Listening to a lot of Pink Floyd lately and I’m reminded how much better Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 is when it’s led into by Part 1 and The Happiest Days of our Lives. Got me thinking about other ‘concept’ albums. For me, ‘concept’ can mean a story or an overarching theme I guess.
Your favorite?
Poll
2112 for me.
King's X- Gretchen Goes to Nebraska
Oh crap, how could I forget that one!!!
(Okay, never actually heard of it but now I’m going to have to see if it’s on Spotify….)
Dude, I'm jealous that you get to hear it for the first time! I'm putting it on now, too-enjoy!
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Wishbone Ash- Argus.
Not that it may rank with the others listed, just throwing out something a little obscure.😉
I just want to say Ziggy Stardust should be on the list
I'm a fan of pretty much all the albums in the poll....2112 by Rush should have been one nof the options.
... but for me, Queensryche. - Operation Mindcrime, takes the cake.
The storyline, The changing pace of the songs on the album. Geoff Tates voice (stunning), Saw them do the whole album in concert long ago. What a show. Sucks they broke up...they made some great albums.
Both great albums , but not concept albums .
I chose Thick as a Brick . It's kind of a parody , a response to people calling Aqualung a concept album while Ian Anderson insisted it wasn't .
There will never be anything close to 2112 . Songwriting like that died with Neil .
It is unforgivable that 2112 is not on this poll. Dammit, Kevin. It’s only the greatest concept album of all time.
To pimp a butterfly.
My youngest son recently referenced this as being a concept album. Something about Side 2 being the inverse of Side 1, maybe? Maybe it was “To Pimp a Butterfly”. He’s a fan of both. Although “American Idiot” would be his pick off Apple’s list.
A non-traditional nomination…
Yes, it did.
Honestly, I don't even think 2112 is Neil's best work. I like his more concise, later work.
I read an article wherein Neal was describing his thematic approach to most albums. He mentioned how there is usually an underlying theme that connects all the songs. (Haha, didn't realize I quoted him until I read that back.)
Grace Under Pressure - Self-evident. Doing well even with stress and difficulty.
Hold Your Fire - Find inspiration and empowerment within yourself.
Roll the Bones - Lady Luck in all her permutations.
Counterparts - Male/female, Yin/Yang, opposites attract, +/-, etc.
Anyway, back to the concept albums!
I'm a big time space nerd and science fiction afficionado ,so side 1 of 2112 really 'struck a chord' (😏) with me . But I agree all of Neil's lyrics were very cerebral and thought provoking ,( Witch Hunt also comes to mind ) much like current songs such as Cardi B's WAP . LMFAO !!!
Pit Row
Nope. The album is a like road trip (in what sounds like a lot like an old F150 in the first 5 seconds to me)- changing radio stations, hearing music fade in and out, hearing different genre's come and go. Outstanding start to finish.
Have you guys seen the new female drummer for Rush? Holy crap!! Plays Limelight, Spirit of Radio, YYZ, etc incredibly well!!
She is an amazing drummer, and I'm so stoked that she is the key to allowing Geddy and Alex to continue. Plus, hundreds of thousands of Rush fans will get to see them again.
I'm very torn on seeing them again, however. It simply isn't the same without Neil. I miss a lot of the things he brought to the table, performance-wise.
Sorry for hijacking the thread.
Another concept album I like is The Point, by Harry Nilsson. It's more like an opera, with an actual storyline. Cool stuff.
I totally get that being torn, falcon. I saw them on the hemispheres, moving pictures and another tour that escapes me. Lol what’s refreshing is to see how happy Geddy and Alex are playing with this new gal. I think she’s keeping Neal’s spirit alive and well. Don’t know if you know who Greg Beato is but he did a wonderful interview with her recently.
It was Rick Beato that interviewed Anika a few months ago, very good watch . My son in law got us all tickets to see Rush on 11/15 in Pittsburgh , so we'll check her out live . But what I've seen of her ,she does a very admirable job . Obviously no one can ever replace Neil, but she's doing well enough allowing the boys to play again.
You're right, Rick not Greg. lol
I feel exactly the same way. No one can replace Peart but she does an admirable job. Can you imagine anyone auditioning for that gig? LOL
Rick Beato is the guy who stops mid video to say , "I notice you're not subscribed ... please , I only have 5 million subscribers, please make five million and one by the end of the day " .
lol yeah, that is annoying
He's also the guy who goes on a rampage and threatens to 'quit' when artists protect their work and enforce their copyrights.
Don't get me wrong, I wish that some of the bigger names would be a little bit more flexible about what they allow but I also don't blame them for enforcing their IP rights, etc. And Beato being a 'former professional musician' must understand that on some level.
But other than that, I like most of his stuff and his interviews. I used to like Professor of Rock but his YouTube video titles have turned into nothing but clickbait and half the time the video doesn't even address what the title makes you think it will.
Yeah I used to watch his channel but not much anymore . He gets on my nerves for some reason. Just me I guess
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