148
Albums Rated
3.39
Average Rating
14%
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941 albums remaining
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2000s
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Psychedelic-rock
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15
5-Star Albums
1
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greetings From L.A. | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
| Tuesday Night Music Club | 5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
| Life's Too Good | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Legalize It | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Live Through This | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| The College Dropout | 5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
| Crime Of The Century | 5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
| Zombie | 5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
| Moss Side Story | 4 | 2.53 | +1.47 |
| At Newport 1960 | 5 | 3.55 | +1.45 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go Girl Crazy | 1 | 2.84 | -1.84 |
| Brothers In Arms | 2 | 3.74 | -1.74 |
| Coat Of Many Colors | 2 | 3.42 | -1.42 |
| Beauty And The Beat | 2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
| The Chronic | 2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
| This Year's Model | 2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
| Pornography | 2 | 3.31 | -1.31 |
| B-52's | 2 | 3.29 | -1.29 |
| The Beach Boys Today! | 2 | 3.27 | -1.27 |
| Protection | 2 | 3.25 | -1.25 |
5-Star Albums (15)
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Popular Reviews
The Sugarcubes
5/5
Wow. Didn’t know what I was getting myself into. The album art sets the mood and they never back down. Once I found my bearings after motor crash I really loved this one. Similar feel to B52s but edgier, stronger delivery and more energy. Incredible lead female vocals on birthday, delicious demon, mama then great duet chemistry in sick for toys and delicious demon. Great rock/new wave instrumentals. No bad songs really.
9 likes
Muddy Waters
5/5
Fun fast and influential Blues delivered with plenty of mojo. Stellar drums guitar and harp throughout. Got my brand in you, I feel so good, got my mojo working
6 likes
Kanye West
5/5
Kanye at his best.. thoughtful lyrics, tight rhymes and spotless beats/samples. Hard to believe his level of awareness and introspection at this time. You can feel a sense of relief and appreciation for those that contributed to him getting a shot. Love the skits, interviews and features which add to the already monster production value.
All falls down, spaceship, never let me down, through the wire
4 likes
Peter Tosh
5/5
Wow. Such a great reggae album. Love the cadence and delivery on the vocals. Incredible instrumentals and backup vocals. Great lyrics and storytelling from the case for legal weed to good vs evil to loyalty and fleeting beauty. Compelling and various composition throughout. Never stale reggae sound.
Burial, whatcha gonna do, why must I cry, legalize it.
3 likes
David Bowie
5/5
Excellent album top to bottom with great music and clever lyrics describing life and society. Wide variety of themes and styles but it still builds momentum from one song to the next. Changes. Oh you pretty things, life on Mars, kooks, fill your heart. Andy Warhol.
3 likes
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
Dire Straits
2/5
Some relaxing/smooth listening jam songs/riffs. Still don’t love their hits. Maybe money for nothing.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Really enjoyed Jobim’s guitar and lyrics. Pleasant instrumentals backed Sinatra throughout but there was very little energy in his vocals. Less playful or confident than you would expect from him. Good dinner time record.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Detailed storytelling with pointed lyrics. A few cool experimental tracks. Not overly impressed with the the music.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Enjoyed more than expected for a soundtrack. Very cool.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Great storytelling with deep, personal lyrics delivered with strong vocals and compelling music.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
A few bangers anchored by You Oughta Know but a few duds too.
Ice Cube
4/5
Great beats samples and references laced throughout. Direct and mostly consistent message following RK delivered with poignant lyrics and supported by well-placed interviews/broadcasts. A few more playful songs sprinkled in kept it lighter without distracting too much.
Lorde
3/5
Solid pop album with some catchy songs and thoughtful lyrics. Not really for me.
The xx
4/5
Happy to see this one on here. Smooth beats and raw subdued vocals make for a unique sound and a great listen. The duo play off each other perfectly adding a dynamic of conflict and then cooperation to the lyrics.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
Wow. Powerful, direct, and fearless lyrics that were also philosophical and, at times, prophetic. Starting with satanic verses Tv and Garage beats with a unique sound.
Steely Dan
4/5
Stacked with hits. Great listen for a Sunday morning.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Not quite what I was looking for. I like worse music than this but did not like this.
Sugar
2/5
Did nothing special for me. Not sure where this fits in. Basic instrumentals, vocals and lyrics. Had the nineties sound without the nostalgia.
Barry Adamson
4/5
Would watch this movie in a heartbeat. Started out creepy on the wrong side of relaxation and settled into classic Hollywood scores. Interesting listen.
