522
Albums Rated
3.02
Average Rating
48%
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567 albums remaining
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1970s
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Rater Style ?
73
5-Star Albums
54
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tago Mago | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| Swordfishtrombones | 5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
| Spiderland | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Future Days | 5 | 3.01 | +1.99 |
| Slanted And Enchanted | 5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
| Pyromania | 5 | 3.13 | +1.87 |
| Selling England By The Pound | 5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
| American Beauty | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| Crooked Rain Crooked Rain | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| High Violet | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill | 1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
| Diamond Life | 1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
| Different Class | 1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
| Sunday At The Village Vanguard | 1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
| Live And Dangerous | 1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
| The Slim Shady LP | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| Private Dancer | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| First Band On The Moon | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| Only By The Night | 1 | 3.23 | -2.23 |
| Melody A.M. | 1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 5 | 4.6 |
| Beck | 3 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.67 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.67 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| The Police | 2 | 5 |
| Van Halen | 2 | 5 |
| The Doors | 2 | 5 |
| Pavement | 2 | 5 |
| Can | 2 | 5 |
| Steely Dan | 4 | 4.25 |
| Beatles | 4 | 4.25 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Manic Street Preachers | 2 | 1 |
| Emmylou Harris | 2 | 1.5 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Byrds | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Madonna | 4, 1 |
| U2 | 2, 5 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5, 3, 2 |
5-Star Albums (73)
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Popular Reviews
The Police
5/5
I was 10 years old. This was my first favorite album and soon to be first favorite band, thanks to an older cousin. This album was very influential to my listening development I still listen to this album regularly. I preferred Regatta or Zeñata back in the day, but after this revisit I realize that this album will forever be legendary.
Synchronicity is by far the most realized Police album. A bunch of my friends made lists of our top 10 most personally influential albums and several of my friends included Synchronicity on that list. I did not, but it would definitely be top 20 in my book.
2 likes
Beck
5/5
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.
2 likes
Big Star
3/5
I think this album starts strong, but by the second half the jangly guitar sound started to get to me and the songs weren't holding my interest.
2 likes
Blur
3/5
Boys and Girls is a great song, I didn't even know it was by Blur. The rest of the album is well done, but I couldn't imagine myself listening to it again. I think it's a bit long as well. I feel like I'm missing something, I don't understand why this album is so adored.
2 likes
The Damned
4/5
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.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (54)
All Ratings
Eagles
5/5
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).
The Velvet Underground
4/5
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.
Elvis Presley
3/5
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
Wilco
4/5
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.
The B-52's
2/5
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
Björk
3/5
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.
John Lennon
4/5
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
4/5
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.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
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.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Very nice. Not new to me, but it's a been a little while. I enjoyed the listen.
Arctic Monkeys
2/5
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.
Kid Rock
3/5
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).
New Order
2/5
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.
1/5
I can't take this
Tears For Fears
5/5
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.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
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.
The Yardbirds
2/5
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.
Digital Underground
1/5
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.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I liked this a bit. Nothing too special to me personally, but I'd definitely explore this band further.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
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.
Santana
5/5
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!
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
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.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
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.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
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.
Cheap Trick
2/5
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.
Frank Zappa
5/5
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.
Cat Stevens
4/5
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.
Beyoncé
2/5
It's good, but not mostly. Either way I don't want to hear it. It sounds like radio.
Le Tigre
4/5
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.
Erykah Badu
3/5
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.
The Cure
3/5
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.
Randy Newman
3/5
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.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Yeah, no.
PJ Harvey
3/5
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.
Talvin Singh
1/5
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.
John Grant
4/5
I had no idea what to expect going into this. I've never heard of John Grant. I was pleasantly surprised.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
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.
The Kinks
3/5
That was good, not great. I'm not hearing "concept album".
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
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?
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
5/5
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.
Steely Dan
5/5
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.
PJ Harvey
4/5
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.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
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.
