Never heard of GZA/Genius before this exercise. What I heard was some excellent flows and literate rhyming schemes. I didn't think I would enjoy all the samples taken from the kung fu movie Shogun Assassin that were laced throughout this album, but they flowed into the other music seamlessly. RZA did a great job mixing it. There is some really cool music in this album, some excellent collaboration with the other members of the Wu Tang Clan, and some stellar 90s hip hop. Favourite songs: 4th Chamber, Shadowboxin', Gold, Liquid Swords, Swordsman, Cold World Least favourite songs: Hell's Wind Staff/Killah Hills 10304 (good song, just didn't care for the long preamble before the song started) 4/5

Favourite songs : vampire blues, see the sky about to rain (beautiful visuals), for the turnstiles Least favourite: ambulance blues (long and rambling), on the beach Overall not a bad album. 3-5

Favourite songs: the fox in the snow, mayfly, the stars of track and field Least favourite songs: seeing other people, if you're feeling sinister, me and the major The back half of this album was better than the front half. 3/5

Fantastic blues album. The fact that it is live adds to the recording. You can almost smell the cigarette smoke and whiskey. The cheers of the crowd, and the fantastic blues guitar playing make this an amazing listen!! Favourite songs : it's my own fault, how blue can you get?, sweet little angel Least favourite: worry, worry (if forced to pick one) Easy 5/5

This is a very dark and melancholy album, with themes of death throughout. Oddly enough, this was my recommended album the day after the Queen actually died. Favourite songs: vicar in a tutu (an injection of humour), there is a light that never goes out, the Queen is dead, cemetery gates Least favourite songs: never had no one ever, I know it's over 3/5

Teriffic melding of styles between Billy Braggs and Wilco. In a few songs it felt like putting the words to music seemed almost forced and unpolished, but overall a fantastic album, and a great memorial to the words of Woody Guthrie Favourite songs: Christ for President, Birds and Ships (Natalie Merchant's voice on this track is beautiful), Hesitating Beauty, The Unwelcome Guest, Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key Least Favourite Songs: Hoodoo Voodoo, Walt Whitman's Neice, Eisler on the Go, Ingrid Bergman 4/5

This is a very dark, melancholic album, kind of similar in feel to The Smiths - The Queen is Dead, but much more polished. I feel like the album could have been wrapped up in 20 minutes if it wasn't for the sometimes needless 1 minute instrumental intros and outros. The album somehow feels unfinished by times (notably the end of the song(and album) Seventeen Seconds, where the drum track is still ending, and they just cut the music off early) . This also happens at the end of The Final Sound (here it seems like it was an attempt at a transition into A Forest, but it didn't really work). There are a few gems in this album, but overall, just dark and depressing. Favourite songs : A Forest (I like how they use reverb and feedback to sound like echos and wind in a dark forest), At Night, Play for Today Least favourite songs : Secrets, Three (in both songs the vocal track is basically whispered, and overlayed by music so that you can almost not even hear the words) 2/5

This album was definately not my cup of tea. Favourite songs: Countess' Caper (fantastic trumpet work in this song, more like mariachi music than bollywood music), One Two Cha Cha Cha, Baby Let's Dance Together, Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na They (Happy) Least favourite songs: Title Music (awful wailing/moaning track played intermittantly throughout song) Naag Devta (more awful moaning), Aaina Wohi Rehta Hai 1/5

This album was a great listen! Amy had a beautiful voice, and was gone too soon!! A beautiful artist, with the ability to meld jazz with pop in a cohesive manner. The lyrics to the song Help Yourself ring true sadly: "I Can't Help You If You Won't Help Yourself". Favourite songs: Mr. Magic (Through the Smoke), Amy Amy Amy, Help Yourself, October Song, Fuck Me Pumps, You Sent Me Flying/Cherry Least favourite songs: Know You Now, I Heard Love Is Blind 4/5

I had never heard of Sparks until today, so I didn't know what to expect going into this listening session, however I was pleasantly surprised. The singer has a very uniquely high singing voice which reminds me of the band The Darkness, and their music has a similar sound to Supertramp or Talking Heads. I really enjoyed the music, but found the lyrics got buried sometimes below layers of guitar and crash drums. Favourite songs : Hasta Manana Monsieur, Talent is an Asset, Here in Heaven Least favourite songs : Equator, Complaints 3/5

For me, this was another surprisingly fantastic album, and one that I never in 1 million years would have stumbled upon on my own. Usually, given my ADHD, long, drawn out instrumental pieces are hard for me to listen to, however Mike manages to keep your interest through the addition of instruments or background vocal stylings throughout the whole album. Since the songs are so long, I have broken them down individually to highlight the moments that moved me. For Tubular Bells Part 1, the first roughly 5 minutes is the Exorcist theme song, so it has a dark and eerie feel to it, then Spanish guitar is added in, followed by electric guitar to pull us out of the darkness. At the 13 minute mark, there is another drastic tempo change, accompanied by background choir humming and piano which builds into another rocking guitar solo. Around the 20 minute mark there is a funky bass groove playing on loop, almost lulling you into a trance, then an announcer starts naming instruments, and they get added in layers over the bass grove until the 23 minute mark, when you have a huge symphony of sound to finish the song. For Tubular Bell's Part 2, the first huge transition happens at around the 8 minute mark, when the song begins to picks up with backing vocal harmonies. A huge shock at the 12 minute mark, when gutteral, almost agitated groans accompany a rocking drum beat and guitar solo. At the roughly 21 minute mark, the final breakdown starts with a nautical sounding guitar riff with constantly increasing tempo. Favourite song: I enjoyed Tubular Bells Part 1 a bit more than Part 2, however both were very good. The version of the album Spotify brought up for me to listen to had 2 other tracks, which were isolated excerpts from the larger 2 songs on the album. Sailor's Hornpipe had Viv Stanshall humorously talking about an old house while the final nautical breakdown from Tubular Bells Part 2 plays in the background, sounding like a maritime house party. The other additional song is called Mike Oldfield's Theme, which has an almost LOTR/Middle Earth vibe to it. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It isn't something that I would sit and listen to on repeat, but it was absolutely worth a listen, and I'm glad I did. 4/5

The front half of this album was more upbeat, and the back half was more somber and melancholic. At times the delivery of the vocals almost felt forced in that the singers were putting no flair on singing at all, almost as if bored. I did, however, enjoy the harmonies of the male and female vocals. The music delivery was uneventful, with simple guitar riffs and drum beats, typical of new age pop music. Favourite songs: Islands, Heart Skipped a Beat, Intro (an upbeat instrumental number), Chrystalised, VCR An interesting note about the song Fantasy: It begins as a relatively slow and boring song, but around the 1:30 mark, the bass kicks in in a big way (it would be a great subwoofer tester at that point) Least favourite songs: Night Time, Stars, Shelter 3/5

This was a great album, full of sounds of jazz/blues/funk/country throughout. I enjoyed the guitar and synth solos. Could be classed dad rock or elevator rock, but a very good listen for sure! Lots of musical experimentation throughout. Favourite songs: Bodhisattva, Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth (awesome synth solo in this one), Show Biz Kids Least favourite songs: Razor Boy, Pearl of the Quarter (a lot of steel guitar work in this one, has a strong country vibe to it), My Old School 3/5

Before this exercise, I knew of Buffalo Springfield, but was only familiar with their most famous song, For What It's Worth, so I was happy to familiarize myself with more of their music catalog. This album begins with a great rocking song, Mr. Soul. Neil Young's voice is so recognizable. The second song has a slower funky/country feel to it, and Richie Furay's voice is phenomenal. The next two songs were duds for me, slow, melancholic, with moaning lyrics. Bluebird was a terrific song sung by Stephen Stills with a terrific banjo solo at the end of the song. I enjoyed the rock/funk sensibilities that went into Hung Upside Down, and Furay kills his part of the lyrics. Sad Memory is another slow, depressing song. Good Time Boy is a bluesy/funky song that I really liked. The addition of the brass instruments and the brass solo towards the end of the song was awesome. Rock and Roll Woman has an almost psychadelic rock feel to it with the synth solos throughout. Broken Arrow, the final song on the album, was a strange one that I couldn't really get into. The constant tempo changes and musical breaks for random sound bytes just took from the overall flow of the song. Overall it was a great album. It is too bad they broke up so soon, because I feel they could have made some awesome music. Favourite songs : Mr. Soul, A Child's Claim to Fame, Hung Upside Down, Bluebird Least favourite songs : Everydays - Live, Expecting To Fly, Sad Memory 3/5

This is a fantastic album of country/bluegrass/Appalachian music. The harmonies reached by the brothers, and their tenor voices are beautiful. The mandolin playing, especially in the song Let Her Go, God Bless Her, by Ira Louvin is awesome. This album, as referenced by the title "Tragic Songs of Life" is full of songs about heartache and loss (as is usually the case with country music). The songwriting is beautiful, and each song artfully tells a story. Notable songs include: Tiny Broken Heart is a touching song about heartbreak; The whooping in the song In The Pines is awesome; The lyrics to Alabama paint a beautiful picture of the state; Katie Dear is a very dark song about forbidden love; My Brother's Will is a very sad and beautiful song about the loss of a sibling; Knoxville Girl was a shockingly morbid song about murder; Take the News to Mother is a sad song about war and loss; Mary of the Wild Moor is a sad song about death and loss. The last four songs were full of messages about God and religion, and were beautiful in their own right. Notable songs from this section of the album include: Lord, I'm Coming Home has a haunting, echoy chorus which drives home the message of spiritual awakening; Thankful is a beautiful hymn about being thankful for the blessings given by God every day. Favourite songs: "Let Her Go, God Bless Her", "In The Pines", "Alabama", "My Brother's Will", "Knoxville Girl" Least favourite song : I'll Be All Smiles Tonight Overall, I really enjoyed this album! 4/5

This is the first album I've recieved that I have listened to many times before. That didn't stop me from listening to it again! I love The Eagles, and this album is a gem! Glenn Frey & Don Henley's vocals are amazing, and the harmonies reached by the band are wonderful! The addition of Joe Walsh on guitar was awesome, and his solos throughout this album are terrific! The addition of strings in Wasted Time brings that slow ballad to a whole new level! Favourite songs : Life in the Fast Lane (awesome, rocking song), Hotel California, Victim of Love, Try and Love Again Least favourite song: if forced to choose, Wasted Time 5/5

I just recently listened to a "The Ongoing History of New Music" podcast episode about The History of Alt Rock. In the episode, Alan Cross talks about the influence of the New York Dolls had on punk and glam rock. This can absolutely be heard when listening to this album. The fast guitar and drums, the gravelly tone of the singer's voice... The New York Dolls were definately ahead of their time, which is a shame, because they didn't get the fame they deserve until later on, but their music is teriffic! Favourite songs: Personality Crisis, Trash, Subway Train, Pills Least favourite song: Lonely Planet Boy 4/5

Before this, the only song I ever knew by Lauryn Hill was Doo Wop (That Thing). Listening to her music, there is strong influence from genres such as R&B, Reggae, and Rap. The late 90s/early 00s hip hop beats are a great throwback. In Lauryn's high notes, I can hear Mariah Carey, and in her song structure/delivery I can hear Missy Elliot. Hip Hop/R&B isn't necessarily my favourite, however, I can definately understand and appreciate why this was such an influential album to so many. Favourite songs: Everything is Everything, Doo Wop (That Thing), "Every Ghetto, Every City", To Zion, Forgive Them Father Least favourite songs: When it Hurts So Bad, Nothing Even Matters, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 3/5

Alice Cooper is the king of shock rock!! It is very evident by some of the topics touched on in this album. Some examples include: Unfinished Sweet - a song about dental surgery. Alice uses dental drill sounds and screaming/moaning noises to really drive home the cringe factor! Sick Things - his delivery in this song is so creepy, which is the point! I Love The Dead - a song about necrophelia, which in and of itself is shocking! The fact that it is almost a love ballad/porno groove adds to the shock factor. Another surprising song was Mary Ann, when it is just him and a piano. Overall a great album! Alice Cooper was a revolutionary artist, and paved the way for the likes of Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. Favourite songs: No More Mr. Nice Guy, Elected, Billion Dollar Babies Least favourite song: Sick Things 4/5

Before this album, I had heard of Coldplay, and was familiar with their hits (of which, it turned out, there were 3 of on this album). I wasn't familiar with any of their other stuff, so I was happy to get to listen to a whole album so I could get a better feel for the band as a whole. Coldplay's hits grace the playlists of soft rock/pop rock lovers worldwide, and Chris Martin has a very unique voice, and delivery. I was hoping to find a new song of theirs that I hadn't heard but really enjoyed, and I found a few on this album (A Rush of Blood to the Head, Green Eyes). I also find that the addition of piano throughout their music catalog is beautiful, and adds to the emotional feel of most of their songs. Favourite songs: The Scientist, Clocks, In My Place, A Rush of Blood to the Head, Green Eyes Least favourite songs : Politik, Amsterdam, A Whisper Overall, I'm glad I listened to this album. Not something I would gravitate to over and over, but excellent nonetheless 3/5

I had heard of the Byrds before, but never delved into their catalog much. There was definately quite a bit of musical experimentation throughout this album. Some things worked better than others. Space Odyssey (sounds like they used a kettle whistle as a sound byte throughout, which became annoying after a while) Moog Raga (just an instrumental experimentation with the Moog modular synthesizer, which was awful. Sounded like someone murdering cats) Even though there was a lot of stuff that was "out there" on this album, there were a few good tracks. Favourite songs: Wasn't Born To Follow, Goin' Back, Draft Morning (an example of where experimentation worked. The song starts out slow and soft, lyrics about slow, sunny mornings... All of a sudden the protagonist of the song gets drafted.... A musical bridge which gets heavier with sounds of war... Followed by the heavier, darker lyrics on the second half of the song... It was interesting and unexpected), Old John Robertson Least favourite songs: Moog Raga, Space Odyssey, Tribal Gathering Overall, a few good songs, but too much experimentation with random sounds, and nothing of note really stuck out for me. 2/5

I didn't think I knew the band Madness until I heard the song Our House. There is some serious experimentation and mashups of instruments throughout, including a constant baseline of ska, with piano/synth/horn overtones, and constant tempo changes. Overall, not a terrible listen. Favourite songs: Our House, Sunday Morning, Mr. Speaker (Gets The Word), Tomorrow's (Just Another Day), Blue Skinned Beast, Madness (Is All In The Mind) Least favourite songs: New Delhi (used sitar music to set the scene of India, but it just ended up being annoying), That Face 3/5

I never thought I knew Primal Scream until I heard the song Movin' On Up, which I was familiar with. I am having a hard time figuring out what genre of music they should be catagorized in, because their music is such a mash up of different styles. Certainly the common denominator in all their songs is an electronic/pop/house music style which is heavy with sampling and beat loops. Their songs are also interlaced with rock/psychedelic/gospel/jazz/funk... and the list goes on. Some of this experimentation and mixing doesn't hit for me (space type beeps and bops/irritating synth notes etc.), however there are a few beautiful songs on this album. I found that a few songs went on in an infinite loop for too long and I lost focus. This is the kind of album that would be great playing in the background at a house party, or when you are high as a kite. Favourite songs: Movin' On Up, Come Together (instills feelings of hope and unity in me when I listen to it), Loaded, Damaged Least favourite songs: "Don't Fight It, Feel It", Inner Flight, Higher Than the Sun, Shine Like Stars Additional note: the version of the album I listened to on Spotify contained a few bonus tracks: Stone My Soul, Carry Me Home, and Screamadelica. These additional tracks were not bad, all of which had a slower, more intimate feel to them. 2/5

Billie Holiday has such a recognizable voice. It is so raspy, smokey, and beautiful. She is one of the greatest female crooners. Ray Ellis' orchestra is beautiful. The music is low, with Billie's voice overtop, but every now and again, waves of strings and flutes wash over you, and then amazing trumpet solos blow the roof off the place. This album features songs that are about love and heartbreak. I am not a huge fan of jazz, but can absolutely appreciate it all the same. Favourite songs: I'm a Fool to Want You, The End of a Love Affair, But Beautiful, For Heaven's Sake Least favourite songs: Violets for Your Furs, You've Changed, I Get Along Without You Very Well 3/5

This is a phenomenal album! I remember the first Lenny Kravitz song I ever heard (American Woman, off of Big Shiny Tunes 4). I thought it was a fantastic song, and really liked his style, but never really delved into his back catalog at all. I found myself enjoying that same sound on this album (rock mixed with strong funk/jazz/blues vibes). This album touches on topics such as peace & love, racism, and religion. The piano breakdown in My Precious Love was fantastic!! Favourite songs : Let Love Rule, Rosemary, Blues For Sister Someone, I Build This Garden for Us, Flower Child Least favourite songs: if forced to pick, Mr. Cab Driver, Freedom Train, Sitting on Top of the World 5/5

Hawkwind reminds me a lot of Pink Floyd, Rush, and The Doors. They are definately in the psychedelic rock genre. I've never listened to any of their stuff before this exercise, but heard about them, and how "out there" their music was. You can definately tell that the "space race" of the 60s-70s had a major influence on their song style. The use of synthesizers, theramins, trumpets, heavy bass grooves, lasers... (basically whatever they could get their hands on) gave the music a very futuristic feel, and was very exploratory in nature. Something I noted, given this is a live album, you barely hear the crowd at all throughout the duration of the album. The end of "Welcome to the Future" is the only time they are heard to any degree. I think the music and copious amounts of hallucinogens lulled them into a trance for the duration of the concert, lol. I didn't hate this album, like I thought I would. There was definately some experimentation going on, and the long drawn out solos sometimes are hard to keep focus on, but there were a few songs that weren't bad on the album. Favourite songs: Time We Left This World Today, Upside Down, Orgone Accumulator Least favourite songs: The Awakening, The Black Corridor, 10 Seconds of Forever, Sonic Attack, Welcome to the Future (these songs are just noises and talking), Electronic No. 1 (just God awful theramin noises), You Shouldn't Do That (almost 11 minute drawn out, acid induced solo) 2/5

