No.167: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon And Garfunkel (1970)
The final studio album from the legendary duo. They did return for occasional one-off performances but their bickering was always in attendance and so unfortunately we never saw any new music. This album was a tremendous high to go out on though. And it does include THAT single which is as stately as a hymn.
No.166: “Empty Rooms” by John Mayall (1970)
A very understate album indeed from John Mayall. Minus his Bluesbreakers, the daddy of the British blues showed he was equally in fine form with a singer-songwriter album. His best work IMO. Here’s the full album:
No.165: “Hanx (live)” by Stiff Little Fingers (1980)
My favourite SLF album is this live outing for the band. It has such fire and intensity within it’s grooves, you almost feel as though were in the audience.
No.164: “Original Sin” by Pandora’s Box (1989)
Mentioned briefly a few days ago whilst talking about Steinman’s Bad For Good album, Pandora’s Box was a record produced, directed (!) and wholly written by Steinman and featured a massive orchestra, band and four beautiful female vocalists in its line-up. It’s an incredibly over the top production and in parts rather too much so with massive orchestra and choir and even the 20th Century Fox theme at one point. But it is marvellous!
Entirely a studio project, Steinman had great aspirations for this disc and thought it would rival Bat Out Of Hell as his most successful work. In the event it virtually sank without trace, which is a shame because I think it’s a masterpiece. Jim did make up quite a lot of royalty receipts as many of these songs were handed to some famous recording artists to record over the subsequent years, including Celine Dion and even Meat Loaf himself. Definitely Steinman’s Phil Spector moment!
Below are two songs from the record, plus part one of an interview in the following post.
No.163: “Into The Music” by Van Morrison (1979)
Propelled along by the first single ‘Bright Side Of The Road’, this pleasantly uptempo record was Van at his most ebullient, a rare thing indeed for this legendary grump.
No.162: “Dead Ringer” by Meat Loaf (1981)
A full four years after Bat Out Of Hell, and following legal wrangles with both his record company and partner-in-crime songwriter Jim Steinman, not to mention losing his voice so he couldn’t record anything, Meat Loaf was due to record the album Bad For Good which became Steinman’s solo album instead.
Disgruntled, he took Steinman’s songs and brought in rock producer Bob Clearmountain to produce the record instead. It was a gamble paid off handsomely as the record was by no means a limp affair, it was very good indeed. The title song duet with Cher was probably a career lifesaver though.
No.161: “Trial By Fire” by Journey (1996)
The return of this classic American band of hard rockers after ten years arrived with this wonderful collection of songs which has all the old Journey trademarks in place. Hard, driving rocks, tender and emotional ballads and Steve Perry’s soaring vocals. A brilliant record.
No.160: “Can’t Buy A Thrill” by Steely Dan (1972)
Debut from the jazz-rock fusion band, and to me, their best work – but what do I know, I’m no expert on the band. Solid grooves, mellow music, what more do you want from a great American band? And I do agree, some of their other albums should have been higher in the list, but again it’s each to…etc.
That little lot should keep you going for a couple of days.
Have a great weekend 
This album is a timeless classic, as are their voices. I still think S&G had the best harmonies of any singers or bands.
One of my favourites, I never tire of listening to this
Gradually working my way through this entertaining thread, Floydy. You and Longfellow are both introducing me to lots of new sounds - new to me anyway.
I was brought up in a glorious mixture of grand opera and Irish folk music. I liked some rock and C&W music but was never allowed to play it.
I rate Bridge Over Troubled Water very highly but slightly prefer The Sounds Of Silence which is much further down your list, especially the deluxe version with extra songs.
I hope Pet Sounds is upcoming; I don’t think you could have a top 1000 without including that. I’d rate it somewhere at the same level as Rubber Soul and it’s known that the Beatles and the Beach Boys were influenced by each other.
Bridge over Troubled Water at 167 !!!
There must be some frighteningly awesome stuff coming up.
I read/saw/heard somewhere that after making it S&G asked every body what they thought the best track was.Apparently the correct answer was The Boxer.
Wow! That Simon & Garfunkel album has certainly raised some interest 
It certainly is a great album, but so in my opinion are the following 166 albums. It’s all personal choice and we cannot all rate our favourites exactly the same, otherwise the list would look like any other “classic albums” chart.
Now that we have seen all of Simon & Garfunkel’s albums in here, here’s a recap of where they feature, plus Paul Simon’s solo records:
167-Simon & Garfunkel-Bridge Over Troubled Water-1970
213-Simon & Garfunkel-Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme-1966
233-Simon & Garfunkel-The Concert In Central Park (Live)-1981
261-Simon & Garfunkel-Bookends-1968
320-Simon & Garfunkel-Sounds Of Silence-1966
219-Paul Simon-Graceland-1986
287-Paul Simon -There Goes Rhymin’ Simon-1973
387-Paul Simon-Still Crazy After All These Years-1975
504-Paul Simon-Paul Simon-1972
929-Paul Simon-Surprise-2006
I think a lot of it is because of my age. If I were 10 years older, no doubt this chart would feature more records from that era, but I am not and so the list tends to sway more towards the late 70s onwards. One of those things, innit?
Silver Tabby, Mags - thanks for looking in. You should post more often but it’s nice to know that some folk might be watching from the outer grooves
To all - I appreciate your comments, whether they be favourable or critical. It all makes for an interesting thread and it would be a lonely place if I was merely posting these albums at random without any input from others. Thank you for that
And Ffosse - Yep, no worries mate. Pet Sounds is in the list but you need to wait a while!
Keep the posts coming people, I’ll try to add a few more albums today if possible.
Interesting that you mention if you were ten years older. As I have said before, Mrs LDs is older than me and I’m certain that my love for Simon & Garfunkel is down to her influence. She liked it, now I like it.
Do you think any of your choices are influenced by Mrs Floyd?
I also find it interesting that age has/is being brought into this topic because music is for the most part timeless and we either like/dislike or merely tolerate. Regardless of what era it is the sound or voice that counts.
We can be introduced to new genres from many generations and take it from there to either listen or move on.
Floydy favourites list is what I would call a very male artist list and any female member reading would no doubt agree that should a women have compiled this list more female artist would have been included. Personal music is surely gender specific !
Yes, I agree with that. Of course there are many females that are into rock but I think there would have been far less if compiled by a woman. I also think men are perhaps more into music generally.
Yes I agree. Popular music has always been dominated by male artists. I have acts in my list which include many female singers such as Kate Bush, Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Sandy Denny, Annie Haslam, Chrissie Hynde, Siouxsie, the girls from Abba and so on… but how many acts can you name which are ALL female? Not many…Girlschool, Clout etc. That’s about it.
That’s probably why my list is mostly male-orientated, and why all lists of this type are also.
Nothing sexist about it, it’s a very macho thing, this rock music life y’know
I love the voice of Hannah Reid from London Grammar
It’s so haunting
