Amazon's 100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums Of All Time
Every now and then some magazine or other sort of publication decides to trot out their "100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums Of All Time." The last of note we wrote about was Blender (RIP, dudes) in 2007, so it's ostensibly time for the folks at Amazon to show their own. Before you guffaw, the list has strengths. Like someone finally remembered Jawbreaker and Unrest's Imperial f.f.r.r. ... albeit the "Deluxe Edition." (It's clearly a site designed to sell you these very records, so grains of salt, please.) As with all lists, there are head scratchers, i.e. the Postal Service beating Hüsker Dü's Zen Arcade, the Replacement's Let It Be, and the Fall, etc., by a landslide. The criteria:
The term "Indie Rock" is undeniably tricky. We challenge anyone to definitively define what is and what is not indie rock--you will fail. For the purposes of compiling this list we've decided to use a combination of hard and fast rules and gut instinct. Our hard and fast rules are listed below, but as for gut instinct--you just kind of have to know. For example: John Oates put out a rock record called Phunk Shui on an indie label, however, in no way should Phunk Shui be mistaken for indie rock. Likewise, Black Flag put out many seminal punk albums on SST, but we're not talking about punk or grunge or classic post-kraut-rock, we're talking about indie rock. Are Black Flag really indie rock? Not to our ears.
Important to note that there was only one album per artist, Guided By Voices, Sonic Youth, and Sebadoh (Liz Phair is cool with this rule), plus no singles or EPs or comps or greatest hits. Dig in:
100 Dangerous Magical Noise - The Dirtbombs
99 Passover - The Black Angels
98 To Survive - Joan As Police Woman
97 Ultimate Alternative Wavers - Built To Spill
96 Trans Am - Trans Am
95 The Discovery Of A World Inside... - The Apples In Stereo
94 Waiter: 'You Vultures!' - Portugal The Man
93 Alligator - The National
92 Horses In The Sky - Silver Mt. Zion
91 Gallowsbird's Bark - The Fiery Furnaces
90 Louden Up Now - (!!! Chk Chik Chick)
89 The Milk-Eyed Mender - Joanna Newsom
88 The Power Out - Electrelane
87 Cure For Pain - Morphine
86 Worn Copy - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
85 Vivian Girls - Vivian Girls
84 Hearts Of Oak - Ted Leo/Pharmacists
83 Save Yourself - Make Up
82 The Last Match - The Aislers Set
81 The Sea and the Bells - Rachel's
80 The Ugly Organ - Cursive
79 De Stijl - The White Stripes
78 Nothing Feels Good - The Promise Ring
77 The Smell Of Our Own - The Hidden Cameras
76 Jane From Occupied Europe - Swell Maps
75 Furnace Room Lullaby - Neko Case
74 The Curtain Hits The Cast - Low
73 The R&B Of Membership - The Delta 72
72 II & III - Camper Van Beethoven
71 Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating... - Spiritualized
70 The Fawn - The Sea And Cake
69 Feast of Wire - Calexico
68 Oh, Inverted World - The Shins
67 Will You Find Me - Ida
66 Milk Man - Deerhoof
65 Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies... - Of Montreal
64 Rejoicing in The Hands - Devendra Banhart
63 Destroyer's Rubies - Destroyer
62 TNT - Tortoise
61 Neon Golden - The Notwist
60 Daddy's Highway - The Bats
59 Set Yourself On Fire - Stars
58 Fabulous Muscles - Xiu Xiu
57 Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes - TV On The Radio
56 The Decline And Fall Of Heavenly - Heavenly
55 The Mysterious Production of Eggs - Andrew Bird
54 Pussy-Whipped - Bikini Kill
53 Sing No Evil - Half Japanese
52 Liberty Belle And The Black Diamond Express - The Go Betweens
51 Emperor Tomato Ketchup - Stereolab
50 And Don't The Kids Just Love It - Television Personalities
49 Wild Love - Smog
48 Agaetis Byrjun - Sigur Ros
47 Red House Painters I - Red House Painters
46 Advisory Committee - Mirah
45 How Memory Works - Joan Of Arc
44 On Fire - Galaxie 500
43 On - Imperial Teen
42 Mass Romantic [Remastered] - The New Pornographers
41 Gulag Orkestar - Beirut
40 This Nation's Saving Grace - The Fall
39 You Forgot It In People - Broken Social Scene
38 I Am A Bird Now - Antony & The Johnsons
37 When Your Heartstrings Break - Beulah
36 Our Endless Numbered Days - Iron & Wine
35 Person Pitch - Panda Bear
34 Let's Get Out of This Country - Camera Obscura
33 Merriweather Post Pavilion - Animal Collective
32 Let It Be [Expanded Edition] - The Replacements
31 Repeater + 3 Songs - Fugazi
30 Zen Arcade - Hüsker Dü
29 24 Hour Revenge Therapy - Jawbreaker
28 Lift Your Skinny Fists... - godspeed you black emperor!
27 Yellow House - Grizzly Bear
26 The Glow Pt. 2 - The Microphones
25 Black Candy - Beat Happening
24 Funeral - Arcade Fire
23 Moon Pix - Cat Power
22 Diary - Sunny Day Real Estate
21 Lifted Or The Story Is In The Soil... - Bright Eyes
20 I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One - Yo La Tengo
19 Kill the Moonlight - Spoon
18 Give Up - The Postal Service
17 Dig Me Out - Sleater-Kinney
16 No Pocky for Kitty - Superchunk
15 I See A Darkness - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
14 We Have The Facts and We're Voting Yes - Death Cab For Cutie
13 Michigan - Sufjan Stevens
12 Daydream Nation - Sonic Youth
11 69 Love Songs Volume 1 - The Magnetic Fields
10 Bakesale - Sebadoh
09 Either/Or - Elliott Smith
08 Surfer Rosa - Pixies
07 If You're Feeling Sinister - Belle & Sebastian
06 Slanted & Enchanted - Pavement
05 Imperial f.f.r.r. (Deluxe Edition) - Unrest
04 Exile In Guyville - Liz Phair
03 Spiderland - Slint
02 In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel
01 Bee Thousand - Guided by Voices
Yellow House > MPP, for those keeping track. You can see it all in context at Amazon.com. (True, some of the records we chose for our Friendly Deals are on this puppy, too. Including #1. What good taste we have.)
Posted at 10:27 AM by brandon in List
Tags: Guided By Voices
glad to see Beulah was shown some love
Score = 17
Should have been "Coast..." though.
Score = 2
yeah, either coast or yoko i prefer over heartstrings. but maybe they weren't as independently made??
Score = -1
my bloody valentine snubbed....criminal
Score = 2
their label was half owned by sony.
Score = -1
My "gut instinct" says Radiohead should be on this list.
Score = 16
They were never on an indie label.......
Score = 4
...pretty sure XL is an indie label
Score = 6
What Radiohead album came out on XL? In Rainbows? Not really considered at conventionally released indie album homie?
Score = 0
Uh... Billboard charts say otherwise. It debuted at #1 If I remember correctly
Score = 0
III > Bakesale
Score = 2
I agree.
Score = 1
Vivian Girls> Joanna Newsom & The Fiery Furnaces
Hahahaha, how preposterous.
Score = 30
This list is surprisingly relevant. But what makes Michigan a "better indie album" than Illinois? Because I just don't think makes sense any way you spin it.
