American proto-punk from New York. I'm a bit surprised that I've never heard this band before to be honest. It bombed at the time, unsurprisingly, but it's full of raw energy and oblique humour. A bit too much lead guitar for what would later become punk rock.
My favourite of al the Springsteen albums, I think this one served him very well and rescued his career at the time. Fantastic songwriting throughout and the E Street Band really cooking.
Like a lot of blokes my age I had a teenage dalliance with punk rock, some of us stuck with it relentlessly, but I moved on after a while. So did the Stranglers. This album, and the Stranglers first three or four albums were a huge part of this youthful excitement, I played this album to death at the time. Fifty years later I still have the occasional listen and I pretty much still know all the words, even though I can't remember what I had for breakfast! Some big Stranglers tunes on this album, Go Buddy Go, Grip, Peaches, Hanging Around, all brilliant, but I also really like the opener Sometimes with Dave's flowery keyboard opening over a thundering rhythm and London Lady.
Those early Black Sabbath albums were a huge part of my teenage years, the sound is huge, raw and dripping with power. Ozzy, the untameable frontman, and the thundering energy created by Bill and Geezer, Tony's unmistakeable and unique riffs, together they created a sound that influenced hordes of heavy bands to come. I loved it then and I love it just as much now, almost fifty years later (for me that is). War Pigs, Iron Man and Electric Funeral are amongst their greatest ever album tracks. The title track, conceived at the time as a bit of a throwaway single, came to be one of the most recognised riffs in the history of metal. A five star album all day long.
There were a couple of years back in the '80s/'90s when we were really into this band. At the time it was a fresh, new, exciting sound. I remember we went to see them in Bristol, Bad Brains opened for them and were a bit crap.
It's been about 30 years since I listened to this but it's still a cracking rock album, even if it sounds a little dated now. 'Cult of personality' 'Open Letter (To A Landlord) and 'Funny Vibe' are some real bangers.
I much preferred this album to the previous P J Harvey album that came up in this list (whatever that was?). Stripped back alternative rock album, I can hear echoes of Siouxsie Sioux and Patti Smith here.
It's a break-up album, we've come to expect weirdness from Bjork over the years, this one is super-weird. Then again I'm pretty much OK with super-weird, have you seen my record collection? So I'm quite enjoying this today.
Nice to have some early Stones to kick off the day, most of my Stones collection is from the '70s. some bangers on here - Mother's Little Helper, Under My Thumb, Out of Time, great album.
Don't know much about the Youngbloods, never listened to any of their albums before today, but I'm really enjoying this one. psychedelic country rock, beautiful songs. I knew 'Darkness Darkness' from various cover versions.
What's The Story Morning Glory?: 1995. I've heard enough Oasis in my life without revisiting this parcel of odious drivel. Can't abide them, never could.
Pretty bog standard contemporary pop, such as you might hear piped over the speakers whilst wandering around Asda. Nothing remotely interesting or special about this album whatsoever.
Recorded live in a de-cluttered studio, this album captures something of the frenetic and unfettered energy that defined the Stooges. Extraordinarily influential on the punk scene that would develop a few years later.
OK it's got that song, with that riff, which was huge, aside from that I'm not really enjoying it. There's a Bacharach/David cover which is mildly interesting.
I had a listen to this on my phone this morning whilst I was out and about for an hour. dull, bland, indie pop, nothing even remotely interesting about it at all. Of course, you might love it....
Angry Young Men, I don't know what they're angry about but they're making a hell of a racket about it, whatever it is. I might have enjoyed this when I was fifteen, but it's doing my bonce in now.
The ever-shifting Bowie goes soul, this album was the first collab with Carlos Alomar and also sees Bowie working with Lennon on a couple of tracks. Not the Bowie album I reach for most often, but still a classic.
Landmark live jazz set from Bill's trio, this was Scott LaFaro's last recording (As far as I know), he was tragically killed a couple of weeks later. Scott's soloing on this recording is second to none.
I've never been able to stick REM to be honest. They've got plenty of fans out there so they don't really need me. I've listened to a few tracks here this morning and confirmed my indifference.
Pretty good bog standard American blues rock with plenty of swagger. Prior to this I've only heard the album they did with Jimmy Page, this is alright to listen to but not much to bring me back.
Two Who albums on the bounce! No complaints from me. Their classic rock opera album, I remember watching the film when I was very young and it made a big impression on me. I've got the super deluxe edition to listen to today so that'll keep me busy.
Classic debut from The Who, they owe a lot to that title track! I'm streaming this morning because it's one of the few Who albums I don't own, but I'm about to correct that oversight.
Having given up touring the Beatles moved into their second phase with Revolver, pulling off some incredible studio work with the limited technology of the day. Incorporating tape loops, reverse recording and Eastern instruments. A stellar album.
What a cracking way to start a Friday morning! led Zeppelin's only double album. In general I like their first two albums the most, but, of course, Led Zeppelin is led Zeppelin and at this time they were about the biggest band in the world. The band made use of a couple of earlier recorded tracks to complete the album, so it's a wonderful blend of styles. Bursting open with classic Zeppelin hard rock 'Custard Pie' and 'The Rover'. With heavy blues following on 'In My Time Of Dying'. 'Trampled Under Foot' and 'Bron-y-Aur' are epic Zeppelin too, but this album gives us one of my favourite Zeppelin tracks ever in the shape of 'Kashmir', the composition of this track, with that climbing guitar riff, is simply astonishing. I've got the three CD edition to have a listen to this morning so that will give me a very happy couple of hours.
How poignant it is that this album should come up the morning after we all learned of Dolly's passing. I'm not much of a country fan to be honest, but Dolly was a great entertainer and this album brings three great voices together in harmony. RIP Dolly.
