Best albums of 1990

Primus's debut album gets better with age it seems, or at least I appreciate it more as time goes by. Leading off with "To Defy the Laws of Tradition" was a brilliant choice as it not only prepares the listener for their unique sound but lyrically conveys the type of band they set out to be (metaphorically that is). Primus carved out their own niche & proudly progressed from there, and either you liked it or you didn't. Obviously I loved it & I still do.

Favorite song: "Spegetti Western"

I spent many hours driving around town with my high school friends & singing along to Flood, so it's got a very special place in my heart. Pure quirky fun.

Favorite song: "Road Movie to Berlin"

Once upon a time Public Enemy were the best act hip-hop had to offer. This album is proof.

Favorite song: "Burn Hollywood Burn"

Aptly named, as I can listen to this album on repeat for hours & not get tired of it. Amazing.

Favorite song: "Song #1"

Not as great as Nothing's Shocking, but still an excellent album. For a long time the songs that follow "Three Days" bored me & I'd often skip them, but somewhere along the way I finally came around & found my appreciation for them. Still, "Three Days" is a tough song to follow.

Favorite song: "Three Days"

I remember first hearing ST's Mike Muir on some radio station that turned the mic over to him for about an hour. He played some ST songs and some Infectious Grooves songs, apparently to promote new albums from both bands. I went out & picked up this album, and I couldn't quit listening to it. The way they mixed metal with funk and hardcore was awesome, and I loved Mike's sense of humor & lyrics, much of which I strongly related to. Most importantly, this was the first time I heard optimism expressed in metal and I didn't hear it again until I got into punk and hardcore.
--from I was a preteen metalhead

Favorite song: "You Can't Bring Me Down"

The closest thing to a "flaw" I can find on Pantera's debut is that it still sounds a little too '80s metal, especially Phil's vocals. Fortunately the guitar, bass & drums pretty much kick ass from start to finish.

Favorite song: "Psycho Holiday"

Not quite as good as Dirt, but still better than everything that followed Jar of Flies.

Favorite song: "Real Thing"

Following Doolittle was apparently not easy, as neither of the two Pixies albums that followed managed to match its Greatness. Bossanova still has its moments of Greatness though, it's just not as rewarding of a listen to my ears as its predecessor.

Favorite song: "Is She Weird"

Live albums are a tricky thing, but fortunately on this one Ministry was killing it live.

Favorite song: "Thieves"