I first heard this album when it was new. I already had a respect for Wilco, but wasn't that familiar with their music. When Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was released, the reception felt like this was the next Radiohead. I listened to it once or twice, but I just didn't understand what anyone loved about this album (just like my reaction to OK Computer). I didn't get it and Wilco was off my radar forever. When this album came up as my next listen, my first reaction was "Oh really?!? We're doing this again?" However, I did actually enjoy the listen this time. Nothing that knocks my socks off. Just a good solid album that almost piques my interest. The whole album just got me in the mood for Golden Smog, what I would consider a better version of Wilco. I was most engaged in the middle of the album (from Jesus Etc. to I'm The Man Who Loves You). At one point, near the end of Ashes of American Flags (I was doing yard work at the time), the lyric "All off the falling leaves filling up shopping bags" played while I was actually emptying my mower bag into the larger bin. Eerie, but appreciated. This album was definitely worth the second listen before I die. I may hear it again, I might not. It was a good experience though and I give thanks for the suggestion even though I was sceptical out of the gate. Edit: I realized the impression this album gives me... Pavement light.

It's fascinating to me to be able to hear the distinct parts that make up the Beatles. I am a Beatles fan, but I'm only really familiar with the George and Paul solo works. I think I heard The Plastic Ono Band at some point and wrote John off as "lost his mind". This was nice though, a pretty solid album. John has an impeccable voice. Some of the songs are a bit bland, but I do enjoy quite a few. This album is definitely worth a listen to hear the John Lennon dimension of the Beatles Express itself.

I've already listened to this album many times. It's been with me my entire music listening life. My dad owned this album and when I was a teen I used to borrow it a lot. It has always been a to go-to classic, although not really among my favorite albums. Lately, I haven't given this album much attention. It's nice to be reunited. Favorite songs: Pretty Maids All In A Row, New Kid In Town... Actually they're all great songs. Just a little tired of Hotel California and the Wasted Time reprise is too soon (maybe should have been before or after The Last Resort).

I'm familiar with VU and I enjoy their music on occasion. I've never listened to this album in it's entirety and I was very pleased. It really highlights the qualities of Lou Reed that I enjoy most. This has a great vibe as a full album. I don't see myself coming back to this too often, but for a first time listen this was a very refreshing perspective on VU to experience. Favourites: Pale Blue Eyes, What Goes On Criticism: Jesus, After Hours. The last 4 tracks (after Beginning To See The Light) progressively lose me. I've seen a lot of praise for After Hours, but I just don't get it.

I've never heard this album before. I'm not a fan of Elvis, but I am familiar with his standards and acknowledge that he's a phenomenal performer. I'm a little surprised this is included as a "must listen" album. There must be a better example of Elvis magic. This isn't it for me. There are some impressive performances IMO, but it feels like a first album. Nothing in particular shines above what I know Elvis becomes. If the point of "must listen" is hinged upon the influence this album had in 1956, I can't relate. I wasn't there and I can't imagine. I can only judge this album by my personal feeling when I listen to it as a whole and how that relates to everything in my music knowledge. This album is not cohesive, it seems like an odd collection of song. I feel that I have been moved by Elvis before, and I do like some of the songs here, but none of the songs on this album spark much for me. My highlights: Trying To Get To You, Blue Moon, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry

I first heard this album when it was new. I already had a respect for Wilco, but wasn't that familiar with their music. When Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was released, the reception felt like this was the next Radiohead. I listened to it once or twice, but I just didn't understand what anyone loved about this album (just like my reaction to OK Computer). I didn't get it and Wilco was off my radar forever. When this album came up as my next listen, my first reaction was "Oh really?!? We're doing this again?" However, I did actually enjoy the listen this time. Nothing that knocks my socks off. Just a good solid album that almost piques my interest. The whole album just got me in the mood for Golden Smog, what I would consider a better version of Wilco. I was most engaged in the middle of the album (from Jesus Etc. to I'm The Man Who Loves You). At one point, near the end of Ashes of American Flags (I was doing yard work at the time), the lyric "All off the falling leaves filling up shopping bags" played while I was actually emptying my mower bag into the larger bin. Eerie, but appreciated. This album was definitely worth the second listen before I die. I may hear it again, I might not. It was a good experience though and I give thanks for the suggestion even though I was sceptical out of the gate. Edit: I realized the impression this album gives me... Pavement light.

This album is not horrible, but I didn't need to listen to it before I die. The sound is grating to me. I grew up hating this band. I thought maybe I could hear them from a different perspective so many years later, but my opinion hasn't changed. I stick through the whole album just to honor this process, but I didn't enjoy it. Downtown was the worst

I remember liking Human Behavior when this album was released, but haven't posted much attention to Bjork since then. I was curious how this album would play almost 30 years later. I still thoroughly enjoyed Human Behavior and I liked Play Dead. The rest in between the bookends did not grab me. I heard the talent, is a quality production. It's just not my taste. I see now why I never bothered with Bjork much.

It's fascinating to me to be able to hear the distinct parts that make up the Beatles. I am a Beatles fan, but I'm only really familiar with the George and Paul solo works. I think I heard The Plastic Ono Band at some point and wrote John off as "lost his mind". This was nice though, a pretty solid album. John has an impeccable voice. Some of the songs are a bit bland, but I do enjoy quite a few. This album is definitely worth a listen to hear the John Lennon dimension of the Beatles Express itself.