Score = 50
I'd actually put Michigan behind Illinois and Seven Swans, kinda weird to see it as the representative up there.
Score = 13
Seven Swans never seems to get any love. If I didn't have a copy of my own, I'd think I dreamed the whole thing.
Score = 31
NO SMASHING PUMPKLINS? THEYRN THE BIEST INDY 500 ROCK BAND EVER
Score = -25
I can see what you mean by that, but I prefer Michigan a lot more. When I listen to Illinoise, I just kind of get bored of it all about 2/3 into it.
Score = 2
My thoughts exactly.
Score = 3
That was my immediate thought upon reading this. Illinois was EPIC. Also, Seven Swans is fantastic, but I like Michigan just a little more.
Score = 0
I'll give them am B+ for albums included--you can't receive an A if you don't include PInback.
And they can have C+ for order.
Extra credit for not making a list tat makes me want to puke and sticking to their strict self imposed "indie rock" guidlines.
Score = -14
i love how it says "no punk" and then the first band i read is The Dirtbombs and then Jawbreaker, Fugazi, Husker Du, The Replacements, and Sonic Youth all crack the top 30.
Score = 9
Post-punk, my friend. The stuff indie rock was built on.
Score = 28
Jawbreaker played pop punk. Dirtbombs play garage punk. fugazi and husker du were more post-hardcore than post-punk. sonic youth was the closest thing to post punk. replacements were pretty much a college rock band with punk roots.
the operative word here is "punk" and all of those bands have a huge part in punk rock's history.
Score = 15
also, Bikini Kill is punk, pretty much flat-out. why not the 1st Le Tigre album? that was a great album.
Score = 1
sufjan illinois > sufjan michigan... and vivian girls should not be on this list
Score = 58
There aren't 100 great indie rock records. Maybe twenty five. Only one of them ("Mass Romantic") is on the list above. Would've been four, if they'd picked "Blacklisted" for Neko, "13 Songs" for Fugazi, and "Highway Strip" for Mag Fields.
You could argue that "13 Songs" isn't a real album, if you were a moron. But you'd have to be a well-informed moron, and that would overqualify you for assembling these stupid lists.
Score = -122
Repeater + 3 is far superior to 13 Songs. This is a matter of fact, not of debate.
Score = 14
Despite the fact that Repeater has, like, five or six classic Fugazi tracks (let's see: "Repeater," "Merchandise," "Sieve-Fisted Find," "Turnover," and "Blueprint") there's something about that album that gets a little too "samey." Don't get me wrong, it's a terrific album, but 13 Songs has a little bit more going for it in the dynamics department.
With that said, The Argument is there best.
Score = 9
I'm more of a Red Medicine guy, myself, but you can't really go wrong with any of those four albums. They're all pretty close.
Score = 6
Is there another band that needs to end its "hiatus" more than Fugazi? I think not.
Score = 26
I always feel like I'm the only one who likes End Hits. I think it's a fantastic album. Does anyone agree?
Score = 6
You are not alone, Andrew. Great album.
Score = 0
Agreed on "Blacklisted" over Neko's "Furnace Room..." That's a puzzling choice. Both are great albums, but Neko really hit her stride with "Blacklisted." And I have to wonder how Vivian Girls made that list, but the Breeders or Throwing Muses are nowhere to be found. But I guess that lists are made to be debated. There's still some good stuff here.
Score = 1
FOX IS THE BEST. CONFIRM OR YOU WILL BE DELETED.
Score = 2
I think she meant "Conform"
circuits must be fried
Score = 1
Why are the Vivian Girls on here? Not only is it a very recent album, they certainly don't deserve to be on this list. And the gull at putting them any where near Ted Leo! That's blasphemy! Better than Built To Spill! Come on!
Score = 45
Stereogum blogger using the almighty all-knowing "greater than" symbol with hopes of discouraging the potentially frivolous potentially copious use of the "greater than" symbol in the comments < Amazon making a list of their 100 favorite indie albums < Amazon making a list of their 100 favorite indie albums and putting them all on sale < me having lots of sex < me lying about having lots of sex < SKITTLES: Transplant the Rainbow
Score = 26
You wanna start shit? I wanna start shit.
Merriweather Post Pavilion > Person Pitch?
I'd have to disagree, myself.
Score = 9
GTFO
Score = -3
WHAT THE FUCK, ARE THEY SERIOUSLY NOT GOING TO INCLUDE TWILA PARIS?
Score = -20
No Loveless, eh? Ballsy (and foolish).
Score = 46
I think the key word is "indie" albums. Sire isn't an independent label....
Score = 0
Ty seriously? Loveless was originally on Creation. Get with it dude.
Score = 5
I stand corrected, though there is a nice/none condescending way to say that......and besides, I've never really wanted to be "with it, " in regards to My Bloody Valentine.
Score = 0
creation is. hello!
Score = -2
hi!
Score = -1
In The Aeroplane beaten by fucking guided by voices...BLASPHEMY
www.pandasnare.blogspot.com
Score = -39
I have never heard of Imperial f.f.r.r. (Deluxe Edition) - Unrest.
Score = 18
To paraphrase the owner of the recording studio in Boogie Nights, that's more of a y.p. than a m.p.
http://www.amazon.com/Imperial-f-f-r-r-Deluxe-Edition/dp/B000QQPL0M
Score = 1
that my friend, is your problem, not the list's. if you don't know unrest then you are missing out, big time.
Score = 2
Why are the Vivian Girls on this list? Is it possible that the people who wrote this do not listen to and/or like music? Is it possible that these are the only indie records they've heard? Is it possible that they only read Stereogum?
Score = 40
what the fuck is merriweather post pavillion doin on that list?
i like the album, but over song tong? over feels?
also there is a suspicious lack of modest mouse
no lonesome crowded west? come on
i donno if i trust amazons judgment here
Score = 50
Amen. It's been out 3 months but we already know that it's definitely better than the records below that have been out 20+ years? Hmmm.
Glad to Bee Thousand get it due though.
Score = 11
Agreed. Modest Mouse should definitely on here. Except I think Long Drive is slightly better.
Score = 7
And Sad Sappy Sucker... jk
Score = 0
exactly. what the fuck. number 33 no less.
Score = 2
Interesting that British bands don't seem to qualify as indie rock unless they're twee Glaswegians... (not that I have anything against 'Tweegies' - Let's Get Out Of This Country and If You're Feeling Sinister are both great records).
Why Spiritualized and the Fall, and not Cocteau Twins or Teenage Fanclub?
Score = 9
because CT and TF are both Scottish and they wanted to give the English a chance.
Score = -1
The fact that Sufjan Stevens makes any best-of list at all is comical, to say the least.
Score = -95
I hope all of these sell for $4.99 since this is sort of a promotion/advertising thing.
Score = 20
where is Q AND NOT U. 'different damage' should be on this list. pretty good list though. glad to see silver mt zion get some love. criminally underrated band. also on dismemberment plan 'emergency and I' was the predecessor to every dancy indie band (and better than them)...should be on.
Score = 9
Agree. D-Plan's Emergency and I was overlooked.
Score = 11
Alligator over Boxer...uhh, no! Also, Moon Pix over You Are Free?? And no Lonesome Crowded West or At Dawn makes me sad.
Score = 31
moon pix is so much better than you are free. what would the community think is better than moon pix, though. shoulda been on here instead.
Score = 2
I'd put Alligator over Boxer. I'd put Alligator over many things.
