User Albums Journey
Exploring beyond the book, one album at a time
View 1001 Albums Summary471
Albums Rated
3.61
Average Rating
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
40
5-Star Albums
1
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sing To God
Cardiacs
|
5 | 2.52 | +2.48 |
|
Choirs Of The Eye
Kayo Dot
|
5 | 2.62 | +2.38 |
|
First Utterance
Comus
|
5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
|
L'Heptade
Harmonium
|
5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
|
Zuckerzeit
Cluster
|
5 | 2.87 | +2.13 |
|
Geogaddi
Boards of Canada
|
5 | 2.93 | +2.07 |
|
Diary
Sunny Day Real Estate
|
5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
|
Atrocity Exhibition
Danny Brown
|
5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
|
Melt My Eyez See Your Future
Denzel Curry
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
The Impossible Kid
Aesop Rock
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Save Rock And Roll
Fall Out Boy
|
1 | 2.58 | -1.58 |
|
Kick
INXS
|
2 | 3.57 | -1.57 |
|
LUX
ROSALÍA
|
2 | 3.55 | -1.55 |
|
In Between Dreams
Jack Johnson
|
2 | 3.22 | -1.22 |
|
TRON: Legacy
Daft Punk
|
2 | 3.11 | -1.11 |
|
Blink-182
blink-182
|
2 | 3.08 | -1.08 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Songs: Ohia | 2 | 5 |
| Weezer | 2 | 5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Daft Punk | 5, 4, 2 |
5-Star Albums (40)
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Popular Reviews
Massive Attack · 16 likes
5/5
Nutty that this wasn’t on here already
Eric B. & Rakim · 5 likes
4/5
Ridiculous to think that this wasn’t on the list proper. If there ever was a classic rap album, this is it! The beats haven’t yet caught up to Rakim’s futuristic rhyming sense by this point, but the rapping is more than enough to carry the lp.
4/5
A dear friend introduced me to many folk punk artists back in the day (Paul Barbeau, Pat The Bunny’s countless projects, the works). I recall this being a personal discovery though. There’s an inescapable corniness here, but the energy in the performances outweighs it threefold. The essence of a folk punk classic
Cardiacs · 5 likes
5/5
I was just listening to this the day before! I’m glad someone else picked this album so I don’t seem like a snob who doesn’t give anyone else’s albums a 5. I’m also glad that I’m not the only one with the audacity to pick such an inaccessible first listen. This album is an uphill battle, but once you climb that hill… there’s no view quite like it.
R.I.P. Tim Smith, and thank you for letting us gaze into your world
Comus · 4 likes
5/5
What an excellent pick 😌 This is one of my personal favourite records. There isn’t really another band that sounds like them, except for bands that heard this record and wanted to do the same thing. Some of my fellow reviewers have complained about it being demented or disgusting, but that’s exactly the appeal! And right when we’ve been introduced to the ugly world of ”Diana”, we’re faced with the spellbinding ”The Herald”. This isn’t an album you can reduce to a simple statement, rather it is one you can get lost in for years
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
Gotcha!
3/5
Starting of the the user submissions with a fun album! A quirky piece of groovy funk-rock, shifting in sounds throughout. I did end up find the length coupled with tve cheesiness to be grating, but this is certainly not a bad listen!
Status Quo
3/5
Solid bluesy rock
Korn
3/5
Such a unique album sonically. The way the ultra low bass blends in with the kick drum creates a pit of mud at the bottom of the mix. Not to mention the eerie guitar tones and the inimitable Jonathan Davis. I’ve heard this debut being talked up for a while, and it is a solid record! Very interesting that a band as off-kilter as this could be a mainstream success in the 90s
Chromatics
3/5
Slick. Ending on a 15-minute minimalistic instrumental was an interesting choice
Porter Robinson
4/5
Not always the biggest fan of this type of hyperpop adjacent electronica, but this won me over bu the end. Pretty songs and nifty production
Calibro 35
4/5
Groovy beatz 👊
Freddie Gibbs
4/5
Legendary collab 🔥Gibbs slides over Madlib’s beats so smoothly, it’s like the were always making music together. Lovely album to revisit!
The Beautiful South
2/5
I don’t mind the songwriting of this album in itself, but combined with the production and voice of the singers (which I do mind) the whole thing comes off a lot less appealing to me. Some clever lyrics though to be sure
The Avett Brothers
3/5
Fine indie folk! I don’t mind it
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
4/5
Delightful indeed! Sometimes all you need is some smooth easy listening jazz
Alexisonfire
3/5
This album leaves me conflicted: On one hand, I appreciate seeing more post-hardcore representation. On the other hand, this is the type that teeters right on the line of being tasteless. I’m giving it a 3 instead of a 2 because at the end of the day, I did enjoy most of the music
Daniel Bélanger
4/5
Nice beats, textures and overall atmosphere. So chill!
Nuyorican Soul
4/5
Dope stuff. Somewhat long but this kind of jam based album can get away with it if the music is good, which this is! Cool Nautilus cover too
That Handsome Devil
3/5
Would be right at home in the book proper. Take that as you will
Garmarna
3/5
I think I would’ve preferred just a Swedish folk album without the dnb elements, but I suppose somebody had to fill the niche
Streetlight Manifesto
4/5
Was a bit skeptical at first but by the third track I was on board. Interesting choice to pick this and not the cult classic debut, but I suppose I wouldn’t have heard this album of theirs otherwise!
The B-52's
4/5
Luv the B-52’s yeah
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
What this list needed: More Soofjan 🙏
Richard Dawson
4/5
Did not expect to see this here, great pick! Creative & unusual. Not sure if I’ve heard this album of his before, but it’s my favourite
First Aid Kit
4/5
Sweet indie ❄️
4/5
Not the Low album I would have picked (that being I Could Live In Hope, or even Double Negative), but then they don’t have a bad pick! Glad to revisit this once more 🙏
Scraping Foetus off the Wheel
4/5
Wacky, disturbed, chaotic: An industrial classic
Snarky Puppy
3/5
Decent modern jazz fusion
Jóhann Jóhannsson
3/5
I can see how this guy went on to do movie soundtracks. Decent
Cardiacs
5/5
I was just listening to this the day before! I’m glad someone else picked this album so I don’t seem like a snob who doesn’t give anyone else’s albums a 5. I’m also glad that I’m not the only one with the audacity to pick such an inaccessible first listen. This album is an uphill battle, but once you climb that hill… there’s no view quite like it.
R.I.P. Tim Smith, and thank you for letting us gaze into your world
The National
3/5
Right between a 3 and a 4. More interesting than I had assumed
Kaizers Orchestra
4/5
I was mildly skeptical going into this, and wildly suprised at how good it ended up being! Theatrical, but nonetheless energetic and grounded. Noreg 🇳🇴
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Firstly, I concur with everyone saying that this is an excessive addition, both in terms of length and the high representation of Bruce Springsteen albums in the original book.
However, I also dig Bruce Springsteen (and especially this period) so I’m down to listen to 2 hours of his music, especially when it’s as electric as this.
Savages
4/5
Quite solid modern post-punk. I dig it!
The Alan Parsons Project
4/5
Better than the other Alan Parsons Project album I’ve heard! Also, these guys have great album covers
MF DOOM
5/5
Very formative album for me, and a very deserved pick. For a long time I used to think that the skits inbetween songs ate up too much of the runtime, but revisiting it recently they are much less present than I remembered! There are a few spots where they drag (the 5-minute skit suite in the middle could’ve been shorter), but by now they’re an essential element of the record for me. Even then, the rest of the album is filled with enough dense, comedic, quotable wordplay to more than satisfy anyone. Not to mention the great beats, fabulously demonstrating how DOOM was one of the best rapper & producer combos in the game. It’s a shame that the original version of Kookies isn’t on streaming, though! Do seek that out if you’re unfamiliar.
