Pitchfork's 90s List Isn't Bad

[@davidfirth]

I ranted on Twitter about Hole's placement on the list, got some angry replies etc. Then realised that is exactly what they wanted. They wanted a reason for people to be angry and talk about it. They knew what they were doing. I didn't bother with the rest of the list as I don't like being manipulated.

[@rpemulis]

oh ok so you just dont like women? thats fine man, you can just say that!

[@kid_war]

free thinker era

[@literalwho9017]

Hey what's up David!

[@jbaer0]

Yeah most times these lists are nothing but things to get people talking online, getting more attention, etc so I normally don’t bother. These vids are fun though

[@KINGDEAD2]

Live through his is a pretty solid album but it ain’t that good. I agree

[@theornhrdt150]

This man knows everything. Like he must have listened to music 18 hours a day everyday since he was 6 or something. It’s amazing

[@madferit5390]

I listen to music 18 hours a day everyday too, that's actually not that hard, all you have to do is just not have a job, a family and friends

[@MrBeesknees95]

It is his job tbf - I'd be a bit shocked if he was the self-proclaimed internet busiest music nerd and hadn't listened to Loveless

[@3lancerofficialmaybe871]

Yet he didn't review pop Smoke until after he died.

[@fakenamerealchungus9851]

@birds yeah talked about online by thousands of people, most of whom have heard a fraction of that

[@Juggadoosh]

melon is eternal

[@philly_sports1558]

The 90s is my favorite decade for music. The alternative rock revolution, the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry, the evolution of pop, Britpop, the major leaps in electronic music and indie music. So many gems. Every single decade has its merits for being someone’s favorite but the 90s will always hold a personal place in my heart.

[@FishingWithCartwheel]

I like the 1890’s

[@salomaonplanetsaturn6038]

East coast rap - 😎😎😎

[@tylerhackner9731]

70s and 80s are my personal favorites but the 90s is a very close second

[@goh02]

For me 3 best decades are: 1960s - Blues, Jazz and Soul, British Invasion peak of Rock and Roll 1970s - Evolution of Rock, greath and legendary albums and iconic bands and creative artist. 2000s - Hybrid music between Rock and Rap, Born of many amazing alternative Rock bands and Peak of indie Rock. New generation of female pop stars and reborn of EDM music.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

Anyone know if an Oasis album is on the list? "What's the Story, Morning Glory" is one of my favorite albums of the 90s.

[@WhatOnEarthIsThisThing]

So Pitchfork gives Pinkerton 10/10 and then omits it from the list entirely. Right.

[@gvdub1175]

At least they put the blue album on there.

[@sergioojeda1456]

Say it ain't so

[@Leo-qe3gl]

Pitchfork pushed top 10 albums from their first 90s list to place 60. Pitchfork people are a little stupid or dominated by rap and rnb fans.

[@WhatTheHellRecords]

Aged like milk

[@dadjeans1655]

Honestly cool to hear him nerd out on past decades, don't get to see that often. Lot of great picks on this list though Tilt was way unexpected

[@shmammin]

That build-up of Anthony being so giddy and understanding of each placement from the last top 20 only to get met with Hole at number 8 was gold and I had the exact same reaction.

[@iwouldprefernotto4381]

I actually don't think Hole at 8 is that outrageous. Live Through This isn't perfect, but it's got at least five brilliant songs on it and Courtney's lyrics are so much more interesting than Kurt's. Everyone went on about what a sensitive soul Kurt was because he liked poetry and name checked some cool all-women bands, but lyrically he's pretty weak. Nevermind is an amazing record, but I think Nirvana in general are very one-note, there's not much emotional colour to any of their music.

[@iwouldprefernotto4381]

So bottom line: Courtney was really the one who made Nirvana great.

[@connorleite5344]

@@iwouldprefernotto4381 ah hell nah

[@finlayson6868]

@@iwouldprefernotto4381 that second comment is the most unhinged thing I've read all week... Jesus

[@iwouldprefernotto4381]

@@finlayson6868 It's the same way Yoko was the best Beatle - there's a reason John suddenly started writing much more interesting music once he started dating an avant-garde artist. Kurt Cobain was a good songwriter and a great frontman, but that's it. The idol worship and his grizzly death turned him into this figure of worship, but I think Nirvana are very overrated.

[@elliottsmith2258]

i was shocked when antony named pitchfork as his favourite gardening tool

[@evilscientistrecords]

Shovel should rank much higher, it's extremely versatile and well designed.

[@mxmagpie7037]

I was shocked when he named Tool as his favourite music reviewer.

[@jamesdevine02]

(insert joke about how the people who work at Pitchfork are tools)

[@rikuhell8076]

@@jamesdevine02 bad tools 😂

[@lillyburke1-q2q]

Belle and Sebastian’s “If You’re Feeling Sinister” at 25 is a nice and welcoming surprise. Probably one of the greatest albums in indie pop and Scottish history that set the standard high

[@randmiller88]

I still can't get over how much Pitchfork trashed "The Boy with the Arab Strap" back in the day, it's the lesser or the two but still a damn good album.

[@andrewlove1987]

Up the Scots!!

