I like LDR. I bought the Born to Die album back 2012. I feel I was conned though. Lured in by the siren call. Thats probably massively sexist. Is it a bit style over substance? She's got hooks, the production is gorgeous. Its all a bit breathy, sad, 50s pastiche with edgy lyrics. This is similar. (Also, this is 7 (seven) albums in! SEVEN.) Its also probably too soon too soon to claim its one of the top 1000 albums when its only 2 years old. Don't know really. 3.5 Norman Fucking Rockwell is better.

An immense album of beats and aggressive electronica. "Breathe" is the nearest "dance" has got to the Sex Pistols...brilliant stuff. Play it loud, ignore the neighbours, destroy a room.

Tight, distinctive, economic. Great bass that's used like a counterpunctual rhythm guitar. Cryptic and unusual lyrics. Brilliant stuff.. there are a couple of songs that wash over...but I like this a great deal. Solid 4.

Not for me. I don't like Lovefool and I really dislike the Sabbath cover. The rest is very meh. Inoffensive wishy washy indie rock. I have no idea why it is on the list. Even the album cover looks like a mistake Solid 2

Don't know what to think....I like the Albini production and the quiet/loud dynamics. Needs a few more memorable hooks. It probably needs more listens. I like how she puts everything into the lyrics... 3

The recording is great and its all very tight but it does kinda wash over me....The guitar solos are great... but tberes just not enough light and dark. Embarrassingly sorry.

Stream of consciousness here. I remember where "Start" was released. All my close football mates were new "mods" I liked Rush and Pink Floyd and shit British HEAVY METAL. I remember telling them it was a rip off of Taxman by the Beatles.. ( i read it in the NME)..."Start" went straight to number 1 in the charts. Thought they (Weller) wrote some great songs though hated the scratchy guitar and Wellers London accent...(this also put me off Albarn) Still don't like the band much but they were miles better than the bloody Style Council. Rant over. However "Thats Entertainment" is a 5* song.

Ok. I like this a lot....Love the sparseness of the production...I know nothing about the band/collective but will investigate more...as 50yo white male i realize that I may not be the average target/consumer of this. (am I racist to say that?) Anyway it has class and its amalgam of modern funk/soul/jazz is highly appealing. Great stuff.

Great concert....there are a lot of live Dylan albums out there...this one obviously is there because of the "Judas" "I don't believe you, you're a liar" confrontation in Manchester from the folk(ies) who thought he had "sold out".... it you like Dylan, it is a great gig. (Both acoustic and electric!)

Ok....I'm doing my best to listen to albums that I wouldn't normally touch with a barge pole (as the expression goes) Got through half of it...unremarkable Seattle cock rock/grunge with lotsa drug references...it all becomes a bit samey and depressing. I like the tone of the lead guitar. Won't pursue further....(this probably means I'm going to get a Pearl Jam album at some point doesn't it. .?)

This band are new to me. They are crudely a love child of the Velvet U and the Pogues and the Bad Seeds. Punk garage. Frantic but unremarkable songs. I'm unlikely to return to. Nothing awful, nothing essential. Prob really good live. Its gonna be a 3.

An immense album of beats and aggressive electronica. "Breathe" is the nearest "dance" has got to the Sex Pistols...brilliant stuff. Play it loud, ignore the neighbours, destroy a room.

First point is that half of tracks are "greyed"out on spotify so can't be heard. What's left is tight and funky. It also has that lovely dry production that you yearn for. The Temptations go into a funky-psychedelic phase with this album ...lots of intermittent effects laden guitar. Solid 3.5

Predictable I know but he's a bit dour and dull...I think the lyrics look great written down (hey, he was a poet first) Can you whistle a tune from this 2nd) album? Bird on a Wire? No, nothing! The words alone are not enough. If Len sounds bored singing it then surely I'm allowed to be bored listening to it. Also, too many tracks with a Jews Harp. (Is this still an acceptable term?) He looks really good in a hat though.

It probably shouldn't work but it does...a Johnny Cash on death's door covers some unlikely songs with immense gravitas. Hurt and Personal Jesus are both epic in their way. All praise Rick Rubin.

I've always had a problem with the Who...Moon was ace. Townshend is a bit too arrogant and Daltrey has a grating voice. The Kinks wrote better songs but didn't get the adoration (at the time..) I still don't get how this album is so revered. Its ok.

Don't know much about B&S except they seem a bit fey and bedwetting. However I quite like this...I did a bit of a Google and its considered their masterpiece....will try again with others. I like the different textures of the melody lines and the tunes are well hummable. Success. 3.5 but I'm gonna give it a 4. (Played it again. Still good. Still a 4)

Never heard of Hookworms. Comes in like a lost LFO track then turns into a psych pop art rock thing. Hard to pigeon hole really. Keyboards like Stereolab. Bit of Neu. Probably good live. Kinda throws the kitchen sink at everything in the recording studio. Not that keen really. (Unlike the music journalists who gave it 4 and 5 almost everywhere) Maybe it needs more listens...

Another album of historical interest. The Yardbirds were once the home of Clapton, Page and more significantly Beck. I think this is the only UK album.. This is full of meh psychedelic blues. Great sparse production. Solid 3.

I know 4/5 songs on this album and they are all decentish. (\"Without You\" does grind my gears though)Trouble is when you put them altogether on an album it all sounds a bit eclectic with no real flow. A real mish mash. Don't know what else to say. Nilsson had a longish career and this was by far his biggest album. He loved a beer or 7 with his pals Ringo and Moon...died in his 50s of a heart attack. Also rock stars died in his London flat. Another dull 3.

Great album...I like Bowie when he does the longer tracks. 4 of the 6 tracks are classics. The other 2 are good..Love the grooves, production is good, reference and reverence to Kraftwerk.. it all fits together well even though DB was coked up through it all! 4.5

REM debut album. Charming American jangle indie pop/rock. Going against the 5 star critical acclaim here as its very inoffensive but unremarkable . Stipes voice is distinctive and the guitar and rhythm are fine but it seems a bit meh.

Now I love this band so its a challenge to be objective but here goes...It's a brilliant album of obtuse lyrics and hummable tunes....some of them heartbreakingly beautiful. Alligator and Boxer are often seen as their strongest albums but this one shows s lot of maturity. Brilliant stuff. 4.

Weller. (Rolls eyes) Its all very well composed and produced but its all a bit dull. I was never a fan of his voice through all his bands and this problem remains while solo. He tries to achieve some degree of soulfulness and it doesn't hit the spot for me. I like the twanginess of Sunflower. MEHfather. MEH rock.

Well a quick glance at the reviews on give it either 1 or 5 stars so theres quite a lot of polarization. I remember the music press gave it 4s and 5s... here goes...Ok...I like a lot of the beats and dark electronica that backs lot of the tracks...it gives it a sense of urgency...however I I can't get past the 'pussy, dick, nigga" lyrics that permeate 90% of the album and the nauseating ego on tracks like 'I am a god" 2 star for the backing tracks.

Tight, distinctive, economic. Great bass that's used like a counterpunctual rhythm guitar. Cryptic and unusual lyrics. Brilliant stuff.. there are a couple of songs that wash over...but I like this a great deal. Solid 4.

Never heard of them. Pleasant but highly whimsical folk psychedelia that reminds me of Love but is lacking any killer tunes. Its only 28 mins long and the tracks are shortish but it still drags a bit The Wolf of the Velvet Fortune (5 mins) really outstays its welcome. 2.5

Ok upfront. I didn't think I was going to like this but its pretty ace. Inventive, it grooves, 2 classics and not a duff track amongst the rest. Solid 4. The rhythm is tight and driving and the songs are diverse but do work as a coherent album. Overall I will play this again and is the ultimate test of a 4 album.

Let's face it RH went weird after OK-C and a lot of people didn't like it. Me included. I've grown up now and know the new stuff is better. In Rainbows is at least a 4.5. It's hard to go back. Here goes. Listens. Do I prefer the newer stuff? Yes. Is this a great album?. Hell yes. Also isn't Bullet Proof brilliant. I appreciate the ones that were more fillers. Street Spirit however is godlike.4.5

Its fair to say that after 3 albums of singer-songwritery regular stuff she went a bit weird on this one. Die hard fans love it. ....and play....Yeah batshit crazy tbh. Suspended in Gaffa is pretty normal but the rest is a odd set of strange backing vocals, polyrhythms and angular tunes that take some patience (it needs several plays) I admire the ambition but it all sounds overly angry. It does mellow out towards the end of the 2nd half but then just to bring you back to Planet Bush a donkey appears. I'm an admirer of KB but still find parts of this impenetrable. Gonna be a 3.

