858
Albums Rated
3.01
Average Rating
79%
Complete
231 albums remaining
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1990s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
64
5-Star Albums
78
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
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Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Sex | 5 | 2.74 | +2.26 |
| Damaged | 5 | 2.87 | +2.13 |
| Out of Step | 5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
| Superfuzz Bigmuff | 5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
| Ghosteen | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Teenager Of The Year | 5 | 3 | +2 |
| The Libertines | 5 | 3 | +2 |
| Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus | 5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
| Eternally Yours | 5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
| Kimono My House | 5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off The Wall | 1 | 3.78 | -2.78 |
| Let's Stay Together | 1 | 3.76 | -2.76 |
| Appetite For Destruction | 1 | 3.74 | -2.74 |
| 21 | 1 | 3.69 | -2.69 |
| With The Beatles | 1 | 3.67 | -2.67 |
| A Love Supreme | 1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
| Arrival | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| We Are Family | 1 | 3.48 | -2.48 |
| Tidal | 1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
| Sign 'O' The Times | 1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 6 | 4.5 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.75 |
| Leonard Cohen | 4 | 4.5 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Smiths | 2 | 5 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 2 | 5 |
| Oasis | 2 | 5 |
| R.E.M. | 4 | 4.25 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 4.25 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Emmylou Harris | 2 | 1 |
| ABBA | 2 | 1 |
| George Michael | 2 | 1 |
| U2 | 4 | 1.75 |
| Adele | 2 | 1.5 |
| Prince | 2 | 1.5 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1.5 |
| Madonna | 2 | 1.5 |
| Alice Cooper | 2 | 1.5 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 2 |
| The Beach Boys | 3 | 2 |
| Talking Heads | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Fiona Apple | 1, 4 |
| Pere Ubu | 4, 1 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3, 4, 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (64)
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Popular Reviews
The Killers
4/5
Wouldn't call myself a killers fan but the first half of the album is full of hits. Reminds me of uni.
Second half isn't as good
All killer(s), half filler..... I'll see myself out
47 likes
1/5
This has a very specific audience doesn't it!? Housewives, who's husband's are shits.....
Unfortunately I don't fall into this category so it didn't really appeal.
Very dated, both in how it sounded and thematically. Not my cup of tea.
Perhaps if Loretta spent less time singing and recording songs, and more time doing as her husband told her, she may be in a better place, but alas
8 likes
Adam & The Ants
4/5
Met a guy in a bar once who told me he was a famous popstar in the 80s. I didn't really believe him, but he was Adamant......
I only knew Prince charming and stand and deliver prior to this, but this album wasn't what I expected. Was a bit glam rock, which surprised me, that opening track sounded like Hanoi rocks.
Probably didn't enjoy it enough to go back but it was far more interesting than I expected.
3.5
8 likes
5/5
Never heard of these and did not sound like I expected it to, judging by the cover and name. The image reminds me of Star Trek for some reason
Did sound very 70s though. I do tend to like this era of rock/psychedelic rock, whatever is is.
Really enjoyed it, total surprise. Really quite eclectic. Kinda progressive psych rock in parts but then not so much in others. More classic
The opening to life has just begun is like the opening to America by razorlight.....
Highlights:
Nature's way
Animal zoo
Mr skin
Street worm
Morning will come
Soldier
I'll definitely be back to this. Listened a second time and it's even better... Why haven't I heard of this!?
I think this is a 5
6 likes
Saint Etienne
2/5
Knew only love can break your heart. That's been played a lot and I guess stood the test of time.... But it was probably successful because of the Neil Young hook. I suppose I would've known this before the Neil Young version
The rest of it isn't bad, but it's definitely nothing special either... Not sure it's list worthy really. I liked the kinda dubby bass on some tracks.
Meh. 2.5
4 likes
4-Star Albums (233)
1-Star Albums (78)
All Ratings
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Meat Loaf
2/5
It's far too theatrical for my taste. I kinda get why people like it, and I almost want to, but it doesn't really do it for me
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Like it. 80s punk with a female vocalist. What more you want
Tricky
1/5
Not for me. Should've stuck with massive attack
Supergrass
4/5
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
Actually quite liked a lot of it but outstayed it's welcome by about 2 hours.
Blur
4/5
Britpop classic. The first half is great.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
The most interesting thing about this was learning that Elvis Costello used the pseudonym "Napoleon dynamite" for this album, yet the film having the same name was complete coincidence apparently.
I've listened to bits of this frequently since we had it on the list and it's my favourite Costello album, upgrading to 4
Beatles
3/5
Got some great songs on.... While my guitar gently weeps and blackbird. Helter skelter too.... But also a lot of shite
Lorde
1/5
I am Lorde, ya ya ya....
I don't hate it..... But it's not for me, wouldn't choose to listen to it. Probably not bad as far as pop albums go
Taylor Swift
3/5
I had written this off before I even listened..... But it's completely different to what I expected, not like the Taylor Swift I've heard on the radio.
I don't mind it!
The Cure
3/5
Moodier than my toddler. Very atmospheric
Lullaby and lovesong are great.
I like what I've heard of the cure but hadn't heard most of this before. Thought I would like the album more than I did. Not angsty enough anymore!
The Killers
4/5
Wouldn't call myself a killers fan but the first half of the album is full of hits. Reminds me of uni.
Second half isn't as good
All killer(s), half filler..... I'll see myself out
The Smiths
5/5
I don't know if Morrissey is joking when writing most of his songs and I don't care.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Funky as.
Gang Starr
5/5
Never heard Gang Starr before but this is amazing. Great flow. Old school hip hop
Reminds me of J5 or Abdominal...
Kraftwerk
3/5
I'm sure it was extremely innovative in 1974.... Not so much now. Don't mind it though
Hole
2/5
Meh. Don't dislike it but does nothing for me. I've listened to "live through this" in the past, which I much preferred.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Niiiicccee.
Inoffensive background music.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Never listened to a black Sabbath album before... Pretty much exactly what I expected. Got some cool riffs
3/5
Not as good as parklife imo but it's ok.
Hanoi Rocks
4/5
I've got a soft spot for 80s glam rock.
Lot of this sounds like it could be on a GTA vice city radio station and that's no bad thing
Tacky but enjoyed it!
The Prodigy
3/5
Nostalgic and undeniably a good album.... although not my genre of choice usually!
Update: every time a song from this album appears on my playlist, I skip it.... This tells me it's not for me. Going to a 3
Gene Clark
2/5
Nothing stands out particularly. Sorry Gene.
The Stooges
3/5
I've listened to raw power before and I didn't think too much of it so wasn't expecting to like this either...... However was pleasantly surprised.
Doesn't sound like it was made in 1969, can see how it was the inspiration for a lot of punk. The first 2 tracks are great.
The Pretty Things
2/5
Never heard of these before. Very Beatlesy. I liked the first 2 tracks but the rest didn't really grab me.
I like the "sound" of it though kinda
The Verve
3/5
I love melancholia but think this album is a bit much!
The hits are great, but played to death.
Lucky man is probably the best song imo
New York Dolls
4/5
Started off thinking I didn't like this but by the end I really did! The more punky tracks towards the end I really liked. Frankenstein, trash Almost sounded like rancid or the clash.
Some of it is very punk but some more rock. Guess it's still early days of punk...
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Quite enjoyed this. Never listened to an album like this before.
Strange album artwork for a jazz album but was pretty banging so fair play
Sister Sledge
1/5
Not sure disco is for me. The hits are catchy enough though
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
Think count Basie spoiled me with jazz, not so impressed by this... She has a good voice though.
Some of it sounds like it could be on a fallout soundtrack
Aimee Mann
2/5
Yawn.... I don't hate it but Christ it's boring.
Elliott Smith
4/5
This has elements of a lot of stuff I like but I'm not quite sure about it....
Bit Beatlesy sounding in parts. But then reminds me of the shins or the postal service in parts too. Strange
Interesting story this guy had. I might check out his other albums
Kacey Musgraves
1/5
No
Talking Heads
2/5
Listened to another talking heads album in the past and wasn't a fan. This hasn't changed my mind.
Maybe I don't get it but their sound does nothing for me.
Radiohead
3/5
Never heard this before. Very clearly Radiohead but also not really like other Radiohead albums I've heard.
Very atmospheric. Some was a bit abstract but enjoyed it overall
Wire
4/5
Pretty fun album. Didn't grab me at first but got better as it went on.
That is the Elastica riff right?
Garbage
3/5
Hits are great. Vow too. Very 90s. Quite enjoyed it
I could've sworn Garbage were Welsh though
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Really enjoyed that. Never listened to a Led Zeppelin album before. Not what I expected. So close to giving it a 5
Queen
2/5
I don't mind the odd Queen song but a whole album of Freddy showing off was too much
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
California dreaming is quality. Probably a daft thing to say but the album felt very dated. Was ok though
Fishbone
3/5
First ska of the list, nice! Ma and pa was the best track by far.
I don't know how to rate this. Never heard such a strange mix of styles in single album before. I listened to it 3 times though so that must say something....
Yes ska, yes rock, yes heavier rock, yes reggae, yes funk, just not all on the same album!
I enjoyed the ska, reggae and heavier tracks but then there were some really mediocre sounding tracks too which let it down (One day, slow bus moving and change). Too confusing
Some songs would be a 4 or 5, some would be 1 or 2.....
Dion
2/5
Not sure it's for me but I didn't dislike it really. Sounded well put together.
I complained that fish bone had too many styles..... This has the opposite problem
Le Tigre
2/5
Sanitised pop punk meh.
Actually quite disliked it.
"Slideshow at free university" was the only track I kinda liked and it didn't have the vocalist in
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
Classic rock and a good sounding live performance. Not really my thing but recognised most of the songs. This type of rock doesn't really exist anymore.
However, unfortunately it seems he is a piece of shit....
Mylo
3/5
Not sure it destroyed rock and roll but I didn't mind it.
Easy to listen to in the background.. Inoffensive electronic music. Probably wont go back in the future though
Culture Club
1/5
Karma chameleon aside, can't say I enjoyed it. Melting pot was quite good too
Very 80s.... But not the good kind of 80s
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Hmm not convinced. Found it pretty wanky.
"Waiting for a dream" was reminiscent of Radiohead.
Probably well put together and I'm just a pleb who doesn't appreciate it....
Tori Amos
3/5
She has a great voice and quite enjoyed the sound of the album. Not a patch on Kate Bush, which I think she is going for.
I don't think I am the target audience for this!
My mum used to really like Tori Amos so it's kinda nostalgic
The Strokes
5/5
Amazing album with a distinctive sound. Released in the early 2000s when a lot of these albums are going to be nostalgic for me.
"Last nite" rivals "Mr brightside" in the played to death category but the album has so many other great songs
Gets better as it goes on. Hard to explain, new York city cops, trying your luck and take it or leave it are all great
The xx
3/5
Recognised a lot of songs considering I don't know the band. Quite enjoyed it. Very chilled
The Doors
5/5
I've heard people talk about the doors and thought I wish I was cool enough to listen to the Doors. Now I am, and I liked it! The more bluesy tracks the best
Only track I knew was riders on the storm, from need for speed underground obviously
Really liked been down so long too... I'm sure that's been sampled somewhere but don't know by who
Songhoy Blues
3/5
I know the opening track but not sure where I would've heard it.... Probably radio 6.
I liked the sound of some the album, the language barrier was always going to make it slightly tricky to really like it I guess. I lost interest as it went on
The Doors
4/5
Double Doors!
As of 2 days ago I already knew I was cool enough to listen to the Doors, so no issues there.
I liked this too. Quite different to LA woman. This sounded more Beatlesy, or rather the Beatles sound Doorsy? I preferred the more blues sounding LA woman album.
However this had many more "hits" that I knew and I can imagine it was a bigger commercial success.
I should've given LA woman a 5, and this a 4, but alas.
The Kinks
3/5
I quite liked this, but nothing really grabbed me. All quite jangly and similar sounding.
I would imagine the Kinks have better albums then this. We shall see if they're on this list!
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
Only ever listened to songs for the death before... Which is quality
Really liked most of this too. Some towards the end was a bit different and experimental sounding but most of it sounded exactly how I would expect a qotsa album to sound.. Nothing new here really, which is no bad thing if you like their sound, and I do!
Songs for the death is better though
Beach House
3/5
Never heard of this group before.....
I barely noticed I was listening to it while working tbh. Completely inoffensive chilled background music. Nothing grabbed me, nothing offended me.
Beige
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
If Luke doesn't give this a 5 I will eat my hat....
The only living boy in New York is such a great song.
The boxer is good too.
Bridge over troubled water has its time and place.
A cassette of a cover of Cecilia, by Suggs, was the first music I ever bought embarrassingly
Can't say too much else interested me. It sounds more dated than 1970
Fats Domino
2/5
Great voice and knew a few songs. Didn't mind it but not really my thing. Probably wouldn't listen again
The B-52's
1/5
Bit silly.... Not for me.
I have to give this 1 as I gave fats Domino 2 and I preferred that massively.
Metallica
4/5
I've never listened to a Metallica album before.... Not forgiven the Napster debacle.
Hard to not do some head banging!
Enjoyed it and it was pretty much as I would have expected it to be. Very dramatic.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Enjoyed this. Good background music. Recognised a few songs too.
Not generally my thing.
Apparently "keep on movin" is so good they put it on the album twice!
Pulp
4/5
I completely missed pulp back in the 90s.
I've recently listened to different class for the first time and thought it was great.
This is good too but different. Took a few listens. I can't really pick out anything in particular but there was something about it
Help the aged was the only song I was familiar with but by no means the best
Will be listening to this again
Leonard Cohen
5/5
WOW!
This was absolutely incredible. Did not expect that.
His voice(!!!), the backing vocals, the finality of it all that comes from him being close to the end of his life.
I felt quite emotional in parts, only a very small amount of music does that to me.
I think this is up there with the best albums I've ever heard.
Albums like this, which I would have never listened to otherwise, are exactly why I wanted to work through this list.
The Black Crowes
2/5
Yeehaw.
Very American
Didn't mind it but if started grating on me by the end.
Animal Collective
2/5
I didn't like this. Had hints of indie pop type stuff that I normally do like but it was all too busy. Too much going on.
At the risk of sounding like my mum, it was all just noise
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Nice background music. Think the final song was the most interesting. Like with the previous non English album, it's hard to really appreciate.... But that's my problem
D'Angelo
1/5
He's got a good voice but R&B does nothing for me.
Lyrically uninteresting. Would not listen again
3/5
Sgt pepper, Lucy in the sky, and a day in the life are all really good songs...... I'm just not sure the rest of the album is all that interesting!
Yes it was probably revolutionary, but I'm just not that into the Beatles
Tina Turner
1/5
Knew the hits but nothing really did much for me.
It's very 80s.... But not the good kind
The cover of help was pretty shite
Sorry Tina
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Never listened to a creedence album before but liked the tracks I have heard.
This sounded pretty much like I expected it to and I enjoyed it!
Green River, Tombstone shadow, bad moon rising and sinister purpose were the highlights
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Actually listened to this album already this year.... She's got a very Irish real name!
Windmills of your mind is the most interesting song.
Quite like breakfast in bed too.
Nothing else really is that rememberable. Not a son of a peacher fan.
I don't dislike this so it's getting a 3
Big Star
3/5
Never heard of big star before this.....
After the first 4 tracks I wasn't convinced at all.
Femme fatale was really good but it's a cover...
It then got a bit more interesting but also a bit weird in parts.
Liked the cheery holocaust. Blue moon and nighttime too
Would probably listen again!
Pink Floyd
5/5
Great album....generally I'm not a huge fan of concept albums.
A lot of amazing songs.... Another brick in the wall, mother, goodbye blue sky, comfortably numb, hey you.
There are songs which the album could do without imo, but the good ones more than make up for them.
I nearly gave this a 4, then listened again and gave myself a slap..... Not their best album but still fantastic
My dad loves pink Floyd so heard this a lot growing up, very nostalgic.
Adele
2/5
She's got a great voice and it sounds very well put together.
Very honest, but it's all very samey.
Liked it more than I thought I would but shouldn't think I'll listen again
M.I.A.
2/5
There are some decent repetitive beats in here that are hard not to enjoy but that's not enough. Too synthetic and busy, but I suppose quite unique
I'd heard a few songs on the radio on the past, which are catchy enough but would never choose to listen to this.
The pixies lyrics in 20 dollar were particularly grating.
Would not go back
Timberland in "come around"was probably the best bit and that's saying something
Iggy Pop
2/5
Didn't particularly enjoy this.
I could tell Bowie was involved and kinda felt it would've sounded better if he was performing a lot of the songs. Iggy should've stuck with what he was good at.
If they were both sober while making this, they should've stuck to the drugs.
Laibach
2/5
This was complete madness.
At first I thought it was quite interesting but half way through I found myself checking how long I had left to listen to. The last third or so was absolutely mental and verging on unlistenable imo
I can imagine this appearing on an episode of Beavis and Butthead with them critiquing it.
The life is life cover was interesting!
I'm only giving this a 2 because it made me say "what the fuck" out loud while listening and also the fact that it was quite interesting
JAH JAH.....NEIN NEIN!
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I'd only listened to the velvet underground for the first time earlier this year. That was the velvet underground and Nico. I enjoyed that more than this one but still thought this was great.
Surprising amount of religious themes here.....
I really like Lou Reed's voice and writing
Highlights were pale blue eyes, what goes on and beginning to see the light
Bad Company
2/5
Never heard of these before.... Kinda wish it had stayed that way.
Inoffensive enough but Christ it was boring. Nothing at all stood out. Overproduced, sanitised, yawn. Completely forgettable
Did Leibach do this to me? Without jahs, neins and raus' I was lost...
Mj Cole
1/5
Not for me. Perhaps in a club 15 years or so ago.... Even then, probably not.
Big MC Grindah vibes on the radio interlude
Def Leppard
2/5
Not sure about this. Was quite enjoying it initially but it got old fast. Was waiting for pour some sugar on me and it never came....
Wasn't as stadium rock as I was expecting
New Order
3/5
Can hear Joy Division in a lot of this. Kinda mixed with pet shop boys. The riff on the second track sounds exactly like a cure song
Not generally a big fan of electronic synthesiser sounds and I much preferred the less synthy tracks
Think without the electronica I may have liked it more..... However all that being said, I listened again and found it was growing on me... Might go back to this
Billy Bragg
4/5
I like a bit of folk and I've got a soft spot for Billy Bragg, seen him live a couple of times, always a good show.... Helps if you're of a particular political persuasion.
Never heard of Wilco but sounded good too.
Thought the opening few tracks were fantastic, the rest of the album was good too. Overall really liked it
2/5
What Kinks I've heard in the past I've liked, none of it was on this album though.
I like the sound of this mostly. It sounded pretty dated. Thought it dragged a bit. The whole concept album type thing I generally am not a huge fan of.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
This was different!
I found it a bit weird to be honest. There were parts of songs which I thought were really nice, but then other parts that were hard to listen to and abrasive. They are probably telling a story or something and Im too basic to appreciate it.
The sound of someone you love who's going away and it doesn't matter (quite a title) was really nice in for the most part and the best track but again it got weird towards the end and I thought it ruined it.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
Never heard of this guy before. Reminded me a bit of José Gonzalez in parts.
Quite enjoyed it. Thought the opening few tracks were the best.
Shuggie Otis
2/5
Not sure about this. Not a big fan of soul anyway but I just thought it was lacking something. The funk wasn't funky enough! Not enough bass.
Inoffensive enough but didn't do anything for me.
Recognised strawberry letter 23 but nothing else
Shouldn't think I'll be listening again
Various Artists
1/5
Sorry but this is shite. Bah humbug!
I hate Christmas music, with a few exceptions, none of which are here.
Also it seems Phil Spector was a bad un
Ella Fitzgerald
2/5
Not really for me but I didn't really dislike it as a whole. Some of it sounds as if it would fit in a fallout game.
Coldplay
2/5
Don't think I've ever listened to a Coldplay album before...
Didn't do much for me really. Some good tracks but sounded a bit dull overall.
Think don't panic was the best track
Supergrass
4/5
Enjoyed this. Quite a mix of styles here. Think I might have preferred the previous supergrass album but this was still very good
The Stranglers
3/5
I thought I would like this more than I did. Still enjoyed it but thought it was lyrically a bit silly!
Funkadelic
4/5
This was great, not sure I've ever heard an album like this before.
That opening track was almost prog rock and didn't know what to expect afterwards but i enjoyed it.
Good mix of funk and rock.
Yes
3/5
More prog rock! Never heard these before, thought some tracks were really good, the opening track in particular. Others didn't do anything for me. Overall didn't mind it but only so much room for rock like this
Jamie isn't going to like this... Dad rock!
Dolly Parton
1/5
Country really isn't for me..... However, saying that, I didn't dislike this as much as I thought I would. Sorry Dolly et al. Also Dolly Parton has better songs than are on here
Dinosaur Jr.
5/5
Never heard of these before. Would've absolutely loved them when I was a teenager, surprised I hadn't heard them before.
Haven't had enough stuff like this on this list so far so they're getting a high score... Too much classic rock!
Kinda early grunge I guess? You'd think they influenced Nirvana by the sound of them.
Thought Sludgefeast, the lung, raisans and lose were the best tracks.
The cover of just like heaven wasn't bad either.
I'm going to listen to more of these, seems they were more punk earlier on.
Pantera
4/5
I know Pantera but never listened to an album before.
Enjoyed it, good change of pace from a lot of albums we've had recently.
Think "walk" and "fucking hostile" were the only songs I knew and are the best tracks imo. Tbf the whole first half of the album is really good.
I remember quite vividly when Dimebag got shot, which is a bit strange given I wasn't a fan particularly.
Nina Simone
2/5
Great voice and pleasant enough to have on in the background but didn't do much for me.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I've been meaning to give Kendrick a proper listen for ages. I love hip hop but generally not a big fan of "gangsta rap", especially the more recent way it's gone, post 80s and 90s. I think this is approaching the stuff I don't like so much.....
At the risk of sounding my age, rapping about money, "bitches", bling and violence doesn't really appeal to me! I know that's probably what he knew and grew up with, but it's old and I've heard it all before.
I wasn't sold when I wrote the previous bit but by the end and another listen I've completely changed my mind!
He's got great flow and some tracks I thought were quality and more of a commentary on the stuff I don't like. "The art of peer pressure", "Sing about me, I'm dying of thirst" and "good kid" were my favourites. Didn't like the singles so much!
Maybe on later albums there is less of the "gangsta rap" tropes. I liked this enough that I'll be going to find out!
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
I quite enjoyed this but can't deny it wasn't pretty bland. My dad was a fan when I was growing up, I didn't recognise any of this though. Perhaps they have more interesting albums...
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Hard not to like Bob Marley isn't it?
Probably never actually listened to a Bob Marley album that wasn't a greatest hits......
I thought I would enjoy this more than I did. It was good but it's all fairly samey and very sparse lyrically, often just a few lyrics repeated throughout songs.... Perhaps that's the beauty of it! I swear the same baseline was used in about 4 songs
I still enjoyed it though. Stir it up and high tide or low tide were the best.
David Bowie
4/5
Enjoyed that. Heard a lot of Bowie growing up.
Highlights were changes, oh you pretty things, life on Mars and Queen bitch
Beastie Boys
4/5
I've listened to Paul's boutique before but not this one....
I know it's all tongue in cheek but a lot of it is a bit silly and I wouldn't generally think to go back to this.
I think the Beasties sound best when there's guitars (guitar sounds) involved and it's a bit heavier. Fight for your right and no sleep till Brooklyn are the highlights here. And obviously can't forget brass monkey!
In fact, the second half of the album is much better than the first. Was going to give it a 3 but the latter half brings it to a 4
Jeff Beck
3/5
More classic rock... Yay!
I actually quite enjoyed some of this, some nice guitar playing and quite a mix of styles. But I think ultimately it's quite forgettable. I bet it was pretty innovative when it was released though
Also multiple songs on the album multiple times in the version on Spotify which made it too long.
Enjoyed Beck's bolero and the bluesy ones the most
Dr. Dre
2/5
As I said in the Kendrick review, I don't like gangsta rap and this is pretty much what I was referring to. I know this is considered hugely influential and is highly thought of but doesn't do much for me....We probably have this to thank in part for the popularity of gangsta rap in the 90s, and artists like the game and 50 cent, which I'm really not a fan of.
I can't deny that the beats on some of this are good.... but it's misogyny, gang violence, and ensuring we know how hard he is..... it doesn't do anything for me. There are more interesting things to rap about.
Ain't nothing but a g thang is a good track tbf.
Snoop is probably the highlight throughout the album and the reason it isn't getting a 1
Pixies
5/5
I missed the pixies growing up. Actually listened to this album for the first time last year and it's great!
Would've loved it as a teenager.
Full of great tracks but my favourites are debaser, here comes your man, monkey gone to heaven and crackity Jones
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Think Leonard Cohen might be the biggest revelation in this list so far for me.
Fantastic poet and really emotive voice.
Didn't enjoy this quite as much as "you want it darker" I don't think. This was more Bob Dylan esque I think. Which is no bad thing! I think his voice gets better with age too.
Think the highlights were avalanche, diamonds in the mine, famous blue raincoat and Joan of arc.
At least 2 of my 5 star albums now mention Joan of arc!
Beatles
3/5
The Beatles, more like the Boretles.... Am I right guys? Anyone? No....
Was actually in the cavern and rubber soul last night!
Think I said it last time, but the Beatles don't do much for me. The hits are often great but I don't find the rest of the album tracks very interesting at all.
However, in my life is a great song. Thought Norwegian wood was good too. The rest didn't do much for me, however it isn't bad
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
I like Alex Turner generally, although I don't think he's as clever as he thinks he is at times.
This wasn't bad but feels like it's missing something.... Knew the first 2 tracks.
I was pretty obsessed with "aviation" when that was released for a while, but alas, not oh this album.
Slipknot
2/5
Jeez these guys are angsty, they ok?
Never listened to a slipknot album before.
I want to say I would've liked this as an angsty teenager but I was an angsty teenager when it was released and I didn't like it then either...
Remember them being quite shocking to people when they first got popular, but it just feels gimmicky now.
I don't hate it, and wait and bleed and spit it out are good songs but not a big fan.
Hookworms
4/5
Never heard of these before....
Really enjoyed it, right up my street. This site says it is "rock" but it isn't. Not sure what I would call this but it reminds me of the shins, the postal service, or public service broadcasting.
I'll be listening again
The Who
3/5
I say this every time one comes up, but not a fan of a concept album generally..... However, this was the most interesting one I've heard.
The story is quite dark in parts really, but I kinda found some of the lyrics a bit funny/daft too which made it hard to take seriously... "You won't shout when I fiddle about" and "do you know how to play hide and seek, to find me would take you a week" spring to mind.
So Tommy is born blind, deaf and mute.... Gets bullied by a cousin, molested by an uncle, but is really good at pinball.... He is then miraculously cured and becomes a famous preacher who starts some sort of cult where you learn to play pinball without looking, hearing or speaking? Does that sum it up?
Pinball Wizard is the best track by far...I never realised the lyrics were "that deaf, dumb and blind kid sure pays a mean pinball"! Makes sense now!
Still not convinced by the concept or concept albums but it was interesting at least
The Cure
4/5
This is more what I expect an album by the cure to sound like. As opposed to disintegration.
Enjoyed it! A forest is the highlight. I gave disintegration 3 and I preferred this so has to get a 4.... Although that cold be a bit generous
Johnny Cash
4/5
Thought Folsom prison was the famous one? Didn't know this one.
Good though. The live performance and interaction with the crowd gives it something extra. Can't imagine a band playing in a prison now!
Already was pretty familiar with Johnny cash so no surprise I enjoyed this
Michael Jackson
1/5
Had a mate when I was about 10 who was very into Michael Jackson....I didn't understand it then and I still don't. Does nothing for me.
Appreciate he had a good voice and could dance but with a few exceptions, not a fan of his music at all.....
This album was probably more funk and discoey than I expected but didn't enjoy it. Wouldn't choose to listen to any of it again. Even the hits on this album aren't good ones
UB40
4/5
I enjoyed this although I'm not sure I could pick out any song in particular as a favourite. Was all fairy samey but very easy to listen to in the background.
Much less pop sounding and far more dubby than I expected, which was a nice surprise. Need more dub on this list.
Will be listening again
Dire Straits
3/5
Looking forward to finding out whether Jamie considers this good dad rock or not!
I really like dire straits but admittedly I've only heard their greatest hits before. I didn't dislike any of this album and sultans of swing is fantastic.
However, a lot of songs kinda meander about and I'm waiting for them to really get going, and they never quite do. They sound good though!
Neu!
3/5
Quite enjoyed this for the most part.... Think I preferred the first 3 songs to the rest. The more atmospheric ones were better then the punky ones imo. Without those songs I probably would've given it a 4. Still enjoyed it though
Bet this was pretty innovative in 1975.
Very public service broadcastingy again
Sex Pistols
4/5
I probably haven't heard this properly before, although had a mate who was into them for a bit. Apparently they were a manufactured band!
It was way better than I remembered it to be although I'm not sure how punk it really is..... Was probably the epitome of punk at the time but it sounds quite pop punky now to me, feels like it's trying to be edgy rather than it really is. Designed to shock type thing......Not sure about some of the lyrics either.
All that said, I enjoyed the sound and it undoubtedly inspired a lot of bands I grew up loving.
Nick Drake
4/5
Never heard any Nick Drake before
Hmm. I started thinking I really liked this but wasn't so sure by the end.
Got a kind of mystical, dreamy quality(???)
I didn't dislike any of it but not sure how much I really liked any of it either. It's fine I guess but won't be rushing back
Genesis
2/5
Now this is dad rock!
My dad used to play "the lamb lies down on Broadway" by genesis when I was younger.....I don't remember it sounding anything like this...
I thought I might like this but I did not at all! Sorry Phil. Found bits of it quite interesting but largely disliked it.
Maybe there will be other genesis albums on the list which I'll prefer.
1/5
No idea how this has made the list... Although I do remember my generation and Rollin being on every music channel for a long time. Can't remember if I liked it when it first came out.. Think I probably did but I remember a lot of taking the piss out of it too.
It is, and I'm sure always was terrible, no matter if I did like it as a angsty teenager and it goes on way too long. Trying to be so edgy and just quite bizarre in parts really.
Actually cringed during one track... Think it was "the one".
Take a look around is probably the best track.
Given I just gave genesis a 2 and I also gave slipknot a 2, I can't give this any more than a 1. Would feel too harsh on Phil Collins... Also it was terrible.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I really like what Nick Cave I've heard before, but this wasn't really what I was expecting. Not generally a fan of concept albums....
On first listen I didn't think it was that good, and I thought "o Malleys bar" was pretty terrible and tainted the album.
However, I gave it another listen and enjoyed it far more knowing more what to expect. Where the wild roses grow, the curse of millhaven and henry lee were the best tracks imo. The Dylan cover with the guests on was quite good too.
I still don't get "O Malleys bar", which apparently the album was written around.....Maybe I'm missing something? I'd have given it a 4 if this wasn't on the album!
I hope there's more nick cave on this list
Depeche Mode
2/5
Never listened to a Depeche mode album before but Kinda thought I knew what to expect.... and it lived up to it....
Generally not a fan of that synthy sound from the late 80s. Never liked personal Jesus. Enjoy the silence is better though.
Didn't really do anything for me. Forgettable.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Wasn't convinced during the first track but it grew on me as it went on and was really enjoying it by the end.
Very 60s sounding and sounded great.
Think my favourites were wooden ships and long time gone
Will listen again!
Everything But The Girl
2/5
I'd pretty much written this off before I listened to it....
It was better than I expected but still not really my thing at all. Most of it I didn't really like but she has a great voice and I quite liked the stripped back songs.
Can't see myself going back to it but I thought "these early days" and "apron strings" were the best tracks.... Likely because I have small children and they've made me soft!
Queen
2/5
Don't know why, by Queen just don't do it for me. It's not bad but just not something I really want to listen to. No hits here either.
Tbh I didn't really listen to this properly and give it a proper chance
The War On Drugs
4/5
Really enjoyed this for the most part. Some songs around the middle weren't so good and it was a tad samey but as a whole thought it was great.
Sounds a bit like mystery jets but also Springsteen and maybe even Dylan in parts
Will be listening again. The best tracks were under pressure, red eyes and burning
Radiohead
3/5
This was quite interesting. Didn't love it but was ok in the background. Prefer other Radiohead albums . Probably didn't give it a proper listen
Dead Kennedys
4/5
I actually didn't like this as much as I thought I would..... But was still good. Holiday in Cambodia, kill the poor and chemical warfare were the best tracks
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Pretty funky! Recognised the hits and enjoyed most of it. Bet this was banging when it was originally released.
