179
Albums Rated
3.2
Average Rating
16%
Complete
910 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1990s
Favorite Decade
Soul
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
25
5-Star Albums
8
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
|
5 | 3.13 | +1.87 |
|
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
Risque
CHIC
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
|
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
|
5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
|
Bossanova
Pixies
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
|
Dirt
Alice In Chains
|
5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
|
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
|
5 | 3.54 | +1.46 |
|
Mothership Connection
Parliament
|
5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
|
1 | 3.98 | -2.98 |
|
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
|
2 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
|
Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
|
1 | 2.74 | -1.74 |
|
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
|
1 | 2.71 | -1.71 |
|
Casanova
The Divine Comedy
|
1 | 2.67 | -1.67 |
|
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
|
1 | 2.64 | -1.64 |
|
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
|
2 | 3.62 | -1.62 |
|
Ramones
Ramones
|
2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 5 | 4.8 |
| Black Sabbath | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Fall | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (25)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Magnetic Fields
5/5
Freaking genius. You gotta be a little mad to write this. So weird and so good…this is a treasure. 69 songs and There are only a few that fall flat. I’ll be coming back to this often.
8 likes
Alice In Chains
5/5
What can I say, I grew up with this. The tragic themes and despairing sound somehow resonated with a kid who really had things pretty good, but was trying to figure out the uncertainty of teenage years. The sound is unique and consistent from start to finish. The worst song on the album is only the worst because it’s awesome and overplayed. I’ll still gladly listen to it for the 100,000th time.
3 likes
Arcade Fire
3/5
I'd really like a little more time with this album, but I have to move on. I'm familiar with the band, but only form 'Funeral', which I picked up soon after it was released. 'Power Out' from that album was so good the first time I heard it that I picked it up immediately. The album is very good, but didn't make it into my permanent rotation and I think of a narrow slice of time if I hear anything from it.
Neon Bible is 100% new to me. It's good, not great. There are some amazing songs throughout. But more that come up short.
I can't hear 'Keep the Car Running' without also hearing Eddie and the Cruisers, and it ruins the song for me. The middle of the album, from Black Wave to Windowsill, stall out.
But Black Mirror, Intervention, No Cars Go, My Body is a Cage...all fantastic tunes. Love the rich, layered sound, the dynamics, the raw emotion in the lyrics. All very beautiful and worth of coming back to.
2 likes
Radiohead
5/5
I haven’t listened to this all the way through in a while. I’d forgotten how consistently Radiohead was putting out complete albums, one after another. This isn’t quite on the level of The Bends, OK Computer or Kid A, but there is not a bad song in this album and they all fit well together. We’ll see which other Radiohead albums are on here…they may all be getting 5’s from me.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (8)
All Ratings
Michael Jackson
4/5
Aside from the title track, which feels like a parody even before the Weird Al version, this is a really great album. I remember hearing the songs when they came out, and I wouldn't have placed the album at 1987. In my recollection, it was a few years ahead of other music at the time.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
This is not my cup of tea, but a few things I enjoyed about this album: the cilled-out vibe. You can relax with this on in the background. There are some reallly cool textures to the music. Amy has amazing control over her voice and the emotion is raw and powerful. Unfortunely I cannot stand the articulation of the words themselves, and this is present in so much of pop singing that feels like it began in these early-2000s, but is still going strong today. Strong album overall, even if it's not my thing.
Aerosmith
4/5
Never been a big Aerosmith fan. Their music always annoyed me along with their personalities that seemed obnoxious. Maybe it’s decline of the popularity of rock music, but I’ve softened to these guys and I enjoyed this album so far (3 songs to go, so hope it doesn’t let down suddenly).
The Verve
2/5
My heart sank when this one came up. Bittersweet Symphony on repeat would be the cruelest torture to subject me to. Repetitive, boring, and topped off with uninteresting lyrics. The song goes nowhere and was somehow a huge hit. I can’t name another song by these guys.
There are actually some okay songs on the rest of this album. Getting some Oasis vibes, and the good kind (specifying because they’re half good, half unlistenable). Not much stands out enough to rate it above a 3. And the unfortunate inclusion of Bittersweet Symphony drops the album to a 2 for me.
The Cure
5/5
Amazing band. Amazing album. I could listen to this every day. First 5 star rating.
Eminem
4/5
ZZ Top
3/5
This is one of those albums I feel like I'd need ot hear in its place and time. Today, there's not much that stound out to me on here. The lead (only?) single "La Grange" doesn't sound much at all like the rest of the album. There is only a bit of the ZZ Top signature sound here, that would follow in the '80s. What I've always thought of as a buzzsaw guitar sound. This album is not bad, but not memorable.
Patti Smith
4/5
I’m not really vibing with this album, but certainly has a vibe of its own. I’ve been in a place to really appreciate this, but it’s not right now. A few more plays of this…I feel like it would grow on me.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Some pretty good stuff on here, which was unexpected. My only knowledge of the band are the singles, but there are solid, catchy pop tunes here from top to bottom. Loving the surf rock vibe I places.
The Fall
2/5
First unknown entity to me in this project, so I was excited about this one. There are some cool grooves going on here but the vocals are just weird. A bit like Pavement at times, but not in a good, absurdly fun way. Just some dude vibing over the music like he’s trying to decide how the real vocals should sound later. Except the real vocals never get recorded. I might like this as an instrumental.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Okay. Not bad, but not great. Probably won’t be coming back to this one. Just too dated for me, and I’ve listened to a lot of music that’s taken the psychedelic side to further and weirder extents. Would have been great to hear this when it first came out.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
O was only marginally familiar with Nick Cave before this. I expected sparse musical soundscapes in the background, with menacing dark poetry recited over the top. I got something much different than that. Much livelier, rocking and driving at times music and a thousand times more melodic. I really enjoyed this and there are some clear standout tunes that I just love. There’s a bit too much here to absorb at once, and would enjoy it more if some songs were cut out, or maybe if I just had more time to sit with it. I would really like to come back to this.
John Lennon
2/5
Never been a Beatles fan and it’s hard to listen to this open minded. The title track is okay, but I’m just not interested in hearing it for the 4000th time. Other than that, Jealous Guy and Oh Yoko! are catchy and maybe the only two I’d choose to listen to again.
Radiohead
5/5
I haven’t listened to this all the way through in a while. I’d forgotten how consistently Radiohead was putting out complete albums, one after another. This isn’t quite on the level of The Bends, OK Computer or Kid A, but there is not a bad song in this album and they all fit well together. We’ll see which other Radiohead albums are on here…they may all be getting 5’s from me.
