708
Albums Rated
3.05
Average Rating
65%
Complete
381 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Country
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
13
5-Star Albums
24
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close To The Edge | 5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
| John Prine | 5 | 3.22 | +1.78 |
| American Beauty | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| Achtung Baby | 5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| The Yes Album | 5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
| Haunted Dancehall | 4 | 2.37 | +1.63 |
| 2112 | 5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
| So | 5 | 3.55 | +1.45 |
| OK | 4 | 2.57 | +1.43 |
| Tragic Songs of Life | 4 | 2.58 | +1.42 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| good kid, m.A.A.d city | 1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
| Straight Outta Compton | 1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
| My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy | 1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
| Ready To Die | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
| The Downward Spiral | 1 | 3.35 | -2.35 |
| The Chronic | 1 | 3.33 | -2.33 |
| The College Dropout | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
| The Slim Shady LP | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| Under Construction | 1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
| Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde | 1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| U2 | 3 | 4.67 |
| Yes | 2 | 5 |
| Rush | 2 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kanye West | 3 | 1 |
| Missy Elliott | 2 | 1.5 |
| Ice Cube | 2 | 1.5 |
| Sonic Youth | 4 | 2 |
| Aerosmith | 3 | 2 |
| Tim Buckley | 3 | 2 |
5-Star Albums (13)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Peter Gabriel
5/5
The music on So is world-building, creating a large, almost tangible experience. Take the epic opening track, "Red Rain", to see how large, energetic, yet melancholic the listening experience can be. The tracks invite you in to their own world, yet Peter's voice sounds natural, not constructed, as if he is next to you as he sings. The selection of backing vocals and guest musicials add to both the largeness of the overall experience, and the intimacy of the lyrics. There are clever lyrics with a lot of imagery. I tend to like the the moodier songs on this album. Perhaps it's because I've heard some of the upbeat tracks more often. I've heard all of Peter Gabriel's albums up to this album, and several albums after So. I've listened to this album several times. I've listened to the individual tracks even more often - EVERY. SINGLE. TRACK. How could I not give this 5 stars. There's nothing to skip.
40 likes
KISS
1/5
For several of the tracks, you can listen to about one-third of the song and you've heard everything. The remaining two-thirds is just recycling. No thanks. The album feels like a characature of a Rock and Roll band, but without much Rock and Roll in the musicianship. Two out of ten tracks were on the verge of catching my attention. That is not enough to distract from the terrile lyrics of most of the songs. The lyrics emphasize a lot of what I don't like about KISS - trying say "I am SO great" soaked in sleaze. The music fits in with the charicatures they played on the stage. Did the drummer, sitting behind the drums for most/all of the show really wear platform shoes too? Congratulations KISS, you earned my first 1 star rating.
14 likes
Ice T
1/5
I was not excited to see O.G. Original Gangster come up in my recommendations. I have no interest in listening to someone else's anger, bragging, and chest-thumping. I'm sure "being tough" has probably worked out well for Ice T, but I don't need to hear about it. His acting carerr has given him a place to keep the tough-guy thing going. Ice T's rhymes are moderate, but even when he gets an interesting rhythm going the lyrics range between bleh and solidly landing in exactly what I don't want to listen to. The video for "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)" is a concise example of why I don't like Ice-T: trying to impress by talking about money and cars, the surrounding people trying to create an atmosphere to impress, and a gold chain with gold gun on his neck. Both Ice T and I can admit that this record was not written for me. I was happy when this record was over.
11 likes
The Rolling Stones
2/5
There are two songs on this album that I am very familiar with, and the rest of the songs on the album are easily identifiable as the Rolling Stones. This album is a good representation of the problems I have with the Rolling Stones. Beggars Banquet has an interesting mix of music, including a solid amount of rock and roll that reaches into the blues and even some country. The Stones are good musicians and wrote some catchy songs. But, once the lyrics settle in my ears, I can only think about what a creep Mick Jagger is. I can find rock and roll elsewhere and easily not listen to the Stones. It's too bad that it wasn't the Beatles who had a chance to play well into their old age.
11 likes
Big Star
2/5
When there are 1001 albums on the list, there are bound to be several albums that I won't be able to explain why they are on the list. This was a first listen to a band I've never heard of. This isn't the worst album I've heard so far, but it didn't even make it to "okay".
6 likes
1-Star Albums (24)
All Ratings
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
"Everydays" might be the only track that sounded familiar to me. I'm not sure if I've heard "Bluebird" before or if it just sounds like Buffalo Springfield. I like Buffalo Springfield in general. This album sounds good enough.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
This album bordered on getting a 2. There are elements (e.g. Flea's bass work) that I liked about many of the tracks, and some tracks that I liked in general. As a whole, I wouldn't put this album on to play. Lyrics on tracks like "Suck My Kiss" almost sank this album from a 3.
The Cure
4/5
I love "A Forest", and the whole album sounds like it could have been built around "A Forest". My 2nd favorite track is probably "Play for Today". This album would be easy to slip into for background music or for a deep listen with headphones on in the dark. This album is probably between 4 and 4.5
Kraftwerk
4/5
I would play this album again. The last 4 tracks, from "Metal on Metal" through "Endless Endless", was may favorite portion of the album. The first track, "Europe Endless", felt like the typical sound from Kraftwork to me (in a good way). Track 2, "The Hall of Mirrors", was the weakest spot for me on the album. Perhaps this was because of the almost spoken word portions. "The Hall of Mirrors" wouldn't prevent me from putting this album on again. Between 3.75 and 4.25
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
This is an album I've already listened to, and I'll listen to it again. There is something about James Murphy's voice, his delivery, and the rest of the music that comes with it. In general I like LCD Soundsystem. I like this album too. "Someone Great" is my favorite track. On it's own, I would give "Someone Great" 5 stars. "Us vs. Them", "All My Friends", "Watch the Tapes", and "Get Innocuous!" deserve some attention as well. There are a couple of tracks that are "okay", but the album works as a whole. I would give this album 4.25 stars
Grateful Dead
5/5
I was happy when I saw this album as today's recommendation. I own this album, and it is my favorite album from the Grateful Dead. The songs have elements of folk, americana, and country. My two favorite tracks are "Box of Rain" and "Ripple". I've learned to play both on the guitar (with varying success). Individually, each of these tracks would get 5 stars from me. "Box of Rain" and "Ripple" have lyrics that tumble around in my head every time I listen to them. I would not say that I know exactly what the lyrics mean, but at the same time they feel meaningful to me. All together, the album works as a whole and is definitively a 5 for me. (Perhaps 4.6 to 4.75 at the lowest?)
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
This was my first listen to this album. The music was fine, but I don't see myself listening to it again, a firm 3 for me. I don't see myself listening to any of the individual tracks again either. "Go West" is the only track on this album that I remember hearing before, but it was hard to miss if you were around in he early 90s.
B.B. King
4/5
The album starts out upbeat. I enjoyed B.B. King's performance style. He almost has a conversation with the audience as he talks in between songs. The album slides from one track into the next, linked by B.B.'s narration. I recognized one track, "How Blue Can You Get", because it was sampled for the song "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand" by Primitive Radio Gods (1996). I'm pretty sure I've never heard the original song before. The rest of the album was 100% new to me. There are a couple tracks that I'd have a hard time listening to with my daughters in the room, because of the way B.B. talks about his ideal woman. Nothing crazy, but I would never sing along to those lyrics. Overall I liked the music and the performances. The album is borderline between a 3 and 4. I could see myself listening to the album again at least once, so that makes it a 4.
Jeff Beck
2/5
The music was okay. I am not a fan of Rod Stewart's voice. This album is a "No" for me.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
The album was fine, but none of the tracks felt like something that I would want to play again individually. "Sara" was the only track that sounded familiar. I did not like several tracks ("What Makes You Think You're the One", "Not That Funny", "Tusk"). Even though there are some tracks where you can hear the quality of Stevie Nicks' voice ("Honey Hi",
"Beautiful Child", "Walk a Thin Line"), her voice isn't strong enough to carry the weaker portions of this double album. This was a solid 3 - there was stuff I liked, but would not listen to the album as a whole again. Most of the tracks scored a 3 as well.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I remember when Chemical Brothers were emerging into the music scene. I didn't listen to them much, but I remember "Leave Home". I may know some of the other songs, but after a while it's a little hard to distinguish one song from the next. Would I listen to this again? Maybe not. There are some interesting sounds, on some of the tracks and the album does okay for me as some background music. I liked some tracks: "Three Little Birdies Down Beat", "Chemical Beats", "Chico's Groove". As a whole, the album gets a 3.
KISS
1/5
For several of the tracks, you can listen to about one-third of the song and you've heard everything. The remaining two-thirds is just recycling. No thanks. The album feels like a characature of a Rock and Roll band, but without much Rock and Roll in the musicianship. Two out of ten tracks were on the verge of catching my attention. That is not enough to distract from the terrile lyrics of most of the songs. The lyrics emphasize a lot of what I don't like about KISS - trying say "I am SO great" soaked in sleaze. The music fits in with the charicatures they played on the stage. Did the drummer, sitting behind the drums for most/all of the show really wear platform shoes too? Congratulations KISS, you earned my first 1 star rating.
Love
3/5
This was the first album where I didn't know anything about the band, or any of the tracks on the album. Through either the music or the lyrics it was quickly apparent that this album was from the late 60s or early 70s. As I listened to the first track, the lead singer reminded me of the lead singer from the Moody Blues. The horns on some of the tracks reminded me of early Chicago. There were tracks that I liked ("Alone Again Or", "The Daily Planet").
There were tracks that I didn't like so much ("Andmoreagain", "The Red Telephone"), and overall the album gets a 3. As if the album was making sure that I had a full experience, it finishes with "You Set the Scene", which is full of lyrics that had me asking '¿what?', and I don't understand. For example:
"There's a private in my boat and he wears
Pins instead of medals on his coat
There's a chicken in my nest and she won't
Lay until I've given her my best"
¿Do I want to know? At first glance, the rest of the lyrics weren't clearing anything up for me either.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
I know one song from this band. That song wasn't on this album. That's most of what I have to say about this album. There were a couple sections that were a definite "no" and the remainder felt like "meh". Sounds like a 2 to me.
Depeche Mode
3/5
I've never heard this album as a whole before, but I've heard a few of the tracks many times. This album was so big when it came out, it was hard to avoid. Violator is a darker version of Depeche Mode than their earliest work. Their debut album "Speak & Spell" almost has a pop music sound compared to the somber and sometimes creepy tones of "Violator". The opening track, "World in My Eyes", is dark musically and lyrically. This song gives me the creeps. There are some tracks that I would listen to again (4 stars). "Enjoy the Silence" is my favorite track on the album. "Personal Jesus", and "Policy of Truth" round out a trio of tracks that I would repeat. On a side note, Johnny Cash's cover of "Personal Jesus" is worth checking out. His cover carries a portion of the same somber mood as this album. Even if I didn't find "World in My Eyes" so creepy (2 stars), this album would get the same score from me overall (3 stars, but solidly in the 3s).
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
Youssou N'Dour's voice is familiar to me through his work with Peter Gabriel on various albums and live performances. The music is mostly okay. I wasn't sure how to rate this album, so I listened again. At almost the same spot in the third track out of four, I checked to see how long until the album was done. There are a few points in the last two tracks where I'm done listening. I guess that makes this a 2.
Tom Waits
3/5
Sometimes I think that I want to like Tom Waits more. I've heard a few individual tracks from Waits, but never a close listen and never a full album. I'm still not sure if I do or should like Waits. The interesting bassline in "'Til the Money Runs Out" might be the track that keeps this album well into the 3-star range. "Downtown" and "Jersey Girl" weren't bad for my first listen either.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
There is a certain energy in his performances, and his recognizable voice make it easy for me to say that I like Elvis Costello. I’ve heard a lot of songs from Costello before, but up until now, I think that the only album I’ve listened to is a greatest hits compilation. Hearing this studio album was a pleasant surprise. About 1/4 of the tracks are, “I WILL listen to this song again” (5 stars), 1/4 are “I WOULD listen to this song again” (4 stars) and rest of the album was at least likeable (3 stars). There were familiar tracks that I still like ("Oliver's Army", "Accidents Will Happen", and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" <-- the album I listened to contained this additional track from the US / Canadian release). Interestingly enough, my favorite track was "Green Shirt", which I don't think I've ever heard before. "Busy Bodies" was also a pleasant surprise. My least favorite track was "Sunday's Best". I would listen to this album again as a whole (4 stars).
Nico
2/5
Nope. I didn't like the music. I didn't like the quality of the vocals. The melodies as they are sung are uneventful and droning, to the point that the whole album feels sad and flat. I was unfamiliar with Nico, and the music. One listen seems like it was enough.
David Bowie
3/5
Yes, I'm very familiar with the title track, but everything else was new to me. "V-2 Schneider" is the track I'll most likely listen to again. "Sons of the Silent Age" was the only track that I was tempted to skip. Overall the album was good. One of the surprises for me was the number of instrumental tracks. Bowie’s voice is so recognizable, and it was surprising to hear that it was absent from a string of tracks. "Sense of Doubt", "Moss Garden", and "Neuköln" had a hint of progressive rock to them, while still sounding like they belonged on the same album as "Heroes". I might not listen to the whole album again, so I'll settle with 3 stars.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
"Tightrope" might be the only track I've heard from this album, but it's not the only track I've heard from Monáe. This album was a happy surprise, with and overall happy sound and several tracks that I really enjoyed. Monáe frequently reaches back to earlier say close enough.
New Order
4/5
I was happy to see this album come up. I haven't listened to this album before, but I do like New Order. The first two tracks are the most familiar to me, and are tracks that I would listen to again. The album worked as a whole for me. I would give this album somewhere between 3.7 and 4.0 stars.
The Who
3/5
With 32 tracks there were many songs that I like from the Who. I would have preferred listening to the studio recordings, rather than live. I also have a hard time with a few of the tracks from Tommy, and this concert was essentially Tommy + additional tracks. "My Generation" was a fun listen, to hear the collaboration between each of the band members. "I Can't Explain" was also good. There were tracks that reminded me of other bands who were around at the same time as the who. For instance, "A Quick One, While He's Away" reminded me of the Beach Boys. This album let the music from the Who express a little bit more of the context of music of their time.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
"Television, the Drug of the Nation" was the only song that sounded familiar. This was a new album and artist for me. I liked it more than I thought I would. The opening track, "Satanic Reverses" was my favorite track, followed by "Television...". Some of the tracks were hard to distinguish from the next track. It was good to hear this album, but I'm not sure that I'd listen to the whole thing all at once again.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I've never heard this album, but I've heard a few of the tracks and songs that have sampled from these tracks. My favorite track from this first listen was the instrumental "Contusion", followed by "Sir Duke" and "Have a Talk With God". I don't see myself sitting down to listen to the whole album again. 3 stars. (On a side note, ¿How could Coolio be upset about Weird Al's parody of "Gangsta's Paradise", when Coolio sampled SO MUCH of Stevie's "Pastime Paradise"?)
Neil Young
4/5
Yes, I was expecting to see a Neil Young album on this list.
No, I was not expecting an album that I've never heard of. I don't think I knew any of the tracks either.
The music was good. After a first listen, I would listen to this album again (4 stars). "Walk On" and "Ambulance Blues" might be my favorite tracks.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Before this, I could have told you that Jeff Buckley is a musician. If I was truly pressed, I might have remembered that Buckley perhaps has the most popular cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" which is on this album (and is a great track). The music on Grace is okay. The lyrics to some of the tracks are not for me. 3 stars
M.I.A.
2/5
Interesting, but I don't think that this was made for me. "Paper Planes" was familiar and is the track closest to getting a repeat listen.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
It is amazing that this is their 2nd album. So many great tracks. John Bonham and John Paul Jones deserve more praise. The drum and bass work on this album are fantastic. There is one track on this album that, for me, has has permanently painted Robert Plant as a creep. My enjoyment of Led Zeppelin in general is dragged down by this sense of Plant's creepiness. Bleh. That being said, tracks like "Ramble On" (my favorite from this album -- listen to the bass lines), "Thank You" (my 2nd fav), "What Is and What Should Never Be", and "Moby Dick" keep this album at 4 stars.
Tom Waits
3/5
I'm still new to Tom Waits, and I'm not sure if I should like him more than I do. This album is getting 3 stars because of rounding - and an assumption that the album might grow on me a little after a second listen.
Barry Adamson
3/5
A new artist and new music for me. Most of the tracks got an "okay" rating from me (3 stars). "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Pelvis" would get a second listen from me (4 stars), but "It's Business as Usual" and "Vermillion Kisses" were oddities that got a firm "I don't like this" (1 star). I'm not sure if the two bad tracks can sink the whole album. I guess I'll give the album an "okay" (3 stars).
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
I like Belle and Sebastian. I liked this album. Yes, I would listen to this again. 4 stars.
Potential favorite tracks (but this was only a first listen): "My Wandering Days Are Over", "I Don't Love Anyone", "She's Losing It".
Merle Haggard
3/5
I liked it. Did I like it more because I haven't listened to any classic country in such a long time. I don't remember hearing any of the songs before, but I am familiar with Haggard's voice and other music. On first listen, I liked "My Rough and Rowdy Ways" the most. This album is borderline 4 stars, I MIGHT listen to this album again.
Tricky
2/5
There are sounds on this album that remind me of Garbage, perhaps some Cocteau Twins or Portishead, and a hint of Prodigy - definitely a mid-90s sound. There were some okay tracks, but there were also some tracks I definitely did not like. 2 stars
The Cure
5/5
This is my favorite album from the Cure. Go ahead. Put on some headphones (this is a headphones kind of album), sit in a dark room and just listen. The album is filled overlapping waves of sound that can fill a room. The album is dark, but comfortable.
Favorite tracks include "Lullaby", "Fascination Street", "Pictures of You", "Plainsong", and "Disintigration". I will listen to this one again, and I might make someone listen with me. 5 stars
fIREHOSE
3/5
I had never heard of this band before, and none of the songs sounded familiar. There were some tracks that I found interesting and enjoyable, and others that I would not listen to again.
Paul Simon
5/5
There are a few albums that you can play and listen all the way through, without feeling like skipping any tracks. This is one of those albums. I love this album. The music is great, and the lyrics are clever and often playful. I love the contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who help create some of my favorite tracks on this album ("Homeless", "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"). I also love the great hamonies from Linda Ronstadt on "Under African Skies". I've heard "You Can Call Me Al" so many times, and I'm not tired of it yet. This is an album that I recommend and share.
Green Day
4/5
I think I've heard all of Dookie (it was everywhere in '94). I own Nimrod ('97). I had heard "American Idiot", "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", and "Wake Me Up When September Ends" off of this album, but that might be it. I liked the album. I'd listen to it again.
Paul Weller
3/5
The artist and the music was new for me. There were elements of Weller's voice (and sometimes the music) that reminded of Steven Stills, with occasional shifts to something similar to the lead singer from Collective Soul. The music was fine, but nothing stood out on my first listen.
Soft Cell
2/5
I don't know if I've ever heard anything besides "Tainted Love". The extended version of "Tainted Love" is the best, but the extended version is not on this album. Most of the music was good enough. A significant portion of the content of the lyrics is not for me, dragging this album down from a 3 to a 2. The short version of "Tainted Love" couldn't keep this album afloat.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
I listened to the original version of this album with 7 tracks, but I put the extended album in a back-up playlist to listen to later. I wasn't expecting to hear so much of a blues sound, but the album sounds like the Allman Brothers. "Whipping Post" might be the only track on this album that I have heard before, but even this version was different than what I've heard before. My two favorite tracks were "Hot 'Lanta" (in part because of the keyboards), and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" (an excellent composition by Dickey Betts).
Joni Mitchell
4/5
This was a new album for me. I am familiar with several songs from Mitchell, but "River" might be the only track on this album that I've heard before. This album felt like it had an overall theme, without being monotonous. Mitchell's voice is great. I'd listen to this album again. (4.5 stars)
James Brown
3/5
I know who James Brown is, of course, but I don't think I had heard any of the songs from this album. I'm curious as to where this performance fits within context of Brown's career as a whole. I was surprised how short some of the tracks were, especially for a live performance. "Lost Someone" is the longest track, and has some of the back and forth between Brown and the audience that you might expect with a live performance. This album is fine, but I'm not sure if I'd listen to it again. 3 stars
Ghostface Killah
1/5
Something I like: The Wu-Tang Clan Name Generator
https://wutangclan.net/name-generator/
Something I do not like: This album
Talk Talk
2/5
"Life's What You Make It" is the one track I was familiar with. The voice of the lead singer is unmistakable and easily recognizable on each track, but apparently Talk Talk is not for me.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
I have never heard of the artist or any of the music. There was this strange wibble-wobble noise that found its way into the background of ¿half? of the tracks. I think I like some psychodelic music, but the first listen of this album came up with 2 stars.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
"Immigrant Song" is a great way to start an album. The rest of the album wasn't familiar to me. "Tangerine", "That's the Way", "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" are probably worth a re-listen, but the album as a whole was only okay.
The Stranglers
2/5
I don't think I've every heard anything from or about The Stranglers. "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)", and "Hanging Around" hinted at giving the band a second chance for a follow up listen, but it only felt like a hint. There were some tracks that I definitely didn't like. Another entry, where I'd like to know why they're on the 1,001. There probably is a reason, but it wasn't apparent from my first listen.
Le Tigre
3/5
First listen and I have no prior knowledge of this band or their music. Le Tigre has some elements that remind me of other things (¿from the 90s?) that I have listened to, but I'm not quite sure what. ¿Luscious Jackson? ¿Veruca Salt? ¿Utah Phillips? The album was fine.
Big Star
2/5
When there are 1001 albums on the list, there are bound to be several albums that I won't be able to explain why they are on the list. This was a first listen to a band I've never heard of. This isn't the worst album I've heard so far, but it didn't even make it to "okay".
3/5
I like Bob Dylan. This album sounds very much like Bob Dylan. I've heard other albums by Dylan, but this album was new to me. I am familiar with studio recordings of several of the tracks, but otherwise the tracks on this album were new to me. I liked Side B of the album a little more than Side A. Based on this first experience, I don't see myself coming back for a second listen.
Femi Kuti
3/5
I have heard of Femi Kuti before, but I can't say if I've ever listened to any of his music all the way through. "Frustrations" was the track I enjoyed the most, followed by the fun little funk of "Nawa (Intro)". A few tracks kept this album in the 3 star range.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I knew the name of the band, but I'm not sure if I've ever taken time to listen to any of their music. On my first listen, "Soon" was the track I liked the most, and "I Only Said" was the track I wished would end sooner. Perhaps on a second listen, I might think that this album was more enjoyable. Either way, this feels like a 3-star album.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
My familiarity with Cohen only gets a little further than Hallelujah. I was surprised by the first track,
with the synthesizer sound that feels very much like the 80s. The first track sounded familiar too, but everthing else was a new listen. "Jazz Police" is the track that is holding this album down just below 3 stars. The rest of the album is okay, including some tracks that are barely in the "okay" range. It was my first listen, but "Jazz Police" feels like I would want to skip the track every time. The backing vocals... yeesh.
Justice
4/5
This was a first listen to a band I don't know. "D.A.N.C.E." was the one track that I've heard a version of somewhere. "One Minute to Midnight" is the track that got my highest rating. "The Party" was my least favorite. I enjoyed listening to the album enough that I think that I may have to turn the 3.5 stars into a full 4 star rating.
Pulp
4/5
I think that my introduction to Pulp was hearing William Shatner's cover of "Common People". I like both versions. As soon as I heard the first track on this album, I knew that I was listening to the band who is responsible for "Common People". "I Spy" was my least favorite track, but even with that I have feeling I probably would listen to this album again. I enjoyed the listen. 3.6 stars
Pink Floyd
5/5
This is one of my all-time favorite albums, from one of my all-time favorite bands. I can't say how many times I have heard this album. I will listen to this album again. You should listen to this album with headphones on, the way it was meant to be.
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
A new band and new music for me. There was some okay stuff, but this album wasn't for me.
Magazine
3/5
This was a first time listen to a band I do not know. There were some elements that reminded me of other stuff I've listened to, but I can't quite pin down what it is. Another album where I don't have enough context to know why it's on this list. On fist listen, the music was fine (3 stars).
The Police
4/5
I own this album, but I haven't listened to it in a long time. Some of the more popular tracks have accumulated a little more baggage for me, which keeps this from scoring a 5. I still like this album. I have heard every album from the Police (there are only 5), and Synchronicity is the band at their best. My favorite tracks are "Synchronicity II", "King of Pain", and "Walking in Your Footsteps". The album is oddly dark, but the Police find so many new and different sounds. I would listen to this album again, but if you were in the car with me I would probably skip "Mother" for your sake. I don't think that "Mother" is very far off in it's mood compared to the rest of the odd darkness of this album. ¿Does Andy need some help?
Dire Straits
4/5
I'm a big fan of Mark Knopfler in general. I probably haven't listened to this album from start to finish since the 90s, but I have probably listened to half of the tracks on this album within the last 6 months. "Brothers in Arms" might be my favorite track on the album. I would listen to this album again (4.5 stars)
Kanye West
1/5
Yes, I've heard of Kanye (that quote about George Bush, but Kanye's still willing to wear a silly red hat). No, I don't think that I've listened to any of his music. This album did not do Kanye any favors. The content of the lyrics... yeesh. No reason to listen to this. There's musical talent, but apparently the album gave room for a full expression of Kanye's character.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
I've never heard of the band or any of the music on this album. By the time I got to "If you were a horse I'd clean the crap out of your stable..." I was confident that I did not like this album. I didn't find anything that changed my mind after that.
Elis Regina
2/5
This was a first listen to an artist that I don’t know. Elis is talented, but the album wasn’t for me.
Sebadoh
3/5
A new band for me, and none of the music sounded familiar. The album squeaks in at an "okay" (3 stars). "Soul and Fire" and "Think (Let Tomorrow Bee)" might be worth a second list, while my least favorite was "Elixir is Zog"
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I was surprised how much of this album sounds like early rock and roll. "Out of Time" is a good example of the older sound. "Goin' Home" gives a taste of the Stones' experimentation with the blues that I believe was part of the origin of the band. The more well known singles ("Mother's Little Helper", and "Under My Thumb") contrast with the rest of the album, having a more advanced sound of Rock and Roll that I most often think of when it comes to the Rolling Stones. This album is at the edge of being "okay", but I think I would listen to it again.
10cc
3/5
I may have heard of this band, but only maybe. This was new music for me. There were some elements that reminded me of some progressive rock that I have listened to. In the end, I was left trying to decide if I didn't like the album or if I just didn't know what to do with the album. "Clockwork Creep" and "Baron Samedi" fit somewhere in between weird and strange. 2.5 rounds up to 3 stars I guess.
Richard Thompson
4/5
When this album came up, I knew that I know some of Thompsons music. I tried to remember what I've heard before. I don't think it was anything from this album. I have listened to several tracks from Thompson, but I've never heard a full album. This was a solid, and enjoyable experience. "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight" was my favorite track. I would listen to this album again.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
This is a new artist and new music for me. Some of the tracks remind me of things that I listen to. "No Sympathy" starts off sounding like a something from Phish in the mid-nineties, finishing with a twist ending (not so much like Phish). "Juxtapozed with U" reminded me of some of the music from Damon Albarn and the Gorillaz. "Alternate Route to Vulcan Street" was a good way to start the album. We'll call that track my "favorite" for the album. The album was interesting enough that I'd probably listen again. (3.5 stars)
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
I don't think I've heard of this band before, and all of the music seemed new. There was some decent rock on this album. There were tracks that hinted at hair metal of the 80s ("Strange Boys Play Weird Openings") and other tracks that fit in with tracks from Billy Idol ("Back to Mystery City"). The album was okay, but I don't think I'd ever sit down to listen to the whole album again.
The Pretty Things
3/5
This was a new band and new music for me. "S.F. Sorrow Is Born" was my favorite track, which I'd listen to again. I heard hints of the Beatles, the Kinks and Pink Floyd in a few of songs. "Old Man Going" reminded me of some of the psychodelic music I'm familiar with from the 60s. The album was okay.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I don't know what to do with Leonard. He's a clever writer, but I never quite feel like I need more of his music. Some of the backing vocals cement this album into a earlier time, and this album has a number of strange songs to women. "So Long, Marianne" and "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong" came closest to being a potential repeat listen. This album took some work to get through. I don't feel like rounding up --> 2 stars
Steely Dan
3/5
This is the first time I've listened to a full album from Steely Dan. I've heard several songs from Steely Dan, but I was never sure if I liked the band or not. I'm still not sure. I have heard two songs from this album before ("Bodhisattva", "My Old School"). "Your Gold Teeth" got me tapping along as the music played. "Show Biz Kids" was the track that had me saying 'no, thanks'. I'm still not sure about Steely Dan. This album gets an "it's okay... I guess".
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
I've seen Badly Drawn Boy in concert and I know several of the tracks off of this album. I don't think I've listened to the album as a whole before. With 18 tracks, perhaps it's a little tough to get the album above a 4. I would listen to this album again. "Once Around the Block" is probably my favorite track.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I will listen to "Superstion" every time it comes on. The rest of the album... I guess it's okay. I don't think I have heard any of the other songs before. With only a first listen, there might be stuff I'm missing. 3 stars
Billy Bragg
4/5
This is the album that introduced me to Billy Bragg. I think I already knew Wilco because of Uncle Tupelo. I like Billy Bragg. I’m a big fan of Wilco, Natalie Merchant and Woody Guthrie. I have occasionally put “California Stars” to memory enough to play it in the guitar. I wonder how come I don’t have a copy of this album anymore. “Way Over Yonder...” and “Birds and Ships” are my next favorite songs. I saw them play “Way Over Yonder...” live on Letterman
The Monks
2/5
I do not know this band or any of their music. A couple of times the music tempted me to like a track, and then the lyrics would kick in. The subject matter and the delivery of the lyrics keeps this album in the "dis-like" category.
The Specials
3/5
I wasn't sure if I had heard of the Specials before or not. I am familiar with the first track, "A Message to You, Rudy", which i rated as the track I like the most from the album. "You're Wondering Now" was in second place. The album is good, but I'm not sure I'd listen to the whole thing again.
Sonic Youth
2/5
This is the second album that I've listened to from Sonic Youth, and both were suggested in this list. "Kool Thing" was the one track I was familiar with, and the track is okay. The track "Mildred Pierce" is a good metaphor for the album - there are elements, and sometimes long sections of the music that I like, but by the end I can definitely say "NOPE! not for me".
The Birthday Party
1/5
I have never heard of The Birthday Party or any of the music on the album. This was hard enough to get through that the album is getting 1 star.
Iggy Pop
3/5
If I had to pick my favorite work from Iggy Pop, it would be from his role on "The Adventures of Pete and Pete". I know songs from Iggy Pop, like "Lust for Life" and "The Passenger", as well as some familiarity with him as an artist. This was my first time listening to a full album from Pop. It gets the "okay, I guess". I had no idea that Bowie helped create so much of this album.
The Black Crowes
3/5
I have heard several tracks from the band over the years, but nothing has piqued enough interest to get me to listen to more. No change of opinion. The musicians are talented, but for me this album is "okay".
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I like Neil Young. I have his "Harvest" and "Harvest Moon" albums. I think I like at least something from every one of Neil Young's colaborations, but I couldn't tell you when a song is from Neil Young & Crazy Horse, or when it's just a Neil Young song. "Cinnamon Girl" and "Down by the River" were the familiar tracks for me from this album. This felt like a solid album that I would listen to again.
Beth Orton
3/5
I think I've heard something from Beth Orton before, but I'm not sure what it is. I don't think it was on this album. "Stolen Car" was the closest to sounding familiar. This album sounds like it would have been played by some of the radio stations I listened to in the late 90s, but it also sounds like stuff from the late 90s. I didn't find any new favorite tracks, but there wasn't anything that I definitely disliked either. (3 stars.)
Talvin Singh
4/5
This album was a new artist and new music for me. I liked the album, in part because it was a chance to listen to something different than I would normally listen to. Based on a first listen, the album as a whole may not get replayed, but there were tracks that I wouldn't mind hearing again. This album got enough for 3.5 stars (round up to 4)
The Youngbloods
3/5
The band and the music are new to me. Some of the music remined me of Van Morrison. I could tell that the album comes from the late 60s, but I'm not quite sure how to categorize the music. "Trillium" and "On Sir Francis Drake" caught my attention, and are potential repeats. I enjoyed listening to something new. I would be curious to hear additional tracks from the band, but I don't imagine returning to this album for a second listen any time soon.
Public Enemy
2/5
I've heard of this album. I've heard of this band. I've seen a lot from Flava Flav post Public Enemy's prime. Before looking up the album to play, I did not remember that any of these things belong together. "Fight the Power" might be the only song I've heard of. I can't decide if "911 is a Joke" is familiar or if it's just because it's Flav that it sounds familiar. Most of the tracks just kind of ran together. There were some okay elements, but I don't think this album was for me.
Maxwell
2/5
I vaguely remember Maxwell being part of the current music scene at some point. I don't know if I've heard a full song from him before, but I was pretty sure back then that Maxwell is not for me. In general, I want to listen to about 0% of the "oo, baby oo" songs. This album was a solid 2 for me (I did not like it). The one song that has even the possibility of a replay was "The Urban Theme" and it was an instrumental. The music wasn't enough to get me past anything with lyrics.
Fela Kuti
3/5
I've heard several tracks with Ginger Baker in Cream, but I'm not sure how much I've heard from Fela Kuti other than his name. I've never listened to a full album from either artist. There was an enjoyable funk to each track. "Ye Ye De Smell" was the one (out of four tracks) that I enjoyed the most on first listen. I'm not sure this album is calling me back to a second listen any time soon, but I was happy to listen to the music the first time through.
Carole King
3/5
Carole King is one of those artists that I have heard several tracks from, and I know that they are talented and deserve praise. I know that this is a landmark album, but I started today's listen with a sense of resignation... "I guess I'm listening to this today". The music is good, a solid 3 stars. I know some of the lyrics to at least 4 or 5 of the tracks on this album. I just don't imagine a second listen of this album any time soon.
Pere Ubu
2/5
This is a first time listen to a band I've never heard of. There are elements that reminded me of the Talking Heads and the Art Rock of the early 70s. I'm not sure what to do with this album. It was interesting, and I'm glad that I got to hear something new. I'm not sure if I liked it enough to give it 3 stars, but I'm judging the album as a whole
The Saints
3/5
A new band and new music for me. I hear some things that remind me of something coming some where in between the Ramones, the New York Dolls and maybe the Strokes? Nothing stood out as being great or bad. The album was fine.
Pavement
2/5
I had to look through their singles to figure out where I had heard of the band before - Nickel Creek covered one of their songs. I don't know if I have heard any of this band's music before. I don't think I liked the album. Some okay tracks, and some I definitely didn't like.
Meat Loaf
2/5
When this suggestion came up, I was happy that it wasn't "Bat Out of Hell II" and I wasn't going to have to listen to "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)". I still wasn't happy that this album came up as a suggestion. I have heard enough of Meat Loaf's music to know that his music is overly dramatic and generally not my preference. Listening to the whole album did not improve my impression of Meat Loaf. Most of the album scored at best 2 stars (did not like), but "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" is at least as dumb as "I'd Do Anything for Love...", and deserves 1 star (because there is no 0).
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
I think that "Legend" and "Natural Mystic" are the only albums from Bob Marley that I've heard all the way through, and they are 'greatest hits' compilations. It was good to listen to an album that isn't a compilation. The one song I've heard before many times, "No Woman No Cry", wasn't even the version I'm most familiar with. My favorites from the album are "Lively Up Yourself" and "So Jah Seh". This album is right on the edge of 'I MIGHT listen to this again', so for today I'm going round up and say 4 stars.
Nirvana
4/5
My favorite versions of "Come as You Are" and "All Apologies" are on this album. Overall, this is a solid live album, especially considering that Nirvana played the whole show on acoustic instruments. Even the selection of tracks shows that the band was trying to do something different but representative of their style of music.
Bee Gees
3/5
I knew the disco friendly version of the Bee Gees is only a part of their work, but I had never heard much outside of their disco era. The Bee Gees use 17 tracks to give you a wide variety of musical styles that seems to sample from a selecton of what was popular at the time. There were things that reminded me of the Moody Blues version of prog rock, other songs that seemed to hint at the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and early Pink Floyd. "Marley Purt Drive" sounds like it could have been played by the Band. "Give Your Best" relies on some country fiddle and a backing banjo. The connecting link to most of the music is the backing orchestra on most of the tracks. The album was interesting and worth a listen, but some of the sweepingly dramatic orchestration and some warbly vocals (e.g. Robin singing lead on "Lamplight") would keep me from putting this album on for a full re-listen.
Can
3/5
New band, new music. "Halleluhwah" might be my favorite track because of the funk groove from the bass and drums early in the song. "Halleluhwah" as a stand out favorite is interesting because the track takes up one whole side of this double album. "Peking O" is an example of a track that I'm not sure what to do with. The track starts out with hints of a latin swing that turns into a bit of jibberish, on off into some other experiment before it's over. There were some elements of the album that I did not like, but most of it was okay.
David Bowie
2/5
I'm familiar with individual tracks from Bowie, such as "Young Americans" and "Fame" from this album. I haven't listened to full albums. A little much on the saxophone, a few creepy lyrics and an overall sound that doesn't draw me in. I hate these albums where I'm not sure if it's "okay" (3 stars) or if I didn't like it enough to say "don't like" (2 stars)
Amy Winehouse
3/5
I haven't heard much from Winehouse outside of "Rehab". It was good to hear a full album. "Rehab" and "Back to Black" are tracks that I would listen to again. The rest of the album is good enough. For me a few tracks ran together. The album works as a whole, but it also means that some parts of the album didn't stand out for me.
Arcade Fire
4/5
There is a possibility that I've listened to this album before. Arcade Fire is a band that I wonder why I don't like more. I admire a lot about their musicianship, and what they've done. I just haven't caught that sense of "oh, I need to hear some AF right now". The album is good. "Rebellion (Lies)" is my favorite. There weren't any tracks that I didn't like. This album probably squeaks in to the category of "I'd listen again"
UB40
3/5
Of course I remember a couple of popular songs from UB40 from the late 80s. It was good to hear this album, because my primary exposure to UB40 was through their cover songs. The album was good enough. I think I liked the instrumentals the most ("12 bar" and "25%"), but there wasn't anything that I disliked. There was at least one cover song on this album, which was probably my least favorite track ("Strange Fruit"). (3 stars) [I listened to the Cassette version of this album which has ¿3? more tracks than the LP -- "Strange Fruit" wasn't on the LP.]
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
My best guess is that I've probably heard of something from this band, but maybe it wasn't from this album. The lyrics sank this album from almost being okay to low enough to get a "nope" from me. There is interesting music, but I generally have a hard time with lyrics that brag, and curse all at the same time. The music wasn't good enough to over look the lyrics. The pop culture references feel outdated too.
