Larry Graham Jr inventor of the slap bass!
Poet has a nice vibe to it and Africa Talks is a great track. Feels somewhat less upbeat than his earlier hits but super funky. Sounds like they may be using some type of drum machine which I'm not a fan of.
Great album though.
Great production - it has a richness to it. I haven't listened to a lot of Smiths but the songs are well crafted.
Great version of Jumping Jack Flash!
3 1/2 stars
Understand the influence this album may have but not a fan.
A few decent songs on here. Some of the music has a good feel but vocal delivery and arrangements leave a lot to be desired
Great vocal range and delivery shows up on all different genres on this album. Also the backing band is stellar. 3 1/2
3 1/2 strong influence on punk and Seattle scene.
The Witch is a good song.
Love Jessie Ollons Young's voice. 2 1/2
Love this album considering the time of release and clear influences on musicians that followed. The songwriting is very good and the guitar playing in particular is amazing.
Great album but not quite as good as After the Gold Rush. Lyrically A Man Needs a Maid is questionable. Favorite songs Heart of Gold and The Needle and the Damage Done.
2 1/2 stars. I found this a bit of a difficult album to wade through. I have never been a Rick Wakeman or Yes fan. Having said that there are a few songs that I can get into somewhat like America and Roundabout which may have to do more with familiarity than anything else. Of the songs a I haven't listened to previously Heart of Sunrise is good. I understand the influence of this album.
Not a big grunge fan but I can see where this album would have been influential on the grunge scene. Has a bit of 60s garage feel and feels like a bridge between that and later Grunge scene. Do like Good Enough and a few of the slower grooves.
This is an okay album but feel it rides a little to much on the big single, Bittersweet Symphony. Interesting to note that BSS is a direct heavy sampling from Andrew Oldham Orchestra version of The Last Time. The other single off this album is very good but after listening to the first 4 or 5 songs on the album they lost me. It seems like more of the same. Enjoyed a few of the songs but feel the album is ranked higher than it should be. I can see the future influences. 2 1/2 stars
What can you say about this album with its amazing storytelling combined with the Spectorish wall of sound. Rock and Roll at its height with a piano base. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out and Born to Run are favorites.
Loved this album. The rhythms and added horms make this album very catchy from the first note. It is only after listening a few times that I was able to start to focus on the lyrics which turned this into a completely different experience for me. The urgency of the lyrics added some tension to the sound. All songs are great but early favorites are Halfway Home, Crying and Lover's Day. The horns bring a really nice touch to this album so I checked out who was playing, The Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra (worth a listen!). I really feel the Prince vibe but at the same time there as some songs that seem to draw comparison to the National
This is the first time hearing this album for me and I was struck by the minimalist approach of which beautifully put the focus on the lyrics that seem to focus on a difficult time in Cave's life and relationship. The piano based album combined with his singiing set somewhat of a romantic mood to the songs. Really enjoyed this album. Very sparse. Very raw. Very beautiful. Loved the first song.
This is such a great album!! Concept albums were just becoming a thin after Sgt Pepper and not sure if this album suffered in sales because of it, it definitely seemed a departure for the Kinks. The Kinks have always been a bit up against it in the U.S. and had more of a cult following than mainstream. Also I saw that the Beatles White Album was released on the same day (my 13th birthday!!) Which may have impacted sales. Back in 68 everything was pretty much pushed by radio play and unfortunately there wasn't really any charting singles. It was a great critical success though. The Englishness of the lyrics may have impacted sales outside of the US.
Regardless this is a fantastic album. It is a stellar Pop album! Favorite songs: Starstruck, Picture Book, Animal Farm, VIllage Green. 4 1/2 *
Love this album!! Still seems fresh even though it goes back to 58. Every song is great. I particularly like the fact that the first half of the album is super upbeat and then about half way through slows down and changes the mood completely.
Favorite track: Lil' Darlin. 4 stars
Not a big fan of Outlaw country. This album is fine but no real standouts to me.
This album appears to have made the list more for what it represents than the music itself. As Nick noted bring on GP.
Love this album! Nick I can definitely see Inner Flight being on Pet Sounds. I also am picking up Beach Boys Holland vibe on Shine Like Stars. What struck me over and over was how most of the instrumental tracks reminded me of The Fireman's first album (McCartney/Youth). It makes sense as Youth comes from the same scene that influenced this album at the time. This album came out in 91 and McCartney and Youth started working on the first Fireman album in 92. So many similarities.
This was a joy to listen to and is now in rotation.
Favorite song: Moving on Up, inner Flight, Loaded, Damaged and Shine Like Stars.
5 star!!
Nice album. Not as catchy as some of his other albums but strong lyrics. Some of the songs seem to have more of a country-folk feel. Great listen.
