The Top Ten Albums of 1996 (Huh?)

I recently posted my list of the BEST ALBUMS OF 2016, for better or for worse. I only got the idea from reading an old journal, where I attempted to assemble a top ten list for 1996. Not only was I amused with a couple of my choices, I was downright dismayed. 

I am proud of myself for nominating 'Through Silver In Blood' by Neurosis for the top spot. This is an album that is now regarded as a classic, but for some reason was ignored by our local music rag BAM Magazine at the time. 

Reviewing the list, one may wonder why I couldn't assemble a solid ten albums, and why did I leave some numbers blank? The truth is, I don't think I've ever had a complete top ten for a calendar year. I usually dig into 3-4 good records and that will keep me busy for a year.

I DID notice that 2016 was the first time since 1996 that NEUROSIS, METALLICA, and DESCENDENTS all released new studio albums, which made me eager to re-visit this past era. So...Here goes!

1.) NEUROSIS- THROUGH SILVER IN BLOOD- I bought this CD a couple of days before it's official April release at The Epicenter Zone in San Francisco. (R.I.P. to a great record store.) I had recorded Neurosis' November, 1995 set at The Trocadero, so I had a few months to familiarize myself with four of the numbers. 

This is the second album in a row featuring the production work of Billy Anderson, but Neurosis ditched him for Steve Albini after this. 

It took one month for the vinyl to hit U.S. shores, as there was no United States pressing at the time, and the import was issued on Play It Again Sam Records. 

Stand Out Cuts: Title track, Eye, Locust Star, Rehumanize, Purify.

2.) METALLICA- LOAD- I bought this on release day in June at Costco. I think it was less than eleven dollars. As sticker on the exterior advertised the long running time of the album. (78 Minutes.) 

This was the follow up to 1991's, THE BLACK ALBUM, so anticipation was running high. They had released a single a few weeks before official release, the grunge-inspired 'Until It Sleeps.' Yes, there was a NIRVANA influence, but the album would reveal ALICE IN CHAINS influences as well.

In retrospect, the new METALLICA logo sucked, the cover sucked, the short hair cuts and new images sucked. Much of the music contained within wasn't that good, either. 

I automatically rocketed this to #2 status, but I am not sure why. I like a few of the songs, and to be honest, it is the hit songs that I enjoy. ('Hero of The Day.)  The first song 'Ain't My Bitch' stumbles out of the gate kind of awkwardly, so it did not set the tone for a strong return.

Standout Cuts: '2X4,' 'Bleeding Me,' 'The Outlaw Torn.'

3.) DESCENDENTS- EVERYTHING SUCKS- Man, this album fell out of the sky! I was browsing CD's at Rasputin's and this appeared in the bins. I couldn't believe it! The first Descendents album in nine years. Of course I bought it, took it home, and was blown away.

(In 2006, when I interviewed Descendents' producer Jason Livermore and said to him that it was as if the album suddenly appeared, he said that it was planned that way. The album was recorded on the down low and released on Epitaph Records.)

This album just kills, and probably deserves the #2 spot. Milo, Bill, Stephen, and Karl each contribute songs, and it all blends into a powerful blend. 

I caught the band in December at the Trocadero for five dollars, and the show was probably the most packed I've ever been to. I struggled up front to get enough oxygen. 

I was convinced that The Descendents were back for good, but they scaled the operation back in 1997, and there would be no new album until 2004's 'Cool To Be You,' which would be generous to call it sub-par.

Evertyhing Sucks, however, remains a BLAST! 

Standout Cuts: 'Hateful Notebook.' 'Coffee Mug,' 'We.'

4.) AMBER ASYLUM- FROZEN IN AMBER- I was a huge fan of these Neurosis associates at the time. AA leader Kris Force had played violin both onstage and on record with Neurosis, and I would check out her Modern Classical outfit Amber Asylum at local venues when I could.

This CD was import-only at the time, so I vaguely recall paying around $23 for this. To be fair, this is not really a studio album, it is a bunch of demo tracks strung together. All told, though, it holds up well and sounds good.

Years later, Neurot Recordings would give this an official American release, and Amber Asylum has gone on to release a few albums. 

Standout Tracks: 'Black Waltz,' 'Riviera,' 'Aurora.'

5.) No Entry

6.) No Entry

7.) SLAYER- UNDISPUTED ATTITUDE- This album was a shocker. Obscure Hardcore cover songs with one new Slayer original tacked on at the end. (Gemini.) 

I liked the IDEA of this album better than the actual release. FIVE covers of Houston/San Francisco legends VERBAL ABUSE? Slayer renditions of D.R.I., TSOL, DR. KNOW, and D.I. classics. That's pretty bold. 

Overall, it's decent, but Metallica and their Garage Days series won't lose any sleep over this.

Standout Cuts: 'Gemini,' 'Mr. Freeze,' 'Violent Pacification.'

SEPULTURA- ROOTS- What the hell? I barely recall this album, how did it make my top ten? Was I paid? 

Truth is that I still own the disc, but it is buried in the closet, and the only song I can remember of the top of my head is 'Roots, Bloody Roots.'

I think this was the last album by the 'classic' era lineup. Not sure. I know I have NO desire to listen to it now.

Standout Cuts: ?

9.) No Entry

10.) LES CLAYPOOL AND THE HOLY MACKEREL- HIGHBALL WITH THE DEVIL-

Okay, now we KNOW I've gone over the deep end. How did this make my top ten? I never even owned this album! I borrowed it off of my friend Larry. 

I was able to name one song off of the Sepultura album, I can't even name one track off of this Primus spinoff! Did I put this in my top ten to look cool? If so, it backfired!

Sorry folks!

Standout Cuts: ????

POSTSCRIPT:

I don't know what to make of the list. It's okay. What does yours look like? The journal entry above the lists states that "I don't know if I am on the road to success, but I am on some kind of road." Strangely, I feel the EXACT same way, twenty years later.