Mar 02 2021
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Splendid album! A strong start to this challenge. A relaxing and smart album. Cat Stevens is apparently a lot more than Wild World. Who knew? It's the kind of album you can listen to several times and remember each song. I hear something new each time.
4
Mar 03 2021
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Awful. Just Awful. Uninspired and boring songs. Hesitating beauty is the crappiest on the album. "You're itching to get married and I am twitching for the same thing" was the cherry on top of this album. If she wants to get married, how is she hesitating?? If you hate this album after 3 songs, just skip this one.
The only mercy on this album is that the songs are short.
1
Mar 04 2021
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Metallica
Metallica
Stunning record. I know that metallica fans like to denigrate it for transitioning from a thrash sound to more of a heavy metal sound, but it worked so well. The instrumentals are timeless, the lyrics are deep and dark - I heard this album caused 3 of the band members to have divorces they worked so hard on it. Literally every song on the album is good. It ranks up there with Pink Floyd's the Wall or the Beatles Abbey Road.
5
Mar 05 2021
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The White Album
Beatles
This is absolutely an album everyone has to hear, but it isn't the Beatles at their best. The backstory and drama of the album are better than the album itself. It really should have been an album and then an outtakes album.
The album has many good songs that were either ahead of their time or stood the test of time. Hey Jude came out of these sessions, but Rocky raccoon, back in the user, ob la di ob la da, helter skelter, bungalow bill, and while my guitar gently weeps are fantastic. Listening to the album, I hear songs that I forgot existed - Long long long, cry baby cry, and don't pass me by come to mind.
Not a perfect album, but their most creative and still above average. I'm glad we have it. 3.5 stars
3
Mar 06 2021
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Definitely enjoyable songs, but they all do tend to sound similar. The vocalist is hard to understand at times, but certainly distinctive. It's a good album, but I think the average listener would have to hear it about 10 times for the songs to stick. The best songs from the album are definitely Take me out and Michael. It was worth a listen just for Michael.
3
Mar 07 2021
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
Fantastic! This is a good example of 1001 albums revealing a hidden gem. I took a guess this was made in the 90s and was shocked to see it was 1965! This beats freakout by zappa, which is the closest album I can compare it to. As for a review, these guys were way ahead of their time. Super talented band. Completely uninhibited and a feat for the ears. Favorite song - Shut up / complication. Least favorite: cuckoo. I did not include the bonus songs in my review. Lower to 4 stars with the bonus songs.
5
Mar 08 2021
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
I don't think I'll ever understand punk. This is the musical equivalent of watching concrete dry. Maybe it was good live? This is unpalatable and I barely got through it. All the songs sound exactly the same.
1
Mar 09 2021
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
I've never heard this album, but I've heard several singles from it - Castles made of sand, Spanish castles, 69, little wing, and bold as love. The other songs in the album really bring it together. One thing that surprised me here was how ahead of their time his producer was with stereo sound. They make it known from that first track that they're going to use stereo to its full effect. Highly recommend listening in stereo for the full album.
Favorite song: don't make me choose - see above. Least favorite song: She's so fine (what the heck was that?)
4
Mar 10 2021
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
Enjoyable and interesting - I had no idea about the British ska scene. The horns bring something interesting here. They are all over the place in terms of genre. I'm hearing Ska, lounge crooning, rock, blues, and of course pub songs. I can see how this would be hard to crack into the USA top 40, but I can see how influential they could be to musicians.
3
Mar 11 2021
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
I don't like it. The production value sucks ass. The drumming is incessant. The vocalist is 5/10, but he needs a better lyricist. These lyrics vacillate between juvenile and unintelligible due to the lofi production. Sometimes my head is bobbing alone, but after listening to the album twice I still couldn't name a song that really hooked me. If I could use one word to describe these guys, it would be "flat." I'm listening to "I remember nothing" and I'm hearing these sad lyrics but no emotion. No tears or heart whatsoever. Just bored flat affect. I remember nothing is a fitting end to this album because I won't remember anything from the album.
2
Mar 12 2021
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I knew some RHCP songs before this album, but I'd never listened to a full album before. I didn't really get it. Started this album thinking it would be a 3 and moved it to a 4 after repeated listens.
It's a very masculine album that embodies the so cal attitude. It's an album made for roadtripping, playing video games with the guys, and just hanging out in the summer.
It accomplishes a lot without seeming to try very hard. I respect it for that. four stars well-earned.
