Feb 10 2022
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
One of Jethro Tull's finest work. Many tracks are instant classics.
5
Feb 11 2022
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
One of my best jazz album ever. Insane music and totally free music.
5
Feb 14 2022
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Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
Very nice album! I enjoyed it more than I thought, but I honestly don't know if it is really one of the best 1000 albums of all time?
3
Feb 15 2022
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
There are some nice passages, but overall I don't get it. Unmemorable album that could be kicked out of the 1000 to make room for a more recent album.
2
Feb 16 2022
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Back In Black
AC/DC
It is a huge rock classic, but not a timeless one. This album has had its day of glory, but I think it's time to let it go into the "has been" folder and move on. I give it 3 stars because I must admit that there are insane radio hits in that record.
3
Feb 17 2022
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
I didn't expect that, but I loved the album. It's country, but with a slight folk undertone. Honesty and emotion are palpable in the music of Emmylou Harris. A very nice discovery for me, even if I'm not a die-hard fan of country music.
4
Feb 18 2022
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
This album was probably a big hit when it came out, but I really have a hard time getting attached to it. Neither the voice, nor the compositions, nor the brass arrangements or the texts make me experience anything. I'm sorry, I can't pretend and give a good rating.
2
Feb 21 2022
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
I have always been in love with his album "Pink Moon", but I had never dug deeper to find out more from this artist. Like everything I've heard from Nick Drake so far, this album is another gem of folk that takes us on a journey deep within ourselves.
4
Feb 22 2022
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Forever Changes
Love
Forever Changes shows brilliant and well-crafted arrangements on well-felt compositions. Also, this is an iconic album cover for an iconic album.
4
Feb 23 2022
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
It's a great album, but the Kinks are capable of better. There are excellent tracks like Harry Rag, Situation Vacant, Love Me Till The Sun Shines and the incredible Waterloo Sunset, but overall, this album suffers from a lack of appealing melodies.
3
Feb 24 2022
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
A very nice 90s hip-hop album with Timbaland as a producer. Beats and rendition of Missy Elliott were great! However, it joins me less emotionally and I don't think I will listen to it again in my life.
3
Feb 25 2022
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
I'm not the biggest trip hop fan, but I have to admit that I really liked this album. It's groovy and put the listener in a nice mood. "Unfinished Sympathy" as a track is a true masterpiece, but I don't think I will come back to this album someday.
3
Feb 28 2022
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The Bends
Radiohead
Alternative rock at its best. Strong and catchy songwriting. I love Radiohead. Bye.
5
Mar 01 2022
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Document
R.E.M.
I understand the influence this album had on 90s music and there's 2 or 3 very good songs, but I know R.E.M. and I think they made way better albums than this one.
3
Mar 02 2022
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
It was like listening at noise rock, shoegaze, electro, indie pop and lofi stuff at the same time. I loved the general feeling that emerges from this record. I will definitely listen to it again.
4
Mar 03 2022
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More Specials
The Specials
I've never understand why ska music is so popular. I can't take more than 5 minutes at once, or I became violent. The song "Do Nothing" was nice, at least. "Stereotype" has something special, but was way too long.
2
Mar 04 2022
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Night Life
Ray Price
I really the fact that the album has an intro to put the listener in the mood. It was the best beginning of an album of this genre I've ever heard. I'm a fan of this era and this kind of country/crooner singers. They give a strong impression of their time. It's weird to say, but their music is timelessly outdated and that's the best part of it.
4
Mar 07 2022
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Wonderful album that surprised me. It could have been shorter to focus on quality, but it's a very nice piece of indie rock/britpop overall.
4
Mar 08 2022
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Live!
Fela Kuti
This album took over my body from start to finish. INSANE grooves and musicianship + the brass are perfect. Furthermore, I think this is the best performance I've ever heard of Ginger Baker, who is amongst my best drummers. It instantly became one of my favorite live recording. I will need to buy this live on vinyl.
5
Mar 09 2022
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
I think this record was quite innovative when it came out and that's why it found itself here in this list. There's some nice songs and guitar tones, but I don't find much interest in the product as a whole.
3
Mar 10 2022
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
"California Dreamin" is one of the best song ever written and recorded.
However, this band recorded other beautifully produced tracks like Got A Feelin', Somebody Groovy or The In Crowd. I am also a complete fan of this era, rich in sound and emotions and this album perfectly renders this vibe.
4
Mar 11 2022
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Nick Drake is a master in the category "folk singer-songwriter" and this album wonderfully shows it. He was just one step away from his ultimate masterpiece, Pink Moon.
4
Mar 14 2022
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Virgin Suicides
Air
Thunderous atmospheres with very beautiful mellotron passages. Emotive and grandiose instrumental music.
4
Mar 15 2022
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
I think this is now one of the best jazz album I've ever heard. The arrangements are incredibly brilliant and ahead of their time. The sounds of each instrument are used in an original and unexpected way. I want this album on vinyl now.
5
Mar 16 2022
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Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
It's unbelievable that this album was released in 1966. So ahead of its time.
It's a molotove cocktail between psychedelic rock, concrete music and satirical doo-wop. And all of that is just the tip of the iceberg of Frank Zappa's genius. It's not the kind of album I would listen to every day, but I can't help but give it 5 stars. Damn, this was released in 1966... Impossible!
5
Mar 17 2022
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S&M
Metallica
I can't believe some humans can endure such a level of musical saturation for more than 2 hours long. Wah-wah guitar solos supported by timpani and brass punches, while the strings get excited sprinkled with "YEAAAAHAHHH" by James. All guided by a clumsy drum.
And don't get me wrong, I love Metallica and I'm a fan of their oldschool thrash metal era, but this thing is not listenable. Sorry.
1
Mar 18 2022
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson were nearing the peak of their genius, but still churning out a few more naive songs. Regardless, every Beach Boys song is charming, always cleverly arranged, with divine backing vocals. The harpsichord on When I Grow Up or the organ on Please Let Me Wonder... beautiful!
4
Mar 21 2022
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Fun House
The Stooges
Real raw and pure rock. Hard to pinpoint why it's so good, but it is.
It must have been an amazing act to see live.
4
Mar 22 2022
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Brilliant and masterful folk pop album. It was a smash hit when it came out and that's totally understandable with great instant classic songs like Father And Son, Wild World or On The Road To Find Out.
4
Mar 23 2022
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
It's strange, I felt inclined to love this album, but... Not so much after all. There are a few good moments, but I feel like it was put together for an american market, or at least an english market, and it felt somehow weird. A sitar album starting with a cover of Jumpin Jack Flash, I think that killed the vibe right at the beginning for me.
2
Mar 24 2022
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
This album comes into its own on stage, performed by Alice Cooper, but fails to be as captivating when listening at home. He has much better studio albums and I'm not sure why this one is on this list. Was it perhaps significant at the time?
3
Mar 25 2022
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Brilliant synth-pop album. Unlike many albums of this genre, this one goes with more delicacy, subtlety and refinement. I really appreciated it.
4
Mar 28 2022
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
To produce instant classics like Paranoid, War Pigs and Iron Man on one and only album is a miracle, or is it genius? Tony Iommi absolutely deserves the "riff master" title after this one. Every second of this masterpiece is worth it. Black Sabbath will always be one of the best metal act ever.
5
Mar 29 2022
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Ten
Pearl Jam
I'm really not a Pearl Jam fan, but I have to admit that this album is excellent. It's an incredible start for the group (and they will never do better in my opinion), which offers memorable songs like Once, Even Flow, Alive, Black or Porch. These tracks are particularly powerful on stage.
Gotta be honest and give it its due : a good rating.
4
Mar 30 2022
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
I really don't know how to rate this album. There are songs that I adore unconditionally like The Passenger, Some Weird Sin or Lust For Life, but others that I don't care about and that I find unmemorable. I guess 3 stars are gonna do it.
3
Mar 31 2022
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
I've had a love/hate relationship with Led Zeppelin for a long time. Fortunately, this one is in my favorite albums of the group. The folkish songs on this record are phenomenal and Immigrant Song is a killer opener. Not a perfect album though, maybe the last 3 songs weren't needed. Anyway, it deserves 4 stars for sure.
4
Apr 01 2022
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Future Days
Can
I am very happy that this record is in this list. It allowed me to listen to it again and appreciate it at its fair value. An album full of small subtleties and intoxicating details. It's both pop and experimental, charming and relaxing, yet uplifting. A masterpiece.
5
Apr 04 2022
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Why is Bruce Springsteen screaming all the time? He pushes his voice, but I don't feel many more emotions. It's pop rock, but it's not uplifting or catchy. How could it have been a phenomenal success? No idea. Maybe the lyrics appeal to the average citizen of America and that does not do it for me. But above all, it's sooooooo generic.
1
Apr 05 2022
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
A nice pop album, with a very punchy, strong and catchy A-side. Unfortunately, along the next part of the ride, there are songs that are rather average and a bit annoying like Only The Good Die Young. Maybe "The Stranger" is an overrated album or I'm just not a fan of Billy Joel? I don't know.
3
Apr 06 2022
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Opus Dei
Laibach
I didn't know this band and this might be my favorite find on this list so far. It was unpredictable, but wow! I'm not a fan of this musical trend, but you can see that Laibach had a strong influence on industrial music. The album is both grandiose and humorous, with catchy songs, but with a rather severe tone. I like contrasts and there are a lot here.
4
Apr 07 2022
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
A cool indie rock album from the beginning of 2000. However, Jack White's music always left me a little indifferent, I didn't manage to like it at its fair value yet. My two strong points of the album would be: the ultra simplistic and powerful drum of Meg White and the magnificent song "We're Going To Be Friends".
3
Apr 08 2022
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Listening to this record is both soothing and energizing, it's a positive experience. The Byrds' sound is unique, the perfect symbiosis between well-written folk and pop/rock.
4
Apr 11 2022
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
I should listen to more Stan Getz. With each album that I discover by him, I am always amazed by his refined, romantic and at the same time catchy music. Moreover, the percussions are subtle, but so effective. Awesome record!
4
Apr 12 2022
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Metallica
Metallica
Ah, what to do with this album? It's a phenomenal commercial success and I think you can call it a metal masterpiece. There are sensational guitar riffs and the lyrics can easily be learned and sung by heart, with probably one of James Hetfield's best vocal performances. However, we have heard it so much, but heard it SO MUCH, that I am not even able to listen to the best songs of this record anymore. And the others, you have to admit, are fillers. The album is too long-winded. If I hear Enter Sandman again in life, I'm going to vomit blood, so here's a note that will be fair to me, and to Metallica.
3
Apr 13 2022
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John Prine
John Prine
I'm really happy to have discovered this album, thanks to this list. Excellent country/folk with surprising lyrics and very emotional guitar playing. It's a shame I didn't knew this artist before.
4
Apr 14 2022
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Garbage
Garbage
I vaguely knew Garbage from a few songs I heard in movie soundtracks. I didn't think I was going to like this album so much, but I did! Shirley Manson offers a beautiful vocal performance and the musical arrangements have something subtly unique. Very happy to have listened to this album.
4
Apr 15 2022
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
A man, a guitar and that's it. With all the modern means of production that we hear on today's albums, a return to basics is often very pleasant. Ramblin' Jack Elliott not particularly hooked me, but I'm happy to know him better now!
3
Apr 18 2022
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Parklife
Blur
Badhead, The Debt Collector, Clover Over Dover and This Is A Low. You can only listen to these 4 songs, the rest is rather average and is forgotten very quickly. I'm not sure what this album does on this list, but it would be a good candidate to drop to make way for more modern material.
2
Apr 19 2022
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Unfortunately, I had never heard this Michael Jackson and after just one listen, I think it became my favorite. Incredibly groovy bass, sensational horns and quite sophisticated synthesizer on a few tracks make it a very developed pop album.
4
Apr 20 2022
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
There's nothing absolutely atrocious about this record, it all fits together, but it never becomes engaging or good. It's even rather boring.
2
Apr 21 2022
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Not necessarily in my David Bowie top 5, but definitely an iconic album. The juxtaposition between Mike Garson's incredible piano performance and catchy glam rock is quite unique. Always nice to come back to this record.
4
Apr 22 2022
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evermore
Taylor Swift
There is nothing atrocious on this record. Nothing bad, but really nothing interesting either. It was surprisingly boring. I don't get why this music gets so much fame and praise. Who knows!
2
Apr 25 2022
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Cross
Justice
Electro duet from France, Justice broadened my musical horizons with this release, at the time. With the album “Cross”, it was the first time that I appreciated more “heavy” electro music. My last spin on this record was a few years ago and I have to say I'm quite impressed listening to it with my ears today. It’s 2000s electro, but nothing has aged badly. It could have come out yesterday.
Finally, was this album avant-garde? We can detect bass lines and "strings" quite nu-disco. The inclusion of touches of classical music and funk makes it more timeless too, I imagine.
Everything is "toned" to perfection, the drum'n'bass is in reinforced concrete, it's quite arranged and licked while allowing itself to be noisy and without concession.
Nice rediscovery for me.
5
Apr 26 2022
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
I had never heard an album so funky and groovy, but at the same time so smooth and executed with restraint. A very nice discovery for me and I hope to find this one on vinyl.
4
Apr 27 2022
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Nothing explicitly bad, but nothing. Nothing. It's probably the most boring album I've heard in my life. Always the same volume, the same tones, the same tempo and somewhat empty & generic lyrics. I can't believe this was a hit and a milestone of the 2000s.
1
Apr 28 2022
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
I especially liked the voice and the interpretation of Loretta Lynn on this album quite appreciable. However, there is nothing that stands out that much. Good album!
3
Apr 29 2022
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Let It Be
The Replacements
Unfortunately, I did not know this group and it was missing in my musical knowledges. I found The Replacements to have a phenomenal energy, they are punchy and quirky while maintaining a very standard formula for a rock band. I loved it.
4
May 02 2022
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The Blueprint
JAY Z
I found the Heart of the City and Blueprint trails to be excellent, the rest was like a long cruise a bit monotonous and waveless.
2
May 03 2022
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
I don't really know what to say about this album. Everything is good without being exceptional. It reminds me of Oasis, but without huge songs that lift us up.
3
May 04 2022
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
"With a producer who can rap and control the maestro at the same time". This line represents Dr. Dre very well. In addition to being, in my opinion, the best hip-hop producer I know, he has his own vibe on the microphone and he knows how to rap. The lyrics on this record have certainly aged badly, and the album might be a little too long, but the tracks are musically mind-blowing. The appearances of Snoop Dog are also excellent.
4
May 05 2022
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
A good folk record, nothing particularly hooked me, but the whole album flows very well and the intimate atmosphere that reigns there is beautiful.
3
May 06 2022
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
A good album, but overall, a few very nice moments. The track "Where Does It Lead" was my highlight of this album, it might be the only song that I will listen again in the future.
3
May 09 2022
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Shame on me, I had never taken the time to listen to this band until today. What a wonderful discovery! I really like post-punk, but I really love the "goth rock" style, so I was delighted. Unique vocals and powerful percussion alongside all you need in great gothic and dark 80s music. I will certainly buy this record and listen to it over and over again.
5
May 10 2022
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
I really like the "disjointed but worked" aspect of Astral Weeks. It's full of little instrumental arrangements here and there, but it never seems completely written. Van Morrison seems to have no qualms about expressing himself a bit more eccentrically than other folk singers of the time. I wouldn't listen to this record every day, but I always liked it.
4
May 11 2022
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
As usual, The Byrds have produced a soft and well-crafted album, which has the effect of a sunny day where it is good to live peacefully. I love their vibe and would be ready to listen to them at any time.
4
May 12 2022
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I can't.
1
May 13 2022
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1989
Taylor Swift
Well done and nicely produced pop album. I appreciate this material much more than his recent folk album. It's not my type, but it's good. A bit generic though, absolutely nothing stands out from the rest of current pop music. 3 stars will do it.
3
May 16 2022
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
This is a good album, there's no doubt... But I find it hard to spend 50 minutes at the same tempo, with the same instruments playing the same mood and the voice giving off the same emotion, particularly in folk music. I enjoyed it, but I will not listen again.
3
May 17 2022
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
I've always enjoyed the soulful playing and creativity of Stevie Wonder, especially in songs like Golden Lady or Visions, on which the guitar is absolutely beautiful and well rendered. Groovy synth tones found on this record are also very nice.
4
May 18 2022
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
It's a very good album, especially the folk songs on it, but... I still wonder why it's on this list. There is nothing very singular, innovative or special on this record. Maybe I didn't get something? Anyway, that was a pleasure to listen to it.
3
May 19 2022
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
A good soft rock album with a unique and inexplicable touch that makes it a bit outcast. "Jump Into The Fire" is an insanely great track that I knew before (thanks to the superb Heather Trost cover of that song). However, I don't feel bounded to this record and I don't think I'll listen again.
3
May 20 2022
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Half of the songs seem like plagiarism from other rock acts.
The other half is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo generic.
1
May 23 2022
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Very nice and groovy album. The instruments, and especially the drums, are intense, fast, efficient and rowdy, in a way... I love it!
A record that lives up to its name!
4
May 24 2022
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The White Album
Beatles
This is my favorite album from one of my favorite bands. Everything you could want from the Beatles can be found there: pop songs, deeper folk ballads, psychedelic moments, their heaviest piece, experimental material, etc. I could listen to it anytime!
5
May 25 2022
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
A wonderfully flowing jazz album that can be played at any time of the day or the night, it will always be good. For me, it's not a jazz essential, but definitely a must for any Miles Davis fans.
4
May 26 2022
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Graceland
Paul Simon
Well produced material that has not aged well. This album is like a very pleasant and gentle little cruise, to do once in a lifetime, but without necessarily wanting to go back.
3
May 27 2022
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
It's a good and nice album, very nice vibes in it. However, it misses something special... Maybe a lack of catchy melodies? I don't know. But I appreciated it.