Gorillaz
3/5
Big meh..... Never really been into Gorrilaz. Obviously know the hits, but nothing else here really did anything for me. Wasn't bad, just not very interesting at all, which is perhaps the worst thing you can say about an album
Del the funky homosapien has a good rap voice.
M1-A1 was probably the best track
Nirvana
5/5
Never really called myself a Nirvana fan, Was too young when they were huge. Obviously know them just never really went out of my way to listen to anything that wasn't on mtv2 or the radio.
I knew that I would like this but thought I would probably give it a 4. But there are so many good tracks on this album. I think the only one I'm not a fan of is scentless apprentice. Everything else is really good. All apologies is the best track but serve the servants and dumb are fantastic too.
Can't give it anything but a 5
Björk
3/5
Bjork hey....I didn't mind this on in the background. Probably wouldn't go back to it though.
I've listened to her debut album before and I think I preferred it to this, I didn't dislike this though
The Offspring
5/5
I used to absolutely love the offspring when I was a teenager. First gig I ever went to....Bought an offspring hoodie which was about 10 sizes too big and wore it religiously!
When I saw this come up I was a bit worried it wouldn't hold up to how I remembered it. It does though and it's massively nostalgic. Still think nearly every song is great. My favourites are probably smash, nitro, killboy powerhead, come out and play and gotta get away.
Dexter dropped out of his PhD when they got big and only recently went back and finished it, which is fair play.
I actually think Ignition and ixnay are slightly better albums than this, but it's close....I hope there are more on the list, but having this album was surprising enough.
6 out 5!
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I'm not sure about this. Bits of it I quite liked, but others not so much. Quite a few tracks I enjoyed until the end where they started throwing on weird electronic techno stuff and it put me off.
Sidewalk serfer girl, rings around the world, it's not the end of the world and juxtaposed with u were the best tracks.
I've listened to radiator before and much preferred it to this album.
Not bad as a whole but probably won't be going back.
Metallica
3/5
Never heard this before but apparently considered their best album by a lot of people.....
Wouldn't call myself a Metallica fan, but thought master of puppets was a good album, way better than this! I apparently like the more thrash metal sound better than their slower sound.
Enter sandman and nothing else matters are great songs though. The struggle within was good too.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
They don't make em like this anymore!
I imagine if I was in some smokey bar I would probably quite enjoy this..... However, it doesn't really do much for me tbh. Bit lechy in parts too. None of his big hitters either.
Doubt I'll be listening again. Sorry Frank
Fela Kuti
3/5
This was pretty funky, quite enjoyed it.
Not sure I'd listen again though. Also not sure I need a 15 minute drum solo track.
Morrissey
3/5
I really like the smiths, so thought this would be up my street..... Nothing particularly grabbed me here. It doesn't have the humour (intentional or not) that the smiths has. Nor the angst and melancholy that I like. Also no Johnny Marr either!
I don't dislike the sound, just not what I thought it would be. I'm fairly sure Morrissey has better albums than this, perhaps they'll turn up.
He's also done and said a fair amount of dodgy stuff in recent years... Can usually take what he says with a pinch of salt as that's what he does, but not so much recently. But art from artist and all that
Astrud Gilberto
1/5
Weird. Combination of hotel lobby, lift music and other nonsense. The one with the child singing was awful.
One of the reviewers said it sounds like a music from a scene with the fembots in Austin powers, which is pretty accurate
No thanks
The Jam
4/5
Knew I liked the sound of the Jam from what I've heard before, but can't say I've listened to an album.
Sounded pretty much as I expected, maybe a bit more poppy in parts. Preferred the more punky sounding tracks. But a solid album that didnt overstay it's welcome.
Only knew start and that's entertainment, but thought dream time, man in the corner shop and boy about town were good too. Hope there's more on the list
Amy Winehouse
2/5
She's got an interesting voice but it's just not really for me. Wouldn't choose to listen to this.
That being said, there are a lot of familiar songs on this album and nearly every song is of a similar quality. I think back to black is the best track
It's quite sad that so much of this album is about the struggles that eventually caught up with her.
I get why people like it, just not sure I do very much
John Lennon
3/5
This was probably better than I thought it would be, but didn't have high expectations. No desire to go back and listen to any of it again.
Imagine aside, I thought jealous guy was probably the best track, although it was probably more beatlesy than most of the rest of the album. Tbh the fact that this album just wasn't just more of the Beatles sound was unexpected to me.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Never heard of these before... Quite a mix of styles here and I enjoyed some of it. Other bits of it not so much! Some felt very dated and others I wouldn't have placed as being from the 60s.
Stepping stone and take a look at yourself were the best tracks. Not bad overall but probably won't be going back
Thundercat
4/5
This was a tricky one!
It is really interesting and I think some of it is really good... But some of it is not really my thing, probably the ones that are more R&B sounding.
Kendrick's verse in walk on by is great, but I don't think I like the rest of the song particularly....
I thought "A fans mail" was probably the second best song about a cat that I've heard.
Tokyo was funny but also fairly weird.
Jameels space ride was interesting too
Drink dat and them changes were really good.
Could possibly lose a handful of tracks and I probably would've enjoyed it more, but it was really interesting and don't think I've heard anything like this before.
At least 3.5 but it's getting a 4
Ute Lemper
1/5
Considering the names listed on this album, I thought this would be good. Not what I was expecting and did not enjoy it at all really.
Not for me
The National
5/5
Heard a few national tracks and liked them, the track on the Taylor Swift album we've had here was really good too..... But never listened to an album before.
Really melancholy sounding, right up my street. Enjoyed it and will be listening to more.
The only track I knew was bloodbuzz Ohio, think it was the best track too. Lemonworld and anyone's ghost were great too.
Probably have to be in a certain mood for the national, but I'll be back
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Nothing here did anything for me. Wasn't bad particularly but won't be going back. Big meh
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
Heard this album quite a few times already and really like it. I would say the repetitive drum loops and electronic sound isn't usually my thing.... But it kinda reminds me of the postal service in parts too..
Was released and played a lot around uni times too.
Highlights are North American scum, all my friends, and new York I love you. All my friends and new York are really great imo. All my friends gives me a really nostalgic feeling.
I do think there is some filler in there but largely a great album
Mike Oldfield
3/5
I used to have the iconic bit of tubular bells as a monophonic ringtone for a long time when I first got a mobile!
I enjoyed him telling me what instrument I was about to hear in the track....
This was pretty nice to listen to in the background while working, quite prog rocky without the rock. Did enjoy it but shouldn't think I'll be going back.
Not sure about the weird sailor bit, but ignoring I think Tubular bells part 1 was the best bit.
3.5 if I could
Tortoise
4/5
Had never heard of tortoise before so had no idea what to expect.
I enjoyed listening to it in the background while working. Interesting progressive sound. Found it reminded me a bit of public service broadcasting in parts (I seem to say this a lot).
I did enjoy it but I think it goes on the list of music I can have on in the background while working, but probably wouldn't listen to in other situations!
Cream
4/5
The wiki says this is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.....I definitely don't agree with that. I bet it was pretty mind blowing in the 60s though.
It is good, I just wanted it to go up another gear in quite a lot of tracks, turn up to 11 type thing.
Strange brew and sunshine of your love were the only tracks I knew and are probably the best. The following 3 i thought were quite dull. Tales of Ulysses was more interesting and SWLABR was the best of the tracks I didn't know.
I assume mothers lament was a bit of a joke.
Probably would give this 3.5 if I could
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
I remember "date with the night" was played a lot when it was released. Maps I knew too and is the better track.
I didn't mind the rest of it but can't say it did much for me. She has a good voice for this type of music
Not bad, not great
JAY Z
2/5
Never really listened to Jay z properly and I'm not a big fan of the hits so I didn't think I'd like this.
Better than I expected but it's more on the poppy side of hip hop than I like and there are a lot of the gangsta rap tropes I don't like. Seemed like all he rapped about was money. Boring.
Izzo and girls, girls, girls aren't my thing, but he has good flow. Thought never change and U don't know were the best tracks.
I started thinking this was better than I expected but was pretty disappointed by the end
XTC
1/5
Had absolutely no idea what to expect from this. Kinda wish I still didn't
My initial impression was it was very 80s, but there's quite a lot of different styles in here. Don't think I really like much of it though! Most of it sounds like it's trying to sound like something else.
Supergirl was quite catchy. 1000 umbrellas sounded a bit like Elvis Costello. The best track by far is dear God but that alone cannot redeem it. The rest is utter rubbish.
I would feel guilty giving this the same as jay z as I much preferred that so this is getting a 1. Dear God is good though!
Sonic Youth
4/5
I listened to this album for the first time last year.
Enjoyed it more this time. Quite progressive and slow to get going in parts but I love the punk sound. Having both male and female vocalists make it really interesting.
It sounds before it's time. Can see it likely inspired a lot of bands I grew up liking.
Highlights are teenage riot, silver rocket, hey Joni and eliminator jr
AC/DC
3/5
I mean, it's hard not to enjoy the sound, but it all sounds the same.
Wouldn't call myself an AC/DC fan, or of this stadium rock genre. Had a mate who loved KISS, and I never really got it.
Wouldn't choose to put an album on, but the odd song every now and again is decent enough.
Madness
2/5
Found this a slog to get through...way too long. I assume the remixes weren't on the original release, which would be for the best as they're all shit.
I'm a fan of trumpets and ska generally but did not enjoy this. Tomorrow's is the best track imo... House of fun and our house are good too I guess but so overplayed. The rest was not great. Lyrically uninteresting and a bit all over the place too. All a bit silly
Sorry Suggs, the fact you were the first tape I ever bought couldn't redeem this
The Saints
5/5
This was quality!
Never heard of them before but it was great. I wouldn't have guessed it was from the 70s.
Lots of energy, good use of brass (take note Suggs), good voice for punk.
I knew from the first couple of seconds of the opening track I was going to like it.
Reminded me of Iggy and the Stooges in parts, but he also sounds a bit like Tim Armstrong....
Highlights were:
Know your product,
List and found
This perfect day
The ballad
Private affair
I'll be back!
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Very listenable but I'm just not sure it's for me really. Didn't mind it though.
I think if I didn't know this was the rolling stones I would be more impressed.... Didn't live up to the hype type thing.
I also think they've got albums containing better tracks than are on this. Very long too
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
This was pretty interesting but don't think I'm interested in hearing it again tbh.
Think I enjoyed "Erzulie" with all the trumpets the most
Snoop Dogg
2/5
Same applies here that has applied to Dre and Jay Z.... More of the same gansta rap tropes zzzzz
I think this is probably more light hearted than Dre and the beats are better but still feels very dated now. He has a good voice and flow but the lyrical content bores me.
Gin and Juice is a great track though and pretty nostalgic.
Adele
1/5
She has a great voice and it sounds well put together...
But she has one trick and it's utterly dull and does nothing for me.
Someone like you is a good track but I had to listen to 45 minutes of suffocating dross to get to it and the terrible lovesong cover annoyed me
Gram Parsons
2/5
Not into country at all... This is probably the best sounding country we've had so far, but the bar was low.
I thought "ooh Lad Vegas" was the only track I really enjoyed. Can leave the rest
Bad Brains
3/5
Not what I was expecting. Thought bad brains were much more hardcore punk than this?
Apparently that was the case, but this album wasn't so much. I enjoyed some of it though.
I against I and house of suffering were the best tracks.
Maybe there will be other albums on the list
The Black Keys
3/5
I quite like what I've heard of the black keys in the past. This was quite good too and sounds really well produced.....I can't put my finger on why, but just felt something was missing.
As other reviews have said, a lot of songs make me think of car adverts...
3.5 if I could.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Now we're talking!
I've been moaning about not liking "gangsta rap" every time it appears....I don't think this falls in that category, although it definitely shares similarities. To me, this is hip hop and it's distinct from what snoop and Dre do for example.... Maybe I just like the east coast sound better.
Anyway, this is great. Great beats and flow. Actually rapping about something while not taking itself too seriously. All the different members have different rap styles and bring something individual. There's the hits that get you going then also the more storied ones. Think chessboxin is where it really gets going
Best tracks are:
Shame on a nigga
Wu tang Clan ain't nothing ta f wit
CREAM
Method Man
Da mystery of chessboxin
Protect ya neck
Grizzly Bear
3/5
The description of this sounded like I was going to really like it...
Didn't mind the sound of this but none of it really grabbed me and it was very samey. Shouldn't think I'll be going back.
The Dictators
4/5
Never heard of the dictators. It's definitely fun and must have inspired a lot of stuff I like. Not sure there's too many songs I'd go back to but I largely enjoyed it.
Wasn't a fan of the I got you babe cover.
Two tub man was probably my favourite.
3.5 if I could
Weather Report
2/5
Quite nice as background music but nothing more. Not really my thing. Didn't really dislike it, but equally rarely realised I was listening to it
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Really like Lou Reed's voice and writing. Very simple but emotive. I'm much more familiar with his solo work though.
I don't really know who Nico is, but she has a really nice voice and it complements Lou Reed.
This album is fantastic and clearly influential.
My favourites are:
I'm waiting for the man
Heroin
I'll be your mirror
Run run run
At tomorrow's parties
There she goes again
For me, I'll be your mirror and in waiting for the man are a cut above the rest
Rush
4/5
I've only heard of Rush from the trailer park boys....
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Quite progressive but very 80s in parts too.
YYZ and limelight were the best tracks.
YYZ reminded me of "yes" which we've had on this list
I recognise Tom Sawyer and I'm not sure why.
Some quality riffs. Feels like guilty pleasure music
Rush
2/5
2 Rush albums back to back.... The chances of that happening must be pretty slim.
Anyway, this was nowhere near as good as moving pictures. Their sound changed a lot in those 5 years. This felt much more dated to me. His more strained vocals grated on me too.
Shan't be going back to this album, I'll stick to moving pictures!
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
I've tried to listen to this before and it didn't grab me.... I listened to this twice this time, by on the second time I enjoyed it much more! Think the same happened with MAAD city... Although that album was a bit better
I enjoyed Wesley's theory and king kunta, great bass.
Alright is the best track by far for me
How much a dollar cost was good too. I think Kendrick is better when it's a bit more serious l....
I'll be going back to this
Gang Of Four
4/5
Wasn't sure at the start but by the end really enjoyed it
Reminded me of the clash.
I recognised at home he's a tourist and damaged goods
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Wasn't feeling this. Not my thing. A couple of songs were kinda nostalgic as they were played a lot at uni but shan't be listening again. Totally forgettable
Miles Davis
3/5
Great to listen to in the background and Spotify had taken me onto more jazz without me realising.
However, jazz isn't really my thing. Might go be back for something to listen to while working
I can appreciate that it's probably pretty good
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Proper old school. Probably didn't enjoy this at much as I thought I would.
A lot more similar to beastie boys than I thought too, but perhaps less fun!
Knew it's tricky and walk this way.
Enjoyed it but not sure enough to go back
Ozomatli
3/5
The difficulty in finding this put me off initially.... However it wasn't bad. Interesting sounds with some hip hop.
I did think some of the rapping was basic though
The highlight was "who's to blame" as I immediately recognised Charlie 2na from Jurassic 5. He was one of the founding members of this group apparently!
That alone is bringing it to a 3
Korn
1/5
Nu metal hey, was never a fan, but had some mates that were.
Made freak on a leash and got the life quite nostalgic. I also remember my mate liking my gift to you with the bagpipes at the start. The video for freak on a leash is also burned into my retinas as it was played constantly on kerrang.
The guitar sound and that drums I don't mind, but vocally it sounds horrible.
Not sure Ice cube has any place here and the Fred Durst track was absolute dog shit.
If this ended after the 4th track I might've given a higher score, but alas, it did not.
It's better than kid rock, but really not by much
1.5
Kid Rock
1/5
Probably a bit different to what I expected tbh. More "rapping" than I expected. Also perhaps slightly more listenable in terms of the riffs and beats that were going on in the background sometimes.
But, it's complete dross. His lyrics are so basic and often sound like a 12 year old wrote them.
"I don't steal from the rich and give to the poor, I steal from my bitches and give to the whores". *Chefs kiss
Also getting a child to rap about having a big dick is just weird
Again, as others said, creating this trailer park persona is weird, but arguably it worked I guess.
Very long too
Deep Purple
4/5
Enjoyed that. Wasn't sure I would as not all classic rock does it for me.
Highway star, pictures of home and smoke on the water were all great.
Got a little tired of it towards the end but overall really good
Doves
4/5
Was quite into doves for a while when this album was released but had since completely forgotten about them. Think they are man city fans and I had tickets to see them at the Etihad years ago!
There goes the fear, Satellites and Friday's dust were the highlights
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Thought I hadn't heard of him before but instantly recognised the opening track. Feel like it must've been on an advert?
Enjoyed this mostly though, thought the first half was much stronger
3.5 if I could but I'm feeling generous
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Quite enjoyed this as background music but probably not enough to go back to it and ultimately pretty forgettable.
Quite psychedelic sounding. Some was much better than others.
Tim Buckley
4/5
Enjoyed the opening tracks, and also the final track. Pretty filthy lyrically!
The rest was pretty good too, although pretty forgettable.
Highlights:
Move with me
Get on top
Make it right
3.5 if I could
Eagles
3/5
Never listened to the eagles before, enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Less poppy than I would've imagined.
Taking it easy is probably the highlight. Thought most of us are sad was pretty good too. Not sure I'm too fussed about the rest
Muddy Waters
4/5
Really easy to listen to. Hadn't noticed the album had finished and moved onto more blues..... Not sure if that's a compliment though?
I enjoyed it, probably didn't give it the attention it deserves. Will listen again. But fantastic sounding guitars and harmonicas. Not sure I can pick out specific highlights, but it all sounded good
Carole King
4/5
She has a fantastic voice and is an incredible song writer. It's produced really well too.... I would give it a 5 if I thought I would actually choose to listen to it.
There are some absolute classics on here though:
I feel the earth move
It's too late
Only getting a 4 as I'm not sure it's quite my thing, but I can appreciate its great and I did enjoy it
Fiona Apple
1/5
Inoffensive, uninteresting, uninspiring. Yawn
Would fit in a reception or a cafe or similar, but certainly not on a list of albums you should hear before you die.
R.E.M.
4/5
I have a soft spot for rem, my parents played them a lot when I was growing up. Although, I've never heard this album.
I thought I would enjoy it much more than I did. I know some people consider this their best album...I disagree! Automatic for the people is way better than this imo, I'm sure that will be on the list.
3 feels too low, 4 too high. 3.5
Beatles
4/5
Obligatory I am not a Beatles fan... Although, this was the best album of theirs we've had so far. Lots of tracks I knew. But, like most of their other albums, there's also a lot of tracks that I don't think are great.
Overall I don't think I'd choose to listen to much of this again
Highlights are:
Come together
Something
Octopus garden
I want you
Here comes the sun
Because
Carry the weight
I've just realised I've listed pretty much half of the album there so think it has to get a 4..... Still not a huge fan though!
David Bowie
4/5
I enjoyed that. Bowie is another that I heard a lot growing up, although not sure I've heard this one before. Recognised golden years.
Very interesting though, great guitars and drums. Less poppy then some of hits. More abstract
There's a reason he was so highly thought of hey
Station to station and TVC15 were my favourites
The Vines
4/5
The Vines! Now there's a name I haven't heard for a long time. Get free was played to absolute death when it was released. Good song though.
I had never listened to an album of theirs before. Was better than I expected. That opening track is very Nirvana.
I thought the slower "homesick" was quite good too.
Actually felt it lost its way as I got further into it and I was losing interest by the end. The opening half I enjoyed but seemed to be missing something from "get free" onwards. Overall pretty good though
Highlights:
Highly evolved
Outtathaway
Homesick
Get free
3.5/5
Orbital
2/5
Did not mind this in the background while working but it's not my thing. Very repetitive so easy to ignore largely.
Some tracks I disliked though, the ones which got a bit too dancey. Quality seconds was particularly grating
I didn't actively dislike much of it, but I won't be going back. 2 seems generous...
1.5
David Bowie
3/5
This was obviously a pretty momentous way to go out, and I think that makes this album greater than it actually is. Very abstract.
I don't think this is anywhere near as good as his other albums we've had on this list, but I dont dislike it. He's certainly been through a lot of styles in his career
I think Lazarus and I can't give everything away are the highlights
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Sounded so dated, moreso than 1964. Recognised quite a few songs.
Much preferred the Dusty in Memphis album we've had on this list.
Didn't mind this, won't be going back, but inoffensive enough. Not really my thing
Tears For Fears
2/5
Never listened to a tears for fears album before. I know their hits and I'm generally not a fan so wasn't expecting to enjoy this.
Very 80s, and not the kind that i enjoy
Shout and everybody wants to rule the world don't do it for me. I can leave the rest of the album too.
However, I think head over heels is a great track. By far the best thing about this album.
Head over heels aside, I won't be going back
Marty Robbins
3/5
Quite enjoyed this. Was getting a bit tired of it by the end as it's all very samey, but overall enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Also big iron is absolutely banging, gets stuck in my head every time I hear it and makes me want to play fallout again
Adam & The Ants
4/5
Met a guy in a bar once who told me he was a famous popstar in the 80s. I didn't really believe him, but he was Adamant......
I only knew Prince charming and stand and deliver prior to this, but this album wasn't what I expected. Was a bit glam rock, which surprised me, that opening track sounded like Hanoi rocks.
Probably didn't enjoy it enough to go back but it was far more interesting than I expected.
3.5
Moby
4/5
I forgot Moby existed....
He has gotten a lot of shit over the years, but I think this album is pretty great.
Some tracks were surprisingly nostalgic for me. I remember the video for why does my heart feel so bad pretty vividly. Must've struck a chord with my angsty teenage self
I would say this generally isn't my thing, but really enjoyed most of it. Didn't enjoy southside, body rock or machete with the higher bpms.... Prefer the more chilled tracks, but there is a good mix here and none of it is overbearing.
Highlights:
Porcelain
Why does my heart feel so bad
Natural blues
Guitar flute and string
Inside
Everloving
4.5 if I could, there's a few too many I didn't like to give a 5.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Enjoyed that. Think moreso than license to ill. This was more rocky, which I think is when they are best. Think it was less silly too
It did go on a bit though and some of the tracks on the second half of the album weren't the most exciting, but actually pretty good to listen to while working.
Highlights are:
Sure shot
Sabotage, which is fantastic
Get it together
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
I'd been waiting for this, was one of the few albums I loved as a teenager that I was pretty certain would be on this list....
I was obsessed with this album for a while. I actually remember buying the CD from HMV in Carlisle and listening to it on my diskman on the bus home. it's perfect for an angsty teenager. Such a mix in styles too, from really quite pretty piano, to slower emotional, to dream like, to love, all the way to quite heavy angry songs.
Lyrically, he can get a bit "look how deep I am" in parts. An ode to no one in particular, which incidentally used to be my favourite track.....
Loads of hits on the album though. The first half, which would've been the first CD, is way better than the second imo, but there are still lots of great tracks on the second too.
Highlights:
Mellon collie and the infinite sadness
Tonight tonight
Jelly Belly
Zero
Bullet with butterfly wings
To forgive
An ode to no one
Galapagos
Muzzle
Porcelina of the vast oceans
Bodies
Thirty three
1979
By starlight
Phew! I think only tales of a scorched earth and cupid de locke I can leave
U2
2/5
Never listened to a U2 album before I don't think.
This just all sounds so generic and safe. Yawn. Really didn't do much for me
Forgettable. Won't be going back
I guess one and mysterious ways are quite good tracks but still wouldn't choose to listen to them
Terence Trent D'Arby
1/5
Sounds pretty well put together and he has a good voice. Just not for me.
Really wasn't enjoying it by the end. 1 seems harsh, but there's no way I would be going back to this
1/5
This has a very specific audience doesn't it!? Housewives, who's husband's are shits.....
Unfortunately I don't fall into this category so it didn't really appeal.
Very dated, both in how it sounded and thematically. Not my cup of tea.
Perhaps if Loretta spent less time singing and recording songs, and more time doing as her husband told her, she may be in a better place, but alas
Yes
4/5
Probably enjoyed this less than the last yes album we had but still enjoyed this. Long meandering guitars.
I do like the sound, but I find myself wanting the long songs to really go somewhere and end up with something more and they don't really tend to. 3.5
Thin Lizzy
4/5
This was completely different to what I was expecting. I thought thin Lizzy were more kinda cheesy stadium rock. How wrong I was.
Thought this was really good overall.
David Holmes
2/5
Never heard of this guy before. Not really my kind of thing but occasionally don't mind repetitive electronic music.... If it's good
This wasn't. Thought "my mate Paul" and "gritty shaker" were quite good but a lot of the rest of it wasn't, and the samples often don't really go anywhere or seem to have a reason to be there.
Jamie is right, sounds like heist planning montage music!
Queen Latifah
4/5
I knew Queen Latifah was a rapper, but not sure I'd heard anything really and knew her mainly for film roles.
This was quality! Proper hip hop, there was also a bit of dub and reggae sounding stuff in there too. Much better than I expected.
Becoming clear to me that I definitely prefer the east coast sound.
Some of this sounded like DJ format, or rather format sounds like this. Particularly the track with de la soul and wrath of my madness.
Thought the guest artist songs kept it interesting too and it flew by.
Listened a second time and it has to be a 5. I'll be back!
Updating to 4 as I find myself skipping these tracks when they appear on my playlist
Aerosmith
2/5
Aerosmith are one of those bands I dislike without any real reason. Never listened to an album before and when I think of them I think of the deep impact song.....
This was different to what I expected and probably I probably enjoyed it more than I thought I would. More blues sounding.
Nothing here I would go back to though and still wouldn't call myself a fan.
2.5
Charles Mingus
1/5
Too Jazzy for me!
I was tired and jet lagged when listening to this and it just grated on me. Probably didn't give it a fair shout, but not sure how much more I would've enjoyed it anyway
Oasis
5/5
What a debut album. Yes, the lyrics are largely simple or nonsense, but they are so catchy and anthemic it doesn't matter. Their music makes you want to sing with your mates
I already love Oasis and this album so it's kinda hard to be subjective.... But, after hearing so many Beatles albums on this list, I appreciate more how similar sounding oasis are and how much they borrowed from the Beatles
I regret not seeing oasis live, closest I got was Noels high flying birds. They played loads of Oasis songs so was pretty close and it was great.
Strangely got a picture of George best on the cover. Rodney Marsh too though.
So many good tracks here but my favourites are:
Slide away
Cigarettes and alcohol
Supersonic
Live forever (the best track)
Rock n roll star
Easy 5 stars
The Darkness
5/5
Had forgotten about the darkness.... Great pop rock record though. Completely different to anything being released at the time.
I remember seeing them at Leeds festival 2003 and not knowing who they were beforehand. Their name made me think it was going to be some death metal band or something, but they were completely different and I loved it. Listened to this album a lot at the time.
Lots of good songs, but I think my favourite is love on the rocks with no ice.
It's getting a 5 for how different it was to everything else at the time
1/5
Long and largely uninteresting. To be fair, as background music some of it wasn't too bad but there's other background music I'd much prefer. Not sure why it's on the list
Megadeth
3/5
Not sure I've ever even heard a Megadeath song before.....
Not bad but didn't do much for me. Won't be going back but I enjoyed bits of it. No master of puppets , which I think is the only other thrash metal album we've had so far
Isaac Hayes
2/5
He's got a smooth voice. Guess this is in the category of Marvin Gaye. Unfortunately it didn't really do much for me.
An interview on the album I listened to too, strange choice! Also really long monologues in songs aren't for me
Won't be going back and didn't particularly enjoy it. Sorry chef
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
This was more like the nick cave I was expecting...I like somber and depressing music, but I must admit that this was approaching a bit too much for me by the end!
Very atmospheric
Into my arms is a really fantastic track and the best one on this album imo.... Im still unsure why I really like songs with religious themes, while being completely atheistic.....
(Are you) the one that I've been waiting for and Where do we go but nowhere were good too.
Really did not like green eyes and left a sour taste
I actually thought I'd enjoy this more than I did, still good though. I will be back when my mood takes me!
3.5
The Fall
4/5
Didn't really know the fall before this, but really enjoyed it. Very 80s sounding (the good kind), but also quite unique sounding too. Maybe reminded me of joy division a bit if that's not blasphemy... Great bass and drums and really interesting vocals
I think LA, couldn't get ahead and paintwork were my favourites.
Will listen again
Destiny's Child
1/5
Utter, utter, utter shite.
Comfortably the worst album we've had so far. First time I've had to skip through some songs on an album.
Rather listen to MJ Cole on repeat than have to listen to this again
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Not heard of these before but "television the drug of the nation" is pretty iconic and I knew that track. The best one too.
I like the sound of his voice but I'm not convinced that most of it is as clever as it thinks it is. Some of the lyrics weren't great, bit repetitive
Language of violence was quite the story
Overall not bad but probably won't be listening again
3
Björk
3/5
Actually listened to this album for the first time in the last couple of years.
She's definitely interesting, you can't deny that.
I do like some of the tracks on this, particularly Venus as a boy and big time sensuality.
Not sure I'd really choose to listen to it again, bit I don't dislike it
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
I would've called RHCP my favourite band for quite a long time around when this was released. This album was my first exposure to them. I remember my parents having this album and finding it weird that it was popular amongst my friends too...
I was a bit of a RHCP hipster and my favourite album flipped between blood sugar sex magik and one hot minute. I think both of them are better than this. This album is the point that they became a globally huge band, and imo, after this their music started going downhill by appealing to a wider audience.
However, this album is still great, and having not heard it for years, was much better than I was expecting. You can still hear the funkiness of their original sound (flea is quality), but also the more poppy sounds creeping in. Have to give it a 5, even though they have better albums, too many good tracks not to.
Highlights:
Scar tissue
Otherside
Get on top
Californication
Right on time
Road trippin
N.W.A.
3/5
Here we go again.... More misogyny and rapping about how tough you are. Zzzzz
Tbf, this is much better than the 90s solo stuff from Dre and the other West coast rappers.
They are actually rapping about real issues in this. Fuck the police is sadly still relevant 35 years later.
Aside from all the boring posturing, there are some great tracks on this, the best ones are:
Straight outta Compton
Fuck the police
Express yourself
3.5
Fred Neil
3/5
Never heard of this guy before. Everybody's Talkin I knew, but not this version, which is the original it turns out.... Think the Harry Nilsson version is actually better though, sorry Fred.
Thought dolphins was good too.
I didn't mind this at all, but none of it quite grabbed me.
Crowded House
3/5
Weirdly nostalgic for me. Had completely forgotten this, but brought back memories of my mum playing this in the car when I was little. Recognised quite a few tracks I had forgotten existed.
Very early nineties soppy sounding
I actually quite enjoyed some of this, but felt like I shouldn't be for some reason. Guilty pleasure type thing..... That being said, there were some really shit tracks on this too. If I could ditch half of the tracks I would've given it a higher score.
Highlights:
Fall at your feet
Weather with you
Four seasons in one day
3, but mostly for nostalgia sake
Jorge Ben Jor
2/5
Don't speak Portuguese, so had no comprehension of any of this. Quite enjoyed the sound though. Probably won't be back, hard to give a fair review without understanding any of it but it wasn't bad. 2.5
Keith Jarrett
3/5
All very pleasant. I do like piano music, think of I could choose any instrument to be a master of, it would be the piano.
The live recording of the concert made me feel like I've had a glimpse into a world which I wouldn't have experienced otherwise.
Bravo
He looks like Howard Moon on the cover.
Probably won't listen again, but glad I did!
Sheryl Crow
2/5
Probably slightly less poppy then I expected, but not for me really.
All I wanna do is by far the best track, but don't think I'd even choose to listen to that.
2, sorry Cheryl
Chicago
4/5
Well this wasn't what I was expecting!
I enjoyed the brass, but wasn't really grabbed by anything until "listen" and "poem 58"
Then it really came into it's own after the really long guitar song, which was pretty bad frankly. But "south California purples" and "I'm a man" were great. So was "liberation"
Really good overall, I'll be back
Pavement
4/5
Sounds really familiar, but don't think I've heard them before.... Some of it is very similar to Sonic youth, but then there's dinosaur junior in there too.
Enjoyed it. Some tracks more than others. Highlights are:
No life singed her
In the mouth a desert
Zurich is stained
Here
Not as good as Sonic youth or dinosaur junior, but I did enjoy the sound.
3.5 but feeling generous
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Ah the boss hey! Feels so American to me, but not the recent America, the American dream type America, the small town America...
My dad is a huge fan, although I'm not sure how much of this album he played... Springsteen hipster. Don't think I've heard this album in full before
I'm not a fan of born in the USA and dancing in the dark feels like a guilty pleasure. Can't help but picture Courtney Cox dancing
However, there are some really great tracks on here that evoke that American dream feeling. Think I like no surrender best.