[@konameme]

the mollusk by ween should absolutely be on this and i am utterly heartbroken that it isnt. i think i should carry pitchforks in front of the pitchfork headquarters in protest

[@nepesilva2284]

Agreed, that was a major oversight and an obvious candidate for the list

[@emmettsimon9487]

Personally I'd go for c&c over the mollusm but yrah

[@konameme]

@@emmettsimon9487 i would take any ween honestly i just feel if they would do any itd most likely be the mollusk

[@Dazcoolman]

Absolutely. Was incredibly disappointed when I didn’t see it anywhere. One of my top 10 favorite albums ever.

[@AndrewRKenny]

#1

[@alecl9430]

Superunknown at 148 is crazy. It got bumped from RS’s top 500 and barely makes it on to this list. Superunknown is too good of a record to be treated that way.

[@julianholland4009]

Pitchfork has always been really biased against anything “grunge” related except for Nirvana

[@TerreurTerence]

AiC's Dirt is completely missing as well...

[@tenworms]

maybe it's not that well known

[@alexknowlton4038]

@@julianholland4009 yeah it’s really bizarre…

[@friendlyinternetman5271]

Yeah its upsetting, its such a platinum rock record

[@tylerhackner9731]

Would love to see him react to the 80s list

[@dabs.47]

And the 70s

[@tylersquanto8938]

I’d rather see his own list tbh.

[@raputha1148]

i agree

[@dickidsrip5262]

It's going to happen

[@MaxMax-zo9vq]

The 80’s list is also super solid. Purple Rain being #1 and Hounds of Love being #2 is about as accurate as you can get in terms of ranking.

[@arindam902]

In Utero at 75th was shocking, like they got it so right with #13 last time when it's arguably aged even better since then, easily a t10 in any list

[@tom7979]

In Utero has always been far superior to Nevermind. Genuinely dgaf what anybody says, Nevermind dips in the second half and the production gets bland after a while. In Utero’s raw, abrasive production holds up far better, and even it’s softer moments are more compelling than Nevermind’s

[@arindam902]

@@tom7979 Yup just hits so much harder, 10x the replay value, more varied songwriting and riffs. Easily one of the greatest albums in rock ever. I really thought Pitchfork "got" the album, but they decided to lump it with all the other records that got bumped down 60 spots. Shame

[@tom7979]

@@arindam902 I couldn't agree more. In Utero is on my turntable pretty regularly, whereas Nevermind is one of those every-now-and-again albums for me

[@HerveBoisde]

No Radiohead in the top 10 is more surprising to me

[@SomeoneThatIsHappy]

​@@HerveBoisde Ok Computer is in third place. The editor of the video decided to cut the part that shows that album

[@taylorwinterhalder9895]

Metal in the 90s is severely underrated in my opinion. Old heads always say it was dead but that’s just cause there was a change in sound but the bands that were prominent had just as many great and influential albums: Pantera, Sepultura, Korn, white zombie. Plus all the great death metal and industrial and alternative stuff

[@dinobellstien6342]

Metal in the 90s was its best decade, but not because of the alt metal scene. Death, Opeth, Entombed just to name a few out of the infinite you could name from the flourishing of the death metal scene. Darkthrone as well man, probably the best black metal band with their best output coming out in the 90s. Nu metal had its boom in the mainstream but is it better than the underground stuff? No.

[@Banjomike97]

Also mf Tool. You can not convince me that Undertow or Ænema don't belong on that list.

[@DerFilc]

Also no Painkiller and Alice in Chains

[@baphometfathom5348]

@@dinobellstien6342 definitely the Metal renaissance was in the 90’s imo

[@ajlott884]

not to mention Rust in Peace, the greatest thrash album ever

[@3lancerofficialmaybe871]

The Prodigy either Fat Of The Land or/and Music For The Jilted Generation should have been on here. Hell maybe even a Chemical Brothers album, either their first or sophomore would have been nice.

[@nofanealbni]

Pitchfork doesn't seem big on British electronic that isn't idm

[@TheBetterGamerz]

agree on both, i didnt see any jungle on here either

[@nofanealbni]

@@TheBetterGamerz Goldie was on their song list but that's about it

[@Jae_Cee]

Tricky could be included too

[@apimb1396]

They don't like music

[@str00p]

Surprised the Dismemberment Plan's "Emergency & I" didn't make the cut considering they basically made that record blow up in the first place and even bumped it to a 10/10 back in 2011. Also it's like in my top 5.

[@nom5358]

it isn’t on there at ALL?!

[@LordPerrin]

Damn I would have bet money on that being top 20

[@literalwho9017]

p4k being p4k

[@steadyrhythms9571]

that was the biggest offense to me. such a forward-thinking record, no one else has come out with anything like it in the 23 years since. and if so, do point me to it. seriously though, that album has it all. incredibly unique instrumental playing and songwriting, endlessly relatable lyrics, cohesion, it really does feel like a 10/10 record to me. i cannot believe it didn’t make it. definitely a top 10 album for me.

[@sanfordcurtis8242]

It was in the Top 20 on the 2003 list, yet nowhere to be seen on this new one 😡

[@foodieassassin8761]

Happy to see more hip hop, rap and rnb on this list (the original pitchfork list was 99% indie) but they totally ignored metal, underground metal and hardcore which were huge in the 90s .. also electronic dance music deserved more representation

[@xBINARYGODx]

to some degree pop, and especially electronic (outside like three 'blessed' entities) are ignored - you really have to be some form of rock or rap/rnb or the (straight, cis) male dominated music nerds dont care. This whole part of music culture is heavily tainted.