Typical '80s British pop, sounds better now in retrospect than it did to my 19 year old ears, good songwriting, good arrangements, but not for me really. I'm letting it spin out though.
A beautiful album, for me this is peak Santana. Their arrangements of Black Magic Woman and Oye Cómo Va are amongst the most well-known Santana tracks and they sit alongside the original compositions perfectly.
An enjoyable and captivating album of Indian music with a hint of western instrumentation, the melodies are carried along beautifully by santoor (a type of hammered dulcimer), flute and slide guitar with complex tabla rhythms.
Possibly 10CC's finest album. imaginative and intricate songwriting, superbly crafted arrangements and harmony vocals. Some of their biggest successes were still ahead of them, but this is a cracking album.
Surprisingly good straight up hard rock album. Lots of over the top swagger and wotnot. I've not taken much notice of the Cult, and I probably still won't, but this is quite enjoyable.
The Seldom Seen Kid: 2008. I don't really get the hype about Elbow, I mean they're pretty good but not remarkable. I bought this in a charity shop and this is probably the third time I've played it, might take out back there.
Classic metal album, helped to establish Maiden as one of the leading bands of the genre, some classic IM material on this album that has stuck with them over the last forty years. NOTB, Run To the Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name.
I've heard good things about this band, but never listened to them before. Enjoying it so far, I like the vocal harmonies and the quaint but curious songwriting.
Why on Earth are there five Sonic Youth albums in this book? This is the third one I've been asked to endure and it's equally as dire as the last two. Gave up.
Straight up, no-nonsense country album, losing your woman, getting drunk, going to prison, going on the run, all to the accompaniment of steel guitar. quite listenable.
Psychedelic folk is it? OK whatever.... Pretty good guitar in all honesty, his voice is nothing remarkable, slightly annoying, but I'm sticking it out. It's a bit like the offcuts of a Tyrannosaurus rex or Donovan album, but not as good. Not as terrible as some of the reviews on here would suggest, but then again I don't mind things that are a little weird.
The Byrds debut album opens with probably their best-known track and establishes their jangly 12-string sound with beautifully constructed harmonies, they did love to cover Dylan, four of his songs on this album. The success of the title track as a single served them well and they went on to release several great albums, through various line-ups.
Best Deep Purple album ever?... Maybe.... My personal preference is for In Rock, but both represent the band at their creative best and this MH has some real classics. Side 2 is especially good. I've got the 25th anniversary edition to listen to today, 2 different mixes of the album and a couple of bonus tracks. I can't really tell the difference between the two mixes but the album always bears repeating so I'm happy.
I saw this band play once in the Legendary TJ's here in Newport, I remember thinking they were pretty good, but never thought about them again until today. Wikipedia describes their sound as 'post-hardcore', Funny as I was just musing about how adding the prefix 'post' to a genre makes it sound a little more intriguing and intelligent. Anyway, regardless of that, the album is pretty good, slow, but driving and heavy, flavours of the Velvet Underground maybe?
I don't mind a bit of Zappa now and then if I'm in the right mood, musically he was a genius, but his lyrics can be a bit grating sometimes... quite often actually.
Solid energetic hardcore punk, I haven't heard this before but it's pretty convincing, apparently one of these blokes went on to be a Foo Fighter, so that's nice for him I guess.
This album is for somebody, I don't know who? It's certainly not me, I sampled a few tracks and couldn't even get to the end of a single song. Gave up.
More Americana/new country, much like all the other artists in the book in this genre there is not much to lift this album above its piers. It's OK but nothing special, I shan't be back.
A legendary blues set from B B King, this and Cook County Jail are essential albums in any blues collection, the band is on fire throughout the set and King's unmistakeable guitar style is as beautiful and subtle as ever.
Bog standard 80s synth-pop. I think the only Heaven 17 song I know is Temptation and that's not on this album. The lead single We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang, is a familiar title, but I don't recall ever hearing it before. Nothing special, hasn't aged well.
Well, this is really interesting, a 1970s songwriter that I have never come across until today. Great piano player and a deep, melodic voice. It seems he toured opening for Elton John, resulting in Bernie Taupin producing the album. Great songwriting with folk, gospel and musical theatre influences mixed in.
I've listened to this album a few times recently and then it's popped up on here this morning, no worries, it's an album I love. I still think Sultans was the best song they ever recorded, we were in school when it was released and we fell in love with it. At the time Knopfler's guitar styler was so different to what the other guys were doing. Intricate yet
subtle infills responding to the introspective story-telling of the lyrics. They went on to become huge of course, but I still love their roots.
@1001albumsgen.bsky.social you have been kind to me for day 200! One of my favourite albums of my whole life! The first time I heard that opening riff I was hooked, beautifully crafted prog rock, intricate melodies and biting social commentary. It was the first Tull album I ever heard, although I had a couple of singles before that. I became a great fan and have a great Tull collection. The structure and flow of the album take the listener on a journey, although Anderson always said it wasn't supposed to be a concept album, but it comes across very much in that vein. Homelessness and societal problems are served up alongside a critical view of organised religion. Hard to pick a favourite track because the whole album is, to me , faultless. locomotive Breath, of course, has become a live favourite, alongside the title track. I've always loved Hymn 43. I've got an excuse now to play the big box version today, diving in now... Hard to believe that there is only one Jethro Tull album in this book, but it's subjective I guess.
Donovan's folky meanderings take on a more psychedelic flavour from here on in, with some eastern influences and an electric band on some of the tracks. Season of The Witch has always been my favourite Donovan song.
classic 80s pop, more of a testament to Trevor Horn's production than to the band themselves who, as I understand it, hardly played a note on the album. Not my scene really but it holds up pretty well forty years later. For the prog fans, a little trivia - Steve Howe plays acoustic guitar on the title track
Sometimes championed by the prog-rock arena but not a band that I've really gotten into. The album does have some clear prog influences in its complex rhythms and passages, and in its cocktail of other sounds which blend together into something original. I enjoyed this more than Frances The Mute, the only TMV album I own.
