Pedro's meme.
Yoinked from elpedrososama.
Pedro created a meme in which he listed the top ten albums that made an impact on his life and gave a brief, yet detailed account of each album's personal effect on him.
10.
Radiohead: Kid A
I remember when Pedro first introduced me to this album in October 2004 when I traveled from Savannah to Plattsburgh to visit him. I accidentally brought the CD back with me to Savannah and, upon discovering that I had it, I listened to it in its entirety. I was truly amazed, not only by Pedro's depth and vastness of his musical tastes, but by the obvious electronic influence of Kid A.
This is an album that stimulates the human psyche on more levels than most albums presently out on the market do. It's incredibly expressive, both musically and lyrically; perhaps a better term should be "vocal effects" since, half the time, the listener has no idea what Thom Yorke is trying to sing. And yet, this aspect doesn't make Kid A any less powerful, any less accomplished, than it is. Though the entire album is a true work of electronic art, my songs of note are the almost-woeful echo of "Everything In Its Right Place," the steady drive of "The National Anthem," and (my absolute favorite) "Idioteque," which is a song that somehow seduces me into a trance whereby the music and Thom's cries dictate how my body moves.
For any fan of electronica, Kid A is an album that you can't just listen to; you have to absorb it.
9.
Daft Punk: Discovery
First off, I love the album cover: a sort-of liquid metal splattered on a black background, forming the artist's name. Simple enough, right? Take a closer look at the letters. Their three-dimensional structure hints at the rainbow of colors and brightness underneath. Only here on the cover is this aspect of the album subtle. Once you hit "Play," the sheer awesomeness of the music fully explodes, carrying you away with it.
Just as a rainbow tells you the story of its colors, whisking you up and down in a roller coaster of creative expression, so, too, does this album share with you its own story of love, happiness, despair, struggle, and triumph. With the aid of the accompanying animé, Interstella 5555 became the first house musical with all of Discovery as its score. The film provides visually what you already feel when listening to the music alone; it simply gives you beautifully artistic eye-candy to enjoy along with the album.
I enjoy this entire CD so much that I rather hate saying which songs are "the best" since all the tracks are on equal footing. But I will say this: "Crescendolls" is one of, if not the, most driven songs on here, "Superhereos" is a true favorite since Daft Punk managed to successfully cross Barry Manilow into house techno territory, and "Something About Us" is the definitive love song of this concept album.
What else can be said? Daft Punk is a God among techno artists.
8.
Daft Punk: Coachella
The performance Daft Punk did at the Coachella Festival of 2006 was genius, pure and simple. The French duo not only did fantastic mixes of their own songs, they did so with the tracks from all three of their albums (Homework, Discovery, and Human After All) as well as remixes of their songs done by other artists, such as the sample of Daft Punk's "Technologic" done by Missy Elliot. You can tell that they infused their enthusiasm for the art into their performance; the audience fortunate enough to be attending the concert knew it, felt it, and were thriving on the energy exploding all around 'em.
In my opinion, there are few artists out there that can sound just as awesome live as they do in a studio, if not better. Daft Punk is, without a doubt, one of those artists that's blessed with such capability.
7.
Dave Matthews Band: Before These Crowded Streets
Though not a concept album, Before These Crowded Streets takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions similar to Daft Punk's Discovery, albeit with more acoustics. The emotional highs and lows of this album are distinct and uniquely expressed through Dave's rather impressive vocal range, Boyd Tinsley's violin, Carter Beauford's drums, saxophonist LeRoi Moore, prodigy bassist Stefan Lessard, guest guitarist Tim Reynolds, as well as the cameos from such artists as Alanis Morissette and the Kronos Quartet. From the almost-cautionary bass lines of "Don't Drink the Water" to the carefree joy of "Stay (Wasting Time)," from "Crush" with its hearfelt expression of love to the lament that is "The Dreaming Tree," Before These Crowded Streets has so much to give to its listener and it's well worth the time spent lending an ear.
6.