R.I.P.
The Postal Service
5/5
Another album I’m very personally fond of. Inviting, bustling soundscapes by Jimmy Tamborello aka Dntel and vocals that fit like a glove from Ben Gibbard. Wasn’t sure if I wanted to give it a 5, but this is an album I play when I want to hear something I know is good. And that’s all you can ask for, really
Nik Kershaw
3/5
Some very danceable grooves. Seems like it would be a great love show
Tally Hall
4/5
The whitest music of all time? Quite possibly. A fun time? Hell yeah. I'm not too proud to enjoy this
The Weeknd
3/5
Not my thing, but the album is good and a merited addition to this roster. Atmospheric is the word of the day
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
More Earth, Wind & Fire 🙏 I won’t say no to that
Madvillain
5/5
A necessary correction to the original list
Salif Keita
3/5
A pleasant listen 🍃
The Marcus King Band
3/5
I was recommended this man’s music by a friend a long time ago. I had forgotten the name of it, so thank you for reintroducing me! A healthy mix of blues, soul and funk and well performed at that. Didn’t grab me on a personal level, but solid nonetheless!
Josh Ritter
3/5
Didn’t quite stick with me, but not a bad album
Faith No More
4/5
This album has taken some time for me to form my opinion on, but now I can say that it’s a gem! It’s funny how with Mike Patton’s arrival the band eventually became Mr. Bungle lite. Nonetheless, a very eclectic and creative record, firing off in unpredictable directions with one track, but not afraid to stick it out with a slower ballad here and there
Phish
3/5
These lads certainly have the sauce when it comed to live jams. It’s just a bit much at once, you know?
Maldita Vecindad Y Los Hijos Del 5to. Patio
4/5
Much fun 🙌
Frank Zappa
4/5
Great record! I should listen to more Zappa
Courteeners
4/5
Suprisingly good! Maybe we do need more 2000s rock to listen to
blink-182
3/5
Regardless of quality: This album is a glaring omission from the original list, considering both it’s commercial success and it’s cultural impact. This being left out indicative of the author(s)’s negative bias towards the pop-punk and emo music that was popular during this time (The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance is another similarly missing classic).
Regarding the quality: Energetic and fun. Not totally my thing, but I can see why many are fond of it.
Vulfpeck
4/5
Great live set, but this is something more for the established fans rather than something you would use to introduce the band. Personally I would have picked The Beautiful Game (I assume the EPs aren’t eligible) as an entry into the music. That album is also of a more merciful length ;)
Susanne Sundfør
4/5
Living and enveloping soundscapes
Khruangbin
3/5
Chill tones
Ty Segall
4/5
Banger, simply put
Adam Green
3/5
This man likes singing about genitals
blink-182
2/5
Another Blink-182 record. This doesn’t feel as essential. I like that there’s just a The Cure track in the middle
The Mountain Goats
4/5
A modern folk classic and a deserved spot on this list! Delightfully lo-fi
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
4/5
Listening to this now I realize how long it’s been since I last did. A very good album, although I don’t find it as amazing as others here do. I’ve also never quite gotten around to how the climactic build-ups just fizzle out and move to the next section. Still, my favourite GY!BE record alongside Slow Riot For New Zerø Kanada, and something that should have been on the book’s original roster
Hikaru Utada
4/5
Good japanese pop! Nice to have a new one after a streak of classics
Igorrr
3/5
Not as crazy as I used to think it was, but still solid and quite impressive from a production standpoint. If you can find some of the behind the scenes material for how they got some of the sounds on their records I recommend watching those, helps one appreciate the craftmanship even more. “Problème d’émotion” is a personal favourite
Chet Baker
4/5
More jazz? Yes please 🙏
The Decemberists
4/5
Not my first (or second–fourth) choice for Decemberists album, but not a bad one either! Gets better every time I return to it. Next time I might be able to follow the story
Sublime
4/5
Even though I was cold and starving at the time of listening, I still had a good time ☀️ classic
Koritni
3/5
I have to wonder what makes one think that what this list needs is more hard rock from the 2000s. Not a bad record though
Pedro The Lion
3/5
Unfamiliar pick but this is kind of my jam. Does remind me of Death Cab For Cutie at points.
Type O Negative
4/5
Took me some time to get into Type O Negative, but now I can see the vision. R.I.P. Peter Steele 🦇🩸
The War On Drugs
3/5
Never quite been my thing, but the music is solid. Perhaps a bit long
4/5
A great album from the last 5 years? Take notes Robert!
Dave Matthews Band
3/5
Like fusion but a little less cool
Bon Iver
3/5
Interesting but honestly can’t remember much of anything about it
Nightwish
3/5
Not bad. Symphonic metal like this always seems so steeped in strange musical decisions. Why was there a four-on-the-floor disco beat on this album? Many mysteries
Operation Ivy
4/5
Banger!!! Great pick, even as a compilation record
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
There’s more than one Teenage Fanclub album!?
Garbage
4/5
I don’t have anything clever to say (or a joke to make about their name, which is not clever), I just like this music
Mull Historical Society
4/5
Was skeptical of this being another unknown 2000s indie record at first, but got into it! Some nice songs on this thing
Debbie Gibson
4/5
Unexpected pop banger from the 80s!
Joe Jackson
4/5
Joe Jackson is a too often forgotten artist today, this is funky stuff!
Bob Mould
4/5
Another solid if unexpected pick. Personally would have still gone for Zen Arcade though
The Cure
4/5
A 2024 album, daring! Not a total shock though, considering it’s the first album in 16 years from such an iconic band, and considering it’s a return to form! A nice chance to give it another listen through
4/5
Nice and steady. Wasn’t expecting to see Hum here but I’m happy I did!
Alex Cameron
3/5
Good pop music. Disarmingly often that ”pussy” is sung though
Crash Test Dummies
3/5
Didn’t think much of this, so I’m suprised to see so much praise coming from the reviews here! I guess I just don’t get it. Maybe sometime in the future I will
Bran Van 3000
3/5
Somewhat underwhelmed at first by what seemed to be another 2000s dance album, but around the halfway mark there’s a shift towards more indie tunes. Suddenly it’s much more difficult to make heads or tails about this album! Though with such a unique charcter I can see why you’d want share it with others. Still not the biggest fan of the first half, but the song ”Dare I Say” struck me. Real nice tune
The Burning Hell
3/5
More indie! Varie instrumentation is appreciated, though I’m not such a fan of the vocals. Overall decent
Sparks
4/5
Disco Sparks, complete with production handled by Giorgio Moroder himself. A great combination
TOOL
4/5
I maintain that this album could have been about 30 minutes shorter, but it’s a classic record at this point. Very deserved placement on this list, and much more than many of the post-2000 picks
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
4/5
Good album and a very deserved pick for the 2010s
Screaming Females
3/5
Solid modern rock album with cool riffs
Modest Mouse
5/5
Wow, this wasn’t included in the original list? Important correction by the user who submitted this. Obvious classic, and absolutely an album you should have heard before you die. Such creative instrumental parts, iconic vocals, an all around indie essential.
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
4/5
Rock on brother
John Mayer
3/5
Went into this album ready to hate, but I can’t lie… I was grooving to the songs
Damien Rice
4/5
Touching songs 🕊️
Harmonium
5/5
Harmonium! Kudos to this excellent pick. Listening to this album for the first time I was impressed by it's power, returning to it now its beauty is what stands out to me. In either case, this is a fantastic record. On the lengthier side, but the sweeping quality of the music lends itself to it
Switchfoot
3/5
If I had to pick an album that sounds like 2003, this would be high up on the list! Good songs on here nonetheless
Extrechinato y Tu
3/5
Interesting mix of styles. Definitely wouldn’t have heard this if not for it appearing here
Amon Düül II
4/5
Classic, a great pick. I’m more partial to Phallus Dei but this one seems to have a bigger impact. Definitely could see this being included in the original list
Jellyfish
4/5
Very solid and melodic rock songs!