God i hate that song!!!!!!the album version better not be longer... ok PLAY...8 and a half minutes!!!...Vincent is a lovely song but its all a bit wet. Dont know what else to say really. Its very earnest. He plays the guitar well but its all a bit meh..Still dislike the title track.

TBH it's pretty inoffensive lightweight 80s pop (though I am a miserablist) Not a big fan of the main backing singer whose tones grate on me. The lyrics are all a bit simple/banal. 4 hits though and I rather like (bit OTT, and orchestral) Victims which finishes it all off...2.5

The YYYs are a band I'm aware of but never really delved. Lots more dancey than i expected. Overall good though I think it will bite properly after several listens. Really liked Runaway. Engaging singing/lyrics from Karen O. Great production and distinctive unpredictable tunes.

Not a big listener of Rap and I hated Yeezus which was an offering a week ago.. this however is better. Good grooves. The lyrics portray an experience of growing up in the 'hood and are not a procession of ego posturings. No skits too. Solid 3. (It would prob be a 4 if I liked the genre)

Stoner rock dude. I know Songs for the Deaf and it doesn't grab me the same way but still it contain some great riffs and I may well play again. (Must explore the albums of Kyuss) Feel this is a 3.5..

Not all album i know. Brutal grinding riffs. Iggy has shouty yelping vocals that feel just right..The tracks don't overstay their welcome. Some people may find the production s bit scratchy but it just works. 3 seems harsh. 3.75

This is stuff I would never listen to normally. Its different, slightly proggy and refreshing. The production is wonderfully naturalistic. A double album is perhaps too much. I will return to it.

I know it well...This plus Massive Attack plus Portishead make the Holy trinity of Bristol Trip hop. A mixture of seductive beats and (mostly) nervy rap and soul Tricky, to his credit, is happy to drop into the background on some tracks. Its heady, intoxicating stuff. Solid 4

A sprawling double album written on cocaine. It didn't have the stature of its predecessor but is is still a solid album. Production is very tight.. *Those funeral dry drums) Sara remains my favorite Mac song (though on the on the original album it was hacked from 6 to 3 minutes) Sentiment says its a 4...but I think its really a 3.

This got some flak back in the day as Mr Moby had whored out most of tracks to adverts. Hes a good egg being all vegan and that but its a bit formulaic. Take an old blues vocal/lick sample is over a beat with a Fairlight. A disparate collection of tracks that don't really stand as a great album. I didn't like it then and and I'm not won over now. This sounds like a 2 review. Maybe I'm being too harsh. 3

I have a great deal of love for this album. The Irish folk rock sound so authentic compared the previous pomp. The voice, the lilt, th concept. Those violins. Its irresistibly happy in its approach. Mike Scott knows instinctively when its ok for a sing to run for 6/7 minutes. Yeah there are a couple of fillers but it gets away with it.

Raw American 69s garage. Lottsa screaming and sax....some original songs but lots of covers of rock n roll standards..upfront and honest. What it does it does well. Can't justify a 3. It's a 4 from me.

This has been on my shelf for decades. You need to be in the right mood but it is essential Eno and essential ambient...4 longish instrumental tracks that slowly evolve. Music to get lost in.

Yikes 90s American skate punk is not really me. Bit like Green Day. Bit angry and sweary and shouty. Gonna try my best bit may not last tbe whole album. Ok got to track 8 then gave up because I'm not enjoying it and lm a bit tired tbh..Hard to compare i know but I prefer it to that Slice in Chains album..

Thought this was gonna be proto grunge but its after the death of Cobain..(7th album appaz).a bit shoegazey tbh and the vocals are quite soulful. Quite a pleasing surprise...Some filler but I am encouraged to look at other ST albums.

A strange album bookends by 2 10 minute guitar wig out tracks.. The rest of the album contains more regular 3 minute songs that are frequently rocky but still contain some funky grooves.

Country. One on my least liked genres but hey open minded eh.... (also DP is just great as a person) Anyway kicks off with 2 bangers, the title track and Traveling man. Starts to drip into inaneness after. At least the songs are sort and the whole album is lass than 30 min. Ok picks up in the second half when it loses some the country tropes. ( Liked Here I am) Gonna be a 3

Wow. Never heard of him. Pop the Spotify in the car on the way to work and then a big warm bath of an album comes on. Soulful, Steeley Dan guitar licks. Orchestra. Chilled grooves. Experimental jams. Semi psychedelic funk. A voice from heaven. Brilliant stuff. 4

Ok....its not as good as Low. .but its still great. Its an uneven experience but Bowie can do that. Is Joe the Lion a decent song. No. Does some of side 2 wash over you.? Yes. Fripp on guitar is brilliant. Title track is a colossus...most of side one is epic in its angular awkwardness...lots of side 2 give me "feels". Easy 4

Ok 14 songs and a grand total of 15 minutes. I find this hard to appreciate . There are riffs.. the vocals are shouty. The lyrics are angry and rebellious. production is raw (yeah I know its supposed to be.) There is little to engage with. Don't get it....prob never will. 2.

Jazzy Latin Rock. 3 big tracks on here...C Santana is undoubtedly a great guitarist . I find it a bit wearing after a whole album (you need to be in the mood for that percussion) but it is solid stuff. 3

30 minute album. The voice. The backing. The soul The songs I'm pretty tight giving my 5s but let's face it she is the queen. The is apex Franklin. No messing.. Incredible. Five.

Prob the greatest KB album. Side one 5 solid 5 minute tracks. 4 of them were hits. Side 2 is a long suite of epic emotion and textures. Its hard to be critical except to say some of it sounds a bit 80s. (especially the overproduction drum sound and that overused fretless bass sound) Something warns me off a 5. But it is a 4.5.

Whoa...wasn't expecting this. I know the 4 album run from Trespass to Selling England. Never explored this... Ok half way in.... thing is I like i like prog and I find it a bit of a featureless landscape. I really think it needs several listens.. also those old sounding keyboard solos are becoming a bit wearing...on the positive note its good that they lost their lyrical whimsy. 2.75

Automatically assumed this was Fela Kuti.. Not good... Another classic example of how this project introduces music that you would not normally listen to. Vibrant Afropop. 73 mins is a bit long! You have to being the mood, but it is intoxicating stuff. Multilayered rhythm, brass, guitar and vocal. 3.75

I've had this album for 20 plus years but haven't played it for a decade at least. Its still pretty magical. The genre hopping that annoys some people works well for me. Hes equally good at fast and slow songs. An unpredictable joy. 4

I think its fair to say this is the least accessible of the 4 VU albums and often gets the most kudos. The Gift annoys me a bit as you don't really want to listen to the story more than twice. Sister Ray is s behemoth. The production is deliberately rough and ready. To think this is a 1968 album takes your breath away a bit. Also Reeds guitar on "I heard her call my name" Remarkable. I feel I should like it more than I do. Still, 4.

Really. 1980s American cock rock. One of the best 1000 albums of all time. Hmmmph. Impress me...I hope Jump isn't the best track cos I'm not a fan. Roth is an obnoxious arsehole. EvH is a great guitarist...but if I'm gonna lay into Yeezus for its lyrics its only fair to point out the shite that runs though this load a bollocks. (Hot for Teacher is exhibit #1) 2.

I mean. I could listen to it all day. Its just a bit bland and eeeezy listening. Lovely sax tone. A lot of maracas shaking. Its twee and its tuneful and a bit forgetful. Its hard to rate so I'm gonna give it a 3. Mellow man.

Not on my radar. Great suits! Before I listen/Wiki, I guess its a country-rock thang? Ah Gram Parsons. Died in his 20s of booze and drugs. Hit it! Ok I see that this album did poorly on initial release but now is held in quite high esteem. Its kinda washes over me. Workmanlike but unmemorable. 3

I wish I liked the Jam more, I unfairly have an issue with Wellers estuary accent. The album is solid though... little to actually dislike. Much like Sound Affects there some strong songs. Think I prefer this one. 3.75 rounded up to 4.

So many phases of PSs backstory. I only really know the (obv) dancey Screamadelica and the MBV mayhem of EXTRMNTR...(I know there is an early "jangle" period and that bluesy rock era too) This is is like a psychedelic film soundtrack. Some interesting stuff but not sure when I would play it. Ho hum.

The metal band loved by punks. Their most famous album named after their most famous track which Lemmy hated. It fast, heavy and a bit repetitive. Not for me.

