528
Albums Rated
3.36
Average Rating
48%
Complete
561 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Shoegaze
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
85
5-Star Albums
44
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yank Crime | 5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
| Atomizer | 5 | 2.72 | +2.28 |
| Isn't Anything | 5 | 2.74 | +2.26 |
| My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| Damaged | 5 | 2.87 | +2.13 |
| The Contino Sessions | 5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
| Spiderland | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Ghosteen | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Teenager Of The Year | 5 | 3 | +2 |
| Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle | 5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| (What's The Story) Morning Glory | 1 | 3.84 | -2.84 |
| 21 | 1 | 3.69 | -2.69 |
| Definitely Maybe | 1 | 3.52 | -2.52 |
| The Marshall Mathers LP | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| Reggatta De Blanc | 1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
| Diamond Life | 1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
| The Köln Concert | 1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
| The College Dropout | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
| Achtung Baby | 1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
| Shake Your Money Maker | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Talking Heads | 4 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 5 | 4.8 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 4 | 4.5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Sonic Youth | 3 | 4.67 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Doors | 2 | 5 |
| LCD Soundsystem | 2 | 5 |
| Pavement | 2 | 5 |
| Arcade Fire | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 4 | 4.25 |
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
| Beck | 3 | 4.33 |
| Brian Eno | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Oasis | 2 | 1 |
| Eminem | 2 | 1 |
| Everything But The Girl | 2 | 1.5 |
| U2 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Motörhead | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Police | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Kanye West | 1, 4 |
| Miles Davis | 5, 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (85)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
N.W.A.
4/5
One of the more iconic records of this genre. The problem I’ve got with this and others like it is theyre just so one dimensional. Great music, great flow, but lyrically suspect. If I had a pound for every time there was a reference to bitches, money, or being hard as fuck, Id probably have about £147. It just gets old, quickly.
Sadly the more important themes which they cover incredibly well are still prominent 30 odd years on which is fucking shameful.
That said, it is enjoyable especially as background music. Production is great and they manage to include a few different influences throughout it (I’m sure they borrowed a riff or two from Bowie, especially in Gangsta Gangsta).
First time I’ve properly listened to these outside of their hits, but I’ll be back. Probably a 3.5 but I’ll round up to a 4.
4 likes
Korn
1/5
Didnt really like it then, dont like it now. Aged worse than I expected. Aged worse than I have. Shite.
4 likes
U2
1/5
Never liked U2, but also never really bothered, so I was quite pleased this popped up to give them a proper go. An album produced by Brian Eno influenced by a post cold-war Berlin couldnt be more up my street. Or at least I thought so.
This is shit.
I think it’s the lyrics. Theyre cheesey and predictable at best. But even then, musically nothing jumps out. Just middle of the road fodder. Beige. The equivalant of a Rich Tea biscuit. Which is a bit disrespectful of a rich tea, at least they have a place in life (after the Hobnobs have been eaten).
Actually the more I listen to this the more annoyed I get. Whats Eno doing going near this? I’ve been sold a lie and I demand 55mins and 26seconds of my life back, which I’ll use to buy decent biscuits so I don’t have to contemplate a rich tea.
3 likes
1/5
I think this is the worst thing I’ve ever heard. Even nostalgia couldnt save this one for me.
3 likes
Pavement
5/5
Love Pavement me. The band that influenced every decent indie band since the 90s. Their later stuff is more ‘polished’ but they absolutely nail the balance between that noise / scuzzy / slacker sound and belting tunes on this record. This is one of them perfect records for me where if a total newcomer said ‘what is indie rock?’ then I’d direct them to this.
If I were putting together a supergroup, Stephen Malkmus would probably front the band. Legend.
2 likes
1-Star Albums (44)
All Ratings
Taylor Swift
4/5
I like this, can tell she has spent time working with and listening to The National (which was the main reason I gave this a go when it came out!). I much prefer this side to her, albeit it’s not ever as good as the bands she is trying to sound like (Bon Ivor, National, Iron & Wine, etc). Credit to her for making a record like this - a total change in direction and she does make it her own.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Enjoyed this, a lot more poppy than I expected. Definitely prefer their Neu! work but this stands up on its own. When it’s good, I loved it. A few drifty moments but when it hits form, it’s great. Prefer the man machine
Talking Heads
5/5
I love Talking Heads, and this record sums up a lot of what I love about them. In a time when soul, punk and glam rock seemed to dominate, you have this weird art-pop-rock collective making weird accessible music you can dance too. I just think the whole album is ace from start to finish, and even today sounds fresh and unique to me. I cant think of anyone who comes close to Talking Heads in terms of making this type of music. Strange enough to be interesting, catchy enough to catch on. Just what you’d expect from something Brian Eno has been involved in. Id love to have a pint with Brian Eno.
Radiohead
5/5
Love this record. Pushes a lot of boundaries, especially at the time. Dark, electronic, experimental AF, ambient at times, rocky at others. Some killer bass riffs too. Can tell instantly that it’s Radiohead but can also hear the electronic influences that has seen them through ever since (Aphex Twin being a key one that was often mentioned in interviews). In Rainbows is still king for me, but without Kid A In Rainbows wouldnt exist
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Used to be my favourite Led Zeppelin album growing up. Loved the shift to the pyschedilic weird folky sound of this record, Friends being my favourite off this and my favourite all time LZ song. Gallows Pole, Immigrant Song, Since I’ve Been Loving You, all belters. Been about 15/20 year since I last heard this but I still love it
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
Struggled to understand about 60% of what he sang, but quite enjoyed it overall. Lots more energy than I expected and enjoyed it more as it went on. Can’t shake the fact he’s a wrong’un though
Mylo
3/5
Before Calvin Harris we had Mylo... Definitely vibes of 2-4-1 Becks on a Monday night, but enjoyed parts of this. Mainly the album tracks and In My Arms, but not bad at all! Guilty of Love a highlight
Culture Club
3/5
Expected to hate it after disliking all CC singles that I’ve heard. Skipped track 1 but enjoyed most of the album, decent enough background music with some nice surprises. Probably won’t listen to it again but it’s definitely improved my opinion of them.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Knew very little about Rufus Wainwright so I was looking forward to this. Incredible voice, excellent lyrics, and on a whole really well put together. At times it did drift in and out of substance and I think it’s probably a bit too long, but overall thought it was very good. Will return. Particularly liked the tracks that flirted with Radiohead
Tori Amos
2/5
Boring version of Kate Bush. Not bad at all, great voice, but struggled to pay attention
The Strokes
5/5
Absolute belter from start to finish. Undeniably now a ‘classic’ and the quintessential early 00s ‘New York’ band. Shame they influenced so much shit in the mid 00s (although some of the blame must lie with the Libertines…) but they can be forgiven. Tomorrow’s album wont be as good as this.
The xx
4/5
Another album I’m familiar with, and another I really like. Easy to forget how massive this was too. My only criticism is they do have a ‘tried and tested’ sound that is repeated through the album, but for the whole works in their favour.
The Doors
5/5
3 absolutely belters in a row! Another album from my youth which I haven’t listened to in a while, but instantly felt familiar. I think I prefer their self titled album, but this is still an absolute classic. Only downside to listening to this now is I’m at work and not a smokey bar with a whisky…
Songhoy Blues
4/5
4 in a row! What a great streak. Love this album (their later stuff is great too - well worth diving into!). Along with the likes of Tinariwen and Imarhan, it’s ridiculous to think of how much bluesy/pysch/rock talent has come out of this region.
The Doors
5/5
Another belter, long live the streak! I used to play this on repeat when I was about 18, and it still feels new today. Love it.
The Kinks
3/5
Quite enjoyed this, but it was exactly what I was expecting. Probably would listen to it again for a bit inoffensive background music. I reckon I’d have given it 5 star if I was listening to it for the first time back in the 60’s, but it just now feels unexciting
Queens of the Stone Age
5/5
I’ve listened to this 100000 times already, and I’m so glad it made the list. I feel it gets overlooked a lot by QOTSA fans, but this to me is quintessential Queens (well, perhaps Rated R is but this paved the way). Robotic, hypnotic, weird… I don’t think there’s a song on it that you’d play at a house party compared to later records, but all the more reason for this being a rough little gem punching above its weight
Beach House
5/5
This was my AOTY for 2010. Haven’t listened to it in years, but still sounds as good now as it did back then. Felt strangely nostalgic too for a time that doesn’t feel very long ago. Absolutely class. This album got me into Bella Union, never looked back.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Surprised at how much I recognised from this without knowing it was them. There’s a couple of tracks I really didn’t like but that was offset by how much I enjoyed large parts of the rest. I’d never heard The Boxer until now, but what a song!
Fats Domino
2/5
Couldn’t get away with this sadly. I really like this kind of music and have listened to and liked other things by FD, but this on a whole didn’t do much for me!
The B-52's
5/5
This is just class. I think I needed to hear this when I went through my brief Cramps phase when I was about 20. Weird, punky, elements of Talking Heads at times with the natural awkwardness of DEVO. Could even hear echoes of Stories from the City by PJ Harvey, and bits of LCD Soundsystem in the guitar sound (especially the last 1min of Rock Lobster). Often flirts with becoming novelty but pull it back at the last second. Class. Mint. Belter. Toppa. 5/5 from me.
Metallica
3/5
On a whole, I do think this is pretty good but it didn’t age as well as I hoped. Perhaps though as a 16 year old when I first listened to this I was more susceptible/impressed by solos and heavier riffs. I find them boring now, and I extend that to the long repetitive riffs which at first sound class but after hearing it a few times they get old quick. Agree with Jamie that this is too long. 20mins shorter with less of the ‘my dad’s harder than your dad’ riffs/solos and this wouldve been a solid 4.5/5! Oh, and another point chalked off for some incredibly 6th form-esque lyrics.
If they were playing a festival I was at I’d definitely make the effort to see them. Anyway, once through is enough for me, I served my time back in 2004 with this one. I’m going back to B-52s…
Soul II Soul
2/5
Meh. A bit of a misc album for me. Neither nout nor something. If this is your cuppa tea I think you’d love it, but apart from the mad flute and the Back to Life remix, it did nothing for me.
Pulp
5/5
A 90’s gem. Reminded me how sad I am I missed out on tickets for their new tour.
I don’t think anyone tells a story in a song like Jarvis Cocker, and when he cranks up the emotion it’s like a punch in the stomach. It’s long, but I never got bored or wished it was shorter. A brave change too following Different Class, and definitely a more refined sound than almost all other bands of that Britpop era. They reckon this album finished Britpop. Good.
It’s been a long time since I properly listened to this and even then there’s a good few songs I didn’t recognise. Sounds fresh. Sounds class.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
When I saw Leonard Cohen pop up I was hoping it would’ve been one of his older ‘classics’ as he’s another one who I heard the odd song by, liked, but never dived in. That said, I still really enjoyed this, can definitely see why Matt Berninger / Mark Lanegan often get compared to him. His lyrical style is up there with the best and the time flew by. Will definitely check this out further and look into his back catelog.
The Black Crowes
1/5
Never realised this version of Hard To Handle was by Black Crowes. That realisation was probably my highlight. Oh and that the singer was married to Kate Hudson. She Talks to Angels has a nice guitar intro and a heartfelt theme, if a bit cliche. But then this whole album is canny cliche. Once upon a time I’d have probably really liked this, but I also used to like Eastenders and used to drink cans of Fosters and I think both of them are shit now too
Animal Collective
4/5
I think I overplayed this when it first came out as its been a good 10 year or so since I last heard it. Thankfully I still enjoyed it as much as I used to. Perfect psychedelic pop which is just weird and experimental enough to keep it interesting without ever becoming boring for me (although from memory I remember people we’re definitely split on that!)
Caetano Veloso
3/5
I’d only ever heard one song before by him and that was only because Beirut covered it, so was nice to dive a bit deeper in. Felt strange listening to pure sunshine when it was lashing it down and very grey, but it was a nice listen nonetheless. (Much prefer Elza Soares in terms of Brazilian musicians. She’s a total legend. Music that sounds like it’s been written by someone 1/4 her age!)
Extra credit due to him being a key part in the left wing battle against the far right Brazilian govt back in the 60s/70s. But, I then found out he was also a wrang’un.
D'Angelo
2/5
Meh. Found this quite boring, not my usual cuppa tea. Had some nice little interesting parts to this, particularly the bass in Alright. Can see how it’s gone on to influence others, especially the likes of Blood Orange. Could not be bothered with this one but enjoyed it slightly more than I expected, although I can’t see me listening again.
4/5
Never heard of these before. Bright future ahead of them. It sounds at times like they’d had a little bit of drugs, but that’s ok.
Fixing a Hole was my favourite track of first run through. When I’m Sixty Four had elements of the theme tune from One Foot In The Grave, and sounded a bit novelty compared to the rest of the album.
Will definitely return to this, from these bright young upstarts
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Enjoyed this. Vaguely familiar with a small handful of their songs, mainly from the Woodstock DVD I used to watched aaaagggeeesss ago. Much preferred their bluesier stuff to their more country style, but overall very good. Will return
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Incredible voice with a couple of hits guaranteed to get stuck in your head. I grew up with soul in the house and this is definitely more up my street than some of her contemporaries. Dont Forget About Me was my highlight. Probably wouldnt return to it but glad I listened to it and would definitely recommend to others into this genre
Big Star
4/5
I’d never heard of or listened to these before. Sounded so much before it’s time, plenty of nice surprises in this too including a decent cover of Femme Fatale. It’s only with the hindsight of listening to it you can hear how many bands they influenced (heard a few glimpses of Teenage Fanclub and Wilco throughout). Their sound is even more impressive given the landscape of music at the time.
Pink Floyd
4/5
First time I’ve ever properly listened to PF, finally ‘get them’. Incredible album, so many layers to it. Easy to forget how influential they were and how iconic some of these songs are starting from the off. Only managed to listen through once (busy weekend), but I’ll definitely be returning soon to this one and I imagine I’d be rescoring this a 5
M.I.A.
4/5
This grew and grew on me as it went on. Some absolute bangers on this, albeit some did sound quite dated. Boyz has been a regular on my ‘songs I like that my wife will also like’ playlist for a while, but I think Jimmy was my highlight. Didn’t realise she has an MBE. Disappointed to learn that for all the good work shes done outside of music, she’s one of them daft anti-vax/5G conspiracy theorists.
Iggy Pop
4/5
I was surprised this was the Iggy Pop album they picked, given his back catalogue. Pleasantly surprised though as I’m a casual Iggy/Stooges fan and and never listened to this until now. His delivery is totally different from Stooges / other Iggy Pop albums, almost sounds like a robot at times.
Glad it popped up though. Weird, twisted, innovative post-punk. I can hear influence from this in almost every band I’ve ever loved. Can definitely hear the Bowie influence too, but in a good way. I imagine this is played at 5am at the end of every nightclub in Berlin. Sounds like it should anyway.
Laibach
3/5
I think I liked this. I really can’t tell. I started thinking how terrible it was but then found I listened to it a few times over. It is too long, and there is some bits that arent my cuppa tea, but the bits that were good I really enjoyed. A very confusing listen.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Love Velvet Underground, the most interesting/innovative band of that era for me. This isnt my favourite VU album, prefer Loaded / VU & Nico, but this is still great. It’s also probably my least listened to album by them so will definitely spend a more time on it
Bad Company
2/5
Pretty sure I enjoyed this a lot more when I was younger. I think I was hoping for an album of ‘Feel like making love’ - that’s how I remembered this. Reminds me a little bit of a luke warm cup of coffee. You know you’d have enjoyed it more when it was first made, but it’s still ok. Perks you up.
Bit underwhelmed by it now, although there’s still a few decent highlights to it. Better than a lot of this type of rock of that era.
Mj Cole
1/5
20mins in to this I decided I owe it to myself to stop listening.
Shite.
Def Leppard
3/5
Enjoyed this way more than I expected. Feel like I’ve said that a lot since starting this. I usually find the whole NWOBHM / 1980s rock very cheesey, but I thought this was canny. Quite a few songs started off sounding a bit cheesey but ended up surprisingly melodic. I’ll definitely return to this for a bit background music
New Order
5/5
I love this. So many great songs and way ahead of its time. More upbeat than other NO records, but nails that whole synthy/dancey rock vibe. I always feel like it’s taboo to say, but the older I’ve got the more I sway towards New Order rather than Joy Division.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Never listened to Billy Bragg before, big fan of Wilco though. This one slipped me by, but it’s going in my frequent circulation pile. Proper underrated gem this, with ‘Way Over Yonder’, being my highlight. In fact the opening 3 or 4 songs were all ace
5/5
Always assumed ‘Victoria’ was by The Fall, didn’t realise it was a cover.
Anyway, couldnt be bothered with this. Mondays are always really busy for me, but I’m glad I made the time. This is class. How’s it like 50 year old? Can hear so many bands in this record. Much prefer this to previous Kinks.
Another concept album that’s way better than it sounds on paper.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Enjoyed big chunks of this but it often got a bit distracted. Can music procrastinate? If so I think this album does that a lot (and I know a thing or two about procrastinating). Can definitely tell Brian Eno played a part in this.
Nice background music with some really good parts and interesting sections, if you knocked about 15mins off I think this would be a 4 for me. Will probably listen to it again but mainly to try stop me procrasti
Devendra Banhart
4/5
Very familiar with more recent DB records but I’ve never listened to this one before. Really enjoyed it, I think this style can often sound familiar or samey, but he manages to keep it interesting with his sound and lyrics. Mostly folky, sometimes lo-fi-y, always bordering strangeness. Most of this album wouldn’t be amiss on a Wes Anderson film, or pretty much any mid-2010s indie film.
Various Artists
2/5
Big fan of Christmas songs usually, but most of these were pretty flat. A few exceptions but I dont even have the enthusiasm to remind myself and type them here. If Phil gifted this to me, I’d probably regift it next year.
Coldplay
2/5
Some fairly decent tracks on this, nothing amazing. Pretty much the same template used across the album. Also have to remember that at the time the charts were full of Spice Girls, Take That, Vengboys etc., and this is on a total other level to that. Decent songwriter really, it’s just not for me
Yes
5/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Refuse to believe its age. Massively innovative and unbelievably influential on lots of bands I love, without having ever listened to them before. Not a single song passed without me thinking ‘this is class’, or at the very least ‘this is interesting’. Although I am soft for odd beats / angular riffs / general chaos in songs
Dinosaur Jr.
5/5
My favourite album so far since I joined this. Familiar with later DR stuff but this is entirely new on me and I loved every second. They nail the whole distorted lofi indie rock while still being melodic. I use the word ‘influential’ a lot on these little reviews, but it’s difficult not to hear bands that followed (like Pavement, Built to Spill, Grandaddy, Dismemberment Plan etc.) take influence from this. Totally class.
Pantera
4/5
Not my cuppa tea anymore but this is pretty damn good. Brought back lots of nostalgic memories too (mainly listening to this on my Creative Zen mp3 player on the way to college). Nowhere near as cliche as other metal albums that have made this list, and the riffs are something else. Rifftastic, if you will. I just wish 99% of Sunderland metal bands circa 2006 weren’t pale imitations of Pantera. Kinda cheapens it for me through no fault of the Pantera chaps.
Nina Simone
4/5
I don’t think there’s any doubting how incredible Nina Simone is. Apparently this album was made up of songs that didn’t make previous albums! Quite amazing.
I’m a big passing fan of Nina Simone, if that exists. Like I’ve listened to her a lot but mainly her bigger songs and albums, rather than a proper listen like this.
Even the songs that sometimes don’t hit like others still have this pain in her voice. Kinda forces you to stop and listen. Her voice is like no other I’ve ever heard, and for use of a better term, she’s versatile as fuck. She covers blues, soul, jazz, pop… chuck in her gospel roots and it just works so well.
I Love Your Lovin Ways, Break Down and Let it All Out, and Black is the Colour of my True Loves hair were my favourites, but I think most songs caught my attention in different ways.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Not a big rap fan but quite like Kendrick Lamar. Think I preferred ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ but this is also great in its own right, and I imagine it’ll grow into a classic one day. Lyrically, it’s superb. Doesn’t follow the usual / stereotypical rap template - manages to easily mix the simple with the complex. I read a while ago that this album was being used in Universities to study language, alongside books by Hemmingway (I think Hemmingway anyway, my memory aint great).
Only downside is it’s a bit long for a casual rap fan like myself, but regardless of that he’s the best of the best in his area (especially since Kanye West decided he was actually a massive bellend)
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
I love B&S. Spotify reckons they’re my 3rd most listened to band since I joined in 2009. Despite that, Tigermilk is for some reason one of their albums I haven’t ‘milked’ as much.
On a whole I think this a good record with the delicacy and intricacy you expect from B&S. It’s not their best though. It sounds to me like a young band finding their way, before perfecting it on follow up albums (If You’re Feeling Sinister in particular being a gem of a follow on).
I can’t bear to vote them anything less than a 4, as they are such a special band, but this album isn’t quite as special as others. And it’s the album up for review, not the band. But I love them. Perhaps if I spent as long working as I have agonising over an arbitrary star rating system, I perhaps wouldn’t have to work late tonight.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Having overplayed Bob Marley a lot in my youth, I thought I wouldnt really get on with this. Turns out that despite me being a ‘big Bob Marley’ fan when I was a teenager, I’d never listened to this and I’d only heard a few tracks (turns out listening on repeat to Legend and Exodus is only a fraction of his work).
Really liked this though and it’s made all the better for not being expertly produced like some of his bigger records. Really adds to it and brings out the other instruments more rather than the typical wahwah/drum beat combo which a lot of reggae borrows. Feels a lot more of a band playing than other records, even if they are purposely more minimal. Lyrically, I dont think you can beat Bob Marley for telling his truth and baring all. I’m also a sucker for anyone sticking it to ‘the man’.
Here’s a little fact I found out recently, remember the kids show Arthur on CBBC? The theme song was sang by Bob Marley’s son, Ziggy Marley. I still know most of the words.
David Bowie
3/5
This started to grow on me after a few listens, and there’s some killer highlights, but I’m not sure I get the hype. This often comes in the top 100 of all time lists, and gets referred to as Bowie’s ‘second best album’, but it didn’t really do it for me. Not like with Aladdin Sane, Low, Blackstar, Heroes… It’s good, but it’s not that good.
Beastie Boys
4/5
This is very fun. Makes me wish I could dance like a cool New Yorker. There’s a hell of a lot I recognise, either from samples of other songs or having been sampled on others. Fight for your right brought back nice nostalgic memories from a random casette I had as a kid - me and my sister used to play that on repeat circa 96.
Never properly paid enough attention to these, but glad I have now. Very iconic, can instantly recognise their sound, and a lot more layered at times than I expected
Jeff Beck
3/5
Decent enough. Never listened to anything by him before, strange that it cropped up on the list a few days after he died. I think I’d have loved this when I was about 18, and mad into Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Echoes of both at times. Also found it interesting how many of his songs he started off sounding like Rod Stewart vocal wise, before thankfully changing into his own style. One Rod Stewart is enough for me, thank you very much.
His cover of Ol’ Man River was my highlight, along with Beck’s Bolero and Shapes of Things.
Pixies
5/5
Perfect from start to finish.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Really enjoyed this. I think I just about enjoyed ‘You Want it Darker’ more, which is testament to his longevity. But this is probably one of the more intense albums I’ve heard, and his lyrics and voice stand up with the best. Dress Rehearsal Rag was my highlight
Beatles
4/5
I really enjoyed this. Found it went by relatively quickly and before I knew it I’d listened to it 3 or 4 times over. Different to what I was expecting, I found it more ‘radio friendly’ than other stuff I’ve heard, so I was surprised to hear this was their first album on acid. ‘Girl’ was probably my favourite, reminded me a bit of Zorba the Greek… but actually I think most songs are strong and work well together
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
It was alright. But samey at times, definitely a ‘tried a tested’ approach. In some ways I preferred it to earlier Arctic Monkeys albums, especially the songs with more going on (I don’t like you anymore being my favourite), but then they take it too far - Jamie nailed it by saying they sound like they’re trying to write a Bond theme at times.
Overall, I prefer it to older Arctic Monkeys, it’s not as good as newer Arctic Monkeys (from AM), and it’s not a touch on anything James Ford has done with Simian / Simian Mobile Disco. Never listened to Miles Kane beyond his singles, and I can only assume this is better than him on his own
Slipknot
3/5
Haven’t listened to this since I went through the obligatory Slipknot phase when I was 16. It’s kind of a lot better than I’ve given it credit for over the 20 years that have passed since I loved this. In my mind they’re a band for teenagers. And maybe they are, but I thought it was canny nonetheless. Perhaps it’s because I’ve had 2 hrs sleep and I’m both delirious and in need of something loud!