The Posies
3/5
Another solid power pop album. Wouldn’t have picked this personally, but isn’t bad
Graham Parker
4/5
Going into this I was skeptical: A pop album from circa 1980s by an artist I’ve never heard of, not the greatest formula for success. But to my suprise it was a real banger! Full of infectious melodies and energetic playing. Thank you to whoever submitted this!
INXS
2/5
Somewhat funky but felt kind of hollow honestly
100 gecs
3/5
Not 1000 gecs? Well, this is fine too I suppose
Backstreet Boys
2/5
This group only ever made 2 songs
Shania Twain
3/5
Good fun songs!
The Amazing Devil
3/5
Curious mix of styles, not bad
TOOL
4/5
Okok TOOL might have multiple good albums
HELLYEAH
2/5
I appreciate their enthusiasm
Sampha
4/5
Good songs 😀 Cool drums 😀Nice voice 😀
Stars
4/5
Another album that I faced with skepticism and ended up enjoying! This is the kind of compositionally creative indie I really enjoy. 4 stars 😉
Yeasayer
3/5
This does have the same feeling as many of the flavor-of-the-month albums that take up most of the 2000s and onwards in the 1001 Albums book. Many cool sounds though, not a bad record
Stromae
4/5
Quite simply: Banger
The Caretaker
3/5
Used to see this discussed a lot before Everywhere At The End Of Time took over all The Caretaker dicussions. So it’s nice to see this album again (also nice to not have to dedicate 6 hours to one album). This album is enjoyable, but the effect is somewhat lost if you don’t find lounge jazz to be creepy. I find it to be rather pleasant
Amadou & Mariam
3/5
Nice! Lots of cool grooves
Jai Paul
4/5
If this is the unfinished album then the finished version must’ve been crazy
Mustafa
3/5
I believe this is the first ep I’ve had here, how novel. A gentle listen
Chucklehead
3/5
Mid-90s funk, not bad
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
3/5
I know this is a classic, but I’m just not crazy about this album! Many majestic sections, it’s the inbetween that doesn’t convince me
Bloc Party
5/5
One of the top albums of the 2000s yessirr. Absolutely snubbed from the original list with how many flavour of the month albums took its potential place. Chock-full of hooks, detailed guitar interplay between Kele and Russell, steady bass (and synth!) from Gordon, and the explosive, expressive drumming from the one and only Matt Tong. Glad someone else picked this so I don’t have to regret not picking it myself!
Jimmy Buffett
3/5
🏝️
Jeff Rosenstock
4/5
Banger! A great pick from the last 10 years.
Bon Iver
4/5
Putting the bon in bon iver
Jimmy Eat World
3/5
Not bad, maybe a bit too 2000s emo adjacent for me
Carly Rae Jepsen
4/5
I love bubblegum pop!!!
Primus
4/5
This band sucks, and this may be their most sucky album
Thee Oh Sees
4/5
Like a kick in the face
The Upsetters
4/5
More dub actually from Jamaica, please
Jack Johnson
2/5
This is between a 2 and a 3 but I’m rounding it down for the lameness factor. Sorry not sorry
Titus Andronicus
4/5
Had heard of this album for a long time but never gave it a listen myself, so a fitting pick for this list. Glad to have heard it now, this is a rousing punk journey
The Jesus Lizard
4/5
A good pick with long lasting influence. ”Mouth Breather” has such a kickass riff
Gurrumul
4/5
Mighty compositions, reminds me of the works of ”minimalists” such as Steve Reich. Perhaps a bit long and repetetive (heh), personally I found myself enjoying it the whole way through
Great Big Sea
3/5
Irish folk punk? Not a bad combo
Angelo De Augustine
3/5
Sweet sounds
Roky Erickson
3/5
R.I.P. Roky Erickson. Solid rock album
Hombres G
3/5
Fun and lively 🙌
Killswitch Engage
2/5
This isn’t terrible as far as metalcore goes, but it’s not my style!
They Might Be Giants
4/5
Interesting pick for sole They Might Be Giants album on this list, but what do I know! Good album nonetheless
Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera
4/5
Damn, why haven’t I heard of this before? A groovy psych record if I ever heard one
GAS
4/5
Ambient representation, excellent!
Billy Squier
3/5
Pretty fine hard rock with some dance tendencies
Mary Chapin Carpenter
3/5
Can’t say I personally see why you must hear this before you die, but it is a pleasant country record
Daft Punk
5/5
Now this is an album that was sorely missing from the official list! Not sure why this didn’t make the cut, considering it has the commercial, critical and cultural presence. This is also one of the first albums I listened to front to back, so nostalgia is unavoidably a factor in why I enjoy it so much. But the album holds up musically too! This is a modern classic, and a needed addition
4/5
Interesting choice for second Eels album over Electro-Shock Blues, but good nonetheless. It’s nifty to hear an indie album with such spare use of guitar, favouring keyboards instead
Arthur Russell
4/5
There’s a lot you could say about this album that I’m not able to put into writing at the moment. Simply put, a special album by a special artist, and an album that very well deserved to be on the original list.
Kano
3/5
Funny british rap
The Dear Hunter
3/5
Good, but not my style. I’m rarely able to follow the ”story” when listening to concept albums. Strange place to end also
Ornette Coleman
5/5
Was this really not in the official edition of the book?? A necessary correction if so! Ornette Coleman has become one of my favourite artists. Though I think he went on to make better records, from the first melody of ”Lonely Woman” you know this is a special musical document. A true jazz classic, which is something that deserves much more representation on this list
Transvision Vamp
3/5
💅
Martha
3/5
This cover art sucks but the music is ok
Björk
5/5
Why was this not on the og list bruv 😭😭
Chloe x Halle
3/5
Slick
Protomartyr
4/5
Banger album from a banger band
Men I Trust
4/5
Whilst somewhat on the longer side, it is nice sit down and immerse oneself in the soft tones
Valerie June
3/5
Fine 👍
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Funny lounge vibes here and there
The Hold Steady
2/5
This is NOT Bruce Springsteen
A great record! Never listened to this one out of their albums for some reason, so it’s good to hear it now and see that Mew made great records from the go
Procol Harum
4/5
People often talk about bands and artist being ”underrated”. If there is one band this would apply to, it’s Procol Harum. Although perhaps ”forgotten” is more apt: It’s rare that I see them mentioned nowadays in late 60s-70s rock conversations. This is music that should live on!
Tori Amos
3/5
Not bad but don’t really feel like there needs to be more Tori Amos on here
The Tragically Hip
3/5
Good music, needs more time for me though
Crystal Castles
4/5
Another classic that should have been included from the start! I am more partial to their second record, but this one has all the hits
Kayo Dot
5/5
My own submission! Does this mean I’m at the end of the user generated list?
I could go on about everything that I revere in the music but, well, you can listen to it yourself. Since this album has already recieved many ratings and reviews, I will take this opportunity to elaborate on why I have chosen this niche and unaccomodating work for a userbase which has rated ”Rumours” as one of the top 10 albums out of the 1000+ possibilities. I admit that this was an indulgent pick, so I salute all of those who gave the whole thing a fair shot, and to all those who gave it a ”did-not-listen”: Sorry for scaring you off.
