1001 Albums Journey

First listen to anything by Eels. I'm not sure that I liked this one. The lyrics are pained, but musically there is very little catharsis, and the vocal delivery is often overwrought in its expression of self-pity. It's a sad little wilting flower of an album, and on first pass it didn't do much for me. There were a few songs where it came together, namely the saccharine "My Beloved Monster," the withering "Manchild," and lone rocker "Mental."

One of my favorite albums of all time. This is a freewheeling expression, going in a million directions, different genres, styles, and moods piling up one atop another. Jokes, jams, and profound statements coexist as one. I can think of nothing else quite like this. Additionally, several of the best individual Beatles songs are on here. Highlights: "Dear Prudence," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Martha My Dear," "I'm So Tired," "Blackbird," "Rocky Raccoon," "Yer Blues," "Helter Skelter," "Revolution 1," and "Revolution 9".

First listen, but I have long hated "Pour Some Sugar On Me," so this album had an uphill battle to fight. There is obvious craft and passion on display here, but it is not to my taste at all. The polished, squeaky-clean production and the perpetually-horny lyrics just don't jive. There is some enjoyment to be had with catchy melodies and some very nice vocal harmonies. Highlights: "Armageddon It," "Run Riot," "Hysteria," and the intro to "Gods of War".