Randi.

Why did you get the short end of every stick?

I absolutely adore that song but loved to hear someone hate on it

@harvilla.bsky.social no episode today?

Abbey Road reflection and the last 4 albums coming in hot later today

The last Beatles album of the list is Abbey Road from 1969. It’s #5.

Would this have remained as influential? Would Nirvana have survived? Would they have continued making music like their peers? It’s hard to know for certain but it’s very clear that music would not sound the same without Nirvana.

I can’t really be objective about this album because it’s so woven into the fabric of my life. I think it was a vastly important album and had lasting impact. I often wonder about alternate realities where Kurt Cobain lived beyond 1994 and what that would look like.

Known Songs: the whole thing

Stand Outs: I’m going to cherry pick favorites because I’m bored with just saying everything: Lithium, Polly, Drain You, On a Plain, Something in the Way

Vibe: punk influenced grunge

Another all time fave is #6. It’s Nevermind by Nirvana from 1991.

My teenage years were spent in deep Nirvana fandom and I mourned Kurt so much. I love all things 90s Seattle and adjacent. Such a great album.

I’m not sure if it’s better than many others that have come earlier.

Known Songs: the whole thing

Stand Outs: all of it

Vibe: 70s California break ups and feelings

I like all the moodiness mixed with lightness on this album. I didn’t appreciate Songbird enough until Christine McVie passed. I wish Silver Springs made the album. The Chain’s bass solo is my fave.

It’s Stevie Nicks.

And the band is Fleetwood Mac. Rumours is #7 on the list and it’s from 1977. And I’m super biased in that I absolutely love this album so prepare for me to love everything about it.

Tattoo of a woman with witchy vibes and a crystal ball. It’s Stevie Nicks.

Another fun fact for the day, this next band features an artist I love so much her face is tattooed on my body.

This is a perfect album all the way through. Prince and the Revolution are all amazing. Even the corny bit before Computer Blue. I also always forget how good Baby I’m a Star is. And Purple Rain. Gosh Purple Rain is one of the most epic songs ever. I have loved this album my entire life.

Known Songs: the whole shebang

Stand Outs: all of it

Vibe: rock and pop and Prince

I always forget how gorgeous The Beautiful Ones is. It’s just stunning. How was Prince real?!

Fun fact, the first cassette I owned of this album was when I was not even school aged yet. And my favorite song? Darling Nikki.

What a choice for a preschooler!!

Me too!!

The album so nice, I bought it twic….nope, 5 times over the course of time.

It’s Prince with Purple Rain from 1984 and it’s #8. I adore Prince and I’ve listened to this album so many times I broke the cassette.

Absolutely thrilled that an album I love this much is this high up.

The best Bob Dylan album by a mile. I loved it a lot. It really showed that there would be no Cat Stevens or Van Morrison or even Bob Seger without Bob Dylan. This will be going into the all time faves list.

Known Songs: I had heard of Tangled Up in Blue

Stand Outs: the whole thing

Vibe: folksy Americana with a splash of country

#9 is up next and it’s Blood on the Tracks by Bob Dylan from 1975.

Before I started this list, there’s not a chance I would pay to see a movie about Bob Dylan. Today I went to see A Complete Unknown. Oh the times, they are a changing.

Known Songs: Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wop (That Thing), Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You

Stand Outs: the whole thing

Vibe: hip hop & r&b

I have liked Lauryn Hill since Sister Act 2. She is super underrated. This album is great the whole way through and it has depth. I find it really remarkable.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

For 2025, I bring you - THE TOP 10!!!

Up first is #10 which is The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill from 1998. Of course it’s by the one and only Miss Lauryn Hill.

I like this album a lot. I think the Beatles get better the more experimentation they do. I also like the inherent tension of different artists wanting to pull the band in different directions.

Stand Outs: Taxman, Eleanor Rigby, Here, There and Everywhere, Good Day Sunshine, And Your Bird Can Sing, Got To Get You Into My Life, Tomorrow Never Knows

Vibe: Beatles but add a bit more drugs and sitar

Known Songs: Taxman, Eleanor Rigby, Here, There and Everywhere, Yellow Submarine, Good Day Sunshine, And Your Bird Can Sing, Doctor Robert, Got To Get You Into My Life

I love this album too. The Beatles Revolver from 1966 is #11.

I think this album is truly a masterpiece. Michael’s artistry is phenomenal and he evolved from a disco artist to the king of pop right here. Absolute genius work.

Known Songs: the 2 songs I didn’t know were Baby Be Mine and The Lady in my Life

Stand Outs: all but the 2 new-to-me ones

Vibe: transitioning from disco to pop

#12 is by an artist that I was absolutely obsessed with as a kid. So much so, I received a Barbie sized doll of him for Christmas when I was 3 or 4 and the look of excitement on my face is wild. It looks like I just won the mega millions lottery.

Thriller, Michael Jackson, 1982.