5/5
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.
Lou Reed
3/5
Idk, didn't bother me, didn't interest me either. Sad Song was kinda nice.
Talk Talk
3/5
Easy listening. I really like the sound of this album. It didn't move me too much overall though.
Talking Heads
2/5
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.
Prince
5/5
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.
Janet Jackson
1/5
🤮 too many interludes
Deep Purple
4/5
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.
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
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.
Hole
3/5
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.
Love
2/5
The first two songs were ok, but I really did not enjoy the rest.
Marty Robbins
2/5
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.
The Cars
4/5
Fun album that I haven't listened to for a long while.
Prince
3/5
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
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
It's alright. That 60's pop sounds doesn't really entice me.
The Avalanches
2/5
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.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
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.
The Shamen
2/5
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.
Billie Holiday
4/5
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.
Aerosmith
4/5
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.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
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.
The Verve
2/5
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.
Madonna
4/5
I'm not a fan of Madonna in general, but this album is a classic. Imo, it's simply Madonna's most genuine album.
Devendra Banhart
4/5
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.
Ian Dury
1/5
Nightmare wedding singer.
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll was the only song that didn't make me cringe. Or maybe I was becoming desensitized.
Femi Kuti
2/5
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.
Air
3/5
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.
Kate Bush
3/5
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.
Nina Simone
5/5
I don't have the language to explain how I feel about this album. I was entranced for almost 40 minutes.
Thundercat
1/5
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.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
I tend to like Frank Sinatra, but I don't know what this was. Sounds like Frank was having a lost weekend.
Queen
3/5
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.
Gang Of Four
4/5
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.
The Byrds
3/5
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.
DJ Shadow
4/5
Now we're talkin'. This album was such a pleasure when it came out. I really enjoyed revisiting this classic.
Aerosmith
3/5
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.
Steely Dan
3/5
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.
Fever Ray
1/5
Not interested
Mj Cole
1/5
Thelonious Monk
3/5
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.
Beck
5/5
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.
Oasis
3/5
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.
CHIC
3/5
Idk, not really into this sound.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Classic, still holds up to this day.
The Band
5/5
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.
Duran Duran
4/5
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.
Paul Weller
1/5
I couldn't make it through this.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Not for me. She has a beautiful voice though.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Interesting vocal soundscaping going on, but musically this does nothing for me.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
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.
Public Enemy
4/5
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.
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
This was horrible. I really like some Zappa, but the chipmunk singing...
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
I really want to like this album, but I really don't jive with Corin Tucker's vocals.
The Stranglers
4/5
Love the synth work.
Common
3/5
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.
Jurassic 5
2/5
Yeah, no.
Hole
2/5
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.
Manic Street Preachers
1/5
So mediocre.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I currently listen to this album regularly. One of Black Sabbath's best.
Eminem
1/5
I can't find the value in this.
The Damned
4/5
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.
Heaven 17
2/5
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.
Johnny Cash
3/5
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.
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
The Who
3/5
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
Bill Evans Trio
1/5
Bob Dylan
5/5
Easy 5. I wish I had time to say more. This is one of the very best albums by anyone.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
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.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
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.
Pink Floyd
5/5
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.
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
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
3/5
Solomon Burke sounds great, but this music doesn't move me.
Faust
4/5
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.
Green Day
4/5
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.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Not my interest, but nice and easy listening. I do love the sound of the organ though.
Manic Street Preachers
1/5
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.
Fiona Apple
2/5
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.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
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.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
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.
Deep Purple
3/5
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.
Fela Kuti
2/5
Sorry to say I wasn't feeling this one.
Public Enemy
3/5
I haven't heard this in a little while. It's lost a little something with me.
The Killers
3/5
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.
Merle Haggard
2/5
The older the country, the more I can tolerate it. To a point. I thought If You Want To Be My Woman was a fun song.
The White Stripes
5/5
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.