Highlights are:
Downbound train
I'm on fire
No surrender
Dancing in the dark
My hometown
I'm pretty sure he has better albums than this, which will appear on this list, but still really enjoyed this
4.5
The Specials
5/5
I love ska but probably hadn't heard this album all the way through before.
I was thinking I would give it a 4, as there is a bit of filler in the first half of the album. But from monkey man onwards it's mostly great. The good songs make up for the few bad ones and there's too many for me not to give a 5
Highlights:
Message to you Rudy
Do the dog
Monkey man
New era
Blank expression
Too much too young
You're wondering now
Primal Scream
2/5
This passed me by a bit, thought some of it was ok, but largely didn't really enjoy it.
The songs with the robot voice thing annoyed me, but the ones with guitars were better. Medication was probably the best track, actually the last few weren't bad
Won't be listening again
Circle Jerks
5/5
Yes!
Heard of the circle jerks but don't think I've actually listened to them before.
This was great and I'm sure it inspired lots of bands I liked growing up. Nofx and pennywise spring to mind but must be many more.
Short and energetic. Proper punk. After the album finished Spotify played some great tracks too, bonus.
We've had a great ska album and a great punk album this week, they make up my first musical love, ska punk!
I have to give this a 5
1/5
Painfully 80s.
Did not enjoy it at all. Poison arrow is the pick of a bad bunch but it's all pretty bad
Mercifully, parts 2 and 3 of the look of love don't seem to exist, or at least aren't on this album.
Alice In Chains
3/5
This site and Wikipedia suggest this is grunge, but I wouldn't say it is at all really. More metal for me.
Had heard of them, but don't think I've ever listened to them before. The lead singers story seems like a bit of a sad one. Reflected in the lyrics of the majority of this album.
I'm sure I like a bit of misery more than most, but this was a bit much. I'm also not generally a metal fan, so this didn't do too much for me.
Overall not bad. 2 feels overly harsh so 3 it is, but I probably won't be going back
4/5
This is the 4th Bowie album we've had now and the highest globally rated..... It is good, but I'm not sure it's that much better than any of the others we've had.
The good tracks are really good, but a lot of the other tracks aren't special
I did enjoy it though. The final 3 tracks are all great. Think my favorite track is rock and roll suicide but the highlights are:
Starman
Ziggy stardust
Suffragette City
Rock n roll suicide
Beck
4/5
Not sure I've ever really listened to Beck before.
This was ok, none of it did too much for me and passed me by a bit.
Seems like Beck was having a bad time when he wrote this. Poor lad
Actually gave it a second listen and enjoyed it more. Very chilled but melancholic.
Highlights were:
The golden age
Lost cause
Already dead
3.5
Black Sabbath
3/5
Much more familiar with this album, than the previous vol 4 album we had.
I do think it's quite good, but some of the lyrics are laughably basic. Particularly in iron man.
Cool guitar, cool drums, often questionable lyrics and voice. Maybe I'm missing something and it's meant to be.
War pigs is a great track though. Paranoid is good too. Not really my thing overall.
3.5 but closer to 3
Van Morrison
4/5
Van Morrison is another that I heard a lot when I was younger. I have also listened to this album in the last year or so.
He has an unmistakable voice and style. Really enjoyed most of this, although it doesn't include any of his bigger hits.
Highlights:
Beside you
Sweet thing
Cyprus avenue
Madame George
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Said it last time, but it's hard not to enjoy Bob Marley. Think I preferred this one to the last album we had.
The version of no women no cry was more interesting than the more frequently played one. Lively up yourself is a classic. Thought them belly full was good too.
Maybe gets quite samey after a while but it's super easy to listen to
Talking Heads
2/5
I don't get talking heads, really doesn't do anything for me. It's not like it's terrible, but just doesn't grab me.
Too be fair, this was probably better than I was expecting, but still don't think it's for me and won't be going back
2.5
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Never listened to these before. Until engagingly recently I assumed they were some circa 2000 emo band.....
Hmm... On the face of it I feel like I should like it more than I did. The guitars and drums are often great, but so much distortion that I can't understand the vocals....Is that shoegaze? Not convinced.
I thought it got better towards the end of the album. "You never should" and "nothing much to lose" were the best tracks.
This was interesting enough that I might be back, but not sold
Radiohead
4/5
Never really considered myself a Radiohead fan, but I'm fairly familiar with them. This is their best album we've had on the list so far imo.... I think the bends may be better though? Sure it will turn up.
When they are good, they are fantastic, I'm just not sure all of it is quite at the same level.
Karma police is by far the best thing about this album. Can picture the music video when I hear the song.
No surprises is the next best thing about it.
Highlights:
Paranoid Android
Exit music
Karma police
No surprises
Lucky
Still not sure I'd call myself a fan, but too many good tracks not to give at least a 4
AC/DC
3/5
I snobbily see this kind of rock a bit basic and low hanging fruit type thing.... It is entertaining, but there's no substance to it.
This is probably better than their last album we had, but it's all samey. Back in black and you shook me all night long are the highlights.
I'd listen to those tracks again but not going to be missing out if I never hear any of the rest of it again
3, as it's not bad, it's just not that interesting when you have to listen to a whole album of it
Scissor Sisters
2/5
I guess kinda nostalgic, as was released the year I started uni and the singles were played a lot.
Not my thing though and the cover of comfortably numb annoyed me.
Very camp. It does sound well produced, but some of the lyrics were weird and just didn't do much for me.
Think 2 is generous
Louis Prima
3/5
Quite enjoyed this, but will probably never listen to any of it again. Sounds very of it's time and that time sounded fun
Prince
1/5
Never listened to a prince album before, but obviously know he's pretty iconic
Was all over the place and just thought it was a bit shit frankly. I didn't recognise any of the tracks and I don't really get what the fuss is about based on this album.
I thought the last few live tracks were probably the best and most coherent, but still didn't enjoy it and won't be back.
I know he's got some classic tracks, which I don't mind, but none are here
1.5
Emmylou Harris
1/5
More country! We don't really do country here in the UK.....
This might've been the best country we've had so far, but not really for me and I got tired of it pretty quickly
1.5
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Not familiar with this album..... Wasn't convinced for the first half, but thought it was much better from tonite onwards.
Highlights were:
Tonite
Can the police
American dream
Emotional haircut
No where near as good as sound of silver, but still unmistakably lcd Soundsystem
3.5
Alanis Morissette
3/5
My mum played it a lot when it was released so thought this might be quite nostalgic...
I think "you oughta know" and "head over feet" are really good tracks and by far the best things about this album. They are polar opposites in themes too.... I wouldn't want to piss her off
However, her voice, although pretty distinctive, is quite grating after a while and found myself wanting the album to be over. Fairly creepy hidden track too...
2.5, but 3 for those 2 tracks.
2/5
Kinda begrudgingly didn't mind this. Much better than achtung baby that we've had previously, but mostly because I knew the hits on this album.
Still not a u2 fan and I don't think I ever will be, but didn't dislike it like I thought I would. It's still all just so safe and dull though. Nothing remotely exciting here either
With or without you is probably the best track, although not sure I would be bothered if I never heard it again.... They also look like knobs on the album cover
2.5, I enjoyed Alanis more so this is getting 2
The Yardbirds
3/5
Not sure I've heard them before, although the name rings a bell.
The first couple of tracks were by far the best and thought we might be in for a great album.... But not sure the rest lived up to it.
Feels a bit kinksy maybe? Probably inspired a few bands
Didn't mind it, but probably won't be back
James Taylor
3/5
Never heard of this guy before.
It's all very nice sounding, but it's not very interesting and like a few of the public reviews have said, it's so sickly sweet. Nothing offensive, nothing too interesting either unfortunately.
Steam roller blues was decent
Thought the second half of final track, "suite for 20G" was the best bit! The more bluesy bits were the stand outs from the rest
The Undertones
4/5
Know a few undertones songs but never listened to an album. This sounded pretty much as I would've expected and I really enjoyed it.
Doesn't take itself too seriously, fun and energetic
Not sure it needed an under the boardwalk cover, but I'll let it off
Bonus points for mentioning subbuteo in the lyrics for "my perfect cousin". Can't be many songs that do that.
Highlights:
Hypnotised
Whizz kids
My perfect cousin
Wednesday week
I told you so
Bob Dylan
5/5
Taken over 250 albums to get our first Dylan album, there must be many more on the list.
Never heard this album, but knew the hits; rainy day woman, I want you, and just like a woman.
Overall this was great, as I expected. However, very harmonica heavy, moreso than I was expecting.
Visions of Johanna was the standout that I didn't know already.
Suck inside a mobile with the Memphis blues again is also great, but I swear that is on another of his albums too.
4.5, as I think he has albums I prefer but it's getting 5 anyway. Poetry
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
I noticed the high rating of the album and checked how high it is in the rankings.... It's second only to Abbey Road.
It's way better than Abbey Road in my opinion.
I can't not give it a 5. Dreams alone pretty much makes the album a 5.
On the face of it, a lot of the songs sound pretty upbeat, but there's a sadness behind them.
The fact that it's only 40 mins long really helps make it great too.
Highlights:
Dreams
Never going back again
Go your own way
The chain
Songbird
It does perhaps tail off a bit towards the end but really none of the tracks are bad.
5/5
Never heard of these and did not sound like I expected it to, judging by the cover and name. The image reminds me of Star Trek for some reason
Did sound very 70s though. I do tend to like this era of rock/psychedelic rock, whatever is is.
Really enjoyed it, total surprise. Really quite eclectic. Kinda progressive psych rock in parts but then not so much in others. More classic
The opening to life has just begun is like the opening to America by razorlight.....
Highlights:
Nature's way
Animal zoo
Mr skin
Street worm
Morning will come
Soldier
I'll definitely be back to this. Listened a second time and it's even better... Why haven't I heard of this!?
I think this is a 5
The Crusaders
2/5
Easy to listen to, but not very interesting. The album finished and I was listening to something else without noticing.... As background music it was quite nice
Recognised the opening track
Not much else to say, won't be back
Ramones
3/5
Know the Ramones but don't think I've ever listened to an album.
Might be weird to say, but not as punk as I was expecting, dare I say more pop punk.... Thought it would be more hardcore, but guess they likely wouldn't be so appealing to the masses if it were.
Didn't quite live up to the heights that I thought it might. Wanted it turned up to 11 and it didn't quite get there.
Was quite good though. Short songs, energetic. But lacking the tracks in more familiar with, blitzkrieg bop aside.
I'm sure lots of bands I like have this to be thankful for
3.5
ZZ Top
3/5
Don't think I've listened to zz top before... I like bluesy rock, although, I didn't enjoy this as much as I feel like I should've for some reason.
The opening few tracks are good and la grange was great. However, I feel like some of the rest of it was lacking a little bit. Thought "hot, blue, and righteous was particularly bad .
I wanted a lot of it to be more bluesy and heavier rock.
The 3 live tracks at the end of the album I listened to were really good though, bet I would enjoy it much more live
3
Nick Drake
4/5
I listened to this twice when we first had it and I couldn't decide what I thought of it.
Listening to Syd Barrett today made me think of this, they obviously share some similarities in mental health issues as well in sound.
This has a dream like quality to it, which I do like. Took me a few listens but I think I've decided this is very good!
Highlights:
Time has told me
River man
Day is done
Fruit tree (perhaps the most Syd Barrett like)
Saturday sun
I think I'll go back and listen to bryter layter again!
Hole
4/5
I've listened to this album before and it's much better then celebrity skin imo.
Violet, plump and Doll parts are both good tracks.
Pretty grungey really
3.5
The Young Rascals
2/5
This didn't do much for me. Feels like some pop group that were trying to jump on the Beatles band wagon.
Certainly wouldn't be calling it rock or psychedelic rock as this site suggests. Definitely pop for me.
Too fluffy. Nothing here I'll be going back to or remember
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Don't think this was as good as his other albums we've had so far but still really enjoyed it.
Kinda sounded like he hadn't quite found his singing style in this album yet... Particularly in that opening track.
I do think Leonard Cohen is one of the most interesting artists which I'd never listened to from this list
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
I knew of a tribe called quest and the famous tracks but never listened to an album.
This was better than I was expecting and further adds to my theory that I much prefer East Coast to the West Coast!
This is the sound I think of when I think of hip hop.
Was really chilled in parts, but then pretty funky with great bass lines in others. Great flow. I'll be listening again.
The Band
3/5
I've actually listened to this album before on a list of the greatest 100 albums of all time....
To me it kinda sounds of it's time but equally not too dated. I think the album starts well, but does tail off as it goes on and by the end I had had enough.
My favorite tracks were:
Across the great divide
Rag mama rag
Up on cripple Creek
Syd Barrett
3/5
I know the story of Syd Barrett, not sure I was aware he actually released solo stuff though, not heard it anyway.
The more coherent parts of this weren't bad, bit like the more drug fueled Beatles era.
Towards the end of this album, it just doesn't sound finished.
Some strange lyrics in here.... Too many psychedelics, or mental health issues? Why not both.
Glad I've heard it, but don't think I'll be back
I think dark globe was my favorite. Octopus was very beatlesy but good
This reminded me that I still needed to rate Nick Drake.... Similarities here, but Syd is much less positive somehow, and not as good frankly
Simple Minds
1/5
2 80s 4 me
Didn't enjoy any of this really, this kind of 80s sound just doesn't do anything for me at all...I will concede that there is some good bass at times but still no
Elis Regina
3/5
It's always hard to make a proper judgement when there's a language barrier. Have to go solely on how it sounds.....
She definitely has a good voice, I just don't know what she was singing about!
It sounded ok. Not sure I'm really that into samba or jazz though but was fine in the background. Apparently it's a compilation album, so should be her best stuff.... Hmm
Talking Heads
2/5
This is our third talking heads album on the list and I think the most famous one? I've listened to this one before.
I can safely say I just do not get talking heads. It just feels a bit all over the place and experimental. I know a lot of people like them and I've tried!
I enjoyed the last few songs on the album which were "unfinished outtakes" the most, which didn't have the lead singer in so I can only assume he's what I don't like.
Even once in a lifetime, I know it, but not sure how much I like it
Sorry talking heads, I tried, but we're done
Motörhead
3/5
Know Ace of spades, but not much else really.
Sounded exactly like you'd expect a Motorhead album to sound. I like the sound, it's hard not to, but much like ac/dc, it all sounds the same. Think I preferred the first half more, the sound got tiring by the end
Jailbait has some hugely questionable lyrics. In fact, there's a few! So does the chase is better than the catch...
Feel like once you've heard Ace of spades, you've kinda heard enough!
3.5
Jeru The Damaja
4/5
Not heard of this guy before.
Thought this was quite good, but something didn't quite grab me.There is the good old misogyny trope in a few tracks which is boring.
That being said, there was some good flow and beats at times
Highlights:
Mental stamina
You can't stop the prophet
Jungle music
3.5 but it's getting 4 as I gave Motorhead 3.5 and it's better than that
Big Black
4/5
Never heard of big black.
Really interesting sound, not like any other punk I can think of. Think it's the drum machine.
I really enjoyed this, it's a shame it's not on Spotify and I can't add to my playlist.
Liked Kerosene and bazooka Joe
Os Mutantes
4/5
Again, the language barrier makes it tricky to give a fair review....
A minha menina must have been on an advert or similar as I recognise it.
Unless my French gcse fails me, there's some French in here too. Le premier Bonheur du jour.
I enjoyed this. Was eclectic enough to be interesting, without me understanding the lyrics
My favorites were:
A minha menina
Le premier Bonheur du jour
Bar macumba
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Ooh not listened to this before. Bet some of the stuff he was doing with the guitar was mind blowing when this was released.
The hits are fantastic, although I perhaps thought I might have enjoyed the other album tracks more than I did.
Purple haze is an amazing opener, almost think it shouldn't open with that track!
Still great overall, but the fact that I was expecting it to be great made it difficult for it to live up to my expectations.
Highlights:
Purple haze
Hey Joe
Fire
The wind cries Mary
Highway Chile
4.5, but only because I thought I would enjoy it more
The Who
3/5
Considerably better than Tommy. Although this still kinda felt a bit theatrical??
Some really good tracks here but somehow I feel I should've enjoyed it more than I did
Highlights:
Baba o Reilly
Behind blue eyes
Naked eye
Won't get fooled again
It's very dad rock. Didn't dislike it by any means, just not sure how bothered I am about going back to any of it. Think this style of rock just isn't quite my thing
Bob Dylan
4/5
Early Bob Dylan..... Apart from the big tracks I knew, this was a bit different to what I was expecting. More bluesy, which I liked. But also lyrically not as interesting as I expect from him.
That being said, this is still great. Highlights are:
Blowing in the wind
A hard rains a gonna fall
Don't think twice it's alright
4.5
Soft Machine
2/5
Imagine going to see this live and waiting about 10 minutes for something to happen in a song......
I don't mind progressive music but that opening track was too much of nothing but noises.
Second track was better, quite jazzy.
I dunno, rest of it passed me by a bit. Not horrible, but certainly won't be back
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
2 prog albums in a row.....
This is better than the soft machine one we had yesterday, not saying much there though.
Seems strange to have one 20 minute song and then "normal" lengthed tracks for the remainder of the album.
I actually quite liked bits of this, but I don't like having to wait so long in-between finding them. I thought I was about half way through the album before realising I was still on the opening track.
Cool album cover.
The last track feels completely out of place, like some crap 50s dance track.
It's getting a 3 as I was too generous giving yesterday's album a 2.
Joan Armatrading
2/5
Didn't recognise the name but knew love and affection when it came on. That guy in that track has a crazy deep voice
She has a great voice and I enjoyed the first few tracks, but lost interest as it went on.
By no means bad, but not really my thing
Highlights:
Love and affection
Down to zero
2.5
Duran Duran
4/5
I usually say I don't like the 80s sound, but there's something about Duran Duran. The bass is great, it's interesting, doesn't all sound the same.
Really quite enjoyed this. Hungry like the wolf is an absolute tune, so is Rio to be fair.
Highlights:
Rio
Hungry like the wolf
Hold back the rain
Last chance on the stairway
So much better than I was expecting
3.5
Linkin Park
4/5
This is difficult to rate.... Very nostalgic, but very much of a time. Is nu metal like this still made? Is it nu metal???
I would've been 14 when this was released, which would've been around the perfect age for this. I'm not actually sure how much I was into them at the time, but I've heard it a lot and definitely had friends who were. I remember a lot of Linkin Park hoodies.
That being said, I know it quite well and there are still some really good tracks. But Jesus Christ it's angsty.... With hindsight, It's clear Chester was really suffering
It gets a little bit limp bizkit in parts, which I don't like. Forgotten in particular.
Highlights:
A place for my head
One step closer
Points of authority
In the end
Not sure how much I would like it if I was hearing it for the first time now, but for nostalgia's sake, it's getting a 3.5
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I enjoyed the last Siouxie and the banshees album we had, seems like a long time ago!
I don't think I enjoyed this one quite as much, but still liked the sound. The cover of helter-skelter was arguably better than the original.
Highlights
Carcass
Hong Kong garden
3.5 as I gave the other one a 4
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I didn't think I was going to like this. But it's actually pretty interesting!
Definitely not a fan of it all, but there were some good tracks. I listened to it 4 times, so it must have something about it!
Don't get many xylophones in music do you!?
Highlights:
I don't remember
Family snapshot
And through the wire
Lead a normal life
Games without frontiers (only one I recognised)
4, could've given more, but I don't like the opening few tracks particularly. I'll be back
Hugh Masekela
2/5
Yes, it's jazz alright!
Quite enjoyed it, but mostly as background music really. It's difficult to give jazz records a fair score as I'm probably never choosing to listen to it again, and I couldn't pick any song out individually that I enjoyed
But overall it's not bad. Probably demonstrating my ignorance here
Saying all this, I felt it got worse as it went on and I was thoroughly bored of it by the end....2.5
Elton John
3/5
Obviously know his hits, but never listened to an album before...
The opening track was not what I was expecting at all. Thought I might have got him all wrong.... Then candle in the wind came on, which was played to death in the 90s and is crap.
I can't say I enjoyed too much more of it
Goodbye yellow brick road is ok I guess. Saturday night's alright is half decent.
I appreciate it's put together well, and he's got a good voice and is pretty good at piano.... But not really for me. Although, I bet singing along with a huge live crowd would be amazing
Funeral for a friend/love lies bleeding was my favourite though and it catfished me into thinking the rest of the album would follow suit... It didn't.
2 feels harsh so 2.5
John Coltrane
1/5
I didn't enjoy this. Too jazzy! All over the place in parts and too jarring. I know that's probably part of the appeal and I'm meant to appreciate the technicality, but I don't!
I enjoyed the Hugh Masekela album more than this so this is getting a 1.5
Joy Division
4/5
On paper joy Division should be right up my street... I do like them, but clearly don't get them like some people do. This seems to be a theme in the public reviews too.
Would've heard this a lot growing up, my dad's favourite band. I definitely get it more now than I did as a kid
Massively distinctive sound and voice. The off beat drums and bass are quality.
Some of it is great, some not so much. The start of disorder gives me goosebumps, which is pretty rare
Highlights:
Disorder
New dawn fades
She's lost control
Shadowplay
Aerosmith
3/5
Never been an aerosmith fan, although this was probably a bit better than I was expecting.
Don't think Love in an elevator is a good track, but the only one I knew. Think there were better ones.
Water song/Janie's got a gun probably the highlight but doubt I'll be back
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Not sure I've ever properly listened to Biggie before....
Firstly, we get it, you've had sex. Secondly, as I've said before, the misogyny and violence is generally tiring in rap. The stuff in-between tracks detracts from it....
Now that's out of the way... His flow is something else, not sure I can think of better. It's not that it's lyrically complex, it isn't mostly, he just makes telling a story sound so good and effortless. The beats are great too.
Highlights:
Things done changed
Ready to die
Everyday struggle
Suicidal thoughts
Unfortunately, I don't think it's aged well and it's just a bit too gangsta for my liking, but some of it is so good regardless. Probably would've given it a 5 without the gangsta tropes. Evidently, he was rapping about his life, but I can't relate
Still a high 3.5, I never need to hear a lot of it again, but will definitely be adding the above tracks to my playlist.
Was just looking who the other rapper was on gimme the loot, and it's also Biggie, which is impressive.
The Stone Roses
4/5
So is he the resurrection? Or is the devil already in him? Which one is it Ian?
Great record though with a lot of pretty iconic tracks on. Getting a 4 as it is quite samey and some of the tracks aren't as good as the big hitters.
Highlights:
I wanna be adored
She bangs the drums
Waterfall
Made of stone
This is the one
I am the resurrection
Fools gold
That's a lot of good tracks! 4.5
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Pretty atmospheric and moody. Didn't mind it, but doubt I'll be back
Beatles
1/5
Much more classic rock and roll than I expected, but still obviously the Beatles.
Not a fan.
1. Harsh, but it's 6am and I'm at Heathrow and allowed after a long flight!
The Everly Brothers
1/5
Fuck. Off.
Miles Davis
1/5
I've listened to some miles Davis in the past, and I'm sure I enjoyed it much more than this.
I found this really difficult to get through. I need structure in music. I have no idea where any of this is going and I can't enjoy it because of this. Is stressful
26 minutes is too long for a track!
There's no way I would ever choose to listen to any of this again and I didn't enjoy it. Has to be a 1. Probably demonstrates my ignorance
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Much more palatable than the miles Davis album we just had.
Recognised "take five" but not sure where from.
This type of jazz I can handle, but just to serve as background music.
Highlights:
Blue rondo a la Turk
Take five
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
I don't really know what this is! Quite good in parts, but with jazzy interludes in songs. Frankly, I've had enough of jazz over the last 3 albums.
But, bits of this were actually quite good.
I recognised spinning wheel.
2.5 I think. Might've given it more if I wasn't jazzed out
Neil Young
4/5
Wouldn't say I'm overly familiar with Neil young, but I've listened to harvest before. Not heard this one though.
Enjoyed it, I think perhaps harvest is better, but this was very good too. He's got a really distinctive voice, and Jamie is right, he can't really sing. But there's something about him which makes it sound great.
Feels like the type of album which would grow on me. I'll be back
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Listened to this before. Not sure Stevie wonder if quite my thing but it's pretty enjoyable.
Higher ground is a great track.
Visions is good too
3.5
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
I remember when this was released, I definitely didn't think much of it at the time and it wasn't popular with my mates.
It's better than that, however still doesn't quite do it for me. Some great riffs though. I think it's the singer that I'm not sold by.
Take me out was played to death.
Dark of the matinee too, but is the much better track imo.
I don't think I'd be bothered by not hearing any of it again tbh but it isn't bad
The Smiths
5/5
Hadn't listened to this album before. It's not as good as the queen is dead imo, but I still can't help but be really drawn in by the smiths.
They have an unique style. Marr is great and Morrissey is Morrissey! He sings about misery so brilliantly, yet it's so tongue in cheek too. Very British. Sings about being poor, but yet he's also incredibly smug.
"I smoke cause I'm hoping for an early death, and i need to cling to something"
"And when I lie in my bed, I think about life and I think about death, and neither one particularly appeals to me".
Brilliant
Highlights:
The headmaster ritual
I want the one I can't have
What she said
This joke isn't funny anymore
Nowhere fast
4.5 - Meat is murder is crap but I've talked myself into giving it a 5
Faith No More
4/5
I only know epic by faith no more because it was played loads when I did nothing but watch mtv2 and kerrang. Never listened to them otherwise.
This was really good. Such a mix of styles.
I hadn't previously realised how similar epic and a couple of others are to early RHCP with the bass and vocal style like Anthony Kiedis. I probably would've loved this when I was in my RHCP phase!
Then there are some pretty heavy metal sounding tracks too.
Didn't like the slower more progressive tracks so much.
Highlights:
From out of nowhere
Epic
Falling to pieces
Surprise, you're dead
Felt the first half of the album was considerably better than the second but still enjoyed it overall. That cover of war pigs is arguably better then the original.
I'll be back
ABBA
1/5
Not for me really. Never been a fan and shouldn't think I ever will be
Well produced pop, fluffy, not too much else to say. All pretty samey apart from arrival.
Didn't enjoy it, won't be back
Cool looking helicopter though!
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Pretty unbelievable that this was released in 1966.
Definitely interesting. Some of it a bit too out there for me I think but I didn't dislike it.
The standout track was "trouble every day"
Got pretty chaotic in the last few tracks!
Massive Attack
2/5
Agree with the other guys. It's just not that interesting. Fine as background music I guess but nothing more.
Unfinished symphony by far the best track.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Don't think I've listened to this album all the way through before... Weird I missed it given how much I love Mellon collie.
This was great, probably isn't as heavy or as soft as Mellon collie gets, not as many extremes, not that that's a complaint.
Some really iconic smashing pumpkins tracks here. I think Jamie is right, mayonnaise might be one of my favourite tracks!
Highlights:
Cherub rock
Today
Disarm
Geek USA
Mayonnaise
I prefer Mellon collie, but that's an unfair standard to judge this by. I'll definitely be back to this.
5
Michael Jackson
3/5
Never been a Michael Jackson fan, but had a friend who was obsessed with him as a kid, which is a but strange thinking about it. I thought the video for thriller was amazing at the time, still is tbf. I also remember playing the Michael Jackson sega game with him too
That Paul McCartney cameo on the girl is mine is so cheesy. Made me cringe.
It's all just a bit too disco. I kinda get why people like it, but I'm never going to be a big fan
Thriller is the best track here by far. Beat it is pretty iconic too. Argh....so is Billy Jean....
I feel I'm being generous with a 3, it isn't really my thing, but equally I think this is his most highly praised album so maybe not. 2.5
Just realised I talked about this friend in my last MJ review too, oh well
Tom Waits
4/5
I knew of Tom Waits and had been meaning to listen to him. I enjoyed this, but not sure yes really music, as much as entertainment with music. was good though.
Would be great entertainment if you were drinking in a bar.
3.5
In spare parts 1, he mentions Stan getz records.... Which was our next album in this list!
Stan Getz
3/5
I enjoyed this much more than the other jazz records we've had recently.
Not sure if I'll be going back to it too regularly, but was nice in the background.
I bet this is played in loads of restaurants and cafes.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Wasn't aware of this at all. When I saw the cover I thought it was some jazz album....
Firstly, it's a long un, 22 tracks, long song titles too!
This has elements of a lot of bands I like, the shins, Elliott Smith, postal service a bit.
I don't know how to describe it properly but I feel it's music for people that liked Garden State (I did).
Really enjoyed it, and I feel like it will grow on me after more listens.
I think I recognise Chicago, but don't know where from
I'm pretty surprised I haven't heard of this before, given how similar it is to music I like, glad I have! Definitely be back
Highlights:
Chicago
John Wayne Gacey jr
Casimir Pulaski day
Predatory wasp ......
At least a 4, maybe higher with more listens
Nas
5/5
I've heard this album a fair bit in the past. Nas has incredible flow and is more complex lyrically than a lot of the big rap names from this era.
Although there is some gangsta rap elements here, it's more hip hop. There are a couple of lyrics that haven't aged too well...
It feels raw, not overproduced at all. Makes it seem so authentic
Highlights:
NY state of mind
Halftime
Memory lane
One time 4 your mind
It ain't hard to tell
Easy 5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
This sounded quite joy Divisiony in parts. That kinda industrial post punk sound. Then in others it sounded quite 80s.
Didn't recognise any of the tracks on this album.
Didn't mind most of it, but nothing really stood out.
The Mars Volta
4/5
Knew of the Mars Volta but never listened to them.
Was thinking while listening that this has to be the singer from at the drive in, and it is.... Distinctive voice, which I really like.
I enjoyed bits of this, however probably the stuff which was more like at the drive in, heavier with the phrenetic guitars.
Other parts of it were a bit too progressive, too big gaps where nothing interesting was happening in very long tracks.
I recognised "inertiatic esp", which was also the best track imo. "Roulette dares" was good too.
The second half of the album, I found tough to get through though. Kept wishing it was at the drive in!
Tough to rate as I did really like some of it, it just got a bit much by the end! Might give it another go. 3.5
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Glad this came up, been wanting to give captain beefheart a go for ages. Had a mate at uni who used to go on about him all the time
This was good mostly. Very bluesy. Some tracks got a bit weird, which I think is characteristic of him. Not too weird though!
Thought the first half was better than the latter.
3.5
Judas Priest
3/5
Some cool riffs and drums here, but it just isn't that interesting. Goes in the same category of AC/DC or kiss for me. This is classed as "metal" or "hard rock" here, but feels more like rock for the masses. Quite poppy.
Not a fan of breaking the law. Living after midnight slightly better
Didn't dislike it, but not sure what makes it make this list really. Won't be back. 2.5
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Didn't mind this at all, but probably not quite my thing
Think the first film soundtrack we've had?
Pusherman was the best track imo
Don McLean
4/5
Eating crow time. I had pretty much written this album off as just a vehicle for American pie. It's much better than that.
American pie is a good track but it's been played to death. Mostly by my mum I imagine.
I could've sworn Vincent was a Simon and Garfunkel song.... Clearly not, it's a really beautiful track
I thought "crossroads" and "empty chairs" were good tracks too. Not sure if this caught me on a sensitive day, but pretty emotive.
The rest I could probably leave, got a bit samey, but overall I was pleasantly surprised
4
David Bowie
3/5
I wasn't convinced by this at the start, but it did grow on me.
His 25th studio album! Pretty crazy.
I think it's a long way, both in time and quality from peak Bowie, but I did enjoy it. I think I preferred this to blackstar, but it's not as good as his peak albums.
3.5 seems fair.
Highlights:
Where are we now
Valentine's Day
I'd rather be high
George Michael
1/5
Was fully expecting not to enjoy this, to be fair it was completely different to what I was expecting. However, what it was, was still terrible
Just not really my thing. He has got a decent voice though I guess, but this all felt quite serious and preachy
Would never choose to listen to any of this
The Police
2/5
This didn't do much for me really. Just not very interesting at all, aside from "mother", which was very strange.
Every breath you take is obviously a pretty iconic track, but I've heard it so many times. Been played 1.7 billion times on Spotify!
Synchronicity ii was ok
Won't be back
George Harrison
4/5
Was familiar with "my sweet lord" as my wife plays it all the time, but the rest was new to me.
I quite enjoyed it. It's too long, but it was largely decent. Lots of religious themes too, which got a bit tiring. But some great guitar.
You can hear the Beatles in there, which I suppose isn't surprising. "Isn't it a pity" pretty much had the nah nah nah bit from hey Jude!
Highlights:
My sweet lord
Art of dying
If not for you
Not sure I'll be rushing back but it's good, better than McCartney
3.5. Probably would've given more if it weren't so long
Pentangle
3/5
Enjoyed some of this, but the woman's voice was a bit too waily.
Interesting folly sound otherwise though.