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
I listened to this on a weekend, and didn't have a great opportunity to really focus on this album. This was okay overall. Nothing I really didn't like, but nothing that particularly stood out. I'd like to listen again while better being able to focus on it.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Going between a 3 and 4 on this one. A couple of outstanding tracks and a bunch more average ones that I could take or leave. Under My Thumb was already great, and then I realized that I’d never caught the marimba…holy cow, incredible! I just need some more standout songs than this has.
Raekwon
4/5
ever heard this album before. Great stuff. Hard to top the beats and musical production on the stuff I've heard from Wu Tang members. Definitely on the "return to" list.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Pretty good. But dated and not really my kind of music. It's rare that I'd ever be in the mood to say, "hey I should put on some Solomon Burke."
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
I had heard Maps before and the Karen O's singing on Hello Tomorrow, and really like both of those. So I was eagerly looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, it's not working for me. Too much noise and yelling and not much music. It's not that I dislike noise and yelling, but there needs to be some kind of form or melody or grooving energy to it. Walking away from this one disappointed, but Maps will stay on a long playlist of my favorite songs.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Starts off really strong with Who’s That Lady. Not much else really grabs me, but at the same time, there’s no bad song in this album. Vocal performances are well done and the funk grooves are super cool. Going between 3 and 4 here, but short a couple more standout tracks for the higher rating.
The Clash
4/5
First time hearing this whole album and I was a bit surprised. A lot more to The Clash’s sound than their best-known singles. It seems like they evolved a lot over their career. Not sure I’d come back to this often, but their influence on many bands is clear.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Wow, two totally different kinds of songs on this one. Straight ahead 12 bar blues and jam till they turn the lights on, or off. You could have given me 20 guesses on who was playing on Elizabeth Reed and I never would have said Allman Brothers Band. The jam songs are by far my favorite, but the blues tracks are great too.
Soundgarden
3/5
Mailman could have been in Badmotorfinger and it’s a lot of what I think this album is missing. Head Down is my other favorite from this album. Black Hole Sun is a marginally interesting song that was made unlistenable over the course of the 10,000 times I heard it. Spoon Man sucked from the outset and I wish I could unhear it for every time I’ve heard it. Soundgarden could produce the dark, sludgy, brooding sound as well as any band and that’s what I really want to hear from them. This album isn’t bad, but it strays away from my opinion of the best version of this band. It’s lighter, poppier, less complex.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Meh. Better than wet socks.
Love
4/5
Really interesting album. Hearing a lot of different styles and unusual melodic turns (Que Vida, for example). Lots of variability in tempo and feel. All in the first 6 songs. And then the album finishes with a 19 minute jam track. I need to be in the right mood to come back to this, but I hope I do.
The Cure
3/5
Have not heard anything off of this album before. I feel like I need more time with this one. But after 2 listens, it’s good, not great. It pains me to say that about the Cure. Their stuff I know I absolutely love. Play for Today is fantastic. A Forest stands out too. The rest…not bad by any means, but I think I’m looking for something more energetic.
Radiohead
4/5
I may be becoming a tougher grader. This is my 27th album and seconod Radiohead album. Hail to the Thief was #14 and I commented that any other Radiohead album would likely get a 5 rating. I'm going with a 4 on this one. Really good album and songs. I'm not totally sure what's missing...maybe the songs need to work together a bit more than they do. There are few bands that do that better than Radiohead. I guess the weak spots for me are the front half of Bodysnatchers (love the second half), Faust Arp, Jigsaw Falling Into Place and Videotape. Again, not bad songs, just not songs that bring this whole album to a 5. Maybe Radiohead's arc is straying outside of what I like the most about the band. I haven't gotten through "King of Limbs" or "Moon Shaped Pool," but need to give both another try or two.
Def Leppard
3/5
A few standout songs here. Really just the singles I’ve always known. None of the others stuck with me. The leading track is laughably bad songwriting, imo. Enjoyed the nostalgia of 80s hair metal, but this album isn’t something I’ll come back often, if at all.
The Magnetic Fields
5/5
Freaking genius. You gotta be a little mad to write this. So weird and so good…this is a treasure. 69 songs and There are only a few that fall flat. I’ll be coming back to this often.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
I never got into these guys when this came out (or after), but heard how they were the next garage rock revival band. I loved the Strokes, White Stripes, Hives and felt like this was a band I should check out. This was still a good 8-10 before I had a streaming subscription and checking out new bands wasn't as always easy and cheap as it is now. Long story to say that I haven't really listened to their stuff until now. As much as I was "supposed" to like these guys, this album just didn't catch. Maybe it's missing the catchy melodies in the hooks that you get with the Strokes. Maybe it's noisier than where my tastes have shifted to now. Whatever it is, I don't feel the need to come back to this.
Stereo MC's
4/5
I didn't know who this band was when it popped up here, but once "Connected" started playing I recognized it immediately. It got a lot of radio play when it came out, but it was a song I couldn't wait for to be over. I kept an open mind while listening to the album and was pleasantly surprised. I get why "Connected" was released, but I like every other song on the album more. Right or wrong, these songs make me think of a party version of Massive Attack. I'm on the fence between 3 and 4.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Written, produced, arranged and performed (what, 95%?) by Stevie Wonder. It’s just absurd. Higher Ground was the only track I’d heard before. So this was mostly new to me and I was excited about it. The first time through, I was distracted and doing yard work. I was underwhelmed, but knew there had to be more here. Glad I gave it another listen. It grew on me very quickly. His voice is among the all time greats. Vocal runs have the potential to sound cheesy and cliche, but Stevie sets the bar and no one does it better. Often these float over his own background vocals. And the music just grooves. This album is hard to beat and I can’t wait to hear more of this iconic artist.
The Smiths
2/5
I’m familiar with The Queen is Dead and a handful of singles. The Queen is Dead is a fantastic album and I was looking forward to this one. Assumed I’d be deciding between a 4 and 5. It fell flat for me though. Not enough melody hooks. Morrissey’s voice is just boring. Gave the album a few listens and it never started to grow on me.
Marty Robbins
4/5
This is quite good. Robbins’ voice is smooth, with great range and clear delivery. The lyrics are simple, colorful and tell great stories that put you right there. The vocal harmonies are extremely dated but add a distinctive charm to the overall sound.
fIREHOSE
2/5
Sometimes there’s a good reason why you haven’t heard of a band before. Nothing special here. Next…
David Bowie
5/5
I first got into David Bowie (like many other artists, unfortunately) when he passed in 2016. I had only heard his radio airplay songs at the time. Needless to say I was astounded by his creative output and his ability to utterly shapeshift both physically and musically.