Eric Clapton
4/5
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.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Less interesting, but more listenable than solo Bjork. I enjoyed this, but not too much.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
I don't hate this, but after 15-20 minutes I'm kinda done.
Grizzly Bear
2/5
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.
Funkadelic
4/5
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!
Dizzee Rascal
4/5
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.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
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.
a-ha
2/5
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.
Kanye West
4/5
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.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Interesting and refreshing to hear.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
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.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
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.
Morrissey
4/5
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.
Ray Price
2/5
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.
The Beach Boys
2/5
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.
Randy Newman
4/5
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?
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
I can't
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
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.
Charles Mingus
3/5
This was really interesting. It never felt repetitive and still kept a continuity of style. I don't know what to think otherwise. I guess I like it, but we'll see if I ever come back to it.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Well worth a listen. I will be happy to revisit this album in the future.
Nick Drake
3/5
Lovely album for a rainy afternoon.
Pixies
5/5
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.
John Martyn
3/5
One of the most unique sounds I've heard in a while. I like thatb it's jazzy but not jazz. This was a nice surprise.
Khaled
3/5
I listened to a song or two from Khaled. It's too bad I can't listen to Kenza on Spotify. This sounds interesting.
Ray Charles
4/5
So fine. Ray's voice is so warm and comforting.
Parliament
4/5
I'm not a funk fanatic, but this album is relentless, and I can't help but love it. Door to door solid.
Donald Fagen
2/5
Bland overall.
Sparks
3/5
Just a week ago the generator gave me John Martyn and I mentioned that it was the most unique sound I had heard in a long time...
So, Sparks are the most unique sound that I've heard in a week.
There first two songs had me hopeful, but the album lost traction for me as it went on. For a little bit, the Sparks reminded me of Split Enz, but that was maybe for a song or two. The last two songs of the album got me interested again.
Overall I liked, but did not love this. It was worth the listen, though.
Q-Tip
2/5
Super Furry Animals
2/5
I can imagine that coming up with 1001 albums for this list was a daunting task. I don't understand why it was necessary to include a second Super Furry Animals album. Fuzzy Logic made sense. The is superfluous. The song selections are an eclectic mess. I also found it to be easy less interesting than Fuzzy Logic.
Radiohead
3/5
I'm guessing this might be about my 6th listen to this album. I heard it a few times in 2000/1, but i felt nothing for this. I tried it again a couple of more times over the years always wondering why I couldn't connect with this album that the universe seems to love. Still nothing. I feel the same way about OK Computer. It's just bland to me.
For some reason last summer I listened to The Bends and I was enthralled. I've spent a lot of time with that album in the last year and I love it. Maybe that opened a door for me, because this listen of Kid A was finally different. I can really hear the songs now. I've also developed an interest in ELM the past few years, so that also has put me in a better position to digest Kid A.
Despite all that I'm still not that impressed. I like the album a lot more than I used to, but nothing really stands out. Several tracks have outstanding soundscapes, and I found a few that I could totally enjoy on their own. I agree this album is competent, but I still don't think it's special. If you tell me I have to listen to this album 20 times to truly understand it then forget it, that's some shitty roi.
Sade
1/5
Nope
4/5
160 albums into this journey. I was seriously concerned that I hadn't heard a Beatles album yet. Sgt Pepper would not have been my choice, but yes, it is an album that should be heard at least once. A Day In the Life is one of the finest Beatles songs recorded, but it doesn't make up for the whole of the album being less engaging. Most of the songs are very good, but this is not the album of course to listen to on any given day.
The Slits
1/5
Not that good.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Ahhh, the album just before perfect IV. And it is, almost perfect. This is one of my all time favorites, a great album cover to cover. This album shows Led Zeppelin's sounds transitioning without letting go of their roots.
Judas Priest
2/5
I like hard rock from all decades, but the metal that emerged in the 80s never agreed with me. This sounds like it might be the daddy of them all.
