Us by Peter Gabriel
Us, was the follow-up to its highly successful predecessor, So, released 6 years earlier
Us, was an appropriate title for an album that would focus on personal themes for Gabriel, including divorce as well as romantic and familial relationships. Five singles were released from the album, including two that featured Sinéad O’Connor on vocals. The album was one of the first to be promoted with interactive multimedia software that only worked on Macintosh computers. The album was another top ten success all around the world for Gabriel.
Favourite track: The original video mix of “Kiss That Frog” which sadly now appears unavailable
Cut by Hunters & Collectors
Released in September 1992, Cut was the seventh studio album from Hunters & Collectors
After discussions with almost 20 producers in an attempt to evolve the sound of the band, they settled on American Don Gehman. They recorded most of the album with him and he incorporated drum loops and electronic percussion into their sound. The recording was apparently an unhappy process for the band as several members didn’t like the change in direction. Few could fault its success though, with six singles released and a top ten album with platinum sales.
Favourite track: “Head Above Water”
Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Little Earthquakes was the debut solo album from the Y Kant Tori Read lead singer
Following the break-up of her former band, Tori Amos made several demos for Atlantic Records. Initially rejected, she kept trying and recorded more songs. These were more acceptable to the label and she moved to London at their request, as they believed the British public would be more accepting of her eccentric style. This was indeed correct and when the album was finally released in the UK it made the top 20 and was on the charts for 23 weeks. It was also critically and commercially successful in the US selling over 2 million copies. It also achieved gold record status in Australia, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and Canada.
Favourite track: The hilarious “Leather”
Tear Of Thought by the Screaming Jets
Tear Of Thought was produced by Steve James, the son of comedian and actor, Sid James
Preceded by the Living in England EP four months earlier, Tear Of Thought was a very successful sophomore album and a more than capable follow-up to their debut, All For One. Five singles were released from the album, including a cover of “Shivers”, originally recorded by the Boys Next Door with Nick Cave on lead vocals. The band expanded somewhat on the sound of their debut but it was still classic Aussie pub rock at its core. The album was a platinum-selling top 5 success for the band.
Favourite track: “Think”, the album’s lead single
Triage by David Baerwald
A former member of David & David, this release was Baerwald’s second solo studio album
This is another of my favourite albums of the 90s decade. It is unlike anything else in my collection and contains a variety of musical styles. Apparently the album’s lyrics were inspired by a combination of conspiracy theories and politics. Fittingly, the liner notes contain photos of the FBI’s files on his father. Sales were modest, but for me it remains an under-appreciated masterpiece and is an album I never tire of.
Favourite track: “The Got No Shotgun HydraHead Octopus Blues”
The Slabthrower 