Yobrepus is small one-man band project formed in Oslo in 2006. The Emasculating Rampage is the working title of the first album which is a work in progress. All songs are written and performed by Yobrepus except Survivor which has lyrics written by Beyoncé Knowles.
Black Album
For many fans this album marked the definitive end for Metallica's integrity. On the other hand it struck home with a new and broader base, which amongst millions of others included me, who was never a huge trash-metal fan at the time anyway. Perhaps (wrongly) associated with a couple of hit power ballads, this album offers just as hard a core as any predecessor and is much more contained and raw than ensuing efforts. Song picks are Sad but True and Wherever I May Roam.
That Great October Sound Without a doubt one of the most powerful debuts in Norwegian pop/rock history, That Great October Sound is the first in a trilogy celebrating the resonance of this autumn month. And October does indeed sound great. Dybdahl is clearly in a league of his own amongst Norwegian singer/songwriters, and manages something as rare as combining comforting familiarity with refreshing idiosyncrasy. The result is a personal and authentic collection of songs that linger on the edge of radio hit wonder land, yet keeps a safe distance and plays more with an idea of merging soul with blues and Western. Song picks are From Grace and Life Here is Gold.
Idlewild A sprawling yet concise double album from the hit makers behind Hey Ya! Optimistically attempting to narrate an alternative black history from that of the white mainstream or the gangster rappers, Big Boi and André 3000 give us a sincere, though playful collection of songs that push genre boundaries in all directions. In an America where it seems all white musicians play emo/numetal and all black musicians play RnB/hiphop, Outkast is a welcome anomaly. Song picks are Morris Brown, Mutron Angel and The Train.
Joe's Garage A mile stone in Zappa's chronicles for many, this double album tells the tale of a young group of rock and rolling catholic boys on their journey from Joe's garage to the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen. Through (sexual) encounters with everything from talking household appliances to L. Ron Hubbard's evil cousin, Joe's Garage tells the tale of a bleak future where government control and censorship has banned music on moral grounds. Song picks are Catholic Girls and Lucille.
Thick as a Brick
I was an absolutely massive Tull fan in my early teens, and I'm sure some of the Ian Anderson folk/prog has left a mark on my own music making today. However I have since become disenchanted with most of the Tull catalogue leaving only the earliest albums on my favorite list. This concept album claims to be music set to the words of "Little Milton", allegedly an 8 year old winner of a national poetry competition. The result is a song that spans two albums sides with a wide array of musical sequences, all in typical Anderson style, with flute and acoustic guitar, only occasionally accompanied by Martin Barre's electric guitar. The whole Milton back-story is a concept album ploy of course, the lyrics revealing their originator in all his glory. Tull was always a one man effort which I think ultimately is the reason Tull started to sound like they were repeating themselves.
OK. Computer. Hailed as one of the most influential albums of all time, Ok. Computer has yet to embrace the full potential of its creators new departure from mainstream rock, and sounds, in comparison to later albums such as Hail to the Thief or the electronica inspired Amnesiac, surprisingly commercial. Nevertheless, this is where you find their most celebrated songs, like Paranoid Android, Exit Music (from a film) and Karma Police.
Planets, Rivers and Ikea Strangely overlooked this ambitious pop concept album form Norwegian jazz saxophone player Bendik Hofseth is nothing short of musical genius. With insightful and witty lyrics, simple melodies married with almost pretentiously complex music, you find yourself on a beautiful journey exploring everything from the origins of our existence, love and world politics to consumerism. Song picks are Crossing the Rubicon and Deep River.
Dark Side of the Moon Widely celebrated and one of the best selling albums of all time, Dark Side of the Moon was to become a milestone, not only in Pink Floyd's own catalogue, but in the catalogue of all rock music. This time Waters would write all the lyrics and most of the music, cementing his role as mr. Pink Floyd until their inevitable post-Wall fall out. Dealing with Waters personal relationships with both his own father and the departed Barret, the lyrics are a clever and insightful break from the previous madcap ramblings about stuff like Gerald the mouse. Song picks are Breathe and Brain Surgery.