Beatles
4/5
I feel a little indoctrinated already but hits are hits and there were too many to ignore. This album went from cringe to experimental to pop classics and was both fun and foundational throughout. Was very long with many songs that lacked much cohesion or flow.
Miles Davis
3/5
Nice progression across just two long tracks. Nice listen and great to relax, think, work.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Enjoyed this. Not very familiar before
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Strong beats, flow and samples but wasn’t as convinced by all of the lyrics. Fun album but prefer a little more message or theme from the early nineties. Enjoyed scenario and check the rhime.
Supertramp
5/5
Great album top to bottom. School, bloody well right, Asylum and so on. Great instrumentals on piano, harmonica, guitar etc accompanied by big vocals ands sharp lyrics. Will definitely revisit this for some new favorite ST songs.
Eric Clapton
4/5
Huge variety with Rock, blues, folk and funk sounds. Can’t hold out, steady rolling man, please be with me. Not too fancy, just smooth delivery by a cool dude.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Funky, fresh and upbeat. Found myself a little fatigued on some songs that have found their way to ad campaigns but more power to them. May not come back for another full listen for a while but still enjoyed it today
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Vocals were angst vs twang. This warmed on me and I appreciated it more than I expected. Decent story telling and solid folk instrumental backing.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Good live album from a favorite band. Thought this would be a fiver from the get-go but wasn’t as convinced when listening. Great vocals and drum/guitar work but something about the audio quality was distracting compared to other live albums of the time. Appreciate the credits tot he song writers, not a lot of interaction beyond that.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Great instrumentals, nice to work to.
Blondie
3/5
Liked picture this, hanging on the tele. A bit repetitive on the instrumentals and underwhelming lyrics.
Korn
3/5
Lot of solid head bangers. Started out strong with it’s on, freak on a leash, got the life. Less convinced with some of the raps/ monologues/limp bizkit beef but overall enjoyed the album.
Metallica
5/5
Great album with no bad songs. Battery, MOP, Sanatarium. Excellent guitar, drums and vocals throughout. Substantive, thoughtful lyrics yelled at you until you get it.
Kate Bush
3/5
Not a bad listen and maybe better the second time. Broad emotional range but less vocal variety. Needs to be listened to loud to catch the lyrics. This woman’s work, love and anger and let’s of Rockets tail are highlights.
Turbonegro
2/5
Would make for a fun concert or garage band jam session. Sound quality, sophomoric lyrics and repetitive woahs wore on me.
AC/DC
4/5
I’ve cooled a bit on AC/DC over the years but this album rocks. Power vocals, timeless lyrics and killer instrumentation. This was one of the first albums I owned and it’s held up well.
The B-52's
2/5
Not for me. I appreciate the energy and some of the rhythms/instrumentals but can’t get into it. The kitschy lyrics and delivery were overplayed and wore on me. 52 Girls is the closest to a highlight Rock Lobster a low.
Beatles
4/5
These guys are always tough to rate - sometimes giving too much credit other times not enough. Either way, I enjoyed this one which included some real hits along with some quirkier songs. I preferred the rock side to the fantasy or folk on this album compared to others. Come together, something, carry that weight.
David Bowie
5/5
Excellent album top to bottom with great music and clever lyrics describing life and society. Wide variety of themes and styles but it still builds momentum from one song to the next. Changes. Oh you pretty things, life on Mars, kooks, fill your heart. Andy Warhol.
Traffic
4/5
Nicely progresses from jazzy smooth jam session to rock/jazz fusion with organ looming to acoustic folk storytelling. Empty Pages, glad, every mother’s son.
Eminem
4/5
Listening feels like playing two truths and a lie but still makes me wonder more about his experience which is the mark of a good story-teller. Not as refined or cohesive as other albums of his but great lyrics and very compelling. Gritty raw reflective dark violent. Guilty conscience, brain Damage, role model.
Madness
4/5
Punk overtones and vocals interlaced with brass band, Old time piano, harmonica vibrato. Very madhouse/Tim burton/haunted mansion feel. Fun and interesting listen. Rise and fall, mr speaker, tomorrow’s just another day.
