Not previously into Stone Roses and not familiar with much other than Fool's Gold. First listen and feels like a group evolving from a mixture of post-punk c1979 through C86 indie to their strongest material, as represented by Fool's Gold (far and away the stand out track), She bands the drum and Waterfall. Ian Brown's vocals get a bit lost in the mix - and he doesn't have the most commanding of voices anyway - and give many of the songs a slightly ghostly feel. A pleasant listen and would happily repeat play without necessarily wanting to further check out Stone Roses catalogue

this is the second album I am reviewing and comes hot on the heels of Stone Roses. I was surprised that there is a gap of eight years between the two, as in my head they were from about the same time but that probably says more about my lack of interest in most of the music of the 90s. Whereas I thought the Stone Roses album was insubstantial beyond Fools Gold and Waterfall, Urban Hymns is a much stronger offering. Not just because of the standout singles - Bittersweet Symphony, Lucky Man, the drugs don't work - but also the coherent sound and quality of songs like Sonnet, and the clever use of orchestration. There are one or two weaker songs, but overall Urban Hymns boasts a strong sense of identity with a distinct sound that sets the Verve apart. Genuinely impressed and would consider buying this

I loved the Village Green Preservation Society, and Arthur has something of the same wistfulness, at least lyrically, but with less rose tinted glasses. if anything there is quite an anti-establishment, anti-war theme to the album. Victoria is a strong opener, Some Mother's Son is poignant and Drivin is quintessential Kinks whimsy (and sounds as if it may have been left over from Village Green; see also Young and Innocent Days). The Australian tourist board missed a trick if they didn't use Australia to promote the land of Oz, but otherwise an unremarkable track. Apart from that, the remaining tracks aren't - with the exception of Arthur - that much to write home about. Arthur has its moments, but not one of their best

Not listened to a Yardbirds album at length before but glad I have now come across Roger the Engineer. It's an exciting listen and feels like the work of a band that is transitioning from pop and blues towards psychedelia and something heavier. Some blistering guitar courtesy of Jeff Beck (no Clapton or Jimmy Page), especially on the Nazz (one of the more traditionally bluesy tracks), Jeff's Boogie and Lost Women. The singing isn't particularly strong and the other weakness is that the eclecticism of the material hints at a group unsure of its direction. Having said that there is something raw and unpredictable here and I would imagine they would have been a great live band at this time.

I have this in my collection and have been a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd for a long time. This is a strong debut album, showcasing the band's varied style and distinctive Southern sound, particularly the soaring guitar lines. Stand out tracks - Gimme Three Steps (the epitome of Southern boogie), Simple Man, and the monumental Free Bird of course. The latter may not be everyone's cup of tea and the guitar soloing does go on, but I love it as much now as when I heard it as a 14 year old. There are a couple of plodders on the album but that should not detract from the confidence, power and presence of this debut from the greatest of the Southern rock bands

This is really not my thing at all. Monotonous, synthetic, plodding. Breathe was okayish, other than that there was nothing I would want to hear again. Next!

I 'd heard the Johnny Cash tracks before but hadn't realised there were also contributions from Carl Perkins, June Carter/Carter Sisters and Statler Brothers - a real bonus as they are all great songs. Listening to Johnny Cash again, what is striking is the quality and clarity of his voice and the warm rapport he strikes up with the inmates. Some great songs here - Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison blues of course - but also Big River, I Still Miss Someone and Wanted Man (written with Bob Dylan). Note too the huge audience response to San Quentin. A really good live album and also a good introduction to Johnny Cash for anyone unfamiliar with his work

This is wasted on me. While some of the tunes are cleverly constructed I just don't like the rapping on most of them. Aside from one or two half decent tracks - Rainy Dayz, Glaciers of Ice, Heaven & Hell - this has just bored me silly.