Aggressive, energetic, pounding drums like not much else outside of drum and bass (remember when that was a thing?). That little tune over ‘Tattered and Torn’ was my highlight, weird in a way I cant describe but works class with the heavy backdrop. I could taste the £1 Jagerbombs when Wait and Bleed came on, and I swear my feet stuck to the floor for Spit it Out. Anyway, I’m off for another coffee
Hookworms
4/5
Great album. Less loud and punk than their previous two, but still got that familiar krautrock/pysch sound with the addition of more synth / electronic. The antithesis of laddy indie rock. Lyrically too they don’t shy away from sensitive themes, which made the allegations about the singer even more shocking at the time. Pleased to see other members have found success elsewhere- they’re far too good to have their careers cancelled by the actions of one idiot
The Who
2/5
Really didn’t take to this. It definitely has some good highlights, like Acid Queen, and Underture, but for some reason from start to finish I just wanted it to end. Musically wise it’s great at times, lyrically it annoyed me although I know it’s not a typical record in that respect. Kept going into See Me Feel Me, which is a song I love but without actually playing it fully. Not a bad album, just not for me.
The Cure
3/5
Was a bit surprised this was on the list at first. Did sound entirely whay I was familiar with at first, bar the big hitters. Seemed to be a bit slow and not really going anywhere, but the second half picked right up and after a second listen I ended up liking it. Will definitely give it a few more goes
Johnny Cash
3/5
Decent this. Never really listened to Johnny Cash, but I can get on board with this. Tells a great story, simple music but fun. Quite a bit chat between songs at times, but it kinda made it more extraordinary for me to think of this guy singing in a prison. Cant imagine Chris Martin belting out a few tracks for the likes of Gary Glitter and Rolf Harris, so fair play to Johnny. San Quentin was my favourite
UB40
3/5
Liked it more than I expected. Much prefer this sound to their big songs, albeit is quite repetitive after a while. Decent background music but no rush to return
Dire Straits
2/5
This just passed me by. Nothing stood out, nothing made me think ‘wow this is good’, or ‘this is terrible’. Just a total ‘meh’ album, I really can’t understand how it made the list. It’s obviously not a bad album and there’s some decent little guitar bits but I cant tell you which songs contained them as it was just one big bland song to me
Neu!
4/5
Loved this, already in my frequent circulation list having listened to it quite a bit since Friday. Love that whole simple repetitive beat sound with lots of layers over the top. It must’ve sounded like the future listening to this for the first time back in the mid 70s. Never realised they were originally in Kraftwerk, surely making them some of the most influential musicians going. If 4.5 existed I’d give it that - loses 0.5 pt after it slightly loses its way in the middle
Sex Pistols
3/5
Starts off well but quickly gets a bit tried and tested. I guess that’s punk rock though all over, and this is staple punk rock. Was a lot better than I anticipated given that I’d only ever heard their bigger songs and wasnt really a fan. Cant get away with Lydon’s vocals, and his lyrics are a bit confused at times. One minute ultra conservative, next calling out fascists and leaving London for Berlin. Cant deny the impact this has had though
Nick Drake
5/5
Absolute beaut of a record. Huge fan of Pink Moon but never listened to his earlier records, so I was pleased this came up. Surprised too as it’s got more of a band sound at times than Pink Moon. It grew and grew as it went on and after a few listens I grew to love it. Probably prefer Pink Moon, but I’ve known that a lot longer and it is one of my top all time records.
Genesis
3/5
A conflicting one for me. Some parts of some songs I absolutely loved, but then other bits just seemed to ramble and drift a bit too much. I think I quite liked it but I’m not sure. Feels like an album that requires a good few listens for it to click, but I dont think I want to give it that much time…
Certainly interesting that’s for sure!
1/5
I think this is the worst thing I’ve ever heard. Even nostalgia couldnt save this one for me.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Only Nick Cave could make a collection of songs about historical murders work and be so poetic. Stagger Lee being my favourite story, if not my favourite song. I love Cave when he’s in preacher mode which isnt as often on this compared to others, but it’s incredible anyway. Probably prefer the two albums either side of this but only just. Hes an absolute legend of music in my eyes!
Depeche Mode
2/5
Quite surprised by this. Heard little bits of Depeche Mode before but nothing much so I was keen to give this a whirl. The opening few tracks were about as bad as I’ve heard on this list, and on a whole the album just sounded a bit dull and boring, and bordering on the self indulgent at times. Definitely saved by the singles, and I’m certain they have better albums than this. Was expecting more
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Way more interesting than I was expecting. Heard a few tracks years ago from CSNY and thought it would be similar, folky type stuff but this definitely has more about it. Even liked the first track which no one else seemed to!
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Really didnt like this at all. Probably the most time I’ve spent wishing for an album to end on this list! I’m not even sure what I dont like about it, it’s so inoffensive and bland. Maybe thats it. The only memorable thing about it was the longing for it to end.
Either way it all sounded the same and I didn’t like that sound.
Queen
3/5
Turns out I’ve never listened to Queen before outside of their singles! Didn’t recognise a single track off this but it has changed my perception of them. It’s a lot more rocky than I ever think I gave them credit for, and has some interesting little bits here and there (can’t remember the song in particular, but it had a very weird / catchy little jangle halfway through). Gonna state the obvious here but Mercury has quite the singing range too! Sometimes he reminded me a bit of Robert Plant, which is only a good thing for me. Very pleasantly surprised me this, not half as pompus as I expected. Not really my cuppa tea to return to, but good nonetheless
The War On Drugs
3/5
Kinda think the same now as when this first came out. Very strong start which quickly drifts away and then picks up again towards the end. I still don’t get why this is so well loved by fans and critics. It’s decent; and had a massive influence on bands that have followed, but I don’t get why it gets mentioned in the same breath as records by The National or Walkmen.
Radiohead
4/5
I think Radiohead are at their best when experimenting, and this is an incredibly experimental album at times even by their standards! Took me a while to get on bored, but I think this is a grower.
Im a bit of a Radiohead fan, but I’d actually never heard of this one before. Turns out it was originally going to be a double album with Kid A but they decided it would’ve been too dense. Good call.
The more this went on; the more I liked it. Not sure I agree with all of the plaudits just yet - it certainly isn’t as good as In Rainbows / OK Computer / Kid A / Hail to the Thief (imo), BUT I think given a few more listens I might redact that statement. The more it goes on the better it sounds.
In Rainbows is pinnacle Radiohead for me, and when this started I wasnt sure it was on the same path, but by the end I was sold.
Dead Kennedys
5/5
Was instantly taken back to 2006 in my P reg Corsa with this one. It’s one of my best mate’s favourite ever albums so I used to listen to this a hell of a lot. I definitely overplayed it in the day and even the first few tracks which I used to love still sounded a little overplayed for me, but as it went on I remembered why I loved it. Holiday in Cambodia is still one of my favourite songs for tongue in cheek lyrics, and California Uber Alles still stands strong. Your Emotions is probably my favourite. Always disliked Viva Las Vegas though, still do.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Quite decent, didnt really recognise much off this but could hear their influence in others. I imagine James Brown was a fan, or the other way round, whoever came second. Very funky, a bit 60s rock at times especially with that Doorsy keyboard. More interested in their background and story than their music in a way though, probably wouldnt go out of my way to listen to them again but wouldn’t switch them off thats for sure
Gorillaz
4/5
I fucking loved this album when it came out. This is probably the only record I had at 13 that still stands the test of time (unless MPeople are now cool?). Haven’t actually listened to it since about 2002 so I was chuffed when it popped up.
For me this is Pokemon Blue on Gameboy, Phillips and Quinn on MOTD, six week’s holidays of blue sky and sun, a 20p pick and mix, Freddos that were 10p, jumpers for goalposts until it was too dark to see, knicky knocky 9 doors, Adam Sandler, New Labour, them tiny red spiders that lived on bricks, Kenan and Kel, not a care in the world. Probably, anyway, I’ve always been a worrier of some sort.
Either way this is pure nostalgia AND it’s still mint. Double Bass was my top highlight, can’t remember it first time round but I’ve had it on repeat since
Nirvana
5/5
A total classic. A staple of my late teens, and still absolutely class. Perfect blend of grunge and punk. It’s only now I can see the massive influence Steve Albini had on this too - especially the noisey, off key bits.
Nirvana’s best album.
Björk
4/5
Loved Post and Debut, but never really listened to much else from Bjork. This is different to them but still unmistakably her. A lot more electronic and even subtle at times, but never not interesting. It’s mad how popular this quirky, weird music was during a time where the charts were dominated by ultrapolished pop bands. She’s an absolute force.
The production background is interesting on this one - she confined herself to only instruments that will still sound good when downloaded (crazy how far tech has come on since then ey?!). Shows though how talented she is.
I think this is a belter, going for 4 but I reckon given a few more listens I’d be rating it up there with Post
The Offspring
2/5
Got bored quickly with this. To the point where it annoyed me a bit. It’s lost its shine which it had when I was younger. Always preferred Conspiracy of One anyway, and I think I’m one of the few people who enjoyed Splinter…
Super Furry Animals
4/5
First time listening to SFA, wish I had done so earlier. What a gem! Quite a big fan of Gruff Rhys solo stuff so I’m not sure why I haven’t bothered with them earlier.
Got a lot of what I like in a band: sometimes US indie, sometimes pysch, sometimes electronic, heavy pop tinges, often bordering on the strange. This is what I want to hear whenever I listen to Flaming Lips. Will definitely return
Metallica
3/5
I listened to this 1000 times in my teens and dont really fancy it again tbh. That said, its crammed with legendary tracks, and if it’s not the standout metal album of its generation, I don’t know what is. When I was 16, I’d have given this a 5*, and it’s definitely a 5* for its genre, but I don’t like the genre anymore.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I’m a canny massive Sinatra fan. My 4th most listened to artist since joining Spotify in 2009. Apparently. But wasnt massively bothered about this. Sounds daft, but for me Sinatra is an Autumn/Winter listen, and this was a bit too summery. More browning leaves and less balmy nights please
Fela Kuti
3/5
Enjoyed this. Unbelievably tight. Preferred the less funky parts, but when they edge more towards jazz / Afrobeat it really stood out. Will definitely check out more by Fela Kuti, it’s a new name for me but from what I’ve read he’s unbelievably influential.
Morrissey
4/5
Fuck off, Morrissey.
4.5
Astrud Gilberto
1/5
The misc music you hear on 60s films that’s so uninteresting that you dont realise it’s there. Shouldn’t be boring, but it is. If this was a food, it would be a tin of butterbeans left in a cupboard for decades. Sorry Astrud.
John Lennon
3/5
We need a category/rating for ‘I appreciate this but wont be returning’. Enjoyed bits of it but other parts just passed me by and although I can see why this is rated so highly, its just not my cuppa tea. ‘Its so hard’ and ‘how do you sleep’ were the standouts for me
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
Never heard of these before. If I was explaining them to someone who’d never heard of them before, I’d just say ‘1960s pop/rock’. Canny enough, do very well as a US Kinks / Beatles type band. Not enough to keep me bothered though
Thundercat
3/5
Still don’t really get the hype about this. I remember 6music absolutely loved it when it came out, and I never really got why. Still don’t really. It’s quite good, and has some great production, but there’s a lot of filler. When it’s good, it’s great (Where I’m Going, Them Changes, Drink Dat) but when it’s not good it just sort of drifts by.
Ute Lemper
1/5
Got quickly bored by this. Most songs flirted with being good but just lacked something. An album with Nick Cave, Philip Glass, Tom Waits etc., should’ve been great. Instantly forgettable
The National
5/5
I’ve listened to this 10000 times, so it was great to see it make the list. It’s pointless trying to write a little review to myself about this as I know how incredible a record it is. The National are the most important band in the world to me, everything they do just ooze’s class.
This record in particular is one of them where every song on it at one point in time has been a favourite of mine. From start to finish, each song is 10/10 for me. Just like Boxer before it, and Trouble Will Find Me after (my all time favourite).
If you usually love this sort of music but didn’t get this, give it another go. It took me a good few listens over a few years to go from ‘The National are good’ to ‘The National are fucking incredible!’. Theyre a slow burner, but it’s worth it.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
I quite like Cocteau Twins. One of them bands I seem to dip in and out of every so often without delving too much into them. This record is one of them, I’ve listened to it a lot without really paying too much attention so this time round a few songs sounded new.
There is a bit of filler on this, but the songs that are good are really very good. Frou-Frou Foxes and Heaven or Las Vegas being the two killer tracks for me. Can hear their influence on pretty much every shoegaze band that followed, especially MBV (minus the decibels).
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
Two albums out of the last 3 would make it into my top 5 of all time (obviously this one included!). LCD are one of them bands that have been a strong favourite of mine since about 2007 and this is my favourite album of theirs. Feel like I say it a lot, but every song is just a grade A belter. They manage to put in so many layers and complexity while making it sound so effortless.
Someone Great and All My Friends still feels like a punch in the gut all these years later, and it’s impossible for me not to get lost in Get Innocuous or nostalgic with New York I Love You. North American Scum is the soundtrack of the mid 00s. I can taste the Red Stripe just hearing the intro bars.
I’m convinced James Murphy is the best musician of my generation.
Mike Oldfield
4/5
Never knew anything about Mike Oldfield other than the creepy intro that’s used on The Exorcist. Saw this come up and really couldnt be bothered with an hour of bell music. But this was surprisingly good for me! Was not expecting this progressive, experimental sound. Good chunks of it you can hear in lots of the late 00s mathy/progressive scene. Deserves way more credit than I ever thought.
Also, he was only 19 and recorded almost all instruments! Thats mental.
Tortoise
3/5
My mate loved Tortoise and I remember dipping in and out of them before but not a proper listen. However I’m sure they had a bit more about them than this. It is good, some decent prts to it (the second track was my favourite), but I’m certain they have better records. I do quite like that jazzy / mathy / post-rocky sound, but parts of this did drift by. Still decent, would return and will revisit their other stuff.
Cream
4/5
This was way better than I expected. I’m not sure why I’m surprised as the songs I’d already heard off it I liked. First half definitely better than the second for me, seemed to tail off a bit at times, but overall a great pyschedelic rock album which at times reminded me of Hendrix. Clear influence on Them Crooked Vultures too. Canny this.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Enjoyed this. Only really knew their stuff after this record (bar Maps), but this explains a lot. Much noisier than I was expecting but in a good way. There was even one riff which was very very similar to a Big Black song - if Steve Albini didn’t produce this I imagine he’s one of their key influences. Man / No No No were my favourites
JAY Z
2/5
I like how polite this record starts. But a polite young man, he is not.
I think the lyrics in ‘girls girls girls’ might be the worst I’ve ever heard. It’s like a 14 year old from suburbia has decided to be a rapper, and come up with this. Actually quite a few songs on this has awful lyrics, but he raps them well so I guess that counts.
That said, its alright on a whole. It did grow on me as it went on. U Dont Know was probably my favourite. He certainly has high opinions of himseld.
Nout special, decent riffs here and there and some relatively catchy songs. I guess it’s just not my cuppa tea.
XTC
4/5
Really surprised with the sound on this. I’d only heard a couple of XTC songs before and always had them down as more punky. A few songs have the new wave / post punk sound, but quite a few are almost Beatles at times without ever sounding exactly like The Beatles. Then theres songs like Earn Enough For Us that is pretty much the blueprint for most late 80s / 90s US rock (REM / Guided by Voices etc).
Cracking album though, slows down a bit at times in the middle though. Grass / Meeting Place / Really Super, Supergirl / Big Day were my highlights
Sonic Youth
5/5
Absolutely class. They are just absolutely class. One of the few bands I liked as a teenager that I still like today, and easily one of the most influential alternative bands of the 80s/90s. Noisy, punky, experimental, complicated, straight forward. Just mint. Probably prefer Dirty, just, but I hope I’m never forced to pick between the two.
I met Thurston Moore once in a tiny pub in Byker. First time I’ve ever been starstruck. Sonic Youth also led to one of my more embarrassing life moments which ended up with me stark naked in a hostel lift with a very angry Spaniard. Despite that, they are still one of my favourite ever bands.
AC/DC
3/5
It’s a fun album everyone knows. Not a lot to dislike about it but not a lot to love for me either. I reckon I’d have loved this when I was 16, but that sort of thing passes me by now.
Obviously a massive record for the genre, and it’s full of riffs / solos etc., cant knock it from that point of view. Maybe it’s just been done to death?
The Saints
4/5
Never even heard of these, but I’m not quite sure how! This is pretty mint, and right up my street. Reminds me a bit of Rocket From The Crypt at times - I think they definitely owe The Saints a pint or two! Also cant believe this was a record from the late 70s - a good decade before their time and well ahead of their peers
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Decent background music. Not sure what else to add, its The Rolling Stones. But better than I remembered. Much prefer this bluesier sound than the more rock’n’roll sound I’m more familiar with. I like this, but probably wont go out of my way to go back to it
Adele
1/5
Bland pop music. Good voice, dull sound. Not for me
Gram Parsons
1/5
Never liked country music and I don’t think I ever will. I’m sure this is a belter if you like this sort of thing, but its not for me.
Bad Brains
3/5
Enjoyed this. Ten years ago I’d have given it a 4 but I’m not as much of a fan of this sort of thing now. But a good album nonetheless. Another that has obvious long reaching influence.
The singer recorded the vocals to Sacred Love over the phone when in prison. Unique, if anything!
The Black Keys
4/5
Great record this. Recognised quite a few songs off it despite never listening to this before. I remember them being the leaders of that whole garage rock / blues revolution, but I managed to listen to most of the others without the top dogs. Big fan of that whole bassy, echoey sound, and the subtle added instruments take it beyond most garage rock without detracting. Only downside for me is it is quite long, but I’ll definitely return.
For years, ‘Tighten Up’ would get stuck in my head but I never knew who it was, so I’m pleased that mystery is solved.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Absolutely loved this. Despite it being longer than I usually like i loved every second. Class
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Another favourite from my younger days! Big fan of Grizzly Bear and their various side projects. This was the record that got me into them and in hindsight, this is probably the record that got me into this whole sound - something that I’m still big into now despite not listening to Veckatimest in a while.
Once messaged them after they got heckled at the Sage in Gateshead, and they were polite enough to reply to my embarrassing fanboy message.
The Dictators
2/5
Meh. Never heard of these before, obviously influential. I don’t know why but this just didn’t land well for me, bordering on the annoying at times. Quite liked Master Race Rock and Two Tub Man, but overall a lot of it reminded me of that band Rodney was in on Only Fools and Horses. Not for me this.
Weather Report
2/5
Obviously good musicians, but this just reminded me of boring situations I’ve been in in life
The Velvet Underground
5/5
It will always amaze me that this record didn’t sell well. There’s a famous quote from Brian Eno I heard on a podcast recently that said something about how despite it only selling 20/30000 records in the first few years, everyone who bought one formed a band. As influential as anything we’ll come across on this list.
I’ve loved Velvet Underground since a teenager (it was the old Hyundai advert that peaked my interest), and I still love them today. If anything that grew over the years. This record in particular is the quintessential VU record. If someone has heard of them, theyve listened to this, and if someone’s new to them they get recommended this.
So experimental for its time, given the polished pop acts which were popular in the late 60s. It often gets cited as the record that kick started the whole ‘art rock’ sound, but there’s bits of rock, punk, pysch, the lot. It’s mint. One of the most important records of all time, and for me makes it’s peers in the day seem boring.
Rush
4/5
Thought this was great. Wasn’t expecting it at all - said this a few times about the more prog albums on this list but Qotsa/TCV owe Rush a pint or two!
Never listened to them before, but were always on the list of ‘legendary bands I should check out’, especially after that Trailer Park Boys episode.
Didnt outstay it’s welcome like some progressive records do, and was interesting enough to return to
Rush
2/5
This one totally passed me by, unlike the previous Rush entry. There were a couple of decent highlights (mainly parts of that epic intro), but overall it was quite samey for me and got boring quickly. The singer reminded me too much of Robert Plant at times, but not in a good way
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Overplayed this when it first came out and havent listened to it much since, but the break did it the world of good for me. I’m still not 100% sure it deserves all the hype - it is class, but from memory it won just about every AOTY award going and was universally scored 10/10. Critics make out its the greatest album of all time, which I don’t get.
But it is mint. It covers rap, soul, hip hop, and it’s way more experimental than 99.9% of albums in these genres. And its political as fuck, which is always a big tick for me. 4 seems too low, 5 is too high. A solid 4.75 for me
Gang Of Four
5/5
I drove down to Leeds about 10 years ago to see Gang of Four, and they’d replaced that many members that I think I was in line next. I’m certain I was older than the new singer.
Along with XTC, Gang of Four are one of them bands that always get compared with bands I love, or have had an influence in.
This record is a belter, so much more interesting and unique than other punkier bands of the time. Love anything that is a bit off beat / jangular. I guess these pretty much defined the term ‘post punk’, which is fine by me.
Basement Jaxx
3/5
This started off quite well, I was surprised how much more I enjoyed it than I thought. Then it just lost its way and all merged into one. Quite a bit nostalgia in this, and I forgot how many big songs these had (mainly off other albums…). Decent for what it is but this isn’t really my cuppa tea
Miles Davis
5/5
Love this. Got a few Miles Davis records but never listened to this. Wish I was around in that era to see this type of jazz in its peak. Often gets a bad rep as musically its allover the place, but thats what I love about it. There’s no containing it, they just go with it. As someone who makes most things up as I go along, I find this reassuring.
Always found something really comforting about jazz and Miles Davis in particular. I’ll be adding this to my ‘go to’ list for when I’ve had a shit day
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Another fun album, like Beastie Boys in that sense. Hard to know how many songs I recognised compared to how many samples. Good album though, enjoyed it. Proper 80s. Not sure how fast Id be returning to this but enjoyed it nonetheless
Korn
1/5
Didnt really like it then, dont like it now. Aged worse than I expected. Aged worse than I have. Shite.
Kid Rock
1/5
Absolutely dreadful. Who on earth thinks this is an essential album?
Deep Purple
3/5
Enjoyed this. Heard Smoke on the Water so many times it feels like the worst track on there now! Maybe I’m a Leo / Lazy were my highlights. Chunks passed me by, but for what it is - a classic rock staple - it’s pretty good!
Doves
3/5
Pleasantly surprised with this. Way better than I anticipated. My memory of them was that they were just another one of them early-mid 00s indie bands with haircuts and tight clothes that all merge into one. Only knew There Goes The Fear which I really like, mainly from 500 days of Summer. But these dont deserve that category, theres a lot more to them. Friday’s Dust reminded me a lot of every Nu Metal band of that era’s ‘slow sensitive’ song they all seemed to do. Looking at you Staind / Stone Sour / Puddle of Mud.
But aye, good this, probably wouldn’t return to it as a whole, but will definitely return to the tracks I liked. 3.75.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
What a belter! Never heard of him before, but recognised Gotta Get Up straight away, and obviously Without You and Coconut. Had very little expectations for this but it’s class, a massive range of songs and generally all very good. I imagine most of these tracks would fit into a Wes Anderson film, which is fine by me. 4.5
Tim Buckley
3/5
A decent if forgettable 60s/70s album. Bit folky at times, bit Doorsy/psych at others. Has some really good little bits that tend to get swamped with forgettable parts. Probably wouldnt bother again.
Fiona Apple
3/5
A bit disappointed by this. It’s good, but I think her later efforts are miles better. This gets a lot of hype too so perhaps my expectations were just too high! Much prefer Feth the Bolt Cutters from a few years back - a lot more interesting musically and lyrically. When The Pawn… is better too, but perhaps thats just my taste given how highly rated this is
The Vines
4/5
A proper year 9 staple this! Surprised it made the list but glad it did, must be about 20 years since I heard this. Doesnt quite sound as dated as I expected, and it’s easy to forget how decent the early 00s were for garage rock! Couple of tracks tht passed by without notice which detracts a little, but a nostalgic gem nonetheless
Orbital
3/5
Seen these before and had a brief spell years ago enjoying one of their records. Wasnt this one, but it was better. Do quite like this, decent background music. I’m certain they have better though. It also seems to have affected my ability to write semi-coherent/ structured sentences
David Bowie
5/5
This is one of my favourite Bowie albums. Probably 3rd behind Low and Aladdin Sane. One of them records that got a tonne of hype and managed to live up to it for me. I’m a sucker for anything experimental though, so perhaps I’m biased. And James Murphy was involved so I’m definitely biased.
It’s certainly not like his more glam records, but highlights how ridiculously versatile/ talented he was.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
A decent 1960s pop album. Not my cuppa tea at all, but it is very good for what it is. Recognised a few off this, and as others have said, there are a few modern day pop stars that have a lot to thank Dusty for. Cant imagine I’d return to this with the exception of putting something on when my mother in law visits. But quite enjoyed it. I think.