The Zombies
3/5
Of course I am familiar with the Zombies' most popular track ("Time of the Season"), which is on this album. The rest of the album was new to me. Musically the album is solid as a whole. The music had a psychodelic side, with elements that reminded me of the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas, and even Belle and Sebastian. My favorite tracks were "Care of Cell 44", and "This Will Be Our Year". ¿Where all of the songs about girls?
Public Enemy
3/5
Sure. Fine. Another album from Public Enemy. I don't think I've heard any of the songs before. It was okay. I probably should have given their previous album 3 stars too.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
I've seen Franz Ferdinand in concert, but as one of the opening acts for The Cure. "Take Me Out" is the one song I can realiably attribute to the band. The album was good, but I still don't feel much of a draw to listen to the musc again. "The Dark of the Matinée", "This Fire", and "Come on Home" are potential tracks worth a second listen.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
I have heard a few tracks from Jennings, but I'm most familiar with his later career - "Willie, Waylon and the boys" - and that only in passing. All of the tracks on Honky Tonk Heroes were new to me. I enjoyed hearing a whole album, and I liked the music. The simple, but prominant, basslines were distracting sometimes. "You Asked Me To" and "Ain't No God in Mexico" grabbed my attention the most. This album is right on the edge between 3 and 4 stars. Perhaps Jennings' performance is enough reason to round up? --- it's 3.5 stars people, three-and-a-half.
David Bowie
3/5
Of course I know David Bowie, but I think every track on this album was new to me. It was different than what I've heard from Bowie before. "Weeping Wall" almost sounds like Prog Rock. I have no idea what "Warszawa" was supposed to be (weird). "Sound and Vision" came up as the favorite from this album, but overall this album gets an official "okay".
Fishbone
2/5
I'm sure I've heard something from Fishbone before, but I could not tell you what. I want to like Fishbone, but I don't think I do.
Donald Fagen
4/5
I've heard several tracks from Steely Dan, and I knew enough to recognize Donald Fagen's name as a part of the band. As I listened, I would have thought that this album was from Steely Dan, if I hadn't seen the name of the artist. "I.G.Y." sounded familiar to me, and is a track that I'd probably play again. I'm not sure if I'm familiar with "New Frontier" or if the track just sounds like Donald Fagen's work. I'm not a particular fan of Fagen, but I think I enjoyed this listen. Some albums BARELY squeak into the 3 category. I think this one squeaked into a 4.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Joan Armatrading's name was familiar, but I couldn't tell you if I've heard any of her music. "Love and Affection" is the track on this album that I've heard before. This was a good suggestion, and a solid album all the way through.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Well... I didn't dislike it. A new band and new music for me. I'm not sure if I can pick anything that would stand out to me about the band or the music. It sounded like the 90s.
Willie Nelson
3/5
I was surprised that an album of covers was my first recommendation for Willie Nelson. This was the first album I had to read about after listening to it. (This was the 193rd album that I've reviewed from the 1001 albums generator".) I had previously heard two or three tracks from this album. The album sounds like a Willie Nelson album. "Stardust" and "Blue Skies'' were my favorite tracks. I don't ever like "Unchained Melody" no matter who sings it. There are tracks I like, but the album as a whole gets 3 stars.
Metallica
2/5
Hearing some early Metallica with Cliff Burton was interesting, but I don't see listening to this music by my own choice. The title track verged on being okay. There is enough "meedly-meedly-mee" from Kirk Hammett to keep Strong Bad happy. The "chug-chug-chug" that drives extended sections of most (¿all?) tracks wears out my patience. Metallica is not for me.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
I'm not sure if I've heard of this band before or not. The music was new to me, but definitely sounded like it was produced in the 90s. Nothing spectacular, but I didn't hate it. Here's to "okay".
Iron Maiden
2/5
I don't think I've heard a complete track from Iron Maiden. I've seen a lot of posters and album covers. Some tracks were passable. A couple I definitely didn't like - I think there was an attempt at too much drama for me. There was a lot from this album that reminded me of the Argentinian band Rata Blanca. Iron Maiden sounds like they were a big influence on Rata Blanca's 'Magos, Espadas y Rosas', which came out 10 years after 'Iron Maiden'.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I wish I could listen to Elvis without all of the image of poor impersonators coming to mind. The album is good. "Tryin' to Get to You" and "Money Honey" are the two tracks that I might listen to again. "Tutti Fruitti" sounds better from Little Richard. There were a couple tracks that I'd want to skip. This album gets an official "it's okay".
Mike Ladd
2/5
I had no idea what to expect from this album - new artist and new music to me. This album was a mix of okay tracks, tracks with good music but lyrics that I didn't like, a couple tracks I didn't like at all, and a couple tracks that I'd listen to again ("Wipe Out on the Wave of Armageddon", and "To the Moon's Contractor"). With only a first listen, this album feels like 2 stars.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
I've heard a couple of songs from Isaac Hayes, but all of this album was new to me. I'm tempted to listen to "Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic" again, because I'm sure I missed something in there. Hayes did say 'medulla oblongata' at some point in that song. The music was interesting too. "One Woman" wasn't quite my style, and the LONG spoken intro to "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (9 of the 18 minutes) keeps this album in the "it's okay" category.
Air
4/5
I've probably listened to something from Air before, but I can't say what. There was something familiar from the track "Highschool Lover", but the rest of the album was new to me. No tracks stood out prominantly as something I should come back to individually. The album as a whole was a collection of interesting sounds that I would revisit. The last track, "Suicide Underground" is the one track that I felt like skipping.
Madonna
2/5
This review is not about whether or not I can understand that someone might like this music. This review is whether or not I like this music. I just don't want to listen to Madonna. I was surprised that only three of the tracks were clearly familiar to me. Either way, I could happily avoid hearing more from Madonna. "Oh, please no" was a common thought throughout my listen.
The Prodigy
2/5
Prior to listenign to this album I was familiar with a few tracks from Prodigy. I thought that some of what I heard previously was okay, and some of it I did not like. Listening to this album did not change my opinion. The further I got in to the album, the more I was ready for the album to be over. I would not listen to the whole album again.
The Byrds
3/5
This album had solid examples of the vocal harmonies and jangly guitar that typifies music from the Byrds, I think that all of the tracks were new to me. I've never heard more than a few songs from the Byrds, and probably music prior to this album. The album was worth a listen. I marked "Change is Now" as a track to come back to. I'm not sure what to do with "Dolphin's Smile". This album almost gets a pass into the "I'd listen to this again", but I don't think it quite makes it there.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
I don't think I liked this one. I have never heard of the band, nor any of the tracks. The album started out with a sound that hinted at the Squeeze. By the end the album had settled in closer sounding like Talk-Talk or Spandau Ballet -- just not what I'm interested in. I don't think I'm far enough from the 80s to enjoy this one.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
I'm not 100% sure, but I think I've listened to this entire album before. There are tracks that I like and would listen to again ("Femme Fatale", "Sunday Morning"), and most of the album is good enough. Two tracks have so much added noise ("European Son", "Heroin") that I wouldn't want to put this album on again. Most of the tracks were good, but if I'm rating the album as a whole - "no thanks, it's not for me."
Black Sabbath
3/5
I've heard a few tracks from Black Sabbath many times, and two of their albums all the way through at least once. This album was new music to me. The album was good, but nothing stood out as iconic as their other works. I'm not sure if 'iconic' is a measure of the quality of the music, or if 'iconic' is just a sum of the pop-culture weight that has accumulated over time to some of Black Sabbath's music.
Wire
3/5
New band and new music for me. I'm curious as to where this album fits with punk and the rest of the music scene at the time of it's release. There wasn't anything that stood out in particular to me, good or bad. With some of the tracks being so short, I may need to listen again just to make sure I heard everything.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
The band and the music were new for me. This was an interesting recommendation, with a mix of punk and new wave to the music. It felt like the music could fit in on a playlist with the Talking Heads, the B-52's, and the Pixies, while not being far away from the sounds of more well known punk bands like the Sex Pistols. A punk-ish sound that included saxophone was unexpected. The album was okay, but my individual track ratings started to dip as the album went on. I didn't hear enough variety with my first listen.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
New artist, new music. I'm not sure how to even classify this album. The music shuffled between a mild "okay" and "¿whuh?" Saxophone squonks and back-masked lyrics. If I had to label this, I would call it a "nope".
Taylor Swift
4/5
A disclaimer of sorts: I am the father of three girls with the youngest born the year before this album came out. I've heard the singles and a couple other tracks MANY times (and it's been a generally enjoyable experience). There are some tracks that automatically call back to hearing a two-year old singing along from her car seat. "Style" and "Clean" are two tracks that I would recommend a listen to, if you want to hear a track that might be new to you. This was my first listen to the entire album, but this is one that definitely has a place at our house. I'd probably listen to it again. Here's another tangent - My oldest was surprised and a little confused when I played Ryan Adams' version of "Blank Space" - that was fun.
Dr. Octagon
1/5
Welcome to the first album I did not finish. I liked some of the music at first, but the lyrics and content quickly sent this listening experience in to the trash heap. No thanks.
Laibach
2/5
I did not know about this band or the music. After listening I don't know much more other than that I did not like this album. There might have been some music that was reaching for "okay", but I couldn't get past the back-of-the-throat, frog-like croaking for the vocals. At least I wasn't mad that I gave the album a listen. (I'm looking at you Dr. Octagon).
The Doors
2/5
There was a time when I would choose to listen to The Doors. I've heard a few of the tracks on this album so many times. I don't believe I've heard this album as a whole before. There were some tracks that seemed like they were new to me. With enough time listening to and seeing performances from Jim Morrison, I can't get past feeling like Morrison was just a creepy letch. Some of the lyrics are definitely sung by a creepy letch. The tracks that possibly aren't so creepy still hang on to that uncertain feeling that I'll figure out what the songs really mean, and it just took me a while to realize that Morrison is just being a creep again. I do love the work on the keyboards fom Ray Manzarek. "Riders on the Storm" is the prime example of what Manzarek can do, and it is a track that I will go back to. Other tracks on the album keep me listening just for Manzarek's contribution. There are tracks on the album that I know I would skip every time ("Been Down So Long", "Crawling King Snake"). Knowing that I would skip at least 2 or 3 tracks keeps the album below the line for "okay".
The Undertones
3/5
New band, new music for me. The opening track sounded like it was related to music that I would listen to. A couple of songs I'm not sure about, but we'll give this album an "okay"
Lauryn Hill
3/5
When I was in university, you didn't have to go far to find a copy of this album in someone's apartment. It's possible that the only song I've heard off of this album is "Doo Wop". "Doo Wop" was a good choice for a single off of this album. Hill is not my taste in music, but the album is good.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
This is the 4th album by Leonard Cohen for me to review on this list. The recommendation came up earlier, but it took me a while to review the album. I was not looking forward to listening. The first track, "Avalanche" and "Joan of Arc" showed some potential to possibly grow on me. "Famous Blue Raincoat" got an 'okay' from me too. There may be room for my appreciation of individual tracks to grow, but by the end of the album I am still left with the feeling that I should skip Cohen. I wouldn't listen to this album again.
Lou Reed
3/5
On my own I don't really listen to Lou Reed. In general, there are a few things that I like from Reed, and a bunch of stuff that I would be fine not listening to. This was an interesting listen. Most of the music was okay. A few of the songs had some odd background audio, and I wasn't sure what I thought of some of the backing from instruments from the orchestra. Maybe I'd get more out of it on a second listen. The album probably hangs on to an official "okay"
Dirty Projectors
4/5
I've heard of the Dirty Projectors, but I wasn't sure if I've heard any of their music. I've probably heard at least one of their Tiny Desk Concerts. I wasn't sure if "Stillness Is the Move" was a track I've heard before, or if some of the sounds used on the record just remind me of other music. Most of the album felt that way - new music to me but with hints of sounds I've heard before. This isn't bad. The album was put together in a way that I think that it qualifies as a potential re-listen of the whole album.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I'm not sure if I've heard this album all the way through or not. There are several tracks I can sing along with, and just as many that seemed like a first listen. I like Simon and Garfunkel. I would choose to listen to this album again.
Joy Division
4/5
I like Joy Division, but I'm not sure if I've heard anything from this album before. All of the music was good enough. It would be easy to put this album on again for another listen.
Boston
3/5
I've heard this album before, and many of the tracks SO MANY times. There are songs and sounds that are worth checking out. A little surprisingly, I had to admit that this album didn't reach the "I'd listen to this again" level. The music is good, but I think there are too many versions of "hey girl, I'm so cool, so be with me" in the lyrics.
Pixies
3/5
I liked this album better than "Surfer Rosa", which has my favorite track from the Pixies. I knew three tracks from Doolittle, which were my favorites from this review: "Wave of Mutilation", "Here Comes Your Man" & "Monkey Gone to Heaven". The album had a level of noise that you'd expect from the Pixies, but a couple tracks ("Tame", "Crackity Jones") were noisy and chaotic enough to dip down into the "no thanks" category. I liked the album, but probably won't come back for a full re-listen.
The Temptations
4/5
Yes, I've heard of the Temptations but I couldn't list any of their records off of the top of my head. Yes, I've heard "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", but I haven't heard this version. Maybe I've never heard the Temptations' version of the song. I think all of the tracks on this album were new to me. This was a good album to listen to. "Cloud Nine" has a great intro, and was a great way to start the album. I'm sure there are tracks that deserve a second listen to get a full appreciation of the album. I'd listen to this album again.the tracks on this album were new to me. This was a good album to listen to. "Cloud Nine" has a great intro, and was a great way to start the album. I'm sure there tracks that deserve a second listen to get a full appreciation of the album. I'd listen to this album again.
David Gray
4/5
I found the track "Babylon" a few months before it was in regular rotation on the radio. I listened to that track again and again. I was curious about the rest of the album and was happy to find that "Babylon" was not an outlier. The album works as a whole. "Babylon" is still my favorite, with "Please Forgive Me" and "Silver Lining" as a good follow up. I would listen to this album again.
Faust
4/5
New band and new music for me. I'm not sure where to place this music. I enjoyed having a chance to listen to something new. "Krautrock" was a good introductory track, and there wasn't anything I dis-liked. "Giggy Smile" had some sections with saxophone that didn't quite work for me, and I would have skipped some of the background noise on "It's a Bit of a Pain". The album wasn't a clear favorite, but it was good enough that I'm curious what I might discover with a second listen.
The Kinks
4/5
I like the Kinks, and have listened to several of their songs multiple times. The only track that I knew off of this album is "Waterloo Sunset" which is a track that I pull up from time to time. Most of the album was okay, but I think that I like this album enough that it creeps over the edge enough to give the album 4 stars.
Saint Etienne
4/5
I've heard the name Saint Etienne, but I had to look it up to see if it was a single person or a band. I enjoyed the recommendation. The album sounded different than stuff I would normally listen to, but with some overlap to music that I choose to listen to. "People Get Real" and "London Belongs to Me" were the tracks that stood out most as something I would listen to again. Perhaps the difficulty in trying to decide if I would play this album again is a sign that I should bump this album up above a simple "it was okay." There wasn't anything that I wanted to skip, and I am a little curious if there is anything more I might discover on a second listen.
The Smiths
4/5
I like the Smiths, and have heard many of their songs and a full album or two. I'm not sure if I've heard this album before, but I knew several tracks prior to listening to the album. "Cemetry Gates" is a potential new favorite, and "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" and "Bigmouth Strikes Again" are favorites that I've heard many times before. Compared to when I first listened to the Smiths, I have more questions about whether I like the content of the lyrics or not. For now, I'd listen to this album again.
Queen
3/5
Although I have heard many tracks from Queen, "Killer Queen" might be the only track I was familiar with prior to listening to this album. This album is a reminder that Brian May (lead guitar) is worth listening to. With some of the vocals given to others besides Mercury and allowing for solo work from May, this album has music that is not easily identified as music from Queen (e.g. "Tenement Funster"). I would be tempted to skip the last two tracks of this album, but they don't reduce my rating below 3 stars. No new favorites from this album, but I enjoyed listening.
Oasis
2/5
Definitely Maybe might be the first whole album I've listened to from Oasis. "Live Forever" is the only track from this album that I recognized, and it's okay. There are songs from Oasis that I like, but they are from different albums. None of the tracks from Definitely Maybe appeared to be a potential new favorite. Nearly all of the tracks on this album were backed by a constant, fuzzy, grinding rhythm guitar that wore me out about 2/3 of the way through the album. Individually, the tracks seemed okay, but as a whole the album drops below 3 stars. I was done with the album before I finished listening to the last track.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
I have never heard of Willie Colón & Rubén Blades before, and all of the music from Siembra was new to me. The album was okay. There wasn't anything in particular that I really liked or disliked. I may not have enough exposure to latinoamerican music to appreciate what is on this album. "Pedro Navaja" was the track that I liked the most, but none of the tracks really caught my attention.
Circle Jerks
1/5
I knew the name of the band but none of the music. 14 tracks in 15 min 25 sec. I didn't find anything I'd listen to again. There were tracks I would skip every time.
Stephen Stills
3/5
I probably like something from every band associated with Stephen Stills. "So Begins the Task" and "Johnny's Garden" were interesting enough to make me pause to see what track was playing. I heard some elements that made me think of Southern Rock. This album also includes some fiddle and pedal steel for an occasional classic country vibe. Overal the album was fine.
Metallica
2/5
This is the first time I've listened to a complete album from Metallica. My familiarity with Metallica centers on their Black album, fights with Napster, and the Metallica documentary from 2004. Was I listening to this album to experience the music or was I just trying to get through it? I felt like I kept getting distracted by thinking about a drummer who seems like a jerk, and a bullied bass player. Kirk Hammett has some skills. Between the lyrics and the delivery, whenever I listen to Metallica I end up asking myself, "¿What character is James Hetfield playing when he's singing these tracks?" I tried to be open. I don't think Metallica is my kind of music.
Björk
3/5
I have heard several tracks from Björk, but I'm not sure if I've ever listened to a full album. I liked this album. I have listened to the opening track "Human Behaviour" several times, and it is my favorite track from the album. There are some tracks that get a little distracting (the harp on "Like Someone in Love", and other tracks that feel lik they are a little dated (e.g. "One Day"), but I wouldn't say that I disliked anything from this album. This album has room to grow on me, but with this first listen I don't think it was enough to round up to a full 4 stars.
The Icarus Line
2/5
The album and the band were new to me. There were tracks (e.g. "Spike Island") that remended me of Stone Temple Pilots or sounded like The Icarus Line could have been an influence on STP. There was more noise on this album that I wanted to listen to. I was not expecting to hear saxophone in some of the tracks from this genre of music, but in the end it was just more noise. I didn't hate the album, but I didn't like it.
Elvis Presley
3/5
This is the second album from Elvis Presley for me to review on this list. "In the Ghetto" was the only song on this album that I know that I've heard before, and is a good example of how I feel about this album. The music is fine, but "In the Ghetto" has enough warble and melodrama in it, that I get stuck thinking about charicatures of Elvis rather than the music. I've had too much exposure to bad Elvis. This album has too much melodrama for me. "I'm Movin' On" is a good track, and has a similar groove as "A Little Less Conversation". Rounding up, I give this album a full "meh".
Van Morrison
4/5
If I haven't heard this album as a whole before, I've heard most of the tracks before. All of the tracks are good, and this would be an easy album to re-play. "Crazy Love" might be my favorite track, and there are some covers of the song that I like almost as much. Liking the covers is evidence of Van Morrison's talent for writing a good song. "Into the Mystic" is another favorite.
Raekwon
2/5
I couldn't get through this album. There is a surprising amount of repetition of a few "choice" words. Some of the beats were okay, but the samples and repeated sounds weren't enough to draw me in. The background music of an old Nintento game can be catchy and intersting at some level, but why would I choose to listen to that for 70 minutes? That's how I feel about this album. This music wasn't for me. The music did not draw me in, and the lyrics pushed me away. I give you permission to skip this one too.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
I have heard a few songs from Earth, Wind & Fire, but never a whole album. If the whole album was like "Shining Star" (a classic I know) and "Africano" (a new favorite for me), this album would easily get 4 stars from me. Songs like "All About Love", with it's spoken intro, and "Reasons", with falsetto singing that I had a hard time appreciating, got lower ratings individually. Still, the album was good enough for a listen from me.
Living Colour
4/5
I have listened to all of this album before. I liked it enough back then, that I listened to the next album too. I like "Cult of Personality" and "Glamour Boys" enough that they are on my 'I will listen to this again' list (5 stars). As a whole, my opinion of the album is still the same as it was when the album first came out. I like some tracks very much, but most of the album is okay (3 stars). With rounding, I guess the album gets 4.
James Taylor
4/5
Some of the tracks on this album I have heard dozens of times, and I'll still listen to them again. I haven't listened to James Taylor in a while. I had forgotten how much I like "Sweet Baby James" and "Country Road". "Fire and Rain" is a classic. Even though I'm not excited for every song on this album, it's easily a re-play for me.
The Shamen
2/5
Except for one track ("Move Any Mountain"), this was new music and a new band for me. This album sounded like a bridge between music from the 80s to early 90s. I heard elements that reminded me of Yazoo (Yaz) and Eurasure, but hints of EMF and Jesus Jones. The music seemed to fit in a little pocket in between EMF, Jesus Jones, Soup Dragons and Hudu Gurus on one side, and Yazoo (Yaz) and Eurasure on the other side (with C&C Music Factory and Information Society stopping in to say hello). I liked the album okay at first, but then the music started wearing on me. Did I not enjoy this album? OR Did I dislike the album? I think there were too many tracks that I would want to skip if someone played the full album for me again.
The Pogues
3/5
I may have only heard a few tracks from the Pogues, and never a full album. Overall, I think I like the Pogues. "Fairytale of New York" is the track from this album that I've heard several times before, and I like it. "If I Should Fall from Grace with God" and "The Broad Majestic Shannon" were other favorites. To me the Pogues (with their Celtic instrumentation) would fit in well with Great Big Sea, and the first album from the Crash Test Dummies. The Pogues add a punk feel to their delivery, and it was worth checking out the album as a whole.
Muddy Waters
4/5
I am familiar with Muddy Waters' name, but I couldn't tell you what his signature songs are or if I have heard them. The album was good enough. I've heard a version of "Got My Mojo Working", but I'm not sure if it was Waters or someone else. "Got My Mojo Working" and "I Feel So Good" were the highlights for me. I'd spin this record again.
Aerosmith
2/5
This is the second album that I have reviewed for Aerosmith as part of this list, even though it was suggested first. I've heard plenty of Aerosmith, including 3 or 4 whole albums, but none of the tracks on this album were familiar. I think I have developed an opinion about Aerosmith over time. In the past, there are albums that I would listen to, but I think I'm done. I did not like the album.
Green Day
3/5
When this album came out, you didn't have to go far to find someone with a copy of the album. Green Day's sound is easily recognizable, but "Longview", "Basket Case", and "When I Come Around" are the only tracks that I recognized having listed to before. I listened to the album back then, but wasn't sure if I liked the band or not. With a re-listen, this album still seems at best to be "okay".
John Prine
5/5
The first two songs I learned to play on the guitar are "Paradise" and "Angel From Montgomery". Prine is one of the great songwriters. For a debut album, you can see that he already had an old soul. I need to add "Hello in There" to my list of songs that I can play. (Brandi Carlile did a great version of that track on Colbert - check it out). I've heard this album all the way through more than once, and so many of the songs dozens of times. I was lucky enough to see Prine in concert once, and so many performances on TV. RIP John.
The Who
4/5
"I Can See For Miles" is the only song on this album that I've heard before, and the only song that sounded like what I typically think of when I think of the Who. That track, "Relax", and "Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand" are tracks I would easily go back to for a second listen. The rest of the album was at least okay. Again, this is another album that I'm not quite sure what to do with. I think there might be something to uncover for a second listen, so that might bump this up to 4 stars
Blur
3/5
Blur is a band that I like in general. There are several tracks by the band that are on my repeat playlist, including "Girls & Boys" from this album. That track as a rhythm that keeps me coming back. "This Is a Low" is a potential new favorite from the album. I have listened to all of this album before, but most of the album felt unfamiliar. I think that this album lands squarely at 3 stars... it was good, but nothing is calling me back for a full album re-listen
N.W.A.
1/5
Why would I listen to this? (I tried, but no).
Coldplay
4/5
I remember when this album came out. I bought this album, and I've seen Coldplay in concert. Every track on the album is good enough for a listen, and several are tracks that I choose to listen to again from time to time. This album is close, but I'm not quite sure if it gets a full five stars. (4.5 stars).
Violent Femmes
2/5
I've listened to this album many times, and I've seen the Violent Femmes in concert. It's been a while since I've last listened to this album, but I could still sing along with most of the lyrics. However, this is not the same album for me that it used to be. The music is really good, but I can't overlook the lyrics like I used to. The songs seem to originate from a point of a view of a high school punk without much regard for women. There are tracks on this album that I would skip for sure - every time. There is music that I still like from the Femmes, but I couldn't recommend this album.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
I enjoyed having a chance to hear a whole album from the Jefferson Airplane era. The album includes the psychodelic tracks I am familiar with ("White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love"). The album also contains tracks that draw own the folk and rock of its time. I was reminded of songs sung by Crosby, Stills, and Nash. "How Do You Feel" had some great vocal layers and seemed to echo "She's Got a Ticket to Ride" from the Beatles. "She Has Funny Cars" was a good groovy start to the album, and it is a shame that "Embryonic Journey" (my favorite track on the album) isn't longer. A different relase of this album includes 4 additional tracks that fit in with the original set. This album would be worth a second listen.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
I could name two songs by Adam & The Ants off of the top of my head. Neither of those tracks were on this album. I did not recognize any of the tracks, but the whole album sounded like what I remember from the band. Adam & The Ants has a particular drum sound and a complimentary rhythm to the vocals that was present on several tracks. The album brought back memories of early new wave. Based on this album, I would think that their live performances would have been energetic and fun. The album hinted at being worth a second listen, but there was a limited diversity in the music. I just wasn't paying as much attention to the album towards the end. There was at least one track that I'd probably skip. This album is officially "okay".
2/5
I am familiar with the tracks "The Look of Love" and "Poison Arrow". The rest of the album is similar. ABC has a very early 80s sound, but I don't think it's for me - too melodramatic. I've heard enough of ABC.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
New band and all new music to me. It was easy to recognize the era that this music comes from (60s psychodelia). No tracks stood out as potential additions to my personal playlist, and there wasn't anything that I wanted to skip. This album is officially okay.
Steve Earle
3/5
As a general rule, I like Steve Earle. I've heard a few songs here and there since the mid-90s and I've heard some performances for radio stations in his the more recent portion of his career, but I've never heard a full album. "Girls & Boys" was the track I liked the most from this listen. It had a good driving rhythm to it. Overall, the album was good, but I'm not sure if I will remember this album long enough to want to come back to it. I'd be happy to listen to more Steve Earle though, in general.
Bob Dylan
3/5
"Like a Rolling Stone" is the only track on this album that I was familiar with before listening. The album collectively is okay and there isn't anything that I felt like I would skip. I'm just not sure that I would want to come back for a second listen anytime soon. Bob, you did "okay".
Aphex Twin
3/5
I've listened to this album before, but not very closely. I played the album to provide some background music at work. During this second listen, I had to work at paying attention to each track, and appreciate what the music offers. I think I like the music, but based on my rating of the individual tracks this only gets 3 stars ("Green Calx" had some repeating sound effects that were too distracting). Even with only getting 3 stars, there is a chance I'll put this album on again.
Sonic Youth
2/5
I know of Sonic Youth. I have heard a song or two in passing, but I can't tell you anything other than that they are a band. I have now listened to an album, and I'm still not sure what I can tell you about the band. I didn't hate anything on the album. I'm not sure what this music is, or who listens to it. I would give the band a second chance with a different album or track, but so far Sonic Youth does not seem like it's music for me.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I've heard a variety of tracks and a couple of full albums from Simon & Garfunkel, but this album was mostly new to me. Some tracks I have heard many times before, but different renditions that what appears on this album ("Scarborough Fair/Canticle", "Homeward Bound", and "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)"). This album is much more solidly folk music than what I'm used to hearing from the band. "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" was an album favorite (and a moderately familiar track), along with the previously listed tracks. "Patterns" (with it's dying rats) and "A Poem on the Underground Wall" were just weird enough to keep this album squarely in the 'okay' zone.
The Who
3/5
Another album from the Who that I wasn't familiar with. It is interesting to hear a different sound from the band. The sound of early rock and roll comes through on a few songs, mixed in with some of what I'm more familiar with on songs like "My Generation" and "The Kids Are Alright". I didn't find any tracks that I would want to skip, but with my first listen I didn't come away with a feeling like I would be revisiting this album any time soon. "The Ox" might deserve a second listen. The album was good enough for 3.5 stars but not enough to round up to 4.
The Verve
3/5
I'm sure I've heard more than "Bitter Sweet Symphony" (not on this album) from the Verve. All of this music was new for me. "Brainstorm Interlude" got my highest rating, but overall none of the tracks stood out for good or for bad. The album was okay, but it won't take long for me to forget what I heard.
Talking Heads
4/5
I am a fan of the Talking Heads. This is the second recomendation for this band on this list, and I've heard a few other full albums from the band as well. I don't think I liked this album as much as the previous recommendation (More Songs About Buildings And Food), but I liked the album. "Once In a Lifetime" is one of my all-time favorite tracks from the band, and "Crosseyed and Painless" is another track that I would come back to. The remaining tracks felt new to me. "Born Under Punches" seemed like it had a strong connection to the live performances that followed this time... with a large supporting band and lots of interaction between the main members and the supporting band. I think because I am a fan of the Talking Heads in general, this album gets a slight boost to round up to 4 stars.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This album was almost all new music for me. I am familiar with "Help Me, Ronda" and have heard other bands also do a cover of "Do You Wanna Dance?" The Beach Boys, for me, are a band that may have been better if I could have heard them in context. There is a certain innocence to much of the content of the music. The focus on the life of a teenager and young girlfriends in song after song keeps this album from being more than just okay. "Don't Hurt My Little Sister" just feels too weird for a repeat listen. I respect the talents of Brian Wilson and the rest of the Beach Boys, but I don't see myself listening to this whole album again.
The Go-Go's
3/5
I definitely remember the singles off of this album. It was interesting to give the whole album a listen. "Can't Stop the World" was one of the new introductions to me that I though was pretty good. The track isn't alone. It is a solid album.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
This is the fourth album by Cohen that has been recommended by my feed. Cohen is a little bit like Bob Dylan for me. I think I like Cohen's song writing, but his singing not as much. All of the music was new to me off of this album. The one exception was "Bird on a Wire" which I've heard a cover of, ¿perhaps the Johnny Cash version? "Lady Midnight", "The Old Revolution", and "Story of Isaac" are tracks that I'd listen to again. The basslines of "Story of Isaac" brought me in to that song. Congratulations Leonard, another "okay" album
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
I'm not sure if I've ever heard of BPB before. All of the music was new for me. "A Minor Place" was my favorite track, and a good start to the album. The album was consistent and all of the tracks fit the same general mood. I liked the album, but towards the end it was harder to pay attention to each track. This was a good album.
The Smiths
4/5
"How Soon is Now?" might be my favorite song from the Smiths, and it was on the US release of this album. I will listen to that track every time. I have heard other albums by the Smiths all the way through, including some 'Best of...' albums. I don't think that I have listened to this album all the way through. Many of the tracks felt new to me, but with the familiar Smiths sound. I would listen to this album again.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
It took me a while to review The Köln Concert, because when I first looked for this album YouTube only had copies of other people playing Keith Jarrett's work. It seemed a shame to listen to someone else playing Jarrett's improvisations. I've never heard of Jarrett before. Culturally, I am quite ignorant when it comes to jazz, so this was all new music for me. If I hadn't read the description of the album, I don't know if I would have thought this was jazz - says someone who doesn't know anything about jazz. When the album was done, I was already curious as to what I might hear a second time through. Four stars from me.
Stereo MC's
3/5
Hearing the title track sent me straight back to the early 90s, with the alterantive dance / hip-hop music that was being played along side Big Audio Dynamite and EMF. "Connected" was the only track I recognized. "Pressure", "Don't Let Up", and "The End" had a good groove. The album was good.
Alice Cooper
2/5
My primary introduction to Alice Cooper was his appearance on the Muppet Show. He was creepy, but perhaps not creepy in the way he hoped to be creepy. I'm not sure how to deal with the character that Cooper is trying to portray. I have heard a few tracks from Cooper, including "No More Mr. Nice Guy" from this album. I haven't found anything I'd listen to again. "I Love the Dead" is completely committed to Cooper's shtick. I'm not sure how "Mary Ann" was ever recorded. All of the tracks, alone or combined, arrive at the same result for me - "no thanks".
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Most of what I have listened to from Bob Marley has come from compilation / best of albums. This was a new album for me, with only a couple of songs that were familiar ("Stir It Up" <-- a classic, "Kinky Reggae"). I like Bob Marley. I liked the album. I might listen to this album again sometime.
808 State
3/5
I had never heard of this band or their music before. I heard some elements that reminded me of the Pet Shop Boys. I heard some scratching that reminded me of early Run DMC records. I think I heard a swamp rave / dance party too. I labelled "808080808" as 'good' during my review. This album might just sneak in above "I did not hate it".
2Pac
2/5
I know about 2Pac as a part of pop culture, but I don't think I've heard any of his music. The album just ran together with no individual tracks standing out for good, and only a few that immediately stood out as something I did not like. The biggest problem for me is the subject matter and the language. This album was not made for me. Sometimes I sing along to music that I like. I could never sing along to any of this -- > I don't like this album.
Van Morrison
4/5
I'm not sure if I've listened to this album before or not. I know that this album is regularly cited as some of Van Morrison's best work. All the tracks felt new to me, but they also had a familiar 'Van Morrison' sound. I could easily listen to this album again.
Eels
4/5
I have been a fan of the Eels since I first saw the video for "Novocaine for the Soul", the first track from this album. I'll listen to that track every time it plays. I've seen the Eeels in concert once, and I've listened to at least a few of their albums all the way through. I'm not absolutely sure if I've listened to this album as a whole, but I know I've done repeat listens to later albums from the band. On this album, like the later albums, there is a bit of darkness to many of the tracks backed by gently up-beat music. All of the tracks on this album are good enough for a second listen. This album is easily a 4-star album for me.
The Waterboys
4/5
This album has what was probably the first song I ever heard from the Waterboys, "Fisherman's Blues", which was part of the "Waking Ned Divine" soundtrack. I may have listened to this album before, because of that movie, but nothing else sounded very familiar from the album. I like the mix of folk and celtic elements to the Waterboys' music. With rounding, this album probably slips into the 4 star range -- I'd probably listen to the album again.
Nine Inch Nails
1/5
This album was not for me. I've heard at least two tracks off of this album before, in addition to other tracks from the band. Some of the music I did not like and I did not like nearly all of the lyrics. I did like "A Warm Place" (no lyrics). Trent Reznor is talented, and I have liked some of the movie soundtracks he has created. The other track on this album that is good is "Hurt". Reznor's version is good, and I love Johnny Cash's cover of this track. Even with a couple of tracks that I like, the lyrics and much of the mood of this album sink the rating to 1 star.
Black Sabbath
3/5
I am somewhat familiar with the band, but "The Wizard" might be the only track I've heard from this album and that was earlier this year. I really like Tommy Iommi's guitar wark on tracks such as "The Wizard", "Sleeping Village" and "Warning". I did not enjoy the title track, and some of the vocals to other tracks. The album was okay, but I don't see myself tempted to listen again.
Aerosmith
2/5
I listened to this album once after finding R.E.M.'s cover of the title track. Many "top album" lists of the 70s include this record. This album is a solid example of the best musicianship from the band. My favorite track by Aerosmith ("Sweet Emotion") is on this album. I have heard at least one other album in full from Aerosmith, and a variety of their singles. The music on the album is good, but I can't seem to get past the lyrics that I know or my suspicions of what may be in the lyrics that I don't know. Repeated exposure to Steven Tyler further cements his place in my mind as a creep -ick. The music gets 4 stars, but the album as a whole gets 2.
Supergrass
4/5
I'm not sure if I've heard of this band before. All of the music was new to me. Occassionally the vocals reminded me of Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins). From time to time the music reminded me a little of a few other bands from the 90s like Beck, Oasis, or the Dandy Warhols. This album sounds like it would have fit in with any of those bands. I liked the album overall. Every track was at least "okay". "Cheapskate" and "Sun Hits the Sky" were my favorite tracks. This album is 3.5 stars --> rounding up to 4.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
I remember when this album came out and I am familiar with several of the tracks from this album. By the time Californication was released, I think I had heard enough Red Hot Chili Peppers to last my lifetime. "Scar Tissue" and "Otherside" verge on tracks that I might like, but by the end of listening to the whole album I still feel like I have had enough of RHCP. ¿Is it the vocals that sink the album below being okay?
Funkadelic
2/5
I've heard of Funkadelic and other George Clinton projects. I'm not sure if I've heard any tracks specifically from Funkadelic or not. All of the tracks on this album were new to me. Most of the individual tracks were okay, but the first track on the B-side was enough to sink the album as a whole. I would not listen to this album again.
Muddy Waters
3/5
Muddy Waters is a familiar name to me, but I'm not sure how much of his music I've heard. I enjoyed this album. I like Muddy's voice. "Crosseyed Cat" was my favorite track, followed by "Deep Down in Florida". Perhaps if I knew more about the blues, I would appreciate more of the album. The album was good, but I don't know that I will remember this album well enough to come back for a second listen.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I've listened to this album at least once before, and some of the tracks more than once. "Open All Night" is the one song from Springsteen that I've learned to play on the guitar. "Nebraska" and "Reason to Believe" are tracks that I would definitely come back to for a second listen. I'm not a huge Springsteen fan, but this album fits in well with what I like. I'd listen to the whole album again.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
I have heard some of Isaac Hayes' work and at least the "Theme from Shaft" from this album, if not more. In general I think I like Hayes. With his quality of voice, I was a little surprised that there was so few vocals on this album. (At the same time, this is the soundtrack for a movie, so I shouldn't be too surprised that the music is mostly instrumental). Overall I liked listening to the album. A couple songs felt like they were straight from a TV show in the 70s. "Be Yourself", "Do Your Thing", and "No Name Bar" were the tracks I liked the most. There was enough to remember from this album that I might thing about playing it again some time.
Simply Red
2/5
I don't know Simply Red enough to tell you what music is theirs. Before listening to the album I was pretty sure that I do not like this band. I've heard "Holding Back the Years" many times and I've never liked that track. I listened to the whole album, but it was kind of a slog to get through. It's not bad music, it's just not for me. I wouldn't know who to recommend the album to.
