652
Albums Rated
3.26
Average Rating
60%
Complete
437 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010
Favorite Decade
Rock-and-roll
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
87
5-Star Albums
24
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
|
5 | 2.67 | +2.33 |
|
Nixon
Lambchop
|
5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
|
Shadowland
k.d. lang
|
5 | 2.87 | +2.13 |
|
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
|
5 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
|
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
|
5 | 3.13 | +1.87 |
|
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
No Other
Gene Clark
|
5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
|
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
|
5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
|
1 | 3.19 | -2.19 |
|
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
|
1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
|
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
|
1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
|
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
|
1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
|
Reign In Blood
Slayer
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
|
Out of Step
Minor Threat
|
1 | 2.93 | -1.93 |
|
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
|
1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
|
Ten
Pearl Jam
|
2 | 3.91 | -1.91 |
|
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
|
1 | 2.79 | -1.79 |
|
Roots
Sepultura
|
1 | 2.79 | -1.79 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| David Bowie | 6 | 4.67 |
| The Rolling Stones | 6 | 4.67 |
| Leonard Cohen | 4 | 4.75 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 3 | 5 |
| Bob Dylan | 5 | 4.4 |
| Prince | 2 | 5 |
| Muddy Waters | 2 | 5 |
| The Band | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| A Tribe Called Quest | 2 | 5 |
| The White Stripes | 2 | 5 |
| Green Day | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Sepultura | 2 | 1 |
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 2 | 1.5 |
| King Crimson | 2 | 1.5 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 2.2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| k.d. lang | 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (87)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Beach Boys · 54 likes
3/5
You could put this in a museum and say "listen kids, this is what preppy white boys did to get laid 100 years ago"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds · 21 likes
3/5
18th September 2023
Catching up, I’m a week behind due to having Stu and Laura staying with us.
John Zorn · 15 likes
1/5
12th July 2022
Listened while in the office, played life sized monopoly with Sav and Sal in the evening.
At one point a fleet of police cars drove past the window with sirens blazing and I couldn’t tell if that was part of the music or not.
Gene Clark · 11 likes
5/5
Loved it, Gene Clark is a master songwriter and this album has some haunting but dangerously exciting songs on it before ending with some classic beautiful country sounds. Excellent.
Iron Maiden · 10 likes
4/5
Prowler is a great opening track and made me immediately rethink Iron Maiden. The drums on Running Free are gloooorious; the sheer rock and roll release that is Phantom of the Opera defines classic rock. The whole album does, if I could bottle classic rock for someone this is it. I'm not a huge Iron Maiden fan but the musicality and muscularity of this album is nothing if not hugely impressive.
1-Star Albums (24)
All Ratings
Depeche Mode
2/5
A bit monotonous for my liking. I prefer their brighter, poppier songs. Very 80s. Did I need to hear it before I die? Probably not.
The Offspring
3/5
I'm a big fan of the offspring's album Americana and I love some of their singles. This started slow for me but definitely picked up on the second half of the album where I geek they find their feet with bangers such as Self Esteem, Smash and What Happened To You embodying the sound of 90s America. With lyrics like "I'm not a trendy asshole, don't give a fuck if it's good enough for you" the Offspring cement themselves as one the teenage angst punk rock heavyweights.
Nirvana
4/5
Any album that opens with Smells Like Teen Spirit and goes on with tracks such as Come As You Are is going to be a classic. I can only imagine what it must have felt and sounded like to have a Dave Grohl driven, Cobain inspired Nirvana burst onto the scene and remind everyone what sounds used to be made in people's garages. The simplicity of the bass lines, Ghrols drums and Cobain's insular disdain shine in songs such as Lithium, a brilliant record.
Lou Reed
5/5
One of the greats. End of.
OutKast
3/5
I like the second half of the album, the Andre 3000 half!
New Order
3/5
Run, All the Way and Love Less are great songs and might tip it to a 4star. If I could give it 3.5 I would but I've got to be harsh, 4 stars are for great albums and I did enjoy this but I know I'll put ones I love on 4.so it's 3.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Prowler is a great opening track and made me immediately rethink Iron Maiden. The drums on Running Free are gloooorious; the sheer rock and roll release that is Phantom of the Opera defines classic rock. The whole album does, if I could bottle classic rock for someone this is it. I'm not a huge Iron Maiden fan but the musicality and muscularity of this album is nothing if not hugely impressive.
Sonic Youth
2/5
A bit too avant garde for my taste - one for hard core music fans
Elvis Presley
3/5
Couple of stone cold classics in In The Ghetto and Suspicious Minds. Also really enjoyed Kentucky Rain, Elvis one of the all time musical legends.
Thundercat
2/5
If someone put this on at a party is enjoy it, would I come back to listen? Probably not. But bits of it are fun, the lyrics are funny in places and if I could give it 2.5 I would.
Jane's Addiction
1/5
I enjoyed Obvious, but otherwise I didn't identify with it. Wouldn't go back or recommend, but can see how it was influenced by bands like Styx and influenced the likes of Offspring.
The Beach Boys
3/5
You could put this in a museum and say "listen kids, this is what preppy white boys did to get laid 100 years ago"
Johnny Cash
3/5
A slice of history, you don't get shows like this anymore. If I could give it 3.5 I would.
ZZ Top
3/5
Duran Duran
3/5
Bit of a weird one cos on paper I should love it but there's something about Duran Duran that I just can't get on board with. Some undoubted classics on this album and it should be a 5star, but I can't tell if it's Le Bon or the seriousness with which they take themselves but I'll have to give it 3 in light of not being able to give it 3.5
Pretenders
4/5
Not what I expected at all but I loved it. Can even see influences on bands like No Doubt, Kings of Leon but then they throw a curve ball like Your Sobbing or Brass in Pocket. A strange mix of pop and punk but one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Nick Drake
5/5
A thing of beauty. Loved it. Saturday sun is a gorgeous track.
Spiritualized
2/5
Not for me, don't like "noise" music. Couple of bright sparks but overall no
Gene Clark
5/5
Loved it, Gene Clark is a master songwriter and this album has some haunting but dangerously exciting songs on it before ending with some classic beautiful country sounds. Excellent.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Once again, not my bag. I can understand the cultural importance of Sonic Youth but can't say I'll be returning to their music any time soon.
Happy Mondays
3/5
Got a few good songs and would be good fun to watch at a festival.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Got some interesting sounds on there and I like the collaborative element of it. Bit too conceptual for my taste but I do like the world music vibe.
LL Cool J
4/5
Love me some 90s hip hop complete with hilariously cheesy lyrics. Wicked.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Same as pervious yeah yeah yeahs album I listened to, I can appreciate it but not for me
Milton Nascimento
3/5
Grateful for more world music, one of the things I wanted out of doing this project. Bit too contemporary for me, couple of nice bits in there. 3.5
Rush
3/5
Great fun. Styx meets the camp side of Led Zep. Big, camp, hairy, banging. Would have got a 4 if it were less prog
Bob Dylan
4/5
It's Not Dark Yet is an absolutely beautiful song. Dylan is someone I have appreciated without going to the well, so was glad to hear an album of his I'd never heard. I also enjoyed Love Sick, Standing in the Doorway, Can't Wait and Cold Irons Bound. 4
3/5
One of those artists that I've been aware of but never properly listened to. Elements of Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Radiohead etc. Very good. Would give it 3.5
Van Morrison
3/5
Pulp
4/5
Glory days makes it a 4star on its own
Carpenters
2/5
Not for me - too floaty and lacklustre. Some iconic songs but generally not my bag
The Stooges
3/5
Iggy obvs a legend and some good stuff here.not so much the 10 minute long art piece but 1969 and I want to be your dog are great
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
Funny that guilt is on this album as it was also one of the closing songs in mindhunter which I've just finished watching. Guilt into ballad of Lucy John (which sounds like it had Leonard's fingers all over it) into a Blondie sounding What's The Hurry? is a very strong clutch.
Alice Cooper
2/5
Sounds like a concept album for a musical about a rebel in an American High school. Couple of cool songs and School's Out is obviously a classic, but a bit lightweight from someone like Alice Cooper, not what I expected
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Wonderfully raw but beautiful album. Sadly the topics she sings about are as relevant today as when she wrote them 30 years ago. 4.5
Kate Bush
1/5
Sorry Kate. Not for me.
Tears For Fears
3/5
Couldn't get past the Jeremy vine-ness of it but better than I thought it was going to be
Rod Stewart
3/5
Thursday 13th May 2021
Morning after Hog's birthday, listened in bed in the morning.
Strange one, I kind of liked it kind of didn't. Maggie May etc all great and some wonderful song writing, I don't think I like his voice
Ride
2/5
3/5
17th May 2021
Listened to this throughout the afternoon but finished it off walking through Knightsbridge on the way to Hog's birthday dinner at Hawksmoor.
A few absolute gems that I surprisingly enjoyed from this June Carter sounding album. The title track was good fun but the stand out was I'm Living In Two Worlds - what a beautiful song.
The Who
4/5
18th May 2021
Listened to this in the morning in our front room whilst doing some work.
Really like their cover of I'm A Man, felt a little out of place but some great instrumentals to close and the obvious classics.
Steely Dan
2/5
19th May 2021
Listened to this throughout the day in the flat whilst cooking, in the shower etc.
Didn't really enjoy this one, a bit too white dad rock for me trying to be something it's not.
The Who
4/5
20th May 2021
Listened to this whilst the awards were going on for the southern h conference.
Really good, they've accelerated their sound and broadened their scope. Baba O'Reilly one of the all time greats
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
21st May 2021
Listened to this throughout the day during an annoyingly busy Friday (normally dead).
All My Friends is one of the greatest songs of the 00s as is this whole album. It's a shame that I got into LCD so late and that I've never seen them live. I hope one day they'll come back.
The Smiths
3/5
24th May 2021
Listened to this in the front room while working in the afternoon.
Sun and rain intermittent, fitting for a Smith's album. I can't divorce myself from the tit Morrissey has become, but I enjoyed a Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours, Girlfriend in a Coma and of course Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before.
The Zombies
3/5
25th May 2021
Post interview with the Financial Times listen. Funny one of the songs is called This Will Be Our Year - feels like a sketch given 2020.
I like this album but I think I prefer the darker stuff the Zombies did, like She's Not There and Can't Nobody Love You, but I did really like Care of Cell 44. God band, nice album, 3.5
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
26th May 2021
In the living room on the speaker while working.
I loved this, right up my street. Not listened to Big Brother and the Holding Company before and didn't know it was one of Janis' bands but the raw energy (enhanced by the fake crowd noise put in production) is amazing. It sounds like they just hit record and went for it which I love. I Need a Man to Love, Turtle Blues, Ball and Chain, loved. Want to send an email to the Blues Kitchen podcast and hope they play one of these classics.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
27th May 2021
Listened on a cycle in to the understudy to meet Douggie. Turned up on time but he's late.
Late 80s rap and hip hop? 5 stars all the way.
Le Tigre
4/5
28th May 2021
Listened on the car on the drive back home.
Surprised at how much I enjoyed it, lots of punk, prog influences and a bit of electro thrown in too. Good fun.
Air
5/5
31st May 2021
Listened on the drive home to London.
Sometimes an album catches you perfectly, and this says a lot about the importance of when and where you listen to an album. Summer afternoon, window down, perfect. Air walked so Daft Punk could do the robot?
Soft Cell
2/5
1st June 2021
Listened throughout the day as it was hot and sunny and we met mum and Fi in St James Park.
I think this could be a grower but on first impressions it sad a bit all over the shop for me.
5/5
2nd June 2021
Listened on my phone in the living room as we have Melyl staying with us. Post FT interview whilst eating a very late lunch.
What can you say that hasn't been said already?!
Jethro Tull
2/5
3rd June 2021
Listened to this in bits and pieces, watering the garden etc
I don't think albums like this age very well, it's very much of it's era. Ruined forever by anchorman. Jen heard me listening to one song and said the flute sounded like pan pipes on crack.
2/5
4th June 2021
Listened in the shower and in the supermarket after finding out I got a second round interview for the FT.
Anthemic tax dodging.
Little Richard
5/5
7th June 2021
Listened on the way to and from a swim walking in the sunshine.
Sounds like a greatest hits it's just banger after banger. Prince etc wouldn't be who they are without Little Richard, what an icon and one of the greatest voices of all time.
Randy Newman
3/5
9th June 2021
Listened throughout the day on the day I had a staff call and lots of big sites went down, finished on a walk to the supermarket.
I really like the simplicity of Randy Newman, very sweet yet soulful songs.
Doves
3/5
10th June 2021
Listened first thing in the morning on my phone getting ready for my second round interview with the FT.
Doves are a strange one because I was aware of them when I should have been their prime audience but never really got into them. Caught By The River was a big song and appeared on a bunch of compilations, and they were on the OC soundtrack which was huge. One to spend more time with. 3.5 if I could.
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
10th June 2021
Listened on my phone through the day - Jen still recovering from Covid and busy workday. Very hot.
Had it saved on Spotify previously, I love the firdt half but not sure about the British invasion covers. Some total bangers on here though.
Van Morrison
3/5
11th June 2021
Listened in the garden while re-sowing the lawn. Sadly had to miss going down to Brighton for Ben's stag cos of jen's covid, but found out I've got the job at the financial Times and it was the opening of the Euros which was amazing!
I think I'd really like this album if I listened to it a few times, I like the combination of jazz and soft rock and van Morrison is clearly a troubled legend. 3.5 if I could
Traffic
3/5
14th June 2021
Listened outside in the baking sunshine whilst dozing having taken the Monday off work.
Easily listening, nice background music and enjoyed the jazzy vibes to a rock/blues man. 3.5 if I could.
Prince
5/5
15th June 2021
Listened on the living room speaker with jen during the afternoon after hanging my notice at GCF.
It's Prince. It's purple rain. One of the best ever.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
15th June 2021
Have this on vinyl so cracked it out in the morning while working on civil service live.
Nothing to say. 10 out of 5.
Buck Owens
2/5
17th June 2021
Listened throughout the day on the day of our Civil Service Live session. Very slow work day, did minimal. Off to bowling with Andy!
Didn't mind it, but they do all sound a bit similar once you start getting to the end of the album. 2.5 if I could.
Paul Weller
2/5
18th June 2021
Started listening on Friday but had to finish on Monday as we went away up to Leicester for the weekend to visit Adna and Joe.
Slightly better bit of dad rock. Not that memorable for me to be honest. 2.5 if I could.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
21st June 2021
Listened on my phone when finishing off work for the day after catching up on unlistened to podcasts.
Really enjoyed this actually, a very wide ranging sound which I don't think I give McCartney credit for. Hints of early electro which is fun.
Tom Waits
4/5
22nd June 2021
Listened on the living room speaker in the morning with jen while working.
I haven't listened to enough Tom Waites, love his voice. Can be a bit melancholy but some amazing lyrics and soulful ballads.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
23rd June 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working.
I feel like Joni Mitchell demands your attention, you get a flavour if you have it on in the background but detailed listening rewards you. Bright and summery.
Ramones
3/5
24th June 2021
Listened in my headphones in the morning while working.
It's like a short, sharp punch to the face of an album. Driven on by rhythmic bass and pounding drums, you get in, thrash about and get out. Great fun.
Brian Eno
1/5
25th June 2021
Listened on my phone while working at home home. Mum said "that doesn't sound very cabinet"
I really want to like arty music like this, but it's just not my bag.
Boards of Canada
1/5
28th June 2021
Listened on my phone at home home while working and doing bits. Didn't manage to finish it so it ran into the 30th.
Not my thing at all. Both agitating and relaxing at the same time, I don't get it. Stressful.
Talking Heads
3/5
29th June 2021
Listened on my phone while in dad's study burning cds for the car.
Quite liked it, it's funky and experimental. David Byrne has an ability to make songs sound like New York.
Frank Zappa
4/5
30th June 2021
Listened on my phone in the kitchen while working, the day after England beat Germany 2-0 in the euros.
Really liked this, predominantly instrumental which I can see being amazing live. Nice cameo from Captain Beefheart on one of the singles, vibey and funky with some tasty guitar solos thrown in.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
1st July 2021
Listened on my phone in bed the morning of ben Barkham's wedding trying to squeeze it in before going all weekend not being able to listen to anything!
Sounds like a monty python album. Very psychedelic, folk 60s. Very strange. I guess you had to be there. Smacked off your tits.
Gene Clark
3/5
2nd - 5th July 2021
Started listening at home but due to the wedding and coopy and jevans coming to stay it was finished in London on the Monday.
I loved the first Gene Clark album I was given on here and I really liked this one too. He's a wonderful songwriter in the vein of Dylan and while his musical technicality is sometimes lacking his voice and the songs more than make up for it.
The The
3/5
5th July 2021
Listened on my phone while doing a busy day's work before going to the circus!
Pleasantly surprised me, electro funk with a punk singer.