3 stars for being a pioneer of a sub genre. -1 for being so fucking lame anyway.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I guess it took 20 years for me to enjoy this album. Soft Bulletin hit me hard, but I never connected with this album. Last night it really sounded through for me.
Doves
3/5
Not great, some interesting moments.
The Charlatans
2/5
So unpleasant
Jeff Buckley
2/5
Something oppressive about his delivery for me, difficult to tolerate. Maybe it would be better with a different singer?
Blur
3/5
Boys and Girls is a great song, I didn't even know it was by Blur. The rest of the album is well done, but I couldn't imagine myself listening to it again. I think it's a bit long as well. I feel like I'm missing something, I don't understand why this album is so adored.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Dylan fan for life here...
This was the first new Dylan album after I discovered Dylan (Woodstock 94). I couldn't get him out of my head after hearing him live. I started with Desire and worked my way back in time. Of course I bought this album, but I didn't give it much attention. I was swimming in Bob Dylan history, this wasn't that interesting.
Revisiting this album so many years later has been a much better experience. In my maturity, I can really sit back and hear this. It's not all great, but there are great moments After Love Sick, I'm feeling a little soft until Not Dark Yet. Then the whole end of the album kicks ass - even the 16+ minute Highlands, classic Dylan riffing - I just had to sip a whiskey and listen to Bob's seemingly senseless stories. A long trip, but worth it. This album definitely heralds a comeback for Dylan into an older version of himself, and he wears it really well here.
Another note, I saw Dylan perform for a second time in '99 with Paul Simon. He was horrible, Paul was dancing circles around him and Bob looked like he was wheeled out and propped up on a hand cart. I didn't know how much longer he'd be around. I never went to see Dylan live again, I was afraid it would just taint my paradise. And yet, he's still going strong!
The Isley Brothers
3/5
I'm surprised to be a little disappointed. After That Lady, I didn't hear much I was interested in. The covers are mostly a let down. Summer Breeze works for me though. The guitarist is definitely the highlight of the album.
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
I think the band is fantastic. However, I can hear Serge's saliva. I don't like that. This album is a danger to me.
Primal Scream
2/5
My experience with Primal Scream is limited. I was introduced to the band with XTRMNTR. I love that album and held the band in high regard because of it. I listened to Screamadelica, but wasn't impressed. Then I kind of left it there.
I assume there is some merit on this album, but I'm not sure what it is. On a whole I was thoroughly bored throughout this album. I don't quite get my relationship with Primal Scream anymore.
Talking Heads
3/5
I haven't listened to this album in a long time. From memory, I perceived this album as very good. It didn't quite sell me this time around. There is Uh-Oh and Psycho, and a couple of other decent tracks, but the filler is weak and plentiful. Definitely an epic first release, but the Taking Heads are gonna do better in the future.
The Smiths
2/5
I was on board for the first track, but this album quickly lost me after that. Barbarism woke me up again, but then Meat Is Murder... 😒
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Nice
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Many years ago I had the opportunity to go traveling out of my country for a while. I brought little with me, but this album was one of 3 cassettes I brought to accompany my travels (yes, cassettes, it was that long ago). Easily one of the most influential albums in my life. Curiously, on this re-listen, I have found a new appreciation for So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright - the one song on the album that never thrilled me before.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I think this is a great Stones album. Just starting to flex their independence and not yet pretentious. This and the years to follow are the sweet spot in the Rolling Stones catalogue.
Patti Smith
5/5
I like this more every time I hear it.
Richard Thompson
3/5
This is precisely what I like to imagine London would be like. It's got weak spots, but overall very pleasant.
