Thom York and Radiohead continue to baffle me as to how they make so many albums that people love. I find him and his music tedious, boring ,and painful to sit through.
In an almost, but not quite passable attempt at an album, Radiohead once again threatens us repeatedly with the potential for a good time, but with every song, they never deliver.
Sometimes, an album is ruined not by poor craftsmanship, but just the sheer overwhelming presence of ego. This is one of those albums. It's got some great songs, but they're completely overshadowed by Corrigan's ego and conceit.
Linkin Park's debut album is a classic by any standard, but it took me a long time to get to that point. Chester's trauma is thinly veiled in most songs, but the raw power and fury that drove him is on full display.
While I can see why this is such an influential album, I just can't get past the raging anti-intellectualism strung through this entire album.
Boring slog. Feels like it can't decide between pop and punk, so it does neither.
The master of the ever repetitive sample loop's second outing has a few choice pieces (Right Here, Right Now; The Rockefeller Skank; Praise You), but is otherwise unimpressive.
You would think that a supergroup like this would produce blockbuster albums that shake the very foundations of music. In this case, you would be wrong. Boring, uninspired, and feeling like this was an Adam Sandler version of a music album leaves the listener frantically looking for something, anything - that resembles rock.
Nick Cave doing what he does best - overwrought, melodramatic songs of longing and sinister intentions.
Stripped down doesn't always equate to a better experience, as evinced by this outing from The Cure.
Linkin Park's debut album is a classic by any standard, but it took me a long time to get to that point. Chester's trauma is thinly veiled in most songs, but the raw power and fury that drove him is on full display.
When I started this, I was very much in the mind of "oh great, Morrisey". But the first song blew me away. Then it quickly degenerated into traditional moody whinging from the godfather of Emo.
The breakthrough commercial smash that cemented U2 in the public psyche is marred only by the fact that "With or Without You" was used in the television show Friends.
Didn't know what to expect from these guys, but I was pleasantly surprised. Funky, edgy, alternative music that has a high relisten value.
The Velvet Underground's first album is griity, raw, and unpolished, but hints at greater things to come.
An all-time classic of soft, emotional heart moving music. You just have to be in the right mood for it.
I know the XTC has a cult following and has been very influential in the music industry, but this elicited a heavy 'Meh'.
Springsteen's seminal album tells the tale of people who have been beaten down but refuse to quit. Enjoyable, but you have to be in the mood for it.
One of the best albums of all time. Not Steely Dan's best album, but one of the best.
I wore out more copies of this album as a kid than any other album combined - and it was CDs. One of the greatest albums ever.
Oh man, this one was rough. Nico ( Christa Päffgen) hit it big with the Velvet Underground, but here, she sounds bored and delivers her lyrics by rote recital. This album feels almost forced and mechanical.
I like Bob Dylan - well, the concept of Bob Dylan. His music has been deeply influential and profound, but you really have to a) be from that generation, or b) really enjoy this genre. I like this to a point, but what really sours me on this album is that it's live. I don't know what it is about live albums, but I have a strong aversion to anything live. On the whole, this one is a dud for me.
Le Mis for goths. I kept feeling like I was watching a musical with my ears, and was slightly entertained, but ultimately left feeling bored.
It's Paul Simon. You either like him or you don't.
Reminiscient of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Not my thing, but worth a listen.
It's the Smiths. Whoopie.
While not the biggest sitar fan, this album surprised me as being accessible due to such songs as 'Jumping Jack Flash' and "Light My Fire'. Not for all tastes, but much better than I had anticipated.
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I spoke more foreign languages other than English. Aside from that, this is a solid album.
Love them or hate them, they were effectively the face of British Punk in the 80s. While tough to stomach at times with their raw, unpolished style, this is a seminal album in the history of modern rock.
One of the less entertaining albums by a solid band.
It's gotten better over the years, but I still intensely dislike Nirvana.
This is a great album if you're looking for something to fall asleep to.
Probably the most accessible album by The Who. Almost every song charted, and it's difficult to stop yourself from singing along.
Um, yeah. This is definitely a record.
It's easy to see how this was a bridge between the Beatles and harder rock, but it's still an album I wouldn't actively seek out. Just not my style.
Not a fan of rap, but damn, this is good stuff.
Amazing album from a man who knew how to have fun with his music.
One of the greatest albums of all time by an amazing coterie of blockbuster musicians. Still holds up and blows the mind nearly 50 years later.
Probably the best thing to come from Van Morrison when he was still relevant.
I never thought, in a million years that a band called The Flying Burrito Brothers would produce an album by the name of The Gilded Palace of Sin, or that it would sound like that. This was an adventure in pain tolerance.
Thom York and Radiohead continue to baffle me as to how they make so many albums that people love. I find him and his music tedious, boring ,and painful to sit through.
Beautiful, early punk rock.
So many memories of my childhood are tied up in this album.
I miss the days of when Bad Brains were full of vitriol and righteous anger.
ABBA's final album does not disappoint, with infectious rhythms and catchy hooks that make you want to dance, regardless of your attitude.
Alternately brilliant and bloated, this was the declaration by Elton John that he was here to stay. Excellent album if marred by a couple of clunkers.
The album that defined a genre. A solid album that just doesn't connect well with me.
The socially acceptable Yoko Ono style musician weaves a mystical transcendent album that can easily put anyone to sleep.
In an almost, but not quite passable attempt at an album, Radiohead once again threatens us repeatedly with the potential for a good time, but with every song, they never deliver.
Touted as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. I can see why it's so popular, but not my style.
This one caught me off guard. Definitely one of the founding fathers of the folk/protest movement of the 60s along with Dylan. Surprisingly good stuff.
Amazing album by an amazing guitarist that rose to fame on the back of American blues artists.
Probably the only album I am aware of that every song became a single.
The second outing from the regents of recursion manage to produce one stand out song (Halcyon and on and on). Other than that, this is a snooze fest.
Funkalicious music from the band that made it happen.
Radiohead sucks, and whoever built this list apparently thinks the sun shines out of Thom Yorks ass.
Before today, I never heard a full Deep Purple album. I regret not doing it sooner.
The lat 70s, early 80s were a wild and untamed era of musical experiments, and one of the more interesting ones was Adam and the Ants (fronted by Goodie Two Shoes Adam Ant). This album however is probably best relegated to the late 70s, early 80s.
That Shaft is one bad mother- Only the finest in 1970s blaxploitation cinema soundtracks for Richard Roundtree and Isaac Hayes.
It took me 30 years to come to appreciate this album, but I'm glad that I finally got to a point where I can enjoy it.
Surprisingly solid album that is great for chilling out.
I don't know what to make of this album. It's interesting, but not something that really piques my interest.
While I can see why this is such an influential album, I just can't get past the raging anti-intellectualism strung through this entire album.
Lennon was a not-nice human being, and a hell of a musician. Landmark album you should listen to at least once.
This sounded like it wanted to be a lot of different styles of music, but couldn't make up its mind. They're a competent band, but I've heard these genres before and played better.
I like Elvis' earlier stuff. This felt repetitive and uninspired.
Not my style
Zappa's first outing is just as weird and surreal as one would expect. Unfortunately, advanced knowledge of cultural touchstones prevalent at the time of release are necessary to truly appreciate this album.
You can see where Souixie was getting ready to launch into the stratosphere with this album. While not as polished as later offerings, this is a good introduction.
Wasn't sure what to expect with this album, other than two attractive (mostly) naked women on the cover. Wasn't disappointed.
Yet another album that makes us marvel at the peaks and depths of the music experience.
Mystical hippy dippy music from a band that when they were hot, they were HOT.
Progenitors of Emo show their chops on this mostly mellow, moody outing.
A solid album from an amazing artist.
Whitebread, middle-class honky-tonk-ish music for those who don't want to be offended.
Weird, ethereal, otherworldly, and very mellow.
Maudlin, morose music for the perpetually sad.