3
May 30 2022
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
There are a few nice ideas here and there, but overall it was boring. Screamadelica doesn't made me feel anything. Sorry. :(
2
May 31 2022
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Tommy
The Who
Despite the fact that there are 5-6 really excellent songs, Tommy is perhaps the most boring Who album, because it is too long and has a lot of fillers. I'm a Who fan, so it kind of breaks my heart to say it like that... However, I have to admit, it made me want to listen to the film again. I hope the next Who's album will be the killer "My Generation"!
3
Jun 01 2022
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
In my opinion, this is not their best, but hey... how can I give under 5 stars to a Doors album?
5
Jun 02 2022
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
An album that is neither excellent nor bad. It is exactly what is expected, without surprise or disappointment.
Anyway, I don't remember it anymore.
3
Jun 03 2022
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Very enjoyable album. The opening massive hit "Respect" puts you in the mood for a 1967 soul music ride. I always loved the sounds and tones from this period, especially the brass sections and drums. Aretha Franklin is a unique and powerful singer. A must listen.
4
Jun 06 2022
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott has a less flashy attitude on this album, the songs are laid back, but solid. The beats are catchy. It's not my type and I'll probably never go back to it, but nice job!
3
Jun 07 2022
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The Slider
T. Rex
There are some cool songs here and there, but... Pretty basic rock. It's hard to believe that this artist had a huge success in the early 70s, surrounded by all the other rock legends there were at the time. Maybe I don't understand or it was really on show that the magic happened?
2
Jun 08 2022
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
An album filled with exciting and extraordinary rhythms, wonderfully well arranged. Stunning and groovy bass lines. I had fun throughout my listening. Strong 4.
4
Jun 09 2022
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
A sweet and sad album that hardly changes mood throughout. A complete work of slow and melancholic country can be long. The album ended up losing my interest. But... It was great in a way. 3 stars will do it.
3
Jun 10 2022
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Picture Book
Simply Red
A love/hate album for me. So many brilliant synthesizer lines and very catchy sounds that defined the 80s, but at the same time, half of the songs make me think Simply Red were trying too hard to be popstars by clumsily borrowing soul music or jazz aesthetics. Glad to know them better anyway!
3
Jun 13 2022
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
I don't like this band, nor this album, but apparently it was a very influential work on an unpleasant musical trend of the late 2000s. It's revolutionary and my friends will hate me if I give it the bottom of 3 stars, so here comes 3 stars and I never want to hear about it again.
3
Jun 14 2022
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
A strong 4 for Heaven Or Las Vegas. I loved the very coherent atmosphere that reigns all along the album, there are lots of little gems throughout. It would only lack a little more catchy side overall for it to be perfect. I really need to discover more from Cocteau Twins. Glad it was on this list.
4
Jun 15 2022
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
2 or 3 nice songs, but overall, it was as boring as the cover art. As it is described with words like "psych" or "shoegaze", I would have liked to like that so much, but sorry... I can't.
2
Jun 16 2022
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
I've been a Neil Young, Byrds and CSNY fan for so long... I'm almost ashamed that I didn't pay attention to this album before. From the second song, I already felt at home. The nosy, imperfect and magnificent guitar, the divine vocal harmonies, the subtleties brought by each musician.
A very pleasant listen and I hope to find this vinyl record very soon!
5
Jun 17 2022
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Very interesting album. As always, Bjork is perfect. On the drum side, it feels like Neil Peart playing in a post-punk band and it's really cool. Among the other musicians, I feel a strong desire to innovate. However, it looks like a young group whose best is yet to come, with songs just not yet fully developed or compositions not strong enough. It's hard to rate this album. I feel in a good mood: 4 stars.
4
Jun 20 2022
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
There are a lot of very strong songs on the disc (Sara, Sisters of the Moon, Brown Eyes, Walk A Thin Line, etc). It would have been a good 35-40 minutes of excellent material. Unfortunately, these tracks are drowned in fillers equivalent in duration. So I'm giving this album a 3, but it would have been a strong 4 without the completely useless songs like Not That Funny.
Also, I have to mention... Damn. Stevie Nicks vocal performances are always so spot on!
3
Jun 21 2022
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Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
The theremin solo was nice, otherwise, it was boring and forgettable.
2
Jun 22 2022
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Closer
Joy Division
Joy Division is a group that does both rock and art. Multiple small sonic details make the album incredibly fascinating. The percussions are powerful and original, the guitar and the bass so dark and well blend. All this crowned by the strong emotions released by the singer and his inimitable voice. The alignment of the last 3 songs is probably one of the strongest moments of post-punk.
Ok, I'll admit it, I listened to the album twice in a row.
5
Jun 23 2022
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell are the best funk power trio out there. I discovered them in my long quest of listening to all Buckethead's collaborations and their music stayed with me. What a groovy insane album that had a strong influence on the 80s/90s hip-hop. Really like this one!
4
Jun 24 2022
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Very good post-punk album, but unfortunately, nothing particularly hooked me up and it won't fit into my genre classics.
3
Jun 27 2022
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Some very strong songs that became timeless hits and some weaker and boring ones. It's kind of "half'n'half" so I'll go with 3 stars.
3
Jun 28 2022
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Sounds like an average soundtrack from an average 90s action movie. I'll tell you, it's not my cup of tea. That said, there are some good ideas and the more downtempo tracks in the second half of the album are very good.
2
Jun 29 2022
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Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
I liked this album a lot more than I thought I would. Conscious and/or abstract hip-hop is always welcome. The groovy double bass throughout the album was very nice and the keyboard sounds were sometimes even reminiscent of Radiohead. The flow of Mike Ladd is varied and perfect. The only flaw of the album is that it was too long.
4
Jun 30 2022
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
I have no problem with this band, it's not bad at all. But please make room for newer, more alternative bands instead of putting generic stuff like that in the challenge. Looks like a copy of Oasis, but without personality.
2
Jul 01 2022
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
A very nice country album, very representative of the genre. Pleasant listening. Nothing that stands out either, though.
3
Jul 04 2022
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C'est Chic
CHIC
It's a very good disco album, with strong instrumental moments, nice arrangements and a monumental hit. It's not an album that I would keep with me forever, but I had fun and great time while listening to it.
3
Jul 05 2022
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Illmatic
Nas
I'm not a big connoisseur of hip-hop, I don't have many references to explain it, but... It's one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, isn't it?
It seems to me that the flow of NAS is varied and perfect. The beats are very easy to listen to, not too flashy, but far from being empty and without interest. The man seems to have a lot of vocabulary and he knows how to use it.
5
Jul 06 2022
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
Sometimes everything is there to make it work... Energy, variety of instruments, excellent musicians, etc. But, for some reason, there's absolutely nothing on this record that I found uplifting or that I want to listen to again.
2
Jul 07 2022
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New Wave
The Auteurs
Again, sometimes almost everything is there to make it work, but in the end, you end up with a quickly forgettable product.
2
Jul 08 2022
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
The album contains nice moments, but it is very long-winded for an album with barely no mood variations. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it either. Glad to know better this group that I only knew by name.
3
Jul 11 2022
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
I listened to this album for the first time when I was a teenager and I hated it. Fortunately, tastes can continually evolve. At the point where I am now, I can say that it is one of the best albums that life can offer us. It's the definition of "dark, but uplifting".
"I've been waiting for a guide to come and take me by the hand,
Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?". It's one of the best album opening line ever, isn't it?
It's also unbelievable that they came with a so mature and accomplished sound/lyrics in their early twenties. Ian Curtis' voice, words and interpretation are so neat and refined.
Unknown Pleasures is a timeless masterpiece without a doubt.
5
Jul 12 2022
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Odelay
Beck
Everybody's gonna throw rocks at me, but... I never got into Beck's music.
All the songs seem to me a collage of somewhat haphazard ideas. There's a lot of work and pretty innovative stuff, but unfortunately it never becomes memorable or catchy (at least for me).
It was like 52 minutes of "oh yeah, we're gonna put a tambourine there, oh and a robot voice here... And a sampling of that song at this moment", but it remains irrelevant at each time.
Sorry. :(
2
Jul 13 2022
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
It's a very good album that represents well the gangsta rap genre.
I liked the references to rock music and even that Ice-T takes the time to express his opinion on the subject during the record. There are nice tracks and punchlines. The sampling of Black Sabbath or Carpenter were very cool.
That said, why making so long album while all the music is on the same pace? I'll never understand how it can be interesting for so long while being always on the same pace.
3
Jul 14 2022
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Did I listen to this album well? If so, I don't remember anymore.
2
Jul 15 2022
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Ramones
Ramones
Breakthrough and iconic album. All of the songs feel the same and that's perfect like it. Short and sweet. I can't say I'm a fan, but this record is engraved in music history forever.
4
Jul 18 2022
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
This is one of the best hard rock album ever. I hate it.
4
Jul 19 2022
View Album
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
It's a good album, but no more than that for me. Classic, without taking risks, without innovation, only very conventional rock. I have nothing to say about it. A few arrangements were clever and nice. Ok, next.
2
Jul 20 2022
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
A beautiful representation of what Elvis can be apart from his big big hits. The song "Fever" is one of my favorite interpretations of the King. And as always, a flawless voice with his unique mood. Amongst his best albums for sure.
4
Jul 21 2022
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
What?
1
Jul 22 2022
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LP1
FKA twigs
Dream pop, glitch hop, whatever it is, it was nice, creative and original. I can't say that I'll come back to it again, but I appreciated it. Glad to see a few more recent albums in this list.
3
Jul 25 2022
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
How can someone give less than 5 stars to this monument? I don't know and I don't want to know.
5
Jul 26 2022
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
It's hard to rate this album well. It's a major record of the 90s, the intention behind it, to make a concept album so long at that time... It's spectacular and quite off-track.
However, I don't know if in the end, it is totally successful. There are a lot of unmemorable songs. I feel that it could have been an excellent album of about forty minutes, since there are also plenty of good tracks like Tonight Tonight, To Forgive, Cupid De Locke, Where Boys Fear To Tread, 1979, By Starlight... The concept is very good, but extended over two CDs, it's too much, sorry.
3
Jul 27 2022
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Very important album for me. I discovered it when I was a young teenager and it marked me for life. I still remember the first time I heard Tom Sawyer... That's when I really became aware of the instrument that is the synthesizer. I was also stunned, inevitably, by the creative and insanely skilled Neil Peart.
I was equally fascinated by Alex Lifeson's badass guitar and Geddy Lee's unique vocals and versatility.
This record opened my mind to music and was an invitation to discover rock in the broadest sense. Damn, let's say it, I love these guys from the bottom of my heart.
5
Jul 28 2022
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
I'm really glad I discovered this album via the 1001 albums generator. I never heard of them before and it's amazing stuff. Post-punk, new wave, psychedelic... Everything is there for me to love this record. The synth tones and layers were perfection.
4
Jul 29 2022
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
There's a hype around this album that I just can't get. It's not bad, but I just don't get it.
2
Aug 01 2022
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Music of Aretha Franklin is always surprising and I understand better the legacy around her now that I've listened to 2 full albums. Sound, instruments and musical arrangements from this era are always so nice. Really liked it.
4
Aug 02 2022
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
An album that became an instant classic. I can't say that I'm deeply attached to it, but I like it, always fun to listen to.
4
Aug 03 2022
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
There are other Kanye West albums that I think are completely awesome, but I don't know why, I'm having a hard time liking this one. That said, it's definitely good stuff.
3
Aug 04 2022
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Fragile
Yes
One of the finest albums of Yes, and even one of the best albums of the progressive rock movement. This work strikes the perfect balance between complexity and catchy, interesting music. There is also an excellent contrast between heavy/electric music and classical/acoustic music.
Furthermore, all the musicians here are at their best and especially Jon Anderson. I consider this record as his best vocal performance ever.
5
Aug 05 2022
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Tapestry
Carole King
A nice and sweet album to listen to.
It doesn't reinvent anything, it's not hurtful or uplifting or breakthrough. In short, it does absolutely nothing other than being a good album. Cool!
3
Aug 08 2022
View Album
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Listening to Sinatra over supper or just a few songs through others is wonderful. I love his voice and his music takes us straight back to the 50s.
However, close listening to a full album quietly becomes torture. The brass punches and somewhat empty phrases he sang become very heavy to bear.
3
Aug 09 2022
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Moon Safari
Air
An album where the tones of all the instruments are perfect, especially the bass. The atmospheres are wonderful. A beautiful offering from Air, music you can easily get joyfully lost in it.
4
Aug 10 2022
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The Grand Tour
George Jones
Generic country. Amongst the best albums ever, for real? Sorry, but no one care about The Grand Tour in 2022.
2
Aug 11 2022
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Sea Change
Beck
I think it's the first Beck album that I love from start to finish. It must be said that I am a fan of Nigel Godrich and that his participation appears enormously on the album. There's a lot of rich and uplifting arrangements. The voice is also very calm and felt. Great record!
4
Aug 12 2022
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
What a refreshing selection in the 1001 challenge. Finally a bit of samba, where the rhythms are creative and polyphonic and where the arrangements contain plenty of synth and wonderfully well-used brass. Very happy to have discovered this album!
4
Aug 15 2022
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Why. Why he's always shouting for absolutely nothing? This combined to annoying saxophone and lifeless piano. I'm sorry, I know he's a legend but I'll never be able to enjoy his music.
1
Aug 16 2022
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
A great album that turns out to be a classic of my generation. I don't think it aged that well and I'm not sure it will stand the test of time. Who knows?
3
Aug 17 2022
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Very happy to have discovered this album via the 1001 challenge. The hip-hop sound of the mid-90s was fantastic and this record is an amazing representation of it. I can't wait to listen to it again and give a better attention to the lyrics and subtleties.
5
Aug 18 2022
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I found myself liking this album a lot more than I thought. I did not expect such beautiful and rich arrangements of wind instruments. The compositions are generally well felt and honest.
What keeps me from giving it 5 stars is the length of the album. Too long for one and only vibe. I felt lost and a little offset at a few points.
4
Aug 19 2022
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Palo Congo
Sabu
It's a cool album if you're really into cuban rumba and percs, but I don't feel it really uplifting, engaging or catchy. I'll probably even forget I ever listened to that. The guitar parts were great and refreshing, tho.
2
Aug 22 2022
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
It's a great jazz album I had never heard of before. I'm glad I discovered it, it had really strong parts. Sadly, these beautiful moments are distributed sporadically on an album, once again, too long and samey.
3
Aug 23 2022
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
To me, Bob Dylan is much more about songs than albums, however Blood on the Tracks is perhaps one of his finest works as a record.
Tangle Up in Blue, Idiot Wind, Simple Twist of Fate and Buckets of Rain are amongst my favorite Dylan songs. There's a unique spirit in those tracks, conscious and honest lyrics, a soulful interpretation and musically, it's just enough catchy.
4
Aug 24 2022
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
I don't know.
2
Aug 25 2022
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Dog Man Star
Suede
There's a few memorable and nice moments, but really a few. This seems to be a blend of the glam side of David Bowie, The Who and Foxygen, but it never reaches the quality of even one of those three.
2
Aug 26 2022
View Album
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Wow! What a surprising album! He might not have the best flow or the most catchy beats, but the lyrics and sincerity make this album outstanding. We can found there more than punchlines, these are literally punch-paragraphs. The title is also absolute gold. Really great one!
4
Aug 29 2022
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
A refined album recorded by outstanding musicians. I loved the subtle and soulful mix of jazz, folk and Latin music, with a little psychedelic and bossa nova touch.
I will come back to this album for sure, even if I found it a little long winded for something that is on the same mood all the way through.
4
Aug 30 2022
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
It was so boring and generic. Thank you.
1
Aug 31 2022
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
It's undeniably an excellent album with great songs. The bass and synthesizer tones and playing are masterpieces on their own.
Even if it's a pop record, I also like that the ambient music side of Eno stands out, like on the tracks "Through Hollow Lands" or "Spider And I".
4
Sep 01 2022
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
This album is so important that no one cares uploading it properly.
Seriously, there's a few nice moments, like the main title, but it felt more like fragments of songs glued together than a full album.
2
Sep 02 2022
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No Other
Gene Clark
It would seem that the people behind the 1001 challenge are Byrds fans. And that's to our delight. I didn't know this album and now I would like to find it on vinyl... Wow! A very nice mix between folk, country, psychedelic. An engaging album that I want to hear again.
4
Sep 05 2022
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
I'm more of a fan of what the Wu-Tang Clan members did individually than this album, but it's still an undeniable classic of the genre. If you're into hip-hop, you can't miss that one.
4
Sep 06 2022
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Blur
Blur
With Song 2, Theme From Retro, You're So Great and Death of a Party, we would have had a strong and wonderful EP. Instead, we get a long winded and never ending, boring 1 hour album.
2
Sep 07 2022
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Jacques Brel is a truly amazing French singer and he has several great songs to his credit.
Given that the record present on this list is a live album, I expected that we would feel something special in this live album... Strong emotions, a particular contact with the public or an unusual energy.
Unfortunately, it remains rather cold throughout. As long as that, I would have taken a studio album by Brel instead.
3
Sep 08 2022
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I love this album, because when it came out, it stirred things up and kicked a few elitist ass.
Also, their sound and vibe are distinctive from many other punk bands, which is really great.
4
Sep 09 2022
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Stankonia
OutKast
Maybe my least favorite album by OutKast, a hip-hop act that I really like. I can't explain why this one made its way to the 1001 and not ATLiens or Aquemini, but here it is.
This one, Stankonia, is half and hour too long. With a duration of 1h15, it completely lost my attention at a certain point.
Still... There's some good beats, catchy hooks and great flow out there. 3 stars.
3
Sep 12 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Classic album that is musically almost perfect. The songs are so smooth, but uplifting and grandiose at the same time. They sound indescribably refreshing, even to this day.
Morissey's interpretation sometimes seems a little forced out or too much "I want to be special", that's the main point that prevents me from giving it 5 stars. Also, there are maybe 2 songs that seems more to be fillers.
4
Sep 13 2022
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Buddy Holly always had a special place in my musical development. When I was a teenager, I saw the movie "The Buddy Holly Story" and really enjoyed it. It seemed to be a really great guy caring a lot for the music he was doing, and he was delivering with passion and honesty. At least, that's what the movie depicted and it was enough for me to learn from it.