4
Mar 13 2021
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
This album is Fiona Apple's most regarded album and it definitely has some winners on it. Shadowboxer and Criminal are good. I'm a sucker for female vocalists with deep voices though. What's keeping it as a three star? I think she's missing a few things on this album. Mostly fun. Janis Joplin sang serious emotional songs, but could have some humor too. Without humor or collaborations with other artists, this is a moody and lonely album.
3
Mar 14 2021
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
No matter how many times I hear this album, I always find something new. Sure, it doesn't have many "hits", but there is nuance and experimentation abound. It is also admitedly hard for me to divorce this album from Byrnes autobiography. I tried though and can't think of anything that takes this below 4 stars.
4
Mar 15 2021
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
A guilty pleasure album for sure. Not a bad song on it, but the music isn't that great. It feels artificial somehow. I was very surprised to learn this was 80s music. It feels very 70s but with 80s production. I feel bad giving it a 3, but does it earn a 4? It's a 3.75.
4
Mar 16 2021
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
I hadn't seen any of the music videos before and watched them while listening to the album. This guy is a fucking chode. This is chode music for chode people. It sounds like disco meets 90s R&B.
This gets 2 stars because at least the musicians are good. If you take out the singer, it is okay background music. I just learned about this guy and already I hate him. Who goes by Jay Kay? "You can call me Jay, you can call me Kay, but dont' you call me Jay Kay." Uggghhh
2
Mar 17 2021
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This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
90% of time I can't tell what they're saying. The production value is among the worst I've ever heard. Additionally, and it might be intentional, but sometimes it seems like the band isn't playing the same song as the vocalist or the other musicians.
Best song on the album was Rollin' Dany. Then I looked it up and it's a fucking cover. The original sounds so much better too.
Best thing I can say about them is the album artwork is nice and the song titles are interesting. To their credit, the songs don't all sound the same.
1
Mar 18 2021
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
This scratches a very particular itch. How have I never heard this. An absolute gem of electronic songs. I love it.
5
Mar 20 2021
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
It sounds like if Rage against the machine tried to rap. I would have given it a 2, but listening to the whole album a few times ups it to a three. They get bonus points for their songs all sounding different. They lose points for sounding really dated. You might say they... SABOTAGED themselves xD
3
Mar 21 2021
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
A grand record! It turns out I know every song on this album from my childhood. It's an album about life, modernity, struggle, love, death, all of it. It has an everyman quality about it and the production is divine. Not one bad song on the record. I bought it just now!
5
Mar 22 2021
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
I had to check to see if this guy was Tiny Tim - turns out he isn't. Very high voice though. Sounds a little like Cher. Favorite song on here IS Pleasant street. He did seem to be ahead of his time a little on that one, but it's a voice only a mother could love. I would be embarrassed to listen to this with someone else though, so only 2 stars.
2
Mar 23 2021
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The Doors
The Doors
Not a bad song on the album. 4.25. Songs are memorable, but something about it doesn't inspire relistens. I can't say why.
It also feels like it's trying to be "smart" music. Also can't pinpoint why.
4
Mar 24 2021
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Kenza
Khaled
Really hard for me to judge this one. I'll say this: The musical styles are all over. I'm hearing Bollywood, north African, Indonesian, and even a little mariachi. I can see why it is on here, but I'm not listening to this again. 2.5 stars.
3
Mar 25 2021
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
On first impression, I thought they were Sublime. THEN I thought they were a better Sublime. I've really grown to like and appreciate these guys. I get Phish vibes in here too. They are a cool group overall- how have I not heard of them? Change, slow bus, and bonin' are my favorites.
4
Mar 26 2021
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Definitely getting a tribe called quest vibes here. It's definitely okay. It's no kanye, Roots, or kendrick lamar. Lots of good collabs. I can see broad appeal here, but I'm not feeling the passion in this album. I listened to this album like four times, but I don't see a need to listen again. Fav song is Life is better (norah jones is too cool). 2.5
2
Mar 27 2021
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
This may be the most important rap album ever made. You had public enemy doing militant stuff and tribe called quest and others doing rap on social issues. "zingalamaduni" comes to mind. NWA though... they captured the anger and reality of being a young black man.
They really addressed all the social issues on the streets instead of in society and it resonated with so many people. Police, goldiggers, dope sellers, other rappers... NWA was out for you.
Part of their genius was building their character through their songs. Eazy E especially. I am a huge fan of his character - too cool. He gives props to Dre all over though, which sucks for all their splintering later.
Most of the songs hold up extremely well to time. "I ain't the one" is the only one that doesn't hold up - I know what he was going for, but... not all women man.