[@ForbiddenFruit73]

@@xBINARYGODx The best songs list is a bit more diverse.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

or albums outside of the anglo-sphere of influence

[@finlayson6868]

@@xBINARYGODx I don’t know how you can look at this list - and the contributors - and say that it’s a straight, cis male dominated perspective. The original 2003 list? Absolutely. But there was a clear, calculated effort to include more female voices. Even to the point of overkill imo. I agree with the straight, cis part though.

[@hansolo631]

the list seemed woman centric to a fault. Nobody will ever convince me that hole >>> nevermind. I am so over Nevermind now, but that doesn't take away from what it is and more importantly, what it was.

[@c4gam1ng12]

Some notable rock/metal albums that I think are missing from this list: Megadeth-Rust in Peace Metallica-Black album (not my fav in their discography, but it sold a lot and is very influential) Pantera-Cowboys From Hell or Vulgar Display of Power Alice In Chains-Dirt Pearl Jam-Ten Helmet-Meantime Death-Symbolic Korn-S/T Entombed-Left Hand Path At The Gates-Slaughter of the Soul Neurosis-Through Silver in Blood

[@tetfol3315]

Also Kyuss, TON, LOA, Melvins, Deftones, The God Machine, Fear Factory.

[@Lurkzz]

Definitely Maybe by Oasis also, it's their first one with much more rock oriented sound

[@carlmarks8170]

Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger Ministry - ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ [Psalm 69] Kyuss - Blues for the Red Sun, Welcome to Sky Valley Melvins - Houdini Tool - Ænima Slayer - Seasons in the Abyss Atheist - Unquestionable Presence Sepultura - Arise, Chaos A.D. Carcass - Necroticism, Heartwork Darkthrone - A Blaze in the Northern Sky Burzum - Hvis lyset tar oss Emperor - In the Nightside Eclipse Strapping Young Lad - City

[@jeremykeelermusic3153]

Whether you like them or not, I think the Red Hot Chili Peppers deserved a spot on this list

[@theisbetterthanyou8400]

I just discovered American Water myself, and personally, I must say, this album is incredible. Such stunning lyricism on Berman's part, such amazingly sad instrumentals, yet somehow incredibly versatile too. Everything about it speaks to me, and as far as indie albums of the 90s go, it's second only to Lonesome Crowded West for me. Good job Pitchfork; you did something right!

[@chune4383]

Berman is such a sad dude. American water has the best intro track of all time

[@martinebonita2658]

You must say huh lol

[@abartel6]

check out purple mountains

[@untitled4525]

I’m personally a huge David Berman fan, and I’m glad it got so high too. Though I’m personally a huge natural bridge fan over American water.

[@brianoestreich]

Couple notable omissions (not that I love these all of these, but at least worth mentioning considering some things that did make the list): - No Blur or Oasis - Weezer Pinkerton is missing - No Squarepusher (Music is Rotted One Note) - No Pearl Jam (Ten) - No Mogwai (Young Team) - No Mercury Rev (Deserter's Songs) - No Cap'n Jazz - Perfect From Now On is missing (> Keep It Like a Secret, imo)

[@misorodzinak8829]

I mean - this is an american perspective, I'm not suprised that there isn't a lot of britpop on it. Plus, hipsters dislike Oasis on principle.

[@3lancerofficialmaybe871]

Oasis have always had terrible production imo, Blur maybe should have been on here.

[@Ryan-tv6cy]

I haven’t check it, but I feel safe to assume there’s no Silverchair or other great Australian albums ie. INXS

[@xBINARYGODx]

those bands made not be from NA< but they were big enough here that their location of origin is not a good excuse - it's another sign this list is only good if oyu compare it the crap rolling stone shits out.

[@apparentlyitstrue]

I think no Mezzanine by Massive Attack is also a notable omission

[@originalboxelder]

Exile in Guyville is just such a perfect portrait of a young person at that time. It feels so unfiltered and personal but also really relatable. That rank is a bit much but I hope it encourages people to check it out. It’s a really inspired work.

[@TabethaAurochs]

The thing about Exile in Guyville that makes it deserve those rankings is the record-setting # of copies it sold as an indie, 500,000 in its 1st month, or week - idk how that works. Until Liz Phair did that, 250,000 was considered impossible.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

hope Todd didn't do much demage beforehand

[@javen69]

I would have put it higher tbh

[@replicated]

Thanks for stickin' up for the metal.

[@aledandrian]

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness not being on the list is unforgivable

[@foodieassassin8761]

You mean “Melon” Collie

[@Splifftone]

💯

[@thisaintnoparty]

Siamese Dream is.

[@Ruddline]

Pitchfork despises Grunge now apparently oh well :(

[@jeffb1430]

Has anyone actually listened to that album since the 90s?

[@Nickelicious7]

Helmet’s Meantime is an absolute banger of an album from the 90s that doesn’t get talked about enough

[@twaindriver]

I didn't get into them, but I felt their impact in a few different scenes. Did see them open for Danzig and that was a treat.

[@Germsburn1234]

True

[@Hopesfallout]

It seems like they specifically avoided Metal in the list, I guess because their audience doesn't care about it. If they would have included it, Meantime should definetely have been on the list.