I had never heard of Elastica before today. I would compare them to the girl alternative rock/punk groups such as Garbage or Paramore. Not a bad sound, but nothing really set them apart from the loads of other bands just like them from that era. Was a good listen, but not something I would throw in heavy rotation to listen to again. Favourite songs: Stutter, Annie, Never Here, Blue, S.O.F.T., Least favourite songs : 2:1, Car Song, Indian Song, Line Up, 3/5

I've heard of Miles Davis, but never listened to any of his stuff before today. I must say that jazz is not my favourite, and just instrumental music even less so. This music is beautiful in its own right though, and would be perfect for setting ambiance in a coffee shop or restaurant. Favourite songs: Budo, Darn That Dream, Moon Dreams, Jeru Least favourite songs: Venus De Milo, Deception 2/5

This whole album sounds like you are listening to it underwater. There are so many layers of muddy guitar, and the vocals are just out of focus so you can't really destinguish what they are saying at all, so you just end up hearing moaning mostly. I can hear how My Bloody Valentine influenced shoegazers of the late 90s-early 00s though such as Smashing Pumpkins or Hole, but this album was definately not my favorite. It all just ended up being noise and caused me to loose focus quite a bit. Favourite songs: Sometimes, When You Sleep Least favourite song: Touched 1/5

I've never heard of Suede before today, so I entered into this listening session not knowing what to expect. What I heard was notes of brit pop/ alt rock of the 90s. Vocal delivery is very similar to The Smiths. Not a stand out album for me, but not terrible either. I'm glad I listened to it, but it isn't something I will put in frequent rotation. Favourite songs : Moving, Animal Nitrate, Metal Mickey Least favourite songs : The Next Life, Breakdown, So Young 3/5

Thank God that album is done. I must preface this by saying electronica/techno isn't my favourite music, but this album was very dull and almost painful to listen to. I am not one for long drawn out songs with no lyrics, I find I tend to loose focus. A few weeks ago I got the album Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield, which is two instrumental songs, ranging around 22 mins each, and that album managed to keep my interest because Mike kept changing tempos, and adding in layers of sound and different instruments. All Orbital did was maintain the same slow shuffling beat throughout the whole 1hr 15min album and changed up a few spacey sounds and bangs/pops. The vocal samples that are looped throughout the album sound like they were taped from late night documentaries and infomercials. Maybe if I was tripping on ecstasy I may be able to tolerate this droning nonsense, but I doubt it. Favourite song: if forced to pick one, Crash and Carry. It had a not bad beat (the first song to actually have one on the album), and it only droned on for 4mins Least favourite songs: Forever, I Wish I Had Duck Feet (the end of Forever, into the start of I Wish I Had Duck Feet there is this God awful wet rustling/rain sound that is awful to listen to), Philosophy by Numbers, Are We Here?, Attached 1/5

Before today I hadn't heard of Minor Threat. This was a true hardcore punk album, and it did what all good punk albums do, it came in loud, fast, and heavy, said what it had to, and got out. The whole album consisted of 9 songs, and the total album play time was only 21 minutes. The lyrical delivery was fast, raw and angry. The bass playing was stellar on this record!! It is a shame that Minor Threat didn't stay together longer to create more content, because it is easy to see the influence that just the one studio album that they made had on future bands. Favourite songs: Betray (the part when they slow the tempo down in the middle of this song is awesome), "Look, Back & Laugh" , Sob Story Least favourite song: if forced to pick one, Cashing In (I just didn't like the lyrical delivery as much, but it is still a teriffic song) 4/5

I am familiar with Simon & Garfunkel's hits, but never delved far into any of their records, so this was a great listening exercise today. I always had a preconceived notion that Simon & Garfunkel were a band that only the highly educated, and hipsters listened to, but man was I wrong. I love the harmonies that Paul and Art can create, and those layers of harmony laid over soft acoustic guitar make for fantastic easy listening folk. There are songs on this album that touch on hard hitting issues (the song "7 O'clock News/Silent Night" has news excerpts about hard hitting issues of 1966 (mainly the Vietnam War) laid over the Christmas carol Silent Night. The news starts low and slowly builds and builds throughout) and they also inject humour (A Simple Desultory Philippic is a comical jab at Bob Dylan and his style of music writing and delivery). All in all, a fantastic album!! Favourite songs: A Simple Desultory Philippic, Homeward Bound, The 59th Street Bridge Song, The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine Least favourite songs: if forced to pick, Cloudy, The Dangling Conversation 5/5

Another outstanding album!! Bob Marley was one of a kind! People have tried to emulate his sound, but have never been able to capture it just right. His music has a way of instilling hope and happiness in me every time I listen to it. I find the song No Woman No Cry almost therapeutic (I can turn it on on a bad day and feel better instantly). The part of the song where he repeats "Everything's going to be alright" just forces you to put everything in perspective. Such excellent reggae music with subtle notes of funk mixed in. Every song on this record is amazing! Favourite songs: No Woman No Cry, Bend Down Low, Talkin' Blues, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Revolution, Natty Dread, Lively Up Yourself Least favourite song: if forced to pick one, Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock). It is still a phenomenal song, it just didn't hit as hard for me as the other songs. 5/5

I've heard of UB40, but never delved into their stuff before. This is my second reggae album in a row (yesterday I had Bob Marley). Unlike Bob's sound, this has more pop sensibilities to it, and the saxophone is a great addition to the overall feel of the album. This album deals with some pretty heavy topics about racism, politics, and poverty. I enjoyed this album, but not as much as Bob Marley's album. This record had a lot of instrumentals, experimentation, and drawn out solos throughout, whereas Bob Marley kept his album on track and tight, which is why I liked it more. Favourite songs: Tyler, Burden of Shame, Little By Little, Food For Thought Least favourite songs: Madam Medusa (13 minute song that just felt too long and drawn out), I Think It's Going To Rain Today 3/5

This was a teriffic album! Fats Domino was revolutionary at his craft. Every song on this album is awesome! I can imagine hearing this in the 50's and how different it must have sounded. To be someone credited with influencing the king of rock and roll Elvis Presley! Fats' piano playing is flawless, and his bluesy lyric delivery make him stand out as one of the greats! The piano solo in La La is fantastic!! I love The swing style feel of this record. Favourite songs : all of them, but stand out songs include : Blueberry Hill, Blue Monday, La La, What's the Reason I'm Not Pleasing You, Poor Poor Me, Troubles of My Own Least favourite song: if forced to pick, The Fat Man's Hop only because it is an instrumental number 5/5

This is Peter Gabriel's first solo album after the break up of Genesis. I must say I'm not very crazy about either Peter, or Genesis' music, but am familiar with both. This album started out with a very weird prog rock song, then transitioned to the very popular and familiar Solsbury Hill. Modern Love, Slowburn, and Down the Dolce Vita are rockin runes, and the rest of the album was more really weird prog rock experimentation. There were constant tempo changes and nonsensical lyrics throughout. Overall, very odd and experimental, and nothing to really captivate me, so this just affirms my dislike of Peter Gabriel's style of music. It may make more sense if I was high. Favourite songs: Solsbury Hill, Modern Love, Down the Dolce Vita, Here Comes the Flood Least favourite songs: Waiting for the Big One, Moribund the Burgermeister, Humdrum, Excuse Me 3/5 (Solsbury Hill alone gave it +1 point)

I remember this album well from when I was a teenager because my sister played it on repeat. Waterfalls was a jam back then, it was on every radio station constantly. This album is super thirsty in that the dominant topic of conversation is sex. The music is a good blend of R&B, pop, and 90's hip hop. I really like the harmonies that the three women can achieve. I found that the first half of this album was better than the second half. Favourite songs: Waterfalls, Red Light Special (great guitar solo in this porno groove sounding song), Switch, Diggin' On You, Kick Your Game, Creep Least favourite songs: Let's Do It Again, If I Was Your Girlfriend, Take Our Time, and all the Interludes throughout (Intro-lude, CrazySexyCool - Interlude, Intermission-lude, Sexy - Interlude, and Can I Get A Witness - Interlude). These frequent interludes throughout the album remind me of Lauryn Hill's album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and like that album, I find they distract from the overall flow of the record. 3/5

I am very familiar with Green Day. They were a big part of my formative years with music. The first cassette of theirs I ever owned was Nimrod, and I loved it. After that, I went out and bought Insomniac and Dookie. American Idiot came out when I was in university, and got a lot of air play on both Much Music, as well as the university radio station. There were quite a few singles released off of this record: Holiday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Wake Me Up When September Ends, American Idiot, and Jesus of Suburbia. The song Holiday reminds me of the movie Accepted every time I hear it. This album is fantastic. 2 songs (Jesus of Suburbia and Homecoming) are 9 minutes long each, but there are tempo changes throughout, so really each of them is like 4-5 songs. Overall, I love this band and this album. So great, I listened to it twice. Favourite songs: Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Wake Me Up When September Ends, American Idiot, Jesus of Suburbia, Are We the Waiting/St. Jimmy Least favourite songs: if forced to pick one, Whatsername 5/5

This is the first time so far that I've gotten a second record from a band I've already listened to in this exercise. The first record by the Eagles that I got was the classic Hotel California. This record is their self titled debut. It has three well known and fantastic singles on it: Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, and Peaceful Easy Feeling. You can tell that this is an early album in the bands career simply because they were still experimenting, trying to find their sound (country rock/dad rock). There are some lesser known songs on here that are fantastic. Some songs are fairly rockin' compared to other songs in the Eagles catalog. The harmonies that Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Randy Meisner, and Bernie Leadon can reach is phenomenal, and creates that signature sound that is so recognizably the Eagles. This was another great listen, so much so that I listened to it twice. Favourite songs: Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Nightingale, Chug All Night, Tryin' Least favourite songs: if forced to choose, Most Of Us Are Sad. It just didn't move me like the other songs did, but is still a great tune. 4/5

I've heard of MGMT before, but never really paid attention to their music much, it was just background noise while Hits 1 was on the radio. Having now listened to an album of theirs, I have a bit more of an appreciation for their musical talents. I must start by saying that newer indie pop rock is not really in my wheelhouse, but I didn't hate this album like I thought I would. The first half of the album is leaps and bounds better than the second half. In the song Weekend Wars I can hear a bit of David Bowie influence in the vocal delivery. Favourite songs: Kids, Electric Feel, Weekend Wars, Time to Pretend Least favourite songs: 4th Dimensional Transition, "Of Moons, Birds & Monsters", Future Reflections, The Handshake 3/5

I've always had my preconceived notions about Talking Heads and their music, but never really delved into it much past their hit singles. At the onset of this album, I didn't really know what to expect since the first song, I Zimbra, is just nonsensical language, but after this song, it returned to the Talking Heads I had heard before. Oddly nervous lyric delivery, and experimental, spacey music. The lyric delivery always did, and continues to drive me crazy, and they make no sense most times. One song, they sing about how the air is trying to kill you, and another song they sing about how animals are morons. Overall, not my cup of tea, but I do get that Talking Heads are very influential to bands that came later, I just don't get the appeal myself. Maybe I'm just not intelligent enough for nerd rock. Favourite songs: Life During Wartime, Animals, Heaven, I Zimbra Least favourite songs: Drugs, Electric Guitar, Mind, Paper, Memories Can't Wait 2/5

I know of Kid Rock's hits but never really delved into his back catalog. Kid Rock was hitting his stride when I was a "rebellious" youth listening to vulgar music. What he was doing with the country rock/rap fusion was never really done before. Some of it stuck, other things flopped. And a lot of people are quick to throw out all of Kid Rock's music because of his political leanings, unfortunate as they may be. I didn't love everything in this album, but there was quite a bit of nostalgia tied to Bawitdaba, Cowboy, and Only God Knows Why. In some of the music, listening now as an adult, there was some needless vulgarity by times, but I'm not prudish enough to hold that against him. I feel like I can smell the album cover.... Dank weed, wet dog, and econo cigarettes. There were a lot of songs on this record that repeated lyrics such as making note to 100 spoke wheels, hookers, being raised in Detroit, and 40s in the trunk of cars. A lot of people hate on Only God Knows Why because of heavy auto tune usage, but then they turn around and love T-Pain or Kanye West. To me it is a choice that was made, not necessarily out of necessity, but to add a little flair to the song. Favourite songs: Only God Knows Why, Cowboy, Bawitdaba, Devil Without a Cause, I Am The Bullgod, Wasting Time, Fuck Off Least favourite songs : Welcome 2 The Party (Ode 2 the Old School), Where U At Rock 3/5

I've always written off The Doors as just another psychedelic rock band with 6 minute acid induced organ solos throughout most of their music, but after listening to this self titled debut album, boy was I wrong. They are so much more than that. Yes, those organ solos do exist (in Light My Fire for example), but there is also many songs that are less than 3 minutes long, and have funky, jazzy, bluesy feels to them with typical 60s rock overtones. The addition of an electric organ was, at the time, revolutionary to the genre of rock, and led to many other bands doing the same thing. Jim Morrison had such a unique singing voice. Some of his vocals may make more sense when high on psychedelics, but one can definately appreciate the magnitude of this album, even when sober. I was worried about the song The End when it started playing and I saw an almost 12 minute run time, but the solos are kept short in it, and Jim keeps the song flowing well throughout, making the time fly by (the song doesn't go on so long that it becomes stale). Overall, impressed with this album. It has opened my eyes to more of what The Doors were. Favourite songs: Break on Through (To The Other Side), Soul Kitchen, Back Door Man, Twentieth Century Fox, Light My Fire, The End Least favourite songs: Alabama Song (Whisky Bar), The Crystal Ship 3/5

I'd never heard of Ash until today, but everything I've read about the band told me I would like them. This proved true! What a great 90's alt rock/grunge/pop rock band. I heard influence from many different sources while listening to them: (1) Goldfinger sounds quite a bit like Nirvana; (2)the vocals on the chorus of Girl From Mars sounds like Weezer; (3)the chord progression in I'd Give You Anything sounds like N. I. B. by Black Sabbath A few songs on the album run into each other seamlessly (notably Girl From Mars into I'd Give You Anything, and Let It Flow into Innocent Smile) I thoroughly enjoyed this listening experience. From the heavy distortion and sludgy guitars to the tight drums this album was great! If I were to have any criticisms at all it would be that sometimes the vocals fall behind the wall of sound and distortion a bit, and the use of static as a backing sound in a section of Innocent Smile was a bit irritating, otherwise a great album. Favourite songs: I'd Give You Anything, Angel Interceptor, Kung Fu, Girl From Mars, Lose Control, Goldfinger, Darkside Lightside Least favourite songs: Lost In You, Innocent Smile 4/5

I never really listened to much of Peter Frampton's stuff until today, so I was unsure of what to expect. What I got was a high energy, rockin' live album. I knew a few of his hits off of this album, but most of it was new to me. A few things of note: 1) the stripped down bass groove in Doobie Wah is awesome, 2) the acoustic set in the middle of the concert, which included All I Want to Be (Is By Your Side) & Wind of Change was a nice touch. 3) the little guitar solo track called Penny For Your Thoughts was awesome (some amazing guitar skills showed off on this one) 4) I could have done without the 4 minute talk box solo on Do You Feel Like We Do. A talk box is cool if it just adds a flair to a song, but in a long drawn out solo, it becomes kind of annoying. Overall, a great album. The crowd was electric, and I can only imagine how cool it would have been to be there. Favourite songs: Show Me The Way, "Baby, I Love Your Way", (I'll Give You) Money, Something's Happening, Doobie Wah, Penny For Your Thoughts Least favourite songs: I Wanna Go To The Sun, Wind of Change, Lines on My Face, Jumping Jack Flash 4/5

I had heard of The Monkees before, and knew that they were America's answer to The Beatles and had a TV Show, but never delved into their stuff too much. Apparently this was the first album where the label allowed them to create their own music instead of regurgitating music that was created for them, so with that in mind, there is some experimentation here, and some of it feels a bit unpolished. You can hear how they were very similar to The Beatles, and can also hear inspiration from the likes of Chuck Berry and Simon & Garfunkel. Spotify links to the Deluxe version of this album, which has a bunch of stereo remixes of songs as well as some demo stuff from the recording studio, and a few stand alone singles. I didn't mind this album, you can see what they were driving at, but it just didn't wow me, and it wasn't refined and groundbreaking like The Beatles, more of a parody of sorts. Favourite songs: 99 Pounds, No Time, For Pete's Sake (Closing Theme), Sunny Girlfriend, Randy Scouse Git, Mr. Webster, All of Your Toys, She Hangs Out, Nine Times Blue, Love to Love, You Can't Tie a Mustang Down Least favourite songs: Zilch, Pillow Time, Band 6, Early Morning Blues and Greens, If I Learned to Play the Violin, Peter Gunn's Gun 3/5

This is Aretha Franklin's 10th studio album, and is her first with Atlantic Records. From what I understand, in her time with Columbia, they were trying to mold her into a pop star, forcing her to try and fit into a mold of what was popular at the time, and that just wasn't her. Atlantic gave her artistic freedom to just be herself, and man does it show on this record. Her vocal runs and creative freedom shines bright here! Her backing band on this record, Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section, were super tight, melding seamlessly with Aretha's huge voice. It was with this record, that she blew the top off of the soul/blues genres and paved the way for future acts to aspire to. Every song on this album is phenomenal, and just makes ya wanna move. On an unrelated note: Every time I hear Aretha's name, I think of the part of School of Rock, where Dewey is trying to convince Tomika that she can sing in front of people, even though she's a bigger girl. "You've heard of Aretha Franklin right? She's a big lady. But when she sings, she blows peoples minds! Everyone wants to party with Aretha!!" Favourite songs: Respect, Good Times, Save Me, A Change Is Gonna Come, Soul Serenade, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) Least favourite song: if forced to choose, "Baby, Baby, Baby" 5/5