Score = 6
i agree. i could listen to alligator every day.
Score = 2
I dig the "one album per artist" rule, but I have to say it's quite strange that "Ultimate Alternative Wavers" is their choice to represent Built to Spill. Really?! Ever hear of a little album I like to call "Keep It Like a Secret"?
Score = 21
Definitely! Or There's Nothing Wrong With Love. Hell, Perfect From Now On is way better, too!
Score = 7
Everything from "Perfect From Now On" to the present is on a major label. That being said, "There's Nothing Wrong With Love" is should be their representative on this list.
Score = 11
Agreed. Keep It Like A Secret is infinitely better
Score = 0
Say what you will about the list, at least they picked honest-to-god indie rock albums. Although...Vivian Girls, really? Isn't it a bit too soon to be canonizing them?
Score = 10
haha Vivian Girls are on this list..there goes its credibility. I'm pretty sure that the band was concieved as a social experiment to see how many zombie tools fall for the ridiculous amount of unfounded hype that is contaminating modern indie rock and the blogosphere so associated with it. I mean, their songs are cool if you're into talentless idiots picking up instruments and putting out horrible recordings of the experience. Wait...were we just talking about No Age?
p.s. You Forgot it in People should be closer to the top 20.
Score = 7
please don't compare Vivian Girls to No Age. Or please listen to more music so you know what you're talking about. Thanks.
Score = 3
good point, Bearface...because no age and vivian girls are two compleeetely different kinds of unoriginal, uninteresting garbage.
Score = 3
It's official! Grizzly Bear (27) > Animal Collective (33). Amazon has finally settled the great stereogum debate.
Score = 27
Never thought I'd agree with amazon, but I'm wiht them on this one!
Score = 0
I am really glad to see yellow house up there. Although I understand why the new album is ridiculously amazing, I am with people who say they haven't changed that much. It's just that for me this is a good thing. Yellow House has a lot of intricacies that Veck has, they are just more deeply ingrained.
Built to spill should have been higher.
I personally think the Glow Pt. 2 should have been higher.
no Turn on the Bright Lights?
no Modest Mouse record?
no Yankee Hotel Foxtrot? (or A Ghost is Born)
Overall though, the list could be worse.
Score = 7
Iron and Wine only #36? Ugh.
Score = -40
That's a good question, Big Red.
Score = -1
Seriously, I think they tried to pick albums that people probably wouldn't own by artists that were already popular. The purpose of the list is to sell albums. And the only people interested in it are people that are already interested in this kind of music. So this list comes off as a "If you like *Artist*, Check out *Album*". Examples: "Slanted & Enchanted", "Surfer Rosa", "Michigan", "No Pocky for Kitty", "Alligator", "Ultimate Alternative Wavers". All good albums, by great artists, but not what most people would typically already own. The only thing that doesn't fit with this theory is "Meriweather Post Pavilion". Amazon should have tried to point out to all of the band wagoners that Animal Collective has older albums that are just as good/better, rather than making them think this is seriously there peak.
Score = 23
I'm with you for the most part. However, I have to disagree on Slanted & Enchanted. Not only is that Pavement's best album, but it is also likely their best known and most critically lauded release. Otherwise, I think you have a valid point.
Score = 11
hah, maybe they have an overstock of MPP that they wanna get rid of ;)
Score = 1
not only did they get the album wrong (perfect from now on, please), but how is built to spill only #97?
Score = 8
too much emo.
Score = -23
This seems short sighted. Are these the albums that are overstocked in Amazon's warehouse?
Score = 21
in the aeroplane over the something something licorice should be number 1, not 2.
but it's great to see beulah getting some much deserved love!
Score = 21
I'm not familiar with a lot of these albums (read: not indie enough), so i guess i should get to listening. I'm a bit confused by Milk Man by Deerhoof. That's not the album i would have picked by them. The Runners Four or Apple O' are better in my opinion.
Score = 8
Perfect from Now On and Keep It (and everything after) are on Warner Bros, so I guess that eliminates them. Should have been Love over Ultiimate
Score = 2
Since when is Joanna Newsom indie rock?
Score = 10
Chutes Too Narrow>Oh, Inverted World.
Score = 12
I completely disagree. Am I the only one that sees a lot of these albums and thinks that's not even the best album by that band? I would definitely pick The Photo Album over We Have The Facts... and Twin Cinema over Mass Romantic. I like Elliott Smith's self-titled and Figure 8 better than Either/Or as well. What about Explosions In The Sky or matt pond PA or The Decemberists for crying out loud.
Score = 3
This list is clearly the work of people over 30, 'cause no one else remembers Unrest (sadly). But I still like Cath Carroll (unfortunately out of print) better than Imperial f.f.r.r.
Score = 1
I agree, but in the text they state: "no singles or EPs or comps or greatest hits"
Score = 0
Right, meant Perfect Teeth. With a comb.
Score = 2
Really? No love for Dinosaur Jr...? I love Sebadoh too, but Lou's roots should be remembered too.
Score = 13
Pleasantly surprised with this list. Nothing too get too worked up about.
Score = 2
Ouch, *nothing to
Score = 2
other then the totally undeserved inclusion of the vivian girls
Score = 13
Beat Happenings - Black candy.......come on You Turn Me On is miles better.
Score = 4
i am better than everyone
Score = 19
I looked a few times and didn't see any Modest Mouse. I hope I'm mistaken. Also they did a so-so job with the artists, a bad job with the albums, and an even worse job with the order. I liked that Xiu Xiu was on there though
Score = 10
Holy shit your right........How could they not include Lonesome Crowded West? Though all in all a pretty decent list.....
Score = 11
Also no Interpol - Turn on the bright lights
Score = 25
Good call on Turn on the Bright Lights, that deserves to be on there.
Score = 4
what about danse macabre?
Score = 5
Danse Macabre should absolutely be on there. That album has never gotten enough cred.
Score = 0
Glad they picked We Have the Facts and We're Voting yes. It tends to be overlooked by Trans and Photo Album.
Score = 6
The west just got less crowded and more lonesome.
Score = 20
Pretty solid list. The only glaring omissions are MBV, Modest Mouse and The Unicorns.
Score = 14
This is just a promotional tool in sheeps clothing.
Amazon is great at marketing.
Score = 8
Top 3 are good although I might put Slint #1 for importance and influence. Also Rusty by Rodan should be there. Agreed that the absence of Modest Mouse, Lovless and Dinosaur Jr. is bullshit. It shouldn't be an either/or between DJr and Sebadoh. Also Bubble & Scrape is more important that Bakesale. You can see the roots of so much indie rock going through Slint, Fugazi, Pixies, Rodan (I think although they could be seen as a result of Slint), Palace Bros more than Bonnie Billy, Pavement, Built to Spill and Modest Mouse. I like the idea of the list but obviously Amazon can't be trusted to do a well researched and honest list.
Score = 2
Everybody knows the ten greatest indie rock albums of all time are:
Please Stop Biting Gravity-The Icicle Firetoads
The Journey Is Greater Than The Arrival- Minnie Pearl Price Tag
This Album Will Give You Cancer- Robocop Dance Party
Flustered- Crystal Horse Girls
Indie Rock Is Dead(Let's Buy A Boathouse)- Habichuelas Rosadas
The Cost Of It All- The Pretentious Sailors
Tin Beef- Sally Makes A House Call
Ninjas Ate My Baby- Musicale Top Hat
Learn To Drive The Armenian Way- Soup Is For Slurping
The Square Root Of Your Hands In My Mouth Equals Birthmark- Our Name Is Beth
Score = 35
I own all of those. On vinyl.