Never really got into the bloke. This is the only album I'm even vaguely familiar with, some interesting ideas and influences, it's an OK listen but nothing special for me.
Heavy and uncomplicated post punk from a band who went on to become a major influence on some of the biggest heavy bands from the 90s and 00s. it's simple, no-nonsense approach is its most appealing asset, although it does start to grind a bit...
Jangly guitars and darkly gruff vocals abound, as good a slice of British post-punk meanderings as any of its contemporaries. I confess that before this I've only really ever heard the single Pretty In Pink and it transpires that the chart single was a later re-recorded version for the film soundtrack.
This is way too old school country for me, I can feel my teeth falling out as I listen. I'm not going to get through the whole two hours of this, but I'm giving it a bash at least.
Debut album from a band that went on to be huge. Great songwriting from Tom. Some great singles here that went on to be Petty Classics, 'Breakdown', 'Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll' and 'American Girl'.
I dont know Piazolla, bur I do know some of Gary Burton's work. This album features some great musicianship from a live performance at Montreal, but it's not a particularly exciting listen.
The Clash have grown up a lot with this album. It's a more intelligent and expansive sound, but retains some.of their youthful exuberance and angst. They never matched this album in their all too short career.
I've always thought this was Jimi's best and most powerful album. Perfectly encapsulating his wild guitar antics, Foxy Lady, Red House & 3rd Stone are favourites. Streaming UK version this morning from my holiday home.
Never listened to Spiritualised before today, but I'm quite enjoying this. An underlying cocktail of psychedelia, prog and space rock, and yet a vey 90's club sounding album. Guests include Dr John, BJ Cole and the LCGC.
Utter drivel! There's almost three hours of this banal, meaningless slush to sit through, I've got more important things to do. I got to track 6 and had to stop before my brain died.
Kraftwerk's classic 1978 album, that gave them a number one single and brought them a wider audience. Perfectly crafted electronic artworks, catchy and danceable, yet at the same time clinical and robotic. The inspiration for a lot that was to follow.
The trouble with all these new country albums, for me at least, is that there is nothing to mark one apart from the other. They melt into one another, as indistinguishable as a teaspoon of lukewarm water in an ocean of blandness. I listened to a few tracks to make sure I was right... I was.
Classic 70s live album, it brought the band to a much wider audience. I remember that we were fascinated with Rick Nielsen's five neck guitar! It's been decades since I heard this so I'm enjoying it's fun hard rock vibes this morning
Interesting to read about the formation of this band after their exile from their homeland of Mali. It's a union of African vocals and American blues guitar. Great album, I'd love to see this band live.
I joined this app to broaden my listening spectrum and this album is certainly doing that! The world's best selling salsa album has passed me by for the past 62 years. As has the artist. It's interesting listening, bubbling rhythm section and good horn arrangements. I enjoyed Pedro Navaja with its Mac The Knife vibe.
Echoes of the Velvet Underground and the Doors from this seminal proto-punk band, originally recorded in 1971/2 but it didn't see the light of day until a few years later. a simplistic and uncluttered sound, easy to hear how this influenced the early punk movement.
Ah the Bunnymen, with their sparseness and petulant dark delivery. I was never really into this kind of post-punk meandering, but listening this morning it's ok.
A slice of contemporary Americana to start the day, pleasant enough listening but pretty much void of anything that would ever bring me back to it. Mostly Harmless as Douglas Adams would say. I did listen all the way through, which I can't always bring myself to do on this app
The news of Bowie's death two days after this release brought a tragic poignancy to the listener experience at the time. Ten years later this remains one of the best albums of his later years.
Some of my friends tell me this is their favourite NY album, so I have to confess that today is the first time I've heard it all the way through. Very enjoyable as expected. I will order a copy later.
Classic soul album, Redding's powerful and emotional delivery, combined with the solid groove of the backing musicians created something timeless and stirring.
back from the army that is, after having completed his two year draft. A mixed bag of styles on this album, rock n roll, pop ballads, a cover of 'Fever', but it's a good vocal showcase.
90s rave culture - pass my baggy jeans and glow sticks - or don't! It's not for me thanks, I was busy not being a knobhead. I am giving it a listen, but it's not helping.
Continuing the heavy doom of Master of Reality, Vol. 4 is a hugely influential album for metal to come, supremely powerful and loaded with classic Iommi riffs. Some coke might have been involved...
Chvrches name David Bowie, Tangerine Dream and Eno amongst their myriad influences, so I ought to give them a chance really, listening to this album of radio friendly electro-pop, it's all a bit too twee really though, I doubt I'll make it through the whole album.
Superb album. Most seem to think it's a breakup album, documenting his disintegrating marriage at the time, Dylan himself has always hung a question mark over that interpretation, nevertheless it's one of my favourite Dylan albums.
A stellar album, after their early and more experimental albums (which are also brilliant btw), Kraftwerk have now fully embraced both the sound and the image that would define them. Autobahn is an electronic classic, an album that would influence so much of what was to follow. Sadly I was unable to get tickets for the recent UK tour, a friend went to the Royal Albert Hall and tells me that it was a superb evening.
Not the kind of album I would have expected to hear from Country rebel Willie Nelson, a set of jazz standards, beautifully arranged to showcase his voice which, it turns out, is well suited to the style. The album was a big success at the time, but it passed me by.
Much of the Prog Rock crowd would call themselves Radiohead fans - not me, I can't get into them at all. This, their seventh album, is equally as unappealing as the previous six. bland, monotonous and miserable. Not quite one star level, I'll give it a two.