A few users questioned picking this album where other, more established classics in it’s field are missing. Certainly, Neurosis’ ”Through Silver In Blood” or Isis’ ”Panopticon” are more beloved ”post-metal” records from about the same time. Even in the small world of Kayo Dot, the predecessor Maudlin of the Well’s ”Bath” has amassed a much larger cult following over the years. So why wouldn’t I choose something more appropriate given the context?
The answer is that I, simply, think that this album is much better than the other choices, and that I want this record to be seen in the same light. I’ve certainly listened to enough forgotten rock and indie submissions to not feel any guilt about my own selfish choice! Now that the Tzadik catalogue is available on streaming services, it’s as good a time as any to turn people onto Choirs Of The Eye, having only been available on CD and limited vinyl before.
Kayo Dot — and the other works of lead creative force Toby Driver — are unfortunately mismatched with the current trends of music consumption. Besides being decidedly uncommercial, there are two elements that enables the music to fully reveal itself: One is repeated listens, and the other is giving the music full attention. If I had not lended this album those courtesies, I most likely would not have become the superfan I am now.
So, being the nature of this site, I don’t assume that everyone who listens will have time to ”get” it before giving a rating (although there have been suprisingly many high ratings already!). However, just having had this many new people listen to this album is a success on it’s own. If even one listener sees the bottomless beauty in it that I do, I am more than satisfied in having chosen this as my album that you must hear before you die.
Joe Cocker
3/5
A lot of blues
Bad Religion
3/5
Good clean punk 👍
Avenged Sevenfold
2/5
I keep confusing this band with 6 Feet Under so I was relieved to not have to listen to 72 minutes of that band. 72 minutes of this band is still a bit too much though
Polvo
4/5
Not Today’s Active Lifestyles? No matter, any Polvo is good! This side of 90s rock needs more representation anyhow
Chappell Roan
3/5
Fun album!
Avicii
2/5
Avicii did have a certain touch (heh) to his beats, but for a whole album’s length it wears out on you
Tame Impala
3/5
I like the hits
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
3/5
Nice music to cook spaghetti to
Steven Wilson
3/5
Solid, though I prefer his albums “Grave For Drowning” and “The Raven That Refused To Sing”
Fontaines D.C.
4/5
❤️
Ian McDonald
4/5
Very underrated album! Any chance to get to hear more of Michael Giles’ drumming is a good time
THE SPORTS
4/5
Suprised by how groovy this was!
Emicida
3/5
Cheerful
Haley Heynderickx
3/5
Nice indie music 👍
Sunny Day Real Estate
5/5
One of the best openers of all time
The Lumineers
3/5
Fine, don’t see why you’d have to hear it before you die though!
Childish Gambino
4/5
Quite a solid funk/soul effort from mr. Gambino!
Amyl and The Sniffers
4/5
Banger!
Portishead
4/5
Now all the Portishead albums are included. Deserved? Yes
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
More Sufjan ❤️
Cluster
5/5
A personal favourite, glad to see that someone else thought to include it here! There’s a light bounce to this album that keeps me circling back to it. A early example of electronic pop. Sweet!
Arca
3/5
Good ep from Arca 👍
Vampire Weekend
4/5
I could’ve sworn this was already on the list. Either way, a 2010s indie classic
Spose
2/5
Second disc elevated this to a 2
Louis Armstrong
4/5
Suddenly, music history
System Of A Down
3/5
Preferred this to the SOAD album included in the list proper. Interesting that this one wasn’t chosen instead when it has their hit singles and it charted better, considering that those are traits written about extensively in many of the book’s entries
The Sound
4/5
Not Jeopardy? Daring
Times New Viking
4/5
My kind of indie 🎸
The Tragically Hip
4/5
Carving out The Hip’s place on this list, one album at a time
The 1975
2/5
Fine pop, but a bit too bland for my taste!
Songs: Ohia
5/5
Jason Molina is one of my favourite singers and this is one of his most heart-rending performances. Glad that someone else included this great work on here
Weezer
5/5
Totally ridiculous that this was omitted from the book proper. Get it together, Robert
Slowdive
5/5
Another album that should’ve been included already. In fact, I was sure it already was!
I don’t have much to say about this one, it’s a shoegaze essential
Enter Shikari
3/5
Not bad for this style, but I feel like there’s a lot of essential albums that should be included first. I guess I’m not the right person to make the criticism though!
Jimmy Eat World
4/5
A bit of a cult classic this one. A consistent collection of songs, but my favourite track is actually the bonus track “Sweetness”
Death
3/5
Hoglan went off
Death Cab for Cutie
5/5
A rare occasion where I’m listening to this album aside of new year’s. I should do it more often
John Martyn
3/5
Don’t personally feel the need for 3 John Martyn albums, but this is pleasant :)
TOOL
3/5
3 Tool albums? The jury’s out on this one.
This is the Tool album I’m the most mixed on. On one hand it has some of their best songs, on the other there’s a loooooot of dead air (looking at you ”(-) Ions”). There’s at least 10 minutes that could’ve been trimmed off without losing any artistic value. Much more likely that I’d pick out the best tracks and listen to them separately, although that is also the case with every Tool album.
Sports Team
3/5
Go sports
Mogwai
4/5
A classic 👏 Well deserving of a spot on this list with how synonymous Mogwai is with post rock
Tosca
4/5
Didn’t expect to see this one here. A slick collection of grooves
Marillion
3/5
I’ve never been able to get into Marillion the way they’re praised by many prog fans. Something about their music is just so… labored. This is one of their better albums nonetheless, but compared to other contemporary, preceding and later bands I don’t find them very impressive
Marillion
3/5
We did NOT need two Marillion albums! Hogarth is a better fit for the band though
Margot & The Nuclear So And So's
3/5
(Quite) alright
Bon Iver
4/5
Trés bon
The Chameleons
4/5
Repping the cult classics 💪 You can still hear a lot of this in current alt/indie bands of the internet
R.E.M.
4/5
Good album but with the 4 something R.E.M. albums already included this one is somewhat excessive
Sam Fender
3/5
From this year? Personally, there’s a lot of releases I would’ve picked instead. Different strokes :)
Boy Azooga
4/5
Funky music, actually! A pleasant suprise
Biffy Clyro
3/5
Cool record!
Johnny Winter
3/5
I think this guy likes rock music
Robyn Hitchcock
3/5
Curious little record
Touché Amoré
3/5
Decent post-hardcore
Frightened Rabbit
3/5
I think I enjoyed this but I honestly can't remember!
The Angelic Process
4/5
I wouldn't have guessed that this album would be coming up here. A welcome change of pace from the usual styles that are covered by user submissions (and the original list entries). Mighty atmospheres conjured
Café Tacvba
4/5
Enjoyed this quite a bit! Many danceable grooves with varied approaches
Lo Fidelity Allstars
3/5
Nice beats yeah
Lady Gaga
3/5
if we're talking the history of pop music this absolutely should have been on the list! I however suspect that personal biases separates certain eras of pop music as "important" and "unimportant" in the minds of the author(s). This isn't a darling to me either, but in terms of presence Gaga is unquestionable. And the hits are the hits
Boards of Canada
5/5
On par with Music Has The Right To Children.
Guy Clark
4/5
good ole country
Rachel Stevens
3/5
Above average pop
Refused
4/5
Even though I consider post-hardcore to be one of my favourite genres, I've never listened to this album all the way through before now. I see that I was missing out! Solid work
Os Mundi
3/5
Neat jams, props for the flute
Courtney Barnett
3/5
Indie 👍
Psyche Origami
3/5
This type of quirky, jazzy hip-hop is a treat. However I do recall that having a wikipedia page was a criterion for albums being chosen 🤓☝️
Unwound
4/5
More post-hardcore 🤟 this is probably the most ”accessible” Unwound record, so it’s an understandable pick!
Neil Cicierega
3/5
Inspired. Something you would never see on the original list, which is cool
Vangelis
4/5
Though the film is one of my favourites, I've never given the soundtrack a proper listen before. It's great, of course, and a lot more diverse than I'd predicted. Some tracks are reminiscent of something Boards of Canada would later make. Perhaps if I had listened to this more times it could get to a 5, but for now it will be a strong 4
The Groundhogs
4/5
Rocking tunes, very nice
A dear friend introduced me to many folk punk artists back in the day (Paul Barbeau, Pat The Bunny’s countless projects, the works). I recall this being a personal discovery though. There’s an inescapable corniness here, but the energy in the performances outweighs it threefold. The essence of a folk punk classic
Yo La Tengo
4/5
Should certainly take the place of one of the many outdated british artists that fill up so much of th 90s-00s. Great band that balances avant-garde with melodic songwriting
Roger Waters
3/5
Sounds like Roger Waters! Didn’t much if an impression besides that
Al Stewart
4/5
The good part of people submitting less familiar albums is discovering great music I was unaware of! Lovely 70s music
TOOL
3/5
With this, 80% of TOOL's studio albums are included in this list. Though I personally would have chose Undertow over this, including it now would not bring any good. This should have been left at Lateralus, because all their albums post Paul D'Amour have largely been variations on a common sound.
Fear Inoculum distinguishes itself by immersing itself fully into the mystical side of the TOOL sound, almost completely forgoing their heavy leanings. Unfortunately, this is my less favored side of TOOL's sound, and for nearly 90 minutes it becomes less monumental and more tedious. I mean, all of the long-form tracks develop in essentially the same way, and the identical climax isn't particularly moving by the first, let alone the 6th time. Another reviewer noted that this direction is likely due to the massive expectations on this album after 15 some years of anticipation, and I am inclined to agree.
I realise this review has turned quite negative, but I actually didn't particularly dislike this album. It's just a lot of nothing. I'm sure you can find a more interesting album from 2019 to include.
Medeski, Martin & Wood
3/5
Wasn’t sure where I recognised this group from, but then I remembered that they participated in John Zorn’s ”Masada Book Two: Book Of Angels” series. Makes sense considering this music: Smooth, groovy improvisations with a tendency to break out in unusual directions. A nice morning listen
Pearl Jam
4/5
Nowadays I hear a lot of smack talk directed at Pearl Jam, which is unjustified because these guys rock! This and their debut are both great pieces of grunge
LaBelle
4/5
More disco is something I don’t mind
Deltron 3030
4/5
A classic for hip-hop heads. In terms of well rounded rap albums, this is one of the most balanced. Always a treat to revisit, though I have cooled off on it a little bit over the years.
3/5
Still not my thing, but this one has more good songs than the other album that was submitted. So if someone asks me what my favourite The 1975 song is, I can now answer ”Love It If We Made It”
CAKE
4/5
If a band has a trumpetist they know what’s up 🙏
New Model Army
3/5
Good post-punk I hadn’t heard of before
Alexisonfire
3/5
Better than the other Alexisonfire album on here, there’s better music in this style etc etc. I enjoyed this one
Dead Boys
4/5
I’ve definitely heard this before because Sonic Reducer reawakened my memory, just not sure when that would’ve been. Glad to have been reminded since this is a juicy cut of early punk
David Baerwald
3/5
Pretty cozy stuff, fits a rainy day
Charli xcx
4/5
It’s difficult to predict the staying power of a pop album only one year on, but so far the impact of this album is still felt. Either way it’s good music, so this pick is a fair one
Harry Styles
3/5
Harry Styles is a pop star who you can tell actually tries to make good music beyond just having a hit, which I respect him for. There are good songs on this record, but I also feel like the whole thing drags even though it’s only 46 minutes long. If this was tighter and filled with the good songs it could be a great album!
ISIS
3/5
A good post-metal album. The high points are great but the rest aren’t overly affecting for me
Olivia Rodrigo
3/5
If this is modern pop… that’s cool!
Jon Batiste
3/5
Nice tunes, pretty funky
Turnpike Troubadours
3/5
Fine pop country. Suprising to see play counts in the tens of millions for an artist I’ve never heard of. Goes to show how self-sufficient the country ecosystem is
Les sheriff
3/5
Solid punk from france. A strong 3 from me, would probably be higher if I was more familiar with the band
The Vaccines
3/5
Not my style, but solid nonetheless!
BABYMETAL
3/5
Gen-Z Mr. Bungle
Ani DiFranco
3/5
Fine singer-songwriter type music. The length hurts the album unfortunately, if this circa 20 minutes shorter it could’ve been better
Cat System Corp.
3/5
🥤
Wishbone Ash
4/5
I’ve known of this album for a long time but never gave it a listen. I see now how much I was missing out! Sometime World is absolutely phenomenal
Gang of Youths
3/5
Was skeptical at first, but there are many good moments on this record. We have to chill with the 70+ min albums though
My Chemical Romance
4/5
Easily one of the book’s most glaring omission of the 2000s, which most likely is only because of the writers’ personal biases. Just a modern rock classic
Neutral Milk Hotel
5/5
Courtesy of my brother this is one of the first albums I listened to, so it is very hard to see this as music and not ”In the Aeroplane Over the Sea”. In retrospect this could explain why I have some abnormal expectations in music
Deafheaven
4/5
Crazy that this is 12 years old now. I've never really though too much of the -gaze suffix of blackgaze, since it mostly boils down to heavy reverb instead of the effects soup that goes into true shoegaze band. It does create an atmosphere though!
Barenaked Ladies
3/5
Really didn’t expect to see Barenaked Ladies here, but the music isn’t bad all in all
John Coltrane
4/5
More jazz is always welcomed 🙏 This is a different side of Coltrane than what is usually heard, playing a supportive role to Johnny Hartman’s song. A short and sweet recording
The Church
3/5
This bandname did ring a bell and, unless there's two Australian bands active in the 80s and 90s going by "The Church", I have heard a record by them previously. I'm curious as to why one would choose such a recent release compared to their "classic" material, but then I'm not really familiar with the band! This album was quite alright, more textural than what I recall of their older work.
The Heads
3/5
A somewhat interesting curiosity and collaborative concept. Hasn’t aged all that well in a few spots, but there is good material to be found here
Ornatos Violeta
4/5
A nice discovery! Ambitious alt-rockish songs, some hints of muse in there
Ex-Easter Island Head
4/5
Wonderful textures, sat just right today
Mylène Farmer
4/5
Moody pop from the early 90s that can be dull in many cases, but executed well in this one! Bon pick
Dream Theater
3/5
I missed the window of my adolescence where I could have become a Dream Theater fan. As it stands for me they’re a band with good moments, but rarely a full good song. This record has many good moments though, and ”Metropolis - Part 1” is one of my favourite compositions of theirs. The synthetic production unfortunately dampens my enjoyment, and LaBrie should really sing more inside his range, but overall this is still on of their strongest efforts. This isn’t an album I would’ve but on this list, but I can’t really argue with the inclusion
Kashmir
3/5
Surpise David Bowie feature
Built To Spill
5/5
I’m early on this submission it seems, so I can’t quite tell how the broader userbase views this album. Hopefully we agree that this is one of the high watermarks of the 90s (indie) rock scene
Magdalena Bay
5/5
We’re on a streak here! I have a lot of grace with the pop albums chosen, but truthfully this is the level I wish they could all reach. Excellent production, performances and songwriting.
Metric
4/5
Above average indie!
Living Colour
3/5
Maybe my opinion has shifted, but I liked this more than ”Vivid”. Unfortunately still quite off its time, but the good music still shines through
Final Fantasy
4/5
Intriguing sounds! Happy to have discovered this ”chamber-indie”
Bright Eyes
4/5
It’s morning indeed
Brand New
4/5
Hate to say that they’re nice with it…
Duncan Dhu
3/5
Cozy :) but too long!!
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
3/5
Not as bad as I feared but absolutely too long
Paul McCartney
5/5
Now this is what you love to see when you refreesh the page 🙏 I’ve fallen in love with this album this year so this arrived right on time for me to give it a full score. One of my favourite Beatles related efforts really.
Descendents
5/5
One of (if not) my favourite classic hardcore records. The energy is totally infectious, yet the songs are not just three chord stomps. Great playing too, especially from the bass. Keep the classics coming
Everything Everything
3/5
I’m a bit suprised that this one wasn’t on the list already, it seems like just the kind of thing critics would’ve snapped up for the 2010s. Good album with some great tracks
Yellowcard
3/5
Quite decent pop-punk 👍
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
4/5
Polymeters :D
Shpongle
4/5
It’s interesting what could become a famous in the 90s
The Notwist
4/5
Indie with an electronic bend, I dig it!
Rita Ora
2/5
This is an interesting pick. What makes this an album you would want to pick for this context? To me it seems very derivative, but for the user who picked it there is probably something about it that I missed. I’m curious to hear their take!
Chris de Burgh
4/5
Fun 70s singer songwriter tunes. I dig it!
Ookla The Mok
3/5
The most 2000s music imaginable
Powderfinger
3/5
Okay !
Comus
5/5
What an excellent pick 😌 This is one of my personal favourite records. There isn’t really another band that sounds like them, except for bands that heard this record and wanted to do the same thing. Some of my fellow reviewers have complained about it being demented or disgusting, but that’s exactly the appeal! And right when we’ve been introduced to the ugly world of ”Diana”, we’re faced with the spellbinding ”The Herald”. This isn’t an album you can reduce to a simple statement, rather it is one you can get lost in for years
Daft Punk
4/5
Super dope, definitely more of a fan pleaser though. Would’ve personally gone for Random Access Memories (unless it has already been chosen?)
Savatage
3/5
Personally, I feel there are a lot of genre legends I would’ve gone for before this one, but in terms of representing the style it’s accurate. An enjoyable listen
King Tubby
4/5
More dub and great dub at that! Lovely music to put on and let unfold
Eric B. & Rakim
4/5
Ridiculous to think that this wasn’t on the list proper. If there ever was a classic rap album, this is it! The beats haven’t yet caught up to Rakim’s futuristic rhyming sense by this point, but the rapping is more than enough to carry the lp.
Wussy
3/5
Good indie, I enjoyed it
Manchester Orchestra
3/5
Indie, not bad
BABYMETAL
3/5
Thankfully this one is only 35 minutes long
Espers
4/5
Gothic folk, good stuff
3/5
Good, although this class of heavy, shout sung post-punk that so many bands do has grown stale on me. “Gram Rock” stood out as a great track
Mr. Bungle
5/5
You wanted to submit self-titled, didn’t you?
Talking Heads
4/5
Super classic, but the film is the supreme experience
Ozzy Osbourne
4/5
Damn this rocks out, I should have given this a listen before
Anaïs Mitchell
3/5
Somewhat hit and miss for me, certainly with good moments
Agalloch
3/5
Another hit and miss album for me! There are good moments especially in regards to the atmosphere™, but generally it just feels too static for me. Marrow Of The Spirit appreciators will have their day
Fall Out Boy
1/5
Really, really not my style. Reminds me a lot of Maroon 5 actually. Surely we could’ve gone for From Under The Cork Tree? Cover is tuff though
Jason Isbell
3/5
What a big impression ths must have to add it the same year it waa released! For me it will need more time
Spinvis
3/5
Nice tunes, reminded me of Stereolab in places
Beyoncé
4/5
A very solid record! Can definitely see this going in the list proper
Fontaines D.C.
4/5
Good dogrel
Hamilton Leithauser
3/5
When the indie
Various Artists
4/5
Excellent soundtrack
Lift To Experience
4/5
The most legendary example of inverse correlation between cover art and music quality. Glad to revisit!
Zamilska
3/5
This would have been a good Halloween album
Pink Floyd
5/5
Actually finding it somewhat difficult to rate this record, since I’ve gone back and forth with my opinion of it. In a different rating system I would have given it a 4.5, so I’ll round it up here. I don’t think I’ve appreciated how good the bass playing by Waters & Gilmour is before
Mac Miller
4/5
I was thinking about what Mac Miller album would have been more representative of his music than this. The conclusion I arrived at is that no one album represents every facet of Miller's musicianship. This album represents the soulful direction he was moving in before his untimely death. Mac Miller is an artist that has touched a lot of listeners and this is a modern album which deserves to have been included!
Weezer
5/5
How do you go from this debut and sophmore run to falling off so hard following it? It can’t just be Matt Sharp… can it?
Depeche Mode
4/5
More Depeche Mode. Don’t think there need to be 3 if their albums on here, but this one could take the place of Music for the Masses
Foxing
4/5
Hey I know these guys. Good album
"Weird Al" Yankovic
3/5
He’s not that weird
No Doubt
3/5
This is… good
Chuck Berry
4/5
Old but gold! Chuck Berry is naturally the star, but the drummers were also laying it down on this
Nic Jones
4/5
Lovely folk, never heard of it before
Porcupine Tree
3/5
Not my type of prog, but some good moments sprinkled in
Crass
4/5
I’m a sucker for classic punk, what can I say
Auri
3/5
A progressive folk album by some of the people behind Nightwish. Never heard of this project before, it’s decent
Talk Talk
5/5
You won’t hear me complaining about getting to hear more Talk Talk
The Breeders
4/5
I could’ve sworn this one was on the list proper. Personally would havw gone with Pod but this one is great too!
Billy Strings
4/5
I had my doubts going in, but this is super solid country! My one critique is that it should have been wayy shorter
Boredoms
4/5
Oops, forgot to rate this. Personally would have gone for Vision Creation Newsun but Boredoms is Boredoms.
Childish Gambino
3/5
Good but not greatly impressive to my ears
David Allan Coe
4/5
Country with some serious groove!
Matthew Good Band
4/5
Ok I was ready to hate but this is gas 💯
Current 93
4/5
Ha-ha, Current 93! I don’t expect many here to be fans of David Tibet’s esoteric soundscapes, but for such a project to be able to cull contributions from names as big as Nick Cave it merits special attention. This record and “Thunder Perfect Mind” are probably the easiest entry points into the band, with many quite beautiful moments like “The BloodBells Chime”. Respect for this pick
Nujabes
5/5
R.I.P.
65daysofstatic
4/5
A band I should listen to more! The Fall of Math is another great record of theirs
Songs: Ohia
5/5
A lot of things I could say about this one that doesn’t come to mind. Thanks for the music Jason
Future Islands
3/5
Average synth pop tunes. Not a huge fan of the vocalist, although he had some great moments.
Reincidentes
3/5
Has some great moments
Michael Hurley
4/5
I was grooving along to this one
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Conflicted about this one, since I wasn’t feeling it until the last 4 songs when I was starting to feel it. Leaving this at 3 stars for this, maybe I will revisit this album sometime in the future. We did NOT need more than one Alex Harvey album though‼️‼️
Denzel Curry
5/5
Not going to go on about Taboo since this was my favourite album of 2022. Denzel Curry is an excellent artist and is only getting better with time, this album being a perfect example of his evolution.
Chico Science
3/5
Nice grooves. I could swear "Enquanto O Mundo Explode" (I think it was) inspired At The Drive-In's song "Arcarsenal"
Danny Brown
5/5
A classic in my ears. Unorthodox but masterfully constructed beats, and Danny Brown lays down sharp lyrics about a life decroded. I don’t listen to this so much these days, but when I do I remember how great it is
Robyn
3/5
Fun pop
Karnivool
3/5
Good modern prog. I have heard the name before but never interfaced with the music myself
Glass Animals
3/5
Nice alternativeish pop with some creative production choices
ROSALÍA
2/5
Was thinking that one of the tracks had very Björk-like vocals, only to find out it was Björk. But be so for real, this album came out a month ago
The Who
4/5
Kind of funny to add an album by a band that already has (at least) 5 albums on the list. It's a very good album though
3/5
For the submitter: Have you listened to Sweet Trip? I think you’d like them!
Daft Punk
2/5
This is non-essential Daft Punk. Decent soundtracking, but as an album listening experience it doesn't reach that level of their other works. I like them too but this is scraping the barrel in terms of inclusion on this list. Really hoping that Random Access Memories was already included by someone else, because otherwise... oy
Aesop Rock
5/5
The modern rap picks for the submission have been excellent lately. Aesop Rock is a rapper with a small group of peers in terms of lyricism. For this album his expressionistic writing has been focused and honed in on telling the story of a middleish aged man, his life and situation. The creativity of Aesop’s wordplay is perfectly paired with the specificity of the subjects of these tracks. This is probably the best album of his to showcase his gifts whilst still being largely digestible and conventionally comprehensible. Love it
Freestylers
3/5
Decent electronic dance music. Pretty good cooking music
Stray From The Path
2/5
Not the worst metalcore(?) I’ve heard, but the clumsy lyrics really take me out of it. I guess if you really want something more like RATM you might like this. Appreciate the length, however
4/5
Heard a lot of buzz around this when it came our but never listened myself. It’s good! R.I.P. to SOPHIE
Dolly Parton
3/5
Change of the millenium Dolly Parton? i guess bro
Pop Will Eat Itself
3/5
More british music for the list(!)
Rodríguez
4/5
Cool discovery!
Charles Aznavour
4/5
Another cool discovery! Great jazzy backing for the singing of Aznavour
Broken Social Scene
4/5
Great record, but not ”You Forgot It In People”?
Bruce Hornsby
2/5
Not my kind of jazz!
Ween
5/5
I'm starting a conspiracy now, because I could have solemnly sworn that this and Pure Guava were already on Dimery's list. Why did I think that? I guess because they should have been! Have a very boognish Christmas everyone
Vince Guaraldi Trio
5/5
THE best Christmas album
The Chats
4/5
Love these chaps. Fuck off
Tom Petty
3/5
Not my favourite era of Tom Petty!! Still some great cuts on here
Ryan Adams
4/5
May this be my greatest shame, I enjoy this man’s music!
Black Devil Disco Club
4/5
Nice! A gem I had forgotten about. Disco bordering on electronic at times.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
4/5
I dig it, especially the recording
Shudder To Think
4/5
Cool pick! Reminds me of a somewhat more conventional ”Time Of Orchids”
Porcupine Tree
3/5
I hope we’re not getting Daft Punk number of submissions for ol’ Steve Wilson here, but this is a good album. Generally I enjoy pre In Absentia Porcupine Tree most
Noname
4/5
Cool jazzy rap!
Charly García
3/5
Nice tunes
Amália Rodrigues
4/5
You know it’s fado if they sing about singing fado
Warren Zevon
4/5
Love this guy
Lady Gaga
4/5
Gaga 🙏
Alabama 3
4/5
Solid trip-hop grooves even besides the fact that they made the thene song to The Sopranos
Jaco Pastorius
5/5
A stone cold classic. A diverse exhibition of Jaco’s artistey. And so much bass exellence
Swans
4/5
Not their best
Mac DeMarco
4/5
Great tunes, a modern indie classic
Lizzy McAlpine
3/5
Not a huge fan of the lyricism, but the songs I don’t have a problem with! Nice music
Shihad
3/5
Good tunes 🇳🇿
Digable Planets
4/5
Great pick! A jazzy rap classic, very well could (and should) have been on the original list
Massive Attack
5/5
Nutty that this wasn’t on here already
of Montreal
4/5
I’ve been served string of classics these past few days. This is a great record. Understandably it stands out in the discography of of Montreal, though they have many other grear records as well
The Weakerthans
4/5
Good indie 👍
The Mountain Goats
4/5
The Mountain Goats are a very consistent band in my view. That is to say: This is a good album
The Stooges
4/5
Having their full studio discography wasn’t enough, absolutely
Mastodon
4/5
This hit really hard the first time I heard it, this time it didn’t. Still a great album though
Quicksand
4/5
Great pick! Quicksand is an often overlooked band in the post-hardcore canon
311
3/5
Fun band, fun songs
Yoko Ono
3/5
Decent tunes
Various Artists
4/5
A riot! A truly classic soundtrack
Electric Callboy
2/5
Just a bit obnoxious
Extremoduro
3/5
Ignoring the extreme breach of etiquette of submitting a close to 4-hour compilation album, the music is pretty good and thankfully varied
Wilco
4/5
A solid debut from Wilco, but I’m not sure I would consider it essential
Gerry Cinnamon
3/5
I recall liking this but I also don’t recall anything about the music
Wolf Alice
4/5
Love is cool and so is this album
Silverchair
4/5
I knew of these guys as a grunge act, didn’t know they have worked with Van Dyke Parks! Good songs with varying balance of both sides
David & The Citizens
3/5
Kinda wish the whole album sounded like the first track. Not bd though!
Black Country, New Road
5/5
Okok, this is an exceptional album. I just wish the intro was longer
Low
5/5
Didn’t remember having this in my downloads, go figure. I haven’t listened to this album so much since the year it came out, 2021, when it was another intriguing progression in the recent evolution of Low’s sound further from any conventional idea of a rock band into coarse, glitchy quasi-electronica. With the tragic passing of Mimi Parker just a little more than a year after the album’s release, this instead has become the final statement in a just shy of 30-year long career.
Comparing this music to that of I Could Live in Hope, the album at the opposite end of Low’s history, or even something a little further along like Things We Lost in The Fire, you would reflexively make the judgment that this is a band that made a complete left turn in their musical direction. Putting aside the fact that one, you would hope a band whose discography just reached its 4th decade will have something new to say compared to when they started, and two, that this move has been presaged by the trajectory of their releases up to this point (and truthfully, the seeds were laid by Curtain Hit The Cast’s sonic explorations at the latest), the essential abstract elements of what could be considered the essence of Low are still clearly present: Mimi and Alan’s harmonising and texture as the primary point of focus.
The distorted sound blocks that can be distantly recognized as having been produced by instruments are often aggressive, overpowering, and even shocking with some frequency. The aspect separating art with shock value from art with staying power, however, is care of expression. In this case, the care would be the craft of songwriting, and Low haven’t sacrificed a drop with the shift from conventional song forms.
I fear I am going to veer away from the nebulous point I’m trying to make the more I write, so I will only bring up one specific instance of music: The closer ”The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)”. In a truly impressive catalogue, this is a finale that I still think about. The slow build, from a somewhat understated first few minutes, keeps piling on until you eventually get the sense that the music itself is evaporating from the sheer energy accumulated. Between this track and the standout single ”Quorum” from the preceding album, the results of Low’s sonic experiment is clear as day.
I haven’t really as much as scratch the shell of everything that HEY WHAT is in all this writing. It’s also 3 am and I don’t think I should stay up any longer trying to elaborate any more than necessary. I mostly just want to pay tribute to an album, band, and artistry that only reveals more the longer it sits with me.