Bobby Womack
3/5
6th July 2021
Listened with one earpod in in the morning while working on the day of the Spain Italy euro semi final. Italy won on pens.
I liked this, it was soulful and smooth with a hint of melancholy
Laibach
3/5
7th July 2021
Listened on the way in to horse Guards for the first time in a while which was odd but good. Spent the day not doing much work with private office before going to Wembley to watch England Denmark in the euros!
Absolutely hilarious, had no idea who they were and was caught off guard immediately as soon as it started. Although I guess the name should be a give away. I didn't mind it you know. I can see the tongue in cheek humour, the over the top Wagner drama, the politics. Not bad!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
8th July 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working on the day after the Wembley sesh.
I liked it but I have to admit that it passed me by a bit.
Arrested Development
4/5
9th July 2021
Listened to this first thing in the morning while in bed and while getting ready to go to Costco.
Absolutely loved it, had never heard of them before but reading about them they are an institution. Love the messages and positivity of the album.
The Stooges
3/5
12th July 2021
Listened on the way in to Covent Garden having missed listening yesterday. On my last day of working in the GCF!
Still raw with energy, iggy is a legend.
Elvis Presley
5/5
14th July 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while in bed on my first day at the FT! Feels very strange but the sun is out and I have coffee in bed.
An album that signalled the birth of rock and roll.
Beatles
4/5
14th July 2021
Listened to the vinyl in the evening on my first day at the FT while me and jen made a celebratory morrocan style dinner.
Funny one because it's held up as one of the greatest albums of all time and it does have some totally amazing songs but also a few that I don't think are that great through the second half.
Red Snapper
2/5
15th July 2021
Listened throughout the day on my phone but finished the morning after.
I liked bits of this, the more jazzy and funky songs.
The Byrds
2/5
16th July 2021
Listened on the phone in the morning of a very sunny Friday.
Not bad but quite forgettable sadly.
Al Green
5/5
19th July 2021
Listened in the shower then on the living room speaker while getting ready for work in the morning.
So relaxing, super chilled and so nice to listen to on a day like this. Absolute diamond.
The Prodigy
4/5
20 July 2021
Listened on my phone and laptop while working and going to sainsburys.
It's great, they came in and just tore the place up.
Talking Heads
3/5
21st July 2021
Listened mainly in the morning on another scorcher of a day. Quiet week this week but super busy with training at the FT.
I enjoyed this more than the other Talking Heads I listenee to I think. This one was really fun, had some world music disco vibes.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
22nd July 2021
Listened on my phone first thing while dozing in and out. Quiet week this week which is nice. Off to Norfolk this weekend...
I really enjoyed this. Squishy 80s synth, nice.
Shuggie Otis
5/5
23rd July 2021
Listened on my phone in the morning and sent a recommendation in to the Blues Kitchen podcast.
Absolutely loved this, saved it on Spotify. Summer, heat, waves, juice, all of it in one record. Stunning.
Morrissey
2/5
26th July 2021
Listened on my phone in the morning while getting ready for work. Finished on the Tuesday after choosing to read on the way to bowling with Andy.
As Morrissey would say "I don't mind". I enjoy the down to earth, everyman that Morrissey can be but I'm not hugely sold. Never been a Smith's fan either.
Talvin Singh
2/5
27th July 2021
Listened throughout the day on my phone while working before going on a huge bike ride round Richmond Park with Sam.
Interesting listen, reminded me of when I was a kid and my mum bought this on cd.
The Temptations
4/5
28th July 2021
Listened on my phone in the morning and finished the morning after cos Spotify didn't have all the songs. Had to finish on YouTube which was annoying.
Yeah they're pretty legendary and have some amazing tunes
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
29th July 2021
Listened on my phone while working in the kitchen.
Perfect for a sunny day! Very chilled, bit bland in places but a nice vibe.
The Cure
4/5
30th July 2021
Listened on my way to Ryder's wedding!!
It is amazing, it's urgent and glamorous and emotional. I think the more listens it gets the more it will reward you.
The Undertones
3/5
2nd August 2021
Listened on the living room speaker with jen while we both worked at the kitchen table.
Love that it reminds me of good vibrations, teenage kicks obviously amazing but the hour does get a bit samey.
Queen Latifah
4/5
3rd August 2021
Listened on my phone in the morning and on the way to meet Andy for bowling before he leaves for China.
Really enjoyed this, 90s hip hop is brill
Muddy Waters
5/5
4th August 2021
Listened in my first trip to the FT offices!
Perfection.
Beatles
4/5
5th August 2021
Listened in the morning and throughout the day on my phone while working.
One of the most influential albums ever, I'm not sure how I feel about the more experimental aspects of this but no doubting it's place in history. Number 8
Richard Hawley
4/5
6th August 2021
Listened on my phone in the morning before we drove to Norfolk to go camping with Joe, adna and Anna Lewis!
Really enjoyed this actually, it was like a cross between brit pop and old school crooning.
James Taylor
3/5
9th August 2021
Listened throughout the day on the phone.
Really nice, easy listening. Simple songwriting is the most difficult and James Taylor is a master of it.
The Byrds
2/5
10th August 2021
Smashed this out on my phone at lunch. Had book club up at Erica's in the evening for Before the Coffee gets cold.
The Byrds have done Dylan, now they try to do the Beatles. Are they a cover band?
Ute Lemper
2/5
11th August 2021
Started while our getting lunch when I went in to the office for our team day. Finished the morning after.
Very strange, was it written for a show? Hugely dramatic, gothic, you could tell from the first song that nick cave had his hands on it.
Ian Dury
1/5
12th August 2021
Listened while clearing the house and getting ready to go to Suffolk for the weekend with Gareth's Sheffield crew.
Weird one. Very of it's time with sexist and mysogenistic lyrics. Sounds like a bad stand up set put to music.
3/5
13th August 2021
Started this while away in Suffolk with all of Gareth's mates. Didn't realise it would be this long, so took me all weekend and finished on Monday morning.
The more I listen to Dylan the more I don't think I get him. Obviously he's a cultural behemoth, but I find his lyrics quite inaccessible, especially live.
The Gun Club
2/5
16th August 2021
Listened on my phone while working and recovering from a fucking big few days.
Quite forgettable to be honest, cool story about the front man being the president of the Blondie fan club and getting to collaborate with her but that's probably the main thing I took away from this.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
17th August 2021
Listened on my phone throughout the day while working.
Pleasantly surprised me, I know them for Miss You which is far poppier than this. This is trendy and far more of a beat.
Happy Mondays
2/5
18th August 2021
Listened in bits and pieces and finished off on the way to meet sav for a pint in Victoria.
If at a festival, house party etc then this would be banging. Difficult when you're just listening to it.
Guided By Voices
2/5
19th August 2021
Listened while mowing the lawn before going to watch suicide squad with woody.
Like ADHD in an album but I like the 90s slacker vibes
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
27th August 2021
Listened whilst getting ready for a weekend away camping with sav and Sally.
Really enjoyed this, it has the 60s written all through it even to the point where you can hear the darker undertones to it as well.
Deep Purple
2/5
23rd August 2021
Listened on YouTube cos Spotify had like 2 of the songs. Started on the way back from swimming and finished in the living room.
Quite forgettable to be honest, concept proggyness with big guitars.
The Charlatans
3/5
24th August 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working. Quiet day.
Enjoyed this bit of alternative brit pop, slots right in to the time and sound.
Deep Purple
3/5
25th August 2021
Listened throughout the day whilst pottering.
Much more fun, accessible and sure than the previous deep purple album I had on here.
FKA twigs
3/5
26th August 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working, went out in the evening to see Douggie's play at the Bridge theatre with Harry.
Enjoyed this, I like the breathy, etherial singing style and original sound. Ghostly.
Bob Dylan
5/5
27th August 2021
Was supposed to listen on Friday but had bad side effects from Covid jab the day before. Listened on Saturday morning while getting the house cleaned up before Gareth came round and watched Liverpool Chelsea.
Dylan before the cycism set in. Beautiful, passionate and intelligent.
Sparks
3/5
Monday 30th August 2021
Started on the walk back from Nuffield health and finished while playing Mario kart on a chilled back holiday Monday.
Very relevant at the moment due to Edgar wright's documentary on the Sparks brothers and the Adam driver film they've done the score for. I enjoy the anarchy and the fun they put in to their music.
The Lemonheads
3/5
31st August 2021
Listened in the morning and while waiting for jen to go to Costco to buy stuff for Cox, Dan and ailis coming round for dinner.
I'd heard of the lemonheads from people like Edith bowman but didn't realise they were nirvana style grunge. I liked it.
Hole
2/5
1st September 2021
Listened on my phone while working in the flat. Went to the theatre in the evening to watch constellations with Anna maxwell Martin and Chris o'dowd.
Enjoyed the grungier, 90s aspects to this less so the punk rage but Courtney love undoubtedly a star.
The Who
2/5
2nd September 2021
Listened on my phone in the day, Dan and Cox came round for dinner in the evening.
I like the 60s radio inserts and the anarchic 60s style of the record.
3rd September 2021
Listened on my phone, had my first class at Nuffield and went to see Tim key in the evening with woody.
Sounds like Ross Stewart is having a blast.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
6th September 2021
Listened on my phone before going out to meet Neil for dim sum in soho.
Some of the finest 90s rap and hip hop.
Simple Minds
2/5
7th September 2021
Listened on my phone during the day before meeting mum and fi in Victoria for supper and going to watch constellations again with Russell tovey this time.
I liked this, I liked the anthemic vibe that they would go on to become more famous for.
Foo Fighters
3/5
8th September 2021
Caught up on this the day after in the gym.
Really like how this was Grohl's therapy for the nirvana break up. Sounds like.
Mylo
2/5
9th September 2021
Listened in the gym and in the evening had a surprise birthday at rowan's.
Perfectly timed listening to this in the gym by sheer accident. Got some old school bangers on it and got the body pumping!
The Band
5/5
10th September 2021
Supposed to listen to this on Friday but ended up listening on Monday morning when back at home to work for the week.
Has an immediate place and sound, so easy and fluid but grooves when it needs to. Love it.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
13th September 2021
Listened in the car on the way to get my hair cut at jess's.
Very timely given there is a biopic currently out about Aretha starring Tiffany haddish. Some absolute classics combined with some gorgeously soft and mellow songs. She's the OG queen.
Saint Etienne
2/5
14th September 2021
Listened through the day while at home home. Gym, baby driver, quiet day.
I quite enjoyed this, I like the mixing of 90s indie with dance beats. A couple of good tunes in here.
Queen
4/5
15th September 2021
Listened on my phone spread through the day.
Funny that this came up the day after I watched baby driver and this album and it's opening track are mentioned. It's classic queen, arch, camp, big sounds, excellent.
The Specials
3/5
16th September 2021
Listened through the day while working at home home before driving back to London.
Enjoyed the energy, the positivity mixed with the darkness of some of the other songs. Surprised they're an 80s band I thought they were earlier
Oasis
4/5
Friday 17th September
Listened in the car on the way to Anna Smith's wedding in Norfolk.
The drawl, the bombast, it's pure rock and roll.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
20th September 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working. Quiet day.
The whole album is a vibe, marley has a magical ability to transcend his music into a mood.
Jimmy Smith
5/5
21st September 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while we tidied the flat.
I LOVED this, it sounds like the inside of my head. Bluesy, jazzy, laid back, can fit any mood any time of day.
Lambchop
5/5
22nd September 2021
Listened on my phone on the way out to an early birthday dinner with jen at an incredible Italian restaurant.
I had heard of lambchop through Andy but hadn't properly listen to them and assumed they were super heavy but I didn't think they'd be this relaxing indie mellow band. Loved it.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
23rd September 2021
Listened to the majority on the bus home from bowling with Cox, Dan and Ailis.
I really enjoyed this, not what I was expecting. I like the bluseyness, it's epherial and primal.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
24th September 2021
Started in the morning and finished on Sunday afternoon over my birthday weekend.
The man, the poet, the legend. Such a beautiful artist and singer, they're poems come to life.
Jamiroquai
3/5
27th September 2021
Uaed my new headphones to listen to this while working.
Jamiroquai's a funny one, I don't know anyone during the 90s who was doing what he was doing. He kept funk and soul relevant.
Eels
3/5
28th September 2021
Listened in the morning before work, chilled one before one of jen's boys came for the evening and Liverpool smashed Porto away again.
I like the juxtaposition between the innocent melodies and lyrics and the darker themes. Very autumn 90s.
The Avalanches
3/5
29th September 2021
Listened on the living room speaker in the morning while chatting to one of jen's model boys will who stayed.
Really enjoyable, innovative and would certainly reward repeat listens.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
30th September 2021
Listened in the morning while getting ready for work which I'm finding is the best time to listen to these.
I knew GMC from just like honey and thoroughly enjoyed this. Pulp meets the National.
Miriam Makeba
4/5
1st October 2021
Started at the airport on the way to Spain for Jen's surprise birthday trip! Finished on the Monday.
This was a real surprise treat. I loved the power and tenderness of her voice, the classical but very much African vibe, really great and will get repeated listens.
Bon Jovi
4/5
4th October 2021
Listened while working out in the sun in Spain with seb and jen playing with my headphones.
Love me a bit of dramatic power ballad and this is one of the greats. Got some good songs around the big hitters too.
Soul II Soul
2/5
5th October 2021
Listened during the day in Spain.
Not too bad, definitely a vibe but didn't grab me.
Joy Division
3/5
6th October 2021
Listened while sunbathing / sleeping by the pool in Spain.
Probably more famous for it's cover than it's content now, but I liked it. Progressive, different, and I liked the scope and scale of the music. I also enjoyed Ian Curtis's attitude towards people asking him what his lyrics meant.
Pantera
1/5
7th October 2021
Listened while working from Marbella.
Not my thing. Got time for heavy metal as a genre, but not for me.
Public Enemy
4/5
11th October 2021
Listened on the sleepy drive back from Cadiz on Saturday.
80s hip hop! Love it!
The Beach Boys
3/5
11th October 2021
Listened while at the supermarket and cleaning up the flat before coming home for the week for the literature festival.
I prefer the more upbeat beach boys and this wasn't what I was expecting of the full album but I can certainly understand how progressive it was.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
12th October 2021
Mainly listened in the shower while at home home.
Really interesting to read about Alexander spence and his struggles with mental health and how he wrote this album while in an asylum. I like that he was left totally alone in the studio and recorded all of this all on his own with the tapes running.
Van Halen
3/5
13th October 2021
Listened on my phone throughout the day while at home. Finished the morning after.
Synthy, big, camp, really enjoyed. Jump obviously the stand out, sounds a lot like kiss which is never a bad thing.
Eminem
4/5
14th October 2021
Listened throughout the day while working before going to see Barnett after he got engaged and he asked me to be his best man!
I remember stealing away to listen to my brother's mini disk of this album and it's still as visceral an experience now as it was back then.
The Police
2/5
15th October 2021
Listened on my phone in the morning on my last day at home home. Came third in poker at Paulie's in the evening.
There's a worldliness to this sound which I didn't expect. I've known the police through songs like every breath you take but if anything that's the outlier here.
The Smiths
2/5
18th October 2021
Listened in the morning while working, quiet day. Jen still in Spain so we watched bake off together before the Internet blew up.
The Smith's feel like a band of extremely talented individuals who come together to put good stuff out in spite of each other. I didn't like the title track and think they have better material. Plus Morrissey is now a total cock.
JAY Z
3/5
19th October 2021
Listened on my phone in the office on a nightmare of a day where the sofa bed got delivered and the Internet went down.
Interesting that it was released on 9/11, felt like a prelude to the black album but still liked it. No real stand out but a good collective.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
20th October 2021
Listened at work on the office on my headphones.
I liked a lot of this, moody anthems and definitely has their sound. Didn't know about the singer having mental health issues but got can tell in the themes and lyrics.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
21st October 2021
Actually listened on the Friday morning as I had a very lazy day on Thursday being hungover after going out for beers with Harry.
I liked the drone of it, it's quintisentially outsider alternative pop. Not sure it's that memorable though,felt a bit lightweight.
5/5
22nd October 2021
Listened on my phone while working from home on Friday.
Just magic. Bowie is transformative and transportative (if that's a word).
The Youngbloods
4/5
25th October 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working, quiet day. Started fight club work out.
I really enjoyed this - combination of folk and Hill Country blues. Right up my alley.
Suede
3/5
26th October 2021
Listened at work in the office on my headphones.
Didn't mind it, liked the sort of Smith's/Bowie combo.
Ray Charles
2/5
27th October 2021
Actually listened on the 28th on the living room speaker while working with jen in the kitchen. Didn't listen on the 27th as I was listening to Fontaines DC before seeing them at ally pally with Gareth.
I love Ray Charles, but this is a covers album. I prefer the less swoony numbers that don't have the fuzzy backing vocals, but definite class all the way.
