I'm going to change up the format for these deep dives. In order to go a little more in-depth on these albums, I will divide the top 25 into 5 posts and then another post for songs. Unlike 1984, my Mt. Rushmore for 1994 has changed. But more about that later. Also, unlike 1984, there are no 3.5 albums in my top 25 and there are 10 5 stars. Before I reveal albums 21-25, here are some 4 star runners up: Morrissey, Grant Lee Buffalo, Beastie Boys, Hole, Toad the Wet Sprocket and The Grays.
25. R.E.M. - Monster (4 stars)
When I began this dive, I didn't think Monster would make the cut. It's probably my 10th favorite R.E.M. album. However, it's still a really good record and a much needed change from Out of Time and Automatic For the People. As much as I love Peter Buck's jangly Rickenbacker sound, it was refreshing to hear him just rock out. "What's the Frequency Kenneth?" is a classic. Stipe's song about Kurt Cobain, "Let Me In" is another standout track. Monster gets a lot of hate, but it's solid top to bottom. Give it a re-listen.
24. Frank Black - Teenager of the Year ( 4 stars )
It's interesting that Teenager of the Year came out the same year as Guided by Voices' Bee Thousand. It has 22 tracks, but it's twice as long, coming in at over 60 minutes. Free of the constraints of The Pixies sound, Frank Black bangs out a phenomenal collection of tight, idiosyncratic rockers. The highlight is the single "Headache". While overall this album doesn't have the highs of Bee Thousand there are very few throw away tracks.
23. Stereolab - Mars Audiac Quintet ( 4 stars )
Stereolab were one of those bands that I never got around to checking out back in the day. I love guitar rock. My lose, because this album is great. Turns out I like French / English, leftist, organ-centric space rock. Who knew. It was a bit of an adjustment getting the chord changes from a droning organ, rather than crunchy guitars. For the most part, the guitar and bass are way back in the mix, but on occasion they come to the front and it's a great change of pace. Interesting story, the track "International Coloring Contest" is a tribute to an eccentric album from 1969 by Lucia Pamela called Into Space. I was hoping it was a cool space-age, lounge album, but it's just a bonkers novelty record. I would imagine it being in Paul Ruebens' record collection. I gave it a 4 mostly because it's a little same-y and goes on for over an hour. I'm not sure what could have been cut, though.
22. Velvet Crush - Teenage Symphonies to God ( 4 stars )
Rick Menck is one of the unsung heroes of power pop. His solo album, The Ballad of Rick Menck, is brilliant as is all his other work, including with Matthew Sweet. He is mostly known, if at all, for his band Velvet Crush. Teenage Symphonies to God is a solid collection of power pop gems. It even has covers of Matthew Sweet and Gene Clark of the Byrds and was produced by Mitch Easter. If you like this genre, this album is a must listen.
21. Victoria Williams - Loose ( 4.5 stars )
I discovered this album from a recommendation in the Tastes Like Music discord group. Victoria was a talented, struggling singer who was critically acclaimed, but couldn't breakthrough to the mainstream. She came down with M.S. and didn't have insurance, so in 1993 a tribute album, Sweet Relief, was put out to raise money for her medial bills. In 1994, Victoria recorded Loose with the help of artists like Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Dave Pirner. The combination of Victoria's vocals, at once fragile and powerful, and the sweeping Americana sound of the players, is revelatory. Highlights include, "Century Plant", "You R Loved", "Crazy Mary" and my favorite "Sunshine Country". She also does a solid cover of Spirit's "Nature's Way". My only gripe with Loose is no one needed another cover of "What a Wonderful World". Other than that, it's an album full of child-like wonder. Peace.
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