The Album Before the 'Big One' (w/Martin Popoff)

[@j.j.4150]

Love the fact, that Martin talks about Bands you would never hear anybody else on the Channel discuss lol.

[@sspbrazil]

That’s why I always watch when he’s on. Lol.

[@popculture70]

It's fun to watch Pete when Martin talks about Nirvana and stuff.

[@jimmycampbell78]

I could listen to Martin and Pete talk music for hours.

[@sspbrazil]

@@popculture70 or anything else you know he doesn’t like. Pete’s picks are always the same. Funny, when he tells people to go listen to the other Europe albums and that they aren’t like The Final Countdown album, I have listened to all of them and still think they are cheesy. Lol.

[@mikek8553]

@@popculture70 Yeah he couldn't give a rats ass less and I agree. That was a good point he made about how all those "hardcore" Nirvana fans couldn't bother to buy the album before the popular one.

[@armandovenditti4523]

Pink Floyd : Obscured By Clouds .......Dark Side Of The Moon Queen : Sheer Heart Attack.......A Night At The Opera Supertramp :Indelibly Stamped......Crime Of The Century A fantastic show today guys. I just wanted to thank you Pete for mentioning me at the top of the show. It created a bit of buzz in the chat.

[@ImprobableTodd]

That Supertramp sequence of nowhere to full-blown classic is perfect for this topic.

[@davidryan7386]

Meddle was the real disc pre DSotM. Obscured was left over soundtrack stuff no?

[@armandovenditti4523]

@@davidryan7386 I'm not sure. was going by year.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

SHA should never be compared to ANATO. In many Queen fans eyes, SHA is preferred to ANATO. They are my favourite band since 1973, and I don’t rate ANATO as their top album. Queen II is my favourite album ever full stop. I also prefer SHA over ANATO, and probably ADATR and Queen I also! It’s the huge breakthrough because of Bo Rhap which elevated the album then as now.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Kansas: Masque before Leftoverture Styx: Crystal Ball before The Grand Illusion Dire Straits: Love Over Gold before Brothers In Arms Supertramp: Even In the Quietest Moments before Breakfast in America ( some might say Indelibly Stamped before Crime of the Century)

[@martykott450]

So spot on about Love Over Gold. Its absolutely brilliant!

[@Jermeister12]

Hey Mike .I also love E.I.T.Q.M by Supertramp 😀😀 I think Breakfast... is not as good as the previous 2 lp's😀

[@jasonbrandt5504]

Love the idea for the show. A few others. Radiohead The Bends -- before OK Computer, Pink Floyd Obscured By Clouds before Dark Side, Eagles One of these Nights before Hotel California, Steely Dan Royal Scam before Aja.

[@russellcraft7269]

Sheer Heart Attack followed by Night At The Opera Fireball followed by Machine Head Masque followed by Leftoverture

[@martinkulkarni3569]

Sheer Heart Attack should never be used to compare with A Night At The Opera, nor any of the first six Queen albums be used to compare from one another. Exactly the same as Kansas first six albums.

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Popoff and Pardo are at it again with another great topic. Always enjoy the discussions between Martin and Pete and particularly enjoy Martin as his brings a perspective and discusses band that are not always otherwise discussed on SoT. Already looking forward to Part II of this topic. The only one that pops to mind that don't see mentioned in the other comments to date is based on the show yesterday on Billy Joel. Piano Man might be considered already a top beginning but the first number 1 and always mentioned album is The Stranger which is then followed up by two number 1 albums. But the album before, Turnstiles, is a great album by Billy Joel and often either overlooked or underappreciated. Thanks Martin and Pete for another interesting hour.

[@wernermoritz882]

Now that you mention it: Actually there are almost never real discussions between Pete and Martin. Each one names his picks and why and that‘s it. Would love to see a real discussion though. Maybe in a new format?

[@daveben3573]

Love the chats with Martin

[@brizzieleif5258]

Pink Floyd: Obscured by Clouds, a great precursor to DSOTM, more so than Meddle. Probably gets overlooked being a film soundtrack but great tunes on there Rush: Caress of Steel, not to everyone's taste but I really like that album and prefer it to 2112.

[@andywitch666]

Two very good points, agreed on both!