[@Dennis_The_Peasant]

Nu metal probably wouldn't have happened without that album. Massively influential.

[@Catamaran33]

finally i see someone bring up this album, for how insanely influential it was it gets basically no recognition

[@CarlHH777]

Not surprised they completely ignored Metal, Punk and Hardcore but damn! There are so many influential albums in those genres that I feel had a more significant impact than many picks here.

[@Rishiyisus]

the great thing about the list, the picks are actually good, but some album that are in the lower spot should be higger (like grace by jeff buckley 135?, the lonesome crowded west by modest mouse 125?, achtung baby by U2 118?) and viceversa

[@zachmacdonald1939]

How is Fantano not a huge fan of Jeff Buckley’s Grace? That album is perfection. His voice is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard, and the songwriting is luscious and heart-wrenching. Lover, You Should’ve Come Over is *mwah* 🥰

[@dannyg9410]

Honestly

[@pepsisupremacy5533]

its a bit boring

[@blueazure9658]

@@pepsisupremacy5533 nah it hits different when the singer gone

[@idontknow-re9dx]

I can think of reasons to dislike it but in my opinion it is utterly fantastic

[@GreenGretel]

Different strokes for different folks? I really like the album, but I think the unfortunate "glamor" of a tragic early death played an outsize role in its classic status. There's a few memorable songs on there and his singing is, for the most part, beautiful, but he tends to devolve into caterwauling on the back end of his songs which detracts from them, imo...and I'd argue some of the songs are _not_ memorable.

[@NightWindsMusic]

Anthony gets to #1: feels like this should’ve been higher considering how good it is

[@ornamentidoro]

Very North American indeed, and that's a bit of an understatement. Just went through the list and found FOUR (4) artists born outside of the US/UK/Canada/Ireland (and that's including Sade). The rest are Boredoms, Oval and Björk, unless I'm missing someone, so that means no one here born South of the equator. Imagine trying to build a music canon and completely bypassing South America, Africa, Asia, etc etc, basically 95% of the whole world. Ridiculous stuff.

[@coldercoronet6248]

Of course MBV was number one. Loveless still feels like an album sent to us by ethereal inter-dimensional space fairies. Nothing will ever compare to it.

[@ShreyasKr...]

nothing has ever sounded like loveless... even in the genre itself

[@xbenci]

top 5 most overrated albums of all time for sure god damn

[@JuiCeBoX19]

Arguing over this record is almost like a hidden song on it

[@gazer99]

@@xbenci you’re probably sober

[@ShreyasKr...]

@@xbenci that's what I thought when I was an edgy teen...

[@xdef1ne]

live through this over nevermind is honestly so insane

[@NidorinoAlliance]

True. Should have been Celebrity Skin above Nevermind instead.

[@bindstf2]

Tony Fanto repping some top tier drip today, didn't know he knew about aussie rugby

[@musepwnz]

I can't believe Oasis isn't on this list at all. Definitely Maybe is one of the strongest debut albums of all time and if you're going to represent Britpop, you need to have the best of it on here

[@sthlk]

I scrolled throughout the whole list waiting for a mention, here I am, disappointed lol

[@tacomanbob1233]

There’s no way morning glory isn’t at least top 100

[@mateorincon3448]

Not even Morning Glory is in there...

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

Mental. People hear wonderwall, they don't like the gallagher brothers, assume all they do is steal and write beatles stuff and never give them any love. People are idiotas.

[@lindsayday4181]

Was there any Blur or Pulp on there?? I don't remember seeing them from memory and IMO that's a massive oversight

[@joaquinlopeztorres1071]

hearing fantano say grace is not one of his favourite albums just broke my heart

[@jw-ob1wv]

I love discovering music through these lists. I listened to Hole's album live through this for the first time and I have to say I adore it. I had no idea Courtney Love was such a good singer. The placement may be too high though, i get the impression they're making a MeToo statement. Shame there isn't Suede's self-titled debut or anything by Blur. Big beat was also ignored, Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers deserve a spot

[@sallourussell2271]

Shes also a criminally under appreciated lyricist. Ill say it: she was a better lyricist than kurt. LTT is an absolute stunner lyrically.

[@ragingnebula2179]

I discovered Hole from a Let's Argue episode quite a bit ago and since then, I've loved them. Like you said, Courtney is so underrated, especially as a vocalist

[@ragingnebula2179]

However, I will say that Live through This in the top 10 was absurd

[@iwouldprefernotto4381]

Agreed with everything you said. Hole were really underrated because music bros worshipped Kurt and decided Courtney was another Nancy, to the point of claiming Kurt wrote all Hole's music, when really Hole were making far more interesting music and Courtney was writing way more interesting lyrics. Also good shout on Suede - Dog Man Star is easily a top 10 album of the decade for me.

[@mewfeuille]

Good to remember, too: a looooot of current p4k staffers aren't even the same writers that established the old p4k canon. I think it's less that they're trying to distance themselves from their past, and more that it's in many ways not even the same website it used to be. There are a lot of younger writers with less firsthand experience with 90s records, which is probably how you get things like Hole at #8. Source: I have been writing for them for the past two years lol

[@NO-fj4vu]

Keep It Like A Secret deserves its spot on here, it’s flawless along with Perfect From Now On

[@Gfpasta]

Not one bad song on that whole album

[@Man_of_Oil]

seriously I didn't expect him to fire back at THAT record of all things

[@HO-yc3pv]

Yeah and PFNO is the better record imo. That album is like the OK Computer of indie rock and Idk how it didn't make it in the list.

