Listmania!
Top 10 Albums of 1996
By an Amazon.com customer
New Adventures in Hi-FiNew Adventures in Hi-Fi by R.E.M.
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $0.01
R.E.M. deliver their fourth straight masterpeice. A literate, melodic and rocking classic that is perhaps the most underrated work of their career.
PinkertonPinkerton by Weezer
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $3.68
Rivers Cuomo may hate this album, but it still stands as Weezer's greatest artistic achievement. It is responsible for both the fall and rebirth of the band.
No CodeNo Code by Pearl Jam
Buy used from: $0.92
A great WTF album from these guys. Because 1994's Vitalogy, despite it's commercial and critical success, wasn't going to leave them pigeon holed.
OdelayOdelay by Beck
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $0.26
Probably one of the most influential albums of the year and certainly of the decade. Beck takes sampling to new levels.
Fountains of WayneFountains of Wayne by Fountains of Wayne
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.77
Stacy's Mom was still years away, but this album proved that even before that hit they were masters of perfectly crafted pop melodies.
UnchainedUnchained by Johnny Cash
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $3.90
The Man in Black and Rick Rubin team up for another home run. If you don't think Cash can cover Soundgarden, think again.
Beautiful FreakBeautiful Freak by Eels
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $0.90
The title says it all. E is a beautiful freak who marries pop music and art in a way few others can.
Sheryl CrowSheryl Crow by Sheryl Crow
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $0.01
Crow comes into her own as an artist on this sophomore effort. She hasn't crafted it's equal yet.
Recovering the SatellitesRecovering the Satellites by Counting Crows
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $0.01
The Crows rock out a little bit more than on 1993's August and Everything After, but don't worry. Duritz is still as tormented and world weary as ever.
If You're Feeling SinisterIf You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $5.99
This is where their legacy began.