With the run-up to Record Store Day this Saturday, we've been having a lot of conversations around the office about records we've loved over the years. The High Fidelity-style arguments that ensued inspired us to share some of our own top 5 lists with you--and we decided to get some local record store owners in on the fun. So here you go: the top 5 overlooked or forgotten albums, as determined by staff members at RVA Magazine, BK Music, Plan 9 Records, and Steady Sounds. Hopefully you can find some new stuff to check out.
John Reinhold, Vice President, RVA Magazine
1. Faith No More - King For A Day, Fool For A Lifetime (1994)
The Real Thing and Angel Dust get all the glory, Many critics at the time of this album's release panned it because it's multiple-genre range was seen as a distraction. Perhaps it was not pop enough or metal enough. It has a jazzy feel at points, which probably threw people off in 95. For myself, though, I find it to be a highly brilliant album with amazing vocals, guitars, drums, and songwriting. There are so many good songs on this, it's hard to list favorites, but start with the singles.
2. Life of Agony - Ugly (1995)
The second album by Life of Agony is not nearly as popular as their debut, River Runs Red. This album has a lot more raw emotion than the more brutal RRR. Maybe that heavy dose of reality and deep feelings put some people off of the album--and then there's the crazy high singing. Lead singer Keith (now Mina) Caputo's vocals and raw emotions really make this album shine for me. Other bands may have had heavier growling vocals or more brutal guitar riffs - but for me there is raw brutal truth in Ugly's lyrics.
3. 2 Skinnee J's - SuperMercado! (1998)
I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I think this is a really really underrated album. It's super geeked out nerd-rap stuff that hit me at the right time in my younger years. Think Rage Against the Machine without any anger at all. The live shows were amazing - the singers danced in unison, they could properly use a keytar on stage, and they even had a pimp manager on stage that just stood there the whole show. They don't play out anymore, but this was a soundtrack of my youth and still holds up pretty well. Honestly, it's really fun.
4. Cynic - Focus (1993)
This one is pretty unusual; ahead of its time and completely brilliant. Some people really into early metal might recognize the name or the album. Focus is an experimental album combining various elements of jazz fusion and progressive metal. It has changing time signatures, complicated rhythms, and intricate vocal and guitar harmonies (via Paul Albert Masvidal). The vocals go from death metal growls to strange vocoder/computer sounds. It's a brilliant album that influenced a range of musicians in today's progressive metal bands. Check out "Veil of Maya" as an introduction to this album.
5. Pink Floyd - Animals (1977)
Well, it's not a completely overlooked album in terms of sales and popularity over time. But it does pale in comparison to Dark Side Of The Moon and The Wall, and can be overlooked because of the popularity of the other Floyd albums. It only features five songs in all, and two are less than a minute long (the other three last between 10 and 18 minutes). The lyrical theme comparing humans to different species of animals is unusual, and can be a bit morose. But it's a sonic masterpiece, and I love the "Pigs On The Wing" intro/outro songs. This is a great listen for road trips - it's not too long, has a great theme, and really good music and lyrical content.
Plan 9 Records
1. A Cloud Mireya - Singular (2006)
Dreamy baby making music for your Spanish soul mate.
2. Lori Scacco- Circles (2004)
If this cycle of songs doesn't move you, put a mirror under your nose and make sure you're still breathing.
3. KISS - Unmasked (1980)
Not a lost KISS album but a lost power-pop gem. Nothing soft and schmaltzy here, all solid songs - Ace Frehley's most overlooked contributions in the make-up years.
4. Harvey Danger - Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone? (1997)
Forget all about the anthemic single you still hear on the radio--the rest of this record is pure pop bliss! Clever lyrics and intelligent song structure make this an album for all seasons.
5. The Physics of Meaning - The Physics Of Meaning (2005)
While violinist Daniel Hart has played with the likes of Polyphonic Spree, Broken Social Scene, Other Lives, The Rosebuds, and St. Vincent (with writing credits, too!) - his own solo career is often overlooked. Love this lush, moody album with beautiful lyrics... and looking forward to his new band, Dark Rooms!
R. Anthony Harris, Publisher, RVA Magazine
1. Spank Rock - FabricLive.33 (FabricLive 2007)
It seems like everyone slept on this club mix by Spank Rock and XXXChange for the FabricLive series back in 2007. Filled to the brim with bangers from Simian Mobile Disco, Mylo, Uffie, KW Griff, and ending with the cozy "I.C. Love Affair" by Gaz Nevada, the album is a complete journey through an evening--from getting ready to go out, to the party, to the eventual comedown.