This album has so much variety too - a song for everyone. Folks who roll hard get fuck the police, misogynists get I ain't the one, radio gets express yourself, and clubs get something to dance to.
Their sampling is so good and their rhymes seem so effortless. It's really a triumph and deserves all the praise it got.
5
Mar 28 2021
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
I grew up with this album, so it's a little hard to separate my review from the nostalgia, but I can try. Every song is solid, but some suffer from being overplayed. Very of its time for the ballads and very karoakeable. Definitely didn't age well, but play as a history lesson to the kids.
You know I haven't been writing very good things. Why is this a four? I'd rate it 3.75 because of the hooks and generally catchiness. It's not a deep album and sometimes sounds like a parody of itself, but its another everyman album. The production is good and the guitars are perfect. The drums are super 80s and I like them like that. The lyrics are fitting. Overall, a good album worth buying.
4
Mar 29 2021
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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
This album is pretty bad, you know what I mean? Like, I read the wiki and it was clearly not meant for me. Judging by the number of dislikes on youtube, I guess others don't like it as well, do you know what I mean. Yeah this album doesn't have memorable songs - the best one is about ice cream or something you know what I mean? and how about that "song" that's just two dudes smoking and drinking and saying you know what I mean repeatedly, you know what I mean? You know what I mean! You know, What I mean is you know what I mean. You know?
2
Mar 30 2021
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Revolver
Beatles
This is the first of the Beatles "good albums." Definitely a lot more substance in the lyrics yet no cohesion throughout. It sounds like a bunch of great songs made in different sessions all crammed into one album. It's a rather joyful jaunt, but I'll never understand the name of the album. There are a few songs worth skipping on here - I forgot they existed. I'm only sleeping, bird can sing, dr. robert, and I want to tell you are meh. Tomorrow never knows is also meh, but I can see what they were doing - progressive for its time. The number of songs liked puts it at a 3, but for its time and for the good songs that are on here it gets bumped to 4. It's a good romp, but trim the fat, beatles. I also think maxwell's silver hammer would fit on this album.
4
Mar 31 2021
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
LMAO this album. I've never heard it before, but this guy is cool. This music clearly uses humor to cope with some pretty hard realities. I love how it fluctuates between getting real talking about the native america's land being stole and then calling it a nigger move to do that. The interludes are hilarious and entertaining and the rock mix was grand. Love how political it got too.
At the same time, this album is more like a manifesto than it is an album. I love it, but it's not high art. More like commentary. I am not impressed with the production or instrumentals, but the rhymes have some zingers. 3.5.
3
Apr 01 2021
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
An album that lives up to its name! There is a time and place for this album and I'll give it this - he's good at picking interesting lyrics. I kept finding myself guessing what he was going to say and kept being wrong.
The lyrics can be... obtuse. Dude speaks in metaphors constantly. I loved the addition of backup singers and collabs. If the whole album was this guy, I think it would be a two. It's a solid three though and deserves to be heard.
3
Apr 02 2021
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
What a vapid album. I've heard it's supposed to be really good, but I've listened a few times over my life and I still don't get it. I listened again several times and it's even worse than I remembered since I looked at the lyrics. Take a song like I know there's an answer. We're dealing with safe spaces and people getting in bubbles worse than ever today and you think he's going to have an answer, but he has no fucking answer. It's so unsatisfying. All these songs are boy-girl love songs and it just stinks. The only thing keeping it from 1 star is that the instrumentals can be good. Most of the time, it's pretty plain jane. It's basically like stupid beatles. It's fake progressive - progressive for people who wear boat shoes. NEXT.
2
Apr 03 2021
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
I really don't think it is fair to judge Frank Sinatra by today's standards. We aren't listening in the right medium. He was played on black and white tvs on a 12 inch screen on grandma's tv. With earbuds and cars being the most common place to hear music, it just isn't doing him justice.
He is a good singer, I'll give him that and he would influence lounge for generations. That's basically where he stops being good though. All these songs sound exactly the same - I have no idea which one was the "hit." The lyrics have aged very terribly. This guy sounds like a whiny "nice guy." I'll be waiting for you when he's done with you? I'm not like the other guys? I think this was romantic back in the day, but he definitely treats women as one dimensional in his songs. They are objects - they don't do anything and their opinion matters little.
It is hard to judge this by the original standards, so I'm not going to try. 2.5 stars rounded down.