Hunky Dory is almost a snapshot into what his career would be. The songs jump around quite a bit in theme and sound. I like to reserve exceptional ratings for albums that follow a cohesive path from start to finish. I don't think Hunky Dory does, but it's still getting a 5 from me. Aside from Eight Line Poem, and maybe Kooks (not saying these are bad songs), every song on this album are standouts. This was a joy the first time I heard it, and many times after, in 2016. It was great to come back to this again now and it goes without saying that it is still a joy to listen to.
T. Rex
5/5
Oddly enough, I was quite into 'My People Were Fair...' before hearing any T. Rex material aside from 'Get It On' (which I didn't know was T. Rex at the time). Once I learned that Tyrannosaurus Rex became T. Rex, I checked out what I could (before I had a streaming subscription) on Youtube. I was really unimpressed and left it behind. I gave this album another try 10 or so years later, and while I warmed up a bit to it, I didn't get through the whole album.
Fast forward to now, and I really love this project because I'm forced to get all the way through albums, for better or for worse.
And what do you know...I loved this. I just hopped aboard the groove train for 40 minutes and jumped right back in for more. Such a great mix of rock n roll, blues, soul, with spashes of strings and horns perfectly placed. The low end, which the guitar is often part of, is a precise, chugging, tight foundation straight through the rockers. The ballads have the feel of soundscapes that you get lost in, with Bolan's weird, warbling vibrato floating on top.
I love how a lot of this a throwback to early rock n roll, with these songs adding elements that take the sound in a different direction. 'Monolith' is a good example of this with the effected guitar lick over the old style backing ooo-ooo's.
An album I've overlooked in the past, I will be coming back to this one.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I'd really like a little more time with this album, but I have to move on. I'm familiar with the band, but only form 'Funeral', which I picked up soon after it was released. 'Power Out' from that album was so good the first time I heard it that I picked it up immediately. The album is very good, but didn't make it into my permanent rotation and I think of a narrow slice of time if I hear anything from it.
Neon Bible is 100% new to me. It's good, not great. There are some amazing songs throughout. But more that come up short.
I can't hear 'Keep the Car Running' without also hearing Eddie and the Cruisers, and it ruins the song for me. The middle of the album, from Black Wave to Windowsill, stall out.
But Black Mirror, Intervention, No Cars Go, My Body is a Cage...all fantastic tunes. Love the rich, layered sound, the dynamics, the raw emotion in the lyrics. All very beautiful and worth of coming back to.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Cool vibe to this album. I felt like I was sitting on the beach with $1 million more in my bank account than I actually have. When I want to pretend like I don't have any cares, this is a great one to come back to.
Aside from that, I'm not often in a mood where this is what I want to listen to. Very good songs, except for the parade one that interrupts the flow (really, what's up with that one?), just not my favorite kind of music. Definitely belongs on the 1001 list.
Germs
3/5
I've heard the first handful of songs before, but never the whole album. I expected chaotic noise and while I got that, I got a lot more musicality than I remember. There is a good foundational structure under the under the unbridled energy. Darby Crash's vocals are a tough adjustment at first, but tried to listen to the music apart from the vocals and see what was there. I helped to do that and the music is really pretty great. And listening again to both the music and vocals together, honestly they mesh pretty well. I can’t decide on an overall rating here and have to move on. If I had more time, I wonder if I’d get used to the rawness and it would grow on me. Could see it go either way!
The Who
2/5
I don’t know. I’m sure I’m missing something.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Hip hop samples without the hip hop. Not coming back to this.
Alice In Chains
5/5
What can I say, I grew up with this. The tragic themes and despairing sound somehow resonated with a kid who really had things pretty good, but was trying to figure out the uncertainty of teenage years. The sound is unique and consistent from start to finish. The worst song on the album is only the worst because it’s awesome and overplayed. I’ll still gladly listen to it for the 100,000th time.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
I think I missed my window with this band. Didn’t get into them when I first heard of them, simply because of their name. Sounded too froofy. I wouldn’t have liked them even if I gave them a chance. A handful of years later, they would have fit well with what I was listening to at the time, like Badly Drawn Boy, Devendra Banhart, The Shins, etc. Fast forward to now, it’s not catching for some reason. The melodies are really good and should work, but they’re missing the mark. I don’t know way. Maybe it’s the delivery. The vocals…do they just not pop? Overall good, not great.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Interesting album, even though it’s something I won’t be coming back to. This goes in so many different directions. The Only Star in Heaven is an example. It starts like an early chili peppers song but morphs into Bowie on the chorus. Points for uniqueness of sound (even though many of the songs themselves are covers.)
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
These beats. Hard. Abrasive. Aggressive. Felt punched in the head. Yeah, this definitely took some adjusting too. Not sure if the first tracks hit harder, or if I started getting used to it. Probably won’t be coming back to this. But it’s good in its way, it belongs here and I’m glad I got to hear it.
Daft Punk
3/5
These are the kind of albums that throw me when I go to rate. I waffle between rating based on it's merits or rating based on my tastes. I'll probably lean toward the latter, which means that while I may think an album is great and really well made, the rating won't reflect that if it's not something I want to come back to.
All that said, this album is incredibly cool. Great beats, unique sounds...just a fun, cool and lively vibe overall. But it's not somehting I can stay engaged with for 74 minutes. A lot of the songs drag on and on...and I get it...that's part of this genre. You get absorbed into it and it takes you somewhere different, lets you escape. It's just not the vibe that really grabs me.
There's a lot of vibe music, drawn out, repititive that I really love (Kurt Vile is a huge one). It's just different elements that do it for me. Homework is very good, just not for me.
Green Day
5/5
Hard to rate this aside from the memories and nostalgia. This hit big sophomore year of high school. This was a happy time of making new friends and finding out who I was and this music (along with a lot more) goes along with that. The music itself is pretty simple, but way more polished than pure punk. It’s fun, easy to listen to. But at the same time captures something more deeply meaningful. I’m attached to it and will love it forever.
Norah Jones
3/5
Don’t Know Why was huge when it came out. I recall hearing the title track back then too. But despite my girlfriend (and later to be wife) owning this, I’ve never heard it all the way through. 5 Grammys for this one…wow. What do I think? It’s good, but I wouldn’t go as far as great. A bit vanilla for me, but yeah…good. Undoubtedly, she has a great voice. The vibe of this album is very chill, calm. Probably should play this more often.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Album #50.
Unknown entity to me. Heard the name before, but that it’s. No idea what to expect aside from the album name and cover. Let’s see what we’ve got.
Wow, love how this is starting off with Greetings to the New Brunette. Dude and an acoustic guitar, sounding essentially like a live track. Great melody. Heartfelt.
Really happy to see the album hold up from start to finish. Love this. Honest. Intimate. Stripped down musical arrangements are one of my favorite styles and this album does this so well. Great album...I'll be coming back.
