Journey Complete!
Finisher #332 to complete the list
1089
Albums Rated
3.51
Average Rating
100%
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Joy Division
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1950s
Favorite Decade
Rock-and-roll
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UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
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285
5-Star Albums
82
1-Star Albums
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Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle | 5 | 1.88 | +3.12 |
| Kollaps | 5 | 1.9 | +3.1 |
| Duck Stab/Buster & Glen | 5 | 2.03 | +2.97 |
| Trout Mask Replica | 5 | 2.28 | +2.72 |
| Sulk | 5 | 2.36 | +2.64 |
| Rock Bottom | 5 | 2.39 | +2.61 |
| Metal Box | 5 | 2.41 | +2.59 |
| Public Image: First Issue | 5 | 2.42 | +2.58 |
| Suicide | 5 | 2.46 | +2.54 |
| Shleep | 5 | 2.51 | +2.49 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Low End Theory | 1 | 3.7 | -2.7 |
| Violator | 1 | 3.7 | -2.7 |
| To Pimp A Butterfly | 1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
| It's Blitz! | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| The ArchAndroid | 1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
| Beauty And The Beat | 1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
| Music for the Masses | 1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
| Smash | 1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
| xx | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
| The College Dropout | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 6 | 5 |
| Beatles | 7 | 4.71 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 9 | 4.44 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4.43 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.6 |
| Brian Eno | 5 | 4.6 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.75 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 4.75 |
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 5 |
| The Fall | 3 | 5 |
| Björk | 4 | 4.5 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 4.67 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.67 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Peter Gabriel | 3 | 4.67 |
| Motörhead | 2 | 5 |
| Air | 2 | 5 |
| King Crimson | 2 | 5 |
| Portishead | 2 | 5 |
| Dire Straits | 2 | 5 |
| Belle & Sebastian | 2 | 5 |
| Eminem | 2 | 5 |
| Public Image Ltd. | 2 | 5 |
| The Undertones | 2 | 5 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| Massive Attack | 2 | 5 |
| Fleetwood Mac | 2 | 5 |
| The Specials | 2 | 5 |
| Robert Wyatt | 2 | 5 |
| ABBA | 2 | 5 |
| Stan Getz | 2 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 6 | 4.17 |
| The Who | 5 | 4.2 |
| Talking Heads | 4 | 4.25 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.25 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.33 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.33 |
| Prince | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Cure | 3 | 4.33 |
| Deep Purple | 3 | 4.33 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 4.33 |
| Yes | 3 | 4.33 |
| Roxy Music | 3 | 4.33 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Depeche Mode | 2 | 1 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 1 |
| The xx | 2 | 1 |
| Megadeth | 2 | 1 |
| Def Leppard | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Marvin Gaye | 1, 5, 5 |
| Frank Sinatra | 1, 4, 5 |
| Kanye West | 1, 2, 5 |
| U2 | 1, 5, 4, 5 |
| Pere Ubu | 1, 4 |
5-Star Albums (285)
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Popular Reviews
Björk
5/5
Bjork has always passed me by - I recognise how talented and individual she is but nothing has ever reached me emotionally.
It's sad to see though how poorly she has done with spurious 1/5 votes being handed out left, right and centre.
For that reason I'm giving her 5/5 in an attempt to partially redress the balance.
24 likes
Soft Cell
5/5
Seedy clubs in Leeds in the late 70's this is the sound of Soft Cell.
Marc Almond is the perfect diva and has an operatic range that goes hand in hand with Dave Ball's sparce synth symphonies.
Reading the reviews some people seem to miss the whole point of the exercise. This is sleaze and this is early Brit Synth where wannabe stars bought cheap Rolands and dreamed in their bedsits writing lyrics that reflected their angst lives.
This is a classic.
20 likes
The Police
5/5
Official Police Fan club, member number 606 and stayed up late to watch them on Old Grey Whistle test. Great days!
Every track on this is a classic- they were huge at the time but time moves on, although it still makes me turn up the volume.
Listening back now Stewart Copeland's drumming is particularly noteworthy, the vibe with bass and Sting's vocals were so influencial.
I can't believe this has only just made it to the list. Shame on you Robert.
15 likes
FKA twigs
5/5
Well, here's a thing.
I'm suprised at how negative everyone is in the reviews.
Yes it's not entirely original and doesn't follow traditional definitions of a cohesive album with tracks but it's inventive and fresh and precisely what I enjoy listening to.
People are giving '1's for no more reason that 'it's not for me' so I'm going to give this a '5' for precisely the same reason in reverse.
11 likes
Steely Dan
5/5
What I needed on a cold dreary Monday morning on the way to work. I've loved this album for many years and love reading the 'One Star' reviews. I guess that's what comes of hating the 70's.
11 likes
1-Star Albums (82)
All Ratings
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Solid heavy rock debut from one of the all-time greats. Blues and folk influences abound and it's delivered in such an assured and accomplished manner. Every musician here is at the peak of their talents.
Depeche Mode
1/5
I listened to the whole album which was an accomplishment but it was the same story for me with all the other albums of theirs. I've really always wanted to like Depeche Mode but end up being embarassed by lame rhyming lyrics and predictable melodies. Occasional flashes of a good song followed by the same melody or synth-trick over and over. Great if you're really into them or the whole scene but really too samey.
The Pogues
3/5
Lively raw and great fun. A couple of great classics in there to boot.
Public Enemy
2/5
I loved 'It takes a Nation" but this is pretty much a continuation of the whole sound and nothing new? It just made me want to switch to the earlier album.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Dusty had a great voice and some great hits but I think there are a lot of fillers here. It's ok to listen to but not really inspirational.
Lorde
3/5
It's ok I suppose and with half a billion listens in Spotify who can argue? She's midway between Bjork and Billie Eilish with some interesting tracks going on. I'd definitely listen again a few times to this before deciding. Very well produced and professional job all around.
Nick Drake
4/5
More slick than 5 Leaves with some jazzy/country influences and a lot more upbeat in places. With a number of famous artists helping out it's well produced and professional. It's pleasant and easy to listen too. If Pink Moon hadn't been written I would have loved this album but I can't help compare it to his Masterpiece.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
I seem to have completely missed out on this band for some weird reason (I'm 55) and now I've discovered them it's good news for me and slightly dubious for my wife and kids who don't share my musical taste. It's like an immersive experience and needs to be played loud with incense and alcohol. Heavy guitar driven, distorted with mumbled muted vocals and drums/bass to carry it along. There are discerable tunes and since they were late 80s- early 90s they obviously must have influenced a lot of the later bands I'd expect. A happy day for me albeit slightly embarassed.
Pet Shop Boys
5/5
It's my guilty secret that I can't help but like PSBs and this is my favourite. I bought it at the time and even went to see them in the 90's (with my girlfriend as cover). All 10 songs are of the highest quality- production, beat and style. The lyrics conjure up a glamourous and often sordid 80's highlife. It's unashamed and catchy.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
I found this best listening late at night when I could concentrate. It grew on me as initially I hadn't the patience to sit for 26 mins when I tried it in the morning. The guy is just so talented and the back story to the concert makes you wonder how good it could have been although maybe it was amazing because of the adversity?
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Listened just yesterday to it. Infectious and driving referencing all the good stuff that's came before and inventing new things along the way. James Murphy is a great guy and his personality just flows out of the music. 'All My Friends' is such an anthem.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I know this is considered one of the greatest albums but try as I might it really doesn't resonate with me. I like the hits but it seems a bit samey in-between and although I appreciate how it's influenced others this is really about American history and i'm more interested in other genres (Punk and New Wave).
Arcade Fire
3/5
I want to like these guys- the tracks are everything I normally like: quirky and oddball lyrics and tunes and such. They're ok but there's no spark. Maybe one day i'll get them......
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I like Neil Young so it's not hard to get into his albums. Not every song is a winner but there's so much in here there's bound to be the odd glitch. A bit of country, a lot of rock, some great guitar solos plus Neil's voice hits the spot.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
I love psychedelic rock and the band is pretty good. Of course JJ is intense and carries the show.
Little Richard
5/5
Listening to the whole album it's like the same song over and over but boy what a song! Even after over 60 years it's so full of life- I defy anyone not to start jigging around. Amazing. I left it playing track after track.....dancing in the kitchen :-)
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Lol- I'd never heard of him and thought I'd listen to a couple of tracks before moving on. Captivated me from the start. Quite a retro 60's/70's feel but a lot of energy and very well produced.
Wild Beasts
2/5
It's interesting and enjoyable to listen to but not for me at the moment.
The Crusaders
3/5
This really hit the spot tonight with me. So smooth and like being on a great effortless ride. Weirdly I found Street Life a lot different to the rest of the album which is ok.
Faith No More
3/5
I enjoyed it- I was never into this at the time. It's dated but great fun. I can't imagine how many bands they influenced.
Nick Drake
5/5
Simply one of the GOAT. I can understand it's not for everyone but in it's genre it's unsurpassed. Nick's voice, guitar playing and the production make this a great friend when you need it.
The White Stripes
4/5
I love these American alternative rock bands- no matter how derivative they still sound fresh and lively. I like all the quirky bits inbetween and they really know how to go for it when they do. So much noise generated I have to whack the volume up.
Mercury Rev
4/5
I've heard a couple of tracks at the time on the radio and liked them but never listened to the whole album until now but it's quirky and upbeat. I can understand the singers voice might grate for some but I think it works in the context of the band. Wildly differing tracks and sounds (eg: listen right to the end of Delta Sub) but I kinda think it hangs together ok. Favourite tracks Holes (love the theramin), Goddess and Funny Bird.
Steely Dan
5/5
What I needed on a cold dreary Monday morning on the way to work. I've loved this album for many years and love reading the 'One Star' reviews. I guess that's what comes of hating the 70's.
Gang Starr
2/5
Firstly I have to profess I'm a Hip-hop dunce but something like "It takes a Nation of Millions" is raw and addictive and came before this. I think this is like the cleaned up 'presentable' version of Hip-Hop dreamed up by Spike Lee and presented to America? It's like the equivalent of 'Fresh Prince' only it's not funny. 'Who's gonna take the weight?' is a good track but only because it's a Public Enemy clone. It's not bad, only middle of the road.
Paul Weller
4/5
Bought this when it came out and still love it today. Great songwriting, slow acoustic followed by rocky tracks. This is a dad's-rock album but then that's what I am :-) I suspect a lot of the One-star votes come from young hipsters who've never heard of the Modfather.
Beatles
4/5
Lol! It's a biggie this one. Almost every track is famous and culturally significant. This is Beatles in transition from boyband to transcendent gurus. There are albums I like better than this but this is probably their most accessible.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Lust and Passenger obviously the best tracks- and such great tracks! The other tracks..........well.
The Doors
3/5
Love the Doors but there are better albums than this of theirs. Listening to this particular album it gels well but seldom gets beyond 2nd base apart from the 3 hits.
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
I'm a bit puzzled at this - I like JLL but this 22 minute live album with mainly covers of others hits and not particularly well recorded. I've read it's supposed to be the greatest etc but I don't agree.
Beastie Boys
4/5
I was never really into the Beasties back then but listening back now this is really pretty good - fresh, powerful and full of glee!
I love 80s and 90s U2 but by 2000 i'd moved on as they became a pre-Coldplay pop anthem band. The best slickest production doesn't hide the mediocrity. Sorry chaps.
Michael Jackson
3/5
So 80s and this guy was right there at the top. All the other stuff came later but at the time these tracks were on the radio and on MTV and partially defined the decade in my view. I know 9 of the 11tracks and it could even be a Greatest Hits album such is his fame. Very lively, catchy and well produced with all his trademark yelps etc. Good to listen to still although not his best (that had already passed).
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Simply amazing. Very well produced and has 6/10 hits. IMO it's less about Reggae and more a platform for Bob so it's comes down to "do you like him or not".
The Cardigans
3/5
It's pleasant and airy with a nice female vocalist and a mega-hit in the middle. I could probably get into this on repeated listens. Maybe.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
This is a slice of history- I was into Cocteau Twins back then and never made the Bjork jump try as I might but this is really good listening now.
Judas Priest
3/5
OMG! Yesterday it was Sugarcubes and today this! 1001albumgenerator certainly lives up to it's name. I like a bit of Metal and Lemmy has always been my hero (he damaged my eardrums back at Hammersmith) so this feels too clean to me now- well produced with undeniably catchy tunes. I liked the singles back then (Breaking and Living) and listening to the whole album now it's cohesive and well written so I've nothing to say against it, only that it doesn't make me want to turn the volume up.
Bad Company
3/5
Sounds very much Cream (not suprising considering as it had members from that group). This is the warm feeling of early 70s rock. Not taxing and good for a late night session. There's a bit of Sax in there too.
Bad Brains
1/5
Mmm...Punk Metal meets something else in 1986 (i'm not entirely sure what). All the boats had already sailed by then unless it's marketed for people who missed out. I was not impressed and bailed out after 3 tracks I'm afraid.
Rocket From The Crypt
1/5
I can't believe this is from 1995. It's about 15 years too late. Maybe it takes that long for this kind of sound to travel to San Diego. Uninventive, uninspiring and tired. Who decides this qualifies as one of the greatest?
Gillian Welch
3/5
Never been my favourite genre but this is sparse and crisp and clean and is really easy on the ear. It's certainly worth listening to. Strangely enough this is the same reason some hate it- it's not upbeat enough. You can't please all the people.........
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Bookends is in my Top10 but I've never managed to get into this one apart from the hits it's populated by mid-60's music for the socially conscious College student. I consider them girding up for later times. Listening the whole way through doesn't change my opinion- great timeless song then a filler which really shows it's age.
Janet Jackson
2/5
I just wasn't into this at the time and really haven't time for it now. It's just not me although I guess she's trying to make a social commentary which is commendable but the music is so cliched and dated now. It's not that it's THAT bad, it's just a bit naff 30-odd years later.
The Waterboys
3/5
A band i've heard of but never actually listened to apart from the hits but this sounds pretty fresh even after 37 years. Well produced with catchy and lively tunes and a fair bit of variation. Echoes of Van Morrison at times but I think they'd be great in concert- everyone dancing around with drinks held aloft.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
It's a very nice album. Apart from the biggest hit and Down to Zero the rest are pleasant album fillers. Easy sounds and intelligent lyrics but's there's just something missing....
3/5
Came across this last year. Proto-punk apparently that burst kicking and screaming into the scene before getting banned obviously. It's pretty good if you're in the mood for raucous noise and energy. Musth've been great live in the 60's.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
So 60's. I love a bit of psychadelic rock me but this doesn't hit me. I think I need to play this a few more times with some incense and bourbon and maybe I'll dig it.
Foo Fighters
3/5
Full of tunes despite the raucous energy. Effortlessly professional in pulling off this kind of thing (alternative or Post whatever). All this as a kind of therapy in the wake of the end of Nirvana. Impressive. The lyrics are pretty lame - lots of repetitive screamy ranting. Maybe intentionally anti-intellectual?
The Jam
5/5
One of my all-time faves. I bought this at the time and played it constantly so of course it gets maximum stars. I guess it's aimed at predominantly young angry men in 1978 but it's still fresh and poetic, raucous and rocky even now. It has real classics - 'Down in the Tubestation' and 'English Rose' which are suprisingly poles apart but even the 'fillers' are gold: 'Fly' is the least listened track in Sp*tify but again IMO one of the best tracks on the album.
Pink Floyd
5/5
I've been spending the last few days listening to other albums and trying to conjure up kind words and trying to like songs I'll never listen to again. Then this pops up.
If you don't like it then I'll not change your opinion but if like me it transcends everyday entertainment for you and becomes a cultural icon then you'll understand. Maybe like other stand outs (eg: Chuck Berry, Sgt Pepper, Woodstock etc) you needed to be there to fully appreciate it? I don't know.
Listening to it again (twice) it strikes me that I find it difficult to separate the film and subsequent Berlin concert etc and Roger Waters huge ego with the actual initial album. It gels really well although like other 'Rock Operas' there are transition tracks inbetween the big hits. All in all it has to be 5/5 for what it is and what it has become.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
It's good, not as good as later albums but still worth a listen. I love their sound but like so many others have commented are there no other albums out there more worthy than this? 'Songs for the Deaf' is better in my opinion. Still. This is a great sound.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
It's like a cross-between Tom Waits and David Carradine in Kill Bill and so laid back he's basically horizontal. I understand he was in a lot of pain and near the end and that this like his spoken-word poetry but his early stuff is so much more worth listening to. I felt guilty in giving a low score so listen to it again. It does get better and maybe it's a mood thing so one night I'll play it again and get more out of it. Weirdly the attempt to jazz it up with gospel singers and organs has the opposite effect- surely it would be better more stark?
Mylo
2/5
Pleasant but not challenging. This has been done better before (Daft Punk and Chemical Bros) so do we need to listen to it all again? This Mylo is SUPER clever so why he decided to devote himelf to being a DJ is beyond me.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
I like Prog Rock but this is pretty gratuitous. I groaned when I saw it was LIVE too and was amazed the Geordies let them out alive at the end! Only joking and there's some good musicianship in parts but other parts it's like they're making it up as they go along. I gave it another go and it does grow on you (like what I won't say!) I need to listen to the classical piece it's based on I guess.....
John Lennon
5/5
I grew up with this album so it's difficult to view it objectively. I can see how some might see this as a bit wishy-washy musically but the sound has Lennon stamped on it and it depends on whether it's your bag. There are some genuine classics here though- Imagine (of course), Jealous Guy, Give me some Truth, but my favourite has always been 'How do you sleep' which was aimed at Paul and is pretty scathing and is surely one of the best songs anywhere. After listening again to the whole album there are a few weaker tracks but the general album taken as a whole is worthy of *****
Milton Nascimento
2/5
Well I wasn't expecting this. Reading Wiki and looking at reviews I'm piecing this together I think. Airy and easy listening, floaty and mellow I don't really need to know the words as I'm sure they match the music. I don't dislike it but there are other Brazilian artists in the 60's that have real integrity and punch. I'm thinking the Beatles are an influence? Maybe the French pop artists from the 60's too? Musically quite accomplished- but as others have noted the production isn't great (it's a bit tinny and flat).
PJ Harvey
3/5
My brain is telling me this is amazing and that PJ is a bonafide genius (she is) but it's like someone giving you a glass of the best Red wine and you know it's the best but you just don't really like Red wine that much and prefer beer. I've played it twice and there are some tracks (Rid of Me and Mansized) I'm digging but the rest just seems a bit flat. Her lyrics are at times really dynamic and she's a crazy full-on individual so shouldn't be judged surely face-on but maybe she needs more variation?
Bobby Womack
1/5
Really not what I needed to see today. Slick, well produced and inoffensive but totally devoid of originality, guts or a cutting edge. I could play this late at night with a bourbon and incense smoking in the corner but Barry White did it so much better. He's not in the top 1001 so this is getting 1*
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
It's got all the hallmarks of other bands and guitarists. I like Peter Green and Cream so this sounds like a pale imitation- but then Mayall seems to have been there first!
It just doesn't do it for me though- the production seems tinny, Mayall's vocals are poor ('What'd I say') and the songs written by him are embarassing- ('Little Girl'). The rest are covers and it's only 'Ramblin' on my mind' (sung by Clapton) that lifts it above the mediocre.
It begs the question - should we venerate an album because it came first but was eclipsed by later music? The same applies to other genres too I'd say.
The guitar work obviously is wonderful and there are some nice touches in there with John McVie on bass and even Mayall on harmonica but ultimately I'll stick to Cream and Green.
Queen
5/5
I needed this. Too many mediocre albums have passed by. I bought this as a kid and played it to death and even 47-odd years later people are still listening to it in droves. So varied- even the 'dodgy' tracks are great (Lazing on a Sunday. I'm in love with my car) and all have a story attached to them. Vocals (and not just Freddies), guitar, bass and drums all top of the game and the production is beyond perfection. Even the one-star reviews admit how mega it all is and base the score on just not being into it's excess. 'Death on two Legs' is my favourite Queen song by the way....If I could give this 1000 stars I would.
Miles Davis
4/5
I like this. I saw it flash up and thought 'Oh.....Jazz'.....but it's soothing and really positive imo.
I'm not knowledgeable about Jazz but I think what they are trying here was really brave and paved the way for a lot more to come.
Reading Wiki it was the first Fusion album with elements of electronic, rock without the jazz swing and I think it really works.
Put this on and chill........
10cc
3/5
Ideas flowing from every track (this was recorded 2 miles from me at Strawberry Studios using Paul Mcartney's drum kit!) and was a superbly self-produced collection of widely disparate ideas - I can pick out sounds sampled by other bands here 30 years later (J Dilla's “Workinonit) and it seems miles ahead of anything else. I mean they even resample themselves (Clockwork creep vs I'm Mandy Fly Me).
Sadly though there's no real cohesion and the listening experience is exhausting trying to keep track of everything going on. No real hits as such (Wall Street shuffle is the biggest track on the album) so I wouldn't class it as a classic album but it's not trying to be. Like someone else commented- it's like they were mucking around in the studio and decided to release it.
Funkadelic
4/5
Ahhh.......yes I needed this! I pity the fool who this doesn't reach in a primal orgasmafunkadelic way.
I was too young to appreciate the 70's but it's now my favourite decade....
Fela Kuti
3/5
Great energy and rhythm and hard to imagine this is live too. Seems a bit cobbled together at the end with Ginger Baker seemingly adding credibility to the whole affair when it stands on it's own merits.
Just falls short because of this in my view. Leaves me wanting something else but definitely worth listening to.
Hüsker Dü
1/5
I'm quite reassured this one appeared. Recently I've been listening to too many interesting obscure albums I've never heard of and actually being impressed but this one is by a band I've heard of but just never liked and that was way back in the 80's. I appreciate the energy and integrity but see no musical merit. It shouldn't be here I'm afraid.
Taylor Swift
4/5
Wow! Didn't expect to see this. Wife and all 3 daughters like her and this album is full of hits all of which she's written herself and has 19 tracks running over an hour too so what more can you say? On the flip side it could be argued some songs are insipid and poppy but then the same thing could be levelled at the many of the 1000 albums. I think it comes down to a question of taste and percieved integrity in what people listen to. I'd rather listen to Joy Division and that's just my taste but I really like a lot of these songs and think she's immensely talented.
Prince
4/5
Oh Boy do I remember this album- my sister played it to death. Listening to it now is quite refreshing since a lot has happened since. There's a lot of energy and flamboyance and no matter how OTT it's Prince. It just epitomises the 80's for me so I wouldn't play this other than for nostalgia. Musically dare I say I find it quite two dimensional: lots of energy and skill but there's no depth. Even the deeply personal tracks don't come across with any emotion. Maybe it's like the man himself- there's an impenetrable mask?
Sam Cooke
3/5
I like Sam Cooke and it's great to hear a genuine live performance with the bits in between. The production and vocals aren't as crisp as a studio recording but it's great that these were preserved. I would argue that this is his ONLY album in 1001 and that there are better albums of his. There seems to be a slant towards live albums in this chart which is ok if that's your thing but it's not what people primarily listen to and they only like the live albums off the back of the studio albums.
Heaven 17
3/5
It's a bit difficult to review this as I was there in 1981 and bought and loved this album. So there's a lot of nostalgia and since I still love Synth this isn't going to be objective. When you've played songs many times it's difficult.
It's not the best out there and the sounds never progress from the basic repetitive beat. Heaven 17 moved towards a Funky sound (beats and vocals) but the lyrics and sound are still 6th Form (is that 12th grade nowadays?).
After splitting from Human League they were trying to create an image and production along the lines of Factory Records but it never really took off as essentially there are glimpses of brilliance in there but rarely does anything emerge.
To be honest I think their next album The Luxury Gap is better than this but hasn't made the 1001. Some of their choices are odd.
Bob Dylan
5/5
I'm not the greatest fan of Dylan and I'm not alone in thinking I should like him but don't.
I appreciate how hugely influential he was at the time but he grates after a while and gets a bit samey and again I'm not alone in this.
Maybe the issue lies with me being spoilt by 58 years of ever more technically advanced and innovative music since this and I'm comparing it on the same level?
I mean it's like listening to a recording of Robert Johnson and saying "He can't sing and his guitar goes right through me".
Some things deserve respect.
Wilco
3/5
I like the idea of alternative country and this isn't too bad.
Not really Country at all in places (imo) and it improves with every listen although I prefer their later albums but don't see why they have so many entries in the 1001 albums.
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Contrasting opinions on this- I like the genre but this album veers wildly from chaotic tunes to steady almost enjoyable Brazilian beat pieces
It seems like the Milton Nascimento album- there are so many other better albums out there but the '1001 album' judges just choose the first album by an influencial band and stick with it?
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
No need to even think on this one as it's been one of my favourites for many years and almost every track is a solid gem. The last 3 tracks are my least favourites.
Of course there will be people who feel it dated or don't like folk inspired music but this has two of the greatest songs ever written.
An even better thing is that this isn't even their best album in my rating. That came 2 years before.
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
Why am I listening to something that was about 20 years too late?
It's like Punk had taken that long to reach these guys. One moment they were strumming out Beach Boys tunes and then someone burst in holding a copy of 'God Save the Queen' circa 1993 and said "have you heard these guys?"
1001Albums seems to have a warped idea on what is ground-breaking. There are like 150 pages devoted to the 60's and 200 pages to the 90's. Which was the most ground-breaking and influential decade? Mmmmm.....
Genesis
5/5
This is a 'love-it or Hate-it' scenario. I can see a whole army of 1* reviewers massing on the border.......
I used to love 'Phil Collins Genesis' and thought 'Peter Gabriel Genesis' dull but actually listening to this now it's like the Heavens have opened and the sun is shining down. It's marvellous.
I'm in Prog-Paradise.
The musicianship is amazing and the meandering bits no longer irritate me.
Maybe it's an age thing?
Our army of 5* defenders will repel the enemy!
Pere Ubu
1/5
1978. yeah it was there right in the middle of it. Even their name tells you what to expect.
They were there with Devo and Talking Heads too and I bet they had fun making this.
I understand the need for this to exist but it's not enjoyable.
CHIC
3/5
Freak Out! Love it.
Nile Rodgers is the slickest dude around. The hits are outstanding and the other tracks are pleasant muzak. The former Disco legends and the latter more laid back and jazzy-soul.
Def Leppard
2/5
I've nothing against this. It's just not me.
80s MOR rock made for Mid-west radio stations.
Personally I prefer Black Sabbath or Motorhead.
Nothing wrong with it, just not me.
Jane's Addiction
5/5
I was ready to give this a poor rating and then I actually listened to the album.
Another band I've heard of but missed at the time (I was into other genres) but for once it's pretty decent. I like the sound from the first few notes and it gets better and better. It really resonates with me now.
There's a LOT of 80's and 90's bands in this chart and I'm not too sure why? This is an exception and it deserves it's place in the chart.
It's pretty interesting to read this was their first studio album and only 2nd overall and yet it sounds so confident and assured.
Nicely paced and varied it paves the way for a lot of the 90's sound and beyond.
Outstanding.
Nina Simone
4/5
What an amazing woman. Just seeped into my mind and body, her voice and her piano.
Four classics but only one song written by her which is a suprise.
Those were the days I guess.
The Damned
3/5
This sounds so familiar to me since it's what I grew up with.
Listening critically though it's not the best in any shape or form- other bands had been there before and the lyrics and musicianship is pretty average.
I guess they edge it for me in their cuddliness and good looks.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
These guys were massive. Even now 'Come on Eileen' is played at the end of wedding receptions (this is the one where your old uncle Dick puts his tie on his head and joins the dancefloor).
I'd heard a few of the other tracks over the years but this is the first time i've listened to the whole album.
I think they were attempting to create a myth of their own centred around the band with dungarees and dreadlocks but it didn't really pan out and they eventually fizzled out.
Even so it's clean healthy music- drum and bass with horns accompanying the vocals. It's fun to listen to and a lot better than I though it would be (album fillers around the big hits).
Donald Fagen
4/5
I love Steely Dan so why wouldn't I like this?
A couple of big hits surrounded by effortlessly smooth and well produced tracks. All together great for relaxing and pondering intelligent lyrics.
I was into the Jam and New order at the time but now I'm older this appeals to my older bones.......it's upbeat but sooooooothing.
Talking Heads
3/5
I really want to like these guys- alway have, but there's nothing in here to snag my engagement.
I mean it's intelligent and quirky but there's something missing and I'm not quite sure what.
......later. It gets better listening to it again but still not outstanding.
Maybe repeated listens does the trick?
The Jesus And Mary Chain
1/5
I just don't understand why some albums make it into the top 1001 whilst other less trendy singers/bands are out in the cold. Not even a sniff.
Heavily biased selection in my view towards the 80's onward and towards glamorous groups with a few 00's Spotify plays.
I don't mind this band but this album is just derivative and bland.
Tracy Chapman
5/5
This really brings back memories- this is a great album. Used to play it all the time.
Kinda timeless- hasn't seemed to date with a mix of acoustic guitar, drum, bass and organ. She's got such a great strong voice, I don't know what happened to her?
Ironic that the people she's singing about are the ones finding this dull. Lol!
Pixies
5/5
Just wasn't into them at the time but this was justifiably popular then and now.
Great sound- almost retro and great energy paving the way for many bands afterwards. They blend all kinds of sounds into a cohesive whole and all the time it's never dull or repetitive.
It either works or doesn't at all. For me it's 5*****
Janis Joplin
3/5
Whoah. Hard to say much about this.
It's true that every song is like an emotional rollercoaster and you've got to be in the mood for the ride.
Her passion, energy and voice are legendary but it really feels dated.
Not sure why.
Television
4/5
If you're expecting a slick, well produced album from a professional bunch with a classically trained singer and lyricist you'll give this a 1*
However this is a raw, gutsy, passionate and quite varied affair.
The title track at 10 mins veers around in multiple directions and doesn't tire although it's true some of the other tracks can be a bit samey.
This influenced a huge number of better known bands to come which is a shame as they are simply compared to them.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
This is Leonard as I like to think of him. I feel guilty at giving 'You want it darker' a bad review.
This is a solid 5*****.