2
Apr 04 2021
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Amazing album! About the time I was listening to Birthday I realized I was listening to something special. The female vocalist is on fire! Wailing, shrieking, crooning, growling... she sounds like a more-talented Blondie. Definitely at 80s sounding album btw.
Looked them up, turns out this is Bjork! This is the best I've heard her.
Great lyrics on this album. The include a song about god not existing, so they've got my approval.
Definitely a 4.5. The only thing holding it down is the male "vocalist" who can't sing. Cut that fucker out and we've got a 5 star album. I downloaded this album it was so good though.
4
Apr 05 2021
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
This band has the energy and charisma of Kraftwerk but the 80s stylings of the human league. It's not fun enough. Fascist groove thing is the best I've heard on here. What they need is a better director... producer... something. It sounds like it isn't quite done. The bass is really good and the lyrics and sound can work. It just needs a bigger 80s sound like the synth in animotion's "obsession." It fits right along with 80s new wave fun, but will never be the first band anyone remembers.
3
Apr 06 2021
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Oh my... what a breath of fresh air! I've heard of Wilco but never taken the time to hear them out. This is the perfect bridge between Guster and Bright Eyes. They are sensitive with substance, but never whiny.
Now that would be good enough to get my attention, but they make great use of distortion, sounds, and beats to really add some depth. The autoplay for youtube after this album suggests a day in the life by the beatles and I would agree that this album shares a lot with that track. My first impression was a 3 star album due to the lofi sound, but it grew to a 4 with the emo substance and then a 4.5 with the progressive instrumentals. A phenomenal record!
5
Apr 07 2021
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
More like Mr. Boring man. Again, it hasn't aged well. It sounds like B grade The Who. I don't like it and won't be listening again. I give it a star due to being influential and due to the members of the band being very talented, but stifled due to the times.
2
Apr 08 2021
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
I listened three times and had to actively look up online why the smiths don't suck. After doing that search, I think I get it. It's supposed to be funny and sarcastic. He'll say things like "My faith in love is still devout, I might walk home alone tonight" as a biting contrast. He'll also make fun of stupid kids by sarcastically saying that writing a name on your arm means the love is real. He is walking a line where you can't tell if he is being sarcastic or not at times. Is Meat is Murder actually preachy or is it criticizing the approach animal rights people? If you look at it all in a meta way, the depth of the album expands. Well I Wonder is the worst song on the album, while Rusholme ruffians and nowhere fast are the best songs. The bass is good, but his singing is shitty. I'm certain that this band goes over better in the UK because of all the political criticism.
3
Apr 09 2021
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
I listened 3 times and had to really focus. This music fades into the background really easily. With its repetition, it gets you into a folkindie trance. My favorite songs are Everything means nothing to me, Stupidity tries, and can't make a sound. I do think the album is too long and that many songs are forgettable. A middle of the road album for middle of the road times.
3
Apr 10 2021
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
I don't think I'm smart enough for this album. The lyrics are basically poetry and the rhythms go way past standard 4/4. Due to Nick Drake being such a loner, he had no one else playing on this work, but he could have been huge if he could have collaborated with others. It's also why I can't rate it highly. Sure, pink moon is good and technically it is all good, but this is a 3.5 or a 7 out of 10. It just needs more and I don't think he had written his opus before he died. This was just a taste.
3
Apr 11 2021
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
I don't think I'm smart enough for this album. The lyrics are basically poetry and the rhythms go way past standard 4/4. Due to Nick Drake being such a loner, he had no one else playing on this work, but he could have been huge if he could have collaborated with others. It's also why I can't rate it highly. Sure, pink moon is good and technically it is all good, but this is a 3.5 or a 7 out of 10. It just needs more and I don't think he had written his opus before he died. This was just a taste.
4
Apr 12 2021
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Play
Moby
Fabulous album - 9/10. I figure it is called play because it swings between elecronic genres like crazy. Pop, techno, house, hip hop, trip hop, and experimental. The sampling is excellent and the album is a must have for anyone who loves electronic music. It is so big, I'm sure it can convert people who don't like electronic music. It truly is a modern album despite being really old now. It feels as fresh as the day it came out - rare that one can be ahead of their time and popular in their time as well. Amazing record.
5
Apr 13 2021
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
What a stinking pile of shit. Vapid lyrics, no clear single, and boring musically. The way the vocalist holds out the end of every damned line... its just awful. I listened to the album 3.5 times, once reading the lyrics. The band is muddy sounding and uninspiring. I know that they have good songs like wonderwall and don't look back in anger, but they are missing from this album. About the only thing good on this album is that they sampled Get it On by t rex on "cigarettes and alcohol." ...I took 5 mins just now to look it up and they are claiming this as their riff - so plagiarism. great. drops it from a 3/10 to a 2/10 - No good songs on the album, but some songs don't actively offend me. Maybe they meant to put their other album on this list and this was a typo?
