Brad Luen: Decades Lists

Top 50 albums of the Fifties

This list appeared as unranked, but grouped by genres. Link. My grades in brackets, although they may come from later editions. In brackets I suggest some alternate compilations.

Jazz (plus one classical album):

  • Henry "Red" Allen: Ride, Red, Ride [World on a String] [A]
  • Louis Armstrong: Satchmo at Pasadena [A-]
  • Art Blakey Quintet: A Night at Birdland [A-]
  • Clifford Brown & Max Roach: Study in Brown [A]
  • Dave Brubeck Quartet: Time Out [A]
  • Serge Chaloff: Blue Serge [A]
  • Sonny Clark: Cool Struttin' [A]
  • Ornette Coleman: The Shape of Jazz to Come [A+]
  • Miles Davis: Kind of Blue [A]
  • Duke Ellington: Masterpieces by Ellington [A-]
  • Dizzy Gillespie/Sonny Stitt/Sonny Rollins: Sonny Side Up [B+(***)]
  • Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster [A+]
  • Charles Mingus: Mingus Ah Um [A+]
  • Thelonious Monk: Brilliant Corners [A]
  • Bud Powell: The Amazing Bud Powell (1952 10") [A]
  • Ruggiero Ricci: A Paganini Recital []
  • Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus [A+]
  • Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers [A-]
  • The Art Tatum-Ben Webster Quartet [The Tatum Group Masterpieces Vol. 8] [A+]
  • Ben Webster: Soulville [A+]

Vocal/Pop

  • Nat King Cole: Unforgettable [B+(*); A: The World of Nat King Cole]
  • Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong: Ella & Louis Again [A+]
  • Billie Holiday: Songs for Distingué Lovers [A-]
  • Anita O'Day: Anita [A-]
  • Frank Sinatra: A Swingin' Affair [B+]

Rock/Blues/Country

  • Chuck . . Berry Is on Top [A-]
  • Ray Charles [Hallelujah, I Love Her So] (1957) [A]
  • The Coasters' Greatest Hits [A+: The Very Best of the Coasters; A+: 50 Coastin Classics]
  • Bo Diddley (1958) [A: with Go Bo Diddley]
  • Fats Domino Swings [A+: My Blue Heaven: The Best of Fats Domino]
  • The "5" Royales: Dedicated to You [A: Monkey Hips and Rice]
  • The Buddy Holly Story [A: From the Original Master Tapes; A: The Buddy Holly Collection: 50 Classic Recordings]
  • Howlin' Wolf: Moanin' in the Moonlight [A+: with Howlin' Wolf]
  • Here's Little Richard [A: 18 Greatest Hits; A: The Georgia Peach]
  • Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters [A-: The Drifters: Let the Boogie Roll: The Greatest Hits 1953-1958; Clyde McPhatter: Deep Sea Ball: The Best of Clyde McPhatter]
  • Webb Pierce: The Wandering Boy [A-: King of the Honky Tonk]
  • Elvis Presley: Elvis' Golden Records [A+: Elvis Presley; A: 30 #1 Hits]
  • Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Gospel Train [A]
  • Kitty Wells' Country Hits Parade [A-: Country Music Hall of Fame Series]
  • Hank Williams: Moanin' the Blues [A+: The Ultimate Collection]

Brazil & Latin America

  • Aracy de Almeida Sings Noel Rosa [B+(**)]
  • Antônio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfá, et al.: Black Orpheus soundtrack [A-]
  • Macumba (1958) [A-]
    • {Heitor dos Prazeres}
  • Astor Piazzolla Octeto Buenos Aires: Tango Moderno []
  • Pérez Prado Plays Mucho Mambo for Dancing [A: The Best of Pérez Prado: The Original Mambo No. 5]
  • Edmundo P. Zaldivar (hijo): Carnavalitos [A-]

The Old World

  • Jacques Brel: No. 4 [La valse à mille temps] []
  • Gamelan Orchestra of Peliatan: Dancers of Bali []
  • E.T. Mensah & His Tempos Band: Tempos on the Beat [A-]
  • The Toraia Orchestra of Algiers: Music of the Arab People [reissued as Ya Bay! among many other titles] []

There is also a redundant album ranking, starting with: Monk, Fitzgerald & Armstrong, Howlin' Wolf, Hawkins & Webster, and Black Orpheus.