A classic of the country rock genre. The Byrds were well established and successful by 1968, but had been through several changes of personnel and style. Gram Parsons is in now and the sound has taken in a lot more country influences. I've got the Legacy Edition here to listen to so that'll keep me busy for a couple of hours.
Buckley's hypnotic vocal style pulls you in to this album, a well crafted set of psychedelia-tinged folk songs and protests. I haven't listened to Tim often, but he's always hanging about in the background, nagging at me to give him a bit more time.
A hugely successful album for Simon, an eclectic mix of South African musicianship with western songwriting and guest artist including Linda Ronstadt and the Everley Brothers. The album spawned a number of big hit singles, including You Can Call Me Al with the memorable Chevy Chase video. It was surrounded by a whole lot of political debate about whether he should have gone to South Africa during the time of apartheid and whether he should have tackled South Africa's problems in the songwriting. But I'm not getting into that here. It remains a memorable album with classic hooks and Bakithi Kumalo's bubbling bass, especially on You Can Call Me Al, is fantastic.
There was a time in the 90s when South Wales was the place to be for upcoming bands. Manics, Catatonia, Gorkys etc.... SFA were in the midst of this, of course it didn't last, the music world is far too fickle these days. Being a Newportonian myself it was quite interesting at the time. With this album the Furries found a major label and a period of success. The album draws on lots of influences and is probably worth a listen if you've got time..... or not..... whatever.
This is my favourite Grateful Dead album, although I only own a small selection. A classic from an American legend, their blend of folk, rock and country elements, I love Friend of The Devil, Sugar Magnolia and Truckin'.
Come On Eileen was a huge hit when I was 18, played in every pub and disco endlessly, a great song if you're a teenager and you're hammered. I still love to hear it on the radio to this day, Jackie Wilson was another huge hit, but I don't think I've ever listened to the whole album before. Good soul songs, with great strings and horns. It's only a week since this app threw up the Dexy's debut album for me and I'll reiterate what I said there - can't make out much of the lyrics Kevin, what are you singing about?
One of their finest albums in my view, the opening three tracks are classic early era ZZ Top, long before their MTV reinvention. The single La Grange is a belter.
I'm not much of a metal head these days, not like I was in my youth, but there are some classic acts I've hung on to and I still have a handful of Judas Priest albums, this is a classic of the genre, an inspiration for a lot that was to follow. Three huge singles that everybody can sing along with, 'Breaking The Law', 'United' and 'Living After Midnight', classic twin guitars throughout. Digital sampling was yet to come in 1980 so there are some old school recording techniques used to get the sounds of 'metal', including dropping a tray of cutlery on the floor. Must have album in any metal collection.
Great soulful blues album, Joplin had such an expressive voice and powerful delivery, released posthumously, just after she became one of the founding members of the 27 club. If you're unfamiliar with the album you will have heard 'Cry Baby' on that perfume ad with 'er off Star Wars
Very much does what it says on the tin, American folk tales of the Wild West, delivered in the classic singing cowboy style, a little twee, but nevertheless very enjoyable.
I remember I was impressed with the lead single back when I was in the Fifth Form. Couldn't understand a word he was singing though! Diction Kevin, diction. good soul sounds though.
A strong and obvious Velvet Underground influence to this album, which makes it slightly more interesting than I was expecting it to be, elements of grunge and punk too bubbling along quite nicely through the tracks. on the whole it's.... ok, at least I got through the whole album. The cover is bloody awful, even Spinal Tap wouldn't sink this low!.
Edwyn Collins and his mates with their bog standard bland and inoffensive 80s pop. The lead single is quite catchy, but the album as a whole is not particularly memorable.
A band I've never really taken any notice of to be honest. having a go this morning though. I'm finding it dull and uninspiring, can't see me getting through all ten tracks....
I only know the singles from this album, it's a good listen though. I remember having their early punk singles as a teenager in the 70s. This album shows a bit more maturity in their sound, complex guitar and rhythm parts.
Mk II Purple on the top of their game here, a true classic live double. Child In Time has always been my favourite DP track, beautiful version here, and the epic Space Truckin' jam. Numerous different releases out there, has anyone got the massive box set?
Unable to listen today as we are on holiday and there is no phone signal here. However, I love this album, it's an absolute classic. I remember hearing it for the first time almost fifty years ago. A friend in our youth club had the original die cut album sleeve that folded into a school desk. This and BDB are my favourite Alice albums
Embracing more traditional sounds with this album the Waterboys took almost two years to finish the album and recorded a vast amount of material. I used to own a CD of this back in the day but haven't heard it for decades, good album.
Great songwriting and vocals from the Carpenters, a little twee perhaps, but the songs are so memorable. Although Richard was an accomplished writer the album is almost entirely covers, but it gave them their big commercial break.
it's another American alternative rock band from the '90s. The layered guitars are mildly interesting, but on the whole I'm finding there's not enough about it to keep me engaged.
The last Sonic Youth album I listened to here was pretty dire, this one is equally uninspiring. Duller than a bus timetable pasted on the outside wall of a public toilet. Stuck it out for four songs.
Another album that I bought on vinyl as a teenager, played it to death and loved it. I'm not much of a metalhead these days, but Motörhead were always a great live band, delivering top notch rock 'n' roll and this album is a perfect testament to their no nonsense, all guns blazing approach.
My favourite Alice Cooper album, I think it's perfect. I remember the first time I heard it as a teenager, one of the older lads had the original vinyl copy with the die cut sleeve in the form of baseball cards and the billion dollar note. I bought it shortly after that but had to make do with a standard gatefold. Like mist of the AC albums, this explores the horrors of the human psyche, nothing is off the table with classic Alice tracks including I Love The Dead, Sick Things and No More Mr Nice Guy. Donovan is the guest vocalist on the title track too. Anyway, I've been prompted today to order the 2CD version with a live set from the same era.