Favorite songs: Bird on a Wire, The Partisan, A Bunch of Lonesome Heroes
3 stars
Really enjoyed this album particularly the first half. While I haven't delved much into the Jam or Style Council it seems like this album pushes more into the direction Paul Weller would go in his solo work. Nice mix of soul, jazz, and pop and a lot of fun to listen to. Favorite songs The Paris Match (noted the Duo from Everything but the Girl are featured on this), My Ever Changing Moods. Give this one 3 stars
This album definitely has some funky grooves but through the entire listen I thought they were trying to hard to sound like Stevie Wonder and not getting there both through the music and the message. They could be a decent Stevie Wonder cover band. Having said that the listen was okay. Give it 2 to 2 1/2 stars musically.
"Let's get together and do one more like we used to" McCartney to George Martin
Driven by McCartney and Martin this album brought all 5 of them in the studio one more time at the peak of their skills to record an album that to this day is hard to compete with. From the vocal harmonies to the well placed guitars, the bass guitar lines that sing to Ringo's amazing use of tom Tom's and high hat to the studio wizardry of GM there is not a note, a flourish, a hand clap, that is not perfectly placed whether intentional or not. It is the 5 of them in the zone one last time. This album is a masterpiece that other groups can only envy to this day. Each Beatle contributes in special ways to expand the richness and depth of each song; Paul's bass on Something is integral to its greatness, the guitar duel on Carry that Weight played live from the floor is amazing. The masterpiece that is the melody on side two is possibly the finest piece of music ever written in pop music.
It is mind blowing! This album shows their mastery in the studio. I have been listening to this album for over 50 years and it's still fresh, warm, emotional, energetic. I am in from the first note (I dare you not to sing along!). From the day it first came out to studying its impact in my English class to listening to the remastered version, its brilliance continues to have an impact on me.
Favorites: Here Comes the Sun, Oh Darling, Because and at the top of the list McCartney's masterpiece the Medley. Also the entirety of She Came in Through the Bathroom Window and the melody within the melody, You Never Give Me Your Money. A tour de force.
To my surprise I really enjoyed this album. Not sure what I expected from my first listen to Hole but it is a great album. It seems much more power pop focused when I expected grunge. The tight harmonies brings a 70's focus to this album, it reminds me somewhat of some of girl some of the great girl bands and Fleetwood Mac vocals. The overall feel is more mainstream.
It has peaked my interest to delve further into their earlier albums.
Favorite Songs: Boys on the Radio, Awful.4 stars
Amazing album! I had read that Hendrix was a perfectionist in the studio and you here it in this album. He apparently produced a lot of the album himself. The guitar work is amazing. Based in blues and heavy rock it also incorporates so many other elements of funk, soul, psych-rock. The skilled musicianship throughout the album is next level. Arguably this could be considered the best all out rock album of all time and an album that saw Hendrix begin to take over in the studio and forge new directions.
Favorites: All Along the Watchtower, Gypsy Eyes, Crosstown Traffic.
Definitely fun to listen to! It was like a cross between the cool pop girl bands from the 60's and crossed it with punk/new wave. The harmonies are fantastic, the songs are well crafted and the hooks are everywhere. Great upbeat listen. Still love Our Lips ar Sealed.
The Cars define everything I like and don't like about the 80s. The songs are well crafted enough but I find them somewhat formulaic. They have a bit of new wave and electronic push riding over a rock base. While they define the 80s sound it doesn't quite settle with me. I think a lot of their popularity came with timing, they got a ton of play in the early days of MTV which had huge viewership.
A lot of the songs go a little over the top with the added electronics.
Songs are fine, I just never was drawn to their sound.
Best song: My Best Friends Girl
I'll give it a 3 but more a 2 1/2 for me.
As a live album it is not bad but nothing stands out for me. The guitar work is pretty standard for a blues album and vocal delivery is good. 2 1/2 stars.
Bayou Country, Green River, Willie and the Poor Boys - 1969, Cosmo's Factory, Pendulum - 1970 - Fogerty was a prolific songwriter and recording artist. Next to the Beatles CCR was my favorite band for those two years, with their swampy groove they were completely different from anything I had heard. Suzie Q, Proud Mary, Born on the Bayou and then this album hit. The first time I heard the opening guitar riff of Green River I was hooked! Commotion ( B sIde to Green River), Bad Moon Rising and Lodi (the B side to Commotion)it was crazy. It seemed like a new single hit the radio every few months that year (Proud Mary, Born on the Bayou was release in January with the two singles from this album hit in April and July). Every Album released by CCR was Fogerty upping his game! Down on the Corner w/b side Fortunate Son came out in October 69. Beginning with the release of this album we spent a good chunk of our spare time sitting in my friend Charlie's basement - black light posters all lit up - listening to the 3 albums released that year by CCR.
Green River lead right into the prime of CCR's output with Willie and the Poor Boys and Cosmo's Factory.