Fav: "Good Man" by KW Griff, "Hot Chick" by Uffie
2. Fela Kuti, Roforofo Fight (Barclay Records, 1972)
You want to get your ho-hum get together hangout started? Put on this album and watch the energy level pick up, the conversations start flowing and people start to sway. Next thing you know, everyone is primally dancing to this infectious music and you have yourself a full on smash. If you don't know about Fela Kuti, the master of Afrobeat and his "endless groove," then now might be a good time to look him up. He'll make you feel like it's summertime in the city.
Fav: "Roforofo Fight"
3. Various Artists, Trap Door (Dis-Joint Records)
The mysterious Kenny Bloggenz wrote about this equally mysterious album back in 2007, and on a whim I downloaded it. I am glad I did. It's a compilation of several 60s and 70s-era psych tracks that equal one great trip into the underground. I come back to this album at least once a year and it has one of my all time favorite tracks the heartbreaking "I Cry I The Morning" by Dennis Olivieri. Put out by San Francisco based Dis-Joint Records this one is a real gem and lucky you, I have a download link HERE. If you like this one, make sure to check out the second album, Trap Door: An International Psychedelic Mystery Mix, which was put on vinyl and will cost you a pretty penny to buy.
Fav: "I Cry In The Morning" by Dennis Olivieri, "Vitamin C" by Can
4. Radiation City, The Hands That Take You (Apes Tapes 2011)
When I received this in a press release, I just added it to the pile of music that I get every week. When I finally got a chance to listen to this ethereal, hypnotic album, it caught me completely by surprise. The simple way they communicate heartbreak, love, hope, and fear is refreshing. Since that first listen, the world has caught on and they have been piled with accolades from NPR to Time, but just in case none of that has reached your minds, check this album out now.
Fav: "Salsaness", "Babies"
5. Junior Boys, So This Is Goodbye (Domino Recording 2006)
This synth pop record goes back into rotation every time I have relationship problems. The trio of "In The Morning,""So This Is Goodbye," and "Like A Child" are enough to keep my head up, with the understanding that things will get better. It's also not a bad album to put on after nightfall during the beginning stages of a relationship. A double duty album of endings and beginnings.
Fav: "So This Is Goodbye"
Marty Key, Steady Sounds
1. The Stickmen - This Is The Master Brew (Red Records)
Amazing Philly band that only put out two records before exploding into shards. So kinetic was their sound, it had to happen. Put all no-wave in a blender with free jazz and this is what you get... skronk wave.
2. Honor Role-The Pretty Sound (No Core/Eskimo)
Where is the deluxe 3 LP reissue of this? Where is the box set? Where!? The band that launched a few hundred ships--they were good enough and so far ahead of their time that a member of COC funded this LP. If Big Dipper, Moss Icon, and Bitch Magnet can get the uber-reissue treatment why can't they? Don't get me wrong, they all deserve it... but really, this LP is genius.
3. Saint Vitus - Saint Vitus (SST)
Most people cite their later LPs with Wino, but you cant beat Scott Reagers awesomely goofy vocals, and the song "Zombie Hunger"--the best example of plodding double bass action I have ever heard. Supposedly the embossed cover cost so much that it almost put SST in the red. Cool.
4. Pitchfork-Eucalyptus (Nemesis)
As with Honor Role... where is the love? Deluxe triple LP with demos, live show, and a DVD? C'mon Swami, it's been long enough. A CD reissue from 10 years ago is not going to make things better.
5. Dinosaur L - 24/24 (Sleeping Bag)
Despite the multiple reissues (and even a LP box set) most people don't know this masterwork of left field avant-disco by Arthur Russel. Please people... get this NOW.
Andrew Necci, editor-in-chief, RVA Magazine
1. Buffalo Tom - Let Me Come Over
I've spilled a lot of ink about how much I love this band over the years. For now I'll merely say that it's tragic the way their best shot at the big time, an appearance on My So-Called Life, just convinced a generation of teenagers that Buffalo Tom was a fictional band from a TV show. They were--and still are--real, and this album is the best example of their mingling of Dinosaur Jr, The Replacements, and Uncle Tupelo into a near-perfect version of the mid-90s alternative rock sound. Do me a favor--buy it.
2. Kid Kilowatt - Guitar Method
This short-lived side project features members of Converge and Cave-In, and is a much better example of Steve Brodsky's melodic vocals than anything he ever did on a Cave-In record. Plus these songs are catchier and more fun. The album didn't come out until six years after they broke up, so I understand why no one knows about it, but it's excellent enough to be worth seeking out.
