Sep 24 2021
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Don't love the voice. Drums and bass are amazing though.
4
Sep 27 2021
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Great Monk album. Not totally sure I love Monk. Ended up reading more about Pannonica than much else. I need to run through the lead sheet on Brilliant Corners because I don't understand it as a composition.
4
Sep 28 2021
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Title track sounds like a Bond theme. Pretty overblown. Could do without the strings and the harp. Memorable songs, but with the orchestrations and earnestness of the voice, I don't plan to listen again.
3
Sep 29 2021
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Know it, love it. Easy listening day for me!
5
Sep 30 2021
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
Bit of a dirge compared to their first album. Don't think I'll be returning.
2
Oct 01 2021
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
3
Oct 04 2021
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
I was waiting for this to show up. It was only a matter of time, but I expected it would take more than a week. It's fine, it's swirly, atmospheric. It's got a few great pop tunes on it, but I can't say I listen to it often for fun. I probably don't do enough drugs.
3
Oct 05 2021
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Good rapping, not great subject matter, kinda dull beats, too much sex.
2
Oct 06 2021
2112
Rush
Not for me. I guess I'll have to face some more Rush before this project is over. While bits of it are fine and some great bass and drum sections, that voice is grating and I prefer less insane song structures.
2
Oct 07 2021
Stankonia
OutKast
Good album obscured by really painful skits. The rise of Spotify should at least mean the death of the Chumbawumba effect and the skit.
3
Oct 08 2021
Nevermind
Nirvana
Prefer the way the other two albums sound, but still an awesome album.
5
Oct 11 2021
Imagine
John Lennon
Hard work. Sounds like it was recorded behind a mattress.
3
Oct 12 2021
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
It's a live album... beyond the talky guitar thing there's no much remarkable here. I'm going to check out the studio albums next though.
2
Oct 13 2021
Teen Dream
Beach House
Not grabbing me. Sounds like advert music.
2
Oct 14 2021
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Classic jangle pop. Interesting to hear the whole album. But not sure I'll be returning to it.
3
Oct 15 2021
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Birthday is really the stand out hit. I think I need to live with the album for a bit longer to get a feel for any of the other tracks.
3
Oct 18 2021
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Definitely front loaded, but what an opening!
4
Oct 19 2021
Rio
Duran Duran
Good, glossy 80s pop. Don't think I'll be putting it back on any time soon though. The singles are definitely the stand out tracks.
3
Oct 20 2021
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
I like the upbeat songs. The slower ones like I Still Miss Someone sound like he's singing hymns to me. Fun album.
4
Oct 21 2021
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
OMG, this album used to mean so much to me. I've already played it to death, but here we go.
5
Oct 22 2021
ΓgΓ¦tis Byrjun
Sigur RΓ³s
I'm doing ok at this game. Listened this album to death back in the day too. It's still dreamy, it's still good, but sounds a little bit old to me.
4
Oct 25 2021
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Oh dear. I hate repeated vocal samples. Frontier Psychiatrist used to make me want to break my radio. This might hurt... First album I can't actually listen to. So annoying. Good loops, but that horse sample and the same word 1,000 times just sounds moronic.
1
Oct 26 2021
The Bends
Radiohead
This is a nice palate cleanser after The Avalanches. God I hate that record.
I've got too many memories connected to this album to be truly objective, but it's a great 90s rock record. I will always love Just, but some of the maudlin numbers aren't all that great - high and dry / fake plastic trees.
4
Oct 27 2021
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Folk prog? This really isn't for me.
1
Oct 28 2021
The Joshua Tree
U2
Anthemic stadium rock. Sounds like contemporary worship music, although that's not U2's fault. Very front-loaded album. Split up the hits, kids!
3
Oct 29 2021
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
This man likes... ellipses. Great technical playing, I really don't enjoy the vocals though.
1
Nov 01 2021
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Safe to say, I'm not a fan.
2
Nov 02 2021
Rubber Soul
Beatles
Not their best, but some great songs on here. And then there's Run For Your Life.
4
Nov 03 2021
Close To You
Carpenters
I like the hits, but over a whole album the style is just too cheesy.
2
Nov 04 2021
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
Singles stand out, but after a few listens, I didn't feel much for this one.
2
Nov 05 2021
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Totally ok album, listened to it a lot when I was a kid. Didn't find it to be as good as I remember. Maybe I'm in a bad mood. I'll put it on again when I'm happier!
4
Nov 08 2021
Achtung Baby
U2
Enjoyed this album more than Joshua Tree. I still don't get anyone being excited about U2. Maybe they have so many imitators that this sound just feels bland now.
2
Nov 09 2021
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Poppy, moody, fun, dense. A great album.
5
Nov 10 2021
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Noisy but fun. Must have been an exciting live gig, but I think the drumming is a bit too much for this to ever be a favourite album of mine. Although I definitely enjoy the parts more than the whole.
3
Nov 11 2021
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
Interesting to read about, preferable to overproduced country rock, but still not all that compelling to me. Worked fine in the background like bar music.
3
Nov 12 2021
Arrival
ABBA
Interesting to listen to the hits in the context of an album, but the singles are what this is really about. Fun, great pop singles, but not a great album.
3
Nov 15 2021
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Don't enjoy the string and choral arrangements, but his voice and piano and stunning.
4
Nov 16 2021
The White Album
Beatles
Grew up with this album so no chore here. Wildly uneven, starts with a piss take, ends with a piss take. Not sure even the Beatles wanted us to take this album seriously. Lots to enjoy, lots of fast forward.
4
Nov 17 2021
Among The Living
Anthrax
I like the sound of it but wasn't in the mood for thrash today. I'll have to return to it.
3
Nov 18 2021
Debut
BjΓΆrk
Know it. Love it. Nice to listen to it twice yesterday!
4
Nov 19 2021
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Enjoyed the simplicity of it all. Kinda the opposite of the Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country from 16 years previous.
3
Nov 22 2021
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
I should love this, however, found it kinda underwhelming and forgettable. Maybe it's a summer album.
1
Nov 23 2021
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Lovely album that my dad used to enjoy. Listening to now it's patchy, but great harmonies and good songs. Can't really knock it.
4
Nov 24 2021
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
A bit bland for my tastes, despite me usually liking well played AOR. I checked out a few of her earlier albums and it just sounds like this album sanded off all Raitt's rough edges. Too smoooooth.
1
Nov 25 2021
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Love it. Not a consistent album by any means but up there for me.
4
Nov 26 2021
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Dylan is Dylan. Hard to get excited about. Rambling, occasionally touching, pretty messy.
3
Nov 29 2021
Drunk
Thundercat
Previously heard Them Changes but never listened to the full album. My mistake. This is fun!
4
Nov 30 2021
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Great stuff. Not really an album, but a load of enjoyable hits.
3
Dec 01 2021
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Enjoyable in an "of its time" kinda way. Don't think it's one I'd return to though.
3
Dec 02 2021
Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Not terrible, but not amazing. I can understand people loving this, but I think you had to be there at the time.
2
Dec 03 2021
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Strange mix of songs. I'm also mortified that a bass player would try to make a bass sound like it. It sounds like General Midi on Miles(tones). Jarvis, while a national treasure is a creepy man. I don't like him ejaculating out of my headphones.
1
Dec 06 2021
Transformer
Lou Reed
4
Dec 07 2021
Zombie
Fela Kuti
Exciting music, but every time the chants start I start looking at how long the song has left.
3
Dec 08 2021
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Love it. Jangly, weird, inconsistent!
4
Dec 09 2021
New Wave
The Auteurs
Want to like this album more than I do because of Auteurs history as Britpop outsiders. However I hate Luke Haines' voice so don't think I'll ever listen to this again. Also, every song sounds like an acoustic guitar demo that's had other instruments thrown at it. The album could sound a lot better than it does.
2
Dec 10 2021
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Excellent hardcore punk record. Stupid, bratty, loud. What more do you want?
4
Dec 13 2021
Moon Safari
Air
Ah, the sound of 1998 sophistication, familiar from every coffee shop, dinner party and dorm room that wanted to class itself up a bit. I think I prefer the Beth Hirsch vocal tracks to anything else on here. "Le soleil est près de moi" from the Premiers Symptômes EP really should have been included too. 4 stars for nostalgia.
4
Dec 14 2021
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Great soundtrack. I don't think I've listened to it beyond the Theme. Some of it sounds like it could have come from yesterday's Moon Safari.
4
Dec 15 2021
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Seminal. Must admit I was very surprised to hear the non-rap tracks on this album but The Message is still amazing. Not sure I'd come back to listen to the whole thing as an album though so 4.5 I guess.
4
Dec 16 2021
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
I love this album, but it is definitely not something you have to hear before you die. Super smooth.
4
Dec 17 2021
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
Weird. Kinda good, kinda bad. Think this one needs to sink in a bit more before I decide whether I actually like it or not. For now it's a 3 star for me.
3
Dec 20 2021
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Not their best album, but it has some great songs on it. Seems to be half way between new wave Cure and goth Cure so it's an interesting transitional record, but not essential.
3
Dec 21 2021
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
This always sounded like a brass band playing jazz to me. Listening to it repeatedly didn't change my mind. I think it's the french horn, it just doesn't belong. Sounds like it could break out into the theme from Johnny Briggs any second. More reeds please. Yes it's seminal and everything that Miles Davis did needs to be listened to, but not a great album for me.
3
Dec 22 2021
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
Ah, more like it, some traditional Scottish music. It's the sound of late 90s sophistication again. Nice enough lite reggae with a sprinkling of trip hop. Inoffensive.
3
Dec 23 2021
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Enjoyed this. Never thought of Faithfull as musician. Shame on me. The synths are clearly bolt on, but they do succeed in modernizing it. I'm sure I've heard a cover of the title song somewhere too.
4
Dec 24 2021
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Loads of hits, could do without the interludes. Great album.
4
Dec 27 2021
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Good rambunctious xmas music. Shame about Phil.
3
Dec 28 2021
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Enjoyable, middle-of-the-road 70s rock. Not planning to listen to it ever again though. This probably could have been edited down into a really good album, but as a double there's a lot here that's not essential. The awful cover of Money and the smug studio recording gag detract from the good tracks.
2
Dec 29 2021
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Great hits, great sleeve, the rest of the album, less so. Ever since I heard the Ella version of Sunshine the original has seemed underwhelming.
2
Dec 30 2021
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Not sure if this is because I'm listening on Christmas week, but it sounds like another Christmas record to me. Nice ballads, sensitively arranged and beautifully sung (apart from One More Dance). Probably not something I'll ever return to, but I enjoyed it.
4
Dec 31 2021
Smash
The Offspring
I never got on with Offspring although I should have been target demo. I remember being aggrieved that they called themselves punk when they sounded nothing like the Sex Pistols. Besides this, I still don't really enjoy the sound. Next.
2
Jan 03 2022
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Fun rock album, nothing beyond the title song stood out to me. Enjoyable but not revelatory
3
Jan 04 2022
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Opens strong, then drops off heavily. I don't get the cult of personality around Karen O and don't like the sound of her voice: enunciate more, yelp less.
2
Jan 05 2022
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
This is bracing for a Tuesday morning. Crazy, inane, frenetic. Not an album I'd ever put on for fun, but a wild ride. I still bear the scars from seeing these guys at All Tomorrow's Parties festival. Not counting the time security made the crowd sit down; those guys are real killjoys.
4
Jan 06 2022
Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
Never listened to a whole PSBs album before. Enjoyed the first half more than the second. I'm pretty sure that Being Boring is a New Order song in disguise. Altogether the album is a bit of a downer. Also, I know they like retro synths, but stop it with the Orchestra Hit, it doesn't improve any song.
3
Jan 07 2022
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
I want to like DEVO; new wave sounds, angular guitars and synths, arty and strange aesthetic, willfully esoteric, but I think I can only deal with half of these songs. As usual, I'm put off by the bleated vocals, a style I can never get behind. As usual, the hits work for me, the rest, less so.
3
Jan 10 2022
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Great, stomping blues record. Wish the bass had been better recorded, but that's just me I guess. Watching the video footage from this show on YouTube really made the music come alive for me too.
4
Jan 11 2022
In Rainbows
Radiohead
Know this album well, love the bass line on Nude. Is it a 5 star? By Radiohead's high bar, I don't think it is. Videotape is a bummer of a closing song.
4
Jan 12 2022
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Always found Stereolab rather sterile sounding and unsurprisingly, this album didn't move me particularly. I sort of like the sounds they use and the voices, but the repetitive krautrock-y bits get annoying. For me, this is background music at best.
