Listography: Top 5 Albums by a Band

So, I’m struggling off the bat here with Kate’s latest Listography – what constitutes a band?? I’ve always taken it to mean that they play their own instruments – if they don’t they’re just a group, but I recently heard someone describe Westlife (urgh, spit) as a band when clearly they do not play instruments (do they even actually sing??). So I’m going to take it to mean my own definition, based on the sterling entries in Kate’s list.

These are in no particular order:

The Black Album (Metallica) – Metallica

When I was at school I had a friend who loved Metallica. I hated them – but actually had never listened to their stuff. When Mr W turned out to have their entire back catalogue I did listen to their music and, actually, this album has some really impressive songs on it. Nothing Else Matters (the most commercial, less rawk one) is my favourite, but when you take the time to listen to them, they are all skilfully crafted and pretty damn impressive pieces of music.

Highlander – Queen

Ok, this is a soundtrack, but it is all by Queen, honest guv. Queen have done better albums, but I think I like this best as it so tied in with the movie for me. Who Wants to Live Forever is one of those ‘must stop to listen to this’ songs for me and the whole soundtrack is really evocative. It’s not the best movie, it’s not the best album, but it’s one I go back to a lot.

Hunting High and Low – A-Ha

Cheese off! In a cheese factory! I was a little bit in love with Morten Harkett and still watch the video to Take On Me on YouTube – oh the shame! None of their other stuff (excluding Bond theme The Living Daylights) ever thrilled me that much and the newer stuff hasn’t been great, but this is the original and best.

Cross Road – Bon Jovi

This is, technically, a greatest hits album, but that’s why I like it. I did own some of Bon Jovi’s albums, but aside from the tracks we all know I didn’t think they were that great. I think this does mark a cross road in their careers as most of the stuff they did after this was shite. Sorry Jon… My favourite of their songs Always and Bed of Roses are on this album so that makes it a keeper!

The Final – Wham!

Ok, another greatest hits but I maintain Wham! is a band as Andrew Ridgeley strummed that guitar for all he was worth! I came to Wham! quite late as I was only eight when this came out and they split up, but this was the first album I ever bought on CD and some of the songs are still my karaoke tunes. I also use it as housework stimulus. Excellent album all round I think…

So that’s my list – do go visit Kate’s site and leave your own linky and take a look at some of the other fab entries. Kate is also asking if someone else would like to host listography next week, so if you fancy it then comment and let her know.