Top 60 albums of the Sixties

This list appeared as unranked, but grouped by genres. Link. My grades in brackets.

Jazz

  • Albert Ayler: Spirits Rejoice (1966) [B+]
  • Cecil Taylor: Conquistador! (1968) [B+]
  • Charles Mingus: Town Hall Concert (1964) [A-]
  • Duke Ellington: Far East Suite (1967) [A+]
  • Eddie Gale's Ghetto Music (1969) [A]
  • Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Song Book (1961) [A]
  • Gene Ammons: Boss Tenor (1960) [A]
  • Jackie McLean: Let Freedom Ring (1963) [A]
  • John Coltrane: Ascension (first take/Edition II/the longer one, 1966) [A-]
  • Johnny Hodges: Everybody Knows (1964) [A+]
  • Max Roach: We Insist! Freedom Now Suite (1960) [A-]
  • Miles Davis: In a Silent Way (1969) [A]
  • Ornette Coleman: Change of the Century (1960) [A-]
  • Pharoah Sanders: Karma (1969) [B]
  • Rahsaan Roland Kirk: Rip, Rig and Panic (1965) [A: with Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith]

Soul & Blues

  • Aretha Franklin: Aretha's Gold (1969) [A+]
  • Bobby "Blue" Bland: Two Steps From the Blues (1961) A-]
  • The Drifters' Golden Hits (1968) [A; also A+: The Very Best of the Drifters]
  • Dusty Springfield: Dusty in Memphis (1969) [A-]
  • Etta James: At Last! (1960) [B+(***)]
  • The Four Tops: Greatest Hits (1967) [A-]
  • James Brown: Live at the Apollo (recorded 1962, released 1963) [A]
  • The Marvelettes: Greatest Hits (1966) [A: Deliver: The Singles]
  • Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: United (1967) [B+(*)]
  • The Immortal Mississippi John Hurt (1967) [A]
  • Otis Reding: The Dock of the Bay (1968) [A-]
  • The Best of Sam Cooke (1962) [A+: The Man and His Music]
  • The Shirelles' Greatest Hits (1963) [A+: The Very Best of the Shirelles]
  • Sly & the Family Stone: Stand (1969) [A]
  • The Temptations Sing Smokey (1965) [B+(***)]

Rock & Country

  • The Band: Music from Big Pink (1968) [A]
  • The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds (1966) [A+]
  • The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night (1964) [A-]
  • The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963) [A-]
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival: Willie and the Poor Boys (1969) [A]
  • The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Are You Experienced (1967, CD edition with all the US and UK tracks because I get to cheat) [A-]
  • Love: Forever Changes (1967) [A-]
  • Patsy Cline's Greatest Hits (1967) [A: The Definitive Collection]
  • Ray Charles: Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (1962) [A]
  • Roger Miller: Golden Hits (1965) [A: The Best of Roger Miller [20th Century Masters]; A: The Best of Roger Miller, Vol. 2: King of the Road; A: King of the Road: The Genius of Roger Miller]
  • The Rolling Stones: Beggars Banquet (1968) [A]
  • Tammy Wynette: Tammy's Greatest Hits (1969) [B+]
  • Van Morrison: Astral Weeks (1968) [A]
  • The Velvet Underground (1969) [A+]
  • The Who Sell Out (1967) [B+]

International (i.e. not the US, UK, or Canada)