1
Jan 13 2022
GREY Area
Little Simz
Good album, enjoyed the production and the bass on first couple of tracks especially. Little Simz is clearly a good rapper, but that London accent starts to grate on me after a while (such Northern bias from me).
3
Jan 14 2022
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
The second disc is like a headache, but the first disc was mostly fine. Not my favourite music in the world, but listenable. I don't think I can get away from the feeling that it's a novelty record.
2
Jan 17 2022
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Mixed feelings. Some hits on here, a LOAD of nostalgia as a Manchester lad, but it's not a great album to listen through. The production is just so aggressive that the snare rattles my teeth, also the plodding tempos are tiring. Columbia was a nice surprise though. I don't think I've knowingly heard that before. Good for what it is, but not a killer.
3
Jan 18 2022
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Not into the ballady ballads. But the upbeat funky ones are the best.
4
Jan 19 2022
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
've heard HOLV before, but never listened to a full album. I enjoyed the music, so this all comes down to the vocal, when it works, it's great, but when it doesn't it's annoying and some of the tunes were downright corny. Ultimately, this album just made me want to listen to the Sundays and understand the lyrics.
3
Jan 20 2022
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
Love the angry horn parts: a little sloppy, but SO enthusiastic. Their cover of The Horse from the b-sides disc is great! As usual, the voice gets on my nerves. This 1001 albums process is making me realize I mainly dislike bands because of vocal styling. This sounds like Bryan Ferry gone wrong.
3
Jan 21 2022
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Worst album on this list so far. I listened through once, never again. I didn't enjoy the parts where they sang gibberish and played a tin whistle out of tune in the background. So all of it. Interestingly, I listened to the first album by ISB and they CAN sing and play so presumably this album was a conscious decision to be microtonal. However, on this one, I'm sure I could hear the singer getting surprised by how out of tune he was. Strange.
1
Jan 24 2022
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Pretty bland really. Ran it in the background a few times over the weekend and nothing grabbed me. Not offensive, not remarkable.
2
Jan 25 2022
Parklife
Blur
I have an instinctive dislike of this record since I was in the North during the Britpop Wars. The singles are fun, although Boys and Girls is impossible to sing along to. Parklife has become so much part of culture that it's hardly a song anymore. On this album, Blur don't really seem to know what they want to be, beyond the novelty singles and the cod chanson it's all a bit forgettable. And don't get me started on the bleated mockney vocals. Ultimately, Mogwai put it best: Blur are shite.
1
Jan 26 2022
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Amazing album, fantastic playing, great sound. Still amused by how underwhelmed the singing is after such sparkling music. They sound like they're high schoolers being made to recite something. But hey, it's honest, it's pure, it's amazing.
5
Jan 27 2022
Siembra
Willie ColΓ³n & RubΓ©n Blades
I really enjoyed this. I know nothing about Salsa. I'll have to learn more. Interesting reading about Mack The Knife in various translations too.
4
Jan 28 2022
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Already done this one: "Good rapping, not great subject matter, kinda dull beats, too much sex."
2
Jan 31 2022
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
This automatically loses points because there's no bass. It's fine. It sounds like a bar band. I don't really get the hype that surrounded them. Listened through without prejudice and Hotel Yorba is still very annoying.
2
Feb 01 2022
The ArchAndroid
Janelle MonΓ‘e
All over the place album that I wanted to like more than I actually did. 'Tightrope' is a fantastic song and 'Neon Valley Street' is great, but some of this seems to devolve into show tunes. The concept didn't really win me over and there are absolutely horrible guitar solos throughout.
3
Feb 02 2022
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Didn't move me. Listened through a few times and was mostly annoyed by the twee novelty songs. Bikes, gnomes, meh. Interstellar Overdrive has a nice riff, but it just doesn't go anywhere. Not a particularly auspicious debut even though I like the Wind In The Willows reference.
2
Feb 03 2022
Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
I suspect this album will not be included in future editions of this list. Super-bland 90s background music. Reverb-drenched synth pads, dub bass lines, people mumbling about stuff. Instantly forgettable.
This is the soundtrack to the part of the film where the protagonist and the love interest go to a house party, accidently get high and sit on the roof talking about their feelings.
1
Feb 04 2022
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
I had never heard of this artist. Ok, it's not my usual style, but someone from Philly making waves should have at least been on my radar. Enjoyed the music and the vocals, some of the narration felt like I was eavesdropping a conversation I wasn't meant to be. But nevertheless, really interesting album.
4
Feb 07 2022
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Great opener. Dylan's voice is off-putting, but we all know that going in. Some of the blues numbers seemed a bit aimless. Didn't really massively stand out for me. Obviously this album is the home of Mr Tamborine Man but I don't think his version is particularly any better than the Byrds. Maybe I'll have to return to this in the summer.
3
Feb 08 2022
Kid A
Radiohead
The transitional record after the transitional record. A few self indulgent moments but generally awesome.
5
Feb 09 2022
The Man Who
Travis
What the hell is this doing on the list? This is not a good album. Radio friendly Radiohead at best, simpering at worst. This one needs to get revised out.
1
Feb 10 2022
Play
Moby
Oh god, another stinker.
1
Feb 11 2022
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Great folk rock album with lovely close harmony work.
4
Feb 14 2022
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Classic songs, great voice. The verses on these things are just terrible though! The verse on S'Wonderful made my entire body cringe.
4
Feb 15 2022
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
I'd got it in my head that that was a Phil Spector production and was always put off by how reverb soaked the title track was. Turns out Simon just wanted to sound like this. Listening to it through, I realize that I like a load of this album, just none of the Spector-inspired, echo chamber stuff. Still, it's no Bookends, but it's got great music on it. This is definitely in 3.5 territory, but I'll bump it down based on me probably not coming back to it any time soon.
3
Feb 16 2022
Cut
The Slits
Interesting more than good. The non-album Heard It Through The Grapevine cover is definitely where this band's sound best comes together, although that could just be down to my familiarity with the track. I think I need to live with this one for longer, but right now it's a 3.
3
Feb 17 2022
1989
Taylor Swift
This is the sound of Lyft rides to me. Well made pop songs. Doesn't really move me, but I can't say it's bad.
3
Feb 18 2022
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
I like his voice and the tunes are all hummable. Frankly a little forgettable though. I dug into his wiki bio and it makes sense of the James Taylor hate that I'd previously only been slightly aware of. Lots of great breaks from friends and a wealthy family that can sweep in and fix everything at the drop of a hat but he still manages to find himself strung out on heroin and homeless. Inoffensive, gentle 70s tunes.
3
Feb 21 2022
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
The live versions on the reissue are way more fun than the studio ones. Totally acceptable post-punk that didn't blow me away but was fun to listen to.
3
Feb 22 2022
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Had this as a kid. Still lyrically dubious, but I still enjoy the samples, Pigs is a great sample choice. Listening now, I'm getting a lot of Shock G in the vocals - someone I'd never heard of back then, so definitely of its time. Enjoyed the nostalgia trip.
4
Feb 23 2022
Sincere
Mj Cole
Perfectly serviceable 2-step garage background music. Not particularly remarkable or worth a place on this list, more suited to a 2000s wine bar that was trying to be hip. Full disclosure: I didn't feel like I needed to listen to disc two. If something amazing happened on that, please can someone let me know?
2
Feb 24 2022
Cross
Justice
Daft Punk's brattier younger brother. DANCE is great, not really a fan of the rest of the album. Step away from the compression, kids. Every beat doesn't need to hurt.
2
Feb 25 2022
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Something about Cave is unappealing. Not sure why I don't get his schtick but I don't. Interesting to hear this though as I've never consciously looked up any Birthday Party before. Basically, I'm hearing some sloppy garage rock that doesn't really match my mood today. Also, that cover art is repulsive. Maybe I need to return to this album sometime that I feel angry or at least angsty.
2
Feb 28 2022
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Loved this album as a kid. Still works today. A bit angsty for my tastes now really, but the nostalgia carries it through. Interesting to hear the demo versions of the tracks on the anniversary edition. Pretty much note-for-note the same with worse vocal processing. Great to see they arrived pretty much fully formed.
5
Mar 01 2022
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Played it through a few times and it didn't grip me. Seemed a bit ponderous. However, I like Steely Dan, so I probably owe it a few more plays though. Sounded nice and 70s, but I also felt disengaged from the music and the lyrics. Also, why does every song need a piano ballad section?
2
Mar 02 2022
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
SAULT are making some great records. Love the retro feel they manage to have while still sounding modern. Possibly too long, but putting out three albums in a year would have been ridiculous does make it feel a little more like a mixtape than an album to my ears though. I generally prefer the more 'up' first half to the second, but it's all good.
4
Mar 03 2022
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Ah, Eric. Another chance to separate the man from the music. Better blues that I expected to be honest, but still rather generic sounding. Reading the wiki entry, that might be because it was a huge influence on all blues rock that came afterwards. I doubt I'll play this record again.
2
Mar 04 2022
Future Days
Can
Interesting. Not great. Can (and krautrock generally) is always on my "need to check out" category but then I do and I'm underwhelmed. I think I just need to accept that I like 3 minute pop songs and there's nothing wrong with that.
3
Mar 07 2022
Tidal
Fiona Apple
Somewhere between Amos and Alanis. Doesn't sound particularly dated for a 1996 album. Totally ok, but totally didn't grab me.
3
Mar 08 2022
On The Beach
Neil Young
Bit ploddy and self indulgent. Not a Young album I'll be rushing to return to.
2
Mar 09 2022
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Weirdly bland. I expected there would be other songs I enjoyed on this, but I really didn't. I love the sound of her voice, but the music doesn't live up to it beyond the obvious single.
2
Mar 10 2022
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
I enjoyed this. Having a Moog as a foil to the sitar made it more interesting than the standard 60s trope of adding sitar to a guitar line up. I even enjoyed the covers! The extended drone of 'Sagar (The Ocean)' was the only down track for me.
4
Mar 11 2022
The Wall
Pink Floyd
The downward slope after Dark Side Of The Moon was steep. Indulgent and inappropriate, I fail to see how anyone could identify with this album. Definitely not worth the time.
1
Mar 14 2022
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
I mean, I love reverb as much as the next man, but there's sometimes too much of a good thing.
2
Mar 15 2022
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Was ok. Not my favorite album. Bit mathy, bit folky, bit whispery. Not going to rush back to it.
2
Mar 16 2022
25
Adele
Average singer Adele returns with some more radio songs. This set is a little less show-tuney, a bit more The Knife lite. Not for me.
2
Mar 17 2022
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
I'm getting late period U2 vibes off this album. I mean, it's ok, but mostly it's super conventional dad-rock. And Thom Yorke singing "all day I dream of making love to you" is just creepy.
2
Mar 18 2022
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Enjoyable roots reggae. Would have liked to have heard the original mix but a cursory search didn't find it. Biggest surprise for me from the Wiki page was the Burning Spear is a man rather than a group.
3
Mar 21 2022
Doolittle
Pixies
Amazing album. Quiet / loud / quiet perfected. Have listened to this many times before and will continue to listen in the future.
5
Mar 22 2022
Stankonia
OutKast
Already done this one: "Good album obscured by really painful skits. The rise of Spotify should at least mean the death of the Chumbawumba effect and the skit."
3
Mar 23 2022
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Too long (as all double albums are) and a little bland in places, but some amazing tunes on here. I could also live my life without hearing another string orchestra backing - musical space makes things interesting.
3
Mar 24 2022
Me Against The World
2Pac
Found the production a bit meh and those drums just scream 90s! Not really a fun listen. I clearly don't see why everyone else finds him so special. Not actively bad, but definitely not for me.
2
Mar 25 2022
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
Great technical playing, dubious singing and dumb lyrics. Fine as mindless rock, not an amazing album.
2
Mar 28 2022
Vivid
Living Colour
Younger me really should have bought this album when I loved Faith No More and Extreme and all those bands. I can appreciate it now, but I think it would have blown my tiny mind back then.
4
Mar 29 2022
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Amazing Record. Pavement is getting all 5s from me!
5
Mar 30 2022
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
Not my thing. I'm sure I've enjoyed DBT before but too much Skynard for me. Both lyrically and musically. As a Brit, this was never going to change my opinion of the South.
2
Mar 31 2022
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
It's not a great album is it? Very influential, but not one that I'm going to go back to and listen to regularly. I wish I could hear more of the guitars and less of the piano generally. Maybe I should look up some live shows.