The Jesus and Mary Chain from the early 90's didn't interest me all that much. Psychocandy is different. I won't say I love this album, but I was surprised how thoroughly enjoyable it was to listen to. I played it twice. I know a lot of people complain about the noise of it all, but I found it to be comforting. I can't describe exactly how it makes me feel, but something like nostalgic, but without that thing to feel nostalgic about. I don't know, this was a good one.

I knew little about Nick Cave before today. I remembered his name from the 1990's. I thought he was some sort of Iggy Pop derivative. I don't know if I actually heard any of his music before and I was surprised to learn that he is still an active artist. Knowing nothing, the 82 minute run time worried me. This could be a long painful trip. However, right front the start, Get Ready For Love gallops in and pulls me along for a wild ride. I really like most of the songs and the weakest are still pretty good. I'll be more curious about Nick Cave in the future. I most impressed by how this album sustains itself over such a long term. I didn't feel like skipping any tracks and I was consistently interested for the duration of the album. Abattoir Blues doesn't suffer from the usual flaws of double albums. It was just meant to be this way. The album works beautifully as a whole. I'm not sure where it fits into my personal listening habits, but I can respect this as a master work.

Very nice. Not new to me, but it's a been a little while. I enjoyed the listen.

I wasn't sure why I never really got into Arctic Monkeys. Now I know. It reminds me of a night in the late 90's, at a dive bar, very late. We're drunk and a buddy is pumping money into the jukebox, playing Harvey Danger and going on repeating all the reasons why they were the best band ever. Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone is a great album, ruined for me by mundane drunken repetition. The Arctic Monkeys seem to have encapsulated that feeling for me and now it's playing on repeat as I write this. There could be some merit in this album, but it's lost to me. The lead singer reminds me of to many things I hate. If the drumming was a little more subdued, maybe I wouldn't notice how boring it is. The whole album sounds like the drunk guy in the bar telling me the same ridiculous story on repeat and I'm not drunk enough to go with the flow here. I do think the bass player has got something good to share. I'm not going to look any further into it though. So glad this is over and not upset that I slept through the AM wave 10-15 years ago.

This was a trip. I played this album a lot when no one else was listening. Even when it was new I was a little ashamed to love this album. It doesn't hit me like it used to, but it's still pretty good. The production is tight. I can separate the man from the music. It's certainly dated and tainted, but this was a golden moment in rock and still worth hearing (except Only God Knows Why - I can't tolerate country and auto tune).

I only knew New Order by reputation I suppose. I expected this to be better, not sure I understand the hype. The best things I can say about this album is that first, there are some compelling moments and second, it never offends me to the point where I just had to skip a track. Good solid production for bland music.

I can't take this

FU for dropping me back into the worst time of my life. Thank you for reuniting me with one of the albums that got me through that time. This and The Seeds of Love can bookend the shit years of my life. I haven't listened to Tears For Fears in a long time and it was really nice to hear them again from a different perspective. Head Over Heels still kills me.

I'm probably not going to come back to listen to this album again. It is undeniable to me though, that this is one solid rock album cover to cover. Not my preference, but I'll give Born In The USA my salute.

I just couldn't get on board with this one. Nothing bad, just blah. I guess I just don't like the sound of the Yardbirds.

Too long. Way too long. I could almost enjoy this at first, but it just got tiring, and got less funny as it went on. I didn't even make it entirely to the end, the last couple of tracks weren't gonna save this for me.

I liked this a bit. Nothing too special to me personally, but I'd definitely explore this band further.

I thought this wouldn't go well with me after reading some reviews before I listened. It's definitely not my preference, but I can really hear the quality. I was surprised how easy this was to listen to and I'm so glad I stuck it out to "Do Your Thing"... that was awesome. Mostly I liked the album better when Isaac wasn't singing, but he does have such a cool sound. I'm glad I heard this, not my thing, but I'll still call it at 4 stars.

I know this album well, except I haven't listened to it in a long time. I expect a 5, but we'll see what time will tell... ------- Ok, this started a bit ho hum for me. Singing Winds never got me started up and Black Magic Woman through Oye Como Va are incredible classic tracks that I think I'm burned out on. I always had mixed emotions on Incident at Neshabur. Sometimes I love it, sometimes it annoys me. I felt both sides as I listened to it tonight. It's certainly an amazing composition though. From my perspective, the album really dives in at Se a Cabo and takes me on a romping ride to the end. Samba Pa Ti is sometimes a downer for me, as was my experience tonight. However, we soon hear Hope You're Feeling Better. This is my personal favorite, always has been. Abraxas is not an album I'll pull out to listen to these days. There was another time and place in my life for that. I can't deny it's perfection though. Thanks for lighting this one up again!

Although I'm familiar with most of this album, I'm not sure if I've ever listened to it in it's entirely. So amazing, yet if feels a little too long. The songs on the first half feel a little disjointed until Gypsy Eyes. From there to the end really comes together. Favorite tracks: Voodoo Chile, Burning of the Midnight Lamp, and Still Raining Still Dreaming.

The generator just gave me Shaft 3 days ago. I felt it's presence, but I didn't particularly enjoy it. Tonight surprised me. I was hooked from the beginning. I love the first two tracks, albeit a little too long for me. Then I was completely detailed by One Woman, like ready to stop listening. But I soldiered on and by the time Isaac Got Me To Phoenix, I was back in the groove.

This was ok. I like most of the songs, but don't really love any of it. Very quality production though. The album feels older to me than it is and I got a strong Talking Heads vibe from it. I feel that I should enjoy it more, but it doesn't move me to much. It is passable as background music for me, but I'd probably never choose it.