Soul II Soul
4/5
Great rhythms and beats throughout. Nice vocals, some interesting lyrics. Holdin on, keep on movin, happiness, jazzies groove
Steely Dan
3/5
Always a good listen but lacks the fire power if some of their other albums. Night by night, east St. Louis
Spiritualized
3/5
Pretty chill listen mostly with a few more erratic songs. Mellow tunes flow beneath some grungier blasé lyrics. Floating in space, think I’m in love, stay with me
Nick Drake
3/5
Lovely sound with impressive guitar work and supporting instrumentals including piano bongos and maracas. Didn’t love the vocal style but appreciated the thoughtful lyrics
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
Displayed some themes that other bands would build on later but despite that this album didn’t do much for me on its own. Repetitive melodies and trite lyrics.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Not as familiar with these songs as other stones albums but it checked al their boxes. Tumbling dice, sweet Virginia, happy
The Dictators
1/5
I feel dumber for listening.. Sketch style covers of 60s/70s contemporary pop (California sun/I got you babe) with bizarre originals (back to Africa/master race/etc). Maybe I just don’t get it
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Very cool. Soulful/funky with great instrumentals and unique falsetto vocals.
Doves
3/5
Solid listen and better the second time around. Strong Coldplay vibes. Pounding was the highlight followed by there goes the fear and last broadcast.
The Sugarcubes
5/5
Wow. Didn’t know what I was getting myself into. The album art sets the mood and they never back down. Once I found my bearings after motor crash I really loved this one. Similar feel to B52s but edgier, stronger delivery and more energy. Incredible lead female vocals on birthday, delicious demon, mama then great duet chemistry in sick for toys and delicious demon. Great rock/new wave instrumentals. No bad songs really.
The Cure
2/5
Looking at this album from today’s vantage point it comes off a little underwhelming. The vocals are monotonous and whiny and the reflections on death, dying and meaninglessness seem mostly banal. I’ve seen this done better. That said I appreciate some of the drum work and layering with guitar/bass, kb/synth and will look to give the cure another try to see if they live up more to the hype. + Hanging garden, one hundred years
Cypress Hill
4/5
Good samples, lyrical variety with different deliveries demonstrated from song to song. Lyrical themes start off generally focused on taking tough and exacting punishment, especially on pigs, then transitions to blazing after ultraviolet dreams, offering a lighter tone to the album before finishing funky. Leans heavily on repeated choruses but the strengths are the verses. Distinct nasally vocals are occasionally distracting.
Pigs, kill a man, phuncky feel one, Latin lingo
Cat Stevens
4/5
Cat Stevens reflects on the world in front of him as he sees it, asking fundamental questions and offering humble advice. He tends to come at you slowly and then all at once with a jolt of emotion as if his patience has run out. It’s during these 0-60 moments with this sense that he’s betrayed or surprised himself with outburst that he carries a unique sincerity.
Where do the children play. Miles from nowhere. On the road to find out.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Chaotic eclectic sporadic fun. Build ups followed by sudden drops. Smooth guitar work interrupted perfectly by the crash of a cymbal then followed by intentional offbeat drum solos and it all works. Wonderfully unintelligible cannons and echos and dynamic duets between two strong vocalists. Bold new sound seems right here and I will definitely seek them out for more like this. Very unique sound.
Cannibal resource, Temecula sunrise, remade horizons, stillness is the move
Beyoncé
4/5
Big beats with heavy bass. Good intro clips and rap interludes. Strong range demonstrated with vocals and styles rap, soul, r/b. Impressive features and remixes on platinum edition.
Pretty hurts, drunk in love, Jealous, flawless, heaven, ring off
The Clash
4/5
Album really shines after a few listens when the lyrics begin to come through to yankees like me. Classic punk with a lot to say about politics society and culture. Been a while since I listened to a full Clash album but it delivers more of a punch for me than one off listens of songs like London calling or fought the law etc.
Janie Jones, Remote control, white riot, police and thieves 3.5
Tina Turner
3/5
Ended up on the very extended 30th anniversary edition and had to take a look at the more manageable original track list. Nothing extraordinary beyond what’s love got to do. Impressive vocals but mediocre supporting music for most of the album.
What’s love got to do, let’s stay together, better be good to me
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Questionable choices from JLL but also undeniable talent. Sounds like an epic concert with tons of energy.
Machito
4/5
Great big band jazz music heavy on percussion with cuban and Caribbean influence. Felt like a soundtrack for a three old oceans 11 or another fifties Hollywood blockbuster. Great for the background while cooking or cleaning.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Raw thoughtful lyrics delivered by strong vocals backed by classic piano. Edgy at times with hints of Alanis Morissette.
