Random Popular Album Poll

[Mirror Image]

My father (who listens to jazz almost only) says he almost hates "Kind of Blue" nowadays because so many name it as their favorite jazz album as if all the other great jazz albums didn't exist. Personally I find nothing special about the album. It's just a good jazz album among others. People mentioning "Kind of Blue" is like people mentioning Beethoven's ninth symphony to show they "know" about classical music.

The members of the band (besides Miles: Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, Coltrane, Cannonball, Jimmy Cobb, Wynton Kelly) probably didn't think much of the album at the time either. In fact, Jimmy Cobb said it was just 'another session' to him. But, I think this is quite a modest opinion for Cobb to hold. Kind of Blue is a classic jazz album and if someone allows it to overshadow other jazz albums then these people are the ones missing out. I think the fact that it's one of Miles' most solid albums and the fact that everything here still sounds fresh and inspired is a testament to all of these musicians who played with Miles. If you compare Kind of Blue with something like Cookin' or even Milestones, it's clear that this music does sound special. It has that timeless quality and if you don't find anything special about the album, then that's your prerogative, but from a purely musical standpoint, it's a fine album whether you agree or not.

[DavidW]

My father (who listens to jazz almost only) says he almost hates "Kind of Blue" nowadays because so many name it as their favorite jazz album as if all the other great jazz albums didn't exist. Personally I find nothing special about the album. It's just a good jazz album among others. People mentioning "Kind of Blue" is like people mentioning Beethoven's ninth symphony to show they "know" about classical music.

That fits me alright... that is the only jazz album that I have!

[Ken B]

Had Pet Sounds been a choice I might've picked it, but Kind of Blue got my vote.  As good as the others are, I find myself listening to Kind of Blue weekly, whereas the others, almost never anymore.

+1 on Pet Sounds

[Marc]

I missed ABBA's Arrival.

http://www.youtube.com/v/kqfyYbHybpM

[Bogey]

Kind of Blue is light years ahead of the competition here. Great band, playing, tunes etc. Great album. It may be simple, but is very musical and beautiful.

Money!

[71 dB]

Kind of Blue is light years ahead of the competition here.

Yes, in preposterous fame. 

[Ken B]

I missed ABBA's Arrival.

http://www.youtube.com/v/kqfyYbHybpM

OK, better than Kind of Blue I grant you, but Abbey Road? No way.

[Sergeant Rock]

To join the debate: for me it's the banana album first, then Revolver, then Kind of Blue (I think it deserves its reputation), then IV, with the rest of no consequence to me. But throw Abba into the mix and all bets are off 

Sarge

[San Antone]

Yes, in preposterous fame. 

Sometimes (as is the case here) the fame is deserved. 

[San Antone]

To join the debate: for me it's the banana album first, then Revolver, then Kind of Blue (I think it deserves its reputation), then IV, with the rest of no consequence to me. But throw Abba into the mix and all bets are off 

Sarge

All are great records, but only a few are ones I listen to anymore - Revolver is the one by the Beatles, I'd choose as best - and the Velvet Underground's debut is another contender.  I don't even think Kind of Blue belongs on this poll - all the others are pop/rock.

[Ken B]

All are great records, but only a few are ones I listen to anymore - Revolver is the one by the Beatles, I'd choose as best - and the Velvet Underground's debut is another contender.  I don't even think Kind of Blue belongs on this poll - all the others are pop/rock.

The Banana seems to be some sort of GMG running joke, but for the benefit of us newcomers, what is it?

[North Star]

The Banana seems to be some sort of GMG running joke, but for the benefit of us newcomers, what is it?

Every poll must have the 'banana' option!

[Sergeant Rock]

The Banana seems to be some sort of GMG running joke, but for the benefit of us newcomers, what is it?

Many polls, especially in the early days of the forum, included the Banana in the list: i.e., a choice for those who wouldn't or couldn't vote for a legitimate candidate. Choosing it was saying "I don't care about this poll" or "I don't like any of the other options" or "I refuse to commit" or "This poll is just too silly to take seriously, so I choose banana."

Here's an example: http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,19851.msg597684.html#msg597684

Sarge

[Mirror Image]

Music is music I say. With the exception of KoB and in comparison .. all the other selections were rather poorly executed adolescent fodder; overrated and mostly for nostalgic purposes ever since.

Spoken like a true musical ignoramus.

[Karl Henning]

I suppose I should listen to the Radiohead albums before voting? . . .

[mn dave]

I suppose I should listen to the Radiohead albums before voting? . . .

I'm not sure you'll want to hear that adolescent music, Karl.

[Karl Henning]

I'm not sure you'll want to hear that adolescent music, Karl.

Pfffftttt.

[mn dave]

Pfffftttt.

[71 dB]

I'm not sure you'll want to hear that adolescent music, Karl.

No matter what we do or say there's always people telling us what assholes we are. If we listen to classical music only, we are "elitistic". If we listen to pop music too we have bad taste. 

I wish people where openminded and tolerant. I wish we didn't judge each other so hard.

The selection of "popular albums" is ridiculously narrow. People keep buying "Kind of Blue" ignoring at the same time what Clifford Brown, Gil Evans or Gato Barbieri have to offer.  People keep buying "OK Computer" while ignoring what Danish rock band Kashmir or British Lowgold have to offer.

So, ignore what is popular and find your OWN favorites. Sometimes what you like is liked by many others, sometimes you are almost to only one.

I don't see many Tangerine Dream fans on this forum. When I go to the official Tangerine Dream forum, nobody over there listens to classical music (typical Tangerine Dream fans do have extremely narrow music taste, which is strange considering how rich Tangerine Dreams music is). I listen to both so where do I belong to?

Okay, you might be able to imagine someone liking both classical music and Tangerine Dream, but I also admire Kesha (the artist formerly known as Ke$ha)! So, I am a weirdo just being genuinely myself.

[mn dave]

No matter what we do or say there's always people telling us what assholes we are. If we listen to classical music only, we are "elitistic". If we listen to pop music too we have bad taste. 

I wish people where openminded and tolerant. I wish we didn't judge each other so hard.

The selection of "popular albums" is ridiculously narrow. People keep buying "Kind of Blue" ignoring at the same time what Clifford Brown, Gil Evans or Gato Barbieri have to offer.  People keep buying "OK Computer" while ignoring what Danish rock band Kashmir or British Lowgold have to offer.

So, ignore what is popular and find your OWN favorites. Sometimes what you like is liked by many others, sometimes you are almost to only one.

I don't see many Tangerine Dream fans on this forum. When I go to the official Tangerine Dream forum, nobody over there listens to classical music (typical Tangerine Dream fans do have extremely narrow music taste, which is strange considering how rich Tangerine Dreams music is). I listen to both so where do I belong to?

Okay, you might be able to imagine someone liking both classical music and Tangerine Dream, but I also admire Kesha (the artist formerly known as Ke$ha)! So, I am a weirdo just being genuinely myself.

That's me and Black Lips. I'm not sure I personally know anyone else who even mentions them, yet I find them to be a fresh, melodic garage band.