I only know like 3 Cheap Trick songs and I'm not a big fan. My perception of Cheap Trick was bs 70s pop rock. I listen to a ton of 70s rock and this band never came up on my to do list, so I didn't think it would enlighten me too get to know them. To make the best of this, I grabbed a can of beer and a joint and set out to my yard to listen to this album under the stars. I was surprised by the exuberance of this band and for the first couple of songs I had some hope. But that feeling waned as it just went downhill from there. They had me in the groove for Need Your Love until I noticed that it wasn't ending. I'm tired of I Want You To Want Me. That song has always annoyed me. I didn't skip it, but I did go inside to get another beer. I came back to Surrender, which is a song I do like, and Goodnight was interesting. So... this album really wasn't horrible, but then the Clock Strikes Ten and wtf is this? It should have ended at Goodnight, this was burning my ears. Really closed this on a bad note for me and overall I'm not impressed.

Hot Rats has been the only Zappa album I listen to straight through. I know it pretty well and I love it. I'm not a fan of Frank Zappa in his entirety, though. I love a lot of his songs throughout his catalogue, but it rubs me the wrong way when he pushes the 'weird' too much. This album is a showcase of Frank Zappa's musicianship, composition and production skills without ever bugging me. I concede Captain Beefhart (I really don't like his music), but even here he fits in, doesn't spoil the mood and Willie the Pimp is an incredible jam after that. I know it's a whole lot of jam on this album, but Frank Zappa knows how to carry it and that's what I come to him to hear. This got me in the mood to keep rolling, so I followed it up with Waka/Jawaka.

I didn't expect to like this, but it was pleasant. I woke up in a shit mood today and it settled me to listen this morning. I liked a few songs. The deliverance and tone of this album is just so damn calming.

It's good, but not mostly. Either way I don't want to hear it. It sounds like radio.

I was listening to a lot of music in 1999 and I'm barely familiar with the name, Le Tigre. I wonder how this is going to go? Wow, this really wasn't bad. How did I possibly miss this? Anyway, I played the album the times during the day and moved a few songs into playlist rotation. Nice surprise pick, this is what I was hoping for here.

This is not my preference, but the whole album is smooth and easy to take in. I played it in the morning while getting ready and going to work. It just melted into the background and sounded great. No favorite tracks, just a good sound overall.

I was a fan of The Cure from Head On The Door through Wish. My interests moved on to other things in the early 90s and The Cure didn't really fit in anymore (Friday I'm In Love killed The Cure). But I never explored their older work like Seventeen Seconds either. This should be interesting. If it weren't for Robert Smith's voice, I might not be sure I was hearing the Cure. This is more spacious and subdued. I can still appreciate that though. I love the sound, but it lacks the depth that I remember hearing in the late 80s Cure albums, especially Disintegration. The Cure's weird slow decent into pop music in the 90's was not a fun time. Wish was the last for me. It's hard to have to let go of a band you loved once. I haven't looked back at the Cure since then, but this was a good trip back... It was like reminiscing about the old days of listening to this band by looking through an old photo album. It sounds familiar, nostalgic but new. The sound has faded through time. The songs peek through the glossy glare of the plastic protector. Nothing in particular stands out to me on a first listen, is really a whole album experience to me. I will definitely come back to let this grow on me though. This was a fun night. Hard to believe that they had such a mature sound on their second album. Thanks for the recommendation! PS: I followed this up with The Head on the Door... Fuck, I forgot how good that album is. So... put into perspective, I just have to lower my original intended rating for Seventeen Seconds (4 to 3), but I am still impressed by the album on it's own, but by 'Cure' standards it's average, but very interesting.

Alright, not bad. Though I found Rednecks a little off-putting. It's all mostly good and I liked a bunch of songs, but the songs seem forgettable. I love Randy Newman's sound, but I didn't really feel a connection with this album overall.

Yeah, no.

I don't listen to PJ Harvey. I know Down By The Water, love it... but I get the feeling that song doesn't represent her entirely. I don't think I've seen such polarized reviews on an album here before. I wonder which side of the fence I'll fall on. You know what? I'm staying on the fence. I liked this album. Not enough to play it again, but it was worth a listen to, IMO. The first track was the worst for me, but it got better throughout the rest of the album. Not my preference but I can respect it as an epic album in it's own way.

I don't know... I like electronic music, but this is missing something for me. I'm not feeling it. It's too earnest and kind feels like an imitation of something better, except I haven't heard anything like it before. This is music's version of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. I almost hate the first track. After that it becomes palatable to a degree, but i did want every song to end sooner. So that's not good. I can't say I hate it, but I certainly don't want to do this again. ✔️ I kinda do like Vikram The Vampire, though 🤷‍♂️ Maybe because I knew the album was ending soon.

I had no idea what to expect going into this. I've never heard of John Grant. I was pleasantly surprised.

I can't really give an accurate rating for this album. I didn't enjoy it. The songs all sounded so similar and vague to me. There was a time a while ago that I listened to quite a bit of Sinatra. It was mostly 1960's music though. I guess I never really explored this far back in time. It's different. But I did love Sinatra at one point in my life and one thing I learned is that the best thing about a Sinatra song for me is timing. As in the moment and mood in which it is played. There could be a time when I hear the beauty of this album, but I'm not there right now. I feel bad doing a two star, so I'll just make it three and set it on the fence hoping to get back to this one day. But I have like 1000 other albums to hear before I die, so ... It could be a four or a two, I just wasn't in the mood for this today.

That was good, not great. I'm not hearing "concept album".