Sleep to dream, shadowboxer, slow like honey
Spiritualized
2/5
Cool sounds but not much cohesion. I previously listened to their Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space on here and I think I preferred that to this. This attempt becomes more background noise and although relaxing in its ethereal sound it doesn’t have much to sink your teeth into. Lyrics are definitely set back to the music and are easily missed. Somewhat of a video game soundtrack at times.
If I were with her now, run, 200 bars
Morrissey
2/5
Just not The Smiths. A little more whiny vocally and less rhythmic and lyrical depth. Kind of wears on you.
Suedehead, Late night
Simple Minds
3/5
Very eighties with heavy synthesizer and some new wave/dance melodies. A handful of potential hits including promised you a miracle and someone somewhere. Others didn’t stand up as well and seemed to lack direction.
Promised you a miracle, Hunter and the hunted
Happy Mondays
2/5
Very basic lyrics, vocals and style. Didn’t do much for me. No real highlights.
The Sonics
3/5
Lots of raw energy with descent guitar and piano work laced throughout. Protopunk vocals and garage band style with some classic rock and roll riffs. Strong cover of good golly miss Molly too close out.
Dirty robber, have love will travel, money, nighttime is the right time, good golly
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
Great collection of classic country and blue grass with snip-bits of conversation between artists during production. Carried the feeling of a documentary of a old time jam session among some great musicians. Very long listen and took me a while to get though but interesting nonetheless.
The Waterboys
3/5
Folksy and timeless fishing town tales with impressive fiddle/banjo and rough worn vocals. Fisherman’s blues, strange boat, the stolen child.
Sex Pistols
4/5
Great classic punk rock album. Could hear generations of bands to follow in the guitar/drum riffs and angst riddled lyrics. Holiday in the sun, anarchy in the UK, New York
Love
3/5
Nice melodies and musicianship with solid recording quality for it’s time. Nothing overly compelling beyond the last song though to keep my interest. Some protopunk and folk vibes. Revelation, Orange Skies.
Saint Etienne
4/5
Cool beats and samples make for a chill listen to work or relax to. Some euro club vibes at times mixed with light pop lyrics.
Only love can beak your heart, Spring, people get real. 3.5
Missy Elliott
3/5
A Lot of shout outs to timbaland and rightly so since the beats and production do shine. Otherwise less firepower than some of missys later stuff I’m more familiar with but I appreciate her range from dropping bars to soul/reggae. Solid features with lol Kim, Busta, Aliyah
Sock it to me, the rain, pass da blunt
ABBA
4/5
Solid variety of style and themes but front heavy with the hits. Some experimental sounds and voice effects feel appropriate for the early eighties. They deliver upbeat as well as anyone but had some solid slower/reflective jams to.
The visitors, head over heels, when all is said and done, soldiers, one of us. 3.5
The Doors
5/5
Excellent Blues & Rock album. Thought I knew the Doors better than I really did but learned a lot listening to this in full. Love the blues instrumentals and the vocal repetitions/build ups. Plenty of energy and emotion.
The changeling, been down so long, LA women 4.5
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Really enjoyed on second listen. Interesting sound with classical strings and orchestra over modern lyrics. Creative verses with introspective reflections delivered by strong vocals (also grew on me on second listen). Broad variety of styles throughout.
Agnus Dei, the art teacher, this love affair, crumb by crumb, old whores diet
Blur
3/5
Much greater range demonstrated here beyond what I knew from Song 2, both vocals/instrumentals.
Girls and boys, Badhead, to the end,
Miles Davis
5/5
Beautiful jazz album that ranges from fun and uptempo to emotional. Layering of bass strings, piano, trumpet and sax all keeping time with drums and cymbals. Covers multiple tempos that can feel like a fast conversation or argument like in So what to a somber reflection of blues in green. Amazing musicianship across the board.
So what, All blues, flamenco sketches
Napalm Death
2/5
Seriously impressive metal riffs and drum work but the vocals were insurmountable, in my opinion. Album would have been fun without lyrics but i found the muffled yelling and in later tracks screaming to be distracting and then punishing.
Red Snapper
3/5
Nice beats, samples and effects. Very y2k sound reminiscent of some video game soundtracks around the time.
Keeping pigs together, The Rake, Alaska street
Joy Division
2/5
Interesting composition, pretty weak monotone vocals don’t hold up to the music or lyrics.
Beck
3/5
Nice acoustics and composition. Often hard to distinguish songs from another due to similar pace and tone. Feels like a rainy day blues kind of record and maybe a decent one. Curious to see if Beck has other dimensions.