[@literalwho9017]

@@Man_of_Oil he has a hateboner for BTS

[@Benadryl_Submarine]

Wholeheartedly agree

[@patallene]

You’ve mentioned a few times recently that you’re not a big Pavement fan, I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on them

[@brennanolowney7190]

Of course he doesn’t like the best band of the ‘90s. What a shocker.

[@ffwlpe]

wowee zowee remains the coolest fkn album of the 90s!

[@jaydenn1160]

His tangent on that Hole album was hilarious

[@currentsupply]

No mention of Tool, Sublime, Pearl Jam, Dr Dre, Cypress Hill, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and all the others that ruled the 90s

[@Intothemind]

They did put Siamese Dream from the SP at around the 100th place (way too low imo but still) but not seeing Mellon Collie, or any Pearl Jam, was strange.

[@BonnieBeats]

No Oasis

[@t.c.bramblett617]

yeah this is their reboot of their original indie-centered list. They did the same with their 80s list. It's an attempt to bring more marginal artists in and blow up the critical consensus

[@cavetendobiggles1841]

@@BonnieBeats yeah thought Morning Glory would appear just in terms of how big an impact that was (in Europe at least). Also, might have missed it but didn't see SP and Mellon Collie. I like some Radiohead but The Bends got in over both?! Ah regardless, being a 90s kid brought back some memories :)

[@goldmantis5850]

Blood Sugar Sex Magik is one of the most influential alt rock albums ever and easily one of the best albums of the 90s

[@nofanealbni]

Pitchfork is incapable of discussing older music without comparing it to the current music zeitgeist

[@TrippedGian1]

CORRECT! - Plankton

[@LordLucario99]

whats the point otherwise

[@harleyfleming1204]

So are you, its literally impossible just based on how human memory works, bud.

[@atlassolid5946]

good for them honestly

[@sayammontesreyes2393]

because music criticism - just lie music - is not made in a vacuum.

[@applebark7764]

Would have loved to see some Unwound on this list! Such an essential band of the 90's in my opinion, but very underrated.

[@nom5358]

definitely could have used some Future of What or Repetition. i listen to them all the time, crazy synergy as a trio

[@Whocares1987]

Love Unwound but not surprised they didn’t make a list like this most people don’t even remember them or know who they are

[@literalwho9017]

Not underrated in the slightest, but of course they're one of the best bands of the 90's, p4k just don't care about 90's ph underground, I'm glad how absolutely and disproportionately overrated they're in Internet circles just because every mainstream publication see them as a footnote in music history

[@ultimadum7785]

Unwound, Drive Like Jehu, and The Jesus Lizard were just as good as Fugazi in my opinion! They all made such fucking phenomenal rock albums just as good as nevermind. What a time.

[@applebark7764]

@@literalwho9017 that's true I have seen lots of appreciation for them in some music forum circles (though it doesn't seem disproportionate to me), but I guess I just meant they're especially underrated among mainstream publications.

[@jackknowles5295]

The answer to that question about Built to Spill is unequivocally yes I don't think I've heard of many indie bands outside of Pavement and Modest Mouse that are cited as an influence as much as BtS

[@fairmonkey4786]

Pinkerton should have made in on the list. I like it more than most of the big 90s rock albums

[@dcashley303]

Missed some person favourites (below) but it's okay. Never gonna please everyone. 3MB - 3MB Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works Vol 1 Autechre - LP5 Current 93 - The Inmost Light David Sylvian - Dead Bees On A Cake The Dead C - Harsh 70's Reality Deathprod - Imaginary Songs From Tristan Da Cunha Tara Jane O'Neil - Peregrine

[@broke.on.records]

One of those first three R.E.M. ‘90s albums needs to be in the top ten - all extremely important to that decade without question

[@Buttertoast1103]

I’ve always thought that Hole album was underrated, but putting it in the top 10 is crazy.

[@sallourussell2271]

My thoughts exactly. Top 10? Mmm maybe not. But it is SUCH a disrespected record.

[@nothanksplease]

i mean idk its pretty effing good.

[@Buttertoast1103]

@@nothanksplease ya, everytime I listen to it again it's like, damn, she's really going for it

[@zerohours.]

Totally agree on Three 6 Mafia needing to be higher. The south gets no respect, just like that time MTV booed Outkast. And Hole over Nevermind basically makes the whole list useless. Pitchfork are out to lunch

[@sonokawaray]

It's nuts to me that Dirt, Vulgar Display of Power, Aenima, Hellbilly Deluxe and Korn's self-titled didn't get so much as a mention. To me those seem like pretty easy picks for a list covering iconic and influential 90's gold.

[@jacobferreira6223]

haven’t seen the whole list but now knowing dirt isn’t on it has me not wanting to check it out wtf

[@SonofSethoitae]

I mean, it's Pitchfork, their interest drops off the closer a band approaches to metal

[@slydeery]

it's a crime those records are not on the list

[@lethybridtheorygolucastheo2191]

“kawadec” The reason why Korn’s 1994 album didn’t get mentioned on the list is because Pitchfork think that Korn is an angry white boy butt rock band

[@pahwraith]

This was made by 20 year olds and a handful of 30 year olds. Most likely.