If you like this sort of thing it's going to hit you between the eyes. It's kinda like the same song with slight variations but the song is a hypnotic soothing affair that takes you away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Storytelling at it's very best.
The La's
3/5
Great retro sound. This harks back to the Merseybeat 60's sound. Fresh, crisp and clear it's like a summer breeze.
Weird I wrote that before I read the Wiki page!
Still, like a lot of these airy songs there's no cutting edge so nothing to stay with you.
Donovan
3/5
It's more interesting than enjoyable.
I really like the title track and 'Season of the Witch' but the other songs baffle me veering off at musical tangents it's difficult to classify.
Certainly not boring but more cultural history.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
I initially pigeonholed this as shouty punk with not much variation (kind of what you would expect from a punk band in 1978) but this gets better the more you play it .
Poly was truly one in a million and her personality resonates through the album.
The Sax and synth is not a standard Punk sound and I would go as far to say this isn't punk at all? Very early New-Wave? lol!
Some slower tracks with quite cutting lyrics too- I mean it's not Shakespeare but better than a lot of other bands I think.
"Her phobia is infection, she needs one to survive
It's her built-in protection, without fear she'd give up and die"
"My mind, is like, a plastic bag
That corresponds, to all those ads
It sucks up all the rubbish
That is fed in through my ear"
Plus it's now on Spotify now which is good.
Muddy Waters
3/5
I like to think I like the Blues but this was a bit hit and miss for me. This chart seems to lean heavily on LIVE albums as being a cut above studio albums (especially from the 60's) but I just don't agree with that viewpoint.
The tracks are pretty well known enough but whether it's the live performance aspect there seems to be a lack of raw emotion from Muddy. He seems to almost rush through the whole concert so he can go home (which would be understandable since there was a riot the night before).
The tracks veer from slower numbers to more dancey tunes and he ends up singing the same song twice near the end. The last track is the best- and that's not even Muddy because he'd ducked out at that point.
Having said all that it's still a great album from one of the greatest.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I played this 4 times really wanting it to click but apart from the title track which i'd always liked the rest just doesn't reach me emotionally.
I know it would really irritate any fans but it just reminds me of Bat out of Hell which was around the same time and I think that really has the depth this lacks.
The music is well produced and slick but it seems.......well bland.
I can't believe I've said that. Maybe just one more listen? Surely I'mm missing something somewhere.......
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
I've always loved these guys although I like their later stuff (more mellow)
If you're not into electronic repetitive dance beats you might wanna give this a skip. It can be a bit noisy too in places.
Overall, they are the best at what they do.
Motörhead
5/5
My favourite Heavy Metal band. I went to see them in the 80's and my ears have never fully recovered......
The dodgy lyrics and nihilist image don't detract in my view but only add to the mythos surrounding the band. Lemmy is a 100% cast-iron Legend to me and the fact that some of the WOKE reviews are seriously worried that their sons and daughters will be tainted by listening to this make me chuckle.
Musically it's quite accomplished (especially the guitar solos) and needs to be played at top volume.
🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Alice Cooper
2/5
Apart from the title track this is generic stuff. Varied tracks but nothing world-shattering. It had been already done better and was soon superceded in 1972 by other genres.
It's pleasant enough but that's all.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
It was really interesting listening to this- it's another world and I'm glad to be living in a (relatively) safe boring suburb.
The swearing and sex references kinda add to the whole impression. It's an eye-opener.
The biggest tracks are R&B raps and are ok but I like the bits at the beginning- like uncut rough bits.
Whatever you think of him as a human being he was a gifted storyteller.
Thundercat
3/5
One of the strangest albums I've listened to.
1/ Album cover looks like some 70's low-budget slasher movie soundtrack
2/ the sounds are 80's R&B elevator wallpaper muzak
3/ the lyrics are borderline dodgy explicit
I'm thinking this would be a great gang from 'The Warriors' called 'The Thundercats'.
They could suddenly ambush you from all sides carrying blades and nunchucks singing smooth R&B with dancemooves and singing "We're going to KIIIIIIIIIIIILL you!!!"
Classic.........
Stevie Wonder
5/5
It's almost effortless- so smooth. He really is one of the greatest. Just listening to Stevie makes the world a slightly less bad place.
Of course there's the big hits but with repeated plays other songs come out of the woodwork. 'Lookin' for another pure love' is a case in point.
There's an intricate balance going on all through this album- the singing, rhythm and the beat with the instruments all together. It's not that immediately apparent in my view.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
I groaned initially but listened with an open mind and it's quite enjoyable.
Lots of different sounds and although not the most groundbreaking stuff I like the genre.
No discernible hits but listened to it as a whole.
I do wonder if it deserves to be here when so many other artists haven't managed it.
Even so it's 4🌟🌟🌟🌟 because I like it.
PJ Harvey
3/5
I like her collaborations on other people's albums but not sure on the variety on her own. I gave the last one a bad review (rid of me).
Very gutsy and raw with a lot of vocal repetitions (deliberate for affect).
I'm liking the guitar/bass/drums better on this one though- kinda grungey.
The Cure
4/5
Faith is one of my all time faves and I was always disappointed in their later stuff thinking they were basically a pop band with a safe Goth pose.
However I've listened to this 3 times today and each time it's grown more on me.
It's still the same couple of famous tracks and a few weaker songs like most albums but the remaining ditties are quite varied and interesting. It's basically a quite sophisticated sound.
Fugees
5/5
Very powerful. Very angry. Very assured.
One track flows through to another with a killer beat.
Feel like I shouldn't be listening to this and allowed to enjoy this but it's so so good.
Arrested Development
3/5
This is an odd group and an odd album. It's enjoyabe but difficult to classify. I guess it's World Rap Music?
It's easy on the ears with a couple of high points plus a good variety of sounds on different tracks.
Red Snapper
2/5
I liked this- i'm into this kinda sound at the moment but.....
....it doesn't deserve to be in this list. There are so so many artists that aren't trendy and that the judges deem not worthy.
Aerosmith
4/5
Not what I was expecting.
It's far more enjoyable than any of their 80's stuff I was clenching my teeth to listen to. It has half decent guitars and a cool 70's Rock (even blues) vibe.
And of course there's the Mega hits (Walk and Easy) which goes to prove your pre-conceived ideas can be wrong.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
Some harsh reviews for this considering there's a lot of dross with a lot of stars in this chart.
I found it pleasant with some interesting sounds, samples from films and other bands but isn't that the name of the game nowadays?
Easy listening and cool.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
70s Salsa and funky. I find it really easy on the ears and good to have on and relax.
Started to question it's credentials but the Wiki put me right. Very influential all over the Latin world.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
Not really knowing anything about C&W or aware of the different styles (Country or Honky-Tonk) and approaches (Outlaw or Nashville) this stands well on it's own without needing anything else. It's obviously not 'poppy' like say Kenny Rogers and Tammy Wynette and sounds more like a smokey bar whisky saloon version.
It also sounds very 70's in a nostalgic good way.......but as I listened and then relistened the different tracks started to separate.
Some tracks are out and out Country with a twangy guitar but also some tracks that are closer to Irish Folk (Willy & me) I think which is suprising since most were written by one guy (Billy Joe Shaver).
What I'm saying is there's a fair bit of variety which makes it easy to listen to. Not bad.
George Michael
4/5
This took me back. To days before Spotify where you would hear a track on the radio or a friend would put this on the turntable and you'd say "Oh is this the new George Michael album?".
I can now listen back to it and enjoy the tracks but at the time they were bound up with the late 80's and the stigma of sexuality and 'post-Wham'.
There are some really good tracks on this album- smooth and introspective. It's very 80's with some of the tricks of the trade you got then (back-beats and echo).
The Byrds
2/5
I was really disappointed with this one. I knew the big hits and liked them but the other tracks seem to show they were a one-trick-pony.
It's a very impressive trick but a bit dull listening to a whole album of it.
Minor Threat
1/5
Is this 21 minute EP worthy of being on this list? There are many albums and artists far more inspiring that are not listed.
Just because this influenced a lot of American clone bands who've never even heard of the Dolls or Pistols (who were doing the same stuff 10 years previously to this) means they are insular and not revolutionary.
Steely Dan
3/5
It sounds so professional, well played and produced, superlatively smooth with intelligent insightful lyrics but for the life of me I can't find a hook or anything catchy after 2 listens.
No singles and no hits which isn't a problem with some artists who aren't setting out to do that so i'm not sure what happened.
Ice Cube
3/5
I like Public Enemy better and this sounds pretty similar to me and came later.
What makes me laugh are those that are blowing up this whole thing like he's Shakespeare born again. It's ok but only if you're in an angry mood.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
I was trying to think how this stands above the other 60s harmony bands.
Great harmonies, vocals, orchestration and production and John Phillips songs are incredible.
There are the hits, some covers and a bit of Cass too!
This, the Beatles and Jimi are the 60s for me.
The Kinks
3/5
I thought I really should like this but it just didn't do it for me- it's quaint and quirky and very British but doesn't have any bite although it does get better with repeat listens.
Full of strange lines and odd instruments without any descernable theme or hits.
Beck
5/5
Boy I've not heard this in ages and it's great to hear it again.
If anything it's better- a post-modern eclectic mixture that rolls on never staying in one place.
I can understand it doesn't appeal to all tastes but it appeals to mine.
Kinda grungey and laid back folky with samples and splurges and hooks that disappear off.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Initially groaned when this popped but it's not really THAT bad.
Generic yes but there are nice touches (sitar is good) and it's pretty much what you would expect of mid-90s grungey ALT-rock American bands.
Musically professional rock- well produced and well played plus the vocals of Mark Lanegan are interesting to listen to.
Another reviewed has pointed out the theory that the '1001 Execs' decided that there are 30-40 Genres and each should have 20-30 representative so therefore some Genres will be scraping the bottom of the barrel whilst others will end up leaving absolute classics out in the cold.
This sits mid-table so although it's not bad it ain't a Classic.
Randy Newman
4/5
It's inescapable that Toy Story has done for old Randy since it's very difficult to separate him from the film.
What some perhaps don't know is how many well known songs he has written (mainly for other people)....... for example halfway down the list is 'You can leave your hat on' which was a huge hit for Joe Cocker from the film 9.5 weeks.
This music is 'One man and a piano in a smokey bar drinking singing about his troubles in life' which some may find dreary but in the right circumstances is soothing to listen to.
Missy Elliott
1/5
Is this hip-hop? There are a few tracks where she gets to do her thing but it's like the record executives decided they wanted a R&b Beyonce clone with generic studio tricks sounding like Janet Jackson's daughter.
Too slick with no heart, feeling or commitment.
There's just too many layers of gloss to see deep down- I suspect underneath she's a talented artist with something to say but she's buried beneath the whoops and drum tracks.
CHIC
1/5
I reviewed the other Chic album and gave it a good mark but why are there two albums that are basically the same?
Good times is the best song with Forbidden lover following closely on and the hits but the others are either identical beat with one line repeated for 4 minutes or laid back lovers soul.
It's like the 1001 executives rigidly have to fill each genre with the required 20 albums regardless of quality.
Air
5/5
I'm a bit biased since this is one of my favourite albums already.
This is like pure silk through the avenues of my mind, so cool it defies classification and about as mellow as you'll ever need.
Funkadelic
4/5
Effortlessly funky and cool.
There are just so many influences going on here and in turn it influenced those after it.
A great sound.
King Crimson
5/5
That feeling when one of your favourites pops up on the 1001.........😊
I've listened to this for many years and it is quite simply in the Top 10 of all albums ever produced.
Barry Godber's haunting artwork inside and out,
Peter Sinfields mystical lyrics,
Fripps inspired guitar,
McDonald's multitude of wind and Keyboard instruments (that Sax is a killer),
Lake's vocals and powerful bass (so dominant)
and Giles's drums (i've never heard anyone play the drums that well since).......
.......and finally to the Vision: to create something that stands alone in it's own world, untouched and eternal.
There are haters that like to label everything and disdainfully call this 'Prog' then close their minds. Of course it's their own choice but I think they're missing out.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Musically it's really lively and addictive and very accomplished.
As a political statement it goes way beyond anything I know of according to Wiki.
Difficult to separate the two but outstanding overall.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I've not really listened to much late Neil Young music (I love his early stuff) as I've always thought he'd run out of ideas by then.
This kinda confirms that opinion although there are a few outstanding tracks I need to go back to.
For a live album (well partly 'live' and then finished off in the studio) it's got a good feel to it and the songs are new with something to say (although a bit dated now).
Overall it's a good listen for a Neil Young fan although I do think 7 albums on this chart might be a bit excessive.
Kraftwerk
5/5
It's my birthday today and this is 1001's present to me rather than some obscure mid-80's album by some unknown dirt band.
I found this many years ago in my dad's collection and have been on an Electro journey ever since but these guys are the Godfathers of Electronic music. You don't get any better than this and it's a trip from start to finish.
Experimental, ambient, jarring and hypnotic.
🌟🚗🌟🚗🌟🚗🌟🚗🌟🚗
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Whatever you think of the lady she had one hell of a voice- this is the pinnacle for what it is.
Powerful, soulful and refreshing.
The Prodigy
5/5
Controversial and infectious. Very 90's and hypnotic.
This was around long before the Wokes were weeping into their Lattes and the Prodigy are a breathe of fresh air in turgid times. I need to play this every morning before I trudge to work to remind me there is life.
25 years on I struggle to think of anyone with as much energy nowadays. Glastonbury is full of comeback bands relying on past times and youngsters copying old masters.
This is tremendous.
Pearl Jam
4/5
Were these guys the originals? I don't know as this scene is so incestuous and fatuous now with claims and counterclaims.
These bands seem to be legion and identical and spawn a multitude of self-important fans and even the people who give this a single star only do it as a reaction against the whole scene regardless of class or content.
But the music isn't bad and it's well structured and professionally played and I guess this IS kinda the beginning and to be honest and I do know half the songs and actually do like them so what more is there to be said?
Michael Jackson
5/5
The musical merits of this album are overshadowed by the hype and his unfortunate history.
We are here to judge the album I believe?
At the time I was pulled along by the rollercoaster too and loved it. There's nothing deep and meaningful here, it's supremely well produced and slick pop music with very little to match it.
Every track is a hit.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
1 x (9+7) +9
/5=🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Plus Tonight, tonight!
Frank Sinatra
1/5
There are 3 albums on this list by Sinatra but this is really Jobim's music and Frank is along for the ride.
This album is well produced and the music very professional (no doubt because it's Frank) but considering there are some equally great singers (and songwriters) not on this list at all it's a disgrace.
It's all to do with filling up each Genre category. Some categories have a lot of competition and others are fairly empty. Stupid way of deciding IMO.
This will be classed as 'Bossa Nova'. Gilberto and Getz do it better.
For that alone 🌟
Black Sabbath
4/5
A more experimental and diverse Sabbath I think.
Smoother and not as Heavy. More accomplished.
Still good but easy to listen to.
Bob Dylan
5/5
You shouldn't judge Bob by other's standards.
Love him or loathe him he's an icon....
.....and this is one of his best.
AC/DC
3/5
Iconic rock (not too extreme).
Kinda like it ushered in the showman glitzy Rock of the 80's before it got grungy again in the 90's.
It's ok, bearable in small doses like this. Well produced and controlled and accomplished musically but it doesn't have that dirty feel- it's a bit too sanitised. Compare this with Ace of Spades (also 1980) and you may agree?
It reminds me why I never got into them. Still good though.
Marvin Gaye
1/5
Doesn't add to anything he did earlier. Marvin did some amazing music and this is like excessive noodlings and musing centred on his ex-wife.
I don't understand how these albums get added to the list.
It's just irrelevant and unnecessary.
Can
4/5
I'm happy there are CAN albums in this list.
But there are other albums of theirs I prefer that aren't on the list(?!).
As others have commented this is TOO experimental- not enough key phrases or rhythms to get your teeth into.
This is good for chilling to though. Put it on, do some chores, take a shower and come back like you've never been away.....
Fiona Apple
4/5
I'm glad this makes it onto the list. It's kinda the opposite to me in it's sentiment and viewpoint but it's real and 100% genuine and boy does it blow away the glue that's stuck my mind today.
I like the odd-ball DIY feel with weird sounds and odd chord changes that are never predictable or dull.
She's like the evil twin of Taylor Swift and PJ Harvey's American cousin.
I'm impressed and I need to listen again.
New Order
3/5
In 1983 New Order were my favourite band and Blue Monday was played on constant repeat.
They promptly hit the high-life and things went downhill. It's a problem with a lot of bands I think.
It's not to say this isn't good, but that it has been done by them before and lacks integrity. This is dance pop. Very good dance pop with a New Order slant.
Synths, weird/lame lyrics and programmed drums and guitar chords strumming this has all the hallmarks of New Order I like but in an Ibiza nightclub.
Beach House
3/5
Godammit I like this genre. I know it's not very inventive and gutsy but it's easy listening and chill.
Reminds me of a lot of bands that I suddenly realise are not very original.
If all the best tracks from all the 'dream-pop' bands were put in a 'greatest hits' album then that would deserve to be in the top 1001
maybe.
Pixies
4/5
I like the Pixies but they are a 'mood' band for me.
This is good, inventive, quirky and of course hugely influencial.
If you could bottle up 'not contrived' then this would be it.
Hole
3/5
I like the whole Grunge scene and this is what you get here and nothing else.
It's like a female Nirvana- pretty wasted and shouty so if it's your bag then you'll be happy.
Otherwise you'll find it difficult to sit through.
Brian Eno
5/5
Brian Eno is one of my favourites and so is this album.
There are many no doubt who will be horrified by this and I enjoy reading their 'wtf?!' reviews but I'm happy it's found a place in the 1001.
This is a cornerstone of ambient music and although I like Hendrix, Joy Division, Motorhead, Pet Shop boys and many more I also enjoy this and think if all music was the same life would be very dull.
This is ambient.
Wilco
4/5
I'd only previously listened to 'Jesus, Etc' and based my opinion on the band as such- big mistake.
No wonder their record company freaked out. I've listened to the album a couple of times and it's really quirky, odd and random in places.
I'm pretty impressed by it- 'alternative rock'/Art rock pretty much sums it up.
It's a bit downbeat too- not a happy lively album but I like it.
Tom Waits
3/5
Easy listening- I like the low key grimey mood.
Enough variety to keep me interested.
Gotan Project
3/5
Maybe not one of the greatest but I really enjoyed the vibe.
Laid back, mainly instrumental, rhythmical and well produced.
I'll be listening again.
The Zombies
5/5
This is one of the sounds of the 60s.
Everything from the garish, psychadelic cover to the keyboards, the drum beat and harmonies.
The production is crisp and clear- there's nothing to not like.
I love it.
The Stranglers
5/5
The Stranglers vs. the Wokes. I know who I'd rather listen to. They manage to offend just about everyone.
Man that bass, that keyboard.........I love these guys.
This is seminal 70's UK punk.
Norah Jones
3/5
This seems so long ago now.......it was played everywhere so listening to it now is refreshing.
It's jazz and very laid back. She's got a lovely voice. I guess the young kittens don't like it 'cos there's no shiny objects but it sounds good for me at the end of the evening.
JAY Z
1/5
Not at all what I thought it's quite smooth and R&B really.
Background music generally so don't understand how it's so groundbreaking.
Lots of sampling with rapping over the top. There are a lot of better albums out there surely?
Charles Mingus
4/5
Wow! How to include just about every prior genre in one piece: classical, jazz, big band and blues.
Chordant, discordant, soft then jarring it's a rollercoaster ride.
It's difficult to judge. Should it even be here? There are some other instrumental, classical-led albums and electronic albums so I guess so.
Supertramp
3/5
I'm a fan of this genre which is fortunate because it does have it's moments.
This album has some highs but also some bland wallpaper moments (similar to 10cc).
Accomplished musicianship, lots of sounds, experimental bits and random lyrics which occasionally click but often don't.
Still, the good bits outweigh the bland so I like this.
Pentangle
5/5
My favourite Folk band. Supremely accomplished musicianship.
Well produced- it's rockier and jazzier than other albums but these guys are at the top of their game.
I understand most people don't like this at all but that's always the way and always will be.
Tom Waits
3/5
5 albums in the 1001 is too many.
He's ok but not that earthshatteringly groundbreaking.
Once you've heard one they all merge into one grungy gruff throated barroom lowlife soliloquy.
Still, they make good listening.......
Malcolm McLaren
5/5
Weird that this was mainly nerdy white Brits introducing me to this music way back then.
Listening back now it's well produced, clean, marshmallowy and very 80's.
Still, it's pretty good and certainly made a splash in 1983.
It's a corny, catchy collection stolen from other continents and is a one-off oddity of Hip Hop, Latin and African beats. This chart captures moments like this.
It's a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 just to irritate the baby chick zoomers who give this one star.
Elton John
5/5
This is chocked full of hits- Elton really is a musical chameleon and this is pretty Rock-y in places. Great song writing and very well produced although it can sound a bit dated in places- very 70s.
Still, it's easy to listen to but has edginess too.
I like it.
The Adverts
4/5
I just love the 70's UK punk sound- so fresh and raw.
Reminds me of playing 7" vinyl singles on the portable player in my bedroom at top tinny volume until my dad started kicking the door and telling me to turn it down.
After a while it's kind of samey but great nonetheless.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
The Chilis are no longer cool to like, however at the time they were hot.
This has hits and is well packaged, produced and performed. Relentless, assured and in your face.
I like their energy - bass and drum relentless with a funky guitar and basically wrapping lyrics.
A lot of the albums in this 1001 are low key and unknown. This is the opposite.
The Mars Volta
4/5
This is very modern in a retro way- has all the ingredients I like (musicianship, weird oddbeat things and wailing vocals that make no sense). It borrows from lots of other sources (in a good way) from Muse to Rush and even way back to 70's Prog and Psychadelic Rock.
The only thing I would level at it is that it feels very contrived ( which may be their intention?).
I do like it.
Goldfrapp
5/5
Sumptuous and lovely.
Shades of Portishead, intricate orchestral arrangements and....yes it's ethereal.
I can understand why some find it boring because it's not ordinary.
It has all the ingredients I enjoy.
Moby
5/5
Had this CD stuck in the car 20 years ago and must have played it a zillion times.
Still like it though- the tracks are like a soothing mantra to me.
On the face of it Play is a bunch of samples with a disco beat but I think the sum is greater than the parts.
The Replacements
1/5
It's pleasant- I can appreciate what they've tried but don't see what's so groundbreaking about this?
When I think of the albums that have missed out because their 'Genre-quota' of 25 albums was full I realise what's wrong with the album selection of the 1001.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Iconic.
There's not much to say and it's been overplayed so maybe doesn't have an impact on playing.
Nevertheless it's very assured, musically proficient and well produced so can't be knocked on that front.
Maybe if you don't like 70's rock?
David Bowie
4/5
This is a Classic.
Smooth and assured- Jazzy and cool.
Neatly framed by the two hits.
Primal Scream
4/5
This is a real revalation- of course I've heard these guys in passing but never really listened to this album.
It's a real eclectic mix of style - not entirely original but I found this really enjoyable.
Rock 'n roll and trip hop meets electronic industrial.
DJ Shadow
4/5
Very interesting to listen to- there's no clear cut classification in my mind. Maybe Trip-Hop/Electronica but it merges from track to track with samples, drum beats and synth.
It's good to have playing in the background or to chill to.
David Bowie
5/5
Weirdly I've just had the previous Bowie album 'Young Americans' and it's interesting to see the transition and thinking ahead to Low (which I did a couple of weeks back).
It helps to solidly play them (not just the hits) and get into the vibe. I get a real feel for the 70's hedonistic lifestyle from this. Almost spaced out.
Well written and produced- quite rocky after the smooth Young Americans.
It's Bowie in the end and a classic.
The War On Drugs
3/5
I guess there's a need to add some contemporary albums to this 1001.
This is really enjoyable but adds nothing to Henley/Springsteen/Petty who all have pioneered this sound.
Still, I quite like it. More ethereal perhaps, haunting guitars and synths rather than rock.
Miriam Makeba
4/5
This gets better as it goes along and reading about her and her life puts it into perspective. Her infuence isn't just musical.
A wide range of African songs, jazz songs and calypso (I guess that's Harry Belafonte's influence).
Her voice is spectacular.
The Clash
4/5
A bit of nostalgia for sure.
This is authentic punk - shouty and loud with a political slant.
'Police and Thieves' (the cover) is an indication of the direction they went in which is where I left them but seems to be predictably people's favourite song.
The Icarus Line
3/5
So this is one of the lowest rated album......
It's not that bad to be honest and musically is quite accomplished, cohesively engineered and produced. If I felt in a sleazy-glam-rock type of mood I'd put this on.
It sounds like a lot of other bands which is ok- they've taken what they wanted.
Overall it's not as bad as some make out.
Tom Waits
3/5
Mr Waits has quite a few albums on this chart.
Well done Mr Waits.
Unfortunately, whilst pretty good and spanning many years they are all pretty samey. I have listened to 3 of them now and they are indistinguishable.
Bluesy, sleazy, smoke filled bars with gravely voice, milkbottles and brokendown pianos.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Iconic and super cool, this album epitomises a whole genre.
Tracks are mainly upbeat RnR pop with a smattering of slower tracks that later characterised Elvis's songwriting. Intelligent lyrics and inspired keyboard from Nieve.
Elastica
3/5
Vibrant 90's sound. Pleasant brit rock/pop with a cool image.
I'm liking a lot of the sounds on this album tbh so it's one for me.
3/5
Not quite sure what's going on with the reviews and whether or not this is in the 1001 at all but I quite enjoyed it.
I initially took one look at the album cover and groaned but there are a few tracks i've heard before and it actually helps knowing nothing about them or the genre.
But you need to be in the mood for loud music........
Jacques Brel
3/5
Live Albums:
I've not been a lover of live albums as to me they're kinda like a cheap option (saves on studio time). Minutes of audience clapping too is a drag.
There are some great artists in this category and it's a shame as there are a great many good songs not given their due.
Non-English lyrics:
I also think you don't necessarily need to understand the words to a song but in the case of Brel (who was primarily known for his lyrics) again it's a shame.
The most you can hope for is to appreciate the tune, passion and singing ability.
Maybe just the vibe of the genre? Nice to have in the background....
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
Came across this before on another chart. It's pretty highly regarded and plays well- soothing and transporting so it's mood music.
You don't need to know what they're singing about. In fact that helps to concentrate on the music.
Highly accomplished ensemble - smooth and co-ordinated and although this grates on some people it really hits the spot with me.
Superb.
Portishead
5/5
Now we're cooking.
Quite simply one of the greatest albums ever produced.
Transports you to another world and leaves you there.
Totally unique when it was released (was it really that long ago?)
I have never stopped playing this album.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Duran Duran
3/5
I'm suprised this is on here!
A perfect slice of 80s pop selling the dream of dusky sunsets in tropical islands with beautiful people.
It's difficult to listen to this as music rather than what it represents.
I liked it at the time but can't help but compare it with other albums that are so much better. Why have a Warhol when you can have a Van Gogh?
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Just like everyone says: Cydonia meets the Arctics.
It's ok but feels too clinical and controlled which isn't suprising since it's a 'supergroup'.
Van Halen
3/5
The epitomy of 80's rock
I kind of like it for nostalgia and because it's so safe. It reminds me of corny 80s 'coming-of-age' movies.
Musically very accomplished, well produced and slick you can't fault it other than it's cliched and not your thing.
Looking at the list of albums released at the same time it's sad to say they are ALL cheese......so sit back and clench.
Joan Baez
3/5
Remarkable voice for a 19 year old.
She is clean and clear cut with stark accompaniment on the guitar. It's maybe too clean for my liking and sounds more American folk (Appalachian in places?) to me but I'm no expert.
In the 60's she was a BIG celebrity with Dylan and very influencial but she seems to have faded.
All in all I'm grateful to have heard this but not a favourite.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Just for the one opening song this album gets 5 stars from me. Even now it's shocking and addictive.
The rest is a odd collection of bluesy, rocky and honky-tonk delivered with skill and swagger.
This is a major game player and I'm suprised it's not near the top in this chart?
The Jam
4/5
"Days of speed and slow time Monday's
Pissing down with rain on a boring Wednesday
Watching the news and not eating your tea
A freezing cold flat and damp on the walls
I say that's entertainment, that's entertainment"
One of the greatest songs from one of the greatest and sadly neglected bands. It's quintessential post-punk Britain with a nod to the Kinks.
I grew up with this so I'm kinda biased. It encapsulates Britain late 70s-early 80s so it may not be your cup of tea but for me it's happy days.
(btw: All Mod Cons is even better imo)
Sister Sledge
4/5
Wow this has a lot of hits in it. Really takes me back to school dances.
Disco at it's finest courtesy of Nile Rodgers. 1001 albums could have a whole genre in his name (Chic has 2 albums as well).
Amazing how many cultural references have spawned from this too - a lot of people unaware where they came from.
k.d. lang
3/5
Liking the whole vibe- laid back and lyrical.
I once listened to this over and over again on a long haul flight and it did the trick and even now her voice has an affect on me.
KD is to Country that Nora Jones is to Jazz and it certainly fits the niche.
The Charlatans
3/5
I like the vibe but it's a one-trick pony with no real variety.
Madchester and the 90s, Britpop and Alt-rock etc were a great fun time and I'd have this on in the background but not really listen to any of them apart from the hits.
Ray Charles
4/5
Odd album concept but the songs are certainly great. Some big hits too. 'I can't stop loving you' is one of the altime greats.
Culturally this had a big impact too so it should get recognition for that if nothing else.
The arrangements are a bit smaltzy by todays standards and not much piano either. A bit like a big band album rather than C&W.
John Coltrane
5/5
Even I've heard of this one. Quite hypnotic and atmospheric.
I like the sax above other jazz instruments and this doesn't disappoint.
Don't find it too overwhelming either.
Great record.
Ice Cube
4/5
Gave his last album a low score as being derivative and repetitive but this is more like it.
I like the self referential bits and the energy reminding me of Public enemy but with direct references to specific events.
It's another world to me but I appreciate the vibe.
