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20 iconic albums that only get better with age
Merge Records

20 iconic albums that only get better with age

Some things improve with age. Wine is the obvious example, but what about music? Indeed, some albums feel like they get better as years go by. Maybe they were ahead of their time, maybe they got overlooked or maybe they were always awesome but just sound even better the more you listen to them. Here are some of our favorite albums that we love more than the first time we heard them.

 
1 of 20

"Paul's Boutique" (1989)

"Paul's Boutique" (1989)
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Beastie Boys’ first album, “License to Ill,” still had some of the trio’s old punk band feel to it, not to mention a heavy dose of sophomoric humor they would come to regret. “Paul’s Boutique” felt like a whole new thing, and it quickly became a classic — that is, at least once people could wrap their heads around the density. In some ways, “Paul’s Boutique” brought sampling to the mainstream, and those samples still pop today.

 
2 of 20

"Pet Sounds" (1966)

"Pet Sounds" (1966)
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

“Pet Sounds” was weird. The Beach Boys went from being a band singing about girls and surfing, like so many male vocal groups, but Brian Wilson had something bigger on his mind. Now “Pet Sounds” is recognized as the brilliant work of a troubled, singular genius. Even the Beatles were inspired by it!

 
3 of 20

"In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" (1998)

"In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" (1998)
Merrick Ales/FilmMagic

You often hear about cult movies, but rarer is the cult album. However, Neutral Milk Hotel’s “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” definitely qualifies. It’s a great album, but few releases have the fervent following Jeff Mangum’s magnum opus has. Neutral Milk Hotel went from an unknown band to cult icons seemingly overnight.

 
4 of 20

"3 Feet High and Rising" (1989)

"3 Feet High and Rising" (1989)
Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

When legendary music critic Robert Christgau reviewed De La Soul’s debut album, he called it “unlike any rap album you or anybody else has ever heard.” Even today that sort of feels true. The album, produced by Prince Paul, is infectious and still feels fresh with every new listen. It’s hard to get bored of “3 Feet High and Rising.”

 
5 of 20

"The Beatles (The White Album)" (1968)

"The Beatles (The White Album)" (1968)
Keystone Features/Getty Images

The Fab Four had already shown they were heading in a different direction with previous albums like “Sgt. Pepper’s,” which came out the year prior. This self-titled offering, popularly called “The White Album,” was a further step in a new creative direction. The double album caused a lot of tension between the band — John Lennon’s preoccupation with his new lady, Yoko Ono, didn’t help — but what the Beatles turned out was a work of brilliance that many consider their best album, which is saying something.

 
6 of 20

"Wowee Zowee" (1995)

"Wowee Zowee" (1995)
Mick Hutson/Redferns

Pavement’s two first albums are fantastic, but they are pretty standard, if great, indie rock. “Wowee Zowee” felt a bit different, which made it puzzling at first. It almost needs more than one listen. If you give it that, though, and you start grabbing onto the rhythms and peculiarities of Pavement’s bonkers offering, it starts to grow on you. “Wowee Zowee” is as good as any other Pavement album. It just sounds different.

 
7 of 20

"Kid A" (2000)

"Kid A" (2000)
Troy Augusto/Newsmakers

Many people consider “Kid A” to be Radiohead’s best album. Some, including Pitchfork, have named it the top album of the 2000s. It proved a bit more divisive at the time. Radiohead had completely abandoned its rock band days, heading in a direction that would lead the band to a different sound from the days of “Creep” and “Paranoid Android.” “Kid A” is where Radiohead’s two sensibilities met, and it turned out amazing.

 
8 of 20

"London Calling" (1979)

"London Calling" (1979)
Steve Morley/Redferns

In addition to its iconic album cover, “London Calling” has a lot going for it. It’s dense, featuring a lot of different styles over its double-album length. “London Calling” is also decidedly political, which frankly helps it age better. The Clash’s energy and anger still resonate, making it a repeat listen for 40 years at this point.