Refreshing, eclectic, lovely harmonies. Not a group or style I am that familiar with, so difficult for me to compare it to anything else. But it did sound like Jeff Buckley may have been an influence? Not bad at all

Never liked the new romantics, as a young lefty I thought it was mostly escapist, vacuous, synthetic nonsense. 40 years later and while my toe is tapping to Rio and Hungry like the wolf, I can't say I have warmed much to Duran Duran. Not for me

I am fairly sure that I saw Kraftwerk's debut on british tv on tomorrow's world in the early 70s, so was always intrigued by them and Autobahn in particular. I never got that into Kraftwerk but have really enjoyed listening to this album, particularly the monumental title track. Even at 22 minutes it is a joy to listen to. The remaining tracks are well worth a listen and I particularly liked the contrasting moods between Mitternacht and Morgenspaziergang. one thing that intrigues me is how different Kraftwerk really are to other exponents of 'kraut rock' such as Tangerine Dream and the extent to which their far greater popularity is down to image as much as the music?

This will never be in my top ten, but it's hard not to like the storytelling in Stan, quite like The Way I Am too. Otherwise not much that caught my attention Not too keen on some of the profanity, explicitness etc e.g. My name if Marshall Mathers

A very enjoyable listen. The combination of latin rhythms, jazz and hard rock (and Carlos Santana's virtuoso guitar) works really well, especially on Oye Como Va, to me the standout track on the album. Black Magic Woman and Samba Pa Ti are the obvious crowdpleasers on here, but I think every track stands up - there are no fillers.

Monotonous, repetitive, dreary. Used to like old school heavy metal but this stuff leaves me cold. Scare Crow the only redeeming song, possibly because it has a slower tempo and is reminiscent of Black Sabbath

Not really doing it for me. Pleasant enough, but nothing that memorable. Comes across in parts as a lighter version of Black Keys, but not as good.

Have played this several times, and, sadly, nothing is standing out beyond The One I Love and End of the World. I thought the lyrics might make me look more favourably on the album, but I can't say Stipe's songwriting does much for me - when it comes to radical lyrics, these don't stand comparison with say Drive By Truckers. in summary, a bit disappointed with Document

Fabulous album. Would have first heard the single young americans when I was 13 and liked it then (although probably liked his glam stuff more). YA plus Fame still sound great, I really like the cover of Across the Universe (never heard this before) and Right and Someone up there likes me are also worth a repeated listen

Same issue for me as with Raekwon's album, I am just not into hip hop, no matter how classic this album is meant to be. This has left me totally cold

an enjoyable listen, albeit definitely an album of its time. The distinctive west coast/psychedlia vibe shares something with the likes of the Grateful Dead and Spirit. Some lovely catchy numbers, especially Looper.

A really solid album from fairly early in Metallica's career. You can definitely hear the influence of Diamond Head and the twin guitars are reminiscent of UFO and Thin Lizzy. Standout tracks are the brilliant Master of Puppets and The Thing That Should Not Be. A few other tracks are a bit plodding, but overall a really good listen

A fresh, funky and slick collection of songs, enhanced by repeated listening. While the familiar Reasons and Shining Star are outstanding, this is a strong collection with notable tracks including That's the way of the world, Happy Feelin and All About Love. I really enjoyed listening to this

This is some debut, including as it does the fantastic singles My Best Friend's Girl and Just What I Needed. While these are the highlights, there are other decent offerings, such as Good Times Roll and I'm in Touch with Your World. There is a tendency for most of the tracks to run along similar, one-paced plodding rhythms and the singer's voice is a bit lost in the mix on a couple of the songs. Other than that, a very strong offering - did it get any better than this?

As with my previous reviews of Wu-Tang Clan and Raekwon, these types of rap albums really struggle to hold my attention. According to spotify there are 27 tracks on this expanded album, and I just haven't the patience to work through all of them. So I am bailing after two tracks. I'm just not into this

This was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting an album of atonal thrash, but although it is quite raw (in a good way) I was impressed with the quality of the songs, the disciplined riffing, the guitar solos and the funky sax on Fun House. Dirt, 1970 and Fun House were an impressive trio of songs. Arguably as important an album for metal and grunge as it was undoubtedly for punk. Reminds of the heavy psych of the late 60s, early 70s. One of my favourite albums reviewed so far

This requires repeat playing but it has grown on me. Hypnotic guitar patterns, understated vocals. reminds me of someone but not quite sure who.