Anyway, this album contains so many hits that transform the futur of rock music. That'll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Maybe Baby and the great Not Fade Away, which was re-interpreted by countless groups. It was released in 1957. Buddy Holly is the definition of a rock'n'roll pioneer.
4
Sep 14 2022
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Repeater
Fugazi
Really glad I had a chance to listen to this band for the first time via 1001. In the hardcore/punk world, I'm more into the post-hardcore vibe and this album fits very well into it.
The vocals are violent, raw and emotive and the guitar parts are perfect to support this.
I'll come back to this album again and maybe I would give it 5 stars in the futur?
4
Sep 15 2022
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
This album is the exact definition of a 3 stars. Tracks are not bad, not solid, just enough to be good and enjoyable. Not a masterpiece, not a bad album. In fact, I have nothing to say about it, positive or negative.
3
Sep 16 2022
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Ok. This album has a few moments that haven't aged well, it's not my favorite of the band, but I would feel dishonest to give it anything other than 5 stars. So much heavy/catchy/fast/efficient moments on this. A recipe mastered by Iron Maiden.
It was Bruce Dickinson's initiation into the band. Imagine the reaction of people the first time they heard this powerful and distinct voice. It must have been insanely overwhelming. A unique voice and strong riffs and songs to support and honor it.
Also, from a personal point of view, I have lots of good memories of my adolescence linked to this album. Meeting metalhead friends, enjoying the music, learning to play it... Playing to Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4!
Anyway, a great and outstanding album for sure.
5
Sep 19 2022
View Album
Play
Moby
Better than expected. I'm not a huge fan of 90s downtempo, but this album has a little something. Moby uses the piano very well and the strings texture are beautiful. A great album to get lost in it. The last few atmospheric tracks were superb. I would have like it a little shorter, with only the best material on it.
3
Sep 20 2022
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
CCR... Always nice to listen to them. I like the subtle heaviness of this one. This is not my favorite from them, a few of the songs are pretty ordinary, but at least, it never becomes boring. I expect to see their very first album on the list.
3
Sep 21 2022
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Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
I really appreciate their exploratory folk rock formula, with a hint of experimentation.
As I'm a huge Neil Young fan, this album inevitably has a special place in my heart, with the magnificent Broken Arrow as its conclusion.
However, I have to admit, the album contains some fillers, so 4 stars.
4
Sep 22 2022
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Harvest
Neil Young
A timeless classic of folk music that borders on perfection.
The lyrics, the emotion, the arrangements, the compositions, the interpretation. Everything is there. There are times like this where the magic worked 100%.
5
Sep 23 2022
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
In the spectrum of hip-hop, this album is on the side that I like the least. How can we offer an honest work that comes from the heart and soul when there are 3 producers and 7 authors per song? It really sounds like pre-formatted music for commercial radio. Maybe it's not... but either way, it's really not for me.
1
Sep 26 2022
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The Specials
The Specials
2 great songs and a whole bunch of nothing to care about. I know this is an important album for the genre, but I just can't get it.
2
Sep 27 2022
View Album
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Magnificent album by the Beach Boys focused on the arrangements of instruments and voices. Lots of experimental details, but which don't become "too much" like on Pet Sounds, for example.
There are darker songs than usual. It's also more focused on moods than catchy melodies. Amongst my favorite albums from this band. Love it.
4
Sep 28 2022
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
It is a cool, angry and edgy album, the singer is very nice, a kind of pissed-off Jim Morrison... but it lacks the "engaging" factor for me. I appreciated it, but I don't remember it and do not want to listen to it again. Glad to know it exists, tho.
3
Sep 29 2022
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
The vibe on this album is really good, everything fits from start to finish. However, it's not enough catchy or engaging... or it do not contains anything special to makes it a stand-out album. I had a nice moment listening to it, tho. 3 stars for me!
3
Sep 30 2022
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
I'll give it 2 stars because my favorite Aerosmith song is on it (Sweet Emotion), but otherwise, it would have been 1. This album is so boring and lifeless and generic, it's hard to believe it actually exist. Walk This Way and Sweet Emotion could have been 45 rpm singles and that's it.
2
Oct 03 2022
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
It's a really important and historic album. The arrangements and the production are incredible, we feel that Brian Wilson gave everything on this record.
Unfortunately, it's not my favorite of the Beach Boys. Sometimes the overly polished look turns into a tacky mess. But there's no doubt, great album.
4
Oct 04 2022
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen is a master of words and feelings. It's hard not to be taken away by his music. This album is another proof of his talent and legacy.
4
Oct 05 2022
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Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Honestly, I have no opinion on this album.
3
Oct 06 2022
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Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
I'm really surprised that this album is part of the challenge, I find it very "proghead only".
In any case, it remains a great, complex, but somehow catchy record.
Carl Palmer's drumming has always impressed me on Tarkus. He created a percussive musicality full of creativity.
Keith Emerson's organ is full of virtuosity, as usual, but there is also good research in the sounds. Some have aged badly, but it gives a charm.
On the side of Greg Lake, we find his more tragic singing, which comes to him from his previous group King Crimson. And it feels good. It brings the more personal and emotional aspect through all this musical complexity.
Ok, to me, it's a masterpiece.
5
Oct 07 2022
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
A few nice moments here and there.
I particularly liked the medieval brass which arrive sporadically. The song "The Wold of Velvet Fortune" is the hidden gem of the album.
Unfortunately, most of it was not so engaging.
3
Oct 10 2022
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Soul Mining
The The
It was a really good album with really cool arrangements, but I can't quite put it down. It was dark themed with sympathetic outbursts of brass and marimba? It's like I don't know what to feel listening to it. Which sometimes can be good, but... I don't know, I didn't find myself there on that one.
3
Oct 11 2022
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Good album. Not my favorite from Elton John, there's a few song that I don't care about... But there's nice tracks anyway : Tiny Dancer, Madman Across the Water, Indian Sunset or All the Nasties, well composed and arranged tracks directly from one of the best pop maker ever.
3
Oct 12 2022
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
This album is like a big fondue of folk, psych, prog and jazz-rock. The result is eclectic and rambling, but certainly tasty. Great album!
4
Oct 13 2022
View Album
Mott
Mott The Hoople
Making glam rock without any catchy songs is like making pizza without the dough.
2
Oct 14 2022
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
It's saturday, I don't even remember having listening to this.
2
Oct 17 2022
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald's voice and singing is soulful and certainly legendary, I enjoyed it very much. However, her backing music/band is very common and generic easy listening jazz, which made the overall record a little boring. Without Ella, it would have been an album I don't care about.
3
Oct 18 2022
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
It wouldn't be in my top 5 from Joni Mitchell, but it's still enjoyable as she's always doing quality and music with good vibes.
3
Oct 19 2022
View Album
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I'm not a huge fan of Amy Winehouse, but I have to admit this album became a classic of the genre and a part of the music history. A lot of very clever instrumental arrangements on this and Amy is a great singer. What could go wrong?
4
Oct 20 2022
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
45 minutes of generic and boring rock made with verses only and no hook or chorus. This is a hard ride, not hard rock.
2
Oct 21 2022
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
It's a cool album, the feeling and the vibes are there. However, it's also kind of generic, they sound like The Yardbirds without any distinctive songs or touch.
3
Oct 24 2022
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Has blues rock been that significant in the history of music? Which group was influenced by that afterwards? Oh yes, things like Black Crowes who did the same generic bullshit.
Originally, the blues was the coolest thing to come to North America. A way for people to express themselves and play anywhere, anytime. A liberation. Until it turned into generic blues rock played by musicians with no creativity and no message. It's easy, it sells, so why not?
At least Clapton had the decency not to do like Led Zeppelin by covering (stealing) old blues songs.
Anyway... Damn, give us a Muddy Water, Albert King, Lightnin" Hopkins or a Buddy Guy album, so we can enjoy what the real and felt blues is about.
Ok, so now. I must say I enjoyed the song "Let It Grow" and that it's not a completely bad album. But one of the best album ever? NO.
2
Oct 25 2022
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Another generic blues rock album to add to the long list of this challenge, but at least the ZZ Tops have personality and a sound of their own. And, as a bonus, some hits. Nothing special here, but I was happy to listen to it.
3
Oct 26 2022
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Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Seriously, this album is here? No one in 2022 care about this album anymore. Who would? Fans of alternative rock? Of hip-hop? Who? There's only a few nice dub passages, but they were unfortunately destroyed by a bad sounding electric guitar playing emotionless riffs.
1
Oct 27 2022
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
I didn't know this artist at all and I had no expectations. Finally, the more I think about my listening, the more I say to myself that I liked the album and that I will certainly return to it. It's emotional, warm and tormented folk like there were few in the early 2000s. Does the album bring something different? Does he belong in the challenge? No idea, but very nice discovery in my case.
4
Oct 28 2022
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
The atmosphere on this album is unique and fantastic. A magnificent cross between their more gothic side and their more dream pop side.
The timbre of the instruments is always particularly well put together to accompany this voice and these distinct words.
This album is a nice breath of fresh air despite being dark. Absolutely love it.
5
Oct 31 2022
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Usually I'm a big fan of 90s hip-hop/gangsta, but this album just doesn't appeal to me.
That said, big classic, undeniable. The flow is excellent, good beats, without being exceptional. I'm not sure where to place myself to rate this album, so... A good old 3 stars will do.
3
Nov 01 2022
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
I always respect and love the strong personality and creativity Cindy Lauper put in her music. Her voice is an instrument.
Sadly, I'm just never in the mood for that and I don't listen to her music.
3
Nov 02 2022
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Violator
Depeche Mode
This album contains very strong moments and others rather average, even that I do not like at all. I think I'd be the kind of person to appreciate a Depeche Mode "Greatest Hits" compilation, but not an album.
3
Nov 03 2022
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
This could be the most boring club I've ever been to. The first track is a little gem and there's a few other nice and catchy moments, but really a few... This material could not stand as a full album, it sounds like a rehearsal of ideas that have not been completed.
2
Nov 04 2022
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Black Metal
Venom
This album might be difficult to appreciated if you're not into metal, but I swear this one is very important in the history of the genre. Its title even became the name of an evergrowing style of metal, the black metal.
This album is so explosive, energetic, fast and grimy, it was a revelation back in 1982. The lyrics and imagery also had a major influence on the shape of metal to come.
To me, it sounds like an influencial classic, so... 5 stars!
5
Nov 07 2022
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
This one wouldn't have been in my choices for 3 or 4 Zeppelin albums to figure in the 1001, but I can understand that a few of the songs were groundbreakers, like Whole Lotta Love (even if it's plagiarism from The Small Faces interpretation of a Muddy Waters song) with the vocal effects, Ramble On which is very good and catchy or Moby Dick, which shows the incredible talent of John Bonham accompanied by a monster riff.
However, if these 3 songs wouldn't exist, this album would be pretty boring and average. In terms of album, this band did really better than this one.
3
Nov 08 2022
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Anyone who has seen the movies Mr. Nobody or Fight Club has inevitably fallen in love with the song Where Is My Mind. What a powerful and monumental hit!
There are also other very strong moments on the album like Cactus, Bone Machine or Gigantic.
I can't say that the rest of the material encourages me to come back to it often, but it's very good to listen to.
3
Nov 09 2022
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
From all that I know of Talking Heads, it's always good and different. It's an incredible first album for this innovative formation and the best was yet to come.
4
Nov 10 2022
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MedĂşlla
Björk
I really enjoyed this Bjork album and especially the appearances of two artists that I like a lot, Tanya Tagaq and Robert Wyatt. 2 unique voices to join Bjork's string of eccentricities, it's perfect.
4
Nov 11 2022
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I really like this Gorillaz, might be my favorite. The grooves and vibes are beautifully crafted and it's an overall very pleasant album to listen to.
4
Nov 14 2022
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The Visitors
ABBA
The first two tracks are amazing and have a nice creative side to both of them. After that, we fall in classic-average pop songs of the late 70s and I felt a lack of engagement inside me. It's not bad, but I will never listen to it again.
2
Nov 15 2022
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Drunk
Thundercat
This is a great album, no doubt. But the fact that it's a good 50 minutes broken up into smaller chunks results in me having a hard time getting attached to this record. It's as if we had no landmarks or huge moments throughout. It's a long flow of little cool songs. It was all nice, tho.
3
Nov 16 2022
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
What an outcast sound for 1993. Would have never guessed it was released that year. The album contains great moments, big basslines and tasty strings. However, it sounds a bit the same throughout, with nothing really sticking out. It was enjoyable, but not memorable.
3
Nov 17 2022
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
This album is a classic of kitsch pop/rock to me. Powerful intro, catchy songs and lyrics all the way after. I would never say it's a masterpiece, but certainly an album I always enjoy listening. Always loved the delivery of Meat Loaf.
4
Nov 18 2022
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Vespertine
Björk
Wow! It is without a doubt one of Bjork's finest work. A kind of "gentle Kid A", out-of-this-world electro music accompanied with Bjork's emotional voice and lyrics. Beautiful!
4
Nov 21 2022
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Borrowed Tune, Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown, Mellow My Mind, Albuquerque, New Mama, Tired Eyes... This is a collection of beautiful songs by one of my favourite singer/songwriter ever. The only thing that prevent me of giving it 5 stars is that this is album is not in my top 5 Neil Young. But this is surely a great one.
4
Nov 22 2022
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
It's a very nice prog/jazz-rock and pop album from 1969 with a powerful introduction that might be one of the best instrumental moment of this band. Sadly, too long-winded so we loose interest in it.
3
Nov 23 2022
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Another essential album from our good old Neil Young. Full of feelings, honest and heartfelt playing... Again, I will not rate it 5 stars because it's in my top 5 Neil Young's albums, but it would deserve it? I'm just tryin' not to be the fanboy here.
4
Nov 24 2022
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
I had never heard of this album, what a shame! It's excellent! A very nice discovery for me that will certainly end up entering my favorite hip-hop albums.
A flow of thunder, breathtaking beats without being too flashy. I can't wait to listen to it again and read the lyrics more carefully.
5
Nov 25 2022
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
This might be my least favorite album of The Doors, because I always had difficulties to appreciate pure blues rock, but... This one is so well made and the delivery of Jim Morrison is dirty and perfect in all the imperfections. And, the song "Riders on the Storm", one of the best song ever, isn't it?
4
Nov 28 2022
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
Very nice and smooth listen from start to finish. In the end, nothing remarkable, but everything was good. The 2 last tracks were completely not necessary and the album would have been better a little shorter.
3
Nov 29 2022
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
A unique sound that will probably never happen again. An album that encourages our body to dance against a background of new-wave that embraces Afrobeat, but locks our head in a secluded closet to anguish and paranoid. Like... What the hell is going on? Brilliant and groundbreaking album, no doubt.
5
Nov 30 2022
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
It was ENDLESS.
2
Dec 01 2022
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Very nice vibe and some great songs. The album runs out of steam a lot towards the end. Average stuff.
3
Dec 02 2022
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
This album was released in 1976, but the fact that it was recorded in 1972 makes it all the way more impressive. It's my first time with the Modern Lovers and I'm stunned by the honest delivery of Jonathan Richman. At that time, glam rock and high pitched singers ruled the scene and he's just there, playing it humble and doing his job. Their proto-punk organ/guitar driven sound is also very nice, hard to believe it was made early 70s.
4
Dec 05 2022
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
This album is a masterpiece for so many reasons. White Rabbit is what I called an "unpredictable hit", sounds like nothing on the radio, but still... It belongs to the radio. Somebody to Love is powerful and catchy, She Has Funny Cars is an insane opener with punchy drums and guitars.
The album even leads the listener to the refined and unexpected classical guitar piece "Embryonic Journey". How Do You Feel and My Best Friend are also solid songs. A landmark album of psychedelic rock and the year 1967.
5
Dec 06 2022
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
It was the first time I heard Jeff Buckley and I must say that I was blown away. We often hear powerful voices, but rarely with so many emotions and nuances. Musically, the compositions are magnificent and extremely well put together and blend perfectly with the voice of Jeff Buckley.
5
Dec 07 2022
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Ok, I definitely can't stand Elvis Costello's music, but this contains 2 nice songs instead of zero like This Year's Model. The artwork is cool.
2
Dec 08 2022
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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
It's a good album, but my expectations were maybe too high considering the line-up on this. It's more average hip-hop than innovative or groundbreaking. The biggest concern is that IT'S TOO LONG WINDED.
3
Dec 09 2022
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
This is really not my type of music, but I must admit there are pretty great songs on this album. From Malibu to Northern Star, I call it strong and engaging pop/rock. However, there's nothing there that really stand out and that could become a huge monument in the history of music.
3
Dec 12 2022
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Kick ass punk album. What else?
4
Dec 13 2022
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2 very great songs that became classics and 13 others that I don't care about. The album is pretty boring and it sounds surprisingly bad.
2
Dec 14 2022
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
The problem with this album is not the music, but how it was delivered to us : 43 little songs over 1h15 duration. Damn. How is it possible to enjoy?
2
Dec 15 2022
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Kala
M.I.A.
This is far away from my type of music and I was out of my comfort zone for this one, but... I must admit that there are killer beats and tracks on this. I'll never listen to this again, but this thing kicks ass for sure.
4
Dec 16 2022
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Generic alternative rock at its best. I don't remember anything from this record.
2
Dec 19 2022
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Without a shadow of a doubt, she has a special and unique voice. However, the music is so generic/average easy listening jazz that it spoils all the emotion behind Billie Holiday's interpretation. So, I don't know... 5 stars for her, -2 stars for what's surrounding her.
3
Dec 20 2022
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Marquee Moon
Television
An easy one.
Why the song "Marquee Moon" can't last for at least 30min?
It's almost impossible not to fall in love with this album.
5
Dec 21 2022
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
A seriously nice folk pop album with a subtle medieval vibe. Always liked her voice and delivery. The 80s production is also there, but it didn't destroy the vibe and make it age bad. It gives the album a different sound.
Very successful, in the end.
4
Dec 22 2022
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
A nice cool and smooth album. Nothing really stands out, but nothing is bad either.
