Songs that ruined otherwise perfect albums

All the ones on Screaming For Vengeance were pretty good, though your mileage may vary

What was PF thinking when they put "Seamus" on MEDDLE?

And as much as I love the best songs on SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND, I've always been of the opinion that "The Battle of Epping Forest" really marred what could have been one of the very greatest albums ever made. "More Fool Me" is kind of forgivable because it's so short, but "Epping Forest" just goes on forever, with none of the magic that the other tunes convey.

I wouldn't go so far to say that "Electioneering" ruins OK COMPUTER, but I do wish it wasn't on the album.

This is not a "prog" album, but Burial's first album was brought down a bit by "Spaceape," which just sounds out of place, and belonging on a Kode9 rather than Burial CD.

I'll second "Hats Off to Roy Harper" and "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast." Both have great titles, with nothing else to recommend them, IMO.

I never liked the "One More Kiss, Dear" track on the official BLADE RUNNER release. I don't think it ruins it, per se - mainly because in my opinion none of the official versions are definitive. (I prefer the Esper ROIO version, although that's not definitive either. I don't think there can ever be a truly definitive version of BLADE RUNNER. And I love that about it.)


Edited by jude111 - March 30 2012 at 21:45

Dayvenkirq wrote: jude111 wrote: And as much as I love the best songs on SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND, I've always been of the opinion that "The Battle of Epping Forest" really marred what could have been one of the very greatest albums ever made. Ha-a-a-a-a!   . How ... ?

Listening to In the Last Waking Moments... (Edison's Children) today.  It's a bit early to call it a perfect album (though I think it will get there), but Pete's vocals on "Outerspaced" really jar me out of the album.  It really "harshes my mellow"!

HolyMoly wrote: Dayvenkirq wrote: jude111 wrote: And as much as I love the best songs on SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND, I've always been of the opinion that "The Battle of Epping Forest" really marred what could have been one of the very greatest albums ever made. Ha-a-a-a-a!   . How ... ?  I almost chimed in with much the same opinion - that Epping Forest "ruins" Selling England.  But really, it doesn't.  It's my least favorite song on there, but really it just means it's a top 10 album now for me instead of a top 5.   So what's wrong with it?  Not the first time I've been asked that.  It is quite linear and story-based, so it has relatively few strong musical themes to return to and drive the thing home.  Individual moments are great, but after 11 minutes I still find myself wondering how I got to the end.  No such problems with, say, Cinema Show or Firth of Fifth.  Both have clear structures that make the most of their song length with tension and release.

I personally love Epping Forest. I almost like it better than Firth Of Firth. Mike's bass playing and Tony' keyboards particularly shine on that song. Yeah, sure, Pete's vocals are a bit irritating in some parts due to the busy lyrics, but I love the story and it must have been hell to perform it live. Also, who doesn't love Steve's solo at the end!

Snow Dog wrote: Fox On The Rocks wrote: Cinderella Man on A Farewell To Kings - Rush. It's like the More Fool Me of A Farewell To Kings, my opinion of course. I always liked Cinderella Man. But even if you don't like it, it doesn't ruin the album. In fact there is not one song in existence that ruins an album.

Alright Snow Dog, you've won. No, it certainly doesn't ruin the album, but it's definitely one of my least favourite Rush songs from their glory days. Heck, I even like Lakeside Park more.

Battle of Epping Forest is one of my favorite tracks. I am shocked that certain people don't like it.  Another masterpiece on that album, IMO.

What I don't like is Illegal Alien on Genesis. Its the only track I've ever cut out of an album on my computer and MP3. When I recently reacquired Genesis I was listening when suddenly the Illegal Alien hit. I have to remember to remove it from the now playing list.

Cans and Brahms and Bruford's less than one-minute effort on Fragile. Actually, the non-Steve Howe individual pieces seriously damaged the continuity of the album - although The Fish was quite good and became a staple of theirs live.

Oh and forgive me for not scrolling through the past 12 pages, but Seamus must surely have been mentioned eh? 

Edited by Guldbamsen - March 31 2012 at 14:01

^There's nothing wrong with it per se, but it just doesn't inspire greatness and that same floating vibe as the rest of the album. It's rather like putting sand in your suntan oil. Plus I much prefer Mademoiselle Nobs from Live at Pompeii - great retriever solo