1
Apr 14 2021
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
This is an album for musicians, I can tell. It's also an album for pissed off people. Is this punk? If so, I might like punk! The instruments and vocals combine in absolutely punishing ways. First, they break down your religion, then trust in society, government, etc. The vocals are divine - visceral screams, howls, and shouts. It seems that he's actually railing against society here. Favorite songs are Fodderstompf, Theme, Religion I, and Attack. Low life is the worst song, but it's only because it is forgettable. My favorite point on the album is in fodderstompf when he says he is just doing this to get the album done in the easiest way to fulfill contractual obligations. God it is a smart song. Sarcastic, but a smart critique on the music industry.
4
Apr 15 2021
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
A fantastic record that really has it all. Hot guitar solos, riffs, a huge vocal range, and smart if somewhat edgy lyrics. Way ahead of their time. Somehow all their songs sound unique here. Hanger 18 is my favorite song off the album. I don't see any weak points here, so I'd have to rate it 9/10.
5
Apr 16 2021
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Haha they love Leonard Cohen, huh? This is better than the other one we reviewed, but it's not my thing. He sounds like an off-brand Roger Waters. Best songs are the first couple. I have to say I like Concrete Blonde's Everybody knows much more. Still glad I was exposed to this since he is everywhere now that I know who he is.
3
Apr 17 2021
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
It's an alright album, but I have to say that the lyrics and emotion they're going for don't match the sterile 80s synth sound. It can be done, but it just feels too silly. Like the backing synth in take on me... it just undermines the emotion. This is a great album to throw in the background for a party, but defies series analysis. I will say I did like stand and face the rain. I listened to this album 5 times and couldn't find a song that was truly bad, but I didn't find many super standouts. 3.25/5. Not bad for a one hit wonder.
3
Apr 18 2021
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Calenture
The Triffids
I reviewed this already so I'm not going to write a lot. favorite songs are jerdacuttop man and calenture. Good album.
4
Apr 20 2021
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The Slider
T. Rex
Normally I love t rex, but this is just not the best album I've heard from them. All the songs sound like "Life's a Gas" I honestly thought I'd like it more. I don't sense a lot of emotion or authenticity here. I guess I compare this to the electric warrior sessions and get disappointed.
By 1972, this sound would have been dated. I don't understand this one.
2
Apr 21 2021
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Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
I don't think this dude knows what riding the night train means. Ok, I've heard of this guy, but this is the first time I've heard his stuff. It sounds a little corny, a little adult contemporary, but it makes for good background music or something to put in a movie. My favorite song is Spanish Dancer. It has a genesis vibe to it. They could open for genesis haha.
3
Apr 22 2021
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
It was okay. Pleasant. the cover was better than the album. I liked I don't love anyone and electric ren. Didn't love anything. I could do without hearing this again. I think it is the monotone singing. I don't feel any pain, emotion, joy... it's xanax music
2
Apr 23 2021
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I liked it! Definitely commands your attention. It's a little weird to listen to with other people though. Favorite track is the Lyre of orpheus and the she goes my beautiful world.
3
Apr 28 2021
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Pornography
The Cure
Before I listened to this album, I thought I hated the cure. Too pretentious, too lofi. Turns out I don't think I like the people who like the cure. It's all right - best listened to by themselves and not in a mix. I can appreciate the backstory of this album and the human emotion poured into it. Hanging garden and short term effect are the best songs I'm hearing on the non-deluxe version. Some of the best songs are on the deluxe version. Airlock is awesome! It commanded my attention and is the on I'm most enthusiastic to listen to. I get why they didn't put it on the original album (Doesn't fit the theme), but it's trippy. Reminds me of older pink floyd. 7/10
3
Apr 29 2021
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
Fascinating! This Joni Mitchell could have been a boring coffeehouse singer-songwriter, but this is avant-garde coffeehouse. I love the jungle line! It reminds me of Ween. Way ahead of its time and stretching the power of the moog. Sweet bird, shadows and light, and the opening track "France" are also great. I give it 8/10 - a great album and I'm glad I listened.
