'American Idiot' (by Green Day)... is it this generation's 'Sgt. Pepper's LHCB'? Discuss.

I heard a DJ make this reference on the radio. Now, without question, Green Day ain't the Beatles. BUT... 'AI' is a great album with solid tracks from start to finish. Each track stands on it's own while still contributing to the overall tone of the album. Certainly not as revolutionary and ground-breaking as 'Sgt. Pepper's', but destined to become a classic IMHO. Finally an album for today's kids that is meaty and thought provoking while remaining accessible. This is one to buy, not burn.

Thoughts?

Love the album, but it's not even close.

So... what else does this generation have that comes close? Forget about straight comparisons, but what other album(s) today even comes close to matching the influence/cohesiveness/quality-from-start-to-finish of 'Sgt. Pepper's'?

Or... is 'American Idiot' this generation's 'Joshua Tree'?

Mike,

It's a toss up for me on Joshua Tree versus Actung Baby simply because both albums are so incredible, yet distinct. Overall, I probably like the tunes on Actung more, but the mood and earthiness of JT resonates with me. Also, when it came out it totally transformed my outlook on popular music. It left a lasting impression to be sure.

Do today's generation have anything similar? Seems to me that changes in the music industry have screwed this younger generation. Sound familiar?

My definitive 80s album... U2's 'Joshua Tree'
Early 90s... Stone Roses self-titled
Late 90s... 'The Bends' by Radiohead

Of course, Air Supply's greatest hits was was my favourite album in the very early 80's (80-81), so what do I know?

Best concept album of the last five(ish) years?

In Reverse, by Matthew Sweet.

The concept is pretty loose (paranoia at inevitable change symbolized by the turn of the milennium), but all the songs are top-drawer, flow together effortlessly, and it closes with an excellent mini-opera.

Hank, I'm a big fan of that album myself BUT I'd have to go with Green Day over Matt Sweet on this one.

I think...

The reason there is no <i>Sgt. Pepper’s</i> for this generation is the same reason there was no <i>Sgt. Pepper’s</i> for the 50s generation. The music industry has returned, and fully embraced, the ‘singles’ model. Get the all-important hit single and market around that. The ‘album’ experience; Sgt. Pepper’s, Dark Side of the Moon, Joshua Tree is a fast fading relic.

And woe to us who remember better days.