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    Rock's Big Questions

    The best third albums of all time

    Douglas Newman
    Aug 10, 2010 | 4:51 pm
    • Trout Mask Replica isn't an easy listen, but you won't be sorry you took on thechallenge.
    • The Jimi Hendrix Experience is an incredible way to go out.
    • The Replacements had the guts use the Beatles' "Let It Be" album name — anddelivered under that pressure. This is one great third album.
    • Floating in space makes for some surreal music too.

     Editor's note: This is a new feature where Douglas Newman and Jim Beviglia, two of CultureMap's music writers, tackle rock's big questions in a spirited dialogue where no feelings are spared. We encourage you, fair reader, to join the fray by leaving your own arguments and rebuttals in the comments.
     
     This week's question: What are the best third albums in rock music history?
     
    Jim, nice job on coming up with this month's question. I assume you were spurred to ask it after reviewing Arcade Fire's triumphant third release, The Suburbs.

    Critics often muse about debuts and the supposed "sophomore slumps" that follow, but rarely do you see discussions about third albums. I would venture to say that the third album is even more intriguing than the first or second, since it's usually recorded at a time when the band is settling into a comfort zone, often after having achieved some sense of success.

    To me, it's the "make or break" record, the one that signals whether the band is coasting, playing it safe, or whether it has chosen to continue pushing the boundaries in the quest for greatness.
     
    Back in high school I picked up a copy of Billy Bragg's "Talking With the Taxman About Poetry" — on vinyl no less. And printed on the cover, right under the illustration of a money eating monster was the following disclaimer: "The difficult third album."

    And while its recording might have been a difficult process for Mr. Bragg, it clearly showed him expanding his horizons, introducing new instrumentation, fuller arrangements and more polished production. For Billy Bragg, his "difficult third album," although not flawless, found the Cockney songwriter on the path to worldwide critical acclaim and a long, productive career that's still going strong.

    Who knows, had Bragg made an easy third album, his growing audience might have tired of his sound, thereby stalling his progress.
     
    So, that brings me to my list of some great third albums. I tried to focus on records that were not only great, but that also were significant in relation to the band's or artist's overall career, a release that marked a turning point in their musical progression.
     
    Have at it Jim! The key phrase in this debate is: No holds barred.
     
     Electric Ladyland by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968)

     Adobe Flash Required for flash player. "Rainy Day, Dream Away"

    The first two records by the guitar god were stone cold classics, but Electric Ladyland is Hendrix's defining moment. A sprawling double-LP, Ladyland is an eclectic collection of songs and instrumentals, featuring the extended jam "Voodoo Chile," the rollicking "Come On," a masterful take on Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower," and the psychedelic epic "1983 ... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)."

    This would be the Experience's last hurrah, but boy did one of rock's greatest bands go out on top!

     Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band (1969)

     Adobe Flash Required for flash player. "Moonlight on Vermont

    Calling "Trout Mask Replica" a challenging listening would be an understatement. But if you can get yourself through it, you'll find that Captain Beeheart's third record is an immensely rewarding experience and one that's never likely to get old.

    Marrying Delta blues and dirty garage rock to free jazz and avant-garde experimentalism, "Trout Mask Replica" is an expression of Don Van Vliet's restless creativity at its most primitive and inspired. The Simpsons mastermind Matt Groening declared it to be the greatest album ever made, while critic Piero Scaruffi describes the work as "so innovative and complex as to be nearly indecipherable."

    With plaudits such as this, how can you resist taking this head trip?

     Pink Moon by Nick Drake (1972)

     Adobe Flash Required for flash player. "Things Behind the Sun"

    Nick Drake only recorded three albums during his short life (tragically he died in 1974 at the age of 26), and while I'd recommended owning all three of them, "Pink Moon" is his greatest artistic achievement. Much sparser than his previous releases, the album was recorded at midnight in two separate two-hour sessions over two days in October 1971.