First band I fell in love with. This is also the first album I bought. Its cheesy and a bit over produced. It also has great tune and a bagful of singles including Mr Blue Sky which seems to never age. Its got the usual strings and Lynne's falsetto layered backing vocals. Tempted to give it a 4. Nah.

Sounds like Free. Wiki's. Has same singer. Blues rock... solid...not really engaged with it. Bit showy and uneventful. Prob sounds better going down the motorway. Maybe not. 3

Must admit I've never explored DP albums. This is great. The 2 "hits" are epic...and there are other great tracks. . It holds together well as a thematic whole. Impressed. Its dark and driving. Ominous melody meets oppressive lyrics. Clear 4.

At last a 5 to add! For ages I used to think that this came after Ziggy. I brilliant collection of tracks that only Bowie could write. No duff tracks. (I don't mind Kooks at all) Classic. Its hard to pull a favourite. Life of Mars is eternal..FIVE.

Gene Clark is the former Byrds guy. Not a big fan of the Byrds jingle jangle. This is more laid back Dylanesque country folk with lots of harmonica. Nothing jumps out at you but it is pretty mellow and chilled. Hard to dislike. 3.5

Whooa. Loveless. Gonna love other peoples reviews here. The apex of shoe gazing. Walls of guitar that overwhelm and almost destroyed Creation Records due the Kevin Shields perfection seeking. I know it well. And playyyy...The sheer joy of "when you sleep" the magnificence of "soon" There is nothing like this album. 5.

Going to be difficult. This is my desert island Led Zep album..so good.. but it has flaws ...and playyyy. A band at their peak though I'm aware that the recordings were made over a couple of of years. Bonham is the greatest rock drummer. It rocks it rolls.. You could easily make a 5 star single album out of this double but I still give it a 4.5 and round it up! So many highlights. Flaws...? No flaws its a 5.

I do find this grunge genre really dreary. I think Nirvana worked because they used the Pixies blueprint. I feel no love for this. Its fast frantic and unmemorable. I don't actively hate it it just leaves me empty. Not much else to say.

Not a genre for me. I understand it's significance but I hate the interludes and the lyrics are just comic bravado. Love the kung fu soundtrack samples and how rhe different voices work together. I guess this polarized a lot of people but I'm gonna give it a 3.

I own this...and its prob tbe best CB album...intense and unrelenting big beat dance music...they know their stuff. Often a surprise round each corner. It ends with the big beat prog masterpiece of the Private Psychedelic Reel.. Thought this was going to be a 3 but its 4.

Massive album of the 80s. Contains big hit singles. And from my home city. I have problems. Although I like electric pop. 1 I haye the big drum sound. 2. The lyrics are a bit inane. 3. Oakey's voice is like nails down a blackboard to me. Will never love it. Sorry. Can't take away the big tines though. 3

Ah...,The Who. I whinge about the Who. My argument is that the Kinks were better. Townshend isn't a great guitarist. Daltrey always seems to sing on the edge. They seem to have created a mythology. Oh well. Surprise me..Plaaaayyy. Yeah...great drumming from Moon. Most songs are short. Meh. 2.75

I like LDR. I bought the Born to Die album back 2012. I feel I was conned though. Lured in by the siren call. Thats probably massively sexist. Is it a bit style over substance? She's got hooks, the production is gorgeous. Its all a bit breathy, sad, 50s pastiche with edgy lyrics. This is similar. (Also, this is 7 (seven) albums in! SEVEN.) Its also probably too soon too soon to claim its one of the top 1000 albums when its only 2 years old. Don't know really. 3.5 Norman Fucking Rockwell is better.

Know of them....feel like I will say early Stones rip off....here goes...first thought are that the production is tight. Its ok you know . Would i play it much in the future probably no. Like the texture from the keyboard. Voice and guitars are strong. Still a 3.

Pop punk with attitude...great singles. Kid and Brass in Pocket. Love Private Lives that Grace Jones made famous. Some of side one is a bit anonymous. Hyndes voice is so distinctive. Its not groundbreaking but hey. Solid 3.5

I don't get the love. Its lame, lazy and tired. I can imagine it being played in the elevator of some cheap hotel. Country superstar plays non country songs. Hurrah Well done. I'm tempted to give it my first one. But won't 1.75. PS J Cash does this concept with balls.

A strong double album usually considered EJs best. Some massive singles and some weaker filler tracks... solid and bears a lot of repeated plays...I wonder if a double was too ambitious 3.5.

I usually get excited when you i get world music. I was surprised by the shortish 3-4 mins tracks and it didn't really grab me. There were no memorable hooks and it kinda washed over me. However there were plenty of funky grooves and instrumentation. Still, wanted more. 3

Rap. I always have a problem because rap is not a genre I listen to. The skits are annoying. The samples are fresh and sparse. The F-Ratr is v high. Lots of lyrics about tough life in the street. The album is also way too long . Some of th be tracks are kinda pleasing. 3

Massive fan of this album...Its a relentless bleak affair. On this (3rd) album they have lost all connections with trip hop and plough a epic sweep of electronica and Beth's vocals sound like she's on the edge of a breakdown. Some of it is downright terrifying. Not for the weak of heart. Great stuff. 4.

Ok never listened to a GM album but with a couple of exceptions this is quite a moody introspective work which i liked more than I thought. The long Cowboys and Angels in the middle was a highlight. 3.5

Not for me. I don't like Lovefool and I really dislike the Sabbath cover. The rest is very meh. Inoffensive wishy washy indie rock. I have no idea why it is on the list. Even the album cover looks like a mistake Solid 2

Mmm... to be honest....I don't really understand it....I don't mean French. Its just the nature of the vocal cabaret delivery. It puts me on edge in a bad way...If I was in Paris and it came out of a bar I would find a different bar. I'm sure it has cultural significance (it gets a lots of positive scores on here) but its lost on me so I can only give it a low mark as it is so unenjoyable. 1.75.

Its not subtle. Big Beat. Massive drum sound. Much repeated vocal samples. Rhythm pauses and big "drops" wherever possible. On top of that it contains 4 big hits and it sold in tons though it seemed that every copy was in a charity shop 5 years later.. Its full of joy admittedly but it all feels a bit cheap. 3.

Southern Rock from the good 'ol Boys of white boy boogie. Doesn't wear that well i feel though I know a lot would disagree. I guess its pretty strong for a debut. I remember getting Freebird on 12" vinyl way back in the 80s and I remember the lyrics spat with Neil Young.. Competent guitar work. The vocals have a clichéd drawl. Nothing stands out that much. 3

Thought I was going to hate this but it was ok(ish). Liked the distonal guitar sounds, production is quite tight. Vocals are bearable. Its aggressive and heavy Will I play it again? No. This stuff always feels like its listened to by high-school shooters. I know I'm not the target audience. 3

Mmm. Godfathers of industrial. It was made to disturb. As an art project I think its a 4/5 but it would need context. As an album of music it's a 1.

This is seriously good and looking at his discography I've got a lot of listening to do. Beautiful arrangement, some amazing blues especially on the first album, I love his use of backing vocals. The second album seems a bit more laid back...Strong.

Entertaining. Nothing that took my breath away. Its no Exodus. So much prefer the live version of No Woman NC. Solid 3.

Didn't know she died last year...bit taken aback. Not a massive fan but saw her at a festival once. Anyway. Very country. Lovely voice. Do the songs stand out? Ok to be honest, no. It is very listenable and I often say I don't like the genre much. 3

Good set of songs from the punky folkies. The Christmas song in the middle seems a bit odd (though maybe not at the time)

90 albums in. This is the worst thing I've heard. Its full of dull acoustic dirges with orchestration. Its almost like they said let's make an album hippies will like. Some of the lyrics are hysterically bad. (God, the one about Thomas Edison?) Dull bad dull bad. And its a bloody double album. Why? A disgrace. 1 (one)

I ve always felt i should love SY but I find them unlovable and smug. Bit vacant. I feel this with this. Slurry vocal, noisy guitars. 3

80s pap. Yeah there a couple of huge singles but its all a bit sham. The lead singer thinks he's a bit Bowie and doesn't pull it off The synth sound is really repetitive. It has a joyful vibe but its not for me. Not that great really. Lightweight. 2

Not a massive fan of the MSP. Their themes seem to overreach as much as Bradfield voice. The odd orchestration seems out of kilter too. I admire the ambition as some kind of Welsh punk Springsteen. but it doesn't work for me.

Ahggh. I know there is quite a few EC albums on here. Like the guy, lyrically good. Don't love the voice, I find it a bit annoying. Good set of songs that are diverse is style. Its a tad bland but it is solid. Difficult. Gonna be a 3.