 
9 of 20

"Automatic for the People" (1992)

"Automatic for the People" (1992)
Michel Linssen/Redferns

Here’s an album that was accepted positively at the time but has grown in stature even more. R.E.M.’s fantastic release is a little more somber than previous albums, but the sound of “Automatic for the People” still resonates. Songs like “Everybody Hurts” and “Nightswimming” never get old, and neither does this album.

 
10 of 20

"Remain in Light" (1980)

"Remain in Light" (1980)
Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

Talking Heads were a little ahead of their time in some respects, even if music critics loved “Remain in Light” when it came out. Inspired by the sounds of Fela Kuti and African rhythms, but in a way that felt less grating than when Paul Simon did it with “Graceland,” “Remain in Light” was a new kind of sound for some listeners. As time has gone on, though, “Remain in Light” has proved quite influential, and it’s fun to go back to listen to where things started, in a matter of speaking.

 
11 of 20

"Stankonia" (2000)

"Stankonia" (2000)
Scott Gries/ImageDirect

Sure, it’s OutKast’s next release: the split double album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” that had “Hey Ya.” However, if we’re being honest, do you need to hear “Hey Ya” for the millionth time? And that album is a bit unwieldly. “Stankonia,” on the other hand, is still great, and it features a few hits and works better as a whole. Plus, if you ever need to hear “Hey Ya” again, you know where to find it.

 
12 of 20

"New Day Rising" (1985)

"New Day Rising" (1985)
Lisa Haun/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Husker Du started off as a hardcore punk band that played as fast and hard as possible. As time went on, though, it started to slow down and get more melodic. The culmination of that came on “New Day Rising,” the trio’s best album and the one that has aged the best. If you love punk, you probably listened to this one on repeat before.

 
13 of 20

"White Blood Cells" (2001)

"White Blood Cells" (2001)
Nicky J. Sims/Redferns

Remember the first time you heard “Fell in Love with a Girl?” It just absolutely ripped, and it still does. There’s so much more to the album that broke the White Stripes though, which packed 16 songs into 40 minutes. Jack’s guitar work and Meg’s drumming course through the album with so much energy that it feels like it’s over as soon as it starts...which means it’s time to listen to it all over again!

 
14 of 20

"The Moon and Antarctica" (2000)

"The Moon and Antarctica" (2000)
Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Modest Mouse had been around for a few years when it surprisingly hit it big with the catchy single “Float On.” After that the band started to change members and switch up its sound, to marginal results. Let’s go back to the album before “Float On,” the impeccable “The Moon and Antarctica.” While “Float On” and its ilk have not aged as well, this album certainly has.

 
15 of 20

"Apologies to the Queen Mary" (2005)

"Apologies to the Queen Mary" (2005)
John Shearer/WireImage

Wolf Parade has made a few albums since “Apologies to the Queen Mary.” They are mostly fine but can’t live up to the power of the band's debut album. Meanwhile, “Apologies to the Queen Mary” just keeps getting better. It captured the band's sound perfectly out of the gate and has never been able to live up to the lofty standards since.

 
16 of 20

"Madvillainy" (2004)

"Madvillainy" (2004)
Ross Gilmore/Redferns

Madvillain don’t make anything easy for you. MF DOOM was a rapper who wore a mask and had the persona of a supervillain. The producer Madlib has his own alter ego, an alien named Quasimoto. “Madvillainy” is incredibly dense, but that’s why it has aged so well. It feels like you’re unlocking something new every time you listen to it.

 
17 of 20

"Ramones" (1976)

"Ramones" (1976)
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

There’s a reason why the Ramones are still considered perhaps the quintessential punk band. They basically made the genre possible, and their debut album is still a perfect example of punk. The music may seem simple, but it’s still immensely catchy, and people wouldn’t still be bumping “Blitzkrieg Bop” if it wasn’t worth giving repeat listens to.

