View Album
Wed Nov 10 2021
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
I wouldn't have found this album on my own and I had never heard of the artist (apparently he's more popular in the UK) but it was quite good - a modern album with elements of retro soul. 4/5 stars as I felt that the album became a bit slow and ambient.
4
View Album
Thu Nov 11 2021
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
I wasn't sure what genre this would be - its sort of a dreamy electro-synth-pop. It's not bad, but I found the beats and some of the lyrics to be repetitive.
3
View Album
Fri Nov 12 2021
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
This is the first artist that I've heard of - This is a solid album and PJ Harvey gets high marks for being influential, but it's not quite a 5 star album for me. Some obvious influences are Patti Smith on "Good Fortune" and Neil Young's Cinnamon Girl on the opening of "This is Love". There's also a great collaboration with Thom Yorke of Radiohead.
4
View Album
Sat Nov 13 2021
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
I remember when this album came out in the 90's and there was literally no escape from the catchy singles "Rockafeller Skank" and "Praise You". The other tracks are fine but I found a lot of it to be repetitive - most of the songs literally repeat the same phrase over and over. I need more drugs to enjoy this.
2
View Album
Sun Nov 14 2021
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
QOTSA is a popular band but this album is a curious choice for inclusion on this list since it didn't have any of their hit singles or do as well commercially. It's sort of a grunge/stoner rock album with shades of Soundgarden and Black Sabbath and the opening track was a bit Radiohead-esque.
3
View Album
Mon Nov 15 2021
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
I was aware of Ray Charles, but I couldn't have named a single song of his. The first half of this album was big band music and the second half was orchestral ballads. As a modern listener, I found Charles to be an amazing vocal talent but the orchestra and lyrical themes didn't age as well (10/12 songs are about romantic relationships and most of those are about failed relationships). The cover photo is a bit misleading as this is not a piano-focused album.
3
View Album
Tue Nov 16 2021
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
I wasn't too familiar with this band so I had just assumed that they were Britpop like Blur or Oasis, so this album was a pleasant surprise and was an enjoyable listen during a long drive. Would listen again, but can’t give it 5 stars because the album was solid but not an outstanding masterpiece.
4
View Album
Wed Nov 17 2021
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
I was in the mood to turn my brain off and ROCK!!! so I'm glad to get this today. 40 minutes of straight-up rock anthems. I'm going to give this 5 stars because it's a classic good time. My only criticism is that at least 70% of the lyrics are about how much they like having sex with women... maybe mix it up a bit and throw in more lyrics about partying or Satan?
5
View Album
Thu Nov 18 2021
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Experimental psychedelic folk... much of it sounds like a bunch of stoned hippies noodling around with instruments but there are some harmonious parts where I can understand how this type of music influenced bands like Led Zeppelin.
2
View Album
Fri Nov 19 2021
Street Life
The Crusaders
This album actually made me angry because it felt like I was waiting on hold for 40 minutes - this is telephone hold music!!! Only the title track has vocals and is a bit more disco-influenced, but there's a mismatch between the jaunty tune and the lyrics about life on the street.
1
View Album
Sat Nov 20 2021
Vespertine
Björk
Not my usual thing but I respect what Bjork is doing. I overlooked her music in the 90's because the media focused on her portrayal as a kooky manic pixie dream girl and I assumed that her vocals were heavy on screeching and yowling. I was pleasantly surprised to listen to this album that was crafted with layers of texture, and now I think that (as with most female artists from the 90's) Bjork was overlooked in favour of her male peers.
4
View Album
Sun Nov 21 2021
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
My previous knowledge of this band was limited to Come on Eileen. This was a decent (but not amazing) album of ska-influenced 1980s British pop.
3
View Album
Mon Nov 22 2021
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
It's hard to rate this album - it's certainly influential and there are a couple of great tracks like \"Bigmouth strikes again\" and \"There is a light that never goes out\", but then there are terribly stupid lyrics (\"Some girls are bigger than others\") and mopey lyrics (\"Never had no one ever\"). Also, I don't care for Morrissey.
3
View Album
Tue Nov 23 2021
OK Computer
Radiohead
This is the 14th album generated for me, and it's the first album where I've previously listened to the whole thing.
I wouldn't consider myself to be a particular Radiohead fan, but I'm rating this 5 stars for quality and impact on modern music. It sounds surprisingly current (I felt super old when I realized that this album was released nearly 25 years ago!) and really captures the mood of our current dystopia.
5
View Album
Wed Nov 24 2021
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
I guessed "80's Celtic pop rock" from the cover. It was fine.
3
View Album
Thu Nov 25 2021
Bad Company
Bad Company
Straightforward 1970s stadium rock. Well done, but seemed somewhat soulless. The vocalist was good.
4
View Album
Fri Nov 26 2021
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
This is my first country album and it's actually really good!
5
View Album
Sat Nov 27 2021
Imagine
John Lennon
The first 3 songs were good but a lot of the album seemed like filler. Lennon is like "LOL, I beat my wife but I can’t help it because I'm just a jealous guy!"
3
View Album
Sun Nov 28 2021
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
I love the Go-Go's! This album is a perfect slice of nostalgic pop heaven.
5
View Album
Mon Nov 29 2021
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
I love the Pixies and this album has some great tracks but I don't love 100% of it.
4
View Album
Tue Nov 30 2021
Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
It's ok, I get that it's influential but most of the lyrics are just bragging about how great they are. Some tracks are better than others.
3
View Album
Wed Dec 01 2021
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
This album is an eclectic mashup of several different genres. I was expecting the album to be similar to 'Brimful of Asha' (the only song I knew) but it's all over the place.
3
View Album
Thu Dec 02 2021
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
I always assumed 80s goth rock would be cheesy (the album cover didn't help), but this was quite good.
4
View Album
Fri Dec 03 2021
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Decent. Some of the songs are great, some are middle-of-the-road.
3
View Album
Sat Dec 04 2021
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
A lot of these songs are covers, but the Sonics were very influential to garage and punk rock.
4
View Album
Sun Dec 05 2021
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
There are some great songs like "Season of the Witch" and "Sunshine Superman" but I'm not as into the more medieval-sounding tracks. Donovan is quite talented and I prefer him to some of the other psychedelic pop stars of his era.
4
View Album
Mon Dec 06 2021
Out of Step
Minor Threat
I was a bit surprised to find this album on here. I like punk rock but Minor Threat is just OK - I've never been into hardcore or straight edge.
3
View Album
Tue Dec 07 2021
Parklife
Blur
Decent Britpop album.
4
View Album
Wed Dec 08 2021
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Meh, it's Morrissey without the rest of the Smiths. He's too whiny for me.
2
View Album
Thu Dec 09 2021
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
I like Iggy & the Stooges and David Bowie separately, but a Bowie song with Iggy singing in a way that doesn’t suit his voice is merely OK.
3
View Album
Fri Dec 10 2021
Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
1960s pop meets Brazil. I found the story behind this to be interesting - the Brazilian government felt so threatened by this music that the singer was arrested and exiled? Crazy.
3
View Album
Sat Dec 11 2021
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
It's cool that this album was made up entirely of samples, but it still seems like background music to me.
3
View Album
Sun Dec 12 2021
Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
This was a difficult listen. I had a hard time getting through the first couple songs. Some of the later songs were better. I'm giving it 1 star because I dread ever listening to this again.
1
View Album
Mon Dec 13 2021
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
I don't personally care for the Beastie Boys but this album was fun and the production was superb.
5
View Album
Tue Dec 14 2021
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
Funky 90s dance rock
3
View Album
Wed Dec 15 2021
GREY Area
Little Simz
Little Simz is a talented rapper and this is a really intense and heartfelt album. However, rap isn't really my thing.