Kraftwerk
4/5
I couldn't name the title of any track by Kraftwerk, but I do like their music. This is my second Kraftwerk album to review on this list. The sounds that they were able to produce is interesting. I think that I can recognize when others are following Kraftwerk's style. "The Model" was my least favorite track, because of the vocals / spoken word. "Space Lab" and "Metropolis" were my favorite tracks. I'd probably listen to this album again (rounding up to 4 stars)
John Lennon
4/5
Of course I know the title track and cover from this album, but that is almost the extent of my exposure to this album. There were other tracks that were familiar, but only familiar. With such a distinctive voice, it's hard to know if you have heard a song from John Lennon or if it just sounds like John Lennon. "Imagine" and "I Don't Want to Be a Soldier" were the tracks enjoyed the most. "How?" detracted from the overall experience. Rounding up probably gets this to 4 stars.
Brian Eno
4/5
I first heard of Brian Eno as a producer of other bands that I like (including U2 and the Talking Heads). I listened to Ambient 1/Music For Airports before, to find out what Eno's own music sounded like. I'm not sure who to recommend the album to, but it's good enough. I know when I would play the album. I would have no problem listening again. Rounding up to 4 stars.
Kate Bush
3/5
I don't think I've listened to a full album by Kate Bush before. "Running Up That Hill" was the only song that was familiar to me from this album. Bush has a good voice, and there are songs that I like from her. I don't feel a desire to come back for the full album again.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Aw, crap. Well, I guess I'm listening to this... I'm trying to be open minded… I don't like the 'uh-huh's... nothing resonates with me... ¿Am I still listening?... Mariah really needed to get some people to stop chatting in the background... runs and whispers... ¿Who's whistling?… oh, that's singing... Nope... whew!… it's over.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
The title track, "Green Onions", is one of my all time favorite tracks. I will listen to it EVERY time. I know I have heard at least a few other tracks from Booker T., but I couldn't name the tracks. This album easily qualifies as "I would listen to this album again" -- > 4 stars. "Lonely Avenue" and "You Can't Sit Down" were happy surprises, but I rated each track on the the whole second half of the album with 4 stars each.
Boards of Canada
3/5
The name Boards of Canada was the extent of my familiarity prior to listening to this album. Early in the album I felt like I was drawn in and enjoying the vibe. Music Has The Right to Children is not my favorite music, but the album is good enough that I would be interested in hearing more of what the band does. As I made my way through the second half, the album started to feel a little long. Repetition within and between the tracks began to distract from my enjoyment of the album as a whole. The album did not quite make a full 4 stars.
Pixies
2/5
I've heard a handful of tracks but never heard a full album from the Pixies. "Where is My Mind?" might be my favorite track from the band. There are portions of the album that I like, but enough tracks sink this album to 2 stars.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
I have listened to at least three full albums from Emerson, Lake, and Palmer all the way through, maybe more. I could probably find a track on any one of ELP's albums that would get 4 or 5 stars from me (except THAT album - you know the one... yeesh). Somehow I still have mixed feelings about the band. Tarkus is a perfect example of my mixed reaction. The title track (Side A) is something that eventually makes it's way back into my playlist for another listen, but I forget about the rest of the tracks on the album (Side B). Yes, this album is worth a listen, but it feels inconsistent to me. Rounding bumps this album up to 4 stars.
The Offspring
2/5
I remember seeing this album - you didn't have to go far to find someone who owned it. Multiple tracks from this album are familiar because of regular radio play, and one or two tracks feel like a vortex straight back to the 90s. The album didn't appeal to me back then, and listening to the full album didn't make me like the music more than I liked it back then. The vocals are easily recognizable, and a weight too heavy to carry for me to like this album.
David Bowie
2/5
I've heard a variety of tracks from David Bowie, and this is the third Bowie album that has been recommended to me by this list. Sometimes I don't know what to do with Bowie's music, even the songs I think I like. This album was even more of a puzzle. I kept asking myself, "Do I like this track?" and it was hard to come to an answer. It was an interesting listen, but nothing stuck with me, plus some tracks were hard to get through. 2 stars
Wu-Tang Clan
2/5
There are some good beats on this album which helped me make it through the album. The lyrics and content --> this album is not for me.
Sparks
4/5
I've never heard anything from Sparks, but I do know that there is a recent documentary about the band. It was good to have a chance to hear something from the band. "Amateur Hour" and "Talent Is an Asset" caught my attention, while "Equator" and I did not get along as well. The downside of the album for me was a feeling of repetition within some of the tracks. My curiosity about what else I might hear if I gave this album a second listen rounds my rating up to 4 stars.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I have a Siouxsie and the Banshees "Greatest Hits" album. This album sounded like the band, but almost all of the tracks on this album were unfamiliar to me. I like the band, and some of their songs are tracks that I would replay. "Jigsaw Feeling" is the track that felt like a probable track to revisit. The album as a whole comes in at "okay".
R.E.M.
4/5
I have listened to (and own) several albums from R.E.M. I can't remember if I own this one, which may tell you something about my rating. Most of the tracks are on my "I would listen to this again" list, and one or two are on my "I WILL listen to this again" list. "King of Birds" might be my favorite track, followed by "Oddfellows Local 151". "It's the End of the World..." is probably my least favorite track. The song has been overplayed, and the novelty has worn off for me. This is not my favorite R.E.M. album, but I still give it 4 stars.
2/5
I don't think I've heard of X before and all of the tracks on Wild Gift were new to me. Based on the music I'm guessing this album falls into the punk category and feels well rooted in the 80s. (Another sign that this is punk is that there are only 3 of 16 tracks that are longer than 3 minutes.) I got through this album, but I did not enjoy listening. None of the tracks sparked my curiosity.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
There are several songs on this album that I've heard before, but I've never listened to a whole album from Sinatra. I'm not a fan of Sinatra, but I don't actively seek to avoid his music either. The music is okay. I can't imagine that I would play this album or individual tracks again.
Steely Dan
3/5
This is the second album by Steely Dan suggested to me from this list, and the second album from the band that I've listened to as a whole. I liked this album more than the previous. It was good to listen to the album and hear a full set of songs rather than individual tracks, which has been most of my experience with the band. Even though I enjoyed listening to the album, I just don't see myself coming back. I'm not sure why Steely Dan doesn't resonate with me. "Josie" is a potential track to replay, followed by "Aja" and "Peg".
Lenny Kravitz
4/5
I first heard Kravitz when a friend played for me the entire "Are You Gonna Go My Way?" album shortly after it came out. I followed that up by buying this, Kravitz's first album. I've listened to this album many times, but probably only once in the last 15 years. It was good to come back. "Let Love Rule" got my highest rating for an individual track. Overall the individual tracks don't come to mind as something that I should play again, but I would put on the album as a whole.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Thin Lizzy is one of those bands that I'm a little surprised that I don't think of when I'm adding music to my personal playlists. I didn't want to skip any of their songs as I lsitened to this album, and they play some solid rock music. I can list four tracks that I know Thin Lizzy plays, but only one of them was on this album ("The Boys Are Back in Town"). For a live album, the recording and performance from the band are easy to listen to. The band represented their talents well in a live setting, and the background noise from the audience didn't overpower the music being played. I enjoyed hearing a full (double) album from the band, but I don't think the album has sunk in enough to get Thin Lizzy on my personal playlists.
The Yardbirds
3/5
About all I could remember of the Yardbirds is that they had someone in their band that I knew from somewhere else. I had forgotten that the description could apply to three different members of their band (Clapton, Beck, and Page). I don't know which (if any) of those individuals were on this album. The music was fine, but nothing stood out to me enough for a second listen.
Fiona Apple
3/5
I listened to this album close to when it came out, to find out more than what I'd heard from the singles and the videos on TV. I liked the music enough back then, but I probably haven't listened to anything from the album in close to 20 years. I like the album more now that there's some time separating the music from the personal history of Apple. "Sleep to Dream" is a track I would come back to.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
This is the second recommendation for Belle and Sebastian from this list and at least the fourth of fifth album I've listened to as a whole from the band. I like the band in general. My introduction to the band was later in their carreer. The tracks on this album are easily identifiable as connected to the band I came to know. "Like Dylan in the Movies", "Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying", and "The Boy Done Wrong Again" were the tracks that stood out to me the most. This album gets 3.5 stars from me (rounding up to 4).
Randy Newman
2/5
I have never listened to an album from Randy Newman. I don't think that I have chosen to listen to an individual track from Newman either, other than listening to Newman's music from the Pixar movies with my kids. All of the tracks from this album were new to me. Overall the music was okay. The album sounded like Randy Newman. There are enough tracks that I would skip, that I think I'm going to round down. I would easily skip a re-listen of the album.
R.E.M.
4/5
I was already familiar with R.E.M. by 1988, if not earlier. I eventually went back for Murmur and their other earlier albums, and I followed R.E.M's subsequent releases until 2001 I've seen R.E.M. in concert, and I own this album. It's been a while since I have listened to Murmur, but that may just be because of a limited number of CD players on hand. This is an album I regularly recommend to others. "Talk about the Passion", "Sitting Still", and "Catapult" are tracks I will most likely listen to again, but I can easily listen to the album as a whole.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
I have heard of Grant Lee Buffalo, but I couldn't tell you anything more than that they are a band. I know that I liked seeing Grant-Lee Phillips as a "town troubador" on TV, but this album was my introduction to the band. "The Hook", "Dixie Drug Store", and "You Just Have to Be Crazy" were the stand out tracks for me on the album. I liked the album.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Have I heard of Tim Buckley? or am I confusing the name with Jeff Buckley?
Some of the music is okay, but I was tempted to skip most of the tracks either for the lyrics or strange non-lyric vocals. I was glad this album wasn't any longer than it was.
The La's
4/5
My primary experience with the La's is the appearance of "There She Goes" on the "How I Married an Axe Murder" soundtrack. I probably checked out a few other tracks from the band because of "There She Goes", but I can't say for sure. The La's fits in with other bands that I would have been listening to at the time that this album came out (Blur, The Lightning Seeds, The Ocean Blue). I still have a soft spot for that sound, even if it feels strongly anchored to the 90s. I still like "There She Goes". "Son of a Gun", "Feelin'", and "Timeless Melody" grabbed my attention. Overall, I enjoyed the album enough to listen to the bonus tracks on the extended edition.
Arrested Development
3/5
I was introduced to the track "Mr. Wendal" well after it was played on the radio, which led me to listen to the whole album to hear more from the band. I still like and occasionally listen to "Mr. Wendal" but I haven't listened to the album again until now. I like the album, probably more than I did the first time. Maybe I'll listen a 3rd time in the next 20 years.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
I think the title track is the one song that I know that Marvin Gaye sings. I know I have heard other tracks from Gaye, but I can't tell you which. The album was fine, but I don't see myself coming back for a second listen.
Paul Simon
3/5
I like Paul Simon, and I have listened to other albums and songs from Simon. Hearts and Bones was new music for me. All of the album was okay. I didn't know what to do with "Cars are Cars", which feeling hung on with me by the end of this album. It was interesting to hear this album, but I'm not sure which tracks I would come back to. (¿"Hearts and Bones", "Think Too Much", "Train in the Distance"?)
The B-52's
4/5
My introduction to the B-52's was their album "Cosmic Thing" which came 10 years after this album. I have listened to this album at least once before to hear the rest of the album that includes "Rock Lobster". The B-52's have a consistent sound throughout the album. If you like the band you'll probably like the album. "Rock Lobster" (with all of its oddities) and "Planet Claire" are the tracks I'm most likely to revisit. I do like the band, and I like many of their songs. I may not come back to the album very soon, but I wouldn't be surprised if I do.
Love
3/5
This is the second album from Love that was recommended to me by 1,001 albums generator. I almost forgot about the previous album. On "Da Capo" I can still hear a notably late-60s characteristic to the music with prominant psychodelic sounds. This album seems to venture into progressive rock a little more that the last record I listened to. For example, "Revelation", which was the track I enjoyed the most, is 18 minutes long and takes up the entire B side of the album. The progressive sound is not just a matter of length. The shorter tracks on the album also experiment with progressive rock layers and transitions. My enjoyment of the music was periodically interrupted by some of the delivery of the lyrics, and sometimes the content of the lyrics. I'm not a big fan of songs whose themes revolve around "ooo, baby" or "hey, mama". I have a soft spot for the occasional odd lyrics, but after hearing "Oop-ip-ip, oop-ip-ip, yeah" a couple of times I was feeling a little confused about whether I liked "7 and 7 is" or not. For the moment, I'll say that I like the track. After a first listen, this album is 3 stars, but there might be room to grow with a re-listen.
David Bowie
2/5
This is the fifth David Bowie recommendation within 244 albums so far. The track "The Jean Genie" feels like a good representation of my opinion of Bowie's music as a whole. Talent is expressed in the music and it feels like rock and roll, but I could comfortably never listen to it again. "The Jean Genie" was the only familiar track for me. Most of the album was okay, but it's hard for the album to overcome putting my least favorite track, "Aladdin Sane", as the second track on the album. The track is long, weird, and full of jumbled noises. I don't want to listen to this album again.
Taylor Swift
3/5
I was surprised for that such a recent album was on the list (2020). I like the bands that contributed to a few tracks on the album. Because of my daughters I have a soft spot for Swift's '1989' album. On this first listen all of the songs were okay but nothing really grabbed me. I kept waiting for a hook. A little bit of the language made me wonder if Swift was trying on a more "gritty' image. "Gold Rush", "Coney Island", and "Long Story Short" are the favorites, but this album firmly resides in "okay".
PJ Harvey
3/5
I liked this album more than I thought I would. Back in the mid 90s, I listened to an album of PJ Harvey's (not sure which) because there were bands that I liked that liked Harvey's music. I even had a chance to see her perform on Letterman. I didn't like what I heard. I was suprised that this album was okay.
Liz Phair
2/5
I listened to this album once before, because of general recommendations that this is a good album. I did not like it then, and not much more now. Phair's drone singing, and the lyrics keep me from wanting to hear more from Phair. I'm done.
Thundercat
2/5
Thundercat is an artist that I wish I liked more. I've heard a few tracks from Thundercat, but Drunk is the first time I've listened to a whole album. Thundercat has a productivity that I admire, and follows his own way. I just don't know what to do with his music. The guest vocalists follow the same path - they are talented, but I've never been drawn in by any of them (Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa). I let this album sit for a bit, before giving my final rating. I think this album was a 2 for me.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
This was my first time listening to a full album from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. I've heard a few tracks from Nick Cave, and the band The Birthday Party was a previous suggestion on this list - so I've heard music from Cave before. I still don't like it. Most of the album was trying to reach up towards okay. Cave's music is dark and gloomy, putting many of his tracks in the "don't like" category. "Fable of the Brown Ape" sealed the deal on this album. It's the worst of what I don't like from Cave.
Deep Purple
3/5
I have heard at least three of the seven tracks on this album before. The album mixes elements of progressive rock and early heavy metal. It would have been interesting to hear the album at the time of its release, because Deep Purple was probably doing something very different. From a 2021 perspective the album is okay.
Roxy Music
3/5
This may have been my first time listening to a full album from Roxy Music. This album did not change my opinion of the band. The music was okay, but I don't imagine that this album will come to mind for a re-listen.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I reviewed the North American edition of Are You Experienced, because this is the version of the album that I have listened to before. I easily recognized and remembered 8 of the 11 tracks from the titles alone. I may have had a copy of this album on cassette, but I can't remember for sure. Maybe my brother had a copy. This was a difficult album to try and find studio versions of each track for review. The tracks that I enjoyed the most were lesser known tracks - probably because I haven't heard them so often, but also because they are good tracks: "3rd Stone from the Sun" and "Love or Confusion". "Are You Experienced?" and "The Wind Cries Mary" are favorites too, but probably got lower scores from me because I've heard them so many times. This is a debut album that is worth listening to. It would be an easy choice to play the album again.
Talking Heads
4/5
For a band that I like as much as Talking Heads, I'm surprised that I was only familiar with one song on this album, "Take Me to the River". "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel" has the potential of becoming a new favorite track for me, and "Found a Job" was a reminder (but not a surprise) of what Tina added to the band. This album sounded like the Talking Heads, and there's definitely room for this album to grow on me.
Ray Price
3/5
Ray Price and Night Life are new to me, although there was at least one track ("The Wild Side of Life") that I have heard by other artists. Night Life is full of gentle, almost sleepy, country swing. The album seems to be presented as an invitation for people to go out and enjoy the night life, and dancing. The music is pretty good, but the lyics share prominently chauvanistic view of women as a temptation that men cannot resist. I can't seem to overlook the lyrics in favor of the underlying music from these talented musicians.
Mekons
3/5
I am sure I have heard something from the Mekons before. After listening to this album, I'm still not sure what I've heard from the band before this album. The album has a sense of overcast and tempered dread, without giving up to being fully catastrophic. I enjoyed the album, but I'm not sure if I will remember this album long enough to come back for a second listen.I am sure I have heard something from the Mekons before. After listening to this album, I'm still not sure what I've heard from the band before this album. The album has a sense of overcast and tempered dispair, without giving up to absolute dread. I often like a dark tinge to the music I listen to. I enjoyed the album, but I'm not sure if I will remember this album long enough to come back for a second listen.
David Bowie
3/5
Welcome to the sixth David Bowie album to be recommended. I'm approximately 1/4 of the way through the list so, ¿only 15 more to go? I liked two of the longer tracks the most ("Station to Station", "Stay"). I would skip "TVC 15" on a relisten... but probably would relisten to the album. "Golden Years" was the only track I knew from the album, and it probably got a lower individual score because I've heard it enough times already. I'm coming to the conclusion that, yes, David Bowie is talented, but I'm not his audience. It's possible that I've heard enough already.
The Stooges
2/5
I know of the Stooges, but I don't know if I've ever heard a song from them before. I was surprised at the overall mellow (noisy, but mellow) nature of the album. I was also suprised to find a track that was longer than 10 minutes. At best, some of the tracks made it into the 'okay' range. The album wasn't terrible, but I could easily say 'no' to listening to this album again.
Happy Mondays
3/5
With a potentially generic name like Happy Mondays, I'm not sure if I've heard of the band before. All of the music was new to me, but with hints of other bands that I listen to. I was reminded in part of the band James, and after listening to the album I looked up the Happy Mondays and found out that they are part of the Manchester sound (along with James) from bands that were putting out music in the early 90s. I liked the album, but no tracks stood out for better or worse. If I had to pick one track, it would be "Performance".
T. Rex
3/5
T. Rex sounded like a familiar name, but I wasn't sure if I've heard anything from the band. As soon as the first track began playing I recognized the voice and sound of the band. That's when I realized that I know the track "Get It On". "Cosmic Dancer" sounded a familiar, but maybe it's the distinct voice of the lead singer. I'm not a fan albums that are full of multiple 'love' songs. "Jeepster" was a weird love song, and definitely my least favorite track. The rest of the tracks keep this album in the 'okay' range, I guess.
Pretenders
3/5
In general I like the Pretenders. "Brass in Pocket" is a good example of the best of what this band has to offer. "Stop Your Sobbing" was the only other track from this album that I know I've heard before. "Space Invader" was a new potential favorite. Overall, the album was okay. I would skip "Tattooed Love Boys". I don't feel enough of a draw to the album as a whole to come back for a second listen.
Various Artists
3/5
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector was a new album for me, although I have heard some of the individual tracks as part of the regular rotation on the radio stations playing Christmas music in December. The Ronettes might be the only artist on the album that I recognized by name. The album was okay, but I'm not sure what I would come back for, for a second listen.
The Jam
3/5
Sound Affects from the Jam was new music from a new band for me. The music on this album at times reminded me of a variety of bands including: The Clash, Squeeze, Billy Bragg, and XTC. "Pretty Green" and "Start!" were the most memorable tracks from this album. I would be interested to hear more from this band, but I'm not sure if I'd make it back to this album for a second listen.
The Sonics
3/5
I don't know if I've heard the Sonics before. After listening to the album, I'm still not sure. The songs that sounded familiar to me from this album are familiar because I've heard other bands play those songs. None of the tracks stood out as a definitive example of the Sonics. I kept thinking about the early Beatles as I listened to this album. The album was okay, but nothing stood out to me enough to inspire a second listen.
The United States Of America
3/5
The United States of America is a new band and new music for me. My best guess at classifying this music is Psychodelic ¿Folk? Psychedelia is interesting to me more often than not. "Coming Down", "Love Song for the Dead Ché", "Stranded in Time" got my attention and could attract a second listen. I wasn't sure what to do with some of the oddities like "I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife for You, Sugar". I did not like "The American Metaphysical Circus", but that was because it was two (¿or three?) songs being played at once and I don't like that much noise. ¿Did I like the album? I'm not sure. ¿Did I dislike the album? No. (2.5 rounding up to 3)
Little Simz
2/5
I've never heard of Little Sim. All of the music was new to me. This album was not for me. Some okay rhythms, but the content of the lyrics makes this a definite "nope"
SAULT
3/5
A new band and new music for me. There were a few tracks that I would be tempted to skip during a re-listen. This is not my favorite music, but there were tracks that caught my attention. I probably will never re-listen to this, but it was an okay one-time experience.
Steely Dan
3/5
I've heard a variety of Steely Dan's singles over the years, including "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" from Pretzel Logic. This is the third Steely Dan album I've reviewed for this 1001 list. There is some interesting funk and grooves to some of the music ("Parker's Band"), but Steely Dan still hasn't truly captured my attention. Listening to this album was enjoyable, but I doubt the album will get a second listen from me.
Ozomatli
3/5
The name of the band was familiar, but none of the tracks stood out as something I've heard before. It's hard to get me excited about hip-hop, but the variety of music genres was interesting and enjoyable. I liked the arabic influences in a couple of tracks, and even the ska-ish track "Déjame en Paz". "Ya Viene el Sol" was another favorite track. Overall the album was good, but there were some slow spots. This album has room to grow on me.
Depeche Mode
3/5
I have heard many Depeche Mode songs MULTIPLE times. Depeche Mode has never really caught on with me. Perhaps there were so many strong fans around me, and DM had enough radio play that I never had to listen to much of their music of my own choice. I think I didn't find out about some alternative bands (The Cure, The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen, etc.) and later new wave artists until later because the local alternative radio station played so much Depeche Mode. This album sits firmly on the darker side of Depeche Mode's work, a good distance away from the pop-ish new wave of their early work. The dark, broody mood of DM still keeps me from fully enjoying this album. "Strangelove" got the highest marks from me for an individual track.
Sigur Rós
4/5
I'm a fan of Sigur Rós, and Jónsi. I think I've listened to this album before. I know I have listened to lots of individual tracks and live performances from the band. The first two full tracks ("Svefn-g-englar" & "Starálfur") were the tracks that I recognized as having heard them before. "Starálfur" was my favorite track, but "Ágætis byrjun" and "Svefn-g-englar" were close behind. The album was consistent and each track was 'good' or better.
The Temptations
3/5
All Directions is the second album from the Temptations recommended to me from this list. I still feel only slightly familiar with the band. I can't name any of their tracks off the top of my head. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was the only track I recognized by name. The long instrumental intro was a pleasant suprise, and the track was probably my favorite from the album. I enjoyed listening to this album. The Temptations are talented musicians and this was music that I wouldn't normally listen to on my own. I like hearing different music. I think there is room for several of the tracks to grow on me. Perhaps the music sounds like it is anchored in the 70s, or perhaps I'm the wrong demographic for the this genre, but I'm not sure it I'd listen to the whole album again. (3.5 stars)
New Order
3/5
I like New Order and have heard several songs and at least two other albums from the band. The only track that sounded familiar was "Round & Round", but the whole album sounded like New Order so I'm not sure if I've heard anything from Technique or not. "Love Less", with a calm yet hook-filled melody, got my highest rating for an individual track. The beginning of "All the Way" sounded like it had elements lifted directly from "Just Like Heaven" from the Cure. "Run" reminded me of Lemon Jelly. Overall, the album was good. I'm not sure if I will make it back to a full re-listen of the entire album.
Billy Joel
3/5
The first cassette tape I bought was Billy Joel's "An Innocent Man". I'm sure that "Only the Good Die Young" from The Stranger had helped me decide that Joel was someone worth listening two. I've listened to 3 or 4 other studio albums, but never to the Stranger. There are only two tracks from The Stranger ("Get It Right the First Time", "Everybody Has a Dream") that I don't think I've heard before. 6 of the tracks I recognized just from their titles. I didn't think I had heard the title track before, but when I pulled up Joel's Greatest Hits vols. I & II (which I have listened to several times) I saw that "The Stranger" is on side 1. Joel has talent, and most of the music is likeable, but I've heard most of the tracks often enough to not see a need to re-visit this album.
The Doors
3/5
I haven't liked the Doors more than when I first listened to them, and less and less over time. There wasn't anything I particularly disliked from this album. I didn't feel like listening to any of the songs a second time either. "Roadhouse Blues" was the only song I know I've heard before. I have seen reviews of Peace Frog, but probably haven't heard the whole track before. I'm still a fan of what Ray Manzarek did on the keyboard.
Johnny Cash
4/5
I first heard portions of American IV: The Man Comes Around shortly after the album came out. I was beginning to dig into some of Johnny Cash's work, and learning to play a couple classic songs. I like this album, and it was a great discovery for me. I reference songs from this album in at least two other reviews on this 1001 album list. I remember seeing Cash on the TV frequently growing up, and it was great to hear what he was doing so late in his career. It was still a year or two before the biographical movie about Cash came out, so there was plenty of room to explore on my own. This album seemed like a reward for exploring his older catalog. Favorite tracks inlcude: "The Man Comes Around", "Hurt" and "Tear Stained Letter". The track I enjoy the least is "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". I'll blame that on Nick Cave, 100%. There are covers on this album that I don't like as much as the originals, but there are covers that I DEFINITELY like more than the originals too. I'll probably listen to all of this album again.
John Martyn
3/5
John Martyn is a new artist for me, and Solid Air was new music. A fair portion of the music sounded like what I thought the music would sound like, based on the title and album art - a folk-ish invitation to float in space. Sometimes Martyn's voice and delivery reminded me of Nike Drake. "May You Never" was my favorite track. I'm not sure if I'll remember having listened to this album, but it was okay.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I like Echo And The Bunnymen. They have tracks that I regularly listen to, but I'm not sure if I have listened to a full album from the band. "Rescue" and "Monkeys" were the tracks I liked the most. This album sounded like Echo And The Bunnymen. I liked the album, but I'm not sure if I would round up to 4 stars.
The Hives
2/5
I remember when the Hives were on the radio, and seeing some performances on TV. Listening to a full album, the songs started running together about half way through. The album drifted into a tangle of static, yelling, and and incoherent guitar noise. I wasn't interested in the Hives when this album came out, and I'm not interested in them now.
Ryan Adams
4/5
I've never listened to a complete album from Ryan Adams before. "New York, New York" was the track I liked the most from this album, and a track that I've heard before. "Gonna Make You Love Me" was another favorite. Overall, this album was easy to listen to. I like Ryan Adams enough that I'm happy to listen when his music comes on, but I haven't been at the point where I specifically seek out his music on it's own. This album was good and there's room for it to grow on me. (I listened to the extended verison of the album and "Cannonball Days" is an additional favorite).
CHIC
3/5
I knew that I must know something from this band, and the first track on the album is the track. "Good Times" is the one track that I might play again. It was good to hear a full album from CHIC. They are talented and the album is solid. "Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song)" was the one track that I would be tempted to skip on a re-listen. To me, the track sounded to sugary sweet. The album is good, but isn't a match for my music tastes. One listen might be enough for me.
Lightning Bolt
2/5
This album was too noisy for me. Tracks like "2 Towers" and "Crown of Storms" would attempt to get interesting, and then the amount of chaos would ramp up. No thanks.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Outside of this 1001 albums list (Songs in the Key of Life, Talking Book) I have not listened to albums from Stevie Wonder. I have heard several songs, but Wonder is not part of my regular playlists. "Higher Ground" is the only track that I know from Innervisions, and it is my favorite track. "Higher Ground" has some good funk and a keyboard sound that reminds me of my favorite Stevie Wonder song ("Superstition"). Most of Innervisions was just okay. I did like the humor that was sneaking through on "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing".
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
I have heard some songs from Paul McCartney post Beatles, but I don't know which tracks are Paul McCartney or which tracks are from Wings. This is the first full album I have listened to from McCartney. "Mrs. Vandebilt" felt very much like a McCartney song, and was probably my favorite track. "Band on the Run" is okay too. My prior reaction to most of what I have listened to of McCartney's work after the Beatles is a recognition that the music is a functional piece of rock. It's not hard enough to be ROCK, and not pop enough to be pop. The music seems like functional, popular music and I move on. Paul, congratulations on being okay.
Little Richard
3/5
Little Richard is one of those artists I wish I could have come to know in context of the music sceen when he was first making music and coming in to his prime. I remember Little Richard from the 80s. This album does a better job at displaying Richard's talents, than how I was first introduced to his performances and music. I knew "Tuttie Frutti" (and possibly "Long Tall Sally") before listening to this album, but the remaining tracks were new. My favorite track was "Rip It Up" -- I liked the energy of that song. "True, Fine Mama" and "Can't Believe You Wanna Leave" were next in line. I liked hearing the blues influences coming through on "Can't Believe You Wanna Leave". The album was good. There were a few tracks that felt a little repetitive in their rhythms and construction, which makes it difficult to say a strong "yes, I would listen to the WHOLE album again".
Mercury Rev
3/5
Mercury Rev and their album Deserter's Songs were new to me. I liked the album. The album definitely had a sound that reminded me of some of the alternative music from the 90s. The first track ("Holes") had definite Flaming Lips vibes, and by the end of the album I was reminded of Sigur Rós. Was there something in this album that reminded me of Modest Mouse? I dunno. "Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp" was the individual track that got my highest rating, and ""The Happy End (The Drunk Room)”
got my lowest. Overal the album was good, but I'm not sure if I'll remember to come back to the albumfor a second listen any time soon. I'd be happy to listen to another suggestion from this band.
3/5
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea is the third album I've listened to from PJ Harvey, and it's the one I've enjoyed the most. PJ Harvey is on my list of artists who I wonder why I don't like more. People who share similar interests to mine recommend Harvey. I've tried exploring some of her work on my own, but I've never been drawn in. Sometimes Harvey's vocals detracted from the overall experience, but the album was still okay.
U2
5/5
When Achtung Baby came out, I was impressed by how different this album sounded from the previous work from U2. I had listened to tracks from each of U2's albums prior to Achtung Baby, and at least 4 out of the 6 prior albums in their entirety. This album made me excited to see what U2 was going to do next. I like each track on this album. My favorites are "Mysterious Ways", "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses", "One" and "Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World". I think I may need to round up to a full 5 stars.
Animal Collective
4/5
When Animal Collective came up as the suggestion, I knew that they are a band that has music that I like but I couldn't remember what I've heard from them. "My Girls" and "Brother Sport" are a couple of the tracks that I've heard before, and I like both of those tracks. Sometimes a portion of "Brother Sport" gets stuck in my head. Animal Collective has a mix of indie pop and electronic beats that fit well in to a style of music that I like. I was happy that all of the tracks were good. I could give this album a second listen.
Massive Attack
3/5
Massive Attack sounds like a familiar band name, but everything on this album felt new to me. The album was okay. "Five Man Army" was the track that almost got 4 stars, and "Safe from Harm" and "Daydreaming" were slightly above 3. "Be Thankful for What You've Got" was 2 stars.
R.E.M.
4/5
I like R.E.M. and this is an album I've listened to many times. "Try Not to Breathe", "Nightswimming", "Everybody Hurts", "Find the River", and "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" are all tracks that have been on repeat, as I try to hear what the song is about or to try and figure out how to play a portion of the song on guitar. The album is full of intreguing lyrics and interesting backing vocals all in support of well written music. I had forgotten how good "Sweetness Follows" is. I would recommend this album to others. Most of the tracks on this album get 4 stars from me. "Monty Got a Raw Deal" and "Star Me Kitten" have always been my least favorite tracks, but they're okay. Maybe I've heard "Man on the Moon" too many times.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
This was a pleasant surprise from a band that I've only ever known as a one-hit-wonder. They have a great horn section on many of the tracks, and their cover of "Jackie Wilson Said" fits in well with the album. I listened to a version of an album with bonus tracks, which are great additions to the album. "Until I Believe in My Soul" could have been skipped, but I would come back to most of the tracks. If you like their one-hit "Come On Eileen" this album is worth checking out. I'm rounding up to 4 stars.
OutKast
2/5
OutKast is a band that I want to like. The album sounds like OutKast. "B.O.B." is the track that I've heard off this album before. I think I tried to listen to Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, but didn't enjoy that album either. OutKast are talented, but the music is not for me. I could not and would not want to sing along with most of the tracks. The multiple interludes on their own may have been enough to sink this album to 2 stars.
Turbonegro
2/5
A new album and a new artist for me. In some cases this album sounded like generic rock - not much to notice. There was some punk energy to some of the tracks. Only a few tracks got me to feel the music and take in more of what I was listening to. More noticible than the occasional okay track was the lyrical content which sank this album for me. I would not listen again.
The Clash
4/5
I've heard all of London Calling more than once, and several tracks on this album many times. "London Calling", "Lost in the Supermarket", and "Train in Vain" were my favorite tracks from this re-listen, but several other tracks were close behind. "London Calling" has a driving energy that makes it a great way to start the album. I'm likely to re-listen to this album again, and there are no tracks that I would skip. I would recommend this album to almost anyone.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
This was my first time listening to a whole album from the Mamas and the Papas. I have heard "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin'" many times. The rest of the album was less familiar, but I wouldn't be surprised if I had heard more than those two tracks. The Mamas and the Papas are not a group that I would pick for myself to listen to, but I do admire the layers of their vocals, which are a mix of harmonies and interplay of overlapping lines. "Monday, Monday" is the track I like the most from this album and perhaps from the band. It was good to hear a full album.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
I've only heard individual tracks from Ella Fitzgerald before. I enjoyed listening to the album, but I didn't come away with any new favorite tracks. Perhaps if I was more into musicals, I might like the album more. With so many tracks, I don't imagine listening to the album again.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
I've only heard a few tracks from Musgraves prior to this, but I know I like her voice and I would be open to hearing more of her music. There are times when Musgraves reminds me a little of the Weepies, which is a group I also like. Golden Hour is a good album. My favorite tracks were "Slow Burn" and "Mother". The section of the album from "Space Cowboy" to "High Horse" was too pop, and too pop-country for me. The music was okay but the lyrics had a collection of pop-country tropes. The titles of the songs hint at the content I'm describing. I think Musgraves is talented and worth checking out, but not every track is for me. I'll play "Slow Burn" again.
Santana
4/5
I have heard "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Cómo Va" from this album, and a few other tracks from Santana many times before. This might be my first listen to a full album from the band. My favorite tracks may have been the instrumental tracks (from beginning to end), but I liked every track. An easy 4 stars.
Small Faces
3/5
A new band and new music for me. I listened with headphones, and the band did a few interesting things with the stereo recording. Some of the music was odd, but not completely off-putting. In general the music seemed to fit somewhere between early Pink Floyd and the Moody Blues. The very last track, "HappyDaysToyTown" reminded me of Donovan's "Mellow Yellow". I'm still not sure what to think about this album other than that it is okay.
Beyoncé
2/5
I don't know if I've heard more than three or four songs from Beyoncé. I definitely have not listened to a whole album. This album was not for me. The music was fine in general, but I'm not the expected audience. Several of the tracks have lyrics that push this music further away from me. The best tracks were okay, and there are so many tracks that I did NOT like. I haven't written off Beyoncé completely, but I would not recommend this album to others.
Solomon Burke
4/5
A new artist and new music for me. I apparently had seen a clip of Burke's performance at his induction to the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, but apparently I didn't remember much about that. I liked this album. Some of the tracks had elements that sounded like Burke might have influenced Cee Lo Green.
"Cry to Me" and "Hard, Ain't it Hard" were the tracks I rated the highest. Both had a good energy and a good groove. This would be an easy album to put on again, to listen to something different than I normally do. Rounding up to 4 stars.
Moby
4/5
I listened to Play shortly after the album came out. Singles from the album were regularly on the radio, and there was a lot of buzz about the album in general. I haven't listened to this album in a long time, but I still like Moby. "Porcelain" is my favorite track, but "Honey" and "Run On" grabbed my attention on this listen. "Natural Blues and "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad" are favorites that I remember from before. "Machete" is the hardest track for me to listen to, but I would come back for a second listen to the album.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
You Want It Darker is the fifth album from Leonard Cohen that I have reviewed for this list. I think I liked this album perhaps all of the other albums so far. I was still left wondering at times if Cohen is actually singing on this album. I have not yet reached a full appreciation of Cohen. I am primarily just getting through the albums. This album does have some guitar work that adds to the mood of the album. The overall mood of the tracks is okay and interesting even if I don't get in sync with Cohen's work. The lyrics to "You Want It Darker" are dark, but the track was a good opening for the album. I think I enjoyed "If I Didn't Have Your Love" and "Traveling Light". This album gets three stars because it was okay with a few additional bright moments spread over dark themes.
The Stooges
2/5
This is the second album recommended to me from the Stooges. Compared to the pervious album (The Stooges), Funhouse sounds more like what I expected to hear from the Stooges. I was enjoying the album more than I thought I would for the first few tracks. By the second half of the album, I was getting tired of Iggy Pop's vocal delivery - too much yelling and grunting. The music began to be repetitive as well. Then came the title track, "Fun House"... yeesh. I'd prefer to skip a re-listen of this album. Once was enough (¿too much?).
Eurythmics
3/5
I remember when this album, and the video of the title track came out. I've listened to Eurythmics' Greatest Hits album and Lennox's Medusa Album. This was my first time listenting to Sweet Dreams. Eurythmics found a way to get electronic instruments to be a worthy back up to Lennox's great voice. "Love Is a Stranger" and "Sweet Dreams..." are my favorite tracks. Overall, the rest of the album is okay. I didn't find any new favorites or hidden surprises
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
Based on the cover of the album and the name of the band, I thought I was going to hear something along the lines of Slayer or Suicidal Tendencies. I liked this album more than I thought I would, but it still landed at "okay" after rounding up. "Misbeaten" and "Used" were the peak of my interest, but overall I was just waiting for the album to get over. I did not dislike the album, but I'm not sure if I liked the album either.
David Holmes
3/5
New album and new music for me. There were some good surprises on this album. I added "My Mate Paul", and "Don't Die Just Yet" into my personal playlist. I really wish I could cut out the dialogues, and the shorter tracks. Let's Get Killed could possibly have been a 4 star album that I would want to come back to if the dialogues weren't included, but that is not the album that Holmes recorded. Does this sink the album to 2 stars? I REALLY want to skip the spoken dialogue recordings. I guess I'll compromise with 3.
