Yeah, it’s a slow day out there in music news land. Anyone else feelin’ it, or is it just us? Oh well, that won’t stop us from posting this little gem from Rolling Stones‘ blog. They asked people to nominate their favorite picks for worst albums ever by “undeniably awesome bands.” While the jury is still out on some of the things that made the cut, their list is found below. Check out other things people hate here.
01. Bob Dylan, Down In the Groove
02. Rolling Stones, Dirty Work
03. David Bowie, Tonight
04. Van Morrison, Beautiful Vision
05. The Clash, Cut the Crap
06. Neil Young, Old Ways
07. Van Halen, Diver Down
08. The Who, Face Dances
09. Elvis Costello, Mighty Like A Rose
10. Red Hot Chili Peppers, One Hot Minute
11. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, American Dream
12. Aerosmith, Rock in a Hard Place
13. Lou Reed, Mistrial
14. Morrissey, Kill Uncle
15. Led Zeppelin, Presence
August 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
As I stated on another blog, I find it hard to fathom why Led Zeppelin’s “Presence” wound up on this list. It was an excellent electric guitar album, as the band put aside some of its more esoteric leanings from past records (folk, soul, reggae, Oriental-textured pieces) and focused on brutal hard blues rock. “Achilles Last Stand” has enough strength to keep going for twenty minutes, but Zep tore through it at an epic 10:26. My other faves include “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”, a frenetic blues laced piece with a mercurial blasty harmonica break, and “Tea For One”, a lengthy slow burner reflecting on the dark side of fame and success. “In Through The Out Door” was Zep’s weakest work, as Jimmy Page’s presence (no pun intended) was diluted to the point where he seemed a sideman, while John Paul Jones’ keyboards propelled the album. Jones is an excellent musician, but functions best behind Page, not in front of him.