4
Apr 30 2021
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
Oh wow. I thought Cream only had one album that was called Cream. It turns out that was "Best of Cream." Anyways, this album has a lot of songs from that best of, which suggests it is one of their best albums. The best of really picked the best songs off this album. The classics like sunshine, brave ulysses, and SWLABR make this album a legend. There are a few songs that keep this one from being 5 stars. Blue condition, written by the drummer, is just bad. They must have given this to the drummer to make him happy. Jeesh it is a stinker. we're going wrong is also terrible. It should have just been a drum solo. Oversinging is what it sounds like. The drums are the only standout on that song. Definitely give the whole album a listen, then get the best of.
4
May 01 2021
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Sheet Music
10cc
It's fucking weird and I love it! Not one bad song on the album. It has a zany quality that you don't see everyday. I'm definitely buying this. Way ahead of their time.
5
May 02 2021
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Low
David Bowie
Is it artsy? Yeah! Is it good? Debatable. I love me some ambient music, but after listening to this I don't really care to hear it on the regular. I think it's a neat album and can see why Bowie fans praise it since it expands his already wide range. It just isn't catchy and isn't memorable. It's cool as hell, but I wouldn't want to purchase it or anything. Sorry you had a bad time, Bowie.
3
May 03 2021
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Fun and fresh album! Despite being an antique by this point, most of the songs on this album are very good! While the old familiars like blueberry hill, blue Monday, and honey chile draw me in, I'm loving new discoveries like fat man hop. I rate it 3.5, but will up it to 4 due to a history handicap.
4
May 04 2021
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Smooooth! Love Solid air, dreams by the sea, Easy blues, solid air, over the hill, and don't want to know. I give it a 9/10. Tons of genres explored on this album, which keeps it fresh. I can hear some similarities with Nick Drake, but this is way better. This probably deserves to be a household name. It's not really my genre, but I have grown to respect it after about 4 listens through the album.
4
May 05 2021
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Now we're talking! MOTHER EARTH IS PREGNANT FOR THE THIRD TIME AND YALL DONE KNOCKED HER UP! I call this Progressive Funk and it kicks ass. This is a 9/10 album and it is so close to a full 10. Maggot Brain (the song) is a masterpiece that never gets old and the next few songs are super radio friendly. I love the bass singer in "can you get to that" - he just makes it. Where the album falls flat is back in our minds (short, forgettable filler) and Wars of Armageddon. I love wierd shit, but this song is just grating. Fart sounds, yelling, cuckoo clocks... would it have been so hard to reprise maggot brain as a closer? That would have kept it classy. So close to greatness - I end this album at Super Stupid. The bonus tracks are great, though i don't count them in this review.
5
May 06 2021
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Rather uninspring lyrics and boring. I just don't want to spend time listening to this. No magic in terms of crowd interaction. Nothing that made me want to stop and focus. Why is this on here?
2
May 07 2021
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
This album absolutely bops! I'm from the U.S., so I've never heard of this guy. Great energy in this album and super poppy without feeling dumb. Reminds me of Dishwalla but better (and I love Dishwalla). The songs have some variety and definitely emotion. My favorite songs are: Old Before I die, let me entertain you, Lazy Days, and 100% Angels - that's the best song on the album. I'm giving this an 8/10, but it could be higher due to the fact that it is hard to find all these songs in my country. I'm sure this album is good though and highly recommend it.
4
May 08 2021
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Who's Next
The Who
It's a classic, but not every song is a winner. Lots of hits and then misses. I was interested to learn that going mobile wasn't a newer song - I thought they made it in the 90s about getting an RV. The album also lacks cohesion in a lot of ways. If these songs hit the radio, I'll listen, but I never pick up this album and am excited to play it. Definitely second fiddle to the beatles, stones, and led zeps of the era. I give it 7/10.
3
May 09 2021
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
It's a classic, but not every song is a winner. Lots of hits and then misses. I was interested to learn that going mobile wasn't a newer song - I thought they made it in the 90s about getting an RV. The album also lacks cohesion in a lot of ways. If these songs hit the radio, I'll listen, but I never pick up this album and am excited to play it. Definitely second fiddle to the beatles, stones, and led zeps of the era. I give it 7/10.
4
May 10 2021
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
I tried. Disco sucks.
2
May 11 2021
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
That was a strange journey. There is some beautiful experimentation that seems to combine the familiar and foreign. I definitely feel there is a dip in quality after running up that hill but it picks back up once you hit "Jig" on the album. It's weird and sometimes weird for the sake of weird. I don't feel she is a good singer, barking and hissing out her words, but I feel she would make a great producer (or at least an interesting one).