Nina Simone
3/5
I have heard of Nina Simone, but I don't know if I've ever heard any of her music. Most of the album was good. "I Love Your Lovin' Ways" and "Lilac Wine" might be worth a re-listen. The second half of the album, was less enjoyable. Simone sings a few of the tracks with enough vibrato in her voice that I began asking myself if I didn't like this album. It was good to finally hear some music from Simone. Rounding up gives this album 3 stars.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Perhaps I've heard a track or two from Derek and the Dominos, but I don't know much about the band or their music. As soon as I hear the music I remember that Eric Clapton is in the band, but I don't remember how any Derek or any of the Dominos fit into Clapton's overall career arc. I've heard versions of "Bell Bottom Blues" and "Layla" before, but I'm not sure if I've heard the versions from this album before. Let's say that "Key to the Highway '' was my favorite track because of the solid foundation of bluesy guitar. "It's Too Late" and "Any Day" could be next on the list for favorite tracks. I like "Little Wing" (e.g. Stevie Ray Vaughan, or Jimi Hendrix), but not this version of "Little Wing". The album was okay, but I'm not sure if I'd come back around for seconds.
Morrissey
3/5
I like some things from Morrissey. Your Arsenal arrives firmly at "Okay". I made it through the album, but I won't remember anything from this album to make me want to revisit.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Pink Floyd is one of my to 5 all-time favorite bands, but I have probably only listened to this early ablum one time before reviewing The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn for this list. Perhaps I have only listened to this album only once before because it is the early Syd Barrett authored sound. I enjoy many tracks from Barret ("See Emily Play", "Arnold Layne"), including tracks from this album ("Bike", "Astronomy Domine"), but the band's output was uneven during his time. "Pow R. Toc H." (with a string of somewhat grating introductory sounds that come back later in the track) is the low point for me on this album. This album is prime psychodelic rock, and further away from the more progressive leaning albums central to Pink Floyd's career. If my three star rating means that it's a single listen and I'm done, then I will have to admit that this album has earned rounding up to four stars. I may be back to hear the whole thing again.
Gene Clark
3/5
Gene Clark is an unfamiliar name, and the only track that I knew from the album ("Stand by Me") is a cover of a song I've heard from other artists. The two tracks I rated the highest reminded me of other artists. "White Light" reminded me of Gordon Lightfoot. "For a Spanish Guitar" reminded me of James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James". "Tears of Rage" reminded me of the Jayhawks. Overall the album was good. It sounded a little like some old-school country music, but not quite. A solid 3 stars
LL Cool J
2/5
The title track was the only track that was familiar from Mama Said Knock You Out. In principle I respect LL Cool J's talent, but about half way through this album I was tired of what I was listening too. I can only listen to so much of "I'm so cool." The lyric content seems dated and not for me.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
I can confidently say that I will never listen to this album again. I've heard one or two tracks from the band before. Listening to a whole album was not far from what I expected from the band. No thanks.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
I have listened to this album before. After hearing other artists and music reviewers talk about this album, I had to check it out. The music is good, and how this collaboration came to be is a great story. "Pueblo Nuevo" and "El Carretero" were the tracks I liked the best on this listen. Because of the history of this album, I won't forget that this album is out there. This might not be the music I will come back to very often, but this is quality music. I might be back again, when I'm looking for something different than what I normally listen to.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Quicksilver Messenger Service was a new band for me. All of the tracks from Happy Trails were new to me. Side one of the album was an interesting take on "Who Do You Love" and had some interesting jams ("How You Love"). The album felt like the music rested firmly in rock and roll music, but nothing stood out enough to make me think I'll be back for more later.
Primal Scream
3/5
Primal Scream sounds like they would have fit in with other music that I listened to at the time when Screamadelica came out (Soup Dragons, James, Oasis, Blur), but this was all new music for me. I liked the album, and I would be interested in hearing more from the band. "Inner Flight" and "Damaged" were my favorite tracks. "Come Together" - not my favorit song from the Beatles either - was my least favorite track, and might be what sinks this below 4 stars.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I think I've listened to Hejira before because I've seen this album from Joni Mitchell recommended elsewhere. None of the songs sounded familiar, but it's good to hear Mitchell's familiar voice. I don't think that any of the tracks have a traditional verse-chorus, verse-chorus structure. Mitchell has built the tracks around story-telling, but even if I wasn't paying 100% attention to the stories I could enjoy the music as a whole. I'm not sure if I'll remember to come back to this album again, but I enjoyed this visit.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
All of these tracks were new to me, but Joni Mitchell's clear and strong voice was shone through on each track. The album is good, but none of the tracks really stood out to me enough to call me back to the album for a second listen.
Fever Ray
4/5
Fever Ray is a new artist and new music for me. There is something in the vocals that reminded me of Tegan and Sara. Some of the music reminded me a of less serious Dead Can Dance, with Fever Ray having a little fun with the music too. The album works as a whole, but the individual tracks were different enough to keep my attention. "If I Had a Heart" is good example of what you'll get from this album. I also put "Triangle Walks", "Keep the Streets Empty for Me" and "Coconut" in my personal playlist to listen to again later. I enjoyed this album. I could easily come back for a second listen.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
There are two songs on this album that I am very familiar with, and the rest of the songs on the album are easily identifiable as the Rolling Stones. This album is a good representation of the problems I have with the Rolling Stones. Beggars Banquet has an interesting mix of music, including a solid amount of rock and roll that reaches into the blues and even some country. The Stones are good musicians and wrote some catchy songs. But, once the lyrics settle in my ears, I can only think about what a creep Mick Jagger is. I can find rock and roll elsewhere and easily not listen to the Stones. It's too bad that it wasn't the Beatles who had a chance to play well into their old age.
Hole
2/5
Remembering who Courtney Love is from the time that this album came out made the experience even less enjoyable. I have heard tracks from Hole before, but this was a entirely new album to me. There are moments of musicality, but for the majority of the time Love falls back into her default vocal delivery. "She Walks on Me" and "Rock Star" are particularly heinous. I don't need to listen to a bunch of screaming over music that ALMOST "okay".
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I was surprised to see an album from a band that I have only known as a one-hit-wonder, and this time it's an album that does not include their one hit. The music was okay. I didn't find anything that made me want to listen to more from the band, but not much to make me not want to listen either. The listening experience drug down a couple of times for some spoken audio, and there were a couple of times that I said "Oh look, they decided to include a swear." I think that Searching For The Young Soul Rebels comes out as "okay".
Tom Waits
3/5
My third Tom Waits album to review, and I'm still not sure what to do with it. Maybe I'm getting used to Waits, because Swordfishtrombones seemed okay. "Rainbirds" was an easy instrumental track to like, but "In the Nighborhood", "Swordfishtrombone" "Down, Down, Down", "Gin Soaked Boy" and "16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six" were easily "okay" or better tracks. The track I would want to skip is "Shore Leave" which almost feels like a classic Tom Waits track because all I could say was "What?" when I listened to it.
Air
4/5
Moon Safari is the second album recommended to me from Air. I'm not sure how to assess how much I liked this album. There were portions of the album that reminded me of ELO or some of the popular music from the 70s. Some of my least favorite tracks were the tracks with female guest vocalists.
All of the tracks seemed at least okay. I added "La femme d'argent" (my favorite track) and "Talisman" to my personal playlist for a re-listen. I would be open to listenting to more from Air. I don't think that there are any tracks that I would skip, so I'll do a bit of rounding up to a full 4 stars.
The Incredible String Band
3/5
The Incredible String Band are a new band for me, and The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter was all new music for me too. The musis matches the album cover, with som psychodelia mixed with an odd bit of folk. The jaw harp came in early enough to let me know I was going to hear something different. Some of the vocals relied on 'la la la's and 'ah ahaaaah uh ah-ah' kinds of arrangements that wore out their welcome. There were a couple of songs that were quite weird, but in an endearing way ("A Very Cellular Song", and "Mercy I Cry City"). I did not know how to deal with the weirdness of "The Minotaur's Song". I definitely did not like "Witches Hat". I don't think that I LIKE this album, but the album was enjoyable enough to make listening to the album as a whole worth that much time.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
Of course I am familiar with "Relax" and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The whole album seemed felt like what I would expect from Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Several of the tracks sound like a second or third movement of "Relax". "Krisco Kisses" is a solid example of what I did not like about this album. I did not like their cover of "Born to Run". I'm not the person that would appreciate this album. Add to it that the album is a double album (twice as long), firmly places this experience in the "nope" category.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I recognize the band's name, but I wasn't sure if I have heard much if anything from A Tribe Called Quest. There were rhythms to the vocals that sounded familiar. "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" was the only track that lyrically sounded familiar. For me, "Youthful Expression" is an example of the fun and groove that the band is pursuing on this album. I enjoyed listening to the album, but I don't think I'll remember enough to want to come back for more.
Wilco
4/5
I like Wilco and have listened to several liver performances from the band, and a variety of individual tracks. This is the second album recommended to me on this list. The only songs familiar to me from Being There were the "Ottasite" and "Outta Mind" tracks. For a double album, Being There was a consistently good listen. I marked several tracks for a re-listen ("Outtasite (Outta Mind)", "Forget the Flowers", "What's the World Got in Store", "Outta Mind (Outta Sight)", "Someone Else's Song", "Kingpin", "Why Would You Wanna Live").
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
This is the album that introduced me to Bonnie Raitt. I have heard 4 of the 11 tracks from Nick of Time many times in the past. This album is fine, but I think I prefer to hear more of Raitt's music that has a stronger connection to the blues. Some of these tracks feel firmly rooted in the 80s. This is no surprise, but makes it harder for me to want to take a second listen to the album.
Christine and the Queens
3/5
Chris from Christine and the Queens is a difficult album to rate. There was nothing that I particularly liked or dis-liked from this album. I listened to the French album, and "5 Dols" is the only track that caught my attention enough for me to double check what I was listening to. I was surprised that this album was released in 2018, because the album sounded like 1990s to me (like stuff that I was chosing not to listen to of my own choice in the 90s).
I guess this might round up to 3 stars because I didn't hate it?
Spiritualized
3/5
This was a new band and new music for me. I'm not sure where to put this album. I heard music that reminded me of Badly Drawn Boy, Damon Albarn or Oasis - and I like at least some music from each of those artists. There were also tracks that I definitely would skip ("All of My Thoughts", "Come Together", "The Individual"). I do not expect to listen to this album again, so rounding up to three stars is an okay measure of this listening experience.
Tina Turner
2/5
I'm sorry Tina. I know that you are talented, but this album is not for me. I've heard at least two of the tracks from this album so many times, that I've had enough of the album as a whole. I have never liked "Private Dancer" on its own, but it is also tied to so many other pop-culture references - I've heard the track more than enough times to last my lifetime. "1984" is the track that I disliked more than "Private Dancer". Rounding down to 2 stars.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
This was my first time hearing a full album from Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I have heard many songs from them and I have seen them in concert. "Rain, Rain Beautiful Rain” was the only track that seemed familiar to me. The rest was new, but in the familiar Ladysmith Black Mambazo style. "Unomathemba" was my favorite track and a great way to open the album as the deeper voices began filling in behind the lead vocals. Not a lot stood out from this album, but because I know that I enjoyed this listen, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are a group that I like, I might be back for a second listen in the future.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Curtis Mayfield was a mildly familiar name, but all of the music on the album was new to me. I enjoyed listening to the album, but none of the tracks stood out to me as something that I'll come back to.
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
I've heard some music from Antony and the Johnsons, but never a full album. "Fistful of Love" was my favorite track from the album, but I couldn't handle the warble in the vocals. The music is good, but the vocals would make me skip listening to this album again. I think the warble was enough to keep me from rounding up to a full 3 stars.
Radiohead
3/5
I am curious to hear what Radiohead has recorded, even if I don't always like everything they do. OK Computer is a good example. Most of the tracks are at least okay, but there are a few bits that might keep me from doing a full re-listen. My reluctance to Radiohead is in part related to some of the videos from this album (which were part of my initial introduction to the band). A couple tracks get too noisy for my enjoyment. "Let Down" was the track I liked the most, folowed by "Karma Police" and "Subterranean Homesick Alien".
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Shalimar was new music for me and I've never heard of Rahul Dev Burman. "One Two Cha Cha" was my least favorite track. Perhaps there was one other track that I was ready to have it finish sooner. I liked listening to something new and from a different culture. At this moment I'm not feeling like I should go check out the movie any time soon, but that could change.
Traffic
3/5
I have never listened to a full album from Traffic. "Glad" was the only track I recognized from the album. I enjoyed listening to the album, but I did not pick out any tracks to come back to for a second listen. The title track seemed to reach toward some sort of folk-tune, while reminding me of a less frenetic version of Jethro Tull.
Yes
5/5
Yes is one of my all-time favorite bands. I don't know how many times I have listened to this album before, and I have listened to individual tracks from the album at least a dozen times more than I've listened to the album as a whole. "Yours is No Disgrace" is a great way to start off the album. Bill Bruford (drums) and Chris Squire (bass) lay down a foundation and provide a propelling force through the whole song. There are great examples of what Steve Howe (guitar), Tony Kaye (keyboards), and Jon Anderson (vocals) bring to the mix. There is a reason that all 5 members get song writing credit for the first track. Most of the album fits in the same mood. Steve Howe's instrumental "Clap" feels out of place between "Yours is No Disgrace" and "Starship Trooper". "A Venture" is a little weak as well, but none of the songs are bad. The rest of the album is great. I will listen to this album again.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
This is the second album recommended to me from Echo and the Bunnymen. Ocean Rain sounds like the version of the band that I am most familiar with. This album has one of my all-time favorite tracks from the band ("The Killing Moon") in addition to other familiar favorites ("Seven Seas", "Silver"). I had forgotten about "Seven Seas" and was happy to hear it again. The album is consistent, but with enough variety to keep me interested. I would listen to this album again.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
This was the most I've heard from the Everly Brothers. I enjoyed listening to the album. "Love Hurts", "So How Come (No One Loves Me)" and "Cathy's Clown" were the tracks that stood out the most for me. The Everly Brothers are talented, and the music is good. I do have a hard time with this early era Rock and Roll that is so focused on the teenage life. I don't want to listen to "Made to Love" again... so creepy.
David Bowie
3/5
This is the seventh album recommended from David Bowie. (Only 19 more to go!) I liked this album more than most of the previous recommendations. "Changes" is my favorite track. "Life on Mars?" is the only other track that I was familiar with before listening to the album. Bowie can be dark in strange ways that don't get along with me, but I didn't feel that weight from this album. I'm not sure if I would choose to listen to this on my own, but I wouldn't complain if someone else decided to listen to the album and I had to listen again.
Killing Joke
4/5
I know nothing about Killing Joke, the album or the band. There is an early punk feel to this album.
Some of the music felt like it was an attempt by the Clash to play music by Echo and the Bunnymen or perhaps music from the earliest version of the Cure, all with a set of amplifiers trying to open a door for Rage Against the Machine. I enjoyed the album enough to listen to the additional tracks from the re-release. "Requiem" was easily my favorite track from the album. I'd come back to this album for a second listen.
The Charlatans
4/5
I wasn't sure if I was familiar with the band until I saw them listed as The Charlatans UK. All of the music on Tellin' Stories was new to me, and I couldn't say if I've heard anything from this band before. The Charlatans seemed like they would fit in with Blur, James, Oasis, and the Verve. "One to Another", "Area 51" and "Only Teethin'" were saved to my personal playlist. I'd be interested in hearing more from this band.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
The second track on this album ("White Winter Hymnal") was my introduction to Fleet Foxes, and still one of my favorite songs from the band. I enjoyed listening to the album. I would come back for a second listen.
AC/DC
2/5
What if Angus played guitar over different lyrics? Angus is awesome, the lyrics are terrible.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Before listening to this album, I couldn't have told you what songs Dusty Springfield sang, only that she was a singer. I recognized at least four of the tracks on the album, but I know that I've heard covers of most if not all of them. I don't know if I've heard Springfield's versions before. Springfield is a talented singer. Listening to the album was an enjoyable experience, but the style of music feels like it is firmly set in the early days of pop and rock music. I don't see me wanting to pick up this album for a revisit (and if I did I would want to skip "Mockingbird" - it's too busy of a song).
3/5
Suba and São Paulo Confessions were new to me. The album felt like it was somewhere in the middle of electronic, ambient, and club music. "Antropófagos" and "Segredo" were my favorite tracks, and "Pecados da Madrugada" had some interesting sounds. Some of the tracks had some odd sounds in repetition that kept me from enjoying the tracks completely. "A Noite Sem Fim" was my least favorite, which is a surprise because I usually like longer tracks on an album more. The track had too many sour electronic sounds. For my first listen this album feels like 3 stars, but I would be interested in hearing more from the band.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
This is the second recommendation I've received from this list from A Tribe Called Quest. Listening to this album felt a lot like the previous album. There are interesting and enjoyable tracks, but I'm not sure if I'll remember this album enough to want to come back for a second listen. "Show Business" was a familiar track, and had a good sound. "Scenario" with Busta Rhymes was entertaining too. Unfortunately, there are lyrics and on these and other tracks that would make me skip the tracks on a second listen. For one listen, the album gets a 3. If I had to play the album again - 2 stars.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Frank Sinatra is not on my list of music that I listen to. Antonio Carlos Jobim is a welcome addition for this album, but the album still didn't get much past "okay". I'm not a fan of crooner music I guess. I feel like I'm only one or two steps away from elevator muzak.
Brian Eno
4/5
I have listened to at least a couple other Brian Eno albums. Before and After Science is different than his more ambient recordings. "King's Lead Hat" made me think of the Talking Heads, and "By This River" (which was one of my favorite tracks) made me think of Alan Parsons. "Through Hollow Lands" was another favorite. There are some interesting sounds on this album. "Kurt's Rejoinder" was weird enough that it put a little pause in my listening. Nothing was too weird. I would probably re-listen to this album because the album is not typical.
Donovan
3/5
This is the first time I've listened to a whole album from Donovan, and I've only heard a few tracks in total. For me Donovan falls somewhere in the middle of folk, psychodelia and Van Morrison. "Sunshine Superman", "Season of the Witch" and "The Trip" were familiar tracks. "Sunshien Superman" was the best track,and the album was okay overall.
Guns N' Roses
2/5
I must have been present to hear this full album at some point when Appetite For Destruction was new. I had friends who loved Guns N' Roses. I had a hard time with the persona Axl Rose was trying to play. I guess I still do. Rose has talent, but I don't buy into the tough-guy persona. Having seen their videos doesn't help my distaste. Another detractor from Rose is his injection of additional sylables ("mow-ah" = more; "lie-ee-ine" = line). All of that distracts from the fun that Slash provides on guitar ("Welcome to the Jungle", "Sweet Child o' Mine"). I don't like this album.
Roxy Music
2/5
All of the tracks on this album were new to me. Hearing Roxy Music has never sparked my curiosity to look for more muisc from the band. For Your Pleasure fits within that same zone of interest. Did I like the album? Not really. Did I dis-like the album? ¿Maybe? The warble in the vocals and some sounds from the horns keep this album from being "okay". No one was harmed in the listening of this album, but I will forget that I heard this album soon enough.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I have heard Baaba Maal sing with Peter Gabriel, Afro Celt Sound System and on the 1 Giant Leap album. In general I like what Maal does, but listening to a whole album is just okay. "Loodo" was my favorite track, and a track that I could come back to an enjoy. "Lam Tooro" was my second most favorite. Some of the longer tracks towards the end of the album felt like more of a distraction than music that I would listen to.
Al Green
3/5
The title track was the only familiar song for me from this album. It was good to hear a full album from Al Green. "I've Never Found a Girl (Who Loves Me Like You Do)” and "La-La for You” grabbed my attention. Overall the album was okay.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Two Baaba Maal albums in three days. The album overall was okay. The enjoyed hte album more as it went along. Maal has some interesting percussion and beats. "Hamady Boiro" and "Olel" were my favorite tracks. Maal is talented, but I can't quite round up to 4 stars.
MC Solaar
3/5
MC Solaar and the music from Qui Sème Le Vent Récolte Le Tempo were new to me. There is almost no Rap in what I generally listen to, so any rap artist has some work to do to keep my attention. I listened and finished the album curious about the artist and his music. The music was at least okay. I only found two or three tracks (out of 16) that I was tempted to skip. Solaar is skillful, and I understand enough French to see at least a hint of some humor and cleverness in his lyrics. I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars.
Tito Puente
4/5
My first introduction to Tito Puente was through the Simpsons, but I took some time to listen to a few tracks from Puente to hear what he sounds like on his own. Dance Mania was new music to me. Part way into the album Puente was grabbing my attention with "3-D Mambo", "Llegó Miján", and "Cuando Te Vea". Towards the end of the album, "Estoy Siempre Junto a Ti" was a too slow and sounded like more of aa song from a classic crooner than fits my taste. I'm torn on how to rate this album. Most of it is really good, and the music might grow on me. If I was looking for something different, and to mix up what I've been listening to, I this album feels like a reliable source of good and different music. Well, let's round up to 4 stars.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
I remember three of the tracks from Ritual De Lo Habitual from when they were first played on the Radio. I think I like "Been Caught Stealing" but I'm still not quite sure. I like some of Jane's Addiction's sound, but haven't been inspired to listen to much of their music. I do have a tendency to like longer tracks from a band, perhaps because they have more room to develop the song. Not surprising, "Three Days" (at 10min48sec) was my favorite track from the album. I liked the second half of the album more than the first. The first seemed to be stuck in the strange buzzed vocals of Perry Farrell, which started to wear on me.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
I think I've listened to a track or two from the Bill Evans Trio before. Sunday at the Village Vanguard is good music. I'd easily agree to listen to more from the band, but nothing stood out calling me back for a second listen.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
When the songs from Tuesday Night Music Club were on the radio, I was trying to decide if I like Sheryl Crow or not. Four of the eleven tracks from this album are familiar, but I'm pretty sure I've listened to the whole album at least once as I tried to figure out if I like Crow or not. I listened again, and I'm still not convinced. Crow is talented, but the music doesn't call out for attention from me. The singles from this album (excluding "Run Baby Run") got a slightly higher rating. I did not like "The Na-Na Song". The album as a whole lands squarely on 3 stars. Meh.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This is the third album recommended from the Rolling Stones. The three songs that I liked the most are all songs that I've heard before many times ("Wild Horses", "Dead Flowers", "Brown Sugar"). But even these tracks don't call to me for a second listen. I like covers of "Wild Horses" more than the original from the Stones. Overall, the album can be summed up as, "Sure, okay". It was an album, but I wouldn't miss it.
The Young Rascals
3/5
I can't tell if the the band The Young Rascals is a familiar name or not. The album Groovin' was new to me, except for perhaps the title track. And yet, I may have heard some other band's version of Groovin'. The album sounds like early rock and roll. It was good, but I'll probably forget that I've listened to it.
Iron Maiden
3/5
The Number of the Beast is the second Iron Maiden album that I have reviewed for this list, and essentially doubles the amount of music that I've heard from the band. The only track from this album that was all familiar to me was "Run to the Hills", but I may have only heard a couple lines from the song and never the entire track. From the start, the album felt like it would be at best a "one and done" recommendation. Iron Maiden is too bombastic and operatic for me. That approach actually works for me with "Run to the Hills", but the rest of the album didn't capture my attention. I didn't dislike the tracks, but one listen feels like enough.
Talking Heads
4/5
Even as a fan of the Talking Heads, it is hard to beat their work on their live album Stop Making Sense. Most of the music off of this recommendation, Fear of Music, was new to me. I am only certain that I have heard two of the eleven tracks from this album, but the album does sound like the Talking Heads. I liked "I Zimbra" and "Life During Wartime" the most. "I Zimbra" hints at later work by the band and David Byrne's solo career. I was a little disappointed that I didn't find more than one or two tracks that I'm definitely going to listen to again, but overall I could give Fear of Music another listen.
Charles Mingus
2/5
New music and a new artist for me. I have listened to a limited amount of Jazz, and I have wanted to re-listen to only a small portion of what I have listened to. Mingus' album was too cacophonous for me. I did not enjoy this album.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
Congratulations 'Skip', I didn't dislike your album. I'm not sure if I liked it, but I did not NOT like Oar. Alexander 'Skip' Spence is a new artist to me. There was only one song that I recognized ("Little Hands") and I'm pretty sure I've only heard someone else play that song. This album was a mix of folk-rock and hippie, of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and... something else I can't quite put my finger on.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
I've listened to this album before. I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got is not my favorite album from Sinead O'Connor (check out The Lion and the Cobra). O'Connor's most recognized song is on this album ("Nothing Compares 2 U"), which is a good showcase of her vocal abilities, but it's not a song that keeps my attention well. My favorite song from this album is "The Emperor's New Clothes", which has a strong guitar rhythm backing up the energetically paced vocals. I also like O'Connor's version of the traditional tune "I Am Stretched on Your Grave". All of the songs were at least good, but I don't imagine coming back to the album as a whole.
Beatles
4/5
"Here Comes the Sun" is one of my all-time favorite tracks from the Beatles. "Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End" is my next favorite track on this album. I have a soft spot for the absurd in the tracks "Octopus's Garden" and "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". This was not the first time I've listened to this album, and probably not the last.
Moby Grape
3/5
I've heard the name Moby Grape before, but this was new music to me. The album felt like a good representation from its time. I didn't find any new favorites on this album, but I didn't want to skip any tracks either.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Pink Floyd is one of my all time favorite bands, but I have not listened to the Wall in 30 years or more. The Wall is a mixed bag for me. Roger Waters gets a little creepy at times, but this album also displays the combination of Gillmore and Waters at their best, and just prior to the falling apart of the classice Pink Floyd lineup. Their is a combination of soothing and terror ("Goodbye Blue Sky"), entrancing guitar solos and odd sound effects, haunting and horror ("Hey You"). This album is solid on vocals from both leads (Gillmore and Waters), Gillmore's guitar solos, and previews Gillmore's lead once Waters has moved on. My favorite song is "Comfortably Numb" on which all of the band members make recognizable contributions. There is some darkness to this album that keeps me from coming back regularly, but it was good to be reminded that I do love several of the tracks ("Comfortably Numb", "Hey You", "Run Like Hell").
The Clash
3/5
I like the Clash. This is a new album for me, but I've heard a couple of studio albums before and their greatest hits album. "Police & Thieves" was the track that I saved to my personal playlist, and "48 hours", "Janie Jones", and "Garageland" were good too. This sounded like an album from the Clash that I like, but none of the tracks stood out as a discovery of a new favorite. I liked the album, but I might not remember to look for this album again for a second listen.
Minor Threat
2/5
I've propbably heard a track from Minor Threat, but never listened to the band. I'm glad the tracks were short. All of the vocals are yelling or talking. The music is related to punk with influences from metal. I did not enjoy listening to this album.
The Louvin Brothers
4/5
The Louvin Brothers is a band I know of, and I've heard at least a track or two from the band including "In the Pines" from this album (Tragic Songs of Life). I also like other bands that have credited The Louvin Brothers as an influence (e.g. Ralph Stanley, The Stanley Brothers). Overall, I like this album. I used to be more okay with some of the sexism and murder ballads found in Old Timey music. "Knoxville Girl" is a 'traditional song' that I'd probably want to skip on a re-listen. I'll round-up to 4 stars anyway.
The Replacements
2/5
I know I've heard the Replacements before, but I don't know what. I like the Crash Test Dummies' cover of "Androgynous" and the version of that track on this album is good too. Some of the tracks were too noisy and musically incoherent. Most of the tracks were fighting to reach the okay level. I just don't think I can round up to 3 stars. I did not hate the album, but 8 out of 12 tracks got less than 3 stars.
Lou Reed
3/5
I think that Lou Reed in general is a talented musician and songwriter. I generally like his music, and there are covers of his songs that I enjoy. I think I heard U2's cover of "Satellite of Love” before I heard Reed's version off of this album. I have listened to this album at least once before, because I wanted to see what else came with the infectious hooks from "Walk on the Wild Side”. I'm a little nervous to listen closely to Reed's lyrics. The music is good, but I don't want to know what he's actually singing about.
Steely Dan
3/5
Can't Buy A Thrill is the fourth Steely Dan album recommended to me from this list. I've heard three tracks off of Can't Buy A Thrill on the radio."Dirty Work" is the track I liked the most, followed by "Reelin' in the Years", "Change of the Guard" and "Do It Again". I still wish I could hear what others hear in Steely Dan. I know they're talented, but I don't feel a real desire to hear more. Can't Buy A Thrill, you are officially "okay".
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Isn't anything is the second album recommended to me from My Bloody Valentine on this list. My Bloody Valentine reminds me a little of Sonic Youth. The music is adjacent to what I might listen to, but I don't want to listen to this music. Isn't Anything waivered in and out of "okay"-ness, almost reaching something that I could like with "All I Need", but the second half of the album was a slog to get through.
The Who
3/5
I have probably listened to this album at least 10 times before reviewing this album. The first few times was out of curiosity about the rest of the album that includes "Pinball Wizard". The next few times was to try and understand the whole rock opera. The last couple of times was to decide how much some of the characters and songs creep me out. This album still makes me feel icky. I haven't watched the movie yet (maybe never will?). I did not know that a couple of the creepiest songs were credited to Entwistle. I thought the creepiness was all on Townshend's shoulders. There are tracks that I still enjoy ("Pinball Wizard", "I'm Free") and some of the instrumentals are worth listening to, to see what the band was trying to explore musically (my fav was "Sparks"). Overall, the album comes out as an "okay", with a wish to skip some of the story portrayed across the album.
Daft Punk
2/5
I had heard a few songs from Daft Punk prior to their 2013 release of Random Access Memories. I listened to that album as my full introduction to the band. Homework has a couple songs that I have heard before ("Da Funk", "Around the World"). "Around the World" is the track I like the best from this album. I did not enjoy most of the tracks on this album. I don't understand the repetition. In some cases, the repetition goes on long enough, and is of such short clips that it feels like a broken record ("High Fidelity"). Maybe there's something that I'm missing.
Genesis
4/5
This album came up as my recommendation and I said to myself, "Great!" This version of Genesis is a solid line-up with Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins. I like Peter Gabriel, and I like a lot of what Genesis has done. A few years ago I listened to every single Genesis album to try and figure out how they went from their prog-rock beginnings to pop music superstars. I've heard "Selling England" by the pound at least a couple of times, and several of the tracks more than that. You could take any track from this album and get a good idea of what Genesis has to offer at this point in time. I had two tracks that I wasn't sure if they were a full 4 stars, but the rest of the tracks were easily a 4. The album works well as a single whole. This album is not my favorite Genesis album, but it is a favorite and worth a listen.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Lady Soul is the first whole album I've listened to from Aretha Franklin. I knew two tracks from this album ("Chain of Fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"). Overall, this album was a fun listen. The music felt upbeat and lively. I particularly liked the horns on several of the tracks, but especially on "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone". I would recommend listenting to this album.
The xx
4/5
The xx is a band that I like, although this was the first time I've listened to an entire album from the band. I'm pretty sure that I have put "VCR" or "Islands" on one of my personal playlists. I like the xx's mix of indie-pop that dips into electronic music from time to time. This band sounds like it would go well with many of the artists produced by Sub Pop records.
Prince
4/5
I have heard some tracks and albums from Prince, but Sign 'O' The Times was all new music. I'm still not sure what to do with Prince. I was surprised that this album was an easy listen. I probably didn't pay enough attention to the lyrics. I'm sure I missed something, but I came out liking this album enough. Curiousity might bring me back.
Sonic Youth
2/5
I could pass on Sonic Youth every time. I don't hate Sonic Youth, but I DO NOT like Sonic Youth. "Orange Rolls, Angel's Spit" and "Nic Fit" cemented this album as 2 stars, although "Nic Fit" did make me think of Brak from Space Ghost.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
As a fan of early Genesis, Yes, ELP and Pink Floyd, I'm surprised that I was unaware of this album until about 4 years ago (2018). Seeing that the album was recommended, I listened to part of the album, and the 'Mike Oldfield 'Tubular Bells' Live at the BBC 1973' concert. Apparently I have only heard Part I. The weird grunts and growls in Part II were an unpleasant surprise. The album is worth a listen, but I may not get to Part II again.
The The
3/5
I remember that The The was a band that was on the radio at one point in time, but I can't remember what I've heard from them. "Uncertain Smile" is the track that I liked the most, and almost sounded familiar. For me, this band fits in well with groups like the Psychodelic Furs, and Simple Minds. This album was okay. Perhaps a second listen might help me hear more of what was accomplished on this album, but I just don't know if I'll get back to the album again.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Rod Stewart is not a new artist to me. I've heard about half of this album as individual tracks, but never listened to a complete album from Stewart. There are some great instrumental sections and tracks ("Tomorrow is a Long Time", "Henry", "Mandolin Wind", the 'Amazing Grace' portion of "That's All Right"). I was not aware of the talent of Rod Stewart's band, but I still get bogged down by his voice. I think that Stewart's "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" (not on this album) has permanently ruined hearing Stewart's voice for me.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
Oh boy, does this album broadcast 1989, or what? The videos for some of the tracks are a perfect encapsulation of that point in time for popular music. Other than recognizing a time period, I don't have much in common with who this record was written for. I like understanding different cultural perspectives, but this is not music I would choose to listen to. Once was enough.
Queen
4/5
I've listened to at least a few full albums from Queen in addition to various verions of their greatest hits. I like a lot of Queen's music. This album reminded me more of their work on soundtracks like Flash Gordon or Highlander. The music on Queen II reaches into progressive rock and follows a theme throughout the album. Each track is well suited to the rest of the album. I enjoyed hearing something different from Queen. The driving energy of "Seven Seas of Rhye" made it the track I liked the most. Because the album is different, I could imagine listening again just to see what I missed the first time.
The Dictators
3/5
I've never heard of The Dictators, and except for the covers Go Girl Crazy was all new music for me. The band sounds like they are making music because they want to have fun (rather than reach some new or unique acheivement in music.) The Dictators sound like they're having fun, but not at a level that would draw me in for an additional level. I would not be surprised if I forget that I've heard this album soon enough. This album will get 3 stars because I never felt like I DIDN'T like what the band was doing, but I am rounding up because I didn't particularly like the album either. There were a few lyrics I was concerned with. A closer listen to the content might sink this album down to two stars. I don't want to listen again.
TV On The Radio
4/5
I've heard at least a track or two from TV On The Radio, but because of those tracks I never made it back to any more of their music. Dear Science was a new album for me and a pleasant surprise. All of the tracks were at least okay. There where times when the vocals reminded me of XTC or Beck, and other times when they sounded very much their own thing. "Halfway Home", "Family Tree" and "DLZ" got the highest ratings for individual tracks. The album squeaks in to a spot where I'll round up to 4 full stars. Maybe I won't take so long to listen to something more from the band.
Rush
5/5
If there are only two Rush albums on this list, Moving Pictures should be one of those albums. I have listened to every Rush album released within 10 years on either side of Moving Pictures, and I have listened to Moving Pictures many times. I found Moving Pictures for the first time more than 5 years after it was released, but it was already a classic. Moving Pictures is Rush's bridge between Prog Rock and the pop side of Rock and Roll. "YYZ" (why-why-ZED) is there so you don't forget that Rush has heavy metal heritage as well. "Tom Sawyer" is one of the best opening album tracks of ALL TIME. Throughout the album, all three members of the band give you so much to listen to. Yes, there are only three people in the band. The first half of this album is some of the best music Rush has ever made. The second half isn't as strong, but it's still worth listening too. The album is an easy repeat. "Tom Sawyer", "YYZ", and "Limelight" are some of my all-time favorite tracks from Rush, but I have regularly come back to "Red Barchetta" and "The Camera Eye" for a re-listen. Witch Hunt" is the weakest track on the album, but it is only a minor imperfection in the total quality of the album.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Happy Sad is similar to the previous album I reviewed for Tim Buckley (Greetings From L.A.). I didn't enjoy what I was listening to. If you like Buckley, fine by me. I can't think of the mood I would have to be in to say, "I should listen to Tim Buckley".
D'Angelo
1/5
I have probably only heard one or two complete songs from D'Angelo. I don't follow the kinds of entertainment that might include this music. My impression of D'Angelo is that he's more than content to be D'Angelo, but I don't like "I'm so cool" as a theme in any genre of music. Some of the music on thsi album is... okay..., but why would I ever want to listen to the content?
I don't want to listen to a guy sing about how much he wants to get physical with the ladies. Bleh.
Tears For Fears
3/5
I remember when this album came out. I don't remember listening to the whole album before, but the singles from this album where everywhere.
This album holds a high dose of nostalgia for me, because the singles were so popular. I think in general I like Tears for Fears, but I rarely, if ever decide to listen to them on my own. I have re-listened to them at the suggestion of others. The one exception is their track "Woman in Chains", but that's on a different album. Overall, the album is good, but I'm not sure a full album re-listen is in the future.
Dolly Parton
3/5
I have heard individual tracks from Dolly over the years, but Coat of Many Colors is the first time I've listened to a whole album. The title track was the only song I was familiar with. "Coat of Many Colors" and "The Way I See You" were the tracks that called to my attention as I was listening. Overall I was surpriesed how consistent her voice and songwriting have been over the years. The album is not typical of the music I would listen to, but it was a good album.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I do like Elvis Costello, but perhaps I have primarily heard his more popular tracks. Blood and Chocolate was all new music for me. There are several tracks that I saved for a re-listen. I found the last few tracks of the album particularly engaging ("Battered Old Bird", "Crimes of Paris", "Poor Napoleon", "Next Time Round"). "Tokyo Storm Warning" was another favorite track. I liked these new-to-me tracks. There are a couple of tracks on the ablum that I would skip (including "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?") on a re-listen. These tracks that I would skip keep me from rounding up to a full four stars.
Aerosmith
2/5
I have heard Pump many times, but I probably haven't listened to the album since 1992. This album was my primary introduction to Aerosmith, as they were re-establishing their career. I know better now.
There is an engaging energy to the music on this album, but the lyrics are bringing me down. 40-year-old men singing about "Young Lust" - Steven Tyler has a genuine way for creeping me out. "Janie's Got a Gun" is perhaps the perfect example of the conflict in Aerosmith's music - all of the sounds (instruments and vocals) are well-crafted and performed. The music feels like Aerosmith has created a sound that unique from this band. BUT the topic and lyrics aren't what I want rattling around in my head. There are much creepier tracks on this album, that are less enticing musically. Ick!
The Velvet Underground
3/5
The Velvet Underground was a pleasant surprise. "Pale Blue Eyes" was the only track I had heard before, and it might be my favorite song from the band. "What Goes On" is a new favorite from this album. With the other music that I've heard from the Velvet Underground, I am tempted to like it but I don't quite get there. This album didn't hit those same roadblocks, with one exception. "The Murder Mystery" was confusing and noisy, and I'd prefer to skip that track.
Jeru The Damaja
1/5
This is a new artist and new music for me. Jeru the Demaja has some good beats, and is a talented rapper with some clever rhymes. Unfortunately, I don't want to listen to the content of the tracks. Many of the tracks I did not like, but there was one track that clarified that this whole album gets 1 star.