I'll admit that Elvis Costello has written some great songs, but overall his sound just doesn't jive with me. This album hasn't offered me any new insights. The two songs I love are still alive, but the rest of the album grates at me. Since I understand that I have a personal distaste and this album does seem thoughtful and well made, (What's so funny 'bout) a three star rating?

I don't dance, but this album had me moving right from the start. It chills out in the middle, a decent break before the classic "The Message". A real flashback for me, I was 10 years old when this came out (I've never listened to the whole album before) and I recall having a breakdance obsession around this time. The most amazing thing to me is how fresh this still sounds. I'm usually disappointed when I dig up music that I liked when I was a kid, but this is fantastic! I didn't realize what I've been missing all this time. I'm not sure if I'm going to actually listen to this that often, but once in a while for fun... I'm definitely grateful that I heard this before I died though.

I've always considered this one of my favorite albums. Of course it has three absolute bangers, but does it hold up as a whole? This album has a lot of personal history with me, so my heart rates it a 5. It's not nearly the best Steely Dan album though. The meat of the album is not mind blowing, but it's still really good. If I didn't have a connection to this music, it would be a 4 for me. But it's not, so it's a real soft 5 here.

Apparently there is no getting rid of her (the generator just gave me Let England Shake less than a week ago). However this album was way better for me. I can hear why I didn't listen to this album when it was new, but from a more enriched perspective 30 years later, I can really dig this now. I was listening to Liz Phair in '93, but PJ didn't hit my radar until Down By The Water a couple of years later. I love that song and the more PJ I hear, I realize that song is an outlier. For 1993, this is extremely edgy. It feels raw and unpolished in an unintentional way. I'm loving a lot of the songs, but no particular stands outs. To me it's just a great sound and vibe. So, I just gotta bring up Highway 61 Revisited. Bob Dylan is one of the pillars of my musical interest. This cover is so wrong to me. But I have to give her kudos for completely reinventing the song. If I didn't know the original, I might love this version. It's like I'm enjoying the song, but it hurts to recognize it's origin. We'll see if my opinion changes after a few listens. I'm not done with this album. This is a great addition to my rotation.

I am not a fan of Flaming Lips, but when this album was released I stood up and said "Hell yeah!" Something about The Soft Bulletin was magical to me. The drums have the most unique overblown sound. Both this and Pavement's Terror Twilight just came out of left field and consumed me for a while (I have made personal retrospective rankings of albums and songs throughout my life; Terror Twilight was my #1 album of 1999 and Waiting For A Superman was my #1 song of 1999. They were kind of guilty pleasures as well because they didn't fit in to my usual listening at the time. I never felt that connection with Yoshimi, but I still come back to The Soft Bulletin a few times a year. I'm so glad the generator served this one up today, I kinda needed this boost. Waiting For Superman is the one song that absolutely destroys me... one my all time favorite songs.

No question, one of the Beatles best albums. Seriously though, I think I overplayed this album when it came out. I am a little tired of some of the songs here. But to me this is still undoubtedly a fantastic album. Hello and Morning Glory still have great energy. I think all the tracks are quite good at least, albeit maybe a tad too long for some. I don't entirely feel a 5, but I think this album deserves to be in the 5 star club. I endorse this album as one you should listen to before you die.

Idk, didn't bother me, didn't interest me either. Sad Song was kinda nice.

Easy listening. I really like the sound of this album. It didn't move me too much overall though.

I've dabbled with Taking Heads in the past. I'm not a huge fan overall, but they are always invited to my party. I've heard several songs of theirs across as many albums that I think are absolutely essential listening. I don't think I've ever played Fear of Music before though. 🤔 Alright, I am familiar with several songs on this album, but it my ears it's just not a great Talking Heads effort overall. Either I'm gonna get another 5 Taking Heads albums generated in the future, or I'm completely missing something here.

I am not a fan of Prince overall, but this album is just fantastic. It's still an album I regularly listen to when I have to drive around town on a nice day.

I'm only culturally familiar with this album, but I listen to a lot of early 70's rock, so I'm curious about how this will play out. Highway Star always blows me away... off the bat I'm wondering if I got a new 5 star album? The next three tracks really cool me off. I'm at a 3 star now. Smoke on The Water.... Uuuggghhh, yes it's iconic, but it honestly sounds like a poor cover of what would be an iconic classic. With respect for Smoke and Lazy being a breath of fresh air, I'm seeing a 4 star possibly landing. MFers gonna nail me with Space Truckin'?!? That is just what I needed. Come on! When A Blind Man Cries doesn't jive on this album for me. I like the song, but the album could've ended with Space Truckin'. I don't judge bad end tracks too harshly cause it happens so often. It's easy enough to stop playing and it's ok. Maybe shy, but I'll score a 4.

Tha fuck is this?!? Nothing triggers me like drawl. Please just STFU and let me hear the band. OK, for sure, this music makes me wretch. To each his own, but this? Fuck no. So disappointed, I honestly did not spend too much time here. Just skipping along before I broke down. Then a necessary palate cleanser (just about anything). This generator is one devious bitch.