[@bmardon2112]

Aye I also agree my friend I like Caress more than 2112 myself

[@DustinW-v2l]

Caress of Steel is the best Rush album, but Obscured By Clouds is the worst Pink Floyd album. Just not weird enough for Pink Floyd. It's like an entire album of the song Wish You Were Here. It's like their easy going Pop album

[@DustinW-v2l]

Obscured By Clouds is too much like England Dan and John Ford Coley , or Elton John

[@brizzieleif5258]

@@DustinW-v2l Interesting view, for me the Floyd's easy going pop album would be A Momentary Lapse but not a fan of the post Waters era. Obscured has a good variety of songs, from mellow to rock and a few instrumentals

[@johnw706]

Great examples . In terms of Fleetwood Mac , I prefer their self titled album over Rumours . Other good examples would be : Obscured by Clouds before Dark Side of the Moon Benefit before Aqualung The Wild , the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle before Born to Run The Yes Album before Fragile Caress of Steel before 2112

[@AXXXDEAN]

Kiss- Dressed to Kill/Alive ...Def Leppard -High n Dry/ Pyromania and Hysteria ....Quiet Riot 2/Metal Health

[@lahloonatic]

The Who - Magic Bus, then Tommy. Nothing could be more different. Metallica - And Justice for All to the Black album - finally BASS. Dream theater - Falling to Infinity to Scenes From a memory. Pink Floyd - Obscured by Clouds to Dark Side of the moon.

[@sdrandazzo]

I would say Supertramp’s Even in the Quietest Moments before Breakfast in America.

[@anypoxynames]

Crime of the century was the one that kicked off, their career

[@stuarthecht8196]

My favorite album! Even in the Quietest Moments had so many incredible songs. I saw them perform the album live, and I'll never forget the title track and Fool's Overture performed in concert.

[@donmoore7785]

Not a bad suggestion, but you could also argue the forgettable album prior to Crime of the Century, whatever it was called. COTC was a very solid album that put their mark on the world.

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

I was just thinking the same! Give A Little Bit is just one of the finest Supertramp songs ever. I love Rick Davies blues/ rock songs but man, Roger Hodgsons pop genius is astounding.

[@observationsfromthefencepo7207]

Next before Infinity - Journey Masque before Leftoverture - Kansas The Sell Out before Tommy - The Who

[@martinkulkarni3569]

That may be your view, but Masque is a great album in it’s own right. My favourite Kansas song, ‘All The World’ is on it, not to mention one that is regarded as one of their masterpieces, ‘The Pinnacle’I I couldn’t and wouldn’t ever use any of the first six Kansas’ albums in this way, as they are all great albums!

[@inmyhouse11]

Point of Entry- Judas Priest Killers- Iron Maiden High N Dry- Def Leppard Permanent Waves- Rush Highway to Hell- AC/ DC

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Those would be good suggestions for part 2.

[@anypoxynames]

Point of entry, have you been living in a cave. Sad Wings of Destiny, should be the one as after this, they signed to CBS. and sales rocketed.

[@anypoxynames]

@@inmyhouse11 Just my opinion. I reckon as soon as they signed to CBS. remember, their previous albums, on GULL, didn't sell well. Which is the point of the question or my interpretation of it.I can see where you are coming from, though. One more point, I'm not a douchebag.

[@TheTVisions]

@@anypoxynames It could be well argued for both Sad Wings or Screaming, I suppose with sales and stardom sky rocketing with the latter.

[@jonfargo7311]

Pink Floyd: Obscured By Clouds before Dark Side Kiss : Dressed to Kill before Destroyer ( studio follow up) The Cars: Shake it Up before Heartbeat City.

[@timbates6309]

Kansas - Masque, Queensryche - Rage For Order, Styx - Crystal Ball, Queen - II, Blue Oyster Cult - Secret Treaties.

[@rickweigle5559]

If I'm not mistaken,before grand illusion,good pick,Tommy shaws first album with styx.

[@rickweigle5559]

That is "crystal ball".

[@powrnap]

Precursors to superstardom: Priest - Hell Bent For Leather, Scorpions - Animal Magnetism, Maiden - Killers, Kiss - Dressed To Kill, Aerosmith - Get Your Wings

[@mikeomo3235]

Styx Crystal Ball before The Grand Illusion. My wife and I saw the Crystal Ball tour, small venue (around 1,000 people) It was outstanding.

[@johncollier9280]

Did they do the excellent song Jennifer from that album?

[@mikeomo3235]

@@johncollier9280 It was a long time ago but I believe they did.

[@MartyMurray]

In the 80's, having good videos that were played a lot on television, I think, played a big role into bringing in new fans and people who would buy the records. That "white" Fleetwood Mac album remains my favourite to this day, along with Bare Trees.

