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An Artist's Pinnacle

We've had so many threads about favorite releases by an artist, best debut recordings etc., but I'm don't think that I have seen anyone ask this before. My question is this: Pick one or more solo artists, or bands or music from any genre. What release do you think marked the pinnacle of their artistry?
I could think of many, but the idea was sparked in my mind yesterday when I was thinking once again that for REM, it was Life's Rich Pageant. They were once a favorite band, but I eventually got really tired of Michael Stipe's nonsense. Anyway, that's not the point. Continuing with the rock genre, I will say Dirt was the peak for Alice in Chains, and Rocks was the top for Aerosmith. Only thinking of those examples because I was just listening to them yesterday.
I'm really interested in everyone else's thoughts, and I'll have a whole lot more as I think about it.
128x128roxy54
larsman's avatar
larsman
2,044 posts
 

Kate Bush - 'The Dreaming'

Soundgarden - 'Superunknown'

The Clash - 'London Calling'

Elvis Costello - 'This Year's Model' 

Gang of Four - 'Entertainment'

The Jam - 'Setting Sons'

Love -  'Forever Changes'

PJ Harvey - 'Let England Shake'

Siouxsie and the Banshees - 'The Scream'

Squeeze - 'Argybargy'

Plenty more where those came from! 

 

stuartk
3,017 posts
 

@larsman:

I'm speaking specifically of the original 3 LP "Europe '72' album.

The vocal overdubs are common knowledge and very easily verified, now that the warts and all Europe shows are available (or were) in their entirety. 

The consistently in-tune vocals on the 3 LP set are a strong contrast with their more  ragged, "unimproved" counterparts. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Doc At The Radar Station by Captain Beefheart! 

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis. The start of a new subgenre of Jazz and a new younger set of musicians and audience!

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Mahler Symphony 5 by Sir John Barbirolli and the Berlin Philharmonic. Still a contender for best performance/interpretation of such a monumental work!

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