Very interesting listen, and unique in the ways that it uses sound. This is what experimental music should be, a re-imagining of what you thought a “song” could be.

Excellent songs, world influences on the rhythms and sounds, synchronicity II is one of the hallmark songs of the 80’s (and my favorite Police song), terrific musicianship top to bottom: guitar chords and sounds that were unorthodox but worked terrifically with the vocal melodies, drum parts that surprised me with their complexity, and of course terrific bass lines paired with the songwriting. All around great work, five star album from a five star band

Intriguing sound, experimental and electronic influences, definitely not something I have heard, or typically listen to. The idea of the concept is interesting but the album did not flow as well for me as it probably should. It deserves a re-listen and a focus because I’m sure there are detailed and special moments present in the music and lyrics. I may not have been prepared for them.

Definitely ahead of its time. However, I am just not a Prince fan. Idk what is wrong with me but I can’t get down to most of this. I enjoy the singles and the overall pop/r&b sensibilities but it just didn’t click for me, daug.

The stereo panning can be a little jarring depending on what you’re listening on, but the melodies and instrumentation is top notch, of course. I enjoy the harmonies and the unique instrumentation. As a producer myself, I enjoy those little tricks that make the listening experience a little sweeter. The songs are really the difference. Obviously the quality is below current standards, but the songs still sound unique compared to the standard musical fare. There’s a reason why this record is so celebrated. I do not like Yellow Submarine for various reasons. Overall this was a good album, with many great moments. Maybe not the most accessible Beatles album, but one to check out nonetheless. You’re more than likely going to like it.

From the opener, a refreshing blues sound with great mixing. A pure blues rock record. Towards the end of the record are some great instrumental cuts, interspersed with vocals. I liked hearing the steel drum in the final track. The guitar sound is nice and crunchy, and it’s obvious these guys know how to play.

Pretty good songs, but not for me

I was very surprised by the quality of this record. It has a very interesting sound, and reading into the production really showed how great this band is. Their style is grunge, but stands out from the rest of the pack with their interesting and unique sounds, and sampling production. Hearing some of these foreign sounds puts you in the space they want you to be in, then they hit you with a crunchy guitar and a wall of sound. Pretty great stuff.

Another surprisingly great record. Alanis is a great songwriter, and you can tell by the composition of these songs that the production was also top notch.

Reading about this album introduces me to the genre title “British art-rock”, of which I have heard before with David Bowie, The Smiths, etc. This is the first I’ve listened to Roxy Music. I enjoy the combination of distorted guitar sounds and punk influence in these more traditional types of written songs. “Out of the Blue” stuck with me as a standout track, really improving on all the things that make this record great.

Another classic in World music. I find that non-American artists have an easier time including unique sounds into their compositions, which is refreshing. I enjoyed hearing all the parts in these songs, and they provided something new with each listen. Even though it’s a different language than English, the record is still very listenable.

✊🏻🎧

Pretty great album technically, all the instrumentation and vocal work is top notch. This is a concept album, and Queen really leans into the royalty/old timey crown theme. Of course they do it very well. I could see this being more of a niche record, where you have to be a Queen fan or a fan of the style to really LOVE it. Either way, it is good music.

I enjoyed this record, great combination of blues, with piano and guitar tracks. The songs were all excellent, as to be expected from this group. A very tight, nice album that was pleasant to hear.

I always assumed the xx was an electro pop band, so I wrote off this album as a relic of an era. Listening now, many years later, I honestly felt underwhelmed. I enjoy the songs themselves, sure, but it doesn’t hit the way current pop does. That is obviously a sign of the evolution of popular music, and how in 2009, this WAS the current and future style. You could call the xx pioneers for this type of pop/electronic music. That is why this record is so highly regarded. Listening in 2022 provides a different perspective.

Pretty decent pop rock record. The Smiths are surprising in the way they can craft fun, poppy songs with such dark subject matter. I know that Morrissey is a good singer, and the band wouldn’t have existed without him, but I’m just not that much a fan of his voice. This is where the poppy songs clash slightly, as the vocals sometimes prevent a full connection with the song.

Pretty great live/studio funk record that I had to go to YouTube to hear. It’s a shame, as this album has an entire collection of funky sounds, grooves and riffs to last the entire hour run-time. Great instrumentation, as to be expected from Funkadelic. Standout is the penultimate track, with its extended guitar solo, and mournful sound that perfectly encapsulates the negative feelings described throughout in the lyrics.

Very interesting listen, and unique in the ways that it uses sound. This is what experimental music should be, a re-imagining of what you thought a “song” could be.

✊🏻👊🏻Killer record, prog and jazz and blues mixed. Crazy to think this was made in 1969, all these guys were geniuses at their craft in composing.

Wow, I was pretty impressed by this record. I own it, never really listened until now, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The band’s use of different instrumentation, key changes, time signatures, etc. just awakened my creativity. It was refreshing to hear an album not bound by the tropes of popular music, but instead a showcase of the creative output a talented band could have with no strings attached to their work. Production value was top notch, along with the song structures. The only gripe I have with this is Thom’s voice, particularly the falsetto singing, can get a little annoying if it’s every song, but I can look past that to the songs in general and they are all terrific. 5/5

I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I enjoy R.E.M., but some of their songs have missed me, depending on the situation. This record, though, carried a specific tone all the way through, and I couldn’t help myself from enjoying it. Definitely a buy, Leonard likes this post

This record continues the overall musical motif for which Queen had become known. Orchestral arrangements, falsetto singing, “royal” subject matter. Not every song is a hit, but the hits do hit well. I am giving this one an extra star exclusively for Brian May’s guitar work, which is once again masterful.

A seminal record in progressive rock history. The band’s use of electronic keys, thick basslines, and inventive guitar parts make the music unique and interesting.

A very quickly-paced Southern country record that was very consistent with its songs and performance. Johnny was one of the best performers of his era, and this mostly uncut recording proves it.

Very energetic record that keeps the blood pumping throughout. I removed a star due to the long lengths of each track, which can make the album feel like it is dragging in some places. However, great instrumentation and performances keep it a stellar effort.

Good punk/industrial record for it’s time, definitely a pioneer. Poor quality recording and redundant songs dropped this one down for me, but still great stuff

A nice guitar pop record with some well-written songs. I’m sure this album rewards multiple listens.

I enjoyed this more than I expected. All of the arrangements are top notch, and the songs are in fact, calming to listen to. The highlights for me are the songs featuring Beth Hirsch, and the horn section in the song, “Ce matin-là”. Four stars

Bob Dylan has been one of those artists where I’ve always known of his popular material, but have never taken the time to sit down with his music and really feel it. This album proved to me that he is a rewarding listen when time is put in. The emotion and feel of these songs is apparent, and the lyricism is of course top notch. Even the instrumentation, which was considered mediocre at the time of release, perfectly matches the themes and style Dylan was creating at the time. This album has inspired me to experience more of Dylan’s output, as it is deserved.

My first listen to any project by this trio, and it was a magnificent one. All three musicians are at the top of their game, the highlight being the stand-up bass work of Scott LaFaro. Scott’s passing shortly after the release of this record adds weight to the performances, and truly makes this album a live jazz highlight in my collection.