Doves
3/5
One of the bands I feel I missed out on at time. Generic to be sure but pleasant with some interesting added touches.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
I wouldn't like to say I don't like this or even that it doesn't deserve it's place here only that it doesn't appeal to me as outstanding.
There's other artists that did this genre I prefer.
Having said all this it's pleasant enough as background filler.
Deep Purple
5/5
Reading some of the other reviews I'm struck by how tastes differ and how being an originator matters little now.
To me though this is a virtuoso performance that never ages and each listen reveals new nuances.
Simply one of the best.
Soft Cell
5/5
Seedy clubs in Leeds in the late 70's this is the sound of Soft Cell.
Marc Almond is the perfect diva and has an operatic range that goes hand in hand with Dave Ball's sparce synth symphonies.
Reading the reviews some people seem to miss the whole point of the exercise. This is sleaze and this is early Brit Synth where wannabe stars bought cheap Rolands and dreamed in their bedsits writing lyrics that reflected their angst lives.
This is a classic.
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
This was the first album I bought and I still love it today.
It's 110% full-on from the word go with orchestral rock-n-roll pop-driven tunes and not a quiet introspective moment in 4 sides. Jeff Lynne is a genius for arrangements and tunes and it flows along with a multitude of classical and electronic tricks.
I can understand how some people can't stand the whole vibe but it's so hooked into my memories I can't but love it.
Kate Bush
3/5
There's a lots of Celtic influences here by this time but I miss the raw passion and inventiveness in her early work.
It's too assured and well produced with a host of 'guest appearances' from famous friends. It's like a cosy little club but there's no pressure.
It's good but bland apart from This Woman's work.
Queen
3/5
Very well produced and assured. It's like the rockiest Queen song but a whole album of them. I know 7 Seas but none of the others.......
I think I'd need to listen several times before I started to get into this. It's worth the effort so maybe I should?
The Lemonheads
3/5
Pleasant and inoffensive but nothing special or groundbreaking.
It brings back pleasant memories of the early 90s.
This is often included in best 'alternative', 'independant' or '90s' albums but it's sad that the height of the album is a cover that was only sewn on when it became a hit.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Absolutely loved the first album but this sounds like the same tunes with different words.
Maybe you're supposed to see the songs as musical poems and the tunes don't matter, just the words?
Then I read the reviews and even the high score reviews admit it's this way.
It's pleasant, and there are high points but a lot of it can be left on in the background.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Cover songs done by an aged Country star.
But done in a powerful way.
Some work, some don't.
And of course then there's Hurt....
Laura Nyro
3/5
Incredibly talented but underated singer/songwriter.
Proof that you can appreciate something but not especially love it since I have to admit after a few numbers it starts to grate with it's NYC energy and vibrancy.
Still, it's mood music and maybe on a sunny Spring day doing housework it would be good to have this on?
The Smiths
4/5
Don't know whether to laugh or cry at the irony since The Queen did in fact die last night. Methinks someone tinkered with the 'randomised generator' for this?
I've always struggled to be over the moon with The Smiths and never got beyond the hits despite thinking there must be something i've missed somewhere- Marrs music and Morrisey's lyricism are epic but both are a bit grating after a bit.
Still, I played this through again and increased the 'enjoyment factor' a tad but still never enough for me to put them on again.
Marianne Faithfull
5/5
Very late 70's in sound which seems to suit her voice this album seems to be more about Marianne than the music. She has an odd voice and has a magnetic personality. Try checking out her 60's songs on Spotify and it's shocking the contrast.
The music is average but the lyrics and Marianne's voice and persona make this worth listening to. It's all about excess and self-destruction.
BTW don't listen to 'Why'd ya do it ' with your mother in the room......
Pulp
4/5
Another band I never had the inclination to explore and I'm here listening to this before Different Class which is not a good idea according to the reviews.
1/ yes it does sound like Bowie.
2/ yes it does sound jade and burnt out.......I like that.
3/ Is it neither good nor bad? To be honest 'average' Pulp is still better than a lot of bands.
The lyrics are engaging and the music varied and interesting.
So yes I guess I'm converted.
The Strokes
5/5
I know it's been hyped and over-celebrated and it's not entirely original but it's a breath of fresh air to me. This is exactly the kind of sound I like.
Cool neat tunes in a 'back-to-basics' format. So assured and authentic.
This is it.
Tears For Fears
4/5
Reading the reviews I found one negative comment- the others were OTT which is not what I remember.
Still, let's give them a listen.......
Certainly 80's pop and very well produced. Massive hits and intelligent lyrics. Some of these songs became anthems which presumably accounts for the popularity of this album.
Perfect Pop.
Grizzly Bear
3/5
Good initial response, I like the odd-randomness.
It's quite ethereal and really hard to classify.
Dire Straits
5/5
Well...........it's an icon.
.......but is it any good?
Very 80's The title track is an echo from the 'Love over Gold' vibe and the rest on this album is poppier and more accessible perhaps.
I prefer the earlier albums but this is still epic. I have to give it 5 stars not because I like it the best but because I recognise how good it is.
The Avalanches
3/5
Hugely enjoyable but basically vacuous since it's an album of samples and a disco beat.
Appeals to Millennials who hark back to the old days....bless.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I'm like everyone else thinking this is a groovy chill piece of relaxation music.
I don't think it's worthy of the 1001.
But still nice.
Blur
5/5
Iconic.
This was the beginning but really a continuation of the vibe that goes from the Kinks, The Who, The Jam and Squeeze to name a few.
Quirk, fun and constantly re-inventing itself thanks to Damon's skill and inventiveness.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Wow. well I guess I'm not alone in having a deep personal attachment to this album.
Takes popular music to another level.
Perfect like Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall but this one has the edge.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
This is a real Classic.
Great Swampy sound all the way through and a couple of bangers.
It's good to put on and let run.
Stephen Stills
3/5
It's a real 70's American vibe and I like it.
Ute Lemper
3/5
It's well arranged, produced, played and sung and is certainly in it's own niche. Stylised and theatrical which characterises all the artists featured.
It doesn't deserve some of the bad reviews hurled at it considering some of the other stuff I've had to listen to but it does sound like film music and lacks a soul in my opinion. Maybe that's part of the package?
It feels like musicians being paid to go through the motions. Very accomplished musicans but integrity goes a long way.
Tori Amos
4/5
Athough it's 1992 it still sounds 80s which isn't so much a criticism but the fact it sounds like a lot of other equally great songstresses (a hint of Pat Benatar and even Kate Bush in there) detracts somewhat from the originality.
Even so there's some nice songs on here and I found it easy to listen through.
Pretenders
5/5
Argh! I've just rediscovered this after 40 years.
I bought this from the record stall at Wembley market but wasn't overly into it so consigned it to the back of the collection.
Listening to it now I realise how wrong I was. Brass in Pocket is the big hit but my favourites now are: Kid, Stop your sobbing and Private Life (written by Chrissie and covered by Grace Jones).
Can't stop playing it now.
Björk
4/5
Appreciate the vibe- very well produced and executed. It's really innovative and unique. Bjork is one of a kind.
The only thing missing is actually liking the danged thing.
Not sure what score to give it.
4/5
I know the hits and loved them then as now but the rest is bland and formulaic.
If you can get your head around the stylised posturing and synth effects it was a great moment in pop music but that was as far as it went.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Generic and unoriginal but reading the reviews it was quite groundbreaking so maybe this paved the way?
Even the biggest hit on this is a remake but having said that it's well produced and pleasant to listen to so there you go.
Blur
4/5
I like Blur. This is more of the same however more mature and perhaps with half an eye on the Gorillaz?
What else is there to say.
Merle Haggard
3/5
Well this is a contrast.....
A bit of C&W. I'm no expert but i'd say this is smooth and well produced. Quite assured and reading the Wiki Merle was no stranger to hardship or jail.
I prefer the slower tracks- I like the older, slower Country best.
Talking Heads
5/5
Talking Heads are........a difficult band.
Intelligent pop that speaks to you but without round edges and without warmth.
There's much to admire and nothing to love here?
Still, this album is a treasure.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
I preferred the more African beat tracks and overall it's good but not outstanding. Sort of World music with a Blues/Rock slant.
Reading the Wiki I'm in support of these guys and their struggles.
Well produced and professionally played.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
I groaned when I saw this pop up but it's really not that bad. I think it's the hype that follows it that repels me.
Tight and supremely produced with great musicianship. It's not just the big hits but also the other tracks too showing a variety and inventiveness that suprises me.
In summary it's very impressive from one of the biggest bands ever. The only thing that stops me from playing this regularly is my reservations on their image.
The music is epic though. It really is.
Femi Kuti
3/5
Modern African jazz.
Good to listen to.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Maybe there's a tad too many albums by Declan on here? I count seven.
There's some good tracks but does he straddle so many genres to qualify?
I remember this one and liked the hits. He seemed to define intelligent New Wave cool that I was a bit too young to understand.
Slayer
3/5
To be honest I put this on and it hit the spot on a rainy October morning. Blows the cobwebs and everything else away.
It doesn't pretend to be anything other than it is.
Eurythmics
5/5
It's a bit unfair to ask me to be objective since this is one of my all time favourite bands and albums.
Annie and Dave. What a team! The greatest since Beauty and the Beast.
I could listen to this all day. Perfect production and perfect New Wave Synth.
And what a voice she has.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Hard to put it in words.
Would have loved to have seen him live, I mean the bass and drums are absolutely spot on too but Jimi just had everything. I'm in pieces here can't cope. One of the greatest albums of any genre.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Very interesting- sounds like French North African blues.
Easy to listen to, and to chill to. Nice rhythms.
Shame this was his last album.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
The Stones have always been the bad boys against the Beatles loveable mop-tops image. I'm finding i'm steering more to the dark side now.........
This album is full-force and full of powerful hits, sneering lyrics, cold dark imagery. All these years later it can still evoke anger and controversy.
The album begins with the newer progressive works and then finishes with the older style blue/pop numbers they were known for.
This was a turning point.
The Black Keys
3/5
I've been a bit spoilt recently with really great albums and although this is good it's in the 2nd division.
Still, the tunes are all there with enough variety and skill to warrant inclusion.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I'm always cautious of post 2000 albums since I think there's a bias towards anything 'new'.
This is ok, not groundbreaking mind, but ok. Nothing inventive, lots of ideas copied from others and no direction but well put together production-wise.
Considering how many great albums aren't on this list it's a shame but since it's based on filling quotas of each genre rather than sheer quality there will be albums filling in the gaps.
Love
2/5
I wanted something different and I got it. Although I'm not that ecstatic about what I got.
This is proof that not everything that came out of the 60's was great. It's a bit average to be honest. I think Forever Changes was a lot better.
Ravi Shankar
5/5
Uh? This is unusual? 1957? Should this be counted as 'Classical Music'? World Music?
This guy is a legend even now. Weird to think he's Norah's dad.
I'm listening to this with an incense burning and chilling. Beautiful music.
A Tribe Called Quest
1/5
I like to think I like a lot of Rap but this just does nothing for me.
Monotonous, drumbeat and occasional keyboard makes you concentrate on the lyrics but there's nothing of any interest. Day-to-day musings and worries of someone I have no interest in.
I know it's not 'cool' to not like this but I don't like it. Leave it to the hipsters.
Björk
4/5
I thought 'Oh no not another Bjork album' but I like this.
I've always thought I should like her- all the ingredients are there but never clicked.
I like the capella slant though. Very well produced and executed.
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
It's like the most inoffensive tunes conjuring a strange suburban 70/80's world from my childhood with disturbing lyrics with often uncomfortable imagery and unbearable sadness.
I've tried getting into these guys before but it's true their songs end up sounding very samey and bland. Maybe it's the lyrics that saves them?
It hit me this morning in the right way in tune with my mood so maybe the breakthrough has been made?
The state that I am in.
Elvis Presley
5/5
Elvis...
There's some of his greatest songs here when he was still able to weave some kind of spell.
It's always going to be about the man himself with his people around him.
It's a very stylised 70's production as you might expect.
No-one did it like the man.
Death In Vegas
4/5
This is why I keep going with this 1001.
I've heard of Death in Vegas but never consciously listened to them. This is really where I'm at at the moment post-Covid with Putin threatening to bomb us and a worldwide financial crisis ongoing.
Dark, gloomy, shoegaze and catchy.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Already one of my favourites. Best played with alcohol and incense. Would have loved to have been there........
This is 60's psychedelia at it's best and not to be confused with 70's Floyd which was incredible but not this.
This is superb.
Green Day
4/5
I've always liked these guys despite what everyone else says and it makes me happy.
Not the most inventive, varied or original but they're good at what they set out to be and that's ok by me.
Manu Chao
3/5
How have I come this far along in life without having heard of this guy or this album. It's the oddest thing I've ever heard. It's like Spanish trip hop with sampling and rhythms that go around and about. Not really tracks as such as it bleeds from one track to another. No real substance as it feels like pop music and certainly not punk rock. Not sure if it deserves one star or 5 stars.
Neu!
3/5
Very interesting contrast in styles.
The first half is ambient Krautrock which abruptly morphs into the German Rolling Stones.
Very odd.
The reviews seem to be equally polarised between 1s and 5s.
I normally love these albums but this left me cold.
Haircut 100
3/5
Big dose of nostalgia for me. These were a clean inoffensive jazzy pop band set up by record executives to be the new 'Monkeys'. A lot of hits on the album which mainly appealed to teens.
Nick Heyward was the lead and wrote most of the songs and clearly a talented guy but the songs lack depth.
It's pleasant and i've enjoyed listening to the songs I know but nothing beyond that.
Coldplay
4/5
They've been since denigrated but at the time they were the next 'big thing'.
Maybe when someone is overplayed the songs lose their punch? I don't like the tendency to slag things off when at one time you were all over them so I will say I liked them at the time and still find the songs enjoyable.
There's plenty of other bands that have come and gone in the last 20 years so why not? Maybe people gravitate to the newest trendy bauble.
The songs sound quite dated now but at the time they were great. It shows if you can develop a 'sound' at the time people will latch onto it and you can be huge for a while.
Eminem
5/5
I know little of rap but this is seriously engaging.
I'd listened to it before for another 'Best Album' poll and it was lurking waiting for a relisten. Still disturbing and in your face.
For me this is the best.
Metallica
3/5
I found this hard to get through and skipped to other Metallica songs on other albums.
Not sure what was revolutionary about this - they have 4 albums on this chart which makes me wonder what genres they all fall into.
Maybe I need to spend more time with this on repeat mode?
5/5
One of my favourite albums already so I think you know what the score will be! This is dad rock and I stole it out of my dad's record collection.....
These musicians were at the peak of their trade. It's a pleasure from start to finish. If some people want to pigeonhole this and close their ears that is their choice but this is pretty damned near perfect.
Constantly changing and reinventing, never dull and played, produced and sang with a skill beyond 99% of todays wannabes.
That slow building opening leading the the explosion of sound is like no other. It never lets up and stays with you for the rest of your life if you open your soul.
Well it's Rod Stewart innit?! One of the greatest voices and personas in Rock.
I love early Rod (Maggie and Mandolin) but never listened to the Faces at all really but this is a good groove. I'm liking Ronnie Wood (who tries to sound like Dylan).
It's good listening to be sure. Not superdooper but good.
Tortoise
4/5
I like Post-Rock.
I like this.
easy really.
It's more jazzier and a bit jammier than other bands I like with whiffs of Can and Eno but it hold firm until the end.
3/5
Loretta's got a lovely voice and the band play very professionally. This plays along pleasantly enough: I'm finding even fillers like 'Tomorrow never comes' easy playing as a background sound.
I'm happy I played this but the only reason was this poll. More educational than pleasurable and at 28 minutes it's not exactly value for money.......
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Now this is better.....
His voice is silky smooth really hits the spot this morning.
In my view this is proper Frank before he morphed into an overblown husk.
I love the feel for these 50's arrangements- the orchestration is lush.
Portishead
5/5
Already one of my favourite albums and one of my favourite bands so this is going to be easy.
When you've listened to something so many times you find it easy to envelope yourself in the mood and I can understand why some find the music an overly intense wall to immerse yourself in.
It's worth the plunge though.
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
Well, at least they can't accuse the 1001 exec of being closed-minded.
Indian raag music? This is basically Classical? Or is it 'World music'?
Still, it's pretty chill and well played and produced. Considering this is 1967 it's pretty contemporary so who am I to judge?
Nico
4/5
So all the hipsters and metalheads aren't into the 60's vibe? Never mind.
This is an oddity and fits into the Velvet Underground/Warhol scene with contributions from a number of them.
It's true the production and arrangements are pretty insipid though- it would have been good to hear what Nico's idea for drums and guitars would have been like?
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
So 80's. Poppy 80s. Synths and drum beats. Cyndi is a force of nature- how can anyone dislike her?
But it's good 80s as these were the happy bits I remember.
These are catchy anthems.
Finley Quaye
3/5
At the time I really like this and although I get and agree the comments about the wannabe Jamaica gangsta pose are a put off there's still a few great tracks on here.
The style is pretty light and breezy and easy to listen to. Not really Reggae but a smorgasbord of things he's thrown in there.
Frank Black
4/5
There's a real Pixies feel to this and I really like it.
The guy's really talented and there's a variety to this too that makes it worth listening the whole way through.
Sigur Rós
4/5
Love it.
Ambient and Orchestral and plain odd I found it a joy to listen to.
For every hater out there there is a lover.
Simple Minds
4/5
A band I'd tried getting into on the premise I was missing something.
Conjures memories of the 80's and John Hughes movies but there's a lot more going on behind the facade.
The hits are a real treat but the rest is a bit hit and miss as you'd expect.
All in all this is high-end 80's New Wave.
3/5
Very relaxing and chill. I'm finding I like this sort of thing more and more in today's toxic world.
Kanye West
1/5
Clean, crisp and well engineered. Lots of collaborators and nice tunes. The rapping's clear but I just can't buy it fromthis guy.
He's too squeaky to be down in the gutter shooting from the hip. Like the Wiki says: "West was raised in a middle-class environment". It's like some guy in Beverley Hills rapping about life in the gutter.
He's far too intelligent and it shows. He should have been a reality star not a rapper.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
This is steady, tuneful and jazzy. Good to listen to for chilling.
Not outstanding but still pretty good.
Isaac Hayes
5/5
One of the few albums in history to transcend it's own genre.
This is beyond it's time. So good in so many ways it's not just Hayes but the producers and arrangers that seemed to hit the right spot at the right time.
Even the cover is a bold statement.
Love it.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
This is super high grade Indie. Intelligent catchy quirky tunes.
There's a lot of these bands popped up at the time but this is a standout moment.
Queen
3/5
Ok so it's Queen and I love Queen but I've not really concentrated on their early stuff much apart from the hits.
It's flamboyant and Glam and theatrical paving the way for A Night at the Opera but there's not much cohesion- it's a bit bitty if you know what I mean?
The Black Crowes
3/5
This takes me back- stylised glammy, bluesey rock.
It's good and easy to listen to. This kind of this never seems to date.
50 Cent
3/5
Not the sort of thing I listen to but I liked this.
Tunes interesting and rapping kinda low key and brutal. It reminds me of a mix of a few other styles I like (Fugees and funnily enough Eminem).
All in all it's good to listen to. I may never listen to it again but who knows?
The Cure
4/5
This was when I liked them.
More New Wave than Gothpop.
And before Smith eliminated all opposition.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Good old fashioned 80's Heavy Metal.
Nothing too deep or meaningful here but it's fun.
Madonna
3/5
This is Madonna being more introspective and sensitive. Still very 80's and is ok as it goes but a bit bland.
No real cutting edge but then it is pop.
Sepultura
3/5
I like it.
Unashamedly heavy and extreme. With some added authentic ethnic touches which made it stand out.
Otherwise they sound just like 000's of other bands like this. I've no idea what genre this is? nu metal, Death metal? thrash? Heavy?
One other reviewer commented this was a great album until the howling began!
Having said that I enjoyed listening to this.
AC/DC
3/5
I thought I'd already reviewed this album and tracked back to discover I'd had Back in Black. Different vocalist it's true but sounds the same so I'm a bit mystified why we have 2 almost identical albums?
I gave the last one a 3.
David Bowie
5/5
Jazzy, discordant and moody I can understand why some can't stomach it but it's right down my street.
Reminds me in places of Aladdin Sane.
A fitting finale I think.
Magazine
4/5
I love New Wave.
Some interesting sounds here. Synth, energy and passion.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
I grew up with people playing Reggae out of the open windows in Summer and it always put me in a chill mood.
This hasn't got all the hits which is good since you get to hear the album fillers.
Pink Floyd
5/5
What can I say that hasn't already been said?
I needed this after many days thinking up positive things to say about albums with 2-3 good tracks and obscure World music I know I should appreciate.
This is so good it makes me cry. In another 50 years this album will still be adored.
George Michael
5/5
It's easy to look back now and dismiss but this was and still is an incredible achievement.
There's a few weaker tracks but this album contains some real outstanding music that was very successful.
And yes, godammit I enjoyed listening to them!
FKA twigs
5/5
Well, here's a thing.
I'm suprised at how negative everyone is in the reviews.
Yes it's not entirely original and doesn't follow traditional definitions of a cohesive album with tracks but it's inventive and fresh and precisely what I enjoy listening to.
People are giving '1's for no more reason that 'it's not for me' so I'm going to give this a '5' for precisely the same reason in reverse.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
They've grown on me recently and I'm beginning to see difference in their tracks I didn't see before.
Really enjoyed this.
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
This consistently appears in 'best of' lists but I just don't see how it rises above the many other psychadelic 60s albums.
It's good enough, but pedestrian.
Public Image Ltd.
5/5
This is unpleasant, talentless and offensive. I love it.
I can't say I like John Lydon but he has always been outspoken and this is fairly enjoyable if you like Pistols and Punk/New wave but i'm more interested in how unpopular this is to reviewers.
It's from 1978 riding on the back of Punk so it's what I would expect it to be but the reviewers seem to want to compare it with serious music.
Ray Charles
3/5
I like Ray but I don't like the Big Band.
His genius sure shines through the brash tinny horns.
Shame really they ruin what could have been a gem purely because this is what respectable America wanted.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I like her voice and I like her style.
It's like one continuous stream of consciousness road trip without hooks or choruses.
Quite jazzy which is a departure from her previous folksy origins.
There is only one Joni.
Scott Walker
3/5
It's sad how deeply unpopular this style of music has become.
Theatrical, overblown and orchestral this is a real niche vibe: Weill, Brel, Walker through to Ute Lemper and the Divine Comedy.
I can normally manage a song or two before switching to something less intense.
It's good and accomplished (well sung and produced) but lacks empathy.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Nice clear Country.
Crisp vocals and guitar.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
This is the style of rap I like but I can't say I can differentiate between say Public Enemy and these guys although I do like Method man as well.
Still, it deserves respect and it's fun to listen to. Always interesting and never boring.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
The problem is yesterday's album was Enter the Wu Tang which is so much more hard edged and in my view innovative.
This seems bland in comparison.
I know it's an unfair comparison and this was the first big hip-hop crossover etc etc but I also remember Sugarhill gang and Grandmaster Flash who did it even earlier and had a fresh vital sound.
Supergrass
3/5
Pretty inoffensive indy Brit pop.
A couple of middling hits but should it be in here?
1/5
It's not even Punk as it's far too clean around the edges and perhaps 5-6 years too late.
There are bands that did this far better in New York, London and Manchester so I fail to see what makes this so special.
It's not horrible to listen to, just bland and uninspiring.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I count 5 classics on this.
Stevie has music running through his veins.
A real groovy 70s vibe too on the other tracks.
I could listen to this all day. Perfect.
3/5
Better things are to come I think.
It's pleasant enough but I don't think this should be here.
Fugazi
3/5
Pretty good if you're in the mood for something that is an island in between the 80s and 90s.
SAULT
2/5
Made in the wake of the George Floyd killing and the backlash that ensued.
Musically it's ok but a bit bland and derivative.
Lyrically it's not subtle at all and I'm not sure who it's aimed at but I'm sure they either already know or will never listen anyway.
Dare I say that the only reason this is included in the 1001 is it's historical impact?
The National
3/5
I can't say this is very very good but it's where I want to be at this point in time so it really strikes a chord in me.
Berninger voice resonates. The low-key music style is perfect.
It's the same with Bon Iver and suprise suprise there's a connection there so i'm going to keep on going down that road for now.
Like I said it's not top 10 of all time but it's where I need to be.
The Slits
5/5
Legendary band and album but is it any good?
Well it's FUN but not Punk but more New Wave Reggae/Ska which is really sketchy but enjoyable. Musically tight with interesting lyrics.
It's amazing that records like this got made and infuenced others. It deserves a place on the 1001.
The Undertones
5/5
Raw energy, simple short tunes and Feargal's unmistakable voice I loved them when I was a kid and still do now.
This has quite a few solid hits and one of the greatest songs of all time (Teenage Kicks).
Although I prefer the later albums this is where it began and even the cover is a bold statement.
Simply one of the best.
Arcade Fire
4/5
As an old dad in his cardigan and slippers I don't need to engage in the social tittle-tattle part of this band and purely concentrate on the music which I enjoy.
Overblown and grandiose which is what I like. Inventive and immesive this is a work of art.
The Prodigy
3/5
Prefer The Fat (which came later). I gave that 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 but this was when they were pretty much finding their feet.
It's still good but not great.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This is a great band and a great album.
I think this gets forgotten nowadays with the strive for new sounds.
If you can rise above any negative connotations and listen to it's confident, fresh and entirely original vibe then it's a treat.
The B-52's
5/5
Well this is iconic. Not sure if you can dredge up anything bad to say? I'm sure they do though.
From the opening track it sets it's mark: Inventive, stylised, fun and energetic.
Great band and great album at one of the most pivotal years in music history.
1979
TLC
3/5
This is smooth R&B.
It's ok and deserves to be here but not groundbreaking or particularly special.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Great theme- proper 70's soul but a lot of the rest of the album is orchestral wallpaper with a couple of good tracks in between.
Hot Buttered Soul is better by far.
Grateful Dead
3/5
Yeah Folk Rock/Country describes this well.
Nice to listen to, even in the backgound.
I love the way that behind the images lies sweet-natured chilled chaps who play mellow music.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Great iconic 70's rock.
A few album fillers/covers (rock 'n roll standards) but made up by the hits.
The Fall
5/5
The only bad thing about this album is the suprisingly well played music which often overshadowed the spokenword lyrics of the titan that was Mark E Smith.
Various Artists
4/5
Of course I get this on Christmas day!
Reviews seems to centre on: 1/ "I don't like Christmas music" or 2/ Spector killed someone 40 years later.
Focusing on the music it's what you would expect from the Wall of Sound given a Christmas theme.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
This is a wonderful album.
Each to their own and if you prefer loud Indy, Rapping or Thrash then I suggest this isn't for you.
It's quiet, introverted and orchestral in places.
I like Indy, Rappers and Thrash but I also like this.
Al Green
4/5
Great cool sound - very mellow.
A couple of great songs and the rest good for chilling out.
Khaled
1/5
I'm sure in it's way this is popular and groundbreaking and I'd probably have got into this a few years ago but today it hit me in the wong way.
Too poppy and upbeat I think.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Wel there is only one Beastie Boys and this was the start.
Loud, brash, funny and in your face it's suprisingly musical and well produced.
What's not to like?
John Martyn
5/5
My heart jumped when I saw this pop up as it's a favourite of mine.
Heavily stylised and bound up with the whole scene back in early to middle 70s.
Folky and Jazzy it's more upbeat and musically almost beyond compare.
I love Nick Drake (who John wrote Solid Air for) and Roy Harper but John is not far behind in my affection.
This is a solid 5.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
This is really interesting.
I really like Yoshimi but hadn't stretched any further back in their catalogue.
Well this album is odd for a 90s band, and well..... odd for any time either............
It lurches along musically, never seemingly planned but makes a really enjoyable rollercoaster ride. Wayne Coyne's voice is perfect for this band and I love the balance between orchestration, drums and synth.
It's a tremendous trip so buckle up and enjoy.
The Style Council
4/5
I was a big Jam fan and loved Weller's later work but have always avoided this period in his life horrified like Van Gogh turning to Pop Art.
However since I was forced to listen to this again after almost 40 years I found myself enjoying it.
Hogdammit Paul's consummate skill as a song writer just shines through despite the insipid 80s vibe.
James Taylor
2/5
Acolades have been thrown at this album and James too as a master songwriter.
I remember my auntie had this in her collection and it's beautifully written, played and produced but for me there's a lot of artists and albums out there with more integrity.
Very disappointed listening through - it's insipid and bland.
Easy listening wallpaper is all i'd rate it for.
Kanye West
2/5
As someone who doesn't like Kanye I found this interesting musically.
I don't like his style or persona but found the people he brought to make this for him came up with a hard edged sound i liked.
Unfortunately I just cannot stand him at all so found the whole experience uncomfortable.
Fred Neil
4/5
Any album with the original Everybody's Talkin' on it is worth a listen.
I like the integrity and sincerity plus there's a bouzouki!
Good easy listening.
Forgot the whistling, harmonica and finger clicking too.
Orbital
3/5
I guess everything has a place and this is 90s Techno.
I like them but only to a certain point.
Rush
2/5
Just don't get this.
Voted the best album of the 80's on Facebook?
It's not bad but then again it's mediocre.
Genesis
3/5
If you don't like Prog you won't like this.
I like Prog but prefer Selling England and Foxtrot to this.
This was Gabriel at his most controlling but since it appears that the rest of the band wrote the music in a series of jams and Peter waltzed off to write the lyrics. The music is the main reason for listening to this.
I love Trick of the Tail which came after this and after Gabriel left so that says a lot.
This is like a self indulgent trip (a 'concept' album) but the music is the redeeming feature.
Steely Dan
4/5
Love the laid back vibe of Steely Dan.
This isn't their best but still has a couple of hits and after all was their first album so they were feeling their way.
Eels
3/5
Although I know Novacaine this album passed me by at the time but I like it.
Sounds like a lot of other 90s sounds that I like encapsulated into one ball of odd offbeat topics and sounds.
Not sure if they are the 'originals' (thinking Beck) though but that doesn't bother me.
