Kansas-Kansas

Thanks

(He was late getting his career off the ground, but the principle still applies).

But there are many more counter-examples than first-is-best examples.

Thinking GRR Martin who basically had the first three books of Ice and Fire written while the first one was published. Since then it has been all downhill.

Will check that band out.

By Rickie Lee Jones

Specifically I'm not sure I'd put the first Dire Straits above Brothers in Arms or Are You Experienced over Electric Ladyland (sortof unfair there though as it's a double album). Though for both these cases, might depend what day you ask me The others ... I won't argue.

As for additions, I would say Van Halen - Van Halen very possibly belongs on the list. Heart - Dreamboat Annie is a contender. The Pretenders - The Pretenders, same. If someone said Murmur is the greatest REM album I wouldn't take them to task. Likewise with Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer, Different Park, The Strokes - This Is It, and Tesla - Mechanical Resonance.

Of course, there's a lot of one-hit wonders one could pick, but that's not really the point of a question like this. And there's the unfortunate case of Jeff Buckley

Been listening to it lately in the gym. Great motivational music to lift to. The first five REM albums are all outstanding, but I might go with Document instead. No argument on The Pretenders and Dreamboat Annie.

Really unfortunate about Jeff Buckley.

I am not really that sold on Brothers in Arms. It brought to Dire Straits, but I really prefer to first album (listened to it a lot with my wife). Definitely agree on Electric Ladyland. I typically listen to Hendrix on a boxed set so I lost track of what was on that album (All Along the Watchtower alone which is my favorite Hendrix song even though it is a cover).

If pressed I'd probably most often say Lifes Rich Pageant, but they're all worthy in their own way. And I love Dead Letter Office too. Esp. Voice of Harold. Dire Straits vs BIA, I'll give ya it's a tossup. My love for the song Wild West End might put the debut over the top. Hell, Making Movies is also freaking outstanding. Side One is pure perfection.

Tool - Undertow
Van Halen - Self Titled
Molly Hatchet - Self Titled
50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Trying
Crosby Stills and Nash - Self Titled

Need to give CSN a listen tonight. Haven't listened to Tool or 50 Cent so I will check them out.

Although it could be argued that Candy-O was the equal to the debut album. I think that might apply to Boston's second album, too
Another I'd add to the list is Oingo Boingo. I don't think anything else they released quite matched Only A Lad.

But what a ground breaking record