while I like this more than later proponents of rap like Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, this just doesn't engage me

The first stone cold classic album I have reviewed to date. Every song is superb, to listen to, to dance to, to reflect on. Pure joy

A curious mixture. The psychedelic tracks (Somebody to Love, White Rabbit) are the stronger material, as opposed to the west coast acoustic and blues numbers, none of which stand out much. As with Moby Grape, an album of its time

A very retro feel to this album. But aside from the lovely There She Goes and I Can't Sleep, nothing really stands out. It gets your foot tapping but largely unmemorable

A really fine album. Some great songs, particularly the title track, Calvary Cross and Down Where the Drunkards Go, beautiful guitar throughout

A fantastic album, full of excellent albeit very familiar material. The standard is high throughout, with only one to two tracks dipping a little.

Never a big fan of Tears for Fears and I particularly don't like Shout. This is a slickly produced album, but their material does not do anything for me. I just find it dull and redolent of glossy 80s production numbers that leave me cold

A good combination of originals - It Won't Be Long, All My Loving - and covers - Money, Please Mr Postman. Very much phase 1 Beatles. A good listen, but so much better to come

Some good tunes and backing tracks, but the braggadocio and slackness of Kid Rock are pretty tiresome

Not that familiar with Cheap Trick, other than I want you to want me, and their quirky visual presentation. Quite like the slightly poppy hard rock sound and remember Live at Budokan was rated as a live album (at a time when live albums were very much in vogue). Listening to this, it's okay, some decent tracks - Surrender, I want you..., - and some fine riffing and solos from the idiosyncratic Rick Nielsen. But there is a sameness about most of the songs and a sense that they are caught somewhere between hard rock, powerpop and new wave. Nothing to write home about

I liked born slippy, and had them pegged for similar to Leftfield so was interested to hear this album, but disappointed in the dull monotony of most of the tracks, with the exception of One Too Many Mornings and Alive Alone. Otherwise boring

Was expecting to like this more than I did. Rock Lobster is great, obviously, but not much else stood out. Something very similar rhythmically about many of the tracks - Planet Claire is Rock Lobster by another name for instance. Bit of a disappointment

Thoroughly enjoyable, funky, hypnotic. Well worth repeated playing. The drum solo at the end probably prevented this being a 5 star review!

As per other rap albums previously reviewed, some interesting things going on with the music, some predictable things going on with the lyrics. This just does not appeal to me

Mix of funk, new wave, AOR, pop. Perhaps because of this eclecticism, it can be a bit bland in places. Predates ambient albums Alright, nothing special

Fantastic album from a period of great albums from them as well as De La Soul and Arrested Development. Intelligent, positive and fantastic music too. So many great tracks on here - Bonita Applebum, Left My Wallet in El Segundo, After Hours, Can I Kick It of course. Highly recommended

The classic Deep Purple and arguably this captures them on top form. Some great tracks here - Highway Star, Never Before, Smoke on the Water (of course) and When a Blind Man Cries - the musicianship is exceptional, and their sound is a lovely mix of heavy rock and melody courtesy of Richie Blackmore's mellifluous guitar and Jon Lord's keyboards. A couple of throwaway tracks - Lazy especially - prevents this being an absolute classic

Fresh, dynamic, urgent and no track over 4 minutes. Mr Costello is on fine form supported by a great backing group. Some memorable songs - Lip Service, Chelsea, Radio, Pump it Up. Superb

Gets an additional star for Miss Jackson, but otherwise sounds like just another rap album, sorry!

I quote like the music, but not the singing. No desire to listen to this a second time

This is a joy to listen to, all the more because I have not heard much Nick Cave previously. Such a strong set of songs, instantly memorable, diverse, intelligent intriguing lyrics, superbly backed up by the music. I will definitely be buying some Nick Cave vinyl!