This came out right in the midst of my peak music listening in my lifetime. I remember Celebrity Skin as a single, but I never tried out the whole album. When the generator gives me one of these (familiar, but unknown) albums, I always hope it's going to be the gem that I happened to overlook. However, this is rarely the case. The first two tracks are pretty good, but the rest doesn't really get my attention. This is definitely not a bad album, just overall bland to me. It sounds like an album from 1998 is supposed to sound, almost meticulously. That probably works great for album sales, but that's exactly why I never listened to this album at a time I would have been most likely to check it out. To me it sounds like radio (1998 radio) and is mostly forgettable. Except Awful... this song is sticking on me (we'll see where that goes). But yeah, it's a really good great sounding album, just not that interesting to me. As an afterthought... I was thinking about 1998 and where this album fit in my life. I checked Spotify's top hits and I only had 4 songs I liked for that year's playlist (and Celebrity Skin is one of them). I saw Smashing Pumpkins' Adore was also released. I really loved Smashing Pumpkins previously, but Adore is the album that ended our relationship. But that's a whole other topic about a whole other band.. until I realized how prominent Billy Corgan was on this Hole album. Very interesting.

The first two songs were ok, but I really did not enjoy the rest.

This music doesn't bother me, but it just all starts to sound the same. A couple of songs sounded interesting at first, but then didn't really go anywhere.

Fun album that I haven't listened to for a long while.

I had this album on cassette. Purple Rain was legendary, but I wasn't really interested in Prince's music since then (Parade and such...). This just sounded different. Sign was fun again. So I bought it. 120 minutes of good music. That was a fucking deal. When you made an investment in an album before even hearing all of it, you kinda lean into it. This album was the shit at the time and it all hinged on U Got The Look (b/c Sheena Easton). I don't think I've listened to this album since I've given up on cassettes (and probably long before that). But it hasn't aged well for me. This doesn't scream 'life of the party' anymore, but it's still a well crafted album. Side 4 is overall the best IMO. Starfish And Coffee

It's alright. That 60's pop sounds doesn't really entice me.

I'm sorry, but I'm not impressed. I've heard so much more effective use of sampling. The feat of layering that has been acheived here is astounding, but I feel the technique gets so blurred, it just becomes dense music. Nothing about this album was memorable for me. I'd expect to hear it playing in some fashionable shop.

Really cool stuff. This genuinely opened a door for me. But ironically, for the song You Can Make It If You Try, I feel they're trying too hard.

No thanks. I don't even know if this is good or not. I try to at least make it all the way through each album once, but I couldn't do it here. Over an hour is way too much of this for me. It's not horrible, but there's just nothing I'm interested in hearing. Move Any Mountain sounded familiar, but that didn't redeem it. I'm confident the second half of the album wasn't going to change my mind.

I played this while packing up Christmas decorations. It just felt so right - quiet, sorrowful, but comforting. I had a little thing for Billie many years ago. There's nothing that memorable about this music to me. It's just the sound of it is so soothing and easy. This is a glass of whiskey and a fireplace while on holiday. Maybe my life has just gotten too hectic and I haven't had those moments to hang with Billie like I used to. I really appreciate being reunited and I'm thankful it came at a perfect moment.

Can I just give this a 4 and not listen to it? I get it, this is a great album. This is the album that was played to death by everyone at the time. This is the album that made me never want to hear Aerosmith again. And then first roommate I ever had, guess their favorite band. I can't do this. I'm serious. I know it's a good album, I just done with it. Ok, so I played it and just skipped the cringe tracks and like I said I'd give it a 4. I still love The Other Side and got a really pleasant surprise with Hoodoo/Voodoo Medicine Man. I never caught that one before, probably my favorite song on the album at the moment. I couldn't go 5 because Aerosmith is such a caricature of a rock band to me, but this album is really solid nonetheless.

I've never heard of Joan Armatrading. This set me off... I'm at a beach house for the week. Scored an invite from a friend of a friend. I don't know most of the people here, but they're cool so far. It's Tuesday late morning and I just started my coffee, lazed out in the living room to ponder the day ahead. This album starts playing and it's all cool and chill, blazing sun outside, cool a/c and music inside. I will never play this album, but whoever did done good. Perfect for the moment. I especially enjoyed Like Fire and Tall In The Saddle. I was good and high by then.

I can listen to Bittersweet Symphony anytime. Great song, never listened to this band beyond that though. And yet, there must be a reason I didn't bother to check this out at the time. I was definitely aware of this album but passed on it. We'll see how this goes. Well... that was worse than Oasis and way too long.

I'm not a fan of Madonna in general, but this album is a classic. Imo, it's simply Madonna's most genuine album.

This was pretty good. I don't know if I'm ever going to listen to it again, but if it were playing I wouldn't mind.

Nightmare wedding singer. Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll was the only song that didn't make me cringe. Or maybe I was becoming desensitized.

Not bad, but not for me. I like the afrobeat element, not the jazzy side so much. And the songs seem to go on forever.

I've always had an interest in this album, but apparently it's taken 25 years for me to finally listen cover to cover. I was well aware of this album when it came out and had an eye on it for a while. It never quite peaked high enough for me to buy the album though and eventually I forgot about it. Now through the magic of streaming, my budget doesn't prohibit me from listening to almost anything. I appreciate this belated meeting. I really love the first two tracks and the last two tracks. The middle loses my interest a little. I'm really not liking the Beth Hirsch tracks. This album had such a great sound and vibe overall though. It's really timeless in my opinion. 25 years old and it still sounds fresh. If you told me this album came out this year, I'd believe it.

Interesting, eclectic, but definitely dated. Running Up That Hill is the only song that really grabs me and that has a lot of nostalgic elements. Jig Of Life is another track I could spend time with. I don't think this album aged so well, but it's existence does hold some merit.

I don't have the language to explain how I feel about this album. I was entranced for almost 40 minutes.