Portishead
While not the most prolific band to come out of the 90's Birmingham scene, Portishead undoubtedly defined the emerging genre of trip-hop for millions of people world wide. The second and probably last studio album from the British group finds the sound departing from the electronica/easy-listening bits of the preceding Dummy in favour of a harsher and less compromising tone; Gibbons's voice often angry and venomous. The retro fetish broadens from the characteristic vinyl and tape hiss sequencing to melodic and stylistic elements. Song picks are Undenied and the clever Western Eyes, which has me wondering if the band members had been reading Edward Said.
That Great October Sound Without a doubt one of the most powerful debuts in Norwegian pop/rock history, That Great October Sound is the first in a trilogy celebrating the resonance of this autumn month. And October does indeed sound great. Dybdahl is clearly in a league of his own amongst Norwegian singer/songwriters, and manages something as rare as combining comforting familiarity with refreshing idiosyncrasy. The result is a personal and authentic collection of songs that linger on the edge of radio hit wonder land, yet keeps a safe distance and plays more with an idea of merging soul with blues and Western. Song picks are From Grace and Life Here is Gold.
Idlewild A sprawling yet concise double album from the hit makers behind Hey Ya! Optimistically attempting to narrate an alternative black history from that of the white mainstream or the gangster rappers, Big Boi and André 3000 give us a sincere, though playful collection of songs that push genre boundaries in all directions. In an America where it seems all white musicians play emo/numetal and all black musicians play RnB/hiphop, Outkast is a welcome anomaly. Song picks are Morris Brown, Mutron Angel and The Train.
Joe's Garage A mile stone in Zappa's chronicles for many, this double album tells the tale of a young group of rock and rolling catholic boys on their journey from Joe's garage to the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen. Through (sexual) encounters with everything from talking household appliances to L. Ron Hubbard's evil cousin, Joe's Garage tells the tale of a bleak future where government control and censorship has banned music on moral grounds. Song picks are Catholic Girls and Lucille.
Thick as a Brick
I was an absolutely massive Tull fan in my early teens, and I'm sure some of the Ian Anderson folk/prog has left a mark on my own music making today. However I have since become disenchanted with most of the Tull catalogue leaving only the earliest albums on my favorite list. This concept album claims to be music set to the words of "Little Milton", allegedly an 8 year old winner of a national poetry competition. The result is a song that spans two albums sides with a wide array of musical sequences, all in typical Anderson style, with flute and acoustic guitar, only occasionally accompanied by Martin Barre's electric guitar. The whole Milton back-story is a concept album ploy of course, the lyrics revealing their originator in all his glory. Tull was always a one man effort which I think ultimately is the reason Tull started to sound like they were repeating themselves.
OK. Computer. Hailed as one of the most influential albums of all time, Ok. Computer has yet to embrace the full potential of its creators new departure from mainstream rock, and sounds, in comparison to later albums such as Hail to the Thief or the electronica inspired Amnesiac, surprisingly commercial. Nevertheless, this is where you find their most celebrated songs, like Paranoid Android, Exit Music (from a film) and Karma Police.
Planets, Rivers and Ikea Strangely overlooked this ambitious pop concept album form Norwegian jazz saxophone player Bendik Hofseth is nothing short of musical genius. With insightful and witty lyrics, simple melodies married with almost pretentiously complex music, you find yourself on a beautiful journey exploring everything from the origins of our existence, love and world politics to consumerism. Song picks are Crossing the Rubicon and Deep River.
Dark Side of the Moon Widely celebrated and one of the best selling albums of all time, Dark Side of the Moon was to become a milestone, not only in Pink Floyd's own catalogue, but in the catalogue of all rock music. This time Waters would write all the lyrics and most of the music, cementing his role as mr. Pink Floyd until their inevitable post-Wall fall out. Dealing with Waters personal relationships with both his own father and the departed Barret, the lyrics are a clever and insightful break from the previous madcap ramblings about stuff like Gerald the mouse. Song picks are Breathe and Brain Surgery.
Portishead
While not the most prolific band to come out of the 90's Birmingham scene, Portishead undoubtedly defined the emerging genre of trip-hop for millions of people world wide. The second and probably last studio album from the British group finds the sound departing from the electronica/easy-listening bits of the preceding Dummy in favour of a harsher and less compromising tone; Gibbons's voice often angry and venomous. The retro fetish broadens from the characteristic vinyl and tape hiss sequencing to melodic and stylistic elements. Song picks are Undenied and the clever Western Eyes, which has me wondering if the band members had been reading Edward Said.