Metallica
4/5
Gah, so much baggage with these guys. Their music didn't go in the expected direction, they were (too?) fiercely protective of their music and Lars is...well, Lars. It's easy to be hard on them. But expectations aside, even the stuff after 1988 is still good stuff. Yeah, it lacks the rawness of their early stuff. But a lot of their post-'88 catalog is still really great...some of the songwriting is actually better, with more depth to it.
I'm not a big live album fan, but the symphony addition is unique and makes this worth listening to. I think true symphonic metal bands have a more epic sound with this format, but it goes well with Metallica's sound. I'd think it took an adjustment for them to play a completely arranged format for over 2 hours, but they nailed it.
Nas
4/5
Great album. Had a lot of friends that were into Nas in college and hip hop wasn't my thing then. I'm still by no means a hip hop connoisseur, but I've warmed to it a ton. That said, I love the beats and flow of this album. Not a song I want to skip when I listen through it. I'm not much of a lyrics guy for any kind of music, so I think in hip hop especially there is a lot I miss that I wish I didn't. The only thing I really want more of that's not here in this album are heavier hooks with more melody. I like this a lot overall and I'll be coming back.
The Fall
3/5
The Fall album #2 for me. The first was The Infotainment Scan, which was pretty bad. I gave it a 2 and wish I would downgrade it even more to a 1 if I could edit ratings. Needless to say, there was a sense of dread when this came up.
However, I'm pleasantly surprised. The music is fantastic. Energetic. Ubeat. Unique. A little quirky, but in a good way. The vocals were easily the horrific nadir of Infotainment Scan, but the singer manages to not wreck this album. While they are still not a highlight, they complement the album's sound more. I might actually listen to this album again, except for the fear of Spotify throwing any of their dreck tunes into my Daily Mixes (which I quite like).
Radiohead
5/5
Second album in and Radiohead proved they could write perfect songs at this point. It allowed them to experiment significantly afterward.
My personal Radiohead chronology mashes together. I know that when Kid A came out I was totally ready for it and it blew my mind. The Bends and OK Computer were 5 and 3 years old by then, I knew them both well, but I don’t recall exactly when I absorbed them. All that is to say my first impression of The Bends didn’t knock my sock off. It grew on me gradually, but I love these songs today. Radiohead made albums that hung together so well at this time. The Bends is the first example of this, in my opinion. I can listen to this anytime, any day, any mood. Easily a 5 for me.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Needless to say it’s a classic. Deservingly so. It’s been a long time since I listened to this start to finish. Forgot how strong it is all the way through. Lyrics are corny in places, but the album is outstanding in spite of that. Heavy. Amazing riffs. Still really bluesy. Geezer always has something cool going on with the bass. Need to put this in more often.
MC Solaar
4/5
Have never heard of this but was pleasantly surprised. 1991 continues to stand out. I can’t understand the lyrics but love the vibe. Hearing a lot of trip hop elements splashed in, which is great. Hope to come back.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Always had a soft spot for Bob Marley.
Parliament
5/5
Someone's gonna have to explain to me the difference between Parliament, Funkadelic and Parliament-Funkadelic. I'm genuinely interested in knowing the story.
My word, this is good music. I picked up Maggot Brain a decade or so ago and love it. Cosmic Slop also killls it. This is my first time hearing Mothership Connection. Although there's a lot familiar on here because of the Snoop and Dre's samples (and probably others I don't know about).
Absolute classic that I'll be coming back to.
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
Unnecessary.
Def Leppard
3/5
It would be interesting to hear this again for the first time (although a few songs were new to me). You couldn't get away from this band in the 80s. I liked them a lot then, but it's quite corny now. I didn't have money to buy my own music until Adrenalize came out. It was a wet sock and I regretted spending 2 working hours of my $4.25/hr job on it. I think a lot of my impression of Def Leppard is colored by that now.
But this review is about Hysteria. Definitely a pop record. Catchy songs. I did enjoy them at the time and they are okay now. Don't try to get too far away from this just being a fun listen. That's what it is. And it's not bad at that.
Machito
4/5
Love it. Big band meets jazz meets afro-cubano sound and rhythm.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Was really looking forward to this, but it’s too long to really give it the time it needs. Clearly at least a 4 and likely a 5. Is the length too much? Not if all the songs absorb well. Need more time to make that call.
Thundercat
3/5
Pretty good. Love the vibe.
Various Artists
1/5
64th album and the first one I didn’t listen to all the way through. Well produced. Great talent. Not enough to outweigh the fact that it’s just not my thing. Also, I’m Christmas songed out by Christmas Day and this the last thing I want to hear.
Air
4/5
Chill. Melancholy. Absolutely captivating.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Monumentally bad. Narcissistic trash. Actually anger inducing having to listen through this.
Metallica
5/5
This was the album that changed everything for me. I thought I liked music, but was limited to what was being played on pop radio. I was 13 when Enter Sandman came out. It showed me that there was a lot more out there. It showed me that heavy metal was accessible and within weeks I was exploring the “real” stuff. It paved the way for me to appreciate grunge immediately when Nirvana and Soundgarden got big. When I think of when I became a real fan of music and started to discover what I truly liked, this album was the start of it. This album has taken a lot of flack for Metallica’s change in sound, selling out, etc. I see where those criticisms come from. But to my young ears, none of that mattered at the time and they were the fist band to truly blow my mind. I don’t listen to this much anymore but enjoy taking the journey back when I do.
David Bowie
3/5
This is okay. I didn’t need a soul album from David Bowie but it’s not bad. If it helped him develop as an artist then that’s great. A few albums that follow this are outstanding. To me the best songs are the ones I wasn’t familiar with. Win, Fascination, Right…all great songs. Better than Young Americans and Fame.
The Offspring
4/5
Pretty solid album. Forgot how much I listened to this in HS. Great songs from
start to finish. Then they stared making songs for 12 year olds. Too bad.
The Fall
1/5
Another half an hour of trash from The Fall. The author has a rager for this band…70 albums in and the 3rd from them. I think this is just a band that I don’t get. The music is interesting at times, but the vocalist may be the worst voice in recorded music. My anger builds with each song. Is this guy playing a joke, or is his ego so massively inflated that he doesn’t care how bad he sounds? Please no more from this band.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
Not all that into this at first. Once I “caught on” it was something I could go with. Loved the driving bottom end and how it seemed to carry the melody, if you could call it that. Moderately engaging overall but it’s not something I’m interested in listening through from start to finish again.