David Crosby's first solo album, made after the success of Crosby, Stills & Nash's debut album, and their first break up. He had a few other artists featured on this album as well such as Neil Young, Graham Nash, members of Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Santana, and Joni Mitchell. There were some exploratory works on this album that felt unpolished, but were also some fantastic songs as well such as Cowboy Movie. That song is apparently loosely based on the temporary breakup of Crosby, Stills & Nash. In this song, the individual members of the band are given aliases; Stephen Stills is Eli, Graham Nash is the Duke, Neil Young is Young Billy, and David Crosby is Fat Albert. The other character in the story, Raven, is apparently Rita Coolridge, who in real life had affair with both Stills, and Nash, and caused the bad feelings between them, and led to the splitting of the band. The harp section in Traction in the Rain is great! The song Music is Love had symplistic lyrics, and is underwhelming. Overall, not a bad album, but nothing really stood out with it either. Favourite songs: Cowboy Movie, What Are Their Names, Traction in the Rain Least favourite songs: Music is Love, Orleans, I'd Swear There Was Somebody Here 3/5

Never heard of GZA/Genius before this exercise. What I heard was some excellent flows and literate rhyming schemes. I didn't think I would enjoy all the samples taken from the kung fu movie Shogun Assassin that were laced throughout this album, but they flowed into the other music seamlessly. RZA did a great job mixing it. There is some really cool music in this album, some excellent collaboration with the other members of the Wu Tang Clan, and some stellar 90s hip hop. Favourite songs: 4th Chamber, Shadowboxin', Gold, Liquid Swords, Swordsman, Cold World Least favourite songs: Hell's Wind Staff/Killah Hills 10304 (good song, just didn't care for the long preamble before the song started) 4/5

Before today, I only knew the song Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, so I looked forward to listening to more of her catalog of music. This album was phenomenal. The acoustic guitar added an intimate feel to the whole thing, and her voice is beautiful. She sings about hard and heavy topics such as domestic violence (Behind the Wall), racism (Across the Lines), addiction (Fast Car), and poverty/welfare (Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Mountains O' Things). With so many hard topics being covered in one album, it is pretty heavy, and makes you think about hardship, and the shortcomings of society. I thoroughly enjoyed the album, and will definately listen to it again. Favourite songs: Fast Car, Talkin' Bout a Revolution, Across the Lines, Mountains O' Things, Behind the Wall, Why?, For My Lover Least favourite song: if forced to pick, Baby Can I Hold You (amazing song, just didn't move me as much as the rest of the album) 4/5

This is the second album by Aretha Franklin that I've gotten in this album generator. This particular album is her 12th studio album, and was made 2 years after the first album of her's that I listened to (I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You). This album definately feels more polished, and complete. The backing band are more lively, and add a funky/bluesy feel to the music. Aretha's vocals, as always, blow the roof off of the place, and the addition of Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston's mother) and her group the Sweet Inspirations, along with Aretha's sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin as background vocals just added that little bit of contrast to elevate the whole album that much further. There isn't a bad song on the album. Things of note that stood out: 1) People Get Ready has a fantastic gospel feel to it, 2) Eric Clapton was brought in as the guitarist on the song Good to Me As I Am to You, and his bluesy rock style was awesome, 3) Chain of Fools is a phenomenal song. Every time I hear the lyrics: "You told me to leave you alone, my father said "come on home" , my doctor said "take it easy", oh, but your loving is much too strong, I'm added to your, chain, chain, chain... " my mind goes back to the movie School of Rock when Tomika is convincing Dewey that she can sing. Amusingly enough, I referenced School of Rock with my first Aretha Franklin album as well. Favourite songs: Chain of Fools, People Get Ready, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Good To Me As I Am To You, Groovin', Niki Hoeky, Money Won't Change You Least favourite song: if forced to pick one, Ain't No Way. Still phenomenal, just not as much as the other songs on the album. Easy 5/5

I've never listened to any of Donald Fagen's solo stuff, but am familiar with his work with Steely Dan. This is his first solo album, which was made after Steely Dan broke up. It has a lot of the same characteristics as a Steely Dan record, but doesn't have as much of the "rock" sensibilities. This record is heavier to the funky/jazzy pop rock sound, sometimes termed "yacht rock". Heavy to piano and synth as well as brass instruments. It has the ability to make the listener bob their head to the beat. Donald Fagen's vocals are smooth and layered perfectly with the funky music backing. Overall, this is a good record, not phenomenal or anything, but I didn't mind listening to it, just wouldn't rush out to buy it (I have the same feelings towards Steely Dan records... They're good, just not phenomenal). Favourite songs: I.G.Y., Green Flower Street, Ruby Baby, New Frontier Least favourite songs: The Nightfly, Maxine, 3/5

I've never delved into much of Joni Mitchell's stuff before, I am just familiar with her hits, so going into listening to this album, I didn't know what to expect because I knew none of the songs on the record. I don't know how to categorize this style of music. It is kind of jazzy/folky. Joni has a very unique voice that I didn't much care for at first, but it grew on me as time went on. Upon the first listen to this album, I didn't much care for it, however listening a second time, I grew to like it more. I still don't love it, but I can understand the appeal in certain settings. Even on the first time listening I did like the music. Joni had some experimentation with moog synths and piano, as well as a nice coffeehouse acoustic feel. Something I found odd on The Jungle Line, was the inclusion of an almost 8 bit sound (sounds like the noise heard in 1980s Super Mario Bros on NES when you kill Bowser) throughout the song. That song, however, also featured Drummers of Burundi, which was revolutionary at the time (apparently worldbeat being included in pop music became trendy in the 80s) and sounded great. What took me a while to grasp was Joni's lyrics. She is, for sure, a poet, but one of those poets who have really obscure poems that hipsters like to sit in coffee shops and think about for hours on end trying to make sense of them. It took me two album listens to appreciate what she was saying, and I still don't really know, but some lyrics are so weird that they stood out to me such as: In the song Don't Interrupt the Sorrow, she says "God goes up the chimney like childhood Santa Claus" In the song The Hissing of Summer Lawns she says "he gave her a room full of Chippendale that no one sits in" In the song The Boho Dance she says "like a priest with a pornographic watch, looking and longing on the sly" No idea what any of that means, but the lyrics are neat. I may listen to this album again, but it isn't something I would pull up as a favourite. Favourite songs: Harry's House/Centerpiece (Centerpiece is a fantastic little jazz number), The Boho Dance, Edith and the Kingpin, The Jungle Line Least favourite song: Shadows and Light 3/5

What a shot of nostalgia today's album was! I discovered Green Day with the release of their album Nimrod, then listened to a lot of their back catalog, and they quickly became one of my favourite bands in my teen years. Every song on this album is fantastic! Green Day is an amazing pop punk band. They were always featured on Much Music in the 90's and 00's so I became very familiar with their work. The songs were fast and loud, and the drums sounded amazing on this record. Basket Case is one of those songs you hear and immediately start singing, and the bass groove in Longview is so recognizable. Favourite songs: Basket Case, Longview, When I Come Around, Welcome to Paradise, Sassafras Roots, Burnout, Having a Blast Least favourite song: All By Myself (which is just a short nonsensical song added to the end of the album) 5/5

Never heard of the band Japan before today, and for good reason. Just some typical run of the mill synthpop. Sure it may have been ahead of its time, having been released in the late 70s, and sounding like music from the 80s, but David Sylvian's voice is terrible. He moans most of the time. By times, you can hear a lot of Duran Duran in their sound, and Mick Karn's bass playing is great, especially on the songs Alien, Other Side of Life, and Life in Tokyo! All in all, I could have gone without listening to this album. I am realizing through this exercise that I hate synthpop new wave music. Favourite songs : Alien, Halloween, Life in Tokyo Least favourite songs : Despair, Other Side of Life, All Tomorrow's Parties, In Vogue, Fall in Love With Me 2/5 (a point added just because of Mick's phenomenal bass playing)

I am very familiar with Bob Dylan's work, and really enjoy his music, so I am looking forward to today's listen. This is the 6th studio album from Bob Dylan, and his first electric album (all songs except Desolation Row). Bob is one hell of a poet, spinning words together, that seem nonsensical at first, but when really thought about, take on a whole new meaning. You can tell he is a well read individual by his usage of different literary and historical references throughout his music. Bob really can't sing, and there are imperfections in the instrument playing, but I think that is done on purpose. It gives you a feel of listening to a live concert of some obscure up and coming band who isn't yet polished. I just feel it adds character to the songs. Overall, this was a phenomenal album, and going into listening to it, I didn't think anything could top Like a Rolling Stone for favourite song, but Tombstone Blues is so fantastic!! There is a reason this album is considered one of the best albums of all time! Every song on the record is amazing. Favourite songs: Tombstone Blues, Like a Rolling Stone, Desolation Row, Highway 61 Revisited, From a Buick 6, Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues Least favourite song: it forced to pick, Ballad of a Thin Man Easy 5/5

I've listened to quite a bit of The Rolling Stones before, but never sat and listened to a whole album cover to cover. Right off the bat, I knew Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, and Can't You Hear Me Knocking. I enjoyed the country/blues feel of the songs You Gotta Move and I Got The Blues. Sister Morphine is a beautifully sad song about drug addiction. The way the song starts slow and melancholic, and continues to build as the lyrics spin a tale of desperation and desire adds to the beauty of the track. Bitch and Sway both had rockin' feels to them. I enjoy the addition of brass instruments by times (mainly in the song Can't You Hear Me Knocking) Overall a great album. Got me familiar with some of The Rolling Stones lesser known tracks, some of which are gems. Favourite songs: Brown Sugar, Can't You Hear Me Knocking, Sway, Bitch, Sister Morphine, Wild Horses Least favourite song: Moonlight Mile 4/5

I've heard of Public Enemy, but never delved into their stuff before, so I am looking forward to today's listen. I do enjoy some 80's hip hop. Chuck D's rhymes are smooth and powerful, and Flavor Flav makes a great hype man. Terminator X is a great DJ, mixing samples and beats flawlessly. I enjoyed this album quite a bit. Especially because, unlike other 80's hip hop records, this one didn't have skits every 2-3 songs. It didn't have any skits at all, just music. I like that, beause I always found the skits took away from the album flow. Overall, I really enjoyed this album, and will probably listen again. Favourite songs: Bring the Noise, She Watch Channel Zero?! (interesting note: this song samples Slayer's song Angel of Death), Don't Believe the Hype, Prophets of Rage, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, Night of the Living Baseheads, "Caught, Can We Get a Witness? ", Louder than a Bomb Least favourite songs: Terminator X to the Edge of Panic (there is a looped squeal throughout this song that just grinded on me the wrong way) 4/5

I've never heard of Stereo MC's before today. They are a 90's hip hop/electronica band from the UK. Their music reminds me of Moby or Bran Van 3000 a bit (typical run of the mill 90's hip hop). The album was good, I didn't have a compulsion to skip any of the songs, but it also just blended in with all of the other average hip hop bands of that era. I enjoyed the addition of the saxophone at times, and the mixing of beats and samples was well done. I also enjoyed the female harmony accompaniment as well. Overall, an average album, not terrible, but also not groundbreaking. Favourite songs: Everything, Playing With Fire, Creation, Ground Level, Pressure Least favourite songs: Chicken Shake, All Night Long 3/5

I had no idea what I was in for when I saw this album pop up this morning. 90's electronica from the UK. I had reservations because the last British electronica band I listened to in this generator was Orbital, and my God were they ever awful. I was pleased to find out though that these guys are much better than Orbital. Still not my favourite type of music, but it didn't irritate me like Orbital's stuff did. These guys had a few exploratory songs which were irritating, but they also tended to be shorter. When they were experimenting, the band tended to enjoy metallic tings and bangs which was annoying (Theme 4, Bubble and Slide, Bubble and Slide II) One thing these guys did do well is explore the stereo channels, making you (the listener) feel like you were standing still, and the music was moving around you, which was cool. The flow of different sound bytes, noises, and beats was by times so soothing and repetitive that it almost put me to sleep a few times. The one thing I don't get about electronica is the mostly lack of a bass line (it's there, but subtle, unlike techno or house music). Electronica has a beat which is perceived through the repetition of noises and it just doesn't hold my interest the same way a sternum rattling bass does. If this kind of music was played in a club, I can picture zombie like listeners just shuffling about and standing there staring at the wall, lulled into a trance by the music. Overall, this wasn't a terrible album. I can't see myself ever listening to it again, just because it isn't my genre of music, but I didn't mind the listen today. Favourite songs: Planet D (Portishead Remix), Theme, Tow Truck, Wilmot, Ballad of Nicky McGuire Least favourite songs: Theme 4, Bubble and Slide, Bubble and Slide II, Flight Path Estate, Jacob Street 7am, Return to Planet D 2/5

I am not very familiar with much jazz, so I am looking forward to listening to this album. This was some very cool, smooth jazz. It immediately reminded me of something I would hear on the show Peanuts. I can picture Charlie Brown and Snoopy dancing to this kind of music. There are some very complex time signatures used in this album, which is phenomenal; 9/8, 6/4, and 5/4, which was unheard of for jazz. Overall, it was a good album, one which would create a perfect mood when cooking, or while sipping a warm beverage on a cold day in a coffee shop. Favourite songs: Kathy's Waltz, Blue Rondo a la Turk, Take Five, Pick Up Sticks Least favourite song: Strange Meadow Lark (it just drug on a little too long for me) 3/5

Never heard of Shuggie Otis until today. From what I've read, his father had a band which Shuggie would start playing guitar for at age eleven. He had to disguise himself with a fake moustache and dark glasses so he would appear older and could play bar gigs with the band! So, obviously, a hell of a talented guy. I then learned that he played all of the instruments (except horns and some strings) and sang/wrote all of the songs himself. At 21! Crazy! Delving into this record, it is amazing! I don't quite know how to classify it though. Shuggie was obviously an innovator because there are touches of jazz/funk/R&B/psychedelic rock/blues throughout. Shuggie's voice sounds a lot like Jay Kay's from Jamiroquai, and by times, his music sounds similar as well, so I would bet that Shuggie was an influencer of Jay Kay's. Overall, this is a phenomenal record, and I am very happy to have discovered it! Will definately listen again. Favourite songs: Sparkle City, Inspiration Information, Aht Uh Mi Hed, Ice Cold Daydream, Strawberry Letter 23 Least favourite song: if forced to pick one, Freedom Flight (it was a psychedelic rock number that ran for 12 mins and change. There were wind chimes in the background for the whole song, and they just became a bit annoying after a while) 4/5

This was the second solo album for Iggy Pop since the break up of the Stooges, and his second of three albums he would make that year. He was spending his time in Berlin with David Bowie, trying to get clean after a period of drug addiction. Bowie provided keyboard support to Iggy on this album, allowing more of the spotlight to be cast on Iggy himself instead of on Bowie. This album was apparently written, recorded, and mixed in 8 days!! This is a great rock/post punk album! A few songs dealt with heroin abuse (notably Tonight and Turn Blue), however there are a few lighter songs to counteract that heavy topic (Lust for Life, Success). Apparently, Bowie's famous riff in the song Lust for Life was inspired by the Morse code intro to the American Forces Network News in Berlin. Overall, a great record! I really enjoyed it. Before this listening experience, I was only familiar with Iggy's work with The Stooges. I'm glad I listened for sure! Favourite songs: Some Weird Sin, The Passenger, Lust for Life, Sixteen, Neighborhood Threat Least favourite songs: Turn Blue, Success (just didn't like the repetitive, simplistic lyrics. The music was great though) 4/5

Before today, I've never heard any of Gene Clark's solo stuff. I was only familiar with his work with the Byrds, so I am looking forward to listening to today's album. This was a fantastic folk rock/country rock album with hints of psychadelic rock mixed in. The story behind this album is a sad one. Apparently, Gene and the record label had differences of opinion. Gene wanted to release a double album, but the record label didn't want to. Upon its release, the label didn't promote the album at all, and as a result it flopped. It wasn't discovered until a re-release in the 90's, however the initial failure of the record was a financial blow that Gene wouldn't recover from. I really enjoyed this record. The use of steel guitar, especially on Life's Greatest Fool and True One was amazing, and added an almost melancholic feel to the songs. Overall, a fantastic record, and one I definately will listen to again! Favourite songs: True One, Life's Greatest Fool, From a Silver Phial, No Other, Silver Raven, Strength of Strings Least favourite song: Lady of the North (this song just didn't resonate with me like the others) 5/5

I am familiar with Cream's hits, but never delved into their back catalog, so I am looking forward to this listen. I immediately recognize Sunshine of Your Love and Strange Brew. This is some fantastic psychadelic rock, and Eric Clapton's guitar playing is phenomenal. The bass groove in Strange Brew is awesome. There are some "out there" lyrics throughout, especially in the song SWLABR (got that rainbow feel, but the rainbow has a beard) Both the album cover, and the strange lyrics tell a tale of psychadelic drug use. Overall, a great album! Glad I listened. Favourite songs: Take It Back, SWLABR, Tales of Brave Ulysses, Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love, Outside Woman Blues Least favourite songs: We're Going Wrong, Blue Condition, Dance the Night Away (in certain songs, they employ a mournful wailing lyric delivery which I find irritating) 4/5

Man, this was a struggle to get through. What a dark, bleak record. I know the circumstances surrounding the release of the record are terrible, with the lead singer committing suicide a few months before its release, but man was that a mournful album. Everything from the unenthusiastic, moaning lyric delivery, to the dark and somber themes. The album cover is even dark, showing a tomb. JOY Division is a poor name for a band this bleak. The instrument playing was simplistic and boring. At one point, during the song The Eternal, they decided a helicopter blade/static whirring was a musical instrument. Atrocity Exhibition contains not much musical stylings unless you are in to guitar screeches and scratches. The singer was hard to hear by times because it sounded like he was standing 20ft from the microphone. Needless to say this WAS NOT my favourite record. The first half of the album was much better than the second. They say that Joy Division can be traced to the beginnings of goth, and I can see that. Favourite song: I had to really search for one, but I think it will have to be Isolation (an injection of energy into an otherwise glum record) Least favourite songs: The Eternal, Decades, Atrocity Exhibition, A Means to an End, Heart and Soul 2/5