I recall when this was released to critical acclaim I listened to a few tracks and was like, uh, no. Now I'm gonna listen to the whole thing and find that magic I overlooked. I don't get it, I hated this. There are some OK moments, but not enough to make the trip worth it. It felt like bad improv mostly.

I tend to like Frank Sinatra, but I don't know what this was. Sounds like Frank was having a lost weekend.

I really don't like to listen to Queen. That is, their greatest hits (that's all I really know). I acknowledge they've got talent, but their sound/style irks me most of the time. Sometimes a band's greatest hits don't tell the whole story, so I was hoping this early Queen album might reveal another side of Queen that I could enjoy. I had high hopes hearing Brighton Rocks and Killer Queen doesn't bother me quite like some of their other songs. But it didn't take long for me to realize that Queen leaves a pretty honest first impression. No surprises here for me really. I did like a couple of tracks (Stone Cold Crazy, She Makes Me), but I'm not going to listen to this again. It's pretty much the same Queen I already know with less catchy, less memorable tunes. And they're always going to sound like Queen.

Not too long ago a song came on while riding in a friend's car. I loved the sound, really fresh to me. Who is this? Gang of Four. I don't know what song I heard, but I made a mental note to check out this band. And just as that mental note was getting lost in the shuffle, the generator finally comes through! I've had a long week of unfavorable picks that have been making me think of quitting this process. I was very pleased by this album. It's really rough around the edges, but the sound is tight. I liked several songs and the others were good too. I'm looking forward to checking out Solid Gold (which I believe is the album with the first Gang of Four song I heard). It amazes me that I haven't come across this music before, but I'm grateful I have now. I'm certain Gang of Four will ease it's way into my daily listening.

No one does Mr. Tambourine Man like Bob Dylan, but I gotta say the Byrds do real good on making it their own. I had forgotten about I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better, I really like this track. Now Spanish Harlem Incident is where they're pushing their Dylan luck. Too straight, taking on Dylan's affectations. The Byrds can piss off. Followed by a bunch of songs sounding like the Byrds were dumpster diving outside John Lennon's apartment. Then back to Bob Dylan... Now here's where they really kicked me in the nuts. This is the worst version of this song I could imagine. I'm ready to stop the record. A couple more rando 60s pop songs that I don't care for. Then come Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe... completely new sound, I love it. I don't really like the song, but the sound. As if this were the worst track on an album I love. Then back to Dylan... Please stop. Chimes of Freedom isn't too bad, though. I really don't love the Dylan version and the Byrds give it a little more life here. The rest is more 60's garbage. Or maybe I have it all wrong. Perhaps The Byrds weren't parroting every popular sound of the time that they could. Maybe The Byrds were the inspiration for all that amazing 60s rock and roll? I'm not going to defend myself, do your own research.

Now we're talkin'. This album was such a pleasure when it came out. I really enjoyed revisiting this classic.

Sweet Emotion is an amazing song, but Aerosmith generally comes across very juvenile to me. In a bad way. I thought this might be the one album of theirs that I could enjoy throughout. Aside from Sweet Emotion though, this album didn't offer much to me. Walk This Way is better with RunDMC.

I listen to a bit of Steely Dan, was always a fan of Aja and Pretzel Logic, but didn't really dive in deeper. The generator gave me Can't Buy a Thrill a little while ago and I loved it. Countdown To Ecstasy didn't really excite me too much. It's good, not bad, not great.

Not interested

I had this playing while I drove around town today. Sounds great. I wouldn't choose to listen to it, but it wasn't bad.

Ahhhh, one of the albums that saved my life. I'm not saying that listening to this album is therapy, but listening to this album feels like what I perceive good therapy would feel like. You even get to break shit with Sunday Sun. Except for Lonesome Tears and Side Of The Road, every other song is fully engaging. For me this is as close as Beck has gotten to perfect. However, Guero is my favorite cause it's just more fun.

Another Oasis album? I gave Morning Glory 5 stars, how much more fucking pandering do the Brits need?!? How the hell haven't I heard any Beatles yet? For the first two tracks, I liked the familiar Oasis sound but a little grittier. I was thinking I hadn't heard any of this music before until Live Forever came on and an omnipresent 'uuuggghhh' surrounded me. Gonna live forever. Right, forgot about that one. Supersonic is a fine song, but I'd like to hear it faster and tighter. Overall this album is pretty good. Nothing stands out too much, just consistent. I love the spirit, but maybe the song craft is not quite developed. I just never got hooked by this. Maybe it's a bit dated. It is interesting to hear the seeds of what Oasis will become though.

Idk, not really into this sound.

Classic, still holds up to this day.

This album is so beautiful to me. I love their easy groove and their layered vocals. If I only had 20 songs to listen to for the rest of my life, The Weight would be one of them. The album starts off slow, but really brings it home by the end. Oh, and I have to concede that Bob Dylan is a major ingredient in this album's magnificence.

That was very good. I have enjoyed Duran Duran hits in the past, but never listened much farther. I did own Seven and The Ragged Tiger on cassette though. Rio has some weak spots, but a wonderful energy and sound throughout. Kinda felt like the first time I listened to Boy by U2... not great, but man there's something kicking there.

I couldn't make it through this.

Not for me. She has a beautiful voice though.

Interesting vocal soundscaping going on, but musically this does nothing for me.

Unfortunately rare, but this is essentially what I come here for. Something completely outside my scope that makes me stop and listen. The guitar work is awesome and the rhythms are tight. I don't rely on lyrics to define a song so not understanding the lyrics is not a problem for me. The vocalists become other instruments. It gets to the heart of the song. This introduction to Songhoy Blues is appreciated, I can feel this. But only for the first 7 or 8 songs. I kinda get lost around there. But hey, I'm the foreigner, it's bound to happen. I do really love the sound of this band and will be listening to other work to get a better picture of what's going on here.

Here come the drums... Alright, alright. I haven't heard this album since Can't Truss This was bouncing house parties. Since then I'd generally pull out It Takes A Nation for my Public Enemy fix. I forgot how great this album is. There's a lot of funk infusion here. It is dated, but only in a good way... vintage.

This was horrible. I really like some Zappa, but the chipmunk singing...

I really want to like this album, but I really don't jive with Corin Tucker's vocals.

Love the synth work.

In general, I don't enjoy most rap music. Occasionally, something gets to me though. I thought this might be one of those albums after the first two tracks. After that, it descended into the cloud of general rap, then eased into r&b for the end of the album. Also, I'm only an occasional fan in that genre and this didn't quite move me either. But overall, it's ok to me.

Yeah, no.

I can think of a thousand albums to recommend hearing, and Hole wouldn't be TWO of them! I'm only 100 albums in and this really makes me doubt the credibility of this list. But whatever, neither album are that bad. Just not too memorable.

So mediocre.

I currently listen to this album regularly. One of Black Sabbath's best.

I can't find the value in this.

Never listened to the Damned before. This was fun. Kinda traditional punk spread over a variety of music styles. The mission is surprisingly good. The recording is shit. Overall a really good time.

This was mostly horrible to me. However I am glad I heard it. It's kind of on the fringe of something I might like, but it never gets there. I don't know why, but I kind of like the title track a bit. Like I said, glad I heard it, I'm probably not coming back though.

This was good to hear. I don't think Johnny is at his best, but he pulls off a great performance. Nothing super special here, most interesting to me is the curation of songs. Hurt is particularly poignant. Cash sounds good on Danny Boy. Desperado shines on this collection. This is not the album I'd grab if I wanted to listen to Johnny Cash, but it is an awesome milestone and is worthy of recognition.

It's been at least 20 years since I checked this album out. It didn't leave a lasting impression on me on the past. I listen to Quadrophenia once in a while. Tommy just doesn't reach me overall. It's good, but just that. Each of the four sides have their worthy moment, and the low points aren't that low. There's a fair share of great songs, nothing spectacular. The rest is ok, nothing really bad. I guess it's just bloated. I understand that they are trying to tell a story, but balance is necessary. I could cut this down to 45 and make a really good album (except you might be totally confused about who Tommy is). That's it... it is just overstayed. Indulgence has hobbled this beauty. PS- I was surprised to learn this album was from 1969. From my experience with it, I imagined 1973 or 74. After hearing it again now, I can hear the timeframe. Liked songs: Overture, Christmas, Pinball Wizard, Go To The Mirror!, I'm Free, We're Not Gonna Take It

Easy 5. I wish I had time to say more. This is one of the very best albums by anyone.

Stevie Wonder is hit or miss for me. Sometimes I really love his music, mostly I don't. This one was mostly a miss for me. You Haven't Done Nothing is fantastic, Boogie On is also really cool, and I want to like 10 Zillion, but I just can't hold on for the whole song. The rest I can toss.

Everybody's Talkin' is one of my standards, one of the best film songs ever. I know nothing of Harry Nilsson beyond that. How did I let this happen? Thank you so much for this listen. I guess I perceived him as a soft pop one hit wonder. There is so much more depth here. Usually I say "there's a good reason I haven't heard this before". I can't find the reason here. A fun, diverse, well performed album. Not the magic of Everybody's Talkin', but real good shit. Even Without You sounded better tonight (that's been on my overstuffed shelf of "parent shit music"). But that said, I still had no idea that Harry Nilsson was behind it. Or Coconut!?! How did this all get past me? It doesn't happen often, but this is what I signed up for. Once in a while an album blindsides you. Keeps you on this ride for another hundred.

This album is so iconic, I don't even listen to it anymore... I was afraid to play it tonight. So often I dig up some landmark album from my past and the bubble is burst, the magic is gone, and the memory is tainted. This did not disappoint me at all. Nothing in the world sounds like Dark Side of The Moon. The band was blessed at this particular moment and I am thankful.

I don't really like jazz. Some of it is ok. The first song Mandela was really pleasant. I thought this might be a breakthrough for me, but the rest of the album faded into the sounds I'm familiar with. I did not hear anything else that I would like to come back to.

Solomon Burke sounds great, but this music doesn't move me.

This was awesome. Never heard it before and mostly loved it. There are some odd moments, but I could get to know them over time. Krautrock, Jennifer, Lauft... definitely got me interested in hearing more.

It's crazy to realize how many great memorable songs are on this album. I owned this album when it came out, but I didn't pay it so much... maybe because it was playing everywhere else. It's a little too pop for my taste, but with this re-listen I still can't deny how good it is. I don't want to hear it, but I get it.

Not my interest, but nice and easy listening. I do love the sound of the organ though.

I remember being aware of Manic Street Preachers in the early 90's. I did not expect what I heard tonight. Messy, muddy, nothing to really latch on to. It's all attitude and I'm not really fond of it. I feel like this would have been something I liked when I was 13 or 14. I was 21 when this came out and I know now why exactly I never bothered with it. Another thing about 90's albums... they're too damn long! Even the good ones could use a trim.

Interesting, but it didn't really catch my attention. I remember in college, one of my good friends loved Fiona Apple. I'm sure I heard her before, but never looked back.