[@bizzjoe]

Pete's face when Martin is talking about U2 ... lol

[@mdarts8861]

It’s great to see Martin championing bands not often liked or mentioned on this channel. Nirvana where a hugely influential, band dare I say the greatest of the 90s. Most people who bought nevermind probably weren’t hardcore Nirvana fans just folks who liked a couple of the famous tracks and enjoyed the freshness of the new movement. The hardcore fans where the ones who delved back and bought bleach. Then kept going and appreciated in utero. I will say though don’t change the channel, it’s opened my eyes to more great music than since I was a teenager in the early 90s.

[@chiragchittar4179]

Love the concept and great picks. Loved that Martin picked bleach and such a gnarly almost metal album. My picks Pink floyd-obscured by clouds Pantera-power metal Status quo-debut Red hot chili peppers-the uplift mofo party plan REM-document

[@rockjagg1]

Tears For Fears - The Hurting, then Songs From the Big Chair. In this case two very different albums. Also Pink Floyd- Meddle, the last proper studio album prior to Dark side of the Moon. Meddle was a great bridge album between the spacey, psychedelic prog to their next decade of classic albums.

[@damiankarras]

Two best King’s X albums are: 1 Ear Candy, especially for the one-two punch of Looking For Love and Mississippi Moon. 2 Faith Hope Love, especially for the barn burner Moanjam.

[@zoef234]

Great show. Looking forward to the Kings X show. Still can’t believe Pete hasn’t embraced the catalogues of the Black Crowes or The Chris Robinson Brotherhood ( Grateful Dead influenced). Just seems right up his alley.

[@rickweigle5559]

REO speedwagon,nine lives,which has imo,the top nine REO speedwagon songs,"back on the road again".

[@terryparkin6121]

I think Nine lives is a fantastic REO album !! My favorite..

[@scottd8674]

Nine Lives is their finest album by a long shot!

[@RipCityJB]

Kansas - Masque was my first thought, especially since I was listening to it the other day in honor of Robby. All the World, Child of Innocence, The Pinnacle, Two Cents Worth, Icarus, Mysteries & Mayhem.....spectacular.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

Which is why none of the first six Kansas albums should be compared against each other. Same with Queen.

[@martykott450]

Masque...followed by Leftoverture. My second favorite Kansas album

[@hermittraveler2163]

Great choice! I tend to prefer Masque, but all the 70s Kansas albums (including Monolith) are masterpieces.

[@electric-toadstool]

I could honestly listen to both of you talking about music for hours. 🎧🎸

[@DavysFlicks]

Bless Pete for referring to Nirvana's Nevermind audience as "modern music fans". 30 years old!

[@jimmycampbell78]

Yeah, I was 13 years old when I first bought that album and got into Nirvana. I am now 43 years old! 🤣

[@wernermoritz882]

Wow, very cool that Martin likes 80s U2! If I remember it correctly almost all members of the Hudson Valley Squares hate the band, what I found kind of sad. I think U2 were pretty much untouchable between „War“ and „Zooropa“.

[@kimberlywalker3970]

I agree. I thought it was funny when Pete said people would buy a fart from U2. I don't know about the fart but, I've bought pretty much everything else. I mentioned The Unforgettable Fire and Joshua Tree on their part two show. I happen to be a U2 fan and, I'm glad Martin mentioned them because they are worth a mention. Thanks Martin!! Oh, my favorite U2 period is between The Unforgettable Fire and Achtung Baby. War is good, Zooropa is good but not their best. Pop is okay and The Atomic Bomb CD is good and the last U2 album I bought. I hate No Line On The Horizon and All You Can't Leave Behind.

[@bmardon2112]

I love Pop my friends. I love that album and the 90s stuff

[@AngryCalvin]

I prefer farts over U2.

[@PetesCDVinylWorld]

Dressed to Kill -Kiss, In Color- Cheap Trick, iron maiden Killers, Priest Hell Bent for Leather, Scorpions- Animal Magnetism, Yes - Time and a Word

[@metaldams78]

Congrats, you guys have convinced me to explore Europe further. The two choices off the top of my head were ….And Justice For All and High N Dry. Glad Martin did the former and I’d love to see a part two of this discussion. Excellent and diverse choices with intelligent commentary, I learned a lot.

[@moefeaux1442]

"Frampton" > "Frampton Comes Alive" "Go Now" > "Days of Future Passed" "Twice Removed From Yesterday" > "Bridge of Sighs"

[@gwts1171]

I like "Twice Removed..." even more, I think.

[@MartyMurray]

Gary Richrath - fantastic guitar player!