3
Apr 01 2022
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
I thought Loveless was their debut. This just sounds like a band wanting to be Sonic Youth. Very strange. Didn't much enjoy it and I doubt I'd be returning to it. Also, wonder if this record would be in this list if Loveless hadn't happened.
1
Apr 04 2022
Ten
Pearl Jam
Loved this as a kid. Now it sounds rather overwrought and overproduced. I tried listening to the "redux" mix instead, but it was also dated, just in a different way. Back to the original murky mix and got through it. Enjoyable trip down memory lane. Don't think I'd have liked it as much if I was coming to it fresh, but because of my history with it, this album gets a glowing 4 stars.
4
Apr 05 2022
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Can't quite work out why I don't like Flaming Lips, but I think it mostly comes down to the singer. He has a creepy uncle vibe that makes me uncomfortable, also, whiny vocals never work for me. Soft Bulletin overcame Coyne with some great songs and solid production. However, this one manages to hit my no switches early. Also, knowing we're building to the ploddingly theatrical single 'Do You Realize?' makes me dread the start of each new song. I listened through this thing once. Never again!
1
Apr 06 2022
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
An album totally of its time. Love the sound, synths and swampy bass lines. I'm going to have to listen through to the samples list. The lyrics could have used a second pass, but here we are. These men really, really, really like talking about dick sucking.
4
Apr 07 2022
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Perfectly fine, great single in Son Of A Preacher Man, not really amazing for me beyond that.
3
Apr 08 2022
Who's Next
The Who
Way better than I was expecting. I consider "My Generation" to be one of the worst songs ever. Thankfully this sounded nothing like My Generation. For a short album though, this really starts to drag towards the end. At least "Won't Fooled Again" picks up the tempo before it's over.
3
Apr 11 2022
21
Adele
More Adele. She can sing, but I'm not engaged. Whatever the reviewers who describe her voice as enigmatic or magical can hear, I definitely do not. I hear a stage-school show-singer belting uninteresting ballads in a mid-Atlantic yowl. Millions disagree with me, but I'm ok with that.
2
Apr 12 2022
Bossanova
Pixies
Not as good as the first two. Still good, but just not quite there. Can't put my finger on why, maybe it's the songwriting, maybe it's the production. Seems much more of its time than Doolittle or Surfer Rosa.
3
Apr 13 2022
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Great album. Bit up and down, but the hits make it worthwhile.
4
Apr 14 2022
Dry
PJ Harvey
I much prefer this to "Songs from The City...". More raw and impassioned. I feel like it's an album I'd have to live with for longer than a day to really enjoy, but I played it through three times and enjoyed it.
4
Apr 15 2022
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Already had this one to rate - I think it was my second album. Third duplicate now since I joined a group, does that mean I have to listen to 1004 albums before I die?
Previous review: Great Monk album. Not totally sure I love Monk. Ended up reading more about Pannonica than much else. I need to run through the lead sheet on Brilliant Corners because I don't understand it as a composition.
4
Apr 18 2022
Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I liked this album when it came out despite it being a bit left-field compared to previous Goldfrapp records. Listening now, I still enjoy the high pop elements but occasionally it does swoop into bland territory, albeit perfectly fine and well produced musical wallpaper. Happiness and A&E are great songs.
4
Apr 19 2022
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
The singles are fun but dated. As a whole this album is pretty much unlistenable though. It makes the Avalanches sound complex and meaningful. In Heaven? Smh. It's a shame because some of his sample choices are fantastic but there's a lot of filler. In a Spotify world, I wonder whether this album would ever happen.
2
Apr 20 2022
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Feels like a practice run for XTRMNTR. The Vanishing Point movie connection is more exciting in prospect than in reality. Like all Primal Scream records, it's better when Bobby isn't singing.
2
Apr 21 2022
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Another pre-group joining repeat. Here's my original comment:
"Title track sounds like a Bond theme. Pretty overblown. Could do without the strings and the harp. Memorable songs, but with the orchestrations and earnestness of the voice, I don't plan to listen again."
3
Apr 22 2022
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Overblown
2
Apr 25 2022
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
All the hits! A little formulaic and not as much fun as the live recordings, but great a great record.
5
Apr 26 2022
Illmatic
Nas
Some lovely production here. Not listened to this album through before beyond the singles so it was a good day.
4
Apr 27 2022
Melodrama
Lorde
Sounds like a mix between taxi music and Christian music. Listened twice, can't remember a single tune. Not strong.
2
Apr 28 2022
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Weird version of Grapevine but still interesting. Amazing playing and great vocals. Can anyone in the world dislike classic rnb?
5
Apr 29 2022
Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Is there a version of this album without the singer? Because he is killing this record, like in the stamping on way, not the good way. I pity the other musicians. This banded existed from 2002 to 2017. Imagine hearing this regularly for 15 years.
1
May 02 2022
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Fun album, the accent sounds like George Formby at times, but generally a good guitar pop record with loads of fun lyrics and great riffs. Wasn't life changing for me personally, but there's nothing to complain about.
4
May 03 2022
Marquee Moon
Television
I was sure I'd listened through this record loads of times, but I have no recollection of Torn Curtain, so maybe I didn't. I've definitely heard the title track and See No Evil countless times. But yeh, great album, influential sound, bit too proggy at times, but I can live with that.
4
May 04 2022
1977
Ash
Fun rock album, entirely non-essential though. No idea why it's on this list. 3.5
3
May 05 2022
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Enjoyable listen, but not much stuck out other than the title track. Need to listen to much more Funkadelic and Parliament though. That's clear.
3
May 06 2022
Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Didn't really blow me away and I didn't enjoy the Elvis impersonation. Also amused by the Rickenbacker in the case an the album artwork. Well done, you made a purchase. Do you want to actually hold that heavy instrument? No? Didn't think so.
2
May 09 2022
The Band
The Band
Solid Band album. No surprises.
3
May 10 2022
The KΓΆln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Love the man, love his improvisations, put up with his strange howling. However, I much prefer his trio settings. I know everyone loves this record, but I find it a bit ponderous.
3
May 11 2022
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
Cheesy but fun. I wasn't really expecting anything else. I get occasional The Cure vibes from it, which was surprising. Love the bassline on Chips On My Shoulder. Obviously, Tainted Love is head and shoulders better than anything else here, but the whole album isn't as bad as I had feared it might be.
3
May 12 2022
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Totally fine Golden Age hip-hop, I recognized a lot of the samples but not a lot of the tunes. Enjoyed listening, but don't think I'll be returning any time soon.
3
May 13 2022
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
Liked the rock songs, didn't like the folk songs. Not a huge fan of his voice if I'm honest. Celeste was the only fun song I didn't know already.
3
May 16 2022
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Keeping close to his father's model. Great playing. The production had a bit too much 90s sheen, but it did mean that everything stood out clearly. I always appreciate a prominent bass!
3
May 17 2022
Suede
Suede
Listened to it a lot in the past, but not for many years. This re-listen has been revelatory in that I now wish I could hear a version of this album without the singer sounding like he's in a cave or the unnecessary organ. Maybe having zero breathing space matches the album thematically, but it all seems too much. This time I around I think I enjoyed it for the nostalgia more than anything. Also, I don't think I realized what a horrible Bowie impression Anderson was doing. We live, we learn.
3
May 18 2022
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Fun 90s hiphop. Some good beats, some good rhymes, some total cheese, but it's all good.
4
May 19 2022
(Pronounced 'Leh-'NΓ©rd 'Skin-'NΓ©rd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Pretty much every other song started and I thought "isn't this Free Bird?" It was ok. Nice, chunky, warmly produced Southern rock. Hearing some Stones, hearing the influence on Black Crowes and Primal Scream. Probably going to have to listen a load more times for it to really embed and I'm not sure I'm going to do that.
3
May 20 2022
Forever Changes
Love
Glad I read the wiki as I never really understood this album name before. To be honest, I quite liked it. Didn't really lean too heavy in the psych and stayed on the right side of folksy for my tastes. I only really knew the first track before because I was in a band where our singer wrote a song that totally ripped off the chorus.
3
May 23 2022
Apocalypse 91β¦ The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Everything you'd want in a Public Enemy record. I didn't listen to this at the time, crazy to think it came out the same year as Nevermind. I knew the Anthrax track from back in the day but that's all. Some of the beats are a bit one-note, but the righteous indignation in the lyrics is palpable.
4
May 24 2022
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
The live drums and piano always appealed to me back when this came out. They do make it feel very different to a lot of the sample-led rap records that have come my way on this service recently. Some of the rapping is a bit goofy, but I think that's deliberate. Comedy songs always suffer on repeated listen, so Yo Mama just seems a bit knuckleheaded. 3.5 I guess.
3
May 25 2022
Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
Been putting this one off for a few days now because I knew I wasn't in the mood for country music. Finally pressed play. I'm finding it mostly inoffensive. Not much of a compliment, I know. It's not particularly bad, but it's not stirring anything in me either.
2
May 26 2022
Solid Air
John Martyn
Love this album. Mood, feel, sound, all great. A few songs are auto skips for me though so not a 5 star record. The good bits are still great though.
4
May 27 2022
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Super fun. This album is the reason I need to do this. I've never got around to listening to a full Sleater-Kinney album despite knowing they informed a load of music I like. Some of that uncontrolled vibrato in the vocal annoys me and a love a heavy bass, which is inevitably not ever going to feature in an early SK record. Still, enjoyed and will return.
4
May 30 2022
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I have no idea who the target audience for this music is. A bit more proggy that I was expecting and I liked the off balance bass work on Sea Breezes and obviously I'm happy that this is the version of the album with Virginia Plain on it. However, The Bob just makes me wonder who they were writing for. There ain't no faded glamour in that track. Ferry just about stays on the right side of bleating, so that was ok. Generally weird.
3
May 31 2022
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
So I like smooth music, and I have a plenty of time for 80s/90s cheese, but really this album was too much. I'll run it through again tomorrow to make sure, but I cannot understand why this was so popular. Bland, bland, some unnecessary gay slurs, bland, bland, bland.
1
Jun 01 2022
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Excellent album. Whatever you think of Jackson the man in his later years, this album and Thriller are fantastic pop records.
5
Jun 02 2022
The Visitors
ABBA
An Abba album with no songs that are burned into my brain from radio overplay?! That was a surprise. I found it to be a bit show-tuney in parts. Not my cup of tea, despite being clearly well written, performed and recorded. Didn't move me at all.
2
Jun 03 2022
Whatever
Aimee Mann
I liked this. Knew the name, never listened to her albums. Despite being a little overproduced I liked most of the songs. Worth a repeat listen.
3
Jun 06 2022
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Pleasantly surprised by this. I was bracing myself for Bruce Dickinson's cod operatic high notes. I didn't know Maiden's first two albums had a different vocalist. Muddy production, but a fun metal album. Good riffs, dubious lyrics, parent offending cover art. What more do you need?
3
Jun 07 2022
Goo
Sonic Youth
Great album. Ice Cube is woefully underused, but apart from that. All good!
5
Jun 08 2022
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Hello old friend. I much prefer Meat Is Murder, but I'll accept this on the list! Too short and a couple of throwaway numbers on this, but that's always been the Smiths style. Great album.
5
Jun 09 2022
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Ice T generally seems like a reasonable guy but I don't think I've ever knowingly listened to his records. I hoped I'd like this, but I found the beats dull and the lyrics a bit dumb. I'll give it another go when I'm in more of an old school hip hop mood, but overall it was generally underwhelming.
2
Jun 10 2022
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Production is a bit syrupy in places, but you can't knock the hits.
4
Jun 13 2022
Purple Rain
Prince
Another album I figured would come up on this and I was looking forward to actually spending some time with it. However, beyond 'When Doves Cry', I didn't really enjoy it. It felt really oddly produced, even on the 2015 remaster. The high percussion is in your face and the vocals are set way back. Maybe I'll prefer his earlier stuff.
2
Jun 14 2022
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
The album before Pet Sounds. A few experimental bits and bobs, and a strange non-track at the end. Great harmonies and some pop hits, but could have done with fewer ballads.
3
Jun 15 2022
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
Teen me would have loved this and had it on heavy rotation with Faith No More's 'Angel Dust'. It's a bit thrashy for my current self and I can't think of a time I'd ever play it outside of this but it was a fun listen.
4
Jun 16 2022
Sail Away
Randy Newman
He's a good song writer, but this collection didn't hang together for me. Also, why the strings? They don't add anything. I love sarcasm as much as the next man, but does every line need to be dripping?
