Top Ten

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

The Verve 

Catching The Butterfly

Released in 1997, The Verve's third studio album, Urban Hymns, saw the band reach their commercial peak. Much of the attention is focused on their smash hit, "Bitter Sweet Symphony." Music Underground, however, is drawn to the trippy vibe of "Catching The Butterfly."

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

The Who

One Life's Enough

The album’s cover features guitarist Pete Townshend and new drummer Kenney Jones on the left, John Entwistle and lead singer Roger Daltrey to the right, and some kid playing Atari's Space Duel. "It's Hard" had a motley of solid tunes, including such hits as "Eminence Front" and "Athena." Music Underground, however, is drawn to the poignant, beautiful piano flowing tune, "One Life's Enough."

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

The Clash

Straight to Hell

"Combat Rock" is The Clash's last album with original members Joe Strummer and Mick Jones together. Mick Jones was fired from the band for creative differences. Contrary to The Clash axioms, the album generates a commercial rock sound. It all came together, however, for two monster hits, "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" and "Rock the Casbah." Music Underground, however, is drawn to the haunting melodic masterpiece, "Straight to Hell." 

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

The National

Brainy

The National's "Boxer" album is twelve tracks of carefully composed Indie Music. The music is melodic, dramatic and intricate, weaving guitar, strings, and horns. Much of the attention goes to the great song "Fake Empire." Music Underground, however, is drawn to the beautifully crafted enigmatic creation, "Brainy." 

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

The Doors

Hyacinth House

The sixth studio album from The Doors, "L.A. Woman," was released on April 19, 1971. It is the last to feature lead singer Jim Morrison. Jim Morrison died not long after the album's release. The monumental self-titled hit is what scored the victory for most. Music Underground, however, is drawn to the captivating upbeat and melancony stroke of genius, "Hyacinth House." 

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

MGMT

Time to Pretend

MGMT's debut album "Oracular Spectacular" was released in 2008. To Music Underground, the whole album has a vibe of some talented kids connecting with cool vibes. The song "Kids" was the one that likely got the most air play. Music Underground, however, is drawn to the beautiful pondering showpiece, "Time to Pretend." 

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

M. Ward

Poison Cup

"Post War" is the fifth album by M. Ward. The album travels to many worlds of life, love, and humanly grace. This album is special, in part, by the help of some very talented artists who join him on this record, such as Neko Case. On this album, M. Ward's cover of Daniel Johnston's song "To Go Home" is sublime. Music Underground, however, is drawn to the poignant passion of "Poison Cup."

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

AC/DC

Ride On

"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" is the third studio album by Australian super band AC/DC. In 1981, more than one year after lead singer Bon Scott's death, the album was released in the United States. The album produced monster hits like "Big Balls" and the self-titled "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap." Music Underground, however, is drawn to the portrait of human vulnerability painted by "Ride On."

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

Tonic

Open Up Your Eyes

In July 1996, Tonic released their debut album "Lemon Parade." The album is a big player, reaching platinum status in the United States. "If You Could Only See" was a massive hit single for Tonic. Music Underground, however, is drawn to riveting rift of "Open Up Your Eyes."

Mike Hupfer

Music Underground

Daniel Lanois

I Love You

Daniel Lanois has produced mega albums, like U2's "The Joshua Tree" and "The Unforgettable Fire." His own "Shine" album was released in 2003. It is an album of great quality, showcasing Lanois talent as a musician. The whole of the album is potent. Music Underground, however, is drawn to a song that captures essence of humanity, "I Love You."