Paper tiger, end of the day, Sonny Sunday, little one
James Brown
4/5
Dynamic live performance by a generational talent. The energy was palpable through the audio as he worked the audience like few can. I can only imagine his moves were equally electric.
Massive Attack
2/5
Decent 90s electronica/trip hop. Good downtempo beats and solid female vocals. Nice range of genres. Checked out and preferred both mezzanine and blue lines after.
Burning Spear
4/5
Great classic reggae sound with strong anti-colonial, pro-black unity lyrics. Frequent use of echo/repetition of hooks by back up vocals for emphasis. Island drums/instruments mixed with brass/wind, with funky bass.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Not a huge fan already and this is lacking some of the energy and firepower of their standard hits. Nothing much special to me about this selection.
Help me Rhonda?
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Still great storytelling about finding love and finding yourself but more energy and an upgraded musical delivery compated to Hissing of summer lawns. More funk/grooove/rock vibes.
Help me, free man in Paris, Raised on Robbery 3.5
The Pogues
4/5
Love the Pogues. Great range of Irish rock, traditional jig, and one favorite Xmas carol. Great vocals and music from winds, accordion, strings and percussion.
Bottle of smoke, fairytale, streets of sorrow, Irish rover
Beatles
4/5
Tighter than the white album but fewer standouts songs too. Very innovative and experimental sounds with some lyrical prowess as well. Great production and arrangements with interesting melodies. A few duds IMO in yellow sub, dr Robert etc but also a few gems I wasn’t previously familiar.
I’m only sleeping, and your bird can sing, for no one, got to get you into my life.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
Huge range of influential sound and styles. Disco, hip hop, r&b, electronica, soul. Some classic beats (Scorpio/message) and verses (message) as well some epic mixes (Adventure).
Scorpio (higher/lower), message
Sepultura
3/5
Spotless metal riffs and drum sequences, palatable vocals
Arise, under siege
Kanye West
5/5
Kanye at his best.. thoughtful lyrics, tight rhymes and spotless beats/samples. Hard to believe his level of awareness and introspection at this time. You can feel a sense of relief and appreciation for those that contributed to him getting a shot. Love the skits, interviews and features which add to the already monster production value.
All falls down, spaceship, never let me down, through the wire
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Great display of folk and rock blending tinny folk acoustics with heavier rock riffs and drums. Not the album that brings me home but a refreshing and impressive collection from one of the greatest with some classics snuck in. 4.49
Friends, Out on the tiles, gallows pole, tangerine
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Less cohesive than bookends or sounds of silence but interesting compositions (el condor, Cecilia, the boxer) and unique transitions (customer satisfied). These two love making music together and it’s always fun and interesting from soft melodies to large crescendos or cannons.
Bridge over, el condor, the boxer,
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
What in the world. Very interesting album with cartoony square dance intro and extro sandwiching a hip hop call-in show featuring ‘scratches that make you itch’, hot beats/raps, merengue and traditional African music. Enjoyed the concept and commentary. Overall fun/unique but not sure what to make of the final product.
Double Dutch, punk it up, Jove my baby
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
On the occasion of decent music Elvis’ voice cuts in as either whiny or droning. Not convinced by the lyrics.
Bad Company
4/5
Solid classic rock album stacked with hits. Surprised by the Southern rock undertones with occasional allman bros vibes. Great composition that usually falls back to a relaxed smooth pace with some solos laced in. Can’t get enough, ready for love, don’t let me down, bad co.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
Interesting peek into early country/blue grass. Impressive musicianship and timeless lyrics. Vocal style can wear on you but the banjo holds strong.
The Who
4/5
Somehow had not listened to this album in its entirety but have heard all the pieces separately. Baba o’riley which has felt stale for a while gained new life for me as the intro song to this epic collection. Strong bass lines, drum solos and vocals throughout and experimental sounds woven in. Behind Blue Eyes, the song is over, won’t get fooled again 4.4
Peter Tosh
5/5
Wow. Such a great reggae album. Love the cadence and delivery on the vocals. Incredible instrumentals and backup vocals. Great lyrics and storytelling from the case for legal weed to good vs evil to loyalty and fleeting beauty. Compelling and various composition throughout. Never stale reggae sound.
Burial, whatcha gonna do, why must I cry, legalize it.