R.E.M.
3/5
Early REM. Wow! I've only heard the hits before now.
I can tell it's early stuff and for 1983 they were groundbreaking. This almost sounds New Wave.
Even so it doesn't really do it for me. There's no 'hook'.
De La Soul
3/5
Sadly not on Spotify but caught parts of it on Youtube.
This is iconic with the hits and inbetween inventive and quirky samples and light-hearted rap.
This is good to listen to.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Love PSB so not hard to listen to.
Not my favourite album of theirs but still very enjoyable.
It's perfect dance pop with an intelligent ironic slant.
Complex layers of co-ordinated sound.
Black Sabbath
5/5
One of the top rated albums and i'm helping to keep it where it belongs.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 to the band and the album that were there at the beginning.
It's like feasting on the finest banquet and drinking a glass of Chateau Lafite.
Every track, every note in perfect harmony.
Perfection.
Kraftwerk
5/5
What a treat. These guys are the best at what they do.
Hugely influential.
The sound just envelopes you. Hard to believe this is 46 years old.
Brian Wilson
3/5
I like the Beach Boys but have never been a big fan.
This is an interesting What If and starts off well. The melodies of the 60's realised with post-Millenial production values but it ends up being a well produced Medley of tunes and sounds.
It's a bit sad really but goes to prove that rerecording the past is not what you think it will be.
Justice
3/5
Very Daft Punk.
I like it, but it will never be anything more than a very good Rip-off.
Good to listen to as background but surely not dance rhythms?
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
This really is awful.
I know this guy is considered by many a National Treasure but these are insipid 80s marshmallow songs.
It's almost laughable how cliched these are.
I would be embarrassed found listening to this- I told my kids it was for the 1001 albums.........
Miles Davis
5/5
Wasn't really feeling it when this popped up this morning but I gave it a go.
I'm glad I did as it's really smooth, dense and chill.
I can't understand how anyone can not like this?
Frank Ocean
3/5
I can see why people like this but it's not at all original I'm afraid (it's just they weren't born when the originals were released in the 90s).
But no matter, it's a pleasant listen: smooth (I like his voice) and his choice of samples.
This is music for chilling.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
I always enjoy reading the one star reviews as they are normally the people who've never heard of Nick Cave and/or are fans of a completely different genre.
Too bad for them. I'm lucky to have met him and boy he has a presence.
This is brooding, sparse and intense.
It's also beyond even just brilliant.
Oasis
3/5
I can't say I like these guys as individuals or understand their status as superstars. It's OK but it's their swagger I don't like.
Tim Buckley
4/5
I like Tim Buckley.
It's true this album is all over the show which is a reflection of the man and his talent.
Still, this is worth listening to.
Radiohead
5/5
Bless me, my little heart soared when this popped up on a cold damp Monday before work.
Quite simply in the top 10 list of greatest albums. Those guitars just hit the spot.
Love this so so much. I've played it all through a zillion times.
This reaches out to your psyche, squeezes it, tenderly massages it and then throws it into the stratosphere.
Talking Heads
4/5
Hugely influencial but................well it doesn't hit me as something i've ever been able to enjoy.
A real shame but it's me and not this album. Still giving it 4 stars.
The Undertones
5/5
So happy to get this. Absolutely love it.
Played it a million times at the time. It really reminds me of being a geeky teen (still am geeky!)
Listening back it has an authenticity that can't be bought. This is New Wave at it's best. Guitars, drums, bass and Feargal Sharkey.
And I did have that Perfect Cousin that is now a millionaire.....it's enough to make you cry.
Sheryl Crow
4/5
I bought this at the time and it's still good to listen to.
It's maybe a bit dated but in a weird time capsule inbetween the 70's Country and 80's Smooth rock.
Neil Young
4/5
Since most people use Spotify for this chart you have to be dedicated and turn to Youtube.
It really was pretty mellow, low-key and offbeat in a 'NeilYoungsian' kinda way. Nice to chill to.
Echoes of country, 70s organ and rock.
Sad to say it deserves so much more recognition but it won't get it.
Barry Adamson
4/5
This is just plain weird. But good.
It could be from the 70s, 80s or 90s or even the noughties......it borrows from everywhere. Lounge musak, Gospel, a John Holmes soundtrack (not that i've ever seen one of his of course), 60's psychadelia........
Ashamed to say he's from a few miles away from me and I've never heard of him. I also like Lynch and Cave. Oh the shame.
One of life's real originals.
Baaba Maal
3/5
It's ok and I liked some tracks.
Authentic African rhythms with 80/90s synth/drums. It would have been better without the extra bits (since they are dated now).
Fiona Apple
4/5
Strong, powerful songs although the music is a bit dated now.
I've a lot of respect for her although she's light years distant.
Bauhaus
4/5
I've always like the vibe and image of Bauhaus but apart from their Bela Lugosi hit (which I bought on 12") could never get into them.
Listening back now their sound is a lot more experimental (not mainstream at all) and authentic. 'Earwax' is a treat.
It's pretty spare and basic (in a good way) so I'm happy to have reacquainted with them.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
This is proper Prog.
Interesting to listen to and varied.
I can understand why some might hate it though.
Kate Bush
5/5
Spellblinding songs.
Kate has always been totally talented and unique and so very scary.
These are some of my favourite songs by her. Yes they are Pop rather than anything else but distinctive and could only have been written by her.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Whatever you think about him later in life he was a great showman, highly talented and this is one of the most iconic of his albums.
Some of these tracks may be fillers but there are massive hits too and it's very slick and well produced thanks to Quincy Jones.
Not my favourite album of his either but assured.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
I do like LCD. Hard to believe this is 2017 and not in a niteclub in Sheffield circa 1981.
I prefer Sound of Silver but this is a continuation on the themes of retro electronic dance. Similar sounds sure but I like them.
Listening to 'Being Boiled', 'Electricity' or 'Fade to gray' I'd like to think Mr Murphy has copied them but he's invented his own vibe and I love it.
Ryan Adams
5/5
Dylanesque? This is really good. Would you call it Neo-country?
It's not normally my thing but it's beautifully balanced with a laid-back vibe that's floats along seamlessly from track to track.
Reading the reviews it seems there's a lot of people hung-up about his nastiness. Well he doesn't strike me as a saint but can you point me in the direction of someone living his lifestyle who's never acted like a jerk?
Trendy chattering classes......
Leonard Cohen
1/5
OMG! Leonard Cohen does 80's musak including cheesy backing singers and even a Kenny G sax?
This is a terrible moment in a great man's career.
This is so wrong in so many ways and even Leonard's words are drowned out.
I can't even blame the music label or producer since it's evident this was 100% his idea.
Britney Spears
4/5
Awww come on people!? It's Britney?
This was massive. She was massive. The video was massive. For sheer impact on our Western culture this is right up there and whether you loved it or loathed it we've all heard it.
As someone else said the album is top heavy probably because the producers didn't think people would get to listen all the way through?
And to think this has a string of awards and record sales stats attached to it.
Bless.
David Holmes
3/5
This is ok to listen to- kinda like a background soundtrack as others have noted.
It's not the most original of sounds either.
Just ok.
5/5
This is iconic.
Whether you love or loathe this album it shaped our culture in the 80's.
Overgrown and graniose with a sense of importance- it's perfect 80's baby!
Good solid rock anthems it may be a little dated today but credit needs to go to Lanois and Eno for shaping this too.
Musically it's complex and has a lot of references from other genres in there.
I love every track.
David Gray
4/5
This brings back memories.
Listening back now it's pretty generic and the production is uninspiring (were any instruments actually played?).
Still, the songs give off a gentle vibe which is enjoyable despite that and there's certainly enough hits on show.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
This album is like a primal force of nature- deep, dark and disturbing.
Stuck between Punk, New-Wave and early Goth.
Powerful themes, rhythms, guitar and drums. Siouxsie voice is perfect for this. She is so strong and magnetic.
Nirvana
5/5
This is for me the greatest live album of all time.
I've played it a zillion times and hope to play it a zillion more. Nirvana sums up the whole sentiment at the time.
It's like a 'Greatest Hits' album keyed with a disturbing insight into Kurt's personality. It's not an act.
The covers of Bowie first and then Ledbelly at the end are the highlights but that's no reflection on the band, their versions are just spot on and unique.
'Where did you sleep last night' stays with you long after the record has ended. It's one of the most disturbing songs I know and one of the greatest performances.
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Funky, assured with integrity.
There's a great vibe going on with this album and it's 50 years old!
Enough variety to make it interesting and sooooo smooth.
I loved it.
Cream
5/5
This is one of the seminal blues-rock albums of all time.
It''s slightly dated but stands the test of time.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Sounds late 80s in it's production.
Ethnic pop-orientated sounds with traces of a number of other.
It's ok but nothing special.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Boy is this a strange album- made in the 70's it doesn't sound like anything i've heard before? I can't even decide if I like it or not.
Brasil meets Africa I guess.
It has a 70's lounge Musak vibe too.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Listening to this it's quite infectious in it's quirky upbeat feel.
I like it.
Sonic Youth
3/5
I've never connected with the band or the sound but I recognise that this had a massive influence and even now you see kids with the Tshirts on.
It does sound a lot like a few other East coast bands and even has a Velvet Underground vibe. That's like 20 years before this was made.
I do like the attitude they have to making this- it really doesn't go out to impress the mainstream.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
This was after Cale was fired and it shows. This is smooth music to chill to and is a lot like later Reed stuff (which I like).
A lot less rocky and experimental (ie: unlistenable) than the previous albums of theirs but I still think the Nico album is one of the greatest albums ever made. This is still good though don't fret.
All very strange. That was the 60's though.
I like it.
Joy Division
5/5
Oh no. How could they do this to me? 15 minutes before I leave for work on a cold cloudy Manchester Monday morning this pops up.
Bleak, industrial, grandiose and intensely emotional, this is the genius of Ian Curtis and Martin Hannett together with the style of Peter Saville and Factory producing an album inside and out that still resonates today.
My favourite album. Always has been.
There's no pose and total integrity.
This is one of the elite.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
Upbeat jangle pop with a hint of college inde.
It's ok for a filler on the radio but 1001 Greatest?
I don't think so.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Early 1975 EW&F? It's good!
Funky and full of life then slower and soulful..... I like it.
A bit mystified why their other lateer stuff is not in the list?
Dolly Parton
2/5
Bless.......
Dolly seems to be the dominant one here although someone needs to take the lead I guess.
It's a bit bland to be honest- nothing original here although it's pleasant enough.
Massive Attack
5/5
Not sure if TripHop made it across the pond but this had a big influence in the UK.
I like Mezzanine better (darker) but loved Tricky's influence here.
Simply infection, moody, and dark. Every track holds it's own- great variety in styles and sounds.
Orbital
3/5
It's ok, I had this on in the background whilst I worked so it's good rhythmical ambiance.
Not really 1001 greatest though?
Christine and the Queens
1/5
Uninspiring wannabe R&B/Euro-pop nonsense.
At least 35 years late to the party- this sounds like a Euro-pop singer from 1985.
How could this possibly be in the 1001 Greatest Albums? It lacks originality and soul. It's all about the individual and nothing to do with the music.
5/5
Superb album.
Muse have a certain sound to them, very distinct and this was when it all came together. Stylised sounds and subject matter that turns a lot of people off but well like by others.
Driving rock anthems although it seems they have fallen prey to the 'not trendy to like Muse' brigade. These are the same people that used to like them but have now convinced themselves they should wear flat caps and sunglasses and listen to cult performers no-one else has heard of.
Method Man
4/5
I know very little about Rap but I know I like this.
I also like MF Doom and others and recognise that Wu-Tang were there a loooong time before a lot of the guys nowadays.
This is gritty, moody and just as much about the sound as the lyrics.
Beatles
5/5
Gee whizz it's those loveable mop-tops!
Lot of hits all aimed at teenage girls.
The professionalism and artistry of the songs is a thing to behold.
I guess this is more to do with what it means rather than that it is.
Good, well written pop tunes.
Röyksopp
5/5
Sorry folks, this is right up my street. I love it.
Scandinavian name, mellow relaxing cover and sweet chilled melodies.
What is there not to like?
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Amazing musicianship, writing, singing and production.
So faultless.
Rush
2/5
Sounds like Rush but this is average Prog to me.
Well played but nothing out of the ordinary.
The Monks
5/5
Well this is...........ahead of it's time.
To give some background to my 5 star rating I'd just spent the morning listening to artsy twaddle from the 50's in another chart so when I put this on it blew the cobwebs away.
5 stars for impact alone. These guys just don't give a damn and it's great.
Beck
4/5
A bit of a portent for what's was to come in terms of style from Beck.
I like it's down-tempo melodies. Good to listen to.
The Fall
5/5
My relationship with Mark E Smith has changed over the years.
At the moment we're going through a good patch.
This is refreshing post-Punk although quite late for '85.
Good melodies with the usual Fall sneer.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
I like the 70's vibe but there's nothing to make this stand out unless you think 'Beach Boys'.
It good for chilling out in the background. Some tracks have a real Beach boys sound.
Farewell my friend is pretty good and in retrospect quite poignant.
Radiohead
5/5
Well it's one of my favourite bands and one of their best albums so don't expect me to be objective.
Sound Variation.
Weird Innovation.
Melancholy subject matter.
It never gets tired or outdated.
Beautiful.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I like it but it's pretty much the same thing as 'Songs of' which I liked even more but there not really any variation here unless it's purely about the words and the pretense of guitar and singing is a sham.
Get some more variation Leonard!
Roxy Music
5/5
I've always wanted an opportunity to get into early Roxy and here it is.
Already love Mr. Eno and like later more pop-orientated hits but this is another world. A post-Modern eclectic world.
This is seriously good.
Dense, innovative with early 70's glam rock vibes but something else, something proto-
Hit and miss, dead ends and quirky avenues. The sounds here are new and feel fresh even today.
This is why this chart is such a good idea. Finding a gem amongst chaff.
Mj Cole
3/5
Suprised to find I like this.
Seriously not my normal thing but it's so smooth and infectious.
Garage/dance/ambient? Not sure but well produced and hypnotic.
This chart does throw up some suprises.
Hot Chip
1/5
I reckon I've hit the barrier trying to think of nice things to say about sub-par music masquerading as anything other than a pastiche of some other, better bands.
Why innovate when you can copy and hope the listener is too young to remember the 90s.
This doesn't deserve to be here.
Aimee Mann
1/5
Dear oh dear that's two duff albums on the trot now.
This one sounds like even in 1993 it was 15 years too late.
Generic girl vocalist and band. It could be Chrissie Hind's less talented younger sister.
Dull as ditchwater.
Next!
Elliott Smith
4/5
I find myself liking this album and Elliot's style. Not sure if it's mixed up with his story but I hope it would stand up on it's own.
Quirky acoustic guitar, clear crisp whispery lyrics it's nice to get into.
The Verve
5/5
This is like an old friend who's popped around for a cuppa when you're feeling down.
Evocative and accomplished. Very much a 90s album it epitomises the decade to me.
C'moooon, bring it on maaaan!! Manchestaaaarr!!
The Police
5/5
Official Police Fan club, member number 606 and stayed up late to watch them on Old Grey Whistle test. Great days!
Every track on this is a classic- they were huge at the time but time moves on, although it still makes me turn up the volume.
Listening back now Stewart Copeland's drumming is particularly noteworthy, the vibe with bass and Sting's vocals were so influencial.
I can't believe this has only just made it to the list. Shame on you Robert.
M.I.A.
4/5
Interesting.......
Put this on expecting to hate it. I'd seen the name and vaguely associated it with some rapping artist but this is quite......unique?
Certainly worth listening to. Lots of African beats, drums and samples.
If she did all this herself I'm impressed.
4/5
Lolol!! I'm not sure what kind of mood you'd need to be in to listen to this.
You couldn't need to concentrate because it takes over as a wall of sound. I guess it's interesting to listen to to spot any patterns or rhythm in the total chaos.
Maybe you could use it to unwind tension or anger??
Weirdly enough there's a Radiohead track "The National Anthem" that ends like this so I guess i has influenced others?
Joni Mitchell
5/5
One of the great albums.
My auntie left this on a cassette when she emigrated to Australia in the 70's and I claimed it and played it and played it again.
Stylised vocals and guitar but so lyrical and personal- it's beautiful,
and timeless.
John Prine
3/5
Not my thing but I do like the laid back 70's feel and it exudes integrity.
Pretty much the same tune and tone but the lyrics are worth listening to.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Oh boy this is so dated. It's good to reminisce though.
Listening back her songs are a bit fey to be honest but they are still enjoyable.
Many people on this journey won't realise how big she was at the time. The 2nd album was bigger and better......
Serge Gainsbourg
5/5
Serge! You sexy man! Ooo lala. His voice is like liquid chocolate...
I'm loving this ganache of sweet tunes, littered with the sweet voice of an angel.
Influential and sampled by many and reviled by an army of angry liberals I just yearn for his yellow stained fingers to stroke the nape of my neck.
Calexico
4/5
This is really good.
I'd not even heard of the band and expected to dislike but the variety and catchiness of the songs are undeniable.
I found myself playing this through 3 times. There are a number of styles here but it's assured and professional.
Impressive.
Richard Thompson
3/5
Wasn't sure at all at first. Linda tips it onto a reasonably enjoyable listen. I like folk but this is a bit of a mish mash of sounds: pub rock, country and brass bands!
Einstürzende Neubauten
5/5
This is not music it is noise and it's not meant to be enjoyed and you won't find it on Spotify.
There are lots of other bands who I prefer over them: Nurse with wound, Coil, Zoviet France, Stockhausen and of course Throbbing Gristle. My vote is for the genre although this this album.
Some tracks are more accessible- like Kollaps and Sehnsucht, others are pure noise.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Personally I like 'Desire' better but I like this phase of Dylan.
He's a real storyteller- I won't say he doesn't regurgitate the same songs, subject matter or style but he does do it well.....
Aerosmith
3/5
It's fairly proficient mid-70's rock. Slightly Glam and played with a swagger.
Also pretty safe- no rough edges and an enjoyable listen.
Nothing special though.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
5/5
Every so often this list throws up a gem.
This is not even on Spotify but the cover interested me (thinking it was some Industrial Grunge band) so I went to Youtube.
This is unique- sincere with integrity. The title track is very moving.
It's obviously going to be jeered by the majority but I'm happy to say I love it.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
One of my favourite albums so I'm not unbiased here.
Kinda like a novelty theme and done with glee and style. There are textures and colours here with the emphasis on red.
Every track stands alone with the theme running through it and a tale to tell with a variety of guest stars.
So choose your poison?
Duke Ellington
3/5
Pretty inoffensive band jazz. Representative of what it is and evocative of the times.
Not sure about the shrill trumpet/cornet? Maybe Glen Miller is more my thing.
Metallica
3/5
I always held them at arms length (put off by the image and merchandise) but I watched a documentary on them that gave me newfound respect and after which I find their music varied and more interesting
The musicianship is impressive and at times quite sensitive before ratching up into the hardcore stuff.
This is a great album although I prefer the eponymously titled album that came a few years later.
Slint
5/5
This is so up my street.
I love the whole genre and can pinpoint signs here that will later blossom and bear fruit.
If only they had realised at the time how influencial they would be but I guess they just played what was in their heads.
Dr. Dre
3/5
I expected to hate it but ended up quite enjoying it.
Flies in the face of all the sensitive liberals and is quite a museum piece now but that's kinda why I like it.
Good beats, flows well and very professionally done.
The Go-Betweens
1/5
Oh dear.
I try to be charitable but this is really bereft of all originality and spark.
Insipid tame lyrics and wishywashy guitars.
It's dreadful.
How has this ever made it into the chart? Under what genre?
Beyoncé
3/5
It is what it is- no better or worse than other mass-produced products in history.
Very well produced though - slick and professional but maybe at times it's overdone as jumps and starts with no discerable pattern is seems to me.
It grates after a while, not much Rhythm and no blues at all.
The Stooges
4/5
Sleazy and dirty. Good to play loud with alcohol.
This is tremendous stuff.
The Who
4/5
Only one hit I'd heard of but the others are accomplished late 60's Psychadelia with satiric samples.
As a whole it's 'bitty' although I think that's the nature of the beast
Butthole Surfers
4/5
I woke up this morning, went to the toilet and used the last piece of toilet paper whilst flicking to see my latest 1001 Album.
Lo-and-Behold it was one i'd eagerly awaited on the list of worst albums on the chart!
Buttholes and Abortions it must be designed to offend.
Well I must say it hit a sweet spot in me and I found myself enjoying it's unabashed in-your-face fun.
Too late for Punk and with a tongue in cheek sensibility it's loud and fun rock at a time people were into Hair-Rock and AIDS hence my score.
4/5
Sexy, scary and magnetic.
Rocky and loud.
There's something about this Polly Jane.....
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
I like the vibe and I like Neil Young so easy to listen to.
Varied styles and pace- from psychedelic to Country rock.
Rahul Dev Burman
1/5
There are better examples of Bollywood music than this surely? It's so stylised and anglicised I find it awkward.
To add to all this I thought we weren't allowed 'Various Artist' albums.
Never mind.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I've always wanted to like Elvis Costello but apart from his early stuff he just seems to get blander and blander.
It's inoffensive and well played and produced but there's no spark for me.
4/5
Good old fashioned 60's British quirky rock.
Some hits and odd Beatlesque tracks.
A bit dated now.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Sounds like an interesting mishmash of lots of other great genres and artists.
I'm intrigued to listen further but don't feel like they have their own 'brand'.
This is good listen but nothing special.
William Orbit
3/5
It's easy listening. I quite enjoyed it but let's face the fact this is aural wallpaper.
Rod Stewart
3/5
It's sad, I expected a lot more from Rod than rehashed songs from other people.
It has all the trapping of better albums from him and better things were to come.
This is average.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
This is powerful stuff meant in earnest.
Lots of jagged textures here.
An Industrial Icon.
Nirvana
5/5
One of the most iconic images in the world today and a legacy that will endure: not bad for a garage band from Aberdeen.
Weirdly enough I was listening to Jimi Hendrix when I clicked 1001 for the next album and whilst I won't say Cobain is on the same level as Hendrix he certainly changed people with his attitude and vision.
I love this album and what it did to people.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
I don't normally go for these 80's fundraisers and find them too safe but this is pretty good despite all the 'friends' involvement.
Not as good as the early stuff but there's enough of the raw edge - he really was a titan of the Blues.
Hanoi Rocks
1/5
Simply awful.
I don't understand the album selection, or what Genre is so denuded of choice that this would get in?
Suede
4/5
Oh yes, I remember now......
Early-ish 90's when we were still recovering from the 80s and didn't know what the 90s would bring.
Lush and intelligent, delivered with a swagger.
Orange Juice
3/5
Ahhh this takes me back.
The single was a classic of clean 80's pop but not sure of the rest of the album?
It's a bit hit and miss, not awful but generic.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Stone cold classic.
I really enjoyed listening to these songs- mainly country-folk rock ballads.
The collective genius of 4 masters.....
....well to be honest 3 with some help. Some tracks show who had the upper hand in the band.
Buzzcocks
3/5
Seminal Manchester Punk. It has a vibrancy and energy that was common at the time.
Let's face it though the musicianship and lyrics aren't the best but tell that to the kids in the front row pogoing around....
Morrissey
3/5
Morrissey.........love him or hate him.
I used to have a friend who idolised him, dressed like him and went on to study English at Uni.
He didn't have gladioli sticking out of his rear though......
Miles Davis
5/5
I understand that this is influencial and innovative but I can't connect to it emotionally.
I need to listen to it several more times to let it sink in.
Queen Latifah
3/5
Diametrically opposite to me.
Doesn't make it bad, in fact it's pretty good for what it is.
Clean 80's rap.
I'm not sure just how derivative it is but it was what it was at the time.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Not quite sure about this. I've always seen them as a kinda joke band.
I guess they're a particular flavour but one I don't relish.
It's not bad but unspectacular.
The Darkness
1/5
Overplayed and overblown.
Nothing they did hadn't been done before.
I just think of Russell Brand when I think of this band.
Appalling hair band.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
What can you say about an album that's almost universally loved.
Listened to this over and over too at the time.
Listening back now it's extremely pleasant with tremendously catchy tunes, perfect harmonies, guitar solos and a slight edge to the meaning behind the lyrics.
Flawless.
Miles Davis
5/5
I groaned when I saw this. I've tried so many times to listen to Miles and Jazz in general and failed to like any of it.
I was feeling low and put this on to be able to say "I've listened to it".
Suffice to say it blew me away.
It's not music in a conventional way.
Powerful, moody, introverted and deliberately wilful.
Boy did this blast the cobwebs away.
Mudhoney
2/5
I like Nirvana, they had a spark (something special).
These guys no doubt influenced them but I just can't find anything to really get into here.
Middle of the road I'm afraid.
Beatles
4/5
I love the Beatles, even the early songs but some of the fillers on this are average for the time. Basic boy band harmonies and covers.
All my Loving and the cover of Money redeem it though.
Interesting how they progressed from here......
Alice Cooper
3/5
Ignoring the name this is generic mid-70's rock.
It's ok.
Alice Cooper however is another thing and his name carries the whole thing.
SZA
3/5
It's pretty generic but I like it.
There's a raw edge to it and it's kind of sweet where they try to shock you with the lyrics, then get caught papering-over the vocal cracks with studio production tricks and finally chuck in some bops, whistles and samples to keep it going.
It's random and that keeps me listening.
2Pac
1/5
It's a strange combination to mix smooth r&b with this sterile rap.
I understand it was popular back then but it sounds so contrived now.
Carefully produced and polished. Not for me.
The Specials
5/5
One of my favourite albums.
Everything about this breathes integrity and attitude.
From the stark album cover it has the hit singles but interspersed are some great gems that for me really make it stand out- Blank Expression, You're wondering now, Do the Dog etc etc
The lyrics really stand out as a historical commentary of 1979 and the tunes are so infectious, I've never stopped bopping to this.
Outstanding in every way.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Didn't expect to enjoy this but it was intense and different.
Lots of interesting directions here.
Shows you that there was a resistance movement in 1986
Mekons
3/5
The Mekons were one of those bands I'd heard of in the late 70's/early 80's but this was way before Spotify and Rogers Records on the highstreet didn't stock this kind of things so they remained a distant legend.
Listening to this now I know for a fact I would have been disappointed.
These guys are too clever for their own good.
Listening to it now I can kinda 'see' what they were trying to do but it's like someone dressing up as a nurse. It don't make 'em a nurse.........
Eagles
5/5
Iconic.
If ever there was an album to divide us between 1 star and 5 stars this is it.
One of my favourites of all time and one of the Greatest albums imo.
I love the whole vibe- West coast laid back Rock. It conjures up hot 70's evenings driving down the freeway with the top down. Bright lights as the hungry sharks circle.
Sitting here in the cold wet North of England I'll let you make the choice?
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
The Manics are one of the bands I never fully engaged with.
Turns out I already know most of these tracks without ever consciously listening to it.
They're catchy all right.
Anthemic which sets them slightly apart from other 90's British bands (they are Welsh after all...)
Scritti Politti
3/5
Awww, I was into them early 80's (I bought Songs to Remember and Wood Beez).
This takes me back but I realise a lot of people will hate it as 80's pop.
Good solid tunes but nothing special I guess.
Paul Simon
5/5
Again this is one of my faves.
There's a lot of haters though I guess. I think they're forgetting this is the height of the 80's here. It's 80's sensibilities.
Let them hate.
The rhythms, melodies are hypnotic and the lyrics cutting.
One of the best.
The Smiths
3/5
Try as I might I've never managed to get into the Smiths.
Everything is there it's just that all the songs sound so samey and limp.
Sorry.
It doesn't bother me in the slightest what Morrissey's opinions on anything are now but it's that Johnny Marrs guitar riffs just sound insipid.
Lucinda Williams
2/5
I almost feel guilty slating this.
It's not just the album or the artist but the whole genre I find so generic and dull.
It's just not challenging. The songs, singing and lyrics just feel like they're manufactured.
It's a shame really because there's a wealth of subject matter out there and plenty of room for depth.
It's just never taken, or at least I've not listened to anyone who has grasped the opportunity.
The Pharcyde
3/5
I quite enjoyed this- it felt retro and earlier than 1992 to me.
It's fun to listen to but no more than that.
The Shamen
1/5
Wow, this is pretty bland. Inoffensive but ultimately meaningless pop.
I guess it's counted as being high on the list in it's genre?
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I understand this appeals to some- smalltown aspirations and dreams, Americana and 70's stadium rock but it sounds samey to me.
It's not that I dislike it only that it does nothing for me.
Having said that he deserves his niche. He's very good at what he does.
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
It took me so many years to finally get into this band that I'm not letting go now.
The lyrics are the driving force ably assisted by the laid back disinterested vocals and beautifully poignant musical accompaniment - guitar, drums and occasional trumpet (and even a harmonica!)
The words conjure up wet Wednesday evenings contemplating doing your Geography homework whilst daydreaming about the girl in the French class who you like but don't know her name (you know someone who spoke to her yesterday so you're going to ask them what it is.......you hope it's something like 'Julie' or 'Lisa').
Bittersweet.
Japan
4/5
I've always thought Japan an underrated band and although this album isn't even my favourite of theirs (Tin Drum is) it has All Tomorrow's Parties and Quiet Life (plus a real slow burner 'Despair') so it hits the spot with me.
It has real Roxy Music and Bowie vibes which is a positive and of course David Sylvian's voice is like silk.
It's soooo smooth.
Love it.
Underworld
3/5
I expected to dismiss this as repetetive and derivative and whilst it's not the most original album it's hypnotic and very well put together.
I like it.
Culture Club
3/5
This was massive way back in it's time.
Relistening now there's 4 distinct hits which are out and out pop with a soul slant (thanks to Helen Terry). It's only really worth listening for nostalgia as it's so 80s.
Still, variety is the spice of life and all that......
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I've listened to a few Rolling Stones albums and some of them are quite different and even experimental.
This one however has them on autopilot.
It's just nothing special- just the usual bluesy rock with Mick's swagger.
