Rolling Stone magazine has released its list of the top 500 albums of all time.
It seems pretty much slanted to boomer music, especially the top quartile or so, and only one black artist - Marvin Gaye - is in the top ten. Still, imo, it’s interesting. (of course, CD sales worldwide are in the tank, and have been for years, so make what you will of this list…and its likely much-wished-for impact on sales). From the website:
THE TOP TEN ALBUMS ARE:
(drumroll please…)
#1.
SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
The Beatles
Radio hits as high art. Relieved of touring, The Beatles brought conceptual ambition and revolutionary studio techniques to perfect pop songs. They did it first. They did it best.
#2.
PET SOUNDS
The Beach Boys
The gauntlet had been thrown down by The Beatles with Rubber Soul. It was then up to Brian Wilson and the rest of The Beach Boys to create a work of singular vision and true beauty. Check.
#3.
REVOLVER
The Beatles
Many discerning listeners would put this one at the very top of the heap. The greatest-ever variety of Beatlesongs couched in unimprovable arrangements.
#4.
HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED
Bob Dylan
Dylan’s first full embrace of electric rock produced his sole Top 10 single (“Like A Rolling Stone”) back in the days when good records could still become hits.
#5.
RUBBER SOUL
The Beatles
Already reigning pop kings, The Beatles changed the rules with Rubber Soul. Incorporating exotic instruments and mature lyrics, the Fabs put the world on notice that there was more to rock