These artists did not hit complete stride until #4 or later (or we are waiting) with notable exceptions. They are GREAT artists and these are excellent albums, but not masterpieces. Therefore these artists are not transcendent/ pantheon artists. I compare these musicians to high level superstars in basketball (Stockton, Robinson, Malone, Shaq, Dr. J).
First of all, 3 that I am putting here with HUGE reservations. I want them on the Pantheon list, but will put them here for argument's sake:
R.E.M. - Fables of the Reconstruction (I am continually arguing with myself on this album. But, the formula decided they peaked on #4 & beyond, therefore they are not pantheon. It hurts to say it.)
The Replacements- Hootenanny (one of my pantheon bands, but I admit they may be a step below. But, man were the next 3 albums great! I was thinking of putting them down as an exception because I think they are pantheon.)
Outkast – Aquemini
Here are 2 that I am willing to revisit:
TV on the Radio – Dear Science
Frightened Rabbit- The Winter of Mixed Drinks (this frustrates me because this is a wonderful album, but not the masterpiece I had hoped would elevate them to future pantheon status. We could re-evaluate this album and find them on Mt Olympus. I hope so.)
Not quite Pantheon:
Jay Z- Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life
Public Enemy- Fear of a Black Planet (interesting case, because their masterpiece is album #2 and they never reached such heights again. But this is a very good LP))
Madonna- True Blue
Wilco- Summerteeth
Pearl Jam- Vitalogy
The Police- Zenyattà Mondatta
Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Nine Inch Nails- the Downward Spiral
Sigur Rós- ( )
Queen- Sheer Heart Attack
New Order- Low Life
Drive-by Truckers- Southern Rock Opera
Kiss- Dressed to Kill
ACDC- High Voltage
Tupac- Me Against the World (3rd solo- his 3rd album was w/ Thug Life)
Guns n’ Roses- Use Your illusion 1 and 2
Elton John- Tumbleweed Connection
Bright Eyes- Fevers and Mirrors
Roxy Music- Stranded
Lyle Lovett- Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
My Morning Jacket- It Still Moves (however, their first album was pretty raw and self made. If Z is considered their 3rd album proper, they may need to be considered for future pantheon status)
Muse- Absolution
Spoon- Girls Can Tell
Sting- the Soul Cages
Sufjan Stevens- Michigan
1 comment:
Winter of Mixed Drinks felt like a denouement after the first two. It was a wrap up of all the issues dealt with in the first two. thus, it couldn't really attain the emotional highs (lows) of Midnight Organ Fight. It was beautiful and necessary, but incapable of stepping above.
I sense a complete recreation of Mr. Hutchison on whatever comes next.
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