I've always been a big fan of Lou Barlow and Sebadoh, but the sludge and noise of Dinosaur Jr. never really got through to me. I've given this album a few tries in the past and it still doesn't interest me. This album sounds epic, but I can't seem to get on board with it. This band has some songs I love, but I'm really not up for an entire album. Liked songs: Sludgefeast, Tarpit, Lose, Poledo. I guess it's no surprise that the two Barlow songs are my favorites.

If the first track were the whole album is give it 5 stars. This is really good listening. I prefer What's Going On, but this was good too.

Pretty solid album. I enjoyed side 2. Side one has some good solos though. I guess the lead singer bugs me a little. Not my taste, but a good overall album.

I haven't heard this in a little while. It's lost a little something with me.

No way this is a must listen album. The singles will be played for many years and that is all that is worth listening to.

Wow, I just listened to this on my own last week. One of my favorites in my lifetime, this is the album that introduced me to the White Stripes. After a critical re-listen I'll resign to call this a soft 5. It's a real solid album overall, but there's a few stinkers mixed in there. The White Stripes have better albums as well. But I'll lean it to the 5 because of the impact it had at the time.

I grew up with Tears In Heaven, so I was thoroughly sick of Clapton before I ever gave him a chance. This album was surprisingly good. I know he's regarded as a great guitar player, I can now agree with that assessment. I enjoyed this album and appreciated the musicianship. However I did skip I Shot The Sheriff... it's just a bad version to me.

Less interesting, but more listenable than solo Bjork. I enjoyed this, but not too much.

I don't hate this, but after 15-20 minutes I'm kinda done.

I wasn't interested in this album when it was released, I wonder how it will replay now? Nah, I still don't get it.

Funking fantastic. I had no idea. The first track melted me. The second is that song I know, but never heard it before. The rest are passable on their own, but as a whole this album's got a juicy vibe. Thanks for the introduction!

I completely expected to hate this, but it was real solid. Not my preference, and I can't pin any particular tracks I liked. I really loved the sound and vibe though. I had no urges to skip through the hour. This album feels super specific to a time and place. I felt like a tourist throughout, but I thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

I've enjoyed Simon and Garfunkel my whole life, but I don't think I've ever played Bookends. This is an odd collection. There are amazing songs that I'm familiar with, then there are some awful songs. So Garfunkel gets writing credit for Voices of Old People? So odd. As an album, I don't think it holds together, and we really have to stop calling this a concept album. It doesn't succeed there, barely tries. The half dozen great songs make it worthwhile as a collection, but I don't think I'll ever play this bookend to bookend again.

Beyond Take on Me, this wasn't that great, imo. I had some hope that I might enjoy one or two of the other several singles, but that wasn't the case. I think the 'success' of this album hangs entirely on one great song and a sound that was exactly the flavor of the month written it came out. I don't think this holds up well after so many years.

I'm ashamed to admit how much I like this album, but it's that good, so I have to admit it. Whatever a mess Kanye's public image is, musically he's got his shit together.

Now this is the best of Marvin Gaye for me. An album through and through. Even though not every song is amazing, I love how all the songs feel so connected.

I don't know, this was pretty bad, imo. The only song of interest was Everybody Knows, but Concrete Blonde did that better. Tower of Song ain't bad, either.

I've always liked the Smiths in moderation and I've respected Morrissey's solo work at a distance. Vauxhall and I was the only album I've owned and I did enjoy it. This was a real pleasant surprise that broke a lot of biases that I had about Morrissey's music. I'm not going to say I loved the whole album, but I really enjoyed the whole album end to end. I'm getting the feeling a lot of people hate this man for some reason. Idk, ignorance is bliss. I'm here for the music, not the drama.

That introduction seems such a unique touch. I don't know if this was a common thing at the time or what, but it was kinda nice. Really put me in the mood for whatever they offered. So I kind of enjoyed Night Life (the first song). After that it creeped out of my interest and by the back half it all started to sound samey to me. So, thanks for the listen. A good album for the list I guess. Sorry I didn't really enjoy it.

This was tough wading through expired misogynistic baby boomer syrup. An extra star for Do You Wanna Dance? That is a solid pop song. And I just happened to notice, Brian Wilson didn't write that one.

This is a really well done album. I don't know what the fuck people are talking about Disney. That makes no sense to me. Did they even listen to this?

At the time, I was well aware of this band, but they've never caught my attention. This is not for me. Honestly the lead singer fails it for me. I don't jive with his tone. The songwriting sounds decent. Production is top notch. The entire album feels cohesive. When I was paying attention, the lyrics were really sweet. Overall I'd call this a good album that I'll never listen to again, but will give it another chance if the situation came up. PS: Sounds like Stephen Malkmus took notes from Me and the Major. PPS: I try not to research an album too much before a first listen. It adds bias that often ruins the experience for me. I learned how much critical acclaim this album has received after hearing this. I'm a little surprised but not shocked. I know it goes that way for me. Given that, I will probably take another stab at this in the future to try and hear what others hear, but I really think the lead singer is the killer for me. I hear there's a live version of this album, maybe I'll give that a try.

Well worth a listen. I will be happy to revisit this album in the future.

Lovely album for a rainy afternoon.

This is foundation. I can't decide if Surfer Rosa or Doolittle is better... I suppose it depends on my mood. But at this point (2023), I find it hard to believe this album was released in 1988. To me, this album had the cultural shock impact of an album like Jane's Addiction's Ritual de lo Habitual, but two years earlier. Every track on this album is a gem.