I've heard a lot about this band over the years but never listened until today. Heavily industrial, with obvious influences from the Krautrock bands of the '70s, especially NEU! I'm enjoying it
What a splendid album to start the day with! And it's my birthday too! First of a run of three perfect Yes albums, my favourite era from my favourite band. First one for Steve Howe, who gave us all The Clap with this one (just read that back.... I think it's OK!). Last one for Tony Kaye until his return for 90125. Much of this album became standard live Yes material for the rest of their career (and still is). Chris Squire's thundering Rickenbacker stamps its signature tone all over these classic tracks. I just think it's a perfect album. This won't be a surprise to anyone who follows my social media meanderings.
A classic, by the time of its release CCR had established themselves as swamp rock giants and this album was a huge success, spawning a number of big singles. Run Through The Jungle and Up Around The Bend are favourites.
Faultless! by this time Becker and Fagen had already started to dissolve the original band and use session musicians in the studio, the original members were used for some parts but the die was cast for the future. The opener, Rikki, is one of the most iconic and successful SD singles, but this is a great album all round, Any Major Dude and Barrytown are highlights for me and East St Louis Toodle-oo and Parker's Band both give a sizeable nod to classic jazz.
Great vocalist of course, although I confess I haven't listened to his solo albums much. The single 'Jackie' is familiar, mostly covers on this album but worth a listen. 'Next' was more familiar to me from the Alex Harvey version.
I owned a copy of this as a teenager, late '70s. Enjoyed it a lot at the time but haven't heard it for 45 + years. Quite enjoying revisiting it today. Aside from the Kinks cover David Watts and the iconic Tube Station my favourite song at the time was A Bomb In Wardour Street.
yet another American punk rock album, I've had too many of these recently. 45 tracks in 81 minutes. I'm having a listen but it's all a bit mundane so far.
About time a truly classic prog rock album came up in this thread. For their second album ELP chose to present a live interpretation of Mussorgsky's late nineteenth century piano suite. A bold move maybe, but they were ELP, a genre defining supergroup, and it was 1971 so they could do whatever they wanted! it's an album I've always loved, a bold interpretation of what was already a striking composition. They went on to make some epic records, (and at least one really dodgy one). ELP and other prog bands were also a gateway into a lot of classical music for me.
My dad used to have this album when I was a kid and I listened to it a lot. This was the album where they really defined their chart-happy glam rock sound, a formula which worked well for them. Gudbuy T'Jane & Mama Weer All Crazee Now are classic Slade.
Cool and funky, with those classic choppy guitar riffs and bubbling bass lines from the Funk Brothers. Smooth harmonies and lead vocals delivered with conviction. 'Runaway Child Running Wild' is epic.
I own this album but have never really given it the time it deserves. In truth this is a real highlight of Bob's later years. Daniel Lanois production brings a complimentary ambient air. 'Love Sick', Standing In The Doorway' and the epic closer 'Highlands' are peak Dylan. And it gave Adele a number one song.
This whole album is only 15 minutes long, which is about the best thing about it! American hardcore punk, I probably would have liked it when I was 14, but left that world behind almost 50 years ago
Seminal jazz album. Released in 1957, but the recordings are from 1949/1950. It's the earliest Miles album I own, I've got the 'Complete' edition ion CD, which is the way to go if you're interested. Get this album and be cool like Miles.
Classic folk-rock psychedelia album. Best known for Eight Miles High, banned by many radio stations of the day because they suspected it was about drug use (they were right!). An eclectic blend of traditional tunes and their own songwriting. Recommended listening.
Another banger from Neil Young, I really love his early albums. Side 1 of this album is particularly epic, especially the title track and the ranting polemic of Southern Man.
A lot of epic late Beatles on this album, and a few fillers of course. Overall though I've always really loved it. Favourites are probably Blackbird and While My Guitar, both of which are certainly pointing towards their imminent solo careers. I've got the 3CD issue with the Esher Demos, the latter are pretty ropey to be honest
beautiful folk-rock classic to start my day today, probably their finest album. I love Thompson's double bass in this band, his jazz flavours gave them something of an individual sound.
Pioneering industrial band, I've been looking forward to this one, because I've never sat and listened to them before.... so far so good... Interestingly this album has the dubious honour of being the lowest rated album on the whole of the 1001 project. I'll be scoring it a 4 today so maybe that will help it off the bottom slot.
Classic album from the iconic Lou Reed. From the opening Vicious, through the classics Perfect Day, Walk On The Wild Side, Satellite Of Love. great production from Bowie and Ronson, a milestone of the genre.
Much more commercial than his first four self-titled albums, nevertheless So remains a classic. Gabriel's typical blend of musical influences from around the globe and the production of Daniel Lanois combine to create an artistic yet accessible album with a wide appeal. Some huge singles on this album, but I think my favourite track is probably Mercy Street
The start of a great career, this understated, grass-roots album introduced the world (or a very small part of it) to this genius folk guitarist. Includes the chilling 'Needle Of Death'.
I mean.... come on...... it's not for me is it! I had a quick spin through a couple of tracks, shan't be back. I did have a quick listen to the track Outré Risqué Locomotive, in case it was about a steam train 🤣
Renowned as a classic groundbreaking album, well, yeah, I guess. Haven't heard it for ages, having lost my copy, but enjoying a nostalgic revisit today. Might rebuy it.
I'm surprised I've never heard this band before. folky psychedelia out of 60s San Francisco. Ethereal storytelling in the lyrics, simple acoustic arrangements with a little supporting orchestration, quite a pleasant listen.
