The nominees for Best Modern Al Album (i.e., the post-24C era) are, in alphabetical order:
Famous Last Words -- Many voters said they found it difficult to gauge WORDS' place in Al history so soon after its release. Nonetheless, Al's most recent studio album of 11 diverse songs led by 'Trains' did very, very well in the 1994 BOAP. All we can say is these better not be his last words. Rod Stewart should sound this good after 27 years in the biz.
Last Days of the Century -- Coming off a surprisingly strong showing in the 1992 BOAP. Many Al fans agree that this album is somewhat uneven compared to his earlier works, but where it's good it's very good. Placed three songs in the Top Twenty -- 'Where Are They Now', 'Fields Of France', and 'Antarctica' -- and a total of five in the Top Thirty.
Russians and Americans -- Like ORANGE, this is one you either love or hate. Despite an avalanche of 'Worst' votes, a sizeable contingent of Al fans enjoy its political lyrics, deep synths, and layered production. No matter what you think of it, you must admit it sounds nothing like any of Al's other works. Its leading song is 'Accident On Third Street', 22nd in the Song Poll despite a considerable number of Worst votes.
May I have the envelope please? Thank you. And the winnner is....
Ran neck-and-neck with FAMOUS LAST WORDS for most of December before pulling away at the end. RHYMES IN ROOMS was a disappointing fourth in this category after having finished tied for fifth _overall_ in 1992.
1994 ASML "BEST OF AL" POLL -- MODERN ALBUMS
-------VOTES------- ----POINTS----
# ALBUM #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 WO VOTES POS NEG TOT
1. Last Days...Century 6 3 4 2 6 3 21 112 -6 106
2. Famous Last Words 4 2 5 1 5 1 17 88 -2 86
3. Russians And Americans 0 3 9 2 0 5 14 71 -10 61
4. Rhymes In Rooms 1 2 3 3 1 0 10 50 0 50
5. Indian Summer 0 0 1 0 2 3 3 11 -6 5
Pollster's notes: Why so many people put RUSSIANS AND AMERICANS precisely third on their ballot is a mystery. We noticed an interesting trend among FAMOUS LAST WORDS voters - they tended to fill out the rest of their Top Five with albums from the Essential years. -NS