Old skool hip hop!...feels like a album with a brilliant track and lots of obvious filler. (though Scorpio is interesting) I'm thinking that at this time rap "albums" were not really a thing. 12 inch extended mixes were where it was at. This strikes me as a cash in. 2

The opening salvo of 3 tracks are really good. Full of anger, energy and spittle It fades into a bit of repetition after that. Lyrics are always an issue. Not something I would choose to play but I see its value and its place in history. 3

I'm trying to look at albums I've lived and loved with fresh eyes. Nope, that doesn't work Led Zep debut. 1969. Tunes, hooks, Page, Bonham, energy. It is brilliant. Timeless. Essential. Classic. Solid 5.

Big fan of Moon Safari so had some hope for this. It is quite pleasing but it is a film soundtrack..so is incomplete without the visuals. Should it be here? Anyway there are some pleasing (repeated) themes but can't give it more than a 3.

Don't know why this doesn't gel with me maybe its a bit too snarky. And twee. 3/4 big hits from the middle of that awful Blair/Britpop era. Lots of clever smutty lyrics. A couple of songs drag on too long.Umm don't know what else to say really. 3.

VF. The sound is very distinctive (especially for the 80s) lots of dry acoustic guitar and bass with a skiffle drum. but I find it all a bit unlovable. The singer sounds a bit smug and the punk-folk thing doesn't do anything for me. Its workmanlike...3

I rather like this album. The beats are uncomplicated. The delivery is classic. Kanyes production is tight. The repetitive "i was a nobody but now I am important" is a bit repetitive but still it kinda fits. Girls(x3) seems a bit eye rolling. 3.

Old skool hip hop...a bit shouty. A bit repetitive at times...but the energy. Some classics. Solid 3

80s albums suffer badly in my rating. I love the era for pop singles. But, largely, the albums from the Human League to A-ha are unbearable. This however has guile, and certainly doesn't sound dated. I need to explore this guys body of work. well crafted songs with curiously intense lyrics. 4.

Always loved this. Experimental and accessible. Half way between his rock and ambient phase. Fripps guitar is astonishing. Brilliant. 5

Its hard to rate this. Brilliant voice, immaculate production. Everything polished. Decent songs but its all a bit smooth. Its very good at what it does but its all so safe and nice. 80s soul queen. 3.5

I like this album. The songs mostly jump into life and they are inventive. JHs work as astonishing. It feels like its recorded live which is good. Little Wing and the title track are classics. Its a tad indulgent at times but i think that is part of its charm. 4 I think.

Great soulful voice. Super production. Classy. Lost a bit of interest towards the end. No classics but solid throughout.

This looked intriguing. South African jazz. I was expecting some rhythms with lively brass. The upbeat opening track "Mandela" is ace. It then all becomes a bit dreary and unremarkable. Disappointed. 2

Its all a bit alien. Amazing voice and terrific rhythms. All sang in some Senegal language. The synth brass is cheap sounding and irritating after a while. The Bryan May type solo on the last track is a bit strange. Interesting but I'm sure I wouldn't play this again.

Nirvana third last and strongest album. Pulsing with riffs, angst anger and screams. Brutal but listenable. Strong 4.

Quite liked this. Is it nu-metal ? Strong vocals. Clean riffs. Bright production. I'd like to see more of the electronica in the mix. The turntablism seems a bit peripheral. No real killer tunes. 3

I admire the PSB though I've never listened to an whole album. Went though a bit of a rollercoaster. The songs are so well crafted and produced yet by midway I felt a bit ambivalent....then i approached the end and I feel a bit hooked on the sheer joy/melancholy of it all. Bit torn.

I understand its influential but it's all a bit silly. Spinal Tap in real life. All the Satanism stuff is a bit daft but Teachers Pet has lyrics that defy reading. It's a dumb and difficult album to finish as its so tiresome. Double finger horns! Shite. 1

I know this one and its still pretty magical. Soulful songs about bad relationships and broken hearts. Immaculate production. (From Ronson) The title track is a masterpiece. Clear 4.5

Debut. It's kinda a compilation of covers so we are really reviewing the voice and production here which is good. Just feels a bit fragmented. I'm hoping "Dusty in Memphis" comes up later as that is pure gold. This has fine moments but isn't anywhere near unified. 3.

Don't know what to think....I like the Albini production and the quiet/loud dynamics. Needs a few more memorable hooks. It probably needs more listens. I like how she puts everything into the lyrics... 3

My fave of their classic first 4 albums. They mastered the quiet/loud thing which Nirvana later nicked. The tunes are ace there are 4/5 classics on the this one. (Love Wave of Mutilation) Black Francis lyrics are weird and cryptic. Essential stuff. 4

Yikes. Somewhere between the Talking Heads and Devo. Some bits sound interesting. However his voice is like fingernails down a chalkboard to me. Enough. It's joyously art rock but not a great experience. 2 I'm afraid.

It's like the very sleazy 70's Stones...not sure its that great or important but it would sound better after a few more listens and preferably a couple of old fashions.

Poodle perm rock. Cringey pop tunes with clichéd sub par Springsteen lyrics. Dumb ass album that hit the charts with 2 massive songs. Competent but inane. 2

Never rated cream. Hate Claptons falsetto. Repetitive and over lauded as a guitarist. And an A-hole. The skittering jazz drum seems wrong. Its all flat and dreary.Couple of decent tunes up front. Not a believer. 2

I really like this in a cool indie shoegazey kinda way and WILL explore their back history. Its light and left field. Though to be objective im not sure what makes it one of the greatest albums. Hon a give it a standard 3.

When I first heard the 2 singles from the the 80s I thought it was a bit of a gimmick. . In retrospect it is way ahead of its time transposing Soweto rhythms with hip hop and Art of Noise dynamics. A solid 4 for its sheer exuberance. (And i usually hate 80s albums)

Charming but easily forgettable jangle pop. I feel this is another album that is on here because it is historically significant. Its so lightweight. Our Lips are Sealed is a great song but Terry Hall's (he co-wrote it) FB3 version is a lot better. Sorry Go-Gos, 2.

My first Stones album (on 1001 Albums) and prob my favourite. Superbly sleazy and here the band working like a machine in its fluidity. They are at the height of their powers. Gimme Shelter has the best intro of any song ever. You Can't Always Get... is a amazing album finisher. Lots of amazing stuff in the middle. No filler as they say. Clear 5

My second PJH album. This is is far more accessible and less visceral than the early Rid of Me. A good set of songs with a little bit of help from Thom York. Her voice seems more prominent yet more restrained. A solid 3 i think.

I only know the debut and the final (LA Woman) and tbh have considered them a rather overrated band especially with Morrison being lauded as a poet and guru. However I like the bluesiness of this especially the first side. The second side seems a bit lame in comparison. 3.

A strong jazz album. Unusual time signatures. Sparse bright production. Happy summery tunes.. Take Five and Blue Rondo are ace.. Hard to go wrong really.

Is there an album more English? Quirky, very 60s. Much underappeciated and possibly the greatest Kinks album despite not having any hits. God bless Ray.

Ok. A true landmark album. The first (proto)metal album. Side one is brilliant. BS, Wizard, NIB. Side 2 lags a bit. Unwanted covers and the Warning is way too long. All recorded over about 12 hours in the studio live. Love the band but gonna be a 3 I think.

I only really heard the 2 previous fan fave albums (Diff Class, and His'n'Hers) which both have hits have a glib humour about them. This is much darker and at times is brooding and gorgeous. Will play again. 4

I love the early Eno albums. This, the first, is massively diverse and doesn't contain the ambient bits that appear in later ones. On Some Faraway Beach is epic. I'm not a massive fan of a couple of the harsher ones (esp Blank Frank) It's still amazing. 4

Funeral was always going to be a hard album to follow and with this they do well. Its it is still anthems at times but doesn't fall into U2 type tropes. The production by the band in a church) sounds authentic ( whatever that means!) The new tunes hold their own (tbpugh one is nicked from an earlier e p.) As strong as the debut. 4.

Wow this album gets some bad reviews. SD are my massive comfort blanket. In some ways this album was their apex. Their lyrics, as always, are brilliant; full of sleaze and opulent grime. Production and muso wise it is immaculate (Go on, yawn) It may break no musical boundaries and may be the antithesis of 'Never Mind the Bollocks' (Same release year) but it's not lounge music. I love you SD. 4

Yay at last a rap album I can get behind. They can sing as well as rhyme. The beats have rhythm. The samples are interesting and the lyrics are not unpleasant. Prob still a 3 though.