4
View Album
Thu Dec 16 2021
World Clique
Deee-Lite
Groove is in the Heart is great, but the rest seemed like generic dance music to me. The music is fine, but I'm downgrading my rating because it's basically a one-hit wonder.
2
View Album
Fri Dec 17 2021
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Giving 4 stars for talent, but a lot of this is too sappy for me.
4
View Album
Sat Dec 18 2021
...And Justice For All
Metallica
This album has potential but the production and sound quality was poor. It needs to be remastered or something.
3
View Album
Sun Dec 19 2021
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Just had Paul's Boutique less than a week ago. This album feels more sprawling - on one hand it's more funky, laid-back, and instrumental and on the other it's more gritty and punk rock.
4
View Album
Mon Dec 20 2021
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
It's OK I guess.
3
View Album
Tue Dec 21 2021
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I like the Talking Heads and this album. It seems odd that this particular album is on the list though - they have a couple more popular albums with bigger hits.
4
View Album
Wed Dec 22 2021
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Hmm, I like to think that I remember this era pretty well but I'd never heard of this artist or album. The music was decent - it was like a soundtrack for a movie set in NYC - but I'm not sure of the criteria for inclusion on this list.
3
View Album
Thu Dec 23 2021
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
This was pretty good; however, not THE best Sabbath album and there weren't a lot of tracks that obviously stood out from the rest.
3
View Album
Fri Dec 24 2021
Harvest
Neil Young
This is a really classic album. I decided to give it 5 stars despite Young's singing voice and the mistake that is "Every Man Needs a Maid".
5
View Album
Sat Dec 25 2021
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Decent, liked the instrumentation and Stewart's raspy voice. A bit commercial-sounding though.
4
View Album
Sun Dec 26 2021
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
A Christmas classic. Skip the last song.
4
View Album
Mon Dec 27 2021
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
It's just noise.
1
View Album
Tue Dec 28 2021
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Billie has a great voice but this album is really slow and depressing.
2
View Album
Wed Dec 29 2021
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Music is pretty good. Lyrics are cliched.
3
View Album
Thu Dec 30 2021
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
I was familiar with "Gary Gilmore's eyes" but hadn't heard the rest of the album. I feel like the Adverts are underrated in the history of punk rock and new wave.
4
View Album
Fri Dec 31 2021
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
I knew of Cypress Hill as a stoner rap band, but had not really listened to them outside of a couple of their more popular songs. I liked the music and production - really funky and interesting. Not a fan of some of the lyrics which covered your standard rap topics like threatening people with guns, getting high, bragging about how cool you are, getting laid, hating cops, etc.
4
View Album
Sat Jan 01 2022
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Otis Redding has an amazing voice that is a treat to listen to. However, many of these songs are covers with mixed results. "Satisfaction" with horns was pretty cool, but the chorus of "My Girl" was jarring to listen to with a solo singer as the harmonies have been replaced by awkward pauses and drawn-out notes. I had no idea that this was the original version of "Respect" but Aretha Franklin's cover is superior. Also, who/why is the random blonde lady on the cover?
4
View Album
Sun Jan 02 2022
Tapestry
Carole King
This album is a bit softer than my usual, but I think it deserves 5 stars. This album has a warm, cozy, lived-in feeling personified by the photo of the artist sitting on a window seat with her cat. According to Wikipedia, King wrote or co-wrote every song as well as singing and playing keyboards and piano.
5
View Album
Mon Jan 03 2022
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Decent indie rock album with varied styles and influences.
4
View Album
Tue Jan 04 2022
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
I'm not really sure why this particular Prodigy album is on the list. They've had more popular albums (with vocals). This one is generic 90's rave music.
1
View Album
Wed Jan 05 2022
Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
Nice instrumental background music for working. I can't give it a high rating since I'm not sure why it's on this list.
2
View Album
Thu Jan 06 2022
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
This was fine. 1980s British political synth-rock.
3
View Album
Fri Jan 07 2022
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Very influential album and great songs.
5
View Album
Sat Jan 08 2022
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Zero stars for the lyrics. Are you old enough to remember the moral panic over vulgar, violent and misogynistic gangsta rap lyrics? Yeah, this is that.
1
View Album
Sun Jan 09 2022
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
Wow, this is ~VERY~ dramatic and bizarre. The highlight is the duet with the even more dramatic male singer where Ute gets nostalgic about being beaten and forced into prostitution.
1
View Album
Mon Jan 10 2022
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Great classic album, no bad tracks. Gave it 4 instead of 5 because some of the songs sound fairly similar.
4
View Album
Tue Jan 11 2022
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
I try to like Stevie Wonder due to his obvious talent, but some of his songs are just so syrupy. I prefer the tracks with more funk or social commentary. It's fun to pick out the samples that have been used in other songs like "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Wild Wild West".
4
View Album
Wed Jan 12 2022
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Don't listen to this album if you're feeling depressed - it just might push you over the edge! The first track is utterly depressing and makes Cohen's voice sound awful. The second track is about Biblical child sacrifice. Fortunately the album picks up a bit after that.
2
View Album
Thu Jan 13 2022
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
I thought this would be bland Starbucks music, but Norah won me over with her charm. Her voice is great and I found this album to be really calming. Still, I never want to hear "Don't Know Why" again since it was SO overplayed when this album came out.
4
View Album
Fri Jan 14 2022
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Funky, double album that doesn't feel like filler.
4
View Album
Sat Jan 15 2022
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
I liked the rap style, beats and production but as usual, I dislike rap lyrics.
3
View Album
Sun Jan 16 2022
Eagles
Eagles
This is total dad rock. Some classic singles, some tracks that don't stand out.
3
View Album
Mon Jan 17 2022
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I'm not sure how this band or album is important or influential.
2
View Album
Tue Jan 18 2022
1984
Van Halen
Cheesy 80s rock. Has the three singles you've heard a million times (Jump, Panama, Hot for Teacher) as well as some lesser tracks.
3
View Album
Wed Jan 19 2022
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Extremely 80s sound, but not bad.
3
View Album
Thu Jan 20 2022
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Pretty standard 90s alt-rock.
3
View Album
Fri Jan 21 2022
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
This album is utterly bizarre and could be effectively used as an instrument of torture. It's interpretations of old free jazz music but played much faster and less competently. This is album #73 and it's the first one I haven't been able to finish.
1
View Album
Sat Jan 22 2022
All Directions
The Temptations
It's fine.
3
View Album
Sun Jan 23 2022
New Forms
Roni Size
Not too bad for electronic/drum & bass music.
3
View Album
Mon Jan 24 2022
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
This is a pretth good Sonic Youth album.
4
View Album
Tue Jan 25 2022
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
This was a pretty decent and funky album.
4
View Album
Wed Jan 26 2022
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
My late grandmother loved this band, so this album reminds me of her.
4
View Album
Thu Jan 27 2022
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
This was a bit quirky but I liked some of it.
3
View Album
Fri Jan 28 2022
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
A lot of this seemed like a jam session. One of the songs had random noises including a mooing cow.
2
View Album
Sat Jan 29 2022
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Hard to know how to rate this - they are good musicians but this album is more jamming than actual songs.
3
View Album
Sun Jan 30 2022
Close To The Edge
Yes
It's ok... a bit boring, bloated and self-indulgent.
2
View Album
Tue Feb 01 2022
Low
David Bowie
Not what I expected. A lot of ambient electronic sounds.
3
View Album
Wed Feb 02 2022
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Fine
3
View Album
Thu Feb 03 2022
In Rainbows
Radiohead
This was decent but I preferred OK Computer.
4
View Album
Fri Feb 04 2022
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
This was experimental, but not in a way that I enjoy.
1
View Album
Sat Feb 05 2022
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Cool and funky album
4
View Album
Sun Feb 06 2022
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
This was pretty cool! It's the reverse of the Beatles, etc. "borrowing" from Indian music.