3
Dec 23 2022
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Slipknot
Slipknot
Year 1999, Slipknot are ready to drop a bomb in the metal world, bringing an innovative, agressive, angry and energetic sound. Corey Taylor directly proves he was an incredible singer by sometimes blasting raw and growling vocals and other times super clean and emotive ones. Joey Jordison shows his machine skills and the adhesion of members like Shawn Crahan was putting on a hell of a show. It's not a perfect album, but it's certainly an important and outstanding one.
5
Dec 26 2022
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Phil Spector's style of direction and production is easily recognizable here, which makes it a different, pleasant and truly charming Christmas album.
4
Dec 27 2022
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
I'm going to put 5 stars so I can make up for my weird friend's note of 3 stars.
5
Dec 28 2022
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All Directions
The Temptations
Psychedelic soul, what a nice genre! I wasn't aware of this album before and I really enjoyed it. That early 70s brass sound is always so much appreciated. Vocals were something too!
4
Dec 29 2022
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
I had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The first half is made of very strong songs with original and creative beats. After that, the album seems a bit too long winded and the quality is slowly turning down. Glad I listened to it.
3
Dec 30 2022
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Smooth, high class and precise jazz. It's incredible to think it has been made live, because the playing of the musicians is an absolute perfection! I do not feel bound to those songs, but it was very well played.
4
Jan 02 2023
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Nothing bad, but nothing really distinctive too. I don't know... Classic and generic for every musicians. Generic blues rock. I didn't need another version of Shapes of Things or You Shook Me. I didn't.
2
Jan 03 2023
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple is certainly a great singer and composer. The orchestral and vibes arrangments were very nice. It's not my kind of music, but I must admit it's a wonderful record.
4
Jan 04 2023
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
It's seriously great and creative music. There are a few diamonds in this album, unfortunately lost in a too long winded product in which the listener can easily loose interest along the road.
3
Jan 05 2023
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One World
John Martyn
Cool and smooth album, very pleasing and enjoyable. There's nothing that really stand out here, except maybe the songs Dancing and Certain Surprise. Nothing innovative or amazing, but certainly nice.
3
Jan 06 2023
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
This might be one of the most important album in my musical evolution and journey. I was 15 or 16 years old the first time I heard it. With this album, I discovered a whole other way to play drum. I learned that a strong listening within the musicians can be a game changer for a jam part or even for a written part. I found that an album artwork can be weirdly fascinating. I also gave a more important attention to abstract lyrics and poetry. And most of all, it was my introduction to my favorite instrument ever : the mellotron. I remember the first time I listened to this album, I have rarely felt something so strong on the first try. 5 stars is not enough.
5
Jan 09 2023
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Half of the album is made of very great and strong songs and the other half is incredibly average and poor. By chance, the nice songs are VERY good.
3
Jan 10 2023
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
I'm not a grunge fan, but this album is a very great example of the right way to do it, with strong, catchy, loud and emotive songs. It's an album you can easily dive in and live something. There is also nice subtleties in the production and arrangements.
4
Jan 11 2023
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British Steel
Judas Priest
This might be one of the Judas Priest less impressive album. Of course, the hit "Breaking The Law" is insane and there are a few great songs like Grinder, Steeler or Rapid Fire, but it's not a strong Judas Priest album overall. Tracks like United or Red, White & Blue are so bad it hurts.
3
Jan 12 2023
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Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
Cool nocturnal trip-hop, but a little long-winded and samey overall, but I can't see why it is in the 1001.
2
Jan 13 2023
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Very great album! Jazzy folk in the style of Nick Drake, how can we not love it?
4
Jan 16 2023
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Kenya
Machito
Great grooves, absolutely nothing memorable that I want to listen again in my life.
2
Jan 17 2023
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
I don't know. I just can't dive in with this band. The late 80s sound has really aged bad, not like the early and mid 80s sound that is always enjoyable. So what we get here is late 80s pop that is not really catchy. It's not completely bad, but... meh.
2
Jan 18 2023
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
Surprisingly great! Trip hop, drum'n'bass and downtempo shit are usually genres that I like a little, but no more. Now, this is a great treasure of this kind of music. The mood is nicely dramatic all the way and the beats are sick.
4
Jan 19 2023
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
There are some big well done arrangements on this album. And that's the only quality I can find in it. Other else, it's generic, boring, over produced and overheard bullshit.
1
Jan 20 2023
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
Not something that I would listen to everyday, but hey... it's The Byrds, so it's great! A very nice country album fulfilled with strong vocal harmonies, insane guitar licks and powerful production. Is it one of the best 1001 albums of all time? Probably not, but I enjoyed its presence here anyway.
4
Jan 23 2023
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
This is without the shadow of a doubt one of the best thrash metal album ever made and the best that we'll ever get from Megadeth. In Rust in Peace, we can feel another kind of anger, lead by inimitable guitar works, killer drum parts and intoxicating vocals.
5
Jan 24 2023
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading is obviously a great artist, passionate and soulful, but also very generic. It's sadly an average album from the 70s and I can't see why it's supposed to be a monument of this era.
2
Jan 25 2023
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
Smooth conscious boom bap always put you in a very nice mood, but this album lacks a little bit of tork and attack. It was very enjoyable, tho. I don't think I'll get back to it.
3
Jan 26 2023
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Your average generic folk-rock album bought at Wal-Mart because de guy was looking nice and cool on the cover.
2
Jan 27 2023
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
This album is so cool, a monument of its generation. It's a really fun, enjoyable and light journey amongst the punkish new-wave of the late 70s.
4
Jan 30 2023
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Always loved the raw and powerful sound of the Yardbirds. They were incredibly heavy for their times. Also, it's one of the only band that can craft interesting blues-rock music, which is very rare for me.
4
Jan 31 2023
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Achtung Baby
U2
This album was incredibly boring to me and the kind-of wannabe emotive vocals of Bono are annoying to a point it completely ruined the album. U2 can be great, especially in their early 80s phase, but... What was that?
1
Feb 01 2023
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
The kings of sampling and energic hip-hop, no doubt about it and this album is another monument to prove it.
4
Feb 02 2023
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'NĂ©rd 'Skin-'NĂ©rd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Southern rock is usually not my type of music, but I must admit Lynyrd Skynyrd give us a treat here by giving one of the best album of this genre. Tuesday's Gone is my favorite of them, Gimme Three Steps and Simple Man are great classic songs and Free Bird might be one of the most iconic rock song ever.
4
Feb 03 2023
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
A cool sounding smooth soul album that will hurt absolutely nobody, but that will also be forgotten in... Oh, well, it's already forgotten. Who was I listening to?
2
Feb 06 2023
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
This album is of an undeniable perfection from the beginning to the end. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (1-5) begins the album gently and slowly grows in forcefulness and quality. The effect it has on the listener when the guitar riff starts is so insane.
Welcome to the Machine contains one of the most beautiful and powerful synth timbres I know.
Have A Cigar is the cool and moody break to all this intensity, letting the listener tap the foot a little bit, without being meaningless or easy.
Wish You Were Here might be one of the best song ever written, enough said.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond (6-9) is like a slow breath of fresh air to conclude the album feeling the best we could.
5
Feb 07 2023
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
The recipe for the songs that make up this album:
-Find an annoying guitar licks and strum it to death
-Complement this with some goofy or weird sounding synthesizer accents.
-Sing the lyrics with an ironic, crazy and edgy voice tone.
Well, that's a nice recipe.
4
Feb 08 2023
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
Generic post-punk, dance-punk exist and that's a great example of it. I can't see why it's here on the 1001.
A few great songs and moments, tho.
2
Feb 09 2023
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
It was a pleasant listen, fine dark jazz with very good experimental moments. That said, I would have wished a shorter album. One hour of instrumental crime jazz could become a bit boring.
3
Feb 10 2023
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
The song "Welcome to Pleasuredom" was very nice, we rarely encounter a 13 minutes conceptual song in the new wave/synthpop aesthetic. And after this song? Nothing. It was long, boring and annoying.
2
Feb 13 2023
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
A flat version of Nickelback? A diet pepsi for the soul?
A lesson on how to produce the most generic album possible?
"You've got the moon on your pyjamas
And the stars in your eyes", are you serious?
1
Feb 14 2023
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
I know this album has been important in the 2000s and is considered a landmark in that decade. Muse really made a huge hit with that one. However, listening back at it now leaves a bittersweet feeling. Too much production, too much arrangements, too much for nothing and in the end, it didn't age so well because of that.
3
Feb 15 2023
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
A very nice synthpop/new wave album from the early 80s, great hits, synth tones and beats are found on this one. I can't say that I would listen to this everyday, but it was a pleasure to listen to.
3
Feb 16 2023
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
I have nothing to say about it.
3
Feb 17 2023
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
It's not an album I would necessarily put in the 1001 challenge, but... Wow, I loved the unusual synthesizer sounds and kind of sarcastic vocals. "Let's All Make A Bomb" is a killer track. I think I loved that album.
4
Feb 20 2023
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
A wonderful blend of folk and jazz, subtly catchy moments, insane vocals... I love this album and I consider it one of the best albums from Joni Mitchell.
4
Feb 21 2023
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I found it difficult to hold on to anything on this album. It sounds really samey overall and I can't understand why it is so praised.
2
Feb 22 2023
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
A few nice moments and beats overall, but sadly flooded by too much skits in a long-winded album. I don't understand why it's so much praised.
3
Feb 23 2023
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
Another hip-hop album with great songs, flow and beat in it that are unfortunately drenched in a too long and samey overall work. It's sad, because there were very nice moments in it.
3
Feb 24 2023
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
I can't stand this one.
1
Feb 27 2023
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Parachutes
Coldplay
An overall nice album that I'm not fan of, but that is surely important in this decade. Great pop songs, distinctive singing, a sound of their own.
3
Feb 28 2023
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
Generic and boring, still it wasn't hurtful to listen to.
2
Mar 01 2023
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Explosive grooves, tasteful brass, epic singer, great guitar, varied percussions... What do you want more? The best of afrobeat and funk.
4
Mar 02 2023
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
The singularity of this album lies in the fact of driving good melodies and contagious emotion through abstract, noisy and fuzzy music. I don't know how you make a such cohesive but chaotic album, but they did it and I enjoyed it.
I didn't fully understand the whole thing as it was my first listen, but I'll certainly come back for more time with Pavement.
4
Mar 03 2023
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
A few great moments, but overall it's boring, generic and will be forgot in one or two generations. I can't understand why it's supposed to be an important album.
2
Mar 06 2023
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Live At Leeds
The Who
The Who were one of the greatest live acts of the 60s/70s and this live keeps a nice memory of this statement. Keith Moon's explosive drum playing, John Entwistle's incredibly solid basslines and powerful guitar strumming by Townshend are well felt. Roger Daltrey was also at his peak. A very nice one!
4
Mar 07 2023
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White Ladder
David Gray
Surprisingly boring for an album in the 1001.
2
Mar 08 2023
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Angry, raw and noisy music for bad people. I wouldn't listen to this every day, but it surely scared some square people. Loved it.
4
Mar 09 2023
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
The music is well made with very nice details in it, but... this album try so bad to Massive Attack and to fit the 90s downtempo vibe that it became a little annoying along the ride, especially with its 1h length. Candy Perfume Girl and Skin are so bad it hurts, it would have fit very well in a 90s Dove soap advertising on television. It might be an important album in Madonna's career, but it's not for me.
2
Mar 10 2023
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
I can't believe that this is amongst the albums you found to give the 2000s a little representation in this book. This is seriously becoming a joke.
1
Mar 13 2023
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Goo
Sonic Youth
A milestone of noise rock and the best part is that they managed to make this album catchy, but still rebellious in sound and approach.
4
Mar 14 2023
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Bittersweet piano rock from the 90s can be good for a light hearted movie from that era, but not to stand the test of time. Sorry, it was not bad, but long and boring.
2
Mar 15 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
There is no doubt that this is a strong and creative pop album. However, it hardly stands the 80 minutes length, it's like great peanut butter spread on a one kilometer toast.
3
Mar 16 2023
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
It was like the good old british canterbury scene of the 70s translated into chamber folk/pop. Very light hearted music. I can't explain why, but I loved it.
4
Mar 17 2023
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Marty Robbins, Johnny Horton, Ray Price, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams... They're great country artists, aren't they?
1
Mar 20 2023
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Is This It
The Strokes
The kind of album that in theory, has nothing special to offer, but in practice, is totally magical. I can't say why it's good, but it is!
4
Mar 21 2023
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I find his music so soulless, uninteresting, unattractive. I don't understand how it got so popular.
2
Mar 22 2023
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Hms Fable
Shack
I think that the fact that this album is in the 1001 is the biggest joke so far. I went to dozen of record stores, I'm on Facebook group with more than 15000 music lovers, I'm digging music for more than 15 years now and no one, absolutely no one ever recommended me this. I had never even seen this poor artwork before. And you know why? Because this album is insanely generic and because it is NOT a monument in the history of music AT ALL.
This 1001 thing doesn't even contains albums from artists and bands likes Phil Collins, Gentle Giant, Broadcast or American Football, but of course, SHACK IS HERE! THE QUINTESSENCE OF MUSIC.
Thank you and goodbye.
1
Mar 23 2023
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Boston
Boston
A great classic rock album almost unforgettable in the great portrait of rock music. I can't say that I would listen to it often, but... The hits are there, the legend lives on.
4
Mar 24 2023
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
That's a very good album and a true "3.5 stars" to me. But still... I can't see why it's on this. Is it so good that it would be one of the best 1001 albums of all time? I doubt it. So... 3 stars.
3
Mar 27 2023
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I don't know what to think of this album, honestly. It starts slowly, the first 3 songs are musically boring. After that, it becomes more engaging and the melancholic and sad mood makes its way through us. But I can't find more than a mood in this album, and maybe that's okay? Who knows. I don't.
3
Mar 28 2023
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
This one is also really a 3.5 to me, BUT it deserves its place in the history of music and in this list, so I'll give it a four. There are maybe a few fillers, but the hits are so strong and will be forever remembered.
4
Mar 29 2023
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
There are 2 or 3 very nice moments, but overall there's really nothing there that I would want to listen again. Doing experimental things can be cool, but the listener must be able to feel something through it, which didn't happens to me here.
2
Mar 30 2023
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Kid A
Radiohead
This album could be in the "11 albums generator" list. Seriously, one of the most influential album ever and it's a masterpiece.
I would have liked to experience the release of this album at the time to live the big generalized "what the hell"... Then realize a few years later that it is finally a game changer in the history of music.
5
Mar 31 2023
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
A very nice warm and soothing psychedelic journey. Some tracks like "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell", "Are You a Hypnotist?" or "Do You Realize" will become personal favorites.
4
Apr 03 2023
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Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
It's a nice album, great mood and sound. I can't understand the reason why it's on this list. Maybe it was a great success at the time, but I'm not sure this one will stand the test of time. It was a little bit generic and samey.
3
Apr 04 2023
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
I'm not a Cheap Trick fan, their songs feel a little kitsh and easy to me, but I must admit they had an efficient power pop/rock sound and this live is done right : we feel a contagious energy from the crowd.
3
Apr 05 2023
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Early 70s glam is something I always find difficult to listen and to appreciate, but this one did it! Great job! Innovative and sensitive. With Brian Eno behind the synth, it's rarely a miss, always a hit!
4
Apr 06 2023
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
It wasn't bad nor good, it was like listening to nothing. No feelings at all. I really have nothing to say about it. Seriously, nothing better for the 2010 decade?
2
Apr 07 2023
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
I think it's the kind of album that was really great and innovative when it came out, but that is now unfortunately uninteresting and outdated. A few great songs here and there, but I can't find any fun or emotions listening to that. A fair 3.
3
Apr 10 2023
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
This man had recorded some of the best blues albums between 1959 and 1971, so let's listen to one of his worst from 1989. Is it only because of the featuring from Thorogood, Los Lobos or Santana? What the hell is that choice.
2
Apr 11 2023
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
Why 2 Belle And Sebastian albums on the 1001 list? I don't know, but... It was great! The song "Electronic Renaissance" was a huge unexpected surprise and just became my favorite track from them.
4
Apr 12 2023
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
1h20 of breakbeat and techno jams. Duuuuude, this is sooooo long for having so little to express and to say. What the hell was this?
1
Apr 13 2023
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Sympathy For The Devil and 9 other boring and generic blues-rock song. Damn, this album is soooo overrated it hurts. How can this band be even compared with the Beatles? There's more genius in McCartney strumming a chord than everything I've heard on this.
1
Apr 14 2023
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Live Through This
Hole
I really don't think Hole deserves to have 2 albums on this list, the 2 chosen for this list are very samey. However, I like the attitude of Courtney Love on these albums, the guitar sounds, the early grunge spirit.
3
Apr 17 2023
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Definitely, I have a problem with my ability to like this band. This album wasn't bad, but I felt nothing while listening to it. Maybe their sound didn't aged so much well? Anyway, I'll give a 3 stars in proof of my good will, but can't do more.
3
Apr 18 2023
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
I wonder why it's featured here, but it's an overall nice and smooth funk album. Nothing that hurts, nothing noticeable.
3
Apr 19 2023
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My Generation
The Who
The 3 first tracks are pretty boring, but after that, the true nature of these insane musicians start to shows off and then we're in for a treat. Keith Moon's explosive playing and Townshend energy are crafting a pretty heavy sound for the year 1965. And damn, they were young! To me, this record is a perfect 4 stars.
4
Apr 20 2023
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
I enjoyed this album as it contains some nice, groovy, well toned sounds, but again, I wonder why it is here, considering all the afrobeat masterpieces that exist in the world.
3
Apr 21 2023
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Arise
Sepultura
I'm glad that there is that kind of metal on the 1001. I do not consider "Arise" as a masterpiece of its kind, it sounds a little samey and lacks variety, but the vibe is overall violent and solid. More metal please!
3
Apr 24 2023
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
I don't know how relevant it is to have so many Talking Heads albums in the challenge, but for sure, I won't complain. This one is my third favorite of the band and it's still incredible new wave music!
