Double Albums That Work and the One That Don't

[Cyrene]

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1457114018' post='2995554']
Nine Inch Nails - The Fragile

The best double album ever. Each 'side' has its own identity while still working as a complete work of art.
[/quote]
Yep!
For me, Mellon Collie is a great double album with a chronological feel to it.
GY!BE's Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven is the apotheosis of all double albums in my opinion.

[ras52]

Ah, how could I forget Todd Rundgren's "Todd", possibly my desert-island album! (Something/Anything's not bad either.)

Re. The Wall, I think it succeeds in its own terms... but I don't like it. I loved that the post-Barrett Floyd were always in transition, whereas The Wall sees them firmly established as a vehicle for Roger Waters' preoccupations. :-(

[ras52]

And with a thread about Colin Moulding jogging my memory, I'll add XTC's English Settlement to the 'good' category.

[EliasMooseblaster]

Does Big Big Train's [i]English Electric: Full Power[/i] count? I know it was originally released in two instalments, but by the time I discovered them it had been re-released as a complete work. I haven't dared consider how many sides of 12" vinyl it would take up, but it is certainly a very impressive album!

[tauzero]

And after being reminded of one hit wonders by seeing John Williams, how could I forget the double album Sky 2?

[probablypike]

[quote name='Cyrene' timestamp='1457572018' post='2999838']

GY!BE's Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven is the apotheosis of all double albums in my opinion.
[/quote]

Yes! Which is strange for me, when I think that some of their other stuff could be slimmed down a little.

Funny how the benchmark for double album has changed length-wise since the dawn of the cd, too.

I've also got to mention Kamasi Washington's album from last year. Huge piece of work, but a joy to listen to when you have time.