4
View Album
Mon Feb 07 2022
S&M
Metallica
It was fine, but I expected it to be more than the sum of its parts - I sometimes felt that the band and/or the orchestra were drowning each other out or that the two were clashing.
3
View Album
Tue Feb 08 2022
The Man Who
Travis
Judging by the cover I thought this would be generic late-90s pop-rock but I enjoyed this album more than I expected.
4
View Album
Wed Feb 09 2022
Fragile
Yes
This is the second \"Yes\" album in about a week. I liked this one better than the last one. It seemed a bit more structured and cohesive.
3
View Album
Thu Feb 10 2022
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy are good live musicians, but to me this is just more 70's arena rock that is technically well played but generic.
3
View Album
Fri Feb 11 2022
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
This is my second Leonard Cohen album generated, and he has improved significantly since the last one.
4
View Album
Sat Feb 12 2022
Frank
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse before she'd fully grown into her stage persona. I liked some songs more than others. Didn't care for the lyrics of "stronger than me".
3
View Album
Sun Feb 13 2022
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
The only listenable track was "Human Cannonball". The rest is just crap.
1
View Album
Mon Feb 14 2022
Solid Air
John Martyn
Something about this guy just bothers me.
2
View Album
Tue Feb 15 2022
London Calling
The Clash
Ten stars out of 5
5
View Album
Wed Feb 16 2022
The Rise & Fall
Madness
I like Madness and Our House is a classic, but the rest of the songs didn't stand out to me.
3
View Album
Thu Feb 17 2022
Remedy
Basement Jaxx
It was pretty good for dance music.
3
View Album
Fri Feb 18 2022
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
This was like the Rocky Horror Picture Show with motorcycles. I kind of dig it though.
4
View Album
Sat Feb 19 2022
Document
R.E.M.
Solid album.
4
View Album
Sun Feb 20 2022
The Stranger
Billy Joel
I thought this would be cheesy (and the cover art is creepy AF) but it was above average. Classic feel and none of the songs were terrible.
4
View Album
Mon Feb 21 2022
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Hooray, another dose of violent misogyny. This one goes straight in the trash next to Dr. Dre.
1
View Album
Tue Feb 22 2022
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Smooth
3
View Album
Wed Feb 23 2022
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Instrumental jazz.
3
View Album
Thu Feb 24 2022
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
3.5 stars
4
View Album
Fri Feb 25 2022
Real Life
Magazine
Shot By Both Sides plus some fairly generic songs.
3
View Album
Sat Feb 26 2022
Purple Rain
Prince
Some great tracks and a few average ones.
4
View Album
Sun Feb 27 2022
No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
A straightforward live album from Motorhead. Perhaps this is essential listening for Motorhead fans, but I could take or leave it.
3
View Album
Mon Feb 28 2022
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
I'm not really a Springsteen fan but I can't deny that this is a strong and well crafted album.
5
View Album
Tue Mar 01 2022
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
System of a Down has such a unique musical, vocal and lyrical style that stands out from other heavy bands.
4
View Album
Wed Mar 02 2022
The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
I get that this influenced 1960s music, but I found it to be somewhat boring and the "lessons" unnecessary.
2
View Album
Thu Mar 03 2022
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
I like Rocket from the Crypt, but am surprised that this is considered a must-listen album.
3
View Album
Fri Mar 04 2022
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Nice chill album
4
View Album
Sat Mar 05 2022
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Fuck yeah! One of the foundational punk albums.
5
View Album
Sun Mar 06 2022
The Joshua Tree
U2
Never been a U2 fan but this one has a lot of their hits.
4
View Album
Mon Mar 07 2022
Abbey Road
Beatles
Extremely influential album full of hits.
5
View Album
Tue Mar 08 2022
C'est Chic
CHIC
Generic disco music with one hit, "Le Freak".
2
View Album
Wed Mar 09 2022
Truth
Jeff Beck
It was fine I guess.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 10 2022
Calenture
The Triffids
I didn't have any strong feelings about this album.
3
View Album
Fri Mar 11 2022
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
3.5 stars - not bad, but nothing really stood out to me. I'm not sure why Clapton covered Bob Marley's I Shot The Sheriff.
3
View Album
Sat Mar 12 2022
The Undertones
The Undertones
I like the Undertones but I'm not able to give them a top rating as their music and lyrics are fairly simple.
3
View Album
Sun Mar 13 2022
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Short but sweet. I can see why girls went crazy over Young Elvis.
5
View Album
Mon Mar 14 2022
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Decent. Socially conscious rap.
4
View Album
Tue Mar 15 2022
B-52's
The B-52's
Fun album. ROCK LOBSTER!!! The cover of Downtown wasn't great.
4
View Album
Wed Mar 16 2022
I Should Coco
Supergrass
This is pretty good. I liked the manic energy of the title track and 'Alright' was a throwback.
4
View Album
Thu Mar 17 2022
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
I knew of the Byrds but didn't know that they made a country album. 3.5 stars.
4
View Album
Fri Mar 18 2022
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
The classic "In-a-gadda-da-vida" and some other songs. The other songs were decent but this band seems like a one-hit wonder.
3
View Album
Sat Mar 19 2022
Closer
Joy Division
Good background music while working. Not particularly memorable.
3
View Album
Sun Mar 20 2022
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
High energy rock & roll with occasionally ridiculous lyrics. It was fun, I enjoyed listening to it, but I probably won't listen to it again. I'm rounding this up to 4 stars because Turbonegro is a surprisingly influential and popular band for some reason.
4
View Album
Mon Mar 21 2022
Either Or
Elliott Smith
I assumed this would be depressing but Smith is a gifted singer-songwriter.
4
View Album
Tue Mar 22 2022
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
A classic, but I'm going to round it down to 4 stars. Excellent considering it's their first album and there are some familiar hits. However, the songs that weren't released as singles don't particularly stand out to me and it's more bluesy that their later albums with a lot of "oooh baby baby baby".
4
View Album
Wed Mar 23 2022
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
Experimental pop/rock with electronic components. It was fine. I can see why it's listed as it probably sounded ahead of its time when it was released.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 24 2022
Third
Portishead
This was nice background music to listen to while working.
3
View Album
Fri Mar 25 2022
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Mostly OK, except that \"Don't\" is physically painful to listen to and is literally one of the worst songs on 134 albums I've listened to so far.
2
View Album
Sat Mar 26 2022
In It For The Money
Supergrass
This seemed fairly generic, and why are there multiple Supergrass albums on this list? I just got one last week.
3
View Album
Sun Mar 27 2022
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Good, not the best Talking Heads album though.
4
View Album
Mon Mar 28 2022
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I was instantly transported back to the 90s when the intro to Cherub Rock kicked in. This is a classic and still sounds amazing.
5
View Album
Tue Mar 29 2022
Station To Station
David Bowie
Good, but not my favourite Bowie album.
4
View Album
Wed Mar 30 2022
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Nice indie pop album. You can hear how the Stone Roses influenced future musicians.
4
View Album
Thu Mar 31 2022
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
3.5 stars. Dusty had a great voice, but this is a cover album and I liked some of the originals better.
3
View Album
Fri Apr 01 2022
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
One-hit wonder. They put the hit as the first track on the album so there's not much point in listening to the rest of this album of typical 80's synth-pop.
2
View Album
Sat Apr 02 2022
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Coldplay just sucks. Boring basic music for boring basic people.
2
View Album
Sun Apr 03 2022
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Average rating - funky, inoffensive.
3
View Album
Mon Apr 04 2022
Crazysexycool
TLC
Damn I loved this album when it came out. It's hard to explain to someone today just how cool TLC was and what kind of place they occupied in pop culture. For representation's sake, this is my 145th album and only the SECOND all-female group beside the Go-Gos.