Grateful Dead
5/5
The Rolling Stones
5/5
It's been many years since I've enjoyed this album. In a way, my relationship with this album is very similar to yesterday's feed (Grateful Dead - American Beauty). I am not a fan of the Rolling Stones. They have some great songs, but overall I don't enjoy their sound. This album, however, has always been an exception. Like American Beauty, Exile On Main Street is the one sole album in a band's large catalogue that I love cover to cover. On a double album, that's real impressive. I think the only song that doesn't impress me is Let It Loose (kind of bland and ordinary to me). Besides that aside, for over an hour this album keeps me rocking. I don't really like the Stones, but this is album is an absolute gem.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Well that was a lot of noodles. Great sound for a live album though.
Nico
1/5
Idk, I think this is awful.
Jane Weaver
2/5
Better than Nico
Kraftwerk
2/5
I swear I heard the same beat through at least three songs in a row. I love synth and I understand that Kraftwerk just about started everything I love in music today, but this album is just so dull.
Animal Collective
3/5
Ok, but I couldn't get into it. Maybe another time.
Queen
2/5
I generally don't like Queen. I checked out the song list for this album and did not recognize anything, so figured I ought to at least give it a chance.
Listening to Father To Son, I was like... Oh shit, Freddie's voice isn't bugging me. Oh shit, Queen was actually a real rock band at one point.
The album however descended back to the Queen I was familiar with. It wasn't so bad though. Hearing this album and it's relative ok-ness to me, I searched for the moment Queen lost me. Nothing familiar on the first album and I recently listened to Sheer Heart Attack for the first time a couple of months ago and it was pretty ok in my book.
So I'm certain it Was A Night At The Opera that killed this band for me.
Japan
3/5
Totally Duran Duran vibes here. This band sounds a little ahead of their time. Not bad all together.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Buck Owens
3/5
Not my bag, but didn't sound bad if I were in the mood
Marilyn Manson
3/5
This is the only Manson album I ever owned and always loved it. If the whole album burned like the first two songs, this album would be epic. But it would need to be at least a half hour shorter. The album descends into a typical mid 90's sound for most of it's duration. There are a bunch of good tracks, but I don't think the whole album is really worth listening to.
Pixies
4/5
Trompe le Monde was my intro to The Pixies, and I was an instant fan. I quickly acquired the back catalogue. Bossanova was the last album to find my heart. It doesn't have the peaks of the other three albums, but I think it's the most consistent and a little more nuanced. You can tell the Pixies were changing. I love just about every track, though.
The Police
5/5
I was 10 years old. This was my first favorite album and soon to be first favorite band, thanks to an older cousin. This album was very influential to my listening development I still listen to this album regularly. I preferred Regatta or Zeñata back in the day, but after this revisit I realize that this album will forever be legendary.
Synchronicity is by far the most realized Police album. A bunch of my friends made lists of our top 10 most personally influential albums and several of my friends included Synchronicity on that list. I did not, but it would definitely be top 20 in my book.
David Bowie
3/5
I enjoy listening to David Bowie now and again. I haven't heard this album in it's entirety before. I like some of his albums, I don't like some, Heroes falls somewhere in the middle for me. I do feel that side two is much more engaging overall.
Garbage
3/5
I'm very familiar with Version 2.0 and liked it a lot when it came out. I've never really listened to this first Garbage album. Overall this was a disappointment. I think Queer and Stupid Girl are the only songs that have a timeless quality and still sound great. This would have been (and was) a great mid 90s pop album, but today it sounds a little bland and forced. Just for reference, I listened to 2.0 again (it's gotta be 20 years) and it also has diminished in my ears. Version 2.0 is still better than this one though.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Fucking epic. Of 190 albums presented to me from this list so far, Black Sabbath is the third best imo. The top two so far are Dylan's Blood on the Tracks and Sabbath's Paranoid. They had their shit figured out right out the gate, did not give a fuck, just did their thing. Brilliant... taking the Devil's blues to the next level.
Megadeth
3/5
I was never into this style of metal, it always sounded cheap and ridiculous to me. This album however may be the best thing I've ever heard that sounds like this. I enjoyed a few songs, didn't skip any, it never annoyed me, didn't feel redundant, the band sounds skilled.
