Journey Complete!
Finisher #155 to complete the list
View User Albums Summary1089
Albums Rated
3.2
Average Rating
100%
Complete
Stankonia
OutKast
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Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Curator
Rater Style ?
98
5-Star Albums
54
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
|
5 | 2.52 | +2.48 |
|
Timeless
Goldie
|
5 | 2.53 | +2.47 |
|
New Forms
Roni Size
|
5 | 2.53 | +2.47 |
|
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
|
5 | 2.57 | +2.43 |
|
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
|
5 | 2.67 | +2.33 |
|
Remedy
Basement Jaxx
|
5 | 2.68 | +2.32 |
|
Orbital 2
Orbital
|
5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
|
Konnichiwa
Skepta
|
5 | 2.74 | +2.26 |
|
Yeezus
Kanye West
|
5 | 2.78 | +2.22 |
|
The White Room
The KLF
|
5 | 2.78 | +2.22 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
|
1 | 3.9 | -2.9 |
|
The Stranger
Billy Joel
|
1 | 3.85 | -2.85 |
|
Bad
Michael Jackson
|
1 | 3.81 | -2.81 |
|
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
|
1 | 3.68 | -2.68 |
|
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
|
1 | 3.64 | -2.64 |
|
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
|
1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
|
1984
Van Halen
|
1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
|
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
|
1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
|
...And Justice For All
Metallica
|
1 | 3.43 | -2.43 |
|
Stardust
Willie Nelson
|
1 | 3.4 | -2.4 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kanye West | 3 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.67 |
| Kate Bush | 3 | 4.67 |
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 4.67 |
| The xx | 2 | 5 |
| OutKast | 2 | 5 |
| M.I.A. | 2 | 5 |
| Eminem | 2 | 5 |
| A Tribe Called Quest | 2 | 5 |
| Missy Elliott | 2 | 5 |
| Björk | 4 | 4.25 |
| Radiohead | 6 | 4 |
| The Cure | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 4.33 |
| Kings of Leon | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Springsteen | 5 | 1.4 |
| Tom Waits | 5 | 1.4 |
| Metallica | 4 | 1.5 |
| Def Leppard | 2 | 1 |
| U2 | 4 | 1.75 |
| Aerosmith | 3 | 1.67 |
| Frank Sinatra | 3 | 1.67 |
| The Jesus And Mary Chain | 2 | 1.5 |
| Rod Stewart | 2 | 1.5 |
| Van Halen | 2 | 1.5 |
| Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band | 2 | 1.5 |
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 4 | 2 |
| The Who | 5 | 2.2 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3 | 2 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 2 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Everything But The Girl | 4, 1 |
| Can | 4, 1 |
| Johnny Cash | 4, 4, 1 |
| Dexys Midnight Runners | 3, 4, 1 |
| The Rolling Stones | 2, 2, 4, 4, 1, 4 |
5-Star Albums (98)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Jeff Buckley
2/5
Im pleased for him that he has such a diverse range of orgasms, but it spoils the album when he dubs them over the end of every song.
Competent, but he really lverdoes each song.
45 likes
Skepta
5/5
Constantly amused by American adhering so closely to their stereotypes in these reviews!
Absolutely deserves it's place on this list because:
1. It's fucking awesome
2. It's took grime to the next level commercially, creating space for the UK rap derivatives that are still dominating the UK charts to this day
3. The list is not an American list.
35 likes
MGMT
5/5
Nostalgia clouded rating! This album (and more specifically "Kids") was ubiquitous when I was doing snowboard seasons. I subsequently listened to this album a lot and have grown to love it. It makes fun noises!
22 likes
Neneh Cherry
3/5
It was a bit shit, and also a lot of fun. It is so of it's era that it almost comes across as satire.
Also, absolutely love how excited she is for a tambourine.
15 likes
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
Sounds like a parody in places. I know too little about USA history to get too deep into the lyrics, and the vocalists' voices didn't motivate me to listen more intently.
Musically, I found it dull, and everything instrument blended into the others.
14 likes
1-Star Albums (54)
All Ratings
3/5
Struggling to get past my bias against this album from people singing 'what's the story' too much on my nights out.
Intro is good.
She's electric and champ supernova also good
Didn't do much for me, not a massive fan of the production.
Pavement
4/5
Miles Davis
4/5
Great album, I'm not really into Jazz, but this was fantastic to listen to.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Quite fun, though got a bit bored of it towards the end
Hugh Masekela
4/5
A joy to listen to, fun from start to end. Loved the overt african vibes towards the end too.
The Fall
4/5
Wasn't expecting to enjoy this, but there are some real gems on there... especially paintwork.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
As ever, an enjoyable experience. Was thinking it was fairly average, then stir it up came on and made me very happy!
Elbow
3/5
Bit dull. Not exceptional indie.
Tori Amos
2/5
A pretty dull start to the album, like a boring Kate Bush., but then Happy Phantom came on and woke the album up. Me and a gun is very moving too.
Lyrics and themes are interesting, I just don't like the arrangements or style particularly.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
She's got a beautiful voice. It's just not a style of music that does anything for me.
Billy Joel
1/5
Not for me. Didn't enjoy it, was excited for it to end.
The xx
5/5
Lovely production, the soundscape is wonderful. It's a pleasure to listen to at night with the stereo loud and my eyes closed!
D'Angelo
4/5
memories of being in my ex's bunk bed age 14!
Very smooth, lovely rich sound. Great voice. Some bits were definitely the inspiration for some Flight Of The Conchords songs.
Soundgarden
2/5
Good at what it did, and I can appreciate Chris Cornell's voice. But its just not a style of music that I want to listen to much.
Pulp
3/5
Enjoyable in places.
Slipknot
4/5
Friends and sister always used to love Slipknot, but I had never listened to them. Pretty good fun to listen to. I guess a bit dated, but good energy.
Just a bit dull. Even the ones I remembered, I remembered why I didn't like them at the time. Hopefully will never listen to this album again.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
More enjoyable than I expected, enjoyed some songs (and the video to Once Around the Block). Nothing spectacular. A solid 2.5er.
Love
4/5
Really fun to listen to. Waayyy before my time, yet I found myself wanting to make a snowboard or mountain bike film set to it.
Ride
3/5
When I saw "Shoegaze" I was a bit concerned, but it beat my expectations. I enjoy the "dreamy" vocal style.
Aerosmith
2/5
Better than I thought it would be. Not as good as I hoped it would be from the other reviews. I never really understood the appeal of this kind of stuff.
The Human League
4/5
Fun to listen to, had only heard "don't you want me" before, was happy to hear some more from them.
Fugazi
3/5
Grew on me as I went through it. Probably would have liked it when I was 12 in the mid 90s and listening to a lot of Offspring. Now I find it just ok.
The La's
4/5
Fun album, variable quality in places, but overall enjoyable, and I would listen again.
Talvin Singh
4/5
Lurvely. My dad had this album when I was growing up, but I didn't remember what the music was like (just the cover). Was a pleasant surprise and really enjoyed listening with my good headphones. One of those albums that needs a decent soundsystem to shine.
Hole
3/5
Better than I thought it was going to be, but did not do too much for me.
Suede
3/5
I quite liked his voice, and seem to be in a majority. Like a lot of 90s britpop/rock, I found it ok, though I judge it on whether I find it decent now.
The Who
1/5
R Kelly did it better.
Ray Price
1/5
zzzz
Tears For Fears
3/5
After a strong start, the working hour is way too over the top for my taste. The album is then ok, before the final song, which is pretty awesome.
Gotan Project
4/5
It just kind of happened in my ears, and it happened well. I will listen to this again in the future when I'm looking to relax.
Anthrax
3/5
Wasn't looking forward to this one, and I couldn't make my mind up whether I loved it or hated it, veering between the two as the album went on. Loved the energy throughout though.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Didn't seem to be anything exceptional, but also was fun to listen to. A solid 3.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
Couldn't really get into it. As a first time listener, I found nothing exceptional about this, apart from the bass, which was lovely.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Love the woman's voice, some good stuff on here, but didn't grab my attention that much
Morrissey
2/5
I found the lyrics a bit shit, and the music not extraordinary. I liked his voice though.
2Pac
4/5
Standard Tupac - lovely beats, often heartfelt lyrics with the odd bit of rubbish thrown in.
Metallica
2/5
For what it is, it is quite enjoyable. Areas seem very dated now, especially the vocals and guitar solos. Wasn't into this when I was younger, and I wouldn't pick it out to listen to again, but I can see the appeal.
Miles Davis
4/5
Love the trumpet, and enjoyed it all overall. Preferred "a silent way", but this was still a great listen.
Björk
5/5
I already knew my score for this before even listening specifically for this project... one of my favourite albums of all time. The atmosphere throughout is unbelievable.
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
Sounds like a parody in places. I know too little about USA history to get too deep into the lyrics, and the vocalists' voices didn't motivate me to listen more intently.
Musically, I found it dull, and everything instrument blended into the others.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Better than i was expecting. Vocals got a bit much at times, but otherwise inoffensive.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Good fun. I have a soft spot for brazillian music, and this tickled it.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
I've enjoyed a lot of the jazz that I've listened to so far on this project, but this one didn't really do it for me. I think the organ was just a bit to easy to listen to! Didn't get me excited.
Ghostface Killah
5/5
Strangely, despite loving Bulletproof wallets when I was a teenager, I hadn't listened to this much before. That has changed now, I've listened to it 4 times today!
Super album, I love Ghostface's voice and delivery, and there's some really great tracks on here.
Iggy Pop
2/5
I like a couple of the more famous tracks, probably due to familiarity.
If it wasn't for listening to pretty clear recordings of 50s/60s jazz that I've listened to due to this project, then I would have blamed the weird sound levels on the age, but this seems to have been mixed wrong or something. Everything blends in and is a bit dull. Tried a few different sources to check and it seems to have been how they meant it to be!
Bobby Womack
3/5
Fairly average. Some hilarious lyrics. Neither blown away nor angry.
Blondie
4/5
Loved all the hits, and I really enjoy the singer's voice. It was more lively than I expected. There were a couple of songs in there that I didn't enjoy as much, which dropped it from a 5.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Good fun, sets a mood and sticks to it. Would listen again
Super Furry Animals
4/5
Way more exciting than I thought Super Furry Animals were, loved the breakdowns and different styles in the songs.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Was expecting it to be a bit more miserable, so that was a plus, but it still didn't really do it for me.
Randy Newman
4/5
Great stories and effortless style - not a genre I would listen to normally, but I will put this one on again.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Energetic, lively, fully committed to what they were doing. A really fun listen.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
The grunge scene was a little before my time, and I could never really get into it. Having said that, this was listenable, and I can appreciate the craft.
Massive Attack
4/5
It's got a vibe. Good music for when you're unsure how you're feeling and want to cover all the bases.
Steve Earle
1/5
Basic. Shit.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Reading the reviews I thought this was going to be pretentious rubbish, but it was actually enjoyable.
XTC
2/5
I guess you had to be there
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Quite fun in places, I struggle with the stuff of this age to judge it according to when it was created... so it is a bit average sounding now.
Kanye West
5/5
Oh, the dream. Best Kanye album. I love it. So many bangers. So much creativity. Amazing production. Devil in a New Dress is my fave.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Can't make my mind up on this one, so 3/5 it is!
Koffi Olomide
4/5
Enjoyable, uplifting
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
As everyone mentions, there is some filler as there are 69 songs... so why didn't they just cut the filler? I guess they weren't making an album for people who insist on listening to a different album every day!
Anyhow, 34 songs in and it's not bad. Can't give it a full review as I can't set aside the time to listen properly. But as I'm dropping in and out it is actually ok in places.
It's just that 69 songs of the same band in a row is getting a bit boring, even though they're mixing up the style a bit.
Deep Purple
3/5
Songs all quite long, so occasionally dragged on. I am digging the intro to lazy though.
Overall, half decent considering the age and the genre not holding any appeal to me.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Technically good rapper, good beats, but I find that he is sometimes just too serious and I lose the sense of fun when listening to this album.
Supergrass
5/5
When i saw that 'alright' wasn't on this, i was sad, as i thought it was all i knew by them... turns out i was wrong. Banger after banger. Super album.
fIREHOSE
4/5
Short, Sweet, Fun
Lauryn Hill
5/5
9/10. Would be a 10 but for the skits. For the past 15 years I have been saying I will make a version with the skits removed. Maybe this will be the year I get round to it. Rapping, singing, production all on point.
3/5
Was ready to hate this, but they fully committed to their style and it showed. Not my cup of tea, and yet I mildly enjoyed it.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Was ready to give this an auto 5 beforehand as I love their singles and their status as early pioneers, but scorpio is proper shit, dreamin' and you are are really not what I was expecting, and really quite rubbish (if you were hyped for some old school hip hop).
Shack
3/5
Really enjoyed a couple of songs, but then some just sort of existed and did nothing for me. Average
Charles Mingus
4/5
Really enjoyed listening to this. I appreciate the viewpoint that some of the instrumentation didn't 'mesh', but for me, it worked overall.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
He was very good!
Billie Holiday
2/5
She has a great voice, no doubt. But cover singing jsut doesn't float my boat, and I would never sit and listen to this again.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
I didn't realise they were American. 2 good songs (we all know which they are) and some generic bluesy American stuff in the middle. Mostly underwhelming, was primed for more consistent quality.
Pixies
5/5
Kind of awesome. Love the chaotic energy and sense of fun. Have never heard any of their songs before, but I can see that they must have influenced Black Midi. Will definitely listen to this one again.
ABBA
3/5
Went into it ready for a 1 star, as I never really got good vibes off Abba. I still don't, but it has some redeeming features.
Mike Oldfield
4/5
Never heard this before, despite recognising the cover and name. Enjoyed the changes at the piece went on, the humour in places and the overall vibe.
Madonna
4/5
This actually bangs in places. Makes me want to be in an early 2000s action film. Could have been trimmed down a bit, but otherwise loved it.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Great album cover, and some of the guitar playing and atmospheres created were excellent. Some of the noisier breakdowns were a bit much for me, but saying that, it was a fantastic ending to the album.
Sepultura
2/5
Tried really hard to like it. Love the concept, don't mind a bit of metal if well done. But this was faaaarrrr tooo long and repetitive. Best tracks broke out from the mould (canyon jam and the tribal one).
Portishead
5/5
I tried to listen to this with a critical ear, as it is one of my 'go-to' albums when I want something calming but not wishy-washy to listen to, but I couldn't. I love it too much to allow myself to associate any shortcomings with it!
