A little ways back I did story on three of my favorite albums from 1998. But 1998 was never a year that really stood out for me (Despite In the Aeroplane over the Sea which is one of my favorite albums), the year before on the other hand is almost certainly my favorite year of the ’90s and among my favorite years for music of all time.

Radiohead – OK Computer

No, I didn’t have to think too long to come up with this one. One of the most critically acclaimed and popular albums of all time and for very good reason. It’s the album that was so great it almost drove Thom Yorke insane. Radiohead has, in my opinion, continued to produce incredible albums since then (particularly Kid A & In Rainbows) but in some ways OK Computer will always define them somewhat like Sgt Pepper defining The Beatles. It was the album that made everyone take Radiohead seriously. (Of course people who were paying attention already took them seriously. Such proclamations always make some people ask: “You’ve heard The Bends & Revolver, right?”)

OK Computer is a flawless album that doesn’t have a second of wasted time on it. There is no filler, or “skipable” tracks. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with listing my favorite tracks but if pressed I’d come up with “Exit Music,” “Airbag,” “Climbing up the Walls,” & “Paranoid Android.” But there’s truly no weak tracks on the album. Brilliant singing, playing, and production. Honestly the album is so great it makes me feel like a twat even saying it’s great. It’s greatness is self evident. It doesn’t need to be mentioned really. I should have left it off the list.

“Exit Music” live in 1997

Spiritualized – Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space

God damn do I love this album. It’s one of my all time favorite albums and easily my favorite album by Spiritualized. It’s a big crazy album. And if you haven’t heard it, you are in for a treat. You know, words are bullshit. Just listen to this album.

Here’s a music video for “Come Together” (the second track from the album but this is a different version.)

Cornershop – When I Was Born for the 7th Time

This album only has about 5 actual songs (you know with a tune you can whistle) and those songs are pretty great (I actually thing the well known single “Brimful of Asha” is probably my least favorite song on the album) but it’s all of the other tracks that I really love. I remember at the time that Cornershop were being compared a lot to Beck for combining different genres and I can definitely see that comparison but at the same time Cornershop definitely has their own vibe. I find this album to be one of those ones I can just put on hundreds of times and never get tired of, in fact I have done just that over the years.

“We’re in Yr Corner” would be the first track I would recommend for anyone who hasn’t really listened to Cornershop and is thinking “What the hell is he including Cornershop with Radiohead & Spiritualized for?”

In fact let me see if I can find that on YouTube, I can. Of course it sounds way better on the album. This is definitely a song that should be heard in it’s full glory. But this may give you some idea of what I’m on about:

More Great Albums From 1997

As I mentioned earlier, 1997 is one of my favorite years for music ever and it’s for more than just these 3 albums. Here are some more stand out albums from 1997.

The Flaming Lips – Zaireeka – One of the coolest musical experiences you can have. You’ll need four CD players (or a DVD version like the one I made) to really get the full experience.

Ween – The Mollusk – Possibly the greatest Ween album and since Ween kicks major ass, that’s saying quite a bit.

Bob Dylan – Time Out of Mind – My favorite Dylan album of the past 30 years.

Portishead – Portishead – I get a bit tired of the Portishead sound when I hear them too much but I really enjoy it in small doses.

Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Ever Amen – Groovy album. I still like to put this one on from time to time.

Stereolab – Dots and Loops – I figure Mozart Breath would kill me if I didn’t include it.

The Chemical Brothers – Dig Your Own Hole – Sounds like a pinnacle of the big beat sound to me.

The Verve – Urban Hymns – I don’t think I ever liked this album quite as much as some, but it does have some great tracks.

Oasis – Be Here Now – Much better than it’s reputation. Sure it’s bloated and over the top and the songs are all too long but that’s part of it’s charm.

Primal Scream – Vanishing Point – Primal Scream is criminally underrated. One of the coolest bands of the last 20 years and this is one of their best albums.

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