Absolute bilge. Soft lounge hipster jazz..that just wafts away. Pleasant but totally without a memorable tune or ethos. A million special guests can't save it.. Why on this list? Bollox. 2

Yeah typical classic country. Those lonesome vocals; that steel guitar; its all a bit dour though feels authentic (he did go to jail) and consistent. (though it gets a bit more upbeat towards the end) Not for me. 3

Not sure what to think about this album. I like they took a harsher direction after the Joshua Tree. I like the more "indie" tracks (Fly, Zoo Station) "One" is brilliant. There are also some fillers. It's a solid 3.5!

I've tried so hard to like the TH. I've never got it. I like the double live album but the studio albums never gel. Maybe is the frenetic African rhythms. I don't know anyway. Its a solid 3.

Yikes classic alert. Haven't listened to the whole thing for 10 years. Here we go. Its America. Its wall of sound. Its blue collar mis/adventures. It's sequenced well. (Each side starts with a "up" song and finishes with a "down" song.) The tunes are epic, maybe too epic. Its hard to fault tbh. I notice it has a average of 3.6 so there a lot of people knocking down those 4s and 5s that really don't like Bruce And he saves Jungleland till the end. 4 or 5?

First album I've had that isn't on Spotify. Its a fine set of extended grooves. TBH it kinda droned on in the background (with YouTube adverts!) but didn't have any head turning moments.

Wish I could enjoy JM. I like singer songwriters. I like (some) jazz. I like some odd voices (N. Young, Hammill) However I can't gel with JM. Frustrating. I can't get along with the tunelines of her vocal delivery and I find the wandering bass very annoying. It all washed over me in a very unsatisfying way. Sorry. 2.75

Ok. Love the early LCD albums. Saw them twice then really went off them. Mostly because they made such a big deal of breaking up with big farewell gig, film, live album etc etc. then reforming a few years later. It all sucked. The 3rd album gave indication that they were running out of ideas and the magpie-ing of other artists was getting a bit wearing. Anyway. Play. I guess i wanted to really dislike this but its ok. There are lots of Berlin era Bowie references and slow Talking Heads funk. It doesn't have the killer tunes of Sound of Silver but its as good as the 3rd one. Decent.

A step beyond standard folk rock. Its clearly influenced by Sgt Pepper and the like. I'm not a big fan of the warble in his voice. Probably should be more recognized as an artiste.

I kinda dismissed this after the first couple of track but then kinda got drawn to its esoteric batshit nature. Her voice is great but her vision is pretty astonishing for a debut. Funk/soul is not really my genre but I have to admire.

Oddity. Jumps from chilled trip hop to easy listening to rap to Indian centric wailing. All with some kind of Nuclear weapons anxiety theme. It was nominated for the Mercury prize. Bland and annoying ar different times. Not for me. 2.5

I like the empowerment thing. As a 50 something male this is kinda not my thing....I also have an issue that something so recent has to be bloody special. Not sure this is. Its funky, souly and sweary...and quite short. Sorry. 2.

A strange amalgam of classical and folk that all falls a bit flat. Not sure who this appeals to really. Its not classical or pop or truely avant garde. The opening track is the stongest but it soon dips. Unmemorable. 2.

I used to like this kinda stuff when I was in my teens. I just find it a bit cheesy now. I mean it ticks all the classic heavy metal boxes but its all a bit meh. Post Sabbath riffs..angry vocals, iconic sleeve. Even a couple of hit singles.

My first Beatles (or Beatle related) album! Never heard this as I'm not that keen on the early stuff. Really competent 60s pop. Couple of great hits. Some filler tracks. Not for me.

Not a big fan of the album or the band. This is bloated, over reaching and as of these days a bit tasteless. Gotta admire the ambition but it misses.

Yuck, more 80s. Not a fan of the "Big" spacey sound with the massive drum. Some big hits the were massively overplayed. This guy always sounds (and looks) a bit sneery. 3.3. (This will sound really contrary but they made an album this year [The Tipping Point, 2022] which I've just listened to and I prefer it)

To my shame I only listened to this once after DBs death. Its a DB album like no other and is a mighty intoxicating thing. The rhythm of jazz guys, the invention of the songs.I will play more. Where the fuck did Monday go? RIP David. A strong 4.

Thus is lovely. County/Americana can be a bit suspect but this is sparse, haunting and leaves a warm feeling. 2 people picking acoustic guitars and GWs velvet voice. It all holds together well as an album. Will play again. Strong 4.

A long live album of Southern Rock blues. Blimey it goes on a bit. To be honest it could be one track that goes on for 2 hours. I wouldn't notice. It just turns into background noise. I mean they can play their guitars well....but really...i popped out to the local shop halfway through Whipping Post and the same guitar solo was still coming out of the speakers when I came back .....2.5.

Solid Smiths album that most consider the best. (I think I prefer Meat is Murder) Morrissey is an arsehole but well not judge the album on that. A set of strongs songs from an iconic band.

Uncanny. I've just had a Smiths album and commented that I wouldn't judge them on Morresey being such a twat. Well here we are Marr-less. Interesting. Its an OK...solid...would i listen to it again , probably no.

To be brief. They are a brilliant inventive band that write amazing music. This is their greatest album. This is a five.

As a teenager the Police passed me by. I like a lot of the singles by the screaming girls put me off with their adoration of 3 handsome blonde guys. This it their break up (and 5th) album. Its interesting. Sting can be a twat but he knows a tune (though lyrics can be banal) Love the drummer. I find it a bit lightweight. I have no idea what "Mother's is in the middle. 3

Its all about the voice. So smooth and enticing. But is it just disposable MOR? A lot of filler. I could listen to a greatest hits but there is some mush on here. And the Beatles cover is not helpful. 3

A FS album with a bossanova beat in the background. The combination with the lush strings seem a bit odd to me. 2

The Byrds lose their jangle and vo full country with Gram Parsons. Ridiculed by the country establishment at the time. Ots fine but it can be a tiresome genre with so many clichéd tropes.

Ah, shock rock. I'm always a bit skeptical of beat combos that have the "ooh a bit edgy" reputation as it makes up for a lack of tunes. This does little for me and especially not keen on the fun tracks about rape and necrophilia. Production socks too.

Pretty sure I bought this when it came out but didn't play it much. I thought i was gonna be dismissive but it's pretty damn good. The sweaty heavy blues must be great live in a small venue. Quite a lot of variety considering the genre. I can't give it a 3. It's too good for that Will explore more of their stuff.

Yeah...fast heavy metal. You gotta like thrash to like this. It's not for me but I kinda admire it the riffs as they have some joy in them. It's half way between a fast Sabbath and the Pistols. The production is surprisingly bright.. Is it a great album ? Prob not. 2

My problem with TR is that they bridge the whimsy of the 60s and hard guitar glam of the early 70s and it doesn't work for me. Bowie reinvented himself Bolan retains the flower power. The 2 singles that start both sides are strong but otherwise is all a bit meh. 3

Never loved Elvis. Never listened to an album. I Might prefer a more rocknroll 50's album than this as it is is mostly just smooth simpering pap. Great early stereo production.

New to me. The strong spoken political lyrics are distinctive. The lengthy backing tracks do get a bit repetitive at times but overall it stands out from standard gangsta hip hop. 3

Title track is ace. Otherwise its all a bit lame. The Hammond loses its initial love as you progress through the tracks. Similar slow plodding beats and some lazy covers. Not impressed. 2

I saw BDB live following the About a Boy release. My main memory was what a bad tempered arsehole he was. 18 years on i appreciate this more. I do think that less would be more. Running over an hour is impressive but stretching the patience. However the texture of the songs do vary. 3 5

Another album I bought some 15 years ago and didn't give much time to. On a listen in the car it swells with joy and rhythm. Very fond of Matty Groves. Sandy Denny sounds gorgeous and I will explore their other (2?) albums with her. 3.75

Tries my patience to be honest. All seems very adept and there are some interesting "textures" but orchestration is scatty and the often used vocal echo/reverb is oppressive. There is a lack of direction which may be due to cultural differences. Not for me and I don't think ill be exploring the extensiveback catalog. 2.5

Ol grumpy NY. Not on Spotify but I own this one. Always feels a bit drunken. It was written following the death of 2 band members that died through drug overdoses. It feels much more darker than the brightness of Harvest. A solid affair with gravitas. 4

Stoner hip hop rock? Peculiar niche genre. I know Huey from the radio and Scooby-Snacks was on a million compilation albums. Ok I guess. Kinda plods on in a laid back way.