Score = 11
i own them on cassette - as taiwanese import of course - because of the bonus tracks and alternate versions.
Score = 15
Please, I have them all in .txt format...
Score = 6
You forgot "Mexodus of the Zebrass" by Eeltit
Score = 3
If, against all logic, my band one day becomes world-famous, and you see an album called 'Indie Rock is Dead (Let's Buy a Boathouse)' in the charts, I'd like to thank you and give you credit for it now, pre-emptively.
Score = 5
In know lists like these are subjective, but seriously not having Lonesome Crowded West on there made the entire list worthless.
Score = 10
Yay for Beulah making the list and for Elliott Smith being so high. Oh Aeroplane, so close to being #1 but your still my favorite.
Score = 11
Yellow House > MPP
Score = 0
Where's Black Flag and Minutemen? Also, Zen Arcade should be number one.
More constructively, is indie only defined as anything released on an indie label? Because then, how do you define an indie label? Is Sub Pop an indie label?
Score = 0
good list....only a couple of changes i would of made...
i would have slanted & enchanted and in an aeroplane over the sea #'s 1 & 2 over bee thousand
de stijl should have been higher ranked...
i always thought liz phair was overrated...but that's my own hangup...
kill the moonlight and let it be and repeater are way too low on the list...imho
and where in the hell is reo speedwagon? jk
Score = 4
bubble and scrape > lll
Score = -1
nice to see red house painters' self-titled debut finally cracking one of these lists...
you never really hear that album mentioned in these things, and it really deserves to be.
and now it is...
Score = 5
I appreciate the inclusion of Cursive. Most would not consider them good enough to make any "best of" list, other than emo (which this list is heavy on), but to me, they are. They're one of my favorites, so I like to see them get some love, you know? Also, a band whose greatness is not debatable, Sunny Day Real Estate, finally made a "best of" list, which warms my broken, emo heart. Seriously, have you listened to that lately? It's fantastic. Vivian Girls, though. What? Overall, an interesting list.
Score = 6
A shockingly good list, aside from the notable exclusions of:
Silver Jews/American Water (my pick for greatest album of all-time)
Chavez/Ride The Fader (seriously u guyz, listen to Chavez)
Big Black/Atomizer
Royal Trux (I guess Twin Infinitives wouldn't qualify, but something like Pound For Pound or Cats and Dogs would suffice)
Grandaddy/The Sophtware Slump
Les Savy Fav/The Cat and The Cobra
And if they aren't picking albums released by major labels, why are Emperor Tomato Ketchup (Elektra) and Ladies and Gentlemen . . . (Arista) on here? Not that they shouldn't be, mind you, since ETK is one of the ten best albums ever, but this list would be a lot better if Perfect From Now On and The Soft Bulletin were here.
Score = 2
Tired of lists.
Score = 22
Yet still took the time to check out this post. Kyle loves lists, but loathes himself for it. Sad :(
Score = 7
It's a fine list, but they picked the wrong albums by The Shins, Built To Spill, Deerhoof, Of Montreal, Cursive, Neko Case and Sufjan Stevens...and arguably Pavement (I always liked their other albums more, but understand the S&E is the "big one"), Fugazi, The New Pornographers and Ted Leo (Tyranny of Distance and Shake The Sheets are both better, imo).
Score = 11
i am bewildered that yet again, dispatch is receiving no love
Score = -23
Probably because they suck.
Score = 19
Wankers - "Indie" isn't a sound (or a look North America) and how can it not be punk. The first indie records were self financed 7" punk singles in hand made sleeves circa 77/78.
Score = -10
thanks for the lesson on DIY "sidewinder" ...so cool, so so cool.
oh and subtle jab at the US......maybe you should head over to the NME site with that shit.
Score = 7
Say what you will about hype and being over rated but Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes is a glaring omission along my Modest Mouse and The Decemberists
Score = 3
No Modest Mouse Lonesome Crowded West. I'll join the chorus and call major bullshit on that one.
Score = 10
guided by voices? neutral milk hotel? zzzzzzzzz boring, people really like this?
how about The More Shallow, "a history of sport fishing", Mogwai "happy song for happy people" instead
Score = -25
Should have been Doolittle for Pixies.
Score = 4
it just occurred to me that some of the glaring fuck-ups - Ultimate Alternative Wavers and no Modest Mouse are very good examples - were probably committed with the intent of starting sentimental debates such as this.
on the other hand, pretty much anybody else's list is going to be necessarily worse than My List or Your List because My List is My List and Your List is Your List and we're all a bunch of fucking Israels and Palestines with our fucking lists.
Score = 7
Great to see "We Have the Facts.." so high, that may be the album of the decade for me
Score = 2
Yeah, I love the fact that dcfc got some major love. I just think In an aeroplane over the sea should have jumped Bee Thousand for the simple fact that it is a perfect album and it's fucking timeless.
Score = 4
and bee thousand isn't?
Score = 11
no way. it seems they the just used the musical formula that joy division and the smiths created which dates them and makes them just another part of that early alternative movement. NMH fucking rulez.
Score = -5
If anything, GBV ripped off The Who.
Score = 0
Black Foliage should DEFINITELY be on there.
Apologies to the Queen Mary should PROBABLY be on there.
The Vivian Girls should NOT be on there.
I love the Vivian Girls, but really?
Score = 6
The fact that they didn't include ANY Dinosaur Jr. renders the list completely invalid. Yeah, I know it's just my opinion, and opinions usually come nowhere near objective fact... except for this time. Seriously, 80s Dinosaur Jr is one of the first bands I think of when I think "indie rock". They practically defined the indie aesthetic. Every would-be indie shithead in the world has read "Our Band Could Be Your Life" at this point, so this isn't exactly esoteric indie knowledge either.
Score = 8
Sure I wouldn't be surprised to see Dino Jr high up on the list, but I don't think leaving them off invalidates the whole list. First, Bug and living all over me, have a lot of bad songs 20 years later. Every song on Let it Be by the replacements still sounds great. On by Imperial Teen Sounds as good as the first day I heard and all the songs are great. Second, just leaving one deserving mention doesn't mean the rest aren't worthy. Don't be so dramatic.
Score = -3
A lot of bad songs? Yeah right. I'd go so far to say that "You're Living All Over Me" is good all the way through(except maybe "Poledo"), which is why it's such a revered album. Even the relatively weaker material on "Bug" is really engaging because there's lots of cool headfuck guitar stuff going on. The Replacements have always been boring to me.
Score = -1
Sure I wouldn't be surprised to see Dino Jr high up on the list, but I don't think leaving them off invalidates the whole list. First, Bug and living all over me, have a lot of bad songs 20 years later. Every song on Let it Be by the replacements still sounds great. On by Imperial Teen Sounds as good as the first day I heard and all the songs are great. Second, just leaving one deserving mention doesn't mean the rest aren't worthy. Don't be so dramatic.
Score = 0
its like they picked all the right artists, but all the wrong albums
Score = 3
Dr. Dog - Easy Beat! redo this list and call me in da mo'nin.
Score = -4
o-ueah! easy beat is great.
if i call you in the mornin will you tell me what to do?
