Favourite Five Of 2001

That’s What I Am by Eric Gales

Child prodigy Eric Gales released his first solo album at the ripe old age of 27

Having released two albums with his band in 1991 and 1993 respectively and another with his brothers in 1996, it was surprising that his first real solo album didn’t come until later. Primarily showcasing his guitar chops the album also features hip-hop style vocals, turntable scratching and a fiery cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxey Lady”, an artist he is often compared to. He is much funkier here than was indicated on his previous releases.

Favourite track: “Insane”

Lateralus by Tool

The album arrived five years after its predecessor mostly due to legal issues with their label

Lateralus is quite epic in its scope compared to previous Tool releases and even includes one three track song cycle that totals more than 23 minutes in length. As a big fan of Tool I was always going to like this although I still prefer Ænima. It rewards repeated listening, as does much of their work, not least due to the complexity of the rhythm changes and the album’s dynamic sound.

Favourite track: Album opener “The Grudge”

Watching The World by Primary

Primary was my first taste of the vocal stylings of Connie Mitchell, it would not be my last

Before a brief stint with Machine Gun Fellatio and joining Sneaky Sound System, Connie Mitchell performed vocals out the front of Primary. The Fonti brothers, previously members of Caligula, formed techno rock group Primary with Connie. I enjoyed their debut album This Is The Sound, but I thought their sound had improved markedly on this one and loved it right from the first listen.

Favourite track: “Not For Me”

Gold by Ryan Adams

Released in September 2001, Gold was the second solo studio album by Ryan Adams

I was never really a fan of Whiskeytown, which featured Adams on lead vocals and guitar, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy this album. I hadn’t heard his first solo album and so this was the first of his releases I had ever listened to in its entirety. Released only two weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the single “New York, New York” did well for the singer accordingly. His intent was to create a modern classic and he originally intended for it to be a double album, but sadly his record company didn’t agree.

Favourite track: “Enemy Fire”

Strange Little Girls by Tori Amos

Four different album covers were available representing four different tracks from the album

Amos released Strange Little Girls as a concept album reinterpreting songs written and performed by males, from a female perspective. If you didn’t know these songs otherwise you’d be mistaken for thinking them her own compositions so unique are her interpretations. I have been a fan of Tori’s work since her debut so I soon as I heard which songs she’d be covering I knew I would have to get my hands on it.

Favourite track: Her unusual take on Slayer’s thrash metal classic “Raining Blood”

Favourite Five Of 1996

12 Golden Country Greats by Ween

Despite its title the album only features 10 tracks whilst the 12 represents the veteran musos

This is Ween’s fifth studio album and musically, was a radical change in direction. Employing a bunch of Nashville musicians to create a genuine Nashville-sounding country album was a surprise to many of their fans. Some of the musicians they asked turned them down however, due to the lyrical content of their songs. Ween retained their familiar juvenile comedic lyrics on some of the tracks as per their previous material, yet musically the tracks are very faithful to the intended Nashville sound. Part pisstake and part faithful homage, I really enjoyed it. Some of the lyrical content hasn’t aged well however.

Favourite Track: “Help Me Scrape The Mucus Off My Brain”

Ænima by Tool

Tool followed up their much-loved debut Undertow, with the masterpiece Ænima

The album was very successful for Tool, debuting at #2 on the US charts and eventually earning triple platinum sales. The title track would also win a Grammy for Best Metal Performance. I loved this album from the moment I first heard it and eagerly purchased 4 tickets so I could go see them live with a few friends, as they were coming to Canberra to play at the ANU Bar. Come the night of the concert I discovered my tickets had been stolen, so not only could we not go, I was out of pocket for 4 tickets. I eventually got to see them 22 years later. This remains another of my favourite albums of the 90s decade.

Favourite track: “Forty Six And 2”

Boys For Pele by Tori Amos

Boys For Pele was the third studio album by Tori Amos, released in January 1996

I have been following the career of Tori Amos since her debut album. I remember buying this on the day of release having already heard the single, “Caught A Light Sneeze”. In terms of its sound, it was more diverse and adventurous than some of her previous work and I loved it straight away. According to interviews she gave at the time, Amos conceived of the songs as representing stealing fire from the men in her life as well as a journey to finding her own fire as a woman.

Favourite track: “In The Springtime Of His Voodoo”

Booth And The Bad Angel by Booth And The Bad Angel

The only album released by the collaboration between Tim Booth & Angelo Badalamenti

I don’t know who came up with the idea for Tim Booth of James and Twin Peaks soundtrack composer Angelo Badalamenti to work together, but it was a stroke of genius. This much under-rated album still gets listened to on a semi-regular basis and I still enjoy it every time. It peaked at #35 on the UK charts but I cannot find any data on how it performed elsewhere (most likely because it didn’t). This is a hidden gem in my opinion and if you can find a copy on a digital stream or elsewhere, I highly recommend you give it a listen.

Favourite track: “Dance Of The Bad Angels”

The Masquerade Overture by Pendragon

The Gloucestershire band released their fifth album, the Masquerade Overture, in 1996

Musically, Pendragon are often-described as neo-progressive rock and were considered contemporaries of Marillion, often supporting them on their tours in the early 1980s. I heard this album through a friend around the time of its release so subsequently had to get hold of my own copy. It turned out to be a wise decision as I still enjoy the album now.

Favourite track: “Paintbox”