Tears For Fears
3/5
Agree with the other reviews on this. The stand out tracks are absolute belters (Shout / Everybody…/Head over heels), but the rest sounds a touch 80s filler. Didn’t do much for me. At times it sounds as if someone asked AI to write an 80s song. But the good tracks drag this up a level
Marty Robbins
3/5
Did not expect to quite enjoy this, but I found it strangely refreshing (for a 60-odd year old record of the most tried and tested genre!). Tells a good story too. All feels very laid back despite the topics of the songs. Does get a bit samey but feeling like a cowboy for 44mins makes up for it
Adam & The Ants
3/5
Wanted to enjoy this more… there were a few decent tracks, but the filler just drags it out a bit. Enjoyed the title track, and Feed Me To The Lions. They were probably my highlights. None of it was terrible, but it didn’t really jump out. Quite a standard new wave record
Moby
4/5
Way better than I anticipated. I think I avoided this for so many years due to the hype it had at the time, plus every advert of the early 2000s had a Moby song. Sort of cheapened it for me.
The big songs are obviously bangers, but I think If Things Were Perfect was my highlight. Surprised at how decent the other tracks were on a whole
Beastie Boys
4/5
Definitely a more refined sound than the other BB record on this list. Really enjoyed it, more jazz / funk than the other, with a few punky number’s scattered about. Will return. Favourite was Futterman’s Rule.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
A staple of my youth, or at least I thought it was - I forgot how loud and heavy they were at times, although it must be about 20 years since I last heard this. Reminds me so much of an old band practice place of my youth where everybody at one point tried to either cover or replicate this sound.
I don’t think you can talk about 90s US alt bands without mentioning Smashing Pumpkins, and this record in particular. It’s long, but it’s class. Will probably remain in that period for me, but it’s a great record nonetheless. Shame Billy Corgan went a bit weird. In fact the only thing I knock it down for is the slightly suspect lyrics at times - he certainly leaves himself open for some pisstaking.
Solid 4.5.
U2
1/5
Never liked U2, but also never really bothered, so I was quite pleased this popped up to give them a proper go. An album produced by Brian Eno influenced by a post cold-war Berlin couldnt be more up my street. Or at least I thought so.
This is shit.
I think it’s the lyrics. Theyre cheesey and predictable at best. But even then, musically nothing jumps out. Just middle of the road fodder. Beige. The equivalant of a Rich Tea biscuit. Which is a bit disrespectful of a rich tea, at least they have a place in life (after the Hobnobs have been eaten).
Actually the more I listen to this the more annoyed I get. Whats Eno doing going near this? I’ve been sold a lie and I demand 55mins and 26seconds of my life back, which I’ll use to buy decent biscuits so I don’t have to contemplate a rich tea.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Liked the jolly little flute (?) tune in Wishing Well. That was probably my highlight. Obviously good at what he does, but this aint for me. Times he reminds me of a less interesting Prince. the more it goes on the better it gets, still not really for me but it does grow more than I expected
1/5
No. Just no.
Yes
4/5
I’ve been really impressed with each Yes album I’ve heard (I think this is the third on this list?). Either way, each record is like a compilation of dozens of class riffs and melodies somehow woven together into songs that work. I imagine most artists would kill for just 10% of the ideas and creativity Yes show. Strangely for me though, despite really enjoying them I never seem to go and listen to them outside of this list.
David Holmes
3/5
Canny this. Wasnt sure what to expect, never heard of him before. Definitely wasnt expecting something like Mr Scruff though! Good background music, perhaps to its detriment at times. Would absolutely listen to this when working but it’s not the type of record you look forward to sitting down and listening through. Repetitive, naturally, but interesting enough to keep me keen. Borders on the pysch but never leaves that whole electro/dance feel. 3.5
Queen Latifah
4/5
Put off listening to this, but it’s great. Proper 80s, New York hip hop vibes. Upbeat, nicely produced, and topics that are even more relevant today. Particularly Ladies First - fighting the fight at a time when it was a lot harder to do so than today. Legend.
I didnt even realise Queen Latifah was a musician first, always just knew her as an actress. I’m probably just ignorant towards this genre compared to others, but it definitely feels like this gets overlooked in discussions about great hip hop. I’m bought in now though, will return. 4.5
Aerosmith
2/5
Aerosmith belong to that group of bands that become a parody of themselves. Hard to take them very seriously. This aint too bad though. It is what it is. 70s ‘I like drinking and getting my end away’ rock’n’roll. Maybe I’m just jealous.
Enjoyed Last Child.
2.5
Charles Mingus
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Different to a lot of other jazz but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Obviously the Latin sound every now and then added something, but it was also bordering classical at times. Which is a strange combination having a very structured genre like classical, with improvised jazz. But it worked for me, will definitely be returning
Oasis
1/5
I tried to listen to this with an open mind, as I’ve been a long time detractor of those cheeky manc chaps, however I hate this and everything Oasis have touched. I’m either not as open minded as I’d like to think, or I was right all along. The latter, I hope.
The only positive things I can say about them is that they undeniably captured the spirit of a nation - fueled by that rarest of British feelings ‘hope’ and New Labour. They were also a bit better than the other pop bands of the time, that time being when the charts were filled with Spice Girls, Westlife, Boyzone etc.
However this reminds me of the last mouthful of dregs in a warm pint of shite lager. I can only think of shite lager, football, and lads lads lads when hearing Oasis. I hate their legacy. I fucking hate Oasis.
It baffles me that people think theres an argument comparing Oasis to Blur. Blur / Albarn projects are so far ahead of anything Oasis have done that its not a competiton. It’s Man City vs The Dog and Parrot. Fuck off.
The Darkness
3/5
I remember when this came out I was desperate for it. Had a tenner left in my bank account and ended up bottling it out of guilt, as my mam drilled it into me to save and I’d gradually fluttered my money away on CDs. Not sure what that tenner wouldve done but at least I wasnt at 0. Anyway, 20 years later I’m finally living my teenage dream of listening to this (a different type of teenage dream than the one that involved Britney Spears and Hilary Duff, I can assure you).
Anyway, its a pretty fun 70s, tongue in cheek throwback without all the noncing that the 70s brought. In fact I prefer it to most of the 70s rock records that have cropped up so far which obviously influenced this. Recognised most of the songs, and ‘I believe in a thing called love’ brought back a wave of nostalgia trying to learn the riff on guitar in me garage.
In short, enjoyed this but cant see myself returning. 15 year old me wouldve fucking loved this though, so in hindsight I wish I’d spent that tenner and experienced the wrath of Linda.
1/5
Not really sure why this is on the list. Possibly to fill some quota of South American music maybe?! Either way it did nout for me. Coffee shop background music, minus interesting bits. Was expecting something that reminded me of being in Brazil, but this has more vibes of weak coffee and expensive Italian biscuits
Megadeth
2/5
It’s hard to take this genre serious for me. Far far too many cliches: from boring solos, to terrible puns and awful lyrics. But it’s alright for what it is. Not my cuppa tea, cant see it pursuading me to go back to this genre or even to this record. Just a standard metal album for me. Not very original, not very offensive. A custard cream of a record. Points reduced for corniness.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Any album that starts with ‘I don’t believe in an interventionist god’ is a good start by my books!
I absolutely love Nick Cave, and even if you arent a fan I highly recommend anyone see him or Grinderman live if you get a chance. He’s phenomenal live.
I bought this record when I was about 20 and didn’t really like it, totally passed me by and I just wrote it off as being a bit dark and dreary for my sensitive post teen taste (I bought Transformer by Lou Reed the same day and thought the exact same…). But then a few years later I caught him at a festival and was totally sold by him.
This is often seen as one of the pinnacles of his career and I get why. If there’s a record out there with lyrics as raw and deep as this I aint heard it. It’s not as loud as other NC records but thats what makes him great. He can write these incredibly personal songs and make them somber or loud as fucking fuck. He’s a total genius in my eyes.
4.5 from me, rounded to 5 as it’s Nick Cave.
The Fall
4/5
Great record this. Keep dipping in and out of The Fall but missed this previously as their back catalogue is huge. This sounds slightly more ‘friendly’/accessible than other records I’ve heard by them, but without losing that weird/edgy factor. Post punk at its best here. 4.5
Destiny's Child
2/5
The first 3 songs are nostalgia on speed. But that’s probably where it peaked, you dont really need to listen to the rest. It’s ok pop music that seems to have the self assurance that I don’t think it deserves after those lead tracks. Repetitive, bit bland, meh. An EP wouldve done.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Enjoyed this more than I expected. I think I like the lyrics more than the music - especially when things dipped a bit in the middle. Depressing how many themes back in 1992 still linger or are worse today. Some songs bordered on the prophetic. The Dead Kennedys cover / sample was great too. Its a bit too long for me and the forgettable parts were quite forgettable. But added points for hard hitting lyrics. 2.5
Björk
4/5
Love this. Right up my street. Electronic, experimental, unpredictable, with enough pop thrown in to stop it treading on Eno’s toes. I dont even know how you’d explain this to someone whos never heard of Bjork before.
I think this is 30 years old this year but sounds so modern. Imagine hearing this when the world was listening to grunge?!
I’ve knocked a point off as I’m not a fan of the production on one of the tracks (didnt catch the name, but it was mid way through and it kept going quiet with her vocals sounding more lofi), and I also really dont get why ‘like someone in love’ is on here.
Still prefer Post, but this is pretty close.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Went through a big RHCP phase when I was younger, and this was and still is their best imo. It’s just rammed with belters, even if it does go on a bit. It’s been years since I listened to this; and I don’t love it like I once did, but it’s a true classic. Also brings back many nostalgic memories, including watching their live open air show on DVD with my Nana on Christmas day. I think she quite liked it.
N.W.A.
4/5
One of the more iconic records of this genre. The problem I’ve got with this and others like it is theyre just so one dimensional. Great music, great flow, but lyrically suspect. If I had a pound for every time there was a reference to bitches, money, or being hard as fuck, Id probably have about £147. It just gets old, quickly.
Sadly the more important themes which they cover incredibly well are still prominent 30 odd years on which is fucking shameful.
That said, it is enjoyable especially as background music. Production is great and they manage to include a few different influences throughout it (I’m sure they borrowed a riff or two from Bowie, especially in Gangsta Gangsta).
First time I’ve properly listened to these outside of their hits, but I’ll be back. Probably a 3.5 but I’ll round up to a 4.
Fred Neil
3/5
I think I quite liked this. Wasnt sure at first, but the more it went on the more I enjoyed it. Very folky, I think, but then also occasionally weird and almost psych at times. I think.
Everybodys talkin was the only one Id heard before, think I enjoyed Sweet Cocaine or the last track that I cannot spell the most.
Not sure there’s much more to say. It’s canny. Glad I heard it, probably wouldnt return.
Crowded House
1/5
Got about halfway through but couldnt do anymore. Really grated on me. I hate this type of pop music, I’d rather it was just full on pop rather than every so often luring me in with a soft pop version of REM just to whip it back to GMTVesque TV advert fodder
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Never heard of Jorge Ben Jor before, but this is great. If there’s such a genre as ‘samba rock funk’, then I think this is it. Reminds me a bit of Elza Soares at times which is no bad thing, and I suppose not very surprising given theyre both from the same place.
Surprised to hear Rod Stewart ripped off Taj Mahal for ’D’ya think I’m sexy’. He agreed to donate all the proceeds to UNICEF which is nice.
Will be returning to this.
Keith Jarrett
1/5
Despite enjoying piano, this did absolutely nothing for me. Found it too smooth and dull to be jazz (how on earth is it classed as jazz?) and not structured or atmospheric enough to be neo-classical. Just found it really really dull and disappointing
Chicago
4/5
I fully expected this to be shit, but it was really great. Expected bland MOR pop but got this fusion of soul / funk / a bit jazz. As inventive as you’d possibly want with lots of changes which keeps it interesting. Absolutely loved Poem 58, Listen, Introduction, I’m a Man, Someday were all highlights. Will return to this
Pavement
5/5
Love Pavement me. The band that influenced every decent indie band since the 90s. Their later stuff is more ‘polished’ but they absolutely nail the balance between that noise / scuzzy / slacker sound and belting tunes on this record. This is one of them perfect records for me where if a total newcomer said ‘what is indie rock?’ then I’d direct them to this.
If I were putting together a supergroup, Stephen Malkmus would probably front the band. Legend.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I wonder if there’s ever been a record that has as many bangers as this? I went through a big Springsteen phase about 10 years ago and havent listened to him much since, so this has been a nice reminder of how class he is. This album was also a mainstay in my Dads car as a kid, and brings back nice memories.
It’s not my favourite of his (Darkness on the Edge of Town / Born to Run take that acolade), but it is the album I’d say is Bruce Springsteen. His band are phenomenal too - was lucky enough to see them at the Stadium of Light about 2010ish and for 3 hours straight they didn’t let up. Cool as fuck, and arguably the best live act around. 4.5
The Specials
4/5
I don’t know why but I always thought The Specials would be to ska what UB40 are to reggae. That was a very silly assumption to make! This is a lot better than I anticipated, and a lot more punk than I was expecting. A good chunk of bands I listened to as a teen and beyond clearly owe a lot to the Specials. There is a few filler tracks on here but that doesn’t detract too much from it being a great record. Concrete Jungle, Monkey Man, Too Much Too Young probably my highlights. Tres good tres good
Primal Scream
2/5
Not sure about this. I expected to hate it but when it started off I thought ‘ah nice one’. A bit trippy, bit weird. But after about 3 or 4 songs that are cookie cutters of the previous it gets old very quickly. Sounds like they just ran out of ideas. And some of the lyrics are lazy as fuck. Proper 6th form poet stuff at times. Not for me.
Circle Jerks
4/5
Great record. Loud, fast, aggressive, and definitely to the point (see: I just want some skank…). Definitely had Black Flag vibes so I’m it wasnt a total surprise to hear that there was some crossover. I’m sure I Dont Care is/was a Black Flag song too.
3/5
This is a bit of a surprise for me. Was expecting something dreary for some reason, but instead it’s a bit of a new wave / new romantic / Spandaeu Ballet esque record. Some cracking bass riffs and a lot more funk than its peers in that respect.
It’s cheesey as fuck at times, but then it is an 80s pop record… Doubt I’ll ever return unless I’m making a wedding playlist, but it’s a decent listen nonetheless!
Alice In Chains
3/5
Didn’t age half as bad as I expected or even half as bad as it should. It’s definitely of its time but I was expecting to do a lot more cringing. Used to like these in school but half of this I’d forgotten which possibly explains a lot. It is a bit long.
The highlights though are pretty much rock bar staples, and they’ve obviously influenced a lot that followed (particularly Audioslave / Stone Temple Pilots etc).
Better than expected, but wont be back anytime soon
4/5
The 4th(?) Bowie album of the list but it still hasnt featured my top 3 favourites, which says a lot about how mint Bowie is imo.
I think this is the record that most Bowie hardcore fans rate as his best, but it still doesn’t quite scratch the itch like Aladdin Sane, Heroes, or Low for me. Thats not to say this isnt great though, that little riff in Ziggy Stardust alone is worth a 4 star for me, and Moonage Dream / It Aint Easy / Suffragette City are as good as anything he’s done. I just think I prefer his Berlin period (bar AS, which is my favourite of all).
Will definitely be listening to this more frequently
Beck
3/5
I love Beck. He’s the coolest man alive. He actually saved my one and only time at Glastonbury by being the first decent act I saw across the weekend (second last on on the last night…), so I’ll always be grateful to him for making an otherwise drab festival be worthwhile.
That said, this isn’t my favourite thing he’s ever done. Beck for me is at his best when he’s fusing hip hop with lofi rock. It’s a good record for what it is, but aint in quintessential Beck for me. Out of everything he has done I was surprised this was chosen for the list.
Black Sabbath
4/5
This is the first time I’ve heard Black Sabbath outside their singles, and it’s great. So much better than I ever gave credit for - I thought they’d be the ‘Ozzy Show’, but they’re so much more than that.
I used to be obsessed with Stoner rock / sludge / doom when I was a teen, and I could never understand why Black Sabbath were always cited as a key influence on those genres. I get it now.
Tony Iommi has a way bigger legacy than his peers. I remember watching a documentary on him when I was a kid and that very distinctive guitar sound he has is because he lost the tips of his fingers working in a factory, and has metal tips. Must’ve been a right bastard to have that happen to you; but it worked a treat.
Not half as cliche as I expected, and so much more than the singer. In fact his role is minimal. The whole record almost sounds like it was created in a 70s Birmingham factory.
4.5
Van Morrison
3/5
Strange one for me this. There was parts of the same songs at times where I just wanted them to end then seconds later they took a turn for the interesting. He’s got a unique voice thats for sure, sounds older than his age here. It’s also a lot more souly than I was expecting. I expected a pure 60s folk album ala Nick Drake, but got something a little different to that. Overall it’s ok, probably never bother again. I’m possibly biased knowing how he’s turned out.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Nice to hear a lot of familiar songs in their original production format - didn’t realise just how much of Bob Marley I loved was rerecorded.
I once had 4 Bob Marley t shirts on regular rotation, for a good year or so he was my absolute God. Definitely overplayed him, but there’s no denying the absolute legend he was. I’d love to know if there’s an artist with a ratio of songs about injustice as high and as powerful as BM.
Either way, even on a grey miserable British Summer day, it feels sunny listening to this.
Talking Heads
5/5
Talking Heads are the best band of their generation I reckon. Possibly till I remember another one and praise them similarly, but they are just on another level to most. The perfect blend of the best elements of a great record: jangly, art/punk/rock, intense, chilled, weird, strange, normal, all at once. Maybe not normal, they’re anything but normal. But they make the strange seem normal.
I fell in love with Talking Heads after watching Stop Making Sense. They’re a bit like Sparks in a way where you need to see them to believe ‘em. That live show totally changed my outlook on music and nailed what it was I always liked about music but couldnt put down.
I think this was their debut, which is mental for me to comprehend. They were young, in a world of punk, motown and glam rock, and they came up with this. Absolutely class.
I also came up with what I think is the best football chant ever to the tune of Psycho Killer, all about the Sunderland defensive unit of 2011-2012, but alas it never caught on and would now require a lot of players coming out of retirement to ever see the light of day. I like to think David Byrne would be proud.
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
The kings of shoegaze. I forgot just how good this is. I tend to jump straight to Loveless when listening to MBV and it has been years since I last listened to this, but it still stands the test of time. Fuzzy, experimental, noisey, it’s the perfect introduction to shoegaze / dream rock / whatever you want to call it. And it leads perfectly to Loveless - you can hear where the ideas are formed and then they really just run with it. Soft as snow / feed me with a kiss / you never should / several girls galore are my highlights, but really it’s all great
Radiohead
5/5
This is a great run of records for me, and another Im very familiar with. I know it’s not the ‘cool’ choice to think OK Computer is such an absolute masterpiece but it really is. From the more poppier songs to the experimental, every word just sounds sincere (I think that’s the word I’m looking for). I’m a sucker for bands where you can hear the exact place a song comes from, and Radiohead nail that here.
It’s moody, atmospheric, progressive, experimental - every box ticked for me in what makes a great record. If Talking Heads were the band of the 80s, I reckon Radiohead take that prize for band of the 90s. Just fucking mint.
AC/DC
3/5
Rock. Guitars. Solos. Drums. Gets end away. (Jealous). Friends last episode advert. Every hollywood action film. End scene.
They can have a bonus point for managing not to go on the nonce like many of their generation. Well done lads.
Scissor Sisters
2/5
Quite a decent if typical ‘alt’ pop record. Got nothing to say really as its not my thing now and it wasnt my thing then. Definitely not as horrible as a lot of other similar records thats for sure, and Jake Shears has a great reputation as a musician in circles I wouldnt expect (he even cropped up on Queens of the Stone Age album). A lot of it reminds me of Elton John, especially Mary which I assumed was a cover (and is the best song for me). Quite a lot of filler, but the good songs are good for what they are. 2.5
Louis Prima
3/5
Enjoyed this, but then I do have a soft spot for this kinda sound. Find it difficult to be in a radge when I hear swing / big band / jazz / whatever you wanna call this. Large parts did pass me by but in a good way, I was never bored with it. Just been reading he had 5 wives - credit to him; I struggle with the one at times and if we did ever split I’d probably just live a quiet life.
3.5
Prince
2/5
Convinced there’s more to Prince than this, so I was very surprised to see this record being talked about as his peak. At least half the songs pssed me by as being just a bit mediocre. Not to mention all over the place. I like a bit of mess, but when it lacks coherence it just sounds a bit desperate.
That said, this grew on me the second time round and a few songs started to jump out more. Loved the lyrics to Sign o the times, and Hot Thing was probably my favourite. Slow Love / U Got the Look were canny too, as were the live tracks.
Hated The Ballard of Dorothy Parker. And loved the music to If I Was Your Girlfriend but I hated the way he sings about 80% of this.
Overall, a bit underwhelming. Not the iconic masterpiece I was expecting! 2.5
Emmylou Harris
1/5
“ChatGPT, create me a country album that will sound like every other country album ever.”
If you asked it this, it would produce this album. AI will have a field day creating country music as its by far the least creative / innovative of all the genres. Anazingly 51% of Americans listen to country at least once a month. Thats crazy.
I reckon if you like country, you’ll love this. But if you are a fan of music you’ll think this is boring.
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
LCD have consistently been one of my favourite bands since about 2007, so I am probably biased when I say I think this is a great record. For me, LCD and The National are the best bands of the last 20 years, nothing comes close.
This record is actually the highest rated LCD album on Pitchfork, which surprises me as I wouldnt put it at the top. It’s definitely a return to a more nostalgic sound with big beats and fused punk which was easier to find on their debut as opposed to their follow ups.
It’s full of bangers and random turns, with oh baby, i used to, tonite, emotional haircut being my highlights, not to mention that I think call the police is one of the best songs they have ever done. Hell of a way to announce a come back after a hiatus. The end of the record occasionally drifts but everytime I listen to the last two tracks something new pops up, so perhaps they growers.
If the other 3 LCD records are a 5 for me, I’d say this is a 4.8, despite it being more well received by people who know better
Alanis Morissette
3/5
This was a lot more alt than what I was expecting from a 90s pop staple, and a lot better than most pop bands of that era. It starts off very Brit Poppy and some songs flirt with grunge at times. Not bad at all. Quite a few songs on this were radio staples in the 90s, so for me there was a bit nostalgia mixed with apprehension (usually the radio was on in the car going to some extra ciriculum thing I was never keen on).
She’s got quite a distinctive powerful voice, but it does get old relatively quickly. Like the entire album really. I think it’s good for what it is, and Id far rather listen to this than most other 90s pop, but fingers crossed I’m never forced to as I cant see me returning to this on my own free will
2/5
More confused than ever at how popular U2 are, especially this record. It’s not terrible. They arent terrible. But it isnt great either.
Hated the first 3 songs - each one sounded tiresome and strained. Like theyd found a catchy hook and wanted to drag it out over and over and over. But then Bullet the Blue Sky came on which has a totally different sound. Almost Nick Cave at times in terms of the vocals. I’d go as far as saying the non-singles are what saves this album. Enjoyed Bullet the Blue Sky, In Gods Country, One Tree Hill, and Exit. None are amazing, but decent enough. Seems to me that when they arent striving to write a stadium rock song they aren’t too shabby.
Either way, I wont be returning to this. It’s ok. Nout special. Dont get the hype. 2.5
The Yardbirds
4/5
Quite enjoyed this! Was expecting some Beatles-lite drab pop, but it was surprisingly good for me. I imagine it was quite progressive for the time too, especially the more distorted guitars.
Started off very strong, especially with the bluesy/rnb’ier sounding tracks, but tired in the middle before picking up again.
Highlights: Farewell, Happening Ten Years Ago, Over Under, Hot house.
James Taylor
3/5
Not my thing at all, but definitely the best of the country records so far. He’s got a nice voice too, doesnt grate. Starts off a bit cliche, but tells a good story. I’m usually bored stiffless after a minute or so of country but I found myself listening to this. Maybe this isnt country, hence why I can tolerate it.
I swear Belle and Sebastian have a song very similar to Sunny Skies.
I’m writing this as I listen to it, and each track does seem to build on the last and it’s remarkably decent.
Oh it’s getting bluesy now. Having this like. Love the guitar in steamroller blues, I love that ‘dusty’ sound, somewhere between a clean lead and a bit fuzz. Sounds so effortless.
There’s definitely some rubbish on this, but there’s also a lot of gems. Definitely a few I’ll return too.
The Undertones
3/5
Who’d have thought The Undertones had more songs than Teenage Kicks?! This kinda sounded exactly like I expected really. Punk rock that doesn’t ever sound too angry or serious. It’s alright, but I’ve got little else to say about this which sounds quite similar to its contemporaries
Bob Dylan
4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Think I listened to this once years ago but it didn’t really click then, but I’m beginning to buy into the hype more now. It is a bit long, and this style can get repetitive, but it grows and grows and he does this so well. Lyrically, he’s got to be up there with the best. Standouts for me being: Stuck inside of a mobile…, just like a women, I want you, Fourth Time Around. Will definitely be back to this
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
This is the most difficult album for me to figure out on this list so far. It’s undeniably crammed with megahits, and the talent of each member is ridiculous. But, and there’s always a but, not much of this did anything for me, bar Never Going Back Again which is one of my many all time favourite tracks.
