1001 Albums Summary

While not exactly my usual cup of tea, you have to recognize that this is definitely a well made album, even by today's standards. Timeless songwriting and production value that still holds up, even having been produced in the midst of mid-80's big synth/reverb fads. classic, for sure and glad I was made to listen to it again

I had heard the name before, but never really listened (like really listened) and I dig this shit. 70's funk/jazz meets afro beats makes for a damn good time. I'll definitely be seeking out more of this in the future.

"it doesn't matter if we all die." - the first line of this record's first song, One Hundred Years. First impressions are tricky for me and usually have more influence on my overall opinion than they should, especially when it comes to music...and this record did not make a good first impression. Yes, I'm familiar with The Cure. I'm sure most folks that like music enough to be willing to partake in a project like 1001Albums are. I also do like some of their more well known offerings, but had never heard (or even heard of, tbh) this record prior to today. I'm now 5 Tracks in (currently listening to The Figurehead atm) and my first impression is starting to give way. "not my cup of tea" is a phrase I use frequently when discussing music critically, and this is another situation where it's appropriate. This band is not one I reach for on purpose, but this is another scenario where I can see why so many people like them. Right now, I can't say that I like it. Maybe I'm just not in the right mood, or wearing enough black? they're good at what they do, though, no doubt about that. And after listening to this record, you can't help but to recognize exactly just how influential they were. they practically invented an entire genre/counterculture, and you have to give credit where credit is due.

a classic. didn't even have to listen to it again to know that since i've already listened to it so many times

I kinda want to like this record, but then I hear a song like "Hospital" that sounds like the musings of a whiney, heartbroken teen from New Jersey and I just can't. they've definitely got an interesting sound and I can see how their proto-punk, post-bebop thing is something some people like, but I am not one of them.

When you think of Ice Cube over the past few years, you think of movies like Ride Along, Barbershop and other somewhat wholesome offerings. This album, and specifically the lyrics, is a bit of a contrast to that. The beats are funky. More funky than I remembered, to be honest. Most "gansta rap" of this era was a bit more raw and gritty, but is a bit more polished and, well, funky. This album also wears it's Public Enemy ties and Parliament Funkadelic influence on it's sleeve, featuring Public Enemy's production teams, The Bomb Squad/Da Lench Mob, as well as appearances from Chuck D and Flava Flav. This is most definitely a west coast rap album, with skits between songs, racial and misogynistic lyrics in full effect and a slathering of political ranting. Some of the themes still ring true today, while others are definitely from a bygone era (this album actually turns 31 in 4 days, so...yeah.) One thing is for sure...this is still a damn good record, regardless.

I've always respected Billie Holiday and enjoyed hearing her work whenever someone happens to put it on, but have never really reached for one of her albums to listen to on my own. Methinks that should change. Right off the bat you can tell there is going to be a theme for this record...sultry strings, lyrics with themes of love and love lost, and that unmistakable voice. I don't know that I ended up listening to this record in the best headspace to properly enjoy it, but it's definitely a good one that will likely be revisited at a more appropriate time.

What else can you say about Curtis Mayfield other than the man has soul. a funky soul. I can't speak for the movie itself, but this soundtrack has some really great moments, and as a result there are lots of bits and pieces that have been sampled and used by hop-hop producers. Overall, good stuff.

didn't actually listed, but don't really feel like I have to re-listen to makes this comment; this is a classic album for a reason. Pink Floyd at their apex, their peak.

There are a few albums that sound like high school to me, and this is one of them. I'm not exactly a SOAD fan, but I remember liking this album then, and I like it now. Can't say the same for their other offerings, but...yeah. this one slaps. Highlights for me include "Know" and "Suggestions", with their obvious Armenian influence, and "War?" just because it's f*cking brutal and hits that metal itch I get every once in a while

Never really paid Pretenders any mind, other than what one would hear on the radio. In all honesty, I put this album on with the expectation of having some decent background music while I worked. But, I was pleasantly surprised. For a record as old as I am, it really holds up well. None of the dated studio tricks of the day, just good ol' rock. Starts off with Precious, which immediately reminded me of the Talking Heads with a post-punk/pop rock vibe and cheeky lyrics. The rest of the album follows suite, with Hynde's vocals up front and rightfully the star of the show. I do really like her vocals. way more than I expected to, to be frank. so, yeah. Pretenders. I kinda like them.

Classic is a work thrown around a lot when talking about Led Zeppelin. This album in a classic, from the classic rock genre by a classic band. not much else to say other than this album deserves most all of the praise it garners. some really good tunes here, and another one I'm glad I was made to listen to it.