I'm here listening to the flaming lips Yoshi battles the pink robots and got to wondering what are the best concept albums (albums that tells a complete story) i've heard and the only ones i could come up with were
Parliament-Motorbooty
Frank zappa-Joes garage
Dr. Octogon-dr. Octogynocologist
that's all that comes to mind for now i'll, have to look through my collection, what are your thoughts?


illiterate edit
[This message was edited Fri Jun 6 16:52:08 PDT 2003 by magnificentsynthesizer667]

Joe's Garage is fantastic, I agree with that one.
I would also add Prince's and TRC, as I like them both.Oh, and would Batman count?
The Rise and Fall of Ziggie Stardust, maybe?
Pink Floyd's The Wall
Beck's Sea Change

However, I think your definition of concept album is wrong. I've always considered a concept album to be an experimental style or new approach to music, either by an artist, or in terms of music altogether.

savoirfaire said:

Believe it or not i forgot about TRC but yeah i would add that but batman

Joni Mitchell "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"

jtfolden said:

didn't realize that was a concept album but now that you mention it, it all makes sense now!!

what about David Bowie - Diamond Dogs?

"1.Outside" - David Bowie

The Wall, of course

The Wall - Pink Floyd
OK Computer - Radiohead
Sgt Peppers - Beatles (first ever concept album)
Tommy - The Who
Quadrophenia - The Who
Dark Side of The Moon - Pink Floyd (probably best concept album)
Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd

I like Roger Waters' solo work:

The pros and cons of Hitchhiking
Radio K.A.O.S.
Amused to death

And Kate Bush:

The Dreaming
The Hounds of Love/The 9th Wave

I've never heard an album that would tell "a complete story" instead of being just silly wishy-washiness really.

I like "Silence Is Sexy" by Eistürzende Neubauten, it tells a story of Berlin collapsing and re-building it again. Or something.

Controversy1976 said:

OK Computer is definitely not a concept album!

BoraBora said:

yeah, and that one as well.

STevie WOnder:

Journey throught the secret life of plants


BRILLIANT!

pimpdoutt said:

Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!

What exactly is meant by the word "concept?" Does it have to tell a story? I mean, I'm not saying this album's the best but I liked its "concept." I'm talking about Grace Jones' Slave to the Rhythm. The entire album is just different versions of that one song. Guess it's like a mega remix. The Neptunes should've been around when this album was being produced!

Rush - 2112

jtfolden said:

OHHH! I WAS JUST ABOUT TO TYPE THAT!!! GREAT ALBUM!!

What About Marvin's "What's Going On" and "Here My Dear"?
Oh and TTD's "Symphony Or Damn".

how come no one mentioned "Thing Fish" by Zappa

abierman said:

You seem so sure!! However it is all about opinion and what you deem a concept album. To some it is a album that is a story. To others it is an album exploring a single subject matter. It can also be about exploring a new style of musical concept - ie mixing different sytles of music.

To me though the first two are what concept albums are. Albums that follow a thread, story, or subject matter. Probably I think the best way to describe a concept ablum is that the album is an entire listening experience. They were a major thing in the 1970s. I feel that OK Computer is a concept album. Here are some snippets of articles:

"The way it all falls together has an almost Pink Floyd-ish quality. Which is not to say that Radiohead now sounds like Pink Floyd. They don't. But love 'em or hate 'em, Pink Floyd set the standard for grand concept albums. And OK Computer is grand in that same way, and somewhat thematic, loosely examining man's interaction with technology. "


"No one makes concept albums anymore. Or at least they're smart enough not to call them concept albums. The days of grandiose musical sagas by Genesis and Styx became early blueprints for more lower-keyed odysseys from art rockers the Flaming Lips, Radiohead and Neutral Milk Hotel.

With studio technology constantly advancing, it's no wonder these albums are sonic feasts. But unlike most '70s prog rock pioneers, modern big picture bands are looking to the technology they are using as the very themes of their albums. Abandoning the heavy-handed approach of songs such as "Mr. Roboto" by Styx, recent albums like Radiohead's "OK Computer" (Capital), comment on technology's looming dominance over mankind in a more cinematic approach that leaves many interpretations open."