Favorite Songs: Green River, Commotion, Lodi, Bad Moon Rising - 4 out of 5.
Not having heard of Blue Nile previous to listening to this album I didn't know what to expect. On first listen I struggled a bit to find a sense of how I felt about the album and ultimately found myself having to stop what I was doing and give it my full attention.
Once I started to relax and really listen I began to be mesmerized by the sound. What is interesting is the music lacks the usual hooks that I look for but there was something romantic about the music that drew me in offset by the raw vocals. Somehow it works. I will definitely give more time to this album.
Favorite song: Tinsel Town in the Rain
This album simply captured me on first listen, his voice is beautifully set against the music. I agree that it is a reminder of the equally as beautiful as Dennis Wilson's Pacific Ocean Blues but I also hear other early 70s influences that haven't been referenced, in particular the Carpenters and Gilbert O'Sullivan. Throught the record both of these artists influences came across. If you haven't listened to Gilbert O'Sullivan check out his album titled Himself. Stay away from the hit singles and give a good listen to the entire album, not all songs will hit you but give it a good listen and I think you will see some similarities. Beautiful album, beautiful lyrics (some seem a bit harsh) set beautifully to music that captures his voice and the songs perfectly. I can't stop listening to Where Dreams Go to Die.
This triumphant album could easily be a greatest hits album. You can see why it Springsteen's most mainstream album with its straight up rock and roll bringing heartland music to the masses. As with the song Born in the USA the music itself somehow drive the lyrics into a more positive direction than maybe it should. Quite a few of the choruses turn into anthems thus drawing the focus away from some of the lyrics. I don't doubt that the cover with the American flag sticking out of his back pocket also had a lot to do with that. Great album and with few exceptions songs that stay with you and come to life every time you listen again.
Favorite songs: Dancing in the Dark (one of my favorites BS Songs), Glory Days, No Surrender, My Hometown. 4.5/5
YIKES!! This was a hard album for me to get through. I am not sure why this is even on the list? I understand they were a big new wave band but it seems like the worst attempt at Bowie, Roxy Music, electronic dance etc. I can see the attraction in the UK but not sure they were as big in NA until the big hit from Breakfast Club soundtrack. I never thought I would drop to a rating of 1 for anyone but it fits here.
Favorite Track: None
I should preface my comments by saying I wasn't a hugeJerry Lee Lewis fan, but as far as a live album goes this album really captures the urgency and energy of early Rock and Roll! JLL pretty much destroys the piano the way he is pounding out the songs and the urgency behind his delivery.
At the time this was recorded JLL pretty much was running out of favour in the U.S. market but not so in Europe. People were still hungry to hear early Rock and Roll from the U.S., especially in a small club. The energy between the artist and audience is intense! The piano and drums take center stage in the mix, maybe to much so, but that is a minor complaint considering this was straight in your face Rock and Roll. I love the way he delivers Your Cheating Heart and feel that this is more the lane that he is best suited for, country honky tonk with a touch of blues. He ended up going in that direction later producing some of his best stuff.
Favorite Songs: Your Cheatin Heart and Lewis Boogie. Give it a 3.5
I really enjoyed this album. For a band that had not previously been on my radar I was really surprised how good this album is. I would consider this more Alt-pop then Britpop, Britpop seems dated and less inspired than this album. The influences leading up to this album and music that was influenced by this album show the staying power of this music vs the blip on the radar that was Britpop. Good album all around.
Favorite songs: don't trust the stars, Valet Parking, Junk Shop Clothes. 4 stars
Interesting album. There are signs of a transition by the Bee Gees on this album in production as well as lyrically and vocally. What I probably like the least is that all of the songs are ballads. There are some great songs on this album but equally there are some not so good songs (Dearest). The harmonies are spot on and they stretch their vocals in some cases.
Overall I would say I like the albumbecause of the steps taken to stretch a bit. It's not Odessa or Main Course but pretty good.
Favorite songs: How Can you Mend a Broken Heart, Somebody Stop the Music, walking Back to Waterloo.
I really enjoyed this album and can see why it is worthy of this list. Considering it was recorded in 1967 it would be considered an early introduction to the successfully marriage of Eastern and Western music and an introduction to the popularity of World Music.
Interweaving the guitar and flute with traditional Indian music makes an easy transition for most Western listeners to this great traditional music.
The atmospheric music that results is wonderful to listen to. I have no specific favorite as I prefer to consider this a single suite of music and enjoy it in its entirety. 4 stars
Meh. This album isuch of the same throughout. In my mind it was a vehicle for Knopfler's guitar playing. It is a bit of a strange album in that it crosses blues rock with more of a folksy song delivery. It is interesting that Tim picked up the Bob Dylan backing band feel as after Dylan heard Dire Straits he asked Knopfler and his drummer to back him up on Slow Train Running (good ear Tim!)The reason I think this album stood out as much as it did was it came out when Disco and Punk were really popular so it was different. Dire Straits was a huge draw if not a critical success. Brother in Arms was a better album. I'll give it a 2 1/2
Painful, and worse because it is live! I'll rate it a 1 for the decent work by the orchestra.