This album got me thinking about who could be a Randy Newman fan. I'm fine hearing any of his songs, but who in 1972 ran out to buy this album and played it until it wore out? Wiki suggests that Brian Wilson did, but maybe he's the only one.
2
Jun 17 2022
Infected
The The
Reminds me of Bobby Conn weirdly. Obviously this came first. Not totally inspired by it, but I'll give it a few goes. I am more interested in the idea of the records with Johnny Marr on them, but this is a start I suppose. Right now it's a 2 star, but I guess it could improve on repeated listens.
2
Jun 20 2022
Disintegration
The Cure
The Cure's best album. Straight in at 5!
5
Jun 21 2022
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Fun Beatles-y pop.
4
Jun 22 2022
Warehouse: Songs And Stories
HΓΌsker DΓΌ
Something about the voice and the sound is basic about Husker Du. It's good, bog standard alt rock, but I've heard and got bored of so many copycats that this sound is dull. Sorry Bob, not into it.
2
Jun 23 2022
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Outside of 'Sympathy For The Devil' and 'Street Fighting Man' it's all a bit country blues over here. Sort of wish 'Sympathy' was the final song on the album but hey clearly couldn't resist the first words of the record being "Please allow me to introduce myself". 'Jigsaw Puzzle' and 'Salt of the Earth' hit second tier and less said about 'Stray Cat Blues' the better. I guess four good songs means four stars.
4
Jun 24 2022
In It For The Money
Supergrass
Liked it - updated glam with heavy fuzz bass and straining vocals. Always liked the sound of Supergrass when I heard them on the radio, but never bought an album. It was an ok listen but don't think I learned anything beyond the singles I already knew. That last song is also a travesty. This album also loses a point for the bass player's technique on the cover, does he think he's playing a ukulele? Where are his elbows? What's that fingering? Is it even going to be audible with his right hand that far up the finger board?
3
Jun 27 2022
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I have no interest in hearing Anthony Kiedis clumsily rap about what gets him hard for even one minute, let alone 73. The singles are fine, but the album drags. Not for me. One for the Cali kids.
1
Jun 28 2022
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Not for me. Open was ok, flutes throughout less so.
1
Jun 29 2022
Rapture
Anita Baker
Sweet, sweet smooth 80s R&B. Love this stuff. Best tracks are the ones with Freddie Washington on bass. That guy grooves. Saddened to read that Don Myrick, who was in the original Earth, Wind & Fire horn section and the sax soloist on 'You Bring Me Joy' was murdered by a police officer who mistook his lighter for a weapon. In better news, I read that Anita Baker has regained the rights to her music so fingers crossed all her records will be available for streaming soon.
5
Jun 30 2022
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Know this album well as it was unavoidable when it came out. It's all a bit bleak and maudlin and I never liked Stipe's vocal stylings or the organ drones. The slower, quieter stuff bores me to tears and 'Star Me Kitten' is beyond creepy. However, the up tunes make it almost worthwhile.
3
Jul 01 2022
C'est Chic
CHIC
Was pretty psyched when this came up, but wasn't as much fun as I'd hoped. 'At Last I Am Free' twigged my repetition bone and it was a real struggle getting to minute 7. IMHO CHIC is best without the syrup.
4
Jul 04 2022
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Dense jazz fusion and a rock blues track. Has some great moments and love the groove on 'Little Umbrellas'. Nice to appreciate Zappa without having to ignore odd things said in silly voices. Not sure ever going to get repeat listens from me, but appreciated it.
3
Jul 05 2022
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Ha, Born To Run on 4th July. Nice work 1001 gang. Never been a Boss fan so I think this might actually be the first time I've listened through. More Meatloafy histrionics than I'd expected. The whole thing is comfortingly familiar and unchallenging. Played it through a few times, don't think I'll be returning in a hurry.
3
Jul 06 2022
Vespertine
BjΓΆrk
Love this album. Instant 5 stars.
5
Jul 07 2022
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
I've liked her earlier music, but this album just sounds like she wants to be Barbara Morgenstern. I think I'd rather just listen to Barbara Morgenstern. Too much krautrock.
2
Jul 08 2022
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Sadly this arrived on a rainy day, not the best weather for Jazz Samba, but still great playing. Smooth and mellow to a fault.
5
Jul 11 2022
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Some times the guitar sounds amazing, some of the vocals are fantastic however, most of the songs on this album are pretty are poor. Greatest Hits autoplayed after this album and made me realize how much better their song writing could be.
2
Jul 12 2022
Synchronicity
The Police
Police are a strange band, I just don't understand how they were the "biggest band in the world" at one stage. But hey, I don't understand how One Direction were either. This album has that 80s electric coldness to it that I sometimes enjoy. Maybe it's my negative feelings towards Sting, but here it felt dry and smug. I feel I say this on every album, the hits are great, but there's a lot of filler. Also, Mother should never have been committed to tape.
2
Jul 13 2022
Basket of Light
Pentangle
Interesting interplay between the instruments but didn't really grab me. Listened through three or four times and those additional versions of 'Sally Go Round The Roses' don't add much. Fine, but didn't blow me away. Much preferred the less folky songs.
3
Jul 14 2022
Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
Mum! I got a new synth! Listen to all the noises it can make!
1
Jul 15 2022
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I was expecting techno. Kraftwerk are a blank spot in my music knowledge really beyond 'The Model'. More folky than I expected, but not really lighting my fire.
2
Jul 18 2022
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Weirdly ponderous. The repeat of 'On & On' and all the segues just make it feel like it's not got any contained songs, despite this clearly not being the case. Flawless playing, great feel but overall not grabbing me.
3
Jul 19 2022
evermore
Taylor Swift
How does one manage to sing placidly while fantasizing a murder? More fine radio pop that didn't move me an inch. Don't think I'm ever going to become a Swifty.
2
Jul 20 2022
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Not the Steely Dan / Dylan collab I was hoping for. I can see why Dylan purists wouldn't be fans, but I like the texture of all the backing players. It's obviously too long and would take more than a day to really get into, but I'm inclined to play this record again on a road trip or something.
4
Jul 21 2022
Amnesiac
Radiohead
Better than I recall, but I just can shake that "Kid A offcuts" feel. Also, knowing what happened next, it looks like a lazy way to complete their EMI contract.
Sure, 'Sardines', 'Pyramid Song' and 'Knives Out' are good songs, but everything else is throwaway, apologies to the late Humph. The world didn't a second version of Morning Bell.
2
Jul 22 2022
Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
Couldn't get into this, despite knowing the Bees cover of "A Minha Menina". I think this is something I'd really need to be in the mood for to listen again. I see that it's interesting, but I didn't enjoy my playthrough.
2
Jul 25 2022
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Listened to this loads as a six-former with a stoner who friend decided to get into vinyl and liked the big shiny gold sleeve. Great album, loads of good songs and I love the bass. Listening to it now on headphones, there's so much more going on musically than I realized and some fantastic subtle lead guitar playing. Reading the Wikipedia notes about it being a rock album with a reggae veneer was interesting. I totally see that on the middle eight on 'Waiting in Vain' and 'Turn Your Lights Down Low' could be a Clapton song (with better vocals).
5
Jul 26 2022
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Sweet 70s funk repackaged for the 90s kids with vocals from a Stevie Wonder impersonator. The overwrought sloganeering combined with tone-deaf appropriation doesn't hold up well. Also the inclusion of a didgeridoo doesn't make this "world-music inspired", just annoying. Cynicism aside, musically, I love the band's influences as much as they clearly do and they do groove. 3.5 rounded down because Jay Kay is pretty repulsive.
3
Jul 27 2022
Ace of Spades
MotΓΆrhead
Starts hard and never gives up. After about three songs I started to wonder what it would be like to be Lemmy. Everything fast and loud and always vocally straining like your trousers are too tight. By the end of the album all the intensity got a bit tiring. Title track is awesome, everything else here tries to do the same thing and largely misses.
3
Jul 28 2022
You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
Great songs and guitar tone. Willfully sloppy in places but I can't get behind the Lou section at the end. Obviously improved by the inclusion of the 'Just Like Heaven' cover.
4
Jul 29 2022
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Love this album. Only low point for me is the opener 'Faron Young'! I guess it's more in that Smiths 80s rockabilly style and the structure and lyrics are pretty straightforward so that's why they made it a single.
5
Aug 01 2022
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
Too retro for me. It plodded along nicely, but nothing to make me return.
2
Aug 02 2022
The Who Sell Out
The Who
Sorry, was that 5 skits and novelty songs before the first actual song? How many times must they have listened to that Heinz shit in the recording, mixing and mastering process and still thought it was worth committing to vinyl? 'I Can See For Miles' is a good song, but having to slog through a crap handjob song and a crap body odor song to get there is not worth it.
1
Aug 03 2022
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Not as good as Quality Control, but more of the same. Good beats, good rhymes, nice Kool Keith spot. No idea why I didn't buy this album in 2002 so I'm glad I got to go back to it today.
4
Aug 04 2022
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Two hours? Nah, not into it. Can't exactly put my finger on why I don't like OutKast but there seems something grubby about them. Probably that "shit don't stank" line on 'Roses'. Grubby. The flow is great when it happens, but the beats feel cheesy and overproduced and the choruses miss more often than hit. I need to listen to their earliest stuff and see if that moves me. But this was a big wad of no for me. And don't get me started on that steamroller beat over 'My Favorite Things'. Maybe it's the drums I dislike most actually. Whatever, not a great experience.
2
Aug 05 2022
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
U2 in their legacy band phase. You can't even like this album ironically. I mean, it's fine, but kind of dull. The only redeeming feature, is that 'Beautiful Day' was used as interstitial music for televised football games in England for about 5 years and so it stirs some excitement in me. Albeit excitement for football, not U2.
2
Aug 08 2022
Under Construction
Missy Elliott
Won't hit my regular listen rotation because the beats are deliberately jarring and it makes my anxiety brain twitch, but it's great.
4
Aug 09 2022
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Why are you doing this to me on a Monday? Isn't Monday bad enough already without Chili Peppers. I'd watched a doc about Woodstock II on Sunday too, so my already negative feelings about RHCP are at an all time low. The bass is ok on 'Scar Tissue', most of the rest of the time, Flea plays too much. Kiedis should not be allowed anywhere near a microphone. Sample lyric: "Ding ding, deng dong, deng ding."
1
Aug 10 2022
Smile
Brian Wilson
Stuck it on repeat all day and listened to the original sessions and Smiley Smile. I like the grandiose scope of the project but don't feel like it achieved what it set out to do at all. The modules seemed to break up the quality rather than add texture. For me, part of the joy of the forms that he's working in is their simplicity so this treatment just feels fussy. Great orchestration and 'Good Vibrations' is near perfect. These recordings sound every bit as rich and warm as the originals to my ears despite the presence of no original Beach Boys beyond Brian, so this version to me is a success. Finally, if you're trying to stake a claim as a genius, move away from the siren whistle.
4
Aug 11 2022
Leftism
Leftfield
Dinner party house. I was surprised how much of this I actually remember, it must have been playing in shops constantly in the late 90s. Mostly, the album sleeve reminds me of the Columbia Record Club ads in Select Magazine. For me 'Open Up' is the only track with much value here. Everything else just happens. Just sounds like generic video game music now.
2
Aug 12 2022
Virgin Suicides
Air
I really ought to watch this film. 'Playground Love' is a great song and I had the CD single. The rest of this album is superfluous.
2
Aug 15 2022
The Doors
The Doors
Never been a fan, possibly the lack of a formal bassist. It's fine, overly repetitive in places and corny bar music in others. Separated from Apocalypses Now, 'The End' is a boring drone, 'Light My Fire' and 'Break On Through' still stand up though.
3
Aug 16 2022
Teen Dream
Beach House
Fine background music. Inessential.
3
Aug 17 2022
Viva Hate
Morrissey
Not the best Morrissey solo album, but it's certainly good and only 6 months after the demise of the Smiths! Not sure why they keep fiddling with the order and the typeface, but it still holds up.
4
Aug 18 2022
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Yesterday, Viva Hate, today my favourite Smiths album. Title track is a dirge but everything else is sparkling and wonderful. Favourite song: Nowhere Fast. Really should learn how to play it.
5
Aug 19 2022
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
After track one, the first half is really hard work. Dour drudge after dour drudge. The live versions of all these tracks are far more compelling so I get why the band were pissed off when they heard it. As a Manc and a post-punk fan this should be an instant five stars, but I have to be honest and say it's not quite there. Atmospheric, miserable, almost amazing.
4
Aug 22 2022
A Night At The Opera
Queen
Overblown and silly, but seems to be knowingly so. Still more likely to put on 'Greatest Hits' than any single Queen album if I ever listen to them. As an album experience a Night At The Opera is patchy and all over the place despite the obvious talent and hits.
3
Aug 23 2022
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
I love Herbie Hancock. Amazing groove, amazing artwork. 5 stars!
5
Aug 24 2022
Being There
Wilco
Didn't need to be a double album at all, there are only about three songs on disc two as good as the songs on disc one. After slogging through that to find the closing track is a with a forgettable, cough-ridden bar-room blues with a false ending is deeply unrewarding. The best songs are great, but as an album, meh.
3
Aug 25 2022
B-52's
The B-52's
Goofy, party music. I'm sure I've heard most of this record on the radio or at parties. I didn't really love it as an album, but the songs are all fun.
4
Aug 26 2022
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Fantastic album, know it very well. I own the UK version, so hearing it in the US order was slightly disconcerting. Nice listening to it intently on headphones too.
5
Aug 29 2022
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Starts strong, but the repetition wore me down by the end of the album. The outtake cuts at the end were especially tedious. One of these bands that I should absolutely love, but I'm on the edge about 'em.
3
Aug 30 2022
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
I thought I loved this album, but there are more syrupy ballads than I remember! The gruff bluesy stuff is all great though.
4
Aug 31 2022
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Enjoyed it. A bit too old school for my regular listening playlist, but good beats and rhymes.
4
Sep 01 2022
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
For some reason, I've amalgamated Tangerine Dream, Teardrop Explodes and Flock of Seagulls into one band. Flock of Exploding Tangerines? Sounds like an Orange Juice tribute band. Anyway, one of the reviews said "cheery Joy Division" and I sort of get that. I know more solo Julian Cope than any TE so I kind of enjoyed this although expected 'World Shut Your Mouth' to be the next track after every track. Enjoyed the bass, 80s production and general properties. Still don't understand the line about Rafferty. All in all, pretty good, but not amazing. 3.5 rounded down.
3
Sep 02 2022
Tapestry
Carole King
I'm a sucker for this 70s Laurel Canyon sound. So warm, so smooth. Only lowpoint for me is the title track. Also, 'Way Over Yonder' seems reductive. Even so. Great stuff.
5
Sep 05 2022
Pornography
The Cure
Smith doubling down on the Joy Division legacy. I hear so many parallels. There are about three great songs on this and the rest is a slog. Not my favourite Cure record by a long stretch, but it's not actually bad. Just hard work. 3.5 rounded up I guess.
4
Sep 06 2022
Hotel California
Eagles
Despite overplay, the title track is obviously great. 'Life In The Fast Lane' is also stand out, but the rest of the album pretty much limps along. I was expecting there to be a bit more depth, but no, not a standout album.
3
Sep 07 2022
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
Fun post punk.
4
Sep 08 2022
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Awful jam band stuff. No need for it to be on this list. Definition of inessential.
1
Sep 09 2022
Never Mind The Bollocks, Hereβs The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
God Save The Queen on the day she dies? Wow, that's an eerie coincidence. While super influential, it's not a good album. I doubt think I'll be playing the whole thing through again any time soon.
4
Sep 12 2022
Country Life
Roxy Music
Cabaret music with a ponderous singer. Maybe you had to be there.
1
Sep 13 2022
Blackstar
David Bowie
This album is totally overshadowed by Bowie's death. Impossible to listen to in a vacuum without noticing every lyric about posterity. I like the idea of a jazz band playing rock, but I think I'd rather listen to The Bad Plus or Happy Apple. Nowhere near as innovative as the critics seem to think. It's not terrible though. 3.5 rounded up for Bowie nostalgia.
4
Sep 14 2022
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Already ranked before I joined my group. 'Birthday' is really the stand out hit. Despite repeated listens and loving some of the song titles, I'm still nonplused.
3
Sep 15 2022
Sister
Sonic Youth
Noisy, but poppy. Great record.
4
Sep 16 2022
Either Or
Elliott Smith
Where the pace picks up above coffeeshop mumble and strum, there's some nice music on here, but overall didn't change my world.
2
Sep 19 2022
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Awesome and angry. Flavor Flav is like salt though, essential in small amounts but when he overdoes it everything goes to shit.
4
Sep 20 2022
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Can't believe this band has more than one album on the list. This album is far better than It's Blitz but still suffers from the same problem - you either think Karen O is a one person wrecking ball, or the wreck who turns up at karaoke and tries to sing blues songs as if they were punk. I fall into the latter camp.
3
Sep 21 2022
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Good background music, probably good driving music. Didn't massively grab me in three listens but totally fine and listenable.
3
Sep 22 2022
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
'Television...' is amazing. Fun album, lots of angles without the anger of a Public Enemy or a RATM.
3
Sep 23 2022
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Generally like both artists but this combination didn't work for me.
2
Sep 26 2022
Horses
Patti Smith
Listened to it a few times in the past and a relisten today confirmed that this album is not for me. Most songs are too long and however much of a poet Smith is, I just hear moaning.
1
Sep 27 2022
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Great record!
5
Sep 28 2022
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
Probably would have enjoyed this a lot more as a kid. Feels unnecessarily angsty to me now! Unlikely to return any time soon, but great playing.
3
Sep 29 2022
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
This album hasn't changed any of my feelings about Roxy Music, slightly kookie art school cabaret music with wobbly, bleated vocals. Not absolutely awful, but not for me.
2
Sep 30 2022
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Embarrassing. Did they think they were cool for sampling the Eagles?
1
Oct 03 2022
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
I need to listen to this a ton more to really appreciate it but it's clearly great. Love the voice, the songs, the instrumentation.
4
Oct 04 2022
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Enjoyable riffs and everything sounds great. Hooker should have won that court case for plagiarism on 'La Grange' though. Good background bar music, not sure I'll return much to it at home.
4
Oct 05 2022
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
I absolutely LOVED this record when it came out. It was mind-blowing. However, either my tastes have changed or the musical world has caught up with DJ Shadow because it felt a bit pedestrian. Strange. Still going to give it 4 for old time's sake, but if I was listening now, I think it might be a low 3.
4
Oct 06 2022
Born To Be With You
Dion
There could be some good songs under here but this sounds terrible.
1
Oct 07 2022
Kollaps
EinstΓΌrzende Neubauten
Gotta go full grandad on this one and say "that's not music". Trent Reznor clearly owes the man a pint but nothing sounds finished here. The few atmospheric parts were totally acceptable but the hitting a railing with a stick and shouting in German parts were unbearable. Next!
1
Oct 10 2022
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
Slightly better than Limp Bizkit, much worse than everything else. Inessential.
1
Oct 11 2022
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Better than the other Elliott Smith that came up on this list. Still not really setting my world on fire, but certainly one I can return to when I'm in a Phoebe Bridges mood.
4
Oct 12 2022
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
I really like the way it sounds all boom bap and double bass samples, but it didn't really grip me. Maybe needs to be on rotation for a while. I could do with more hooks.
3
Oct 13 2022
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
I think I prefer Tom Waits review of this album to the actual album itself: "... you put this record on after dinner and by the last song you are exactly where you want to be."
Sinatra sounds great, but the continual maudlin songs and saccharine strings get a bit much if you're giving it a concentrated listen. The small band on 'Can't We Be Friends?' really feels like a relief!
4
Oct 14 2022
Queen II
Queen
Bit more balls to this one than some of the other Queen records on this list. Still not terribly exciting though.
2
Oct 17 2022
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
The "I'm not a very nice person" schtick wears thin after about 3 minutes so this album gets tiring fast. Good production, good rapping ability, boring as hell 'shocking' lyrics. Ho hum.
2
Oct 18 2022
Celebrity Skin
Hole
I was never a fan of why Courtney Love sings. However, there's a few tunes I really enjoyed on this one so I tried my best to overlook it! Decent record, not essential, but not unenjoyable.
3
Oct 19 2022
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Amazing record! Shame it's no longer on Spotify, but still great.
5
Oct 20 2022
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Love the cover art. First track was a disaster but much better after that. The sort of psych I can deal with.
3
Oct 21 2022
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Everybody digs Bill Evans
5
Oct 24 2022
Live At Leeds
The Who
Reasonable rock band with a very good drummer. The expanded version drags like hell. The original LP lineup is better, but no one needs a 15 minute version of 'My Generation'
2
Oct 25 2022
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
All over the place and not particularly compelling beyond 'Solsbury Hill'. Is he trying to be a one man Queen? Why is there an orchestral disco number? What's with the Randy Newman style songs? Varied, curious, but far from great.
2
Oct 26 2022
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Simon is great when he's at his best. However, a throwaway Dylan impression, and two trad songs on a 28 minute record is a pretty disappointing return. 'Homeward Bound' is a great train song though and some of the harmonies are damn lovely so I guess it's a high three.
3
Oct 27 2022
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Can see why everyone loved it at the time, but the production is horrible and her voice really grates. Extra point for nostalgia.
2
Oct 28 2022
Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
I generally like Buzzcocks, but the songs on this album didn't really do it for me. The extended version with the singles on makes it 100% better.
3
Oct 31 2022
Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
The horns are so good, why add strings? More of the same from their debut. I like the idea of Dexys more than the music, but it's all fun and enthusiastic. I guess it's a 3.
3
Nov 01 2022
Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Amazing!
5
Nov 02 2022
Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Pretty dour. Was interesting to hear what they used to sound like, but don't think I'll be returning soon.
2
Nov 03 2022
The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
Apparently Talk Talk invented trip hop in 1986, but no one noticed until DJ Shadow ten years later. Like the sparseness and the jazz elements, and 'Life's What You Make It' is wonderful, but doesn't really feel great as an album. Might have to put a bit more time into it myself, but right now it's a high 3.
3
Nov 04 2022
Sheet Music
10cc
'Worst Band In The World' is fun but not much else here is. I should like this album because I'm a Steely Dan fan and it's playing in vaguely the same field. However, it just doesn't do it for me.
2
Nov 07 2022
Tommy
The Who
Generally hate The Who, so approached with extreme prejudice. As expected, Tommy is over-blown, over-long and not particularly interesting. Hopefully this is the last Who album on this list.
1
Nov 08 2022
With The Beatles
Beatles
Pop pop pop! Not deep or clever, but lots of fun to sing along to.
4
Nov 09 2022
Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Probably a lot more interested at the time of its release, now it's just a throwaway rock album. Points for curiosity but I've not become a converted Dictators fan.
3
Nov 10 2022
Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
First half of this album was really good. Totally surprising. Then the horrible piano interlude happens and it turns into the Blur I hate. Oh well, half a fun experience.
2
Nov 11 2022
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Noodley, interesting in parts. Fun instrumentation. But generally didn't really grab me.
2
Nov 14 2022
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
Love this album. Instant 5!
5
Nov 15 2022
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Radio friendly pop/country. Was technically fine, but I'm not planning to listen again.
2
Nov 16 2022
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Prefer their later albums that have a bit more oomph. Not a bad listen though.
3
Nov 17 2022
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Groovy. I've heard most of this from other sources (and I'm sure I've played it through at least once). Not unlike acolyte Jarvis Cocker, I don't enjoy a creepy man whispering in my headphones. 4 stars for music and influence, minus 1 star for Serge.
3
Nov 18 2022
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Saw the name and feared prog-folk. There's certainly parts of that, but there's more rock groove than I expected. As expected there was too much flute, and I doubt I'll be listening again any time soon, but not terrible.
3
Nov 21 2022
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Intro to Cornucopia is everything. The rest of the album is a bit up and down. I don't really care for the instrumentals, 'FX' is entirely pointless and 'Changes' is just mawkish.
3
Nov 22 2022
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
The second half goes wayward. 5 stars for the first half, 3 for the second.
4
Nov 23 2022
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
Already reviewed: "I was waiting for this to show up. It was only a matter of time, but I expected it would take more than a week. It's fine, it's swirly, atmospheric. It's got a few great pop tunes on it, but I can't say I listen to it often for fun. I probably don't do enough drugs."
3
Nov 24 2022
The College Dropout
Kanye West
For all of his production skills, Kayne is not a good singer or rapper. Unfortunately he's also not an actor or comedian either so the skits on this are so cringey.
2
Nov 25 2022
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Fantastic album regardless of MJs later life choices. Always thought the enunciation on the song 'Thriller' was weird though. Sounds like he's singing "driller". Either way, great songs, even the terrible McCartney one.
5
Nov 28 2022
Dookie
Green Day
When this came out, I had a big chip on my shoulder that it was not punk. It was not Sex Pistols, it was not shocking. Listening to it now I care less about that, it's fine. This album has some decent pop punk tunes but probably be about 3 songs shorter. When it finished, Nirvana came up on Spotify auto play and the comparison was stark. Green Day are soulless in comparison - even to overproduced Nevermind Nirvana.
2
Nov 29 2022
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Fun. The singles are amazing, the rest of the album a bit less. Gets a bit samey until the novelty track which drops the volume and then the final track wakes you up again.
4
Nov 30 2022
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Strange album, a few solid R&B tracks, a bit of 60s mod, a bit of housewives choice crooning. Don't think I'll be returning, but 'A Girl Like You' will fit fine on a Psych Northern Soul playlist (if such a thing exists).
3
Dec 01 2022
Brothers
The Black Keys
Was ok, irked by the constant references to them being a duo when there's usually at least four instruments being played on each track. Didn't particularly rock me or move me. Hoped for more.
2
Dec 02 2022
Berlin
Lou Reed
90% bummer, more interesting than good. 'Sad Song' shows at least it's self aware. Exciting moments, far too much bleak mumbling and kid screaming.
2
Dec 05 2022
1999
Prince
I really want to like Prince and I'm happy he's enjoying himself being a megalomanic sex-dwarf on this record, but I just don't buy it. By turns it's too sentimental, too crude, too cheesy. I'll stick with the singles.
2
Dec 06 2022
Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
Long way off his best, but there's some fun stuff here. Also, the song that appears to be the inspiration for Jamiroquoi's second album. Don't think I'll be heading back soon.
2
Dec 07 2022
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Too busy, too long. Not my favorite Stones record by a long margin
2
Dec 08 2022
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Smooth and sexy. Not sure I'd play it with my mum in the house and some of the album teeters into cheesy territory. But generally loads of fun.
3
Dec 09 2022
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Relentless album that just keeps on coming at you. The beats are a threadbare in parts, but it's all about the rapping. Great record.
4
Dec 12 2022
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
This should be right up my street, but I didn't much like it. Might take more listens, but I think there's something about the singer that I'm not going for. Definitely good, but not great.
3
Dec 13 2022
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
'Grounds for Divorce' and 'One Day Like This' are great but I'm not sure they're enough to carry the album. One night at Big Hands in Manchester a guitarist from The Fall came up to me while I was stood at the bar and talked at me for about 5 minutes before saying "You're not Guy Garvey are you?" I told him that I wasn't and that I didn't look like Guy Garvey. He walked away.
3
Dec 14 2022
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Stage school kid sings soul. Not much to see here. Not sure why the world went crazy about her. Dap Kings records are much better.
1
Dec 15 2022
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
A proggy rock album. I imagine I would have liked this in my late teens. Now I don't really feel it. I played it through yesterday, listening to it again this morning, nothing is striking me as memorable.
2
Dec 16 2022
Beautiful Freak
Eels
This album is such a bummer. Every tempo is set to depression. Kinda like a tedious version of Sparklehorse. Enjoyed a few songs, but overall not a record I'll be returning to.
2
Dec 19 2022
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Love this record.
5
Dec 20 2022
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
This was lovely. A great listen!
5
Dec 21 2022
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Soft rock with a few nods to the Beatles and the Hendrix. Played it a couple of times, didn't particularly stand out. Not terrible, not great.
3
Dec 22 2022
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Better than some of the others and a great opener. Still not really the most amazing rock band in the world to my ears.
3
Dec 23 2022
The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Smoooooooth. John Lee Hooker is obviously fantastic, but don't really like the modern leanings or the collaborations. That opener killed the album for me. Five stars for JHL, minus 2 for Santana.
3
Dec 26 2022
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
I respect what they do, seems exciting and would be fun to watch. But on record, I got quickly bored of fiddle and pipes. Turned into theme pub background music for me.
3
Dec 27 2022
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Moody boy music. It's lovely though.
4
Dec 28 2022
Timeless
Goldie
The single CD version of this album is better than the 2 hour beast that is linked here, but it's still over long and a bit underdeveloped. Inner City Life is good and moody, but the rest is just 90s background muzak.
2
Dec 29 2022
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Fantastic. Love this stuff!
5
Dec 30 2022
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Great when it works ('Stuck Inside of Mobile', 'Sad-Eyed Lady'). Terrible when it doesn't ('Rainy Day Women', 'Leopard-Print'). A solid 2.5
3
Jan 02 2023
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Solid funk rock album. Good grooves here, but both the long bookend tracks are a bit too much psyche for me. Not terrible, but not amazing.
3
Jan 03 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Does he actually fully hit a single note on 'The Rover'? Wasn't super happy to see a Zeppelin double record to show up, but here we are.
Also disappointed that the only word you can spell out downwards on the sleeve is PIG. I guess it'll have to do.
3
Jan 04 2023
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
Horrible. Why would anyone want to listen to this? Twitchy loops and repeated vocal samples. Sounds like a panic attack. Ew.
1
Jan 05 2023
Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Fun 60s pop. Enjoyed it but doubt it'll hit my regular rotation.
3
Jan 06 2023
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
When you see a Decca label on a pop record you know you're in for trouble. Sort of styled like it's show tunes for mum's but not sure what mum would want to hear this. Awful.
1
Jan 09 2023
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
As great as LCD are and as much as I like James Murphy, this album didn't do it for me. It's just as derivative as the previous albums, but somehow not as good. Also, a few of those high notes smell like Bono, watch yourself James!
2
Jan 10 2023
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
While I loved Nirvana, I never really got into Foo Fighters. The hits are fun, but I've never really sat with the albums. This one was totally ok, not amazing, but fine. Glad Dave got out of his funk. Later material seems much better.
3
Jan 11 2023
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
A gobby smartarse yelling over Balearic fusion with a heavy dose of studio gloss. It shouldn't work, but it does. Loads of fun, catchy tunes and memorable lyrics. Favourite song: 'Dennis and Lois'.
5
Jan 12 2023
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Raucous. Not something I'd listen to regularly, but undeniably exciting.
4
Jan 13 2023
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Uninspiring.
2
Jan 16 2023
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Best of the Hendrix studio albums in my opinion. A solid 5 star record.
5
Jan 17 2023
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Obviously know the hits on here, but hadn't heard the whole album. 'Sixteen' is awesome, Happy Mondays 8 years before the Happy Mondays. It all gets a bit flabby around the middle of the album and then 'Neighborhood Threat' hits. Ace.
4
Jan 18 2023
Tellinβ Stories
The Charlatans
It's alright, Charlatans were always the least interesting band of the Madchester scene. Didn't listen to this whole album when it came out but I remember that 'North Country Boy' was played too often on the radio and it got annoying quick. Tim Burgess seems like a nice man from his Twitter presence but his singing voice is perhaps even more annoying than Ian Brown and to read that he based his delivery on Wu-Tang is laughable. The only nod to hip-hop I heard was a few apologetic record scratches.
2
Jan 19 2023
Sea Change
Beck
Beck does Nick Drake. Nice enough and 'Lost Cause' is a super pretty song but not a hugely remarkable album.
3
Jan 20 2023
Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
Andy Weatherall made some amazing music in his life. Unfortunately this does not include Haunted Dancehall by The Sabres of Paradise. This sounds like a 90s record shop, ambient-ish dub-ish. Nothing really happens, no atmosphere is created. Indulgent.
1
Jan 23 2023
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Love this album (ignoring the Art Garfunkel field recording experiment). Was in constant rotation on my parent's car tape player when I was a kid.
5
Jan 24 2023
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
'Killing Moon' is amazing and stand out. The rest of the album, less so. A little more diverse than I expected but still very English new wave.
3
Jan 25 2023
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Live hard rock album. Sounds muddy. Probably fun if you were there. Some very cheesy programming decisions on the first and last tracks. Mostly made me want to listen to Beastie Boys.
2
Jan 26 2023
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
A fine MOR country album. Nicely played, every song seems to be about prostitution. While not actively bad, nothing about this album particularly held my attention.
2
Jan 27 2023
Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
I feel like I've already listened to every Nick Drake and Tim Buckley record so when another pops up I'm always surprised. Not a huge fan of the psyche elements on this one, felt a bit carny. Not the first Buckley record I'd reach for.
2
Jan 30 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Nice riffs, generally find Bruce's cod operatic notes unpleasant. Doubt I'll be returning to this any time soon.
3
Jan 31 2023
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Weller always seems like an arsehole, but this album grooves along nicely. A little bland in places, but generally gives off the vibe of adult dinner party. Unchallenging.
3
Feb 01 2023
Dummy
Portishead
Great album, loved it when it came out. Like all trip-hop I've revisited while doing this, not sure it stands up so well today. That snare on 'Mysterons' is abrasive and dates it somewhat. 'Roads' is still lovely though. Also, nice that b-side 'It's A Fire' has been included in the album - good wonky chords.
5
Feb 02 2023
Kenya
Machito
Fun album. Amused to learn that Machito is the maraca player. I'm sure there's skill to maraca playing, but I feel it's a fairly entry level percussion instrument. One step above the triangle maybe. Percussion snobbery aside, this is great orchestra with excellent soloists and tight arrangements. Nice to finally hear 'Tin Tin Deo' after seeing it countless times in the Real Book. Also, an early Mingus tune and a Machito original that sounds suspiciously like 'Have You Met Miss Jones'.
4
Feb 03 2023
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Moody and fantastic
5
Feb 06 2023
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
I prefer Stevie Wonder grooves to ballads so this album isn't up there with the best for me. Still great musically, but slimmer pickings in terms of the music I enjoy the most.
3
Feb 07 2023
Van Halen
Van Halen
Probably innovative at the time, super passe now. At least the 'best guitar solo of all time' is mercifully short. Does it even have a structure? Or is he just doing technically interesting things?
2
Feb 08 2023
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
The songs that aren't too sparse and that don't have awful lyrics ("And a side order of ham") are ok. Still feel like I want to like Prince more than I ever will. Bonus point for generating the sample that led 'Late Night, Maudlin Street'.
3
Feb 09 2023
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Strange. I respect Billy Bragg and I like a few Wilco albums, but this collab just annoyed me. That opener is painful. Not a fun listen :(
2
Feb 10 2023
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Generally enjoy The Dan but this isn't their best album. While I am happy to play jazz blues for days, opening an album with one in 1973 seems a little played. Actually, I think side two is far better than side one. Either way, a good solid 4 stars.
4
Feb 13 2023
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
While seems churlish to do down a record that starts with 'Like A Rolling Stone', I feel like the rest of this album all blurs into one. The whine gets tiring.
3
Feb 14 2023
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Show tunes sung badly over Casio beats? Maybe that's too cynical. Didn't much enjoy it beyond the singles though.
2
Feb 15 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Was ok, but didn't stand out to me as much as some other DM.
2
Feb 16 2023
Picture Book
Simply Red
Perfectly acceptable 80s smooth rnb. Not amazing, Hucknall's voice feels a bit weak, and the backings a bit too synthetic. Was amused when the accents show on the shout chorus on 'Heaven'. Minus one because the singer is a United fan and fairly grim piece of work. Google "hucknall apology guardian" if you need evidence on that last point.
2
Feb 17 2023
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Two good songs and a lot of filler. Strange one. Not really an album, more an extended EP.
2
Feb 20 2023
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Enjoyable album, although Chooglin' got a bit repetitive. I guess that's the point.
4
Feb 21 2023
American Idiot
Green Day
Clearly a band trying to outgrow one-note punk, but the only good songs on this are the one-note punk songs. And what's with the voice?
2
Feb 23 2023
Manassas
Stephen Stills
'Colorado' is a very nice song. The rest of the album is fine, but way too long. Those Moog interludes can take a dive too. I love the sound of they way they used to record drums in the early 70s. The drumming sounds amazing throughout. Doubt I'd every listen to this as an album again though. I guess that evens out to a three.
3
Feb 24 2023
Protection
Massive Attack
Bordering on cheesy but generally great in an early 90s way. Tracey Thorn is the secret weapon here. Her voice fits the mood perfectly. Contrary to every other reviewer, I think the 'Light My Fire' cover is kinda fun, albeit in the style of a drunk guy at karaoke.
