View Full Version : Underrated music
Are there any songs or albums which you reckon don't get the credit they deserve, while the artist's lesser efforts get more acclaim?
e.g. - Over the last week I've been listening to Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti and Disc 1 is a killer. I reckon Aerosmith heard it and made it the basis for the next three albums, especially the riff from "The Rover" and "In My Time of Dying". Yet because it's not on Led Zep 4, it's material that doesn't get ANY airplay or as much acclaim as its more accessible counterpart.
Also, on the Darky Disc Player, is AC/DC's Powerage. What a ****ing great album! Yet it's one of two that get no airplay on AC/DC's home turf (Triple M). "Down Payment Blues" and "Gone Shootin'" are top songs, yet radio bludgeons us to death with "Back In Black" and "TNT".
Any more?
I wouldn't say Exile on Main Street is a lesser effort by any means. It is a brilliant album!
But I do think the Stones' finest work is Let It Bleed. You Can't Always Get What You Want gets some airplay, but for the most part it is ignored by Radio. Gimme Shelter is perfect.
I am a big Zep fan and I agree with you for the most part on Physical Graffiti, although I think the second half is a bit weaker than the first. We all know how much IV has been hammered on the radio over the years, but I still think it is their best regardless. Faultless.
Originally posted by Darky
Also, on the Darky Disc Player, is AC/DC's Powerage. What a ****ing great album! Yet it's one of two that get no airplay on AC/DC's home turf (Triple M). "Down Payment Blues" and "Gone Shootin'" are top songs, yet radio bludgeons us to death with "Back In Black" and "TNT".
The very first album i ever purchased, so it holds a special place in my heart,
It is also a great album, one of my Acca faves. Contains many hidden treasures . The rundown on Side Two: Sin City, Next To The Moon, Gone Shootin', Up To My Neck In You, and my favorite track on the album, Kicked In The Teeth is worth the price alone.
One of Bon's best, that's why his death was so untimely when you consider 'Powerage' and the classic follow-up 'Highway To Hell'. Bon was really starting to hit his straps during this period.
where's wally?
Originally posted by FIGJAM
I wouldn't say Exile on Main Street is a lesser effort by any means. It is a brilliant album!
But I do think the Stones' finest work is Let It Bleed. You Can't Always Get What You Want gets some airplay, but for the most part it is ignored by Radio. Gimme Shelter is perfect.
I am a big Zep fan and I agree with you for the most part on Physical Graffiti, although I think the second half is a bit weaker than the first. We all know how much IV has been hammered on the radio over the years, but I still think it is their best regardless. Faultless.
I think 'Exile On Main Street' is the Stones finest, just a smidge ahead of 'Let It Bleed' and the live offering 'Get Yer Ya Ya's Out'.
I love 1971's 'Sticky Fingers', although it doesn't get the accolades of the above mentioned it contains some killer tracks, 'Brown Sugar', 'Bitch', 'Sister Morphine', 'Sway', 'Can't You Hear Me Knockin'', and the countryish 'Dead Flowers' is a nice diversion. Some Stones fans don't regard this album all that much. I think it's great.
The Stones were at their peak from 1968-'74.
On Led Zeppelin,
It's not everyone's cup of tea, but think there are some great songs on Led Zep III, 'Immigrant Song', 'Celebration Day', 'Since I've Been Lovin' You', 'Bron-Y-Aur Stomp', 'Out on The Tiles'.
I also rate 1976' 'Presence' very highly 'Achilles Last Stand;, 'Nobody's Fault But Mine' are the standouts.
where's wally?
Welcome To My Nightmare - Alice Cooper
Apart from the classic tracks there are a number of hidden gems on this album especially "Stephen" "Escape" and "Black Widow"
Stoned And Dethroned - Jesus and Mary Chain
Quite mellow and accoustic in parts, very folksy
Too-Rye-Aye - Dexy's Midnight Runners
Extremely underrated album with "Come On Eileen" but also a number of other great tracks - "Celtci Soul Brothers" and a brilliant cover of "Jackie Wilson Said"
hotpie,
Good call on 'Welcome To My Nightmare', Love Vinnie Price's special 'guest appearance', "Cold Ethel" is a p*sser.
Another one from the AC/DC catalogue (post Bon):
Flick Of The Switch (1983): Apart from 'Back In Black', i reckon this is the group's best work with Brian. Some great rockers on this, the title track, 'Guns For Hire', 'Badlands', 'Landslide', 'Rising Power', 'Bedlam In Belgium' to name a few.
where's wally?