 
18 of 20

"Discovery" (2001)

"Discovery" (2001)
Daniel Boczarski/Redferns

“Random Access Memories” is the Daft Punk album most people remember. However, when we say the “album” people remember, we’re really talking about “Get Lucky.” If people who were turned onto the robot duo by that hit song wanted to dive into the back catalog, hopefully they tried out “Discovery.” It’s generally considered the duo’s best album, and it’s one worth listening to over and over.

 
19 of 20

"Is This It" (2001)

"Is This It" (2001)
Theo Wargo/WireImage

So many bands that came up in the garage rock revival era of the turn of the millennium fell by the wayside. In truth, so did the Strokes. Before that, though, they gave us “Is This It.” A lot of the music that got buzz in the early days of music blogging doesn’t hold up, but “Is This It” is still a classic.

 
20 of 20

"#1 Record" (1972)

"#1 Record" (1972)
Charlie Gillett/Redferns

Alex Chilton inspired a ton of musicians who came in his wake, most notably the Replacements. Alas, he didn’t find a ton of success during his heyday. Eventually, though, people went back and found his music, and suddenly Chilton and his band, Big Star, were getting their due. The album title “#1 Record,” was bold and proved inaccurate, but time has been extremely kind to the band, giving it the attention it wanted so many years ago.

Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan is a Detroit-based culture writer who has somehow managed to justify getting his BA in Film Studies. He has written about sports and entertainment across various internet platforms for years and is also the author of three books about '90s television.

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Final Fantasy Meets Dragon Quest In Legendary Crossover
Video Games

Final Fantasy Meets Dragon Quest In Legendary Crossover

What’s more iconic than Cloud wielding a Buster Sword? How about Cloud rocking Erdrick’s Armor and wrecking Dragon Quest monsters all in one event? That’s right, Square Enix has decided to gift us mere mortals a crossover between Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis and Dragon Quest Tact. This limited event runs from July 30 to August 6, and if you’re not hyped yet, you might want to check your gaming pulse. But what does this actually mean for you? Well, buckle up, because this crossover is more than just a gimmick. It’s packed with so much fan service that even Sephiroth might need a break from brooding to join in on the fun. The Chaos, The Loot, The Slimeocalypse First off, Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is about to host King Slime and his slimy gang because, apparently, even pixels deserve to meet their heroes. Players get to battle these absurdly charming enemies and earn event-exclusive gear worthy of both franchises. We’re talking Cloud stepping into Erdrick’s Armor and wielding what is unquestionably one of the most epic swords in gaming. Aerith, not to be outdone, is gracefully handed the Supreme Sage Garb because, you know, killing enemies and looking fabulous is her thing. And don’t even get me started on Sephiroth taking a cosplay detour as Psaro. Imagine one iconic villain dressing up as another. It’s meta. It’s chaotic. It’s everything we didn’t know we needed. Players, Prepare for Nostalgia Overload The crossover also throws in daily free draws, a boatload of loot, and arguably, a reason to ditch any other mobile games cluttering up your screen time. There’s something inherently rewarding about collecting crossover goodies that scream, “I was there when Square Enix decided Cloud needed an RPG glow-up with Dragon Quest-style flair.” Some highlights from the event include: Daily Free Ten Pulls (Spoiler Alert: Prepare for gacha heartbreak… and joy). Crossover Missions loaded with rewards like Red XIII’s Great Sabrecat Collar (think of it as drip for your furry companion). Event Bonuses that range from refined Mythril piles to rare crossover wallpapers that scream, “Yeah, I’m that gamer.” And, oh yeah, login bonuses stacked higher than a stack of pancakes at a chocobo-catered brunch. Why This Crossover Actually Slaps If you’re rolling your eyes at the idea of yet another crossover event, it’s time for a quick reality check. This isn’t just a lazy cash-grab with recycled assets and buzzwords. It’s a love letter to fans of both games, blending two legendary worlds into an experience that’s as ridiculous as it is satisfying. Think of it like a bizarre but beautiful RPG fever dream where Dragon Quest monsters challenge Final Fantasy heroes, and the only loser is anyone who missed out. Plus, when was the last time you saw King Slime try to flex on Aerith? Exactly. Is this Peak Mobile Gaming? Now, will this event cure all your gaming ailments? Probably not. Will it load up your plate with so much nostalgia and fan-service-packed chaos that even your backlog of unplayed games might get jealous? Absolutely. Square Enix’s crossover brilliance usually lies in its ability to unite wildly different fandoms and generate hype that turns even the most casual gamer into a midnight-grinding, loot-obsessed fan. And if that’s not peak mobile gaming, what even is? Final Thoughts Events like these are why gaming history has a vault packed with “Hype Levels Overload” moments. Whether you’re here for the loot, the cross-franchise cosplays, or just some good old-fashioned Dragon Quest monster smashing with your favorite FF cast, this event delivers on every front. Hot tip? Set your alarms. Grab your popcorn. And pray that RNG is in your favor for those 10 pulls. Trust me, you’ll want bragging rights when someone asks why Cloud suddenly looks like he walked out of a Dragon Quest cutscene. Remember, this party only lasts for a week. Don’t sleep on it, because King Slime certainly won’t. Be sure to visit Total Apex Gaming for more game-related news and content.

