Top 5 Music Albums

It's Tuesday! Time for a break from thinking of interesting new content. I've always liked the album as a musical format ever since getting my mom's old copy of The Joshua Tree. I think it allowed artists in my favourite genre (somewhere between classic rock and that 70s singer-songwriter vibe) to develop their sound, not just ring off a hit with a catchy intro. This has been something I've jotted down from time to time over the years, and it develops, but without further ado.

5. Carole King - Tapestry

Don't expect many surprises in here. Maybe if it was a top 10 there would be one or two that weren't both super basic and from last century, but not so much here. This album is comfort food if ever that term has meant anything.

4. U2 - The Joshua Tree

We didn't listen to a lot of popular music growing up. My dad never really like to have music on in the car (it still can be frustrating) and while my mom had some of her old cassettes kicking around, they were never really played. When I got my hands on this, it was a huge eye opender for me. The first three songs are legendary, but the whole thing fits together well. I don't listen as much anymore, but at one point I had three copies of this album, so I think it stays.

3. Rush - 2112

One concept album (kind of) on this list, it stands out a bit. The first half is all one song (called 2112), and I admit that's mostly why it makes the list. I do like the B side though, so I don't think I'm cheating. With the genius of Neal Peart being lost this month, it'd be a great chance to give this a try if you can. The narrative of the guitar chords during "The Discovery" still gives me chills.

2. John Denver - John Denver's Greatest Hits

It feels cheap to have a compilation album on this list. In some ways, compilation albums obviate the thing I like most about an album: the distinctive sound, the careful placement of the singles. It's an art unto itself. But I could listen to this album on repeat. I can hardly go to the mountains without putting it on. I was biking through Southern Ontario once when I saw it in a store and had to tell myself "No Jasper, you can't buy it, you already own two copies." Nuff said.

1. Joni Mitchell - Hejira

Truth be told, I could probably have put more than one of Joni's albums on my top 5. I decided to go with her best. It doesn't have her best songs, that would be Blue. It's not her best seller (Court and Spark). This is her best album. If any album had to be listened to as a whole, it's this one, because there are no duds, and the songs drive you across America as Joni showcases her talent at it's most sublime. Jaco Pastorius on bass sure never hurt anyone either.