[@purpletemple1]

Totally with you guys about Europe. "The Final Countdown" is really a blessing and a curse for them (and for us too I again :-) ).

[@commonman317]

Hey, Martin picking U2's October. Nice one. I heard they lost some tapes and other materials before recording, so they had to frantically put some songs together at the last minute. Lost gem on there is "Rejoice". Give it a listen, it really does rock. One of my favorites.

[@brianmiller1077]

Bono's lyrics notebook was lost, which is why some of October doesn't seem fully formed or repetitive

[@angelomicciche3044]

Queen’s Sheer Heart Attack, coming before A Night At The Opera. Not at all bad for an album made when Brian came back from a US tour with hepatitis. Ballads, a great pop hit, a proto-thrash track and a fun show tune: a template for what followed, but a great album in its own right.

[@growlers90]

You are so right about the attitude towards Europe, and I must admit I was one of the doubters. The blinkers were lifted after seeing them perform live at a festival and WOW!!! No sign of Carrie but when they finish with Countdown even the most cynical of metal fans are jumping and singing with the rest of the crowd. Truly an underrated band !

[@rightchordleadership]

Tull’s “Benefit” before Aqua

[@AngryCalvin]

It’s very different and distinct from the albums that sandwiched it.

[@AngryCalvin]

Very great pick by the way.

[@Grandizer8989]

Nirvana ‘Bleach’ and Smashing Pumpkins ‘Gish’ were good albums.

[@rightchordleadership]

I like bleach but I love gish

[@bmardon2112]

Gish is fantastic

[@ericwincentsen587]

I think part of the problem with "Bleach" is that what copies there were of it once "Nevermind" got big got scooped up quickly and the original Sub-Pop release became an instant collector's item. It wasn't easy to get at first. By the time it was easier to get the initial grunge explosion was over and the major labels were trying to push a poppier version of grunge as well as trying to force "the next big thing" on everyone. As a result hip-hop got a lot more popular, and at the time those who wanted to hear all three Nirvana albums had them.

[@dusty3913]

I think the Nirvana thing isn't about fickleness, per se. I just think Nevermind was a bandwagon album. The numbers that bought Bleach was a more accurate representation of the band's actual fanbase.

[@jimmycampbell78]

and I think In Utero is actually the best album they did. But Bleach the most representative of the true 'grunge' sound too.

[@scottmyers9360]

I guess the reason Ummagumma hasn't caught up with Dark Side Of The Moon is those fickle modern rock listeners!

[@gwts1171]

The Bob Welch era is my favorite Fleetwood Mac era by far. Actually, it's the only era that I really like. Also, "October" is not only my favorite U2 album, but a top 15 all-time album. Def Leppard "High & Dry" is a contender for this video, too. Thanks for the video, guys!

[@knightvisioniixv]

Rumours gets all the acclaim, but I actually like Mystery to Me, Bare Trees, and the 1975 s/t Fleetwood Mac album even more. Agree with Pete about many listeners, and their general reaction to 'style jumping.'

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

People like uniformity and predictability, thats for sure.

[@knightvisioniixv]

@@thomasmarthinussen8978 Yes, that seems to be the case, especially the 'predictability' part.

[@scottmyers1431]

The first record I thought of was Nine Lives. It was the first REO record I bought and it has always been my favorite.

[@davidclark2208]

As always a great show and great interest

[@metalslather]

Martin is a man among men I tell ya. "I love it, it's a great album, there's nothing wrong with it." I have always thought that Nirvana and heavy metal could co-exist. Martin said it out loud. He has my undying respect.

[@wernermoritz882]

You‘re right. In many hard rock/metal circles it is highly despised to say out loud you like grunge, especially Nirvana. I guess this has a lot to do with Cobain’s hate for old school rock stars and their lifestyle which of course is inherent in Nirvana’s music and attitude as well. Martin‘s broad taste and sharp analysis here is highly appreciated. Great episode!

[@MrDuneedon]

Here's one: Pink Floyd's 'Obscured By Clouds,' which was followed by 'Dark Side of the Moon.' I actually LOVE 'Obscured,' too -- there's some truly great material on there. I listen to that album far more often than 'Dark Side' these days, as well.

[@Axefiend777]

Perfect example!

[@ukrocksounds3419]

Great pick.

[@mikeomo3235]

Obscured By Clouds is my fav Pink Floyd album, so underrated

[@mutant_blues]

The last PF album, before they became Roger Waters band. My favourite along with Atom Heart Mother!

[@alexandergilles8583]

Going with a band who I adore their early stuff and I don’t see get talked about much here. How about Red Hot Chili Peppers Mother’s Milk right before Blood Sugar Sex Magik?