Rusty Brookes
26 Jul 2002, 09:22
The Flamin' Groovies' Yesterday's Numbers. You can pick this CD up for around $8.00 at JB Hi Fi. Hugely influential band on underground rock n roll, this CD showcases the best stuff from their best albums, Teenage Head and Flamingo. Sort of a cross between Exile era Stones and the MC5 on speed, this band should of been huge but somehow missed the boat. Monstrous sound and just some of the flat out best rock n roll ever.
Originally posted by Wally
I think 'Exile On Main Street' is the Stones finest, just a smidge ahead of 'Let It Bleed' and the live offering 'Get Yer Ya Ya's Out'.
I love 1971's 'Sticky Fingers', although it doesn't get the accolades of the above mentioned it contains some killer tracks, 'Brown Sugar', 'Bitch', 'Sister Morphine', 'Sway', 'Can't You Hear Me Knockin'', and the countryish 'Dead Flowers' is a nice diversion. Some Stones fans don't regard this album all that much. I think it's great.
The Stones were at their peak from 1968-'74.
where's wally?
Exile on Main Street is by far the best ever Stones album, but I'd put it ahead of Beggars Banquet rather than Let it Bleed.
I agree with you on Sticky Fingers for some reason it never gets a lot of accolades, yet it contains some Stones classics, Brown Sugar, Bitch and Wild Horses.
Another album that seems to always be underrated is Goats Head Soup. Don't know why, but a lot of people don't rate it.
The worst Stones album ever would have to be Black and Blue. Except maybe for one song on that album, Memory Motel, it is so far removed from classic Rolling Stones it makes you wonder what the hell they were thinking of when they recorded it!
vanders
26 Jul 2002, 17:17
just heard a song on channel v, and its quite good, it was by Rocket Science called Being Followed, quite a good tune
Originally posted by Bee
Exile on Main Street is by far the best ever Stones album, but I'd put it ahead of Beggars Banquet rather than Let it Bleed.
YOU ARE WRONG BEE! :mad:
;)
When it comes to the Mick Taylor guitar era of the Stones, I guess it depends what you prefer to listen to. I like to let it bleed!
I love Some Girls too. Disco Punk!!
Agreed on Sticky Fingers. Bitch is the best...especially live!
Originally posted by FIGJAM
YOU ARE WRONG BEE! :mad:
;)
When it comes to the Mick Taylor guitar era of the Stones, I guess it depends what you prefer to listen to. I like to let it bleed!
I love Some Girls too. Disco Punk!!
Agreed on Sticky Fingers. Bitch is the best...especially live!
Fair enough Figgy, but I prefer Beggars Banquet to Let it Bleed. Personal taste I guess. :)
Bitch is good, but Wild Horses is the best.:)
Woodson
28 Jul 2002, 22:28
Originally posted by Wally
hotpie,
Good call on 'Welcome To My Nightmare', Love Vinnie Price's special 'guest appearance', "Cold Ethel" is a p*sser.
where's wally?
Alice has many underated songs that are so great that make the album complete WTYN is a great example. I highly rate FROM THE INSIDE as one that deserves great praise. Check out Nurse Rozetta (a lovely fantasy:D), Inmates, Jacknife Johnny and Serious. Title track is great also.
I'm bias towards the COOP. So many have come and suceeded on Alice's creativity...but none have surpassed the MASTER!!
Hope to see a movie based around Alice's legendary career!
Surely that will BLOW alot of people away who are unaware how
creative and influencial he has become and still ROCKIn' !!
Originally posted by Bee
Exile on Main Street is by far the best ever Stones album, but I'd put it ahead of Beggars Banquet rather than Let it Bleed.
I agree with you on Sticky Fingers for some reason it never gets a lot of accolades, yet it contains some Stones classics, Brown Sugar, Bitch and Wild Horses.
Another album that seems to always be underrated is Goats Head Soup. Don't know why, but a lot of people don't rate it.
The worst Stones album ever would have to be Black and Blue. Except maybe for one song on that album, Memory Motel, it is so far removed from classic Rolling Stones it makes you wonder what the hell they were thinking of when they recorded it!
Bee,
Good call on Beggar's Banquet, 'Sympathy For The Devil' is one of the greatest Stones tunes ever, 'Stray Cat Blues' is another goodie. Still prefer 'Let It Bleed' though.......to each their own i spose.
Goats Head Soup? while it contains some great tracks, namely 'Star Star', 'Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)', 'Dancin' With Mr. D', (i don't rate ' Angie' that highly) i think it's a little patchy and not as consistent as other albums of the era. I think 'It's Only Rock'n'Roll' (1974) is better than 'Goats Head Soup'. Again, to each their own....