I understand the influence this album has in the drum and bass scene but feel it is better left in the clubs. To listen to this all the way through is difficult as it just doesn't go anywhere, I find it repetitive with no direction an from my standpoint uninteresting. It is also way to long. Listening to the entire work does not take me to a place that most music does, in fact it does the opposite in that it brings on a feeling of sadness listening to the album. There are a few tracks that are fine ("Inner City Life", "Sea of Tears") but overall it is not for me. I give it a 1 and a half - 2 stars.
This album was a nice surprise for me, having not heard of the Streets previously. It is a compelling record and is easy to get into repeated listens. The storytelling is great which requires more of a close listen than most albums. This is a well crafted concept album and an enjoyable and fun listen. Favorite songs are: "Dry Your Eyes", "Blinded By the Light", "Could Well be In" 4 out of 5.
This album is a great reminder on the impact that Louis Prima had on so many genres of music; storyteller, swing, jump blues, Orleans Jazz, pre-Rock and Roll. Most people would know his music by more recent versions by other artists, they likely would not recognize him as the voice of King Louie in the original Jungle Book and his great take on "I Wanna Be Like You".
This is a compelling album and is easy to get hooked on, it puts a smile on your face and a jump in your step!
Singer, songwriter, bandleader and trumpet player, he does it all.
Hard to pick favorites but I will go with, "Just a Gigolo Medley", "Oh Marie", "Buena Sera", "Jump, Jive an Wail". 4 out of 5 stars
This album is a great reminder on the impact that Louis Prima had on so many genres of music; storyteller, swing, jump blues, Orleans Jazz, pre-Rock and Roll. Most people would know his music by more recent versions by other artists, they likely would not recognize him as the voice of King Louie in the original Jungle Book and his great take on "I Wanna Be Like You".
This is a compelling album and is easy to get hooked on, it puts a smile on your face and a jump in your step!
Singer, songwriter, bandleader and trumpet player, he does it all.
Hard to pick favorites but I will go with, "Just a Gigolo Medley", "Oh Marie", "Buena Sera", "Jump, Jive an Wail". 4 out of 5 stars
Jumping from Tumbleweed Connection to Madman Across the Water has Elton and Bernie continuing to create an amazing consistency in output that continues on through Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Tiny Dancer and Levon are highlights, I particularly like the transition between the two songs which brings them together beautifully. The piano intro to Levon is stunning. It would be near impossible for the rest of the album to continue at the heights reached by these two songs resulting in a bit of a let down on some of the middle songs (it would be interesting to sequence this album differently and see how it feels). The song lengths, tied in with the excellent string work, makes the album feel less like a collection of songs and more like a cinematic work. I love the mandolin work on Holiday Inn and Goodbye is as great closer. Elton's muscular piano work and the production make this a great album! 4 out 5.
This is the Janis that I came to know and appreciate, not as sloppy as her earlier music. Some people prefer her more unrestrained singing but this album shows how Janis grew into an artist that had much more control over her voice (making it much more impactful), style, and output, much more refined. It was still not my favorite music then, or now, but it pulled me in enough to enjoy her work on Pearl. The band is great and production is good.
Most of the songs are solid ("Move Over", "Cry Baby") with favorites being
"Me & Bobby McGee", "Trust Me" and I can't resist "Mercedes Benz" having hear it so frequently on radio during that time.
3 Stars
Having not delved into Bjork's music before this listen I was amazed by how accessible this album is. Not only is Bjork's voice stunning the album itself, while being experimental, has a sense of charm and innovation to it. It feels like a pop album that pulls all other genres into it (particularly jazz). Loved the album so much that it is going to lead me into a deeper dive into her music both before and after this piece. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great entry point into her music. It was a joy to listen to.
Favorite songs: Human Behavior, Venus as a Boy, Come to Me, Like Someone to Love. Would give it a 4.5/5 but seeing as I can't give half points I will rate it a 5. Well deserved.
Placed in the time of the Summer of Love, I can see the influence of this record on the West Coast (San Francisco) scene and suspect that is why it is on this list, not for it's lasting impact on music. Whether it influenced bands like the Doors, Canned Heat, CSN, Buffalo Springfield, JA, Grateful Dead or the other way around you can hear some elements of the Psych Rock (Acid Rock) influence in all of these bands. It is an album that represents the counterculture of its time and an intro to Acid Rock and I suspect was enjoyed by most, including the artist, live, while on drugs. It doesn't translate well on record. The organ is straight up Question Mark and the Mysterians and is overused. There are some threads that influence music beyond 67/68 but not much that I can see. So it was an interesting time and had some influence on music but I think what the scene tried to represent had more of a cultural impact than most of the music. The bands that had more of an impact from that scene continued on, CJ and the Fish impact didn't last beyond those few years.