4
Apr 25 2023
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1984
Van Halen
Some of it aged very bad, some of it are obvious powerful hits, some of it is nice, some of it is cringe. Van Halen are a monument of the 80s for sure.
3
Apr 26 2023
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
There are wonderful tracks in this album, like Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes or The Murder Mystery. It's an obviously influencial band that went lofi when everything was going more and more refined. However, most of the album is boring and uninteresting. I know it's cool to make lofi stuff, but strumming a badly toned guitar without any sense of melody might be not enough.
3
Apr 27 2023
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
This album was too long-winded, sometimes bad, sometimes very nice. I loved the atmospheric and introspective vibe and enjoy this listen.
3
Apr 28 2023
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
It was extremely long and boring.
It is at this point that we realize that the author of 1001 is a die-hard fan of downtempo... To a point where I can no longer follow.
1
May 01 2023
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
I'll need another listen to confirm that, but I think that's one of the best hip-hop album I've ever heard. The beats are insane, the delivery is unique. It's the third album I discover from Kendrick and I understand now why he's becoming a legend of our times.
Nice feature by Dr. Dre, also!
5
May 02 2023
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
The Smiths are always good, but still kind of overrated. This one might be my least favorite (but still good nonetheless).
3
May 03 2023
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
A few nice moments, but overall it was next-level boring. The song "Kiss And Make Up" might be one of the worst song I've ever heard.
So again : Saint Etienne is in this list, but no Broadcast? This whole thing is a joke.
2
May 04 2023
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
I liked it a lot more than my prejudices led me to believe. I'm not a fan of a cappella music, but I must say that I found a certain form of hypnotism, calm and rest in it. I don't think I'll get back to it, nor that it's a major album in history of music, but it was a pleasant listen.
3
May 05 2023
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Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
It seems like the Butthole Surfers just got a new fan!
4
May 08 2023
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
It's almost a miracle that Stevie managed to craft a 1h45 album that stay interesting and engaging all along the way. An impressive, luminous, groovy, heartfelt and innovative soul masterpiece.
5
May 09 2023
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Risque
CHIC
It's difficult to understand that there is two Chic albums on this list. It's good, but average stuff that no one really cares about right now. I think? Anyway.
3
May 10 2023
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Hey, that was a pretty good country album. Nothing really distinctive, but I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. It was peaceful, soothing and wonderfully interpreted by the legendary Willie Nelson.
3
May 11 2023
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
A few nice old school hip-hop moments with kick-ass beats, but when I say a few, it's like 2% of the album. Overall, it ages very bad and it's mostly boring to annoying point.
2
May 12 2023
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
I don't get it. It's like cheap Cheap Trick, so that reaches a high level of boredom. I'm gonna love you too, Sunday Girl and 11:59 are painful to listen to.
2
May 15 2023
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
It is perhaps one of the albums that most demonstrates that Paul McCartney is a master in the art of writing catchy and unique songs. I know this album by heart and I could listen to it anytime.
5
May 16 2023
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Street Life
The Crusaders
Very great musicianship was used only to make us experience a 40 minutes journey inside an elevator.
2
May 17 2023
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
The song "Sweat Dreams" deserves to be in the list "1001 songs you must listen", but the album... A massive hit doesn't make an album great and legendary. Overall, it was surprisingly boring.
2
May 18 2023
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Yeezus
Kanye West
Well, that's what I call a huge surprise. I didn't even knew that Kanye West made industrial, hardcore and experimental hip-hop of that kind. I wouldn't listen to this all day long, but it was interesting, surprising and outcast. Glad I discovered this one.
4
May 19 2023
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
I wouldn't listen to this everyday, but it's
an undeniable and powerful classic in terms of pop music.
4
May 22 2023
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Light, uplifting, well toned, beautifully constructed and arranged music. Perfect to listen with eyes closed to get lost in it. A must from The Flaming Lips.
5
May 23 2023
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Dookie
Green Day
Dookie is on my favorite 90s records. Billie Joe Armstrong songwriting is at its best, with incredible punchlines, catchy chorus and verses. Tré Cool's drumming is energetic and wild.
"Burnout" is one of the best intro ever. It gets the listener overwhelmed right from the start. Another peculiarity of the album can be found in the bridges, made up of and focusing on drum'n'bass.
Okay, I'll shut up about it, I just love it.
5
May 24 2023
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Nothing so memorable around there, but a nice folk album with an excellent guitar player for sure. I enjoyed it, but won't come back to it.
3
May 25 2023
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Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Some songs were really great, others pretty boring. It's a hard one to rate. 3 stars will do it.
3
May 26 2023
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Groovy and jazzy swing album. Very well made and executed. I don't really care about it, but I can't say nothing bad about it.
3
May 29 2023
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
A personal classic that I consider perfect from start to finish. It's an album I can easily totally jump in. The psychedelic, eclectic, electro, pop and introspective sound is perfect. So many great and well produced songs. The Youth, Piece Of What and Of Moons, Birds & Monsters are especially powerful.
5
May 30 2023
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Old rhythm and blues never gets old! Well, maybe a little bit... but still very enjoyable.
3
May 31 2023
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Angry and rebellious 80s shorties. Cool!
3
Jun 01 2023
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Wow, this is now my favorite (and the only one I like) Blur album. This one contains nice songs, especially For Tomorrow or the beautiful Miss America. I wouldn't say it's one of the best albums ever, but it was worth a listen.
3
Jun 02 2023
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
I wouldn't call it a disco masterpiece, but it's a nice and enjoyable album. The ballads are quite boring, but the upbeat and dance songs are A1.
3
Jun 05 2023
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
This one is not even in my top 5 David Bowie's album, but it's still a very great one. Changes, Oh You Pretty Thing, Life On Mars and Quicksand are top-tier songs.
4
Jun 06 2023
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2112
Rush
This is one of the greatest release by one of the greatest band ever. How could I not love it? 2112 is one of the most epic conceptual track ever made and the side B contains some of Rush finest cuts.
5
Jun 07 2023
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
I'm generally enthusiastic with the stuff more outcast, experimental and noisy, but I can't see why this one is interesting or good. Nice try, tho.
2
Jun 08 2023
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Very surprising and pleasant. A flourishing album of great and various arrangements and beautiful melodies. The interpretation of the songs is done with so much enthusiasm, it shows in the recording. I smile all the way through.
4
Jun 09 2023
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Homework
Daft Punk
A tech-house album with songs that are far too long is certainly something that can drive me crazy in a negative way.
1
Jun 12 2023
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Abbey Road
Beatles
This is easily one of the most perfect album ever recorded by the greatest rock act on Earth.
5
Jun 13 2023
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American Idiot
Green Day
Achieving successfully a pop/punk rock opera in 2004 is a master move. This album contains many important hits from the 2000s and one of Green Day's finest cut : Jesus Of Suburbia, an unexpected 8 minutes track with movements, killers riffs and awesome drum parts.
On a personal level, this is one of the most important album from my teenage years. It changes everything.
5
Jun 14 2023
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
This record was so heavy for the time. Imagine putting on that record in 1957. His way of singing was innovative, so energetic and passionate. The band was also very powerful. Amongst the best rock n roll/RNB records of all time.
5
Jun 15 2023
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
This is not even in my top 10 Neil Young's albums, but damn... I had so much fun listening to this. I was singing and playing air guitar all along the ride. Neil Young is a true master of his art.
4
Jun 16 2023
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Guero
Beck
The first 5 songs are awesome and might be one of my favorite Beck moment. After this, the album fall in a smooth and more generic mood. It's nice, but nothing really stand out after that.
3
Jun 19 2023
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
I suddenly want to open a Pabst, buy leather pants and ride a motorcycle until the end of time.
4
Jun 20 2023
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Conscious, Jazz Rap, Boom Bap... Wow! I didn't knew Jurassic 5 was all of that, why nobody told me? Very glad I just discovered this album.
4
Jun 21 2023
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Ok, I didn't knew this was related to The Knife, which I love very much. Nice songs with an electro/marimba/kalimba vibe that is pretty unique in electro-pop music. I enjoyed it a lot.
4
Jun 22 2023
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
2 or 3 great songs but very boring overall. I can't understand why this is a part of this challenge.
2
Jun 23 2023
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
Very good band playing average folk/roots songs. It's nice and enjoyable, but I'll never come back to this in the end.
3
Jun 26 2023
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Energetic and raw garage rock. Great album, but can't really say more about it.
3
Jun 27 2023
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Who's Next
The Who
One of my favorite hard rock album ever.
All the members of The Who are exceptional musicians and it is on this album that we feel it the most. It's also the best performance by Roger Daltrey ever.
I don't know how someone can listen to Won't Get Fooled Again and not feel a crazy urge to scream and go crazy.
5
Jun 28 2023
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
This kind of alternative/jangle british vibe might be one of the only good thing of the late 80s. It was my first listening of this album and I must say that I really enjoyed it. Soothing, creative, luminous and uplifting music.
4
Jun 29 2023
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Once again, very cruelly, the length of this album kills all the charm there could be. There are wonderful neo-soul moments and songs out there, but also many salty fillers so we can fill the CD at its maximum length.
2
Jun 30 2023
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The Score
Fugees
I know this album is important and very much appreciated, but it's just not my kind of music and/or vibe. I'll give it a fair 3, my job is done here.
3
Jul 03 2023
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash at San Quentin might be my favorite live album ever. Can you imagine a crowd of prisoners enjoying a show from their #1 idol after years and years of not seeing a single show. And furthermore, Johnny Cash arriving with the song "San Quentin" for them, playing it twice.
The most responsive crowd I've ever heard. The crowd is overwhelmed and the fun is 100% there.
5
Jul 04 2023
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
This powerful album knows exactly where to pull all the heartstrings in my soul.
5
Jul 05 2023
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Melodrama
Lorde
Musically speaking, it's okay and Lorde is a great singer. That said, the breakup, nocturnal-romantic-party-teenage themes just won't do it for me.
2
Jul 06 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
Very happy to return to this Faust album that I had only listened to once, a very long time ago. It's definitely an important work in the krautrock genre. Very adventurous and free music, which is something that I respect a lot.
4
Jul 07 2023
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
55 minutes where I totally blacked out and didn't feel anything else than pure nothingness. I almost liked 2 songs, what a deal!
1
Jul 10 2023
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Classic album that blends garage rock, psych and blues with one of the most iconic singer ever! The guitar parts are insane and most of the songs very catchy.
4
Jul 11 2023
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
When 4 songwriting masters of folk come together to create an album and sing... The vocals are especially beautiful on DĂ©jĂ Vu. The amount of good stuff these 4 guys produced in the 60s and 70s is totally incredible.
5
Jul 12 2023
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Dire Straits have more efficient and great albums than this one, which let go the distinctive sounds of Mark Knopfler to an overproduced 80s thing. Still... It has nice songs on it and it's enjoyable! 3 stars for me.
3
Jul 13 2023
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
dafuq
1
Jul 14 2023
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
The leader of jazz-folk is at the top here with an album rich in textures, artsy tricks and arrangements. Very uplifting overall. Loved it.
4
Jul 17 2023
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
For sure, there's an insane work of sampling behind this, but I feel a lack of offering something engaging and catchy to the listener. Great work, tho.
3
Jul 18 2023
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
A great heartfelt piece of slacker folk to listen to anywhere, anytime.
4
Jul 19 2023
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
Here are the nice folk songs you can find on this album : Both Of Us, So Begins The Task, It Doesn't Matter, Johnny's Garden, Move Around. The other songs are Claptoncore generic blues shit you don't need.
2
Jul 20 2023
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
The songs are not that great, but the raw and heavy intention behind every tracks make it impossible not to have fun and enjoy. Pretty noisy and rebellious stuff for 1965. This goes straight between an early Kinks album and The Monks.
4
Jul 21 2023
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xx
The xx
I probably will never come back to this album again, but I loved the overall mood on it. A kind of subtle coldwave with a depressive indie rock vibe.
3
Jul 24 2023
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Murmur
R.E.M.
I don't get why this album is legendary, but it really seems to be. It's nice, but also very samey all the way through. I don't know... maybe 3 stars?
3
Jul 25 2023
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
In A Silent Way is one of the best work by Miles Davis and a standout album of 1969. This music is hypnotic and soothing all the way through.
5
Jul 26 2023
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
One of my favorite album ever. It's the best work of every musician of this group. The drumming of Ginger Baker on this has always been a strong inspiration for me as a drummer.
5
Jul 27 2023
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
I always had difficulty to enjoy overproduced pop of the late 80s, especially when it's so samey for a complete hour. Rhythm Nation and Black Cat are great songs, tho.
2
Jul 28 2023
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Woodface
Crowded House
This not something stunning and it will surely be forgotten in a few decades, but it's a somehow nice album with great moments on it. 3 stars and... next!
3
Jul 31 2023
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Elvis performing average songs wonderfully. An enjoyable album, but not a personal favorite from the King.
3
Aug 01 2023
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
One of the most mindblowing album of the late 80s for sure. Strong and energetic songs infused with noise, raw passion and anger. A personal favorite.
5
Aug 02 2023
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
When we talk about a band that comes with a brand new sound and destroys everything in its path... System of a Down and their first album comes in my mind automatically. It's pure insane musical violence doubled with sarcasm, political and social criticism, chaos and anger. I'm also a fan of the dark and weird moments found on this album. I don't know if I would have put this one out for the 1001 challenge, but SOAD deserves their place here 100%.
5
Aug 03 2023
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
I was really surprised by that one. I loved the annoyingly adorable vocals and the power felt within the guitar riffs and tones. A strong intention to kick some asses behind this record and this is a success.
4
Aug 04 2023
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
* sigh *, hey you know what? That was boring. Why so many Morrissey's album on this list? Who knows.
2
Aug 07 2023
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
The experimental aspect of this album is phenomenal. The songs contain more texture than usual hip-hop. All of this combined with strong political themes and a masterful delivery of the lyrics... Well, I consider this an essential listen.
5
Aug 08 2023
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The Predator
Ice Cube
And again... The delivery of Ice Cube is perfect and insane. The beats are also very wild on this album. It's only a little too long-winded to very stand out as a huge hip-hop masterpiece, but it's an important one for sure.
4
Aug 09 2023
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The Stooges
The Stooges
Innovative record for sure, but with only a few great moments overall. Nothing compared to something like Fun House. I mean... The worst song of the album last 10 minutes out of 30.
3
Aug 10 2023
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
One disc full of hits and powerful songs, another one dominated by fillers. What can we do with that? A real 3.5 case. Okay, it's an important record in the history of rock. Let's go to 4.
4
Aug 11 2023
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
If you want to know how to do fusion jazz and funk the right way, this album might be one of the best example of it. Insane stuff!
4
Aug 14 2023
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Amongst the best melancholic, sad and depressive albums ever made. It blows me away every time I listen to it.
5
Aug 15 2023
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Amongst my favorite Dylan's albums. This is an exquisite masterpiece of art in folk music. Very ambitious release for year 1966. The fanfare/bigband opener is so memorable, funny and remarquable for that style. In high contrast, the closer of this epic singer-songwriter journey is more of an introspective long poetic piece.
5
Aug 16 2023
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes' first album is a nice psyched record that I enjoy a lot, but very far from the best of its genre, especially in 1967. The opener song is a killer, that's for sure.
3
Aug 17 2023
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Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
This album is like eating a sandwich at the Subway. It was good, it was quick, the job is done and you can go on to your next meal.
3
Aug 18 2023
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Undoubtedly a jazz classic.
4
Aug 21 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
I don't get why there is 2 live albums of Johnny Cash playing in a prison on a chart where you can only list 1001 albums, but anyway, it's Johnny Cash playing in a prison. It's fantastic. As I give a 5 stars to the other, I'll give only 4 to this one. Thank you and good night!
4
Aug 22 2023
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Adult oriented rock done right! Exceptional musicianship and feeling on this collection of nicely written and arranged songs.
4
Aug 23 2023
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Badass metal album with the unique delivery of Lemmy. A true classic.
4
Aug 24 2023
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Your average sophisti-jangle shit.
2
Aug 25 2023
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Catchy, rebellious and wild songs all the way through for the debut album by the legendary Iron Maiden.
4
Aug 28 2023
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Not a personal favorite, but definitely a classic from 1968 filled with hits and exquisite guitar and drum playing.
4
Aug 29 2023
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Spiderland
Slint
Slowcore, math rock, post-hardcore, emo, post-rock? What is this? I don't know, and that's perfect like this. A lot of feelings and emotions in this record. Brilliant!
4
Aug 30 2023
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Very cool indie/punk album from the 90s. Very nice guitar works on this. Powerful songs! A true 3.5.
3
Aug 31 2023
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
I'm not a big connoisseur of the genre, but it's certainly one of my favorite reggae albums. The warm, tropical-mellow mood is 100% there and the catchy vocal lines are great. Love this one.
4
Sep 01 2023
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Phrenology
The Roots
I wonder
3
Sep 04 2023
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Real Life
Magazine
Now that's GREAT post-punk/new wave! All of this with a subtle glimpse of prog rock. Unique stuff!
4
Sep 05 2023
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Sincere
Mj Cole
The fact that this album is present in this list is an insult to all users of the site and proves that it is all just a big charade to plug as many British artists as possible.
1
Sep 06 2023
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Super great soul soundtrack!
The arrangements are funkylicious, you know.
4
Sep 07 2023
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
An unbeatable classic of west coast hip-hop and gangsta sound. Dr Dre did an incredible job on this.
4
Sep 08 2023
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
Unbelievable ethereal tones and instruments all the way. In 2023, it's still an amazing and surprising record.
4
Sep 11 2023
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
The kind of album you still have your old CD somewhere because everyone bought it and it's fun to come back to it sometimes even if it's not a masterpiece. Feelgood stuff.
3
Sep 12 2023
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers are cool, a few hits here and there, nice vocals... but they are so harmless at the same time. It doesn't push anything forward. I think a 3 is a fair rating.