[@robertholston4708]

Was about to make same comment.

[@rightchordleadership]

Love MM

[@alexandergilles8583]

@@rightchordleadership you could also do Uplift Mofo Party Plan to Mother’s Milk because that too was an “album before the big one” but on a lesser scale. UMPP to MM broke them from underground to mainstream and MM to BSSM took them from mainstream to global superstars

[@rightchordleadership]

@@alexandergilles8583 You’re right about UMPP preceding their first “hit” record, but MM coming right before the mega-successful BSSM is the more obvious choice.

[@alexandergilles8583]

@@rightchordleadership yep. That’s why I elected to remove it in my original comment. I originally had MM and BSSM exactly as you see in my comment and then added that to a lesser extent UMPP to MM was a similar case, but I ended up removing that part after some thinking because of exactly what you said: BSSM was the “Big One”. MM was definitely a big album that broke them into the mainstream, but what BSSM did was shoot them into the stratosphere and global stars, which was the idea behind “The Big One” for this show

[@adamross9949]

Def Leppard - High n Dry Fates Warning - The Specter Within (Awaken the Guardian was big to me) Metallica - Ride the Lightning Slayer - Hell Awaits

[@marnieesjolander1831]

Even though it wasn’t big and there was nothing before it, “Boy” is a very underrated album. Cheers guys!

[@treff9226]

It's brilliant and blew our minds!

[@stevemcnary7963]

Mine are 1. Secret Treaties/On Your Feet Or On Your Knees-Blue Oyster Cult before Agents Of Fortune 2. Get Your Wings-Aerosmith before Toys In The Attic 3. Black Sabbath-Black Sabbath before Paranoid 4. Twice Removed From Yesterday-Robin Trower before Bridge Of Sighs 5. Rust In Peace-Megadeth before Countdown To Extinction

[@jprph1]

You convinced me to try Europe again… I gave a listen last year when I first heard you talk about them but perhaps didn’t give am enough attention at the time. Great show today !

[@daveqr]

Europe is way more than The Final Countdown. Another band that I dismissed too early is Stryper. They've been killing it the last 10 years.

[@billymac72]

“…And Justice” is a great album. I bought it the day it came out and it basically became a guitar primer for me at 14 years old, opening many doors. I would come home from school every day and play along with the album. I learned about speed, prog, time signatures, palm muting, alternating between soft and loud, and even a tiny bit of classical and harmony. It is a shame that it is produced so poorly. It would be amazing to hear it with a new mix. My parents may have become as familiar with it as it I was! AND, I recognized the black album for what it was, followed its development and was “on board” as Pete put it. But I never had the connection to it as Justice or the earlier ones. That divide only widened post-black album.

[@MRB16th]

Oh, I have a few right here: *Genesis - Selling England By The Pound (followed by The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway) *Pink Floyd - Obscured By Clouds (Dark Side Of The Moon) *Iron Maiden - Virtual XI (Brave New World, and the return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith) *Emerson, Lake And Palmer - Trilogy (Brain Salad Surgery) *Metallica - Master Of Puppets (And Justice For All) *Nightwish - Imaginearum (Endless Forms Most Beautiful, Floor Jansen on vocals) *Deep Purple - self-titled (Deep Purple In Rock, and the classic lineup) *Black Sabbath - Master Of Reality (Vol 4) and Never Say Die (Heaven And Hell) *Faith No More - Introduce Yourself (The Real Thing, and Mike Patton on vocals) *blink-182 - Dude Ranch (Enema Of The State) *Queensryche - Rage For Order (Operation: Mindcrime) and Dedicated To Chaos (self-titled, the downfall of Geoff Tate) *Epica - Requiem For The Indifferent (Retrospect and The Quantum Enigma, Simone Simons cementing her rise to power) *Judas Priest - Ram It Down (Painkiller) *Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy (Physical Graffiti) *Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (Rainbow Rising)

[@DarrenMcGill442]

This Friday show has become must watch! Martin adds a nice balance.

[@tillwesenberg1178]

"Document" by R.E.M.. R.E.M.'s "Unforgettable Fire" in a way. This was their peak together with "Life's Rich Pageant". I think "Nevermind" was the kind of album that almost everybody had in their collection back then, even people that weren't especially into the kind of music Nirvana were making, and even people who weren't so much into listening to or collecting music. People who only had 15 or 20 Cds they would play when some buddies would come over to have a few beers. When Cobain died, they bought "MTV unplugged", not "Bleach", so "Bleach" kinda stayed Nirvana's "underground" record, which ,to me, might even benefit it's spiritual value.

