The line between guilty pleasure and just plain good is sometimes difficult to discern. I had a pretty good time laying down a guilty-pleasure-or-not verdict on the top albums of the week a while ago, and now that the top of the Billboard charts have shifted, I thought it was time to weigh in again. Plus, it gives me a chance to comment on the Guns N’ Roses epic failure, Chinese Democracy.
#1: Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak
For some reason, it’s always been pretty safe for indie rockers to like Kanye West despite his eccentricity and egomania. Even though the new record is not as universally acclaimed as previous efforts, there is no need hide 808s & Heartbreak when you have music snobs visiting.
Verdict: Not-Guilty
#2: Taylor Swift – Fearless
I don’t know much about Taylor Swift other than that she’s described as “country pop,” and that’s two strikes against her already.
Verdict: Guilty
#3: Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy
Chinese Democracy is sure on the lips of everyone, but sales expectations fell short, dropping Axl’s album at number three, not even enough to overtake Taylor Swift…and for good reason! If someone sees this in your collection, you’ll probably have some explaining to do as you are bombarded with questions like, “You actually BOUGHT this?” and “Why didn’t you just stream it on MySpace and realize it sucks?”
Verdict: Guilty
#4: Beyonce – I Am…Sasha Fierce
Remember the flack Spin caught for putting Beyonce on the cover? Yeah, the stigma still exists.
Verdict: Guilty
#5: Ludacris – Theater of the Mind
Nothing to be ashamed of here. Even though Obama might have been put off by some of Ludacris’s “outrageously offensive” lyrics–the President-Elect is on record as a fan of the Atlanta-based rapper, and that’s perfect clearance for the indie rock community.
Verdict: Not-Guilty
TOPICS: Artist Talk