3. Underoath - Define The Great Line
A concept album by a metalcore band popular with teenage Hot Topic shoppers that's all about how you shouldn't kill yourself because God loves you probably sounds like the wackest thing ever to a lot of our readers. But Underoath transcend all of the obvious signifiers of uncoolness to deliver a powerful statement that's been very important to me in some of my lowest moments. Plus there are some crucial riffs on this record, and the vocal interplay between screamer Spencer Chamberlain and melodic singer Aaron Gillespie makes for some extremely anthemic choruses.
4. The Boo Radleys - Everything's Alright Forever
A lot of the bands from the UK shoegaze scene of the early 90s are critically revered these days--and a lot of them deserve it. But why The Boo Radleys aren't part of that conversation is beyond me. I know a lot of people remember them for their fluffier Britpop hits that came later in their career, but "Wake Up Boo" was years away at this point, and the distorted-guitar anthems of Everything's Alright Forever are every bit as good as what Ride and Slowdive were doing at the time. This record, and its followup, Giant Steps, are overdue for a reappraisal.
5. Goo Goo Dolls - Superstar Car Wash
These guys pissed away their reputation doing adult contemporary ballads (and for the paychecks they got, I don't blame them), but their earlier records had real bite to them, and it's a shame no one takes them seriously now. This record straddles the line between melodic punk and heartfelt power pop, and the closest it gets to a ballad is "We Are The Normal," which features guest lyrics from the one and only Paul Westerberg. Yes, "Iris" was garbage, but this record is still great and you should get it.
Bill Kennedy, BK Music
1. Steve Forbert - Jackrabbit Slim
An original singer-songwriter.
2. Matt Pond - The Lives Inside the Lines in Your Hand
Pure-pop that deserves to be noticed.
3. Fred Hammond - United Tenors
If you want to dip your toe into Gospel music, this disc provides a soulful start.
4. Mark Benno - Minnows
Originally half of the Asylum Choir with Leon Russell, Benno was a mainstay of early FM radio.
5. Big Harp - Chain Letters
I just love the way this duo sounds. Happy music in a sad sort of way.
Dan Anderson, Sales Manager, RVA Magazine
1. Prince Paul - A Prince Among Thieves
Kendrick Lamar was probably playing Power Rangers when Prince Paul released A Prince Among Thieves in 1999. Dropped at the apex of hip hop's golden era, Prince Paul directed a collaborative effort of emcees that resulted in what I consider to be the perfect rap record. This concept album can hold its own against any concept album, from any genre.
2. Company Flow - Funcrusher Plus
Not since I got my hands on Enter the 36 Chambers has a single album influenced me so much. From track to track, DJ Mr. Len, Bigg Jus and El P rip the record industry a new one, while taking the backpacker sub-genre to the next level.The beats, lyrics, and overall production are incredible. Your record collection is incomplete without this album.
3. The Dynospectrum - The Dynospectrum
This was the first Rhymesayers record I'd ever heard. It was '98, I was eighteen, and like almost everyone else in the world, I'd never heard of Slug or Atmosphere. The production Ant (aka Solomon Grundy) put together immediately blew my mind. It was nothing like I'd ever heard before. The lyrical display of lesser-known label representatives like I Self Divine, Swift, and Beyond, was a huge bonus. In my opinion, it's the most impressive project Slug has ever been a part of.
4. Thirstin Howl III - Skilligan's Island
When I heard Thirstin Howl III on the Rawkus Records Soundbombing series, his voice and delivery instantly drew me in, but overall, I was not impressed. It was Skilligan's Island that first made me a fan. With songs like "Stole,""How Many Baby Movas,""Spitboxer,""Dreams of Fucking a Cartoon Bitch," and various interludes and skits, I find this record extremely entertaining from start to finish.
5. Heltah Skeltah - Nocturnal
This album debuted at #35 on the US Billboard charts back in '96. That's the same year undisputed classic records like Reasonable Doubt, Stakes is High and ATLiens dropped. This record is not quite as complete as its more notable competitors from the same era, but I do believe if this project dropped today, it would blow 98% of the Hip Hop released this year out of the water.
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So there you have it. Feel free to give us your own lists, or disagree with ours, in the comments. Record Store Day is Saturday, April 20--that's tomorrow! For details about which local stores are participating and what events will be happening in conjunction with the day, click here.