Raekwon
4/5
Caught between 4 and 5 for this. Love the production, love the rapping and overall vibe. But.. I didn't feel like it was one that I will return to very regularly unlike the other 5s. Sorry Chef.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Bit dark. That is the only notable thing about it. Not terrible, but really didn't grab me in any way.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Love under the bridge, some of their other stuff I couldn't really get into. It was my first time listening to a full album. I would say it is too long, despite the reasonable range of songs on there.
Despite the occasional excellence, a lot of the funk stuff didn't do it for me, as well executed as it was.
John Martyn
5/5
When his voice first came in, I hated it, and was preparing for an excruciating 40 minutes. But that was the only part where I noticed his voice stand out, and then in blended in to an ocean of excellence.
This is the most surprising album I have had so far and is going on regular rotation.
Steely Dan
4/5
Enjoyed it. I'm learning that the 70s is better musically than I thought it was! Fun vibes.
David Bowie
3/5
Still affected by the debates about Bowie between my dad (1*) and mum (5*). Used to side with my dad. I still err more on that side, but less than I used to when winding mum up. 3* because of changes.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I like his voice and melodies. It is done well, though didn't move me like others.
Arrested Development
3/5
Really wanted to love it. But some of the lyrics were 1. too righteous, 2. too goddy. Just felt it needed a bit more balance. Love some of the instrumentation, but overall it wasn't as good as I was hoping and I wouldn't listen to it as an album again.
Radiohead
4/5
Was never a Radiohead fan, but having listened with an open mind, I can see the appeal. The lead vocals lead the music and fit their mood perfectly, and the atmosphere created is well crafted.
Bob Dylan
4/5
have to be in the right mood for Dylan. I can see the appeal and love some of his lyrics and his energy. 4* for the high points outnumbering the tedious.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
synthy funk, some of it seemed a bit middle of the road now, but some I really loved.
Queen
3/5
2nd half stronger than the first. Feel like it had a ratings bump from having Bohemian Rhapsody at the end.
Some of it didn't work for me, but it sounds like they were having fun.
Pearl Jam
2/5
The singers voice is the same as the one me and my friend put on when we're making up fake shit north American songs. It is grating.
Levels all turned up to 10 for everything also took away a lot from the album. It just dulled everything.
Has some redeeming features. They're all clearly competent musicians, but to me it came across as emo without any edge.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Not being much of a lyric listener, I guess the best part of this album was lost on me.
Actually, the best part of this album is the Jew's harp. +2* for that.
Tim Buckley
4/5
A lot of energy going on here, most of it good. Nicely put together songs, powerful vocals.
His verbal 'solos' are a bit odd though.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Was one of my favourite albums growing up, and whilst it has lost some of its edge for me, and I can see maybe some flaws that I didn't when younger, I still think it has great energy and gets me wanting to dance and have fun.
The Beach Boys
2/5
I've long argued with my dad regarding the Beach Boys, but only the basis of their hits. I thought I would give them a proper chance with a whole album... nope. I find it quite simplistic, especially the lyrics.
+1 star having a very recognisable sound and great harmonies.
The Soft Boys
4/5
Really interesting album. Treads a line between pop, punk, and classic rock. Ending up somewhere around modern indie. I imagine at the time it was pretty unique.
Enjoyed, will definitely listen again in the future.
James Taylor
2/5
James Taylor is not a churning urn of burning funk. However, this album is a hunk of steaming junk.
It’s like a “lite” version of all the genres featured. His vocals and the instrumentation are very competent, but just too nice all the way through.
Paul Simon
2/5
Smooth. Too smooth. The last song adds a bit more urgency. Most of it just blew past on a very light breeze.
The Specials
3/5
It was fun, but seemed more like a novelty album than one i would expect here. I guess it had some influence that i am unaware of.
I will jave "enjoy yourself" in my head all day though!
The Black Crowes
2/5
Second half picked up a bit, but try as I might I struggle to find much positive in this kind of music. Middle of the road old american rock
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I'm torn on this one. Whilst not wanting to play it again, I did enjoy the second half quite a bit. The first half was certainly experimental, and unfortunately, some of those experiments didn't seem to work.
Saying that, it was a lot better than the Simon solo album I had to listen to 2 days ago!
Bob Dylan
1/5
Even though it is early 90s, this still must have been a throwback album?
Voice is worse than ever, music and style is dated and safe. Not convinced of any reason for this album to be on this list. Safe enough for 2 stars. Thinking of downgrading to one, as not only are the songs dull, but they are also very long.
7 minutes of generic blues? No thank you.
Oh, and now covers... great. Really, why is this album in the book?
Wild Beasts
4/5
Enjoyed this, made me want to make a snowboard edit. Took me a few tracks to get used to the vocals, but once I did, I found it worked very will with rest of the music.
The Cure
4/5
I only knew of "Close to me" before this, so the overall vibe of the album was somewhat surprising.
It was excellent though, I love the singer's voice, the synths, and the wafting depressingness of it was in sync with my current surrounds, so it worked for me.
Favourite song: Homesick
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Thought it would be dull, but a lot of it was quite interesting. Jungle was trippy, I loved it. Must have been pretty crazy to listen to in '75.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Had never heard of him, which is surprising given I had definitely heard "Without You" before.
Lots of solid songs, 1 bit of sound medical advice (Coconut) and one absolute banger in "Jump into the fire"
Jeff Buckley
2/5
Im pleased for him that he has such a diverse range of orgasms, but it spoils the album when he dubs them over the end of every song.
Competent, but he really lverdoes each song.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Quite one dimensional. Like he is straining constantly. I hadn't much of it before, I imagine I won't here much of it again in the future!
All comes across as quite dated - musically and lyrically.
Saved from 1* by Dancing in the Dark.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Much more listenable than I thought it was. So much energy and exciting riffs.
Bonus star for pissing off all the papers at the time.
Ryan Adams
2/5
Not going to judge the music on the man, as, having just given the Sex Pistols a 5* review and one of them having killed a woman, that would be a bit hypocritical.
So I will judge it on the music. Which was pretty dull and depressing. There were a couple of nice songs that I would enjoy in a more soppy moment. But most of it just dragged on.
MGMT
5/5
Nostalgia clouded rating! This album (and more specifically "Kids") was ubiquitous when I was doing snowboard seasons. I subsequently listened to this album a lot and have grown to love it. It makes fun noises!
2/5
Not an album. Why would they put live recordings in the book. Especially when there already appears to be 97 Dylan albums in the book.
I understand that it is a big moment in his career, but there are many things that had big moments in music that aren't albums and aren't in the book.
Too many verses on desolation row, too much harmonica on this album, too much Dylan in this book.
2nd half is better than the first, less harmonica, his voice is less front and centre.
The Crusaders
2/5
Loved street life. The rest was bland and unchallenging. After the excellent jazz I've had already on the list, this seemed like a hollow version of that after track 1.
Red Snapper
4/5
How did i not hear this at the time? I would have loved it. Got me pumped for a dh bike riding session. Will listen again when the mood takes me.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Love how sparse this is, and their interplay. Although rapping and rhymes have obviously progressed since this time, their delivery is so on point and their message is clear that it doesnt matter that the rhymes are basic.
Loved it.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
They are a band that i ddint think i would enjoy, but this was a well balanced album that i imagine was a bit ahead of its time.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Found it pretty forgettable
k.d. lang
1/5
I thought "oh, nice voice, but in the 50s music wasn't really to my taste". Then I saw it was made in 1988! What the fuck? How is it on this list? As a significant throwback karaoke album?
Nope.
AC/DC
2/5
When I was listening I thought every song was around 8 minutes long and was going to comment that they could have made them more snappy. Upon checking after, to my surprise they were all 4 mins long.
Bit samey, bit not that good. A couple stood out, but 2 songs is enough ACDC for me thank you.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
2/5
Found it pretty forgettable
The Clash
3/5
I like the singers voice and the general energy, though some of it seemed a bit fillery.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
I cant work out my views on this, i guess because it doesnt elocit any strong feelings. Therefore... 3 stars
Daft Punk
2/5
Really thought this would be more interesting than it is. Lots of big beat sameness, less funkyness than i was hoping for. Everything is too long too.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Enjoyable. They passed me by at the time so i will take more time to listen to more of their work.
The Mars Volta
4/5
Another band i had misconceptions of. Top quality rock. The 1w minute track in the middle i appreciated without enjoying, so it drops a star for that.
2/5
Bit all over the place, recued by ziggy stardust and suffragette city
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Just cant get into the rollong stones. I thiught they would be more cool and more British. Theres a country song in here. It wasn't a good one.
John Lee Hooker
2/5
Not as much feeling as a expected, seemed to be a bit lackluster in places.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Tried listening to it whilst driving fast in my car, as it seemed to be the right environment (no clubs or drugs where i live), but still didn't really tickle my fancy. A fee if the mkre melodic skngs appealed, however.
Bob Dylan
2/5
Oh, more Dylan. This one is the worst yet for his voice, he needs to mix up his flow a bit. Musically nothing outstanding, vocally horrendous, lyrics ok.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Absolutely fantastic. Not a heavy metal fan normally, but thesingers voice is great, the subject matter dealt with excellently in the lyrics, and love the balance of the music.
Willie Nelson
1/5
Reminds me of music you would hear in a particularly bland starbucks at christmas.
Radiohead
4/5
I've grown into Radiohead. I used to think they were boring and whiney ad i didnt like it. I still think they are a bit whiney, but i appreciate that now.
Pixies
3/5
A bit less chaotic than the earlier album i heard of theirs, and worse off for it. Good solid rock still.
2/5
Better than the other U2 album I heard on the list, which is not hard. Enjoyed the last track, and not just because it signalled the end of the album. The rest of it is just so... safe.
Emmylou Harris
1/5
Nice voice, boring karaoke album. I am getting a wider education of country in this process, and I still think it is rubbish, no matter how hard I try to enjoy it.
4/5
I had heard of pj before, but never actually heard her. Was expecting something different. This was great, exciting, rocky, had a good esge to it. Will listen again
Oasis
2/5
Better than the pther one i listened to by them, but still find the sining a bit annoying, plus some of the rhyme schemes are at about the level of a 4year old.
Don McLean
2/5
American pie was much more nicely sung than i remember. Otherwise it was all a bit meh
Ash
4/5
Pop rock perfection. Didnt think i knew any of their songs, actually knew loads and enjoyed a few of the ones i hadnt heard too
Funkadelic
3/5
A fun listen
Steely Dan
4/5
I like their style
The Saints
3/5
Decent enough bit of punk, but couldn't distiguish much between the tracks.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
A joy to listen to.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
This got pretty cool in a few spots, with some hyperpop elements thrown in. Good fun album, even thoigh im suffering a bit of fatigue from albums of this era at the moment.
Björk
4/5
Not as to my taste as yhe albums that came before, but still i love her sound
OutKast
5/5
My favourite album ever. I even enjoy the skits on it. So creative that a lot of it doesnt sound dated yet. So many good percussion led songs. Love it from start to finish
Nick Drake
4/5
If i owned a coffee shop somewhere where it rains, i would probably play this album. It has a mood
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
Something different on the list. A great sound, really calming and relaxing
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Despite his aim of introdycing us to indian musical theory, i ignored that bit. Pretty good and enjoyable
Talking Heads
3/5
I enjoyed and got a bit bored by this in equal parts. Has some good ideas and is fairly fresh sounding, but some parts just go on too long.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Dull.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
The late 70s/early 80s onslaught continues. Come on Eileen is great. Singers voice is not. Plenty of energy. Have heard worse.
Ice T
4/5
Picked up as it went along. Before my time, but He had a lot to say and said it well.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Never heard of them. Thought it was great. Love the poppy punk and the lyrics reflecting their age perfectly.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Some fun
Big Star
2/5
Nothing exceptional. Voice didnt do it for me.
Paul Simon
3/5
A real mixed bag. Loved some, some was shit. His voice is a bit meh.
Living Colour
2/5
Although it varied throughout, was just too 80s rock for me, i didnt enjoy the lead guitars or the vocals
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Prototype indie album. Must have been so far ahead of the times, couldnt beleive it was a 1969 album.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Made me a bit angry listening to this on my way to a bbq. Love her energy, and she has so much to say.
Beyoncé
4/5
So sexy. Apart from the bland bits. Rated the deluxe version so i could listen to the flawless remix again.
Beyonce is a great singer and her rap is on point. -1* for the dull balad type songs. When she's hype, the album is amazing.
The Who
2/5
Thank god that they weren't allowed to release this as another unsufferable rock opera like the attrocious Tommy.
The opening motif was the highlight. Needed more synth, less of the singing. Middling throughout.
The Adverts
4/5
Seemed a bit more nicely produced than a lot of the punk albums, and as per most punk, i loved the energy.
The Doors
5/5
Wow. I was expecting something more beatles like. Loved it, especially the last track.
Roxy Music
3/5
I thought Roxy Music were 90s electro, so this was surprising. Some good, some bad. Didn't set my world alight.
Milton Nascimento
4/5
Different to the other brazillian albums i heard before.
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
Proto screamo. Love it. Though with this energy, you would hope for songs shorter than 9mins!
Supertramp
3/5
I appreciated it without particularly enjoying it
M.I.A.
5/5
Yeesssss. After too much 60s and 70s albums recently, this hit extra hard.
I love percussion heavy music anyway, and MIAs delivery and subject matter appeal to me too.
David Gray
2/5
Oh god. It is like someone stole all the exciting bits of the instrumentation. Even the opening track, with its drum beat that hints at drum and bass, still sounds dull.
Beatles
3/5
The Beatles nailed their sound, and it is interesting enough, but it is hard listening for the first time in 2021 to imagine how it sounded at the time of its release, and im sure it loses so of its impact for that.
Slipknot
4/5
I didn't know they had an emo album. I'm happier now I do know.
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
It was ok, enjoyed the more surfery ones, and I've now learned all about the electric jug.
The Doors
4/5
Excellent. Sad to have run out of their albums to listen to on the list so early on.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Too much of an average thing
Talking Heads
2/5
Did nothing for me
John Lennon
3/5
Solid album
The Cardigans
3/5
Decent enough. Love lovefool, but the rest was just average.
Mercury Rev
4/5
Delicate without being wishy washy. Weird without being too 'experimental'
Minutemen
4/5
Tight. So many songs, so much quality.