Joy Division
4/5
Excited, but a bit nervous when this popped up. I have never heard this, but really like Unknown Pleasures. Unknown Pleasures is the kind of album that's really great, but could have easily gone wrong - now that I think about it, that could probably be said for most of the best music out there. Anyway, I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to hear where Joy Division went from there.
All that said, this is fantastic and I'm glad this project forced me to listen through it. Each part of the ensemble is more precise, defined, but keeps the elements that makes this band cool and unique. I really like this band because their sound is so different, raw, emotional, but still carries a melody and simply put, sounds good. So many bands from this era try to be different and say something in a new way, but forget they are making music, and just end up making shit. Not Joy Division and I thank them for that. Interpol does too, sincerely.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I really wish I could sit with these for more than a day (I know I can if I want to, but I want to stay with an album / day). I still regret not pausing this whole thing to better absorb Songs In The Key Of Life.
Back to Talking Book...Superstition and I Believe are standout tracks for me. The rest does not seem overly special, and that seems sacrilegious to say about SW. I won't turn off his music when I hear it, but Talking Book isn't on the level of his best to me.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Incubus
2/5
I'm a little surprised that I did not get more into this band at the time. It has a ton of elements that come together from other bands I loved that I should have been obsessed. Some RATM in the guitar playing and bass lines, some Deftones in the harmonies. Brandon's voice rings clear as a bell. The melodies are interesting and emotive when they soar through many of the choruses. Love the dynamics.
But, despite an overly large record collection at the time, I never owned this album. But also, despite never owning this album, every song was familiar (except Battlestar - honestly, a great, funky and standout track hearing it now). Assume that's from it being on while hanging out with friends. Maybe that's why I never bought it for myself...I heard enough to get my fill.
In writing this, I'm really trying to think why these guys didn't become a favorite. Maybe it's because I was really looking for something different. Trip hop was growing on me, as well as really raw stuff like John Frusciante's solo records. My tastes were changing, maybe? Maybe this era of music had plateaued for me.
There's also a nagging feeling that something about the band was gimmicky. "Duh", I guess, right? I'm not a fan of (not sure how to put this) a "hip hop cadence" in rock songs, which this has at times. I've really grown to love hip hop and was a RATM fan from the beginning. There's just times in rock songs where a hip hop cadence (even when sung) sounds awkward and inauthentic.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Queen
3/5
Good album with some songs I really like on here. I'm a huge fan of the spasmodic stuff like Ferry Feller. A trait that System of a Down (one of my top 5 bands) really runs with 30 years later. I'd like something a little more cohesive throughout. While it's not a 4, I want to come back to this one.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Steely Dan
3/5
I've known "of" these guys forever, but ouside of their singles, I don't know their music at all. I think they get a bad name for being the band the boomer dads listen to in sock and sandals. Either that really short-changes them or I'm a lot more boomer dad than I realize. I thought this one was really interesting. I wish I had more time to sit with the album. I'm really torn on a ranking. I thought the song I know the best (Rikki) is the worst of the bunch. Does that mean I'd grow bored with with rest of the record if I came to know it better?
I loved their interpretation of E. St. Louis. I picked up an Ellington's Hits album 20 years ago and this sond was the one I had on repeat at the time. It was funny that I recognized it within the first 2 notes on of SD's recording.
I really want to come back to this. Hard to rate it above a 3 for now, but that could change if get to know it better.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
Not really a big fan of this guy, or this era of Rock N Roll. I get that's essential, but I'm glad it's an evolutionary stepping stone. The spotify album is only 22-1/2 minutes, trimmed from (what seems to be) the original release, timed at 37. It was still too long. It's just not exciting or interesting to me. I know that he was known for his ferocity in live performances, but that doesn't come through to me after hearing so much of what has come after it. I just can't hear it with 1964 ears so I don't think I'll ever truly "get it".
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
The Stooges
2/5
Iconic album that's earned it's place in history, even if it's one I'm not interested in hearing again. Really looking forward to Fun House and Raw Power.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
This is pretty good. Not a lot of standout tunes, but I did love Anyday, Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad and Little Wing. Layla just comes out of nowhere and is out of character with the rest of the album. Great song, but I like the others mentioned above better.
Nice to hear a mix where no instruments are buried. Really enjoyed hearing the bass throughout. Only real criticism is the length. I could do with half the songs. Keep just the best and I’d rate this higher.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
The Prodigy
3/5
I purchased this, maybe 20 (?) years ago, and was quite surprised that I did. It didn't really fit with a lot of what I was listening to at the time. Credit the disposable income, I guess.
I could count on one hand how many times I listened to it all the way through. I grew tired of it quickly, and just never felt the need to invest time into it. Loved tracks 1 and 2, but I wasn't into hip hop then and once Diesel Power popped up, I skipped ahead...probably straight to Firestarter. My loss a little bit, but not a lot. I'm glad I gave it a full listen now. Really good stuff. Narayan is awesome...love the chanting section just past the midpoint.
These songs are fun on their own, but I may never play the whole album through again.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
This one isn't doing it for me. It's not bad, but nothing really stands out. "This Year's Model" was catchy the first time I listened to it, but either somehting is lost here, or it has more depth that needs more time to absorb. I gave this 2 listens and it didn't stick much more the second time. Unlikely to come back.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Fred Neil
2/5
Who is this guy, and what is up with that album cover? So many other artists that did this genre better at the time. Nothing particularly stands out here. This isn't bad, it just isn't essential to me.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
The Hives
2/5
I loved when this wave of bands hit the scene. It was a refreshing and much needed transition away from the cesspool of nu metal. The albums that made it into my collection back then were VVV by The Hives. 3 White Stripes albums and the first 2 Strokes albums. I would rank The Hives 3rd among those bands. White Stripes and The Strokes share the top spot, depending on the day. VVV was an album that I didn't usually make it all the way through. I just tired of the album fairly quickly.
...Your New Favorite Band. I did not know that this existed. Now I'm not sure why it does and even more perplexed that it's on this list. It's a collection album, right?
I did listen all the through it and it's just not that interesting. The best part about it was that it led me to a re-listen through of The Strokes debut. Wow, I've missed it...that's a 5 star album from me. Today's offering from The Hives...not so much.
I'm on a disappointing run lately...average rating over the last 2 weeks? 2.5. Boo.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Queen
3/5
Queen’s best songs are among the best I’ve ever heard from any band. But I’m still waiting to hear an album that’s solid all the way through. This one charges out of the gate and the first five songs are fantastic. No one else has a sound like Killer Queen and Flick of the Wrist. Two songs I could hear at any time in any mood.
The second half of the album doesn’t hang with the first, unfortunately. Stone Cold Crazy is great, but the rest are unremarkable.