  • L'Afrique Danse No. 1 (1966) [A-]
  • Astor Piazzolla y su Quinteto: Adios Nonino (1969) []
  • Caetano Veloso (1969) [A-: Caetano Veloso (Irene)]
  • Los Calvos: . . . y que Calvos! (1968) [B+(***)]
  • The Chris McGregor Group: Very Urgent! (1968) [B+(**)]
  • Docteur Nico & Orchestre African Fiesta: L'Afrique Danse No. 8 (1969) [A-: Docteur Nico Presents African Fiesta Sukisa 1966-1974]
  • Gal Costa (1969)
  • Gilberto Gil (1969) [B+(***): Gilberto Gil (Cérebro Eletrónico)]
  • Jorge Ben (1969) [A-]
  • Krzysztof Komeda Quintet: Astigmatic (1966) [A]
  • Lola Beltrán: Voz e Inspiración (1962) [B+(**)]
  • Rochereau & l'Orchestre African Fiesta National: L'Afrique Danse No. 4 (1969) [A: The Voice of Lightness: Congo Classics 1961-1977]
  • Toots & the Maytals: Sweet and Dandy (1969) [A-: Tough Time: The Anthology]
  • Tropicália ou Panis et Circensis (1968) [A]
  • Violeta Parra: Las últimas composiciones (1966) [B+(***)]

There is also a redundant album 30-1 ranking, ending with Davis, Franklin, Dylan, and Love.

77 Favorite Albums of the Seventies

This appeared in three parts: Pt. 1 (77-51); Pt. 2 (50-26); Pt. 3 (25-1); A debrief: Rules in brief: one per artist; compilations eligible if released in Seventies and feel Seventies.

