On That Note: To The 9’S (Part 4) 1999

[CycloneRulzzz]

Welcome back to On That Note, CF’s home for music discussion and obsession, hosted by @MeanDean, @cyclones500 and myself.

This week, we continue “To the 9’s,” a decade-by-decade look at top LPs, from 1959 to 1999.

The focus for Segment 4 of the series: Albums released in 1999.

Basic format: Include artist name, album title, and no more than 5 song samples. Elaboration encouraged, such as qualities you admire about the album and why it endures for you.




Listen to part 1 (’59/’69) and part 2 (’79) part 3 ('89) https://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/threads/on-that-note-to-the-9’s-part-3-1989.249022/ here.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

Eminem Slim Shady NSFW

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

Blink 182

 

[cyclones500]

#1A
Wilco
“Summerteeth”
March 9, 1999

This is when Wilco began to shed its alt-country identify of its previous albums (and Uncle Tupelo prior to that). It was heavier on studio production and overdubs, a little more complex, a more varied feel. Quasi-psychedelic at times, pop-oriented in others.

Jeff Tweedy had been reading a lot of literature in that period and started to put more emphasis on lyrics. Some of the song themes are dark, haunting, regretful. But it's no slog musically, it strikes a good balance.

Personal standpoint: It meshed appropriately with my mindset at the time. A rare instance when you develop an immediate connection to an album. The way I "hear it" has changed a little through the years, but its impact didn’t fade.










“I’m a bomb, regardless”




Also recommended: She's a Jar; How to Fight Loneliness; Via Chicago; Summerteeth.

 

[cyclones500]

Due to uncertain availability for this week's segment, @Angie requested I post her top choice for 1999. Overview, clips and synopses are hers. Release date is my augmentation .
(cyclones500 disclosure: This LP is among my '99 favorites, too).

Beck
“Midnite Vultures”
Nov. 23, 1999

Angie says: Midnite Vultures" is, as far as I'm concerned, Beck's silliest and funkiest album. While it may not have been taken seriously at the time, it's incredibly fun to come back and revisit time and again.

Normally, I'd save the best for last, but "Debra" is so awesome, I have to put it first. It's got a Prince-type vibe, and the clever lyrics that are sometimes vaguely insulting surely spurred the entire concept of "Flight of the Conchords" - all while sounding just COOL.




"Beautiful Way" cribs Velvet Underground in a way that is beautiful and lush:




"Nicotine and Gravy" doesn't aspire to a whole lot in terms of new sounds (as Beck often does), but it's so fun and lounge-cool that we had it played at our wedding:




"Peaches & Cream" - I think Beck must have been hitting the old early 90s Prince CDs pretty hard while recording this, and it is awesome:

 

[cyclones500]

#1B
Sloan
“Between the Bridges”
Sept. 12, 1999

As CF’s resident "Sloan Obsessive" this choice is no surprise.

I latched onto the band's earlier albums, including “Twice Removed” and “One Chord to Another,” and initially this didn’t blow me away. Little by little, it gained steam. So much more I could write, but I prefer to listen.


“You said the only good thing about the weekend, baby, is Monday's two days away."




I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve posted this video in a music thread on CF. Here it is again




Another I’ve posted previously. Storyline is unique (based on "Altered States"). Musicianship is fantastic. Bonus: I’m a sucker for an extended freak-out coda, and this has it.

“Shoulda realized it / when he tore apart the lab with a monkey on his back.”






Also recommended: The N.S. (opening track); The Marquee and the Moon; A Long Time Coming.

 

[michaelrr1]

Looking at album rankings of 1999, wow was music bad. At least John Williams came through.

 

[Althetuna]

Rage Against The Machine:The Battle of Los Angles

I first heard Rage when the were the opening act on the main stage at Lolapolooza 2 (at the Fairgrounds in Des Moines). They were unbelievable. I've loved them ever since

 

[MeanDean]

I also looked at the 1999 top albums of the year site and basically blanked out.

Told the guys off line that for fun I did check the top 100 singles and was surprised at how many I actually knew for an old man.\\

There were 3 by Goo Goo Dolls

 

[cyclones500]

Coat-tailing Angie's pick, two favorites from "Midnite Vultures"

 

[drlove]

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

In 1999 "Burn The Priest" released their self titled debut album.

Afterwards they decided their name was too controversial so they changed the name of the band to what current metal heads know which is "Lamb of God."

Dimera


Resurrection #9


Chronic Auditory Hallucination

 

[cyhiphopp]

Due to uncertain availability for this week's segment, @Angie requested I post her top choice for 1999. Overview, clips and synopses are hers. Release date is my augmentation .
(cyclones500 disclosure: This LP is among my '99 favorites, too).

Beck
“Midnite Vultures”
Nov. 23, 1999

Angie says: Midnite Vultures" is, as far as I'm concerned, Beck's silliest and funkiest album. While it may not have been taken seriously at the time, it's incredibly fun to come back and revisit time and again.

Normally, I'd save the best for last, but "Debra" is so awesome, I have to put it first. It's got a Prince-type vibe, and the clever lyrics that are sometimes vaguely insulting surely spurred the entire concept of "Flight of the Conchords" - all while sounding just COOL.




"Beautiful Way" cribs Velvet Underground in a way that is beautiful and lush:




"Nicotine and Gravy" doesn't aspire to a whole lot in terms of new sounds (as Beck often does), but it's so fun and lounge-cool that we had it played at our wedding:




"Peaches & Cream" - I think Beck must have been hitting the old early 90s Prince CDs pretty hard while recording this, and it is awesome:

Surprised no one has posted my favorite from Midnight Vultures

 

[cyhiphopp]

Rage Against The Machine:The Battle of Los Angles

I first heard Rage when the were the opening act on the main stage at Lolapolooza 2 (at the Fairgrounds in Des Moines). They were unbelievable. I've loved them ever since

I was supposed to go to that concert. Didn't happen. So pissed off.

Rage was my jam as an angsty teenager. Something to scream your head off to.

 

[mapnerd]

Man, I thought The Ataris were going to be the next big thing. I still kinda like this song, but like other groups so much better now.

 

[Isualum13]

Buckcherry-Buckcherry

Some good ones they have better songs though.

 

[drlove]

#1A
Wilco
“Summerteeth”
March 9, 1999

This is when Wilco began to shed its alt-country identify of its previous albums (and Uncle Tupelo prior to that). It was heavier on studio production and overdubs, a little more complex, a more varied feel. Quasi-psychedelic at times, pop-oriented in others.

Jeff Tweedy had been reading a lot of literature in that period and started to put more emphasis on lyrics. Some of the song themes are dark, haunting, regretful. But it's no slog musically, it strikes a good balance.

Personal standpoint: It meshed appropriately with my mindset at the time. A rare instance when you develop an immediate connection to an album. The way I "hear it" has changed a little through the years, but its impact didn’t fade.










“I’m a bomb, regardless”




Also recommended: She's a Jar; How to Fight Loneliness; Via Chicago; Summerteeth.

Shot in the Arm is a great one live. Admittedly, as a Wilco fan, this album has always been one I've had a hard time embracing. I came across the band about the time of Being There. I really should give it a few spins.

 

[MeanDean]

Two from Sugar Ray From 14:59

 

[CloneGuy8]

 

[cyclones500]

Two from Sugar Ray From 14:59

I remember not much liking "Fly" when it was in radio rotation, so I ignored Sugar Ray en masse. Then in maybe '02 sometime, I heard the full "14:59" -- and these two songs stood out. (Not sure what I thought about the rest of it).