Favorite Song: Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine
Rated 2 out of 5
This album was probably the peak of their output as a band. The album seemed to stray a little bit from their reggae light sound to more of a pop sound. The album has some good singles but the album itself seems a bit uneven. There seems to be Sting songs and then songs by the other two members, the Sting songs being the best.
Favorite Songs: I'll Be Watching You, King of Pain.
3 out of Stars
This Yes album sounds fresh and tight compared to the first one that was on this list, this may have to do with what appears to be the best line-up of Yes to-date, I also read that they had just come off the road and had recorded this live in the studio which would create some tension but also allow for expansion of their sound. Being on the road may have been responsible for the tight sound.
Good listen and good example of Prog Rock, intertwined with other genres, the first song creates a good listening experience.
Would give this 3.5 stars bump up to 4.
Favorite song: Close to the Edge
I can't say I have a lot of experience with the output of the Wu-tang Clan so don't have a reference point to this album. My first take on the album is that it is quite dark, moody and aggressive. As far as the songs go on this album there are some that have a really good flow but others seem not well crafted, I get the feeling that this may be an album where Method Man is trying to find his way a bit as a solo artist which is understandable. The back half of the album seems stronger to me. There are a few songs that I enjoy in particular on this album, "All I Need", "Release Yo Delf", "Sandman". 3 out of 5.
This might be fun (one time) as a live show but it doesn't translate well on record. His voice sounds like a bad Elvis impersonator doing Billy Idol. It seems like they are trying to cross to many genres at once but don't connect with any of them, it doesn't work. I can hear some Jack White/LZ in there but it would be at their worst (give me Jack White anytime). This one goes nowhere for me. 1.5 out of 5, so should I give it a 1 or a 2?
I found this album to be a little long and overindulgent. While the music represents a specific scene it comes across as a bit to spot on, but lesser than. There is nothing that separates them from other bands of that scene (there were a few standout bands). I am not a big fan of the overuse of reverb and echo. The lyrics are also pretty dark. I did enjoy Lazyitis but mostly because it had me singing "Ticket to Ride" to a pretty good groove. All-in-all it is an okay album with a few good dance grooves and early Liverpool and Manchester influences. Favorite song: Wrote for Luck. 2 1/2 out of 5.
I found this album a little difficult to get through. I appreciate that it is an important album in pushing the popularity of hip hop into the mainstream but it seemed to lack style and the backing track seems pretty thin. There is not enough there to listen to with out getting tired by the half way point. My introduction to Run DMC was a few albums later when they teamed up with Aerosmith on Walk This Way which pushed Hip Hop further into the mainstream. They were no doubt critical to elevating the genre to the next level which makes this album essential but it hasn't aged well. 3 out of 5 for it's influence.
The Stranger is seen as a concept album of sorts but I don't see it as such, what I see is a an album filled with immediately familiar, pop, radio ready, songs which Billy Joel has become known for. The album has a something for everyone, formula perfect pop songs that are waiting to be sung at weddings, songs that make you want to get up and move, and songs that would fit perfectly on Broadway. While all the songs are not my taste there is no denying these songs were written for the masses. While I may not be a fan of Just the Way You Are it was the song of the year and it remains hugely popular. Regardless of what your musical taste at some point while listening through this album you will be singing along. Favorite songs: Only the Good Die Young, Movin' Out. 3 stars
Not having a lot of exposure to Dinosaur Jr I wasn't sure what to expect with this album so I was surprised how much I enjoyed it! This is a really good album and I can see it's influence on Alt Rock moving forward and also on some Grunge Music, Pond Song (Neil Yong), and a hint of Pavement. The album features great guitar work and drumming which are brought out by the clean production. Lyrically the album seems a bit weak, and repetitive, but that seems to work out okay as the focus seems to be more on the music and less on the vocals on this particular album. The one song on here that I had a tough time getting through was Don't, the screaming gets a bit much and drones on. Other than that really good album and it opens me up to listening to more Dinosaur Jr work. Favorite Songs: Freak Song, Pond Song, Yeah We Know. I give this one a 3.5 - 4.
Powerful, rebellious, raw energy, in your face, political, blunt, brutal, one and done, statement!!! This album stands alone in Punk as a single punch to the gut from the Sex Pistols. Had they had more recorded output it may have taken away from the impact of this album. This is a favorite album of mine but there is no denying the impact on rock and roll and punk. The Lyrics are smart and potent, sometimes funny, sometimes offensive but I guess that is the point. You can see the influence on other artists and see why they were recognized as a major influence on Nirvana. Like I said not my favorite but I clearly see the influence and impact, particularly at that time in the UK. 4 for it's impact and influence. Favorite song: Anarchy in the UK, Pretty Vacant.