5
View Album
Tue Apr 05 2022
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Album cover: What We Do in the Shadows
Album contents: Crown-pleasing 90's rock
4
View Album
Wed Apr 06 2022
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
I don't like a lot of synth music but this is a solid album.
4
View Album
Thu Apr 07 2022
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
First impression: what the hell? Creepy album cover with songs about dolphins and cocaine?
Listening to album: Wow, this is surprisingly good.
4
View Album
Fri Apr 08 2022
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I wished for a time machine to take me back to an 80's goth club, but this album will have to do.
4
View Album
Sat Apr 09 2022
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Fine I guess, but why does this list have so many Smiths/Morrissey records?
3
View Album
Sun Apr 10 2022
Sound Affects
The Jam
I've heard "That's Entertainment" but the rest of the album sort of ran together.
3
View Album
Mon Apr 11 2022
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I know they are well-regarded but I found this to be a bit tedious.
3
View Album
Tue Apr 12 2022
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
I unironically love Buddy Holly.
5
View Album
Wed Apr 13 2022
Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
'Just Like Honey' is a classic and is a 5/5. The rest of the album doesn't compare and is more of a 3/5. I'm rating based on the majority of the tracks.
3
View Album
Thu Apr 14 2022
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
She has a nice voice and the music is chill and relaxing, but it's a bit too easy listening for me.
3
View Album
Fri Apr 15 2022
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Not bad, but not particularly memorable either. There seems to be a lot of random new wave/post-punk type bands on this list.
3
View Album
Sat Apr 16 2022
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
3.5 stars. I thought the singer sounded like Rod Stewart... sure enough, it was.
4
View Album
Sun Apr 17 2022
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Was expecting reggae from the name, but instead this is 80s-sounding British pop with some world influences. Nothing really stood out to me.
2
View Album
Mon Apr 18 2022
A Northern Soul
The Verve
Not bad, 90s brit-rock, Oasis meets early Radiohead.
3
View Album
Tue Apr 19 2022
L.A. Woman
The Doors
Good, Doors & Jim Morrison are highly overrated though.
4
View Album
Wed Apr 20 2022
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
This seems really produced for a "Live" album.
3
View Album
Thu Apr 21 2022
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Grace Slick singing: 5 stars
Boring Guy singing: 3 stars
Overall: 4 stars
4
View Album
Fri Apr 22 2022
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
Most of the album was mildly annoying jazzy improv. The last track was more beat poetry and was great - unfortunately still highly relevant today.
3
View Album
Sat Apr 23 2022
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Mix of excellent and average tracks.
4
View Album
Sun Apr 24 2022
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
These guys have amazing technical skills. I just don't enjoy listening to this - it's too frenetic and self-indulgent. There is a 20-minute track.
2
View Album
Mon Apr 25 2022
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
This was the first instrumental jazz album I really liked - it didn't sound all the same or like elevator music.
4
View Album
Tue Apr 26 2022
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
4.5 stars. Some massive tracks and a handful of less memorable ones.
4
View Album
Wed Apr 27 2022
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
3.5 stars. Decent early 80's synth music with strong vocals.
3
View Album
Thu Apr 28 2022
Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
Odd album. The first song was a banger but the album was a grab bag of 60's psychedelic rock, songs that were almost 50's bubblegum pop, a medieval song, a silly ragtime song about the Toonerville Trolley (licorice dick anyone?). It's the 1960s, so the songwriter sometimes comes off as a bit of a weirdo when writing about women.
3
View Album
Fri Apr 29 2022
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
I listened to this and now I want to break something.
4
View Album
Sat Apr 30 2022
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Not bad for background listening. I've definitely heard "Strawberry Letter 23" (although I had no idea of the title or singer).
3
View Album
Sun May 01 2022
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris is lovely but the production is a bit too slick for me.
3
View Album
Mon May 02 2022
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
I recently got 'Psychocandy', which had a stronger single (Just Like Honey), but overall 'Darklands' is a better and more accessible album as it's more poppy and the fuzzed-out guitars are toned down a bit.
4
View Album
Tue May 03 2022
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Obviously 'American Girl' is the big single from this album, and I've also heard 'Breakdown'. However, this album seemed like fairly generic boomer dad rock. I feel like Petty is the Great Value brand version of Springsteen.
3
View Album
Wed May 04 2022
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
This album had some good parts but was uneven.
3
View Album
Thu May 05 2022
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Decent. Have heard 'Another Girl, Another Planet' and I think a couple other songs. This list seems biased towards British New Wave bands.
3
View Album
Fri May 06 2022
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
Funky, soulful 80's pop. I actually like this guy better than Stevie Wonder - he's less saccharine. 4.5 stars.
4
View Album
Sat May 07 2022
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Chill but shallow dad rock.
3
View Album
Sun May 08 2022
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
I've actually heard the second song before, on a Spotify indie rock playlist. The first couple songs were interesting but the album seemed to quickly lose focus and become boring.
2
View Album
Mon May 09 2022
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Walk This Way, Sweet Emotion
4
View Album
Tue May 10 2022
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
I don't personally like Jane's Addiction, but I'll give them 4 stars for their influence on alternative music.
4
View Album
Wed May 11 2022
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Kashmir is epic. Some of the other tracks just sounded like... Led Zeppelin.
4
View Album
Thu May 12 2022
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Keyboard noodling
1
View Album
Fri May 13 2022
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Much of this was pointless noise.
1
View Album
Sat May 14 2022
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Live album, I didn't have any strong opinions about it.
3
View Album
Mon May 16 2022
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Fun album, influential for both 80s music and female artists.
4
View Album
Tue May 17 2022
Stardust
Willie Nelson
This was very "easy listening" and Nelson's voice sounds thin compared with other classic country artists.
2
View Album
Wed May 18 2022
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I don't really get it, but it doesn't sound like anything else.
4
View Album
Thu May 19 2022
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Nice atmosphere & nice to have something not in English but seemed kind of shallow.
3
View Album
Fri May 20 2022
Microshift
Hookworms
Another album in the "didn't mind as background music" category
3
View Album
Sun May 22 2022
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Oddly structured album - if this came out during the vinyl era, it would have an A side of massive commercial hits and a B side of slower songs with observations about life. Later U2 is too slick, calculated, radio-friendly and preachy for me.
3
View Album
Mon May 23 2022
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Not my taste, but this guy is talented.
4
View Album
Tue May 24 2022
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Eminem has talent, but he's made a choice to spend it on cartoonishly over-the-top violence and misogyny.
1
View Album
Wed May 25 2022
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
It's OK. Obviously "Everyday People" was the big hit. I looked up the date of the Doors' hit Light My Fire and that was released 2 years earlier, so it doesn't seem particularly original to be releasing a song with "Baby, light my fire - I wanna take you higher".
3
View Album
Thu May 26 2022
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Classic jazz, mostly instrumental except the vocals on the final track.
3
View Album
Fri May 27 2022
Connected
Stereo MC's
Decent background music
3
View Album
Sat May 28 2022
The Last Broadcast
Doves
I've heard "Caught by the River" before, though I didn't know the name of the song or band. I guess you could call this power pop - it was fine to listen to, but there wasn't much that stood out to me.
3
View Album
Sun May 29 2022
Dare!
The Human League
This album is very 80's but I enjoyed it.
3
View Album
Mon May 30 2022
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Most of this was pedestrian pop-rock. The spoken word interlude where he explains studio recording mistakes was odd and the slut-shaming song is just cringeworthy.
2
View Album
Tue May 31 2022
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
Fairly generic 70's music - I'm becoming bored of these types of albums.
2
View Album
Wed Jun 01 2022
More Specials
The Specials
I like the Specials but this didn't need to be on this list.
2
View Album
Thu Jun 02 2022
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse was the real deal.