I didn't even realize this album had ended. Weird, groovy music that works well as mood music.
These guys may have been cutting edge in the 80s, but by today's standards, this feels way behind the curve.
Not as gripping as "Fear of a Black Planet" but still a good album.
Good, solid hip-hop album from a powerful name in the genre
Another great album from Prince.
While not as entertaining as some of his later works, This is an excellent debut by one of the chillest Punk bands to ever cut a record.
I really like Bob Dylan, but I like him less than I did when I was 16. Still, this is an intense, breakthrough album that forever skewed the rock and roll landscape for the better.
When my wife and I were first married, we were taking a winter road trip across the state (over the Rockies) in a '97 Geo Tracker. We stopped at a large chain retail store and bought a bunch of self-stick insulation tape for the doors to help keep the wind out, and two CDs to listen to. This was one of them, and even though that was one of the most harrowing road trips we ever took, I find perpetual comfort in the fact that every time I listen to this album, I can still feel my wife desperately clinging to my arm as we came down Vail pass with lunatics and psychopaths zipping past us. At the same time, the snow whirled around us so thickly, visibility was only about 10 feet. Good times.
Uhm... what?
Prodigy getting back to its digital roots. Only the best in digital doots, bweeps, and dial-up connection tones. Infectious as hell, and impossible to not move to. Good stuff from the golden age of rave.
Another enjoyable album from Simon and Garfunkel.
Weird, sometimes fun album whose standout song was featured in the first Shrek movie.
Woof. This is really a bit of a dog of an album.
The first in a long line of incredible music that shaped a generation, and forged new paths in rock and roll. Hard to beat.
Prior to Bruce joining the band, Iron Maiden sounded much more like a 2nd rate bar band. Amazing what a talented singer can do.
Supertramp was one of those bands that had some amazing hits, but the rest of their catalog isn't worth listening to.
Riot Grrrl music from the 90s. Wasn't a fan then, not a fan now.
I think I preferred his political stuff.
I thought I could hack this one. I was wrong.
A weird, almost likable album whose lead singer sounds like he's trying to emulate Peter Gabriel in his prime.
Bjork's debut album is sweet, ethereal, and a lot of fun.
Although much maligned, this is a solid return to form from McCartney.
Mtv had a plan in the 90s to make "hard" sounding bands more "accessible". While not a bad album, it's a little boring.
The stuff that made the radio is great, but the rest of the album just drags it down to mediocre.
I love the concept of Miles Davis, but his music just doesn't do it for me.
Much like the composer Philip Glass, you either have the patience to bear the music out and be rewarded, or you don't and move on to other stuff. I'm moving on.
Not as compelling as I thought it would be.
In high school, I was obsessed with this band. Subsequent releases cured me of that affliction, but this is an amazing album that stands up with time.
There's a reason why this band didn't make a bigger splash, or stayed in the collective memory of a generation. It's just not good. I don't care how influential (allegedly) they were, this was a lame album.
I know Biggie was one of the most influential musicians of the 90s, but man, I really don't like his stuff.
This is a quintessential Iggy Pop album, and so worth a listen.
A solid, fun album from the head of the Mods in the 1960s. I still prefer The Who's Next, but this is a good album.
While Nirvana was the face of the grunge movement, their music became their undoing. Probably the best of their three studio albums still fails to really inspire.
Not a rap guy, but Franti really makes me want to be one with this album. One one hand, I wish Disposable Heroes had found traction, but if they had, we might not have Burning Spear.
While it might be his most commercial album, there is a certain charm to this album that made me a life-long fan.
Weird art rock for the soft rock generation
It's Ella. How can you go wrong? Even if you don't like jazz, there's plenty here to enjoy.
One of the best
Classic Rythm and Blues album
Jimi at his absolute best.
minimalist, haunting, and leaves you wanting something, but you don't know what.
Seminal rock from an accomplished atist
Interesting and compelling for those that like this stuff.
I can see how this was such an influential album to the genre, and music overall, but it's not my thing.
A 'meh' album from an amazing artist and actress.
Almost gave this a pass, but if I could make it through Radiohead and The Flying Burrito Brothers, I can put up with this. The hubris, egocentrism, and sheer audacity that is Kanye are in full effect here, especially on the spoken word cringe fest "Blame Game'. That is an excellent song if you've ingested a household cleaner and need to induce vomiting.
Just as inappropriate and sly-eyed as the day it was released, this is a great jam from some true bad boys of rock and roll.
Not as good as Faith, but this is still a solid album from a great talent who was taken before his time.
I don;t know what to think of this, but it wasn't anything I was expecting, or really enjoyed for that matter.
Green Day has always been an anomaly. Highly polished, impeccably produced and finished, and aimed at the heart of the American wallet. But when you listen to them, all of their themes are raw, gritty, and anti-capitalist. If you like Green Day, you'll love this pop-punk opera. If you don't then you're better off listening to something else.
Coldplay was a staple in the early 2000s and dominated the airwaves much like the Gloved One in the 80s. However, this album has aged like a cheaper laminate and is starting to show its age.
Decent 3rd (4th?) wave reggae with some infectious hooks
An introduction to one of the greatest rock bands of the 80s. Mark Knopfler's genius begins to show through on this album, and aside from some now problematic lyrics in "Money for Nothing", this is an amazing album.
Kinda meh, kinda interesting. Heavily influenced by 70s glam rock.
I really don't like Christmas music, but this album is an acceptable collection I would willingly listen to on Christmas Eve.
Real earnest hippie dippy music from the late 60s. Not bad, but definitely naive and full of unrealized hope.
Jefferson Airplane began to shift more towards aggressive rock with this album, but the majority of it is hippie-dippy pie-in-the-sky ideology.
Her hits are amazing, and the rest of the album is a master class in soulful R&B.
Debuting with a lot of fanfare, and bringing a lot of meh to the table. Unless you're into pseudo-riot grrrl monotones, give this one a pass.
One of their most popular albums is also one of their more popular titles. It's good in a commercially accessible way.
60s pop with a dash of snark and rebellion. good, if dated.
There were a lot of "give peace a chance" folx that came out of the 60s, and most of them were schmaltzy or overwrought. There were a few, however, that were amazing, and Joan Baez led the charge on that.
Rush's early stuff just doesn't do it for me as much as their middle-career stuff.
Pluses: + It's The Who + There are great songs on here + From when they were still relevant Minuses - It's a live album - It's a live album - It's a live album Final Consensus * If you love The Who, this is a must-listen album. * If you like The Who, it's worth a listen. * If you (like me) hate live albums, give it a pass.
For as unassuming and mellow as this album is, it totally belies the power and gravitas that King has. Amazing.
Free Cow! Some chicks and sheep. Not the lyrics, but this is what I always think of. An uneven album with some great songs, and some instrumentals that leave you wanting something more.
I never understood the appeal of Jeff Buckley. I still don't.
One of, if not the definitive sounds of the psychedelic 60s. This one caught me off guard and proved to be more enjoyable than it should be.
Fun blues album of instrumental covers.
More psychedelic music from the 60s.
Mellow-ish post-pop for those that dig that sort of thing.
Morrison's last album before his death is a powerful collection of memorable songs that still hold up nearly 50 years later.
Post-pop indie that's tolerable.
Paul Simon doing what he does best.
Traditional Orbital chillout stuff.
Wild, enthralling, Mexican-influenced trip-hop/jazz.
Snoozefest of the highest degree.
IMHO, one of Pink Floyd's greatest albums.
Old fashioned swamp rock, just like grammaw used to make.
This one didn't really even register with me.
Missy Elliot doing what she does best. Laying down thick beats and slaying lyrics.
Delicious original Australian punk rock.
Kind of hard to believe this group who at the time was trying desperately to be the Beatles with hints of the Grateful Dead would go on to help shape and define punk rock.
Not as good as OU812, but this is vintage Van Halen.
There is a large contingent that loves Lana Del Rey. I am not one of them.