I still don't like this music, but I can definitely hear that Rust In Peace is at the top of its game.
Genesis
5/5
Pink Floyd
5/5
Tbh, I got sick of this album a long time ago. But since I hadn't listened to it in a while I figured it deserved a spin. Hearing it again, I can recognize how epic this album was and still is. It's too long, but it is still an amazing work. Not my type, but I'll still call it a 5.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Another solid Bob Marley entry. I found Exodus slightly more engaging, but I'm feeling this still deserves 4 stars as well.
4/5
One of my all time favorite live recordings of Bob Dylan. Re-listening this time I heard a cynical tone throughout the first set. The second set of the highlight in my opinion, but there are gems on the first half as well. A good rendition of Desolation Row doesn't nearly feel like 11 out 12 minutes. I also think that the acoustic Visions of Johanna might be better than the studio recording. Overall it's totally worth the listen. The dynamics between sets feels like your getting two shows in one. Both sides have highs and lows, a little bit of a mixed bag on performances, but this is a week dinner recording capturing a glimpse of a moment in Bob Dylan's storied career.
Blondie
3/5
I was surprised to enjoy this as much as I did.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is the Zeppelin album you gotta take your time with, so I don't listen to it too often these days. It was always my favorite, though. So many solid tracks. Good for a long lazy session. Side 3 might be my favorite.
Supergrass
2/5
So sure I had been given this album before that I checked my history. It wasn't there. I must have been doing some extracurricular listening. I remember being disappointed. I enjoy some later Supergrass music, but this first album rubbed me the wrong way.
So let's give it one more shot and hear what happens...
Gorillaz
5/5
I've always liked Gorillaz, but never loved them. I've followed them since this premiere and I love some stuff, like a bit more, and really don't dig some of it. They have been a seasoning in my music library for 20+ years.
It was really refreshing to listen to this album I haven't played in a long while. I think I liked it more now than when it was new. Every track felt fresh and I have no complaints.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
I've been a lifetime Simon & Garfunkel fan. This album however had taken a back seat in my life for some reason. I forgot how good this was. I mean... Homeward Bound, Feelin' Groovy, and A Simple Desultory Philippic are legendary to me.
I am sorry I've dismissed this album for so long.
The Soft Boys
2/5
I'm not getting this
2/5
I really enjoyed Showbiz (released 1999), this album doesn't reach me.
Tim Buckley
2/5
This didn't really get to me.
The Police
5/5
I was 10 years old when Synchronicity came out. I was enthralled and The Police were my first favorite band. Once I got a Walkman for a gift, I acquired the entire Police catalogue ASAP. Regatta De Blanc was never among my favorite, but when I'm in a certain mood, it's perfect.
The litmus test is the first song Message in a Bottle. Play the album, if it sounds like same old classic rock radio, put on something else. If. this song makes you queazy with it's awesomeness then proceed. If Message In A Bottle with Stewart's impeccably tight and characteristic drumming, Sting's mesmerizing bass and vocals, and Andy's sensuous guitar accents doesn't move you... Move on, cause that's all you're gonna get here.
The Temptations
4/5
Smooth
Madonna
1/5
Oh I remember this! This is when Madonna got dull.
Steely Dan
4/5
Love this.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
I thought that was pretty bad. Not horrible, but dull? The only song with a little life was Old Kentucky Home (written by Randy Newman). This album did not age well.
Minor Threat
3/5
Good energy throughout. Not my taste, but the last song Cashing In was cool. I probably won't listen to this again, but it was good to have done so once.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I've felt for a long time that I didn't have enough Bruce in my life, but I never got motivated to seek it out. I was kinda excited when this came up on the generator. Just the motivation I needed.
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd hoped. All very overdramatic. I know there's a version of Bruce for me out there. This wasn't it.
The xx
2/5
I didn't get it when it was new and I still don't.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
I don't know what occasion would prompt me to play this album again, but I did enjoy it.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Beats still sounds fresh, not dated. Iirc, this was next level when it came out. It's good, but too long.