[@JMed24]

I've listened to a lot of R&B from the 80s and 90s despite my age. I don't know if I think D'Angelo's Brown Sugar deserves to be that much higher than Boyz II Men's II album. Happy that Aquemini and Low End Theory are as high as they are as well.

[@Idunnoyouguessit]

The genre hasn't been reevaluated yet, so this is about as much respect as BIIM is gonna get

[@JMed24]

@@Idunnoyouguessit Unfortunate that this is true. Boyz II Men released some damn good songs and they're really talented.

[@coolishtiger8831]

Yeah, but Voodoo and Black Messiah are for sure top 20 in their respective decades imo

[@LegionPlay]

ATLiens should be in the Top 30s of anyone’s 90s list just because of pure quality of the album alone. Nevermind OutKast talking a huge risk by doing a complete stylistic 180.

[@JMed24]

@@LegionPlay I won't disagree with you there. Didn't want to speak too much about Outkast because my pfp alone will scream bias. Lol

[@HeyItsSam]

It hurts to not see the fishmans: long season here. That shits an incredible experience everytime i listen to it

[@sevrenbird8069]

I personally don’t really see people talk about fishmans much outside of RYM, kinda sad

[@MW-hr9tg]

Alice In Chains dirt and smashing pumpkins Mellon collie should be on the list. Also Pinkerton as well

[@borachon26]

No room for Pinkerton when wall to wall classics like The Bodyguard soundtrack are packed on to the list.

[@Splifftone]

No Mellon Collie is beyond absurd.

[@pahwraith]

Siamese dream is better than holes album in the top 10. Especially if you’re giving loveless number one

[@cgg2621]

Siamese Dream is on it I think (I briefly skimmed down and cba to go back). There are very few artists with two records- I think only Nirvana, Radiohead and Aphex Twin unless I am missing one

[@chune4383]

Mellon collie is too long

[@GamerDude632]

Lot of great stuff from the 90s but still feel like there were some sad exclusions like Ween, Dinosaur Jr, Primus, Death, SOAD, Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Grandaddy, Weezer (Pinkerton), Blur, Oasis, RHCP, Polvo, Don Caballero, Archers of Loaf, Dismemberment Plan, Reel Big Fish, POTUSA, Del The Funky Homosapien, Jurassic 5, Unwound, Helmet, Hum, Catherine Wheel, Kitchens of Distinction, Low, Ride, Matthew Sweet and honestly i’m probably forgetting a ton, 90s is a stacked decade

[@CoingamerFL]

You took the words out of my mouth. Blur's 13, SOAD's self-titled and RHCP's Blood Sugar Sex Magik not being here makes me sad :(

[@LoraxSpeaks]

Dude Alice in chains

[@peanutbutteroven2660]

Some great picks on here but having Blue Lines and not Mezzanine is a pretty bad call.

[@bloop6013]

blue lines is on 61 actually

[@peanutbutteroven2660]

@@bloop6013 Yeah but Mezzanine isn't on the list and that's some BS

[@WiloPolis03]

Boards of Canada inclusion is a freaking W. Music Has The Right to Children is a masterpiece, absolutely takes downtempo to the next level

[@tydebruyne6811]

I'm shocked that Ten by Pearl Jam didn't make the list that album is amazing

[@waynetables6414]

Vs and Vitology were so much better imo. I'd rather sawzall my own arm off than listen to even flow, alive, or jeremy ever again lol

[@salamencegamerz6638]

I said the same shit

[@salamencegamerz6638]

@@waynetables6414 Okay but Oceans, Garden, Release, Why Go, etc are fuckin bops

[@carpeimodiem]

I thought the same thing. I haven't intentionally listened to Pearl Jam since 1995 and honestly can't stand that sound today, but it deserves it's place around the top of the 90's.

[@PesterFester1966]

@@waynetables6414 Both those albums are pretty shit and disposable but nice try hipster.

[@JustaRandomGuy890]

Having Lonesome Crowded West at number 125 is criminal. Has to be a defining albums of all time

[@braemason8379]

Melon rocking the Wallabies jersey, love ya melon

[@MidnightEkaki]

You mentioned that music nerd-dom is quite North American/West eurocentric, it'd be cool if you did a list of top albums from outside that

[@xBINARYGODx]

its also far to up its own butt about various rock and RnB/Hip-hop.

[@nedprinceton7221]

Yeah I also thought what was the point of them making a new list and staying as anglocentric as 2003 Doopees - Doopee Time is a really great album from the 90s I also recently discovered Aida El Ayoubi - Men Zaman and think it's fantastic

[@kostajovanovic3711]

giving love to Buena Vista social club, huur huun tu, oumou sangare for starters

[@johngerygooz3251]

Here in Hungary, there's a rap album called Ösztönlény. You'dn't understand the lyrics, but it's so incredible musically, that it worths a listen. And speaking of the 90's, Japanese dream pop record 98.12.28 Otokotachi no Wakare! Incredible live album, I've already commented, that it could be on Pitchfork's list.