This is a phenomenal album!! I cannot believe Jane's Addiction is a late 80's band. They definately don't sound it! I would assume mid 90's, so they were definate trend setters with the alternative rock movement. They also had a hand in starting Lollapalooza in the states (a yearly celebration of alternative rock). I just recently listened to a podcast about it. The guitar playing is so hard, sludgy, and fast. Their guitarist is definately a hidden gem as far as guitar virtuosos go. Perry Marshall's voice is so recognizable with its gravelly nature, and unique delivery. The bass and drumming throughout are phenomenal. Songs on this record covered some SHOCKING topics such as: abandonment, drug use, Ted Bundy... but I think my favourite lyrics come from a song about shower thoughts: "The water is so fucking hot, it beats on my neck, and I'm pissing on myself, standing in the shower... thinking" Overall, I loved this album. Right up my alley music-wise. Don't know why I didn't delve into Jane's Addiction sooner. Favourite songs: Mountain Song, Jane Says, Pigs in Zen, Ocean Size, "Ted, Just Admit It...", Standing in the Shower... Thinking Least favourite song: Summertime Rolls 5/5

This album was not my favourite. Fiona Apple can be grouped into the same kind of emotional, piano heavy, jazzy pop music as Sarah McLachlan. Perhaps if Sarah didn't get the rights to the musical accompaniment of advertisements about adopting cats that have burdocks stuck to them and dogs with eating disorders, they could have used Fiona. It is the same moaning, low, slow, boring dribble. Fiona has a nice voice, but she hangs out in the low part of her register and only adds a bit of spice and hits high notes every once and again, so the lyrics drone on and kind of wash out amid the slow ballad of strings and piano. The music itself is well performed, but when combined with Fiona's singing, it just is so boring and depressing. The first 4 songs on the album aren't bad (Sullen Girl is slow and depressing, but Shadowboxer comes on right after that to inject more energy into the album again). But once the song Slow Like Honey starts, look out, because it's all depressing, boring songs from there on out It's definately a no from me. Favourite songs: Criminal, Shadowboxer, Sleep to Dream Least favourite songs: The First Taste (fyi: a one minute moaning session to finish off a song is too long), Pale September, The Child Is Gone, Slow Like Honey, Sullen Girl, Never Is A Promise 2/5

I've only recently discovered Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds upon the recommendation of a friend. The album he recommended was Murder Ballads. That album is very different than this album. This album is a departure from their typical post punk/rock sound for a more intimate, almost entirely piano based style. Many people write off Nick Cave because of his baritone voice and unique lyric delivery. I find that with the slow piano accompaniment on this album it melds quite well. I immediately recognized People Ain't No Good from the movie Shrek 2. This album had themes of romance, religion, and heartbreak. "Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere?" was a heart wrenching song about love and mental illness. Overall, I enjoyed this album. Not something I would often gravitate to because it is very heavy. Favourite songs: People Ain't No Good, Into My Arms, Lime Tree Arbour, Brompton Oratory Least favourite song: Black Hair (do ya think she had black hair?) 3/5

This is the debut studio album from Buzzcocks. I've heard the band name before, but never listened to any of their music. This summer I listened to an episode of The Ongoing History of New Music Podcast where Alan Cross, the host, was talking about the beginnings of punk rock. In the UK, Buzzcocks were very important in the increase in popularity or this genre. They were right up there with The Sex Pistols and The Clash. Pete Shelley, unlike those other two bands I just mentioned, wrote more polished material, and the music played by the band felt more thought out. It was still hard and fast, but it at least had a direction. This album covered topics that adolescents considered important, such as sex, romance, and hating things (lol). There is one song where Shelley, I believe, is referring to his cock as a "love battery".... "I got this crazy current that slips through my underwear, and when it really connects, I come and go everywhere". Overall, a great album, and an interesting look at the beginnings of punk in the UK. Favourite songs: Love Battery, You Tear Me Up, Get On Our Own, I Don't Mind, Fast Cars, No Reply Least favourite songs: Sixteen, Moving Away From The Pulsebeat (a 7 minute punk song is just wrong) 4/5

Before today I had never heard of Hookworms before, so I had no idea what I was in for. What I discovered was a very ambient, almost atmospheric sound, with heavy electronic backing, and distant, layered lyric delivery. The music has strong phychadelic rock/electronica vibes to it, with a very strong beat. Although I have had issue with most electronica on this 1001 Albums Generator, I enjoyed this stuff. Perhaps it was the inclusion of a singer, perhaps it was the inclusion of an actual beat, either way it worked. Hookworms sounds similar to MGMT who I have reviewed before. A lot of the songs on this album run into each other like a compilation, which I enjoyed. It made it a better listening experience. Apparently this album was a huge change from their previous works, and it ended up being their last album as a band. Overall, I enjoyed this album. It isn't something I would gravitate to often, but it wasn't bad at all. Favourite songs: Ullswater, Negative Space, Static Resistance, Opener Least favourite songs: Boxing Day, Reunion 3/5

This album was a challenge to listen to. The only way I could keep somewhat focused is by putting it on in the background while I worked. The whole album is just slow electronica/trip hop, with random sampling thrown in, and subtle hints of reggae. It wasn't bad for what it was, but it certainly isn't some revolutionary album, in my mind at least. Also, 1hr and 15 minutes of this kind of music is way too long. One song faded into another with this album, making it hard to pick a favourite. The album, if listened to all at once, would easily lull you off to sleep. It may be enjoyable while baked, but sober, it is nothing but trance enducing elevator music. Favourite song: if forced to pick, Dreddoverboard. Pipes Honour wasn't bad as well. Least favourite songs: pretty much the rest of the album. There were a few good songs throughout, but everything blended so bad, I don't know which ones they were 2/5

This is a phenomenal album! Say what you will about Nirvana, but Kurt Cobain was way ahead of his time, and played a big part in the grunge movement that happened in Seattle in the 90's. This lineup of Nirvana was amazing. Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl! This album starts off with 5 a-list songs in a row: Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come As You Are, Breed, and Lithium! Territorial Pissings is such a raw and heavy song!!! Drain You is another gem! Dave is solid on drums, Kurt's guitar playing is so sludgy and raw, and Krist ties it all together with some phenomenal bass playing! Finally, an amazing album after an underwhelming week of obscure British bands and electronic garbage. Love this album! Favourite songs: Breed, Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Drain You, Come As You Are, Lithium, Lounge Act, Territorial Pissings Least favourite song: "Endless, Nameless". I think Kurt and the band created a perfect album, then as a way of trolling the album listeners, added this song in (which is just noise and screaming) for a laugh. 5/5 easy!!!

I am familiar with Yes, but don't know much of their catalog. The only songs I know of theirs are: Owner of a Lonely Heart, and Roundabout, neither of which are on this album, so I am looking forward to today's listen. Yes is a prog/psychadelic rock band from Britain. This album maintained the bands sound (a heavy helping of Hammond organ playing, mixed up with some surprisingly good guitar licks, beautiful lyrical harmonies, and smooth, melodic bass), but they stretched the songs out to longer run times to allow the music to develop better. That being said, the average song length on this album is 6+ minutes. A lot of the songs are compilations, marked in the song title by their distinct parts (ie: "Starship Trooper:A) Life Seeker, B) Disillusion, C) Wurm", or "I've Seen All Good People: A) Your Move, B) All Good People"). Because of this extended length, I found it really hard to maintain focus most of the time. The music was beautiful, but one song ran into the next and became very hard to differentiate between. Is it just me, or does the first organ lick in the song Yours Is No Disgrace share the same rhythm with the "new British emergency services phone number" from The IT Crowd: 0118-999-881-999-119-725....3, lol Favourite song: The Clap (an instrumental number that is just acoustic guitar, but it shows amazing technique) Least favourite songs: Perpetual Change (there is a squeal that plays at one point in the song that almost made me go deaf, it was so high pitched), A Venture 3/5

I only know a few Temptations songs, and one of them is on this album, so I am looking forward to listening to more of their stuff today. The Temptations are a Soul/Funk/R&B five piece vocal group. At the time of the recording of this album, the group consisted of: Dennis Edwards (tenor) , Damon Harris (tenor) , Richard Street (baritone) , Melvin Franklin (bass) , and Otis Williams (tenor). The melding of all of these voices turned into some amazing music! When I first heard Richard Street's voice in the song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, I could have swore it was a female singer because his voice was so high and smooth. Also, Melvin Franklin's deep bassy voice laced throughout the album just heightens the music that much more! Of course, the one song everyone should know off of this record is Papa Was A Rollin' Stone. This rendition of the song is almost 12 minutes long, but it certainly doesn't feel it. What a story it tells of a father who is a deadbeat drunk. Another song that shocked the hell out of me was Run Charlie Run. A song that pulls no punches, and sings about a still, sadly, relevant and hot topic, racism. Do Your Thing, and Mother Nature are both awesome, funky songs. Overall a teriffic album. Glad I listened, will probably add it to the collection. Favourite songs: Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, Do Your Thing, Mother Nature Least favourite song: if forced to pick, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 4/5

This album was fantastic! Before today, I had only known Randy's work with Toy Story and Monsters Inc. This album strayed from that quite a bit with the first song!! Redneck is the first song on the album, and is sung from the perspective of a racist from the southern US. The N-word comes out a few times, which shocked the shit out of me, given all I knew of Randy. Redneck was an amazing song that was a sadly true glimpse at the state of things in the southern US in the 70's. Randy is such a fantastic storyteller. He had such a way to paint vibrant pictures with his lyrics. Through his lyrics he spins storys complete with humour, love, and political issues. I thoroughly enjoyed this album today, and will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Back On My Feet Again, Redneck, Louisiana 1927, Birmingham, Kingfish, A Wedding in a Cherokee County, Naked Man Least favourite song: Every Man A King 5/5

Oh great, another electronica album, this time from France. As suspected, Jean-Michel Jarre's music sounds like what aliens have sex to with its space age beeps and zaps. Set phasers to lame for this album. No one should be subjected to 40 minutes of shitty theremin music. The whole record is one long song really, which Jarre split into 6 parts, however since it all runs together so seamlessly, it's hard to tell which track you're listening to. Luckily, I hated the whole album equally. Apparently this dude has Guinness World Records for the highest attendance to some of his concerts, with the largest number of attendees being 3.5 million in Moscow. I don't understand how there are that many people who would willingly subject themselves to this music, but to each their own I suppose. The one impressive thing about this album is that it came out in 1976, way ahead of its time, so I will give Jean-Michel props for that, but my God I hate electronica. I try to keep an open mind to it, but it's just not my thing I guess. Oxygene Part 5 & 6 gave the impression that we were listening to a big ass robot moving around in the wilderness, surrounded by birds and shit, which was the only interesting part of the album, but did the robot have to shuffle around for 15 minutes? I think not. Also, why is Jarre so obsessed with wind noises? Not enough drugs for me to enjoy this. Favourite song: Oxygene, Part 4 I guess, because it is one of the shorter tracks on the album. Least favourite songs: The rest of the album. 1/5, thank God that's over

I am familiar with Radiohead's early stuff (OK Computer, Pablo Honey), but mostly just the hits. I never really got the appeal of Radiohead. I get that they are a very influential band, but I find their music so depressing and dark. Everything, right down to Thom Yorke's delivery is bleak and depressing. Thom more moans than sings most of the time, and his lyrics are so out there, that I can't make sense of what he is talking about most of the time. This was an ok album, just not my favorite for sure. I can see the appeal for some people, I'm just not high enough I guess. Favourite songs: Jigsaw Falling Into Place, Bodysnatchers, Reckoner Least favourite songs: All I Need, Nude, House of Cards, Videotape 3/5

Before today I'd never heard of Dion. He apparently got his start in music singing with a Doo Wop group called Dion and the Belmonts, before going off on his own, and exploring his sound a bit more. I enjoyed this album. It wasn't something amazing or groundbreaking, but it was a nice easy listening experience. I find that Dion sounds like Van Morrison, or Simon & Garfunkel. Just a nice, easy, 70's pop rock sound. The addition of sax was great! The Spotify link for this album is a double album (Born to Be With You/Streetheart), so it was a little longer listen than just the one album, but I didn't mind because it familiarized me with more of his work. The "Streetheart" side of the album was more upbeat and rockin' than the Born to Be With You side. All in all, a good listening experience today. Not phenomenal, but perfectly average. Favourite songs: Good Lovin' Man, The Way You Do The Things You Do, In and Out of the Shadows, New York City Song Least favourite song: (He's Got) The Whole World In His Hands 3/5

The only song I've ever heard by Booker T. & the M.G.'s is the namesake of this album, Green Onions. It was in the film Pulp Fiction. Because of this, I am looking forward to today's listen because Green Onions is a rockin' song! What I discovered is more of the same for the whole album, funky, bluesy, fast, dancing music. This album is fully instrumental, which worried me at first, given my short attention span, but it was such a great album, and the songs didn't drag on like some instrumental works tend to (Avg. song length is ~3 mins). The heavy inclusion of the Hammond Organ front and center has a tendancy to remind you of being at a baseball game, but the way that Booker T. Jones plays the shit out of the organ quickly brings you back to reality. There is one point during the song "Lonely Avenue" where Booker T. is playing so fast, that the electric keyboard can't keep up, creating a clipping sound as the keyboard tries to deliver all the notes (perhaps a downfall of the electric vs acoustic organ). I also enjoy the way each instrument has its time to shine in the spotlight, making it seem like the band is just having a ton of fun jamming together. This was a phenomenal album, I wish it was longer. I will definately listen again. Favourite songs: Green Onions, Mo' Onions, Lonely Avenue, Rinky Dink, You Can't Sit Down, Twist and Shout, "A Woman, A Lover, A Friend" Least favourite song: Stranger on the Shore, Behave Yourself 4/5

Sly & the Family Stone are a psychadelic soul/funk band. I have never heard of psychadelic soul/funk so I was unsure what I was in for. Psychadelic funk carries the sensibilities of funk (music with heavy bass grooves) with a psychadelic writing style, and experimentation. Sly Stone's voice is teriffic when he actually sings. By times he takes to wailing which it slightly irritating. In one song, Spaced Cowboy, he yodels the chorus, which is very weird, but not necessarily in a bad way. Another interesting note: There's a Riot Goin' On is just 4 seconds of silence. It kind of, in a roundabout way, speaks to the state of things in the late 60's - early 70's, almost offering up a moment of silence for those struggling. Larry Graham played the shit out of the bass on this record. Interestingly, Larry is credited with inventing the "slapping" technique used on the electric bass (which is showcased in a big way on this record). Overall, an interesting listen today. Not something I would necessarily gravitate to, but not bad. Favourite songs: "Thank You For Talkin' To Me, Africa", Love N' Haight, Family Affair Least favourite songs: Just Like a Baby, Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away, (You Caught Me) Smilin' 3/5

This is a fantastic album by the Beastie Boys; their second studio album. This album didn't get the praise that License to Ill did, but it is just as fantastic. Beastie Boys are a hip hop group from New York. This music, at the time, was trend setting because the Boys mixed rock and hip hop seamlessly. This album is full of samples from various different artists, and the way they blend it into their beats, and make it their own, many of them pass by and you don't even notice the sample. The lyrics are amusing by times, a few noteworthy phrases include: From the song 3-Minute Rule: "I was making records while you were sucking your mother's dick" From the song What Comes Around: "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair, so I can climb up and get into your underwear" Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Excellent beats, great rhymes. Will definately listen again!! Favourite songs: Egg Man, Hey Ladies, Shake Your Rump, Johnny Ryall, 3-Minute Rule, High Plains Drifter, What Comes Around, Shadrach Least favourite songs: Car Thief, To All The Girls, The Sounds of Science 4/5

This is an album I am very familiar with! I can't believe it came out 11 years ago! I distinctly remember Adele's name being everywhere following the release. There are 5 singles out of 11 songs on this album, and each one recieved insane amounts of fanfare. Adele has an amazing singing voice! It is so weird to hear her speak, then sing! It's like 2 different people. The music on this album is minimalistic, but I believe that is on purpose so that her voice is in the spotlight, which it should be! Another crazy fact is that Adele recorded this album when she was only 21 years old. There are a lot of songs about heartbreak on this album, which she wrote after a hard breakup shortly before this album was released. There is always something to be said about an artist who writes their own material, because the pain felt through the lyrics of some of these songs is something that cannot be recreated by anyone except the person going through the breakup. This was a phenomenal album, and I will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Someone Like You, Rolling In The Deep, Rumour Has It, Set Fire To The Rain, Turning Tables, He Won't Go, One And Only Least favourite song: if forced to pick, Lovesong 5/5

N.W.A were revolutionary in the formation of the genre of Gangsta Rap. What they did on this record would set the stage for a lot of what came out in the 90's/00's. N.W.A consisted of: Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, Arabian Prince, and DJ Yella; many of who would have successful solo careers outside of the group in later years. I watched the movie Straight Outta Compton which follows the beginnings and career of the members of N.W.A. It was a great movie, highlighting their come up from the ghettos of Compton, the drug dealing/gang violence that they were surrounded by in their formative years, and the racism that was rampant in the USA in the 70's (especially the racism shown to black teenagers by white people in positions of authority (ie. judges and policemen)). Given this rough upbringing, you can understand why gang violence/anarchy/misogyny are the topics covered heavily on this album. This was music that gave a voice to the hundreds of thousands of oppressed across America (songs even got banned from radio stations (notably Fuck Tha Police)). Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The sampling and flow of the album was seamless. I have listened before, and will definately listen again. Favourite songs: Straight Outta Compton, Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself, Gangsta Gangsta, Parental Discretion Iz Advised, Dopeman, Quiet On Tha Set, Compton's N The House (Remix) Least favourite song: Something 2 Dance 2, Bonus Beats, If It Ain't Ruff 4/5