The album definitely belongs on the list. Just wish it were more consistent all the way through.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
The Doors
5/5
The original intrigue has long since worn off but this album is undeniably one of the greats. It’s a signature album of 60s psychedelic rock. Jim’s erratic energy goes so well with the constant flitting keyboard. There’s an emotional uneasiness that comes with this album, that crescendos throughout, and it shouldn’t be any other way. Every song is perfect or near to it. Necessary and without substitute.
Screaming Trees
4/5
Can’t believe I didn’t know 1 song on this. I haven’t listened to a ton of Screaming Trees, but thought I’d have some familiarity. I’ve always revered Mark Lannegan despite not knowing his/their catalogue well. This album did not disappoint. It took 2 listens to catch, but there are some fantastic songs on here. Very underrated in comparison to everything else that was big in 1996. I’d venture to guess that this is their most accessible album, and I wouldn’t call it grunge. But it’s interesting and unique. Great melodies. Lannegan’s voice is amazing. I’ll be coming back and I want to explore more of their back catalogue.
P.S., so I went and listened to ‘Other Worlds,’ their first EP from 1985. Simply astounded at what they put out then. Wow, this band will be getting much more of my ear.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Os Mutantes
4/5
I waited to rate on this one. It grated me at first, but it felt like an acquired taste kind of album. I went back to it on and off for a few days and it’s undeniably grown on me. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Glad I gave it a few chances and I can’t help but wonder how many other albums would grow on me similarly with more time.
Alice Cooper
3/5
A lot more diversity here than I expected. Felt almost like a jazz record a couple of times. No bad songs on the album but I’d really like a couple more that stand out - felt like I didn’t get that. I do always love a mix that doesn’t bury the bass. Kudos for that.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Okay, but not my kind of music. Certainly doesn’t need a double album when much of it sounds the same. Had to pop on and out of this due to length and had trouble recalling what I had heard and what I hadn’t.
Talking Heads
4/5
20 years ago, when I started my grown up job, got my first paycheck and thought I was rich, I promptly purchased half of the Talkking Heads discography. I thought they were a band I would certainly get into and just maybe, they might become my favorite band of all time. But, I found their best known singles weren't very representative of their overall sound. I wasn't ready for the full diversity of their quirkiness. They were too spastic for me and have mostly sat on the shelf along with too many others I thought I would get into.
This was not among the albums I purchased back then, but I can confidently say I would not have gotten into it. Thankfully, things, people and tastes change and this is fantastic to me now. I wish I could point to the artist(s) that pushed the envelope for me and brought the Talking Heads inside the fence. Maybe it's the way music has evolved and I'm yearning for a new "new wave". These guys were innovative in a way that was new, weird and still sounded good amidst the unfamiliarity.
This album is short of a 5 for me as it's short of nearly all the tracks being standouts. Still a great album and I'm glad it's here.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Bobby Womack
3/5
Wanted to have more listens of this one, but I'm not getting time to come back to it. Recall it being pretty good overall. Found myself bobbing along at points. I read up on Bobby's biography while listening...dude had a rough, drama-filled life. Surely it impacted his music. I'd like to come back to this.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Killing Joke
3/5
Another album I just didn't get enough time with. I have a sense of dread with any band I'm not familiar with that has post-punk as a description. What a hit and miss genre. This was pleasantly surprising. Loved the heaviness. Appreciated the defined sound and song structure. I suspect this would get a 4 rating if I had more time with it...but, gotta move on.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Lou Reed
4/5
Expected irritating, pretentious, monotony. Pleasantly surprised that I didn’t get that. Really good songwriting. Lots of melody. Reed’s delivery of talk-singing is unique and interesting, but what I like most is every lyric is understandable throughout. I always taken in the musical quality of lyrics, but not the meaning, because they’re always so hard for me to understand. This was refreshing in that sense.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Classic.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Lauryn Hill
5/5
I bought this within a year or two of its release. Ashamed to say only the first 6 songs were familiar. Absolute stand out, among the best of all time, album. What can’t she do? Amazing that she doesn’t make music anymore.
Thin Lizzy
1/5
Live album - automatic 1
CHIC
5/5
A hidden gem and the kind of album I’m in this project for. Groovy, funky perfection that so well done. Will be coming back.
The Soft Boys
3/5
This is okay...maybe pretty good. A lot of different stuff going on here. Hope to come back and it probably deserves a higher rating.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Beatles
2/5
Album 99 and first from the Beatles. I know this is the first of many. I am sorry to say that I’ve never really liked the Beatles. We’ll see if that changes as I go through the rest of this project. After Hard Day’s Night, my opinion hasn’t changed. I did like I’m Happy Just to Dance With You. Maybe because it’s Harrison singing lead. I’ll have to pay attention to that. Lennon and McCartney’s voices have always annoyed me. Maybe my lack of appreciation for the Beatles is simply that.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Elbow
3/5
Album #100.
Completely new to me. I like this at first pass. Atmospheric sound with moody chord progressions. I can't help but wonder if I'd get bored with it quickly, so I'm waffling on a rating. When in doubt, I go conservative.
1 = bad
2 = average
3 = good
4 = great
5 = outstanding
Arcade Fire
4/5
I feel like I’m half a generation off when I hear this album. I was 26 and heard “Power Out”, probably on MySpace and I loved it. It takes me back to an in between time and space where I was nowhere near being a kid, but also didn’t have a lot of grown up concerns. All the same, it’s not a part of me like the music I was listening to 10 years earlier. Really good songs from start to finish. But when I listen to it, I get this feeling of borrowing someone else’s stuff. Not my own. Another generation’s.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Incredibly interesting to listen to. Run DMC was a buzzword when I was a kid. I knew they were “rappers” but heard the grownups around me talk about how rap was a fad. I didn’t have external permission to listen to them, and that became my disposition toward hip hop for years. I’ve “caught up” to some extent and grown to love the genre, but I have a long way to go. After this 1001 project, I may take a year and listen to only hip hop.
This album was a lynchpin in taking hip hop from what it was, to what it became. The trunk of the tree. Springing up from the roots and supporting the countless branches growing up from it. A treat to listen through it.
Gorillaz
2/5
I bought this right when it came out. I likes Blur’s stuff and Clint Eastwood was amazing. Spent the next few weeks forcing myself through it and really trying to like it. That just didn’t happen. Too much filler that keeps it from being a good album. This is a band with an average, even if in a lot of ways unique, catalog. Along the way they’ve produced a handful of truly outstanding songs.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Johnny Cash
1/5
Live album - automatic 1
(Yes, I did actually listen to it)
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Lost the notes I had at first (user error). I like this album. It closes 10 times better than it opens. The band is at their best with the more artsy stuff. This is a great album, but Nothing’s Shocking is a 5…hope it’s on the list.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
So far, my favorite new exposures from this project have been funk & soul. This one started off well but I didn't find myself staying with it to the end (and through a second listen). I'm not sure what's missing for me. It's good, but I was hoping for more.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Radiohead
5/5
This is the album that was there when I wondered “what else is out there?” Grunge was getting past its heyday. The new stuff (nü metal) coming out was horrific. I loved how OK Computer went in so many different directions than what I was used to. This will always be high on the list for me.