I’m not sure whether this has just been overplayed and overhyped for me, which can make it difficult to rate it on base value at times. Like it’s undeniably excellent, but it just didn’t hit that spot for me. It’s a bit like how everyone seemed to fancy Kate Moss in the early 2000s, or Laura Jenkinson from Southmoor School circa 2003, but neither did it for me and I felt like I was the only one.
One things for sure though, they went through and incredible transformation. When I was about 21 I picked up a FM record as I knew little about them except their hits and how much of an influence they were on Field Music. Turns out it was an early record which was very very bluesy/americana almost. Baffled me at how that played such a role for bands like Field Music. So to go from that to the top dogs of soft rock is quite the transition.
I think in terms of quality it has to be a 5, but in terms of how I feel about it, probably a 3, so I’ll go 4. Wouldnt be rushing back, but also wouldnt say I’m Never Going Back Again (wahey!)
4/5
Excellent find this. Never heard of them before and I cant fathom why they werent as big as other similar bands of this genre. Albeit they seem to bend into quite a few genres to their credit! Sometimes rock, sometimes pysch, sometimes jazzy, always progressive and interesting. You don’t really know what the next track will be like.
Highlights are: Prelude, Natures Way, When I Touch You, Street Worm. The riff in When I Touch you sounds like it’s straight from a Sonic Youth record. Class.
A strong 4.5 from me
The Crusaders
2/5
Instantly forgettable and largerly passed me by. Obviously very talented and inoffensive, but did nothing for me and sounds very dated
Ramones
3/5
Never really listened to The Ramones outside of their bigger songs. Kinda what I expected. Energetic, punk rock / garage rock. Can’t deny their influence, albeit every article ever written about the Ramones’ influence tends to lean more on their style and less on their music. Which kinda shows as theres not a lot of substance here…
Some canny tracks surrounded by a very tried and tested formula. Gets old. Quick.
Highlights: Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue, Blitzkrieg Pop, Havana Affair (RHCP do a cracking cover of this)
ZZ Top
4/5
I used to have a ‘Beer drinkers and hell raisers’ ZZ Top t shirt when I was about 17, and to this day I dont know why as I’d only heard about 2 songs.
Id have loved this though if I’d had heard it. I was biiig into blues rock; and this is about as blues rock as it gets. Theyre known for how tight they are rhythm wise for a 3 piece, and it shows in this.
It’s not really my thing anymore, but it is pretty pretty good.
Hole
4/5
So much better than I ever expected. I wrote them off about 20 years ago and never bothered since, but this is great. Somewhere between early 90s punk and grunge. Can hear their influence in a lot of bands today. Couple of tracks that passed me by but overall its very good. Will return.
Highlights: Credit in the Straight World, She Walks on Me, Violet, Asking for it.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
The only ATCQ album Id ever listened to was their most recent one, which I thought was absolutely mint but never got round to their older stuff. Was chuffed when this cropped up, and wasnt let down.
How they weren’t ever the biggest rap group on the planet baffles me (or maybe they were? I dunno). They do seem to be the band that influenced the biggest bands on the planet though. Like a rap version of The Velvet Underground.
This just sounds like a step above other similar records. It’s clever, incredibly well put together, and catchy as fuck but in a way that doesnt lose any of its integrity like some records do. Love the subtle jazz influences that are threaded throughout. The whole record just sounds authentic. Love it.
The Band
2/5
Did nothing for me this. Sounded very samey in terms of songs and in comparison to its peers. A couple of ok parts but I couldnt get on board. Not sure how it gets so much hype. 1.5 rounded to a 2 as it’s clear they are good at what they do, but what they do aint for me
Syd Barrett
4/5
Right, this definitely drifts at times and can appear a bit messy, but overall I think it’s great. Find it more interesting than some of the Pink Floyd records thats for sure. And, dare I say it, more interesting than some of the Beatles’ records.
It has that surreal, trippy sound without trying to hard to get there. Clear that it is from the 60s, and equally clear that he probably had a little bit of drugs when he wrote this, but it’s all to its credit.
I’ll definitely be back
Simple Minds
3/5
Didnt mind this as much as others! It is very 80s, but it is a staple 80s record. And it’s not as cheesey as a lot of other 80s records. Quite a bit tried and tested fluff between some very decent songs, with Glittering Prize / Promised You a Miracle / New Gold Dream being the highlights.
Wouldnt return to the album on a whole, but there’s a few tracks that I’ve added to my ‘music I like which my wife might also like therefore I get to listen to in the car’ playlist
Elis Regina
2/5
Largely passed me by. Relatively decent background music, but offered me nout.
Talking Heads
5/5
I’ve already waxed lyrical about how great Talking Heads are, so I’ll keep Remain in Light review short and eloquent:
It’s fucking class.
Motörhead
2/5
Not for me. I find the whole NWOBHM scene as boring, cliche and predictable. I think I had this as a teenager when I was much more susceptible to this sort of thing, and even then it didnt do much for me. Ace of Spades just repeated but slightly differently, and even that isnt a great song really.
1.5
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Never heard of this guy before. Gotta be honest I couldnt be bothered with this, but when it’s good it’s really very good.
Love the production of this, sounds very analogue (if thats a thing). The beats are class too, and I love the off key parts (like the piano in D.Original). Dont often heat that in rap. It does often drift into the cliche, but that cant be helped I guess. Couple of songs passed me by, but overall its canny.
Is that the twin towers on the album cover?…
3.5
Big Black
5/5
I forgot how good this album is. I havent listened to it for years, mainly as its not on Spotify and the only Big Black record I have physically is Songs About Fucking. I always thought that was the better one, but I think this tops it.
Steve Albini has always been brutal as fuck with his lyrics but he manages to find a way to make every instrument he touches sound like its bat shit angry. I love it. I love the rough sound, the production approach, the drum machine (he even managed to make that sound fucking livid).
This is the post-punk / noise rock I love. Noisey, cluttered, angry, unique. Shouldnt work but it really does. Class.
Os Mutantes
3/5
Another new one on me and another Brazilian band on the list. Canny this, strange enough to be interesting while still being poppy. Cant beat a bit of psychedelic pop in my view!
Chunks of this did pass me by at times but on a whole very enjoyable and would probably be back. 3.5
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Another staple from my late teens, and another that aged even better than I thought given that I properly overplayed this.
So much more interesting both production and song wise than a lot of ‘classic rock’ from that era. I don’t even like calling Hendrix classic rock. Hes better than that.
Always thought for such a perfectionist he really manages to capture that raw / live sound incredibly well. I remember reading a story about how he and the bass player fell out after about 20 takes he couldnt get the bass riff as perfect as he wanted it. The bass player stormed out for a cigarette and when he came back he found Hendrix recording it himself in one take. What a guy.
This is the quintessential Hendrix record (although Axis Bold as Love is still my favourite). The whole record is great from start to finish, but Fire, Manic Depression, Hey Joe, Purple Haze, Third Stone, and Foxey Lady are my standouts
The Who
2/5
I don’t think I’m arsed about The Who. I’m not sure how much of that is driven by one of them being a nonce (where’s the book?!) and one being a Brexiter. Either way they’re obviously very good but do little for me.
Never realised Baba O’Riley was The Who. I like the intro but the rest of the song is shit. It borders on the novelty. I’m guessing The Who fans hate it too? Just doesnt sound like them.
There’s a few good songs on this, but then there’s a tonne of filler / shite. Ditch half the album and itll be much better. Some sound theatrical, particularly The Song is Over / Love aint for keeping. Is this intentional? Who knows. I dont, and I dont care to find out.
Not for me. Wont be back.
P.S. Hate the kerning used for the album title on the album cover.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I imagine most folk stemmed from this record. Cant imagine how many artists this influenced, a proper sound of the youth for his generat. Clearly packed with worries and passions of the time: war, rights, love, suffering.
Ive probably underrated his lyrical ability in the past which is stupid given how well respected he is in that sense. Not that I didnt know he is an incredible lyricist but I just hadnt listened hard enough. But this record more than any other of his that I’ve listened too struck harder. He has such a incredible ability to make everyday anxieties / joys sound so poetic. I imagine he could rewrite the yellow pages and make it an incredible listen.
Ive never been a big Bob Dylan fan but I think that might change soon. A strong 4.5 from me.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
A very fun listen, absolutely crammed with ideas and songs. Never boring, always interesting, if lacking in a bit direction. But then again thats the point isnt it? I also like how after an album of random turns and unexpected sounds, they end with Are You Ready, Eddy, which is one final big surprise on the album. Reminded me of that song Mcauly Caulkins uncle sang in the shower on Home Alone 2. It really doesnt go with the rest of the record, but in a good way. I think.
I like this on a whole but I’m not sure if I’ll ever be in the mood to listen to it again. A strong 3.5
Joan Armatrading
2/5
Great voice, and some decent tracks, but a lot did just pass by. Quite liked the bluesier songs, much more so than the MOR versions. Pretty inoffensive pop, with blues/jazz influence. 2.5
Duran Duran
3/5
Duran Duran are a band for me that when they nail it, they really nail it. The Chauffeur is a staple on my ‘people round’ playlist, and Save a Prayer is a belter. When they drift into the more stereotypical 80s pop I tend to switch off (like Rio). Maybe they’re just overplayed? A big gripe I cant get past is how much the bass player loves himself now. Definitely thinks he is a cool older guy, but reeks of someone trying too hard. Saying that, his riffs in this are class.
I still think Dare by Human League is the single best 80s synth pop record, but this aint a bad consolation album. 3.5
Linkin Park
2/5
Listened to this 1 million times as a teenager, but never bothered since. Instantly taken back to the early 00s. Nostalgia overload. Nothing screams early 2000s like this record. I get why it was added to the list in terms of it being significant.
I think this has aged a lot better than its peers (looking at you, Limp Bizkit and Korn). Didnt cringe as much as I expected. It’s genuinely rammed with belters. Admittedly I would never listen to this now, but each song is maaaasssive.
14 year old me would give this a 5, but I’m not sure how I would rate this now. I appreciate its great for its genre and for a time and place, but how could I rate this on a par with other genuinely incredible albums? You would never put Linkin Park in the same bracket as Leonard Cohen or The National. Think it’ll have to be a 2, but that feels harsh.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
This grew on me a lot as it went on. Thought the first few tracks sounded great until the vocals - couldnt get away with them at first but as the album went on I got right on board. I quite like this brand of punk - less stereotypical and more interesting. Already added a few tracks to a playlist (Metal Postcard being the best) and will return.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I’d never listened to Peter Gabriel before, I always assumed he’d be quite bland / pompus for some reason. But this is everything but bland / pompus. Experimental pop on pills, really well put together and treads that line perfectly between being quite weird and unique without going too far.
Some songs sound like huge film soundtracks, but innovstive enough to remain mint. It has all the good bits of prog rock without the faff.
Highlights: Intruder, I Dont Remember, Through the Wire, Game Without Frontiers, Nob on a bus, Biko. Actually apart from that 80s sax track, the whole album is great. A 4.5 but I’ll round up
Hugh Masekela
2/5
I like a lot of jazz, but I do find it either hits the mark or is left floundering. Strangely for me this is neither. Nice background music, doesnt really go anywhere often. Sometimes borders on the ‘80s tv theme tune’ ground, other times it does border on the interesting. But not too much. The more piano based songs are a bit dull, but often picked up when the trumpet comes in. I think its a trumpet anyway. Whatever the instrument is that makes this sound better.
Elton John
3/5
Surprisingly decent start with Funeral for a Friend. Went surprisingly quick for an 11min song by someone I dont really like. Could never get away with Elton John, still dont like his voice but this is clear he’s more than just a voice. Candle in the Wind is the typical Elton John I expected: a bit pompus, a bit self indulgent, and just a bit boring for me. Same goes for a few others like
Benny and the Jets and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road are belters though. There were a couple where I though ‘ah this aint too bad’, but nothing really stood out. Grey Seal was shite, and I’m not sure what he was thinking with that faux reggae track. He even did the accent.
I genuinely couldnt be arsed with this but I quite enjoyed it all things considered. Still not a fan, and wouldnt return, but a lot better than I ever gave him credit for. He seems like a lovely man too, and does a loooot for smaller bands. Always has his finger on the pulse with things. Would like to have a pint with him providing he doesnt bang on about Lady Di
John Coltrane
5/5
Love this. Already listened to it through 4/5 times and along with Miles Davis, Coltrane best demonstrates what great jazz is for me. This has all the unexpected turns and avant garde ‘ramblings’ you expect from jazz, while still sounding incredibly well put together. It just makes me feel happy without having to think too much, which is a big tick in the box for me.
Joy Division
4/5
As others have mentioned, I never properly got the hype with Joy Division. Always thought they were good but not incredible. They should be my favourite band and they have certainly influenfed my favourite bands, but I never properly got them.
Its been years since I’ve listened to this but I think I’m coming round to them a bit more now. Maybe it’s because time has passed and I still remembered bits of songs? Who knows.
I think what possibly lets this down is the production value: sounds a bit sloppy at times. Yet at other times it sounds way ahead of its time - maybe the ‘loose’ nature is intended? If so, it’s not as successful for me as Atomiser by Big Black, who really nail that type of production for me. The entire record is full of great songs, just not executed great at times.
Anyway, this is well ahead of its peers for the time, and I’m certain in a world of Sex Pistols and The Damned Id have been a Joy Division fan. Day of the Lords / Candidate / Shes Lost Control / Disorder are my highlights. Will definitely pay this one more attention
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
Some nice production but everything else is just cliche. The usual ‘ive had it tough but now im loaded’, ‘I’ll kick ya da in’, ‘i think im the shit’ vibes. Along with the repeated use of a word Ill not say. It almost becomes filler on this record.
Same pace throughout and doesnt seem to go anywhere at all. Really bland. Pointless.
The Stone Roses
4/5
Not my cup of tea but this is so far beyond what I’ve heard from similar bands (Oasis, Happy Mondays, Primal Scream). Aye there’s a few fillers in there, but the songs that hit hit well. One of them bands that do sound like they’re having fun and capture a moment. Probably wouldnt return but its very good nonetheless.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
This is excellent, better than Heaven or Las Vegas which I’m a lot more familiar with. This is a one I can see myself listening to a lot more: it really nails that whole dream pop/shoe gaze sound, while still having lots of interesting things going on around it. Especially on Lorelei, Pandora, and Cicely. There’s a couple of tracks that didn’t do a lot for me, but even after a few more listens they started to grow (Otterley, Amelia). Would give this a 4.5 but gonna round up to a 5
Beatles
2/5
Thought this started off strong, really enjoyed the first couple of songs but then it just seemed to drift away. Felt a bit cobbled together, but I’m not sure why. Nothing terrible about this by any stretch, but just a bit standard and not very interesting, bar a couple of tracks
The Everly Brothers
1/5
Jesus, the lyrics on this are terrible. Almost as bad as the music itself. Definitely a product of its time, but even then I cannot see a time or place for this. Just beige pop for American retirement homes. Very dated. And there’s no excuse for it: just 4 short years later Velvet Underground were doing their thing. This record was of a same era as VU. I cannot get my head around that.
Horrible.
Miles Davis
2/5
Struggled with this. When it gets going there’s some really good parts to it, but when it isn’t firing on all cylinders it’s not very good at all. Borders on sounding like a band tuning up at times. And I love what I know of Miles Davis so it hurts me to think that!
It’s definitely more electric/produced(?) than other records I’ve heard by him, which doesnt lend itself well to his sound in my opinion. Too much of this passed me by to be anything more than a 2.5.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Nice. Recognised a few tracks but not sure where from. Much more accessible than a lot of the recent jazz, possibly too much so when it occasionally drifts in to ‘coffee shop’ jazz. I quite like it though, will probably be back. 3.5
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
This is one of them albums for me which is so inoffensive it’s difficult to be honest about. It has some decent songs, and they’re obviously talented, but there’s nothing that grabs me. A lot of it passed me by, but to give it credit there were parts that made me listen. This is somewhere between jazz and rock, but not enough of one or the other to be truly interesting for me.
Neil Young
5/5
Really enjoyed this. Heard a few things from Neil Young and saw him live a few years back (incredible), but I’ve never been properly into him. Always put him in the legendary category without knowing too much about his back catalogue.
This is my favourite album I’ve heard from him. Sounds almost at times like a predecessor to the whole slacker movement. His voice is as unique as they come, and his lyrics are up there with the best. The band work incredibly well with his style, sometimes it sounds chucked together but in a considered way, which doesnt make sense but I know what I mean. He just manages to make it all work together so well.
Quite a few highlights for me, particularly Tired Eyes, Lookout Joe, Come on Baby, World on a String.
And he looks cool as fuck on that album cover. 4.5
Stevie Wonder
3/5
This was better than I expected. I quite like what I’ve heard of him, but there are a few songs that are incredibly overplayed. This was better. Couple of big hits mixed with some quite nice soul/funk(?). There were a couple of tracks where I thought the music didnt suit his vocals (second track in particular), but overall quite canny. Think this might be a grower too so I’ll be back
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Didn’t have much time for FF at all when this first came out. Unfairly put them in the same bracket as other dross that was in those ‘indie landfill’ circles, but as time went on I realised how these are more special than their peers. Still wouldn’t say I’m a fan, even after revisiting this now, but it’s certainly not poor by any standards.
Some interesting guitar riffs which sets it apart, and you can tell they are more substance over style, unlike some of their peers. It does sound very mid-00s, but from memory these were one of the bands that kickstarted that. I hated most of that scene, but I won’t hold it against these. Especially given the singer is a Sunderland fan.
Wont ever top the work they did with Sparks as FFS. Hell of a record that.
Highlights: Tell Her Tonight, Aug Achse, This Fire
The Smiths
4/5
This is my least listened to Smiths record, and also the one that I think takes the longest to click. Which is often a good thing in my books! There’s no big hitters on this compared to Queen is Dead / Self Titled / Strangeways, but that’s not to its detriment. Shows just how good a band they were that they can write songs of this quality.
I was brought up to dislike Morrissey, and my Dad was right all along, but it’s just so difficult to deny how ridiculously good he was. Aye, he’s a total bellend now, and even then was very self indulgent which is never a good quality, but his song writing and delivery is just ace. Actually feel for him in Headmasters Ritual. No one delivers pain like Morrisey. Thankfully Johnny Marr turned out to be cool as fuck to ensure a less guilty Smiths experience.
This is a bit funkier(?) at times, especially with the bass riffs. Not something I often think about with the Smiths. Obviously from the album cover to the last track its very political. But I like that.
Faith No More
3/5
Didn’t have much time for FF at all when this first came out. Unfairly put them in the same bracket as other dross that was in those ‘indie landfill’ circles, but as time went on I realised how these are more special than their peers. Still wouldn’t say I’m a fan, even after revisiting this now, but it’s certainly not poor by any standards.
Some interesting guitar riffs which sets it apart, and you can tell they are more substance over style, unlike some of their peers. It does sound very mid-00s, but from memory these were one of the bands that kickstarted that. I hated most of that scene, but I won’t hold it against these. Especially given the singer is a Sunderland fan.
Wont ever top the work they did with Sparks as FFS. Hell of a record that.
Highlights: Tell Her Tonight, Aug Achse, This Fire
ABBA
2/5
Not sure how to properly rate this. Musically, it isnt for me. Its ultimate pop, bordering on cheese. Not a lot of substance, but I’m not sure that’s what it wants to be anyway.
Its certainly iconic and for what it is, very good. Incredibly catchy, glittery, camp. Cant knock their talent for producing this sort of music, and they have some great harmonies. The big songs are fucking huge classics, the filler on this is instantly forgettable. Quite a contrast. Apart from Dum Dum Diddle, the best track on here.
My wife loves it. She loves Mamma Mia too, and given its on ITV2 every night I feel like I’ve done my time with Abba. It also brings up a personal annoyance tht I’ve had to endure Mamma Mia countless times, yet the second I bring up History of the Third Reich or World at War she suddenly decides that actually we should both have a say in what we watch. Plays the democracy card when it suits her. And for that reason, Abba aint for me. Blame Mamma Mia, democracy, and countless weddings.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Canny enough. Very out there at times in a good way. I reckon I’d have loved these if I was kicking about in the 60s. Poppy, off beat, and weird, three big ticks for me. That said, a lot of it passed me by, very much of it’s time. Enjoyed it, probably wont be back.
Massive Attack
4/5
This has definitely aged poorly in some places, and I didn’t love it as much as I used to, but it’s still a quality record. Innovative, experimental, and definitely iconic: it screams 90s for me. And while some parts of songs sound aged (I’m thinking the vocals on Safe from Harm), the rest sounds relatively fresh.
Highlights: Safe from Harm, One Love, Unfinished Sympathy, Hymn of the big wheel, Daydreaming.
I’ll not leave it 15 years to return back to this one.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
My problem with The Smashing Pumpkins is I aways get bored listening to them track after track. If I listened to two songs at a time, then something else, then came back, I’d probably like them a lot better. Their songs are great individually, but together it just gets a bit much for me. A but tried and tested.
I was about 15 when I first heard this (from memory, Music Zone had it reduced to about 3quid, bargain), but a lot of the tracks I don’t remember. Guess thats a good thing. Felt fresh, if, like I said, it gets old quick. Probably prefer Mellon Collie BUT the songs that are better on here are better than on MC.
Highlights: Rocket, Today, one of the other ones with a heavy fast fuzzy riff
Tom Waits
4/5
This is going to be one big contradiction, as on one hand I really really enjoyed it but on the other hand I felt I was listening to the same track over and over.
I think I really enjoyed it though. I think I’ll listen to this a lot more. I dont think I entirely ‘get it’ but I’m fine with that.
Stan Getz
4/5
Really liked this, listened to it a few times back to back already. This is the first on the list of latin jazz that’s really clicked for me. Agree with Jamie, there’s always a time and a place for this sound, more so than with other jazz, but today I’ve really liked it. Just wish I was on a beach with a pina colada
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
This was a staple of my early 20’s and I haven’t really listened to it much since. I forgot just how good it is. I love a record where it feels like every little detail has been considered, and this is one of those for me. Everything feels so intricate and well thought out.
It has everything I like: great lyrics, well (but not over) produced, lots going on musically but never overly complex, heartfelt. My only slight gripe is it long, but then again it’s packed with great songs. There’s two 5 star albums here, but strangely 5+5=4.5. Dont ask me why.
I think this was the record that catapulted him to ‘indie God’, and his releases since have mostly been at the same calibre or in some cases even better received. 4.5 rounded up to 5, and it’s back in my regular rotation
Nas
2/5
Instantly forgettable rap for me. Nothing really caught my ear apart from the odd decent line and a few nice bass riffs. I actually forgot this was on, just blended into the background.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Echo and the Bunnymen are one of them bands I’ve been hoping would pop up. A band I’ve heard the odd track by but never gone much further.
Got to admit that large chunks of this passed me by. It didnt sound anything too special for me. Nothing bad, just nothing really stood out, bar All That Jazz.
It’s a very decent post-punk album but I dont really know what else to say about it.
The Mars Volta
3/5
I remember the hype when this came out but I don’t think I’ve ever listened to it. The whole way through I just wished it was ATDI. In places this is very good, but I feel it should be better. Experimental post punk should be right up my street but it didnt really hit the mark. It picks up massively in the middle, with Eriatark / Drunkship / Cicatriz being my highlights, but other than that it was just decent. I’ll probably give it a few more goes as I should love this…
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
Enjoyed this. Way more bluesy than I was expecting (the only other Captain Beefheart album I’ve briefly heard was a lot more ‘out there’ from memory). Lyrics are whacky, timing and composition is almost jazz at times, and it’s just very nice. Something almost comforting about it despite it bordering strange. Really liked the experimental parts to this too, managed to keep it interesting for the most.
Already onto another listen so will definitely be back again.
Highlights: dropout boogie, I’m glad, abba zaba.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Enjoyed this way more than I expected when I saw it was for a film. Now I want to watch the film.
Musically it’s great, obviously its very soul/funk oriented, and the lyrics are very powerful given their tone against the music. Sometimes with this genre I find either the music or the vocals try to outdo eachother, which means it can get old quick, but I never got that here. Sounds more like a band than a solo artist.
I’ll be back to this I reckon
Don McLean
3/5
Very surprised by this. Expected it to be shit judging from the main song. Kinda feel sorry for him, aye he’ll have made a tonne of money from that song but he’s way better than that and probably gets little recognition about it.