Chris Vrenna: the American McGee's Alice soundtrack
No album has been more successful in enthralling me and chilling me at the same time. Just as the game is amazing in its storyline, visual effects, and blood-soaked action, so is the soundtrack an amazingly creepy compliment. Chris Vrenna's score is impeccable in its use of children's toys and other objects for sound effects which enhance the twisted chords and melodies suited for the game. The ticking of a clock, the chimes of a music box, doors opening and closing all add to the foreboding atmosphere Vrenna's musical talent creates.
This is a musical work that I highly recommend for use at Halloween. Such would be perfect as a subtle backdrop for a haunted house to entertain and creep out your family, friends, and neighbors. Since I am an avid Halloween lover and aficionado, this soundtrack is one that I keep close to my heart.
5.
Wojciech Kilar feat. Annie Lennox: Bram Stoker's Dracula soundtrack
This soundtrack appeals to my classical tastes in their darker aspects. Composer Wojciech Kilar creates an absolute masterpiece with each and every track done for this remarkable film. Though generally chilling throughout, each piece successfully conveys what it needs to; from "Dracula - The Beginning" with its ominious origins to the lighter chords of "Lucy's Party". "Love Remembered" and "Love Eternal" are the twins, as I call them: two beautiful counterparts, exquisite and aching in their expression of the centuries-old love between Dracula and Elizabeta/Mina. Annie Lennox's "Love Song for a Vampire" is the only lyrical piece on the soundtrack, but it's the underrated gem, in my opinion. Her voice is melodic in such a way that it compliments Kilar's score that precedes it and she provides the perfect musical epilogue for Dracula. It touches me so deeply, to the very core of my being, that I honestly cannot praise this song enough. I dedicated this to my beloved Pedro years ago and it holds true more than ever now.
I think that any lover of classical music will be taken aback by the depth of Kilar's work and any lover of Annie Lennox will be appreciative of her contribution to the soundtrack.
4.
Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty soundtrack
This film and its soundtrack has been with me for as long as I can remember. Sleeping Beauty is, perhaps, my all-time favorite out of all the Walt Disney animated full-length feature films and the animation, story, characters, and most certainly its music will forever stand the test of time.
The animation (supremely done by the Disney animators, led by production designer Eyvind Earle) enhances Tchaikovsky's original score for the ballet and Pyotr was extraordinary at telling Princess Aurora's story through the composition. The Berlin Symphony Orchestra takes credit for helping to bring Tchaikovsky's work to life through Disney's animated re-telling. No one track can stand higher than any of the others, for each piece is exquisite and breathtaking.
This soundtrack is one that I treasure. Not only does it appeal to my liking for classical music, it feeds my nostalgic love and respect for Disney animated classics, superb storytelling, and childhood dreams and fantasies.
3.
Dream Theater: Metropolis 2 - Scenes From A Memory
I have to give credit to my friend, Ivan, in Brazil for introducing me to this band and, particularly, this album. I was blown away upon first hearing it and the power of its music and lyrics have stuck with me years after.
Dream Theater has been a formidable force in progressive rock since 1989 and they've been breaking ground in the music industry since. Each and every album they've released has made a hell of an impact and I must say that, so far, Metropolis 2 has impacted me the most. This is a concept album telling of a two-act murder mystery that's being recalled during a session of hypnotic dreaming. The lyrics are just as powerful as the music that drives them, speaking of life, death, and love, conveying the very essence of the emotions involved. If there has ever been an album that could inspire in me a "musical orgasm," it is this.
Though every song plays an integral part in the entire story, certain ones capture my interest particularly. "Overture 1928" is a powerful instrumental piece that helps to set the stage after the introduction provided by "Regression." "Fatal Tragedy" is epic in telling the murder of Victoria while "Through Her Eyes" is the heartbreaking lament of her surviving love. "The Spirit Carries On" is a beautiful song of hope, the bittersweet knowledge that the soul doesn't completely die when the body expires. And "Finally Free" is the epilogue needed to draw this torrid, tragic tale to its conclusion.
Any fan of progressive rock will hold this album in very high regard. I know I do.
2.
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
Yet another exceptional album that Pedro introduced me to. Every time I listen to it, I'm reminded of when I first heard it. Pedro and I were on Amtrak to Yonkers from Plattsburgh to spend time with his family. I remember being so excited because it was my first train ride and I was getting the chance to meet his folks for the first time. It was during that train ride that I realized why Pink Floyd was and still is so highly respected in the rock music industry. From start to finish, I was amazed by what Pink Floyd accomplished with Dark Side of the Moon. This was an album that cemented itself in iconic, legendary status (and rightfully so!) and was both of its time as well as far beyond it. It's truly a timeless piece.