70s band that helped give rise to so-called "soft-rock".
Plus: It's Motörhead. Minus: It's live.
Amazing album that is impossible to resist.
Aside from a very peppy tune that saw heavy rotation on Mtv back in the day, this seems to be a good, but rather pedestrian funk album.
Much like The Velvet Underground & Nico's first album, this is not as polished or as enticing as later albums - but it shows insane amounts of promise for later smash albums.
One of the greatest collections of appropriated songs that inspired the classic "London Calling" album cover by The Clash.
Van Morrison being his usual maudlin self.
This and Deja Vu are two of the greatest albums I've ever heard. While decidedly 60s in tone, the songs still transcend time.
Hands down, one of the best albums of all time. This was the one that introduced me to Zeppelin, and I never looked back.
Evocative of Ella Fitzgerald, but without the heart.
Eminem is an accomplished artist, and storyteller, and his talent really shows on this album. Too bad his stories are all really messed up.
Anthrax's big breakthrough album. As other bands have come forth as faster, more technically proficient, and honestly, better, this album has not aged evenly. There are still some standout songs, but unless you're a big 80s thrash fan, I'd give this a pass.
Stevie Wonder bringing some soul to our dark world.
The foundations of "Gansta Rap" as a fully formed genre start here - social commentary, lack of concern for anyone that opposes them, and tons of misogyny. Not my cup, but still an unforgettable and powerful album.
More megalomania from the most oblivious artist around today.
Good jazz fusion.
One of the most influential and prolific rap groups to come out of the 80s. Not my thing, but impossible to ignore.
Sounds like a mash-up between Falco and The Cure, with none of the good parts.
Brubeck is one of those artists that you either really like, or can't stand. Either way, he loves his oddball time signatures.
Coltrane was a master of his craft, but this just doesn't appeal to me.
If I liked rap, this would be the number one album in my collection. As it stands, it's still an impressive debut album and homage to old 'chopsocky' martial arts films.
Again with the Radiohead? This is painful and a waste of time.
One of the greatest punk albums of all time.
While hailed as their best album, I just don't see it.
Much like Run D.M.C. or Wu-Tang Clan, this is a highly influential album, just not to my taste.
May cause drowsiness. Do not operate heavy machinery or equipment while listening to this album.
Music good for the soul.
Listening to Marvin Gaye may cause spontaneous sexy time. Use with care. This is also why I'm not allowed in the Starbucks restroom alone anymore.
One of the best albums of all time. Is starting to show its age a little, but still amazing.
This was really 'meh' for me. A fading relic of the synth-pop era that didn't grab me at all.
I know The Hives were supposed to be a hot ticket, but I find them very bleach.
Some classic Muddy on here, but nothing really stands out to me.
Mustaine is one of the most gifted technical guitarists in the world, but this is really kind of a snoozer of an album.
Classic album from an amazing artist doesn't mean it's flawless. Still good, but not great.
Jones is a delight in her debut album, and fond memories of early married life are always conjured for me when I hear this album.
Listening to this made me realize just how important The Temptations were to modern music. Good stuff.
Good stuff from modern funk masters.
It's the Eagles, man. I hate the fucking Eagles.
Interesting, but forgettable.
Um, I'm not sure what this is all about.
It's De La Soul. How can it be anything but amazing?
One of my first organic discoveries of hard rock. Living Colour has informed so much of my outlook on life as well as my moral decisions.
This was their big breakthrough, but times have changed, and this just doesn't hold the same appeal it may have had once upon a time.
Fun time capsule from the crossroads of pop, punk, and new wave.
An iconic album from an amazing artist that just doesn't hit all the notes for me.
Some amazing, decade-defining songs with a few clunkers.
The Queen of Soul showing her chops. You can't help but groove along.
Early British punk album that is mildly amusing.
On the decline from their meteoric "Rumors" album, Tusk finds the band pushing out mostly forgettable and unremarkable songs.
This album had so little impact on me that I didn't realize it was over for half an hour.
Is it terrible that I can't remember anything about this alum 24 hours later?
Home to one of the biggest diss tracks of all time, this album is a testament to the professionalism and sheer audacity of the band members. To loathe each other so much and still put out one of the most iconic albums of all time is mindblowing.
A concept album that doesn't feel like a concept album.
Fascinating look at the origins of "swamp rock" which is a blend of psychedelia and Louisiana R&B.
The beginning of a meteoric rise for one of the most accomplished musicians to ever play guitar.
I don't know what this is, but I liked it.
Weird, menacing at times, and trippy as hell. A fun ride!
I don't know if this was a precursor to the mock rock band Steel Panther, but this was highly forgettable.
Early Cohen hints at the powerhouse he would become.
The Talking Heads second studio album finds them still refining and searching for their style.
70s ska/reggae that just doesn't land like it should.
Ray Charles was a brilliant musician, and his talent is evident here.
Pop-Country that just didn't do a thing for me.
One of the most popular albums by an alleged pedophile in the entire world.
Earth-shattering at the time of release, but it didn't leave much of an impression on me.
The last good album from metal grandmasters has the most radio-friendly songs.
The original emos, this is another collection of their melancholy and sadness-tinged songs about love, betrayal, and the music industry.
While Dexys Midnight Runners is best known for their cheeky "Come On Eileen", this is a surprisingly solid blues-infused Irish R&B album.
This feels suspiciously like pop-punk before there was such a thing. Lot of good songs on here, but ends up feeling a little too saccharine in the end.
A few songs on this are really good, the rest are meh. Personally, I don't much care for live albums in the first place, so this is a big pass for me.
Post Beatles work from Harrison. It's worth a listen.
A classic of the genre. Really did a lot to get me into Aerosmith.
Beck trying to do mellow folk funk.
90s cookie cutter grunge pop. Completely forgettable.
Chaotic, frenetic, and unable to finish the album.
Like a barely remembered thought, this album drifted through my psyche, leaving nothing behind.
If you like jazz, this is an enjoyable album. If you're not sure, give it a try.
I knew a lot of people that enjoyed this album. I was not one of them.
People in the 70s got laid to this? Yeesh.
Not much of anything interesting here.
More overwrought bullshit from Radiohead. At least there's one slightly tolerable song on this album.
I really like Neil Young, but this was boresville.
If not their best album, it's their second best, behind "...And Justice For All"
Interesting, and got some good beats.
If I was a young woman who had her entire life on display, forced to sing songs blatantly written from a male perspective, and constantly objectified, I'd probably shave my head and break out car windows with an umbrella as well. Still doesn't make this album all that palatable.
Even after listening to this, I don't remember anything about this album.
Didn't care for them when they debuted, still don't 30 years later.
Early noodle rock that blends into one big song
While I don't like the Eagles, this is still their most accessible album.
While this is not to my taste, this is still a good album.
A strong start kinda peters out at the end, but this is definitive early 80s Prince.
forerunner to Emo, with grunge undertones. Niche music.
Great Value Prince with none of the soul.
One of my all-time favorite albums is Vivid by Living Colour. It took me 47 years to realize that my favorite song on that album was a cover of Talking Heads. Blew my mind.
Big Black doing what Big Black does best. Not as wild as Black Midi, but still a lot of fun.
I don't care what people say, I like Lorde, and her music is good.
A lot mellower than their other works. I was expecting something along the lines of windowlicker, but this is some nice chill almost lo-fi music.
It's easy to see why these ladies dominated the charts.
Interesting blues from another country.
60s hippie dippy music of a strong psychedelic bent.
One of their best albums, but still kind of silly and overwrought.
Still find it hard to believe that people got laid to this.
Juicy tracks from one of the greatest.
One of the best albums Van Halen ever put out. Running With the Devil remains one of the best jams ever.
This really caught me off guard, and in a good way.
A good album from a bygone time. The entire premise would be D.O.A. today.
One of the founding fathers of modern rock, this should be assigned as required listening.
The Clash. One of the founding groups of British Punk. Great album.