    Featuring only Drake's vocals and guitar, as well as some piano overdubs on the title track, "Pink Moon" is a beautiful, but haunting — and at times harrowing — collection of songs that are clearly the work of a troubled soul.
     
     All Mod Cons by The Jam (1978)

     Adobe Flash Required for flash player. "To Be Someone"

    By the time 1977 came to a close the Jam had two decent but underwhelming albums under its belt. An above-average mod-revival punk band that was heavily indebted to the early Who and Kinks sound, the Jam did not seem to be destined for greatness. Then they released All Mod Cons in 1978 and everything changed. Taking a cue from the Kinks' Ray Davies, lead singer Paul Weller constructed a record that unfolds with a clear narrative arc, featuring songs chock full of compelling characters and uniquely British imagery.

    The songwriting towers above anything from the first two Jam LPs and the playing is both more confident and nuanced, while still retaining the band's punk snarl and its ability to deliver a tasty pop hook. Three more albums would follow before Weller abruptly disbanded the Jam at the height of their popularity in 1982.
     
     Let It Be by The Replacements (1984)

     Adobe Flash Required for flash player. "Unsatisfied"

    Much like the Jam, few people realized the potential boiling up inside the drunken, bratty quartet from Minneapolis until the band unleashed its third album. Said album, Let It Be is a ragged mess, but that's its charm and genius. And what cajones to title the album after a Beatles classic!

    What's most memorable about the mid-western "Let It Be" is the full blossoming of Paul Westerberg's songwriting, as evidenced by the sublime "I Will Dare" and the intense "Unsatisfied." Throw in some off-color humor ("Gary's Got a Boner" and "Tommy Gets His Tonsels Out") and a silly Kiss cover ("Black Diamond") and you have one of the decade's most raucous albums, a perfect soundtrack to coming-of-age during the Reagan era.
     
     The Queen is Dead by The Smiths (1986)

     Adobe Flash Required for flash player. "There is a Light That Never Goes Out"

    Already a sensation in its native England, by the time the Smiths released its epic third album in 1986 the band was already starting to come apart at the seams. "The Queen is Dead" was the record they were destined to make before imploding as quickly as they rose to fame. It finds Morrissey at the height of his lyrical prowess and Johnny Marr delivering timeless guitar lines that will no doubt influence generations of budding axemen to come.

    Ten songs in 36 minutes and not one wasted second, "The Queen is Dead" continues to delight with each listen.
     
     Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space by Spiritualized (1997)

     Adobe Flash Required for flash player. "I Think I'm In Love"

    A grand statement about love and loss, replete with gospel choir and orchestra, "Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space" might be one of the saddest records in history. It's also one of the more ambitious third albums you're likely to find.

    Over an hour of densely orchestrated "hypnotic headphone symphonies" (as one reviewer dubbed it), "Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space" is best consumed in one listen, preferably in a dark room by yourself.

    While never reaching widespread acclaim on this side of the pond, the vaunted British music rag, NME, chose Spiritualized's heady third album over Radiohead's OK Computer (which happened to be that's band's third offering as well) as the best of the year. And yes, it's really that good.

     Look for Jim's response and his own list tomorrow.

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    Here are the 15 best things to do in Houston this 4th of July weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jul 2, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Shell Freedom Over Texas
    Courtesy of Shell Freedom Over Texas
    The city has revealed the performers for its July 4 celebration.

    The 4th of July lands on a Friday this year, which means things will get especially patriotic this weekend.

    We’ve already listed all the fireworks celebrations and restaurant specials that’ll be popping off on Friday. (Don’t forget about the screenings of Independence Day at River Oaks Theatre, Rooftop Cinema Club and Marriott Marquis Houston.) But there are also other must-see events happening this weekend, including a LEGO convention, the second anniversary of a Third Ward eatery, the return of a Stanley Kubrick classic, and an outlaw music festival featuring Willie Freakin’ Nelson and Bob Freakin’ Dylan!