Keep in mind that Pink Floyd practically stepped into the realm of techno with its use of an early version of a synthesizer in the song "On The Run"; their employing of such a device precedes the use of it during the New Wave era of the 1980s and techno's emergence in the late 80s/early 90s. Though psychedelic and suitable for the time period in which this album was created, it also was incredibly innovative. The entire work of Dark Side is so focused on musical texture, mood, and political expression that it defies boundaries of time, whether concerning typical styles of sound and music of the era or perspectives of society specific to the period. Again, with this album, it's so difficult to single out any songs since all are of equal importance. I have no one favorite on here; each song speaks to me with its own message, providing its own feel.
This album, more so than most, gives me hope that real music, true music with meaning and power and soul will never die. After all, we need some sort of hope to get us through the slobbering, emo, pop-coming-out-of-radio's-ass, no-real-talent crap that's rammed into our heads via the air waves, MTV, and VH1 nowadays.
1.
Lee Blaske: Behind the Day - Journey of a Vampire
What can I say about this album?....
It's a true masterpiece of music, of art? That it beautifully captures the mood of dark, supernatural 18th-century romance? That, in my opinion, no album could express vampire love and passionate wanting as perfectly as this?....
All of these statements are true for me.
I've never had an artist's work call to me so clearly and cut me straight to my core as Lee Blaske has with Behind the Day: Journey of a Vampire. This is one of those albums in which I can't adequately express all that it evokes from within me, all that it makes me feel, all that it speaks to me....all I can do is feel it and know it deep within my heart, my soul. I can't vocalize it. The vast majority of people will never understand how Lee Blaske's work makes me feel and I accept that. I can't expect people to understand when it doesn't speak to them the same way.
I'm not sure what else I can try to say about this album. Perhaps I shouldn't try. Maybe what I said was enough....enough, at least, to let others know that Behind the Day is special to me, special beyond explanation.
Pedro created a meme in which he listed the top ten albums that made an impact on his life and gave a brief, yet detailed account of each album's personal effect on him.
10.
Radiohead: Kid A
I remember when Pedro first introduced me to this album in October 2004 when I traveled from Savannah to Plattsburgh to visit him. I accidentally brought the CD back with me to Savannah and, upon discovering that I had it, I listened to it in its entirety. I was truly amazed, not only by Pedro's depth and vastness of his musical tastes, but by the obvious electronic influence of Kid A.
This is an album that stimulates the human psyche on more levels than most albums presently out on the market do. It's incredibly expressive, both musically and lyrically; perhaps a better term should be "vocal effects" since, half the time, the listener has no idea what Thom Yorke is trying to sing. And yet, this aspect doesn't make Kid A any less powerful, any less accomplished, than it is. Though the entire album is a true work of electronic art, my songs of note are the almost-woeful echo of "Everything In Its Right Place," the steady drive of "The National Anthem," and (my absolute favorite) "Idioteque," which is a song that somehow seduces me into a trance whereby the music and Thom's cries dictate how my body moves.
For any fan of electronica, Kid A is an album that you can't just listen to; you have to absorb it.
9.
Daft Punk: Discovery
First off, I love the album cover: a sort-of liquid metal splattered on a black background, forming the artist's name. Simple enough, right? Take a closer look at the letters. Their three-dimensional structure hints at the rainbow of colors and brightness underneath. Only here on the cover is this aspect of the album subtle. Once you hit "Play," the sheer awesomeness of the music fully explodes, carrying you away with it.
Just as a rainbow tells you the story of its colors, whisking you up and down in a roller coaster of creative expression, so, too, does this album share with you its own story of love, happiness, despair, struggle, and triumph. With the aid of the accompanying animé, Interstella 5555 became the first house musical with all of Discovery as its score. The film provides visually what you already feel when listening to the music alone; it simply gives you beautifully artistic eye-candy to enjoy along with the album.