Had no idea of what these folx were going to sound like, but apparently, every movie that is set in the 80s uses their styling to imply the 80s.
Meh. Supposed to be disco influenced, but completely uninteresting.
Zepplin's penultimate album. Not as good as 4 though.
Started interesting, got boring.
This was an interesting album in, and of, the fact that it was a white British dude bringing rap/hip-hop to a wider audience. It is further complicated by the fact that he was a sketchy dude who was known for plagiarizing foreign artists. Regardless, If it wasn't for Duck Rock, we might not have Eminem's "Without Me"/
Another one that snuck up on me. Soul/Funk with a heaping helping of social justice. Beautiful.
Running Up that Hill is probably the most recognizable song on this album, but it's easy to see how Kat Bush walking allowed artists like Tori Amos, Sarah McLaughlan, and others to run.
Started out interesting, slid into unimpressive.
Not their greatest album, but this one did get me through high school. Wore out two vinyl copies from my Dad's collection (I replaced the first one), and then several CDs. This one is very special to me, but others may find it bombastic.
From the late meatloaf comes a rock opera all about teenage hormones and bad decisions. A classic that's starting to show its age.
African Jazz with a heaping helping of social justice.
Not his best album, but early Tom Waits is understated gold.
One of the most influential soul albums of all time. Songs on this have been used in commercials, movies, television shows, and countless weddings. This also served as direct inspiration for the late Coolio's "Gangster's Paradise"
Not as good as "We Only In It For the Money" but still a decent album from a fun band.
A shining example. Of just how beautiful, heart-wrenching, and emotional honky-tonk, blues, and old school country can be.
Fair to middlin' punk rock.
It's Sonic Youth. You either love them or hate them. I'm pretty meh myself.
foundational listening for anyone interested in reggae.
Dead Kennedys at their finest. Brutal, foundational punk that not only defined a genre, but a generation.
Sepultura is one of those bands that is so integral to a specific genre in terms of definition and scope, but man, I really don't understand why. I am thankful for their role in the development and evolution of metal, but I wouldn't actively listen to them.
CCR's debut album plays more along the lines of a greatest hits album. So much good stuff on here.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse. The first track is absolute fire, the rest of the album is standard Neil Young.
Not as bad as Radiohead. Almost as bad as Kanye. Would be laughably bad if he just wasn't overselling the trailer park aspect. As it is, it's just bad.
Glimpses of future greatness infuse this first album.
Genuine conflict with this album. Love it, as it spoke to me on a visceral level, but also hypercharged my depression. Still an amazing concept album.
This was surprisingly disappointing.
Cee-Lo Green is a hell of an entertainer.
Nothing to write home about. Etherial adjacent emo pop.
Much faster than anticipated.
This is (apparently) the one album of Young's that I not only tolerate, but enjoy.
One listen, and you'll understand the power of Janis Joplin.
Ravi Shankar and sitar music as a whole are like moderately tasty dessert. At first, it's really enjoyable and fun, but as time goes on, it starts to lose its appeal.
The Band had a massive hit with "The Weight", but the rest of the album sounds like outtakes from assorted jam sessions.
Wild, unpredictable, and surprisingly well received.
Really just not my thing. Good, but not my thing.
This feels very riot-grrrrl/pop punk in texture with Save Ferris vibes. Not bad, but not great.
Silly, catchy tunes, with a wild through-line story. Definitely worth a listen.
People may knock her, but she was a white woman with soul.
I'm not a big fan of freeform jazz, but Davis makes it palatable.
Weird, experimental, kinda goofy at times.
Delightful and compelling
The more I listen to Neil Young, the less I like his albums. There's still a few songs on here that rock, but on the whole, he feels really overrated.
Tales of feminism, empowerment, and sex. Good stuff.
Weird, unassuming, gentle. Almost like Bjork's early work if she was Irish.
Eclectic departure from other albums. Has some absolute standout hits (Bohemian Rhapsody, You're My Best Friend), but a lot just seems campy.
early punk that didn't make much of an impression.
Weird, futuristic, and felt like a huge influence on Spinal Tap.
An excellent album that truly expressed the concept of Reggae.
Not the album that got me hooked on Moby, but it definitely cemented my enjoyment.
I tend to forget that even though it was the 60s bands like this made songs that laid the groundwork for modern (and post-modern) rock of every stripe. There are some absolute bangers on here.
A popular thought on Venom is that they weren't technically proficient enough to make a mark melodically, so they went for speed. Long considered the progenitors of Speed, Thrash, and Black metal styles. This may seem a little dated these days, but man, were they really poking the pearl clutchers.
Yes is one of those bands that were in my periphery growing up. There are some amazing songs on this, but a little too much noodling for my taste.
Good blues album from the original white boy of blues.
PSB is one of those bands that either you really dig an album or you don't. The band itself is not a major factor, but each album feels like it's aimed at a middle-aged, married, queer homemaker. This one just didn't appeal like other albums.
Father of the late Jeff Buckley, this is a weird, not all unenjoyable folk rock album that ages like a Twinkie - looks good on the surface, but is slowly growing mold inside.
Snoop Dogg's breakthrough album still seems to hold up after nearly 30 years. Not my favorite style, but enjoyable none the less.
Santana's big album. Lots of Hispanic-influenced jazz here.
Spanish Jazz. Interesting if you're into that sort of thing.
Honestly, not very enjoyable to listen to. They do a very unique take on Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb that requires a listen.
Feel good funk/soul album.
This is one of those albums that makes you stop, ponder, and genuinely question the universe and hope to whatever deity you follow that you can find an answer to WTF did I just listen to?
This may be one of the most influential bands of the 90s, but it doesn't mean I have to enjoy their music.
I genuinely do not remember anything about this album. If it's that forgettable, it can't be that good.
Another one of those that I didn't know what to expect. surprised, and a little impressed.
Not a bad little album.
Weird album. Enjoyable, but not memorable
One of the most powerful albums to rock my generation. This album really has stood the test of time and sounds just as fresh and relevant as when it did when it debuted almost 30 years ago.
60s drug-fueled noodling
Mingus was a powerful figure in Jazz, but this isn't my thing.
Folksy, 60s tinged music that is worth a listen.
RAtM's debut album is still as raw and unflinching as when it first came out, perhaps even more relevant.
This is a perfect explanation of why she's known as Queen B. Infectious, soulful, and unflinching in its examination of feminine sexuality.
Early 70s experimental pop, with a few gems.
Weird concept album by a progenitor of the emo movement.
This was my introduction to Cohen, and it was love at first listen. Heavily influenced by 80s music styles, this is still peak Cohen with such songs as "First We Take Manhattan", "I'm Your Man', "Everybody Knows", and my all-time personal favorite "Take This Waltz".
Delicious ska-funk.
Interesting and intriguing album.
Miles showing off his experimental chops. A delight for those who like this sort of style.
Weird, experimental, hippy-dippy stuff.
Probably one of Dylan's most iconic and accessible albums of any time period.
Soft Cell was known for their massive hit "Tainted Love", and not much else. This album illustrates why.
Some good hits on here, but I'm still amazed people got laid to this.
Pixies aren't my jam, but this is a tasty album, with a cover that is iconic.
The Who's magnum opus still rocks nearly 60 years later. Well worth a listen.
Found this to be boring and at times, annoying. Not terrible by any stretch, just not worth my time.
Peak Hendrix. Absolutely amazing album.
Solid album from one of the longest running acts in rock. Not my favorite, but definitely a good one.
Who knew French music could be so fascinating? Fun album that holds up remarkably well for 50+ years.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse continue their slide into irrelevance and obscurity with this release from 1990.
Interesting, if sometimes off-putting proto/avant-garde-punk rock. Definitely worth one listen. Personal tastes will dictate if subsequent listens are warranted.
Not a fan of live albums, but Lewis does a good showing here.
I always enjoy going into these albums completely unaware as to what to expect, and I was not disappointed with this one. Shades of Leonard Cohen.