I've only got a couple of his albums, but this is my favourite, an exploration of performance in the studio without any real boundaries placed on the musicians, a blend of jazz, folk and expressive poetry, beautiful.
Roots in nu-metal I guess, I've heard of this band but never listened. This is pretty good, got some good grooves and more subtlety than a lot of their contemporaries, elements of funk and hip hop. not too onerous a listen
never heard this band before. Melancholic lo-fi country tunes, it's pleasant enough in a miserable sort of way. After a few tracks though, it just gets a bit too whiney, like a drunken relative at a wedding reception. You want to get away from them, but you can't...
I've always enjoyed listening to the odd Foo Fighters song when it comes on the radio, but not so much that I've wanted to buy their albums. This first album is all Dave Grohl, before the band. It's good, post-grunge rock, but I still don't want to buy the albums.
This is a great discovery. Smith's soloing at the Hammond is effortlessly beautiful, smooth and cool, like a summer cocktail, a sublime jazz quartet with Stanley Turrentine: sax, Kenny Burrell: guitar and Donald Bailey: drums.
Never listened to them before, the sound is melancholic and multi-layered, quite enjoyable on the whole. M62 song is adapted from King Crimson's Moonchild, so probably the most interesting track on the album for me.
Iconic band of course, I only ever owned All Mod Cons back in the day so it's good to hear this today, Two great singles, Start and That's Entertainment, but there's a lot of other cracking material to explore here too.
A beautiful album, perfectly mixes experimental music with a dash of commerciality to give it mass appeal. Eno's last one with the band. Ferry's melancholic vocal delivery, coupled with some properly creepy lyrics make this a compelling listen. In Every Dream Home A Heartache is my favourite RM track. Do The Strand failed to dent the charts at the time but has since become one of their most recognised tracks. The eeriness continues through The Bogus Man and the closing title track. Essential album in any collection
It's a classic isn't it? Well, yeah I guess so, it's just that Todd Rundgren has largely passed me by over the last fifty odd years. I've listened to it a few times in the past, and it is very good, it just doesn't quite grab me in the way it's probably supposed to. having another listen this morning anyway.
Classic and essential fusion album. Four drop-dead bangers on this album, not a duff phrase to be heard anywhere. That riff that runs through Chameleon just gets in your head, I won't be able to unheard it all day now!
..... "Judas!".... One acoustic set, well received, one electric set... not so much. Apparently this album is actually from the infamous Manchester Free trade Hall. Interesting to listen back and see how it was received
A melancholy, acoustic album of break-up songs, a change of direction for Beck at the time, or so it seems, I don't know because I've never really listened to him. Anyway it's a pleasant enough listen.
Peak era Rush. The opening epic saga is one of their greatest achievements, this is the one where they really found their form. I;ve often said I prefer '70s rush to later albums, this, along with the next two albums, is exactly why. Side 2 is a near perfect collection of their short form songwriting, especially A Passage To Bangkok and Something For Nothing, both of which were live standards for the next few decades.
Another new name to me, trippy acid jazz, lots of vocal samples and endlessly repeated loops, it's not bad, I'm giving it a go, but probably not for me really. I listened to about half of it in the end.
I don't know much about this band but I think I might have seen them opening for Living Colour in Bristol in the 90s. Punk rock with elements of metal, reggae and funk. I wasn't holding out a lot of hope for this when it came up this morning, but it's not bad to be honest
and so I find myself listening to Radiohead once again, trying to find something interesting about it, and failing. Sure, it's musically and technically competent and well produced, but I just don't find any inspiration in the band. Lots of Radiohead fans in the Prog Rock community, but not me. Widely cited as one of the greatest albums of contemporary times, I did buy it but it went to the chazza a while back. Enigmatic and inspiring, or pretentious and flat? Your choice.
The first time I heard the title track of this album, when I was a teenager, I was absolutely stunned by its sheer brilliance, a true epic of psychedelia. Side 1 of the album is a little more twee, delving into flower-power a bit too much, but still a classic album I wouldn't be without.
Absolutely beautiful album. Buckley uses his extensive vocal reach to its full potential and he has the ability to stretch out those vocals almost endlessly, rising and falling like a stormy tide. He wrote beautifully turbulent love songs and the arrangements and musicianship build on the tension of the lyrics. The covers of Lilac Wine and Hallelujah are spectacular, I prefer Jeff's version of Hallelujah to Leonard's (sorry Leonard). 5 stars all day long.
Talented guy, multi-instrumentalist, the Prince influence is blaring out there, but on the whole this is not for me thanks, I gave it a few tracks, and gave up.
Great soul singer, Solomon Burke probably deserved more recognition and success than he got. Just been reading about his life, 4 marriages, 21 kids, it seems he lived his life to the full!
What a stellar album! Bowie's first studio album for about a decade and for me his best since Scary Monsters. Great musicians all across this album including Tony Levin, Gail Ann Dorsey, David Torn, Earl Slick and many more. Five stars all day long.
I Like Neil's work a lot, although I've only got a handful of his albums. Not heard this one before but I'm enjoying it. it has a raw, unpolished feel that gives it some authenticity. I've ordered the CD for my collection
Hugely successful, Mercury Prize winning album.... apparently.... I'm giving it a go but finding it pretty dull to be honest. The autoharp is nice though.
I've never really listened to this band, despite their reputation. So this is interesting, Deeply introspective and mournful songs. Cave's son had died a few years before the release and his grief comes across through the album. Certainly worth a listen.
New name to me: Australian grungy alternative band, heavily influenced by Nirvana and with a hint of old school punk. Choppy and frenetic guitar riffs abound. Not bad.