Buck Owens
2/5
I don't think some people understand the concept of Genres and representation.
Having said that this isn't my favourite niche.
I guess it's the Country version of bubblegum pop? Catchy gimmicky and corny but fun.
Liz Phair
2/5
I kinda like the lo-Fi effect but it does come across as a cut-price Sheryl Crow due to it.
I certainly don't think it deserves all the plaudits (I guess those are to do with the Feminist angle) but it's ok to listen to in the background
Billy Bragg
4/5
I bought his first album 'Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy' and played it to death. To be honest this is basically the same thing with different lyrics but the same sentiment.
I like his voice and the crisp guitar. He speaks from the heart so you can't pull the guy- he's unique.
C'mon guys, this is Britain's answer to Bobby Dylan...... lol
Scott Walker
2/5
It's easy to pan this and there are elements that could grate but after 54 years we're still listening (albeit under duress in some cases).
He has a good voice but little variation in theme or style.
Good for a melancholy afternoon in October before moving onto other things.
3/5
I liked the title track but struggled to gain purchase on the other tracks.
I kept wanting to put Sly on.....
Sepultura
3/5
It's good for what it is- full on Metal. You can see what it sets out to do and it does it well and I enjoyed it.
It irritates me how others dismiss it without really trying to embrace the genre.
The Cramps
3/5
It's a fun rollercoaster as long as you don't take it too seriously.
It's more like a novelty band really but I think it's the whole Psychobilly-thing plus they were around during the 1970s New York underground scene.
Regardless of all that what it all comes down to are mumbled lyrics, muffled recording and basic guitar and drums. Worth a listen as an oddity.
The Who
5/5
I love the Who- magnificently gifted and oddball with disastrous concept albums and insane members.
This whole album sums them up and the world would be a lesser place without them.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Good vibe, good tunes. What's not to like.
Elliott Smith
5/5
Beautiful music. Love his voice and the whole vibe and sadness behind the lyrics.
Only wish I'd tuned into him earlier.
5/5
Iconic even now after 57 years. Difficult to objectively judge but influenced a lot of people.
The last track is still one of my favourite songs ever written so you already know my score.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
I liked their very early stuff (pared down arrangements with guitar and Tracy's voice) but then they decided to get into smooth 80s sophistipop and added jazzy instruments and arrangements they lost me.
Weirdly enough they reinvented themselves again into an electro dance band. Sheesh, some people are never happy...
Solomon Burke
5/5
Boy this is the real thing.
Such a voice. He used to be one of my mum's favourites and I can see why.
Love it.
Little Simz
3/5
It's nice to hear something a bit fresh- not really my cup of tea but I can see what she's trying to do here.
She's a very accomplished rapper but I really like the music behind her to be honest.....
Gary Numan
5/5
There were a lot of influences to be sure (Electronic and Glam) but Gary took it to another realm. Tbh this is really a continuation from Tubeway Army.
Really got me into Synth and I'm still listening today. It's about the whole pose as well as the music. Good to see a lot of Retro bands too.
You can catch taglines here and there from other records where they've pinched a synth scale.
Jack White
3/5
One of the issues I have with this poll is that there's a natural preference towards more recent albums (mainly due to the fact most people know them rather than any old dead musician from 50 years ago).
I like Jack and his 'sister' but this isn't awe-inspiring and revolutionary. It's good but not as good as the score indicates.
Pixies
3/5
The Pixies are one of the bands that passed me by- listening now they're pretty good but it would take a lot of plays to get into this album.
On a superficial listening it doesn't seem that different to the earlier albums too.
Beck
3/5
There seems to me a definite 'Beck' structure to his albums. Not that it's a bad thing but if you're after exploring new sounds it's a rehash.
The Blue Nile
5/5
Well there you go. Just goes to prove you should check something out yourself before basing your opinion on other people's views.
I listened to this and lo and behold think it's pretty good. I know it'll never amount to much now and at the time due to no real label promotion it got nowhere. It's short but really well put together - kinda like a less poppy Talk Talk?
Giving it 5 stars not because it deserves them but to say sorry for all the nasty reviews...
Travis
5/5
It's odd that a number of people on here give this a crap score due it reminding them of a bad period in their lives at the turn of the century.
It reveals their age.
Well this reminds me of happy days so there.
However listening objectively there are a number of fairly moody anthemic ballads that have a similar structure and were fairly popular at the time.
They are well played and sung and are quite enjoyable despite the current trend to slag off anything from this era.
It's good, easy listening.
Ananda Shankar
1/5
Suprised not to have come across this before.
I like Ravi Shankar, I like the Sitar. I like the Stones, I like Blues/Rock.
I do not like fusions of them.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
I like it, but it's dated 60's.
Dreamy guitars and synth.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Prefer Superfly, sorry but this was a pale imitation.
A lot slower and groovier which is good for a while but this is a lot shallower too.
However I still like the vibe and the lyrics are still tight and punchy.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
I like this guy but this is embarassing.
Multiple glitzy collaborations don't work imo. It just creates a fragmented collection.
CHVRCHES
1/5
I just so wanted to like this band but it's just derivative trendy pop and it's just so so samey too. I'm sorry. But there I've said it.
It's like they bought a load of 80s and 90s electro-pop records and thought "None of our potential fans will have ever heard of these great bands so lets copy them plus let's get an attractive lead singer too" then lo-and-behold people flocked from far and wide to pay homage.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Listened on YouTube.
Mellow and smooth, jazzy and occasinally rocky but very 70's. There's nothing for me to latch onto and I couldn't engage.
Joni is so accomplished and clever but there's a barrier- she leaves me cold.
Perfect in what it is but there are so many albums out there- Blue for instance is far better imo.
N.W.A.
3/5
This was actually quite interesting to compare to other rap bands out at the time and where all the samples come from.
Some tracks were pretty one-dimensional in their message, music and meaning (the 'police' song especially) but others were better (Express yourself). I liked the interplay of the different MCs (although this had been around for a decade at least) especially since some of them went onto megastardom.
Finally I'm loving reading all the wokes struggling to cope with the nature of the lyrics. Bless their little sensitive souls.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
This is a real 70's iconic album with tracks like 'Everyday people' and 'I want to take you higher'.
It's great to groove to- contagious fusion of Funk, Soul and even a bit rocky in places.
Meat Loaf
5/5
Love the big guy and this was the pinnacle of his time with us.
Needs to be played loud. Everything about this is theatrical, overblown and beautiful thanks mainly to Mr Steinman with a small part played by Marvin Lee Aday.
Song after song is a mini-opera in itself and it finishes off with one of the greatest songs ever: For cryin out loud is 8.45 of pure pleasure.
I mean, "Can't you see my faded Levis burstin apart"........it's sheer poetry.
I pity the fool who doesn't get this.
The Gun Club
2/5
I can't say I either like or dislike this as it's a diluted version of a lot of other things I like.
I guess I should be happy they made the attempt to mimic a lot of the bands that had already been there, done it and moved on.
Lupe Fiasco
1/5
Let's see, the only track I liked (Daydreamin) was a cover of a cover which covered a cover (no joke, look it up).
The rest are so generic and cliche'd as to be indistinguishable from thousands of other songs in this genre.
It goes to prove you can fool a hell of a lot of people most of the time and get away with it.
This guy is a businessman.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Was it groundbreaking/influential? = yes.
Is it any good? = No.
Is it enjoyable? = questionable.
Big Star
3/5
Ahhh I get it. This is the proto-group that inspired a host of pop-rock glam bands in the 70s that were responsible for awful clips on Top of the Pops with fans dancing in flares and horrible knitware cardigans.
The tunes are eerie- a cross between folk and pop. Well played but without a semblance of personality.
It's kind of addictive and I feel it drawing me in. I feel myself reaching for the knitware catalogue.....
Gorillaz
5/5
Genius.
Pure and simple.
Yeah so some of the songs are a bit blah but who cares when it all ties in with one big concept.
This concept is a noughtie Icon.
a-ha
3/5
Good to listen to the hits- a trip down memory lane.
Not much else there though, there are lots of better all round albums or more cutting edge sounds surely?
Mariah Carey
3/5
Quite dated now and actually more a novelty record than anything else.
Mariah has a great voice and is beautiful. I wonder what music she would have made if born 20 years earlier or later?
Black Flag
2/5
1981 is surely too late for Punk?
Regardless this is fun energetic, talentless and crass.
I can understand why it was popular but really speaking you should be listening to the Ramones, Pistols or some other band who did it sooner.
Saint Etienne
4/5
Lol, I went from listening to Black Flag yesterday to this.
Sarah Cracknell is one of my all-time crushes so I can't help but love this.
It conjures up hot Summer holidays by the seaside. It's so airy and dreamy.
Perfect pop.
The Streets
3/5
It's a bit cringey but bless I remember these guys.
Urban British white rap dealing with their 'real' council house issues.
It's interesting to listen back to, funny at times and I'm glad it was made but I wouldn't put it in my top 1001.
Eagles
4/5
I love these guys- grew up listening to their songs so why shouldn't I like this album? I can't understand the bias against them.
Sure there's a couple of fillers but the overall vibe conjures hot Californian nights, sat in an open top car and drinking ice-cold beer by the beach.
This is feel-good relaxing music.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
This is masterful.
Not the sort of thing I normally listen to but I know enough to realise greatness when I hear it.
This album has it all- the beats, the groove and the lyrics are cutting.
Blue Cheer
3/5
It's certainly Bluesey and certainly Heavy.
Without the 'was it the first Heavy Metal album?' questions it's an enjoyable record to listen to- not especially well played, sung or produced but I think they stumbled onto something that caught on.
Good for them.
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Ahhh I remember this. Very talented lady and Mabel's mum too.
Her Wiki page is an exercise in talent name-dropping but sadly most of these tracks now sound very 80s which is a big no-no in today's climate.
Still, there are enough high points remaining to warrant it's place in the 1001.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
This is quite clever- ever changing, comical, nonsensical and satirically making points about the current state of US society in the 60s.
You can pick melodies and references fleetingly before it changes to something completely different.
FlowerPunk is an example- funny and poking fun at the Hippy culture.
But all this of course makes it dated and just an intellectual exercise- not enjoyable in a musical way.
Paul Simon
3/5
It's pleasant enough- I like Paul Simon but there better albums by him.
R.E.M.
5/5
Quite apart from the fact this has several hits the whole tone of the album sets up a mood of intelligent introspection.
Simply one of the best.
OutKast
4/5
Very mixed and interesting offering- I'd only really listened to the hits
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Not keen on the last Stones album but this one was just at the right time with a mixture of styles and genres.
Good to listen to.
Jean-Michel Jarre
5/5
Ahhh memories.....remember my dad buying this in the 70's and playing it to death. I used to lie on the sofa with huge headphones listening to this on his cheap chunky Sanyo stereo.
It brings back real memories and is good to listen to and relax at night with red lights and green lights flashing.
It's just Perfect.
Fats Domino
5/5
Listening to this is like listening to the foundations for most of the music we listen to now.
Plus it's still toe-tappingly good. 'Blue Monday' is just so so good and of course Fats couldn't have done it without Dave Bartholomews help- what an amazing time to have been in the studio with them.
This should never be forgotten.
Kraftwerk
5/5
Ok they're one of my favourite bands so this is going to be easy.
I think that some people forget how influencial they were back in '78 but they started doing this in the late 60's (although the sound was very sparce and industrial back then). My favourite albums were before this too- Radioactivity and Autobahn. This is more polished and clinical.
It's just so relaxing and mesmeric- takes me to another world. My favourite track on this is Neon Lights.
Timeless and iconic.
Lightning Bolt
4/5
This popped up and hit me in the right way- I like the energy and difference in this.
To me there is a fine invisible line between noise for the sake of it and a conscious effort to create an experience.
This is right smack bang on that line and I like it.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I had this on vinyl many years back but didn't pay it as much as I should have.
Moody and guitar/drum driven Liverpudlian intenseness.
Not any hits as such but I wonder whether that often detracts from and album where people focus on the highs- this is consistently good but not great it has to be said.
Grateful Dead
4/5
Read the negative reviews first and expected to hate it.
Then I listened to it. This is an amazing album.
Just goes to show you not to follow other but make your own mind up. It's pretty 'jammy' and really good for chillin- there's some fine musicianship on show here too: these guys were at the top of their game.
One of the best 60's rock albums - certainly considering it's a live album too and not studio recorded.
3/5
Some good tracks but it's all songs you can get on their own respective albums.
Nothing added imo.......
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
I think it really comes down to this:
You either love their 'sound' or you don't.
If you do then you're transported to a trance-like place of fuzziness, drones and distortion.
If you don't then you're transported to a trance-like place of fuzziness, drones and distortion.
Brian Eno
5/5
Another of my favourite albums and one of the greatest albums ever created.
Bought this on cassette and played it over and over. It's mesmeric.
You don't like? Ok sister, you have a Jezebel spirit within you!
Genuinely disturbing samples with an insane rhythmic beat.
Killing Joke
3/5
Never got this band, then or now. To me they were just another middle of the road protest rock band.
Nothing special although maybe it's not about the music but the stance?
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Not my thing at all but I can hear it's very well executed and I can see how the different styles meld together very pleasantly.
I do like it but from a distance.
Radiohead
5/5
I'm a big Radiohead fan so this is straightforward for me.
This is a musically strange random album about fear and isolation.
It is one of the greatest albums ever created.
Considered by many to be the rejects from KidA but there are many tracks on here I consider very highly and in fact better than on the earlier album.
Happy Mondays
3/5
I want to like these guys but apart from the singles it's generic 90s Madchester music for clubs and raves.
I guess you've got to be in the mood.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Very 60's, very British and part of the pop-rock quirky concept trend at the time.
Quite musically accomplished and clearly spoken, it's not really my thing but I can appreciate it's place in music history.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This is a lot different to 60's Beach Boys with Brian taking a shadow role.
In fact it's a strange mish-mash of styles with rock and folk and even Saxophones in the mix.
I still don't know if I like it or not- time will tell.
Deerhunter
3/5
I'd seen this bandied around for a while and finally had my chance to check it out.
I was disappointed.
It's not at all what I thought- just an average inde group, well produced and unoffensive but a bit nothingy really.
Eminem
5/5
Once again it seems the Thought Police are out and active and Eminem is a naughty bad man.
Well, regardless of his edgy and frankly not suprising views (considering his upbringing and relationship with his mother) this man created a persona that not only took the world by storm but demonstrated just how gifted he is.
This stands head and shoulders above anything else in the genre. His rapping, storytelling and production is second to none.
ZZ Top
4/5
Didn't realise how long these guys were together- their 2 best albums 10 years apart.
This is really good southern rock- chilled and easy on the ears.
The Go-Go's
1/5
No way these gals are 'New wave'?!
Blondie was New Wave, The Pretenders were New wave, this is pop.
Our lips are sealed was co-written by Wiedlin and her then boyfriend Terry Hall from the Fun boy Three. I prefer the FB3 version I'm afraid which sums up my attitude to this.
2nd rate.
Cheap Trick
2/5
Just don't see it- nothing special live album of a reasonably middle of the road rock band.
Kings of Leon
3/5
I like their energy and the sound of the band. No big hits here but a good solid album.
5/5
What can I say about this album? I was never really 'into' them and to be honest I don't like the brothers as people.
Having said that this album has some massive massive songs and despite being played to death Wonderwall is a real anthem.
This is an iconic album from the cover inward despite everything else that has happened since.
You shouldn't deny greatness, whatever the form.
Tangerine Dream
5/5
It suprises me how many people dislike this or find it boring.
Horses for courses I guess.
I like this genre and find it very relaxing and meditative but then I'm not a young gad fly flitting about on shiny new things.
The Birthday Party
1/5
It's awful.
I like Nick Cave but this is really bad juvenile stuff.
I just don't see anything in it.
The Sonics
3/5
Managed to miss these guys somehow but the sound is different to what I was expecting.
Quite groovy and wild. I dig it!!
Moby Grape
3/5
A lot of influences here and it's pleasant but dated.
It veers across a number of genres- blues, country, Californian psychedelia etc
Mott The Hoople
3/5
When I saw this pop-up I groaned but it's actually quite enjoyable.
70's glam- lots of guitar wails and piano and catchy chorus lines followed by Dylanesque ballads (or is that Bowiesque?).
Quite advanced for 1973 I think.
Julian Cope
3/5
I remember Teardrop Explodes and lost track of Julian so was suprised to see him pop-up here!
It's interesting to listen to although I can't say it's catchy but certainly worth experiencing.
Jane Weaver
4/5
This was a revelation to me- how have I not heard of her?!
This sounds like a 00's St Etienne which to me is a good thing. I like the electronic accompaniment and her voice is suitably melodic.
A good find. I like this.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
Sad and kinda folkey. It's good to listen to but overshadowed by Skip's downfall.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
I've got a kinda soft spot for Neil and DC.
It's so easy listening and camp but inoffensive.
You can only take so much of course.......
Love
3/5
Such a hopeful album.
Full of love and promise.
Got to play when I'm feeling happy.
Fairport Convention
5/5
Really good to listen to- Sandy's voice is so striking and the musicianship and production so accomplished. A real gem.
There are some beautiful songs on this album- although some not so great at least it shows variation. I prefer the folkier numbers to be fair.
Moreover, and I know it's me I feel a cloud of sadness over the album.
Gene Clark
1/5
This is just so bland. I'm sorry.
Kinda country rock I guess but no spark here at all.
I googled all the best albums of 1971 and boy are there some great albums.
This is not one of them.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Second Divine Comedy album this week and this one seems to have a theme: British Carry-on humour.
I desperately want to like it but it's so bland and formulaic. Very well put together and produced but devoid of a spark for me.
Marty Robbins
3/5
I know this is popular due Big Iron being included in a video game and becoming a meme out there in hipster land.
In term of the album itself there's a heavy reliance on storytelling so it's less about the music and more on the tales of the West and so on.
It's more an oddity and of course there's El Paso.....
Spacemen 3
3/5
Not too sure where to place them really- 1989 is a bit late for any genre that kickstarted and the songs veer between soft and lyrical and then thrashy guitar.
Still it's quite enjoyable so i'll listen again sometime maybe?
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
I had entirely the wrong notion of their music and got ready to pan them.
Errrr, couldn't have been more wrong.
How were they making music like this in 1988 with everything else that was going on around them? Still, it's good to listen to and chill.
The level of musicianship is good, as is the production.
Peter Frampton
2/5
I never got this and still don't.
Some of the songs would be pretty good but the live format doesn't do it any favours.
Maybe you need to have been there?
Slipknot
1/5
Laughably bad. So generic, unoriginal and talentless.
How did they think in 2008 they could churn this out? It's been done before by better bands.
Maybe the braindead teens in their bedrooms don't realise that and think it's novel and cutting edge?
Reading the reviews after writing the above I'm relieved that it's not just me.
Dion
3/5
You can tell the Spector touch is there, in fact it's difficult to see where he leaves off and Dion starts.
Not bad for a Mid-70's LP but it's really not special.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Iconic cover and from the first note of the album you're transported to another world. It's a troubled world and not unlike the one we're in now so not much has changed in 52 years.
It's Monday morning and i'm getting ready to go to work for another week. This is what music is supposed to do - affect you. The notes and singing are smooth and groovy but the subject matter is one of strife.
This gets a big fat 5 'cos it's simply one of the greats and what this chart was set up for.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Just can't get into this one. I like Nick's voice and swagger but the tunes are generic and uninventive.
He's done better.
OutKast
4/5
I've always had a soft spot for these guys.
Lyrical groovy rap and laid back tunes followed by manic beats and lightning fast rapping.
4/5
It's Bowie/Ziggy innit?
Strangely enough, this isn't a favourite of mine and I don't know why?
Maybe it's the Glam thing? I tend to just listen to the hits and flickpast the other songs.
It is good, I know it's good but I just don't feel it.
Linkin Park
3/5
I don't think I've seen an album or a band divide people so much as this but I neither like or hate it. It's just generic.
I listened to a song with 1.5 billion listens in Spotify and marvelled that not only have I not heard it before but that there was nothing distinguishable about it. Indeed as others have said this is carefully constructed to appeal.
And appeal is does, to a huge army of listeners in this genre.
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
It's iconic enough- but is it any good?
I went straight for the biggie, a hit that's been played a zillion times. Maybe played too much as it left me flat.
Then I played the songs in descending listens and gradually the feel of the album started to seep through. I do like Peter Green, Cream and white-man's blues in general so it wasn't difficult.
So I think this doesn't hit you straight away and you need to soak up the 70's vibe before you judge.
Machito
3/5
Yesterday I had Linkin Park and today this popped up. A million miles apart.
I have to say I prefer this album- big band and super smooth. Very accomplished musicianship.
Whilst it's not iconic it's really pleasant.
Ministry
3/5
Very strange.
Reading up on this band (that started up as Synth-pop 'Flock-of-Seagulls' wannabes) they veered towards metal and religious iconography which ended up with this Aleister Crowley inspired piece.
It doesn't feel authentic. It's not bad, just neither one thing or another. I ended up listening to them in 1983 'With Sympathy' and just couldn't get my head around the change.
Like the album cover though.
Lou Reed
2/5
I just so want to like this but it brings nothing new to the table.
Good old fashioned rock n' roll really.
Comparing what others were doing at this time he should have done better.
B-
The Killers
5/5
What is it with these Millenials retro-judging bands they used to rave about but now deem 'untrendy'. "I wouldn't be caught dead listening to them" (see what I did there?)
This is a killer album (and again!) and nothing detracts from the impact it had at the time or the vibrancy of the songs.
Heavily influenced by the late 70's New wave sentiment and almost anthemic in quality the first half is one hit after another. This is truly a great album.
We'll see in another 20 years whether it still stands up as one of the greats?
It's Indie Roll n' roll for me.
Happy Mondays
3/5
Feels like the 90s but they were doing their thing in 88.....
Not my favourite music but they developed a sound I guess.
Robbie Williams
3/5
Listening now to the tracks on this album it strikes me that it was only ever really about Robbie as a performer.
The 2 hits are pretty good and the rest of the album is pretty generic but it's all about him as a personality magnet.
If you don't buy into the persona then I guess this will be pretty blah to you, but boy did Robbie hit the pinnacle of stardom at the time.
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Iconic tunes, so familiar and timeless.
A bit samey in places to be honest but it operates under different rules to nowadays.
Small Faces
4/5
This is very good- quirky and very well produced.
Rock (not heavy) and psychedelic yes. As some others have said the 2nd half is more of a concept whereas the opening tracks are more rock/pop.
Still, it's well worth repeated listenings to full get into.
Ash
3/5
It's pleasant enough but had already been done 20 years before by the Unde
rtone or perhaps the Buzzcocks.
Having said that I like the sentiment and the one big hit packs a punch.
Genuine, raw and energetic.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I bought Heaven up Here after hearing them on John Peel's show and played it to death. These guys had a unique sound and vibe.
However, listening back now they went on to repeat the formula several times I feel. It's still fresh here though and a good album.
I still think Heaven up Here is better.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Well I must say this completely passed me by at the time and ever since then I've had a distorted opinion on them.
Until now.
I won't say I think it's the most original music thinking on Velvet Underground and a number of 70s New York underground bands and onto the New Wave in the UK at the beginning of the 80s. But I think the up and coming bands will mainly listen to what's there at that time and in 1988 this influenced a chunk of bands that I like now.
I love the distorted guitars, meandering tunes and muffled lyrics.
Better late than never.
Ramones
5/5
This is the real thing.
1976 and a breath of rancid air. Whole album is under 30 mins and each track under 3 mins. What must it have been like to hear them at the time?
Joyful and energetic- total integrity.
Superb.
Slade
3/5
They became a bit of a joke but they were the archetypal glam band at the time.
The hits are still good to listen to. Good old fashioned Brummie rock. I have a grudging soft spot for them I guess but can only guess what the Yanks make of them......
Traffic
4/5
Pretty generic folk from the 70's but it's pretty good for all that.
Easy to listen to and pleasant.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
I really liked this.
Jazz doesn't have to be Avant-Guard and squeaky. This is smooth and relaxing without being sentimental.
I'll listen to this again.....
The Rolling Stones
3/5
As others have noted this is an album of covers and is only noteworthy for what they did later on.
Having said that they're decent covers that laid the foundations.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
Oh wow this takes me back! These were crazy days- not really New Wave, more Pop in my opinion.
This guy was everywhere- on telly, on the radio and on billboards. Very accomplished self-publicist.
It's pretty good too- he got VERY excessive later on and then like so many he crashed and burned.
KISS
3/5
Pretty unusual to be honest - not what I expected at all.
Theatrical rather than Glam.
It's not bad really.
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
Not what I would expect from a Rap album- I guess it's a British viewpoint?
It's more comical than hardedged and badass but at least it's novel.
Koffi Olomide
1/5
Why is this in 1001?
Not interested in his personal history. This is dross.
Cypress Hill
3/5
I quite like these style of rap albums- samples, drum and bass and in-your-face lyrics.
I've got to be in the mood but good when I am.
Prefer Black Sunday.
Anthrax
1/5
Just not in the mood for 80s metal. There's better genre music before and after this.
Pretty dull, uninspired and generic.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Love this album.
It has so many influences pulled in- beeps and bloops and is so all over the place but pulls together into one big beautiful whole.
It just really works.
Leftfield
3/5
Archetypal 90's trance.
I kinda like this sort of vibe- easy to chill to.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
It's not bad but it's a bit samey and lacks any real hit.
I'll need to play this a bit more...
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Very 90s and very Britpop.
inoffensive and bland, kinda formulaic.
Bee Gees
2/5
I like the Bee Gees but this is pretty bland stuff.
Nothing stands out to be honest.
Big Black
1/5
Just don't see anything special in this.
Punk was long dead by this time so why class it as such?
OK to a certain degree but only so far.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
I've had some pretty run of the mill albums recently and this is another one.
I know the idea is to broaden our musical horizons but sometimes I'd like something I could enjoy?
Everything But The Girl
3/5
I loved the earlier acoustic songs of EBTG and Tracy's voice (and Ben's too) is sublime.
I love the vibe of this album however this is all about Todd Terry. It could be any acoustic duo he chose to produce. This is his album.
Still, it's nice to listen to however and still one of the best covers of any album I know.
Soft Machine
4/5
I got a softspot for these guys. It's not really rock at all- more jazzy prog but it's really good for putting on late at night and chilling with a stick of incense...
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Started off ok but ended but up a bit samey. Jingle-jangley songs melding into nowhere.
Motörhead
5/5
Honestly this is one the greatest heavy metal bands ever.
Lemmy is a demi-god who now watches over us with beer and a fag hanging from his crooked mouth.
I went to see them a year before this when the warm up band was the Plasmatics led by Wendy O Williams and it was banned can you believe because they wanted to blow up a Rolls-Royce on stage! I mean what's wrong with that?!
So there we were after the gig- two 14 years olds staggering out into the night surrounded by burly bikers in leather who made sure we got on the tube ok. I was a wreck and one of my ears was bleeding at the end. I was a mess the next morning in Spanish.
Never forgotten it.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
5/5
I love Graceland and I like this - so soothing and accomplished.
36 minutes whizz past and I want to play it again.
Elis Regina
3/5
Glad to say this is on Spotify now.
I like samba and Brazilian in general although this is a bit too 70's smooze for me.
Still, it's pretty pleasant.
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
Everything that has been said about this is true and 3/5 is kinda the correct score for something that's groovy but not the most original.
The Young Gods
2/5
Ok in parts but quite derivative.
Part Industrial with tinges of claasical accompaniment.
what can I say- not bad but equally not good either.....
Don McLean
5/5
Any album with American Pie and Vincent on is gotta be good.
Don isn't remembered that well it seems now but he is a great writer, musician and singer.
Some of the melodies sound kinda similar I'll admit (like Vincent and Empty Chairs) but they're so beautiful nevertheless.
His voice is so soothing and resonant and guitar playing accomplished.
Easiest 5/5 in a while
Robert Wyatt
5/5
I suppose it only even comes down to taste and to be honest I find this more interesting and oddly engaging than many albums that are thrust my way for me to listen to.
It's distant and whimsical and otherworldly.
Art-rock yes but I find his voice really magnetic and fragile.
This is a good find.
Steely Dan
2/5
Try as I might I've never been able to get into this album.
I like their others but this is just so bland.
No hooks, that's the issue.
George Jones
3/5
As far as Country goes it's pretty bearable- great voice and musically varied and kept my interest.
Not at all too marshmallowy and the production keeps it together well.
Not bad.
Lauryn Hill
2/5
It's ok I guess, a bit nothingy in my view. She has a great voice though but seemingly let down by mediocre songwiting.
Great cover too.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Very 80's but this is so so good. I count 6 great tracks out of 9 on the album.
Weird to think Peter Gabriel was a 70's prog-rock concept album and then became an 80's pop diva.
I can't divorce the music from the videos though - groundbreaking and addictive. But then the 80s was the beginning of the MTV phenomenom and in my head they are one.
One of the best and most representative musicians from the decade or any time to be honest.
New Order
1/5
I bought this album at the time but consider it the beginning of the end in terms of creditability.
Power, Corruption & Lies was the perfect hybrid of styles but by this time they'd really started to get swallowed up whole by synths, drum machines and insipid lyrics.
They're like the hollowed out shell of a once great band.
It's horrible and soulless.
Adele
5/5
Whatever you might think of her as a person or whether she's overplayed this is an album packed with talent.
I remember listening to'Rolling' and thinking "boy this girl is good!" Little did I know.
Since then I do think she's overplayed and all the razzmatrazz is too much.
Compare her to say Tina Turner, Aretha or Whitney and I think it's down to marketing and exposure. Adele has a great voice but should she really be compared to the greats?
The Yardbirds
4/5
Very 60's and dated to be honest but still enjoyable.
Rock with a Blues tint on some tracks.
Deee-Lite
3/5
An album that contains what I consider to be one of the greatest dance tracks ever.
But is the rest of the album any good?
Well, the other tracks are a well-produced mishmash of styles but I wouldn't say it's a cohesive experience.
One track makes the whole album......
B.B. King
3/5
It's pretty cool but I don't get the hype tbh
Garbage
3/5
I've always semi-liked this band but to be honest they're pretty much a mish-mash of a number of styles that were popular (and still are) at the time.