[@Twosey36]

No idea why he’s wearing the Aussie union jersey but hey can’t beat good fashion sense 😂

[@dannygillespie6614]

I know this would be a huge undertaking, but I would LOVE for you to make a list like this, either of a decade or all time or anything. It's been amazing to see your 10s through the decades (I've spent weeks wondering what you'll name from the 60s and 70s) and I love seeing your opinions on this stuff. You lived this decade as the busy music nerd you are whereas I was a toddler (and many younger fans on here even more not present) and there's no substitute for that kind of knowledge of an area. It's great that this list mostly didn't suck after the RS lists the past few years have sucked a LOT.

[@DaSpartanProductinos]

Rage at under 100 is hilarious 🤣🤣🤣 Also did any Smashing Pumpkins albums make the list. Siamese Dream is one of my ten favorite albums ever probably

[@caryg1069]

Siamese Dream was #98.

[@drumjuice2299]

Ratm self titled is so easily top 10. 10/10 and incredibly influential record. Joke of a list

[@DaSpartanProductinos]

@@drumjuice2299 Agree 100%

[@Sam-dm8vh]

dubnobasswithmyheadman by underworld was really left off this list. undoubtedly one of the best dance albums of the 90s

[@noahleveille366]

Time seems to be the great equalizer. We really do remember the greats.

[@sallourussell2271]

Complete opposite reaction to you about Hole Underrated masterpiece. Thematically, lyrically and as a coherent concept.. some of the best work to come out of grunge (I honestly would go as far as to say LTT is best lyrical work come out of the whole grunge movement- the recurring themes of milk, cream, motherhood, penis, etc are cleverly and beautifully played with in ways that just punch you in the heart... interwoven throughout the whole record in thematically creative and intelligent ways.) You are really not giving this record credit.

[@themaddestvillain-g4q]

Can’t wait for Melon to cover Pitchfork’s best albums of the 1980s list

[@itsbeyondme5560]

@rumilbourn8035 It does

[@itsbeyondme5560]

@rumilbourn8035 Yes. Ranked 76 I believe on the new one. I'm glad about number one

[@theslugboiii5969]

So glad Richard D. James album by Aphex Twin made it so high up the list.

[@harri5804]

is there an uncut version of this? wanted to hear his thoughts on all of the albums

[@alexl3829]

probably on his twitch

[@Joe-vz7ll]

nope

[@MrJeppe313]

No Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness on the list really confused me. One of the most ambitious records of the decade.

[@sheep3866]

Whenever I build my time machine I'm just gonna go back and experience the 90's, I'll tell yall if it was as hype as everyone says it was.

[@bbailey3055]

It seems better than now to me lol😂

[@danwillreview]

It's only hyped up by toilet paper products like BuzzFeed to cash in on generational nostalgia. People gotta stop simpin for time periods

[@menra2]

@@danwillreview idk fam this social media shit we got now really be getting to me

[@blarghblargh]

Most of us were sick of it by the 00s. It was fine, but there was as much cringe as there was praiseworthy stuff. Just like any era

[@JuiCeBoX19]

@@blarghblargh exactly. As of now I'm super annoyed by people telling me how genius the 80s were when it came to production and so on. This might well be when I have to listen to another iteration of a toto song I'll friggn end it.

[@mockingjay10]

The fact that he knows every single one of these records and has a strong opinion is quite impressive

[@jorgekech]

his opinion is worthless

[@kostajovanovic3711]

​@@jorgekech it is?

[@evilolivias]

why are you watching the video then?

[@fredh1720]

@@kostajovanovic3711 I suspect what that means is "worth no more than anyone else's". Which is true. "Worthless" is not, unless you're going to say everyone's opinion including your own is too.

[@johngerygooz3251]

@@jorgekech I'dn't say that. Except for MBDTF. That 6/10 rating...

[@hankwilliams3616]

Its a pretty good list but has anyone else noticed there is literally Zero Metal on the list? No Tool, No Sleep, No Deftones, No Korn, No Slipknot, No Machinehead just off the top of my head. Say what you will about any of those bands they all made atleast one 10/10 album in the 90's (mostly their debut albums). Pitchfork obviously playing it safe catering to the "hipster" audience with its rock/indie/folk heavy list and predictable rap albums (no Cypress hill is a criminal offense though). I appreciate the addition of quite a few electronic masterpieces which ironically is a genre usually ignored on other lists. But Ignoring an entire genre of music, especially as big and significant as metal rules out this list as being anything too serious or comprehensive IMO.

[@randmiller88]

Can't believe "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" didn't somehow make the list. Sure, it's not quite as tight as "Siamese Dream" but there are plenty of massive highs along the way -- some of the decade's most memorable singles. And speaking of bands that clearly influenced The Smashing Pumpkins,, "Loveless" should not be #1. It's got kind of an interesting backstory ("tHey bANKruPted a rECorRd laBEL") but is one of those albums that's more influential than actually enjoyable.

[@LOD494]

Wearing a 1999 Wallabies jersey too. Powerful energy here Anthony 🔮

[@PREDETOReatsPREY]

Happy to see Massive Attacks Blue Lines on the list but shocked mezzanine isn’t on there

[@rini6]

I was in my twenties and early thirties in the 90s. It’s definitely my favorite music decade. This was like a walk down memory lane.

[@ciaranosullivan9352]

Same here ,22 when the decade started, 32 when it ended. The best decade for music in my humble opinion.

