Easily their least interesting album, although the previous album had all the warning signs it was coming. Sting got so far up his own arse he could barely stand for Stewart and Andy to play their instruments. I remember him bragging in interviews how smart he was for not letting them play at every turn. Really this is the first Sting solo album (not a compliment), but the label was probably afraid nobody would buy a Sting solo album (they were right). “Rumors” but without the good stuff.

Can you believe we wrote this beauty off as “their commercial album” when it cam out? Lush, sensual, prickly in spots and featuring some Elizabeth Fraser’s most aggressive, full-bodied singing and toothsome lyrics. Only the Twins could make this kind of music while “selling out”.

Oh THIS is where that whole thing started...Good thing Jack White spends so much time giving credit where it’s due or else...wait...what?

Is John Fogerty the father of Alt County? Is it me? You could call this “CCR’s Greatest Hits” and not be wrong. This set is all Killer No Filler. I was totally sold even before “Bathroom On The Right” started playing. Tom, Doug and Stu may have been lousy writers but they sure could play...these tracks all SLAP and the live cuts on this edition ain’t chopped liver either.

I expected to not love this album for being tweet and pretentious, not overthought and bombastic. Mrs. Robinson still slaps, but I continue my life’s work of not particularly loving S & G.

No wonder Damon was jealous...this record is an absolute stonker from start to finish. I’m ashamed I wrote them off as a 1-hit at the time, because this band did everything well. Don’t believe me? Spotify followed this record up with Buzzcocks so take it from THEM. Sometimes you should believe the hype.

This is a “time machine” album: I wish I could go back and hear it brand new, before “David Bowie” fully existed. I feel like I missed the good party.

THIS is the album I expected from Simon & Garfunkel. Melodic and inventive but earthy and approachable at the same time. I’ve kind of ignored Yusuf because all the people I’ve known who loved him were jerks, but after hearing this, I’m planning a deep dive into his catalog.

Can you believe we wrote this beauty off as “their commercial album” when it cam out? Lush, sensual, prickly in spots and featuring some Elizabeth Fraser’s most aggressive, full-bodied singing and toothsome lyrics. Only the Twins could make this kind of music while “selling out”.

I hated this when I first heard it in 9th grade and I hate it now. Yeah, yeah, it’s satire...but like most satire, the people who need to get the point never ever do. They were listening to Skynard when this came out and they’re listening to Kid Rock and the new Ted Nugent today. So don’t put the load on me, I could have spent this time listening to Black Uhuru or the Clash.

Much more accessible than I expected. If you told me these guys had been listening to Coltrane and Bitches Brew when they were making this I’d totally believe it. The cover of “America” was an unexpected oasis of popcraft. Still not my favorite genre but I could add this to my collection for sure.

This definitely rocked, but not in any especially inventive or creative way. Fun but not earth shattering.

Now THIS is rockin! Is it me or does nobody ever discuss how FUNKY this band is? Most British bands don’t get this down and dirty part of the blues right, but DP can really stir it. And don’t even get me started on John Lord’s Hammond playing.

Like father like son. Femi adds a touch of western songcraft to his fathers Afro agit funk which probably makes this easier for newbies, but the beat and the commitment is still there. Recommended.

Like father like son. Femi adds a touch of western songcraft to his fathers Afro agit funk which probably makes this easier for newbies, but the beat and the commitment is still there. Recommended.

Intimate, artful, stylish, thoughtful and compelling....I just wish it were a little more fun. I’m probably not the demographic to really get this but I find myself saying “why so serious” in the middle of this. Sometimes art and commitment aren’t enough. I like it better than Simon and Garfunkel though.

You know that friend you haven’t seen in years but when you finally do, you both pick up the conversation exactly where you left off? This album is that friend. This album is like an expertly prepared meal of all your favorite dishes...familiar but delicious...nobody knew at the time, but this wouldn’t even be the best album of Bonnie’s second act. Indispensable.

Tapped out during the skit where they threatened to stick a hanger up my ass. I recognize these guys: they’ve been telling me I’m “not really black” my whole life. I’m sure it means I’m old, but records like this make me long for the days of Sir Mix a Lot and “Christmas in Hollis. Pardon me while I go listen to Bad Brains.

This is the album I play for white guys who say they love funk and then put the Chilli Peppers (possibly the most overrated band around) on. Someone has to intervene.

Who knew all that self-loathing had a basis in reality? When an artist tells you who they are, believe them.

Now I understand why I keep seeing women on YouTube losing their shit over Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones and the Righteous Bros...This is what’s been passing for “romance” all this time. No wonder Buble is getting the bag...the bar’s been set so low. Thought it was overrated then, still think it’s overrated now.

The hardest part of being a music lover is admitting that not all music is “for” you and everyone isn’t “speaking to you” or even speaking your language. This is one of those cases. I have no idea what what’s happening here or what’s being said, but I get the craft and effort going into it. I’d love to meet a fan of this band and find out what I’m missing.

Not my favorite Bjork, but the album I’d play for anyone who wanted to understand Bjork (if that’s possible). Varied, ambitious and overflowing with ideas and strategies.

Notes from the front from a Sole Survivor. Somber, gripping and unexpectedly poetic. Required.

I can’t believe we turned out backs on Diggable Planets, De La Soul and Arrested Development to listen to this. It’s not bad per se, but not as cool or innovative or musical or intriguing as any of that stuff. This hasn’t aged nearly as well as Massive Attack or Tricky, which I’m sure nobody worried about when it was new. Oh welll.

How is it that the hardest dance beats in the club have cured into the perfect chill out grooves? I still love this but for none of the reasons I loved it the first time.

Oh THIS is where that whole thing started...Good thing Jack White spends so much time giving credit where it’s due or else...wait...what?

There has to be an examination of how Funky so much early metal is. Also: are Sabbath The Godfather’s of grunge?

It’s important to remember that all those rappers who shit on Elvis back in the day are all playing cops on TV right now...so fuck all of them. This shit is older than me and still slaps...and not the Will Smith kind either. If you can’t get with this, you’re so square, baby I don’t care.

Holy cow...When MOJO says “instant Classic” you can believe them! A masterpiece of songcraft and sonic invention. I’d give this more stars if I could...

People hated this when Van Dyke Parks did it, so I guess that’s progress. Not my cup of tea, but I definitely admire the cheek and the intricacy of construction on display here.

Not only a fusion classic, but also a favorite of modern dance/yoga instructors everywhere. If I were gonna recommend a Herbie album, this wouldn’t be the first on my list but it would definitely be at the top if I were gonna recommend a funk/fusion title. Essential.

Easily their least interesting album, although the previous album had all the warning signs it was coming. Sting got so far up his own arse he could barely stand for Stewart and Andy to play their instruments. I remember him bragging in interviews how smart he was for not letting them play at every turn. Really this is the first Sting solo album (not a compliment), but the label was probably afraid nobody would buy a Sting solo album (they were right). “Rumors” but without the good stuff.

More mashup than hip hop. And that is a good thing. I could honest see myself hanging with these guys, talking music.