Score = 1
There is no fucking way that Sufjan, The Postal Service, or Death Cab deserve to be in the top 20. It's cool to see Swell Maps, Galaxie 500, The Fall, Beat Happening, Television Personalities, and The Replacements on here...but there are a lot of really boring MOR indie records on this thing. Where is Big Black?
Score = -2
I love that 'wild love' is the smog choice (i agree!), but 'ultimate alternative wavers' as the built to spill selection !!?!?!?!?!!
Score = 1
Yeah, ok list, but there are some missing. Bloc Party: Silent Alarm has to be on this I think. Other more recent indie records that are deserving: The National: Boxer, Band of Horses: Everything All the Time. Also the 1 album per artist rule is bad for Pavement and Ted Leo as well.
Score = -12
what about the Strokes - Is this It? I know its RCA but the Strokes really did open up this new wave of bands coming out in 2001 with the White Stripes, Interpol, the Yeah Yeahs. They were the first to break through from all that Limp Bizkit/Korn type stuff that was dominating the airwaves at that time. Nowadays the Internet has totally changed things and mainstream isn't as mainstream used to be but back then it was a big deal. Like them nowadays or not (and I do) Is This It is a classic. Also, no Arcade Fire?
Score = 2
No, it really wasn't. It only seemed like a big deal to people like you who were being exposed to the 70s NY punk rock/garage aesthetic for the first time. Anyone who was into that stuff before it hit the mainstream wasn't that impressed by the Strokes. I eventually grew to like them, but I was a huge detractor when they came out, and so were lots of underground music fans.
Score = -13
so who has it right steve? the guy who listened to the strokes and was a fan of their MUSIC or the guy who thought he was really cool because he listened to 70's NY Rock superstars like Television and the VU and thought he was too cool to like the Strokes..only to realize that they were and are in fact, pretty f'in good. Is This It is a classic.
Score = 12
My point was, you're talking about them as if they were pioneers who ushered in a new musical era or something, when in fact there's always been a flourishing garage punk underground. That whole "garage rock revival" thing wasn't a revival at all, because the stuff never went away. This "revival" that the Strokes led was a mainstream music trend, not some sort of cultural happening. It's also irritating to me to see people suddenly get into something as soon as TV says it's ok to like, after willfully ignoring it for years.
Score = -2
I stand corrected, though there is a nice/none condescending way to say that......and besides, I've never really wanted to be "with it, " in regards to My Bloody Valentine.
Score = -5
i didn't know guided by voices,i went to amazon.com and listened to samples and i vomit
Score = -30
Maybe you should try Miley Cyrus?
Score = 16
You're an idiot.
Score = 7
F#A#00 > Lift your skinny fists
Also, where the F are Will Oldham's recordings? If anyone can look me in the eye and tell me why Diary by Sunny Day Real Estate is better than I See A Darkness or Viva Last Blues, I will give you a Sacajaewa dollar coin.
Score = -1
#15 > #22
Score = 0
Um... I'm actually surprised there's no Ani DiFranco on here. I'm not a huge fan, but she's kind of the 90s DIY cover girl.
Score = -2
It's a better list than I would have expected from Amazon.
Score = 6
This list lost all credibility when they implied that "indie rock" is a genre... because it's not.
If we are talking about albums released on independent labels, where are The Smiths?!
Now please let this be a massive CD special. *crosses fingers*
Score = -5
Exile in Guyville can't touch Slanted And Enchanted. Also, no Three EP's? Isn't Regal an indie label? Likewise, no Vs. or Signals, Calls, and Marches by Mission of Burma = EPIC LIST FAIL. That was on Ace of Hearts, which was most definitely an indie label.
Score = 4
I'm guessing vivian girls was intended to be a joke but as long as slanted and enchanted in the top 5 makes me happy enough. what else would you expect though?
Score = 4
Ctrl+F. "Tullycraft". No results. Meh.
Score = 1
No Califone. Thrill Jockey gets the shaft on this list as a whole. I hope all end of the year lists stop using number rankings and move on to the new hipster standard the greater than symbol. How bout this one for riot starting...Face Control > MPP
Score = 4
what about green day, nickelback, and disturbed? they are indie right?...
Score = 4
lolllz, when i think indie, i think nickleback
Score = 3
it's interesting how the TVOTR album they chose was desperate youth, no love for the others. And also, how person pitch is two places below merriweather, btw i just scoped this out over on the forum of drownedinsound, http://thebricabrac.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/panda-bear-interview-with-details-on-his-next-solo-record/ , maybe panda's next will top merriweather?!
Score = 0
They also completely left out Unwound, who put out classic noisy indie rock records that actually rocked(imagine that), then broke up after releasing a psychedelic double album that was way ahead of its time. Again, it's not as if Unwound is all that underground, so omitting them for a bunch of random boring-ass college music like Rachel's and Joan of Arc is unforgivable.
Also, their "we're not talking about punk" explanation makes no sense, since Bikini Kill's "Pussy Whipped" is obviously a straightforward punk rock album to anyone who actually takes the time to listen to it... which they obviously didn't.
Score = 0
I disagree with Bright Eyes being higher on the list than Funeral. I got sick of "Lifted" when I was still in high school but I'm pretty sure I will love Funeral until the day I die.
Yo La Tengo's And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out beats I Can Hear the Heart... in my book.
also, just to throw this out there...The Mountain Goats? I think there should have been some Mountain Goats on this list, either Tallahassee or All Hail West Texas.
Score = 1
Yep... Sebadoh's "Bakesale" definitely deserves to outrank "Daydream Nation" by two spots. And apparently Lou Barlow was right - Sebadoh ARE better than anything Dinosaur Jr. ever did. It's nice that that's now official, thanks to the hip young tastemakers at Amazon.com
Score = -3
You smoke crack, Thats why Lou is back in Dino.
Score = 0
Aeroplane should be higher.
Score = 6
Violent Femmes?
Score = 7
ASTRAL WEEKS...GLAD TIDINGS....PANDA PITCH PERFECT?
Score = -3
Imperial Teen deserved to be in the top 20. ON is epic record.
Score = 2
postal service definitely deserves the top 20, give up is an absolute masterpiece!!
Score = -14
The lack of any strokes album is impossible to justify.
Score = -3
The Strokes have been on RCA since "Is This It?" ....so they can't really fit this list because RCA is not an independent record label. Although, if this were plainly "greatest rock records of all time" then strokes should have something in the top 20 for sure.
Score = 0
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti!! Better than I expected from Amazon.
Score = 0
FTW: no Archers of Loaf?
But more FTW: why am I worked up over a list from Amazon? I'm such a dolt.
(But nice inclusion of Unrest.)
Score = 6
Icky Mettle! Most definitely. I'd accept VeeVee though. No Polvo either. Superchunk wasn't the ONLY Chapel Hill band.
On a somewhat related note (and that related note is that I am 34 years old), no Rocket From The Crypt, Shellac, Drive Like Jehu or Nation of Ulysses (I guess the Make Up took their spot).
Score = 0
QFT. Vee Vee is so underrated.
Score = 0
its not perfect, but its way better than the other "best of indie" lists released, they have both older classics and newer albums which is kinda cool. i dunno if i'd agree with the order but the overall list is pretty decent.
Score = 3
all the right bands, all the wrong albums, how is in a aeroplane over the sea not number 1, why is modest mouse not on here?? is REM even on this!?! never mind why michigin is ahead of illinoise, when the hell is he coming out with another album? not as bad as i thought it would be...
