Author Archives: andy ruser

Mood, Murray make ‘Lost in Translation’ worth watching

Shoegaze is a genre of music invented in the 1980s in the U.K. It is characterized by noisy, dreamy layers of sound from distorted guitars that often drown out the vocals. The soundtrack to the 2003 film “Lost in Translation” … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 5-1

Here it comes: My five all time favorite albums to be released between 1990 and 2000. Because I listen to so much music, this list is now inaccurate, but it doesn’t matter. It’s all about the journey. If you’ve been … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 10-6

10. “XO” by Elliott Smith – This is Smith’s poppiest and most Beatlesy album that I’ve heard. “Waltz #2 (XO)” may be the best song the man ever wrote. The main instrument in “XO” is the piano, and Smith plays … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 15-11

15. “Elliott Smith” by Elliott Smith – This album opens with “Needle in the Hay” which is a personal favorite of mine. Surprisingly, it is not my favorite song on this album. Smith is my favorite singer/songwriter and this album … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 20-16

20. “Illmatic” by Nas – Nas represents all of New York with this album. This rapper has some of the greatest lyrics I’ve ever heard anywhere. Most of the songs are very good in their own special way, and “Illmatic” … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 25-21

25. “Lonesome Crowded West” by Modest Mouse – Modest Mouse used to be my favorite band ever, but my opinion of them has lessened a little over the years. I love the lyrics on this album. A lot of these … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 30-26

30. “Aquemini” by Outkast – “Aquemini” was one of the first hip hop albums I ever really liked. It’s got soul, style, and diversity. The guest rappers (Raekwon, Cee-Lo, etc.) on this album also do very well. Most importantly of … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 35-31

35-33. “Keep It Like a Secret”, “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love” and “Perfect From Now On” by Built to Spill – Built to Spill is an interesting band. They have a lot of talent lyrically and in the guitar department. … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990s 40-36

40. “Disco Volante” by Mr. Bungle – A crazy, experimental metal album with too many genres to name. Mike Patton is a talented vocalist. 39. “Le phare” by Yann Tiersen – This album is a French, folksy, and classical adventure. … Continue reading

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My 50 Favorite Albums of the 1990′s 45-41

45. “Check Your Head” by Beastie Boys – It’s got “So What’cha Want” and 19 other songs you’ve probably never heard before. But they aren’t bad songs. The whole album is surprisingly consistent. 44. “Pale Folklore” by Agalloch – Agalloch … Continue reading

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