by TOWOS on 15 Oct 2009 18:28
I can do better than this:
All by myself: 10 great one-man band albums
By Russell Hall
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The low price of studio gear has made do-it-yourself recordings possible for just about any working musician. Still, playing all the instruments oneself and singing all the vocals on full-band arrangements requires a set of skills few singer-songwriters possess. All of which makes the following do-it-yourself albums an impressive lot indeed.
Paul McCartney: “McCartney” (1970)
Paul McCartney’s first post-Beatles album saw the legendary songwriter opting for a low-key approach. Working alone in his home studio, Macca gave his trademark melodies an organic flavor, eschewing polish in favor of charm. The album’s best track, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” dazzles even after all these years.
John Fogerty: “Centerfield” (1985)
This stunning disc earned former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty his first No. 1 album since leaving his old band. Working from meticulously crafted demos, Fogerty recorded the disc for a mere $35,000. The title track remains a staple of classic-rock radio.
Todd Rundgren: “Something/Anything?” (1972)
This tour-de-force served notice of Todd Rundgren’s studio artistry. Playing all the instruments on three of the double album’s four sides, Rundgren crafted some of rock’s most enduring pop songs. “I Saw the Light” and “Hello It’s Me” mined territory similar to that of Carole King. “Couldn’t I Just Tell You,” on the other hand, sounded like a great lost Badfinger track.
Prince: “Dirty Mind” (1980)
This one-man showcase gave new meaning to the phrase “shock rock.” Exploring an array of taboo topics, Prince found a musical voice that would carry him through his next several albums. The dance-pop track “When You Were Mine” pulsed with sensuality, while “Uptown” weaved together brick house funk and synth-based melodies.
Steve Winwood: “Arc of a Diver” (1980)
Steve Winwood was contemplating leaving show business when he recorded this one-man-band masterpiece. Buttressed by the Top 10 hit “While You See a Chance,” the album framed Winwood’s blue-eyed soul in soft-lit arrangements and languid tempos. A heavy MTV presence soon pushed Winwood’s career to further heights.
tempos. A heavy MTV presence soon pushed Winwood’s career to further heights.
Mike Oldfield: “Tubular Bells” (1973)
One of the prototypes for New Age music, this album was brilliant in both conception and execution. Though just a teenager, Oldfield crafted a 50-minute epic that drew from rock, classical, and British folk music. The album provided the horror film “The Exorcist” with its theme music, and launched the career of Virgin Records founder Richard Branson.
Grant-Lee Phillips: “Mobilize” (2001)
Grant-Lee Phillips has long been one of Michael Stipe’s favorite songwriters. Imbuing his material with memorable melodies and a cinematic sweep, Phillips often comes off a quirky mix of Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon. Few contemporary songwriters have so successfully fused Americana themes to a British-inspired pop.
Tobin Sprout: “Moonflower Plastic” (1997)
Former Guided By Voices guitarist Tobin Sprout deserves a special place among the pop-rock elite. An overlooked masterpiece, this album boasts a trove of beautiful songs. The album’s centerpiece, “Angels Hang Their Socks on the Moon,” rivals anything in the post-Beatle McCartney catalog.
Foo Fighters: “Foo Fighters” (1995)
During his stint with Nirvana, drummer Dave Grohl was making home demos that would form the foundation for his first post-Nirvana album. The cannily titled “Foo Fighters” gathered the best of those home recordings into a pop-punk triumph. In deference to the memory of Kurt Cobain, Grohl opted not to grant interviews or perform in large venues following the album’s release.
Roy Wood: “Boulders” (1972)
This 1972 album also showed that great melodies could accommodate absurdist humor and the most outlandish eccentricities. Wood, who would soon go on to co-found Electric Light Orchestra, sounds like he’s having the time of his life. Aimee Mann has cited this album as one of her favorites.
"I.Know.This.Name"!
(Humbly asks for forgiveness to the legitimate owner of the avi)