Aerosmith
3/5
28th October 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while me and jen worked at the table. Went to M&S in the evening. Massive.
Enjoyed bits of this but didn't give it my full attention.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
29th October 2021
Listened across the whole weekend as didn't have time on Friday. Went to seb and justo's in the evening after sav was sick so couldn't see last night in soho.
I love this album. It's otherworldly, it's childish innocence, it's great.
Fela Kuti
3/5
1st November 2021
Listened throughout the day while working before douggie came to crash for the evening.
Really enjoyed this, what I wanted to find from the project. Funky, jazzy, cool!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
2nd November 2021
Started late in the day when back from the gym. Finished on the 3rd at work in the office.
Some absolute stunners (down by the river) and some slow country, beautiful stuff.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
3rd November 2021
Actually listened on the 4th, I was in the office yesterday with loads to do and then we went to watch Neil's environment play. Podcasts etc catching up!
I really liked half of this (including a lovely, punky version of born to run!) but felt a bit long. Good though.
Eagles
5/5
4th November 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working, then went to Cox and ailis's for dinner.
Amazing stuff, song crafting.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
5th November 2021
Listened in the morning while getting ready to go to Lincon for the weekend with the pates crew.
I adore half of this album and think the other half is slightly dated but they are such a great band. The songwriting is exquisite.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
8th November 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working, chilled one.
Love it, as ever, 80s/90s rap is the best.
Aerosmith
2/5
9th November 2021
Listened on my headphones while working on the sofa. Day that I pitched the CC Community which went well, saw Spencer then went to 384 which was really nice.
Very middle of the road, few stand out tracks but not too bad.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
10th November 2021
Listened throughout the day on my phone while having a chilled one.
Liked this, bit of smooth jazz singing and I liked the way she scatted over saying she didn't know the words. Reminded me of an early Amy winehouse.
Eric Clapton
3/5
11th November 2021
Listened in the shower mainly and also on the living room speaker. Went bowling in the evening with snakes on a lane.
Love a bit of slow hands even though he's a prick. I prefer the gnarlier, bluesy tracks and the I shot the sheriff cover is questionable but overall I enjoyed it.
Cat Stevens
4/5
12th November 2021
Listened mainly while getting the front room ready for Jake, jess and the boys to come and stay for the weekend.
Love this album, feels like maturing and developing throughout. I imagine it keeps on giving as you move through life.
Talking Heads
4/5
15th November 2021
Listened on the living room speaker while working.
Talking heads are probably the band that I've done the biggest turn around on through doing this. I really love them and have a new found appreciation for David Byrne. Poppy, dark, witty, sarcastic, great fun.
Orbital
2/5
16th November 2021
Listened on my headphones whilst travelling from the Excel centre to book club in Kings Cross.
90s raving culture in an album. I wouldn't sit and listen to it, I think you need to be on something and in a field to properly enjoy it but I can kind of see it.
Pere Ubu
1/5
17th November 2021
Listened across the Wednesday and Thursday as we've had a lot going on. Sprout gave birth first thing Wednesday morning then lost 2 in 24 hours.
Not sure if it was what was going on, but not for me. I'm all for messing things up, going a bit left field, but I didn't get this.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
18th November 2021
Started on the way to meeting Harry in Covent Garden before seeing a show at the donmar (rubbish) finished on Saturday on the way to meet sav for golf in battersea Park.
This is sumptuous. Dark, gothic, gospel, bluesy, unbelievable. Nick cave has an ability to stretch his music through time, it sounds like something that ancient Greeks would have listened to.
Burning Spear
3/5
19th November 2021
Started listening on the way to meeting Sav and Sally in Battersea Park having not been able to listen on the Friday. Finished Monday morning.
Historical, cultural and sadly more timely now than ever. Powerful and groovy in one.
MGMT
3/5
22nd November 2021
Funnily enough listened to the vinyl of this on Saturday as we had sav and Sally round and he bought it for my birthday. But Listened today while I painted the spare room.
Takes me right back to being a teenager, love it. I'm in the prime of my life...memories of calais, dakota, there's some arcade fire vibes in there which emphasises all of this.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
23rd November 2021
Listened on the record player while working before we went to this weird bubble instillation in green Park. Bake off final win for guiseppe.
Nothing to say. Perfection.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
24th November 2021
Listened at the kitchen table while working. Went out in the evening to Ave Mario then saw Seann Walsh in Kennington. Greg Davies sat at the bar.
What a voice dusty has, very soulful and timeless. So beautifully crafted songs on this album.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
25th November 2021
Listened on my phone while working. Chilled evening.
Very dramatic, great voice, tries different vibes throughout and has a stone cold classic in nothing compares. Liked it more than I thought I would.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
26th November 2021
Listened on my headphones while working on Friday before meeting ebbs and Charlie for duckpin bowling and jen's fam coming for the weekend.
Loved it - cohen's most accessible album. Big, brash, but still with lyrical intricacies.
Muddy Waters
5/5
29th November 2021
Listened throughout the day while at home home.
My jam.
Elvis Presley
3/5
30 November 2021
Listened in bits through the day at home home before driving back for the Derby. 4-1.
Not the bangers you know elvis for which is nice. Fever is a tune.
Miles Davis
4/5
2nd December 2021
Listened on my way in to the office on a grey London morning.
Setting seemed perfect for this album, always liked the thought of jazz without actually liking it. But this is very atmospheric, and feels like new York.
Elton John
3/5
3rd December 2021
Listened on my way from the work Christmas party to JWs for poker. Hazy.
Not much to remember from this due to the circumstances I listened to it in, but I have fond memories.
Solange
4/5
6th December 2021
Started on the 6th but finished on the 7th on the living room speaker while putting the weekly briefing together.
Really pleasantly surprised by this - more soulful than I expected and has a timeless quality to it, Solange has taken her lead from greats.
The White Stripes
5/5
7th December 2021
Listened on the record player while working before Kate, Gareth, Ben and Nilisha came round for dinner.
Just explodes into your world. Raw, reverential, tender, poetic, sublime.
Paul Simon
3/5
8th December 2021
Listened in bits on the living room speaker before seb, justo and Charlie came for dinner.
Very fine Everyman songwriting. Personal and warm, I didn't realise he was married to Carrie Fisher which a lot of this album is about. You can hear elements of the African styles he would come to bring in in later albums.
John Martyn
3/5
9th December 2021
Listened throughout the day on my phone while working the night before going to Canada!
Really original voice and style. Folk and jazz combined, I liked it.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Listened across the weekend including on the drive back from whistler after skiing!
Really grew on me as I listened. They're a great band, frusciante is a genius, drums are great, slick wear coast rock with a dash of hip hop.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
13 December 2021
Listened in the morning while getting ready to go out and explore vancouver.
Very vibey. Immediately feel like you're in Cuba.
Blondie
4/5
14th December 2021
Listened on the morning in the vancouver flat before sorting the flights out to LA to see Guy for Christmas and going to capilana Suspension Bridge!
Blondie are the coolest lame band ever.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
15th December 2021
Listened while getting ready to go out for dinner with all the wedding crew.
I liked bits of this, the grander bits rather than the grungier bits. Know mark kermode is a big fan which is where I first heard of them.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
16th December 2021
Listened in the morning before going back for a wander around Granville and having nandos and watching twilight in the evening!
Liked this a lot, new age era but timeless and down to earth rock.
Björk
3/5
17th December 2021
Listened in the morning and finished off on a walk to safeway in vancouver before we went to lizzie and Andy's wedding.
Etherial and magical, bjork is a real one of a kind.
Pixies
4/5
20th December 2021
Listened mainly while getting ready to leave Vancouver! Finished on the plane when landing in LA to come visit guy!
Really great. Grungy, hardcore whilst being melodic and sensitive.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
21st December 2021
Listened while pottering about guy's flat in LA!
Has it's moments, I prefer the bluesier songs.
The Damned
2/5
22nd December 2021
Listened during the morning in LA before spending the day down on Huntington beach with guy.
Not for me, sounds a bit like the early pop punk of the ramones and the sex pistols.
Billy Bragg
3/5
23rd December 2021
Listened in the shower and while getting ready. Spent the day shopping for Christmas food then came back, played a couple of games and decorated the tree.
Gains momentum throughout, powerful, raw and passionate songwriting.
Various Artists
3/5
24th December 2021
Listened in the morning while chilling in bed at Guy's!
It's a classic Christmas album.
The Smiths
3/5
27th December 2021
Listened in the morning back in the UK whilst clearing up and doing bits and pieces!
Morrissey works through his mother issues in entertaining style.
Wild Beasts
3/5
28th December 2021
Listened whilst unpacking and cleaning the flat after coming back from LA!
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would after the first couple of songs. Memories of Edinburgh with hooting and howling.
Aphex Twin
2/5
29th December 2021
Listened on my headphones whilst working in the morning of the 30th before me and jen went down to Lewes to look at a house!
Great for background music while working, I can appreciate but don't enjoy dance music.
Coldplay
3/5
30th December 2021
Listened in the morning on the 31st while working in bed before Adna, Joe and Meg came round for NYE!
Coldplay get a lot of shit but this album has its moments. Chris Martin's falsetto and soft musicality do strike chords throughout.
Michael Jackson
4/5
31st December 2021
Listened mainly in the car on the way to and from Costco buying supplies for NYE! Meg, adna and Joe round.
Controversial listen for obvious reasons but the second half of the album just reels out the big guns.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
3rd December 2021
Listened on my phone while doing a bit of work and showering. Seb, Charlie and Joe came round in the evening for food and games.
One of the greatest voices of all time.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
4th January 2021
Listened in the morning when I first got up on first day back at work. Seb and justo came round, Laura made fish and we played ticket to ride.
Pure 60s psychedelia, but I liked the bluesy heavy tracks.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
5th December 2021
Listened during the day on my phone before going to see back to the future the musical with lev.
They're not just come on Eileen, they're punky, ska-infused northern soul and I was very pleasantly surprised. 3.5 if I could.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
6th January 2021
Listened on my phone in the morning while doing bits of work. Jen and Laura out for the evening so chilled and caught up with sunny.
Bit light and forgettable for me but maybe I wasn't fully focussed.
Tricky
2/5
7th December 2021
Actually listened on Sunday 9th while driving back home for the week.
Surprised me, a real range of genres included here - songs cross R&B, metal, reggae, jazz. Real mixed bag, very 90s.
Dire Straits
3/5
10th January 2022
Listened throughout the day while at home home, chilled and watched lost daughter in the evening.
Sultans of swing one of the all time greats. Knopfler is a genius, such an identifiable sound.
Joan Baez
3/5
11th January 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home home. Rosie came over and me and dad watched on her majesty's secret service.
Sounds similar to Joni Mitchell, immediate 60s folk vibes. Lovely voice
Pavement
3/5
12th January 2022
Listened in the early afternoon while showering and getting ready. Saw Barnett in the evening and we chatted crypto and went to see spiderman far from home.
Really liked parts of this, the singer reminded me of lou Reed singing with the velvet underground.
k.d. lang
2/5
13th January 2022
Listened on my phone in the morning while showering etc before heading back to London in the afternoon.
Didn't mind it, she has an amazing voice but overall not really my bag.a bit too draggy.
James Brown
3/5
14th January 2022
Listened in the shower and while shaving. Went out with coopy and ebbs in the evening.
Lovely little half hour with the hardest working man in show business. Great to hear the reaction of him playing to a live audience.
Pink Floyd
5/5
17th January 2022
Listened to the vinyl in the early afternoon while trying to make a video for the edit.
One of the all time classics, it's unique and groundbreaking.
Gang Starr
5/5
18th January 2022
Listened on the way to book club at the standard.
90s hip hop. Love it.
Radiohead
5/5
19th January 2022
Listened throughout the day on my phone, went in to Brixton and got an iPhone. Terrified that I was going to lose all this data but managed to find out how to keep it!
Such a good album, it's searing and tearing whilst being tender.
Talk Talk
2/5
20th January 2022
Listened throughout the day before watching Liverpool beat Arsenal to get to the league cup final.
Not my bag, a bit all over the shop.
The Black Crowes
3/5
21st January 2022
Listened in the morning while doing bits and pieces. Went to see Licorice Pizza with Gareth at Peckhamplex.
Didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did, really great fun. The Spotify notes give the impression the band have an amazing attitude of just wanting to have funny and make music with each other. 3.5 if I could.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
24th January 2022
Listened while oiling the kitchen surfaces. Chilled in the evening with victor and watched the lighthouse before finishing leave the world behind.
Who knew blending hip hop and hardcore rock would work so well?
David Bowie
5/5
25th January 2022
Listened on Monday while pottering. Had a chilled one in the evening with Victor watching the lighthouse.
Zavid strides that line between rock and art masterfully.
Cream
3/5
26 January 2022
Listened on my phone in the early afternoon of the 27th as I totally forgot about this on the 26th. Poker at dans in the evening after Sav’s birthday last night at flight club.
Love the bluesy elements of this and obviously ginger baker’s drumming. Psychedelia, whimsy and rocking blues. 3.5 if I could.
Randy Newman
4/5
27th January 2022
Listened while going to and from the gym mainly.
Love the simplicity, humour and warmth. 4.5 if I could.
David Bowie
4/5
28th January 2022
Listened in the shower then drove back to glos for the weekend.
Zavid getting a bit more experimental and funky. 4.5 if I could.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
31st January 2022
Listened in the morning on my phone while working. Had a chilled evening watching the Witcher.
LCD go full talking heads with a little of their old indie spark left in for the older fans. 3.5 if I could.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
1st February 2022
Listened while working at the table. Went to watch Cheltenham at Wimbledon in the evening with Pates lot.
Enjoyed the homely, down to earth comfort that S&G excel at. There’s a humanity and lived in recognition to their music. 3.5 if I could.
Lorde
3/5
2nd February 2022
Started listening on the living room speaker with Jen while working at the kitchen table. Finished on the way to the gym. Neil came round in the evening for catan with victor. Jen won.
A bit melodramatic for me but I can see the appeal for young listeners.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
3rd February 2022
Listened on the sofa while working, went to watch The Glow at the Royal Court with Harry in the evening which sucked.
Enjoyed this, britpop with cheek.
3/5
4th February 2022
Listened throughout the day before going out in the evening to see Jackass with sav and Steve.
Enjoyed parts of this, Damon Albarn drawls his way through with some nice nods to the whimsy of some classic UK rock (Who, Queen etc)
Massive Attack
2/5
7th February 2022
Listened throughout the day, went to see scream 5 in the evening at streatham odeon with noisy girls behind us.
I can appreciate massive attack but not sure I’d listen again and again. 2.5 if I could.
Jurassic 5
4/5
8th February 2022
Listened throughout the day while doing bits and pieces, gym etc. drove home in the evening to look at houses in Painswick.
Love this. Funky, early 90s hip hop sound. 4.5 if I could.
T. Rex
3/5
9th February 2022
Listened on the dark and wet drive back to London.
I like T-Rex and Marc Bolan in general. Glammed up to the eyeballs.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
10th February 2022
Didn’t listen until the 11th, drove to pick up Wi-Fi extension and sainsburys before Caroline and Ian etc stay for the weekend.
Michael Jackson, Prince and Stevie Wonder’s love child. I like the poppier tracks over the ballads.
Marty Robbins
2/5
11th February 2022
Started while making up the front room for Caroline, Ian etc but didn’t finish until Monday morning.
I like the storytelling element, musically simple but the vocals are lovely. And without albums like this we wouldn’t have Springsteen.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
14th February 2022
Listened while working from home, we went to see Death on the Nile in the evening.
Couldn’t think of anyone better to spend Valentine’s Day with than Amy. Could have chosen any one of these from this perfect album.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
15th February 2022
Listened in the late morning while pottering about the flat. Lazy day, watched PSG Real in the evening.
Laying down their bluesy, folksy and little glam rocky roots.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
16th February 2022
Listened on the walk back to the office having met Austin for lunch and finished there.
Surprised by how much I liked it. Hints of 80s glam, electro, and indie all rolled into one.
Beatles
3/5
17th February 2022
Listened on the way to and from Salisbury’s picking up some flowers to make the house look nice for the photographer. Bowling in gf evening.
Classic but forgettable for me. They’re just warming up.
Taylor Swift
3/5
18th February 2022
Listened while grounded on the runway trying to fly to Stockholm during storm Eunice.
Full on pop-era. Taylor announces herself before shaking it off. 3.5 if I could.
Willie Nelson
5/5
21st February 2022
Listened on the train on the way to the airport in Stockholm while the snow came down outside.
Beautiful from start to finish. Simple, true songwriting.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
22nd February 2022
Listened on the sofa while working. Had a chilled evening for our anniversary where we got pizza and watched the ugly truth!
Disco funk of the highest order, sounds like a sweaty summer night.
Paul Simon
4/5
23rd February 2022
Listened at home while working before driving home to glos in preparation for Ali’s wedding.
Combination of folk, pop and African influences as Paul Simon’s wonderful songwriting hits it’s heights. Anchored by you can call me Al and diamonds on the soles of her shoes. 4.5 if I could.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
24th February 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home, taking the car for a service etc. chilled in the evening and watched edge of war. Russia invades Ukraine.
Not for me. Never understood prog rock and don’t think I ever will!
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
25th February 2022
Started on the Friday and finished on the Sunday. Friday was Ali’s wedding at Elmore court which was amazing.
Lovely folky song crafting, surprised by the Dylan impression in the middle!
The Cardigans
3/5
28th February 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home. Chilled evening watching nightmare alley.
Diet No Doubt. Would have been 2.5 but for Love Fool.
Iron Maiden
3/5
1st March 2022
Listened in the morning working from home. Chilled and watched mass in the evening.
Classic heavy rock and roll!
Hawkwind
1/5
2nd March 2022
Listened in the day in the office and on the way to book club at Elliott’s.
I don’t. Like. Prog. Rock. Don’t get it.
Hookworms
3/5
3rd March 2022
Listened in the living room while working on the sofa in the afternoon. Chilled evening finishing season 1 of sopranos and first episode of the Morning Show.
Reminds me of when I first listened to this working at the Home Office and shared it with Gareth. I like the more grandiose, soaring tracks than the industrial ones but really like it. 3.5 if I could.
CHIC
4/5
4th March 2022
Listened on the sofa while working on a productive Friday. Went out to dinner by hesten for our 6 year anniversary.
C’est chic!
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
7th March 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Went to see the Duke in the evening which was ok.
Always knew of Kendrick but never listened. This was a real treat, lyrically and his performance is on point.
Fela Kuti
3/5
8th March 2022
Listened in the morning while putting together the weekly briefing. Watched Liverpool Inter in the evening. 0-1.
Remember this from watching beware of mr baker. Funky and primal.
Dr. Octagon
3/5
9th March 2022
Listened on the way in to and at the office. Went bowling in the evening.
This surprised me given the album artwork. Liked it a lot, creative and dark imagery with a dash of humour.
Donald Fagen
2/5
10th March 2022
Listened in the office before heading down to Peckham to watch the Batman with Gareth.
Not for me, saw it described as yacht rock which is perfect. And everything that goes with it.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
11th March 2022
Started on Friday but had to finish on Monday cos we had Jen’s parents staying for the weekend. Kew Gardens and French food.
Shame I had to experience it so disjointed, but I like the vibe. 90s hip hop.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
14th March 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home, went to see the godfather in East Dulwich with Jen and Adam.
Was really struck by the drumming when listening this time around. But what can you say? It’s Led Zeppelin IV.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
15th March 2022
Listened on a quiet day in the office then went to flight club with Douggie in Shoreditch.
Some super 90s stuff in here but overall felt a bit disjointed and not really for me.
Anthrax
2/5
16th March 2022
Listened on the way in to the office then came home and watched arsenal Liverpool. 0-2. Title on.
Weird one because I started this to discover new music and experience new sounds which this is. So I appreciate that but a bit heavy for me. Although metal heads are always the nicest people.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
17th March 2022
Listened in the morning. Went to Seb and Justo’s for dinner and canasta in the evening.
Funny this is the choice when the Stones have just announced a European tour. Iconic in sound and design but was forgot the whiplash pace change going from Brown Sugar to Sway then Wild Horses.
Radiohead
5/5
19th March 2022
Started on the Friday but finished on Monday. Had mum and dad come to stay for the weekend, took sprout to get spayed, national gallery etc.
One of the greats. Could have picked one of No Surprises, Karma Police, Exit Music for the playlist but went for Paranoid Android for the baseline. Unbelievable album, rewards consistent listening.
CHIC
3/5
21st March 2022
Listened in the late morning while working from home in the front room. First day of juice cleanse.
I preferred C’est Chic and Good Times is the clear stand out track.
Slint
2/5
22nd March 2022
Listened while working in the front room. Chilled evening reading and watched an episode of twin peaks. Annoyingly read who the killer was.
Not for me. Extreme 90s grunge but quite forgettable.
Pearl Jam
2/5
23rd March 2022
Listened in the office on a sunny day! Quiet evening, watched the Adam project on the last day of the juice cleanse.
Not bad, but doesn't ever hit the heights of Yellow Leadbetter for me. 2.5 if I could. Reminds me of Andy.
The Roots
4/5
25th March 2022
Listened in the front room while working on CC Hub. Went to watch X in the evening with Gareth in Peckham.
Enjoyed this, Questlove is a legend and this is definitely a cornerstone. Less a fan of the experimental end tracks but some bangers on here.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
25th March 2022
Listened in the morning on the way back from the gym then finished in the office.
When I was younger I wanted to be a suave man about London, in a high powered job listening to this sort of music. It reminded me of that.
Arcade Fire
5/5
28th March 2022
Listened throughout the day working in the front room. Went to the cinema for screen unseen which turned out to be the novice. Jen hated it.
What a record. Big, intimate, sprawling look at small town life. Arcade arguably at the peak of their powers.
The Stranglers
3/5
29th March 2022
Listened mainly on the way in to the office then finished there. Met up with Lev in the evening and went to Busaba for aubergine curry.
Riotous and engaging with a witty punch, not the stranglers you know from Golden Brown but raw and exciting. Classic punk.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Elliott Smith
3/5
31st March 2022
Listened in the front room while working. Drove home with mum in the evening through a snow storm and chatted investing.
Not bad, but feel like he’s been posthumously inflated.
Kraftwerk
3/5
1st April 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home home. Mary Ruth and Stephen came round in the evening and we had biryani.
Really liked the opening track and I appreciate Kraftwerk as a cultural institution but wouldn’t sit and listen to hours of them. Would love to see them live though.
The La's
2/5
4th April 2022
Listened in the front room while working from home. Cleared the front room and watched the end of peaky blinders.
Not bad but not sure it deserves a place on the 1001 albums. There she goes is the stand out track and has become so, all the others are ok.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
5th April 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home before going out to meet sav and watch the Liverpool match (benfica 1-3) and he asked me to be one of his best men!
Wasn’t crazy about the Santana combo to open but you can’t not love a bit of JLH. Elder statesmen of the blues.
N.W.A.
5/5
7th April 2022
Listened throughout the day while in the office. Went out to ping pong then drinks after with work people.
One of the greatest came straight outta Compton.
Bad Company
2/5
7th April 2022
Listened on the way into the office. Went home after work (skipped Douggie’s birthday) and got ready to fly to the states.
But dad rocky but liked the bluesy riffs. 2.5 if I could. Not very memorable.
PJ Harvey
2/5
8th April 2022
Listened while waiting at LAX for the fam to arrive for holiday in LA!
Liked the beginning and the folky, weird representation of historic England. 2.5 if I could.
Cypress Hill
4/5
11th April 2022
Listened on the drive back from Yosemite to LA after a disappointing start to the holiday!
Great to listen to west coast legends while driving down the west coast!
ABBA
5/5
12th April 2022
Listened in the morning getting ready to go to brunch on Huntington Beach, wander around the pier then head to Guy and Jana’s for drinks and games in the evening.
ABBA bring me such unbridled joy and they should never be mocked or disrespected for giving that to people in such ASM unapologetic way.
Kate Bush
3/5
13th April 2022
Listened in the morning and finished the morning after. Chilled at guys in the day, went to buy Flynn some boxing gloves and Costco trip.
Elemental, ethereal, totally unique. She is an artist in every sense of the word in the same way as Bowie.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
14th April 2022
Listened in the morning before going to the beach, then for a wander around Newport which was very nice indeed.
Really enjoyed this! Smooth as silk yet politically relevant today.
Daft Punk
5/5
15th April 2022
Listened across the weekend while in LA! Jen gone back to the UK on Saturday, we got in and out, beach on Sunday.
Just amazing. Unique, out of this world, fusses funk and electro.
Yes
2/5
18th April 2022
Listened in the morning and finished while playing in the garden with Flynn. Helped Guy sort his stuff out post robbery then vans store.
I don’t like prog but this was far more accessible. Makes me think of my dad. 2.5 if I could.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
21st April 2022
Listened in the morning and while at amoeba records in Hollywood! Listened again on the drive home.
Really liked this, it grew on me and sounded better on second listen.
Baaba Maal
3/5
21st April 2022
Listened mainly on the drive out of LA to the desert which was a good setting for this.
I appreciate it’s something I wouldn’t normally listen to and does have a great vibe to it but it’s a bit samey for me.
Skunk Anansie
2/5
21st April 2022
Listened in the morning while packing to leave LA! Dates have gone awry.
Super 90s, makes me think of the matrix. They are a very cool band and she is an icon. 2.5 if I could.
Supergrass
3/5
22nd April 2022
Listened on the drive back home from the airport.
Back to earth with a britpop bump. Quite nice to be driving through London listening to this, more so than other britpop records had the whimsy and folk tilt of the Beatles. Very eclectic album which I wouldn’t have associated with supergrass previously.
Violent Femmes
3/5
25th April 2022
Listened while working in the front room, first day back at work. Chilled in the evening.
Enjoyed the jarring, jangling, indie angst which I think was offset effectively against the upbeat music. Blister in the sun is a classic.
AC/DC
3/5
26th April 2022
Listened while working in the front room all day. City Real champs league semi final in the evening.
Such a fun band, highway to hell the obvious famous track. The album beats along with incessant rhythm but can be a bit one note.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
27th April 2022
Listened in the office on first day back. Book club at Stevie’s in the evening.
They’re not just Dexy’s midnight runners! Actually good fun, a little bit punky/ska tinged which was surprising.
Ryan Adams
3/5
29th April 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home, chilled in the evening watched Time.
Weird thing about Ryan Adams, he’s clearly super talented and very good but it feels like he’s trying too hard. I read that with this album he was trying to make a classic which detracts from it for me. Plus he assaults women. Some good tunes though.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
29th April 2022
Listened on the way into work. Chilled evening before camping with Adna and joe.
Really enjoyed this! 80s fun synth pop.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
1st May 2022
Listened on the drive back from camping with Joe and Adna. Chilled for the rest of the day.
Thought I’d be all over this but felt a bit low key. Maybe I didn’t listen in the best of environments but felt like they had 1 backing track and rapped over it for half an hour.
Culture Club
2/5
2nd May 2022
Listened in the morning on the way to work. Met Gareth and Ben to watch Liverpool Villarreal champs league semi where we won 2-3.
Quite enjoyed this, but not as much as Cyndi Lauper. Had some good tracks but felt a bit lightweight for me. 2.5 if I could.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
3rd May 2022
Listened in the morning on the way to work. Met woody after work in the pub.
Not bad, he has an amazing voice but don’t think I gave it proper attention. Great production.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
5th May 2022
Listened in the morning, chilled in the evening. Quiet day.
It goes straight in as if you’re late to the gig, or you’ve heard them playing in the garage and you want to see what the noise is. Speaking of noise, I think that’s what this is. In a good and bad way.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
6th May 2022
Listened while working in the front room before going camping for the weekend with sav and sally in tonbridge.
Classic, blues roots on their shoulders with Jagger yelping and squealing at his best.
Michael Jackson
5/5
7th May 2022
Listened in the morning. Worked from home and chilled in the evening doing moving emails. Average day.
Difficult to divorce the music from the person with this one. Undoubtedly disco classic but complicated. I’m going to focus on the music with the rating.
Coldplay
3/5
6th May 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home. Went to the gym and watching Liverpool Villa in the evening then did house buying emails :(
The middle few of God Put A Smile On Your Face, The Scientist and Clocks is strong. The rest of the album feels a bit meandering. But it’s Coldplay so…
David Crosby
3/5
7th May 2022
Listened on the way to work, one of the rare albums not on Spotify! Met up with Ebbs and Ben in Clapham in the evening.
Lovely album, sleepy country blues.
Adele
3/5
13th May 2022 no idea what’s going on with dates
Listened during the day while working from home, went to the pub with Cox to watch the north London derby.
Not Adele’s best, but hello is a classic and there are some very moving songs on here. One of the great modern voices.
David Bowie
5/5
14th May 2022
Listened in the supermarket before a super chilled weekend on my own. Loved it.
What an outstanding piece of art. To be so comfortable with your own mortality that you make and release this when you know you’re on the brink is remarkable. People will study it in years to come.
Blur
4/5
15th May 2022
Listened in the morning when working from home and on the way to the supermarket. Watched the outfit in the evening.
Love a bit of Brit pop. Again it’s the new fresh sound and a nod to the whimsy of bands like the Beatles. Albarn is a master of writing about regular life.
Tangerine Dream
3/5
16th May 2022
Listened in the office before going to cox’s to play poker.
Surprisingly really enjoyed this, squishy bit of synth. Now I know where stranger things got their ideas.
The Streets
5/5
15th May 2022
Listened in the morning and finished at work. Gareth came round in the evening to chat about Kate.
Mike skinner and the streets have what every artist is striving for- a sound which is unique that you know immediately is them. Tracks the course of a relationship, but adds grandeur as well as grounded realism.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
20th May 2022 dates fucked again
Listened in the morning while working from home. Chilled in the evening, finished the book club book and series 2 of stranger things.
Smoother than a baby’s cheek.
Sigur Rós
4/5
20th May 2022 (actually the 20th)
Started on the Friday but finished on Monday morning cos we had book club Friday, Adna Joe Meg Em Anna Lewis Nathan round Saturday and recovery Sunday.
Ethereal, euphoric and unique.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
23rd May 2022
Listened at home. Had Seb and Justo round for dinner and signing house documents.
Classic 90s fare, can spot Alanis a mile off.
4/5
24th May 2022
Listened while packing up the flat for the big move back to painswick!
Really enjoyed this, mix of country and sunny funny lyrics
Fairport Convention
3/5
25th May 2022
Listened on the way in to the office. Was supposed to go up to Leeds to see Nathaniel with Sav but they cancelled so we got the train half way there and came back.
Liked this a lot, folky blues with great story telling.
Billy Joel
3/5
26th May 2022
Listened during the day while working from home and back and forth from the supermarket. Chilled in the evening.
Love a bit of Billy Joel! Piano and voice are great and his lyrics are fun.
Neil Young
4/5
27th May 2022
Neil Young’s decision to move off Spotify meant another YouTube listen. Listened while sorting stuff for the move over the weekend then went to see Nathaniel with Sav, Ben etc.
Genuinely sounds like being on a beach - chilled, hazy and warm.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
30th May 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Jen went to Seb’s so stayed in and watched Top Gun.
Such a great album and voice. One of the best.
The Pogues
4/5
31st May 2022
Listened while working from home. Went out for dinner with Jen in the evening and had Clapham Common ice cream.
Love this, it’s very evocative. Makes you think of dusty pubs and revolution.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
1st June 2022
Listened on the way in and out of the office. Did a bit of cleaning and moving things into the front room then watched stranger things.
Camp and bouncy, popping drums and lounging synths. Great fun.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
2nd June 2022
Listened in the morning of bank holiday Jubilee weekend. Spent Thursday doing house bits then saw the flaming lips in the evening.
Didn’t expect piano and gentle, personable lyrics knowing only everybody’s talking. Loved it.
Nirvana
3/5
3rd June 2022
Listened on the Saturday while cleaning / cooking breakfast. Long jubilee weekend, Friday was out walking with Seb, Saturday chilled one Sunday cleaning and packing!
90s grunge at its finest. Loud, hard but tender.
The Who
3/5
6th June 2022
Listened in the afternoon while writing BBC application. Last night in the flat! Got a roosters and watched stranger things, perfect.
Must have been a classic concert, I like the long medleys and rambling songs. Finished off with a nice bit of magic bus. 3.5 if I could.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
7th June 2022
Actually listened on the day after because this was the day we moved to Painswick!
Anarchic driving punk. 3.5 if I could.
Nico
3/5
8th June 2022
Listened while driving round Gloucestershire picking up Facebook marketplace purchases in the sunshine!
Very original voice and clearly not interested in promotion judging by total lack of info on Spotify. Haunting and rising like the sun at the same time.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
9th June 2022
Listened upstairs at mum and dads while working on stats for the hub.
Big one! Didn’t know about this but it’s clearly a classic country behemoth. The reverence for country and the precision of the playing is astonishing.
Miles Davis
2/5
10th June 2022
Listened at mum and dads while working in the kitchen cos we didn’t have internet. Went up to Adna and joe’s for the weekend.
Not sure I’m up for this. I don’t understand the concept of listening between the music….
Eminem
4/5
13th June 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Put away kitchen stuff and made our bed in the evening!
Aggressive, lyrical, funny, you can see why Eminem made such a splash. Technically outrageous rapping.
Khaled
3/5
14th June 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home. Went to the pub with Jess then hung with Jake.
Eclectic Indian album , the cover of imagine was random
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
15th June 2022
Listened on the drive in to London! Work night out after which was fun then stayed with harry.
Not as good as Very but still enjoyable. Didn’t realise Dusty Springfield was on it, more synthy 80s goodness. 3.5 if I could.
Prince
5/5
16th June 2022
Listened throughout the day while working in the office. Went to see Billie Eilish with Jen in the evening at the O2 which was great!
Not a lot to say about Prince other than he’s just the master.
George Michael
2/5
17th June 2022
Listened in the office on a very warm and sunny Friday with Joe. Met ebbs, Coopy and Jevans for the cricket.
Faith is an absolute classic, the rest of it quite disposable but lacked the energy of the great opener. 2.5 if I could.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
20th June 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Chilled evening doing bits around the house.
Sounds like a broken down radio on the Mexican border. In a really good way. 3.5 if I could.
John Coltrane
2/5
21st June 2022
Listened while working in the morning room before going to pick up the freezer with dad. Got a fever so in bed the rest of the day.
Nice bit of jazz! Background music for me sadly, I can’t appreciate it. 2.5 if I could.
The Jam
4/5
22nd June 2022
Listened on the Thursday as I’m still in bed all day with illness.
Gave me a new appreciation for the Jam. The drumming is perfection and some of the songs are slinky and soft which you wouldn’t traditionally associate with them.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
23rd June 2022
Finished on the 24th, still in bed.
Circumstances are everything when doing this and being bed bound with an intense fever means this was not up there for me. Approach to vocals interesting though
Sam Cooke
4/5
24th June 2022
Listened across the weekend as I was still ill, finished first thing Monday morning.
Sam Cooke is arguably the greatest male soul singer ever but it’s way more energetic and James brown-y here than I would have thought. Taking nothing away from the vocal performance though.
Gary Numan
4/5
27th June 2022
Listened on the Tuesday rather than the Monday. Things still not quite in synch yet post move.
Reminds me of the mighty boosh. Bit out there, futuristic, robotic, edgy. Liked it a lot!
Ghostface Killah
3/5
28th June 2022
Listened while in the office. Went to see Jack white in the evening with sav and Nathan.
Liked this but not as much as other rap albums I’ve been given so far on here. Whilst a wu tang legend, I wasn’t sold on the whole tony stark skits.
Tina Turner
4/5
29th June 2022
Listened on the way from Sav’s into the office. Travelled back to painswick and chilled in the evening.
Can’t not love a bit of Tina, one of the holy triumvirate along with Aretha and Queen Bey.
The xx
5/5
30th June 2022
Listened while working from home in the office. Went to the oak in the evening.
One of the seminal albums of my generation, I remember when it came out and people just went nuts for it. Will always remember watching them at glasto as the sun went down.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
1st July 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home on Adam’s last day! Then got the train in to the office and went to see LCD Soundsytem in Brixton with woody, Ben and Nilisha.
Love this classic indie album. Reminds me of being in Edinburgh and will vickers.
The Kinks
3/5
4th July 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Got pizza and went to the butchers arms with Seb.
I’ve written a lot about the whimsy that made up a lot of 60s British pop/rock and it is not more prevalent than on this album.
Minutemen
3/5
5th July 2022
Listened while working from home. Stripped wall paper and cleaned the bathroom in the evening.
Interesting, initially liked the short song structure but was a lengthy album. Didn’t realise the Jackass theme was an actual song though!
Basement Jaxx
4/5
6th July 2022
Listened while travelling in and finished in the office. Went for post work beers then met Cox after.
Love a bit of basement jaxx, they have such a unique sound which you could call a mile off.
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
7th July 2022
Listened while walking in to work from Douggie’s. Drove back home and painted the ceiling in the evening.
Really liked this, down to earth with a strong feminist message and some tight beats and lines.
Sister Sledge
4/5
8th July 2022
Listened in the morning getting ready to drive to Norfolk for Josh Wright’s wedding.
Pure disco, doesn’t get better than this if you want to jive on the dance floor.
Elbow
3/5
11th July 2022
Listened while working from home. Picked up bedside tables, painted our bedroom in the evening.
Bit middle of the road for me with admittedly a moment of euphoria with one day like this.
1/5
12th July 2022
Listened while in the office, played life sized monopoly with Sav and Sal in the evening.
At one point a fleet of police cars drove past the window with sirens blazing and I couldn’t tell if that was part of the music or not.
Malcolm McLaren
4/5
13th July 2022
Listened while in the office. Had book club in Hyde park in the evening.
Actually really enjoyed this, it was like leaving some random radio on for an hour. Great fun.
4/5
14th July 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home. Had cox and Barnett round in the evening.
I’m wobbling a little due to the lad culture of oasis, but it is a classic.
Miles Davis
2/5
15th July 2022
Listened in the morning while getting the house ready for Jen’s parents to come and stay. Ate in Friday, went to nailsworth Saturday with everyone and woolpack Sunday.
I appreciated this more as it went on, but again not my bag. Don’t get experimental jazz, maybe I need to open my mind a bit more.
Aerosmith
3/5
18th July 2022
Listened while working from home. Went for a walk in the evening round the village and put some books away.
Enjoyed the second half of this more than the first, felt less shallow and more groovy.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
19th July 2022
Norah Jones
4/5
20th July 2022
Listened on the drive back from London having been in the office. Seb round in the evening to stay, chilled rose.
Really lovely, chilled album with Norah Jones’ amazing silky, husky voice.
Sex Pistols
3/5
21st July 2022
Listened during the day while working from home, finished the morning after. Had a second interview with the BBC then went to watch Prima Facie in sheepscombe with mum, dad and Patrick.
Classic punk, the raw power and energy palpable from start to finish. 3.5 if I could. Shame Lydon has become who he has.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
22nd July 2022
Listened on Friday but finished on Saturday. Had Seb and Justo to stay for the weekend, Fromebridge, Stroud Market and the Woolpack.
Just beautiful, I could listen to Leonard Cohen all day every day.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
25th July 2022
Listened in the morning and afternoon while in the house in Berrias. Afternoon by the river.
Gaye does jazz with lovely results. 3.5 if I could.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
26th July 2022
Listened while prepping sandwiches for the day before going down to the river. Read in the evening while mum, dad and kids went to carrefour.
Classic country and blues, always great storytelling and Jack seems to be one of the best. Loved the humour throughout too. 3.5 if I could.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
27th July 2022
Started in the morning and finished the morning after. Went to Joyeuse market, swam and got pizza.
From the exorcist theme to a sailors jig and everything in between. Did not expect the funny news report at the end.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
28th July 2022
Listened in the morning and finished the morning after. Full day at the second river.
Poet Cohen. What a joy.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
29th July 2022
Listened on our last day in Berrias! Went to a brocante in the morning in Saint Ambroix then came home and chilled before flying home.
Funky, clean production and serious serious rhythm. Loved it.
Alice In Chains
3/5
1st August 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Life admin and chill in the evening.
I was initially gutted to see this as I thought it was going to be way heavier than it was, but I enjoyed it. Walks a fine line between grunge and metal.
Parliament
4/5
2nd August 2022
Listened in the morning before going to the office. Saw Sav and Booty in the evening to chat stag stuff.
Love it, still funkadelic after all this time.
fIREHOSE
3/5
3rd August 2022
Started on the train in to work from Saville’s but finished the morning after having driven back from London.
Not quite what I expected but not bad either. Quite unique, indie / punk vibes.
Joy Division
2/5
4th August 2022
Listened throughout the day while doing bits. Went to the pub with Johnny in the evening.
Bit bleak for me Joy Division. Like the cure without the occasional bit of joy…
Grateful Dead
4/5
5th August 2022
Listened in the morning while pottering. Chilled at Jake’s Friday night watching the first game of the season.
They’re a band I could definitely get in to more, this album is very well made with gorgeous vocals and exceptional musicianship.
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
8th August 2022
Listened in the morning, worked from home then walked on the beacon with Jen.
The energy that came off this!! No wonder it’s only 20 minutes, exhausting. What a talent and I bet he was electric live.
Tori Amos
3/5
9th August 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home. Went to mum and dads for supper then chilled with Jen in the evening.
Maybe I gave it short thrift and didn’t listen properly but I found this quite forgettable sadly. She’s got a great voice and it all sounds very clean but didn’t strike me as an all timer.
Black Sabbath
4/5
10th August 2022
Listened while driving to London in the morning. Drove back and had Adna and Joe staying before heading down to Cornwall tomorrow.
I think Black Sabbath are pigeon holed by Ozzy’s prince of darkness act. Yes there is a cult-metalness to them but their musical talent is overlooked, there are songs on here that wouldn’t be out of place on a Zepplin or Floyd album.
Minor Threat
1/5
11th August 2022
Listened at the campsite in Cornwall with Joe and Adna. Jen drove back to pick up tent poles 🙄
Don’t get it I’m afraid. Why has this made the list?!
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
12th August 2022
Started listened whilst high in our tent in Cornwall with Joe and Adna for a laugh. Finished on Monday while working from home.
Amazing how someone can totally embody a genre of music. Smooth and soulful but with an edge, Bob Marley has created music that is both free and fierce.
The Sonics
4/5
15th August 2022
Listened while working from home. Seb over in the evening, face masks and DB Cooper documentary.
I did not know full on garage rock came this early. So much drive and energy and wild production for a mid 60s record, great fun.
Santana
3/5
16th August 2022
Listened in the living room while working from home. Busy day finished with going to see top gun maverick in Stroud.
Heard a lot about Santana but never sat down at listened to them. Kind of washed over me which is good and bad. Enjoyed the samba rhythms.
Korn
3/5
17th August 2022
Listened the day after while working from home. Was in the office and out for book club - in order to live.
I like that you can feel the rock and roll rhythm throughout this album. It swings back and forth like a pirate ship.
AC/DC
4/5
18th August 2022
Listened while pottering around the house, cleaning etc doing some work. Had the family round for dinner in the evening.
Punchy and loud with electricity woven throughout. AC/DC are a jolt of fun.
Talking Heads
4/5
19th August 2022
Listened during the day on Friday. Getting things together for Meg and Em’s wedding in London over the weekend.
I love Talking Heads, this process has really hit them home for me. This is perhaps their most “accessible” album? Rockier and less experimental than others but no less for it.
Lou Reed
3/5
22nd August 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home and watched United Liverpool in the evening.
Took a while for me to warm into this and wasn’t until the last couple of songs that it felt like he sounded like Lou Reed to me but maybe that’s because I associate him with the Velvet Underground so much. Not his fault.
Sonic Youth
2/5
23rd August 2022
Started on the 23rd but finished on the 24th on the tube to the office. Chilled evening watching house of the dragon after having a bowling lesson.
Enjoyed this less than previous sonic youth albums. I get the whole “noise rock” thing but this was a bit jarring for me.
Laura Nyro
4/5
24th August 2022
Listened in the morning on the journey in to the office. Had leaving drinks in the evening with the FT lot.
I loved this album, it felt very bohemian and soft. What a lovely voice.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
25th August 2022
Listened while at work. Went to see South Pacific last night with Dougs in it then met Sav and Sal in town.
One of the greatest of all time. The storytelling, the characters, the balance of this album, it’s astonishing.
3/5
26th August 2022
Listened on the Monday as we had Sav and Sally with us all weekend.
I can hear where Tame Impala take a lot of their inspo from on this. I’m not a prog rock fan but this has some funky elements in it which raise it above some of the other albums on this list.
Sonic Youth
3/5
29th August 2022
Listened in the day on a lazy back holiday. Went and watched nope with Barnett.
A lot of sonic youth recently. This felt very 90s garage rock.
Iggy Pop
3/5
30th September 2022
Listened in the morning while getting ready for first day at the BBC.
Iggy slinks and sidles his way through this very atmospheric and punchy album.
The Adverts
2/5
31st August 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home. Had dinner with mum and dad then watched Liverpool Newcastle.
Sounds like a cross between the sex pistols and sonic youth. Diet pistols. 2.5 if I could.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
1st September 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Chilled and picked Jen up from the airport in the evening.
This is amazing, it’s such a rainbow of an album. Feels like it tells the story of the black experience, but a true life story full of colour and joy as well as depth and sadness.
Garbage
3/5
2nd September 2022
Listened in the morning while getting ready to go on Chris’s stag do in Oxford.
Bit of 90s grunge, Cranberries vibes. Not as heavy as Skunk Anansi but I liked it.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
5th September 2022
Listened on the drive back from London, first day in TVC.
Not one to listen to in a traffic jam but in a field at 2am - absolutely.
Crowded House
3/5
6th September 2022
Listened on the drive to Bristol to work in the office before the broadcast.
A generally middle of the road album with some outstanding tracks. Lyrically interesting and he has a good voice. 3.5 if I could.
Slipknot
2/5
7th September 2022
Listened on the drive back from Bristol having been in the office for the stay connected broadcast.
Not my bag. Prefer the slightly lighter metal from Korn.
Dr. Dre
5/5
8th September 2022
Listened throughout the day on YouTube on the day the Queen died.
The production on this is insane as you would expect. One of the greats, vintage west coast rap.
DJ Shadow
2/5
9th September 2022
Listened during the day while working from home in response to the death of the queen. Went to Freddy’s flat in the afternoon before Fritha and James came to stay for the weekend.
Not hugely memorable but good background music. Again, if you were in a field at 3am, amazing.
Black Sabbath
3/5
12th September 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Seb came to stay and ate out in Stroud at the Japanese place.
Lovely mix of heavy and light, Ozzy’s vocals are iconic. Sabbath are a true great. 3.5 if I could.
Brian Eno
4/5
13th September 2022
Listened during the day while working from home. Ben and Nilisha stayed and we went to the oak.
I loved this, it’s atmospheric and moody but playful at the same time with tinges of David Byrne.
Adele
5/5
14th September 2022
Listened throughout the day while Ben and Nilisha stayed and worked from home at ours. Dinner at mum and dad’s in the evening.
I was always quite dismissive of Adele, but listening back now this album is stunning. It’s big, it’s bold, her delivery is generational.
Pink Floyd
3/5
15th September 2022
Listened mainly on my lunch break walking around Westfield having gone in to the office. Jen in Spain so chilled and watched Thor.
Not quite the sonic, expansive Floyd that is popular - more of a folk edge to some of these but with hints of their later sound. Still very layered and boundary pushing though.
Otis Redding
5/5
16th September 2022
Listened in the day while doing bits around the house. Painting the office etc. weekend of house jobs and life admin. Jen in Spain.
An album of Otis covering classics, his beautiful voice soars through Sam Cooke and roughs up the stones. Gorgeous.
The White Stripes
5/5
19th September 2022
Listened while painting the cupboards in the spare room. Bank holiday, went to the field with Js and the boys.
One of my all time faves. Blistering, centred on ball and biscuit which is stunning. And of course 7 nation army.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
20th September 2022
Listened during the day while working from home. Supper at mum and dads with guy, Victoria and Richard.
She mixes jazz, funk and hip hop with a big band structure. A real piece of ingenuity and originality with a gorgeous voice.
Linkin Park
4/5
21st September 2022
Listened mainly while stuck in a traffic jam on the way back from the office.
Immediately takes you back to being 13. Pop, rap, metal what a combo.
Ray Charles
4/5
22nd September 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home and getting ready for Chris’s wedding. Soho house in the evening with Seb and Jen.
Genius! It’s soulful and slick and played by a maestro.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
23rd September 2022
Listened mainly on Sunday driving back to our hotel from castle bay in France. Chris and Imane’s wedding weekend.
Big band jazz, very cool.
Beach House
4/5
26th September 2022
Listened during the day on my birthday while working from Cox’s. We did not go to the England game.
I really enjoyed this, it was atmospheric and dreamy indie. I can see why they’ve done so many film soundtracks.
Leftfield
2/5
27th September 2022
Listened mainly on the train home from London and while legging it to Paddington. Out for dinner at the Japanese restaurant in Stroud with mum and dad.
Not really my bag, too young for the 90s dance scene but definitely vibey. 2.5 if I could.
The Beau Brummels
3/5
28th September 2022
Listened in the morning before driving to Bristol office. Chilled evening.
Classic country folk, great storytelling with a comic twist on blues and roots.
Def Leppard
4/5
30th September 2022
Listened during the day while working from home. Went out for dinner at Bhoomi for our birthdays.
Love a bit of big hair glam rock and Leppard deliver it in spades.
System Of A Down
2/5
30th September 2022
Listened in the day while picking Gareth up from Cheltenham and getting things ready for people coming this weekend.
Not really my thing, too metal.
The Stone Roses
4/5
3rd October 2022
Listened during the day of Jen’s birthday. Watched house of the dragon in the evening then had an early night!
A very cool album, while the guitar sound is epic, the record is driven by the bass. Not sure I can love the vocals but overall thought it was great.
Dirty Projectors
3/5
4th October 2022
Listened in the day while working from home. Chilled yoga in the evening.
Vintage, angular, intelligent 00s indie.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
5th October 2022
Listened during the day while working from home. Chilled evening.
John Lydon’s band following the pistols. Not got the swagger of the pistols I’m afraid.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
6th October 2022
Listened on the drive home from London.
I’ve learnt 2 things from doing this- I love David Byrne and I don’t get prog rock. I reckon if I locked my 10 year old nephew and 4 of his mates in his music classroom they’d come out with the opening track.
New Order
4/5
7th October 2022
Listened in the day while working from home. Went out with Cox and Dan in Cheltenham Friday night.
I loved this, it sounds like the soundtrack to a cold 80s morning.
Love
3/5
10th October 2022
Listened in the day while working from home. Chilled evening watching house of the dragon.
An interesting blend of folk and bluesy pop funk. Very original sound, quite unique.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
11th October 2022
Listened on the drive home from London. Chilled evening with bake off.
Rough, raw and jagged, Jon Spencer punks up the blues. Loved it.
Weather Report
3/5
12th October 2022
Listened on the way in to the office and in the stage prepping for the GD Get Together. Watched see how they run in the afternoon.
Nice bit of jazz pop, didn’t set my world on fire but was bright and breezy.
3/5
13th October 2022
Listened during the day while sort of working from home. Watched a couple of eps of bad sisters, met Ross to chat Educating Rita and went to the lit festival with mum in the evening to see London laundromat.
This was fun, quirky and funny punk.
Queen
4/5
14th October 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home and on the west back from seeing Nick cave at the literature festival.
I mean it’s Queen.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
17th October 2022
Started on the Monday evening finished Tuesday morning. First touch rugby session Monday evening.
Enjoyed parts of this and I get where he fits into the rap cannon, but I don’t really get the hype.
Brian Eno
3/5
18th October 2022
Listened in the afternoon and finished in the morning of the Wednesday. Watched Blonde in the evening.
Ethereal and magical, the production is clean and sharp. 3.5 if I could.
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
19th October 2022
Listened during the day while working from home. Chilled week, watched Liverpool West Ham.
What a combo Clapton and Allman are, duelling lead guitars riffing on blues rock.
The Cure
3/5
20th October 2022
Listened throughout the day while not working from home. Burgers and LOTR show in the evening.
Cure at their grungy, shoegazing phase before the explosion and the expansion. 3.5 if I could.
Carole King
5/5
21st October 2022
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Chilled evening played uno and watched LOTR.
This album is incredible. It’s beautifully sung, artfully arranged and stuffed full of feeling. Carole King is glorious.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
24th October 2022
Listened while WFH, rugby in the evening. Dad came over to finish the insulation and said this album reminded him of uni.
Beautiful songwriting, gentle yet strong, exquisitely sung.
Frank Ocean
5/5
25th October 2022
Listened a couple of times while working in the office upstairs. Tom and Anna came round, tv evening.
Soulful rap, achieves that rare thing nowadays of rapping and being soulful and hard.
Hole
3/5
26th October 2022
Listened first on the drive then throughout the day in the office. Soho house with Jamie and Elissa.
Title song is from American Pie! It has that 90s soft, slouchy rock drawl and whining (in the best way) sensibility. 3.5 if I could.
PJ Harvey
3/5
27th October 2022
Listened throughout the day and finished Friday morning. Mum and dad round for dinner and bridge in the evening.
A lot heavier than I anticipated from PJ Harvey, I always thought she was a pop act but this is full of spike and punk
Fiona Apple
4/5
28th October 2022
Listened at the end of Friday and into Saturday. Had yoga first thing in the morning then went to Exeter game with Crofty.
I love Fiona apple, she has haunting soft melodies with a jarring tone but beautiful musicianship.
The Kinks
3/5
31st October 2022
Listened on the day after, was in bed all day not feeling well after being in Norfolk for the weekend.
I feel like the Kinks are a greatest hits band, potentially scandalous to say but this album blends into one. Enjoyable though.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
1st November 2022
Listened while working from home. Went to Jess and Jake’s and came back to watch Catherine called birdy and Liverpool Napoli.
Sweet and gentle soul with a funky superstition centre, classic Stevie wonder.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
2nd November 2022
Listened mainly on the drive to Bristol office. Left at lunch, back for a chilled evening of horror films with Jen back from Norfolk.
I enjoy the bluesy short numbers more than the 20 minute prog epics but there’s no denying the quality of the band and the musicianship. 3.5 if I could.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
3rd November 2022
Listened while working from home in the office. Freddie came round to look at kitchen, ru Paul in the evening.
Quirky, alternative and kinda funky! Enjoyed this, wasn’t aware they were around in the 90s Brit pop era.
Patti Smith
4/5
4th November 2022
Listened in the day while getting the house ready for Surfrisday to come and stay.
Loved it, Patti Smith is raw energy and fight and this is epitomised here.
Television
3/5
7th November 2022
Listened in the day while working from home. Seb round in the evening, watched luckiest girl in the world.
Felt like I had listened to this before, a lighter, jazzier spin on garage rock. 3.5 if I could.
Suede
3/5
8th November 2022
Listened while working from home. Went for a run and watched bake off in the evening.
Got the slightly despairing 90s reach vibe to it but a darker and intriguing side of Brit pop.
The Undertones
3/5
9th November 2022
Listened throughout the day while in the office, finished on the drive back. Liverpool Derby in the cup.
Solid if unremarkable album, lacked the spark of a teenage dreams but the drums pound all the way through and the singer croons.
Metallica
3/5
10th November 2022
Listened while working from home. Out for dinner at Stroud Italian place in the evening.
Very loud, politically savvy metal with rushing drums and thrumming bass.
Alice Cooper
2/5
11th November 2022
Listened in the day on Friday, chilled evening before races on Saturday.
Alice Cooper treads a fine line between goth horror and camp exuberance. It’s hard to reconcile at times but not a bad album. 2.5 if I could.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
14th November 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home and fixing the blocked sink.
This seems to capture life, walking down the street, having lunch at a family members, sex, everything. And done with verve and heart.
Ray Price
3/5
15th November 2022
Listened in the morning while doing washing up and tidying kitchen. Bake off final in the evening.
Slide guitar, quite dark undertones to the beginning but classic country with a crooning voice.
Common
3/5
16th November 2022
Listened on the drive and tube in to the office. Book club in the evening.
Thought it sounded very Kanye then the man himself turned up later in the record. Liked this, 3.5 if I could.
10cc
3/5
17th November 2022
Listened during the day while sanding the front door. Went to the cinema with mum and dad in the evening to see banshees of inisherin.
Got Queen vibes from bits of this, I know them via I don’t like cricket so was surprised at the more poppy sounds on this record.
Genesis
3/5
18th November 2022
Listened in the morning while getting ready to go to London to watch Jamie T with Sav. Anna, Seb and Charlie with us for the weekend.
Few epics thrown in among some original folk prog, Genesis were one of a kind.
The Killers
5/5
21st November 2022
Listened at the end of the day while doing minimal work cos of the World Cup. England beat Iran.
One of the albums from when I grew up, immediately makes me feel 15 again.
2Pac
3/5
22nd November 2022
Listened mainly on the drive there and back to F45 in Cheltenham.
Talks a lot about issues you wouldn’t have associated with him like mental health, his mum etc. liked it.
Donovan
3/5
23rd November 2022
Listened in the morning while doing little work from home. Ben and Nilisha round in the evening.
Didn’t know he made this album at 19, which is impressive. Psychedelic folk and its tilting60s best. 3.5 if I could.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
24th November 2022
Listened in the morning while working from home. F45 and ru Paul final in the evening.
Loved it, political songwriting that doesn’t shove it in your face. Amazing musician.
Fats Domino
4/5
25th November 2022
Listened while going round Tesco getting bits in for Caroline, Ian and the girls to come and stay.
Classic rock and roll, Fats has such a rich voice making him stand out in a crowded field.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
28th November 2022
Listened throughout the day and finished the morning after. First body pump session in Stroud in the eve.
Can see why it had such an impact, very classy, funky and of it’s time but the theme tune is timeless.
Metallica
3/5
29th November 2022
Listened while working from home. Went to Dunkertons to watch England Wales with Barnett, Jimmy and Matt C-S.
Very dramatic, if Metallica did a bond album.
Manu Chao
3/5
30th November 2022
Listened in the office. Came home on the train and watched White Lotus.
Reminds me of Adam Fuller.
Primal Scream
3/5
1st December 2022
Listened while driving to Mum and Dad’s and throughout the day. Finished on the 2nd.
Not what I’d expect from Primal Scream who I knew more of an indie rock band, this was more experimental with an indie edge.
Van Halen
3/5
2nd December 2022
Listened during the late afternoon while making cauliflower curry. Chilled Friday, dump and rugby Saturday and Stowe on Sunday with mum and dad.
Don’t think many people shred like Van Halen, classic 80s bro rock and I’m kinda here for it. 3.5 if I could, not sold on the Kinks cover.
Arcade Fire
4/5
5th December 2022
Listened throughout the day while doing zero work. Went to Costco and watched White Lotus in the evening.
I love arcade fire and it’s a shame all the stuff about Win has come out. They don’t scale the heights of suburbs here but it’s gothic and moody and still great.
Slayer
1/5
6th December 2022
Listened while putting the Costco shop away in the morning. Chilled evening watching the Wonder and Traitors.
Not my thing. Soz guys.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
7th December 2022
Listened on the journey back to the car from the office. Mum’s birthday in the evening.
Classic country but with dark undertones in the lyrics. Think the white stripes covered in the pines, but home without love hit a particular cord given recent news with us…
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
8th December 2022
Listened in the morning while travelling to London. Work Christmas do in the evening.
Feels like LA.
Billie Holiday
3/5
9th December 2022
Listened across the weekend as I had too many podcasts to catch up on. Rugby and England on Saturday with Crofty and mums birthday lunch in Stroud. Sunday snow day!
Didn’t give it the respect it deserves, her voice is magical and reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
The Prodigy
3/5
12th December 2022
Listened in the afternoon while working. Dad came round in the evening and we watched hook and white lotus.
An electro punk opera. Knows the quite moments are as important as the noise. 3.5 if I could.
The Verve
3/5
13th December 2022
Listened in the evening while playing Hades. Traitors in the evening.
More sonic than other 90s Brit pop bands, heads in the clouds but with one leg in the garage still.
John Grant
5/5
14th December 2022
Listened throughout the day on a busy work day. Haircut and baking in the evening.
Loved this. Raw emotion, personal, Bowie-esque at times. Beautiful album.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
15th December 2022
Listened on the way in to the office. Drove home and had a chilled night, picked Seb up from his Christmas party.
Incredible song writer, this album walks the line between the trippy imagery of Genesis and the everyman folk of Simon and Garfunkel. 3.5 if I could.
Cheap Trick
4/5
16th December 2022
Listened while removing wallpaper in the living room. Mum, dad and Seb round for chicken pie before going skiing.
I love cheap trick, don’t know why but they’re just fun!
The Band
5/5
19th December 2022
Listened mainly the morning after in Austria, here to ski with Meg and Em!
Such a huge album, varied style but the musical talent is unreal and its legacy Deserved.
Femi Kuti
3/5
20th December 2022
Listened across the day as we went skiing in Alpendorff then chilled by the pool.
Really enjoyed this, it is pure vibe. 3.5 if I could.
Tom Waits
3/5
21st December 2022
Listened mainly in the evening getting ready for dinner. Day 2 of skiing!
Felt in sync with the run up to Christmas. If the guy from the Pogues and Nick Cave had a child, it’d be this album. 3.5 if I could.
The Mars Volta
2/5
22nd December 2022
Listened on the plane back to the UK.
Emo thrash, felt it was a bit disingenuous funnily enough. Try hard wailing.
David Bowie
5/5
23rd December 2022
Listened in the morning while heading to Cheltenham for last minute Christmas shopping. Chilled evening.
The return of Zavid. Sounds like he never left.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
26th December 2022
Listened in the morning of the 27th while getting ready to drive to Norfolk. Had to listen on YouTube cos Joni hates Spotify.
Sounded like I was sat next to her in a car as she drove across America telling me everything.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
27th December 2022
Listened on the drive to Norfolk. Chilled day and afternoon.
Had a couple of highlights but the eleven minute prog shocker at the end establishes this at something I won’t listen to again. 2.5 if I could.
Britney Spears
3/5
28th December 2022
Listened while chilling in the morning in Norfolk. Pub, games in the afternoon. Told Jen’s family about the baby.
Snuck in at the Death to give us the ultimate 90s sound.
Sabu
3/5
29th December 2022
Listened in the morning before going to Fritha’s wedding.
Lush fusion of Afro beats and Cuban flavours.
Wilco
3/5
31st December 2022
Listened on the drive up to Leicester for NYE with Joe and Adna.
Can’t remember much other than enjoying it! Nice blend of indie and country.
ABBA
3/5
2nd January 2023
Listened in the morning while chilling at home. Went for a walk, read and did 2 Italian lessons. Bank holiday Monday.
Lesser known ABBA songs and interesting spacey vibe they went for. But it has slipping through my fingers which is just a gorgeous song. 3.5 if I could.
Sepultura
1/5
3rd January 2023
Listened while working from home. Gym and last his dark materials in the evening.
I get it’s a genre people enjoy, but god no.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
4th January 2022
Listened while working from home. Chilled evening, watched fisher king then an episode of 1971.
A heady mixture of 60s garage, country, folk. Saw Tarantino has used them in one of his films which feels right. 3.5 if I could.
Brian Eno
3/5
5th January 2023
Listened while working from home. Gym and finished slow horses in the evening.
Good to have on in the background, like how he experiments and no song is similar
The Strokes
5/5
6th January 2023
Actually listened a few times throughout the day it’s that good. Lunch out in Cheltenham, kingsholm in the evening with Thom Warren.
It’s just too good. Tight, muscular, every song is a banger.
Erykah Badu
2/5
9th January 2023
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Gym and Seb round in the evening, told him about baby and won Catan.
Not my bag but got some nice vibes on it. 2.5 if I could.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
10th January 2022
Listened mainly on the way into the office in London. Chilled evening watching slow horses series 2.
Was pleasantly surprised by this, had a warmth to it which separates it from other early punk. 3.5 if I could.
Willie Nelson
3/5
11th January 2023
Listened on the drive in to London. Finished slow horses season 2 in the evening.
Nice bit of country folk from the master storyteller.
Fever Ray
2/5
12th January 2023
Listened in the morning getting ready for work. Chilled evening watching pale blue eye.
Not my bag, like the ethereal techno vibe but wouldn’t revisit.
Steely Dan
3/5
13th January 2023
Listened during the day on Friday before a very last weekend. Played poker on Friday night.
Funny that steely Dan were raised on the blues kitchen pod recently. Not as country as I would have thought.
PJ Harvey
2/5
16th January 2022
Listened while working from home. Gym and last of us in the evening.
Bit forgettable for me, surprisingly more punk and edgy than later PJ work. Hints of Florence. 2.5 if I could.
Metallica
3/5
17th January 2023
Listened on the drive to and from Jess in the afternoon. Gym and Liverpool wolves FA Cup.
His voice and the band are intertwined, the energy is unrelenting
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
18th January 2022
Listened on the drive in to the office. Book club in burger lobster in the evening.
One of the all time greats. What an album, love my 90s hip hop.
Madness
3/5
19th January 2023
Listened in the day while working from home. Steak and scan in the evening.
Love the naughty school boy sense you get from this record but make no mistake they are serious musicians.
Steely Dan
2/5
20th January 2023
Listened in the day before driving to London to the Young Gun Silver Fox gig.
Funny that this is the second steely Dan album since hearing the blues kitchen chat about him at the end of last year. Comfortable of forgettable country folk. 2.5 if I could.
Jane Weaver
3/5
23rd January 2023
Finished listening on the 24th morning. Chilled day and evening.
A lot of sharp turns on this angle just when you think you have it figured out. Can see how artists like La Roux picked up bits from Jane Weaver. Liked the more indie stuff over the experimental electro bits. 3.5 if I could.
Shack
3/5
24th January 2023
Listened throughout the day while working from home and gym and chill in the evening.
Nice bit of indie, good songwriting meaningfully sung. 3.5 if I could.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
25th January 2023
Started a bit in the office, finished the day after. John Mulaney in the evening in Hammersmith.
One of the greatest ever voices, the music sounds otherworldly. Smooth as silk.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
26th January 2023
Listened in bits and pieces across today and the 27th. Worked in London and headed home to see work been done by builders. Watched the menu.
Crystal clear vocals and classic country sound. 3.5 if I could.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
27th January 2023
Listened while driving to B&Q for wood, won poker on Friday at Jake’s. Hog’s wedding over the weekend.
Sounds like a ballet, or a more classically composed collection. Flurries and whisps around Sufjan’s lovely vocals.
