980. Smile

Smile
Brian Wilson
2004

Tracks
1. Our Prayer
2. Heroes and Villains
3. Roll Plymouth Rock
4. Barnyard
5. Old Master Painter / You Are My Sunshine
6. Cabin Essence
7. Wonderful
8. Song for Children
9. Child Is Father of the Man
10. Surf's Up
11. I'm In Great Shape
12. Workshop
13. Vega-Tables
14. On a Holiday
15. Wind Chimes
16. Mrs. O'Leary's Cow
17. In Blue Hawaii
18. Good Vibrations

Smile was originally supposed to be released after Pet Sounds, but apparently Brian Wilson set fire to the tapes. The guy was going through some stuff. Instead, they released Smiley Smile, which was a bastardized version of this album. Finally, Wilson got his shiz together, and released the version on the List.

Which means that some of the songs on this album are spoiled in the sense of being released already. But it is still fun to listen to and has that instantly recognizable Beach Boys sound. It's a sound that is a bit too sunny for my taste, but is still enjoyable nonetheless.

The production on the album is also excellent, so all in all, worth the wait. 

RATING: 4/5

931. Vespertine

Vespertine
Bjork
2001

Tracks
1. Hidden Place
2. Cocoon
3. It's Not Up To You
4. Undo
5. Pagan Poetry
6. Frosti
7. Aurora
8. Echo A Stain
9. Sun In My Mouth
10. Heirloom
11. Harm Of Will
12. Unison

I actually thought we were done with Bjork and am delighted to discover that this is not the case. She is still wonderfully weird and possesses a unique sound that you can't help but enjoy.

She also uses microbeats throughout the album which she created with various household sounds, like the cracking of ice and the shuffling of cards. It's a very sensual, intimate album. I know her vocals might be off putting to some, but I can't get enough of her.

A talented singer and composer, you can't ask for much more than that. 

RATING: 5/5

750. Debut

Debut
Bjork
1993

Tracks
1. Human Behaviour
2. Crying
3. Venus as a Boy
4. There's More to Life Than This
5. Like Someone in Love
6. Big Time Sensuality
7. One Day
8. Aeroplane
9. Come to Me
10. Violently Happy
11. The Anchor Song
12. Play Dead

750! I was very excited to reach this milestone, hence the album marathon this weekend. I love me my milestones, and 750 feels like a big one. 

Usually I approach each of the albums on this List with the innocence of a newborn fawn, but I have actually heard this album in its entirety before. I've been a fan of Bjork for awhile. I just love her style, which is completely original, strange, and authentic.

This is a very eclectic album that somehow fits together perfectly. Bjork sounds like she is having fun. 

RATING: 5/5

572. The Colour of Spring

The Colour of Spring
Talk Talk
1986

Tracks
1. Happiness Is Easy
2. I Don't Believe In You
3. Life's What You Make It
4. April 5th
5. Living In Another World
6. Give It Up
7. Chameleon Day
8. Time It's Time

Based on my skewed perception from the List, it seems like 1986 was mostly made up of heavy metal albums and synthpop. This is a little different, and while it didn't leave a lasting impression, it was still a welcome shake up.

There were some odd choices in this album, like when a children's chorus starts singing. I don't have kids, and therefore associate children singing strictly with horror movies, so I was fairly creeped out by this. Maybe it was supposed to be cute, who knows.

And up next, even more metal. 

RATING: 3/5

557. Hounds of Love

Hounds of Love
Kate Bush
1985

Tracks
1. Running Up That Hill
2. Hounds of Love
3. Big Sky
4. Mother Stands for Comfort
5. Cloudbusting
6. And Dream of Sheep
7. Under Ice
8. Waking the Witch
9. Watching You Without Me
10. Jig of Life
11. Hello Earth
12. Morning Fog

You all know by now how delighted I am whenever the Listmakers include a female artist among its sweaty, penis saturated ranks. I'm especially pleased when it is somebody as amazing as Kate Bush.

Because we just had a Suzanne Vega album, I am tempted to compare the two. I would say Suzanne Vega excels in terms of lyrical quality, but there is something fairly mesmerizing about Kate's voice. I wouldn't exactly label this album as commercial friendly (particularly the latter half) but I am quite content skipping over mainstream eighties music in favor of this. 

Next up is The Smiths. Liking the Smiths is movie code for being a cool young person. I can't wait!

RATING: 4/5