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.

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.

"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.

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.

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

"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.

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.

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

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

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

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?)

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.

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.

The music was okay. I am not a fan of Rod Stewart's voice. This album is a "No" for me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

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"?)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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".

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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)

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

Something I like: The Wu-Tang Clan Name Generator https://wutangclan.net/name-generator/ Something I do not like: This album

"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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A new band and new music for me. There was some okay stuff, but this album wasn't for me.

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).

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?

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)

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.

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.

This was a first listen to an artist that I don’t know. Elis is talented, but the album wasn’t for me.

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"

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

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".

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.)

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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"

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.]

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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'.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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).

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".

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"

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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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

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).

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.

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.

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".

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.

"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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

"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.

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".

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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".

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.