Group E

[PaulHaddock]

Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)

Nominated by: Craig

Released in '95, this is easily Pumpkins' most commercially successful album, receiving 7 Grammy nominations of over 10 million unit sales. Unlike their previous albums, they decided not to work with Butch Vig. Also, the band's other guitarists (Iha and Wretsky) had a much greater input in recording (as it was rumoured Corgan did everything on the previous work).

The varied use of style is what made this album a success, partly down to making it more mainstream. Using an orchestra on 'Tonight, Tonight' and using loops on '1979' was something new; it added a new dimension to their work. Still, the Pumpkins rawness remained and that's what makes this album great.

 

[PaulHaddock]

Pixies- Doolittle (1989)

Nominated by: SF_, Paranoid Pineapple

This early alt rock album was dark (lyrically), a contrast to the actual sound the album achieved. Many lyrics focused on issues lie the Bible, torture and death. The album itself is regarded as influential to 90s Rock and was, surprisingly, a moderate chart success.

Album tracks like 'Hey', 'Dead' and 'Lame' were composed whilst they toured after their first album. Black Francis (lol), the songwriter, produced the even blacker lyrics. The album's biggest track 'Monkey Gone to Heaven' refers to mankind's destruction of the ocean and questions man's existence in the world. Biblical themes are rife throughout songs, such as 'Gouge Away' and 'Hey'.

A wholly intriguing album.

 

[PaulHaddock]

The Killers- Hot Fuss (2004)

Nominated by: StagsForLife, SF_

The Killers debut album reached very tall heights with many big hits, such as 'All These Things That I've Done', 'Somebody Told Me' and that little song called 'Mr Brightside'. I believe it's fair to say that this album dwarves their latest works in terms of quality (Human, euuuugh). Chief songwriter Brandon Flowers had a part in each song, aiding its success of 7 million sales to date.

Noted by many critics and music fans as 'Song of the Decade', 'Mr Brightside' tells the story of a man who suspects he's being cheated on; when asked, Flowers said there's only one verse because he couldn't think of anything else. Synths are heavily featured in the album, no more so than in 'Somebody Told Me', which is incredibly similar to the aforementioned track, except this time the affair is completely female orientated .

 

[PaulHaddock]

Joy Division- Unknown Pleasures (1979)

Nominated by: Paranoid Pineapple

ANOTHER debut album, Joy Division released this with no singles. This album is one of those works that does better posthumously (for Ian Curtis that is), as the reaction to its initial release was very much mixed. Having a good look around online, the word I've seen most used is powerful.

Curtis' haunting lyrics and the post-punk music that the band created provided the soundtrack to what has proved to be a timeless classic that is regarded by many as revolutionary. The music was a great sign of what was to come from music and the death of Ian Curtis was seen as a tragedy. Yet another flawed genius, as they say.

 

[Vanni]

At first glance it looks like a tough group this one. I've got 3 of the nominated albums in my collection, but I'm afraid there are no prizes as which one I don't have as it's bloody obvious

Still, it's relatively an easy choice as Doolittle isn't the best Pixies album(it's Surfer Rosa), and the Pumpkins one being a double means it has quite a few filler tracks.

The Immortal Ian Curtis and JD, and a big helping hand from Martin Hannett, win this one.

 

[les.gtfc]

One group where I actually have all 4 albums. All excellent but for me Joy Division just shades it from The Pixies.

 

[PaulHaddock]

Apologies to SF, I messed up his choice of song for the Killers.

 

[PaulHaddock]

My vote went to Pumpkins here so...

Winner: Joy Division- Unknown Pleasures
Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness