1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

Contributor

Journey Complete!

Finisher #574 to complete the list

View User Albums Summary
1089
Albums Rated
2.99
Average Rating
100%
Complete

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1990
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
Other
Top Origin ?
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
85
5-Star Albums
77
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
5 2.39 +2.61
The White Room
The KLF
5 2.78 +2.22
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
5 2.93 +2.07
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5 2.95 +2.05
Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
5 3.03 +1.97
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
5 3.07 +1.93
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
5 3.07 +1.93
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
5 3.1 +1.9
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
5 3.11 +1.89
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
5 3.14 +1.86

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
1 3.65 -2.65
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
1 3.64 -2.64
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
1 3.58 -2.58
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
1 3.48 -2.48
Parachutes
Coldplay
1 3.46 -2.46
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
1 3.38 -2.38
25
Adele
1 3.37 -2.37
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
1 3.36 -2.36
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
1 3.34 -2.34
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
1 3.24 -2.24

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Beatles 7 4.57
Pink Floyd 4 4.5
Nirvana 3 4.67
Kraftwerk 3 4.67
Michael Jackson 3 4.67
Green Day 2 5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 5 4.2
Simon & Garfunkel 3 4.33
Peter Gabriel 3 4.33
Pixies 3 4.33
Led Zeppelin 5 4

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
My Bloody Valentine 3 1.33
Randy Newman 2 1
Kendrick Lamar 2 1
Public Image Ltd. 2 1
Rod Stewart 2 1
Ryan Adams 2 1
Kanye West 3 1.67
Bruce Springsteen 5 2
Bob Dylan 7 2.14
Coldplay 2 1.5
Big Star 2 1.5
k.d. lang 2 1.5
Sepultura 2 1.5
Tom Waits 5 2.2
Yes 3 2
Dexys Midnight Runners 3 2
The Velvet Underground 3 2
Madonna 3 2
Kings of Leon 3 2
PJ Harvey 4 2.25

Controversial

ArtistRatings
Lou Reed 2, 5
Everything But The Girl 4, 1
Paul Simon 2, 5, 4
The Beach Boys 2, 4, 5
The Doors 3, 2, 5

5-Star Albums (85)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

LP1 by FKA twigs

Music for ducklipped teenagers to put their makeup on to.

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento

Partly of my hope with doing the 1001 albums was to find a hidden gem that I hadn't heard of before... I think this is one of them. From my first listen, I enjoyed it, no idea of the lyrics meaning, but felt really good. Musically it's a great mix: vibrant, pleasant, upbeat, dreamy and (in places) hauntingly beautiful.

BEYONCÉ by Beyoncé

Overhyped, overproduced, self-indulgent pretentious tosh!

I very much doubt that I'm the target audience for this album. Initially I enjoyed the beats and there's some really nice progressions in there. What I disliked is the politicking, sure it's contemporary, but damn does it pull its punches. Listening back to Public Enemy, NWA, RATM - they went for the jugular, they meant it with a passion. This album had the potential, but somehow got watered-down with lightweight easy-to-swallow commercial chants for an ASMR generation.

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar

I tried to listen objectively, but about halfway through I couldn't stomach any more. Far too self-referential, far too self-indulgent, far too much profanity - I'm not against profanity, but only if it holds value and if it's gonna be overused to the verge of losing all value, then what is the fucking point?

1-Star Albums (77)

All Ratings (1089)

Stankonia by OutKast
Sep 27 2021

I'm sorry Ms. Jackson ooooo! Enjoyed B.O.B. - Bombs Over Baghdad. I remember years ago there was a The Clash mash-up; London Booted, Spanish Bombs Over Baghdad, https://youtu.be/ZgLTO_LqOQA

Sep 28 2021

I've only heard of Curtis Mayfield's Move On Up before, never listened to any of his albums. Enjoyed the slow steady funky beats and bass.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Sep 29 2021

I used to enjoy this album, but re-listening now it felt a bit too striped back. On a tangent, I recall some guy adding his own bass tracks to this, releasing it as "Redd Blood Cells", jeez that was nearly 20 years ago! http://www.reddkross.com/features/RBC/

The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Oct 01 2021

I hadn't listened to the album before. The title track is great. As an album as a whole, it felt all over the place, and dated. I couldn't tell if the mid-tracks like "Dreamin'" and "You Are" were taking the piss or not?

Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Oct 04 2021

I enjoyed re-listening to this album, more than previously. Felt that it works as a whole album, rather than any standout tracks. Good guitars, good lyrics.

Low by David Bowie
Oct 05 2021

I like Bowie. Hadn't listened before. Odd album. Opening instrumental, very short 2nd track, I like "Sound and Vision", although fade out endings generally bug me. The last few (mostly) instrumental tracks felt otherworldly. Most likely an album I'd need to listen to many times to get the appreciation that bigger Bowie fans have.

Heroes by David Bowie
Oct 06 2021

I didn't like it. Aside from Heroes - which I still like, despite it being overplayed by the media over the past 18 months - the rest of the album felt too self-indulgent. Maybe it's a better album when listening late at night, after a few glasses of wine.

Vivid by Living Colour
Oct 07 2021

Cult of Personality. What an opener! I wasn't too familiar with the rest of the album. Enjoyed it, but nothing else really stood out.

The Slider by T. Rex
Oct 08 2021

It was alright.

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Oct 11 2021

Some albums need more than a day to appreciate them. Hadn't heard of Hugh Masekela or this album before. Without a doubt he's highly talented. Good vibes. From my one-time listening, it felt like good background music, to work or walk to, or sitting in a coffee shop. "Where's my frappuccino damnit?!"

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Oct 12 2021

Partly of my hope with doing the 1001 albums was to find a hidden gem that I hadn't heard of before... I think this is one of them. From my first listen, I enjoyed it, no idea of the lyrics meaning, but felt really good. Musically it's a great mix: vibrant, pleasant, upbeat, dreamy and (in places) hauntingly beautiful.

Strange Cargo III by William Orbit
Oct 15 2021

It's alright, good for passive listening (background music).

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Oct 18 2021

I wasn't overly familiar with The Flaming Lips. I enjoyed this album. The opener Fight Test threw me slightly, I initially thought it was a Cat Stevens cover, (then I read the back story on Wikipedia, interesting!)

Purple Rain by Prince
Oct 19 2021

I wonder if it's a little dated? Still, a classic pop/rock album!

Oct 22 2021

Oh FFS, not Coldplay!! To be fair, I listened to the whole album, it was alright, but not sure it's a "must hear before you die" though.

B-52's by The B-52's
Oct 26 2021

Some days everyone needs a bit of Rock Lobster in their lives. For me, yesterday was one of those days. Great upbeat tunes, I was bopping along all day!

Scott 4 by Scott Walker
Oct 27 2021
Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon
Oct 28 2021

I like Paul Simon, but found this album quite boring.

The Visitors by ABBA
Nov 01 2021

The more I hear this album (over the years), the fonder I get of it. Interesting part for me is with the tracks, midway the general tone changes, and I think about how vinyl LPs were the main distribution medium back then, the A-sides/B-sides. I wonder how much the distribution medium influences the end product... and how well that translates to 21st century music streaming.

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Nov 02 2021

Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic, wondering if that means glorious musical masturbation for the soul?

Another Green World by Brian Eno
Nov 03 2021

I found it boring. Felt experimental just for the sake of it. Maybe on a different day, in a different setting?

Nov 04 2021

I try to consider the albums as a body of work, so while Otis Redding is an incredible artist and I enjoyed the individual songs, the album as a whole didn't work for me.

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Nov 08 2021

Heard of Donovan, but never listened to him. I liked "Sunshine Superman" and "Season of the Witch".

Nov 09 2021

Didn't expect this as a must-listen. It took me back! 3 for the album, extra 1 for 90s nostalgia.

John Prine by John Prine
Nov 10 2021

Musically felt repetitive throughout the album, enjoyed the lyrics.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Nov 11 2021

"Everything's gonna be alright"

Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens
Nov 12 2021

Never judge an album by its artwork. I was pleasantly surprised by this. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Still humming Wild World..

Document by R.E.M.
Nov 15 2021

I can't remember when Michael Stipe's persona started to annoy me. I tried to put that aside and enjoy the album. Good songwriting, good tunes, good bass, solid tracks. Close to giving it a 4, but Stipe still annoys me.

Rocks by Aerosmith
Nov 17 2021

I'm more familiar with 80s/90s Aerosmith, less familiar with this album. It was alright, digging the guitars!

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Nov 18 2021

I hadn't heard of this. No immediate standout tracks, but overall I enjoyed it on in the background. Pleasant album.

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Nov 19 2021

I like the Beach Boys, but found this album odd. I ended up putting Pet Sounds on afterwards to recalibrate myself.

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Nov 22 2021

I do like LCD Soundsystem, but on the day we had it, I wasn't in the mood - I was probably hungover - so didn't rate it. Listening again today, it's super repetitive, but still digging the jam.

The Man Who by Travis
Nov 23 2021

Tired and overplayed. When this album was released, I was working at Blockbuster Video, it was played constantly for a couple of weeks, drove me to boredom. Aside from standout tracks; Writing To Reach You, Driftwood and Why Does It Always Rain On Me? the rest of the album is dull and dated.

1977 by Ash
Nov 25 2021

For nostalgia reasons, it's a classic album. Youth, talent and determination. The original CD had a hidden track at the end - Sick Party - of them all puking up. https://open.spotify.com/track/6m5JPMEeIDUzU6ifOYn9Yr

Nov 26 2021

This is the second OutKast album we've had since starting the 1001 group... and it's a double album, 40 tracks, 2hr 15mins runtime, blimey! Not my usual taste of music, but listening along (with headphones) I kinda lost myself in it, good beats. Some of the skits and interludes were funny. I preferred Speakerboxxx over The Love Below.

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
Nov 29 2021

Enjoyed this, the arrangements, the harmonies, some of the lyrics are a bit suspect, but still classic album.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel
Nov 30 2021

Feeling groovy feeling herbal! I'm fond of Homeward Bound, it always popped in my head when passing Widnes train station, not that I ever stopped off in Widnes, perish the thought! *shudder*

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Dec 01 2021

Digging the beats, sampling and groove. But I'm kinda disappointed that the album wasn't called Lee's Sportswear.

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Dec 02 2021

It's so bad that even Nico herself refuses to listen to it. Wondering if this album was included in the 1001 as an example of good intentions gone horribly wrong?

Graceland by Paul Simon
Dec 07 2021

Whenever the topic of cultural appropriation comes up, this album gets a mention. Maybe I'm naive, or probably just nostalgic, I saw this in a positive way - would I ever have been exposed to South African music styles? I still enjoy this album, upbeat, bass, love it! (again, nostalgia!)

Abbey Road by Beatles
Dec 08 2021

For reasons unknown, Maxwell's Silver Hammer regularly plays in my nightmares. 🤷 Aside from that, it's an excellent album.

Dust by Screaming Trees
Dec 09 2021

I was only aware of Screaming Trees because of Mark Lanegan's collaborations with QotSA. This could be an underrated gem, a grower, I'll be re-listening to in future.

Cut by The Slits
Dec 10 2021

My initial thought when I saw the album cover was, uh oh Cannibal Holocaust! 😬 Hadn't heard of The Slits before, read a bit about them, post-punk feminism. Reckon they'd be great live (in a late night club). But this album did not resonate with me at all, doubt I'll ever listen again.

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Dec 13 2021

Surprised to see this album come up, I'd have thought "At Folsom Prison" would have covered the "prison concert" entry for the 1001 list. As a live album, it's raw, real, and Cash doesn't pull his punches. Like Folsom album, the prison setting gives a new perspective to having a captive audience. The Legacy Edition is too long for me, the original release would have more impact. Still a good album.

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Dec 14 2021

The replacement of Mother's Little Helper with Paint It Black (and removal of a few other tracks) for the US edition raises questions for me about "what is an album?" A bunch of songs thrown together, or a creative work? Do the track listing amendments make it a different album? Anyway, enjoyed listening to the UK edition, but missed Paint It Black.

Nevermind by Nirvana
Dec 15 2021

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Dec 16 2021

More experimental than Rumours, which was to be expected. I quite liked Lindsey Buckingham's tracks. Good listen, but not my go-to Fleetwood Mac album.

I wasn't too familiar with Faces, but knew Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood had some sort of connection, so this makes sense now. The album was alright, bit dated and lacked consistency (of the band's "identity"), it was either "this is a Rod Stewart song" or not. Stay With Me is a good old sing-along.

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Dec 21 2021

I enjoyed the album, thought it was refreshing, atmospheric, classy and contemporary. Great songs, voice and quality production. While I'm encouraged by more recent additions to the 1001 list, I do wonder if they can stand the test of time? I'd like to come back to this album in a few years time to see if it has the same impact.

Rejoicing In The Hands by Devendra Banhart
Dec 22 2021

Spent most of this album thinking "what the heck is he going on about?!". Lovely sounding guitar playing, but felt like some weird passive aggressive overtones going on here.

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Dec 23 2021

"Now, let's hear that song sung properly!" (Vic & Bob gag) I don't know what to make of this album. Musically sound, vocally less so.

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
Dec 24 2021

It wasn't bad, but nothing stood out for me.

Black Metal by Venom
Dec 29 2021

This has to be what parody metal bands use as inspiration. Extra points for giving me a good laugh!

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Dec 30 2021

Great voice. Can't decide whether the performance mistakes from the live recording make it charming or not.

Dec 31 2021

Turkey gravy. It was okay, but feels forgettable. Brimful of Asha on the album isn't the Fatboy Slim remix, which makes me think about the potential of what a remix of the full album could be?

Music From Big Pink by The Band
Jan 03 2022

Easy listening, especially when you've probably had too much cocodamol. The Weight is a classic.

Maxinquaye by Tricky
Jan 04 2022

A couple of years ago, a few of us started an Album Club, (spun out of our lazy Book Club). One of us would pick an album for the month, we'd listen to it at least 3 times, then meet up at the pub to discuss (and get drunk). Our first album was Maxinquaye. When the evening of our pub meet came around, the suggestion came up that we should listen to the album in the pub, but how could we do that? Luckily, one of us had some kind of industrial-sized multi-headphone-splitter (and I mean industrial - with no degrading in audio quality), this worked a treat... but you should have seen the look on the landlord's face when he saw several blokes sat around with headphones on, bopping away to Tricky. It was a great album to kick off our Album Club with, (which has now kind of merged with this daily 1001 group).

Raw Power by The Stooges
Jan 05 2022

Similar thoughts as the other Stooges albums we've listened to... probably much better to have seen them perform live, and being less sober. 2.5

Winter In America by Gil Scott-Heron
Jan 06 2022

I didn't listen on the day we had it, as it wasn't on Spotify, but I've now listened on YouTube. It's decent enough, enjoyable chillaxed vibes.

With The Beatles by Beatles
Jan 07 2022

At the height of Beatlemania, anything would have sold over a million copies! Content-wise, as much as I love The Beatles and know of this album, the covers are good (they'd be awesome live), and All My Loving is still a great foot-tapper! Their best was yet to come...

Morrison Hotel by The Doors
Jan 10 2022

Hadn't listened to this one before. Pretty good.

Jan 11 2022

I wanted to like this, but I didn't. The band were great, James Brown was alright, the audience screams were grating. Odd way to end a live album with a dead close, no applause, just ends.

KE*A*H** (Psalm 69) by Ministry
Jan 12 2022

Setting has a lot to do with the listening experience. 20-something me would have loved this at a thrash metal night club, but 40-something me, listening whilst doing the dishes, it's a bit much. Though I did give those dirty saucepans a bloody hard scrub! 🤘

E.V.O.L. by Sonic Youth
Jan 13 2022

Another one that I wanted to like more than I did. I liked some of the heavier bass riffs and instrumentals, but overall didn't quite click with me.

Jan 14 2022

Albums like this make me question "what makes an album?". Technically, this is a bunch of cover songs (including their own), acoustic, recorded live. I keep coming back to the conclusion of, do I think this is something that music fans should be aware of, and listen to at least once. Yes, absolutely. Or could that be my Gen X nostalgia? Probably, time will tell. "The Man Who Sold The World" - arguably better than Bowie's version?

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles
Jan 17 2022

That opening chord gets me every time! Some parts of the album start to drag, but overall great! I'll always love The Beatles.

The Fat Of The Land by The Prodigy
Jan 18 2022

Quintessential late 90s electro-rock dance music!

Savane by Ali Farka Touré
Jan 19 2022

Great music to have on in the background. Mellow. Enjoyed it. Read up on the production of the album, Touré had cancer and knew it'd be his last album. Puts perspective on the enjoyment and spirit of musicianship, over commercial incentive.

Jan 20 2022

First time listening. I think my expectations were too high for this album. The tracks felt transient - subtly emotive whilst listening, then immediately forgettable.

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Jan 21 2022

Bah, this is an ex-1001 album. See http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex What ever happened to Franz Ferdinand? I used to listen to this album when it came out, then forgot about it. Still has some great punchy pop tunes.

Diamond Life by Sade
Jan 24 2022

I like many of the tracks, but it's the nostalgia thing again - my parents frequently played this album. Good tunes, but overall felt dated, 80s bossa nova lounge kinda dated.

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Jan 25 2022

Another ex-1001 album. If they aren't being removed, then we have an extra 77 albums to get through! 😆 http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex As expected, great vocals. Arrangements on the first half felt too stripped back, much better in the second half. Enjoyed the nightlife lounge bar vibes.

Jan 26 2022

I wasn't too familiar with Simple Minds, for some odd reason I keep confusing them with Tears for Fears. The album wasn't bad, I recognised the singles, rest of album didn't grab me on first listen. I did read the Wikipedia page about The Breakfast Club song, I didn't know it wasn't their song. They initially said no, kept getting asked so agreed, recorded it within half a day then forgot about it - until the movie came out and it got big radio airplay in the USA.

Suicide by Suicide
Jan 27 2022

The initial opening of Ghost Rider had me thinking this could be good, but fast went downhill from there. I did wonder if this could be one of those "so bad it's good" albums, guess that depends if your an experimental synth-punk sadist or not.

Snivilisation by Orbital
Jan 28 2022

First time listening. Had it on in the background, it was alright. Couldn't tell you much about the individual tracks though.

Fun House by The Stooges
Jan 31 2022

It was alright, I was probably too sober to appreciate it. Very raw, almost like a jamming session. Guess it was cutting-edge in 1970. Would have been great to see them perform live.

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Feb 01 2022
Feb 02 2022

Aside from the overused funk/groove wordplay, and being about 20 mins too long - I enjoyed the album.

Feb 03 2022

Yehawn! 🥱 It's alright if you like this sort of thing, for me it was a one-way ticket to Yawnville. Slept great last night, thanks for asking.

C'est Chic by CHIC
Feb 04 2022

Le Freak is still very much enjoyable, everything else seems to get lost in itself. Nile Rodgers is still a legend though.

Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Feb 07 2022

Nostalgia crept back in for me, the single releases are still great sing-alongs. The rest of the songs, despite Tina's powerful vocals, feel dated and largely forgettable. (I'm ignoring that Beatles' cover.)

Pornography by The Cure
Feb 08 2022

Much darker than I thought it would be - the album felt more of an overall mood than any specific standout tracks, I enjoyed it.

Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder
Feb 10 2022

I've been digging the Stevie Wonder albums on the 1001. This one isn't my favourite, but still enjoyed it.

Nixon by Lambchop
Feb 11 2022

Mellow, in a Sunday morning in Spring, while making pancakes and supping on a fresh coffee kind of mellow. That is before you get to the last couple of tracks that are a bit heavier, like the sediment in your French coffee press, gritty. Could be a grower, an acquired taste.

Melodrama by Lorde
Feb 14 2022

I was quite pessimistic when this came up, Having little knowledge of Lorde - I'd kind of written her off as yet-another-2010s-20-something-singer-songwriter - and with an album called Melodrama, I expected to be bombarded with low-key perpetual teenage angst. I kept telling myself to stop being such an old man and give it a chance... so I did, and it was alright, something my teenage daughter would enjoy more. I was glad when it ended. On the upside, I think the artwork is great.

Feb 15 2022

I wonder if they ever found what they were looking for?

Wild Gift by X
Feb 17 2022

Hadn't heard of X. Enjoyed it, pretty good.

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Feb 18 2022

Nostalgia hits again, still feels as emotionally powerful as it did back then, difficult for me not give it an instant 5.

Feb 21 2022

I hadn't listened to the whole album before, thoroughly enjoyed it! In a small way I felt that Fairytale of New York distracted from the rest of the album, it's become too popular and overplayed.

Tommy by The Who
Feb 22 2022

No doubt that at the time it was produced, this was an ambitious and epic undertaking, considered a milestone album in the history of rock music. Feels that it hasn't dated particularly well, certain points felt like an endurance test. Was it worth listening? Yes. Did I enjoy it? No, not really.

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
Feb 23 2022

Why do I have such a problem listening to PJ Harvey?!

Feb 24 2022

I'd heard of Tortoise before, but hadn't listened to their albums. I had this one on in the background, and didn't pay much attention to it. Good interesting sounds, nothing that niggled me. Pleasant enough, but no idea when one track ended and the next started.

Ctrl by SZA
Feb 25 2022

Ctrl+Alt+Del

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
Feb 28 2022

Nostalgia strikes again! I was a bit too young when it was first released, it wasn't until the mid/late-90s when the rock nightclub in Liverpool, the Krazy House, used to always play I Am The Resurrection for their penultimate song. I picked up a copy of the album and it became a regular listen.

Solid Air by John Martyn
Mar 01 2022

I'd only heard of John Martyn before because Anthony down the open mic night paid tribute to him. I liked the variety of styles, bit folky, bit jazzy, better than I'd expected it to be... and I liked the cover artwork too!

Mar 02 2022

I'm taken back to the Krazy House rock nightclub in Liverpool, moshing away to nu-metal. I wasn't much of a fan of Korn at the time, they were alright, but this album past me by. Listening now it's full of hard hitting beats, but I'm feeling too old to mosh, and feels a bit too long. Interesting that Ice Cube and Fred Durst cameo on tracks, and hadn't known that Todd McFarlane did the artwork.

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Mar 03 2022

Another hidden gem, this was great.

Mar 04 2022

Some days you need to be in the right mood for the 1001 albums, it can be a challenge. On this particular day and this particular album, there was too much content to stomach. I managed to get about halfway through before needing a break, and didn't feel like coming back to it, maybe another day.

Dookie by Green Day
Mar 07 2022

Nostalgia overload! Pop-punk at its finest. Helped me through many adolescent misadventures.

Mar 08 2022

Difficult to reflect on the album (as a whole) as legendary as it is, Bohemian Rhapsody takes most of the limelight. It's a fun album, but other than You're My Best Friend the rest of the songs are forgetful.

The Modern Lovers by The Modern Lovers
Mar 09 2022

Never heard this before, pretty good.

Smokers Delight by Nightmares On Wax
Mar 11 2022

Late-night chill out background music, enjoyed the grooves.

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Mar 14 2022

Listening as a kid, I seem to remember that (on vinyl) side one was better than side two. Still a nostalgia trip. Was initially going to give it a 4, but re-listening to the whole album, it's worth a 5.

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Mar 15 2022

With the exception of Pump It Up, (which is great), I've can't say that I've ever knowingly heard anything else by Elvis Costello, which is strange as surely someone would have recommended his music to me at some point in time - especially given his connections to Liverpool - but no. It makes me wonder who is Elvis Costello's audience? I quite enjoyed this album. Lots of interesting lyrics and compositions, more up-tempo than I expected, good fun.

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Mar 16 2022

I'd heard of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion because they were on the Baby Driver soundtrack. This album is a bit too long, messy and experi-mental. I'm still laughing at the "Like your drunk neighbors are having open mic night" review. ☝😆

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Mar 17 2022

Considered to be the album that established grunge as a genre.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Mar 18 2022

There's the album, then there's the backstory of its production, which I think adds to its overall appeal.

Bad Company by Bad Company
Mar 21 2022

It's funny, I knew some of the songs, but had no idea they were by Bad Company.

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
Mar 22 2022

Hadn't listened to this album before, Sympathy for the Devil is a classic - great opener - then it went down hill from there, next few songs were so lackluster, derailed the rest of the album. Beggars Belief would have been a better title.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Mar 23 2022

Apart from the hits, I never really picked up on Black Sabbath - I think the whole 'Keeping Up With The Osmonds' MTV nonsense kinda put me off Ozzy as a musician - "they're all fookin' mad!" Turns out is a decent album, quite enjoyed it. Dark, heavy, moody and introspective - will revisit.

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
Mar 24 2022

Mind blown! First time listening. I'm not sure how the opening track got me, it almost became transcendent. The rest of the tracks flowed rockingly, until that oddly annoying metallic pronging noise throughout the penultimate track. I was close to giving it a 5, but the metallic annoyance down-starred it. An otherwise sublime album!

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams
Mar 25 2022

Generic middle of the road Americana country music, not terrible, just uninteresting.

Mar 28 2022

Mixed feelings on this album. The first 3 and last 3 tracks are brilliant! The middle tracks seemed to drag the album down. I was close giving it a 3, but the bookends are so good it deserves more.

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Mar 29 2022

I listened to it blindfolded.

Mar 30 2022

"What are you doing here, honey? You're not even old enough to know how bad life gets." "Obviously, Doctor, you've never been a 13 year-old girl". Beautiful haunting romantic solemn curious tragic.

Mar 31 2022

Context. It's all about context. Give this album to a teenager and she'll think it's someone's granddad doing karaoke. Whereas 40something me, getting older, the album has more grounding, reflecting on a life of love, loss, regret and wisdom - albeit through the medium of selected cover songs. Hurt and Personal Jesus are the stand-out tracks for me. I appreciate the rest, but they aren't as powerful.

Apr 01 2022

Bah, another ex-1001 album. See http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex It niggles me that this is a compilation album for UK marketing purposes - wouldn't Veni Vedi Vicious have been a better choice? I was already on the backfoot before re-listening yesterday. That said, "Hate to Say I Told You So" and "Main Offender" are still firm favourites.

Back In Black by AC/DC
Apr 04 2022

Its an important album, in that it shows the transition of replacement after the death of a band member, in this case the singer Bon Scott. I had to re-listen to Highway to Hell to see how different the vocals are, interestingly they aren't that different. Black in Black and Hell's Bells are great tracks, classic hard rock. Love the energy and riffs, but some lyrics haven't dated that well.

Apr 05 2022

Is this album flawless? No. But yet again it's another example of my subjective bias of 90s nostalgia! Enjoyed re-listening.

New Wave by The Auteurs
Apr 06 2022

Sure, okay, but is it Britpop?

Berlin by Lou Reed
Apr 07 2022

On initial listen I was immediately comparing it to Transformer, which on a second listen is unfair - as you can tell Lou Reed wanted to do something different, a concept album, the tragedy tale of a couple's misadventures. Did I enjoy it? Some good songs on there, but overall, not really.

Songs From A Room by Leonard Cohen
Apr 08 2022

I was hungover, couldn't stomach Leonard Cohen that day.

Apr 11 2022

I hadn't really listened to much of Gabriel-led Genesis, (which is odd as a I have a soft spot for 80's Peter Gabriel). First time listening to the whole album, quite enjoyed the prog-rock, best experienced inside a wardrobe.

Mothership Connection by Parliament
Apr 12 2022

P-Funk, come on, who wants to get funked up?! awww yeeeah!

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Apr 13 2022

I know a bunch of Led Zeppelin popular songs, but hadn't listened to the albums. Enjoyed this one, really dig the classic rock vibe.

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Apr 14 2022

I can't help but think of the Family Guy skit -- "Randy Neman, sits there all night and days singing about what he sees". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARP6dXMlWQ8

Garbage by Garbage
Apr 15 2022

My 90s rock nostalgia bias strikes again! Come to think of it, I enjoyed it more now than I did back then.

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Apr 19 2022

Enjoyed this album, classic hard rock! There were a couple of tracks that dragged a bit, but then pulled right back up with another hit. Gotta love Gibbons' guitar work.

The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Apr 20 2022

Brenda from Bristol says "you're joking - not another one?!" How many Iggy Pop albums are in this list? It's significant, in that, after Iggy's rehab, only with Bowie's backing, the record company would give this album a chance. In that context, the album becomes more interesting - without it, although well produced, it's fairly average.

Exile In Guyville by Liz Phair
Apr 21 2022

I can see why this album was included, Liz Phair was considered a breakout female star on the 90s alternative rock scene, and for supporting Smashing Pumpkins. For an angsty, sexual empowered, vocal-led singer/songwriter - it's alright. Feels like it paved the way for the likes of Alanis Morissette, Tracey Bonham, et al. Could have been half the length and still had the same impact.

Eagles by Eagles
Apr 22 2022

I like the Eagles and I love The Big Lebowski, such inner conflict! 😎 I like the hits, Take It Easy is a favourite, but as an overall album, it often lags in places.

British Steel by Judas Priest
Apr 25 2022

I never really listened to Judas Priest, other than Breaking The Law, I didn't know much about them. Enjoyed this album, headbanging most of the way through.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Apr 26 2022

I'm not sure what happened, I totally lost myself in the music. Fantastic!

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Apr 27 2022

Another ex-1001 album. http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I didn't like it at all. Felt like I'd heard this kind of thing in plenty of other more well know late-2000s alt/indie/faux-folk/hipster bands. I like the artwork, if that's any consolation.

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
Apr 28 2022

Operatic pop, often cinematic. I was half expecting to dislike this album, but ended up thinking it was alright. 2.5

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Apr 29 2022

Enjoyed listening to a bit of Elvis. There are some slow crooner tracks littered throughout the album, which always seemed to be followed by an upbeat track, redeeming itself. Overall, a good variety.

Van Halen by Van Halen
May 02 2022

Cock rock at its finest!

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
May 03 2022

It's not terrible, I can see why people like it. Some interesting bits in the title track, Monkey In Your Soul and East St. Louis Toodle-Oo cover, but overall I wasn't that into it. 2.5

May 04 2022

I knew of Steve Winwood (and various bands), but hadn't heard of Traffic. Some parts felt too long, like a carried away jam session, but it's a short album so not too overbearing. The folklore of John Barleycorn was interesting to read up on. #TIL (Funnily enough, it was referenced in last week's Inside No. 9 episode "Mr. King") I enjoyed it. "Glad" could be a cinematic track, I'd half expect to see it popping up in a future Edgar Wright movie.

May 05 2022

Classic album artwork! As for the album itself, I can't make my mind up. The guitar riffs are ace, but feels dated now, maybe "you just had to be there, man!"?

Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
May 06 2022

Yet another 90s nostalgia kickback! Funk rock, love it. But the album length felt a bit too long now.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
May 10 2022

Much better than I expected it to be. Obviously the tracks featured on Reservoir Dogs and Russian Doll soundtracks were culturally very familiar... and, of course... Ken Lee! Really enjoyed Jump Into The Fire too. I think several more listens and this could be a cherished album. 4.5

BEYONCÉ by Beyoncé
May 11 2022

Overhyped, overproduced, self-indulgent pretentious tosh!

May 12 2022

I hadn't heard of Husker Du until recently, my initial thought was, oh this is what REM should have been like! After a few listens, it's a bit long, but I'm enjoying it. I can see where other bands got their inspiration, hearing a lot of Green Day in there. 3.5

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
May 13 2022

Working my way through the albums that weren't available on Spotify when they came up for our group, but they are available now, playing catch up. All I knew about Joni Mitchell was Big Yellow Taxi, so not much to form an opinion on. Most of the songs on the album feel too talky and repetitive, could probably be much shorter, but still I quite liked the overall vibe. Quality listen.

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
May 16 2022

This version of the album (on Spotify) was far too long. I couldn't figure out what the original track listing was; the book says 12, Wikipedia says 13 - which would be fine, but still felt longer than it needed to be. This album sounded like it belonged more in the late 70s rather than a decade later. Maybe it's a response for The Waterboys wanting to escape the city and get back to simpler times, a rural retreat - still at times you can hear the urban chaos trying to resurface.

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
May 17 2022

Do you know where you are? You're in 90s rock nostalgia baby! Okay okay, it was late 80s, but who's counting?! Still rocks! 🤘

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
May 18 2022

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is one hella-long track, so awesome though.

Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
May 19 2022

I wasn't so familiar with this album, more so with Black Sunday. Enjoy the album, I kinda phased out and got into the beats. No idea what the lyrics were about, getting stoned and police harassment I guess. Good album, shame about the artwork though.

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
May 23 2022

No More, Please, Thank You.

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
May 25 2022

My mate Jeff had a new sound system in his car, wanting to show it off, he picked me up to drive around town, when the opening the bassline kicks in - whoah - what is this awesomeness?! This was my introduction Massive Attack. Safe From Harm is a killer opener; Unfinished Sympathy - an anthem for a generation. We drove around for the rest of the album, we felt so cool - good times, great tunes. Last I heard, Jeff had his drivers license revoked for careless driving.

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
May 26 2022

Revisiting this, after 3 years since my first/last attempt. During the 1001 list my opinion of NC&TBS has felt a little hit and miss. This one is very much a hit! Full to the brim of dark storytelling.

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
May 27 2022

I like the opening/title track, but I didn't find the rest of the album that interesting.

Celebrity Skin by Hole
May 30 2022

Aside from the 90s nostalgia kicking in, I didn't quite realise at the time how much accuracy Hole were holding a mirror up to LA media culture at the time. Courtney Love's vocals aren't the best, but she kicks ass and it's great rock and roll!

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
May 31 2022

Great voice! Cry To Me is great, but then after that opener, the rest of the album is alright, just felt a little lacklustre, (with the exception of Can't Nobody Love You, that's a good 'un).

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
Jun 02 2022

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Time After Time are 80s classics, the rest of the songs don't come close. 2.5

Jun 06 2022

I knew I'd come across a lot of Bob Dylan throughout my 1001 albums journey, and I'm never in the mood for it. I'm starting to think that I have a problem with the harmonica. I do like Subterranean Homesick Blues though.

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Jun 07 2022

I'm not that familiar with the band, I can see why some would like them. I kinda like the soft vocals, but overall the album feels like a noisy mess.

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Jun 08 2022

Although I knew of "Let's Stay Together" before, I can't ignore the influence that the Pulp Fiction soundtrack added to my late teens. Yup 90s nostalgia of a 70s tune! No other standout tracks on the rest of the album, but still enjoyable contemplative easy listening.

Truth by Jeff Beck
Jun 09 2022

It should have been credited as the Jeff Beck Group. The guitar work is outstanding, and loving the blues riffs, but got tired of Rod Stewart swooning.

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Jun 10 2022

Great album, enjoyed it!

The Score by Fugees
Jun 13 2022

Highlights are the covers... Ready or Not and Killing Me Softly. No Woman, No Cry is alright. I'm less keen on the rap tracks, felt they drag the rest of the album down. I do like Lauryn Hill's vocals, but find Wyclef Jean tiresome. 2.5

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Jun 14 2022

I appreciate the skill and talent in the sampling - discovering old parts and making something new - somewhat genius. That said, while the album was good and interesting, glad I listened to it, and I'm sure it'll come up in pub conversations, but doubt it's something I'll revisit. 3.5

Jun 15 2022

I remember hearing Body Count for the first time in my teens, blew my mind! Digging the Black Sabbath and Halloween samples, brings in elements of psychological horror. OG is a great album, but it's way longer than it should be. Maybe if it focused more on the hard hitting themes and less on appeasing the pimps, it could be a classic.

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Jun 16 2022

Woody Guthrie connection is interesting, but this album didn't capture me (on the day I listened). Maybe one for when I'm in a more mellow mood. 2.5

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie
Jun 17 2022

Iconic artwork! As I find with most of Bowie's albums, there are a couple of outstanding songs, and the rest are, well, aren't. 2.5

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jun 21 2022

Interesting album, felt "all filler, no killer" - Changes and Snowblind came close - but strangely still found it overall very listenable.

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
Jun 22 2022

Not much to say. Love this album.

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Jun 24 2022

Bloody hell, enough of the harmonica already! The gentle guitar playing is quite soothing, but far far too much harmonica, man! 1.5

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Jun 27 2022

It wasn't available on Spotify, found on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/albums/B002DPHOF4 Neil Young was one of those that I kept meaning to listen to, but never did. I thought he'd be too folky for me. With this album, I was genuinely surprised, I thought it was really good - great musicianship. I'll need to re-listen in future, I suspect it's a constant grower. An optimistic 4 from me.

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Jun 28 2022

Do It Again, Dirty Work, and Reelin' in the Years were good, the rest is okay. I liked the piano parts on Fire In The Hole. 2.5

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Jun 29 2022

An album of two halves, the first to entice the Western audience - something familiar, with a mix of Indian culture... with the second half delving deeper in the raga psyche. Sagar (The Ocean) is magnificent - albeit only if you're in the right mind-space for it.

Jun 30 2022

Spent the whole album in a state of confusion... The Byrds did a country album?

Dirty by Sonic Youth
Jul 01 2022

I wasn't familiar with this specific album, good noise-music, enjoyed it.

Drunk by Thundercat
Jul 04 2022

2.5

Jul 05 2022

When this came up, not being familiar with the album, I wasn't really in the mood for any hard attitudes and aggressiveness. What I didn't expect is that while it's full of that, it's accompanied by many great beats! Ended up enjoying it. Though suffers from a bugbear of mine, I can't understand why most tracks end on a fade out. 3.5

Achtung Baby by U2
Jul 06 2022

I think that culturally, we're all a bit tired of U2 - well, mostly Bono, and probably because of that iPod thing, ramming some album down everyone's throats. That aside, with Achtung Baby, it's a mix of killer and filler. The standout tracks are great: "Even Better Than the Real Thing", "One", "The Fly", and "Mysterious Ways" - they're all very well produced. The rest of tracks feel boring in comparison.

Jul 08 2022

Another band with a prominent frontman that I think we're culturally tired of, (I said the same of U2 with Bono). Michael Stipe's persona still grates me. That said, re-listening to this album, I'd say it is a classic. Many great songs, very much part of the 90s zeitgeist.

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
Jul 11 2022

Ah, the selection from our 2nd Album Club.

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Jul 12 2022

Lots to unpack with this album. It was absolutely not what I was expecting. I enjoyed it, although got a bit lost in the music that I missed many lyrics, will revisit.

New Boots And Panties by Ian Dury
Jul 13 2022

Does Ian Duty have to shout so much? Yes, yes he bloody well does! Packed with grit, wit and authenticity, focus is more lyrical than melodic. Great album.

I Am a Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons
Jul 15 2022

I couldn't help but read the album title in a Scouse accent. Yeh, is right la! I quite enjoyed this album. I appreciate that Anohni's vocals can be an acquired taste, still I find them hauntingly beautiful, somewhat anguished and honest.

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
Jul 19 2022

It was alright, nice and mellow, it gets boring though as most of the songs sound the same. 2.5

Jul 20 2022

I think that Supermassive Black Hole being used so prominently in the first Twilight movie has tainted that song for me... and Knights of Cydonia was mega hard on Guitar Hero 3! Overall, I'd prefer to listen to one of Muse's other albums. 2.5

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Jul 21 2022

I like Lenny Kravitz, he's a cool dude. With this album, musically, I liked it, most tracks start off well but then seem to peter off without much direction.

The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers
Jul 22 2022

It's not my favourite Manics album, but still filled with plenty of hard hitting tracks! 3.5

At Budokan by Cheap Trick
Jul 25 2022

Great guitar riffs, but not sure why this particular live album is on the 1001 list.

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Jul 26 2022

I do like a good old big band swing tune. Majority of the tracks sound the same, with a few classics woven in. 2.5

Teenager Of The Year by Frank Black
Jul 27 2022

I was nominated for Teenager of the Year back in '92, but lost out to some baby face called George Dawes from the Upper Floors. Baked potato! 2.5

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos
Jul 28 2022

The guitar work is incredible, but found it got uninteresting during the course of these overlong tracks on an overlong album.

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
Jul 29 2022

Why do I feel so indifferent about Bob Dylan? This album didn't do anything for me, mediocre.

Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Aug 01 2022

I think I like this one better than the other Byrds' albums, part experimental and more progressive.

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
Aug 02 2022

I do like a bit of Frontier Psychiatrist, always gets stuck in my head for the next few days.

All Hope Is Gone by Slipknot
Aug 03 2022

Yet another ex-1001 album! http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I like Slipknot, their earlier albums are better.

1989 by Taylor Swift
Aug 04 2022

Taylor Swift is one of those singers that I seem to know by osmosis. I'd never listened to this album, yet knew most of the songs. It's a fine contemporary pop album. 3.5

My initial thought was, bah, country & western, and that the title was amusing. Then midway through the opening track and realised the subject matter was more serious than the initial lightheartedness. I think Loretta Lynn brings the honesty and grit of a woman who is frustrated with the status quo (in the mid/late-60s) and wants to be treated better. Doubt I'd choose to listen again, but I respect it and suspect she gave a voice to many a frustrated housewife.

Country Life by Roxy Music
Aug 08 2022

It was alright. Cover art kept distracting me. 😐 2.5

Machine Head by Deep Purple
Aug 09 2022

I knew a few of their songs, but hadn't listened to the album before, pretty cool, classic dad rock! 3.5

Aug 10 2022

I very much doubt that I'm the target audience for this album. Initially I enjoyed the beats and there's some really nice progressions in there. What I disliked is the politicking, sure it's contemporary, but damn does it pull its punches. Listening back to Public Enemy, NWA, RATM - they went for the jugular, they meant it with a passion. This album had the potential, but somehow got watered-down with lightweight easy-to-swallow commercial chants for an ASMR generation.

Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine
Aug 11 2022

Poorly produced, noisy mess. Tripe!

Play by Moby
Aug 12 2022

Whenever Moby comes in a conversation, there's always a groan, followed by "but Play was really good". I suspect that we're culturally tired of Moby himself, (in a similar way to the likes of Bono and Michael Stipe), but what a corker of an album Play is, bravo!

Synchronicity by The Police
Aug 15 2022

Definitely an album of two halves for me. First half, the Synchronicity bookends were good, but Mother seemed to derail it for me, WTF?! Second half, much more familiar - when I was starting out playing bass, I'd learn a bunch of Sting's riffs, they were always simplistic but effective.

Aug 16 2022

I was living in Spain when this album came out, thought it was pretty cool. A few months later I was back in north-west UK, in the car with a few mates - they put this on and they knew EVERY SINGLE WORD. Never underestimate the local cultural impact of a local band doing songs that were so relatable. 4.5

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
Aug 17 2022

Witty lyrics from a disgruntled wise man.

Rapture by Anita Baker
Aug 18 2022

Whilst she does have an authentic soulful voice - and Sweet Love is an excellent song, (that I had forgotten about) - the rest of the album feels like it should be relegated to 80s telephone waiting music. I suspect if she was around a decade (or two) earlier, then would have been much more appreciated. 2.5

1999 by Prince
Aug 19 2022

Dance. Music. Sex. Romance. Starts of with much passion, then lags a bit, losing interest, then thrusts up the rhythm and pace again, we're back in the game, then reaching an elephant sounding climax, we're left feeling a little deflated towards the end... Yes, we've definitely just had sex with Prince!

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Aug 22 2022

There are a fair amount of reviews on this album that are ragging on the Foo Fighters, but this is not really a Foo Fighters album, it's a Dave Grohl solo project. He gave the appearance of it being by a band, mostly for anonymity and throw people's preconceptions. When you think about the production process, it's all Grohl. He had the drive, energy, skills and something to prove! The Foo Fighters (as a band) were later "retcon'd" into existence upon its success. While this isn't my favourite Foo Fighters album, I much prefer the following up, The Color and The Shape (or should we be calling that Foo Fighter's first album?), do I think it's a significant rock album, yes totally. It's more about the journey than the destination, and without the backstory, it would have less impact.

In Utero by Nirvana
Aug 23 2022

Did Frances Farmer ever have her revenge on Seattle?

Atomizer by Big Black
Aug 24 2022

I'd been putting this off as it was unavailable on Spotify, and I couldn't be arsed with YouTube ads. But finally gave it a listen... pretty fecking awesome! (but now all I can think about it investing in stocks with Trading 212, argh YouTube ads!)

Aug 25 2022

Iconic artwork. Really enjoyed the popular tracks - Voodoo People, Poison, No Good, et al. Some of the tracks were quite long, which get a bit wary if you're sober. 3.5

The Poet by Bobby Womack
Aug 26 2022

For some reason on Spotify (in the UK at least), the 1981 release has some unavailable tracks, but the are available on the 2021 re-release: https://open.spotify.com/album/3b4FRQBIqULkm6vudUXkcS

Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals
Aug 29 2022

Quite literally it was Something 4 the Weekend!

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Aug 30 2022

Great album, great talent! Couple of bugbears, few of the tracks are far too long! and few tracks fade out, bit of a lazy way to end a song. I'm still confused about the "Voodoo Chile/Child" spellings and versions? I tried to research it, but none the wiser. 4

Devil Without A Cause by Kid Rock
Aug 31 2022

Oh sod off! I tried, I did, but it's like listening to Limp Bizkit's hillbilly cousin - it's embarrassing! nul points, 0.

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Sep 01 2022

I vaguely recall Talk Talk from various Now! albums, but I guess these days they are more known for their broadband internet services. "Life's What You Make It" is the one I recall, boring, repetitive, but in a good way. I like the album artwork, reminds me of that Twitter account, Faces In Things.

Protection by Massive Attack
Sep 02 2022

Is this an good album? Yes, really good. Is this a classic? I'm less sure. Enjoyed listening (and re-listening), proper chilled out, (and love Tracey Thorn's vocals on Protection), but later on feels forgettable when compared to Blue Lines or Mezzanine.

Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg
Sep 07 2022

Conceptuellement, cela ne ressemble à rien d'autre que j'ai entendu. Je ne peux pas tolérer le traitement de la jeune Melody Nelson, la pauvre fille. Soniquement, c'est immersif et mystérieux.

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Sep 08 2022

I wasn't familiar with Siouxsie and the Banshees at all. This album took me by surprise, enjoyed it very much. Despite not being familiar with it, I couldn't shake that feeling of early 80s nostalgia, the guitars are so otherworldly, feels like you're taking a peak behind the dark curtain, and disliking how the shadowy machinery of that neoliberal Cold War world really worked.

21 by Adele
Sep 09 2022

Bah, another ex-1001 album! http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Still, it's an alright album. I have a soft spot for Rolling in the Deep, I blame the bass line.

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
Sep 13 2022

I always dig the Joy Division basslines, and the artwork is iconic! As much as I know some of my mates adore this album, I tend to get bored halfway through each track.

Damaged by Black Flag
Sep 14 2022

Hardcore! A younger angry me would have enjoyed this very much, the older mellow me less so. I get it, and appreciate it being on the 1001 list. Hot heavy, messy, shouty hardcore punk!

Ten by Pearl Jam
Sep 15 2022

Great album, love all the hits, the rest are good but a tad forgettable.

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
Sep 19 2022

I didn't enjoy it as much as I did back in the day. The hits are still great, but the in-between tracks feel a tad tenuous.

Horses by Patti Smith
Sep 20 2022

Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Giving it a 3.5, but reckon further listens would bump it to a 4/4.5.

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Sep 21 2022

Took me a few tracks to get into it, then enjoyed the eeriness of it all. 3.5

Gris Gris by Dr. John
Sep 22 2022

It's a bit "out there" - but full of good old funky psychedelic vibes.

Moving Pictures by Rush
Sep 26 2022

I wasn't too familiar with Rush, I guess I was in need of some prog rock today, as was digging on the guitar work. Enjoyed it, but doubt it's something I'd frequent.

Illmatic by Nas
Sep 27 2022

I liked the old school hip-hop basslines and beats. Overall the album didn't grab me.

Life Thru A Lens by Robbie Williams
Sep 28 2022

This was played to death by mates during my Uni days. As far as 90s pop albums go, this is fine, consistent and well produced. Although the real talent of the album was co-writer/producer Guy Chambers.

Initially I wasn't going to listen to this as it wasn't available on Spotify, and I couldn't be fussed with YouTube ads, but was persuaded to I'd give it a try... and wow! On the surface it's audacious, annoying, violent, batshit bonkers, some kind of avant-garde post-punk jazz! But within that utter chaos there's something beautiful, a raw talent. The more I thought about it, the more affection I felt towards it. 3.5

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Sep 30 2022

At San Quentin came up first on our group, so we'd already had "a Johnny Cash prison album", even though At Folsom Prison was released first. It's good, the live interaction bits give it more character.

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg by Jerry Lee Lewis
Oct 03 2022

Controversies aside, his music performance could certainly bring a room alive. Wild, energetic and audacious. Still, controversies, eh!

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Oct 04 2022

I didn't completely hate it. More pop than hip-hop, okay beats, cringy rhyming lyrics though, overall I found it boring.

Face to Face by The Kinks
Oct 05 2022

Always love The Kinks social commentary on 60s/70s Britain. It's a solid album, good tunes, great production. Sunny Afternoon is a fav. Not my go-to album for The Kinks, probably go for "Something Else".

Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
Oct 06 2022

I didn't know Dennis Wilson had done a solo album. I initially liked the artwork, felt bold. Started the album, and reading his Wikipedia page, he had quite an interesting life - had no idea about the Charles Manson association - wild! The album almost became a soundtrack to his Wikipedia page, ha! It was enjoyable enough.

Yeezus by Kanye West
Oct 07 2022

First look at the "artwork" - Emperor's New Clothes init?! Yeezus Christ, when will these zealots tell him that Ye's not the Messiah, Ye's a very naughty boy!

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Oct 10 2022

Sure it's cliché, corny and dated... but goddamn it still rocks! 🤘

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Oct 11 2022

Quite unusual. I'd expect in the right setting this would be quite cool. Just felt a bit odd listening in my office on a Monday morning.

Groovin' by The Young Rascals
Oct 12 2022

First half of the album was like a Beatles and Monkees tribute act, with the second half taking a turn with a mature soulful set of tracks. As another reviewer on here said, "probably the blackest sounding white men I've heard".

Palo Congo by Sabu
Oct 13 2022

I respect the musicianship, but was not in the mood for 40 minutes of bongos and Santeria chants.

Oct 14 2022

Hey, Kool Thing, are you gonna liberate us girls from male white corporate oppression? Yeah, tell it like it is! Don't call it a comeback, I been here for years! Good grief.

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Oct 17 2022

No doubt Cohen is a masterful poet, full of wordplay, accompanied by those bittersweet melancholic chords. Not something I'd listen to regularly, but the appreciation is there. ...on a sidenote, who signed off on the typography on the artwork, it's dreadful. Would have been a stronger design without it, just have the photo of Cohen.

Oct 18 2022

The Spotify link was to an odd version, I used this one: https://open.spotify.com/album/2WT1pbYjLJciAR26yMebkH Whenever I listen to it, I try to find its faults, but always end up getting carried away on its journey. I keep meaning to experience The Dark Side Of The Rainbow, one day... 5

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Oct 19 2022

I'd heard of, but never listened to Jeff Buckley before. I liked it.

Da Capo by Love
Oct 20 2022

During the first 6 tracks I was thinking why is this a noteworthy album, then the closing track is 18 minutes long... and that sounded like a overindulgent jamming session. It's not terrible, just not that interesting.

The Age Of The Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets
Oct 21 2022

Yet another ex-1001 album! http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex It was alright. I can see why it was originally added to the 1001, noteworthy due to it being by a contemporary "supergroup", alas, in this case, time has proved that the sum isn't greater than its parts.

Under Construction by Missy Elliott
Oct 24 2022

I liked it much better than I'd expected.

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Oct 25 2022

I like the hits of the Pet Shop Boys, What Have I Done to Deserve This? and It's a Sin are great, the rest was alright, but didn't stick out enough to make this a solid album for me. 2.5

Survivor by Destiny's Child
Oct 26 2022

Yet another ex-1001 album! http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex The popular tracks are catchy enough, feels that the whole album exists to showcase their vocal range and harmonies, which I'm sure is a great talent, but feels all over the place to me.

You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Oct 27 2022

You want it darker? Be careful what you ask for. Even in his 80s, Leonard Cohen was still a badass!

En-Tact by The Shamen
Oct 28 2022

Maybe it's dated, but thought Move Any Mountain was more punchier than it was. None of the other tracks piqued my interest. 1.5

Hotel California by Eagles
Oct 31 2022

Yeah, yeah, I'm a fan of The Big Lebowski AND I like the Eagles. For me, this album is all about nostalgia, it got played a lot when I was a kid. The production, musicianship and guitar work are top notch. The opening of Hotel California gets me every time! The second half (in terms of side B on the LP), starts to feel a bit dreary. I like the anecdote about "The Last Resort" taking days to record, because they kept messing up because Black Sabbath were making too much noise in the studio next door!

Cross by Justice
Nov 02 2022

Having never heard of Justice before, I quite enjoyed this. Some tracks felt a bit too long, but in the right setting that'd be fine. Some parts felt Daft Punk-ish, maybe more like Daft Grunge, anyway still enjoyable. Iconic album artwork too!

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Nov 03 2022

It was alright, bit indifferent towards this, hadn't heard of Gang Starr before, guess I'm not the target audience, nothing really stood out for me.

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Nov 04 2022

Great, hadn't listened before, enjoyed this! Damaged Goods was a stand out for me.

Street Life by The Crusaders
Nov 07 2022

I knew of the opening title track, it's got a catchy chorus, but no one needs 11 minutes of it! The rest is like background music at a casino.

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
Nov 08 2022

Undeniably, a unique voice. I wasn't particularly in the mood for this style of music yesterday, songs felt quite dull. Still appreciate the musical arrangements. 2.5

Peter Gabriel by Peter Gabriel
Nov 09 2022

Hadn't listened to this album in a long time, enjoyed re-listening. Solsbury Hill is a classic.

Nov 10 2022

This feels like a Jeopardy answer... "Which album is considered to be the epitome of UK 80s pop music?" Still, I found myself bopping along.

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Nov 11 2022

My only prior knowledge of Elliott Smith was his Figure 8 album which came out a couple of years before his death. Either Or is good, but not something I'd actively listen to.

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Nov 14 2022

I'm always thinking that I'm going to dislike an Elvis Costello album, then end up liking it.

Chirping Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Nov 15 2022

I'm still laughing at the Little Richard orgy anecdote. I like the few songs that were the big hits, overall the album is okay, but it's so short that it's inoffensive and you'd end up forgetting the rest of the tracks anyway.

Nov 16 2022

I hadn't heard of Laura Nyro before, she sounds way more contemporary than the late 60s, great voice. The album was alright, could have been shorter; enjoyed the up-tempo tracks; the crooning ones less so - half of them sounded the same; there were moments when I could see how the likes of Tori Amos could take inspiration.

Raw Like Sushi by Neneh Cherry
Nov 17 2022

Great opener with Buffalo Stance, then Manchild is okay, but it's all downhill from there on out.

Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jackson
Nov 18 2022

Did you know that Rhythm Nation used to crash Windows on old laptops? https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20220816-00/?p=106994

Harvest by Neil Young
Nov 21 2022

It started off well, until the dreaded harmonica strikes again! 😭 Despite this, it's not a bad album. Heart of Gold and Old Man are decent songs.

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Nov 22 2022

I'd listened to this album when it first came out, but it didn't really gel with me, recalled it being depressing, but re-listening now, while probably still a bit depressing, was much better than I recalled.

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Nov 23 2022

The deluxe edition is 2 hours long! (At least that's what the link for Spotify goes to). I found one of the shorter versions, (still over 90 mins), https://open.spotify.com/album/3tZ7O5gGQmkg8FEfqE5wGw Artwork looks like a family photo album book cover. For a live album, it's alright, all the hits are there - Smoke on the Water and what not. Whilst I love a bit of dad rock, this all got a bit too self-indulgent for me.

Casanova by The Divine Comedy
Nov 24 2022

On a whole, I liked it, but there are several places where the songs drag on a bit.

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Nov 25 2022

Talented? Yes! Backstory? Yes! The reality of listening to an hour of live improv piano solos? Maybe in the right setting, late at night with a whiskey in hand, sure, less so on this particular Thursday morning.

Hot Fuss by The Killers
Nov 28 2022

Yet another ex-1001 album! http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I'd listen to this album when it came out, but now you realise it's like boiling a frog, you enjoy it, think it's fine, by the end it's too late, you've become a cultural zombie, what am I doing with my life?! With the bigger hits, though lyrically devoid, I'd still enjoy a good karaoke night with them. 2.5

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Nov 29 2022

Ah, it is Rubén Blades from Fear The Walking Dead! Erm, that's probably not the acclamation he'd want to be remembered for. The album is quite refreshing, great beats and grooves. Felt that most tracks could have been shorter, but overall enjoyed the vibe.

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy
Dec 01 2022

It was fine, I quite liked Lucretia My Reflection. Apart from reading about the melodrama of the band during the recording, I'm unsure what else is noteworthy for this to be on 1001. 2.5

A Seat at the Table by Solange
Dec 02 2022

I'd never heard of Solange, turns out she's Beyoncé's sister... pretty much sums it up.

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Dec 05 2022

!!!Waaahhhhaaaa!!! Reckon they would of been awesome to watch in a pub on a Saturday night, but nearly 60 years later, listening to a poorly mixed lo-fi album with over half the songs being covers, you have to ask why! Of their originals, The Witch and Strychnine were alright.

Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis
Dec 06 2022

I'd found out about this album earlier this year and enjoyed it... and enjoyed it again today! Couple of stand out tracks, but overall it was just a good vibe. 3.5

The Infotainment Scan by The Fall
Dec 08 2022

Seems that I typically listen to The Fall when I'm drunk, sat in the kitchen of an after-party. Good times, but hangovers get worse with age.

I Against I by Bad Brains
Dec 09 2022

I enjoyed the music, less so the vocals.

Forever Changes by Love
Dec 12 2022

I liked this album better than the last Love one we had (Da Capo). Artwork is pretty cool.

Pump by Aerosmith
Dec 13 2022

In hindsight, seems somewhat inappropriate that Love in an Elevator was played at school discos - this was probably my first exposure to Aerosmith. What I hadn't realised was how long they'd been around before this (and that they're still around now!) The nostalgia around this album (and more so for Get a Grip) was MTV, they (well their record company) knew how to play the game, sexy videos, get people talking, great marketing, etc. Does this album hold up? I'm not so sure, all feels a bit dated now.

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Dec 14 2022

Wikipedia has this down as a "garage rock / grunge" album, huh? At this point of the 1001 list, I'm quite tired of Neil Young!

Trans Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Dec 15 2022

I do like the journey of the album's concept. If you catch it in the right mood, it can be quite immersive. It's a good one to zone out to, given it was released in 1977, it's a ground-breaking album. Otherworldly. I was going to give it a 4, but feeling optimistic today, 5.

Spiderland by Slint
Dec 16 2022

I can't tell if I liked this or not. There were points where I thought I did, but then got annoyed with the repetition and track length, and other parts where it felt pretty cool. 2.5

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Dec 19 2022

Probably due to emotional associations back when I listened to it more regularly, still a great album.

Beauty And The Beat by The Go-Go's
Dec 20 2022

I was already familiar with this album, not saying it's a masterpiece, but still enjoyed re-listening. 3.5

Faust IV by Faust
Dec 21 2022

Despite the opening track being far too long, there were quite a few bits I liked on the album. Overall it's all over the place, didn't quite work for me on first listen, but reckon it's worth a second chance at some point. 2.5

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
Dec 22 2022

We've had a few Elvis albums on the 1001 list; undeniable culturally significant, but this album feels like factory churn to cash in after his army service.

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Dec 23 2022

"Gettin' jiggy wit it!" (Gah, curses Will Smith!) Definitely feel all of Nile Rodgers' contributions on this album. Some of the tracks were a bit drab, but overall I had a good old boogie to the popular disco tracks. 3.5

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
Dec 26 2022

Okay, I enjoyed this album more than Bob Dylan's other albums.

Dec 27 2022

Not sure why I'd avoided Elbow, putting them down as pretentious wank, some kind of a cross between Coldplay and Radiohead. Turns out I was surprised, still a bit wanky, but in a pleasant way. "Grounds for Divorce" is the standout track for me.

There's A Riot Goin' On by Sly & The Family Stone
Dec 28 2022

Family Affair is great. The rest of the album is good, could be shorter, not quite a 5 star album for me.

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
Dec 29 2022

I'd definitely go see this movie!

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Dec 30 2022

It was alright. Musically, it didn't grab me, but enjoyed the whimsical lyrics. 2.5

evermore by Taylor Swift
Jan 02 2023

My trouble with Taylor Swift is that she's got a few very catchy good pop songs, but her albums are gushingly overrated by the media, which is a turn off. The lyrics on this one feel that they came straight from the inside of Hallmark cards. I don't hate it, but nothing excited me here.

Young Americans by David Bowie
Jan 03 2023

I do like Bowie, but, apart from Fame, I found the rest of the album quite boring, felt somewhat restrained.

Fromohio by fIREHOSE
Jan 04 2023

I didn't dislike it, but throughout I kept thinking I wondering is this what The Saw Doctors would sound like if they came from Ohio? 🤔

The Cars by The Cars
Jan 05 2023

What do you get if you cross Roxy Music with Queen? Yeah, it'd probably be The Cars. Still enjoyable enough. I like the artwork too, happy vibes.

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren
Jan 06 2023

Hadn't heard of Todd Rundgren before. Initially thought it was bonkers (in a bad way), then I strangely got into it. Still very bonkers, but in a good way. 3.5

NEU! 75 by Neu!
Jan 10 2023

Krautrock always sounds better when you're travelling. Having missed listening to this album the other day, I decided to listen on my train journey into Bristol. It was getting dark, the evening felt brooding. The first track accompanied the walk down to the station; second track the train was delayed; third still waiting; fourth and fifth were the train journey itself; and the sixth was the walk from the station to the pub. Overall, turns out it was quite a fitting album for my journey. Enjoyed it. All that said, I'd expect listening in a different environment I would have scored it less.

Sincere by Mj Cole
Jan 11 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album! http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I didn't care much for this album.

Killing Joke by Killing Joke
Jan 12 2023

Hadn't heard this before. Mixed feelings, there were parts I enjoyed, other parts less so. What was with the vocals on Wardance? Sounded like a Dalek!

Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Jan 13 2023

Oh wow, the artwork screams of 80s clichés! Curious what'll happen when she pushes the button on her belly. I don't recall hearing Bonnie Raitt before, she seems a good Country singer, with a fine head of hair, but this album wasn't for me.

Deep Purple In Rock by Deep Purple
Jan 16 2023

Stereotypically, as a white mid-40s male who enjoys rock music, I may have indulged on this a little too much. Bit like the Terry's chocolate orange you didn't share at Christmas. Sorry, not sorry. 4.5

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Jan 17 2023

To me, Bob Dylan is a poet. Every time one of his albums comes up, I'm never in the mood for it. I blame my secondary school for making poetry boring. Also, the harmonica didn't help matters.

My Generation by The Who
Jan 18 2023

Who's generation? Brexit baby boomers? 🤪 Still enjoy the hits, the rest didn't click with me as much.

Woodface by Crowded House
Jan 19 2023

I have a big old soft spot for this album. Appreciate that a couple of tracks are a bit lackluster, but still love the hits. 4.5

First Band On The Moon by The Cardigans
Jan 23 2023

I may have not been paying attention to the whole album as got distracted by Nina Persson's seductively sweet vocals, yes please, don't stop.

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Jan 24 2023

My dad played this a lot, I recall liking it until I became a teenager, then strongly disliking it. Re-listening now, great guitar work and production, but still invoked a strangely sick feeling in the bottom of my stomach. Mixed emotions. Is there such a thing as anti-nostalgia? 2.5

Locust Abortion Technician by Butthole Surfers
Jan 25 2023

Iceman: "You can surf my butthole any time." Maverick: "Bullshit! You can surf mine."

Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow
Jan 26 2023

Pleasant enough, mostly middle of the road songs. Strong Enough and All I Wanna Do are good. I liked the backstory of the album and title, sounded fun.

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Jan 27 2023

Fun times! I was dancing around the house all day.

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Jan 30 2023

I tried listening to this several times in the past few days, each time I just can't be arsed with it. Rest of our group seems to like it, I must be missing that hook in. 2.5

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
Feb 01 2023

Half man, half machine, what does it mean? I'd heard this album a couple of times, thought it was alright, but I must have been in a contemplative mood yesterday and I thought it was great. I'm giving it an optimistic 5, knowing full well that if I was in a less contemplative mood, it'd be more like a 3.

Let It Be by The Replacements
Feb 02 2023

Enjoyed it enough, good to get that post-teenage angst out there!

Feb 03 2023

I like most of Pulp's hits, wasn't too familiar with the albums. I enjoyed this one, in an unsettling kind of way. Felt that a few of the tracks were trying to channel Bowie or The Beatles.

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Feb 06 2023

Throughout the 1001, I've been trying to figure out "what is an album?". There's no doubt she's a great singer, but I do doubt this album constitutes a body of work.

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
Feb 07 2023

I liked the upbeat tracks, the ballad tracks dragged, and Superstition is on a different level.

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Feb 08 2023

Good vibes, good times!

Feb 09 2023

Not that it's terrible, I either wasn't in the mood for this, or, just didn't like it. 1.5

Femi Kuti by Femi Kuti
Feb 14 2023

Sunday brunch vibes... in a good way.

Chris by Christine and the Queens
Feb 15 2023

Some of the synth beats were quite good, but on a whole I didn't like it, highly doubt I'm the target audience.

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers
Feb 17 2023

Jesus wept! I wasn't in the mood for this. I guess you had to be there.

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
Feb 20 2023

Upbeat blues is funny, opening track "nobody loves me, nobody cares" (oh yeah, woo!) Good live album.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Feb 21 2023

Given it's a triple album, probably best enjoyed in three sittings, (far too much to take in a single sitting). ...and given all the material, I felt it could have been condensed and refined down to a stellar single album. "My Sweet Lord" is still the standout track for me. 3.5

The Rolling Stones by The Rolling Stones
Feb 22 2023

I can't help but think of that scene in Spinal Tap, as a skiffle band, The Thamesmen. Those slightly embarrassing early years. 2.5

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Feb 23 2023

First 4 tracks were great, then "Ride On and Turn the People On" kinda killed the vibe. Picked up again with "Your Love Gets Sweeter", but then fizzled out for me. 2.5

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Feb 24 2023

I'd kinda heard of Violent Femmes, but wasn't overly familiar, then I'd listened to this album a few times last year and really enjoyed it. 4.5

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Feb 27 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex That said, it's still a favourite of mine. I'd listen to this all the time back then... and still often do now!

Closer by Joy Division
Feb 28 2023

Enjoyed the dark and moody bass lines. I expect if I grew up with this album, I'd have more affection towards it, but it passed me by, only for me to discover it later on without the context of it's creation and subsequent loss.

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Mar 01 2023

The opening title track is great. It's appeared in so many movies, (maybe too many movies), it's overly familiar. The whole album feels a bit lounge background music, whilst still good, it's samey, not quite the main attraction.

Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Mar 02 2023

I was not emotionally prepared for this album. As always, context is everything, with having teenage kids myself, I can't imagine the desperation of loss and tragedy. Yet, love transcends. 5 heartbroken stars from me.

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Mar 03 2023

I may have had a slight crush on Tori Amos back in the mid-90s.

Kenya by Machito
Mar 06 2023

"We are currently experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of calls. Please stay on the line. Your call is important to us. We will connect you when one of our operators becomes available."

New York Dolls by New York Dolls
Mar 07 2023

While I can see their influences and who they influenced, there's probably a reason I hadn't listened to New York Dolls before. It's fine, feels very much if it's time.

Mar 08 2023

I'd appreciate it more in the right setting, say maybe in a late night cocktail bar. Tuesday morning getting ready for work was not my right setting for a first listen.

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Mar 09 2023

Enjoyed it. Summer Breeze, makes me feel fine... 3.5

White Light / White Heat by The Velvet Underground
Mar 10 2023

I was only familiar with Velvet Underground & Nico 🍌 album, hadn't listened to this one before. I went with the non-deluxe edition, 6 tracks, conciser-ish. https://open.spotify.com/album/0HHmJpwOXXRJu9HI9iQiEO Funny with the opening track, immediately knew where LCD Soundsystem's Drunk Girls got its influence. For the rest of the album, I didn't care for it much, it's all over the place. Some call it art, most call it noise.

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Mar 13 2023

...and I'm back to feeling my bloody boil every time I hear that damned harmonica!

Aja by Steely Dan
Mar 15 2023

It's a bit like having toast without any butter, it's acceptable but meh. At least I now know where Deacon Blue got their name from.

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Mar 16 2023

Persona on persona, Marshall Mathers as Eminem as Slim Shady. The artist, the mask and the cartoon. Much more satirical than I recall it was at the time.

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Mar 17 2023

A couple of my mates were really really into Dinosaur Jr., to the point it put me off them. I've tried to get into them a few times over the years, but nah, I don't hate it, just never quite gels with me. 2.5

Mar 20 2023

It's all quite long winded and wanky. As well as the Simon & Garfunkel cover.

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Mar 21 2023

This was an unexpected joy.

Copper Blue by Sugar
Mar 22 2023

I hadn't heard of Sugar, I'd only heard of Hüsker Dü last year because their album on 1001 (which I enjoyed a lot) ... and I quite enjoyed this album too! Clichéd as it may be, can't shake the thought I'd heard these songs on those 90s teen shows, 90210, Melrose Place, et al.

Behaviour by Pet Shop Boys
Mar 23 2023

Introspective melancholic pop. It was fine, but I wasn't too fussed with it.

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Mar 27 2023

Totally musical theatre. It's outrageous! Love it.

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Mar 28 2023

There's a lots of detail to like in this album, great use of samples and loops. But I lost interest about halfway through, well pretty much after Sabotage, it was far too long and got far too experimental. 2.5

Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Mar 29 2023

Hadn't listened to this before, enjoyed it, but the frequent underlying distortion got too unsettling. 3.5

Rising Above Bedlam by Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Mar 30 2023

More like descending into Bedlam! Opening track was alright, then I kinda lost interest about halfway through.

Among The Living by Anthrax
Mar 31 2023

Admittedly, I did (mildly) headbang throughout this, lots of good riffs, but doubt I'd listen to the whole album again.

Marquee Moon by Television
Apr 03 2023

I've listened to this before, it's alright, good pleasant listen, but somewhat forgettable.

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Apr 04 2023

Hadn't listened to any Tom Waits before. It was alright, like. 3.5

Elephant by The White Stripes
Apr 05 2023

Seven Nation Army is modern classic. The whole album is good and very listenable, but I'd struggle to give it a 5.

Doolittle by Pixies
Apr 06 2023

On a different day I might be overly critical and give it a 4, but not today, it's a 5 from me!

Fear and Whiskey by Mekons
Apr 07 2023

I like the artwork, all faded and washed out, much like the album.

D by White Denim
Apr 11 2023

Yet another band I'd never heard of. Yet another album I didn't really need to listen to before I die. It's alright, just didn't engage me in any meaningful way.

Apr 12 2023

I'd have thought the opening tribute to Fela Kuti would have been much more vibrant, felt far to subtle to celebrate a legend. I'm 50/50 on this album, bits I liked, other bits not so much. 2.5 I wasn't familiar with Common, but checked his filmography, turns out I've seen him in a bunch of movies.

Suede by Suede
Apr 13 2023

Good album. 3.5

Amnesiac by Radiohead
Apr 14 2023

For whatever reason, I never really got into any Radiohead albums after OK Computer (which I very much like). Amnesiac is fine, just whatever the thing was that "got me" with OK Computer wasn't quite there for me on this album. Maybe it needs several listens to "get it"?

Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C.
Apr 17 2023

It's Like That... and that's the way it is.

War by U2
Apr 18 2023

Iconic artwork. Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day are great. Two Hearts Beat as One is pretty good. The rest is alright, bit dated now. I'm trying not get too bogged down with Bono's ego.

The Real Thing by Faith No More
Apr 21 2023

I'd listened to this again recently. I remember thinking that the opening few tracks are great, gets me in a rock mood. Then it gradually goes downhill after that. Even War Pigs couldn't recover it for me.

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Apr 25 2023

Didn't know about this album, first glance at the artwork, I was already impressed. Enjoyed this way more than I'd expected to.

Live! by Fela Kuti
Apr 26 2023

More like Fela Awesome-Kuti! 4.5

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Apr 27 2023

I tried to listen objectively, but about halfway through I couldn't stomach any more. Far too self-referential, far too self-indulgent, far too much profanity - I'm not against profanity, but only if it holds value and if it's gonna be overused to the verge of losing all value, then what is the fucking point?

Apr 28 2023

Whilst I still really enjoyed the hits, as an overall album, it doesn't quite jam. 2.5

Station To Station by David Bowie
May 02 2023

It was alright. With the various Bowie albums in the 1001 list, I haven't found any of them to be overall brilliant, mostly a couple of stand out tracks on each. Golden Years was good on this one.

Melody A.M. by Röyksopp
May 03 2023

I was going to say that I'd never heard of this, but I then vaguely recall hearing many of these tunes at late night cafes and clubs. I'd might feel more nostalgic if this was playing whilst copping off at said night club, otherwise it's good low-fi vibes.

Apocalypse Dudes by Turbonegro
May 04 2023

From the tongue in cheek opening, felt like Spinal Tap-esque homage to The Beatles and Britpop, I was ready for some non-serious euro-punk-rock fun... and it sure did deliver! 3.5

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
May 05 2023

I hadn't listened to John Grant nor this album until a month or so ago. I've enjoyed listening a few times, it's good, but I don't seem to have the same affection that many of my friends have for it.

Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
May 08 2023

Enjoyed this more than I'd expected to.

Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout
May 09 2023

I quite like the first half (well, maybe third) of the album. Feels dated, but in a strangely nostalgic way. 2.5

Tical by Method Man
May 10 2023

I like a couple of the tracks, (Bring The Pain, All I Need), but wasn't really into the rest of it.

LP1 by FKA twigs
May 11 2023

Music for ducklipped teenagers to put their makeup on to.

A Date With The Everly Brothers by The Everly Brothers
May 12 2023

Welcome to 12-bar blues central, the zeitgeist of the late 50s white collar America, where the women are loose and fade-outs are cheap.

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
May 15 2023

Strangely, after yesterday's Everly Brothers, I thought I'd be disliking old Frank here, but I seemed to be in a more receptive mood for this crooning album. On a tangent. It's the first album listed in the 1001 book. Interesting tidbit, it was first issued on a double 10", then later reissued on 12". Which gets me thinking (again) about how much the medium of distribution influences the album arrangement. e.g. This album has 16 tracks, original double 10" release would be 4 tracks on each side, then for the 12" reissue, 8 tracks per side. Would the track listing flow be different if the original distribution was on 12"? Bringing that to modern day, are artists thinking in terms of streaming playlists or maybe still in CD's max 74 mins? No breaks, no flipping over interludes, just straight through. Or maybe they just whack them on in any order, why do I care? Ha!

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
May 16 2023

I wasn't familiar with this album, apart from Once in a Lifetime - which is now culturally engrained. It's a good album, feels quite experimental, overall I enjoyed it, probably need several more listens to appreciated it more.

Cafe Bleu by The Style Council
May 17 2023

Apart from the hits, I'd never listen to anything else by The Style Council. I was half expected it to be more of the same from Weller as The Jam, but no, it's in a totally different direction. Interestingly, (this where I bang on about distribution formats), it's another album of 2 halves. Side A is quite chilled, soulful, like café jazz... with a welcome appearance from Tracey Thorn. Side B, pop ballads, and urgh The Gospel - what was going on with white pop rap in the early 80s? Wham, Blondie - glad that fad ended. I preferred Side A, despite You're The Best Thing is still stuck in my head a day later.

Heavy Weather by Weather Report
May 18 2023

I've heard the whole of this album before... that time I was on hold waiting to get a refund from BT. I like the artwork though.

Water From An Ancient Well by Abdullah Ibrahim
May 22 2023

The tracks are fine, though they quickly faded into café jazz background music for me. Is it a "must listen" album, nah not really.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
May 23 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I do like Arcade Fire; Funeral and Neon Bible were on regular repeat, but then their subsequent albums somehow passed me by. The Suburbs is good, though quite long, defo worth a few listens, but their earlier albums still hold closer for me.

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
May 24 2023

Quite surprised how much I enjoyed this, the underlying story drew me in.

Immigrés by Youssou N'Dour
May 25 2023

"20 years of all-time classics"... distilled down to 4 tracks, eh? It's all fine, decent enough African/World music, but nothing particularly grabbed out at me.

Like A Prayer by Madonna
May 26 2023

I had a good old sing song to 4 or 5 tracks, of which are scattered across the album, to the point that these tracks are the only thing holding it all together, the rest feels like filler, albeit very well produced filler.

Bummed by Happy Mondays
May 29 2023
Midnight Ride by Paul Revere & The Raiders
May 30 2023

Apart from the cover of Steppin' Stone I had heard of anything else by the band. My initial impression of the album artwork was the text "Featuring Kicks", with that being the opening track. Just marketing? or was that album purely a vehicle for pushing a single? Kicks turned out to be okay opener, but had a sucky fade out, and didn't flow nicely with the following track. The rest of the album is a mixed bag of 60s contemporary sounding songs, some are good, others less so. What I did find interesting was this feeling of restraint rebellion, a punky underbelly that couldn't quite punch through. Classic album, nah. Glad I listened to it before I die, yeah.

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
May 31 2023

There were a few moments that I thought this was quite good, but overall it felt quite pretentious. 2.5

Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode
Jun 01 2023

Hadn't listened to this album before, I enjoy it much more than I was expecting to!

New Forms by Roni Size
Jun 02 2023

During lockdown, I was reading up about various Bristol music scenes, and hadn't heard Roni Size before, so listened to this album. It's one of those "in the right setting, it'd be awesome!", e.g. late at night when you're half cut. But listened on a weekday during school half-term, not so much. 2.5

Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris
Jun 05 2023

My mum would love this album.

Oedipus Schmoedipus by Barry Adamson
Jun 08 2023

Along with Moss Side Story and Soul Murder, the 1001 book calls them a loose trilogy, which is quite good... but it does all start blurring into one, confusing matters. Still, enjoyed it though.

1984 by Van Halen
Jun 09 2023

I must have skipped a few chapters of Orwell's 1984, don't recall Winston being 'Hot For Teacher' in Room 101.

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Jun 12 2023

One of my favourite albums, and probably most listened to! I'm not even a big Manics fan, just something about this album got me and stuck with me throughout my late teens all the way up to now.

Violator by Depeche Mode
Jun 13 2023

Great album.

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Jun 14 2023

Ah, Buffalo Gals "go round the outside", that's where Eminem got that line, good to know. This album is not what I was expecting at all, it's an interesting pick'n'mix of genres. While the Malcolm McLaren attribution is off-putting, I'm still glad I've listened to it, once.

Rip It Up by Orange Juice
Jun 15 2023

Always thought that I'd like Orange Juice because of Edwyn Collins, but every time I try them I think, meh! I prefer apple juice anyway.

Moby Grape by Moby Grape
Jun 19 2023

Many of the tracks are quite short, (along with Spotify was missing a few of the tracks), so it was over quite quickly. Initial listen, I thought it was good.

Lazer Guided Melodies by Spiritualized
Jun 20 2023

One day, someone will need to educate me on why Spiritualized are held in amazing regard. Can't shake the feeling that I might be missing something.

Destroyer by KISS
Jun 21 2023

Enjoyed a few of the songs, overall *shrugs*

Fire Of Love by The Gun Club
Jun 22 2023

Started off well, punky rockabilly, but turned all very samey. 2.5

L.A. Woman by The Doors
Jun 23 2023

The title track and Riders On The Storm are great, the rest feels like a boozy blues club band, boorish, whilst still musical tight, it put me on a bit of a downer. 2.5

Elastica by Elastica
Jun 26 2023

I listened to this once when it first came out. I kinda wrote Elastica off as a one-hit wonder with Connection. I quite enjoyed rediscovering this, hopefully it won't be another 28 years before I listen again.

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti
Jun 27 2023

Alexa, play me bland 80s synth pop... Are you sure? OK, here you go.

2112 by Rush
Jun 28 2023

Another one of these where I go on about the medium influencing the message. The opening track is 20 minutes long, this may seem silly in our contemporary Spotify streaming world, but for the original vinyl release, it was the entire Side A, which makes sense for telling a prog-rock concept story - however unfriendly for radio airplay. Overall, it's a bit slow and meandering, glad I listened, doubt I'd revisit. 2.5

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Jun 29 2023

What can I say... gotta love a few power anthems for karaoke! 3.5

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Jun 30 2023

I think something was up with my headphones, as I could hear every fooking word. Jesus wept!

Django Django by Django Django
Jul 03 2023

Had never heard of this, good mix of styles, some places a bit laggy, overall enjoyed it!

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Jul 04 2023

Say what you will about Michael Jackson, this is a great and well produced album.

Vento De Maio by Elis Regina
Jul 05 2023

Cuando era solo un niño pequeño, le pregunté a mi madre qué seré. Seré feliz, seré rico. Esto es lo que ella me dijo. Que Sera, Sera. Lo que sea sera.

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Jul 06 2023

Weird, in a kitsch psychobilly surfer punk rock kinda way. At least I think I liked it, a bit, maybe.

La Revancha Del Tango by Gotan Project
Jul 07 2023

Telephone hold music for the OnlyFans French office. "Votre appel est important pour nous. Montre-moi tes pieds."

Tom Tom Club by Tom Tom Club
Jul 11 2023

I can see why it's on the list, backstory is interesting enough. Songs are good enough, and good album length. Didn't excite me, but didn't annoy me either, 50/50 with me.

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Jul 13 2023

The most unlistenable album ever, yet still I listened to it. FML!

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
Jul 14 2023

Fine and dandy mister splanky!

Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears
Jul 17 2023

Shout, Everybody Wants To Rule The World and Head Over Heels are great, the rest were a bit hit and miss.

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jul 18 2023

Well this was unexpected, I quite enjoyed it!

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Jul 19 2023

Have you ever noticed that when there is music in an elevator, it's always The Girl from Ipanema? No? Just me and the Blues Brothers then. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed this album, easy going vibes.

Timeless by Goldie
Jul 20 2023

It was fine to have on in the background, wasn't terrible, wasn't great either, just felt long, so so long! 2.5

Jul 21 2023

I found that I appreciate George Michael more as I get older. Freedom '90 always seemed to be there through my adolescent years. I hadn't listened to this album throughout before. After the first few tracks I thought it we were on to a winner, but then it started to flag into dreary ballad territory and I got bored. Shame really. 2.5

Post Orgasmic Chill by Skunk Anansie
Jul 24 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex When this album came out I was working at Blockbuster Video and the promo was on a constant loop. I quite liked Skunk Anansie at the time, but I never bought the album because it reminded me too much of shift work. Which was a shame, as I've really enjoyed listening to it today! It still deserves to be in the 1001 list. 4.5

White Ladder by David Gray
Jul 25 2023

Apparently "noteworthy" because he supported Dave Matthews Band and had good album sales in the US, (which always seems to surprise the UK press). What's the album like? Yawnville! 🥱

Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye
Jul 26 2023

Took one glance at the artwork... I couldn't bring myself to listen to it yesterday! Listened today, it was alright, it's no What's Going On or Trouble Man though.

Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D
Jul 27 2023

Better than I thought it was gonna be.

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Jul 28 2023

First time listening to this album, and I listened to it twice! I'd only heard of Smash It Up before. Good old fashioned punk fun.

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
Jul 31 2023

I'd been meaning to listen to this for a while. Good beats and grooves, tracks are a bit long though. I'm sure the music on the ToeJam & Earl on the Sega MegaDrive borrowed a lot from Herbie Hancock.

OK by Talvin Singh
Aug 01 2023

I thought Butterfly was an interesting track, but wasn't enough to carry an otherwise tenuous album - am I missing something?

Ray Of Light by Madonna
Aug 03 2023

I prefer Madonna's earlier work, although Ray Of Light is listenable enough, it feels more filler than killer. 2.5

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Aug 04 2023

Great album, high production, everything just flows. Mercy Mercy Me is a particular favourite.

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Aug 07 2023

I got three-quarters of the way through the first track, I couldn't take much more... come back John Zorn, all is forgiven!

Dog Man Star by Suede
Aug 08 2023

I'd listened to this one a couple of times last year, thought it was alright, but with today's listen, I found it quite boring.

Imagine by John Lennon
Aug 10 2023

Top tunes for narcissists.

Aug 11 2023

Always thought she has a great voice, and this is a good album, but the constant "yea, yo, uhuh" mutterings started to do my nut in!

Marcus Garvey by Burning Spear
Aug 15 2023

Enjoyed listening to this back-to-back with Garvey's Ghost.

Nowhere by Ride
Aug 16 2023

I am told this is quintessential shoegaze. Not really my sort of thing, but had a good read up about Ride, Andy Bell, Creation Records and Oasis, etc; interesting how shoegaze paving the way for Britpop. 2.5

Hypnotised by The Undertones
Aug 17 2023

Upbeat, pop-punk, good fun!

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Aug 18 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I hadn't heard this album before, it was alright.

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
Aug 22 2023

Spunky punky! Screechy vocals start to grate, but forgivable as interesting to read up about Poly Styrene's life.

Live At Leeds by The Who
Aug 23 2023

Enjoyed this more that some of the other Who albums, but unsure why it made it into the 1001 book. 3.5

Nothing's Shocking by Jane's Addiction
Aug 24 2023

Though I'd been more familiar with the Ritual De Lo Habitual album, I thought I hadn't heard this one before, but kept recognising the tracks, Mountain Song, Jane Says, Summertime Rolls and Pigs in Zen. 3.5

The Sun Rises In The East by Jeru The Damaja
Aug 25 2023

I'd never heard of him, nor the album. It was alright, as far as mid-90s hip-hop go - good beats and raps.

Smash by The Offspring
Aug 28 2023

Most for the nostalgia: pseudo-angry pop-punk, moshing at late night 90s rock clubs, Crazy Taxi and Tony Hawks Pro Skater.

The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan
Aug 29 2023

I listened to this album last year (for the first time), I had only been familiar with Cars. It all sounds quite dated now, (which it ironically tried to sound futuristic), but I overall enjoyed listening. I dig the cover artwork too. 3.5

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Aug 30 2023

Listened to this loads when it came out. Relistening now, I'm still enjoying the music - lyrics are as cliché as ever. First half is funky good, second half meh. 3.5

Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
Aug 31 2023

Jaysus Jules, two and a half hours?! I struggled to get through both sides of the album. There were some good songs, but I spent most of it wondering what the feck is going on? 2.5

Risque by CHIC
Sep 01 2023

Oh damn, the bassline on Good Times, so good! Shame the rest of the album feels like filler. Though I was happy it had a short runtime.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Sep 04 2023

I honestly thought we'd had this one before! I had a bit of a bumpy one with this album. Gimme Shelter is a fantastic opener, then a couple of duds, then another good one, rinse & repeat, until a great closer with You Can't Always Get What You Want.

Blackstar by David Bowie
Sep 05 2023

I'm not sure why, but I put off listening to this after hearing about Bowie's death. I was glad when it was selected last Friday, but didn't listen immediately, I wanted to take my time with it. Now having listened, it was alright. I appreciate it being Bowie's swansong, but nothing particularly stood out as rememberable for me. 2.5

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Sep 06 2023

Enjoyed it. The title track is excessive, but then this whole album is about excess and indulgence. Kinda like Mad Max 3, with less sand, and more lube.

Roxy Music by Roxy Music
Sep 08 2023

I can't help but think of that Shooting Stars skit of Virginia Plain, Vic Reeves' doing Bryan Ferry, so funny! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su1gbmpFj0I

#1 Record by Big Star
Sep 11 2023

Hadn't heard of before, doubt I'll hear of again.

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Sep 12 2023

I'd totally missed Cocteau Twins growing up, I was introduced to them a couple of years ago, and enjoyed this album very much.

Brothers by The Black Keys
Sep 14 2023

Strangely, I spent most of listening to this album reading up about the artwork and packaging (with its heat-sensitive labelling), I didn't pay much attention to the music itself - it didn't upset me, so must have been alright, bit long though. 2.5

Faith by George Michael
Sep 15 2023

Faith was on regular rotation during my pre-teens - I was never quite sure who was the bigger fan, my mum or my dad. Re-listening today, while it still holds nostalgia, there are a few filler tracks, but overall a solid contemporary pop album.

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Sep 18 2023

It's an odd album, starts off one way, then goes in the complete opposite direction... it's all over the place! Were there parts that I liked? Yup, some good tunes in there. But as an album, it feels like a mess. 2.5

Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson
Sep 19 2023

This was on regular rotation during my late teens. Couple of tracks can still kick your arse, the rest feel a tad too superficially depraved for middle-aged me.

Sep 20 2023

Good, chilled out. Spotify had auto-play enabled, so I didn't realise that the album had finished until 10 minutes later. 😆

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Sep 21 2023

Arrêtez le bateau, je veux descendre. Un chef-d'œuvre? Mon cul saigne!

...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
Sep 22 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Dreadful album. But ...Baby One More Time still hits the nostalgia hard. Oh how teenage me wanted to go to that school!

Sep 25 2023

Catching up on missed albums. Having just listened to Wilco's other album on the list (Being There), I thought I best get this one out the way too. Ripping the plaster off, so to speak. I'm sure in a different life, I may have enjoyed Wilco, but unfortunately today they bore the tits off me! The only interesting thing I found was that this album was released a week after 9/11, and it's got two towers on the artwork. 1.5

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah
Sep 26 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I wasn't too fussed with this.

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Sep 27 2023

I wish I hadn't read the "sounds like Paul McCartney doing an Elton John impression" comments, it's cracked me up!

Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Sep 29 2023

I can't recall when (or why) I'd heard this before, but I like the random eccentricness of it all.

Traffic by Traffic
Oct 02 2023

Turns out that even the middle of the road has a middle, this is it. 2.5

Oct 03 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I have a soft spot for The Zutons, oh-oh, I can do my "my bessie mate's brother is bessie mates with the singer's brother" thing, yeah yeah, I bore myself sometimes. 4 for nostalgia, the Scouse connection and great banging tunes!

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
Oct 04 2023

Leonard Cohen don't give a fuck, just look at this badass mofo, superfly, eating a banana, not a friggin' care in the world!

Oct 05 2023

Did I listen to the right album? Sounded like a lot of low-fi mumblings. Picked up in places, still didn't like it.

Low-Life by New Order
Oct 06 2023

Hadn't heard this album before, got off to a bit of a slow start, then I really got into it a few tracks in. Good stuff. 3.5/4.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Oct 09 2023

I'd listened to this a few times before. I tend to enjoy Novocaine for the Soul and Susan's House, then kinda fade out for most of the album until I wake up again with Your Lucky Day In Hell. It's pleasant enough album, good vibes. 3.5

California by American Music Club
Oct 10 2023

Fairly middle of the road white guy dad rock. So yeah, it was okay, I suppose, maybe.

The Rise & Fall by Madness
Oct 11 2023

Good album, enjoyable enough, and Our House is a delight. Strange that this is the only Madness album on the 1001 list. I'd listened to The Liberty of Norton Folgate recently, which was well worth a listen.

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Oct 12 2023

I did not know what to expect from this. It was weird, yet wonderful... being taken on a dreamlike magical journey, atmospheric and beautiful. The explanation of "Wyatting" on Wikipedia made me laugh, (both the gag itself and his wife's opinion).

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Oct 13 2023

Heard this before, enjoyed it. Re-listening now, still a great album for a lazy Sunday morning. Take Five is so familiar, remains etched in your mind for all time.

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
Oct 16 2023

"...now let's it sung properly!" Antmusic for sex people. Sexmusic for ant people.

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Oct 17 2023

Digging the blues rock and crunchy riffs, and La Grange is a classic. Not sure the fast cars, loose women and drinking beer tropes work as well today.

The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
Oct 18 2023

Turns out that so far through my 1001 albums journey, I don't care much for Bruce Springsteen. Still, as a 9/11 tribute, it's worth a listen, probably what his grassroot fans needed at the time.

GREY Area by Little Simz
Oct 19 2023

I'd never heard of Little Simz, this was way better than I'd expected it to be! Digging the low key beats.

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Oct 20 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Aside from the opening track, the rest of the album was unavailable on Spotify. Listening on YouTube wasn't fun. Turns out my neighbour had a copy, (thank you Sam! 🙏) This album wasn't what I was expecting at all. There's a big old mix of genres and influences going on here, definitely worth exploring. I'd picked up on Chali 2na on the Who's To Blame track, (such a distinct voice, who I mostly know from Linkin Park's remix album). Overall I enjoyed it, but it's a bit all over the place to be a classic album.

Make Yourself by Incubus
Oct 23 2023

This album was alright back in 1999, feels mostly dated and cringe in places. Still has a few good tracks, I still seem to regularly add Drive to my various rock playlists. 2.5

Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
Oct 24 2023

After reading the review in the 1001 book, I still can't work out if that album is parody or genuine.

Throwing Muses by Throwing Muses
Oct 26 2023

I got confused with the linked album on Spotify, was it "Throwing Muses" or was it "In a Doghouse"? Turns out "In a Doghouse" is a compilation album, with "Throwing Muses (1986)" being the first 10 tracks. As for the album itself, it was alright, but then I'd listened to it straight after Pixies' Bossanova, so maybe not the fairest canvas to start with.

Bossanova by Pixies
Oct 27 2023

Good album, though I kind of zoned out for most of it, (in a good way). Velouria stood out, the rest blurred into one big surfy spaced out grunge trip, (again, in a good way).

Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes
Oct 30 2023

I do like their cover of Hard to Handle. The rest is middle of the road blues hard rock. 2.5

No Other by Gene Clark
Oct 31 2023

Knowing nothing about Gene Clark (other than he was in the Byrds), about 10 seconds in I was ready to skip, but glad I stuck with it, turned out to be a pleasant enough album - many tracks felt a bit middle of the road, but a few standout bits that piqued my interest. 3.5

Electric by The Cult
Nov 01 2023

Not sure what to make of this. It kinda feels like an AI generated Queen tribute band.

Parachutes by Coldplay
Nov 02 2023

Oh FFS! That was my initial reaction when this album came up. I had to stop for a moment and question, why did I hate Coldplay so much? Putting my reservations aside, I gave it a go. Less than a minute in, it's Chris Martin, does my nut in, yup those contrived predictable lyrics, droning on and on, give me a fookin' break. As for the music, majority of it is so bland, but then there'll be an odd chord progression that strike me as interesting... gotta be one of the other Coldplay guys screaming inside to get their creativity out there. Jesus wept!

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Nov 03 2023

Oh FFS! After yesterday's Coldplay, I wasn't ready for another knobber. Okay, putting reservations aside (again), giving it a solid listen. It turned out to be alright - maybe a few jarring rockabilly moments - but overall, it's a good, consistent, well produced album.

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
Nov 06 2023

It's a funny one, I'm glad I listened to this, I'm glad it exists, I'm sure folks love it, do I like it? No. Well, maybe a little.

The Predator by Ice Cube
Nov 07 2023

Again, there's so much content on Ice Cube's albums, I struggle to digest it all. The -isms feel intentionally uncomfortable. Musically, there's a layer of cinematic soundscape that I easily get lost in. But lyrically, it's not a world I wanna be in. Fuck, it's 2024 and doesn't feel much has changed for Black Americans.

OK Computer by Radiohead
Nov 08 2023

OK Computer is one of the all time greats! I'm not heavily into Radiohead, I struggle with most of their experimental stuff, I preferred their earlier stuff, but with OK Computer - as an album, it seemed to capture me at the right point in time. Re-listening to the album today, sat down with headphones on, totally uninterrupted. I got to appreciate all the extra details, the layering, the production - it's a crazy equal mix of bleakness and inspiration, quite a journey.

Blue by Joni Mitchell
Nov 09 2023
Remedy by Basement Jaxx
Nov 10 2023

When this first came up, I listened to 30 seconds of it and couldn't be arsed. Second attempt, I'm struggling to understand why it made the 1001 list, must be quotas for genres. Certain Basement Jaxx tracks (like Red Alert) are great at the right place at the right time; parties, nightclubs... but this, as an "album", nah!

Kenza by Khaled
Nov 13 2023

Not something I'd actively seek out, but glad I listened. As an album, it's far too long, interesting mix of arabic rai with western pop, (obviously a Beatles fan), good start, lagging middle and picked up towards the end. 2.5

Djam Leelii by Baaba Maal
Nov 14 2023

Afro-Islamic transcendent vibes baby! Shame it felt far too long, I got bored after 30 mins. 2.5

The Sounds Of India by Ravi Shankar
Nov 15 2023

The opening track is interesting; makes me wish Metallica would do similar for Metal music. This album is definitely worth a listen, at least once. Educational and inspirational. That said, I did zone out as it faded to pleasant background music.

Odessa by Bee Gees
Nov 16 2023

This album has completely thrown me off guard, not what I was expecting at all! Unsure what to make of it all.

I See You by The xx
Nov 17 2023

I'm confused with this entry, as there's no reference in the 1001 book or even the ex-1001 list. So I'm unsure why it's on this website. 🤷 As for the album itself, I enjoyed it, it's subtly sublime. Though I preferred The xx's first album (which was previously listed in the book, now an ex-1001, or "xx-1001" for the dads in the room 🤦).

Rings Around The World by Super Furry Animals
Nov 21 2023

I wanted to like this more than I actually did. I was probably in a grumpy mood or something. Though, Juxtapozed with U is still *chef's kiss!* 2.5

Sea Change by Beck
Nov 22 2023

Melancholy melodies for middle-aged masses. I too prefer a happier Beck.

Music by Madonna
Nov 23 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I liked the opening track for the first 30 seconds, then it was too much. Not a fun listen. Step away from the audio effect buttons! If you want to like Madonna, stick with mid-to-late 80s pop Madonna.

Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon
Nov 24 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex As an album, it's mediocre at best. The Bucket was my only highlight (only because I knew of it), but that wasn't enough to save me from boredom. 1.5

So by Peter Gabriel
Nov 27 2023

I have much love for this album, instant 5. (Yes, I was born before 1982, and sure, I'll listen with headphones on!)

World Clique by Deee-Lite
Nov 28 2023

Groove Is in the Heart is still a favourite. Digg! I vaguely recall listening to this album a few years ago and being disappointed, and I still am.

The Libertines by The Libertines
Nov 29 2023

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex It's great until it's not... sadly relegated to the "landfill indie" wasteland. 2.5

Nov 30 2023

While I quite like Genesis, this double album is overly long and got bogged down in its own surreal concepts. I liked a few of the tracks, but doubt I'd be re-listening anytime soon.

Space Ritual by Hawkwind
Dec 01 2023

Wow, that felt 10 times longer than it was, which was already long enough. There were moments that I thought were good, great even, then I suddenly thought, "this sounds a bit like recent Queens of the Stoneage" and I balked that QotSA may have become Hawkwind, and I'm nice an old fucker. Oh, bugger. Giving it a 2 because I didn't hate it, but it was far far too long.

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Dec 04 2023

It definitely sounds like a bunch of unfinished demos. All sounds very raw. Many tracks fade out after a minute. I liked the bits I heard, but in terms of an album, it's very odd.

Smile by Brian Wilson
Dec 05 2023

I wasn't sure what to expect from the opening track, but as soon as Heroes and Villains kicks in, I knew it was going to be a great album.

Microshift by Hookworms
Dec 06 2023

Every time I've tried to listen to this album I've been interrupted about halfway through. Today I've finally listened all the way! It's an interesting one, for all the reasons why I shouldn't like it, I did enjoy it. Good vibes.

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Dec 07 2023

Hadn't listened to this album before. Quite enjoyed it, pleasant, mellow and relaxed. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard is a highlight!

Dec 08 2023

I mostly remember Dwight Yoakam from Panic Room... he plays a good villain, was kinda fucked up. As for this album, not my thing, found it boring, didn't need to listen before I die.

Wild Wood by Paul Weller
Dec 11 2023

My head thought it was bland, but my feet kept tapping along. Maybe I should I reconsider a career in dentistry?

Heartattack And Vine by Tom Waits
Dec 12 2023

The opening track was great, but ends with a gradual fade out, (in terms of production values for an album, this grates me). The rest of the album seems to meander along. It's not bad, it's just, well, there.

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Dec 13 2023

I'd listened to this for the first time about a year ago. I'd totally forgot most of it. Re-listening, yup, it's batshit crazy and I dig it!

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Dec 14 2023

Again, I struggle with the concept of "what is an album?", where I generally rule out a collection of cover songs. Despite that, if you're caught in a sentimental mood, this could be quite a nice album to listen to, (as I was today).

Oxygène by Jean-Michel Jarre
Dec 15 2023

A spiritual and ambientic journey through space and time. Part 4 is the pinnacle, but you must experience Parts 1-3 to get there. Parts 5-6 hold the energy and brings you back home. Giving a 5 for an essential listen, at least once, preferably late at night.

Ingenue by k.d. lang
Dec 18 2023

Not terrible, just boring. Constant Craving is good though.

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Dec 19 2023

I kept meaning to listen to Creedence since they're referenced throughout The Big Lebowski. I enjoyed this, mostly in that I could imagine The Dude kicking back and have a good time.

Joan Armatrading by Joan Armatrading
Dec 20 2023

Well, this was quite pleasant. 3.5

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Dec 21 2023

Fever To Tell was on regular rotation when it came out, but I never listened to anything else by Yeah Yeah Yeah since. This was felt quite a detour from their original sound, started off alright, then got quite dreary. Much prefer their first album. Album artwork is pretty cool though. 2.5

The Specials by The Specials
Dec 22 2023

I was familiar with The Specials hits, but hadn't listened to the albums. Enjoyed this a lot, even did a bit of a skank dance in the kitchen. Felt that some of the tracks do get a bit lost in themselves, but they are still fun and you know they love this stuff. At face value I was gonna give this album a 4, but in the context of late 70s middle-England, it's culturally important, much deserving of top marks!

Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Dec 25 2023

Enjoyed it well enough, kind of music you'd listen to darkly brooding in the shadows.

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
Dec 26 2023

I struggled with this one. I knew of Tubular Bells because of The Exorcist, already iconic in my mind, but never listened to the album - I was told (at the time) it was a modern classic. Listening today, I can only assume that everyone only heard the opening 5 minutes of the title track, yes iconic, then spirals off into a prog-rock mess. Reminded me of the first time I went to Za Za Bazaar, too much choice, you pick everything, now you got to eat with a mountain of food from every corner of the world. Vindaloo flavoured Dim sum is interesting, but regrettable. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. The rest of the album has its interesting parts, but quickly forgettable. I didn't hate it, just felt messy (as an album).

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Dec 27 2023

Never heard of these before, good grooves! They're were totally an influence on the Eagles of Death Metal.

The Next Day by David Bowie
Dec 28 2023

I kept thinking of Bowie in that episode of Extras when he spontaneously comes with a song about Gervais' character, "little fat man, who sold his soul".

Dec 29 2023

The backstory was more interesting than the album, a Phil Spector shitshow. The album itself, "met with indifference".

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Jan 01 2024

It sure ain't no Urban Hymns. Found it a little too raw and a bit boring. 2.5

Odelay by Beck
Jan 02 2024

Listened to it several times back in the day, it's been a long time. The runtime is a tad bit longer than it needs to be, but still great album. 4.5

Phrenology by The Roots
Jan 03 2024

I enjoyed it, plenty of head bopping beats!!!!!!!

Fragile by Yes
Jan 04 2024

I can't deny I caught myself foot tapping along at various points, but overall, it is very bland and largely forgettable.

Jan 05 2024

Never heard of Lupe Fiasco before. Surprised how good it was. Quite cool to hear the "Daydream in Blue" I Monster sample, (which itself is a sample) - enjoyable enough album up until the Outro - meh 12 minutes of unnecessary circle jerkin' shout outs, Jesus wept! 2.5

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Jan 08 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I always forget that Norah Jones is Ravi Shankar's daughter. I quite like Don't Know Why, she has gorgeous vocals, but the rest of the album just felt oh so bland.

Jan 09 2024

Similar to how I reviewed the Slim Shady LP, it's all a play on personas; the artist, the mask and the cartoon. This one felt more of what life could've been like if he hadn't of made it. The satire, the skits, the coulda woulda shoulda.

Jan 10 2024

The album artwork always put me off. In recent years I couldn't help but think was Robert Fripp's reaction to Toyah Willcox on their YouTube videos. As for the album itself, it's strangely hypnotic, an almost calm before a storm.

Jan 11 2024

Better than the other Elton John albums we've had on the list. I had a good old singalong to the hits. What was going on with Jamaica Jerk Off? bit bonkers!

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Jan 12 2024

Lovely voice. Unsure how I feel about an album full of cover songs, (with the exception of "Boulder to Birmingham"). "Coat of Many Colors" sticks out, mostly because my mum loves that song. I struggled with The Beatles cover.

Signing Off by UB40
Jan 15 2024

I'm all for the politics, but quickly gets boring and forgettable.

Vespertine by Björk
Jan 16 2024

While I appreciate there are lots of ideas going on here, I can't help but think it all gets a bit too self-indulgent. Most tracks feel a minute or two too long, or at least that's the point when I start to hover over the skip/next button. 2.5

Dummy by Portishead
Jan 17 2024

Sexy music.

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Jan 18 2024

Argh, illusory motion of the artwork keeps messing with my head, haha! As for the album, it's good - some parts pop, other parts pretty out there, maybe you need to be high to fully appreciate it.

Superfuzz Bigmuff by Mudhoney
Jan 19 2024

I'd heard of Mudhoney, mostly for "Touch Me I'm Sick", but hadn't listened to anything else. I was a bit bothered about the 2 hour runtime of this album, then found it was a re-release with a bunch of other stuff, and the Spotify one was the deluxe album, so even more. The 1001 book entry on this was about the original 6 track version, so I listened to those tracks first, then had the deluxe one on in the background. I really enjoyed it, will listen again. I can see how they may have inspired the more popular 90s grunge scene. Probably should be a 4, but yesterday it's a 5 for the raw punky energy.

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Jan 22 2024

Enjoyed the hits (and Area 51), the rest never really captured my interest. 2.5

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Jan 24 2024

Psycho Killer gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Overall the album was fine, interesting enough.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Jan 25 2024

Spotify had the remastered album, running at about 2 hours. Far too long! I opted to pick out the 5 tracks from the original 1956 LP (accordingly to Wikipedia). Much better.

Pink Flag by Wire
Jan 26 2024

I honestly thought we'd already had this album, then I remembered that we'd at Elastica a while back, and I'd checked out this album because of the Three Girl Rhumba/Connection. It's a good punky album, not too aggro, quite accessible - the short runtime helps too. Enjoyed it!

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Jan 29 2024

Sexy music. Maybe too much sexy, maybe it's now cringy sexy music? But then, who doesn't sure love to ball?

Music Has The Right To Children by Boards of Canada
Jan 30 2024

Another one of those "in the right setting, this'll be awesome" type of albums. More of a late night after-party feel to it, not a Tuesday morning workday.

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Jan 31 2024

I liked Only Love Can Break Your Heart. I suspect there is much to like on this album, but I got so damn tired of the whiny vocals.

Done By The Forces Of Nature by Jungle Brothers
Feb 01 2024

Hadn't heard of them before. Album was fine, had it on in the background, enjoyed it enough.

One World by John Martyn
Feb 02 2024

We had John Martyn's Solid Air a while back, which I thought was good. This feels more of the same, interesting mix of styles, I liked it, but probably not enough to revisit in future.

Soul Mining by The The
Feb 05 2024

Listened to this for the first time a couple of years ago, I recall enjoying it then, but later forgot about it. Re-listening now, I enjoyed it again, and no doubt will forget about it later again!

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Feb 06 2024

I like Lou Reed, and I liked most of The Velvet Underground & Nico album, but I didn't get into this album at all. All felt a bit too slow and meandering, which is fine, but I got bored.

Real Life by Magazine
Feb 07 2024

Hadn't heard of the album nor band, I quite liked the melodies and progressions - especially on Shot By Both Sides. Probably not an album I'd listen to again, but enjoyed it enough for its 40 minute runtime.

Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction
Feb 08 2024

First half of the album is great fun, then the second half gets heavy in the subject matter.

Haunted Dancehall by The Sabres Of Paradise
Feb 09 2024

Noted as "techno's first concept album", what that concept is, I dunno bit of a stretch, it's just a bit weird. There's a Portishead remix on there, that's a bonus.

Playing With Fire by Spacemen 3
Feb 12 2024

I listened to the first 9 tracks, as per the original release. The 2 hour reissue on Spotify felt a tad overkill. It's another one of these where the right setting and headspace make a massive difference. Probably late late on a Saturday night, stood in a field around a camp fire, most suitably intoxicated, enjoying the vibes. Less so listening with headphones on a Tuesday morning at work.

Feb 13 2024

Aside from Maggie May, which is a good tune for a merry sing along, I struggled to muster any kind of enthusiasm for the rest of the album. Even the artwork is beige.

Feb 14 2024

I have ambivalent feelings on this album (and Brian Eno in general). I want to like it, but nothing really grabbed me.

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Feb 15 2024

The album is fine, pretty much what we'd expect of female vocal-led singer/songwriter in the early/mid 90s, it's all fairly middle of the road, along the lines of Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair, Alanis Morissette, et al.

Feb 19 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Listened to this when it came out, thought it was alright, then forgot about it. Listened again a couple of years ago, thought it was alright, then forgot about it again. Now today, I think it's alright, and... I've forgot what I was gonna say.

Feb 20 2024

I think you needed to buy into the whole drama surrounding 2Pac to indulge all this. I didn't hate the album, it's just irreverent to me, I couldn't care less.

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Feb 21 2024

I've always been a bit hit and miss with Nick Cave. Luckily, this one hit yesterday, enjoyed it.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Feb 22 2024

Was close to giving it a 4, but those crunch bass lines pushed it to a 5!

Butterfly by Mariah Carey
Feb 23 2024

Awful album, I had to keep skipping tracks, far too much vocal warbling, made me feel queasy. I feel slightly mean giving this a 1, probably coz I fancied the pants off Mariah Carey when I was 14.

Feb 26 2024

Interesting album, some parts good, other parts descending into chaos.

Devotional Songs by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Feb 27 2024

Great to listen to something different. Unfortunately, I totally lost interest after 10 minutes.

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Feb 28 2024

I'd stared listening to this yesterday morning, but stopped as I wasn't in the mood. I was off out in the evening for a walk and a train journey into Bristol, so thought it could be my soundtrack. Turns out it was a pretty good soundtrack. Although, I prefer Kraftwerk's other albums, particularly Trans Europe Express, this one was still pretty good.

Opus Dei by Laibach
Feb 29 2024

Leben heißt Leben! Ja! Ja! Get that man a light beer! (if only to wet his gullet, his voice is so gruff!)

Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits
Mar 01 2024

Having a backlog of Tom Waits albums in my 1001 history, maybe tackling them one after another is not the best approach... it's all so samey... gravelly drunk monologuing. Again, it's not bad... it's just, well, just.

Mar 04 2024

Yup, Lennon's Beatles break-up / childhood therapy album. Plenty to unpack, if you're interested in that sort of thing - today I wasn't.

Be by Common
Mar 05 2024

Another one of these where I'm like "nope, never heard of them", then found that we've already had another album of theirs on the 1001 list. Like Water for Chocolate was alright. Is this better? Probably on par. I don't have much opinion on it.

Shadowland by k.d. lang
Mar 06 2024

Fine for k.d. lang fans. For me, welcome to yawnville! 🥱

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Mar 07 2024

I liked the guitar work, but overall it didn't quite grab my attention. 2.5

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Mar 08 2024

Remember when Bruce Dickinson did a cover of "Elected" with Mr Bean? Haha... I think I have a copy of the single somewhere, (yeah yeah, it was to support Comic Relief). 🤣 As for the album, it was fine, semi-enjoyed it. Though it does make me question the Hard Rock genre, as generally feels quite soft.

Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes
Mar 11 2024

First listened to this last year, thought it was great fun. I've grown quite fond of Einar's dry witted vocals.

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads
Mar 12 2024

It's fine for its time, short enough to not get bored, but the nostalgia didn't hold for me. It probably only made the list due to the Mrs. Robinson cover, which was only appended onto the re-release edition.

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Mar 13 2024

That's a pretty cool album!

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Mar 14 2024

I'd heard of Afghan Whigs, (and keep reading it as "Afghan Wings", I dunno, dyslexia), but never listened to anything by them. The album is decent enough, I enjoyed the guitars and bass riffs, but still all quite forgettable.

Rattus Norvegicus by The Stranglers
Mar 15 2024

Some of the lyric subjects no longer align with modern thinking, but I maybe was enjoying the crunchy punky bass riffs a little too much.

...And Justice For All by Metallica
Mar 18 2024

All these guitar riffs, licks and solos, it's a massive wankfest... and I loved every minute of it! 🤘

Our fourth (and final) Kinks album on the 1001 list. I never really got into The Kinks, dunno why its good music, and this album is pretty decent, but if I was going to recommend a Kinks album, I'd go with "Something Else".

Vulnicura by Björk
Mar 20 2024

I always want to like Björk's music more than I actual do. There are moments when I can't decide whether it's genius or just self-indulgent weirdness. 2.5

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Mar 21 2024

Doubt it'd ever be something I'd actively seek out, but I happily had it on in the background. Decent swampy blues.

Bongo Rock by Incredible Bongo Band
Mar 22 2024

"Guess what! I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more bongo!"

Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby by Girls Against Boys
Mar 25 2024

How have I never heard of this band?! Loving the punchy underground rock. Takes me back to those 90s rock nightclubs, 2-for-1 drinks of whatever rancid alcopop they were flogging, sweaty moshpits, drunken bruises, foolishly thinking we were living our best lives, yeh!

Gold by Ryan Adams
Mar 26 2024

According to Wikipedia, "Ryan Adams; Not to be confused with Bryan Adams." Also, the anecdote about "Summer of '69" made me laugh. As for the album, too long, uninteresting and I've reached a point in the 1001 albums that I definitely have a problem with the harmonica. Make it stop!

Crocodiles by Echo And The Bunnymen
Mar 27 2024

It was fine, but nothing particular jumped out at me. 2.5

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Mar 28 2024

I was fully expecting to be a wanky narcissistic solo debut, but it turned out to be quite enjoyable. Probably never listen to it again though.

Fever To Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Mar 29 2024

I had this on frequent play when it first came out, still sounds great (to me) today.

Trio by Dolly Parton
Apr 01 2024

Ouch, not for me, yawnville! I nearly fell asleep 3 times whilst listening. I had to google photos of Linda Ronstadt (younger, of course, but whatever), just to keep me awake.

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
Apr 02 2024

Yet another band I'd never heard of, and probably wont hear about ever again. The album was alright, some tracks felt a bit Arcade Fire-y, which was no bad thing.

Repeater by Fugazi
Apr 03 2024

I've listened to Fugazi's 13 Songs compilation album a bunch of times. Hadn't listened to Repeater before, pretty good, plenty of punky beats to mosh around to!

Konnichiwa by Skepta
Apr 04 2024

Hadn't heard of Skepta. Not something I'd choose to listen to, fam, the album is listenable enough, fam, the skits get tiresome, fam, but decent beats to keep me engaged, doubt I'd listen again, fam. My highlight was picking up on the QotSA "Regular John" sample/loop on "Man". 2.5

16 Lovers Lane by The Go-Betweens
Apr 08 2024

As others have commented, the sounds a bit like an Australian jangly pop version of The Smiths. I enjoyed the songs that didn't feature a bloody harmonica! 2.5

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Apr 09 2024

I wasn't in the mood for a double-album, but at an hour runtime, wasn't excessively long. Overall, it was okay, lots of pop funk, but nothing to make me want to revisit in future. What was going on with "Housequake"? I thought WTF? Is that Eric Cartman singing? Then by the end of the track, I was bopping along. Not sure how to process this.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Apr 10 2024

When it says 69 Love Songs on the tin, I wasn't expecting literally 2 hours 45 minutes worth of songs. To give a reasonable review of this album it'd need to be listened to in a few instalments, which I doubt I'd want to put the effort in for. From the initial one-off listen, it's an alright 3-side album, giving me Lou Reed vibes, quite humorous in places, tiresome in others, nothing I disliked, but equally who would love a chicken with its head cut off? 2.5

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Apr 11 2024

When a Led Zeppelin album comes up on the 1001 list, I always enjoy it, but I'd never really listen to them afterwards, and I'm not sure why. Listening to IV, I found myself trying to pick faults so that I could down score it from a 5 vote, probably because I have a massive soft spot for The Beatles. But I can't fault it, 5!

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Apr 12 2024

Lyrical poetry about love and hate... and not a harmonica in sight!

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Apr 15 2024

Was this deliberately "randomly" selected as our group's 666th album? 🤔 Some days you just need to let your hair down, mosh around and scream fuck yeah! ...I was exhausted after 10 minutes!

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Apr 17 2024

I thought I'd get bored of this, but nope, great album, classic!

Future Days by Can
Apr 18 2024

Sounds way more modern than 1973, so yeah it was Future Days alright. Quite surprised how good it was. An optimistic 4 from me.

Miriam Makeba by Miriam Makeba
Apr 19 2024

Nice, easy listening, all very pleasant.

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Apr 22 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I was going to skip this one, coz Kanye West is a bit of a knobhead these days, but then I wondered if I was missing something with it, so had a listen... it started off fine for a hip hop pop rap album, but once the skits bled too much into the later tracks, I lost all interest.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Apr 23 2024

I don't think one listen of this album is enough to do it justice. It'd probably be more endearing after several listens, (which given my current 1001 backlog is doubtful).

Apr 24 2024

Unavailable on Spotify, (but thank you to Sam next door for a CD copy). I had to laugh at Nigel's comment "I think secretly Andy Partridge would like to join the Beach Boys", but I misread this as Alan Partridge and couldn't stop laughing, A-HA! The album was alright, but I'd probably pick Skylarking as a better XTC album.

Group Sex by Circle Jerks
Apr 25 2024

Enjoyed that way more than any circle jerks I've been part of!

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
Apr 26 2024

I'd listened to this a several times over the past few years. It's a decent album, but The Killing Moon is the jewel in the crown.

Slayed? by Slade
Apr 29 2024

Better than I'd expected... and more glam rock too!

american dream by LCD Soundsystem
Apr 30 2024

There are many parts I like about this album, but I think I like the idea of listening to LCD Soundsystem more than I actually do enjoy listening to them. Maybe I'm never in the right mood for them? Why I intend on persisting it's a "me" problem, I dunno!

Paris 1919 by John Cale
May 01 2024

Some parts good, some parts less so. Listenable enough.

Heroes to Zeros by The Beta Band
May 02 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex First time listening. It was going pretty well, as a britpop-esque type of thing, that was until the bloody harmonica reared it's head, gah! Other than that, it was alright. Shame it's easily forgettable.

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
May 03 2024

Some parts I got into, other parts that I didn't. Guess that's jazz baby.

25 by Adele
May 06 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I hadn't listened to the album before, only knew a few of the songs... mostly because they are used in the cut aways in those over-sensationalised ITV talent shows... which is why I think the likes of Adele get a bad rep. Too much commercialism leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Full of empty calories. Vocally, Adele is great. As for this album, meh.

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
May 07 2024

Incoherent self-indulgent tosh. Yeah, I didn't like it.

Broken English by Marianne Faithfull
May 08 2024

With her recovery story in mind, this is quite a gutsy comeback album, you can feel the vocal struggles. I wouldn't say that I enjoyed it, but definitely appreciate the body of work.

Justified by Justin Timberlake
May 09 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I read at the time that most of the tracks were written for Michael Jackson, but he wasn't interested. When I eventually heard this album, all I could think about was, is Justin Timberlake doing an impression of Michael Jackson? It turned out well for Justin Timberlake, album was a success. I can see why it originally made the 1001 list with all famous people involved behind the scenes, and I can see why it was removed. It's a fleeting thing, moments lost in time, like tears in the rain... cry me a river, FFS!

May 10 2024

God love the 1980s... an innovation of sampling and synthesizing experimentation, or an incoherent mess? You decide. Still "art" though init!

Don't Stand Me Down by Dexys Midnight Runners
May 13 2024

I didn't think much of this, too slow, too long, nonsensical mutterings, warbly vocals, no thanks! Searching For The Young Soul Rebels was a better album.

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
May 16 2024

Hmmm, not great (for a 1001 album) when the standout track is a cover. Sure, Clapton is an influential guitarist (and controversial), yadda yadda, but I found this album quite boring.

S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things
May 17 2024

With most of the albums in the 1001, giving it just one listen is probably not enough. This album was pretty good, but I didn't feel invested enough to think of it much higher than a 3, though I reckon with several more listens I'd probably warm to it more.

Headquarters by The Monkees
May 20 2024

From reading Wikipedia, it's a noteworthy album as it's the one where The Monkees wanted to take on more songwriting/performance/recording responsibilities. It's a good fun 60s pop album, worth at least one listen.

Different Class by Pulp
May 21 2024

I wasn't really into Pulp during the mid-90s, sure Common People and Disco 2000 were instant classics, but for whatever reason I wrote them off at the time and never listened to this album. Last year on the 1001, we had "This Is Hardcore" come up, which I quite enjoyed. So, finally time to give "Different Class" its due... and it did not disappoint, great tunes, great social commentary, great album!

Pyromania by Def Leppard
May 22 2024

I can't quite figure out why there are 2 Def Leppard albums in the 1001, surely Hysteria was enough to cover the 80s hair metal quota!! That said, I didn't hate it, just felt dated and pointless. 2.5

May 23 2024

I was dubious when this album came up, I'd initially saw it as a vehicle for Tainted Love - which is a banger, but also a cover version - so didn't hold much hope for the album... and turns out I quite enjoyed it, in a non-serious sleazy pop innuendo fuelled peep show type of way.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
May 24 2024

The album was alright. I liked some of the bluesy folk tracks, (but didn't like the bloody harmonica bits). Of course, Everybody's Talkin' is a classic, although I tend to prefer Harry Nilsson's cover.

May 27 2024

I wasn't sure what to expect from this, but I liked it. How had I never heard of Cowboy Movie before?

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
May 28 2024

A wop bop a loo bop a lop bom bom! As much as I love a classic rock and roll track, there's only so long you can listen to a 12-bar blues riff. 3.5

Want One by Rufus Wainwright
May 29 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex We got Want Two come up on the 1001 list a while back. I recall being pleasantly surprised by it (after I'd wrongly assumed it'd be awful). I wonder if I should have listened to this one first? As it sounds like more of the same. Nothing bad, I liked most of this album, but I see why it's now an ex-1001.

The Who Sell Out by The Who
May 30 2024

Seeing Roger Daltrey in a bath full of baked beans makes me feel ill, especially the spewing from his mouth, blurgh. I like the idea of this concept album, but didn't enjoy listening to it, (apart from I Can See For Miles, that was good). 1.5

Coles Corner by Richard Hawley
May 31 2024

I'm not too familiar with Richard Hawley's solo work, (I listened to Lady's Bridge last year, which was decent enough). I quite liked Coles Corner, bit slow in places, but overall had a classic rockabilly vibe to it.

Third/Sister Lovers by Big Star
Jun 03 2024

I thought it started off okay-ish, then the 3rd track kicked in and I was ready to throw the stereo into the river! and oh gawd, the cover songs were dreadful!

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
Jun 04 2024

Yup, that was a chore! I liked how several of the songs start off, then they seem to drop off the cliff edge.

Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons
Jun 05 2024

Not really my thing, but interesting to listen to whilst reading the background of the recording, Gram Parsons' death and Emmylou Harris having her credit removed. Love Hurts.

The La's by The La's
Jun 06 2024

This album used to be on my regular rotation during the 90s, it's been a while since I'd listened to it. It's difficult for me to listen subjectively, to separate the nostalgia from the album - being (a tiny) part of the Liverpool music scene in the 90s, The La's meant something to all of us. While I didn't know any of them personally, (realistically there was a decade between us gigging), I had mates who did know them and we played the same venues, (Phil Hayes once told me to get the fuck out of his office!), so I felt close enough connection. As for the album itself, I've really enjoyed re-listening to it today, so many great songs! But the album does feel like a thrown together collection of songs, rather than a coherently flowing track list. I've read the stories that the record company were exhausted of waiting for Lee Mavers' approval, so released the album anyway. Whatever Mavers uncompromisingly envisaged as the sound of the album, I'm glad that a version of it did see the light of day.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Jun 07 2024

Hadn't ever listened to their debut album, better than I expected it to be, quite repetitive and samey throughout. 2.5

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Jun 12 2024

The mid 90s were a good time for female vocal-led singer/songwriters. I've been intrigued by Fiona Apple, but never really listened to much of her music. This album was fine, but quite didn't grab me, I wanted to like it more than I did. Criminal is classy track though.

Sunshine Hit Me by The Bees
Jun 13 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Plenty of good time mellowing lo-fi summertime vibes to be had here. Shame its largely forgettable.

Murder Ballads by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jun 17 2024

I always think that Nick Cave albums are going to be a struggle... which this was, but in a good way!

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Surprised that this album ever made it onto the list. Fred Durst comes off as a total knobhead, so why did I rock so hard to it?! Awww... it's complicated! 🤘

Jun 20 2024

At this point of the 1001 list, I'm tired of Kanye West! Subjectively, it's a fine pop/hip hop/rap album, good beats, well produced and all that, a little too much autotune, but by the time I got to the Chris Rock skit, I couldn't take any more.

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Jun 21 2024

Hadn't heard of Hanoi Rocks before... not bad, in as far as 80s Glam Rock goes.

All Directions by The Temptations
Jun 25 2024

Not what I was expecting at all, it's quite the rollercoaster... it's got the usual funk/soul tracks, then it would hit an outlier ballsy track, and then drops down to some lacklustre track! Overall I liked it, but feels an odd album. 2.5

The Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Jun 26 2024

I struggled with this one, the slower country/folk tracks aside, there were little things with the production that felt shoddy and rushed, (coughs in vocals, random knocks), put me off, especially considering the talent involved. There were a couple of decent tracks, (the cover versions were okay), but overall I didn't enjoy it. 1.5

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Jun 27 2024

The artwork is mental, almost Pythonesque! ...and the album itself is just an mental! Would have been ace to see them perform live.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Jun 28 2024

For no particular reason, I'd never listened to much Pink Floyd... Great to finally listen to this masterpiece! Shine On indeed!

White Light by Gene Clark
Jul 01 2024

Awww... that bloody harmonica strikes again! It's a shame I have such an issue with it, as Gene Clark's voice is quite soothing. Fecking harmonica! FWIW, I liked the album artwork photography.

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Jul 02 2024

I once went for a full english breakfast with Tim from The Boo Radleys, it was 1999, we were a web dev training course, and he was there to set up a website for his new recording studio. Top bloke. As for the album, it's good, but long, experimental for the time, mixing genres, but feels dated now.

Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney
Jul 03 2024

Hadn't heard of Sleater-Kinney before... really enjoyed this one! Here's to the riot grrrls!

The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Jul 04 2024

Listened to this a few times last year, it's an enjoyable album... if you like The Flaming Lips that is; it's out there!

Sail Away by Randy Newman
Jul 05 2024

How on earth are there 2 Randy Newman albums on the 1001 list? The mind boggles, it's a parody of itself! "Randy Newman, sits there all night and days singing about what he sees."

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Jul 08 2024

There's no denying Elvis's cultural and musical impact... and there's no denying I was foot-tapping throughout this album, but that's mostly because the 12-bar blues osmosis. Taking this album on its own merits, it's good but not great.

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev
Jul 09 2024

Listened to this last year for the first time, I couldn't shake The Flaming Lips vibes... then read that Mercury Rev frontman Jonathan Donahue used to be a guitarist in The Flaming Lips, so the connection made sense. It's a grower; think I like it a little more today than I did last year.

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Jul 10 2024

Individually, there are many great tracks - plenty of emotion and nostalgia - but does it flow together as an album, I'm not so sure, feels a bit up & down between tracks. Still, those standout tracks are gold!

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Jul 11 2024

As much as I love QotSA, this isn't their strongest album, still good though. Songs For The Deaf or Rated R would have better choices for the 1001 list.

Metallica by Metallica
Jul 12 2024

The nostalgia hits pretty hard when relistening to The Black Album. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

Jul 15 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex They weren't wrong, but they didn't quite drown! Interesting experimental noise rock, glad I listened, (once). Most surprising thing, it was released in 2004, I'd have guessed 1984.

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Jul 16 2024

Only appears to be a noteworthy album because it heavily features Eric Clapton. Meh. Another reviewer says "it's probably the whitest version of the blues I've ever had to listen to"... sounds about right! Which is fine, if that's your thing.

Is This It by The Strokes
Jul 17 2024

Last Nite is the obvious highlight, the rest of the album is a bit samey but in a good way.

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Jul 18 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I remember when this came out and I was rocking out to Get Free and Outtathaway! and the UK media were hailing the The Vines as the next Nirvana... and then they weren't. Still, I enjoyed the album at the time, a good mix of alternating tracks between grunge and mellow.

Being There by Wilco
Jul 19 2024

Far too long. I kept losing track of how I was or what I was listening to. Individually, many of the songs are decent enough, but I just got bored of the album, it all felt a bit too beige.

Hms Fable by Shack
Jul 23 2024

I don't know anything about this Liverpool band, so none of my usual anecdotes. Unfortunately, it's quite a forgettable album, I enjoyed most of it while listening, then puff it's gone.

Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams
Jul 24 2024

After listening recently to Ryan Adams' other album on the 1001 list, I wasn't enthused to listen to this one... but I pushed through... and it wasn't going too bad, then the harmonica hits... meh!

Jul 25 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Doves' debt album Lost Souls is still in the 1001 book, which is probably enough to experience Doves. This album is fine, but it's more of the same.

Liquid Swords by GZA
Jul 26 2024

I enjoyed the general vibe and Shogun Assassin references. 3.5

Mott by Mott The Hoople
Jul 29 2024

Unsure why this album made the list, I'd have thought All the Young Dudes would have been the one to pick. Mott is a fine glam rock album, enjoyable enough.

The Blueprint by JAY Z
Jul 30 2024

"It's ya boy, Jay-Z! Woo!" Okay, it doesn't happen on every track, but sure feels like there's a meme soundboard with all the Jigga vocal flows on it. I liked the samplings, you can tell Kayne West's beginnings. Plenty of good beats and flows. Renegade is solid. Glad I listened, doubt I'll revisit.

Basket of Light by Pentangle
Aug 01 2024

What is this folk baroque rock? Take these magic mushrooms, and offer a tribute to the Wicker Man.

Treasure by Cocteau Twins
Aug 05 2024

Having only listened to Heaven or Las Vegas, which I quite enjoyed, Treasure feels similar yet rawer.

Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer
Aug 06 2024

A short and enjoyable listen. I'm a bit critical that it's 6 tracks and half of those are covers, so more like a rough & ready EP.

Aug 07 2024

As insanely cool the guitar work and drums are; it's a relentless 35 minutes of thrash metal. (I skipped the live tracks on the deluxe edition.)

Connected by Stereo MC's
Aug 08 2024

Connected and Step It Up are the rememberable ones... the rest, meh!

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
Aug 09 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I quite enjoyed it, pleasant and dreamy, unfortunately quite forgettable. Well, except for Happiness, that got suck in my head for the rest of the day. ...and those gorgeous eyes!

Sister by Sonic Youth
Aug 12 2024

Our third Sonic Youth album on the list; similar in ways to their other albums; good artsy noise-music.

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Aug 13 2024

For those who love Sultans of Swing... here's 40 minutes of the same.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Aug 14 2024

Why am I feeling nostalgic listening to this? I wasn't even into Oasis when this came out. I guess it's one of those cultural things that creeps up on you over the years.

Aug 15 2024

Despite a couple of lacklustre tracks, it's a good album! You can tell they'd started to experiment with recording/production techniques, refining that "Queen" sound.

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Aug 16 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Our second encounter with The Beta Band on the 1001 list, similar to the previous one, it's fine, some good bits, but quickly forgettable. Opening standout track, Squares, felt like yet another heavily sampled version of Wallace Collection's "Daydream"... probably best to leave one that to I Monster's "Daydream in Blue". 2.5

Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
Aug 19 2024

One of the cousins had a kid named James, and he was always referred to as Sweet Baby James... literally ALL THE TIME, to the point of "was this a joke?" I still don't get it.

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down by The Dandy Warhols
Aug 20 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth still hits the nostalgia notes! The rest of the album is fine, a bit wishy washy... but yeah, I agree: Every Day Should Be a Holiday!

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Aug 21 2024

I'm not sure what to do with this. Is Ella Fitzgerald a great singer, yes. Do I have time to listen to a 3+ hours, 6 disc boxset album? Probably. But do I want to? Not really. I ended up listening to disc 1 and parked it. I may revisit on some rainy Sunday, today wasn't the day.

Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Aug 22 2024

The album starts off quite strong, but plateaus off to fair generic country & western. My mum loves Dolly Parton and specifically the opening track, which is a great song, that's enough to inflate my rating.

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Aug 23 2024

When this album came up, I was like "who's Stephen Stills?" Which is the real tragedy, as he's a talent and should be more well known than he is. Ah yes, Buffalo Springfield; Crosby, Stills & Nash, of course! Several decent songs on this album, not always my sort of thing, but overall quite good. 3.5

Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel
Aug 27 2024

I don't know why I'm always surprised that I enjoy Peter Gabriel's albums more than I expect to!

Aug 28 2024

I'm unsure what environment is ideal to listen to this. I'd probably enjoy this being performed live at some jazzy open mic night, but listening on headphones at my desk... it sounds like a lot of drunken drivel.

Guero by Beck
Aug 29 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I enjoyed it well enough, it's just that I don't know how to differentiate it from Beck's other albums on the 1001 list. Has a few standout tracks, the rest blend in around the edges.

Aug 30 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I hadn't heard of MGMT, but 4 seconds into the album I recognised it from adverts. Decent enough modern pop, enjoyed it.

System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Sep 02 2024

I enjoyed most of this, although towards the end it all sounded a bit too samey. 3.5

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Sep 03 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I've always been indifferent about Kings of Leon... even when everyone in the pub is roaring to Sex on Fire, meh! A question about audio production, everything felt dampened down, was it recorded under a wet blanket?

Tank Battles by Dagmar Krause
Sep 04 2024

Wasn't on Spotify and took me a while to find a decent playlist version on YouTube (thanks to those who linked to it in the reviews!) Quite a strangely powerful album, took me unexpectedly.

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Sep 05 2024

It'd been a while since I last listened to this, great debut album!

Sep 06 2024

Interesting in that it's a concept album, so worth a listen right? Well, it's a bit too whiney and wasn't all that interesting. 1.5

Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu
Sep 09 2024

Now That's What I Call... Post-Hardcore Punk '94!

Come Find Yourself by Fun Lovin' Criminals
Sep 10 2024

Of course the standout tracks are still great! I like the hip-hop genre mixing throughout the album, taking much inspiration from mid-90's Tarantino movies.

The Stooges by The Stooges
Sep 11 2024

There are parts of this album I thought I was listening to The Doors. The standout tracks, I Wanna Be Your Dog and No Fun are still awesome.

Go Girl Crazy by The Dictators
Sep 12 2024

I liked it, short album, quite daft, but backed up with some decent 70s punk.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
Sep 13 2024

I knew of a few Stereolab tunes before, but hadn't listened to any of their albums. I liked it, it's great for background music, but nothing that really jumped out at me with a wow.

Close To You by Carpenters
Sep 16 2024

Aww, this was rather lovely!

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Sep 17 2024

After having 4 (of the 5) Springsteen albums on the 1001 list, I was hoping this one may pique my interest, but nope, I still don't care much for Bruce Springsteen.

Pretenders by Pretenders
Sep 18 2024

It's a listenable album, nothing offensive, good rhythm. I did struggle to understand many of the lyrics, I'm not sure if they were nonsensical or it was Chrissie Hynde's vocal style.

Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Sep 19 2024

The artwork is pretty cool! ...and I liked the B-movie sound bites, and that's about it.

Dub Housing by Pere Ubu
Sep 20 2024

I like the artwork. The album itself is a bit bonkers, in a good way, I guess. I'm sure I'll revisit some time.

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Sep 23 2024

Enjoyed this album. For better or worse, I always saw it as McCartney's cathartic cleansing, to work through all those unused Beatles ideas.

Walking Wounded by Everything But The Girl
Sep 24 2024

I knew some tracks, but hadn't listened to the whole album before, enjoyed it more than I thought. Similarly, I kept finding myself muttering "...and I miss you" on most of the choruses.

The Healer by John Lee Hooker
Sep 25 2024

Grandiose, and boringly so! Why this is the only JLH album on the 1001 list? Something like Urban Blues is a much better showcase.

In It For The Money by Supergrass
Sep 26 2024

I was already familiar with this album, enjoyed re-listening. Tails off towards the end, but the hits still hit hard!

Bubble And Scrape by Sebadoh
Sep 27 2024

It was weird, I kept wanting to dislike it, but I really didn't. Angsty yet subdued, a bit like Dinosaur Jr with a hint of Mclusky, but felt that they kept pulling their punches. Could have been more edgier, although overall, I enjoyed it. On a side note, I couldn't help think that Placebo ripped off "Soul and Fire", felt a lot of similarities with "Burger Queen" and "Lady of the Flowers".

Urban Hymns by The Verve
Sep 30 2024

Of course the opening track is a classic, but when the second track kicks in, you know you're in for a real treat! Enjoyed this album much much more than The Verve's previous album.

Oct 01 2024

Although I found myself head bopping throughout this; and I liked Drop The Pressure; the In My Arms sampling remix one was weird; Destroy Rock & Roll started off amusing... "David BOO-wie, Cyndi LOOP-er", but went on far too long. The rest of the tracks all seemed to blur together in an EDM soup.

Crazysexycool by TLC
Oct 02 2024

✔️ Crazy ✔️ Sexy ❌ Cool** ** with the exception of Waterfalls, that's pretty cool.

Wonderful Rainbow by Lightning Bolt
Oct 03 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex At first I was like "what is this load of old shit?", ready to give it 1 star... then it grabbed me by the head and shook me until I submitted "okay, okay, jaysus christ, I'll give you 2 stars!" ... alright, an extra star for the guerrilla tactics!

Kimono My House by Sparks
Oct 04 2024

My uncle was really into Sparks, I didn't pay much attention to them back then... I should have done, enjoyed this album a lot! Cover artwork photo is great too!

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Oct 07 2024

It's a perfectly fine album, but my trouble with Stan Getz (and any other kind of bossa nova) is that I always find myself humming The Girl from Ipanema.

Penance Soiree by The Icarus Line
Oct 08 2024

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Wonder if this is what The White Stripes would sound like with more guitar pedals and low production values? Meh, landfill material. 1.5

xx by The xx
Oct 09 2024

Quite like this album, minimalistic, low-key beats, subdued duets, it's a chill vibe. The downside is that it's largely forgettable. The Intro is such a solid opener!

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Oct 10 2024

No doubt there's an experimental pioneering aspect of this in 1972, and probably inspired a bunch of our now well-loved artists, but it doesn't hold up to modern standards, it's just, well, annoying. 1.5

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Oct 11 2024

Hadn't heard this album before, much enjoyment!

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Oct 14 2024

Nope, I didn't need to listen to this before I die.

Debut by Björk
Oct 15 2024
American Idiot by Green Day
Oct 16 2024

I have a soft spot for a concept albums... and this one is a great pop punk rock album, that also kicks dirt at the GW Bush era, win-win! 🤘

Oct 17 2024

Ambient music: "as ignorable as it is interesting"; which, I guess, this album achieves. 4 for the calm.

Deloused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
Oct 18 2024

I'd been looking forward to listening to this one, as I thought the artwork looked a bit bonkers. Of course, you should never judge a book by its cover, but this was kind of accurate.

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Oct 22 2024

I didn't get into this at the time, but have listened to it several times over the years, it's a solid rock album, but for me it never quite lives up to the expectations that my mates put on it. Don't get me wrong, there are many tracks that are great, but overall it doesn't grab me.

Third by Portishead
Oct 23 2024

Best enjoyed late at night.

Scum by Napalm Death
Oct 25 2024

MEIN GOTT!

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
Oct 28 2024

The 80s called... they want their clichés back!

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Oct 29 2024

Our fourth Sonic Youth album on the 1001. I probably like this one the most, but still find it difficult to differentiate between all their other albums.

Kid A by Radiohead
Oct 30 2024

I loved OK Computer so much that I think I subconsciously avoided the follow-up albums so not to feel the disappointment. So today was my first time listening to Kid A... and I think I may have been right to avoid it. I didn't hate it; it was just there. I appreciate the direction Radiohead took, but for me, the bar was set far too high with OK Computer.

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Nov 01 2024

I semi-enjoyed it, in that it's interesting a concept album/story-ish... but jeez do they have a raging hard-on for Lynyrd Skynyrd!

Triangle by The Beau Brummels
Nov 04 2024

Bit too much vibrato vocals for my liking, thankfully it was a short album.

Lost Souls by Doves
Nov 05 2024

I prefer this one to The Last Broadcast. It's not something I'd actively seek out, but fine enough to listen along to.

The Clash by The Clash
Nov 06 2024

What a day to have The Clash... I'm So Bored with the USA too!

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Nov 07 2024

The first half of the album is awesome, the second half is unfortunately lacklustre.

Orbital 2 by Orbital
Nov 08 2024

The incessant use of soundbite loops got very irritating. By the time the album got interesting I was already too disinterested.

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Nov 11 2024

I liked this more than I'd expected to.

Nov 12 2024

*Note to self: do not rate based on harmonica usage. Harmonica aside, this album is quite endearing and thoughtful.

Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Nov 13 2024

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I'd never heard of the band before. Pleasantly surprised by it, quite enjoyed it (in a hipster kind of way). I think it would have had more impact with a shorter runtime, (30 mins-ish).

Night Life by Ray Price
Nov 14 2024

Why don't more albums have an introduction? oh, yeah, coz it makes 2 minutes feel like 10!

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Nov 15 2024

No need for a double album here, it's so long that I started to go delusional, and I misread the subtitle of side 3 as "Cornetto for a Rainy Day", which may be my new favourite phrase!

Homework by Daft Punk
Nov 18 2024

The singles from this are fantastic, but as an album, it's far far far far far far far far too long (and repetitive)!

Scissor Sisters by Scissor Sisters
Nov 20 2024

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex At the time of release, this album was on my regular rotation. It might not be perfect but I enjoyed it a lot, good catchy fun.

The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles
Nov 21 2024

Enjoyed this, but don't ask me when one track ends and another begins, it all seemed to blend into a single stream of good background lounge vibes.

The Only Ones by The Only Ones
Nov 22 2024

Another Girl, Another Planet... the "only one" we care about.

Parallel Lines by Blondie
Nov 25 2024

Great album, hits all the right notes!

Manassas by Stephen Stills
Nov 26 2024

I liked many of the tracks, but was far far too long!

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Nov 27 2024

Chill and jammin' vibes!

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Nov 29 2024

Sometimes this list feels like 1001 Longest Albums... yet another double album! I mostly liked it, the pop tunes are fun, but could have been much much shorter.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
Dec 02 2024

I always wanted to like this album more than I actually did. There are many great highlights, but like most other reviewers, the double-album feels far too long, most get tired of Corgan's vocals after 20 minutes.

Oar by Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Dec 03 2024

Well, that, happened! There are times when we may ask ourselves, can you separate the art from the artist... in this case, the art is the artist! We're being thrown into the abyss of Spence's mental state, and after a maddening hour, I never want to go back there.

Dec 04 2024

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Quite enjoyed this, I warmed to the distorted drones, dark and dreamy.

Sound Affects by The Jam
Dec 05 2024

You know, I knew this would be decent, but I wasn't expecting to be drawn in as much as I was, great album!

Two Dancers by Wild Beasts
Dec 06 2024

I liked the melodies, the vocals less so. It all started off well, then drifted into nagging annoyance.

Arrival by ABBA
Dec 09 2024

Just to think, this was released a year after their "Greatest Hits" album. So much gold on this album. Sure there are a few droney cheesy ballads, but the production quality is always sky high, it's a class act!

Arular by M.I.A.
Dec 10 2024

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Different and refreshing from most the albums on the 1001 list. I may also have developed a soft spot for M.I.A. since I lived in Sri Lanka for a while during the civil war years.

good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Dec 11 2024

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex After heavily disliking "To Pimp A Butterfly", much to the shock of one of my mates, I said I'd give Kendrick Lamar another try. The first half of the album felt like "Blah, blah, bitches, bitches. Where my motherfuckin' dominoes at?" Urgh! The second half got better, but still felt mostly drug-fuelled gangster cliche tosh. I tried, but nope!

Abraxas by Santana
Dec 12 2024

It's got the hits, it's got the riffs, it's got the grooves. Cha-cha-chá!

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Dec 13 2024

Enjoyed this much more than I'd expected.

Call of the Valley by Shivkumar Sharma
Dec 16 2024

Catching up with my unrated albums. I was sure that I'd listened to this at the time (at least my YouTube history tells me so), but I forgot to review it. I've since found another version of the album on Spotify. Although the track listing is different, but it is the original recording/artists, (unlike the son's remake). https://open.spotify.com/album/0fDzIMDhfPA8lgELDXMiuh I enjoyed the soundscape of life in the valley.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Dec 17 2024

Overrated. I do like the first few opening tracks, but then the album quickly drifts up it's own arse. Nico's droney vocals annoy me. The experimentation goes bonkers. Lou Reed carries what he can. Can't help but think Andy Warhol's peelable banana artwork concept gave the perception of greater musical value than it actually has. I don't hate it, I just don't see it as the masterpiece it's often lauded to be.

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Dec 18 2024

After the opening track, I was expecting more of the same... how wrong I was. Turned out to go in many different directions, genres and theatrics.

Dec 20 2024

I only found out recently that the "Right Here, Right Now" sample quote is Angela Bassett in "Strange Days". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmL5uWrvUUM Overhyped, overplayed, yup, but there's way too much nostalgia with this album that I couldn't give it anything less than a 5.

Dec 23 2024

Anecdotally, recorded live as "no studio would have been capable of capturing [MC5's] sheer energy, excitement, and danger". Unfortunately the audio quality dampens most of that energy. Like most of the "live" albums on the 1001 list, I guess you had to be there.

Sulk by The Associates
Dec 24 2024

I listened to the original track listing, first 10 tracks - not all the extra alt/demo bloat. Unfortunately, it didn't make it any better, it's far too melodramatic. I'm sure there are better albums that represent the a similar space and time.

Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
Dec 26 2024

While not perfect, it is great, I was close to giving it a 4, but Setting Sun tipped me up to a 5.

So Much For The City by The Thrills
Dec 30 2024

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I laughed at the "END IT!" soundbite in the closing of the opening track. I was thinking the same thing, just end the song already. The album itself is okay, the retro 60s indie pop inspired style is nice enough, but it's largely forgettable.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears by The Mamas & The Papas
Dec 31 2024

Enjoyed much more than I anticipated. I liked the 60s pop, faux-innocence and heart-warming harmonies.

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Jan 01 2025
Pink Moon by Nick Drake
Jan 02 2025

A lovely, intimate and bittersweet album.

Armed Forces by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jan 03 2025

Elvis Costello has generally be a good discovery (for me) on the 1001 list, but 6 albums??!! That's enough for the book. Anyway, I did like this one, Oliver's Army is the highlight.

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
Jan 06 2025

I'm not sure we need 3 Morrissey albums on the 1001 list. I didn't hate it, but it didn't entice me much either. 2.5

Talk Talk Talk by The Psychedelic Furs
Jan 07 2025

Feels a bit dated, but still enjoyed it!

Jan 09 2025

The artwork is groovy! The album was alright, but I got distracted by googling what an "electric jug" was... turns out that it's literally a bottle... um, okay. Oh yeah, the album, yeah it was alright for psychedelic 60s.

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Jan 10 2025

I kept losing interest in the album, then there'd be an interesting riff or lyric that I'd pick up on, and then I got bored again.

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Jan 13 2025

Tricky to judge this, did I like it? In places, yes. Would I listen again? Probably not.

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Jan 14 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex ...and the winner of the best name spoken in a Scouse accent goes to... 🤪 Aguilera has a great voice and range, I'm sure her fans love her, but this album wasn't for me, it's far too long and far too much warbly oversinging.

In Rainbows by Radiohead
Jan 15 2025

I remember this as one of the first pay-what-you-want albums, I thought I'd do the decent thing and paid £10 for it. Later I found a bunch of my mates paid £0, and made fun of me for being a mug... bloomin' cheapskates! Turns out that I didn't like the album, and the cheapskates loved it, go figure!

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Jan 16 2025

Unsure how to rate this as an album. I think the question (about its inclusion in the 1001) is, have you listened to any Fats Domino before? No? Then you'd be better listening to one of the several greatest hits compilations. Do I like Fats Domino and a few of his songs? Yup sure. I'm less interested in this particular album.

The Last Of The True Believers by Nanci Griffith
Jan 17 2025

Having never heard of Nanci Griffith before, I was fully expecting to trash this album, but it turned out strangely endearing.

Moon Safari by Air
Jan 20 2025

Ah, the sound of the summer afternoon, outdoors, with a refreshing drink in hand.

Le Tigre by Le Tigre
Jan 21 2025

Had a listen to this when I first picked up the 1001 albums book a couple of years ago, thought it was ace. Turns out I have a soft spot for riot grrrl bands. It's been on regular rotation ever since.

Bert Jansch by Bert Jansch
Jan 22 2025

Bert Jansch is a new one on me. It was pleasant enough. Doubt I'd revisit.

On The Beach by Neil Young
Jan 23 2025

I can't make my mind up about Neil Young. I keep wanting to write him off, then there'll be a track that piques my interest, and then the harmonica hits... argh!

The Hour Of Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy
Jan 24 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Felt like an odd album, nothing seemed to happen, still I nodded along with it, then forgot about it.

Out of Step by Minor Threat
Jan 27 2025

Short and sweet, screamy shouty, punky punk, pulling no punches, what's not to love?! 🤘 ...cup of tea anyone?

Youth And Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
Jan 28 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex #TIL Kings of Leon are a family band (3 brothers and a cousin). My knowledge of Kings of Leon is limited to a dislike of the overplayed "Sex On Fire" and nauseating "Use Somebody". So I surprised myself that I quite enjoyed this debut album.

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Jan 29 2025

Happy Sad or Meh! 🤷

Jan 30 2025

Enjoyed this, more good grunge from the Mudhoney lads! This one probably doesn't need to be on the 1001 list, given that Superfuzz Bigmuff is so great!

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Jan 31 2025

I'd been reading Nick Hornby's 31 Songs recently, so Thunder Road is an interesting one, personally I still don't like it, (don't get me started about the harmonica), but have listened to it differently since reading that book. Born To Run is fine, but overall I still feel indifferent about Bruce Springsteen. 2.5

The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
Feb 03 2025

The kind of background music you'd have on whilst cooking a casserole. It's fine but dated, just like my Le Creuset.

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Feb 04 2025

Now I like Prog, but I also like Rock. But which is better? There's only one way to find out, FIGHT!!!

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Feb 05 2025

This is satire, right?

Felt Mountain by Goldfrapp
Feb 06 2025

Any one else notice the artwork of Alison Goldfrapp's doubled head looks like a vagina? I can't unsee it! Feel it's gonna be a similar to my review of Seventh Tree... I enjoyed it, unfortunately quite forgettable.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Feb 07 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I like the idea of supergroups doing interesting things. While this was interesting in places, I found it overall boring.

GI by Germs
Feb 10 2025

Fast, thrashy and pointed, pretty much what you want from a punk album. I guess if you were part of the late 70s punk scene this would be gold dust, but mid-2020s it just sounds chaotic.

The White Album by Beatles
Feb 11 2025

"I've got blisters on my fingers!" Difficult for me not to give this a 5.

Transformer by Lou Reed
Feb 12 2025

I wasn't aware of this until the mid-90s, I took a punt on it when HMV had it on offer. This was before the BBC butchered Perfect Day for Children In Need. Anyway, fantastic album and it's been on regular rotation ever since.

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Feb 13 2025

Haha, what the...??! Listening on YouTube added to the batshit craziness, I couldn't tell when there was an advert or was it part of the album?! The comments section did make me laugh! "I have never experienced such a strong desire to keep listening and stop listening at the same time." "I listen to this album when I vacuum my lawn." "This sounds like a Salvador Dali painting." "This sounds like an entire band falling down the stairs, but they keep playing." I ended up watching a few more YouTube videos dissecting this album and I found myself slowly warming towards it's mastery and absurdity.

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Feb 14 2025

Theme from Shaft is so iconic, but I don't think that alone is worthy of including the entire soundtrack on the 1001 list. I'm sure it's included on the 1001 Songs list.

Feb 17 2025

I dunno, this is fine, but if I had to pick a Fatboy Slim album to listen to before I died, it'd have to be You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby.

All Hail the Queen by Queen Latifah
Feb 18 2025

Is it dated? Is it repetitive? Did I head bop along to it? Yup to all the above. Will I listen again? Probably not.

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Feb 19 2025

Fantastic album, Joplin is a vocal powerhouse!

Slanted And Enchanted by Pavement
Feb 21 2025

I hadn't heard this before, on first listen it's fairly generic early 90s American indie shoegaze grunge rock. It's listenable enough, but no earworms.

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Feb 24 2025

Now I like Hippy Jazz, but I also like Experimental Rock. But which is better? There's only one way to find out, FIGHT!!!

Suzanne Vega by Suzanne Vega
Feb 25 2025

I can't quite put my finger on it, I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to.

Quiet Life by Japan
Feb 26 2025

I wasn't aware of this band. Probably much loved by whatever the 70s equivalent of emos are. Tried to be dark and brooding, but I found it uninteresting.

Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
Feb 27 2025

It's a pleasant Friday evening, you're settled on the sofa with a glass of wine watching Later with Jools Holland. Gillian Welch comes on, does a few songs, it's lovely. You decide to buy her album. You play it once, then forget about it. Until one day it surprisingly pops up in this 1001 list, and it makes you think... is Later with Jools Holland still on the telly?

Take Me Apart by Kelela
Feb 28 2025

NOW! That's What I Call Music for duck-faced teenagers! Old grey doesn't get it, sounds like commercial churn to me. All warbling and ASRM appeasing toss.

Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper
Mar 03 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Red Snapper, a band is never heard of, and doubt will ever hear about again. This album was fine to have on in the background whilst pottering around the kitchen.

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
Mar 04 2025

Mostly cringe! I can't quite work out if it's satire or not.

Stripped by Christina Aguilera
Mar 05 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I was fully expecting to dislike this album, and I mostly did... but there were a few tracks that stood out and, dare I say, enjoyed! It's an odd album, Aguilera seems to want to be both a modern R&B soulstress and Xtina dirty sex siren, which seems disastrous, probably why she went "Back to Basics" for her follow-up album.

Green by R.E.M.
Mar 06 2025

Beige

The Contino Sessions by Death In Vegas
Mar 07 2025

Dark and stormy... it's quite the journey and much to navigate. (Oh hi Sam! 👋)

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Mar 10 2025

I prefer Kaleidoscope and Juju, but this is still a cool debut album! 3.5

Ys by Joanna Newsom
Mar 11 2025

On the surface, there's much to dislike with this album, but it unexpectedly turned out to be an incredibly absurd and beautiful album!

Tago Mago by Can
Mar 12 2025

Part genius, part batshit crazy. The first half was more interesting than the second half. Gonna have to re-listen to their Future Days album to see how it compares. 2.5

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Mar 13 2025

I was familiar with a few of the songs, but really not the album as a whole. Everyone tells you that it's a great album, one of the best. I can't help get that nagging feeling to rebel against it, being too overcritical. So, I'll stop overthinking it and just enjoy this great album!

Phaedra by Tangerine Dream
Mar 14 2025

As if I'd been transported inside my computer, surrounded by a dreamlike stream of ones & zeros and curly braces. I have become one with our technological overlord. I know kung-fu!

Mar 17 2025

Far too many tracks, but I did like that they're all super short, make their point and get the heck outta there. Great fun!

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Mar 18 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Usual stuff, I liked the singles but not too fussed about the album.

Black Monk Time by The Monks
Mar 19 2025

Enjoyed this more than I expected to.

Mar 20 2025

I'd started listening to this with headphones, found myself getting irritated, so switched to a speaker, much better listening experience. Still not really something for a typical Wednesday morning, would be better in a late night setting.

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Mar 21 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I can't quite work out what this wants to be, sounds like some mashup of Springsteen, Arcade Fire and other Americana. Either way, it's all very middle of the road.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Mar 24 2025

How have I not heard this album before? You need to be in the right mood to listen to this, and luckily I was... an optimistic 5 from me!

Olympia 64 by Jacques Brel
Mar 25 2025

Je n'ai pas compris un seul mot, mais j'ai adoré la passion et l'esprit français.

High Violet by The National
Mar 26 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Even before I pressed play, I knew it'd be an ex-1001 album. I found it quite mundane. Feels like the sort of music that's made for life insurance adverts.

The New Tango by Astor Piazzolla
Mar 27 2025

It was like being in a Tim Burton fever dream. I then spent far too long trying to find a connection between Gary and Tim Burton... spoiler... there isn't.

Mar 28 2025

I only knew of Ever Fallen In Love by the Buzzcocks, never listened to any of their other stuff. This was good punky upbeat fun, enjoyed it a lot!

Apr 01 2025

I wasn't aware of this group or album. Despite a few cringy and dated skits, it was quite a fun album!

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Apr 03 2025

A refreshing change from the usual transatlantic albums we have on the 1001 list, even if this is a Paul Simon produced album. Despite being a bit samey towards the end, it's a beautiful companion to Graceland.

Kala by M.I.A.
Apr 04 2025

Sadly, my soft spot for M.I.A. has passed. I found the majority of this album annoying, apart from Paper Planes, which was cool.

Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis
Apr 07 2025

Despite overall enjoyment, minus points for compilation album.

The Doors by The Doors
Apr 08 2025

Trippy, psychedelic, hypnotic, all round good vibes, great riffs and loving the organs (and marxophone)! Can't imagine how much LSD Jim Morrison had taken whilst writing the lyrics.

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
Apr 09 2025

Well, that happened. I'm not exactly sure what it was, but it definitely happened.

American Pie by Don McLean
Apr 11 2025

Having not listened to this album before, it's an interesting choice to open with American Pie, difficult to judge how the rest of the album would measure up. There are a few highs and lows, but it mostly plateaus. Notably, I did find The Grave hauntingly beautiful.

Queen II by Queen
Apr 14 2025

I do quite like Queen, so I feel a bit bad that I didn't like this album, at all. Felt like I was just waiting for Seven Seas Of Rhye to hit.

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Apr 15 2025

Our 6th Elvis Costello album on the list. Haven't we covered Elvis Costello enough already?! As for the album itself, it started off alright, then got progressively more boring.

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Apr 16 2025

Immediately invoking memories of Top of the Pops, oh yeah, forgot this was a Zeppelin album for a minute. Much like their other albums, this is really good, but the difficulty on this 1001 list is that you unfairly start comparing it to their other albums (*cough* IV). I have a big soft spot for Ramble On though.

Movies by Holger Czukay
Apr 17 2025

I completely forgot to add my review for this one, (I listened to it on the day our group had it). It is beautifully bonkers!

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Apr 18 2025

If I heard the odd track, I'd be thinking this is great, bossa nova summertime vibes! But an album's worth is way too samey. 2.5

Boston by Boston
Apr 21 2025

Middle of the road dad rock. 2.5

Joan Baez by Joan Baez
Apr 22 2025

I'm sure this is lovely in smaller doses, with a couple of crushed up paracetamol.

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
Apr 23 2025

I learnt to play bass to many of these tracks, (well, the Greatest Hits album), still holds much nostalgia for me. There are couple of lacklustre tracks, but overall enjoyed relistening!

We're Only In It For The Money by The Mothers Of Invention
Apr 24 2025

Listen up you mothers... invent this! 🌹 🌻 🌷 🌿 🌵 🌾 🌼⁣ 👖 👖 👖 👖 👖 👖 👖 🐩💨

Ace of Spades by Motörhead
Apr 25 2025

Title track is as epic as ever! As much as I like fast rock, the rest of the album feels samey. Blissfully ignoring the topical pubescent lyrics. 😬

Calenture by The Triffids
Apr 28 2025

Some of the tracks were okay-ish, but overall it was quite bland. 1.5

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
Apr 29 2025

Kashmir is such an epic track! The rest of the album gets lost in itself, probably because it's too long. Reduce the runtime and excessive bluesy riffs and it'd be a much more engaging listen.

Apr 30 2025

Born of frustration. Some of the themes haven't dated too well, but still very much worthy of the 1001.

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
May 01 2025

I found this all quite amusing. But was he in love with an actual horse or what?

Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
May 02 2025

Mixed feelings on this as an album. Did I enjoy listening to Dusty Springfield, yes very much so! Do I feel this is anything more than a loose collection of cover songs? Not really. That said, Son of a Preacher Man is a stellar track... an extra star, thanks to Mr. Tarantino!

May 05 2025

Smooooooooooooooooooth! It was fine as background music, but largely forgettable.

Meat Puppets II by Meat Puppets
May 07 2025

Let's get the obvious out the way... **cough** Nirvana Unplugged **cough** I really like the artwork. The album is quite chaotic, lots going on and all over the place. I can't quite tell if that's the intention or poor production value. I like all the tracks that Nirvana covered, probably some sort of conformity bias going on there.

Caetano Veloso by Caetano Veloso
May 08 2025

Digging the artwork! It's an unexpectedly fruity funky album!

Bright Flight by Silver Jews
May 09 2025

On first listen, I didn't like it. Felt that it was some kind of Lou Reed tribute. But there are moments of authenticity that make me think I should relisten to this later. Like maybe when I'm drunk on a couch in Nashville.

Blur by Blur
May 12 2025

I recall listening to this a bunch of times when it first came out. Relistening today, I only remembered Beetlebum and Song 2, which are still great, but zero nostalgia of anything else.

May 13 2025

Always liked Sinead O'Connor for her personality. As for the album, gets off to a slow start, picks up with tracks 4 and 5, Nothing Compares 2 U is as hauntingly beautiful as ever... then the rest of the album goes downhill from there.

I picked up at copy of this in my teens (in the mid 90s) and listened to it relentlessly for a year or so. It was great! Then hardly listened to it since. With the 1001 list, after disliking a couple of Public Image albums, I started to doubt if I'd still enjoy Sex Pistols... turns out I do, a lot!

Dry by PJ Harvey
May 15 2025

Yet again, I really want to like PJ Harvey, and yet again, I'm getting annoyed by her music. I'm disappointed in myself more than anything else. To be fair, I did like this album more than the other 2 we've had on the 1001 list so far, so a bonus point for that.

Scream, Dracula, Scream by Rocket From The Crypt
May 16 2025

I remember seeing Rocket From The Crypt on Top of the Pops playing On a Rope and thinking that was a lot fun. That song has made it into most of my playlists throughout the years, but I'd never listened to the album. Is it a great album? Nah, it's all too samey. Did I enjoy listening? You betcha!🤘

May 19 2025

I like his vocals in Gnarls Barkley, less so on this album. It was okay, but mostly fell into background music.

Punishing Kiss by Ute Lemper
May 20 2025

Well that was dramatic! (and somewhat depressing) Despite the talent involved I had to stop listening as felt like continuously being nagged.

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo
May 21 2025

When you're 900 albums in and on the homestretch of the 1001 list, you can become a bit indifferent, haven't we heard it all already? I vaguely recall hearing of Grant Lee Buffalo, but had no idea of their music. Took me a bit by surprise, I quite liked it. Good songwriting and performance, gets a bit too somber in places, but a decent Sunday morning listen.

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
May 22 2025

I'm not convinced about the inclusion of live albums on the 1001 list. Feels more like there's a bunch of gigs that the writers would have loved to attend. Thin Lizzy are great on this, enjoyable.

Vanishing Point by Primal Scream
May 23 2025

Hadn't listened to this album before. Solid cinematic vibes. Felt a bit lacking in places, but enjoyed it well enough. 3.5

Arise by Sepultura
May 26 2025

As much as I'm okay with thrash metal, I only made it a few tracks in. This quickly became tedious and far too samey.

Scott 2 by Scott Walker
May 27 2025

Opening track is fun, the rest heads straight to yawnville, next!

Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
May 28 2025

There are some lovely moments on this album, and the musicianship is excellent... but damn, ain't nobody got time for a straight 2 hours of bluegrass!

Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
May 29 2025

There were a few tracks that were okay on their own, but as an album, it's all over the place, not good.

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Jun 02 2025

I hadn't heard this before, quite enjoyed it. Though, I'm not sure what I make of the Monty Python bit at the end! 😂

S&M by Metallica
Jun 03 2025

The symphony aspects makes it feel quite cinematic, but the live performance/audience makes it feel out of sorts. Interesting enough to be worth a listen, but 2 hours is far too long!

The Bends by Radiohead
Jun 04 2025

It's one that I really have to be in the mood for. The first half of the album is great, the second half gets far too whiney. Street Spirit does pick it up at the end, making me forget about the more boring tracks.

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Jun 05 2025

I'm 50/50 on this, I liked it, but gets a bit too boring and sombre in places.

Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
Jun 06 2025

Sweet Emotion is decent; Walk This Way is fine, but the Run-DMC collab is better; the rest is clichéd tosh.

Freak Out! by The Mothers Of Invention
Jun 09 2025

Wowie zowie, I freaked out!

I See A Darkness by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Jun 10 2025

Found it quite drony and a bit too depressing. Maybe that was the point?

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Jun 11 2025

Jeez, that was a struggle. Literally halfway through the album there's a track called "Somebody Stop the Music"... okay if you insist!

Picture Book by Simply Red
Jun 12 2025

Holding Back the Years and Money's Too Tight to Mention both still sound fresh, the rest is okay-ish, but feel quite dated.

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Jun 13 2025

No way is this 1001 generator is random: getting The Beach Boys the day after Brian Wilson's death! (Narrator: it wasn't random.) Feeling quite sentimental about it, such a great album! (I'm blissfully ignoring the lazy fade outs.)

Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Jun 16 2025

Movin' On Up and Loaded are out of this world, but the rest felt a little lacklustre. 🤷

Bone Machine by Tom Waits
Jun 17 2025

At this stage of the 1001 albums, I've given up on thinking "let's give Tom Waits another chance". I'm a few tracks into this album and I don't know which way is up or down anymore.

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Jun 18 2025

I'd prefer Walking Wounded over this, literally and metaphorically.

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
Jun 19 2025

I'm confused with this entry, as there's no reference in the 1001 book or even the ex-1001 list. So I'm unsure why it's on this website. 🤷 As for the album, it invokes the same feeling as when my daughter puts Taylor Swift on in the car, it's bearable, but can we change the CD yet?

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Jun 20 2025

Pleasant enough, nice listen.

Jun 23 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex There are a couple of standout tracks, In Da Club and P.I.M.P., the rest was uninteresting to me, felt that I'd heard similar with other hip-hop/rap on the 1001 list.

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Jun 24 2025

"Ya know what I'm sayin'?" After an hour of this, sure I know what you're saying... and you kiss your mother with that mouth?

Jun 25 2025

Similar to the previous Pavement album we had on the 1001 list, more generic 90s American indie shoegaze grunge rock. Which is great if you're into it.

Rio by Duran Duran
Jun 26 2025

The sun was shining when I listened to this, glorious day! This album has its fair share of filler, but I enjoyed all the hits. Extra star for the bass, I can't get over how funky the basslines are, incredible!

Sheet Music by 10cc
Jun 27 2025

Once I got past the cringiness of it, I quite enjoyed the album, quirky, fun and good spirited.

Bug by Dinosaur Jr.
Jun 30 2025

If I was a teenager in the late 80s, I'd probably like this, but I wasn't and I don't.

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
Jul 01 2025

I'm feeling less annoyed by this album. I guess this is progress in my appreciation towards PJ Harvey.

Goo by Sonic Youth
Jul 02 2025

Our fifth (and last) Sonic Youth album on the 1001 list. I may like this slightly more than Daydream Nation, and that's probably down to Kool Thing.

Ogden's Nut Gone Flake by Small Faces
Jul 03 2025

Definitely an album of two halves. First half progressively climbs up to the zenith that is Lazy Sunday! Second half is all a bit odd, but in an interesting way.

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Jul 04 2025

Countdown To A Shrug 🤷 This is the fourth (and hopefully final) Steely Dan album we've had on the 1001 list. It's fine in as far as classic dad rock goes. Middle of the road 2.5 from me.

The Coral by The Coral
Jul 07 2025

Enjoyed this very much, the obvious highlight being Dreaming of You.

The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jul 08 2025

One of their more lighter albums on the 1001 list... whilst still taking aim for those downwards brooding melancholy moods.

Slipknot by Slipknot
Jul 09 2025

I do like Slipknot; Corey Taylor's vocal range and Clown/Tortilla's immense drumming combo! As always, you have to be in the mood for it. Wait and Bleed is the obvious highlight of the album, the rest is fine, but not an album I actively seek out.

G. Love And Special Sauce by G. Love & Special Sauce
Jul 10 2025

I'd started to enjoy this until that damned harmonica kicks in, fml!

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Jul 11 2025

The opening track had a good groove, then spiralled into the blandest RnB I'd ever heard!

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Jul 14 2025

I got thrown by the opening track, it's a live recording, and it had a fade-out, felt a bit jarring. The rest of the album was okay, but yeah usual Neil Young, harmonica and whine. 2.5

Tigermilk by Belle & Sebastian
Jul 15 2025

I'd been meaning to give this album a listen many years ago, but never did. It's very mellow and fluffy, nothing offensive, but equally nothing really excited me.

90 by 808 State
Jul 16 2025

Pacific 202 is still enjoyable, the rest sounds a bit dated, but appreciate the innovations made at the time!

I was working at Blockbuster Video when this album came out, the promo was on a constant loop. There's only so much of Beautiful Day a soul can take! 1.5

Jul 18 2025

Felt like I was in a honky-tonk twangy Tarantino movie, just keep that tiger away from my tail!

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Jul 21 2025

Iconic artwork by R. Crumb! This album is quite out there in a psychedelic bluesy way. Too much to take in on a first listen, will need to revisit in future.

Beyond Skin by Nitin Sawhney
Jul 22 2025

Hadn't heard of Nitin Sawhney before, so wasn't sure what to expect from this album, turned out quite pleasant and chill, (I mean apart from the undertones of nuclear dread).

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025

RIP Ozzy! (A non-random 1001 selection, the day after Ozzy Osbourne's death)

Frampton Comes Alive by Peter Frampton
Jul 25 2025

Sure it's dad rock, but my foot kept on tapping!

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Jul 28 2025

I did not like their cover of Heard It Through The Grapevine. The rest of the album was decent mix of funk and soul.

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Jul 29 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Thought it made good ambient background music. I like Martin Ander's artwork, has a Charles Burns/Blackhole vibe to it.

London Calling by The Clash
Jul 30 2025

I picked up this on CD in the mid-90s, (not previously knowing much about The Clash), I had it on constant repeat for months! I listened to it twice yesterday!

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Jul 31 2025

This is the last of the Bowie albums on my 1001 albums journey, in some ways, the generator has saved the best until last. I enjoyed this much more than the other Bowie albums we've had on the list.

Kilimanjaro by The Teardrop Explodes
Aug 01 2025

Being a scouser, I'd heard of Teardrop Explodes (and all the stories that connected other Liverpool 80s bands), but never listened to them. It feels a bit dated, (I mean it's 80s new wave after all), but I quite enjoyed it!

Given Dylan's other albums on the 1001 list, we didn't really need this Live album... sure, the contrast (an heckling) between side one and two is an interesting Wikipedia footnote, but not enough to spend 90 minutes on. One thing that I've learnt about myself during this 1001 albums journey... how much I dislike the harmonica!

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
Aug 05 2025

Such an incredible album! I find some of the ballady ones get a bit long and self-indulgent, but the more funky tracks are superb. Sir Duke, yes siree!

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Aug 06 2025

Listening to this for the first time... haven't we had this before? I guess the difficulty with listening to an unfamiliar band, (on the 1001 list), is trying to establish whether they were inspired by or an inspiration to a particular genre.

Parklife by Blur
Aug 07 2025

Iconic artwork. Nostalgia for the hits, but sadly several misses. I like they could be experimental and playful under the potential commercial pressures of maintaining that Britpop success, but some of the tracks fall a bit flat. 3.5

Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman
Aug 08 2025

One, two, cha cha cha, that's the way I like it! Despite being the 1001 list's token Bollywood entry, I quite enjoyed this, a refreshing change.

Unhalfbricking by Fairport Convention
Aug 11 2025

I wasn't sure what to expect, turned out very pleasant, quite lovely.

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Aug 12 2025

Jeez, this album is a struggle on every level!

Third by Soft Machine
Aug 13 2025

I'd never heard of Soft Machine, so started reading up about them and noticed Robert Wyatt's involvement, suddenly it makes sense, except it doesn't - this is a soundscape for an (experi)mental asylum!

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Aug 14 2025

I know this is a good album, great production, tunes and harmonies. But the times I've listened, I always think "okay I've had enough now". 3.5

Aug 18 2025

Probably the Blur album that I'm least familiar with. It's fine, but nothing really piqued my interest.

Next by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Aug 19 2025

Another great discovery on the 1001 list for me. Although most of the lyrics are laughable, I really enjoyed the bluesy swamp rock and punky riffs.

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Aug 20 2025

Man, this album is a like a rollercoaster that keeps going up and up and up! I didn't want it to end.

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Aug 21 2025

I prefer Pretty Hate Machine as my go-to NIN, but there are so many gems on Downward Spiral; Closer and Hurt are epic!

Bad by Michael Jackson
Aug 22 2025

Hit after goddamn hit, eeee-heee!

Back At The Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith
Aug 25 2025

Do you know where I wanna be? ...that's right, back at the Chicken Shack!

Aug 26 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Funny reading all the other reviews that are trying to define what genre it belongs to... apocalyptic folk is my favourite.

Moondance by Van Morrison
Aug 27 2025

First time listening to this album. Enjoyed much more than I'd expected to.

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Aug 28 2025

Hold on. The Darkness were a real band?! 🤪 Of course it's daft, cliché and silly, but you can tell they had good fun with it! 2.5

Skylarking by XTC
Aug 29 2025

Skylarking is an okay album, though I have a soft spot for Dear God. But recently found out that it wasn't included in the original release, so now I'm overthinking "which version of the album is worthy?", yup, who cares?! Dear God is still a great closer.

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver
Sep 01 2025

One of the hidden gems of this project. It does feel a bit obscure to be listed in the 1001, but I don't care, call it my Scouse bias.

Mask by Bauhaus
Sep 02 2025

Ticks all the 80s New Wave/Post Punk boxes. I did like the basslines, albeit basic but effective.

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Sep 03 2025

Whoah, Nina is on top of her game here! Four Women is outstanding, gave me the chills! Bravo! 😚👌

In Our Heads by Hot Chip
Sep 04 2025

I always thought Hot Chip were a comedy band, no idea where I got that from. This album feels like it was made for gyms and exercise classes. "Let's sweat, let's sweat... come on ladies, keep moving, it's only your fat crying!"

Let's Get Killed by David Holmes
Sep 05 2025

The soundtrack to the movie you want to see before you die, but it only exists inside your head.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Sep 08 2025

Definitely an album of teo halves, as per the original vinyl release, (which gets lost in our current age of streaming). Side one, the bookends concept; side two, the crowd pleasers. I enjoyed this a lot.

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Sep 09 2025

Who, when, where, how, which... why????!

Underwater Moonlight by The Soft Boys
Sep 10 2025

I kept thinking this was rubbish, but my foot kept on tapping along. Did I like this? I'm so confused!

Ramones by Ramones
Sep 11 2025

One, two, three, four... Second verse, same as the first! Ramones is very repetitive, and very listenable. Extra star for the punkness!

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Sep 12 2025

Good vibes, all a bit samey though.

Dare! by The Human League
Sep 15 2025

The sound is definitely of its time. Felt that the first half of the album dragged on, with the second half picked up the pace, carrying it. 2.5

Lam Toro by Baaba Maal
Sep 16 2025

I do like the atmosphere Maal creates here, especially the funky and rootsy tracks.

Fifth Dimension by The Byrds
Sep 17 2025

Odds and evens, I liked all the odd numbered tracks, I found all the evens a bit too folky for my tastes.

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Sep 18 2025

There no denying Hendrix's guitar mastery, but I struggle with this album as a 1001 entry, what does it offer that Are You Experienced or Electric Ladyland didn't already provide? It's good, but probably taking up space for something more worthy to the 1001 list.

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Sep 19 2025

Great follow up to Funeral, I enjoyed this a lot at the time.

Teen Dream by Beach House
Sep 22 2025

I didn't hate it, but it made me feel very very sleepy. 2.5

Pelican West by Haircut 100
Sep 23 2025

I do like the opening track, Favourite Shirts. The rest of the album has its moments, but overall feels drawn out and dated.

Sep 24 2025

20 seconds into the opening track and things have already spun on its head! I couldn't figure out what this album was meant to be. Sure, it's country, but those random balladry-electro-swing-bluesy moments, gawd knows, did I enjoy it? I dunno, maybe, I'm so confused!

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
Sep 25 2025

After finding the YouTube links for the actual album (thanks to a fellow reviewer comments 🙏), this was much better than the "Level 1" version that was on Spotify. Despite the 2+ hours runtime, I liked it, decent beats, drum & bass!

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Sep 26 2025

As always with Bob Marley & The Wailers, good chill reggae vibes.

Very by Pet Shop Boys
Sep 29 2025

I like Go West, but unsure why we need yet another Pet Shop Boys album on the 1001 list.

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Sep 30 2025

I was unfamiliar with Calexico, was pleasantly surprised with the album, enjoyed it very much. There are parts where I thought I was listening to Neil Finn/Crowded House, (which I love). Great blend of melancholy for a fine an autumn day.

Rust In Peace by Megadeth
Oct 01 2025

Similar review to Megadeth's other album on the 1001 list, it has insanely cool guitar and drum work, but thrash-metal isn't something I'd actively listen to.

Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Oct 02 2025

Sure, it feels like the same song played 10 times over, but it still rocks hard! 🤘🤘

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Oct 03 2025

Television The Drug Of The Nation, a must listen, classic! There is a lot to like on this album, but by the end I felt exhausted from political lecturing. I get it, we're still screwed!

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Oct 06 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I wasn't in the mood for another Morrissey album, I couldn't be arsed with the knobheadery. But was then later surprised how much this album resonated with me.

I got sick of this when I was younger as my dad overplayed it in our car. Listening back to today, whilst the production does sound dated, there was enough to keep me entertained. Cursed nostalgia! 😝

Leftism by Leftfield
Oct 08 2025

I'm not overly familiar with Leftfield, apart from tracks on various movies, and hadn't heard this album before. It's very good, but would probably need more familiar to give it a 5.

Electric Prunes by The Electric Prunes
Oct 09 2025

First time listening, I really enjoyed the first half, but the second half kind of spiralled off. 3.5

The Undertones by The Undertones
Oct 10 2025

Enjoyed this, I give it 4 stars... one for each of the power chords they played repeatedly!

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Oct 14 2025

This album felt more lounge blues than country, I quite liked the slow meandering vibes it gave, quite mellow and chilled.

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Oct 15 2025

I hadn't heard this before and was quite interested to listen... and I got bored, very bored indeed!

Electric Music For The Mind And Body by Country Joe & The Fish
Oct 16 2025

It was fine, but not very memorable. I had to go back this morning to remind myself of a few tracks... yeah, it was fine, maaan! ✌️

Medúlla by Björk
Oct 17 2025

As with the other Björk albums, it's not bad, it's just that I can't quite figure out if it's good or more self-indulgent madness... "Björkness" I guess!

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Oct 21 2025

Interesting to read up on the backstory of Ware & Marsh transitioning from Human League to BEF/Heaven 17, and the Pavement/Penthouse sides concept, but that's as far as it went, I found the album itself quite dated and lyrics cliché.

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Oct 22 2025

It got overplayed at the time, but it's still a favourite. Powerhouse of an album! (I'm blissfully ignoring the harmonica parts)

Fetch The Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple
Oct 23 2025

I couldn't find any reference to this album in the 1001 books or even the ex-1001 list. Fiona Apple's Tidal is on the list, but I'm unsure why this one is here. 🤷 As for the album, if you'd have told me that it was recorded during the COVID lockdowns, I wouldn't have been surprised... but that it was recorded before then, yikes, talk about going stir crazy!

Roots by Sepultura
Oct 24 2025

I'd heard some Sepultura tracks in the 90s, but never really got into them. Listening today, the constant screaming got too exhausting.

Oct 27 2025

My initial reaction was this is great, then I started to nitpick some of the tracks... I told myself to chill out and enjoy the ride, so yeah, an optimistic 5 stars!

Shleep by Robert Wyatt
Oct 29 2025

Sure, this may be pretentious artsy bullshit, but there is something strangely endearing about Robert Wyatt.

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Oct 30 2025

Very samey, enjoyable though.

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Oct 31 2025

As soon as the title track kicks in, the nostalgia hits way too hard for me! 🤘🤘🤘🤘

Technique by New Order
Nov 03 2025

There is much to like here. Drags in places, but overall good. I couldn't shake hearing similarities with Guilty Partner's verse bassline with Monaco's What Do You Want From Me? (well, it's all Peter Hook, so all cool). 3.5

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Nov 04 2025

On regular repeat throughout my teenage years.

Tonight's The Night by Neil Young
Nov 05 2025

This felt more bluesy than folk, I quite liked it - apart from those harmonica parts!

At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
Nov 06 2025

I wasn't familiar with the Allman Brothers... this album is ultimately a big olde jammin' session, I enjoyed it well enough on first listen, doubt I'd revisit.

American Gothic by David Ackles
Nov 07 2025

It's an odd album, definitely wants to be a musical, a neurotic cabaret, of sorts. The artwork cracks me up! 🤣

Porcupine by Echo And The Bunnymen
Nov 10 2025

The opening 2 tracks were pretty good, then it descends into a gloomy introspective melodrama. I always want to like Echo & The Bunnymen more than I actually do.

Central Reservation by Beth Orton
Nov 12 2025

I always wanted to like this more than I actually did. It's pleasant enough though.

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Nov 13 2025

Yet another great album by Wacko Jacko!

Tapestry by Carole King
Nov 14 2025

Probably one of my favourite discoveries on the 1001 albums. A top tier album!

Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
Nov 17 2025

I'm sure there is talent here, but this ain't for me! Got annoyed with the background samples/loops, far too repetitive, gave me a headache.

Guitar Town by Steve Earle
Nov 18 2025

Now I'm gearing towards the end of the 1001 list, I'd hoped the duds were behind me... but nope, there's always one more to bring out that good olde apathy and indifference... Welcome to Yawnville! 🥱

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Nov 19 2025

Tarkus! Tarkus! Tarkus! Dude, I mean, just look at this artwork, says it all really! As for the album... could this batshit rock get any more progressive??

Revolver by Beatles
Nov 20 2025

A masterpiece!

m b v by My Bloody Valentine
Nov 25 2025

Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex Such miserable tripe! Cliché shoegaze. We get it, they found the distortion pedal and couldn't figure out how to give it a rest.

Nov 26 2025

"Ladies and gentlemen, there are seven acknowledged wonders of the world. You are about to witness the eighth..." oh yeah, great hip-hop vibes here!

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Nov 27 2025

I guess everyday is like a Sunday!

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 97% of albums. Average review length: 167 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.