[@greensombrero3641]

U2, to me, is one of the most important bands in the history of music. Just wonderful.

[@treff9226]

Early U2 was sonic magic - gorgeous Edge tones and textures, Bono's incredible, pure passion vocals combined with heartfelt, meaningful lyrics, solid rhythm section with Larry and Adam. Such a fresh and exciting, soul stirring sound, U2 goes down in history as one of the greats - for good reason! Jaw dropping live band, seeing them is a religious experience!🎶👍🎤👍🥁👍🎹🎸🎸🎸🎸🥰

[@stormbringercoming8105]

I loved the band until Bono thought he was Jesus.

[@jake6887]

Journey: Departure before Escape Toto: Turn Back before IV

[@PcLover81]

I was wondering if anyone would mention the Turn Back album. Some good stuff on that album.

[@PetesCDVinylWorld]

Toto's first album was huge then the next two only went gold, so it's a little different situation

[@Radzoso]

"It's the big one." - Fred Sanford

[@MichaelSalisbury-lq5oh]

REOSpeedwagon died after their live album I. 1977

[@MichaelSalisbury-lq5oh]

R EO Speedwagon sucked after their live album!!!¡

[@kevindudley9617]

Awesome episode. Looking forward to part 2!

[@ArchambaultMark]

October has always been my favorite U2 album.

[@shotakuervo]

I prefer the first 3 albums of their entire catalog. My fav continues to be Boy, an amazing debut. A testament to its greatness is how many of the songs off Boy they still play in concert.

[@johnkatsoudas3544]

Accept- Restless And Wild Europe- Wings Of Tomorrow Kix- Midnite Dynamite Twisted Sister- You Can't Stop Rock N Roll Whitesnake- Saints And Sinners

[@gwts1171]

Kix has one of the most consistently good discographies. Totally mis-labeled as "hair rock". Sorta like Enuff Z'Nuff.

[@johnkatsoudas3544]

@@gwts1171 I agree. I never looked at Kix as a glam Metal band ever. They have always been a great Hard Rock band. Same goes for Enuff Z Nuff. Ironically I just saw Kix this past weekend, and Enuff Z Nuff a week ago. Both of them were great shows, and got to meet both bands after their shows.

[@stuarthecht8196]

ELP's "Trilogy" followed by "Brain Salad Surgery," "Led Zeppelin III" followed by "untitled" (Zep IV), Bruce Springsteen's "The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle" followed by "Born to Run," Billy Joel's "Turnstiles" followed by "The Stranger," Elton John's "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player" followed by "Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road."

[@MetalMan73100]

When this episode was announced last week the first album that came to mind was Pink Floyd´s Meddle. A great album from start to finish.

[@williamgiesen4910]

Obscured by Clouds was the album that came right before Dark Side

[@leafsfan1728]

A few that come to mind: Fleetwood Mac- Fleetwood Mac Led Zeppelin III Metallica- ...And Justice for All Pink Floyd- Obscured by Clouds RHCP- One Hot Minute Live- Mental Jewelery Alice in Chains- Facelift Nirvana- Bleach Soundgarden- Badmotorfinger Smashing Pumpkins- Gish Black Sabbath- Black Sabbath Deep Purple- Fireball

[@FireMoon42]

Mac didn't want Stevie Nicks just Buckingham. He dug his heels in and insisted Stevie and he were a package and the rest is history

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

Stevie Nicks was such an important factor to their success. She brought that mystique vibe to their albums although it's fair to say that Fleetwood Mac had a kinda mysterious sound right from the start! Personally I lean more towards Christine Mcvies melodic songs and Lindsey Buckinghams all around pop genius but they all contributed a lot to their songs and albums. Not forgetting the Mick Fleetwood/ John Mcvie rhythm section. Peerless!

[@Matt-fs1yy]

Janet Jackson's "Dream Street" immediately preceded her death metal / prog masterpiece "Control."

[@michaelsennott9504]

Huey Lewis- Picture This, Boz Scaggs- Slow Dancer, AD/DC- Powerage, Tubes- Remote Control, John Waite- Ignition

[@mainzergirl9610]

Fun show and great choices. Another would be Def Leppard High 'n Dry, which I prefer to the juggernaut Pyromania. Switch 625!!

[@UFO1601]

Whitesnake's Slide it in is a fantastic album , I saw the tour in the UK .

[@leepassmore7032]

For my money, it's superior to their break through.