5
View Album
Fri Jun 03 2022
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
I had to turn this off halfway because this type of music grates on my nerves. Slick, overproduced pop-country. I'll be generous and give this two stars because I like Raitt's voice and she was obviously a big influence on the likes of Shania Twain.
2
View Album
Sat Jun 04 2022
Boston
Boston
This is a pretty short album. It feels like 'More than a feeling' with some other songs tached on.
3
View Album
Sun Jun 05 2022
Phrenology
The Roots
It's fine, but I feel like its attempts at a profound message got a bit muddled.
3
View Album
Mon Jun 06 2022
Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
African a capella group. Enjoyed this, though it was a bit samey. Out of 207 albums I believe this is the first African artist, which is inexcusable considering the human history of music.
3
View Album
Tue Jun 07 2022
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
I enjoyed this album. The Kinks are underrated in North America compared to their more famous contemporaries.
4
View Album
Wed Jun 08 2022
Gris Gris
Dr. John
This is awful. A white guy cosplaying as a "voodoo priest". His Wikipedia page says that he was inspired by minstrel shows. Just no.
1
View Album
Thu Jun 09 2022
evermore
Taylor Swift
I appreciate how Taylor Swift has grown as an artist and songwriter; however, this really isn't my thing.
3
View Album
Fri Jun 10 2022
Bad
Michael Jackson
I have to give this album 4 stars for having Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror and Smooth Criminal all on one album. This album was released in the context of Jackson as the most popular artist in the world, and not yet some tragic pedophile weirdo.
4
View Album
Sat Jun 11 2022
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Fun dance-rock with a fantastic vocalist.
4
View Album
Sun Jun 12 2022
Hotel California
Eagles
More Dad music.
3
View Album
Mon Jun 13 2022
John Prine
John Prine
John Prine is a gifted country singer-songwriter but there is nothing special about his voice and the arrangements weren't the best. For example, I much preferred Angel from Montgomery when covered by others
3
View Album
Tue Jun 14 2022
American Idiot
Green Day
As a fan of earlier Green Day, I didn't care too much for this when it came out. It seemed like they were trying too hard with the rock opera and heavy-handed political lyrics. Listening to it now I don't mind it - the songs still hold up.
4
View Album
Wed Jun 15 2022
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Legendary. Not quite 5 stars.
4
View Album
Thu Jun 16 2022
Country Life
Roxy Music
Fine, 80s pop music. Exploitative cover art.
3
View Album
Fri Jun 17 2022
Sincere
Mj Cole
I got tired of this halfway through.
2
View Album
Sat Jun 18 2022
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
I'll be nice and give this 5 stars, well-written songs with no filler.
5
View Album
Sun Jun 19 2022
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
More electronic music.
2
View Album
Mon Jun 20 2022
Is This It
The Strokes
Solid modern classic rock album.
4
View Album
Tue Jun 21 2022
Pink Flag
Wire
3.5 stars. Decent post-punk. I feel like Elastica borrowed from Three Girl Rhumba.
3
View Album
Wed Jun 22 2022
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
I know this album is supposed to be important, but improvisational jazz really isn't my thing.
2
View Album
Fri Jun 24 2022
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Unlistenable drivel.
1
View Album
Sat Jun 25 2022
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
This is fine but honestly a bit repetitive and I don't understand why Bob Marley is so much more famous than other reggae musicians. I also disagree with Rastafarianism.
3
View Album
Mon Jun 27 2022
Sail Away
Randy Newman
My knowledge of Randy Newman was limited to Toy Story and that Family Guy bit making fun of him, so this is better than I expected. His lyrics have a vein of dark satire about America, such as enticing people into slavery and nuking the world. His voice must be an acquired taste though.
3
View Album
Tue Jun 28 2022
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
It would have been wild to have seen this live.
3
View Album
Thu Jun 30 2022
Like A Prayer
Madonna
Some fun 80s hits, some cheesy moments.
3
View Album
Fri Jul 01 2022
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
I had never heard of Nanci Griffith but she is a gifted country singer/songwriter. It's easy to see how she influenced the likes of the Dixie Chicks. I'm personally not a fan of country though.
4
View Album
Sat Jul 02 2022
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This is fine, but I'm giving it 2 stars because it was a bit boring and didn't need to be on this list.
2
View Album
Sun Jul 03 2022
The White Album
Beatles
I'll give this album 4 stars because it has some great singles, but I thought it was an incoherent mess that also had some mediocre tracks.
4
View Album
Mon Jul 04 2022
Risque
CHIC
Boring.
2
View Album
Tue Jul 05 2022
NEU! 75
Neu!
I can see why this is on here because it sounds similar to current ambient/indie music and was ahead of its time. However, I can't envision myself seeking this out to listen on purpose.
3
View Album
Sat Jul 09 2022
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Too prog-y for me. Fluctuated between melodramatic and boring.
2
View Album
Sun Jul 10 2022
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
Rounded up to 5. Liz Phair is a mix of singer-songwriter and grunge rock. You'll be able to relate to this if you've ever been a mess, had a bad relationship or dealt with shitty men.
5
View Album
Mon Jul 11 2022
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Thanks, I hate it. I hate everything about this. The gimmicky premise, deadpan "singing", dumb lyrics, lazy melodies, nearly 3 hour play time, and even the immature 69 joke.
1
View Album
Wed Jul 13 2022
Murmur
R.E.M.
This didn't seem groundbreaking until I looked up and realized that it was their debut album from 1983 - by those standards it's an excellent slice of upbeat-sounding jangle pop.
4
View Album
Fri Jul 15 2022
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Self-indulgent prog rock jam with a bit harder edge. I didn't notice when the album started repeating again from the beginning.
2
View Album
Sat Jul 16 2022
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
I enjoyed this album - it's 1950s nostalgia for the Wild West, and Robbins has a smooth voice.
4
View Album
Sun Jul 17 2022
Revolver
Beatles
One of the best Beatles albums. Has a minimum of their ridiculous songs.
5
View Album
Mon Jul 18 2022
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
This honestly sucks, but I'm giving it 2 stars because I guess it's meaningful to some people?
2
View Album
Tue Jul 19 2022
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
This was oddly sort of boring.
3
View Album
Fri Jul 22 2022
1999
Prince
Good times.
4
View Album
Sat Jul 23 2022
Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
This is instrumental covers of songs including "Satisfaction" and "Inna-gadda-da-vida". I don't understand who this is for or why it's on the list.
2
View Album
Sun Jul 24 2022
Scum
Napalm Death
Grindcore really isn't my thing.
2
View Album
Mon Jul 25 2022
Horses
Patti Smith
The way that Patti sings "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine" is the best opening line ever. Patti is cool but her music is a tad overrated.
4
View Album
Tue Jul 26 2022
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I had heard of Janelle Monae but wasn't familiar with her music. She is a real talent and her music is ambitious and unique. It's like the offspring of Octavia Butler and Prince. I won't give this 5 stars because I felt that it lost steam in the second part.
4
View Album
Wed Jul 27 2022
Fun House
The Stooges
I like the Stooges but this isn't my favourite album.
2
View Album
Thu Jul 28 2022
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell songs just sound like Joni Mitchell songs.
3
View Album
Fri Jul 29 2022
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Not bad for country
3
View Album
Sat Jul 30 2022
Celebrity Skin
Hole
This follow-up to Hole's best album 'Live Through This" is warmer, shinier and has what I imagine to be a Los Angeles feel. Every track is great. I don't understand the hate for Courtney Love but I suspect it has something to do with latent misogyny.
5
View Album
Sun Jul 31 2022
Face to Face
The Kinks
I find that the Kinks are underrated in North America despite superb songwriting and storytelling.
4
View Album
Mon Aug 01 2022
Paris 1919
John Cale
Fine, no complaints. Prefer the Velvet Underground.
