The Observer’s 50 Most Influential Albums. Mind, “influential” is not necessarily the same as “best,” or even “most successful.” It’s not surprising The Beatles are represented by Sgt. Pepper’s, Pink Floyd by Dark Side of the Moon, and Miles Davis by Kind of Blue. However, the music snob in me wants to argue with Radiohead’s The Bends (certainly good, but isn’t OK Computer practically sublime?), Massive Attack’s Blue Lines (dated to my ears, while their subsequent Protection was a quantum leap and truly defined the trip-hop genre), and Talking Head’s Fear of Music (Remain in Light will always be one of the most adventurous albums ever made by a rock/pop band). Also, I feel compelled to point out that although they are utterly and completely correct for identifying Eno’s Discreet Music for its massive influence (another album that defined a genre), it’s wrong to say it influenced Bowie’s Low and Heroes; Eno co-wrote and produced those albums! (guest submission from Andrea)
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