1000. Guero

Guero
Beck
2005

Tracks
1. E-Pro
2. Que' Onda Guero
3. Girl
4. Missing
5. Black Tambourine
6. Earthquake Weather
7. Hell Yes
8. Broken Drum
9. Scarecrow
10. Go It Alone
11. Farewell Ride
12. Rental Car
13. Emergency Exit

Oh my god, 1000 albums! I can't believe I have written 1000 entries about music. I guess I will wait to digest that until the next entry.

This isn't the greatest Beck album, but it was still pretty good. This was likely included by the Listmakers because Beck is a pretty safe choice, and they were struggling at the end to identify the albums that will have staying power. Guero is perfectly listenable, due in large part to the creative use of sampling.

But it doesn't have the distinction of Odelay, and doesn't leave the strongest impression. Probably removed in later editions.

RATING: 3/5

983. Rejoicing in the Hands

Rejoicing in the Hands
Devendra Banhart
2004

Tracks
1. This Is The Way
2. It's A Sight To Behold
3. The Body Breaks
4. Poughkeepsie
5. Dogs They Make Up The Dark
6. Will Is My Friend
7. This Beard Is For Siobhan
8. See Saw
9. Tit Smoking In The Temple Of Artesan Mimicry
10. Rejoicing In The Hands
11. Fall
12. Todo Los Dolores
13. When The Sun Shone On Vetiver
14. There Was The Sun
15. Insect Eyes
16. Autumn's Child

It's odd, but I knew I loved this album when Devendra Banhart hit a certain note in "The Body Breaks." It just took me back to so many great folk singers we've had on the List...okay, I promise not to get weepy since we are almost done here.

So Devendra Banhart is obviously heavily influenced by Nick Drake. Nick Drake didn't leave the strongest impression on me, but he sure left an impact on many artists I like. Once again, a great album from 2004 is essentially a throwback to the 70s folk scene.

Two five star albums in a row! Will Nick Cave give us a third?

RATING: 5/5

898. I See a Darkness

I See a Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy

1999

Tracks
1. Minor Place
2. Nomadic Revelry (All Around)
3. I See A Darkness
4. Another Day Full Of Dread
5. Death To Everyone
6. Knockturne
7. Madeline Mary
8. Song For The New Breed
9. Today I Was The Evil One
10. Black
11. Raining In Darling

It says something about the recent quality of albums that I am so grateful for these relentlessly depressing songs.

It's pretty much guaranteed that I am going to like an indie folk album. I really admired how consistent it was with its style and vibe. The songs complemented each other very well. It was varied but stayed true throughout to the larger vision. Which was apparently a pretty bleak one. 

Also, it's 1999 in List-year, so I'm desperate.

RATING: 4/5

857. Either/Or

Either/Or
Elliott Smith
1997

Tracks
1. Speed Trials
2. Alameda
3. Ballad of Big Nothing
4. Between the Bars
5. Pictures of Me
6. No Name No. 5
7. Rose Parade
8. Punch and Judy
9. Angeles
10. Cupid's Trick
11. 2:45 A.M.
12. Say Yes

In my non fiction writing class in college, somebody chose to do their senior project on Elliott Smith. Specifically, it focused on the fact Smith had no hesitation wounds. As is tradition in writing workshops, we tore him to shreds. 

His death is enough to gain him cult status, even if his music wasn't good. But this is actually brilliantly depressing. Nice, simple arrangements with strong lyrics. And it didn't have to drag on for hours either.

The sheer emotional range displayed here was impressive. It's heartbreaking; he could have done so much more. Oh, and he was definitely murdered.

RATING: 4/5