Mar 04 2025
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Operation Ivy
Operation Ivy
I can see the Ska vibes coming through at times but this is a 3rd rate band who were at least 10 years too late. There's even Clash echoes in here it's laughable.
Jeez guys does it take that long for music to reach the West Coast?
It's so devoid of talent and inspiration- not a shred of originality or talent (and I hate having to repeat the same word in the same sentence).
Truly truly awful (there- I've done it again).
1
Mar 05 2025
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I Am
Earth, Wind & Fire
This was more the EW&F I know (and not the one in the main list which I gave a 4/5).
The two big hits just make you wanna strut your funky stuff or smooze drunkenly on the dancefloor late night at a wedding whichever takes your fancy.
Just how they ever made any money is beyond me- there were about 18 of them (I mean look at the wiki for the past members).
Seriously though this is top edge - Funk, Fusion, Disco and everything else thrown in. It just make you want to move!
5
Mar 06 2025
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From The Lions Mouth
The Sound
Maybe I'm a bit jaded? Listened to a few too many New Wave bands? Teardrop Explodes? Simple Minds? Fad Gadget? and so many more..
It's ok but not that good.
Simple rhythms, guitar, bass, drum and synths.
3
Mar 07 2025
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Version 2.0
Garbage
Again this is nothing special. Interesting 90s quirky rock/pop.
They have one album already in the 1001 but do we need two?
I think not.
2
Mar 08 2025
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MOMENTUM
Calibro 35
I liked this- my kind of music.
Having said that it's neither inspirational or groundbreaking so i've added them to my playlist but don't think they would qualify for 1001
3
Mar 09 2025
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Currents
Tame Impala
I really want to like this band and in fact there's nothing here to dislike.
If I played this over and over I would no doubt learn to love it but listening here objectively there's nothing that already hasn't been done.
Pleasant pop.
3
Mar 10 2025
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Ultra Blue
Hikaru Utada
I'm all for inclusion and true J-Pop is an undiscovered country in the 1001 but this is a sterile laboratory grown concoction.
A pretty face can be replaced with no discernable difference.
1
Mar 11 2025
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Afraid Of Sunlight
Marillion
What the heck happened to Fish?! Marillion without him is a pale shadow of the band they once were.....
Seriously though it not too bad although it could have originated in the 80s.
Well produced and sanitised power ballads with insipid lyrics.
3
Mar 12 2025
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Real Life
Joan As Police Woman
I liked this- it's not earthshattering but pleasant and easy-going.
The songs are quite varied too - some simple singer/guitar but some with a BAND!!
She does remind me of a few singers I can't quite put my finger on right now but that doesn't matter as this stands on it's own I think.
3
Mar 13 2025
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Bleed American
Jimmy Eat World
Were these guys the OG Rock Pop boy band?
They sound like a mash-up of 5 seconds of Summer and Manic Street Preachers.
Insipid generic sound with bland meaningless lyrics.
Oh dear....
1
Mar 14 2025
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Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Whoever put this album forward towards the list has amazing musical taste and is an incredible human being......
Four 20 minute instrumental tracks that build to a crescendo with some documentary dialogue passages - it's multiple guitars, bass, two drummers, violins and double bass, electronic noise and it's a wall of sound.
I've seen them twice now and they are quite brilliant.
5
Mar 15 2025
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Fuzz
Chucklehead
It's fun and I'd love to see these guys live but really speaking this is a Tribute band.
They are recreating a genre sound.
2
Mar 16 2025
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Diary
Sunny Day Real Estate
I've got to say all these bands sound the same so it's difficult to judge whether they are genre-defining or inspirational.
I like Green Day and this band sounds like Green Day but they came before Green Day so they must be Genre-defining!
3
Mar 17 2025
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A City Dressed In Dynamite
That Handsome Devil
Reminds me of an 60s retro band. Very stylised but fun.
I'm glad there's still these Tarantino Karaoke bands out.
Quirky, packed full of ideas.......
3
Mar 18 2025
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Choirs Of The Eye
Kayo Dot
Well I enjoyed it, so there.
Kept my attention and was never dull. Certainly unlike anything other than......Maudlin of the well (which I also liked).
Not that I'd listen to this all the time though- you've got to be in the mood for the noise..
3
Mar 19 2025
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Loss
Mull Historical Society
Another retro-sounding Indie band. Bubblegum-pop which is a shame since I've been to Mull and loved it there.
2
Mar 20 2025
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World Of Echo
Arthur Russell
I applaud his intention but the executon is a bit amateurish to be honest. It's kind of Nick Drake without the talent.
2
Mar 21 2025
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Super Ape
The Upsetters
I like Reggae and I love Dub and this is a fine example. Varied and mesmerizing. It's a great candidate and should be on the 1001....
It seeps into your pores and you can't stop nodding your head and moving your feet.
There should be more on the 1001. Superb.