Combining Brian's drive to create something that would outdo Spector, and challenged by the recent works by the Beatles, he took the same approach to creating music as they did, get off the road and use the studio to create and explore. The resulting Pet Sounds is an album of sheer beauty. Every sound, every harmony, and every noise (bicycle bell or dog barking) matters and is as important to this piece of work, as are the range of musical styles. From the innocence of young love, Wouldn't it Be Nice" to the heartbreaking Caroline No this album represents a man at his musical peak and just like the Wrecking Crew were able to put down what Brian was hearing in his head the Beach Boys were able to put down the complex vocals harmonies coming from that same place. The songs came together beautifully. A pure pop symphony. Really hard to pick a favorite but I will go with; Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows, Caroline No, I Just Wasn't Made for These Times. 5 out of 5.
After listening to this album it is evident that it has a huge place in the evolution of hip-hop into the Pop mainstream. OutKast combine 70's funk and soul, with elements of rock music and hip-hop, to create a work that is ready to take on the world of Pop. The album also lyrically stands out from most at its time in that the lyrics are socially conscious. The album clearly requires repeated listens to really appreciate it's place in the evolution of hip-hop but even after a few listens it becomes clear that this album was/is something special. The one song that seems out of place here is "Snappin and Trappin", not a fan of this song, mainly lyrically.
Favorite song: Ms. Jackson 4 out of 5
This is a tough one for me, not a fan of Metallica or Metal at all but I can see how this is a classic for listeners who love metal.
Not much more to say on this one. Favorite song: Orion.
2.5 based on its place in metal alone.
This album is a really nice find for me! I would probably not have listened to this album if it wasn't for it being on this list! I love the beautiful and fragile vocals. The sparse use of organ, strings and bass are perfectly placed throughout. The only thing that pulls this album down a bit for me is use of scratching and some of the effects. Overall, a great listen with a cool groove.
Favorite songs: Glory Box, Roads, It Could be Sweet.
Rating 4 out of 5
This album, along with Folsom Prison, goes beyond the music and the entertaining of prisoners. This is one of the early albums in music that put a focus on the overlooked and the need for prison reform. It had an immediate impact in showing how music could be used for activism, and the pursuit of justice. Johnny Cash had been doing prison shows since the 50's and his first concert at San Quentin was in 1958 where a 20-year-old inmate, Merle Haggard, was in the audience and was inspired to become a musician. The interaction and connection with the audience are what makes this album special. It's definitely an enjoyable listen but its impact went far beyond the music. Favorite song: San Quentin
Rating 4 out of 5.
Interesting listen! I remember when they hit the airwaves with Autobahn and having a fleeting interest in them at the time. Album is an okay listen but as noted by Nick - sounds very dated. You can't deny their huge influence on electronica and some of its sub genres.
I would give it a 3 out of 5, mainly for its influences.
This album is a bit of mixed bag for me. As already noted, the effort to emulate the Kinks and bands like the Who are obvious. Some really good songs (For Tomorrow, Blue Jeans, Star Shaped) but also some misses. It seems like they are trying to pay homage
to 60's/70's pop=rock but also trying to make some inroads into being a solid Brit Pop band. Some good guitar licks and good hooks but still not quite hitting the mark for me. Similar feeling I get from Oasis. 3 out of 5.
First listen to this album and it is a beautiful and impactful. With systematic racism still a constant its strength lies in the message that continues the work of such artists as Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye. The album nicely melds together spiritual traditions with more modern expressions of music. The beats and effective use of drums and bass, along with the beautiful melodies, can easily distract from the message but can also make the message more impactful if used to frame the words. Beautiful and meaningful work. Favorite songs: Hard Life, Bow, Miracles, Wildfire. 4 out of 5.
This is my first listen to this album. My first impression of the album is that it seems heavily influenced by David Bowie and is a departure for Iggy Pop from his previous work with the Stooges. The album feels like it was put together rather quickly and some of it is a bit flawed. The vocals don't seem to exude much energy. Lyrically it is pretty dark. The Synth is a bit over used as well.
There is no doubt that this is a transitional album for Pop that would lead to better work, but I don't see this as a particularly good album.
Favorite songs, Funtime, China Girl, Night Clubbing.
3 out of 5.
This album seems like a bit of a bridge from R.E.M.s previous albums and their future releases, it was somewhat of a breakthrough into the mainstream for the band not an easy feat as most mainstream bands were either hair metal or very poppy. The production is pretty good with the album having more of a live energy and cleaner vocals that are at the forefront of the mix. Lyrically Stipe has a lot to say. In taking a quick overview of the bands earlier albums I do miss the janglier guitar work by Peter Buck. Overall, a really good album that seems to be R.E.M.s big foray into radio friendly territory.