It isnt the nostalgic US pop record I expected. It’s probably somewhere between interesting folk and MOR pop. Sometimes I even thought a bit of Nick Drake but then other times its a bit too MOR.
Enjoyed Till Tomorrow, Vincent, Winterwood. A couple of others too. Others passed me by.
Probably wont be back but definitely a bit more respect for Donald.
David Bowie
5/5
Before today I had never listened to this album, but I think it’s absolutely fucking class and have had it on repeat since.
The Police
2/5
Quite liked the first track, and really enjoyed Mother. That was a belter. Miss Gradenko too. Couple of other tracks that hve some decent bits but then a lot that is utterly pointless. So bland and very dated. Big chunks sounded like the soundtrack to crap 80s feelgood films. If they stuck to their edgier side I’d enjoy them a lot more.
George Harrison
4/5
Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. Albeit I didnt listen to the full thing, 4 hours is a bit much for someone who isnt a massive fan like me.
Recognised a few good tracks from it; My Sweet Lord and Isnt it a pity being two of the better ones. Wah wah was a belter too.
Reminds me a lot of Wilco at times (or should I say Wilco reminds me a lot of this). Agree with the other comments: this is better than a lot of what I’ve heard from The Beatles. Probable wouldnt rush back; but very good nonetheless. 3.5
Pentangle
3/5
Nice, decent folk album. Good balance of weird for me, especially the first half of the album. It did tail off towards the end, which reduced it from a solid 4 to a 3. First half was great though. New name on me too, not that Ill be rushing back. The female singer reminded me a bit of Patti Smith, imagine there’s an influence there
Rahul Dev Burman
4/5
Very much enjoyed this. Not sure how to categorise it as it is very varied. ‘World music’ is the nice copout that I’ll use, and probably the most apt as some songs sounded South American, others Asian, with a little bit of funk thrown in. There were a few songs that passed me by which is expected given it was a soundtrack for a film.
I’ll be back to this I reckon, even if just for the two first tracks and track 4 which were absolute belters
Billy Joel
2/5
Didn’t resonate at all with me this. Very MOR pop music. The sort of thing an Aunty or Uncle would stick on on a Sunday afternoon in the 90s (I can attest to that). Quite enjoyed the first track but that was it, the rest reminded me of Elton John. 1.5
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Better than the last one, but still didnt get me. Very much of its time: screams 90s. It just doesnt hit anything for me, it’s neither something or nothing. Just a bland, electronic album. Not sure how it made the list, but then I’m sure there’ll be plenty who love this
Meat Puppets
4/5
Nice this. I’d heard a few tracks before during my teens from my Nirvana obsessed pal, but didnt know anything else about them really other than their influence on Nirvana and plenty of lofi bands. Which is quite clear to see, I think Dinosaur jr, Pavement, etc have a lot to thank these for!
Preferred the songs with singing, over the more bluesy/americana type tracks (although I did enjoy the Minutemen-esque drumming to a few of them). Fairly sure Nirvana covered Lake of Fire or at least ripped it off. Great song though. Will be back.
Stan Getz
3/5
Much preferred the previous Getz record that cropped up on here. This is decent, nice background music, but didnt grip me like the other one. Nice enough, but I’ll stick with what I know on this one
Thelonious Monk
2/5
Heard much better from these, this just largely passed me by. Not in a great way either, at one point I found myself turn it off as I couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing with that in the background. A few nice bits here and there, but I wont be back
PJ Harvey
5/5
Very familiar with quite a few PJ Harvey albums but not this one. Quite a shame too as this is one of the best records I think has appeared on the list so far (imo!).
She’s definitely one of those artists who are in that ‘legend’ category, and its crazy that this was her debut and is so ridiculously good. It has that unique sound that she has throughout her records, a sort of powerful-without-seemingly-trying voice. Very effortless. Angry and powerful without ever raising her voice. Much. I dont get how she can make power chords so interesting too.
I dont know how you’d categorise it. Alternative / dark indie / rock. Like a modern day Patti Smith. Very very good.
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
No.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Feel I should like this a lot more, given every band I love seems to end up being linked to them plus I really like a good handful of songs from them. About half this album I really enjoyed, the other half passed me by and didnt massively grab me. Decent enough, but I know they have better than this. Will be back though, imagine it’s a grower
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I was obsessed with Led Zeppelin when I was in college, but haven’t really listened to them a lot since. So this was a great reminder of how good they were.
Not my favourite LZ record, but given this was their first at a time dominated by more poppier ventures, it makes it quite remarkable. Clear blues influence, incredible drumming, vocals as distinctive as they come: everything just comes together so well. I think they find their way better on later records, but this is still ‘essential’ for me!
The White Stripes
4/5
Mad that it’s 20 years since this came out. Properly launched Jack White into the stratosphere. Its a great blues rock album, and they do a hell of a job of making up for the lack of instruments. Sounds so big and is rammed with hits. Very good.
Talking Heads
5/5
I’ve only ever heard the songs on this that were also on Stop Making Sense, so on a whole this is a new one on me, and it’s fucking mint, for lack of a better phrase. Definitely showing their dancier side while still retaining that ‘arty’ sound they perfected. It’s quirky without ever being daft, and just a really really solid album. Every song from start to finish nail it, from the delivery of the lyrics to the jangly guitars and odd drumming (in a way I cannot really describe). It just all works together so well. My new favourite Talking Heads record.
Jean-Michel Jarre
2/5
Not sure what to think of this. Bits of it are interesting, bits of it are bland. Sort of decent for the background but Im not massively sure what the point of it is. 2.5
DJ Shadow
5/5
First time listening to a full DJ Shadow album and really enjoyed this. Guessing it’s more hiphop than anything else, but way more experimental to just sit in one category. So many layers to it too, and it often flirts with other genres (I write that as a nice little sax piece plays over a nice hip hop beat). Moody and atmospheric at times, upbeat at others.
Even though I liked that Massive Attack record on the list, this is like taking that sound to a new level. Sounds more fresh, more modern. Already had it on 3 or 4 times so will definitely be returning again.
Arcade Fire
5/5
This is my favourite Arcade Fire record, and despite overplaying it it’s still undeniably good. Probably the last great record they did: everything else after it seemed to be made up of 3/4 incredible songs then lots of filler.
It is a bit long, and there’s a couple of forgettable moments, but it’s forgiven given how good the rest of the record is. Biggest surprise for me is how few listens City With No Children has compared to other tracks on this. I always thought that was one of their big hitters from this
Black Sabbath
3/5
Agree with Jack: the vocals / lyrics sort of put me off. They arent terrible, just not always delivered very well. Borders on the cheese at times. Music wise, its very good. Can totally see how they influenced the entire stoner/desert rock scene. Has that nice blues influenced sound to a lot of the guitar riffs; and there’s some canny little bass riffs too. Doubt I’ll be back; but glad I heard it.
Badly Drawn Boy
5/5
I’ve never listened to Badly Drawn Boy until yesterday, but have listened to this 4 or 5 times since already. Soooo much better than the image I I had in my head and I’m annoyed I didn’t bother earlier. I think because he was a big star during a time when pop was pretty poor, I had written him off. Was expecting something like early Coldplay for some reason, but instead got very intricate, lofi indie, more similar to Beck or Belle and Sebastian than Coldplay.
I think this is the album on this list so far that has surprised me the most. Big fan. Love it.
Missy Elliott
1/5
Fucking dreadful
The Only Ones
3/5
Quite interesting for its time and genre. Appealed more to me than Sex Pistols or the Ramones thats for sure. Sounds a lot more well considered than other peers - mad that these werent much much bigger.
Another Girl Another Planet is worthy of global fame on its own, then chuck in Language Problem, Breaking Down, The Beast, quite a few decent songs for a band that ‘never made it’. A chunk of it passed me by but that’s maybe because it aint my thing. Either way, on a whole it’s very decent
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Enjoyable, if not very original. But I do like this sound. Reminds me of a lovely pub I used to live near that played bluesy rock music and had a big fire and nice beers.
Obviously ridiculously talented and very tight. However I can only imagine myself listening to this when I want some background music. 3.5
Otis Redding
4/5
Have a limited edition version of this on vinyl, and annoyingly I scratched it and it jumps midway through so I havent had it on in a while. It’s a great record though, although im not sure how much credit he can take as from memory most of the songs are covers. Which he makes his own, particularly I Cant Get No.
His voice is something else though, and it says a lot that he can flirt with a few genres while sounding like him and making them his own. Adds his own style. Doesnt feel like an album of covers. A strong 4.5 for me. Wouldve been a 5 10 years ago but I overplayed Soul music in general and it took the shine off it for me
Iggy Pop
4/5
Another solid Iggy Pop entry. I preferred the previous (The Idiot?) but this is still full of what made The Idiot great, and more smooth round the edges. It’s definitely poppier and less edgy, but not entirely to its detriment. Just shows a level of versatility I didn’t realise he had.
Ive been a casual Iggy / Stooges fan for years but stuck to the same few records. The entries on this list are proving to me that he’s up there with the likes of Bowie in terms of being a genius.
Some Weird Sin brought back nostalgic feelings of embarrassment after the band I was in as a teenager tried to cover it. I managed to forget the song ever existed. 4.5
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
I can’t believe we’ve had two MBV albums and neither have been Loveless. That’s kinda my only downside to their other two records: they arent Loveless.
Thats not to say this isnt great. I really really like it. And that’s despite the anticipation given how long they took to release this and the expectation around it.
They really nail that expansive ‘wall of sound’, and this more than previous albums builds on that with some interesting background production that goes with it. Especially as the album goes on it (naturally) slowly grows into something different. Not a change in direction, not a change in sound, more just a little nod. But thats enough.
I do get why people dont rate them - they are a band that you have to be in the mood for, and thats coming from a fan of theirs, but I think once they click they are a very special band. A strong 4.5, possibly a 5 but chalking 0.5 off for having to be in the right mood.
Donovan
4/5
All my adult life I thought I’d listened to this a lot when I was a 19/20, but turns out it was Donovan’s greatest hits, not this.
This is still class, peak 60s drug folk. Mightve just made that genre up but I think it sums this up well. It does go on a while, and some songs couldve done with being shorter in my opinion, particularly at the start, but when its good it is excellent. Reminds me of being young in the Summer. Highlights obviously the excellent Season of the Witch and Sunshine Superman, as well as The Trip, and Berts Blues.
Still blows my mind he is Scottish and not American.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
This is a tough one for me. I hated it when it first came out, then got right into it about 10 years ago and loved it, but now I’m not that bothered. I think I just listened to it a lot a while ago and it lost its shine. Sounds very of the time. Again though, I think TV shows of the time overplaying them also helps age a band (looking at you, Gavin and Stacey).
Objectively, it’s excellent. Very much an album from the heart delivered in a very ‘real’ way. And it’s crammed with student classics. The entire record is probably considered a classic now, and rightly so.
Subjectively, it doesn’t have the same appeal for me as it did, and it’s occasionally a bit tedius. But thats purely through overlistening. My fault.
Shack
3/5
Never heard of these, and Im surprised they dont have much bigger appeal. I really dont like that Oasis / Ashcroft / Cast sort of thing, and this is very much in that Britpop bracket, but didnt really mind this.
Very generic, but considering I usually hate this sound I think its quite an endorsement for me! Some very suspect lyrics and times, and often an annoying delivery, but overall not bad. Streets of Kenny was probably my favourite.
Wouldnt return, but not bad
Merle Haggard
1/5
For fuck sake… can we apply a filter to filter out Country music?!
My review is its exactly as uninspiring and predictable as every other country album. Perhaps a slight less annoying.
Jeff Buckley
4/5
This is one of them many albums that I’ve been waiting to crop up. One I know is meant to be incredible but I’ve never bothered with outside of the main songs.
His voice is something else, almost too much at times. Very iconic and recognisable. Haunting for the most of it, but that’s maybe with the benefit of hindsight. And his lyrics are excellent, really really powerful without being cheesy.
The whole thing demands attention, which makes it difficult to listen to when working. Probably my only real downside, but that’s not Jeff’s fault.
Some of the quieter parts reminded me of Boxer era National, and you can hear his influence on quite a few alternative acts like alt-J, Chris Cornell’s solo stuff (only ever listened to his first record so specifically that), and maybe even early Radiohead. Will be back, a strong 4.5 from me.
Mott The Hoople
3/5
Actually a lot better than I expected . I always thought these were meant to be like a Beatles type band, but they’re a lot more rockier than that. Not always my cuppa tea, but this is much better than a lot of other classic rock albums that have appeared on the list. Especially given they never made the heights of some of their peers. Probably wont be back, but pleasently surprised.
Frank Black
5/5
This is class! Like the Pixies meets Rocket from the Crypt, with great melodies and catchy little hooks.
I didnt connect the name to Pixies to begin with, and I’m not sure why Ive never listened to Frank Black’s solo stuff given Ive been a longtime fan of Pixies.
It is long, but bar a couple of tracks they are all excellent. And it doesnt really outstay its welcome especially given there’s over 20 tracks on this. Will be back.
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
I think this is one of the greatest albums of the last 30 years. It grows and grows and even though it’s been a favourite of mine since by 20s, it still sounds new.
I still dont really get how they can sound so big and so intricate at the same time. They mix shoegaze / dream pop with their ‘wall of sound’ style and it just works. Everything from the guitars to their vocals just fits together perfectly.
My only criticism is that they play this so loud live that it really does knack you. A small price to pay!
The Temptations
3/5
Used to quite like these when I was younger but I think I just stuck to their hits. Only recognised a couple off this. Most of this sort of passed me by in the way that this genre can often do: not bad, excellent vocals and incredible melodies, but nothing that really caught my ear. Ive said this before but growing up on Motown, then having an obsession with it in my early 20s has probably swayed me away form certain parts of it. I just think I over did it. This album sums it up for me: I know I wouldve once loved it, and I can see how it is a great record, but right now it just ain’t doing it for me! 2.5 rounded up
Eminem
1/5
Absolutely dreadful.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
I quite enjoyed it, was varied enough to keep my attention anyway. I dont think its a great rap record or a great rock record or even a good rap rock record, but it is decent. Im just not entirely sure what ‘it’ is.
King of New York was probably my favourite, enjoyed Scooby Snacks, Bear Hug, and The Fun Lovin Criminal too. I think this will get better after a few listens but sticking to a 3 for now
Pearl Jam
4/5
Instant nostalgia. This was on constant repeat as a 15 year old but haven’t listened to it since. Crazy how music takes you right back to a time and place. Ironic too given that Ive just had a massive spot emerge on me cheek. Could possibly blame Pearl Jam and not the bag of midget gems I polished off yesterday afternoon.
Anyway… this is one of them albums that always gets into the ‘best albums of the 90s lists’ type thing, and rightly so. This was their debut album. How?! Sounds so much more mature, if that’s the right term.
The songs that are great, are really really great. Black, Jeremy, Once, Even Flow, Alive, Why Go… all 10/10 songs in their own right. Even the lesser known tracks have quality, even if they arent quite as big sounding. Porch was a favourite of mine as a kid, but isnt the same now, and I used to skip Oceans as a kid but quite enjoy it now.
Overall an excellent album, even if it’s one I probably wont listen to much these days. A strong 4.5
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Got nothing really to say about this. I wanted to enjoy it after reading the synopsis but there’s nothing really to dig into. Its gone so far into the obscure it’s almost boring. I definitely feel ‘art rock’ is better these days than back then
Justice
5/5
Another album from my younger days that was an absolute staple. Havent had it on in years but even after the first note of Genesis it took me back to my 96 reg Corsa. Genesis is the track I’d have as my walkout theme if I was a boxer or a darts player, or if I was putting together a compilation of goals for Football Focus.
Anyway, I loved this then and I love it now. Its cool as fuck without it ever being a dickhead. It makes me wish I could pull off a leather jacket and a fancy haircut and take up smoking. Manages to capture a lot of what was mint about mid 00s music without any of that landfill rubbish that clogged things up. Electro, dance, indie, some funky bass riffs. It’s big and bold without being crass.
Here’s a big hill I’m prepared to die on: this is better than anything their compatriots Daft Punk ever did.
10/10
Nirvana
4/5
Easy to forget just how good Nirvana were. I was massively into them in school when there was a bit of a resurgence for them, but again like many bands I kinda neglected them after an obsession.
Hearing the acoustic versions for the first time in years felt fresh. Cobain’s voice is way better than I remembered, especially live. Kinda suits being live way better than recorded.
Forgot how many belters they had without even playing 1/5th of their material. Great band, class record. 4.5
OutKast
3/5
Canny this. Cant see me returning but quite enjoyed it. The right side of rap / pop for me too, it isnt too ridiculous in that sense. Not got much more to say: its decent, has a bit nostalgia, and probably a lot better than some of the other rap albums of its time.
An extra bit credit for the guy who is spoken about in ‘Kim and Cookie’ for being a quick finisher. I feel you mate. I see you.
50 Cent
1/5
The only positive thing I’ve got to say about this is fair play to him, hes made a living out of this. I imagine he’s got a canny pension behind him. Lyrically, it’s the worst I’ve heard on this list so far, and the whole idea of this album just annoys me. It’s firmly in the ‘utter, utter shit’ category for me.
B.B. King
3/5
Kinda what I expected in a way. A nice listen of blues/rock, some funny lyrics too and you can tell he’s a natural entertainer. Nice background listen without it ever really grabbing attention.
Metallica
3/5
It’s Metallica. Excellent at what they do, but very predictable and they get very, very samey. And sometimes they don’t know when to finish a song.
Drums sound shite too. I thought it was just St Anger that had terrible sounding drums.
16 year old me = 5*
36 year old me = 2.5*
Sonic Youth
4/5
I love Sonic Youth but have never listened to this album as a whole. It’s not quite on a level as Goo / Dirty / DN, but there’s something very endearing about it. Captures the chaotic side of punk without being radged and macho. They have that right level of experimental art pop or whatever you wanna call it over the top, which results in this weird post-punk experimental record. Every artical about sonic youth mentions ‘avant garde’ and I only have a vague idea what that term means due to these comparisons. If Sonic Youth are avant garde then I like it, whatever it is.
Say what you like about it but it’s never boring.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Ive listened to this a few times in the past due to its hype, but I dont really get it. It often comes out top from quite reputable music journalists as ‘best album of all time’, which surprises me.
Its a good, pop album with some big songs on. But there’s quite a bit fluff and filler for me overall, and it’s just a bit too light and airy. Like every song I feel has been done before by one band or another. Maybe thats credit to Beach Boys for getting there first, or maybe its because it’s a simple tried and tested formula. I dunno. Its good, but it’s not the best.
T. Rex
4/5
Always avoided T. Rex for some reason, I think I assumed it would be a bit pompus, but this is great. Reminded me of the glam era of Bowie, if a bit rockier. Some of the solos can go a bit OTT for me, but thats glam rock on a whole isnt it?! Way better than expected, flew by, strangely I’m not too sure how fast Ill be returning. I think I need to be in the mood for this. Either way, cracking. 4.5
R.E.M.
4/5
A good solid 4 for a solid 4* band. Always wanted to like REM more than what I do, and I think this album is the closest Ive come to understanding how loved they are.
There’s always just a little something stopping me going all in with REM though and Im not sure what it is. Part of me thinks if they werent as polished Id probably like them more. I dunno.
Either way, this is a very very good record with few lulls. Theyre clearly excellent. Ignoreland and Drive were my standouts. Probably heard enough to be back, got a feeling this might be a grower for me
Love
4/5
I really, really enjoyed this. Ive heard a few songs by Love before on 6music (my favourite on a different record) so was looking forward to digging deeper. Already had it on a good few times: fills that nice space for me as being nice in the background but also interesting enough to give more attention to.
I dont know how I’d describe it, definitely 60s garage rock but that doesn’t give it credit. It has that psychedelic feel to it without being too out there, as well as being quite comfortably bluesy/jazz. There’s so much to it. Covers a lot of genres.
A strong 4.5 for me, possibly hinting at a 5
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
This is canny mad. Sounds like it would be an incredible soundtrack to a musical. If this was the music, I’d definitely go to see the play.
Lyrics are mad; and I quite like his delivery. It’s got the over the top rock aspects to it, without getting old for me. I think it’s because it’s so frantic.
Probably wont be back, it aint my thing, but it flew by and it was an experience.
Gangbangers. Ya gotta love ‘em!
3/5
Ah Muse are a band I always feel could be so much better for me. I want to like them. They have lots of interesting ideas but none of them totally grab me. It’s like they’ve gone ‘we love Radiohead AND Coldplay’. But they arent poppy enough for Coldplay or interesting/experimental enough for Radiohead.
For me they’re a bit like a chocolate digestive. By no means bad, enough going on for me to be slighty interested in, but they’re never a go to for me. If there’s a Hobnob in the mix, I’m there all day long.
It just isn’t for me.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Yknow, I think I might prefer this to every Beatles record we’ve had so far. I know that’s probably not what I’m meant to say, but it really is. By the time Mrs Vandebilt came on (track 4) I was convinced.
Jet is a belter and some more modern band has ripped it off but I can’t for the life of me remember who it was. 1985 is probably my highlight but I could’ve picked 3 or 4.
Surprisingly great.
LTJ Bukem
1/5
At a bit of a loss as to how this has made the cut. Can only assume it was a token gesture to make up the house(?) numbers. Either way it’s bland as fuck and totally pointless. Reminds me of the type of music they play in them bars that stay open really late where everything is a bit tacky, and the drinks are really expensive, and you’re surrounded by consultants letting their hair down, and you spend your time there wishing you were in bed. Shite.
System Of A Down
3/5
This is another one like Linkin Park for me: 16 year old me = 5*. Easy. I loved this, it was weird, hard, edgy: everything a teenager thinks they are. It sounded like nothing else.
But now? I listened to it loving the feeling of nostalgia, but I would never stick this on now. Im sadly not young anymore. But does it matter? I dunno. If I’d never heard this before I’d probably be more impressed with it being unique and a bit different. I really struggle with these sorts of albums.
Neil Young
4/5
I preferred Tonights the Night, but this has some absolute corkers on it. It’s a bit more straightforward for me compared to the latter, but the lyrics are a lot more refined here. I forget how incredible his lyrics are until I listen to him. I guess that’s my downfall with Neil Young: I never go ‘I really fancy a bit of Neil Young today’. Whenever I do hear him, I think he’s great, I just dont love him like others do and I dont think I ever properly will. After The Goldrush / Only Love / Dont Let it Bring You Down were my highlights. Also just realised Dont Let it Bring You Down by Q and not U was a cover.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
This aint essential, is it? Nothing really seems to go on, I feel it must be my fault as Andrew Weatherall is a total legend, but I just dont get it. I feel like when someone tries to explain the intricacies of art: it’s just a painting mate.
Couple of decent bits here and there. I like the weird sound of Duke of Earlsfield, and quite liked parts of the Portishead remix. Wilmot was canny too. Actully theres a few songs that have some really good small parts; then they revert to that standard beat.
R.E.M.
4/5
Ahhhh I can see why REM are so well loved now compared to after hearing previous records! This is a lot better than Out of Time imo, and probably better than Automatic for the People for me.
It’s still undeinably REM but they sound a bit more agitated, a bit dirtier and less polished which suits them. I cant really describe it, this is just more interesting than other REM Ive heard. The melodies work better, and the guitars dont sound so perfect and plastic. Maybe authentic is a better word.
I’m still not massive of Snipe’s vocals but that’s not a jip on his ability. He’s clearly unique and great I just cant quite warm to it.
Regardless, I’ll be back to this
Kanye West
1/5
Regardless of the quality of this record, he’s an egotistical cunt of an antisemite and I can’t separate that from his music. Soz. Bellend.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Bit of an ‘Emporers new coat’ record for me this. I just don’t understand how it is so well respected. I’m a fan of avante garde / noise / experimental but this is just a bit pointless. It hasnt even pushed boundaries, it’s just pointless. They must be laughing at the idea its even on this list. Was tempted to give them an extra star for being described in parliament as the ‘wreckers of civilisation’, and for AB7A resembling a decent song, but it really doesnt justify it
Cypress Hill
4/5
I really liked this in most ways. The sound is great, very nostalgic hip hop which has clearly influenced a lot of others. Its well put together, interesting for the most, and most songs I can see myself listening to a lot in the future. Im not really into hiphop that much but whenever I hear something like this I’m always keen to hear more.
My only real problems is that it does get quite samey, and the content of the lyrics themselves are a bit naff. Aye, you like a tab and a scrap, i get it, move on!
Dire Straits
2/5
This is so soft rock I felt the lead drain from my pencil and I’m worried I’ll never rise to the occasion again. Couple of very iconic tracks on here, possibly overplayed, and there is some interesting moments but theyre surrounded by beige knitwear. His voice is canny, sometimes a bit Springsteeny.
Hated Your Latest Trick. Why Worry was a pointless waste of time.