Nirvana
2/5
I don't think I had listened to all of In Utero before. I have listened to at least 2 other Nirvana albums before, and I know 5 of the 12 tracks from this album. From the beginning, I've felt at best ambivalant towards Nirvana. "Dumb" and "All Apologies" are interesting, and have kind of wormed there way in to where I like those tracks. But there are tracks on the album that I do not like. Sometimes it's the screaming and noise of the tracks, other times it's the content of the lyrics. The video for "Heart-Shaped Box" just makes me feel gross. As an album, I did not like In Utero.
Koffi Olomide
4/5
Koffi Olomide is a new artist for me. This is a very happy sounding album, with some interesting rhythms throughout the album. I enjoyed listening to somethin new, even if I couldn't sing along. With only one listen, the album falls somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but I did like it enough that I'd be willing to have a second listen.
Miles Davis
4/5
I've listened to Bitches Brew at least once before, because this album is a significant entry in the world of jazz music and I am relatively ignorant of jazz. I'm still fairly ignorant of jazz, but this album drawns me in deeper regularly throughout. I do get a little lost occasionally, but my curiousity about the album remains. I might come back for a second listen just to see what I've missed. "Spanish Key" and "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down" are the tracks I rated the highest.
The Soft Boys
3/5
I've never heard of the Soft Boys and all of the music on Underwater Moonlight was new to me. The music style was somewhat familiar - ¿perhaps somewhere between James, The Kinks, and the Waterboys? Most of the album was okay or better, but I'm not sure I can round up to 4 stars. "Underwater Moonlight" was the track I rated the highest.
4/5
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band might be my personal prime example of an album that I wish that I could have heard in the context of when the album was released. I know that many people have discussed the impact of this album, and it does have some great recordings, but I know that some of what the Beatles accomplished is lost to me because of what other musicians adopted after the release of this album. I think the track "A Day in the Life" (my favorite) is the closest that I can get to that feeling of ¿What did they do and how did they do it so well? I know I've listened to this album before, but about half of the tracks aren't familiar to me. "Getting Better" is my second favorite track. As time goes on I enjoy hearing from Ringo more than I used to. It was good to check back in on this album.
Beatles
3/5
I don't remember if I've listened to The Beatles album as a whole before now. There are several tracks that I know I've heard several times before. I enjoyed hearing the early connections to Rock and Roll, before the Beatles really began to expand the genre as they did later in their career. The covers of songs by other musicians are firmly tied to the originals, but they sound like early Beatles tunes. "All My Loving" and "Roll Over Beethoven" were my favorite tracks from this listen. I like that they covered Smokey Robinson's "You Really Got a Hold on Me" too. The Beatles trips up on the general problem I have with this era's approach to love songs. "Little Child" feels creepy as the lyrics seek romance from... a little child. "Hold Me Tight" is another track I'd be tempted to skip. In general, this album is an album of love songs, which helps to keep this album at 3 stars for me. The music is energetic, and the harmonies are fun. I enjoyed listening to the album, but once might be enough for the album as a whole.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
I listened to Head Hunters once before because the album came up as a suggestion on YouTube after I listened to some Miles Davis. Herbie Hancock is a different kind of jazz than Davis, but Head Hunters was a good way to expand the music that I have listened to. The album is solid and as a whole I would give it a higher rating than tracks individually. I put two of the four tracks into my personal playlist ("Chameleon", "Vein Melter"), and I would come back to this album for a second listen.
Black Flag
2/5
I don't think I've ever heard a full track from Black Flag. I was interested in finally hearing something from this band just because they are Black Flag, but after listening I'm confident in why I haven't listened to the band before. The guitars are grinding noise, and the vocals are raspy shouts. I don't know when you would decide to listen to this music. I could skip it.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
I like LCD sound system. I have reviewed a different album previously for this list, I have listened to this album before and I have listened to at least two other albums outside of this list. My favorite "must listen to" tracks are probably on other albums, but american dream would be easy to come back to for a second listen. "Oh Baby", "Black Screen" and "Tonite" are good examples of the kind of music LCD Sound System makes.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Daydream Nation is the third album I have reviewed for this 1001 album list. There is a previous recomendation from Sonic Youth that I haven't had a chance to review yet. This review is the same as for the previous albums. Some of the music is okay, but it doesn't take long for the band to make enough noise and clatter that I dislike what they have recorded. "Cross the Breeze" starts out okay, but once the vocals come in I'm done. I do not like the vocals from Sonic Youth. "Teen Age Riot" was the one track I thought was okay. Daydream Nation isn't terrible, but I did not like this album.
Janet Jackson
3/5
I remember a few tracks from this album when it came out. The music on Rhythem Nation 1814 sounds like that transition between the 80s and the 90s. I do not doubt that Janet Jackson is talented, but I kind of just got through the album. "Someday Is Tonight" almost sank the album, but I guess I could round up to three stars (= I can get through the music once, but don't ask me to listen again.)
Nanci Griffith
4/5
The Last of the True Believers was probably my introduction to Nanci Griffith, but I'm not sure if I've heard the entired album all at once. I have enjoyed Griffith's oddly happy take on sad stories since I first heard her music. I enjoy her storytelling, and the easily recognizable quality of her voice. I am surprised that I haven't listened to her in so long. I was happy to see The Last of the True Believers as my recommendation for the day. "Love at the Five and Dime" is an all time favorite from Griffith - finding joy in great storytelling and slight sadness. "Banks of the Pontchartrain", "Love's Found a Shoulder", and "Fly by Night" are new favorites. I hope I won't take so long to come back again.
The National
4/5
I like The National, even if I don't know how to explain why you should listen to them. Their music is just good, and High Violet is a good sample of what the band can do. I have listened to lots of live performance from The National, but High Violet was my first time listening to a full album from the band. I think I've heard "Terrible Love" before (one of my favorite tracks from this album), but I'm not sure what other tracks I've heard before. "Anyone's Ghost", "Bloodbuzz Ohio", and "England" were additional favorites from this album. I will still like The National.
Death In Vegas
4/5
Death in Vegas is a new band for me. IThere are enough sounds from guitars and drums on The Contino Sessions that it's not obvious that Death in Vegas plays electronic music. This album was a pleasant surprise. "Dirge", "Lever Street" or "Flying would give you a good example of what Death In Vegas does. There was one track, "Aisha", that had some spoken word that I did not enjoy. The track isn't terrible, but I would be tempted to skip the track if I played the album again. Because I enjoyed the album enough to continue listening to the remaining tracks on the extended album, I will round up from 3.5 stars to 4. I could come back to this album for a second listen.
The Monkees
3/5
I like the Monkees. I was the right age for when their show had a revival, and I honestly liked the show and their music. I may have only listened to some compilation and greatest hits albums, and I know I've never listened to Headquarters. Three tracks from this album are added to my personal playlist ("You Just May Be the One", "For Pete's Sake" and "Randy Scouse Git"), all of which I've heard before. "You Just May Be the One" is one of my all-time favorite Monkees songs, and for me is an example of what Michael Nesmith had to offer as a songwriter and a performer. Headquarters is an interesting mix of music, considering the history of what it took to get an album that the Monkees could actually record on their own. There is a tinge of country (which I believe is due to Nesmith) and a couple tracks that have some of the experimentation that you might have expected from this album ("Band 6", "Zilch"). Surprisingly there is a track that sounds very much like a Davy Jones (not necessarily a 'we're the Monkees and we're going to record what we want') song ("I Can't Get Her Off My Mind"), and a generic pop track that sounds like a low energy filler on the show ("Forget That Girl"). I liked hearing the whole album, but the final product is uneven in energy and musical styles.
Television
3/5
Television is a new band for me and Marquee Moon was all new music. There were portions of this album that reminded me of the Talking Heads, both in the delivery of the vocals and some of the composition of the music. "Venus", "Friction" and "Marquee Moon" were the tracks that I liked most.
Overall, I liked the album. I'd be interested in hearing additional music from the band. I didn't dislike any of the tracks, but on a first listen the album I'm not ready to round up to 4 stars.
Beach House
4/5
I don't think I've heard of Beach House or any of the music on Teen Dream. I think I liked this album. The album reminded me perhaps of Florence + the Machine. There was something to this album that reminded me at times of stuff I already listen to, but I wouldn't have confused this band with someone I already know. "Zebra" and "10 Mile Stereo" were my favorite tracks. I'd like to hear more from Beach House
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
I know of Jerry Lee Lewis, but I don't think I've listened to a full album from Lewis before. For a live album, Live At The Star Club, Hamburg is pretty good. The energy that Lewis puts into a performance is clearly displayed. Most of the music is pretty good. "Mean Woman Blues" is a prime example of why I'm not quite sure what to do with Lewis. For a piece of music history this listen was a good experience but I'm guessing I won't come back for a re-listen.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
I have never heard of The Last Shadow Puppets, and all of the music from The Age of The Understatement was new to me. The vocals reminded me a bit of Robbie Williams. The vocals combined with the backing orchestra, gives the album a retro, yet new feel. Nothing stood out to me much on this album. By the time I'm done with this list I may not remember that I have heard of this band.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Although I've never heard of Big Brother & The Holding Company, Janice Joplin was easily recognizable. I'm not generally a Joplin fan, and perhaps it is because my exposure to her body of work has been reduced to a few performances of a few songs that I've heard often enough. I enjoyed Cheap Thrills, much more than I thought I would have considering that I generally try to avoid Joplin. For a live performance, the audio and sound of the band was well recorded. I'm not sure if I would remember to come back, but I could come back and listen to the album again.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
This album is quite the power house of folk and old-timey musicians. Some of my favorites who appear on this album are Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Vassar Clements, Norman Blake, and of course John McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (NGDB) itself. I have listened to this album once or twice before, shortly after seeing McEuen live in concert (great show) and close to the time of his return to the NGDB (~2001 or 2002). At the time, I had heard some of the music from NGDB from the 80s, but not their older work or their music that is more closely tied to old-timey music. In addition to classic musicians, this album is full of some classic standards as well. I favor the instrumental tracks in general, but it's not like I don't like the tracks with vocals. For example, I'm ready to hear Doc Watson sing any time he likes (I've seen him in concert too). "Tennessee Stud", "Cannonball Rag", "Earl's Breakdown", "Orange Blossom Special", "Flint Hill Special", "I am a Pilgrim", "Soldiers Joy" and several others are competing as favorites. (It doesn't help when there are so many tracks on the album.) With such a long album it can be harder to listen to the whole thing at once, but I imagine myself re-visiting this album to soak up some of this cultural experience again.
John Coltrane
3/5
Yes I've heard of John Coltrane, and I've heard of A Love Supreme. I don't know if I've ever heard anything by Coltrane before. I know people really admire and love this album, but I don't understand Jazz well enough to hear what others hear. The album was okay, but didn't spark my curiosity.
Haircut 100
3/5
I don't think I heard Haircut 100 much on the radio at the time when they were releasing new music, but I am very familiar with the first two tracks on Pelican West Plus. "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" and "Love Plus One" occasionally pop up in my personal play list. Haircut 100 has elements hinting at the upcoming Brit-pop that will come in the late 80s and early 90s. There are songs that remind me a little of the Squeeze, one of their contemporaries and a band that I like. The everpresent saxophone reminds you that this band and this music is from the 80s. "Baked Bean" and "Fantastic Day" were the new individual tracks that I might come back to. Overall the album was good enough. I'm not sure if I would listen to the whole album again.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I've heard plenty of songs from the Beach Boys and a couple of full albums from the band, but "Surf's Up" was all new music to me. This album is interesting because of how much of the song writing and the lead vocals are spread out among the members of the band. The content of this album is documenting something that was going on in the US and the world at the time. There are discussions of environmentalism, and political activism. It would have been interesting to listen to the album in context. Althoug Surf's Up does not have what I would have thought was the typical subject matter for the Beach Boys, the songs still have an intreguing application of Beach Boys musical arragnements. "Don't Go Near the Water" and "Long Promised Road" have such happy sounding music for serious subject matter. There were tracks that I can only describe as weird: "Take a Load Off Your Feet" (which contains an odd collection of lyrics about feet), and "A Day in the Life of a Tree". "Disney Girls (1957)" made me feel like there is so much that I don't understand about the Beach Boys. "Student Demonstration Time" feels like a practice run at the blues, but not really the blues. I didn't hate this album, and I didn't NOT like it, but I'm not sure if I liked it. The album is interesting and was an unexpected experience from the Beach Boys. The album was worth a listen just for the novelty of the experience.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
I've heard several tracks off of She's So Unusual, and Cyndi Lauper is a familiar cultural touchstone. There are several tracks on this album that I was happy to hear again. Just last week, my youngest daughter was dancing to "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". "Time After Time" is a personal favorite of mine, including covers that other artists have done. I forgot about "All Through the Night" which is yet another track that makes me appreciate Lauper as a musician. She's So Unusual is a strong entry for a debut album, but there are a few tracks I'm tempted to skip. I probably won't come back for a full listen any time soon.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
"Son of a Preacher Man" might be the extent of my exposure to Dusty Springfield. That's a good track in general, but the rest of Dusty in Memphis didn't connect with me. This type of music isn't my style. The arrangement and vocals sound OLD, and old in a way that disconnects - in a way that says "This is not of your time or your interest". I made it through the album, and I guess it was okay. Once was enough. I'm not curious to hear more from the artist either.
Rush
5/5
2112 is an album I own (on cassette of all things), and I've listened to Rush many times. I have heard all of Rush's albums, except for perhaps the last 2 or 3, and 2112 is a favorite. This album is progressive rock, but a hard rock version of prog rock. Headphones make the listening experience better. I love the opening sounds, followed by the blast to the foundations of what you're listening to from the guitar and drums. The opening movement ("Overture") resolves with an explosion followed by quiet guitar and vocals. All of side A is full of these contrasts between blasting energy and quiet reflection. There are times when you have to concentrate to hear where the guitar and bass separate. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee give you plenty of music to listen to, and Niel Peart is not shy to show you what he can do with his drums. Above all the music, Geddy Lee's vocals on this album are in their most iconic form. Lee adds to the contrast between energy and reflection, using more than one voice to tell the story. Both voices are iconically Lee’s. Side A ("2112") is a progressive rock classic, and gets a full 5 stars from me. I've listened to Side A more often than I have the whole album together. Side B is good, but I would only give it 4 stars on its own. I will still give this album 5 stars, because it won't be long before I listen to this whole album again.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
I've heard the name of Teenage Fanclub before, but I can't remember hearing any of their music. Bandwagonesque could be described as a power pop album. Various tracks reminded me of Weezer, the Eels, Sonic Youth, and above all the Replacements. There was definitely an early 90s feel to the album. "December", "I Don't Know", and "Is This Music?" were the tracks that I liked the most. The album was fine, but I'm not sure if I'll remember having heard it later on.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Veckatimest is the first full album I've listened to from Grizzly Bear. I've heard the track "Two Weeks" before, and I think I have a track or two from an earlier Grizzly Bear album on a personal play list. Grizzly Bear fits in well with some of the indie bands from the early 2000's that I like. In some cases, I hear a sound that reminds me of Fleet Foxes. I saved "Two Weeks", "Ready, Able", "About Face", and "Foreground" to my re-play playlist. The calm mood of the album hides some of the potential of this album. I liked all of the tracks enough, so I'm rounding up to a full 4 stars.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
I could probably recognize music from Everything But The Girl if I could hear a bit of the vocals, but I don't really KNOW the band. Walking Wounded sounds like it comes from the late 90s electronic scene (ni bien ni mal). There were a couple tracks that tried my patience, but overall I enjoyed this album. I'm still not sure what would make me say, "I need to listen to Everything But the Girl", but I wouldn't run out of the room if someone put on this album or something new from the band.
3/5
Modern Life is Rubbish is the second album that I have reviewed for Blur for this list, and I've listened to many singles from the band. I generally like Blur and their front man, Damon Albarn. This album was fine. Other than "Turn It Up", the rest of the album was new to me. "Turn It Up" and "Coping" were the two tracks I enjoyed the most. A couple tracks on the album got a "meh" reaction from me, and the rest were "good". This album lands solidly on 3.5 stars, but I'm not sure whether I should round up or down. I'm not sure what would call me back for a second listen.
Os Mutantes
3/5
The band name sounds familiar, but that's about all that I could have told you about Os Mutantes before listening to the album. The album sounded like some late 60s music, with a few tracks that reminded me here and there of the Monkees. The album was fine. I like hearing new things outside of my self-selected music selections. There wasn't anything that stood out in particular from this album (for better or worse), but I'd be open to hear more from the band.
Ramones
3/5
There are several tracks from the Ramones that I really like, including my favorite track on this album ("Blitzkrieg Bop"). I'm not sure if I have listened to this album before, but if I did it was probably only once 25 years ago. For being so short, the album starts to drag on after a bit. You could jump from the middle of one track to the middle of another track and have a hard time determining if it was a different song or not. Everytime I listen to the Ramones, I wonder how it would be to be in their band and play live. I couldn't play a full show. The lack of dynamics and limited length of the tracks would be hard on my attention span. There were some surprises on this album. I wasn't expecting the harmony vocals on "Chain Saw". Overall, the album was okay, but I wouldn't put this album on repeat.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I am a fan of Simon & Garfunkel, but I had never listened to Bookends before. There were a few familiar tracks, and I didn't know that the Bangles were doing a cover of "A Hazy Shade of Winter" from this album. The mix of kinds of music was surprising. Tracks like "Save the Life of My Child" included electronic sounds on top of the acoustic, and additional layers of voices and sound for the recording. Other tracks sounded like they could have been written by Burt Bacharach or Neil Diamond. "America" is one of my favorite tracks from Simon & Garfunkel. I like the storytelling, but I was first introduced to the song from the cover recorded by Yes. I could come back to this album.
Hookworms
3/5
Microshift was new music and Hookworms is a new band for me. About half of the tracks on this album were 3.5 or more stars. At various points within the album I was reminded of the Postal Service, Vampire Weekend, and Passion Pit. Overall I liked the album. I saved "Ullswater", "Opener", and "Shortcomings" for a replay. I would listen to additional music from the band. The opening track ("Negative Space") takes a bit to settle in, and "Boxing Day" was tempting me to skip it. After only one listen, I'm not ready to round up to a full 4 stars.
Goldie
2/5
Goldie was a new band for me, and Timeless was new music. The opening track reminded me of some of the soundtrack for the Power Puff Girls, but the rest of the listening experience dropped off after that. The album felt long. I did not enjoy many of the vocals, and the electronic music was repetitive enough that I had a hard time distinguishing between the tracks on the album. This album was not for me.
PJ Harvey
3/5
My first reaction to seeing another PJ Harvey album from this list left me asking '¿How much PJ Harvey will I have to listen too?' (see similar comments for Leonard Cohen and David Bowie). Harvey is an artist that I know others like, but I've never quite caught on to. This album was better than I had expected. I saved "Written on the Forehead" and "In Dark Places" for my personal playlist to come back to later. The guest vocalists on "The Colour of the Earth" reminded me of the Pogues, and Billy Bragg. Overall the album was okay, but I'm still not sure if I get Harvey.
Willie Nelson
4/5
I've heard many individual tracks from Willie Nelson, but I'm not sure if I've heard a whole album. "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" was the only song that I'm sure I've heard before. This album seems like a good representation of Nelson's talent. Red Headed Stranger is country music, including some country swing, but not pop country music. The album has an interesting format with many shorter tracks that flow together. I enjoyed the instrumental tracks in particular, but I was content to listen to Nelson's iconic voice as well. I saved "Just As I Am" for a re-listen. I also liked the last three tracks ("I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You)", "A Maiden's Prayer", "Bonaparte's Retreat") in particular. I'd come back for a second listen to the whole album.
Machito
3/5
I've never heard of Machito or any of the music on Kenya. I enjoyed listening to something different that I would pick for myself. I probably don't understand enough about the music to fully enjoy what is offered. There were tracks that grabbed more of my attention ("Blues a la Machito", "Holiday", "Congo Mulence") but there were also tracks that made me feel impatient to move on to the next thing ("Wild Jungle"). Kenya was good enough.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
I've heard of Count Basie, but I couldn't tell you what music, if any, I've heard before. Everything on The Atomic Mr Basie was new to me. I liked the album. There were energetic tracks that grabbed my attention, and there were slow grooves that also grabbed my attention. On my first listen, I didn't pick anything out as a new favorite, but I could easily come back to this album to listen again and see what I may have missed the first time. I liked the album enough that I listened to the bonus tracks from the re-issue.
The Notorious B.I.G.
1/5
I have only heard clips of some tracks from B.I.G. before listening to this album. I have listened to very little rap overall. From this album, the primary characteristic that I hear from each track is vulgarity. Then there are all of the references to guns and violence. I can't hear past the language being used.
Deep Purple
2/5
I've heard the studio recordings for at least half of the tracks on this album. For a live album, the recordings are done well. This album feels a lot like the track "Smoke on the Water". Yes, it's a rock album. Yes, there are talented musicians making interesting music. Yes, I've heard this enough that I don't really want to come back again. I did NOT like "Child in Time" - too much wailing. "The Mule" and other instrumental portions of the album were interesting. The band did well with extended versions of their songs. "Child in Time" is enough to sink the album below the possiblity of rounding up to a full 3 stars.
Missy Elliott
1/5
I have not listened to much from Missy Elliot, but there were at least a couple of tracks from Under Construction that I've heard before. The listening experience for me was a combiniation of okay, good or even great beats, combined with lyrics ranging from unfortunate to terrible. I could not listen to this again, and I can't recommend the album to anyone.
Kate Bush
2/5
There are tracks that I like from Kate Bush and have listened to many times. I previously reviewed Hounds of Love for this list. All of the tracks from The Dreaming were new to me. I respect Bush's talent, and I wish I could have heard more of her music in context with the time it came out. I know she was making music in ways that stretched some boundaries. There were strange sounds in "Suspended in Gaffa" that reminded me of Hamster Dance. Bush did a strange low voice on "Houdini" that distracted from the rest of the track. The donkey noises on "Get Out of My House" was a poor way to end the album, leaving this review below 3 stars.
The Verve
3/5
I remember when "Bitter Sweet Symphony" came out, and perhaps it was the saturation of that song on the radio that helped keep me from listening to more from The Verve. "Lucky Man" is the only other track on Urban Hymns that I was familiar with. I was surprised how much I liked the album. I had some favorite tracks ("The Rolling People", "Space and Time", "Lucky Man"), but no true stand out selections. The album was just good overall. The final track felt like the band was trying to show a harder edge, which was enough to keep me from rounding up to a full 4 stars.
The The
3/5
My experience with Infected felt a lot like the previous album that I reviewed from The The. All of the music in this case was new to me. I was aware that The The was a band back in the 80s, but that's as much of an impression that I have after listening to a second album. The album sounds like the 80s with some echoey echoey electronics and drum sounds cut short in their delivery. I got through this album. A couple of tracks would be skipped. I'm recording 3 stars, but if I would have had to give my full attention I may have had to round down to 2.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I was only familiar with two or three songs from Blonde On Blonde, eventhough I know that this is one of Bob Dylan's albums that is frequently recommended by his fans. I like Dylan, but it takes a bit of proding for me to explore more of his work. This album sounds like a Bob Dylan album, and is even a source for paradies of Dylan. (Brak from Space Ghost, Coast to Coast included). Blonde On Blonde includes Dylan's iconic voice with his drawn out syllables to the point that the vocals are more spoken word than singing. I have a harder time with the drawn out slow delivery, but the combined whole of the tracks can be interesting. There are reasons to listen to this album. Particularly by the last four tracks ("Absolutely Sweet Marie", "4th Time Around", "Obviously 5 Believers", "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands") there is enough energy to the music and melody to the vocals that I can round up to a full four stars.
Burning Spear
4/5
I know I have heard of Burning Spear before, but I can't tell you what I've heard from the band. I typically do not listen to very much Reggae on my own. All of the tracks from Marcus Garvey seemed to be at least okay. I'm not quite sure if I would remember to come back to this album, but I could come back and have another listen. I'm rounding up to 4 stars.
Frank Zappa
4/5
When Hot Rats by Frank Zappa appeared as the recommendation I thought, "Oh boy, this is going to be a doozy." I know of Zappa, and have heard clips of various tracks. The only songs that I have heard all the way through are "Valley Girl" and "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow", neither of which have made me want to listen to more Zappa. I know that many people list Zappa as an influence or admire his unconventional approach to music, but I have not heard enough to appreciate that point of view. Hot Rats was a good surprise. I may have heard a portion of "Peaches en Regalia" before, and I liked listening to the full track. My two favorite tracks were "Son of Mr. Green Genes" and "Little Umbrellas". Even though "Little Umbrellas" was relatively short, those two favorites had an interesting progressive rock feel. Other tracks on the album (e.g. "The Gumbo Variations", "It Must Be a Camel"), didn't just have a prog-rock sound. More specifically, they reminded me of King Crimson during the 80s. I'm not an immediate fan of every part of the album. For example, there were these repetitive violon squawks in "The Gumbo Variations" that detracted a little from the listen. But after my first full listen to the album, I'm curious about a second listen to find out what else I might hear. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
I know of Ali Farka Touré, but I can't say how much, if any, of his music that I've heard. I enjoyed these African Blues songs. The guitar work on "Gambari Didi" had my attention. I didn't mark many of the tracks for a relisten, but there wasn't anything on the album that I disliked. I'll round up to 4 stars.
Metallica
3/5
After all of these years my feelings about this album have stayed relatively the same. I know that others have felt a strong connection to Metallica, but I'm not quite sure why. I know I've listened to this album at least once before, to try and understand the band, and there are at least four tracks from this album that I've heard several times. I might like some of the singles from this album more than I used to, but my patience with the vocals wanes as I listen to an entire ablum at once. With some rounding I land at 3 stars, but it would take a strong recommendation from someone else for me to sit through this entire album again.
King Crimson
4/5
I have listened to In The Court of the Crimson King more than once, and at least one or two other full albums from King Crimson as I have tried to get a handle on their music. "21st Century Schizoid Man" is a track that I will probably always come back to just because that track was part of my expanding intake of progressive rock early on. The whole track offers a varied landscape of sound as you might expect from progressive rock. Greg Lake's voice is a great contribution to this iteration of King Crimson. I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to hear Lake and Bill Bruford in King Crimson at the same time. "The Court of the Crimson King" is my 2nd favorite track from this album. The album as a whole is good, but I have less of an affinity towards the middle of the album. Moonchild" is the track that I enjoyed the least. I like the second half of "Moonchild", but the first half reminds me that I frequently don't understand what Robert Fripp is trying to get at. Rounding up to 4 stars.
The Damned
3/5
My experience with punk is relatively limited. I don't think I've heard of The Damed before and I didn't know any of the tracks on Machine Gun Etiquette. Most of the album was okay. "These Hands" was my least favorite, and at only 2 minutes 3 seconds the track tried my patience. "Noise, Noise, Noise" got my highest rating. There was enough here to say that the album is okay, but I'd probably only want to hear some of the tracks again.
Ice Cube
2/5
I don't know what to do with an album like this. A lot of the rap of this time period isn't for me. I'm not a fan of Ice Cube, and I typically avoid his music. I tried listening to several of the tracks, but I kept skipping sooner and sooner. I couldn't finish the album.
Jethro Tull
3/5
Aqualung is probably the first full album I heard from Jethro Tull which was not a compliation album. Aqualung is a good representation of how I feel about Jethro Tull's music in general. I have heard a lot, and there are many elements that I enjoy, I'm just not sure what to do with the music any more. It's interesting how melodic the music and Ian Anderson's voice can be ("Cheap Day Return", "Wond'ring Aloud"). Then there are tracks that seem to fit right in with some of the hard rock of its time ("My God", "Cross-Eyed Mary"). While the flutes in "Mother Goose" makes me think of something from a renaissance fair. Ever since my first listen, I've listened to Aqualung several times trying to figure out why the album just leaves me feeling a little creeped out. Although the music is interesting and has definite hooks and interesting elements, the lyrics have been a barrier to keeping many tracks from Jethro Tull (e.g. "Locomotive Breath") in the rotation of what I currently listen to.
Randy Newman
2/5
I don't know what to do with Randy Newman's music. Yes, I like his work with the Toy Story music for Pixar. I have a hard time not hearing the parodies of Newman when I hear him perform on his own. Sail Away left me feeling many of the same things as the previous album I reviewed from Newman. The one track I knew from Sail Away is my all time least favorite song from Newman, and I will drop this album to 2 stars for that track alone.
I don't think I want to hear anyone trying to flirt that way in a song. Ick!
Pavement
3/5
Compared to the first album that I reviewed for Pavement, Crooked Rain Crooked Rain is a slight improvement into the "okay". I like a lot of indie rock, and music that is Pavement-adjacent, but this album still only feels "okay" at best.
Def Leppard
2/5
My opinion of Def Leppard's music is the same as my opinion about their mullets and their bleached and shredded jeans. I paused for a curious moment, but it never caught on with me. All these years later, both the hairstyle and the music feel pretty silly to me. There are moments in the music where I could almost get pulled in, and then it is clear that the track playing is another iteration of Def Leppard's version of a 'hey ladies' kind of song. I don't like that topic from any band. When the album came out it was everywhere, which helped to further ruin my opinion. I remember in high school, for our early morning workouts they finally had to put down the rule and say that this album could no longer be played - other people needed a chance for something different. Superficially, I might be tempted to give this 3 stars ("I guess this is okay"), but "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (may I NEVER have to hear this song again) guarantees nothing better than 2 stars.
Radiohead
4/5
Radiohead started getting airplay at a point in time when I had a bit of a pop-culture hiccup as far as what new music I was being exposed too. It took me a long time to warm up to Radiohead. There are tracks that I don't like, and tracks that I like very much. Kid A successfully overcomes my reluctance to listen to the band. "Everything in Its Right Place" and "Idioteque" are the tracks that are closest to me marking for a re-listen, but the album as a whole does not have any tracks that turn me away from listening. I could come back to this album to hear what I've missed. Radiohead provides a combination of not-quite-rock / not-quite-indie / not-quite-electronic music that could be background or foreground music, depending on your preference for the moment. I'll probalby come back to this one.
5/5
I own this album, and I have listened to Joshua Tree so many times. It's been a couple of years since I've listened to the whole thing, but I'll probably be back. Joshua Tree is the album that confirmed my fandom of U2 and one of the first albums I thought of when I would talk with friends about albums that you don't have to skip any tracks. The album even opens with great opening sounds and a great opening track. The Edge creates some of his most iconic guitar sounds on this album, and all four members give a great representation of what they can contribute to music on this album. A couple tracks will get less play from me because of how they've soaked into pop culture. "Bullet the Blue Sky", and "Exit" are good, but not favorites. "Running to Stand Still" and "One Tree Hill" are non-single tracks that have my recommendation.
Stereolab
3/5
Stereolab is a new band for me, and all of the music on Emperor Tomato Ketchup was new too. There is also something familiar about this album. I'm not sure what music I was being reminded of. I thought that the album was good enough for a single listen. There were a couple of tracks that were 80% good, but the other 20% of the track was noisy end chaotic enough that I was ready for the track to be over. "Metronomic Underground", "Les Yper-Sound", and "Anonymous Collective" were thetracks that got my highest rating individually.
OutKast
2/5
This recommendation almost isn't fair... a FULL double album. OutKast are talented and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is an ambitious and impressive production. There is some interesting music on this album, but as a whole I did not enjoy listening to the album. The lyrics (words and general content) are not for me.
SZA
2/5
I am unfamiliar with SZA and her music. Ctrl is not for me. The music did not reach out and catch my attention, and the content of the lyrics is definitely not for me. This album is a 2. Perhaps if I had listened more closely to the lyrics, it would have been a 1.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
I am only somewhat familiar with the Sugarcubes. I know I've heard a track or two from the band, but even after looking through a list of their singles I'm not sure what I have heard. I enjoyed listening to Life's Too Good, and it was good to hear early Bjork. The band has a respectibly defined character, particularly with a debut album. "Traitor" and "Birthday" got my highest ratings, but "Sick for Toys" (it was TOO weird for me) and "Take Some Petrol Darling" anchor this album below 4 stars.
The War On Drugs
4/5
I know the name of the band, but everything on Lost in the Dream seemed like new music to me. I would be surprised if I haven't heard anything from the War On Drugs before, because this was an easy album to listen to. The music might be Indie, with hints towards Americana. If you like Fleet Foxes, you might like this. There were no bad tracks. I would listen to this album again.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Autobahn was all new music for me, but I was happy to see Kraftwerk come up as this day's reocommendation. I think I have a soft spot for Kraftwerk. I enjoyed listening to the album. Some of the tracks feel a little more experimental, with some portions of the track feeling less "musical" than others. I never felt like skipping anything. I'd give this album a second listen.
Alice Cooper
2/5
My original exposure to Alice Cooper was his guest starring spot on The Muppet Show. I was creeped out by Cooper then, and not much has changed. It's not a frightened version of creepy, but creepy - I need to wretch a little and go wash up. I don't understand who Cooper is writing for with topics including blood, jail, fighting, getting out of school, and possible sexual assault of underage women. Cooper is playing a character, but I'm not sure that I understand the character. Singing about "no more teacher's dirty looks", and adaptations of music from West Side Story keeps me confused. There was more musicality than I expected from this album. "School's Out" could be a good rock song I could follow if there were different lyrics. The instrumentals ("Street Fight", "Grande Finale") held my attention, and it's possible that I could like "Blue Turk". School's Out was an interesting listen, and had several unexpected surprises, but I don't want to listen to it again. Should I round up to 3 stars when I know that I would skip this album in the future? "Alma Mater" and "Luney Tune" say 2 stars.
Beck
4/5
"Lost Cause", one of my all-time favorite songs from Beck, is on this album. I have listened to Sea Change before and several of the songs from the album more than once. One of my big music regrets was not taking time to see Beck when he toured for this album along with the Flaming Lips (who were touring for their album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots). This is a mellow album with a calm energy. As such, the album does not frequently come to mind when I'm looking for something to listen to. At the same time, if anyone were to suggest that I listen to this album, I would easily listen to the whole thing again.
Shack
4/5
I have never heard of Shack before, and all of the music on HMS Fable was new to me. The album sounds like it could be grouped with some of the music I would have been listening to in the 90s. I didn't want to skip any tracks, but I didn't have any stand out tracks that I saved for my personal playlist either. This album comes in at exactly 3.5 stars. I'm not sure that I will think of listening to this album again, but I guess I will round up to 4 stars.
Big Black
2/5
I've never heard of Big Black, and all of the music on Atomizer was new two me. I did not like this album. I like some heavy music, but I don't like the screaming and grumbling. It felt like a low key entry from Rob Zombie. Even without the vocals, the music didn't catch my attention. I put up with this album, and now I'm done.
The Roots
2/5
I appreciated the opportunity to hear a full album (and full tracks) from The Roots. There were tracks that I liked most of. There were longer tracks that allowed me to settle in to the music. I liked a lot of the backing music, but had a harder time with the lyrics. Even though I like Questlove as a person and the band in general, the fequent presence of the N-word will prevent me from liking many of the songs on this album. Rap is hard for me to get in to, but I'm not the intended audience. There was good music on the record, but the content is alienating. I could not sing along with this record in public or in private. I wouldn't avoid hearing more from The Roots, but I don't want to hear this album again.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I've heard all of Siamese Dream because someone else has put this album on to listen to. I've listened to several songs from this album and from TheSmashing Pumpkins in general. "Today" and "Disarm" are two tracks from this album that jump back into my personal rotation every now and then. Overall, the album feels like a strong 4 stars. No tracks felt like I should skip them, and some of the tracks are marked for replay.
The Fall
3/5
I've never heard of The Fall or any of the music from This Nation's Saving Grace. There were times that the vocal delivery reminded me of the Clash, or the music reminded me of New Order or The Cure. Overall, I wasn't sure why this album is on the 1001 list. "L.A." caught my attention, but "My New House" should have been half as long. I made it through the album.
Slipknot
2/5
I was not excited to see Slipknot come up the days recommendation. Whenever a major component of the vocals is screaming, the album is destined for a poor review from me. I don't know if the musicians are playing characters. I guess I'm not in on the joke.
I don't want to hear all of the noise, or all of the complaints. I was surprised to hear more typical singing than I thought I would. I could have liked the album less, but I did not like this album.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Bob Dylan's voice can take some getting used to, but that doesn't mean that I can't find a reason to listen to his music. I already have favorites from other albums that I will listen to again and again. Time Out of Mind was a new album for me, and I may have found some new favorites. "'Til I Fell in Love with You", "Not Dark Yet", and "Cold Irons Bound" found a certain vibe that I could hang on to and roll with it. With respect to the album as a whole, it did take a while for me to settle into Dylan's gravelly voice, but the blues elements and the groove of much of the music kept me listening. The lyrics hang on to a potential for additional discovery and reasons for another listen. I know I have more I could discover about this album, but I at least know that I could listen to the whole thing again.
Tortoise
4/5
I've never heard of Tortoise before and Millions Now Living Will Never Die is all new music to me. The opening track "Djed" started off with sounds that reminded me of Pink Floyd, but as the track moved on I was reminded of some of Wilco's work. "Djed" was the longest track, shifting through a few movements, and my favorite track. Non of the tracks had vocals. The music was acoustic, but it sounded like it was put together with an electronic sensibility. I liked the album enough to listen to the bonus tracks from the Japenese edition. I could come back for a second listen.
Red Snapper
2/5
I've never heard of Red Snapper before. The album is a fix of funk and groove on aucoustic instruments, but from a perspective of electronic music. Most of the album was okay. One track I would skip every time, dropping this album from 3 to 2 stars. The track that I would skip makes me worried that I missed other things in the lyrics on the rest of the album. I won't recommend this album to anyone.
Prince
2/5
I remember seeing the video for 1999 back in the day, and it was so obvious that there is something different about Prince. I am familiar with the first three tracks from this album, but the rest was new music to me. "1999" and "Little Red Corvette" are okay. "Delirious" sounds so 80s, with electronic sounding drums, and keyboards. The rest of the album I would skip. The music doesn't draw me in, and I don't want to hear what Prince is singing about.
Pearl Jam
3/5
Ten by Pearl Jam was everywhere the year that it came out. I remember seeing copies of this album in so many college dorm rooms. I never quite got hooked in by the album back then. I think I have tried to listen to this album before. I've heard a few of the songs many times, and they fit into my list of tracks that I'd listen to again ("Even Flow", "Alive", "Black", "Jeremy"). I think that these tracks are on my re-listen list in part because of nostalgia's sake. After listening to this album again, the music as a whole doesn't hold my attention for each track. I think I like Pearl Jam. I have a lot of respect for their work, but I don't imagine playing this whole album again by my own choice.