Nothing really inventive her but a pleasant 90's alt-rock album.
ABBA
5/5
I unashamedly love Abba. The greatest pop songs ever recorded.
This album is less poppy though (better produced and musically deeper) with more adult themes.
I would have marked it down slightly but it has my favourite Abba song (The day before you came) so it has to be 5/5
Billie Holiday
5/5
It's good to not even try to like this.
It's not really Jazz in my view as the orchestration and her voice take the whole thing.
I have heard ths before and t be honest her voice was wrecked by this time but I could listen to this all day and all night it's so smooth and subtle.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
There's nothing here that hasn't been done 200% better on their previous albums.
This needs to make way for another band and album that deserves it.
The Hives
5/5
I've always liked the Hives. Their sound is so honest and fresh to me even now.
Not the most musically diverse, best produced or cannily written lyrically but good to groove to.
There's so much energy here.
The Fall
5/5
Unmistakeably the Fall and the tones of Mark E once you get past the attitude and toneless tirade is quite mesmeric.
The band is marginally better than a pub band and the production sounds like it was mixed in someone's shed.
But at the end of the day it's The Fall.
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Weird contrast between discordant piano and the rest of the band.
I've never been able to really love Jazz- I enjoy moments but that's all. I can put it on in the background.
Having said that I recognise this is one of the biggies and it has class emanating from every note.
The Coral
3/5
Very formulaic- song structure and verses, taglines with guitar solo and doo-wop backing singers - almost a look back to the 60's merseybeat.
Having said all that it's bright and poppy, simple and feelgood music. Not suprisingly produced by Ian Broudie.
Good for a happy sunny day.
Le Tigre
3/5
It's ok. I appreciate the sentiment.
I mean for an album that's 20 years too late it's ok.
Listen to X-ray-specs from 1978. Poly Styrene was an astonishing person.
But then she never made it to Tik-Tok.
Def Leppard
1/5
This was mega popular and I didn't like it then.
I hate it even moreso now. It's really vacuous and indulgent.
Bleh!
Led Zeppelin
5/5
When I was 7 my auntie emigrated to Australia and left me all her LPs.
This and Abbey Road were my favourites.
Quite simply one of the greatest in this genre. Unmatched in intensity or virtuousity.
Dr. John
4/5
This is so unique and niche I can't help but like it.
I can see where Tom Waits got some of his ideas from.....
Thin Lizzy
3/5
I've always liked Phil and his swagger.
This is a fairly standard live rock album though- most of the hits are on here.
David Bowie
5/5
Quite simply one of the greatest albums by one of the greatest artists.
Not my favourite mind (that's Hunky Dory) but pretty close.
It's glam, it's weird, inspired and catchy.
Parliament
4/5
I just love this genre- really fun and accessible.
The only slightly negative thing I can say is sometimes I find it difficult to distinguish different albums and bands.
Still good to listen to though.
Q-Tip
4/5
I like the sound to this- not suprised to see J Dilla as co-producer.
I like the mixing, sampling and beat- really interesting to listen to.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I like the early Elvis Costello- not so much Punk but early New Wave and perfect pop.
I remember when this came out - it was so cool.
Paul Simon
4/5
I like Paul Simon and this has just enough hits to make it worth listening to.
Lots of different styles and musical traditions here (which has always been a feature of the chap).
It's a nice soothing album.
Aphex Twin
4/5
I know this is kinda like a compilation of his previous work 'before he got famous' but it's good solid ambient, trance music to concentrate on work with or zone out to.
Sade
5/5
So 80's............so Sade.
So smooth..........so Sade.
She was like the early Nora Jones and used as the inflight entertainment for a million longhaul trips along with a choice of chicken or fish with a roll in a plastic bag.
I love this stuff and WEIRD fact I knew someone who went to art college with her.
So overall she's beautiful, artistic and talented.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Mellow and safe.
Well produced covers of big songs by a big name.
Nothing special but I guess by 1978 Willie had said just about everything he wanted to.
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
I listen to a lot of music- a lot of Facebook polls like "Best Rap album" and "Best Experimental", "Best Jazz" and best 80's" etc etc and I wouldn't say I have good taste but I do get to hear a lot of stuff.
Any album that has the lyric: "You're not from New York City, you're from Rotherham" is something special.
In fact i'll also go as far as to to say this album is a triumph. These guys are Yorkshire lads and the accent is so stylised it's a pleasure.
Yes
4/5
Not my favourite Yes album by a mile (Close to the Edge is a triumph) but it still has the signature style it's true.
I can understand that many people don't like this genre but Jon Anderson's vocals plus virtuoso performances all round show this is still Prog at it's best and not even the lack of Rick Wakeman spoils the proceedings.
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
I find it quite sad but just can't bring myself to pretend that this is really good.
Maybe the one track- 'Homelands' has promise but the other tracks are smooth wallpaper produced bumph with no spark or originality.
There, I said it and I'm sorry.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I love a bit of Jimi but whilst this is really sound Psychadelic rock and the musicianship is beyond compare it has never really hit me between the eyes in a way his other albums do.
Big Star
4/5
This is promoted as a massive influence at the time and since and I guess it is pretty modern for the time.
It's good listening to it although not mindblowingly good.
There a lot of sounds here that are still being used now.......
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
Very smooth and accomplished and certainly good value for money though (over 3 hours).
Some good hits in there too although after a bit it sounds a bit samey (sorry).
Pantera
3/5
This was very American small-town angst. Teenage boys trapped with their friends feeling the need to belong.
Nothing particularly bad- in fact it's well written and produced but it coud be so much better. Take for example Nirvana? Now if you want to make a example and wake up the world there you go........
Metallica
5/5
I don't normally like this kind of self-aggrandizing American Metal but this the best example of the aforementioned.
I respect the band and the trials they have gone though..
I enjoyed this.
Prince
5/5
Well, what are you going to say? It's Prince.
This guy was so ahead of his time and it's a shame he just went when he did.
Listen to these tracks- they make a point. Funky and socially aware.
Glad to see he has a few albums in the list- I wouldn't say any album hit me but he needs to be here.
Icon.
Radiohead
5/5
It's the band they love to hate.
This is the album that REALLY started it off.
I remember when it came out I'd already grown to love The Bends but this was radically different.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
I forget just how good this is.
They really were one of the oddest and most innovant bands to have existed.
This is their most accessible album and is packed with their most well liked tracks (I count 9/11 biggies).
There's a lot of variety here too- from dreamy pop to raucous rock.
Iconic
Kate Bush
4/5
I love Kate but this isn't my favourite album of hers (Never for Ever and Hounds of Love are me favourites).
Still, there's a lot to like here- so much inventiveness throughout.
The Pogues
4/5
I'm torn when it comes to the Pogues and Shane- their wit, energy and foot-tapping infectious music are a joy to listen to.
This album has some great songs- one very famous and a couple of well done traditional covers.
However I'm not keen on their credentials or some of their more extreme politics. At the end of the day the music wins.
Elvis Presley
3/5
The King did a lot of albums. There's a couple of hits here but the rest are fillers and covers.
Jamiroquai
4/5
I like me a bit of funky Jay.
True it can be a bit samey and retro but there's didgeridoos on this!
It's a good vibe and happy music
Joanna Newsom
4/5
This is intense stuff. I found it hard going to be honest but that doesn't detract from whether it's any good or not.
In fact I think it's so unusual and personal- lyrics and dainty that it is unlike much else i've heard.
I really need to listen to this in small doses- it's a shame she's not on Spotify and I had to use Youtube.
Gene Clark
3/5
It's ok, a bit before it's time I guess in 1974.
Maybe I'll relisten at some point ..........
The Clash
3/5
Iconic cover it's true but I never bought into the Clash. Maybe I was in the wrong place at the wrong time?
I bought 'Give Em enough rope' and loved that but 'London Calling' is all about the title track (part from maybe 'The guns of Brixton' which was ripped off for Dub be good to me.) and the rest are a bit nothingy.
They had gone past their best by this time.
Giant Sand
3/5
Quite liked this- laid back, sort of Beck-like.
Strange they never came to much.
Not sure they should be on the 1001 though........
Ice T
3/5
I like this style of Rap and the era (late 80's- early 90s) is the best.
I like the beat and the attitude.
Coldplay
5/5
Another band that's deeply unfashionable (like U2 for instance).
I remember quite liking them at the time and on a relisten it's pretty decent early Millenium rock. I know history has been unkind since then and Chris Martin wants to hug the world and save us but that shouldn't detract from some great tunes.
I like this.
Shack
2/5
This is pretty dull I have to say.
It's not bad, just bland and uninspiring
Beatles
5/5
What can I say that hasn't already been said- lots of hits and even the other tracks are well known.
Not my favourite album of theirs (that's Abbey Road) but I still like it. It's the Beatles starting to get their stuff together.
They were so incredibly successful and even now are lauded as the greatest but a lot of people are sick of hearing it. Maybe we overplay them a tad?
Still gets 5/5 stars from me though.
Jeff Beck
4/5
Heavily connected to the whole British Bluesey-Rock thing with Rod Stewart and a host of others- very talented and very good if you're into this sort of thing.
Having said that you have to be in the mood. I can see why they say this album is a proto-heavy Metal influence.
I do like it.
Elton John
3/5
Well, it's well produced and professionally executed but it doesn't hit a spark with me.
Elton morphed from a sensitive songwriting soul to a rocker then back to a sensitive soul and then to a pop-icon in the 80s and beyond and this I reckon this was on the cusp morphing to a rocker.
He did better albums later on from this.
Madonna
4/5
I do like this album and it has everything to do with a certain William Orbit.
In fact I consider it more his than hers but that's my opinion. It shows how important a producer can be.
Some great tracks on this and a good vibe for chilling or dancing.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
People are a bit harsh, I mean this was 1988 in the middle of wedges and flares and these guys were doing this kind of thing.
I initially hated this band but now realise they're worth exploring.
Björk
5/5
Bjork has always passed me by - I recognise how talented and individual she is but nothing has ever reached me emotionally.
It's sad to see though how poorly she has done with spurious 1/5 votes being handed out left, right and centre.
For that reason I'm giving her 5/5 in an attempt to partially redress the balance.
Deep Purple
3/5
Another reviewer hit the nail on the head with this. These are great songs but they are on other albums too so they shouldn't really count?
Great live album by a great band but there are other albums that should be in this...
Pulp
5/5
I'm quite shocked how divisive this album/band/singer is but to me it's a real slice of life and highly distinctive regardless of whether you like(d) it or not.
At least 3 big hits on this and they really strike me now despite struggling to think what's REALLY different about them?
Same structure, instruments so maybe it's the swagger and the style?
Emmylou Harris
2/5
I think I might go with another reviewer who notes this is one of her later albums and although quite pleasant it's not really that groundbreaking or unique.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I've always liked a bit of Norman but surely this isn't his best album?
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Alternative Gothic Country just about sums it up.
Slow and brooding.
Van Morrison
4/5
Distinctive and charming - it an easy listen but ultimately there's only the title track that reaches heady heights.
Harry Nilsson
5/5
I had this album! A present from my auntie who emigrated in the 70s.
Still a great album- weird how his biggest hits weren't written by him. He has an incredible voice though.
I like all the tracks from playing them a zillion times. They are slow burners- not big and theatrical but good natured and personable.
Kings of Leon
4/5
I'd only heard the big hit but playing the rest of the album I really like the vibe.
I really like Caleb's voice- so gritty.
The music is pretty standard post 2000 stuff but really good rock nevertheless
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Not sure if it's just the mystique surrounding him or his tragic death but this album has an aura.
Even the fact that some of these are covers he did some of the best covers.
Accomplished guitarist and beautiful fragile voice.
Brian Eno
3/5
I love Brian's later work but this seems like leftovers from his Roxy music days.
Quite Glam-influenced and quite 'Rocky' in places.
I'm not keen
Sebadoh
3/5
I'm pretty sure this is the same as a lot of mid-90's Grungey/Alty/Rocky Garagey-type bands that existed?
Not that it's unpleasant. Just samey.
Raekwon
3/5
Didn't expect to like this but it's well made and enjoyable although I would struggle to identify one Wu-Tang album from another.
Robert Wyatt
5/5
Not unpleasant although I don't see what this 1997 album is doing here.
Totally out of context with it's surroundings.
Low key, off kilter and bizarre but weirdly compelling.
Gotta give it 5 because it's so damned odd.
Violent Femmes
5/5
Beyond merely good- this is proto......well proto Indie at the least.
Refreshing and quirky and...well just interesting.
41 years old and still fresh as a daisy.
Fatboy Slim
5/5
It's weird- I just reviewed this on another chart ("Greatest Electronic") and although I consider it more dance it really is goog.
Lots of hits- hypnotic and good to listen to.
This really was the thing when it was first released and I'm amazed at the negativity of some of the reviews.
Each to their own- I've always loved it.
Living Colour
1/5
I applaud their bravery and certainly the attampt to cross the divide.
The music however is bland 80s rock.
I just can't enjoy it I'm afraid.
Billy Bragg
2/5
I like Billy and I like Wilco but that doesn't necessarily mean I like them together.
This just feels like bland countryesque rambling.
Sorry but it's nothing special.
The Kinks
4/5
It's quite quaint and stylised - it's a definite niche genre this kitchen sink songs about everyday life in London in the 60s.
Some tracks really work (David Watts - which was later covered by the Jam) while others are a bit wishy-washy.
Overall it's more of a historic piece of interest than something you listen to out of love.
Neil Young
5/5
Wow - powerful stuff.
Shame I had to resort to Youtube but it was worth it.
Raw and emotional- a contrast to his other stuff which I love but is tame compared to this.
The musicianship is really superior- boy Nils Lofgren is really good.
Dead Kennedys
5/5
When I was young I had a friend who was ahead of his time and this was one of his favourite bands (along with The Residents and Devo). I just didn't get it and wish I had because this is really good.
Cutting edge lyrics and suprisingly good musicianship. This is more than just shouty Punk.
Ah well you live and learn. There's time to make amends.
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
Was this 2015? Was this #19 Greatest of all time according to a rock magazine?
It's not bad and I like parts of it but it's not innovative or original or groundbreaking at all. Anyone who thinks that hasn't listened to much music.
Sad we are consumed by the 'New' without reference to what's already been.
I hear Prince, a bit of Eminem and even Trip-Hop vibes. Like I say, I like it but it's derivative.
Astrud Gilberto
4/5
I've always had a crush on Astrud.
I love Samba too. This isn't the greatest album ever but in the genre this is one of the best.
It's so smooth and effortless.
The Soft Boys
2/5
I completely missed these guys at the time....
Kinda ok- a mash-up of Glam meets New wave?
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
Not too impressed - a bit poppy, a bit Daft-Punky but the results sound like they should be in the 80's.
Shame really. I had high hopes.
Elbow
5/5
At last! A great album.
Uncomfortably close to the nub with a genuine sound it comes across fresh as a daisy to me.
Pavement
2/5
Fairly standard Indie rock from the sounds of it?
Maybe I need to listen to this more?
David Bowie
2/5
Is this Bowie? Yes, but it's a tired sounding incarnation and sad to hear.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Always loved Nick's voice and persona- magnetic even
Taking into consideration the reason this album was created it's obviously deep, brooding and intense.
It's relaxing and introverted- voice, voices, synthesiser and orchestration.
Digital Underground
2/5
Couldn't get into this- it's just not not in my spectrum.
Quite dated now.
Blondie
5/5
One of the most iconic album covers of all time.
Simply sensational impact at the time- it's everything New Wave was meant to be.
I'm kinda biased as I had a big schoolboy crush on Ms Harry and still do.
The music has all the pizazz of a brash late 70's New York band that had already been down and out. Boy there are a whole lot of hits on here.
Has always been a favourite of mine and always will be.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
Are there still 3 Dexy's albums in the 1001?
C'mon now........theirs is a distinctive sound and a pretty good one at that but does it warrant 3 albums worth?
Regardless I still think it warrants a high rating- some great songs on here and as I've already said it's a great sound.
Nas
3/5
It's not bad- I expected to hate this but it's from the 1st half of the 90s so is still edgy.
I like it- very good rapper (not that i'm an expert).
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Unsuprisingly some tracks are very 'Genesisyfied' but others show promise- quite a mixed bag of inventiveness and quite interesting to listen to.
Cornershop
2/5
Brimful was a major hit and is a great song but not quite sure if the other tracks qualify the whole album for inclusion in the 1001?
Fairport Convention
3/5
I like Folk and Sandy Denny's voice is beautiful but I just don't like Richard Thompson's Rock-orientated version of Folk.
It's just a personal thing....
Green Day
5/5
I wasn't especially taken with these guys at the time but over the years this album has grown on me.
It really is packed with great songs and although the band was never groundbreaking or innovative they're really good at what they do and what they do is write and perform great songs.
The The
3/5
Preferred Sould Mining but this is a continuation I feel.
Still quite dated but if you like the sound why should that matter?
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Fairly standard late 60's psychedelic Rock?
I've seen this around before but it's a bit disappointing.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
A great sprawling album meandering between hits led mainly with Stevie's voice and talent.
I do like Lindsey though but he stayed pinned to the band.
Still, this is a massive album.
The Police
4/5
Prefer the earlier albums as this is veering towards solo-artist Sting territory.
Even so, this has the 'biggie' and a few minor hits and was very well produced and marketed.
Doves
4/5
I was in the right mood to listen to this today- it slipped perfectly into the groove.
Some diverse tracks- meandering from Post-Rock to Britpop and Indie soounds.
A nice, well produced and executed album.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
This is always pushed forward as one of the greats but it seems pretty average Rock? Maybe it was groundbreaking then.
That is apart from Freebird but 'one track does not an album make' as my daddy used to say....
Cocteau Twins
3/5
I love the Cocteaus - Treasure and Victorialand but lost interest when they went a bit poppy (which proved to be their 'breakthrough' sound it seems in terms of popularity.
It's very distinctive sound and Liz's vocal and 'wall-of-sound' guitars immersive and moody.
Early Cocteaus would get a 5* but this is only a 3* I'm afraid.
Fishbone
2/5
I can appreciate what they're trying to do here but if you listen to British bands 10 years previously (Ska bands from Coventry and Dexy's to name a couple) they were doing this better.
Boston
5/5
Distinctive sound- they really were at the forefront of this rock-power-theatre.
Everything from the cover to the guitar and over the top vocals is iconic.
Sure there were others as well but few did it so well.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Very influential but somehow seemed to pass me by.
Listening now it's pretty good but having listened to a few of their albums now they can get pretty samey.
Considering this is 1987 and comparing it to a lot of late 70's New Wave it's not really that innovative either.
Going to go with a safe 3*
808 State
3/5
It's 'okay' I guess.....very stylised techno and quite dated now.
It's nice to listen to but can be a bit samey in places.
Silver Jews
3/5
Quite endearing in it's own way.
Odd wistful, whimsical songs sung out of tune but the accompaniment is good. It begins to grow on you after a bit and I admire the guts to just go out there and make something like this that stands on it's own.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
It's really difficult to judge this as it's pretty much out there in it's own genre.
It's pretty good to listen to from an outsiders point of view and well sung, played and produced.
If this is fair game for the 1001 why can't there be Mozart or Beethoven albums on here?
TV On The Radio
3/5
I kinda get acapella / experimental vibes from this.
It's certainly unusual.
I do like it but still not 100% sure yet..
The Who
5/5
Sounds dated it's true but it's the 'OG' as young folk say nowadays.
Rebellious, loud, uncouth and focused on the 'youth' this really was a wake up call in a way the Beatles and Stones weren't.
Iconic
Ray Price
3/5
I don't normally like Country but this is quite enjoyable.
It seems to be a mishmash of styles and reading the Wiki it was quite groundbreaking at the time.
David Bowie
5/5
An incredible and influential album which pinpoint why Bowie was so massive in the several decades he operated in.
Not every track is a 'true-nailed-on' hit and there's a lot of ideas and fragments of sounds in each song.
I prefer Low but this is what this chart was created for.
Os Mutantes
5/5
I've come across this album before in other charts and of course "A Minha Menina" is a classic in any genre.
Generally I've always liked any music from Brazil (from Astrud, through Mutantes even to Sepultura) and this album has a real ambience to it.
New York Dolls
5/5
These guys were certainly there at the beginning.
Sounds like Rocky Horror now (in a good way).
Cat Stevens
4/5
Beautifully lyrical songwriting- some profound.
Bit of an ambivalent person to me but you can't deny his talent so I forgive.
Glad to see so many others feel the same.
Madonna
3/5
I know it sounds a bit bad but I'd like to know how much of this she really had a hand in?
Maybe the lyrics? Yeah I can see that, but I don't think she produced it REALLY did she?
I genuinely like Ray of Light and can hear Orbit in this as well.
Whilst I applaud her intentions to push boundaries and put herself on the line this is at the end of the day just dancey Pop.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I like the boys and I love the earlier albums (Actually especially).
This is pretty much rehashing over the same ground however.
Just made me put on 'It's a Sin'.
Barry Adamson
5/5
God dang it I've had this thrust my way before in a poll although for the life of me I can't think what the category was.
This is one of the strangest and compelling albums I've come across- strange noises and tunes that predated Portishead's 'To kill a dead man' (although they DID make a short film for that).
There is no such film created apart from one in Barry's head.
Genius.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
I bought this at the time and played it to death. Nowadays it seems this is outdated and even ridiculed.
I don't really know where she went but at the time she was powerful and scarey and magnetic.
Brilliant lyrics with a powerful message. The music is raucous and jagged (I know) and Ought and Pocket are two of the best songs from the 90s.
Brilliant album.
Ian Dury
5/5
A true legend sadly missed. Ian Dury was a cockney geezer- funny , coarse and intelligent.
I bought this aged 11 from Wembley market and was dismayed to find it didn't have any of the hits on it! I persisted and grew to like the very un-PC lyrics and pub-band sound.
The lyrics and the pub rock-n-roll and funk sound is so infectious.
This is a unique gem. It's sad that today's plastic generation don't feel that way.
The Modern Lovers
5/5
I've heard a couple of tracks before but not listened to the album seriously.
You can really appreciate how early they were doing this sort of thing. It's really radical.
Sounds really fresh even now.
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
Had to go to YouTube for this album although she has others on Spotify.
I love Samba and Belel's dad (and Astrud) but this is an updated version- more modern.
It's so relaxing and dreamy. Beautiful music.
U2
4/5
I've given one of the U2 albums so far a Five star and the other a One star rating and I'm ambivalent about this one.
I like the music but not convinced by their integrity by this point in their career.
I think the music wins- the music on this is anthemic and because of Brian and Daniel (Eno and Lanois) it's good to listen to.
Air
5/5
This is a solid 5 star album regardless of the spellbinding film it goes with. I like the way the tracks drift along with snippets of dialogue.
The music is electronic and dreamy and if you like this you should listen to Moon Safari and Talkie Walkie too.
Just beautiful music. Suicide Underground is quite unsettling and morbid.
The xx
1/5
I like to think I'm pretty open-minded and like to embrace new music.
This is not particularly innovative or groundbreaking and although I normally like this kind of vibe it's insipid.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I do love me a bit of Sabbath. These Brummie lads done good. Just the album cover alone send me into raptures.
Not their best but this is the begining, it's like honey to my ears- so good it's beyond hearing, a resonance that permeates my soul.
From the very first track with bell and ominous portent guitars paving the way for Ozzy's voice........
Brian Eno
5/5
Not sure why this is one of my favourite albums but it is.
It's so quirky and low key without fanfare or technical brilliance. It's lowkey pop really.
Not even that groundbreaking but it seem it's the way Brian does things- this album means a lot to me and always hits the spot when I play it so will alwys be a solid 5*****
The Residents
5/5
What gets me are the people who are angry or take it all too seriously.
I used to have a friend who loved these guys in the 80's and to be honest I didn't understand and thought them silly.
I was wrong.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
A discovery and a pleasant suprise.
Understated vocals and guitar- good to listen to and I guess it would grow on you with repeated plays.
Needs further exploration I guess.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
Did,'t know they were still doing this kind of thing. It could be from the 60's under 'Experimental' Jazz.
It's not unpleasant but I've heard a lot of stuff like this from the early Jazz greats and the only difference would be that it's slanted towards Tango?
The Young Rascals
3/5
The title track of course if a big hit- conjures up visions of the 60's but there are other songs I didn't realise were written by them.
This is quite cheesy but at the same time it's enjoyable as it encapsulates the period.
Lou Reed
5/5
A personal favourite of mine.
Very laid back and stylish in a decadent sort of way.
Takes the best out of Bowie and Velvet Underground.
Timeless.
King Crimson
5/5
One of my favourites of all time. I bought this on the back of 'In the Court of the Crimson King' and was horrified.
It's dark experimental mash of styles and sound.
Over time I relistened and now love it dearly.
This takes time and patience.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
I love Lana but a bit mystified why her earlier albums aren't on here?
It's a great album but not the best Lana.
Great tunes, dreamy tunes and bold female statement.
Venom
3/5
I like Heavy Metal and strangely enough Venom is influenced by them.
It's ok, I guess. Maybe I'm just not in the mood but I don't feel this adds much to the Genre.
Syd Barrett
2/5
A lot of the reviews have pointed to the background to this album quite rightly.
It's whimsical, wayward and offbeat. Not very coherent as you'd expect and basically a continuation of the psychedelic vibe in Piper.
There are a few good moments but it's such a mishmash. Sad but true.
Bob Dylan
5/5
It's hard not to give this anything other than a 5* rating since it was so intertwined in our culture and music history.
So despite not really being my cup of tea with Bob's whiny voice and dated 60's sensibility it's really an album we need to hear.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
This is really intense- a strange Prog Rock Opera come drugtrip all the vision of one man it seems.
Well put together and produced- musically accomplished but quite disjointed to the point of unenjoyable.
Burning Spear
4/5
I love a bit of Ska and and a slice of reggae too.
Interesting to read parts of this had been watered down but it doesn't sound too slick.
Has all the ingredients I like so what else is there to say apart from what is there about this album that makes it stand out from the rest?
I don't know.
Suicide
5/5
Now this is more like it.
To be fair I have come across this before in other charts and polls but it's so up my street it's untrue.
My family are pleading with me to turn Frankie Teardrop off but I love the screaming.
There were other albums and bands before them that tried to experiment (Velvet Underground for instance) but I've always been a sucka for an early synth.
The Cure
5/5
This was when I loved The Cure, before they became a pop band.
Early synths, distorted guitars and Robert Smith's voice it's hard not to think they'd progressed their sound and learnt as they went on from Seventeen Seconds's raw power through Faith's mesmeric rhythms this was a combination and who can argue that One Hundred Years is one of their best tracks but in reality band infighting and drugs had left them seemingly at a dead end.
It's a shame what happened afterwards but it's happened with other bands too, their sound, production and mood is so intense something must break.
This is an iconic album.
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Maybe not as bad as some make out this isn't really that groundbreaking and allied with the fact the genre isn't up my street I wouldn't rate it highly.
Some interesting sounds but quite generic framework.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Like an Indie Haircut 100. Not unpleasant but by 1989 the world had moved on.
Lowscale and homogenised.
Neil Young
5/5
Always going to have this issue with his albums on Spotify (and Joni Mitchell) but worth the extra effort.
Wholesome, no-nonsense ballads and rocky/folky songs about, ......well Neil Youngy types of things like environmental concerns, drugs, midwest politics I don't understand.
Always good though.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
It's easy to bandy the phrase 'Greatest' around but Jimi still is the best - his guitar, persona and energy eclipse anything before or after.
This album is right up there with 'Are you Experienced?' and has the 'Slight return' version which is in my top 5 GOAT.
This album is less constrained and more experiemental and fully realises Hendrix's genius and power.
Perfection.
The Offspring
1/5
This just goes to prove how different people are.
Geographical, cultural and age differences mean this is just generic and unoriginal to me.
The music is ok- I can hear other bands in there but it's just me.
Suede
4/5
Well I wasn't sure as I thought this was the failure sandwiched between the debut and Coming up but time has been kind to this and I like the (now retro 90s) sound.
It is pretentious and grandiose but hot dang I'm loving it.
Lush stylish and overblown it's like a luxurious spa treatment with lots of oil and soft sponges.
The Band
3/5
Really sounding like the late 60's this is quite famous.
Not really my cup of tea but it's ok to listen to for the purposes of the chart.
Stan Getz
5/5
I've always loved Samba, Stan, Joao and Antonio separate or together.
......and above all the dreamy Astrud.
This is just like warm honey to my ears.
The guitar, the sax and a contrast in singers too.
This doesn't get any better.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Billy's voice is very distinctive. I've had a hit/miss history with the band but I like the orchestral slant here.
Quite extravagent in places and quite thrashy in others places which demonstrates variation.
Still on the fence though.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Pleasant and very stylised as you would imagine.
Very competently produced, sung and orchestrated but is there any depth above and beyond a desire to sell records?
I suspect not.
The Stooges
4/5
Just finished a Byrds album from 2 years prior to this and it's another world. Only VU can compare with this and the impact it had.
This is crude, energetic and in your face.
The Byrds
3/5
Some good diverse sounds- psychedelic rock with a bit of folk maybe?
It's a good listen although no big hits. A nice, well produced album.
Meat Puppets
3/5
Of course there's the Nirvana link.
Would anyone have listened to them apart from that?
Would they have made the 1001 chart otherwise? I suspect not but this is in fact a really good album and deserves to be listened to all on it own.
I found myself dipping into this all day so maybe it's a new discovery?
Ride
3/5
Strange I missed these guys entirely at the time. Not bad but I guess you needed to be in the crowd.
It's not unpleasant and maybe repeat listens might endear me to it but how many albums can you say the same about?
Bob Dylan
5/5
It's Bob innit.
It's difficult to be objective with his songs since he's such a big name in music history. The songs emanate integrity but they're just not my cup of tea.
Well sung, played and produced but they'll always be a historical object to analyse rather than enjoy.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Pretty chill and a good vibe.
There's the big hit of course and the rest are good for general chill background music.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Not a bad album to be honest- there are other earlier albums though that I think are better.
