Celebrating 10, 20, and 30 Year Anniversaries of Iconic Albums in November 2024

Celebrating Milestones in Music: November 2024

Every month in 2024, Euronews Culture takes a nostalgic journey, curating a selection of albums that mark significant anniversaries. This November, we highlight three exceptional records that deserve your attention as they celebrate 10, 20, and 30 years since their release.

Turning 10 in 2024: TV On The Radio – Seeds

(Release date: 18 November 2014)

It’s hard to believe that a decade has passed since TV On The Radio released their last album, ‘Seeds’. Emerging from the vibrant Brooklyn music scene, the band has captivated audiences with their eclectic sound and artistic vision since their formation in 2001. ‘Seeds’, a poignant reflection of loss and resilience, marked a significant turning point for the group, coinciding with the tragic passing of their beloved bassist and keyboardist, Gerard Smith.

The album artfully channels themes of grief into vibrant pop melodies, creating a captivating listening experience. While it may not have garnered the same acclaim as their earlier masterpieces like ‘Return to Cookie Mountain’ (2006) or ‘Dear Science’ (2008), ‘Seeds’ remains an underappreciated gem. The album showcases the band’s signature ability to blend surreal soundscapes with a persistent sense of unease.

The lead single, ‘Happy Idiot’, featuring appearances from the late Paul Reubens and Karen Gillian in the music video, exemplifies this unique blend. With a fusion of rock, funk, and electronic elements, the track explores the idea that ignorance can lead to happiness, balancing an anxious undertone with an energetic pulse. Tunde Adebimpe’s soulful vocals stand out, juxtaposing the dancier grooves that permeate the album.

‘Seeds’ is a delicate balancing act, where catchy melodies intertwine with an ever-present aura of dread. Other standout tracks such as ‘Test Pilot’ and the title track continue this theme of euphoric deception, while the penultimate song, ‘Trouble’, delivers a glitchy ballad that embodies the exhilarating yet anxious dichotomy. The haunting lines:

“Put your helmet on, we’ll be headed for a fall / Yeah, the whole thing’s gonna blow / And the devil’s got my number / It’s long overdue, he’ll come looking soon.”

These ominous words are soon followed by the repeated mantra, “Oh, I keep telling myself / ‘Don’t worry, be happy’,” before an explosion of strings and harmonies invites listeners to embrace their emotions without cynicism. Unlike the overly sentimental approach of late-era Coldplay, ‘Seeds’ captures a genuine and heartfelt essence. Although it may not hit as hard as their earlier works, ‘Seeds’ ultimately celebrates the beauty of moving forward while dancing through life’s complexities, perhaps with a few tears in your eyes.

Turning 20 in 2024: MF DOOM – Mm..Food

(Release date: 16 November 2004)

This year, we commemorate two iconic albums from the late Daniel Dumile, also known as MF DOOM, as they turn 20. Following the release of ‘Madvillain’ earlier this year, we now celebrate ‘Mm..Food’. This album represents a remarkable fusion of creativity, humor, and lyrical genius, showcasing why MF DOOM remains a seminal figure in hip-hop.

‘Mm..Food’ is not just a clever title, but a whimsical concept album that weaves a theme around food. At first glance, it may appear gimmicky, but DOOM’s execution is nothing short of masterful. He skillfully employs culinary references to explore profound ideas through double entendres, puns, and abstract metaphors. The opening track, ‘Beef Rapp’, sets the tone with lines that intertwine nutrition advice with clever wordplay:

“Here you will find food for your body / As well as comfort for your troubled mind (…) Beef rap, could lead to getting teeth capped / Or even a wreath for ma dukes on some grief crap / I suggest you change your diet / It can lead to high blood pressure if you fry it / Or even a stroke, heart attack, heart disease / It ain’t no starting back once arteries start to squeeze.”

This begs the question: why aren’t more hip-hop albums centered around food? While some may find the skits interrupting the flow of the album, the joy of tracks like ‘Rapp Snitch Knishes’, ‘One Beer’, and ‘Deep Fried Frenz’ easily overcomes any pacing issues. This concept album stands out as a playful and engaging exploration of culinary delights and hip-hop culture, leaving listeners hungry for more with each spin.

Turning 30 in 2024: Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York

(Release date: 1 November 1994)

Recorded on 18 November 1993, ‘MTV Unplugged in New York’ captured Nirvana at a pivotal moment in their career. By then, they had ascended to global superstardom, propelled by their groundbreaking album ‘Nevermind’ and the raw intensity of ‘In Utero’. The performance, featuring Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and touring guitarist Pat Smear, was an intimate affair, diverging from their typical high-energy shows.

Rather than relying on their biggest hits, Nirvana chose to showcase their versatility with a 14-song setlist that revealed a more vulnerable side of the band. This acoustic performance served as a poignant counterbalance to the abrasive sound of ‘In Utero’, highlighting Cobain’s emotional depth and desire for connection through his artistry.

The set includes deep cuts and innovative covers, such as Lead Belly’s ‘Where Did You Sleep Last Night’, the Vaselines’ ‘Jesus Doesn’t Want Me For A Sunbeam’, and David Bowie’s ‘The Man Who Sold The World’. Tragically, just five months after this recording, Cobain passed away, casting a shadow over the album’s release in November 1994. It became a haunting tribute to a talent that was lost far too soon.

Now, 30 years later, ‘MTV Unplugged in New York’ stands alongside the likes of Duke Ellington’s ‘Ellington at Newport’, Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Live at Fillmore West’, Bill Withers’ ‘Live at Carnegie Hall’, Keith Jarrett’s ‘The Köln Concert’, and Talking Heads’ ‘Stop Making Sense’ as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded.