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Finisher #348 to complete the list
View User Albums Summary1089
Albums Rated
3.15
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100%
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Rating Timeline
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1960s
Favorite Decade
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Favorite Genre
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Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
52
5-Star Albums
52
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
m b v
My Bloody Valentine
|
5 | 2.72 | +2.28 |
|
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
|
5 | 3.09 | +1.91 |
|
Another Green World
Brian Eno
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
Vespertine
Björk
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
The Sensual World
Kate Bush
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Forever Changes
Love
|
5 | 3.22 | +1.78 |
|
Risque
CHIC
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Van Halen
Van Halen
|
1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
|
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
|
1 | 3.57 | -2.57 |
|
Murmur
R.E.M.
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
|
1 | 3.35 | -2.35 |
|
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
|
1 | 3.27 | -2.27 |
|
Thriller
Michael Jackson
|
2 | 4.22 | -2.22 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| David Bowie | 9 | 4.22 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.4 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 4.67 |
| Arcade Fire | 3 | 4.67 |
| Kate Bush | 3 | 4.67 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beatles | 7 | 4.14 |
| Amy Winehouse | 2 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.25 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.33 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5 | 4 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 4 | 1.5 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 1 |
| Sepultura | 2 | 1 |
| Elliott Smith | 2 | 1.5 |
| Megadeth | 2 | 1.5 |
| Van Halen | 2 | 1.5 |
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 2 |
| U2 | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Michael Jackson | 5, 2, 2 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 1, 2, 4 |
| Miles Davis | 2, 1, 4, 3 |
5-Star Albums (52)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Franz Ferdinand
1/5
didn't give a shit about FF then, don't give a shit now. This is what gave our era of music a bad name "landfill indy"
22 likes
Tim Buckley
4/5
I LOVE Tim Buckley but I bet you fuckers voted him down. He's Jeff Buckley's dad and a very good song writer
19 likes
Britney Spears
2/5
I wasn't a Britney girl I have to say and listening to this I've remembered why - literally every song is about a boy and some romance thing! I was not interested in this at all. I respect Britney Spears and of course appreciate she was THE pop icon of the time, but this simply isn't for me. Was a slog getting through that
8 likes
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Overwhelmingly reminded me of music from the Sims. But I did quite enjoy it. Very fun
8 likes
1-Star Albums (52)
All Ratings
Pink Floyd
5/5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Miles Davis
2/5
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Ice Cube
4/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Ute Lemper
1/5
Pretenders
3/5
Deep Purple
3/5
R.E.M.
3/5
I did not care for this album. My memory of it is beige and I can barely remember anything about it a day later
Jacques Brel
1/5
This wound me up big time
Bob Dylan
4/5
Bobby D! Classics. Don't care what you say about his voice
Miles Davis
1/5
Black Flag
2/5
A bit full on for a Monday
Elliott Smith
2/5
As expected - whiney
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
This was extremely enjoyable, a really varied album of decent tracks.
Kanye West
5/5
Like an 8 pack of Walls - stuffed full of bangerz
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Wish I could give a 3.5... Mostly quite fun and relaxing, but then some jarring shit towards the end
Nico
3/5
What a shame she turned out to be a racist and also fucking hated this album. And also that you lot hated it. I have been enjoying Nico for years and this experience has somewhat spoiled it.
I maintain however, there are great songs on this album.
The Style Council
3/5
Surprising! Generally dislike ol' Weller but this was much better. Clearly should have quit while he was ahead
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Pretty good fun and a couple of anthems, but not completely my thing
Radiohead
5/5
A triumph
Dusty Springfield
4/5
The only Chole that could ever teach me..
Joni Mitchell
3/5
As mentioned, the Jungle song was outrageously annoying but there were some gems on here. Not my fave JM album but overall enjoyable
3/5
Fairly ambivalent about this album. Didn't dislike it, but didn't care either
Beastie Boys
2/5
Were the Beastie Boys lame or cool? I can't tell . The internet says they're a rock bank.. what!?
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
I do enjoy the blues.. this was soothing and cool
The Zombies
4/5
An enjoyable mixtures of style here. Reminiscent of The Beatles and The Moody Blues.
The xx
4/5
Less is more
Tortoise
4/5
Surprisingly enjoyable
The Gun Club
3/5
Not bad
James Brown
4/5
I thought this was a great live album to listen to. The concert looked fun. Absolute tunez in there too
CHIC
5/5
love love love YESSS funkaay disco monday morning I am feeeeling it
James Taylor
2/5
Wasn't massively into it. And ew what a weird album title. Is he a big baby or something
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
This was so uplifting, relaxing and coooool. I really enjoyed it
Eagles
4/5
What a surprising delight this was. A slight disappointment there was 'literally millions of bangers' on this album, as I was promised by *Benji*. The album had 9 songs on. But I am not disappointed
Bob Dylan
4/5
very glad I have given this a proper listen again. Dylan is a legend
Sigur Rós
4/5
I discovered Sigur Ros as quite a young teen as was my introduction to more experimental music. Love this. Nostalgia hit.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Yeah I did not enjoy this and there were filthy lyrics in there. I know it is about murder but it was scary music and not enjoyable. I know it is controversial to not like Nick Cave, and I feel like everyone has always just expected me to. But I said it, I'm not a Nick Cave fan. Its out there. Leave me alone
Dirty Projectors
4/5
I really liked this album. I discovered this band relatively recently and liked their album with Bjork. I think the way the use the male and female voices is interesting
Nirvana
4/5
Smells Like Team Spirit reminds me of going out with my second boyfriend, Sam Coleman (Dan Metcalf was so fleeting I'm not sure it counts). Sam was a rock-head and I wanted to impress him with my music knowledge. I was already dabbling in rock (this is was not too far off my gentle transition from S Club 7 to Green Day), but went all out I listened to my brother's various volumes of Air Guitar - a compilation of rock hits.
Nirvana was on it, as was Teenage Kicks. Which again reminds me of that very exciting time going out with Sam, despite us actually not having an awful lot of contact.
Anyway, once I had listened to Nirvana I had quite a bit to say to Sam via MSN Messenger and it must have worked cos he wrote my initials and hearts ALL over his pencil case, alongside a large 'rock on' hand symbol drawing.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
This was the turning point of RHCP before they went rather downhill. This still had the cool classic funk elements
Traffic
3/5
I feel this album started off really good. Freedom Rider was particularly bluesy and jazzy, and I was getting into it and funking out. But then it finished rather week and the final two songs left little impression one.
Garbage
3/5
Panicking right now cos I listened to this maybe twice and I can't remember anything about it. Does that mean its garbage? It was very 90s. As someone else said it was like No Doubt (but not quite as good). Just not massively my thing I guess
Carole King
4/5
I feel guilty that so many of these songs I know, yet I don't give ol' Carole much thought. Clearly an incredible songwriter with a really pure, rich tone to her voice which is so soothing. A triumph
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
An early album where I'm not sure they had found their sound yet. Apparently all bands of this era got distracted by trying to sound like Joy Division. I enjoyed most of it, but some of it left little impression on me
Eels
3/5
I think I enjoyed this album, it was fun and weird - which I liked. I doubt I'll listen again, so I can't go 4 or 5 stars but I was pleased to hear the Shrek song.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
The first time I listened to this album I was on a bus in Indonesia with Benji, and I remember then that I think I can appreciate that this is good but its just not my bag.
Moby Grape
3/5
What a funny name and what a great album. Never heard of this bunch of grapes but I really enjoyed working to it. Light hearted easy listening
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
"Reminds me of stuff we used to make at music tech AS level" Chloe Jacob Wednesday 24 March 16.43
NOT James Cressey
Iron Maiden
3/5
As I said yesterday - this was enjoyable and FUNNY. Men taking themselves seriously but actually singing in funny voices with mad over the top guitar solos. It was a great start to the day though
Machito
4/5
This was a super fun Friday listen. At first I thought, omg I know this song. Then I listened to the second, and realised I just recognise the style of music... and they all are relatively similar. Still great though
The Police
2/5
Mother was fucking upsetting. The Police don't do it for me
Stevie Wonder
4/5
The Stooges
3/5
Well, I enjoyed this more than I expected to. I listened to it in the car with Luke and he was telling me how much he likes each song and all about it, which perhaps enhanced the experience. Apparently the classic Iggy Pop album. It was fun driving music I guess, but unlikely to listen again independently
Fairport Convention
3/5
Again, listened to on the drive. Was a little unsure of some of the more twee folk songs, but then there were a couple that were a bit different and really enjoyed them. A mixed bag!
Lou Reed
4/5
This album was produced by Bowie and I think you can tell on certain tracks. I have a fond memory of singing Perfect Day in a choir at Primary School.. a few years later I was told it was about drugs and then felt sad that we were singing that as children. BUT NOW I have just found out that actually it is just about love and having a really good day. My memory can be restored.
I really enjoyed this album, varied and solid tracks
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Hmm, there were a few on here that I enjoyed but I have to say some of them merged together. I thought I liked funk but perhaps I only have a limited capacity for it. It was a bit of a schlep towards the end.
Randy Newman
2/5
I struggled to escape the images of Pixar films the entire time. I imagine there was some good song writing there. I think Randy can stay in films in my mind, I don't think I'll listen again
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Well, new Leonard Cohen certainly isn't my fave and this less little impression on me. Some nice bits and as ever, the poet over the song writer.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Well, its simply the best isn't it. Wonderful guitar playing, riffs and solos. Smooth and sexy and feel-good and fucking cool. Right amidst a golden age of music writing
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
I actually listened to this twice! I enjoyed it quite a lot. I felt it was very lyrical music, but didn't require a singer
Blondie
4/5
This was REALLY good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Classic pop rock I reckon. I think the hits (and there were many on this album) are the hits for a reason... but other other songs were still fun, but didn't necessarily stick with me
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Some of the songs little twee and soppy for me, some great ones in there. James has promised us greater albums, so I'll look forward to those
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I hadn't heard of this band yet I recognised some of the songs. Enjoyed most of it!
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This was SO good, I listened like 3-4 times. Led Zeppelin reminds me of Chris Balestrinis dad cos when I was a teen I said I liked them, then whenever he would drive us places he would put it on for me. Nice touch
R.E.M.
1/5
Boring AF, every song sounded the same. Outrageous I needed to listen to this before I die. Less REM ffs
PJ Harvey
3/5
Much better than the last one! I enjoyed the punky rock upbeat, and not to weird
Charles Mingus
2/5
As far as jazz goes this was more enjoyable. Can't say I particularly loved it though
Living Colour
2/5
Wow this was very samey and in your face. Wasn't a fan
Pavement
4/5
I really enjoyed this - Luke has been gradually getting me into Pavement. I thought it was fun!
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Already knew a few of these. Famously ripped off the Fall on a number of tracks, but I'm not sure those were the ones I particularly cared for.
Paul Simon
5/5
Might have to be a full marker for this one! Absolutely brilliant and rightly universally considered one of the best albums of all time. Bravo. So joyful - great for the beginning of the working week
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Not my bag. A bit silly at times. Also listened to a whole other album I didn't need to, which may have skewed my opinion
Slint
3/5
Not entirely sure what to think of this. Wasn't easy listening, and have heard this album before actually. Not sure it grew on me either. Certain aspects of the songs reminded me of Jeff Buckley, nice motifs and certain chord progressions but then a whole load of intense dissonance I couldn't get on board with
Lauryn Hill
5/5
Not sure I've ever listened to this album in entirety - it was so TIGHT. Loved it. Varied too
Guns N' Roses
3/5
I find it hard with this one. I have memories of absolutely loving this as a teenage and thinking it was simply brilliant. I don't enjoy it that much now. But does that mean it's a bad album? I am so confused
Missy Elliott
3/5
I appreciated that this was good music, was a good uplifting vibe for me after bank hol Tues. But wasn't wholly my thing - hard to know how to rate.
Queen
3/5
Didn't enjoy this as much as I expected to. Quite a few samey ones.. and weird ones that I wasn't into. Was a bit much at times - but I know that is Queen
Yes
3/5
I am very confused about what to think of that and whether I liked it or not. It was a bit mad? Certain aspects I enjoyed, others I found just a bit much
Gotan Project
3/5
Fun and kind of sexy. Annoyed it didn't actually feature the Come Dine With Me theme tune, but the Finish Advert music will have to do I guess
John Lee Hooker
4/5
I really got into this in the end. At first I wasn't sure but it took a second listen. Easy going and cool
The Velvet Underground
4/5
A classic but also a couple of songs I'm not so fond of. But on the whole, very enjoyable
Tim Buckley
4/5
I LOVE Tim Buckley but I bet you fuckers voted him down. He's Jeff Buckley's dad and a very good song writer
Billy Bragg
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Great working music - think I listened about 4 times whilst I worked late. Not sure how to analyse the music but it was certainly enjoyable
Paul Simon
3/5
Hard to say what I thought about that, I didn't super love every song but kind of wanted to. Bit disappointing
Astrud Gilberto
1/5
irritating af...
hard to distinguish from my mood but still not sure this would ever not annoy the shit out of me
Gary Numan
4/5
Iconic! Its funny how far synths have come and these now remind me of 00s Casio keyboards BUT some great tunes in here. Enjoyed
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
Wow. What a surprise. Particularly loved the first and last one. Excellent psychedelic. Can't believe wiki told me this was pop
Muddy Waters
3/5
Generally enjoy blues, and this was fine. But rather samey!! I reckon this is music you have to listen to live to get the real experience
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Loved this album so much more than the last Nick Cave. A lot less strange and much more mellow.
Elton John
4/5
Well, you either love him or hate him. I do love a bit of Elton, particularly since I saw him live a few years ago. Undeniable genius song writer, regardless of what you think of him
Eurythmics
3/5
Funky!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
So annoying. Really could not get on board with this. Was ready for it to be over about a third of the way in. Don't like the nasal singing style. Samey
Portishead
3/5
I appreciate this is good, but I don't love LOVE it you know? Like I enjoy certain parts of it but maybe the style doesn't ALWAYS appeal to me. But its not 'bad' is it. Don't kick off Will
Franz Ferdinand
1/5
didn't give a shit about FF then, don't give a shit now. This is what gave our era of music a bad name "landfill indy"
Depeche Mode
2/5
found that a bit hard to get through and annoying
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
I don't even really know, just too god damn long. A 6 CD album shouldn't be on here. In the past I've liked 1-2 smashing pumps songs, but just found all of it a bit whiney american rock shiz
Adam & The Ants
2/5
Don't really know what to say other than quite irritating.
Tricky
3/5
Very hard to understand what I thought of that.. It didn't leave much impression but I didn't hate it
Motörhead
2/5
Not my bad. Sure this is iconic, but just a bit 'much'. Can you ever imagine just popping this on in the background? Or having it on whilst you drive? What I mean this is quite limited music
D'Angelo
3/5
Smooth n sexy n very good easy listening. Would listen again
Steely Dan
2/5
Steeley Dan kind of wound me up - strained annoying voice. Like Bruce Springsteen does but not good.
Not my bag at all
The Only Ones
3/5
Well the hit is a hit for a reason right?
Burning Spear
3/5
Perhaps I didn't give this one enough of my attention but it didn't massively stand out. A few on there were really cool, but the rest just sort of blurred into one
Missy Elliott
4/5
This was actually well good - so didn't expect to love that! What a grooooze
The Auteurs
3/5
Felt this was bang average and I like some of it, but the whole time was just trying to work out which other band it sounded like
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Dayum this was so good! I absolutely loved how long and repetitive some of these songs were.
Had a few problems with some of his whining about women, and that's kind of all he's got. Some were more positive.. but overall. Enjoyed - put me in such a good mood
Saint Etienne
4/5
Loved this, a enjoyable mix of ambience and almost dancy eletronica. Quite alternative too. Would listen again!
The Offspring
3/5
Well this really isn't my thing - but I didn't hugely hate it either, which surprised me. Also, cannot believe this was 1994, thought it was later than that. Feel it may have been ahead of its time
The Replacements
4/5
This was excellent I thought - listened twice. I recognised two songs anyway, but enjoyed the rest too. Light rock and tuneful
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Really loved this album. Super varied and fun.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Wasn't sure about some of these, a bit whiney american but really loved all the stripped back demos at the end. Not sure if these are supposed to be on the full album but there you go
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Usually I find country stuff isn't my thing, but actually found quite a lot of this really soothing. Did enjoy!
The Avalanches
5/5
This reminds me strongly of my time in Australia, when I discovered The Avalanches. Incidentally also an Australian band (not the reason though).
Absolute banger 5 stars EASY. Fun, alternative and love the use of layered sampling
Erykah Badu
3/5
Yeah I thought this was good but didn't connect with it loads. Thought it was decent r'n'b but didn't stand out to me like Missy Elliot or Layren Hill
The La's
3/5
I was going to slag this off initially, but I got into it more. Hard to say exactly HOW much I enjoyed it
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Loved this funky and fun. I enjoy any kind of music like this tbh, sometimes it can get repetitive I guess but overall really enjoyed
Spiritualized
4/5
Loved this - reminded me a lot of Slowdive (one of my new favourite bands, new to me not a new band). Chilled and kind of psychedelic. Will listen again
Jane Weaver
3/5
I've had to listen twice to work out how much I care... certain nice bits and tunes but some of it really quite boring. Interesting as possibly one of our most modern albums - 2017.
The Doors
4/5
Well obviously a bander because of its classic nature, I don't like ALL the songs. I like also that this album hasn't been remastered, like so many of the others ones we listen to. You can hear the age in the music - I love it! That's more to do with Spotify than the music itself
Frank Black
4/5
Wasn't sure about this at first but then really got into it. Now I know he is the lead singer of Pixies, it makes a lot more sense. Listened twice - was good
Eric Clapton
4/5
A lot more chilled out than a lot of the EC things I typically think of. Learnt some new stuff which I enjoyed
The Temptations
3/5
Enjoyable! Classic music. Recognised a couple. Sometimes not sure what to say about this music
John Lennon
4/5
Such a tuneful beautiful album. A classic of course. I am so over Imagine as a song and don't massively like listening to it, but it probably is very good isn't it
The Slits
3/5
This is a well fun album, BUT I didn't love every track. Some of them were a little irritating to me. I wish I could give a 3.5.
Scott Walker
4/5
I love Scott Walker but perhaps more so when he is part of the Walker Brothers band. I listened to this twice, and enjoyed more on the second listen. Beautiful orchestral music by a talented composer
Radiohead
4/5
Well, its not my favourite Radiohead. Luke complained that it was super boring, I disagree but it doesn't do it for me like other Radiohead ones. I kind of get it, but I find it peaceful and interesting.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Listened to this whilst driving through the gorgeous Kent countryside and it was a brilliant soundtrack. Enjoyed lots of classic BD songs
Madness
3/5
Generally a very fun album, and obvs enjoyed hearing the classics. BUT a few that just irritated me a bit. Great music but not all for me
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Well a mixed bag for me, enjoyed some of them but a few of them just a bit twee with mad lyrics. The one about spider bites and car crashes was irritating, the lyrics were quite predictable and the concept annoying.
Doubt I'll listen again
Nas
3/5
Love 90s rap way more than modern rap. Did enjoy this, but not something I'd listen to on the regs
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Well, American Girl is a certified banger surely. I enjoyed the rest of the album - probs great driving music. Dare I say Dad music?
Megadeth
2/5
Had this on a very very low volume. nuff said
The Clash
3/5
I dunno, I felt like I should like this more than I did. Maybe needs a second listen but I wasn't all that bothered
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
Most brilliant album. I love this already but damn right this has come up.
TV On The Radio
4/5
This was surprisingly enjoyable! I didn't know what to expect but found this to be a mix similar to Jamie T, Arcade Fire, We Are Scientists.. some songs I wasn't to into but going to score highly for surprise and variety element
Mott The Hoople
1/5
Tom Waits
1/5
Thundercat
1/5
a-ha
3/5
Well, we know the main hit of this album don't we! Did enjoy a few more on here, some of them were just hilarious and made Luke and me laugh a lot
M.I.A.
2/5
Expected to love this but only Paper Planes was good. Banger for a reason. Was I meant to like this? Found it largely quite irritating.
The Kinks
4/5
Loved it - the classics and some I wasn't so familiar with!
Venom
1/5
Took me 3 attempts to finish this. like wtf - srsly the best. Irritating af. Not sure I needed to listen to this before I died. I'm annoyed
Madonna
4/5
Enjoyed that - I know the Madonna hits and a few others. Was fun listening to a proper album
Buck Owens
2/5
Eugh I'm sorry but its all so samey. Affirming my confusing relationship with country. I just don't know how much I like it really, and that seems to be an unpopular opinion
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
I do absolutely love some QOTSA, but I'm not sure this was so up my street. I love the newer stuff I guess, more poppy and less heavy
Raekwon
2/5
Perhaps I wasn't paying enough attention, but not sure much of this stood out to me! Perhaps it wasn't bad and I don't know rap well enough to differentiate what I do and don't like.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Some of these were really fun and I do like other Alice Cooper stuff. I do like the more gentle songs (some of which reminded me of the Beatles). But some were a bit to hair rock
John Martyn
3/5
Enjoyed this more as it went along actually! At first I thought he was a bit Paul Simon then I got into his own stlye. Particularly the last v low fi song
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Actually got quite into this! At first I wasn't sure but particularly liked the last song
The Doors
2/5
Riders in the storm was the only one I cared about really. One of them genuinely did my head in. Obvs Doors are legends, but I felt quite a lot of filler on this one
Manic Street Preachers
1/5
bland AF and I am disappointed as I thought this was a reggae/ska band
Love
5/5
Absolutely loved this. It was really fun! Luke actually introduced me to Love relatively recently, and I think I recognised a few songs anyway. They're an excellent band and do a v fun cover of Hey Joe
Steve Earle
1/5
Boring and tiring. Same ol country music. Too much of that recently! I don't care
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
Yeah I was into this. Blusey aand cool
Little Richard
3/5
I enjoyed this but again, I didn't really care. Like I wouldn't listen to this music all the time but appreciated it enough
Kraftwerk
2/5
So supposedly this is seminal and really important but have to say I did struggle. Back in the day this blew minds, but I found it jarring a lot of the time. One or two were OK but PURELY rating on my enjoyment (rather than historical appreciation).... *2 STARS*
10cc
4/5
I enjoyed this a lot, although James has now highlighted terribly problematic lyrics. But before I knew this music wise it was good fun
Dire Straits
5/5
Absolute BANDGER always was going to be a 5* from me. Love Dire Straits but possibly never an album start to finish, but this did not disappoint
The Strokes
3/5
Yes this was a good album! A few bangers in there reminiscent of youth,
Solomon Burke
4/5
I loved this! I sometimes find soul blurs into one a bit, but these songs were brill. would like to listen again
Eagles
3/5
Another classic dad rock album, quite a lot of the songs were a bit similar for me to have any strong opinion about this album. But it was very pleasant background music
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Relentless reggae just isn't my thing, I like the odd one but an entire album, even BM is just a bit much. Also a bit traumatised from travelling in SE Asia and hearing BM greatest hits on repeat in every god damn bar
Van Halen
1/5
Oh god just more pure classic rock, just too much to handle. I imagine one of these songs on there own I could get on board with, but in one hit is a bit much
Tori Amos
3/5
At first I thought this was waaay to Disney/show tunes for me. But some of them were OK. Generally not my thing, but also wasn't as awful as I had expected
AC/DC
2/5
I mean yeah some bangers on there, but cannot say I enjoyed it. I used to love ACDC as a teen.. I guess I've changed. Objectively good songs, but not my tastes any more.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Wow this was well confusing. I've never known how I feel about Sufjan Stevens tbh, and this confirmed this .. again. I really loved some and utterly hated others. Strange place to!
3/5
Well that was pretty comedic, I enjoyed all the funny rhymes and these upbeat songs and cheating on your man to get him back for doing the dirty on you. As ever, country is not my thang. BUT this was entertaining
808 State
4/5
Imagine this was really fun to rave to in the 90s. Would love to get ham and party to this at a festival.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Obviously this is excellent and a legendary album BUT it gets so much hype. So overplayed, for good reason but that does dampen my enjoyment. Giving a 4/5 to shake the place up
Johnny Cash
4/5
I loved this - not just because of the music but the atmosphere and picturing the setting. I think I was aware of this occurence, Cash playing in a prison but had never listened to the recording properly. Its excellent.
Arrested Development
4/5
This was super fun and classic 90s hip hop. Would definitely listen again and want to pay more attention.
Good party music
John Coltrane
2/5
Well call me a luddite but I do not have the patience to get jazz. Some of this was fine but other parts I just wanted it to end. There was some long bit of just double bass mucking around. Nonsense. Not worth recording
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Overwhelmingly reminded me of music from the Sims. But I did quite enjoy it. Very fun
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Yeah this was pretty fun, I liked it. Made me want to party.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
My god that was a slog, just really annoying. Couldn't wait for it to be done. I've never liked Elvis Costello, mainly the voice. Irritating music.
SZA
2/5
Not my bag but wasn't bad I guess. Hard to have an opinion
The Modern Lovers
5/5
Brill! Also I am under such pressure from Luke to give this 5 stars as apparently its one of the best rock albums of all time.
Trivia from Luke:
"the whole album is fantastic, its one of my faves ever. all brilliant songs, i cant pick between them and i love jonathan richman's voice. FUN FACT - they had actually split up when this was released and it's a collection of demos. the singer created a new band which was quite different and confusingly called them jonathan richman & the modern lovers and released an album at the same time. oh and one of them joined talking heads!"
Megadeth
1/5
HATE THIS SO MUCH STOP GIVING IS MEGADEATH
Michael Jackson
5/5
Well I'm not sure I've ever listened to a MJ album start to finish, so many bangers on this. I'm assuming MJ is now cancelled, but I do believe in separating the art from the artist and this album was very very good.
Paul McCartney and Wings
5/5
This was so good! JET!!
Need to explore the Beatle's other work, this did not disappoint
Weather Report
3/5
Yeah quite fun! Reminded me of a demo I had on my childhood keyboard, Sims music when they're at a bar and also 80s crime film. Probs wouldn't listen again, but very interesting music
Slipknot
1/5
fuck the fuck off slipknot. so upsetting. not 1001 best albums. horrible
Billy Joel
5/5
Loved this! Some fantastic songs in there, never listened to a BJ album start to finish. Glad I have. What a great song writer
Supertramp
5/5
Well, this goes without saying this is definitely one of the best albums of all time. It is varied and intersting music, and reminds me of my childhood so much. My dad loves Supertramp and it was always on in the car
Hugh Masekela
4/5
This was some really great jazz, really pleasant and ACCESSIBLE. I would say anyway. The music felt very lyrical, but didn't feel like it was missing anything
David Crosby
4/5
I actually really enjoyed this, was quite surprising mix of folky stuff.
The Cure
2/5
I dunno if this is controversial but I was quite unmoved by this album. Didn't find it to be anything special. Found one song particularly grating. Not sure if this is a classic or whatnot but meh
Cornershop
4/5
Enjoyed this very fun!
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Wow what a bloody long album that was. Enjoyed dusk 1 more than dusk 2 but some brilliant songs on there. He's a song writing power house. Didnt know gangsters paradise was a rip off one of these songs. its gotta be a 5
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
I really enjoyed aspects of this album, some of the songs were really fun but I have to say 40 mins of unrelenting 12 bar blues is a bit much. Also, I just feel like its cheating in song writing, the SAME chord sequence over and over again but in just a different key and about a different woman who wronged you. But really enjoyed the first 2-3 songs. Hmm. Confusing
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
It's a 5 star from me. Every song is so beautiful in it's own way. Definitely one of best albums of all time
The Soft Boys
4/5
Yeah this was quite good actually. Not what I was expecting really, thought it would be more experimental for some reason. I think I knew one already... probs from Luke.
The Stooges
4/5
Great album. Iggy is a legend
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
I mean there are some classics on this, and very nostalgic, but by the end I felt like it was all a bit repetitive funk!
Aretha Franklin
4/5
What a brilliant album and absolute classics. Arethra did cover some of these though and I feel she gets the all the credit, 4 stars
The Go-Go's
3/5
I thought this was OK, like fun but reminded so much of a not quite so good Blondie.
The Mars Volta
1/5
Ew what was that I hated it. Horrible emo music. Listened on low volume just to get through it
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
This band has definitely been a good discovery for me in 1001 albums. Enjoyed the last one too!
The Sonics
5/5
Absolutely LOVED this. Total classics in there and banging riffs. Its a K Town banger for me
Björk
5/5
I fucking love Bjork. Such interesting and moving music. Even the songs I'm not so into I respect cos its just such great music. Not on this album but Unravel is one of the best songs of all time
Buzzcocks
3/5
Quite fun! Lots of bangers, didnt love love though
The Smiths
4/5
Fantastic songs on hear. Really enjoyed it and relistening to songs I don't listen to very often
Fishbone
2/5
Wasn't into tbh
Dusty Springfield
5/5
What a wonderful album and I want to do a cross reference on which of these were covers or originals. Beautiful songs in here and her voice is marvellous
PJ Harvey
4/5
I actually really enjoyed this having been rather skeptical about the last PJ Harvey. Would definitely listen again
Bob Dylan
5/5
Absolute beauty. I get more and more into Dylan as I get older it seesms
Sister Sledge
4/5
Some classic songs on here I forgot was SS. Enjoyed. V good fun
Black Sabbath
4/5
I didn't listen to this on the Thursday it was planned for, because essentially I was too tired to handle it. So glad I saved it for a day I was less tired and could appreciate it better.
Actually really enjoyed it - obvs not something I would listen to on the regs but cannot appreciate that this was v good music
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
What a sweet sweet album. Jungleland was a new find for me, wow I loved it.
Metallica
4/5
You know what, my heart sank when it was Metallica but actually surprisingly quite enjoyed it. I think it was the orchestra that added to it, and imaging it live and all taking place must have been epic (even though I'm not a fan of the genre).
Elvis Costello
1/5
Fucking awful I just hated this. Preferred all the death metal we'd had. I cannot STAND his weird singing voice, it upsets me.
The Fall
4/5
I'm still struggling with the Fall a bit, its still a barrier for me BUT this I did enjoy. Was a lot more fun and jangly that previous more grungy punk ones.
Apparently their only top 10 album
Beyoncé
2/5
Actually didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. Like 2 songs on here I think are bangers. Cannot STAND the one with Drake. Some were quite samey
The Pharcyde
3/5
This was good fun. Upbeat beat sometimes naughty lyrics. Unlikely to listen again though
Beastie Boys
3/5
Wow this was pretty long and loads crammed in there. Some I loved, some not so much. I think overall though, I did enjoy it. Have to be in the right mood though...
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Thought this was really fun! Enjoyed it.
Boston
4/5
I mean, More than a Feeling is an undeniable classics and I would say one of the best songs of all time.
The rest of the album was a bit hit and miss for me, loved some of it and some just a bit beige. MOTAF carries it to a 4
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
really enjoyed this. what an interesting mix of music you could dance and sing to, and those you could just sit and muse too. I think when I first started listening to LCD SS I didn't really get it, but the more I listen the more I love it.
Beatles
5/5
Well it has to be a 5 starts doesn't it. So many top tunes on here!! Like to hear Beatles do covers, as they are covered so much themselves
Nina Simone
5/5
Literally WTF. why haven't I heard some of these songs before - they are spellbinding. I have of course enjoyed Nina Simone songs before, but some of these are masterpieces. I'm in love with 'If I should lose you' and 'what more can I say'.. the piano playing, the lyrics, the chord progressions. 6/5
MGMT
4/5
It holds up! And what ever happened to MGMT. Some absolute bangers in here, but why didn't we hear of them after this? Did their other albums suck? Giving this a 4 star cos I wasn't super in love with every song and you've got to save the 5 stars for the really special stuff
OutKast
2/5
Well I enjoyed hearing the memorable songs, but some of them did my nut in and this album felt too long. Maybe my covid brain wasn't up to it, but yeah was well ready for this to be done by the end
Magazine
2/5
Well didn't think much of this and found some of it highly irritating. Some were ok.. the beautician one though. God. Get it off
Faith No More
2/5
Yeah I was not into this at all, got really tiresome by the end.
The Smiths
3/5
This definitely isn't my favourite Smiths album, some of them very good but quite a few just wishy washy to me
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Yeah I quite enjoyed how upbeat and fun this was - but did get a little samey after a while!
Prince
2/5
I really don't know how to feel about this - was it my mood but I really didn't care that much. Some of them were fun, but just felt quite ambivalent...
Mj Cole
3/5
I would say I'm glad I hear this and liked the title track Sincere - but I wouldn't listen to a lot of it again. I respect it though!
Cocteau Twins
5/5
Its a 5 star from me! Loved this album for a while now. Its fun and different from anything else I know really.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Loved it! Another banger from Led Zep. So many fun and epic tunes. Features my favourite LZ some "Babe I Gonna Leave you"
Brian Eno
5/5
I love Brian Eno, and it was good to hear this album again after a long time. He blows me away with his varied material, this was just that!
The White Stripes
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Not sure I've ever listened to a White Stripes album in completion! There were some classics in here, like "We are gonna be friends" (which reminds me of J-Cress) and others I didn't know that were punky and fun. Liked the one about a rat
The Roots
3/5
Well I have to say I wasn't hugely into this. Luke said it was a banger in his youth. Pussy galore did my absolute nut in. Some were ok but generally wasn't a huge fan
Blur
3/5
This was a tricky one, because there was some obvious classics in here but some songs that did my nut in.
It seems Blur were generally a bit all over the place with the quality of their output. Luke will hate me for putting 3 as this album was seminal for him.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
I thought this was very lovely and relaxing!
Massive Attack
2/5
Really didn't like this. Found it quite irritating and was just ready for it to be done tbh! I feel like it wasn't so awful for a 1* though. An interesting mix of genres I guess, but it just didn't appeal
Love
4/5
Well, this was great. I do already like Love. But this was upbeat and fun and a different.
Germs
3/5
Well this was hardcore punk wasn't it! Some of it I enjoyed more than others, but on the whole have to say was ready for it to be over. Listened twice as well as I wanted to give it my attention
Iggy Pop
4/5
This was great! I listened twice actually. I love the range here, slow and sexy some of them but others fast and poppy.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Well, its another LZ BANGAAA. Hot topic which album is best, but there's some gold in here: Immigrant Song and Since I've Been Loving You. Perhaps a 4*... tough!
The Hives
4/5
Hate to say I told you so was another banger off that Air Guitar compilation I've mentioned in other comments on this. So that has a special place in my heart. Really enjoyed this album, I was so in the right mood for it too. I feel must have been a last of it time before pop punky stuff took a nose dive in 00s
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
Well this was quite pleasant! Very soothing. I enjoyed it. Very lyrical music which I enjoyed.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Have to say I found this a bit of a slog. I started listening this to this like 3-4 times, and didn't find it particularly good music to just listen to.
I've had it on in the background to work to and it was fine and quite pleasant! Certain bits I appreciated and enjoyed, but some of them the repetition did just get to me. Glad I've heard it but wouldn't seek it out again
Various Artists
4/5
An absolute Christmas classic. Loved it!! Every song. I think Phil S is a bit dodgy but the other acts weren't so nevermind. Great album
Röyksopp
3/5
This sounded very of-an-era I would say! Early 2000s chill out electro stuff, quite smooth and not too in your face. Its not really what I'm into but I enjoyed it.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I found this album a bit samey, even if I did enjoy a lot of the songs. How much love does this guy have for all these women!?
Beck
2/5
I thought I was going to like this and I'm pretty sad to say I found in plain Jane boring! Just a bit wishy washy and nothing stood out
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Well I have to say if it had Its Tricky on it probably would have added an extra star, but sadly no. However, I did enjoy a lot of this!
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Poor Dexy's Midnight Runners where their 3/5 of their top songs on Spotify are Come on Eileen. But its certified one of the best songs of all time I'd say.
The rest of the album was pretty fun but nothing stand out like that.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
This was perfectly pleasant I'd say. Nice country twang music. Didn't massively appeal to me to listen again though
Steely Dan
4/5
I already liked a bit of Steely Dan and enjoyed this too! I like the funky rockness of it. Good driving music
Ghostface Killah
4/5
I have to say this was a total surprise and I really enjoyed it!! I loved some of the sampled songs. I think I'll listen again - some of those got me pumped
Nick Drake
4/5
I knew some of this stuff already and Nick Drake always feels like an artist I should know about and love but haven't ever explored that much. Should get into it - liked this album a lot!
David Bowie
5/5
Its a 5 star banger, love so many songs on here and so pleased to finally have a Bowie in the 1001 line up. Assume a lot of him albums will be!
David Bowie
4/5
Well it is certainly obvious the stark themes of Bowie albums. This is certainly funk and soul and I certainly liked it a lot and enjoyed listening to some news ones to me. A couple blurred in a bit for me, hard differentiate, which is why its a 4*
Arcade Fire
5/5
Well, what a JOY that was. Really loved it. Arcade Fire are such a brilliant band.
Weirdly one song went a bit ABBA at one point I thought, but I liked that about it.
Such epic optimistic music - always puts you in a good mood. would love to see them like at some point
Mike Ladd
3/5
Well at first I really wasn't into this, then it grew on me a little then I bloody loved the last song! Really confusing. The final song was a 4/5, but the rest of it was mixed for me. Hard to know what to put!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
I absolutely hated this album. I was having a bad time on a rail replacement but atm which perhaps as added to this but whatever what fucking irritating music. Each song was wayy too long as well. Eugg
Paul Weller
3/5
Well you know what I was bracing myself for hating this but I didn't as much as I expected to. I've generally found PW a bit of a wet flannel, but this had more spunk (a spunky flannel?) than I had expected
Fats Domino
3/5
This was enjoyable but didn't leave a particular mark on me I have to say.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Well well well, she popped up. Look I didn't hate it and the first one was quite catchy. I guess my problem with TS is that I just don't get the hype, like for me its all FINE and a lot of it is just so beige. I have enjoyed her tunes in the past, Shake it Off is a vibe, but a lot of this just blurred in. But I'm not going to give it a 1* just to make a point, cos it wasn't bad like recent Neil Young or Elvis Costello where it made me MAD.
Beatles
5/5
Its always great to get a Beatles isn't it? Obviously this is an incredibly accomplished album, but in the spirit of saving the 5*s for the hard hitters, this isn't my fave Beatles album. So is it a 4... hmm.
I love how varied their style is in this, some classic rock, some more alt songs and then some that are a little twee.
Ah fuck it its a 5
Neil Young
4/5
Well thank goodness NY redeemed himself with this album. I actually really enjoyed this! A couple of weird ones in there like "There's a world" - bit annoying. But some gems too that I'll listen to again. Wish I could give this a 3.5 but I guess I should round up
Deep Purple
3/5
Elements of this I enjoyed, but each song just went on and on. And The 2-3 min drum solo was hard to get through. I'm a fan of Black Night and Lucille, the first half let it down for me. Wish I could give a 2.5
Iron Maiden
3/5
Well I have to say perhaps this was the Monday hype we all needed! It was pretty fun in the end and didn't dislike it as much as the others. Run to the Hills is a classic, perhaps from the infamous AIr Guitar CD
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Well its obviously a K town 5 star banger! I'm delighted this is on the list. I love this album and think its a piece of art. Certain music snobs write off Buckles because of Hallelujah cos they're sick of it or whatnot, but I don't even care about that song. Listen to "Lover you should have come over" - one of my favourite songs of all time and musically exceptional. Mad chord progressions and the tension and epicness - I can barely handle it.
Beautiful album. Love you Jeffy B
The Cure
4/5
I really enjoyed this and will definitely be listening again. I much preferred it to the previous Cure album we had. I see what Luke means that the Cure really did copy the style of New Order and Joy Division, particuarlyl the first song was so like JD I couldn't believe it! Regardless, if that's what made it good I don't mind.
Talking Heads
4/5
Well I love Talking Heads, they make me reminiscent for a time I was not a part of. Plenty of bangers on here including the Big Mouth Billy Bass song. I was so delighted a few years ago when I found out TH covered that song.
Elbow
4/5
I really enjoyed this, beautiful and varied. Elbow always surprise me - there's one song on here I had either forgotten or had no idea was Elbow! So wasn't their style I associated with them.
The Cure
3/5
I have to say I preferred the previous Cure album more than this one (Disintegration), but it was still enjoyable. More downbeat I guess. Perhaps I need to listen again I am aware there's classics on here
Little Simz
3/5
I feel a bit of presh that I've never been that into Lil Simz and everyone creamz about her. I enjoyed some songs more than others, but general just ambivalence. Soz
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
This was pretty confusing! Like I loved some of it, and some of it was, as James said, well naff. Some irritating. Some amazing. Some epic. What a mix.
Pentangle
2/5
I definitely preferred the more funky ones, have to say most of it was a bit aggravating... The woman's voice in particular, too high and airy. Give it some welly
The Pogues
4/5
Hmm some of this was genius, some of it was annoying and also it went on a bit. I'm struggling to know how to rate it. I like what it stands for - like punk folk music - how fun, but I can't say I loved ALL of it. God damn I want to give a 3.5, but I'll round up
Ramones
4/5
I enjoyed this. Haven't ever listened to a Ramones album in full
Stereolab
4/5
Love a bit of Stereolab, knew quite a few of these but great to listen to an album in full. Fun!
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Well what an album. Artic Monkeys are just so iconic, I don't think they can be classed as landfill indie (like similar bands of their era). I love the story telling in their songs
Eminem
3/5
Hard to know what I thought of this. Like I enjoyed a lot of it and know Eminem is a rather a legend, I guess a lot of it is story telling but I did find all the racism, sexism and homophobia a little jarring.
Coldplay
4/5
Well I have to say I was dubious but the throw back was real and strong. I actually really enjoyed listening to this. Say what you want abot Coldplay now - arguably terrible! But this was enjoyable and around this time they were excellent songwriters
Kraftwerk
2/5
I'm so sorry but I still don't get Kraftwerk, it doesn't speak to me. I understand why others do but I am utterly unmoved and ambivalent by their music. Soz
David Holmes
3/5
This was a bit meh. The only song I liked was completely sampled from Serge Gainsbourg
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
I listened to this like 3 times as I felt like I wasn't paying attention enough but it failed to make an impression. Struggling to remember any of it to be honest. Like I didn't dislike it but also did not care either
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Didn't feel much about this one. Some of it a bit twee
Beck
4/5
This was funky and fun and had some bangers. A totally varied album as well. Much preferred to previous Beck
Al Green
4/5
Loved it! Some great bangers on there I'm happy to hear again and some new ones. Ultimate feel good
Grateful Dead
3/5
Yeah it this was quite pleasant but I wonder if it needed more of my attention. it didn't massively stand out to me in any way but I appreciated pretty harmonies in the singing
Nirvana
4/5
Well obvs this is legendary but I wonder to get the full effect you need to visual as well. I did really enjoy it - but its meant to be amazing and I didn't feel moved or amazed. Loved the Bowie cover!
Motörhead
2/5
Agh fuck off Motorhead and other similar bands. This to overly represented. I like Ace of Spades, cos it reminds me of being a teen but the rest of it just sounds the same
The Yardbirds
3/5
Well this was very pleasant and not quite what I expected. An enjoyable listen
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Lucy will be happy this is on the list. I've always meant to pay Janelle Monae more attention after Lucy played her lots. Really enjoyed this. Very different and varied. I really enjoyed it. Will listen again
Parliament
4/5
Ah man the FUNKY FUNK. So fricken funky I can't handle it. But in a very good way. So fun and a bit silly at times. Puts you in a good mood. Loved it!
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Ew did not enjoy this. Just a bit cringe and samey for me. That american singing voice that's a bit embars
The The
3/5
have to say I found this a bit weird. What expecting to like it but it didn't really resonate with me. Very weird lyrics about women in there... I did enjoy the over the top synths and laying that is so classically 80s. I have enjoyed other The The song in the past, but not sure there were any hard hitters in here
2Pac
3/5
Wow this guy loves his mum.... I'm really glad I've heard this, the legendary 2Pac who is still with us apparently? V confusing. I won't listen again probs but enjoyed the story telling
The Verve
4/5
Wow I was super surprised how much I enjoyed this and also how many songs I knew! I listened to this twice. I also didn't realise this was 90s, thought it was early 00s. Britpop classic
Judas Priest
2/5
Ew another heavy metal one I'm so annoyed. Like I said before I feel like this genre is overrepresented. Did not enjoy or care
Miles Davis
4/5
Wow I actually really enjoyed this and may have redeemed my Miles Davis faux pas of just not liking it.. I was pretty pissed listening to this on the way home from Will's birthday but it made an impact.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Nostalgic of being about 16! This was excellent and I enjoyed relistening to TC's iconic voice, its very different.
Suede
3/5
I thought this was alright, some songs were quite catchy - others a bit more irritating. I didn't know about Suede, but Luke informs me they were a headline Britpop bad alongside Blur and Oasis. He does not approve of Suede and told me I should give it 1 or 2 starts for the whiney voice and boring songs. I dunno, I didn't hate it that much and I shalln't be swayed
Grizzly Bear
4/5
AH I totally loved this. It reminds me of Philippa and Craddock around aged 19 as I think they introduced me to Grizzly Bear.
Really enjoyed All We Ask the most I'd say, love the way it built up. Reminded me of Bowie glamour.
Will listen to this again fo sure!
Slayer
1/5
Eugh this was annoying on so many levels. Not just the terribly placed first track that Grace has described just all of it so unpleasant, how can you describe it any other way
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Wow we needed this after the previous album, some lighthearted fun from the big SW. I really enjoyed this, as I always do. The kind of funk and fun we all need. Don't you worry about a thing was a highlight,
The Stone Roses
4/5
I thought this was great, obviously knew quite a bit of Stone Roses and this album as a whole was a lot less heavy than some of the other stuff I am familiar with.
I was mostly introduced to them when I visited my cousin in Wester Australia, and we had a great time on a road trip blasting his fave Stone Roses songs in his big 4x4. Great times
Sam Cooke
4/5
This was a really great listen on a sunny Monday morning. Really joyful music and loved hearing it as a live performance - I think you could tell he was enjoying it too! I feel you could hear him smiling.
Enjoyed hearing what I assume is the original of a song Amy Winehouse covered - Cupid. Will listen again!
System Of A Down
1/5
Not a fan at all and my heart sank when I saw this. At the moment we're having one heavy/thrash metal thing a week and its doing my head in! Hoping we're passing this phase, just not enjoyable music for me at all. Its just TOO much - do people genuinely just chill to this?
Big Star
2/5
This hasn't left much of an impression on me and I've attempted to get through it a few times. Confusing really. I think just a bit beige rock.
The Icarus Line
1/5
Slightly embarrassing rock ... when it went "fuckk youuuuu" at the end of one song in that cringe american rock singing style I think I actually lolled quite a lot. I did not find this engaging, it all just passed me by really with little impact
The White Stripes
4/5
I well loved listening to this. White Stripes aren't a band I've ever been hugely into, and not for lack of liking them! I just never really pursued it for some reason.
But I have to say I enjoyed this more than the last album we had on the list - a really entertaining mix of just fun catchy bangers, heavier stuff and some more gentle songs. Really loved the variety!
Rod Stewart
3/5
Well this was like fine I guess. I've never got the big deal about Rod. I don't really like his singing style but I think I respect him as a song writer. It's just pleasant I guess. Doesn't make me feel anything
The Stranglers
4/5
Well I would say this was a grower. Big themes of the Fall, I guess they were an influence?
But yeah I got more and more into this. Found some of the misogynistic lingo a bit annoying, but maybe they were poking fun an incels rather than actually being critical of "crazy women".
By the end got into the style more fo sure
The Young Gods
1/5
Another horrible metal album just to try and spoil my week. Unbelievable irritating. As Grace said, super stressful.
LL Cool J
3/5
I actually got really into this by the end - and I enjoyed the variations of the samples. Fun and funkayy!
Mike Oldfield
4/5
Not sure I've listened to this in full - its just so mad isn't it!? But I love it for its epicness and happy memories of Lakey D
Gang Of Four
4/5
I actually really enjoyed this and it was a total Friday vibe when I listened to it. Luke was very happy to have it on it the flat - apparently a big thing for him a uni. Really loved the fun punk vibes and would listen again
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
Well I think I preferred this to previous NY and crazy horse albums but I did again find it a bit samey. Nothing stood out and just felt like tedious dad rock by the end
Joan Baez
4/5
Oh MATE this was absolutely lush. What an amazing voice she had, interested to recognise some of her songs and wondering whether they are OGs or covers. Loved the folky country tones and the absolute clarity of her voice. Gorg
Tim Buckley
3/5
Well this was a bit of a grower, quite enjoyed some of the more bluesy and orchestral ones. Its not peak Tim Buckley, I have to say - but I did enjoy it.
Deerhunter
3/5
At first I was very against this and thought it was wishy washy nothingness. BUT it grew on me - there were some stand out ones among a few that just sort of blurred in. I knew the last song - must have been on a Discovery Weekly and reminds me of Lockdown 1
Green Day
4/5
Well well well, what can I say - I enjoyed every minute of this and knew basically every word. The nostalgia of Year 7 -8 of this being THE album to own - I remember going to Woolworths to buy it specifically.
Obvs the lyrics now are major cringe n that, but the song writing is great! What a top album
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I really liked this! I need to give Joni Mitchell a deeper dive, other than surface level songs I enjoy
Sparks
3/5
Word is that this is a big band I should definitely give a shit about, and I don't know what to think! At first I thought it was just completely bonkers, a strange mix of ABBA and like Queen - I don't know! Also, huge plot twist when I found out it wasn't two Japanese women singer and just some bloke.
I found some of it quite irritating but it did grow on me. That latter songs were OK. And I guess it was quite fun!
Turbonegro
2/5
Eugh god just non-descript boring rock. it wasn't AWFUL but I certainly didn't enjoty it
Louis Prima
3/5
Omg this guy did the Bare Necessities! Shame that wasn't on this album, but still really enjoyed it. Such upbeat and positive music - puts you in a good mood! Love the piano playing too.
David Gray
3/5
Well I enjoyed relistening to some of the more well known ones from back in the day, have to say the rest of it wasn't that memorable and a bit beige.
I don't care what anyone says though I do like Babalon. I had an acoustic version on my iPod that a boy sent me once on a skiing holiday, so I like it for that reason too
Elton John
4/5
Ohhhhh bloody hell this was great. I unashamedly a big Elton fan. Mostly since I saw him (for free!) a few years ago (my friends flat overlooks the cricket ground where he did a show). It was fantastic. I love how grand this album is. What a legend
Queen Latifah
3/5
I appreciated this, but I didn't love it I guess. I thought it was fun and it was great to hear female lyrics in a rap style that I can only really think of male artists that are similar
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
I am really glad to have listened to this in full as Rumours gets all the attention, I knew a few off hear but plenty I didn't! I absolutely love the singing voices and the harmonies and general song writing excellence. Will defs listen again
Can
3/5
Well this was very interesting. Wasn't sure at first but this grew on me! I need to give a second listen though but I enjoyed the Pink Floyd vibes and I wonder if Radiohead were inspired by this
T. Rex
4/5
I listened to this several times because I love at T rex. What iconic music and such a unique style. Noone has a singing voice like him. It's kind of slow and sexy rock and always puts me in a good mood
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
I enjoyed the more upbeat ones of this album, found some of the slow ones a little dull but perhaps you have to be in the mood for this. I listened to this first thing on my birthday having just had my train cancelled and having to get a bus instead.
I appreciated what this is though and enjoyed the strings
Jimmy Smith
3/5
This didn't leave a huge impression on me but was pleasant enough. Perhaps I didn't pay enough attention. So of mid-level jazz I can handle though
Ray Charles
3/5
Wow this was quite a lot one! I really enjoyed the upbeat ones but started to find the slower ones a bit sad, samey and depressing
Fela Kuti
3/5
This was quite fun I guess, it didn't do much for me. But was verging on the level of jazz I can actually stomach
Chicago
3/5
I have to say this got a bit tiresome towards the end, the 15 minute long song at the end could've done without. A mixed bag of enjoying some of the funky riffs and it becoming a bit samey
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Omg I hated it... JUST KIDDING, chill your tits James. Nah this was excellent and a first listen to lots of Bruce songs. Really enjoyed it, what a talented song writer and magnificent voice
T. Rex
4/5
Ahh yes more T Rex! I absolutely loved this album and has one of my fave songs of all times 'Life's A Gas' . T Rex makes me feel so nostalgic and almost a bit emotional, I'm not sure why, of a time I wasn't even a part of! Its all just quite light hearted but reminiscent of good times
Can
3/5
Apparently this is the seminal CAN album and definitely enjoyed a good section of it but the experimental stuff got a bit jarring after a while. Totally didn't dislike it though and would listen again
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
What a fucking boring album and also so whiney. Found it very misogynistic and he sounds like a controlling douchebag to go out with. Boring music too
Bill Evans Trio
1/5
Agh it is hard to find words, I just don't care about this tinkling kind of jazz. It just irritates me
Kraftwerk
2/5
I'm so sorry I still don't massively get this. I liked the last song that was just completely different but the rest of it, left me cold. I know this is meant to be amazing, not sure what I'm missing
SAULT
4/5
Really enjoyed this! I knew a bit about SAULT but was pleased to read more, a very unusual album but loved a lot of this
Baaba Maal
3/5
I think I preferred this to the last Baaba Maal, I like how upbeat and optimistic sounding it is. Its not my fave but I appreciated it
Santana
4/5
Honestly so close to giving this a 5 star but it is hard to know when to save them for the super special things. It is 100% a 4.5 though, what let it down was just one slightly meandering song.
Absolutely LOVED listening to this, did 2 rounds back-to-back and enjoyed it so much. The mix of slow and sexy, fun and up beat, relaxing and tranquil, mix of genres. SO great
Tears For Fears
4/5
Well I enjoyed this 80s powerhouse album. Some cracking tunes I needed and bizarrely this was a great Monday morning vibe.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Well I'm a sucker for some men beautifully harmonising together, absolutely gorgeous. And I think what an iconic album at the time - in 2008 this felt very different. Before the big folky hits that came in after this, like Ben Howard, and I think more rich than the likes of Newton Faulkner. loved it - going onto more FF albums now
Tito Puente
3/5
Good but not my thing. Very long and sounded repetitive. BUT I bet live is great
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I'm not sure I've ever listened to a Rolling Stones album start to finish, so this was a good start! Firstly, I was surprise how much poo came up in this album but overall I thought it was a great listen. I drove to it which was definitely a good vibe.
Sweet Virginia was my fave - I think there was a good metaphor in there about just getting on with it and wiping the shit of your shoe.
Turd on the Run was a good follow-up I guess.
Some of the 12 bar blues ones didn't do much for me. BUT overall this was great
Gene Clark
4/5
I already knew a bit of Gene Clark, I've been listening to Strength of Strings for a few years, but it was great to hear a wider repetoir. Definitely talented song writer, really melodic, I overall I think I prefer his style to Byrds stuff. Loved the piano sections and his voice
Miriam Makeba
3/5
I thought this started off really beautifully and I got less into it by the end. But some really gorgeous tunes and harmonies in there. I thought Holilili was epic and so beautiful. The little bits of speech in there were a nice touch too
Elvis Presley
3/5
I really enjoyed this but I am disappointed it didn't sound like it was live at all! It would have been nice to sense that atmosphere more. This was a more ballady album I sensed, which I liked - but I would have liked some more upbeat ones
Madonna
2/5
Erm I'm not sure I actually emjoyed this one that much - should I have done? Just wasn't my thing and found some of them super irritating. Maybe this wasn't the right thing for a dull work day
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
I really enjoyed this - I knew a bit of TF already but found this fun!
Van Morrison
3/5
I do enjoy a bit of Van Morrison but I don't think this album covered particular faves for me. I love his voice and style though
Frank Zappa
4/5
I don't know an awful lot of Frank Zappa but got into this and enjoyed reading about his life. A mad life he had! Lots of genres covered here: blues, jazz, classic rock but all a bit experimental. Loved it!
Le Tigre
3/5
No major opinions on this one - some of them were quite fun but it didn't stand out as anything special
OutKast
2/5
Honestly may have enjoyed this more if it wasn't so GO DAMN LONG. 2hrs 15 min is just too much and a lot of it just passed me by and felt generic.
Obviously a couple of recognisable bangers... but not enough to offset the rest of this.
Explanation:
My colleague told me this one is so long because at the time Andre 3000 and Big Boi weren't getting on and refused to collaborate very much on the album, but were obliged to because of their commitments to their label. So instead they just did one disc each ha! Which is why it is Speakerboxxx/The Low Below. Literally just two albums dumped together
Radiohead
3/5
Oh I don't know whether to give this a 3 or a 4. Its a solid 3.5 but there are too many on this that sound like U2 for me to give it a solid 4. I reckon a few years ago I would have rated higher but alas my tastes have changed. It is a bit depressing isn't it... but obviously some amazing songwriting in there.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
There's certain Divine Comedy I really enjoy, but this just wasn't it. I found this one just a touch *too* cheesy. Part of me really likes the OTT grandeurs of it all, but I found some of this just a bit much and soppy. There's a very weird one about his lover being all kinds of animals which was just funny
Nine Inch Nails
1/5
Nah mate not for me ty very much. There was one song I thought I was enjoying slightly more then I realise the album had finished and it was a suggested album from another artist LOL. Just found this all a bit embarrassing with the OTT lyrics etc
Harry Nilsson
4/5
I already knew some Nilsson and loved it. Lots of range in this album - some odd ones like Lime in the Coconut - but I like that that is a bit mad and the contract to Without You. Weirdly I've liked Without You since I was a child and I was going through my parents' 6"s.
I also have some shared memory with Callum of that song, some strange film we watched together at uni had a very harrowing scene using this song but it was pretty epic.
I listened 2.5 times just to get a real feel for this
The Blue Nile
3/5
This reminded me of a Bowie style, I enjoyed part of it but hasn't left a huge impression
Elliott Smith
1/5
OH god as I said Elliott Smith is a massive soggy wet wipe and I can't stand it. I think its the singing style. Just find it whiney and annoying, mostly his singing style. The songs lyrics make me cringe. Soz nope.
Happy Mondays
4/5
I think Luke would break up with me if I rated this less than 4... but luckily I did really enjoy this and recognised a good few off here. It's so much of things I love about 80s rock - synths, the way the vocals are mixed, the drums. again, another album which makes me reminiscent of the 80s even though I wasn't there
Q-Tip
2/5
I would say Won't Trade was my favourite off this album and I from the plays on Spotify, I can see why this is the hit. I enjoyed the more upbeat funky-ness of it and the sample track was fun. I got a bit tired of the other ones, repetitive use of jazz chords - it felt a bit one sided and the tracks all just blurred into one.
Crowded House
2/5
Have to say I was disappointed in this. I expected to like it more but found it a bit weak and wet. I knew Fall at your feet bit turns out the Boy and Bear cover is much better
Gang Starr
4/5
I well enjoyed this. I liked that some of the songs were about quite banal things like your girlfriend getting jealous and changing weekend plans. I thought it was really easy listening with fun samples. I think Avalanches must have re sampled some of these. Would listen again
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
Agh this was a bit of drag. Its all just a bit cringe and what I found weird was the truckers clearly think they're the best and trucking the best. Which again I just found embarrassing. #truckinglyfe sounds a bit grim in my opinion.
A very weird song about some guy that was racist but then spent his life trying to convince everyone he wasn't racist... found this sound a bit weird and questionable. Wasn't sure of the point - was it dodgy?
The music is just a bit one-sided an mon avi
The Saints
3/5
I had to listen to this a couple of times to write a sincere review and get my thoughts in order. Love the first track with the trumpets, as it goes along it got a little more indistinguishable. BUT it was a vibe and put me in a good mood.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
I loved this! I knew a couple of song but hadn't heard anything else from the Isley Brothers but what a vibe. Absolute funk blues bliss. This put me in a great mood
Public Enemy
3/5
I preferred Gang Starr to this (as recent hip hop comparisons) and I'm trying to work out why, I think Gang Starr was more laid back. I totally enjoyed this album but can't see myself listening so readily - I listened to GS like 3 times. But there were totally ones in this album that were an absolutely bop - I guess it was also quite long so harder for me to reflect and pick those out. 3.5 ideally
Björk
3/5
Oh Bjork - you lovely weirdo! Generally like a lot of Bjork but this album didn't ressonate with me very much. I did give it two goes through.
Violent Femmes
3/5
Ambivalence for me on this one. Funny voice and no massive impression. Disappointing as I liked the band name and then it was just some dudes
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I have no idea how I felt about it. Felt like some of it should appeal to me and my tastes but I found it irritating. A bit weyes blood as times, who I love, but I'm not sure his voice is good enough for those long held notes... Some of them pretentious and annoying. Was pleased I successfully identified Antonys voice from Antony and the Jonson's of the Old Whores Diet... Wtf was that about
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Yes I guess this was quite fun. As far as jazz goes it didn't wind me up - so I'd say that was a win right!? Take Five is obviously a classic. 5/4 time signatures don't get enough attention main stream wise so I guess that's a good thing.
Not sure what else to say really....
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
I actually well loved this. It was a fun mix of Beatles style/Neil Young I thought. The album was varied and distinguishable. Would listen again
Anthrax
1/5
Oh literally just fuck off. I can't even be arsed to write something about this in great detail. I struggled through this and tried to be open minded but cba
Aphex Twin
4/5
I love aphex twin but this isn't my fave album I have to say. I prefer the first half of the album to the latter. But obvs overall it is great. It's that relaxed ambience that suits any mood or occasion, v relaxing
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Have to say I wasn't looking forward to t hi is. After many months in southeast Asia with the a constant soundtrack of Bob Marley greatest hits I'm a bit traumatised with the likes of Buffalo Soldier and Redemption song. And generally I kind of f think most of the time I can only stomach so much reggae. But actually this surprised me and was pleasantly surprised by some new ones for me. It complimented a sunny drive to the lido
Marty Robbins
3/5
Western music is often fun as it generally tells quite a straightforward story. A bit different. I admire a lot about this music, harmonies and story telling but it does tire doesn't it... Christ there were just about 5 too many songs on this album. But that's quite a small reason to slag it off
Jurassic 5
4/5
I listened to this whilst working and I feel I need to listen again to appreciate it fully. BUT I what I did get was it was a whole load of fun, I loved the spoken samples and the each song was distinctive.
Will definite listen again
Common
3/5
I thought this was a good album. At the beginning I wondered whether this had influenced Kanye because of the similar style. Then he came in towards the end. So perhaps that is true. Similar lines about them calling themselves Jesus etc....
Great samples and good beatz
Kanye West
3/5
Wow totally weird I referenced Kanye then the next day he pops up! There's a few of my Kanye faves on this album but as a whole it doesn't hit like my dark twisted nightmare) or whatever it is called. Some of the more aggressive songs I didn't appreciate so much
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Like Bowie but not as good. Finding it hard.to know what to say. Not bad but not great either
3/5
Why did I find this a bit of a slog.. took me like 3-4 goes to get through and I'm sorry so say I didn't absolutely love it, like I had expected to. Not that I am a huge Blur fan, but naturally like the hits.
I didn't really like the singing style in these ones - found it a bit irritating. Some were more fun that others... Luke says its his fave Blur album. Perhaps I don't have the nostalgia of the pop punk hey day
Manu Chao
3/5
I was well irritable this day, its hard to say whether I didn't massively like this because of that or it wasn't for me. Soz but a 3 start not much to say from Chole
5/5
Well well well, its a banger isn't it. Undeniable. I'm still not entirely sure what my favourite Bowie album is, but this must be a frontrunner.
Bowie had vision, and that is what sets him apart. The grandeur, the umph, the fucken coolness. Do love this more rock phase
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Well this felt like a change of tempo for old Brucey B. or as I know him. I really liked it! Reminded me of Leonard Cohen sadness and delivery but a bit of Dylan guitar style... I dunno really what I saying but I liked it
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Absolutely loved it and got me hyped for seeing FS next week in Brighton
N.W.A.
4/5
This was great! Loved the absolute FUNK of some of the songs. I'd listened to this album before, but a long time ago - I think whilst travelling with Benji. The song just slagging off women was a bit annoying, but I did enjoy the rest of it. Lots of humour in the songs as well as talking about serious issues or just their lifestyles
The Specials
4/5
Man I totally loved this and big up the Cov! Represent. This just puts me in a great mood, I love Monkey Man and You're Wondering Now most I think. And too much too young... ah they're all pretty much classics.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
It's an iconic album and love a good proportion of this but not every song. Struggling to know what to give 3 or 4... But I deeply respect Kendrick, his style and cadence feel unique and the album as a whole is so tight
Hookworms
4/5
I actually thought this was sick, reminded me of Foals and sort of Arcade Fire. and Little Comets kind of, but more experimental at times. Will listen again! Summer vibe
Brian Wilson
3/5
I struggled with some of this but don't want to be unfair as I was in a stressy bad mood. Some of those songs were generally irritating BUT some of them are classics. I think Good Vibrations is one of the best songs ever. Luke told me the sad history of this album, that it was long awaited whilst Brian Wilson struggled with drugs and was feeling intimidated by the Beatles.
Pearl Jam
2/5
Wow most of these songs were about 2 mins too long, some too repetitive and just a bit cringe really. Not my bag. Luke detested it!
Dr. Dre
2/5
I've been confused between the rap and hip hop albums because I'm no expert or historically a fan that I am just ignorant and therefore can't really have a solid opinion. But as the albums have gone on I've really enjoyed certain ones, like NWA Ice Cube and Gang Starr so perhaps I am building up an opinion. Therefore I think I can say with confidence I didn't like this, I can't articulate why but I just didn't. It felt like a bit much..
Digital Underground
2/5
LOL well what a journey this was. Finding it hard to believe this was a contender with other similar era of hip hop. Major cringe some of the lyrics, particularly the sex quiz one and all the words about slamming pussy etc etc. Luke enjoyed the one about Packet Man as he thought it had a jazzy riff
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Enjoyed this! Nice bit of blues and what a voice. Went down well on a drive back from Devon
4/5
Enjoyed this on the drive to Grace's Hag Do. Great for Exmor scenery. wish I could give a 3.5 as although this has a rightful place on the list and my favourite Kinks song appears (Victoria) towards the end I didn't like them so much. Will vote up for good measure
Johnny Cash
3/5
I understand this was his last release before dying and generally didn't really enjoy the covers. I appreciate it for what it was though! There was a very funny one about being on death row Luke and I loved
The Beach Boys
3/5
I can see how this was great for teens in the 60s but I did get a bit tired of just singing about being in love with girls. Obviously great songs within themselves and I do of course respect the Beach Boys, but I wasn't massively into it
Laibach
2/5
Right I don't even know what to make of this album, unexpected and bizarre. But I want to give it credit for how mad it was and that the Queen One Vision cover did make me laugh. Luke like one of the more droney ones
The Byrds
4/5
I didn't know Spaceman was by the Byrds! Loved that song as a child. I really enjoyed this album in a number of ways, folky Beatles like.
2/5
Boring! Sorry. I know some of our group have affiliation with U2 because their mum's loved it etc. Well I don't and I've never cared much for them, sorry. This was cringe and dull.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
I thought this was so great - really easily listening but totally rad blues. Will look up more about this band!
The Band
3/5
Generally really the Band and a couple of my faves on here (The Weight) but found some of them a bit samey. Wish I could give a 3.5
Circle Jerks
2/5
Well this was short. And that was a redeeming characteristic I guess.. didnt like this much whatsoever...
The The
3/5
I'm not sure whether I liked this one or not! The ones I knew I liked but some left little impression on me
Cypress Hill
3/5
I dunno what I thought of this, repetitive beats
ABBA
4/5
I mean I love ABBA in a big way, but perhaps at the right time. I didn't enjoy this as much as I expected to, but perhaps that was to do with my mood and the times I was trying to fit in listening to it! But I deeply respect ABBA and some of their more 'party' songs are just so fun. Some more slow ones on here I wasn't so bothered by. Going to give a 4 for good measure
The Cardigans
3/5
OK I'm well confused, the Cardigan's were not what I was expecting! Think I've got them mixed up with another band. Also VERY confused that 'Say that you love me' was on her, gun to my head would have said Kylie did that song. Mixed bag for me this, sometimes that style of singing grates on me a bit. BUT Some of them were fun. Wonder if they were inspo for Lily Allen. Just found out they're from Sweden, did not that see coming. Twists and turns.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
Just noise and didn't care. Sorry. Only so much ambience a gal can handle
Rush
2/5
Eugh what did I think of this - something dads in the 90s listen to and not my cup of tea.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Luke was very excited about me getting this one. I listened to it on a run. It was great! Really enjoyed the funky beats and that they were just telling stories about quite normal things.
Arcade Fire
5/5
I absolutely love this album and reminds me of happy teen years when I discovered Arcade Fire. I love the grand and varied nature of AF, and I do think they were unique at the time, I think they've inspired lots of bands I really love now (like Black Country New Round).
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Feeling confused about this one as I feel I appreciated it but found it hard to get through at times. It was all very pleasant, but in that way it was quite one dimensional without variety
Maxwell
2/5
Was this porn music? Lol jk not really my thing and didn't care much
Joni Mitchell
4/5
It goes without saying that Joni Mitchell is an undisputed legend. I watched a video of a recent performance she did as an elderly woman who's had a stroke. She's in a wheelchair and she looks weak but her voice was still incredible. Deep and warbling but in a good way, different from this album where her voice is high and spritely. There's a few faves on here for me, River and a Case of You to course. Some of them I'm not so into. Here style of unpredictable chord changes sometimes doesn't please me but maybe that's part of her genius
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I mean its got to be a 5 right? Its relentlessly just so so good. Every song is so pleasing. Undisputed legend, must be gifted as how he writes the songs I don't know. I would start picking out favourite songs, but the list would be too long
Van Halen
2/5
Funny this came around Josh saying in the LD that Van Halen was 100% dad music. Not my bag
Lou Reed
2/5
Eugh this really didn't appeal to me. I found some of them just irritating and so many songs about troubled women being sex workers, drug addicts, suicidal. Just a drag for me... sorry Lou
Dr. Octagon
3/5
Have to say I probably need to re-listen properly and give my full attention, struggling to remember much about it looking back. BUT from what I did hear I did like, some interesting beats and samples.
Lorde
4/5
Oh yeah Lorde! I forgot about her, she was a hype a while back. I think I really like her lyrics and use of chords and melody, but there is something about her voice and how heavily produced it all is that I don't super love. but that's not that it is bad, it just isn't my thing.
There's a few songs I really liked on here, the one about "I am my mother's child" is a bit spoilt as I have seen numerous videos of her shushing crowds whilst she does that bit accapella and absolutely butchers it. Tough to sing.
Also the last song - perfect places! Absolute shock for me, thought that was written by First Aid Kit. Bizarre because it sounds like it was written for country singers. Think I prefer their version but credit to Lorde for an truly excellent song there!
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
I listened to this twice to get a good grip of it, I was finding it hard to have an opinion really but what I did like was how varied it was, some songs more upbeat than others. A good mix of pop folk.
Nick Drake
4/5
Ah so smooth and jazzy and ultimate easy listening. Some times I think I have found certain Nick Drake a bit bland (love plenty though), but this hit the spot for me
Television
4/5
New some of this but really enjoyed the album as a whole piece! Would definitely listen again. Enjoyed the variation.
The Byrds
3/5
Well this was rather pleasant wasn't it. I enjoyed it and it seems nostalgic for something I don't know. I wish I could give a 3.5
The Human League
3/5
Wow this was SO of an era - could you get more 80s music..!? Probs not.
Certainly enjoyed enough of this and better known songs, but have to say some of it was rather repetitive and probs needed a strong drink to go alongside.
Don't you want me is obviously iconic - probs the right thing to put this at the end of an album and end on something more melodic and interesting
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
I know how important JLL in terms of rock piano and how wild he was. Great Balls of Fire is a great doc about him, naturally has a troubling side as well... Fantastic nutty piano playing I can't comprehend, a total riot
Alice In Chains
2/5
Just not my thing, hard to say much but just so intense and too full on
CHIC
4/5
Well what a vibe for a Monday! I definitely needed this to counter Monday stress. Absolute disco funk iconic tuuuunes
Steely Dan
4/5
This was great! steely Dan has popped up before and I felt like I didn't know it but I knew some of these ones. They were really well put together songs, feel good folky rock goodness. Need to look into Steely Dan to find out more
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Well its the SIMPSONS SONG isn't it!! Very excited to hear that and assume that's the reason this is in the list. Great song. OTher than that enjoyed this psych rock stuff!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
I don't really know much about the YYYs, but I feel like I should. Mostly up my street! Not that the album blew me away or anything but it was just a fun listen. Cool pop indie
Bob Dylan
3/5
Well I have to say this wasn't my fave Bob Dylan, apparently that's a common opinion of 90s Dylan. His voice is a bit grating here. I did really like Not Dark Yet. Enjoyed a lot of his lyrics, as usual but actually just the style I wasn't loving
David Bowie
4/5
Wow what a beautiful album. I've never given this one as much attention but actually has my fave newer Bowie song "where are we now". As ever the classic Bowie chord delights, never predictable but always amazing
Portishead
2/5
Well I found this very boring indeed. I don't really know Portishead well but I thought I was going to like it. Found it pretentious with no substance. Little variation musically.
Sepultura
1/5
I saw Roots and thought it was going to be reggae and queued this for my run. Big mistake. The general sort of feel of threat was quite motivating for the running but I also then couldn't stop to get away from it. I'm sorry but I just can't with this kind of music. I like that it is men being passionate and expressing themselves but honestly... Eugh. Just grim. Cannot believe I listened to all 72 mins of this
Britney Spears
2/5
I wasn't a Britney girl I have to say and listening to this I've remembered why - literally every song is about a boy and some romance thing! I was not interested in this at all. I respect Britney Spears and of course appreciate she was THE pop icon of the time, but this simply isn't for me. Was a slog getting through that
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Absolutely loved this 60s psych pure bliss! Recognised a few but was so glad to hear it as a complete album. Listened 3 times. So cool!
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I already enjoy this album - so many faves on there. So Long Marianne is my all time and always makes me want to cry for some reason. LC is a gritty poet more than anything, unbelievable lyrics
The Killers
4/5
Oh my how do I know what to give this. Obviously an absolute feature of my mid teens and listened to it on repeat.
Listening to it cold now I'm not sure I would care that much but perhaps I have to give it higher based on how much it loved it before.
Although slightly killed that around that time I heard Desert Island Discs with David Cameron and he picked "All these things that I've done".... Ironic
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
What a surprise! I had forgotten who this band was and was bracing myself for an hour jazz... But instead synth 80s brilliance. Exactly the 80s sound I absolutely love, combo of New Order/Echo and the bunnymen. Loved it!
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
This reminds me very much of being 20, at uni in Brighton with Callum and listening to Antony and the Jonhsons and loving how different it was, and how the style is almost a bit unsettling but beautiful. Antony is now Anonhi and I think in this album wonderfully sung about gender identity, not something you come across that often. I massively recommend watching the live versions of some of these songs, spine tingles
Beatles
4/5
Obviously one of the best with some of my fav Beatles on. Why don't we do it in the road is up there
The Who
4/5
This was an absolute smash. I really enjoyed it! All the classics and plenty I didn't know. Its just top class old fashioned rock and roll. Love how light hearted and fun it is!
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
I mean I didn't hate this but I certainly didn't love it. Just found it a bit cringe... Along the same lines I find Elvis Costello cringe. But it wasn't anywhere near as bad.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
At first I really wasn't into this, but it definitely grew on me. Luke is a big fan but says this isn't an album he listens to actually, which makes more sense to me as I found it to be quite cringe pop punk. But apparently it is the OG pop punk so I can't compare it to stuff.
Beatles
3/5
I generally enjoyed most of these but they're not my standout faves... there's also that troublesome one on here about chasing little girls which is overtly threatening. You feel you should always rate the Beatles high, but I think I'll be true to myself
Depeche Mode
3/5
As much as I love quintessential 80s music I did find this a bit grating at times, particularly to begin with and then I grew into it more.
The ones I liked I already knew I liked... so perhaps that says something
Justice
3/5
Well I felt I had no idea who this band was then turned out obvs I knew loads. Quite full on. I liked how it was set up though as an album, like one song quickly led into the next as if it were a DJ. Not massively my thing but appreciate it for what it was
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Ah Leonard Cohen is such a funny one as to me his music is either fully amazing or I find it just dreary and slow and depressing. But I know that is the appeal to some people.
I get that some of it the emphasis is on lyrics not the music.
So I found this album more mixed. Sing another song boy was fully amazing, but then some of the others to me sound like 30 other LC songs.
Obviously deep respect though
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Well what a sexually charged album. A lot to handle when you're just on the way to work or what not
It's fantastically well written music and I love most things that got hard on the orchestra vibes
Sepultura
1/5
Cannot believe I listened to every minute of this. How am I meant to comment. It all sounds the same as every other heavy metal album. Hated it
Amy Winehouse
5/5
It's a 5 star!!! Well I'm already a massive Amy Winehouse fan so I knew that it was a 5 already but it was great to listen again for the purpose of rating it. It's such a brilliant album, the stories, the humour,her voice. It's a classic and I'm still so heartbroken hasn't gone on to make decades of classics
Dolly Parton
4/5
As someone who isn't massively into country Dolly Parton is just something else. I love how she tells honest stories but with humour, but via catchy songs too. She is an exceptional talent
Isaac Hayes
4/5
I really liked this - it appealed to my love of Barry White, very similar stuff. I thought it was cool and sexy and pleasing. Put me in a good mood and would listen again. Did not know about the South Park thing and Luke made me feel foolish about that....
The Kinks
3/5
I enjoyed this but it wasn't my favourite. Hard to know what to write really as you want to love the Kinks.. and I do for certain songs but I felt a bit unmoved. maybe need to listen again
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Well I'm not sure at all about that. Have Elvis Costello vibes.. did not enjoy
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Well this was a laugh wasn't it! Have to say a little one dimensional after you heard half the album. Would be great music for a beach bar
Prince
2/5
Bit disappointed tbh. I don't really know much of Price and have to say this didn't appeal. Awks
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
So delighted when I got to the end of a long, stressful day and discovered the album was mbv. I know this album back to back anyway, but always enjoy listening again. So beautiful and warm. It has my fave song on there 'who sees you'. I love how their songs build and build. Its a 5 star
Elis Regina
3/5
I listened to this twice to get a proper feel
It actually grew on me. Made me feel like I could be on hols
Roxy Music
4/5
It's a classic! It's a banger!
Sonic Youth
4/5
Got my favourite SY song on - Teenage Riot. It is a fantastic album - I loved it!
The National
3/5
Ah its tough with The National as the songs I do like (like Bloodbuzz Ohio) - I love! But the tempo is the same isn't throughout the whole album, there's not much variation and I get the 'depressing' criticism. some are a bit dreary...
Willie Nelson
4/5
I thought this was wonderfully tuneful, thoughtful and calming. really nice storytelling too! Heartfelt and interesting. And I'm not a big country fan
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
I listened to this twice to try and get a real feel for it. Some I really enjoyed and others sort of passed me by. It didn't stand out to me like other rap albums but I liked it enough
Patti Smith
3/5
Well I have to admit I don't know Patti Smith that much and whilst I enjoyed a good section of this, I have to say I didn't some of it. I guess I could see where it was going and the style but it just wasn't all my bag. Maybe it needs a relisten. Soz James don't @ me
Aerosmith
2/5
Eugh its just a bit cringe isn't it. I can't say I enjoyed this at all - just a bit much. But I get that its a bit of a laugh, its not meant to be serious serious music.. .right?
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Well enjoyed this! They're a household name for a reason. Just cool and fun and peak classic rock
The Byrds
4/5
I'm finding it hard to know how I felt about this. Like they're very well written enjoyable songs, but there is kind of one tone to it. Like I don't feel blown away but obvs it is excellent. Wish I could do a 3.5
Heaven 17
2/5
This did not speak to me at all. It was a style typically I would like but I just found it irritating
Badly Drawn Boy
1/5
Not sorry for the 1 star. Beige beige beige. I was immediately angered by the first song but thought it might get better but no. I did not like this one bit.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Ah it's just so good isn't it. I love CCR. My brother introduced them to me and they remind me of driving together. They're another one which makes me nostalgic for a time I haven't lived in, vintage and not necessarily that polished. Feel good
Milton Nascimento
3/5
At first I thought this wasn't going to be my thing as I get a bit lost with Spanish music, I imagine mostly because I just don't know it or much about it at all. But as it when on I started to appreciate it more and more and when it got a bit more rocky loved it
The Black Keys
4/5
This is such a class album. They're so cool and bluesy and sexy and cool. Its never been something I listen to over and over again but every now and again think these come up strong as absolute bangers. Never gonna give you up has always been my fave
Tom Waits
3/5
I'm sure there is something deeper I am missing about Tom Waits. There were a few of these I enjoyed but then some that absolutely riled me. Grizzly and strange.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
Really enjoyed this actually, just cool and bluesy and tight. I would like to listen more closely again to pull out favourites - but first listen enjoyed it. Found it fun and funky
Otis Redding
4/5
Well this was a joy. It was all the ones you want to hear from OT. What talented writer and singer. Such warm soulful music that puts you in a great mood. Loved it
MC Solaar
3/5
Have to say at first I didn't really know what to make of this. But it grew on me. I reckon this would be great background summer party music. Weirdly I recognised one from the Greg Davies sit com Man Down, a funny scene involving Zumba. Wish I could give a 3.5
The Band
4/5
I thought this was bloody brilliant - I think my favourite The Band album. All the classics and a fun variety of bluesy, country style rock, humourous songs. Absolutely solid
Happy Mondays
4/5
Yeah I mean what a banger and takes you to 90s Manchester in an instant. Very iconic beat and just generally very fun. Made me want to party, have the thrills
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Well this was psych experimental classic-ness wasn't it. I found the majority of it really interesting to listen to, and again another album that is so iconic of a time. Made me want to be there.
Really loved the one about the story of a man who posted himself. Hilarious! Well told story too.
I can see why Luke likes VU so much at times, the repetitions and just going and going leaning into a riff so much. I might not have as much appreciation for all of that at times, like the 17 min song - but on the whole I did love it
Talking Heads
3/5
As much as I love Talking Heads, I'm not sure this was my most favourite albums. On the whole I really enjoyed it, but there were a few I was more ambivalent about. Its funny, because the ones I like I LOVE then I'm surprised how unbothered I am about others.
Spiritualized
3/5
I'm finding it hard to say what I made of this. Was an odd album! I went from thinking I didn't like it at the beginning and found the songs a bit cringey to getting into it more (one song reminded me of BCNR - no god only religion) then feeling confused by the end. Maybe I need to listen again
The Cars
3/5
I'm not entirely sure what to make of this - I guess a bit ambivalent - didn't love or hate it in a particular way. It felt quite generic and that it could have been one of many bands
Ananda Shankar
3/5
This was interesting and I'm glad I've heard it, not necessarily my thing but I appreciated it. Found one of them a bit disturbing and irritating - Dance Indra I think. Actually really enjoyed the 13 min one and how it built- really interesting layers and timbres
Primal Scream
3/5
I felt a bit lost in this album to be honest, I'm not sure what I made of it!
Some of it was a bit meh, but I liked how varied it was. And even the ones I wasn't as bothered I liked how iconic they were of a time, like this was the 'cool' music I imagine, messing around with mad synths etc.
Queen
3/5
I am finding this hard to rate - as I respect it but its not my bag to listen to. It is great songwriting and very fun, Queen are of course legends. I found it a bit tiring though, I listened twice to try and build an opinion. I reckon I need to listen to this on a car journey
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
I've never been a B&S fan to be honest, but I enjoyed this more than I expect to. I doubt I'd listen again - I wasn't moved
Beatles
3/5
Hard to know what I thought of this. Not the strongest album, lots of sort of sexist threatening songs in this one... But I know that was telling of the time so I'll resist the urge to cancel Paul M. A few I'm glad I've heard though!
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Well this seemed truly iconic of the 90s, like unbelievably so but I did not rate it. Boring and a bit wailey. Not my bag
Ice Cube
3/5
I think I need a second listen on this one - it was background noise at the time and as much as I was trying to pay attention I'm not sure it stuck. I did like what I heard, but there was stuff that washed over me - not sure if that was me or the album, but on an initial opinion 3 stars
Genesis
3/5
At first I was like "ew no way" and found it irritating, but got more into it as time went on and enjoyed certain punchy riffs. But on the whole I'm not sure this level of prog is my bag. But certainly not a write off!
Fiona Apple
2/5
I don't really get what this was or why it has made this list. Beige
The Streets
3/5
Its funny with the streets because it's a bit shit but it's kind of meant to be! Luke says they all really liked it as teens as it was different and silly but we agree we're not sure it has aged well..of a time! It has my respect. Certainly very catchy
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
I've listened to this twice - and I think there are some absolute gems in this. Some really good feel good blues, with some classic rock CCR style. Bell Bottom Blues was my favourite - makes sense to me why that is the most popular one with 30M listens on Spotify!!
I'm glad I've discovered this.
Steve Winwood
2/5
I really have no idea what to make of this! It was a bit all over the place I thought, started off with very cringey 80s synths then took a completely different direction by the time we got to Spanish Dancer. Wasn't my bag at all. A touch irritating
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I'm glad I listened to this twice. On first listen where I wasn't paying as much attention I felt I didn't appreciate it that much..on second listen I got way more into it. Mostly I love the story telling, tis obscure songs about people or places. I like that it feels distinctly American with the things she describes. Like being followed around by a coyote
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Have to say this wasn't my thing, I found it a bit much and repetitive. A bit too full on and samey. Luke said more like no no no, please. But I'm not influenced by him. Shame as I thought it would be
Def Leppard
3/5
I wonder if younger me would have loved this given I enjoyed Guns n Roses so much. I mean I did quite enjoy a few of these, perhaps in a slightly ironic way. It's just cringey isn't it.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
At first I was a bit like sigghhh prog rock sesh but actually I submitted to it. I was hoovering my parents house and it got me in a trance like focus state. A bit like jazz you need to let go of what you expect from the songs
Adele
4/5
Well I know what some might think about Adele not owning prestige among the likes of this list but she is a fantastic song writer. I don't listen to Adele regularly but I did enjoy listening to this. All I Ask I think is my favourite Adele song. Some fantastic lyrics all round. I would say she is quite love focused right? A bit typical in that sense. But her use of chord sequence and melody is some of the best. Listened to this in the car and had a great time what can I say
The Black Crowes
3/5
Well this was quite funny I thought! Hilarious name for the album. I felt like it was all so typical of the genre, like the songs and what they were about were incredibly typical. Unsurprisingly - troubled women. But overall I quite enjoyed it
Herbie Hancock
3/5
Have to say this was another jazz album I just didn't get into. I'm not there yet with jazz and uncertain what could possibly make me get there to love something like this. It made good background whilst I reorganised my parents bathroom
Hole
2/5
Hard to say how I felt about this, at first I was quite into it then I think it nose dived horribly I thought. The one about northern lights or norther stars was dire, honestly thought I'd got onto a Pheobe from friends track. First tracks were fun though
Solange
4/5
I thought this was excellent. Cool smooth beats with funky tones. Interesting story telling. Varied album. Glad I've heard this
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I definitely preferred this to previous LC albums, more upbeat and some lovely songs in there. A bunch of lonesome heroes sounded so like So Long Marianne it was confusing. But I loved both songs!
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
I really enjoyed this - its true that Biggie Smalls has a unique style and cadence to his rapping. Its really fun and easy to listen to.
Not sure how I felt about all the sex stuff that was in there, graphic noises etc!! Not to be a prude just feels unnecessary when the rest of the album is so great.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Its always good to hear Elvis! I love that these songs seem simplistic/formulaic but actually they're genius. They're heartfelt but humourous too. Loved this!
Screaming Trees
3/5
Like I didn't hate this but I didn't love it either. I listened twice to be sure. I feel unmoved. Just felt like standard rock, would be fun on a drive I imagine. I didn't think it was special though
Bert Jansch
2/5
Ah I'm sorry Bert but this did nothing for me. Sure it was lovely folk really I just didn't care at all.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
Well this felt like quite something - of a time and great fun! I don't know how much I'd regularly go back and listen but I certainly enjoyed it on this run through. Some classic songs in there you would forget about. Feels really 'girl power' and I like that she's aggressive and rude in her lyrics. Makes a change from the similar songs of the same era
Aerosmith
2/5
Another aerosmith so soon was a surprise! I mean it's a bit of fun really isn't it but it's not something I'll ever jump to look back on or have any particular nostalgia about (like other similar era/genre bands). Its a bit cringe but is hopefully not taking itself too seriously
Van Morrison
4/5
I really like Van Morrison, I find his songs soothing and easy to listen to. I think what sometimes makes his music a little different is sometimes the kind of jazz like structure, repetition and hanging onto a riff for a really long time. Its good!
Fever Ray
2/5
Did not like this at all. Like a rip off of Bjork but not good. Surprised as I like the Knife but I just found this irritating
Laura Nyro
3/5
I thought this was great. Reminded me in a good way of Carole King. I thought it was very musical and pleasing
Talk Talk
3/5
Talk Talk are a funny one - I've either really loved their songs and think they're really interesting and creative, or they're really quite aggravating. This album didn't do much for me I have to say, could probably benefit from another listen. I think the second half did improve
David Bowie
4/5
Great to hear this album in full. Sound and Vision is one of my favourites (influenced by Luke there!) and is such a feel good fun song.
The more ambient end could seem unexpected given some of the more jaunty tracks, but I think it works really well. Winds down the album and some of the instrumentals are so beautiful. Warszawa is brilliant.
Bobby Womack
3/5
This was good! I enjoyed it. Along the lines of Barry White, which appeals to me greatly. Obvs not as good. Enjoyed the mention of likening some aspect of a relationship to fried chicken, something about it being a mystery. Funny!
Stan Getz
3/5
This was very pleasant indeed! I have to say I have no major thoughts other than that. What I was impressed with was how well mixed this was, the guitar was picked up beautifully like you were just there with it.
KISS
2/5
I'm not sure I've actually heard a lot kiss songs despite them obviously being very well known. First of all love tha album cover and the amazing outfits. I dig it.
The album itself almost wasn't what I was expecting. I expected something a bit more glam. It was quite classic rock I thought. It didn't blow me away. It was fine. Some funny weird song topics too
Sade
2/5
I suppose this was quite a nice listen and I was surprised to recognise a few. Can't believe Will Young stole one of her songs and got the same from it being in the Bridget Jones soundtrack.
I didn't think much of it as it's not my genre but it's not bad per se
Roxy Music
4/5
What a banger and yes does remind me of J Cress getting the wrong record in Brighton. It didn't matter cos he only wanted it for the cover OI OI!
Radiohead
3/5
Well this isn't my favourite Radiohead. I would say the weakest of the albums around that time that I absolutely love. Feel like this one is more reflective of Thom Yorke's solo stuff. I did enjoy most of it but it left me unmoved compared to albums like Pablo Honey
Soft Cell
2/5
Well what a fucking roller coaster. And what a long album! Christ. Naturally tainted love was a banger (my mum's favourite song) and then the rest I generally found a disappointment. Just weird, Sex Dwarf. Where do we start on that. All 5 minutes of it as well. The one that I thought was pretty good was the Supremes cover "where did our love go" which brought in tainted love themes. Tainted love is a cover as well. That's a shame that there best song were covers, good ones though of course
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Wow that was an absolute sesh. They must have been exhausted after 1hr14 mins of solid blues and solos. It was a lot more prog than I was expecting. Allman brothers just makes me think Jessica, which is way more jaunty than all that. I enjoy and appreciate blues but this was a bit much for me! Enjoyable background as a pottered in the flat
Barry Adamson
3/5
Hilarious name for one! Sounds like a child thought of it.
I don't even know where to start with this I feel like I need to understand something about it more. It was totally unexpected and I liked that. Weird mixed with quite easy listening jazz. Definitely an experience
Metallica
2/5
Well you know what the ones I knew I quite enjoyed listening to but on the whole a bit of a slog. Enter Sandman is a banger. I can appreciate that this is a tight album and I get why it is popular, with those inclined but just so could not listen to this on the regs.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Ah well Arcade Fire rarely disappoint and this was no exception. They stay pretty on brand I always think, you know what you're getting it's never left field and I do really like it. Epic instrumental grandeur
Randy Newman
3/5
Well I guess I enjoyed this! Its hard to not think every Randy Newman song is aimed at kids, and I'm not sure its just the Toy Story influence. He's just got quite a comical voice and style! Clearly a talented musician too.
Ozomatli
4/5
It has been really hard to listen to this album as it isn't anywhere online. I think I've managed to listen to most of the songs on YouTube, albeit some were live versions. But I certainly had an impression - wow this was so fun! I bet it would be so great to see live. Loads of energy, fun, big sounds - loved what I did hear!!
Beastie Boys
3/5
Have to say a lot of Beastie Boys stuff doesn't hit the spot with me. I enjoy their delivery but I think its the accompanying music that I don't like quite so much. But its always fun though
Green Day
3/5
Obviously this isn't my go to Green Day album and for me isn't as mega as American Idiot but there are obviously classics on here. I think it holds up!
Willie Nelson
3/5
Well I thought this was quite charming. Some nice covers and sentimental songs. But it didn't really quite get me, I was open to it but I didn't love this like I was hoping to. Not sure why can't really put my finger on it
Talking Heads
3/5
Well it's has certified K town banger psycho killer on it so I want to rate high. But I have to say this was a bit heavy on the jaunty slightly surreal songs that I don't really get into with Talking heads. Despite being a big fan of course and I absolutely love loads of their stuff. Wasn't blown away by this one
Guided By Voices
4/5
This was a nice surprise. A bit different to have so many shorter songs, a bit punky in that respect. I recognised some of the songs I think. Will definitely give it another go. Reminded me of a combo of Tame Impala and some of the more psych stuff of the Beatles actually at times
New Order
4/5
Well I'd certainly be disowned by Luke and his fam if I rated this down. Fortunately, I did enjoy it! I enjoyed the slightly made songs about ghost soldiers and from Luke playing this album to me the song that samples frogs.
The last song was my fave, Face up. That's the style of new order I think I really liked. Did also appreciate the pretty instrumental interlude
The Rolling Stones
4/5
An early classic - I kind of like the innocence of this album, its definitely more youthful than later stuff.
A great array of originals and covers, bluesy and rocky numbers. Can imagine this was so exciting in 1964 when released!
The Prodigy
2/5
I can't think of any time you'd want to listen to this other than off your nut at a rave. I put this off for 2 days as I couldn't handle it on a Monday but then got a ratty cold and confirm it's not the soundtrack for that situation either.
Ah it's just real intense. And I bet it's really hard and very impressive to create music like this that is so popular, it's probably a intricate process but not my bag. A struggle
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Perfectly pleasant quintessential 80s I would say! Obviously in the same vein as Echo and the Bunnymen but it didn't hit the same spot for me, they did have enough punchy riffs that do a good OOFFF.
But I didn't not like it.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Great stuff! Enjoyable 60s psych rock. Wonder why I don't really know the Pretty Things - seems so in line with lots of 60s rock I grew up listening to. 17 songs felt like a lot to take in - I'm finding it hard to pick out particular ones that resonated with me - but overall was some great background to variosu things I did this week
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Overall was great listen - very unique singing style, which at first I really enjoyed then got a bit tired of by the end. I definitely preferred the more upbeat ones where the trumpets took the lead, rather than the slower more ballad-y ones. I Couldn't Help It If I Tried I did wonder if they filled certain parts with certain noises rather than writing new lyrics
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Not my favourite S&G but I still think it is great. Finding it hard to describe what I like about it - maybe that its a bit unusual. Gentle singing and weird songs.
Janis Joplin
4/5
What a soul powerhouse! Loved listening to this.
Pavement
4/5
Loved it! What a top album. Already liked a lot from here but loved listening to it a couple of times as a complete thing.
Need to explore Pavement more
Beach House
4/5
SO glad to see this on the list! I love Beach House. Sometimes I can go a really long time without listening to them and then get back into it.
Philippa introduced me in our teams, I thought they were unusual and weird but really liked it. They've brought out loads of great stuff since.
This album holds up over 15 years I think!
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
4/5
I felt like this was some mish mash of Dylan, Tom Waits, Jimi Hendrix, Leonard Cohen and I totally dug it!! After Googling can see he was involved in Quicksilver Messenger Service, which makes sense. I preferred this solo stuff to that. A bit easier of the psych stuff.
Steely Dan
3/5
This is the second Steely Dan and I'm again not sure what to make of it. Jaunty! It didn't leave a huge impression on me but I found it pleasant
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Funnily enough recognised the first song as Madi's boyfriend covered it. This album massively grew on me as it went along. And really enjoyed the 12 min song at the end. Could totally picture smoking weed and being blissed out to this album. Will definitely listen again . Great combo of psych and soul
Moby
4/5
I well enjoyed this. Obviously I know the Moby hits but hadn't ever listened to an album in completion.. absolutely loved it. Felt so nostalgic for the 90s. Great fun. Think it will be a good running album
Dead Kennedys
3/5
Sorry James perhaps this caught me off guard early in the morning but found this a bit much. Wasn't my bag
Adele
3/5
Mad that Adele wrote all this stuff so young. Tbh whilst I respect it it isn't my favourite one. I think Take it All is the best one from this album. I'm impressed by this one but didn't seem like it as much as 25
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I wasn't familiar with this album what WHAT a corker. I listened multiple times on Friday and it put me in such a good mood. Just the best sexy, cool music isn't it. I discovered some new faves I'll be listening to more regularly as well
2/5
Wow I feel like they had one song and with that concept managed to drag out an entire album... Which was fun for a while but by the end wore a little thin. Feel like it was all trying to be a bit serious about a song called The Look of Love
Incubus
2/5
ew did not like this at all. cringe annoying OOT music. whiney
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Boring boring boring. Didn't like this at all
Prince
3/5
I thought this was great! Preferred it to the other one. And so party!!
Funkadelic
4/5
Firstly I'm confused as I was so certain we had already had this one but whatever! Or another Funkadelic album. Anyway, I loved this. Loved the way the album built up and has some absolute bangerz on there I already love. Great lyrics too with wise messages
The Who
3/5
I enjoyed this a lot! Upbeat and cheery.
4/5
I actually liked this way more than I expected to. Was a bit worried about extremely long experimental rock but it was great. A lovely mixed of sound and great chapters to it
XTC
3/5
I quite enjoyed this! Not as much as plans for Nigel era perhaps. Some were a little too jaunty and reminded me of Elvis Costello but on the whole I thought it was good
Slipknot
1/5
Furious about this one. and it was LONG. I hated every second of it. Did NOT need to hear this before I died. Put me in such a bad mood. What weird and upsetting music this genre is
Paul Simon
4/5
What a great album and I do love Paul Simon! Always feels like such pure, clean music. Weird little stories that are curious to make sense of. I listened to this on an early morning drive to my Granddad's and it was a great soudtrack
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
Well this was NOT a good start to the week. After slagging off EC not two days earlier at a party, I was punished yet another album is did not like from him. Jaunty and irritating. Same old
The Everly Brothers
3/5
Yeah this was alright! Quite pleasant. Lots of love songs ennit about them moaning about being messed around. Do they ever sing about them being dicks? Bet they're not squeaky clean. There was the one about the weird bloke I suppose. But overall pleasant music!
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Luke loves these and I'd heard a little. Thought this was great! Really enjoyed it
Sonic Youth
4/5
What a classic. I enjoyed this so much. A lot of new ones for me as well.
Frank Ocean
3/5
I have to say I'm a bit confused about Frank Ocean and perhaps controversially don't just think he's fucking amazing.
I really like a good amount of his songs and enjoyed this album enough (bit long) but I'm not necessarily thinking it's ground breaking like everyone else seems to...
Is that a bad opinion?! Some of these massively passed me by.. others I really enjoyed. Same with the other butterfly album. Expected to be blown away but wasn't all that bothered. Soz not soz
The Undertones
3/5
Teenage Kicks is definitely one of the best songs of all time. I get why it was John Peel's favourite song of all time. It is just perfect. I love it too.
The rest of the album was pretty good too! Hard to find one that stood out like that though. Wish this was a 3.5
Stan Getz
3/5
I listened to this on a stressful morning ahead of a mega day at work. It was really nice to zen out to - I appreciated it. Girl from Ipanema always is just a funny song to me. Like there's something comical about it I think!
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Wow what an album! I had no idea what to make of this to begin with. Totally weird and wonderful and so varied in style. Some quite typically standard experimental songs mixed up with strange surreal stuff. I love it! I am informed that the Fall cover songs from the album which of course is the ultimate seal of approval
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Well it was a bloody 5 star before I even start. One of my favourite albums of all time - I don't know where to start! I just think it is a beautifully crafted album where you get a real sense of what Amy's life was like in London at the time. Her relationships, her nights out (taking the piss out of certain girls - but in a fond way! (Fuck me pumps))), her love for writing music on her guitar (Cherry), falling in love with crap men (Help Yourself) and her messy attitude to relationships (I Heard Love Is Blind). So many of the songs are so funny and include punchlines, like I heard love in blind. I love how to the point and unafraid she was to talk about certain shortcomings in her songs - FRANK as such.
Other than knowing the obvious Amy Winehouse songs, it was Help Yourself that got into her properly. Someone I met travelling (Malaysia at the time I believe) told me how pure and beautiful she thought that song was - I just how on the nose it was. I listened and totally agreed - now my most favourite song. I've loved all the documentaries about Amy Winehouse and what I've learned about her song writing - like how she, before the music, is a poet and lyricist and that is SO the strength of these songs. But her love of jazz means these songs are musically complex and surprising but pleasing. Just big big love for this - a joy to write a review and sing along to EVERY WORD.
I became a fan of Amy Winehouse she died, it was odd to go through the heartbreak of her death well after she actually died. I'm so struck by her talent and if only she'd grown older to write more music, and obviously enjoyed her life beyond 27. Her music was so wise and mature, knowing some of these songs were written as a teen!
5 bloody stars and I rarely give these
Kate Bush
5/5
Well this was a weird occurrence, as just the night before I had taught a piano lesson with my 11 yr old Bethan and we'd started on Running Up That Hill. She's a new Stranger Things fan so naturally she's now obsessed with that song!!
Which I think is great. I know people are snobby about the kids only now discovering Kate Bush - but that's what we want right? We want generations to remember and love the legends?
Kate Bush is happy about his (heard her on Womans Hour being delighted that she is being discovered by a whole new generation).
I discovered Kate Bush as a teen, so Bethan's ahead of me - lucky her - she has more of her life to enjoy it!!
As for the album, I listened multiple times just to make sure I knew what to review it. And it is indeed a 5 star. What a masterpiece - as well as the KB obvious bangers, I delighted in paying more attention to the other ones. So epic and strange and wonderful. You get a real sense about what Kate Bush is like from her music - creative, floaty, ethereal, in touch with who she is and the world.
What a cracking album
The Pogues
3/5
Well the Pogues aren't necessarily my thing and found this a little too jaunty for a Monday BUT I respect it culturally. I can see why others like this but I won't be relistening in the hurry. Time and place
Morrissey
3/5
I wasn't massively into this tbh, as James says it is just like the weaker stuff of the Smiths.
The Youngbloods
2/5
Didn't think much of this tbh. Left me apathetic
Dr. John
3/5
Well what a strange album this was. Hard to make sense of it. I do like psychodelic rock but I guess I don't know enough about it to tell if this was good or not! But I didn't hate it. I walked in the sun listening to it, quite a good soundtrack for that I guess
David Bowie
4/5
What a great album. I wasn't that familiar with this one, other than the obvious songs. But it came together so well. Some really punchy bops in there I didn't know so well and WHY because they're just so good.
Just such an exceptional song writer
Carpenters
3/5
I listened to this on a run in Kent and what a soundtrack! Some of them I felt were a bit too much like Disney songs for my living, but overall I thought it was a lovely album. Karen has such a beautiful and nostalgic voice of the 70s and it all seems quite innocent and pure doesn't it. Not sure about the one where she says she'll love her cheating boyfs anyway. Overall pleasant tuneful and uplifting
Tom Waits
3/5
Naturally my heart sank a bit as despite persistence I have never really 'got' Tom Waits. But actually much to my surprise I quite liked this when I focussed on the storytelling rather than the vocal style.. lots of humour in there and enjoyed learning the characters he felt compelled to write about. I.e. drunk losers!
Supergrass
4/5
It took me a few attempts to get through all of this as it was quite long - but glad I persisted as I ended up liking it lot! I'm not that familiar with Supergrass (other than the obvious ones) so I'm glad this came up. Particularly disc one, which was full of super catchy quintessential Brit-pop numbers. Just quite upbeat and feel good.
Strayed a bit in disc two, but I did enjoy the funny song about sex. Great rhyming, "Sometimes it burns sometimes it stings" etc etc.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
But what are they so angry about? JK. I did wonder if they were on the right side of anti-establishment and not like anti-vaxxers or what not. Regardless, I was quite into this to begin with, liked hearing Killing in the Name (which was on the infamous Air Guitar CD referenced in other reviews - so I had early exposure to this song), but I have to say after that it did get a bit samey. Their use of repetition really works in that song and others, but by the end of the album I was tired of certain lyrics just being repeated so much, I
felt like it lacked lyrical creativity. Listened to this partly whilst I was having a ladies pamper session and then finished the next day on a run - but felt like funny occasions to listening to it!
Django Django
2/5
I recognised a couple of these and I feel I know what this was going for... Maybe Hot Chip vibez but it didn't real the spot for me tbh. I guess it was fun and might be good to see at a festival but I wasn't fussed tbh
3/5
This didn't massively resonate with me, despite liking brassy bluesy music a lot. I felt like it only really had one gear though that it never got out of, where I was hoping it was at some point be a bit more POW. The general sound was good but the songs didn't quite do it for me
Calexico
4/5
I didn't know what to expect from this but I really enjoyed it! I really appreciated the variety of song styles, some instrumental. A mix of tempos. Kept me interested. Thought it straddled the range of music themes so well
Would listen again to this
Ride
4/5
A lovely little bit of shoegaze! Well quite a lot it was a long album weren't it. But I already liked Ride and knew some of the hits. As Luke says with Ride the hits are so good and then there can be a bit of mediocrity among some of the others. I do agree but overall I really enjoyed listening. The overall sound appeals to me. Bad lyrics on occasion but Luke says that's part of shoegaze
Beth Orton
2/5
OK I'm sorry but this album made me so angry. Needless to say I did not like it at all. Beige wishy washy irritating repetitive songs that lacked flare or creativity. Lame lyrics and irritating singing, which I think was a style of the time. A bit Dido?
Anyway, I'm sorry as I think other people might describe this as inoffensive, because it's not objectively horrible music is it?
But that's what did offend me. A big no
Bob Dylan
4/5
This is definitely a great era of Dylan! Upbeat, fun story telling, great humour and some heartfelt ones thrown in there.
I wasn't overly familiar with the album as a whole but really glad that I've heard it.
Gene Clark
3/5
I have really liked some Gene Clark stuff in the past, a couple of these tickled my fancy but overall found some of it a little beige. Wish I could give a 3.5 Strength of Strings (on a different album) is a banger
Peter Tosh
3/5
This was my birthday album and wow what a "me" album. Lol just kidding. I actually really loved it though, it put me in a great mood. Some really solid and enjoyable reggae. Will listen again
The Waterboys
3/5
Well it wasn't my favourite but I did enjoy a few of these. Probably the less fisherman-y folky ones I have to say. It was a bit long... Perhaps that influenced me!
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I really enjoyed this as a chilled out version
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Funky fresh ballady stuff. Not massively my bag but was a vibe
Wilco
4/5
Great laid back sounds and an interesting mix of styles. Enjoyed the ambient tail off at the end. Would listen again
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
I found this very interesting to read about and I think what is great about this challenge is to be exposed to popular music from different cultures, which is a completely different music style: in structure, language, chord structures, timbres, everything! So for my music education this was great. Was it my bag and would I listen again? Probably not. And no disrespect to Nusrat as he was a really big deal! He brought the Sufi style of music to the main stage internationally
And literally he played at WOMAD and everyone loved it and it shot him and the style into notoriety.
1hr 30 mins felt like a lot but apparently that's was one of his talents - absolute stamina to keep going.
Korn
1/5
Hard to describe how much I fucking hated this. The lame lyrics, the boring repetitive riffs, how OTT it all is. Made me furious. Can't believe I made myself listen to every minute. Too committed to this challenge
The Fall
4/5
So big news I actually quite liked this album! This is a big deal as the Fall are Luke's obsession and I've never fully got into it. But this is apparently solid entry level Fall and dare I say I enjoyed it! It's taken me 3 years of Fall listening to get somewhere. Luke is so happy. He gave me trivia of every song.
Punchy beats, great riffs, good fun
New Order
4/5
Outrageous to have two of Luke's faves in a row. Familiar with quite a lot from this album anyway, not necessarily all my favourite New Order songs but still I think a certified K Town Banger
A great mood lifter
Dire Straits
3/5
I mean it's all about Sultans of Swing isn't it! I think I'm most familiar with a greatest album hits of sorts growing up. So I have a soft spot for Dire Straits... This album didn't pop for me, Sultans of Swing does stand out. But I enjoyed it enough!
Deee-Lite
3/5
Well what a party! Delightful. I mean this must be on here because of Groove is in the Heart right? The rest of it was pretty fun and funky but got a touch repetitive by the end I'd say
Mudhoney
2/5
I did not like this and thought it was very silly. Not my bag. Imagine its something fun to see live but kind of just ground my gears tbh
Minor Threat
2/5
Wow this was short and sharp. Luke really likes Minor Threat and has apparently played it to me before.
I don't really remember and tbh this sort of blurred into Mud Honey for me. It didn't leave much of an impression on me
3/5
I listened to this around Great escape festival and wonder if my brain was just too full of music to take more in. It hasn't left an impression but Luke rates it. I didn't hate it though. This is a weak review I know
Brian Eno
3/5
Was hyped to see Eno on the list... Can't remember if we've had him or not. Have to say at first I was finding it quite jarring and then became more my bag. There's just so much Eno I guess you can't love it all
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
We haven't had a rap album for a while so I was quite pleased about this one! Enjoyed the flow and rhythm, good to run to. There was one about date rape I didn't really understand... Couldn't tell what angle that was about!
Liked the jazzy motifs of flutes and diminished chords
Bad Brains
2/5
Dunno what to say other than this wasn't my bag. Maybe the singing style as I am becoming more and more open to punk. Glad it was only 30mins...
Ray Price
1/5
This album has ruined my morning and filled me with rage. This album is 100% mysogyny.. I'm on the last one right now and he's just telling this woman that her friends don't like her, look at your life, essentially sort yourself out and I'm the only one who loves you. A song which screams coercive control.
There was another really perverse one criticising a woman for being a young fool and how cute it is that's she's not silly but tomorrow her life is fucked and life will ruin her. It appeared to be she was just drinking in a bar and he was observing her and patronisingly saying how her life was going to go shit imminently. Eugh.
So many instructions to women in this album.
No wonder the 60s were sexist as fuck when the backing track was this absolute nonsense, instructing men how to control women under the guise of a sweet little ballad.
Also it's just all boring. Every song sounded the same.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Well it's a banger as far as I'm concerned! Stairway to heaven is one of those teen hood songs for me that I thought was bloody groundbreaking and felt very inspired to learn the guitar solo. I didn't of course!
Led Zep was a good angle for me to go from classic rock to more bluesy cool stuff. I think a lot of their music is very sexy
Peter Gabriel
2/5
No my thang at all. Quite irritating. So repetitive just a general no
Robert Wyatt
3/5
Well this was unusual I guess! Looked him up and this guy was quite influential it seems. Big in the Canterbury music scene but then had to stop owing to becoming paraplegic when he fell out a window.
This has lots of themes and motifs I loved, like the brass bits. But then some inheritantly irritating parts which spoilt it for me. Some of the singing styles. So a mix for me
Kings of Leon
4/5
Ah a great era of Kings of Leon! You love to hear it. Before they did what Coldplay and Biffy Clyro did and went on chugging out pop pleasers there were some really fun songs in here.
Enjoyed this a lot
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Really didn't think much of this. Have to say I didn't give it loads of attention, I was doing other things but I just found it generic and a bit annoying
Astor Piazzolla
1/5
Just riled me up right good this one. I did not need to hear this really...
I guess they are talented musicians but honestly imagine sitting through that live. No thanks. Well repetitive and not in a good way
Lightning Bolt
3/5
Well I would say I enjoyed this more than one might expect! It reminds me of a local Brighton band, I think Speak Galactic and I could therefore imagine the red experience of seeing jt live. I like the repetitive thickness of it all and the hard bass riffs.
Skunk Anansie
2/5
Luke tells me these were big in the 90s, it's new to me. I found this hard to get through... I wonder if they paved the way for Evanescence.. very similar I thought. I just found it a bit cringe, all hit OTT and "emo" (I know this predates emo). Luke says they still play and attract big crowds of 40 yr olds
Doves
4/5
I really liked this! I know some people might be a down on Doves potentially for being landfill indie. But I saw them a few years ago and they gave a fab performance. Catchy tunes
CHVRCHES
3/5
Ah well throw back! Hadn't heard this for a long long time and honestly had forgotten about it.
I'm a bit confused as I'm not hugely convinced this is a good music, like for me I felt there could be more variation in the synths used and it does some more simplistic towards the end. However, I did really enjoy lots of these songs! Fun silly pop. Boosted my mood so that says something right
Ministry
1/5
Not fun. Low volume. Strange artwork too
Napalm Death
1/5
The album title says it all. The only positive it was only 33 minutes long. I listened to this first thing Monday morning to start the week off up to date, what a terrible thing to do. It made me angry and sad
Pink Floyd
3/5
I was hyped to see this but then it wasn't really the Pink Floyd style I like. Didn't really get it tbh. I was in a bad mood this day perhaps that didn't help my open mindedness
Elvis Costello
3/5
Well you know what it didn't rile me as much as usual. I still find it bland really don't get the ES hype. But still surprisingly ok
Def Leppard
3/5
Well there's a time and place right? A road trip or mid life crisis as a middle aged man? JK! This kind of classic rock is somewhat a guilty pleasure at times and harks back to the seminal Air Guitar album I reference in other reviews. So it's not my bag that much any more but it's fun right?! 3.5 if I could
The Monkees
3/5
This was a grower for me and I even listened to the full 1hr 30 or whatever it was. At first I found it a little irritating and then I felt I got it more. A few creepy songs about girls and sisters but I guess that was the norm at the time
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
What a cracking album. I loved it.
It's Tricky reminds me of getting to know James. I think he introduced it to me and I listened to it so much and I still know all the words.
It's a really fun album and balanced mix of more trivial songs and those that haveore depth
De La Soul
4/5
Banging! Love a bit of De La Soul but hadn't heard a full album recently anyway. Such a great use of sweet funky smooth samples and great rapping. Will definitely listen again
Christina Aguilera
4/5
Historically I haven't been a bit Christina Aguilera fan but wow this album pows doesn't it?! Whilst it's not something I'd necessarily go back to I really appreciated it. Full of energy
The Divine Comedy
4/5
Man I absolutely loved this. I really like what I know of the Divine Comedy prior to this but this was so great to listen to in completion. I cannot make sense of the genre, what is this?! It is a bit comedy brit pop but also layered in OTT orchestral grandeur.. songs you might expect in a musical (but better). I think what ressonates with me is the same reason I love Scott Walker. Frog Princess and the very sad song about out loving dogs and horses were particularly great
Koffi Olomide
4/5
I liked this a lot! What joyful warm and rich music this is. I found it very soothing and uplifting to listen to
The Police
4/5
This album popped for me! Bring on the night was already a firm favourite for me. I think these are just solid songs
Sonic Youth
4/5
I'm getting more and more into Sonic Youth and I thought this was fantastic. They're a very iconic band with an iconic style. Like no other I reckon
Don McLean
4/5
Well this is twee as hell right but man I really liked it. My mum really likes American Pie and it's just feel good music right. I'm going to give it a 4!
Blur
4/5
Well this was Brit pop bliss. A seminal album I believe but I was unfamiliar. So no real nostalgia for me but I think it's stand up great music
The Stooges
4/5
I have been relatively new to the Stooges (courtesy of Luke of course) and really like them. Hadn't heard a full album yet and I thought this was weird and wonderful
David Bowie
4/5
I'd obvs heard Blackstar before and not sure I really got it at the time or gave it enough attention. on this listen I thought it was bloody brilliant. Amazing to chug out another cracking album at this time in his life
ZZ Top
4/5
I think I have to give this a 4 based on how quality the hits are off this, the ones you already know. Probs off the air guitar album.
The rest of it was far more bluesy than I had assumed about ZZ Top. It was good fun and a good motivational sound track to my work out on holiday in a very stuffy hot gym in the hotel in Majorca
The Darkness
4/5
Ah well this is nostalgia all over for me, and Lucy I hope! She and I loved the Beatles and when we were roughly 12 or 13 Lucy's dad was taking us to see their tour in Birmingham. But I had a migraine so my brother went instead, and had a great time by all accounts. Lucy and I then saw the Darkness at Godiva festival in 2017 and it was nice to tie up that loose end. Man they gave such a banging performance and looked like they'd barely aged. Lots of hits from this album.
It's a total fun album and I loved listening to it
Kate Bush
5/5
Well I think it has to be a 5 star.. what an incredible album and piece of art. Kate Bush is such a visionary and deserves all the credit and prestige she's acquired. Woman's Work must be one of the best most perfect songs ever written right? Loved the some of the heavier ones, a bit surprising.
I feel like I need to listen intently 5 more times to appreciate this properly
Killing Joke
3/5
I wasn't that into it I have to say. Perhaps it was a grower as by the end I did feel more open to it. I found the repetitiveness jarring, but sometimes I love that in a song. Maybe I wasn't in a good place to appreciate this...
Fugees
4/5
This was proper good! I knew of the Fugees and some hits but not properly. Really loved how varied this was, the samples and the little bits of dialogue in between.
Yes
3/5
This was perfectly fine I would say and elements of it I enjoyed but I wasn't blown away or remember loads about it even a day later
Foo Fighters
4/5
Foo Fighters have never been a favourite band for me but I realise they are actually so so good when I listen to some back catalogue. Not necessarily stuff I'd listening to regularly but I've had a bit of a sesh after this and enjoyed it a lot. The album was great fun!
Bee Gees
3/5
This is not what I expected front the Bee Gees! I thought they were discos music. Lots of this was like The Band or Elton John or then orchestral. It was perfectly pleasant I thought and lots of song I thought were very good. Not sure overall how much I loved it. A 3.5 maybe?
Grateful Dead
3/5
This was quite intense psychedelic rock which though I enjoyed elements I did find it quite dense at times. Some of the drawn out sections I probably struggled with for the same reason as jazz, sort of that meandering... Which I bet I like at times but it didn't always hit the spot here but overall I thought it was very good. Hard to rate
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
This was fine and I liked it being live but I'm not sure how much I care about this style of music. I appreciate it but I won't be back in a hurry
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
I was excited to see this pop up as I like Dinosaur Jr. Great fun classic grunge post punk.
Love the Cure cover and even though Luke warned me it cuts off early I checked my phone twice to see what had happened.
k.d. lang
3/5
Yeah I think this was fine but it didn't blow me away. Pleasant music and I'm sure there is some solid songs writing in there. Thought the lyrics were predictable and a bit cringe at times though
Hole
3/5
Yeah I thought this was OK! Wasn't my favourite but didn't hate it either. I guess an ambivalent but maybe I need to listen again
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Yeah this was really good! Spunky and fun
David Bowie
4/5
This is a great era of Bowie! Some really fun rock.
I have a big admission, I'm not sure I knew that Jean Genie was by Bowie.. gun to my head definitely would have thought it was like ZZ Top or something. So confused.
But overall this was a really good listen and lifted my spirits
Paul McCartney
4/5
Honestly it isn't mad how many songs PM wrote, like its actually unbelievable this amount of stuff came from one brain. This was a wonderful album, some real highlights were Maybe I'm Amazed.
A fantastic mix of warm styles
Mekons
2/5
Found this twee and annoying, not a vibe. I was in a bad mood when I listened to this, I'm not sure if that affected anything... but it certainly didn't help either.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I had forgotten just what an AMAZING album this is, its a 5 star from me.
Just so tight, bluesy and every moment of the music feels right.
Paranoid the song has a special place in my heart, having listened to it just SO many times when my brothers teenage bad Phantazyz would perform it. Thinking back to Steve Ellis aged 14 singing 'Finished with my woman cos she wouldn't help me with my life' is genuinely hilarious to think back on. I didn't think much of it at the time, but honestly I wonder what the adults though at the various gigs they played. Very sweet though.
I loved this album, I couldn't help but swing my head whilst listening to it
Minutemen
4/5
Luke was very excited we had this one. It was excellent. Loved all the political themes and stories of their lives in the band. An impressive amount of songs
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
Well wow what a long album. Why didn't they just do 3. Great tunes from On Brother Where art thou and I appreciated the harmonies and guitar playing and little stories
John Cale
3/5
Pretty upbeat tunes. It didn't leave a huge impression on me but I did like it
Kings of Leon
4/5
Such a great album! I wish they'd kept up with this feel more in later years. Just so much more fun! Upbeat and solid rock, but still airs of pop that would be accessible to a lot of people.
Travis
2/5
I was not a fan of this at all. It was just beigeness to me. Sorry.
The Associates
3/5
I feel like you might have to be very much in the mood for this level of extreme 80s-ness. I know this because the first part I listened to on an early run and it was just a bit much. It made me quite irritaavle, but then I listened to more another time and it didn't rile me and I quite enjoyed it. I have to say the singing style (did Bowie do this first I was wondering?) Did grate me a little bit but I know it is just part of it. The recognisable ones were fun I guess
Joe Ely
2/5
I found this very beige and quite irritating tbh! Not my bag at all. Very repetitive in style.
Lambchop
4/5
This was a surprise to me! I had no idea what to expect and felt I recognised some songs.
Kind of Elton John and Pink Floyd at times. I do enjoy grandeur in music.
50 Cent
4/5
What a hoot this was! This was my soundtrack round Sainsbury's and I felt almost cheeky listening to gansta drama. Such catchy tunes you can't deny it
The Young Rascals
3/5
Yes this was perfectly pleasant but I also feel I don't have much to say about it... Yes it was just perfect fine. Lovey clichés obvi were a bit gross but overall fine
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
I thought this was so beautiful and soothing. Some of it did remind me of the Sims music too. I could picture listening to this on a beach bar somewhere hot. Gorgeous guitar playing
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
This was confusing! I think I enjoyed it but was surprised it was mostly sampled music I guess. Generally quite fun and put me in a good mood
Tom Waits
3/5
Agh Tom Waits. I feel like I should, by prestige, like Tom Waits but I just don't get it. There would be snippets where I'm into it then it would quickly go somewhere I was not into at all. His voice shifts bug me. I dunno what to make of it all!
Meat Puppets
3/5
Luke will tell me off for not giving this a 4 but I did only enjoy this so much. I didn't not like it and some songs I did, but I wasn't a blown away as Luke was telling me I should be (awkward!)
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
This was absolutely fine. Listened on a run in Kent and it was a good accompaniment and felt soooo 80s. A bit OTT and silly in some ways but overall I did like it
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
I loved this! So varied. Know nothing about this band but it was delightful. A fun mix of jazz and blues and weirdly orchestral themes? I'm a sucker for brass instruments so I was well up for this
U2
3/5
I mean U2 isn't massively my thing but I appreciate the song writing I guess. I can see why it appeals to others but I just can't massively get into it. Absolutely fine
Brian Eno
3/5
I haven't any idea what to make of this. There is some Brian Eno stuff I absolutely love but not going to lie I wasn't on board with absolutely all of this. Sorry Brian! There were elements I did so it has to be a middle of the road rating
Daft Punk
2/5
Well I didn't like this at all and Luke bigged it up. What a liar. I just found it a bit boring, repetitive and not in a good way.
This kind of music just makes me think of post apocalyptic orgies. I think it's because of that scene in the Matrix in the second one where they go underground and everyones like dancing in the nude and it's well an orgy. The Neo and the woman have mad sex in a cave.. well this music was playing. Dunno why that's such a prominent memory for me.. maybe the first time I heard this kind of music.
The Specials
4/5
An absolutely banging album! And features Do Nothing, my favourite Specials song.
What a legendary band and one of the few really great musical exports of Coventry. The unique style and social commentary is just excellent, plus the splashes of humour. This was a joy
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Some lovely cowboy music that! I do enjoy the speaking over the top of acoustic guitar styley, the recently deceased Rodriguez did this in a few of his songs and I find it very impactful.
Metallica
2/5
Eugh it just all sounds the same and I genuinely have no idea if I can give it the credit of good song writing. I know it isn't my genre of choice so therefore maybe it is unfair, that said it did nothing for me so maybe I just rate on that
Kelela
3/5
I started off thinking I was into it and elements reminded me thing I like about FKA Twigs or Delilah but after a while I was not so sure. I liked the really big moments, but these sort of thinned out towards the of the album
Johnny Cash
5/5
Wow what an incredible album. I remember Mr Marr teaching is about the importance of Jonny Cash and this particular album and I haven't listened to it for a while. The whole thing tied together so beautifully and his little bits of stand up in between and how he commands the crowd is amazing. What a thing to visualise. I don't know so much about Cash's outlaw image but it whatever I think it is amazing he humanised these prisoners, which I can only imagine how grim they were back then (well and now) and did these concerts. A genius with words and comedy and storytelling
Mariah Carey
3/5
Well I am impressed by Mariah Carey, of course I am, and there were some slamming tunes on here but broadly speaking it isn't really my thing. It was perfectly adequate driving music.
I remember our A Level music tech teacher (the missionary one) said Mariah was the best singer of all time ever, I often think about that
Small Faces
4/5
Well I absolutely loved this. Was a complete array and Afterglow blew my mind. It was lots of things I love about The Band, lovely harmonies and full music. Some of the more cockney ones weren't so much my bag. But overall loved it!
The Prodigy
2/5
God it's all just so much isn't it. I think I have enjoyed the Prodigy in the past but I have to say this time it felt like a slog. I appreciate it must be very impressive music to actually produce but I didn't have a good time listening
Joy Division
4/5
Now I'm only actually writing this review ages after the initial listen (like 3 months!) I think knowing it was one of Luke's favourite albums meant I had to be very sure. I kept listening and then forgetting to write the review. Think I might be on fifth listen now.
I think I was torn as part of these songs I find dark, moody with the jarring chords but I think overall it's one of those albums that comes together so brilliantly. Sets a scene for Joy Division and their unique style. Overall it's a great listen
Billy Bragg
3/5
Well as a union gal there are obviously some anthems on there for me! It's nice to hear vehemently left wing sentiments, even if workers rights are getting worse again and there's the same ol' shit from 1986.
I appreciated this, but perhaps wasn't my favourite style I guess.
Nanci Griffith
2/5
Perfectly pleasant I guess, listened to on a run round Kenilworth and it accompanied quite well. But I found it samey and it left little impression on me
Death In Vegas
3/5
This felt like it was trying to be very cool. I think at the beginning I was quite into it but found it quite samey after a while. It was definitely OK and snippets I liked a lot, I felt some of them never went where they needed to go. Like it was missing some kind of crescendo
Kanye West
4/5
Well I know this is regarded as one of the best KW albums and I have to say I agree. It was tight and funny and far less self involved and weird as his latter work. Obviously hard to feel that supportive of him given his recent antisemitism and general idiocy... But listening to this separately from those thoughts it was good wasn't it
Kings of Leon
4/5
Ah it's a tough one as it was such a big album back at sixth form. Real nostalgia for that period of time and I did bloody love it. I haven't listened to these songs is years and I don't know how to feel about it! Now knowing where Kings of Leon came from, they changed their style a lot and made it much more pop and ballad. I don't respect Biffy Clyro or Coldplay for doing the same thing. I can't deny though I did enjoy the relisten and some of these hold up. Manhattan for example! Sex on Fire and Use Somebody don't ... Agh. 4 stars for nostalgia impact. Don't tell Luke (who kept crying to turn it off when I played this)
The xx
3/5
I'm not sure I'd ever listened to this in full! But it was a good listen, a lot more optimistic than their second album right? I enjoyed listening to it but I don't think the XX is my bag completely, doesn't always put you in a good mood but definitely apt on certain occasions
Roni Size
3/5
Gosh this came the day after a migraine when I was tired and headachey and definitely was not the vibe! Thinking back to my post apocalyptic orgy music vibes. But some of them were fun and I would like to party to them. So a mixed view on this one!
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I love a bit of CCR and this was no different! Some of their music is quite classic blues, but there is something different about them. Very rich and warm. I feel so optimistic when I listen to them.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Well I thought this was a very interesting listen. I felt like certain songs were repetitive of just classic jazz songs and the sung melodies weren't particularly inventive so it was losing my attention. But the last song about America was brilliant! Such clever rhymes and the message was so clear. Would give a 3.5 if I could
Radiohead
4/5
Great to see Radiohead come up again and excuse to listen to this album. I feel I've gone through phases with Radiohead where I listen intensely then not at all for years. I think that's good as then you come back to it and remember what amazing music it is!
It's like a fresh perspective and I felt that a lot re listening. Songs on this album have so many key memories.
I remember when I was quite young in secondary school I had heard No Surprises but didnt know who it was or how to find it. I thought that initial two chord sequence was so beautiful. Eventually I heard Aaron Spiers playing it on guitar in a music practice room, and I was like OMG what is that song. on my behalf Simon Haddleton very rudely interrupted Aaron to ask what it is was. I did not ask him to and he did it quite rudely like OI! I cringe about that from time to time. Regardless he gave the album and I found the song, then spent ages working it out on piano.
Coming back to No Surprises at different points in my life has been key. I really marvelled at it in this listen and read about the song writing. They wrote a song so dark an but then tried to make it sound like a lullaby so the tragicness wasn't so apparent. Kind of tying to how the tragicness of every day life isn't also do immediately apparent.
Weirdly I think of Matt Halliday with Paranoid Android, it was his favourite song at sixth form and I think he tried to learn it in music tech a level.
Karma Police makes me think of Adam Buxton talking about how seeing them live at The Roundhouse was one of the most moving experiences of his life. He said that when the lyrics "For a minute there I lost myself" he felt that in the performance and that everyone had lost themselves temporarily and how amazing it is that music can do that to you.
I could go on. Overall the album is magnificent and idgaf if people think it's depressing, life can be depressing and love how Radiohead articulate that. Side note: Thom Yorke has aged remarkably well
Brian Eno
4/5
I already love this album. I think my favourite Brian Eno. So calming and peaceful. I often do yoga to it and did again this week when it cropped up!
The Fall
4/5
I enjoyed this a lot. Great to hear Mark E Smith young and spritely and less gravely. I felt it was all pretty tight. Was sad one song wasn't actually about Donkeys not getting Christmas (John Quays etc). A punchy lil album this
Roxy Music
4/5
It's a banger! So iconic Roxy music, not just because of Brian Ferrys notable style it's the whole thing. I think it's speed and rhythms they choose. It's punchy and fun. Really enjoyed jt
The Who
4/5
Well it's a classic isn't it! The start of Baba O'Riley gives me chills every time. What a song! They're legends for a reason. Just really really great perfectly structured rock songs
Giant Sand
2/5
Just one word ... boring. This was so beige and dull it actually riled me up. Is that normal? None of this felt identifiable or interested. Confused why it's on the list
Metallica
2/5
Well I just didn't care. I'm sorry! No matter how much I listen and I do respect they are widely loved it must be good metal, but does nothing for me
Japan
3/5
I found this a little confusing to get to grips with, some of the more ambient instrumental ones I liked more than the first party of the album that was heavy quintessential 80s. But I didn't NOT like anything, solid middle of the road for me
2/5
I had no idea what to make of this! Not really my thing tbh... chaos total chaos! Sorry I still don't get jazz
Neneh Cherry
2/5
I did not like this at all. Granted in a very small and bad mood when listening to this but still it just grated on me the entire time. Repetitive and dull
Air
3/5
Well I did recognise and enjoy quite a lot of this but it didn't blow me away as such! Like I appreciated what is was and felt like it was good music. Maybe a commute isn't the right time. Wish I could give 3.5
Michael Jackson
2/5
It really is very hard to not think the entire time through this about MJ being such a massive sexual predator, and just isolate the music. Obviously these are classic tunes that you always here on an 80s club night, but even pre scandal I didn't really like MJ that much. I do like Man In the mirror, did sing along to that tbh
AC/DC
3/5
Well teenage Chloe was really into AC/DC and the first few songs I was really into... but by the end I was kind of over it and songs weren't that distinctive anymore. Total respect for the album but won't be coming back in a hurry
Nirvana
4/5
Damn it's so fucking good isn't it. It's just so tight and thick and warm. I hadn't listened to some of these songs for a long time but going back you realise why they're world legends
The Thrills
2/5
This was so beige I could not care about it. Every song blurred into one. Not for me!!
PJ Harvey
4/5
I really enjoyed this! I think more so than other PJ Harvey albums. I liked the heavier ones. Will need to listen again to appreciate fully
The Jam
3/5
Ah well you know what I enjoyed this more than I expected to, always thought I didn't like the Jam at all. Maybe that's because I saw Paul Weller circa 2011 and thought it was very dull. In the same kind of way I dislike Elvis Costello, like jaunty cringe music. But actually it was Ok! Enjoyed some of the hits. Never going to be my fave
Neu!
4/5
I really enjoyed this. Quite an unusual album set-up of song lengths and styles and the way it built. Enjoyed the prog-slow building-ness of it. Will listen again
New York Dolls
3/5
This didn't really do that much for me! Luke was quite disappointed as he did consider some of them hit. As with a lot of these albums its not that I didn't like it, some of it was quite fun - but nothing made me want to come back for more.
Ian Dury
4/5
Reminded me of my dad! Who surprisingly loves Ian Dury. We had the greatest hits in the car. I think it's really clever entertaining music and he's an interesting character.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
I had a very strange experience with this album. This very Tuesday morning I was listening to recordings of the Fijian rugby players singing and was incredibly taken by it. I read comments that there is lots of similarities to south African music. I had made a mental not to listen to more south African and Fijian choral singing. Later that day I look up album du jour and it was this one! Delightful. I listened twice. Owing to one being quite a drunken listen on the way back from London having seen BCNR with Will and Benji. I think it's such warm magical music and I'm so impressed by the layers of harmonising. Wonderful. I think they have sung lion king songs, must research more
The Kinks
4/5
Well this slams with hits doesn't it! The Kinks seem so nostalgic for me and I don't even know what for. Not a time I was alive but the feel of the 60s is so apparent, maybe it's the storytelling or descriptions. It's jaunty and bright. Good mood music!
4/5
It can be hard to separate all the jokes, celebrity-ness and general impression of Oasis from their music I feel. I'm thinking about the likes of Wonderwall now getting a bad rap because nob heads on guitars played it too much. But listening back to this MAN I loved it. Its just really really good song after song. They were bloody hits for a reason werent' they. Really enjoyed listening to the album in isolation.
Goldfrapp
4/5
I already liked Goldfrapp a lot and A&E has been such a favourite of mine for years! Listening to the album in full was wonderful - lots of songs I didn't know very well which I'm glad to have given time to.
I love the variety of styles of the album and the warmth to it all. Really interesting and clever I think. Will keep listening!
Basement Jaxx
4/5
Wow - what a punch to the ear drums and brain this was for a dreary Thursday morning where I'm processing some kind of virus.
I obviously new some of these songs, but definitely not all of them. Interesting to hear how much more dance-y electronic Basement Jaxx used to be. It was good fun and I want to listen again.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
I have no idea what to make of this whether I liked this or not! It was extremely varied, at least. Some I liked more than others so it probably has to be a 3*
Pulp
3/5
I've warmed to Pulp over the years but I have to say this wasn't my most favourite of them. I enjoyed a couple of them but some of the rest I wasn't overly keen on - definitely not the hits that we all know and love!
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Well this was quite something! It was a really interesting listen as a sound track, would like to see the film. It was fun and varied and sprung images to mind.
Holger Czukay
3/5
I was quite bemused by this one! I did want to get Cool in the Pool.
I found this hard to place and on reflection I do think I appreciate what it was and thought it was good fun.. and slightly mad.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Well I thought this was a banger! I recognised some of the songs, but wasn't overly familiar. Thought this was a post punk spectacular
Really meaty riffs and punchy vocals.
Will be listening again
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Despite liking the Pet Shop Boys a lot since I saw them at Pride 2018, this album didn't really do it for me. I didn't have the punch that I have loved in other songs. I still appreciated it on some level but no pow for me
Jethro Tull
3/5
I have found this hard to place, and feel I know very little of Jethro Tull, despite knowing that they're one of the classics. Some of the songs resonated with me more than others and overall I found it enjoyable. I think I need to listen again to form a stronger opinion
American Music Club
2/5
I very strongly did not like this album. Weak wishy washy overall a massive MEH. It left no last impression other than disappointment
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I was familiar with this album already, but what a treat to listen again and with a new lens to see what I appreciate about it.
I really enjoyed it and for some reason, perhaps the recording style always feel likes there's a sense of innocence and light heartedness about TVU. Which I like a lot. Beginning to see the light is perhaps my favourite.
A lovely varied album too
Ash
3/5
Luke told me they were the biggest one hit wonders ever and I get it. Girl from Mars is a top banger and the rest of the album felt confused... I felt like they were trying to be Nirvana at times and then so twee and brit pop and a bit cringe at others. But overall was a fun listen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Well, I don't even know where to start with this..
When Ghosteen was released I remember there was so much hype, I think I dipped in but never gave it the time and I'm SO glad it's in here so I did listen properly. I spent a lot of time reading about it whilst listening. I did know that it was written in the aftermath of his son's death, which in Brighton is a well known tragedy.
Its quite spectacular this album and I concur with the critical acclaim! It's beautiful and raw.
In some ways at times I felt a bit uncomfortable about it being so raw and someone being able to write songs and lyrics about something so desperately person and tragic. But I think that's what's amazing right? My discomfort is to do with me not Nick Cave to be clear. I really want to watch the two documentaries around this album 'Once again with feeling' and "this much I know is true". I want to get into Nick Cave as he seems to be such an odyssey
Aretha Franklin
4/5
It's a classic right!
My first intro to Aretha was when I was quite young with the Bridget Jones soundtrack, which for some reason was Jacob classic for a good few years and we listened to it loads in the car on holiday. Respect featured on that!
As I've got older I've dipped in more, Do Right Woman reminds me a lot of my mid twenties for some reason! Even though it is a bit depressing as she's clearly trying to leverage basic respect from her partner... probs just ditch him if you need tell him that women are flesh and blood like a man...
But overall it's soulful and such a pleasing listen. Sleepy Saturday morning all over. Lush!
Aimee Mann
1/5
Have to say this felt a little insulting after the likes of Aretha Franklin and Nick Cave. Quite awful though. I did not like it at all. Beige beige beige
Tom Tom Club
4/5
I loved this! Aside from the ones I already knew quite a few but was very pleased to hear the new ones. I listened to the full 2 hour album on Spotify (obvs not the original album track listings). Light hearted, interesting, new wave excellence
Hawkwind
3/5
Just a bit mad and I have no idea what to make of it!
I was busy and bit stressed listening to this so I feel I can't give a good impression as I likely wasn't taking much in. But I do know I didn't full on hate it!
The Jam
3/5
Usually hate the Jam but didn't detest this quite so much.
ABBA
3/5
Well I'm not like a major ABBA fan but I do love the hits, they're on my running playlist. So it was good to listen to some of these less known ones (to me!)
There's a sweet ABBA spot for me that's not too cringe and ballady, I guess their stuff that airs on disco - this album didn't hit that spot for me I have to say. But I enjoyed it enough!
JAY Z
4/5
Well I did enjoy this. Other than Renegade that was bad and annoying.
I can see why Kanye aspired to work with Kay Z. Lots of similarities there.
The same punchy samples
Stereo MC's
2/5
A highly irritating album. The first song and I think the hit struck me as a rip of Happy Mondays... But I could be wrong. Very samey and annoying
Marilyn Manson
1/5
What a load of shite from a sex offender. It's as grim as he is
The Birthday Party
2/5
Wow nick cave in the early days is a great shift from Ghosteen. I read he was quite wild in the younger days and these punk beginnings fit well. Did I want to enjoy it? Did I actually? No. I found it inaccessible and didn't know what to think soz Nick
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
2/5
I'm not sure what I thought about this at all. It was just all a bit weird and I'm not sure it married as an album. All over the place didn't ressonate with me
Elvis Presley
3/5
Well I don't think I knew any off this album but it was nice enough! I think I do get a bit fatigued with lots of songs singing about girls in the same way, but they're dedent songs aren't they.. it's Elvis!
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
Some of this I could totally jam with and it hit the spot, as someone who does generally like psychedelic rock. But some of it I found highly irritating. There were certain representative riffs and lyrics that just massively wound me up. But overall I didn't hate it so a tricky one to rate
Rod Stewart
3/5
Just some solid classic rock n roll weren't it.. I don't have much more to say than that. It was pleasant enough but it didn't move me or leave a big impression. Would be a solid driving soundtrack
Pere Ubu
2/5
Highly PMS and irritable and this didn't resonate with me unfortunately. Luke is a fan but did advise you have to be in a certain mood for PU. Silly voice
Orbital
2/5
Was a bit disappointed by this. I wasn't sure what I expected from Orbital but for whatever reason I didn't get on with it much at all. Listened to it on a run so I did try to give full attention.
Generic solid rock n roll. It was totally fine
Nick Drake
4/5
I had forgotten how many Nick Drake's we'd already had but I have decided this is my favourite. What a soothing peaceful album. Love his voice
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
I don't think I've ever delved in enough to FGTH but recently we watched an old 80s TOTP and watched their performance and holy shit it was intense! But in a very good way. The flashy lights how OTT. I can imagine at the time it felt futuristic and wild. And the iconic look was so good on stage. Had this in mind when I listened to this album and really loved it! Just punchy fun tune with a big sound
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I really loved their other album but this one didn't quite do it for me in the same way. I found it a bit more repetitive and indistinct
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Ah this album totally made me smile when I saw it pop up. Weirdly this was very much a family album for me during early teens. One of us was given it I think and it became a car journey classic and songs featured on many party compilation CDs.
It is funny looking back on it now, it was just fun pop music but I looked into info about Scissors Sisters and discovered the evolution from the New York gay scene. Far removed from very hetero Kenilworth family. My mum loved Take your Mama...
I love that though. We weren't exposed to enough overtly queer stuff growing up and I like that this got through. And it holds up music wise too. Just fantastic pop music.
Lenny Kravitz
4/5
This was pretty fun actually! Upbeat and light hearted. Good funky rocky business.
Norah Jones
3/5
I know this album well! For some reason I thought it was a good mum gift when I was about 15 but I think then just kept it for myself. No idea how I discovered her.
I'm not sure it's my thing anymore or how this holds up. But I enjoyed listening for nostalgia reasons. I remember so many words, the brain is nuts.
Duran Duran
3/5
This was classic 80s pop wasn't it. Duran Duran must be up there with one of the most well known bands of the decade surely. bet this was so fun in the clubs at the time.
John Lennon
4/5
I didn't realise I knew so many John Lennon songs! This was a good opportunity to relisten. Mother is a theme tune to a TV series I like and I didn't even realise. Hold On has been a form fave for years! Loved the variety on this album. Bluesy goodness, sweet ballads and some rocky ones
Gillian Welch
2/5
Good lord. Slow and boring. The last one that was almost 15 mins was unnecessary. Could have tied that up in 3 mins.
I appreciated some of the nice harmonies and singing but this didn't capture me
Faust
4/5
Well I didn't know what to expect with this - from the first song I thought I knew where this album was heading but I didn't at all. It was such a fantastic mix of different experimental styles. I didn't know Faust but it didn't surprise me that Luke really liked them, repetition and drawn out songs. There were a few on here I particularly liked, like Jennifer. will deffo listen again
The Who
3/5
This was funny as I couldn't remember if I'd seen Tommy or not but then as the album went on I started to remember parts of the film from watching it with the fam as a young teen. What a strange and wild story and song writing it all is! Also very troubling... Not sure how I felt about the peado song being on there. Well I do, unnecessary and seemingly trying to be a bit comical about abuse. My thoughts went to the Pete Townsend controversy... But what do I know!
Anyway, I remember watching it with my family and I think it was good to see more surrealist film when largely I'd seen more conventional stuff I think was good. Opened my eyes even if I didn't know what to make of it. I put this in the same uncomfortable teen-family viewing as the Rocky Horror Picture Show
Bad Company
3/5
Just some classic rock that! Definitely featured on some kind of compilation in my teens.
Barry Adamson
2/5
I probably need to research this a bit to understand what the hell was going on in this album but I haven't got time soooo... I did not get this. A hard listen I'd say
4/5
I found this fun! I was listening to it first thing on a dreary commute and i wanted to be transported to Brazil and dance on down
Jeff Beck
3/5
This was fine. Didn't leave much of an impression on me but I didnt not like it. Just felt like very straightforward rock
Shack
1/5
Beige beige beige. I did not like this at all. It riled me up on a PMS Monday morning. Nothing to it. Irritating lyrics
The Adverts
3/5
This was some good fun punk! It was a peppy start to my morning. Looking through Gary Gilmore's eyes is stuck in my head big time
Doves
4/5
I really enjoyed this! I saw Doves live in like 2018 with Tom FA and whilst I didn't know much then, other than the main one we all know, I enjoyed their performance. Since I have delved in more and Cedar Room on this album is such a wonderful song. The whole thing is a bit more ethereal, almost prog/a bit shoe gaze that you would expect. Loved it
Sabu
3/5
This was motivating music to run to. The more musical ones I really liked, but more just drum ones only I found a little harder to get through. Overall good stuff though!
Genesis
2/5
I think I described this as "testing". Its just a bit much! Turns out my dad loves this album and was surprised about my adverse reaction. Just goes on and on!
Joy Division
4/5
I felt like I really got this album much more than Closer. Obviously classics on here I already knew and liked. It's such an atmospheric album.
Peter Frampton
4/5
Peter Frampton is definitely dad car music for me. Typically I don't really like listening to live albums that much but I did really like this one..
Soundgarden
2/5
Just so samey to me and indistinct from other similar bands we've had.
Sugar
2/5
I'm not sure I cared that much about this one. Another generic rock album for me that left little impression...
Morrissey
3/5
Perfectly pleasant this! Not much to say about it to be honest. Perhaps needs a second listen!
Red Snapper
4/5
This reminded me of another band or album but I couldn't remember quite what. But I enjoyed it a lot! I liked that the style changed and there were some surprises but overall I thought it was cool and interesting.
Aerosmith
3/5
It is what it is right! Just a bit of a lol but isn't going to be a comfortable listen unless in a car on a long drive.... Probably
Sheryl Crow
3/5
I liked this a lot more than I expected to. Some great fun tunes on there and lots of variation too.
Sonic Youth
4/5
I think this might be my most favourite Sonic Youth yet! I think they achieve the thickness and warmness at times that I love about My Bloody Valentine. Obviously a bit more punky and upbeat than that but I enjoyed that too.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Well you know what I went in with low expectations about this one as all I could remember was Superstar from Lupe Fiasco, that is a banger but still I thought he was sort of pop rap. I thought this was very slick and a good listen. Wish I could give a 3.5.
And what a charming fella to thank everyone in that track at the end. Have to say after about 3 minutes of thanking I was laughing when he was shouting out to the likes of a fan called Kevin. Hilarious. If you in anyway know Lupe Fiasco even as an acquaintance but didn't get a shout out on this track you should be hugely offended as it is hard to imagine he didn't thank anyone he even slightly knew
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
Oh man. I now understand that Dizzee Rascal is quite well respected as a pioneer of grime. But I'm not sure I like or get grime that much.. I could appreciate it on some level and I get it tells stories of a more gritty side of the UK. But I did overall find the music irritating. Soz. Fix up look sharp is a great throw back though
Leftfield
2/5
It's another post apocalyptic orgy for me! I didn't think much of this tbh. It didn't quite get me. It wasn't terrible I just didn't get into the groove. Even as a socialist lefthander
Billie Holiday
3/5
It's hard to know what to say as I respect this music a lot but it doesn't move me that much. The slow jazzy style probably lead onto stuff I love like Arethra Franklin but at times I found it a little.. durgy?! That's OTT but I mean along those lines. Pleasant enough though
Emmylou Harris
3/5
This was perfectly pleasant and nice to listen to the singer the First Aid Kit song was about.
I thought it was suitably pretty and enjoy those types of harmonies but this style isn't my favourite
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I found this surprisingly aggravating when I thought I'd like it. Out of time stands out for me because it could have been halved in length and just way too much chorus
Fiona Apple
3/5
I'm afraid this didn't vibe with me very much. I found it a bit aggravating tbh. Some songs reminded me of Regina Spektor / Bjork and I didn't mind so much. Some of the heavier ones towards the end I got into. But I won't be listening again
Klaxons
3/5
Retrospectively fucking furious this beat Amy Winehouse Back to Black. That's just insane. Like this album is fine and I enjoy the hits that I knew at the time. I'm not too fussed about quite a few on this album. Just unbelievable it beat a masterpiece.. from a group of Topman models
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Well I enjoyed this very much indeed! What a rich wonderful sound he can create. I knew a few of these but was certainly pleased to hear the whole thing together. What an artist
The Doors
3/5
Just classic Doors isn't it! Exactly what you would expect. And I thought it was totally fine!
Duke Ellington
3/5
Well this was perfectly pleasant. Nice to have a live album for this kind of music. As far as jazz goes I thought this was easy going and not aggravating...
Janet Jackson
2/5
I did not care at all for this. Too long and all sounded the same.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Luke loves firehose and is really disappointed it was this album, which he claims is their worst one.
I felt indifferent about it tbh. Totally fine, some I liked more than others. Wasn't blown away
Donovan
2/5
I didn't care for this that much. Not much to say
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
I've never been a fan of Belle and Sebastian and tbh I just find them twee and quite grating. This was no different
Joanna Newsom
2/5
At first I was entirely furious about this album. Her voice felt insufferable, why do certain women folk singers put on this voice. It's really strange. Very very long songs which felt unnecessary, wrap it up. Was annoyed to see someone compared her lyrics to Dylan in the YouTube comments, come on! She was rambling on with little coherence and sometimes complete predictability.
But I did decide I appreciated more about it, like the guitar playing and some of the chord sequences. Tried to focus on that over the vocals and it was less awful
Scott Walker
4/5
Fuck yeah I love Scott Walker. His music is very nostalgic for me. When I first got back from Australia and was trying to move back to Brighton I discovered Scott Walker by catching the Last night of the proms and they were doing his music. I was a bit drunk too which enhanced the experience and just loved it. Joanna (not on this album) is one of the most gorgeous pieces of music.
This album was a delight, I didn't know an awful lot of it. Best of both of worlds, just beautiful. The chords he uses and the orchestral accompaniment is so rich and thick.
There were some songs I didn't like so much.. slightly odd one about comparison girls and
dogs. It's very pro dog, which I am too but it was also very anti girl, so a bit tricky to know what to make of that.
I want to give a 5 star as I love Scott Walker so much but there were a couple of songs I didn't much care about which must have to make it a four
King Crimson
2/5
This meant very little to me. Did not get it at all. So much so I felt frustrated
Marianne Faithfull
1/5
This actually made me mad. Like what was the point of this album, the songs so were so unbelievably meh.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
I say this having just LOVED the most recent LDR album that this just didn't do it for me. Perfectly nice but nothing that slaps like the new album.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Right what was this. Seemed barely finished! Durgy dreary meandering waffle. No thank you! Delighted this was a 37 min jobby
4/5
You know what this started and I thought it was generic blues and thought I wouldn't be too bothered, but man this slapped. There were such strong riffs and it his the part of my brain is that also likes Led Zeppelin.
Glad I discovered this
Muddy Waters
3/5
This was classic blues wasn't it. Totally fine
Oasis
3/5
I much prefer what's the story, but it's still enjoyable isn't it! Just not quite so banger filled
The Undertones
3/5
Solid stuff! I enjoyed this
Miles Davis
3/5
He's back! Well I have to say I enjoyed this more than anticipated and I guess this was more traditional jazz. I don't know think jazz will ever fully click with me, or a good portion of it, but this was fine
Air
3/5
I'm a bit confused by this one I have no idea what to make of it really! It was interesting. Some of it a touch grating.
The Libertines
4/5
Good album! can't stand me now reminds me of a very specific time in my teens, this appeared on some kind of compilation CD. Now I have lots more associations with Luke who regails stories of the Libertines in the Medway scene
3/5
Yeah totally fine and not much more to say than that!
Bill Callahan
3/5
I was finding it hard to place this. But I definitely enjoyed certain elements of it. Relaxing
Fun Lovin' Criminals
4/5
I really liked this. I appreciated the heavier rock samples and found it really easy to listen to
The Who
2/5
This absolutely riled me. Disgusting paedophilic songs about train drivers seducing girl guides, who might I am are 14 and below and "seducing and fornicating". The live geers from the crowd made me so angry and disgusted. I'm not sure this as a live album added anything.
So distracted by this struggled to care about the rest of it
Finley Quaye
4/5
I thought this was very enjoyable! Turns out Luke was a fan of this album as a child, which tickles me as I didn't think at all this would be his thing. It was cool east listening.
Blue Cheer
3/5
This was very solid psychedelic blues. It was perfectly enjoyable for my commute to work
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Shortest album yet surely! Need to look into it there's a reason for it. I mean as far as I'm concerned middle of the road typical rock. Fine!
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
Punchy and political! I liked this a lot. It was an interesting listen and wasn't predictable at all.
The Beta Band
2/5
Beige! At first I thought this had promised then it just was so blamange meh I couldn't handle it. Vapid lyrics. There was one set of lyrics so silly about "going it alone" it made me lol/groan
Fairport Convention
2/5
I'm sorry to go so hard as this essentially is just quite innocuous folk music but I could not STAND it I'm afraid. Genuinely was counting down until the last one was over. I've only ever resonated with a small amount of folk music, and this wasn't part of that. I think I find it repetitive but not in a good way, just no imagination! The folky stories cringe me out too
Black Sabbath
4/5
Nice! Felt like we needed something strong and harder hitting after a few days of mediocrity. As per, I well enjoyed this. Bluesy goodness.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
Just found this all a bit silly and irritating. Too jaunty!
M.I.A.
3/5
I appreciate MIA and think she's a really interesting artist. I enjoy the social commentary but the music itself isn't really my bag
The Vines
3/5
This felt like something I would have appreciated in my teens. Landfill indie type vibes. Totally fine!
Van Morrison
4/5
Blimey this was a longy! I listened to the whole thing and it took me days. But I do love Van Morrison. I can't think of any other similar artist who manages to give such warmth in their music. It's v comfortable and comforting. Some songs I liked more than others, I have to say some blurred into one and I wasn't always too hot on the use of brass instruments (I think I like his more simplistic songs). But overall a great listen. Luke says he's an arsehole as a person, which is a shame
Coldplay
3/5
Well you know what we all slag off Coldplay, and in some ways rightly so as they sold out big time and spout out some dreadful stuff for the shit munchers now. But this was a nostalgia hit and I did like a lot of these songs at some point! You cannot say they're not good or prolific songwriters can you? A nice throwback but obvs not something I would listen to on the regs
Spacemen 3
3/5
I quite enjoyed the minimalism and the gradual build up of it all. Felt unusual. Was unsurprised Luke is into this band. They're from Warwickshire - Rugby. I didn't know we had this kind of output from the midlands
The Temptations
4/5
I well loved this! I listened to it twice. It was varied and interesting and a real groove. Just proper feel good pleasing music.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I'm a sucker for S&G and enjoyed this a lot. They didn't shy away from being heartfelt and soft and I love that. Nice harmonies. I think they just wrote songs they really liked and didn't try to be anything in particular. Not sure sure how to place the genre.
Makes me feel nostalgic for something but I'm not sure what
Sebadoh
3/5
Yeah this was totally fine! I felt relatively impartial about it. Reminded me of like Ben Folds or Death Cab I think, which put me off a little
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Liked this! Rich and mood boosting
4/5
I enjoyed this punchy and fun. Some good riffs and just a good laugh
Goldfrapp
3/5
I struggled to get into this despite a few attempts. I do like a Goldfrapp and really enjoyed the other album. This one not so much. Loads of them felt like they could be really good Bond songs though.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Totally pleasant! Mood boosting stuff that. Warm harmonies and an iconic recording style of the era which I always like
Big Star
3/5
This passed me by a little. Generic album for me but didn't hate it!
Tim Buckley
3/5
Tim Buckley wrote one of my all time favourite songs ever but this was a little dreary wasn't it. There were lovely moments but then also parts I found a touch painful.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Perfectly average punk for me!
Peter Gabriel
2/5
In not sure I liked this that much
Kate Bush
4/5
Well it's always a pleasure to hear Kate Bush isn't it. I love how her style comes through in all parts of the music, down to the choice of beat and percussion. Nothing held back in terms of drama and glamour. Heard some songs new to me
LTJ Bukem
2/5
No idea what to say about this. Good background noise for focus! Didn't care much though
Tina Turner
3/5
I enjoyed listening to this! Over Christmas we were at Luke's mum's and watched a Tina Turner concert on telly and it was spectacular! She was pretty old at the time and was all over that stage. I don't know Tina Tuner stuff that well but I get it, the energy and fun was excellent. Luke's mum really enjoyed it and that's a nice memory now.
So listening to this album was easy to picture what it's all about. The music is not my thing, but I respect it
Björk
3/5
It's always good to hear Bjork and she's definitely written some of amazing and incredible music that blows me away. Sometimes though it is a bit irritating and not my bag. It's funny that. This has a bit of everything on it for me. I would like to listen again more closely though.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
I found this a little lame and didn't stand out from other similar bands of the era. The one without lyrics for a girl they hadn't met yet was so cringe. No thanks... Not unpleasant but struggled to care - the more upbeat bluesy ones were better
The Verve
3/5
I don't know the Verve really - was interesting to hear another Brit pop album. Aspects I liked about it were similar to that of some songs by the Doves.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Very uplifting and upbeat! Good music to perk up to
The Crusaders
4/5
Smooth and fun I liked this a lot! Street life is such a banger. Genuinely thought this song was Michael Jackson for some reason, pleased to find out it isn't
Dion
4/5
I know one Dion song off this album, Only You Know, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps it was a discovery playlist but it really reminds me of moving back to Brighton in 2017. Good song!
I enjoyed plenty of this album but found it too long by the end. Too many songs that sound similar.. but overall nice solid song writing I'd say
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
Upbeat and fun! Swinging tunes. Enjoyed on a run
Bauhaus
3/5
Bit of a mix this. Certain themes I liked a lot more but some of it was just a bit much. Not sure what I thought about the song about fish cakes..
The War On Drugs
2/5
I had liked a couple of songs of theirs in the past but this was soooo beige. It all sounded the same! Not at all engaging
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
This left little impression on me
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Relaxing and interesting! Glad to have heard this. Some of it and the more dissonant sections I didn't like quite as much but other aspects I loved
Joan Armatrading
3/5
I only really know a couple of these songs. Particularly Water in the Wine, which I added to a compilation CD for my parents when I was a young teen, for some reason thinking it was a song they really liked. Turned out they didn't know it and it was a random call. But then it was stuck on the CD so we had to listen to it loads.
Only now listening back I understand that it's about not getting too bevved and having sex with your ex or what not. I remember being a bit confused at the time what that meant, makes sense why it wasn't poignant for my parents.
Fun album!
The B-52's
3/5
Good fun this! Unique isn't it. High energy. A good vibe
Fatboy Slim
4/5
I listened to this on a run and it was perfect! Fatboy Slim just managed to deliver happiness and ultimate party every time. A Brighton icon and sweetheart.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Outstanding! I was so familiar with all of this album but holy crap did I love it. What amazing song writers Led Zep were, effortless coolness and pleasing finishes. Will deffo listen again
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I hadn't enjoyed previous Neil Young albums as much as I hoped but I was way more into this one. It sat right with me. Solid tunes in there.
Cheap Trick
4/5
This was a surprise! I didn't think I knew it then there were the two hits. I actually preferred the other more bluesy prog stuff rather than the more pop stuff (the well known songs). Thought it was fun though
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Well this was just spectacular. Imagine writing this many hits for one album. Insane!
I listened to it twice back to back. The subtly lyrics writing with the big music is such a great combo.
Need to delve into Springsteen more. Dancing in the Dark must be one of the best songs of all time, dunno why but it makes me quite emosh
The Cramps
3/5
Yeah totally fine but wasn't that fussed. Maybe need to pay more attention
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Didn't give a shit about this really. Found it quite bland tbh and then some strange stuff in the middle. Didn't mind the last couple of songs but overall didn't feel cohesive. Not my bag
X-Ray Spex
3/5
I was quite mixed on this one! Some I was infused about, others I got much more into. I warmed to it towards the end and got in the groove more.
Deep Purple
3/5
Totally classic rock! I don't know what else to say about it really! It was good but didn't leave too much of a lasting impression
Tom Waits
2/5
Fucking hell why is Tom waits so unbearable. I can't get on board and there so many albums.
I'm happy to accept I am ignorant and just don't know it. But I remain unmoved. Irritating.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Didn't know this but enjoyed it enough! Classic easy listening
The United States Of America
4/5
I thought this was excellent actually! Felt very Beatles influenced, but that's not a bad thing. I liked it's meandering experimental style. It had jarring stuff in there, don't get me wrong, but some pretty stuff too. Didn't know what to expect next!
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
Ended up listening to this twice as I enjoyed this so much. It's very stylish and I think true to the style. Varied and kept it interesting
George Michael
3/5
I mean probably objectively well written music I just found it all a bit cringe. I did not enjoy the ballady ones at all.. was just getting through it towards the end
The Byrds
3/5
As much as I like a few birds songs I have to say whenever we've had the albums they sort of blur into one. I find it hard to distinguish. Tbf I was listening to this during an early morning run which halfway through triggered a migraine... So I was distracted. Maybe I should relisten as I didn't not like it
Neil Young
4/5
A good solid Neil Young album! Thoroughly enjoyable. Very pleasing. Quintessential
Gorillaz
4/5
Very nice to hear! I forget how lo fi Gorillaz can be. Absolute fusion and nicely experimental at times. A very interesting listen. Just fucking cool too
Cat Stevens
4/5
A very confusing time for me, thinking Cat Stephen's was an artist similar to that of Shania Twain... And also thinking they were a woman.. but also recognising a lot of songs and everyone telling me how legendary they are. Regardless, I enjoyed the album a lot, once I got over my shock!
Jean-Michel Jarre
2/5
I mean other than finding it funny that this featured a shooting stars song, I didn't care much for this. It was an ambient style that didn't mean much to me
The Triffids
2/5
A highly beige and irritating listen... Did not like this at all
Orange Juice
2/5
Found this cringe and boring. Did not like at all.
Weird lyrics. Repetitive
B.B. King
3/5
Yeah very cool back ground for me. I like the bits of stand up he did in between.
TV On The Radio
3/5
I honestly have no idea whether I liked this or not! So confused. Aspects I did then I found it a bit irritating. But maybe that's because I was feeling stressy
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Insufferable. It always is. V much background for me this one so hard to comment as I cannot engage without it affecting my mood in a very negative way
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Totally fine! It didn't leave in huge impression on me tbh. Quite indecipherable song from song. It's not awful though obvs
The Monks
4/5
Luke was very enamoured when this came up and we listened to it together on holiday. The Monks have a huge cult following due to their unusual formation. You can tell how this likely influenced loads of punk songs. Unusual and packed a punch
Talvin Singh
3/5
Well I have no idea what to make of this! At first I thought it was unbearable but I got kind of into it in the middle... Then I went off it again towards the end I have to say. Would be good to dance to when off one's nut, not so much for our chill holiday
Everything But The Girl
3/5
I listened to this early in the morning in Majorca on a run. What a funny sound track this was.
I have no idea what a made it. Cringe-core ennit. But like it wasn't terrible other than some dubious lyrics! Wouldn't listen again
The Byrds
3/5
A very country edition of the Byrds. Interesting! I had the same experience as to other Byrds albums that's the somes can become homogenous. But maybe that's not such a bad thing! I can't pick out any bangers. Struggling to know how to rate this
King Crimson
3/5
Whilst I liked some of the riffs and motifs of this album I do find prog rock a little draining at times. Just relentless isn't it.
This was fine! Not my favourite
Haircut 100
4/5
I was really into this! I know nothing of Pelican West. But it hit the spot for me. Would listen again. Varied and interesting. Punchy and fun
Meat Loaf
5/5
STUNNING. The song BOOH has a special place in my heart, starting from when my brother and I were living at home after uni and he would play me the song to get me pumped when I was feeling sad or sluggish. Our friendship group then latched onto it as a bit of an anthem.
It also reminds me of scout camp as our leader was a biker and when we played it in the minibus he would get emotional .
It's such an epic and fun song. Spectacular intricacies. So many phases.
The rest of the album was a joy. Similarly entertaining and epic. I loved it.
Animal Collective
4/5
This reminded me a lot Beach House, which I liked. Some of them weren't so much my bag but overall I thought this was decent and glad I heard it. Different. Will listen again
UB40
3/5
Hard to know what I made of this really. I don't think anyone can hate reggae music, it can happily sit in the background, but this didn't really pack a punch for me.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Good lord this was quite something for first thing on a Monday morning! Licking balls and so much pussy. I have no idea what to make of it tbh. Like it's a fun listen but it's not my music really is it.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
I did the full near 2 hours! Perfectly pleasant easy listening. Different vibe from beach boys, more rock.
Suede
1/5
Not at all bothered by this. Rather beige.. like suede is I suppose. Luke v upset by this band, negative reaction
The KLF
2/5
Not sure at all what a made of this! Some songs were quite cool and then some were so mad and cringe. Overall I think I was willing it to be over..
Pantera
1/5
Dog shit
The Beach Boys
3/5
Very sweet music isn't it. I have to say I didn't mind that much. This album didn't have some of the hard hitters that I really like. It decent
Underworld
2/5
Did not give a shit about this at all. Made me weirdly nervy. Passed me by and was just willing it to be done
Robbie Williams
3/5
Well it was a bit of a laugh wasn't it! A pleasant throw back. Our family wasn't a big RW family, but everyone knew the hits right! Funny how I was still remember the lyrics from Angels and Let me entertain you
Radiohead
3/5
This isn't a Radiohead album I know so well, and it didn't do that much for me I have to say. I was a little distracted so perhaps need to dive a bit deeper.
Pixies
5/5
Absolute K Town Banger! Loved this album so much. The Pixies have such an iconic sound which always puts me in a good mood. What a fucking cool band. So many hits on here
The Charlatans
3/5
I recognised some of these but don't know the charlatans well! Enjoyed this. Light hearted Brit pop. Iconic of an era I wish I had been involved in!
Pixies
5/5
How moly another Pixies album in a few days and I flipping LOVED. How do nearly all of their songs POW so hard. I've listened like 4 times on repeat. So tight and punchy. Totally in love.
Fela Kuti
4/5
This was the kind of jazz I can get on board with. The live element was a treat, gives extra life to the music. Fun to think of yourself in a jazz bar. Smooth fun
Common
4/5
This was a good listen! I didn't know of Common, Josh and I had this album on in Rotterdam and he knew him.
Good storytelling, fun beats and samples, quite long but that wasn't too bad!
John Grant
4/5
I only knew one or two John Grants songs before this. At first I wasn't sure I was into it but now at the end I think I may have loved it.
Very unique way of delivering lyrics. A varied album in style and storytelling. Read up a bit about him, seems like a really interesting and progressive guy. Appreciated that his songs spoke about queer love. Some beautiful songs in here. Emotive, heartfelt, humourous, dramatic at times.
Echo And The Bunnymen
5/5
Well this has the best song of all time on it, The Cutter, so naturally this album is also a certified K Town banger. There are several others on here too I that love, but that one will always stand out to me.
Saw then live earlier this year and they did such a great performance. I find this music nostalgic for what the music scene must have been like in Liverpool. Knowing a few people who saw them live in pubs around those early days it must have been so exciting. They were young but had such a mature sound. Will always love this album!
Destiny's Child
4/5
It's of course a classic! Legendary songs on here. I thoroughly enjoyed listening in full.
Some of the ballady ones aren't my bag. Motivational girl power panache
4/5
This was a really glorious listen. To hear all the bangers and in their recognisable format, i.e. when BD started performing but making it so difficult to even tell what song it was.
What a thing to be there. Loved hearing an eclectic mix for Dylan bangers
George Harrison
4/5
Yes George H! I knew way more of these than I expected to. And also some songs where now I don't know who did the original.
Some beautiful rich stuff in here. Loved the variation. A great listen
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
A fun album which was well timed with Glasto!
I don't have that many associations with them, like I don't have any personal memories. I enjoyed listening to this though. Never done a while LCD album I don't think. Well rounded easy listening
Hot Chip
4/5
So much nostalgia! Early years of festivals etc. I remember Hot Chip was one of the first things we saw at my first Bestival and it being so exciting in that big top tent. Reminds me a lot of Philippa listening to HC, as she was a big fan.
In all honesty on this listen I wasn't into it all. But for nostalgia value and for a bang with it's own niche I'll rate higher
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
Beige beige beige. Just so didn't give AF. Boring. Remember nothing
2/5
The Chris Balestrini album! I have to say this didn't give me a huge nostalgia smack in the face like I expected it to. Nor did I really like it that much. The hits were fun but the rest of it...well a bit annoying really! Just a bit much and intense.
Soft Machine
2/5
Didn't really understand what I was listening to here. Prog type jazz? I dunno but I didn't care and was well ready for it to be over
Big Black
3/5
Luke a big fan of this! And some of them really slapped i thought. Passing Complexion was great. The more shoe gazey I ones hit better for me. Wasn't blown away as a whole thing though. Wish I could do 3.5
Stevie Wonder
3/5
God found this a bit much for a dreary Tuesday morning. It's just good solid music isn't it. Wouldn't find myself jumping to listen all the time but I appreciate it
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Other than the hits I really didn't like this at all. I found the songs very boring. Was never a JT fan really. Like it's fun looking back on ones you'd hear in the club but overall didn't hold up massively
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
I didn't know what to make of this! Total fusion.
I try to remain open minded, particularly of international/non western music that we're all so readily accustomed too.. but this weren't my bag. Didn't love. Soz.
The Cult
2/5
I didn't care for this very much to be honest. Past me by. Poorer version of Born to be Wild, I don't know if this was the original or not.
TLC
2/5
I thought I was going to find this fun but found it very hard to get through. Not my bag. Wasn't then and isn't now. What a LONG album too. Bloated, as Tom FA would say. Other than the hits I did not like this at all.
Pulp
4/5
Pulp is a weird one I think. There are a few songs I absolutely love e.g. underwater. But then there are loads that I just find so cringe! But maybe it is meant to be a bit cringe, they lean into humour a lot. I'm drawn to the storytelling too, I like that. But yeah some times I think it's a bit beige. What are you about Pulp?! Maybe that's a compliment that I cannot easily box them up. There hits tip this into a 4 for me
The Residents
1/5
I'm sorry but no. Luke tells me these are very popular and it's all avante garde and all that but NO THANKS. I feel cynical that noone actually likes this they just pretend to see cultured and arty. These made me angry this album and worsened my PMS symptoms
The Shamen
2/5
Thought I was going to be more into this than I was. Got tiresome and wasn't my bag
Funkadelic
4/5
Short but sweet! Good fun
Alice Cooper
3/5
Schools out is a classic and reminds me of my childhood a lot. An exciting pumped up song.
The rest passed me by!
Waylon Jennings
2/5
Normal cowboy music with predictable format and rhymes. Totally fine. Nothing spesh
The Coral
3/5
Yeah not massively my thing! Just quite jaunty Brit pop innit. Totally fine
Soul II Soul
2/5
Yeah quite entertaining to begin with but soon wore thin and I didn't care anymore. Samey
Linkin Park
2/5
Yeah quite entertaining to begin with but soon wore thin and I didn't care anymore. Samey
Beatles
5/5
I just want to say that the review below is WRONG I copied and pasted the wrong review in. Linkin Park is LAME, there is no music more lame and cringe. Hated it.
As for Abbey Road - WONDERFUL. What an incredibly array of song writing. So varied. Interesting. Just fucking solid. It's a classic for a reason
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
69 songs it was! I did the whole thing. Despite obviously being quite a schlep to get through all of that, overall it was perfectly pleasant. Some I liked more than others - god knows how I'll now remember which ones those were over the 3 CDs, but regardless I'm glad I've heard it. Impressive to put this much stuff out.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Ethereal loveliness from CT. Not so many bangers on this album but still respect it as a very unique style and way ahead of it's time
The Boo Radleys
2/5
Generic boring
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
This felt like quite a schlep to be honest. There were certain songs I recognised, or at least samples. I found the repetitiveness of these songs difficult at times, but I understand that's probably a bit part of it. But the repeat of lyrics over and over was grating. Not my bag
Goldie
2/5
An absolute slog this. Good lord. The remixes. Not my thing at all. Willing it to be done
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
I found this very soothing and a great relief from previous albums. I absolutely love that style of guitar. The music is so well balanced.
ZZ Top
3/5
Yeah it's just classic isn't it! Perfect classic rock songs. I have to say with these ones they do kind of blur into each other quite a bit. But I appreciate it. Recognised a few
Eminem
2/5
Is it controversial to say I actually really did not enjoy listening to this?
I get that a lot of it is just storytelling and ironic and there's probably a lot of art in here but I just found it incredibly grating. Lots of sexual abuse against women in there, and I don't really know from what perspective. Just wanted it to be over
Girls Against Boys
2/5
What was this? Some kind of incel album.. no JK. I dunno there were tone that I really liked, then other parts I was not into. Some of it felt a bit creepy, Satin Down in particular.
Keyboardist in Fugazi, which contextualises this better for me
Thelonious Monk
2/5
Meh. Didn't care. Repetitive. Once again I don't do jazzz
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Yeah perfectly pleasant! Felt a lot like other bands of a similar era and didn't stand out. But nothing bad about it. Nice and short!
The White Stripes
3/5
Yeah this was a great vibe! Forget about White Stripes. But they do some solid music. I'm not a big fan or would listen regularly, but I totally appreciate what they are about
Liz Phair
2/5
I was not at all into this. Simplistic lyrics, predictable other than the absolute smut of the last song. Out of nowhere! Found it annoying
4/5
It was fun to hear this the whole way through and remember what a classic it is. Such an iconic sound and style. I love that it is quite surreal and touches on psychedelic riffs and goes in lots of different places
Michael Jackson
2/5
How does one rate an album by a serial child sex offender? It's tricky.
On the face of it, banging album and I'm sure lots of non-pedophiles contributed to making this album what it was.
It's punchy and fun, objectively great songs. It's not all my bag and I've never been a crazy MJ fan (that's paid off).
Indulging someone who was a bad person feels wrong. I'm not invested enough to rate highly
Dagmar Krause
1/5
What the actual fuck was this. Wasting my time. Why was this on the list. Furious
Neil Young
3/5
I do like Neil Young and I think part of his style is to sing in a strained way like it is slightly out of his range, but I feel this album did this more than most and I found it grating at times. Not my favourite NY album but certainly enjoyable
The Smiths
3/5
I felt like this was a bit more punchy than other Smiths. Had some slapping basslines in there which were fun.
I probably need to pay more attention to have a stronger opinion.
1/5
Hated this quite a substantial amount. Annoying and lame music. Immature lyrics
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
I thought this started out really strong. I was into it. Jeff Buckley vibes and weirdly at times Radiohead. But then it petered out for me. Lost interest. Came generic and a bit boring
Dolly Parton
4/5
Wow this was so very beautiful! What incredible harmonies and ranges. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Lovely storytelling.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I saw Pet Shop boys at Brighton Pride 2017 and it was bloody fantastic! Such a fun performance.
Listening to the album, I'm not quite so moved. But I still appreciate what it's about. And I need to look up what some of these songs are about. Was the actually once about Diana?!
Slade
4/5
This was so fun! Slade reminds me of car journeys growing up. Almost certainly featured of the aforementioned air guitar album.
Such a solid tunes. Iconic riffs. Put me in a good mood.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
What a bloody flawless album. I loved how one song lead into the other like it was one entire piece. It was just soothing, sensual magic. So tight. So clean. Blown away.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Similarly to Slade this was just some good solid rock fun. A few songs I knew and some covers that were an enjoyable listen.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
A bit twee and annoying tbh
Merle Haggard
3/5
This left Little impression on me I'm afraid to say. Not much to think or feel about it
Tangerine Dream
2/5
Perfectly fine background music and is perfect for the Brighton ambient scene. Not something I can easily vibe off
White Denim
4/5
This reminded me of a couple of others bands, but I can't quite put my finger on who! Regardless, I liked it a lot and actually listened twice. Kind of prog at times but also indy and fun.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
Well I'm always hyped to hear this! It's not my favourite MBV, but it's still brilliant isn't it. It doesn't have quite the same warmth and wandering feel to it, a bit more rocky- which is why it's not quite a 5 for me.
Still enjoy it. Catchy
GZA
3/5
This overall was a fun listen but I didn't enjoy the dissonant harmonies chosen. It grated on me. Understand whatever creative decision that may have been but it became repetitive and a bit annoying.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Its a sin! What a banging tune. I saw that live at Brighton Pride 2017 and it was so fun! Such a great memory for me.
This album was fine other than that.. I really don't like the PSB mellow ballads, I dont think they work. Really here for the party tunes! Mixed bag for me
The Incredible String Band
1/5
What creatively void hippy nonsense was this. Irritating AF. I feel like they were taking the piss. Not good
Leonard Cohen
3/5
An enjoyable listen but not my favourite Leonard Cohen album I have to say. Glad I heard it though. Maybe I needed to listen more deeply...
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Yeah totally fine! Appreciative but not a huge fan. Bluesy coolness.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Well totally pleasant and easy listening. But a touch bland and predictable. Didn't peak my interest but also wholly inoffensive!
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Didn't leave much of an impression. I was a bit distracted. TSP are heavier than I expect. Not sure why?
Culture Club
3/5
Wasn't sure what to make of this! It was quite fun but there was that weird song about mixing races to get coffee coloured people. Not sure what to make of that. Overall it didn't leave much of an impression on me
John Martyn
3/5
Yes this was pretty good! John Martyn is growing on me more and more. Recognised a couple as well. Soothing and earthy
Taylor Swift
2/5
I said to James I'd go into this with an open heart and mind, I did, and I'm sorry but I remain unmoved about Taylor Swift. I just DON'T GET IT.
I like certain songs, the catchy ones, but on the whole I just find it so beige bland and boring. I feel nothing about about a majority of the music.
To compare to recent pop that absolutely SLAPS - have you heard Chappelle Roan? The clever lyricism and musicality are just miles ahead of Swity, in MY opinion. I so get what Chappelle Roan is about from her music, I don't at all from Taylor Swift. What I'm saying is I can love and appreciate pop music - I don't at all think I'm above it, I'm not being snob it's just not for me.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I found this very jarring. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood. Seeing this kind of punk live is very different to just listening to it on an album for me. I just couldn't get into and wanted it to end. Reminded me of the fall stuff that I don't like
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
I was a bit disappointed this wasn't more about burritos but may I wasn't listening properly. I think I needed to pay more attention.
It was fine!
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
Sorry. No time for this. Just noise. Maybe wasn't in the mood.
Sex Pistols
4/5
Classic punk at its finest!
Todd Rundgren
2/5
This was irritatingly kooky for me. Like relentlessly quirky. I found it hard to handle and too long
Björk
4/5
Bjork is exceptional right? Just incredibly imaginative. some of it does jar with me but on the whole I'm always just wowed by how complex and fearless her music is.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Is there anything more comforting than CCR?! Probs not. Warm and soothing.
DJ Shadow
3/5
DJ Shadow is a lame name so my expectations were v low but enjoyed this more than I thought. Mostly the beginning of the album then I felt it got weaker
Donald Fagen
3/5
Yeah this was quite enjoyable! Wasn't what I expected. Overall inoffensive. Quite good
Mudhoney
3/5
Yeah totally fine! A good laugh. Enjoyable. Not much else to say
Simply Red
2/5
Found this quite grating tbh! Sort of zoned out after a while. Not my thing
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
No idea what to make of this! Some of the songs truly horrendous and grated on me. fodderstomp made me very sad indeed. But you know I get that it would have been amazing live etc.
Wild Beasts
3/5
This reminded me a bit of Alt J and also of Palace. I liked This is our lot the most I think.
I reckon when I was younger I would have been well into this, when indy was more my thing. But now I find some elements of it a bit silly.
But a decent album overall I reckon
Ray Charles
4/5
I thought this was excellent. Beautiful music. Very moving
Public Enemy
4/5
This was great! A real mix in here but could get really into it. Interesting and captivating
3/5
Well I did not expect this I have to say. I cannot criticise for being samey - incredibly varied album. I found it a bit mad! Very cooky.
George Jones
2/5
Yeah unbothered about this. These songs kind of all sounds the same to me. Sorry George!
Stephen Stills
2/5
Some fairly good blues. Like an ok version of CCR. Didn't leave an impression on me
U2
2/5
Just cringe innit. U2 holds no nostalgia for me so it's just quite dull and cringe to me. Quite persistent paternalistic lyrics I think too, which grate. Why do men always sing about weeping women?
David Ackles
1/5
Jesus Christ this was like a Ute Lemper throwback. What the eff even was this.
I endured this. I didn't enjoy a single song. Weird, lame, cringe. Made me mad.
Was it another show tunes album? I don't understand. Just irritating
Gram Parsons
3/5
Perfectly pleasant country music. I don't really care for Country, I have learned very much in this process. I can see it is pleasant and why people find it enjoyable it just rarely hits me. This didn't either. I was glad it was short
Morrissey
3/5
Wow well this was very self righteous wasn't it. Around the time he turned bad. I quite enjoyed it but did find the lyrics a bit distracting and laid on thick. Did like the music though
The Damned
4/5
Yeah I thought this was banging actually! Really good fun. Good solid riffs. Enjoyable
Massive Attack
3/5
Totally fine but a bit lame in parts. One song in particular sounded like a GCSE music tech final piece. Dated synths etc
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
What an album! I remember when this was first released Adam Buxton reviewed it on his podcast and he was blown away by it but also commented that it was so tight and polished it left no room for the listener to have a part in it. I thought about this a lot at the time and when I listened to it this time around. I think that's an interesting take that without a touch of ramshackle you could feel disconnected. Regardless of that wow. It's quite amazing
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
You love to see it! Another fantastic EATB album. Got some classic hits on there.
Skepta
2/5
I can respect grime but it just isn't my thing. God it's so intense! So serious. Just find it a bit much.
N.E.R.D
1/5
Sorry what even was this!? I recognised THE one song but the rest of it was just highly irritating. Couldn't bear it. Particularly the weird song about a baby judging it's mother. Another weird paternalistic song singing about a trouble mother.. how many similar songs for men are there? Does my nut in
Kid Rock
1/5
Good lord I did not enjoy this at all.
What cringe strange music. It's like Red Hot Chilli Peppers at their worst. But worse with strange gangster rap type stuff thrown in there.
The autotune slow song was so cringe and wank I couldn't bear it. This was deeply unpleasant to get through
Talking Heads
4/5
This was sweet relief after quite a bad run of albums. Thank goodness! Has some absolute classics on it. interesting and varied and fun and creative.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
This wasn't my favourite Nick Cave album I have to say. I thought I finally got onto a song I liked more and then realised the album had finished and it was a song from another album.
Slightly garish songs on here that I found grating. Sorry NC I totally love other albums!
Supergrass
3/5
Quite good. Quite fun. Full of youth.
Jack White
4/5
He's a good song writer isn't he? Slamming. Full blast. does not hold back. Impressive to such consistently good big music
Silver Jews
3/5
This didn't leave that much of an impression on me! Just fine!
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Get fucked! Sorry. What a waste of my fucking time. Luke will disagree with me on the value of music like this. And I enjoy certain ambient music but this was a joke.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Brilliant. Loved it. Rich and smooth. Highly enjoyed
Pink Floyd
5/5
You feel like you've been through something listening to this. I mean it's a classic isn't it? And incidentally the only tape in my car, so I've listened a lot.
It's epic like an opera. The repeat motifs are so clever, tying it all together. Beautiful. Epic. Love it
Primal Scream
4/5
Iconic! So many classics. Varied and fun. Only on song I really didn't like. Loved the change in pace. Good stuff
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
Found this all quite samey and it was kind of hard to engage with each song individually. Quite fun. Didn't leave much of an impression
Public Enemy
4/5
This was a solid 1001st album. Good fun and full of hits. Lots of humour but also serious story telling.
Julian Cope
2/5
Well I cannot criticise this for not being varied. It was a bit all over the place! Found it too cooky for my liking. But interesting listen..
The Clash
4/5
The Clash despite being such a referenced bad haven't really been in my orbit that much. I know the classics and this was fun to get a more comprehensive insight. Good stuff!
William Orbit
3/5
This wasn't my bag although I found it suitably relaxing in quite a dated way... Some of the synths reminded me of GCSE music. Totally fine!!
FKA twigs
4/5
Huge fan of early FKA Twigs stuff and whilst Magdalene is my absolute favourite and one of my favourite albums of all time, this is still incredible. Explosive creativity. Interesting.
Throwing Muses
3/5
There was one song I was particularly into. The rest of this passed me by a little bit... Some of it very samey and now cannot distinguish between..
Cream
4/5
Dang I loved this! sunshine of your love was a seminal track for me from my youth, period where I was copying my brother. Brings back memories. Probably was on the air guitar album.
An excellent album of blues goodness
Method Man
4/5
I got more into this as I went on! Surprised me.
Quite serious music it felt like. But it put a pep on my step
Pink Floyd
4/5
Well that was long wasn't it! I'm not so familiar with the wall. Enjoyed a lot of this. But some of it dragged on
2/5
A bit much and a bit irritating. Found myself not engaging very much as it was so grating
Mylo
4/5
This was good fun actually! I knew several of these songs but had no idea who the artist was. Not sure why really. Really fun dance stuff
The Beach Boys
4/5
Heart warming stuff! So iconic. Amazing musicians, and to write orchestral stuff too.
Really wonderful
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Look maybe this is impressive and complex music, but it was a bit too quirky for me tbh. THere was one song I was quite into, reminded me of the band I do like, Caroline, but overall not my bag.
George Michael
3/5
Hard to take this seriously but it's probably well written music .. right? I just find it funny And OTT and camp. All good qualities! It's not my thing though and I won't listen again. But a good lafffff
Sonic Youth
4/5
Dang! Another great SY album. I enjoyed this a lot.
Recognised some songs, but didn't know plenty and it was good fun. Would listen again.
The Beta Band
2/5
I listened to this the whole way through and kept having to go back as it made such little impression on me I couldn't remember it at all. I still don't really remember it other than being a bit meh and not that interesting
Richard Thompson
2/5
Found it a bit dreary and boring tbh. Some were quite pretty
Recognised one but mostly unmoved
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Quite relaxing and soothing!
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
So happy my headphones didn't connect on the train to work and then my phone froze and this was blasting out for many more seconds than you'd hope. But it was good fun! A nice variation of blues, rap, ballad. Warm and full of life
Coldcut
4/5
I thought this was really fun! Varied. upbeat. Lifted my spirits amid December grey.
I imagine really fun to party to
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
At first I was pretty into this. Thought it was funky and fun but by the end I felt it got a bit samey and lost steam. Thought the singer sounded like Jack Johnson.
Femi Kuti
3/5
Very rich optimistic music. A good vibe!
The Bees
4/5
Yeah this was enjoyable! Started out well, liked the jazzyness. Got a bit more samey towards the end but overall was some good 00s bangers
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Jaunty! Quite enjoyable but not massively my thing.
Mercury Rev
3/5
I liked some of these songs for the instrumental but I found the singing voice quite strange and at times irritating. spoilt it for me at times. But as a whole this wasn't bad
Scritti Politti
2/5
Well I was confused as Luke had previously said he likes Scritti Politti and this sounded a lot like Michael Jackson ballads. Apparently they were more experimental at another time.
I didn't love this. Dragged on. mopey 80s
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
I understand this was about tragic stories but the juxtaposition of a very jaunty song about a man murdering his girlfriend, where he is the sympathetic character, is still annoying to listen to. The other songs less like this and nice harmonies. Is samey though ennit
Ice T
3/5
This didn't slap in the same way a previous Ice T album did, but all the same I enjoyed it. I think it was a few songs too long and there was some filler in there we didn't need. But still! Good stuff.
Ravi Shankar
4/5
This was just the meditative music I needed for my Christmas day run. I really enjoyed the explanations of the music structure, and appreciated and engaged with it much more.
Inspired to explore more
The Electric Prunes
3/5
I didn't like the jaunty ones. Some of them were fine. Just totally unbothered I guess. But also inoffensive
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
A bit crazy right?! I do like some Captain Beef heart but some of this felt in accessible to me.
Richard Hawley
2/5
Relentlessly tedious. One song peaked my interest as it sounded a bit like Scott Walker.. but most of it was so boring
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Luke was excited when I got this one and I have to say I enjoyed it a lot more than expected to for a band who chose the put the word abortion in the title. The first song in particular was fun. By the end I was a bit tired of it. But it was creative and a bop
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
At first I thought I liked it and the slight show gazy vibe but then I thought it was actually a bit dreary and lacked substance. Hard to tell. Inoffensive though
Fugazi
3/5
Quite intense isn't it! Luke a Fugazi fan so I went in with a PMA (positive mental attitude) and I'm just not sure. Definite themes and things I enjoyed but also quite intense at times and I felt on the outside of it. Not sure why. But I still feel open minded and went back for a second listen so that must mean something
Pixies
4/5
Was very pleased to see this pop up. I mean it's no Doolittle for me but still excellent. It's funny how different style wise this is compared to Doolittle only a year apart. Not massively so. Hard to put my finger on. Just slamming songs, catchy riffs, loved it
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Was not at all fussed by this. Didn't hear a single song I thought was interesting. But as always with middling albums, I didn't hate anything
Neil Young
3/5
This was perfectly pleasant and classic Neil Young! Sometimes it's not always my thing, but I enjoyed this more than other albums. Good stuff
David Bowie
4/5
I wasn't familiar with this DB album but it was great. A lot more ballady stuff in there and I thought it was rich and warm and interesting.
Would definitely listen again
Madonna
2/5
I listened to this twice to be sure but I imagine it's controversial to say I thought this was bang average and didn't really like it at all. What it feels like for a girl, truly awful and irritating.
I'm sorry. I can't like what I can't like. I didn't enjoy it
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
Just so boring and lame and annoying. Terrible lyrics. Whiney.... I'm not a fan
Simple Minds
3/5
Wow this was like so 80s it was almost hard to distinguish between the songs. But it was good fun! Some of them didn't pack much of a punch. But overall I enjoyed it
Suzanne Vega
2/5
Just so mundane and not interesting and tedious and could barely engage
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Dayummmm this was so good! So fun. Slapping tunes. Good nostalgia from my classic rock filled teens. Love it
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Phoaw this was pretty long! I'm not entirely sure what I made of it tbh. It was quirky and weird at times and others it just felt like normal prog rock. It didn't annoy me but it didn't capture me either
R.E.M.
3/5
Ah just fine isn't it. I didn't massively care. Some a bit annoying. The one about Business Acumen was a fucking joke. But broadly not too bad
Iggy Pop
5/5
What an amazing album! I got so into this. I knew the classic two from this album but other songs totally surprised me, some sounded even Bowie esque. It was so listenable and put me in a great mood. Will give this many more listens.
Orbital
2/5
Was hopeful for this but actually found it rather boring! Just dragged on. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood or something. Didn't capture me. Seemed basic.
Wilco
2/5
So beige. So boring. So forgettable.
Suicide
2/5
Suicide is a bone of contention for Luke and me. I've never liked them and he is very into it.
I did not like this album and did not get it. He said it was because I wasn't listening on headphones and therefore wasn't hearing the depth. I'm not sure that was it, it was boring music that's why and it sounded like the lyrics were improvised, but bad. It's a no from me
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
I think this started off very strong, had a real pow to it and such a mix of genres. It then descended into samey sameness that I couldn't distinguish from one another. It was just a blur by the end of it and I got bored. Shame as I did genuinely love the beginning few tracks
Anita Baker
3/5
This passed me by a bit! Sure she's a very good singer but these sort of Tina Turner ballads don't really do it for me. Totally fine
k.d. lang
3/5
I'm sure this was good but I just did not care that much. Not my thing
Bee Gees
4/5
I was pleasantly surprised by this! What amazing harmonies and chord sequences. Very rich and warm music. There was only one song I didn't really like. The rest was excellent!
The Sugarcubes
4/5
This was really good! Loved it. Super creative. Total bangers. Good old Bjork
John Prine
2/5
This so wasn't my thing. I struggle with country. It took me four attempts to get through this. Begrudgingly. Sorry
Elastica
4/5
I was great! I got really into it. Fun, upbeat, tight. Made good running music
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
Good lord I did not like this at all. I'm having an irritable week so I appreciate that my dislike for this may be amplified but fucking hell what an absolute beige boring drag that was. Same song 10 times over. And I'm offended by the covers. I particularly hate when artists do covers of absolutely slapping songs and then make them beige. What is the fucking point. Sweet Jane - are you joking? Leave it alone!
Look I'd like to give it a 1 star because of how riled I am but I need to save those for truly offensive music, this is narrowly in the 2
R.E.M.
3/5
You know what I didn't hate this that much! James and I were disappointed at another REM but I knew quite a few of these. It was totally palatable
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Was pleased to have this! I really enjoyed it and had some of my favourite Rolling Stones on it. I really like Wild Horses in particular. Such great songwriting, cool and stylish. Put me in a good mood
Peter Gabriel
3/5
The beginning of this felt like a soundtrack of any 80s action film. It was quite entertaining. Towards the end I thought it took a completely different gear and I was quite surprised. Wasn't so into it either.
Overall a good laugh!
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Look this kind of prog stuff is never going to satisfy me. It's just hard work and a bit nerdy, but not a way I like. Just tiresome!
It sounded like the crowd were loving it though
Ryan Adams
2/5
Why the fuck is this in the list? Beige. Bland. Lame. Repetitive. Samey. Embarrassingly clichéd lyrics. Such a fucking borrrreeeeeeee
It's a no from me
Traffic
4/5
I really enjoyed this! Some really good classic stuff. Well written and fun. Would listen again
Bon Jovi
3/5
Bon Jovi just is what it is right? And what they do they're good at. Do I love it? Not really. But I think they're probably good well written songs
Beck
4/5
Ah amazing nostalgia for Girl for our year 12 Macdonalisation video. What a banging tune! This was a great album I thought. Fun poppy hits. Good stuff Beck
Os Mutantes
4/5
This was brilliant! I really enjoyed it. Each song was completely different and just so fun. Will be listening today
Rush
3/5
A pretty good laugh this! Funny little motifs and good energy. Wouldn't go back for more but was entertaining at the time
Khaled
3/5
Wow what a whirlwind! Did not see the Beatles cover coming. What an array of styles. A bit of fun. Would I go back for more? No probably not. But it was impressively energetic and varied
Queen
4/5
This was a good listen! I don't think I'd listened to this album before but of course knew the hits. One song I had to check it was definitely Queen as it was so folky! Just solid music.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Look I was never going to be super into this. I've never been an Aguilera fan really. I can appreciate some hits but generally it's just not my thing. This went on a bit. Bit long.
Fred Neil
4/5
This was pretty enjoyable! Folky calm and I knew some of them already. Quite paired back this album I thought. Soothing
The Last Shadow Puppets
4/5
Ah this was a good listen from the height of indie days! Enjoyed it. Good fun
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Oh my lord this was so dreary and dull. Every song sounded the same. Same topic of song. It just went on and on and on. Just depressing and slow
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Well this was very beige! Like a not good Smiths. Did not care for this
Pere Ubu
4/5
Luke is a big Pere Ubu fan so I knew some of these songs already but I did enjoy the whole album actually. Gave it a couple of listens to truly appreciate it. A bit wild and off beat but I liked that!
Jamiroquai
3/5
You know what I don't mind a bit of Jamieoquai but after a while it does feel a bit like relentless funk. It's a little samey but I don't not like it. It's just a bit of fun right
Keith Jarrett
2/5
I wasn't a massive fan of this. It was fine and I enjoyed the bits that's sounded like The Sims music. I didn't like the weird grunting and singing along noises in the background. Off putting. A bit too long. Like obviously it was impressive piano playing so I'm not saying they're not a good piano composer/performer I just didn't really give a shit
The Dictators
4/5
This great. Just a good laugh, solid riffs, humourous and fun. Mood lifting
Boards of Canada
3/5
This was a good vibe! It was relaxing to work to. Not a lot of music I can. A got more into it as it went along
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
Pretty ambivalent about this one. Totally fine. Not hugely memorable
The Zutons
3/5
This was a nice little throwback! I wasn't that into the Zutons but this was fun enough to listen to.
Brian Eno
4/5
Yes Brian Eno! He doesn't disappoint. I've loved Brian Eno for a long time now and while I didn't love every song he always comes out with some bangers that are so warm and moving. The final song is excellent. Glad this has fallen in our final few albums!
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
There were elements of this I thought were alright, the odd orchestral bit, but overall this just all felt like a bit much. Like in the same way show tunes do. By the end I was quite exhausted by it. But overall it wasn't terrible either
Christine and the Queens
2/5
I wasn't that bothered about this. Not sure why it has such critical acclaim. I thought it was dull and just didn't care that much
Morrissey
3/5
This felt like classic Morrissey and I did like it. Tuneful, warm and slightly dark lyrics. I didn't strongly love it but it was a pleasant enough listen.
Wire
4/5
A lot of pressure on me to like this one ... From Luke!! He's a big fan and I will listen to this again to appease him but overall it was great. I liked that it was lots of little songs. Fun and snappy. Punchy and punky. A good time!
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
This was fine but I felt by the end it was a little dreary! A lot of the songs sounded similar. I didn't hate it though, definite elements I enjoyed. But would I go back for more? Probably not... Sorry BPB