Toronto can celebrate this season the 25th anniversary of its last World Series Championship, the second of its consecutive titles at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies. That 1993 event was huge because of what happened the following season, when Major League Baseball officials canceled the World Series due to a work stoppage.
That 1994 fiasco involving the national pastime is just one of the reasons the previous year was better, even beyond the sporting realm. Great music came out in 1993, including dozens of influential albums from various rock genres.
Here are ten of those records that should be celebrated this year on their twenty-fifth anniversary.
Come on Feel the Lemonheads
Evan Dando and his group reached their peak with this record, which included such gems as “Into Your Arms” and “Great Big No.”
Modern life is rubbish by Blur
Followed by Parklife and The Great Escape, this record was the first of a trio of live albums that showcased Britpop at its peak, aided by singles like “Sunday Sunday” and “Chemical World”.
Unplugged by Neil Young
Most of the MTV-hosted acoustic episodes were forgettable, but Young’s was so sharp it helped rejuvenate his career.
Anodyne by Uncle Tupelo
As always, Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar shared songs from the alt-country band’s third album, but it’s “New Madrid” from the former that has remained the best track.
Thirteen from Teenage Fan Club
These Scottish alternative rockers were making a name for themselves on this record, highlighted by Gerard Love’s tribute to legendary songwriter Gene Clark.
Weird Al Yankovic’s Alapalooza
Instead of visiting the place Richard Harris called MacArthur where the cake was left out in the rain, Weird Al changed it to “Jurassic Park” here and even paid homage to the Flintstones’ hometown in “Bedrock Anthem.”
Dreamland by Aztec Camera
Fans who wanted to hear Toddy Frame return to the sound of the debut album had to be pleased when their ears beheld “Spanish Horses”, “Black Lucia” and “Vertigo” on this disc.
Transmissions from the Heart Satellite by Flaming Lips
After five major releases, Wayne Coyne somehow scored a single with “She Don’t Use Jelly” from this album.
Where have you been from Dinosaur Jr.
As soon as J Mascis told us to start rocking, he got his band’s first big hit.
Cheryl Crow Tuesday Night Music Club
He became a star with this debut by admitting that all he wanted to do was have fun.