I enjoy this entire CD so much that I rather hate saying which songs are "the best" since all the tracks are on equal footing. But I will say this: "Crescendolls" is one of, if not the, most driven songs on here, "Superhereos" is a true favorite since Daft Punk managed to successfully cross Barry Manilow into house techno territory, and "Something About Us" is the definitive love song of this concept album.
What else can be said? Daft Punk is a God among techno artists.
8.
Daft Punk: Coachella
The performance Daft Punk did at the Coachella Festival of 2006 was genius, pure and simple. The French duo not only did fantastic mixes of their own songs, they did so with the tracks from all three of their albums (Homework, Discovery, and Human After All) as well as remixes of their songs done by other artists, such as the sample of Daft Punk's "Technologic" done by Missy Elliot. You can tell that they infused their enthusiasm for the art into their performance; the audience fortunate enough to be attending the concert knew it, felt it, and were thriving on the energy exploding all around 'em.
In my opinion, there are few artists out there that can sound just as awesome live as they do in a studio, if not better. Daft Punk is, without a doubt, one of those artists that's blessed with such capability.
7.
Dave Matthews Band: Before These Crowded Streets
Though not a concept album, Before These Crowded Streets takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions similar to Daft Punk's Discovery, albeit with more acoustics. The emotional highs and lows of this album are distinct and uniquely expressed through Dave's rather impressive vocal range, Boyd Tinsley's violin, Carter Beauford's drums, saxophonist LeRoi Moore, prodigy bassist Stefan Lessard, guest guitarist Tim Reynolds, as well as the cameos from such artists as Alanis Morissette and the Kronos Quartet. From the almost-cautionary bass lines of "Don't Drink the Water" to the carefree joy of "Stay (Wasting Time)," from "Crush" with its hearfelt expression of love to the lament that is "The Dreaming Tree," Before These Crowded Streets has so much to give to its listener and it's well worth the time spent lending an ear.
6.
Chris Vrenna: the American McGee's Alice soundtrack
No album has been more successful in enthralling me and chilling me at the same time. Just as the game is amazing in its storyline, visual effects, and blood-soaked action, so is the soundtrack an amazingly creepy compliment. Chris Vrenna's score is impeccable in its use of children's toys and other objects for sound effects which enhance the twisted chords and melodies suited for the game. The ticking of a clock, the chimes of a music box, doors opening and closing all add to the foreboding atmosphere Vrenna's musical talent creates.
This is a musical work that I highly recommend for use at Halloween. Such would be perfect as a subtle backdrop for a haunted house to entertain and creep out your family, friends, and neighbors. Since I am an avid Halloween lover and aficionado, this soundtrack is one that I keep close to my heart.
5.
Wojciech Kilar feat. Annie Lennox: Bram Stoker's Dracula soundtrack
This soundtrack appeals to my classical tastes in their darker aspects. Composer Wojciech Kilar creates an absolute masterpiece with each and every track done for this remarkable film. Though generally chilling throughout, each piece successfully conveys what it needs to; from "Dracula - The Beginning" with its ominious origins to the lighter chords of "Lucy's Party". "Love Remembered" and "Love Eternal" are the twins, as I call them: two beautiful counterparts, exquisite and aching in their expression of the centuries-old love between Dracula and Elizabeta/Mina. Annie Lennox's "Love Song for a Vampire" is the only lyrical piece on the soundtrack, but it's the underrated gem, in my opinion. Her voice is melodic in such a way that it compliments Kilar's score that precedes it and she provides the perfect musical epilogue for Dracula. It touches me so deeply, to the very core of my being, that I honestly cannot praise this song enough. I dedicated this to my beloved Pedro years ago and it holds true more than ever now.
I think that any lover of classical music will be taken aback by the depth of Kilar's work and any lover of Annie Lennox will be appreciative of her contribution to the soundtrack.
4.
Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty soundtrack
This film and its soundtrack has been with me for as long as I can remember. Sleeping Beauty is, perhaps, my all-time favorite out of all the Walt Disney animated full-length feature films and the animation, story, characters, and most certainly its music will forever stand the test of time.
The animation (supremely done by the Disney animators, led by production designer Eyvind Earle) enhances Tchaikovsky's original score for the ballet and Pyotr was extraordinary at telling Princess Aurora's story through the composition. The Berlin Symphony Orchestra takes credit for helping to bring Tchaikovsky's work to life through Disney's animated re-telling. No one track can stand higher than any of the others, for each piece is exquisite and breathtaking.