Eagles
3/5
The Eagles are a case of talented musicians who have little appeal for me. Individually, I rated nearly every track with 3 stars, which is equivalent to "I don't hate it. I guess it's okay, but I won't ask to hear the track again." There is one contrast to the solid 3 stars. My first time hearing "Hotel California" was an experience, and I listened to that track many times over the years. I'm not quite sure where that track lands with me today, but the mysterious story and mix of guitar and percussion still leave something to ponder. But the desire to sink into the music is much less than it use to be. The more I have heard from the Eagles, the less I need to hear from the Eagles. Don Henley's solo work furthered that sentiment as well. Hotel California is okay, but I wouldn't tell anyone to listen to it.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
I will always give a listen to something new (to me) from Elvis Costello & The Attractions. I usually like at least some of the tracks, even if the whole album doesn't get on my list for a full re-listen. This Year's Model felt more consistent than some of Elvis Costello's other albums. Every track on This Year's Model was at least okay, and most were potential tracks to come back to for a re-listen. I knew the singles "Pump I Up" (my favorite track) and "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea", but "Lip Service" and "No Action" were tracks that I added to my personal play-list. I could come back to this album for a re-listen.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
I have heard some of Aretha Franklin, but "Respect" was the only track on I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love you. "Respect", "Good Times", and "A Change is Gonna Come" were my favorite tracks. Aretha does a good cover of "A Change is Gonna Come", easily making it her own. I enjoyed listening to this album. I wouldn't skip a single track on this album, and I think I could grow to like the album even more.
The Band
3/5
The Band is another group for which I know that I do not understand their significance at the time they were making music. I know they are talented, but I'm not drawn to their sound. I may have listened to this album before to try and figure out why The Band gets so much praise, but it didn't stick with me. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", and "Up on Cripple Creek" (my favorite from this listen) are the only tracks that sounded familiar. There is some good keyboards / organ on several of the tracks, and competant musicianship throughout. I wonder sometimes if the vocals aren't to my taste - ¿a little too strained and shouted rather than sung? - and that pulls me away from becoming a fan. The Band's The Band was okay, but I'm guessing I won't come back for seconds.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
I have never heard of Nitin Sawhney before listening to the album Beyond Skin. I was happy to hear some new music outside of what I typically choose on my own. I enjoyed the Asian and World elements of this album, in both the vocals and choices of instruments. I added a few songs to my personal playlist (“Nadia”, “Serpents”, “Tides”). There were tracks that had more R&B and Rap than I care for. I would listen to more music from Sawhney, but I don't think I will be back to listen to this whole album again.
The Pogues
4/5
I was happy to see the Pogues come up in my list. I've heard several songs, and listened to a previous album from them on this album. Rum Sodomy & The Lash was new music to me, except for some minor exceptions with the cover of "Waltzing Matilda". I like the celtic instruments, music and vocals from the band. I liked this album enough to listen to the extended version. "Navigator", "The Gentleman Soldier", "A Pistol for Paddy Garcia", and "Planxty Noel Hill" were the tracks I liked the most. Two of those are instrumentals, and they are favorites because of the celtic instrumentation. I know a heard a word or two I couldn't recommend, but the irish accents soften the sound. I might make my way back to this album again.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is the one full album I have listened to from The Flaming Lips, but I have heard several other tracks from this band. This album came out at the right time for me, so I have come back for a re-listen now and then. In large part because of this album, I am willing to listen to any suggested track from The Flaming Lips. "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1" is a track that I regularly listen to - probably a couple of times a year. There are portions of that track where the ear worm comes back into my head, and I need to play the whole thing to satisfy my brain. "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell' and "Do You Realize?" are tracks that I have placed in my personal playlist. This album comes in at a solid 4 stars - perhaps only one or two tracks dipped towards 3 stars. Over time I could see myself growing to like the album as a whole more and more, pushing this album towards a full 5 stars.
Supertramp
3/5
I've heard some of Supertramp's music before but this was my first time listening to Crime Of The Century. From this album, I've heard "Bloody Well Right" and "Dreamer". I was surprised that the other tracks sounded somewhat different than what I am used to from Supertramp. I know that lots of folks like Supertramp, but I'm not sure I found the draw towards their music. The album was okay, but I don't need more of what was offered. Once was enough for now. 3 stars = okay.
Simple Minds
4/5
I don't know if I've heard more than one song from Simple Minds, and sometimes it takes me a minute to remember that that one song is from Simple Minds. Similar to the Pyschodelic Furs, Simple Minds are a band that I think I like, but I don't know enough of their catalog. I was pleasantly surprised by the album New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84). Their sound definitely takes me back to the 80s because I was present for what was on the radio at the time, and not because the tracks sounded like they are STUCK in the 80s. New Gold Dream could fit in with what's on the radio today. The album is consistently good or better. I found myself enjoying the album more as I continued to listen. My favorite tracks were "Somebody Up There Likes You (Instrumental)", "New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)", and "Glittering Prize". I could easily listen to this album again.
Eminem
1/5
I did not like Eminem when I had heard a track or two. I tried to listen to this album, but it got to the point where listening to another track wasn't going to change my opinion. The tracks sound too similar musically. Content is what sinks this album. The lyrics sound like they come frm a junior high boy who has never been told "no", and thinks that he is so clever. This album is terrible.
Slipknot
2/5
¿Was it as bad as I thought it would be? No.
¿Did I like it? No.
There are so many people in the band, but I've heard other bands create more sound with a lot less. I don't know when I would listen to something like this again by my own choice. If I had to listen again, the rating might go down. For now, 2 stars.
Elliott Smith
4/5
I don't always like every track from Elliot Smith, but Figure 8 was an easy listen. There was a bit of happiness sneaking through Smith's melancholy. The tracks worked well together, but individual tracks had their stand-out moments. I put 6 of the 16 tracks in my personal play list, but there is a chance that more could become favorites if I listened to the whole album again.
Bon Jovi
2/5
I know the singles from this album. I know plenty of people who like Bon Jovi, and Slippery When Wet has a special place in their hearts. After all of these years, I still can't decide why you would listen to Bon Jovi. It's not like I got a rash from listening, but I didn't find any tracks that tempted me to listen again. ¿Is the band playing rock-star, or is this the type of music you put out because you're a rock star? Tough guy love songs. No thanks.
The Cramps
2/5
The Songs the Lord Taught Us frequently felt like a mix of The B-52s and The Stray Cats, and something from Iggy Pop. Perhaps on a different week, this album might get 3 stars, but I kept looking to see how long before the album was over. The Cramps are a new band for me and the album was new music. I never felt like the album made it to a full "okay".
4/5
I listened to Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo for the first time in the last year and a half. I wanted to see what else was on the album with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Jocko Homo". In general I like the mix of electronic, new wave, and punk that is Devo. There are several tracks from the band that I will always be willing to listen to, and some that I will play again just because the song scratches a particular itch. "Space Junk", "Gut Feeling" and "Mongloid" were new tracks to me that I added to my personal playlist. Rating this album is a little strange because based on my individual track ratings this album gets 3 stars, but I would have to admit that I might just listen to the album again to have a full Devo experience.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
I had a HARD time getting through this album. I have heard at least one song from Everything But the Girl - one of their singles from the 90s. I'm feeling less generous these days. It's harder to say that something is "okay". The tracks on Idlewild were uniform, and had too much of an "easy listening" style, getting into muzak territory. I don't know why this album is on the list. The sound was very late 80s. I would be very surprised if they were not playing an electronic keyboard trying to sound like a piano. Plus there was saxophone. I was bored.
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
In general I like Sleater-Kinney. I've heard a variety of songs from the band, and I think I listened to a full album of a recent release in the last couple of years. The tracks on Dig Me Out seemed new to me. I have a soft spot for this band because of a track or two that I will always listen to, and because of what I think the band is trying to add to the music scene. I will accept any invitation to listen to more material from this band. With that in mind, I think that you need to be somewhat rested in order to take in a Sleater-Kinney record. They have some great, well-constructed music, but it's screamy at the same time. There is a chance that this record could grow on me, but with a first listen I'm rounding up to get to the 4 stars. I may not remember on my own to come back to this album, but it might slip in for a replay because I never get too far away from the circles that include this band.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I've listened to a couple different "Best of..." compilations from Jimi Hendrix, in addition to a couple of other full albums, including one for this list. Only two of the tracks from Axis: Bold As Love seemed familiar to me, and both of them are on my list of songs that I would chose to listen to again. I like almost anyone's version of "Little Wing", and "Castles Made of Sand" catches me with the music as well as the lyrics. The lyrics in "Castles Made of Sand" seem to always get me to sit and try to follow along with the images being described. "She's So Fine" was the surprise new addition to my personal playlist. The drums and backing vocals had hooks that drew me in. "She's So Fine" emphasises the quality of the rest of the band backing up Hendrix. Hearing Noel Redding take the lead was a present surprise. This album is solid and easily replayable.
Linkin Park
2/5
Linkin Park is a band that I have chosen not to listen to. I think I have known people who listen to Linkin Park, but we didn't talk about it. I couldn't have told you much about Linkin Parks music prior to this, but within the first couple of tracks I know why I chose not to listen to LP. This music is not for me. The combination of grinding guitars, record scratches, and shouted, growling vocals is not what I would choose to listen to.
Neil Young
3/5
Tonight's the Night was new music for me, even though I have heard many tracks from Neil Young. I own Young's albums Harvest and Harvest Moon, both of which are at least 4 stars or more. This album was okay, but nothing stood out to me in particular. I'm not sure what the history is behind this album which may have earned the album a spot on this list. My favorite track was probably the title track, but I didn't save any of the tracks to my personal play list. I'm not sure that I would remember to come back to give this album a second listen.
Mylo
3/5
It's possible that I've heard music from Mylo before, but I can't say for sure. Destroy Rock & Roll was all new music for me. Sometimes I listen to some generic synthwave music to play as background noise to get me through the work day. This album felt very synthwave, and relatively generic. Most of the album was okay, but around the title track my individual track ratings were dipping in to the 2 star range. I did mark the opening and closing tracks ("Valley of the Dolls" and "Emotion 98.6") as tracks to come back to.
I'll let the start and end keep the album afloat in the 3 star range (after rounding).
The Adverts
3/5
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts is new music and a new band for me.
ThereThe Adverts are a new band to me and new music. For me, the music felt like it pointed towards punk and maybe a little ska. There were even a track or two that got me think of progressive rock - I can't say why for sure but I was thinking of some of King Crimson's work into the early 80s with a track or two. Midway through the album, the music was feeling less new. My first listen was okay.
Michael Jackson
2/5
Back when Michael Jackson released Bad and other albums before and after Bad, I wasn't sure what to think about Jackson. There are a lot of things I still don't understand about Jackson. There's some baggage that comes with Jackson, mixed in with a lot of cultural impact. This album is a pop-culture anchor. I knew and have seen the videos for all but three of the tracks off of this album before listening to the album as a whole. Even though I have heard several of these tracks multiple times, I must not have been listening too carefully. It took me a few years to realize that "toh tega nya-nya" = "Dirty Diana". I don't know what to think about Jackson and his music. I can't take seriously Jackson's bragging or hitting on the ladies in his lyrics. This album is full of his trademark "hee hee"s (e.g. "another pawt-uh me, hee hee hee"). And as I listened to this album, I kept wondering if there going to be any Weird Al on this list of recommended albums. Yes there are some tracks that I would and probably will listen to again. Scoring individual tracks, the album averages 3 stars, but there are three tracks in the middle that sink this album: "Speed Demon" (¿what's up with all of the "chop/chirp" in this track"?), "Liberian Girl" (please don't make me listen to this track again), "Just Good Friends" (a full dose of "hee hee"s, enough for the album alone). These three middle tracks feel so goofy and weird that I don't see myself listening to the whole album ever again.
"chop" "chirp"?
no doubt that I wouldn't listen to this track again
"ah. ah., hee hee"
"another pawt-uh me, hee hee hee"
I forgot about this one
"toh tega nya-nya"
don't even want to put down what lyrics I didn't understand
do I know this one
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
I find my generousity waning the further I get in to this list. When music from Pet Shop Boys was new, I wasn't sure what to do with it. After listening to a second full album, Behaviour has me convinced that I don't need to listen to an Pet Shop Boys. I knew three of the songs off of this album. "So Hard" is the one track that verges on a potential re-listen, but there are also tracks that I for sure do not want to hear again ("Only the Wind", "My October Sympohony"). By that point in the alubm I felt like I had had enough of Pet Shop Boys' odd electronic synth symphony backing music and hushed semi-spoken lyrics. In the past, I would have rounded up saying "I guess I got through it". Today I am rounding down, admitting that I was done with the album before the album was done playing.
The Pharcyde
1/5
Never heard of They Pharcyde before. Two tracks in I knew this album wasn't for me. Shortly after that, I knew that I didn't have to finish listening to this album in order to give a complete review. Nope. Please give me my time back.
Britney Spears
2/5
I am trying to decide how much time to spend on this review. I don't want to be overly picky about what I listend to. ...Baby One More Time is the first full album I've listened to from Britney Spears, even though I have heard several songs. My shortest review is that the best tracks got an "okay" from me, but more of the tracks got a "no thanks". Too many songs with lyrics about a life changing love... from a teenager. The album felt very crafted, but it was hard to not see the album as a collection of tracks hoping to make it's mark in pop-culture. Spears was successful with an entry into pop-culture, but the music feels weak.
I'm surprised that I liked this album as much as I did. Usually Rod Stewart's voice is so closely tied to some of his solo work that I have heard too many times, that it's hard for me to enjoy his other music. (See the Jeff Beck recommendation early on in this list). I had only heard one track ("Stay with Me") from this album before. I liked the mix of guitar and keyboards from the first track on this album. "Debris" was the individual track that I rated the highest. The last track of the album was the only one that I might skip. The album is easily a 3, but doesn't quit have enough to round up to a full 4 stars.
,
Venom
2/5
Venom is a new band and everything on Black Metal was new to me. Technically, there are probably differences between each of the tracks, but the whole album seemed to blend together into one big mess. I think that the album mostly reminded me of the background music and sound effects for the video game DOOM, which is survivable but not endearing. There are albums I have disliked more than this one, but it didn't even come close to getting a like from me.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Writing this review feels a bit like listening to this album... let's just get this over with. In general, I don't like Nick Cave's music. This album comes in at a solid 2.5 stars. Much of the music was okay and would have been good material to play at work to drown out the noise around me without distracting me from my job. The often spoken lyrics are a drag, and I don't know what Cave is trying to get at. The album was consistent, but I don't know why Cave would make a whole album of this. I thought about rounding up to three stars, but when it comes down to it my recommendation to others would be to skip this album. There's so much other stuff out there, why waste time with mediocrity?
The White Stripes
3/5
There were several tracks from White Blood Cells that I've heard before, but I don't think I've heard this album all the way through before. My all-time favorite track from the White Stripes is on this album ("We're Going to Be Friends"), even though the track is not typical from the band. "Hotel Yorba", "Fell in Love with a Girl", "Little Room", and "I Can't Wait" are tracks that I would easily play again. I like the White Stripes, but I think that the noisy, crashing energy that is the White Stripes is what makes me consume their music in smaller doses.
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
I have never listened to anything from Kendrick Lamar before. I know he's famous and admired, but I don't have time for the content of his work. No thanks.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
I like Emerson, Lake & Palmer. I have listened to a few of their albums, and regularly return to some of their tracks. This was my first time hearing Pictures At An Exhibition. "Nut Rocker" and the "Promenade" tracks are the only tracks that felt familiar to me. I settled in quickly hearing Greg Lake's vocals in the Promendade tracks. "The Old Castle" had the mix of keyboards and drums that you would expect from ELP. As "The Old Castle" shifted into "Blues Variation", Keith Emerson was up to full power. For a live album, the production was clean and easy to listen to. There weren't any stand-out tracks for me, but this album feels more consistent than some of ELP's studio records (e.g. Tarkus). I am doing a little extra rounding up, but I could come back to this record on a different day.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Call of the Valley was new to me, and I don't remember ever hearing of the artist Shivkumar Sharma before. I generally like instrumentals, and songs that extend longer than "typical" playing times. This album is completely composed of tracks that have both traits. The music sounds like it is from India, but this is an opinion from someone largely ignorant of that region's musical history. A few elements reminded me of Dead Can Dance, who liberally borrow musical elements from around the world. I liked the album enough to listen to an additional 30 minutes of bonus tracks from the remastered album.
Eric Clapton
3/5
I have listened to other work from Eric Clapton and various bands he has played in. Most of 461 Ocean Boulevard was new to me. Clapton includes some elements of Southern Rock, blues, and even a little nod to the hippie era ("Let it Grow") on this album. There are some songs that I could skip because the music (like Clapton) have taken on extra baggage over ther years (e.g. "Willie and the Hand Jive", "I Shot the Sheriff"). Some of that baggage is just me being too familiar with the music from other sources. I didn't dislike any tracks and I marked several tracks for the personal playlist ("Motherless Children", "Steady Rollin' Man", "I Can't Hold Out", "Mainline Florida" and "Let it Grow"). Overall, this album acheives an "okay".
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Another Velvet Underground album checked off, and I'm still not sure what to do with them. I didn't get much out of White Light / White Heat. The first track has on old 1950's rock and roll sound to start, before it transitions in to noise. Noise is a common feature to ¿all? of the tracks on this album. Between the noise and lyric content (including frequently spoken lyrics), I did not like this album.
DJ Shadow
3/5
DJ Shadow and all of the tracks on Endtroducing were new to me. I generally liked to groove of most of the tracks. I marked "Changeling" as my favorite, but I think the album could grow on me. I'd be interested in hearing more from the artist. The shorter tracks which were about a minute long, with more spoken word samples, felt like tracks that I would want to skip on a second listen.
Björk
3/5
There are tracks that I really like from Bjork. On my first listen of Vespertine, I liked what I heard, but didn't bookmark anything to my personal playlist. I also didn't find anything that I was wanting to skip. This album has room to grow on me. The album was good (3 stars)
Ministry
2/5
I know two tracks from Ministry. One is "(Every Day Is) Halloween" from an earlier era in the band's development. The other track I am familiar with is "Jesus Built My Hotrod" from this album: KE*A*H** (Psalm 69), which is well into the thrash metal version of the band. This album feels like an influence on Rob Zombie, with a bit of Metalica thrown in here and there. These bands, metal and psychobilly are not what I would choose to listen to. A solid 2, but probably a 1 if I had to listen to the whole album again.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
The name of the band was the only thing familiar to me before listening to The Flying Burrito Brothers' The Gilded Palace of Sin. In general I liked the album. The music was not country, but had a mix of country, folk, or southern rock. There were times wehn the vocals reminded me of the Flaming Lips, and some of the arrangements reminded me of the Milk Carton Kids. I'm a fan of both of those bands. A full album of songs about "love done wrong" is a bit much for me, so I am not rounding up to 4 stars. I would be interested in hearing more from the band.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but I haven't listened to a whole lot of their music. I believe I have listened to It's Blitz! before, but probably only once. I was suprised that the recommended album from Yeah Yeah Yeahs doesn't include "Maps". "Hysteric" was the happy surprise from this album, but familiar tracks "Zero", "Heads Will Roll" and "Skeletons" are tracks that I have in my personal playlist too. I will listen to more from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
The White Stripes
4/5
I took a while to warm up to the album Elephant, much like I did with the band. The White Stripes is not an every day listen for me, but I was happy to see this album come up as a recommendation. I've listened to this album at least once before. "Seven Nation Army" is in my 'definitely re-play' list, and several other tracks ("There's No Home for You Here", "You've Got Her in Your Pocket", "Ball and Biscuit", "The Hardest Button to Button") are tracks that I will probably listen to again. This album is an odd mix of hard, grinding rock and quiet folk-leaning tunes. I can accept the changes in pace. I'd listen to this album again.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
I have listened to Out of the Blue by Electric Light Orchestra at least once before. I generally like Jeff Lynne as a song writer. The music of ELO (and Lynne) has a sort of joyful melancholy. For a double album, this is a strong showing. There weren't any tracks that I wanted to skip. "Turn to Stone" and "Mr. Blue Sky" are a couple tracks that I already added to my personal play list. "Steppin' Out", "Big Wheels", and "Summer and Lightning" caught my attention this time through. I might come back to listen to the whole album again.
Arcade Fire
4/5
The Suburbs is the second album recommendation from Arcade Fire in this list. I'm still not to the point where I feel like there is an Arcade Fire sized hole that needs filling, but I enjoyed this album. I liked every track, which is impressive for a 16 track album. My favorites were "City with No Children", "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)", "Suburban War", and "The Suburbs". I could easily come back to this album to see what else I might discover on a second listen.
Elbow
4/5
There is potential for Elbow to be an artist / band that I would listen to. Nothing from The Seldom Seen Kid seemed familiar to me. I was trying to figure out how to categorize this album. I heard a little Coldplay?, a less acoustic David Gray?, a bit of a less electronic LCD soundsystem?, or a more melodic Tom Waits? The album was good, and I'd be interested in hearing mor from Elbow. "Weather to Fly", "One Day Like This", and "The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver" were my favorite tracks.
Kid Rock
1/5
I've had enough Kid Rock to last me for the rest of my life. I've never been a fan of "I'm so cool" lyrics, but some of the music is okay. I can't enjoy the music for more than a few seconds without getting dragged down by the lyrics. What would have happened if he had never met Kid Rock? What would he have written about? Devil Without a Cause is a full album of a rich kid playing dress-ups. There are very few lyrics that aren't centered on telling us how cool he is. The characteristics that he describes to try and portay that "coolness" are baffling.
Chicago
3/5
I became acquainted with Chicago the version of the band (in the 1980s) that I am most likely to not listen to. This earlier work with it's progressive rock tendencies is more likely to capture my attention. I've never listened to the whole Chicago Transit Authority album before, but I was familiar with 4 or 5 tracks. There is an ambition to this record, and I think Chicago achieves some worthwhile music with most of the tracks. "Free Form Guitar" and some occasional noise on the other tracks might keep me from relistening to the whole album again.
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
I've heard of the name of the band Queens of the Stone Age, but the album was completely new to me. I did not enjoy this album. I'm not even curious to other music from this band.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I'm sure I've listened to Led Zeppelin IV all the way though once or twice just to know what else comes with "Stairway to Heaven", which is the first song I can ever remember hearing from Led Zeppelin. I think I enjoyed listening to Led Zeppelin more in the past, but my appreciation for John Bonham and John Paul Jones has only increased over the years. "Going to California" with the mandolin and a great representation of Robert Plant's vocal skills is probably my favorite track on this album. The additional female vocals make "The Battle of Evermore" my second favorite. The album is good. I'm not eager to get back to it, but I wouldn't be surprised if I do - just becasue this album carries so much weight in the world of Rock.
Megadeth
2/5
I think that this album is the first time I've heard a whole track from Megadeth. I was aware of the band, and could tell you that Dave Mustaine is in that band, but that's about it. I did not enjoy Peace Sells...But Who's Buying. I don't understand lots of Heavy Metal, lyrically or musically.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
My favorite Yeah Yeah Yeahs song is on Fever to Tell. I like the band and have listened to tracks from various albums. I've listened to this album at least once before, but haven't been back for a re-listen for 10 years or more. There are tracks with a little too much scream and scratch in the vocals, and some lyrics that I couldn't recommend to all listeners. I will keep looking forward to new releases from the band, and but this album may not get a full re-play from me in the future.
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
Planet Rock: The Album was an enjoyable surprise. Afrika Bambaataa is a band name that I barely recognized as a band name and that was the extent of my familiarity with their music. This album has an 80s, earl rap sound. Some tracks reminded me of Run DMC's Rasing Hell, which came out about 6 months earlier. The album was good enough for a listen, and I'm curious about other music from the band. I'm just not sure if I'll be drawn back to take another listen.
Jamiroquai
3/5
I have listened to Emergency On Planet Earth at least once before, to see what other music Jamiroquai has made besides the track "Virtual Insanity" (which is not on this album). In general, I like Jamiroquai. I'm not sure how to classify his music - it's got some funk to it, but I don't know enough about Funk and related genres to know how to describe this music. I liked the didgeridoo on various tracks ("Diggin' Out" was my highest rated individual track"). I'm willing to hear more from Jamiroquai, but this time through the album wasn't enough to round up to 4 stars.
Fugees
2/5
I had heard three tracks from The Score, and I have heard some solo music from two of the Fugees band members. I did not enjoy this album. The music was okay, but there were so many pop-cultural references and other lyrics that I did not like. I was frequently hoping for most of the tracks to end. "No Woman, No Cry" is the closest I got to liking a track, and that may be Bob Marley's fault.
Michael Jackson
3/5
I'm sure I've heard all of Thriller before, but a couple of the tracks were new to me. I have seen all of the videos from this album. There is so much pop-culture weight to this album. Vincent Price's voice over on "Thriller", a member of the Beatles on "The Girl Is Mine", and "Beat It" (my favorite track) and "Billie Jean". I had forgotten about "Human Nature" but apparently all of those lyrics are stuck in my head. My opinion of this album, like Michael Jackson in general, is split. I would put up with listening to some of these tracks again, and I might even choose to play "Beat It" of my own choice. There are many tracks I would skip. When I first heard music from Thriller I was confused by the songs with lyrics speaking to girls as a love interest - they still seem so weird. "Billie Jean" and "The Girl is Mine" both creeped me out, but not in the same way. "The Lady in My Life" was my least favorite track. Jackson's rhythms also change otherwise normal phrases into some sort of foreign language for me. Musically this album is definitely from the 80s, with strong ties back to the 70s. This sounds like the follow up to Jackson's Off The Wall. Even with the pop-culture weight, at best the album as a whole comes out as "okay, I guess".
Can
3/5
Future Days is the second album recommended to me from Can. Most of the album was hovering right in the middle between 3 and 4 stars, but by the last track I felt myself getting impatient with the music and enjoying it less. The music can be interesting. Can's music had hints of the Syd Barrett / psychodelia era of Pink Floyd, or perhaps the Nice. The album feels like it should be grouped with Progressive Rock, but a more jazz influenced version of progressive rock - similar to some of the work from King Crimson.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
I was familiar with the name of band and the title track, but I don't know that I've heard anything else from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. It was good for me to listen to this assuredly influential album. Most of the The Message was what I expected to hear from these front-runners of rap. "Dreamin'" and "You Are" were surprisingly not rap or hip-hop, and put me a little further away from a higher rating. None of the album was bad, but I don't think I would do a full re-listen any time soon.
Patti Smith
2/5
I'm sure I've tried to listen to Horses from Patti Smith before, because others have cited this as an influential album. I don't enjoy listening to Smith sing. I might like "Kimberly". It reminded me a little of the Talking Heads, but as if Gordon Gano sang about half of the lyrics. "Horses" was flirting with being "okay" too. I'm not mad that I listened to the album, but I don't want to do it again.
Neil Young
4/5
Harvest contains probably my favorite tracks from Neil Young ("Heart of Gold" - the backing vocals from Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor are an excellent addition & "Old Man"). "The Needle and the Damage Done" is worthwhile too. I own Harvest and have listened to this album many times.
Most of the tracks get 4 or 5 stars from me. I'm still not quite what to think of "A Man Needs a Maid". I would recommend this album to others.
3/5
Before listening to Black Holes and Revelations, the name of the band was the only thing I knew about Muse. I'm not sure how to classify Muse or where it fits in the overall music landscape because I cannot really define what Muse has to offer besides being some sort of alternative rock (I guess). There were tracks where the vocals reminded me of Radiohead, and other tracks that were reminiscent of some other band from the 90s that I can't quite pin down. "Starlight" was my favorite track, and the rest of the album was at least okay.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Well, Neil Young apparently sings on this album. I like Neil Young in general, but Ragged Glory was all new music to me. It took all the way to the final track ("Mother Earth (Natural Anthem)") before I finally heard something that took hold of my attention. The rest of the album will probably fade from my memory fast. I'm not sure why THIS album from Young was recommended. for me it felt "okay" at best.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Freak Out! was new music for me. I have heard some of Frank Zappa's work, but The Mothers of Invention is only familiar to me by name at best. I don't know what to really expect from Zappa. Some of the do-wop / 50s sounding tracks were a surprise. Overall the album was okay, and good enough for listening through once. There were only a few tracks that were dipping below 3 stars - the multi-movement tracks that make up nearly all of the second record (sides 3 and 4 - about 44% of the total music recorded). Rounding up, I guess the album can have 3 stars.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Todd Rundgren is not in my usual list of what I would listen to. "Bang on the Drum All Day" is the only track that I can name from Rundgren, and it's not on Something/Anything. I did recognize "I Saw the Light" and "Hello It's Me", but that's only two songs from a double album. This album sits firmly at 2.5 stars. Almost half of the album is "okay - I guess", but 50% of the album I did not like. There was too much of a 70s soft rock or adult contemporary vibe. This album sounds like it might be friends with Carole King. It took until side 3 before I felt like Rundgren committed to some rock. The track I might come back to is "Couldn't I Just Tell You", which sounded like it was trying to bridge the gap between the early 80s to college station rock a few years down the road. The track sounds like it would fit in on a play list with early REM. I guess I'm rounding on this one.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I've heard of the album title Court and Spark, but almost all of the music was new to me. "Help Me" is the one track I know I've heard before. I'm not sure if I've heard "Raised on Robbery" before, or if the track just sounds like Joni Mitchell. All of the tracks on this album were "okay" or better. There is probably room for this album to grow on me. I wouldn't be opposed to listening to this album again, so I'll round up to 4 stars.
Blue Cheer
3/5
I've never heard of Blue Cheer, and all of the music from Vincebus Eruptum was new to me (with the exception that they did a cover of "Summertime Blues"). The album was okay. The music seemed to look towards psychodelia, but not fit into that genre. Blue Cheer also seemed to channel Jimi Hendrix throughout the album, even to the point of playing a few bars of his work in the middle of "Summertime Blues." The album was okay, but was getting too noisy for me on side two.
Garbage
4/5
I wouldn't have categorized myself as a fan of Garbage, but I remember all of the singles from this album from when they were released. This was my first time listening to the whole album. All of the tracks were good. "Only Happy When It Rains" and "Stupid Girl" were tracks that I have liked from when they were new. "Fix Me Now" is a new favorite and gave me a reason to round up to 4 stars. I could listen to this album again.
Elvis Costello
4/5
I like Elvis Costello. I think I have one album and one compilation album of his. Brutal Youth was all new music for me. I enjoyed the album in general. "Pony St.", "This is Hell", and "My Science Fiction Twin" were the tracks I rated highest. These tracks are good examples of the unconvential lyrics from Costello which can keep my interest and a cleverness that can make me smile. I would listen to this album again.
Miles Davis
4/5
Jazz is a weak spot (¿weak chasm?) in my musical experience. I've only recently begun checking out recommended jazz albums. I have listened to some Miles Davis before and I may have heard In A Silent Way before, but the album is new for me either way. This album was an easy listen. I liked the album and I could re-visit this album to see what I might have missed the first time through.
The Crusaders
3/5
Never heard of the Crusaders and all of the music from The Street Life was new to me. I think that there was too much saxophone for me to want to come back to this album. The vocals on the first track felt very set in the time that this album was produced. The album was okay.
The Jam
4/5
The Jam and their album All Mod Cons were new to me. I enjoyed listening to the album. The Jam sounded like they could fit in with a group that included Elvis Costello, The Squeeze, The Kinks or The Clash. "In the Crowd" and "'A' Bomb in Wardour Street" were the individual tracks that I got my highest ratings for the album. I'd be interested in hearing more from The Jam.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
The band name is familiar, but I couldn't tell you any songs from The Jesus and Mary Chain. The music sounds like it would have been something I would have listened to when Darklands was produced. If you listen to the Cure, you might listen to this - a somber entry in Brittish alternative. I liked the album enough to listened to the extended edition. "April Skies" was my favorite track from the album.
Pulp
3/5
I've heard at least one song from Pulp before, but This Is Hardcore was all new music to me. Much of the music gets 4 stars from me. The music fits somewhere between BritPop and Alternative, and I would be interested in hearing more fromt he band. Pulp is clever with their callbacks to David Bowie and other influences, but making music that sounds like it belongs to this band. There are a few tracks that the content of the lyrics feels greasy and anchors this album down to no more than 3 stars.
Brian Eno
4/5
This was the first album title that I heard of from Brian Eno, but I never listened to the album. It is not difficult to hear that David Byrne collaborated on My Life In the Bush of Ghosts - some tracks seem to echo sounds from live tracks that I've heard from the Talking Heads. The album could be categorized somewhere between ambient and world music. Some of the spoken word recordings were distracting, yet there were some vocals / spoken parts that did swirl into the mix of sound and became part of a general audio landscape. After listening to the original release, I listned to the bonus tracks on the re-release. Overall, "Qu'ran" and "The Carrier" were the tracks I liked the best. These two tracks may have had the least amount of vocals / spoken word. I could come back to this album for a second listen.
Deee-Lite
4/5
When Deee-Lite released the single "Groove is in the Heart", it was everywhere. I think that they had a second single, but I can't remember what it was. Besides the one single I remember, the rest of World Clique was new to me. This album was a happy surprise. The music was fun and interesting. If Deee-Lite truly never made it out of being categorized as a one-hit-wonder, it's a shame. I'd listen to this album again.
Cypress Hill
3/5
I've perhaps only listened to a song or two from Cypress Hill. The music was okay. There is a jovial nature to the tone of the music, even though the topics of the lyrics are more serious in nature. If I had to listen closer to the content my rating would probably dip below 3.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
I've never heard of Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, and Winter in America was all new music for me. I don't know if I liked the album, but I know I didn't dislike the album. Mostly I tried to listen, and waited for the album to finish. It was music.
Massive Attack
2/5
Massive Attack is a name I've heard of but every track on Protection was new to me. About 50% of the album was okay, but I kept wanting to skip tracks.
Elastica
4/5
I remember the single "Connection" from Elastica when it came out. This album's music has one foot reaching towards punk energy, with the other planted in some of the BritPop of the early nineties. I liked "Connection" when it came out, and I liked this album. "Car Song" and "Indian Song" were a couple tracks that I'm saving for a re-listen. It's a bit of a stretch, but I'm rounding up to 4 stars, because I might come back to see if I missed something.
Ice T
1/5
I was not excited to see O.G. Original Gangster come up in my recommendations. I have no interest in listening to someone else's anger, bragging, and chest-thumping. I'm sure "being tough" has probably worked out well for Ice T, but I don't need to hear about it. His acting carerr has given him a place to keep the tough-guy thing going. Ice T's rhymes are moderate, but even when he gets an interesting rhythm going the lyrics range between bleh and solidly landing in exactly what I don't want to listen to. The video for "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)" is a concise example of why I don't like Ice-T: trying to impress by talking about money and cars, the surrounding people trying to create an atmosphere to impress, and a gold chain with gold gun on his neck. Both Ice T and I can admit that this record was not written for me. I was happy when this record was over.
The Black Keys
4/5
I like the Black Keys even though I can't name any of their music. I've seen them perform on TV, and occasionly heard their music through YouTube. Only one track on this album was familiar to me. I forget how bluesy their music can be. I might come back for a second round. "Tighten Up" and "Everlasting Light" were my favorite tracks.
Beatles
4/5
I own a copy of this album. I don't regularly revisit A Hard Day's Night. The album is a good experience to listen to the Beatles' early work. I am not eager to get back to every track, but there aren't any tracks that I want to skip. The title track and "Can't Buy Me Love" might be required listening for an understanding of the Beatles' work.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Exile On Main Street is a title I recognize, but all of the music was new to me. The Rolling Stones are a capable Rock and Roll band. Even with their best songs, I never get that feeling that I "need" to listen to the Stones to satisfy some craving. Nothing sounded particularly appealing from this album. I listened. I'm done. I still feel like I've listened to enough Rolling Stones to last me for a good, long while.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
The only track from the album Rising Above Bedlam that I've heard before was "Visions of You". I don't know if I've heard anything else from Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart. I enjoyed listening to something different. There was a track or two that reminded me of Dead Can Dance, which I like. I enjoyed that some tracks had Spanish lyrics, or lyrics in what sounds like it may be a middle eastern language. I like Sinéad O'Connor's guest vocals on "Visions of You" which is my favorite track. "Erzulie" is my second favorite. I would be interested in hearing more from the band, but the album is too uneven to round up to 4 stars.
Pentangle
3/5
Basket of Light was an interesting album to listen to. I've never heard any of the music or of Pentangle before. The album felt like a mix of folk, celtic and pop music. The album sometimes sounds like you took the Mamas and the Papas to a renaissance fair. I enjoyed hearing something different. "Springtime Promises" and "Sally Go 'Round the Roses" were the tracks I liked the most. "Lyke-Wake Dirge" is not a typical entry on this list. The track could belong to a Sunday church service.
Genesis
4/5
I have heard every Genesis album at least once and I have listened to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway a few times. Listening to all of Genesis came from me trying to figure out how Genesis went from their prog-rock beginnings to pop music superstars. I like progressive rock, especially some of music from the Peter Gabriel era of Genesis. The title track is a favorite off of this album. There are tracks that are full-fledged prog ("In the Cage", "The Carpet Crawlers") and "Lilywhite Lilith" gives you reasons to look forward to the 'Phil Collins as lead singer' era of the band. I don't know what this album is about, and there are a track or two that I don't want to understand I don't think. (Gabriel can verge into a little creepy in his storytelling.) For a double album, all four sides give reasons to check out this album.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Sarah Vaughan's At Mister Kelly's was all new music for me. I've heard other artists versions of at least a couple of the tracks, but Sarah Vaughan is a new artist for me. Vaughan is talented, and her talent is even more evident through this live recording. The album was enjoyable but not an album that I'm likely to play again. The jazz vocals of "How High the Moon" are hard on my attention span. The rest of the album was at least okay.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I've never listened to Cosmo's Factory before, but I have heard at least 7 or 8 of the 11 tracks before. Because music from Creedence Clearwater Revival has been included so broadly throughout pop culture, I wasn't sure how I was going to react to this album. Sometimes my exposure to a band can feel completely saturated and I don't need any more. This album was a good surprise. "Ooby Dooby" was a track that felt like I'd be tempted to skip. There were a few tracks that I've probably heard enough of by now, but others reminded me of why they are popular. The swamp soaked "Run Through the Jungle" digs in to a solid rock and roll base. The guitar riffs alone from "Up Around the Bend" make CCR iconic. The happy surprises for me from this album were the opening and closing tracks, "Ramble Tamble" and "Long as I Can See the Light". These tracks are great examples of CCR's talent.
Brian Eno
3/5
Another Green World is the fourth album recommended for Brian Eno on this list for me. I still generally like his work, but this album is like the others I have listened to in that the final rating is a little mixed. The album is uneven, particularly when it comes to the tracks with vocals. "I'll Come Running" is the track I'd probably skip on a re-listen. I don't think I can round up to a full four stars, but I liked a lot of what I heard.
Sex Pistols
2/5
I've heard a couple of tracks for this album, and know a few things about the band's place in the history of rock and roll. At best, I got through the the album, but ther were some tracks that I specifically did not like. I can't round up to 3 stars.
Fred Neil
2/5
Fred Neil, you picked the wrong day to come up as a suggestion. I've never heard of you or your music before. I did not have the patience today. Something like Merle Haggard, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot and Leonard Cohen was mixed together for this album, but only the bland parts. "Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga" (the last track) finally provided something different with is indian elements, but one track could not save this album.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Although I probably still remember all of the lyrics from their later album, Raising Hell, Run-D.M.C.'s debut album was new to me. I was happy to listen to this album, but didn't find any tracks that I saved to come back to later. This early Rap wasn't afraid to have actual electric guitars as part of the music in addition to the scratching and beats, but the music and rapping feels a little slow. I wouldn't keep anyone from listening to this album, but this album is just a peek at some of the energy and grooves that Run-D.M.C. will produce on later albums.
Throwing Muses
3/5
Throwing Muses is a name I recognized, but the album was all new music for me. The album was okay and seems adjacent to some of the bands that I have regularly listened to. This album felt like a predecessor to some of the work from Sleater-Kinney. "Hate My Way" and "Vicky's Box" were my least favorite tracks, but "Fear" and "Soul Soldier" had some great backing rhythms and energy that keep this album at least at 3 stars. I would be interested in hearing more from Throwing Muses.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
I've never heard of Songhoy Blues or any of the music on Music in Exile. The energy in the opening track "Soubour" hooked my interest. "Al Hassidi Terei" and "Nick" were similar energy tracks with interesting guitar licks and hooky rhythms that reached out beyond the language of the lyrics. I would be interested in hearing more from this band.
The Mars Volta
2/5
I'm only marginally aware of The Mars Volta. Deloused in the Comatorium was all new music to me. I knew barely enough about The Mars Volta to reluctantly review the album. I'm not a fan of the vocals from this band. I like progressive rock a lot, but this newer metal prog doesn't inspire. Much of the album was okay. I did not like "Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" and "Drunkship of Lanterns" and I would have preferred to not listen to "This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed" or "Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt".
Goldfrapp
4/5
Goldfrapp was a new artist for me and Seventh Tree was all new music. I enjoyed listening to the album. The music didn't sound a lot like typical things I might listen to, but the album still held my attention. The music seemed like it would fit in with Dido, Natalie Imbruglia, or Michelle Branch - not that it sounded like those artists exactly, but the music would fit in. A few tracks had some good energy and I bookmarked to listen to again ("Little Bird", "Caravan Girl", "Monster Love"). One track was verging on a skip ("Cologne Cerrone Houdini"), but it did not have the same sound as the rest of the album.
Cat Stevens
4/5
I was happy to see Tea for the Tillerman come up as my suggested album. I have listened to this and other albums from Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam, and many of his tracks individually. Perhaps my all time favorite track from Cat Stevens is on this album ("Father and Son"), which is in a close competition with my second favorite ("Peace Train" - not on this album). It was good to hear some old favorites like "Where Do the Children Play?", but I found some two new favorites with this listen ("Longer Boats", "On the Road to Find Out"). A couple tracks ventured in to "okay" territory, but I could easily listen to the whole album again. I like Stevens' voice, his music, and the journey of mood and storytelling that he takes the listener through.
Kanye West
1/5
What can I say about an album clearly not meant for me? I just can't get past the content, and knowing more about Kanye lately leaves even less room to attempt to enjoy what he's offering. Can I even compliment his creative use of the Hampster Dance Choir on several tracks? Nope.
Pixies
3/5
Although I have heard several tracks from the Pixies before, all of the music from Bossanova was new to me. Bossanova sounded like a Pixies album. Most of the album was pretty good. "Rock Music" and "Is She Weird" were my least favorite tracks, with too much noise, screams and grinding in the music - which can be typical Pixies. But the album finished strong with the last three tracks getting in to the less chaotic side of Pixies. "Havalina" was my favorite track. I'm interested in hearing more from the Pixies, but probably would not come back to this album as a whole.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Heaven Or Las Vegas was part of my introduction to Cocteau Twins. I have listened to this album several times, but it's been a while since my last listen. A couple of my all-time favorite tracks from the band are on this album ("Iceblink Luck", "Heaven or Las Vegas"). "Pitch the Baby", "Cherry-Colored Funk", and "Wolf in the Breast" are pretty good too. There are a couple of tracks that are a little less engaging, but I could easily give the whole album a re-listen.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
I like John Lee Hooker in general. He has a track or two that I will probably always come back to. The Healer was new music to me. I saved just over half of the tracks from the album for a re-listen later, including "Baby Lee", "Think Twice Before You Go" and "Rockin' Chair". Overall this album was fairly mellow, but with enough groove to keep toes tapping.
The Who
4/5
I was happy to see Who's Next pop up as a recommendation. I've listened to several albums from the Who before, and to Who's Next at least a few times. All of the tracks are good on this album. There weren't any tracks on the album that I'm tempted to skip and more than half of the tracks I'd come back to own my own. So many familiar tracks from this album, with perhaps my two all time favorite tracks from the Who opening and closing out the album. I can forgive CSI for using "Won't Get Fooled Again". I've loved that track since I first heard it - such energy and Keith Moon's drumming is an education in percussion. John Entwistle's bass lines deserve some praise too, even on the mellower tracks like "Behind Blue Eyes".
The Divine Comedy
2/5
I've never heard of The Divine Comedy, and all of the music on Casanova was new to me. The music verges into territory of music that I might listen to. The Divine Comedy sounds like Brit Pop (something I'll listen to) funneled through Frank Sinatra style crooning (something I don't listen to). Most of the time listening to the album I was trying to figure out if "putting up" with the music until it's over is good enough to NOT give the album a dis-like (2 stars). I don't think I liked it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival is a familar band, and I have heard two of the seven tracks from Bayou Country before. "Born on the Bayou" is the best track on the album. The track has a deep rooted tangability that has helped to define the music of CCR. The rest of the album is fine, but I wish that CCR hadn't kept on chooglin' for so long. I don't know what 'chooglin' is, but that song went on too long.
Orange Juice
3/5
I've never heard of Orange Juice, and all of the tracks from Rip It Up were new to me. You can hear the punk-influenced early new wave sounds on this album. The opening track seemed like it was experimenting with some of the same electronic sounds as Blondie and other early eighties bands. There are reggae beats an jangley guitar rhythms that reminded me of Madness and other early new wave music from that time. The band and music were fine. I'd be down to hear more from the band, but nothing stood out enough to me on Rip It Up that might draw me back to re-listen to the whole album
Beastie Boys
3/5
There are tracks that I regularly come back to from the Beastie Boys, and I know I've listened to this album at least once before. This time through I'm finally paying attention to and recognizing the music that was sampled from other artists on many of these tracks. I'm sure I've still missed something. There are tracks on this album that are iconic for the band. "Brass Monkey" is such an ear worm, but not the only one on the album. There are lines from individual tracks ("No Sleep till Brooklyn", "Paul Revere", etc.) that are like little memory bookmarks for me. I've heard "Fight for Your Right" more than enough times. I'm even less enthusiastic about hearing others call out the main line from that track. "Fight for Your Right" is a good example of why I'm not rating this album higher. There is a more juvenile point of view for many of the tracks that keeps me from wanting to revisit much of this album.
Crowded House
3/5
In general I like Crowded House and I'll listen to probably every track from Neil Finn because there's a good chance I might like it. I'm not sure if I've heard Woodface before. The title seems familiar, but I only recognized one track for sure. After this listen, I'm not sure if I'm going to remember having heard this album in the future. The music was okay, but no new favorite tracks.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
I've never hear of Basement Jaxx, and all of the music from Remedy was new to me. This music is not a typical genre for me to listen to. Most of the album was okay. "Don't Give Up" might be the track that sinks this album from being able to round up to three stars.
Röyksopp
3/5
I'm sure I've probably heard something from Röyksopp, but all of the music on Melody A.M. was new to me. I was reminded of Moby, and Everything But the Girl as I listened to the alum. There aren't a lot of vocals, and fewer lyrics. The music is chill, and the album was an okay listen. I might not remember the experience enough to be called back for a re-listen to this album. I would be open to hearing more from the band.
Miriam Makeba
4/5
Miriam Makeba was a new artist for me. The mood of this album drew me in, and Makeba has a great voice. For a debut album, Makeba sounds very in control of her medium as an entertainer. This album sounds like it fits in with music from other entertainers the 60s, and reminded me of some of my mom's records that I used to play. The RCA Victor logo on the album cover felt appropriate and nostalgic. At the same time, there were new sounds (e.g. "The Click Song") and many tracks that displayed their South African roots. This mix of familiar and novel can be found in tracks like "Mbuba" (by Solomon Linda), which is easily identified as what was adopted into "Wimoweh (The Lion Sleeps Tonight)" or Makeba's cover of "The House of the Rising Sun". This album was an easy listen. I might revisit this album just to see what I may have missed.
The Streets
2/5
I've never heard of The Streets before or any of the tracks on a A Grand Don't Come For Free. I made it through the album. I was not a fan of the talking, talking, talking over slow beats. I quickly began to ignore the lyrics as much as I could - so many f-bombs and content that I couldn't relate to. I can't imagine deciding to listen to this again. ¿I didn't hate it?
Christina Aguilera
2/5
I heard the singles from Stripped when the album came out. I've never been interested in Christina Aguilera's music. Portions of the album were okay, separated by tracks that I did not like. I'm not the audience that this music was intended for. After listening to a full album I'm not even sure I am any more able to recognize Aguilera, if I were to hear something new (or something from this album that I just listened to). I'm guessing that I will forget this soon enough. When "okay" is stretched out thin over such a long album, I will have to confess that I did not like the album.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Pet Sounds is another album that I wish I could have heard in context of the time that it was released. I have listened to this album before, because so many people have cited this album as a significant album in their own musical experience. There are tracks from this album that I have heard many times. I'm not a super Beach Boys fan, but "Sloop John B" and "God Only Knows" are tracks that I have sought out to listen to again on my own, and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is close to that same list. There are some interesting sounds from the Beach Boys on this album - it's not just the happy, surf music of previous albums. (There is a weird love song in "You Still Believe in Me" that takes me away from fully imersing myself into the experience of this album... the Beach Boys have a strange way of writing lyrics to try to sweet talk to young girls.) Although the Beach Boys are not regulars in what I would listen to, there is enough to explore on this album that I will round up to a full 4 stars.
JAY Z
2/5
I have heard of Jay-Z but I don't know if I have heard a complete track from Jay-Z before listening to Blueprint. I was not excited to see this album come up as the suggestion of the day. The backing music is okay, but the content of the lyrics quickly sinks this album below "okay". I'm never a fan of the constant bragging, and the frequency of a couple of words alone will keep me from listening to anything from this album again.
The Cardigans
4/5
First Band On The Moon is the one album I've heard from The Cardigans, but I've heard at least a few other tracks from the band. I like the band enough that I will check out the occasional track from the band when they come up. It's been a decade or two since I've listened to this album. I like the pop-sensibility of the music with an underlying darker tinge. The music sounds like pop, but there's something bordering on sinister in many of the tracks. "Lovefool" is a classic track, but I have always liked what they decided to do with Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" to make it their own. I could come back to this album again, because ¿why not?
Metallica
3/5
I'm not a fan of Metallica. Much of their music gets lost for me in the band's posturing. Lars is a difficult personality for me too. Surprisingly, this album was good enough. It's a great live recording. I did not like every song, but the orchestration was great support for the band and music. James Hetfield speaks to the audience a few times which makes me think he wasn't completely comfortable with playing with the orchestra, which is too bad because the ablum works. "The Call of Ktulu" was my favorite track, but "Nothing Else Matters" and "Enter Sandman" were also good. There are tracks that I would skip during a second listen. Metallica stepped up to Prog Rock, and it was good.
David Bowie
3/5
The Next Day is the eighth album recommended to me from David Bowie on this list. ¿Who needs to listen to that much Bowie? I was not excited to see this album come up. Surprisingly, I didn't have as hard of a time listening to this album as I have the previous seven albums. The Next Day still falls squarely in "okay" (3 stars), but I was tapping my feet to at least a couple tracks. "How Does the Grass Grow?" was the one track that was tempting to be skipped. ("How Does the Grass Grow?"reminded me of Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" at times and pulled me out of the overall listening experience.) ¿Have I listened to enough Bowie yet? (No more recommendations please. The next most frequent artists have been The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, and the Who - all at 5 albums, followed by 13 artists with 4 albums each.)
Peter Gabriel
5/5
The music on So is world-building, creating a large, almost tangible experience. Take the epic opening track, "Red Rain", to see how large, energetic, yet melancholic the listening experience can be. The tracks invite you in to their own world, yet Peter's voice sounds natural, not constructed, as if he is next to you as he sings. The selection of backing vocals and guest musicials add to both the largeness of the overall experience, and the intimacy of the lyrics. There are clever lyrics with a lot of imagery. I tend to like the the moodier songs on this album. Perhaps it's because I've heard some of the upbeat tracks more often. I've heard all of Peter Gabriel's albums up to this album, and several albums after So. I've listened to this album several times. I've listened to the individual tracks even more often - EVERY. SINGLE. TRACK. How could I not give this 5 stars. There's nothing to skip.
Jane Weaver
3/5
I've never heard of Jane Weaver and all of the music on Modern Kosmology was new to me. The music on this album seems to be non-electronic, electronic music. In a few instances I was reminded of Badly Drawn Boy, but otherwise I'm not quite sure how to classify this album. Overall, the album was good. I'd listen to more from Weaver. "Do You See Butterflies?" and "Loops in the Secret Society" were the individual tracks that I rated the highest. The final few tracks, including "Ravenspoint" are what keep me from rounding up to a full four stars. I was ready to move on by the end. On a different day I might have given 4 stars - I did like much of what I heard.
George Harrison
3/5
I recognized the cover of All Things Must Pass, but I was only familiar with a couple of the tracks on this album. I liked the album for the most part. I really like a lot of what George did with the Beatles, but there is music from his solo career that does not resonate with me. There are tracks that I would come back to ("Awaiting on You All", "All Things Must Pass", "What Is Life", "If Not for You", "Behind That Locked Door", "Out of the Blue"), but there were tracks on the album that I'd be tempted to skip on a re-listen. Some of the country-tinged songs and the instrumental held more of my attention. I could hear a connection between this album and Harrion's recordings with the Traveling Wilburys. It was also fun to hear Harrion linking his music back to the 50s sound of Rock and Roll (Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard) in "Thanks for the Pepperoni". The album is long and I'm not rounding up to 4 stars. If I cut out a few of the tracks I didn't enjoy, there would still be a full album's worth of music that I could give 4 stars to.
Happy Mondays
2/5
With the first album that was recommended from the Happy Mondays, I was wondering if I had heard of the band before. Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches answers that question. I've heard three of the tracks from this album. Happy Mondays approach sounding like things that I might listen to (or may have listened to at the time that the album came out). "Step On" was the most fun song on the album. "Kinky Afro" is interesting, but didn't make it into my list for a later replay. There were tracks on this album that I wouldn't want to hear again, and I'm guessing that if I listened closer to all of the lyrics I would find even more. Those tracks sink the album below 3 stars for the rest of this "okay, I guess" kind of album.
White Denim
4/5
I have never heard of White Denim before and all of the music on D was new to me. I liked all of the tracks on this album. I'm not sure how to even classify this album. I heard some tracks that were leaning towards country (if only slightly) and others that seemed to point towards Progressive Rock (e.g., "Bess St."). It was easy to settle in and listen to the whole album, which was assisted by the way in which some tracks feed right in to the track that follows. "At the Farm was the track that I rated highest. I could easily listen to this album again.
Marilyn Manson
1/5
This album makes me feel gross. I was not excited to see this album come up as today's recommendation. I've heard several tracks from Manson, including at least one from this album. I'm not Manson's target audience, and I could not recommend this album to anyone. I couldn't finish most of the tracks, and part way through I stopped listening to the album. I'm sad that I have wasted time thinking about Manson.
Jazmine Sullivan
1/5
I've never heard of Jazmine Sullivan and all of the music on Heaux Tales was new to me. Maybe there was one track that was "okay, I guess." Most of my responses were "Please, no more of this". Are two stars too much? Probably.
Culture Club
2/5
If I've ever heard Colour by Numbers before, I've forgotten. Culture Club was a definite force when they were played on the radio, and I have solid memories of three of the tracks, but the rest of the album left little impression. The album is too soft for me. New wave ballads mixed wiht music that would be appropriate in the elevator or the background noise at a mall. Not music to get upset over, but not music to be excited about. Although "Karma Chameleon" might come back for a re-play for nostalgia's sake, the rest of the album feels like an easy "no".
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I know I've listened to Born In the U.S.A. at least once before, because this album carries cultural weight. I am very familiar with at least half of the twelve tracks. It's been a long time since I last listened, and I had forgotten that some of the tracks were on this album. I like most of the tracks at least a little, and some of the tracks bring back some nostalgia for when they were on the radio. I wish I liked Bruce Springsteen as much as others do. I don't get swept into the music as much as some of Springsteen's super fans. There are tracks on this album that I would seek out ("I'm on Fire", "My Hometown"), probably for their melancholoy. I probably like Nebraska more than this, but Born In The U.S.A. is worthwhile.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
I've heard of Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band, and I recognize the cover of Trout Mask Replica, but I probably haven't listened to a full track from the band. I was fine with working my way through the album. It was ¿good? to listen to an album that so many people consider as culturally significant. I'm not sure that I would want to try and listen to this album often enough to gain the acquired taste that this album seems to be. The album felt shorter (less of a burden to listen to) than I thought it was going to be, but still lands at 2 stars.
Nick Drake
4/5
I like Nick Drake and Bryter Layter sounded like a Nick Drake album, and so much so that I'm not sure if I've heard any of the tracks from this album before or not. There weren't any tracks that overwhelmingly stood out. At the same time, I didn't find anything that I was tempted to skip. I know that I could easily listen to this album again, just to give me a chance to hear some Nick Drake.
Missy Elliott
2/5
As soon as I start paying attention to the music, Supa Dupa Fly falls from "okay" into "I don't like". I could skip Missy Elliott every time.
Guided By Voices
2/5
Perhaps the only thing I've heard from Guided by Voices is the name of the band. Nothing from Alien Lanes sounded familiar. I get the impression from the lists of reviews from other people, that there are people who like some of the same artists that I like, who like Guided by Voices. I didn't enjoy this album. I was trying to give the music a chance at an "okay" rating, but I did find any tracks that truly earned my attention. I'm grumpy today, so 2 stars.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
I know I've heard Devandra Banhart before, the voice is distinct, but I didn't recognize any of the tracks on Rejoicing In The Hands. Most of the tracks were okay or better, but there were a few tracks that I'd be happy to listen to only once ("Poughkeepsie", "See Saw", "When the Sun Shone on Vetiver"). Those tracks got me to take a mental pause in my listening, but not in a good way. I would still be interested in hearing more from the artist, because there are elements that I liked, but I don't think I'd come back to the album as a whole.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I was familiar with two of the tracks from Bringing It All Back Home just by the titles, but most of the album was new to me. I like a lot of work from Bob Dylan in general. I have some favorite tracks from other albums that I will probably always come back to. I enjoyed this listening experience. Even though Dylan's singing ability is limited, his lyrics help to keep the music interesting. Unfortunately by the last few tracks, the tracks began to feel like they were getting stuck in a rut of long lists of ideas without much melody from the vocals. I did like this album, but may not come back for a complete re-listen in one sitting.
50 Cent
1/5
¿Why would I listen to this album? I did. The backing music made it bearable, as long as I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics. I don't need to hear someone brag about being someone I probably wouldn't like anyway.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I listened to a previous album from Super Furry Animals early on in this list, but the name of the band was only roughly familiar. I liked the last album and I liked Fuzzy Logic too. Almost of all of the tracks were okay or better. Super Furry Animals seems to fit within the categories of stuff that I would like. Occasionally the vocals reminded me of okgo, and the music sounded like it would fit in with Beck or Blur. Hometown Unicorn", "Long Gone" and "Something for the Weekend" were the tracks I liked the most. The album was a little long, and a couple tracks keep me from rounding up to a full 4 stars. I would come back to at least part of the album.
The Kinks
4/5
I like the Kinks, but nearly all of the music from Face to Face was new to me. "Sunny Afternoon" was the only track that I recognized. There weren't a lot of stand out tracks for me on this fist listen, but I liked this album enough. It sounded like the Kinks. "Sunny Afternoon", "Fancy", and "Too Much on My Mind" were the tracks I gave the highest grade to. I could listen to this again, so I'm rounding up to 4 stars.
John Cale
4/5
John Cale's name is slightly familiar but I couldn't say from where. All of the music on Paris 1919 was new to me. The album sounds like early 70s. I'm having a hard time placing this album in the rankings. Nothing was bad on the album, but nothing stood out as a new favorite or something I should come back to = 3.5 stars almost exactly. I COULD listen to this album again with no reservation, so I'll round up.
The Police
4/5
I have listened to every album by The Police, but it's been a while since I last listened to Reggatta De Blanc. I like this album in part because of some of the music that was not released as a single ("Regatta De Blanc"), but my next favorite track ("Walking On the Moon") was a single. The second half of this album is less enjoyable than the first half. Regatta De Blanc is similar to every album from The Police. There are a string of stellar tracks, but at least one or two tracks on each album that don't fit in to the overall listening experience, and leave me wondering what to do with that (those) track(s) (e.g., "On Any Other Day", "No Time This Time"). Often the oddities come from Copeland or Summers, who may have not tuned in to the pop-music vibe as easily as Sting. I don't want to downplay Copeland or Summers, because combined they made some great music. Every album has something to keep in your collection, and Reggatta De Blanc is worth keeping.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
This recommendation from Cee-Lo started off at a deficit. Even after ignoring what I've seen of Cee-Lo as a person, the bragging and approach towards women keeps this album down in my ratings. Cee-Lo has some infectious beats, but the more I have to listen to the content of the lyrics the further down my ratings go. If there had been nonsense lyrics over the music, Cee-Lo could have gotten perhaps even four stars. I don't want to come back to this album and have to process the content all over again. I'm sure I would only find more to dislike.
Bad Brains
3/5
I've only heard the name Bad Brains, but I was unfamiliar with all of the music from I Against I. The music sounded like it would come from a band called Bad Brains - metal, but… not typical metal. The vocals slipped between a more typical metal delivery, to mellow melodies. The music was not really something I might choose for myself, but there was enough there for me to be willing to listen to something else from the band. It was an interesting (and generally enjoyable) listening experience. Rounding up to 3 stars because the listen was something different than usual. ("I Against I" almost sinks the album below 3).
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I like Siouxsie And The Banshees but I may not have heard a full album of their music outside of a greatest hits compilation. "Spellbound" might be the only track from Juju that I had heard before. Overall the album was good. I liked the album enough to listen to the re-release bonus tracks. I'm not sure where this album fits in to the rest of the work from the band. Juju sounds like an album from Siouxsie And The Banshees. I found stuff that I could re-listen to, but nothing that I HAVE to listen to again. I'll round up to 4 stars.
Brian Wilson
3/5
I was happy to check out Smile by Brian Wilson. I think that the Beach Boys are okay but I knew that there was some extended history on the final production and release of this album, and that many praised the album on its release. There is some interesting, frequently odd music on Smile. I'm not quite sure what to do with a track like "Vega-Tables" which verges on silly, while composing some well written music. Most of the album seems to follow that pattern of weird but well-composed. There is an interesting cheerfulness to the whole album. I don't know if I could come back to a full album re-listen, but I've only heard this music once.
Gotan Project
4/5
I've never heard of the Gotan Project or any of the music on La Revancha Del Tango. I enjoyed the album because it was different that what I would normally listen to, but had ties to music that I'm interested in. I often enjoy listening to traditional music. I enjoyed the mix of traditional elements of latin musice with music that reminded me of late 90s alternative / electronica / indie-pop. I didn't pick out any true favorites from the album, but I could easily do a re-listen of the entire album.
Motörhead
2/5
I am aware of Motörhead and I've heard the track "Ace of Spades" before but probably not even the full track. Nothing else was familiar from No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith. For a live album, it is a good recording. By the fourth track, the album was already getting long. It was a push to get all the way through. Half-way through the album, I was having a hard time distinguishing between the tracks. Almost at the end "Capricorn" and "Bomber" finally provided something a *little* different to listen to, but not enough to save the album. I did not enjoy this listening experience.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Other than "Roadrunner" I don't know if I've heard other music from The Modern Lovers. Overall, I enjoyed the album and "Roadrunner" was my favorite track. The vocals sometimes drift away from recognizable melodies into an almost spoken-word delivery of the lyrics, but I'm okay with that because the overall energy of the tracks as a whole. I think that the band is doing something interesting with their version of punk-ish rock and roll. There were a few tracks in the middle that I would probably skip on a re-listen, but I definitely would be interested in hearing more from the band.
Gorillaz
4/5
I heard Gorlillaz not too long after the album was released, and have been a fan of the band since the beginning. My introduction to the band was their video for "19-2000" and I thought the remix was catchy and it got me curious. I like Blur, so additional work from Damon Albarn was intriguing. It's been a while since I've listened to the full album, but many of the tracks are in my regular rotation. "Clint Eastwood" and "19-2000" are probably my top favorites, but it was good to get reminded about "Re-Hash", "Tomorrow Comes Today", "5/4", and "Rock the House". I don't like everything from Gorillaz, but I will probably always be ready to hear any new music they put out to find my new favorites.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
My introduction to Emmylou Harris probably came first through her appearances as a guest vocalist on other artists' records, and second live performances on programs such as Austin City Limits and similar programs. I have not listened to very many studio recordings from Harris and Red Dirt Girl was my first full-album listening experience. I like her voice and music generally, and I'm always down to see what Harris has to offer. "The Pearl" and "Red Dirt Girl" were my favorite tracks from this album, but all of the tracks were good. "Red Dirt Girl" might be a favorite because I have heard Harris perform the song in concert recordings, including with Mark Knopfler, and First Aid Kit's cover of the song as well -- Both versions are worth finding and listening to. "J'Ai Fait Tout" and "One Big Love" were a spot on the album that began to lose my attention, but I was not lost altogether. I could come back to this album.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
I enjoyed hearing what sounds to be an early album from Buddy Holly & The Crickets. I've listened to a variety of songs from the band artists before, but Chirping Crickets might be the first studio album I've listened to. I liked this album, but nothing stood out. My favorite tracks were the tracks with a little more energy ("Oh, Boy!", "That'll Be the Day", "Rock Me My Baby"). I was a little disappointed that "Not Fade Away" was a lower energy recording of that song. Buddy Holly & The Crickets have higher energy music, and that difference in energy is probably what keeps this album at 3 stars.
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
Knowing nothing about Drive Like Jehu, my guess as to what the music would be like based on the cover was pretty close. Overall I liked listening to Yank Crime. "New Intro" was the track I liked the most. That track and some of the longer tracks (7+ minutes) reminded me of some of the progressive metal that began after the 80s. I can't say I'm a new fan. By the time I got to "Sinew", the last (and my least favorite) track, I was ready for a break. There was too much hoarse screaming on this album for me to want to come back, even if that level of screaming wasn't on all of the tracks.
Dolly Parton
3/5
I generally like Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, but I haven't sought out much of their work on my own. I was happy to see this suggestion come up because of the possibilities. The album was good and I enjoyed it enough, but I finished the album wondering if the music had truly showcased the talents of all three of the artists on this album. Perhaps I wasn't in the mood for as many sad love songs. Nothing was bad on the album, but I might not come back for a re-listen. "Rosewood Casket" adn "Hobo's Meditation" were the tracks I rated the highest, with "The Pain of Loving You" a close third.
George Michael
3/5
I have a weird relationship with Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. I was not a fan fo Wham!. George Michael has put out a lot of work that I'm not interested in, but I own this album. I was introduced to this album by a friend who was learning how to play "Waiting for That Day" on the guitar. The album caught enough of my attention that I ended up buying a used copy of the CD. There are some tracks that I could skip ("Cowboys and Angels", "Mother's Pride"), but overall the album is good. I ended up making an EP of sorts of my favorite tracks from the album ("Freedom! '90", "Waiting for That Day", "Heal the Pain", "Waiting" (Reprise)). The stories told in the lyrics are about relationships at the narrowest level, but as a whole these tracks talk about hopes in life, the fear of having missed out even though you've been given so much of what you thought you had wanted, and trying to find a way to still move forward. The mood caught my attention for it's cleverness with the lyrics and backing music. You can hear in each of those tracks George Michael asking what happens when you hope to get this thing that you are sure that you want, and then are burdened with having that thing that you thought you wanted. It's no surprise that a snippet of the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" makes an appearance on one of the tracks.
R.E.M.
4/5
It's been a while since I've listened to Green. It was good to get back to some R.E.M. I apparently have missed hearing a few songs ("Get Up", "You Are the Everything", "World Leader Pretend"). There are other favorites on this album too, but I've heard them more recently ("Stand", "Orange Crush") and they didn't sound quite as fresh as the forgotten favorites. Green is an album that you can hear hints of the following album (Out of Time) with mandolin parts, and the delivery of Michael Stipe's lyrics. I think that Green still has strong ties to early R.E.M. too. Green is definitely a pivot point between the R.E.M. of new discovery, to the band that filled arenas during the 1990s. I should visit Green more often.
Bobby Womack
3/5
Bobby Womack is a familiar name to me, but that's it. All of the music on The Poet was new to me. The album was fine, but I'm not sure I'd remember enough to come back. "Stand Up" was my favorite track because I thought there was enough funk to the track to draw me in to listen closer and enjoy the energy of the track. There were some tracks that sounded like they were paving the way for some of the RnB that I've been exposed to. Most RnB doesn't reach me and take hold of my attention. This album was fine, but as with other RnB I probably would not chose to listen again.
Silver Jews
3/5
I've never heard of Silver Jews and all of the music on Bright Flight was new to me. The album's semi-droning delivery of the lyrics sounded like it would fit in with Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile. In spite of the drone, there were layers to the music that drew me in for several tracks ("Room Games and Diamond Rain", "Let's Not and Say We Did", and particularly "I Remember Me" with the backing steel guitar). Although the album was good overall, the non-melodic delivery of the lyrics was too much for my taste on "Time Will Break the World".
Dr. Dre
1/5
¿Why would I want to listen to this?
- Upset with record companies.
- Ungraceful discussions of human anatomy.
- Racist terms that I wouldn't repeat.
- Misogeny and praise for violence.
Skip, skip, skip.
Just because you can say it doesn't mean you should. "Yeah, yeah".
Michael Jackson
3/5
I have listened to Off The Wall at least once before to see what else was on the album with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". There are a couple other tracks that I like ("Rock with You", "Girlfriend"), but not as much as "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". Off The Wall has the same problem as Jackson's other albums - there are some weirdly sticky sweet "love" songs that I wouldn't chose to listen to. At best, Jackson gets an "okay" from me, even though there are a couple of tracks I'd be happy to hear again.
Scissor Sisters
2/5
I've heard of the Scissor Sisters, but I couldn't tell you from where. Listening to the album it was hard to determine the time frame when it was released. There is a mix of disco, and late 90s alternative. There were parts of the album that were okay, but several tracks that I don't want to hear again because of the content. The music was okay.
Germs
2/5
I've heard of the name of the band, and the music from Germs fit with what I expected from the name and had heard about. The album GI has moments where I can hear how the music could almost come from the Clash, and it all fits in well with what I know of the Punk scene. Most of the album gets held back with a limited range of dynamics. The short tracks were hard for me to distinguish. The album was fine to get through once, but I don't think I liked it.
Mj Cole
2/5
I've never heard of MJ Cole or any of the music on Sincere. The piano starting off the first track was promising, but the music quickly shifted. Wikipedia lists this as House music. I've heard of House music but that's it. I'm not sure what rating to give. I wouldn't tell anyone that they shouldn't listen to MJ Cole, but I can't recommend the music either. I just don't know what to do with this album. I made it through the listen, and it felt long.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
The only song on Fulfillingness' First Finale that I was familiar with was "They Won't Go When I Go", and that is because of the cover by George Michael. There is a lot of music from Stevie Wonder that I like, but I don't consistently like Wonder. Generally liking all of this album was a surprise for me. There were a couple of tracks that were just "okay" ("Too Shy to Say" and "Creepin'"). There was some energy on many of the tracks that I really liked: "You Haven't Done Nothin'" with some keyboard sounds that remind me of my favorite track from Wonder ("Superstition" - not on this album), "You Haven't Done Nothin'", and "Smile Please". I enjoyed hearing new material from Wonder (new to me).
The Blue Nile
4/5
I've never heard of The Blue Nile, and all of the music from A Walk Across The Rooftops was new to me. I could hear the age of this album (early 80s) as I listened. The music reminded at times of Simple Minds, David Bowie, and even talking heads. There was some loneliness in the music that reminded me of some of the not so new-wavey, new wave - not so reliant on electronic, fabricated sounds. For a melancholic record, this album was a happy surprise. The music isn't particularly unique, and I'm not sure how to describe it, but there was something for me to listen to. I felt like I had listened to something with substance when I was done. To make sure, after finishing it the first time I turned around and listened to the album again.
Coldplay
4/5
I own A Rush Of Blood To The Head and the previous album from Cold Play (Parachutes). I've listened to a lot of music from Cold Play and I've seen them in concert, but it has been a while since I've listened to this album. I might not be as quick to listen to Coldplay as in the past, I was still happy to listen to this album again and would come back to the album again in the future. "
I had forgotten about "Warning Sign", even though I really like the track. "Clocks" is my favorite track from the album followed by ""Warning Sign", "In My Place" and "The Scientist".
Sepultura
2/5
I don't listen to much heavy metal and particularly little of thrash and death metal. I have heard of Sepultura as a band, but that's about it. I didn't even know they were from Brazil. The screaming growl as the form of delivery for lyrics distracts me from most of what the instruments are doing. I don't think I understand where this type of music is coming from or who it is trying to reach. I could easily skip it. I did make it through Roots, but much of the listen was "getting through". "Ratamahatta" was a fair surprise - enjoyed hearing some portuguese. "Itsári" was unexpected and possibly my favorite track. I liked the inclusion of softer sounds and indenous voices. The mellow extended "Canyon Jam" made me curious to hear what sounds would follow within that recording. Towards the end of the album I was starting to hear what was happening in the music, but the vocals kept alienating me from the overall experience. I'd skip this album in the future.
Big Star
4/5
I've never heard of Big Star and #1 Record was all new music except that I've heard a cover of "In the Street". This album had a mix of styles. There were tracks using electric intruments that that reminded me of the retro sound that Space Hog has used and tracks that sounded like a pre-cursor to glam-rock. There were acoustic tracks that reminded me of Fleet Foxes, or the vocal delivery and overall tone of Elliot Smith. The middle zone between the more electrified and more acoustic tracks reminded me of the Bay City Rollers, and I could hear the influence of the Beatles. There was a lot of variety in the tracks from the start. My favorite track was "Feel" which drew me in with the the overlap of horns, guitar and keys. "The India Song" and "My Life Is Right" were also good tracks. I could come back to this album again to find out what I missed the first time.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Caetano Veloso was definitely something new for me. Even though the album is in portuguese, I thought it was interesting that I could tell roughly the decade the music came from. I liked hearing something new and different from what I would choose for myself, but I didn't find any tracks that stood out for me to come back to again.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
I have watched Penguin Cafe Orchestra's appearance at the Tiny Desk concerts, but that might be the extent of what I've heard. I enjoyed Music From The Penguin Cafe. There is a mix of acoustic instruments, some more orchestral in arrangement than others, and tracks that are centered around electronic instruments and sounds. There were a couple of tracks that had some noise to sort through, but were still interesting. with a mix of acoustic and electronic music. "Giles Farnaby's Dream" was the track that I rated the highest, which has a great combination of string sounds with a mandolin or ukulele, cello, harpsichord, and guitar. I really liked side two (composed of the last three tracks of the album) as well. The tracks on side two allowed for some development and movement through the music that I enjoyed.
Miles Davis
4/5
Birth Of The Cool is the third album from Miles Davis that I have reviewed for this list of 1001 albums, but those other two albums I had previously listened to on my own just trying to educate myself about jazz in general. I am relatively ignorant about jazz, and I had not heard of Birth Of The Cool before. I was surprised how short all of the tracks were, compared to the longer tracks on other albums from Davis. The length of the tracks didn't change my opinion of the music, I was just surprised. I did like the album, and could easily come back to this for a second listen. I was glad that "Darn That Dream" was not on the orginal album, because I did not like that song and I don't want to include that in my rating of this album.
Orbital
3/5
I'm torn on how to rate Snivilisation by Orbital. The band and the music were all new to me, and there are a lot of interesting sounds and recordings on this album that could be worth a revisit. I like some electronic music, and there are several tracks that I marked for a replay. There are a couple of tracks (like "Crash and Carry") that have a little too much repetition - the music begins to push me away from enjoying the listening experience. "I Wish I Had Duck Feet" has some spoken word overlaying the music of the track that kept me from liking that track as much. I would listen to more from Orbital, and I might even come back to this whole album again, because I am curious to hear what I missed the first time. Based on my ratings as I went through the album, it's not quite (but just barely) enough to round up to a full 4 stars.
Elton John
3/5
I know some of Elton John's work, but Madman Across The Water was an unfamiliar title to me. I recognized two of the tracks by name and was familiar with a third. I like some of what Elton John does, but I'm not quite sure what to do with it. The first two tracks are a good example of my ambivalence. "Tiny Dancer" is a solidly written song (my favorite from the album) and the song gets its hooks in deep into your brain. But the topic and tone feel so sad, I'm not sure if I want the song to settle in so deep. "Levon" feels similar but does not imbed itself into your psyche quite as deep as "Tiny Dancer". The whole album is full of songs that seem to be telling stories of tragedy and sadness. Even though I have heard "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" dozens of times, I'm still not sure if I really know what the songs are about. I'm not ready to dig in deeper and get a full dose of the meaning and the sadness. I definitely don't know how to process "Indian Sunset". Good songwriting on this album and good music, but I probably won't take the whole album in all at once again anytime soon.
Traffic
3/5
Traffic is a band that I'm aware of and could name one track from the band (not on this album), but I haven't listened to them much. I have seen others refer to Traffic as a band that they have enjoyed exploring, but I haven't been able to catch that spark to ignite my personal interest. I feel like my understanding of the band hasn't found its context in my personal listening experience or my understanding of where their music fits within pop culture. Overall, the album was okay. I listened to the extended version of the album and was fine with that. I think Joe Cocker has ruined "Feelin' Alright?" so that track is a drawback to the album. As long as I don't have to think about the lyrics to "Vagabond Virgin" I can round to 3 stars.