  1. Sly & the Family Stone: There's a Riot Goin' On (1971, Epic) [A]
  2. Jorge Ben Jor: África Brasil (1976, Polygram) [A-]
  3. Joni Mitchell: Blue (1971, Reprise) [A-]
  4. Franco & le TP OK Jazz: Untitled [AZDA/Mabele (Ntotu)] (1974, )
  5. The Clash: The Clash (1977, Columbia) [A+]
  6. Tom Zé: Estudando o Samba (1976, Continental) [A-]
  7. Sunny Adé & His African Beats: The Master Guitarist Vol. 11: Sunny Ti De (1974, A-)
  8. Al Green: Greatest Hits (1975, Hi) [A+]
  9. Miles Davis: Jack Johnson (1970, Columbia) [A+]
  10. Jimmy Cliff: The Harder They Come (1972, Mango) [A]
  11. : Africa Dances (1972, Original, A)
  12. Bob Dylan: Blood on the Tracks (1975, Columbia) [B]
  13. Donna Summer: On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II (1979, Casablanca) [A-]
  14. Culture: Two Sevens Clash (1977, Shanachie [1987]) [A+]
  15. Gil e Jorge: Ogum Xangô (1975, Philips) [A-]
  16. Michael Hurley/The Unholy Modal Rounders/Jeffrey Fredericks & the Clamtones: Have Moicy! (1976, Rounder) [A+]
  17. Mahmoud Ahmed: Ère Mèla Mèla (1975, Buda Musique) [A-]
  18. Rolling Stones: Exile on Main St. (1972, Virgin) [A+]
  19. Celestine Ukwu: True Philosophy [Igede] (Phillips, B+(***))
  20. Celia Cruz: The 'Brillante' Best (1978, Yaya) [A-]
  21. The Jackson 5: Greatest Hits (1971, Motown) [B+]
  22. Parliament: Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome (1977, Casablanca) [A-]
  23. : Soweto Never Sleeps (1974, Shanachie) [A]
  24. New York Dolls: New York Dolls (1973, Mercury) [A]
  25. X-Ray Spex: Germfree Adolescents (1978, Blue Plate) [A+]
  26. Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe: Lo mato (1973, Fania) [B+(***)]
  27. Dolly Parton: The Best of Dolly Parton (1970/1975, RCA) [A]
  28. Louis Moholo Octet: Spirits Rejoice! (1978, Ogun) [B+(***)]
  29. Zaïko Langa Langa: Plaisir de l'Ouest Afrique Volume 1 (1976, Essiebons) [A-]
  30. Air: Lore (1979, Novus) [A]
  31. Television: Marquee Moon (1977, Elektra) [A]
  32. Étoile de Dakar: Volume 1: Absa Gueye (1979, Sterns) [A-]
  33. Nelson Ângelo e Joyce: Nelson Ângelo e Joyce (1972, Odeon) [B+(**)]
  34. The Staple Singers: The Best of the Staple Singers (1974, )
  35. David Bowie: Hunky Dory (1971, Virgin) [A]
  36. Papa Wemba & Viva la Musica: Mabele Mokonzi (Elou) (1977, Special Molokai) [B+(***)]
  37. Neil Young: After the Gold Rush (1970, Reprise) [A]
  38. Novos Baianos: Acabou Chorare (1972, Som Livre) [A-]
  39. Burning Spear: Harder Than the Best (1979, Mango) [A]
  40. Elis Regina & Antônio Carlos Jobim: Elis & Tom (1974, Verve) [A-]
  41. Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band: Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band (1976, RCA) [A+]
  42. Arthur Blythe: Lenox Avenue Breakdown (1979, Columbia) [A]
  43. Zuhura Swaleh, Matano Juma & Orchestra Morning Star: Karama Zijiri (1973, Pwani) [B+(**)]
  44. Joe Henderson ft. Alice Coltrane: The Elements (1974, Milestone) [B+(**)]
  45. Stevie Wonder: Talking Book (1972, Motown) [A]
  46. Rail Band: Série Folk Rail 4 (1975, )
  47. Bob Marley & the Wailers: Natty Dread (1974, Island) [A+]
  48. Fela and Afrika 70: Sorrow Tears & Blood (1977, ) [A-]
  49. Aretha Franklin: Spirit in the Dark (1970, Atlantic) [A-]
  50. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours (1977, Reprise) [A]
  51. Buzzcocks: Singles Going Steady (1979, IRS) [A]
  52. Batsumi: Batsumi (1974, ) [B+(*)]
  53. Caetano Veloso: Bicho (1977, Philips) [B+(***)]
  54. Blondie: Parallel Lines (1978, Chrysalis) [A]
  55. The Roches: The Roches (1979, Warner Bros.) [A-]
  56. Yellow Magic Orchestra: Solid State Survivor (1979, Alfa) [B+(**)]
  57. Kraftwerk: Trans Europa Express (1977, ) [A]
  58. Hannibal and the Sunrise Orchestra: Hannibal (1975, MPS) [A-]
  59. The Congos: Heart of the Congos (1978, ) [B+]
  60. Chic: Le Plus Grands Succès De Chic: Chic's Greatest Hits (1979, A-)
  61. Nass El Ghiwane: Disque d'or (1973, Mélodie) [B+(***)]
  62. Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin IV (1971, Atlantic) [A]
  63. Thomas Mapfumo & the Acid Band: Hokoyo! (1978, Chimurenga Music) [A-]
  64. The B-52's: The B-52's (1979, Warner Bros.) [A]
  65. Hermeto Pascoal: Slaves Mass (1977, Warner Bros.) [B+(***)]
  66. Anthony Braxton: Creative Orchestra Music 1976 (1976, Arista, A)
  67. Bembeya Jazz National: Hommage à Demba Camara (1974, Sylla) [A-]
  68. Spinners: Spinners (1973, Atlantic) [A-]
  69. Frank Lowe: The Flam (1976, Black Saint) [A-]
  70. : Le Seigneur Rochereau à l'Olympia (1971, African) [A-]
  71. Eno: Another Green World (1975, EG) [A+]
  72. Chabuca Granda: Tarimba Negra (1978, Pronto) [B+(***)]
  73. Van Morrison: Moondance (1970, Warner Bros.) [A+]
  74. Idrissa Soumaoro & l'Eclipse de l'I.J.A.: Le Tioko-Tioko (1978, Eterna) [B+(**)]
  75. Curtis Mayfield: Super Fly (1972, Curtom) [A-]
  76. Astor Piazzolla: Libertango (1974, )
  77. Cátia de França: 20 Palavras ao Redor do Sol (1979, Epic) [A-]

Note: "So let's just call [Steve Reich:] Music for 18 Musicians an honorary 10.5."

Grade Breakdown

A+11
A18
A-23
B+(***)7
B+(**)5
B+(*)1
B+2
B1
U9