3
Sep 13 2023
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
A nice goth rock album, but that lacks a little something to me to make it stand out from other albums of this specific style. The song "1959" might contains the worst soulless piano tone I've ever heard, so bad, 'cause the song is well written.
3
Sep 14 2023
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
A very nice debut album for the legend My Bloody Valentine, but the best was yet to come with Loveless.
3
Sep 15 2023
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
It's a very important album from a music genre I just can't love.
3
Sep 18 2023
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Dare!
The Human League
Wow, I didn't knew about this album before and it's a very good new wave piece!
I like when the 1001 challenge surprises me positively.
4
Sep 19 2023
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
It was the first vinyl record I played on a record player in my life and it changed everything for me. I was fifteen years old and I discovered the power and magic that an instrumental track can have.
I love this album more than I love myself.
5
Sep 20 2023
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
Music for people who like to pour beer on the carpet while screaming-dancing drunk.
1
Sep 21 2023
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Outstanding musicianship. The proof that it's possible to blend jazz, pop and rock very well without it seeming the least bit forced.
4
Sep 22 2023
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
An album of covers from artists who didn't want to be covered. It's almost a joke in the case of Dazed And Confused. This album contains a lot of "baby". Still... a legendary album we'll never be able to get rid of. Well interpreted and played, tho.
3
Sep 25 2023
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Modern R&B in which I don't find anything particular or exceptional, but still... It was a pleasant listen.
3
Sep 26 2023
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
Wow! This was totally unexpected! A very energetic and rebellious record that I never heard of before. The title is gold!
4
Sep 27 2023
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
Another Sonic Youth classic. I feel this one is well balanced between their noisy/chaotic side and their strong compositions skills with more structured arrangements. Again, well played SY.
4
Sep 28 2023
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
This album has a really unique feel into it, but I unfortunately can't dive in that kind of stuff.
3
Sep 29 2023
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
This album is like a bad mixture of Coldplay and Franz Ferdinand.
2
Oct 02 2023
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OK Computer
Radiohead
Undeniably a legendary album, Ok Computer is a game changer for the 90s era and the history of music. It's like space britpop/alt rock that age very, very well. These songs are a perfect example of what mastered songwriting is and how arrangements can boost everything to the top.
5
Oct 03 2023
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
It reminds me of the time when it was cool to support your chorus with a nice little glockenspiel.
2
Oct 04 2023
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This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
My first time listening to this post-punk classic from 1985 and I enjoyed it. The gothic delivery flirting with a garage feel in the music is enough to make this album stand out.
4
Oct 05 2023
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
A nice pop/soul/jazz album from 1968. I don't know why it's supposed to be here on this list, I'm not sure this album is so important or influencial, but... It was a pleasant listening.
3
Oct 06 2023
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
The Cure's most perfect release every. Dark and engaging as hell!
5
Oct 09 2023
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
Kate Bush transforms pop music into an exceptional artistic painting! Unique stuff.
4
Oct 10 2023
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The Coral
The Coral
This album is very 1001core, by being british, indie and not that important at all in the history of music. That said, it was a nice listen to be honest.
3
Oct 11 2023
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The Joshua Tree
U2
The last good U2 album just before they took a path I just can't follow. I have a hard time trying to appreciate Bono's singing on this one, but musically speaking, this album is great, catchy and well done.
3
Oct 12 2023
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Classic blues, well played, nice feeling, nothing really stands out. A pleasant live performance.
3
Oct 13 2023
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
One of the best hip-hop album ever. The music is certified gold and fresh.
Also a huge fan of Kamasi Washington's feat on this.
5
Oct 16 2023
View Album
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
Very nice art-pop offering with subtle arrangements and texture that gives a glimpse of a progressive electronic aspect. It's a true 3.5 to me, let's give it 4 as I'm glad for this new discovery.
4
Oct 17 2023
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
It sounds like a bad and powerless Justice. Why this album is on the list will forever remains a mystery.
2
Oct 18 2023
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Bono trying so hard to be revelant and deep in the most cringe and awful way. All of it at the top of boring sounds that would be nothing without reverb and delay. The 1001 should have let this one behind.
1
Oct 19 2023
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
This album seems to be straight out a cheap dance movie from 2004 where there are two enemy dance troupes who end up doing a big dance together at the end of the film.
1
Oct 20 2023
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Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Kick ass jazz album that won't let you breath for a second. Love it. Glad that John Zorn is in the 1001, even if it's a tribute album.
4
Oct 23 2023
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
Do you remember the famous cult album Strange Cargo III? Me neither.
1
Oct 24 2023
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
A kind of interesting math/art indie pop that has its own sound. A very unique product for 2009. That said, I'm not so appealed to it.
3
Oct 25 2023
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The World is a Ghetto
War
An album that I consider in my soul/funk tops.
Catchy songs with an incomparable feeling from the musicians who perform them.
How can you not fall in love with songs like Cisco Kid, City Country City or the incredible The World Is A Ghetto?
An essential.
5
Oct 26 2023
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Epic album from the a Beatles who had been carrying his unreleased songs around in his suitcase for years. The result is wonderful with some of the best songs of his career. Unfortunately, the third disc is pushing it too far with more pointless stuff that could have become bonus tracks.
4
Oct 27 2023
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
James Brown performances are always next level and his band is wonderful, flawless and groovy.
4
Oct 30 2023
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
This Paul Simon cover looks like a screenshot of a camera that caught him stealing in a convenience store.
Maybe he was trying to steal a good song idea?
And it obviously didn't work.
2
Oct 31 2023
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Generic and pleasant soul music from the 60s. Nothing special, nothing bad.
3
Nov 01 2023
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Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
I like to listen to hindustani music sometimes, because of its very unconventional sounds and ways of composing and singing compared to the north american/european music I'm used to.
3
Nov 02 2023
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Smooth jazz for breakfast restaurants.
2
Nov 03 2023
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
A strong classic from the britpop era. If the band would have been able to do a complete album in the vibe of Don't Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Morning Glory and Roll With It or even Wonderwall, which is a powerful hit that we just can't hear anymore... this album would have been a 5 stars.
4
Nov 06 2023
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Scum
Napalm Death
This is genius and innovative, but grindcore is suppose to be kind of bad isn't it? There were better albums to come, but thanks to Scum for starting the mess.
3
Nov 07 2023
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
The blend of folk/americana style with dark and gothic vibe is strangely wonderful. Tom Waits delivery is also unique, emotive and powerful.
4
Nov 08 2023
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is a legend, but this album is a average 80s pop record.
2
Nov 09 2023
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
At first, I thought it would be an average soft rock album from the mid 70s, but the more I got into the album, the more dark, vulnerable and melancholic it became, the songs were getting better and more evocative. Nice work, Big Star!
4
Nov 10 2023
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Was this a nightmare?
1
Nov 13 2023
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
This is a great pop album, but nothing that really stands out like the previous Kate Bush works.
3
Nov 14 2023
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
The first 7 songs were nice and the rest was generic alternative noises from the 90s. 7 songs out of 22 is not enough to reach a 3 stars. Not today. Sorry.
2
Nov 15 2023
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
It's a nice groovy and moody soul jazz output, especially the epic 20 minutes track "Do Your Thing", but it can also becomes very bland by moments, too long winded I guess.
3
Nov 16 2023
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
I didn't think I would like this album, but I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought. Punk with excellent songwriting and full of emotion.
4
Nov 17 2023
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Brothers
The Black Keys
This might be the most mid/2.5 stars thing I've ever listened too. On one side, you have beautifully toned and well recorded and played instruments, but on the other side, you have the most already-hearded boring and predictable blues rock compositions and lyrics. And you have to go through 55 minutes of it.
2
Nov 20 2023
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
This album is the very definition of writing songs for the sake of writing them, without really believing in them or living them. The themes are so generic and the songs so predictable that you have the impression that they have already been recorded before (probably by The Rolling Stones or by Led Zeppelin, who had already ripped off songs before).
Blunderbuss is the third stage of rotten generic white blues rock thrash.
1
Nov 21 2023
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
A solid east coast hip-hop offering by Ghostface Killah, and maybe the best I've heard so far from this Wu-Tang Clan member.
4
Nov 22 2023
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Generic blues rock played loud with a lot of energy. Nothing bad, nothing so much appealing.
3
Nov 23 2023
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Protection
Massive Attack
Impressively boring for a band that released killer albums like Blue Lines or Mezzanine.
2
Nov 24 2023
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Slayed?
Slade
A very fun and pleasant hard rock glam output. Nothing special or pushing boundaries, but I always have a good time with Slade.
3
Nov 27 2023
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Dry
PJ Harvey
Yeah, it's obviously dry.
3
Nov 28 2023
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
A wild burst of energy of decent songs. I'm not a fan of his music, but he knows how to play live for sure!
3
Nov 29 2023
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
It’s an album that I really love and that I listen to often. I find it as powerful as it is light. It's like it was full of bad emotions, but PJ Harvey had chosen to uplift us and take us on a journey rather than bring us down.
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea is typically “alternative rock”, but is distinguished by a great sense of tone, emotion and arrangement. The pieces are all catchy without necessarily being excessively pop. My favorite from PJ.
5
Nov 30 2023
View Album
Imagine
John Lennon
What is a classic if that album isn't one? What I especially love about Lennon's Imagine album is that he goes to both extremes between the abrasive Lennon (Gimme Some Truth, How, How Do You Sleep, Cripple Inside) and the soft, vulnerable and dreamy Lennon (Oh My Love, Jealous Guy, Imagine, Oh Yoko). But you know, I'm a die-hard fan.
5
Dec 01 2023
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
"Rid of Me" is the perfection follow-up for "Dry", being more arranged and crafted overall. This album is the perfect balance between being raw, angry and noisy, but also very well made, catchy and brilliantly interpreted.
4
Dec 04 2023
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Very nice groovy and passionate salsa album. I honestly can't understand the political aspect of it, but that was a pleasant listen.
3
Dec 05 2023
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
This album contains nothing bad at all, but it's so long winded and forgettable that I just can't love it and engage properly. Nice mood, tho.
3
Dec 06 2023
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
This album is like going to the McDonald's fast food of psychedelic/garage rock. It does the job, but please, not everyday.
3
Dec 07 2023
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
I can't tell how this formation made its way being surrounded by NWA, Run DMC, Public Enemy and Eric B. & Rakim... Maybe I just don't get it? It's not bad, just not something iconic for me as the others I just named.
3
Dec 08 2023
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Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
The Wish version of Phil Collins... Without a distinct/iconic voice and without interesting drum parts. The synth sounds are bad and cringy. Pop songs without any hooks, barely melodies and feeling uninspired. What the hell? Steve Winwood is a talented musician with an impressive career, but this album is just bad.
1
Dec 11 2023
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OK
Talvin Singh
The few interesting moments were very nice and I love that Talvin Singh tried many unique things on this record. However, it should never had last 1h long and it's mostly not engaging at all. Also, didn't aged very well.
2
Dec 12 2023
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Sulk
The Associates
Dark, atmospheric new wave with a subtle gothic vibe filled with creative ideas and arrangements.
I love when the challenge makes audacious choices like this. A great discovery.
4
Dec 13 2023
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
This album have a some great moments in it, but it's sadly too long winded. It's good to hear post-punk meeting krautrock, tho. The general dark ambiance of Metal Box is also well rendered.
3
Dec 14 2023
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
A classic, I guess?
3
Dec 15 2023
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
I used to enjoy this album 10 years ago, but now, the song "I Ain't Superstitions" give me diarrhea.
3
Dec 18 2023
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
The voice is great, the songs are okay. Still a legend.
3
Dec 19 2023
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So
Peter Gabriel
The definition of how to craft very well a 80s pop album. Peter Gabriel interpretation is always pure genius.
5
Dec 20 2023
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Great baroque/chamnber folk enlightened by rich and creative arrangements of 12 strings guitar, kalimba, bassoon, vibraphone... name it!
4
Dec 21 2023
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Songs on the first half of the album are insane, songs on the second half are boring. Maybe this was, again, a too long winded album for the content it had to offer. Anyway, I like LCD, just can't understand why this specific album must be one of the best 1001 albums ever.
3
Dec 22 2023
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Third
Soft Machine
One of my favorite album ever, by which I discovered the incredible Robert Wyatt. Uncompromised and so unique experimental jazz music with a canterbury scene feel. Listening to Robert Wyatt singing Moon In June while drumming is one of the best thing a human can experience.
5
Dec 25 2023
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
It was like Axl Rose singing with an annoying accent and doing rap over alternative metal I already forgot.
2
Dec 26 2023
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Rip It Up
Orange Juice
I think this is the most average sophisti-jangle-pop album I ever listened too.
2
Dec 27 2023
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Cut
The Slits
A nice and pleasant art-punk album with creative and eclectic ideas all the way. Sadly, the songs are kind of not hooking our ears that much. 3 stars all the way!
3
Dec 28 2023
View Album
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
We can all agree that Britney Spears is an iconic and important popstar of the 2000s, however, from a strictly musical standpoint, we can all agree that we don't need to listen to these meaningless, premade,
insignificants songs before we die.
1
Dec 29 2023
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A pile of garbage spread over an hour long and 2 powerful hit songs.
2
Jan 01 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Pure rock songs like everything you've heard before, but performed with such energy that the album remains a pleasure to listen to. Nothing important or meaningful, but a great dose of fun and let go.
3
Jan 02 2024
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
The definition of soft, soothing, atmospheric and minimalist music. It's a blueprint to the genre.
4
Jan 03 2024
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
Well... The first half of this album was annoying to death, boringly repetitive and meaningless. AND SO LONG.
The last 4 songs contained nice synth tones, cool beats, cinematic moods and more feelings. Those songs will save the album from a 1 star rating.
2
Jan 04 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Killier Queen, Now I'm Here and Stone Cold Crazy are great songs, but the rest of the album is like your average 70s rock songs. Still.. They got their own sound, perfect singer and insane musicians.
3
Jan 05 2024
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
All this work, all these collaborators, all this instrumentation, all this deployment... for so little feelings. It's impressive how I felt nothing while listening to this. Really impressive.
2
Jan 08 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
This album hip-hop album has everything to be lovable : jazz, boom bap, conscious, east coast vibes... Not like many albums of the genre, this one is meant to be appreciated as an album, as there are no standout tracks vs fillers. It's just great music all the way through.
4
Jan 09 2024
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
This album shows a little more "lofi/slacker" McCartney which is really refreshing from what we always hear from him. The songs are great, so well played and felt. Furthermore, it also gave birth to 2 of his best songs, Junk and Maybe I'm Amazed.
4
Jan 10 2024
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Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
I didn't knew that band before and wow, it's pure genius. Power jangle pop meets post-punk with a little spicy psychedelia here and there. This record is now on my wantlist. Thank you, goodbye!
5
Jan 11 2024
View Album
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
The blend between americana and dream pop is a very great idea, works well, but I just can't engage to those songs and I don't know why. Too repetitively mellow? Pleasant listen, tho.
3
Jan 12 2024
View Album
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
It's garbage day today. This is also the day I came across this album in the challenge. Coincidence? I don't think so.
The lyrics are awful, of course... but I was expecting a powerful musicianship from a band like that.
I've been disappointed.
1
Jan 15 2024
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
There are more insane musical ideas in this album than you will find in the entire career of most progressive rock bands. Larks' Tongues is unique, creative and abrasive. Only King Crimson can manipulate and control the chaos like that!
5
Jan 16 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
I've tried many times to love this album, but I have a hard time understanding why those songs are so great. The reggae/pop/new wave/ska vibe of this album is nice, I guess, but the songs themselves are kind of lame. I'm sorry... I'll give this a 3 stars because of peer pressure.
3
Jan 17 2024
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Sound Affects
The Jam
Nothing that stands out, but an album that flows well. Pleasant listen from the 80s mod revival.
3
Jan 18 2024
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The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
This album came out in 1966. Pretty innovative, isn't it? An essential psychedelic rock record.
4
Jan 19 2024
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
That's how to craft a great dark and melancholic chamber folk album. Love it!
4
Jan 22 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Epic title, epic cover art, epic music. It's amongst my favorite country/western albums ever. Each song feels like a movie, with a beautiful melancholic, bittersweet and mellow vibe.
5
Jan 23 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Great catchy and moody songs honored by Mark Knopfler unique playing. Always a pleasure to listen to.
4
Jan 24 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
Some great songs, others I don't care about. The Pixies vibe is always cool for sure!
3
Jan 25 2024
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Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
"Soft contemporary americana music" is now my definition of hell.
1
Jan 26 2024
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
The water drop torture is a method of torture consisting of tying a condemned person immobile to a board. From then on, at regular intervals, a drop of water fell on his forehead. Lack of sleep and repetition wear down the subject's resistance. This results in a psychological alteration of the victim, who ends up going crazy.
2
Jan 29 2024
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Vulnicura
Björk
Although I love Bjork, this is the album I have the hardest time getting into it. The music is more ordinary and samey than her usual work. Don't get me wrong, this is a good album, but not essential to me.
3
Jan 30 2024
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Not only one of the best albums of the last few years or the last decade, but one of the best albums ever recorded. The definition of heartfelt and uplifting music under the banner of psychedelic soul.
I listened to Kiwanuka countless times.
5
Jan 31 2024
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
This is how you do a freakbeat psych-rock opera.
This is the recipe!
4
Feb 01 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I can't tell how much I love this one. This is where folk exquisite songs meet proto-grunge guitars. The lyrics, the tones, the back vocals, the delivery, the feeling... Everything is on point.
5
Feb 02 2024
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
This is one of the worst album I've ever heard of my life. Not only it was boring, but also annoying, out of place and made with bad taste. What the hell? I can't believe this album was actually made. Lame jazz meets unpleasant pop with their friend, the uncomfortable rap song.
Seriously, I can't believe at what I just listened.
1
Feb 05 2024
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
I can't see why there's 2 Barry Adamson on this list, but a little friday spy music never killed anybody! Cool stuff!
3
Feb 06 2024
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
To me, the best was yet to come with The Fall, but it was still a pleasant listen full of rebellious sounds and attitude!