Pitcher bizarrely faces old team on same day of trade
MLB

Pitcher bizarrely faces old team on same day of trade

Seranthony Dominguez certainly had an eventful day on Tuesday. The veteran MLB reliever began the day on the Baltimore Orioles and was with his teammates in the dugout during the first leg of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays. The O's went on to win, 16-4, at Oriole Park in Baltimore, though Dominguez did not pitch during the game. But the day took a bizarre turn when the two teams agreed to a deal in the middle of the doubleheader. The Orioles traded Dominguez to the Blue Jays in exchange for minor league pitcher Juaron Watts-Brown. That led to a strange scene where Dominguez switched clubhouses after being traded, walking across the hallway to get to the Toronto side. Things got even weirder during the second leg of the doubleheader. Dominguez got the call to pitch for the Blue Jays against his former team. He had to walk past his ex-Baltimore teammates to get to the Toronto bullpen, and then entered the game in the seventh inning to pitch. Here is the unusual spectacle that saw Dominguez pitch against the guys that he began the day as teammates with. The whole thing was so bizarre that it even looked like Dominguez received a hastily-made Blue Jays jersey with the “8” in his No. 48 apparently stuck on backwards. Dominguez, a 30-year-old in his seventh MLB season, ended up striking out two in a scoreless frame against his former team. We have certainly seen instances of MLB players getting traded in the middle of games before, but that had to be the first instance of a player starting the first half of a doubleheader on one team and then pitching in the second half for the other team.