3
View Album
Thu Aug 04 2022
The Clash
The Clash
Fantastic debut album from "the only band that matters". The songs are simple and catchy; they haven't yet reached the peak of their creative powers that they would achieve with London Calling.
5
View Album
Sat Aug 06 2022
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
Mopey depressing version of Britpop. The reason to hear this album before you die is that it may drive you to suicide.
2
View Album
Wed Aug 10 2022
Diamond Life
Sade
Extremely bland and inoffensive.
2
View Album
Mon Aug 15 2022
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Respect for Missy, but this genre has never been my thing.
3
View Album
Tue Aug 16 2022
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
More ambient music. Did not have any strong feelings about this.
3
View Album
Wed Aug 17 2022
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
From the cover, I thought this would be early 80s new wave, potentially with a reggae infusion. It wasn't bad but was not memorable either.
3
View Album
Thu Aug 18 2022
Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I strongly dislike some of Waits' music, but this is actually really good! It has a Southern Gothic kind of energy.
4
View Album
Sat Aug 20 2022
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Insipid. More dad rock.
2
View Album
Sun Aug 21 2022
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
This album was two twenty-minute tracks of improvised jazz. I wasn't impressed by some elements like the horns.
2
View Album
Thu Aug 25 2022
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This has some real classic tracks, but I can't shake the feeling of being molested by Anthony Keidis.
4
View Album
Fri Aug 26 2022
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
"Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" are the high points at either end of the album. The rest of the album has a blues/country influence.
4
View Album
Sun Aug 28 2022
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
Lame and corny. Not even the good version of 'Freedom'.
2
View Album
Mon Aug 29 2022
Damaged
Black Flag
Influence on music: 5 stars
How much I personally enjoy it: 3 stars at most, I like punk but not so much hardcore.
Average: 4 stars
4
View Album
Tue Aug 30 2022
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
It's not terrible, but it's Lana Del Rey repeating her schtick. Her affectations are occasionally grating; for example, the breathy voice on 'White Dress'.
3
View Album
Thu Sep 01 2022
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Contender for one of the best albums of all time. Almost every track feels like a greatest hit.
5
View Album
Fri Sep 02 2022
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Pretty good for indie rock. Didn't seem too whiny and there were some differences between the songs.
4
View Album
Sun Sep 04 2022
GI
Germs
Glad to see punk rock representation but I never really liked the Germs. They didn't have an innovative sound or impact the mainstream so they don't really need to be on this list.
2
View Album
Mon Sep 05 2022
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
It's crazy that not only are all of these songs on one album, but it's their debut album.
5
View Album
Wed Sep 07 2022
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3.5 stars. "I Want You" was the best song on the album. Why so many Elvis Costello albums on this list?
3
View Album
Thu Sep 08 2022
Van Halen
Van Halen
Technically well done but feels slick, shallow and soulless. This is the music you'd get if you asked an algorithm to write 80s rock.
2
View Album
Fri Sep 09 2022
Be
Common
I'm not a rap fan but even I can tell that this is good. I like the retro influence and the lyrics are clever.
5
View Album
Sat Sep 10 2022
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Another "it's fine, good background music" album.
3
View Album
Sun Sep 11 2022
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Powerful album with fantastic vocals & instrumentation. Removed 1 star for the parts where the lyrics dipped into cliche territory.
4
View Album
Mon Sep 12 2022
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a treasure and has a gift for songwriting, but there was some cheesy inspirational stuff on this album.
3
View Album
Tue Sep 13 2022
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
I was positively surprised that LCD Soundsystem wasn't just electronic music. This was better than average.
4
View Album
Wed Sep 14 2022
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
I think there's something wrong with my headphones. They seem to be making random, nonsensical noises.
1
View Album
Thu Sep 15 2022
Pornography
The Cure
Enjoyed the atmosphere, but the songs didn't really stand out from one another.
3
View Album
Sat Sep 17 2022
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Rating a 3 since the inclusion of this album is absolutely redundant - I already got "Folsom Prison"! Do we need to listen to Johnny Cash playing every prison in America? This album also seems to have a worse sound mix than "Folsom".
3
View Album
Sun Sep 18 2022
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Decent, but also seems like inoffensive reggae for white folks.
3
View Album
Tue Sep 20 2022
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Somewhat over-the-top, like the coked-out orgy in the cover photo.
3
View Album
Sat Sep 24 2022
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Perfect atmosphere going into fall. Killing Moon is awesome, rest of album is fairly standard goth-tinted new wave.
3
View Album
Sun Sep 25 2022
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Influential, I just don't love it. Seems like the kind of thing hipster dudes listen to in order to prove their taste in music.
3
View Album
Mon Sep 26 2022
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield has a great voice and 'Son of a Preacher Man' is a classic. The 1960s production is sometimes over the top and I found the latter part of the album to be less interesting.
3
View Album
Fri Sep 30 2022
En-Tact
The Shamen
Early 90s techno. Had to turn this off because it was starting to give me a headache.
1
View Album
Sun Oct 02 2022
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
80s dream pop. Relaxing.
3
View Album
Mon Oct 03 2022
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Pretty good. Franz Ferdinand with a bit more influence from 1960s movie soundtracks.
3
View Album
Mon Oct 10 2022
Ctrl
SZA
I thought SZA would be Wu-Tang style rap but this was more laid-back, R&B influenced music. It was nice but the tracks all sounded similar.
3
View Album
Wed Oct 12 2022
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Lame, boring 80s pop. The author of this list seems to favour this type of music for some unfathomable reason.
2
View Album
Sat Oct 15 2022
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
3.5 stars - the first two songs are classic bangers but a lot of the album is influenced by the disco that was popular at the time.
4
View Album
Fri Oct 21 2022
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
One of the Pogues' best albums. The Pogues are like the Irish version of outlaw country and influenced the likes of the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. Not going to give this 5 stars since many of the tracks seem to be based on traditional songs.
4
View Album
Sat Oct 22 2022
Dust
Screaming Trees
I like Screaming Trees, but this is an odd pick. This album was released after the heyday of grunge (although this album isn't purely what you'd think of as grunge) and doesn’t include their best-known song (Nearly Lost You).
3
View Album
Mon Oct 24 2022
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Just weird - some of the instrumentals were chill, some a bit annoying, and I swear there was some repetition. Didn't care for the vocals or keyboards.
2
View Album
Tue Oct 25 2022
The Stooges
The Stooges
Far ahead of its time. Best track is "I Wanna Be Your Dog". It still sounds sleazy, sexy and a bit dangerous in 2022 and I imagine it would've been mind-blowing in 1969. However, I didn't like all of the songs equally. For example, "We Will Fall is an indulgent 10-minute track that's like the Doors meets Velvet Underground. I prefer when the Stooges stick to garage rock and proto-punk.
4
View Album
Wed Oct 26 2022
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I knew the Cardigans as a 90's one-hit-wonder (at least in North America). I was expecting poppy songs about relationships from a sweet-voiced singer. I wasn't expecting the retro touches, occasional swear word, or Black Sabbath cover. I personally wouldn't listen to this album again, but 3 stars for effort.
3
View Album
Thu Oct 27 2022
Garbage
Garbage
Solid album, lots of hits, love Shirley Manson. Subtracting 1 star because it's somewhat manufactured.
4
View Album
Mon Oct 31 2022
Young Americans
David Bowie
Pop/disco/saxophone Bowie. Aside from the hits (Young Americans, Fame), this was forgettable and the cover of Across the Universe was mediocre.
3
View Album
Tue Nov 01 2022
Pretenders
Pretenders
Good but would be just be average without Chrissy Hynde's vocals.