Paul McCartney
4/5
Surprisingly, I liked McCartney more than I thought I would. I know Paul is talented, but I have had a hard time exploring his work post Beatles. "Maybe I'm Amazed" was the only track from this album that I've heard before, which felt like the most Beatles-esque of the tracks but not necessarily my favorite track on the album. I particularly enjoyed the instrumentals and the tracks that dipped into blues (e.g., "Valentine Day"). I rated side two higher than side 1, but the whole album consistently rose above good. "That Would Be Something" dipped down in to the "okay, I guess" range. I could probably come back to find out what I missed the first time.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
I have listened to a lot of Tom Petty. Two of his albums are some of my all-time favorites and his 1995 Wildflowers concert is in my top three concert experiences of all time. But this debut album was mostly new music to me. I only knew 2 of the 10 tracks. There were some older sounding tracks (e.g., "Rockin' Around (With You)") reaching back towards sounds from the 60s that were an unfamiliar sound to me to hear coming from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. "American Girl", with the energy and distinct driving guitar sounds is my favorite track, but all the tracks were "okay" or better. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers is not my new favorite from the band, but I could listen to this again. I'll round up to 4 stars.
T. Rex
3/5
Perhaps the only track I have heard from T.Rex is "Bang a Gong" (not on this album). The lead singer's voice is easily recognizable. The Slider is a consistent album, but not sure if I'm hearing enough diversity in the music to keep my attention. "Baby Boomerang" caught my attention for a bit, but "Chariot Choogle" is a track I'd rather not sit through again. This album sits in a firm 3 star rating - it was an okay album but I don't see a reason to revisit.
Suicide
2/5
I've never heard of Suicide before. This album fall into an interesting zone. It was good to hear something different than what I might pick for myself. I like some electronic music and I would be interested in hearing more from the band because they sometimes created a sound that I liked, but after listening to the whole album I had to admit that I do not like the album. While there are interesting sounds and portions of tracks that I did like, there were several elements that kept my overall rating below 3 stars. There was droning and heavy repitition ("Rocket U.S.A.", "Girl"), creepy lyrics ("Cheree"), and outright screaming ("Frankie Teardrop").
King Crimson
3/5
I first listened to Larks' Tongues In Aspic four or five years ago to fill in some of the holes in my knowledge of Progressive Rock. This album is often cited as central to the Progressive Rock cannon. I was happy to see this suggestion come up, to see if my listening experience could pull more from the album. This second listening experience was about the same as the first. I liked the album and all of its proggish-ness, but I'm having a hard time finding new favorites that I want to come back to and explore. I will probably listen to more King Crimson in the future, in part because of the various members that Robert Fripp worked with (Greg Lake, Bill Bruford, Tony Levin, Adrian Belew, etc.). I knew that Bruford was on this album, and was ready to listen to Bruford's work again. To think that Larks' Tongues came out so soon after Yes' Close To The Edge is impressive. My favorite tracks on this album are the instrumentals, and in particular "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two". Wetton's bass playing is good, but I am less of a fan of his vocals. King Crimson may not be to blame for me not being a fan of Wetton's vocals, but rather my diminishing enjoyment of the band Asia over the years. This album is worth a listen, and to really listen, but Larks' Tongues may take a while to become a true favorite.
U2
4/5
I first listened to War in the early 90s as I tried to catch up on albums from U2 prior to The Joshua Tree. War is a good album. I gave all of the tracks 3 stars or more, individually. I have some all-time favorite tracks from U2 on this album including "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "40". "New Year's Day", "Seconds" and "Two Hearts Beat as One" are favorites from this album. War feels a little uneven in its energy. U2 often draws me in with engaging lyrics, and sounds that draw me in, but the uneven War as a whole gets 4 stars.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
I know that Country Joe & The Fish played at Woodstock, but I'm not sure if I've ever heard a complete track from the band. I didn't find anythign obviously objectionable on Electric Music For the Mind and Body, but nothing really drew me in either. The music rests just outside of psychodelia, and not quite something that you'd call Rock and Roll either. The lyrics and vocals aren't particularly endearing either. My favorite track from the album was "Section 43", which had some experimentation to it. I was left wondering how this album and the artist fit in to the overall context of rock and popular music. I couldn't place the music. I guess the album was okay, but I'll soon forget what I heard.
The Gun Club
2/5
I had never heard of The Gun Club or any othe music on Fire of Love. There was some punk vibes to the music, and some of it was okay as long as I ignored occasional lyrics. The starting and stopping in the music never let me settle in. By the time I got to "Fire Spririt" my patience was running out. There was som potential, but I have to admit that I did not like this album.
Minutemen
2/5
I had never heard of Minutemen befroe and there was only one track (out of 45) from Double Nickels On The Dime that I recognized ("Corona" because it was the theme song for Jackass). There are so many short tracks on this album. It feels like a punk album but not quite the same kind of punk as the Ramones or the Sex Pistols. "June 16th" was my favorite track, perhaps because it wasn't burdened with lyrics. Several tracks got a definite "do not like" because of the lyrics and vocals. A shorter album with a selection of the tracks could have got a higher rating from me. With so many tracks on this album and so many that I would skip on a re-listen, Double Nickels On The Dime does not reach "I guess it was okay".
Underworld
3/5
I've never heard of Underworld before and all of the music on Second Toughest In The Infants was new to me. I am less knowledgeable with whatever the genre of music this is. Is this just "electronic"?, ¿"house music"?, ¿did someone say anything about "drum and base"? I don't know. For most of the album, the music settled in as a comfortable experience. "Rowla" was the only track that pulled me out of the listening experience, with extended repetition that tried my patience. In contrast, "Air Towel" got me participating with the music as I got caught up in the sounds and beat. I'm not sure I would recognize music from Underworld if I heard something else from the band. I may never re-visit, but Second Toughest In The Infants was okay.
Frank Black
3/5
I know barely enoug about Frank Black to know that he's in the Pixies, but I would not be able to distinguish his solo work from his work with the band. I like the Pixies in general (but not every track) and after listening to Teanager Of The Year, the same could be said for Frank Black. All of the album was okay or close to it. "Two Reelers" was uneven with the transitions and a little trying on my patience, while "Pie in the Sky" dipped a little into being just plain noisy, with pounding snares and grinding guitars. Teenager Of The Year does have an alternative sound, and Black's voice and compositions seem well intergrated with his work in the Pixies. The tracks where I felt like I was fully enjoying the music were "Speedy Marie", "Calistan", "Big Red" and "Space Is Gonna Do Me Good".
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Think that I've listened to all of Tom Tom Club once before just because I like the Talking Heads, and I wanted to hear more from Tina Weymouth. Tina is great. This album sounds like the musicians are having fun. It's not that every single track has a playful sound, but the album as a whole feels like the musicians are exploring the sounds that they can combine. Each track has a feeling of a fresh expirement to see what they can do together. "Genius of Love" should probably be listened to because of the track itself, and secondly because of how it's been sampled. "Booming and Zooming" was my least favorite track, and I'll blame that track as the reason I would say that I probably won't do a full re-listen on my own. It was good to hear this album again.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
The Teardrop Explodes has a sound that felt like it would fit in with other music from the early 80s that I would listen to. I kept waiting for something from this album, Kilimanjaro, that I have already heard but it never came. The band has a new wave sound, but without a lot of reliance on electronics or keyboards. The sound is something closer to Psychodelic Furs or Simple Minds rather than Depeche Mode. A little bit darker in tone like The Fixx, rather than Flock of Seagulls. Kilimanjaro was good, and it was good to hear some new music. "Poppies in the Field" was the track the caught my attention the most. "Bouncing Babies" was my least favorite track, with some heavily repeated sounds that wore out its welcome.
5/5
Close to the Edge might be a pefect album. There are no wasted seconds. Every peice of sound has a function and tells part of the overall musical story. Close to the Edge is the example of the best of what Progressive Rock can be: complex, inspired, taking you on a long journey of discovery, and rewarding to hear again and again. Each member of the band is doing their best, and playing together rather than a group of solos tacked together for individual agrandizement. The instruments and vocals are all creating a larger whole.
I do admit that this album can take some commitment to listen to. The first side of the album ("Close to the Edge") is less likely to be music that you would have on in the background, but if you let yourself listen to side 1 it is worth your while. I love seeing others listen to this album for the first time. I like seeing them move from confusion about a start that can feel chaotic, to surprise (at the first bursts of vocals), and then there is a realization that the opening was not just chaos but was the intentional building of a larger world. You can see a new listener go from confusion and curiousity to satisfaction and comfort as they settle in to be carried along the journey of the first track. "Close to the Edge" was written with multiple movements, which are identifiable, but the transitions make sense and create a coherent single work.
Yes is one of my top 3 favorite bands of all time. This is might be my favorite album from Yes, because there is no wasted space. It wasn't always my favorite, but I've come to appreciate this completeness of the record over the years.
Side two of the album has a more traditional structure and reliance on medlodies, but side two has not abandoned reaching for an epic structure in the music composition.
For this re-listen, I listened to the deluxe edition in order to hear Yes's cover of Simon and Garfunkle's "America", one my all-time favorite tracks from Yes. Even if you've heard the original version of "America" multiple times, Yes brings something new and is an example of the great music that Progressive Rock can produce.
Ice Cube
1/5
The misogyny alone is reason enough to dislike this album.
Deleting the misogyny, the remaining half of the album has little redeeming qualities.
This era of rap was not written for me. I'm not sure I understand the intended audience, but the content of the music feels like a weird sort of playing dress-ups.
From a male or female perspective, I can't find a reason to take in this content. ¿Should he get a therapist so he can get over these personal issues?
Django Django
4/5
I had not heard of Django Django or any of the music on this self-titled album. This album was a pleasant surprise. I was surprised how consistent the album was. Each track was engaging and sounded like part of the same whole, while maintaining individual character. The percussion and rhythm sections were frequently the first elements to draw my attention in to the individual tracks. Once my attention was there, the rest of the composition carried me along to the end. I would not confuse Django Django with another band, but there is something to their music that feels like it fits in well with some alternative or indie-pop groups that I have listened to. "Zumm Zumm" reminded me of the borrowing of latin rhthyms done by the Talking Heads / David Byrne, and is one of several tracks that I saved for a re-listen ("Silver Rays", "Firewater", "Storm"). I still have several albums to review for this list. I hope I remember to come back to Django Django for a second listen.
The Triffids
3/5
I've never heard of The Triffids or any of the music on Calenture. The opening track ("Bury Me Deep in Love") was a rough start for me - a little too sweet. I ended up liking the band and the album more than I thought I would from the first track. "Trick of the Light", and "Holy Water" were some of my favorite tracks. I can hear the era from which the music comes. At times I was reminded of Simple Minds, Crowded House, James, Aztec Camera, and even a bit of Echo & the Bunnymen or The Lightning Seeds. I liked the album enough to listen to an additional bonus disc and found myself liking the band more the more I listened. There were a couple of tracks on the album that I never quite warmed up to, so I may not come back to the full album again.
Holger Czukay
4/5
I've nver heard of Holger Czukay before and nothing on the album Movies was familiar to me. There is a chance I might come back to this album because I don't quite know what to do with it. The opening track "Cool in the Pool" was a little silly, but did not completely distract from the overall listening experience. I don't know how to classify what I've heard. With the various clips of dialog laced throughout the album, I was reminded a little of Friends of Mr. Cairo (Jon and Vangelis), but not entirely in that category either. I do like longer tracks in general, because of the opportunities for the musicians to experiment and explore. I liked the longer tracks here. I'm rounding up to 4 stars.
The Cars
4/5
I was surprised for as old as this album is that I know about half of the tracks very well. I'm not quite sure how to classify the cars. They are rock, but not too heavy. They are not new wave, but they had figured out how to integrate new electronic sounds and keyboards with the electric guitar. The opening seconds from the most popular (and best) tracks of the album have great guitar hooks and backing electronic sounds ("Good Times Roll", "Just What I Needed", "My Best Friend's Girl", "Moving in Stereo"). There is some nostalgia in my rating, but this is a solid record. Several tracks are great, and the rest are good - worth playing the whole record through.
Radiohead
4/5
It took me a long time to warm up to Radiohead. I was aware of when they were first gaining some notoriety, but I couldn't quite crack into what Radiohead had to offer. I also remember the news about how In Rainbows was released as a pay-what-you-want online purchase, but I never heard a single track. I was pleasantly surprised with this album. The vocals were given a chance to carry more melody and not as much angst in their delivery. Radiohead has some tracks on earlier albums that leave me feeling a negative vibe. This album flowed from track to track, and I finished knowing that I could listen again to have a chance to hear what I may have missed the first time through.
Tim Buckley
2/5
I don't get Tim Buckley. This is the third album from Buckley recommended to me on this list and I still don't know why any of them are here. This time around I heard bits that reminded me of John Denver, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Janis Joplin, or Jefferson Airplane, but not their good bits. Buckley's music feels like it is lacking in energy, and neither the lyrics or the musicianship are enough to make me want to listen. "Knight-Errant" was my least favorite track - an almost fairy-tale setting makes the love song even worse. "Goodbye and Hello" is a close second for worst track on the album, because Buckley stretches the lack of energy out over more than 8.5 minutes. I hope this is the last I have to listen to from Buckley.
janis joplin
jefferson airplane
particularly terrible
probably worse because it's 8:38 instead of 2 minutes
The Young Gods
3/5
I don't know The Young Gods and all of the music on L'Eau Rouge was new to me. I had a hard time getting in to this album. The opening track is a good example of the album as a whole. The music started out slow and unremarkable, devolving into noise, but finds some energy at the end. The growl (not quite) singing is part of what's holding me back. There are vocalists who aren't great singers that I appreciate, but the surrounding music has to be at a certain level to capture my attention. Is this music metal or art rock? I finally started to settle in with the sixth track ("Crier les chiens") where the energy of the music got me past the growl of the vocals. I'm rounding up to 3 stars, because I can't say that disliked the listening experience. It took me a while to figure out how to enjoy what I was listening to.
Brian Eno
3/5
Here Come the Warm Jets is a different kind of music than I've heard from Brian Eno before. Most of my experience with Eno as an artist are more ambient albums. This album reminded me of some of the roots of alternative rock, similar to Elvis Costello, but also reaching back to influences from the Beach Boys (appropriately in "On Some Faraway Beach"). I have liked Eno's work as a producer. I'm generally good with previous albums from Eno. This album settles in to "okay". I was a little disappointed to not find a track that I would specifically want to re-listen to later.
M.I.A.
4/5
Arular is the second album recommended to me from M.I.IA. on this list. The first album I did not like, but I found Arular much more engaging. I know that I did not listen to all of the lyrics while listening to this album, and I missed much of the content. The lyrics were a big downfall of the previous album. The rhythms and energy of this album kept me in the flow of this album. Arular sounded like it would be fun to hear performed live. If I can skip "Freedom Skit" and "Banana Skit" I'd listen to this album again. (I'm generously rounding to 4 stars.)
XTC
4/5
I like XTC and I liked this album, but I had never heard any of the tracks from Skylarking before. I didn't find any new immediate favorites from the band, but I'm worried I'm being too critical. I do have some strong favorites from the band, and this album didn't quite reach those levels. Could I listen to this album again? Yes. Will I listen to this album again? ¿Maybe? XTC has enough layers to their music in general, that I'm pretty sure that this album could be work listening to again.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I still don't know what to do with the Pet Shop Boys. I guess they are okay, but I just don't get to the point where I feel like I need to choose to listen to the Pet Shop Boys on my own. I am very familiar with at least 4 tracks from Actually, and have probably heard more from the album before. I just don't feel like I'd need to come back for repeats.
Wild Beasts
4/5
I've never heard of Wild Beasts before. This album is complex for me to rate. The music kept me engaged for the whole album, but I wasn't sure how I felt about the vocals. The music has alternative and indie vibes, but the female vocalist almost has operatic leanings. Even the male vocalist has me feeling ambivalent. The music was engaging, and I would be interested in hearing more from the band. I didn't just put up with this recording. I liked so much of it even if I don't know what to do with the vocals. Rounding up to 4 stars.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
I would not chose to listen to Christina Aguilera on my own, but here I am listening to the second album recommended to me on this list. ¿Why did this recommendation have to be a double album? In general, the music verged on okay. I just don't have time for the drama from Aguilera. I prefer listening to fewer love songs, and particularly when Aguilera is doing her version of "look how daring I am to be raunchy". I'm not sure about the character she's trying to play in her music. This album gets two stars because it went on WAY TOO LONG. Now I have to purge my YouTube history, so that I don't get suggestions for having listed to way too much Aguilera.
Norah Jones
4/5
I've listened to Come Away With Me prior to this recommendation at least a couple of times, but it has been while. I checked out the album because I was curious about Norah Jones after she released her first single or two. It was good to hear the album again. On the album Jones's voice sounds young and new, but the music has an old feeling to it. Covering "Cold Cold Heart" adds to the sense of looking back with the style of music. Come Away With Me is a solid album. The title track might be my favorite, because of an extra warmth in the vocals and music. This album doesn't immediately draw me back to a re-listen (as evidenced by the decade plus gap since the last time I listened to it), but I could easily listen to the album again.
Harry Nilsson
2/5
I wasn't sure if I have ever heard anything from Harry Nilsson, but I had in the back of my mind that he is a songwriter. Hitting the sixth track ("Without You") I knew I was right about the songwriter, even though everything else on Nilsson Schmilsson to that point was new to me. There is some energy on several tracks that I appreciated ("Gotta Get Up", "Let the Good Times Roll", "Driving Along", "Jump into the Fire"). About half of the tracks had a harder time reaching me. These track sounded more like "adult contemporary" which feels like it's written to not ruffle feathers. "Without You" fits solidly in this group. The album for me mostly sits within the "okay" range, but if I have to take the album as a whole, "Without You" and "Coconut" are the album's defining downfall. I have heard "Without You" as performed by Air Supply too many times and did not find a remarkably positive appreciation for the track as performed by Nilsson. "Coconut" on the otherhand feels like it's almost a mockery of the track itself, even though I can't imagine a way in which to perform the track in a straightforward manner. "Coconut" is too silly and feels out of place with the rest of the album. As the second track on side two, "Coconut"'s presence is jarring. Add on the baggage of how pop culture has utilized and referenced this track and the combined weight is too heavy to round up to a 3 star review.
De La Soul
2/5
I knew the era that 3 Feet High and Rising came out, but couldn't say for sure if I had heard a full track from De La Soul. "The Magic Number" resolved that question quickly, but the rest of the album was new to me. "The Magic Number" is a good representation of what De La Soul has to offer (and is my favorite track from the album). De La Soul sounds like a band that wants to have fun with their music. "The Magic Number" sounds a little retro, like they're reaching back towards some School House Rock, while using the latest sounds available to rap and hip-hop of this era. This album is rooted in its time period. For example, "Take it off" is like a fashion time capsule of the late 80s. These combinations of retro, leading edge, and the present moment are mixed together in an effort to play and have some fun. Sadly, in spite of the sense of play on the album there are multiple tracks that I would have to skip on a replay, possibly more if I were to dig down into all of the lyrics. Even though the band is at play, they unfortunately play "dumb boys" too well, with lyrics and content that I wouldn't want my mother or my daughters to have to listen to. I would have to admit that I probably took on the role of "dumb boy" quite often, but at this point I don't want to listen to that approach to lyrics either. There was some fun with a lot of this music, but the leading impression from this album by the end was "gross".
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I know I've heard some music from Public Image Ltd. fromt he late 80s early 90s, but I couldn't name it. Everything from Public Image: First Issue was new to me and it was a bit of a slog to get through. ¿Do I give the album 2 stars because I could get through it? or ¿Do I give the album 1 star because I barely made it through? Somebody is angry at the world, and chose to make a record so that we can all know that they are angry. No other message, just "I'm upset". Bleh.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I remember when Jagged Little Pill came out. The album was EVERYWHERE. My first experience with Alanis Morissette was seeing her video for "You Oughtta Know". I wasn't sure what to think of her, but she had my attention. There was an anger and ferocity, and they were backed up with substantial music. I was never quite lured all the way in to listen to the whole album, but because there wre so many singles and the records sales kept going for a couple of years or so, I heard about half of the alubm as singles or from the music videos. I think over time I have come to like Morissette more and have more respect for her talents. I'm still not quite ready to take on true fandom, but I'm happy to see her still active in the music business. The anger is a major player across this album, and sometimes Morissette shows anger in some funny ways ("Right Through You"). "Hand in My Pocket" and "You Learn" are my favorite tracks. There are tracks that I don't want to play in my house, and I'm not young enough to dig in to the full angst of the album. 3 stars.
The Sabres Of Paradise
4/5
I have never heard of The Sabres of Paradise or any of the music on Haunted Dancehall. I don't know how to categorize this music, but I can work with it. I enjoyed listening to this album. The general aesthetic of the tracks on this album feels like the tracks belong together and they make up a recognizable whole. I wasn't wondering why the band didn't stop sooner, becasue there was enough diversity between the tracks. Haunted Dancehall is electronic music, but not generically so. I was reminded of a variety of other artists during this listen, but combined in small amounts here and there. One of my favorite tracks was "Wilmot" which for a few moments reminded me of old jazz in the style of Cab Calloway, and then shifted into a middle eastern vibe and back out again. ("Return to Planet D" was my next highest rated track.) "Ballad of Nicky McGuire" reminded me of The Beastie Boys' The In Sound from Way Out!. The title track sounded like it could be part of the soundtrack to Stranger Things. I would come back for a second listen.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Bruce Springsteen is one of those artists that I know I don't understand at the same level as others. I appreciate his songwriting ability and happily will listen to his music, but I don't find myself reaching for his music on my own. I know he inspires many, but I haven't caught the spark. I do like what Springsteen does, but my enthusiasm often rests at "like". I occasionally explore an artist to see why others like them more than I do, and I think I've listened to Born To Run before though one of those bouts of exploration. Even if I have listened to the album before, "Born To Run" was the only track that is truly familiar to me. I like Springsteen's voice and grit. I like Springsteen's storytelling. I'm amazed at the cohesiveness of the band. The fills and riffs from the saxophone give me a sense of nostalgia. "Born to Run" is such a great example of the energy that can come from Springsteen and his band, but I don't hear this same level of energy on each track. This isn't my favorite Springsteen album. I did like the album, and I could come back for a re-listen to see what else I might discover, so I'll round up to 4 stars.
Orbital
4/5
78 recommendations ago, I heard Orbital for the first time. I liked most of the previous album. Orbital 2 has a similar challenge. I like most of the music. There is a quantity of repetition in a few tracks that pulls me out of the listening experience. Like the last album, the electronic music sounds rooted in a past period, but still good. There wasn't as much spoken word to overlook in these recordings compared to the previous album, which helps earn a better rating than last time. I could listen to Orbital again. Rounding up to 4 stars.
The Byrds
3/5
I've heard a few tracks from The Birds before, including two of the more popular singles from Younger Than Yesterday. I enjoyed the album enough. David Crosby was lucky to work in two talented groups, although Crosby, Stills, & Nash (and Young) are more of a favorite for me. This album had some interesting history. There were bridges between some of the psychodelic, folk, and early (not quite ROCK and roll) rock. A track or two sounded like they could have inspired some of the song writing for the Monkees, firmly in the popular genre of the times. I enjoyed the album. Perhaps if there had been more of the energy from "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" spread through a few more tracks I would have rounded up to 4 stars. There were no bad tracks, but the periodic low, flower-child energy ("Everybody's Been Burned") makes the album feel like I don't need to come back for a re-listen.
Kanye West
1/5
Another recommended album from Kanye broke my listening habits for a while. I took a break from listening to recommendations from 1001 albums for four solidweeks to build up enough stamina to get through this album. Sonically, there are some electronic sounds and beats that can draw in my attention for a minute, but I can't get past the content. I don't want to listen to the lyrics and I could never repeat them. The album falls firmly in the 1 star range. I do NOT want to listen to this album ever again, and I wish I had NEVER listened to the album in the first place. I've got better things to do with my time. Yeesh(us).
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Of course I have heard a number of tracks from Bruce Springsteen, and The Rising is not the first album from Springsteen that I've reviewed for this list. I don't think I have heard anything from this album before. I am willing to hear anything from Springsteen because I know that the music will be to a certain level, even if the recommended tracks don't become automatically new favorites. I enjoyed this album. The album started out strong with possibly my two favorite tracks ("Lonesome Day", "Into the Fire") and continued steady throughout. "The Rising" should be added to my list of favorite tracks. Taking the album as a whole, I think I liked The Rising more than Born to Run, and close to the same level that I like Nebraska. I haven't settled in on whether there are individual tracks that I for sure would come back to (like I have from Nebraska), but I could listen to this album again.
Beatles
4/5
The White Album is not a straightforward album to review. There are so many pop-cultural ties to various tracks on this album, and so many classic tracks. Artists who have covered tracks from this album include U2, John Denver, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Alison Krauss, and the King's Singers did a Beatles album that heavily pulled from the White Album. Personally, I have learned half a dozen tracks from this album on the guitar and sung at least a couple more in choral groups. There is a strong cultural imprint from this album, and it is worth listening to. I will most likely come back for a re-listen at some point. There are tracks that I like from each member of the Beatles. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" from George Harrison continues to grow on me over the years. With so much good music, the double album is uneven. You have some fantastic and some of my all-time favorite writing from Paul McCartney ("Blackbird", "I Will", "Mother Nature's Son"), enjoyable versions of McCartney's lighthearted song writing (e.g. "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da") and some tracks from McCartney that interrupt the flow of my listening experience ("Wild Honey Pie", "Honey Pie"). With various harsher sounding tracks, odd songs that I haven't figured out what to do with yet (e.g., "Piggies"), and ending the album with "Revolution 9", and "Good Night" the unevenness cements this album below a full 5 stars. The White Album is a great album, but it would be hard to sit down for a full listen on a regular basis. Dividing the tracks by my ratings I could put together a 5-star album and a 3-star album, so it looks like the overall rating is 4 stars from me.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
The Jesus and Mary Chain are a band that I have heard of, and I can remember the approximate time when they were probably getting some radio play, but I can't tell you if I've ever heard anything form the band. I was assuming that I wouldn't like this album from old memories but there were some things to like. At times the tracks on Psychocandy seemed like they would fit in well with Echo and the Bunny Men, a band I like, but there is more grind and buzz to the sounds on Psycho candy. TJAMC uses background noise like a fuzzy drone paired with griding guitars, which make a curious contrast against the soft delivery of the vocals. Unfortunately for me, I can only put up with so much noise and static. I did like some tracks, but with the constant background noise throughout the album I couldn't have told you if I hadn't heard the next track earlier on the album or not. I could listen to some tracks, but not the whole album again.
The Slits
3/5
I've heard of the Slits, but I think I've heard any of their music before. By the end of the second track, I could tell that The Slits would be categorized somewhere within the punk movement. Cut sounded like the album would fit in somewhere between the Clash and the Talking Heads. The music was okay, but I did not find any tracks that I wanted to save for a re-listen. I could listen to more from the Slits because there is potential, but I probably wouldn't come back to this album.
The Smiths
4/5
I do like The Smiths. I was impressed how consistent Strangeways is in the quality and in maintaining a mood. The tracks easily fit together as a whole while still being distinguishable from one another. Compared to other albums by The Smiths’ Strangeways doesn't have as many individual stand-out tracks, but I could easily put the album on again for a re-listen. My favorite track may still be "Girlfriend in a Coma" because of the odd combination of morbid lyrics and a buoyant tune. I do have a harder time with the potential misogynistic view of the lyrics, but there are lot of lyrics from The Smiths that I just don't pay attention to. I'm not into being mopey, but I do like how the music comes together. "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" and "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" were my next favorite tracks, and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" approaches being only "okay".
Bauhaus
3/5
It's possible that the only song I've heard from Bauhaus is "Bela Lugosi Is Dead", which wasn't on the album Mask. I was familiar enough with the band to know that Bauhaus is part of the Goth movement. The music on Mask seemed like a darker shade of the music from Echo and the Bunnymen. "Dancing" and "Kick in the Eye" were the individual tracks that I rated the highest, but on my first listen I had a hard time distinguishing individual tracks. I did not mark any of the tracks as something I did not like, and I'm willing to listen to more from the band. I don't know if I would come back for a complete re-listen to Mask.
David Crosby
4/5
Of course I know David Crosby. I own a Crosby Still and Nash album and have seen televised performances from him from the 80s and 90s. This was the first time I've heard any of the tracks from If I Could Only Remember My Name. I found out that I like Crosby's solo work more that I thought I would.
The album had a sound and arrangements that were surprisingly "complete". I enjoyed the contributions from the guests artists on various tracks. "Laughing" was the individual track that I rated the highest. No real stand-out tracks from the album, but everything was good enough. I'll round up to 4 stars.
Korn
2/5
Surprisingly, I liked more from Follow The Leader than I thought I was going to. I remember when Korn was a new band and seeing some of their videos and performances on TV. I didn't like the music back then and I still don't like the music now. I don't dislike the music as much as I used to. I one of the reasons that I don't like Korn is that I'm not as angry and upset with the world, so it's hard to surround myself with that kind of content. There are times when some of the music draws me in but the vocals and lyrics push me right back out. With guest artists like Ice Cube and Fred Durst, you shoul not be surprised that I can't get past 2 stars.
Milton Nascimento
3/5
Milton Nascimento is a new artist for me. I like how the recommendations from this list give me a chance to hear music from other countries that I wouldn't come across on my own. Clube Da Esquina was new music for me, but even thos Nascimento is from Brazil I could hear a 70s sound - there was something in the music that seemed to have it's origins in the clutural transformation out from the hippie era. The music sounded like it came from the same era as "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing". The mellow nature of most of the music allowed me to listen at a more superficial level. I didn't find any new tracks that add to my personal favorites, but there weren't any tracks that I disliked either.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
I like Echo And The Bunnymen, but I have primarily listened to singles or compilation albums. I like the the darker mood to their music - dark but not to the point of dispair. Echo And The Bunnymen would fit in well on a playlist with the Cure. This was my first time listening to Porcupine. I marked a few tracks for a re-listen, but didn't settle on new immediate favorites. I would be happy to give this album a re-listen.
Gang Of Four
4/5
Before listening to the album Entertainment, I couldn't have told you what kind of music Gang of Four plays. As I listened I the backing music and arrangements reminded of Devo and mid-career Talking Heads, and some of the vocals reminded me of Madness or The Squeeze. I'm not a regular listener of punk. Around the middle of the album my ears were getting tired of the discordant sounds. "Guns Before Butter" was my least favorite track. But by the end of the album Gang of Four had grabbed my attention again. The album finished strong. "Natural's Not in It", "Not Great Men", and "At Home He's a Tourist" were the tracks I rated the highest. I might not do it often, but I could listen to the album again.
Dwight Yoakam
4/5
I know of Dwight Yoakam, but I couldn't say whether I've heard any of his music before. Everything on Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room was new to me. What I do know of Yoakam is that he has a place in country music that sits closer to classic country (Willie Nelson, Buck Owens) than it does some of the rhinestone county of the 70s and the pop version of country that hit in the 90s. There are multiple ties back to old-school, classic country. I enjoyed hearing the lap steel guitar and fiddle that was present throughout the album. "Hold On to God" is firmly rooted in the old school country version of gospel music. "One More Name" sounded like a song that was meant to be danced to, with a slow waltz. My favorite track was the title track, with the norteño accordion playing a prominent roll. "What I Don't Know" was good music, but I'm having a harder time with the once overlooked misogyny. The lyrics do tie Yoakam's music back to older country roots, but I'm having a harder time with those old murder ballads these days. Country music is not my first choice in general, but I could listen to this again. Rounding up to 4 stars.
Julian Cope
4/5
I have never heard of Julian Cope or any of the music on Peggy Suicide. I liked this album. There were moments on the album that reminded me of James, and the instrumental opening to "Leperskin" reminded me of the Soup Dragons, but I think that Cope has his own sound and I'd be interested in hearing more of his music. "The American Lite" was my highest rated individual track. I found myself tapping along to the music as it played. "East Easy Rider" was another favorite track. My lowest rated track was "Hung Up & Hanging Out to Dry" becuase of the vocals that start around 3:30. I do like some oddities, so the vocals on that track or the lyrics about an exploding head ("Head") might have room to grow on me if I gave the album a second listen. Peggy Suicide seems firmly in the four star rating. I'd come back.
instrumental opening reminded me of soup dragons - divine thing
not sure about the vocals that start at 3:30
rhythm got me going
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
I was happy to see The Dave Brubeck Quartet appear in my suggestion feed. I have listened to the album Time Out at least once or twice before as part of a personal effort to get myself to start exploring jazz by covering some of the classics. Even though I am largely ignorant of jazz, I was familiar with "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo à la Turk" (my two favorite tracks) prior to listening to this album. Time Out is one of two albums that come to mind when I think about what I would recommend to someone else who may not know much about jazz. (Miles Davis's Kind of Blue is the other album.) I will probably come back to this album for a full listen again. There is more for me to hear. I'm rounding up to 5 stars.
Anthrax
2/5
I know of Anthrax, but possibly never heard a complete track from the band. I knew of their tribute to Judge Dredd ("I Am the Law"), and their cover of Public Enemy's "Bring the Noise" (not on this album). I can recognize Scott Ian from all of his pop-culture appearances, but Among The Living was my first venture into actually listening to Anthrax. Thrash metal is not my jam. I made it through the album, but I had a hard time distinguishing between tracks. I could not imagine sitting down to listen to this record more than once. My brain was trying to tune out before the album was over. I couldn't even pay attention to the lyrics, so I might have additional reasons to be dissatisfied with the album. I'm not upset that I listened to the album, but once was enough (¿more than enough?).
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Talking Timbuktu is the second album from Ali Farka Touré that I have reviewed for this list. In general, I like Farka Touré, and it felt like a bonus that Ry Cooder is included on the album. I like the rolling notes of Farka Touré's music ("Gomni") and I thought I could hear some of Ry Cooder's contributions on "Amandrai", but my favourite track was "Soukora" which sounded like a song I would have picked to sing as a lullaby to my kids. "Soukora" has a good mix of vocals and instruments - neither are too complex, but both have something to pay attention to. When I got to the last track ("Diaraby"), I realized that this was the one track that I recognized, if only from the opening music from PRI's the World radio program. There weren't any tracks that I wanted to skip. I could come back to this album again.
Judas Priest
3/5
Maybe I've heard one or two tracks all the way through by Judas Priest, but I've seen a lot of T-shirts with the band’s name on it. I've heard at least portions of "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight" from this album. There is a certain amount of play acting that seems to come with heavy metal that keeps me from investing much in this genre of music. Not that old school heavy metal shouldn't resonate with me, but it just doesn't. A few tracks felt a little bit like a caricature of hard rock - two steps away from Spinal Tap. Other tracks seemed like you could ask AI to put together some heavy metal, and the combination of vocals, drums and guitars comes out as Judas Priest. For my first real listen to Judas Priest, British Steel was a good experience. I enjoyed the run of tracks from "United", "Living After Midnight", to "You Don't Have to Be Old to Be Wise" (and "Breaking the Law") was okay too. One of the things that made me enjoy this album more than I thought I would is that several tracks on British Steel reminded me of Rata Blanca's Magos, Espadas y Rosas (1990). I am sure that Rata Blanca were inspired by Judas Priest and other bands contemporary with Judas Priest. But my true introduction to this subset of heavy metal was through a good friend who introduced Rata Blanca to me in the early 90s. I felt a little nostalgia listening to British Steel. I don’t think I could listen to the album again as a whole, but I could listen to a track or two again here and there.
Jack White
4/5
For this list I've reviewed two albums from Jack White's band The White Stripes, and I generally like White's work. I've heard a few tracks from Jack's other work, including (I think) the title track from Blunderbuss and "Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy". I liked both of those tracks and "I'm Shakin'" and "Love Interruption". I liked the link back to old gospel in "Love Interruption" and links to blues on this album. There wasn't anything I didn't like, and I could come back for a second listen.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
The opening track to Dig Your Own Hole ("Block Rockin' Beats") is what i think of when I think of The Chemical Brothers. I think I may have listened to this album before, to see what The Chemical Brothers had to offer, but I don't remember much beside feeling that the music was okay. I like The Chemical Brothers enough that I would listen to new music from them, but I might have a hard time of listening for an extended period. Dig Your Own Hole fits in that exact spot - an okay album, but my enjoyment fades in and out as I try to listen to the whole thing at once. My favorite track on this album is "Where Do I Begin", which feels a little more organic while still being fully electronic (except for the vocals). "The Private Psychedelic Reel", "Block Rockin' Beats", and "Setting Sun" were saved for a second listen too. Some of the repetitiveness in the sound production keeps the overall score below what I could round up to four stars. This album is... okay.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I didn't know a lot about The Dandy Warhols before listening to ...The Dandy Warhols Come Down, and I'm still not sure how much I know know. I was familiar with their name, and roughly know the time of their break into pop-culture. After listening to the album, I can't say that I have a good idea as to when I would want to listen to what The Dandy Warhols have to offer. I didn't dislike the album, I'm just not sure when I'd come back. Some of the ambient-ish, non-vocal tracks were interesting, but sometimes they suffered a similar fate to the tracks with lyrics = too much of a blur of noise. I worried that if I paid more attention to the lyrics I might like some of the songs less. Then I looked up the lyrics and I did like the song less. There were a few tracks that I might come back to ("Be-In", "Every Day Should Be a Holiday", "Whipping Tree"), but with at least three tracks that I firmly disliked ("Minnesoter", "Green", some track that mentions Jesus) this album can't get past 3 stars = okay for once, but not worth a second visit.
Faith No More
2/5
When I think of Faith No More I think of the track "Epic". I've had enough of "Epic" and Faith No More to last my lifetime, but I tried to give the album a shot. I listened to all of the regular tracks and a couple bounus tracks. "Falling to Pieces" is a good example of what I don't like in the vocal qualities of the band, and is present throughout the album. The vocals seem like an effort to complain while trying to immitate Axl Rose and David Lee Roth at the same time. The music was only mildly engaging and couldn't stand up against what I dislike about the delivery of the vocals. There are people that love(d) this band, but I can't get there. At best I found a couple okay tracks, but this album rests firmly at 2 stars. If this is Rap Metal, Rap Metal isn't my thing.
Deep Purple
3/5
Over the years I like Deep Purple less and less. I don't know why their proggish tendencies don't grab my attention more, but they don't. Maybe I've heard a few tracks from the band played in too many places, and the sound of Deep Purple's vocals are distinct. I may just have heard enough. I tried focusing on the keyboards, because I know that their keys get praised, but I did not find what I was hoping for. "Bloodsucker" sounded like a hard rock psychodelia, but "Child in Time" was my favorite track of the album. The Progressive Rock nature of the track caught my attention, but the vocals kept me from rating the track a full four stars. The album as a whole sits solidly at 3 = the album was fine but I'll probably forget most of what I've heard.