Bob Dylan
5/5
30th January 2023
Listened in the morning while working from home. Gym and Seb in the evening, watched 13 going on 30.
One of the worlds greats at the peak of his powers.
Mekons
3/5
31st January 2023
Listened across the day and finished on the 1st Feb. Ben and Nilisha over for dinner (curry trial for their wedding ).
Country punk sounds like the pogues with a comedic edge. 3.5 if I could.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
1st February 2023
Listened while driving to the dentist and in the morning. Supper at mum and dad’s in the evening after dad worked on the house.
I love the softer songs rather than the heroin induced escapism of the last few but they are a totally unique band and the androgyny of nico is really interesting.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
2nd February 2023
Listened in the morning and worked from home. 12 week scan in the afternoon, finished US traitors in the evening.
Cracking bit of classic indie, sounds like the most intelligent kids in your class got together and recorded and album.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
3rd February 2023
Listened during the day on Friday, pub lunch with Johnny and Row and Tar in the evening.
Ruminative indie takes me back to teenage years when white winter hymnal ruled.
Supertramp
3/5
6th February 2023
Listened in the morning while working from home. Out for Thai at giggling squid for Jess bday and test drive BMW X1.
I like the spacey themes, but prefer the more down to earth songs. 3.5 if I could.
T. Rex
5/5
7th February 2023
Listened while in the office on a rare Tuesday. Watched Top Gun Maverick with McDonalds when we got home.
A slap round the face with a jewel encrusted glove from the glam king. Glorious.
The Jam
4/5
8th February 2023
Listened on the way to and from Tesco in the evening. Watched the Pamela Anderson documentary on Netflix in the evening.
Slice of every day life beefed up by thrumming basslines and jerky guitars.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
9th February 2023
Listened in the day while working from home. Bowling at Stroud in the evening.
His sound has developed so much since the first album; what a talent. Voice, musicianship, genius.
Gram Parsons
3/5
10th February 2023
Listened during the day while picking up the new car, builders and dad in, poker in the evening.
Nice bit of country with a swing, 3.5 if I could.
The Cars
3/5
13th February 2023
Listened in the day while working from home. Chilled evening watching Merseyside derby.
Not what I was expecting knowing only drive but an enjoyable half hour of dad rock.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
14th February 2023
Listened on the drive in to the office in the new car. Home for valentines enchiladas.
I mean it’s perfection.
The Fall
2/5
15th Feb 2023
Started while working from home, finished in the office. Started for all mankind, got the house ready for Jen’s family staying at the weekend.
I know they’re a big deal in the indie scene and loads of people hold them in such high esteem but I didn’t get this.
The Who
2/5
16th February 2023
Listened while in the office. Dinner and stayed at Karuna and Ed’s place.
Would be great to see with the show and pinball wizard is a classic but not sure it stands up as an album.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
17th February 2023
Listened in the morning while working from Karuna’s place. Harry Potter studios in the afternoon, Caroline and Ian etc stayed for the weekend.
Such a good vibe to this album, it’s chic and cool production combined with Dusty’s voice is immense.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
21st February 2023
Listened while working from home. Slow Monday, worked on the front room with dad, last of us in the evening.
Sounded like a stroll through a warm jungle. Smooth and sultry.
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
21st February 2023
Listened while in Tesco and throughout the day. Had Dave and Chris in the house working on living room. Liverpool areal in the evening.
Bet this album has been sampled and used a whole host of samples within it. Classic rap funk, sounds very of it’s time.
The Byrds
3/5
22nd February 2023
Listened while driving to and from the first Rita rehearsal! Out for dinner at Kibou in the evening for our anniversary.
Nice blend of the Byrds soft harmonies with classic country. 3.5 if I could.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
23rd February 2023
Listened while having a busy work day and dad plaster boarded the fireplace in the front room. Chilled evening fell asleep watching nobody.
Blues, Afro beat, funk all mixing together in a spicy stew. 3.5 if I could.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
24th February 2023
Listened on and off on Friday afternoon, dump trip and bit of cleaning before going to London for Harv’s stag on Saturday.
Had to listen on YouTube, potentially sacrilege to say about Neil young but sounded a bit like a dad and his mates in their garage. 2.5 if I could.
Sonic Youth
2/5
27th February 2023
Listened while on the way to and from Showcase. Finished while sorting recycling etc when home in the evening. Long day.
Difficult because there were the softer tunes here that I enjoyed, but the more experimental punk I couldn’t get in with again with Sonic Youth.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
28th February 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Took the floor up a bit and painted the living room.
Peter softer, folkier Underground, parts of this (including the 17 minute central track) were not for me.
Mariah Carey
2/5
1st March 2023
Had to listen the day after while working from home because I was in the office and was too busy to listen!
Not my bag but she’s got a great voice.
R.E.M.
4/5
2nd March 2023
Listened while working from home. Bristol for dinner at Crofty’s in the evening.
The first iteration of REM and what a joy. Not as expansive and philosophical as later work but just as interesting and engaging.
GZA
3/5
4th March 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Busy day working, Rita rehearsals in the afternoon and chilled evening.
Nice bit of 90s hip hop 3.5 if I could
R.E.M.
4/5
6th March 2023
Listened during the morning while working from home. Busy day working, dad and Seb round in the evening.
Sounds like REM finding their sound and growing in to the influential band they will become
Radiohead
3/5
7th March 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Busy day working, Rita rehearsal, every builder under the sun in our house fitting carpets etc.
Thom Yorke shuns Radiohead as they were to create Radiohead 2.0. I think if you listen to it about 10 times it would be an absolute great. 3.5 if I could.
Sisters Of Mercy
2/5
8th March 2023
Listened during the day while working in the office and finished in the airport the next day on the way to Naples.
Grungy doom music, sounded like the hell music the guys in South Park use
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
9th March 2023
Listened while on the flight out to Napoli for the weekend.
What a dream this album is, the construction is perfection, the playing sublime and the singing is poetry.
The B-52's
3/5
10th March 2023
Listened on the Monday because we spent the weekend in Napoli!
Spiky, punky but with a funny spin and occasional surfers groove. Very unique.
Meat Loaf
5/5
13th March 2023
Listened while working from home, busy work and life time. Moved things out of our room now living room is finished.
Weirdly listened to meatloaf on the drive back from the airport on Sunday. I just love him, reminds me of uni.
SAULT
3/5
14th March 2023
Listened on the drive to Rita rehearsals and finished the day after. Busy day with rehearsals, IWD call with NYC and house organising.
A tour of black history through music, expertly produced and such a range of sound. Really liked it, 3.5 if I could.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
15th March 2023
Listened in the day while working from home. Jake doing the floor, pre wedding for Ben and Nilisha.
Love this band, they’re so different and Wayne Coyne is a hero. Men from outer space teaching us to be nice.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
16th March 2023
Listened all throughout the rest of the week as we had ben and Nilisha’s wedding on Thursday which threw everything off. In the best way.
This album is sex-bob-omb and it’s here to kick your ass!
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
17th March 2023
Listened on Sunday on the drive back from Rita rehearsals as the week got away from me.
Swampy, sticky but tight blues from the masters.
Steely Dan
3/5
20th March 2023
Listened throughout the day while working and rehearsing Rita. St rehearsal until 10.
Laid back country folk blues, not sure why he has a reputation for being cheesy. Didn’t mind it at all.
Pavement
3/5
22nd March 2023
Listened on the drive to the office. Showcase at the cinema then drive back for Rita dress.
If the velvet underground and the strokes had a live child it would be these guys. 3.5 if I could.
Bob Dylan
5/5
22nd March 2023
Listened on the way to and back from finding out we’re having a boy! First Rita show in the evening which was great.
Can get a bit lost in the intricacies of Dylan’s lyricism but the no denying the guys genius.
David Gray
4/5
23rd March 2023
Listened on the drive back from the office to second Rita show. Comms team away day (in the office).
The whitest album since the white album.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
24th March 2023
Listened during the day on Friday while doing bits around the house before Rita show and Gareth staying.
One of the greatest bands announce their arrival with blues and rock and roll covers. Yet to fully hit their stride, 3.5 if I could.
Eagles
4/5
27th March 2023
Listened in the morning while working from home on my own. Jen in aus, painting for the evening.
All time classic storytelling with some of the best guitar solos going.
Madonna
3/5
28th March 2023
Listened on the drive in to London. Saw accidental death of an anarchist with Harry and woody, stayed at woodys. Too much whiskey.
There are loads of queens of pop but Madonna one of ‘em. Sounded like a soundtrack to a Disney film.
Buzzcocks
3/5
29th March 2023
Listened during the day while hungover in the office. Drove mum home and got back late.
The whole album buzzes through driven by strumming guitars and pounding drums. 3.5 if I could.
Tim Buckley
2/5
30th March 2023
Listened while not really working from home. Dad and Stephen round to do kitchen bits, took the platter off the wall. Creed3 in the evening with Barnett.
An amazing voice but I don’t think I listened properly to give it justice. 2.5 if I could.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
31st March 2023
Listened throughout the weekend, mainly worked on kitchen stuff with mum and dad.
Classic 90s rap and hip hop from the DOGG.
Green Day
5/5
3rd April 2023
Listened in the afternoon while painting and sorting Jake and Jess cats. Chilled evening watching SNL and BCS.
Ah to be 15 again.
Kanye West
4/5
4th April 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Kitchen cabinets and range dropped off, chatted to Douggie and watched Chelsea Liverpool in the evening.
Having seen Jeen-Yus I appreciate this already great album more. Ye does have some chips on his shoulder! It’s not 5 despite having some all time classics on it because I think it’s overlong. 4.5 if I could.
Love
3/5
5th April 2023
Listened while working from home and had the kitchen fitted.
Heady mix of folk, punk, blues and chamber music with soft melodic vocals. Not particularly memorable though.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
6th April 2023
Listened on Saturday morning at I was in London on Thursday evening with sav and sally. Kitchen fitted too!
Peak of their powers with this.
The Specials
4/5
7th April 2023
Listened during the day on Saturday / Sunday having been in London on Friday with sav and sally. Tom and Anna etc round at mum and dads on Sunday and Jen back from Aus Sunday night.
Vibrancy, beat, energy, the Specials haunting party vibes make you sound like you’re on a night out with your mates.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
10th April 2023
Listened on bank holiday Monday with a cold. Jen back from Aus, lunch at the Crown in Minch and tea at mum and dads.
Surprised by how much this got under my skin, thought it would be too dad rocky but i enjoyed it. 3.5 if I could.
Nina Simone
4/5
11th April 2023
Listened during the day in the living room working with Jen. Chilled evening watching city Bayern.
Simply divine. 4.5 if I could.
Big Star
2/5
14th April 2023
Listened in the afternoon having a mega chill work day / watching movies. Out in the evening with Tess and Ollie to the Mexican place in Stroud.
Did not get this. Sounded like a weak version of the Shins.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
13th April 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Went out in Stroud to meet some of Jen’s peanut mates who were nice.
Title sums it up perfectly!
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
17th April 2023
Listened during the day while working from home after Sav’s stag. Seb staying an extra night after the weekend. Sequence and the Wheel.
Not a great listen when you’re riddled with post stag and work anxiety. 2.5 if I could.
Motörhead
2/5
18th April 2023
Listened in the morning working from Cox and Dan’s. Stayed at theirs last night with Thai and Chelsea Real.
Whirling dervish of pounding drums, thrashing guitar and screaming vocals. I can feel the sweat and the squeeze of the crowd. 2.5 if I could.
Roxy Music
3/5
19th April 2023
Listened on the journey into work and in the office. Busy work day and guys and dolls in the evening.
Eno has such a distinctive sound that this magpie of a record immediately made me think of Bowie.
Beck
3/5
20th April 2023
Listened while working from home, did bits on the house and watched race across the world in the evening.
Beck retreats and introverts on this solemn but poetic offering.
Pixies
4/5
21st April 2023
Listened in the morning getting ready to go on Ebbs stag do in Herefordshire.
Raw and sparky with flicks of deep reflection from an alternative band creating magic.
Missy Elliott
3/5
25th April 2023
Listened while cleaning the kitchen after the granite had been fitted. Went to watch evil dead rise in Stroud after work.
Funny moment when I started playing this in the fiat infront of the builders. Nice bit of 90s RnB, rap and hip hop blended by the powerful Missy.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
26th April 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Tour of Stroud mat ward and dinner at Cheltenham Turkish place in the evening with West Ham Liverpool later.
A surprising, soulful blues country treat. Very smooth and precisely produced and she has a lovely voice. 3.5 if I could.
Incubus
2/5
27th April 2023
Can't remember what I did on Thursday, back from Albania and can barely remember my own name.
Wasn't for me from memory. Gloomy.
k.d. lang
5/5
28th April 2023
Was in Albania for Barnett's stag so listened on the Tuesday in the new kitchen with Jen having been at Denise's for drinks.
Gorgeous stuff, absolutely loved it. As did Jen.
2nd May 2023
Listened on the drive in to London, catching up from the weekend again. Everything out of whack with no phone, podcasts all over the shop too.
Weirdly took me back to teenage times and I have no idea why. So found it quite affecting despite Bono's best attempts with his sycophantic lyrics about world peace.
Public Enemy
5/5
3rd May 2023
Not actually listened yet - still no phone so getting ahead of the curve and will listen on the drive home from London. Stayed at Seb and Justo's, went to the theatre with Harry to see Gielgud and Burton play. Was ok.
It's 90s rap so I'm going to pre-emptively give this one a big 5.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
4th May 2023
Listened on the Friday while still trying to catch up with everything this week. Was in NBH and at UKTV today, out for Japanese with Mum and Dad in the evening.
Love the piano work, it's very warm and playful and brings the jazz together.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
5th May 2023
Listened while driving to the supermarket for tart ingredients. Hannah round during the day, coronation weekend with street party on Friday st and RSC Saturday.
Enjoyed this in parts, not as good as the other PSB album I had on here but I would say they've gone up in my general thoughts.
Black Sabbath
5/5
8th May 2023
Listened during the morning on Bank Holiday Monday. Rec with Js and boys and back to theirs for tea. Jen with peanuts. Pizza and taskmaster in bed.
Love this - relentless pounding and energy, Ozzy's dark wail's soaring over all of it.
Ryan Adams
3/5
9th May 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Chilled evening, watched City Real.
Young, problematic boy creates diet-Dylan album. 3.5 if I could.
50 Cent
3/5
10th May 2023
Listened mainly on the Thursday while working from home, writing Sav’s best man speech and living room cabinets fitted.
Few bangers on here (in da club, PIMP, 21 questions) but it is overly long with some repetitive beats.
King Crimson
2/5
11th May 2023
Listened half on Thursday half Friday while packing for camping with Adna, Joe, Meg and Jenny.
Don’t. Get. Prog. Rock.
The Monks
3/5
12th May 2023
Listened in the morning before leaving for camping with Joe and Adna and Jenny in Wycombe.
Alternative punk with edges of 60s Brit blues rock. Liked it!
Butthole Surfers
1/5
15th May 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Busy day, house bits after then Liverpool Leicester.
Everything about this is anarchic. From the band name to the song Kuntz. But not in a good way.
Q-Tip
5/5
16th May 2023
Listened on the drive in to London. Stayed at Cox and Dan’s overnight on my own!
I loved this. 90s rap and hip hop with a soulful, funky twist.
The Vines
3/5
17th May 2023
Listened mainly in the office but finished off the day after. Work pint after then pub to see Hannah visiting from aus.
One all time classic, like that it had a mix of tones on it and not just heavy heavy. 3.5 if I could
Elton John
5/5
18th May 2023
Listened during the day while legging it around sorting stuff for Sav wedding, hypno birth class and work.
It’s Elton and I struggled to pick a song for the playlist. Sad I missed him live.
Radiohead
3/5
19th May 2023
Listened to most of this while running around Dublin trying to find confetti for Sav’s wedding.
One of radioheads more mediocre offerings but that’s still higher than most band’s best. You can sense this is in between their full experimentation and their old, harder inclinations. 3.5 if I could.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
23rd May 2023
Listened a day later on the drive to London. Worked from home yesterday recovering from Ireland
A soulful opera which was very uplifting in parts
King Crimson
1/5
24th May 2023
Listened a day late cos of a busy day in the office. Book club in Kensington pub in the evening, felt funny and a bit down / anxious with lots of baby chat.
This didn’t help. Didn’t like the first one, don’t like this one. hopefully I’m towards the end of all the prog rock offerings here.
Gang Of Four
4/5
25th May 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Busy work day with hypnobirthing in the evening.
I liked this, indie punk in its purest form. Interesting they were seen as so influential, especially to people like Frank ocean.
ZZ Top
3/5
26th May 2023
Listened during the day on a very busy work Friday before going to Italy on Monday. Supposed to be at woody’s wedding but stayed at home.
I like ZZ Top, bearded dad rock with passionate vocals
Roni Size
1/5
29th May 2023
Listened mainly on Tuesday as Monday we were travelling to Italy with Jen’s fam.
Another for the live experience, wouldn’t sit and listen to an album of it.
Napalm Death
1/5
30th May 2023
Listened after we got back from Cinque Terre and out for pizza in the evening.
This album was a very unpleasant experience.
Travis
3/5
31st May 2023
Listened during a quiet day while sunbathing and rain dodging reading Nick cave.
Very inoffensive stuff, CBBC does Radiohead
Depeche Mode
3/5
1st June 2023
Listened throughout the day while having another lazy sun day in the hotel. Crazy meal in the evening for Frankie and Gordon’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Grungy and romantic synth pioneers. Enjoyed this. 3.5 if I could.
Björk
2/5
2nd June 2023
Listened on the journey back from Italy. Delayed flight so got back around 10.30 then chilled weekend doing house bits and axe throwing with Oscar.
She’s one of a kind and her music comes from a unique, sensual place. 2.5 if I could.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
5th June 2023
Listened mainly while painting the stair hallway after working from home. Succession finale in the evening.
Light hearted, laid back 90s rap. One absolute classic in Scooby Snacks, reminded me of hearing the pulp fiction clip in my brothers room in the 90s. Chillis vibes. 3.5 if I could.
Magazine
3/5
6th June 2023
Listened on the way to meeting Harry at the Park Theatre to see Shape of Things.
Enjoyed this, moody and edgy indie punk record. 3.5 if I could.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
7th June 2023
Listened in the office and finished while working from home the next day. Went to see Oklahoma in the evening which was incredible.
This album has everything. Sleaze, drawl, dark blues riffs, upbeat country tunes, it’s pure Stones.
Os Mutantes
3/5
8th June 2023
Listened while working from home. Hypnobirthing and painting in the evening.
Enjoyed the combination of big band, salsa and off kilter rock. An original record, 3.5 if I could.
Van Morrison
5/5
9th June 2023
Listened during the day on Friday while getting the house ready for Godparent weekend 1 w Sav and Sally and Seb and Justo.
Loved this, made me want to listen to more of him. Played him all weekend! Now see where Nathaniel came from.
The Pretty Things
3/5
12th June 2023
Listened half on Monday and half on Tuesday. Worked from home and played Hogwarts legacy in the evening.
Like the strange forgotten stoner brother of the Beatles and the Stones. 2.5 if I could.
The Shamen
1/5
13th June 2023
Listened across 2 days - working from home and painting, out with Cox, Dan and Ben in the evening at the Woolpack.
Bit of a chore. Not in the right headspace, but not my bag. Electro albums are good for background focus music or getting nailed in a field.
3/5
14th June 2023
Listened on the way back from the office. Came home and watched Sisu.
Heady, hazy, heated summery funk. I could feel the limbs going by the river.
MC Solaar
4/5
15th June 2023
Listened mainly on the way to picking a Jen up from Stroud station. Chilled evening having had the carpet in the hall fitted.
Really enjoyed this! Funky, French rap.
The Replacements
3/5
16th June 2023
Listened during the day while watching the ashes, doing bits of work and chilling. Stayed in and watched X men in the evening before Ebbs’ wedding over the weekend.
It’s got a wit and a youthful exuberance to it which I enjoyed.
a-ha
3/5
19th June 2023
Listened half on Monday but finished on Tuesday morning. Ashes, chilled evening watching Mario bros movie and playing PS5. Was the night we heard someone shouting outside.
80s synth pop legends, this album is dramatic, lush and feverful (?!). 3.5 if I could.
Goldfrapp
4/5
20th June 2023
Listened during the day while working from home and a little in the evening. Chilled evening watched French Dispatch.
I loved this, it sounded like walking home on a summer evening.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
21st June 2023
Listened a day late in the office. Got second ear pierced and saw Ben and Nilisha in the evening.
I love this. Transported to a fireplace to listen to the tall tales of the band. 4.5 if I could.
Cornershop
4/5
22nd June 2023
Listened on the Friday not Thursday while working from home. Saw Ben and Nilisha after work Thursday evening which was great.
A cool mix of hazy instrumental, dancing indie and a classic in Asha. Sound a bit like Indian Eels.
Kings of Leon
5/5
23rd June 2023
Listened while driving to camping with Joe and Adna outside Leicester.
One of the cornerstones of my teenage years, an absolute stone cold banger.
David Bowie
4/5
27th June 2023
Listened during the day while working from home in the kitchen. Watched Glasto highlights and took the kitchen cupboards out.
Bowie showing his duality side by side. Pop star and artist. 4.5 if I could.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
27th June 2023
Listened a day late on the drive to and from Birmingham. Worked from home and pulled the kitchen out with dad.
Whimsical and idiosyncratic but always sincere
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
28th June 2023
Listened a day late on the drive to London. Was in Birmingham for comms away day.
Sounds like a folky Radiohead.
Venom
1/5
29th June 2023
Listened a day late throughout the day. Was in London for GD town hall.
god this was a slog.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
30th June 2023
Listened in the morning while reading empire on my phone cos I woke up at 6.
Was distracted obviously but didn’t think this was bad. French electro with a dash of funk and soul.
Keith Jarrett
5/5
3rd July 2023
Listened twice in the day while working from home. Went to see Indiana Jones with Ollie in the evening.
Loved this. Jazz piano that doesn’t sound like it, sounds like a Pixar soundtrack.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
4th July 2023
Finished in the office on Wednesday. Had Seb round, tried to sort the battery in the fiat in the rain.
too long and each is a vehicle for her voice which is very good.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
5th July 2023
Listened while in the office. Evening with Sav and Sally - love island and prawn pasta.
Enjoyed this, indie punk crossover. 3.5 if I could.
The Triffids
2/5
6th July 2023
Listened way late due to seeing Bruce in Hyde Park!
Not memorable but not terrible. 2.5 if I could.
Syd Barrett
3/5
7th July 2023
Listened in the morning before heading off to Barnett’s wedding.
Didn’t give it full attention so hard to judge but liked elements.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
10th July 2023
Listened a day late in the office. Pub with Cox and Georgia in the evening.
A really unique record with some interesting tracks blending hip hop, psychedelia and traditional Indian music. Not heard anything like it, enjoyable.
Liz Phair
3/5
11th July 2023
Listened during the day while working in the office on annual results call. Garden party in the evening.
Enjoyed this - vibey indie punk with a real feminine drive. 3.5 if I could.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
12th July 2023
Listened a day late in the morning while doing chores. Spent yesterday “working” and watching mission impossible 3. Did a tour of Glos hosp with Alice in the evening.
This was like listening to one long upbeat prayer.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
13th July 2023
Listened during the day while working from home. Chilled evening.
Caught up late with the rating so tough to remember but think it was solid 90s hip hop. 3.5 if I could.
Sepultura
1/5
14th July 2023
Listened on Monday cos Jen’s family came Friday and we were getting bits ready. Sheffield for Pulp on Saturday.
Jesus this was tough.
Grateful Dead
3/5
17th July 2023
Listened a day late on the drive to London. Worked from home and had Mary-Ruth, Stephen and Freddie over for supper.
Jazz, blues and folk riff freely off each other for an hour.
Louis Prima
4/5
18th July 2023
Listened on the drive back from the office. Team picnic in Holland Park then bits and pieces when home. Tax rebate.
Loved this, he’s warm and funny and we have one of these tracks on Dusty’s playlist.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
19th July 2023
Listened on the drive in to the office with Jen. Book club in trendy Paddington bar in the evening.
Perfect for an early morning sunny drive, chilled bossanova. 3.5 if I could.
Hot Chip
4/5
21st July 2023
Listened across the weekend, Jen’s parents come to stay Friday and dad’s party Saturday.
I love Hot Chip, I think they manage to create a sound which spans electro, house and northern soul. Instantly recognisable.
4/5
24th July 2023
Listened while working from home with Jen’s parents staying. Falcon for dinner in the evening.
Big, camp and very dramatic - sometimes sounds like an 80s video game opera.
Bad Brains
2/5
26th July 2023
Listened on the journey into the office. Back home and hung with Dougs in the evening.
Short sharp blast of punk with a reggae twist. Can see the origins of Green day in here. 2.5 if I could.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
27th July 2023
Listened during the day while not working from home. Life admin day, car seat etc. Dad desk, fajitas and devil wears prada in the evening.
Soulful and funky with some serious political heft behind it as Sly was going through his things.
Goldie
2/5
28th July 2023
Listened throughout the day on Friday. Went to watch Oppenheimer then out to dinner in Cheltenham.
Live yes. Listening as a full album no.
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
31st July 2023
Listened throughout the day while working from home. Barbie with Seb at Tivoli in the evening.
No thanks. Can see links with bands like My Chemical Romance but not my bag.
Neil Young
4/5
1st August 2023
Haven’t listened yet, been meaning to put it on the new record player. But I know it’s a classic full of bangers.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
2nd August 2023.
Caught up late cos busy with London and too many podcasts.
I try to understand what people like about albums like this. Jazz, prog, folk, it’s just a mess. No.
Iggy Pop
4/5
3rd August 2023
Still majorly out of the loop and a few days behind but will catch up today.
This is a punchy, dark fit of a record as Pop drawls and yelps his way through. 4.5 if I could.
Lana Del Rey
4/5
4th August 2023
Listened days late, still catching up.
Loved this, ephemeral songwriting with wispy and gutsy singing from Lana. You can tell she’d been listening to Joni, not just by the cover at the end.
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
7th August 2023
Listened late as still catching up. All been lazy days while we wait for baby.
At first I thought I would hate this and would be a real slog, but with beats from Afro, ska, reggae and Motown blending with atmospheric electro it was a welcome surprise. Blade runner vibes. 3.5 if I could.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
8th August 2023
Listened a day late still catching up.
Same as yesterday, thought I would be another prog rock struggle but it was groovy and emotional. Plus it helps that the 17 minute epic on side 2 was the garden of Eden song from the simpsons. 3.5 if I could.
Big Black
2/5
9th August 2023
Had to listen on YouTube cos not on Spotify. Took about 3 days, not due to length of album.
Very strange one, elements of it i liked but overall it was not good. In bits It’s squashy and funky and hard, in others it’s noise.
The Darkness
4/5
10th August 2023
Listened a day or so late, all these are out of whack. We’re doing nothing while waiting for baby.
A classic of my youth, camp glam rock was brought back in a big way for a year. Thing called love was ubiquitous.
Nanci Griffith
4/5
11th August 2023
Listened during the day while on the way to and from mum and dad’s, saw Rowie in the pub.
Loved this, beautiful folk album.
New York Dolls
3/5
14th August 2023
All out of time again. Think I listened a day late.
Punky glam rock with heavy Lou Reed influences. Quite enjoyed it. 3.5 if I could.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
15th August 2023
Listened a couple of days late throughout the day after D was born!
Surprisingly edited this Indian movie soundtrack. Shades of Tarantino with trad Indian vibes. 3.5 if I could.
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
16th August 2023
Listened a couple of days late cos this was Dusty’s birthday!! He’s here!
Interstate how wide reaching this album is in terms of influence. It’s made up of lots of components which come together to tell a dark story with moody French narration.
Stereo MC's
3/5
17th August 2023
Listened a day late cos of Dusty and Sheppeck’s staying.
90s dance hip hop, can hear the influence of US rap and how this must have influenced UK garage and hip hop of the early noughties. 3.5 if I could.
Brian Wilson
4/5
18th August 2023
Listened with a sleepy Dusty in the living room. Everything has changed.
Maybe the timing or how I listened to it, but this album felt relaxing and a conversation between fathers and children. Both innocent and menacing.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
21st August 2023
Listened during the day! Whoop! Went in to Stroud mat and saw Tess, then home and chill. Had Dusty for a crying hour.
Liked this more than I thought, there’s the one classic then she adds weight by discussing women’s sexual rights and racism in history.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
22nd August 2023
Listened in the morning in bed while having a sleepy baby on me. Who knows how we fill our days now!
Powerfully political soul, the title of the album perfectly captures the laid back friendly engagement with the political cry.
The Icarus Line
2/5
24th August 2023
Listened during the day, managed a gym session then home.
An impression of Iggy. 2.5 if I could.
Beastie Boys
4/5
24th August 2023
Listened during the day, pub and then more pub with Johnny.
Beasties graduate to include a bit of bossanova jazz to their sound.
Peter Frampton
3/5
25th August 2023
Listened during the day on Saturday while driving to and from Cheltenham for windows and football with Barnett.
Couple of classics on here (Simpsons do you feel) and frampton is a superb musician with a great voice. Spans quiet folk and exploratory heavier tracks.
Beck
4/5
28th August 2023
Listened during the day before going to the Prince Albert to meet parent crew.
Couple of classics on here, Beck is a brilliant songwriter and musician.
The Police
3/5
30th August 2023
Listened during morning mainly with Dusty on the bed. Seb in the evening, steak at the falcon.
Sting mixes reggae and world music beats into conventional rock and roll to great effect. 3.5 if I could.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
30th August 2023
Listened during the day - took Dusty to be registered, first bath and had tomari g.
Some stone cold classics elevate an otherwise pedestrian album. But what classics, the song crafting is great.
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
1st September 2023
Took 4 days to complete this. Really enjoyed it at first, liked the range of styles and the humour (shades of Beirut) but the length of time has knocked it down for me.
Sebadoh
2/5
1st September 2023
Caught up over the weekend - Cox and Georgia on Saturday in Stroud market and Tess and Ollie on Sunday with a bit of Barnett’s in Cheltenham.
Grungy indie with screaming vocals, Jen really not a fan.
Bert Jansch
4/5
4th September 2023
Listened during the day while having a chilled one.
Really liked this, classy blues folk with some absolutely delicious guitar playing.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
6th September 2023
Listened mainly on the drive to and from Costco.
Christina brings her pop vocal prowess to play with a big band. Results are strong.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
7th September 2023
Listened while painting and scraping the front door in the blazing heat. Cheltenham then mum and dad’s.
I liked this, reeks of 60s R&R with the dark, psychedelic edge.
Frank Black
2/5
8th September 2023
Listened during the day while cleaning the house. Parents with Nick and Ana in the evening.
Solid if unforgettable, some songs very Pixies some a bit more left field and heavier. 2.5 if I could.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
11th September 2023
Listened across 2 days cos it’s half on Spotify. Chilled day with a gym visit.
Can hear shades of Tommy James and the Shondells, lightweight pop punk. 2.5 if I could.
The Fall
3/5
12th September 2023
Listened during the day. Went to the gym, Jonesy round to do the garden and Chris came to visit.
An eclectic record with a bizarre House ending. Mark E Smith is a legend for a reason.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
13th September 2023
Listened in the day while driving to and from Stroud for peek a boo. Dad came to fix radiator.
Love a bit of Creedance, very underrated band.
The Saints
2/5
14th September 2023
Listened during the day. Can’t remember what we did! Baby innit.
Punk rock with a brass section - should be all over this but felt incoherent. 2.5 if I could.
Scritti Politti
2/5
15th September 2023
Listened in the day, Mary Ruth and Rosie came round. Fish and chips in the evening.
Classic 80s pop sound like wham and bananarama. 2.5 if I could.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
18th September 2023
Catching up, I’m a week behind due to having Stu and Laura staying with us.
Ice Cube
4/5
19th September 2023
Listened to all of these late due to Stu and Laura, mainly on the drive back from Norfolk but this was in Cheltenham on birthday day.
Banging 90s rap and hip hop.
Maxwell
2/5
20th September 2023
Same as before catching up late on the drive home.
Started promisingly with vibey soul but didn’t deliver overall. 2.5 if I could.
Green Day
5/5
21st September 2023
Listened on the drive home from Norfolk.
One of the albums of my teenage years!
The Coral
3/5
22nd September 2023
Listened on the drive back from Norfolk.
Very eclectic album with one era defining single. Under multiple listens would probably be higher scoring.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
23rd September 2033
Listened on the Thursday after cos of catching up on everything.
I loved this, hard blues mixed with Genesis like whimsy.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
26th September 2023
Listened on the way to Costco a day late. Visit to nursery in the afternoon.
College sounding 90s punk with brass. 2.5 if I could.
Moby Grape
4/5
27th September 2023
Listened the day after with Andy visiting.
From memory it was great, rock and roll with a blues tinge.
Tim Buckley
4/5
28th September 2023
Can’t remember when I listened to this or what we were doing that day but I remember loving this.
Primal Scream
3/5
29th September 2023
Definitely the dates are out here, but listened to this around the 2nd October after the head wetting.
Not what you’d except from Primal Scream, experimental with hints of Talking Heads.
Coldcut
3/5
2nd October 2023
Listened on the 4th while sorting the house.
Perfect housework music which will have given this a higher score than it otherwise might have got.