3
May 12 2021
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
This sounds like reject tracks from Twisted Metal 2. It sounds like rave meets punk. I love rave music, but this doesn't hit any of the magic the genre can hit. Super shallow lyrics, boring songs, repetitive. I mean, I guess it is danceable so it gets that, but overall I don't want to hear this again.
2
May 13 2021
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2112
Rush
The perfect album. Each song is exactly where it needs to be. 2112 opens with its legendary overture into geddy lee's controlling and sneering priests of syrinx. We get the catchy passage to Bangkok and the heartfelt Tears. The drums are spectacular throughout. A truly timeless album that has it all. You'd have to be deaf to give this anything under a 3
5
May 14 2021
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
This is a real mixed bag. The "Good songs" are I got a woman, Blue suede shoes, Just because, sit right down, and money honey. The "okay" songs are I'm counting on you, trying to get to you, and tutti fruiti. The awful songs are I love you because, one sided love affair, I'll never let you go (It's terrible except the last 30 secs), and blue moon (this song clearly isn't done). If some of these songs came on the radio, I wouldn't change it, but there are some stinkers dragging it down. 6/10.
3
May 15 2021
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My Generation
The Who
I give it a 5/10 My generation and the kids are alright are the classic songs on the album. I did discover the Ox from listening, which is a boss song. Unfortunately. La la lies, legal matter, and most of the other songs all suck. I wouldn't recommend.
2
May 16 2021
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Coldplay fits the role of the non-offensive band o the 2000s. Mom can put it on while you travel to soccer practice. It rarely comes across as authentic because it is just too polished. Some songs can be catchy though. The Scientist is my favorite song from the album and I can say I like it. Clocks is tolerable. The rest are forgettable. 5/10 - positives are that it makes good background music and okay driving music.
3
May 17 2021
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Nixon
Lambchop
Musically, it sounds okay. My main issue with this album is that I have read all the lyrics and listened multiple times and I have no idea what the album is about. The lyrics are nonsensical and the vocals are murky. Too many metaphors. Definitely not a "fun" album. I can't think of any song I like on the album, but it is good enough to put in the background I guess. It doesn't actively annoy me is I treat the vocals as sounds rather than words.
2
May 18 2021
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Cool name for a band, but this is just awful. I had to check to make sure I was listening to the right link. Who likes this? I can't understand what the guy is saying and the production is so poor on this that I can't tell if the guitars are distorted or just out of tune. The only talented person in the band is the drummer, but they can't carry the whole band. No, this is shit and deserves 1 star.
1
May 19 2021
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
I hadn't heard this album in full until this review, though its influence on the 80s is undeniable. The fact that half the album is hits is saying something. Money changes everything and i'll kiss you are welcome additions to the rest of the hits - girls just want to have fun, time and time, she bop, all through the night, and he's so unusual. The whole album is bristling with female energy - that's the best way I can put it. It's a great perspective and it's never vapid - sometimes the music industry dumbs down the music of female artist unfairly. All through the night is pure poetry and my favorite song on the album. Totally inspired by late nights of teenage love where everything that led to that moment is gone and there is no future - just the present and it is good. A phenomenal accomplishment.
4
May 20 2021
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Kimono My House
Sparks
At first, I was like wtf! Then I was like hmmm.. I didn't get it until I got to amateur hour. How have I not heard of these guys? So inventive and ahead of their time. Blending genres like me at a froyo place. Absolutely scrumptious album, but I must say that I won't listen to this around other people. It does grow on you, but some grow faster than others. Those two reasons are what keeps it from five stars. Great album! I'm picking up their great hits after this for sure.
4
May 21 2021
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
I liked Sailors life, but all the other songs were forgettable. Can't say it is my favorite, but its the kind of thing you might fall in love with if it was the only cassette you had on a long road trip. 5 stars out of 10.
3
May 23 2021
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Weird old band - They are a product of their time for sure. I hear some beatles influence in tracks like find somebody, and certainly stones influence as well. They also played with the stereo sound on that song too, but it comes across as annoying. That was a super common thing to do for the time. Groovin' is an okay "Sunday" song. A place in the sun is the most emotional and interesting song of the bunch. "You better run" aged like milk though - violent lyrics toward a romantic partner? Wasn't expecting that. Guess they had a little too much stones influence!