There's a couple of decent tracks but again I just ended up playing earlier album tracks.
Not a standout album for me.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Clear and crisp- intelligent and easy to listen to.
Sadly not my cup of tea but I can recognise this is a good record.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Pretty good- reminds me of a lot of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd (which came later I think?)
Not sure why they didn't get the credit but they are good to listen to.
Yes
4/5
Not my favourite of theirs but it's still at the very pinnacle of Prog.
The musicianship is beyond belief and it's a pleasure from start to finish.
Sit with your headphones on in a darkened room with just the music playing.
It's spiritual :-)
Spiritualized
4/5
Heard this one before- not the most revolutionary or original but I've always been a sucka for ambient chill music.
It's pleasant and relaxing sounds.
Stereolab
5/5
I do love me a bit of Stereolab.
Consciously retro and nostalgic for a time that never was (is it the mid-70s or late 60's perhaps?)
Poppy and intense- their sound envelops you.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
I wouldn't throw all the accolades they seem to have thrown at this band but it's pretty good.
Energy, passion and integrity. I reckon they were pretty good in concert.
A good album.
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
I respect these guys - the music is pretty laid back generic Jazz and it was done under a difficult oppresive environment.
If this was a band from NYC from the 80's it wouldn't be on this list though.
The Verve
3/5
Well produced and slickly delivered.
But that's the problem really- they seem to be going through the motions and there's there's no soul.....
(geddit? see what I did there?)
The Stone Roses
5/5
Just spent the last 2 hours listening to ok-ish albums on this chart to catch up after a wayward weekend.
Then this appeared.
There is a definite wide gap between merely good albums and records that are legendary, a definite quality and prescence that marks them out for greatness. This is one of the latter.
Their sound conjures up a swagger and a time. It's pure bliss and even 30-odd years can't erase that.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Not normally my kind of thing but this is a great album - very authentic and a real eye-opener.
Cash was a great showman and really knew where his roots lay.
The Human League
5/5
Incredible album. This was where Synth began.
Full of hits and with a real attitude.
Love this era.
R.E.M.
3/5
I love REM generally but this isn't one of their best in my view.
A couple of hits but a bit MOR
MC Solaar
3/5
I've heard this guy before- I like his music and love his French rap. So smooth.
Not entirely sure how original he is or how revolutionary the music but it's still nice to chill to.
The White Stripes
3/5
I really like the Stripes energy and integrity however I think we should temper this against the passage of time.
Will this be considered so highly in 30 years time? I think not.
It's this attachment people of a certain age group have with the records they grew up with.
Metallica
1/5
So this is a live album which is basically a 'Greatest Hits' compilation? I don't think it's a particularly good live album (let's compare with Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison for example). It adds nothing.
I ended up listening to the original songs from earlie albums.
This is poor.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I've always been a fan of Joni's blend of Jazzy, folky scat. It's very stylised but after a while I think it starts to blend together.
Still, I'm glad she's back on Spotify.
The Vines
1/5
This has no place here.
It's derivative and so devoid of originality.
What a joke to include it in the 1001 best albums.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Very interesting reading the comments on this album.
Many laud it as an amazing piece of music (which it is) and a band at the peak of their craft.
However they are right to point out it's almost all 200% energy and is quite an exhausting listen.
Still, it's good at being what it is and is rightly one of the greatest albums.
Antony and the Johnsons
5/5
When this won the Mercury I was horrified.
Since then I've grown to realise I was wrong.
This is a work of fragile beauty in a brutal uncaring universe.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
I'm a bit biased so this isn't an objective review.
My auntie emigrated in the early 70s and left a stack of LPS that I kidnapped and devoured as a kid.
They included Abbey Road, The Stones first album, Cat Stevens and amongst the others....this.
I've now played this album so so many times and it's been a friend to me over the years when I'm happy and when I've been sad.
Beautiful poetry superbly executed- poignant and sad, funny and bold. I know it inside and out and I guess by now it's part of me.
Radiohead
5/5
This album is loved by the people it's aimed at.
It helps those people overcome the issues they have in life.
I would have liked to have been one of the happy people who are not helped by this album but I don't find Thom's voice irritating and I don't intellectualise endlessly about it as it has permeated the fibre of my being.
I really am beyond any redemption.
Bon Jovi
4/5
It's really not my cup of tea but it's unmistakeable and catchy.
Bon-Jovi are very good at this stuff and who am I to deny their entry into the 1001? 1.5 billion plays on Spotify!
This is huge and they deserve a 5*****
Amy Winehouse
5/5
There's not many singers or albums I rate highly over the last 20 years but Amy was special.
Maybe if she was still around it wouldn't feel the same but this is all we really have left from her.
Great production and polish but behind that is a true talent.
So fragile.
Boards of Canada
5/5
Gosh and blimey! This is an absolute tour de force and one of my favourite albums.
I've listened to thousands of albums in my 50+ years and I know quality when I hear it.
You're all tone-deaf and ignorant ;-)
Roxy Music
3/5
No Brian but it has the swagger of a Ferry before they hit the lounge singers forum.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
A bit sad I missed out on these guys at the time but I was into the Cocteaus and other stuff. I really like loveless and feel this is leading up to it.
Don't get me wrong, it's still good if you like the genre but there are better examples.
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
Lol! I've 790 albums in and just can't waste my time on derivative newbies mimicking 70's classics. They sound like a load of drunk guys having a laugh in someone's garage.
There are so many better albums and bands out there that aren't even on the chart.
They couldn't even be bothered to spend money on a proper cover.........
Tito Puente
4/5
The purpose of this chart I think is to ensure every genre is included and the best from each of those.
As such it's a pleasure to listen to something that was around a long time ago within it's distinct bubble.
I'm not sure if it influenced any music nowadays but it's very good at what it is - produced and played.
Roni Size
4/5
Sparce and stylised although it's a bit of a hard listen in places.
I'll need to come back to this perhaps.
Maxwell
2/5
It's ok, inoffensive and smooth.
Reminds me of so many other bands across the years just like this.
Why aren't they on the list?
Daft Punk
5/5
There only is one Daft Punk.
That makes them unique.
The only question that remains is whether it floats your boat?
Cocteau Twins
5/5
OMG! What a blast from the past.
I absolutely love this album- 40 years old now. That makes me very very old ;-)
Beautiful ethereal music- alternative rock and pre-shoegaze and post rock before those labels had been invented.
One of the most special things to ever come out of Scotland.
The The
4/5
Oooo I remember this one too.
I bought it on cassette and played it in my first car and played it to death until the head gasket blew.
Real 80s feel to it still. So long ago now.
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Standard 60s Folky-rock. I can hear the Dylan influences too........but.............
.....it veers off towards dreamy D&D fantasy themes!
Those were some great mushrooms they found on the hill that night..........
Stereo MC's
3/5
I really enjoyed some of these tracks- they conjured up nights at the nightclub with flat beer and foxy babes and shadey guys in the corner I steered clear of.
Happy days.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
This guys always been a bit of a closed book to me but this is quite endearingly theatrical.
It's sounds almost 70s at times- certainly quite retro in a nice way. Shades of Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel and even Randy Newman dare I say?
Pleasant songs, well put together and presented.
GZA
4/5
I've started to enjoy some Rap recently. Totally different world and almost 30 years away.
This deserves it's place in the 1001
Sonic Youth
4/5
I've still yet to really appreciate these guys (and gal) but I get their authenticity.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I liked this but can't say it's the most innovative sound- I can hear a lot of other bands and vibes in there.
It's 1997 so right in the middle of all sorts of sounds going on.
Nicely produced too.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Always liked PJ and this is different from her early stuff.
I do like the odd sounds she puts in.
Van Morrison
1/5
Never been too keen on Live albums- there's only a handful I like (Cash, Nirvana and Who for instance).
This is no exception. I like Van but I'd listen to these tracks in a studio album or go an see him live in person.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
I like it but for 1994 times had moved on maybe?
Still, it's well produced and certainly controversial
M.I.A.
3/5
I had this 'liked' on Spotify but maybe I was feeling more energised then?
This tires me out. She's very talented and it is unusual but maybe tomorrow.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
After listening to a load of wannabes this transcends a mere album to be honest.
Quite simply a legend and even the album fillers are good.
Morrissey
3/5
Why all the Morrissey hatred?
I've never managed to get into the Smiths and Stephen later on just continued the same vein really (without Marr's great guitar contribution).
Still, this isn't bad really, pleasant warbling and MOR musically.
The Bees
3/5
Wow this is a real mixture of genres and sounds- kinda low-key but easy to listen to.
Reminds me of early 10cc in their ability to inject styles and mould it together.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Maybe it's a nostalgia thing but I found myself really enjoying this.
Pretty much a one-trick pony but boy what a trick!
Beatles
5/5
I'd been away (not the USSR) and had a few albums to catch up on.
Left this one to last- an album so familiar to me I can't really look at it objectively.
Pretty every track on the double album has had an influence on the culture we live in today.
Iconic.
Wire
4/5
Although it's not something i've listened to before and will very no doubt ever listen to again this is vintage 1977 Punk/New wave.
Great vibe and energy. Authentic stuff.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
It's ok I guess.
So 60's it's difficult to be objective and not see it as a museum piece.
Still, there's a couple of good hits on this and the rest a bit bland.
Alice In Chains
2/5
This is very much of it's time. If you listened to this with your mates in the 90s it must really hit you but to me it's just another grungey/rocky band singing about depression, drugs and pain.
Not that's it's bad- it's well put together and produced but means nothing to my ears.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
I remember taking this out from our local Library 'on-loan' for a week and playing it to death.
Unfortunately it disappeared soon after (probably stolen) so I was never able to repeat the experience and my pocket money was spent on other random stuff (sweets) so 'saving up to buy it yourself' was not an option.
This is a trip down memory lane although it's got the '80's' vibe and is pretty much the same the whole way through.
Still, it's a good vibe and enjoyable now.
The Youngbloods
4/5
1969? Yes it's quite dated but......there's just something about this.
Never heard of them or this album. Mellow country-rock or Psychedelic orientated it's well put together and meanders from track to track with a variety of other styles (even some Jazz in there).
They disappeared as quickly as they had arrived it seems but this is well worth the listen.
Tricky
5/5
One of my favourite albums (although Nearly God is better). Played it a million times and it's never dull.
Deeply raw and personal- the sounds and rhythms are so unique.
I love cracking open a beer, dimming the lights and playing this from track one.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
It's a bit of fun but to be honest the greatest thing ever.
A lot to do with Snoop's personality rather than the music I don't dislike it but it becomes boring after a couple of tracks.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Pure and simply this is a classic album, it's a shame it's so short.
It is similar to a number of other artists albums- Bowie (obviously) but also I hear bits of Transformer (also produced by Bowie).
It's so dissolute. A sad thing of beauty.
Adele
3/5
Mmmm difficult.
Adele has undoubtedly got a wonderful voice and the songs are well crafted and produced but......
Listening to 21, 25 and 30 the songs are pretty indistinguishable.
There's not really any attempt to try something different.
Bill Callahan
4/5
Not quite as unique as people perhaps think- there are many many artists banging their heads against the wall and not many get through.
Bill did though and this is good to listen to.
Honest, human with integrity.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Undoubtedly a great feel good album evoking thoughts of sunny summer days chilling.
A great album.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
1/5
Really really poor.
Generic and unoriginal pop.
How is this even in the shortlist for 'reasonable attempts in 2009' let alone the Greatest albums ever produced.
Have I mentioned how pathetic this is?
Johnny Cash
3/5
I mean it's not that different to the Folsom prison album but it's still Johnny.
It's more like a documentary of life on Death Row than a music LP.
Riveting.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
Took me a while to find the album - it's a lot different to what I was expecting.
More like Jazz funk in places (which I like) but ultimately this was very influential at the time.
Brian Eno
5/5
A bit biased since this has always been a favourite of mine.
I'm suprised it's so popular since it's not mainstream at all.
Quirky and odd with cameos by others it sticks in your brain......
Dolly Parton
3/5
As much as i'd like to like this it leaves me cold.
Dolly has such a beautiful voice, such a lovely talented person as well.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Difficult to judge since on the surface it's absolutely tremendous.
Behind it though it's re-recordings of previous albums and tracks.
Still, that shouldn't muddy the waters.................. ;-)
Public Enemy
5/5
The first Rap album I ever bought and still my favourite.
Such attitude and what I use to judge the rest.
Great beat, cutting lyrics.
Iron Maiden
2/5
I love Motorhead and Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and Deep Purple but this leaves me cold.
I think they got better as a band once they found their feet but this is a little too samey........
Lambchop
1/5
It's ok but not much to write home about.
I guess if you had to be there at the time for it to gain a foothold.
It's too blah to me i'm afraid.
LL Cool J
1/5
I've got no time today for middle of the road rap/pop/r&b songs from the 90s.
It doesn't hit me as having any integrity or originality.
Randy Newman
2/5
I like Randy Newman but this isn't his best album (Sail Away is better).
Part of the issue is he has 2-3 good songs on each album with the rest being a bit samey so it's a struggle to pinpoint his best.
The Auteurs
3/5
I would so like to like this but I wasn't there at the time and it seems like such a chore to trackback over something that doesn't hit me between the eyes from day one.
It's not unpleasant but I've heard so many bands like this in the 80s let alone the 90s.
Beatles
5/5
Hahaha! I finally got the number 1!! After 823 others......
I have listened to this a zillion times before and I guess after a while your objectivity wanes but it's so comfortable I gave it another plays.
Hard to imagine they were all at loggerheads at the time. Maybe that helped and made it more 'edgy'?
… And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make
Tim Buckley
3/5
He's undoubtedly talented- so unique.
This one of the later 70's albums and has that '70s' feel....
Need another listen I thing.
Prince
4/5
Iconic album- Prince in all his pomp. No-one did it quite the same so he gets away with outrageous swagger and corny lyrics.
He really was in a class of his own.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Well this guy may not be the nicest, most well-balanced person in the world but to me it's a good album with some outstanding Rock songs.
If he'd been born 30 years sooner no doubt he'd have got away with it rather than shouting his mouth out on Social media today. I'm more interested in the music and the music is good.
Holger Czukay
3/5
Well for 1979 this is pretty funky although not perhaps as unique since there were a lot of artists doing odd things with noises at the time.
Having said that there are some good passages that engage your interest but equally other bits that don't
Dire Straits
5/5
A sure-fire 5***** and YES! I'm a middle-aged dad!
Assured, accomplished with integrity it's hard to believe this was their 1st album. The songs are gutsy and conjure up places in a cold North East port and smoky bars in London-town.
Throwing Muses
5/5
Wow, I didn't expect to like this but I do.
It's interesting, quirky and is the epitome of Indie in my view.
Some folk hate it but that only goes to prove how different we all are.......I'm giving this top marks to spite them.
Korn
3/5
It probably helps that I've not been in contact with this album or band before.
So listening to it I expected to hate it but to be honest I quite liked it in places. I don't think it's quite as bad as some make out and there is an energy to it with interesting passages.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
This is a good listen - very good musicians creating a musical experience.
Maybe better on as background music?
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
I like Bruce Springsteen but there comes to a point where everything's been said and he'd treading water with this one.
He can do so much better.
Circle Jerks
1/5
The music itself has energy and I quite liked the whole vibe.
However by 1980 this had already been done to death so in no way was this original.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
I used to be into Jazz funk and this admittedly is quite early- 1974. Some fine musicianship.
Doesn't really do anything for me know.
R.E.M.
3/5
A bit hit and miss for me. I like the later albums but can see mumurings of thier later hits.
I always rank REM and The Smiths together.......not sure why...
The Smiths
5/5
For me this is their best album. Where it all came together.
I've never been the greatest Morrisey fan, or even the Smiths to be honest but I like a few of their tunes and this one has the best number of their hits concentrated.
Well put together and quite slick in places
Plus I think people like to kick Morrisey which is unfair.
5/5
If this chart is full of albums that pushed the boundaries and are the yardstick by which other albums are judged then this album is rightfully here.
It's not an easy listen but it's so chock full of ideas and quirks (not sure how much is Eno) you can't deny it.
What must it have sounded like in 1978......?
John Lennon
3/5
I do wonder what I'd think if was some obscure singer from Liverpool off the back of the 60s and trying to come to terms with himself.
I like it's honesty and two-fingers up to everything and everything else. It's like he needed to get it out of him.
Musically I don't think it's great but in terms of depth it's quite absorbing.
American Music Club
1/5
I almost hate to slate this as it's so obscure it's beyond belief.
Maybe it's quite ahead of it's time but it really it's that special and certainly shouldn't be in the 1001.
MGMT
4/5
Interesting dilemma...
I've always thought there was a tendency for people to vote for newer albums and bands that they grew up with and loved- recalling memories of happier days etc etc rather than some crusty old album by a band they'd never heard of.
On the other hand this album is so uplifting and choc-full of ideas. Not the most innovative or deep but hell it's fun to listen to.
Stan Getz
5/5
I have always loved the Samba beat.
It just takes you away and seems to say "the world is crap we know, but just take a deep breath and relax"...
It's beautiful music played with expertise.
The only thing missing is Astrud who comes later.
Sublime music.
Tom Waits
3/5
I wanted to like this but it's a bit contrived.
I guess it's a novel idea though so not all bad.
It grates after a while, Tom's voice is so in your face.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
This is a real revelation- I've always liked the first 2 hits but the rest is quite jazzy and upbeat.
It's a good album and good to listen to.
Dagmar Krause
3/5
Difficult to judge really, I can admire the attempt to do something different. It's very theatrical and Brecht and Weill influenced.
It's just not something I would want to listen to.
Dr. Octagon
3/5
Certainly quite odd and I can see where MF DOOM got some of the ideas from.
The PC brigade of course are out in force on this one but it's pretty average rapping although some of the concepts are certainly innovative.......
Christina Aguilera
2/5
I found this very difficult to listen to.
It's well produced and professional- skilled in it's way but I'd rather not listen to it. I don't really see anything of great value in it.
Taylor Swift
5/5
I don't consistently like Taylor's stuff (the kids like her but she sings about relationships pretty much all the time).
This is one of her best- it's downbeat and carefully crafted. She's very good at what she does.
Minutemen
2/5
It's pretty basic and pleasant- innocent and amateurish.
Bless them- it's a nice record. Not Punk and not worthy of the top 1001 albums.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
One hell of an album. Full of weird sounds and a lot of anger.
Contains one of the greatest songs ever written.
Aerosmith
1/5
It's just awful.
I quite liked their early albums but they burnt out and loss any integrity they had.
Formulaic and repetitive.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This is a bit better.....
Engineered for Dusty's voice and boy what a voice!
Well orchestrated and the songs again chosen to suit her.
Public Enemy
3/5
I've always loved 'It takes a nation..." but this is just a repeat to me. Maybe a bit more gimmicky?
It's still good.......but not as good as before.
The Incredible String Band
3/5
This is a hard one to judge.
I recognise it as quite groundbreaking and original/experimental.
At the same time it's not really enjoyable.
The Libertines
4/5
My views on this album and this band have changed over time.
I initially disliked the whole thing and thought they were overrated but now I've softened. They are very similar in vibe to a lot of other (good) bands at this time and now I'm a bit more nostalgic.
Energetic, brash, disjointed and fun. Good indie rock....
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
I quite liked this - more British in influence and feel (I like the Reggae vibe).
Quite listenable...
Bert Jansch
5/5
I'm a bit biased as I loved Bert- a legend in British folk.
I missed a chance to see him live shortly before he died and have always kicked myself for it.
This guy was one of the all time guitar greats. If you get chance what a documentary he did " Acoustic routes" where he meets some of his idols and plays with them.
John Grant
2/5
It's ok I guess.........
I like the chill sad/reflective vibe.
It's not world shattering.
Why is it on this chart?
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
I like Bob and there's a least a couple of big tracks on here but there are better albums of his.
For instance- No woman and Lively are better on the Live album?
Frank Sinatra
5/5
One of the other reviewers used the word 'timeless' and that's just what this is.
Ok so some of the songs are a bit samey but it's the genre and this is the best there is in that genre.
Solange
2/5
More 'new' music on the chart (anything inside the last 20 years).
Of course it's popular with the young chicks but this cult of the new is like a merry-go-round without any consideration to what is really innovative or special.
Having said that I didn't dislike it and in fact think it's a good direction.
But not that special.
Madness
5/5
Ahhhhhh.....Madness.
I preferred their first album when they were a proper English Ska band. This isn't Ska, or even New Wave but P.O.P........(yes you read that right)
Still, it's inventive Pop and a fun listen.
Plus it's the only Madness on here and at least one album should make it.........I would give it 3 but on those lines it's a 5
Ozomatli
2/5
It's ok but not my scene and I wonder whether it's here to fit the genre 'World Music' bands?
U2
5/5
Anthemic and passionate.
It's an iconic album whatever you think of Bono.
System Of A Down
4/5
This was a lot quirkier than I expected. A lot of energy and screaming but also mixed in was humour and melody!
Shocking.
I quite liked it as a result.
John Martyn
3/5
I have to say it's identical to the Solid Air album he made 4 years earlier.
Still good though- mellow and chilled to listen to.
Baaba Maal
4/5
I was ready to dismiss this out of hand but glad I didn't
It's like African acoustic Folk. Really melodic and pleasant.
I guess that may sound like torture if you're into Death Metal or Janet Jackson but to me it's a pleasant suprise.
Santana
5/5
Absolute nailed on stone cold classic.
The vibe on this album conveys so much fun and integrity. It's like they did it because they really enjoyed jamming together.
I bet they were great to watch live too.
Deep Purple
5/5
Such a great vibe with so much assured musicianship on this one.
Each one of these guys is a master in his own right.
It envelops you from the start and never lets go- the driving bass and drums, Gillans voice rising above everything and then there's Richie's guitar.....
Depeche Mode
1/5
I liked them with Vince but they then went transatlantic to fluff the Yanks and it went downhill from there.
Clean sterilised pop synths pretending to be dark and 'alternative'.
There are acouple of reasonable pop songs on here but it's dreadfully mediocre otherwise.
A case in point is 'Policy of Truth' with 116 million listens on Spotify. It's so dull and uninspiring.
Steve Winwood
1/5
Oooo I do like a bit of 80s cheese but apart from the big hit there's nothing here to interest anyone.
I'm not sure what the Genre is here? 'Cheese'?
Kid Rock
1/5
I was relieved to see I wasn't alone in disliking this...
knock off Rage against the machine?
Terence Trent D'Arby
5/5
It's a hard one to judge this as it's bound up with so many memories- good and bad.
Everyone loved this guy and his music. I don't know what happened but for a brief time he had the world.
It's so smooth and 80s but just so so so gooooood.........
If you weren't there you'll hate this!
Laibach
3/5
It's with a heavy heart that I give this one the semi-thumbs down.
It's different, and bold and quirky but I really can't find anything in it to like.
The Associates
5/5
This is such a great, undervalued band with their greatest moment.
I loved this album and still do- Billy was a tremendous character with such a great voice.
Brings back great memories.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Fairly standard Jazz- nice to listen to but nothing special in my view.
Nirvana
4/5
Prefer Nevermind but this is a more extreme direction perhaps with the same full-on 100% commitment.
Assured with integrity which is all you can really ask from a band. After that it's just down to personal taste.
Coldcut
5/5
I really missed the boat on this at the time but listening back now I recognise a lot of the tracks and this was there for others to follow.
Not really my thing but it's a definite genre and this is one of the top albums in that genre.
Incredible Bongo Band
5/5
This is an oddity.
Super cool.
Just shows how Post-Modernity has reshaped the world.
Goldie
4/5
I've come across this before on another chart- it's a good representative of the genre.
Easy to listen to and chill.
Jungle Brothers
1/5
I actually like this -it's quite clever and easy to listen to but......
I switched the playlist to Grandmaster Flash who was doing this a decade before.
Why vote for plagiarists?
Anita Baker
3/5
I love the 80's smooth lovers vibe.
I remember one hit and could easily put this one at a dinner party I'm hosting with a collections of friends and a special lady I have my eye on.
Eric Clapton
3/5
It's ok- chill and Bluesy jive.
I dislike the the tendency to retrospectively jump on things people said 50 years ago (however distasteful).
The xx
1/5
Poppy Electro.
Not worthy of the top 1001.
Unoriginal and generic. Devoid of any spark and not even worthy of the Semi-Finals of the Eurovison song contest entry level.
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
It's quite pleasant but not really one of the greatest albums ever produced?
Am I wrong?
Faust
5/5
What is wrong with people?
This is seriously good stuff- I can listen to this all day. It's very prog-like, repetitive, rocky too in places and hypnotic.
These Germans are the synth-kings.....
Todd Rundgren
3/5
80s vibe but I like it! Easy listening on a Sunday morning
The Kinks
3/5
I like the Kinks and their brand of Cockney 'kitchen-Sink' dramas.
Very 60's and influential although it's not 100% my cup of tea.
Scissor Sisters
5/5
This really resonates with my memories and is in fact better than my recollection at the time.
Some stand out tracks and the whole vibe is a tight. well produced album.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
Wow this really is a mish-mash of a lot of genres and I can't decide just what it is or where it's going.
I guess the main thing is that I don't DISlike any of the tracks. They hop from Jazzy to folky , Theatrical rock-opera and Lounge Vegas and back again.
It's totally deserving of being here.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
I like Neil's early stuff but this sounds like a sad tired rehash.
It's 1990 and his time is gone. Has he anything further to say......? For me the answer is no.
I've given Harvest and After the Gold Rush a 5* but htis is a 1*
Hookworms
3/5
It's actually quite good.
Not unique or innovative but solid with all the notes in the right place.
Not a 1001 album but ok.
3/5
I tried to like this but it a bit bland. Not sure if it's a 21st Century sensibility but surely there were more dynamic albums out there in the 70s?
Throbbing Gristle
5/5
Ok you can say what you like about this album but it won't be 'it's bland' or 'very unoriginal'. It's not a joke. It's people trying to produce the most uncompromising unpleasant sounds. 20 Jazz Funk Greats is the same too.
I've tried listening to this a few times over the years but it's pretty disturbing and you tend to find other things to listen to.
If you want to listen to only one track it's Hamburger Lady. Read the lyrics then tell me I'm wrong.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
Absolutely a 5***** album without any question and one of the greatest albums from any decade or genre.
Just press play and let the songs flow.
Roxy Music
5/5
I know this album and worship the glory that is Eno.
Great vibe and love the whole 70's feel.
Joe Ely
2/5
Late 70's Honky Tonk..........FFS I've just listened to Throbbing Gristle before this.
My head is messed up but this is so mainstream it could be a theme tune to a corny 80's TV show.
I can't bring myself to hate it though and I truly love Joe.
Chicago
3/5
It's ok I guess, straddling the line between 60s and 70s, straddling genres but ultimately uneventful.
It's a good all-rounder I guess and maybe with a few listens I could really get into it.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Not my thing.
So 80s you couldn't get more cheesy.
It is so cliched it's good since it sums everything up that is Goth and trashy.
Because of that I can't bring myself to give it a bad score.
Skepta
1/5
It's just so unoriginal.
The 'British-Rapper-social-commentator' vibe has literally been done to death.
I can't hear a single thing on this that hasn't been done by someone else before him.
Awful.
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Whatever happened to Prefab Sprout? They were huge at one time and Swoon was a triumph.
This was almost as good but I think they went off track and disappeared with the 80s.
Even so, this is a nostalgic sound and well written and produced.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
It's well produced and easy listening.
I don't dislike it, but wouldn't listen for enjoyment.
Neil Young
5/5
I'm glad Neil came back to Spotify.
I had this on vinyl and played it over and over. It's sad, sometimes angry and lyrical (more Country or Folk than Rock) and very human.
Quite simply this is one of the greatest albums ever made.
Guided By Voices
5/5
I was ready to dismiss this out of hand but stopped.
It's like coming across an early demo tape by the Beatles or Pink Floyd it's so hit and miss it's.........quite confusing.
So many ideas and none of them fully realised this could be 5 albums by other bands.
I've discovered a new band.
Tom Tom Club
5/5
I remember this when it came out and it confused me.
Since then I've heard David and Talking and Eno but this was just these two on a sabbatical.
Seriously inventive and fun to listen to.
Common
1/5
Derivative Eminem wannabe.
The pronunciation and pace is identical.
Well produced but nothing special and should be taken off this list I'm afraid to say.........
James Brown
5/5
I normally don't go for many live albums (preferring the studio versions of songs) but I like the way this has the Intro and the asides as part of the act.
James was one of the greatest showmen ever and it comes across in this record.
This doesn't really have a whole load of hits but that doesn't matter.
This guy is the business.
The Afghan Whigs
1/5
Reaaaaally not special.
I think they're shoving in these post-2000 American bands that are not original in any way shape or form to bolster up the numbers.
It's sad if you consider this one of the greatest albums ever made.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I was ready to give this a One * but then listening to the undoubted hits which are very good songs in their own right I was swayed.
Not my cup of tea but it's well done and deserve to be considered.
The Byrds
2/5
I'm sorry, this is a pleasant enough listen but there are 5 (yes FIVE!!) albums by this band.
They have some great songs but I think they were living on borrowed time by this album.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Expected to hate this but I really liked the backing. Very laid back and funky.
The rapping is ok as well.
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
Nothing to really dislike but then it's not at all groundbreaking or innovative.
It's just pretty average tunes from the 90s.
No way should this be on the chart.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
It's difficult to say if this is any different to Dig your own hole (which has more bonafide 'hits').
Still, I like these guys........
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
I like it but it's difficult to rate against other African musicians though?
UB40
5/5
This was my first 'Reggae' record (although yeah a lot of people would say it's not proper Reggae) and I played it to death at top volume until the neighbours complained.
The songs are still good now- real belters. I could listen to this all day (how on Earth can anyone find them 'boring'?)
At the time the lyrics very hard-hitting (to me as a stupid white boy anyway).
"Ivory madonna dying in the dust,
Waiting for the manna coming from the west.
Barren is her bosom, empty as her eyes,
Death a certain harvest scattered from the skies."
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
FIVE!! Yes 5 Springsteen albums in this chart. Surely they're not all groundbreaking?
