Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#33)

(#33, MTV Unplugged in New York by Nirvana)

Still remember watching this when it premiered. Chilling.  And then watching it again the day after Kurt Cobain died.  Surreal.   This is the standard bearer for all MTV Unplugged episodes.















Take a listen to "Lake of Fire" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#34)

(#34, Bee Thousand by Guided By Voices)

This is where Todd Kemper tries to get the government to shut down my blog because he thinks I've ranked this too low.  We've had the Bee Thousand / Alien Lanes conversation for over ten years now.  This is historically great, but Alien Lanes is slightly better, because Alien Lanes doesn't have "Kicker of Elves" on it.  That particular 64 seconds cost this album a top 20 spot all time.  The rest of it is brilliant.

By the way, hold your tongue and try to say "Pete Townshend" ...









Here is "Tractor Rape Chain" and "Hot Freaks" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#35)

(#35, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player by Elton John)

The early to mid 70s Elton John albums are my favorite era of records by one artist ever.  This is as close to perfect in every way possible.  The music is great, the storytelling is some of Taupin's best, and this is the album that Elton came into his own vocally.  This is a MUST vinyl purchase.











Take a listen to "Elderberry Wine" and "Have Mercy on the Criminal" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#36)

(#36, Songs in the Attic by Billy Joel)

This may be #36 on my list of all time favorite albums, but this is the album I've listened to the most all time on 8-track.  A genius idea of a recording, Billy Joel released an album of live versions of songs that were on his first four albums, songs that were primarily recorded with session musicians.  These versions feature the band that would back Billy Joel for the better part of 15 years back in the mid to late 70s and most of the 80s.  I heard many of these songs for the first time hearing this album.   This is his best album that features live recordings, by far.







Take a listen to "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" and "Los Angelenos" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#37)

(#37, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner by Ben Folds Five)

Immediately after hearing Ben Folds Five cover of "Barrytown" on the Me, Myself and Irene soundtrack, I ran to the Circuit City to buy this.  Became a fan instantly, and spent the next two years listening to this band, almost every night.   This was their last record, until they reunited 12 years later for a short tour a new record.   Ben Folds has become a favorite of mine over the years.









Here is "Magic" and "Army" ...