3
May 24 2021
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
A very good album. Crept up from a 5/10 to 8/10 on repeat listens. Shit and Jiggaboo are hilarious - I'm going to be saying "Oh Shit!" for the rest of my life now. 4 better or 4 worse has a smooth backbeat and does an odd turn halfway through where the song basically goes full Insane Clown Posse. I'm that type of Nigga is just a classically good hip hop intro track. They should have made it the opening track to the album. Soul Flower is a fun and bouncy jam - whoever the female rapper is kills it! On the DL has a hilarious skit in the middle about jacking off on the DL. unforgettable.
I knew the album was something special when "Officer" had Flavor Flav as a guest and when they said "I got a letter from the DMV the other day" I busted up because I knew what they were doing. It's a play on public enemies "Black Steel in the hour of Chaos." That's genius! It is an innocent song and might be my favorite on the album.
Yo mama is the low point of the album. Doesn't age well. Otha Fish and pack the pipe are forgettable, but pack the pipe does have a part when they get a kid high. It is controversial and interesting for sure.
Passing me by is what this album is remembered for and it deserves that. It is an awesome song. Relatable, catchy, and ahead of its time. I found it interesting that they used the word "symp" 30 years before it was common. Excellent vocals in that chorus - stressing the word "passing," you can feel some pain. It would have been easy to mess that up. 8/10!!
4
May 25 2021
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Only good songs are Killing Moon and Ocean Rain. That's all I have to say.
3
May 26 2021
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
The singles can be catchy, but this album is plagued by awful awful interludes and crap b sides. One of them has a child trying to rap for chrissakes. The singles get this up to a 3, but it goes no higher.
3
May 27 2021
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Picture Book
Simply Red
This feels like a combination of disco or soul music with sprinkles of indie or blues thrown in depending on the song. It really defies categorization. Unfortunately, most of the songs aren't very good. Heaven is the best song from a bluesy standpoint and money's too right is like a generic disco song. Overall, this is a 5/10 album. I would say it doesn't belong on the 1001 albums list.
3
May 28 2021
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GI
Germs
Most of this album is pretty bad, but I did enjoy Lexicon Devil and "shut down." 5/10 album.
3
May 30 2021
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
The sax and extended jazz sections carry this album. Favorite songs are the longer songs - The end part of bogus man, for your pleasure, strictly confidential, and portions of editions of you. Love those squealy saxes. Would I pay for it or listen to it in public? hell no.
3
May 31 2021
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
So much variety! It's as if she is an artists trying diverse genres until she finds one that lands on a hit. Loved cold war, tightrope, oh maker, the overtures, and the surprise inclusion of Of Montreal. This album is one to spin when you're tired of boring music!
4
Jun 02 2021
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
A grand ride! It really feels like proto-techno (and might be if I looked into the history). It seems purposefully inaccessible, but if given enough listen it sticks. Perfect for studying or gaming. Doesn't move me emotionally at all though.
3
Jun 03 2021
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
This is a really interesting mashup of soul, funk, gospel, pop, and R&B. Start of the album is stronger than the end. Favorite songs are wishing well and If you all get to heaven. Reminds me of George Michael a little.
3
Jun 05 2021
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1984
Van Halen
An amazing album - Van Halen at their top. It was despised by some people when it first came out, but with Sammy Hagar's entrance, the band grabbed the 80s sound by the horns and really combined their hard rock sound into it. They managed to walk a middle road where everyone could jam to it. There is a song for everyone on this album - not one bad song on it. There is a reason why it became classic rock as soon as it was released - they knew it would be seen as classic. 9/10
5
Jun 06 2021
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
A great album! She's basically the female tom petty. A liberating and sometimes heartfelt album.
4
Jun 08 2021
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
3/5. It's a disjointed album but I do feel there is something for everyone here. I definitely get the sense that these guys inspired radiohead. Favorite songs are Leaves and Sand, Best lose the fear, and White Noise revisited.
3
Jun 09 2021
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
It's just not my thing. I get that it is sex jams and it has its place, but I just don't think that place is on the 1001 list.
2
Jun 10 2021
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Snivilisation
Orbital
I'm having a very hard time rating this. It isn't bad, it just all blends together. For this type of music, I don't think I'm equipped to judge.
3
Jun 24 2021
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
It's great, but it doesn't inspire repeat listens.
3
Nov 11 2021
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
It's got some catchy tunes and international flair! I can see why it is on the list. Will I buy it? no. Do I like the bongo song? Yeah :)
3
Jan 29 2022
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
I am not seeing why this is on the 1001 albums list. The vocals sound similar to little richard, emulating southern preacher singing style. I like this part. The song subject matter is pretty mundane - boy girl relationships. I'm not inclined to relisten to this.
2