A bit of a mixed bag. A few good tracks - Boogie on..., Smile Please & They won't go when I go - but overall lacks energy and rather bland. Not his best by any means

This really has done nothing for me. Cannot get beyond my indifference to her style of singing. Not for me

No. Just no

This is a fantastic recording of the Stones at the absolute peak of their power. From the magnificent and menacing Gimme Shelter, to the languid country blues of Love in Vain, Country Honk (I never knew this earlier version of Honky Tonk Women existed) and Let it Bleed, to the dextrous riffing of Monkey Man and the classic You Can't Always Get What You Want, this is as good as it gets. The guitars of Richards and Taylor are a pleasure to listen to and even Mick Jagger's slightly hokey accents on some of the songs are a hoot.

Strong start to album - David Watts, Death of a Clown and Two Sisters all great Kinks songs. A real mixture here of pop, baroque, hints of psychedelia. The following songs are all a bit middling, nothing wrong with them but not the strongest either. However, Waterloo Sunset is a strong closer to the album, and sounds as great as ever (best ever Kinks song imho)

Never a big Banshees fan, but liked their music from this period, reminiscent of the Cure and subsequent goth groups (Arabian Nights, Into the Light, Night Shift and liked the psychedelic flavour of many of the songs here - Spellbound, Could do with a little more variation, the songs start to sound a bit samey and most have a similar tempo

A bit bland so far. The harmonies are, without doubt, beautiful, but it is just the songs themselves just don't do it for me. An uninspiring cover of To Know Him and I've Had Enough is just dull and passionless. Honourable exceptions - Those Memories of You, Farther Along

So far loike the instrumental track more than anything else. Nothing much standing out. Tracks I like - Ode to Noone, Galapogos

A great album, one of Stevie Wonder's best. Chock full of classics - You Are the Sunshine of My Life, You and I, You've Got It Bad Girl, Superstition, I Believe.

I wasn't expecting to like this much, but I must say there are a lot of memorable, well constructed songs on here, especially In My Place, Put a Smile on Your Face, Clocks. Not bad at all

What a rip-roaring start to an album! Really strong opening half but trails away a bit after Lithium. This would have been three stars, but Smells Like Teen Spirit gets it an extra star

A slow burner of an album, deserves repeated listening to realise how well crafted this collection of songs are. A mixture of influences, slightly psychedlic pop at times, but also traces of everything from Prefab Sprout to Black Keys.

A real mixed bag of an album. The singles are the stand out tracks - Sound of the Crowd, Love Action, Open Your Heart and especially Don't You Want Me. The other tracks less impressive, even after repeated listens. The singles get Dare an extra star

Very smooth. Too smooth. The aural equivalent of drowning in a compote of syrup, treacle and molasses. Cannot fault musicianship and D'angelo's voice, but it is all just a bit dull

Fantastic, beautiful, sublime. One of the best albums of any genre

Very interesting mix of hard rock and funk and some echoes of Zeppelin and Hendrix as well as foreshadowing the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Perhaps it's too eclectic and diverse at times, in the end not always clear what direction the music is heading in

Superb debut album. Starts (Break on through) and finishes (The End) so strongly while also boasting the magnificent Light My Fire. What stands out for me is the way that Ray Manzarek's keyboards drive the songs and of course the deep, distinctive quality of Jim Morrison's singing.

I quite liked this, they are very tuneful and there are shades of Bowie and Bolan in the vocals. The album starts well but there aren't to my mind many standout tracks and it gets a bit samey after a while

I like my metal a bit more melodic and varie-paced than this, which I found a bit relentless. Some good bits and clearly good musicians, but lacking in light and shade

A superb album, combining Aretha's majestic vocals with great musicianship and memorable tunes. Natural Woman is the stand-out track, ably supported by Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, Since You've Been Gone and Groovin.

Magnificent. To me this is Genesis's masterwork and up there in the top 5 prog albums. I really like the playful lyrics (especially Battle of Epping Forest and Cinema Show) and the lovely, understated playing of Hackett and Banks. The songs all stand up and are both complex and accessible. A total joy to listen to

An uneven album, undoubted quality musicianship and songwriting, especially Life's what you make it, but overall tone and tempo a bit downbeat and one or two unmemorable numbers. Life's what you make it, earns an extra star

The Message is such a brilliant track, it overshadows everything else here. It's not the worst album but nothing else is anywhere near as memorable as the title track