Out magazine recently released list of 100 Greatest, Gayest Albums.
In order to compile their list, the Out editorial team reached out to gay movers and shakers, and, for some reason, I was asked to submit my top ten albums. Only one of my suggestions – Nick Drake – made the gay glossy's cut. Apparently they had some sort of super scientific tally system or something and not enough people enjoy my picks. You know what I say to that? "Eat it."
This means, of course, I'll have to share some of my favorites with you, my captive audience. Now, these may not be my "favorite" albums, but they're definitely tops.
After the jump, my own top ten and accompanying videos.
The Clipse, Lord Willin': I first heard this album after returning from my semester abroad in South Africa. It blew my mind. This track, "Grindin'" – like almost all their tracks – pays homage to the Virginia-based duo's day jobs as coke slingers.
Junior Senior, Junior Senior. The Swedish duo's first album contained "Move Your Feet," which I first heard while in visiting a friend London. Something else happened that night: the United States invaded Iraq.
Rachel's, Music For Egon Schiele. A must-have for anyone into minimalist composition, this album's absolutely perfect for two things: a winter morning and silent, heartbreakingly intimate sex. Here's one of my favorite tracks: "Wally, Egon and the Models in the Studio."
Jim Croce, Best Of… Regular readers are no stranger to Jim Croce's distinctive sound. Or you shouldn't be, at least – I've posted him a number of times. My grandmother – whom I recently interviewed – turned me on to Croce when I was about six or so, and I've been hooked ever since. Here I've included one of Croce's most famous songs, "Time In A Bottle." The video features Croce playing with his son in 1972. Unfortunately, Croce died one year later.
Frank Tovey, The Best Of Fad Gadget. Under the stage name "Fad Gadget," Frank Tovey brought a bit of avant-garde action to the early 80s New Wave scene. Anyone claiming to be a music aficionado should familiarize themselves with Tovey's sound, like this 1981 performance of "For Whom The Bell Tolls."
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Oh God, thank you. There is nothing worse than reading a list of "the top gay albums" and feeling like a straight man. (Seriously, Madonna's great, but get over it.) Rachel's, Nick Drake, and Clipse, however? I didn't think anyone else owned records by all three.
I agree with them. Most of your music choices, as seen on this site, are pretty terrible.
Oh, Lexx, lighten up. I'm glad to see such musical diversity as of late! Thanks for sharing.
Very X Generation (read: Old!) I always thought the music choices were too obscure for Ameri-stream gay taste and with that South African background, you were very cloistered. I also see why the models are skinny and ugly (and caucasian!) Sorry, a picture tells a 1000 words. Get over your own ego. Taffy, for 14 you don't look so good! Should "Kid A" be on this site or is it just his "Bottom" name?
I might lighten up if there was actually any musical diversity on this site. I don't know what you're talkin' 'bout.
Lexx: Hip-hop, metal, indie, pop, R&B? Do you need some John Zorn or something? I think it's cool that a gay blog is featuring at least this much music at all. I'd recommend the Hype Machine if you want diversity:
http://hypem.com/
Seitan: I'm surprised that someone calling these choices "old" would not know that "Kid A" is Radiohead's 2000 Grammy-winning album.
(It's been my nickname since then, since I'm a firstborn, and it's one of my favorite albums.)
Sorry, as a recording arts major and musician, music's kinda my thing and I dig the "Aural" posts.
UM, why is advertising for the crappy remake of The Women all over this site.. I get it. Fishy.
You've always made good choices.
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I'm all for eclecticism and I like your choices. I think it's important to cultivate a broad musical palate.