From David Bowie to Bruce Springsteen: 10 iconic albums that initially flopped

farout ^

[mylife]

Pop culture is forever playing tricks on us. What we perceive as an unrivalled classic that defined an era, in reality, quite often had a difficult upbringing sullied by capricious circumstance before fate decided it had been held down too long and unleashed it upon the world. Sometimes it would seem that the masses weren’t quite ready for these culture-changing epics. Other times it would seem that the fist of fate was unwilling to release the record from its ruthless grasp. We’re taking a look at the top ten times in which a record nearly sunk completely before it swam its way to gold.

First, though, let us ask why such a mind-boggling phenomenon happens so often? How on earth can such paragons of brilliant pop-culture have been initially condemned to the doldrums of the dismissed, unloved or misunderstood? Sometimes it’s like Google Glasses, and the world just isn’t ready. On other occasions, like trying to get into a bar after a few too many, there’s a bastard in the way. And the final key factor is that sometimes the littlest is always last in line, as talent gets wrestled out of the limelight by those already basking in it.

Fortunately, when it comes to these first-time floppers, they survived the test of fickle fate and wormed their way to the top. Without further ado, let’s have a look at the ten that will leave you head-scratching and wondering how such classics ever flirted with failing.

10 iconic albums that initially flopped:

The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds (1966)

Ramones – Ramones (1976)

David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)

The Stooges – The Stooges (1969)

[mylife]

More at link, with audio

[mylife]

Of course, music is wildly subjective and individual opinions must be respected, but if you don’t think Ziggy Stardust is one of the greatest albums ever, then in the words of Chris Morris, “You’re wrong, and you’re a grotesquely ugly freak.” Aside from the start-to-finish brilliance of the record, it’s chameleonic creative intent has had a lasting influence on music that’s hard to ignore.

The very fact that the record initially only peaked at five in the UK is dementing enough, but over in the States, this seismic masterpiece climbed to 75 in the Billboard charts upon release and not a single place above, yet another blot on US foreign policy record. The only explanation is that something so otherworldly takes a little while to adapt too.

[cuban leaf]

Interesting. I sold hi-fi between 1976 and 1982 and currently have almost 3,000 vinyl records in my collection and am very active still in purchasing music.

I was never a fan of a single act on that list. though I eventually got to a point where I appreciated some of what Dylan had written, especially for such a young guy. Well, that and I “rediscovered” Pet Sounds about 6 years ago. The title ruined it for most people. It still makes no sense. It’s the equivalent of calling your band “A Flock of Seagulls”. :D

[Lurker]

Springsteen is still a flop. I’ve never been able to stand him.

L

[mylife]

I love Alex Chilton and had a couple Big Star LPS and have to admit I never really played them.

[mylife]

I too had a huge collection and none of it was top 40

[gundog]

If you’ve ever stood under a flock of seagulls, the name makes perfect sense.

[dfwgator]

It’s the equivalent of calling your band “A Flock of Seagulls”.

"You, Flock of Seagulls, you know why we're here?"

[Psalm 73]

"It’s the equivalent of calling your band “A Flock of Seagulls”."

Ouch.

About 15 years ago I culled my 800+ albums down to about 120 - mainly blues, (fusion) jazz, folk, and punk/new wave - in that order.
It was painful at the time, but only really miss a few of them.

[mylife]

While not a great band, did you ever hear Squirrel Bait?

Amazing for 14 yr old kids from KY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D0ql89Q8Po

[OttawaFreeper]

Interesting to read about the size of some peoples’ record collections as the late great Jack Webb had some 6,000 jazz records in his collection.

[mylife]

I really miss my collection and my Bose

[sauropod]

Me neither.

A self-important flop.

[SamAdams76]

So much good music out there. I am familiar with all the albums on this list and can name hundreds more that are also iconic - at least in my mind.

I still like to discover music from the past. Right now, I'm going down a Bob Wills rabbit-hole. I used to think that was stupid hillbilly music but it's actually quite brilliant.

Bob Wills - South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way)

[Repealthe17thAmendment]

What strikes me more about the list is how much of that music pushed the boundary of pop music into different areas. Many people might have thought The Stooges sound was just loud and obnoxious, yet others found it suited their mood more often than not. Springsteen's lengthy story telling didn't fit the pop record model, but appealed to a certain group of listeners who thought popular music was simply not appealing.

As it is, I can hardly stand to listen to the popular music released these days. It's unimaginative and simplistic. One of the great things about the 60's and 70's was that music executives were open to bands creating their own unique sound. Now, it seems like it's all karaoke.

[mylife]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1IpHYuX330

[1Old Pro]

Now, it seems like it's all karaoke.

Yep

[Phlap]

Wham Bam Thank You Mam.

[mylife]

Much to explore there.

[cuban leaf]

Here's my "office/mancave" in my new building. You'll notice some rather obscure stuff in the fronts of each bay. The electrician just finished with the room, so I'm adding wall covering and insulation now...