Lost 1/2 a star for possibly making me impotent. A total flop on of a record. 1.5
Minutemen
5/5
Minutemen are one of my best mate’s favourite bands. For years he’s recommended them, but apart from the odd song Ive never bothered. I imagine he’ll be canny annoyed that I took the advice of an algorithm over him…
Anyway, know quite a bit about these for some reason without having properly listened to them. I think it’s with them being so distinctive: punk, but a bit jazz at times with insanely good bass riffs. They’re also one of them ‘tragedy’ bands where when on the cusp of being massive the singer died and that ended that dream.
I love that whole ‘tight as fuck’ sound that they have going on. Every note sounds effortlessly in place while still being very off beat. If that’s the right term. I like it anyway, and it influenced just about every decent band of the mid 00s, as well as that second wave of angular post punk that is finally starting to fade (where for a while every new band sounded like Parquet Courts / Minutemen).
Anyway; this is great. Sorry Wardle; I shouldve listened to you years ago.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
A good portion of this record I really like. It was well put together, well written, atmospheric, and generally quite well considered. Much better than I anticipated. Although Id only ever heard one LDR song before and it was ace (black bathing suit) so Im not sure why I didn’t think this would be as good. Bits of it at times reminded me of that first Marika Hackman EP, but it never properly reaches those heights for me.
The problem is when it goes on, it really goes on. Some songs start out great but get a bit dull and repetitive. A few could’ve had a minute or two knocked off for me liking.
Overall though, canny. Not sure if Id be back bar a few songs, including White Dress, Tulsa Jesus Freak, Wild at Heart, Yosemite. 3.5
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
About as complete a punk rock album as you can get! Nothing much more to say other than it’s a great example of punk/rock and a staple of that genre. 4.5
Germs
4/5
Cracking record this. Another of those bands this list flips up where I knew of them but never listened to them. I think it’s either their influence on so many bands or the fact Pat Smear was in them that put them on my radar.
Apparently this is the first hardcore punk album, which is a canny mint acolade to have. Way better than the obvious more famous punk rock names. The drums are ridiculous, like a loud angry machine, and the lyrics - when deciphered - are surprisingly great for this genre. It’s loud, frantic, livid. Quite a winning formula.
If Germs didnt exist, I dont think Black Flag would, and if they didnt exist music today would be very boring. 4.5
Can
3/5
Had high expectations for this. Can often get cited as huge influence from James Murphy / LCD soundsystem, so I was looking forward to this. I was expecting sort of proto electro/kraut, and it was sort of that in places. Definitely got that whole pysch thing going on.
There’s a lot of fluff though, the bits I liked where great, but there was definitely a bit of filler. I preferred the Can songs that came on after from other records, so I’ll definitely be back to Can and probably back to this record, but Im not sure when
Death In Vegas
5/5
First time listening to a full Death in Vegas album, and it’s incredible. It’s in its own space somewhere between electronic and rock, and everything just flows so well. The easiest 5* in a while for me.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Agree with Jamie. There was some canny parts to this but I wasnt sold on the vocals. Felt a bit forced.
Parts passed me by too, but I think it’s more to do with me not being a massive fan of this sound in general. That said, the songs that were good I really enjoyed: when you were mine, She Bop, Yeah Yeah all being highlights. Doubt I’d be back but glad I heard it
Fever Ray
3/5
Never heard of Fever Ray before but was encouraged when I heard they were part of The Knife.
Not sure what to make of this though. I cant tell if I really liked it or found it pointless. Like it’s very interesting and it flew by, but I cant recall much from it. Regardless I’m amazed this made the list over some incredible yet overlooked records.
I think I’ll definitely be back and will likely definitely have an updated score, but for now it has to be a 3.
Carpenters
1/5
Got about halfway through and couldnt do anymore. There’s only so many harmonies about love I can possibly take. So squeaky clean I feel dirty.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Enjoyed this, more so than the other Rufus Wainwright record on the list so far. It’s more eclectic, more interesting for me, and from memory less theatrical. Not that this doesnt have an element of that, its just not as much in your face. The first half was definitely stronger than the second half, and definitely agree with the Sufjan comparisons in places. One track had a touch of Thom Yorke about it, cant remember the name but it was a belter.
Will definitely be back.
Coldcut
3/5
I think I enjoyed most of this. Its not my cuppa tea at all but enough to appreciate the good bits. Its a bit mental which I quite like. I imagine Jez from Peep Show wanted to sound like this when he wrote that ‘This is outrageous’ song. Cant see me coming back but glad I heard it. I think.
Soft Cell
3/5
Half of this I enjoyed, the other half was a bit naff. Perhaps I’d have loved it all in the 80s but parts of it now sound a bit cliche and tried n tested. Came to the conclusion that there’s a lot of songs on here that would sound much better covered by someone else. Convinced Entertain Me would sound better delivered by a 00s emo band.
When this is good, it’s pretty good. Nothing spectacular but good enough.
Venom
2/5
I doubt there’s a more generic and predictable genre of music than thrash metal. But by what I gather Venom were one of the first to do this whole thing, and the likes of Slayer and Metallica took what they did and ran with it.
All sounds a bit daft to me. Cannot get away with the whole ‘oooo look at me, im so hard and talk about the devil and that’. Suppose it was new back then.
Quite liked Teachers Pet, found the rest a bit boring but I do respect them for what they did. Clearly influential. And in contrast to me saying how predictable they were, I wasnt expecting a ‘get ya tits out’ chant.
Turns out theyre from Newcastle n’all. Didnt know that.
Lauryn Hill
2/5
If you like this sort of thing then I imagine this is a key record. It’s not my cuppa tea though at all, and there was nothing here to change my mind really. She’s great at what she does like, probably the best voice in this genre by some way. Quite liked Doo Wop, the rest was very samey
Drive Like Jehu
5/5
Post-punk emo of the best kind. Another of those bands like Hot Snakes / RFTC / At The Drive-In that seemed to influence every great band of the 00’s. These should have been so much bigger. Saying that, I used to listen to these a lot yet I dont think I ever had this record. Think I stuck to their debut and didnt venture beyond, managing to bypass their biggest record. Maybe thats part of their appeal: they sort of drifted by and created a cult monster in doing so. Who knows. This is class though
Steve Winwood
3/5
This is very much not my cuppa tea, but I didnt mind it. Dare I say it, I think I enjoyed it in parts. I cant even say why. The vocals are a bit dated and quite typical of that era. It’s quite MOR pop, and dated at that, but it was a relatively pleasant listen. Doubt id be back but didnt hate it.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
Another great record by these. I cant believe how criminally underrated they were (by myself). Always knew of them but never listened to them until 1001 albums, despite loving a few Gruff Rhys records. Recognised a few songs too which always helps. Im always a sucker for bands that merge a few genres together, these are one of the them. Somewhere between punk, indie, and a bit pysch. But better than that, they arent a jack of all trades type. Kinda how I’d describe Flaming Lips actually.
4.5
Roxy Music
3/5
I like what I know of Roxy Music, and wanted to like this more. Always felt they were one of those bands I was on the cusp of loving but never quite got there. I have one of their other records (with a mermaid on the front I think) and I used to like that, but this one is hit or miss for me. The songs tht are good are great (Do the Strand, Bogus Man, Grey Lagoons, For Your Pleasure being my favourites), but the ones that dont hit those heights are a bit bland.
Ultimately, for a new wave (?) band this just isnt as good as anything Talking Heads did, and I think that’s my problem with it. And Bryan Ferry is a tory.
Sigur Rós
5/5
Love this. Only ever listened to that really famous Sigur Ros album and a more recent one, so I’m pleased this came up. I think it’s one of them records that has to be listened start to finish, and not individual tracks. The whole thing works really well together - the slower, quieter tracks help the louder tracks seem bigger, more atmospheric. This will definitely be in my rotation pile for a while.
Brian Eno
5/5
This is pretty perfect for me. Sort of a weird art-pop-experimental record with lots going on in a great way. Its simple and complex at the same time. Brian Eno is the boy like, I’m more familiar with his ambient stuff and the records he’s helped produce, but everything he does is gold (from what Ive heard anyway, his back catalogue is ridiculously big). You can hear his influence on Bowie, Talking Heads, etc., and I’m sure Roxy Music wouldve been a much better band if Bryan Ferry wasnt such a dickhead and let Eno do his thing.
Ive already listened to this a few times and itll be on repeat for a while yet. Superb
The Sugarcubes
3/5
This is tough as the good bits on this are excellent. Only ever heard of Birthday before, but Delicious Demon, Mama, Blue Eyed Pop, Deus are all bangers. But theres also a lot of bits that passed me by and it does get old quick. If this was an EP it’d be a strong 4. Overall though a very good indie record, will be back for a few tracks
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Over played The Flaming Lips about 10 years ago to the point they annoyed me. Although really it was just Yoshimi I used to listen to. A good amount of time has passed and Im less familiar with this so it felt new.
Great record though, has that unique FL style of soft pysch indie. Each songs sounds like you’re either riding a lovey dragon or are watching a sunset over some lovely beach. Another ridiculously influential band definitely worthy of a few slots on this list.
Probably listened to A Spoonful Weighs a tonne 50 times since I heard it so I’d say that was my favourite, along with the classic opener. Overall though there’s no real duff moments. A solid 4.5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Another from my youth that thankfully hasnt aged a day. As about as perfect a rock record you’re likely to find (albeit, LZ III is more of a personal favourite of mine). Every track a total belter from start to finish, total perfection.
Deee-Lite
2/5
Kinda feel this could have been good but is swamped in 90s mediocrity. There’s little parts of songs that start out interesting then just turn to bland. It all just sounds a fraction too slow and unfinished. Some of the keyboard bits are so basic they sound like when I have a go at my daughters kids keyboard.
Groove is in the Heart obviously fantastic, and I dont get why the rest of the record isnt as complete and thought out as this song. It sticks out. Sounds like it was from a different band.
An extra bit credit for that album cover.
Bee Gees
1/5
Couldnt finish it. Incredibly dull with no notable highlights.
Elvis Presley
2/5
90% of this passed me by. Nothing really happens, it’s just there. Couple of decent little bits, quite like the guitar on ‘Just Because’, and Blue Suede Shoes is decent. Can appreciate this mustve sounded like the future in 56 but I’m glad it wasn’t. 1.5
Arcade Fire
5/5
Great record. Another I’d overlistened to in the past which sounded fresher than expected.
This is one of their records that for me is wall to wall belter. From lyrics to production, they just ooze quality. It’s not often bands like this reach the heights they have. Keep the Car Running / Neon Bible / Intervention / No Cars Go top highlights.
Arcade Fire are a frustrating band at times, especially their last 2/3 records. When they’re good, theyre excellent, but when they aren’t they’re a bit meh. But this is class. If they’d carried on like this and Suburbs they’d be up there with The National for me.
Orange Juice
3/5
I was excited for this one given how great the title track is, and their influence on the likes of The Smiths. The problem is the best song is the title track, then there’s quite a few questionable tracks that never really gripped me. They just passed by.
The songs that are good are very good, particularly Louise Louise, Rip it Up, Breakfast time. But the rest arent nout nor something.
The influence of Orange Juice / Edwyn Collins are as far reaching as anyone. No Orange Juice = no Smiths (probably…). But I really wanted this to be better and it isnt. 2.5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Starts off with a total belter but then by track 4 you start to realise that they found a formula (and a riff) and stuck with it. Enjoyed it overall but can’t see me being back. I imagine it pairs perfectly with cowies in the 90s but as a 36 year old with a bad back caffeine is as buzzed as I am happy to go.
The last song was the best on the album
Steve Earle
1/5
Fuck fuck fuck. I found myself tapping my foot to some of this. Dare I say it but this is the first country record of this style where I didnt really hate every song. Dont get me wrong, it’s shit and corny and his vocals are so fake and strained it’s ridiculous, but I didnt hate every song like usual. A strong 1
Kings of Leon
3/5
I’d only ever heard the big songs off this before when hearing KoL was unavoidable whether you wanted to hear them or not.
I didn’t then and I still dont really want to now. Its decent an all that, but its all a bit self indulgent for something that lacks anything special or intricate. Quite a few skippable songs and many of the ones that arent skippable dont get much more than a shrug of the shoulders from me. The vocals border on the ridiculous at times.
They’re a lot better than their ‘landfill indie’ peers of the time though and there are some good moments often just lacking something (more often than not, the removal of the vocals). Four Kicks still sounds good. 2.5
The Byrds
4/5
Decent this, better than I was expecting. Better than The Beatles too in my humble opinion. That whole pysch/pop/rock/folk thing can be hard to pull off but they do it well for the most of this. Never strays too odd for it not to be accessible. Not sure whether I’d be back but glad Ive heard it, and I reckon I’d have been all over this when I went through a pysch phase in me teens. 3.5
Miles Davis
5/5
An easy 5 for me and one of my all time favourite records. First got it on CD when I was about 20 and it promoted itself through to a nice ltd edition blue vinyl, which I listen to almost weekly.
Not really sure what it is I love about it, I’m very much an entry level jazz fan, it just feels very soothing and flows together so well. Hearing this live in some blues bar in New York would be my ultimate experience.
The Cardigans
4/5
Enjoyed this wat more than I expected. I was expecting an album of Lovefool type 90s classics, but instead it was surprisingly refreshing: almost twee indie at times. Reminded me of bands like Alvvays, Japanese Breakfast, etc. A simple sound made interesting with catchy hooks and almost dream like sounds, without getting too poppy. They also managed to make Iron Man sound way better than the original. A strong 4,5 from me, will be back
The Monkees
3/5
A lot better than the last Monkees record on here. Sounds more credible and less glossy/pop. Still not my cuppa tea mind and likely wont bother returning, but it’s a canny (if long) listen.
There’s a few bits that were genuinely good, and I only say that as someone who sees the Monkees as a novelty pop group. The little guitar and harmonies on All of Your Toys is great, and the quiet/loud format of Randy Scouse Git must be one of the earliest examples of that style of song (my mate swore blind Nirvana were the first to do that, and all these years later my mind still goes blank when trying to disprove him). Canny overal.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Couldnt be arsed with this one but enjoyed it as it went on. From what I gather they were one of the original and best in this folk-rock-prog genre. Feels like theres something more than that for me, flirts with blues and pysch at times, but the vocals make it even more distinctive than other similar bands. Vocals and instruments work so well together, like a well oiled folk machine. The next time I fancy this sort of thing itll be the first of it’s type I’ll put on
Goldfrapp
2/5
There’s a couple of decent songs on this but overall I was a bit disappointed. Lately Ive noticed a few songs on 6music where Ive thought ‘ah this is good’, and it’s turned out to be Goldfrapp or Alison Goldfrapp, so for a few weeks Ive been meaning to dive a bit deeper. This didnt sound like what I was expecting. A bit slow and moody at times, often sounding like ‘any minute now this will take off’, but it never really did, bar Utopia and Lovely Head. I’ll definitely still keep an eye out for these but perhaps not this record
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Pretty sure I caught these at Primavera one year, a lot feels familiar and took me back anyway. I thought I was only familiar with Pyschocandy but recognised quite a bit of this.
Big fan of this sound: sort of dirty, dreamy indie. A clear influence on lots of bands from the 2010s, but despite racking my brains I cannot seem to put my finger on who. Definitely maybe Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Sunny Day in Glasgow, but I’m certain theres someone more obvious.
Perhaps its because there’s a lot of Velvet Underground in this, and there’s a lot of VU in more bands than I’ll ever know. Either way, I like this. Will be back.
Kate Bush
3/5
The only other Kate Bush album Ive heard was Hounds of Love, which is as clear a 5* as I’ve heard. This isnt as good as that. It does reach some of its heights at times, but I think chunks of it are too experimental without much substance at times. When it’s good though, it’s very good. I just wish I couldn’t compare it to HoL.
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
Thought this was great, it is a long record and a little trimming here and there wouldnt go amiss, but it’s a great post-punk/new wave record. I was convinced they were like triphop band so I was quite suprised to be reminded more of maybe Echo and the Bunneymen or Orange Juice. (Just found out one of them went on to form EatBM and another produced a Smiths record, so that makes sense!). Will definitely be back to this, a strong 4.5
Elliott Smith
4/5
Moody and melancholic: two big ticks for me. I’d never listened to Elliott Smith before but he’s often been recommended in the past. Kinda avoided him as for some reason I assumed he’d sound like Into it Over it, American Football, etc., and as much as I love them bands and that style, I just never fancied adding more to the list. Gotta be in the mood.
This is different to what I expected though. Sounds raw, not sure if that was a purposeful recording technique, but it works. Comes across quite lofi anyway which is another tick for me. I’ll definitely be back and reckon this could be a grower
Paul Simon
2/5
Meh. It’s alright, quite like how it’s different to a lot of other pop records of the time. Call me Al obviously a total classic (imagine how buzzing you’d be if you were dicking about on a keyboard and come up with that tune?!), quite liked Under African Skies too. Most songs here are decent and forgettable. Painfully beige at times.
Ian Dury
2/5
Clearly loved getting his end away. Suppose they say to write about what you know about (in which case my songs would be less about bucking and more about my bad back, or maybe the downfall of the third reich).
The biggest disappointment about this isnt that it’s largely a bit of a let down, but it doesnt have hit me with your rythm stick on it. I’m left wondering how he has such a cult following. It’s alright at times but nothing amazing. I guess we would never have ‘Parklife’ without Ian Dury, so we should be thankful for that.
The songs that are ok, are just that. The songs that are rubbish are just pure cheese/novelty. Not sure what the fuck made him think to commmit Billericay Dickey to record. Maybe he was a ‘blooming thickie’ for that. Jesus, that was an actual lyric. Fair enough, he obviously enjoyed himself. Not for me though.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
This is my favourite type of Nick Cave: almost preacher-esque, fucked up story telling. Always dark and haunting, each song is like a mini story which somehow The Bad Seeds manage to turn into great songs. The instruments and vocals never really compete, they just fit really well together. This doesn’t have all the best examples in my opinion of Nick Cave at his preacheresque best, but Papa Wont Leave You, When I First Came To Town, Jack the Ripper, I Had a Dream Joe, would all be up there. It’s a strong 4.5 for me.
Erykah Badu
1/5
Couple of decent songs but this whole genre isnt my thing. I imagine those who like RnB would love this though. Quite enjoyed the first track, and …&on, but the rest just blended into one. Pretty boring really, found myself skipping most of the tracks 3/4 of the way through. Perhaps that isn’t a fair way to judge but I just wanted to move on
Raekwon
3/5
Never heard of Raekwon before, wasn’t sure what to expect until I found out he was in Wu Tang. 80% of this is really good, with plenty of little riffs and fills that get stuck in my head. Aye, a lot of it is samey, and the tracks with Ghostface Killah are the standout tracks, but overall it’s pretty good. Would be a solid 4 if they trimmed some of the filler tracks. Not sure how fast I’ll be back, but I did enjoy it. 3.5
Method Man
4/5
Enjoyed this, and agree it’s better than Raekwon’s effort even if that seems to be more critically acclaimed.
I just thought this had more going for it, better beats, samples, tunes etc. Prefer his voice too. Didnt get much ‘im a fucking hard case’ from this which I liked. Will be back
Kraftwerk
4/5
Like this, and definitely a grower. Every few years or so I give it another go and always thought ‘aye its canny but I dont get the hype’. But each listen it gets better and having listened to it 3 times today already I can confirm its a grower for me.
It’s quite simple in some ways, especially compared to todays electronic standard. But that simplicity helps it stand out. Becomes more accessible almost. Also, LCD Soundsystem have borrowed a loooot from this record, which is always a good thing in my books. 4.5
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Only song I’d ever heard by these was Bellbottoms, which I listened to a hundred times without thinking to check the rest of their songs out. Alas, it aint on this record.
I did like this though. Scuzzy, over distorted garage rock. It is too long mind, gets a bit much after a while. But it’s clear these are loving what they do almost as much as they love getting their ends away. Fair enough really.
I read an interview a while back where they said these pretty much divided indie rock at the time. Half thought they were a great, refreshing addition to the more serious scene, the other half thought it was a pisstake. The singer was described as being an Elvis impersonator having a breakdown, or words to that effect.
I like it though, sounds like a group of musicians having a great time, with plenty of Little Richard-esque influence. Cant give it a 4 as I’m not sure I’ll be rushing back, but would definitely catch them live if they ever toured again
Pixies
4/5
Recognised a few tracks off this but for the most it was new for me. What can I say, it’s the Pixies, you know what to expect and it’s largely great.
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
I think I like the idea of NiN more than the music. There’s so many good little bits and ideas in this, and I love the production, but it just doesnt work for me like I would like it to. It sounds more like a scrapbook of ideas mashed together. Some are great, others not so.
Spiritualized
4/5
Enjoyed this. Only ever heard the title track before, but the rest lived up to expectations. Saw these live once but I’d had a few of the old cans and cant remember much about them other than they were quite eclectic. This confirms my thoughts. Very good.
Bauhaus
4/5
A strong 4 flirting with a 5 for me this. Dark, moody post-punk with a slight industrial sound at times. Reminds me of Joy Division and the Berlin era Bowie. Does slightly lose its way at times, but overall this is right up my street. Very good.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
OK MOR jazz that largely passed me by. Some decent parts to it that caught my attention, often ruined by the organ. I just cant get in board with the organ.
Green Day
4/5
This is another of them albums which is hard to judge, like Linkin Park, Slipknot etc. 15 year old me loved it despite never really being a huge Greenday fan. 36 year old me isn’t really bothered by it. But I guess it was never made for 36 year old misers.
Aye it’s a good pop album that flirts with lite-punk, and the 90s would not be the same without it. In fact most bands I loved at 15 (Blink, Sum 41, NFG etc) wouldnt have existed without this. And without those types of bands I might still be listening to MPeople.
Maybe that’s its purpose. It aint trying to be serious. It ain’t trying to be punk. But it did get kids into pop-punk and maybe they later got into punk and this was pivotal in that. A gateway record. And it has some undeniable classics on it.
An essential record for the teenage years, but for me that’s where it stayed and where it will be staying. 3.5 rounded to a 4
Silver Jews
4/5
I love this sort of lofi/indie sound. Always sounds like a bunch of friends having a good time making music.
I’d never heard of these before and immediately thought ‘this has Terror Twilight Pavement vibes’ after the first few songs, so it wasnt a surprise to find Stephen Malkmus was a member of these. On a whole it reminds me of a cross between Pavement and Wilco, but never reaches the heights of either. It’s still good though, and I’m keen to dig a bit further with them (apparently the record before this is ace).
I think this is a strong 3.5, but I’ll round it to 4 as I reckon I’ll be back and can see it being a grower
Radiohead
5/5
Often overlooked this album, listened to it a few times over the years but it’s only really now I realised how good it is. My favourite records all tend to be slow starters, perhaps this one will make my list.
Either way, it’s quintessential Radiohead: experimental, simple and complex at the same time, and like no one else. I can’t name a single British band that set their own bar so high and consistently reached it with each record. I’m a big fan, if not a die hard Radiohead fan, but I havent heard a bad record yet from them. 4.5
Nirvana
5/5
A massive favourite of mine circa 2003. Unlike many other bands I liked as a 15 year old, this still stands up tall. One of the few bands I’m now not embarrassed about having loved as a kid.
I dont often listen to Nirvana these days but whenever I do I forget just how insanely good they were. What makes this record mint too is that the smaller songs are just as great as the big hitters. Territorial Pissings, Stay Away, On a Plane, Endless Nameless (I had this as my MSN name for a while) are all worthy of being as big hitters as Lithium, SLTS, etc.
I always found Incesticide / In Utero more interesting than this given they hve more of those raw smaller tracks, but that’s not to take anything away from this being near perfect
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
I remember hearing ‘Jamming’ on holiday when I was about 13, and being amazed at how music could sound like this (blew my mind as a kid who’d only really heard British Pop, Motown, and a the odd pop punk song). My Dad told me it was Bob Marley, and for the next 5-10 years or so he became one of my favourite musicians. This record is his best for me. The amount of big hits on this rivals any other record, yet my favourite is the least listened to on Spotify apparently (The Heathen!).
A true icon, an incredible record.
Slayer
3/5
It’s a thrash metal record.
The Fall
4/5
Not their best, but still very good. Quite eclectic too, seems to change direction halfway through, and I like both parts. Past Gone Mad in particular, quite electro-y but with Smith’s vocals hovering around it’s still clearly The Fall. There’s something captivating about Mark E Smith. He could read the phonebook out and I’d listen. Really wish I could’ve had a pint with him
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Another record I loved as a kid but have no interest in now. I get why it is an essential record though, especially for the genre, and it’s influence was as widespread as any. Mad to think they were teenagers when they wrote this. That’s impressive in itself.
But, self indulgent solos and cliche lyrics have never really done it for me since leaving my teens. Perhaps it’s everything that followed which made me think this way. I dunno. Either way this did nout for me, but cant deny their talent and impact!
