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.

I think this is the worst thing I’ve ever heard. Even nostalgia couldnt save this one for me.

Didnt really like it then, dont like it now. Aged worse than I expected. Aged worse than I have. Shite.

Absolutely dreadful. Who on earth thinks this is an essential album?

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Boring version of Kate Bush. Not bad at all, great voice, but struggled to pay attention

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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

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!)

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

20mins in to this I decided I owe it to myself to stop listening. Shite.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Perfect from start to finish.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

I think this is the worst thing I’ve ever heard. Even nostalgia couldnt save this one for me.

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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…

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

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.

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

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.

Fuck off, Morrissey. 4.5

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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

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

Bland pop music. Good voice, dull sound. Not for me

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.

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!

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.

Absolutely loved this. Despite it being longer than I usually like i loved every second. Class

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.

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.

Obviously good musicians, but this just reminded me of boring situations I’ve been in in life

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Didnt really like it then, dont like it now. Aged worse than I expected. Aged worse than I have. Shite.

Absolutely dreadful. Who on earth thinks this is an essential album?

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

No. Just no.

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.

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

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 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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

“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 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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!)

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

Instantly forgettable and largerly passed me by. Obviously very talented and inoffensive, but did nothing for me and sounds very dated

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Largely passed me by. Relatively decent background music, but offered me nout.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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…

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.

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

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.

Before today I had never listened to this album, but I think it’s absolutely fucking class and have had it on repeat since.

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.

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

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

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

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