I remember reading an interview with Keith where he disowned 'Black And Blue' saying he wasn't all that happy with it., As a result, i've never heard it (Keith's word is good enough for me) , but most Stones fans i know share your view.
where's wally?
Front End Loader are in my opinion THE most underrated band in this country.
While the likes of Powderfinger, Silverchair, Regurgitator, Body Jar, Shihad, Super Juesus and the like who all came out roughly around the same time as the Loader and have gone on to varying levels of commercial success, F.E.L have never received anywhere near the same level of acclaim or commercial reward, but IMO are a significantly better quality band in terms of song writing and musicianship. And they are one mother of a live band also!
In comparison to over-rated clowns Grinspoon, Motor Ace, Jebedia and the like, they are possibly a little too clever and the fact they havent played the game like their contempories have definately has alot to do with their lack of success or recognition. But IMO Front End Loader represent both everything that is so good about Australian music yet so wrong with the Australian music scene.
Originally posted by Wally
Goats Head Soup? while it contains some great tracks, namely 'Star Star', 'Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)', 'Dancin' With Mr. D', (i don't rate ' Angie' that highly) i think it's a little patchy and not as consistent as other albums of the era. I think 'It's Only Rock'n'Roll' (1974) is better than 'Goats Head Soup'. Again, to each their own....
Yes, 'Star Star' ( a little classic about a groupie), 'Heartbreaker' are good, but I think 'Winter' and 'Coming Down Again' are good on that album too. As for Angie, my dad bought me a copy of that when I was less than 12 months old and I still have it in pristine condition and still in it's dust cover.
Originally posted by Wally
I remember reading an interview with Keith where he disowned 'Black And Blue' saying he wasn't all that happy with it., As a result, i've never heard it (Keith's word is good enough for me) , but most Stones fans i know share your view.
Black and Blue? It's a shocker!
Originally posted by Bee
Black and Blue? It's a shocker!
According to a book i own, on the history of the band, although Ronnie Wood was credited on the album, the 'Black and Blue' recording sessions were used as auditions for the new guitarist replacing Mick Taylor.
where's wally?
windyhill
29 Jul 2002, 18:03
Originally posted by Darky
Also, on the Darky Disc Player, is AC/DC's Powerage. What a ****ing great album! Yet it's one of two that get no airplay on AC/DC's home turf (Triple M). "Down Payment Blues" and "Gone Shootin'" are top songs, yet radio bludgeons us to death with "Back In Black" and "TNT".
Any more?
Gone Shootin is an all time classic. TMMM just play the songs the bandwagoners know. TMMM, have two Kiss songs on their playlist, I Was Made For Lovin You and Shout It Out Loud, it`s pathetic, they have much better stuff, but again they are only catering for the bandwaggoner.
Originally posted by Darky
Are there any songs or albums which you reckon don't get the credit they deserve, while the artist's lesser efforts get more acclaim?
I reckon there are heaps of examples of this, especially amongst acts which eventually broke the "big-time", but were always great bands to begin with.
The Verve had two brilliant albums before 'Urban Hymns', being 'A Storm in Heaven', and the classic 'A Northern Soul'. R.E.M. had an entire back-catalogue of classic albums (including 'Murmur' and 'Reckoning') before they embarked on their various stages of being recognised. Likewise, I reckon Smashing Pumpkins best work is overlooked by your average music listener who would tend to remember/favour of 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' over classics such as 'Gish', 'Siamese Dream', and 'Adore'.
In terms of just being out-right underrated altogether, I reckon that Augie March still don't get enough credit for their magnificent offerings, highlighted by the classic release of 'Sunset Studies'.
CowboyFromHell
29 Jul 2002, 23:37
Two of my faves come to mind.
Opeth - Every album they have done is nothing short of sensational, yet not many people have heard of them. I think they like the fact that they are not too well known, but they are one awesome band.
Sevendust - These guys are also sensational, yet alot of other bands who have opened for them have reached a higher status than them. I read the list somewhere, and it amazes me how some of them reached such heights, yet Sevendust didn't.
Originally posted by vanders
just heard a song on channel v, and its quite good, it was by Rocket Science called Being Followed, quite a good tune
The album is very good. It's the best thing to come out of Melbourne in a long time.
Anyway, for me the most under rated band at the moment would be Perth band Halogen. They are only just starting to get some airplay on Triple J, eventhough they released an excellent EP a year ago. Their single "On A Bridge" is probably the best song I've heard in decades. In fact, since I purchased it (The only CD single I've ever purchased) it's been pretty much the only thing I've listened to. Jasmine Yee's vocal's are gorgeous.