3
View Album
Thu Nov 03 2022
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Very dated 80s music. Not sure why this is on here as it was a one-hit wonder (at least in North America). I keep getting albums with unnecessary covers- this time it's Springsteen and the 1960s song San Jose.
2
View Album
Sun Nov 06 2022
Heroes
David Bowie
It's the hit song Heroes... plus some other random songs. Later, the album gets into ambient instrumental territory.
3
View Album
Mon Nov 07 2022
Dry
PJ Harvey
Love PJ Harvey. Solid album.
4
View Album
Tue Nov 08 2022
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Good production and guest stars. Don't like Kanye himself.
3
View Album
Wed Nov 09 2022
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Too many sad dramatic overproduced country ballads. What's the point of covering Coat of Many Colours? Why the Beatles cover?
2
View Album
Thu Nov 10 2022
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
This just bothered me for some reason. The singer sometimes sounded like an uncool Trent Reznor, the music sounded like a 90s pastiche, and some of the lyrics are hilariously bad (see: opening line to Be Sweet).
2
View Album
Fri Nov 11 2022
Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
This is like lounge meets electronic meets movie soundtrack - nice to have on in the background, but I don't understand why it's on this list. I might use Oompa Radar as background music for my haunted carnival, but wouldn't listen to it otherwise.
2
View Album
Sat Nov 12 2022
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Catchy, but I always thought that the Foo Fighters were the more radio-friendly Dad rock devolution of grunge. I also prefer Dave Grohl's drumming to his singing.
3
View Album
Sun Nov 13 2022
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
I remember the era where this album found some mainstream success. Some tracks are good (Setting Sun) but some are generic, annoying and/or repetitive.
2
View Album
Mon Nov 14 2022
Bright Flight
Silver Jews
Indie-alt-country. Somewhat boring.
3
View Album
Tue Nov 15 2022
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
Ahead of its time but annoying in places.
3
View Album
Wed Nov 16 2022
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
This seems unnecessary to include in the list - why not just Pet Sounds?
3
View Album
Thu Nov 17 2022
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Murder ballads sound cool, but I dreaded listening to more Nick Cave after the execrable Ghosteen. I find his "quirkiness" irritating, and I had to skip the Wild Rose song because it was on the CD that my abusive former workplace used to play on repeat.
2
View Album
Fri Nov 18 2022
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Not bad but a lot of Arctic Monkeys songs just sound like Arctic Monkeys songs.
3
View Album
Sat Nov 19 2022
The Yes Album
Yes
Not as annoying as I'd feared, and much shorter if you don't listen to the deluxe album.
3
View Album
Sun Nov 20 2022
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
I thought Fishbone was a ska band, but the ska influence on this album is minor.
3
View Album
Mon Nov 21 2022
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
How could I not give this classic album 5 stars when it opens with War Pigs and Paranoid? Foundational for so many genres including metal, grunge and stoner rock.
5
View Album
Tue Nov 22 2022
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Very influential album. I imagine that nothing else sounded like this when it was released. The singer's struggles with mental health are relatable.
5
View Album
Wed Nov 23 2022
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Good but not particularly memorable.
3
View Album
Thu Nov 24 2022
Live Through This
Hole
One of the best albums of the 90s in my opinion. I feel like Hole's music gets overshadowed by people's judgements of Courtney - I didn't read the comments before rating in case I had to wade through a sea of sexist trash.
5
View Album
Fri Nov 25 2022
Tidal
Fiona Apple
Rounding up to 5 stars because it's hard to believe that Fiona Apple was only 18 years old when this was released. The vocals, lyrics and music are hypnotic.
5
View Album
Sat Nov 26 2022
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
This was a good album to listen while cooking. My thoughts: lots of shredding, somewhat cliched, lyrics silly at times. I bet this sounded more original when it came out.
3
View Album
Sun Nov 27 2022
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Pretty good, has the hits Born on the Bayou and Proud Mary. I always thought it was funny how CCR's whole Southern/swamp act was fake.
4
View Album
Tue Nov 29 2022
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
I understand the cultural significance or whatever, but this just sounded dissonant to me (and not in a good way).
2
View Album
Wed Nov 30 2022
Synchronicity
The Police
Not bad for mainstream 80s music and but I've personally never been a fan of the Police. I'll give it 4 stars because most songs are either hits or decent (except for "Mother" - that was awful!)
4
View Album
Thu Dec 01 2022
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
The Kinks are one of the best British Invasion bands, but this album is too precious and twee for me to rate it more highly.
3
View Album
Fri Dec 02 2022
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Hard to know how to rate this... I don't personally like it, particularly the lyrics, but the production was better than the other gangsta rap albums.
4
View Album
Sat Dec 03 2022
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Nice background music. I'm ignorant about Latin music and it all sounds similar to my ears.
3
View Album
Sun Dec 04 2022
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Not a Dylan fan, but this was better than I expected. Bob Dylan is a good songwriter but I don't love his voice or harmonica, although the imperfection may be the point. I've rounded my rating up due to popularity and influence.
5
View Album
Mon Dec 05 2022
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Weird that this is on the 1001 Albums list. I've heard "Novocaine for the Soul" and don't mind this album but I didn't think the Eels were that popular or influential.
3
View Album
Thu Dec 08 2022
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Good British Invasion band. Time of the Season is an absolute classic. The lyrics were better than expected - for example, there's a song about religious leaders encouraging young men to go fight in wars despite never having to witness the horrors of war themselves, and a song about how the singer is genuinely happy for the couples he knows who are in good relationships - not a common subject!
4
View Album
Fri Dec 09 2022
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
This album makes me feel like a 1950s housewife on Valium. Slow crooning.
2
View Album
Sat Dec 10 2022
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Classic album, no bad tracks. I have a hard time listening to "Brown Sugar" due to the lyrics but have to remember that this was released in the 60s.
5
View Album
Mon Dec 12 2022
Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Ugh, no. I thought Tori Amos was somewhat quirky but this was just melancholy and depressing.
2
View Album
Tue Dec 13 2022
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Nice, but had to give it an average rating because I've heard better versions of Heard it Through the Grapevine and a lot of the song titles/lyrics were along the lines of "baby I need you, don't do me wrong".
3
View Album
Thu Dec 15 2022
The La's
The La's
Power pop, not bad. The album with There She Goes.
3
View Album
Sat Dec 17 2022
Hot Fuss
The Killers
I've heard the two singles a thousand times and I didn't think the other tracks were anything special.
3
View Album
Sun Dec 18 2022
Faith
George Michael
Faith is a great pop song, but I always found George Michael creepy. He's creepy when trying to cajole someone into having sex with him (I Want Your Sex) and obviously extra-creepy on Father Figure. Did he have to introduce fat-shaming of children into Look at Your Hands?
2
View Album
Mon Dec 19 2022
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Now this is a live album that deserves to be on this list. Most of the live albums I've had so far are "Band plays their popular songs but live!" and I've heard they employ tricks like stitching together the best takes from multiple tour dates or adding studio overdubs. This album captures a single live performance that adds to Nirvana's sound and legacy. The cover songs feel like a homage to Nirvana's influences rather than "let's play this other band's song in our style!" Cobain sings with raw emotion and there is a haunting feeling that he's performing at his own funeral.
5
View Album
Wed Dec 21 2022
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
I enjoyed this, although it doesn't seem like everyone would. I like the moody, atmospheric vibes and will try to remember to listen again in October.
4
View Album
Thu Dec 22 2022
Violator
Depeche Mode
It was fine, I gave it 4 stars for including Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence & Policy of Truth.
4
View Album
Fri Dec 23 2022
American Pie
Don McLean
Between 3 and 4 stars. I forgot to rate this right away and although Don McLean goes on the "dad" pile it didn't give me as generic of dad vibes as some other albums, but I recall that it had a depressing vibe.