Nico
4/5
Prepared to overlook her suspect views on this one. Trying to separate the ‘art from the artist’ a bit more. Not that she was a total wrangun, but definitely had traits.
Anyway, I’m a big fan of Nico, primarily through the Velvet Underground. For me, Nico is the 60s. If I think of 60s culture, I picture her. She is very much a huge icon. And this record screams the bohemian side of the 60s. Her vocals are instantly recognisable and almost always sound haunting. Has that sort of ‘I’m off my tits, heres some nice folky music’ vibes to it.
I’m a big fan, even if she wasn’t. Apparently she hated it. Too much flute, not enough guitar according to her.
The Who
3/5
Enjoyed this more than previous Who records on here. I still don’t think I’m a fan of them, but I reckon if I was about in the 60s I’d be way more into these than The Beatles or Beach Boys. It’s a bit less polished, more raw, hints at what is to come. Quite edgy for its time but still has nice poppy chorus’ here and there.
Aye it’s alright this, can’t see me rushing back but a strong 3.5
TV On The Radio
3/5
I want to give this a 4 but it’s not quite there. The first third is absolutely ace, the next third is very good, but the last third is a bit lacking. Kinda feels for me like they have some excellent ideas for songs but theyre still a WIP. Like a bunch of demoes towards the end. If the rest of the album was as good as the first 3 or 4 songs it would be a very easy 5 for me. They’re certaintly different, that’s for sure. 3.5
Minor Threat
4/5
Pretty much as hardcore punk should be - hard hitting, straight to the point, radged. The older I get the more I start to lean to Minor Threat over my old punk favourite Black Flag.
I definitely prefer their first record over this though (and most other Mackaye records actually, that Embrace record was incredible as well as everything Fugazi touched), but this is still top.
The Cramps
3/5
I used to really like these but I’m not sure why. Perhaps I had a greatest hits or something. Some songs are excellent, the others just merge into one.
When they are good they are really good, but when they arent they sound a bit like that band Rodney put together in Only Fools and Horses. I think my problem is they verge at times too much on the novelty for me, and they really needent. I’m sure they arent arsed though, they made one hell of a career out of it.
Tito Puente
3/5
There’s a time and a place for this genre. I quite enjoyed it, but I couldn’t tell you the difference between most songs. Luckily it’s nice, happy, upbeat music. I imagine it sounds ace in a bar in Cuba or a beach in Brazil.
The Specials
3/5
I quite enjoyed this despite it not being my cuppa tea. First 3/4 songs are the strongest for me, quite liked Stereotype too. Sometimes it does verge on the novelty, but overall its a nice, happy album.
Spiritualized
3/5
This isn’t a patch on the other record we’ve had. I quite like it, but nothing really stands out. Theyve got a cool sound that just gets milked each track, whereas the other record felt like they pushed things more. Its ok, but not essential
Suicide
3/5
Think I quite liked this, but can totally understand why people would think this is dross. First half was great, can not imagine what hearing this in the 70s mustve been like. About as innovative and groundbreaking as you can get. I’m assuming this was the first electronic punk record.
The second half lets it down though, turns a bit self indulgent and at times, annoying. I’m looking at you Frankie Teardrop.
A 3.5, rounded down due to the above. Will probably be back though
Tom Waits
4/5
I quite liked this but I dont know why. I bought it on record about 15 years ago, listened once and never bothered again until now. But there’s something about it I really like. It doesnt have a clue what it wants to be but in a good way. Each song is a surprise, from weird little circuis dit (like a slightly lighter version of The Carney by Nick Cave) to Jazz singer. I dont know what this is, but I like it
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Enjoyed it a lot for the first 15/20mins, but it got samey, fast. By track 8 I forgot it was even still playing. Select parts are decent, I like the sound itself and it’s a record that definitely defines an era. But it aint all my cuppa tea. 2.5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Tough one this. Feel like these as weird 80s post-punk should be right up my street, but I’m not sure why but it just doesnt grab me. And I cant say why, the songs on this are very good, just something feels missing. Might come back to this, perhaps it’s a grower
Paul Weller
3/5
Meh. Very middle of the road. Got nothing else to really say about this. 2.5
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Another surprising entry for me! Always assumed this would be MoR pop, but it’s everything but that. Dramatic at times, weird at others, never predictable. I preferred the other PG record we’ve had - felt more refined - but this is still very good and I’ll be back
The Libertines
2/5
Didn’t hate this quite as much as I remembered. And I hated this a lot.
Always had a bit respect for Libertines even though I never liked their music. They certainly didn’t just capture a time and movement, but launched it for a good 4 years or so. This sound was the sound of my college years, and everything they influenced after. Which as good as having positive influence is, the absolute garbage that followed after them is a stain (imo!).
Anyway, this record itself does still have that annoying sound for me that really grates me. I cant put my finger on it, but 80% of it comes from the vocals. Hate his voice. Irritating.
That said, when he aint singing, I quite liked Last Post on the Bugle, and Campaign of Hate. Although short, Arbeit Macht Frei is probably the best song on this, despite the name.
Can hear little hints of Strokes throughout, as well as seeing where Alex Turner got a lot of earlier ideas from.
Definitely not for me, but can totally understand why people love this. It’s iconic to say the least.
The Damned
4/5
Only ever heard New Rose by these, nice to hear what else they had. I say this a lot, but if I was around when this came out I’d have loved it. Punk rock without as much of the cliche of the time. Plan 9 Channel 7, Anti-Pope, Noise Noise Noise, all cracking songs. Bits of this did pass me by but I wasnt really in the mood for this. Probably say a 3.5 rounded up to a 4
Jethro Tull
4/5
Canny this. My French teacher at school loved these, but I was always led to believe they were some weird folk / prog rock crossover. Quite surprised to hear classic rock.
18 year old me wouldve loved this. I loved classic rock for a period and this wouldve been right up my street. It’s a good record, but can’t say I’d be back. Glad I finally heard’em
Bill Callahan
5/5
Superb record this. Familiar with Smog but I dont think I’ve ever checked out his stuff under his real name. Poor lad gets banded as alt country, but the only thing remotely country for me is his accent, everything else way surpasses that genre. Probably more folk thn anything. Definitely got an air of Wilco or even very early National about this at times. Even a very tad krauty for a song or two, think it’s the drumming that does it. Great stuff anyway, will have this on a lot I reckon
Beck
5/5
As near perfect as you can get. I absolutely love this album. I’m not sure how he made it work: there’s a mix of garage rock, electronic, hip hop, rap, the lot in this record, and it all sounds very organic. None of it forced, and totally unique.
Beck is cool as fuck. This album is cool as fuck.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Enjoyed this, reminded me a lot of Tinariwen / Imarhan. African blues / rock. A bit folky at times towards the end too / in fact Ai Du reminded me a lot of a Warsaw Village Band song, shows music can be truly global.
Like Tinariwen and Imarhan, I imagine Ali Farka Toure has something else live - this reminds me of their records which are very good, but live theyre just something else. Either way, enjoyed it and will be back
The Streets
2/5
I’m with the Americans. This is pretty dreadful. Managed half but that was enough, perhaps unfairly.
I don’t hate it at all, I really like Skinner as a person and I like how he captured that entire time and generation. Tells a good story about mundane life as a youngun in the early 00s, and everything sounds incredibly authentic and from the heart.
It just really, really isn’t for me. Borderline novelty at times.
The Icarus Line
2/5
Should be up my street but just didnt do it for me. Surprised it’s on the list, it isnt a patch on Drive Like Jehu / These Arms Are Snakes / insert literally any other post hardcore band here.
There were some interesting moments but nothing that made me think this is anything other than a 2 star standard post hardcore record. Very meh.
Cowboy Junkies
1/5
One of the dullest records on the list. The best song was a cover of a great song and they even managed to make that dull. Shite.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Canny enough. Decent new wave record, if a bit on the light side. Some great tracks (Automatic, Skidmarks on my Heart) surrounded by some decent if forgettable tracks. B52s do this a loooot better. Decent enough but can’t see me rushing back
The Thrills
3/5
Never listened to The Thrills before as I hated that Big Sur when it came out. Expected an indie landfill record, but found a quite pleasant 60s US rock record. Kinda reminded me of magbe Beach Boys at times. There’s someone far more obvious but I cannot remember. Anyway, thought it was canny, doubt I’d return but way better than anticipated
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Quite enjoyed this! After a few listens I started to like that most songs have not much going on and then BAM a class bit. At first I thought ‘this is a bit daft’ but when the good bits hit its worth it. Will be back to this I reckon, 3.5 possibly a 4 with time
Beck
5/5
Starts ridiculously strong and manages to maintain throughout. A gem of an album, not a bad song on it.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Enjoyed this 1000 times more than anticipated. Disliked them purely off Come on Eileen and that daft hat the singer wears. But this was way better than I ever gave credit for. I was expecting uber 80s cheese pop, but this was more like a poppier version of Roxy Music. Not sure if it’s the thing I’d come back to, but a solid 3.5 for me
Janet Jackson
1/5
Never heard a record before where there’s so much going on and nothing at all at the same time. Some of these songs sound like ADHD. Absolutely shite.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Not sure on this. When it’s good, it’s decent, but too often it drifts to lounge music. First song probably the best one for me. Clearly great musicians with some nice parts, but there’s a lot better jazz out there more worthy than this.
Roxy Music
3/5
Spent the first half of this album really trying to understand the appeal of these. But the second half made up for it when things got slightly stranger, especially Bitter Sweet and Triptych. Ive definitely heard better from these, but its ok. Will be back for a few tracks but not all
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
This has really surprised me. The only two DW songs I knew were the very overplayed Vodafone advert one, and the excelled We Used To Be Friends. Had low expectations but this is pretty ace. Sounds quite ahead of its time. Sort of merges that UK sounding pysch with garage rock. Some remind me of a proto Django Django.
I’m now amazed these arent/werent bigger but then saw they have over 1.5million active monthly listeners so theyre obviously doing something right!
Fiona Apple
5/5
This was one of my top 5 favourite records of 2020. I havent listened to it in a few years but I think I love it even more. Experimental indie record where you don’t know what’s going to happen next. It’s pop, I think, but in the best possible way.
And her lyrics are incredible. She can be brutal and direct at times, and strange at others. Her vocals / lyrics are the main draw for me, I cant think of too many vocalists that manage to be the main draw without detracting from the music which flows so well with this. It’s a perfect 5 for me.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
I grew up on Motown, but this record has never really did it for me. He’s got a great voice, and the production quality is excellent, but the songs rarely land. They get old quickly, and some of the lyrics are dreadful. 2.5
Björk
3/5
Not sure on this. But I probably unfairly compare all Bjork to Post, which is such a phenomenal record that I don’t think it could be surpassed. Half this album I really liked, especially the more chamber pop sounding songs. Others though do detract, and at times even sounds like someone taking the piss out of Bjork. I’m going for a 3.5, probably return to it as it could be a grower
Brian Eno
5/5
This is everything I wanted it to be when I saw it was Brian Eno and David Byrne. It’s eclectic, psychedelic, funk at times, electronic at others. Varied as fuck, and as unpredictable as you could hope for. And weird. It had to be weird. The fact one song has linear notes stating the involvement of an ‘unidentified excorcist’ is about as weird as you can get. I love it.
Sade
1/5
I thought this was shite
John Grant
4/5
I’m only familiar with later records from John Grant, mainly Pale Green Ghosts Boy from Michigan which were both excellent. I dont know why but I assumed this wouldn’t be very good. But you don’t get on Bella Union being dull, and this is anything but.
The first 3 songs in particular are one of the strongest album introductions I’ve heard. And the whole record is great for the majority, although my only gripe is it could do with a few being trimmed. It’s quite long and there’s a couple of filler tracks, BUT as with his other records I’m certain with time these will end up sounding class. He’s one hell of a songwriter and storyteller. Going to be returning to this a lot I think. 4 for now, could well end up being a 5
Deerhunter
5/5
Another of my favourite records of the early 2010s! Chuffed it made this list as it’s a right underrated gem for me.
Deerhunter are one of them bands that are huge without ever being big. Ive seen them headline festivals with tens of thousands there to see them, whilst also touring smallish venues for them.
They’re consistent too, each record is well worth a listen and I’d probably say this is their best (albeit Monomania will always be my favourite, if that makes sense). He might say some strange things at times but Bradford Cox doesn’t half know how to write, and I’d put Halcyon Digest in that category of ‘essential indie everyone should listen to at least once!’
Beatles
4/5
Quite enjoyed this. Doubt I’d be back in a hurry but it’s the best Beatles record I’ve heard so far. Nothing to really say about the Beatles that havent already been said, but aye, canny this
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Electronica / jazz / trip hop(?) I think. Definitely more background stuff, but it went down a treat for me. Some cracking riffs/tunes/samples n’all. Definitely on my ‘to return’ list
Pink Floyd
5/5
I went into this expecting to find a record I assumed would be massively overrated, and not to be impressed. But I was very wrong. Its quite the masterpiece people make it out to be. They were making sounds I reckon people didnt think were possible in the 70s. Sounds like something from the future. It’s a lot more experimental and a lot less dad-rock than The Wall for me. Pretty flawless.
Brian Eno
3/5
Not really sure how to rate this. It’s music that was meant to be ignored, and it’s great at cutting out background noise. Listened to it over the years when I’ve really needed to concentrate, and it’s perfect at that. But I dont sit thinking ‘I cant wait to stick me Airports record on!’. It had a time and place and it’s perfect for that.
Plus this paved the way for more ambient records, like that quiet Jon Hopkins record, or maybe even Boards of Canada to an extent
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Quite bland this. Never really seemed to go anywhere, had high hopes for it too. Clearly got a class voice, and if every song was as good as The Jungle Line then this would be an easy 5. But they arent.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
70% of this record is great and everything I hoped it would be. I see these being cited as influences for the likes of LCD Soundsystem and MGMT, so I had high hopes. And for the majority it lived up to it, somewhere between The Cure and New Order for me. Quite a fan of that whole 80s synthy type thing, especially the darker side, and when it is darker and ‘empty’ sounding, it’s class. When it ventures too close to the poppier aspect I tend to lose interest.
A solid 3.5-4 I think. Not sure. Will be back though
Alice Cooper
3/5
Better than I was anticipating, and probably the better end of that whole ‘theatrical rock’ genre. Lyrics are at times dreadful though, and it’s all very standard for the whole. It aint shocking like the picture I think he likes to paint of himself. Probably wont ever be back but can see why its on the list
Grateful Dead
3/5
Different to what I thought, expected more psychedelic, weird sound. Definitely rooted in pysch, but I always thought theyd be much weirder. Did quite enjoy it though, long jamming riffs with The Doors’ keyboard. Lots of improv going on, worked canny. Probably give these another go
Turbonegro
3/5
This would’ve been right up my street back in the day! Kinda remind me of a less serious, tongue-in-cheek version of Rocket From the Crypt or Hot Snakes. Thats in a good way too, they arent novelty despite their song names and lyrics. Aye theyre pretty daft, but music wise it all works. Hard/heavy pop punk. Canny. Cant see me being back often but a strong 3.5
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Can’t deny most songs are similar, but it is very good. Instant happy vibes to it. Doesnt feel miserable outside while this is on. Plus it reminds me of the greatest boss I ever had, who would drag me away from work to play poker with this on in the background. What a guy!
The Shamen
2/5
At times utter shit, other times not too bad. Bits of it sound like a joke, especially some of the vocals. Manages to sound older than electronic bands that came before them. I dont get this. Gimme a record back to back Ebeneezer good over this
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Enjoyed this, sounds at times way before its time. Nice, alternative view of how jazz could sound. The second track has a little bit to it that often gets stuck in my head and it’s bugged me for a long time about where its from, so I’m especially glad this record popped up to end this particular epic saga. Not quite as good as when he was with Miles, but definitely up there. Will be back
Van Halen
2/5
Exactly what you’d expect.
Holger Czukay
4/5
First listen through I thought it was decent, if a bit mad at times. By my second listen I was convinced this is really good and definitely worthy of a few chances. Gets better each time, especially given at first I thought there’s no way this would get released if he wasnt in Can.
Persian Love and Hollywood Symphony were the highlights for me, but Cool in the Pool gets better each listen
Little Simz
4/5
Very good this, probably the best new rap album I’ve listened to since RTJ. The music behind it is ace, especially track 1 which I’m sure I’ve heard a lot of before but I’m not sure where. There is a little bit of filler occasionally, but overall a good 4.5
Buck Owens
1/5
No.
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
Canny this. Had a few listens now and it’s fast growing into a little gem for me. Some cracking little riffs scattered throughout, kinda reminds me of a party version of Tinariwen. Tres good
Soundgarden
3/5
Hasn’t aged quite as well as I’d hoped. Used to love it as a young’un, but I found this went on a bit. Some absolute classics that do stand the test of time, like of course BHS, Spoonman, Let Me Drown, and Cornell’s vocals are excellent. But half the record blurs into one, and there’s a few that sound like they belong in quite cliche rock bars. Decent though all in all!
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Strange record this. Every other song is really good, the rest borders MOR. The songs I enjoyed I enjoyed more than most off Rumours, The Ledge, What Makes You Think You’re The One, Thats all for Everyone, Not Thay Funny. Really good. But there is a lot of meh that drags it down a bit
FKA twigs
4/5
10 years late to the party but I thought this was pretty class. A few songs blended into 1 which knocked a point off, but 80% of this was really really good. Reminded me of a poppier version of Purity Ring at times, strangely even Julia Holter at other times. Will definitely be back, already had it on a few times. 4.5
The Replacements
4/5
One of the bands that I’ve heard a lot about without actually listening to them. Good this though, what I expected: catchy, post-punk ish, with mainly catchy songs. There was a couple that passed me by but maybe theyll be growers
Frank Sinatra
5/5
I’m a huge Sinatra fan, proper soft spot since a child. I think he’s in my top 5 all time artists on Spotify, so this is a treat. Cant even tell you what I love about this sound so much. It’s hardly groundbreaking or clever, but it just sounds like all the happy times of the past in one big chunk. Big yes from me
Klaxons
3/5
Staple mid 00s record. Went through the motions with these, was always somewhere between really liking them and finding them irritating. Definitely more inventive than a lot of other mainstream stuff of the time, that’s for sure. I guess for me they just weren’t as good as The Rapture.
Still really like Atlantis to Interzone, and there’s a time and place for Gravity’s Rainbow which is good but my carpet aint sticky so it felt wrong hearing it. I’d also be prepared to die on the hill that says their version of Not Over Yet is better than the original. Solid 3.5
Björk
3/5
Half this album was a 5, the other half is a little on the self indulgent. I liked it on a whole though, just not sure how often I’d return to it. Post is still Bjork’s best, and probably the only one I ever return to (so far). 3.5
Motörhead
1/5
Couldnt get through all of this, but then again you didn’t really need to. Saw Motorhead live when I was about 18, everyone got excited at the start of every song thinking it was Ace of Spades, before the excitement slowly fizzled out as it was just yet another imitation. Not for me this
Christina Aguilera
1/5
Why?
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Every so often in my younger days, Saturday nights were spent round my pals house with a bag of cans and some funny cigarettes and a Woodstock 69 dvd, which had Jefferson Airplane on it. Blew my mind then, and I still find some of their tracks have that ‘punch in the gut’ sound that nostalgia leaves behind. Realised after listening to this they do have a more 60s rock/pop side to them too. Not all tie dye pysch. Either way, I enjoyed them them and I enjoyed this a lot now. Way better than most other 60s records that have been on this list, and tread that line well between pysch and blues/rock. Good stuff
KISS
2/5
Expected to hate this but it wasnt as bad as I expected. A lot better than most other cliche bands like this anyway. Not really my cuppa tea, and the lyrics are fucking dreadful, but overall its good for what it is. 2.5
Slint
5/5
Buzzing that Spiderland made the list. A true cult classic of a record. Good Morning Captain is the song that I get stuck in my head most in life. I dare say there hasnt been a week gone by over the last 10/15 years since hearing this that that catchy little riff hasnt floated around my head. I’m sure I read somewhere that the singer was sick blood or something like that when screaming the ‘I miss you’ bit at the end.
Anyway, a genuinely class mathy / noise record that I do think needs to be listened to by everyone.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Not sure I’ve listened to this since I was about 16, and I forgot how insane this whole album is. I think Bombtrack was the first Rage song I heard and it blew my mind as a young’un. Still punches hard now. Wake Up was always my favourite off this and it probably still is now, although most have aged well. Cant believe Bullet In The Head isnt a massive hit for them (compared to the streams it has). I often get that little bass riff at the start in my head. Was always obsessed with that lyric ‘yellow ribbon instead of a swastika’. Class stuff
Britney Spears
1/5
How does this make the list? I know music is subjective but in what world is this ‘essential’?! Shite, terribly produced bubble gum pop, not to mention how the poor lass was exploited in this way.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Jesus, some of the lyrics on this are as bad as they are delivered. Which didn’t really surprise me, as despite only knowing a few songs by these I was aware that they aren’t known for their writing or singing credentials!
On a whole, it’s not for me. This whole scene sort of passed me by, and I found chunks of this boring on the verge of irritating. But I do get their appeal, they’re more than some pill heads having a good time, and they have rightfully created a legacy for themselves. I’d love to have a pint with Shaun Ryder. Comes across as a decent chap and I bet he has some tales to tell
TLC
1/5
Disappointed to find out that Creep wasnt a cover of Radiohead like I was hoping. The disappointment though continued throughout. I quite like No Scrubs and was hoping for some more bangers like that, but was left with a pretty bland / lifeless record that sounds at times like it could be so much more. Again though, this sort of thing isnt for me. I’ve tried, but it’s just not very good imo. Maybe it is a classic for fans of this type of music. I imagine the same people who think a Korma is too spicy.
Aphex Twin
3/5
A lot more ambient than I remembered or expected, but I guess the name gives it away! Some interesting bits and decent for working to, but I was a bit disappointed overall. I swear my memory of these were that they had a little more about them
Portishead
5/5
Livid I hadnt listened to this before. Total masterpiece, and more up my street these days than their Massive Attack buddies. I always assumed they wouldnt be as good, but this is absolutely class.
Love how it goes from subtle to mad. Can hear HEALTH / Low / Kim Gordon in a few of these tracks. Then other times they sound nothing like any of them. I’ll be listening to this a lot going forward!
The Stooges
3/5
My first Stooges record this! I bought it when someone said the band I was in sounded like The Stooges and The Doors (we didnt, sadly). Hasnt aged as well as I remembered, but I dont know whether that’s because I’ve since (through 1001) listened to more Stooges and Iggy Pop records which are all better than this and raised the bar. Still way ahead of its time and more going for it than most punk we get on this list, but not quite as good as their other stuff
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Enjoyed the first half of this a lot, sort of lost it’s way a little around Jesus, but picked up at the end. His vocals are insane, and most of the topics are powerful too. It’s less ‘in your face’ than Superfly, but still a great pop/funk record made better by his delivery. A strong 3.5
White Denim
4/5
Only familiar with one WD album and this isnt it. Another band I heard a bit by and thought ‘this is class!’ then never checked out more.
This is ace though, they’ve managed to merge blues / indie / funk / rock’n’roll / prog into something that sound much better than it should. It’s like a mix of 1001 records in one album.
Only familiar with two songs off this (Street Joy and Anvil Everything) which are great, and the rest stands up well with them too. Very good, will be back and will be revisiting the record I used to love (the one with the lass with loads of cacti down her pants)
The Bees
4/5
Trim a few songs off this and it would be a belter. The more twee songs were great, and I loved Sweet Like a Champion, Binnel Bay, Sky Holds The Sun. I’d never heard of these before albeit I did recognise Minha Menina, probably from an advert, but I’ll definitely be back.
MGMT
5/5
This is one of my all time favourite records. At the very least top 5. Outstanding from start to finish.
I listen to it fairly often and it still sounds fresh all these years later. It’s also one of them records where as soon as I hear it I’m taken straight back to a different place (in this case, being tired and hungry on a park bench in Belgrade - funny how memory and nostalgia works).
It’s well known for the massive hits off it which are class, but they do overshadow the other songs which imo are just as good if not better. The Handshake, Pieces of What, and The Youth are probably my 3 favourite songs off this. Psychedelic Pop perfection this.
The Human League
5/5
About 15 years ago I was in a record shop and my mate told me how good this was and how I should buy it. I thought he was taking the piss as I’d only heard ‘Dont you want me’ but bought it anyway as it was only £5. Never bothered listening to it until a decade later when LCD Soundsystem covered ‘seconds’ and I thought ‘surely this isnt the same Human League, I’ll check it out’. It’s now one of the many many albums I put in my ‘all time favourite’ list! Absolutely bangers from start to finish, bar the overplayed hit at the end. This for me is the very best of the best of that whole 80s synth pop movement, love it
Bob Dylan
4/5
Enjoyed this. Never really outstayed its welcome and didnt get boring. Sometimes for my Bob Dylan can get repetitive, but I didnt feel that way with this one. Idiot Wind, Tangled up in Blue, If You See Her, Shelter from the Storm, all highlights for me. Think it is my favourite Dylan album so far
Butthole Surfers
4/5
Love them or hate them, I don’t think anyone can disagree they are quite unique and varied! Listening to this it’s hard to believe theyre the same band who did that song about Dracula.