3
Feb 07 2024
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
To be honest, I always thought this album was overrated and I still think it's the case. Nevertheless... It's still a great smooth soul/motown album and considered its reputation, a spot on the 1001 is well deserved. I'm not a fan of Marvin's way of singing, but musically speaking, the strings arrangements are brillant here and the percussions are creative, varied and well done.
4
Feb 08 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Baaba Maal is a great singer with a nice delivery, but the songs and their production/artistic direction is killing this album soul to the very core. Very pop, synthetic, fake, no surprises or risks, so easy listening that it becomes boring to death.
2
Feb 09 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Enjoyable indie rock vibes with a few catchy hooks, but I can't see why this is so remarkable and why I would want to listen to it again. This was like easy listening and heavily produced garage/post punk? I don't know.
Next!
3
Feb 12 2024
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
I've been a Slipknot for so long... but I can't find any logical reasons why this album should be on this list. The first Slipknot was a totally breakthrough new sound, Iowa is considered a masterpiece of violence and darkness, Vol. 3 is their most notable album in terms of hits and having mastered their sound. All Hope Is Gone is great, but it wasn't bringing something new or better than their 3 first ones.
3
Feb 13 2024
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Can't see why it's listed here, but enjoyable and catchy alternative garage/punk backed with surprisingly non-annoying brass.
3
Feb 14 2024
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War
U2
Great alternative post-punk album which reminds us that they were good back in the days. Still have a hard time with Bono's way of singing, but at least, the music around him is enjoyable.
3
Feb 15 2024
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
It wasn't bad, it wasn't good, it wasn't at all. Too samey, nothing memorable. I don't get it.
2
Feb 16 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
A few solid tracks within the album, nice sounding, but the overall product seems a little disjointed. The post-punk and more eclectics moments are great, but the more folkish songs didn't do it for me.
Loved the energy and conviction this band and the singer got, tho.
3
Feb 19 2024
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
I don't know. Folk!
3
Feb 20 2024
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Masterpiece of synthpop/progressive electronic. It's almost unbelievable how Kraftwerk can create strong and powerful tracks while being so minimalists at the same time. The beats, the tones, the groove, the sounds... I'm all in for a 5 stars rating.
5
Feb 21 2024
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
The first Cohen's albums are the best melancholic folk around.
4
Feb 22 2024
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Have you ever lost a bit of life expectancy while listening to an album?
1
Feb 23 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Huge classic from Dylan and without the shadow of a doubt, a folk album that was a game changer for the genre.
5
Feb 26 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
* sigh *
2
Feb 27 2024
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
A nice Stevie Wonder's collection of songs, but he was still far from his best works like Innervisions or Songs In The Key of Life. Enjoyable stuff, tho!
3
Feb 28 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
A great tortured, depressive, dark and melancholic output from the prolific Nick Cave. I loved the introspective new age/ambiant aspect of this piece of art. The synth tones were so on point. That said, I can't really tell why it finds its way through this list, as this artist have other very important albums within his career.
3
Feb 29 2024
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
Probably the album that made the greatest first impression on me in my entire life. I listened to it 5 times in a row. I was amazed by the power of the songs in relation to their simplicity and such a true and raw interpretation. With their poignant and honest words, those John Lennon songs really go straight to the heart and soul.
5
Mar 01 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
This album is not a masterpiece, but damn it must have kicked some ass in 1956!
4
Mar 04 2024
View Album
Kollaps
EinstĂĽrzende Neubauten
I'm all fine with crafting a noisy and disturbing product, but the industrial aspect was taking place too much over having a dark and scary mood. Not for me.
2
Mar 05 2024
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
That album was kind of pointless and annoying. I've heard worst, tho.
2
Mar 06 2024
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Sounds great, but this is really your average indie rock album from the early 2010s.
3
Mar 07 2024
View Album
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
To me, it's not a remarkable or grandiose album, but it still contains some heartfelt and well produced songs that are worth listening to.
3
Mar 08 2024
View Album
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Your average contemporary country album no one asked for.
2
Mar 11 2024
View Album
Music
Madonna
Electropop with a "house" that does not age very well. Do people still listen to this album today?
2
Mar 12 2024
View Album
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Nice playful soul jazz that make your day begins in a good mood!
3
Mar 13 2024
View Album
Debut
Björk
It's great for sure, but nothing really exciting there. Bjork would do really better in the future.
3
Mar 14 2024
View Album
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
A classic that deserves its place all the way here, but not a perfect album to me, like Supertramp have done with Breakfast in America. Roger Hodgson songs are there to kick in and uplift the album, but the Davies ones are less for me.
4
Mar 15 2024
View Album
World Clique
Deee-Lite
The wind is more interesting to listen to than that.
1
Mar 18 2024
View Album
Odessa
Bee Gees
I was full of enthusiasm at the beginning of the album, but ultimately it is a kind of very very light version of The Kinks. It's like easy-listening-baroque-pop. Like... The Carpenters are more brutal than that.
2
Mar 19 2024
View Album
Hot Shots II
The Beta Band
Not bad, I enjoyed it more than I thought. The second half of the album, especially. That said, there's nothing to get crazy about. Why does it end on that list? I don't know.
3
Mar 20 2024
View Album
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
This band tried to aim at 18 different musical styles while reaching absolutely nothing. Impressive.
2
Mar 21 2024
View Album
Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
A stand-up comedy with a contrabass. Plot twist : the contrabass was funnier.
1
Mar 22 2024
View Album
Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
The parts where they sounded like a wish version of Sonic Youth were great! But speaking of 90s post-hardcore, I think we can have really better than that with At The Drive-In, Slint or Fugazi.
3
Mar 25 2024
View Album
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
I have nothing to say about this one.
2
Mar 26 2024
View Album
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
I hate the Pogues, but this one contains a few pretty interesting instrumental moments. Still can't stand a full album.
2
Mar 27 2024
View Album
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Nice bass lines, boring everything else.
2
Mar 28 2024
View Album
Infected
The The
The art pop/post-punk sound is great, but the album somehow becomes more and more bland and irritating.
2
Mar 29 2024
View Album
1999
Prince
The exploded synthesizer passages are really interesting and pretty cool. Except for a few songs, I find it to be quite boring pop music. At least, I haven't been able to get attached to it.
2
Apr 01 2024
View Album
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
Even the band doesn't remember recording it.
1
Apr 02 2024
View Album
Sister
Sonic Youth
Some of Sonic Youth best tracks out there. A great example of how to master noise rock and slacker music.
4
Apr 03 2024
View Album
Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
A very strong bold underlined flashing glowing 1.
1
Apr 04 2024
View Album
Rubber Soul
Beatles
A very strong bold underlined flashing glowing 5.
5
Apr 05 2024
View Album
Purple Rain
Prince
I tried so many times, but unfortunately, I'll never get into this album. But, at least, that's a true classic that deserves its place in this challenge.
3
Apr 08 2024
View Album
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Of all the ELP available, Pictures At An Exhibition was chosen for a reason I don't understand. It's kind of a "proghead only" door to open. I enjoyed it as a fan, but can't see why it's here.
3
Apr 09 2024
View Album
Moondance
Van Morrison
To me, this album was a little disappointing, being released after the incredible Astral Weeks. It sounds more like a "normie" Van Morrison. Still, it's enjoyable and worth a listen.
3
Apr 10 2024
View Album
Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
Bland and dull sophisti-funk. The definition of a soulless piece of music.
1
Apr 11 2024
View Album
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Hey, this album is great! Raw and atmospheric at the same time. Just a nice dose of artsy sounds on a post-punkish new wave. Wasn't prepared for that!
4
Apr 12 2024
View Album
Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
A very nice and surprising album for XTC, an outcast from 1999. I don't why it's here, but I enjoyed it. Thank you.
3
Apr 15 2024
View Album
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
It's incredible how this album just doesn't make me feel something. It's like listening to white noise. That said, the man's a legend and this album seems to be to? Who knows.
2
Apr 16 2024
View Album
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
When slacker/NOISY sounds meet good songwriting and a singer with feelings. Great stuff.
4
Apr 17 2024
View Album
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
I can't say it's a masterpiece, but listening to the Byrds is always a pleasure.
3
Apr 18 2024
View Album
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
This 1h30 thing felt so bland and uninspired. What the hell happened there? Who would want to listen to that for 1h30 straight?
1
Apr 19 2024
View Album
Scott 4
Scott Walker
A dark singer-songwriter epic for the damaged souls.
5
Apr 22 2024
View Album
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
A very strong single with a long long b-side.
2
Apr 23 2024
View Album
Viva Hate
Morrissey
This Morrissey was closer to the jangle pop vibe and the sound of The Smiths overall. Not essential at all, but still a decent album and enjoyable album.
3
Apr 24 2024
View Album
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Listening to this album is like eating 6 day old leftover food for the 4th time in the same week. The first night, it was delicious, but in the end, we eat it out of principle so as not to waste.
2
Apr 25 2024
View Album
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
The 80s synthy production of this bro-alt-neo-trad-honky-tonk thing makes it feel kind of cringy and outdated. A few not-so-bad songs tho, I guess.
2
Apr 26 2024
View Album
All Mod Cons
The Jam
Soooooo british it hurts. But there's a lot of good songs, so enjoyable record overall.
3
Apr 29 2024
View Album
Hot Fuss
The Killers
A real 3.5, but considering the shit I went through in the last few weeks within the 1001 albums generator, I can give it a 4 without feeling bad.
Great post-punk revival album, strong debut album from The Killers.
4
Apr 30 2024
View Album
A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
To be fair, there's a few good songs here and there, but like... for an EP. Here, we are trapped in a very samey/bland 1 hour album and it's very hard to bond with the music and overall product.
2
May 01 2024
View Album
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
The fact that we get ANOTHER british mid new wave album is the proof that this list lacks variety and is only submitted to the taste of its owner. I mean, it's something inevitable, but it's becoming a joke to that point.
For Adam & The Ants, the tribal drums adhesion is their most original (and annoying) take.
2
May 02 2024
View Album
Blackstar
David Bowie
This might be considered a hot-take, but I don't care : this is my favorite David Bowie's album. The music is just another thing, dark and depressive (but uplifting) progressive jazz-rock from outer space. A world apart album.
5
May 03 2024
View Album
American Pie
Don McLean
1971 may be the greatest year for music releases ever and you're bringing me Don McLean? Seriously?
2
May 06 2024
View Album
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
De-Loused In The Comatorium would be in my “10 albums you must have listened to in your life” list.
It's so unusual to be served progressive rock, Latin music, samba, psychedelic rock, experimental and post-hardcore on one plate that it would have been difficult to imagine such a thing without the existence of this group.
I will always remember my very first listen to this record... I had absolutely no understanding of what had just happened, it was out of this world, I didn't know if I liked it or not, but I I had a great desire to return there to elucidate this mystery. The album quickly turned into fascination. Everything had to be resolved: the powerful singing of CĂ©dric Bixler-Zavala, the chaotic guitar of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, the surreal texts, the abstract and captivating atmospheres, the crazy, technical and energetic percussions. Everything was happening at all once and it was brilliantly working.
De-Loused is an album where the duo of Cedric and Omar gave themselves complete creative freedom.
A work that keeps me in a state of violent amazement for a full hour.
5
May 07 2024
View Album
Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
"Enter The Circus" and "Nasty Naughty Boy" are the most cringy things I've ever heard.
This was a DOUBLE CRAPPY program, oh my God. Can't believe it exists.
1
May 08 2024
View Album
Kenza
Khaled
The Challenge's attempts to include music from outside America and Europe are so bad it seems like a farce.
They serve us western music influenced overproduced cringy pop of a 90s Khaled? Seriously? There are so many great music acts out there, it's almost an insult.
1
May 09 2024
View Album
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Released in 1984, but recorded in 1983. Incredibly before it's time. This album opened the door to a lot of hip-hop acts and help define the genre. It's fun and playful, but agressive and political at the same time. A very important album that deserves its place on this list.
5
May 10 2024
View Album
Mask
Bauhaus
Who could say no to a good ol' goth rock cold plate?
4
May 13 2024
View Album
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
It's a bossa nova/samba album, you know. Couldn't be bad, but that's not one I would put a highlight on. Still... Pleasant listen!
3
May 14 2024
View Album
Black Monk Time
The Monks
1966 and this band with only one album in career is THAT heavy? Little proto-punk and garage gem here. Always loved that one.
4
May 15 2024
View Album
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Can't understand why there's 3 albums from them on this challenge, probably because they are british. Anyway, that's a very fine post-punk/gothic rock and I love it. Wild arrangements and dark twisted sounds out there.
4
May 16 2024
View Album
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
A synth driven album by Leonard Cohen. I'll never be sure if I like it or not. Cheesy arrangements and fake instruments kind of do not always match the vibe. Great poetry from this man as always, tho.
3
May 17 2024
View Album
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
I can't explain why, but I really loved that one. A melancholic, lofi and honest feel all the way through. It's really a 3.5 to me, but considering the shit I've went through within this list, let's give it a 4. I'm feeling happy today.
4
May 20 2024
View Album
Ys
Joanna Newsom
There are these albums that aren't supposed to exist... Well, this is one of them. A mainstream progressive/avant folk album in 2006? Featuring Van Dyke Parks as a musician and conductor? Steve Albini as an engineer and Jim O'Rourke at the mix? How can this be possible? Totally outcast. Well, here we are, and it's exquisite stuff, really.
5
May 21 2024
View Album
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Average country rock album. Nothing really bad, but nothing stands out neither. It's as feelgood and as it's inoffensive.
2
May 22 2024
View Album
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Can you imagine living in 1963 and a singer-songwriter drops this? Opening with Blowin' In The Wind?
I mean, it must have created a shift in the head of every songwriters. "Oh shit, we can actually write great, engaged, poetic and philosophical songs! With one guitar only? Damn!"
This album is undoubtedly a game changer in the history of music and fully deserves its place on a list like this.
5
May 23 2024
View Album
The Yes Album
Yes
That’s a guaranteed Yes top 5 for me. The first in their discography to have placed the group among the big players of the genre. It's very prog, certainly, but still with a certain restraint that suits them well. The guys focused on composition more than virtuosity and this resulted in powerful and spectacular pieces.
5
May 24 2024
View Album
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
So atmospheric, engaging and... Cold! It's like the sound of Kraftwerk given a post-punk twist. I loved this one.
4
May 27 2024
View Album
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Very well crafted neo-soul that is so easy-listening that it becomes almost annoying or useless. I can't explain why this is so much praised or influencial.
But, that's well made for sure.
2
May 28 2024
View Album
Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA... hahahHAahaHAHAHAAA...AHHHHHHHHH AHAHAHAHAHA HHAAHAHAHA!!! WoooooooHooooOOOOOOOO!!!! HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA AHHHHHHRGGGGGGGGG Heeheheheeeee HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH * hysterical laughter *
1
May 29 2024
View Album
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
1988, political and conscious hip-hop was breaking through the scene and Public Enemy makes it explode with this angry and badass album.
And it was only the beginning, because to me, Fear Of A Black Planet and Apocalypse 91 are even better.
4
May 30 2024
View Album
Me Against The World
2Pac
I'm glad I can finally discover the great 2Pac. I always like when there's a melancholic/existential feel supported with a boom bap/gangsta rap beat and this album have a lot of tracks doing it very well. 1995 is a blessed year for hip-hop and this album is another proof of this.
4
May 31 2024
View Album
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
This kind of music is so far from my taste that I can barely rate this. The only way I can enjoy this music is in a 90s action movie like Mortal Kombat.
2
Jun 03 2024
View Album
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
It would be necessary to produce an ultra-substantial doctoral thesis to convince me that this album has any importance in the history of music.
2
Jun 04 2024
View Album
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Longing and pastoral monument of folk music. Always great to dive into Joni Mitchell's introspective music and lyrics.
4
Jun 05 2024
View Album
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Very well produced album, with an impressive attention to details for the genre, nice variations along the way, sometimes being country, other times being groovy pop, soft rock or even dream pop.
Otherwise, this is still your average pop album that nobody will remember a few years later.
2
Jun 06 2024
View Album
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Alternative rock for alternative people.
3
Jun 07 2024
View Album
Headquarters
The Monkees
1967 was one of the most successful years in terms of creativity and artists surpassing themselves, but despite everything, we found ourselves listening a damn generic Monkees.
2
Jun 10 2024
View Album
Skylarking
XTC
A surprising album with bursting and quite unique arrangements. I loved the overall mood and their solid take on 80s psychedelic music.
4
Jun 11 2024
View Album
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
It's the kind of album that draws teenagers to a love of music, that makes them want to pick up a guitar and learn. I don't listen to it much anymore, but this kind of work is crucial and important in a young individual's musical development. A true classic.
5
Jun 12 2024
View Album
Microshift
Hookworms
Sadly, they forgot to put "hooks" in their Hookworms music. This is a well made album... and that's it.
2
Jun 13 2024
View Album
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Very frontloaded album, with 3 to 4 powerful and insane tracks, but unfortunately, the more it goes, the weaker it gets. They have a nice sound overall, tho... So, 3 stars will do it.
3
Jun 14 2024
View Album
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
A true classic from 1999, so much memorable hip-hop lines and beats, with the master Dr. Dre at production. The Slim Shady LP loses a little energy and momentum at the end, but it's a hell of a ride anyway.
4
Jun 17 2024
View Album
Technique
New Order
Nice melancholic and dance mood overall, very easy to listen and move our head to the beat.
It's a cool synthpop take by New Order, but it lacks something catchy. It seems the album can't engage the listener totally.
3
Jun 18 2024
View Album
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Another hardcore hip-hop classic given by a very provocative and vulgar Eminem. The album is too long winded and looses power in the end, but fortunately, there's enough hits and strong songs to compensate that.
4
Jun 19 2024
View Album
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA... hahahHAahaHAHAHAAA...AHHHHHHHHH AHAHAHAHAHA HHAAHAHAHA!!! WoooooooHooooOOOOOOOO!!!! HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA AHHHHHHRGGGGGGGGG Heeheheheeeee HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH * hysterical laughter *
1
Jun 20 2024
View Album
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
One of my favorite jazz album of all time. I can't believe we can create a music so playful and light, but complex and technical at the same time. Joe Morello might have achieved one the best drum performances ever on this.
