Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#28)

(#28, An Innocent Man by Billy Joel)

The first cassette I ever owned, and still my favorite Christmas present from childhood.  There is not a single record I've listened to more in my life.  I have mixed emotions about this being #28.  At first, I feel sad that it's not #1.  The truth is, it's actually my 5th favorite Billy Joel album.  But the more I think about it, I smile knowing how much great music I've been exposed to since 1994, which is the year my musical tastes exploded all over the map.  I don't like this album any less than I did 31 years ago, I've just acquired so many more taste buds.  Don't be fooled by the rankings.  This is an all time favorite of mine, and is currently my daughter Annika's favorite album.




Listen to Billy Joel talk about recording this record, and check out "The Longest Time" and "Leave a Tender Moment Alone" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#29)

(#29, Gordon by Barenaked Ladies)

... or as I sometimes refer to it as, The Pepsi Record.    This is my kind of pop music, and in my opinion, one of the greatest debut albums of all time.  Come on BNL. Give Mr Page a call.  Vince called Hogan. Elvis Costello was welcome back to SNL.  David Lee Roth recorded with Van Halen again.  Make this happen ...











Here is "Be My Yoko Ono" and "Box Set" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#30)

(#30, King of America by The Costello Show)

This is Declan MacManus at his very best.  I've stated this a few times, I'll say it again.  Billy Joel, musically, is my oldest friend, but Elvis Costello has grown to become my best friend.













Here is "Brilliant Mistake" and "Indoor Fireworks" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#31)

(#31, Tim by The Replacements)

Todd Kemper gets 100% credit for exposing me to this band.  This is rock n roll at it's finest.  Another must vinyl purchase down the road.
















Here is "I'll Buy" and "Bastards of Young" ...

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#32)

(#32, Maroon by Barenaked Ladies)

You bring Steven Page back, and you have the makings of my favorite modern pop band.  Without him, it's not the same.  This album, every single note of it, is sonic bliss, and catchier than all hell.














Take a listen to "Too Little Too Late" and "Conventioneers" ...