3
View Album
Sat Dec 24 2022
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Good neo-soul album with intelligent lyrics.
4
View Album
Sun Dec 25 2022
Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Maybe on 1001 punk albums, but on 1001 all albums?
3
View Album
Mon Dec 26 2022
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3.5 stars. I like bluegrass music and this is done well, but good lord this album could use some editing. I don't need to hear the musicians chatting.
4
View Album
Tue Dec 27 2022
Abraxas
Santana
Nice chill album. Mostly instrumental but the instrumentals aren't boring.
4
View Album
Fri Dec 30 2022
Amnesiac
Radiohead
2.5ish stars. Personally, I think Radiohead has a sweet spot between modern rock and postmodern experimental... this is over the experimental line for me.
3
View Album
Sat Dec 31 2022
Metallica
Metallica
I'm not really a Metallica fan but this album has Enter Sandman, Sad but True, Unforgiven, Wherever I May Roam, Nothing Else Matters... that's 5 stars plus the other tracks weren't bad either.
5
View Album
Sun Jan 01 2023
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
This album is like candy, it looks shiny and colourful but it rots your teeth.
2
View Album
Mon Jan 02 2023
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I expected this to be just 80s synthpop (I realized afterwards that this came out in '72 so it was really ahead of its time), but I liked the quirkiness - there were some DEVO vibes and the singer even channeled a bit of Jello Biafra from the Dead Kennedys (!) but ultimately not all of the songs and I didn't like Side 2 as much.
3
View Album
Wed Jan 04 2023
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
I tried to separate my listening experience from the 90s hype and controversy and the fact that Manson is actually a trash person and not just acting. This album is fine, some good tracks, and Manson isn't a great singer but has a unique style. In my opinion, the same songs are better when interpreted by other artists (ex. Tourniquet by Rasputina).
3
View Album
Sat Jan 07 2023
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
I like TVOTR. This album is above average but not 5-star territory.
4
View Album
Mon Jan 09 2023
Marquee Moon
Television
I was going to call this post-punk, but it came out in 1977 so the "post" part is inaccurate. It's basically the other side of the punk rock coin - they seem to have a lot of common influences, but on one hand you have one- or two-minute songs and "hey ho let's go" and on the other side you have 10.5-minute songs and art school jokes about about falling into the arms of Venus de Milo. I rate this 3.5 stars because the music and vocals didn't have a ton of range and the last part of the album seemed to blur together.
3
View Album
Tue Jan 10 2023
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
I looked this album up - it's their debut (!) and came out in 1983 (!). This is way too good for a debut and way too ahead of its time for 1983. I'm too young to have firsthand knowledge of the reception this album got when it came out, but I imagine it being like the Velvet Underground where few people bought it but it had a massive influence on alt rock. This album opens with the one-two punch of Blister in the Sun and Kiss Off. Other standouts include Add It Up and Gone Daddy Gone. The only skippable track is Please Do Not Go.
5
View Album
Wed Jan 11 2023
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
Reggae (with other genres mixed in) updated for the 90s. Like everyone who lived through that era, I've heard the catchy hit "Sunday Shining" (now I know it's not "Sun is Shining"). Finley Quaye seems like a bit of a one-hit wonder. The music is fine but the rhymes are sometimes stilted and occasionally make little sense ("I'm a hero like Robert de Niro" - um, de Niro usually plays a criminal.)
3
View Album
Thu Jan 12 2023
Picture Book
Simply Red
Lame, dated 80s music. Kudos for dissing Ronald Reagan though.
2
View Album
Fri Jan 13 2023
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Fantastic new wave album and Debbie Harry's vocals are perfect.
5
View Album
Sat Jan 14 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
In my review of Radiohead's OK Computer, I noted that the themes of technology and alienation remain even more relevant today. Unfortunately for the world, the themes about politics and the state of the world in Hail to the Thief are just as relevant today. My main criticism is that it seemed like there was a lot of droning.
4
View Album
Sun Jan 15 2023
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
They have a cool psychedelic garage sound and I'm sure they were influential and ahead of their time, but nothing comes close to the legendary first track.
3
View Album
Tue Jan 17 2023
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Too High and Higher Ground are good, but Stevie Wonder just doesn’t resonate with me and this album doesn't change that.
3
View Album
Wed Jan 18 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Rounding up to 4 due to Fats Domino's influence on rock & roll.
4
View Album
Thu Jan 19 2023
Black Metal
Venom
Ridiculous but fun, like Metalocalypse.
3
View Album
Fri Jan 20 2023
2112
Rush
Fine, not a huge fan of prog rock and singing about Satan and weed isn't as edgy as it used to be.
3
View Album
Sat Jan 21 2023
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Not their best album. Middle-of-the-road Britpop.
3
View Album
Sun Jan 22 2023
Sea Change
Beck
Definitely different than the music I associate with Beck. This is mostly straightforward guitar music about heartbreak for adults. Who hurt you, Beck?
3
View Album
Mon Jan 23 2023
Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
The first track was a banger so I had high expectations for this album; however, there were some questionable choices... girl in the 4th row, the instrumental dedicated to some girl he hasn't even met and the song with the Spanish lyrics sung phoenetically all suck, and what's with the weird Beach Boys ripoffs near the end? I'm giving it an average rating because I did enjoy some of it.
3
View Album
Wed Jan 25 2023
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Looking back on this from 2023, it's still good bit also repetitive and cartoonishly angsty.
3
View Album
Thu Jan 26 2023
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
I appreciate that she had something to say, I just didn't love this. Plus the biggest hit is a Prince cover.
3
View Album
Fri Jan 27 2023
Moon Safari
Air
Nice background music, but I didn't really notice when it switched to another artist.
3
View Album
Sat Jan 28 2023
With The Beatles
Beatles
Well done, but a lot of these are covers and the relationship themes get a bit repetitive. 3.5 stars.
4
View Album
Sun Jan 29 2023
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
This was endearing but annoyingly corny.
2
View Album
Wed Feb 01 2023
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Inoffensive background music. I can imagine this record playing at a 1960s cocktail party.
3
View Album
Thu Feb 02 2023
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
From what I know of Willie Nelson, I expected him to be more outlaw country but this is more old-fashioned songs about dyin'.
2
View Album
Fri Feb 03 2023
Cross
Justice
Surprisingly I didn't mind this - enjoyed some of the dark/retro vibes.
3
View Album
Sat Feb 04 2023
Under Construction
Missy Elliott
This is OK, but I feel like Missy got brainwashed into being mainstream, acting sexy and losing both weight and personality.
3
View Album
Sun Feb 05 2023
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
I'm being generous by giving this 3 stars because I'm sure that Elton John is talented, I just find his music to be unpleasantly corny.
3
View Album
Mon Feb 06 2023
The Cars
The Cars
On one hand it's got some great hits - on the other it's shallow, slick and glossy. A reflection of its time.
3
View Album
Tue Feb 07 2023
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
These guys are idiots, but I have fond memories of this album and it has a lot of good tracks.
4
View Album
Wed Feb 08 2023
The College Dropout
Kanye West
This was fine, didn't mind it. Trying to separate the art from the artist and not let the fact that Kanye is a garbage human being influence my rating.
3
View Album
Thu Feb 09 2023
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Can I give this 0 stars? I thought nothing could possibly be worse than Kid Rock but clearly I was wrong. It took everything I have just to get through the second track (first actual track after "Limp Bizkit in tha house!" intro). This flaming pile of excrement is dated to a specific moment in pop culture and toxic masculinity that I hope is forever buried in the past.
1
View Album
Fri Feb 10 2023
Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
Production and vocals are great, but there are a lot of slow jams. I don't think Janet Jackson gets enough credit or respect.
3
View Album
Sat Feb 11 2023
Rio
Duran Duran
Two iconic 80s singles (Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf) plus some other songs.
3