[@williamgainford9332]

seen em on that tour too at the sfx hall in dublin - great white opened - great double bill

[@genwcd91]

Pete love your shows , got me listening to Rush at the age of 53 , did their whole catalogue , how about ranking Kraftwerk , not much guitar but so so influential ?

[@kamranmalik8546]

Judas Priest- Hell Bent for Leather/Unleashed in the East/Point of Entry Deep Purple- S/T 3rd Album/Fireball Black Sabbath S/T Debut Iron Maiden- Killers Motörhead- Bomber Pink Floyd- Meddle/Obscured by Clouds Yes- Fragile Genesis- Selling England by the Pound Queen- Sheer Heart Attack Fleetwood Mac 1975 U2- The Unforgettable Fire Rush- Permanent Waves Led Zeppelin III

[@stevemcnary7963]

Judas Priest British Steel came out before Point Of Entry Deep Purple In Rock came out before Fireball

[@donmoore7785]

Another great SOT show. Very educational.

[@scottmyers9360]

Interesting show concept that begs a follow-up: Albums That Came AFTER The Big One.

[@ukrocksounds3419]

What does anything mean basicially by The Chameleons before the album Strange times. So understated so great.

[@Splashadian]

My favorite Europe album is Secret Society. I am listening to Wings Of Tomorrow for the first time on your recommendation.

[@andrewpeters8906]

The Hurting- Tears for Fears, It was the album before the Big one- Songs from the Big Chair.

[@kayfimt7769]

Out of print albums that need to be reissued plz :)

[@ivozanette7010]

Look at the two discs before Slide it In, you knew this band was going places

[@johnkatsoudas3544]

I have always loved Saints And Sinners big time. Even their first four albums are amazing.

[@peterichards3261]

I can't really think of a band who are so much despised over one track when they have a wealth of great albums as Europe. Excellent band

[@treff9226]

Preach! Norum alone is top notch guitarist! Later day Europe is stellar! Absolutely hate that Final Countdown song, though, boring as hell....cheesy keyboard riff gives me bad gas!👎👎👎

[@matma84]

Some very good unusual choices here. Great show and I guess there will be other interesting stuff for a part 2. My picks: Nursery Cryme before Foxtrot. Genesis already had their classic line-up without having all-classic songs. Porcupine before Ocean Rain: Echo & The Bunnymen already went a little bit more neo-psychedelic - especially with „Higher Hell“ before scoring big time with the 1984 record and „Killing Moon“.

[@kennyrichey3238]

I always thought that The Eagles album ‘One Of These Nights’ is just as good as their follow up hit ‘Hotel California’. I saw them on that tour with Jackson Browne & Linda Ronstadt. I thought at that time they hit their peak with ‘Lyin Eyes’ & ‘Take It To The Limit’. Little did I know that following year I would be wrong.

[@suarezmarull]

I was very much into REO growing up, but never want back further than You Can Tune a Piano... until I heard you Pete discussing the earlier period. Now, I love that era.

[@ukrocksounds3419]

The double live album from 1977 called you get what you play for is very good.

[@peterhansen1358]

I also like the 3 albums with Mike Murphy on vokals. They aren’t mentioned very often

[@AngryCalvin]

Obscured by Clouds-Pink Floyd Not my favorite Floyd album but I have probably listened to it more times than any PF album next to Animals and Wish You Were Here. “Stay” is probably the most beautiful song they ever did and “Wots the Deal” most overlooked song. When Dream and Day Unite-Dream Theater Loved this album the first listen and every listen after. It’s different. But it’s still my favorite band. “The Killing Hand” is one of my all time favorites from Dream Theater. Caress of Steel-Rush This was when Rush really started to display greatness. I know most think 2112 but I think it’s this album. “I Think I’m Going Bald” is really weird but the rest of the album is flawless and I always go back for more. Tears for Fears-The Hurting A really Proggy New Wave album. More Proggy than just about anything I can think of 70’s Prog bands doing in the 80’s. But that’s pretty much Tears for Fears in general. This album is solid. Start of the Breakdown is what you would have thought Yes or King Crimson would have been doing in the 80’s if they hadn’t changed so much. Pale Shelter, Memories Fade, Suffer the Children. Essential album. Nightwish-Century Child I actually prefer it over Once. It can be really heavy, soft, beautiful, and progressive. Their most versatile album. Love it. Queensryche-Rage for Order Way ahead of its time. And the use of synthesizers don’t ruin the album one bit. In fact they made it better. Really kicks the door open for Progressive Metal. Weather Report-Black Market Still very experimental but more accessible at the same time and I can’t figure out why. Classic album and as essential as it gets with this band.

