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?

"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.

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

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

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.

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

3 1/2 strong influence on punk and Seattle scene. The Witch is a good song.

3 1/2

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.

4 1/2

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