I'll break 'em into sections for you.
The Classics:
Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols-The Sex Pistols
This iconic album, The Sex Pistols sole studio release, is as close to a must have as anything from its era. Oh, and if you want a hard copy, the CD is available (with AutoRip, where Amazon lets you download the MP3 now so that you don't have to wait for the arrival of your disc to listen) for $6.98.
Badmotofinger-Soundgarden
Badmotofinger might not be quite as renowned as Soundgarden's Superunknown, but this earlier release is arguably where Soundgarden most clearly came into their own, bringing together heavy metal and grunge with a mature approach to songwriting. And, with songs like Rusty Cage, Outshined and Jesus Christ Pose, it deserves a spot on the cloud drive of serious grunge and metal fans. The CD with AutoRip is again $6.98.
Grace- Jeff Buckley
If you don't already own this, this is the right time to buy it (because you ARE going to buy it). This album is melodic, haunting and beautiful from beginning to end. Unlike the previous listings, it is a rare human being who won't love listening to this. And, yes, it has his cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. For those who prefer a physical copy, this CD with AutoRip costs a full $7 (I wonder where that two cents is going!)
Blue - Joni Mitchell
I don't think that I have to say much about this one.
Slippery When Wet - Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi might not be Joni Mitchell, but don't pretend that you don't want to have "Livin' on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name" in your music rotation. I won't believe you.
Icky Thump-The White Stripes
While this album came out in 2010, The White Stripes unique sound has already earned them classic status for all of their albums.
Continuum - John Mayer
This album has Mayer hits including "Waiting on the World to Change," "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," and "Gravity."
My Favorite Things- John Coltrane
With only four tracks, $5 doesn't seem like a particularly great deal on this one. But, it's John Coltrane... his first album playing the soprano sax, containing his first solo radio hit, and the album won a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame, so I decided to include it in this post.
For the Nineties Children
American Idiot - Greenday
I couldn't bring myself to put this album on a list in between The Sex Pistols and John Coltrane (whenever I see it, I remember when they tried to compare it to Bohemian Rhapsody and vomit a little bit in my mouth)... But, even while I think that that's a vast overstatement, and while I prefer their older albums, American Idiot wasn't bad, and it was omnipresent for a certain generation in late '04 and '05, so it's something that some of us would like to have. (BTW, Dookie isn't on the $5 list now, but it makes regular appearances there, and is only $5.99 right now).
Laundry Service- Shakira
Some of us might not want to admit that we love Shakira, but if you were "dancing" to her music at your prom, it probably holds a special place in your heart. The biggest hit from this album was "Whenever, Wherever" (and, of course, it's spanish equivalent, "Suerte," is also on the album).
Recent Greats
Gossamer - Passion Pit
The album opens with their hit "Take a Walk" and stays solid as it goes on. The blend of techno sounds with legitimately good song writing was exactly what the music world needed.
Mission Bell - Amos Lee
Amos Lee's folky soulful music and amazing voice make him one of the great artists out there today. If either of the words "folky" and "soulful" appeal to you, and you don't already listen to Amos Lee, start now. He has a handful of albums out, all of which are good. I don't know if this one is my favorite of his, but it's an excellent polished album that I'm honored to have just added to my Amazon cloud locker.
My One and Only Thrill - Melody Gardot
Jazz/blues singer Melody Gardot has one of the best voices of our generation, and she puts it to good use. My One and Only Thrill might have the most mainstream appeal of her three albums... Most of the tracks definitely have an old-school jazz singer kind of sound (she's been compared to Nina Simone, though I don't think that that's quite right), but this album has a slightly more contemporary finish to it than her debut album, Worrisome Heart. And it's a little bit less off-beat and experimental than her most recent album, The Absence, though you can see those influences creeping in in a couple of songs. If you want awesome, silky, powerful female vocals, this is your album.
Those are the best of the Amazon $5 rack this time around. I'll post a few honorable mentions later on tonight, when I'll also get to what's up on Google Play and iTunes.
Oh, and PS, the album photos are links to the albums on Amazon. If you click the link and choose to buy them, Amazon will throw a few cents my way. Obviously I'm not posting these for the money but, hey, pennies make dollars so if you appreciate this blog, I'll appreciate you back if I find an extra 10 cents in my Amazon account.
Those are the best of the Amazon $5 rack this time around. I'll post a few honorable mentions later on tonight, when I'll also get to what's up on Google Play and iTunes.
Oh, and PS, the album photos are links to the albums on Amazon. If you click the link and choose to buy them, Amazon will throw a few cents my way. Obviously I'm not posting these for the money but, hey, pennies make dollars so if you appreciate this blog, I'll appreciate you back if I find an extra 10 cents in my Amazon account.