Score = 2
So you get voted down for saying Big Black is better than goddamn The Postal Service? You have got to be kidding.
Score = 2
That's because most of the people who visit this site have awful taste in music; judging by all the luv that Trent Reznor gets from them. Oh well, you and I know that Albini>>>Gibbard.
Score = 6
69 Love Songs should be higher, and where's Beach House?
Score = -3
I think it's preposterous to have a list like this with no Mountain Goats on it. I know these kind of posts are completely pointless but whatever.
Score = 1
They should call it the 100 most broke-ass mo fos of all time. 50 cent, kanye, Lil John, fergie and Lady DaDa probably make more money off one single than all these albums made over their lifetime.
Score = -4
wow, only one hater on death cab, i must say that album is really good. Sad to see no Decemberists-Pisq. on there.
Score = 7
what the fuck? american football and the unicorns deserve a spot
Score = 2
Am I the only one that doesn't get the big deal with If You're Feeling Sinister?
Score = -5
Yes
Score = 1
Because I would like many many ups, I will also voice my disdain for Vivian Girls' inclusion on this list: "Vivian Girls? WTFuck?"
Score = 5
Agree that this list loses all validity when Modest Mouse - Lonesome Crowded West is left out. Also Les Savy Fav - Go Forth, Explosions In The Sky - The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, Wrong Built To Spill album (might be their worst) & Wilco....
Score = 5
Where the fuck is The Moon & Antarctica?!?!?
Score = 6
AGREED!!!!!
side note: i don't think cursive's best record is "the ugly organ"....it should have been "domestica"
Score = -2
soooo wilco isn't considered indie rock then?
Score = 2
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was rejected by a major label. That seems pretty indie rock to me.
Score = 18
YHF was rejected by Warner only to be released on Nonesuch which is OWNED by Warner which means it was distrubuted as well by WARNER. Didn't quite get the hype with all that bru-ha-ha back in '02, though I agree that it SHOULD be on here.
Score = 0
in my opinion, return to cookie mountain is better than desperate youth, bloodthirsty babes.
boxer is better than alligator (though i know this is debated by many. fine.)
illinois is better than michigan.
...and i'm glad that stars got some love and they totally got it right with set yourself on fire. great great album.
but, hey, it's a list. everybody's going to have their bitching to do.
i try not to pay attention to rank on these things. just a matter of addition or omission.
Score = 5
Wow, what a pleasant surprise to see Joan of Arc on here.
Score = 3
Um, wheres The Walkmen.
Score = 13
To Survive? Really?
Score = 1
this looks like what would happen if you dumped 100 of my CDs on the floor — I can't see much logic in these rankings whatsoever.
Score = 3
No Interpol, no Modest Mouse, no Wilco
It's nice to see the Glow, pt. 2 on there.
Jim O'Rourke's "Insignificance" deserves to be on a list like this. It doesn't get enough credit. And does anyone really think that Altnerate Alternative Wavers is Built to Spill's best album?
Who is Unrest? Am an idiot for not knowing that band?
Postal Service is way too high.
Score = 4
I found a mistake!!!
When they wrote:
01 Bee Thousand - Guided by Voice
They meant to write:
01 Reality Check - The Teenagers
Score = -13
You fuckin morons, that was obviously a joke.
Score = -5
im really surprised to see Ariel Pink on there, his albums are very inconsistent and Worn Copy is no exception. Its not a bad album but I think House Arrest is miles better.
Score = 0
Wow, someone recognition for Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies.
I'll celebrate quietly.
Score = 4
this list is damn near impossible to make. but thumbs up for trying. They really missed a lot of shit, pretty annoyed that MPP is on there, think whatever you want about AC but thats not their best record by any measure. no Interpol, no modest mouse, no Akron/family, no Mountain Goats, no Flaming Lips and no Okkervil River... is pretty bad on their part. everyones list would be different but some shit you really can't leave out.
and at this point Indie isn't just based on label status, its a sound and a genre.
Score = 5
I became impressed when I saw Michigan, Milk Man, Alligator, Wild Love,
The right choices for these artists.
Illinois, Apple O, Boxer, Knock Knock are all more popular but weaker albums.
Neutral Milk Hotel sucks forever. And Ariel Pink is the one doing the sucking.
+3 points for not blowing this one too hard Amazon.
And yes, Neutral Milk Hotel sucks forever. Fucking crap music.
Score = -26
Word to the Hotel...
Gald to see some people see the
Emperor is Naked!
And sucks sooooo much
ass....
Score = -2
some people might disagree with me on this, but why was MINERAL not included on that list?? either one of their albums would have been better than the postal service! in 1997, "the power of failing" was the only album i listened to.....
Score = 1
mineral is TIGHT YO!
Score = -1
Would prefer the top 100 reasons why 90 percent of the Stereogum commentators are unhappy, rage-filled human waste. Here's a couple:
1. You're not even the drummer in that lousy band you ripped on.
2. You never will be.
3. It's easier to be talk smack when you're an anonymous coward
4. You think the music you like represents you as person so you can't be objective about it.
5. You're insufferable in real life -- how the fuck else would you be on the net?
Score = -16
Pot: "Kettle, you're totally black. (while I'm more of a self-aware-above-all-of-this dark blue) "
douch.
Score = 10
It's like this: "douche"
By the way, I'm not being a hypocrite so that's a fucked up analogy. Douche.
Score = -6
6. Because they hate it when other people make spelling mistakes.
Score = 2
Exactly I agree. All these "kids" need to understand that we all like what we like. All these lists are subjective and its not the end of the world!! There's more important stuff to worry about. Everyone here acts like they are reading Teenbeat (the magazine not the label)
Score = -4
33 Merriweather Post Pavilion - Animal Collective
32 Let It Be [Expanded Edition] - The Replacements
This is the biggest wind up on the list. A bunch of blip and yips just one spot behind the Replacements Let It Be? 20 years from now Let It Be will still be on these lists while Animal Defective is 18 years into its "massively overrated and soon forgotten" phase. I mean really kids...it's paper thin on talent, intent and songs.
Score = 0
Yep, I'm going to let Amazon tell me what the best albums are. Really? Amazon? This list sucks.
Score = 0
Cherry Peel should have been the Of Montreal entry.
Apples in Stereo- Fun Trick Noise Maker is superior to Discovery...
Deerhoof- Reveille or Apple O
And Neutral Milk Hotel at # 2 just shows how retarded this list is.
Such an awful recording.
Wan;t good ten years ago when it came out.
Still horrible today...
I can't take anyone seriously who says they like that album...
Really?
Really?
Please stop.
-Farmer Ted
Score = -13
I don't even need to read this to know it's going to make me throw up in my mouth a little.
Score = -3
i guess i just don't understand the reasoning or purpose of this whole list thing. is it like a game? come up with a very specific set of rules and then complicate your life with another list? even by these standards, "best" according to whom or what standard? sales? i mean its amazon. and with that being said, shouldn't slanted and enchanted be #1 automatically? aaaaahhh... i just don't get it. next time lets come up with more weird rules to have some unimportant random ass list pop up somwheresssss whooo cares!
Score = 0
blonde redhead?
Score = 7
commenterz r dumb
Score = 1
there is a brazilian indie band very good...that woxy play sometimes...they call Instiga!
they release a very good album called "I have a band"...a true gold!
their site: www.instiga.com ...or myspace/instiga
Score = -6
The problem is that you lose all credibility when you say "this list loses all credibility".
It is a good list, a nice mix of historic and newer bands and some inbetween.
Score = -3
The Smiths? All of their albums were on Rough Trade, an indie label.
Score = 5
indeed, major oversight. joy division belongs on the list too, as well as new order
Score = 1
No R.E.M.???
Score = 8
No, they should call it the "100 most broke-ass Mo Fos of all time that are beloved and worshiped by a handful of nerds"
Score = 8
its weird that every band has only one record on here?
if bee thousand is number one then alien lanes should be on here too.
it seems like 100 greatest indie bands / albums.
Score = -6
But seriously, Transatlanticism is by far and large one of the best, if not the best album dcfc has ever had.
Score = 3
The emphasis on currents bands is way too heavy. The Replacements should be in the top ten and the Vivian Girls should not be on this list.
I LOVA Animal Collective's MPP, but how can it already be breaking the top 50? The historical considerations on this list are nonsensical.
Score = 6
no complaints here :] wow.. such a rarity on boards like this....
Score = -1
Seriously though, no R.E.M.? Murmur should be Top 10.
Score = 8
this list needs some Big Star.
Score = 4
Wow, I was waiting to see "Ok Computer" at #1, but it wasn't even on the list. Is this because you don't consider them "indie"? Ridiculous! WHERE THE FUCK IS "THE SOFT BULLETIN" by Flaming Lips? Also, no Modest Mouse? No Mogwai? This is a fucking stupid list! Also as a personal opinion I think the Pixies, "Doolittle" is by far their best album.
Score = -5
*facepalm*
Score = 7
Wait, where is " "? And how could you leave out " " and include " "? Also " " before " "? No f'ing way!
Score = 4
wonderful list, especially 27 down.
nice to see the microphones getting some credit.
Score = 1
Perhaps it's just me...
but Wolf Parade-Apologies to Queen Mary?
Score = 10
Everyone please stop complaining. The Amazon editors who put this together obviously know what they are talking about. Maybe you have never personally asked yourself the question, "What is the only indie rock record that is better than 'The Last Match' and yet worse than 'The Ugly Organ'?" but clearly the only even semi-plausible answer is "The Sea and the Bells." So get over yourselves.
Score = -1
Interesting that "The Ugly Organ" was chosen over Cursive's "Domestica".
Score = 2
In the time it took you to read this list, Bob Pollard wrote thirty-five new songs.....
......and every one of them is better than the Vivian Girls.
Score = 15
How fucking psyched are you for 'dragonslayer'? I'm calling album of the year.
Score = 3
I remember a couple shows I have seen with line-ups exclusively from this list.
I saw Pavement open up for Sonic Youth back in 1991 or 92 in Houston
I saw Death Cab open uo for the Aislers Set followed by Imperial Teen back in the late 90s.
I saw Electralane open up for Arcade Fire back in 2005 or 06
Then there were other bands from above on the same bill at festivals or street fairs but with other non-top 100 mixed in.
Anyone else?
Score = -8
i hate the american definition of "indie".
a list of mainstream indie albums will be better than that "true stuff"
Score = -2
Some incredible flaws, but Destroyer made it, so no complaints from me.
Score = 0
I like that they chose a volume for 69 love songs
Score = 0
No Helium?!?! This list can suck it. "The Magic City" and "Dirt of Luck" both deserve recognition & influenced many--especially some of the more recent people on this list
Score = 2
When are people going to realize that Bright Eyes are terrible and Conor Oberst is a chump? Cry me a river, you 25-year-old bitchface.
Score = 0
Tom Waits.
Score = 0
WHERE THE FLIP IS MODEST MOUSE? I probably (ok not probably, but it might have aken longer) wouldnt listen to the genre indie today if it werent for Modest Mouse and I'm sure Im not the only one. I was preparing to show outrage at the lack of a top 10/20 but dood.. WTF.
Score = 0
Bleach didn't make the list? Overall I'm pretty Impressed with the list but come on...
Score = 1
The amazon.com page says they excluded hardcore punk and grunge, ergo no Nirvana, which is good because let's face it, Grunge is basically reformulated classic rock and that ain't indie rock. But Imperial Teen is on the list and they were dubbed bubble grunge when they came out, so evidently grunge like music is OK>
Score = -3
quite a good list when it comes to artists (albums picks are weird sometimes), but no modest mouse, smiths, radiohead (!) and interpol? wtf!
dont quite agree with the nr.1 pick, bee thousand sure is a good album, but i'd definitely prefer pixies or sonic youth (or even nmh) at that spot.
Score = 1
...no My Morning Jacket?
Score = 0
MMJ are awesome, but they arne't "indie." They're signed to RTO which is a division of RCA records.
Score = 0
I like the list because it has bands I like, don't like and have never heard of.... I'm happy to see Sunny Day Real Estate and Jawbreaker. Where's Jane's Addiction (xXx records)?
Score = -1
no menomena? where's friend and foe?
also, boxer is a thousand times better than alligator. those guys ain't shit without sufjan.
Score = -1
Again, the Smiths, but also the rest of Manchester contribution Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Stone Roses? Come on...
Score = 2
Why is there a picture of a black Ku Klux Klan on the Guided By Voices album?
Score = 0
The amazon.com page says they excluded hardcore punk and grunge, ergo no Nirvana, which is good because let's face it, Grunge is basically reformulated classic rock and that ain't indie rock. But Imperial Teen is on the list and they were dubbed bubble grunge when they came out, so evidently grunge like music is OK>
Score = -1
Nobody ever gives START HERE by THE GLORIA RECORD love.
It's my favorite indie rock album.
Also Transatlanticism > We Have The Facts
Score = -1
hmmm, Vol 1 over Vol 2 of 69 Love Songs? eek, no! also, 'Emporer Tomato Ketchup' much as I love it, was on a major label. yeah and the only one album per band rule pretty much ruins the list from the outset, because there's no way it can be the 100 best.
god I haaate Beat Happening.
Score = -2
also also also, hey, Factory Records was an indie label right? if so, there are now major, major holes in the list.
Score = 0
My guess would be that they don't regard JD, NO, Durutti Column, A certain ration, etc... as indie rock.
Score = -1
Jawbreaker, Magnetic Fields, Fugazi, Sebadoh, Superchunk....
This is a happy list....Especially Diary, SDRE...I am usually mad at these lists...not this time.
Score = 0
yo stereogum, make your own damn list, shut these people up, exclude vivian chicks, and make sure pinback and modest mouse are at least on it. ok? ok.
Score = 1
Elliott Smith should be at least top 3
Score = 6
No Calla?
Score = -1
Also No Brian Jonestown Massacre?
Score = 0
Random Thought: I love Give Up, think it's a fantastic album, etc. But why does The Postal Service make this list yet nothing by Modest Mouse or Flaming Lips? In 20 years, Good News will still be relevant, and it will still be a staple for almost any self-respecting music geek. Same goes for [insert favorite Lips album here].
Also, much respect for Zach Condon, but Gulag? 41? I dunno...
Score = 2
Hey, I love Modest Mouse too, but really, you think Good News is the record that will still be seen as relevant, over The Lonesome Crowded West or The Moon & Antarctica? Also The Flaming Lips are on Warner Bros. which is obviously not indie.
Score = 1
I totally agree on Guided by voices: Robert Pollart is THE ARTIST!
Score = 0
who gives a flying fuck. amazon sucks
Score = -1
Needs more Loveless
Score = 2
I'd personally like to see Pinback's "Summer In Abbadon" on this list.
