Jason Mendelsohn and Eric Klinger

Counterbalance is Eric Klinger and Jason Mendelsohn's attempt to make sense of the Great Rock & Roll Canon, the albums that have been deemed indispensable by the critical cognoscenti. They began by examining the most acclaimed albums of all time (as compiled by the mathematical genius at www.acclaimedmusic.net), and now they're looking at the idea of critical acclaim from a broader perspective. Look for Counterbalance on the Face-Book at www.facebook.com/CounterbalanceMusic and on Twitter @EricRKlinger
Counterbalance 26: Prince – ‘Sign o’ the Times’

Counterbalance 26: Prince – ‘Sign o’ the Times’

Prince’s 1987 Sign o' the Times was His Royal Badness’ second double LP. Counterbalance discuss this critics’ darling over starfish and coffee.

Counterbalance 25: Television – ‘Marquee Moon’

Counterbalance 25: Television – ‘Marquee Moon’

Television’s 1977 masterpiece Marquee Moon is the 25th Greatest Album of All Time, but is it too “too too” to put a finger on? Counterbalance sees it all backward.

Counterbalance 24: The Doors – ‘The Doors’

Counterbalance 24: The Doors – ‘The Doors’

Before you slip into unconsciousness, Counterbalance has put together a few thoughts on the Doors' 1967 debut album. It's number 24 on the Big List.

Counterbalance 23: Bob Dylan – ‘Blood on the Tracks’

Counterbalance 23: Bob Dylan – ‘Blood on the Tracks’

Bob Dylan makes his third appearance on the Acclaimed Music list with his 1975 album, Blood on the Tracks. Counterbalance’s Eric Klinger and Jason Mendelsohn are planting their stories in the press.

Counterbalance 22: Jimi Hendrix – ‘Electric Ladyland’

Counterbalance 22: Jimi Hendrix – ‘Electric Ladyland’

“Have you ever been to Electric Ladyland?" Counterbalance's Eric Klinger and Jason Mendelsohn have, and they file this report.

Counterbalance 20: The Beatles – ‘Abbey Road’

Counterbalance 20: The Beatles – ‘Abbey Road’

The Beatles once again make their way onto the list with their 1969 tour de force Abbey Road. Halfway through, Klinger and Mendelsohn realize they can steal but they cannot rob.

Counterbalance 19: Patti Smith -‘Horses’

Counterbalance 19: Patti Smith -‘Horses’

One of the most critically-acclaimed debuts in rock history, Patti Smith’s Horses is a whirlwind of poetry and proto-punk rock. Counterbalance takes Horses for a ride -- go Rimbaud and go Johnny go!
Counterbalance 18: Bruce Springsteen – ‘Born to Run’

Counterbalance 18: Bruce Springsteen – ‘Born to Run’

The rock 'n' roll crossfire of Counterbalance returns with a look at Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 epic Born to Run. Strap your hands ’cross their engines!

Counterbalance 17: Public Enemy – ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’

Counterbalance 17: Public Enemy – ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’

Hip-hop makes its debut on the Big List with Public Enemy’s meaty, beaty manifesto, and all the jealous punks can’t stop the dunk. Counterbalance’s Klinger and Mendelsohn give it a listen.

Counterbalance No. 16: David Bowie – ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’

Counterbalance No. 16: David Bowie – ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’

Up next for the Counterbalance series is David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Press your space face close to mine!

Counterbalance No. 15: Van Morrison – ‘Astral Weeks’

Counterbalance No. 15: Van Morrison – ‘Astral Weeks’

Van Morrison ventured in the slipstream between the viaducts of your dreams with his 1968 LP Astral Weeks and made it to Number 15 on the List. Klinger and Mendelsohn recount the journey in this latest installment of Counterbalance.
Counterbalance No. 14: The Beatles – ‘The Beatles’ a.k.a. ‘The White Album’

Counterbalance No. 14: The Beatles – ‘The Beatles’ a.k.a. ‘The White Album’

The Beatles' 1968 self-titled double LP has been referenced by everyone from Joan Didion to Charles Manson and analyzed literally backward and forward. Mendelsohn and Klinger, always smiling and arriving late for tea, discuss the Number 14 album on the Big List.