The Kinks
4/5
Got better as the album went on, seemed basic, but good melodies and lyrics.
Sonic Youth
4/5
One of the better ones of this age and genre that i've listened to
Garbage
2/5
Normally i love female lead rock, but the was of they time where everything seems a bit muted sonically, like they accidently turned something off in the studio.
Also, a lot of it is a bit miserable.
Soft Cell
2/5
So bad that i presumed it was Austrailian.
Its like it is a joke, but at the same time not. It has perhaps the worst opening track of any album i have heard.
Luckily it also has Tainted Love!
Prince
3/5
Really enjoyed some of it, other bits just wash by me.
Buzzcocks
3/5
Standard punk. Love the energy and vibe.
The Who
2/5
3 who albums in. Still not getting it
Tom Waits
1/5
Is he ok?
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Enjoyable for the 80s!
Iron Butterfly
4/5
I could listen to the title track all day. Not just because it was sampled on one of my favourite nas albums either.
Pop music doesn't have enough church organ solos.
John Martyn
3/5
Bit dull singer songrwriter fayre.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Too much of a sweet thing.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Very very 80s! Some enjoyable.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Not what i was expecting, thought they were an emo band!
Eagles
3/5
Hotel california is great, but the guys voice grates on me a bit
Gang Of Four
4/5
Nice energy punk.
MC Solaar
4/5
Wish i could understand more of the lyrics, but love the vibe
Gene Clark
2/5
Just not doing much for me. Gave it two tries, and lowered my rating from 3 to 2 on second listen.
Solange
5/5
Brilliant.
Brian Eno
4/5
Interesting
Deerhunter
4/5
A very pleasant listen
Beach House
4/5
Very Beach House. Happy to have it on, but a bit depressing to focus on
Various Artists
3/5
100% christmas
a-ha
3/5
Wonderful voice, but New Wave just really doesn't do it for me, a few exceptional tracks aside.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Some classics, whole album was nicely done with some folksy touches
Fairport Convention
4/5
The singer has a beautiful voice, qnd for me, this is as good as folk gets.
Eminem
5/5
"I murder a rhyme one word at a time / you never heard of a mind as perverted as mine" was pretty much the manifesto for this album.
Fantastic production, unbelievable rhyming and delivery. Scary, very offensive lyrics which are very hard to stomach at times, but that was the point.
To be this offensive and still be a classic in these times is quite a feat.
Guns N' Roses
2/5
Enjoyed it more than i thought i would, but still not much. Hair rock vocals do my head in a bit.
Lou Reed
4/5
Really interesting album, some classics, lots of stories about interesting people.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Enjoyable punk
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
2nd half grew on me
T. Rex
3/5
Good fun, some songs grabbed me, others not so much, but overall enjoyable.
Christine and the Queens
4/5
Very good synth pop. Enjoyed the bi lingual bits, even though my french is not up to scratch!
Simple Minds
1/5
Missing a lot. For example, bass. Really poor.
Ministry
3/5
Full of energy and competence
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Thank god they stopped him rapping on every song. The rapping was so bad as to make any of the songs with raps on unbearable.
The slower songs were the highlight for me. A really inconsistent album.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Pretty basic music, up and down song writing, but i like most his messages
Buck Owens
2/5
Country turned up to 11. I keep trying but old country qnd i don't get along. +1 star for comittment to countryness
The Flaming Lips
3/5
A varied, fun adventure, qlbeit one that i wouldn't go on too often.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
2/5
Solid album for its age. Would not listen again. Too many memories of the old people playing it instead of the music I wanted to listen to at village bbq's when I was a kid!
Animal Collective
4/5
Grew on me 2nd listen. Jangly, good snowboard video music.
The Pharcyde
4/5
Not sure how, as a hip hop fan, i had never heard this before. Love the sound, some of the lyrics have aged, but i love how much fun it sounds like they were having.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Sould, well done, recognised several parts that have been sampled. Still wouldn't listen to it much as i find this kind of soul too smooth.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Where did this come from? The last 2 Beach Boys albums i got were pretty light, this was far more interesting.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
4/5
Interesting, and seemed quite familiar despite it being my first time hearing any of it, I guess due to the 'eastern' influences that I hear on the radio where I am.
Taylor Swift
3/5
A bit one dimensional lyrics wise.
I love shake it off, and am very familiar with the rest as my ex wife loved this album. The best of Taylor Swift's albums.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Classics. Reggae done very well.
Suicide
3/5
Welly welly well.. where to start.
I absolutely love the music. Made me want to get my mastersystem out and fire up "james pond: robocod." How they achieved the sounds in 77, i dont know.
However... frankie and girl with the screams and moans are just not fun to listen to.
A really hard one to rate.
The Cramps
2/5
Appreciate the level of chaos, but most of it just seemed a bit samey. The mix is not the best either, making some bits hard to work out.
New Order
4/5
Enjoyable synthy indie. Some cool sounds in there, and a sheep
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Bjork's vocals - 5*. Random German sounding fella - 1*. OK rock elevated by Bjork's vocals.
David Holmes
4/5
Unexpectedly good to listen to. Love that the vocal samples were recorded by them on the streets of New York, adds something to the great tunes for me.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Top flows and production mostly, but some filler and most the skits are shit.
Fats Domino
2/5
Wasn't impressed by his voice. I'm sure it was revolutionary at the time, but this 50s stuff I just can't get into.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Mildly enjoyable. Appreciated the backstory.
System Of A Down
4/5
Fun. I was more used to their later work, so it is great to hear an earlier album.
DJ Shadow
5/5
He really nailed the pacing and atmosphere of this. The book review is corrwct in saying it instantly sounds familiar.
Love it.
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
The future is here! Definitely flew its own lane, and stuck to it.
Track 4 I had surprisingly heard before, and therefore, the human mind being what it is, was my favourite.
4* as I will listen again when doing stuff that I want to feel futuristic whilst doing.
Waylon Jennings
2/5
Generic country shite done with enthusiasm
Jurassic 5
5/5
Five, for thin line alone. Funky album, great voices.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Turned the volume down on the first track. Am thankful that i did.
Some ok moments, kind of minutemenesque, but overall too distorted and experimental for me.
Mylo
5/5
Rating reflect that this is forever the sountrack to sunny days on the grass at university sitting with my first love having fun. Sunny, light music, with an excellent religious nutjob sample.
The United States Of America
4/5
This is great. really thought this was going to be the usual late 60s rock I have been getting through this, but instead it was lively, different, fun.
Wire
4/5
Glanced at the tracklist, though it was another too long album... then heard it qnd wished it was longer. Im presuming that elastica paid them some royalties...
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Almost certainly better if you were working class and brought up in the USA.
I have worked at many factories but his stories still don't appeal. I have listened to many voices but his still doesn't appeal.
He reminds me of a less interesting Meatloaf.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
All the excesses and rubbishness of rock n roll from the era. Dull, bit shit. Horrible vocals.
Ice Cube
4/5
Barely controlled anger, and "today was a good day" excellent combo.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Seems pretty ground breaking, loved the energy.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
Far too righteous. I love rap, i love Michael Franti & Spearhead, but this is just too heavy without any relief or excitement.
Fever Ray
4/5
Otherworldly. An interesting and relaxed listen. Would defo listen again
Public Enemy
3/5
Powerful as ever.
Faith No More
2/5
Shite. Shite voice. Shite version of RHCP, who are shite. Saved from 1* by the instrumental "Woodpecker from Mars" and the faithful recreation of War Pigs.
Malcolm McLaren
4/5
A truly unusual album, with a mix of genres. Great fun.
Beck
4/5
A good mix, got better as it went on
Amy Winehouse
4/5
What a talent she was. This type of music doesn't get me going, but she did it so well.
The Stranglers
3/5
OK. Bit odd, and not good odd, in places.
George Jones
2/5
Judged the album by the cover. Was correct.
Johnny Cash
4/5
A rare enjoyable live album. The whole is a sum of the parts - it really transports you to a place and time. For someone who usually rates country very low, this was a joy.
Ramones
3/5
1st time actually listening to this. Pretty basic lyrics mostly, but a fun listen
Pixies
4/5
Standard Pixies. Good.
The War On Drugs
3/5
Nothing of note, good nor bad.
Liz Phair
5/5
Really fantastic. Great attitude, equal parts funny and strong. I've grown to be a big fan of this kind of music of late with artists like Soccer Mommy and Mitski, so to hear something from '93 this good has made me very happy.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Mad
Al Green
3/5
Such a smooth voice, and yet seemingly such a cunt. Anyway, as a fan of rap, i separate the music from the person. This one is a bit too smooth.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Grew on me through multiple listens. Some lovely tracks in there.
The Isley Brothers
2/5
Some great motifs, i can see why it is oft sampled, but is less than the sum of its parts
Spiritualized
4/5
Expansive, excellent. Surprised that i hadn't heard any of this before. Reminded me in places of the Kula Shaker album that i adored in my early teenage years
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Enjoyed some of it. Some was a bit drawn out, and the style of guitar solo really wasn't to my liking.
Enjoyed the bass though.
David Bowie
3/5
More interesting than the usual Bowie. Loving the space oddessy vibes, but not the album overall.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Feels bad to say, but although i get the emption of the situation and lyrics, the voice and arrangement do less than nothing for me.
Yes
4/5
Cooool
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Technically lovely. Wouldnt listen again.
Marty Robbins
3/5
Love the stories. Usually hate country, but this was more western!
Neu!
3/5
Up, up, up, down, up, down
Napalm Death
3/5
A real toe-tapper
George Michael
2/5
I found it a tad boring
Slayer
2/5
What i expected
Sister Sledge
3/5
Some classics. Firmly catagorised as 'not bad'.
Saint Etienne
5/5
Normally music from this era sounds to me like it is missing soemthing, but this was qctually great. Fun beats, just the right track length, interesting all the way through
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Never could get on with his voice, and this seems to be a middling rap album, despite me being heavily into rap from this era.
Grateful Dead
3/5
unremarkable
Parliament
4/5
So close to 5 stars. So funky, but the fart bass on the last track was just toooo much for my ears.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Pretty consistently good all the way through. Revoked good memories
James Brown
2/5
I feel sorry for the cleaner who had to mop the floor that night, must have been sticky from all the dripping vaginas.
I also feel sorry for the artist whose album didn't make this list due to a reasonably unremarkable live album (band aside, who sounded very tight).
Tricky
4/5
Good trip hop
Le Tigre
4/5
Fun
Method Man
4/5
Love the wu production, and the variance through the album.
Def Leppard
1/5
The mixdown is an incoherant mess, and the vocals are awful.
Eagles
2/5
Middling at best
David Bowie
2/5
Just not as funky as it wants to be, and his voice is off.
Justice
3/5
Knew a few from snowboard film soundtracks back in the day
Nick Drake
4/5
Simple, yet done very well.
The White Stripes
4/5
Simple yet wonderful
Elliott Smith
3/5
meh
The Smiths
2/5
Too much whine. Seemed constantly just missing the mark, close to being really good.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Went in with high expectations that it didn't quite meet. Not all the songs were as good as RESPECT.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
A fun listen, but wouldnt be a go to.
Brian Wilson
2/5
Why would I need to listen to this throwback album that was out of it's time before I die?
3/5
Enjoyable. I see more of their influences having listened to 300 albums of old rock now due to this project.
Mudhoney
3/5
Loved the energy, of not the aesthetic
The Police
2/5
Its like they realised half way through the album that they werent a comedy act.
Carole King
5/5
Brilliant from start to finish (though not a massive fan of the title track). Powerful without being overdone.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Lively. Shame that on a rope was out the way so early.
Faust
3/5
Up and down. Experimental, but not necessarily enjoyable.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
Production on point. Some good industrial tracks in there but his singing style doesn't work for me.
Beatles
4/5
A couple of real highlights on here... Eleanor Rigby I was aware of due to the Talib Kweli song sampling it, this, the original is super, definitely no what I expected from the Beatles.
In addition, Tomorrow Never Knows was also awesome, a great bundle of energy. A few on the other songs appealed less, dropping it a star.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Reading about it, it sounds like an amazing technical feat. That didn't change my listening experience.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
Dull. 2* - 1* for several 10 minute long repetitive songs.
R.E.M.
3/5
Much better than I was expecting, livlier than I thought REM are.
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
This project has opened my eyes to the wide variety of country music that there is out there for me to hate.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Thought I didn't like it based on a previous listen. But it turns out it is pretty much as good as everyone says.
The Charlatans
3/5
Middling brit-pop
Lorde
5/5
❤❤❤❤❤
I love Lorde!
On a less lovey note, great album. Pacing is perfect, great minimalist story telling. Her Glastonbury performance based on this album was an all time classic.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
Love the woman's voice, and the playoff between that and the beats is fantastic.
Joan Baez
4/5
Simple and effective folk
B.B. King
4/5
Was not hopeful after the Marvin Gaye live album, but this was next level.
Coldplay
2/5
I thought this was going to be one that I had previously dismissed, and then upon re listening I would see what the fuss was about (as happened with Dark Side of the Moon). This is not dark side of the moon. it is a whine fest.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Great guitars, interesting back-story, lovely voice. No clue what the lyrics are, but I'm sure they're great too.
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
Took 3 sessions to get through this monstrosity. So midddle of the road. So dull. So much longer than it should be. How is this album by someone past their best making non innovative music on this list?
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Appreciated what they were trying to do in places, just not how they did it. Too much.
Massive Attack
5/5
Fantastic. Thought I would find it middling. Instead I loved it all.
The Pogues
2/5
I am not, and have no desire to be a pirate or sailor. Therefore this is not the music for me. Lots of personality, but just not a style I like.
Burning Spear
3/5
Didn't strike me as exceptional, but was enjoyable
Miriam Makeba
4/5
Great voice and energy to match
The Hives
3/5
Reminded me of playing rock band. Too much if this style for my liking, i enjoyed a few songs then got a bit bored of it.
The Byrds
3/5
Jangly
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Not outstanding by my ears.
The Pogues
3/5
I know the pogues arent for me when the 3 best songs are not their usual style... mexican, turkish and christmas song were great. Rest was piratey nonsense.
The Temptations
4/5
Was dreading this, but was actually quality.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Texhnically good, but i cant concentrate on so much guitar for so long.
Culture Club
2/5
Dull
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
Lots of energy. Must have been the energy of youth he wqs getting out of hos 13 year old cousin.
The B-52's
3/5
I wish i was in the studio during the recording of rock lobster. A fun party as an album. Just not a party i would attend again
Small Faces
3/5
A mixed bag, reqlly enjoyed some of it. The narrated bit was up and down though, but i did enjoy the giant fly being tickled.
John Prine
4/5
Stories of lonliness, drug dependancy, etc etc, all good stories. I hate country with a passion, but this i can abide.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
2/5
Just not sure what i got out of this
Foo Fighters
3/5
I enjoyed seeing them love, but this album did not set my world alight.
The National
2/5
💤💤💤 dull, unoriginal.
Radiohead
4/5
Enjoyable, but didn't set my mind alight.
The Replacements
2/5
A few riffs that got me going, but the vocalist is awful
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Not as beach samba as I was expecting an album called beach samba to be.
1. The random marching song was shite.
2. Kids singing is only pleasant for their parents.
Carpenters
1/5
🤮
Black Flag
3/5
Some great riffs, and a shit voice
Ray Charles
2/5
Like the shit you accept listening to at christmas. Don't want it outside of december ta. Dated. Lovely voice, but everything else is so dated and slow.
Sonic Youth
1/5
Shite
Iron Maiden
3/5
Much more paletable than i thought. Singer is a bit shit though.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
Whilst I do love this album, a critical listen let me realise that I don't love all of it. However, it is defo my top country album.
Megadeth
2/5
Nice guitar but pretty shit otherwise
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
"The Chain" mastered the art of suspense, verse, chorus, tappy drums... is it now, no! Then the same, same results. Then 3rd time round... boom, the F1 music starts. Loved it.
The rest is remarkably unremarkable consider how well regarded this album is.
808 State
4/5
Yes yes yes. So retro future. Remembered some of it from my parents playing it back on the day.
Manu Chao
4/5
Good vibes
The Black Keys
3/5
Often don't get on with blues, but I found this acceptable
Nitin Sawhney
4/5
A real mixed bag. A lot of beauty, the occasional thorn. Nadia is one of my new favourite songs.
Beatles
3/5
Bit basic
Marvin Gaye
1/5
Would be 2* due to it being really quite depressing and boring to listen to, but minus one star for being so long too.
Joy Division
2/5
Tried a few times with thos, determined that i liked it underneath, but no, it didnt work.
Circle Jerks
3/5
Energy, but not so well defined, and some of the guitar solos were just a bit shit.
The Smiths
4/5
I love the outright depressing nature of the lyrics, and can appreciate the singers voice when he isn't growling.
Peter Tosh
4/5
Cooking outside, overlooking a lake, listening to this album. Just needed some weed to complete the vibe. -1* due to it not being legalised.
Julian Cope
3/5
Mixed. more than a sum of its parts
Michael Jackson
3/5
Trying to put the woerd pedo man to a side, some certified bangers, some absolutely dull shite.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Uninspiring
Kate Bush
5/5
Any album that ends with a choir personifying donkeys is fine by me.
I had never heard this before, but I have defo heard its influence, it is still influencing albums to this day.
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
Listened to it eating tea by a lake in the sunshine. +1* for that.
Gene Clark
3/5
Dont care much for the all out country, songs, but some good ones beside them.
Sigur Rós
4/5
Similar to what i thought it would spund like, but with more feeling. Good music to yoga to.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
1/5
Both gave me tinitus and sounded like i had tinitus. There is something about this style that i can't grasp.
Madonna
3/5
From thos prject i have learned that i like Madge more than i thought i did. That said, a few weak tracks that sound 'made for disney' let the big tunes down badly.
Sonic Youth
3/5
I dont have time for another listen, i think a few more may bump this up.
Kelela
4/5
Smooth and sexy
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
Did nothing for me
Primal Scream
4/5
Such a relief that they are not the Pearl Jam esq middling rock band from the early 90s that I thought they were.
Some great tracks on here let down by the last few.
The Undertones
3/5
I can't work out if I love or hate his voice. I'm not ambivalent though.
Portishead
3/5
Love their first album, but this was a bit more of a challenging listen, and i just couldn't really get into it.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Fun, not memorable
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
Never heard of them, but I love this asthetic. At some points I felt that the vibrato or whatever it was called was a bit overdone, but otherwise super.
Silver Jews
4/5
A good mix, enjoyed it.
The Stone Roses
4/5
Solid
Nirvana
3/5
Underwhelming, lacking the excitement of their real albums, and it certainly didnt show off kerbain's vocal talents.
3/5
When i was driving to work this morning, I thought "my day really needs some anarchic rock and cosmic jazz". MC5 delivered.
The Prodigy
4/5
Oh yeah! Not heard a full prodigy album before. Got me going. Like most dance albums, trailed off a bit towards the end.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
His voice? What?
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Much better than the later albums I have heard. Enjoyable in the right mood and setting. Lovely words.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Enjoyed forst we take manhatten. After that it went downhill faster than loic bruni. Genuine casio keyboard demo music.
The Band
2/5
Dull americana
Jeff Beck
3/5
Decent enough - though the blues rarely gets me going, and the singer's style is a bit meh.
Talking Heads
3/5
Decent
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
How can you have this on the list, but not the singing postman? Ha ya ma gor a dickie bor?
Beatles
5/5
Only a few 5* songsfor me, but a a whole...
The Flaming Lips
2/5
They need to fuck that singer right off. Grating, obnoxious, terrible. How the fuck do people listen to that immature whine?
The bits when he is not whining are fine.
Digital Underground
4/5
"Man, if I get another VCR imma hurt somebody." is possibly the best closing line to any album ever.
Loved the production on this, some of it is obviously dated, but mostly it was just good fun.
ZZ Top
3/5
Nice pacing, decent enough.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Lots going on, most of it good.
Common
4/5
Thought I wouldn't enjoy this as much as I used to due to seeing through the 'conscious' part of 'conscious rap' now (which I did), but the flow and production is lovely.
However, ain't no-one falling for the 'I would rather have a meaningful conversation than sex with all these fine ladies" stuff, that's defo just another way to try and get laid.
Also, I'm not homophobic, I just don't want them to bring it around me is not exactly conscious rap! However, I don't judge rap albums by their morals.
Devendra Banhart
4/5
Fiona appleesqe, but with less feeling, and a man. Enjoyed it.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Instrumentation... not for me. Voice... really not for me. I appreciate his vibe and some of his lyrics, but as an enjoyable listen... nope.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Ya know what. If someone is going to go full country i want it to be like this, country and western. Gunslingers in bars.
Travis
2/5
As dull as i remember
Suzanne Vega
4/5
Enjoyable style and content mostly
Traffic
4/5
Title track is the best track. Went in with a bit of trepidation thinking it might be a bit generic late 60s early 70s rock (there is a chunk of that in the book), but this one has some love put into it.
The Offspring
5/5
SMASH! I particularly enjoyed that one, lets see what's next...
Ananda Shankar
3/5
It was just acceptably there. Made little impact on me.
George Michael
2/5
I just thought i would find george michael more exciting. Its all a bit sparse. Not good sparse, dull sparse.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Wasn't much
Q-Tip
4/5
Smooth, great voice... but doesn't break any boundaries, especially considering its release year. A safe rap option for the book.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
With his earlier work I felt that it was balanced, and his later work the instrumentation was so funny that it lifted the mood. This is just aggressively depressing. Even the little interlude hints at him revelling in the bitterness. Seems a bit forced.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Enjoyable, but i found that i didn't want to listen to it more than once
Janis Joplin
5/5
Ooh. Power. Not usually into blues, but this is amazing. So sad that she was nit alive to see it released.
I always though janis joplin was a folk singer songwriter. I have now been corrected.
Elton John
2/5
Started off 5*, ended up 1*. Really dropped off in interest and quality. At the start I was surprised by the subtlety. Even the original version of candle in the wind was ok, compared to the shite Diana one. But then it slowly regressed to everyone just mashing all their instruments as hard as they could.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Ooohheee. I knew this from my sisters playing it when i was young.
Thought i would like it, but didn't think it would be this good. Really progresses well through the album, never gets boring.
Adele
3/5
Better than i remembered, or at least the first half was. The piano and vocal balads as shite though.
Undeniable talent, but not always used to her full potential
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
When you have a lot to say, you should say it in a way that makes people want to listen.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Decent, for Dylan. A little too much harmonica. Dad loved it which added to the vibe.
The Verve
3/5
A bit more varied than I expected, some of their tracks that I used to hate I have more appreciation for now, but I still find that they drone on a bit.
Wilco
2/5
Super long surprise country album. Not ideal.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
It's alright, energetic enough, pacey. Did not set my world alight.
Lou Reed
5/5
Some people just exude coolness. Lou Reed is one of those people. I feel like I should hate this album. It is depressing, but it's not a style I usually like... But it's so fucking good!
Tito Puente
4/5
Undoubtable fun
Aerosmith
1/5
My ex wife once had her stool sample analysed and the odour was described as "offensive". This album reminded me of that, and I would almost have rather spent the 47 minutes smelling her turd than listening to this one.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Pretty good, though my 5th Sonic Youth Album so I'm getting a bit tired of them!
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Ooooh yeah. Not lyrically groundbreaking, but the atmosphere they create is unrivalled.
The The
4/5
grew on me on 2nd listen.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Interstellar was cool till the balance effects went a bit too far.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Unbelievable skill, enjoyed it way more than I thought i would enjoy a piano solo.
Weather Report
3/5
A grower, though I think the early tracks sound very dated and didn't age well.
Brian Eno
3/5
Solid. But I find ambient hard to place above a 3. In fact a perfect ambient should strive to be a 3!
Deep Purple
2/5
Too much. Too many long tracks that go nowhere.
Queen
4/5
This version of Queen is so much better than the version i knew before (the later version). Highlight is the march of the black queen.
Elis Regina
3/5
Enjoyable, but unspectacular
ZZ Top
2/5
loud but dull
Beatles
2/5
Bit basic, just ok.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Never used to get the Happy Mondays hype. But, having actually listened to an actual album of theirs I realise that it was one of my many strongly held opinions based on nothing much!
Great tunes for a day in the park drinking cider.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
2/5
Shrugging person emoji. I felt nothing.
Cheap Trick
2/5
Really seemed quite generic and indistinct. Felt like I had heard some of it before, but maybe I was confusing each track with ones earlier in the set.
Cat Stevens
3/5
Decent lyrics. All ok.
Kanye West
5/5
2nd favourite Kanye album. After the luxury of Twisted Dark Fantasy, the decision to strip back the beats and make it more industrial was a great move and really moved things forward.
The album drips with energy. It moves me. The level of arrogancy is great. God features on a track. French bakers wrote a letter because of this album.
The pacing and shifts in energy of "Blood on the Leaves" is perfection.
Thundercat
4/5
An album that I am familiar with, and have never really had a settled opinion about. Some of it just is too much for me, but then for the 'future R&B' bits I think it is great.
David Bowie
2/5
Average music, whiny voice. Could be removed to make way for something that made an impact. Unexceptional in 2013, unexceptional now.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Some of it was lovely, but some of it was so basic. I also have issue with the top review's dig at people who think that good poems don't necessarily make a song amazing as 'pop lovers with 3 minute attention spans'. Some of us can just see past the hype and see a decent poet with average backing music and a slightly grating voice.
That said, this was my second favourite of the 95 Dylan albums that are on the list.
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Still not feeling rock from this era, the kind of muffled sign. The singer also struggles a bit.
Leftfield
4/5
Fun
The Who
3/5
The best WHO album I have heard so far... not saying much as I haven't enjoyed their albums. This had a bit more fun and energy.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Some was so much better than I was expected - I always found Stevie Wonder a little cringey. Very talented, but just didn't vibe with it. There was some of that on this album, but the majority was just great.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
Surprisingly good. Loved the cinematic feel, changes in pace and level of drama.
Air
4/5
Made me want to watch the film - really interesting and atmospheric album
Underworld
4/5
fun. loved air towel
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Dull. I don't mind depressing music, but not dull depressing music
Joy Division
3/5
Easier to get on with than the other joy division I got.
The Smiths
4/5
I rate the Smiths, this project has opened my eyes to them, not just their reputation.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Certainly retains ones attention.
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
Dull. Not a sound worth galvanising.
Fugees
5/5
Lauren Hill on top form. Wyclef on top form. Pras on top form. Top production. Top lyrics. Even the interludes are good.
Top album.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Good, but not 1 hour 45 good.
However, this project has taught me that Stevie Wonder is better than I thought. I though he was all "Isn't she lovely", rather than "Pastime Paradise"
The Young Gods
3/5
Pas Mal, Pas Bien
Bee Gees
2/5
Dirge.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Skills
David Bowie
3/5
Good for a Bowie album. Still not a fan of his voice.
Kid Rock
2/5
For some reason I thought I was special and would enjoy this.
It is pretty shit. Like 71 minutes of WWE entrance music.
I do like some of the bass though.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Pretty cool.
William Orbit
3/5
Enjoyable, not mindblowing
Happy Mondays
3/5
Average
The Temptations
2/5
Did nothing for me. I found it a bit bland.
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
Every time I listen to LCD Soundsystem, I think "I should listen to LCD soundsystem more". As a lover of snowboard film soundtracks from around 2010, I love this vibe.
Adele
3/5
Usual Adele. Some bangers, amazing talent, mostly bland.
R.E.M.
3/5
Solid and unspectacular
Arcade Fire
4/5
I love Arcade Fire, but not in a 5* kind of way
Tom Waits
1/5
So fucking bad. How is this guy rated and famous? I've suffered two albums by him now. Atrocious.
Kraftwerk
5/5
All in on the synths and I love it
Incubus
4/5
Good solid fun rock.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Lacked a little of the edge of San Quentin, but still superb. The Legend of John Henry's Hammer was my highlight.
Neil Young
2/5
Lots of feeling, not a lot of notes hit.
Ray Charles
3/5
Ray Charles is exceptional, this album not so much.
Bad Company
2/5
I felt nothing.
The Clash
4/5
As usual with punk, loved the energy. A few bangers in there
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Definitely an interesting album, found myself really getting into its tales.
The Stooges
4/5
Tuned in and out of this, untill I realised I was listening to some random growling. Listened again, most enjoyable.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Poppy goodness
Röyksopp
4/5
Enjoyable, relaxing. Some songs too much on the relaxing scale though.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
I like that they went all in on this project, you have to commit to something this ridiculous.
Deep Purple
2/5
I'm 58 minutes into a drum solo. Maybe this is what the crowd wanted, but it is not what I want.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Smooth, like a hot comb on nappy-ass hair
The Modern Lovers
2/5
Bit shit. vocalist sounds like he is taking the piss.
Turbonegro
3/5
Did not break any ground. Was also ok
Dolly Parton
4/5
Obviously I've heard of Dolly Parton, but not sure I had actually heard any of her songs... even though she once recorded an album in my small home village of Great Ponton in Lincolnshire.
Anyhow, I thought I would find this an intolerable mix of sickly sweet and country, but it is actually not sickly sweet, and is very good. Excellent songwriting and voice.
Throwing Muses
4/5
This was cool. Bit goaty, but I like goats. Never heard of them, will hear them again.
Frank Zappa
4/5
Much more accessible than the last Zappa I listened to. Enjoyed it quite a bit. Reminded me of riding round lost lake too, which is a bonus.
Frank Ocean
5/5
Oh no! It isn't indie rock or music made in the late 60s/70s! What will we do! All music is ending as we know it!
Some of the reviews here are hilarious. Maybe we should have stopped evolving music when the first caveman struck two bones together and called it a xylophone.
Banging album, took the trends around the time and distilled it into a coherent masterpiece of modern music.
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
Loved the instrumentation, and his vocals are interesting, well done in their style. Subject matter sounds very French.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
A bit all over the place.
Cornershop
4/5
A really excellent and varied album.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
I can see why people would get into this... I just couldn't!
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Really, incredibly boring. I was looking forward to it after the previous album i heard of theirs via this project.
Basement Jaxx
5/5
Pacing is perfect in each song and the album. Not even my favourite basement jaxx album, but still pretty great
Sade
2/5
Dull, but not as excruciating as I was expecting.
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
Really shit.
T. Rex
2/5
Just sort of happened, nothing grabbed me.
Blur
4/5
Good fun, but there are a couple of duds and an interlude track that goes on far too long.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Lovely jazz
Pantera
3/5
Scared my wife.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
1 song i liked, other songs were ok
Duran Duran
2/5
80s meh
Jacques Brel
3/5
Pas mal. Il a trop de passion.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
Beautiful
Coldplay
3/5
Had a lot more to it than my preconcieved notion of it.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Unanimous 4* from my car
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
A new one for me, didn't light my fire
2/5
Pretty single paced, no adventurerous dullsville
Motörhead
3/5
Weird voice, shit lyrics, good vibes
Chicago
2/5
Really hard one to rate as it is so inconsistent. It would probably have been a 3 or 4 if it wasn't for shite like the free form guitar song.
The Undertones
4/5
Voice didn't annoy me as much as last time
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Thought i whole album of belle and sebastian would be too much for me, but it didn't grate at all.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
A little too heavy on the flute
Stevie Wonder
2/5
This is more like the stevie wonder i had in my mind. Technical proficiency wasted on shite balads.
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
Well.i got more feeling from this than i dod the stevie wonder i had yesterday... but equally, it was a hard listen. Quite a tricky one to rate.
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
Lively and urgent
AC/DC
2/5
Quite funny really
Ryan Adams
2/5
Really dull generic Americana.
The Sonics
4/5
I get the wow criticism, but this has a cool vobe of its own.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Didn't shake me.
Meat Loaf
1/5
Jesus fucking christ this is shit. Even the one I thought I liked, turns out I only liked a snippet of, not the entire 9634 minute long song.
Stereo MC's
4/5
That's who made all those songs then!
Led Zeppelin
3/5
A little too much twangy guitar in places
The Triffids
1/5
Really bland. Pretty terrible sound too - I thought I was listening though my phone speaker, not my nice fancy headphones.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
More B&S Niceness
Throbbing Gristle
3/5
Maybe being 525 albums in has prepped me for this kind of thing. Maybe it has made be grateful for it not being late 60s/early 70s rock. Either way, I kind of got into it.
Moby
4/5
A classic, so many hits, cool samples. I always thought he was skateboarding on the cover, it's only during this review that I realised he is just jumping. Felt a bit sad about that.
Metallica
2/5
2 good songs, but even they could have done with tightening up time wise. Lots of dull shite. Metal that is not speed metal just seems dreary to me.
Nanci Griffith
2/5
Not the worst example of a pretty unappealing (to me) genre.
GZA
4/5
Great lyricism and atmosphere. Production is a bit generic wu-tangy though, which is partly great, but partly made me want something a bit different.
Elvis Presley
2/5
Hints of pub singer. Hints of good energy. Some utter dross.
Bee Gees
3/5
A bit twee. Well done, but not to my liking.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
Lacking in emotion, too smooth by half.
The Kinks
4/5
Bright and breezy
Depeche Mode
4/5
First time I've really enjoyed listening to Depeche Mode. They're grown on me.
Hole
4/5
Powerful
Dire Straits
3/5
Dipped in and out a bit as it didn't hold my attention despite never having heard any Dire Straits before, but I did notice Sultans of Swing was a groove.
Robbie Williams
2/5
Came in to this determined to overturn my long held contempt for Robbie Williams and this album.
Couldn't. It's a mixture of dullness, and shit rhymes.
Femi Kuti
4/5
Always a fun listen.
Neil Young
3/5
More North American mediocrity. Well made, but boring music to listen to in your pickup.
5/5
Haven't grown out of it yet! Love the synths, loves the ridiculousness.
Still regret not seeing them around the time of this album - I was on a run near Wembley Stadium around the time of this album and heard their soundcheck for the concert to support this album. Sounded amazing.
Elton John
3/5
Much more subtlety than the last Elton album I got. I can now appreciate why he is rated.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
On another day, this may have been a 4, i like the pace and energy. But I think I really wasn't in the mood for it today, and some of it just seemed a bit too try hard.
Boston
3/5
Made me smile, but not want to press play again. Undoubted fun.
Slint
4/5
Quickly grew on me. Creates a kind of hypnotic groove
2/5
It never dawned on me how bad his voice or raps were. However, it still has some good stuff on there, in amongst the cringe.
Radiohead
4/5
more quality whining.
The Doors
4/5
Normally find the blues boring, and whilst this didn't blow me away like some Door's songs have done, it was still a great listen.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Though I have never heard this album before, I heard so many bits of it from samples in modern music. Has stood the test of time.
Blue Cheer
4/5
Sound was a bit limp in places, but energy wasn't. Love that this is proto metal.
Aphex Twin
5/5
Ambient perfection
Dire Straits
3/5
A bit soft, quite 80s.
Brian Eno
4/5
By this river - what a beauty. Enjoyed the slower songs more than the 1st half of the album.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I have learnt in the past 560 albums that Joni Mitchell was much better and more interesting than I thought, but that I still wouldn't listen to her music by choice.
Paul Simon
3/5
He likes to mix up the styles and has many international influences clearly, but it leads to some of it feeling a little "inauthentic" for want of a better word.
SZA
4/5
Decent, but perhaps too long.
The Lemonheads
2/5
A proper meh album. floppy.
The Zombies
4/5
A sunny afternoon type album
Randy Newman
3/5
Nice clear story telling. Comes out swinging with the first song. Is a bit up and down, and musically didn't excite me, but defo glad i got to experience it.
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
Mostly cheese. Some i would appreciate in the middle of a set on a funk radio show maybe.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Music was cool, guys voice put me off
CHIC
4/5
PARTY
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Could have been from 20 years after it was made. Loved the style, vibezzz, etc.
Madness
3/5
The quality follows the same trajectory as the title - with a rise at the end as the last track is a goodun.
Radiohead
4/5
Sounds like radiohead, i like it
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Beautiful
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Thoughtful, non cheesy ⁸⁰s pop
Thin Lizzy
2/5
Basic. Inauthentic. Shit.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Not perfect, but good fun. I actually think that they may have influenced The Offspring, as strange as that may seem.
The Cure
5/5
Real feeling in this one. It has energy, but not in the normal was I think of music with energy. Loved it.
Rod Stewart
1/5
I'm sure he is a sound guy. But his albums that I've listened to so far have been so dull. And his voice is horrible.
Supergrass
4/5
Supergrass were underrated, at least by my. Eclectic and fun.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Powerful and exciting.
Magazine
4/5
This was cool. Not punk like I thought it was going to be. I even enjoyed the singers slightly different voice.
New York Dolls
4/5
Had this straight after Magazine, and they seem to be the same band, separated by an Ocean. Decent pre-punk
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Jimi Hendrix was cool. His music exudes coolness. Bit sometimes it only leaves me warm.
Heaven 17
3/5
+1 for the album cover. +1 for the vocal delivery.
KISS
1/5
It appears that the best thing about KISS is grandma dressing up as Gene Simmons from KISS to cheer up Happy Gilmore.
Beyond basic.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Usually find blues boring, but this was superb. Had me going all the way through.
Fishbone
3/5
Straight fun, sometimes with a message, sometimes just funny.
Merle Haggard
2/5
Dullsville, USA.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
meeeeh
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Such a strong performance. I didn't find it groundbreaking at the time, but have come to really love pretty much all the album. But especially back to black.
Public Enemy
3/5
Dated production and flows, but the anger still pops out the songs and the energy is high. Still, despite loving hip hop and rap, and hating racists, I still don't really enjoy listening to public enemy
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
I wasn't aware that they did the Happy Gilmore song. That was a bonus. Big fan of Free Bird due to a drunken night trying to pass it on guitar hero too! Hadn't heard the rest, a lot of it was pretty good. Some to American for my liking.
Cypress Hill
4/5
Top production, nice rhymes, very distinctive voice.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Always seemed to clean and overproduced to me, lacking the edge that made early Arctic Monkeys great.
Steely Dan
3/5
Too smooth. The sort of thing to put on at a dinner that isn't romantic, but where you don't want the music to get in the way.
Very precise production though, as others have noted. I did enjoy its crispness.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Unbelievable voice. Decent cover of A Natural Women (though in my opinion not as good as King's), but got a bit bored through bits of the album
Def Leppard
1/5
So bad. This kind of music is the only one that this project has not been able to shake me of my dislike for! I even enjoy some country now. But this. Man. Shit drum sounds. Shit lyrics. General shit ambiance. Doesn't come across any having any degree of legit human authenticity to it.
Contrived bullshit designed to make them rich and popular with the ladies. I can't argue with their motivation, but it doesn't mean I want to hear the outcome!
Sparks
4/5
1st time I had heard of Sparks... though had heard This Town... before. Not too long, lots of fun.
Björk
4/5
Wasn't looking forward to this - I always felt this album was the beginning of inaccessible and unenjoyable bjork. But actually, despite it's experimentation, it still sets wonderful scenes that get me through my office day.
Also, Rahzel is great. Once saw a gig of his where he brought along roses and gave one to each woman in the audience. Really casts a wide net.
Santana
4/5
Oh, not just technical guitar playing. Actually cool and fun beats.
Lucinda Williams
2/5
Inoffencive and sleepy in a bad way.
Paul McCartney and Wings
2/5
Dull.
The Pretty Things
4/5
Really enjoyed this. A little try-hard in places, but otherwise dreamy and fun.
50 Cent
4/5
I liked this more than I thought I did - I loved it back in the day, but had even erased it from my collection as I thought it was something I wouldn't listen to again. However, production is better than I thought it was, style was more enjoyable than I remembered. Plus I went back and listened to the jarule duets 2 skit that came shortly after this album, and it still cracks me up, so +1* for that.
Rush
3/5
Goes on a bit. Don't really like the lyrical stylings of the lead singer.
Fred Neil
3/5
Everybody's talking is super, as is the last track.
CHIC
3/5
Enjoyed it, but not in a rush to listen again.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Had some high points, but many low points. Far too many pitch changes, like a forerunner to shit boy bands in the 2000s.
Queen
3/5
quite Queen. Sometimes I think it is great, then it just drifts off into too much.
Beastie Boys
5/5
If I break it down into its parts, no one bit is massively to my taste. But as a whole... Fantastic. Great fun.
Kanye West
5/5
What a pleasure to be around and enjoying Kanye before he became a complete cunt. Jay really did have classics to his beats. So did Kanye.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
Enjoyed a couple of songs, but experimental noise music is wasted on me.
The Roots
5/5
The percussion on this is worth 5 stars on its own.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Well done, but fairly uninspiring, indie rock.
Tom Waits
2/5
A significant improvement on the 2 other Tom Waits albums I've had to suffer through so far on this project. 2*
Bauhaus
3/5
Kind of fun. Also kind of shit.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Excellent combo between the two rappers. Love the interplay.
Aerosmith
2/5
For this era of rock, it was ok. Though -1* for the abomination that is my big 10" record.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
That is a lot of bluegrass. Reminded me of when I used to play railway tycoon and it had bluegrass as the soundtrack. I used to turn the music off.
Obviously, 2 hours to too long, but it was more sufferable than I imagined.
Nico
2/5
Comically German.
I enjoyed some of the instrumentation, some of it was too much, but it raised it above the 1* her voice deserved.
SAULT
5/5
Undeniable vibes. Hadn't heard this before, and I'm not sure how.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
So so
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Just kind of floated over me. In a good way.
Dr. John
3/5
Interesting. Listening without drugs in my office is probably not the best way to experience this.
George Harrison
3/5
Too long. Sounds like Beatles offcuts, because it is.
Deee-Lite
4/5
Basically Beyonce's latest album but more fun.
The Cure
4/5
Love its style.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
"I am the worst thing since Elvis Presley To do black music so selfishly And use it to get myself wealthy" Eric Clapton, 1966
Not bad for a blues album, which i usually find deathly dull.
The Incredible String Band
3/5
Some of it was odd, but I'm a sucker for a bit of jews harp.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Fairly dull indie pop. Needed a bit more oompf.
Iron Maiden
4/5
The best example of this kind of music. Crisp and genuinely exciting to listen to.
Eminem
5/5
Takes me back to playing N64 in my bedroom. Those saying that it hasn't aged well may be missing the point - it was considered not right when it was released!
Absolutely love the production, the controversy, the ridiculousness. As much as I love the singles, I really really love the second half of the album, especially from Rock Bottom.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Yeah, fan of this, hard hitting folk!
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
There is a small mercy in the speed that they whip through each song. But that is also part of the problem, seemed like they just wanted to pump some tracks out, nothing much of substance to be found.
David Bowie
2/5
I keep trying with Bowie, he keeps failing.
New Order
2/5
Now I know where Adam Sandler got the inspiration for the bits where his character was having a breakdown in The Wedding Singer.
Goldie
5/5
Yeeeew. Rolling drum and bass perfection. There was the occasional one that didn't fire for me, but overall, fantastic.
Wilco
2/5
Bit whiny in places. Tries hard, but fails.
Megadeth
4/5
As good as thrash metal is going to get.
Nina Simone
4/5
I just love Nina Simone! Normally this time and genre of music would not illicit much response from me, but she just raises things.
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
Nice modern R&B. Interesting to listen to an album of character studies, humorous in places. However, wasn't really pushing any boundaries musically.
Little Simz
5/5
Feeling, passion, introspection, great live instrumentation. Boss, which was one of the most famous songs off the album was actually my least favourite, which is strange as I usually love confrontational music.
Had Jasmine Sullivan yesterday, and whilst I enjoyed that, the energy of this blows it out the water.
Fiona Apple
5/5
A really interesting album. Love the live percussion, love the understated passion.
My lockdown album of choice.
The Young Rascals
4/5
A bit of everything. Fun with it. Interesting cover of A place in the sun - I had only heard this on one of the Trojan compilations before. Didn't expect to hear it with an organ backing!
Van Halen
1/5
Not familiar with Van Halen, but had an impression of them in my head...
Jump came on... oh shit, I got Van Halen wrong.
Rest of the album... I got Van Halen right.
One good song, the rest was woeful, shit lyrics, boring. I am feeling shame listening to it.
1* despite Jump
Pretenders
4/5
Particularly enjoyed the slower stuff. I had confused the Pretenders with the Proclaimers, so the opening track came as a shock!
Eels
4/5
Strangely enjoyable
Soul II Soul
3/5
It is a bit dull, but an ok kind of dull. However, was a bit surprised that the album version for Back To Life was mostly accapella. Rated that album after listening to the single version of back to life!
Elvis Presley
2/5
I thought he had never left?
The Cars
4/5
2nd listen was a charm on this one, began to really get into it, especially the 2nd half of the album
Guided By Voices
4/5
This is cool.
Boards of Canada
4/5
Lovely, really enjoyed it and will listen again when in the mood. May pop happy cycling on when I go for bike rides.
Doves
2/5
I once downloaded the Doves Greatest Hits and ended up deleting every except "Here Come The Fear". No tracks from this album were missed off the Greatest Hits.
2* for here comes the fear
Otis Redding
4/5
Approached with trepidation... but this was a cut above most the soul albums on here.
Genesis
3/5
Bit all over the place. Whilst I enjoy whimsy, this went a bit too far.
David Bowie
3/5
My favourite Bowie album, which is not saying much.
Paul Weller
2/5
bit dull
Elvis Costello
2/5
Dull with several capital Zs.
Roxy Music
3/5
Not Dull, but not exciting. Not plain, but not weird. 3* through and through.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Less dreary than I thought, though I started to drift away from it about half way through.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Beautifully weird. Song titles great, as usual. Some interesting use of the stereo balance. Way ahead of the curve on the ASMR trend.
Just too disjointed in places to be a 5 - i couldn't listen to it every day!
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Pretty Decent. Nice voice.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Was dead excited for this given how much I love her latest album. Was good, but is more the seed of what is to come, which is expected given its age and her age.
Linkin Park
3/5
Linkin Park were always a bit to clinical and ordered for my liking - I went to a gig which has Jay-Z and Linkin Park as co headliners... and by far and away the best act of the day was Enter Shikari. Before LP came on to the stage, little stands were put on top of the monitor speakers so that the band members could look cool by putting a foot up on the speakers, without being unsafe.
This album was fairly safe, but still enjoyable. Just missing that bit of chaos or risk.
Bill Callahan
3/5
I write shit haikus.
Bill writes in the same style.
Three stars shine brightly.
The White Stripes
5/5
Daaaah da da da da daaaaah da.
Stripped back music, retaining all the energy and fun that makes it great.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
After 2 pretty dire 'stones albums so far, this one is much more worthy of the hype
The Gun Club
4/5
First listen... Amazing, energy, sounds fresh, 4 or 5 star. Second listen it started to show some of its flaws. Still good, but 3 or 4 stars instead. I won't listen again so that it can keep 4.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Really torn on this. Yes it is not that exciting, but also, it is done really well for what it is....
Van Morrison
3/5
Split on this. It has atmosphere, but also a lot of wailing. To the extend that my girlfriend made me turn it off as it was pecking her head.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Cover had me prepped to give 1 or 2, music was better than the cover suggested.
Side note, I received a CV today that was strikingly similar in design and colour scheme to this album cover.
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
Even the crowd didn't come across as hyped. Solid music, won't listen again thoug,
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Beautiful, varied, never dull.
The Prodigy
5/5
ENERGY. Some complete bangers. Even the 9 minute track was manageable. Plus it had some fantastic mid 90s dance rap on it, which is a fetish of mine.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Pretty unspectacular
Hüsker Dü
2/5
Had this back-to-back with Speakerboxx/The love Below by Outkast. One of them was a double album that varied all the way through and kept me interested. The other was like listening to the same REM knockoff song on repeat.
3/5
Could fully get into it
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
Has substance. Has brass. Was expecting some early 80s mediocre pop due to come on eileen, but this was more than that.
Richard Hawley
1/5
Not sure why this was made, let alone what it is doing in the book. Made 50 years and 10,000km away from when and where it should be.
Bon Jovi
2/5
It's shit, I hate it, but it would seem disingenuous to give it 1* as it was defo influential and catchy.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Standard Stevie Wonder fayre. Competent, funky in places, but let down by sickly sweet ballads where he does too much and that fucking high pitched harmonica or whatever it is.
4/5
Could listen to it all day on repeat - puts me in a good place.
OutKast
5/5
So many stars. It's long, but I love every minute of it. Two different styles, each one adding to this great double album.
Andre 3000's used to be my favourite, but I think Big Boi's has maybe stood the test of time more... or maybe I just like the party vibes more now that I'm not an emotional teenager!
The Everly Brothers
2/5
A song about how women come in different sizes because they are "made for loving" is an inauspicious start. Gets better from there.
The Byrds
3/5
Solid
Spiritualized
5/5
They've conned themselves 5 stars. It's a 4* album, with a beautiful floaty feeling, but rules are rules, and inclusion of a jew's harp is mandatory +1*
Hawkwind
2/5
There's a couple of really good songs in there, but the whole thing, and even the good songs, are far, far too long. I like some long songs and albums, but they have to go somewhere... this did not.
Moby Grape
4/5
Overall good vibes
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Funky, cool.
4/5
Pretty super, loved the tracks about war
Fairport Convention
4/5
Top quality folk... A sentence I have never written before.
Sisters Of Mercy
2/5
naaah
3/5
Nothing blew me away. Natures way was decent.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Moving without being smultzy, a wonderful voice.
k.d. lang
3/5
Mostly not my cup of tea, but the version I had had constant cravings on it, which I love. Much better than the last K.D. album I had on this project.
Syd Barrett
1/5
Sounded slowed down. Appreciate someone getting critically acclaimed and having my shower voice though.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I think I found an abridged version, which was far better than the previous Neil Young i reviewed... though maybe due to its brevity.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Fantastic bassline or whatever it is that is leading the first track. So funky. A really solid and fun album.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Pop at its funnest
Johnny Cash
1/5
Johnny Cash made me realise that country can be decent. Loved his prison albums.
But this is dross.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Soulful and lovely
De La Soul
4/5
Love most of it, but it does have a bit too much filler to be 5*
John Grant
4/5
Beautifully written songs well sung.
Beatles
3/5
Some lovely songs in there, but some of the more 'avant-garde' stuff was a bit shit
Sinead O'Connor
2/5
I was expecting to be blown away, like an even more powerful Carol King, but it was just a whimper really.
Anita Baker
3/5
Solid, nice voice. A little uninspiring in places though.
Neil Young
3/5
The best Neil Young I have heard to date, only a few songs where his voice was over whiney.
Cowboy Junkies
5/5
Actually fantastic. If country was actually like this most the time, I would love it.
Richard Thompson
4/5
Excellent folk. The last track is particularly fantastic.
Green Day
3/5
Love basket case, but it was generally a bit samey
The Avalanches
4/5
Amazingly composed, and fairly enjoyable
Pere Ubu
3/5
Lacking flow, but not intensity
Tom Waits
2/5
Rambling, though not without charm
Brian Eno
3/5
Decent.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
Girlfriend hated it. I enjoyed it. Album cover is great too. Wouldn't listen again too quickly, but did make good music to work to.
Calexico
5/5
Never heard of them before. Will really enjoy listening to this multiple times I think, was just a very pleasant experience!
Mike Ladd
4/5
Grew on me. Flow is not to my taste, a bit awkward, but overall sound is nice.
Jane Weaver
4/5
Pretty cool. Didn't blow me away. Can't help but think that 2017 came with some more influential albums than this though.
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
Super
Suede
2/5
just a bit indistinct, really didn't like the production. Tried it on several speakers to see if it was just my usual set up, but no.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
Synthy averageness
Pavement
4/5
Pavement are a band I discovered through this project and who are decent, but not that exciting for my ears.
CHVRCHES
4/5
Solid vibes, was the peak of this kind of music
U2
1/5
This is what happens when you fuck around with the reverb knob too much.
The Byrds
3/5
Fairly uninspiring.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Too unstructured for my liking, dragged on.
Stereolab
5/5
Really really enjoyable. I have a soft spot for females singing in French, and for this kind of chill electronic music.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
California Dreamin' is a banger, surrounded by a bunch of solid harmonies, etc!
Ute Lemper
1/5
Ugh.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Clearly a lot of skill, but it was a bit soulless.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
It's just not that exciting is it.
Pulp
5/5
brilliant. Depraved tales. Lovely use of different volumes and tempos within tracks. Subtly awesome.
Radiohead
4/5
Having only meaningfully listened to their other 'big' album, I was expecting to be blown away by this, given the reviews and reputation.
It was good, by my mind remains intact.
Marianne Faithfull
5/5
Never heard of her... she certainly has an interesting story, and this album is full of feeling. Was a solid 4*, but the final track bumped it up to a 5. Music with feeling and style, and I guess it must have been pretty ahead of its time too.
Missy Elliott
5/5
Give me some of this in a bun. Varied, and I even like the slower singy ones, which doesn't often happen for me on rap albums!
Elvis Costello
2/5
Annoying yet dull
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Bomb Track I know due to my sister learning to play it on bass guitar back in the day (hi Mimi!). Other than that it is only really killing in the name I knew... but the whole thing is done with such feeling that you can't deny. Red Hot Chilli Peppers took a lot from this and made it shit (or did Rage take it from RHCP and make it good)?
The Vines
4/5
Noisey enough to be fun.
U2
3/5
Best U2 I have heard by far. Started strong, then tailed off. But at least gave me a glimpse of why some people rate them.
Too fuzzy, and I still find the blues to be dull more often than not.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I want to like LCD Soundsystem more than I actually do. It was OK.
Stan Getz
4/5
Sat on the bus travelling through the Bulgarian countryside, eating a banitsa, listening to a bunch of united Statesians playing some smooth Brazillain music which is drowning out the sound of the poor girl a few seats back suffering from severe travel sickness.
Sugar
2/5
Listened through all of this, excited for Man on the Moon, only to find out it wasn't the Man on the Moon that I was expecting.
All in all, not bad, but pretty unspectacular. My man's voice got on my tits a bit.
Khaled
2/5
Really varied, and such hard to rate. Some of it was far too soft for my ears. Some decent tunes in there. Having Arab music on the radio frequently for the past 8 years had led to me being a bit over the stylings in general. Mele habiti is pretty decent though.
The Monkees
2/5
Too safe
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
Of its age... essentially has 2 intros, the terrible outro, attempts to sing without a singing voice (-1*). Also, luxurious beats, really lovely production, decent lyrics, a few real bangers (kick push 1 and 2, daydreamin', etc).
Love
4/5
Between a 3 and a 4, I could appreciate its imagination and energy, but wouldn't want to listen to it too often
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Love Dirty Computer, had high hopes for this, and whilst it was good, it was too long, could have been edited down to make it hit harder. Still enjoyed it, but my enjoyment started waning!
Duke Ellington
4/5
Agreed with the majority here, Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue is a banger.
Incredible Bongo Band
2/5
They ruined In A Gadda Da Vida, an unforgivable sin.
This strikes me as the 70s version of those horrifically middle of the road acoustic covers of decent music you hear in shops and hotels nowadays.
However, Apache was a tune.
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
What a mess. Not in a hot crazy girl kind of way, I wouldn't even want 15 minutes in the pub loos with this album.
I continue to be dumfounded by his success.
Barry Adamson
2/5
Some sort of weird show reel. Not sure why I am having to listen to it.
Not that it is unlistenable... but it is not that super.
John Lennon
4/5
Way better than I was expecting, thought it was going to be very experimental, but was actually solid and full of feeling.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
It was kind of cool. Pretty chill. I like how fussy they were over synth quality. But It's not something I'd have on regular rotation.
Hot Chip
5/5
Look at where we are is a beautiful song, and it is surrounded by a vast array of energies, each presented in sometimes chaotic, sometimes soothing electronic sounds.
4/5
Really nicely done
3/5
The right kind of experimental rock
Television
4/5
Could have been made much more recently and still sounded up-to-date, which is quite a feat.
The Slits
3/5
Wow, they were all in. Fun, especially 'heard it through the grapevine'. Shit, but fun.
Michael Jackson
2/5
Really funky start followed by a load of dross. So much talent, so little taste.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
As per the velvet underground, it had undoubtable style. Last song did my head in a bit though
N.E.R.D
3/5
Never got into this album when I was younger, despite loving their preceding album (and even having a glow in the dark BRAIN hat). Thought I may have grown into, but it still just seems a bit disjointed to me, and just not fun to listen to.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Good Dylan at his best.
Laura Nyro
4/5
Started off not feeling it, but it really develops as it goes on and is far more interesting than it first appears.
Bad Brains
3/5
Better than most 80s rock.
Meat Puppets
3/5
Was definitely different to what I was expecting. Enjoyed it moderately.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
Punk evolved. Never heard anything by them before, but it was most pleasant to listen to.
Adam & The Ants
4/5
I thought Adam and the Ants were more cheesy 80s. This was actually pretty wild and cool.
Hookworms
4/5
Plodded along, this kind of generic electro indie always scratches an itch for me
The Darkness
4/5
All in fun, with some surprisingly deep moments
John Cale
4/5
Worth a second listen, lyrically and muscially strong in the most. Occasionally a little soft for my liking
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
A little all over the place. Nothing grabbed me. Spinning wheel was aight.
The Dictators
3/5
Good fun. Some um... slightly dated ideas in there, but none done with malice from what I can tell.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
For what it is, it is well done, there is a radio channel here that plays this kind of thing a lot, this is better than most of what they play.
Thankfully I couldn't understand the lyrics, otherwise they would probs do my head in by being all goddy.
Can
4/5
Still future days.
The Damned
4/5
was cool
Machito
4/5
Good energy, good fun.
David Ackles
1/5
Just can't get into it. no flow, lacking vibrancy. Dull. Goddy.
Lambchop
2/5
They did it nice enough, but i barely noticed it happening.
Alice In Chains
2/5
Grunge remains a dreary mess. I keep trying with it, it keeps failing.
The Smashing Pumpkins
1/5
Whilst the music on this is by far not the worst I've had generated in the 777 albums so far, it is inexcusably long, and the singers voice is inexcusably shit.
Instruments 3*
Length -1*
Vocals -1*
Kings of Leon
5/5
Yes yes yes. No nonsense, full energy, distinct style. Came through like a breath of fresh air at the time.
I saw them live after this album, then after then album that followed. The first gig they literally said nothing between the songs. Absolutely loved it.
The second gig you could tell they hit the big time as they had a glitter ball on stage and I think they may have introduced themselves!
Stephen Stills
2/5
It's not technically bad, but it is bad. Just twangling and his annoying voice. Really couldn't be bothered with it.
Common
5/5
I used to think Common could be a bit too sincere, and I still do a bit. But can't deny the quality of production on this and actually I enjoyed it more than I remembered
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Not my favourite jazz album, seemed to suffer from a lack of urgency.
Kate Bush
5/5
Despite being a 100% verified fan of "A Kick Inside", I hadn't heard this album before. I have now, and I will again many times.
Sebadoh
3/5
Not as grungy as I was worried it would be. Unpolished. OK
Roni Size
5/5
ooooohwweeeee. I used to like this album, but hadn't come back to it for a long time. Now I have a much wider knowledge of drum & bass, and a better sound system, it is banging in new ways for me!
Cocteau Twins
4/5
floated along nicely
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Could this be the worst vocal performance of all time? Shit vocals are part of the punk aesthetic... but this is not punk, so what's the excuse?
Saved by the last few instrumentals.... and the bass all the way through.
Scott Walker
2/5
Too smooth, too dull.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Nice voice and all, but dull.
Korn
2/5
couple of ok songs, but overall it tended towards being shit.
Roxy Music
2/5
Shrug of shoulders.
Janet Jackson
3/5
It's ok, actually not as soppy baledy as I expected.
Barry Adamson
3/5
Better than Moss Side Story. Not better than an album not made as a fictional film score. Still not convinced of the merits of this album being on the list.
Dagmar Krause
2/5
It's the Anglo-German classic war music revival album, that I never knew I needed to hear. Because I didn't need to hear it.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
I remember being hyped for this when it came out, but it never quite scratching the itch I thought it would, and I still feel the same.
It didn't capture what made each contributor's band great, it almost became their lowest common denominator.
Motörhead
2/5
YouTube stats for the original version of this album:
Ace of spades: 13M plays.
The rest: 3.5M between them.
That sums up this album.
Also, haha to the person who listened to the 2+ hour expanded version!
Goldfrapp
4/5
They were still finding their natural energy in this album it sounds like. It's all pretty interesting, though not mind blowing.
Ian Dury
3/5
he committed to his own lane. i respect that.
Haircut 100
4/5
I was dreading this based on the cover. It was actually a funky little number.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Got a bit samey.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
The more I listened, the more I appreciated it. Pleasantly miserable.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Little bit samey, and yet such a welcome relief from a bit of a low score run of average old rock that i've been on.
Kate Bush
4/5
I love Kate Bush, but this isn't her at her most interesting best. However, This Woman's Work is a great closer, reminds me of FKA Twigs, who I also love!
Just seemed to lack a bit of the experimentalism of some of her other albums.
Beck
4/5
Beck is different music to what I thought it was! An enjoyable mash of styles.
The Youngbloods
2/5
Just one big shoulder shrug
Steve Winwood
4/5
I appreciated the synths, they were of their time, but cool. Kind of had Steve Wonder vibes, his better more upbeat stuff, less of the shit balads.
The Who
3/5
The best The Who album I've had so far, I think because it had a sense of fun.
The Fall
2/5
Lacked the 'charm' (wrong word, but can't think of a better one right now) of their other album I heard, and was generally quite hard to listen to loud.
Tom Tom Club
4/5
A fun train wreck! Maybe like a mad rollercoaster that goes wrong but no-one gets seriously hurt, so everyone just enjoyed the wild ride.
Os Mutantes
3/5
I think they had more fun making this than I had listening to it. A rare one where I think I will be pessimistic on the rating - had a lot of 4* vibes, but the second half grabbed me less.
FKA twigs
5/5
I don't get a lot of the criticism of this album in the top reviews. Yes lots of artists sound like this now... but they didn't when it was released! Also, it sounds great on proper speakers.
It is also a remarkably sexy album and I have had a lot of sex with this as the background music, so that does endear it to me somewhat!
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
The album story is more interesting than the album, which is light instrumentation and mostly indiscernible lyrics.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
No too sweet, has son of a preacher man, but faded into the background a bit for me.
Django Django
5/5
Love synths, love steady paced dance music. This just has a fantastic and consistent energy that I love.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Just not that super. Not terrible, but really didn't break any boundaries, apart from some good taste boundaries in the lyrics.
The Killers
4/5
Extra star for familiarity. Great start, but tailed off.
The Waterboys
2/5
The sort of music that would be much better to hear live than on an an album. Would enjoy this at a pub or beer festival or whatever, in its natural habitat.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Like the Emily Dickinson poems they allude to, a bit too light and airy for my taste.
Van Morrison
3/5
A toe tapper. Very well recorded and mixed for a live album
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
For some reason I hadn't listened to much A Tribe Called Quest. But that will change now. This was an absolute banger.
I love all their styles and flows, and it just oozed quality,
Scritti Politti
3/5
Fun synths, started strong, tailed off in the middle, got a bit ridiculous at the end.
Les Rythmes Digitales
4/5
Really good. Excellent cover, really well made dance music.
R.E.M.
3/5
Less miserable than I was expecting
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
Fairly forgettable. Apart from the heroin song, which i remembered.
Morrissey
3/5
I can't help but enjoy Morrissey's voice and the overall asthetic, though there were a few songs towards the end that grated a bit.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
standard solid Bob Marley Album
TV On The Radio
4/5
Decent, but I struggled to get enthused by it.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Great voice, shit songs.
The White Stripes
4/5
Another exercise in doing more with less. Nicely done
The Associates
3/5
Possibly as 80s as it is possible to be.
Venom
1/5
What's going on with the terrible production?
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
Solid, but I've never found NIN remotely enjoyable to listen to.
Kings of Leon
3/5
If you fit loads of energy into something the size of a barn, it will be buzzing. You spread that energy over something the size of a stadium, and it may be middling at best.
That is what went wrong with the Kings of Leon.
The Fall
3/5
Droned on a bit, everything merged into everything else, which is a shame as the mix was decent and there was the beginnings of something good in there.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
much more enjoyable than the previous 85 Elvis Costello albums the generator served up
Morrissey
3/5
Goes along nicely. Bit pretentious, but not unlistenably so.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
actually better than her older album i got from the list.
The Police
4/5
Unpretentious fun.
John Coltrane
4/5
Really solid Jazz album.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Great to work to. The band name does hint that it is designed for people who are on a chemical induced buzz, but I'm on a spreadsheet induced buzz and loving it.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Certainly not as accessible, and for me not as enjoyable, as their other work.
The Waldo story went on far too long, as did the final song. The Waldo story I would not have missed if it wasn't there, and the final song would have been better for being a lot shorter, it didn't go to enough places to warrant its length.
Bert Jansch
3/5
bobbed along at a lovely rate
Little Richard
3/5
very consistent. Would happily never listen again, so can't give it a 4.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Enjoyable, even though I have only rudimentary Arabic and French.
The Jam
4/5
Didn't think I was keen on Paul Weller solo material, so was expecting not to enjoy this, but it was super.
The Cult
3/5
usually classic rock is offensively bland. This was just bland, so that is a plus.
Shouldn't have read the review about the yeahs before listening, it was all i could hear!
The The
4/5
Shit band name, good synths,
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Hype. Most enjoyable.
The Auteurs
3/5
Was worried it going to get a bit shoegazey, but brightened up
Jeru The Damaja
4/5
Solid, if slightly indistinct East coast USA rap
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
I decided 800 albums ago to only rate the music, not the nonce... sorry... artist. You should all do the same, or at least be consistent... yes Kanye is an antisemitic dick, but if you give him 1 star for that but 5* to all 90 Bowie albums, who defo slept with 12 year old groupies... then what does that say about your opinion of banging children?
So this was cool, must have been awesome at the time.
+1 for robot Kermit looking for a perfect beat.
-1 for every song being too long.
Björk
4/5
Fully Bjork. I love Bjork, but her more recent work has suffered from a lack of mixing up the pace and atmosphere throughout the album.
Still gorgeous, but not as fully amazing or exciting as some of her earlier work.
Ali Farka Touré
5/5
Super. Even better than his posthumous album that I heard recently.
Taylor Swift
2/5
very competent, but uninspiring. Dragged on a bit.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Couldn't find much going for it. Was surprised it was not from the 60s.
The Yardbirds
3/5
Big fan of turn into earth. Some of it grated though.
Orbital
4/5
nice noises arranged in a pleasing manner
The Monks
2/5
Protoshite
Holger Czukay
3/5
unusual, but ok
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Loved the music, but not the singing as much. Many of the instrumentals would make great music for big mountain ski touring type films.
White Denim
4/5
Much deeper than the cover and band name suggested. Very well done indie.
Pere Ubu
2/5
Tried it twice, didn't get it.
The Kinks
3/5
Solid Kinks material
Robert Wyatt
2/5
First track was really hard to enjoy. Got marginally better.
Sepultura
3/5
Nicely done for what it is
Talking Heads
3/5
A mixed bag. Some really nice stuff and then some fairly average.
N.W.A.
4/5
I thought it would be all stone cold gangster rap bangers, but was surprised by the more traditional hip hop tracks in there too, reminding me of it's age and I guess how much of a diversion some of the tracks were from what was around at the time.
Yes it is misogynistic, etc, but I think mostly that was them committing to the bit.
Public Enemy
4/5
Strong
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
Good god. His voice is grating. Especially on the first song.
2/5
Not even a hastily arranged orchestra could save this mid tier Beatles cover band of an album.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Black Sabbath has been one of the revelations of this project for me.
Gary Numan
5/5
Man I wish I could have heard this one in the full context of when it came out. Top music, top album cover too.
JAY Z
5/5
Production on point, so crisp. Jay-Z on form too, and this was at the time of the Nas beef. Top stuff.
Can't believe the people here down voting for him telling his rags to riches story. Mad. And everyone else taking shots at Jigga, you only get half a bar...
Mj Cole
4/5
Bit of quality UK garage. A joy to listen to.
The Band
3/5
Good solid 60s music
Patti Smith
4/5
Strong
ABBA
4/5
Best ABBA I've heard
Paul McCartney
3/5
Nowt special
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Tough one to rate, some bangers, his voice is not my fave though
King Crimson
4/5
Occasionally a bit twiddly. But often super. Also, I absolutely love the album cover, it was always my favourite from my parents' collection when I was growing up.
Dr. Dre
5/5
Great beats, lots of talk about dicks. What's not to love?
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Bit too much for me
Britney Spears
2/5
Email my heart is one of the most of it's era songs I could ever imagine. The fact that it is followed up by "beat goes on" is excellent too.
Really variable quality here. Some undeniable all timer's , then some absolutely basic dirge.
Although I tend to not review an album based on the deluxe version extras (in fact I usually skip them), shout out to the David Ospina Radio mix of ...baby one more time - a real Pro Evolution Soccer 6 menu music banger of a remix.
LL Cool J
3/5
He is hilariously smooth, but it's still mostly cool.
Kings of Leon
5/5
Has velvet snow. + 3 stars.
Is nearly as good as their debut. + 3 stars.
******
Big Black
3/5
Hard
Kraftwerk
5/5
Wow. Hadn't heard it before. I've wasted my life
The Stooges
3/5
Ok
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
Was not louvin this.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Beautiful voice. Pretty unastounding backing tracks.
Queen Latifah
4/5
Bit samey, but that same was good.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
Shrug of the shoulders. They seemed to find a formula that worked for them. There was a distinct lack of commotion.
M.I.A.
5/5
In your face, a difficult and wonderfully fun listen.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Had more depth that i thought that Yeah Yeah Yeahs had. Thoroughly enjoyable electro indie.
Simply Red
3/5
Watched the CD+G version for the full 80s experience. See The CD+G Museum on youtube for all the videos.
Even the graphics they chose was fairly bland and inoffensive.
Sabu
4/5
pretty cool. quite varied and some songs styles I had not really experienced before.
Pink Floyd
2/5
Fuck Pink Floyd for making this, fuck the book for including it, and fuck you all for thinking it's great just because you think you should think it's great.
It's too long, its disjointed, it's pretentious, it has no vibe, even the hits aren't as good as I thought they were.
From what I've heard, Rock Opera = overly converluted, hard to listen to, stupidly long album that I bunch of 50 and 60 year olds think is amazing because it blew their minds when they were teenagers.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I'm not a serious listener of recorded music, i listen more for fun. But this was very well done. A snappy little folk album.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
Highly enjoyable, put a smile on my face, despite some of the lyrics and themes being slightly simplistic or creepy!
King Crimson
4/5
Very varied
UB40
4/5
Was teetering between 4 and 5, until their abomination of a cover of strange fruit came on. Lyrics didn't really match the vibe on that one!
Maxwell
3/5
Smooth.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
I get that he is a bit whiny, but it is good whining
Neil Young
1/5
The first sung note of any Neil Young album (of which there are apparently an infinite number) really kills my enthusiasm for the rest of the album.
Neneh Cherry
3/5
It was a bit shit, and also a lot of fun. It is so of it's era that it almost comes across as satire.
Also, absolutely love how excited she is for a tambourine.
Brian Eno
3/5
Didnt really notice it.
The Teardrop Explodes
5/5
This is the best of the 80 surely?
The Libertines
2/5
Pretty decent advert for not being a junkie dickhead. Mumble indie.
The Residents
3/5
Made me smile... quite hard to work to this though. And that is not a typo.
Mudhoney
4/5
According to the stats, grunge is one of my least favourite genres. But this was decent.
Dolly Parton
2/5
It's ok, but I imagine not exactly groundbreaking, even in its era.
Dr. Octagon
2/5
Rectum.
Minor Threat
4/5
Flew by, super fun punk with better singing than most punk albums
Destiny's Child
2/5
messaging all over the place. Quality all over the place. Absolute shit show of a final track which knocked off a star on its own
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
A soothing listen on an overnight flight
Ozomatli
4/5
Love me some Chali 2na
Alice Cooper
4/5
As others have suggested, this is far more varied than you might expect. Even enjoyed the West Side Story numbers.
Mekons
2/5
Not super
Elvis Presley
3/5
Much better than the other elvises
The Thrills
3/5
I knew quite a bit of this without realising. Didn't mind it.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Solid
Germs
2/5
9 minutes over the allowed limit for a punk album. The singers voice overstayed its welcome.
Soft Machine
2/5
Didn't grow on me. A tough listen
Scott Walker
2/5
A confusing blend of the style and the lyrics. Wouldn't want to listen again.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Decent, but not spectacular all the way through
Tom Waits
1/5
Still don't get it. There's a lot of albums I haven't liked, but I understand what other people could see in them... But I really struggle with Tom Waits to understand what people enjoy in a lot of his work.
Prince
2/5
Didn't really land with me
The Icarus Line
1/5
Unrelenting
Scissor Sisters
3/5
Nice party music, but the album is too long and a bit lacking in nuance
The Style Council
3/5
Knocked along ok. Wouldn't want it to reappear from the background too often.
Norah Jones
3/5
Smooth, I can appreciate her voice more now than I used to.
Morrissey
4/5
Still can't fault his music much.
Pentangle
4/5
As a change of pace, it was lovely. I wouldn't want to listen too often, but it is well done folk.
Tim Buckley
4/5
Sad but enjoyable.
Miles Davis
4/5
I think cool did exist before this. But that does diminish the coolness of this.
Goldfrapp
4/5
more varied and consistently enjoyable than other goldfrapp albums that i've heard.
Orange Juice
3/5
Good music, but the guys voice is a bit too much in places.
Sam Cooke
4/5
That man has energy, must have been an amazing show to be at
Nick Drake
4/5
Wonderfully done, if a little lacking in variety
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
bbq music
Justin Timberlake
4/5
Added a star for surprise bubba sparx appearance
The Birthday Party
2/5
bit of a mess really
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Gutsy move to call an 80 (eighty) minute album "Back to Basics", especially when you decide that 'the basics' are a range of throwback style tunes.
I'm sure her voice is technically great, but apart from some fairly insipid ballads, she seems to be constantly just at full volume, and it's really grating.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Great opening track. The rest wasn't as good.
David Crosby
2/5
mmmmmeeeeeeeehhhhh music
LTJ Bukem
5/5
Brilliant. May be my ultimate album to work to.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
Depressingly ok
Rush
3/5
Good at what it is
Alanis Morissette
3/5
more substance than I recalled. As others have noted, very 90s, but not shit for it.
Muddy Waters
4/5
He wasn't wrong. The blues done best
Skepta
5/5
Constantly amused by American adhering so closely to their stereotypes in these reviews!
Absolutely deserves it's place on this list because:
1. It's fucking awesome
2. It's took grime to the next level commercially, creating space for the UK rap derivatives that are still dominating the UK charts to this day
3. The list is not an American list.
The Beta Band
3/5
Pleasant
The Strokes
4/5
Mix is a bit shit, but the bass lines are super. I once saw them at the isle of white festival. The lead singer was off his tits, but kept shouting out "isle of whitey" which was the main highlight
Green Day
3/5
Kind of enjoyed it, but then my streaming service played me system of a down and queen's of the stone age after and I realised where it sits on the scale.
Nirvana
5/5
Absolutely top drawer.
Big Star
2/5
Bit all over the place. Has a random bardcore track in the middle.
Flamin' Groovies
2/5
Was ok, but the penultimate song was super creepy, so minus a star for that.
Beth Orton
3/5
middle
The Rolling Stones
1/5
Practice album of old song covers. Should not be on the list
Talk Talk
3/5
ok
Dizzee Rascal
5/5
This album gave me so much as a teenager. I loved hip hop and rap, but was only really exposed to American artists. Suddenly I Luv U started being played on the radio and it blew my mind. It's not that the life it was describing was mine - I was from a small village more akin to Ambridge than London - but the sounds and the slang.
Really fun, raw beats - so stark that not even any Americans on this website have managed to describe it as Brit Pop.
The whole thing is just a pleasure to listen to again.
The Verve
2/5
Just drowned on
The Jam
4/5
Some lovely tunes in here
Primal Scream
3/5
Up and down
The Coral
3/5
Mixed ok rock
Van Morrison
4/5
Really nicely recorded
Snoop Dogg
5/5
G funky
Tina Turner
3/5
Full on power pop
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Pyschcountry. Nah.
Frank Sinatra
1/5
Slow, samey
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
Not that safe. Or that decent
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Nice enough, lots of energy comes out the speakers.
Ms. Dynamite
5/5
Beautiful voice, beautiful attitude. Did tail off in the second half, but it gets a nostalgia star.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Lively
Eric Clapton
2/5
Pretty average. And what the fuck is the 'i shit the sheriff' cover all about?
R.E.M.
4/5
So I always thought REM were depressing and dull... But this is actually decent for the most part and a fun listen
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Beautifully varied
Skunk Anansie
4/5
Weirdly had never heard a skunk anansie album before, despite thinking Skin is great. This was a good slice of late 90s rock.
The Psychedelic Furs
1/5
A painful listen
Elastica
4/5
Joyful. Not as good as Echobelly, but still great to listen to. Also made me go and watch some trigger happy TV episodes as an added bonus.
Peter Frampton
3/5
Sigh, more Brit Pop. Knocked along uneventfully.
Judas Priest
3/5
Not bad for heavy metal of the era
Donald Fagen
2/5
Light
Metallica
1/5
Too too too long. Can something be both epic and dull? As I think this is. + A star for the ecstacy of gold.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Best stones I heard on here
Death In Vegas
4/5
its got its own vibe
2/5
Difficult to really get into
Japan
3/5
lovely vibe
Van Halen
2/5
Van Halen by Van Halen is about as Van Halen as I expected
The Only Ones
3/5
Got better as it went on, but the singer's voice is a bit whiney and it got to me.
4/5
Great fun, not too one note, note too tone deaf, super.
Joe Ely
3/5
He is deffo honkytonking. Would have been a 2, but then the dog went to obedience school, forgot how to herd and learned to dance. That made me smile.
Alice Cooper
3/5
More artistic than I thought it would be, and I thought he was more schools out style - this album showed much more range. Still wasn't for me, but I can appreciate it more than I thought I would.
Slade
3/5
Bright and energetic, if a bit samey
Jamiroquai
3/5
+1 for accompanying me on a ride home from the pub post football, just music to cruise along on my bicycle to. -1 for a digeredoo starting and people cheering on the remastered version my streaming service gave me.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Tunes to work to
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
Fucking awful. Mumbling and nondescript twiddling.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
She made it a little bit lonnnngerrrr. Albums of this era were consistently too long, I guess to give people value for their cd purchase
Traffic
3/5
Album 999 and sadly for traffic I'm now numb to this kind of music.
The KLF
5/5
Beautiful. The version of last train to transcentral wasn't as good as the version I remember, but it is a great album to listen to and vibe to.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
Despite the constant onslaught of EC albums from this project, I still cannot understand the hype. And that is having no preconceptions as I had never heard any of his music before.
Finley Quaye
2/5
Wow, what a let down. I was excited for this, but other than even after all, it was a bit shite.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I was prepared to love this more than I did. Slid on by.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
Woodstock vibes
Yes
3/5
In the words of dad 'i like the idea of Yes, but can't quite love them'
Tangerine Dream
3/5
Good music to listen to on the tube
Arcade Fire
4/5
Solid, if a little pretentious
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
There is, a mostly funky one.
The Byrds
3/5
Went in and out of dylanness.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Very mid
Madonna
3/5
No way near as good as her other album from the era that is on this list. Bit too bland.
Tortoise
4/5
Wow, super atmospheric music.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Bypassed me a bit, but did so pleasantly
Baaba Maal
4/5
Vibesy
Iggy Pop
3/5
Meeeeh
Louis Prima
3/5
Happy scatty music. He has a lovely voice.
Eurythmics
3/5
Solid 80s electronic pop
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Veered hard towards average country
Genesis
3/5
Took me a few goes. So much going on that it became like white noise at some point.
I also struggle with prog concept albums, at some point the lyrical flow just dies as they try and fit the story in.
Gram Parsons
2/5
Dull. Nice, dull harmonies. Stupid name.
Ice Cube
4/5
He's not a fan of bitches or hoes.
Michael Jackson
1/5
More ballady shite with shit drum sounds and his whisky voice and hiccups.
Steely Dan
3/5
Solid, a little bit unexciting.
Prince
2/5
Apple music player a flight of the chochords album instead seemingly
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
Great. A couple of the songs really felt familiar, even though I don't spend much time in coffee shops.
2/5
Hmm. Hard to work to. Got better as it went through
The xx
5/5
Beautifully produced, great flow.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Lots of energy. I feel slightly angrier having listened to it.
Orbital
5/5
I don't go clubbing to techno, but this made me want to go clubbing to techno
The Streets
5/5
One of the all time great concept albums.
Gorillaz
4/5
I used to think this was the bees knees, I wasn't as hyped on it now, but the Clint Eastwood remix is still a banger.
Spacemen 3
3/5
Got better as it went on
Giant Sand
3/5
Lou reed but less interesting
The Shamen
3/5
+1 for reading the KLFs #1 single guide and producing move any mountain, complete with its era correct awful rap.
I had no lasers when listening to this so it didn't hit as hard.
David Bowie
3/5
Usual Bowie output. one banger, a bunch of filler, and some weirdness tacked on. I still don't get the hype.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
When the female vocalist comes in it is super.
The Zutons
4/5
Zips by like a lot of the indie albums of the year. +1 for the most recent Jews harp cameo I've heard.
10cc
2/5
Too convoluted, not funny enough.
Coldcut
4/5
Nice sexy chill out vibes to work to.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
i can do low key, but perhaps not this key. Not sure what this was adding to music in 2013.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
Tough. Really tough. So long. So wild. Tough.
Klaxons
4/5
DJ! Was super fresh when it came out. Maybe seems a bit one dimensional now. Still gives me energy though.
Can
1/5
Got weird, and not in a good way.
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Droney indie.
American Music Club
3/5
Nice enough for a 3, not interesting enough for a four
Killing Joke
4/5
Kinda cool, they went in on what they do.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Actually some ok beats, but ruined by having no oompf
Dion
2/5
Mercifully short
Girls Against Boys
3/5
Fun
Nas
5/5
All time top 5 rap album. Unequivocally a classic.
The Byrds
2/5
Twangy. I hadn't heard the songs before and yet I could guess the upcoming melody. Whether that is because people copied them or not I don't know, but it came across to me as bland and formulaic.
Laibach
2/5
Interesting. It is certainly different.
Beastie Boys
5/5
I'm a sucker for rap duos
Nirvana
3/5
Standard grunge
Donovan
3/5
Medieval stylings, that I didn't necessarily hate
The Stooges
3/5
My favourite stooges one yet.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
Not as banging as their subsequent albums.but still banging
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Better than it's Wikipedia page made it sound
4/5
Some all time classics, with a bit of averageness to just pull it down from a 5
The Beta Band
4/5
Enjoyable, if not ground breaking
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Gameshow music. Got really dull really fast
Funkadelic
4/5
Last track was a bit off, but the rest was fun
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Jam album, floated along like they do
The Blue Nile
3/5
Was as pretentious as I thought it would be
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I keep trying, but 80s production can ruin otherwise good albums. There were a few nice tracks towards the end though
Air
5/5
Top work music
Missy Elliott
5/5
Solid gold. Peak Timberland, rising missy = banger. missy remains an underrated talent, despite being rated highly.
Gang Starr
5/5
Thankfully tiktok haven't made an ai GURU voiceover yet as I would hate for his voice to be ruined for me.
Top duo. premier bringing the beautiful laid back beats, and GURu is just so smooth. I want him to read me stories each night before bed.
Jack White
3/5
He has an unmistakable style. Fun.
Metallica
1/5
Seemingly 8 hours long, and recorded at 64kbps. Fucking dreadful repetitive nonsense. Singer (singer-ah), awful. Drums, basic. Bass, seemingly turned down as he was new. Guitar, good at what it was, but fuck an album needs more than that.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Bit bad
The Bees
4/5
It did today, sat on the balcony with these tunes in the background
Stan Getz
3/5
Did its thing unspectacularly
TLC
3/5
A couple of great tracks mixed with some filler
Doves
3/5
Sad indie
Frank Black
3/5
Really competent, pleasant enough American indie, but has no business being so long
Joanna Newsom
4/5
Way better than I thought it would be after reading the apple music review of it!
I quite like the budget bjork vibes and the complexity
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
What MJ could be. Smooth, and enjoyable despite the 80s production
The Specials
4/5
Thankfully only one track with the weird speaking really close to the mic thing that seemed acceptable at the time. The bangers drag this up.
Baaba Maal
4/5
Beautiful. Only losing a star as it started to feel a bit samey over the full length.
Miles Davis
4/5
Not in a silent way, but not bad still!
Black Sabbath
5/5
God I love Black Sabbath. That has been the main revelation for me from the 3+ years of doing this project. Whether that makes up for completely losing track of new music over that period, I'm not sure.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
High quality, but just didn't get me going
Stephen Stills
2/5
Twangy twangy twangy twang
Beck
3/5
Bit dreary.
Cream
3/5
Over this era now
Blur
4/5
Really really strong opening. Had some other highs, as well as some middles.
Fela Kuti
4/5
If a 16 minute drumming track is not the most fitting way to end this project, then I don't know what is.
Crowded House
3/5
It was ok. Always take the weather is the obvious highlight