4
Feb 27 2023
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Bar music. Not sure why he does strange accents half the time. Curious.
3
Feb 28 2023
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I don't know what it is about pervy, charismatic, tall, thin men, but I'm not a fan. Even if I was, this is not the strongest set of Cave songs. Too many dirges, too much meh.
2
Mar 01 2023
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Re-review from before I joined a group "It's a live album... beyond the talky guitar thing there's no much remarkable here. I'm going to check out the studio albums next though."
2
Mar 02 2023
Urban Hymns
The Verve
Plodding radio-friendly Britrock. This was inescapable in England when it was released. Really could do with fewer vocal ad lib outros. Not strong.
2
Mar 03 2023
Faust IV
Faust
The opening track sounds like hearing an open mic at the Irish Club through the wall, 11 min of quarter note bass fifths. Overall, interesting but not enjoyable. I don't think I'll ever enjoy Krautrock, but I guess I'll keep on trying.
3
Mar 06 2023
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Never owned this album, but I know every song. Hard to rate as a thing. Good songs, personally I'm never going to put it on, but I'm going to constantly hear these songs whether I want to or not. Marginally more listenable than the first album since there's less loudness insanity and a hint more subtlety. Derivative, but fun.
4
Mar 07 2023
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Not a great album. Billie Holiday is a fantastic singer but syrupy arrangements and her later-life, cracking voice doesn't work on this disc. Those additional unfinished takes do her no favours either. Made me go back and listen to the Columbia collections. Much more enjoyable.
2
Mar 08 2023
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
When I was younger I thought this was the best Floyd album, but now I think I can admit that Dark Side Of The Moon is better. Even so, it's about as good as Pink Floyd is ever going to get. Moody, maudlin, angry at the world, but still compelling.
4
Mar 09 2023
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
So many hits! Obviously not as exciting as the next album, but the live bands playing the material from the first two albums is my Elvis jam. A little one note, but that's part of the charm. Great record.
5
Mar 10 2023
Roots
Sepultura
Today I learned that Chaos AD wasn't their first album. This band always excited me as a kid but I didn't really spend too much time with them beyond Refuse/Resist. Still enjoyable.
4
Mar 13 2023
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Feels like a bedroom album done by one guy rather than a band. I need to look up some live shows on YouTube. It is fine, but didn't blow my mind. Three and a half probably.
3
Mar 14 2023
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Couple of great songs, a couple of stinkers. This album is more notable for the cover art than the music. A strong opener and closer help it, but 'You Gotta Move' and 'Sister Morphine' are low points.
3
Mar 16 2023
A Seat at the Table
Solange
Expected to like this more but her whisper singing gets annoying over the course of the record.
3
Mar 17 2023
Atomizer
Big Black
Sticking this out mainly because I love Shellac, but the album opener is horrible in every way. When you can hear it, the bass sound is amazing and I'm into the limitations of the drum machine. This would have probably been my favourite album in the world if I'd heard it when I was 14.
3
Mar 20 2023
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
Fun, messy, indie album with a few amazing songs on it. Up the Fannies!
4
Mar 21 2023
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Enjoyed it. Still think Siouxsie is a singles band and obviously this isn't all the hits, but still great.
4
Mar 22 2023
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
This should be right up my alley, but I find the songs indistinct and it sounds awful. Ho hum.
2
Mar 23 2023
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
It's ok, pretty noodley. Sounds like Foo Fighters. Don't think I'll be returning.
2
Mar 24 2023
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Despite him being deeply uncool, I actually quite like Sir Rod's voice and swagger. This collection is terribly dull though. Definitely won't be returning.
2
Mar 27 2023
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Nothing amazing, but fun. Some of the ballads drag and some of the up tempo numbers seem to recommend domestic violence. Hey, it was a different time. Don't think it'll be on heavy rotation, but I don't think I've ever listened to a full Elvis album before.
3
Mar 28 2023
Closer
Joy Division
Closer on a Monday morning? Are you trying to thin the heard? Murky, moody, generally not as good as Unknown Pleasures. I imagine that album three with 'Dead Souls', 'Ceremony' and 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' on it would be a stormer, but this one is a downer.
3
Mar 29 2023
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Three good songs and a lot of filler. The sound of getting ready to go out in 2009. Bring me my multicolored headband.
3
Mar 30 2023
Yeezus
Kanye West
Some interesting beats, some terrible lyrics with even worse delivery. The chorus on 'Hold My Liquor' is one of the most embarrassing things I've heard. If Ye actually was a genius, he'd get someone else to do the rapping.
2
Mar 31 2023
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Uncontrolled warbling is my least favourite style of singing - it's like having a goat in my headphones. At least this album is short. Pretty songs, shame about the voice.
2
Apr 03 2023
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Not for me. A very long album with 'Mr. Blue Sky' on it. While not actively terrible, syrupy and overblown.
2
Apr 04 2023
Metallica
Metallica
Had this when it came out. It's a decent pop-metal album. Mostly amused remembering that a high school friend misheard 'Sad But True' as "Sex Patrol". More likely to listen to Master of Puppets if I'm in a 'Tallica mood tbh.
3
Apr 06 2023
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
Fun electro, interesting sounds, influential, but sort of dull.
3
Apr 07 2023
Elephant
The White Stripes
'Seven Nation Army' and 13 others. White Stripes lack of bass always annoyed me, amusing that their biggest hit has a a fake bass on it. Bass is best, why doesn't everyone know this yet?
2
Apr 10 2023
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Nothing challenging here, (apart from the high note on the chorus of 'Livin On A Prayer' after the key change), but it's a perfectly serviceable 80s rock album. I listened to this a lot as a teen, but have no recollection of about three songs on the second half!
4
Apr 11 2023
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Seems to be transitional, some stuff works, some stuff is miles off. The Dylan cover is the best thing here.
3
Apr 12 2023
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Great collection with lovely arrangements. Not the cool response, but I think I prefer this to Wee Small Hours.
4
Apr 13 2023
Music
Madonna
'Music' was an ok single, but there's nothing much else going for this. 'Nobody's Perfect' is very poor indeed.
1
Apr 14 2023
Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Great record from my birth year!
5
Apr 17 2023
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
I have listened to this album a lot, but not recently. In the intervening time I listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell and I see a lot of influence this time around. Still great, solid lyrics, singing, emotion with occasional slips into muzak. Harrowing, but enjoyable to revisit.
4
Apr 18 2023
The Rise & Fall
Madness
Always found this band a little creepy. Their skinhead fans and the guy in blackface on the cover double down on that. Not for me.
2
Apr 19 2023
Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Very dull. Not for me.
2
Apr 20 2023
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Bizarre hard rock show tunes. Got some fun moments, but also a lot of cheese.
2
Apr 24 2023
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Love Tom Waits.
5
Apr 27 2023
The Clash
The Clash
It's alright, occasionally thought I was listening to Buzzcocks. The vocal impression of an echo chamber at the end of 'Police and Thieves' amused me.
3
Apr 28 2023
Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Interesting to check out. I knew the name but had never listened. I think I'll always prefer De La, but glad I heard this.
4
May 01 2023
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Oh so moody. 'Unfinished Sympathy' is the real head turner, but there's good samples throughout. The rapping is the weak part imho but it's fairly understated, so I'm ok with that.
4
May 03 2023
Ray Of Light
Madonna
A William Orbit album with Madonna guesting. She sounds like she's having fun on the title track. The rest, less so.
2
May 04 2023
La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
The fairly bland adventures of a man with an accordion and a man with a laptop. Leave it in the hotel lobby lads.
1
May 08 2023
Melody A.M.
RΓΆyksopp
I like the Oye tracks, 'Remind Me' is great. Rest of it just bleeps along. Downtempo music like used to be interesting for me, but I lost interest somewhere along the line and I now find this sort of thing a slog.
2
May 09 2023
Fun House
The Stooges
Messy, fun rock
4
May 10 2023
Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
That's a bold start right there. I like the sounds of his songs - interesting chords, plaintiff singing, but something about it doesn't make me want to return to it.
3
May 12 2023
Fragile
Yes
Way more fun than I was expecting. Sounds like the drummer and the bassist are having a great time. Groovy psyche rock with only a whiff of the pretention I thought I was going to get. That said, the cover of 'America' was pretty dumb, drop the singing and it's an unrecognizable instrumental!
3
May 15 2023
Music From Big Pink
The Band
'The Weight' is awesome. The rest is pretty forgettable. Not actually bad, but fairly generic.
3
May 16 2023
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
I feel like I lose an awful lot by not understanding the lyrics. Totally fine cabaret music, does not move me at all.
2
May 17 2023
The Undertones
The Undertones
Fun pop-punk from back in the day. This is how it's done, Green Day!
5
May 19 2023
One World
John Martyn
Solid Air this ain't. Smooth folk with a hint of funk works better for me that smooth funk with a hint of folk. Never again.
2
May 22 2023
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Got some great songs, but also a load that sound like filler from 50s themed musical. I'm sure it would have made sense in CBGBs, but feels sterile on record.
3
May 23 2023
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
I hate the London rap accent so much. Also these beats are so horribly cheap sounding. Really monotonous. I want to support UK hip hop, but not this.
1
May 24 2023
...And Justice For All
Metallica
Chug, chug, chug-chug, chug. This album didn't move me when I was a metal fan. It's no Master Of Puppets. Fine for what it is, but too long and a bit too dull.
2
May 25 2023
Iβve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
A little too country for my tastes, but nice enough. Doubt I'll be returning.
3
May 29 2023
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Bit repetitive, but I think that's the point. I like the sparse sound. Feels more authentic than Nashville country to me. Doubt I'll ever listen to it again, but was fine for a few plays through on a summer afternoon.
4
May 30 2023
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
The suite is a bit all over the place. Feels like there's no connection or theme. Not particularly essential imho. Nice drumming throughout though.
3
May 31 2023
Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
Love all the blips and the esoteric subject matter. Gets a little annoying in places with repetition and strange affectations, but mostly a really interesting listen. Ladd's Gun Hill Road really improves on the formula, but this album is still worth spending time with.
4
Jun 01 2023
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
More messy joy.
4
Jun 05 2023
Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
Entirely inessential. I love fuzz bass as much as the next man, but beyond Golden Skans, this album doesn't stand up. Very derivative.
1
Jun 07 2023
OK
Talvin Singh
Less flute and less 2000s production and I might have got on with this. Sadly it was a chore.
2
Jun 08 2023
Imagine
John Lennon
Already reviewed "Hard work. Sounds like it was recorded behind a mattress."
3
Jun 09 2023
This Nationβs Saving Grace
The Fall
Don't think this is an amazing Fall album, but it's got a few hits on it.
4
Jun 13 2023
So
Peter Gabriel
Era defining production and genre jumping. Owes credit to Lionel Richie, Sting and Talking Heads. 'Don't Give Up' is still lovely though.
3
Jun 14 2023
In Utero
Nirvana
The advanced press on this was that it was no Nevermind so I wasn't exactly looking forward to it when I asked my brother for it for my birthday. However, I put it on and I was hooked from the opening JANG! Great stuff. The rumbly bass bits are even more rumbly. The angst is real. Love it.
5
Jun 15 2023
Green
R.E.M.
Oop, someone bought a mandolin.
3
Jun 16 2023
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Chuck D is so compelling when he's rapping, shame about everything else. The wall of noise is too noisy, Flav's enthusiasm isn't matched by skill. Best track for me is Hollywood since it's not just the two of them.
2
Jun 22 2023
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Great, messy, iconic.
5
Jun 23 2023
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Two amazing songs and a lot of filler. I think I would have felt cheated if I'd bought this at the time. This format doesn't really work for singles bands.
2
Jun 26 2023
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
I'm not completely comfortable calling myself a B&S fan, but I love the first 4 albums so it's an instant 5 star for me.
5
Jun 28 2023
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Prefer his previous album, but this is still great. Does every singer songwriter post 1990 have a "Nick Drake" phase?
4
Jun 30 2023
Dirty
Sonic Youth
Slightly more refined, messy fun!
4
Jul 03 2023
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Enjoyable 70s folk rock.
4
Jul 06 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
Interesting to listen to the full album. Sounds more modern than the release date so must have been influential! Good to get some context for the singles.
4
Jul 07 2023
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Loved this when it came out. Stands up now.
5
Jul 11 2023
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Listened through a few times. Didn't move me. The live track in the middle seemed like a strange choice. Generic middle of the road country.
2
Jul 17 2023
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Don't think this format adds much to the previously released material, but the broken yowling on 'Where Did You Sleep' almost makes up for an otherwise redundant release.
3
Jul 19 2023
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Couldn't get into the voices.
2
Jul 20 2023
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
I had it in my head that Fishbone was funk rock so the ska came as a surprise. While the playing is fantastic - especially the bass, the tunes didn't really grab me.
3
Jul 24 2023
Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
Electro gets boring so fast. While I appreciate it was groundbreaking, it's not a listen for now. Combine this with ongoing revelations about Bambaataa and it's a very unappealing listen.
1
Jul 25 2023
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Sounds like a jam band having fun. Probably more exciting to play than to listen to. Needs bass.
2
Jul 27 2023
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
Not great. Most of it sounds like Roxy Music. A guy with a bleaty voice, trying to croon.
2
Jul 28 2023
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Pretty good, if you don't listen to the lyrics.
3
Aug 02 2023
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
One hit and some others. Hate the vocal style.
2
Aug 03 2023
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Totally decent, but no way essential. Enjoyable listen though.
3
Aug 07 2023
Microshift
Hookworms
Entirely inessential. A Can impersonation some guys from Leeds with an alleged history of abuse. No thanks.
1
Aug 08 2023
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Far longer than I remembered but still great!
5
Aug 09 2023
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Enjoyed the speed metal and thrash bits, didn't enjoy the repetitious vocal samples. All the one-chord jam songs with fade outs made this album seem unfinished. Also, next to NIN's Wish from the same year Psalm 69 is fairly primitive.
2
Aug 16 2023
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
Interesting, but not great.
2
Aug 17 2023
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
The high vocals on TVOTR always sound like muppets singing to me. This album didn't change my mind.
2
Aug 18 2023
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Monumental, smooth prog. What's not to like?
5
Aug 21 2023
Aja
Steely Dan
Despite all the ribbing, it's still excellent!
5
Aug 22 2023
Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
I prefer this band when he's not singing, his mumbling doesn't add much to the mix either. All the tunes were reminiscent of other things. I was pretty sure I was listening to a pastiche of 'Werewolves of London' at one point.
2
Aug 23 2023
I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Great album, I almost drove off a road in the snow while listening to this. The other four people in the car suggested maybe we should have no music on for a while. Why is it not on Spotify? Anyway, great stuff.
5
Aug 24 2023
NEU! 75
Neu!
Interesting, not amazing. Had seen the cover before and expected more straight ahead krautrock rather than the folkier stuff it opened with.
3
Aug 28 2023
Mask
Bauhaus
Not as dark and gothy as I'd expected. Definitely didn't expect any disco beats. I feel like I should listen to it again sometime, but for now it's a solid 3.
3
Aug 29 2023
Street Life
The Crusaders
Inessential album with a great single on it. Again, the strings add nothing!
3
Aug 30 2023
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Lots of two chord stoner jams. The FBS remix of 'Brim Full of Asha' obliterates the album version. I like the singer's voice, but the whole album just isn't adventurous enough to hold my interest.
2
Aug 31 2023
Woodface
Crowded House
Totally pleasant pop rock. Knew the singles from repeated radio play, the album tracks weren't a revelation.
3
Sep 01 2023
Shadowland
k.d. lang
Turns out I know nothing about k.d. lang. I expected 'Constant Craving', but this is very different. Great singing, lush production, entirely forgettable.
3
Sep 05 2023
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Ignoring what Rod became, I do love the swagger on The Faces records. Unchallenging blues rock, perhaps, but enjoyable.
4
Sep 06 2023
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Super fun.
4
Sep 07 2023
Out of Step
Minor Threat
Worthy.
4
Sep 08 2023
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Should be my thing, but I don't like his voice and the songs are a bit dull. Doesn't grab me like Chameleons or Cure. Don't think I'll ever be a fan.
2
Sep 12 2023
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Interesting, but not good. For an album about war, the singing is fairly bloodless. PJ Harvey can do bold, and so the title and title track felt like she was taking the piss. The Bjork comparisons aren't out of place either - the vocals on 'England' sound like Harvey is trying on both Bjork's writing and phasing. Also, out of tune, endlessly repeated samples will never fail to get on my nerves.
2
Sep 13 2023
Sound Affects
The Jam
This album really peaks around the middle. Fun.
4
Sep 14 2023
Pyromania
Def Leppard
I always had an authenticity issue with Def Leppard, a Sheffield band presenting as Yankee hair metal. Listening to their earlier albums, I don't mind them pretending to be AC/DC as much as this. Disposable pop rock.
2
Sep 15 2023
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
The Golden Age of hip hop in France sounded pretty chill. I like the beats, pretty subtle and cool without getting cheesy. Only track that didn't work for me was 'Ragga Jam', that guest spot hurt.
4
Sep 18 2023
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Loved this as a kid. Straightforward hard rock with a ton of hits. Nothing groundbreaking, but great at what it does.
4
Sep 19 2023
Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
Boy band bad boy does Britpop plus 'Angels'. Definition of inessential. 'Let Me Entertain You' owes Bon Jovi a writing credit.
2
Sep 20 2023
Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
Strange that the Spotify version was an entirely different collection of songs. Found someone who had mixed the original tracks together on Soundcloud. Pretty standard mid-1990, moody, background, dance music. Not really compelling. An MC might have helped. Far too long.
2
Sep 22 2023
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
I used to listen to this to go to sleep for years when I was younger. Never not a 5 star!
5
Sep 27 2023
Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
Good lo-fi alt.country album. Didn't realize it had been re-released with a new cover. Also didn't realise that was a Juliana Hatfield backing vocal. Not heard it for years to it was nice to re-listen.
4
Oct 03 2023
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
More convincing than the previous album I'd listened to in this list - Treasure. The oddity of the lyrics doesn't stand out as much here. Probably helps that I've been listening to a lot of shoegaze recently, but this gets a four.
4
Oct 05 2023
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Far too long, but pretty enjoyable. I think I would have preferred it slightly more if the twang on the bass was turned down.
4
Oct 12 2023
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Awesome record.
5
Oct 17 2023
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Fine, but underwhelming - really didn't enjoy the Joni Mitchell cover at the end.
3
Oct 18 2023
Lost Souls
Doves
Decent Manc album, not sure it's essential. 'Catch The Sun' is still awesome but 'Firesuite' is sounding a bit dated now. At this rate I'm going to be reviewing I Am Kloot records.
3
Oct 24 2023
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Reasonable folk rock. Could have done without the last two tracks and didn't bother with the bonus disc material. Surprised that I didn't know any of the songs since they're so radio friendly. Probably won't listen again.
3
Oct 25 2023
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Starts well, gets dull. Welch and Rawlings are great people to have around as backup but they seem wasted on this project
2
Oct 26 2023
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Enjoyed this. Although Marr was wasted on his tracks! Like an angry, young Alan Bennett with a guitar.
4
Oct 27 2023
Nixon
Lambchop
Plodded away nicely but generally didn't move me. Like a less interesting Giant Sand.
3
Oct 30 2023
Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
Tried to listen with no prejudice. Disc one is fairly painful; unchallenging dusty beats with Xtina moaning over the top. Disappointed to find out most of it was produced by DJ Premier. 'Thank You' was frankly embarrassing, as was the section naming famous musicians. Saying "Billie Holiday" out loud doesn't musically align you with your hero, it just reminds me that I could be listening to something better than this. The songs on disc two weren't all that, but were a far better use of her voice.
1
Oct 31 2023
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
I think you had to be there at the time. Doesn't really stand up as an album now outside of the obvious hits.
2
Nov 01 2023
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Starting with a spoken word coffee shop piece was a bold move. I love her voice when she's singing though. Dated arrangements and too many songs about knights/queens notwithstanding, it's a fun album.
4
Nov 03 2023
Destroyer
KISS
Mercifully short. I tried to listen without prejudice - it helps not seeing their costumes while listening, but still not strong. Identikit rock.
2
Nov 07 2023
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Knew the singles, good to listen to the whole album. 'Sex Machine' gets self indulgent, but everything else is awesome.
4
Nov 08 2023
White Light
Gene Clark
Provinence be damned, this is a dull record.
1
Nov 09 2023
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Compared to early Elvis or even the comeback special this record has no balls. Tunes for the pop chart. He sounds like Cher.
2
Nov 10 2023
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Yeah, no. Live albums are generally for fans. Not being a fan of Deep Purple anyway, this was hard going. 13 minutes into 'Space Truckin', the noodling started to actually annoy me. Then I looked up the original play list of the LP and realized I didn't have to listen to any more songs after this one ended. If the best thing about an album is it finishing, it's not a great album.
2
Nov 13 2023
Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
The extended side A was more fun that I expected. Absolute nonsense of course, but it moved along nicely. Second half probably should be avoided.
3
Nov 14 2023
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
As a proud Manc, I resent that they didn't take the opportunity to correct the title of this bootleg. As usual with Dylan, great songs, terrible singing, playing a harmonica like it's an inhaler. Didn't really have a problem with either the acoustic or the electric portions of this album. Don't think any of the recordings improve on the studio versions.
3
Nov 16 2023
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Love the sound, great album.
5
Nov 20 2023
Faith
George Michael
It's a real downhill after the title track. Fine voice, daddy fixation, sort of bland arrangements. Was hoping to enjoy this more than I did.
3
Nov 29 2023
Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
I'd enjoyed their earlier stuff but the addition of repeated vocal samples makes this a really annoying listen. Not fun
2
Nov 30 2023
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
Understand that Miles Davis trying to get down with the psyche rock kids was revolutionary, but as a listen this album feels entirely directionless. There's that one point where the bass and the drums sync up into something resembling a conventional groove, but the rest just potters along until it's done. Always worth a re-listen once in a while, but not the genius it's often hailed to be.
3
Dec 04 2023
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Will probably never listen again, but it's fine for what it is.
3
Dec 06 2023
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Happy rock n roll. Actually a little more rockin than I was expecting.
3
Dec 12 2023
Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
Am I the only person that thinks George Michael and Boy George are the same person with different wardrobes? Fine 80s approximation of soul. Nothing astounding.
3
Dec 18 2023
Nowhere
Ride
Going to see this lot next month. Didn't expect that they would be on the reunion list. Enjoyed the album enough but nothing as 'blow you away' as JAMC. Maybe I'll revisit this after the show.
3
Dec 21 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Surprisingly enjoyed this loads - hard rock from the first beat. Well, all apart from 'Child In Time' which is just a dirgey psyche out that would be fine on a 60s horror soundtrack, but doesn't work here. Shame it makes up a quarter of the album's run time. However, without it, that's a tight 30 minute record of rock joy.
5
Dec 22 2023
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Sounds pretty dated. Fine I guess. My personal bugbear of repeated vocal samples feature heavily so I'm never going to love this. Reminds me of indie clubs trying to be edgy.
2
Dec 27 2023
Heroes
David Bowie
Seriously front loaded, the second half instrumentals are weak. Like the soundtrack to a bad horror movie. I'd have been pretty disappointed if I'd bought the vinyl when it came out. 5 stars for side one, 2 stars for side two.
2
Jan 03 2024
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
Enjoyed the groovy bits and obviously 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes' is a masterpiece.
4
Jan 04 2024
Blunderbuss
Jack White
Tried to listen without prejudice, but it's hard. His voice is horrible and he seems like the worst guitar hipster in the world. At least this album has some bass on it. Still not for me.
2
Jan 10 2024
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Horrible.
1
Jan 11 2024
The Real Thing
Faith No More
Loved this as a kid. Always going to rank it highly, despite 'Woodpecker' being about 4 minutes too long and wishing they'd included 'Cowboy Song' on the actual record. The deluxe version is pretty comical, those live versions add so little.
5
Jan 30 2024
Savane
Ali Farka TourΓ©
Really enjoyed this as relaxing background music. Never heard any Toure before so super interesting. The blues leaning made it more approachable for me than other Mali music I've heard before.
4
Jan 31 2024
Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
You know what you're getting with Stills. This is more of the same. Plus a bit of syrup.
3
Feb 01 2024
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
Those beats? It was a bad time in production. Not a fun listen.
2
Feb 06 2024
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
Not their best for me, but more of the good old stuff.
4
Feb 22 2024
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Lovely, croaky old Johnny. No interest in listening to this regularly, but it's clearly very good.
4
Feb 23 2024
m b v
My Bloody Valentine
Not amazing, the end half of the album just sounds like a mess to me. Sludgy krautrock isn't my bag.
2