[@ImprobableTodd]

The perfect example of this topic is From Genesis to Revelation to Trespass. The music, production, songwriting, orchestration, and performances all took quantum leaps. They made the music mirror the emotional content, from melancholy to wonder to rage. The Anthony Phillips/Tony Banks combination only had one album to flourish, and it was wonderful. Gabriel’s vocals went from adequate to epic.

[@tommyaddison6539]

Martin and Pete are the best duo on KZbin

[@ukrocksounds3419]

Riot Narita, before Fire down under was a great album.

[@johnkatsoudas3544]

Absolutely, I even love the first album Rock City alot as well. Riot should have been a huge massive band. Their catalog is that amazing in my opinion.

[@ukrocksounds3419]

@@johnkatsoudas3544 Yes first 3 albums are great. Guy on vocals, and Mark reale guitar work is amazing, first noticed for me on track Overdrive and Tokyo rose. More extensive on following albums.

[@davek6949]

Pete, the European release of that s/t Whitenake album in '87 is even better than the American release. The addition of "Looking for Love" and "You're Gonna Break My Heart Again" kicks it up yet another notch. It still bugs me to this day that they didn't release that album here with those two tracks.

[@johnkatsoudas3544]

I agree. Those two songs should have been on the American release. It would have made the album even more of a MASTERPIECE than it already was. I actually like "Looking For Love" way more than "Is This Love".

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

yeah, looking for love is GREAT

[@davek6949]

@@seaoftranquilityprog There's another idea for a show...Albums where the American version is better than the overseas release or vice versa. Would love to join you as a guest on that show. :-)

[@treff9226]

Goddammit! I want those songs on my Whitesnake CD......stupid America!

[@fbettr2627]

@@davek6949 There is a reason why John KALODNER left out the two weakest songs that were included on EMI's release of '1987', i.e., 'Looking for Love' and 'You're Gonna Break My Heart Again'. KALODNER had a knack for sequencing albums. Legendary A&R man. I prefer Geffen Records's release of WHITESNAKE's self-titled album than EMI's release of '1987'.

[@johncollier9280]

10cc-Sheet Music, James Taylor-James Taylor, Jethro Tull-Benefit, Joni Mitchell-Ladies Of The Canyon, Peter Gabriel-Security, Led Zeppelin III, Cat Stevens-Mona Bone Jakon, Deep Purple-Deep Purple, Peter Frampton-Frampton, Beatles-Revolver.

[@damiankarras]

Queensryche’s Operation: Mindcrime was certified gold in 89 and then platinum in 91 after the double platinum success of Empire. Then Empire went triple platinum in 94 the same day Promised Land went platinum

[@netzer442]

Great show, thanks!

[@56SteveJones2009]

Great topic:) Hello from the Okanagan!

[@gordonenright5158]

Queensryche was my favourite band and Rage for order was such an amazing album and the predecessor to the more popular and widely acclaimed Operation Mindcrime

[@bassvibasics479]

A selection to this category that I'd suggest is "Sheer Heart Attack" by Queen. The precursor to A Night At The Opera, and my favourite Queen album- captures them at their glam rock prime before their conquest of the world.

[@SteveHughesOfficial]

October - amazing album. First vinyl I ever bought back in the day. And under rated gem that I’m kinda glad no one knows about.

[@russellcraft7269]

Golden Country and Riding The Storm Out both got a fair amount of radio play. But after them, nothing until Piano/Fish.

[@mattirealm]

Big hit singles is a great point. If you look at a lot of albums that were critically loved, and did have those high charting songs, they sold a TON. Van Halen 1984 "only" debuted at number 2 behind Thriller, but went far past Diamond in the US because of Jump, Panama and Hot for Teacher. The album is good, but the singles propelled it much further. Queen sold more copies of The Game in the US than A Night At The Opera, again due to having number one charting songs Another One Bites The Dust and Crazy Little Thing Called Love. It is an interesting phenomena.

[@thomaswery3087]

Uriah Heep-Look At Yourself b4 Demons and Wizards Yes-Fragile b4 Close to the Edge Jethro Tull-Aqualung b4 Thick as a Brick

[@jonrhythm3686]

All great choices.

[@albarton7189]

Back in the day (I’m old and I was there), Fragile and Aqualung were BIG. At my high school, those two albums were very popular. I was in the marching band, and those two 8Tracks were played constantly in the buses that took us to out of town games.

[@gaupau]

aqualung and fragile were the big ones...