Double albums can be tricky beasts. Overblown and full
of filler or self indulgent shit but with the right band,
they can be works of magic.
There must be a zillion I have not heard but the ones that
showed how a band can progress into greatness are far
and few between.
In my collection, the stand outs are:
Hendrix - Electric Ladyland
The Who - Quadrophenia
The Clash - London Calling
The Damned - The Black Album
Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down
Frank Black - Teenager of the Year
and this album by Husker Du.
Spreading their hardcore roots to the winds, this showed
them playing with pop, punk, metal - huge chunks of melody
that had only been hinted at on previous releases
whilst Bob Mould suddenly started to crank out brilliant
solos. Mould and Grant Hart really came int0 their own
as vocalists, giving the songs a real identity.
Add piano, backward tracks and a huge sense of freedom
for the band and you have a genuine classic.