Another C&W album. Its fine. I just find the genre tiresome. (Especially since I've been given Gillian Welch's Time) It's fine. I like WNs voice though nothing massively stands out. Prob wouldn't listen again.

I need to listen to more DM. I thought Violator was their greatest (I think I gave it a 4) but this is as good. The tracks merge into each other and it feels good. There is a sense of Joy Division type dread and the synth tones echo in your bones. Dark moody and damn good. Another 4.

Probably the first punk album I bought on Vinyl (in the 80s though) I know they were just a bit of a pub rock band that got caught up in the scene. The keyboards made them different. A punk Doors with ugly lyrics. "Sometime I'm gonna smack your face" Enjoyable punky pub rock. 3

I'm a sucker for this kinda thing. The harmonies, the horns, the strings. 12 minute of Papa was a Rolling Stones. Epic funk/Soul.

Not a massive fan of the genre but I like the rhymes and delivery. There's a desirable lazy sling to the beats. Quite a lot to admire. My enthusiasm did wain towards the end.

Bookended by 2 massive tracks this is an epic album. His voice isn't for everyone. 5

Big band music almost..? Not really my thing and to my shame I don't think I've ever explored Ray Charles. It all seems very adept. Swinging big band jazz. Solid 3 i think.

Another blindspot in my musical knowledge (and she has a big back catalog) She has a magical voice. Stripped down songs of life from South Africa. I like a lot of it...especially the slower ones.

Kinda think they would be great live but I find it totally unlovable in my front room. Thrash punk blues with flailing guitar and yelping vocals. Does nothing for me. 2 for its gusto.

Sad but only like the really popular REM phase. I don't really like the jangle stuff and I find Stipe annoyingly oblique at times. The One I Love is a banger. Dont like the list song. Everything else is solid but unmemorable. Played it again when i realized Spotify had put it in shuffle mode. There is some guile in the album but hey....Classic 3

PS's second solo album. 2 big tracks in Julio and Mother/Child Reunion. The rest are less memorable but have a sense of purpose. It all sounds chilled but can come across a bit lightweight. 3.5

Prince was a bit of a one off. Pop yet experimental. Funky yet hard rock guitar. Shite film and awful cover but an album of brilliance. Prob his best single album. 4

Ok love the debut. And Mezzanine is a masterpiece. This one is a bit wet. The long opening title track is excellent but it never returns to those heights. 3.

Synth driven art indie art pop that needs a few listens. The high male voices will turn some people off. I kinda like the vibe but there are are no killer tunes on there.

I guess this is post-riot grrrl....thought it was going to be shouty political throw away stuff but there is some guile and some banging tunes. Strong 3

U.S. Power pop including 2 massive singles from my youth. I don't hold it in such high esteem as others but it is a solid affair. Good production. Tails off a little on the second side. 3.5

One I know well. Saw the whole thing performed by the original guitarist plus others a month ago. Whimsical acoustic psychedelia. Alone Again Or is a key 60s track. It works well as an album. A strong 4.

The 4 run of albums from Paul's Boutique to Hello Nasty are really good. This one is pleasingly diverse, with crunching, funky pots of treasure. Great stuff.

Its all fine and competent. It doesn't have any killer tunes but if I was gonna play a non BM reggae album in the future I might come back. That all sounds so wet. Anyway its a 3.

An intense essential album. I'm not going to give it a 5 because it's a compilation of sorts. A dour drug recovering Cobain sounds totally on the edge. Interestingly choice of covers. Not totally acoustic as Cobain was uneasy. Strong and haunting

I have thus one on vinyl. I don't love it as much as I used to do. Nothing can Stop us is ace. The retro feel stop it aging. Is is twee at times by the melancholy balances it out. Though it was going to be a 3 but I've fallen in love with it again. 4.

Yikes. 80s. Irritating drum sound alert. Some massive singles though I'm not fond of the title track. The synth leads date really badly. I like Lennox as she is so distinctive. Sorry will never be tempted to play again 2.5.

5 massive post punk hits. Its a hard one to criticize. Brilliant vocals. Muscular guitars with pleasing rhythm lines. Stong 4 but is just a bit too bubble-gum to make a 5. Also a coule of the non-singles are skippable. Maybe I'm wrong. 4.5.

Don't know what to make of this. 60s folk prog jazz with Winwood distinctive vocals. Nothing massively grabs me but its all tight and has an enjoyable groove. Some of the instrumental passages remind me a bit of early King Crimson if they used regular time signatures! Bit baffled. 3

Yeah I find it washes over me leaving very little. There's nothing intrinsically awful about it ..... I'm just surprised he's 23 albums into his career. Stephen King reckon he's the best songwriter since Neil Young. I think Stephen King should just write novels. Massive Meh. 2.

Ok. Open minded but it's 77 minutes long which for any genre makes me roll my eyes. Interesting mix of funk and soul rap. Overlong. Not my thing.

Alex (from the Arctic Monkeys) side project. Feels more retro and orchestrated. Doesnt really leave a lasting impact ...its kinda a lush indy with usual AM sassy lyrics. 3

Always loved this album. New York art jazz punk from 1977. I love how they value the sound of each instrument especially between the two guitars. The melodies are so expressionate. Cruel but but all the other tracks (especially on side 2) are slightly in the shade of the magnificent title track. Strong 4

Strong debut from the AM. Very replayable and from my home city. Its probably a 3 but I prefer it over most of my 3s so its a 4. I don't think there is a bad track on the album. Mardy Bum!

Odd Brazilian psychedelia. I'm sure I've heard one of the earlier tracks in a Tarantino movie. Interesting but it kinda floated by like a fluffy cloud.

The Beatles were falling apart at this time. They created an album of near perfection. Masterful. Five.

Ok is this one of the greatest 1100 albums ever ? Probably not. Have I just been introduced to an artist that I've never heard of that I want to hear more of. Frickin YES! Electronic Folk. Bit of Stereolab bit of Broadcast bit of Steeleye Span. It pushes my buttons.

I'm not a fan of the SP. Corgans nasal vocals annoy me and the swooshy guitar sound isn't to my tastes. There are a couple of strong songs ...and some of the melodies are great but..I struggle. 3

Know this very well. It is a big warm bath of unchallenging melodic electronica. Perfect for a summer evening. Yeah it's a bit too nice and feature on hundreds of chill out compilations but is very lovely. 4

I tried this some years and found it hard to engage with...Let's go again....Yeah. I still don't understand the accolades. Its OK...Half baked tales of sexual liberation. Some sketchy guitar. No massive tunes.. i mean its bold and brash for a solo album but give me PJ Harvey anyday. 2.75

Strangely never felt the need to hear (beyond the obvious single) and its kinda just as I thought it. Not much to get youtr teeth in. Some 60s vibes. Failure has a good grind. It's a classic 3.

Yikes French. But just 28 mins. The first/last track is ripped onto a David Holmes album so I know and it works well. Ok I was a bit sneery but I think this is pretty awesome. The lyrics are a bit creepy...but the Cool as fuck background guitar. Those jazzy drums/bass The strings/choir when they come in!. 4

It grooves..(much like the second album that i am more familiar with). It gets a bit repetitive though it is also distinctive. I like the nassl tones of the main vocalust and the old school samples are warm. Would I play again, prob not. 3

Neo Jazz funk. There's a lot of aspirational Stevie Wonder leanings here and I thought I would dislike it but its pretty good as he experiments a bit. Great bass. I don't think it something I would follow up but a solid 3.3.

Mellow, smooth, cool. Dull. Smooth, Forgettable. 2.2 Also smooth.

Loved this band as a teenager. I played Child in Time so many times. Now I find them overly showy. I know that's the point. The Blackmore solos, the screeching of Gillan, the almost classical keyboard riffs. Its psyche heavy rock and it does little for me. The simplistic riffs of Sabbath and the purer blues of Zep trump it. This sounds like a band pulling in diff directions.

I like it when the generator throws these up. Really good production though the synthetic horns grate a bit. Didn't like the Imagine cover. Its over long. Some of the rhythmic strings are ace. 3

Brilliant improv solo piano played live on a decrepit piano he hated to a crowd in 1970 Cologne.. Long pieces that wander in interesting places plus occasional crowd noises plus moans from KJ. Staggeringly good. Feel the groove. Strong 4

Gotta admire this guys songwriting and especially the lyrics but tbh I don't find it that easy to listen to. There's quite a lot of politics going on here. Some basic piano some lush orchestration so it does bear repeated play .....its just so....serious. Maybe it means more if you are American? 3

God this is so good. And why have I not played it for so long....[embarrassed face]. DSs soulful vulnerable voice skates over heartfelt melodies, lyrics full of broken relationships and gorgeous strings. Some of the songs make me well up. Play in a low lit room with a single malt. Magical. I dont give many 5s. Best female solo album ever for me. Five.