NB: looking at the credits on bass is Boris Gardiner who was responsible for cheesy 80s Lovers Rock numbers! I never knew! Result!!
5
Mar 22 2025
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22, A Million
Bon Iver
Another great artist/band under represented in the 1001.
I do love Emma better though.
This is more experimental an reminds me of when Ben Howard went all strange.
I do like this though. Odd, eclectic and random.
Constantly inventive.
4
Mar 23 2025
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A1A
Jimmy Buffett
Don't know this guy and to be honest although it's pleasant and inoffensive there's nothing here for me.
2
Mar 24 2025
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Goat
The Jesus Lizard
It's pretty good for what it is- crisp, clear rock with no frills.
Whether it's any different from all the other bands I don't know. It's early on and pre-dates a lot.
But is that enough?
3
Mar 25 2025
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Stranger In Town
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Not my thing but even I can recognise a claassic.
Raw and genuine stuff. Can't believe it was missed out....
4
Mar 26 2025
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Go Farther In Lightness
Gang of Youths
This is actually really good.
As long as you listen 'as is' and not start thinking "this sounds like a multitude of influences mashed together"?
But does that make it any less good? Maybe the art is in blending all the other bands and singers together and coming back with a cohesive sound.
Plus this is the first Aussie band I've liked since 'Men at Work'.....
3
Mar 27 2025
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Pop
GAS
I like ambient and I like minimalist.
I like Synth too.
You might say lots of people (Eno for instance) did this a loooooong time before this guy but I still liked it. Remember the definition of Ambient is there is no discernable intrusive rhythm or key. It's in the background?
It predates things like Disintegration Loops and Everywhere at the End of Time so could be classed as groundbreaking?
I'll play this again.
4
Mar 28 2025
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Weezer
Weezer
Again I'm mystified why this was overlooked? Distinctive sound all their own it was a counterpoint to the Grunge bands at the time.
It plays well even now.
4
Mar 29 2025
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City Of Evil
Avenged Sevenfold
It's almost a pastiche of everything and the kitchen sink thrown in.
The fact they can play and are thinking about what they are doing rather than just a mindless scream saves them from a One star.
2
Mar 30 2025
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Clarity
Jimmy Eat World
I'm tired of generic American 90's-00s Rock bands that all sound the same.
So generic and dull.
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!!!!
To be fair to them they did come before a legion of imitators which saves this from a One star.
2
Mar 31 2025
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Funeral Dress
Wussy
Hot dang! I actually enjoyed this as it's sufficiently offbeat and interesting.
I hear echoes from a multitude of other bands from Pixies to the Undertones (without Feargal's inimitable vocals).
It's decidedly amateurly produced and feels genuine to me.
3
Apr 01 2025
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Continuum
John Mayer
I can't help but find this clean sanitised music for dinner parties. The biggie award winning song is a ringer for "Days like this" by Van Morrison.
Plus I can't move away from that scene in Pitch perfect where they sang off under the heading "I dated John Mayer"
Sorry John.
3
Apr 02 2025
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Ruin
The Amazing Devil
Really not my thing- I respect the attempt (folky-theatrical fey ballads) but it's pretty false and contrived.
3
Apr 03 2025
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Don't Say No
Billy Squier
Early 80s American rock. I prefer the "i love rock and roll" flavour but it's inoffensive enough.
3
Apr 04 2025
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Weighing Souls With Sand
The Angelic Process
My missus said "this is enough to give you a brain hemorrhage, it's Shite!"
For that reason alone it gets 5/5 from me.
Seriously, I'm interested in this Drone Metal genre- very atmospheric and brooding.
5
Apr 05 2025
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Act IV: Rebirth In Reprise
The Dear Hunter
Boy this is a mixed bag of tricks. Some parts are very theatrical (like a musical rock opera or Disney soundtrack) whilst others are straightforward rock ballad fare.
I applaud the intention and it exhibits a lot of talent but it's not my thing so I would be suprised if I pay this again.
3
Apr 06 2025
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Fashion Nugget
CAKE
How have I missed these guys?
Quirky, intelligent accomplished musically and fun.
The videos are a blast.
4
Apr 07 2025
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Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
SOPHIE
Now I'm not saying I actually enjoyed this but I can recognise how intricately woven and expertly crafted this album is- it's a constant barrage of sounds and quirky noises it tires me out just listening.
SOPHIE could have chosen a normal conventional route of mixing and producing Europop but instead she chose to delve into a life at the forefront of music.
I respect that.
5
Apr 08 2025
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Things We Lost In The Fire
Low
I really like this- laid back, pensive and low-key music.
Dare I say Post rock? I'll listen to this again.
4
Apr 09 2025
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St. Jude
Courteeners
Sounds like a mash-up of The Libertines 'Can't stand me now' and Scouting for Girks 'She's so lovely'.
Every track is the same!!
It's pleasant enough but so derivative and annoying..