Bollywood is always entertaining and this one does not disappoint.
It's not London Calling, but the formation of Punk is still there.
This feels like the equivalent of a buck-a-scoop restaurant. Unmemorable, and leaves you hungry again within an hour.
I never knew French hip hop could be so intriguing.
Irish R&B. One of a kind, but requires a certain taste in music.
Marking the end of the first year of this endeavor. Sticky Fingers is probably my favorite album from the Rolling Stones. A delight from start to finish.
Starting off year two with a great album by Dolly Parton. Good album with lots of catchy riffs, but just not my style.
One of the most iconic Southern Rock bands of any era, Lynyrd Skynyrd cut a swath of hillbilly blues rock that forever changed the foundations of what music could be.
Unassuming and at times, underwhelming, but there are glimmers of what Dire Straits would become. Definite must listen for fans of the band.
Decent early punk album that has, unfortunately, been overshadowed in the intervening years. Still worth a listen.
Didn't really leave much of impression on me.
This one deserves more than one listen. It's good.
For such a beloved band, this album is a snooze.
Total snooze fest. Didn't even realize it was over for half an hour.
Brilliant marketing on the company's part to put the one good song at the very end of the album.
One of the hardest working bands in history, Deep Purple still just doesn't do it for me.
Part of the first wave British punk scene, the Buzzcocks would influence many bands in the years to come. Good listen, but not necessarily compelling.
While not a huge artist, his lyrics and beats are something to behold.
I love Nick Cave, but this was just too sonorous for me.
Wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. Still a decent album.
Costello and the Attractions are always a good bet for enjoyable music.
Supposedly hyper-influential, I found them to be boring, with sedative qualities.
Not as powerful as Thriller, but still a damn good album, regardless of the legacy and controversy around the man.
Not something I particularly enjoyed.
"Miss Jackson if you're nasty" (not on this album) shows the talent, skill, and prowess of being the sister of the greatest pop legend of all time. In spite of that, this album left me feeling unfulfilled.
That Damon Albarn went on to create The Gorillaz is a testament to the fact that even if you suck early on, you can still amazing things with the right people.
Two Song album that is rather enjoyable.
I know Roxy Music was really influential, but it holds zero appeal for me. Well crafted and executed songs bump this up a notch.
Didn't even register that the album was over.
Much like Puddle of Mudd, the only good songs on this album were the ones that received airplay. Dismal, whiny, and self-absorbed pablum.
It's alright. Nothing to write home about.
bland, forgettable, and dull.
EDM, trance, techno, rave... it's all essentially variations on a theme. play a couple of chords, put a beat to it, repeat ad nauseum.
More Jazz. Not bad, but not my thing.
Don McLean doing what Don McLean does best.
King Crimson is one of those bands that I have a lot of respect for, but little tolerance.
One of Cat Steven's best albums. I grew up on this album, and it helped shape my worldview from a young age.
Weird Folk rock. Not sure if I like it or not.
Ace of Spades is amazing. The rest of the album is pretty tame by today's standards.
This was a snoozefest.
Can't go wrong with Sister Sledge. Funkalicious soul.
The The is a difficult band to gauge. Just when you think you've got them figured out, they change styles and surprise you in whole new ways.
Very well put together album, just not my thing.
Eminem is a lot of things. Producer, grammy award winning artist, father, icon. However, he is not an artist I really care to listen to.
Don't really remember much about this.
this was not good.
What's amazing is offset by what isn't. Still, a decent album worth a listen.
One of my all-time favorite albums by U2, second only to The Joshua Tree.
Instantly forgettable Britpop.
The Queen of Folk. Enjoyable, but forgettable.
Meh.
Talking Heads first album only hints at what they would become.
For a jazz album, this one was pretty unremarkable.
A good house/EDM/digital album.
Not their best album, but definitely up there.
One of the best albums of all time. Contains one of the greatest songs ever performed.
Dark. Biting. Brutal. Funky as hell.
Iggy doing what he does best.
Weird, strange, different. Thoroughly enjoyable.
deep album, but not a big draw for me.
Started out surprising, finished off kinda dull.
At first, I was all "Oh great, it's Morrissey". The first couple of songs beat you over the head with proto-emo political tomfoolery, and the theme infuses the entire album, but once it evens out around halfway through, it's not terrible.
Weird, slightly unnerving. Biggest draw was that one of their songs has been used as a segue between stories on NPR.
snoozefest.
A great collection of white, British musicians playing traditionally black music.
It's Morrissey. Either you love him or you hate him. This one's a bit of a snooze.
An hour of recycling beats over and over for an interminable amount of time. Then, they run them all together in a mix for an hour, and *then* do it again, but with lyrics. Tedious.
For as much flack as she has gotten, she has some sold music, and really created a successful template for modern acts.
I can see why Niles was such a massive influence on the music scene. An exceedingly entertaining album.
No bad, not great. Decent album.
*yawn* more Morrissey.
Quintessential Buddy Holly.
Burke was a unique talent with a lot of power, and he is well worth a listen.
A little too country for my taste, but still an amazing album.
Elvis is Back, apparently from his stint in the military. The architect of the modern rock and roll style of music brings a whole record of songs that were stylistically more pop-ish than prior records. Still found it more or less forgettable.
Early The Who that feels more 50s pop and less 60s counterculture warhorse that they evolved into.
Peak Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Psychedelic, incoherent, free-wheeling from song to song.
blech. Brit synth-pop that is all saccharine, no sugar.
Count Basie was legendary for his jazz, and this is a decent example of his music.
Wasn't sure what I was getting into, and I'm still not sure what I just experienced.
Pre-David Gilmour led album that really makes you wonder if Pink Floyd would have really been as successful as it was if Syd Barrett hadn't succumbed to drug use and mental illness.
This was an absolute waste of time. Whiny, whingy, soft, pseudo-pop that needs to be forgotten.
I don't remember much of this album, so it can't be that good.
meh sort of Chill/house music. Nothing to really write home about.
One of the greatest and most influential albums of all time.
Probably their most accessible album. Lot of good stuff on here.
Marvin Gaye was a phenom in the soul/R&B realm. Unfortunately, this just isn't my jam. I do feel that this album does require multiple listens to really understand it however.
Yes, Brian Eno is a legendary producer, but this album was incredibly boring.
Eh, it's alright.
The album that made Pop Punk hip. Well assembled, but not really my taste.
Highly personal and influential album. Required listening.
Didn't leave much of an impression.
Apple is an amazing artist, but this just isn't to my taste.
In one ear and out the other.
Not bad, not great. Definitely influential.
This doesn't even being to hint at the sleazy powerhouse Aerosmith was to become in the 80s and 90s
Wasn't bad. Didn't really grab me though.
Not my cup of tea.
smooth, sexy, 90s jazz r&b.
It's Bjork. It's weird. It's fascinating. It's not really my cuppa.
I still don't understand the rabid appeal of these guys. Yeah, they had a couple of good songs, but that was it.
Not a bad album, but not really memorable either.
Playful, poppy, and sinister all at the same time.
Apparently there are two versions of The Kinks. This is the version that I was unfamiliar with, and feel more like a kid's band.
Once she gets away from the Mtv inspired pop songs, her true range comes out and you can really see what an amazing artist she is.
Good album with sold hits.
the Pet Shop Boys are a good indicator of how someone views sexuality. If they're into PSB, they have a wide, accepting view of sexuality. If not, they're probably more concerned about what's in someone pants.
mostly forgettable synth-wave band that attempted to give Lords of Acid a run for their money on a couple of songs.
I listened to it, but I couldn't tell you a thing about it.
If you love Lennon, this one is for you.
Different for sure.
Early proto-Europop that is probably best left where it was.
British political pop that loses a fair amount with the passage of time.
Opera? On my list? It's more common than you think. Not bad, not my cup of tea.
proto-punk garage rock at its finest.
Some nice throwback tunes, but the repetitive nature of their music quickly wears out this welcome.
completely unassuming and instantly forgettable.
