Listmania!
A Path for Discovery of Adrian Belew
By an Amazon.com customer
Op Zop Too WahOp Zop Too Wah by Adrian Belew
Buy used from: $7.50
Entirely solo recording, as if turning the dial on 21 songs of "all-Belew radio." The opener and finale are perfect stunner bookends to an amazing variety of material. Crank up and behold the glory.
Mr. Music HeadMr. Music Head by Adrian Belew
Buy used from: $4.25
Very accessible "starter" record, mixing pop melodies, deep grooves, and guitar effects psychedelia, amidst clear influence of the Beatles. ("1967" is the fan favorite.)
DisciplineDiscipline by King Crimson
Buy used from: $14.50
Adrian's legendary debut with King Crimson for perhaps their finest record ever, alternately aggressive and mesmerizing. Belew proves himself among the quartet of incomparable musicians.
The Name of This Band Is Talking HeadsThe Name of This Band Is Talking Heads by Talking Heads
Buy new: $24.98 / Used from: $10.87
His contribution to the 2nd disc of this lately-remastered Heads twin-pack defines the sonic quality of their incredible performance. His presence is irreplacably radiant on almost every track.
HereHere by Adrian Belew
Buy used from: $5.94
Beautiful and bracing with many all-time Belew stand-outs. Another "completely solo" record, alternately escapist and socially conscious. "Fly" will prove your speakers worth what you paid for them.
Lone Rhino/Twang Bar KingLone Rhino/Twang Bar King by Adrian Belew
Buy used from: $21.98
The first two Belew records, with talented players to pitch in, come on strong, whimsical, and captivating. Started the Belew trend of "killer opening numbers" with the amazing "Big Electric Cat."
The Catherine WheelThe Catherine Wheel by David Byrne
Buy used from: $4.06
Belew plays on about a third of this 23-track Byrne masterpiece of sound and rhythm, 2/3's instrumental, and an often-overlooked work of inventive genius.
Mister HeartbreakMister Heartbreak by Laurie Anderson
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $1.78
Belew's other-worldy guitar complements Laurie's pensive and embullient worldviews exceptionally well, contibuting both atmosphere and glorious racket.
Salad DaysSalad Days by Adrian Belew
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $8.70
Compilation from two all-acoustic releases, highlighting his talent as a songwriter. Not quite as solid but easier to buy than the first Acoustic Adrian Belew cd.
Young LionsYoung Lions by Adrian Belew
Buy used from: $1.27
Slick production and two Bowie duets hallmark a joyous and explosive record. Their mutual "Pretty Pink Rose" gets better with EVERY listen, and the title track overwhelming like you've never heard.
Rise and ShineRise and Shine
Buy used from: $11.99
Better-rounded of the Bears' first two lps, outstanding for their wonderful melodies and compositions. Ade and Rob Fetters, a comparably-talented singer/guitarist/songwriter, make fabulous cohorts.
StageStage by David Bowie
Buy used from: $11.99
Early career-turning spotlight for Belew, in which his talent is already unmistakable and perfectly-suit for Bowie's own sonic dynamic on stage at the time.
King Crimson - Neal and Jack and Me (Live 1982-84)King Crimson - Neal and Jack and Me (Live 1982-84)
Buy new: $14.97 / Used from: $10.50
Two excellent concert performances of the 80's era Crimson, with Ade as frontman, guitarist, and sometimes drummer! The video quality is somewhat dated, but it's a fine intro to Crimson.
Laurie Anderson: Home of the Brave [VHS]Laurie Anderson: Home of the Brave [VHS]
Buy used from: $12.82
Laurie's tour de force performance highlights Belew as a showman, improvisationist, and soulful singer. An all-time great concert video, woefully overdue for DVD release.
Side OneSide One by Adrian Belew
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $3.89
Belew's latest release explores the "power trio" sonic structure, with Claypool and Carey pitching in on three tracks. Short, but with many standouts.
BeatBeat by King Crimson
Buy used from: $5.29
2nd of the 80's Crimson records - not as rock-solid as Discipline but with a couple of Belew's best Crim songs, "Neal and Jack and Me" and "Waiting Man."
Absent Lovers: Live in Montreal 1984Absent Lovers: Live in Montreal 1984 by King Crimson
Buy new: $37.99 / Used from: $6.95
Exceptional pinnacle performances of the 80's Crimson before their "retirement." Awesome sound quality, excellent selection.
Remain in LightRemain in Light by Talking Heads
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $2.99
Among the Heads' very greatest albums, with wonderful contributions from Adrian and Brian Eno, who both fit in so well they could have joined the band.
THRAKTHRAK by King Crimson
Buy used from: $3.46
Central release of the 90's Crimson, an impeccable six-man lineup of raging power and precision. The double-trio formation creates unprecented cacophony mixed with periodic serenity.
King Crimson: Deja VroomKing Crimson: Deja Vroom
Buy used from: $15.92
90's Crimson six-man lineup proves the merit of the exercise on ferocious and feature-rich DVD, in which the viewer can choose which musician to "zoom in" on.
Strange Little GirlsStrange Little Girls
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $0.75
Adrian shines on Tori's cover collection, practically bringing the whole cd to life during the opening rendition of the Velvet's New Age, as well as Young's Heart of Gold and Lennon's Warm Gun.
Bright RedBright Red by Laurie Anderson
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $0.29
Ade returns to Laurie's company for this solemn and surreal Eno-produced 90's marvel. He's on about half the record, and perfect for the haunting material.
LodgerLodger by David Bowie
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $8.39
Belew's (already) unique guitar sound livens up about half this arty off-the-wall Bowie album in the early 80's, which, though challenging, has dated surprisingly well.
The ConstruKction of LightThe ConstruKction of Light by King Crimson
Buy used from: $2.49
21st Century Crimson debut is lofty and bracing, experimental and dramatic. Belew is clearly pushing himself to reinvent his role in Crimson further.
Three of Perfect PairThree of Perfect Pair by King Crimson
Buy used from: $2.83
The last of the 80's Crim lps, spotty but with standouts like "Sleepless." Belew now frequently drops jaws by playing the insanely-complex title track solo on his acoustic guitar. (See #9 above.)