Elis Regina
3/5
Great vocals and arrangement with catchy melodies, despite language barrier.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Great early grunge sounds supported by solid music throughout but I’m a sucker for vocals and both male/female leads are lacking. Great instrumentals, good variety of sounds, decent garage band lyrics.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
You love ladysmith black mabazo. And for good reason. Wonderful choruses building momentum with turns and cannons. Authentic unsacrificing sound with beautiful lyrics. When the sun says goodnight to the mountain.
Bee Gees
2/5
Stiff and flat through most of the album with occasionally clanky arrangements and some awkward sounds or forced percussions. Highlights lion in winter, maybe trafalgar where vocals seemed more natural and composition more sharp.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Gritty folk to a hard harmonica and acoustic guitar. Lyrics struggle with morality and tough choices at the margins of blue collar life. Love the drawl of Nebraska intro with an American the beautiful feel and Falsetto open of Johnny 99. Different version of Atlantic City for me sounded a little faster and tinnier but still delivers. Nice storytelling on patrolman and trooper. Nebraska, Atlantic City, mansion on the hill.
Sepultura
3/5
The music was tight. Impressive drums, instrumentals and tribal percussions. Pretty strong vocals with mostly intelligible lyrics.
Interludes/extro add a different pace with itsari, canyon jam.
Orbital
3/5
Cool beats with a variety of sounds from industrial to ethereal to electronic. Interesting intro/extro samples. In/out drive me nuts but made me think.
Planet of the shapes, Lush, Monday, halcyon and on and on
Prince
4/5
Very 1980s sound for 1999. Heavy synth, voice effects, electro drum beats. Funky at times such as dsmr. Strong lead and backup vocals including duet to start 1999. Lyrics focus on sex, wealth and parties with lurking sub text of violence, destruction, end of days.
1999, Delerious, DSMR, little red corvette
Dolly Parton
2/5
Nice storytelling mostly about her momma (making her coats and her stealing men) as well as a Pre-curser to Jolene. No real standouts.
Kate Bush
4/5
Liked the composition of the first three tracks and a few other uptempo songs mixed in but some others felt stiff. Very involved production which outshined vocals with interesting selections of classical meets pop meets synth and Irish jig. vocals were somewhat limited in range but were similarly experimental. Improved a bit on second listen.
Running up that hill, Blue Sky, cloud busting. 3.5
Muddy Waters
5/5
Fun fast and influential Blues delivered with plenty of mojo. Stellar drums guitar and harp throughout. Got my brand in you, I feel so good, got my mojo working
Pink Floyd
3/5
Youthful upbeat sound compared to later Waters/Gilmore PF. Reminiscent more of zombies, animals, cream etc just a bit more psychedelic. Already very experimental with voice and recording effects as well as extended clatter (bike) à la money or time intros. Not the cleanest editing with some (intentionally?) choppy cuts here and there. Interstellar overdrive is right.
Take up my stethoscope and walk, scarecrow, bike
Circle Jerks
2/5
Wow quickies the whole way - 20 tracks in 20 mins. Reminds me of bands in high school that would play short hitters that sounds nearly identical and repeat. Music style and format were very consistent through. Pace varied occasionally. No real standouts but no real duds either, just pretty straightforward garage punk.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Pleasant tales of love and love lost to beautiful acoustic and Spanish guitar. Raw, reflective lyrics throughout but limited vocal range or variety.
The Doors
4/5
Starts out Bluesy with, well, Roadhouse Blues - this is the Doors at their best for me. Steady rhythm with commanding vocals and big time harmonica. After roadhouse it dabbles with a few styles and recording effects including old time keys/organ and distortion. Highlights RH Blues, Peace Frog, Maggie MGill. Not as tight as LA woman but still a great listen altogether.
Culture Club
2/5
Nothing extraordinary. Upbeat eighties pop including karma chameleon. Nice harmonies but basic/kitschy lyrics.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
Maybe nitpicking but I liked the individual components here more than the sum of the parts. Enjoyed a lot of fragments and songs from piano/choir, to funk/blues/rock more than the whole album experience. Perhaps not as cohesive as it could have been. Nice instrumentals throughout, really outshined the vocals. Some BB vibes, PF, RS as well.
River song, dreamer, time, rainbow.
The Band
4/5
Excellent storytelling mostly about the south of past/present supported by folk, blues, and rock rhythms. Old timey sound with classic keys/organ and guitar up front with commanding drums and bass turned way up. Funky finish with King Harvest. Real focus on building a scene with characters and details.