Another album came and left before I knew it was over. Completely unremarkable or memorable.
Quiet, sardonic, and a final farewell from one of the greatest wordsmiths to ever grace our ears. Much like Bowie's Darkstar, this was Cohen's last album before his death, and it reflects his knowledge of the impending end.
British garage rock that really help develop the punk rock movement.
Personally, not one of my favorite Nick Cave albums.
What can I say? This is some decent late 80s Brit pop.
Don't remember specifics of this album, but I do remember it was well worth the listen.
Delicious Afro-synth music from the 80s.
One of his best albums to date.
While you can tell there's talent here, this is an early version of Genesis, before they refined their sound and made it big.
It's Muddy. If you love Delta Blues, this is a good album.
The album title genuinely reflects my feelings on it. It's not bad, it's not great.
A staple of my generation. It's got some timeless bangers, but for the most part, it's 80s pop, an dsort of adequate at that.
A Classic of the genre. Not their best, but damn near.
Bit of a yawner. Chill out techno.
weird, hypno, psychedelica noodling that overstays its welcome.
I remember listening to this, but not by much. I do remember enjoying it.
Experimental trippy mellow rock.
It's a shame Bolan died as early as he did. There's a lot of potential that was never realized on this album.
If you're really into prog-rock, you'll like this.
Didn't even realize the album was over. Completely non-rememberable.
One one hand, I'm glad to see something other than Radiohead or House. On the other, Dwight Yoakam? Seriously?
Weird as hell, but a fun ride.
Another unremarkable album.
Very indicative of late 80s/early 90s club pop. Interesting, but not enough substance for my tastes.
While it's not Morning View, this is still a solid album.
This is the kind of band that the movie This is Spinal Tap probably had in mind. Very 60s/70s Brit rock. A bit dated, pretty goofy, but still fun.
I've never been much for Echo and the Bunnymen, but this is still a decent album to put on in the background.
The name always throws me off. You come into it expecting blast beats, and gutturals, but you get trip hop. Regardless, it's a good listen.
Not a big fan of Buckley, but this was worth a listen.
When I was younger, I was always afraid of the gansta rap genre, and really felt uncomfortable with the language and imagery they used. Now that I'm older, I'm not scared, but I'm still uncomfortable. Not because of the language or imagery, but the fact that in the intervening decades, nothing has changed. Regardless, this is an important album.
Mostly covers, but this is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard.
Another one that I didn't realize was over until much later. It's good. Not my cup, but still worth a listen.
Early punk. good stuff, but over too soon.
Either you love the The Smiths, or you don't. I don't.
Grime does not really interest me, but there is definite talent and skill here. Not something I would actively seek out, but I wouldn't turn it off either.
Completely forgettable and uninteresting.
pleasantly surprised by this. A hidden gem.
Not the best album by Nina Simone, but definitely a good showcase of her talents.
Not my favorite Bowie Album, but definitely iconic.
Hard-edged punk influenced precursors to the industrial scene in the 90s.
Bluesy/Jazzy/70s soul
70s folk rock. Decent enough, but I didn't see any reason to stick around for it.
I know Madonna is a major icon to so many people, but this album was just a snoozefest for me. That's not to say I don't appreciate her works, this album was just a dud for me.
Another 70s folk rock album. Felt a little more present that previous entries, but still, not my cup.
Ugh. I know Parsons was part of a super group, but this was not enjoyable for me.
Not my personal favorite album, but this one has left an indelible mark on all genres of music - like it or not.
George Michael was always a head scratcher to me. When he was with Wham! I thought he was just some goofy pop artist. When he released Faith, I was a teenager, and really confused. This is an intense album, and I've come to terms with the fact that Michael was an incredibly attractive man, and that even though I'm cis, I can admire and enjoy beautiful men.
Not their best album.
It's good if you're into hip-hop.
Usually I love Public Image Ltd. but this album just left me cold.
While I appreciate what Joy Division did for music, I don't really dig it.
Never was a big fan of the Meat Puppets.
Mayfield has a smooth style that is really disrupted by his falsetto.
This is what happens when you judge an album by the band's name. I thought for a long time this was christian rock. Boy was I wrong.
One of the Dead's greatest albums.
Poppy Brit rock from the late 70s still holds up surprisingly well.
blech. I skip most soundtracks for this reason right here. Boring, uninspiring, and a waste of time.
While I dislike live albums, this one is pretty decent.
I just don't get it. This was a very tedious album.
Sometimes, an album is ruined not by poor craftsmanship, but just the sheer overwhelming presence of ego. This is one of those albums. It's got some great songs, but they're completely overshadowed by Corrigan's ego and conceit.
I thought this was going to be a fun little latin influenced folk album. I was wrong.
Brit Synth-pop that really doesn't go anywhere, even though it's got a heavy political charge to it.
I really dislike live albums, and I find the Dead to be kind of a bore.
A great album that holds up remarkably well decades later.
I can appreciate what Sonic Youth did for music in the 90s, but it still doesn't mean I like them.
Love the cover, not so much the music.
So good. Funk Soul that defined a genre of film.
Ahh, the Kinks. Sometimes good, sometimes great. This time, it's forgettable.
I really wanted to like this album, but I just couldn't get a feel for it.
I don't recall anything about this album.
A great album from a bygone era.
I wanted to like this, but it felt too commercial and calculated for my taste.
Masters of repetitious, obnoxious digital noise. The Prodigy were royalty of the Techno scene, but I preferred the back alleys and lesser known bands.
Back before Willie had really found his groove, there was Red Headed Stranger. Not a bad album, just not the style he became known for.
Shoe Gaze pioneers left me expecting more.
Not bad, but not my thing either. Classical music with assorted grunts and vocalizations from Jarrett (who I assume is getting freaky with the piano)
While I can dig Merle Haggard, this was earlier in his career, and a little too rustic for my taste.
Traditional country is not a genre I am familiar with, or enjoy for that matter. Still, it's a sight better than the "pop country" movement of the past thirty years.
One of Floyd's most polished and accessible albums. A nice follow-up to The Wall as well.
I really enjoyed this album
not a big husker dü fan.
Pretty forgettable album.
Never knew Bowie did an album that was 95% instrumental. Wasn't bad, but I wasn't ready for it either.
sounded good, but I don't remember much of anything about it.
Great album by some amazing talent. "Killing Me Softly" holds a special place in my heart.
very well put together, but uninteresting to my ears.
ugh. Did not enjoy this album at all.
Meh. The White Stripes had some good singles, but this album didn't do much of anything for me.
Avant-Garde Jazz meets psychedelia. Count me out.
Aside from some catchy earworms, this is an incredibly dull album.
Aside from their chart-topping single, Dexys really holds no appeal for me.
A classic album.
Not to my taste or style, but still a powerful album.
Interesting. Not sure what to make of it, but it wasn't as boring as I thought it might be.
My second MBV album, and still not impressed.
Powerful and entertaining album.
Did not like this one at all. Still, it was better than anything by Radiohead or Kanye.
Aside from "Bittersweet Symphony", there's nothing that really stands out.
A good first outing for the group, but I still prefer The Low Spark of High-heeled Boys.
Interesting album. Not bad, not great.
quick album that's nice as background music.
Rather interesting, theatrical bit of music.
Crowded House was ok in the day, and they haven't changed much since then.
Funkadelic has always been exciting and controversial, and this album was no different.
Interesting, but not overly so.
Much more entertaining and listenable than I was led to believe. A lot of fun, and an easy album to groove to.
I love the concept of Zappa and what he stood for, but his music just doesn't gain the same purchase.
This was such a fun album, if a little repetitive. Still, the amount of camp and kitsch here is unbeatable.
The Police's second album still holds up after almost 50 years.
Not my favorite album of his, but this is definitely a strong contender.
not my cup, but not bad.
Method Man, of Wu-Tang Clan spitting verses and calling hearses. Not my thing, but the lyrical genius cannot be ignored.
Springsteen is a powerful songwriter, but his delivery has been hit or miss for me. This one misses more than it hits.
Fun little album with some memorable songs, although I still prefer Cash's version of "Big Iron"
The Specials hold a place in my heart.
This is a fun album that has managed to not age all that much over the years
I can appreciate Krautrock themes, but this was boring and kind of painful.
While I'm sure there's a dedicated audience for this style of music, I am not in their ranks. While not as bad as Radiohead, it's close.
Not memorable enough to rate higher.
A beautiful, mellow Jazz album.
Very fast album. Over before I knew it
When he was on, Sinatra was electric. This is a good album, but my personal opinion about his character really colors my interpretations.
Weird. Not in a bad way, but not necessarily in a good way either.
It is really difficult to oversell Ginger Baker, and when he was paired with Fela Kuti, magic happened.
Hooker's blend of blues always is enjoyable.
One of the best albums I've ever heard.
Lenny is always good for some funk, but surprisingly forgettable.
Pere Ubu is really for a select, discerning audience. I'm not one of them.
It's a good, solid album from Steve Winwood.
Kate Bush is very good at what she does, but her style has never spoken to me. It haunts me occasionally, but it's not something I actively seek out.
While you can see the underpinnings of the Gorillaz here, this one is still a bit of a snooze-fest.
Low key almost jangle-trance. Don't remember any of it.
A couple of bops on this album can't really save it from my lack of interest.
While The Flaming Lips are an accomplished and celebrated band, I find them boring and uninspired.
Big yawn
The Chili Peppers have been around for a long time, and they have perfected their style of radio-friendly pop-funk. Some clunkers here, but some timeless gems as well.
No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't connect with this album.
I'm not one for live albums, but this is the rare exception. Good stuff.
It's another album that I know I listened to but can't remember anything about.
I had gone almost 50 years without listening to this, and I could have gone another 50 without missing anything. Kiss is way overblown in terms of technical merit, and aside from the singles, nothing on this album was memorable or worthwhile.
Peppy, poppy, exuberant, and saccharine sweet. Felt like anaphylactic shock about about halfway through.
A bona fide classic of the genre.
Not really my thing. Couldn't get into it.
Kate Bush is hugely influential, but I just can't dig her stuff.
A couple of good songs, but this style of folk rock never spoke to me. The Weight almost carries this album though.
While many people expect this to be full of pop rock radio anthems, there's a deeper blues side that is intriguing. Still didn't land with me, but it's worth a listen.
Started out really cool (The first song was the theme to The Exorcist), but then it just noodles and meanders its way through the rest of the album.
80s country. 'nuff said.
Don't remember much about this. I seem to think it was decent, but uneventful.
Korn was at the forefront of the rap-metal movement of the late 90s and to be honest, there are other bands with a similar style but sound so much better.
meh. Usual '60s proto-psychedelia.
While I dig reggae, this one just didn't do anything for me.
I don't remember anything about this album; I listened to it 12 hours ago.
Wildly influential but overbearing and grating at the same time. Wanted to rate it higher, but I just couldn't justify it.
A long-forgotten album by precursors to the punk, post-punk, techno, and industrial genres. Deeping disturbing, but hyper-influential.
R.E.M. has always been a bigger concept than artist for me. I love what they represent, but their music puts me to sleep.
As much as I love Billie Holiday, this one was a miss for me.
ugh. This is the second entry for The Fall on my list. This one was even more insufferable than the first one.
Early Stewart really shows off why he was such a popular draw.
Kind of cool, kind of fun, but ended up being the longest 38 minutes I've been through in a long time.
So good, but a little more poppy than I remember.
Not a fan of the vast majority of live albums, and Deep Purple has never been high on my list of favorite bands. Still a decent listen.
I don't get the appeal of this.
Such a good album. It's starting to show its age, however.
One of my all-time favorite albums.
I listened to this 15 minutes ago, and I can't tell you a damn thing about it.
Pretty typical Newman album, although I was a bit thrown when he started spittin' the 'n' word like a member of NWA.
started out really interesting, and then kind of faded into background noise.
Not very impressive and forgettable
Alternative Brit Pop that I could never get into, no matter how hard I tried.
Not as compelling as Rain Dogs, but some good songs on here will keep your interest. Unless you're not into noise.
I can't even begin to describe this. Fascinating, yet unmemorable.
One of the most influential and enduring albums of all time. Still prefer Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Garage rock from one of the first truly proto-punk bands.
Went much harder than I had anticipated.
Will need to listen to this one again. Wasn't super impressed, but there's an unease and sense of danger there that I would like to explore again.
Cohen always had the unique ability to speak to the soul without raising his voice. Not his best album, but it's pretty damn good.
This was interesting, but didn't hold my attention.
My late friend Robert loved these guys. I'd always bust his balls over how much Pantera sucks, but listening to this today reminded me of him. I miss you buddy. Also, Pantera still sucks.
Weird album. Don't know if I like it or not.
Fusing drum and electronica beats with traditional Indian music is a wild ride, man.
Not my favorite U2 album, but it's got some good songs.
Boring music from a boring band.
Very reminiscent of visits to the planetarium as a child. Cool little album that works well as background music.
It is a classic from the band that made leather lads metal.
It was alright, but didn't speak to me
A beautiful album from the masters of the craft.
Not sure how I feel about this one. It's interesting, but not compelling.
Weird, and not necessarily in a good way.
This is a fantastic album.
While at times feeling like an absolute relic of the 80s, this has some timeless songs that never grow old.
Madonna is one of those artists you either obsess over or mildly enjoy. I'm in the latter camp.
A timely album with timeless elements.
Was not expecting this album to be as enjoyable (or as short) as it is.
Did not like at all.
Decent album, but too niche for my taste.
The hardest working man in showbiz showing of his skill.
I tried. I really tried, but this was even worse than Radiohead.
A classic album, but a little too 60s-ish for me.
Their first album, while important, isn't necessarily their best. It's still decent though.
Never was a fan of Sepultura. Their music is good, but it just doesn't resonate.
This album surprised me. It started out almost tentative and scared, but by the end, it was full on riot grrrrl.
One of the greatest soul albums of all time.
Meh. 90s alt-girl pop.
This proto-kraut rock made me sour.
Decent album.
Wild, uneven garage rock.
noise rock for the sake of noise. Not to everyone's taste, but enjoyable under the proper conditions.
While I can appreciate the art and science Dre brings to the genre, I still can't get into this album.
The original frontman for Pink Floyd showcasing his unique take on music.
I appreciate Missy, and her contributions to the genre, but again, this just isn't my jam.
Solo work from one half of Steely Dan. There's some great stuff as well as some good stuff. If you like Steely Dan, you'll appreciate this.
Yet another album that caught me by surprise. Good stuff.
Hard to go wrong with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Always entertaining.
One of the greatest albums ever released.
Big yawn.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Cooper presents a much maligned album that is full of biting wit, humor, and shock.
One of Depeche Mode's more accessible albums. Definitely iconic.
Jennings being Jennings. *hunches back, grabs walker* This is what country used to be! *shakes fist at passing cloud*
Bowie's later stuff was either a real hit or a real miss for this listener. The Next Day is one of those rare albums that fell somewhere in between.
As much as I want to malign Donovan, I just can't. His tunes are catchy and enjoyable, if sometimes downright creepy (Sunshine Superman).
I don't remember much about this album, other than I listened to it. I was struck by how it wasn't anything I was expecting, but apparently, it was not enough to stick out.
Not my favorite Megadeth album, but its messages and sheer anger still resonate uncomfortably 30 years later.
Album #700 Chrissy Hines and the boys from Ohio in their debut album. Iconic, with some timeless songs, but on the whole, I have never been a huge Pretenders fan. Still, an album everyone needs to listen to at least once.
I understand and appreciate just how influential and important The Jesus and Mary Chain are, I just don't like their style of music that much.
It's a damn shame I didn't hear this sooner. This is some good stuff that really took me by surprise.
Medieval influenced Twee-pop. Less twee than her previous, but still too tonally sharp for me to enjoy.
The thing about "house" music was it was designed to be enjoyed while under the influence of brain chemistry altering chemicals. With the absence of those, this style of music gets incredibly repetitive and boring within 2 loops of a drum machine.
Proto-emo goth giants showing off a style that I just can't get into.
This was a weird album. It started out slow and melancholic, only to morph into a Queens of the Stone Age style of music just under halfway through.
Classic Traffic. Not as good as Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, but this album saw me through many miles of asphalt when I was still driving for a living.
Bragg is an interesting artist, and demands another listen or two.
While I am a big fan of "Cars" the rest of Numan's stylings leave me bored.
Much like The Who's "Tommy" or Pink Floyd's "The Wall", this is very much a concept album following the life of the title character, Arthur. Multiple listenings may be needed to really appreciate this album, but in this reviewer's barely influential opinion, it's too British for full enjoyment from a disaffected American.
Elvis Costello is amazing in small doses. Larger doses get a little tedious at times.
Ugh. I don't know if it's the falsetto pitch or the sugary twee-pop that gets under my skin so much, but I just don't enjoy this album. It feels all silicone and eyelash extender while trying to coax extra money out of daddy.
Meh. Neil Young just doesn't do it for me in most instances.
Normally, I love Stan Getz, but this one just didn't hold my interest.
While Slayer is one of the most influential metal bands of the last 50 years, I've never been able to take them seriously. When this first came out, I was scared of it, but once I listened, it sounded very amateurish and pedestrian. The upshot is that we got the tastiest guitar riff on "Raining Blood".
Oh boy! Repetitious repetition, over and over and over and over again! Great for when you're whacked out of your gourd on molly in the club, not so much when you're sitting in an office.
more repetition. This one is more bearable than Fatboy Slim in that there's more organic music, but it's still too heavy on repetition.
Very interesting. Very different. It's easy to see where the 90s industrial scene got its inspiration from. Rammstein seems to draw heavily from Laibach as well.
Feels very reminiscent of what the Seattle "Grunge Scene" devolved into, just a couple of years ahead of the curve.
I know Spence was the epitome of the 60s hippie musician, but this was just a slog.
While not fully developed yet, Lou Reed's lasting, indelible mark on the punk and new wave scene can already be witnessed here.
African jazz. I could take it or leave it.
This was an interesting jangle pop group out of England that is worth investigating.
Incredibly boring house music.
The queen of soul. This is a good album.
Listened to this twenty minutes ago, and I can't remember a thing about it.
Jesus. Over two hours of petulant noise.
The man in black is always a good draw.
While not as try hard as Limp Biskut, Manson is definitely up there in terms of terrifying parents and boring audiences.
A classic. Ocasek and the boys did a phenomenal job on this album. This also has my all-time favorite Cars song "Moving in Stereo". IYKYN.
Culture Club was an interesting band from the 80s. Lots of pastels, lots of gender bending confusion for conservatives, and lots of soul from a bunch of English white guys.
Sam Cooke was a wildly inspirational singer who reshaped the music scene in his image. I just don't really care for live albums.
Bleep Bloop trance that makes zero impression.
I don't even know where to start with this ramshackle amalgamation of noises. All I know is that I didn't enjoy it.
This is a yummy album. Sultry, smooth, and sexy as all get out. Don't understand why I don't dig it.
Ah, 60s pop. Some decent stuff here, but mostly forgettable.
Back in Black is a lot of things - a tribute to Bon Scott, an introduction to Brian Johnson, and a turning point in the band's trajectory that took them from bars and smaller venues to stadiums. Iconic, memorable, and timeless.
Starting out, the album is ethereal, yet plain. The second half is like a whole different band.
Wilco is another one of those bands that just doesn't do anything for me.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was an influential band, but a two disc album centered around their mythology just isn't as appealing as one would think.
The Surfers at the pinnacle of weirdness. Good stuff.
Cale definitely deserves a deeper look. I didn't know what to expect, and was happily surprised by this.
Not much for more traditional folk, but this was a decent album.
Devo is a national treasure and should be treated as such. Mothersbaugh has done so much for the art of music that it will take decades to fully understand his influence and contributions to the medium.
While My Bloody Valentine may be the progenitors of Shoegaze, it still doesn't make their music appealing.
boring trip-pop that didn't engender any interest.
Hard to go wrong with Yes, and this is proof why.
Bit of a yawner. early 2000s alt rock that's a bit soft.
Weird, psychedelic hippie music.
I've always found the Cocteau Twins to be boring. Nothing here changes my mind.
While not my style, it's obvious that both Big Boi and Andre 3000 are incredibly talented and able to bridge that gap between Southern Rap and mainstream music effortlessly.
The Stones earlier stuff is phenomenal, and this is one of their best.
the forefathers of punk. gritty, raw, and good.
Amazing. Cash takes some great songs and makes them personal. This has got to be one of his best albums ever.
fun, early pop-punk that still bops today.
Decent album. Not really my speed, but fun none the less.
Blur just doesn't do it for me.
It's Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The godfathers of modern rap. It's hard to go wrong with this.
While Beck has some really iconic songs on here, this still just feels like surreptitious propaganda for scientology.
This was much more enjoyable and interesting than I thought it was going to be.
I love Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and I love the legacy they have created. This album just doesn't thrill me though.
Daft Punk certainly redefined what electronic music can be, but their first outing is rife with the usual drum loops and repetitive notes that are found on so many electronic albums of the era.
50 cent has definitely made his mark on the gangsta rap genre, but I just could not get into it.
Was not aware that this was a live album, but it has all the soul, wit, and dry humor that makes Waits such a treasure.
After the Stooges, Iggy Pop went solo, and this is not the greatest representation of his talent.
nouveau-garage rock that didn't make much of an impression
Better than Youth and Young Manhood, but still not all that appealing.
Lou Reed showcasing his talents post Velvet Underground. Not bad. Not great, but not bad.
Another Albarn side project. Would be more into it if I was interested in England, or London.
Nothing stuck with me on this album.
It's got some great songs on here, and I can see why they were so popular, but it's just not my jam.
While he was not a nice human being, he had an amazing voice. This is an excellent collection of his music.
Different than most electronic. Definitely better.
While I appreciate the P-Funk Allstars grooves, and appreciate everything Shock-J did for hip-hop, this just isn't my jam.
Beefheart was a unique artist. Either you love him or you hate him, much like Zappa or Rush. If I'm in the right mood, this album is fantastic. Otherwise it's a major miss.
I normally have very strong feelings about Julian Cope and the Teardrop Explodes, but not today. This was a decent album.
Stills is a great songwriter, and there are some really good bops on this album, but with the changing landscape, his hippie vibes just don't land the same way they used to.
Long forgotten proto-punk band from England. This album felt like an early attempt at Violent Femmes style music.
This was my introduction to Julian Cope. Conflicted memories over this one, but it's still got some good stuff.
While most of the album is fairly forgettable, this does contain the title track, which is one of the most haunting and moving songs ever uttered.
Normally, I like Elvis Costello and the Attractions, but this album just seemed really whiny.
While having some great songs on here, this was really a disappointing album. If you want great Stones, check out Sticky Fingers.
Not a big PJ Harvey fan, but this seemed like a decent enough album.
Proof that the Beatles started out as a saccharine boy band that would eventually morph into one of the most definitive music makers ever. If these songs were released for the first time today, they'd sound no different from other boy bands.
I couldn't find anything compelling about this album.
Janis Joplin, a talent that was too big for this world. This is a fantastic album.
A classic look at traditional bluegrass and old school country. While not my cup of tea, the dedication and desire to document these songs, and the performers who sang them is commendable.
Prine was always an undervalued songsmith, and his first album is one of the greatest ever written.
Interesting concept, execution left a lot to be desired.