Ben Roethlisberger Sends Serious Warning About Steelers' Broderick Jones
NFL

Ben Roethlisberger Sends Serious Warning About Steelers' Broderick Jones

The 2025 season will be a crucial one for the Pittsburgh Steelers and all of the decision-makers that completely revamped the roster during the offseason. The depth chart looks much different than it did back in 2024, so there will be several adjustments that need to be made. One positional group that looks relatively similar, but has been affected by some reshuffling, is the offensive line. Troy Fautanu is back after an injury-plagued rookie campaign, and Broderick Jones will finally get to play left tackle on a consistent basis for the first time in his professional career. Jones is, without a doubt, one of the most important players in the entire projected starting lineup. Keeping Aaron Rodgers upright will be crucial, and the third-year lineman has not necessarily proven that he can be trusted. He suffered an injury to begin training camp, but is reportedly going to be just fine and return to the field sooner rather than later. No one knows how important it is to have a strong offensive line more than future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers' legendary signal-caller never got to play with Jones, but he keeps tabs on the team and shares his thoughts often on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. On the most recent episode, he highlighted how critical it is so have a good group up front blocking, and he mentioned Jones by name. "I would probably start, as I do a lot of times, about the importance of the offensive line," Roethlisberger began. "I'd say that's the biggest question, and it should be because to me, the line is always the MVP. The way the line plays, run game, pass game, everything revolves around that. More specifically, Broderick Jones, moving now back to left tackle." Training camp hasn't gotten off to a great start for Jones with the injury, but some may be happy that he lost some weight during the 2025 offseason. Roethlisberger said he understands why, but is still concerned. "I've heard he's thinned down, which is good to a certain extent, right," Roethlisberger said. "They want to work on getting tackles out and running the outside zones and stretch plays. So, you got to be a little, you know, more agile, but you know, you also don't want to be too small when you're supposed to be a tackle. So, that's always going to be a concern of mine, is him and the line in general staying healthy." There are some massive edge rushers in the NFL, and Roethlisberger is right in saying that being too small as a tackle can be problematic. Jones will have to go up against Myles Garrett twice in 2025, and the offseason weight loss won't look like a good thing if he is manhandled throughout those matchups. The Steelers' offensive line might be the unit that makes or breaks the team's season. Staying healthy will be the number one priority, but it is almost imperative that the group actually is successful. If edge rushers are constantly bulldozing through Jones, it could be serious cause for concern. It seems as if that it what Roethlisberger has some reservations about. If Jones doesn't perform at a high level in 2025, the 2023 NFL Draft day trade-up in the first round will be looked at as a failure. The organization has to make a decision on Jones' fifth-year option during the 2026 offseason, so the left tackle better hope that some of the weight he had shed ends up helping him significantly, instead of the other way around. Steelers Will Need Entire Offensive Line To Be Elite In 2025 While Jones is going to be the number one scapegoat if things go south, the big men up front will be a huge part of Pittsburgh's offensive failures or successes as the season progresses. Roethlisberger's comments regarding the starting left tackle's offseason will certainly cause a little bit of worry, but the unit as a whole has to prove consistency when the games matter.

Paul Finebaum Hints At Premier College Football Coach Being Fired with Poor Season
College Football

Paul Finebaum Hints At Premier College Football Coach Being Fired with Poor Season

The 2025 college football season presents significant pressure for top coaches. Another disappointing season could result in them seeking new jobs. One of the coaches in question is Brent Venables, who is the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. He is entering his fourth season in this position. However, in two of his first three seasons, Venables' team has ended with a losing record, a situation that hadn’t occurred for more than 20 years before he took over. The Sooners are coming off a 6-7 season last year; however, there is some optimism for this season as they have added former Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer and former California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott to their roster. Last season, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, while also rushing for 826 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. Although Ott faced challenges with injuries during the 2024 season, he had an impressive performance in 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum stated that the Sooners need to start the season with a 5-0 record before facing Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Following that game, he believes they are likely to lose to Texas and will then need to secure a 4-2 record to finish the year. If they don't, he could be looking for a new job. "If they can win all but maybe two of those games, I think that Brent Venables may have a great record and will likely be around for a while," Finebaum said. "Otherwise, I think you know the answer to the question." If the Sooners decide to part ways with Venables, it would come with a hefty price tag. Venables' buyout is $34.9 million following this season. This speculation from Finebaum arises just one year after Venables agreed to a significant contract extension. Venables signed a six-year contract after the 2023 season, which the Oklahoma Board of Regents approved in June 2024. The deal guarantees him an annual salary of over $8.5 million for its entire duration. He originally signed a six-year, $43.5 million contract with the Sooners in December 2021. Venables' contract is fully guaranteed, and after this season, his buyout will decrease by nearly $10 million each year until the end of the contract. The Sooners are hopeful that Venables’ team can bounce back this season and avoid the need to search for a new coach in the upcoming offseason. Oklahoma is scheduled to open the season at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 30 against the Illinois State Redbirds.