Always struggle with this genre...never helps when the album starts with a shitty sweary skit. Gets better though. Immaculate production from Timbaland and in many ways it feels like his album. There are some deep grooves and plenty of well chosen guests to do some of the "singing". MEs choice of rhymes are a bit erratic at times...3.3

Heard this on CD (with Sunflower) a couple of years but found it insignificant. However although its no Pet Sounds it does have some interesting textures. Less vocal harmonies and more direct lyrics it requires repeated play. But for now it's a 3.

JD mean a lot to me. Their two albums are untouchable bedrock post punk classics Some people will complain that it is too depressing. They have not lived. This, the first of their two albums, is bleak, haunting and essential. "Here are the young men....the weight on their shoulders." These songs are born from despair. Utterly brilliant. Five

I'm a bit torn over this one. The involvement /appropriation of S. African \"world\" music was really different at the time. Some of the tunes are really good and I like PS. I find some of it a bit twee and some of the clunky 80s production affects some tracks. Its a 3.5.

The only thing I know about F Apple is that she had an album with a very long title. Thought I was going to be underwhelmed with some Tori Amos type thing. Nope. The textures (often jazzy) and the subtle experimentalism of the tracks grab me a lot. The tracks are diverse but hang together well. Needs several plays I think. And i need to explore the other albums...Four .

As a teenager I loved this band. Highway Star is possibly their greatest tune. Smoke on the Water is a bit of a dirge. There is less of Gillan's awful screams than In Rock but I still find it all a bit caveman. Lyrics are never going to win a Nobel prize and the constant keyboard/Blackmore duels tire. It's dated badly. I've lost the love. 3.

Its fine. Its funky. It has squawking guitar and horns. Not every track is s banger... a lot of it is ripe for a Tarantino movie. Everyday People is a memorable track.

Only got into MD about 5 years ago. At entry I only knew the reputation of "Blue" and "Bitches". Both are great however THIS is the apex of everything he did. Its hard to describe the feels it gives me. Outstanding. Moody, cool, understated, essential. FIVE.

Its a big sprawling epic that prob needs a bit of editing. A couple of ambitious spacy jams (eg "Merman") that seem to go in forever. JHs 3rd and final (double) studio album has some massive tracks "Voodoo Chile, Watchtower, Midnight Lamp, Crosstown Traffic" that gives it classic status. 4

I never really went with the adoration in the 90s but it's great set of angry songs with a good vocal delivery and some tunes that delivere hits. I want to dislike it but you have to admire the sheer force of nature. It doesn't merit a 5 but its damn good.4

Very raw proto punk. Not high on sophistication and has a brutal production. Its not for me but you have to admire the gusto.

If you like pneumatic drills, the sound of a 4 year old hitting some railings with a stick and Hitler shouting at you for 40 mins then this album is for you. Its not for me. Art statement 5. Enjoyment factor. 0.

One of MGs very sexy albums. It is beautifully produced, his voice is like velvet and it hangs together well as an album.....BUT...hate to say it but the 35 minutes wash over me and when it ends I feel a bit empty. (No sniggering at the back) I could have been one long track and I would have felt the same. Classic but a bit dull? 3.5

Nile Rogers is a bit of a genius. This is him...Lets Dance by Bowie is him. Like a Virgin is him. Also Chic, early hip-hop, the 80s, Daft Punk. He is a giant of late 20th century music. Anyway 4 massive hits on here that are joyfully stretched in their original form. I just don't know if 70s disco is s bit of a cheap art form. That sounds awfully snobbish. 3.5

New one for me. Smooth funky vibes that seems pretty ageless. Great production untarnished by the 80s. Can't really say much negative about it 'cept its not something I would normally choose to play. 3.5

There is no such thing as a "guilty pleasure" but SD is mine. They are a big warm hug of a band that never let you down from "Can't Buy a Thrill" to "Gaucho" 7 albums of brilliance. Everyone ranks them differently. This one is top 5 and has a couple of inessential tracks though the vibe is always there. 3.75

The two massive hits are brilliant. The rest is a bit wishy washy. The vocal harmonies give an interesting different texture but it also seems very twee.

Well, that was noisy. An American Bad Seeds? US noise punk. Scuzzy production. No clear tunes. Music for disaffected youth methinks. Means nothing to me. 2

I remember when these guys first came around the UK press called them an American Fall which annoyed M E Smith and S Malkmus. They are pleasingly different. Uneven chaotic songs with curious lyrics. A lot of it works but it will repel those that need more polish in their production. Perhaps not as good as the tighter follow up but it knows a tune. It is however too erratic at times

I've never listened to one of her albums. The title track is brilliant. Otherwise there are some catchy hits but it suffers from that bright/big drum 80s production which I really dislike and often whinge about. 80s albums average under 3 in my rankings. It's a shame as I always think of the 80s as a golden age of pop. 3 (It would have been a 2 without the title track)

A very strong album. Her voice is just amazing. The sparce arrangements take the while thing even more powerful. Overwhelming at times. 4.5

Ok. Wanted to dislike this but tbh its ok. It is, as they say, a bit "full of itself". The Oasis influence is clear. He comes across as a bit needy especially in the lyrics. Having said that there are some decent tunes and Angels is pretty timeless. Just take the 3 and piss off

Well this is a big warm hug of an album. (Apart from the drug addiction lyrical text!) The funk/soul orchestrations are sumptuous. CMs vocal delivery is unique. The production is everything (especially after listening to a series of 80s albums) 4

Becks depressing break up album is stripped down of samples but still contains some sumptuous orchestrations. The production is brilliant however its all a bit "woe is me" and the there are no stand out tracks. Its more mature than Odelay and Midnite Vultures but it is also more melancholic and tbh a little less fun. 3

Its a distinctive album of Van Morrison style Celtics soul with brass and folky violins. Come on Eileen is still ubiquitously annoying. Also K Rowlands voice is not for everyone. Full of gusto but its not something I lreally ove. A breath of fresh air in the sometimes naff 80s though.

I like this a lot. Its has an enduring innocence. The first half is a proto concept album. It has Moog on the first (proper) track. Bookends seems to be a bridge from the 60s to the 70. Sparseness and ingenuity. Its also chock full of tunes despite being under 30 mins long. What a rambling shitshow of a review. Just take the 4.

Unfortunately lumped in with the Britpop umbrella which the leader Luke Haines hated. Its likeable song driven guitar pop/rock that lost its way at the time. The bits of cello are nice. It kinda washes over me a bit but otherwise its all tickety boo.

Its fine. Workmanlike. Reggae, even the best, washes over me, much like country and western. Its pleasant but leaves me feeling a bit empty. A down the middle 3.

Ah, the albums that Radiohead changed tack. Its an important album but I hardly listen to it so here goes. Its jarring at times but its a powerful experience that was later distilled into brilliance. It's the sound of a band shedding its skin. I'm glad that its wasn't a double as Amnesiac was all recorded at the same time as Kid A. 4

Gotta admire the ambition of this. Double album of angular but melodic rock that varies over the 4 sides of vinyl. He plays everything on the first 3 sides. The last side is with a band performed live. Its a tad too smooth in the production for my tastes and I know TR backlashed against it saying he didn't want to be a male Carole King. Needs more than one listen. 3, I think

Very earnest singer songwritery from the 80s. Great voice and songs full of protest. Fast Car is great and there a couple of other good songs...there is alas some filler. None of her albums after this debut really made any impact. 3

Early UK acid house techno. It's very dense and is overwhelming intense in texture. It's intended for the dance floor, not my kitchen radio so I feel a bit lost. I love electronica but I like stuff that let's me breathe. 3

Must admit I didn't spend much time with this album. (Hey that's life.) And I thought it was going to be easily dismissible. But no. The genre 'dark caberet" fill me with dread but it seems musically inventive. You have to get over some of the screaming French vocals but its worth a further explore.

I really like the Getz/Gilberto album that has Astrid (and thd Girl from Ipanema). This is in a similar vein but a little too light and fluffy. I can't feel anything from the listening experience except thinking a must listen to more Stereolab (if you know you know) probably sounds better in a shady bar in Rio. In a freezing suburb of Birmingham it is a 2

I tried to get into FZ in the past. None of his musical phases do it for me. I like jazz, I like rock, I like prog. I don't like Zappa. This is no different. The opener, Peaches is fine then it becomes so tiresome. An indulgent wankfest. Sorry. Its probably me. 2

70s punk ska reggae thing that inspired a million Riol Grrrl things. It has an innocent charm and some of the song structure are unusual. Angular guitars in fractured rhythms. Groundbreaking and well worth a 3.