[@grysnoir]

the enthusiasm over BoyzIIMen II makes me happy lol

[@tait-2j76]

As an Aussie, love the jumper choice today Mr Fantano

[@rekt_yer_nan_darding_5788]

Wouldn't pick Fantano to be a fan of Australian Rugby lmao

[@Pete_-sp2bi]

Accepting that they avoided extreme metal as you said, I would have liked to see something like Kyuss or Neurosis just to hint that metal existed. Or just speak the truth and put Rust in Peace and Dirt on there. Awesome list though excited to dig through.

[@wes8723]

Well who knew that metal music didn't exist in the 90s.. thanks for the info Pitchfork

[@graydeotto2820]

Olivia Tremor Control- Black foliage is my top record of the 1990s

[@skinc4rver]

loveless is just unmatched. the rest of mbv’s discography doesn’t match it, no shoegaze record replicates it, it’s just it’s own entity.

[@ultimadum7785]

I mean their 2013 album comes close in my opinion, but its kinda just more of the same sound. It is a GREAT sound however, and I don't expect them to reinvent rock music twice lmao

[@mind0killer]

It's only unmatched because nowhere is just a little bit better :)

[@kostaburgess4373]

I'm amazed that no Counting Crows is featured on their list... while for me August and Everything After is flawless front to back and one of the best records of all time, Recovering the Satellites definitely seemed to get a lot more love and I'm surprised neither is in the top 150...

[@jugularstab]

#8 was one of the placements of all time

[@ffwlpe]

9:43 hell yeah! love loove the poetry on american water so much

[@mjuzumaki]

Damn, Elastica is there but no Blur, Oasis or Suede?

[@nemo1342]

Pretty funny. I dug that Elastica album, but it's placement here was a big reach, for me.

[@fijozico]

It’s well known Pitchfork despises Oasis

[@BloggerMusicMan]

OK Computer would be my number one. I've listened to that album so many times since I was 13 and I still find beauty in it.

[@Torbinsky]

Anthony, you should make a 90's list.

[@JacksContent]

I'm so fucking happy that sparklehorse was on this list. Mark was a fucking genius

[@jamescooper3739]

the list is probably a 7/10 However, albums that should be on the list no question are: Definately Maybe What's The Story (Morning Glory) The Fat Of The Land Urban Hymns Fear Of The Dark Yet again, non-american contributions to timeless albums is overlooked I think the only British names on the list are Massive Attack, Pulp, Radiohead and MF DOOM, Primal Scream, which for a top 150 is nowhere near enough

[@daryldoyle9850]

Don't forget Elastica 😂

[@AkitoYono]

9:28 I never heard of silver jews, but I decided to start listening to that album and it's really good so far

[@JohnDoe-rr1fz]

Symbolic? Sublime? Dopesmoker? Lateralus? Rust in peace? The chronic?

[@skliws9015]

wasn’t lateralus 2001?

[@connorobregon90]

Lateralus was 2001 and the chronic was on here lol

[@toxicity0236]

I can't believe NONE of Blur's albums made it on the list but Elastica did. Also no Oasis?!

[@gele0stift]

Definitely a great list. Would've put Mezzanine above Blue Lines though. Moreover, some painful omissions shine through, like Agætis Byrjun by Sigur Ros, Industrial Silence by Madrugada, and nothing by Pixies?

[@devon_darko]

I always think this...Blue Lines seems to appear in many lists, and Mezzanine is far superior. That Sigur Ros album would have been a nice addition, too.

[@tim5983]

Good to see melon supporting the Wallabies in their troubled times ❤️

[@project-japan6945]

Love the Wallabies jersey, melon, very aussie of you

[@joe3701]

Parklife and Definitely Maybe deserve to be on this

[@bonghead592]

The disrespect to Oasis and Blur is criminal lol, imo WTSMG should be in and around the list as well

[@coldercoronet6248]

Fuck Britpop LOVELESS NUMBA 1 BABYYY

[@zacharybeer9517]

Nevermind is an incredible record on its own, only emphasized by the fact that it is still directly influencing new music today in basically every genre.

[@deathstar754]

Agreed. I would have had no problem had they put it at number 1.

[@MegaSpazzed]

Spiderland had an impact on nirvana’s career so I would say that’s the superior 90’s alternative album

[@kuna5624]

@@MegaSpazzed culturally I don’t think that’s a reasonable take

[@xBINARYGODx]

" influencing new music today in basically every genre." oh palease

[@MegaSpazzed]

@@kuna5624 spiderland will never be culturally relevant, but it’s influence is still pretty infinite. Nevermind wasn’t influence limited upon release but once pop rap and indie labels rode in that shit took off.

[@dollarsaurus01]

It’s a good list for sure. Happy to see Brown Sugar, Souvlaki (actually on the list this time!) and American Water place as high as they did. Definitely some glaring omissions imo (Dirt, Mezzanine, Nowhere, Bandwagonesque and Definitely Maybe all come to mind). The placement of Grace is ridiculous as is putting Live Through This over Nevermind- knowing Pitchfork I’m sure they were trying to make some kind of statement with that.

[@benjaminburan8516]

I completely disagree with the Built to Spill take. Every track on Keep it Like a Secret SLAPS

[@yannplouf44]

Supposedly a "nerd" list, with 90% of the albums coming from the same country.