1001 Albums Summary

Because I am a purist, I only listened through track 8 (The Great Seal) because that was where the original 1987 LP ended. As far as I am concerned, there is no longer any other music. This is the only music I will listen to forever and ever. This isn't sarcasm. It is a speech impediment. Especially when you read it out loud.

4.5/5 Terrific album. It's been a while since I've listened to The Black Keys, and I have actually never listened to Brothers until today. Dan Auerbach is an oft-overlooked guitarist, who takes advantage of his cache of vintage instruments to sustain the group's unique sound during the 2000 - the garage-band 1960s meets post-90s grunge. Catchy songs, but never trite. Good stuff.

2.5/5 George Michael is a great singer. He has an amazing voice, and he knows how to use it. This album is flat and bland, though, with so many successive down-to-mid-tempo ballads featuring whiny lyrics... That said, I have to admit that the absolute highlight of the album is the haunting quasi-spiritual "They Won't Go When I Go" which sounds equally influenced by Prince and Franz Schubert. It is beautifully written, simply arranged, and brilliantly performed. This song is a must-listen. The album is not.

3.5 Props to bassist Peter Hook and the drummer for solid, steady state playing. The opening track (Atrocity Exhibition) and The Eternal (the slow track) are the most interesting. Predating Emo by 35 years, this alt-new-wave whining is the reason my high school friend began spiking his hair with Crest toothpaste and threading safety pins in his earlobes. Dynamically flaccid. The singer sounds like he wants to be Jim Morrison, but refused to listen to him on principle.

5 Thoroughly entertaining and brilliant writing throughout.

3 Nice surprise in the disco hi-hat and vocal whimsy in "Got the Life."

Terrific folky goodness.

First time listener to this guy... The "artsy" feels a bit forced on this album. Why is this on that list?

4.5 Great voice, great band. Good songs. Tragic that this was her last album.

Not only are these songs trite and poorly written (musically and lyrically), this album contains the worst aspects of mid-1980's production quality. To top it off, the Wikipedia article about this album quoted a NME critic (regarding a 2007 reissue of this sonic nightmare) who compared the Triffids to U2 and R.E.M. based on this album alone. I don't know the Triffids. But how does THIS album prompt that comment?

3.5 Never heard this before and kinda dug it.

4.5 The thing is - traditionally, you’re supposed to listen to Bob for the words. I find myself lost in the band despite the fact that the songs are mostly mid-tempo and fairly similar in overall feel. (Which makes "To Make You Feel My Love" kinda stand out...) I like Bob Dylan, but I’m not what most would say is a fan - but I really dig this album overall. It’s another first listen for me.

3.5

Brilliant, beautiful album. Spiritual without being preachy. Wonderful performances and production.

I wish that - at least once - Van would sing a big long high note on the syllable AAHH.

A little biased here, because I've known this album since I was a teenager. It is fantastic - songs, performance, arrangements, etc. I should also add that Stephen Stills is one of the most underrated guitarists in history. His guitar work on the tracks "Carry On" and "Déjà Vu" should not be ignored.

4.5 First time listening to this. Man, they are a tight trio. Never really listened to them until Dusty passed this year. Great collection.

The concept is compelling. The variety is impressive. The performances are committed. The album is long.

Forever fighting foo.

Joyous. I saw him on Peter Gabriel’s “So”tour in 1986. Became a huge fan. This is a great album!

Good songs. I wish I liked listening to L.C.

Terrific album!

Never heard of this band.

What a voice.

While dated, this was a ground breaking album with some brilliant moments. Good bit of nostalgia for me...

Known this album for years. Oft overlooked is Paul Simon's textural guitar playing.

Brilliant debut album! One of my favorites from an innovative group of musicians.

Skabulous

This is my least favorite PF album. I enjoyed it more than I remember enjoying it in the past...

Great album!

Nostalgia and Tommy Scholz's unique guitar sound.

Near perfect album.

Brilliant album!

Never heard of it.

Be sure to check out Steven Wilson's recent remastering of this album!