    Thursday, July 3

    Brick Rodeo
    Brick Rodeo is a family-friendly event that features hundreds of custom models and displays made from LEGO bricks. Creators from Texas and around the country will be available to talk about their creations. Fans who want to display their own creations, attend workshops, and participate in all the activities should purchase an All Access Pass. Families and individuals who want to spend a day viewing incredible custom creations, talking with builders, and shopping with vendors should purchase a public exhibition ticket. 9 am (8:30 am Friday-Sunday).

    City Place presents Young Audiences of Houston: Painting with Watercolor Pencils Art Workshop
    This free art workshop, hosted by Young Audiences of Houston teaching artist Judy Malone Stein, transforms City Place’s central waterfront plaza into a classical art studio with easels and other essential supplies. Participants are introduced to the medium of watercolor pencils and will learn basic color theory which includes the color wheel and primary and secondary colors, along with complimentary colors. They will also focus on creating compositions, using traditional visions (portraits, landscapes, still life) as their subject matter. 9:30 am.

    Improv Houston presents Dustin Ross
    Dustin Ross is a NAACP Image Award-winning host, writer, and producer. Fans of The Read podcast may know him as a longtime guest/friend to the show. These days, you can hear him on two pods: The Friend Zone, with co-hosts Hey Fran Hey and Assante; and Holding Court, with Eboni K. Williams. He has also hosted seasons of Bet on Black, REVOLT TV’s competition series, Bet On Black. As an on-air contributor, Ross has appeared on multiple platforms, including MTV, BET, Bravo TV, HBO, FUSE TV, GLAAD, Fox Soul, and more. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, July 4

    Freedom Over Texas
    With an average of 50,000 people in attendance, Freedom Over Texas has become Houston’s annual, signature July 4th celebration. The live, televised event will feature local, regional, and national entertainment, headlined by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice, and will be capped off with a musically choreographed, “Texas-sized” fireworks finale. It also features a unique non-profit component, as the event will donate a percentage of food and beverage sales to the Houston Food Bank. 4 pm.

    Ensemble Theatre presents The Tap Dance Kid
    Over at The Ensemble Theatre, The Tap Dance Kid is about a 10-year-old African-American kid named Willie who doesn’t want to be a lawyer like his well-to-do strict father, and dreams of becoming a dancer like his talented Uncle Dipsey, an aspiring Broadway choreographer. The final production in the theater’s 2024-25 season, this musical is filled with imaginations of stardom that keep us tapping along. Through Sunday, July 27. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

    Dan Electro’s presents The Broken Spokes & Oliver Penn 4th of July Party
    Freedom, music, and a 4th of July Party will be going down at Dan Electros. The show will feature a performance from traditional Texas country band The Broken Spokes, a well-seasoned outfit that’s put in the time honing their craft in honky tonks across Texas,. Also performing will be Rhode Island-born, Houston-based country singer Oliver Penn, who has shared the stage with Charley Crockett, Shakey Graves, Randall King, The California Honeydrops, and Shinyribs. 9 pm.

    Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra presents Graveyard Shift: Attack the Block
    Guy Fawkes Night in London is a time for fireworks, fooling around, and an occasional surprise or two. But when vicious extraterrestrials decide to crash the hellraisers’ holiday, a time for making merry quickly turns scary. Writer-director Joe Cornish also ensures it’s frequently humorous as well. This frisky, vigorous 2011 spoof — propelled by an insistent electronic score by Steven Price & Basement Jaxx and a star-making lead turn from John Boyega — shows a similar sensibility in its breezy blending of goofiness and gruesomeness. 10 pm.

