NFT: Underappreciated Pop Records

In '87, Huey released this; Fore!, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip To Be Square". A song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity and the importance of trends. It's also a personal statement about the band itself. Hey, christian!

.

In comment 14475135 widmerseyebrow said:

Quote:

In '87, Huey released this; Fore!, their most accomplished album. I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip To Be Square". A song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity and the importance of trends. It's also a personal statement about the band itself. Hey, christian!

Supremely well played.

In comment 14475145 smshmth8690 said:

Quote:

.

That entire album was underappreciated.

My pick is "Starry Eyes" by the Records.

.

In comment 14475219 VTChuck said:

Quote:

.

I agree with this, though I'd lean toward Utopia Parkway or Welcome Interstate Managers as best.

underrated band and great album.

Fountains of Wayne "Welcome Interstate Managers" is a great example. Really solid band that suffered mildly from having a pop hit, but that is a good overall album. Maybe not their best, but good.

The Smoking Popes "Born to Quit" is a little like that -- they had a single on the Clueless sound track that good a lot play -- but it's a damn good album.

In comment 14475260 Jan in DC said:

Quote:

In comment 14475219 VTChuck said: Quote: . I agree with this, though I'd lean toward Utopia Parkway or Welcome Interstate Managers as best.

I can't pick favorites w/ FOW.

Others: Semisonic "All about Chemistry"
Rosenbergs "Department Store Girl"
Fastball "Keep your Wig On" & Greatest Hits
The Superficials "Superbia"

underappreciated at the time they released their debut album (Get the Knack)in 1979. They got tons of air time and remember, were close to having the all-time #1 debut album in history. They were being touted by Rolling Stone as the next group in-line for to replicate the Beatles super group status...

and one of my favorites of all time is The English Beat album, Special Beat Service. Fantastic, IMHO brilliant fusion of rock, reggae and jazz.

In comment 14475213 rnargi said:

Quote:

In comment 14475145 smshmth8690 said: Quote: . That entire album was underappreciated. My pick is "Starry Eyes" by the Records.

It was the best selling debut album ever. Not sure how that is underappreciated, unless you mean critical acclaim. Critics did beat them up pretty good, but recording a hit single based almost exclusively on the rhythm track from Spencer Davis Gimme Some Lovin' will do that.

It's My Life - Talk Talk
Weather With You - Crowded House
Love & Loneliness - The Motors
So In Love - OMD
Persuasion - Tim Finn

Come Unto Me - The Mavericks
All of a Sudden (It's Too Late) - XTC
Harvest Home - Mark Lanegan
Toy Automatic - The Afghan Whigs


Just a few that immediately pop into my head.

...dude could absolutely SHRED while bringin' a tear to yer' eye.

In comment 14475395 Section331 said:

Quote:

In comment 14475213 rnargi said: Quote: In comment 14475145 smshmth8690 said: Quote: . That entire album was underappreciated. My pick is "Starry Eyes" by the Records. It was the best selling debut album ever. Not sure how that is underappreciated, unless you mean critical acclaim. Critics did beat them up pretty good, but recording a hit single based almost exclusively on the rhythm track from Spencer Davis Gimme Some Lovin' will do that.

Hey Section, I was 17 when the album hit and you're absolutely correct. It was a MAJOR seller, but there were only 2 singles of note on it. My Sharona and Good Girls Don't. My Sharona is what sold that album, nothing else. So while I agree, My Sharona was NOT underappreciated, I think a case could be made that there were some very good pop songs on the record that made it an underappreciated pop album. That's what I meant. Let Me Out is a great, great pop song and an incredible choice for opening the record. It's a freaking jolt to the system...an out of control train barrelling down the track. There are a number of quintessential syrupy, sappy love/passion ballads on the record with very solid instrumentation and engineering. Then you have the Buddy Holly remake on side two (he didn't write it, but he made it popular). A great choice for a pop album. And I don't think there was a teen aged boy in 1979 who didn't identify with the album closer, "Frustrated". So just my .02, I've always felt that Get the Knack along with the Smithereens' album "Especially for You" were two of the greatest underappreciated pop albums made. Again, just an opinion.

In comment 14475213 rnargi said:

Quote:

In comment 14475145 smshmth8690 said: Quote: That entire album was underappreciated. My pick is "Starry Eyes" by the Records.

Back around 1980, media loved fawning over groups as the 'Next Beatles' - Squeeze was one band that earned that adoration, but The Knack were pushed HARD as the NEXT BIG THING.

They weren't.

Good album though.

'My Sharona' - there are some songs that are more fun to perform than to listen to (I Feel Good, exhibit A) - I found 'My Sharona' to be the OPPOSITE. After a few months of that being in the setlist of a cover band I played with, I HATED IT.

MY MY MY MY MY - WHOOOOO!!!!

Dude wrote perfect power pop (No Matter What, Baby Blue, before there ever Raspberries and their ilk) as well as great tunes in general like Day After Day and Without You (co-wrote the latter).Guy was melodic genius who left us way too soon.

In comment 14475524 rnargi said:

Quote:

Hey Section, I was 17 when the album hit and you're absolutely correct. It was a MAJOR seller, but there were only 2 singles of note on it. My Sharona and Good Girls Don't. My Sharona is what sold that album, nothing else. So while I agree, My Sharona was NOT underappreciated, I think a case could be made that there were some very good pop songs on the record that made it an underappreciated pop album. That's what I meant. Let Me Out is a great, great pop song and an incredible choice for opening the record. It's a freaking jolt to the system...an out of control train barrelling down the track. There are a number of quintessential syrupy, sappy love/passion ballads on the record with very solid instrumentation and engineering. Then you have the Buddy Holly remake on side two (he didn't write it, but he made it popular). A great choice for a pop album. And I don't think there was a teen aged boy in 1979 who didn't identify with the album closer, "Frustrated". So just my .02, I've always felt that Get the Knack along with the Smithereens' album "Especially for You" were two of the greatest underappreciated pop albums made. Again, just an opinion.

I was about the same age, I remember the album well, and the response to it. Radio loved it, critics not so much. COMPLETELY agree about Smithereens, their whole catalog is underappreciated.

.

/

the ‘90’s both a little under appreciated, IMO. INXS was an excellent live act. Also, The Tubes put out some under appreciated music.

Agree about The Mavericks, another under appreciated band that puts out some really great music. Raul Malo is a terrific singer/ song writer, and they are incredible in concert.

Album came out in 1999 - when I first heard it, I presumed it would catch fire and he'd be huge. Voice like Bono, songs on this album are melodic, beautiful - just wonderful, really. Timeless too - album still sounds fresh 20 years later.

Literally the definition of an 'Underappreciated Pop Record'.

Also 1999 - Joe got a little traction as an artist and producer - to me, this album is epic, sounds phenomenal, great songs - the title cut, Fuse is one of my favorite songs ever.