Well I like the lower key vibe of this one. Sober and dour. Guitar and harmonica. It's a refreshing change to the other rocky loud albums.
This is actually quite good on it's own. Not exactly original but good to listen to.
David Crosby
3/5
I did like this- alternatively Folkey and then Rocky.
Straddles the 60s and 70s seamlessly....
Steve Earle
1/5
Can't honestly say there's anything here of any merit.
No originality or unique vibe to bring to the show.
Awful.
Jazmine Sullivan
1/5
Not bad but not special.
Brings nothing new to the table so why bother at all.
3/5
This is an odd album. I remember XTC as as kid and bought their records in the late 70s/early 80s. I didn't know they still existed.
Quite bland but very well performed and in such a lowkey way.
Reading the History behind the band's enforced silence and arguments recording this there's nothing in the music to hint at it.
What's going on behind the music is more interesting to be honest.
The Who
5/5
Interesting to read the history to this.
It's a big leap between a middle of the road band with a scattering of hits and an album like this by one of the greatest of bands.
There's a reason why they are famous, the songs exude quality.
The Zutons
3/5
There's a lot of these albums by reasonably good Indy bands with a couple of hits.
They are ok to listen to (well the hits are anyway) but really only middling really.
David Ackles
2/5
Well it's very 70s - theatrical and wordy, orchestral and overblown.
I respect it although find it a hard listen. Not exactly enjoyable but I can appreciate it's intent and accomplishment.
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
I have to say I find this dull. I like the idea, just not the execution.
Maybe it's having so many tracks it's diluted it?
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Verrrrrrry 60's Psychedelia!
It's ok for a bit but grates after a while.......
Kings of Leon
4/5
This is actually quite good- assured in execution and distinct in sound.
Spiritualized
4/5
I've heard this before- it'd spacey and chill to listen to.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I like Led Zeppelin but this is one of the albums I've never connected with. Apart from Kashmir is standard fare.................
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
5/5
This is truly a masterpiece - I heard it 30 years ago as a kid but thought "this is crap".
Ahhh...the folly of youth. I was wrong.
This is a tour-de-force of constant ideas and sounds made even better with the random adverts that YouTube inserts since I cannot listen to it on Spotify.
Kind of sums up the whole nonsensical vibe of the album.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I played the song with 1.5 Billion listens and although it's actually quite chilled and laid back it's really not that special?
Surely I'm missing something? Not able to distinguish a truly momentous classic from a generic clone track?
Giving this *** because I don't hate it.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
Just finished listening to Kendrick Lamar and now this?
Wow! Both alien genres to me and again I don't hate it so a cautious *** stars.
It's the difference between 1.5 Billion listens and 200,000 but to me it's a case of sheer popularity and not merit.
Traffic
3/5
Hit me on the wrong day.
1968, rocky-bluesy and folkey but nothing special.
Kind of jamming music (and I don't mean Reggae).
The KLF
5/5
Strange strange band. Were they ahead of their time?
I don't know since I was too drunk in the club at the time to notice if anyone else was doing this at the time.
Still, the music is good and it brings back good memories.
You had to be there.
Stephen Stills
3/5
I have trouble distinguishing these guys apart (not Neil Young though as he's unique) but these songs are really good to listen to.
Not absolutely brilliant but really soulful and meaningful.
Some hits on here too so that's even better.
The Band
4/5
Quite enjoyed this - a bit of a few different genres mixed in here- boogie woogie even!
Laid back and good to listen to- apart from the biggie the other tracks are unknown to me.
N.E.R.D
3/5
Certainly different.
mix of a lot of things and that makes it good.
Fun and inventive.
Sparks
4/5
This is terrific.
Of course I remember "This Town Ain't..." on the radio as a kid but reading the lyrics in Spotify they are a riot: "Heartbeat, increasing heartbeat
As 20 cannibals have hold of you, they need their protein just like you do"
They were an amazing pair on Top of the Pops too. Once seen and never forgotten.
The rest of the album is worth listening to - quite ahead of it's time I think. Roxy Music meets 10cc with a sense of fun.
Talvin Singh
3/5
Ambient soundscapes meet drum and bass.
It's good background/chilling music.
Patti Smith
5/5
Pretty powerful and a seminal album in the progression of the genre.
This is New York underground rock and paved the way for many women performers to come.
Klaxons
5/5
I do like this band and there are a couple of great tracks on this album but let's face it they are another in the long line of medium-good British bands that anger the American users who can't get over the fact our music is better ;-)
For that reason it's a solid ***** from me Matthew..
Gram Parsons
4/5
I've never really taken to Gram but listening to this today it's pretty good to listen to- progressive Country I'd say.
Musically diverse and well produced it holds your attention. Emmylou Harris is a major part in this and I'm an instant fan.
Shame he died so young.
The Cars
4/5
This has got great New Wave vibes - I love this era.
I mean the 80s had bands like this without the integrity.
It's quirky and inventive with a sense of fun.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
I like the sentiment and for the reason it's a high score from me.
However it isn't terribly original and the lyrics are a bit lame and repetitive but if that's what's needed to get through I guess the means justifies the end.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
This is terrific.
I'm not really a big lover of them and haven't heard of any of the main album tracks but this is a distinct powerful sound unlike any other.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
5/5
So cheesy, so poppy, so 80's but......
...how to resist something so undeniably big in hits and swagger?
Soundgarden
4/5
Soundgarden kind of passed me by but listening to it now there's an integrity to their sound.
Chris Cornell was a great singer. Such power.
The Triffids
1/5
I was a few albums behind so just caught up with a few of the greatest albums ever made.
This was like a slap in the face with a wet fish.
It's awful.
Talk Talk
5/5
One of my favourite bands although we're really talking about Mark Hollis.
He may have tried to disown his poppy roots but they were a band that transcended the 80s.
Deep and meditative although Spirit of Eden (which doesn't make it on this chart) is one of the greatest albums ever made.
This however is still a triumph.
Sarah Vaughan
5/5
A voice like syrup. Sublime and faultless.
Even the 2 star review recognise this? I can understand how some don't like Live albums or Jazz but I feel this transcends all these labels.
It's more lie a historical document- outside of the norms of 'albums' but I'm glad they chose to record this for posterity.
Primal Scream
4/5
Iconic cover - looking back now now over 30 years ago the sound was part of the whole time.
Still good to listen to now though.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Why do some people like Marmite and hate Bovril? Who can say?
I guess it's upbringing or personal taste that makes some like Rap and other hate it.
Glad to say I do 'get this'. It's not awe inspiring or unique. Just pleasant and introspective.
Mudhoney
3/5
It's a good listen - I can see where Nirvana and other got their sound from.
Not that it's the best thing since sliced bread but I liked the vibe.
Total integrity.
Billy Joel
5/5
A truly iconic cover and an album chock full of famous numbers (which have been covered by countless others).
It has to be 5*****. It's so schmaltzy but you can't deny it's power to captivate you fo good or bad.
Can
5/5
A Masterpiece in experimental Krautrock. Put this on a permanent loop all day.
My mind has expanded since I listened to this btw.
Common
4/5
I like this kind of rap- groovy and underplayed.
Reminds me of DOOOOM!
Tom Waits
4/5
I already had one of the tracks (In the Neighbourhood) and the other tracks sort of slid down pleasantly.
I like this sort of plinky-plonk swampy
Frank Zappa
5/5
I have to say this is more like it!
A great album choc-full of weirdness and ideas.
I never quite got this many-moons ago but i'm liking it now.
Must be an age thing?
k.d. lang
1/5
I'm sorry but this is generic and devoid of originality. Patsy Cline C&W wannabe (even used Patsy's producer).
I prefer her later stuff.
Animal Collective
3/5
Weird to say I like this band although for the life of me I don't know why.
The tracks are quite odd it's true but there's nothing hugely individual from one track to the next.
Strange.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Another newish band I've got into recently. It takes me a while to catch-up.
Offbeat and Oddball band with kookie hits.
A good listen.
Tina Turner
5/5
This is a no-brainer.
So choc-full of 80's goodness and hits it's no wonder it's a solid 5*****
The Saints
3/5
It's uncannily quite good.
No really! Whatever happened to this band?
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
I know this is supposed to be one of the greatest albums of all time but it sounds like another mid-60's Psychedelic rock album to me.
Not bad but then compared to the Beatles or Pink Floyd it's average.
Public Image Ltd.
5/5
I have to say at the time I wasn't a fan of PIL but listening to this now 35 years later it's really good.
Drawing on a lot of stuff that had already been going on- experimental, Throbbing Gristle and other early Industrial music it's actually quite enjoyable.
Lydon is a genius that much is true now. At the time he wasn't appreciated for what he was doing.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Pleasant but really nothing special.
How it's classed as one of the best ever is beyond me.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Actually quite liked it. Some good ideas and liked the way the music had an equal footing to the rapping.
Weather Report
3/5
MOTR jazzy funk band from the 70s.
Not what I'd class as particularly original but inoffensive.
Radiohead
5/5
Well it's Radiohead innit? Even a lesser political album is still head and shoulders above most albums by other bands.
Oddball sounds and rhythms, electronic and drum orientated with an occasional Rocky-interlude it blends together rather than having stand-out tracks.
I know it's not for everyone but it is for me.
Otis Redding
5/5
Stone cold, drop dead classic.
One of the greatest singers and one of the best albums.
I mean, this guy wrote 'Respect' but also covered Smokey, Roling Stones and Sam Cooke with panache all to himself.
Peter Tosh
3/5
I do like a bit of Reggae.
This is pretty generic really and nothing special
Basement Jaxx
3/5
It's ok I guess.....pretty funky and groovy to move to.
But not sure it quite qualifies as one of the best of all time?
Carole King
5/5
Without any doubt one of the landmark female singer/songwriter albums.
Every song is a tour-de-force. Melodic and insightful.
A true masterpiece.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Whatever anyone may say this was a gamechanger.
Iconic in every way- the cover, the band and the music.
What an amazing time it was.
Sugar
3/5
For 1992 it's pretty much where it should be but there's nothing new here.
Think Psychedelic Furs 10 years earlier and you're almost there.
It's not unpleasant though- quite a nice blend and kinda a Poppy Nirvana...lol!
Crowded House
5/5
This album has a sentimental meaning to me so it's difficult to judge.
These are great songs - not stylistically innovative.
Just good to listen to.
3/5
I listened to this and then looked at the reviews.
I actually enjoyed it but not suprised to see it's poor performance.
If you spin back to the Residents, Throbbing Gristle and even The Mothers of Invention you'll see that there's a prescendence for this sort of thing.....
Girls Against Boys
2/5
Devoid of originality.
Maybe in 1993 it was ahead of the game but I don't think so.
The sound isn't unpleasant, just nothing special.
Paul McCartney
3/5
This is interesting- it helps to separate the Lennon from the McCartney in the last few albums of ramblings (Abbey, White and Let it Be).
Pleasant songs- like he sat down and jammed in his loft.
Nothing really special and Wings did it better.....
LTJ Bukem
2/5
Very nice chillin' easy listening - say if you need to concentrate on work etc
Not really the sort of stuff for a 1001 greatest of all time album chart.
Plus this appears to be a compilation?
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
Wow! Some real haters on this but overall it's middle of the road
Mike Oldfield
5/5
I guess you've got to love this album or hate it? A lot depends whether you're an oldie too.
I'm firmly in the former camp and I guess those that hate it love the sort of new stuff that will be soon forgotten.
This was groundbreaking and iconic and has stood the test of time.
A truly great album
T. Rex
4/5
So 70's, so Glam and sooooo Good.
Seriously though, this was a good album with hits and fillers inbetween. A few of their albums would fill a Greatest Hits album so is this album better than the next?
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
I quite enjoyed this album but it's really not that unique and doesn't deserve a place in the annals of the 1001.
This chart is more about fulfilling genre categories than having a definitive list of the best.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
I find it irritating when snowflake people are suddenly outraged by mediareports and the cancel culture kicks in.
This guy has never made asecret over the fact he's dangerous and unpredictable.
The music is ok- nothing special, clean and well produced. It was lapped up by many of the people now outraged.
You can really hear the influence of Trent in some of the tracks.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Lol! I listened to the first track and thought "they're copying the Gorillaz!"
Then I realised it IS the Gorillaz (in a way).
Pleasant Damon-like tracks......
Napalm Death
1/5
So with 15 albums left I finally got to listen to this, at one time the lowest rated album.
Proof that this 1001 is purely comprised of incredibly niche genre groups and nothing to do with the 'best' albums. The Genres are so marginal it's amusing.
I hope this stays on the chart but at the same time it's poor stuff.
Sabu
5/5
Just finished listening to Napalm Death and now this.
I can't tell the difference to be honest!
Only kidding of course but this is another world to what we hear nowadays and it's hard to be objective. It's good to listen to.
Reading the reviews I'm dismayed at the random low marks so I'm randomly giving this a '5'
The Roots
3/5
Didn't expect to like this but it's quite relaxed and smooth despite the cutting rapping.
Massive Attack
5/5
Easy-peasy lemon-squeezy.
One of my favourite albums by one of my favourite groups. 30 years old now and certainly NOT Electonica....
Great videos if you ever get chance to watch them.
Not quite the best of Trip Hop but close (Mezannine and NearlyGod)
The Only Ones
4/5
What's wrong with some people-this was made in 1978 at the cusp between Punk and New Wave.
It has that fresh vibe and energy and knocks the spots off other bands that came after.
The Beta Band
3/5
It's not bad, in fact quite pleasant but is it really worthy of a place in the Greatest of all time?
No.
Louis Prima
5/5
This is uncomprehendingly incomparingly magnificent.
By this I mean I don't know why but you can't compare this with anything by today's standards.
Simply timeless.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
Totally outside of my usual usual playlist and it's hard to see beyond my own prejudice but this shines through as an amazing album.
The level of musicality is set to Maximum and many of the tracks are outstanding.
This is very very good.
The United States Of America
5/5
I've heard this before and have to say this is right up my street.
Absolutely bizarre, unsettling and a one-off. It's totally groundbreaking and experimental.
I guess it had to be unique - nothing this weird would have lasted.
The Specials
5/5
A bit difficult for me to judge since it was a major favourite of mine at the time.
The sounds are indeed eclectic and better for it. Lots of beats, ideas and great, great songs.
They were the coolest bunch of guys and I absolutely love this album.
Jethro Tull
4/5
This is such an enigma- I've never really understood why this album or the band is as popular as it/they are but there you are...
I can't deny I'm very impressed though by this more than ever before. It's from a bygone age of British folk rock/Progressive rock and worth listening to.
The musicianship is outstanding but the lyrics are very odd.....and compelling it has to be said.
Django Django
2/5
It must be difficult to invent something new nowadays- this isn't bad but then again it's been done before and I'm tired of being charitable.
Van Halen
2/5
Just not in the mood to be honest. Run of the mill power Rock and the only thing I can think of as a compliemt is that this was made in 1978 and not 1983
The Rolling Stones
5/5
I've never been a big Stones fan but this album is too good to let go - some super super bigs hits and the rest fit in nicely too.
Very assured, and well produced, this oozes class.
A solid 5*****
The Byrds
3/5
A classic but listening to the other tracks they're a bit 'One dimensional' (geddit?)
Not much variation in style or content but it's ok I guess.
Includes a version of 'Hey Joe' which is a bit odd.....
Soul II Soul
3/5
My 1001st album!!
And one I actually bought at the time although to be honest time has not been kind to it. It sounds so dated now. Clean and clinical.
Still, it's pleasant enough and I don't want to end on a bad note.
A middling *** stars
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Not my favourite Bunnymen album but solid.
Not action packed of full of creative genius.
I don't love it but can't bring myself to disllike it.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
One of the most phenomenally talented singers this century and of course it went horribly wrong.
This is not her best album and shouldn't be here but still good to listen to.
Justin Timberlake
3/5
This is a difficult one- very 'pop R&B' sanitised but with a gritty feel behind it.
I think there's a lot more going on here which makes this more worthwhile listening to.
Turbonegro
3/5
It's ok but considering we're talking about late 90s here it's really taking this Rock genre a long time to make it to Scandinavia.
Megadeth
1/5
Truly dull, devoid of originality or talent.
I guess something has to fill the Genre slot but it would be better to scrap the idea altogether. Imagine these guys up against Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Motorhead etc etc
John Cale
3/5
This is realy REALLY odd since it came soon after Velvet Underground and sounds so British despite being recorded in California.
Can't say I like it much but I'm glad things like this got made way back then
XTC
3/5
Again, a really odd album. I really want to like this album as it's has all the odd quirky elements, intelligent lyrics and is certainly unlike other bands.
The problem is I just can't get into it.
The Doors
4/5
I've always liked these guys and although this album doesn't have the best tracks it's still very indicative of their sound and style.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
Well it's kinda unconventional?
Classical, electronic, New Age? I like it but it's not the greatest thing on toast.....
The fact Eno produced it an it was on the Obscure record label doesn't suprise me. I'm glad this sort of thing qualifies for this chart.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
For 1992 this is quite hard hitting. Seems more to do with the highly intelligent lyrics as the music is quite generic and bland.
Richard Hawley
4/5
I remember when this came out- very retro but so comforting to listen to.
Such a nice easy listen.
Beth Orton
4/5
This really grew on me- quite haunting.
Eclectic collections of style- pop, folky acoustic, electonic and country? Maybe....
Kanye West
5/5
I really wanted to hate this as I dislike Kanye as a person and as a figurehead but...
...well this album is pretty good and I can't deny it. Damn!
Eclectic collection of referenced cultural references and sounds- it's a non-stop barrage.
This is a masterpiece and I hate that.
The Temptations
3/5
Not sure how to feel about this one- I liked the earlier hits and this is a mish-mash of earlier styles and early 70s funk (before such a thing existed?)
Afrika Bambaataa
5/5
This was the one of the first rap bands that I came up against as a kid and boy I loved it.
Videos from back then with the costumes and early electro beats were another world to me.
Simply amazing and timeless. I can't understand the Millenials not digging this.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
So 80s.
I'm not in the mood tonight.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
I don't dislike it and it's pretty old but I'm not sure if it's at all that influential compared to Woody Guthrie and others.
Elvis Presley
3/5
A strange pick for an Elvis album to include in the 1001.
There's a number of negatives here- rehashing of songs by others for one and a distinct lack of big hits.
His presence and voice are a positive point but there surely are better albums you could choose.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I can't get excited by this album- Stevie is a genius but surely there are better representatives of his genius in his catalogue?
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
I bought this at the timeand played it to death.
However listening back now it's pretty generic Production techniques and 80's drum machines.
Sadly too she didn't really write many of these either.
Still she was a real personality for a while back then.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
As far as I know DMC as famous for the Rap/Rock crossover but I can't see any of this here.
This was before then and is a repetitive procession of generic tracks.
The Who
2/5
I love The Who but this is just another live album and I can't see how this is better than a studio album?
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Never quite did get into this band- not that I don't like a lot of their tracks across the years but I'd never sat down to listen to an album.
Well it's a bit more laid back than I though. Quite mellow in fact.
I think this will take a lot more listens.
Erykah Badu
3/5
Quite a retro sound- chilled and mellow.
I enjoyed it but nothing special.
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
Very much of it's time but it's a time I love to listen to back to now.
The bands that managed to stretch out their hits across multiple albums were certainly more successful but for a chart like this it's difficult to judge the best albums.
I think I liked their first album as more spare and dark.
This one was more upbeat
The Beta Band
2/5
Pretty generic and hasn't got much to say.
This goes to prove that without a 'spark' of genius it doesn't matter how well you play or how good a Producer you hire what you end up with is bland.
Fever Ray
4/5
I have heard this before and again despite the odd demeanor of Karin it's right up my alley.
White Denim
4/5
Hot dang! I expected to dislike this but it's actually really good.
Slow dreamy rocky folky, poppy and a load of other sounds.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Dark, moody and bluesy- it could be Bob sat with Tom Waits in a smokey bar late at night drinking whisky.
Björk
5/5
I had to search back through 1031 previous albums as I was sure I'd reviewed this before.
Seems like I've had 5 Bjork albums before but not this one (if you count Sugercubes as well).
They are good, touched by the same zany unique personality and sound and despite wondering if they are all a bit samey who am I to deny their genius.
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
The production sounds lo-fi but that can't mask the genius and unique vision of this band.
Way ahead of their time and worth 5***** for just the Rabbit.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
A very good example of a band that could really play well together live (the other being The Grateful Dead I think).
The actual tracks are irrelevant as their musicianship and contagious enthusiasm is everything.
A special album.
Joy Division
5/5
Since I consider Unknown Pleasures as the greatest album ever released you might be suprised to learn I hold this album very highly too.
Many would disagree on it's power and it's true this album is disjointed in places with earlier discordant pieces settling with the ethereal beauty that was Ian's vision. I'm happy there are many out there to disagree with me but there are also some kindred souls.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
An iconic album.
It's like a soft slow and luxurious.............foot massage.
Oooo yeah.....no tickling.
ABBA
5/5
It's good to see that many people recognise Abba as the GOAT pop band with hit after hit even just on this one album.
Solid gold 1001% classic
Megadeth
1/5
I guess this serves a purpose to some people but it's so diluted and dull.
Devoid of originality and lacking integrity.
Beastie Boys
4/5
This is pretty good- really varied.
The usual Beastie stuff but they really went for a lot of different stuff.
Miles ahead of their time.
Van Morrison
3/5
It's difficult, i've tried to like this before and failed.
It's acclaimed and influential but I can't find anything here that I like.
It seems to meander on and on and Van's voice is so jarring it's a struggle.
Carpenters
5/5
A smooth and warm slice of the 70s courtesy of Burt, Beatles and even the Carpenters at times.
I love Karen and her voice and although her story is sad it still comforts me to know things were so sugary and sweet if only for a short time.
Pere Ubu
4/5
OMG!! I gave the last Pere Ubu album 1/5 but this is really good.
It's sufficiently inventive and fun and keeps it's roots whilst forging new ground away from the 'punk' ethos.
Pavement
3/5
I knind of like the garage/indie/grunge vibe but so many others were doing it they all blend in.
Not bad, just mundane.
David Bowie
5/5
This is one of the greatest albums ever written and produced.
First discovered it many years ago and even now find new things in it.
Inventive, quirky and profound. "Oh! You Pretty Things" is one of my favourite tracks period plus....
"What did I say?
"Hull." It's "hole." As in "holes."
Andy Warh-
Huh? Andy Warho-
Andy War-War-ol, like hol—hol—
"Andy War-hole," take one"
George Harrison
3/5
It's ok, but it's a bit wishy washy for me.
It's like he couldn't move up a gear and stayed in the middle lane.
Goldfrapp
3/5
Other reviewers summed this up perfectly- nice to listen to but samey and forgetful.
Even so I didn't dislike it.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
It's hard not to think of this as anything else than iconic and hugely influential.
This stands the test of time (out).
Great to listen to to relax or to study.
The White Stripes
4/5
I do like Meg and Jack.
I know there are their faulters but I like the sound.
I like this album.
Case in point is "The Nurse": strange and odd but it's good.
There. I said it. Good
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
I'm not really into Bruce but this has all the hallmarks of an iconic classic.
Wrote all his songs and although nowadays some people think him a bit cheesy there are a lot of big songs on this album.
Sort of a poor man's Dylan?
Ghostface Killah
2/5
Boy there are some big names attached to this album but it just doesn't seem to hit the spot for me.
Goes to prove that you can't get it right all the time.
Bee Gees
2/5
Very much of it's time- before they hit the big time but it's pretty wishy-washy to be honest.
Not BAD bad but if they hadn't gone onto bigger things this wouldn't be here.
A shame Saturday Night Fever isn't allowed.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Could never get into these guys.
I bought 'Upside Down' but they never continued down that road and became a pop band.
Shame really.
Morrissey
3/5
A bit samey when compared with other Smiths or solo albums.
I think he's missing Mr Marr.......
Hole
3/5
It's ok but nothing special.
Incubus
2/5
A bit samey to other genre-specific bands.
Yawn, wish they had an original thought between them.......
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
It's ok but I'm just not able to judge it since it's so different from what I normally listen to.
Kelela
2/5
Once again 'it's ok' but nothing special. I quite like it but there were no sounds or themes above a million other artists or albums in this genre.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Really sad album but not my favourite of his. That was Starsailor.
The Thrills
1/5
It's not often I react badly to an album but this is so generic and devoid of originality I'm staggered.
It sounds like a hundred other bands in the same genre.
This won awards too!! Wow! There must have been a real lack of talent that year.
The Cult
2/5
I'm not really a fan of this genre - there's only one song of theirs I like and it's not even on the album!
It's like this is full of songs that kinda sound like them but never quite get that hook into you.
Decidedly average.
The Byrds
3/5
This is quite pleasant - country rock. It's a bit of a warning where the first track is 32,000,000 listens and by the last track we're down to 200.000. What does that tell you?
I mixed it up by selecting 'random' not that it made any difference.
Germs
2/5
unbelievably bad.
Rip off West coast wannabes. At least they managed to get this out in the 70s and not the late 80s like many other bands who couldn't play their instruments.
I like the album cover though. Very modern.
D'Angelo
2/5
It's ok but to be honest it's pretty bland.
Sorry.......(not sorry)
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
There are some really good tracks in here- a bit samey in places and understated but a real slow burner.
Some really lovely songs.
T. Rex
3/5
A few good hits but the rest is samey.
If you put all their hits in one album it would be great but they spread them across a few so........
ZZ Top
4/5
I have a soft spot for these guys- they toiled for many years and finally hit the big time.
Very cheesy 80's rock but I love it.
The Temptations
3/5
Papa was a rollin stone is one of the GOAT but the rest is a bit of a generic mixed bag.......
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
5/5
My heart lifted when this popped up.
I mean I bought this at the time and was DISAPPOINTED!! Can you believe it? I must have been mad.
(I'd loved Organisation and didn't like the more polished sound on this album but now that's all in the past).
I love the Brit Synth sound of New Wave.
OMD=*****
The Monkees
3/5
I do like the Monkeys and always remember their TV shows as a kid.
There are some really great songs on here (it's their only album on the list too). Some fillers too but a good 'feelgood' album
The Doors
5/5
Hit after hit and a debut album.
Jim has his haters but I've always loved these guys. They stand head and shoulders above almost everyone else.
A TITAN of an album
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
I've previous dissed this band and marked them down but this hit me in the right way this morning.
I really enjoyed the whole album. I like the variety and vibe.
Supergrass
3/5
A bit of a one-hit wonder in my book and I should Coco.....
Gang Of Four
4/5
I love this era- so fresh and vital.
I can imagine being in a smoky pub on a Friday night, pint in hand and listening to these guys whilst avoiding the crush of punks in the middle of the room.
David Bowie
5/5
What hasn't already been said about Bowie or this album?
I love everything about this and around it. It's fresh and wacky now as it was then- full of noises and quirks.
Iconic without being cliched.
Skunk Anansie
4/5
I'm off to see them live in 2 months so this is a welcome sight and sound. Boy I can't wait!
I prefer their first 2 albums but mustn't grumble. Anything by them packs a punch- so much energy and those vocals.......
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Neither good or bad this is an album of a once great musician that ran out of ideas.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Like an amalgamation of all his other albums- dense, passionate, brooding, rock (in places) and unmistakeable.
Not instantly enjoyable- I guess it would take several plays before the hook bit but it's undeniable a cut above the norm.
Simply Red
3/5
Well I would have considered this an iconic 80s album but listening now it's rather bland.
The hits are there but boy the rest is uninspiring.
The Dictators
1/5
Not exactly sure what to say. This is a strange album and a strange hybrid band that don't really know what they are?
Certainly not Punk- shadows of Glam, Pub rock and even pop.
Hawkwind
3/5
Anything with Lemmy in it gets extra stars from me and hot dang as this overblown monster of a Live album ambled along it seeped into my inner being.
I was a true disciple.
Nick Drake
5/5
Don't really want to go on too much about this album or Nick as a musician or as a person but this is one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite people and I only had to listen to 1078 albums to get to it!!
11 short acoustic tracks played beautifully and simply. It takes you from a hopeful beginning through to words that are inscribed on his headstone.
And kind of in the middle is surely one of the greatest songs ever written.
So there, I ended up going on too much after all.
Talking Heads
5/5
Hot Dang!!
I forgot how good this was- it just drills into your psyche and sits there shivering and twitching.
A restless eclectic Post-Modernist masterpiece before such things existed.
So many ideas, so fast, mind.....can't....cope........
The Stooges
4/5
Great great album- it certainly lives up to it's name.
It's all about Iggy innit? What a force of nature.....
Very professionally produced given the constraints of recording.
Slipknot
1/5
Amazing how many people have listened to this on Spotify.
It's pretty talentless apart from the drumming as others have noted.
Very generic and devoid of imagination.
Destiny's Child
4/5
Wow this something!
Supremely well produced and engineered R&B Pop. It's the pinnacle of commercial manipulation.
It's so good at what it tries to be - who can deny that?
Morrissey
3/5
I have to say this is the same as all his other albums (including the Smiths).
It's not unpleasant but c'mon Morrissey try something a bit different?
Janelle Monáe
1/5
Devoid of any originality, it sounds just so formulaic.
C'mon give me something better than this. It's like they went into the studio and pulled out all the old 'faithful' gimmicks- drum machine, snappy lyrics and guest rapper.
Yawn, boring.
Rod Stewart
5/5
When an album pops up in the morning there are times when I groan inwardly but then there are times like this morning when my heart soars like an eagle.
Only 8 tracks but 5 of them are bangers. I mean the last 4 song medley is simply a dream.
This wasn't old overblown rocker in leopard skin pants but a singer at the top of his game.
There's a distinctive quality to his voice and the music is a great combination of folk and Rock and roll.
Truly a great album.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
It's funny- I was thinking 'Animal Collective' and yeah these guys would fit into the 'non-human' theme!
I'm a sucka for these kind of bands- pleasant and dreamy songs and safe quirky melodies.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Not what I expected and hell yeah I liked it!!
Not amazing but after listening to a lot of unoriginal well produced slick albums this is a total mish-mash and spur of the moment sounds.