I bought this album in '79, in the original fold-out sleeve, I bet that would be worth a fortune now, if I still had it! Great to hear it again after all these years. A more mature sound than his previous albums, some great singles.
Bangin' '90s Acid House is a bit much for my tender ears first thing on a Saturday morning to be honest, but I've got it on quietly in the background and it's pleasant enough.
I've often wondered what this band sounds like.... edgy American punk with great driving bass riffs, the band are supremely tight and crisp, not full-on hardcore, rather this takes influences from hard rock and reggae, a little subtlety, but not too much.
Very interesting album, this is why I joined the project, there's no way I would have listened to an album like this on any other day, but it's fascinating world music. the hypnotic rhythmic patterns and call and response vocals are quite captivating.
I don't know anything about the Triffids, other than what I just read on Wikipedia. Laid back alternative rock, pleasant enough but pretty dull. Gave up after six tracks
I've never had any time for The Smiths and Morrisey is such a pompous arse that I'm not holding out much hope for this, but I'm giving it a go anyway. After listening, not entirely as terrible as I was expecting, but chances of a visit are minimal.
Prince , of course, was a phenomenal musician and songwriter, taking elements of rock, funk and disco and blending them together into his own thing. I love to watch him play guitar, because when he wanted to rock out he pulls all the stops. This is one of his best known albums and it still stands up well over 40 years later. Sadly Prince was one of the 2016 gang, passing over too soon.
Entirely new to me and I can only find about half of the album on YouTube, but enough to give me a good flavour. Beautiful laid back Bossa Nova album, lovely way to start a Saturday morning.
Classic American punk band that I have largely ignored until now. This was their break-up album but I'm quite enjoying it so far. Well-crafted songwriting, by this time their sound had matured and was less abrasive than their earlier material, whether or not that's a good thing is up to the listener I guess.
Beautiful debut album from the Velvets. It's abrasive and angry, its subject matter of drug culture and overt sexuality are deliberately provocative, it's an anti-culture classic. My favourite tracks are Venus In Furs and I'm Waiting For The Man. Fantastic album, with more classics yet to come from this band.
Undoubtedly one of Eric's finest musical hours. A brilliant collaboration of musicians with some fantastic work from Duane Allman, some real Clapton classics on here, amazing musicianship and songwriting. There are numerous reissues of the album of course, including a massive box set with 7 CDs, a DVD and a double vinyl, if you can find one (and afford it). I've got the 2CD 2011 edition and that will do me nicely for this morning.
Absolutely one of the greatest pieces of music ever put to record. Groundbreaking, genre-defining, boundary smashing prog rock. After a short preamble that opening riff kicks in and the world is changed forever. I've got four different mixes of this album amidst a huge KC collection. Today you've given me an excuse to play all four. Apologies for the sycophantic riffing, carry on with your day. ;0)
Another Primal Scream album. Typical 90s house/dub/whatever. I guess they were one of the pioneers of the genre. a host of influences; psychedelia, reggae, punk, jazz, disco, gospel. Works quite well in this genre, but not appealing to me really. Two Primal Scream albums in a week, but I suppose that proves this is a random generator. Anyway, there are no more in the book so I should be safe now. ;0). Update, I stuck it out for 9 of the 11 tracks before I got bored off my tits
A new name to me and I was pleased to discover he's still alive. American folk in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, great folk guitar style, no embellishments, typical lyrical subject matter, quite an enjoyable listen.
I used to own this CD but it's long since been traded in, nevertheless a good quality rock album with elements of metal and funk. Fairly typical of its era, sounds a bit dated now.
Debut album from a band I probably should have taken more notice of over the years. Energetic post-punk songs with an undercurrent of screeching, whistling, howling keyboards that wouldn't sound out of place on a Hawkwind album. I enjoyed it.
I went to see them once, in Cardiff Uni, when they had that hit single, not a bad show but that was the beginning and end of my interest to be honest. This album is OK but a bit dull.
Probably their best album, The Faces laid-back style of blues rock is as comfortable as an old pair of slippers. I believe their vocalist did alright for himself after this.
Former Buzzcock Howard Devoto released several albums with his post-punk outfit Magazine, this is the first and the only one I'm familiar with. The single 'Shot By Both Sides' is a classic of the era, with its instantly recognisable guitar riff. Devoto's vocals have mix of anger and self-righteousness typical of original punks, it's a great album still sounding good decades later.
For me this album has always sat in the shadow of its follow-up, BOTW. But Bookends was a hugely successful album with some beautiful songwriting and performance, America and Mrs Robinson are my favourites here.
The only Primal Scream I've come across before is the Screamadelica album and the single 'Rocks'. Jumping into this one now, it has an unexpected complex, multi-layered sound. Ambient with echoes of krautrock.
I've never consciously listened to Sonic Youth, I probably won't again. The guitars are pleasant enough but aside from that this is as interesting as my grandmother's wallpaper.
I know it's cheesy but I have fond memories of this album from my schooldays, we loved it when it first came out so I've still got a soft spot for it to be honest.
I remember listening to a bit of Sepultura in the 90s. But these days it's far too heavy for my tastes and I can't get on with the Cookie Monster vocals, but it is a highly competent thrash album with a complex set of sounds and influences. Not sure I'll get all the way through it though... I gave it about five tracks in the end and then I couldn't cope with it any longer
Zorn aggressively approaches Ornette Coleman with hyper-fast, two minute thrash/jazz interpretations. It's wild, chaotic, sticking up two fingers to jazz purists, I'm enjoying it 🤣
February is off to a really good start with this Neil Young classic, the first of his albums I ever owned, bought on cassette in my schooldays, late 70s. No filler here, it's a stunning album from the opener Cinammon Girl through to Cowgirl In The Sand.
Another new one to me, a minimalist approach to their music with echoes of 80s electronica and, I can hear at least, a Brian Eno influence, from his early solo songs. not bad.
At last! A 'proper' jazz album, a month in and this is the first one that's come up. I dont own this one, so diving in with great expectations. Mostly Brazilian Bossa Nova compositions, one by Byrd, all arranged by Getz.
Spearheading the Two Tone movement of the early 80s, lots of great songwriting and a bit more adventurous than some of their contemporaries, I was never a two tone boy at school, no Harrington jacket or Fred Perry shirt for me thanks, but you have to acknowledge they wrote some great hits.
My son used to listen to to these a lot when eh was a teenager, always blasting out of his bedroom at ridiculous levels. I'm still traumatised, giving it a go but I don't think I can stick it out...
Update - I gave up after two songs
The second JM album I've had this month, no complaints from me about that. This was probably the first JM album I ever heard, at a school friend's house, late 70s. it's beautiful album with a stellar line-up
Latvian avant-garde/industrial/experimental band, never heard of them but it should be right up my street, right? Diving in. Sounds like they influenced Rammstein and Saviour Machine, they seem to be making a political statement, but what is it...?
A band I probably should have paid a bit more attention to at some point, I hear a lot of good things about them but I've never really found the time for them. This debut album is proper old school punk rock, energetic and angry.
This was the first Bowie album I ever bought and it's still my favourite. Strangely I wasn't really a big fan until after his death, but since that time I've been a convert and collected most of his albums. This band, with Mick, Trevor and Woody, were a really special unit, epitomising the glam rock excess of the early 70s. The whole concept of the Ziggy story and image spoke to a broad audience, with a particular call to those who may have thought themselves to be misfits in some way. Ziggy is a true 70s classic, but it's also ageless.
Good result today, I absolutely love this album. I've got the 40th anniversary edition, which includes the 1969 concert plus a DVD with two films. Just the album this morning though... Aside from the title track the big numbers here, of course, are Cecilia and The Boxer, but there's no filler on this album.
Never heard this band before, but I quite like the art rock sound they are creating here. I can hear some 60s psychedelic pop influences, especially in the vocal harmonies. It's quite simplistic, but fairly listenable.
I've never really listened to them, except for that one that's always on the flippin' radio. Going in... , listened to most of it, couldn't;t quite stick it out till the end, it started to get on my nerves.
Joni's third album is often thought of as one of her finest, it's stripped back, bare sound draw attention to the deeply personal lyrics. I don't have this on CD, so I've ordered one today
Completely new to me, the soundtrack to an imaginary film. Barry has excellent heritage with Magazine, Nick Cave, etc, but this is a different beast altogether. Complex and intriguing, I loved it.
I've never consciously listened to Goldfrapp, so this is interesting. I get the impression that this album might not be typical of their other work? It's pretty mellow. I enjoyed the Happiness video
The third Sparks album, kicks off with their most famous song. Sparks are a band I don't listen to often, even though I've got a few of their albums, maybe I should pay them a bit more attention. I'll do that today at least.
Lennon's first solo album, a stripped back three piece band with Ringo and Klaus Voormann. In school I remember we loved Working Class Hero because of the swearing. A very good album, full of self-examination. Lennon's first solo album, a stripped back three piece band with Ringo and Klaus Voormann. In school I remember we loved Working Class Hero because of the swearing. A very good album, full of self-examination.
I mean it's a classic 80's pop album isn't it, but... you know.... meh! I just watched the video for The Way You Make Me Feel and I'd like to know why that woman is not running away screaming!
This is exactly why I started this project, to hear weird and wonderful stuff like this! Funky bongo covers of the Shadows and Iron Butterfly. Great start to a Sunday morning.
This is a really interesting listen, good old fashioned American Garage pop. Not well known here in the UK, the album is most notable for I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone, although it's not their composition, it was a hit for the Monkees and later covered by the Sex Pistols.
What an absolute banger. Bodhisattva is one of my favourite SD tracks, Show Biz Kids and My Old School are classic Dan. I couldn't give any of their 70s output less than five stars and this gives me an excuse to play some more today.
His first solo album after the White Stripes. I've never heard it before today, there's nothing particularly special about it, but some good musicianship hiding in there somewhere
Another band that I have heard of, but never actually listened to a single note, which is pretty much the point in this exercise I guess, listening to the album today, it's pretty good indie rock, but I'm not enjoying it much really.
Until this moment I've never heard of the bloke, apparently an American rapper. I'll listen to a couple of tracks but I'm guessing it's not for me really....... Nope!
I've heard of the band before but never listened to them, so streaming today via YouTube. Seems like fairly typical late American punk, attacking the evils of society with angst-packed fervour. I've taken an immediate dislike to the drum machine, but aside from that it's OK. Reading the reviews on here it seems very much a Marmite album, scoring either 1 or 5. I've given it a 3
A real classic, Jeff's first solo album post Yardbirds, heavily featuring Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, this is a great heavy blues-rock album. I've got the expanded CD reissue to listen to today, lots of bonus tracks.
Only three days into this project and it's thrown up my all time favourite Traffic album, a band that I love dearly and this album is five stars all the way. After the short lived Blind Faith project Steve Winwood pulled two out of the three other members of traffic back in to reform the band. A classic slice of 70's prog blending jazz, folk and blues seamlessly. The traditional title track has been arranged and recorded by numerous acts, this is one of the finest examples.
Never heard this album before, never been a fan of the band. I'm giving it a go but not holding out a lot of hope to be honest. Update - listened to the whole album, quite listenable, but not really for me.
I used to own a copy of this album, pretty much everyone did. I played it a lot at the time but it didn't stick with me, nice to hear it again after about 30 years away. Not a bad start to this project for me