2
Apr 10 2025
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In Between Dreams
Jack Johnson
I love love love this guy! This album and 'Better Together' in particular.
Reminds me of happy times. Watching 'Curious George' with my kids.....
So chill and eaasy going. Perfect.
4
Apr 11 2025
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Silent Alarm
Bloc Party
I know I should like this album and the band but for some reason they've never clicked with me.
There's nothing wrong with them but they jump seem to blend in with so many other bands that came out at this time.
3
Apr 12 2025
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All Hail West Texas
The Mountain Goats
I respect the integrity and originality behind these guys but they really don't hit the the spot.
3
Apr 13 2025
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Madvillainy
Madvillain
This was one of the albums I wanted to put forward as my own suggestion and sure enough it was one of the first albums suggested anyway....
Quite simply a work of twisted genius- it should be on the main list and I'm sure eventually will be.
I love the lyricism and patter of the rap - it just flows and is so dense it takes a few pays to start to sink in.
The production spot on- constantly changing. How on Earth did he manage to pull all this together?
Did I say this was Genius? A Mad Genius.
5
Apr 14 2025
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Boys And Girls in America
The Hold Steady
Mmmmm.....is this from 2006 or 1986?
It's quite bland and derivative.
I think the issue is around the 'cult of the new'. You get into a trendy band that spreads via social media withouth realising they sound identical to other bands and singers from decades before.
Not to say it's bad. Just unoriginal.
1
Apr 15 2025
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Les deux doigts dans la prise
Les sheriff
Is this for real? 10 years too late and not even what I'd consider Punk.
More like a French pub band.
Truly awful.
1
Apr 16 2025
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Music For People In Trouble
Susanne Sundfør
Nice enough- she has a good voice and the music is beautiful.
Not too keen on the lyrics on some songs- having everything rhyme is not essential and some of them are corny.
Still, overall it's a good album.
3
Apr 17 2025
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Gemstones
Adam Green
Yes, as others have noticed this is poor.
Sorry- it's corny and simplistic.
1
Apr 18 2025
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Hadestown
Anaïs Mitchell
Sufficiently oddball to be original it kept me guessing.
In places I could get the 'Princess and the Frog' Disney vibe which was then saved by Tom Waits barfly numbers.
It's original.
3
Apr 19 2025
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When Smoke Rises
Mustafa
Oh boy this is good.
Hadn't heard of him and the cover sort of put me off (I later realised he was his friend that the album was dedicated to) but the music and voices were really REALLY spot on.
Soothing and sensitive. I can't get over how good this is.
5
Apr 20 2025
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Englabörn
Jóhann Jóhannsson
Not the usual fare in the 1001 but I do love Avant Garde and Minimalist so i'll listen to this all day every day.
There's a lot of orchestral/choral in this too. Loved it.
5
Apr 21 2025
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Please Don't Take Me Back
Martha
It's ok- sounds more like an Australian boyband I know but it's fun and honest.
I can't bring myself to give it a poor score.
3
Apr 22 2025
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Squeezing Out Sparks
Graham Parker
Yes it's quite New wave and contemporary with Elvis Costello.
Although I respect it's integrity it has never appealed to me.
3
Apr 23 2025
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Puzzle
Biffy Clyro
Just not getting this band. I think it's a 'Bovril' thing.....
It's not that it's bad, just a bit generic.
3
Apr 24 2025
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Join Us
They Might Be Giants
I quite like this- it has a certain swagger about it that sets it apart from the rest.
It's quite fun in a sinister twisted way.
4
Apr 25 2025
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A Deeper Understanding
The War On Drugs
Looks good on the surface and has some interesting moments but overall there's nothing I can find that already hasn't beendone a million times
3
Apr 26 2025
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HELLYEAH
HELLYEAH
This has 'This is Spinal Tap' vibes to it although these guys seem to be taking themselves seriously?
Or are they? It's so cheesy - from the album cover and song titles it's a pastiche maybe?
The songs are no different to those on other similar genre band albums.
Reading up on this perhaps I'm being harsh as this is partially a tribute album.
1
Apr 27 2025
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Nail
Scraping Foetus off the Wheel
I never liked this band at the time and now I'm thnking they were mid-80s and this is areaction to the stuff going on at the time.
But even so this is random stuff- no cohesion and a mixture of all sorts of genres.
1
Apr 28 2025
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Apostrophe(')
Frank Zappa
This reminds me of Performance Art rather than music (kinda like Laurie Anderson if you know what I mean).
It's funny in places and a bit weird to be honest. One track leads into another to start with and it's like stream of thought lyrics that he's making up as he goes along.
Certainly very original and defies genre.
3
Apr 29 2025
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Sailing The Seas Of Cheese
Primus
Whoah this seriously strange that's for sure. I've just had Frank Zappa and now this- I just don't know what to think........
Really top notch musicians and totally oddball tracks. I can't ever see myself liking this but I have total respect.
3