Richard Hawley
3/5
I like this, but as background music. Calming but not very interesting. Despite the 3-star rating, I don’t think it needs to be on this list.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Dolly Parton
2/5
Not bad, but not my thing. I started to really get into this era of country 5 or 6 years ago. Most of it isn’t interesting to me now. Give me Willie, Merle and Glen. Leave the rest.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Stereolab
3/5
You know how sometimes people are irritating just for the sake of being irritating? What if one of these people was an entire album?
Okay, so I wrote those lines after the first 2 songs. Clearly, this album didn’t start off well for me. Thankfully it got better and better as it went. Slow Fast Hazel is the second to last track and I love it. Need to give this album, and band, more time.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Never heard this before. Love it. Absolutely fantastic. A perfect recipe of groove, funk, rhythm and a silky smooth voice.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
This wasn't bad, but seemed to drag on after a while. Like many albums I didn't get much time with it and wish I could give it another spin before having to move on. I feel as though I was tiring of Siouxie's voice as the album went on. I don't see this as something I would listen to regularly.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The Shamen
3/5
This was long and I thought it would be repititive, but it's wasn't. Parts of it were pretty darn catchy. I'd like to come back but don't know if I will.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Supergrass
4/5
Totally would have been my jam if I knew about it when it came out. Some really good songs on here. Was definitely hearing some Oasis (without the annoying pretentiousness) at times, and some Smashing Pumpkins too. I definitely want to hear more.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Okay, I guess. Definitely enjoyed Reed's solo effort Transformer a lot more than this. I'm also not a big fan of Nico's voice. Kind of a mood record and it's a mood I'm rarely in.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Ramones
2/5
One of those...I should really listen to "_______" kind of albums, so I was excited when it came up. 29 minutes later I thought how this really should have been an EP. Some catchy songs and melodies, but not enough variation over 14 tracks.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The Mars Volta
5/5
One of my all-time favorites.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Deerhunter
4/5
Pretty good. Another one to file in the 'really needs more time' category. I will be coming back for a few more (maybe many more) listens.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Common
4/5
Very good. Loved the vibe, overall composition. Definitely an artist to explore more.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
Not bad, but also not interesting. Don’t feel the need to come back.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Confusing experience here. On my first listen, it took a few songs to warm up to. The second half of the album was fantastic. The beats, production, delivery, artistry, musical composition were really fresh (to me...I'm a decade behind on this one). I took a second listen and was really looking forward to it growing on me more. First few songs...same. Then as I got into the later songs I really liked previously, they didn't hit the same the second time through. I'm not sure why. A quick novelty that wore off just as quickly?
We'll see. After this project ends (only a quick 880 to go), I really want to dive deeply into hip hop. I'll come back to this one, I'm sure.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
One of my favorite albums in high school. There was nothing quite like this, although some bands approached this sound. Loved the hard-hitting sound, the defiance in the lyrics, even though I didn't truly understand the message. Today there's not as much enjoyment in the aggressiveness as there once was. Still a great album.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The Band
2/5
I feel like I'm "supposed" to like this album more, and while it's not bad, it's not something I would listen to often.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Radiohead
5/5
124 Albums in. 5 Radiohead albums. This is a time and place album for me and when I hear it, it always takes me back to my last montsh of college. Classload was light and it was the last time in my life with little responsibility. My roommates and I loved this album and listened to it a lot, and really for the sake of listening well. It's one of the most complete, most perfect albums I've ever heard.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Where was I when this came out? So much in common with everything I was listening to at the time that I can't believe Ive never heard of it. I do wish I could hear many of the albums from this time again, for the fist time, and Bandwagonesque was kind of like doing that. That said, either this one doesn't quite stack up against my favorites, or my interests are not really here anymore. Maybe some of both. I want to come back to this later.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Goldie
2/5
Yeah, so this made me realize I'm not a jungle fan. This became more listenable as it went, but it's overly long and not my style.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Brian Eno
2/5
This needs to go with something. On it's own there's just not enough happening for me (I know that's what ambient is).
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Living Colour
3/5
Why did only the leading track get airtime? It's the only song I know on the album, but the rest of it is so much better than the rock music that was out in 1988. Ahead of their time. I like the variation in sound. A lot of different stuff giong on here.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
System Of A Down
4/5
One of my favorite bands, but not my favorite album by them. System's output improved over time as the songwriting improved and continued to bring in more varied elements. This one is still great, but not the album I'd have on this list.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Amy Winehouse
5/5
This is not an album I would go to very often, but it's undeniably great. Superb orchestration. in particular, love the bari sax bass lines every time they come in. Amy's voice, while not my favorite, fits the overall sound and mood to a T.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Mylo
3/5
Kind of interesting as background music. I really don't mind the repitiveness and looped samples...In My Arms, in particular is one enjoyed. I could maybe see coming back to this, but not super often.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Steely Dan
3/5
Muscially, this is very good. Incredible composition. Everything has it's place and even the vocals are as much an "instrument" as the guitars, horns, keyboards. But, it's just too dated for me. These guys were trying to be cool at the time...maybe they were, I dunno. But they're certainly not now. A bit tough to reconcile that when I listen. Really respect what they did here, but it's not my thing.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Not really sure where I come out on this one. Impression before listening was based on name, album cover and Wikipedia article showing UK post-pop...not a good mix. Did not get what I expected when I hit 'play'. The first two songs were quite good and I thought this might be a favorite new album. But the rest didn't continue in the same vein. Not bad, and it stayed quite musical, but it didn't keep a hold on me either. Good album overall and glad I got to listen to it.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Django Django
3/5
That was kinda cool. Clearly a lot going on in the song arrangement and vocal harmonies. My 7 year-old loves the album, which is a compliment with his good taste in music. Pleasant to listen to overall, but I probably won't come back much.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The Smiths
2/5
The Smiths continue to be a 1-album band for me. Love TQID, but this one and Strangeways don't have the same appeal to me. Just so much more going on melodically with TQID, and I need that from this band. If the melody isn't a superlative, the music is still really good, but I can't get past the impression of boredom in Morrissey's voice. I'm sure he's not bored...it just sounds that way to me. Looking forward to their debut, which I assume is on this list.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Janet Jackson
2/5
Okay, I guess. An album that's been part of my consciousness since it came out and was all over the radio. This came out in the summer between 6th and 7th grade and through no fault of its own, corresponded with the age kids stopped being kids and started being mean. Some lingering PTSD for sure going on there, but these songs (and many others) associate with that time.
