My 1001 Albums Journey

I'll just focus on the music and not the complications that the actual person Morrissey brings up. It's a decent enough album filled with Morrissey doing what his usual, very english, often dark but oddly comedic alt rock. It's decent enough with a few tracks that shine and nothing truly offensive but it definitely doesn't feel as essential as some of his early work (most notably his The Smiths output of course).

In my reviews of albums and bands I often talk about energy. Well, what about the bands with more mellow vibes? Van Morrison's 3rd album is a perfect example of a mellow album that still has plenty of energy and life within its chill collection of soul/jazz/r&b/folk rock. It's all so incredibly catchy, the instrumentation works great together and the vibes are on point. And again, it's mellow but there is no doubt that the album has a lot of life to it. That is the energy I usually am pontificating about.

I have quite the soft spot for the psychedelic pop that Animal Collective seems to energetically spew into the world. It's loud, bewildering, complex music with an energy that I can never quite put my finger on but personally cannot stop chasing. It's a thrilling album that continues to challenge 10 years later while never feeling overbearing. The groups masterpiece no doubt.

This album of stunning Indian instrumental music was absolutely gorgeous. Lush soundscapes often evoke mountain valleys, small villages, serenity. Sonically quite unique compared to what I've heard from this list so far made this more than just beautiful relaxing music; it was as refreshing as it was peaceful.

Joni Mitchell doing her usual blend of folk rock and jazz. Her lyrics will always be standouts as she has a canny ability to create songs that often feel like you're listening to a painting. It's wonderfully detailed, fascinating stuff.