In the Court of the Crimson King
King Crimson is second only to the Beatles when it comes to influencing my music making. Along with Jethro Tull, Crimson was just about the only thing I would listen too in my adolescence. In the Court of the Crimson King is one of the countless "ground breaking" debuts from 1969, the year rock and roll grew up, and offers a sinister precursor to a heavier sound combined with the playfulness of improvised jazz. Robert Fripp's characteristic sustained guitar solos have yet to make their appearance on this first album, which was more of a communal effort with strong contributions from Greg Lake, Ian Mac Donald and the remaining brother Giles. Song picks are 21 st Century Schizoid Man and the title track.
PhanerothymeMotorpsycho's follow-up to their 60's Brian Wilson inspired pop detour Let them Eat Cake was according to the band themselves the result of a short and intensive recording session and a few leftovers from the previous project. Less contrived and ultimately more substantial than it's predecessor, Phanerothyme is their finest effort to this date. Song picks are Painting the Night Unreal and For Free.
[White Album] Picking one Beatles album is just about as difficult as turning the tv off when Beyoncé Knowles is dancing on the screen. Ultimately my choice falls on the white album, for a number of reasons. First, it's a double album and I get more songs. More importantly, after reviewing the later catalogue, I find that this is the place to find John Lennon's best efforts, pushing all sorts of boundaries, both musically and lyrics wise. Harrison also contributes some of his best material here and it is sadly only Paul who comes short. Still he makes up with songs like Helter Skelter, which has become accepted as the first heavy metal song in history, and a few pseudo-Lennon compositions that many listeners would put past him. Song picks are Julia and Happiness is a warm Gun.
Purple Rain A more recent discovery on my behalf, Purple Rain is a stroke of pop genius unrivaled even by Michael Jackson. Prince effortlessly mixes a wide array of genres into a personal and distinct sound, playing most of the instruments himself. A huge inspiration to a one man band such as myself. Song picks are When Doves Cry, Darling Nikki and The Beautiful Ones.
California The third and last album by the California group is in many fans' view way too listenable. Still, it is a more concise and ultimately more coherent effort, even though trade-mark genre hopping and unconventional song structures remain prevalent. At the end of the day it's a tough pick; the debut album from 1991 is a roller coaster of heavy metal, James Last and circus music you will be hard pressed to forget. More recent solo projects by Mike Patton like Tomahawk, Peeping Tom and Fantômas all show the unbridled creative joy that characterized the debut album, but none reach the perfection of California. Song pics are Retrovertigo and Holy Filament.
Swordfishtrombones Widely held to be the finest album made by the New York "troubadour", Swordfishtrombones is also my favorite. Influenced by his wife Kathleen Brennan's world of theatre, Waits wanders off the conventional bar-brawl blues path into an magical and eerie territory. Even though Waits has spent the following years since perfecting this sound, with fantastic results such as Blood Money and Mule Variations, nothing comes close to the original genuinuity of the Swordfish album. Song picks are Rainbirds and Johnsburg, Illinois.
Thriller
As with much of the music from the 80's, I didn't discover Thriller until almost 20 years later. I definitely did not listen to Michael Jackson in my teens. Later I would develop a less identity oriented attitude towards music, and discovered artists like Jackson, Prince and Madonna. Even though songwriter Temperton and producer Quinsey Jones still had their feet firmly planted in 70's funk and soul, Jackson's own contributions were of what one might call a pure pop nature. A fantastic journey through the childish world of a man who was never to grow up, Thriller is a true masterpiece and an epitome of an era. Song picks are Billy Jean and Thriller.
Total A dark and confident album from the Norwegian lineup called Seigmen, Total marks their break through both musically and commercially. Being their last album to utilise Norwegian lyrics, Total is a brooding effort to create something truly original. And a successful one at that. Compared to the ensuing Metropolis and the final, Depeche Mode inspired Radio Waves, Total is a more genuine and unpolished attempt that shows bold disregard for genres and conventions. Potentially pretentious the lyrics revolve around an individual's relationship with God and himself. However juxtaposed with the audacity of the music, the result is a marriage made in heaven (or possibly hell). Song picks are Nephilia and Sort Tulipan.
