101 Albums That Changed Popular Music, By Chris Smith
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Though its textbook appearance suggests that this is yet another volume from America's burgeoning rock academia, Smith is actually a US music journalist. He can write well and has a keen eye for a good quote. Bono: "Some bands went to art school. We went to Brian Eno."
Few would cavil at his initial selections of mould-busting pop – Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley, Muddy Waters at Newport, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan – though sometimes the wrong record is picked by the right artist. Smith acknowledges that his inclusion of the Beatles' transitional Rubber Soul rather than Revolver is "somewhat unfair".
Many would maintain that Miles Davis's In a Silent Way (overlooked in the text) was more significant than the "wholly unique" Bitches Brew. Later in Smith's treasury, numerous inclusions are either inexplicable (Boston by Boston, Van Halen by Van Halen) or obscure (No Depression by Uncle Tupelo).
Same goes for the perplexing omissions: Where are Live at Fillmore East by the Allman Brothers or Neil Young's After the Gold Rush? Joni Mitchell, Talking Heads and the Rolling Stones merit only the briefest of references and there is no mention of Little Feat or Steely Dan.
Perhaps Smith's exercise demonstrates that "influential" is not necessarily the same as "outstanding" in popular music. Moreover. with bands like The Who and The Kinks, singles had more impact than albums.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments