A musician (who exactly I can't recall) once said "Life's too short for self titled albums." I couldn't agree more. There are simply too many great options for album titles to go around using one's band name. But every now and again these eponymous albums turn out just ducky in spite of the lack of care in titles. Here's my top 5.
5. Paul Simon (1972) - Paul Simon would be more expansive in his solo career but he was rarely as melodicly satisfying as on his solo debut.
4. The Velvet Underground (1969) - The album that perhaps carries the imprint of the Velvet Underground's droney and downcast reputation more than any other also happens to be packed with Lou Reed's most emotive songs written for the band. The album finds the band finding the true balance of their clanging with the subdued sense of tone later copped by R.E.M. and millions of other bands.
3. Suicide (1977) - In the year of punk Suicide decided to take the next step. Rather than pumping songs like "Ghost Rider" and "Cheree" with punk distorted power chords and howls they created a burbling synth record. Some of the creepiest music of the generally creepy post punk genre.
2. Weezer (1994) - The most well crafted guitar pop album of the 90's (possibly ever) was also one of the most blandly packaged hits of that decade. It happens to remain one of the most listenable albums of the Alternative Nation and a perfect entry point for most pre-teens to the world of indie-geek chic.
1. The Modern Lovers (1976) - Maybe I just make lists to talk about how amazing this pre-punk album is. Not a spec of fat on this album that includes it's lack of a title. Jonathan Richman was one of the finest songwriters of all time if for only this albums 12 tracks.
Some Honorable mentions:
Ramones (1976), The Beatles (1968), They Might Be Giants (1986), The Clash (1977), Liars (2007), The Velvet Underground and Nico (1967), LCD Soundsystem (2005). Labels: best albums, eponymous, list, paul simon, self titled, suicide, the modern lovers, velvet underground, weezer