Pretty much a modern classic. They arrived as a force of nature. The album hold together well. Its epic in a U2 kinda way, it hit the loud quiet dynamic like the Pixies and it feels emotional. 4.5

The debut Pink Floyd album dominated by Syd Barrett before he lost his mind to LSD. A (the?) key album of British psychedelia. Whimsical and very much of its time. (Erm.. it sounds dated....) Songs about flowers and bicycles and some guitar freakouts. 3

I bought Parachutes when it first came out. Liked it but never thought they would become the current colossus now 9 albums in. Can't say why i lost interest. They are very NICE and have a bit of a cutesy U2 feel about them. This (the 2nd album) is frontloaded with big hits. They have a winning formula. It's fine. (shhhhhh.....it's a bit bland) 3

Bright, witty, bouncing happy jazz from the 50's. Dirty brass with a live sounding production. Not something I would usually play but it is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the albums that have rolled this way recently. 3

I'm not a great Hip Hop fan but this is good. The stripped down jazz with full acoustic bass rocks along and Q-Tips intelligent clean rhythmic non sweary delivery is excellent. Will probably return. Excellent 3.75

Dirty garage retro blues from Jack (and Meg) White. This was the 3rd album but the one that made them big on the indie scene. Still sounds really fresh. The sparse arrangement highlights the brilliant guitar from JW.

Kitch, oddly tuned guitars. As part of the post punk scene this always seemed a bit odd with its 50s throwback shieky vocals and visual styling. Rock Lobster was a college mainstay. 3 (i think)

A stunningly good Christmas album featuring that wall of sound. Can only be played for a couple of weeks of the year and Spector is a bit of a dick.

I am very fond of the Kinks. It annoys me that Ray Davies career slumped. I feel they were more creative and inventive than the Who. A fine set of songs in a jangle pop/rock mode. A tad twee but very British. It was compared to Tommy on release. I prefer this.

A well collated collection of acoustic songs that fit well together. Beautifully performed and produced.

Dark, beautiful and sad. Sparse and perhaps a little overwhelming in one sitting. One I will definitely return to.

Accomplished second album from band that rode the Britpop wave. Overlong but with inventive use of guitars. Needs more than one listen i think. Solid.

A beautiful neo-Soul album with elements of hip hop and reggae. She has an amazing voice and the production sits well. The album holds together thematically. Even the school talkie bits don't annoy me. Strong 4.

Well there you go, i thought H Nilsson wrote Everybody's Talkin'. Never heard of this guy. Not that fond really. Not keen on his voice and preferred Nilssons Everybodys Talking. Didnt like the 10 minute raga thing at the end Underwhelming

Elements of Led Zep, bit of Sabbath,, some grungy stuff. Loadsa massive riffs. Can't argue that Cornell has a great voice. A key 90s rock alt-album with a long running time. (77 min) and that feels too long. 3.5

Ok didn't think I was gonna like this but its pretty fly as they say. I feel that is Marvin Gaye was reborn he would make an album like this. Inventive soul/funk with different turns for every track. Like it a lot and and its not a genre I really listen to. 4

A live album. Her voice is amazing but her jazz trio is recorded way too far back in the mix. I find ithe over loud vocals quite off-putting as I want to hear the backing melody. A shame really. 2

Ummm. Solid Australian pub punk rock. Ramones vibes (especially from vocals). Unmemorable. 2.75

Wow, a personal favourite. Peak wilco. Joyous stuff. American with a bit of a ambient art rock edge. All signed off with Jeff Tweedys vulnerable vocals. Its a beautiful thing. 4 5

Classic heavy blues metal from my youth. Well above average. Loadsa vocal and guitar cliches but I guess thats what they are about. Relentless bad boy boogies.

Another solid set of songs from the glum duo. Some cracking singles especially Rent. A couple of the sings wash over me but its generally good and probable improves on replay

Mmmm OK. Lovely voice. Buuuuuttttt really lightweight insubstantial songs/grooves with few hooks and the interludes don't make it profound. Dont get it really. Underwhelming.

Love the Kinks and they rarely disappoint. There's a wonderful Englishness about them that sometimes feels a bit twee. Ray Davies voice has a wonderful vulnerability about it.

I've never got this band. Jason sings far too many woe is me lyrics and the delicate followed by the wall of sound seems too repetitive across the albums. Not for me

Bloody loved this and will explore the band more. Delicate chamber pop rock with invention. Great stuff.

Not sure why this Bollywood album was picked. Is it the greatest? I'm not an expert. Interesting but i would never play it again. Way too diverse. And a bit cheesy at times.

I love RH. This one has brilliant moments (There, There is my highlight) but there is baggage which makes it overlong. It also lacks the sonic thematic focus that makes OK, KidA, and especially Rainbows great. Could easily be a 4 but its a 3

Classic British metal id say... I saw them tour this album back in 82. Its tight and well composed. Distinctive twin guitars and Bruce's vocals. It owes a big debt to Sabbath. Not really my thing but I admire its craft.

I love the 4 "song" albums he made in the 70s. This is the last of the 4 and contains beautiful textures and contrasts that hold together as a whole. Thoughtful brilliant stuff. 4

Classic 70s Stevie Wonder. Funk, soul, guile, songs, politics and that voice. All great. Solid 4.5

Never heard this. Not as instant/commercial as Born to Run but its cut from the same cloth. Wholesome 'merican urban tales with muscular musical support and the Bosses throaty singing. Its unfamiliar after one listen (it demands more) but I think its pretty damn good. 4.3

Saw the Fall 4 times in 4 different decades. Always an interesting band. Chaotic at times. Never dull. For years I thought this, the debut was a live album! This pretty much sets a template for the future dozens of album. Very assured. It does what it does well.

This is a genre I like and I think would be brilliant on the dancefloor but in my house there is just too much similarity between tracks for me to gain interest. The drum tracks are especially unimaginative. Its a bit boring as a listening experience.

The second of IPs collaboration with Bowie ( though you be fair the DB album Tonight also has a lot of IP) and it shows. In not a massive fan of IPs drawl but there are some solid songs. As a student the Passenger was a indie disco mainstay. I feel it flags a bit on the 2bd side

Bit of a blues collaboration album that put some money in JLHs pocket. A tad overproduced but solid enough. A blues guitar album that doesn't break any ground.3

Thought I would like this but as the opener Roadrunner faded out the rest became a bit dreary and half arsed. Not impressed.

Very brass heavy cuban African jazz. It is intense and in your face. Can't think when I would ever play t except to annoy the neighbors.

I'm aware its one of their best and I really listened to it but its an endless tedious array of one dimensional power chords with that machismo directed vocals. Yeah, Sandman is a tune.

Well, if youve read some of my previous reviews you'd think I'd dislike this. 1. Intended for dance floor 2. Repetitive. 3 Over an hour long Wrong. Its bloody ace. 4

Yuk. One of those "change my mind moments." Never liked them. Never listened to a whole album. Here goes...Yeah no change. Hate the white boy funk swagger, dislike AKs voice. Lyrics are bollox. Guitarist is good. Massively overrated band.

We Kid A was intended as a double album. This is effectively Kid B. It is often seen as the runt Dublin but I think it is as good. Some electronic noodling and I know Thoms voice turns some people off. Essential 21st century music.

Thus was a compilation designed to boost their primotion/success in the UK so shouldn't be on the list so will be down marked. Fun throwaway indie band. Shouty and punky. Downvoted from 3 to 2.

Umm disappointing Sunday for a lazy Sunday...the title track is a banger as they they say. The rest depends into very lightweight cheezy pop. Insubstantial. 2

Old skool rap with a proto gangster styling. Prob shocking at the rime ( though not very sweary) better albums were to come from RDMC but this was historic i guess. 3

Self indulgent early-ish prog full of guitar and keyboard noodling. Several 10 min songs. Terrific jazz drumming. Gabriels offbeat lyrics and delivery. Obviously not for everyone. I was the music of my youth so can't be too harsh.

Iconic (only) album from the guy with the voice who died young. Overwrought at times, spectacular at others.A great set of songs with covers. It doesn't romance me the way it used to do but its still special.

The first 6 albums by LZ are all great. I find this one a little uneven but contains beautiful moments and more obvious standout moments.