Savatage
31 Jul 2002, 15:55
Originally posted by hotpie
Welcome To My Nightmare - Alice Cooper
Apart from the classic tracks there are a number of hidden gems on this album especially "Stephen" "Escape" and "Black Widow"
The riff from Black Widow is just so ****ing evil!
Go grab the Brutal Planet DVD & watch the band thrash it out! Total rock & roll! Full of energy!
GhostofJimJess
1 Aug 2002, 23:07
Got to agree with Carlos on Front End Loader ... and throw in the Powdermonkeys just for good measure, and for all of the same reasons. Other under-rated Oz outfits include Harem Scarem (the Chistopher Marshall era), New Christs, Trilobites and the Happy Hate Me Nots. History will be friendly to all of these acts.
On the international front, other under-rated, or over-shadowed acts include :
Screaming Trees - were overshadowed by the likes of Soundgarden, Nirvana, Janes Addiction (all great bands BTW) and Pearl Jam, but were more than competitive.
Smoking Popes - others like Weezer, Posies, REM, etc... dominated the powerpop market of the 90's, but the Popes were right up there.
Rusty Brookes
2 Aug 2002, 09:38
GhostofJimJess, the New Christs were one of the best bands I have ever seen: I still think Distemper is close to the best album ever recorded in this country.
I loved Harem Scarem's version of the Stooges Open and Up Bleed.
The Powder Monkeys are back soon. In fact they are supporting the Dictators at the Tote (along with myself in the Casanovas and the Faceful from Japan-had to plug the gig!). I always thought they were the Gary Abletts of rock in Melbourne. Inconsistent but spectacular on their day.
Originally posted by Rusty Brookes
The Powder Monkeys are back soon. In fact they are supporting the Dictators at the Tote (along with myself in the Casanovas and the Faceful from Japan-had to plug the gig!). I always thought they were the Gary Abletts of rock in Melbourne. Inconsistent but spectacular on their day.
I must've copped 'em on a bad night, i saw 'em at The Corner a few years back, and they were terrible.
where's wally?
Rusty Brookes
2 Aug 2002, 15:49
Originally posted by Wally
I must've copped 'em on a bad night, i saw 'em at The Corner a few years back, and they were terrible.
where's wally?
As I said they are highly inconsistent. I have seen them do some horrible shows but also some of the best rock shows I have ever seen.
Originally posted by Rusty Brookes
As I said they are highly inconsistent. I have seen them do some horrible shows but also some of the best rock shows I have ever seen.
Calling the audience "a bunch of f*ckwits" after the opening number doesn't always go down that well. After those comments, things certainly went down the sh*tter very quickly on this particular night.
where's wally?
GhostofJimJess
2 Aug 2002, 23:55
Gotta agree with you on Distemper, Rusty ... a freakin' classic.
As for the Powdermonkeys, they're unpredictable, if nothing else. But I'll never forget the support they did for Wayne Kramer & Birdman, when they refused to stop playing, even after the curtain at The Palace had been physically closed on them by the security personnel.
And Timmy's verbal barrage aimed at the rest of the bill at the Big Day Out a couple of years back ... priceless !! (Not the same year they played on the same bill as The Hellacopters, mind you).
Dogwatcher
5 Aug 2002, 14:38
Rocket Science's album Contact high is great value at $24 bucks.
As for under-rated Wake up! by the Boo Radleys, the CD I'm currently listening to, went by almost totally unobserved when released in 1995.
It's probably even under-rated by myself.
The lead single Wake Up Boo was a great piece of Brit pop when Blur and Oasis were slugging it out.
It really is a great pop album, kind of what I think the Chills were talking about in their 1991 song Heavenly Pop Hit. It's just great.
SonOfScray
5 Aug 2002, 21:12
I am not sure as to the following bands' popularity here and abroad but noone i know listens to them, which is a shame but Me First and the Gimme Gimmes + Reel Big Fish are awesome and I would think they are underrated.
Dogwatcher
5 Aug 2002, 21:23
Me First and the Gimme gimmes - very funny. I have some of their songs on some punk compilations. Crack me up when I hear them.
GhostofJimJess
5 Aug 2002, 21:55
I think a few of the "Me First" boys are fom Lagwagon and No Use For A Name ... they've got some classic stuff - anything from a Julie Andrews cover, to Puff The Magic Dragon, to Somewhere Over The Rainbow .... nothing's safe from them, except GOOD songs ... But don't let that put you off them - they're great.