5
Jun 21 2024
View Album
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
A classic for the lovers of psychedelic folk like me. It's also kind of avant-garde, as it was released in 1966. Beautiful fantasy mood, a listen of Sunshine Superman is always a peaceful and mellow moment.
4
Jun 24 2024
View Album
Electric
The Cult
Always loved the goth rock side of The Cult within the world of hard/glam/classic rock. They have that little something the other hard rock acts were missing at that time, being more dark but as punchy and energetic as a rock band should be. Sorry for the "Born To Be Wild" cover... I know it's embarrassing.
4
Jun 25 2024
View Album
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Did I plug my headphones into a trash can without realizing it?
1
Jun 26 2024
View Album
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Brilliant and fascinating album from Tom Waits where he creates abstract, dark and mysterious cabaret jazz songs. One of a kind stuff.
4
Jun 27 2024
View Album
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
It took a lot of coffee to finish this one. And when I say a lot, it means A LOT OF COFFEE.
2
Jun 28 2024
View Album
Pump
Aerosmith
Work-shopped, over produced and cliché ridden album from start to finish from a band that as becomes soulless over the years.
The album starts with a song telling that he's hiding from the police to get laid with teenagers. What the hell is going on here? Love In An Elevator is so dumb that I almost had to crack a beer at 8:00 AM. The trumpets parts of The Other Side gave me cancer.
At "My Girl" and "Don't Get Mad", they shoot at you the most awful blues-rock song you can ever think about, just to confirm you are deep down in their bullshit and can't escape.
Good luck to every newcomers that will encounter this album over the course of the 1001 albums generator.
1
Jul 01 2024
View Album
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
A few great songs here and there, the Flamingo/Zen Archer/Onionhead is particularly nice. Otherwise, it's still too long-winded and there's too many fillers along the way. I can't tell why it's on this list... It's a very usual 70s album, you know.
2
Jul 02 2024
View Album
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
* burp *
1
Jul 03 2024
View Album
Horses
Patti Smith
That's undoubtedly a classic that deserves its place on this list. However, I have a hard time getting into Patti Smith's music. I love her attitude and delivery, but the music isn't doing anything to me.
3
Jul 04 2024
View Album
Copper Blue
Sugar
2 or 3 nice songs, but mostly generic and pointless. At least, it isn't a second Kid Rock album.
2
Jul 05 2024
View Album
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
I can't really tell why it's on this list, but... PJ Harvey rarely miss and this is a great album. After listening to Kid Rock, Sugar, Todd Rundgren and Aerosmith, it feels so good. Let's give this a 4!
4
Jul 08 2024
View Album
Gris Gris
Dr. John
As in terms of swamp rock and/or freak folk, that's a pretty great pick to introduce someone to the genre. However, I can't say it's a masterpiece. A pleasant listen, but nothing I will come back to.
3
Jul 09 2024
View Album
Bad
Michael Jackson
This album is waaaaay to clean and produced. It's okay to be pop, but that goes to a point I just can't stand.
2
Jul 10 2024
View Album
In Utero
Nirvana
Nevermind is the commercial success, but In Utero is really what the grunge is to the very core : sad, pessimistic, noisy and raw, apathetic, destructive... and so on! A masterpiece of the genre.
5
Jul 11 2024
View Album
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
The masters at work crafting their whole new sound to offer to the world. The best was yet to come, but it's still a strong 4.
4
Jul 12 2024
View Album
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
This album is so boring, it's almost unbelievable that people actually took their time to record it.
1
Jul 15 2024
View Album
The Undertones
The Undertones
It's supposed to be pop punk. Not enough catchy to be pop, not enough rebellious to be punk. I don't know what it is then.
2
Jul 16 2024
View Album
Low
David Bowie
When David Bowie enters a studio with Brian Eno, how can it go wrong? A fine cut of art rock/pop with an electro touch.
4
Jul 17 2024
View Album
Queen II
Queen
As usual with a Queen album that is not a "greatest hits", there are fillers and songs I don't care about. Still a great powerful sound overall, tho. Legendary band, no matter what.
3
Jul 18 2024
View Album
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Not my kind of music, but I must say the b-side of the record saves it for me. The last songs are great and more creative.
3
Jul 19 2024
View Album
Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I listened to it yesterday. I don't remember anything. It wasn't bad, I think.
2
Jul 22 2024
View Album
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
I don't why this album is here, but I'm always happy to listen to it. A very nice post-hardcore noisy record that kind of fills the gap between 2 bands I really love : Fugazi and At The Drive-In.
4
Jul 23 2024
View Album
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
A great starter for Siouxsie and the Banshees and the best was only yet to come. Love that band.
3
Jul 24 2024
View Album
This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Okay?
2
Jul 25 2024
View Album
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
This was not super good, not super bad... I could have live without listening to this for sure, but it didn't hurt me neither... * sigh *
2
Jul 26 2024
View Album
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Maybe my least favorite from the first 5 CCR albums, but always a pleasant listen nonetheless. Only them can pull out major hits out of swamp rock.
3
Jul 29 2024
View Album
What's That Noise?
Coldcut
What's That Choice?
2
Jul 30 2024
View Album
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
"Good" is the word. A pleasant, but not outstanding listen.
3
Jul 31 2024
View Album
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
As we know, a historic album for several reasons. So artsy and different from everything that rock bands were doing in the 60s. I've never been able to appreciate it properly, not my jame maybe? But it deserves a 5 stars without a doubt.
5
Aug 01 2024
View Album
The Clash
The Clash
Their lyrics might be cool, but their music feels so redundant and boring. I must admit I'll never be able to love The Clash.
2
Aug 02 2024
View Album
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Passionate RnB with a strong delivery, Sam Cooke knows how to put a crowd on fire!
4
Aug 05 2024
View Album
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Always loved that album, sometimes more than Morning Glory... There's a feeling of being young, angry and not giving a fuck about anything in it that I crave a lot, even if I hate Noel Gallagher for that exact reason.
4
Aug 06 2024
View Album
Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
It's fascinating to think this band had a moment of glory somewhere in 2007.
2
Aug 07 2024
View Album
Among The Living
Anthrax
Energetic thrash metal for angry people!
4
Aug 08 2024
View Album
New Forms
Roni Size
Man, that's what I call something endless. "Brown Paper Bag" was interesting, the other songs were not hurting but were not pleasant neither.
2
Aug 09 2024
View Album
The Man Who
Travis
This album made me feel uneasy a few times, being kind of cringy and bad. I've listened to worst in my life, but my brother in Christ, how can you consider this an essential listen?
2
Aug 12 2024
View Album
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
When these two guys are together, they reach the magic touch for writing amazing folkish/pop songs. How can someone dislike that?
4
Aug 13 2024
View Album
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Political roots reggae is at its best here with some seriously awesome brass arrangements. It was my first time with Burning Spear and it was a very pleasant listen.
4
Aug 14 2024
View Album
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
This album changed my life and is everything to me. Fantasy themed catchy psychedelic rock with so much creativity found within the arrangements and the weird chromatic vocals by Syd Barrett. It's just astonishing that someone came up with this in the 60s. This album is everything I love in music and litterature, really.
5
Aug 15 2024
View Album
Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
I loved that album waaaay more than I thought I would. It's like The Clash, but with imagination and creativity, I wouldn't thought it would be possible, but here we are. I had incredible fun listening to Machine Gun Etiquette. What the hell...
4
Aug 16 2024
View Album
Atomizer
Big Black
Big Black got a unique take on post-hardcore and noise rock and that's why they're so cool. Now I just to throw a brick in the window of a corporate building.
4
Aug 19 2024
View Album
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
This album is waving between annoyingly bad and okay songs. This album doesn't even have to be in the top 100 of 1969, so imagine being a part of this list.
2
Aug 20 2024
View Album
Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Can you imagine livin' your life considering this an essential listen?
1
Aug 21 2024
View Album
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
This album has a lack of fuel in the engine. I tried many times, but I just don't get it with T. Rex.
2
Aug 22 2024
View Album
Snivilisation
Orbital
Maybe the most interesting techno album from this challenge. Kein Trink Wasser was an insane track. Still a 2, sorry. Too long-winded and boring passages.
2
Aug 23 2024
View Album
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Meditative, yet melancholic electronic music to sooth the soul. A top 5 downtempo album to me.
4
Aug 26 2024
View Album
I Against I
Bad Brains
This album sounds surprisingly amateurish, especially in terms of the vocal parts. The guitar and drum tones are so awful it becomes fascinating.
2
Aug 27 2024
View Album
High Violet
The National
The National is a great band, very instrospective, but the reason why this project is sooooo appreciated is still a mystery to me.
3
Aug 28 2024
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
A country vocalist singing over grungy guitars playing pop songs... Well... It surprisingly works. Not for me, but still, it works.
3
Aug 29 2024
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
This record is another world. What the hell was that? So surprising and wild!
4
Aug 30 2024
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
In terms of being aggressively mid, this album is a top of the category. There's a huge band, spotless playing, but... Nothing happens. It's beige from start to finish, completely boring. I would have give 2 stars, but the length of this album is an insult to me.
1
Sep 02 2024
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Arular
M.I.A.
I guess it's a good album in its genre, but seriously, this list has a lack of knowledges about what happened in the 2000s AND outside the UK. You know, there's a world outside UK. We don't need 2 M.I.A. albums in a list like that.
2
Sep 03 2024
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
Pretty boring compared to albums like Rain Dogs or Swordfishtrombones. Did we really need to hear this?
2
Sep 04 2024
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
This album might be important in a historical point of view, as it's the first move Dave Grohl did after Nirvana, and it's a pretty wild move, but... The album is also not that good and he was going to do much better with the second Foo Fighters. It's a 2.5 to me, but let's give it a 3, has we know the man was going the blow our mind later.
3
Sep 05 2024
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Always in for Stevie Wonder in his golden age.
4
Sep 06 2024
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Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
Music for synth lovers by synth masters. Count me in.
4
Sep 09 2024
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
I'm sure this man has never urinated on a railway or jumped from a moving train.
2
Sep 10 2024
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Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Well... This album has great arrangements, but seriously lack great and engaging compositions to back it all. It may feels spacey and psych, but it can hardly keep my attention for more than 1 song.
I don't get why it's so appreciated.
2
Sep 11 2024
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
It's stunning how those beats can stay mid for an hour long. An what about this flat delivery of the lyrics? It was weak.
2
Sep 12 2024
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
It's a great album, but as part of the challenge I chose to give it a 3, because with The Who there are albums much more important and influential, culturally, than this one.
3
Sep 13 2024
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
So cool! It was like early kick-ass grunge with a subtle touch of psychedelic rock in it. Maybe in the chords progressions? Anyway, let's FUZZ.
4
Sep 16 2024
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
One of the few Big Beat/Break album I can stand, and even enjoy a little. Still far from my musical taste, but still a great album with nice tracks.
3
Sep 17 2024
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
I have a hard time with contemporary R&B and pop soul straight out of an 80s production. Too cheesy and gentle for me, sorry.
2
Sep 18 2024
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Glad I finally got a chance to listen to the famous Queen Latifah. I'll never be a fan, as it sometimes goes nowhere and it's become repetitive, but that was a cool and pleasant listen nevertheless.
3
Sep 19 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
By chances they have 2 or 3 huge hits on this one, because after that, we're falling into the great land of the generic blues rock fillers. Man, this band is overrated to a point that is almost unbelievable.
2
Sep 20 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
"Nick Of Time" more like "Waste Of Time".
This challenge is just like the Grammy Awards, a total joke.
1
Sep 23 2024
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
This is outstandingly generic (and even bad) blues rock, no creativity involved at all. It would have made a perfect 7inches record with Gimme Shelter and You Can't Always Get What You Want.
2
Sep 24 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
This list is totally lost when it comes to cult or influencial albums released after 1999.
2
Sep 25 2024
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Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
tHat'S OkaY, wE hAvE "wOrLd MuSic" oN tHe LiSt!
2
Sep 26 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Imagine living in 1964, dropping the needle on this record and then... "BAAAAM", the wildest chord you've ever heard rings, followed by one of the most energetic catchy song of this year.
There are so many great songs on this one...the haunting vocals of If I Fell, the wonderful Paul's classic ballad And I Love Her, the superhit Can't Buy Me Love, the upbeat and catchy Tell Me Why and Anytime At All and the wonderful closer I'll Be Back.
The Beatles wasn't already at the top of their art, but if you compare to any rock album of 1964, they were on another planet.
5
Sep 27 2024
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
Very nice album with great vibe that kind of gets boring past the twentieth songs, because the very same concept is applied over and over again to each songs until it becomes rotten to the core. I like the slacker and rushed ideas concept, but it's pushed a little too far for me.
3
Sep 30 2024
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
I don't know. Starts off as a pretty cool gangsta rap album, but the overall album becomes samey and falls of off interest.
2
Oct 01 2024
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Unmissable monument of its genre that took hip-hop to a whole other level. Run DMC's guys are legends and I pay respect.
5
Oct 02 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Your usual R&B big band record. I just can't figure out why this record would be better than other stuff of its category.
2
Oct 03 2024
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
This thing just sound like everything else britpop, but more annoying with a strange feeling of ripping off songs all the way through. Extremely mid stuff. A huge joke to find this album here.
1
Oct 04 2024
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Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
1h15 was way too long for what this album has to offer, but it's an overall pleasant listen and mood. I was surprised by something I thought I wouldn't like.
3
Oct 07 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
Mid 80s punk rock straight in the forgettable field of my mind.
2
Oct 08 2024
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
I can't say I will listen to this again in my life, but it's surely a nice mambo album with a few wild cuts like Hong Kong Mambo.
3
Oct 09 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
This album destroyed my soul and gave me depression even before reaching the adult age. Masterpiece!
5
Oct 10 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
Not my kind of music at all, but... at least, it deserves its place in this list. A true classic!
3
Oct 11 2024
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
This is one of the worst album I've ever heard, and considering the shit we've been through with this list, it's really saying something!
1
Oct 14 2024
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
Hey, this is far from a masterpiece, but they got a couple of pretty great slacker rock songs out there! Maybe it's all a little spoiled by some "joke" or "I don't care" songs. Anyway, I enjoyed it as a pure 3 stars.
3
Oct 15 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
A very good, dynamic and fun big band album, but it still sounds very standard to me.
3
Oct 16 2024
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
This album is full of insanely creative twists and arrangements. A great exemple of going deep down into a new sound and work the things out to 100% capacity.
4
Oct 17 2024
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I love the prog rock aspect of this glam rock album!Half of the album is very good, the other is pretty bad. 3 stars.
3
Oct 18 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
The Temptations never delivered a masterpiece, but I'm always happy when it's playing. The 10 minutes song "Runaway Child, Running Wild" is especially a blast!
3
Oct 21 2024
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
It was like listening to 2 hours of total void.
It's ambiant music for your favorite expensive clothing store, but how could someone listen to this at home and live something great?
Imagine writing the list of the 1001 albums you have to listen to in your life and adding this kind of stuff. Or I obviously missed the whole point?
1
Oct 22 2024
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Connected
Stereo MC's
Alternative dance from the 90s that absolutely no one would care about today. It was aggressively bad, tho.
2
Oct 23 2024
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
You can have a lot of orchestral arrangements, but that doesn't always help to make a song better. A few nice things here and there, but I already forgot everything about that one. Sorry.
2
Oct 24 2024
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
The best thing about this band is its name. Damn, that's a great band name... Anyway, nice and pleasant album overall, it won't kill anybody to listen to it, but by the standards of 1969, it's also very common music and nothing really stands out.
3
Oct 25 2024
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
Lame and superficial music made to hurt nobody that would dare to listen to a commercial radio station.
1
Oct 28 2024
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
I would have cut from 15 to 20 minutes to this album to prevent it from becoming uninteresting and repetitive, but I was really surprised by their spaced britpop sound. This band has great songs to deliver after all.
3
Oct 29 2024
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Some of the best songs ever recorded are just there.
5
Oct 30 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
I rarely love early 70s glam rock, but the proto-punk feel behind that one saves the game! Cool and energetic album.
3
Oct 31 2024
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
The overall vibe and sound are really nice and appealing. Unfortunately, I found no stand-out tracks or something I would listen to again. Great and charming album, tho.
3
Nov 01 2024
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
If this album was released anywhere else than in the UK, it wouldn't be here. As long as I love UK music with all my heart, it's not the center of the world as the author of this list may believe.
1
Nov 04 2024
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Be
Common
This was a very good album, but I can't say any tracks was a total stand-out or will stay with me for a long time. Still, a pleasant listen and the beats were nice!
3
Nov 05 2024
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
I NEVER EVER want to listen to 2 hours straight of the same bluegrass song again. It was like being trapped in a blackhole void filled with banjos and violin.
1
Nov 06 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Hot Rats is a game changer in the music industry for its innovation, but also in my life, because it made me fall in love the creative world of Frank Zappa. I remember listening to Peaches En Regalia for the first time and being completely blown away by how original and unique it was. A top tier album to me.
5
Nov 07 2024
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Kimono My House
Sparks
I have a very hard time with 70s glam rock, but my friends told me it was a good one!
3
Nov 08 2024
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
I often hear musicians say that they have drawn a lot of influence from the Gotan Project. (not)
This album felt like shopping for clothes I can't afford.
2
Nov 11 2024
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Paris 1919
John Cale
70s easy listening
2
Nov 12 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Outch... This album would have be really decent if the best of it was kept for a 30 to 40 minutes record, but the fillers are killing it. It's too long.
2
Nov 13 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
The best robot music in the world! I love Kraftwerk!
5
Nov 14 2024
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I had a hard time with appreciating Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, but I've finally discovered an album that I truly love. This album was beautifully heartbreaking and full of light and shadow at the same time. Brilliant!
4
Nov 15 2024
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The average, the decent and the mid
2
Nov 18 2024
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
This band would have make a great opening act for Franz Ferdinand!
2
Nov 19 2024
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart doing roots rock. Among the things I didn't need, here's a big one!
2