Journey Complete!
Finisher # to complete the list
1088
Albums Rated
3.53
Average Rating
100%
Complete
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
162
5-Star Albums
29
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
|
5 | 2.81 | +2.19 |
|
Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
|
5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
|
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
|
5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
|
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
|
5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
|
Spiderland
Slint
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Copper Blue
Sugar
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Signing Off
UB40
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Skylarking
XTC
|
5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
|
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
|
Fragile
Yes
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
|
1 | 3.24 | -2.24 |
|
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
|
Permission to Land
The Darkness
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
The Wall
Pink Floyd
|
2 | 4.14 | -2.14 |
|
Pyromania
Def Leppard
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
|
1 | 3.01 | -2.01 |
|
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
|
2 | 4 | -2 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 7 | 4.86 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.8 |
| The Kinks | 4 | 4.75 |
| Frank Sinatra | 3 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4.29 |
| The Rolling Stones | 6 | 4.33 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 5 | 4.4 |
| PJ Harvey | 4 | 4.5 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.5 |
| David Bowie | 9 | 4.11 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Smiths | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 4.67 |
| Echo And The Bunnymen | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 4.67 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| The Clash | 2 | 5 |
| Funkadelic | 2 | 5 |
| Fleetwood Mac | 2 | 5 |
| The Jam | 2 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 6 | 4.17 |
| Leonard Cohen | 5 | 4.2 |
| The Who | 5 | 4.2 |
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 4 | 4.25 |
| R.E.M. | 4 | 4.25 |
| Elvis Presley | 3 | 4.33 |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 4.33 |
| Van Morrison | 3 | 4.33 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.33 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Stooges | 3 | 4.33 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Cure | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Byrds | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Megadeth | 2 | 1 |
| Def Leppard | 2 | 1.5 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 1.5 |
| Christina Aguilera | 2 | 1.5 |
| Queen | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| The Specials | 2, 5 |
| Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band | 1, 4 |
| Peter Gabriel | 2, 5, 4 |
| Yes | 2, 1, 4 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5, 4, 5, 3, 2 |
5-Star Albums (162)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Taylor Swift
4/5
Is this a typical Taylor Swift record? If so, what the hell have I been waiting for. Subtle, beautiful, nuanced and heart-felt. This is an album where the songs are the stars, not the singer. For me that's refreshing. The songs are great I would just ask for a little more variety in tempo and musical arrangements (read wish it rocked harder in places). 4 🌟
30 likes
Motörhead
2/5
Music is ok....but the lyrics SO INCEDIBLY LAME! I defy anyone to listen to and hear the lyrics to "love me like a reptile " and not roll their eyes. How can anyone intelligent person absorb a Joy Division lyrics and not laugh out loud at the drivel that Lemmy spews. I understand how musical taste is always subjective, but....
2 🌟
16 likes
Dr. John
4/5
A very bizarre album. Not at all what I expected. The arrangements are generally spare and unusual with a lot ambience and echo and strange noises that seem to come out of nowhere. The backing vocals on the opener Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya are angelic and distant really gorgeous. There are lots of different styles here most of which I can't identify. My first run through the album I was ready to give it a low rating...but my second spin is giving a much more positive perspective. I can't quite say that I live every song but man each song has something at least interesting to offer and deserves closer inspection. 4 🌟
9 likes
Massive Attack
5/5
From the opening burbling bass of Safe From Harm, I was hooked. What a song. What an album. Genre defining. I love Mezzanine which is a more consistent album but the high points of Blue Lines are enough to carry the album to a 5 🌟rating
9 likes
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
What an album. This is where Siouxsie's punk roots, meld with their gothic stylings and pop sensibilities in a perfect mixture. As always Budgies drumming is captivating and powerful and John McGeogh's stabbing guitars are perfect. And Siouxsie's singing is absolutely sublime. This might be their strongest set of songs, just really hard to find a dud on the album. Arabian Nights, Spellbound, Into the Light ... side one is near perfect. I have always thought Keleidescope was their best album but Juju is right there and on many days it is my favourite. A great album from one of the great post punk bands. 4.5 stars
8 likes
1-Star Albums (29)
All Ratings
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Great album one The Stones best. 5 stars as far as I'm concerned but I'm a fan.
Favorite songs...
Sympathy for the Devil
No Expectations
Jigsaw Puzzle (love this song)
Street Fighting Man
Prodigal Son
5-star album
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Fine album. Not my cup of tea musically but no denying the quality...and that voice...buttery smooth.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Its a good album but overly long as it seems to repeat itself the longer it goes. The high lights are very high...
Tonight tonight is a great song. Ultimately I had difficulty digesting it all in one sitting
Aerosmith
3/5
Too relentlessly "rockin'" for my tastes. I'm not an Aerosmith fan, but I do have respect for their earlier material. But of their early album I think this is my least favorite. 3 🌟
Eminem
5/5
Wow! Brilliant Brilliant stuff. I am not a rap fan. I own one rap album; "It takes a nation of millions..." which Ilisten to every couple of years and try to enjoy, beyond "Don't Believe the Hype". But this is Brilliant. The rhyms and the effortless delivery left me stunned. I will listen to this album in the coming weeks to try to cull as much as I can from it and then move on the The Slim Shady LP which I understand is just as brillliant. Discoveries like this is why I love listening to music and why I am part of this program. My first 5 🌟 album for one that I had never heard previously
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Great songs...dated 80s production. Did I mention Great songs!
Ian Dury
4/5
I like this album . Been a while since I listened to it. Real nice to re-discover it.
4 🌟
Lou Reed
3/5
I love Lou but this one is not my favorite. It has its moments but the arrangements and production are so farcfrombthe velvets as to be almost unrecognizable. Ii does have its moments but just a 3 for me .
John Martyn
4/5
Two songs to this never heard before album or artist; I LOVE his jazzy voice and arrangements. Great, percussive guitar playing. Really enjoying this first listen.
Mj Cole
1/5
Not my cup of tea. The beats can be interesting but just not anything I would listen to
Rage Against The Machine
2/5
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this album at least the first half. I like most when the band goes soft loud there's not enough of that to keep me interested for more than a few songs. The heavy-handed politics are also a bit grating over the long haul. I would give it 2.5bstars if half stars were allowed but for this exercise...2 stars
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Good beats but not my thing
2 stars
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
A very fine album muscular with memorable melodies. I like it a lot.
Guided By Voices
3/5
Definitely some indie-pop gems on this album. I will definitely return to it to see if there are some that slipped by on first listen. For now 3.25 but could go higher on subsequent listens
George Michael
3/5
Enjoying the album. Admittedly nothing on it comes close to the first three songs but the whole album is quite listenable
3 stars
Randy Newman
4/5
Great songs. I'm not usually one for orchestrated arrangements in pop music but I can overlook it because of how great the songs are.
4 stars
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Come on man....
One of the greatest debuts of all time. How can this be anything but 5 🌟
Billie Holiday
2/5
For whatever reason I never connected with Billie Holiday's voice and the arrangements on this set leaves me bored.
2 🌟
Supertramp
4/5
Well this was a nostalgic ride. I had never listened to the album on a good system until now. This was one of the first albums I loved as a 12 year old. Just like then I had to listen to Hide in your shell twice. What a song. Allmusic.com had it right...4 🌟
ZZ Top
4/5
A fine album...very listenable. The hits are great but the album cuts are strong as well. 4 🌟
Kid Rock
3/5
Not a bad album. In fact I was surprised how much I liked it. I will listen again. Pretty close to a 4 but ots a little too long so I'll give it a 3 🌟
Stereo MC's
4/5
Wow this is just a GREAT dance album, worthy of many more listens. A very good discovery. 4 stars 🌟
Eels
4/5
I like Eels, favourite ablum is Daisies of the Galaxies, but I also like Souljacker, Electro-Shock Blues and Hombre Lobo. Not sure why I never listened to this one before but it<s another fine Eels album.
Neu!
4/5
This is a very enjoyable listen. New to me but sounds fresh and interesting. Melodic and rhythmic. I will definitely return to this album
4 🌟
Jethro Tull
4/5
Wow this is a really good album. I'm familiar with the title track, Cross Eyed Mary and Locomotive Breath but I thought the whole album was really good. 4 🌟
Bob Dylan
5/5
4th favorite Dylan album which still is a no-brainer 5 star choice. Even if the 2nd side is quite a bit weaker than side 1...that side 1; WOW
James Brown
3/5
Well that was fun. That show must have been hott! Good album I will listen again soon.
3 🌟
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
This is a FUN listen. Nothing as immediately ear catching as Losing my Edge or Daft Punk ... at my House. But this is going into heavy rotation. 4 stars
New Order
3/5
First song...meh. the three that follow are quite strong. Always good to hear Peter Hook's familiar sound. I'm trying to get over the fact that they are NOT Joy Division. Their style not one I listen to a lot. Still as I near the end I find myself really enjoying this album. Tempted to give it a 4, but a string 3 🌟 is what I'm giving.
Motörhead
2/5
Music is ok....but the lyrics SO INCEDIBLY LAME! I defy anyone to listen to and hear the lyrics to "love me like a reptile " and not roll their eyes. How can anyone intelligent person absorb a Joy Division lyrics and not laugh out loud at the drivel that Lemmy spews. I understand how musical taste is always subjective, but....
2 🌟
Burning Spear
5/5
An OKs favorite of mine. Brilliant album..Winston Rodney's singing is incredible especially on Days of Slavery Not sure what else there is to say . 5 🌟
Simply Red
1/5
Boring , generic blue-eyed soul.
1 🌟
Don McLean
3/5
Of course I'm very familiar with the song American Pie. I was never a big fan. I must say that listening to it on a goodcsystem give me a slightly greater appreciation. I was prepared to dislike this album but it wasn't the case. Enjoyed it more than expected. Reminded at times of Al Stewart. 3 🌟
The Beau Brummels
4/5
I've heard of the band but never heard any of their music. I believe Sundance re-issued a number of their albums. I loved this album. Beautiful expressive vocals; simple, timeless arrangements. Reminds of the first time I heard Love Forever Changes...no it's not quite as good as that, but damn close. Favorites:
Painter of Women
The Keeper of Time
Nine Pound Hammer
Magic Hollow
The Wolf of Velvet Fortune
4 🌟
Robert Wyatt
1/5
Not familiar with Robert except by name. Even Soft Machine, his band I am familiar with by name and reputation only. Album has 6 long songs, or are they movements or suites. I'll take them one bu one.
1st song; did not like it closer to free jazz than rock, not my cup of tea.
2nd song a little more modal in nature, enjoyed this one more.
3rd song, reminds me a little bit of Miles Davis in a Silent Way. Like this one still more. Closer to a rock sound but still more jazz than anything (not that there's anything wrong with that)
4th song; just kinda weird ...annoying organ sounds, jazzy guitar weird percussive, metronomic breathing sounds and fragile singing add up to a strange listening experience
5th song; more weirdness...a continuation of the previous song. I do like the percussion and the sax in this one. Actually much better than the previous song and perhaps my 2nd favorite so far
6th song; and the last one more of the same anti rock & roll.
Just not music for my tastes
1 🌟
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
A damn fine album that I've enjoyed since it was released. Love the picture disc vinyl too. Lots of great songs here, Maps being the hilight. And Wendy O's voice...gorgeous. a strong 3 🌟 album knocking on the door of 4.
The Sonics
1/5
Not sure I understand the hype on this one. Pretty generic sounding bar band. I guess this came out around '65, sure doesn't sound innovative or forward looking. Sorry not drinking the Kool aid on this one. 1 🌟
The Strokes
4/5
Fine album that I've liked since it was released
Joy Division
5/5
Not really much to say about this album. One if the most important albums in my life. Incredible sounds, incredible poetry, incredible production, incredible mood. In my top 10 favorite albums ever. 5 🌟
Massive Attack
5/5
From the opening burbling bass of Safe From Harm, I was hooked. What a song. What an album. Genre defining. I love Mezzanine which is a more consistent album but the high points of Blue Lines are enough to carry the album to a 5 🌟rating
Daft Punk
3/5
Surprisingly enjoyable great beats the electronic sounding vocals is my main complaint
3 🌟
Cat Stevens
5/5
An old favorite of mine. I love the golden age of Cat Steven's and this is his very best.
5 stars
Michael Jackson
2/5
Well seven songs in and the non hits are really quite BAD (sorry for the pun). The Man in the Mirror is also a good rung or two below the hits from Thriller and Off the Wall.
Besides the title track and "The Way You Make me Feel" there's just not much else of interest... 2.5 🌟
Anthrax
3/5
Surprised that I enjoyed this album. Metal is not normally my favorite but Anthrax seems to add a punk sensibility to there metal ethos. The guitar histrionics are kept to short bursts and the songs have a punk attitude. 3 🌟
John Lee Hooker
2/5
Not really much of a blues guy. But on occasion I can enjoy and appreciate the genre. But not this time. Nothing bad here just nothing that gets me excited. 2.5 🌟
Mylo
3/5
Yeah I like this . 3 stars 🌟
Doves
4/5
An omdcfavorite of mine. This is a very good album. I would have chosen List Souls, personally. Though not as consistent as The Last Broadcast, TLB lacks the greatness that Lost Souls has in spots. Still a fine album.... 4 🌟
Brian Eno
2/5
Innovative...sure, but no real musical enjoyment for me 2 stars
Beatles
5/5
Jockeys with Revolver as my favorite Beatles album. What more is there to say....
5 stars
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Fantastic album . Strong from beginning to end. 5 🌟
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I know just a few of their songs. Enjoying this quite a bit. Has an XTC feel, with a big Beatles influence. Songwriting is strong. Feels like 3.5 even a 3.75 🌟
AC/DC
4/5
Ok I'm not a fan, but the first two songs are great! The next song is great too, but at 5:10 way too long. These boys should know any song longer than 3:30 is just too long.
But I'm going to have to concede 4 stars to these hard-drinking, hard-rocking nut boys. What saves it for me is the guitar histrionics rarely descend to wankery and the riffs are impressively HARD and accessible. Closer to sex pistols than to Van Halen... I had no idea. 4 🌟
Air
4/5
Never heard this before. From the opening bass line of LA femme d'argent I knew this was a sound tailor made for me. Gorgeous melodies, dancey rhythms and that bass, just lovely. It slows a bit in the middle section that keeps it from a 5 for me, but a strong 4 🌟
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I have tried and tried with this album. This time on headphones while in a walk. A little more appreciation this time but still the magic escapes me. Maybe the melodies like the vocals are buried too deep for me to find. When you Sleep is the highlight. I'm getting there and this time I WANT to listen again. 3.5 🌟
Barry Adamson
4/5
Really enjoyed listening to this excellent album. I am familiar with Adamson's work only through his band Magazine, which did not prepare me at all for the music on this album. Full of funky rhythms, jazzy flourishes and a huge sound. Check out the Big Bamboozle for Ellington style big band jazz. 4 🌟
Elliott Smith
4/5
What a great album this is....way too long since I listened to it. Just one beautiful song after another. Elliott's voice is so gentle and inviting. Love this album
4 stars
The Pretty Things
3/5
Solid, trippy psychedelic sounds from the 60s. I will listen again. I liked it 3.5 stars
Lots of stylistic variation. A mostly quiet, subdued album. Many of the songs fall flat for me. Perhaps Bono's most overwrought album lyrically. All in all nothing I loved, 1 song I disliked strongly. 3 🌟
Digital Underground
4/5
Very entertaining , fun, funny album. The music is not as compelling for me as Fun Lovin' Criminals, but still really good and enjoyable, just as a general commentary....Rap / hiphop albums tend to be TOO LONG!!!
Please, please, please being back the 40 minute album. 3.75 🌟
The Clash
5/5
top 10 album for me. My favorite Clash album even more so than London Calling. One classic song after another. I have both the British version as well as the American version I slightly prefer the US version for its inclusion of Complete Control and Clash City Rockers, though the sequencing is better on the British version because of the sequencing. But these are quibles, either versioin is a 5 star album in my books
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Not my cup of tea. I might give it another to see if I'm missing something. As it is its 2 🌟 well see if in time that goes up
Def Leppard
2/5
Just not the kind of music that draws me in. I promised myself I would listen to it the whole way through but did not alter my opinion from where it was before I listened. Though I will say that i like the title track.
2.5 🌟
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I like this album. Burn it Down is uch a GREAT song. Kevin's voice used to perfection. The follow-up Tell Me When my Light Turns Green is just as strong. For me this album is soooo much better than Too Rye Aye. 3.5 stars
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Sufjan Srevens has many gifts. His voice is beautiful even otherworldly. He has a gift for writing simple, beautiful melodies and his talent for complex and beautiful arrangements is undeniable. He certainly has a talent for stupid song titles. There is a lot to like about this album; it's certainly ambitious and is filled with some excellent songs of varying styles; John Wayne Gacy, Jr., Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day, The Man of Metropolis Steals our Hearts, They Are Night Zombies..., The Talkest Man, The Broadest Shoulders . Does it's reach exceed its grasp? Perhaps. Could it be 10 or 15 minutes shorter? Absolutely! Is it a satisfying, rewarding listening experience? Yes it is. 3.75 🌟 that I think will go higher with more listens, something which I look forward to. I think I'll buy the vinyl
Air
3/5
This was a good album. Very chill and relaxed. It would make for nice dinner music, as a matter of fact of added It to my dinner party mix. A solid 3.5 🌟
Pink Floyd
5/5
In high school Pink Floyd was my favourite band. And this is my favourite album from them. I have moved on from my high school tastes but this album is still great. 5 stars
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
I'm not a country music guy but I liked this quite a bit. I can see how it was a breakthrough for traditional country music to a mainstream, non-traditional audience. And the musicianship is amazing.
4 🌟
Paul Weller
4/5
A really interesting album one I like. I am a HUGE fan of the Jam, at least through Sound Affects. This was not at all what I expected. I would never have recognized even Paul's voice had I not known it was him. Nothing like The Jam, not even like The Style Council. Sounds more like a Van Morrison album. But I did like it and I'll listen more while lamenting the loss of one of my favourite bands. I'm going to give it 4 🌟
Tangerine Dream
3/5
Not sure I understand why this is THE Tangerine Dream album. I can't find anything resembling melody, I prefer Cyclone and Stratosphere
2.5 🌟
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
By far my favorite early rock and Roll artist. The first singer/songwriter and a huge influence on the British invasion bands and beyond. Buddy Holly was the most forward thinking and innovative of all his contemporaries. 5 huge 🌟
Fats Domino
3/5
Elvis Presley
4/5
For me and my appreciation of Elvis its all about the material...are the SONGS to my liking, because the performance and delivery all always spot on. On this album he lets his blues side OUT! Some big blues numbers here that are great performances and the material is pretty good. Fever is another high point one of the best versions of that song I've ever heard. 3.75 stars
Beck
4/5
Cool album. A real kitchen sink full of ideas and styles.
4 🌟
Janelle Monáe
4/5
I don't listen to much "pop" music, full albums almost never. This is the best pop music album I have heard in a long time. So varied in musical genres and always interesting. It plays like a concept album but with changes of mood and style that keep it interesting. Changes of style are nothing if the music isn't interesting and this album held my interest throughout. I was shocked at how the album flew by so quickly. I am tempted to give it a 5, but 4.5 is all I can muster. A discovery! 4.5 stars
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
A very fine album see my other review for details
Madonna
3/5
The first two songs are pop music classics and pretty darn good songs. The rest of the album seems mostly like filler to me. Promise to try is a heart felt ballad that is a cut above the rest as is Oh Father, Keep it Together is a nice slice of George Clinton style funk., but it's not enough to raise the album above being a pretty average pop/dance album. 3.5 🌟
Muddy Waters
4/5
The blues ate not my thing. This album does have more going for it than your typical blues guitar album. It's got the feel of a jazz album the piano seems as important as the guitar. But every instrument takes a back seat to Muddy Waters vocal performance. I may well have fou d my favorite blues album. 4.5 🌟
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Aptly titled . A fun listen with catchy hooks, humor and danceability. 3.5
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Wow these boys can sing. And some really great tracks too. Who's that Lady. Love there version of the Dooby Brothers Listen to the Music and Seaks and Crofts Aummer Breeze, never had so much soul. A fine fun album 3.75 🌟
Bob Dylan
2/5
This is a highly regarded Dylan that I never really warmed to. Maybe it's the languid pace of the songs, or maybe the swampy bluesy feel that was never my thing. Maybe its the foggy atmospheric Daniel Langlois production or the old mam world-weary voice that keeps me at arms length. In any case a Dylan album that is near the bottom of the list for this Dylan fan. 2.5 🌟
The Damned
3/5
Enjoyed it. Not as good as their debut but a good listen more varied in style
3.5 🌟
The Verve
3/5
Good album a little over-rated in my opinion.
3.75 🌟
Queen
2/5
Neil Young
5/5
The memories that this album evokes are palpable. I believe this is the first album I ever owned, the first one that I played on my own Lloyd's stereo system that I got for my 11th birthday, some 49 years ago. That original album is long gone but the memories are still here and very real. This is the album that started my life long love of music. It might be 40 years since I listened to it front to back but listening to it today the memories came flooding back. Favorite songs; Heart of Gold, Needle and the Damage Done, A Man Needs a Maid, Alabama....especially Alabama, and Words. This one's a no brainer...5 stars
Spiritualized
4/5
I really like this album. It rocks hard in places, is very spacey and psychedlic too a la Spacemen 3...but better than Spacemen 3. Also has a Mercury Rev vibe in spots. But as usual its the solid songs that make this a very satisfying listen. 4 stars
Deee-Lite
4/5
A fun fun album that I had never listened to completely before. Groove is in the heart is great but there are a number of tracks worthy of praise as well. I'm going 4 stars
Buck Owens
3/5
Totally. It my thing. But it has a few songs that seem like they've become standards. 3.5 stars
Morrissey
4/5
Another beautiful Morrissey album. One I have sadly neglected, I always seem to listen to Viva Hate or a Smiths when I need a shot of Morrissey's wry humour, deprication and stinging commentary. But Your Arsenal is worthy of attention too. 4 stars
Laibach
1/5
I find this album and music borderline offensive. Not my thing AT ALL.
Ryan Adams
4/5
This is a really nice album for Ryan Adams. Not sure why he isn't a bigger star. Very in the mold of singer/songwriter style of the 70s. He has lost some of his alt-country sound on this one and gone for a more straight ahead rock/pop sound. It does lack some of the soul of Heartbreaker, but still a strong set of songs...4 stars
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
I<m not a big RHCP fan, this is the first album I listen to from front to back. But it has quite a few high quality moments. My favorite moments are the poppier ones I find their Funk freak outs a little distracting though the skill of the playing is undeniable. Lots of good stuff. Not quite a four but surprisingly close.
3.75 stars
ABBA
3/5
Not my genre....obviously; however I was suprised at how much I enjoyed this album. The hits are uniformly very good, though I do wish the arrangements were just a little more edgy but that would be besides the point I suppose. Anyway a solid 3.5 for what it is and the sing-along factor.
The Monkees
4/5
A shockingly good album 5 or 6 absolute classic Monkees songs 4 stars
Public Enemy
4/5
Really good listen. I find it more accessible than Millions, but with no song as immediately bracing as Don't Forget the Hype. I don't know how to judge good hip hop vs.not so good. UT I know what I like and I like this album
4 stars
Talking Heads
4/5
Probably my favorite THeads album. The opening song; Thank you for Sending me an Angel is in my personal top 5 TH songs and Take me to the River may be my favorite cover song ever. Besides those two high points the album is consistent from beginning to end. Thanks TH for sending us this album 4.5 🌟
Living Colour
2/5
Not for me. Guitar wankery in EVERY song.. 2 🌟
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
I love this album. So sensual...so sexy. Never really heard anything else quite like it. A near 5, but 4.5 🌟 seems more accurate.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Very interesting album. Hip hop is the genre that has continued to surprise with consistently fine albums. 3.5 🌟
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Great guitar work on the album opener. Followed by a great acoustic rocker that reminds me of Aztec Camera. We're off to a great start. Next couple or three lean a little to far to the pop side of the spectrum for my tastes, but the songs are good. And the rest of the album continues in this vein. Good songwriting but the style of music and production keeps me at arms length. 3.5 🌟 in recognition of the songcraft.
Stan Getz
5/5
A Stine called classic and highly influential album. Introduced jazz lovers in North America to bossa nova. What more is there to say. 5 🌟
Germs
3/5
I'm not a fan of west coast but damn I liked this album. It's loud and abrasive and offensive at times but the band has a kick ass rhythm section and there are enough tempo changes and possibly even some melodies to keep me interested. Though lacking in Wire's ear for hooks and pop song melodies, GI has enough surprising turns to make me think this is the Punk Flag of west coast hardcore. I'm tempted to give it 4 stars, but 3.5 🌟 is where it belongs
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
The first song is great, jazzy, sophisticated sounding. Great first impression; expecting good things. Nest song a little funkier, more soulful...very nice. A couple more songs inn super smooth, organic...Trip Hop the way Trip Hop should be. Me likey. It does get a little long...a little samey for active listening , becomes more of a background listening experience but a really really good background listening experience. Put this on at a dinner party and I think you have the perfect backdrop. 4 stars
Suede
4/5
I liked it very much. T
Marvin Gaye
4/5
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this album Marvin Gaye is sooo freaking talented. He could sing the phone book make it compelling. More Marvin please. 4 🌟
David Gray
4/5
This was a very nice album. Very much of a Ryan Adams vibe for a lot of the songs. Great singer too with a bit more of a raspy voice than Adams. I wish some of the percussion was more natural, less electronic sounding.
3.75 stars
Pearl Jam
4/5
Pretty good album. Some metal flourishes I could do without, but there's no denying Eddie Vedder's talents as a singer. Impressive vocals. I thought I didn't "know" Pearl Jam but I was shocked how many songs I was familiar with and impressed by; Black was the most impressive song for me and I also ery much liked Release. This almost felt like greatest hits album. 4 🌟
4/5
This is a fine album from a favorite of mine. Favorite songs ...A Place For Us, with some striking rhythm guitar work and a stellar pj vocal performance. The haunting It's the Best Thing. The muscular guitar chords of The Whore's Hustle and the Hustler's Whore. The beautiful duet with Thom Yorke on This Mess We're In and my favorite song the absolutely gorgeous You Said Something with a melody that will haunt you for days. Kamikaze sounds like it could have been straight from the Rid of Me sessions, and the closer We Float is as beautiful a ballad as Polly has ever penned. A solid 4 🌟 album for me.
Janet Jackson
3/5
Surprisingly enjoyable listen with good songs and infectious rhythms. Her singing is frankly nondescript for me and given this genre perhaps below par but the songs are what's important to me. 3.5 🌟
Os Mutantes
4/5
Well this was fun. Very entertaining. All kinds of styles and a kitchen sink of sounds but always delivered with a wink and a smile. Much the same as when I first heard, Histoire de Melody Nelson thus us one that will get multiple listens. 4 🌟
Tom Waits
4/5
Strange but always interesting album. 4 🌟
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Non descript inoffensive and ultimately unremarkable hard Rock. 2.5 🌟
Underworld
3/5
Yeah not bad as far as electronic music goes. 3 🌟
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
This is a really good album frankly I don't know why I slept on it for so long. It's right in my 80s alternative wheelhouse. Starts out with a huge bang with the opener Dominion / Mother Russia. After the slow-burn of Flood I, Lucrative My Reflection picks up the pace with a driving bass that just won't quite. And this Corrosion presents itself as the centrepiece of a fine album. 4 🌟
MGMT
3/5
A kitchen sink of styles and sounds many of them compelling. I don't know how to describe the album but I know that I like a lot of it. 3.5 🌟
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This is adult contemporary
pop music at its best. Beautiful songs and a beautiful voice 4.5 🌟
Leftfield
4/5
What a gorgeous album. Some of the best electronic music I've ever heard. The dance tracks are intoxicating and the slower tracks sumptuous and gorgeous. My only complaint...it's 15 minutes too long. 4.5 🌟
Lauryn Hill
3/5
I like the album I don't love it and I have little urge to seek it out when I want a dose of hip hop. 3 🌟
Rod Stewart
4/5
This is a very good album, the song selection is near perfact for Rod's gravely voice. I vacilate between this album and his debut as to which is my favorite. 4.5 stars
Ash
4/5
Wow nice album and a good discovery I think I'm going to spend some discovering this bands catalogue. The album has a lot of familiar influences. A little punky, a little grungy, some shoegazzy elements and a little Britton too. A solid 4 🌟
Talking Heads
4/5
It's a good album a bit all over the place, uneven. Unique interesting and it has psycho killer one of the graeat songs of the past 40 years. 4.5 🌟
Metallica
3/5
I'm not a metal guy but I didn't hate this album Has some punk elements. Very heavy in the tradition of Black Sabbath which is a good thing. I actually liked most of the songs. 3.5 🌟
4/5
I like it. I find it curious that I have the greatest hits compilation and none of these songs made it to that compilation. I also have the self titled album so I'm pretty familiar with Blur and I like them. And this album helps me like them more. Every song is good, they have a way with a melody and they sound so British which I love. 4 🌟
Miles Davis
5/5
Sometimes my favorite MD album, always reveals new and interesting elements with each new listen. Until yesterday Bitch's Brew was new to me but not new to me because In a Silent Way is an old favorite cloth. Bitches Brew might be more ambitious and more varied but I still prefer In a Silent Way for its more consistent mood and its the beautiful atmosphere it creates in each song. No brainer; 5 stars
The Stone Roses
5/5
What a fantastic album this is. My favorite from this Madchwster scene. So melodic and soulful. One great song after another and my vinyl copy doesn't even have Fools Gold. 5 🌟
Thin Lizzy
2/5
Pretty generic hard rock.not sure what the fuss is about on this 2 🌟
Alice In Chains
3/5
A relentlessly HEAVY album. Emotional. Unrelenting. Uncompromising. Maybe too much for a single sitting but it's raw emotion. In that way it reminds me of Joy Division' Closer. Unfortunately I don't find the music nearly as compelling, so the most I can give it is 3.5 stars
Bob Dylan
4/5
An amazing album. Just a notch below The Big Three, but a very small notch. 4.5 🌟
KISS
3/5
A strong Kias album that builds on their reputation as hard rock kings. Adds the wrinkle of a beautiful and highly successful balad in Beth. 3.5 🌟
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
1/5
Apparently I had to hear this album once before I die, so I did. That was plenty...1 🌟
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Wow this was a really fun listen I can't wait to delve deeper. Super smooth vocals and luscious beats. 4 🌟
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Not a bad albu, starts out with some fine songs. Love their take on Stepping Stone. It gets a little silly at the end finishing with two songs about cars that are both pretty lame. All-in-all a fun listen. 3.5 stars
The Stranglers
3/5
Was once my favorite Stranglers album but it hasn't aged well. Still love Sometimes, Hanging Around and Get a Grip on Yourself, but the rest sounds dated and old. A 3.5 stars
Funkadelic
5/5
If this album had nothing but the title track it would be legendary. Speaking of which Funkadrlic would seem to be the most unlikely of sources for one of rocks great guitar epics, but there you have it. And the rest of the album while nothing like the title track is still worthy of many many listens. Easily 5 🌟
Oasis
4/5
A very fine debut album. Songs are good, though not quite of the caliber of morning glory. I am annoyed of their "influences" coming dangerously close to blatant rip off. Keeps it from a full blown 4 so I'm giving 3.75 🌟
Sex Pistols
5/5
What an album. Perhaps the most influential album of the rock era. After this nothing would be quite the same. All thus would be hyperbole if the songs weren't so fucking good. Some of the hardest most uncompromising rock music ever committed to tape. It's a masterpiece. 5 🌟
Genesis
4/5
you know what prog and rap have in common their àbums are TOO LONG. still this one has a special place in my heart. Genesis and me in high school were going steady for s while. This album is among ny favorites of this period. 4 ⭐️
Television
4/5
A classic that I came to late, 10 years ago, perhaps. It's a very good album and the guitar interplay between Verlaine and Richard Lloyd is often gorgeous and always engaging. I was tempted to give it an automatic 5 stars for it's reputation and they fact that I mostly think it's brilliant, but......
Tom Verlaine's voice keeps it from reaching the highest score. Now I can usually look past a unflattering vocal performance if the songs transcend the subjectively week vocals and I mostly do, but ultimately I can't quite get to 5. 4 .5 🌟
Tortoise
3/5
Post rock? Is that what this is? It's got some interesting music on it. Some of which grabs my attention, some of which keeps me un interested but none of it offends me. I actually like listening to this album especially late at night. 3.5 stars
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Sade-style jazz-pop smoothness. More electro than Sade, a nice hybrid between Massive Attack trip hop and the smooth Jazz described above. The vocals are gorgeous, but the whole package strikes me as a little soul-less. Could this be the ideal dinner music album? Quite possibly. 3 stars
Incubus
3/5
Again not a genre I am very familiar with,but I generally enjoyed this album. It has a nice funky side that drew me in. The rhythm section is strong and pushes the music forward.
Songs of note....
The Warmth is a cool song with a warm, subtle beat perhaps my favorite on the album
Make Yourself also good
Drive is also good and the first that I recognize. This was a hit.
Battlestar Scralatchtika..a nice funky instrumental tune.
An enjoyable listen with at least 4 songs that were noteworthy
3.5 🌟
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Only listened to this song once or twice before this time. It really is a fantastic set of songs. Varied in style and production Nilsson's absolute shines throughout. 4.5 stars
Cee Lo Green
3/5
Lots of interesting stuff here. Lots of different styles in play. As usual way too long so I can't say that it held my interest through to the end but enough interesting moments to make it a worthwhile listen
3.5 🌟
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Well this is a weird album. Dance music...politically themed...bizarre covers of Springsteen and Dionne Warwick classics. One big time hit. Too long and indulgent to rate more than 3 🌟
Parliament
5/5
Yes a great album. Fun. Skillfully played. Non pretentious. Relentlessly groovy. There's just not a single misstep. Totally cool album. 5 stars
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
A classic album...but not my favourite. Concrete Jungle and Stir it Up are stone cold classics and the other songs are not far behind. You can't go wrong rolling up a fat one and putting this great album on the turntable.
4.5 stars
Hookworms
4/5
Weird perhaps even stupid name but damn, I Like this album. It rocks...it has soul and it's mostly electronic. I enjoyed most every song. I really enjoyed the album and I will delve deeper into their catalogue. 4 stars
Carole King
5/5
A classic from the singer/songwriter era. Some would say it is THE singer/songwriter album. The first time I've listened to the album from front to back but of course I am already intimately familiar with at least 6 or even 8 songs on this 12 song album...that's pretty amazing in itself. The triumvirate of the first three songs...I feel The Earth Move, So Far Away and It's Too Late is incredible. Then the middle (side 2?) has You've Got A Friend, Where You Lead and Will You Love Me Tomorrow. And then we end with the gorgeous title track (which I was not familiar with) and then the epic; (....) A Natural Woman. It really is quite remarkable the number of songs this song has contributed to popular music...standards in the true sense of the word. Bravo Carole! 5 stars
CHIC
4/5
Good Times is a great song, a classic! But is it enough to raise this album to Must listen status?
The 2nd song...A Warm Summer Night is a boring, formulaic sounding balad that just lies there for me. 3rd song My Feet Keep Dancing; Meh! Too long, not a great hook. I won't bore with a song by song analysis. I will say that Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song) is a very good song breaking forom the disco formula very successfully. All in all a good album from the era with one absolutely classic tune. 3.75 stars
Kanye West
4/5
I might be the one of the last people to be unfamiliar with Kanye West's music. This album surprised me. I was not epecting the depth and poignance of the lyrics. He is really talented in his use of language and rhymes. The music definitely is in service to Kanye's words and that's OK. The music did not grab me on first listen. The production is spare and unconventional to me but I think with more listens would come greater appreciation. 4 stars
The White Stripes
5/5
In my opinion ythe best White Stripes album. Great song after great song. Dead Leaves...is an epic song and what follows is Jack White's best songs in his career. The songwriting is so spot on , the arrangements clean and punchy. 5 stars
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
What an album. This is where Siouxsie's punk roots, meld with their gothic stylings and pop sensibilities in a perfect mixture. As always Budgies drumming is captivating and powerful and John McGeogh's stabbing guitars are perfect. And Siouxsie's singing is absolutely sublime. This might be their strongest set of songs, just really hard to find a dud on the album. Arabian Nights, Spellbound, Into the Light ... side one is near perfect. I have always thought Keleidescope was their best album but Juju is right there and on many days it is my favourite. A great album from one of the great post punk bands. 4.5 stars
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
One of Bob Marley's best. Exodus is an incredible powerful song. I'm lucky I have a pristine Mobile Fidelity vinyl copy of this record and it sounds incredible. Deep powerful bass and excellent balance overall. Thanks for the reminder on how great this album is. Side one starts out great and just keeps getting better until it gets to Exodus. Side 2 might be even better - it has the better known songs; Jamming, Waiting In vain, Three Little Birds, One Love. 5 stars
Beatles
5/5
This is a fine album. Beautiful vocals, gorgeous, harmonies, first rate songs and and tight playing. Not sure who's decision to have the stereo mix as vocals hard right, instruments hard left but I do hate it. Is there a mono mix available for this album? If so I would love to hear it. That's the one thing that keeps this from a straight up 5 star album...4,75 stars
The Yardbirds
3/5
Some good songs here. But it doesn't rise to the level of some classic albums of the era. 3.5 🌟
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Classic album that I haven't listened to in a long time. Long overdue re-familiarizing myself with this album no fewer than 5 or 6 absolutely brilliant songs that sound as fresh as ever. Though still not my favourite Springsteen album, that distinction goes to Darkness On The Edge of Town with it's harder edge, still a no-brainer 5 star pick
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Pretty good synth/dance/80s/pop album. Especially of note the hit with Dusty Springfield...What Have I Done to Deserve This. Not sure what more I can add. If this is your style of music you won<t go wrong. 3 stars
Dire Straits
4/5
Dire Straits are good. Lots of interesting stylistic shifts. Even some latin flavour on a song or two. Mark Knopfler is one of the smoothest most tasteful guitarists to ever massage a fret board. And he's an excellent songwriter. Very nice album that deserves more attention than I paid it. 4 stars
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
liked this album . I already have four or five Tom Petty albums but never heard his first until today. 4 🌟
Khaled
4/5
Well I really enjoyed this Arabic language tour through world music. Wonderful percussion sounds and interesting and varied instrumentation. really loved its mix of western style rhythm and ethnic sounds. 4 🌟
Fiona Apple
4/5
A stunning debut album by at the time teenager Fiona Apple. The album is a bit all over the place but every once in a while like on Sleep to Dream, Criminal, Carrion and especially Shadowboxer she hits the sweet spot and the results are pure magic. A talented pianist and vocalist, this debut points to the musical riches to come. 4 🌟
The Smiths
5/5
Nearly perfect blend of Smiths style rock and roll and there knack for beautiful melodies and poignant t ballads. Has some of The Smiths best songs. I loved this album when it was released and still do today. 5 🌟
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
wow. ...what a tour de force. I had no Idea. The hip hop albums on this list have been, in general, the real slap in the face discovery for me. And this one may be the best so far and there have been great one's. In particular the Eminem album knocked me on its ass for its incredible wordplay and compelling music. To Pimp a Butterfly while not as shocking as The MM album, but my God the intricacies of the wordplay...of the poetry, is stunning in places and at the very least compelling and interesting and intelligent. This one's a KEEPER and is deserving of multiple listens 5 stars
Beastie Boys
2/5
If anyone can explain The Beastie Boys to me I would be most appreciative. They are a rab group right? How come their lyrics are barely intelligible? How come 9 songs in an instrumental is my favorite song so far. Fight for your Right to Party? Really?
Make that my two favorite songs are instrumentals...Eugene's Lament is excellent. But all in all just not buying what The Beadyie Boys are selling, even if I could figure out what that is. 2.5 🌟
Neil Young
5/5
An amazing album, one of Neil Young's best. Its sad and poignant and powerful, The title track is the highlight of course but there are other great songs too.
5 stars
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Has a rock /pop group ever put a better collection of songs on one record? Highway 61, maybe. Rubber Soul, perhaps. One great song after another. A remarkable achievement really 5 🌟
Bad Brains
4/5
This album shocked me, I wasn't prepared for this level of melodicism from a Bad Brains album. The Bad Brains I know are loud and abrasive, without subtlety. I am glad to find this side of this legendary band. 4 stars
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
I am a HUGE EC fan, but I never would have thought that this album would make the list. Don't get me wrong this is a great album, underrated and perhaps forgotten in is catalogue. I lost touch with Elvis after this album, for whatever reason I had no need for anymore EC...for me this album was the perfect farewell. I actually like almost every song and it might be his greatest vocal performance up to this point. 4.5 stars
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Pretty good album that I do not find as compelling as the majority of critics do. Can't put my finger on what keeps me at arms length, I'll just say that I didn't connect with this the way I hoped I would 3.25 stars
Patti Smith
4/5
A fine album with one great song and some other very good songs. Patti's poetry is evident throughout; raw, poignant, provocative. And it Rawks. 4 🌟
Billy Joel
3/5
I can't really complain about this album it's a fine album. Am I a fan? No. But that doesn't change the fact that the guy makes some fun adult contemporary pop albums. For me he's a poor man's Randy Newman. Anyway a pleasant uneventful listen...3.5 stars
Elis Regina
3/5
I enjoyed this album especially when acoustic guitar was the principal instrument. She has a lovely powerful voice 3 🌟
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
I like this album, not my favorite hip hop I've been introduced through this process, but very good. The rhythm is a bit same throughout with very little tempo change. I like a lot of the sample choices especially of course Walk on the Wild Side. 3 75 🌟
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Well this is a lot of fun. No grand artistic statement here just a bunch of talented musicians showing off their substantial chops on some old favourites. Nothing wrong with that. 3.5 stars
Portishead
4/5
A dark, challenging, sometimes even disturbing album that haunts you long after it ends. It maybe the most haunting listening experience since Kid A, or perhaps even Joy Division's Closer. Ultimately it proves rewarding and bears repeated listens to come to appreciate it's substantial charms. Substantial is an excellent to describe the experience of listening to this album. 4 stars.
Grateful Dead
4/5
A very good Americana album. I was surprised how many acoustic guitars on the album. I enjoyed most of the songs, the first and last being hilights 4 🌟
Beatles
5/5
One of my favorite Beatles albums, if only Yellow Submarine had remained on the cutting room floor might be a 6 🌟
Goldfrapp
3/5
A dark, moody album with gorgeous textures and beautiful melodies. I have listened to it twice through so far and I intend to do so again before finalizing my impressions, the first listen, a background distracted listen didn't yield much except fot a few moments of creepy (my daughters word) unease. Second listen in which my attention was undivided, allowed me to appreciate the subtle melodies and lush soundscapes. So far a beautiful album that bears further scrutiny. Well listen three did not go as planned. This album is one of mood andut with little substance. No memorable SONGS! While the music is sometimes beautiful it is nowhere near enough to sustain a full album. 3 🌟
The Sugarcubes
4/5
What a voice. Bjork is a revelation and the music and songs are great too. 3.75 🌟
Jane Weaver
4/5
Very much enjoyed going album beautiful mood, gorgeous voice, warm lush instrumentation very inviting perfect for dark late night listening 4 🌟
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
My favorite purely electronic album has a beautiful sense of melody that modern bands like Aphex Twin lack as do contemporaries like Tangerine Dream. Smoke a joint, turn the lights low and be transported to wherever you let the music take you. 4.5 🌟
Boards of Canada
3/5
Not really my kind of music but this record does have its moments; 3.5 stars
Todd Rundgren
4/5
4 stars a very fun listen lots of stylistic changes. Deserves more attention
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Well it's a GREAT album and has some of favorite Stones song, which means some of my favorite songs period. Sweet Virginia, Tumbling Dice, Happy, Rocks Off, Ventilator Blues. Having said that it doesn't hold my attention the whole way through which keeps it just shy of a full 5 star rating 4.5
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
I like this album a lot. 4 🌟
The Go-Betweens
5/5
This album is sooo strong. The Go-Betweens mase such gorgeous music. Tasteful, tuneful, bright. Music you just want to sing along with. The best album from a band that released nothing but great albums. An easy 5 🌟 rating
Prince
4/5
When Doves Cry and Purple Rain are great songs the rest of the album is good but nowhere near as strong, of note is some of the incredible singing in songs like The Beautiful Ones. Also some incredible guitar playing, beautiful tone, always tasteful yet impressively heavy. Took two listens through to gain appreciation. 4 🌟
Lana Del Rey
3/5
A quietly beautiful album. Sparse arrangements that showcase her fragile vocal delivery and subtle, distinctive phrasing. Reminds of Cat Power, but lacks the emotional depth and power in her voice.
Finally, the pacing of the album is too slow without any variation thus lacking in drama and ultimate tension 3.5 🌟
The Young Rascals
3/5
It has some great songs, particularly Groovin', Sueno, You Better Run and A Place in the Sun. But it's pretty syrupy...that's the first and the lasting impression, some good songs but an overall lightweight feel 3 🌟
Goldie
2/5
Really? 2 hours of monotonous beats, strange slightly musical noises? A breakthrough? A masterpiece? I don't get it. Do I have to listen to all of this? How about we pass a law that albums like this be no longer than 45 minutes. Not totally bereft of value. But I have no desire to ever listen to it ever again. 2 stars
Van Halen
2/5
Ok well Edie Van Halen is a very talented guitarist and David Lee Roth a charismatic front man, but unfortunately stylistically with their guitar wizardry and rock star wailing I am left cold. All style no substance. Not surprisingly the best sing for me by far is Ain"t Talkin' 'Bout Love, where both of these indulgences are reigned in. 2.5 🌟
Robbie Williams
3/5
Never heard of this guy before. First impression; some nice Matthew Sweet style power pop. First 5 songs are catchy and hooky and well executed. The finish of the album more of the same. Worthy of further exploration for sure. 3.5 🌟
The Black Keys
4/5
This was a big surprise. I basically liked every song. Always believed that they were a White Stripes wanna be band, without having listened to their music. They deserve more of my attention. 4 🌟
The Who
4/5
I actually liked this MUCH better than I thought I would. My pre-judgements coming in...too long, stupid premise, hokey songs. The premis still strikes me as stupid but the songs are so strong - what a drummer Keith Moon was - that I did not feel the album was bloated at all. very little filler and some truly transcendent musical moments. 4.5 stars
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
The middle album of what I like to think of EC's Big 3. Great song after great song. The run from Senior Services through Goon Squad is absolute song writing gold. It bogs down slightly after that with the next three songs which aren't quite as strong, but we finish with a bang with Chemistry Class, Two Little Hitlers and the Nick Lowe penned; Peace Love and Understanding (though that last one is not included on my British pressing). A great album easily worthy of a 5 star rating.
Ghostface Killah
3/5
Pretty good hip hop album, too long as usual but some interesting musical choices and there were some very interesting rhyms. However a little to samey to earn anything higher than a 3.5 🌟
George Jones
2/5
I'm sure this is a seminal country album. And there's no denying his beautiful voice and story telling talents....but it's just not a genre that I enjoy listening to. 2.5 stars
John Prine
3/5
I expected to like this more given the reputation which preceeded it. It was more country one style than expected. Illegal Smile is Admittedly a pretty cooland humorous tune as is the next one Spanish Pipedream. Pretty Good might be my favorite song. All in all I enjoyed it 3.5 stRs
Iron Maiden
3/5
3 🌟. Really tough for a heavy metal album to score above a 3 for me. This has elements that I like. The drumming is excellent but the songs are all basically the same formula and the vocals are technically good but the style is off putting for me. So it's a good heavy metal album but not an album I'll ever want to give a 2nd listen to
Hugh Masekela
4/5
A wonderful album. Very much in the style of Miles Davis Prestige years; Cooking, Working, etc.... I really enjoyed this album and plan to listen to it tomorrow again. 4 🌟
Screaming Trees
4/5
A very cool album. Reminds me of Canadian band Tea Party. I like these guys much more than their grunge brethren like Soundgarden and bands of that ilk. Their sound is more nuanced and the vocals smoother and more inviting. I'll be enjoying this album quite a lot in the coming weeks 4 🌟
Portishead
4/5
Such a strange and mysterious album. Ethereal sounds that seem be from some alien beings. Strange and otherworldly and yet accessible and familiar. Now how do they do that. Now how exactly do they pull that off. Well Beth Orton's magnificent voice definitely helps in that regard. A wonderful album who's best moments / songs never fail to draw me in; 4 🌟
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Like the title suggests this a dark plodding album that is still quite fulfilling ecause of Cohen's incredible lyrical sense and dramatic delivery. The music matches the lyrical themes perfectly. I found something to enjoy in most every song. Thouvh in the end s little monotonous t ate higher than 3.5🌟
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Halfway through and this album is NOT working for me at all. Just not something I can latch on to at all. Nope not really 😕
2 🌟
Led Zeppelin
4/5
A very good almost great album but not my favorite LZ. Ranks behind 1, 2 and 3 ... on a par with IV and HotH. I admire the varied influences but for me the songs are not that strong. Even the much beloved Kashmir, while a very good song barely cracks my top 10 LZ songs. 4 🌟
Judas Priest
2/5
Nope this album just ain't for me. 2 🌟
The The
4/5
Matt Johnsin hit a home run with This is the Day, a perfect slice of 80s alternative pop. It has all the elements; Great dance floor beat, catchy sing along chorus, beautiful melodic synthesizer riff and a huge drum sound. Just a great song that to me still sounds fresh today. Can the rest of the album possibly measure? Well the short answer is no! But....
There are some fine tunes on here; Uncertain Smile, the title Track as well as the closer Giant. Most of the tunes go on too long and I find myself looking to skip ahead to the next one 3/4 of the way through. But I can say that each song has something to offer. Johnson's themes of life and death, heaven and hell and biblical references can get a little heavy handed but the arrangements tend to lighten the mood and help make the whole thing more accessible. 4 🌟
Tina Turner
4/5
Ok so it's a pretty good selection of covers like I can't stNd the rain and let's stay together, however they do show the limitations of her vocal range, but that doesn't bother me at all un fact I find it endearing...you always recognize a Tina Turner performance. And when Tina rocks, like in better be good to me, she takes a backseat to no one; man or woman.4 🌟
Ice Cube
4/5
Another fine hip hop / rap album. Ice Cube's sense of humor definitely shines through at times but always the underpinings of anger are present laid bare for all to see. The beats are not the most inventive but I was always drawn in and wanted to listen, so....accessible. 4 🌟
X-Ray Spex
4/5
What an album...one great tune after another and refreshingly different from anything else at the time. My vinyl copy is an early British pressing and doesn't even include their most famous song Oh Bondage Up Yours, but amazingly Germ Free Adolescents does not suffer for its absence. 4.5 🌟
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Not my favourite CCR album bit a good CCR album is a great album for .out other bands. Born on the Bayou, Bootleg, Proud Mary, Chooglin; all classic CCR. Not quote 5 but 4.5 easily
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Not a rap fan but I enjoyed this a lot 4 stars. A little heavy...relentless even but worth the effort 4 stars
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
Well I had a hard time finding the "original version of yhis album. TIDAL does not have it except as a bizarre compilation album that bears little resemblance to the original release. Searching individual tracks I put together a Playlist in the same order as the original release, but thar did not seem fair. So YouTube to the rescue. On to my review. I was only familiar with this band from my vinyl copy of Organization from oh so long ago. That album never connected with me other than Enola Gay. With this album I think OMD reached another level. More variesd and dramatic than Organization. Highlights are The New Stone Age, which rocks like no other OMD song I've ever heard, Sealand is achingly beautiful in it's sparseness and huge dramatic drum sound and Souvenir is synth pop at its finest. I think this album is stronger than Organization. I'm going to revisit Org as perhaps I gave it short shrift back in the day. 3.5🌟
The Byrds
4/5
Ever heard this album before. I'm very familiar with their first three albums which are classic in their own rights. The Notorious yrd Brothers has a different sound, a jazzier sound that works very well. I enjoyed each and every song. Can't quite give it a five bit I'm tempted. 4.25 🌟
Sarah Vaughan
5/5
A beautiful intimate performance. Sympathetic accompaniment, tasteful playing and a great batch of songs. Sarah's voice is impeccable, rhe arrangements are perfect and her delivery; relaxed inimate and rhythmicly they swing. Don't often understand the rhyme or reason behind some of the non-rock choices but for this one I'm grateful that I was able to discover this amazing album
5 🌟
Queen
2/5
I am not a Queen fan! I generally pretentious and overwrought. I had Queen II earlier and it did nothing to dispell my pre conceptions. Now this is their best known album and I do confess to a certain fi ding a certain charm to Behemian Rhapsody, probably more to do with its ubiquitous presence in modern popular culture. I guess it wore me down. I'm also anxious to hear I'm in Love With My Car after Mine Myers performance in the movie. It's a nice song. I also didn't realize that You're My Best Friend is also on this album...I like its straight ahead pop song aesthetic, but these guys can't help themselves even on a "pop" song ad the drums and bass are overwrought instead of being simple and in service of a beautiful melody.
The next song '39 has a charming folk feel but again is done in by an over produced and somewhat weak chorus. Still I like the song.
For the rest of the album it goes from songs that are over produced an over wrought to parody songs (Seaside Rendezvous). Overall it's a better album than Queen II but still filled with Queen's portentious theatricality (The Prophet's Son, Love of my Life.... Yech!) 2.5 stars
The Who
4/5
This album has the reputation as one of the best live albums ever released and with good reason. The setlist is stellar, the performance is clean and tight. The chemistry within the band members and with the audience and band is easy going and comfortable and the whole package has a Magic that is rarely captured on tape. Loses 1/2 star because I'm not generally a fan of luve rock recordings. 4.5 🌟
Ramones
5/5
Personally I prefer Rocket to Russia. But there's a certain timelessness to this debut. Most of the songs are GREAT! Blitzkrieg Bop, I Wanna be Your Boyfriend, Chain Saw, Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue, I Don't Wanna G to The Basement, there's just no let up. The Ramones were the cause of a musical revolution...and the revolution starts here 5 stars
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
The Blues just ain't my thing. 3 stars
Dr. John
4/5
A very bizarre album. Not at all what I expected. The arrangements are generally spare and unusual with a lot ambience and echo and strange noises that seem to come out of nowhere. The backing vocals on the opener Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya are angelic and distant really gorgeous. There are lots of different styles here most of which I can't identify. My first run through the album I was ready to give it a low rating...but my second spin is giving a much more positive perspective. I can't quite say that I live every song but man each song has something at least interesting to offer and deserves closer inspection. 4 🌟
Common
4/5
I really like the groove this album cultivates. Smooth, jazzy, bass lines that are lyrical as fuck. Definitely one of the better rap / hip hop albums I've heard so far. Aside from the groove the raps seem interesting and intelligent, at least at first blush. Bears further investigation to get the full feel of this very good album
4.25 🌟
The Rolling Stones
5/5
One of the best Stones albums and perhaps my favourite and that's saying a lot. Not a bad song on here but, other than sister Morphine, it does lack a killer track like Let it Bleed and Exile, And Beggars Banquet have. But for consistency Sticky Fingers is tough to beat. The loise bluesy feel throughout the album makes it accessible and gun. 5 🌟
The Specials
2/5
I love the Specials self titled debut. It's a great album. This album is not. The songs sound as much like novelty songs as serious music. Maybe it would I.prove with further listens however nothing in this initial listen is sufficiently interesting to warrant a deeper dive.....accept Stereotype/Stereotype Pt. 2.
Can't give it more than 2.5 stars
The Beach Boys
5/5
This is not an easy album to love. The melodies are not standard pop fare, they are complex and the hooks are while their are present but require repeated listens to make their way into your brain. This is not Sgt. Pepper, with its easily hummable melodies and easy hooks. It's a great album but it requires time before it's greatness is revealed. It did at least for me. 5 🌟
David Bowie
5/5
One of my favorite Bowie albums. The title track is among his best songs and the rest of the songs are quite strong as well. 5 🌟
Beyoncé
3/5
Interesting songs unique sound. Absolutely a substantial album that were it more in my wheelhouse could be 4stars, but as it just isn't my genre I can't imagine e fou g higher than 3.5 stars.
Various Artists
3/5
Some nice versions of pop Christmas classics all with that distinctive Phil Specttor touch. Your Christmas celebration will be richer if this album is added to your holiday playlist
Richard Thompson
3/5
Some lovely English folk music. If a little generic sounding. Nothing really stands out to me (unlike Shoot Out The Lights). Maybe more listens would bring a higher rating but for now 3.5 🌟
Taylor Swift
4/5
Is this a typical Taylor Swift record? If so, what the hell have I been waiting for. Subtle, beautiful, nuanced and heart-felt. This is an album where the songs are the stars, not the singer. For me that's refreshing. The songs are great I would just ask for a little more variety in tempo and musical arrangements (read wish it rocked harder in places). 4 🌟
Nick Drake
5/5
Nearly perfect. Nick's hardest rocking album but still poignant and lyrical and beautiful. 5 🌟
Happy Mondays
3/5
Not a bad album. You can definitely hear the Martin Hannett production / influence . Is this the direction that Joy Division would have taken had Ian Curtis not died? It's a sound that I naturally gravitate to but the songs lack a certain distinctive quality that keeps them from being me.orale indicates ideally. 3 5 🌟
Morrissey
4/5
I'm a Smiths / Morrissey fan but this album. So ehow escaped my orbit. There are some absolutely gorgeous so gs on this album. As usual his band is spot on...they sound amazing the rockers like Billy Budd; ROCK! The more subtle songs like the beautiful I am Hated For Loving and Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning are arranged with beautiful tasteful touches. The album is lovely from beginning g to end. Highly recommended. 4 🌟
Amy Winehouse
3/5
A good album of jazz inspired blues-pop the singing is distinctive and unusual in a pop music framework but what keeps me at arms length is that the arrangements don't grab me and I find the melodies difficult and unappealing. 3.5 🌟
Elbow
3/5
An interesting album, doesn't really sound doesn't like anything else I can think of. Does their style appeal to me? No not really but I can hear the quality in the songwriting and the playing, just not a style that appeals to me.
The Kinks
5/5
Already my third Kinks album in this exercise. I love this album. Ray gives us such wonderful little vignettes with colourful characters and places. Many memorable songs. Love it. 5 stars
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
This album played a role in my pre adolescent burgeoning live for music. My older sister had their greatest hits album and I played it over and over again. Came to There's a Riot Going On much later and again every song is excellent. Not exactly overflowing with hits still the feel of the album makes it a classic. 4.5 🌟
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
4/5
Well this was a fun album. Folk music as it was meant to be presented, simple, unencumbered, great stories told simply and succinctly. I enjoyed this album very much. 4 🌟
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Sinatra at his absolute peak. This along with Sings for Only the Lonely are ssns pareil. 5 🌟
John Cale
3/5
John Cale's quiet, beautiful album. It is perhaps his most accessible album but for me lacks the magic of the other three albums of his that I am familiar with; Fear, Vintage Violence and Slow Dazzle. Admittedly I came to this album later than those others and maybe it hasn't had the time to make its way deeper into my soul but on the other hand it hasn't made me curious enough to allow it to. 3.5 🌟
Van Morrison
5/5
Astral awesome is the gold standard of Van Morrison albums but make no mistake that Moondance is a fabulous album. It has touches of Astral Weeks jazzy feel but is much more pop music accessible. Ultimately it lacks the wow factor of AW. Still an easy 5 🌟 rating from me.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
This wS a pretty underwhelming listen. Decent straight ahead rock and roll with a punk edge. Not sure why it should be on this list. I feel that the list should be reserved for albums that are either outstanding or influential and I don't think this either. 2.5 🌟
Everything But The Girl
3/5
It's a quality blue-eyed soul album. Reminds me at times of Safe. It's very smooth and polished. It's just not a style that I really enjoy so despite the quality that the band exhibits I can't give it more than 3.5 stars
The Beach Boys
4/5
A new discovery for me and one that I really enjoyed. You can hear the growth that reached it's zenith with Pet Sounds, but this one has a similar feel and dare I say may be a little more accessible. 4 stars
Nas
4/5
A pretty good album,not up to the standard of the best from Eminem, A Trube Called Quest or Kanye but NY State of mind and Life's a Bitch, Halftime are great. 3.75 stars
Tom Waits
4/5
For me this is Tom Waits the way I like to hear him, jazzy arrangements that sometimes swing and sometimes torch (what's the verb for torch?). I love the banter between songs and to start and end the album. The album is closest in style to my favorite TW album; Small Change...which has my favourite song...Step Right Up. An easy 4.5 🌟 for me.
The Hives
3/5
The Hives do this sound about as well as anyone. Infectious garage punk that grabs hold and doesn't let go. Not sure about the wisdom of including what is basically a compilation album here when their regular releases repeat a number of the songs here but there's no doubting the quality of the songs included. Great stuff but loses one star because of redundancy 3 🌟
Justice
3/5
I guess if I lived inside a club I'd have this going and all would be right. But I live in a house and there's not many opportunities to enjoy this type of music. Still a very good album for what it is. 3 🌟
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
I'm not much of a blues rock guy, I don't usually Gosford guitar virtuosity nor for extended jams. But despite thar I found myself enjoying this album. In memory of Elizabeth Reed is especially good and seems shorter than its 13 minutes. However, Whipping Post, at 23 minutes is just too much still has some beautiful parts to it though; 4 🌟
System Of A Down
2/5
Most definitely not my thing. Might be more tolerable if the vocals were a little less....aggressive? I think there were 2 songs that I could possibly enjoy in another context, but in this context 2.5 🌟
Miles Davis
4/5
I've never heard this iconic album until today. I have heard, own and love In A Silent Way. Bitches Brew is very much cut from the same cloth. The atmosphere, the feel, the playing is so similar to In a Silent Way that it sounds like they were both taken from the same studio sessions. Do I like it as much? not yet. Will I? maybe. I'm tempted to give it 5 stars which is how I will rate IASW, but it's too new in my listening life so 4.5 🌟
Eminem
4/5
After being introduced to The Marshall Mathers LP through this exercise. I was prepared to be similarly blown away by this album. I wasn't. Still a great album, funny sometimes even hilarious, some excellent production but not up to the standards of Marshall Mathers, it is missing the emotional depth of that album as well as the almost frightening honesty. Still a hell of an album 4 🌟
Rod Stewart
5/5
This is the album where it all came together folk with gospel with blues and it ROCKS! The title track, Mandolin Wind and Maggie May ensure its all time classic status, but the choice of covers are all spot on especially I Know I'm Losing You. 5 🌟
Can
4/5
What an absolutely gorgeous album. I'm only discovering Can now...in the last year it so and every listen reveals something new (to me). I'm always surprised at how soulful the music. 4.5 🌟
The Jam
5/5
My favorite Jam album and one of my favorite albums, period! The 3 album run of All Mod Cons, Setting Sons and Sound Affects, is as good a three album run of any band, ever. This is the album where The Jam sound and Paul Weller's song writing reached their zenith. To Be Someone, Mr. Clean, In The Crowd, "A"Bomb in Wardour Street and Down in the Tube Station at Midnight are all incredible songs that alone would make this album worthwhile, all together they make for one of the best albums of the 80s, indeed of any decade. No band ever communicated more vividly what it was like growing up British. Maybe that kept North American fans at arms length, but for me if their lyrics and themes ever became TOO British, the musical interplay is universal and these three kids were the epitome of tight. A no-brainer 5 star album from my perspective.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
This album is a revelation. First some background I'm 60 years old and Hendrix was the music of my older siblings...at least Are You Experienced was, and I love that album. But I never heard anything else, other than Smash Hits and Band of Gypsys. Recently I've listened to Electric Ladyland but I haven't been able to connect with it. My conclusion; Hendrix is not for me. Today was the first time I ever listened to Axis Bold as Love and I love it. I think it's a stronger album than Are You Experienced. Where AYE has some filler in my opinion, while every song on ABL is substantial. The songwriting is very strong and shows off more variety...jazzy and funkier than AYE and Electric Ladyland it seems that the production is cleaner and you can here more interplay between the instruments. A 5 🌟 album without a doubt.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Not a bad album I'm not a big Arctic Monkey's fan but I did enjoy listening to this album, but nothing makes me want to listen to it again. 3 🌟
The Byrds
5/5
This is what to me is the classic Byrds album Belongs in every music lovers collection. Ringing guitars, beautiful harmonies, rich production overall and the songs....wow. The Dylan covers like the title track, Chimes of Freedom and All I Really Want To Do are beautifully rendered and the originals; I'll Feel a Whole Lit Better and Here Without You show a maturity ro their writing that would develop even more on later albums.. favourite track; The Bells of Rhymney. 5 🌟 (note my copy is a Sundazed Vinyl pressing that includes two very good bonus tracks so that's what I'm commenting on and rating.)
The Streets
3/5
Some really cool tunes here. Great storytelling interesting sounds/beats. I enjoyed my listen not sure if I want or need any further listening though. 3 🌟
Moby Grape
4/5
I liked this album a lot. Good country style rock. Reminds me of The Dead more than anything, but I would so shorter on jams and perhaps a little more rocking. 4 🌟
Dr. Dre
3/5
Not my favourite rap...I prefer something lighter with more of a jazzy esthetic. Still some quality stuff here. 3.5 🌟
Primal Scream
4/5
Wow this album starts off really strongly Movin 'em Up. Great funky bass and drums propel the song...a really great start. Then we get bogged down in some long drawn out dance floor jams, especially; Don't Fight it Feel It, which about 4 minutes I'm hoping for an end, unfortunately that end comes only 3 minutes later. The next song Higher Than The Sun is more of the same. Inner Flight is better but then things really start cooking with Come Together and the album finishes strongly. I'm going to listen again, so it did make me WANT to see if I'm missing something in the songs I didn't like but what I did like I liked enough to almost give it a 4. 3.75 🌟
David Bowie
4/5
I love this period of Bowie....the Berlin period. And Low is generally regarded as the masterpiece from the Berlin period. But I actually prefer both Station to Station and Heroes. I acknowledge that Low is the more unconventional and atmospheric of the three, but I find myself wondering what the point of songs like; Art Decade and Weeping Wall. Having said that Low is one of the greatest post-punk / New wave albums of all time. Considering that it was released in 1976 three years before post-punk was invented that's something. 4 5 🌟
Michael Jackson
3/5
I was ready to give this album 5 stars. I thought like Rumours that it's mega sales meant that its quality was beyond the regular pop fare. But it turns out there are some really shifty songs on here. I listened to Thriller and after being mostly unimpressed decided to listen to Off the Wall. Off the Wall is a much better album. Thriller gets 3.5 🌟
Norah Jones
3/5
This is a fine album. Nice easy to like songs with jazzy arrangements. Perfect background music for a dinner party with friends. 3 🌟
The Fall
3/5
The first two songs are good, song 3 Barmy is great, with a a weird rhythm guitarcdriving the song. The songs of the fall are all kind of weird and quirky...kind of a post-punk / new wave Captain Beefheart. Mark E. Smith's through a megaphone style vocals are certainly an acquired taste. Not much conventional song structure here, just Smith ranting over strange rhythms. But I like it, though a full album can get daunting. 3.5 🌟
Black Flag
2/5
Loud and obnoxious 2 🌟
MC Solaar
3/5
Well this was an interesting sojourn into the world acid-jazz-rap francaise. I speak some French so I could understand alot of the lyrical contente and for those who don't speak French, let me say you're not missing much. MC Solaar does not have a lot to say. Having said that I really enjoyed this album. Whether or not you understand what he's rapping about, one can easily appreciate the flow of the phrasing and especially the perfect marriage of that slow sensual lyrical flow and the sultry jazzy flourishes. The music and the singer in perfect synch, make this a satisfying listen. 3.5 🌟
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Another Leonard Cohen album. 4 🌟
Sepultura
2/5
Music is pretty good if a little hard for my tastes. The raw guttural screaming that passes for singing is just not to my taste. I have to admit that musically there's some pretty impressive playing. 2.5
The Black Crowes
3/5
Some good old fashion greasy lues-rock in the style of classic Rolling Stones. Nothing particularly memorable to me but a lot of fun. 3.5 🌟
The Waterboys
4/5
I love this album. Side 1 is by far the best moment of The Waterboys career. From the epic opening track to the dissonant fiddle that dominates We Will Not Be Lovers, to the beautiful accoustic turn of Strange Boat, the start of this album is as good as it gets. The band then rocks out with danceable World Party and closes side one with a gorgeous take on the Van Morrison classic Sweet Thing. Unfortunately side 2 pales in comparison (how could it not?) With the only standout track being And a Bang on the Ear. The underwhelming second half keeps this from being a 5 🌟 classic. 4.5 🌟
The Rolling Stones
5/5
One of the top 3 stones albums along with Sticky Fingers and Beggars Banquet. Just not a bad song on here. I suppose one could argue that Country Honk is filler but that won't be me an easy 5 stars.
Adele
3/5
Pop vocal is just not my wheel house, so I sm most certainly NOT the one to judge this albums artistic merit. For me this album sounds generic in its pop vocal performance. Her voice is sublime there is no doubt but you better bring more to the table than a pretty voice to catch my ear. First off ballad after ballad makes for a boring listen for me. When she does open up a little like on Send My Love...it sounds like rip off of the Lorde hit from 2 years earlier. I'm not an Adele officialdom but I've never heard anything that comes any where near Rolling in the Deep. As I type Sweetest Devotion comes on and it's easily the best song on the album. Makes the album climb from a 2.5 stars to 3 🌟.
The Saints
4/5
Damn Tge Saints are GOOD. Can't believe I missed them back in the day. I would say they are the most faithful to The Stooges of any band I've heard from that era. 4 🌟
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
So I have tried to get into The MSP at other times and have found them too bombastic, too Queen-like (I hate Queen), self-indgent, etc..
And this album started out giving me a similar impression. But halfway through, specifically with the song; The Girl Who Wanted to be God, my opinion started to turn and U actually liked every song right to the end of the album. The songs seemed to get simpler, more direct, less overblown and just plain better. 3.5 🌟
Ice T
4/5
The best thing about this exercise is the great hip hop albums I've been introduced to. ICE Ts album Power was the first rap album I ever purchased back 35ish years ago. This album is wonderful. Intelligent, compelling, musically diverse and just fucking good. 4.5🌟
Tito Puente
4/5
Really nice album. I tend to prefer the instrumental tracks where the vibraphone playing can really shine. But all the songs have a life and a real feeling of momentum that makes the irresistible. The tempos are infectious, the percussion irresistible. Just great music playing throughout. 4.5 🌟
The La's
5/5
What a fantastic album, captures the spirit and feel of classic 60s British pop (is it Mersybeat) better than any British pop album I can think of. It manages to sound both fresh and nostalgic at the same time. And every song is a winner. Of course the omnipresent There She Gies is the hilight, the song everyone knows but no one knows who sings it. I love this album for its sound, its gorgeous and utterly tasteful production but mostly for its fantastic songs. 5 🌟
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
I like this album...I like it a lot. To me this is to be lumped in with Arctic Monkees, The Good the Bad and the Queen, the Libertines / Babyshambles and maybe even British Sea Power and The Legends. For me this is the best of the bunch (except for BSP, The Decline of British Sea Power is an incredible album). More consistent in its accessibility than the more lauded Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand has very few missteps and when it hits it's target its a bullseye. A very enjoyable listen. 4 🌟
Little Richard
4/5
For me the 50s is like this; There's Buddy Holly and then there's everyone else. To me Buddy Holly is the seed from which grew all the music that is important to me.
Now after hearing this Lityle Richard album there's Buddy Holly up here, then there's little Richard a notch or two below ....and thennn, there's everyone else. Good songs and one of the most chameleon like voices I've ever heard. 4.5 🌟
Echo And The Bunnymen
5/5
My favorite album from one of my all time favorite bands. Ian McCulloch has never been in better voice. The lyrics are beautifully obtuse but fun and provoking and at times achingly beautiful. Will Sargeants guitar is tasteful and never overdone, alwaysserving the song. And there are so many great songs; Silver, Seven Seas, Thorn of Crowns, Yo Yo Man, Ocean Rain, Kingdom and of course The Killing Moon. A 5 🌟 album if I've ever heard one.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Sonic Youth's most famous album and quite possibly their best. Teenage Riot is probably their best song but this album is full of classic SY songs. It's not quite a 5 star album for me as SY has some dissonant characteristics thatvI personally find difficult. 4 5 🌟
The Young Gods
1/5
Not really for me...electronic heavy metal with lead vocals that I dislike. 1.5 🌟
Fugazi
4/5
Excellent album. Fuga,I might have the best rhythm section in American Punk, (Minutemen?). And they are on full display on this fabulous album. Yes, sometimes the vocals can become jarring...grating, but really only on a couple of songs. In general the songs are really really good. Highly recommended. 4 🌟
The Crusaders
2/5
This is one of those albums on this list that makes me think ..."Really?..., I have to hear THIS album ". Sounds like some generic smooth jazz ... the kind that Starbucks used to sell, the kind that give jazz a bad name. 2 🌟
Garbage
4/5
A very good album. Pop...punk...indie...grunge...shoelace a little bit of everything I this one, including some excellent songs. Reminds me of The Darling Buds album; Erotica, which would be a 5 star album for me but does make this list. Anyway this one's a 4 🌟
John Lennon
4/5
It's got some great songs; the title track and Jealous Guy are classics and there are a couple of other great songs (How do You Sleep, Oh My Love), but it also has some filler that keeps it from being a 5 in my opinion. 4.5 🌟
Solomon Burke
4/5
This one kind of stunned me. I was not expecting so many quality songs. Us there a genre Solomon can't do and make his own. He does a country song that is note perfect. I had to spin this one twice to begin to appreciate his incredible range. 4.5 🌟
Miles Davis
4/5
Not his best but damn good. 4 🌟
The Beach Boys
3/5
It's got some good songs but just one hit....Help Me Rhonda. Not their best but still has some good songs worthy of attention. 3.5 🌟
Al Green
5/5
What a great album, among the best of this era. 5 🌟
Cream
4/5
I was prepared to dismiss this album as aelf-indulgent over-rared shifted, but it's not. ( ok maybe We're Going Wrong is that, but...). Most of the deep cuts are pretty damn good; World of Pain, Dance The Night Away and Blue Condition which has an almost indie-rock feel are three fine songs that make up the middle section. All the songs are short so they don't wear out their welcome. I really enjoyed this albu, much more than I thought I would. 4.5 🌟
Le Tigre
4/5
Wow. The first 3 songs are sooo good. Clever, catchy and they rock like he'll. Can't help but drop off from there but it's not like it comes to a screeching halt there's plenty of other great songs to help carry us to the end. Kathleen Hanna is an American treasure. 4.5 🌟
Cheap Trick
3/5
Another overplayed classic that I never listened, aside from the hits. This is a fine live album that I think captures the energy of a live concert. I especially liked the intense mid-tempo scorcher; Need Your Love. That song starts off a particularly strong 4 song run that winds up with that high school dance mainstay; Surrender. The album does fall prey to some mid 70s live album cliches, ie not one but two needless (thankfully short), drum solos. Despite that a pleasurable listen; 3.5 🌟
The Fall
4/5
A very cool album. O e that I missed back in the day but I'm happy to discover it at this late date. It does get a little avant garde here and there but it ne er loses its pop song way. 3.75 🌟
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Bit of a meh for me on this one. Nothing really grabbed in a general way on this. Most songs inoffensive a couple rise above that descriptor. 2.5 🌟
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Love Sly and the Family Stone. They were my introduction to funk music so hold a special place in my heart. While this album isn't as strong as There's A Riot Going On, it actually has more hits. Its a great album that should be a part of any library that includes American funk as part of it. 4.5 🌟
Aphex Twin
2/5
It's pretty good but I do prefer my synthesizers when they are serving up some melody and some traditional song structures. Though the sounds from this album are gorgeous in spots, the music doesn't connect 2.5 stars
David Bowie
4/5
A much stronger album than I thought. There's four or five really first-rate songs on the two biggies plus fascination, win and Right. 4 🌟
Electric Light Orchestra
2/5
There might be some good songs here but sheeesh they're hard to find under the bright, overwrought production. Like Brian Wilson on steroids, the studio effects just keep coming with little relief in sight. Somewhere under all the orchestral flourishes and choral singers and unnecessary sound effect is some good old fashioned rock songs....I guess. I wish someone had said to him; "Jeff, why don't you take a break?" 2.5 🌟
Coldplay
4/5
This is a very strong album. Most of the songs are packed with beautiful stick-in-your-head melodies and are well produced and tastefully arranged. Coldplay have a penchant for grandiose sounding songs that make them sound like they would be at home in the arena rock venues and this album definitely have them sounding like the heir apparent to the U2 throne. An impressive sophomore effort from a band that clearly has superstardom in its sights. 4.5 🌟
Mott The Hoople
3/5
A fine album with one GREAT song; All the Way From Memphis and a bunch of really good ones. 3.5 🌟
Marty Robbins
5/5
A fantastic album. Along with rap, country has been my eye opening genre that I will likely explore as a result of this exercise. Each song is a small cinematic snippet replete with shady characters, beautiful vistas and plot twists. All the songs are great but the standouts for me ; Big Iron (gorgeous rhythm guitar), El Paso and The Masters call. I loved this album 5 🌟 (bonus; the songs chose by Tidal after the album was finished more great storytelling songs that enhanced my listening experience)
Radiohead
5/5
Quite simply a masterpiece. Each song is a cinematic journey that delivers in every way possible. I used to think that The Bends is a better album, but that simply isn't true. It might be a more exciting listen, but can't equal the drama and quality of songwriting on OK Computer. 5 🌟
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Wow. Best Marley band ever. Did not think I'd write that but the songs are all sooo good...all of them. With the exception of the closing song which is still more than listenable. Marley's best, need I say more?
Travis
3/5
A pretty good album that sounds kind of derivative. The melodies are generally pretty and memorable. The arrangements a little pedestrian and the vocals are generally beautifully rendered in the same vein as Thom Yorke but without the depth. I found myself often reminded of Andrew Bird. A little too one-trick to rise above a rating of mediocre. 3 🌟
Julian Cope
4/5
Really cool album. Lots of styles, lots of interesting studio trickery but nothing overwrought, always in service to the song and the songs are great. Great melodies, interesting lyrics and the rhythms are tight and driving. I lje his vocals toond sounds like John Cale at times. 4 🌟
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
First of all almost impossible to find and when it is found who knows what versin they are rating as a most listen album. Is there any other soundtrack albums on the list? I hope its not the only one. I have no idea why this is on the list of Must Hear albums. I don't hate the music though. 2 stars.
PJ Harvey
5/5
What a fantastic album. Incredibly tough and uncompromising. PJ'S absolutely drips with anger and attitude and ultimately strength and determination. Her emotional range is matched by her vocal range which never hits a wrong note. And the dynamics on this record are incredible, especially on Man Size and of course The title track which absolutely explodes when the full band kicks in. This album is not an easy listen, but once it gets its hooks in you it's impossible to set yourself free. 5 🌟
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
The title track basically created the rap genre for old white guys like me. The rest of the album left me cold as I waited impatiently to hear those famous words; "don't push me cuz I'm close to the edge, I'm trying not to lose my head", sung in that staccato rhythm. 4 🌟 just for that amazing song.
The Slits
3/5
Kind of a bizarre al um that I am just now beginning to appreciate . Dissonant chord progressions, strange, otherworldly vocals, great drumming and cool reggae-esque rhythms that were quite unique at the time. The songs continue to grow on me with repeat listens. 3.5 🌟 with a bullet
Haircut 100
3/5
Funky little album this is. Some really great danceable rhythms. My wife really liked this album. I liked most of it but did get annoyed at times by the syrupy tone of the sax which fell I to Kenny G territory from time to time. A fun listen that probably doesn't have any real staying power. 3 🌟
Faith No More
4/5
I was not expecting much, I was not expecting to like this album, but the funky groove that threads itself through most of it and the soulful almost Tricky-like vocals won me over. And the songs which often lean towards bombast are pretty good too. In that way the remind a little of Nine Inch Nails. I bet their damn good live. Finish things off with a pretty inspired version of War Pigs and what we have here is a 4 🌟 album.
Tim Buckley
4/5
My second Tim Buckley album, an artist I was unfamiliar with. Greetings from LA was a more rocking album, this one more English folk based, which is more what I expected from Buckley. I really liked Greetings and this one has its own charms. Quieter and more acoustic in nature I hear some Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention influences especially in the epic title track. Lots of great songs that I enjoyed tremendously. 4 🌟
The Divine Comedy
3/5
An interesting album that doesn't hide it's love for classic popular song writing of Rogers and Hart and Gershwin. No denying the lyrics are witty and the production lush and dramatic. An impressive nostalgic document. However it's all just a little too precious to keep me interested. At times I take not of the cleverness and a really lovely melody will wander by once in a while, but just not often enough to make me want to listen again. 3.5 🌟
B.B. King
4/5
Great atmosphere.
Not a big blues guitar fan
The band cooks
I like the way the music doesn't stop even between songs.
The banter between songs can get a little tiresome
His singing on Worry Worry is amazing.
You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now...might be my favourite.
A good listen just not something I would return to
3.75 stars (out of 5)
Jane's Addiction
4/5
I've tried really hard to get I to Nothing Shocking. I own it on vinyl but whenever I play it there's something that keeps me disengaged. The vocals are difficult the spreading guitar solos are not my style. I appreciate some of the songs but as an album it leaves me cold. Ritual De Lo Habitual has the same elements, but I find there's a higher degree of variety in the production and the songwriting. I like it better for that which also gives me hope for Nothing Shocking. I especially like the longer songs in the second half which really allow the band to stretch out. A very good album 4 🌟
Pixies
4/5
A step below Sufer Rosa and Doolittle but still a really good album. No immediately catchy songs that stay in your head even after a first listen...you know like Here Comes Your Man or where is my Mind, but there are songs that reward multiple listens. Like Velouria, Is She Weird, The Happening. All in all an excellent album for Pixies fans; 4 🌟
Orbital
3/5
So when I saw this album come up as my listen for today, my initial reaction was "oh no, not another electro-dance album". From what I've gleaned from the previous albums I've heard (been assigned?), these albums tend to be pretty samey and way too long. Well this one is better than most I've heard of the genre. It's still much too long. I got through the 6th song and was thinking this is pretty good, actually, then I see that of 3 of the 4 remaining songs, the shortest is 9:26, with one of them clocking in at over 15 minutes. Well the last part of the album was as good as the early part. In general terms; interesting beats, not too monotonous and overall an enjoyable listen. 3.5 🌟 (extra points because Tidal chose as the next random song after the last had played something called "Water From A Vine Leaf" by someone called William Or it, which was quite excellent).
Gang Of Four
5/5
It's hard for me to adequately convey the impact this album had on me when it came out. I was about 18 or 19 when I first heard this album. I was just coming out if my prog rock high school days and was ready for a new sound that got my ass moving as well as my mind. I had never heard anything like this before. A rhythm section that demanded attention...that grabbed hold and would simply not let go. Stabbing guitar that was more color and mood than lead instrument. And the singing...real English accents that I found so damn charming. This album and Wire's first three were at the centre of a musical epiphany for me that 40 years later continues to shape my musical tastes. 5 🌟 (I'd give it 6 if I could)
Herbie Hancock
3/5
I like jazz but not a big fan of fusion. This album has moments where rhe groove gets pretty intense, but for me thecsoloing intrudes on the song and serves no useful purpose except to show the musicianship and speed with which each player plays. 3 🌟
The Who
4/5
This us where The Who went from British Invasion stars to Arena-Rock mega stars. I like The Who but somehow never before listened to Who's Next from beginning to end. It went as I expected. It's a great album that will never usurp My Generation, Quadrophenia and The Who Sell Out as the Band's best. Too overplayed for that to ever happen. Favourite songs; Getting in Tune and Behind Blue Eyes. 4 🌟
Ministry
3/5
Well was prepared tobjate this album, but I didn't. The shouting vocals are something I will never get used to but the musc; fast, full and dramatic made up for it. I did get a little bored at the last couple of songs so I would say best served in small doses. 3.5 🌟
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Blue and Court and Spark are my two favorite Joni Mitchell albums. To me they're 2 sides of the same coin that is JM. Blue is of course the quieter, more sparse album, often just Jon's voice and a guitar or a piano. And what a vocal performance it is. Expressive, emotive and with a range few can match. So mature for such a young lady at the time. I also love when she does up the tempo, specifically on Carey and This Flight Tonight. Every song is an artistic expression. I really never tire of Blue. It should be a staple of every record collection 5 🌟
Laura Nyro
4/5
Wow. What an album. Captivating from beginning to end. Many familiar tunes that I had no idea were hers; Eli's Coming and Stone Soul Picnic in particular. On first listen my favorite song is the blues burner The Poverty Train. This album is an important discovery for me and I expect it to be an important addition to my regular listening. 4.5 🌟
Radiohead
5/5
A nearly perfect album. One great song after another. The guitar playing throughout is amazing and that includes some of the best accoustic guitar strumming anywhere. This was my introduction to Radiohead and it remains my favorite. OK Computer and Kid A are more ambitious and perhaps greater accomplishments, but for me this is where Radiohead hit their sweet spot 5 🌟
Björk
4/5
Lots of interesting tracks here kept me entertained from beginning to end. Favorite song; Come To Me. 4 🌟
The Who
4/5
With just one hit single: the brilliant I Can See For Miles, it might not be self evident why The Who Sell Out would be many fans favourite Who album. But one listen shows just how many, interesting and fully formed musical ideas that ....Sell Out, has. It's the perfect distillation of their obvious musical chops and their songwriting chops, before they became arena rock darlings. I think it's subtle and understated and totally compelling. Quadrophenia is still my fave but Sell Out continues to close the gap with each listen. 4.5 🌟
Stevie Wonder
4/5
A fine album with 2 absolutely superb songs; Superstition and I Believe When I fall in Love. The rest of the album ain't half bad neither. My 2nd favorite Stevie Wonder album. 4.5 🌟
The Police
4/5
Well this album certainly has some of The Police's best and best known songs. The hits are some of the classics from the era. The early part of the album has some strangely dissonant songs that are no where of the quality of the second half particularly the song Mother which sounds like it could be from a Birthday Party album. It sounds soooo out of place on this album that I had to vheck that Tidal hadn't started a random play. The hits are impressive the rest... not so much. 4 🌟
Bon Jovi
3/5
Ok so I'm NOT a Bon Jovi fan. This album has lots of hits no denying that. My favorite song is Dead or Alive...sucker for that power ballad formula when it's done right. The real question is are any of the songs...the non-hits worthy of my attention and my answer is an empatic; no fucking way! (OK maybe album closer Wild in the streets). So what we have here is a generic hard rock album with some mega hits. 3 🌟
The Boo Radleys
5/5
I forgot how great an album this is. Even the noisy, distorted bits are compelling. But the pop songs are absolutely gorgeous. Songs like I Hang Suspended, I Wish I was Skinny, Butterfly McQueen, Barney....And Me, Lazarus ate just gorgeously crafted pop songs. 5 🌟
The Doors
5/5
Still my favourite Doors album, with my favourite Doors song....The End. But the rest of the album is damn good as well; Break on Through, Light My Fire, The Crystal Ship, Back Door Man. Allmusic.com calls it one of the greatest debut albums of all time and I tend to agree. 5 stars
Common
4/5
Another enjoyable hip hop album. More smooth than others of the genre, both in the music and raps which have a warmth of subject line relationships, family etc... a nice mature soulful sound. Half way through and enjoying the generally positive message.
Then comes Chi city which has what I perceive as more traditional rap theme's...life on the streets, police conflict, etc. Still a pretty smooth sound to the music. 3.75 🌟
Fever Ray
4/5
I liked this a lot. Interesting delivery good songs and not too long. Very mysterious. 4 🌟
Tom Waits
3/5
It's a Tom Waits album, what else can you say? You either like it or not. Well I guess I'm the exception that proves the rule because I kinda like but I'm not a fan. One TW album sounds pretty much like the rest. For me, in small doses I can find enjoyment. 3 🌟
Kanye West
4/5
Another great sounding hip hop record. I really had no idea how talented Kanye West is. Yes the record is too long but I hardly notice because each song real substance and stands on its own as a piece. The longer songs never wear out their welcome. A testament to his inate ability to keep things flowing and accessible. 4 🌟
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Not a fan of Clapton. To my mind this is average album with 2 great songs; one, Layla I really wouldn't care if I never heard it again, the other Bell Bottom Blues, gives the album a full star for its excellence. Overall 3.5 🌟
The War On Drugs
4/5
I like this album. The atmospherics give it a Daniel Lanois vibe. His voice has a dylanesque drawl which is appealing. The songs are generally strong especially Under Pressure, Red Eyes, Burning and in Reverse. The guitar sound is also notable. It does get a little same by the end but the strong songwriting keeps it interesting. 3.75 stars.
Supergrass
4/5
This is a very accomplished album. Is it as good as I Should Coco, their brilliant and much lauded debut? I'm not the one to ask. You see In It for the Money is my introduction to Supergrass and as such will always hold a unique place for me. Regardless In it for the Money is a GREAT brit pop album and packs a rockers punch that other more celebrated albums of the genre never quite reach for me. Every song has their charms. I had forgotten how good an album this is. 4.5 🌟
Elliott Smith
4/5
This is a really good album, not quite as good as Either/or, but there are some really good songs. 4 🌟
Rush
3/5
Rush was part of my adolescence. 2112, A Farewell to Kings, and Hemispheres, were never far from my turntable. Unfortunately once Moving Puctures arrived, Rush was part of my past. I had moved on to punk, new wave and alternative though those three mentioned still have a place in my heart if not on my turntable. So how dod I like Moving Pictures? Not very much. The songs I knew; Tom sawyer and Limelight suffered from over exposure and among the other songs nothing really grabbed me....perhaps with a few more listens....but I somehow doubt it. 3 🌟
2/5
A polished slice of 80s blue eyed soul. To me this is everything that's wrong with 80s popular music; lots of glitz and glamor with little substance. On the plus side there's some great bass playing. 2 🌟
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
I'm really not a modern R&B guy, I have never heard of this album or artist before. Even though this is not a genre that I like, generally I can't deny the quality and uniqueness of this album. The spoken word intros are interesting and generally delivered with a sincerity and conversational style that lends an authenticity that I found provocative. The songs are strong and intelligent. I appreciate the brevity of this album as well. 3.5 🌟
Prince
3/5
No denying his impressive talents, unfortunately his style of music just doesn't resonate with me. Little Red Corvette is a great song and there are a couple other good songs too but that's about it for me 3 🌟
Missy Elliott
3/5
My first Missy Elliott album.
Not bad musically every once in a while it hits a reslly cool groove, most notably on Back in the day...definitely a cool song. Now the lyrical subject matter is generally pretty juvenile...nothing wrong with that, per se, I mean juveniles are people too. The spoken word intros get a little hard to take for sure but all in all a good listen that could work for me as background music that once in a while might push it's way too the foreground. 3.5 🌟
Ozomatli
4/5
Never heard of this band until now. Not sure why they are not huge radio mega stars. My theory on the fly is the hype machine doesn't know how to market this kind of music unless there is an individual (ie. Bruno Mars) to focus on. Their sound is varied with all kinds of different touchstones; funk, latin pop, rock, alternative maybe even, rap, hip hop and jazz . Everything is performed with a verve and energy that is absolutely infectious. This is not typically my genre but this album will remain on my playlist. Favorite song; Love and Hope. 4 🌟
Public Enemy
4/5
This was my first ever hip hop / rap album and still perhaps my favoeite. like most albums of this genres i wish it were 10 minutes shorter, but its got great tunes. It does sound a bit samey throughout but it still manages to keep me interested to the end. 4.5 ⭐️
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
...and post punk begins. John Lydon in all his irreverent, pissed off, indignant glory. And great songs to boot...Theme, Religion, Annalise, Public Image. A fine album that shows the way to the master piece to come (Metal Box). 4 🌟
Donovan
3/5
Nice album. Season of the Witch is a 5 🌟 song and there are a few others that caught my ear. A few more listens and it might get to 4 but for 3.5 🌟
Louis Prima
4/5
This album is loads of fun...just like it's most famous tune....Just a Gigolo. 4 🌟
Paul Simon
3/5
A nice debut solo effort for Simon but not among his best nor the best of Simon and Garfunkel. but the trademark Simon 70s songwriting style is there in abundance, which is a good thing. 3.5 🌟
The Verve
3/5
I liked this album. I like it more than Urban Hymns. Spacey and atmospheric, I think they pull it off really well. It starts out great, bogs down a bit in the middle but ends with a couple really strong tracks. Urban Hymns always sounded too polished and too "rock star" like. I never warmed to it which is why I never explored any other releases from their catalogue. 3.5 stars
The Byrds
3/5
this album has my favourite Byrds tune...My Back Pages. Love that song. A couple of other good songs here but more filler than most Byrds albums that I know. 3.5 stars
Suede
3/5
this is a fine album that I find difficult to make stick. Listened to it several times, can't seem to recall the melodies nor do I find myself curious to put it on again. i am aware of it's huge reputation and alleged importance to the Brit Pop movement so .5 additional stars for that. 3 stars
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
Wow this is a great album. Jazzy, funky with amazing guitar and fantastic percussion. I loved it. 4.5 🌟
Primal Scream
4/5
Pretty damn hott this album. Dance rock at it's best. I warmed to thus one more easily than Screamadelica, which still hasn't quite done it for me. But this album makes me want to try Screamadelica another spin see what I'm missing. Anyway Vanishing Point locks into some awesome dance grooves. Very enjoyable. 4 🌟
Shuggie Otis
3/5
some really good songs and some songs that didn't engage me. The good songs; Strawberry Letter 23 and Ice Cold Daydream, Sweet Thang are really good. Wish there were a few more gems. 3 stars
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Another strong album from LCD. The rockers are infectious and the slower tempo numbers sound appropriately intense and emotional. As usual the influences are a plenty....Bowie, Talking Heads, Kraftwerk, Can; they're all here and many more. 4 🌟
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
What an incredible top 10 for me for sure. One great tune after another. And the Attractions COOK!
Favorite songs; The Beat, lipstick Vogue, This Year's Girl.
5 BIG STARS
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Not my favorite S & G album but it has Mrs. Robinson and Hazy Shade if Winter. Enuf said. 4 🌟
Dolly Parton
4/5
Not my type of music but there's no denying Dolly's songwriting chops and the arrangements are generally tasteful and melodies; timeless. 4 🌟
Gorillaz
2/5
Mostly uninteresting and boring dance music. 2 🌟
Can
4/5
Can is an incredible band that sound so far ahead of their time that it's mind boggling. The rhythms and cool melodies are at times accessible and at times otherworldly. The drumming on this album is virtuoso. Two of the longer songs are noise fests and unlistenable to me. This keeps this album from being 5 star entry. So for now 4 🌟
OutKast
4/5
What a gorgeous mess of an album this is. I first put it on while working and every once in a while something would catch my ear and I'd think WTF was that? (and not in a good way). Next step listening in the car...louder, less distracted and my WTFs became...Hmmm isn't that interesting? Then a listen on the big rig at home and I'm all in. Does anything boring or unintelligent ever come out of these guys talented minds. Reminds me of a Hip Hop Clash Sandanista. All kinds of influences that are filtered through Andre's fertile imagination. This guy is a music lover and he's brilliant. 4.5 stars
Blur
4/5
This album starts out like an all time classic. Side 1 is non stop excellence...with some of the best power pop mixed with some stellar psychedelica. Side 2 is less successful as the songs are just not as memorable. All in all an excellent album 4 🌟
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
Nothing else on the album approaches the brilliance of You're Gonna Miss Me; a potent blast of guitar rock gold. The rest of the album stakes the bands claim as the FIRST psychedelic rock band with the amplified jug playing giving them a totally unique and somewhat spacey, ethereal sound. A fine album that all should hear at least if you have even a passing interest in 60s guitar rock. 4 🌟
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Another fine album from the boss. Even his throwaway songs sound familiar and comfortable. Doesn't have the consistency of his 5 star albums but there's enough good songs to please most music fans. 4 🌟
AC/DC
4/5
Hello Bells is a great song my favourite from this band of which I'm not really a fan. But this a strong hard rock album. Some of the tunes are pretty banal; Give the Dog a Bone, Let Me Put My Love Into You...I mean really? Reminds me of Spinal Tap's Lick my Love Pump. But still a very strong album. 4 🌟
CHIC
4/5
Man this one shocked me. Of course the dance floor standards are iconic blasts of energy, but the whole album is great. Rather song Savoir Faire has some of the most gorgeous guitar I've ever heard. The album emphasizes the bands incredible interplay and leaves the cheesy production flourishes that plagued so much music of this era, to a bare minimum. 4.5 🌟
Paul Simon
4/5
I had never heard this album before and damn it's good. I did find the opening track and it's weird lyric snd over the top lead guitar solo. Also a bit of a dated 80s sounding production but on first listen the songs sound great. I look forward to listening more intently and paying attention to the lyrics I expect to be pleased. 4 🌟
Elton John
4/5
This is a damn fine album and for me just behind Madman Across the Water for EJs very best. The first 4 songs are basically classics and point to the stylistic chameleon EJ can be. A prog rock opus, a tender ballad, a straight up rocker and mid tempo beauty all done with drama and grace. There are a few silly one's the rest of the way (I'm looking at you Jamaica Jerk Off). But Grey Seal and especially Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, raise the bar once again. An excellent album 4.5 🌟
Sam Cooke
4/5
This set is really hot. Love his voice and the band really cooks (pardon the pun). The atmosphere sounds incredible and his interplay with the audience natural. It's a great performance. 4 🌟
Black Sabbath
4/5
A pretty good album just not up to the standard of Paranoid or my favorite 4. But this one set the template for a slew of heavy metal bands to come. 4 🌟
Taylor Swift
4/5
This is one really excellent pop music album. Who knew? 4 🌟
R.E.M.
4/5
Another fine collection of R.E.M. songs. Maybe the first album where Michael Stipes vocals are NOT unintelligible hilighting what a fine lyricist he is. Side 1 is particularly strong with not a weak song of the bunch, plus huge personal props for including a Wire cover (is this the first time they include a cover song?). Side 1 ends and Side 2 begins with the two hits, which are both excellent songs. After The One I Love, we get our first run of less than stellar songs in Fireplace and Lightnin' Hopkins. (It's weird and a little jarring hearing a sax in an R.E.M. song). The album ends on a particularly strong note with Odfellows Local 151. Not quite up to the standards of Murmer or Reckoning, but a damn fine album in it's own right. 4.5 🌟
Beatles
5/5
The first great Beatles album full of classic songs, beautiful harmonies, memorable melodies, tight rhythms a d great playing. 5 🌟
Thundercat
3/5
This one was a surprise a fine amalgam of jazz, R&B, hip hop and rock. The playing is first rate especially the bass. The vocals are distinctive and excellent. A very nice discovery. 3.5 🌟
Joy Division
5/5
It takes serious balls for a band to start their "difficult" sophomore album with a song like Attrocity Exhibition. Challenging, jarring even ugly at points both musically and especially in subject matter. But JD if nothing else, had balls. This album is as harrowing a personal statement as any in rock and roll. I just wish it had been cathartic enough to allow Ian Curtis to fend off his personal demons...to allow us the chance to hear what would have come next. Unknown Pleasures was JDs statement of arrival and it is visceral and immediate and raw. Closer is the magnum opus for me it holds up better today. Either way both are 5 🌟 albums
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
I have tried and tried to get into Loveless, but the wall of sound buried melodies and mumbled vocals just don't do it for me. This album seems more of the same but it seems to have more moments where I found myself nodding my head and thinking ok yes this part does work. On a couple of occasions they dial back the distortion and feedback to where one can actually hear individual instruments. Still the overall feel is of pleasant noise instead of stirring music. 2.5 🌟
Killing Joke
4/5
This is one heavy album. And the opener Requiem is the albums heaviest song. The album is carried by the greatness of Requiem. Requiem is the perfect distillation of classic Black Sabbath through the filter of 1980s Punk/post punk in GB. Both reminiscent of the past as well as predicting the Goth and Industrial styles to come. There are other good songs on Killing Joke, But its Requiem that makes this album a 4.5
The White Stripes
4/5
Damn this is a good album I have always been partial to White Blood Cells but Elephant stock is on the rise. It also helps that it opens with The Strips greatest anthem....and it really is an anthem; Seven Nation Army. And there's not much let up; There's no Home For You Here, Ball and Buscuit, The Hardest Button to Button to name just three. And the slower songs too all uniformly strong. Ever time I listen to thus album my esteem for it grows. 4.5 🌟
Nick Drake
5/5
Another gorgeous Nick Drake album, though this one's my least favorite of the three it is still a gorgeous album, beautifully arranged and performed with just the right hint of pathos. 5 🌟
Scott Walker
4/5
I enjoyed this album very much on first listen and I feel it warrants a deep dive. Stylistically very different from my usual fare as he definitely has the voice and sensibilities of a crooner. But the arrangements grabbed even on the first listen and make me want to get to know them. 4 🌟
Johnny Cash
5/5
What a fantastic album. Johnny Cash sounds particularly motivated on this album and he really seems empathetic to the audience who of course feed off of his empathy and his energy. Johnny Cash at his absolute best 5 🌟
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Green Onions is a true undisputed classic. Mo Onions is also lost as good. And there are other great renditions of classic tunes that Boomer T turn into instrumental classics ...I've Got a Woman, Twist and Shout and the album closer, Coming Home Baby make you forget that they originally had lyrics, so adept are Boomer Ts organ and Steve Broker's guitar at filling the tune with melodic goodness. 4.5 stars
Peter Frampton
4/5
It has been more than 40 years since I put this album on a turntable and set back to listen to it. When it was released it was everywhere and Do You Feel Like I Do was the anthem that defined the year it was released. Well this was a very enjoyable stroll down memory lane. The songs hold up very very well, (Helped by the fact that the vinyl copy I have is almost dead quiet and sounds awesome. Tyîcal of A & M releases back in the day. There are a couple duds....Jumping Jack Flash is totally unnecessary and uninspired but the hilights are very high and Frampton's guitar playing always tasteful...something I appreciate more now than I did then. This is a fince 70s live album that has stood the test of time. 4.5 stars
Nanci Griffith
3/5
A really nice album with catchy singable songwriting, a storytellers gift for a beautiful lyric as well as production that is graceful and always in service to the song. I could see Nancy Griffith holding the same lofty position in my library as the brilliant Lucinda Williams. 3.5 🌟
Mercury Rev
4/5
An absolutely gorgeous album, perfectly paced, beautifully produced / orchestrated and songs that are so full of beautiful melodies that stay with you. I was introduced to Mercury Rev through All is Dream and I still think it is the stronger album overall but the higher high points belong to Desserters Songs. 4.5 🌟
Crowded House
3/5
this is a pretty good album, didn't really hear any dud songs. Good melodies, nice harmonies, beautiful playing and tastefully arranged. This would be called dream pop if it came out today and it sounds as good as Beach House and the like. 3.5 stars
The Stooges
5/5
This is my favourite Stooges album and by definition my favourite Iggy Pop album. It is a noisy muddled mess but it captures the band at the peak of there power. And the songs are better than on The Stooges even if the latter had the bigger "hits". Sure a couple of the songs go on too long with the dissonant noise thing...but hey it's The Stooges init?
5 stars
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
This album has its moments especially in the second. The first half sounds strained and sophomoric. Sounds like they just want to be a white Parliament/Funkadelic, but the funky sounds just ridiculous and the screaming guitars lack the taste of when funkadelic showed that side. After Give it Away things get better and the band seems to find their voice but by then the mold is cast. 2.5 🌟
Tears For Fears
2/5
Some good songs here. It suffers from cheesy 80s style production choices. 2.5 🌟
Venom
2/5
Ok so it's not my jam but I definitely liked it more than I expected. Probably as close to punk as metal gets. 2.5 🌟
Arcade Fire
3/5
After Funeral there was no where for Arcade Fire to go but down. Luckily they didn't fall too far. I find Neon Bible a very different sounding album; thicker, darker production that is in stark contrast to Funeral's lighter, childlike feel. Not a bad thing in and of itself. It's the songs where Neon Bible falls short. There are still some very good songs; Keep the Car Running, Ocean of Noise, Windowsill and No Cars Go to name a couple. But the heaviness of the album makes carrying that weight a chore all the way through. That's not aided by the fact that Regine's contributions are lesser in both quantity and quality. Still a good album but one I probably would not have included on this list. 3.5 stars
Devendra Banhart
3/5
A beautiful album just not sure it's for me. High level songwriting, sweet melodies. Will play this more than once and see where it leads me. 3.5 🌟
Metallica
4/5
Depeche Mode
3/5
A really good album, UT I'm not a huge fan either Depeche Mode nor of 80s electronic music in general. But this is a good one. 3.5 🌟
Queen Latifah
2/5
It's OK a little light-weight. 2.5 stars
Simple Minds
4/5
This one really surprised me at just how good it is. The songs are excellent, the playing...particularly bass and drums absolutely first rate and funky as hell. Jim Kerr hasn't quite found his trademark voice, sometimes sounding like Howard DeVoto, but you definitely see the arena rock mega stardom that's to come. An excellent 80s rock album. 4.5 🌟
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is the definition of a 5 star album. One incredible song after another. I gave it short shrift because of how overplayed Stairway is .... and was during the 70s. But there is no denying the song's greatness. The other real classic is; in the same epic sense When The Levee Breaks. Just a fantastic with so many wonderful, musical twists and turns to let it sound fresh and new and interesting with every listen.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Not really a favourite of mine among Neil Young albums. Seems kind of a generic sounding rock and roll album with few memorable songs. Mansion on the Hill strikes me as one of the better tunes but besides that. 3 🌟
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
This electronic effects music has its moments but it's mostly strange background "music" for me...really more sounds than music. 1.5 🌟
Lou Reed
4/5
Classic Lou Reed album, not my favourite of his, that distinction goes to Coney Island Baby which has a more relaxed and personal feel, but Transformer is the album that gave Lou his solo voice and launched his career. And of course it has classic songs like Walk on the Wild Side, Perfect Day and Satellite of Love which have all become classics. It does have some filler material as well which keeps it from being a 5 star album. 4.5 stars
Meat Loaf
2/5
hit after AOR hit on this album, just not music that holds any interest for me. Still can't ignore the incredible success of this album. 2.5 stars
The Cardigans
4/5
This is a very nice album. The vocalist has a lovely child like quality that reminds me of Andrea Lewis of The Darling Buds. Songs are good, the melodies tight and the arrangements are fresh and tasteful and really well executed. Interesting to me is that the only song from the album that I recognize; Lovefool is, I think, one of the least successful on the album. A very nice album . 4 stars
Korn
2/5
Well I could have disliked this a lot more than I did. I found it different and had some elements of music I enjoy, but it was mostly loud and aggressive and relentless. Not in and of itself a bad thing but just not the type of aggressiveness that turns my crank. 2.5 stars
Suicide
4/5
Oddly compelling album that's obviously ahead of it's time and massively influential on music styles that were to come; from punk and post punk to new wave to industrial to goth, the list goes on. And also dark and disturbing with uncomfortable subject matter. I can't imagine how audiences must have reacted to their legendary early New York shows. The album starts off strongly with the 1-2 punch of Ghost Rider and Rocket USA's spare rhythmic onslaught, bizarre deadpan lyric delivery and synth flourishes, one can here the seeds of industrial in general and NIN in particular. The band shows a more melodic sense on the next couple songs, but always keeping the listener on guard for the next twist. And that twist comes with a vengeance in the form of the 10 minute epic Frankie Teardrops which weaves a horrific tale of angst and murder that is truly frightening.
A groundbreaking album in so many ways. 4.5 🌟
Pixies
5/5
Just an amazingly good album. I only have 3 Pixies albums which just does not seem right because I still love all three. Surfer Rosa does seem to get the greater share of my listening time among the three, but this listen reminded me that Doolittle deserves much more of my attention than it's been getting. I think it is the stronger album over all. The production gives Kim Deal's bass the space it deserves moreso than on Surfer Rosa. A word about Kim who I think is The Pixies MVP. I absolutely love the tone of her bass and her playing is so clean and distinctive and underpins the Pixies sound perfectly. I've never really heard another bass player like her and Doolittle hilights this beautifully. Side one is nearly perfect and has the hits. Side 2 has the lesser known songs and may not get the love it deserves but by ending with Gouge Away it peaks at the end. An easy 5 star pick for me.
The Kinks
5/5
Such a lovely sweet little album, brings a slight sweet smile to my face. Not unlike a Bill Forsyth movie with sweet characters that are creatively and vividly captured within the grooves of this album. Some might say it's too light-weight where are those Kink rockers? Personally I don't miss them one but. Ray Davies has always written gorgeous melodies and lyrics and to my ear the arrangements for these songs are absolutely perfect. 5 stars.
Björk
3/5
A difficult album for me to assess. Its songs are almost completely lacking in melody in the conventional sense. Her singing while gorgeous is unique and again does not follow conventional song structure rules. Hidden Place has moments of beauty especially the choral voices towards the end. Cocoon an incredible breathy vocal performance with spare arrangement that does not resonate with me. It's Not up to You, starts out with typically unconventional phrasing over some lush strings and electronic flourishes. The chorus has a more conventional pop song feel that helps me to connect with the song. Undo is similar with overdubbed voices and some gorgeous choral arrangements. Again little in the way of conventional song structures, but moments of beauty. Pagan Poetry, the highlight of the album for me and its centerpiece. It's mystical eastern sounds go beautifully with another tour de force vocal performance. But by the time we get Aurora I find myself wishing for some tempo variations. And that's how this album leaves me...feeling of promise unfulfilled, wanting more. 3 🌟
Linkin Park
1/5
Not my cup of tea. Don't like the vocals...actually, REALLY don't like the vocals. Don't like the crunchy guitar sound and overall production. Don't like the rap / rock hybrid style. Also find it curious that the "hit" In the End really sounds nothing like the rest of the album, vocals toned down, production toned down, find it kind of disingenuous. 1 star
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Psychocandy announces itself with a bang with Just like Honey a psychedelic pop masterpiece. And there is some, but just a little, fall off from their. These guys turn up the distortion from time to time, but never such that the melody lines are lost. The more you listen the more get lost in their psychedelic jungle. This band and album countless trends to come; shoegaze and brit pop to name but two. Other highlights; Never Understand with its driving beat and distorted noisy guitars, The Hardest Walk harkening back to the best of the 60s pop and I just love the feel of Cut Dead. Great stuff. 4.5 stars
Fatboy Slim
3/5
An unremarkable electronic dance album with one remarkable electronic dance song. 3 🌟
The Icarus Line
2/5
Not much for me here. First song was okl...had a bit of a Jane's Addiction feel. After a 2nd song that did nothing for me, 3rd song ok again as a matter of fact the next couple songs were not bad but after that it became increasingly difficult to listen to this album. Vocals too hard and aggressive as was the music. Much of the rest borderline unlistenable. 2.5 🌟
Alice Cooper
4/5
This was a huge album for my 14 year old self. Probably hadn't put it on the turntable in 40 years. Well I've been missing out. BBB stands up today and remains a great album. What shocked was the variety of styles and the ease with which they pull them off. Great playing, excellent production and great songs! Of the hits No More Mr. Nice Guy is stellar but the title track, Hello Hooray and Elected are not far behind. And for a deep album cut, you won't find better than Generation Landslide. A stellar hard rock album that has aged very well 4.5 🌟
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
An amazingly good album. The simple, memorable, absolutely gorgeous melodies. The sweet, soulful vocals, the poetic lyrics, the perfect tasteful arrangements. Every song is a winner. A beautiful 5 🌟 album.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
A compelling and endlessly interesting. On first listen you can get bogged down in the noise and dissonance, but every song has an interesting melodic line that shines through on subsequent listen. The noise is always there to keep things tense and never allow you te get overly comfortable because you never know when the beautiful will give way to to the sinister. It took me a few listens to appreciate the tension and release of the music on this album, but now I'm all in. 4.5 stars
Paul Simon
5/5
Opinion 80s album and the album that brought the music of Soweto to the masses. A cynical attempt to cash in on South African political unrest or an earnest attempt to help these great musicians to North American ears. Whatever the motivation Simon absolutely hit his stride on this masterpiece. His best most consistent album. Every song is a success, whether straight ahead pop; You can call me Al. Or beautifully South African harmonies; Homeless and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, or even a credible stab at zydeco; Crazy Love. There's just not a note put wrong or a rhythm not perfectly timed. 5 🌟
Nina Simone
4/5
Nina Simone is a fascinating artist and this is a fascinating album. The album has the seeds if Simone's political activism which would flower later in her career. With Four Women being the obvious example. But the album also has pretty effective blues songs that show off her powerful voice and unique delivery. A compelling listen that is a good cross section of styles. 4 stars
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
I have a bit of a mental block with this band and it begins and ends with Kevin Rowlands unique vocal style. The other problem is I keep hoping they will reach the heights that they reached for me that they did on the very first song I ever heard from them. I heard Burn it Down, the first song off their first album, Searching for the Young Soul Rebels. That song just blew me away on first listen and they have never come close to matching that feeling for me that I had found the perfect marriage of punk attitude and soul arrangements. And then there<s his voice; unique and interesting on first blush but over the length of an album it becomes cloying and annoying. Now this album; well Come on Eileen is a great song and there are other good tunes here too but the vocal style starts grating early on and I have little interest in investing the time to try to appreciate the album as a whole. 2.5 stars
Napalm Death
1/5
I couldn't make it through 33 minute album. Very loud, very noisy, mostly incomprehensible singing. Turbocharged drumming. 1 🌟
Gene Clark
4/5
A very lovely album. Beautifully arranged in the country rock tradition. Lovely melodies and just some lovely music. 4 🌟
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
This is a fine album. The vocals generally sound flat but the dynamics are truly impressive. I also like the arrangements which have a nice mix of real instruments and electronic sounds and percussion. The soft loud dynamic shifts are very impressive. And the songs are much more compelling than I thought they'd be. I'm not really a fan of industrial music, but the Downward Spiral house a nice balance between industrial stylings as well as a melodic foundation that I find pleasing. 4 🌟
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
An absolutely gorgeous album, capturing Nick Cave at his poetic, melodic best. Into My Arms is my favourite Nick Cave song and one of the best piano ballads in music history. Beautiful beautiful beautiful. And there are many strong, gorgeous song on this masterpiece. 5 🌟
Steely Dan
4/5
Steely Dan is a band I struggle with. Maybe it's that they sound too polished, I'm not sure but this album has some history for me and the first four songs are all excellent. There's some filler after that but once the title track hits the album takes off again. All in all a fine album, maybe Ads best. 4 stars
Black Sabbath
4/5
This one surprised me. Way more melodic than I expected less reliance on shredding guitar solos and more on song structure. There's even a piano balad (Changes). All-in-all listenable album. 4.5 🌟
The Band
3/5
I think I understand the historical significance of The Band in rock music. And their importance given their connection with Bob Dylan. I've heard the quotes from rock music "A" listers about what The Band means to them. Plus I'm Canadian so I gotta be proud, right? And I am. But....this album leaves me cold, I much prefer Misic From Big Pink but even that one doesn't make me swoon. All in all it's mostly uninteresting music...3 🌟
Steely Dan
4/5
I was expecting, from previous experience with this album to hate it. I thought of it as a beautiful sounding album of boring basically elevator music. I still don't like Black Cow but the rest of the album is better than I remembered (maybe Black Cow colored my overall impression), and Peg especially is a great song. And then there's the sound, even my old scratched vinyl couldn't obscure the impressive sound engineering and perfectly balanced production. Very impressive. 3.75 🌟
Gillian Welch
3/5
A really nice album of Americana folk songs. 3.5 🌟
The Charlatans
3/5
I have one album by The Charlatans. It's called US and US Only, I think it was the release immediately after Tellin Stories which I guess is their moat critically acclaimed album. What listening to Tellin Stories tells me is that I don't really need any other Charlatans albums. Nothing wrong with Tellin Stories it has some fine songs...but nothing anywhere near as strong as Forever from US and US Only. I much prefer US and US Only. 3.5 🌟
The Cars
5/5
Has there ever been a stronger collection of songs on a debut album....a truly remarkable effort. 5 🌟
The Birthday Party
2/5
OK, I like Nick Cave but I had never heard The Birthday Party previously. I listened a couple times through this album, the first listen was difficult. I'm listening a third time right now and things are improving. The music seems more accessible if not quite inviting. The lyrics where discernable are provocative as expected from Nick Cave. The arrangements are still very difficult as is the screaming vocal style. Some songs will never be anything I can listen to and enjoy. 2.5 stars
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
Never heard this entire album until it came up here. I of course know the two stone cold classics and I think that they are both absolutely superb songs. Somebody to love is a Grace Slick singing tour de force and White Rabbit is a simply amazing song. So I thought I'd take a close look at each of the other songs and reflect on the impression they leave and base my rating on them.
1. She Has Funny Cars; this song did nothing for me.
3. My Best Friend; this one I like a lovely ballad with some really beautiful harmonies as Grace takes a backup role and does so expertly.
4. 3/5 of a mile in 10 seconds; a nice song again with really nice harmonies and some really nice guitars.
5. How Do You Feel; I like this one too. Starts with a nice flute, some great acoustic guitar and more beautiful harmonies.
7. Plastic Fantastic Lover; I know this song, perhaps a lesser known single. Not the tour de force of the 2 better known songs, but a very good song. Beautiful guitar parts both acoustic and electric lead, makes for another very strong song.
8. Go to Her; The final song ending the album on an upbeat note, unfortunately this one ends the album on a similar note as it begun with a somewhat unremarkable song.
So here we have it an 8 song album, 6 of which are excellent and two somewhat unremarkable. The good far out weighs the bad and I would rate the album as a whole at 5 🌟
Fela Kuti
5/5
Wow what an amazing album. The title track is a true de force of infectious African poly rhythms and jazz melodies. An amazing song. The rest of tgealbum; more of the same. Reminds me of the revelation of my first listen to Miles' In A Silent Way 5 🌟
Iron Maiden
4/5
WTF, I liked this album and I am not a heavy metal guy. But this album had some subtlety. This album had some intelligence. The vocals are ok, not objectionable. The guitars definitely shred but they don't sound over the top, they don't go on too long and the don't sound pretentious. Yup I liked this album, really never thought that would happen. Now if they can just do something about those God awful covers. 3.75 🌟
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
My favourite Nick Cave album. Gorgeous song after gorgeous song. Beautiful melodies, tastefully simple near perfect arrangements including backing vocals. And of course Nick Cave's beautiful lyrics. 5 🌟
4/5
This one's a tad over-rated. To me more and more filler starts to appear on this album. I guess they might call songs like Lovely Rita and When I'm 64 whimsical, I call them filler. There are some very good songs, but not enough to hold my interest through the whole album. Give me Revolver or Rubber Soul anytime. 4 🌟
ZZ Top
2/5
Passable southern boogie rock. Not my cup of tea. 2.5 🌟
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
My favourite Springsteen album. Not a bad song on it and it rocks like a motorcycle. I think of Darkness as Bruce's punk album. 5 🌟
Faust
4/5
Pretty cool, ahead of it's time stuff here. Most of it I really liked. 4 🌟
A pretty fun rock and roll album if somewhat unremarkable. No doubt there are some very good songs and performances and it makes for an enjoyable listen from start to finish. 3.5 🌟
Maxwell
2/5
retty generic sounding R&B dance album in the mold of Michael Jackson. It does have some soft jazz elements that give it a Sade vibe as well. The recording and mixing is outstanding, and who is the bass player. Brilliantly played and beautifully mastered. 2.5 🌟
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
An interesting album in which Buffalo Springfield explore some different genres. The different styles keeps things kind of interesting. Though I never really liked the guitar sound of Mr. Soul, the album really picks up with the jazzy feel of Everydays. Learning to Fly is is a quite beautiful baroque pop song. And Bluebird has some gorgeous accoustic guitar. That ends with some very nice banjo. More baroque sounds with Sad Memory, this one not quite as successful. Things take another turn with a soulful Good Time Boy which could easily be mistaken for a Four Tops song.
Sort of doesnt really belong to my ears however I do like it. The album finishes strong with two very good folk pop songs; Rock and Roll Woman and the beautiful Broken Arrow. All in all a fine album that doesn't quite rise to classic status for me. 4 🌟
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I have enormous respect for Joni Mitchell, I just don't enjoy her music that much. The uptempo numbers on Court and Spark are uniformly excellent; Free Man in Paris, Help Me, Raised on Robbery, even the beatnick vibe of twisted is great, it's when she slows things down that she becomes hit or miss for me...and more miss than hit. 3.5 🌟
George Michael
3/5
Passable late 80s pop. Love tge song Freedom '90. 3 🌟
Miles Davis
5/5
Wyite simply perfect. 5 🌟
The Cramps
4/5
A rockin' party album. The Cramps best, I think, with classics like Garbage man, Strychnin and of course their classi rendition of Fever. My affection for this album is romanticized because I was lucky enough to see them and was mesmorized by Lux Interior as well as Poison Ivy. Top 5 shows I ever saw. 4 🌟
The Pharcyde
3/5
I'm there is some very humorous and interesting raps on this generally decent sounding recording. Musically it's just not interesting enough to grab my attention enough for me to put the effort into finding out, unlike a group like A Tribe Called Quest. 3 🌟
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I was surprised how little I liked this album. Don't think he found his voice yet. 2 🌟
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Pretty good all over the map stylistically. I wish he'd find his sound and stick to it. 2.5 🌟
Deep Purple
4/5
4 pretty damn fine songs, classics perhaps of the 7 songs on this album. 4 🌟
The Doors
3/5
4 good songs one of which is way over-rated (Riders). Much of it is pretty pedestrian blues-rock. 3 🌟
Tim Buckley
4/5
Never heard any Tim Buckley before and I liked this a lot. Great upbeat songs with a great great band laying down the foundation for Tim's amazing voice; powerful, emotive, versatile. A really good album that will stay in rotation. 4 🌟
Wire
5/5
Personally one of the most important albums in my musical development. When I heard this album in 1980 I had never heard anything quite like it...and to this day never heard anything quite like it. In that way it is similar to Gang of Four's Entertainment; they are both of their time but also timeless. Great song after great song on this album whether it's the crunching guitar of the opener Reuters, to the 28 second assault of Field Day for the Sundays or the beautiful melodies of Mannequin and Fragile to the anthemic punk of Ex Lion Tamer to the grunge sounding Strange...this album bever fails to impress and delight. An easy 5 star album that 40 years later still gets regular play in my listening room. As an aside it is a travesty that either Chairs Missing or 154, the 2nd and 3rd Wire albums, didn't make this list.
Roxy Music
4/5
A classic album with the classic roxy Music sound. Bryan Ferry's voice is an acquired taste but there is no denying the stellar song writing on this album. 4 stars
Talking Heads
4/5
A classic album that I find a bit overrated. It starts off incredibly with poly-rhythmic masterpieces. Side 1 is a wild ride and it only gets better with Once in a Lifetime, an absolute classic sluce of 80s goidness that remains fresh today, kicking off side 2. Then things take a turn towards the atmospheric, droney and dare I say monotonous. The one song that does stand out is Seen and not Seen, but the other three I find eminently forgettable. All that makes for a 4 🌟 album in my opinion.
Elvis Presley
4/5
A fun and generally very good album. Not as strong as Buddy Holly and the Chirping Crickets which has fewer ballads and country songs but Elvis' voice is quite remarkable even on the songs that I don't like...the country flavoured tunes. Not quite 5 but 4.5 stars.
Funkadelic
5/5
This isn't just one of the great funk albums ever but it is also one of the greatest GUITAR albums of all time. The playing is absolutely sublime as well as tasteful. What an album. I can't understand why it is so difficult to find on streaming services. 5 stars
Dire Straits
4/5
This is a fine debut album from some very fine musicians. The sound is sooo smooth and natural, the guitar tone sweet and clean clean clean. But its the mature songwriting that really makes it a classic album one that sounds as fresh today as it did when it was released. One nit I could pick is the strange production choice of mixing Knopflers voice almost hard left channel and the guitar in the right channel, almost like a Rudy Van Gelder jazz mix. It softens the approach a bit on Sultans of Swing but it does strike me as a weird production choice. Favorite songs; Down to the Waterline, Water of Love, Sultans of Swing and Wild West End. 4.5 stars
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
4/5
Avery interesting album that quickly draws you in with its relaxed folk vibe, interesting arrangements and excellent, idiosyncratic vocals. Then you read the back story, discover that Skip produced and played every sound on the album and it becames apparent that this is the work of a singular talent. I'm on my second listen and I anticipate many more in the coming months. 4 stars.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
A fine pop-rock album from a talented singer/songwriter that paid her dues. However nothing here makes me believe I'll listen more than this one time. 3 stars
Nirvana
5/5
An all-time classic. Every song, with the possible exception of Stay Away, is first rate. A singular achievement that both defines and transcends "Grunge" 5 stars
Stereolab
4/5
This album is a blast. Locks into a steady groove with the opening track and just rides that groove through every song. Just put it on and let it seep into your sub concsiousness. 4.5 stars
The Temptations
4/5
This is a fine album. Papa Was A Rolling Stone makes it an all-time classic. What a song! What a performance. The rest of the album has some very good performances; Love Woke Me Up This Morning and Mother Nature to name two. 4.5 stars
The Modern Lovers
5/5
I Love this album. So cool, so innocent, so straight ahead. To me it ranks with The Violent Femmes debut album as the one that best captures teenage life. Modern Lovers focusing more on teenage simplicity, Violent Femmes more on teenage angst. It helps that Jonathan Richman and Gordon Gano both have idiosyncratic (some might say; annoying) voices that I love. Any album is chock full of classics; Roadrunner, Astral Plane, Pablo Picasso and the fantastic I'm Straight. As well as other minor classics like Girlfriend, Dignified and Old, She Cracked. Just a classic album that laid the blueprint that was later followed by indie rock bands like Guided By Voices, Magnetic Fields, Pavement and the afore mentioned Violent Femmes. 5 stars
5/5
starts out with quite possibly my favourite Bowie song...Five Years, and just doesn't let up. Great song after great song. Then it ends with three epic songs in Ziggy Stardust, Sufragette City and Rock and Roll Suicide. A nearly perfect album. 5 stars
XTC
5/5
An awesome album and XTCs best in my book...and that's saying something. This album is legendary for the acrimony between band and producer, Todd Rundgren. Apparently Andy Partridge and Rundgren were at each other's throats throughout the sessions. I don't know what the source(s) of the conflict were, but if music this inspired is the result then it was well worth every hurt feeling and acrimonious gesture. This is the album where XTC picked up the gauntlet of best British Psychedelic Pop band since the Beatles threw it down oh so many years ago. And I feel like Rundgren plays no small part. Favourite songs; Grass, Supergirl, Ballet for a Rainy Day, the jazzy The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul, the brilliant Dear God (which was not included on the original release and frankly seems a little out of place with the albums theme) and Sacrificial Bonfires. But really pointing out individual songs defeats the point of this album as every song is a little pop gem that deserves rapt attention. No brainer 5 stars.
Adele
3/5
A fine adult contemporary pop album that is elevated for me by the harder rocking and excellent Rolling in the Deep. The rest of the songs serve as vehicles for Adele's excellent voice and spot on pop sensibilities. 3.5 🌟
Rush
3/5
....and a legend is born! This is where Rush went from a plucky Canadian hard rock power trio to Arena rock stars. Not quite mega-stars yet, that wouldn't come until Moving Pictures started the ball rolling. This is where Neil Peart entered the discussions of Best Drummer on the Planet, and you get the feeling that this is Neil's album and this is no where more in evidence then on the opening track, the 20 minute opus 2112. Complete with over the top lyrical themes of space and futuristic totalitarian society, drum fills that could power a small city and a drum kit big enough to block ou the sun. All of this to the delight of arena-going 15 year old rock fans the world over. I loved this album and the concert that accompanied its release but now I find it cliched and somewhat rediculous, I actualy prefer Rush's debut album to 2112 now. Am I a Rush fan? That phase died out when I finished high school but do I respect them for being Rock mega stars without an ounce of pretension in any of them? Absolutely! So for an album that I don't really like but which launched an career that is worth celebrating...3 stars
Donald Fagen
2/5
Boring beautifully recorded elevator music. 1.5 🌟
Alice Cooper
4/5
And here's the album where the Alice Copper Band goes all show tuney, showing off their jazz chops believe it or not...and believe it or not they damn well pull it off. The album starts off conventionally enough with a couple of straight ahead rockers; with the all-time classic School's Out and then Luney Tune, which is a great tune as well than things get a little sideways as Gutter Cat Vs The Jets is a West Side Story tribute and a pretty good one at that. Then Blue Turk continues the jazzy theme and it sounds freaking awesome; great guitar work, some nice keyboards and some very tasty horns. My Stars sounds like it could have been a The Who outtake from Quadrophenia and Public Animal #9 is a bluesy number that swings like hell with a stonesy feel. And the album closes with a lovely nastalgia laced ballad number in Alma Mater and Grande Finale brings back the West Side Story, big band feel. I had this album as a young teenager but it must not have impessed me then as I remeber little of it apart from Scool's Out and perhaps Luney Tune. Well it impressed me on this listen and I think I'm going slot it into my current playlist. 4 stars
Eurythmics
4/5
This is a hulluva good electro dance/pop album. Every song has something to offer. One of the best pop albums of the 80s / new wave era. The only negative I can say is it may one song too long. 4.5 stars
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Well I quite enjoyed that. Intelligent and intelligible raps that are generally NOT shouted at you. The understated raps are accompanied by further understated instrumentation that sound like REAL instruments. Generally pretty stripped down to a drum beat, again sounding like REAL drums, a nice bass line and subtle washes of keyboard or guitar or horns. The feel is more jazz that hip hop I would say and the spare arrangements sometimes put me in mind of beat poetry. And best of all 14 tracks clocking in at just over 48 minutes with only three songs at over 4 minutes, this album and the individual songs do not over stay their welcome as most rap albums I've heard do. I'm really tempted to give it 5 stars but it does suffer a bit from a samey ness. I really liked it though and would search out rap that is similar in style. I'm definitely going to listen to they're other albums. If anyone reads this and knows other similar bands, hit me up. exliontamer1977@gmail.com. 4.5 stars
Beatles
5/5
I'm 60 years old and somehow today was the first time I ever listened to The White Album. Of course I know almost all the songs but I don't think I knew that they were on The White Album. It has always been between Rubber Soul and Revolver as to which one is the best Beatles album. Sgt. Pepper just had too many novelty songs and Abbey Road though has great songs is not as consistently strong as either Rubber Soul or Revolver. Well The White Album is now, in my opinion, the greatest Beatles album. So many incredible songs some of them not so well known so actually still sounding fresh. I feel lucky to only be hearing this album now because I'm going to be listening to it over the coming weeks as if it is a new discovery. Looks like I have a contender as well for the crown of greatest double album of all time along with London Calling of course. 5 stars
4/5
Another strong effort from the Kinks. They were such a consistently interesting band. From '65 through 71 one could argue that no band had as consistently strong albums as The Kinks. No really big hits on this particular album but the song cycle and the strength of songs like Victoria, Some Mother's Son, Drivin', Shangri-La, Brainwashed etc... make this a concept album that never sounds overwrought. 4.5 stars
Duran Duran
3/5
Pretty generic sounding 80s new wave with a strong dance groove thanks to a really strong rhythm section. Hungry Like a Wolf never really did it for me but I have to admit that there are some pretty good songs on this album, which unlike a lot of other albums of this era does not sound like it is stuck in its time and place. 3.5 stars
Jane's Addiction
4/5
A little heavier in the guitar than I normally listen to but the album does have good dynamic swings that aleviate some of the really heavy aspects that don't generally appeal to me. The drumming on this album is absolutely incredible and drives the music with incredible energy. Generally the songs are very good. I enjoyed this album much more than I expected to. It has elements that i find difficult; heavy metal style guitars, high pitched vocals, but somehow the whole works for me. 4 stars
Soft Cell
3/5
Not a bad synth pop / dance album that has as its main theme sexuality and the sex trade. Tainted Love is the Big Hit but I quite enjoyed other songs such as Sex Dwarf, Seedy Films, Youth and Bedsitter. The sound is a little "stuck in the '80s" but not is a terrible way. 3 stars
The Shamen
2/5
Apparently this is a very influential and important electronic dance album. 2 🌟
The xx
3/5
I quite enjoyed this album. Some fine songs on here that make good use of the female singer's sultry voice. The mood throughout is dark and emotive with nice washes of synthesizers, simple but effective guitars and a tight rhythm section. Favorite songs on first listen; VCR, Crystalized, Shelter and Night Time. It does bog down a little in the second half and I do find myself hoping for something a little up tempo ...Night Time does somewhat fit that bill and Stars helps things end on a relatively high note. All in all a good album that I can't give a full 4 because of the lull in the middle. 3.5 stars
David Bowie
4/5
One of my favorite Bowie albums. On this one he stretches out and the arrangements get a decidedly jazzy feel on a few songs; especially the title track which features some excellent piano work from Mike Garson. There are still some quality rockers here like Watch That Man and Gene Jeanie as well as the great mid-tempo rocker, one of my favorite Bowie songs of all-time; Panic in Detroit. Other hilights; Cracked Actor as well as an excellent take on The Stones Let's Spend the Night Together. 4 stars
Q-Tip
3/5
I enjoed it. 3 stars
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Some freat songs on here hilighted by the opener; Suite Judy Blue Eyes. But lots of others too. Marakesh Express, You Don't Have to Cry, Wooden Ships and Long Time Gone. The star of this album are of course the wonderful vocal harmonies as well as the idividual voices of all three members. Great album. 4.5 stars
Jimmy Smith
5/5
Wow what an album, what a session, what a band; Stanley Turrentine on sax, Kenny Burrell on guitar and Donald Bailey on Drums. Turrentine is the star of this session and the songs that he lets loose on are absolutely great. Didn't realize I was such a fan of the organ. Really pleasant discovery. 5 stars
The Adverts
4/5
Awesome album...crazy energy from start to finish. It would have been a treat to see these guys live in the day. Starts off with a bang with One Chord Wonders and it just never lets up. Gary Gilmor's Eyes - classic. New Church - unrelenting. 4.5 stars
Joan Armatrading
4/5
A beautiful and honest album that sounds fantastic. Great songs with great arrangements and Joan's sultry vocal adding some earthyness that gives each song a nice warm quality. I do have to mention the production and the sound quality of my vinyl copy. Deep dynamic and tastefully arranged the production helps to bring out the best in each song. A & M pressings rarely disappoint in this department. 4.5 stars for over all quality.
The Pogues
5/5
The best part of this, program, for lack of a better word is that it reminds us all to revisit favorite albums that were important during a certain time and in a certain place. This is just such an album. for me And what a great album. The Pogues best in my opinion. All great songs that allow the memories to come flooding back, (Streets of Sorrow / The Birmingham 6, literally brought me to tears). And other songs, like Turkish Song of the Damned, Bottle of Smoke, If I Should Fall From Grace and of course the iconic Christmas tale of wretched characters that is Fairytale of New York, simply one of the greatest songs ever written. So yes this is an easy 5 star album for me, but I am admittedly biased. As an aside it led me to play other forgotten and underrated Pogues albums like the way underpreciated Peace and Love, I encorage you to check it out if you are new to The Pogues and enjoyed If I Should Fall From Grace (but only after Rum Sodomy and the Lash)
The Fall
3/5
For some reason, though '80s alternative / post-punk is my favourite musical genre, this is the only The Fall album that I own and I got it in the 2000s., and I've barely listened to it. Don't know why The Fall flew beneath my radar, but it has. As for this album it is musically quite appealing especially the first 3 songs, but all throughout I find it likeable and accessible. Themeatically I can't assess it yet as this would take a few more listens, but the fact that it appeals to me in overall sound means the likelyhood that I will listen more is a good thing. For now I will give it a strong 3 stars with potential for a higher rating after more time.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
I'm not a hardcore guy but this album has just enough melody to keep me returning to it and lots of classic songs...Kill the Poor, Holiday in Cambodia, Let's Lynch the Landlord it's a landmark allbum of the genre. 4 stars
Ray Charles
5/5
I enjoyed every minute of this album. Split between jazzy big band arrangements for most of the quicker tempo songs and orchestral arrangements for the ballads the album swings effortlessly from one to the other. Underpinning it all is Charles' soulful singing that elevates each song and makes these country classics his own. It's not my go to genre especially the string arranged compositions, but tht did not get in the way of my enjoyment of the album. An album that should be heard by anyone that loves music. 5 stars.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
I enjoyed listening to this album. Although the sound is full with all the variety of vocal sounds that fill the soundstage, a full album of acapella (choral?) music is too much for me. I'm glad I heard this album, but once is probably enough for me. 3 stars
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
4/5
Wow. Really enjoyed this album. Great playing, hyper literare lyrics that imopress even on first listen. Lots of lyrical turns that jump out. Lloyd is a gifted story teller and his characters are really well drawn. But the songs are the thing and they are all gems. 4 stars
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Wow! Miriam Makeba posses the voice of an angel. Some lovely jazz-tinged songs here; some in English, many in what I assume is her native tongue. Standouts for me Mbube, The Click Song and a a lovely rendition of House of the Rising Son. Very happy to have discovered this album. 3.5 stars
Pulp
2/5
I think I prefer it over all over Common People but it is still overly dramatic and comes off as pretentious. 2.5 stars
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
I just don't get MBV...so sue me. I do prefer this to the utterly tuneless Loveless. At least there is some semblance of melody somewhere and you can sometimes something other than the bizarre guitar effects. 2.5 stars
Elvis Presley
5/5
I am far from an Elvis Presley expert but this probably has some of my favourite Elvis Pressley standards....In The Ghetto, Suspicious Minds, (though the Allmusic reviewed version does not include this cut so not sure that I should consider it), Gentle on My Mind (not really familiar with Elvis' rendition but he absolutely kills it!). Plus there are some others that I had not heard previously that are great as well (Wearin' That Loved On Look, It Keeps Right on Hurtin', Only The Strong Survive, I'm Movin' On and others). Throughout the plaing, production, back-up vocals and production are quite simply outstanding. Even if I don't include the stellar Suspicious Minds This is still a no-brainer 5 star album.
The Replacements
4/5
Not my favourite Replacements album, but still damn good. It is a little too heavy at points. Is this The Replacements heavy metal album? Though nothing as classic as Left of the Dial still some classic tracks here; Waitress in the Sky, Unsatisfied, I Willl Dare, Androgonous, Answering machine. 4.5 stars
Pretenders
5/5
One of the great debuts of all time. Chrissie Hyndesexy swagger is captivating but it's not only that the music is mature and confident in a way debuts just aren't supposed to be. They seemlessly move from Punk to new wave to ballads with the skill of a veteran group. Their rendition of The Kinks Stop Your Sobbing is simply perfect. This truly is an album everyone needs to hear. 5 stars
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Good adult contemporary album. The playing is uniformly excellent. The production is excellent; clean, clear, balanced. The songs are OK, the highlight for me is The John Hiatt cover. Not my type of album but the quality is hard to deny. 3 stars
Soul II Soul
4/5
The best part of doing this is dicovering artists from my younger days that I woud never have given a chance then are actually worthy of my time. This is just such an example. Some great, funky soul here along with some seeds of trip hop. I am reminded often of Massive Attack (is the female singer the same as on Safe From Harm or other MA classics?) A really enjoyable listen this album was. I was only familiar with one song but found the whole album quite engaging. 4 stars
The Pogues
4/5
One of my favourite Pogues album. ùmsybe the most traditonal Irish-folk album hey ever made. But the punk attitude is there in spades. Some incredible performances on this album. Dirty Old Town, I'm A Man You Don't Meet Everyday , Pair of Brown Eyes and the hilight is a gut-wrenching rendition of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. A beautiful album and one of the 80s best. 4.5 stars
The Kinks
5/5
Arguably The Kinks best album. This is the album where The Kinks could now be considered on a par with The Beatles. Each song is a little gem that paints a portrait as vivid and palpable as any band ever managed. This was The Kinks magic and when done well like on this album well there was very little on this level. 5 stars
David Bowie
4/5
Interesting final effort from Sir David. Mysterious, captivating and very poignant given his terminal illnes at the time. A very fitting and beautiful farewell. 4 stars
Frank Zappa
2/5
Easch song (or should I sa piece) has something that I like, but in the end a little too abstract in approach and execution for my tastes. 2.5 stars
Green Day
4/5
Great nouveau punk album. 4 stars
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
This is my second Zappa album of my last three. I did not like much of Hot Rats, but Freak Out I did enjoy. It has some actual melodies and pop song structures. I especially like the doo wop elements in a few of the songs. 3.5 stars
OutKast
4/5
Yeah I really like this album the beginning with three great songs in a row (if you exclude the between song songs, if you will); Gasoline Dreams, So Fesh So Clean and Ms. Jackson get thi gs started with a bang and there's little let up afterwards. A fantastic hip hop album. 4.5 stars
The Stooges
4/5
loud, distorted, irreverent and brilliant. Is it 5 stars not quite. The 10 minute dirge We Will Fall keeps it from the highest level, not because its not good; it is quite good and interesting, but damn it is too long. I wanna Be Your Dog almost single-hadedly brings it to a 5 but ultimately can't quite do it. 4.5 stars.
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
I have surprised by the fact that I have enjoyed a lot of the rap albums on the list, sadly this is not one of them. I do need some semblance of musicality in my music some melody perhaps. This album is more rapping over nonsense noises. I can't derive any listening pleasure and so the rapping no matter how honest or funny or poignant or righteously indignant can't make it through to me because the music has no redeeming qualities. 2.5 stars
Frank Ocean
2/5
NotNot really my cup of tea but I did enjoy a couple of the songs. really my cup of tea but I did enjoy a couple of the songs.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Now this is a swan song. Some of S & Gs finest songs are on this album. The gorgeous title track, The Boxer, El Condor Pasa, Cecilia, Baby Driver; thre is just no let up in quality of songwriting and arrangements. 5 stars
Chicago
4/5
A pretty cool debut album that must have been pretty unique in rock music at the time with generous use of horn charts , the fusion of pop and jazz (big band) and first class musicianshio. Lots of great songs. I do find the double album a little long especially with some of the drawn out instrumental breaks, specfically the guitar freak outs on Liberation and the aptly titled Free Form Guitar. At its best; Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is, Beginnings and especially The cover of The Spencer Davis Group's I'm AM Man, the bands songs and playing are really quite remarkable. Ultimately their reach excedes their grasp but still a stunning debut. 4 stars
James Taylor
3/5
Pretty nice adult contemporary pop album. 3 stars
The United States Of America
3/5
Listened to it a few times. Never really captured my full attention. Never compelled to skip a song but no song really stands out as excellent and worthy of repeat listens, (maybe The Garden of Eartly Delights). 3 stars
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This is a great album, deftly balancing differing styles of pop music, from Country - rock to contemporary pop to americana to indie-style rock to straight-up rock all with a deftness, subtlty and skill that would make you wonder if they are one of the best bands at each of the above genres. It doesn't have as many straight ahead rockers or classic songs as its predecesser; Rumours but it is full of really great lesser known tunes. In fact this is the rare double album with almost no filler. After spending the time to get to know it I feel like its among the great double albums of all time, up there with London Calling, Exile on Maine Street and The Beatles. Bravo! 5 stars
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
I really like Belle & Sebastien...The Boy With th Arab Strap, If You're Feeling Sinister, Dear Catastrophe Waitress all 4 star albums in my book. But somehow I never heard this album, I certainly knew of it but never heard it before today. It is on a par with the other three albums. Very upbeat, as is typical superbly arranged and beautiful whispy vocals that draw you into the complex yet accessible melodies. A beautiful album 4.5 stars
Gene Clark
3/5
Very nice folk rock album...quietly powerful. 3.5 stars
Iggy Pop
4/5
Iggy's best. 2 great classic songs with a few minor classics thrown in. 4.5 stars
The The
2/5
I really wanted to like this album but nothing stood out for me, the way a song like This is The Day does. I was shocked to read that this is his best selling album and that Heartland is his best selling single...it's a good song but doesn't come close to TITD. I did really enjoy the 2nd tune; Out of the Blue (Into the Fire). 2.5 stars
Weather Report
4/5
The first Jazz album I ever bought, or was it Elegant Gypsy by Al Dimeola, get quite be certain. Birdland is a great song but the rest just aren't for me, not 45 years ago and not now. The closer; Havana gets a bit closer but al in all bot my cup of tea...but Birdland does elevate it to 4 stars
Fiona Apple
3/5
1st listen; Well this is weird and of little musical enjoyment. Has Fiona Apple become Tom Waits? (in a bad way) - 1 star.
2nd listen; Hmmm there are some interesting ideas here. Not really rock music, not sure how to classify it ecxactly which always make things difficult. Has Fiona Apple become Tom Waits? (in a more accessible way) - 2.5 stars
3rd listen; OK now we have something here, almost every song has an aspect that is catching my attention and more importantly HOLDING my attention. The arrangements where before were strange and off-putting now are unique and invite further investigation. The lyrics are interesting and obviously intlligent, this was obvious from the first listen but now the arrangements invite me to listen more closely, analyze more deeply. Has Fiona Apple become Tom Waits ? (in a very good way). The answer now seems to be well perhaps but there is so much more there there. I definitely here some PJ Harvey influence now and Fiona's own voice shines through way more clearly. 3.5 stars with a bullit. (Do I wait before posting this rating, I recognize how given more time this could become a 5 star album but this is a one album per day exercise so I'm forced to give today's rating. 3.5 stars
Arcade Fire
4/5
I like this album there are a lot of really good songs. Starts off really well with the title track and only loses momentum after about 5 or 6 songs and only for a couple or three songs then ends really well. It's not Funeral it doesn't have the combination of the grandiose with the innocence of youth that made that album so exciting and fresh. Still a very good album 4 stars
Leonard Cohen
5/5
A brilliant album, lyrically, musically and in its production which is always in service to Cohen's brilliant lyrical expression. The arrangements are spare and basic but never boring,. Accoustic guitar underpins each song with flourishes from horns or percussion or backing vocals providing lovely accents that again serve the lyric. A picker of nits might say that the arrangements and maybe the melody can sound samey from song to song but deeper analysis unveils subtle but musically signficant differences. The Songs of Leonard Cohen is deserving of its legendary status 5 stars.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
I mean how good a song is Wishing Well? Just outstanding and right in my wheel house. Too bad the rest of the album can't match it. Often sounds like TTD is a Michael Jackson wannabe. 3 stars
The Mars Volta
1/5
Make it stop....PLEASE!!!! 1.5 stars
Megadeth
1/5
So the first song starts; OK so far, then the overbearing guitar solo hits and I think yikes, no thanks. Well at least it doesn't last too long. Then the 2nd solo starts, again short, then a third solo hits and I think really, three guitar solos in a 3 and a half minute song? The next song is 5 minutes long. Help me! This may be the first album I am unable to make it through. Well I made it through - suffice to say this is not music that touches my soul. 1.5 stars
Ray Charles
4/5
I was taken aback by the Sinatra stylye big band arrangements. But wow this album is good. 4 stars
Sonic Youth
4/5
Sonic Youth has been a difficult band for me. Their noise excursions always rub me the wrong way, but when a song of theirs hits me it absolutely floors me. Goo is one of my favorite Sonic Youth albums. Songs like Cool Thing and Dirty Boots two of those songs that hit me right where I live.... and ther's others so despite the noisy excursions; 4.5 stars
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
A very nice album, but no individual songs made a huge impression after 2 listens. But every song was good and in time some real favourites might emerge. 3.5 stars
Magazine
4/5
I had never heard this album before. I was aware of many of the songs through their live album; Play which I think is underrated. Difinitive Gaze, Shot By Both Sides, Recoil and The Light Pours Out of Me are all great tunes. Howard Devoto's voice is an acquired taste, but to me it fits his songs beautifully and for me its always about the song not about the individual elements, including the vocals. Its a very good album; the best studio album I've heard from Magazine. 4 stars
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I think this is an excellent album, just one rung below the brilliant Innervisions. I had never heard Fulfillingness before. I loved it. Lots of great upbeat songs here and some of his most beautiful ballads. 4.5 stars
ABBA
3/5
This wasn't a bad album. I actually enjoyed it. I think it has a bit more depth than my perception of what an ABBA album sounds like; (finely crafted if shallow pop songs). 3.5 stars
The Electric Prunes
3/5
This garage / psych rock band had some pretty good tunes. Unfortunately it was encumbered by some filler and novelty songs. 3 stars
Muddy Waters
4/5
I'm not a blues guitar guy, but if I was..this might be my favourite album. Mannish Boy is KILLER! 4 stars
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
If only all blues could be like this. Danceable....boogi and a Woogie. Sort of a bluesy Cramps. There are songs here that I LOVE. Rocketship....WOW, but also 2Kindsa Love, Chicken Dog, Dynamite Lover (hmmmm almost straigt ahead blues), Hot Shit, turns up the garage quotient a la Cramps. The album starts off kinda weird and annoying with Skunk but quickly turns to weird and uniquely interesting; Identity is a punk/blues (if that's a thing) rave-up at it's finest. Wait turns on the heavy blues AND I LIKE IT! Then comes Fuck Shit Up. kind of a mash-up of non sequiters and weird looping guitars and burbling bass, weird but cool. Then the pace quickens on 2kindsa Love, to that blues/punk thing that just works for me. So I won't go through each song but suffice to say I find something to like in most every song. Previously, JSBX was only Acme for me...and I like that album but Now I Got Worry is just way more everything....more mess, more blues, more noise, more chaos, more musical goodness. 4.5 stars
Pixies
4/5
An undeniable classic and hugely important album. BUu not quite a 5 star album for me. Where is My Mind is a near perfect song but I do find a couple songs fall in the category of filler...(Tony's Theme). Doolittle for me IS a 5 star album, Surfer Rosa...close real close but not quite there. 4.5 stars
The Smiths
5/5
Might be my favourite Smiths album, and that's saying something. Headmaster's Ritual, What She Said, Barbarism Begins at Home (that bass line KILLS!) and especially Rusholme Ruffians are among The Smiths most underrated songs. Throw in classics like That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, Well I Wonder and of course How Soon Is Now and you have yourself a 5 star album.
Nirvana
5/5
This album is damn near perfect. Song selection, arrangements, execution. Wow. 5 stars
The Doors
3/5
a decidedly mediocre Doors album. I feel like The Doors are a pretty overrated band in general and this album does little to dispell that impression. 3 stars
Stevie Wonder
5/5
I am shocked at how much I enjoy this album. It is an absolute tour de force that I had no idea was so good. Every bit the equal of What's Going On or Stevie's own Innervisions. And epic in scope and variety, almost 2 hours of music that sparkles throughout, with its varying styles and moods. Many of the songs clock in at 6 or 7 minutes, but somehow never wear out their welcome. Disc 1 has more hits but it also has some beautifully arranged lesser known songs that are uniformly beautiful. Side 2 starts off with Isn't She Lovely which I had previously considered just radio shmaltz but it is in reality one of the most beautiful love songs from a father to his child that I know of. There is just not much to criticize in this epic album. 5 stars
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Interesting album something I will listen to again and hopefully draw further enjoyment as it does take some effort and, as Shankar suggests in the introductory message, an open mindedness to non western song structures. 3.5
The Go-Go's
4/5
A fun album, with some great songs but the hits are hits for a reason they shine much more brightly than the deep album cuts. Not that there is filler just the song quality drops off. 4 stars
Van Morrison
5/5
This is such a brilliant album. A revelation when I first heard it. I'm not even a Van Morrison "fan", but every song on this album moves me. Beautifully arranged and produced with flourishes of folk and jazz and classical each listen yields something new and fresh to enjoy. The title track and Sweet Thing (try the Waterboys cover of Sweet Thing too, it's excellent) are obvious standouts but to single out any particular song does the album a disservice. It really should be taken as a whole piece. The definition of a timeless album. 5 stars
2/5
Album starts out rough, Hot Dog = hot mess, mostly the vocal style in the chorus rubs me the wrong way. Things don't really improve until My Way which actually has a nice melody. Things improve from there...Livin' It Up isn't too objectionable, The One is a good song. So bottom hit an miss sounds like 2.5 stars
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
A very nice album of easy listening jazz, beautifully arranged and played. Manenburg Revisited is the standout track for me. 3.5 stars
Gang Starr
4/5
In general I like the groove in this album. It<s slow and sensual. There are some annoying noises in a couple of the songs but in general I can easily swing to it. The rapping is subtle and understated which works for me. Reminds me of Rapture by Blondie or Grandmaster Flash. As with many rap albums it sounds a little samey by the time you get through the middle and for me it can be difficult to make it through the whole album, thankfully though it does clock in at less that 50 minutes (barely), so that's a plus. 2nd time through better than the first. Getting the idea that each song is a vignette, a character study that gets its point and theme across and then moves on. No unecessary fat. I tend to like this rap style like Tribe Called QuestI'm tempted to give it 4 stars. In fact I will.
Deep Purple
3/5
When I was 14 and 15 this album was the absolute bomb. My favorite live album. Now I'm 60 and I'm afraid the bloom is off the rose. All the songs go on too long except possibly Highway Star and Smoke on the Water. 15 year old me thought Child In Time was a masterpiece, now Ian Paice's vocal wailings just make me cringe. The musicianship is first rate there is no doubt, but I'm just not into wailing guitars and overly long drum solo's and self-indulgent organ wailing solos, though I still think Space Truckin' is great, my favorite song on the album. I think ultimately Spinal Tap ruined this kind of music for me, well at least it now makes me smile wryly. 3.5 stars for the nostalgia factor.
Coldplay
3/5
A mid tempo early 2000s classic. Yellow is the big hit but there are a lot of fine songs here. FIlled with beautiful melodies and plaintive singing, this album perfectly expresses the Coldplay sound. I expected it to be more up tempo and was taken aback on first listen. I warmed up to it on the second time around and it may even get a 3rd listen at some point. 3.5 stars
LL Cool J
2/5
I've been introduced to a lot of rap thanks to this excellent initiative. Some I like; (Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar). Some I like alot; (Tribe Called Quest, Eminem, Gang Starr). Unfortunately this album I don't like much. Not much at all. Oh well, can't win 'em all. 2.5 stars
Janis Joplin
5/5
Janis Jopli's final statement is a rock and blues classic. I love the way it starts with hard charging Move Over. The rest of the album is a study in how to sing the blues in a rock context. Every collection of rock albums must include Pearl. 5 stars
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
A pretty unremarkable Brazilian jazz samba / pop album with some pretty unremarkeable songs. 2.5 stars
Elastica
4/5
Great album. Every song is a winner. If they borrowed a riff from time to time so be it. Still sounds fresh and new and vibrant . 4.5 stars
T. Rex
5/5
Glam rock at its best. Mambo Sun starts things with a greasy groovy riff. It's the best song on the album but there is really little drop off and there is not a dud on the album, unless I was being hyper picky and hen I could say I might skip Lean Woman Blues, easily done since it closes side 1. A 5 star album that belongs in every collection.
Paul McCartney and Wings
5/5
Another one of the first albums I ever bought as a youth. This one plus Ringo (you know the one with photograph ) were my introduction to post-Beatles Beatles. I really liked this album as a 12 year old and beyond. I was expecting this revisit to bring back those warm feelings and it definitely lived up to it, especially on my 2nd time through. Great melodic sense and lots of different styles very well executed and beautifully crafted. Stand outs for me; Band on the Run, Bluebird, Helen Wheels, Let Me Roll it and especially Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five, a pulsating, mid-tempo piano-based rocker that ends the album with a bang after a slightly lacklustre side 2. 5 stars
The Lemonheads
4/5
catchy power pop melodies abound in this excellent album of pop punk, indie-rock. The songs are instantly catchy and familiar, but they also stand up as good dongs under further scrutiny. Confetti, the title track and Rudderless make side one an almost perfect 17 minutes or so of pop perfection. Side 2 does not see much of a drop off. There's even a nice if inconsequential cover of Mrs. Robinson to end things on a happy note. 4.5 stars
Radiohead
4/5
I have this album on double 45 rpm vinyl and the sound quality is amazing. Side 1 is just excellent 2 + 2 = 5 signals that guitars are making a Radiohead comeback which with Johnny Greenwood always tasteful playing is a good thing. Side 2 starts and ends with synthesizer - drum machine exercises that are tasteful and they bookend an excellent song in Go to Sleep. Side three is the weakest part of the album. It starts with a haunting creepy piano based ballad and continues in the same vein with The Gloaming. Things pick up appreciably after that with There There a pretty straight ahead mid tempo guitar drums number that really takes off as we start hearing guitar layering that gives the song an epic feel. A gorgeous ballad that showcases Thom's beautiful voice ends the side. Side 4 has four more tasteful songs and just maintains the albums high quality.
It took me a few listens to re-acquaint myself with this album. In the end I think I appreciate it more now that I did on release. It's marriage of old-school guitar sound with Kid A atmospherics give it a nice balance and variety and previews their next album to come; the brilliant In Rainbows 4 stars
The Blue Nile
2/5
I do not really like this album at all. The melodies have little appeal, little to make them memorable. The arrangements are unnecessarily complex and sound disjointed. In fact the vocal often doesn't seem to match the music. I listened through twice and I have tried to listen on other occasions to this critically well regarded album but just like the other times it has left me cold. 2 stars.
Dion
3/5
Dion is more known as a 50s and 60s doo wop singer and that's how know him - as lead singer for Dion and the Belmonts. In the 70s It seems he has re-positioned himself as a singer-songwriter and as such this album is pretty unremarkeable. I liked much of it but as pleasant background music; nothing really reached out and demanded my attention. Sorry Dion...3 stars
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
The talent is obvious. The lyrics provocative and insightful. The vibe relaxed and cool, with tempos rarely rising above mid. Musically there is not much to catch my ear ,generally pretty simple and light with little to obscure the star of the show which is Kendrick's poetry. Personally I would prefer a higher level of musical intricacy perhaps but the understated jazzy vibe is pretty compelling and as I say it helps spotlight the poetry. I'm glad to have been introduced to this fine album. 4 stars
Destiny's Child
2/5
I really got nothing out of this album a 3 star album according to Allmusic.com so for me a mediocre album by a mediocre artist....sounds like a 2 star
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Well what can be said. One of the greatest debut albums of all time. Every song is a classic, thought the Willie Dixon cover You Shook Me is one I can skip over but everything else is just classic Zeppelin. There's even a nod to the middle eastern influence that would become more pronounced later in their career. A no brainer 5 star album.
The Soft Boys
4/5
I was introduced to The Soft Boys from their debut, A Can of Bees, which never really caught hold with me so I never bothered ny further exploration at least for a couple or 10 years. Then I came across a couple songs by Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians that really sounded good with solid hooks and a psychedelic feel that worked well for me. Then a bit of research and it turns out Underwater Moonlight is the Soft Boys consensus masterpiece....so I tried again. This album is so much better than A Can of Bees it doesn't even sound like the same band. Every song has solid hooks, and the psychedelic flourishes in tunes like Insanely Jealous make it a new and interesting listen each time through. Robyn Hitchock rules. 4.5 stars
Sigur Rós
4/5
There is some absolutely gorgeous music on this album. Intimate at times and grandiose at others always tasteful and beautifully executed. It took me some time to come to appreciate this album but once it grabs hold it holds on tight. 4 stars
Frank Black
3/5
This is a good album...no it's not Slanted and Enchanted, nor is it Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, but thete are a lot of good tunes and very few of what I wiould consider throwaways. However, In comparison to a Pixies album it is missing those 3 or 4 songs that transcend the signature sound to be of universal pop appeal. 3.5
Queen
2/5
I am NOT a fan of Queen and this album which I had never heard (well accept for Killer Queen) does nothing to change my opinion. I just think that their forays into campy styles and other explorations just sound pretentious and amateurish. Not my cup of tea. 2 stars
Tricky
4/5
An excellent album that sets a mood that is dark and sinister and moody and creepy. I do love the slow burn but I also wish there were more songs at the pace of the wonderful Black Steel. But it doesn't detract from an overall superb album.
Kanye West
4/5
I like this album some provocative perspectives on subjects that I don't necessarily associate with rap. Intelligently and artisticly presented. The production s mostly interesting and musical and generally appeals to my musical sensibilities. 4 stars
Megadeth
1/5
Hyper speed heavy metal is just not my thing. 1.5 stars
The National
3/5
I think The National are great. This album took a long time to warm to and in truth it is still my least favorite of their albums that I know. I think it is the thick production that keeps me at arms length. This is most certainly a drummer's album. The drums are awesome...in superb playing and in the sound which is heavy and also detailed. Despite the overall heavy handed production there are still some fantastic songs. Anyone's Ghost, Afraid of Everyone and Conversation 16 are standouts. So overall not their best album but it's still The National so still damn good. 3.5 stars
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Haven't given much time in the past to this album - mostly listen to Willy and the Poor Boys and Green River to get my CCR fix, but this is an album worthy of a place in my listening rotation. Ramble Tamble is an awesome song and though I could do without Travellin' Band and Oobt Dooby, the rest of the album is excellent...especialy Grapevine, Run Through the Jungle, Who'll Stop The Rain and Long As I Can See The Light. So close to a 5... 4.5 stars
The Smiths
4/5
Perhaps the most underrated Smiths album. Side one is absolute gold. Side 2 not far behind. 4.5 stars
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
I am not really much of a country music fan - in fact I am not a fan at all. But I like this album. It has a singer-songwriter feel and the production seems more Americana than modern country, at least my perception of modern country. And the songs are uniformly strong and well written. I like it and I will continue to listen - another one to add to my current playlist. 3.5 stars
a-ha
3/5
A decent synth-pop album. At its best it sounds like a more pop oriented Laughing Stock era Talk Talk, but more often then not it is a generic synth pop album that occasionally strikes all the right chords. The quality of the song writng makes it a slight cut above 3 stars
Adam & The Ants
4/5
Adam and the Ants announce themselves in style. With the Heavy drum attack of Dog Eat Dog. Wow! I know that Dirk Wears White Socks is the debut album but this is my introduction to the Buccaneers of ant music. The recurring themes of pirates, ants and American Indian tribes is a little bit sophomoic at times but damn its fun. And that double drum attack gives the music a power that was unique at the time, at least as far as I know. It's not a GREAT or a Classic album but its really good and still makes me smile 40 years later. 4 stars
Sonic Youth
4/5
i don't know it this is a thing, but to me this is drone-rock personified. Everything about drones....the vocals (especially Kim Gordon's), the guitars, the arrangements. It all proceeds in a beautiful, compelling, noisy, disonnant drone that just fits together and works. It doesn't have that one signature track like Goo and Daydream nation and even Sister has have but its a compelling and homogonous listen that pulls the listener in. 4 stars
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I have a lot of respect for Joni Mitchell. Her lyricism, the craft of her songwriting, her beautiful and unique voice. The problem is I just don't much enjoy listening to her records. Cout & Spark and Blue are generally enjoyable even Ladies of the Canyon has pop stylings that I enjoy. The only song on Hissing of Summer Lawns that I am familiar with is In France They Kiss On Main Street, and its good but it starts her turn to more jazzy song structures and away from tradional pop song structures. Is it a bad thing.? No Not at all, it just makes the songs less accessible. IThey require more effort to allow them to get into my soul. The lyrics are obviously well crafted and intricate and poetic, but the arrangements keep me at arms length - The Jungle Line is a perfect example. So of course I respect this album and if I allowed it to dig deeper into my concsiousness I might even grow to love it. But that would require many listens and frankly I don't see that happening. 3.5 stars
Kate Bush
4/5
Side one is nearly perfect. Gorgeous melodies. Sympathetic production and tastefully arranged. Side 2 is only slightly less compelling but still wonderful listen. More dramatically arranged with classical strings it has the feel of an opera but it works without a hint of irony or pretense that would make the material seem trite. But it always sounds appropriate in its dramatic presentation. By the time Jig of Life comes up it introduces a nice stylistic change to English Folk which a bring a nice change in tempo and mood. It ends off with a more traditionally structured pop song that is really quite gorgeous. A beautiful album. 4.5 stars
The B-52's
5/5
I can describe this abum in 6 syllables; One-Hun-Dred -Per-Cent-Fun, with appologies to Matthew Sweet. Side 1 is as infectious as music gets and side 2, though not the perfection of side 1 still keeps the dance party going. 5 stars
Keith Jarrett
4/5
A wonderful album that invokes many moods from intense to sad to joyous to funny. Its actuly quite amazing. 4.5 stars
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5/5
There are some pretty incredible performances on here. Of course the star of the show is Janice Joplin. I am certain that rock music had never heard a voice of her range and emotional power. Her performance on Summertime, Piece of My Heart, Turtle Blues and Ball and Chain are seminal. Although i'm not typically a blues-rock lover this album is an exception and its all because of Janice. 5 stars
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
Barely listenable double album that it is supposed to be extremely important, perhaps innfluential, though I don't here it and apparently his best. I night listen to it again to see if there was something I missed. 1.5 stars
Steve Earle
5/5
This is such a good album every song is rife with hooks and melodies and singable lyrics. Stories that are relateable with interesting, colourful characters. Themes are familiar; loneliness, boredom, hope, the myth of the American dream. The songs are delivered with simplicity and a rock and roll toughness that shows us what's to come. One of my favorite country albums and deserving of a 5 star rating.
Happy Mondays
3/5
Good dance album that works on a few levels. 3.5 stars
John Coltrane
5/5
Don't make this brilliant album your introduction into Jazz, save that for Kind of Blue or Time Out. Don't even make it your introduction to Coltrane; Giant Steps or My Favourite Things would be better places to start. Once you think you're ready it will still probably take a 5 or 6 listens before the magic of this gorgeous, spiritual album hits the mark. It took at least that many listens did for me, but how....5 stars
Sister Sledge
3/5
A fun 70s disco album with a couple of huge songs I especially liked He's The Greatest Dancer, for its amazing dance groove. 3 stars
Metallica
3/5
Not a fan of Metallica. Not a fan of Heavy Metal music. I liked parts of tis album. Never really dislikeed it. I don't know how fans of the bande feel about this album but it seems like a place where non fans might be introduced to their music. 3 stars
Leonard Cohen
5/5
My favorite Leonard Cohen album. The songs are universally excellent with lyrics whose imagery is vivid and palpable. The melodies can at times sound similar from song to song but that's a minor criticism when the quality of lyrical content is this extraordinary. 5 stars
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
What a weird, wild, unique and fascinating album. Bizarrely poetic and literate lyrics that takes jabs at EVERYONE and does so with irreverance and biting dark humour. Musically the styles, production and arrangements are all ove the place but mostly interesting and engaging. My favorite Zappa album that I've heard so far and one that I think will remain in my rotation for a little while at least. As I type this is my 3rd listen. 4 stars
Hüsker Dü
5/5
A fabulous album. I'm not a HUGE Husker Du fan but I love this album as well as New Day Rising. In fairness I haven't really explored any of the others like Zen Arcade and Flip Your Wig, but revisiting this album makes me want to. The reviews call this album slicker and more polished than previous Husker Du albums, now I don't know about that, but what I do know is the songs are consistently excellent and sound pretty rawe to me. The one negative I would say is the production sounds a little thin to me I would definitely like to more clearly hear bass lines and kick drum but its a minor quibble. For me it's hard to determine if I prefer the Bob Mould songs or the Grant Hart ones, they have different songwriting styles but each appeal to to me in different ways. In summary it's hard to conceive of a better collection of songs. Absolutely one of the best double albums of all time. 5 stars
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I won't call II their underrated or underappreciated album because it is highly regarded. But for me it's a bit the forgotten album as I & II and even Zoso, get most of my attention but III is every bit as good and in some ways the superior of the four albums. This is the album where they expand their musical pallette from straight ahead blues rock to incorporate elements of British folk and country-rock and do so beautifully on songs like Tangerine and and Galows Pole and especially Bron-Y-Aur Stomp. Every song on this album deserves classic or at least near-classic status and among the four classic Zeppelin albums it is the most rich and rewarding and varied listen. 5 stars
4/5
I'm not a U2 fan but it's hard to deny the epic nature of this album. Side 1 is incrediby strong with 3 perhaps 4 absolutely iconic songs. Side 2 lets up a little but not much and certainly not enough to diminish its power. This is the album that announced U2 as the biggest band in rock and roll since Led Zeppelin. 4.5 stars
Baaba Maal
4/5
I enjoyed just about every minute of this wonderful album Not sure I could fully embrace the nasaly nature of Baaba Maal's vocals but the music is wonderful. Rhythmically complex yet accessible, the incorporation of western melodies and production enhances that accessibility but still allows the authenticity of the music to come through. 4 stars
Steely Dan
3/5
Never heard this album before and the only song that I recognized is the opener; Bodhisattva, (which if you would have had me guess I would have said its a Alman Brothers Band song, but I digress.) I I like Steely Dan the rock band better than Steely Dan the soft jazz band. This album falls more into the rock band camp so I like it, but not as much as Can't Buy a Thrill or Pretzel Logic. But it's a good album a little more subtle and sophisticated than Can't Buy a Thrill, starting to show their jazz chops, which in this instance is a good thing. Not as immediately accessible as either of CBaT or Pretzel Logic but worthy of attention none the less. 3.5 stars
Talking Heads
4/5
This is my favourite Talking Heads album. The pure energy of I Zimbra announcing the arrival of the new Taliking Heads to the world as one of the first purveyers of true African Rhythms in rock music. This would reach its zenith on the next release Remain in Light. But this album I think better combines their punky, nervous new wave roots with the poly rhythms that they would become famous for. Filled with great songs from beginiing to end. My only gripe is the mastering of my somwhere close to original Canadian viny is a little thin and shrill at times. It doesn't allow those gorgeous rhythms space enough to breath the way they do on Remain in Light. 4.5 stars
Prince
4/5
This one's kinda new to me. Only know one song - the Sheena Easton duet You Got the Look, which is not a terrible 80s hit. Now for the album impressions. First off it's too long by about 20 minutes but it does have 5 or 6 really good songs. The opening title track is a mid-tempo commentary on 80s society that has a great burbling bass line that draws the listener in. The Ballad of Dorothy Parker is a off-beat love song, Hot Thing is hyper dance track that absolutely cooks. I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man has a classic power-pop feel with a sweet melody and hooks that just won't quit. But my favourite track is The Cross which sounds like some classic alternative rock song, complete with a poignant vocal & guitar intro punctuated with a huge kick drum understated guitar figures. It would sound at home on an 80s Springsteen U2 album. This song and inseed the whole album, shows that Prince can adopt any style he likes and make it his own. Sign 'O' the Times is a sprawling messy affair that misses on occasion but when it hits it hits BIG. 4 stars
Throwing Muses
3/5
I could not find the compilation album that was listed, but it seems to be a re-issue of the self-titled first album - which I have on vinyl - and some demos and other stuff. I think the debut is a fine album, great punkish energy and interesting melodies. And Kirsten Hirsch's vocals are menacing and aggressive. 3.5 stars
Ananda Shankar
3/5
An interesting listen that kept my attention. The covers of Light My Fire and especially Jumpin Jack Flash were very cool but the hilight is the 13 minute composition Sagar (The Ocean) which has some wich ebbs and flows beautifully. 3 stars
Supergrass
4/5
Excellent debut from one of the underappreciated bands of the 90s. Solid tunes, buckets full of energy and a solid base of influences that help this album show a variety of styles that somehow all sound at home here. Solid album by a solid band. 4.5 stars
2/5
Not a fan of this particular Yes album. Just 3 long suite type songs that don't really appeal to me. 2 stars
Manu Chao
4/5
I am unfamiliar with Manu Chau, when I received this album to listen to I admit I was not looking forward to it. I assumed it was a typical latin-pop-dance album...boy was I wrong. This album charmed me from the opening. Subtle but deceptively complex arrangements and production. Stylistically diverse and always interesting. The vocals are nasally and won't be to everyone's taste but the singing always comliments the arrangements. This is so much more than pop musidc. Its magic is in the way it offers a folk music feel while maintaining popular sensibilities. 4 stars
Hole
4/5
This is the kind of record I like. Melodic, big-beat indie flavured rock music with emotive singing and simple straight forward arrangements and production that lets the drums and bass breath. Of course it sounds much like Nirvana, but Sebadoh is also a touchstone and the influence is seen from pop - rock music like rumours era Fleetwood Mac. Not much I don't like about this album. Its my my kinda music. 4 stars
The Zombies
5/5
ime of the Season is one of the best songs of the rock era. Incredible hook, gorgeous melody, sweet soulful singing, truly a modern classic. But how is te rest of the album? Well nothing quite so sublime as TotS but some really excellent psychedelic tinged rock songs. The whole album has a baroque feel that makes me think Belle and Sebastien ingested this album intravenously. All in all a beautiful album that is deserving of a 5 star rating.
Wilco
5/5
This is my favourite Wilco album slightly bettering in my opinion Summerteeth. Jeff Tweedy has an incredible ear for melody and for hook writing. YHF from beginning to end is filled with beautifully constructed pop music which are punctuated with flourishes of electronic noises, fantastic horn charts and just sublime music making of the highest quality. The middle part of the album - sides 2 and 3 of my double vinyl LP is nearly perfect, reaching its peak on the infectious nostalgia of Heavy Metal Drummer, but all 6 songs that make up the heart of this album are timeless. The songs that make up sides 1 and 4 are more deliberate and somewhat experimental in their use of the studio as musical instrument, but their more languid pace does not diminsh the album in any way, in fact they add to the albums power. 5 stars
The Undertones
4/5
What a blast of an album. Energy en masse and with great melodies and hooks and surprisingly good playing for a bunch of kids just rocking out. One of the classics of the British Punk era from these lads from Notrthern Ireland. 4.5 stars
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Let's Get it On is an undeniably great song. The rest of the album is not really in my stylistic wheel house...a little too love songy (if that's a thing). The singing is incredibly good but the arrangements are too syrupy and lacking in agressiveness. 3.5 stars
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
A fine sounding electro dance album. As usual with albums of this type and of this period, its at least 20 minutes too long and consuming it all the way through in one sitting causes fstigue. half way through I am impatient for the album to come to an end. The last song; Damaged People is a welcome mid tempo change of pace from the non stop hi tempo dance rhythms. So to summarize a good dance album that runs out of mementum in the middle. 3 stars
Pulp
3/5
A passable update on glam rock for the 90s. The overwrought emotion of Jarvis Cocker's delivery and lyrics gets a little tiresome but most of the songs are pretty good. 3 stars
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Way more rock and roll than I thought it would be. I especially liked the upbeat turn that part 1 takes at around the 10 minute mark and then the part where the narrator introduces the different instruments as they join the mix. This is much more than the ubiquitous melody from The Exorcist. Maybe you had to be there to see what makes it so groundbreaking. Still quite impressive that the album is 100% the brainchild of Mike Oldfield who produced, recorded and played every instrument. 3.5 stars
Public Enemy
3/5
I gave this album 3 or 4 pretty decent listen and I found it quite consistent and not much to complain about. But none of the songs stand out to me. The album is strong but the individual songs have blended in to one another for me. Without at least on standout track I have to give it 3 stars
4/5
Never heard this album before. I of course have heard the songs Uncotrollable Urge and the iconic take on Satisfaction, but the rest of the album is new to me, and I love it. Almost every song has a way to bore its way into your brain to the point where I'm humming it at various points in the day. A couple of the songs are just a little too angular for my tastes which keeps it from being a 5 but its oh soooo close. 4.5 stars
Charles Mingus
3/5
A difficult album. Took a few listens for me to warm to it. It's getting there but not quite there for me yet. 3 stars
Femi Kuti
4/5
Non stop African dance party. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this album. 4.5 stars
Otis Redding
5/5
I could listen to Otis Redding all day long. His voice is sublime. Ant the songs on this album are excellent. 5 stars
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Won't ever get back the 40 minutes spent on this album. Hard for me to find anything to like about this difficult to listen to album. 1 star
Michael Jackson
4/5
It's a fine pop-dance album. Maybe Michael Jackson's best. But in the end it is still a pop album with songs of little weight or substance, which will always mean I admire it but will never love it. 4 stars
Elvis Costello
3/5
This is a solid effort from Elvis Costello. I gave it a really good long audition of at least 3 or 4 listens under varying conditions. Admittedly while I found it pleasant each time it did take time for individual songs to announce their presence, though This Is Hell did hit immediagtely and remains a standout track. Other favourite songs; Pony Street, Kinder Murder and Sulky Girl. So while not as immediately impressive as his best efforts with no really GREAT songs, it deserves a listen especially if you like Elvis Costellos middle period (ie Blood and Chocolate, King of America, etc...) 3.5 stars
Lightning Bolt
3/5
totally unfamiliar with this band and their music. Read the review on Allmusic.com and was prepard to hate it. I don't hate it. I also don't love it. It's a loud noisy confusing mess but oddly compelling. Not sure I would ever recommend this to someone but an interesting listen. 2.75 stars
Beth Orton
4/5
A lovely album. Beth Orton sings with an emotional depth that is extremely satisfying. The arrangements are pretty spare and organic sonuding and help to keep her voice and lyrics the star of the show. There is some lovely acoustic guitar and the whole album is beautifully rendered. 4 stars
PJ Harvey
4/5
PJ Harvey at her most literate, subtle and most poignant. Subtle and yet powerful arrangements that fit the hemes so perfectly. Her singing is understated and emotional and the songs are beautifully conceived. One of PJs quietest and yet most powerful a,bums. Long gone is the loud, punch to the gut immediacy of Rid of Me replaced with quiet beauty. But no less powerful. 4*
King Crimson
5/5
Perhaps the greatest most beautiful progressive rock album ever. After the madness of 21st Century Schizoid Man, comes the melodic beauty of the rest of this consistently gorgeous album. The melodies are so sweet and poignant that they endure still some 50 years later. Prog rock should have just stopped and left this as the near perfect peak of its existence. Wow!
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Cool Concept. Excellent playing, the guitar is exceptional. On Mona...Wow. the band interplay also fantastic. I'm just not a big blues rock fan, however I think just from a historical and quality point of view this album should be in my collection. Just wish I liked it more. 3.5 stars
Radiohead
3/5
Companion piece to Kid A and the resemblence is unmistakeable one can easily see that they are from them same sessions. Not as immediately bracing and engaging as Kid A. Less focused in approach so can't help but seem less groundbreaking and forward looking. It has some stellar moments, however; Pyramid Song, You and Whose Army, Knives Out, I Might Be Wrong and Morning Bell which is unexplicably on both Kid A and Amnesiac. But there are also pieces of 100% filler. Can't help but wonder how great an album we would have ended up with they had released just one all killer / no filler album from these sessions. Still a fine album that I was happy to discover 3.5 stars
Peter Tosh
4/5
With classic blasts like the title and opening track and Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised) this album is must own or at least must hear for anyone wanting to explore Reggae's golden era. Peter Tosh is a pivotal figure in the history of music. Their is very little filler on Legalize it each song having a charm that transcends the narrow label of reggae to become simply good pop music. 4.5 stars
Erykah Badu
3/5
Very cool vibe. A little boring to me but there is a creativity and a craft that is not typical (to me) for this genre of music. As is the norm a little too long to keep my interest over the whole album, but in this case it is not unforgiveable and it does allow Erika to stretch out a little and express her creativity, especially her jazz leanings. She's also a great singer and a damn good songwriter. 3.5 stars
Deep Purple
2/5
Child in Time is great - te rest of the album, decidedly meh. 2.5 stars
Amy Winehouse
4/5
A great album in which Amy trades in her jazz chops for queen of soul quality stuff. No she's not Aretha, but man she's good. 4.5 stars
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
I have a passing and non fanboy interest in Will Oldham. I do have one Bonnie Prince Billie album that I listen to on occasion, it seems quiter and more sparely arranged than this one. I enjoyed I See A Darkness more because of its livelier musical presentation - didn't have time to delve into the lyrical subject matter however I'm sure there are themes of loneliness and struggle 3.5 stars
JAY Z
4/5
Damn fine rap album. Of course the lyrics are center stage with the arrangements taking a background position but the music and arrangements are not overbearing or overrly lacking in melodic elements. I liked it. 4 stars
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
A lively big band album that really works for me. The opening piece; The Kid From Red Bank might just be the perfect introducton for a newbie to big band jazz. Throughout this album the music is fast paced and joyful and infectious and incredibly played and arranged. I can't even imagine how incredibly amazing it must have been to be present at the recordng sessions. 5 stars
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
A surprisingly good album. Nice psychedelic feel with guitars that seep slowly and smoothly into your brain. A nice surprise for me from a band whose sound fits me like a well tailored suit. 4 stars
Blondie
4/5
An absolute classic of New Wave.....is this the alum that invented New Wave? Quite possibly! Anyway an album that is much greater than the sum of its hits. Heart of Glass is of course THE iconic New Wave/Rock/Disco smash that basically invented the "genre". But like I say every song on this album is worthy of at least your attention. Its hard to overstate the inportance of this album in the shaping of the music of the late 70s and early 80s. 4.5 stars
George Harrison
5/5
I was blown away by how consistent this album. Song after song is of the highest quality. George Harrisons's burst of creativity on his first solo album is amazing the fact that it stretches over 6 full side of a triple album is incredible. Now I came to this album late first listen was only a few years ago, however I knew many of the songs from the Concert for Bangladesh which I absorbed at a very young age thanks to my older sister. I love that album. But still I was shocked at just how great this album is. Side one is just perfect in my books. The only criticism I would offer is sides 5 and 6 get a little jammy and perhaps less song oriented, though the first song of side 5; Out of the Blue, is great, its just the other three songs are a little long and overwrought. But this is a minor criticism of a no-brainer 5 star album.
Bad Company
3/5
Pretty ordinary hard rock album with a couple of hits, one of which has become a rock standard and a bunch of inconsequential songs to fill the album out. 3 stars
Tori Amos
4/5
Never heard this album before. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Etremely intimate production fits the intimacy of the songs. Tori seems to have no problem wearing her heart on her sleeve even whn=en the subject matter is difficult and anger is the emotion that is laid bare - Me and a Gun, Crucify The arrangements make me want to re visit the album and each listen reveals more lyrically than the previous listen. Her voice and style is in the Kate Bush style, though not quite is high in register. I enjoyed listening to this fine album. 4 stars
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Again, a classic album that I had never heard before. The songs are obviously great but after three listens no one song stands out which makes it harder for me to connect to the album as a whole - it would take repeated listens to make me fall in love with it, so for now I can't see giving more than 3.5 stars
The Velvet Underground
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all-time. Sunday Morning is just so gorgeous with its sweet playful melody. It gives no clue as to the mayhem to come. Waiting for my Man is simply the best song about scoring drugs EVER. Femme Fatale introduces the deep sultry voice of Nico and her unconventional voice fits the song perfectly Things take a turn for the macabre with Venus in Furs, showcasing John Cale's viola. Side one ends with my favourite vehicle for Nico's vocals; the utterly gorgeous All Tomorrow's Parties. Side 2 is just as provocative and ground-breaking. My only gripe, I wish the sound was better. Possibly my all time favourite album. 5 stars...DUH!
fIREHOSE
3/5
Has many of the earmarks of Minutemen album, but it's not a Minutemen album. In My Mind has a melodic sweetness that tells the listener that this is somewhat different. But then Vastopol and Mas Cojones reminds us that this that even without the brilliance of D.Boon, Firehose is still the same surviving members that made Minutemen so damn unique. It does drag a bit and one finds oneself waiting for another song as memorable as In My Mind. A solid effort 3.5 stars
Ryan Adams
4/5
Still my favorite Ryan Adams album. Gorgeous songs, beautiful melodies. Intimate production. Great listening experience. 4 stars
The Cure
4/5
I believe that this album was my first Cure album (though it could have been Boys Don't Cry), back when it came out in Canada or at least very soon after it came out. When I heard the drum intro to A Play for today as well as Robert Smith's opening line...IIt's not a case of doing what's right" (I thought he was saying Southern case....), I knew immediately that for me this is what rock music should sound like. I playd the hell out of this record and it, along with Echo and The Bunnymen's first and Gang of Four's and Joy Division's were, among others, my gateway drugs to alternative music. I loved this album at that time and I still do. I do recognize that it has a tendency to drag in some places as I listen today, however with songs such as A Forest with it's infectious dance beat, In Your House with that gorgeously subtle ascending guitar figure, The beautiful title track and of course the aforementioned Play for Today, iit is still a fantastic album and a compelling listen. I am tempted to give it 5 but I will do my best to be somewhat objective in my rating, but know that objectivity is futile when it comes to music that me for ever. 4.5 stars
Duke Ellington
5/5
So much incredible music on this more than 2 hours long collection. This band absolutely cooks. 5 stars
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
My wife loved this album. me I can take it or leave it. 3 stars
3/5
Definitely some sumptuous sounds in this Brizilian, bosanova flavoured electro dance album. Wish it was more Bossa Nova and less electro dance beat but still some gorgeous music here. Some of the vocal contributions are absolutely lush. The whole album can best be decribed as lush. 3.5 stars
The Temptations
4/5
Wonderful album. Side 1, the first half, is gritty and urban and not what I would expect from the Temptations, and its entirely successful. The title track is a perfect example, telling the story of impoverished urban life a young manand the escape into his own imagination. Next up an inspired version of Heard it Through the Grapevine and the epic 9 minute track; Runaway Child, Running Wild, another gritt=y tale of life on the streets. Side 1 is near pefect. Side 2 returns to to more typical Temptations fare and the songs are always strong and beautifully conceived but definitely classic Motown pop. This combination makes for a wonderful album. 4 stars
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
Wow, what great album. Wonderful rhythms, especially on the opening track. Beautiful guitar playing and other instrumentation, I imagine there is some sitar in the arrangements among other Indian instruments. Deep deep percussion, lovely flute. Just some gorgeous gorgeous music playing. Loved it. 4.5
The Prodigy
3/5
Non-stop industrial dance music. great for a sweaty club after dropping extasy, not so great for listening to in my basement listening room. 3 stars
Beastie Boys
2/5
Just never really got The Beastie Boys. 2 stars
Buzzcocks
4/5
Yes its true The Buzzcocks are and always will be a singles band. Bt it doesn't mean they can't carry a full album and the do on this quite well, thank you very much. They stretch out nicely on songs like Sixteen and especially \moving Away From the Pulsebeat. You can see quite clearly that one thing that set Buzzcocks apart from others of their peers - hese guys can play. And they can write some excellent sonfs too. 4 stars
Hole
4/5
A surprisingly strong consistent album. Doesn't reach the heights or dramatic depths of Nevermind but they are some great songs here and Love's delivery is suitably angry to give them import. I'm impressed. 4 stars
Beastie Boys
3/5
Sheeesh 2 of my last 4 albums have been Beastie Boy albums. In my Licensed to Ill review I said I just never GOT the Beastie Boys. Maybe I get them slightly more now 3 stars
Johnny Cash
3/5
I like this album but it pales in comparison to American Recordings (vol. 1). Still it has some compelling renditions of modern pop songs like Personal Jesus . 3 stars
Jamiroquai
3/5
A good old fashioned funk/soul album that has some really bright moments. SOmetimes it feels and sounds a little old fashioned and dated but the music has real energy and a good amount of soul. 3.5 stars
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Really gorgeous, ethereal music. The languid pace can get a little monotonous but there is no doubt of the beauty in the vocals and in the production. 3.5 stars
De La Soul
4/5
This is a lot of fun. Along the lines of A Tribe Called Quest where humour and irony take the place of anger and bravado. I didn't have the chance to really absorb the lyrical content and I would say that ATCQ does it better especially in the musical diversity but still an enjoyable listen that I WANT to further explore and discover 4 stars
N.W.A.
3/5
I like it, but.....
Wish it had more musical variety and innovation. The rhymes of course re clever, funny, angry but its not enough for me to really enjoy and come back to listen again. 3 stars
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
No doubting the high energy and amazing performance of JLL in this landmark live album. I just wish it had deeper, fuller, less tinny sound. Makes me not really want to listen to it. Also his style is not really that appealing to me compared to my favourites of this period (Buddy Holly) 3.5 stars
D'Angelo
3/5
Very soulful and classic soul sounding. Not generally what I like to liste to tough, a little overly romantic for my tastes. I guess I'll stick to Al Green when I am in need of my dose of romantic, soulful music 3.5 stars
Van Halen
2/5
Not anything that appeals to me. The songs are trite and with little depth. I know the hits, Jump is OK but (one should hear the Aztec Camera version) the rest of the hits are decidedly meh. The deep album cuts hold no pleasant surprises. The only song that I liked was the one that my streaming service played after the album was over - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love. The guitar histrionics are impressive, if you like that kind of thing, for me it adds little to the song. 2 stars
The Style Council
2/5
Paul Weller makes a jazz / soul album with some interesting results. Lots of variety, the songs vary from overly nostalgic to the point of unintended parody to interesting interpretation of styles to, hey this is pretty cool. Wildly uneven but interesting for sure. Styles include; ragtime, lounge jazz, 60s bop, bossa nova, blue-eyed soul and even a bizarre rap experiment that should not have made the final cut. Ultimately too all-over-the-map to really grab hold. 2.5 stars
David Crosby
4/5
Music Is Love - nice intro to whatès to come
Cowboy Movie is fantastic
Songs With No Leaves - excellent
Laughing- beautiful guitar, gorgeous harmonies
What Are Their Names - Beautiful guitar work
Traction in the Rain - sounds like it's a harpsichord that takes center stage and it's gorgeous.
The last few songs they turn up the atmospherics and let traditional pop song structures go a bit. A bit meandering at this point but always done with taste. 4.5 stars
Tracy Chapman
4/5
This is a very strong album. Poignant, provocative songs delivered with a honesty and authenticity that is very compelling. Very little filler at all. All the songs pack an emotional impact. The playing is also escellent and the arrangements are tasteful and very well produced. Which brings me to the sound quality...absolutely first rate my Candaian pressed original vinyl is outstanding. Clear, deep, balanced sound that never fails to impress. Definitely a strong point of an already strong performance. 4.5 stars
Marvin Gaye
5/5
The song; What's Going On is a stone cold classic. The album deserves four stars for that track alone. The question is does the rest of the album push it to a 5? The answer for me is Yes! THe overriding themes of war and inner-city strife, the environment and a loving and benevolent God are delivered with heartfelt soul and honesty as to be dissarming. Gaye's singing is incredible. I am not a fan of strings / orchestration in pop music, I feel like it clouds the musical threads in general and I feel that that part is the weak element of this album but I can live with it when the performance is this honest and true. The songs are able to cut through that fog and deliver thier messge with still great imact. 5 stars
Joni Mitchell
3/5
This is where Joni kind of loses me. She abandons traditional pop/rock, folk/pop song structures and turns to modern jazz arrangements and chord progressions. And I'm not really down. Often I find it tough to latch onto a musical thread, and if I do the singing often doesn't follow tat thread. I'm sure that her poetic and lyrical talents are there in spades. However the music does not make want to discover them. 3 stars
Stevie Wonder
5/5
This is one hell of an album with an amazing variety of quality songs...classic songs. Beuatiful love song / ballads like You Are the Sunshine of My Life and I Believe to open and close the album with just classic pop songs. In between it does funk as well as anyone could; Maybe Your Baby. It rocks with as much attitude and strut as any Stones or Who song; Superstition. It does sweet soul; Tuesday Heartbreak, Folk / pop; Big Brother and it does all these genres with style and originality. It's a nearly perfact album. 5 stars
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
This is a favourite of my early youth. A gorgeous album , with classic songs of the time. Every song touches me and brings me back to an earlier, simpler time and place. The individual contributions of the 4 are mostly stellar, with Young's Helpless taking centre stage but followed closely by Carry On, Teach Your Children, Almost Cut My Hair, Our House as well as the dramatic title track. I think the classic songs and the place it holds in my heart adds up to a 5 star album.
Arcade Fire
5/5
When this album came out it blew my mind. I was just in the throws of discovering new indie rock that began around 1999. Bands like Built to Spill, Spoon, Wilco, Yo La Tengo, Luna, Modest Mouse, Eleventh Dream Day, pj Harvey, The White Stripes, Idlewild, Interpol, The National, GSYBE, pavement, Silver Jews and dozens and dozens of others had dominated my listening for the last few years. Then this album comes out and takes the Indie music world by storm. A band from my home town, shining a light on our music scene and dominating the talk around indie music. And then the accolades start pouring in from the likes of Bowie, Springsteen, David Byrne, Coldplay and U2. Anyway the music on the album is bold and beautiful and big and way too accomplished to be a debut album. And the live shows so incredibly energetic and epic. Well for me this was an album that defined an era, both musically and culturally (on a small scale). And the songs are all absolutely forst rate. SUre, no really new ideas nut the execution of the ideas they do have is nearly flawless. 5 stars
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Side 1. 3 classics of the folk rock genre, 2 excellent lesser known tunes and 1 I might consider throw away. Side 2. No really well known songs, but all are successful with lots of humour and pathos and all those things that make S&G so compelling. 4 stars
The Jam
5/5
Is this The Jam's BEST album? Maybe. But it's not my favourite, (All Mod Cons). It's not my 2nd favourite Jam album (Setting Sons), but listening to it today, I'm not so sure it doesn't deserve a higher ranking on my list. It's more classically pop sounding than previous albums, perhaps more timeless. Absolutely leans more to The Beatles rather than The Who or The Kinks; right down to the Taxman hommage in Start. So it's a collection of really strong songs and one absolutely brilliant stroke in That's Entertainment. In the late 70s and early 80s The Jam were at the top of their game and were about as good a rock band that there was. For me this is their 3rd consecutive 5 star album, a run as strong as by any band in the history of rock music. How you rank those 3 albums relative to each other is a matter of individual taste. To me The Jam are one of the most criminally under appreciated bands in the history of rock music. 5 stars
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Its usually hard for me to positively review music from this era, unless its Buddy Holly or Roy Orbison however I enjoyed this album. I think partly because the sound is pretty good , but the songs are good as well. The ballads are enjoyable for their classic songs like Cathy's Clown and Love Hurts are fantastic. And then there are those luscious vocal harmonies. 4 stars
David Holmes
2/5
Somewhat interesting electro-dance album. I especialy like d the album opner which has really strong, infectious beat and the last which samples from Serge Gainsbroug Ballade de Melody Nelson. 2.5 stars
Wilco
4/5
I'm a pretty big Wilco but somehow I have overlooked listening to this album. It is a really good sampler of all Wilco's stylistic moods. Country, Americana, indie-pop, noisy rock. All of Jeff Tweedy's many moods are beautifuly represented. Tweedy can write a hook filled song that sticks in your head in just about any style. He is among the most talented songwriters in rock today. I have often wondered why a band like The Eagles reach mega star status and a band like Wilco, arguably crafters of better songs, toils in relative obscurity. I wish the world didn't work that way but it does. 4 stars
Santana
4/5
This album starts off really strongly but fizzles out on side 2, but side 1 is very good. 4 stars
Stephen Stills
4/5
A very nice album though a bit all over the place that touches on country, blues and folk influences with even a little jazz thrown in. I'm not that big on the bluesy stuff but I can't fault the song writing nor the playing at all. A big sprawling epic of an album that I'm glad I was intrudeced to and which deserves more scrutiny. 4 stars
Talk Talk
4/5
Tis is the album that Talk Talk begins to find their voice. Mar Hollis you can see is starting to incorporate jazz and classical motifs into his music and we can clearly hear the seeds of more atmospheric music to come on Laughing Stock and Spirit of Eden. Colour of Speing still has remnants of the alternative music sounds that they grew up on in the gorgeous Life's What You Make It, but even that has a soul feel not unlike Bill Whithers Use Me. It's a great album that points to the beautiful music Talk Talk will move towards in the future. 4 stars
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
More pop oriented and less noisy than the debut but still sounds like same band. Some might object to the higher degree of sheen and it certainly doesn't, to me have the impact and shock and awe effect of Psychocandy, but is it good album? Damn straight, 4 stars
Steve Winwood
2/5
Steve Winwood goes adult contemporary with mixed results. For me Spanish Dancer (the most "Traffic-sounding" song) is the best song on the album with a lot of MOR pop oriented stuff that tends to put me to sleep. 2.5 stars
Syd Barrett
3/5
I really enjoyed this album a lot moreso than expected. I hear the seeds of Neutral Milk Hotel in the melodies and the singing. A hodgepdge of sounds and styles mostly acoustic guitar based mid tempo ballads generally enjoyable. 3.5 stars
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Just a great album. It rocks, its got iconic epic jams. It has some beautiful countrified ballads. One of Young's all-time best. 5 stars
David Bowie
4/5
Such a great album. This album as well as Low and Heros are usually classified as Bowie's "Berlin" albums with low being the mos lauded of the three but on certain days I can make an argument for either of the three being the best. For me Station to Station is the most accessible of the three with remarkable songs throughout. The 10 minute title track never languishes and each minute of the song is wonderful the mood and tempo changes keep the song moving forward. Just a great 10 minute song...never an easy feat to accomplish. Golden Years is the hit and it bristles with soul tinged hooks. TVC15 might be my favorite song on the album. It has great energy with a nice 50s doo wop feel. All in all another solid Bowie album that deserves a place in any listening library 4.5 stars
Liz Phair
4/5
I like quite a few songs on this album - usually the ones with a upbeat, indie-rock feel. 6'1" is a great opener and Help Me Mary is also good. Never Said is another track that works well for me and Mesmerizing is my favourite on the album. The other less straight ahead and more "arty" tunes are often quite successful and worthy of close inspection. There's no doubting the talent on display here the level of songwriting is quite remarkable for a debut album as is the sheer breadth of ideas and sound stylings, how much of that is Miss Phair and how much the expert prouction is up for debate howeverthat's besides the point as each listen reveals new layers of depth. I never really listened much to this album when I first explored it, but this time I'm on my 3rd consecutive listen through and the reasons for its high acclaim are being revealed. 4 stars
Moby
4/5
There are some magical moments on this album. Moby has an incredible talent for framing his beautiful melodies with tasteful and gorgeous arrangements that gives the melodies and by extension the songs emotional ebbs and flows that draws the audience in. Porcelain, Soutside and Everlasting are the hilights for me. Well done. 4 stars
Bill Evans Trio
5/5
Exceptional album. The talent on display is incredible and the chemistry palpable. A must for any serious jazz collection. 5 stars
Mike Ladd
4/5
I liked it. Some cool moods and some thought provoking rhymes. 4 stars
The Roots
3/5
Decent hip hop album with some nice variety. I do tend to like the Arrested Development style of Hip Hop which mixes in more jazzy elements. 3.5 stars
Beach House
4/5
lovely ethereal beautifully produced album. The reverb on the vocals can get a bit monotonous and I would like to see some tempo and arrangement variety mixed in but overall a really nice album that improves with each listen. 4 stars
TV On The Radio
4/5
Really enjoyed this album. I think it's my new favourite TVOTR album. Nice mix of accessibilitty and TVOTR's unique brand of weird. Very nice find. 4 stars
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Yes it is my least favorite VU album but it is still a classic. 4.5 stars
Anita Baker
2/5
Just really not my style. An album full of mid-tempo songs about love. Not for me. I can't really judge it harshly if it's you're thing I'm sure it's great. Anita has a wonderful voice. 2.5 stars
Big Star
4/5
I don't have the reverence for this album that many others have. It's a very good pop album with some excellent songs. I don't particularly like , I guess it is Chris Bell's voice, which is one thing that keeps me from loving the album rather than just respecting it. Anyway a solid album that was basically ignored for 25 years. 4 stars
The Flaming Lips
5/5
A beautiful album that seems nearly perfect. The melodies are absolutely infectious. 5 stars
R.E.M.
4/5
I've never warmed to this album to allow it to be ranked with their earlier albums. Maybe the timing wasn't right for me as I was an R.E.M fan from the outset...Murmer is still my favorite album. Maybe I resented it in some weird way because it was their commercial breakthrough and I'm thinking "Ha where have you all been for the last 10 years" Or maybe it's just a more difficult listen than their earlier works one that requires more time and effort to reveal its charms Well for whatever reason listening this time around after leaving it for a while allowed me to appreciate it more than I ever have previously. There's a melancholy intesity that I never quite appreciated previously. Sweetness Follows has just that feel and it's quite beautiful. Same for Monty got a Raw Deal - I never took the time to appreciate the deeper album cuts on this album, maybe because there are none that really rock out and the strong structures are not typical verse chorus verse. Anyway I'm thinking this album finally will get my attention, something it probably deserved long ago. 4 stars with a bullet
SAULT
4/5
Took me a couple of listens to find the sweet spot on this album but find it I did. An absolute throwback to the golden age of soul music a la Bill Withers. The lyrics can get a tad overwrought at times however the arrangements and grooves are always spot on. A very nice discovery. 4 stars
Cocteau Twins
4/5
The most rocking album I've yet heard from the Twins and my favorite of theirs so far. Gorgeous vocals, ethreal guitars and synths and driving rhythms abound. It still has an eclectic quality but much more accessible than Treasure. 4.5 stars
Talvin Singh
4/5
Highly successful marriage of modern, western, techno-style rhytms with eastern melodies and instrumentation. Beautifulk music that I'm sure would reveal subtleties with each listen. First impression very favorable. 4 stars
Pavement
5/5
What an album. Eclectic mix of jazz and indie guitar rock. My favorite Pavement album as it balances their noisy guitar blasts with their unique but accessible melodic genius. Some of the most interesting and satisfying music made in the 90s 5 stars
Aerosmith
3/5
Not my jam. There are some good songs that have endured so that is something. 3 stars
Saint Etienne
3/5
Cool alternative dance album. 3.5 stars
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Not a bad dance album just not really somrthing that gets me very excited. 2.5 stars
Mudhoney
2/5
Noisy nu-metal with shoutng vocals. Not for me 2 stars
Aimee Mann
4/5
Bright literate songwriting. Nice contemporary pop music with catchy hooks, driving beats and clean clear production. 4 stars
Dusty Springfield
2/5
A bit on the boring obvious side. Nothing really reaches out and grabs me. Just kinda standard pop fair from the 60s. 2.5 stars
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
Luscious and mellow bossa nova that goes down really easily. Almost ideal date music. A bottle of wine a crackling fire and a special someone to enjoy a deep connection with. I like this 4 stars
Pentangle
3/5
Some wonderful musicianship especially guitar playing. There are a few songs that I quite enjoyed but overall not xomething I would return to. 3 stars
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Leaves me somewhat cold. If I want to listen to big band jazz I would stick to the giants of the genre. Doesn't reel me in. No denying the talent of the musicianship and the arrangements 3 stars
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Not really for me 2 stars
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Incredibele variety in sounds and styles, all rendered with a directness and an ear for pop melody that is unwavering. Unfortunately not all of it works for me and the well known songs are well known for a reason and the not so known songs are also unknown for a reason. However you have to admire the shear scope of this project, the depth of Rundgren's musical talent. 3.5 stars
Massive Attack
3/5
Solid effort from MA just a notch below the classics Mezzanine and Blue Lines. 3.5 stars. A little plodding and slow in spots would be my main criticism.
Pavement
4/5
A glorious mess of an album that always satisfies. Each new listen reveals new charms. However it ain't Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain nor Brighten The Corners so I can't give it 5. 4.5 stars
Method Man
2/5
Meh. Uninspired (for me) rap / hip hop album. 2.5 stars
U2
3/5
Hah...this is the first time I ever listened to Achtung Baby, hard to believe. Some good songs nothing transcendent. 3 stars
John Grant
4/5
Oh I liked this a lot. Great baroque pop music and arrangements. Excellent sometimes hilarious lyrics. Voice sounds similar to Josh Ritter. A very nice find 4 stars
Brian Eno
4/5
Baby's On Fire alone would be enough to earn this album a 4 star rating but throw in the fact that all the songs are at minimum interesting and some are brilliant and I am tempted to rate this at 5 but I will hold the 5 star rating for Another Green World when it appears. Here Come the Warm Jets = 4.5 stars
Billy Bragg
4/5
I don't really understand the Billy Bragg and Wilco parir up. Did they ever rcord at the same time? I don't think I ever hear Billy and Jeff singing together on the same song, except for the last song Unwelcome Guest which is an album hilight. Regardless this is a fine album with some absolutely gorgeous songs. The Woody Guthrie lyrics are beautiful and the arrangements are tight and always in service to the lyric. I enjoy the juxtaposition of Bragg's traditional folky sensibility and Tweedy's modern indie rock take. Not everything works but most of it is a home run. 4 stars
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Not much more to be said about the iconic title track which, it could be argued, was the kick off of a whole new genre. It's rediculously self-indulgent, way too long and is one of the great stoner anthems of the 60s. The rest of the album keeps the fuzzy guitar psychedelic vibe going strong. Of course nothing else measures up to In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida and it's not like I'm going to ever listen to it again, so.....3.5 stars
Metallica
3/5
I liked this way more than I was expecting. Some really solid songs and nowhere near as annoying as I thought it was going to be. 3.5 stars
Jeff Buckley
3/5
I should listen to this album more often. It's really good but somehow keeps me at arms length. This time I'm adding it to my playlist. 3.5 stars
Ride
3/5
Very cool album. Some very good songs, but none of them have a stick in your mind quality which makes me downgrade it 1/2 a star. The opener, Seagull, is a very dramatic start. I am sure that more listens will reveal new subtleties and it may regain that 1/2 star. The question is will I listen more?For now.... 3.5
Shack
4/5
Beautiful with exceptionally crafted pop songs that sound fresh and nostalgic at the same time. Not quite to the level of Water Pistol which sounds more immediate. HMS Fable is a little more produced and ornate in its production. 4.5 stars
Ute Lemper
3/5
An interesting album for sure. Dramatic vocal stylings. Unique songs that fit her voice and style well. I especially liked The Case Continues and the opener Little Water Song. 3.5 stars
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
Totally new to me never even heard the Peter Gabriel produced more celebrated in the west collaboraton with Michael Brook. However despite my newbie status to this artist, I quite enjoyed this album. Found my self tapping my foot along with the music. Also found myself in awe of the vocal performance which is at times sunning. Ultimately it proved rather too long to digest in one sitting, a better choice might have been the more easily digestable Mustt Mustt still a nice discovery. 3.5 stars
Bob Dylan
5/5
My second favorite Dylan album. That's enough for a 5 star rating
M.I.A.
2/5
I like Paper Planes - you know the Clash connection helps...a lot. The rest of the album mostly meh! Jimmy is a good song, 20 dollar with the Pixies lyric also caught my ear. Overall can't see giving more than 2.5 stars
Solange
3/5
musically very good, lyrically thoughtful if a little preachy at times (spoken word parts). A fine album in sum. 3.5 stars
Kings of Leon
3/5
Do I like this version of Kings of Leon better than the cowpunk, idie-Americana version of Youth and Young Manhood? I don't think so. Both have good songs but there's a looseness and lack of pretense with the earlier music that fits my aesthetic better. This is a review of this album and on this album they hit the mark on 3 or 4 tracks which is enough for me to give it 3.5 stars
Kraftwerk
4/5
Damn good electronic album most of the album is wonderful I especially like Das Model and Neonlicht. 4 stars
The Undertones
4/5
Punk pop at its finest. Almost a perfect album. docked a 1/2 star for the out of place cover of Down on the Boardwalk. 4.5 stars
Merle Haggard
3/5
A fine album with great songwriting - just not a style that I really appreciate. 3 stars
Emmylou Harris
4/5
I am partial to this, Daniel Lanois produced portion of EHs career. Wrecking Ball is a favorite album of mine and Red Dirt Girl is now up there. The interesting thing is I have had this album in my library for 20 years and it got forgotten and even ignored. Well no more. Beautiful atmospheric production Lanois recognizable (bass) sound. Poignant songs and Emmylou's angelic voice. Three elements that make for a wonderful listening experience. 4 stars
Small Faces
4/5
I enjoyed this album. The opening instrumental was excellent and was a prelude to the fine playing displayed throughout. The Novella that was played out on what I guess was side 2 with the spoken word narration between the songs was enjoyuable and maybe would become even ,moreso if I followed along with the narrative. I understand why it has a great reputation. 4 stars
Soft Machine
3/5
Interesting album. Reminds me at times of Miles Davis In A SIlent Way and Ornette Coleman The Shape of Jazz to Come. Not really finding the rock part of the equation. Seems to me like a collection of 4 jazz suites. All 4 have something to offer. 3.5 stars
The Cure
5/5
The Cure's masterpiece. Robert Smith's aching vocals singing some of his best lyrics; Picturtes of You, Lovesong, Fascination Street all just beautiful. Musically it gets pretty heavy at times but then lightens up just in time to keep it very accessible. 5 stars
Lucinda Williams
5/5
What an amazing album. Great music, fantastic singing, and songwriting that is simply next level. 5 stars
Beck
4/5
Mellow singer / songwriter album for the millenium. Very slow and beautiful album that is reference quality recording. It sounds absolutely gorgeous. The music is just as meticulously crafted. The first half of the album is stunning. Gorgeous songs. The languid pace does cause my attention to wander in the second half of the album but the sheer beauty and craft is always evident. 4.5 stars knocking on the door of 5 stars
GZA
2/5
Nothing much that resonated with me on this album. 2.5 stars
Gary Numan
4/5
This is a fine album, maybe Numan's best. Replicas high points are higher than the high points here but Pleasure Principle is more consistent. Favourite songs. Metal, Complex, Tracks, Conversation. 4 stars
Blur
4/5
I see the line from The Kinks to Blur from this album with a small nod the The Jam though they lack the toughness of The Jam. The album starts of very strongly on three opening tracks, loses it's way for a little after that but soon finds its way agin with the fine To the End and keeps the moment through to the epic sounding This is a Low. A fine album that seerms to sum up the history of British pop music quite nicely. 4 stars
Björk
2/5
Didn't like this. Too eclectic, too literal, melodies too obscure and too difficult. Bjork is always a challenging listen and I will give this another go, but on first listen not for me. 2.5 stars
Joe Ely
3/5
Not really the kind of country that I enjoy but I need to give it more listens to really see if its for me. After all the Clash loved Joe Ely so I should give them as much rope as I can. 3 stars
1/5
Not for me...too non-musical. I like melody 1.5 stars
Marilyn Manson
1/5
@ in a row that are not for me. Not a fan of the screaming vocal style Marilyn uses so often. Music is OK but.... I gave up after 8 songs. 1.5 stars
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
When I first saw this album (which I had never heard) on this list instead of 13 Tales from Urban Bohemia, the somewhat higher rated and the one I know from back to front, I ask myself why? Then I put on the opening tracks...nice atmospheric intro maybe a little long, sweet guitar figure, nice sweet toe-tapping rhythm, big crunchy bass and suddenly I'm out of my chair and dancing. Great start better that the start to 13 tales (Godless). As for the rest, pretty consistent album that kept me entertained from start to finish. 4 stars (for the record I would probably give 13 tales 4.5)
The Vines
3/5
Pretty good hard rock album. Vocals get a little shout-at-you at times which I am not a fan of but still an enjoyable listen for me. 3.5 stars
Meat Puppets
4/5
Really good album of countrified punk, varried and interesting and unique. I was predisposed because I very much like the songs that Nrvana covered on their unplugged album. But all the songs on this sprawling epic had something to offer. Loved it. 4 stars
Hawkwind
3/5
What a spacey trip this album is...I like it spacey sounds. Great arrangements and lots of energy on an initial listen. Looking forward to hearing more from these old-timers. 3.5 stars
k.d. lang
4/5
A very nice album. There is no denying the power of kd Lang's voice it is quite simply spectacular and her singing style suits my tastes perfectly. Unlike other divas that have a penchant for over-singing kd's is always in service of the song and not to impress the listener though when the moment does call for it she can impress with anyone. The album has a nice relaxed jazzy feel with some bossa nova rhythms. The star of the show is definitely her big hit Constant Craving however there are plenty of songs that keep me interested and I will come back for more...already have. 4 stars
Bert Jansch
2/5
Kind of boring. 2 stars
Minor Threat
3/5
Decent Cal-Punk album. I like it better than similar offerings from Black Flag or Dead Kennedy's. Reminds more of Fugazi than those afore mentioned bands. 3 stars
Eric Clapton
2/5
Pretty boring album. I shot the sheriff...I'll be fine if I never hear Clapton's take on that song again. Bob Marley al day long. Let it Grow is a good song the rest...meh! Anecdote time. My first ever concert. Montreal Forum, was 12 years old .Eric Clapton was touring on this album. Knew nothing of him (except Layla). My 12 yo old self never been to a concert, knew as if by instict, this show was boring. Opening act (Richie Havens was more entertaining, just RH and his guitar.) So am I prejudiced against this album probably, but what's a 12 yo to do? 2 stars
Sabu
3/5
Loads of fun - I couldn't help but get up and move. Sounds authentic and real. 3.5 stars
Emmylou Harris
3/5
A very nice traditional country album. Not my favorite genre but the quality of the songs, vocal performance and production is undeniable. 3.5 stars
Slade
3/5
Some good old R&R not unlike AC/DC. They are new to me ... didn't even realize that Cum on Feel the Noise was their song. This album has some good hard rockin tunes. 3.5 stars
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
All I can say is Meh! i guess this is some kinda milestone album in rock, and I even enjoy a lot of ELP but tis is mostly boring and rediculous, why not just listen to some classical music if that's what you want. 2 stars
The Flaming Lips
4/5
A good album full of interesting melodies, cool sounds and strange lyrical themes. All in all a fun listen from the lips. 4 stars
Nirvana
5/5
An amazing album. Raw, uncomprimising that grabs hold and shakes you around really never lets you go. 5 stars
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
Some good bluesy rock and roll in the style of The Stones. Enjoyed this album, for it's punky vibe. Compares favourably to the New York Dolls. The Groovies deserve more notoriety. 4 stars
The Rolling Stones
4/5
A good early Stones album that show Jagger Richards and Jones songwriting and arrangement development. Under My Thumb is the hilight for me and Mother's Little Helper with its use of sitar is a classic too and Lady Jane is a beautiful ballad with an English folk music feel. As for deeper album cuts stand outs are; Stupid Girl, Out of Time and I am Waiting. Now the US version subs in Paint it Black at the expense of Mother's Little Helper Pait It Black is agrguably The Stones greatest achievement, so the US version would absolutely be 1/2 star higher and if there was a version with both songs included that would be a no brainer 5 star album. 4 stars
The Darkness
1/5
Here's the thing this is my least favorite style of rock music. Brings back nightmare memories of the 80s and bands like Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Poison and many many others. And the singer Oh my God...the Celine Dion of Hair metal. Please no more albums like this. 1.5 stars
Eagles
2/5
Pretty generic albu with the big hit...Take it Easy. Did nothing to enhance my opinion of The Eagles; which is and remains, why did these guys make it huge when dozens of other better bands remain obscure. (ie. Wilco) 2.5 stars
The Youngbloods
3/5
A nice album. Lots of interesting musical choices. Interesting arrangements. I liked most of the choices made. solid 3.5 stars
David Bowie
4/5
One of Bowie's best! Side one has the 2 monster hits and is a group of mostly piano driven ballads that really show his troubadour side with ethereal lyrics and beautiful melodies (especially Life on Mars!) Side 2 shows the more rocking bowie and though the songs are generally lesser known they still tell you that whether he's rocking out or displaying his singer songwriter side, the results are always compelling. 4.5 stars
The White Stripes
4/5
I love the Stripes butnever gave this album a listen previously. Not sure why as this album has the usual collection of strong song after strong song. The opener, while lacking the power of either Seven Nation Army or Dead Leaves on the Dirty Ground is still a hook filled tour de forrce. The album is more varied in arrangements than either Elephant or White Blood Cells with piano riffs showing almost as much as guitar power chords. Another strong effort from Meg and Jack. 4 stars
Stan Getz
4/5
A beautiful album. The Girl from Impaenema is gorgeous and the rest of the album is almost as beautiful. The singing is ubderstated, the arrangements spare and nearly perfect but for me the star of the album is Stan Getz his playing is nothing short of perfect. The tone of his sax is warm and lush and complements the song perfectly never overpowering. Great album 4.5 stars
Mariah Carey
2/5
Overwrought. Over produced over everything. There might be some lyrical gems though who can tell with the vocal histrionics and voices everywhere in the mix. Just not the kind of music that I like at all. The song Close My Ees was did stand out somewhat for its directness ie they kept the production somewhat minimalist at least in this context. 2 stars
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Such a good album just not a weak song in the bunch and Biko, Games Without Frontiers and I Don't Remember are stone cold classics with And Through The Wire not far behind. Just nothing negative to say about this album. Peter Gabriel's best and an easy 5 star reccomendation
Holger Czukay
3/5
Cool album. I'm slowly learning about Can and they are really interesting. I can't imagine anyone sounding the way hey did at that time. But this is not a Can review. Movies starts out great and continues to intrigue if not dazzle. The last song I find a bit boring but the album as a whole is worth a few listens to digest. 3.5 stars that could get higher with more listens.
Aerosmith
2/5
What we have here is some generic hard rock. No imagination, no surpeises just cliche after cliche. AN extra 1/2 star for Janie's got a Gun. 2 stars
The Band
3/5
I'm sure there was nothing like this back in 1969. The original indie Americana album. My problem is I'm not that fond of the songs. The sound is interesting the playing, impressive and the arrangements are cool and unique but the songs mostly lay there for me. 3.5 stars
Culture Club
3/5
Well crafted '80s pop with a good measure of sould and a gospel tinge on numbers like That's the Way and Church of the Poison Mind, which for me is the strongest song on the album. 3.5 stars
The Byrds
4/5
A fine album but not the classic that is ether Younger than Yeserday and Mr. Tambourine Man. Eight Miles High is amazing as is Mr. Spacemean and the cover of Hey Joe is actually pretty good and the title track is a minor classic as well - the rest is pretty ordinary. Still 4 stars
Calexico
4/5
This is a great album. The ballads are sincere, the instrumentals interesting and worthy of multiple listens. The up tempo songs (never realy very up tempo), are melodic with tight, toe-tapping rhythms and the latin tinged songs also rhythmically interesting and tight. I don't know other albums by Calexico but this one is a home run. 4 stars
Coldcut
2/5
Unable to find this album. 2.5 stars
John Lennon
5/5
Emotional, confessional and utterly raw. But surprisingly not unlisteneable. Great melodies great SONGS! My favorite Beatles solo album! 5 stars
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Perfectly executed, beautifully produced insubstantial pop music. A genre that for which I have little appreciation. If there was even one organic sound and one unprocesed vocal recording I might give it a half star more. But there isn't, so I won't. 2 stars
5/5
The amterial in this set is unbelievably amazing. Each song a classic. The arrangements on the full band "amplified" set are amazing and the playing is tight and swings and easily matches the material. I don't get the sense of vitriol from the audience during the "plugged in" 2nd half that I had been led to believe, just seems like an amazing show from an amazing artist to an adoring audience. 5 stars
U2
3/5
Meh. Here is where U2 became Arena rock gods and lost all semblance of soul and nuance. Some fine songs that suffer from bombast. 3.5 stars
The Human League
3/5
Pretty good electro-dance synth-pop album. Sure it is of a particular time and sounds dated but the songs are of pretty high quality...and not just don't you want me. There's a lot of good quality songs here. And I like the playlist that Roon created after the last song...some really fine memories. 3.5 stars
Fela Kuti
4/5
I really liked this album. Fela creates n hypnotic groove on every song around which he weaves his always tasteful trumpet lines and politically charged lyrical stabs. I could do without the extended Ginger Baker drum solo on the last song but despite this excess this is a strong set of funky, jazzy, hypnotic music. 4 stars
Jurassic 5
4/5
about half way in and I'm enjoying this album. It's got a jazzy feel that I really enjoy in rap music. It does get a little samey through a full album which brings me to a common refrain for me regarding Rap albums...they're too long. At 56 minutes this one is not as egregious as others and it actually does vary the musical styles more than some other highly rated Rap classics which definitely helps in the listenability department but still I'd like it more if it were 10 minutes shorter. All in all one of the better rap albums on this list IMHO. 4 stars
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
Ella fitzgerald's voice, first rate material and sympathetic, tasteful arrangements. Hard to get better than that. 4.5 stars
Butthole Surfers
2/5
SOme interesting stuff here...even catchy at times. I imagine this is like a modern day Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. In the end it is just too noisy for me to really enjoy 2 stars
The Killers
3/5
Pretty good album. Brendan Flowers is influenced by a lot of artists that I enjoy...Interpol, The Strokes and the same 80s bands that influenced the aforementioned (Joy Division, Echo and the Bunnymen). My favorite song is the album closer which out of left field brings a Portishead feel that borders on rip-off, but that's OK. Overall an enjoyable listen. 3.5 stars
3/5
Pretty good album but nothing really grabbed me. 3 stars
Minutemen
5/5
Non stop awesomeness from this densly packed album. There must be upwards of 40 songs here and everyone has something to offer. The playing is virtuoso and the production clean and clear. Double Nickels on the Dime deservaes a place alongside Blonde on Blonde, Exile on Main Street, The White Album and London Calling as one of the great double albums iin R & R history. 5 stars
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
I'll admit to being caught off guard by this album. The opening song was as I was expecting the album to be generic hard rock with an emphasis on bombastic lead guitars and very pedestrian song writing. But as the album continued I found the song writing to be anything but pedestrian. The band's strength is their way with a power ballad starting with song #2 Tuesday's Gone and culminating with the iconic closer, Free Bird each song is well paced and has interesting, well conceived arrangements. The album blends a lot of diffrent but complimentary styles and the band sounds at home in all of them. I slept on this album for too long. It's not just Free Bird and filler...its a really really fine album. 4 stars
Sebadoh
3/5
Can't figure out why this album from Sebadoh, instead of Bakesale or III or even Harmacy. Not that this is a bad album it's just that Bakesale is clearly superior and more accessible. This album does point to the better things on the horizon for these darling of the indie-rock scene. 3.5 stars
Deerhunter
4/5
A fine album chock full of gorgeous melodies. Very drony and ethereal. The songs are catchy and interesting and just very good. 4 stars
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Never much of a Hendrix fan but in truth this is a pretty consistent album. 4 stars
Elton John
4/5
My favorite Elton John album.. Side 1 is nearly perfect; Tiny Dancer, Levon and then culminating in his most emotionally charged song ever, Madman Across the Water. The 2nd side is not quite up to side 1 but still quite listenable. A great album that would have received 5 stars if side 2 were a little bit more memorable. 4.5
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Had nt heard this one before. I like but don't love Monk as sometimes I find the melodies a bit dissonant. But I really enoyed every minute of this album. Brilliant Corners is brilliant. 5 stars
Bobby Womack
2/5
Bobby Womack has an incredible voice. It's too bad he sings songs that move me not at all. Not my style. 2 stars
Pere Ubu
4/5
More avant garde then The Modern Dance, which I do prefer, there are still plenty of good songs here it's just the ration of straight ahead punk anthems to more dissonant / difficult songs is lower than on Modern Dance. An altogether darker more challenging listen still highly rewarding. A hell of an album, to my knowledge unlike anything else at the time. 4 stars
The Police
3/5
Pretty good album - showing The Police's continued evolution from new wave darlings to arena rock icons 3.5 stars
PJ Harvey
5/5
An awesome album of guttaral indie rock. Huge dynamic swings which I love. Every song is tough and uncompromising but with melodies that stick with you. Dry is slightly but just slightly. Both are must hears. 5 stars
The xx
3/5
A nice baroque pop album with 3 stars
Motörhead
3/5
Pretty good hard rock (I won't call it heavy metal the guitars are not over the top enough). What it lacks in subtlety it makes up for inraw energy. Not really what I'm in to at this time in my life but if you're needing a dose of HARD RAWK! one could do much worse. 3.5 stars
John Martyn
3/5
A very mellow, jazzy atmospheric album. John Martyn has a soulful raspy voice in the vein of Joe Cocker and Nick Drake, but much more subdued and more subtle than Cocker and less emotive than Drake. The album gets a little sleepy at times but an enjoyable listen. 3,.5 stars
Randy Newman
3/5
Another solid album from Randy Newman chock full of cutting acerbic wit and lots of shady characters. The arrangements keep me at arms length with Randy's albums never drawing me in completely 3.5 stars
Milton Nascimento
4/5
I gave this - new to me - album a thorough listen. A few in the background and a couple quite focused listens. And I left impressed. With 21 songs it's a a commitment to devote the time necessary to fully digest the album. I find that almost all the songs have a something to offer. Some of the songs are very dramatic and some quite whimsical but most all of them hve something to offer. The singing is gorgeous and the playing and arrangements around the vocals is first rate. A really nice discovery. 4stars
Slint
5/5
An incredibly good album with a maturity that belied the ages of the band members. Their mastery of dynamics and atmosphere is incredible. Each listen reveals subtleties that make this one of the greatest albums of its era. 5 stars
Fairport Convention
4/5
A lovely album of British / Celtic folk that has lovely melodies, beautiful arrangements and gorgeous vocals. The playing is superb and the songs well balanced between traditional and contemporary. 4 stars
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Great funk albums with like 3 or 4 stone classic tracks plus the rest which is decidedly NOT filler. 4 stars
Death In Vegas
2/5
Pretty good electro-rock album. I do prefer Scorpio which I know better and has Hands Around my Neck. Unfortunately nothing here comes close to the menace that that track has. 2.5 stars
Tom Waits
3/5
The usual collection Tom Waits slightly bent characters set to a nice blend of guttbucket blues, tin pan alley arangements and jazzy feel. Pretty good album if your tastes run in this direction. 3.5 stars
Big Star
3/5
A tour of Alex Chilton angst ridden soul that can seem daunting if you read overly into the notices that accompany this album. Though there are no sunny power-pop songs like on the two previous Big Star albums it doesn't make Third any less worthy. the songs are sad and don't hide that fact but they are still at times brilliant. The covers; Femme Fatale and Nature Boy, Till the End of the Day are worthy additions to the setlist. A classic album that deserves your attention. 3.5 stars
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
nothing negative to say. The harmonies are beautiful, the playing is supportive and the stories are lyrical and sympathetic. It's just not the kind of music I enjoy. 3 stars
Missy Elliott
3/5
Four songs in and I'm very much enjoying this album, way more than I expected too. The rhymes are subtle and the music engaging for me. Her take on The Rain (sampes of I Can't Stand The Rain) is a hilight so far. I'm Talkin' is also a hilight. All in all a fine album, a good listen. An album that I may well return to. 3.5 stars
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
Reading some of the reviews and ratings on this ground breaking album you would wonder why it is inculded here. And I get how difficult a listen it is for someone coming at it new. But in 1980 when I was 18 and thirsting for "new" sounds that broke boundaries, Second Edition as it was called in Canada was food to a starving man. My lasting impression of this album and Public Image Limited in general is watching them perform Poptones on Amesican Bandstand to a stunned, uncomfortable and perhaps even fearful live audience. For me it ranks up there with The Clash on Fridays, Elvis Costell and the Attractions on SNL and Future Islands on Letterman as the best Television perfomances I've ever seen.
Yes it's a difficult listen, especially sides 3 and 4, and the music is unconventional and jarring and the singing annoying and off key. Taken on it's face I get a 1 or 2 rating, but taken in the context of its time and place this is important ground-breaking music. 4 stars
New York Dolls
3/5
I don't hold in reverence this album the way a lot of the people that love the same music as I do, do. To me it sounds like a decent hard rock band playing some decent but unremarkable songs. Not unlike Alice Cooper or Mott the Hoople or Slade or Aerosmith or, dare I say, Kiss. 3 stars
Robert Wyatt
3/5
A very sweet sounding album. Jazzy, weird, ethereal and overall quite satisfying. Not sure I will return to it but enjoyed the opportunity to hear it. 3.5 stars
Scritti Politti
1/5
Meh, standard even cliche'd new wave / new romantic pop of little consequence. The kind of music that gave the 80s a bad name. 1.5 stars
Cypress Hill
3/5
Very fun album. Love the languid, relaxed toe-tapping beats. Very infectious. Apparently very influential album that pioneered the fusion of rock and rap along the same lines as Beastie Boys. I never really caught the Beastie Boys vibe, but I like this album better than anything I've heard from the Beastie Boys. 3.5 stars
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
I was expecting something very different based on the what I've read about Captain Beefheart. Now almost everything I know of his reputation seems based on either Doc at the Radar Station or, especially, Trout Mask Replica, both of which I've never heard. But Safe as Milk actualy sounds pretty accessible to me. And as far as blues based rock I like this album better than most. Flaming Groovies and Stooges both sound like they were influenced by this album. All in all a blues rock album that I really enjoyed listening to and will absolutely return to. 4 stars
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
Love this album. I think I prefer The Dirty South over all. Southern Rock Opera is poignant and tough and poetic and brings the kind of humanity to Southern Rock music that pulls me in every single time. Plus I could listen to Patterson Hood's emotive, imperfect voice all day long. 4.5 stars
808 State
1/5
inconsequential electronic dance music. 1.5 stars
Violent Femmes
5/5
One of the best debut albums ever. The first 4 songs establish VF as the 80s foremost purveyers of teen angst. The playing is virtuoso level esecially Brian Ritchie's bass playing which provides the main melodic line of almost every song, with the guitar mostly providing colour. And the minimalist drumming is just....perfect. The naked bass line that starts out Blister in the Sun, tells you immediately that this is not your typical 80s band. A nearly perfect album for its time and place that somehow still sounds fresh and innovative today. Probably the easiest 5 star pick for me of any album on this list.
1/5
Not sure why this album is on this list. Not a great reputation as far as I know, pretty luke warm to bad reviews (allmusic.com). So what's up? Anyway mostly hated it, but I'm not a fan of free jazz. Is this the first free jazz album I should get to explore the genre? I highly doubt it. I'm puzzled and not entertained. 1.5 stars
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
This is an underappreciated album (by me) from my favorite time and place in music (GB late 70's - early 80's). I only have the one album from the band and I rarely listen to it. My loss. This was an enjoyable listen and I didn't find a weak track. The use of horns was novel for this type of music and they added to my enjoyment of the album. I enjoyed it enough to explore other albums in the catalog. 4 stars
King Crimson
3/5
Prog is not a genre that I enjoy much but this album did have its moments and I did like it more than I expected to. There are some great moments of tension and release (well sometimes release) that ramp up the dramatic content. Robert Fripp is of course a legend and author of 2 of my favorite guitar parts of all time; Baby's on Fire and Heroes but I prefer his playing when it is understated and melodic (Baby's on Fire notwithstanding. I liked the album and I'm glad it showed up here but its not like I'm running out to find more King Crimson albums as a result 3 stars
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Not my favourite Banshees but a good, enjoyable and important one in the history of Punk rock. Is this the first post-punk album? Maybe, though I might argue Chairs Missing has that honour, but I digress. Lots of good tracks on this album. Hong Kong Garden is the classic track but by no means the only worthy track. Jigsaw Feeling, Overground, Mirage, Switch are all worthy and help show off Siouxsie commanding presence. 4 stars
Animal Collective
4/5
Well this was a very interesting album. Dream pop of a very high level. This definitely worhips at the alter of Mr. Brian Wilson, the singer even sounds like him from time to time. The sounds are strange and unique and more often then not quite wonderful. This is one I will continue to explore. 4 stars
3/5
I have a bit of a love hate thing going with X. They write great songs but I wish their albums suffer from thin, light production. Drums always sound insubstantial, just wish there was more meat on the bone. I had never heard this album and its the usual collection of fine X tunes. Not much variation in tempo and arrangement though. Still another wonderful X album 3.5 stars
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Didn't hate it. 2.5 stars
FKA twigs
3/5
Atmospheric, ethereal and all around pretty interesting listen. 3.5 stars
Blue Cheer
1/5
The kind of 70s sound that I don't really enjoy very much. Excesseive guitar forward sound, extended leads and a guitar sound that doesn't fit my ear. 1.5 stars
David Ackles
2/5
I really tried hard on this one. So many musicians that I respect respect this guy and this album. In the end a bit too theatrical for me so I couldn't get past that part to enjoy the songwriting which I have no doubt is first rate. I'm going to keep trying and hopefully I will get a better appreciation, but for now; 2.5 stars
Hot Chip
3/5
An above average electro dance album. 3 stars
Ice Cube
2/5
Not the kind of rap music that I enjoy. Too direct I guess, I prefer some subtlety with my rap music. Couldn't make it through the entire album 2.5 stars
Orbital
1/5
30 minutes in and it feels like I'm listening to the same song over and over again. Not for me. 1.5 stars
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Lots of fun this album of afro-pop. Well recorded, sweet melodies, and danceable rhythms that keep everything bright and fun. The singing is accomplished and draws you in to the songs. I liked it a lot! 3.5 stars
Jacques Brel
4/5
I liked this album a lot. Very unique and theatrical singing style. I speak French so I am able to understand a lot of the lyrics which added to m appreciation. But even without that I found the melodies and the arrangements for the songs very agreeable. I'm going to give it 4 stars
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Classic song after classic song with simple, uncluttered arrangements that hi-light the melodies and of course the voice. 5 stars
The Auteurs
3/5
A really good album that sounds way more "classic" than other albums of its time and place. Memorable songs with melodies that stick in your head. 3.5 stars
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
This album is a complete blast. Great rhythms, songs that pull you in. I'd sing along if I spoke a lick of Portuguese. Loved it. 4 stars
The Zutons
3/5
Not a bad album of indie-alternative rock. Better than I expected based on the 2.5 star rating from allmusic.com. Havana Gang is a pretty good tune. Nightmare part 2 also pretty good. It's a ystery to me why this pretty inconsequential band made this list, but I enjoyed listening. 3.5 stars
The Flying Burrito Brothers
4/5
The songwriting on this album is absolutely first rate. To me it sounds more like a straight up Country album rather than Country/Rock, at least until Hot Burrito 1 and Hot Burrito 2 which does have some pretty fuzzy rock-style guitar leads. And both songs are first rate. Country is not my favourite genre so I come in with a prejudice but the influence and quality of the songs is undeniable...plus I love the R&B covers. 4 stars
Neil Young
5/5
Great album perhaps my favourite from Neil Young and that's saying something. Every song is a winner, marrying country, rock, blues, and folk all in perfect balance. The playing is subtle and beautiful. It's a quiet album but powerful and emotional. 5 stars
Bill Callahan
4/5
Wonderful album, I love his baritione , so clear and bold and smooth. I love listening to a voice like Bill's tell me a story, and Bill is a wonderful story teller. When I hit play on the album I did not realize that Bill Callahan is Smog, who I know from the albums ed Apple Falls and Dongs of Sevotion, both excellent albums. This one is just as good, a little more modern in production, that is a higher quality recording with more complex arrangements. A quality album by a quality song writer 4 stars
Gotan Project
4/5
A really good album. Sexy, sultry, a beatiful melange of classic spanish arrangements and modern electronic dance rhythms and production. I really enjoyed this album which had me up and dancing on multiple occasions all the while looking the fool. A great discovery 4 stars
Lorde
3/5
I liked this album it was very well recorded and the songs were pretty good. The style suits my tastes which is not often the case with new female artist. Billie Eilish is another with a similar feelthat I enjoy very much. I do wish the production was a little more organic, but still enjoyed the album. 3 stars
Scissor Sisters
3/5
Pretty good 80s dance album with a bit of an alternative touch. 3.5 stars
The Associates
2/5
I wasn't thrilled with this album sounded a little disjointed lacked focus and an identifiable sound. 2.5 stars
Carpenters
2/5
Middle of the road syrupy pop music. A couple of big hits and an angelic voice help make it stand out...a little. Just not realy a fan of overly sentimental pap. 2 stars
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Rufus Wainwright's hyper theatrical style has been off-putting for me in the past and kept me at arms length from enjoying his obvious talents. Want Two, while I won't say is a revelation, it is an album where his theatricality is not as much a barrier to my enjoyment. Whether that's as a result of a change in me or in his music I can't say. The first two songs are great starts to the album. Agnus Dei a beautiful straight choral piece sounds incredible and The One You Love the closest thing to indie rock on the album strike all the right chords for me. The other songs are more hit and miss but with more hits than misses. My mind did wander from time to time however I would have to consider this a generally enjoyable album. 3.5 stars
M.I.A.
3/5
Some nice beats that got me up and out of my chair but nothing to keep me coming back for more 3 stars
Tom Waits
3/5
Man he's a difficult artist idiosyncratic,unique, talented but tough to listen to. 3 stars
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Good hard rock. Stellar debut album. Just not a style of music that resonates with me. Paradise City is the highlight for me as well As Sweet Child of Mine (did Slash rip off Alvin Lee's solo from TYAs I'd love to change the World?). If we're looking for a deep cut that stands out I'm going My Michele. 3.5 stars
Gram Parsons
3/5
Some beautiful tunes on this album for sure. A little too country in tone and feel for my tastes as I prefer a little less steel guitar and fiddle and more mandolin. But I still appreciate the beautiful songs, just not as much as I could with different arrangements. 3.5 stars
Sugar
5/5
Is it blasphemous to say that I prefer this album to anything from Husker Du? Well I do! I always that Bob Mould was the punky noisy side of the theam Husker Du team and that Grant Hart was the softer melodious, pop sensibility side. This album calls that into question.
Copper Blue is amazing from beginiing to end. Tough but with melodies and hooks and up the wazoo. Side 1 is an absolute tour de force and side 2 offers little let p to the song writing greatness. One of my favorite albums of the 90s. 5 stars
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Just a stone cold classic of an album. I can't speak to how innovative it is with the use of time signatures and the like, but I can say that it has some of the most recognizable tunes and melodies that I know in Jazz. If all it had was Take 5 it would be worthy of 5 stars, but throw in Blue Rondo a la Turk, Kathy's Waltz and Pick-up Sticks, and we have truly an album that EVERYONE SHOULD HEAR BEFORE THEY DIE!!!!!
5 stars
4/5
This is a really strong album the songs are well crafted and deserving of the accolades that they have received. The album is strong from start to finish, with no real duds. 4.5 stars
Sonic Youth
4/5
I like it. A nice balance between indie rock and their noisy aesthetic that Sonic Youth loves. It's not a sellout its a natural progression to SY carreer. 4 stars
Nico
4/5
Dark, brooding are perfect words to describe this album. However it is so much more than those words imply. It is also beautiful and suprisingly tuneful. The arangements are sparse and perfectly support the lyric and Nico's emotive voice. Some might describe her voice as emotionless but I think that misses the point. This is fulfilling, at times challenging music that reveals new subtleties with each listen. 4 stars
The Triffids
3/5
I liked this album the vocals are poweful, the arrangements simple straight forward melodious, which helped draw me into the music and the lyric. Unforutunately my music service does not provide lyrics on this album but they seem very romantic and at times tragicly so. They remind me of another "down under" band; The Go-Betweens. A nice discovery 3.5 stars
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
I'm glad this album made the list. It's legendary in audiophile circles but I had never taken the time to listen to it. It has some absolutely beautiful moments. The arrangements are interesting and always tasteful and at times quite dramatic. The recording is of course clean and clear and dynamic as is the music. This albums is a journey of discovery for meone I think I'll return to often. 4 stars
Green Day
4/5
Certainly a classic of the pop-punk golden age and Green Day's most ambitious and accomplished album. Definitely gets preachy from time to time but the music consistently delivers. Cements Billie Joe's legacy as a great songwriter. 4.5 stars
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Kind of boring and monotanous - The first song was great but after that they all sounded alike. I like that it was short. 2 stars
Dagmar Krause
1/5
Really really unnecessary. 1 swtar
Badly Drawn Boy
5/5
I love this album! Everytime I listen to it it just brings a smile to my face. The first three songs are nearly perfect. The Shining with its oh so sad cello and French horn; just absolutely gorgeous, than Damon comes in with his simple acoustic guitar strumming and direct vocals...brings shivers. And there's not much let up after those near perfect 12 minutes or so. The entire album is full of hooks and melodies that stick in your head for days. One of my favorite albums of the 2000s 5 stars
Grateful Dead
3/5
It's not really my type of music but I enjoyed the album. Of course The Dead's reputation preceded itself but I was unprepared for the opening song Dark Star which was basically jazz-fusion. There were lots of stylistic changes and the sound is quite pristine. Not sure if it captures the live Dead experience but it does make for a satisfying listening experience 3.5 stars
The Clash
5/5
One of my favorite albums and a difining statement in my personal musical journey. The opening statement of the title song grabs you by the balls and doesn't look let go for it's duration. But it in no way prepares you for what's to come; a kitchen sink of styles that sound new and fresh and keep you wondering what plot twist is coming next. But diversity in style isn't enough to make a great album, the songs have to be up to the task, and they most certainly are. London Calling, lost in the supermarket, Spanish Bombs, Rudie Can't Fail, Clampdown, The Gun's of Brixton, Train in Vain. It makes me dizzy thinking about how many great songs there are on London Calling. Finally it's an artistic statement that punk needed to be considered more than just a passing fancy it allowed the young bands of the time and place to flex their artist muscle and ushered in a golden musical era for England and the world. 5 stars
Heaven 17
3/5
The album starts out quite strongly with the politically charged dance floor rave up of Fascist Groove Thang and the funk-inspired title track featuring some amazing bass playing. The first side is very strong but things start to unravel with side 2 which has trouble holding my attention. I think they shot at an update on Kraftwerk's sound but missed the mark. The idea is commendable the execution not quite there. 3.5 stars
Finley Quaye
3/5
Very cool album, Finley's voice is great and the dub / raggae beats are infectious and immediately engaging. 3.5 stars
Madonna
4/5
Well this one really surprised me by its mood and feel. Sounds like Madonna was listening to Massive Attack and their ilk and took copious notes...amd that's a good thing. I can't imagine any other Madonna album, and I don't think I've ever listened to any Madonna album the whole way through, holding my interest thge way Ray of Light did. So very enjoyable. 4 stars
Suzanne Vega
2/5
A pretty non-consequential singer-songwriter album, in my view in the Lilith-Fair style. Not much stands out to me. I guess she's talented lyrically but I wasn't sufficiently interested, musically to delve into them. Marlene on the Wall and Straight Lines stood out above the rest nothing very inspiring here
2.5 stars
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
Not my preferred style but this is well executed with a smoothness as well as a bite where called for. 3 stars
The Libertines
3/5
A nice album of hard rock well delivered and generally enjoyable if not unique. Doesn't really stand out to me on the crowded musical landscape 3 stars
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
Excellent power pop ablu. These guys listened to Big Star long and hard and come up with their own No. 1 Record. Highly enjoyable especially December, What You Do Yo Me, Alcoholiday and Is This Music. 4 stars
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
How do you digest this entire album and the try to write a synopsis 69 songs 3 hours of music. It's untenable. Impossible for me anyway to sit down and listen to the whole album with the attention a review deserves so I won't even try. My strategy put it on in the background while working on my computer and hopefully on occasion it grabs me and demands my attention. Which it did quite often. Now I am pre disposed to like the album and the music that is created because of its Indie Rock aesthetic. So quite a few of the songs did grab my attention in a positive manner and nothing stood out in a negative way so, wow! I mean 3 hours of short concise pop songs and nothing that offends my sensibilities. Now that's saying something. Of course not everything is successful but there's enough hear to warrant a very positive rating. 4 stars
Gil Scott-Heron
2/5
This was a bit of a meh, especially in comparison to the revolutionary Pieces of a Man. Plus I couldn't find it on Tidal nor Qobuz had to resort to youtube. Anyway did not find it in anyway essential. One great song that I know, The Bottle so that helped but the rest didn't connect 2.5 stars
Madness
3/5
It's a nice album. Lots of different pop stylings all done with a light touch. However, give the Madness from One Step Beyond; the non-stop dance floor assault that keeps your body in a state of perpetual movement. 3 stars
Stephen Stills
4/5
I was expecting a singer songwriter album from the late 60s and I got that but I also got so much more. This album rocks hard. It has soft beautiful songs but it also has some guitar driven rockers that are very impressive, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised since both Hendrix and Clapton contribute lead work on one song respectively. A really good discovery that, though it is definitely of it's time it still manages to sound fresh today. 4.5 stars
William Orbit
3/5
Very moody almost brooding music. Driving and yet mellow. I like it for the most part but it gets a little long-winded about 1/2 way through. 3 stars
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
It's a great album, but not their best in my estimation. That honour goes to Willy and the Poor Boys, which has a more varried palette of styles. Green River is a decidedly blues based album and I'm not a great fan of the blues. But it still has some really great songs so it gets a 4.5 star rating.
Fred Neil
4/5
First listen this morning. A really beautiful album of folk rock. Neil has a deep resonating voice and impressive guitar stylings that compliment the songs. Haven't really been able to dissect the lyrics but I am planning further listening. Additional listens yielded additional enjoymet. A nearly perfect album of its genre. 4 stars
Bob Dylan
5/5
My favourite Dylan album which makes it, by definition, one of my favourite albums of all time. Each song a classic - the absolute definition of all killer no filler. The album finds Dylan at his absolute peak of his gift for stream of consciousness lyricism. My favourite is Tombstone Blues, but not far beind...Ballad of a Thin Man and the title track. Like A Rolling Stone, the song that defines this album is actually my least favourite song on the album...that's how strong a collection of songs Dylan has put together here. The easiest 5 stars I'll ever give!
Kings of Leon
3/5
I like Kings of Leon...especially early Kings of Leon. I found the songs catchy, with a good sense of melody. I like the dynamics and I especially like the vocals which I find raw and quite unique. This album continues what I had heard on Youth and Young Manhood adding a level of refinement that points to there evolution to come into arena rock stalwarts. 3.5 stars seems about right
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Off the bat - 5 stars. A real progression from LZ I with better song writing and tighter playing Ramble On is a top 5 LZ song for me personally, but it's by no means the only standout song on this album. This is still a blues-rock based album so lacks some of the experimentation of later albums but the music still sounds fresh and accomplished today. Like I said 5 stars!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Side 1 is nearly perfect. Beautiful folk rock songs with a punk attitude that only Neil Young can do with such flare and gravitas. Side 2 is harder rocking with lots of Neil Youngs trademark distortion and beautiful lyrical turns. This is a 5 star album for me without question. (On a personal level I can never listen to Neil Young the same way after his "stance" on Covid, Spotify and Joe Rogan. Neil Young went from principled iconoclast to corporate sellout in one misguided statement. I don't know if it was motivated by his record company, money, fear or some misguided sense of community but seeing Neil Young come out on the side of censorship and the government line made me extremely sad)
Soundgarden
4/5
A hard rock album I like, which is not often the case. The opener is a little too close to metal for my tastes but things gradually change to styles more to my liking. The album has a more melodic and psychedelic style, as evidenced on the hit Black Hole Sun, that I very much like. This stylistic metamorphosis begins with Fell in Black days which has a nice mid tempo gait. My favourite is Head Down with its beautiful guitar figure, beautifully melodic Chris Cornell vocal and powerful drumming - it's my favorite song. Other highlights; Limo Wreck, The Day I Tried to Live and Half with its Eastern feel. Overall a very accomplished album that I will revisit. 4 stars
LTJ Bukem
2/5
This was nearly impossible to find. Tidal...nope, Qobuz....nope, Spotify....nope. gotta be on Youtube nope couldn't find it. I had all but given up until I downloaded a free 2 month trial for YT music where some kind soul had made a playlist that matched the track list on Wikipedia. SUCCESS!!! So I teed up and pressed play. I wish I could report you dear reader that all that searching was well worth the effort, alas I can't in good conscience say that. I'm 3 songs in to a 20 song 2 hour and 15 minutes playlist and I'm ready to give up. Maybe as background music to a very pretentious dinner party this might work but as a "sit down in the sweet spot and listen" experience? Fahgetaboutit! Monotonous bass and drums music with the occasional ethereal voice thrown in. I'm just not down. 2 stars
Bob Dylan
4/5
Not my favorite Dylan which I came to much later than I did for favourites like Blood on the Tracks, Bringing it on Home, John Wesley Harding and especially Highway 61. The first time I listened to the album from start to finish I found nothing revelatory. I already knew about half the songs and the one's I didn't sounded like filler rather than classic deep cuts. It doesn't help that musically it is blues album a genre I don't have much fondness for. Comparing directly to highway 61, this is a much more subtle album with better or at least more varied arrangements than 61, but 61 is more visceral and in your face with songs that demand your attention. B on B reminds me of The Basement Tapes another album that never grabbed me. It's still Dylan in his prime so their are a bunch of great and important songs but the throwaways like Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat, keep it from a top ranking from me. 4 stars
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
A fine soul album with some standout songs. Great arrangements, thoughtful lyrics and beautiful singing. Just not a genre that grabs me enough to demand my attention for a full album. 4 stars
David Bowie
3/5
As much as I love David Bowie who had, by any metric, a brilliant career, I think he might be the most overrepresented artist on this list. This album is a perfec example (along with Young Americans) of a middle-of-the pack Bowie, that though enjoyable does not belong. A couple of memorabe songs but mostly a forggettable song list. 3 stars
Bauhaus
3/5
Considering my favorite time and place for music is 1977 to 83 in England, its a bit weird that I've never owned or heard a Bauhaus album. Not surpisingly I liked alot of things about this album; the ringing guitars, the huge drum sound the prominent bass and he monotone vocals all sound familiar and comfortable to me. I lke both the atmopheric songs like Of Lillies and Remains with its simle walking bass and stabbing guitars it sounds like it could have come directly of of PiLs Metal Box and the foreboding creep of Hollow Hills as well as the hard driving songs like Kick in the Eye with its funky bass line and hard driving In Fear of Fear. But for me they really hit their stride on mid tempo songs like The Passion of Lovers and Mask. A nice discovery who's place in my library is long overdue3.5 stars
Neneh Cherry
3/5
She's Sweedish? Really? A pretty darn good modern R&B album , just not really a genre that I much appreciate. Still its not like I didn't like any of the songs, well except maybe Buffalo Stance which apparently is the hit, but I never heard it before today. A lot of songs that I liked - is this who sings on Massive Attacks Unfinished Symphony and possibly Safe From Harm? Manchild reminds me of Unfinished symphony. (looked it up and the answer is no. She sings on the gorgeous Hymn of the Big Wheel - so props!) 3 stars
Baaba Maal
3/5
Beautiful, atmospheric music with a soul. Not sure how much I would make it part of my regular listening, but I'm glad I was exposed to it. 3.5 stars
The Offspring
3/5
A fun album of pop-punk hard rap and rock that I enjoyed hearing but the lack of substance won't bring me back very often. 3 stars
Iggy Pop
4/5
A fine album to get Iggy's solo career off and running. Much more nuanced than anything from The Stooges and of course doesn't have The Stooges raw, visceral energy but the songs are good and the lyrics thought provoking. Not the punch to the gut that the Stooges were but this one seduces in other ways. 4 stars
Sade
3/5
A very nice soul album with little substance, but a whole lot of style...and there's nothing wrong with that. 3 stars.
Slipknot
2/5
Not bad but not my cup of tea. The vocals are hard for me to overcome 2.5 stars
Super Furry Animals
4/5
A very nice album. Pop / rock music of the highest quality. Beautiful melodies, lovely harmonies and quality songs. I'll be listening often and exploring their catalogue more deeply. 4 stars
TV On The Radio
4/5
Very good album with a unique sound. Not quite sure how to categorize it as the sound is at once otherworldly while being accessible. My vinyl copy has the bonus ep with Staring at the Sun that brings it to another level. 4 stars
Kings of Leon
4/5
Still my favourite Kings of Leon album. Love the rawness, the amateurishness of the vocals, the cowpunk feel. Reminds me of Jason and the Scorchers. This is KofL before they went all arena rock. 4 stars
Brian Eno
5/5
Easily my favorite Brian Eno album. His best melange of ambiaent and pop music sesibilities. When he decides to serve up a beautiful pop song melody like in St. Elmo's Fire, beautifully aumented by Fripps beautiful guitar playing or I'll Come Running with it's sardonic chorus and Everything Merges With the Night, he serves up a masterpiece. And when he does ambient souds a studio trckery, again....masterpiece. It all adds up to Eno's, you guessed it, masterpiece. 5 stars
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
Beautiful music but on the boring side. Seems to lack the drama of the old tango. 3 stars
The Specials
5/5
One of the founding fathers of the 2-tone movement of the late 70s in England. Their debut ranks just behind The Beat in quality but IS the most influential and important release of a mini cultural revolution. Stylistically bold, musically accomplished and culturally at the forefront. It is definitely of a particular time and place but it's one thing to be of a time and place but when you define that time and place...well that makes it a 5 ⭐ album
Barry Adamson
3/5
Cinematic, dramatic, beautiful. Not something I can listen to regularly but possibly good dinner party fare though I think it also would stand up well toba listening environment that requires a more acute attention span. I intend to test that they which could very well move my rating from 3.5 stars (3) to 4. 3.5 stars
Dolly Parton
4/5
A fine album of beautiful music by 3 singers of unquestionable talent 4 stars
Brian Wilson
3/5
Beautiful harmonies and of course the production and the arrangements are Brian Wilson's greatest strength. Each listen offers new details that keep the music fresh and interesting. The songs are not as strong as Per Sounds but still a fascinating listening experience 3.5 stars
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Generally fun with infectious beats and cool sounds but something that needs a club to be truly enjoyed. This is not music that one puts on to sit in the sweet spot and listen to. Because of that fact I won't listen to it a 2nd time. And at 1 hour and 10 minutes, it's 30 minutes too long. 2.5 stars
Morrissey
3/5
A fine album with typically literate songs with some fine arrangements and melodies. Nothing new or revolutionary here but a satisfying listen 3.5 stars
Love
3/5
A pretty cool album. Certainly not Forever Changes! It's shows more jazzy influences and doesn't have as many memorable melodies as FC but a fine listen. 3.5 stars
Turbonegro
3/5
This is a fun hard rock listen. Lots of youthful energy, plenty of power chords and plenty of teenage fun time lyrics. 3 stars
The Only Ones
4/5
Underrated album from an underapprecited band of the late 70s pop-punk movement in UK. Reminds of bands like The Undertones and The Buzzcocks. More than a pop-punk band as they incorporate doowoop and jazz influences. All the songs are little melodic gems, that stay with you. Another Girl Another Planet is the "hit" but the deeper cuts are just as satisfying and well written. It does bog down a little towards the end but remains a satisfying listen. 4.5 stars
Foo Fighters
3/5
Sounds like a passable "next" Nirvana album. Does veer into a kinda grunge-pop vibe in places. I liked it but not anything that's going to stick. 3 stars
Radiohead
4/5
\A beautiful album and one that I don't give enough love to. Beautiful marriage between Kid A and The Bends. Might be my 2nd favorite Radiohead album. Is it 5 stars? I'm going to have to go 4.5
Arrested Development
4/5
I really enjoyed this album. I find the positive and thoughtful lyrics refreshing. Put me in mind of Gil Scott Heron the music has jazzy, funky and bluesy undertones that are very nicely presented. 4.5 stars
Pere Ubu
4/5
A weird and noisy rock album that often hits all the right chords. The opener; Non-Alignment Pact is simply an amazing song. Straight ahead rock that chugs alog with a fierce momentum that bores into your brain and stays there. But the fun doesn't stop there; the whole first half of the album is amazing. Things get a little noisier and experimental in the second half but no less compelling. Great album 4.5 stars
The Who
5/5
Incredible debut album that, in my opinion shows more promise and axcitement than even The beatles and Stones. The song writing is full of teen age angst yet shows a maturity that I don't think can be matched at this time for such a young band. And the musicianship...off the charts. 5 stars
Wu-Tang Clan
2/5
This one didn't do much for me. Pretty standard....maybe even cliched rapping and beats that only made me sit up and take notice twice I think...
2 stars
Slayer
3/5
This is not a style of music that I normally like, I expected not to like this album...first song, not bad, mostly because the vocals do have at least a bit of nuance. I can do without the speed lead guitar solos, but they are short enough not to be totally annoying.
And the album is under 30 minutes long.
After listening to the whole thing mostly as background music I'll give it 3 stars
The Divine Comedy
3/5
It took a few listens before I was able to appreciate the charms that this album holds. On first and even second listen it sounded too schmaltzy for me. The vocal sounded like a bad impression of chamber pop singers of the 60s and 70s (can you say Neil Diamond?)
But by listen number 3 his voice started to grow on me, and the craft of the arrangements revealed themselves. A beautifully crafted album that will, I imagine, continue to gain esteem.
3.5 stars
Peter Gabriel
4/5
A fine album with 4 or 5 top notch songs. The 3 opening songs set the tone and get the album started really well, Sledgehammer might be his best "dance" tune with a killer bass line that drives the song. And the last 2 songs are as good as Peter Gabriel gets. The duet with Laurie Anderson is my sleeper pick from this album. A notch below PG 3, but about as good as mainstream rock music got in the mid 80s. 4 stars.
Beatles
5/5
What can I say about possibly the most iconic album of all-time. It's nearly perfect, though I could do without "novelty" songs like Maxwell SIlver Hammer and Octopus Garden, but even as seemingly lightweight they are they are still expertly crafted if insubstantial pop songs. As for the rest of the album that craftsmanship is on display throughout. Side 2 and it's suite of songs is a nearly perfect side of music. 5 stars (duh!)
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Beautiful if off beat melodies. Arrangements that surprise and delight. Sweet if unconventional harmonies. Songs that surprise and confound and demand one's attention and investment of time. Pop music of unique craft. For me it reminds me of Grizzly Bear and Vampire Weekend as contempories. Pet Sounds and Forever Changes also seem like influences. A unique and beautiful album worthy of attention. 4 stars
Jeff Beck
4/5
I'm not usually a very big fan of blues-rock that features histrionic elctric guitar solos, but I'm finding that this album is more than that. Jeff Beck is undeniably a guitar genius and his talent on the elctric guitar is undeniable. But the guitar virtuosity on display seems to be in service to the song and does not overshadow the other aspects of the arrangements. One exception is the song. One exception to this can be found in the song Let Me Love You, but the rest of the album is thankfully more understated, subtle and tune oriented. Morning Dew has a beautiful melody and a driving rhythm section, even You Shook Me, normally a showcase for guitar over indulgence is more subtle than I'm used to and in this case puts the piano and synthesizers at the forefront as well as Rod Stewarts beautiful vocal perfomance. Other standards like Ol' Man River and Greensleeves are given the reverence they deserve. A very enjoyable album. 4 stars
Paul McCartney
4/5
A charming little album with a DIY aesthetic. I've heard that some consider this the FIRST lo-fi indie rock album and it definitely has that feel. Some throw away songs for sure but there is plenty here to sink your teeth into, and I appreciate the spontaneous feel of many of the songs. Plus it does have one of McCartney's very best songs as a solo artist in Maybe I'm Amazed. 4 stars.
New Order
3/5
I'm a huge fan of Joy Division however that appreciation never translated to New Order. There are songs that are the exception, Ceremony and Temptation and to a lesser extent, Love Vigilantes from this album. I've had this album in my collection for many years but have listened to it maybe 3 or 4 times previously. I enjoyed it this time more than I thought I would, maybe because I gave it more time, listening in my car as well as a couple undistracted listens. I still resist the overtly electronic overall sound but I do have a greater appreciation of the songcraft on display. 3.5 stars
Morrissey
4/5
Huge Smiths fan here. Hearing Morrissey's voice with the somewhat jarring, disonant guitar of Vini Reilly instead of the unmistakeable sounds of Johnny Marr's delicate melodies is at first disconcerting on the opener Alsatian Cousin, but after a bit of a throwaway in Little Man What Now, things take a turn for the gorgeous with Everyday is Like Sunday with it's simple but haunting melody, beautiful string arrangements and sing-along chorus, its as beautiful a song as anything by The Smiths. And there are more nuggets; Late Night on Maudlin Street, Heardresser on Fire, Suedehead and the scathing Margaret on the Guillotine. It's not quite the Queen is Dead but it absolutely established Morrissey as a worthy solo artist. 4 stars
The Beta Band
4/5
Never listened to the full album before ....and I like it! I would say that over all it is a stronger set of songs than 3 EPs, nowithstanding the fact that there is nothing quite as transcening as Dry The Rain. What a song that is. Anyway a very enjoyable listen that I think will get more play that 3 EPs and that's saying something. 4 stars
American Music Club
3/5
I enjoyed every song on this fine Americana-Indie album. I am annoyed that Tidal doesn't haveit, something I don't understand, so I had to listen to it on Youtube. Oh well that inconvenience aside. A very nice album...just annoying that I can't stream it in my usual way. 3.5 stars
Neil Young
5/5
A wonderful album with some of Neil's best songwriting and that's saying something. At turns beautiful; (Only Love Can Break your Heart), poignant (After the Gold Rush) and scathing (Southern Man), this album shows all the facets of Neil Youngs songwriting range. It does have some filler but that doesn't keep it from attaining 5 star status
The Velvet Underground
5/5
For me this is from top to bottom the Velvet underground's best most consistent album. A quieter affair than the 2 previous albums but that doesn't mean that it doesn't rock out, case in point, Beginning to See the Light and What Goes On both showing off Sterling Morrison's rhythm guitar chops which are substantial. Of course John Cale's absence is felt but Doug Yule's bass playing is massively supportive of the song which helps make this Mo Tucker's best performance on record. Just to listen to the dramatic I'm Set Free for all the proof you'll need. This record has 2 of Reed's most achingly beautiful ballads in Jesus and Pale blue Eyes. Throw in Candy Says and you have the foundation for the Velvets greatest achievement and, perhaps, my favorite album period. If I could I'd give it 6 stars
TLC
2/5
Modern R&B... Meh just not my thing2.5 stars
Sepultura
3/5
Not a big fan of whatever this is.... death metal? Speed metal? It does have a few moments that I did enjoy especially in the songs Desperate Cries and Altered State. And I was able to make it through the whole album, thankfully it's not an overly ong album. I'll bite my lip and give it 3 stars
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Very political, brilliant in spots, especially Television the Drug of the Nation. I also like the jazzy vibe in Music and Politics I also like that it's a more introspective song which is a welcome interlude as the political sloganeering can become heavy handed and monotonous. One strange thing my streaming service Tidal, indicated 4 songs as "unavailable". Which is OK because as with too many rap albums it's too long. 3 stars
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
I understand that it's a groundbreaking album it's just not a sound that is very compelling to me. 1 or 2 songs that I liked the rest meh! 2.5 stars
Japan
3/5
This was an unexpectedly good album. Engaging synth pop / new romantic from a band that learned its chops and earned its reputation for reinvigorating this genre with some much needed life.
Harkening back to earlier pioneers I definitely here a lot of Ultravox in their sound, especially the pre Midge Ure Ultravox. And of course there's the usual Kraftwerk influence that underlines all the bands that aspire to this sound. However Japan adds their own take on the music making it well worth your attention. I did deduct a 1/2 star for an uninspired take on the VU classic All Tomorrow's Parties. 3.5 stars
Spacemen 3
4/5
This is a really good album with a variety f moods and dynamic swings. I think I still prefer Recurring but no slouch here. Honey, I Believe It, Revolution and So Hot are stellar and it ends on a beautiful quiet spiritual note with Lord Can You Hear Me. 4 stars
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Absolutely loved this album other than Super Fly I know little of Curtis Mayfield but this album has beauty and balls and quite simply has no weak tracks. Favorite tracks; Billy Jack, Jesus, When Seasons Change and So In Love. 4.5 stars
Dennis Wilson
2/5
There are some good songs here but it all sounds s bit derivitive. The opening song; The River,probably the catchiest on the album, sounds enough like Tiny Dancer at the opening that I found myself singing; Blue Jeans baby....
but if you're going to rip off a piano riff you could definitely do worse. It it's a good song. The next song sounds like a generic honky tonk bar band doing their best song and that theme of songs that lack a personality of their own continues throughout. So it's a pleasant album with good if unoriginal songs that does not beat repeated listens. 2.5 stars
Dwight Yoakam
4/5
Well this was a surprise. I am not a Country fan.... especially this "new" country which just seems all glitz with little substance and sounds more pop than country. Now Dwight Yoakam's songs, on the other hand, would never be mistaken for anything other than traditional country music and the stories he tells are stark and unapologetically raw. I would have chosen different arrangements; less fiddle and steel guitars and more mandolin and acoustic guitars but with songwriting this strong these minor quibbles. 4 stars
The Prodigy
2/5
Very good bass danceable but ultimately boring. I need songs not just beats. I do admit these are GOOD beats and every once in a while a trace of a melody shows up. 2.5 stars
Willie Nelson
4/5
Willie does pop standards? Sure why not. Pretty good too. Flawless choice of songs. Arrangements that perfectly compliment Willie's voice. A very satisfying album that is hard to criticize. 4 stars
Klaxons
3/5
I never heard of this band until yesterday. It's a good album danceable in spots, dense arrangements. It's loud and brash but accessible and fun. Can't say any of the songs are immediately memorable, but the overall feel is good. 3 stars
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I know the songs and generally like them. You Oughta Know is undeniably brilliant. But I've never listened to the album. I wanted to like it more than I did...since I lived in Alanis' home town for 20 years and she was an alt darling. But something kept me from being drawn in to many of the songs. Maybe it's the production, maybe its her vocal style...which, as I listen now the song Wake Up, is really very good and I like it. But I can't say I like it on quite a few songs here, But the songs are good and she's skilled, Just lacking, for me, that IT factor. 3.5 stars (before Wake Up, it would have been 3 stars, great tune)
The Bees
3/5
Well I've listened 3 times, the songs are good, pleasant but failed to leave a mark. 3 stars seems about right
The Gun Club
4/5
Really good album great rhythm section. I enjoyed it from start I'm also kinda shocked that all I knew about the The Gun Club, and even then I thought it was a different band...you know that Talking Heads off shoot. They do a great job of synthesizing their influences into a great messy sound all their own. Happy to discover them. 4-stars
Spiritualized
4/5
always hypnotic with a certain gorgeous quality. and every once in a while the parts coalesce and wake you from that hypnotic state, (If I Were with Her Now"). Then just as quickly as they snap you to attention, they put you back under their hypnotic spell. The second spell is a little longer and I did find myself wandering, but by the time to they get to the last 2 or 3 songs there it is again that sense of "Wow", when these guys find their groove its amazing. 4 stars
Steely Dan
3/5
Not a big Steely Dan guy but I will say prefer this early incarnation of The Dan...more rock band than the smooth jazz combo of Aka. This is very much in evidence on Do It Again with its Santana-style percussion and signature harmonies. The album struggles to reach the heights of Do It Again. A 3 for me
Django Django
4/5
Lots of fun this album. Sounds like a higher octane Beta Band. Less experimental the melodies are easy to find as they're very much front and center. And there are enough Alien Sounds to keep things looking squarely to the future. 4 stars
N.E.R.D
4/5
Never heard of this band (collective?) before. Was not expecting much but I liked almost every minute of it. It has an indie/soul (is that a thing?) feel to it. I can't imagine this made it to top 40 radio in my market but I don't know that for sure. Harkens back to old school soul music from the likes of Al Green, The Temptations or Curtis Mayfield; all great touchstones for me. Very enjoyable. 4 stars
Christina Aguilera
1/5
I wrote a whole decently long and detailed review but it looks like I lost it. This album did not merit such dissection. In the end a couple of decent songs on a typically formulaic album, just like hundreds of other albums from pop-diva artists of this genre. And to add insult to injury 22 songs at 1h18??? No wonder no one listens to full albums anymore! How anyone would think that anyone needs to hear THIS album before they die is beyond me. 2 stars for artistic merit, 1/2 a star for inclusion on this list.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
It took 3 listens before this one got it's clutches on me, but once it got now that it's got hold, I don't expect its grip to loosen anytime soon. Hypnotic music that really draws you in. Favourite songs; Yer Bounda Fara, Savane, Penda Yoro, N'Jarou.
The common thread; Slow burning intensity, atmospheric and beautiful ensemble playing. Great stuff; 4 stars
Pink Floyd
4/5
If this had been asked of me 45 years ago an easy 5 stars. 10 years ago a more grudging 5 stars. Today it strikes me as a little slow, a little plodding and maybe a bit pretentious. Favourite song; Eclipse. 4 stars
Pink Floyd
2/5
Touchstone album for me. I was about to turn 18 when this album came out, from my then, un-challenged favourite band. I was transitioning from a high school geek that loved prog and hard rock to a college radio geek (though I didn't really know that was what it was called at the time), that was discovering an energy that I had not yet tapped into. I hated The Wall when it came out. Coincindentally London Calling came out within a couple weeks of The Wall thus completing a musical transition that has stuck to this very day.
Taking this opportunity to give this album another thorough listen. Maybe I was unfair to it when it came out, just because of where my head and heart were at. So let's listen and I'll have a few thoughts afterwards....
So, was I unfair; yes and no! There is definitely songwriting and storytelling chops here, but the music plods along with no energy nor momentum. I blame it on the rhythm section which seems slow and uninsired. Compare this to the rhythm sections of some of the releases from then newer bands like The Clash and Joy Division and The Stranglers and Pink Floyd sounds boring and uninspired. Maybe they're at their creative peak but I find it pretentious and boring. 2 stars
The Thrills
4/5
Discovering a new artist that fits is the biggest perk of this wonderful initiative. One can say that The Thrills sound derivative, but who cares when the songs are this good. Melodies, hooks and harmonies abound in this well crafted mature album. The influences are abundant...The beach Boys, Big Star, The Beatles The Buffalo Springfield, CSNY to name a few. But I also hear more modern touches from bands like Granddaddy and Badly Drawn Boy. But forget all that this is a fine album from a band that writes wonderful pop songs. 4 stars
Jack White
3/5
pretty good album that shows off both Jack White's song writing chops as well as his guitar hero chops. Standard stuff...nothing really transcendent like 7 nation army or Dead Leaves on the Dirty Ground, but JWs knack for writing riffs that are both interesting and familiar is evident here and there. Not his best work but easily recognizable as a Jack White album. 3 stars
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
Gorgeous music, gorgeous recording some wonderful song choices and a seminal version of Sweet Jane. Misguided Angel and Blue Moon Revisited are favourites. 4 stars
Snoop Dogg
2/5
Not realy the kind of rap that works for me. 2 stars
Skunk Anansie
2/5
A few interesting monents but not really my cup of tea. 2 stars
The Byrds
4/5
I'm not really a fan of country music but I certainly recognize a good song when I hear one and this album has a lot of good songs. Do the Byrds add something to the origanal version, well I can't answer that because I don't know the original versions but I do know that they take the material here and render it with class and beauty. The harmonies are beautiful, the arrangements are well conceived and the recording and playing are first class. Can't give it a full endorsement because, you know, it's country music and for whatever reason I just dont like the sound of a lap steel guitar which dominates the songs but I still managed to enjoy the hell out of it. 4 stars.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
A more poished sounding album than the raw energy of When You're Living All Over Me. But still plenty of stinging guitar bits that are Mascis' trademark. The songs are a little more melodic, a little more refined. All makes for a more accessible album that reveals plenty ofnuances with each listen. About as good as indie-guitar rock gets. 4 stars
Wild Beasts
3/5
I liked this album...listened 3 or 4 times each time finding something new and interesting to increase my enjoyment. Varied sounds and tempos that keep things interesting. 3.5 stars
The Beta Band
4/5
I enjoyed this a lot a more upbeat affair than the 3 EPs which can get a little slow and plodding in spots, this album bristles with energy and infectious vibes. No song quite reaches the heights of Dry The Rain, but a lot of them come close. Overall my new favourite Beta Band album. 4 stars
Brian Eno
3/5
A beautiful and quiet album that seduces slowly and subtly. 3.5 stars
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
An ornate and immersive listening experience. When Rufus Wainwright sings its almost impossible to listen passively. His voice is a rare and beautiful instrument in this world of cookie-cutter diva types each sounding more alike than the next. His syyle is an acquired taste but the talent and inspiratin is undeniable. 3.5 stars
Ray Price
3/5
A nice album. Not my style but the songs are well performed, beautifully sung and touch on the usual Country themes. All done with skill and beauty. 3 stars
The Rolling Stones
3/5
A nice album of covers...are these definitive versions not really sure but they're all enjoyable. Interestingly my faourite song on the album is Tell Me; the one Jagger/Richards original. 3 stars
Radiohead
4/5
Without a doubt Radiohead's most lusciouly beautiful album. Evertything in It's Right Place is my favourite Radiohead song and that's saying a lot. Not quite my favourite Radiohead album but an important acheivement. 4.5 statrs
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
This is one of Springsteen's weaker albums.
Dated 80s sound, pretty pedestrian lyrics (where are the gritty character sketches?). Even the vaunted title track has some parts where he's just searching for something meaningful to say. And No Surrender? Come on... hackneyed crap. And you know what I think he (Springsteen) knows it. Pretty sad when Dancing in the Dark is the best song. Check that, I think it's Glory Days and Going Down and Hometown that ALMOST save this turd of an album. OK Hometown is a good song. 3 stars, reluctantly! Fuck it....2 stars! Tell me what you really think
Madonna
3/5
I liked it. Somewhat unexpectedly. I especially enjoyed the ballads. Obviously Madonna is a mature artist at this point in her career with little to prove except that she can create compelling material that reflects an artist that still has something to say. 1/2 star deduction for American Pie which adds little to the original besides a modern production. 3 stars
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
This is a really good album. Great songs that are beautifully arranged and produced. The sound is great and the singing is sublime. I was not prepared for an album of this quality. 4 stars
Yes
1/5
Yuck. Pretentious pseudo classical music with rock instrumentation. Don't like it at all. 1.5 stars
T. Rex
4/5
I love T-Rex. This album is not quite as good as Electric Warrior but its really close. Good sleazy rock and roll the way it used to be in the 70s. 4 stars
The Cure
4/5
This is a tough one to review I love The Cure especially the beginning of their career 17 Seconds it s an important album for me, when it came out it solidified my love for young British "alternative" bands.
But Pornography was and still is difficult. It's dense and dark with melodies, when there are not easily latched on to. The beginning of the album most especially demonstrates this quality. One Hundred Years with its screechy guitars and thick rhythm section, doesn't exactly invite you in with a smile, same goes for A Short Term Effect.
The album hits it's stride with The Hanging Garden, where the tempo picks up, certainly not accessible but it does help me connect things back to Seventeen Seconds. And when Siamese Twins hits and Robert Smith sings; Legs Around Me, In the Morning I Cry, wow, the emotion oozes from the grooves...the anger, the desperation. Overall it's a dark, difficult album that is worthy of the repeated listens it takes to unravel. This is the album where Robert Smith's greatness as a lyricist first shows itself. 4 stars
Frank Sinatra
5/5
One of my favorite Sinatra Albums...good blend of upbeat numbers and ballads. A great album from a great period of music. 5 stars
Orange Juice
2/5
It's lush and well crafted. It has its moments, just not my cup of tea. Too lush, too smooth, too boring. 2.5 stars
Slipknot
1/5
No thanks. A little too heavy for me, the instrumentation I can somewhat appreciate but the vocal style is just too hard. 1.5 stars
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Sorry I wasn't able to make it past the 4th song. I'm sure the album has its place somewhere - just not in my listening room. 2 strs
k.d. lang
4/5
Wow her voice is really incredible and the material is top notch, great playing, great arrangements and production. I'm not a country fan but the overall quality of this album transcends genres. 4 stars
R.E.M.
4/5
I think this album deserves more love than I've king given it. As a entry into the world of REM it's a pretty good gateway drug. This is where REM says maybe we can join U2 as arena rock gods. It's got all the ingredients...a banger of an opening track that says sure we're kings of melody but we can play in the big leagues too. Stand also is a radio friendly song that is worthy of allvtre attention that it was getting and Orange Crush is an anthem worthy of the moniker. And REM has something that most others didn't have, the tasteful harmonies of Mike Mills and the incredible versatility of Peter Buck. When it came out I railed against it as the sound of a band that was giving in to the masses but what it is in fact is the flowering of a great band finally getting the wider audience that they deserved. 4 stars
Goldfrapp
3/5
Definitely a beautiful album from a talented artist with a beautiful voice. Very quiet and mellow music with a depth of emotion. I wish she would do more tempo changes as in Caravan Girl which reminds me of the best of Metric. 3.5 stars
Def Leppard
1/5
It's not really fair for me to review this album as I have an intense dislike for Def Leppard. When people say that the 80s was the worst decade for music, a sentiment that disagree with, it's this band and their ilk that might lead me to think that. Worthless crap. 1 star
Yes
4/5
Easily my favourite Yes album. It rocks the hardest. Chris Squire's bass playing is a particular hilight, just listen to Starship Trooper to hear his virtuosity. But it's because the songs are good with actual hooks. These are songs, pop songs not just exercises in wankery. My favorite part is the last part of Starship Trooper - just a good melodic riff that always gets my head bobbing up and down. Just not sure the point of The Clap, 1/2 star penalty. 4 stars
Mekons
4/5
I had never heard this album and I enjoyed every minute of it. I read that it's the "first" alt-country album but I hear as much folk music influence as I do country, however who really cares the music is challenging and tough and just sounds like it's created by musicians that care about their art. I loved it. 4 stars
Grizzly Bear
3/5
Great songs and captivating arrangements. Unique sound that defies categorization. Plenty of drama and emotion within the music. Definitely can get lost in the complexity of the music which did push me away in the first couple of listens and it does bog down under it's own weight of complex rhythms and unusual chord changes in the middle. Perhaps a littl too long for its own good. But if you wade through the denseness of the arrangements I think you'll find worthwhile songs and music within. If you're a fan of Rufus Wainwright I think you'll like this record. 3.5 stars
Tom Tom Club
3/5
A fun album that features great rhythmic drive and some witty lyrics but not very much else. I do enjoy the rendition of Under the Boardwalk that closes the album. 3 stars
Bee Gees
4/5
Kinda blew me away...a double albums worth of music all songs I had never heard from a band that I though I knew well. I didn't find anything not to like about this album. Lots of nice melodies, beautiful harmonies and songs that sound from one turn like The Kinks to then The Band to then The Beatles. This is very much a roots music, Americana folk album that seems to transcend it's time and its influences. Bravo. 4 stars
Brian Eno
4/5
I have a habit of comparing this to the masterpiece that is Another Green World, where Eno finds the perfect balance between, melodic beauty, ambiant explorations and studio manipulations. Well Before ad After Science doesn't quite find the melodic beauty of AGW at its best aand I have held that fact against it. But it is still a great album just as worthy of exploration even if it does not attain the same heights. 4 stars
Fishbone
2/5
Meh! Uninspired songs that sound cliched and ultimately boring. 2 stars
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
This is a fine album, not Nick's best but his usual high quality songwriting that is quite simply as ig quality as one can find. It's harder edged than a lot of his albums...featuring muscular (mostly) acoustic guitar riffs and pounding rhythm section that relentlessly keeps your toes tapping. This is an indie-folk-punk album with songs that kick you in the gut. And it's a Nick Cave album so there it's populated with a motley cast of characters that reveal multiple layers with each new listen. It's not a great Nick Cave album but that doesn't mean its not a great album...which it is. 4 stars.
Fairport Convention
4/5
A fine album of British folk music. Sandy Denny's voice is a thing of beauty and the playing and the arrangements are wonderful, especially on the 11 minute long opus, A Sailor's Life. 4 stars
Black Sabbath
5/5
Is Black Sabbath underrated? They certainly were by me. Perhaps they just weren't fashionable when I was in high school, but their influence and talent for writing power cord riffs is perhaps un parallelled, and in evidence on 3 classics on this album; War Pigs, Paranoid and Iron Man.
Their sound is so heavy, I don't know if the term Heavy Metal was coined for them but it shuld have been. What appeals to me is their NON-RRELIANCE on guitar and vocal histrionics, the musicianship is in service of the song. Sure the lyrics sometimes are sophomoric but that's a minor quibble. I even enjoy the "quiet" songs which have a depth and gravitas that is rare in this genre. A nearly perfect Heavy Metal album. 5 stars
Traffic
4/5
Traffic is a great band and this is one of their best albums. Perfect balance between their psychedelic rock leanings with the interplay of guitars and reeds and drums around suitably ethereal lyrics and their folk rock compositions which are catchy and fun, Feeling Alright being the best known of the latter. A consistently satisfying listen. 4.5 stars
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
A very nice album of modern soul with a nice reverence for the classic soul of the 70s. A nice example being the song Living in Denial. The album sounds nostalgic without being stuck in a time warp. Has an intimacy that draws one in and rewards more than casual listens; Hero, Rolling, I've been Dazed. Kiwanuka also incorporates elements of psychedelia and folk that give his music an intensity and variety that makes it very engaging and displays his broad talent. A nice discovery that makes me want to delve deeper. 4 stars
The Stooges
4/5
Probably The Stooges best collection of songs on any album. Their best sounding record, the first where you can feel the power of the rhythm section which adds depth to the venomous lyrics that Iggy delivers with a malevolence that's palpable. This album is a statement of purpose. That purpose being to show the world how loud and offensive rock and roll can/should be. 4.5 stars
Roxy Music
4/5
The first side of this album is 5 star material. Rocking, melodic, accessible yet unique and unwavering. Side 2 is more eclectic though at times it finds a nice tight groove. But the point of side 2 is to challenge notions of what rock mudic should be. Did these guys invent art-rock? Quite possibly yes. An important album that broke through barriers. 4.5 stars
White Denim
3/5
I had not heard of this band. I liked what I heard generally. Great, complex playing. Indie -prog I guess it does at times get close to wankery when they stretch out like on songs like Burnished and Bess St. But one can't help but respect the playing. I'm more of a simple 3-chord, straight ahead rhythm section guy so it doesn't really appeal to my sensibilities, but I can see how an older Rush fan would enjoy them 3 stars
R.E.M.
5/5
One of the best debut albums of the 80s and one of my favorite albums. I vascilate between Murmur and Reckoning as my favorite R.E.M. albums. So much to love here, Peter Buck's ringing guitar, lockstep rhythm section , Michael Stipe's mysterious lyrics and unique delivery and the perfect backing vocals from Mike Mills. This came as a shock to me when it arrived. No one else was doing pop music this accessible and accomplished. 5 stars
The Cult
3/5
A pretty decent hard rock album. I prefer the sound of Love better which has more subtlety and space than this more straight forward album. What I like; their penchant for writing ear-worm riffs that are immediately recognizable. Case in point, Love Removal Machine. What I don't like; Ian Astbury tendency for vocal histrionics. There is no doubt he has a powerful voice just needs to rein it in from time to time. Also the guitar work can get a bit over the top but generally Duff sticks to creating powerful riffs and lovely melodies. And the cover of Born to be Wild is a mistake that should never have made it to tape. 3.5 stars
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
I don't really have anything to say other than pretty standard sounding rap music with mostly forgettable lyrics 2.5 stars
Circle Jerks
2/5
14 songs...15 minutes of pure energy and mayhem. No subtlety, no nuance and no let up. Not my thing but you have to admire the commitment. 2.5 stars
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
Never heard of this band but wow what a noisy uncompromising ride. Impressive playing great song structures explosive dynamics. My only gripe is the vocals are abrassive at times but not in a way that gets in the way of enjoying the music. 4 stars
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Full disclosure I am a huge fan of Echo & The Bunnymen. Seen them live about 5 times, though unfortunately only once in their heyday of the early 80s. Crocodiles, Heaven Up Here and Ocean Rain are among my favorite albums ever. With that caveat, Porcupines, is among their weaker albums in my opinion, its a bridge between their raw some might say derivitave sounding first 2 albums where there was hit after hit of their hard hitting psychedelic / punk and thier more nuanced and sophisticated soumd that flowered on Ocean Rain. There are still good songs here, and The Cutter is an important track that introduced Bunnymen to the MTV crowd, but there's a lot of filler here where the band relied too much on Ian McCulloch's vocal histrionics instead of solid songwriting. For me the strongest track is the closer In Bluer Skies, which oints the way towards Ocean Rain. So if you are new to Bunnymen and you liked this album, please check out their first and second albums to have a better understanding of their progression as a band that needs to be heard.. Side note, Will Sargeant is one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. 4 stars
Kraftwerk
4/5
The godfathers of Synth rock. The 22 minute title track is the pinnacle of their career, or so I'm told. But it's a great album that lays the groundwork for the 80s synth pop/rock to come. As an album I prefer The Man-Machine and Trans Europe Express. 4.5 stars
Traffic
5/5
I think this is a great album, overall my favourite traffic album. I love the jazzy side and the title tracks is among my favourite folk songs of this period. Just the last song slips a little, but Glad, Freedom Rider and Empty Pages make for a most satifying side of music. 5 stars
2Pac
4/5
I'm not really a rap fan with a few exceptions like Arrested Development, Eminem and some Kendrick Lamar. I guess this is considered old school rap. To me it's more interesting than a lot of the rap that I've heard from this period (NWA, Snoop Dog, etc...). Has more soul with it's rolling, melodic bass lines which gives it a more funky vibe which I like. Definitely a cut above other rap I've heard. 4 stars
Boston
3/5
This album came out in '76 when I was 14. It was EVERYWHERE all through my highschool years. Familiarity definitely breeded contempt. I grew to hate this album, band and the cultureal phenomenon that it spawned. So I can't really judge it fairly. Sure it's a good hard rock album with hooks up the wazoo. But I do not like the vocal stylings that is so much apart of it. The music is pretty good if a little cliched but the vocals is what made me come to hate it. 3 stars
Sonic Youth
3/5
Not my favorite SY album that's for sure. Too much noise. A couple songs they cut through to put some actual melodies together but those moments don't come along often enough according to my liking. 3.5 stars
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
This is a fine album of tough minded rock and roll. The lyrics are angry, sometimes uncomfortably so. The raw, language used in Why'd Ya Do It still makes me wince. This song makes Alannis Morissette's You Oughta Know sound like a nursery rhyme. The title track is another high point, as is the slow burning Brain Drain. But the highlight for me is her cover of Working Class Hero which captures all the anger that John Lennon intended. 4.5 stars
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Damon Albarn seems to be a musician of endless versatility. Whether it's the superior Brit Pop of Blur, the dance floor infectiousness of Gorillaz or this project which melds all kinds of stylings, British music hall, Jamaican music hall, rock steady groove electro pop of this quiet little project. It surely helps to have sidemen the likes of Paul Simonon, Simon Tong and Tony Allen. As well as Danger Mouse's knob turning talents though here I do think the mastering is a little bit hot. But the songs are all very well constructed and held my interest throughout the entire 42 minutes. 3.5 stars
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
Greg Dulli has a really excellent grasp of classic R&B with an emphasis on the R. A really great album of R&B that reminds at times of the stones. Songs are strong and punchy, but the production is a little muddy which lends to the down and dirty vibe. I can't think of another band in the indie/alternative scene that sounds quite like this except maybe Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. 4 stars
Giant Sand
4/5
It took me e a while to figure out how to rate this album. I kept trying a few distracted listen attempts but I was never able to get a handle on the album as a piece until I sat down gave it my full attention. Since I have it as a 4 sided double album in vinyl I'll rate it in that way....side 1 is brilliant singer-songwriter fare that goes from bluesy to folky to even a touch funk. Side 2 starts off in the same and reaches the album's zenith with Shiver a beautiful country rock ballad that swings with beauty and grace. Things go kinda sideways from there rest of side 2 and side 3 are mostly forgettable. Side 4 is better but mostly because we revisit the earlier stronger songs with alternate takes of Dusted and Shiver. Overall a fine album with some beautiful poignant songs if it were a single album it might merit 5, but as is 4 stars
Dr. Octagon
4/5
I like the spacey feel and the "b" movie charm of the spoken word parts. Gives the album a campy charm that I really like. But as what often happen with many rap albums I start getting restless after 40 minutes. But that campy humour pulls me back in and I find myself having fun again. Overall one of the best rap albums I've heard. 4 stars
50 Cent
2/5
Has some moments but not my thing. Nothing offensive or bad just seems kinda run of the mill...generic. 2.5 stars
The KLF
3/5
EDM is just not a genre that I have much use for. Other than if I'm in a club I don't know when or where I would want to listen to this kind of music. However the White Room has 2 things going for it. It's short at about 40 minutes and its really as much trip hop, as in Massive Attack style as it is EDM. There are a few moments and songs that I enjoyed listening to as a sit down in the sweet spot and listen experience so that's saying something. Though not up to the experience of Massive Attack or Tricky or Portishead, I still found a lot to like. 3.5 stars
Roni Size
2/5
Two EDM albums in a row. Not good! Unlike the previous from The KLF, this one is not short (5 hours long is the nly version I could find...and no I did not listen t all 5 hours) and though it has trip hop flashes it is most defininitely firmly in the EDM genre and I just know when the time and place is to enjoy this kind of music. So I don't. It seems to me to have no sould and little craft. 2 stars
Machito
3/5
A very nice if somewhat ordinary album of cuban jazz. All tunes are pleasant but nothing that really stands out and made me sit up and take notice. 3.0 stars
The Dictators
3/5
oh man what a fun album of bluesy, punky goodness. It ain't high art but it is high energy. 3 stars
Björk
3/5
a fascinating album from the enigmatic Bjork. Dense, layered vocals featuring Bjork's unique style, beautiful choral effects and little other instrumentation besides electronic percussion. The vocal layering and Bjork's unique phrasing makes for a statement that completes ignores commerciality to explore this unique artist's vision. Not an easy listen but ultimately I am coming to appreciate its artistry. More listening required 3.5 stars
4/5
XTC's talent for composing beautiful and complex yet engaging pop songs is on a par with The Beatles or Brian Wilson. A beautifully produced and orchestrated album that also has hooks that draw the listener in while also challenging with unusual chord progressions. I ignored this album on release and up until today but it may well become my favourite XTC album along with Skylarking. Never thought I'd say that. XTC are a towering band that is criminally underrated. What a shame that I must go to YouTube to stream it. Come on Tidal, step up to the plate. 4 stars with a bullet.
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
This is a really good album from The Furs. For a reason that I can't really explain I bought the first Furs album back in the day, loved it, but never bought another - definitely not fair to this excellent band. Talk Talk Talk lacks some of the immediacy and raw energy of the self titled first album. Its a little slicker a little cleaner and a little less grungy...but I miss the grunginess of the first album. Still a really accomplished album that shows Richard Butler's songwriting is starting to evolve. 4 stars
Love
5/5
I came to this album late...I guess it was the 2000s when it was de rigeur to recognize Forever Changes and Odyssey and Oracle as unappreciated classics. I think Forever Changes because this album didn't have even a classic song Season of the Witch. But my word is this an incredible, dare I say even a masterpiece. As someone who grew up on the folk rock of artists like Shawn Phillips and Cat Stevens this album came as revelation. Even things like the string arrangements which I am not normally a fan of are tasteful and suit the songs near perfectly. And the songs, accessible but complex are all satisfying and bear up to close scrutiny. The themes are typical of the time but don't seem cloying and overwrought. A no-brainer 5 star album
Roxy Music
4/5
A fine album perhaps my favourite of Roxy Music's classic period. Side 1 is great displaying the bands penchant for writing truly memorable rock songs that move the feet and excite the mind. Side 2 more experimental with free jazz influences and less immediately memorable but bears closer scrutiny. 4.5 stars
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
not a bad little electro dance pop, blue eyed soul album. liked it more than I thought I would. 3 stars
Girls Against Boys
4/5
A hell of a good album. Muscular, brooding, rocking and really consistent from beginning to end. I had heard some from this band but no appreciation for their consistent song writing and epic soundscapes. Yup this is a band that I will explore. 4 stars
3/5
Good traditional country album. Not genre I'm drawn to, for some reason I'm allergic to the sound of slide guitar...at least in this context. But Los voice is angelic and her themes are simple and straightforward and universal...especially in the context of time and place. I'll give it 3 stars but I know it deserves more
Lambchop
2/5
Boring indie-soul I guess you could call it. I find most songs uninteresting and overwrought. Don't like the way that strings are used...mostly syrupy. Three songs caught my ear; Grumpus, The Petrified Florist and The Butcher Boy. The rest is pretty boring. 2.5 stars
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
I'm not usually one to have a one or two sentence review for an album. I try to respect the creative process of most any artist, but this is mostly junk with little in the way of coherence to make it sound of a piece. Seems to simply exploit the fashion of the day (ie. the South African sounds that come toward the end). Given Malcolm McLaren built a career around exploiting the fashion of the day - maybe that's the point. I might rate it higher without the inane rambling of the DJ interspersed throughout the album. 2 stars
Isaac Hayes
4/5
This album surprised me. Twice. Of course the title track is classic and stands out. No surprise there. But I was surprised how that leads into a series of relaxed, bluesy instrumentals, many of which have string arrangements and some with a pretty romantic feel. Walk from Regio's with its heavy bass groove and aggressive horn section does change the mood somewhat. The next 7 or 8 songs are pretty standard soulful songs pretty typical of 70s soul music. But then a bomb goes off in the form of Do Your Thing; a nearly 20 minute amazingly funky explosion of groove that takes hold and won't let go. The guitar is absolutely incendiary and the playing and production is first rate. What a song! There's plenty here to enjoy but not really enough to justify a double album, a single album might have been a 5 star but as a double I gotta knock off a star. 4 stars
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Wow this was a surprisingly good album. I wasn't expecting such a rock oriented sound that has a tough bluesy song. The guitars are tough an uncompromising and the rhythms are as you'd expect from a west African group. Their story is one of defiance and perseverance and their sound is pure delta blues with a nice rhythmic drive that makes for a beautiful marriage. I enjoyed this a lot and will put it in rotation. 4 stars
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
Pretty good marriage of hip hop and indie feel makes for a likeable album that's worthy of investigation. From what I understand this, their debut album is not their best so I will exploring further. 3 stars
Billy Bragg
4/5
Great album. I am drawn to Braggs voice, so emotive, so distinctive and you can tell that he loves to sing. The songs range from melancholy love songs, songs of naive youth and of course political protest. Favourite Songs; Greetings to the New Brunette, Levi Stubbs Tears, Youth of America and The Warmest Room. Listening to this album brought back a flood of wonderful memories. 4.5 stars
Tim Buckley
4/5
A nice jazzy effort that bears deeper listening. Doesn't work well as background listening as too many subtleties that augment one's enjoyment. This album showcases very well the similarities between Tim and his son Jeff. love the opener Strange Feeling' with the beautiful vibraphone, lovely jazzy feel and dynamic shading to heighten the intensity. More of the same with Buzzing' Fly, though more upbeat. Things take a turn for the quiet and contemplative with the beautiful 11 minute opus Love from room 109. But that's not the only extended song here Gypsy Woman is an extended latin jam that has a fiery vocal performance and some wonderful jamming from an obviously great band. All-in all this is a really great discovery from an intensely original artist. 4 stars
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
What can you say about Nick Cave. Possibly the greatest song writer of the 21st century. If you're looking for anything resembling a rock album this ain't it. I don't think there is an electric guitar to be heard on the entire album. What you will find are deeply personal lyrics sung with emotional depth set to a dramatic soundscape that helps lay Cave's soul to bear for all to see and feel. 4 stars
Depeche Mode
3/5
I enjoyed this album more than I expected. Though I am an 80s alternative guy through and through, Depeche Mode was never in my wheel house. Too dance, too electronic, etc... But I enjoyed the darkness and drama of the songs on this album . They definitely know how set a mood. The opener is the obvious touchstone with its arena rock ready grandiosity, but there are a number of very enjoyable songs here. 3.5 stars
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
an intense album of fear and violence populated with violent hateful characters. If the subject matter doesn't offend you this album is a brilliant way to get a taste of music's greater story teller. The band cooks of course and the production is loud and uncompromising, though again piano is the main instrument used to convey these stories of the dregs of society. The 14 minute penultimate song; O'Malley's bar is the star of this seedy show, a tour de force of a song. 4 stars
Big Black
3/5
I'm not a fan of industrial so this album has at least one strike against it from the get go. I AM a fan of Steve Albini and his production work so that's a positive which allows me to go intuit with a more open mind than I might have.
The opening 2 songs are noisy and uncompromising but not as challenging as I might have expected. And things get better..melodies start to present themselves through the noise and sludge in a manner that pleases but does not cancel out the uncompromising nature of the album in general. I was able to listen 2 full times and a third is not out of the question. 3 stars
Scott Walker
2/5
Not my kind of music, but the songs are good and the voice is powerful and emotive. But the sappy production is off-putting for me. If it was presented in a more singer-songwriter style or troubadour style, but the string arrangements are saccharine sweet. Non mercy. 2.5 stars
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Very nice album - beautifully recorded folk rock. 3.5 stars
Fugees
2/5
Nothing grabbed me about this album. Feels a little all over the place without anything that really ties it together. 2.5 stars
Van Morrison
3/5
The energy is high in this live album, the production and the performance is top notch. For me the the material is what lets it down. For me Van Morrison's best songs begin and end with Astral Weeks and Moondance both of which don't seem to be very well represented here. 3 stars
The Coral
2/5
A spacey 60s style psychedelic-sounding album with some interesting songs but mostly sounding a little parody-like. I enjoyed it somewhat but I do ask myself is this really an album I needed to hear before I died. The answer is no! 2.5 stars for nostalgia purposes only
2/5
This is one of those classic foundational albums that just never resonated with me. It's hard music which I have no problem with, but to me it lacks soul and the energy does not come from the rhythm but more from the noise. Not much in the way of rhythmic drive or melody. So I never really got it. 2.5 stars
Mudhoney
2/5
A pretty good album. A little loud and noisy and a trifle messy for these ears at my age. No memorable melodies after 2 listens2.5 stars
Eagles
3/5
I've heard the title track about 10,000 times, but always as background music never on a good system sitting in the sweet spot. It's an impressive performance. So I'm grateful that this exercise pushed me to do something I otherwise would not have. 3 stars
Silver Jews
4/5
I like Silver Jews. American Water is one of my favourite albums of the last 30 years. David Berman's voice has a Johnny Cash quality. Of course he has nowhere near the power and resonance of Cash's baritone but the phrasing definitely puts me in mind of Cash, he has a natural matter of factness to his singing that feels really comfortable and makes me want to listen more and more. Though this album is not up to the quality of American Water it definitely has all the qualities of songwriting and storytelling that Berman is so adept at. 4 stars
Willie Nelson
4/5
Though the album is somewhat controversial with its spare song structures and theme of murder and betrayal, I loved listening to it. I connected with its immediacy and its languid pacing and of course its deft storytelling. Loved it. 4.5 stars
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
This is a fine album. Raw uncompromising with great vocals, chiming guitars and drumming that provides energy and propulsion. From the opening track you know these ladies mean business and there is little let up the whole way through. Too many hi lights to mention but Dig Me Out and Words + Guitars are particular standouts. 4.5 stars
Joan Baez
4/5
Joan Baez has a high soaring voice that suits the material she chooses beautifully. The arrangements are simple and sparse, often just her voice and an acoustic guitar, allowing the melodies to carry the day. The standout songs for me are Silver Dagger, House of the rising son which she sings with drama and power, making it her own, Henry Martin and the beautiful Spanish closer, El Press Numero Nuevo.
Richard Hawley
4/5
Starts out with a song that has syrupy vocals and even more syrupy string arrangements. The high dosage of sugar is not a good start for me. the next song, Just like the Rain has a lighter tasting arrangement with a pleasant country swing and much much more to my liking. Hawley has a classic crooner's voice, at times reminding me of Elvis Presley's way with a ballad, which is very much on display on the fourth song; Darlin' Wait For Me. Thankfully the over the top strings have yet to re-appear. Here In My Arms is another pleasant country tinged ballad that features some gorgeous slide guitar giving it a bit of a Hawaiin feel. The beautiful music continues throughout the rest of the album. Pleasantly beautiful adult contemporary pop music that is chock full of beautiful melodies and smooth arrangements that suit Hawley's gentle vocal performance. Highlights besides those mentioned; I sleep Alone, (Wading Through) The Waters of My Time and my favorite; Who's Going to Shoe Your Pretty Feet. The album closes with a beautiful instrumental; Last Orders. This is an accomplished album that has a nostalgic feel, but is modern enough to not feel cloying.
4 Stars
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Simply gorgeous!
Sinatra waited to make his Bossa Nova debut and what a debut it is. Perhaps Sinatra's most delicate performance, beautifully complimented by relaxed and subtle arrangements that perfectly compliment Sinatra's understated performance. Listen to how he sings the word "smile" at the end of The Girl of Ipanema" with a beautiful lilt that I've never before heard in his phrasing. Genius! This album will become a staple for me. 5 stars
Christina Aguilera
2/5
I actually made it half way through this way too long album of standard, overwrought diva-pop music. Lightweight and of little consequence, this is music that will be forgotten as quickly as it was regurgitated.
2 stars
DJ Shadow
2/5
one of those highly regarded albums that I just don't get. There are a couple of songs that I like, although calling any of these pieces, songs doesn't seem right. Nevertheless I do like Building Steam With A Grain of Salt and I do like Transmission 2. Other than those two everything seems to kinda blend together. Not sure what else to say. I don't get it.
2 stars
Bee Gees
3/5
Heavily orchestrated music and highly dramatic presentation makes for a pleasant if somewhat bombastic listen. I prefer when things get a little lighter like on It's Just the way, Somebody stop the music. In parts these songs have simpler more traditional rock arrangements that I find refreshing on an album like this that takes itself soooo seriously. Another hilight is the Beatlesque title track. If heavily baroque pop is your thing, this album does that style exceedingly well. 3.5 stars
Doves
3/5
Typical brit-pop band leaning toward the indie-rock side of things. Firesuite starts the album off in an atmospheric style with burbling synth and measured but BIG drums...It is an atmospheric record with songs blending into the next, sometimes feeling more style than substance. Then they hit you with The Cedar Room and after that atmospheric opening things get big and bold as the drums kick in along with some beautiful guitar figures and plaintive vocals and you just feel the build to crunching power chords that pin you back in you seat. It's a powerful moment that had it not come the album would have come and gone quite pleasantly but without anything memorable to latch not to and bring you back. While The Cedar room is the obvious high point I don't want to leave the impression that its the only hi-light...Sea Song is a beautiful acoustic guitar and piano driven song that has a lovely melody and does get the toe tapping. Rise has an intensity that hints at what's to come. Overall a fine debut from a band that had a very consistent, if somewhat under appreciated career. 3.5 stars (note I would probably give the follow up album The Last Broadcast 4 stars. On the album they toned down the atmospherics and allowed the songs and melodies to stand on their own to great effect)
Red Snapper
3/5
totally new to me, pretty interesting mostly instrumental album with a few softly spoken and often provocative spoken word parts. Dramatic and free-flowing. Kept me listening through to the end...that's saying something. 3 stars
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Not a bad synth-pop album from expert purveyors of the genre. 3 stars
Sparks
4/5
A beautifully dramatic perfomance from a band thqt theatre and humour as well as musicianship are the touchstones. This is what Queen would sound like if I liked Queen. This Town ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us, is the song that I've known and loved but there are other wonderful songs like Amateur Hour, which was also a minor hit and Here In Heaven to name a couple. 4 stars
The Residents
3/5
Holy Shit! this is one bizarre album. But somehow I don't hate it. Strange noises, where there are melodies they're just weird. Childlike singing that is often not much more than high-pitched whining (I do like weight lifting Lulu, though). The review on Roon, which I assume comes from Allmusic.com, says "It seems annoying and stupid at first" and that it does. But it also reads; "but over time you feel compelled to listen again and again". Well I guess I'll see about that but as I type I am on my 2nd listen and it's better than the first. 3 stars
Skepta
2/5
Somewhat meh mix of trip hop and hip hobbit mostly the latter. A few big name guests (Pharrel Williams and Drake) but nothing that pulls me into a genre that usually leaves me cold with a few notable exceptions. 2 stars
3/5
A pretty good album with no great songs to make it a classic. 3.5 stars
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
I first heard this a couple years ago after hearing the name and believing it would be up my musical alley. I found it musically not my style such that I couldn't really enjoy it enough to investigate the lyrical content which was supposed to unrelentingly dark.
On this second go round I started to warm enough to the music to investigate the lyrics. Honestly though the music is still not my cup of tea. Too much big arena rock sound not enough of an indie influence. The big sound comes across as same, each song sounding like the last...no subtlety or variety in tone nor texture. And the lyrics? Unrelentingly preachy and opinionated. Final opinion. 2.5
4/5
A solid album of psychedelic rock that flows by like a cool breeze. Consistent from beginning to end with no song that really stands out but the consistency from one song to the next makes it a highly listenable album. 4 stars
Pantera
3/5
Another hard-rock, metal album that I am inclined NOT to like. Musically I appreciate the variety in tempo and tone from song to song. This is on perfect display on "This Love" which slows things down and offers a beautiful example of shifting dynamics. But the singing style is relentlessly aggressive and in your face, which keeps me from buying in. 3 stars
Beck
3/5
Dude writes some insanely catchy and yet original songs. Not his best but all Beck is at least good Beck. 3.5 stars
Nick Drake
4/5
Hard to find anything more consistently satisfying than a Nick Drake album. I came to this his debut album, after Bryter Later and Pink Moon, but this continues the hot streak. Slots between BL and PM with an array of great great songs, but a little more fleshed out in their production than either Bryter Later and Pink Moon which are more stripped bare. Bt as usual the plaintive singing and beautiful acoustic guitar are the foundation for Nick's soulful music. Nary a misstep here. Beautiful late night or lazy Sunday morning listening. 4.5 stars
Waylon Jennings
5/5
An absolute banger of an album. Every song is near country perfection. I had never heard this album before but I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to discomer it. The band is stellar, the playing on every track filled with nuance, subtlety, space and attention to detail. Speaking of detail this is an beatiful sounding album. The details in the instrumentation is beautifully rendered. The details of each instument is easily discerened but never in your face, always balanced in in service of the song. A nearly perfect album. 5 stars
Kate Bush
4/5
A quality album. Kate Bush has the unique ability to have her voice sound delicate, waif like and then seemingly at will sound deep and powerful, not just from song to song but from line to line or even syllable to syllable. It gives each song a emotional depth and variety that is unique in pop music. And the songs are beautiful. The opening 2 tracks are both outstanding. The quality does dip from their losing some accessibility but never their dramatic core, something Ms. Bush demonstrates on each song . Perhaps not as consistent as Hounds of Love, but always intriguing . 4 stars
Pink Floyd
4/5
3rd time through. First, I hate the hard right/left mix. However, it seems after the 3rd listen I am starting to get it! The child like innocence of songs like The Gnome, Matilda Mother and Chapter 24 have now revealed their charms and the rhythmic drive of Interstellar Overdrive and Lucifer Sam shows their rocking side and demonstrates the talents of the rhythm section better than on any subsequent Pink Floyd album. A very listenable album that I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. 4 stars
UB40
5/5
I've loved this album from the first time I dropped the needle onto side 1 way back some 40 years ago. For me it's all about Tyler as well as the Brilliant Madam Medusa. To this day I still don't know who Tyler is, I just know that it is a song that needs to be heard. And Madam Medusa...what an incredible epic song. The perfect introduction to reggae for a than 20 year old that was ready to discover important music that would shape my tastes for the rest of my life. I know EXACTLY where I was when I first heard this album (In a record store), I did not leave the store without the album and It has been a part of me ever since. King, Burden of Shame, King and the whole album. An integral part of my personal musical journey. 5 stars (very personal opinion)
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
I enjoyed this. Lot's of fun. 3 stars
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I don't hold this in as high esteem as the critics and many fans do but I do appreciate the craft of it, it's just not really my taste. 3.5 stars
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
This was a really nice listen. Jah Wobble's burbling dub basslinbes underpining some really fun and interesting tunes that keep the excitement going. Fun and lively and some beautiful music. 3.5 stars
Grant Lee Buffalo
4/5
AAnother new-to-me album that really delivers. Well produced indie singer-songwriter fare with some great songs. The style of songwriting and production/arrangements really speak to me. The first 5 songs are uniformly excellent which makes for a somewhat front-loaded listening but there are still plenty of gems towards the end that left me wanting more. 4 stars
Cornershop
4/5
One day I was enjoying a burger in Five Guys and Brimful of Asha comes on the sound system in the restaurant. Sounded great so I Shazamed it and that's when I discovered Cornershop.
Of the 15 songs on this album 6 are instrumental explorations that make the album a difficult listen. None of these instrumentals are bad, but they're charms are not always redily apparent. However when the decide to display their pop-craft the results are almost always absolutely first rate. Highlights for me are the afore-mentioned Brimful of Asha, Sleep on the Left Side, We're in your Corner, Good Shit and the gorgeous country-tinged Good to be on the Road Back Home.
A happy discovery that reveals morenuance with each listen. 4 stars
Little Simz
3/5
This is a unique rap album in many ways. Firstly it lasts just 35 minutes. A huge selling pont for this rap neophyte. 2nd, each song has a very distinct sound, giving the album a nice air of eccecticism and surprise. Each song has a slow burning intensity and some very sympahetic arrangements that serve Simz distinctive british raps. 3rd the raps are literal and deliverd with an anglo charm that gives the whole album an air of sophistication. very enjoyable 3.5 stars
SZA
3/5
Not really my thing. Generally hookless music with melodies that don’t easily present themselves. Sparse arrangements highlight the vocals which are non-conventional. Prom was pretty good, one of the few with traditional pop song structure. This lack of traditional moledicism doesn't mean its bad, just difficult for me grasp on to. Maybe given time It's charms will present themselves to me, but I don't have the patience these days to stick around and find out. As I type I'm half way through and Go Gina is interesting. Maybe I'll give it a 2nd listen before posting this. I do think this album and all albums deserve at least one, 2nd chance. After a 2nd listen same impressions of music that’s difficult for me to find something that works with my sensibilities. She’s talented beyond the dive – histrionics, but not for me. 3 stars
10cc
2/5
One good song and a whole lot of pretentious, overwrought, over-produced and self-important songs that offer little in the way of tunefulness to sink my teeth into. The arrangements are often complex, sometimes interesting but in the end, they don't invite me in ...just push me away. I guess they're trying to do their modern version of Pet Sounds or Rubber Soul, but in my opinion they fall well short and ultimately just leave me asking why they can't just offer up a tuneful pop song like The Wall Street Shuffle a little more often. 2.5 stars
Kate Bush
3/5
An album that sows off Kate Bush's rtier side. Melodies are hard to discern, hooks non-existent. The vois=ce is powerful and emotional but aultmately I wait for a song or two that is more accessible to help draw me in. But it doesn't ever come. Respect the artistic statement but I don't enjoy the work. 3 stars
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
This is a bit of a shocking listen....overtly arty and emotional and quite compelling. A couple of listens reveal a lot of interesting musical and lyrical details that invite further exploration. My first listen left me confused, my 2nd listen left me intrigued and looling forward to at least another immersive listen. THIS IS NOT background music, this is music that takes time and commitment and hopefully reveals an artistic statement that is worthy of yur attention. I suspect it will. 3.5 stars
Genesis
4/5
The first record in this 2 LP album ROCKS. With plenty of classic Genesis moments and songs. The song writing is first rate right from the opening fanfare of the title track that introduces the audience to Rael the hero of our convoluted story. The second record does NOT rock, it is atmospheric and mood setting, dominated by long instrumental passages that I have trouble understanding how they advance the narrative, but I think that's beside the point. However record 2 still has its moments; The Colony of Slipperman / A Visit to the doktor / The Raven which opens side 4 is lyrical and has some beautiful keyboard lines and is beautifully arranged and played. And side 4 has some provocative twists and turns musically.
Leaving aside the impossible to follow story the music on this album is driving and beautiful, with memorable hooks and melodies that linger long after the album ends. And even though the narrative of Rael doesn't make much sense, it is still a lyrically beautiful album. The Lamb Lies Donwn on Broadway deserves its status as the masterpiece of the Peter Gabriel era Genesis. 4.5 stars
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
An apparent unicorn in the DMR catalogue, and who doesn't love a unicorn. I'm a bit of an outlier when it comes to DMR...Love Searching for the Young Soul Rebels which, upon release I found to be totally unique in the British alternative musical landscape. While i'm emerssed in bunnymen and Wire and Banshees and JD and The Jam and The Clash here comes this bizarrely engaging SOUL(?) record which I loved..."For God's Sake BURN IT DOWN!" as they shouted.
Come on Eileen? Come On. Really? You've lost me now and DRM has now become for me, just another uninteresting pop band...sure a quality, somewhat interesting pop band, but not for me.
This album comes up and apparently it was career suicide for these young soul rebels...well for me its a giant middle finger to everyone who just wanted Come On Eileen II. 7 songs, 3 of which are over 7 minutes long! How's that for a "Fuck You" to all you Come On Eileen cultists. Meanwhile, the music on this album though messy and lacking focus is wonderful. Melodies pop up their heads and disappear in a flash but linger in your mind long after they're gone. There's a psuedo Werewolves of London cover that swings like a mother fucker. And plenty of other gem like moments that gives me a renewed respect for this band that I knew were way more than the one-hit-wonder punch line that was the prevailing narrative. Way to go! 4.5 stars
Röyksopp
2/5
Kinda boraing electro-dance that isn't really upbeat enough to dance to. Some interesting beats and sounds nothing here to sustain an entire album 2 stars
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
This was a bit of a revelation. A bunch of great songs set to the bckdrop of some awesome psychedelic arrangements. great singing, interesting instrumentation and a rhythm section that really cooks. 4 stars
Nitin Sawhney
4/5
An absolute revelation. A rare album of sounds that are so expertly arranged, recorded and massaged into a beautiful organic whole. This is an album that you experience, not just listen to. Starts out with a couple of seemingly quite typical modern R&B tunes with subtly exotic touches that set them apart from the usual fare. And the vocals...uncommonly ethereal, particularly on Letting Go. Homelands is a gorgeous world music workout with latin rhythms, tasteful acoustic guitar and a vocal workout that defies any description. The string arrangement give at a feeling of the ethereal. ‘ve never heard such a deft mix of different seemingly incompatible styles. Pilgrim is a rap song for anyone with a distaste for the style, it draws you in and seduces you with rhymes that are subtle quiet and yet powerful. I could go describing each song but that would become redundant with words like beautiful, gorgeous and unique written ove and over again. Suffice to say – go, seek out this unique album and thank me after. 4.5 stars
Kelela
3/5
This is a genre that I am not normally a fan of....modern R & B / Alternative R & B? Damn I didn't even know tha thing. But it is and I like it. At least I like this album. Predominantly elecronic music that is mixed and arranged in such a way as to seem organic. Not a bad little trick. Nowithstanding the studio mastery its the vocals that are the star of the show and there's no mistaking the talent ed pipes that Keleka posesses. The tempos never get up higher that mid, but her voice commands each phrase as to make for a consistently interesting listen to these typicaly un-interessed ears. enough so that I'm tended to delve deeper into Keleka's catalogue. 3.5 stars bordering on 4
Elvis Costello
5/5
I've heard this album hundreds of times but haven't revisited it in years. And for whatever reason I never enjoed it as much as I did this time. Even Allison wich normally makes me yawn, this time I was appreciating it for the perfect rock ballad that it is, focussing on the beautiful bass line, the jazzy guitar figure and the other subtle touches made the song come alive for me as never before. Every song jumped forth from the grooves relealing new elements that grabbed hold of me kept me riveted throughout the 35 minutes or so.
I've always felt ECs first 4 albums are about as good a 4 album start of any artist in rock history, rivalling Led Zeppelin in that department, however I there was always something about My Aim is True that made me feel it was a rung below the other three...but not today. Today it takes its place beside the other three as no brainer 5 star albums!
The Monks
3/5
So I couldn't find tis on my music provider - Tidal, however I did find a compliation called The Early Years (1964 to 1965). I also found the original album on Youtube, so after listening to the compilation listened to the album proper. Both are primitive and raw sounding. Tribal, tom -centric drums and stabbing guitars, organ fills that bring some sebance of melody and vocals that are amateurish but endearing and not bad in a raw bluesy style. All in all I liked both lstens. I appreciate their DIY attitude and I found the music engaging. I am tempted to give it 4 stars but it's a little too unskilled to merit that score. 3.5 overall (but 4 stars for hitting the right notes for me personally)
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Musically interesting kindo of hard rock mixed with cabaret style bombast/melodrama. Lyrically silly and sophomoric. But the interesting arrangements, very tight playing and dramatic presentation makes for a pretty enjoyable listen despite the terrible lyrics. 3.5 stars
Raekwon
1/5
Not much of interest here. Musically basic and rhymes are not very interesting to me. 1.5 stars
Kraftwerk
3/5
I guess it is a pivotal album for electronic rock music and it's not a bad listen, however it lacks variety and the melodies are fairly forgettable. Give me Can instead of Kraftwerk any day of the week. 3 stars
Britney Spears
2/5
Inoffensive bubblegum pop that has no substance and no staying power and does not belong on a list like this. I couldn't make it through the album from boredom and partly from sheer embarrasment. What are the thinking? 2 srars
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
Meh, don't understand the appeal. I guess there's some historical signifigance, (Nine inch Nails), but not for me. 2 stars
Johnny Cash
5/5
A fun and hugely important album. The material is first rate and the playing and arrangements are simple and fun and of the highest quality. This is country music of the highest order. 5 stars
CHVRCHES
3/5
From what I had heard from radio play I did not think I would like this album as much as I did. It is a liitle more pop sounding than is my taste but it has a lot soulfulness for a mostly synth-pop album. The singer's voice is captivating in a waifish kind of way and the arrangements quite nice. Lots of hooks as well and a good sense of melody. My issue with this kind of music is none of those melodies stay with me after the listening session is over. 3.5 stars
Echo And The Bunnymen
5/5
Can't really be objective with this album. It is one of the first post-punk albums i ever heard and I LOVED it from the opening drum flourish to the opening crescendo of Going Up; WOW! I was hooked. I realize the album has its flaws (Happy Death Men), but so moany great songs. Villiers Terrace, the title track (Me i'm all smiles, I got my Croc-O-diles), Rescue, All That Jazz, Monyeys, Stars are Stars, Pictures on My Wall. I know I was onto a band that would become a part of me. 5 stars (though if being objective it would 4.5, but I can't)
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Never heard of this artist before. I found this morecompelling than much of the Rap albums on this list. More musically varied with touches of soul, rock, jazz, pop and of course hip hop. And the arrangements and production are a little more varied than is often the case with the bass not overpowering the rest of the mix. I like it. 3.5 stars (tempted to put 4)