Favorite songs; Disturbance at the Heron House, End of the World, King of Birds.
Having just listened to and reviewed the album Document I have to say that Murmur is a superior album and much more to my taste. This album combines the great sounds of the 60's with a slight folk edge, when you add in just enough punk energy it is a very solid album. I love Peter Bucks guitar work (every jangly note!) in particular and the harmonizing.
Stipe's vocals and the rest of the bands work make this an excellent debut album. While I have my favorites on the album, I could easily interchange some of these picks with other songs on the album.
This may be my favorite R.E.M. album.
Favorite songs: Radio Free Europe, Talk About the Passion, Sitting Still, Shaking Through
It is interesting to listen to three R.E.M. albums in a row from different points in their career and popularity. This is clearly one of their most mainstream and popular albums, but it doesn't connect with me the way Murmur does. Some good songs on this album but some misses as well. Lyrically it is pretty good.
Favorite Songs: Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon, Nightswimming, Find the River. 3 out of 5
This album is interesting as it reaches back as much as it moves forward. Very strong 60's feel to it. David Watts sounds a bit like a modern version of the Kinks, In the Crowd sounds a bit like it would fit in Revolver era Beatles music. Early Pete Townsend and Who are also in the mix. The album bridges Power Pop and Punk.
Favorite songs: David Watts, English Rose, In the Crowd, Down in the Station.
Dolly's songwriting fits well with older traditional country music, which is my preference, having said that I do find it a bit difficult to listen to an entire album as I am not a big fan of here voice or delivery. The musicians playing behind her are stellar country players and provide a good setting for the songs.
I do understand her strong following despite the fact that she is not someone I would listen to often.
Favorite songs: Coat of Many Colours, My Blue Tears
This is arguably the best Christmas album of all time! It seems at the time it wasn't well received (possibly because it was released on Nov 22, 1963 - the same day as President Kennedy was assassinated). Re-released on Apple Records in the 70's it started to pick up. Another push for this album is the number of mainstream stars who covered these songs (Springsteen, U2, Bublé) basing their versions on these Phil Spector arrangements. The album has also been cited by Brian Wilson as his favorite album of all time. This is Phil Spector and the Wrecking Crew at their peak. Love this album. The one song I never get tired of is Darlene Love's Christmas Baby Please Come Home.
Favorite Songs: Sleigh Ride, Frosty, Winter Wonderland, Christmas Baby Please Come Home.
Not being the biggest fan of synth pop made me a bit hesitant to listen to this album, but it was a nice surprise to find out I really enjoyed it. Having said that I do enjoy some music that might be considered synth pop and some of the add ons to these songs resulted in the songs being more than they would have been. OMD has created some great melodies and hooks which aren't always associated with synth pop of the 80's. A few of the songs reminded me of the Beatles which makes sense since the band is from Liverpool and may have been influenced by them. It reminded me that George Harrison released an electronic album, and the Beatles also were first to really use tape loops - both which are used to full effect on this album. One thing I really enjoyed was the inclusion of the choral pieces which gives some of the songs a bit of an ABBA feeling to them. The best songs on the album are near perfect. Really enjoyed the album and will definitely add it to my favorites.
Favorite Songs: She's Leaving, Souvenir, Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans), Gravity Never Failed.
The Who's attempt at a concept album falls a bit flat here, not because of the songs for the most but by the attempt to string the songs together with the spoken word attempts at humour that seem a bit thrown together. The songs themselves are pretty good and this would have been a great album if they replaced the spoken word bits and maybe a tune or two. Adding the recent single Pictures of Lily and, if it was already in the can by then Call Me Lightning.
Favorite Songs: I Can See for Miles, Tattoo, Sunrise
There is no doubt that this album generates a lot of energy, but it doesn't grab me on first listen. The lyrics are a bit quirky, and the overall feel of the album is a bit strange. I think the entire presentation of the album is intended to be a bit tongue in cheek. It was interesting to read that the Sparks brothers are Americans who moved to the UK where they seemed to fit in better with Glam Rock. Comparing them to other Glam Rock groups of the time they don't quite reach the heights of Bowie, T-Rex, or Roxy Music to me. Vocally the album also lacks a bit. I remember how popular they were back then but taken out of context of the time I don't see as an album that has weathered well.
Favorite Songs: This Town, Falling in Love with Myself Again, Hasta Monna Monsieur, Amateur Hour
What a cool album, I love the vibe and the musical expression! This is a great listen and one that I will be listening to for some time. Far from other sampling I have heard in different songs this puts sampling a level above as a creative art form. My first thought was to place this in the category of hip-hop but listening through the album that seems a bit to simple as I hear a lot of jazz and funk influence as well as touching on ambient music. Great music, great vibe and great piece of art.