This is the second studio album by The Stooges. It flopped commercially, but achieved a large cult following later on, unlike the bands debut album, and third album. Iggy Pop brings such energy both in his vocal delivery, and his stage presence. Listening to how gritty and raw this album is, it is no wonder The Stooges are credited with starting the punk rock movement of the 70's. The guitar playing is fast and sludgy, the drums are played hard, and Iggy just belts lyrics like something from another dimension. At one point, towards the end of the album, they bring in a saxophonist, who plays the living shit out of the instrument!! It is played so fast and high it almost sounds like a trumpet by times! This album has a lot of experimentation on it, which is probably why it flopped commercially. The first two songs are traditional Stooges songs, and basically the rest of the album is Iggy yelling and guitars being abused while various feedback loops are created and drums smash along in the background. All very good stuff, but not in a "radio top 40" way, more of a "I can't really play an instrument, but I can thrash on it for a long time and make it sound really cool" kinda way. Overall, an interesting album. It certainly has its place on this list, but isn't something I would necessarily gravitate to all the time. Favourite songs: Loose, Down on the Street, T.V. Eye Least favourite song: Dirt 3/5

This was the first time I'd ever sat down and listened to Nas. I'd heard of him before, or seen him featured on other artist's songs, but never checked out his stuff. I had no idea how important his music was to the development of the East Coast rap scene. This record showcased his smooth flow, and tight beats, which seem to be bass heavy, which is nice. His lyrics are less in your face than other rap/hip hop acts that I've reviewed such as N.W.A. What I noticed is a more developed, thought out method. One other thing I appreciated is the fact that the record isn't super long like many of the other similar records I've reviewed have been. This one comes in at just shy of 40 minutes, so it keeps the music fresh, and you don't get sick of it. Although I did enjoy this record (I listened to it twice), it didn't captivate me like other rap/hip hop artists I've reviewed. I can't figure out why either... Maybe today I'm just not feeling a rap album? I don't know. Since rap isn't my normal listening genre, I probably won't listen again, but wouldn't object to hearing it again. Favourite songs: N.Y. State of Mind, Life's a Bitch (feat. AZ & Olu Dara), The World is Yours, Represent Least favourite song: The Genesis (I hate skits on rap albums) 3/5

Jefferson Airplane were a 60's psychadelic rock band. They had two singers, Grace Slick (this was her first album made with the band), and Marty Balin. There is no trouble telling that this music hails from the Flower Power hippy generation, as the themes of peace and love are laced all through this album. Grace has an almost haunting voice, especially in the song Somebody to Love. The harmonies reached by her and Marty are teriffic. There was a lot of experimentation going on in this album (and also the expanded re-release of the album in 2003) with different styles of music, as well as the inclusion of various instruments. In The Morning, for example, is an excellent blues song, which included Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) on one of the guitars. Jerry also was included in the songs: Today, Plastic Fantastic Lover, Comin' Back to Me, and J.P.P. McStep B. Blues, and played the part of "Sage council" for the band and helped arrange the songs for the album. How Do You Feel has a flute included in the musical accompaniment. Jorma Kaukonen dabbled away at the fantastic instrumental number Embryonic Journey. White Rabbit is a song about Alice in Wonderland, whose lyrics would be super trippy if you were on heavy psychadelics. In fact the whole album would hit different if you were stoned. Overall, a great album! I have never delved into Jefferson Airplane before, but there is some great stuff here. Will listen again! Favourite songs: Somebody to Love, 3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds, Embryonic Journey, White Rabbit, Plastic Fantastic Lover, In The Morning Least favourite songs: Comin' Back to Me 4/5

Before today I had never heard of Weather Report. They are a fusion jazz band (jazz mixed with rock and funk). The music reminded me of upbeat TV show theme songs from the 80's and 90's. Jaco Pastorius has been called the "Jimi Hendrix of bass playing" and I can see why! Just have a listen to the songs Teen Town or Palladium, or from the extended release of the album, Black Market, and you will hear it too! His bass playing is phenomenal!! This is great ambiance music, and I really like how they blend jazz and funk together really well! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album! Not something for heavy rotation, but I would listen again for sure! Favourite songs: Birdland, Black Market (Live), Rumba Mama, Havona, Teen Town, A Remark You Made, Palladium, The Juggler Least favourite song: Harlequin 3/5

I have heard all of Prince's hits in the past, but I am not familiar with many of the songs on this album. All of Prince's songs that I know, I like, so I am looking forward to listening to this album today. This is Prince's first solo album after the break up of his supporting band "The Revolution". This is a double album, so the run time is a little long, but it doesn't feel like it, because Prince has a way of keeping your interest, and there aren't many bad songs on this record. The one song I was very familiar with before listening to this album was Starfish and Coffee. Back in 1997, Prince was on an episode of Muppets Tonight. I was a big fan of the show, and remember that episode well. The whole show the muppets keep teasing him, and keep "forgetting" to call him "The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince)". Prince was a good sport through the whole thing, and when they got him up to sing a song, Starfish and Coffee was the song he sang. I remember thinking "what a great song, with some of the weirdest lyrics I've ever heard". That song is the definition of an ear worm, and I'm sure, now that I've listened to it again, I will be singing it for the next little while. Overall, a solid album. I wasn't much a fan of the drum machine he used, but his ability to write, and perform far overshadows that slight blemish on an otherwise great album! I think nostalgia drove this choice, but: Favourite songs: Starfish and Coffee, Hot Thing, Sign O' the Times, Strange Relationship, I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man, The Cross, Adore Least favourite songs: If I Was Your Girlfriend, Housequake, The Ballad of Dorothy Parker, It (I wasn't as much a fan of the songs he sang as his "female alter-ego, Camille") 3/5

I am very familiar with Metallica, and this album. I have listened to it many times before, and can't wait to give it another spin today!! This album is a collaboration between Metallica, and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michael Kamen. Many people would be surprised how well orchestras and thrash metal fit together. I watched a documentary one time called Metal: A Headbanger's Journey. It traced the roots of metal music back to opera and classical music, and notably, composers such as Vivaldi and Bach. They had the same flare seen in many metal bands today to make louder music, and provide spectacle for the observers. Some composers even used cannon fire to amp up the bass sections of their operatic pieces! The melding of the overreaching operatic performance, laced with the heavy, fast, traditional Metallica sound is amazing. This is a double live album, so the run time is quite long (over 2 hrs), but it is an amazing listen all the same. If you want a better experience, watch the live film of the performance. It would have been amazing to have been there in person to experience it! Overall, a phenomenal album. I've loved it for years, and still love it. This made for a fantastic Saturday! Favourite songs: For Whom the Bell Tolls, Wherever I May Roam, Nothing Else Matters, Battery, No Leaf Clover, Of Wolf and Man, Hero of the Day, Master of Puppets, Sad But True, One, Fuel, The Memory Remains, Enter Sandman Least favourite songs: The Ecstasy of Gold, The Call of Ktulu, Outlaw Torn 4/5

This is the second album of Neil Young's that I've reviewed on this album generator. This one, from his time recording with the band Crazy Horse. This, unlike his solo stuff, is more rockin' than folky. It is fantastic!! I really enjoyed the harmonies reached by Crazy Horse and Neil Young. Every song on this album was awesome. Even the couple of 10 minute epics. The only song I didn't care for was Farmer John. It felt rushed and unfinished. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this album. Will definately listen again! Favourite songs: F!#*in Up, Country Home, Over and Over, Mansion on the Hill, Love to Burn, Days that Used to Be Least favourite song: Farmer John 4/5

This is my second Steely Dan record on this album generator. As like the first album, Steely Dan is fantasticly beige elevator rock. Typical "yacht rock or dad rock". I did enjoy this album more than the last one. It was more consistently good, with a few rockin' songs, and some heavy blues and funk influences heard throughout. East St. Louis Toodle-Oo was a weird ragtime song just thrown into the middle of the album, and it just felt like it didn't fit with the theme of the rest of the album. Overall, not a bad album. Better than I expected, and I will listen again. Favourite songs: Night By Night, Pretzel Logic, Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Barrytown, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, With A Gun Least favourite songs: East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, Through With Buzz, Charlie Freak 4/5

I am not the biggest fan of country music, specifically what they call country music today (some unholy blend of pop and country), but I've always had a soft spot for Waylon Jennings. Every time I listen to his music, I am immediately transported back in time to driving around in dad's old truck with him listening to Waylon on cassette. Dad loves Waylon, and has passed that admiration of his work on to me. Waylon, and specifically this album, is attributed to the start of the outlaw country subgenre. A perfect melding of rock/blues/country. This era of country was fantastic. So many amazing acts came as a direct result of the works of Waylon, Willie, Johnny, and Merle. It is insane how similar Colter Wall's voice is to Waylon's. Especially in the song Ain't No God In Mexico. Listen to that song, then listen to the song Raisin' Cotton by Colter Wall. The similarity is crazy!! Overall, I loved today's listen, and enjoyed shot of nostalgia that came with it! Favourite songs: Honky Tonk Heroes, Omaha, Black Rose, Slow Rollin' Low, Old Five and Dimers (Like Me), Low Down Freedom, Ride Me Down Easy, Ain't No God In Mexico Least favourite song: if forced to pick, Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me 5/5

Oh great, another Talking Heads album. My God I don't understand the appeal of this band. Nonsensical lyrics... Weird sounds... I did like this album better than the first Talking Heads album I reviewed (Fear of Music). Apparently, this album was a big change in sound for the band. Their singer, David Byrne, had a bad case of writers block, so on the advice of their record producer, Brian Eno, David began exploring the sounds of African drums, as well as horns, and a more funky bass. I think it is the heavy reliance on the African drums, as well as Tina Weymouth's phenomenal bass playing that made this album more tolerable to me. It certainly wasn't David's rediculous vocal delivery. Overall, I still hate Talking Heads, and probably will never listen to this record again. I will say the first half of this record was much better than the back half, and the Spotify link for this album is the Deluxe Version.... 4 more God awful Unfinished outtakes of songs. So yourself a favor and just listen to the regular version of the album. Favourite song: Once in a Lifetime Least favourite song: Seen and Not Seen.... And most of the rest of the album 2/5

Today's album was a salsa album, something I am not very familiar with. Salsa music can trace its roots to Latin jazz, mambo, and I heard a touch of funk influence in there too(mainly in, the intro of Plastico). This was an interesting listen, as it is way out of my wheelhouse, and all the lyrics are sung in Latin. The brass instruments add some liveliness and danceability to the tracks, and the precussion is on point! Overall, not my favourite to just focus on and listen to, but as background music, it would be great. Not sure if I will listen again, but I appreciate why it is on this list. Favourite song: Ojos, Pedro Navaja, Plastico Least favourite song: Dime, Siembra 3/5

I've been looking forward to my first Led Zeppelin album in this series, as I'm sure there is more than one!! And what an album to start off with! Trampled Under Foot, Houses of the Holy, Kashmir, Custard Pie, The Rover, Black Country Woman; there's something for everyone! As this is a double album, you really get to experience the gamut of influences and sounds that Zeppelin had to draw from. Everything from folk rock, to psychadelic rock, to prog rock, funk/disco (Boogie With Stu) and even the real heavy stuff! Robert Plant is a master of his craft. The way his voice can soar over every instrument is amazing. Jimmy Page is a phenomenal guitarist, and really shows his chops on pieces like Trampled Under Foot and In My Time of Dying. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this album, and can't wait for the next one! Almost every song on this double album is gold, and that is generally unheard of. Usually one whole side suffers with filler, but not this album!! Not my first time listening to this album, and it won't be the last!! Favourite songs: Trampled Under Foot, Houses of the Holy, Kashmir, Custard Pie, The Rover, Black Country Woman, Bron-Yr-Aur, The Wanton Song, Sick Again, In My Time of Dying Least favourite songs: If forced to pick, In the Light 5/5

Never heard of Magazine before today, and apparently it was for good reason. This was a weird album. Magazine is a new wave/post punk band from the UK, formed by Howard Devoto of the Buzzcocks. Howard can't sing for shit, the music feels Unfinished and lyrics are nonsensical. Not a big fan of this band or album. Definately won't listen again. Favourite song: Shot by Both Sides, My Tulpa Least favourite songs: The Great Beautician in the Sky, Burst, The Light Pours Out Of Me, Motorcade, Parade 2/5

The only song I've ever heard from the band Living Color is Cult of Personality. I really like that song, just never looked into their stuff any further before, so I am looking forward to this listen! And Cult of Personality is the first song on this album, so it's starting off right! Living Color are a rock band from New York, and this is their debut album. The single Cult of Personality did very well, winning a Grammy for best hard rock performance in 1990. The band was also named best new artist at the 1989 mtv video music awards. The band draws influence from jazz, funk, heavy metal, and hip hop to name a few. They sound kind of like Huey Lewis except heavier by times. That signature 80s sound is there, but much heavier than most of the music being created at the time. A few songs on this album were a social commentary on the racism seen in the USA at the time of recording, and they still ring true today (notably Funny Vibe and Which Way to America). There are also some personal lyrics (Open Letter (To A Landlord)). Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed today's album, and may explore Living Colors catalog further. Favourite songs: Which Way to America, Cult of Personality, I Want to Know, Open Letter (to a Landlord), Funny Vibe, What's Your Favourite Color? Least favourite songs: Broken Hearts, Glamour Boys 4/5

Very familiar with Madonna's hits, but not much else. Like a Prayer is Madonna's 4th studio album. This is said to have been a confessional record. It contains songs about her parents, and bonds with her family members. A lot of controversy surrounded the music video for Like a Prayer. The video shows Madonna dancing in front of burning crosses, and making out with Jesus. All that said, one can not take away the fact that Like a Prayer is a phenomenal pop hit that has stood the test of time! Express Yourself is another phenomenal hit. Madonna called on the amazing musicianship of Prince on this album a few times. They duetted in the song Love Song, and Prince also played guitar for the strange album closer, Act of Contrition. Overall, a good album, not something I would revisit a lot, but I can see how it deserves to be on this list for its influence on pop music. Favourite songs: Express Yourself, Like a Prayer, Love Song Least favourite song: Promise to Try 3/5

I've heard of Sepultura before via a documentary I was watching one time called "Global Metal" but I've never delved into their stuff before. They are a thrash metal band from Brazil, very similar to Slayer. The name "Sepultura" means 'grave' in Portuguese. The title track from this album "Arise" was banned from MTV America due it its apocalyptic religious imagery. I enjoyed this album. The ferocity and speed with which the band approaches their instruments is phenomenal. The beat is complex and ever changing, and the lyrics are heavily influenced by religion, doom, darkness, and war. This isn't something I can listen to every day, and it takes some listening to warm up to (I listened to the album 3 times today) but it is phenomenal in its own right. Favourite songs: Dead Embryonic Cells, Under Seige (Regnum Irae), Orgasmatron, Arise, Murder, Desperate Cry, Subtraction Least favourite song: I really can't pick one... 4/5

I have never heard of Richard Hawley so I am looking forward to today's listen. Richard Hawley is a singer/songwriter whose vocal delivery is very similar to Nick Cave, and sounds like a cross between John Denver and Frank Sinatra. The fact that this album was released in 2005 is amazing. If I learned it came out in the 50's - 60's, I wouldn't have been surprised. Some of his songs are very croonish, and others are kind of country folk/soft rock. I thoroughly enjoyed today's album. The man can certainly write a song. His song topics included: love, and heartbreak. I listened to this album twice today, and will definately listen again! Favourite songs: (Wading Through) The Waters of My Time, Coles Corner, Just Like The Rain, Hotel Room, Darlin' Wait For Me, Born Under A Bad Sign, I Sleep Alone Least favourite songs: The Ocean, Who's Going to Shoe Your Pretty Feet 4/5

The only album I've ever listened to by The Prodigy was The Fat of the Land, so I am looking forward to checking out more of their stuff. This, unlike every other electronica album I've listened to on this album generator, was actually not bad. It is very high energy, and it has a few looping lyrics to some songs. Their music is electronica mixed with rave, hard rock, and punk. This music, instead of putting you in a trance like all the other electronica I've heard, pumps you up and makes ya wanna move. I didn't mind this album. Not my favourite genre of music still, but not bad as background music. It was great to listen to while working today. Favourite songs: Voodoo People, Their Law, Speedway (Theme from Fastlane), Poison, No Good (Start the Dance) Least favourite songs: Skylined, 3 Kilos, The Heat (The Energy) 3/5

I've never heard of Herbie Hancock before, except on the movie Tommy Boy: Richard: I need your John Hancock. Tommy: John Hancock.... It's HERBIE Hancock! Herbie Hancock is a jazz fusion musician, who got his start as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, before branching off on his own in the 70's. This record is apparently heralded as record breaking, because of its blending of electric jazz, funk, and rock, but it did nothing for me! What I heard was a jazz/funk blend on acid. Long, drawn out solos may work in rock music, but definately don't in jazz music. When a brass instrument is played in such a high key that it sounds like someone murdering cats, I lose interest. A painful listen. I won't be listening ever again. Glad it's done. Favourite song: Watermelon Man I guess, because it is the shortest runtime. Least favourite songs: Chameleon (15 minute instrumental jazz numbers are just too long!!), Vein Melter (the only thing this song melted was my brain out of boredom), Sly 1/5

John Coltrane was a jazz saxophonist from the 60's. He got his start as a sideman for Miles Davis before heading out on his own in 1957. Coltrane pioneered a playing technique called "Sheets of Sound", which consisted of a saxophonist playing a flurry of notes on his tenor within the confines of a few chords. A Love Supreme is a dedication by Coltrane to God, as a thank you for blessing him with his gift of music. That being said, there was a very personal, intimate touch to this album. On this record, Coltrane had paired up with bassist Jimmy Garrison, pianist McCoy Tyner, and drummer Elvin Jones. What I enjoy about this record is that each artist is given a solo with which to showcase their skills. The drummer in particular was insanely skilled! Overall, this record wasn't bad. Jazz isn't my favourite type of music, and sometimes it just felt like each artist was playing whatever they wanted, instead of keeping things cohesive like a band should, but even still it wasn't bad. The artistic talent on this album is crazy! Favourite song: A Love Supreme Part 1: Acknowledgement Least favourite song: A Love Supreme Part 3: Pursuance 3/5

I never thought I knew of Dusty Springfield today, until I heard that she sang Son of a Preacher Man. That song is fantastic!! Dusty Springfield is a pop/soft rock/soul artist from the 60's-70's. By times she sounds similar to Nina Simone, The Supremes, or Janis Joplin. A lot of her songs dealt with themes of love, morning sex, lust, and gossip. It seems Dusty was awful thirsty!! Overall, a good listen today. Not something I'd gravitate to often, but a good listen nonetheless. Favourite songs: Son of a Preacher Man, So Much Love, Don't Forget About Me, I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore, Just A Little Lovin', Breakfast In Bed Least favourite songs: In The Land of Make Believe, The Windmills of Your Mind 3/5

I've never heard of New Order before today. They are a synth pop/electronic band that formed out of the remnants of Joy Division after Ian Curtis killed himself. After learning this, I didn't have much hope for this band, as Joy Division is a shitty goth rock/mood rock band with unenthusiastic music delivery. This, however, was very different. Joy Division's keyboardist/guitarist Bernard Sumner took over as lyricist, and his voice is 100 times better than Ian's ever was. I find that New Order sounds a lot like Duran Duran or Depeche Mode with their strong 80's synth/electronic sound, and heavy reliance on drum machines. Some of their lyrics are super weird too, like from the song "Fine Time": You know, I've met a lot of cool chicks; But I've never met a girl with all her own teeth... Where was he soliciting women, a meth house? Overall, not a bad listen, and a definate improvement from the Joy Division days. This was actually listenable. Favourite songs: Round and Round, Mr. Disco, Fine Time, Vanishing Point, All the Way Least favourite song: Guilty Partner 3/5

Oh my God, this is an amazing album! Before today I didn't think I knew Sam Cooke, but after listening to this album, I recognized a few songs. Sam Cooke (affectionately called Mr. Soul, and for good reason) is a Soul singer, accredited with inventing the genre! I loved every moment of this record; the way Sam interacted with the audience to keep them pumped up, the electricity of the audience, the dabbling of the band, Sam's phenomenal vocals... Overall a stellar album! I will absolutely put this in heavy rotation. This music just has a way of making you feel good! Favourite songs: Having a Party, Twistin' the Night Away, Chain Gang, Cupid, Feel It (Don't Fight It), Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, Somebody Have Mercy Least favourite song: Bring it On Home to Me (just because of the 2 and a half minute preamble before the song starts. The song itself is awesome) 5/5

What the actual fuck did I just listen to? Robert Wyatt was the drummer of the band Soft Machine before branching off on his own. This is his second studio album, and this one was produced by Pink Floyd's drummer, Nick Mason. Need I say more? This album is super out there. Psychadelic folk maybe? I don't know what to call it. An unfortunate accident befell Wyatt in the middle of recording this record, leaving him paralyzed, which sucks, but my fuck this album still blows. Most of the album has no discernable beat to it at all. Someone just sat behind a piano and played random notes shittily while the bass player fell asleep and waves of God awful theramin screeching and synth garbage are layered overtop. Wyatt couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, and the lyrics are mostly nonsensical (especially in the song Alifib and Alife which isn't English, or any discernable language. It seems like he is singing backwards while brass instruments are abused in the background). The flute playing on Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road was terrible. The violin in Little Red Robin Hood Hits the Road sounds like something an unskilled 6 year old would play if given free range to wail on the instrument with no instruction. This album was garbage from start to finish. Painful to listen to really. Why the fuck is this on this list? Favourite song: Sea Song (if I had to pick one. In reality the whole album is trash) Least favourite songs: Alifib, Alife, A Last Straw, Little Red Riding Hood Hits The Road, Little Red Robin Hood Hits The Road 1/5

I only just recently heard of Kate Bush after she became famous again for her song Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) being used in the Netflix series Stranger Things. That song is a weird 80's pop song, so I assumed this album would be similar. I was correct. Kate Bush is like if Madonna was a much less sexual, artsy hipster who wrote shitty poetry that requires an engineering degree to comprehend and has no discernable rhyming scheme, then paired it up to very bland, 80's pop music that it doesn't mesh with. There are so many layers of sound and shit going on on this album, that for the whole album, I had to read her lyrics because I could barely hear and discern them behind the noise of the backing music. For example, I mostly heard moaning in the song The Sensual World until she started talking about her breasts for some reason. Since her lyrics are so confusing, here's what I gathered from some of the songs on this album: In the song Heads We're Dancing, Hitler told her he was flipping a coin, and if it landed on heads, they were dancing... In the song Deeper Understanding she became obsessed with her computer because it showed her the "love and deeper understanding" which she wasn't getting from people. It became so bad, people had to intervene... I think in the song Rocket's Tail, she dresses up like a rocket, jumps off of a bridge, and kills herself?!?.... Fucked if I know....here are some of the lyrics from that song: I put on my cloudiest suit Size 5 lightning boots, too 'cause I am a rocket On fire Look at me go, with my tail on fire This Woman's Work is actually a heartbreaking song about watching a loved one die, the first song on this album to actually have a clear direction and theme. She took to making bird calls in the song Walk Straight Down The Middle for some fucking reason. Overall, a very weird album. Not something I will ever listen to again, but points for her voice, it is actually beautiful. And the music, even though it didn't jive with the lyrics at all, was decent as well. Favourite song: Rocket's Tail, This Woman's Work Least favourite songs: The Sensual World, Love and Anger, Reaching Out, Never Be Mine, Walk Straight Down the Middle 2/5

Gorillaz are an English "virtual band" that blends rock, hip hop, and electronica together to make a unique mashup of sound. It was created by Damon Albarn (singer of the band Blur) and comic book creator Jamie Hewlett. The band has their own "lore" which includes their own universe, back stories etc. The "virtual band" consists of singer/keyboardist, 2-D (singing voiced by Damon Albarn), bass guitarist, Murdoc (voiced by Phil Cornwell), guitar/keyboard/vocalist, Noodle (singing voiced by Miho Hatori), and drummer Russel (voiced by Remi Kabaka Jr.). Gorillaz have collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Elton John, Jean-Michel Jarre, and more. I can distinctly remember when the music video for Clint Eastwood hit Much Music. I was a young teenager at the time, and the music was like nothing I'd ever heard before. Aside from their hits, though, I've never delved into their stuff too much before. I enjoyed relistening to some old hits I had forgotten about, and Clint Eastwood is an "earworm" that I'm sure to be humming for the next bit for sure. Every time I hear that song now, I immediately think of the movie Trolls. Aside from the hits though, most everything else on this album kind of fell flat with me. It is super quirky, as is most things Damon Albarn is involved with, with mostly nonsensical lyrics, and usually is heavy to the electronica side of things. The heavier rock/hip hop songs resonated more with me than the Primal Scream-esque electronic stuff. All things considered, there were about an even number of hits and misses on this album. I may revisit the hits, but can't see myself listening to the whole record cover to cover again. Favourite songs: Clint Eastwood, 19-2000, Rock the House, Punk, Double Bass, Re-Hash Least favourite songs: Man Research (Clapper), New Genius (Brother), Sound Check (Gravity), Starshine, M1 A1 3/5

This album is a masterpiece! It is a double album psychadelic rock opera about a rockstar named Pink, and his issues with the childhood loss of a parent, being brought up during the Blitz by an overprotective mother, dealing with bullying on the playground, becoming a rockstar, getting married, infedelity, substance abuse, and depression (yeah, a real rollercoaster of emotions). The whole time, the protagonist is using these hardships in his life to build a proverbial wall around himself, blocking him from the outside world. At the end of the album, after a slight descent into madness, he is put "on trial" by his own psyche, and found guilty of displaying human emotion. The fine for this is the destruction of his "wall". After he demolishes his wall, and experiences life on the "outside", the album ends with the words "Isn't this where -". This ties in with the very first words of the phrase the begins this album which were "- we came in?" which also continues the melody of the last song, making a full circle, hinting at the constant cyclical battles of people who fight with depression and mental illness every day. This album hits hard, deals with some heavy material, and does so phenomenally with the help of various sound effects, and genre shifts throughout. The only way to truly appreciate this album is to listen to it cover to cover. Taking it in snippets at a time causes it to lose a lot of its meaning. As stand alone tracks, a lot of these songs wouldn't hold up, but as part the greater "whole" these songs are powerful! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album listening experience this morning. I had heard the hits from this album before, but never really sat down and listened to it before. You certainly have to be in the right headspace to fully enjoy the record, but when you are, if you can keep an open mind, man does it ever take you on a rollercoaster ride! Favourite song: Comfortably Numb Least favourite songs: I can't really pick one. They all have their place in the grand scheme of the album. 5/5

What a festive album to get on Christmas Day. I am familiar with a few of these renditions of some Christmas classics, but not all of them. Phil Spector was known for his production style known as the "wall of sound" which was an "unusually dense orchestral aesthetic that came across well through radios and jukeboxes of the era." Later, in the 2000's, he would become well known as a murderer too, so there's that. All said and done though, this is a great compilation of classic 60's artists (The Ronettes, The Crystals, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, and Darlene Love). Darlene Love, Mariah Carey, and many others have been in a constant feud every year over who Queen of Christmas is, and in my mind, it's no comparison, Darlene Love is amazing, I hate Mariah Carey's poppy Christmas garbage. I especially love Darlene's original Christmas classic: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) which reminds me of the movie The Night Before now every time I hear it. Overall, a warm, festive listen today! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Favourite song: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Least favourite songs: The Bells of St. Mary, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers 3/5

Ella Fitzgerald is recognized the world over as "The First Lady of Song". She is a jazz vocalist with a phenomenal and powerful voice. Her scatting ability is awesome! This is a monolithic album (the longest on this 1001 album generator, I believe) coming in at 3 hours, 14 minutes, and consisting of 59 songs. The Spotify link in the album generator links to the "Best of the Gershwin Song Book", which is a slimmed down 12 song, 45 minute listen. I, however, opted to listen to the full album, because that is what the 1001 albums book is referring to. Even though this is a huge undertaking of a listen, I enjoyed it all the same. I listened in sections throughout the day, instead of cover to cover, all at once. I think this made it better, because 3 hrs straight of jazz is a lot to digest. This is perfect coffee house jazz, and reminds me a lot of "Fallout" music, which is the best part of that game series. The last 6 songs are just instrumental numbers by Nelson Riddle, and they aren't as good as the music that contains Ella's voice. Not bad, they sound a lot like Disney movie or Looney Tunes instrumental numbers, just not as powerful as the rest or the album. Bernard Buffet created the artwork for the 5 original LP's that made up the original release. Based on the piece of artwork I saw, Bernard did poor Ella dirty. What a homely painting. Overall, a great listen. I suggest giving the full record a try, and breaking it up like I did. There are a lot of gems contained on the full record, that didn't make it to the "best of" compilation. Favourite songs: The Real American Folk Song, Things Are Looking Up, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off, 'S Wonderful, My Cousin in Milwaukee, The Half of It Dearie Blues, Boy What Love Has Done to Me, Lorelei, I Got Rhythm Least favourite songs: A Foggy Day, Somebody from Somewhere, Just Another Rhumba, Sam and Delilah, Embraceable You 3/5

Peter Tosh was one of the founding members of the Wailers (Bob Marley's backing band) before branching off on his own. This is his debut solo album, and covers topics such as the legalization of marijuana, poverty, and religion. This was some great reggae, not as polished as Bob Marley's stuff, but still very good all around. There were some tight guitar solos, and phenomenal beats throughout. Overall, I really liked this album. Very easy listening. I will definately revisit again! Favourite songs: Burial, Why Must I Cry, Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised), Whatcha Gonna Do, Ketchy Shuby, Till Your Well Runs Dry Least favourite song: Legalize It 4/5

Arcade Fire is a Canadian indie rock band from Montreal. Their sound reminds me somewhat of Radiohead or alt-J. There is quite a bit going on musically in this album. There are certain songs that lean harder to the rock side of the spectrum, then other songs that are more indie pop, like the song Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) which sounds like it could be a Depeche Mode song. I enjoy the harmonies reached by the male and female vocalists. I am not a fan of indie music as a knee jerk reaction, however, there were a few enjoyable songs on this record. I doubt I will ever listen again, as it took literally all day to listen to a 1hr album because I kept losing interest , but I can appreciate what they're doing here, and how they influenced so many other new artists who have came since. I just really don't like this new age indie rock artsy hipster garbage much. Favourite songs: Month of May, Ready to Start, Modern Man, Wasted Hours, Empty Room, City With No Children Least favourite songs: Rococo 3/5

Slipknot is a heavy metal band from Iowa. Fronted by Corey Taylor, who has also had some solo stuff and sang with the band Stone Sour as well. He also has had acting gigs, and has turned his hand to writing as well. Helluva talented guy! I can distinctly remember when their self titled debut album came out in 1999. I recall seeing the music video for Wait and Bleed, as well as interviews with a few of the lads on Much Music and thinking, "what the fuck am I looking at". 1999 was the time when nu metal was huge, and acts like Limp Bizkit, Korn, and Linkin Park were getting started. Slipknot exploded on the scene with a much heavier, faster, more raw sound, and all the dudes in the band wore spooky masks, which they switched out for each album release. These guys took their chance and ran with it, and were, and continue to be insanely popular, headlining their own yearly festival of hard rock/metal (Knotfest) and putting on the craziest live shows ever! It is a sonic experience to say the least. This was the last album for original drummer Joey Jordison before he had to leave the band because of a form of MS that he was battling which prevented him from playing his instrument any more. In his heyday he was one hell of a drummer, with his machine gun kick drum, and insanely technical drum beats. RIP Joey, you are truly missed. Overall, a great listen today! I recall the first time I heard the song Snuff, it blew my mind. That was the first time I heard Corey's more intimate singing voice. It is so beautiful alongside his raw, gutteral screaming voice. This is a hell of a talented band, and a great bunch of guys! Favourite songs : Snuff, Psychosocial, This Cold Black, Sulfur, Gematria (the Killing Name), Dead Memories, All Hope Is Gone Least favourite song: Vermilion Pt. 2 - Bloodstone Mix, Gehenna, Butcher's Hook 4/5

Today's album is the self titled debut album from the UK rock group Dire Straits. The band was started by brothers Mark and David Knopfler. Mark's guitar playing is very recognizable, as is his singing style. He is largely slept upon when it comes to his guitar talent. He is absolutely one of the greats! His lyrical style is similar to Bob Dylan. Dire Straits music draws influence from country, blues, funk, folk, and jazz, and blends it all together into a beautiful mix. I've listened to quite a bit of Dire Straits stuff, as well as Mark's solo stuff as well, and love it all. My favourite Dire Straits album is Brothers in Arms, and I'm sure it's on this list, so I can't wait to give that one a spin again. They were still discovering their style on this album, what with it being their first album, but for a debut album, it is insanely tight and polished. Thoroughly enjoyed today's listen, and will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Sultans of Swing, Southbound Again, Down to the Waterline, In the Gallery, Setting Me Up Least favourite song: Six Blade Knife 4/5

Why is this garbage considered music. Someone standing behind a computer pushing buttons while the crowd trips on Ecstasy. Never heard of Roni Size or Reprazent, and wish I never had. More worthless electronica shit that has no place on a list like this. What did this influence? This is the music aliens listen to while they probe your arse. Fuck electronica, and drum'n'bass. 9-10 minute songs with looped shitty lyrics, and wind chimes as a musical instrument. And why would someone turn Morse code (the most irritating sound on earth) into a song? Favourite song: Beatbox because it's only 1 minute long. It features someone trying to beatbox, but they're so bad at it that they just record a small clip and looped it to make it sound impressive, but it is actually shit. Least favourite songs: the whole fucking album. 1/5. There's an hour and 20 minutes I'll never get back.

Before today, I'd never heard of the Crusaders. They had a long history, spanning several band name changes before settling on the Crusaders (used to be the Jazz Crusaders, but they didn't want to be tied down to one genre, so they dropped the "jazz"). Once the smoke cleared, what was left was a jazz fusion band, which took aspects of jazz, funk, and R&B, and layered them into their unique blend of music. This music sounds like a cross between elevator music, a porno groove, and upbeat, jazzy 80's sitcom theme songs. It is great stuff if you keep an open mind to it. I can see how people would find it bland, but I quite enjoyed it. Maybe it's because the band displays actual talent, unlike yesterday's dumpster fire. There is a lot of great soloing by all involved on this record, and each song doesn't overstay its welcome. Even the opening song, Street Life, which is 11 minutes long. It certainly didn't feel that long. Maybe it was the inclusion of lyrics by Randy Crawford on that track, but it was a great song all around. Overall, I enjoyed this album. Nothing really jumped out at me, but it was a perfectly acceptable jazz fusion record (unlike most of the others of this genre I've reviewed so far). Favourite songs: Street Life, My Lady, Rodeo Drive (High Steppin'), Carnival of the Night Least favourite song: Night Faces 3/5

Today's album is by alternative rock artist Beck. I am familiar with Beck's singles such as Loser, and Novacane, but have never delved into his stuff too much. Beck is an artist who is great at exploring several genres of music, blending them together, and making it his own. For example, on this one record, there are hints of country, folk, hip hop, rock, and psychadelica. I thouroughly enjoyed the genre exploration, because each song could sound vastly different than the last, and it made it exciting to keep listening to the record. It didn't get stale. I really enjoyed the heavy sludgy guitars in the song Minus, as well as the bluesy folk blended with hip hop sound of Hotwax. By times, the music sounds like the Beastie Boys. Beck's lyrics are hilariously nonsensical, and may only make sense when one is stoned. A few examples of some noteworthy lyrics include: From Hotwax: Sawdust songs of the plaid bartenders, Western unions of the country westerns, Silver foxes looking for romance, In their chainsmoke Kansas flashdance ass-pants Or a few examples from Minus: It's a sensation, A bankrupt corpse, In the garbage glasses, With the crutches of frogs... And... Radiation, Feeling the force, Karaoke, Vomiting morons..... Overall, a great listen today, and one I will definately revisit in the future! Favourite songs: Hotwax, Where It's At, Devils Haircut, Novacane, Minus, Jack-Ass, Sissyneck, Ramshackle, High 5 (Rock the Catskills) Least favourite songs: Derelict, The New Pollution, Diskobox 4/5

Before today, I had never heard of Sebadoh. They are a 90's lo-fi indie rock band. Their co-founder and one of their vocalists, Lou Barlow, also co-founded the band Dinosaur Jr, which explains why those two bands sound similar. By times, Sebadoh sounds like a shittier Nirvana. In other songs, their sludgy guitars and slow beat makes them sound like Smashing Pumpkins. And still other times, their high energy songs have them sounding like the Vines or Primus. In certain songs, the instruments are horribly out of tune. Perhaps this is by design, but I personally find it painful to listen to. The lyrics are largely nonsensical, especially in their weird psychadelic songs included on this album such as Elixir is Zog. Overall, a standard indie rock record from the 90's. It blends in with the mass amount of other music from this genre and time period though. Nothing really jumped out at me. It wasn't bad, just not spectacular. Favourite songs: Flood, Soul and Fire, Two Years Two Days, Sacred Attention, Homemade (I think this song is about beating off, idk?) Least favourite songs: Elixir is Zog, Fantastic Disaster, Telescopic Alchemy, No Way Out (the last minute of the song sounds like someone channel surfing through random noise.... Why?!?) 2/5

I became familiar with not so much this album, but it's namesake song, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1, in 2010 after Rock Band 3 came out, which featured this song. Before that, I hadn't heard of the Flaming Lips before. I can remember playing this song, thinking how weird, but in a good way, it was, but I never took the time to explore The Flaming Lips any further. I had since forgotten about that song until I saw this album cover this morning. It was a nice shot of nostalgia. That song is an earworm. I will be humming it now for days! This whole album is as gloriously strange as Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 is. I don't know what genre of music this belongs to, perhaps psychadelic indie rock/dream pop? The lyrics, although odd, are sung beautifully, and have a way of pulling you into this strange world they are painting a picture of through their music (almost feels like an anime film). The layers of spacey sounds overlapping the synth /acoustic guitar bits, and then the addition by times of orchestral pieces is beautiful. It all blends together into this wonderful tepestry of sound. It's weird, by all accounts, I should hate this music, with its odd psychadelic aspects and indie rock undertones, but I really enjoyed it. So much so that I listened to the album twice. Favourite songs: "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1", Fight Test, Do You Realize??, In the Morning of the Magicians Least favourite song: One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21 4/5

The Who are a rock band (part of the British Invasion) from the UK. This is their debut album. These guys epidomized the rock and roll lifestyle (destroying instruments on stage at concerts, trashing hotel rooms, and Keith Moon's adoration of blowing up toilets) They were also the predecessors of punk rock. In their search for more volume, Pete Townsend and John Entwistle were key players in the development of the Marshall Stack, which became a staple of rock acts later on. Keith Moon was a hell of a drummer! Pete's use of distortion and feedback revolutionized rock music as we know it today. The speed and intensity of their live shows was legendary. Overall, a great record. Very influential to so many bands that came after them, and trendsetters of their genre. Favourite songs: My Generation, The Kids are Alright, La-La-La-Lies, Much too Much, Please Please Please, I'm A Man Least favourite song: The Good's Gone 4/5

Keith Jarrett is a jazz pianist from the USA. This is a live album, recorded at the Koln (Opera House) in Cologne in 1975. Before heading out on his own, Keith played with the likes of Art Blakely and Miles Davis. The story behind this album is a fantastic one. Before the show, Keith requested a concert grand piano be supplied for him to play the concert on. There was a misunderstanding with the venue, and a baby grand piano is all that was provided. Not only that, it was the baby grand that the venue had as a strictly "rehearsal instrument". The piano was worse for wear, being slightly out of tune, and having pedals that didn't always work as they should. Keith was also having severe back pain (he had to play the concert in a back brace) so much that he couldn't sleep, and was severely overtired, and before the concert, the restaurant he went to screwed his order up, leaving Keith only enough time for a few bites before having to leave to play the show. So tired, hungry, and with the wrong instrument, he went out, and now unable to play the setlist he wanted due to the smaller, subpar instrument he was provided, improvised 66 minutes of flawless music on the spot!! I am not necessarily the biggest jazz fan, but this story of perseverance in the face of hardship is what music is all about. This album wholeheartedly belongs on this list, simply because of that story! Even the music he managed to play was amazing, though! Not something I would gravitate to every day, but absolutely stellar work. Keith was a master of his instrument!! I really enjoyed today's listen, and the story that went along with it! Favourite songs: Koln Pt. II C Least favourite songs: Koln Pt. I (just because he spent the first 10 minutes noodling about on the piano, I'm assuming trying to figure out what worked and what didn't on it) 4/5

Ray Price is a 50's - 60's country artist. His backing band is called the Cherokee Cowboys, and has featured the likes of: Johnny Paycheck, Roger Miller, and singing backing vocals and playing bass on this record, Willie Nelson. At the start of this album, specifically on the song "Night Life", Ray sounded like a cross between Frank Sinatra and George Jones, which I didn't really care for. After that, though, he settled into the traditional old country western, with themes of drinking, heartbreak, and chasing women. Notably: the songs "Lonely Street" and "The Twenty-Fourth Hour" are very strong to the old country genre with the fiddle/steel guitar and sad theme. I didn't think I knew any of Ray's stuff. I had heard of him before, but turns out I knew "The Wild Side of Life", and it is a great song. Now I must say, country isn't my favorite genre of music, but it is moreso the shitty pop country they are making today. The old classic country still had talented artists and really good songwriting. Today, anybody can be a country star, as long as they sing a song about a dog or a truck, or a beer. Overall, not a bad album. I don't think I would gravitate to it often, but can see how it definately influenced a lot of country artists that came later on. Favourite songs: The Wild Side of Life, Pride, Sittin' and Thinkin', The Twenty-Fourth Hour Least favourite songs: Night Life, Lonely Street, There's No Fool Like a Young Fool 3/5 Note: the album cover is kinda creepy. A lad leering at a couple who is just trying to have a drink. Greasy.

Fugees are a hip hip trio from the 90's that was made up of: Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and his cousin, Pras. This is Fugees second studio album, and is also their last album before breaking up to persue solo careers. I've reviewed a Lauryn Hill record on here before, and her flow is fantastic! It reminds me of Missy Elliott. I am also familiar with some of Wyclef Jean's stuff, and really enjoy it! The one complaint I have, with almost all hip hop records I've reviewed, is with the skits they include on the album. I always find it distracting and feel that it takes a bit from the record. Aside from the skits, the album has a really cohesive flow to it. The cover of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" is awesome. They did a really good job of making it their own, but not straying too far from the original. Overall, an excellent listen today! Definately something I will listen to again in the future! Favourite songs: Ready or Not, The Beast, "No Woman, No Cry", How Many Mics, Killing Me Softly With His Song, Fu-Gee-La Least favourite songs: Cowboys, The Mask, Mista Mista 4/5

Michael Kiwanuka is a British singer songwriter from London, with Ugandan roots. Some of this, he showcases in his music (notably the inclusion of African drums in the opening song, You Ain't The Problem). This album deals with feelings of inferiority/not fitting in and racism. Right out of the gate there is a stellar song that touches on how he didn't feel like he was "good enough" compared to other bands/artists at music festivals. This album is one that should be listened to cover to cover. Each song blends into the next beautifully, kind of like a compilation record. I don't really know what genre Michael fits into. Often he genre hops between songs. There is some soul/blues/indie rock and folk sensibilities for sure. For having never heard of Michael before, I thoroughly enjoyed this record!! This is what this album generator experience is all about! Discovering someone new who you've never heard of before, and probably never would have listened to on your own. I enjoyed his stuff so much, I explored his back catalog further after finishing this album today! I will definately listen again!! Favourite songs: Hero (Intro & Song), Rolling, Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)(Intro & song), I've Been Dazed Least favourite songs: Another Human Being 4/5

Fela Kuti is a singer songwriter from Nigeria, who is credited with creating the Afrobeat genre of music. Afrobeat is a combination of African musical styles and American funk/jazz/blues. It also has chanted vocals. This album is very politically driven, focusing on the unrest and violence in Nigeria at the time. The album title, Zombie, was a metaphor, referring to the Nigerian military's methods. It is believed that this album triggered the attack on his commune, and the resulting murder of his elderly mother. This music is spectacular, and doesn't feel like 12 minute songs when you listen to it. There is something about it that pulls you in and keeps your interest. The Spotify link is for the re-release, which happened in 2009, and included 2 more songs, so this is the one I listened to and reviewed. Overall, fantastic music! Thoroughly enjoyed discovering "afrobeat", which is a genre I didn't even know existed. Will definately listen again. Favourite songs: Zombie, Mr. Follow Follow Least favourite song: Mistake (Live at the Berlin Jazz Festival) 4/5

Happy Mondays is a British "Madchester" band. Madchester was a music movement in the 80's and 90's that took place in and around Manchester, hence the name. It is a blending of indie rock/new wave with acid house and psychadelia music styles. Happy Mondays style features heavy precussion/bongo work with rock style guitar riffs and sometimes funk oriented bass grooves, all while having this super dance-y structure and delivery. Most of the lyrics are nonsensical, and there is also some brass instrument sections on this album. It has a bit of everything. I didn't mind this album, but nothing really jumped out at me either. The whole Madchester genre is kind of weird, and maybe doesn't translate as well on this side of the pond. My favourite song on the record, as shown below, is Tokoloshe Man (which isn't on the original record, but was included in the Spotify linked "Collectors Edition). If I were to have a favourite from the actual album, it would be Loose Fit. Favourite songs: Tokoloshe Man, Loose Fit, Step On, God's Cop, Kinky Afro Least favourite songs: Grandbag's Funeral, Harmony 3/5

This is Elvis Presley's fourth studio album, and his first album made after his deployment with the army. Elvis was influential in creating the rock and roll movement that exploded in the late 50's - early 60's. You can definately hear influence from blues and country throughout this album. My knee-jerk reaction this morning after seeing this album pop up was "Oh no, not an Elvis album". I understand how important he was to music, but have never been particularly fond of his music, however, after listening to this album, I was pleasantly surprised! This being an early album, and also happening right after his tour in the military, he did a bit more exploration of his sound on this record. The albums that follow this one (after he begins his time in Vegas) steadily go downhill and he becomes more of a circus act than a singer (with the hip gyrating and weird outfit). This is what I think of when I think of Elvis, and I hate that era of his music, so I am very glad this wasn't that. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album today! Not a bad song on the record, even though I only recognized one of them (Fever, because of the movie Hangover, even though the song in the movie is a remake of this one). Favourite songs: "Dirty, Dirty Feeling", Such a Night, Make Me Know It, Reconsider Baby, Like a Baby, The Girl of My Best Friend, Fever, I Will Be Home Again, Fever Least favourite songs: It Feels So Right, Soldier Boy 5/5

Today's album is my second by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. This is the album once recommended to me by a friend. This is a very dark album, whose entire theme circles around death and murder. Listening to this album is like listening to a true crime documentary. Nick's writing style and vocal delivery gives an overwhelming feeling of dread and gloom. He pairs with female vocalists such as: Kylie Minogue and PJ Harvey to inject some beauty to his baritone voice. The whole record proceeds through so much death and murder, and finally ends with a song of hope (a cover of Bob Dylan's "Death is Not the End") to pull the listener out of the darkness. This album is beautiful in the most fucked of ways. Nick has a way of genre jumping between albums. The first album of his I reviewed was called The Boatman's Call, which was an intimate acoustic album which featured Nick singing with piano accompaniment. Very soft and mellow. This album was rock oriented (kind of goth rock in a way) and VERY dark. I loved this album. At first, the shock of the material kind of turned me off, but eventually, it won me over, and upon second listen, I really looked past that, and really listened. This is a piece of art! The only way to enjoy this record is by listening front to back. Favourite songs: Stagger Lee, Where the Wild Roses Grow, The Curse of Millhaven, The Kindness of Strangers, Song of Joy, O'Malley's Bar, Death is Not The End Least favourite song: Crow Jane 5/5

The B-52's were a new wave, post punk band, most famous for the song Love Shack, and Rock Lobster. This was their debut album. Their sound blends "surf rock" guitars with heavy synth backing and weird psychadelic, nonsensical lyrics. I enjoy the male/female vocal dynamic. This music is weird, but in a good way. Some of their stuff was too out there for me (like when their singing doesn't mesh with the time signature that the instruments are playing) but overall, I can see how many bands that came later drew influence from this band. Overall, an interesting listen today. Before this I was only familiar with their hits, but discovered a few more songs I hadn't heard before, but really liked. Favourite songs: Rock Lobster, Lava, 6060-842 (6060 842) Least favourite songs: 52 Girls, Planet Claire, Hero Worship, Downtown 3/5

My second Prince album reviewed. This record had a lot more familiar song on it than the first one I listened to (Sign 'O' the Times). This is the first album he recorded with his backing band, the Revolution. This album is sexually charged as hell! I feel like I've been ear fucked by Prince, and I'm ok with it! I could do without the 2 minute porno clips in the songs Automatic, and Lady Cab Driver, but we will chock that up to artistic expression. The Revolution were tight on this album, taking Prince's pop rock to another level! There are strong dance vibes on this, and also touches of R&B, and funk. The song Free is a great nod to the world issues surrounding people who are horribly oppressed by their governments, and preaches a message of peace and love. Overall, I really enjoyed this album! A lot of great songs on this one, and great beats throughout! Will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Little Red Corvette, D.M.S.R. 1999, Let's Pretend We're Married Least favourite songs: Delirious, Something in the Water (Does Not Compute) 4/5

Before today, I had no idea that Rod Stewart had a band! In 1969, the band "the Small Faces" disbanded when Steve Marriott left. The three remaining members picked up Ron Wood on guitar, and Rod Stewart on vocals, and became the band "Faces". Rod already had a career of his own with his solo work, so he used his time with "Faces" to go wild. A few songs on this record were sung by bassist Ronnie Lane. His voice isn't as strong or recognizable as Rod's, but is still good in its own right. There are heavy blues influences on this record, and I love the sludgy guitars throughout! Apparently "Faces" lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle: partying, drinking, and womanizing! It's too bad the band broke up after only 5 short years! I can't believe I just discovered Faces today!! After breaking up, Rod continued with his solo career, Ron Wood joined the Rolling Stones, and drummer Kenny Jones eventually joined the Who, so quite a perigree of talent came from this band!! I've heard the song Stay With Me before, but always assumed it was just a Rod Stewart song. Overall, I loved today's album! So much so, that I listened to it twice! I will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Stay With Me, Memphis, Miss Judy's Farm, Too Bad, That's All You Need, You're So Rude, Least favourite song: If forced to pick, Last Orders Please 5/5

Today's album was a weird one to fit into a genre. It was funk, rock, psychadelica, and soul all seamlessly mixed into a fantastic listening experience! Funkadelic started life as a sister act to George Clinton's doo wop group, the Parliaments. Funkadelic is where all the experimentation happened, whereas the Parliaments stayed true to the funk genre. It is said that the name Funkadelic came from the fact that most of the inspirations for their music came from LSD trips. This makes sense, given some of the song titles. Notably: Lunchmeataphobia and Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis. The musical talent in this band is amazing! Stand out props to Michael Hampton for blowing the roof off of the place and shredding guitar licks in the song Maggot Brain! Overall, a great album! Will definately listen again! I had to find the album on YouTube though because Spotify doesn't have it for some dumb reason. Favourite songs: Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!, Maggot Brain /Chant (Think! It Ain't Illegal Yet!), One Nation Under a Groove, Lunchmeataphobia (Think! It Ain't Illegal Yet!) Least favourite songs: Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis / Enema Squad (the Doo Doo Chasers) 4/5

This is another album that I have no idea what genre to put it in. Laura Nyro is a singer songwriter who melded together aspects of jazz, folk, soul, R&B, pop, and show tunes, creating an odd mishmash of everything. One thing about her style that I've read a lot of people don't like is the constant tempo/genre changes she implements. You are just settling into a song, getting used to the beat and flow, and Laura flips it on its head and completely changes it. While it may annoy a lot of people, I don't mind it really because it keeps you focused on the music instead of drifting off. Laura has a beautiful singing voice, and can really hit those high notes! I hear influence from jazz/soul greats such as Nina Simone and Billie Holiday in her style and vocal delivery. Her lyrics are largely nonsensical, much like Kate Bush, but older. Overall, I enjoyed today's album after listening to it twice. Much like Joni Mitchell's album I reviewed on here already, it took me some time to warm up to how out there this album was. I doubt if I will listen again, but I'm glad I did at least once. Favourite songs: Eli's Comin', Lu, Sweet Blindness, Timer, Stoned Soul Picnic Least favourite songs: Lonely Women, Emmie, Woman's Blues, December's Boudoir 3/5

Before today, the only song by a-ha that I was familiar with was Take On Me (the first song on this album). a-ha are a Norwegian synth pop band, that rose to fame with the song and video for Take On Me. I remember the sketched music video well. After the success of that song, it seemed like, on this side of the pond at least, the band kind of fell off of the face of the earth. Interestingly though, there were 5 singles released off of this album in Europe (Take On Me, The Sun Always Shines On T.V., Hunting High and Low, Love Is Reason, and Train of Thought), and they are actually still actively making music and touring over there as well (latest album release was 2022). This album is full of 80's nostalgia. Not because I was familiar with all the songs, but because all of the songs had that signature 80's heavy synthesized sound, with electric drum machines and synthesizers in the forefront. Aside from the 5 singles mentioned above, the other songs were good, but felt a bit like filler (didn't really stand out). I was hoping that another of their songs would impress me enough to topple Take On Me from my "favourite song" slot, and that is what The Sun Always Shines On T.V. did. Not that I don't like Take On Me, but it just got played to death, so it lost a lot of its grandeur over the years of repetition. The Sun Always Shines On T.V. starts off slow, but is a real rockin' 80's pop song. Overall, not a bad record. Probably not something I would revisit, but I can see how it may have been influential in the 80's. Favourite songs: The Sun Always Shines On T.V., Take On Me, Love Is Reason, Hunting High and Low Least favourite songs: And You Tell Me 3/5

Before today, I had never heard of The Jesus and Mary Chain before. They are a indie rock/shoegaze band from Scotland. One thing I am learning through this 1001 albums exercise is how much I hate shoegaze. If you aren't going to be enthusiastic about playing your instruments or singing, then why the fuck are you making music? This is depressing, brooding music which is sung by someone who seems bored to be there. The guitar is played shittily with tons of distortion (maybe to try and cover up the lack of talent, but it doesn't work). Overall, this was a shitty album by a shitty band that I will never visit again. Only reason it's 2 stars is because at least it isn't fucking Joy Division. I have no idea what this could have influenced. Why it is on this list, I don't know. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. Favourite songs: Happy When It Rains, Cherry Came Too, Darklands Least favourite songs: Nine Million Rainy Days, On The Wall 2/5

These idiots should be banned from owning musical instruments. There is nothing on this record that could begin to be called music. None of these brainless bastards can play an instrument, let alone maintain a beat, or carry a tune. This sounds like a bunch of 5 year olds left in a room with musical instruments, and their main objective is to fucking destroy the instruments by wailing on them. This isn't a genre of music because this isn't music. By times it sounds like they're trying to emulate Talking Heads, but they don't have the cognitive ability to even begin to come close. The "singer" sounds like a cat stuck in a grease trap. If you can't make music, don't. This has influenced nothing but headaches from every poor sod subjected to listening to this trash. This "band" should have to pay fines for every set of ears that bleed because of their garbage. Never heard of Pere Ubu before, and will have forgotten about them by tomorrow. Whoever put this album on this list needs their head examined. Favourite songs: (if forced to pick) On the Surface Least favourite songs: Navvy, Dub Housing, Thriller!, (Pa) Ubu Dance Party, 1/5 because I have to... It'd be a 0 if I could.

Before today, I've never heard of The Damned. They are a mid-late 70's punk band from Britain; from the same era as The Clash and The Sex Pistols. Actually, interestingly, I learned that two people were asked to audition for The Damned: Dave Vanian, and Sid Vicious (who became the Sex Pistols bassist). Only Dave showed up, and ultimately got the job. Captain Sensible became The Damned's bassist. The aliases some of these lads use are hilarious: Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies for example. Their sound is classic punk, and was a great listen today! Dave has a funny way of spinning lyrics, such as in the song "These Hands" about a murderous clown, or "Anti-Pope" about organized religion. One interesting thing these guys do is use a synthesizer from time to time, which is something you don't normally see in punk music. Overall, not a bad listen. Nothing really stood out, but I would definately listen again if given the chance. Favourite songs: "Noise, Noise, Noise", Anti-Pope, I Just Can't Be Happy Today, Plan 9 Channel 7, Machine Gun Etiquette Least favourite songs: These Hands (because fuck clowns) 3/5

Before today, I had no idea who TV on the Radio were. After a bit of reading, I discovered they are an alternative/indie rock band that fuses aspects of funk, jazz, and electronic music. After listening, this is a great album, and band! I thought I recognized the song DLZ but couldn't place where I'd heard it before. After a few minutes of Googling, turns out it was used in a scene of Breaking Bad. Excellent scene, and excellent song! By times the singer sounds like a modern day Prince. I find that their sound is similar to Arcade Fire, but with more of an electronic sound. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed today's album. This is what this exercise is all about! Discovering a new band that I never would have found on my own. I enjoyed this album so much that I listened to it twice, then started listening to their back catalogue. Favourite songs: Dancing Choose, DLZ, Golden Age, Red Dress, Shout Me Out Least favourite songs: Stork & Owl, Love Dog 4/5

As familiar as I am with Bruce Springsteen's hits, I've never sat down and listened to one of his albums cover to cover before. Right off the bat, Thunder Road, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, and Born to Run are all classics! I wasn't familiar with the rest of the album. The only song I didn't really care for was Meeting Across the River. This whole album was fantastic! The addition of piano and sax gives it that traditional Springsteen sound that everyone is so familiar with. The E-Street Band was tight on this record. The Boss just oozes Americana. When you hear one of his songs, you are immediately transported to NY in the 70's. Overall, a great album. I'm glad I got to listen to it. Bruce was insanely influential to artists that came after him. Favourite songs: Thunder Road, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, Born to Run, Jungleland Least favourite songs: Meeting Across the River 4/5

I've never heard of Travis before. Apparently they are a soft rock/alt rock band from Scotland. Basically, these guys sound like Scotland's answer to Coldplay or Oasis. Their sound consists of jangly guitars with piano accompaniment. Their music has a tendency to be quite bland, as is the norm with this era of alt rock. Nothing wrong with it, it just blends in with the thousands of other bands that were doing the same thing at the same time. Overall, this was a good album. Perfectly average. The best song on the album was the hidden track at the end of the album called Blue Flashing Light. They really turned up the energy on this one (maybe they had to, given the fact they were singing about domestic violence). Nonetheless, it stood out ahead of the rest for sure! The rest kind of blended together. I enjoyed today's listen, but don't know if I will actively seek it out again. Favourite songs: Blue Flashing Light (*hidden track*), Driftwood, Why Does it Always Rain on Me?, Turn Least favourite songs: The Last of the Laughter 3/5

Looking at today's album cover, and having no idea who Richard and Linda Thompson are, I wouldn't have guessed that I was in for a folk record, but that is what I got. Not only a folk record, but a phenomenal folk record that mixes country and blues sensibilities into its sound as well! Turns out Richard Thompson was the lead guitarist and songwriter for the band Fairport Convention, before he broke off and did his own thing with his then wife Linda. The harmonies they can achieve, and the music they created on this record is amazing. Linda has a beautiful voice, and it adds a hint of beauty to Richards bleak songwriting style. The End of the Rainbow is a particularly bleak, but beautiful song. Every song on this record is amazing in its own right. From the fast paced, upbeat I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight to the slow ballad Withered and Died where Linda took the role of lead singer. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed today's album. So much so, that I listened to it three times cover to cover, and found something new to love about it each time. I will definately revisit this one, and will add it to my regular listening. Favourite songs: I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, We Sing Hallelujah, The Calvary Cross, When I Get To the Border, Withered and Died, Down Where the Drunkards Roll, The Little Beggar Girl Least favourite song: The Great Valerio 5/5

Another unknown Scottish alt rock band. This generator has a slight obsession with them lately apparently. Never heard of Cocteau Twins before. After researching them a bit this morning I learned they are another fucking shoegaze/dream pop band, and are accredited with helping start the dream pop sound. Now, I've been known to hate shoegaze, so I went into this with low expectations. This "dream pop" is different though. It is like that mopey goth rock /shoegaze garbage in song structure, but with a warmer, more upbeat vocal delivery and more jangly guitars. One weird thing about this band is that the vocals are layered so much that you can't understand what she is saying. It sounds like she is singing in a foreign language. As odd as that sounds, the vocal layering adds a etherial aspect to the music. The singer has a beautiful voice, kind of like Enya in some respects. That added beauty is welcome over the backing shoegaze shuffling garbage. It is like goth but with "hope". Overall, a weird listen today. Not terrible, but not really in my wheelhouse. I understand it's place in the grand scheme of music, but I probably won't revisit it again. Favourite songs: Heaven or Las Vegas, Wolf in the Breast, Iceblink Luck, Fotzepolitic Least favourite songs: "Road, River and Rail", Cherry-coloured Funk, Fifty-fifty Clown 2/5

Great... More fucking obscure British shoegaze garbage..... Ffs.... Never heard of the Boo Radleys before, and hope to forget them quickly. They are, as my first comment suggests, a shoegaze/brit pop band who has no reason to be on this list. Sounds like they are trying to be like Smashing Pumpkins but are too shitty of artists to come close. If the band didn't canoodle and play random shitty intros/outros, the album could have been done in half the time. Album production is garbage. Music is loud as hell, then when the vocals come in, you can barely hear them. Horns?!? Why?!? They have no place in your depressing shoegaze garbage. And random distorted electrical feedback noises.... An attempt to add psychadelica to this crock pot of horseshit.... Why? Why did they have to do poor Boo Radley dirty like this? Probably to make people think they were artsy and deep, but in actuality they are depressing emo trash. Favourite songs: Take the Time Around, Lazarus, Wish I Was Skinny Least favourite songs: Butterfly McQueen, Run My Way Runway, as well as the rest of this garbage album. Absolutely no redeeming qualities: 1/5

Before today, I'd only heard of Fugazi, but had never listened to them before. The way I heard of them was actually through another album I've already reviewed on this generator. That album was Out of Step by Minor Threat. The singer from that band, Ian MacKaye, is also the singer for this band. I loved that album, it was awesome punk, and this album is post hardcore punk. Ian never wanted to be part of a band who could ever be accused of selling out, so when Minor Threat made it to the mainstream, he left the band for another, eventually creating Fugazi. This wasn't as strong as his Minor Threat stuff, I found. Maybe I'm just not as much a fan of post hardcore punk? Whatever the reason, this just didn't resonate with me the way the Minor Threat album did. This album is full of distorted guitars, machine gun drums, and screaming lyrics. I can hear how the Offspring drew influence from songs such as Merchandise. Overall, not bad, but not great. Just average. I kind of couldn't keep focused on this album today. One song would blend into the next. Good music that was absolutely influential, but I doubt I will revisit. Favourite songs: Merchandise, Song 1, Shut The Door, Blueprint, Reprovisional Least favourite songs: Break-In, Two Beats Off 3/5

Today's album was a much welcomed change from the garbage that I've been getting lately. I love Thin Lizzy, they are a super underrated classic rock band from Ireland. Their music has everything you want from classic rock: stellar vocals, guitar solos, drum solos, leather, smoke, and sex appeal. Hell, second song in, the singer is asking women in the audience if they'd wanna bang. This live album is a compilation of the best bits from three separate shows they played: the Tower Theatre in Pennsylvania, the Hammersmith Odeon in London, and the Rainbow Theatre in London. That said, it contains all of their hits, plus some stuff I hadn't heard before, but was equally as awesome. One song even featured Huey Lewis on harmonica (Baby Drives Me Crazy)! Overall, a phenomenal record! Who cares if they overdubbed applause, it is the music and energy that shines through! Listened to it 3 times today, and will definately listen again in the future. Favourite songs: Cowboy Song, The Boys Are Back In Town, Dancing in the Moonlight, Jailbreak, Massacre, Rosalie (Cowgirl's Song), Emerald, Johnny the Fox Meets Jimmy the Weed, Suicide, Baby Drives Me Crazy Least favourite songs: Sha-La-La, Still in Love With You 5/5

Today I got the luck of listening to the lowest rated album on this list, coming in at a whopping 1.87! Einsturzende Neubauten is an industrial/electronica band from Germany. They are big on "found sound", meaning they will make "music" out of whatever they come across (water bubbling/blenders/drills/breaking glass/plumbing piping... Any assortment of garbage). Taken from Spotify's bio on the band: "their early activities included a seemingly inexplicable half naked appearance on the Berlin Autobahn, where the duo spent some time beating on the sides of a hole in an overpass". These guys were wild. If nothing else, the stories of the band shenanigans is deserving of a star! Apparently they were big showmen, dressing in costume, using props, and shooting fire/assorted garbage at the audience of their shows. Also, they were pioneers of "crowd-funding", which has allowed their dedicated fans to help pay for a few of their records! The first 4-5 songs are horrid, but then it settles down into what will be the rest of the record (less abrasive noise with less shouting). I can see how many people couldn't make it through the first bit of the record and just wrote it off at that time, but power through it, because it gets "better" on the back end. At the start of the record, the "singing" sounds like exerpts from Hitler's hate speeches (shouting while very close to the mic). Later on, it was just random, nonsensical lyrics, and the last 5-6 songs are fully instrumental. Overall, an interesting listen today. This is absolutely terrible, but the antics of the band, along with my ability to see what they were driving at and what they influenced allows me to look past the awful noise I heard. I will never go back and listen again, but I still feel this is better than a 1 star album for those reasons. Also, this isn't as bad as that utter trash that Pere Ubu called music a few days ago. Favourite songs: Kollaps, Draussen ist Feindlich, Rohrbombe Least favourite songs: Steh auf Berlin, Tanz Debil, Negativ Nein, U-Haft-Muzak 2/5

Buddy Holly was a rock and roll icon in the 50's! Another life gone too soon! I can imagine how scandalous his music must have been in that time period. Looking back at it now, it is more of a pop vibe, but back then, those Strat's would have been making rebellious music that parents of the day hated. Buddy blended his country roots with rockabilly, and pop, and came up with this good ol rock and roll, in line with what Roy Orbison or Elvis Presley were doing. Imagine what Buddy could have done if he had lived longer! Overall, a great album today! Very influential, and trend setting! Will definately listen again to this classic artist and album! Favourite songs: That'll Be the Day, I'm Lookin' For Someone to Love, Not Fade Away, Maybe Baby, Oh Boy!, Last Night, Rock Me My Baby Least favourite songs: If forced to pick, It's Too Late 5/5

The second Stooges album I've reviewed on this generator. This one feels less polished than the other one I listened to (Fun House). I was never a huge fan of the Stooges, but understand that what they were doing was mind blowing at the time. Imagine living in early 60's America, listening to the swinging rock n roll of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, then hearing this! It must have been crazy! These guys were creating the beginnings of punk rock with their fuzzy guitars, heavy drums, and almost screamed vocals. That coupled with Iggy's predisposition to self mutilation at his live shows! Overall, a revolutionary album, but not my favourite. I do, however, understand how important this album and band was to music. The first half of the album was stronger than the second I thought. Favourite songs: I Wanna Be Your Dog, 1969 Least favourite song: We Will Fall 3/5

I didn't think I'd ever heard of Curtis Mayfield before until I heard the song Pusherman. Curtis Mayfield is a soul/funk artist who was once a member of the Impressions, before branching off and doing his own thing. He was integral in the pioneering of funk, and was also one of the first soul artists whose lyrics told stories of the pride and struggles of the African American community. This record was recorded for a movie titled 'Superfly' which dealt with the issues around ghettos and drug use. Some hard hitting topics on this record. Curtis' music tells a story like no other. Every song on this record is awesome! His guitar playing is stellar, and the inclusion of brass instruments and Latin-influenced beats makes him stand out amid his counterparts. Overall, a phenomenal record today. One I will definately listen to again! Favourite songs: Pusherman, Superfly, Little Child Runnin' Wild, Freddie's Dead (Theme from 'Superfly') Least favourite song: if forced to pick, Think 5/5

My second album on this generator by the Doors. This album, unlike their self titled debut, is much more blues rock forward with less acid induced organ solos. For those reasons, I found that it was a stronger album. Another reason this album is stronger in my mind is because this is their fifth album, so the band had time to settle into their sound. Apparently this was a return to their sound after their fourth album which featured jazz notes with horns and strings, so it was recieved well. Overall, a great album, and one I will definately visit again! Favourite songs: Roadhouse Blues, Peace Frog, Maggie M'Gill, Land Ho!, You Make Me Real Least favourite songs: Blue Sunday, Indian Summer 4/5

Before today I'd never heard of Joan Baez before. She is a folk singer-songwriter who rose to fame as part of the folk music revival of the late 50's. Upon first listen it is clear that she is one hell of a guitarist! This album is all covers of older folk songs, and Joan's beautiful voice and guitar playing skills have definately done right by the original songwriters! One thing that is hard to get past with her style of singing is the register she sings in (it is so high that I think dogs down the street were barking because of it). Also, her constant vibrato can be a bit annoying, but none of this is to say that she can't sing. Actually quite the opposite, she is a master of her craft! It's just that that craft isn't for everyone. I enjoyed today's listen! Not something I will revisit daily, but I can appreciate where she was coming from, and what she influenced as a result! A few songs I wondered if I would make it through, but after the song All My Trials, the album gets much better! Favourite songs: Wildwood Flower, Rake and Rambling Boy, Little Moses, Henry Martin, Silver Dagger Least favourite songs: All My Trials, Fare Thee Well 4/5

Today's album is the second of a trilogy of albums recorded in Berlin and known as the Berlin Trilogy. In the late 70's, Bowie and Iggy Pop spent a few years in Berlin, trying to get clean of drugs and alcohol, and that time turned out to be a super productive couple of years for both of them. After he released his first of the three albums titled Low earlier in 1977, Bowie toured with Iggy Pop, playing keyboard for his band. When the tour ended, he assisted in the recording of Iggy's second solo album Lust for Life, then regrouped at the recording studio with Brian Eno to record this album that same year. Most of the tracks on this record were composed on the spot in the studio, with lyrics not being written until Bowie stood in front of the mic! What a busy year, and it goes to show how much of a stellar musician Bowie was. The second half of the album, starting at the song V-2 Schneider is a huge instrumental number. It reminds me of outer space quite a bit, and is quite relaxing. I feel like it would be good music to meditate or do yoga to. Overall, a great, typical quirky Bowie album. Not my favourite album of his, but definately a gem! Favourite songs: Heroes, Beauty and the Beast, the whole instrumental second half (V-2 Schneider, Sense of Doubt, Moss Garden, & Neukoln) Least favourite songs: Joe the Lion, Sons of the Silent Age, The Secret Life of 4/5

First time I've ever heard of X-Ray Spex. Apparently they are a female punk band from Britain. Upon listening, that is exactly what they are! Good old 70's punk! The lead singer, Poly Styrene, can really belt out the lyrics, but there's something about her voice...I can't understand what she's singing most of the time. Musically, this is right down the alley of the Sex Pistols, or the Damned. The strong female lead gives me vibes of B-52s, Blondie, and Garbage. One thing that caught me off guard was the inclusion of a saxophone (not something I'd ever heard used in punk music before). Oddly enough, it worked really well with the fast punk, and gave it their own flavour. Overall, not a bad record at all. Spotify links to the bands Anthology, but I just listened to the original record, as an additional hour of live tracks and shitty B sides didn't interest me, and would have probably hurt the bands overall score. Favourite songs: Let's Submerge, I Am a Poseur, The Day the World Turned Dayglo, Identity, Genetic Engineering Least favourite songs : Germ-Free Adolescents, Plastic Bag 3/5