Drove old Dixie down, cripple creek, jawbone
The Go-Go's
2/5
Some promising songs (the town, fading fast) but overall has an immature, underdeveloped sound. Up tempo is a hair too fast, underwhelming vocals aim for edginess but falling short. I can see the relevance of the album but don’t love the delivery.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
A lot of energy throughout the album. Limited vocals but decent instrumentals. Ska meets punk sound with brass mixed into drum/electric on most songs. Not the worst thing to listen to but probably won’t come back to this.
Ball Lightening, Born in 69, On a Rope 2.5
Dr. Dre
2/5
Had higher hopes for this but the Chronic fell flat. One dimensional lyrics that push an image but lack much creativity or cohesive message. Solid beats and occasional samples but little depth in the raps or skits.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Great album. Very experimental sound with use of heavy distortion, interruption and varied pace. Various styles/delivery: psychedelic, r/b, rock. Good songwriting to understated vocals esp heroin/femme fatale. Heroin is definitely the standout track which I hadn’t heard before; clear representation of his experience through building chaos and clamor. Solid top to bottom.
Femme fetal, waiting for the man, heroin, there she goes again 4.6
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Cool tracks, cool beats. 90s video game/matrix soundtrack vibes with some trip hop style electronica with overlay of repeated lyrics.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Greatest album of all time and one of best reflections on the human condition. An introspective and vulnerable view of lost innocence, misplaced trust, and survival in a world that doesn’t seem to care about you or your feelings . Therapy on vinyl.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Felt a little corny/70s disco at first but really enjoyed this overall. While the early songs were very similar - albeit solid - much more variety later in this extended album with touches of disco, blues, progressive, old-tyme etc. Good lead vocals and I got used to the falsetto backup vocals.
It’s over, jungle, sweet talon woman, stepping out
Beatles, ST, PF, BGs, bowie, Dylan sounds
3.7
Judas Priest
4/5
Classic heavy metal. Lots of familiar riffs and solos that are still being replicated. Big time vocals although a little overly emphatic/theatrical at times fire my taste.
The rage, steeler
3.8
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Wasn’t feeling this after the first two tracks but from King Kunta it turned a hard corner and kept building through the end. Went back and listened to the first two again after finishing and had a different perspective. Not sure of the backstories of Lucy/rival beef/abusing power dynamics but enjoyed the theme building with reveals after each song. Great hooks and lyrics, good classics r/b samples, beats, social commentary etc. Shit don’t change till you wash yo ass.
4.1
Gene Clark
2/5
Pleasant musically but somewhat boring lyrically/vocally. Transitions from country to progressive folk rock.
No Other, strength of strings, true one
2.4
Faith No More
2/5
Speaking generously, this album demonstrates some range across styles and offers a ‘different’ sound.. that said, I would personally prefer quality in one genre over mediocrity in several. Woodpecker from Mars and the War Pigs cover tell me they might have some chops in rock/metal but the half attempts at hip hop, funk, jazz etc are all distracting at best.
Many bad songs throughout make me think the well-known Epic may have been either a fluke or maybe just a reason enough to throw together a record to capitalize.
1.8
Prefab Sprout
3/5
A lot of decent, easy-listening 80s pop song. No real stand outs but I enjoyed Bonny, Appetite, Desire As. Overall, their sound grew on me but after ending up on an the extended version on Spotify I really prefer their acoustic versions at the end to the original tracks.
3.0
Tim Buckley
5/5
Excellent Rock/Blues album, reminiscent of the doors LA woman. Killer vocals with huge range. Funky, jamming instrumentals supporting lyrical styles from from detailed stories to wild howls to playful skat. Tight guitar work on the likes of Hong Kong bar. Not a bad song. All new to me.
4.5
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Funky R/b instrumental album with some legendary sounds, riffs that are familiar from later stuff like higher ground, gold digger, baby. Hard to tell what’s original vs cover vs borrowed but nice sound throughout either way.
Steely Dan
3/5
Doesn’t really hold up to can’t buy a thrill which is stacked with bangers. Blends together at times and doesn’t offer too much to sink your teeth into. Some interesting lyrics here and there and consistent with the steely sound but just a bit meh for them. My old school, Boston rag
2.7
Johnny Cash
4/5
A moving curtain-closer from a country/rock legend. Johnny was slower in pace here than earlier efforts but was as deliberate and powerful with both his lyrics and delivery as ever. Touching on his faith, legacy and hopes for the future, he made a clear statement on what he wants to be remembered by and forgiven for. He included a few interesting although potentially filler covers/tributes but also staked a final claim for the hearts of one last generation with the epic Hurt . The man comes around, Hurt, love to Rose, Danny boy
3.6
Fela Kuti
4/5
Funky, fresh, great command of the audience. Great features drummer Sounds like a fun time.