Score = -1
Strawberry Jam should come before Merriweather Post. The first half of Merriweather is excellent but kind of trails off at points ehile strawberry jam is just magical for the entire album
Score = 0
i totally agree with gbv being number one, even though it's pretty lofi, i probably would have put there album "under the bushes, under the stars" though
i cant believe secret machines is not listed
Score = 0
i agree with the number 1 slot but think "under the bushes under the stars" would have been a better pick even though its a bit commercial.
would have liked to seen elf power/when the red king comes
and secret machines/ten silver drops
Score = -2
Ahhhhhh...Joan of Arc.
Score = 0
So, according to this list Beirut is more "rock" than Black Flag?
GG.
Score = -1
If you're gonna put the Fiery Furnaces it should've been Blueberry Boat
Score = 1
coquelicot for of montreal? for real? The obvious choices are hissing fauna or skeletal lamping. but even sunlandic or satanic panic are stronger albums than "the events leading up to he collapse of detective dullight."
Score = 0
glaring omissions: The Soft Bulletin, Lonesome Crowded West, Fever to Tell
Score = -3
the fact that radiohead are not even mentioned negates any relativity of this "list"
Score = -4
so glad Portugal. The Man made it on
Score = 3
top ten is mostly American, so yeah i'm going with this, screw rock from foreigners, teehee
Score = 0
A lot of good ones left out, but most glaring for me is Grandaddy's The Sophtware Slump.
Score = 0
Wow. Um. This list is largely garbage. Since when are Amazon tastemakers?
Score = -4
Wow. Um. Idiot. No one said they were trying to be "tastemakers" You're garbage.
Score = 1
I think the Vivian Girls "where do you run? Is among the Best songs of the last Five years. I also think you should have positive opinions music should be rated on a scale of 9 - 10 , PLUS how are people hating on MPP laughable . your alll ruining my generation stop it I love modern music
Score = 0
Dinosaur Jr.-You're Living All Over Me, this list is pathetic
Score = 0
this list had so much going for it Slint at #3 and Neutral Milk Hotel at #2, it could have been a perfect list but... THEY LEFT OFF MODEST MOUSE, HOW DO YOU NOT INCLUDE LONESOME CROWDED WEST ON THIS LIST
also it should have been a different album for built to spill and sufjan, it would have been nice to see the grifters, and i am glad to see ted leo
Score = 1
Good to see Hearts of Oak and Destroyer's Rubies on here. But no Dino Jr, Modest Mouse, or THE FUCKING DISMEMBERMENT PLAN?! WTF MATES?!
Score = 2
So awesome to see De Stijl on the list, that is still my favorite White Stripes album.
Score = 0
"pathetic" "garbage" "how dare they leave out..." how dare AMAZON.COM leave out one of your personal favorite albums!?!?! who cares. you're all assbags. shut up.
Score = 2
One would think they would at least mention the Velvet Underground in there somewhere.. this list fails on so many levels.
Score = -2
Velvet Underground has no business being on the list at all. Go to the amazon page and see what their criteria for inclusion.
Score = 2
hell yeah for 57, and 15.
my two favorite albums at the moment
Score = 1
very please to see in the aeroplane under the sea number 2
Score = 2
methinks this list is severely hampered by the "only one entry per artist" rule they've come up with. i'm in and out of various states of umbrage with this list. whack.
Score = -3
This is one fucked up list.
Score = -1
This list is more like "albums your dad likes". I almost had a seizure from scoffing so much!
Score = -8
Your dad is cooler than you are.
Score = 14
This indie rock list is good to get new tracks, however i can't see any good, popular known person like Greenday. The Greenday is also a good one album.
Score = -5
a list with vivian girls, and yet no early modest mouse or turn on the bright lights ? very strange. i do agree that michigan > illinoise, though, since the latter is composed of about 1/2 filler.
Score = 0
I don't hate this list. I agree with a lot of choices, but I feel like it's lacking. I would have included Old World Underground... by Metric, Interstate 8 from Modest Mouse & 11.11 from Regina Spektor. I also feel like Digital Ash in a Digital Urn was a better Bright Eyes album.
Score = 1
i'm happy there are my beloved bands like Grizzly Bear on the list. but i don't see Beach house, mgmt, fleet foxes, clientele, the bird and the bee, husky rescue and Regina Spektor.
it's the ok list but not that perfect.
Score = -4
whoever said that theres not 100 great indie rock albums is right.
theres maybe 50. if that.
half of these albums are so obscure and all around generally worthless.
how is guided by voices bee thousand the best?
there is no way that album could be the greatest ever. It just doesnt have
the direction, inspiration, or musicianship to be even in the top ten. Yes it has
tape hiss in every song. that doesnt make it the best. jandek has tape hiss.
yes it has a couple nifty hooks. so does U2.
im just sayin.
but not sayin.
Score = -4
If all you hear is tape hiss when you listen to Bee Thousand, I feel sorry for you. You're missing out on a great album. BTW, U2 hasn't written a hook on par with Hot Freaks or Tractor Rape Chain in over a decade.
Score = 2
Wow, so because you think they're obscure that makes them "worthless?" Idiot.
Score = 1
MGMT aren't indie and even if they were they wouldn't be close to making this list.
Score = 2
Cool that Bee Thousand was up there, but the Vampire On Titus/Propeller cd that was floating around prior to that was more of a gem to me than the one that broke them. And I also like Alien Lanes better as an album. All in all, would have put Pavement's Slanted and Enchanted at the top. That tape was literally stuck in my car's tape deck for a year when it first came out. And Sebadoh has to be numero 3, at least for "calling the bottom" (ha that's a popular phrase these days) on Indie rock when they began poking fun of the concept with songs like "Gimmie Indie Rock." Anyway, my two cents after a quick scan.
Score = 2
no minus the bear?? crazy.
Score = -1
diary is not better than how it feels to be something on.
Score = 0
Seriously, no fucking Polvo? I think it should have been called "Lame amazon employee picks for what they believe are the best "indie"
records." EPIC FAIL.
Score = 0
For that matter, where the hell are Dinosaur Jr, Modest Mouse, The Dismemberment Plan, Pinback? I'd say those are pretty "indie rock" bands, no?.....I fail to see how the Vivian Girls even made this list. Give me a break.
Score = 0
I don't see the strokes, or modest mouse :_{
But so glad Neutral Milke Hotel got #2 =D
Score = 0
The next person who comments on the lack of Modest Mouse deserves to be shot. Read the comments. WE KNOW
Score = 0
No Airborne Toxic Event?
Score = 0
Where are The Frames, My Morning Jacket, Gomez, Uncle Tupelo, The Black Keys, etc, etc.
Score = 0
Nice to see Deerhoof represented but Milk Man isn't even their best album, let alone one of the Top 100 indie albums ever.
Score = 0
Pretty good list, considering. However, not including Sleater Kinneys "the Woods" is a huge omission. That album dwarfs so so many of the albums on this list. I could make a strong case for some others as well. The Glow part 2 and Beat Happening are some good looks that often get ignored. However, the last half of the list looks like it was constructed by a reviewer who doesn't really know his stuff.
Score = 0
The fact that ther is no MODEST MOUSE on the entire list, yet spiritualized snd the NOtwist make the list, as well as probably twenty other marginal albums, makes this list completely irrelevant.
Score = 0