This soundtrack is one that I treasure. Not only does it appeal to my liking for classical music, it feeds my nostalgic love and respect for Disney animated classics, superb storytelling, and childhood dreams and fantasies.
3.
Dream Theater: Metropolis 2 - Scenes From A Memory
I have to give credit to my friend, Ivan, in Brazil for introducing me to this band and, particularly, this album. I was blown away upon first hearing it and the power of its music and lyrics have stuck with me years after.
Dream Theater has been a formidable force in progressive rock since 1989 and they've been breaking ground in the music industry since. Each and every album they've released has made a hell of an impact and I must say that, so far, Metropolis 2 has impacted me the most. This is a concept album telling of a two-act murder mystery that's being recalled during a session of hypnotic dreaming. The lyrics are just as powerful as the music that drives them, speaking of life, death, and love, conveying the very essence of the emotions involved. If there has ever been an album that could inspire in me a "musical orgasm," it is this.
Though every song plays an integral part in the entire story, certain ones capture my interest particularly. "Overture 1928" is a powerful instrumental piece that helps to set the stage after the introduction provided by "Regression." "Fatal Tragedy" is epic in telling the murder of Victoria while "Through Her Eyes" is the heartbreaking lament of her surviving love. "The Spirit Carries On" is a beautiful song of hope, the bittersweet knowledge that the soul doesn't completely die when the body expires. And "Finally Free" is the epilogue needed to draw this torrid, tragic tale to its conclusion.
Any fan of progressive rock will hold this album in very high regard. I know I do.
2.
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
Yet another exceptional album that Pedro introduced me to. Every time I listen to it, I'm reminded of when I first heard it. Pedro and I were on Amtrak to Yonkers from Plattsburgh to spend time with his family. I remember being so excited because it was my first train ride and I was getting the chance to meet his folks for the first time. It was during that train ride that I realized why Pink Floyd was and still is so highly respected in the rock music industry. From start to finish, I was amazed by what Pink Floyd accomplished with Dark Side of the Moon. This was an album that cemented itself in iconic, legendary status (and rightfully so!) and was both of its time as well as far beyond it. It's truly a timeless piece.
Keep in mind that Pink Floyd practically stepped into the realm of techno with its use of an early version of a synthesizer in the song "On The Run"; their employing of such a device precedes the use of it during the New Wave era of the 1980s and techno's emergence in the late 80s/early 90s. Though psychedelic and suitable for the time period in which this album was created, it also was incredibly innovative. The entire work of Dark Side is so focused on musical texture, mood, and political expression that it defies boundaries of time, whether concerning typical styles of sound and music of the era or perspectives of society specific to the period. Again, with this album, it's so difficult to single out any songs since all are of equal importance. I have no one favorite on here; each song speaks to me with its own message, providing its own feel.
This album, more so than most, gives me hope that real music, true music with meaning and power and soul will never die. After all, we need some sort of hope to get us through the slobbering, emo, pop-coming-out-of-radio's-ass, no-real-talent crap that's rammed into our heads via the air waves, MTV, and VH1 nowadays.
1.
Lee Blaske: Behind the Day - Journey of a Vampire
What can I say about this album?....
It's a true masterpiece of music, of art? That it beautifully captures the mood of dark, supernatural 18th-century romance? That, in my opinion, no album could express vampire love and passionate wanting as perfectly as this?....
All of these statements are true for me.
I've never had an artist's work call to me so clearly and cut me straight to my core as Lee Blaske has with Behind the Day: Journey of a Vampire. This is one of those albums in which I can't adequately express all that it evokes from within me, all that it makes me feel, all that it speaks to me....all I can do is feel it and know it deep within my heart, my soul. I can't vocalize it. The vast majority of people will never understand how Lee Blaske's work makes me feel and I accept that. I can't expect people to understand when it doesn't speak to them the same way.
I'm not sure what else I can try to say about this album. Perhaps I shouldn't try. Maybe what I said was enough....enough, at least, to let others know that Behind the Day is special to me, special beyond explanation.