Now that I've got that out. This is the kind of music I listened to and "liked" because it's what was accessible. Needless to say, grunge could not have come too soon.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Bob Dylan
3/5
As familiar as I am with Bob Dylan, there is a lot of music I haven't heard. I know very few albums all the way through. I like his music, and some of his songs are among the best I've ever heard. That said, this album wasn't particularly exciting to me. I may be a Bob Dylan greatest hits fan, and not as much of an all-in Bob Dylan fan. I suspect there will be many opportunities through this list to find out.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Grizzly Bear
3/5
This is different, and interesting because of that. I thought round 2 and 3 of listening to it would sell me and I'd have a new favorite in the rotation. That didn't quite happen, I think because despite everything that's happpening, there's not much that stays with me that I want to hear again. The exception is, \"While You Wait For the Others\"...super cool song.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
ABBA
3/5
Some good stuff in here, but some that just kinda dragged. Some songs I’d definitely like to hear again and I hope to come back.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Pixies
5/5
The kind of album I came here for. And the kind of album I wish I was aware of when it came out. The question is, would 12 year old me have appreciated it at the time? Probably not. It’s a 5 now though.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
John Lee Hooker
4/5
I’m not a blues guy, but if I want to listen to the blues, I’m coming back to this.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
ABBA
2/5
Not much that stands out here.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Surprised at the depth of content here after really only knowing “that one song”.
The glottal singing (probably calling it the wrong thing) gets annoying and whiny very quickly. Gotta take the bad with the good.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
4/5
A big favorite of mine in HS. Somehow I overlooked the nasal vocals back then, but it’s all I hear now. Wonderwall, gimme Ryan Adam’s version every day. Still a lot of emotional attachment to this record and that wins out in the end.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Fishbone
3/5
This was all over the place, and not what I expected. The only song of theirs I knew was Swim, from Last Action Hero. I always skipped over that one. But I really enjoyed this album and all the variety in in.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
PJ Harvey
2/5
Some interesting stuff here but not enough to keep me coming back. Enjoyed the first listen more than the second and third. Interesting & unique can’t be assumed to have a continuing allure. On Battleship Hill and In The Dark Places are songs I’d like to hear again, but would be okay without the rest.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Flamin' Groovies
2/5
An hour is way too long for this. Nothing that I have to hear again.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Fugees
3/5
I like this. I bought the CD 20 years ago and really haven't listened to it a lot. I hope to more.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The xx
3/5
Enjoyed this. Good, but I wouldn’t call it great. Reminded me of Of Monsters and Men’s ”Fever Dream” at times. That’s an album I like, but was a bit disappointing at the same time. This sound is great as background music.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Iggy Pop
4/5
First listen...trash. Second listen...wait a minute...
I haven't gotten to the third time around, but looking forward to it.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Paul Weller
2/5
This isn't an album I have to hear before I die. It's good music, but not memorable and I don't need to hear it again.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The Police
3/5
Some truly great 80s pop here. The album doesn’t hold all the way through, and it’s interesting that the hits are later in the album and most on side two of the vinyl. The hits are songs I could listen to anytime, any day. The rest, I’m completely indifferent. Hard not to give this at least a 4, but I’m rating the album as a whole.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Black Sabbath
5/5
I first heard this album as a fifteen year old, and when the album was 20. 30 years later, the heavily distorted guitar riffs, sliced through with Ozzy’s sharp edged vocals still give me the chills.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
I’ve known of this band for a long time, but never really knew their music. Just Snakedriver from The Crow soundtrack. I expected something more industrial and pretentious. This was actually pretty good. A little monotonous, but there’s a lot of monotonous stuff I love. Crazy they were doing this in 1987.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
3/5
They go in a lot of different directions here and I really like some of them. Victoria is a cool song, even though I prefer the up-tempo live version. Fantastic dark psychedelic sound on Some Mother's Son. Sangri-La rocks, as well. I think this is a band where I really love my favorites by them, but can easily leave the rest.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Stan Getz
2/5
Not bad, but this is background music for me, and doesn't really hold my attention.
Tito Puente
4/5
Good, but I’m not and never will be programmed for this kind of fun.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Super weird overall and not in a good way. 1 listenable song on the whole album (Songs of Love), which oddly enough, is quite good.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Talk Talk
2/5
Some interesting soundscapes here, but no real standout track. The singer’s voice is incredibly unique, but it gets kind of tiring after a while.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Fantastic pop rock. This blows away Imperial Bedroom, which came up earlier on this list. Almost every song is great. I have and will continue to keep coming back to this from time to time.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Lorde
4/5
One of my favorite discoveries when I gave this a shot about a year ago. Not at all my kind of music but I keep coming back to it.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Listened to this 2-1/2 times and it’s just not for me. Singer songwriters are hit and miss for me, and Joni seems to be a miss. Bummer since so many musicians and people whose musical opinions I respect really love this album. I’ll come back for a few more tries, but for now, this is underwhelming.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Megadeth
3/5
Haven't listened to this all the way through in years. Expected to give a 4 (or higher), but it wasn't as great as I remember.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Funkadelic
2/5
A little irritated that this isn't on Spotify. Just didn't get to spend the time with it that I wanted to. Kinda wish I could assign no rating and move on.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Boards of Canada
2/5
I've heard this raved about, but it doesn't resonate with me.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Never heard of this guy. Good. Not great. Would definitely listen again, but not frequently.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Massive Attack
3/5
I like this, but it never truly clicked deep with me, even though I really wanted it to.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Mike Ladd
2/5
Certainly a vibe here, but not my vibe. Irritated by some of the vulgar lyrics.
1 - bad
2 - average
3 - good
4 - great
5 - outstanding
Portishead
3/5
The Kinks
2/5
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
1/5
Disliked just about everything about this.
Neil Young
3/5
Tori Amos
4/5
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
Little Simz
3/5
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Small Faces
2/5
Jumping back into this after a long time out. I don't see a place to rate this album...maybe that part of this has changed?
This album is okay, but not something I'd come back to.
Pixies
4/5
I was 12 when this came out and that made it too soon for me. I wouldn’t have appreciated it then. This is an incredible album. Weird and raw, but somehow still very well put together. The standout tracks are some of the most unique songs I’ve ever heard. Some seem a bit “filler” to me, but I probably just need more time with it.
Wild Beasts
1/5
This one may have ended this project for me. A big fuck you from Robert Dimery to his readers.