Not sure Sally go round the roses warranted 3 versions of the track to be on the album, but probably one of the better tracks tbf.
Probably won't be back but not bad at all
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Safe to say I did not share Graeme's enthusiasm for this!
It was nice to have something a bit different, bit I'm sure there's better examples of Bollywood or Indian music than this out there.
I don't mind movie soundtracks being on this list in principle, but this really sounded like the songs belonged in a movie and I didn't like it.
Interesting in parts, but also silly and cheesy. Won't be back, but I would like to hear better examples of this kind of music!
Billy Joel
3/5
Different to what I was expecting. Not very "we didn't start the fire" like. Much better
Some i quite enjoyed. Others passed me by. Overall I think not quite my thing, but not bad.
Didn't know "she's always a woman" was by Billy Joel.
Highlights:
Vienna
She's always a woman
3.5
The Kinks
4/5
Much better than the previous kinks album we had, more what I expect from the kinks.
Still none of the big hits though but I really enjoyed it. Very British.
Highlights:
Do you remember Walter
Last of the steam powered trains
Village green
Picture book
Perhaps was getting a little tired of it by the end but I'll be back
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Much more blues rocky than I expected from a Janis Joplin record, but maybe that's just my naivety.
Enjoyed this, it probably isn't quite my thing but Mitch better than I was expecting.
She has a great voice
Highlights:
Piece of my heart
Turtle blues
Ball and chain
3.5
David Crosby
3/5
Agree with Jamie, started well and was pretty interesting, but was a bit out there by the end. Didn't mind it at all though
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Completely different to their previous album, Idlewild, that we've we had here. Unfortunately, not really my thing either..... Not a big fan of electronic music.
I imagine at the right time and place, (probably about 15 years ago) the chilled drum and bass would be quite appealing. But alas, not now.
Not sure when they changed their style, probably after the success of missing, but I think I preferred the former! I still think she has a good voice.
"Wrong" sounds like an effort to recreate missing to me
Didn't hate it, but didn't do much for me and won't be back
Meat Puppets
4/5
Wasn't convinced by this but it grew on me. The singers voice can be quite grating. I listened again this morning and enjoyed it much more.
Think I preferred the slower songs. Recognised "lake of fire" but not sure where from.
Highlights:
Split myself in two
Plateau
Aurora borealis
Think I'll probably be back! 3.5 but feeling generous
Stan Getz
2/5
Enjoyed this more than the Thelonious monk album we just had, but as always, jazz isn't my thing.
Completely inoffensive, just not that exciting either.
Much preferred the previous Gretz album so this is getting a 2
Thelonious Monk
1/5
Too jazzy for me. Might be brilliant, but I wouldn't know and just can't really appreciate it.
Not my thing, would never choose to listen to this, even as background music, as I think it's a bit too jarring compared to other more mellow jazz we've had.
PJ Harvey
4/5
I thought we'd had a PJ Harvey album already, but apparently not..... I am a little familiar with her, actually watched a NPR live set by her recently.
This was completely different to what I expected, quite grungy in parts but it was the early 90s I guess. Similarities with Hole??
Was good. I recognised "dress" and "sheela-na-gig". Think those 2 tanks plus "plants and rags" were the best tracks.
3.5
I don't like the album cover!
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
Very different from anything we've had so far, so that's a positive..... Unfortunately can't think of too many more.
I didn't hate, but it was really tough to get through. It's all of such a similar cadence and tone that it was really suffocating and stodgy.
Not sure about songs about murdering girls either, even if they were from Knoxville!
There was some nice banjo though.
Won't be back.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Not heard these guys before.
Quite a mix of styles here, some I really liked, others not so much. I enjoyed the slower ones more.
Highlights:
Dancing choose
Family tree
3.5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I did enjoy this, but I didn't think it was anywhere near as good as led Zeppelin III that we've had previously. Was surprised to see this is rated more highly on this list.
Bet this was something when it was released in 69 though. Great voice, great riffs, great drums and bass.... However something didn't quite grab me like I felt it should. Perhaps it just caught me on the wrong day
I swear there was a riff that was identical to a black Sabbath song.... Also another that sounded very familiar too.
I gave LZ III a 4, I don't think this should be higher so 3.5. I think the previous one is probably closer to a 5. Still really good
The White Stripes
5/5
Fantastic blues rock album. The fact that there's only 2 of them helps too. Remember there was always confusion to whether they were siblings or married
Seven nation army was obviously the biggest hit here but it has been played to death. it's not even close to being the best song on the album, probably isn't in the top 10!... which seems crazy to say
Highlights:
Black math
Just don't know what to do with myself
In the cold cold night
Little acorns
Hardest button to button
There's no home for you here
You've got her in your pocket
Girl, you have no faith in medicine
Easy 5
Talking Heads
3/5
Well well well, the fourth talking heads albums we've had. Wasn't expecting to like this as I haven't enjoyed any of the others..... But, I actually did!
This seemed more coherent and accessible than the others we've had. Less abstract.
Don't think it's made me a fan, but far better then the other albums we've had imo.
Think I'll give it another listen in the future.
3.5
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Didn't think I was going to enjoy this judging by the album summary... In fact I didn't mind it at all. Quite mellow and atmospheric, good to have on in the background.
Not sure it really warrants being on this list but yeah not bad.... Saying that I just noticed it was 1976, which tbf it does not sound like it's from so fair play
Possibly the Frenchest name ever?
3
DJ Shadow
3/5
Thought I would enjoy this more than I did.
Got pretty repetitive. Could've been held the length with the same impact.
Needs some good lyrics on top of it too make it more interesting. Ok though
Arcade Fire
4/5
Wouldn't call myself an arcade fire fan, but I've listened to "funeral" before and enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed this too as a whole, I agree with Graeme that it's too long. Lot of the middle of the album kinda blends together.
Did find it all a bit fluffy, but maybe that's intentional, with the suburbs theme. If so, it's above me, although I have just picked it out, so perhaps not!
4.5
Black Sabbath
3/5
The first track aside, this was much more blues rock sounding than I expected. Not convinced by the "doom metal"thing.
I get that this must've been something really innovative and shocking in 1970, but does not have the same impact now
I did enjoy it largely, but I really don't like Ozzy's voice and it detracts from the music for me
NIB, the wizard, evil woman and warning were the highlights
3 feels generous as I gave paranoid a 3 and I don't think this is as good.... Although I did like the more blues sound here
I've listened again and it's growing on me... Think I prefer it to the later stuff we've had from them already. The guitar and bass are brilliant, it's just the vocals I have an issue with...
4
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
Got a bit of a soft spot for badly drawn boy. Not sure I've listened to a whole album before but it was pretty much as I expected.
Similar to the doves. Got a bit of that good old British sadness to it.
Highlights:
Disillusion
The shining
Once around the block
Extra points for being a city fan
Missy Elliott
1/5
This did absolutely nothing for me. Felt very generic. Too much RnB for my taste. Big meh.
Sorry Missy. Guess it was produced well, but that's Timberland.....
I think I have to give this a 1, would never go back to listen to it again and don't remember enjoying any tracks particularly. Feel like she was trying to fit into the male rap clichés and I don't get it
The Only Ones
3/5
Hadn't heard of these guys before but I'm familiar with "another girl, another planet".... Must've been on an advert or something?
Bit of a strange one as I quite enjoyed the higher tempo, more pop punky tracks, but then there were slower ones that I didn't so much.
Not bad at all though. Highlights:
Another girl, another planet (best track by far)
City of fun
Think 3.5 is fair
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Agree with Jamie, some of this is great, but then a lot of it is just then jamming. Can't have 23 minute songs like that on an album.
Look forward to hearing one of their studio albums on the list
The opening track, "statesboro blues" was the best
Otis Redding
2/5
Great voice, but not really my thing and not sure an album of covers should be here?
Iggy Pop
4/5
Didn't enjoy the previous solo Iggy album ("the idiot") we have had very much..... This was much better though. Think it came out around the same time but felt more like an Iggy album and not a Bowie album. Could still sense Bowie's influence at times though.
The passenger and lust for life are both great tracks.
3.5 but it's Christmas so 4
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Nothing here I particularly dislike but at the same time nothing is grabbing me. All a bit wishy washy but maybe that's what shoegaze is
I think the previous album of theirs was better and I have that a 3 so 2.5 here
Donovan
3/5
I thought this was going to be some terrible 60s pop album.... Was not at all!
Really quite good. Old Donovan must've dabbled in psychedelics back in the day.
Much better than I expected, but not sure if I'll be back. Glad I've heard it though.
Sunshine superman I recognised and was the best track.
3.5
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
Amazing album.
Came out in undergrad days and transports me right back to those times, got that uni nostalgia factor. Also got the English regional accents, which I seem to have a thing for.
Mardi bum is kinda mine and my wife's song, which just makes me realise how old I am......
Nearly every song here is great. Back when Alex Turners ego wasn't stratospheric. Although I think "AM" is an amazing album too
"Riot van" and perhaps "vampires is a bit strong" aside I could probably pick every track as a highlight.
Fake tales of Sam Francisco could be my favourite but there are so many
One of the bands I really like that I've never managed to see live... Still time.
Simple 5
Parliament
4/5
Difficult one this. It's obviously funky as balls, and there is an inherent coolness that comes with that.... But would I actually ever listen to it?
The names of the tracks are funny and interesting.
I can't help but think of the mighty boosh episode with the funk though and it's making this seem silly.
I did quite enjoy it though. Sure I recognised lots of it from various samples over the years
Highlight was "Give up the funk"
3.5
Emmylou Harris
1/5
"everybody do like a monkey, if you want to be funky" sang in sincerity was the exact point where the 1 was secured.
Sorry Emmylou, it seems from the public reviews that you are a big name in country, but I've never heard of you. Ships in the night. Worlds apart. Paths never to cross again... Hopefully
Shack
4/5
Lived in Liverpool for about 18 years now and never heard of these.....
In parts I really quite enjoyed it. But, in others it did feel a bit generic 90s Brit indie type thing. Little bit of oasis, little bit Richard Ashcroft, little bit doves, etc. certainly nothing bad.
Streets of Kenny was interesting.
Comedy and Lends some dough were good
On second listen a friend's band called Gintis sounds like them a little
It's growing on me.
3.5. think I'll be back and I'm fairly amazed I hadn't heard of them before
Merle Haggard
1/5
More country...
Not for me, but probably preferred it to Emmylou we had the other day.
Mercifully short. Felt extremely dated
1.5
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Listened to this before and sure I enjoyed it much more then I did this time....
Thought it felt a bit over the top. His singing style drones on and it gets pretty tiring over the whole album.
I don't really dislike it, but probably not going back to it.
I think Grace is the best track by far.
Hmm. 2 feels very harsh but I've given 3 to things I've liked much better than this
2.5. sorry Jeffrey
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
I know Lynyrd Skynyrd's hits but never listened to an album before. My dad is a fan and I used to listen to them with my mates a fair bit when I was younger.
I don't care how cliché it is to say, free bird is an absolute banger. Tuesdays gone and simple man aren't far behind either. For me, gimmie 3 steps isn't quite in the same league.
Enjoyed poison whisky too
It's easily a 4.5, if not a 5. It's short, and half the tracks are amazing.... Perhaps some of the other album tracks leave a little to be desired.... Probably being harsh there.
Those 3 tracks are so good though
Mott The Hoople
3/5
Better than I expected. Did sound like a Bowie imitation in parts though, but why not I guess.
Frank Black
5/5
Wasn't aware this was the guy from pixies initially. The album art gave me the complete wrong impression! Didn't know he had a solo career.
It's not as good as the pixies, but I really like his voice and enjoyed this mostly. Bit long, but songs were short so kept my attention. Some similar to the pixies, some not so much. Felt very much of that 90s American scene which I grew up with so felt familiar although I haven't heard it before.
Some perhaps like the magnetic numbers? I thought "pure denizen of the citizens band" sounded like the Rollins band.
Anyway, I think there was a lot here to enjoy, quite eclectic. He's talented, not sure about his more reggae sounding offering (freedom rock).
Highlights:
Thallasocracy
Abstract pain
Calistan
Headache
Big red
Pure denizen of the citizens band
Bad, wicked world
I'll be back. Somewhere around the 3.5 or 4 mark but I reckon it could be higher. Changing to 5 as I've listened to this lots since reviewing
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
This is the third MBV we've had here and the highest rated....
Lots of distortion again!
I actually think I preferred their first album we had, "isn't anything" to this. But like the others, I don't dislike it, I just find it hard to really pick anything out as the amount of distortion makes it all feel very much of the same.
That being said, "when you sleep" was the best track.
Not sold on the whole shoegaze thing
The Temptations
2/5
This didn't do much for me. Thought the temptations had a few songs I would recognise, none were here though .
I didn't hate it, but never choosing to listen to it
Eminem
2/5
I loved this when it was released and I was about 13, but probably not heard it for 20 years....
I suppose this would've got me interested in hip hop so guess I have him that to thank for that. He has a great ability to rhyme words that don't naturally rhyme together too.
Don't think I can say too much else positive about it really. Kinda was nostalgic and I still recognise nearly every track....But, I don't need multiple songs about rape and murder etc. I know it's all for shock value, but come on. Some beats and his raps are great, but there's too much shit on here.
2
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
Sure I've listened to this as a teenager, but don't really remember any of it, which maybe tells me something....
Huey Morgan seems like a cool guy, used to like his 6 music show
I spent a lot of this trying to work out if it is cool or is it a bit cheesy....I think I fell on the side that it's cool, but it definitely isn't all of the same quality and ultimately it is quite forgettable.
Bombing the L was crap. The rock rap thing doesn't work, or doesn't sound good anymore...
Scooby snacks is obviously great.
Highlights:
The fun lovin criminal
Scooby snacks
King of new York
Overall a bit silly but quite enjoyed it, probably won't be back!
Pearl Jam
4/5
Been meaning to give pearl jam a proper listen for years.... Sounded pretty much as I expected a pearl jam album to sound.
I know they're considered grunge, but it's not really what I think of when I think of grunge....
The first half of this album is great. Thought the last half tailed off a little, they have a very distinct sound and it got a little samey. It's a good sound though!
But even flow, into alive , followed by black and Jeremy is quality.
Still hasn't grabbed me like they clearly do for others but when they're good, they're good
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Hmm. This is pretty out there. Probably a bit too much so for me to want to go back, but there was something about it I did quite enjoy
Think the opening track is the best one, but I felt it got a bit too strange as it went on.
It kinda makes me feel like I'm too stupid to get it, but there was something.
Could he only think of 4 different song titles? Or are those 2 with very similar titles to 2 others linked in some clever way that I don't appreciate?
I didn't dislike it. 2.5
Justice
2/5
I've listened to this album in the past, had a housemate in Birmingham who loved this type of music. Had his own electro emo type band too, who were awful. Lots of big hair, eyeliner and tight pants...
Aside from this slight nostalgia, this really isn't for me, not a big electronic music fan. DANCE is ok and was played a lot back then. Genesis and phantom part 2 are ok too
The odd song I can tolerate, a whole album is way too much.
It's hard not to compare to daft punk, but I think the main difference is that daft punk is more rooted it rock where as this is more rooted in house or something. Daft punk is a different league imo
The odd song yes, a whole album no
2.5
Nirvana
4/5
Ah so this is why I was familiar with those meat puppet tracks! Hadn't made the connection until now.
Yeah, this is great. Somehow feels that there shouldn't be an MTV unplugged album here but not complaining. Haven't heard this in years, possibly haven't heard it all the way through before actually.
Highlights:
About a girl
The man who sold the world
On a plain
Plateau
All apologies
4.5, because of the live album thing
OutKast
4/5
Never listened to an OutKast album before but liked what I have heard.
The best thing about Andre 3000 is the quick rapping flow he has, it's great. Possibly isn't enough of it here.
I agree with Jamie, it's different to a lot of their popular peers from the time and largely avoids the shit gangsta tropes. Much more eclectic than other hip hop albums we've had from the era.
It isn't all of the same quality in my opinion, but when it's good, it's amazing.
Highlights:
Miss Jackson
BOB
Xplosion (can't mistake B real's voice)
Humble mumble
Never been a fan of so fresh, so clean, which I guess was the biggest hit from this album.
I'll be back to some of it! 3.5
50 Cent
1/5
We got bling, we got bitches, and oh boy do we have guns. Roll up, the gang is all here! The trifecta of gangsta rap.
If you like the aforementioned, interspersed with the occasional "G unit" shout, you're in for a treat.
He can rap, his voice sounds ok and I assume he wrote it, it's just the content is inane.
This album epitomises everything that makes me dislike gangsta rap. I challenge anyone to find me an album that demonstrates this better.
I really don't like the singles at all either which doesn't help. Played to absolute death. If I had to pick one highlight, it would be 21 questions.
I would've guessed this album was released before 2003, it sounds more like it's from 1993 to me. I definitely had it. It was popular when I was at school.
Yesterday we had Stanktonia which was released in 2000, 3 years before this, but feels so much more fresh (and clean) than this
It's honestly quite impressive that every track on a 1hr 15 minute album is about violence or misogyny
The amount of plays this has on Spotify would suggest that I know nothing!
Doesn't fit with my east coast is better theory
Gotan Project
2/5
Nothing to dislike here really, nice and chilled background music that plods along. Good to have on while working but wouldn't choose to listen otherwise
2.5
B.B. King
3/5
I did enjoy this, but reading the public reviews, I was expecting to enjoy it more.
I know he's a legend, but just feels so distant and unrelatable.
Might give it another go
Metallica
3/5
Yeah, it's unmistakably Metallica!
Hard not to enjoy it, although after an hour it does get pretty samey and tiring.
Think I said last time that I don't really consider myself a fan, but I've enjoyed each album we've had.
I only knew "one" here, remember the video for this being on mtv2 all the time.
Enjoyed the opening track too
3.5. individually, some tracks are more, but it's samey
Sonic Youth
3/5
I did enjoy this mostly, but daydream nation is streets ahead imo
Still pretty distinctive stylistically, but that sound isn't quite there yet I don't think. Still like the contrast of having both a female and male vocalist.
Thought the first half was better than the second
The Beach Boys
2/5
I've listened to this album before....Aside from the 2 hits, none of this really does anything for me. Very dated now.
Appreciate that it was great at the time
2.5
T. Rex
3/5
Not that familiar with t rex at all really but was expecting to quite enjoy this. I'm a little bit disappointed. It was good in parts, but I was losing interest in the middle. Was some interesting stuff at the start and end though.
The Who
3/5
I don't really get the inclusion of this. It isn't bad at all, but it's just a live set. By all means include multiple the who albums, but nothing here seems to make it worthy of being on the list.
3
R.E.M.
5/5
When I saw this come up I thought it would be a 5. Nostalgic as my parents played it a lot when it came out.
Strong start and really strong end to the album, but the middle section is not the greatest. That being said, it is still a really great pop rock album.
I'm not sure why, but I find the lyric at the start of nightswimming one of the most standout lyrics in any song. It immediately evokes a really distinct image in my mind: "the photograph on the dashboard, taken years ago, turned around backward so the windscreen shows, every streetlight reveals a picture in reverse". I think it might remind me of being in the car with my parents when I was a child. It's not like the lyric in itself is emotive.... Yet somehow it is to me.
I think nightswimming is the best track, followed by the sidewinder sleeps tonite.
Everybody hurts is a bit much, even for me.
Highlights:
Drive
Try not to breathe
The sidewinder sleeps tonite
Man on the moon
Nightswimming
Find the river
4.5 - there's some 5 star songs here, but not sure the album is quite a 5, let down by the middle... Close enough though!
Love
3/5
Could've sworn we'd already had a love album on the list, but apparently not. I'm sure we will have "forever changes" though as I think it's pretty highly regarded.
I quite enjoyed this, really quite interesting. Bit weird having a 36 minute album, where a single song makes up half of that time. Listed as pop, rock and psychedelic rock, but I would say it got pretty bluesy and jazzy too. Sometimes felt very 60s and others felt like I couldn't date it.
Interesting! 3.5
My expectations were low, but Christ this was bad.
Feel like they jumped the shark and it's just generic music for the masses. Absolutely zero nuance at all. Just pump out any old shite, and they know people will buy it.
Lyrically it's so basic at times too. Elevation in particular. Hole, mole, soul.... sky, fly, high. My 4 year old rhymes like this.
Actually laughed out loud during wild honey at the lyrics
Sorry Bono, 1
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Hmm, not sure about this. In parts I thought it was quite good, but in others it was a bit strange. I like his accent.
It's a bit showy in parts too, like it belonged in a musical.
He's fond of a gang bang it would seem
Won't be back but it isn't bad.
2.5
ZZ Top
3/5
Think I'm pretty much repeating what I said the last time we had a zz top album. It's good, and on paper I should really like it, but it just feels like something is missing. I want more oomph. Turn it up to 11.
I think la Grange is better than anything on this album, although I recognised some hits here. Not a huge fan of gimme all your lovin. Sharp dressed man was pretty good. Think the best track was "I got the six"
3.5
3/5
Probably haven't heard this album before, but I definitely had origin of symmetry, which had some great tracks on.... Also remember the video for muscle museum quite distinctly....Think I'd lost interest by this point though.
Yeah, it's definitely muse, very distinctive sound and voice. I not sure why, but they just don't quite do it for me. Too clinical somehow? Does that make sense?
But equally some great guitar and bass lines.
I knew the hits here, but they were played a lot and they aren't doing mutch for me either really...
Don't have too much against them, but won't be back to this.
Think knights of Cydonia is the best track
3.5
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Ok but not particularly exciting about sums it up for me I think.
Band on the run is a good track. Jet and nineteen hundred and eighty five were good too.
Think I can leave the rest. Shan't be back. 2.5
LTJ Bukem
3/5
I'd wondered if there would be any drum and bass on this list....
This is much more chilled than it could've been, makes it listenable on a Wednesday. If it was much heavier it wouldn't have been so listenable.
There was a brief time about 17 years ago with the right substances, where I was into DnB, probably still would be with the right substances tbf.
Saying that, I didn't mind it at all. It's chilled enough to be background music, without ever really becoming too intrusive.
Couldn't pick any tracks out but might be back for background music
Expected to give a lower score, but pleasantly surprised
System Of A Down
5/5
One of the best live performances I've seen. Think it was Leeds 2003. Not sure I was particularly a big fan before I saw them either.
One of the very few bands that can give me goosebumps, not sure why, but must be a good sign.
This album is great, reminds me of being a teenager. Actually remember trying to play sugar on bass in a "band" with my mates. Probably about the time I realised I can't play bass.... Or guitar.
My only small criticism would be that it strays into I am a teenager and I'm angry type tropes occasionally, but it was released when I was a teenager so it gets a pass.
Anyway, loads of great tracks here:
Suite pea
Know
Sugar
Suggestions
Spiders
War
I listened to toxicity last week after hearing that it wasn't on this list. Another great album.
Easy 5, glad to hear it again after what must have been many years
Neil Young
4/5
Not heard this album before.... I assume harvest will pop up eventually! He's got a really distinctive gentle sounding voice. Selfishly annoyed I can't add any of it to a Spotify playlist!
Think the first half Is stronger than the latter but some really nice sounding songs here:
Tell me why
After the gold rush
Only love can break your heart
Southern man
I'll be back
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
2 Neil Young albums in a row!
Again, echoing a lot of what I said about after the gold rush.
Probably didn't enjoy this quite as much, but might just be Neil Young fatigue. Crazy horse maybe made it a little more interesting
Still 3.5 though
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
This was ok, but ultimately forgettable.
I think Jupiter and Teardrop was my favourite track.
2.5
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
Come on now, is there really justification for this to be on this list?
Even if electronica was my favourite genre of music, I cannot imagine that this is a particularly good example of it?
Suppose I didn't hate it, and it was pretty chilled, but I don't think I can give it anything but 1. Too many weird strange noise effects
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
Pretty sure I haven't heard a Sinead o Connor album before. She has a great voice, and there's some real emotion there. Unapologetically unafraid to stand up for what she believed in too. Probably did her career harm. Feel like she probably had it pretty rough.
I think the track "I could've lied" by rhcp was about Sinead.... Although I think she always denied that there was anything between her and kiedis weirdly.
What a track nothing compares 2 u is. I know it's not her song, but she completely and utterly made it her own and it forever will be. I remember liking it as child
Black boys on mopeds followed by nothing compares 2 u were real tear jerkers and the highlights for me.
3.5, largely for these 2 tracks, it's not quite my thing though, but they will be getting added to the playlist
Elvis Presley
2/5
Probably never given Elvis a proper listen before, aside from the obvious tracks... This had a lot less oomph than I was expecting. Less joie de Vivre! All a bit mopey.
He does have a good voice though, pretty soothing
I didn't think Elvis was my thing, and this did nothing to persuade me otherwise. This type of music has not stood the test of time for me.
I didn't hate it, but not my thing and didn't hear anything to change my mind. Maybe there will be better things from Elvis on the list, but this wasn't it
R.E.M.
4/5
Not heard this album before, but know the hits..... Similar sound to automatic here, which I like!
Hard to say that it's not just as good as automatic, perhaps even more of a complete album, just lacking some real big hitters imo.
Stand is the best track. Orange crush is good too. Enjoyed pop song 89 and world leader pretend too .
Will be back
Kanye West
4/5
I've listened to "my dark twisted fantasy" before, but not this. I think this is better.
He sounds down to earth here, not completely full of himself. I really think he's got some sort of mental issues, which make him like he currently is so won't say anything more about that..... He is a gay fish though. Hilarious that he actually seems still not to understand that joke. Think he actually mentions it in a track on the twisted fantasy album.
Anyway, this is actually good and I will be back. I think Jesus walks is the highlight.
3.5
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
There were tiny bits and pieces which were tolerable, massive a bit kraut rock? However, far too much of it was so jarring and grating. Just noises!
Cypress Hill
3/5
Went through a big cypress hill phase when I was a teenager.... Or rather a big skull and bones on repeat phase.
Actually saw B-Real with prophets of rage at download festival a few years ago, they were great. He's got a really distinctive rap voice.
I did enjoy this, but now my personality is not based on smoking weed, it isn't as appealing as it would've been 20 years ago. Actually got a bit much by the end.
"How I could just kill a man" is the stand out track for me.
Better than a lot of the west coast artists from a similar point in time we've had so far, but not up to the east coast standard.
2.5
Dire Straits
4/5
Bit of a strange album....First 3 tracks are great, the next 4 leave a lot to be desired, the final track is brilliant.
I do like dire straits, but probably more of a greatest hits type fan. This album hasn't persuaded me that I need to hear anything but the hits.
I went through a phase of really liking the track brothers in arms.
Highlights:
So far away
Money for nothing
Walk of life
Brothers in arms
Probably could've halved this album and it would've been considerably better, but when it's good it's great. 3.5
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Heard this album a few times before. She's great.
I think the highlights are blue, California and River. But it's all of a high standard.
Unfortunately not on Spotify! Probably not really quite my thing but really enjoyed it none the less
Minutemen
3/5
Never heard of these before and it was not what I was expecting!
Really interesting. Punk, but not punk. Really short songs, but really quite eclectic in styles. This made it interesting as the start but I found by the middle it was what made it pretty tough going. Kinda all feels a bit artsy? Like some sort of art project. I dunno. Bit too out there for me I think.
It's the jackass theme tune!
Kinda glad I heard it but don't think I will be listening again
Lana Del Rey
1/5
She has a good voice and there isn't too much to really dislike here, it's just not really my thing at all. She can clearly write (assuming she wrote it).
I thought Yosemite was the best track.
1 feels too harsh, but I'm never choosing to listen to this. 1.5 Sorry Lana
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
Strangely never listened to these, given it has all the things I was into as a teenager. Bit skate punk, with the trumpets, but Jamie is right, not quite enough to be really fun! Singer sounds very like Roger from Less Than Jake too, which can't be a bad thing.
Knew on a rope, but wouldn't have known it was by these guys to be honest. Hope there's more stuff like this on the list, but won't hold my breath.
3.5, probably would've been a 5 if I was still a teenager
Germs
4/5
Hard to believe that this is from the 70s, I could easily believe it was early 90s. Really energetic hardcore punk, short songs. Very raw though, which I suppose adds to it
I say this a lot when punk I haven't heard comes up, but must've inspired bands I grew up listening to.
Listened twice now, really good, but not quite grabbing me enough for a 5. But for this to have been released in the 70s and still sound good is amazing.
Highlights:
What we do is secret
Lexicon devil
We must bleed
Media blitz
Strong 4. I'll be back
Can
2/5
Parts of this I quite enjoyed, but then large parts really quite annoyed me. I don't get the long songs with weird noises and sounds at all. A shame because there were bits that were good, but it wound me up!
2.5
Death In Vegas
2/5
Didn't do too much for me. Alright in parts, but also some beeps and whirs in at least one song that annoyed me. Wouldn't choose to listen to this again.
Dirge was the best track.
2.5
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Very clearly 80s, but the good kind.
I agree that she is trying hard to be cute, but it works on me!
Girls just wanna have fun and time after time are both pretty iconic. I did like the sound of some of the others too, but can't say I'll be rushing back. Better then plenty of other similar things from the period
Neil Young
4/5
The best Neil Young album we've had so far and the only one I'd heard prior to starting this list.
Heart of gold, out for the weekend, and old man are all great but I think the needle and the damage done is the standout track. Not sure I can quite give it a 5, but it's close.
I don't like a man needs a maid
4.5
Fever Ray
4/5
Never heard of Fever Ray but I immediately felt like I recognised her voice.... It was really bothering me but I finally realised it reminded me of the Royksopp track, "what else is there". I really liked this back in 2009 or so....Turns out it actually is her! She was then part of the knife, who I have never heard of.
I would say this isn't really my thing, but I actually quite enjoyed it. It felt like the music could've been in the show Dark, which has got to be one of my favourite shows ever, I love it. Maybe it was? I just checked and it was! Ok, that explains why I was drawn to this.
3.5, but it's getting 4 because of Dark and the what else is there discoveries making me feel clever!
Everyone watch Dark!
Carpenters
1/5
Think this gave me diabetes.... So sickly sweet.
Not for me. Recognised the hits but don't want to ever have to listen to this album again
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I did enjoy this, mostly. More than the previous album of his we've had I think.
It does get a bit much in parts though and I do feel like it's a bit pretentious. Think a whole album is a bit much but the odd track I could manage.
It still reminds me of Radiohead
I think my favourite was "go or go ahead"
3.5
Ravi Shankar
2/5
A nice change to the usual Western sounds so thankful for that. I enjoyed it in the background largely.
Not sure I really need a tutorial, but fair enough!
I think 2 is fair
Stephen Stills
3/5
Quite enjoyed most of this, but I do think ultimately it's quite forgettable. Fairly middle of the road. Not sure I can pick out any tracks in particular.
There were some samba type influences going on in parts I think?
Think 3 is fair. Pretty good, but not sure it's an album I needed to hear before I die!
Coldcut
3/5
Thought this was pretty good mostly. Really interesting and must've been pretty novel in 1989?
I thought"stop this crazy thing" and "smoke dis one" with queen latifah in were the best tracks.
3.5. probably won't be back but I enjoyed it
Soft Cell
1/5
There was so much synth in this, couldn't handle it. So painfully 80s. Lots of sax too.
Didn't enjoy it largely, and I couldn't tell if "sex dwarf" was satire or not.....I don't think it was. It made me laugh though.
I've never really liked "tainted love" so perhaps not surprising I didn't really enjoy this.
I do however think "say hello, wave goodbye" is a good track and the best thing here by far. There was a couple of songs around this point on the album where I thought maybe I could get into this, but then no back to synth and sax madness.
1.5,
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Great voice, great writing, glad she's back on Spotify.
Not quite as good as "Blue" but still very good. There's something about her voice.
3.5
Venom
3/5
Never heard of venom before.... Would call this thrash metal more than anything else I think?
I didn't mind it at all. My main complaint is that the whole "black metal" thing just feels like a gimmick. For shock value type thing. I bet it was pretty shocking at the time?
Let's see how many evil things we can include.... The devil, being buried alive, heaven being on fire, hell, satan, war with god...zzzzzz.
I actually did think the music was quite good though in parts. Reminded me of early Metallica.
2.5, but 3 because I felt it hard not to head bang to quite a lot of it
Lauryn Hill
2/5
I've listened to this album before on a list of the top 100 albums of all time.... I think this falls into the category of I can appreciate that it's good, it's just not for me. R&B and soul are not my thing.
Would never choose to listen to this, but I can appreciate it's a good example of this kind of thing!
Gene Clark
2/5
At the start of this I thought it was ok, but god it's so boring. Sorry Gene. It sounds well put together and his voice is nice but it's so forgettable.
The cover of stand by me was really bad too save annoyed me
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
Enjoyed this, but something didn't quite grab me for some reason. Think the songs are a bit long and meandering at times for this style of music.
It reminded me of at the drive in.
Think I'll be back to listen to this again, when I'm not stuck in Easter traffic on the M6
3.5 but it's getting a 4 as there isn't enough of this on the list
Steve Winwood
2/5
Very 80s. Quite liked the bass lines on some of it. Night train in particular.
Think I might have recognised the opening track, felt familiar
Overall though not my thing and won't be back
Throwing Muses
4/5
Never heard of throwing muses before but I enjoyed this. Do like a female lead in punky type music.
Think I preferred disk 2 better with the alternate versions.
Think my favourites were Vicky's box and America
3.5
Super Furry Animals
4/5
Preferred this to "rings around the world".
They were not on my radar at all when I was younger but I did recognise a few tracks here.
Highlights:
God, show me magic
Something 4 the weekend
I'll be back
Roxy Music
2/5
Another album I've listened before, which I know is considered a great album..... Not for me though!
Iconic album cover
Think the best track is editions of you is the best track.
I'm just not a fan of the synthy sound really. This must be a pretty early example of it to be fair
Sigur Rós
4/5
Never listened to a sigur ros album before, but this is exactly how I would've imagined it sounding!
Really atmospheric, really mellow, dream like quality. I enjoyed it, it's just a bit tough to rate, as I can't really see when I would choose to listen to it.
Regardless, I think a 4 is fair as it's nothing like we've had here before
Brian Eno
4/5
Obviously know of Brian Eno as a producer, but pretty sure I've never listened to anything by him before.
I can hear similarities with talking heads here (king's lead hat), which doesn't fill me with optimism.... However also Peter Gabriel similarities too, which I like.
Some of the more slower, atmospheric, melancholy songs I thought were quite brilliant. "By this river" and "spider and I" in particular.
3.5 but 4 because we finished on some great tracks . Interested to hear more of his stuff
The Sugarcubes
2/5
I'm an idiot, I was thinking how strange this is that the singer sounds like Bjork, and they both are Icelandic, must have inspired her.
I assumed she was much younger than she is....Thought she would've been a child in 1988… can't believe she's 58!
Anyway, not sure about this. Feel like she found the type of music her voice and style works with in her solo career. Didn't hate it, but didn't do much for me. I like her voice though, but would prefer her solo stuff.
2.5
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I've been meaning to listen to the flaming lips for years, so I'm glad this has come up. I know a few tracks, but none from this album...
Initially I wasn't sure but it really grew on me. It's got a hint of the postal service about it.
Highlights:
Race for the prize
Waiting for a superman
I hope there's more on the list. Think I'll be back
3.5 for now
Led Zeppelin
4/5
All the led zeppelin albums we've had so far have been great, this is no different.
For me, i still think Led Zeppelin III is the best one we've had.
This is very good though
Can't say I've ever really been a big fan of stairway to heaven, just always felt too big somehow, like it was more than just a song someone wrote??? Hard to deny it's quality though.
Easy 4 again
Deee-Lite
2/5
I know "groove is in the heart" but nothing else by Deee-lite. It used to be on mtv2 all the time so it's quite nostalgic in a way. It's by far the best thing here.
I guess this sounds how I expected it to. No surprises. I don't dislike it, it was ok in the background but not quite my thing.
2.5
Bee Gees
1/5
Wasn't expecting much and it didn't disappoint!
Didn't know any of the songs here and it was way duller than I was expecting. Not the discoey sound they are known for.
Very forgettable
The Youngbloods
3/5
Hmm. I'm not sure about this.
Some of it was really pretty good, but then a lot of it just passed me by. I feel like the style changed quite a lot too. Wasn't liking the more jazzy stuff so much.
The opening track set the bar pretty high though, and I don't think anything else lived up to it
2.5
Elvis Presley
2/5
Better than the last Elvis album we had, but still not great.
I thought there would be much more up tempo tracks like blue suede shoes, but most is quite downbeat really.
Still don't think you're for me Elvis.
2.5
Arcade Fire
4/5
Not as good as suburbs, but still very good.
I'm surprised how many arcade fire songs I know, given I've never listened to them before.
Highlights here were:
Keep the car running
No cars go
Intervention
3.5, but closer to a 4
Orange Juice
1/5
Too 80s, didn't enjoy it at all. To much sax and synth... also too reminiscent of the talking heads sound in parts.
Recognised the title track, but can't say it does much for me.
Not for me. 1.5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Quite tough to review, the singles are really good and pretty iconic but I found it a tough slog having a whole album off this kinda thing.
Don't think I'd ever choose to listen to the full album again, but there's nothing offensive here. Maybe once upon a time at some ungodly hour.
2.5
Bob Dylan
4/5
Never listened to any more recent Dylan before. Much like with Leonard Cohen, his voice has changed pretty dramatically, although think the old Cohen sounds better than the old Dylan.
I wasn't convinced by this initially, but it grew on me as it went on.
I didn't know "make you feel my love" was a Dylan track and reading into it, it looks like Billy Joel actually released his version before Dylan somehow?? Not sure I'm a fan of it particularly.....thanks Adele.
Highlights:
Standing in the doorway
Not dark yet
Not on the same level as classic Dylan, but still very good. 3.5
Steve Earle
1/5
Please Steve, I've had enough...
Kings of Leon
3/5
I remember being really into their first album when it came out. Was completely different to anything coming out at the time. But they fell off my radar subsequently and not listened to them since, side from their huge hits obviously.
I haven't listened to that first album in years, but my memory of it is that it was much better than this. I didn't mind this really, but aside from the hits, nothing really grabbed me. Even here they seemed to be ditching what made them interesting in exchange for what would be popular.
3.5 but 3 is fair I think
The Byrds
4/5
Considerably better than I expected, not what I thought they sounded like mostly.
Quite a few different styles going on here. While some did sound dated, others sounded pretty interesting. Enjoyed the more psychedelic ones I think . There's definitely a touch of the Beatles on parts, but without copying them. Better imo.
I know that opening lyric to so you wanna be a rock n roll star from a counting crows song, didn't know it was borrowed!
Enjoyed it enough to listen twice. Must've been pretty exciting at the time
Highlights:
Have you seen her face
My back pages
Don't make waves
3.5 but better than kings of Leon so 4
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Know some Tom Petty songs and have liked what I've heard so was looking forward to this.....
Unfortunately the majority of this is quite forgettable. However, I do think "American girl" is an amazing track and helps to redeem this. It captures that small town American dream brilliantly, similar to how Springsteen does.
3, largely because of American girl. Breakdown is decent too
Miles Davis
3/5
This is the only jazz album I had listened to before we started this list... Listened to it on a list of the 100 greatest albums of all time so I know it is highly regarded.
On both occasions that I've heard this album I've been in London coincidentally! Does make wandering around a busy London more calming.
I for me it's nice background music, nothing more. I wouldn't choose to listen to it. Sure that makes me ignorant.... Just not that into jazz, although this is more tolerable than most we've had
3
The Cardigans
3/5
Could've sworn the cardigans were Welsh!
This was ok, but I was kinda expecting to enjoy it more than I did.
Lovefool was the only track I recognised and also the best one. I think their other singles are better.
Fine, but can't see me being back
The Blue Nile
2/5
Found this pretty dull, didn't dislike it particularly, but not for me. Very 80s, but not so offensively so as some stuff we've had.
Regardless I would never choose to listen to this
2
Dennis Wilson
3/5
I quite enjoyed a lot of this, but it's far too long. I'd thoroughly had enough by the end.
The first CD was significantly better and more interesting than the second. Should've stopped after the first.
Think there was enough decent stuff here to warrant a 3, probably would've given a 4 if it was half as long
Ministry
3/5
I'm all for a double bass pedal and some headbanging. I'm not so sold on the rockabilly thing though.
Bits of this were ok, but others a bit daft. Not really for me I don't think, but didn't hate it.
I see that Jesus built my hot rod is the most played track, but didn't think it was the best. Think I enjoyed hero the most
2.5
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
Well this was pretty bleak.... Wasn't convinced initially but I did really quite enjoy it. Probably unsurprisingly.
Shame it isn't on Spotify currently.
I see a darkness and raining in darling we're the highlights
3.5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Not as good as bridge over troubled water, but inoffensive enough.
Mrs Robinson is obviously a classic. I quite enjoyed "At the zoo" too.
Calling it 2.5, mostly because i gave bridge over troubled water a 3 and it's better than this
The Monkees
3/5
Was fully expecting to hate this, but was better than expected in parts..... Still not blown away and I certainly don't need an hour and a half of it! A third of that would've done.
Pretty sure my mum was a fan when she was a teenager, a feel like teenage girls were the target audience.
Randy Scouse git is the best track imo
2.5
Too many songs about romancing young girls.
But, it's got that beatlesesque thing going on and was more interesting than I expected. As far as 60s pop fluff goes, not bad, but not my thing
Fairport Convention
3/5
Wasn't convinced initially but actually grew to quite enjoy this. She has a good voice and the guitars got fault interesting at times. Probably won't be back but solid 3.5
Goldfrapp
2/5
This did nothing for me, and I thought it might. Disappointing
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Did enjoy this, but after the first couple of songs, I thought I might enjoy it more than I did. Still good though.
Kate Bush
2/5
Developed a bit of a thing for Kate Bush during my PhD years, thanks in part to Luke so was looking forward to this.... Was pretty disappointed though :(
Too artsy for me and none of the hits I wanted to hear. I see a public review called what Kate has here "bjorkitis" or something which is accurate.
2, but I'm sure we will have better Kate Bush albums coming. Sorry Kate
This woman's work was the best track
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Quite enjoyed a lot of this. Some good bass, kinda reminiscent of joy division, but more poppy. Recognised "reward", but thought the opening tracks were the best.
Probably won't be rushing back but quite good. 3.5
Elliott Smith
5/5
Elliott Smith is probably the artist I've discovered on this list that I've gone back and listened to the most..... I think I've heard most of this already due to this.
I think the figure 8 album we had is technically better than this, but this is still very good. Different though, this is far more melancholy and emo. Would've been very appealing to me as a teenager. It kinda reminds me of dashboard confessional, like somehow it would really appeal to girls.... At times it strays too far into the woe is me angst stuff, but when it's good it's really good.
Highlights:
Alameda
Between the bars
Angeles
Say yes
4.5....... I would give figure 8 a 5 if I could go back
Willie Nelson
3/5
100% the best country album we've had so far, without a doubt.
Quite enjoyed it really, but not the kinda thing I would usually listen to.
3 is fair I think
Dr. John
3/5
Probably a bit too out there for me, but actually not bad. Some of it more approachable than others.
I actually listened to this again since writing that and I actually started to like it. Quite interesting. Probably not going back, but think this is worth a 3
Paul Simon
2/5
Didn't realise Paul Simon was the Simon in Simon and Garfunkel.....
Didn't particularly like this, it's very twee and found it pretty irritating in parts. This weird faux conversations he describes in some tracks. Diamonds in the soles of her shoes for example.
Call me Al is obviously pretty iconic, although I'm not sure how much I actually like that song. Probably the best thing here though
2
Al Green
1/5
Expected to really dislike this, but thought it started ok. It soon got too much though and I was pretty bored fairly quickly.
1.5. soul just isn't my thing
Ian Dury
2/5
Always thought hit me with your rhythm stick was more of a novelty track than anything else, so wasn't sure what to expect from this.
I actually quite enjoyed some of it, quite punky. However, some of the rest of it was very down the novelty route. Reminded me of a carry on film or something.
Blockheads and sex and drugs were the best
2.5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Was a bit disappointed by this. Didn't grab me at all. Sorry Nick, the boatman's call was much better for me
2
Erykah Badu
1/5
RnB and soul aren't my thing but thought this started ok.... As it went on I got bored though, it's too long and too much of the same thing, which just happens to be not my thing....
1.5
Raekwon
3/5
Think this has borrowed bits and pieces from 36 chambers, but it does not reach the same heights at all for me.
I think this strays too far into the gangsta tropes for me, too much guns and bling, whereas 36 chambers treaded the line nicely.
Still enjoyed it, but not sure I'll be back
3/5
Never heard of these guys and find it hard to know if I'd like it from a live album like this. Some I thought sounded good but I don't know how it's meant to sound..... Is it really as punk as it sounds or they just not that good live??
Maybe we'll have a non live album at some point.
2.5, but mainly because of the live album
Skunk Anansie
4/5
Never given skunk anansie a proper listen.....
This was pretty good, quite eclectic with some quite heavy bits, but also some electronic stuff too. All without the one song I know!
3.5
Method Man
4/5
Raekwon then method man a few days apart!
Much preferred this to raekwon, takes itself less seriously, less gangsta stuff, more fun. Cleaner beats. Method man has a great voice too.
Highlights:
Bring the pain
What the blood clot
Mr sandman
Still not sure what Tical is though??
4, will be back
Kraftwerk
3/5
Listened to this before and I know it's pretty high regarded....I quite like it, but I think it falls into the category of "really innovative even it was released, but not so interesting 40 years later".
Reminds me of flight of the conchords too (I assume they were parodying this).
Good, but not quite my thing. Think it it was the year it was released I would be much more impressed. 3.5
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Bits of this are quite good, but then there's bits that just sound like they're trying to be edgy. Seems to be a theme on the public reviews too, trying to hard type thing.
Not really that offensive, but won't be back. 2.5
George Michael
1/5
Faith isn't bad but the rest of the album is pretty awful.
I want your sex is hilariously bad.
The monkey song confused me. Why can't I set it free?
Sorry George
Pixies
4/5
Not as good as Doolittle, but it's a high bar. Still enjoyed it and will be back.
I've listened to teenager of the year a lot since it came up on the list. Really surprised I missed him and the pixies when I was younger.
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
NIN have never really grabbed me, but not really listened to them properly before so glad this came up.
I didn't enjoy it particularly, that industrial sound and the jarring noises just doesn't do it for me. There's barely any melody to cling to in any songs.
Don't think I get it. Know it's highly thought of, but not for me
Spiritualized
4/5
Wasn't sure I would like this when reading the description.... The 17 minute track at the end left a bit of a sour taste but largely I thought it was really good.
Very grand in parts, but quite eclectic in styles too. This is how you do a cacophony of noise, take note Trent.
I think I'm in love and broken heart were the best tracks for me.
3.5
Can
3/5
I enjoyed this, I would say it largely passed me by, but it sounded good.
Definitely has aged well, would not have placed it as being made over 50 years ago.
Not much more to add, very nice, chilled mellow rock album
3
Gary Numan
2/5
I don't know about this.... It all gets a bit samey and this type of synthy music doesn't do too much for me. Again, bet it was a lot more impressive in 79 than it is now.
I remember the video for cars being on mtv2 all the time and turning it off when it came on. Not sure my opinion has changed that much.... However it is probably the standout song.... Although there are quite a few that sound very similar
2.5
Bauhaus
4/5
Didn't sound like I expected it to after reading the wiki intro! Not what I would expect "gothic rock" to sound like, but maybe the goth thing is more a life choice?
Sounded more like joy division. Think it's the bass mostly. Some of it didn't grab me, but thought some tracks were great. Weird enough to be interesting without going over the top
Hair of the dog
The passion of lovers
In fear of fear
Muscle in plastic
In fear of dub
Harry
Some really dub and ska sounding tracks towards the end which I thought were probably the best. Doesn't seem fitting somehow
Really enjoyed it overall and will be back. Good mix of proto punky sounds with dub and ska to finish.
Fishcakes!
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Man, it sounds good in the chicken shack!
I sometimes find jazz too inaccessible and can't enjoy it, but I did really like this. Probably just as background music, but perhaps that's what it's for.
3.5
The Cult
3/5
This isn't bad at all, in fact it's hard not to enjoy a lot of it, but I find it hard to be excited about this kind of rock. Much like AC/DC and the like, I knew what I was going to get before I started listening. Didn't disappoint I guess.
I wouldn't have known it was these guys who did "she sells sanctuary"..... What a tune that is, not on this album unfortunately though :(
The wiki says this was their transition from Gothic rock to hard rock, think the former would've been more interesting...
3.5
Green Day
5/5
Hard to give an unbiased review of this, given how much I listened to, and have seen Greenday live as a teenager..... So I'm not going to, It's an easy 5!
This pop/skate punk genre was the soundtrack to my teenage years; trying to skateboard, baggy jeans, long sleeved t shirt with band t shirts on top, going to gigs, underage drinking....Good times!
Highlights:
Burnout
Having a blast
Longview
Basket case
When I come around
Maybe a song too many about masturbation but oh well
Silver Jews
2/5
Suppose on paper I should quite like this, but it didn't do much for me. However, it's got that pessimism and misery that I often enjoy.
The guy hasn't got a great voice, which somehow is fitting, but it bothered me. He also really reminded me of another act and I can't put my finger on it.... Maybe magnetic fields?
2.5
Radiohead
3/5
Unmistakably Radiohead, yet I didn't know any of this album. It's very good, but it's all of a certain style.
Think I'm a greatest hits Radiohead fan
3.5
Nirvana
5/5
I probably hadn't listened to this album in full until a couple of years ago. Found I knew almost all of the tracks anyway.
I think smells like teen spirit has been played to death, I can't imagine how many times I've heard that track. Reminds me of arena bar in my hometown at 2am on a Friday about 20 years ago.
I also have a vivid memory of watching the lithium music video on mtv2 and my mum asking me if I understood what lithium was....I didn't.
Also remember my next door neighbours teenage son who was a bit older than me wearing a nevermind t-shirt and telling me that Courtney killed Kurt....
Those examples show just how omnipresent this album was, even though I had never really listened to it properly.... Trips down memory lane aside, this album is amazing and had I been a few years older I'm sure I would've been a bigger Nirvana fan.
Good to hear the less played tracks again.
Some highlights, although it's all great:
In bloom
Breed
Territorial pissings
Drain you
Lounge act
Simple 5
Madonna
2/5
Like a prayer is a fantastic pop song, I really like it. I challenge anyone to say otherwise.
Unfortunately the rest of it is nowhere near the same level and frankly pretty shit. Alright pop album I guess, nothing more. No surprises.
2, would be 1 without like a prayer
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Amazing album, much better than the previous Marley album we've had on the list.
Feels like a greatest hits album, but it's not!
Lots of great tracks:
Natural mystic
Exodus
Waiting in vain
Three little birds
One love
5
Slayer
3/5
Know a couple of slayer tracks but never listened to an album before. Don't think I was aware that they were releasing stuff in the 80s, would've put this as mid 90s.
Don't mind a bit of thrash metal, I don't think this is as good as master of puppets
Raining blood is the only track I knew and it's the best one imo. Angel of death is pretty good too
3.5 but 3 I think
The Byrds
1/5
As far as country goes, it was probably more accessible than usual.... Not for me though.
The Fall
3/5
Not as good as the nations saving grace, but still quite enjoyed it. He's got a very distinctive style.
Thought the start of the album was way better than the end. It kinda fell away a bit I thought. Started sounding more and more 90s, bit dancey...
3
Guns N' Roses
1/5
There aren't many bands I have an irrational dislike of, but guns n roses are one of them! I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes me dislike them, but it all just feels so fake. More of an act to be perceived a certain way and liked by certain people than anything else and it really gets to me.
Baby's first stadium rock band.
Doesn't help that welcome to the jungle, sweet child of mine and paradise city have been played to death at every rock club and seem to be adored by most. Not for me.
All that being said, I've never listen to an album so I tried to listen to this with an open mind..... It's crap and my irrational dislike is slightly less irrational now. I hate all the hits and the album tracks did not suprise me in the slightest.
1. Would like to say I never need to hear them again, but I know I'm going to have to
ABBA
1/5
A pop album with no tracks popular enough for me to know. No surprises in how it sounded, all pretty dull really. Not for me
Nico
3/5
Only know Nico from the velvet underground.... Very distinctive voice, which I think works really well on that album. I do quite like her voice, it's unique, but a whole album got a bit of a slog.
Couple of really good tracks here though, these days and somewhere there's a feather I liked.
The Who
3/5
Never heard this album before..... Way more poppy sounding than I was expecting. The track my generation is actually quite poppy really. Thought this sounded of it's time, and not how I was expecting it to sound.
Not bad by any means, but nowhere near as good as who's next and the sound they later found
I'm going to say 2.5, as I gave who's next a 3 and this is not as good
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Recognised more of this then I thought I would. He's got a great voice and it's pretty soothing, just not really my thing.
The best tracks were "boogie on reggae woman" and "you ain't done nothing"
The Byrds
3/5
The author of this list is partial to the byrds hey..... Considerably better than that country album of theirs we had recently. However not as good as younger than yesterday.... Maybe they should've stuck to the Dylan covers.
It isnt bad, but I just think there were other similar acts doing a similar thing better than they are doing it here. Bit of an imitation.
2.5 is fair I think
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Was looking forward to this, but it was much more rock and roll than I was expecting, rather than bluesy.....
Was still good, but I much preferred green river. Probably still be back
3.5
TV On The Radio
2/5
Not convinced by this..... Like the last album of theirs we had, there are quite a few different styles going on here, but it's hard to know what exactly it is? I dunno.
Anyway, nothing here made me think I need to come back and listen again really, although none was particularly offensive in any way. His voice reminded me of everything everything at times
2.5
Ice Cube
4/5
Never listened to ice cube properly before. He's got a great voice and flow. I always mention that I don't really like gangsta rap and the tropes that come with it whenever it comes up...... However, there is enough social commentary here that comes with the stuff I don't like, that cube gets a pass. The guns, bling and bitches are there, but there is a message too
Also pretty depressing that the issues he's rapping about have not changed at all in the 32 years since it's release.
"Was a good day" was the only track I knew, but don't think it was necessarily the best.
Highlights:
When will they shoot
Wicked
Now I gotta wet ya
We had to tear this mothafucker up
Check yoself
Say hi to the bad guy
4, still too much gangsta stuff for a 5
Minor Threat
5/5
I know of minor threat as I've heard them referenced by a lot of bands I grew up listening to, but never given them a proper listen.
Man, this was great. Exactly what I imagine when I think of what hardcore punk should sound like. I'm sure I've got minor threat to thank in part for inspiring a lot of bands I loved growing up
Short, energetic, left me wanting more. Definitely be back.
The Cramps
2/5
Not sure this is my thing. Reminded me of the rocky horror picture show somehow. A bit showy
Don't think this "psychobilly" thing is for me.
Not terrible, but not for me. 2
Tito Puente
2/5
Yeah, why not. Never would've chosen to listen to anything like this without this list. Not sure I will again
Don't dislike it, but never going to think, I'll just throw some dance mania on
2
The Specials
3/5
Definitely not as good as the eponymous album, but I still enjoyed it mostly. Lost their edge a bit.
Does get a bit generic license free music sounding in parts. Thought it started much stronger than it ended. Overall not bad
Highlights were enjoy yourself and hey little rich girl
3.5
Spiritualized
3/5
Have enjoyed both the spiritualized albums we've had so far, didn't think this one was quite as good.
Very atmospheric again. Enjoyed having it on in the background while working. Probably didn't listen closely enough to give a proper rating.
But 3 at least
Suicide
2/5
Didn't do much for me. Think it's probably one of them that would've been a lot more interesting in 1977 than it is now. Thought the opening few tracks were better than the end, which grated on me a bit.
Billy Bragg
3/5
I am partial to Billy Bragg and enjoyed this largely. However, it is long and his style can get a bit tiring.
Some good tracks though:
Ideology
There is power in a union
Help save the youth of America
A nurses life is full of woe
Hope there is more on the list. 3.5
The Verve
3/5
I think I thought urban hymns was their first album, certainly hadn't heard of them before that..... My ignorance no doubt.
Didn't know any of this but recognisably Ashcroft. Think it probably lacked a bit of anything to keep it interesting, but not sure what I expected from the verve. Didn't mind it, but won't be rushing back
3 but closer to 2.5
Tom Waits
3/5
Didn't do too much for me, although there is something appealing about Tom Waits, kinda want to like him more than I do.
Actually after writing that I thought the second half was much better than the first. More coherent.
Highlights were
Town with no cheer
Down down down
Soldiers toys
3 is probably fair
Sabu
2/5
Found it quite interesting for a song or 2, but that was plenty. I got the jist of it after that.
Nice to have stuff like this on the list, but won't be rushing back
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Might have been pretty inspirational and important to the genre, but, as a lot of reviews point out, the rapping style doesn't really hold up or stand the test of time. Come a long way in 40 (!) years. Very simplistic compared to some of the artists we have now and which I prefer
It's like that is obviously iconic and the standout track.
Won't be rushing back. 2.5
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Not sure about this, bits I thought were quite good, but it's got that very 80s sound stamped all over it, which I'm not generally a huge fan of.
Ultimately I think it's pretty forgettable. 2.5
Paul Weller
2/5
Never listened to Paul Weller before.... If you didn't know he was in the Jam, there is absolutely nothing about this solo stuff that would give you any hint of this. No similarities at all.
I actually didn't dislike any of it, but it all just feels a bit fluffy...unsubstantial somehow. Needs more to it. But it isn't bad, just very forgettable.
Sorry Paul, I'll stick to the jam
U2
2/5
Better than all you can't leave behind, not as good as achtung baby or the Joshua tree. Still not a U2 fan though, and don't think I will be, no matter how many albums this list makes me listen to.
I'm obviously missing something that a huge amount of people see in them though.... This album isn't bad, just don't find it very interesting at all
1.5
3/5
Never heard of these I don't think. Nice to have something a bit different and I enjoyed it. Pretty funky, if not a bit long and winding in parts.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Think I'm a Peter Gabriel fan! Been surprised how much I've enjoyed both albums we've had so far. Think I enjoyed Peter Gabriel 3 slightly more than this, had a story, but this was still largely very good.
Couple of tracks I could've done without, but strong opening and finish.
Highlights:
Salisbury hill
Modern love
Down with the dolce vita
Here comes the food
The Libertines
5/5
Hugely nostalgic album. Takes me back to first year of uni, had a sticker of this album cover on a folder. Pete Doherty used to fascinate me, still does to be fair.... Recently watched the Louis Theroux documentary about him.
Unfortunately missed them live the first time round, but got to see them at Prenton park with the whole Jeremy Corbyn chants a while back. Was great.
Anyway, this album is fantastic, I love it. Not as good as up the bracket, which hopefully will be on the list too.
Highlights:
Can't stand me now
Last post on the bugle
Music when the lights go out
Narcissist
What became of the likely lads
4.5, allows room for up the bracket
The Damned
4/5
Never listened to the damned before. Great name.
Very punk in parts, but then bits I would call more rock than punk, maybe even goth. Some extended solo guitar bits that you don't usually get in punk too.
Anyway, I really enjoyed it. Pretty diverse, lots of energy. Probably prefer my punk a little heavier generally but still good.
Anti pope, love song and rip it up were the best tracks
Jethro Tull
4/5
Had a mate that liked Jethro Tull, remember him carving Jethro Tull into a tree, about 20 years too late. Pretty sure I hadn't heard Jethro Tull then, although I do think I know the Jethro Tull had something to with a tool for planting seeds? Or was it a drill bit??
Regardless, this was great. We haven't had some proper British rock like this for a while. Definitely be back.
Can't quite give it a 5, bit too meandering in parts, but some great tracks.
Highlights:
Aqualung
Cross eyed Mary
Cheap day return
Wondering around
Hymn 43
Locomotive breath
Wind up
4.5....
The United States Of America
2/5
These guys must have enjoyed quite a few psychedelics! Didn't mind it, but not quite my thing. Sounded of it's time. Likely won't be back, but ok
2.5
The Slits
2/5
I'm not really sure how this makes the list... Don't think I would call it punk either really.
It has dub/ska sounding bass lines in parts which I like, but I find whatever they are on top not great at all mostly. The vocalists voice gets quite jarring too. Feel like it's trying to be a bit edgy.
The cover of heard it through the grapevine wasn't bad, but no points for a cover.
Got a feeling I've heard "typical girls" before but unsure where.
Can't give it more than a 2
Bill Callahan
4/5
When I saw this was listed as country, I thought I knew exactly what to expect and was fully expecting to hate it....... How wrong I was!
Not quite sure what I would call it, but definitely don't think I would call it country. Not sure I can think of much to compare it with at all. It really drew me in though and thought it was really interesting. The guy sounds really familiar to me, but can't place why or who I think he sounds like.
Really enjoyed it and will be back, although think it started better than it ended.
Highlights were:
Jim Cain
Eid ma clack Shaw
Too many birds
4
LL Cool J
3/5
For being released in 1990 this is quite a way from the gangsta rap that came in the subsequent years. This is much more hip hop, which I keep banging on about being superior.
I think the beats and his flow are pretty good, but the way he rhymes feels simple and there's something missing. It strays into feeling pretty cheesy at times and he comes across badly.
Mama said knock you out is the best track by far, but even this is fairly cheesy.
Unsure how to rate this, so I'm going to sit on the fence and give a 3.... Not sure I'll be rushing back, but to by honest he sounded better than I was expecting, for someone I know more from acting
Beck
4/5
Enjoyed this, this it what I expect Beck to sound like, as opposed to the sad Beck album we've had previously (which was actually very good).
I knew quite a few tracks from this album too, was never a huge Beck fan to be honest but I quite enjoyed this. Actually a bit more eclectic than I was expecting too.
The first 4 tracks are really strong, where's it at and ramshackle too.
4
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
The flying burrito brothers name suggested something more interesting than this! In the end it's just a bit dull and dated
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Wasn't sold at the start but it kinda grew on me. Quite bluesy sounding in parts with the Malian influence making it more interesting. Likely won't be back but yeah not bad
The Streets
4/5
I find the public reviews to this pretty funny, don't think the streets translate well to any other culture. It's a garage snapshot of working class Britishness.... I mean, the majority of British people probably don't enjoy British garage either.
I, however, am not one of those people! I remember eagerly anticipating the release of this album, my mates and I used to listen to "original pirate material" basically on repeat, can't be many albums I've heard more. It's considerably better than this album too imo and I remember being slightly disappointed by this when it was released.
Saw them at Leeds festival in 2003, and it was brilliant, he was wasted though.
This album grows on you, and while it doesn't compare to the first album, I still enjoyed hearing it again. Not usually a fan of a concept album either. It is a bit like some sort of strange garage musical.
I reckon Mike Skinner is cleverer than the subject matter can lead you to believe, and I think a pretty good egg.
Blinded by the lights is by far and away the best track for me. Was never a huge fan of dry your eyes or fit but don't you know it.
Say what you will about this, but there definitely won't be anything else like it on the list, so for that alone, it should be here.
I hope "original pirate material" is on this list, but I suspect it won't be, so I'm being more generous here.
The Icarus Line
3/5
Heard the name the Icarus line before but don't think I've heard them. I reckon if someone described them to me I would think I would really like them.... However, didn't really grab me. Kinda like the mars Volta a bit but not as interesting.
3 probably fair
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Not what I was expecting at all. The name suggested a more rocky sound to me.
I quite enjoyed it though. Not biased by the blue moon song at all..... It's very slow and haunting though so not the most interesting thing but not bad at all
The Go-Go's
4/5
I really quite enjoyed this. Has that pop punk type cadence to it. Weirdly reminded me of the offspring somehow....
I'm a sucker for a female vocalist in this type of music too
3.5 but closer to 4, reckon I'll be back
The Thrills
3/5
Completely forgot these guys existed, remember my parents playing this a lot when it came out, so was quite looking forward to listening to it...... I've actually been to Santa Cruz and big sur.....
It didn't live up to my memories, feels really dated, even though it is pretending to be dated I guess. Quite dull in parts too unfortunately.
One horse town is probably the best track. Big sur and Santa Cruz aren't bad either.
2.5 but 3 for nostalgia sake
Shivkumar Sharma
2/5
Quite nice to have on in the background. Haven't had anything else like this. Don't think I'll be rushing back though
Beck
4/5
More Beck! This is fairly similar to the last album we had, I recognised a few tracks. Interesting to read broken drum was about Elliott Smith.
Again, quite eclectic. Didn't rate "hell yes" though.
Probably didn't think it was quite as good as odelay I don't think
3.5
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
"Play come on Eileen!"
I feel like this album was trying to demonstrate that they are more than the come on Eileen band....I think it probably worked to a certain extent too, bits of it were ok. I just don't really know what it is.... Who is it for? All got a bit meandering and long too. But I would say this shows they are more than just a 1 pop hit wonder though.
2.5
Ryan Adams
2/5
I was fully expecting to hate this, however it was not what I was expecting and I have subsequently realised that Ryan Adams and Bryan Adams are not the same person! However, unfortunately Ryan seems less than a good egg judging by some of the public reviews.... Art from artist and all that though.
I quite enjoyed about half of this. Mostly the less country sounding ones. Really easy to listen to in the background. Not sure I'll be rushing back but I have learnt something today
2.5 but 2 for the bad stuff
Janet Jackson
1/5
Not for me at all and felt very of it's time, not in a good way
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Like most jazz we've had I am unsure how good this actually is as I didn't know anything about jazz. But, it was nice to have on in the background, plodded along nicely with a good tempo.
Think 2.5 but 3 as I didn't find it jarring as some jazz we have
Roxy Music
2/5
Our second Roxy music album. I don't get it!
Individually all the bits of it are at least fine, I just don't really like what it all comes together to be. Feel that this album was less synthy than for your pleasure, but neither have done much for me.
I thought prairie rose was the best track
Nice tits though obviously
2
Traffic
4/5
Never heard of these and thought it was mostly really quite good.
Quite psychedelic in parts, but then some not so much so. Bit folky too which was good, I think I remember a flute too which I can get behind.
Liked medicinal glue.
3.5
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
Thought I only knew 1 Dandy Warhols tune, I was wrong! Knew a couple on this album too. Thought it was mostly very good. Probably pretty similar to what I would've expected, but not wrong with that. Pretty hipster and artsy.
Highlights:
Boys better
Not if you were the last junkie on earth
Everyday should be a holiday
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Kinda surprised this isn't more highly rated on this list..... It was absolutely huge in the UK. Another that doesn't translate too well across the pond?
I would say it's not really my thing, but there are so many iconic tracks. There was a massive thing about it being made by one guy in his bedroom at the time. Don't think that would be that out of the ordinary now really.
Right here right now, the rockafeller skank, gangster tripping and praise you are all great. The rest of it isn't bad at all either
At least a 4. Probably closer to 4.5
Fiona Apple
4/5
I had to listen to this twice as I couldn't work out if it was really good, or a bit too hipster and wanky...... I've fallen on the side of really good, but some of it is not as good as the rest. Think I preferred the latter half of the album. Some of the lyrics are pretty powerful.
Highlights:
I want you to love me
Heavy balloon
Ladies
For her
Cosmonauts
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Great voice, but doesn't do much for me really. Not my thing. Sure its great if soul is your thing.
2
Björk
2/5
I quite enjoy Bjork sometimes, but this wasn't one of them.....I can feel the realness and it felt pretty raw, but not sure I need it, or didn't when I listened
2
Brian Eno
4/5
Was excited by the protect of another Brian Eno offering but worried by the presence of Byrne!
I feel like I could easily tell which tracks or bits were Enos influence and which were Byrnes.....I much preferred the Eno stuff (I think). Again Byrne is a bit too out there and artsy for me. I do think the latter half of the album seemed less influenced by Byrne generally and I preferred it.
Overall I enjoyed this way more than I expected and it's more than the sum of it's parts. Can see that it was influential.
I liked "regiment" and "mountain of needles" the best I think.
Would've given this a higher score if Eno reigned in Byrne a bit more! 3.5 but 4
Sade
1/5
Mostly passed me by to be honest, although probably didn't find it as bad as I thought I would. Very bland and forgettable though. Smooth operator is nowt special either
1.5
John Grant
3/5
Hmm. This was pretty interesting and think I enjoyed most of it. Quite interesting lyrically. Some I'm not too sure about. I listened to it twice though so there must be something to it.
Quite liked JC hates faggots. Marz was pretty good too. Strange German song in there
Giant Sand
4/5
Never heard of these and really enjoyed it mostly. Reminded me of Bill Callahan that we had recently, or maybe even Elliott Smith in parts??? Either way, its pretty up my street. Spotify took me to a 2 hour version of the album, which kinda grated on me though.
Shiver was my favourite. I reckon I'll be back
Deerhunter
3/5
Never heard of these before. It's fine, but that's about as far as I'd go I think. Didn't mind it, didn't dislike any of it particularly, just wasn't that exciting or interesting. Just fairly bland indie
2.5
Beatles
4/5
This is our 4th Beatles album so far, feels like it's been a while actually..... Obligatory not a huge Beatles fan. Not sure if this just caught me on the right day but I enjoyed this and I'm going to say this is my favourite album of theirs we've had.
I still think there are a lot of filler songs, but there are some belters too. Tax man, Eleanor Rigby and tomorrow never knows are the highlights.
4
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I like the mellow dub, reggae sound generally, but it's hard to give this higher than a 3 as it's just background music really. It was nice enough to have on while working though.
Nanci Griffith
1/5
I thought the opening track wasn't bad and she has a good voice. But it descended into the usual country rubbish
Mekons
3/5
This is another one where I'm not sure whether it's very good or very bad..... It's definitely pretty unique. Listened twice and think it did grow on me, but not completely convinced.
I quite liked the fiddle in parts. Some of the string heavy tracks are reminiscent of the pogues. Wasn't convinced about the talking bits in some tracks though, nor the concept album thingy
Think I liked "last dance" and "hard to be human again" the best
Van Morrison
4/5
My dad played Van a lot when I was growing up and I do really like him. Apparently a grumpy fucker though.
This is probably better than astral weeks and I gave that a 4. Not sure it's all of the same high quality though so I'll go with 4.5 here.
Highlights:
And it stoned me
Moondance
Into the mystic
Glad tidings
Pink Floyd
5/5
Been a while since I'd listened to this... Not sure there's anything I can say that the other reviews don't say. It's incredible.
Pretty nostalgic too, remember my dad playing it when I was a child and hearing all the strange noises and sound effects and thinking, this isn't even music..... And I suppose that's the criticism that this would get from some. But it all comes together to make something staggering.
Time is the best track for me, gives me goosebumps. Breathe, money, and brain damage are great too. Just the whole experience is amazing.
Simplest of 5s. Looking forward to wish you were here
CHIC
2/5
I expected I wouldn't like this, but actually didn't mind it. Less disco than I was expecting, and much more funky, which was a relief.
Le freak does nothing for me, I want your love is better. Some of the guitars on other tracks were nice. I think it was savoir faire.
Was losing interest by the end. Pleasantly surprised but still not quite my thing. 2.5
Brian Eno
3/5
I don't know how to rate this at all.... I liked the other solo Eno album we've had, but it was actually of substance. This is specifically designed to not really be listened to I guess, and just serve as background noise. And as that is was pretty nice I guess, but can't see myself even thinking about putting this on.
Very clearly Brian Eno though, which is quite interesting in itself
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Did not know any of this. She has a great voice, but it did not grab me like blue did. Had some ok bits though. Bit more jazzy and out there than blue too
Probably won't be back. 2.5
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
Listened to this twice. Wasn't convinced initially, but about half way through my first listen it was growing on me.
Got the early electronic elements which I quite like. I'm not sure how much I like new wave though.
When it's good I really liked it, "souvenir" was the best track. "Of all the things we've made" was good too. 3.5
Randy Newman
2/5
Can't hear his voice without thinking of toy story..... Also very strange hearing that voice swear!
My problem I guess, but kinda stopped me listening to this properly. All sounded very similar regardless
Alice Cooper
1/5
Never listened to Alice cooper, aside from the obvious tracks. This sounded pretty much exactly as I expected it to, no surprises at all. In fact, it was probably worse than I expected.
Didn't enjoy it at all. I'm my mind Alice cooper falls into the same category as guns n roses. Designed to be edgy when in reality it just isn't. Posers
1.5
Grateful Dead
3/5
I've been meaning to give the grateful dead a listen for ages so was glad this came up.
Not sure a live album is the best place to start though.... All style no substance comes to mind. So meandering. Kept imagining myself at these gigs and just standing around listening to these solos wanting something to happen!
There were bits and pieces that I thought were good though and I hope there is a studio album on the list to really see what they're like. Heard a lot of good things about them.
Turbonegro
4/5
Never heard of these guys and I initially thought it was a bit silly, but after a few tracks I had fully bought into it.
Really energetic kinda hardcore pop punk. Lots of "woahs" and "come ons" and power chords. Reminded me of the hives combined with pennywise..... Something felt very familiar anyway.
Some nonsensical daft lyrics and song titles but I'm not sure I cared too much, as the energy was class.
Spotify played some great tunes afterwards too.
Reckon I'll be back. Can't quite give it a 5, but really enjoyed it.
4.5
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
This takes me back to when I worked in a restaurant, this cd must've been one that was constantly on rotation. Won't have heard this for probably over 15 years but I feel it is etched into my memory.
I can't deny that it's pretty good, but I feel this experience has somewhat tainted it!
The Shamen
2/5
I don't see any reason this should be on this list. Isn't even that good or unique example of electronica.
Also doesn't have their huge hit on.
Didn't hate it, but would never choose to listen to it again. 1.5
Herbie Hancock
3/5
This was pretty decent! Much better than I expected it to be, given that jazz isn't usually my thing.
Think a strong 3.5
The Band
3/5
Don't think I enjoyed this as much as the previous the band album we've had on this list. Still thought it was pretty decent though and I recognised a few tracks here that I didn't know were the band.
The absolutely fabulous theme tune for one. I know I shall be released but no idea which cover version, pretty sure it's not this version though.
3.5
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Didn't do much for me to be honest. It's fine, and pretty much what I expected but that's about all I can say. No stand out tracks really
Few tracks weren't bad though, but not sure Lenny Kravitz is my thing
2.5
Scott Walker
2/5
Didn't know of Scott Walker before this and this hasn't inspired me to want to hear more. All a bit dull and dated sounding. Not terrible though. Sorry Scott
Van Halen
2/5
I do have time for some acts like this, the over the top kinda glam rock type thing, but not Van Halen....
In their defense I had never listened to an album before this, but it is what I expected. Recognised "jump" and "Panama" but not a particular fan of either of these. "Hot for teacher" is just crap. It's all just a bit cringey I think.
2.5
Holger Czukay
2/5
A bit too out there for me I think. Need a bit more coherence. Persian love was the best track though.
Reminded me of the avalanches in parts though, frontier psychiatrist anyway.
2.5
Little Simz
5/5
Little simz has bars! Thought this was very good. Listened twice.
Never heard her before. Nice to have some UK rap on the list.
Really good flow and writing I thought, and of substance too.
Highlights:
Venom
101 FM
Pressure
I'll be back. 4
Buck Owens
1/5
Every day we stray further from god
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Yeah why not, enjoyed it. Didn't outstay it's welcome.
Soundgarden
3/5
Never listened to Soundgarden before, but know Chris Cornell from audioslave. He's got a great voice for rock.
I know this is considered grunge, but not what sound comes to mind when I think of grunge.
I know black hole sun from the video being on mtv2 all the time when I was a teenager. Remember it pretty vividly. I thought I would enjoy this more than I did based on that. Thought that was the best track though. Spoonman was good too.
I think at least 3.5
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Ah the difficult twelfth album after the huge eleventh hey!
It's miles off rumours, but it honestly isn't bad, it's just very difficult not to compare it to rumours, when that is my only other real exposure to Fleetwood Mac.
Kinda unfair I suppose by there you go.
I liked "storms" the best. Still a pretty good pop record
3.5
FKA twigs
1/5
Never heard of FKA twigs and really quite disliked it.
Made me question whether I understood what music was and feel old and out of touch.
"I used to be with it, then they changed what it was. Now what I'm with isn't it, and what it is seems weird and scary to me" comes to mind.
I think generally I'm quite open minded when it comes to new stuff but this wasn't it
The Soft Boys
3/5
Never heard of the soft boys and it seems they weren't about for long.
Immediately identifiable as English rock. I thought it was fine but nothing amazing. Seems a lot of later acts cite them as inspiration, which is perhaps why I don't find it so interesting. Maybe it was at the time.
Thought some of the bonus tracks were the best...... Had to listen to this in 2 seasons. 2 and a half hours is too much! And 4 versions of a song about a pervert is too much too!
I actually think there's bits here that were pretty good, but it's too long..... I suppose the original album wasn't that long but the one I listened to was and for that reason it's the 3 side of 3.5
Blue Cheer
3/5
This was kinda like cream but not as good...... Milk?
I do like the blues rock sound though, just not sure why if this really blew me away
3.5 is fair
The Replacements
5/5
Never heard of the replacements and really liked this. Kinda rough, messy, soft punk, rock thing going on. Carelessness of youth.
We're coming out
Androgynous
Sixteen blue
Strong 4, I'll be back
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Was kinda expecting to not really enjoy this, but it flew by nicely. It's not really my thing but he's got an undeniably great voice. All the tracks do sound the same though!
"Anything goes" was my favourite, being a fallout fan.
Doubt I'll be back but good job Frank
Heaven 17
3/5
Hmm..... Somehow very 80s but equally quite unique. I'm not really sure how to rate this, was pretty interesting in parts.
Didn't realise this was the guys who did temptation until Spotify played it after the album.
I'm going to sit on the fence and say it's on the 2.5 side of 3
Klaxons
4/5
Forgot klaxons existed. Very mid 2000s uni times indie sounding so it drew me in.
Quite a few filler tracks but enough good tracks to keep me entertained.
Nowt special but enjoyed it. 3.5 territory
Björk
2/5
Holy shit that's Bjork alright! Too Bjork for her own good at times, "ancestors" was mainly weird grunts and breathing....
I think I did enjoy "Oceania" though.
Was there some actual beat boxing in there? Thought it was but could've been synthetic. You don't hear that too often.
At times interesting, but can't give more than 2. Too out there for me
The Clash
5/5
Another that I've listened to relatively recently and that I heard growing up from my parents.
Pretty great album really. Nice mix of kinda messy punk rock, reggae, ska. Right up my street really.
A couple of tracks reminded me a bit of the Libertines, particularly Jimmy Jazz, which I'd never noticed before..... But I guess there's countless bands that the clash influenced.
Highlights:
London calling
Rudie can't fail
Lost in the supermarket
The guns of Brixton
Wrong em boyo
Death or glory
I'm not down
Revolution rock
Train in vain
The only reason I can think to not give this a 5 is that there is a fair bit of filler..... But 5 it is
Motörhead
2/5
Can't believe I've just listened to nearly 2 hours of Motorhead..... It is pretty amazing how similar it all is. I guess if it ain't broke don't try and fix it.
I don't think this album needs to be here, not like it adds anything at all to the previous "ace of spades" album we've had and the sound quality is pretty bad.
To be fair to them, I bet the gigs were pretty fun if you're a fan, surely they didn't actually open with ace of spades though??
Still think some lyrics are very dodgy.
I was too generous last time. 1.5
Christina Aguilera
1/5
From a 2 hour live Motorhead album into an hour and a half of Christina Aguilera!
She has a good voice and likes doing her distinctive woahs so that's something. First disk was quite different and more tolerable, kinda believed her. The final track with the fans on was awful though.
Then the second disk was outright shite. "Taste of the sugar below my waist" made me cringe. Too diiiirrrty for me apparently.
Sorry Xtina, you had your day in the sun though
Public Enemy
3/5
Listened to public enemy before, this is not as good as "it takes a nation of millions to hold us back" imo, but still decent and I'm sure a very important record. This type of hip hop doesn't exist anymore as far as I know, and this makes it feel dated.
Feel I've said this before, but it's shit that the social commentary from 34 years ago still rings true.
Fight the power and 911 is a joke are the highlights.
3.5
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Think my first and probably only exposure to Jefferson airplane is from the bathtub scene in fear and loathing. Saw that film a fair amount as a teenager so kinda knew what they were associated with.....Wouldn't have been able to tell you that "somebody to love" was their song, although I know it.
When this was good it was great. The more bluesy, psychedelic tracks particularly. However, there were quite a lot of tracks that were too beatlesy for me which passed me by.
Was reading that the grateful dead were the psychedelic band that stood the test of time, rather than these guys. I thought this was considerably better than the grateful dead album we had, but in their defence it was a live album.
Really like the psychedelic blues rock sound and I'll definitely be back. Bet it was a fun time to live through!
Favourites:
Somebody to love
Comin back to me
White rabbit
In the morning
4
KISS
1/5
There aren't many bands I have an active dislike to, but along with guns n roses, KISS are one of them.
Had a mate that was into them when we were kids, I'm sure I remember watching something with them in but cannot remember what ...
The opening track is ok, the rest is completely vapid and uninteresting, you can see why they decided on the face paint gimmick.
No way this classifies as something you should hear before you die
George Jones
1/5
Thought this was pretty terrible. Country just doesn't do it for me
Neil Young
5/5
Thought this was pretty great. He really cannot sing, but there is something about his voice that is really appealing regardless. This was possibly more bluesy than other albums we'd had.
The opening few of tracks were great, as was on the beach and ambulance blues
Listened again.... Not sure if it just caught me on the right day, but I think this is my favorite album of his we've had (we've had 5!).
4.5
David Bowie
4/5
Pretty amazing how many different styles he went for isn't it. Generally did them very well too.
Probably didn't enjoy this as much as the more "classic" Bowie albums we've had, but I was surprised as to how good it still was as an album.
Only knew young Americans and fame.
3.5 I think
Janelle Monáe
2/5
Never heard of Janelle before. It was fine as far as pop records go, sounded very well produced.
Just not really my thing. Nothing particularly stood out. 2
The Kinks
4/5
I do like the kinks, so very English, singing about tea and the weather.
Waterloo sunset is a great track. Enjoyed situation vacant and the opening track too.
Not as good as the village green preservation album though. 3.5
Slint
3/5
I'm not sure about this..... It's pretty unique, maybe sounds a bit like pavement? The talking over the guitars reminded me of the track deep kick by rhcp. A whole album of this in unsure about though.
I'm going to sit on the fence but I might come back to this. Had something about it
The Sonics
3/5
Didn't think I was going to enjoy this, judging by the cover and the release date, but it surprised me!
It's very energetic, lots of \"woooooooowwsss\" which I don't mind. It's also pretty short so didn't lose interest. I can kinda hear the early punk influence....
However, my main issue is that most of the songs are covers! I had to check to make sure, but yeah there's way too many covers. They weren't bad covers, but still, don't think this many covers should be here.
I'm still going to say 3 though as it surprised me
Tom Waits
4/5
Thought this was the most coherent album of his we've had. His graveliness is on par with Leonard Cohen's in you want it darker.
Some of it is a bit too weird for me but I actually thought some tracks were really quite good.
My favourites were "who are you this time" and "the ocean"
3.5 but I'm going with 4
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Man, what an album. Haven't listened to this since I was a teenager probably. Don't think it quite had the impact it did when I was a teenager, but it is still so good.
My first exposure to them would've been guerilla radio on Tony hawks
I kinda think it's a shame that killing in the name got played to death however long ago it was, kinda soured a great song for me a bit
Still think Zach de la Rocha is cool as fuck.
So many great tracks, but my favourites are Bombtrack, Know your enemy, and Settle for nothing. Know your enemy is the best of those.
Although I could name most of them tbf. Simplest of 5s
Britney Spears
1/5
From RATM to Britney! Good old list.
Think I would've thought this was released before 1999... Remember it pretty clearly.
I'm actually surprised how many tracks I recognised. Not ashamed to say they I found myself singing along to sometimes... Actually couldn't get it out of my head annoyingly
However, it's not at all my thing and there is some utter dross on here.
Email my heart! Haha
It's also fairly gross that they were writing these songs for a 16 year old girl to sing. Literally lyrics are about being "born to make you happy" and various other shit about special love and devotion. South park was right
Sorry Britney, it's a 1, but it's not really on you....wonder if she'd choose to do it all again if she could go back.....
Happy Mondays
3/5
Wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this, know the hits but nothing else really. Even so, it didn't surprise me at all.....
Kinky afro and step on are by far the best tracks. There was quite a bit I thought wasn't great, couple of slightly better ones around the middle of the album, then it dipped again.
Shaun Ryder can't sing, bet they had fun though
2.5
TLC
1/5
BoringSkettyShite
Waterfalls is an ok pop song, the rest I found really quite awful. Loads of pointless interludes too.
Don't like the RnB sound at the best of times
Best part was Andre 3000s verse in the final track
1, worse than Britney
This was better than I was expecting. I like the album title!
Considerably better than any of his solo stuff imo.
Stay with me is the clear highlight
Primal Scream
4/5
Listened to this album before.... Not quite my thing, but equally I can tell that it's a very good example of what it is.
Think these guys might have taken a drug or 2 during the process of making this. There was a period in my life when I'm sure this would've been way more up my street.
Moving on up, Come together, and loaded are pretty iconic
3.5, but I think it's worthy of a 4
Pink Floyd
4/5
Never heard this album before. Very British sounding... Dare a say a bit kinksy (Jamie will be furious).
Got the early shoots of what they were to become, but it's also much more bluesy and folky sounding. More generic.
I did enjoy it though.
Highlights:
Astronomy domine
Lucifer Sam
Interstellar overdrive
I'm going with 4 but maybe closer to 3.5
Aphex Twin
3/5
Knew aphex twin, but only really for the strange music videos for come to daddy and window licker..... Had a mate that was into him.
This was different, and much better than I was expecting it to be. But, it is what it says really, it's just background music.... Brian Eno did it too!
Thought it was good though, but hard to give it more than a 3...... 3.5 though
10cc
2/5
Really didn't know what to expect from this and did not enjoy it at all really..... I know dreadlock holiday, which is good, but not on here unfortunately.
Not really sure who this is for, but it ain't me!
The Byrds
3/5
Another entry from what Spotify considers my 5th most listened to band!
It was fine, mostly passed me by to be honest, but it's nice enough. Shouldn't think I'll be bothered listening again though, no matter what Spotify thinks
3
Portishead
3/5
I thought portishead were a bit more rocky than this, but not sure what I'm basing that on.
This was interesting though, kinda industrial sounding. I'm not sure it's quite for me but I did quite enjoy it. Think the rip was the best track.
Not sure I'll be back but glad I've heard it
Baaba Maal
2/5
Didn't mind this, it's nice to hear some less western music, but tough for me to relate to!
I got a bit tired of it by the end, but it was nice enough. 2.5
The Stooges
3/5
Line their previous album we had, this is way ahead of it's time.
Thought the opening few tracks were the best. Thought this was possibly better than the last one we had, but without the hits I knew. At least 3.5
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Preferred this to the previous soundtrack album we had. The opening track was the best, super funky.
I completely understand why people might think this is a great album, but just not my thing.
3
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
Wasn't aware that this was the origins of renegades of funk.... Think rage probably did it better. Was probably my favourite here though.
Very dated sound now, but it isn't bad, but hip hop and rapping has come a long way since this. Probably very significant in the genre though
Aerosmith
2/5
Never really liked aerosmith, but not sure why. This did nothing to dissuade me.
Never heard this version of walk this way without run DMC in. They massively improve it.
Big ten inch record was awful
Won't be back and hope there is no more on the list but I suspect there will be
Think this was the worse of the 3 albums we've had so far
1.5
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Dunno about this, sometimes he has quite good flow, but there's just something missing.
Is his claim that he is the soul machine ironic, as don't think there was much soul here.
The stuff he did with danger mouse was good, don't think this was anywhere close though
2.5 probably
Van Halen
3/5
Thought this was considerably better than their last offering we had. Less cheesy.
Not sure I'm a van halen convert yet but better then I was expecting
Bon Jovi
1/5
Never heard a bon Jovi album before but this was exactly as I was expecting..... Crap!
I've always disliked loving on a prayer and you give love a bad name. Reminds me of 2am in my hometown "nightclub"
Also don't like the faux bad boy rocker thing
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
Well this was something! Took me 2 goes to get through it. The first of which I was not feeling it at all. Second time I had prepared myself somewhat.... It's still a tough listen though.
It's got a bit of the Tom waits about it. Bits of it made me think of slam poetry or some sort of hipster jazz scene in some underground smoky room. Other bits were more like actual music.... Others not so much!
I do think it was interesting, but it's way too out there for me I think.
2
Baaba Maal
3/5
As always with the non English albums, it's difficult to know the context of the songs. Interesting, but not something I'll be rushing back to.
Was long too.
Think I'm going 2.5
White Denim
4/5
Never heard of these and it was pretty decent.
Will probably come back and give it another go. Think at least 3.5 but I'll go 4
The Bees
3/5
This was fine, but not very interesting..... The best song was the cover of a Minha menina
The album sounds like songs for adverts and after it has finished Spotify played chicken payback by them, which I am almost certain was on an advert
Solid 3 territory
MGMT
4/5
Enjoyed this. Only really knew the hits before, and they are very strong. Really distinct sounding and nostalgic for uni.
However some of the other album tracks were very good too. Think I liked weekend wars and of moons, birds and monsters.
Ill be back to this
Moby Grape
3/5
Thought this was pretty decent. Easy listening but cool. Great blues sound. I do think that ultimately it is probably a bit forgettable though
3.5
Barry Adamson
3/5
Never heard of Barry Adamson. A movie soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist hey..... Weird. It does sound like a movie soundtrack though I think so he achieved that I suppose.
I'm not a fan of real movie soundtracks generally though, so not sure how I feel about this.
The opening track with Jarvis Cocker was weird.
I didn't particularly dislike it, but doubt I'll be back
2.5
Tom Waits
4/5
This guy likes Tom Waits hey..... To be fair, I think I agree with most of the inclusions, at least the more coherent ones, which this was another example of. Perhaps the most coherent one.
I reckon I'll be back to give this another proper listen, but I enjoyed it.
4
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Another that the list loves... Again, I agree.
The more I hear Neil Young, the more I like him. His voice and writing style is so captivating.
The opening couple of tracks were the best.
4.5
American Music Club
4/5
I thought this sounded firmly from the mid nineties, not from the late 80s, so I guess they were ahead of their time.
I quite enjoyed it, kinda soft rock, almost reminded me a little of Springsteen, or counting crows, or maybe even tuung in parts??
I liked "Jenny", "western sky", "last harbour"
I think this is at least a 3.5.
The Human League
2/5
I get why this is here, but the synth pop thing doesn't do anything for me really.
Don't you want me is a decent track though!
2
Bob Dylan
5/5
Think "tangled up in blue" has to be one of my favourite Dylan songs. Really evocative.
He has an amazing way of creating a mental picture of the story he's telling in his songs.
Highlights:
Tangled up in blue
Lily, rosemary and the jack of hearts
Shelter from the storm
4.5
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Heard of these guys but don't think I've ever listened to them.
I didn't mind it, probably would've been more my thing as a teenager. Felt like they were trying a bit hard to be edgy and weird at times. Kinda hoped I might enjoy it more than I did given it's listed as rock, grunge, punk.
Human cannonball was the standout track... Sounds like pennywise. Lose the weird stuff and the score would be higher
3
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
The middlest of middle of the road from Bruce here.
Didn't grab me at all like born in the USA did, might just be bad timing as on the face of it it, it is fairly similar, both in sound and themes.
Not bad at all though and I enjoyed the final couple of tracks the best; prove it all night and darkness on the edge of town. The whole racing cars thing doesn't resonate with me
At least 3.5
3/5
Hmm, wasn't aware these guys were still going in the late 90s....
Probably a bit different to what I was expecting and some of it I thought was quite good, but unfortunately there was more that I didn't get on with so well. Quite varied I guess
Think it was "Easter theatre" that I enjoyed the most.
Shouldn't think I will be back, but probably better than I was expecting. 2.5
Norah Jones
2/5
Really nice voice and all very pleasant, but found myself pretty bored of it quite quickly.
All the public reviews are correct, it's something you'd have on in a cafe, which is fine, but not something I'm ever going to choose to listen to
2.5
The Temptations
3/5
This was considerably better than I was expecting it to be.
Had some bite to it, some funk. Bits of it reminded me of hip hop, has it been sampled a lot?
Then there were other bits which sounded more like I thought it would and not quite my thing.
Overall though I was pleasantly surprised. Going to say 3.5
Lightning Bolt
4/5
Never heard of these and reading the public reviews worried me and made me think it was going to be completely incoherent noise..... Really was not this at all.
I enjoyed it mostly. I would say I was far more onboard for the first half of the album than the latter. But it is very punk sounding and there is a melody. We've had far more disjointed offerings on this list.
Assassins, Dracula mountain, and 2 towers were the best tracks. Not sure I'll be rushing back but it's at least 3.5
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
I know pretty in pink, but I couldn't have named the band.
Actually really enjoyed this. Better than some of the other similar new wave acts we've had. More industrial, punk sounding. Liked the singers voice too.
Highlights:
Dumb waiter
Pretty in pink
Into you like a train
It goes on
So run down
I'm going to say 4.5
Underworld
3/5
Only know born slippy by underworld.... This was much more techno than I was expecting. Not sure I've ever listened to a techno album before.
Very repetitive, which I suppose most techno is, but it was fine with to have on in the background while working. Not bad
"Pearls girl" was very reminiscent of born slippy.
Think 3 is fair
Robbie Williams
2/5
What is this doing here..... Embarrassingly this reminded me that I bought a Robbie Williams single CD when it was released. I think it was rock DJ, which apparently came out in 2000, making me old enough to know better :(
Anyway, this had probably more guitars than I was expecting, but after all, Robbie is a bad boy as he desperately wants us to know.
Recognised the singles, they were unavoidable at the time. Angels was huge. It's rubbish though.
None of the rest really did anything for me, but I will concede that it probably wasn't as bad as I feared
The Cars
3/5
Again, knew "just what I needed" from this, but wouldn't have been able to name the band.
Did think it was good, maybe slightly too on the fluffier side for my liking.
3
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
I thought this was considerably better than most country we've had. It's got more of the blues sound. Guess it's bluegrass?
Anyway, I did quite enjoy it for a while..... But over 2 hours is a long time! Far too long. I think the talking was quite endearing at times but annoying in others. Sounded authentic though.
2.5, better than I was expecting
Radiohead
5/5
For me, the best Radiohead album we've had so far. I think a couple of tracks on ok computer are stronger than some of the tracks here, but as a whole this album is better.
Fake plastic trees reminds me of a certain trip I had a long time ago!
Highlights:
Planet telex
The bends
High and dry
Fake plastic trees
Just
Street spirit
4.5
Highlights:
The Lemonheads
5/5
Another band that I've heard about a fair bit but not sure I've ever heard....
Thought it was really good. Listened 3 times now. Kinda soft indie. Reckon I might've liked it more as a teenager. Definitely be back.
My favourites were:
Rudderless
It's a shame about Ray
The turnpike down
Alison's starting to happen
Bit part
Cover of Mrs Robinson was good too, but that doesn't count!
I'm going to say 5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I gave the previous Elvis Costello album (blood and chocolate) we've had on the list a 3. Let the record show that I've listened to songs from that album regularly since we had it and I would give it at least a 4 now.
Was quite looking forward to this. I do like his voice and style, but this didn't grab me like some of blood and chocolate did. Still solid though.
Might give it another listen at some point. Think my favourite was "the loved ones".
Pavement
5/5
Was looking forward to this when I saw it come up after their last album we've had.
I think I enjoyed this more than the last. On paper this should be completely for me, but there is something that is stopping it clicking fully and I'm not quite sure what. Still very good though.
Ignore that I've changed my mind.... It's a 4.5 but getting a 5
Highlights:
Stop breathing
Cut your hair
Unfair
Gold sounds
Range life
The Boo Radleys
4/5
Think I'd heard of the Boo Radleys, but I could be just thinking of the character from to kill a mocking bird...... My childhood dog was called Boo too!
This really surprised me. I suspected I knew what they sounded like, I clearly didn't. I'm always a bit worried when albums are longer than an hour, but this flew by, it's so eclectic, but seemingly made up only of styles that I enjoy. Rock, shoegaze, kinda reggae/dub at times. Don't think it all works completely, but largely it does.
Yeah I clearly didn't know who they were, I see they sang wake up boo!
Listened again, probably not quite as good as I initially thought, they are borrowing a lot of different styles here... Beatles, new order. Bit britpop too. Superfurrys?
Highlights:
I hadn't suspended
I wish I was skinny
Barney and me
Lazarus
I've lost the reason
The white noise revisited
I'm still going to say 4.5. there's enough here I really enjoyed, but not quite enough for 5
Anita Baker
1/5
Well this broke the run of good albums we've had.....
Sorry Anita, you've got a nice voice but this style isn't for me.
1.5
Kanye West
3/5
Never heard this album before. He's clearly well in his phase of believing his own hype here (I am a god). Nowhere near as good as college dropout we had before.
He is much more crass here too and falls back on the old misogynistic rap tropes too much. Really don't like the whole auto tune sound which is throughout the album either.
There is something about it in parts though... Something I can't help but appreciate. He can definitely rap and has good flow, but often what he is rapping about is utter nonsense (I still think they're is something wrong with him mentally).
Honourable mention to "speaking swaghili" and "put my fist in her like a civil rights sign".
I think my favourites were new slaves and hold my liquor, but I'm not sure I actually like them that much.....I do quite like the patois that features every now and again.
I think 2.5 but it's interesting enough for 3. Doubt I'll be back though
Wilco
4/5
Only know Wilco from that album we had with Billy Bragg ages ago.
Wasn't convinced by the opening track, but enjoyed it as it went on. At the start it kinda reminded me of beck....
There were a period of tracks around the middle though that I really enjoyed though, reminiscent of the shins.
Highlights:
War on war
Jesus etc
Ashes of American flags
Heavy metal drummer
4, probably be back
Violent Femmes
3/5
Knew the opening track from adverts I think. Is decent.
Wasn't completely convinced about the rest of it though. Bit fluffy for me. Still not bad at all though
Frank Ocean
3/5
Wasn't sure I would recognise any of this, but I did, think it must've been a 6 music favourite for a while.
Largely, I would say it isn't for me, bit too "souly" and RnBy.... But, I think I can appreciate why people would like it.
Super rich kids and lost were my favourites.
I'm going to say 2.5
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Hard not to enjoy Aretha isn't it. Great voice, well known songs, which are on this album.
Probably not really for me, but enjoyed it anyway.
3.5
Bob Dylan
5/5
Heard this one before. Quite a few really strong tracks here:
Subterranean homesick blues
Maggie's farm
On the road again
Mr tambourine man
It's alright ma
It's all over now baby blue
I think it's hard to give this less than 4.5 given those tracks. Probably be blown away by it if I didn't already know it, victim of your own success Bobby.
4.5
Brian Wilson
3/5
Very clearly beach boysey. Sounds very 60s, but released in 2004, makes sense knowing the story. I don't think there was anything here that wasn't done better by the beech boys at the time.... Which again makes sense given this was made up of a lot that didn't make an album back then!
2.5
Richard Thompson
3/5
Thought this was pretty good mostly. Think the first half was better, got a bit flowery and weird in some of the latter half.
The opening 4 tracks were all good though. 3.5, but likely won't be back!
King Crimson
3/5
Heard of king crimson but never listened before. Kinda like spirit or yes, which have both been pretty great.
There are parts of this that are really good, but then parts that are far too meandering and slow. . When is good it's good, when it's not it's not.
3, shouldn't think I'll be back
5/5
Album that came out when I was 9? It's the first album I can remember people at school talking about....I distinctly remember not knowing what they were on about and feeling left out....
Anyway, it's huge and it defines the britpop era for me. Yes, often the lyrics are nonsensical and are just there because they rhyme. Yes, they use the same trick and inflection in almost every song. Yes, they are imitating the Beatles. But it doesn't matter, the songs are anthemic and this album is class
5
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Never had anyone in my family and a Sinatra fan so the nostalgia element isn't there for me....I obviously appreciate that he was a big deal and he does have a great voice. But, it's dated and none of the big hitters are here, all felt very long and samey too. Sorry Frank
Rod Stewart
2/5
Has a very distinctive voice and style does Rod. Not sure it's for me though. Thought the faces album was much better than this.
Country comfort was probably the best. Not terrible but won't be back
2.5
Saint Etienne
2/5
Knew only love can break your heart. That's been played a lot and I guess stood the test of time.... But it was probably successful because of the Neil Young hook. I suppose I would've known this before the Neil Young version
The rest of it isn't bad, but it's definitely nothing special either... Not sure it's list worthy really. I liked the kinda dubby bass on some tracks.
Meh. 2.5
Beyoncé
1/5
Think this is the first Beyonce album we've had? I've completely forgotten it if not.
Not that I'm a Beyonce fan, but I'm quite surprised that in an hour and a half of Beyonce, I did not recognise any tracks.
I thought I knew her schtick, and nothing suprised me. Maybe a few more "adult" themes than I expected.
Regardless, good voice, shite album. Not at all for me. 1
Magazine
3/5
Had never heard of magazine I don't think although I think I recognised "the light pours out of me". Probably the best track too.
I did think this was alright, but didn't fully grab me.
3
The Zombies
4/5
Didn't think I knew who these guys were, but I did! Enjoyed it. Very 60s sounding. I guess a bit like cream?
Not sure I'm at the level of a signed framed picture, but was good none the less.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
Back to back 60s psychedelic rock albums. This one probably not quite as good as the zombies, but I like the genre. Listened twice so definitely had something about it.
3.5 as not as good as yesterday, but worthy of a 4 I think
The Beach Boys
1/5
Really didn't get on with this. Didn't know any of the tracks and it was all so saccharin. Huge contrast to the other 2 albums from the 60s we had this week.
Pretty awful tbh. Not for me. I'll take the 60s psychedelia and leave this. 1.5
Ash
4/5
I would've never have called myself a huge Ash fan, but they were everywhere when I was a teenager. I'm surprised how nostalgic this was for me and how much of the album I still knew.
One of the few big ish bands I saw locally where I grew up.
The first few tracks are great. So are Kung Fu and oh yeah
I'm not sure it's quite worthy of a 5, but 4.5 it is
Ray Charles
2/5
Not sure I've ever listened to Ray Charles before.... Not sure I will again.
I thought I was miserable, but Christ Ray is on another level. Every song, or those that I can remember, are about unrequited love or being broken up with or similar.
It's also very long and dated too...
Not for me, but not terrible. 1.5
Chin up Ray lad, it might never happen
Fugees
4/5
Remember this being released and my friends older sister being obsessed with it.... Never listened to the album before but obviously know the hits.
Thought it was pretty decent mostly. Must've been a nice change to all the gangsta rap being released at the time. The 4 different versions of Fu-Gee-La annoyed me, but I assume they weren't all on the original release.
Aside from the huge hits, "zealots" was the highlight. I like the creole
3.5
Lucinda Williams
2/5
Never heard of Lucinda and I was worried when I saw it was country... However, I will say this perhaps had a bit more to it than some of the country we've had. Don't get me wrong, there were large parts of it that were really unimaginative and dull, but there was the odd bit that wasn't too bad..... Perhaps I've just been watching too much Yellowstone?
Arrested Development
4/5
Thought this was pretty great mostly. This is what old school hip hop should sound like. No rapping about guns, bitches or bling.
Knew a few bits and pieces, I assume from sampling in other music?
I don't think it was all amazing, but there was enough here for a 4
I liked mamas always on stage, everyday people, Mr Wendal and fishing for religion. Reckon I'll be back
Joan Baez
3/5
Initially I thought this was going to be great, thought she sounded like joni Mitchell. However, I found her voice verging into the shrill at times and it annoyed me a bit.
The covers are the covers and they don't count. I do think it was pretty good though, just not quite as good as my first impression so felt slightly disappointed. Very dated too
Overall was ok, but won't be rushing back. 3
The Waterboys
4/5
Feel that the group has been harsh on the Waterboys so far! Way better than a 1 or a 2 for me. I wasn't sure I knew them, but I think I probably heard a fair bit of this in my house growing up..... My dad went through an embracing his Irish heritage phase for a good few years and reckon the Waterboys were involved. "The stolen child" was very familiar to me.
I do think the second disk is not as good, but good wasn't part of the original release. Fisherman's blues and "a bang on the ear" were the other highlights.
3.5, but 4 to correct the groups previous wrongdoings
Peter Tosh
3/5
Pretty much a whole album about weed hey! Probably would've enjoyed this more as a teenager. It was good, but hard not to compare to Bob Marley.
3.5
Lambchop
2/5
I had no idea what to expect from this, but don't think it was this..... I really don't know who this is for or what genre it is. It kinda reminded me of Richard Hawley or maybe even Jarvis Cocker at times. Didn't do much for me at all though and won't be back. Not terrible by any means though
Solomon Burke
2/5
Great voice and nice enough, just very dated and not my thing.
CHVRCHES
4/5
Have heard of these guys but not sure I've ever given them a listen.... Really enjoyed it. Really crisp and crunchy sounding if that makes any sense.
Maybe a bit arcade firey. I reckon I'll come back to this. I'm going to say 3.5 as it's not quite my thing, but I'm feeling generous
Haircut 100
2/5
Way too 80s for me. Not awful though
Love
4/5
Listened to this album before, it is good but not as good as I thought it was going to be..... But maybe that was because I was listening on a late train home....
"Alone again or" is a great track though and I do like the sound of this 60s psychedelic era generally. There's probably better examples though
Still worthy of a 3.5
Scott Walker
2/5
Thought I recognised the name and it is the second offering we've had from Scott....I checked my previous review and I could basically copy and paste it for this album too, so I will:
Didn't know of Scott Walker before this and this hasn't inspired me to want to hear more. All a bit dull and dated sounding. Not terrible though. Sorry Scott
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
I said this about the last Springsteen album we had, but applies even more to this one.... It's so middle of the road. Really didn't do much for me at all, which is a shame as I want to like him. I don't really like the female background vocals. I also read the wiki about this being released in the wake of 9/11 and some of the songs really felt like he was milking it..... I do appreciate that in 2002 to Americans, especially in new York, this would probably have meant a lot more than it does to a Brit in 2025. Sure it did mean a lot to Bruce at the time.
Anyway, really nowt special for me. 2
SZA
2/5
This kinda thing makes me feel old. She can sing and rap, I just can't relate to the content. Don't particularly like the style either. It's too RnB for me. She's also rapping about things that would annoy me if a male rapper said it, but I suppose as a female she can say them?
I think i get the appeal though, just not sure I'm the correct demographic.
I did find myself going back and listening to bits again though so there's that. I think "Drew Barrymore" was my favourite.
I'm going 2.5
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Never been a big manics fan but they do have some great songs. I've listened to "the holy bible"album before though and was quite impressed.
I wasn't convinced by the opening 2 tracks on this, "design for life" doesn't do much for me, it's been overplayed. I do think it got better after this though, Kevin carter is a good track. There were quite a few others I enjoyed to.
I might give this another go. Think at least 3.5
The Clash
4/5
Another I've listened to before...I think it's probably not as good as London calling, but still a pretty great first album.
Highlights:
Janie Jones
I'm so bored with the usa
White riot
What's my name
London's burning
Career opportunities
Police and thieves
Probably not quite enough for a 5, but not far off. 4.5
Maxwell
2/5
Never heard of this guy, but his hang suite sure is smooth! Not really for me though although I didn't mind it in the background.... Not a soul fan particularly
I did notice a song that seemed to be about locking someone up and not letting them out until the cops come knocking though? Is that meant to be sexy? I'm not down with that Maxwell
2
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Only know if the divine comedy for , the national express" although I did find I recognised "something for the weekend" here.
Also the father ted theme tune!
Can't say the rest of it did much for me. A bit strange, kinda half meant to be funny or a bit silly..... Guess that's tracks with the national express song.
Think around 2.5
Steely Dan
3/5
Heard of steely Dan but not sure I've ever listened to them.... Couldn't name a track anyway. Had no idea what to expect from this.
Was fine I guess. In parts I quite enjoyed it. Very forgettable though. Nothing stood out but not bad by any means. Think I recognised my old school actually?
....2.5
The Fall
4/5
Such a distinctive vocal style old Mark has. Doesn't feel like it should've been released in 1979 but equally I can't really compare it to much later music either. Great post punk sound though
I think this was better than the infotainment scan but not as good as nations saving grace so that puts it at 3.5
T. Rex
3/5
Iconic album art but haven't heard the album before. I had forgotten we had previously had a t. Rex album until reading Jamie's review, which is pretty damning I guess.
They use the same trick in a lot of tracks on this album and they sound pretty familiar. There were some good ones though, get it on obviously pretty iconic. Life's a gas was good too.
Overall a bit disappointed. Was expecting more l
Eels
3/5
Another band that I knew of when I was younger but was never into. I knew the opening track, but unfortunately I was a bit disappointed by the rest. Thought it would be more up my street than it was.
Might give it another go but 3 for now
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Was quite on board with this initially, but it's pretty long and without me understanding the lyrics it started to drag a bit.
It's nice and jolly though, not offensive.
2.5
De La Soul
4/5
Enjoyed this, was maybe a bit silly in parts, but largely what I expected and recognised a few tracks.
3.5 but closer to 4
The Monks
3/5
Sounds way ahead of it's time. Very rough around the edges though. Think I recognised "we do wei do" but not sure why.
3
John Martyn
4/5
Never heard of this guy and had no idea what to expect. Was good though! Almost reminded me of van Morrison in parts, maybe nick Drake too. Either way, it was good. But kinda ethereal
3.5
Pink Floyd
5/5
Another great pink Floyd album, I almost think the album art is just as iconic as dark sides.... It's the one that I remember being most interested by as a kid.
Shine on (both tracks) and wish you were here are the best bits here. I remember listening as a teenager and being amazed that I had to wait so long for the song to get going, I'm more patient now!
I think dark side is better, but still 5
Eric Clapton
2/5
Never listened to an Eric Clapton album before, but this is pretty much as I expected. Fairly middle of the road soft rock. He can clearly play guitar, but he's also clearly a huge cunt and I can't really get away from that. I'd forgotten about reading about his speech at one of his gigs in the 70s until this album came up
Probably worth more than a 2 but he's annoyed me
Guided By Voices
4/5
This was interesting. Wasn't sold at first but as it went on I was getting more convinced. It isn't all great and the reviewer that described it as flipping through a radio in a dream is pretty accurate! But it's got that kinda rough around the edges indie sound. Felt a bit shinsy at times too, which I feel like I say a lot. Never knew what to expect next.
28 songs in 40 minutes is good going, although I don't really remember the tracks feeling short. I'm sure there was one that sounded like it had snoring in the background.
I might give this another go but I'm going to say 3.5
The Young Gods
2/5
Had some cool sounding riffs at times, but largely didn't do much for me. Bit Leibach esque, which was nostalgic in a way!
Shouldn't think I'll be back to this, but not sure I've heard much like it before in fairness
The Who
2/5
Only recognised "I can see for miles" from here, not their best track, nor album. Although, I was worried this was going to be worse than it was tbf. The who are a strange band, had some strange ideas. Which, I suppose meant they were up for trying these things.
They do have some great tracks though, just not sure they are on this album. 2.5
Janis Joplin
3/5
She has a great voice and is very believable. It's not quite my thing but I still did enjoy it. Think I enjoyed the big brother and the holding company album more though.
Still 3
The White Stripes
4/5
Guess this would've been my first exposure to the white stripes. Hotel yorba and fell in love with a girl were pretty big.
This isn't anywhere near as good as elephant, but it's a very high bar. My favourites are fell in love with a girl and we're gonna be friends.
4
Bee Gees
2/5
After their last album we had, I wasn't expecting much from this, but I would say it was better than I expected. Again, not the bee gees disco sound that they are known for though. I didn't really enjoy the more orchestral tracks they had here and a song about a British ship was strange. Some of it was ok though to be fair, but my main issue is that the stuff that was ok mainly sounded like they were trying to do the Beatles and it wasn't that exciting. 2.5
The Velvet Underground
4/5
This sounds pretty rough hey. I quite enjoyed it though.
Not on the level of the more classic albums but I like their sound.
3.5
Common
4/5
I'd never heard of common before, although googling him tells me it's the guy from Silo!
I actually thought some of this was really good. For an album released in 2000, it sounds more old school, there's some great bass in some tracks. There is some of the gangsta tropes here, but it isn't overbearing. It's more chilled than that. Not sure the more soul parts are for me though.
But overall, when it was good, I thought it was very good.
Highlights:
Dooinit
The light
The 6th sense
Geto heaven part 2
4
Morrissey
4/5
He's a miserable odious twat, is Moz, and I love it. Nobody else like him.
It's Morrissey, if you like him you're probably going to like this, if you don't you probably won't! He's not really breaking any new ground here.
But Irish blood, English heart and the first of the gang are both great tracks. I have forgiven Jesus is so Morrissey. The world is full of crashing bores too. So self depricating yet narcissistic. Brilliant
4.5
Ray Price
2/5
Big difference between this and the black monks I just listened to! Not for me, very dated and didn't do anything for me. Didn't hate it though
1.5
Stephen Stills
3/5
This was fine. Nothing blew me away or particularly surprised me, but didn't really dislike any of it. Think it will very likely be forgotten
3
Alice Cooper
2/5
I think I enjoyed this more than the last Alice cooper album we had, but still not a convert. It's too theatrical and musical ish for me. I've never liked schools out. I do think there were better tracks though. I think my stars was my favourite....I actually think I preferred the latter half of the album.
2.5
Jazmine Sullivan
1/5
Thought this was pretty awful. I don't like RnB at the best of times, but this wasn't helped by the completely inane content. She clearly likes dick though. More power to her
1
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
I was wary when I saw a country album from the 50s, but I was actually presently surprised by this. Has that bluegrass thing going for it. Almost reminded me of Jack White in parts I think. Some of it was a bit strange but he is called rambling Jack so why not. I think a 3, mainly as I expected it to be terrible and it wasn't
Paul Simon
3/5
I quite enjoyed this. It's very safe and very nice though, which I guess is no suprise from Paul Simon. Didn't know any of the tracks here but it was recognisably him.
In all honesty I probably won't be back but I did enjoy this. Gotta be a 3
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
I don't think I've ever heard of this one of Albarns projects..... If I had,I had completely forgotten it.... Which is probably telling because even though I did think this was pretty good, it's pretty bland too
Nothing really stuck out and nothing offended. That's a 3
808 State
2/5
As far as electronica goes, this wasn't bad. More on the chilled side which I prefer. Was a nice backdrop when running.
Unlikely to ever choose to listen again though.
Nothing really surprised me, but I bet at the time it was pretty innovative. Lots of electronic beeps, whirs, trills and quacks throughout! Why not.
2.5, as it's not really for me but I didn't mind it
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Never been a big stones fan, but I think this is more what I was expecting from them compared to exile on main street. Gimme shelter is a great track. Country honk and let it bleed are good too.
3.5, but 4 as Jamie was harsh
Eminem
2/5
I can basically copy and paste what I wrote for the slim shady LP here. The same applies.
Loved it when I was 14, doesn't really appeal now, but I do think this is better than the previous one slightly. Still recognise every track and some of them have their moments. Not aged well, or maybe the problem is more that I have aged? It's long too
2.5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Man, Nick Cave has been through some stuff hey. This is so melancholic and haunting that I can't help but feel for him. I suspect there probably has been, and will be again, times when this would be exactly what I would need to listen to.... That being said, this means I don't necessarily want to have to listen to it again, ever.... Which didn't make reviewing it easy.
This is what he is best at though in my opinion, the extremely reflective and grief stricken music. Into my arms is my favourite of his in this vein. This is almost progressive, or Brian Eno style ambience. I think largely it was both great, but yet something I don't want to listen to again.
The The
3/5
Unmistakably 80s. Better, and less poppy than some, but still got that 80s sound that often puts me off.
I don't think it was bad, but nothing particularly grabbed me
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Sounded better than I expected it to for their first album. But they are just copying other stuff here so not that impressive, and it seems they only actually wrote one of the songs here. I'm going with 2
The KLF
3/5
I didn't mind this at all. Nice chilled background music. Felt summery. Nothing mind blowing, nothing terrible, good in the background.
fIREHOSE
4/5
Never heard of these guys but I read a few of the reviews and it sounded up my street. Was good! Couldn't help but hear rem and minutemen after seeing that in a review. Pretty good description of the sound I think.
Probably wouldn't have put this as from the 80s. Overall pretty good. Might be back
3.5 but closer to 4
Prince
2/5
After the last prince album we had I kinda thought maybe that just wasn't a great one and the next would be better..... But, after this one, which I assume is considered his best, I think I can conclude that I'm just not a prince fan. I've seen videos of him and he was clearly an incredible guitarist and musician, but the music doesn't do it for me.
Purple rain is the best track, when doves cry is ok. None of the rest did much for me. Sorry prince
2
a-ha
2/5
Take on me is a fantastic 80s pop song.
The rest I found pretty unremark-a-ha-ble
2
Paul Simon
3/5
2 Paul Simon albums in 2 weeks or so is too many Paul Simon albums for me.
Again, very safe and nice enough, but just not that interesting.... Crank it up to 11 Paul!
Yeah it's fine, but won't be rushing back
2.5
The Stooges
4/5
Don't think I've heard this album before. Was as expected, raw, dirty, energetic, proto punk. Really good. I listened to both the Iggy mix and the Bowie mix of the album. Think the Iggy mix suits it better, but enjoyed both.
Search and destroy, your face is going to hell and raw power were my favourites
4
4/5
Not sure about having live albums on the list, but none the less this was pretty great. Interesting about the reaction to the more electric sound. The acoustic half of the album is better though.
I assume they did something to these recordings? If not or sounds incredible for 1966. 4.5
Dr. Octagon
4/5
Never heard of this before but really enjoyed it mostly. What is it with 90s hip hop albums having to have all these skits on?? Is this still a thing now, don't feel like it is. It almost always detracts from the album, this is no exception.
Lots of stuff about asses here, but if you don't take it too seriously I think it was pretty good
4
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Thought this was pretty great. Cohen is one of the artists from this list that was a complete blind spot for me prior to starting this.
I'll be back to this to listen properly but it's at least a 4
Blur
3/5
Not sure I've heard this album before. Not as good as the previous album we had. Song 2 and beetlebum are pretty good though. Progeny said this last time, but I was never a big blur fan
Still a 3 if not 3.5
The Gun Club
4/5
Never heard of the gun club and I can't really think of anyone else to compare it to.... Which I think is a good thing. I didn't know the release date while listening and would've definitely put it as mid 90s, pretty surprised to see it was early 80s.
Enjoyed it, but didn't fully grab me for some reason. Think my favourite was "fire spirit".
Might give this another go.
3.5 but 4 because it sounds way before it's time
Fugazi
4/5
Fugazi are a band I've heard of a lot, but never given a listen to and didn't know anything about.
Much more hardcore and punk than I was expecting, which makes sense given the minor threat connection which I wasn't aware of.
I didn't think it was all of the same quality, but it was all at least good if not better. I think I preferred the more hardcore sounding ones. Reminded me (or voice versa) of rancid or similar.
Think my favourites were merchandise and break in
Overall really good and I'll be back 4.5
Santana
3/5
Never listened to a Santana album before but this sounded pretty much as expected, perhaps a bit slower.
I actually recognised a few tracks here, but they reminded me of working in a restaurant, assume they were on rotation there.
A lot of it is pretty good, but would never choose to listen to it
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
I saw this guy at a festival about 12 years ago and he was really good. Kinda had forgotten about him since though. His voice is quality and a lot of this sounded really good... I'm just not sure it's quite my thing.
Final days was my favourite. 3.5 but putting a 3 feels too harsh as I think it's better than that so I'm going 4
The The
2/5
Didn't get on with this, has that distinctively 80s sound that rubs me the wrong way. Agree that it didn't sound very post punk to me, but maybe I don't know what that means.... Regardless wasn't convinced
Fairport Convention
3/5
I do like that album cover, quintessentially British.
Much like their last album we had, this grew on me as it went on and was quite enjoying it by the end. "Who knows where the time goes" is by far the best track and is pretty great.
Unlikely I'll be back but glad I've heard it. Another solid 3.5
Steely Dan
4/5
If this album finished after "Reelin in the years" i would've given it a 5. The opening half is really great and took me by suprise. So smooth, the epitome of soft rock I guess, but its so easy to listen to.
Way better than the other steely Dan album we had.
4, even though I lost interest after the first half
Ice Cube
3/5
Hmm. On one hand, he can rap, I like his voice and flow, and there are some important social commentaries. I think I liked "the product". Then on the other hand, it's got the gangsta rap trifecta, that I hate, in spades too ("you can't fade me" is awful).
After listening to Aesop rock recently, it's clear that you can make decent hip hop without rapping about guns, misogyny and money. Maybe ice cube should try rapping about losing his hamster, what kind of dog he has, or invasive snail species?
I do still think this was decent, I just find a lot of the content dull, there are exceptions though. The last album we had of his was better, must've mellowed in those 2 years
Mercury Rev
4/5
Heard of mercury rev but never heard them. I quite enjoyed this, sound like the yeah yeah yeahs or vice versa I guess.
My favourites were the opening track, opus 40 and Goddess on a Hiway, which I actually think I did recognise.
3.5
Kate Bush
4/5
Enjoyed this far more than her previous album we had. It's hard to compare Kate Bush to other artists. The top reviewer that says "she doesn't write songs, she creates strange literary fiction" is spot on.
Think I said it last time she came up, but there's something about her that's so interesting and alluring to me, not as obsessed as I once was though...
I do think this kinda lost it's way a bit towards the end, got a bit too artsy and weird, but the first half is fantastic
Highlights:
Running up that hill
Hounds of love
Cloudbusting
And dream of sheep
Sparks
5/5
Only really knew Sparks through the darkness cover but happened to watch their set at Glastonbury recently. Big respect to the moustache in various forms for 50 odd years.
This was surprisingly good, didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Doesn't take itself too seriously, but equally it's coherent.
Highlights:
This town ain't big enough for the both of us
Amateur hour
Hasta manana Monsieur
Family tree
Barbecutie
Lost and found
I think 4.5, so close to giving it a 5.... I'm doing it, 5 it is, the album ends really strongly too
The Beach Boys
3/5
My favourite beach boys album we've had on the list so far I think. Less sickly sweet. Melancholic beach boys. Shows he had more range than the poppy harmonies.
My favourite was long promised road. Student demonstration time feels a bit out of place but was decent.
3.5. still not a beach boys convert, but I didn't expect this album to sound like this. Didn't outstay it's welcome either
Living Colour
4/5
Hadn't heard of living colour before. It's kinda like a mix of early rhcp and faith no more in parts, which sounds right up my street! Some really nice funky sounding bass.
There were some tracks I wasn't convinced by though, didn't rate "glamour boys" or "the should I stay or should I go" cover. But there were some good tracks too, "cult of personality", "middle man"were good.
Might give this another go but 3.5
Michael Jackson
2/5
Obligatory not a Michael Jackson fan. So many ooooowws, eeeheeees and shamones here.
Ignoring who he was as a person, I just don't like the music, it's just not for me..... There are however a lot of big hitters on this album that I am pretty familiar with; bad, the way you make me feel, man in the mirror, dirty Diana, smooth criminal.
I guess I would say smooth criminal is the best of them, would rather listen to the AAF version though.
I'm going to say 1.5, not as good as thriller but more hits than off the wall, but I could easily give it a 1
Goldfrapp
3/5
Fine, but not that exciting. Recognised a couple o tracks. A&E was my favourite. Not much more to add, doubt I'll be back. Not really my thing but not at all bad
John Martyn
3/5
Was looking forward to this when I saw it come up. Listened to the "solid air" album we previously had again recently and it's really good..... Unfortunately, I didn't rate this as highly at all and it didn't really do much for me at all. Just felt a bit lifeless and meh compared to solid air. More poppy perhaps?
A bit disappointing when compared to solid air. 2.5
Travis
3/5
Remember this being pretty huge when it was released, my parents definitely played it a lot.
Still recognised all the singles and knew all of the words. They aren't bad particularly, but Christ it's all pretty dull isn't it. Didn't remember it that way, but it hasn't aged well.
I'm going to say 3 but I definitely won't be rushing back
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
I'd forgotten that John Lydon had done anything after the sex pistols, but I do remember hearing "rise" now come to think of it.....
Hmm, this is strange and hard to rate, it's fairly difficult to listen to in parts, but it's pretty unique sounding. Can't have been much else sounding like this at the time and I do think its pretty punk in fairness.
I quite like the dub elements which are reminiscent of that Bauhaus album we had. The repeated hooks at almost remind me of Sleaford Mods, who I'm never quite sure if I like or not either, but find myself drawn in by.
I don't think I'm going to be listening to this again, but I reckon it does fit the bill of an album you should hear before you die, if not just for it's uniqueness.
OutKast
4/5
2 albums hey..... Interesting approach. I didn't realise it was 2 solo albums until after I'd listened but I definitely preferred Big Bois speakerboxxx to the love below. The love below felt a bit disjointed and harder to follow, but maybe I was just fatigued after already listening for an hour!
They being said, I think Andre 3000 is a better rapper than big boi and the two singles from the love below are better then anything on speakerboxxx. I think Roses is almost as good as hey ya, certainly heard it less.
2 hours is too long though!
The Birthday Party
2/5
I don't mind noisy, shouty, weird vocals, but I need some sort of melody to cling to. This rarely had that and made it very difficult to listen to. It's crazy.
I have to admit, by the time the second version of "dead Joe" came around I was more on board with it, but still cant say I would be back.
I'm going to say 2 as there are glimmers of coherence and it has that kinda industrial sounding thing going on that you hear in joy division, but it's far too lost in the madness.
Wow, I just read that it's Nick Cave! Glad I didn't know that before listening, it's still way too mad
Elvis Costello
3/5
Thought this was pretty good. More snappy than the other albums of his we've had so far. I like his voice but I still think blood and chocolate was the best one of his we've had.
I do think that although I did enjoy this, nothing really blew me away and I think it's ultimately going to be forgotten.
The highlights were Alison, blame it on Cain and watching the detectives.
3.5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This was pretty great. I prefer this sound of theirs to what was on "cosmos factory", although the global reviews would suggest I'm in the minority there. Think I liked Green River more than this but not by much
I did think there were a couple of tracks that were a bit too long but overall thought it was very good. I wasn't aware they wrote Proud Mary.
I also want to know what "chooglin" is.... I like it
At least 4. I'll be back
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
2 very similar albums, both from 1969, back to back. Again, enjoyed it. Probably more backgroundy than Credence yesterday. Also very kinda progressive and meandering compared to yesterdays. Prog blues rock.
3.5
Eurythmics
2/5
Way too 80s for me. Sweet dreams is a pretty iconic track I guess, but not for me
Suede
4/5
I've listened to this before, although suede passed me by at the time. It feels bigger and has more weight to it than most Brit pop albums. This works, but also makes it a bit of a slog in parts though.
There are some great tracks though. I think it starts really well and ends really well, but it lost me a bit in the middle.
Highlights:
We are the pigs
Heroine
The wild ones
Stay together
Whipsnade
4
The Coral
3/5
Dreaming of you is a brilliant track, which probably overshadows the rest of the album a bit really. I do like the sound though, feels summery.
Saw them at sound city in Liverpool a while ago and they were decent. Bill Ryder-Jones was actually involved in making music for a mate of mines band
Still think it's worthy of a 3.5
Pere Ubu
4/5
I listened to this through once and wasn't really playing attention and just caught the odd weird bit, probably from "sentimental journey", which is mad..... But gave it another proper go this morning, it's pretty punk sounding really. The vocals can be a bit rough, but think that probably adds to it. Some great bass in it.
Glad I went back and listened again. First half of the album was really pretty good, second half maybe lost it's way a bit.
3.5, would've been higher if it ended sooner!
Spacemen 3
2/5
I'm sure there's a right time and place for this. But work ain't it. It's too repetitive and uneventful. It is kinda like spiritualised but more shoegazey. Think it just didn't do it well enough to be interesting
2
Hüsker Dü
4/5
Never heard of these guys but it feels like I've heard them before just because of how similar they sound to REM.
If I was told this was early REM I would have zero trouble believing it. His voice and inflection is really similar to Michael Stipe too.
Seems they started as a hardcore punk band. Would be interested to give that a listen
Enjoyed it overall but it was long and got pretty samey. Good though
3.5
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
Not sure I understand what this is. Don't think Malcolm McLaren had anything to do with making the music itself, he just took it and banged it all on an album then took the credit?
There was some interesting sounding stuff here I guess. The song that Eminem borrowed that bit from. Some other relatively interesting early hip hop. Nothing blew me away
Taylor Swift
1/5
I enjoyed the previous "evermore" Taylor swift album we had on the list, so was willing to go into this with an open mind.
I was pretty surprised by how many songs I recognised, but I don't really like any of them! It's so teenage girl pop. I'm definitely not the target demographic. I kept checking to see how long was left. All signs of a 1 for me. Sorry Taylor, I do think she can write, which is more than a lot of her contemporaries can say, but this album just ain't for me. I'll stick with evermore
1
The Divine Comedy
2/5
This really did nothing for me. I'm all for melancholy and or sad love songs, but think the impact is lost when you make the lyrics light hearted and a bit comedic. I might just be describing their schtick though... But this one didn't do it for me
Kraftwerk
3/5
These guys really like an inter country railway hey, and why not!
I don't mind kraftwerk, but I don't think it's as impactful now as it would've been when it was released. Something cool about it though
Finley Quaye
3/5
This was ok, but a little bland. I like the reggae and dub sound generally.
Knew a couple of the tracks, so must've heard him before at some point, but completely forgotten about him. Love gets sweeter is pretty good. Sunday shining too, but it's basically a cover.
I'd had enough by the end of the album, I think probably enough for a 3 but it's not great. 2.5
Ms. Dynamite
1/5
Was ready to defend Ms Dynamite after reading some of the public reviews, but not sure I can after listening.
She was definitely pretty big for a short time in the UK. I'm sure she had a song on a FIFA game, think it was Dy-na-mi-tee. I also recognised "it takes more".
Generally though, it's way more RnB then I was expecting and was pretty disappointed. Thought it would be more hip hop :(
1
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Never heard of skip but thought this started ok... Interesting story behind it. But it's way too long given that it's all quite samey. I'd lost interest about half way through and by the time I thought oh this actually sounds ok, Spotify was playing a different artist.
2
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Know of them but not sure I've ever heard them. Thought this was pretty great. Punk check, female vocalist check, trumpet/sax check.
Pretty up my street. Think my favourites were:
The day the world turned day glo
I am a poseur
Genetic engineering
Let's submerge
Basically the ones with the trumpets!
4.5, I'll be back
The Jam
5/5
Got a very distinctive sound do the jam. Really like it.
Hadn't heard this album before but thought it was pretty great. My dad played the jam a lot when I was growing up.
Thought this was better than the previous "sound affects" album of theirs we had.
Down in the tube station at midnight is by far the best track for me here. David Watts is good too
Somewhere between 4 and 5.....
Calexico
4/5
Well that was interesting. Kinda indie but with some foreign influences. Not sure I've heard anything like it before.
I thought "not even Stevie nicks" sounded like blind pilot. Some of the rest was reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens.
I think a 3.5 although I wasn't convinced by all of it but was interesting enough
GZA
4/5
This was far less kinda bombastic and full on than the other wu tang member albums we've had so far. He can really rap though, perhaps better flow and vocabulary than the others we've had too.
There was nothing that blew me away, but it's just really solid. The skits aren't offensive either. A solid 4. I'll be back
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Not as good as blue, but better then the 2 later albums of hers we've had. More similar to blue too, which I much prefer. Did not know any of the tracks here
Again, great voice.
3.5
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Certainly interesting, probably more interesting than good. Although, I didn't particularly dislike it, it's just a bit too different for me to really enjoy it. Parts reminded me a little of Fiona Apple, 1 song in particular more of Bjork.
Think sawdust and diamonds was probably my favourite
2
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Generally far too soppy for me.... Come on Stevie lad.
I do like the more funky ones though.
Superstitious is an absolute banger
2.5 but mainly for superstitious.
Ray Charles
3/5
Back to back blind artists, what are the chances.....
Very dated, but quite charming. I think I preferred the grander big band stuff at the start to the end of the album. Wont be rushing back.
3 as i preferred it to Stevie
Joy Division
4/5
I could copy and paste what I wrote about joy division last time but I cba.
I like it, but I want to like it more than I do.... Doesn't quite grab me like I feel it should. I think earthly pleasures is better than this, or maybe it has the better individual tracks on. This perhaps works better as an album.
Still 4
Sugar
4/5
Thought this was really good, exactly the type of thing I want from this list, something I've never heard of but is right up my street.
I think I enjoyed this more than the husker du album, but can tell it's the same guy. I find it funny that it's quite REM ish and there is also a song called man on the moon here....
I'll definitely be back to this. 4.5
Machito
2/5
I initially did not like this at all and was thinking I would be giving a 1..... But to be fair it did grow on me.
I just don't really get on with this type of jazz, it's too jarring and unpredictable. Don't know where it's going.
Supertramp
2/5
This was ok in parts, I just find it all a bit bland. Not interesting, unique, or good enough for this list.
I knew dreamer, but I couldn't have told you it was supertramp. Think there were better tracks.
2.5ish for me. Think other bands have done it much better
Dirty Projectors
2/5
I'm not really sure what this is, but whatever it is, it didn't do it for me. Bit too artsy. Not offensive though. I think it had bits and pieces I could enjoy, but it came with too much wanky hipster stuff
2
Air
4/5
Haven't heard Air for ages! Had a mate as a teenager that used to play "Kelly watch the stars" pretty regularly. Reminds me of chilling with mates after a night out.
Sounds like a night time album. Not a massive electronica fan as a rule, but this works. The first 4 tracks are all great.
I reckon 4
Elton John
2/5
Tiny dancer is a good track.
I don't mind the odd Elton John song, but a whole album is too much. It's too showy and theatrical for me. I get why people like it though.
2.5 is probably harsh but it's not my thing really
The Charlatans
3/5
Yep, that's Brit pop alright.
I kinda thought I would recognise this more than I did. Think I only vaguely knew 1 track. It was ok, but think it was probably done better by others at the time.
3
The Adverts
4/5
Never heard of the adverts. Gave this 2 listens now. It's pretty good, really like the sound, especially given it's release date. My only criticism would be that it gets a bit samey.
My favorites were "no time to be 21", "bored teenagers" and "Gary Gilmore's eyes".
3.5
The Byrds
2/5
Oh my favorite band again......
I find it really weird that over half of the songs on this are covers, or not written by them. Naming the album the title of someone else's song is strange to me .
The sound is ok, but they are trying to be the Beatles or Dylan. Of the original tracks, "I'll feel a whole lot better" is the best
2
Pixies
4/5
Listened to this before, more raw than Doolittle, but still very good. Much more polished in their later stuff.
Got some great tracks on though. I reckon he sounds a bit like Jack White on some songs
4.5
Iron Maiden
4/5
Heard a fair amount of iron maiden, but probably have never actually listened to an album.
It is actually pretty unique sounding I reckon, at least I can't think of much else that sounds like them. Not sure I would quite call it metal. Maybe thrash metal.... It's kinda like a heavy Jethro tull, the way some songs are long stories.
The tempo is great.
I reckon my main issue with maiden, is that it's all a bit glam, which is fine, but I don't think it's what they're going for.... It's still hard not to enjoy though.
A good 4
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Was quite looking forward to listening to this, enjoyed his other albums we've had.
There is something about it that I really like, sounds weighty. Thought the opening track was probably the best. I obviously know sledgehammer, but it was a track we took the piss out of when I was in school so it's kinda going to be forever that. Don't give up is good too, hard not to be with Kate Bush.
I think the album tailed off a bit after that. I did enjoy it though, but Peter Gabriel 3 is still my favourite.
3.5 might give it another go. This list has given me a liking of Peter though
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Only know Jane's addiction as I was aware Dave Navaro was in them before being in RHCP for an album. Don't think I've ever really listened to them.
This was ok mostly. Vaguely RHCPish, I did recognise been caught stealing. Don't think I'll be rushing back but pretty good
3.5
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Actually quite enjoyed this, didn't know any it the tracks but it's nice and chilled and she has a great voice and style. Not my thing really but no complaints.
Think I preferred it to back to black, just because it was all new and I didn't feel all the baggage that went with that album
I think 3.5
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
Really like the old school psychedelic rock sound like this. Hadn't heard of these guys before though.
I agree with the others though, it's good, but didn't blow me away. Definitely worth a listen though
3.5
Lou Reed
4/5
I listened to this on holiday last week, but decided it probably wasn't the place for it. Listened again today, it was the right call!
I really like Lou Reed's voice and style, heard it a lot growing up too as my dad was a fan, although not sure I recognised most of this. Perhaps Caroline says.
As a rule, I'm not usually a big fan of concept albums, but I really enjoyed this. Yes, it's dark and on holiday isn't the time to listen, but first morning back at work was
4.5
Black Flag
5/5
I don't think I've ever listened to black flag properly, which is ridiculous given the hardcore bands I liked as a teenager. I can hear in this how much they must have influenced them. Sick of it all and pennywise in particular spring to mind.
Anyway, this is everything hardcore punk should be, energetic, angry, bit messy.
I'll be back. 4.5
k.d. lang
2/5
Hadn't heard of k d Lang before. It's nice enough, but it was pretty dull. Reminded me a bit of everything but the girl. Overall not really my thing, but it isn't bad
The Police
3/5
Ah it's Sting from the big house.
I've got it in my head that I don't like Sting, but I'm not really sure why. This was much better than I was expecting, much less poppy. Goes some almost reggae and punk sounding bits going on at times.
Message in a bottle is undeniably a good track, not too sure about walking on the moon though.... On any other day was rubbish....Think the first half was better than the latter, I'd had enough by the end
2.5
Ice T
4/5
We got violence, we got guns, we got money, we got skits, we got misogyny, that's right, it's a 90s rap album!
Don't think I've listened to Ice T before though. He can rap and a good voice for it. I suppose he was doing the above before it was absolutely everywhere in the mid to late 90s, so that's something.
Was confused as it sounds very west coast, but he was born in new Jersey, he did move to LA though which makes sense. Still prefer the east coast sound.
So ice t has ice t and evil E, NWA has ice cube and eazy E.....
I think I was harsh with my initial impressions. It's better than I was giving it credit for, my favourites were:
New jack hustler
Straight up nigga
OG
Prepared to die
Pulse of the rhyme
Body count was interesting, cypress hill did similar things with the rap and rock.
4
Ananda Shankar
2/5
Didn't think I needed sitar covers of the doors and the stones in my life..... This album confirmed that.
I much preferred the original tracks though, it does have an interesting sound, the sitar. Sagar was the best.
Can't help but feel there's nepotism involved here but perhaps I'm doing Ananda a disservice
Won't be rushing back, especially not for the western covers
2.5
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Another Jane's addiction album hey.
I think I enjoyed this one more than the last one we had. Some great bass. Probably a bit more rough than the previous one. It feels familiar to me but I can't put my finger on who I think it sounds like. I get the offspring in parts, then there's early rhcp, maybe faith no more? I like all of them though so no complaints. Doesn't sound like it's 80s.
4
The Pogues
5/5
I've got a soft spot for the Pogues. Don't think I've listened to this album before though.... I thought this was great, so much better than I was expecting. It's got that traditional Irish folk sound, but with an extra punky edge that really elevates it. The stuff with the Dubliners is great, got some interesting other bits in there too. Metropolis and Sketches of Spain were cool.
Highlights:
Thousands are sailing
Fiesta
Irish rover
Medley
Streets of sorrow/Birmingham six
Mountain dew
If I should ever fall from grace with god
My main criticism is that it felt really strange listening to fairytale of New York and it not being Christmas. Always makes me think of everyone drunkenly singing it at a pub in my hometown at Christmas... It's the best Xmas song
It's a 5 (I'm ignoring "worms") and I'll be back
Joe Ely
2/5
I quite enjoyed the first track which was a surprise given a lot of the other country albums we've had on the list. I do think this was better than most of the others, but it still doesn't really grab me.
As far as country goes though, I enjoyed it.
2.5
Elbow
4/5
I've always liked what I'd heard of Elbow and have been moaning to give them a proper listen and never have. Probably more familiar with Guy Garvey from 6 music now.
This sounded pretty much exactly like I would expect an elbow album to sound, which isn't a bad thing. First time I listened to this I wasn't really playing attention, glad I gave it another listen as like it lyrically. I knew "greetings for divorce" and "one day like this". Also enjoyed "starlings", "weather to fly", and "friend of ours". The latter I felt was particularly northern, as Jamie mentioned. I do like a British regional accent in music.
Not quite enough for a 5 for me, needed a bit more oomph, but very good. 4.5
Coldplay
3/5
I was worried this might happen..... That was considerably better than I was expecting.
In my opinion, "the scientist" is by far and away the best track they've written. Clocks is pretty good too....I could leave the rest. It all just suffers from being pretty bland. There is emotion though
Not going to rush away to listen to their back catalogue, but not bad! Way better than their debut album we had
3
Paul McCartney
3/5
Completely fine, nothing more. Must admit that I do quite like the rough sounding nature of it, does feel quite casual.
I don't really see that it would be on the list had it not been written by McCartney.
It's nice and short which helps
3
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
This would be perfect in some cafe or similar as background music. Completely inoffensive, nice voice, flows along. So much so that Spotify had moved onto 3 similar artists before I noticed the change.
Certainly not worth dying of smoke inhalation over
2
Laura Nyro
2/5
Had never heard of Laura Nyro and wouldn't have put this as released in the 60s.
Some of it I thought was very good, she reminded me a bit of Carole king in fleeting bits. However, there were far too many bits where I thought she was kinda overdoing it and almost straining her voice to something much grander than suited it.
2.5, won't be back but didn't mind it mostly
R.E.M.
4/5
Not heard this album before. Most of it I thought sounded exactly like that later rem sound that I know them for but not quite there yet. But then there were other songs which were quite different to that later rem sound and more unfamiliar to me as REM. Obviously Stipes voice is pretty distinctive throughout. Maybe this was a kinda transitional album where they found that formula?
Not sure if it's just because I'm familiar with them, but "it's the end of the world...." and "one I love" I thought were by far the strongest tracks here. One I love is the best.
3.5 but closer to 4. Automatic for the people still their best for me
Madonna
1/5
Had auto tune just been invented when this was being recorded or something? Extremely liberal use here and it's fairly awful.
I recognised a couple of the singles and they're all pretty bad, the cover of American pie is dreadful
I don't think 1 is unfair
Mudhoney
5/5
Couldn't have named a Mudhoney song before listening to this, not sure I've even heard of them..... Although I did know "touch me, I'm sick".
Wowsers, thought this was great. It's not quite grunge, although there was one track which was very grunge and sounded exactly like Nirvana (nirvana sound like them I guess), think it was "need".
Love the double bass pedal and the drums in general. High energy, rough sounding. Amazing.
Not sure how I've not heard of them, must have inspired a lot I like, although I can't really think of anyone else that sounds like them.
Favourites:
Touch me I'm sick
Need
In n out of grace
No one has
Mudride
Hate the police
The over 2 hour long album is a bit much, but apparently the original was only 6 tracks long.... It's a 5, definitely be back
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Not as good as let it bleed, better than the others we've had. It's all ok, just not really my thing.
They have a fair few decent tracks though, bet a greatest hits album would be decent enough. That would do me though
Sympathy for the devil is the highlight. 3.5
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Come on Eileen is obviously a classic. The rest was ok, some much better than others I thought. Jackie Wilson said was my favourite but it's a Van Morrison track so doesn't really count.
2.5 but I'm feeling generous
4/5
Enjoyed this, nice and short songs, punky, and female vocalist. Goes a long way for me!
Agree with Jamie, it sounds British, like the buzzcocks or similar, maybe they were fans.
4
Tim Buckley
3/5
I quite enjoyed the last Tim Buckley album we had, this was quite different though. The last one was really upbeat and a bit sassy. This one not so much. Gypsy woman was the most similar to the other album.
Still enjoyed it, but not as much as the last. He can write and sing though.... Just like his son, who also died too young.
3, good, but ultimately forgettable
It's a 3
Gillian Welch
4/5
Considerably better than almost all of the music we've had listed as "country" on this list, and we're on over 800 albums... Is this country though? I'm not sure it is, although it has elements of it.
I'm not sure I could've placed it's release date either, some sounds quite dated and classic while others more modern.
I'm quite torn on this. I thought the last track was really quite brilliant. Think I'm going to have to listen again......
I listened again. I think the opening track and the final track are the best bits. I definitely prefer the less country sounding tracks.
3.5, think I'll be back for those 2 tracks
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
Thought this was fairly dull and forgettable really. It wasn't bad, just in struggling to remember anything about it of note now
2.5
Jane Weaver
3/5
Didn't think I'd heard of Jane Weaver and I want convinced initially. Not generally a fan of more electronic stuff..... But, this grew on me and I definitely knew slow motion but I don't know how. That was the highlight. Thought it all sounded crisp and well produced
3.5
Faust
2/5
Ah the elusive krautrock, only learnt about this from this list..... Unfortunately I found most of this a bit too weird and without structure for me to get on board with. Bits of it were ok, but won't be rushing back. 2.5
Screaming Trees
3/5
Not heard of screaming trees but it being listed as hard rock and grunge piqued my interest..... I don't think it is either though after listening!
Was pretty bland and more soft rock I would say. Very mid 90s. At times it did remind me a little if qotsa, just not as good nor exciting in any way
Very much 3
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
More Elvis Costello! This guy likes him, I kinda agree mostly too, but it's becoming clear that I don't like him as much as I thought I did after blood and chocolate. Incidentally, that is the lowest rated of his albums we've had before, yet it was my favourite....
This was all ok too, bit more poppy than what I prefer. I assume "Oliver's army" is his most famous track, it's weirdly classed as a Christmas song in my head, not sure why. Good pop song about a serious topic.
Sunday best was pretty good too. As was the final track.
3, which I've given every one of his albums as I messed up be giving blood and chocolate a 3 and that being my favourite
Small Faces
2/5
Didn't mind the last small faces album we had here, not sure about this one though. Felt a bit twee. The weird speaking throughout was just annoying rather than weird or random or whatever they were going for.
I've subsequently realised that small faces became faces, with Rod Stewart, after this album... So we had not actually had a small faces album before, but a faces album. All very confusing. Anyway, my initial review still stands and it actually gives old Rod some credit, as the faces album was way better than this.
Lazy Sunday is the highlight but won't be rushing back. 2
Ghostface Killah
4/5
Are we going to get a solo album from every member of wu tang? Im on board with that if so.
Don't think I've ever heard any solo ghostface before. I'm ignoring all the stupid skits, for an album released in 2006, they make it feel much more dated. Although in it's defence it didn't have too much of the old gangsta rap tropes which distance it from a lot of the 90s stuff.
Aside from the skits, I thought it was largely pretty good. It did have some tracks that were kinda more RnB, which I'm not a fan of. But, some of the rest of it was very good. I liked the ones with other wu tang members on. Liked the final track with the Biggie sample.
Highlights:
Sharkey dog
Three bricks
Dogs of war
9 milli bros
Be easy
3.5
Jacques Brel
2/5
Never heard of this guy, don't really like the style of music, and my french is not good enough to understand the meaning of any of it..... Makes it very difficult to give a fair review of!
The live recording sounds terrible too, perhaps unsurprisingly.
Not for me, sorry Jacques, which is mainly my problem, not yours. 1.5
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Didn't mind this in the background, nice blues sound at times, but didn't really grab me.... Again, hard when you don't understand the language. Felt like it created a certain ambience though.
2.5, won't be rushing back
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Hip hop without guns, violence, and misogyny.... It is possible!
Enjoyed this, it isn't as good as "the low end theory" but it's still very good.
Can I kick it obviously pretty iconic. I enjoyed han n eggs too. Nowt wrong with rapping about going to your grans and being cooked ham n eggs
Megadeth
3/5
Probably never listened to Megadeth, I do quite like thrash metal though. This is fairly indistinguishable to the more thrash metal Metallica sound, which I like. Probably not as good.
Enjoyed it overall, but an hour of thrash metal, might be too much thrash metal.
My favorites were hanger 18 and tornado of souls
3.5
Richard Hawley
3/5
Used to hear Richard Hawley a fair bit, he was/is a bit of a 6 music favorite. Don't think any of the ones they used to play were on this album though and was a but disappointed with this.
I wasn't expecting a Richard Hawley album to be super exciting, but thought this was less interesting than I was expecting.
Was all not bad, but was hoping I would enjoy it more than I did, won't be rushing back
3
Sepultura
4/5
More metal! More familiar with Sepultura, although not sure I'd heard any of this. Sounded like I expected it to and I enjoyed it.
I'm a sucker for a double bass pedal. The start of the album was the best.....Much like with Megadeth, an hour of metal may be too much metal for me.
3.5 but better than Megadeth so 4
Foo Fighters
5/5
I haven't heard this in a long time. Must have listened to it a lot back in the day as I still knew every song really well. Had a good old foo fighters phase, as did most people my age. Not sure I really knew them until after "there is nothing left to lose" was released though. Remember my dad having that album, probably the first album I pinched off him to listen to.
This was good though, he knows how to write a catchy pop rock song, does old Dave Grohl.
I hope colour and the shape is on the list, as it's better than this imo. But still very good
The first half is the strongest but still all good.
4.5
Mariah Carey
1/5
Not my thing at all. I don't like RnB at the best of times and Mariah loves doing that woahoahoahoah thing with her voice that annoys me.
She does have a good voice whens she's not doing the weird woahs and groans though. Shame about the music
1
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Only know yeah yeah yeahs from their singles, which were fine but didn't really make me want to go seek more out..... Really enjoyed this though.
Knew zero and heads will roll, but think the rest was new to me. Soft shock, dull life and runaway were good too.
Thought the acoustic tracks at the end were great too.
At least 4, I'll be back
Talvin Singh
2/5
I feel like most, if not all, of the fusion albums we've had on this list have had Indian music as one of the components. Most I haven't enjoyed either....
This is no exception. I don't mind the chilled dub really, but it was sometimes a bit too techno for me. Also I just don't think it works with the more traditional Indian sounding stuff. Probably a reason why it isn't a popular genre Talvin!
Not sold on the concept and won't be back
1.5
Deep Purple
3/5
Don't really think there is justification for this to be on the list. It's good, and I bet it would've been great being there at the time, but don't really think live albums should be here.
Quite a few of these tracks were on machine head that we've already had on the list too.
Just finished it.... Why do we need 3 live versions of the same track and 2 versions of another?? There is so much self indulgent jamming n all. 2 hours is too much of this.
2.5 but I'm going 3 as I do think they are decent, just don't need a live album
Duke Ellington
2/5
Another live album! Have to stick to my guns and say I don't think they should be here. Although I would concede this one seems to be more worthy than the deep purple one we had yesterday. This seems more historically relevant. Perhaps that's more because it's very dated. The recording isn't great and the compere is unnecessary. Felt very authentic though, because it's a live recording!
Unfortunately, I don't really like jazz and none of it stood out to me as particularly special. Extremely long too.
2.5 again but 2 this time as I'd rather hear deep purple again
Sonic Youth
4/5
Never heard this album before, but have enjoyed the other sonic youth albums we've had so far. Great cover art.
Like the other sonic youth albums, i wasn't convinced by it all initially, thought some was very good. But quite different to daydream nation in parts. Gave it another listen and it grew on me.
Think my favourites were dirty boots, Kool thing and mote
4 and I'll be back
Slade
3/5
Pretty sure I've never listened to a Slade album before, obviously know their hits though.
Sounded pretty much as I would expect. Big distinctive voice from Noddy. A lot of it kinda sounds a bit like a certain era of Beatles, which i can't identify as I don't know the Beatles well enough.... Probably unfair as everyone was trying to do something beatlesy at the time.
Didn't know any of the tracks here, I thought were all crazy now was similar sounding to come on feel the noise.
Probably more serious than I was expecting too.
3.5, pleasantly surprised, but probably not enough to be back
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Ah more Neil young, he must be in contention along with the Beatles for the most appearances on this list? I'd rather listen to him then the Beatles in fairness.
This was a bit different to most Neil young we've had. Crazy horse add more rough. Obligatory he can't sing, but there is still something really alluring about his voice.
My favourites were "mansion on the hill", "over and over"and "fucking up", but it was largely very good.
4 and I'll be back
Cheap Trick
3/5
Another live in Japan album hey. I'm not familiar with cheap trick, but I did recognise "I want you to want me".
I did think it sounded pretty decent, but I would rather not my first experience of them be a live album. Why so many live albums on the list. Do they really make for essential listening? Can't see anything in this one that does
2.5
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Not heard this album before. Again, must have been mind blowing in 1968, although I would say there are some more standard sounding blues tracks on here.
The second half of the album is actually way better than the first.
All along the watchtower reminds me of battlestar Galactica, good example of a cover being better than the original
It is very good, and gets better in the second half, but isn't as good as are you experienced. 4.5
Mudhoney
4/5
Really enjoyed the previous Mudhoney album we had so was looking forward to this. Definitely didn't enjoy this one as much, but still was pretty decent. I like the cover, feels familiar and I don't know why.
I'll probably go back to this, but 3.5 for now
Beastie Boys
4/5
Heard this before and I know it's considered an important album. I don't think it's as good as Ill communication though. At the risk of sounding like an old man, on quite a lot of tracks I can't understand what they're saying, and I want to hear the vocals!
There's some great sampling though. I liked egg man and hey ladies the best I think.
3.5
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Do I need to hear the music to a 70s film as essential listening? I don't think I do! I've never seen the film though so maybe I'm not the correct audience.
The shaft theme has been satirised so much they I can't help but just find it funny... Perhaps it was fairly unique at that time though. Feels super dated and tongue in cheek now though, but don't think it's meant to be.
Isaac Hays has a good voice and a lot of this is pleasant enough, just don't think it's essential and would never choose to listen again.
Who could forget such classics as "shafts cab ride" or his "walk from Regio's" though hey....
2, as it's inoffensive and he has a good voice
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I wasn't aware of this album at all. I thought "you've come a long way baby" was his debut album.....
Didn't recognise any of the tracks I don't think. Not a patch on you've come a long way baby, he did clearly! I know that's what this music is, but it's very repetitive and nothing overly interesting here.
3
The Doors
4/5
Much more bluesy than LA woman. Enjoyed it. Think my favorites were Roadhouse blues, the spy and maggie mgill
4
Willie Nelson
2/5
Don't think an album full of covers should be on this list. These were particularly dull too.
2, and that may be generous, sorry Willie, but this didn't do it for me.
Massive Attack
3/5
I think I preferred this to the last massive attack album we had. Still not really my thing though. It's ok to have on in the background though.
The opening 2 tracks are by far the best tracks and the only ones I recognised.
2.5
Cat Stevens
3/5
My father in law plays Cat Stevens all the time, I've been somewhat brainwashed as I've heard it so much.
It is all very nice in fairness. A few standout tracks being "where do the children play", "wild world" and "father and son". Wild world is my favourite.
I think 3.5 is about right as I do like it but it's a bit too sweet for me generally
The Style Council
2/5
Have heard of that style council before, but couldn't have named any songs. Expected it to be very 80s synth pop, but it wasn't so much. Was very 80s in parts, but also had some jazz thing going on too.
Knew you're the best thing, and don't particularly like it.
It's ok but not really for me. Won't be back
2/5
Hadn't heard of these and had no idea what to expect. Three cover made me think it might be punk, twas not!
We've had another "noise rock" on the list I think. Dracula mountain. I much preferred that. This was a bit much for me, although there was parts I thought were ok, just not enough of them.
I think 2.5. is not as bad as a lot of these reviewers suggest but I couldn't really get on board with it
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
When I saw a bongo album come up that was 1hr 17 mins long, I was dreading it...... However it was so much better than it has any right to be.
Lots of familiar sounding samples, great drums (obviously), but much more than that too.
My favourite was "the last bongo in Belgium"
I think it's gotta be a 4 and I'll be back
Missy Elliott
3/5
Wasn't looking forward to listening to this, but it wasn't bad actually. She can definitely rap, and the skits weren't too bad.
Maybe a bit too RnB/pop like for me
Knew the hits and the stuff about the dead compatriots felt genuine.
3, pleasantly surprised but still not quite for me. I also listened while waiting in an airport after my flight had been cancelled so maybe not a fair review.....
Solange
2/5
I'm not the right demographic for this, but I did like the message. Nor is it my type of music stylistically, bit too soulful and RnB ish for my taste. She has a good voice though.
Oh it's Beyonce's sister!.... Doesn't change anything for me
2
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
There would've been a good few years where I would've called RHCP my favourite band and this my favourite album. I haven't listened to it in years, maybe over a decade. Was nice to hear it again, but it definitely isn't my favourite album anymore.
I'd forgotten (or it was a bit lost out me at the time), how kinda sexual and filthy some of it is. Probably doesn't appeal like it did when I was a lot younger.
Aside from that, I still think it is pretty great. The bass is so funky, great drums too. This was their peak funkiness. I still really like "I could have lied", which is apparently about Sinead o Connor. Under the bridge is obviously great. Breaking the girl, the power of equality, blood sugar sex magik too.
I'm going to say 4.5 as I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as my 14 year old self did, and some of the more "edgy" stuff was a bit awkward now.
For the record, I think one hot minute is their best album, but it might not be on the list
Suede
4/5
Opening couple of tracks are great. The start of "she's not dead" sounds like a smashing pumpkins song.....
I said it last time, but I think suede were one of the better Brit pop groups and I really enjoyed this. Think more than the last one.
Highlights:
So young
Animal nitrate
Moving
The drowners
4.5 and I'll be back
Röyksopp
3/5
I went through a phase of really liking "what else is there" by royksopp, but wasn't sure how much more I actually knew.... Turns out quite a few!
Eple and poor leno were the highlights. It's decent enough, but can't really see myself wanting to listen again
3.5
Tom Waits
4/5
Feel like we've had a lot of Tom waits albums now! Must be up there with the most appearances.
This was a pretty good one, one of the more coherent. Downtown train is not only similarly named to a Springsteen song, but almost sounds like it could've been written by him.
Anywhere I lay my head was good too
3.5
The Hives
5/5
I'd pretty much completely forgotten about the Hives, wrongly so! I definitely had this album and listened to it a lot when it was released. I still recognised every track.
I wasn't aware it was a compilation album though. I assume it was more of a foreign release to a wider audience? They only had 2 albums before this so would be strange if not.
I remember seeing them at Leeds festival in 2003 (?) and they were refusing to carry on playing until they got more applause. Couldn't work out if they were being serious or not, but I reckon it was probably their schtick.
This was really fun though, I can't really find too much wrong with it. Fast paced, short songs, frenetic.
The only reason I can think to not give it a 5 is the fact it's a compilation, but I don't care.
5, reminded me of being a teenager
Beth Orton
3/5
Her name sounds familiar to me but no idea why and I'm pretty sure I've never heard of her.
This was all fairly ok, nice voice, but there's just no way I'm going to remember any of this. Interesting that some was produced by everything but the girl, because it does sound like them in parts.
Also doesn't sound particularly English, I would've called it more country?
Anyway, nice enough but 2.5
Sam Cooke
3/5
Sam Cooke is another artist that I've been indoctrinated into by my step father playing it non stop. It isn't really my thing, but it's pleasant enough.
I keep saying I don't think live albums should be here, but this one does feel kinda special. Sounded fun and Sam Cooke felt like he was genuinely enjoying it.
3 I think. Sam Cooke and cat Stevens Fall into the same category in my head and I think I prefer cat and I gave that 3.5
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Probably another that I heard a lot growing up from my parents. Been shown her performance at live aid loads times. Is pretty special in fairness.
A few great tracks on this album. Feels very genuine. Im not the correct demographic for a lot of it I suppose. It's still very good
4
Tim Buckley
3/5
This felt very 60s. Almost Fairport convention levels of folk in parts. Good amount of psychedelia too. He's got a good voice.
I definitely preferred his later filthy offerings on the greetings from LA album we previously had to this. It's just much more lively and interesting.
3
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
The opening few bars of the first track had me thinking I might've got this album wrong.... But no, it became exactly what I thought it would be soon after.
It might be the best salsa album ever, but it's lost on me. It's nice enough, but not my thing and I'm never going to choose to listen to it
Also.... Willie colon teehee
2
The Avalanches
3/5
I wouldn't have placed this as in the 90s.... Would've said closer to 2003 ish.
This wasn't really what I expected, but I quite enjoyed it. I thought I only knew frontier psychiatrist, but knew since I left you too. Didn't realise that was by them. Those 2 are the highlights.
I think 3.5, likely won't be rushing back though
Iron Butterfly
3/5
I thought I knew the name iron butterfly from a Simpsons episode, but after listening to most of the album I thought I must've been wrong, but that song was there and I was correct! Must be decades since I've seen that episode. I also thought the lyrics were "in the garden of Eden", again from the Simpsons and on looking that's the lyrics they used in the episodes.
Anyway, enough rambling...... The album was very 60s psychedelic rock. But nothing really stood out as special. It's all fine, but ultimately forgettable. The baseline in in-a-gadda-da-vida is great, but I don't need a 17 minute long track.
3, likely won't be back but it's ok. The name suggests something more interesting
Pere Ubu
1/5
I quite enjoyed the previous pere ubu album we had..... I didn't get on with this at all though. It's too weird. Bits of it sounded like it would've fitted on a shooting stars episode.
Not sure if I'm missing something, but I didn't get it. Can't really see past a 1, which is a shame as the last one was pretty decent
Bonnie Raitt
1/5
Extremely dull, nearly fell asleep at the wheel listening to this. Had to stop.
Not sure what makes this essential listening. It's pleasant enough, but nothing interesting
1.5
Metallica
3/5
Another live album..... I will concede that it is slightly more interesting as it has the addition of the orchestra. I'm not convinced that they actually improve Metallica's music though, think I'd rather hear normal Metallica.
It is good though and Metallica have some big songs, but I'm going with 3 as it's a live album.
3.5
Eagles
2/5
Never listened to the eagles properly before. Hotel California is obviously pretty iconic although I'm not sure how much I actually like the track....
The opening 2 tracks were decent. The rest I really found pretty dull. Moreso than I was expecting to, and I was expecting something pretty dull!
Firm 2
Brian Eno
3/5
Less out there then the other Eno albums we've had. I thought it was ok, but I've preferred his other albums to this.
The eponymous track was my favourite.
3, ok but probably won't be back
Hot Chip
3/5
Liked what I've heard of hot chip, but not heard an album before. Probably what I was expecting.
It almost sounds 80s synthy, which I don't actually like when it's from the 80s, but hot chip make it good somehow. I thought I might enjoy this more than I did, but it was good. Was getting a bit tired of it by the end though.
Still think a 3.5. nigyht be back