R.I.P. Mimi Parker
Porcupine Tree
4/5
My favourite album of theirs, a good balance of their different sides. But no more PT, please
Malibu
4/5
Another one I had ready in my contacts. Good music to let wash over you
WHY?
4/5
Never knew of this band, but recognized the nane from the member of cLOUDDEAD. I would have chosen a cLOUDDEAD record personally, but maybe that would have been too audacious. Good album though
NOFX
4/5
This rox
Wet Leg
3/5
Good, not bad
Paco de Lucía
4/5
Fuego ❤️🔥 More like this!
Oingo Boingo
4/5
Great band, good to see them represented!
Joan As Police Woman
4/5
Never heard of this, liked it quite a bit! Didn’t even realize I started listening to a bonus disc
Pink Floyd
3/5
Add Meddle if you have to add another Pink Floyd record (you don’t)
Bo Burnham
2/5
Ok this isn’t that bad but I was listening to Steely Dan earlier so my expectation was set too far elsewhere. I also just think Bo Burnham’s comedy annoys me
Tom Misch
4/5
Groovy! Bordering on Berklee-esque theory salad at some points but the foundation is strong enough to support it
Ween
4/5
Somewhat more lowkey release for Ween. Some all-time cuts on here though, for sure
Tyler, The Creator
4/5
🌻
The Tragically Hip
3/5
More Hip, why not
The Housemartins
4/5
Norman Cook lore. Good tunes nonetheless
My Morning Jacket
4/5
Should absolutely take the place of any flavor of the month indie release that represented 2005 from the original book
The Ike Reilly Assassination
3/5
Decent tunes
Turnstile
3/5
Fun tunes
DARKSIDE
4/5
Now this I haven’t encountered in some time. Thick grooves to get submerged in
Q65
4/5
60s Dutch garage rock, neat
Foo Fighters
4/5
Grohl had a good one in him, can’t hate on that
Blackalicious
3/5
A very talented group, however I feel that as an album it’s not as cohesive as I would like. R.I.P. to Gift Of Gab
Beyoncé
4/5
Suprisingly diverse opinions on this album. I thought the music was quite good personally
Mansun
3/5
Apparently there’s 2 Mansun albums here? I would personally only have gone for one, and it’s not this one. Even though I have a fondness for this band, this really isn’t meaningfully different from all the alternative/brit-pop that already is overcrowding the list.
Pescado Rabioso
4/5
Lovely argentinian music 🟩
Charles Mingus
4/5
More jazz ✅ More Mingus ✅ I am pleased
The Sundays
4/5
Such a nice album, just a bit annoying to get it on a saturday
Yello
4/5
Even though the music is far from ambient, there’s a strong atmosphere conjured by these disparate sounds. Like a bizarro music dimension
STARSET
2/5
Not my thing. This is not really a fair criticism for music from 2014 but this sounds like the kind of music that could’ve come out of a generative ai. It’s not terrible but I’m being generous with a 2 star.
Gary Clark Jr.
4/5
Saw the blues rock tag with the year of release and got skeptical, but this exceeded my expectations! Still a bit too long but a very solid and engaging work nonetheless
Modern Life Is War
4/5
core 😀
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
4/5
Enjoyed this, a pleasant sound world
dEUS
4/5
Good rock with a good variety of sounds keeping it fresh
Prolapse
4/5
I see a lot of what trendy bands are doing currently in here. Good record
Interpol
4/5
I’m slightly losing my mind with this somehow not being in the book. I feel like I even wrote my review already. Anyways, as much as this is a modern classic I’ve always felt that this album is frontloaded. The first ~4 tracks I wholeheartedly love, then towards the latter half I have less enthusiasm. Still good songs, but the disparity keeps me from giving this full marks.
The Civil Wars
3/5
Pretty good folky songs
Girl Talk
3/5
Rap vocals over a classic song… an evergreen combo
Imogen Heap
4/5
Iconic
Floating Points
4/5
Another album I have not returned to in many years. I might have gone for Pharoah Sanders record closer to his prime, but this is also a touchinf swan somg. He also isn’t the only contributor to this work also. R.I.P.
Roy Harper
4/5
Stormwhat?
Beastie Boys
3/5
Good tunes on here but it’s not a mystery to me why this wasn’t included with the other 3 Beastie Boys albums already included
The Hotelier
3/5
Unsure about this one. There are great instrumental moments but I just don’t like the singer’s voice. Could be better for me with repeat listens
Gorillaz
3/5
Obvious omission and should have been included from the start. However I’ve personally never got this album. There a gems, but most of the tracks don’t click with me. I think I would need to give all the songs individual attention to get a full appreciation of this record instead of just overlooking everything except my favourite tracks
Sea Power
3/5
[Disco Elysium reference here]
Itoiz
3/5
Big ups for the basque representation 💪
Jawbreaker
4/5
Never got this far in the Jawbreaker discography. It’s good!
The Fall
4/5
A bit redundant but also suprisingly good! Going on 20 years the band were still making interesting material.
GRiZ
3/5
Fun beats
The Presidents Of The United States Of America
4/5
Fun, upbeat songs!
Paramore
4/5
I think they should Paramore more
Getatchew Mekurya
5/5
Fantastic pick! The Ex are a band with more gems than I can count, and Getachew Mekurya makes an electrifying ambassador for the world of Ethiopian jazz. Just a record that puts me in a good mood
Allan Rayman
3/5
Whiteboy whiteboy
August is Falling
4/5
scumbagtone@gmail.com
Less Than Jake
4/5
I ❤️ Ska
Vampire Weekend
4/5
White people be like
Muse
4/5
Very solid record no lie. Good on ya
Carla Bley
4/5
Carla Bley mentioned 🗣️🗣️🗣️
The Last Dinner Party
4/5
Enjoyed this! Good tunes
Queen
3/5
Some real barnburners on this record, but there is something very lopsided about it as a whole. Makes for an odds and ends type of listen
Bruce Cockburn
4/5
🐉
Ikd-sj
4/5
Cool discovery! A bit long (just 2 minutes under the limit for a cd disc, can you tell this came out in the 2000s?) but the shifts in sound gives it a unique structure.
The Shins
4/5
Put this on and by the first track I felt joy. A positive trait to have in music!
Bohren & Der Club Of Gore
3/5
Angelo Badalamenti type beat
Cindy Lee
4/5
Learning that this is from a former member of Women made the music click. A good way to spend 2 hours
Clutch
3/5
Nice hard roxk
Gaelle
3/5
Nice downtempo beats, some intriguing production here and there too!
Slapstick
4/5
Ska 💪keep it koming
MGMT
4/5
Didn’t hear about this coming out… a solid, somber effort from MGMT!
New Order
4/5
Classikk
They Might Be Giants
4/5
Came just a week after I listened to this album the first time! I was thinking about how of there was one TMBG album here it should be this one. A creative showcase if there ever was one
Baroness
4/5
Good tunes if a bit long. Bonus points for being a true double album though
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
Very suprising that this didn't make the original when so many flavor-of-the-month rock releases did. A modern classic in many respects. Lots of great songs on here, but I find a bit top heavy in the tracklist. Not to say that the later songs are bad, they just don't stir me the same way.
Chris Thile
3/5
Very good playing of good tunes. Not sure if this is an essential but I do like both artists
Opeth
4/5
Opeth is iffy for me. The two albums preceding this one I think are excellent, the ones after are more hit and miss. Returning to this one now there is a lot of strong material, although I don't always agree with the songwriting choices and I'm still not huge on the title track. The album has grown on me enough that I can give it 4 stars. The power of riffs