Blue A lot of albums have been left out on this list and the last pick is always the hardest one. The likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix are all left out, and for no good reason. Nevertheless, Joni Mitchell's 1971 Blue is in my opinion one of the most precious singer/songwriter efforts of the last century, and hereby steals the last slot. Sparsely instrumented, Mitchell's voice carries us through the songs which are personal as well as political, with a feminist 70's twang that never becomes preaching or dated.
Phanerothyme
Motorpsycho's follow-up to their 60's Brian Wilson inspired pop detour Let them Eat Cake was according to the band themselves the result of a short and intensive recording session and a few leftovers from the previous project. Less contrived and ultimately more substantial than it's predecessor, Phanerothyme is their finest effort to this date. Song picks are Painting the Night Unreal and For Free.[White Album] Picking one Beatles album is just about as difficult as turning the tv off when Beyoncé Knowles is dancing on the screen. Ultimately my choice falls on the white album, for a number of reasons. First, it's a double album and I get more songs. More importantly, after reviewing the later catalogue, I find that this is the place to find John Lennon's best efforts, pushing all sorts of boundaries, both musically and lyrics wise. Harrison also contributes some of his best material here and it is sadly only Paul who comes short. Still he makes up with songs like Helter Skelter, which has become accepted as the first heavy metal song in history, and a few pseudo-Lennon compositions that many listeners would put past him. Song picks are Julia and Happiness is a warm Gun.
Purple Rain A more recent discovery on my behalf, Purple Rain is a stroke of pop genius unrivaled even by Michael Jackson. Prince effortlessly mixes a wide array of genres into a personal and distinct sound, playing most of the instruments himself. A huge inspiration to a one man band such as myself. Song picks are When Doves Cry, Darling Nikki and The Beautiful Ones.
California The third and last album by the California group is in many fans' view way too listenable. Still, it is a more concise and ultimately more coherent effort, even though trade-mark genre hopping and unconventional song structures remain prevalent. At the end of the day it's a tough pick; the debut album from 1991 is a roller coaster of heavy metal, James Last and circus music you will be hard pressed to forget. More recent solo projects by Mike Patton like Tomahawk, Peeping Tom and Fantômas all show the unbridled creative joy that characterized the debut album, but none reach the perfection of California. Song pics are Retrovertigo and Holy Filament.
Swordfishtrombones Widely held to be the finest album made by the New York "troubadour", Swordfishtrombones is also my favorite. Influenced by his wife Kathleen Brennan's world of theatre, Waits wanders off the conventional bar-brawl blues path into an magical and eerie territory. Even though Waits has spent the following years since perfecting this sound, with fantastic results such as Blood Money and Mule Variations, nothing comes close to the original genuinuity of the Swordfish album. Song picks are Rainbirds and Johnsburg, Illinois.
Thriller
As with much of the music from the 80's, I didn't discover Thriller until almost 20 years later. I definitely did not listen to Michael Jackson in my teens. Later I would develop a less identity oriented attitude towards music, and discovered artists like Jackson, Prince and Madonna. Even though songwriter Temperton and producer Quinsey Jones still had their feet firmly planted in 70's funk and soul, Jackson's own contributions were of what one might call a pure pop nature. A fantastic journey through the childish world of a man who was never to grow up, Thriller is a true masterpiece and an epitome of an era. Song picks are Billy Jean and Thriller.
Total A dark and confident album from the Norwegian lineup called Seigmen, Total marks their break through both musically and commercially. Being their last album to utilise Norwegian lyrics, Total is a brooding effort to create something truly original. And a successful one at that. Compared to the ensuing Metropolis and the final, Depeche Mode inspired Radio Waves, Total is a more genuine and unpolished attempt that shows bold disregard for genres and conventions. Potentially pretentious the lyrics revolve around an individual's relationship with God and himself. However juxtaposed with the audacity of the music, the result is a marriage made in heaven (or possibly hell). Song picks are Nephilia and Sort Tulipan.
Blue A lot of albums have been left out on this list and the last pick is always the hardest one. The likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix are all left out, and for no good reason. Nevertheless, Joni Mitchell's 1971 Blue is in my opinion one of the most precious singer/songwriter efforts of the last century, and hereby steals the last slot. Sparsely instrumented, Mitchell's voice carries us through the songs which are personal as well as political, with a feminist 70's twang that never becomes preaching or dated.
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