I’m only really familiar with them due to their associations with Kurt Cobain, and possibly a Simpsons reference, so only knew their big hits. Quite enjoyed this though, some where between noise rock, pysch, and garagey punk. Nice DIY ethos with this record too. Canny
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
A good 15 years since I heard this, and half of it felt new to me so perhaps I didnt listen to it very well or as much as i thought! Either way, Ive overlooked this in the past as it’s really very good. Aye it can at times drift into samey category, but luckily Springsteen does this very well.
Streets of Fire, Badlands, Adam Raised a Cain my top 3, but it’s all pretty spot on. He knows what he’s doing and he does it well
3/5
Was expecting a bit new wave punk, but ended with a cross between Beatles and Paul Simon. I do actually quite like a lot of this, half the record is really really good. Especially river of orchids, id like that, easter theatre, harvest festival. It does get a bit much at times though, and there’s a few daft lyrics, but I do quite like it. Solid 3.5, not quite a 4
Lightning Bolt
4/5
Dipped in and out of these years ago as my mate was a huge fan, totally forgot how insane they are. This is how noise rock should be for me: scuzzy, a bit incomprehensible, unpredictable, and mint. In fact all music should be like that really. Can hear a lot of influence from these in a tonne of Big Scary Monsters / Holy Roar type bands of the late 00s. Very good, will be back 4.5
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
I never realised this is how the Pyschedelic Furs sounded, always assumed they’d be like Animal Collective. Only recognised Pretty in Pink, but most of this record is better I reckon. Kinda reminds me of The Cure crossed with REM. Into You Like A Train / I Wanna Sleep With You probably by two favourites. Will definitely be back to this
Robbie Williams
1/5
Skipped over most of this. Hard to really take it seriously. No one needs to hear this before they die. Some massive songs on it and clearly a born entertainer, but there’s nothing that makes me think it is anything other than great marketing
The Cars
3/5
Quite surprised by this. Was expecting 80s pop ballards but it was a bit more rocky than I expected. There’s at least 3 songs that sounded at times like that Fountains of Wayne song. I wouldnt say I got much from it and probably wont be back, but a decent pop rock album
Radiohead
5/5
A complete record by a complete band. These will never not amaze me at how consistently excellent and innovative they are. Superb from start to finish. Even if a decade and a half on I still felt a punch in my stomach hearing High and Dry - remember listening to this a lot after getting binned off
Pavement
5/5
Amazingly for me Pavement and Wilco appeared on this list within a week of eachother, as they were for a short while two of my favourite bands. In fact I’m pretty sure it’s because they both played Primavera one year and I became obsessed.
Pavement are the best US indie/lofi/slacker/whatever you want to label them as band. I think they are probably like Velvet Underground in that whole thing of not everyone bought their records straight away, but those that did formed numerous bands. Hugely influential. Even listening to this now it’s mental to think it’s 31 year old. Totally timeless, total classic.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Waaaay better than I was expecting from the one song I know of there’s. This is like a different band. Some songs like Rodney King is almost like a lite-MBV. Flirts a lot with shoegaze at times but still has that britpoppy sound. All that said, it never really grabbed me in any way, not like shoegaze does anyway, and not like Blur do either from the other side of their spectrum. Surprisingly canny though!
Kanye West
4/5
I promised myself I’d seperate the artist from the art after I gave the last KW record a 1 despite it being great. He makes it really fucking difficult though doesnt he? This album came up the week he launched a swastika range and lauded praise on Hitler.
So aye, this album is very very good, some incredible beats and feel it goes beyond a lot of rap, but he’s also one of the biggest cunts going
Wilco
5/5
An easy 5 for me. I know I say this a lot, but for a while this was one of my favourite albums. A perfect example of clever, alt US indie. Amazingly their record label hated this and sacked them, not long after it got picked up by a rival and became a huge hit.
Wilco were the first band I ever saw live that told the audience to put their phones away. Love them for that. Anyway, this is and always will be an incredible album for me!
Violent Femmes
4/5
I remember listening to this a few years back and wasn’t that impressed, but I think it’s pretty ace now. If they played the same songs through distorted guitars they’d sound more like a Fugazi or Drive Like Jehu type band, so I guess I’d out them as folky punk. Or something. Really like it though, I can now understand why so many bands put them down as an influence. I read a while back that the singer gets sick of Modern Lovers comparisons, but it’s hard to disagree. All to their credit though, very good
Frank Ocean
2/5
Sure I remember liking this when it came out, but only recognised a few tracks and wasnt really that bothered. Quite liked Lost and Monks,Super Rich Kids is canny too. The rest is a bit samey, a bit too rnb for me
1/5
I honestly don’t get the hype with these at all. I respect that they captured an era, and that people love them for it, but their songs do nout for me.
I remember seeing an interview with the Gallaghers where the interviewer was asking them about the meaning behind their songs. Noel looked stumped and Liam replied ‘theyre just tunes arent they’. Kinda sums them up for me that
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Not my favourite Sinatra, but still very good. I quite like sad Sinatra, and this record is predominantly slower / sadder / more retrospective. Will be back
Magazine
3/5
Enjoyed this. I say this a lot about this genre but this sounds a long way ahead of its time. Id never heard of these at all but they were clearly influential reading up on them. Probably not enough for me to keep coming back, but good nonetheless. Strong 3.5
The Zombies
3/5
Never heard of these, enjoyed this though. A very good version of 60s pop/rock/pysch. Care of Cell 44 and Changes were my two favourites. Definitely flirts with that Beatlesy sound, but with more poppy harmonies at times. Cant see this ever being a thing I return to, but canny nonetheless. 3.5
Ash
3/5
Canny this, heavier than I remembered albeit I reckon the last time I heard this would’ve been 2002. Imagine how class it would have been to be in this band at that time?! Has that exciting sound (for the time) between US grunge rock and Britpop. This is the band I would’ve wanted to be in as a teenager.
Can’t say I’d ever really listen to this again, but enjoyed it anyway. Main criticism is it gets old, quite quick. They do have a formula that works and they stick to. Goldfinger / Let it Flow best tracks for me. A solid 3.5
Ray Charles
2/5
It’s alright, better than I expected from the title. Did enjoy chunks of it in the background, despite it being largely forgettable. 2.5
Fugees
3/5
This was so much better than expected. Always assumed Fugees would be like that soft, irritating RnB type sound, but this is so much better. A lot more rap and serious than I expected. Easily better than a lot of similar artists on this list. Feels daft giving it a 3 but it’s mainly as it’s not entirely my cuppa tea and I cant imagine rushing back. Very strong 3.5
Arrested Development
4/5
Enjoyed this a lot. Always avoided these as I stupidly had it in my head that they would be no where near as good as the tv show, Arrested Development…. Unrelated and daft, I know, but that mental model is stuck in mind.
And of course, it’s not as good the greatest tv show of all time, but it’s a pretty damn good hip hop record! Im not sure how often I’ll return to this, I imagine I will at some point, but either way its one of the better hip hop records for me. And I can play most of it to my daughter without fear of too much bad language. I learned the hard way when I introduced her to Wu Tang
Lambchop
2/5
I was quite excited for this. Lambchop are one of them ‘legendary’ bands that I’ve been aware of since a kid but only heard the odd song. They have such a good reputation.
But this just largely passed me by. The songs I had heard by them in the past were a bit more out there. Bit stranger. This was just very OK. Quite liked Butcher Boy, the rest was all much a muchness. Decent, nothing else.
Solomon Burke
2/5
Very dated soul music. Alright. Glad it’s over
CHVRCHES
4/5
Prefer their first record but this is a great synth pop album in its own right. Used to listen to this a lot when it came out but my wife overplayed it so it got old and I’ve avoided it for years. Nice reminder though of it. Mad that one of the lads used to be in Twilight Sad, total shift in sound
Love
4/5
Enjoyed this a lot. Psychedelic rock from the 60s but sounding a lot fresher than other bands in that genre. Middle of the album definitely the strongest song wise, with a couple of tracks fading here and there, but overall a very interesting and enjoyable listen for me!
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It’s alright. Not his best. The strange thing for me is that most songs started with me disliking them, then enjoying them by the end.
At times it sounds like someone parodying Springsteen. Lyrics are a bit dodgy at times too. But overall I think it’s a decent pop rock record without ever being remarkable. Canny. Running out of ways to say it’s bang on a 3
SZA
2/5
This is ok, but I’m very much not her audience. I don’t really get a lot of this, not much of it lands at all for me, but it’s definitely not terrible. I prefer it to some of the rap we’ve had on here, but there’s just something missing for me. Would never return but at least I know what she is about now, albeit I’m still not sure how to pronounce her name.
She likes talking about her fanny mind, doesn’t she?!
The Fall
4/5
Quintessential The Fall. Does what it says on the tin!
Eels
5/5
Only knew a handful of Eels songs previous to this, and despite enjoying them and two close friends loving them (him?), I never bothered to delve further until today.
Kicking myself I never did that earlier. This is a pretty perfect Indie pop record for me! Every track lands, from general sound to production to lyrics. Superb record, and this will definitely make the list of records I end up buying thanks to 1001!
John Martyn
4/5
I don’t know why but I expected terrible ambient electro. Not something that sometimes sounds like Nick Drake, the next like jazz. I liked most of this, there were the odd times it strays into the background, and I dont like the way he sings the Easy Blues in a cliched accent, but other than that I enjoyed this. 3.5, but I reckon I’ll be back so I’ll round it up
Pink Floyd
4/5
Canny this. Started slow, a bit Dire Straitsy for my liking, but picked up. Have a Cigar was my favourite, possibly bringing back nostalgia from a compilation I had as a kid that had a Foo Fighters cover of it.
Can’t see me returning, but it was good. I think I preferred one of the other ones we had, but the fact I cant remember which one it was proves I probably wont be back
Guided By Voices
4/5
Really enjoyed this. A great lofi (ish) indie record, somewhere between Flaming Lips and Pavement. Ive seen these live before but only really knew Hold on Hope which sounds nothing like this record (in a good way for this record).
I love how it sounds like a record full of ideas and short songs that a group of pals are playing along too. Very raw in a nice way. 4.5
The Young Gods
3/5
Loved some parts of this, had some great ideas and concepts. But also a canny bit ‘meh’. Definitely got that NiN industrial vibe, and I preferred the less NiN’sy bits. Probably wont be back, but canny enough
Eminem
1/5
As dreadful as the last one we had. I didnt realise I didnt like Eminem until I started doing this. Shite
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Incredibly heavy and melancholic, but understandably so. It’s an incredible record of grief and loss, which for me highlights what an incredible songwriter Nick Cave is. Its definitely not my goto NC record, but it has a time and place thats for sure
Fugazi
4/5
Fugazi were omnipresent in the local DIY scene in pretty much every town and city in the early-mid 00s. Certainly were in my town anyway. If you weren’t into Fugazi, you were gonna struggle with many local gigs.
Luckily I quite liked Fugazi and still do. Been a long time since I listened to this record and I probably enjoyed it more years ago. Dont get me wrong, it’s still great, and yet another huuuugely influential record on the list. Perfect blend of noise and meaning, and still sounds fresh. But I think I prefer 13 Songs. Or at least I do now. 4.5
Steely Dan
3/5
I quite enjoyed this and I don’t entirely know why. It’s very chill, but there’s also quite a bit going on. I like that. I dont think I’d ever go out of my way to listen to it, but I’m glad I have. Nice. 3.5
Mercury Rev
4/5
Mercury Rev are one of them bands I always mean to check out properly, but never do. I knew a few songs and occasionally here a song on 6music I then Shazam to find out its these. So i’m glad this made the list!
I really enjoyed this, especially the weirder side. It does have strong Flaming Lips vibes, and I never knew the connection til recently, but dare I say it I think I preferred this to FL. Possibly because I overplayed a lot of FL a while back.
Either way, this stands up strong in its own right as a great pysch indie record. The type of genre where I often cant tell if its sad or full of joy. A lot of songs on this remind me of when it’s absolutely pissed it down, and then it’s suddenly sunny. Like the damage is done, and now its sunny. Kinda sad/happy.
Thats a word way of saying ‘I really like this, strong 4.5’
Kate Bush
5/5
I love this record, far more so than anything else I’ve heard by her (admittedly, not that much). She’s definitely a rare unique ‘star’ like Bowie or Bjork, who are all elevated above most. BBB (Bush Bowie Bjork) would be a great supergroup, like CSNY. Or they may want to take ‘the three b’s’. Up to them really if this is an option.
Anyway, this is a proper 80s record. It’s dripping in 80s. Soaked in the stuff. And is a perfect example of that whole synth pop / art rock style which always seems to age incredibly well. Her songwriting is second to none, despite being riddled with anxiety. Or at least it gives me that feeling!
Great record, solid 5.
Sparks
5/5
I love Sparks so much, and there’s still so much of their back catelogue I havent gotten to yet. They’re so consistently prolific and excellent. And it’s also testament to them how different this record sounds compared to Number 1 in Heaven, and how different that is to Lil Beethoven or Hippopotamus, all while sounding unique to Sparks.
Sparks are the most unique band, and this shows a lot of that. Poppy, glam rocky, weird, OTT and understated at the same time. It’s a superb example of how weird and creative people can be. Chat GPT could never, ever be as creative and interesting as the likes of Sparks.
I love pretty much every song on this.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This is much better than other Beach Boys records I’ve heard. I know it’s not good to pour shade on Pet Sounds, but this is way better for me. Less sickly, poppy, a bit more substance. Doubt I’ll be rushing back but this has improved my opinion on them!
Spacemen 3
4/5
Excellent this. Can definitely tell Spiritualised were born out of this. Some bands dont get that hole repetitive, hypnotic thing right but I feel these nail it. Stripped back and minimal, but in an interesting way, kinda like neu! at times, but more on the pysch side. Will definitely be back. Strong 4.5
Hüsker Dü
4/5
Really enjoyed this. This is what I always wanted REM to be like, and there are clear similarities. But this is so much more hard hitting for me, particularly the drumming helps it along. It’s still very much a pop - rock record, but it leans a lot more on punk influences than REM. ‘She floated away’ could easily be on a Pogues record.
Taylor Swift
3/5
So this really isn’t my thing but I am guilty of saying that I’ve both listened to and enjoyed this before the list brought it up…
I’m definitely not who this is written for, but it’s unmistakably good pop songs. I’m not sure there’s much more to add. Its like a Greggs Chicken and Bacon baguette. There’s nothing more you really need to say about it. It is what it is. A nice sandwich for the masses.
It’s no where near as good as Folklore / Evermore, but they are totally different styles. Probably more my cuppa tea. But I’m not gonna whack on Folklore to make up dance moves with my daughter, that’s what this record is for.
And not to pour scorn on the equivalent mega pop stars I grew up with in the 90s, this is MILES better musically than say Britney Spears, Steps, Spice Girls, etc. Pop music has come a long way!
Machito
4/5
Liked this, listened to it 3 times off the bounce. Love the whole latin jazz type sound. Aye it’s very samey at times but I quite like that. It’s like a 30s party in my ears.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Enjoyed this. Recognised the track with Amber Coffman. Had it on a playlist for a while and loved it, but never bothered delving much further.
Good this though, sort of somewhere between Animal Collective and at times Battles. Very eclectic, experimental indie. It does tail off at times but overall it’s pretty good and will be back!
Pixies
4/5
Just what you need and expect from Pixies. Rough / raw / delightful. Love the whole punky scuzzy sound without ever being punk. So much more inventive than a lot of their contemporaries. Prefer Doolittle mainly as as much as this flows nicely, there are a few songs that fade away. Great record though
Peter Gabriel
3/5
At times I had to check that this is the same artist that did PG3/Melt. A lot more accessible. I enjoyed most of it though, it definitely has some duds but then has some belters like Sledgehammer and In Your Eyes. Dont give up was canny too, and this is the picture.
Im much more of a Melt fan. That felt weird, strange, and even though its older it felt a lot more fresh. This is very 80s pop.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
This was better than I expected, although halfway through I realised I was expecting Faith No More. This is ok though. Started off sounding quite refreshing, however I lost interest halfway through. It’s very samey. Probably wont be back
Amy Winehouse
2/5
Quite forgettable pop for me. Found myself skipping a few songs out of boredom. Clearly talented with a great voice but this does nout for me. I remember being in a bar years ago in Poland where they played an AW record, I hardly recognised any songs but really enjoyed it. Very jazzy. This wasnt it. Hopefully whatever I was listening to pops up one day.
Lou Reed
4/5
I thought this was great and not what I was expecting at all. Aye it gets a little dark at times, particularly towards the end, but I’m sure this is a concept album about heroin addiction so it was never gonna be a walk in the park. Will definitely be back on this
Black Flag
5/5
One of the many many ‘favourite albums’ I’ve had in the past. Used to love this when I was about 20, and havent really listened to it much since.
Its still class though, this is what punk is for me. Not the Sex Pistols. There’s just something more to it, but I cannot articulate what. This was the record that I imagine kick started 1001 hardcore punk bands and everything that followed since.
I often sing TV Party to my daughter, takes the edge off In The Night Garden
k.d. lang
3/5
This was quite bland and uninteresting but not necessarily in a bad way. Bits of it I enjoyed but more in a ‘here’s something ok going on in the background’. Probably the best thing Smooth FM could ever play.
After a quick wiki search I think I find her more interesting than the record.
The Police
1/5
Better than the last Police record that was on here but still irritating as fuck. 1.5
The Pogues
5/5
Excellent record this - perfect blend of joyous energetic music with incredible storytelling lyrics. Im very familiar with Rum Sodomy and the Lash but this was all new to me. Turkish Song, Bottle of Smoke, Metropolis, Fiesta, all highlights, but the whole album is really. There’s just something very very very interesting about The Pogues and I cant always put my finger on it.
Madonna
1/5
Dear me.
This album contains the worst lyrics you will ever hear. And the production is just something I cant articulate. Like when you get something new and try every feature at once. Over produced? Lazy? Shite? All of the above.
Honestly this is dreadful
Mudhoney
4/5
Another for the ‘used to love this record’ pile! I got into these through my pal who noticed Kurt Cobain had a Mudhoney t shirt on, and being the Nirvana obsessive easily influenced teens we were, quickly got onto these!
It’s stood the test of time too, a lot of bands from that era in my life tend to fade or not have the same punch, but this still comes out fighting. Scuzzy, punky, grungey. Its a lot more timeless than some of its peers, and it’s clear this record was a huge influence of late 00 bands like PABH, Dinosaur Pileup, etc.
Strong 4.5
Faust
4/5
Enjoyed most of this, not quite as engaging for me as Neu! but still enjoyable and worth a return imo! There were parts that dragged on, and when that works well, it makes for great almost hypnotic listening, but sometimes it doesnt always hit that. Good stuff though, will be back
Foo Fighters
4/5
I used to absolutely love Foo Fighters when I was younger, and I still think their first 3 records are their 3 best, this one obviously included.
They obviously dont have the same impact today as they did when I was into them. 14 year old me wouldve given this an easy 5, but as much as I still have that nostalgic feeling for this, a chunk of their songs occasionally float by. And I dont know why, it’s just a very Foo Fighter thing for me.
That said, this does at times sound like a natural move from the poppier Nirvana songs while still being different enough to put his own stamp on things. Definitely more straightforward rock, but still sounds like theyre enjoying it. No rock ego about it, and I like that. It’s quite raw at times too, unlike their more polished sound of today.
I think my Foo Fighters days are well behind me so I probably wont return, but this is still very good.
Mariah Carey
1/5
Who on earth thought this was essential listening?
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
A really great example of dancey guitar music done right. Imo it's better in every sense than most of the indie/dance sound of that time. It sounds a lot more like a band doing their own thing, compared to some.
They were one of them bands who managed to cross over from that independent New York DIY scene into the mainstream without losing credibility, and I think this record is a good example of that. I imagine the 'cool' kids with their haircuts and ketamine like this as much as the arty kids.
Karen O is cool as fuck too, her later stuff is fantastic and she's done some great collaborations.
Does occasionally drift, probably a few songs too many, but on a whole it's a great record
Duke Ellington
4/5
Enjoyed this, sounded great. Would have loved to have been at a show like this. Couldve done with trimming the talking and sticking to the music, but I guess that’s the idea with a live record. And I think jazz like this lends itself well to that
Sonic Youth
5/5
One of my all time favourite records! An absolute classic, with arguably the most iconic album cover of all time.
I never know how you describe Sonic Youth, but I think this record is probably a good gateway into their avant garde / noise / punky ways. Strangely for me it was the song ‘Tunic’ that made me pay attention to this when I first heard it. Probably the least scuzzy song on here. But even now when I hear it I tend to stop what I’m doing and listen to it. It’s just so strange, like a ghost singing it back. Which I’m guessing is the intention, but they really nail it.
The rest of the album is class too, and I doubt there’s a better opener than Dirty Boots. The lyrics and background to Kool Thing are ace too. That was one of the pivotal songs for me that helped me sway to the left in life.
Great record, ridiculously good band.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
This is the Hendrix album I never properly bothered with when I went through a Hendrix phase. Not sure why. It’s very good, most of the songs on this are great examples of electric rock / blues.
There’s also a small chunk of this which probably influenced a lot of noise rock / avant garde, whether it meant to or not. I do like noise rock but I prefer it elsewhere, Hendrix is better getting down to it.
Still think Bold As Love is the best Hendrix record for me, but this is still great
4/5
Liars are one of them bands where I obsess over one record then don’t dive deeper for a while. The Apple Drop was probably my favourite record from 2021, and I do prefer that ‘era’ of Liars to this, but this is still really good. Like a arty 00s post punk/new wave indie version of Swans. That was a mouthful. A bit noisey, chaotic, dark. There is a lot of noise, but I think it adds to it in a way, especially as it goes on.
Love em or hate em, their (or his, I think) career is as varied as they come. This is totally different to The Apple Drop, which was totally different to Mess, and again to Drums Not Dead. All while still being Liars. I think that takes some doing! Strong 4.5 for me
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
I suppose it is what it says on the tin. Bongo covers. I quite enjoyed it, it’s anything but dull thats for sure. It’s not really for me but can see the appeal.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Brings back a lot of memories! Used to absolutely love this. Songs I had totally forgotten about, but almost instantly remembered when I heard them. Power of Equality is a right belter, but I never think of it when thinking of RHCP.
I’m not sure when I stopped listening to these, I think it was around the Stadium Arcadium record. Nothing against it, but it doesn’t sound as good as this, or Californication / By The Way. I think I much prefer the funkier rap side of RHCP which is more evident on this. Saying that, Scar Tissue is one of my favourite by these, so perhaps I’m full of shit. Ive always suspected it.
This is overall a bit long and I’m not sure how often I’d return, but it is a belter and an ‘essential’ record in my humblest opinion
Röyksopp
3/5
These really did ride/pioneer that early 00s chilled electro type sound. It’s canny, but after the nostalgia wore off it got quite boring for me. The interesting bits are good, but there’s also a lot of filler
The Hives
4/5
A banger of a garage rock album from my youth! They were everywhere off the back of this and their following record for a while, and seem to have taken off again recently. They clearly dont take themselves seriously and sound like band of mates enjoying themselves.
The Avalanches
5/5
Really enjoyed this. I’d listened to it a long time ago and never returned and I’m not sure why. I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it must be to piece something like this together. Apparently it has nearly 1000 samples across the record. Meticulous doesn’t come close!
I’m not sure where this sits genre wise, somewhere between electronic and experimental (?) at times, but I guess the sheer amount and diversity of the samples makes it difficult to pigeonhole, which adds to the appeal.
Hot Chip
4/5
Was a huge fan of Hot Chip, still am in a way I just never really listen to them as much. You kinda know what you’re gonna get: really good, electronic indie. Glad this popped up as a reminder that they not only exist, but are incredibly good. This stands the test of time, and while it was never my favourite HC album, it’s still pretty damn good.
Peter Frampton
3/5
I’d have loved this as teenager when I was right into classic rock. Reminds me of Bad Company, Free, and a lot of other similar bands I can’t really remember. It is good at what it is, and more the impressive that this live album is apparently a reimagined version of his first 4 albums.
Had high hopes at first as the first minute or so was straight off Aladdin Sane, but it sort of fell by the more standard wayside than Bowie. Wasnt surprised to see he had worked with Bowie in the past. Decent enough, wont really bother again. I dont see the need for it in my life