The Byrds
2/5
Interesting, but no thanks.
Kings of Leon
3/5
I never got into this band. Despite their popularity I haven't really heard much of Kings of Leon, and what I heard did not catch my attention. This album was a treat. I really enjoyed most of this. This wouldn't ever be my go to listen, but it was enjoyable and I'm better for the experience.
Van Halen
5/5
This is one of my all time favorites.
1/5
Nope
Elton John
3/5
I used to like Elton John, then I didn't so much. Listening to this album today helped me understand. A whole album is just too much for me.
I'm burned out on Tony Dancer, So I started my listen with Levon (which has always been one of my favorite EJ songs). The rest of the album I was pretty unfamiliar with. Had some nice surprises... I really liked Madman and Indian Summer. The rest sounded like good quality Elton John songs, but I was so fatigued by the end, it was hard for me to enjoy it too much.
I think this album deserves 4 stars, but I have to keep consistent with the scale I have been using. I give it 3 because it's great album, glad I heard it, but will probably never play it again.
The Doors
5/5
A lifelong Doors fan, I regrettably realized I've paid relatively little attention to this album. Listening to it again with a critical ear was very surprising. This is one of the Doors strongest collections.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Sounds good, but not interesting.
Elvis Presley
1/5
Tom Waits
4/5
This is a wonderful introduction to a modern version of Tom Waits. I don't think it's near his best work, but there are several songs on this album that stand up to (and surpass some of) his classics. The Earth Died Screaming, I Don't Want To Grow Up, and Black Wings are among his best recordings imo. Overall the album is a bit long for me, but I'm still going to play it through time and again in the future.
Louis Prima
4/5
Well, that was a MFing pleasure.
The Saints
2/5
I had some hopes here, it never happened. This isn't terrible, just bland.
The Doors
5/5
The Doors at their best.
Radiohead
3/5
I couldn't connect with this album when it came out, and it seems I only like it slightly more 25 years later.
Sabu
4/5
Purely emotional. So refreshing.
David Bowie
4/5
This is one of Bowie's most solid albums end to end. It might lack spectacular, but every song is pretty good. Well worth a listen.
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
Interesting. Didn't quite grab me on first listen. A little too noisy for my taste, but it's not random, there's something special going on here. I'll settle with a 3 star for now. Luau is definitely a memorable track.
Miles Davis
2/5
TIL I'm not cool
Herbie Hancock
5/5
I was 10 years old and saw the music video for Rock It... 🤯. I got Future Shock on cassette through one of those mail order clubs (Columbia?). Preteen me was obsessed.
All these years, it never occurred to me that there was Herbie Hancock before Future Shock. Tonight, Herbie Hancock blew my mind for a second time in my life. This album is insane and I can't believe Herbie's been grooving and funking like this for two decades earlier than I imagined. 🤯
Oh, and judging this album by the cover, I was gonna play this was soon as I saw it. No need to even know it was Herbie Hancock. That face!
Bob Dylan
5/5
Kraftwerk
4/5
Well that was surprisingly delightful. My preconception of Kraftwerk was not on target.
AC/DC
3/5
Better than I expected. I'm still not a fan of this band overall.
Lauryn Hill
1/5
I wasn't interested in this album in 1998 and a relisten now confirms my feelings. It was cutting edge in 1998,: but now feels dated. Still, the production is stellar, but it's just so generic for the times. I can't find any reason to ever listen to this again, at least I've documented it this time around.
Gary Numan
4/5
I can't explain, but this music feels so at home inside my head.
The Byrds
2/5
Except for the first track, I didn't care for this at all.
Otis Redding
4/5
Otis sounds awesome. Not sure about this album though. Would it be better if it weren't mostly covers? (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction is especially cringe. Overall it's a fun listen and I'd be glad to do it again.