3.5
Fela Kuti
5/5
Back to back funky & fresh, killer jazz music supporting a tight theme/ strong antiwar message throughout. Zombie, Mr. Follow follow, mistake (just realized that’s 3/4 tracks!)
4.5
Randy Newman
3/5
Starts off with a provocative reflection on the failings to truly desegregate America and the Rednecks of both the south to blame. He continues with both introspective and socially critical satire that stay close to his home and uses first person narrative to drive a compelling message. Unique sound and true to his style.
Redneck, Louisiana, Naked man
3.2
Deerhunter
3/5
Cool and atmospheric intro into some heavily inspired music reminiscent of the Strokes and occasionally Arcade fire. Overall enjoyable with nice range of tempo, cool beats over decent guitar/drum work. Not blown away by anything in particular but would listen again.
3.4
Earthquake cool edgy atmospheric start
Don’t cry/revival: strokesy
Sailing: cool dark and stormy
Memory boy: zombies?
Desire Lines: arcade fire drum intro
Helicopter: more upbeat cool
Fountain stairs:
Coronado: very strokes
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Nothing very inspired lyrically or vocally, some decent music hiding underneath here and there but still nothing to write home about. No great songs imo.
2.4
The Who
4/5
Not a masterpiece but very entertaining. Loved the album art, concept and execution and found the juvenile sound of a very young band on the cusp of breakout success both interesting and refreshing. Only one or two hits (miles and miles) but some other fun songs sprinkled in with sometimes hilarious Monty Pythonesque bits. What’s for tea?
See for miles, odorono, Heinz
3.7
3/5
Not letting this one stop me. Feels like a late nineties soundtrack. I find a lot of the sound to be a little repetitive but I like the composition/business of A Place Called Home also Duo with Thom Yorke 2.7
Good fortune / A Place Called Home / this mess we’re in (Thom Yorke)
AC/DC
4/5
Another great AC/DC album with big vocals and instrumentation. Tight production with a crisper sound and well-composed songs (hells bells). Full of hits. 4.4
Hells Bells / Shoot to Thrill / back in black/ shook me all night /
Erykah Badu
4/5
Funky, some voice effects, nice vocals/range, sometimes coffee shop or atmospheric rhythms. Liked the slow pace but was a long album and did drag a little at the end 3.5
& On, Cleva, Kiss me, Orange Moon
Dr. John
3/5
Interesting. Can picture listening in a dark and smoky lounge in NOLA. Organs, winds, banjo, drums, sounds of the jungle. No stand out tracks. Good backup vocals. 2.6
Jump sturdy
U2
3/5
Roadblock..
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Interesting listen with a creole jazz sound with North African influences. Enjoyed the harmonica and bayou sound of the opening Erdi.
Sebadoh
2/5
Not all bad but certainly plenty. Decent start with Soul and Fire but fell off a cliff after that with a few redemption songs sprinkled in. Grunge punk angst without much form with a few exceptions 2.2
Cheap Trick
3/5
They came out swinging and put on a solid live performance recorded mostly true to sound. Sure it was a good night at Budokan. 3.4
Lana Del Rey
4/5
Subdued, understated and lovely. Thoughtful storytelling with personal lyrics.
White dress, told Jesus freak, Dark but just a game
Peak 90s mom music (think Delilah) to others reminiscent more of the Stones sound. Maybe trip hop and punk vibes in others at times. Something I couldn’t quite place that felt very early 2000s that those bands may have picked up here. 3.5
Beautiful Day
Stuck in a moment (you’ve got to get yourself together)
In a little while
Hole
5/5
Killer 90s rock album with garage/grunge sound, especially Courtney love vocals, pronounced guitar riffs with balanced but satisfying drums and piercing lyrics throughout. Tight set, exactly what it should be.
4.5
Sheryl Crow
5/5
Powerful album with provocative lyrics from personal to political without holding punches along the way. Extremely varied styles from folk/songwriter, pop, jazz, r&b and more. Very apt closing of I will be me. 4.6
Jeff Buckley
4/5
Solid 90s alt rock album with huge vocals and compelling lyrics. Impressive refresh of Hallelujah. 3.7
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Stranger album than I was expecting, kind of cool but weird. Nothing surpassed the hit Solsbury Hill in my opinion. 3.2