"Their melancholy music can be tough to digest on occasion, yet it somehow sells in big numbers. No, not Britney-type numbers, but certainly better than your garden-variety concept albums about extreme alienation. "

"Radiohead's new album "OK Computer" has critics raving, using words like stunning and ground-breaking. With its lengthy tracks and surreal lyrics, the record is reminiscent of 70's art rock concept albums."

Here is a good page for a list of concept albums:
http://www.progpages.com/...list25.htm

Can't pick one, but I'm open to being insulted for these...

Oldies:
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours (hey..if honesty is a concept!)
Marvin Gaye - Here, My Dear (What's Goin' On is cool, but "Here" is PLENTY PERSONAL)
Stevie Wonder - Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants
Joni Mitchell - Hejira (All you folks voting fo' "Hissing" betta rekkanize!!)
David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust
Pink Floyd - The wall

Some nice recent attempts:
Beck - Sea Change
Meshell Ndegeocello - Bitter
Prince - Rainbow Children
Aimee Mann - Lost In Space
kd Lang - Drag

oh yeah grand wazoo- Frank zappa beautiful album!! though it has been slept on

UptownDeb said:

ummm...the neptunes?...

but yes, great "concept" album

Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin On" was a fantastic concept album as well

RN 1814 - Janet Jackson
The Velvet Rope - Janet Jackson
Lovesexy - Prince
Parade - Prince
Hearbreak - New Edition (growin up from Boys to Men)

In the 70s,concept albums were the norm.Donna Summer recorded several great concept albums back to back...



***'Four Seasons Of Love' (1976)---this is a 4-song concept album that deals with a relationship throughout an entire year.On the first track "Spring Affair",Donna has fallen in love.Things get hot and heavy on the next tune "Summer Fever".But by fall,there are problems in the relationship and so there is the song "Autumn Changes".Finally,her man leaves her in the wintertime and the final song "Winter Melody" deals with the pain and heartbreak she is feeling.It's all very basic,but a great album nonetheless.


***'I Remember Yesterday'(1977)---this was,by far,a more interesting concept album.Donna takes you on a journey through time and each song represents a different decade.The opening title track takes place in the 30s,the second tune "Love's Unkind" takes place in the 50s,while the next track "Back In Love Again" takes place in the 60s (it sounds just like a Supremes song).There are a few tracks that represent the then-current era (mid-70s)..."Black Lady" and "Take Me".But the final song "I Feel Love" represents the future.That song is really an early techno track.


***'Once Upon A Time'(1977)---this big 2-record set was the ultimate concept album! Donna takes you on a Disco fairy tale,with a Cinderalla-type story that unfolds with each song.She's looking for the perfect man but can't seem to find him.By the end,of course,her Prince Charming comes along and everything is heavenly.Yeah,I know it all sounds very basic and predictable but there are some great songs along the way.

DavidEye said:

Awesome synopsis!

I don't think Al Green's "I'm Still in Love with You" is a concept album but, I always think of how it would make a great soundtrack to a romantic movie. A movie about the trials and tribulations of a couple in love. "Oh, Pretty Woman" could be background for when the guy first lays eyes on the girl... I mean each song could represent a stage in the relationship.

Any screenwriters on board!?

Actually, this album is my No. 1 favorite! Sorry, Prince.

Ice Cube: Death Certificate (1991) -- One of hip-hop's most notorious emcees goes Manichean on us, creating a

Digable Planets: Blowout Comb (1994) -- an interesting meld of politics, nationalism, hip-hop culture from the 718.

Meshell N'degeocello: Bitter (1999) -- a brilliant and powerful album built around lost love with a glimmer of hope.

The Police: Ghost In The Machine (1982) -- presages the information age.

Prince: Sign O' The Times (1987) -- Prince's masterpiece. He pulls together varying styles that mix together better than one might think.

Prince: Lovesexy (1988) -- His definitive spiritual manifesto.

Prince: Parade (1986) -- A sparse neo-funk workout with a European twist.

The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper -- Need any more be said?

John Coltrane: A Love Supreme -- A suite that serves as Trane's heartfelt psalm to God. The greatest of the ones I mentioned.

Queensryche: Operation Mindcrime
Since when the hell were Lovesexy, Parade and SOTT 'CONCEPT' albums?!!? (ie: in the true sense of the word - with a dramatic storyline running thru the album)
Lovesexy is the only one that even comes close 2 getting there - and that's really pushing it...