Favorite Songs: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt, Organ Donor, The Number Song, What Does Your Soul Look Like Pt 1.
Not a big fan of Tears for Fears, to much synth for me.
This album seems well put together but not really my cup of tea. I can appreciate it but not likely to listen to it again.
Favorite Songs: Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Broken.
While I can appreciate some of Radiohead's work and in fact like a number of their songs this album doesn't hit for me. There are 3 or 4 songs that I like on work but much of the rest of the songs seem like they should be on an outtake's album. They can be difficult to listen to and in a bit irritating. If nothing else this album is pushing me to listen to a few of their other works to see if they sit better than this one.
Favorite Songs: I Might Be Wrong, Pyramid Song, Knifes Out, Life in a Glow House.
2.5 out of 5.
Not a big fan of this band or album. For fans of Oasis it might be somewhat of an enjoyable album (although not quite reaching Oasis levels) but not being a fan of Oasis would make it less of a chance i would enjoy the listening experience at all. The songs are average at best as is the delivery. The album was a somewhat long and difficult listen for me. Not sure how it made the list.
Best songs of the bunch: North Country Boy, One to Another.
I have always been a fan of Donovan going back to the early-mid 60's when I first started developing my own tastes in music. Donovan is first and foremost a poet that used folk-pop music as a vehicle to share his poetry to the masses. This is a lovely album to listen to and it bridges a lot of musical genres (folk-pop, psychedelic rock, blues). The sprinkling of sitar and harpsicord add really cool flourishes throughout.
From psychedelic (Sunshine Superman) to dark and trippy (Season of the Witch) there are a lot of great songs to choose from.
Favorite Songs: Sunshine Superman, The Trip, Legend of a Girl Child Linda, Season of the Witch
My head hurts from banging it on my laptop, not because I enjoyed it but because I was trying to make it stop! There is not one song that is worthy of a comment. I will say that I think they destroyed any chance that I can ever enjoy listening to Lucille ever again.
Ugh! Favorite Song: ?
Besides this album's influence on Hip Hop it is fun to listen to. The album also elevated Hip Hop to mainstream audiences mostly due to the Aerosmith's song from Toys in the Attic, Walk This Way. The song was everywhere (radio, MTV) and was a fun listen for both Hip Hop and Rock fans. It's also interesting to pick up on the sampling of My Sharona on It's Tricky. I agree with Tim that the first 5 songs on the album are a great listen, but the drums become a bit wearisome after that.
Favorite Songs: Pied Piper, It's Tricky, Is It Live, Proud to Be Black.
No doubt that Jeff Beck is a rock-blues guitar legend but the problem with much of his recorded music is that the songs become secondary and serve as a vehicle for his playing. As part of the Jeff Beck Group it is great to hear Rod Stewart at his early best on this album (the band also includes Ronnie Wood on bass).
The first song on the album is a great cover of the Yardbirds Shapes of Things with Rod Stewart's great vocal. favorite song on the album is Beck's Bolero which has a bit of a different line-up that would be considered a super group - Beck, Page, Moon, JP Jones, Nick Hopkins. You can see the influence on Led Zepplin. This album comes across more like a jam album than an original work.
Favorite Songs: Beck's Bolero, Shape of Things
Love this record! Interesting how Bowie produced this and combined with Reed merged the sounds of Velvet Underground and Glam rock which seems a perfect place for Reed to land. Listening to the album it sounds free, effortless and cool. The gift of melody that is so well exhibited on Perfect Day and Satellite of Love is strikingly beautiful. Melody, stringed instruments, raw guitars combined with glam rock and interesting lyrics make this album a classic.
Favorite Songs: Satellite of Love, Perfect Day, Vicious, Walk on the Wild Side.
Broadway in the 60's comes to mind combined with music from James Bond themes of the 60's! Makes me also think of Liza Minelli and to some degree Barbara Streisand (although not as talented). This is not my thing, decent to good songs but not great interpretations. Really difficult listen.
Favorite Song: Couldn't You Keep that to Yourself
Rating: 1
Really enjoyed this record, its funky and spare and yet lyrically it holds a punch. It addresses the issues of the time much like Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. I like that it is a statement of the times but not in an angry way and yet it is impactful.
Favorite Songs: When Seasons Change, So in Love, Blue Monday People, Hard Times.
Wow, I wasn't sure how to take this album at first.
Was it serious? Was it joyful? Was it fun? Was it a groove? Did I want to dance to it? Well after listening to a few tracks I figured it was all of the above! Unbelievable how the Avalanches could fit all of these seemingly unrelated samples into not just one song but seamlessly throughout the whole album and make it all fit! Great album. Super fun to listen to!
Favorite Songs: Since I Left You, Frontier Psychiatrist, Radio, Stay Another Season, Extra Kings.
Rating: 4