    Saturday, July 5

    Rado Market 2 Year Anniversary Celebration
    Chef Chris Williams’ market and cafe at the historic Eldorado Ballroom will celebrate its two-year anniversary with a celebration that’s free and open to the public. The event will include complimentary champagne during the first hour, food specials from chef Jaden Gaines, and live music from a DJ for the first two hours. Guests can also browse and shop from a curated lineup of local vendors offering various products for sale, including Posh Body, Ambrosia Nectar, 77 Stash, and Juxx. Patrons can also enter two raffles featuring Radiant Aura samples and other giveaways. Noon.


      
     
     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by Winnie's Real Deal (@winnieshouston)


    Winnie’s presents Labubu Face Tattoo Korean Corn Dog Karaoke Party
    Never has an event’s name been a more complete description of what’s happening at the Midtown sandwich shop/cocktail bar on Saturday. Artists from Rodeo Tiger will be tattooing Labubu, the must-have accessory that feels destined to become the Beanie Babies of 2025 ($25 minimum, $50 for both sides, and $100 for full face custom work). While you wait, snack on a Korean corn dog created by chef Jennifer Hoffman. Karaoke starts at 8 pm. 1 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Barry Lyndon
    This weekend, catch the 50th anniversary screening (in glorious 35mm!) of Stanley Kubrick’s lavish, Oscar-winning 1975 adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s 18th-century novel. Forced to leave Ireland after killing an English officer in a duel, young Redmond Barry (Ryan O’Neal) seeks his fortune as a soldier in Prussia, as a spy, and then as a gambler living among the elite of Europe. He changes his name and marries an aristocrat (Marisa Berenson) for her wealth, but will he finally gain the acceptance he seeks? 5 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Kings Harbor Waterfront Village presents “Fireworks on the Pier”
    Looking for a post-4th of July throwdown this weekend? Kings Harbor Waterfront Village in Kingwood will have its annual “Fireworks on the Pier” celebration, a patriotic evening of family fun, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. Festivities include family-friendly games like Connect Four, a balloon artist, face painting and bubble stations for kids. Local restaurants will be serving up a variety of delicious food and drink options throughout the evening. A dazzling fireworks show over the pier will begin around 10 pm. 7 pm.

    Movies at Miller: Wicked
    We know there is a lot of y’all who can’t wait for Wicked: For Good to drop in multiplexes this winter. Before that happens, head over to Miller Outdoor Theatre and revisit the Oscar-winning Broadway musical adaptation that set it all off. In the magical Land of Oz, Wicked covers the first act, following Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with Galinda (Ariana Grande), the future Glinda the Good Witch. The audience is encouraged to come in costume. 8:30 pm.

    Sunday, July 6

    Eldorado Ballroom presents Ball N’ Parlay
    Dubbed “A 1st Sunday Vibeout,” Ball N’ Parlay is a vibrant, Third Ward day party that’s going to be held outside the legendary Eldorado Ballroom. They’re really hyping this one up, calling it “the Sunday you’ve been waiting for, where music, community, and culture meet.” We’re just psyched that some of our favorite DJs will be doing live sets, including DJ Elevated, Maiya Papaya, Alist, and DJ Bloom. 3 pm.

    Outlaw Music Festival
    If you grew up going to Cactus Music and picking up the latest issue of No Depression, looking for the latest in outlaw country releases to scoop up, a fest full of iconic, guitar-strumming banditos will be making a stop at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion this weekend. The 10th anniversary tour of the Outlaw Music Festival will feature an unparalleled lineup of legends and superstars, including Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, and Tami Neilson. 4:05 pm.

    CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
    As of this writing, we don’t know who will be playing in the final match of the soccer championship known as the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, going down this weekend at NRG Stadium. What we do now is that the winners will be determined on Wednesday night, when the semifinal matchups – the USMNT vs. Guatemala and Mexico vs. Honduras – will take place. This also marks the first time the Gold Cup Final will be held in the state of Texas. 6 pm.

    Freedom Over Texas
      
    Courtesy of Freedom Over Texas
    The Freedom Over Texas celebration takes place on the Fourth of July.
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