Metallica
4/5
I think this album is a little overshadowed by And Justice For All. For some good reason, but Master of Puppets has a lot to offer. This was the loudest shit available at the time. That's gotta count for something.
Janelle Monáe
2/5
Yeah, not for me.
Ice Cube
3/5
That was a trip reliving this album. I didn't like it as much as I used to, but it was still pretty good.
Violent Femmes
5/5
I haven't heard this in a long time. Still awesome.
The Stone Roses
3/5
I was around when this album was released and I thought it was drab. I didn't pay it any more attention until Second Coming was released. I really like that album, so I figure give the first one another chance. Still not interested. So I spent the next two decades enjoying the Stone Roses album that everyone pisses on.
It's third time the charm? Nope. I Wanna Be Adored is maybe the only intriguing track. Although, I Am The Resurrection gets pretty good and reveals the band's future sound. I don't dislike this album, I just think it's vastly overrated.
Queen
3/5
I'm not really a fan of Queen, but this was pretty cool.
Janis Joplin
4/5
So cool
Mott The Hoople
2/5
Idk, this sounded a bit lame to me. Like they're trying real hard, but not delivering. Also, the lead singer's voice sounds shot on most of the tracks (I don't hear this as an endearing characteristic). I can't say it's a bad album, but essential? No.
Pavement
5/5
One of the best albums of the 90s, imo. I can hear a mellowing and maturity in the band's sound since Slanted & Enchanted, a trend that will continue through their career. So many great songs here and there are no tracks I would ever skip. I think this album has the most consistency and continuity of any Pavement album.
David Bowie
3/5
I like David Bowie, this album is not his best. Outside of Young Americans, it's mostly bland.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Not horrible.
The Cure
5/5
This is a masterpiece. This was an album I only listened to with headphones. My community had a notion that the Cure were weird. When I got away to college, I was more comfortable publicly expressing my acclaim for this album.
It's beautiful in sound and texture. This blew me away in 1989 and I believe it still holds up today.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
This is not my listening preference, but this is undeniably a great collection of early 80s pop.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Smooth easy listening
Julian Cope
3/5
Not a bad way to spend the afternoon. Got a lot of Jim Morrison / Lou Reed / Iggy Pop vibes throughout. Not bad, not great, I probably won't come back to this album but I wouldn't be opposed to listening to it again either.
Ms. Dynamite
1/5
Seriously?
Fats Domino
4/5
Nice old fashioned rock
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
22 minutes on fire
Morrissey
3/5
This album arrived at the right time in my life. I was never a fan of Morrissey previously, but this album struck a chord and got a lot of play time out of me. Still, I never considered it a great album. Relistening years later, I only found less appeal. I would be happy to hear this again once in a while. There are several real good songs.
Elliott Smith
2/5
I don't get this. Maybe I'd like to hear Pictures of Me or Rose Parade in the future, but as for the whole album - nope. I find it drab.
Motörhead
2/5
If the first title track is this band's magnum opus, I'm in for a bad ride here. They are sloppy, not in a good way. They do sound like they are enjoying themselves though.
Beatles
5/5
In my youth, Rubber Soul was my favorite Beatles album. Lately I've been favorite others (Revolver, Let It Be). Still this one is loaded with great songs. The song ordering feels a little random at times, but it's still quite enjoyable end to end.
k.d. lang
4/5
I never imagined enjoying a kd lang album, I don't like country music. This isn't country music. It was delightful. KD Lang's vocals are superb.
Cream
3/5
Sunshine of your Love is foundation in classic Rock, but the rest of this album doesn't do much for me. I find the sounds very repetitive in a disengaging way.
Love
3/5
This was better than the other Love album presented in this list. If I were around listening to music in 1966, I might have liked this more. Now, it's nothing special to me.
Eels
3/5
I am familiar with this album from when it was released. I liked it then, but would not say it's great. I feel the same now. However, it does have such a unique sound that merits exploration. And a few really great songs.
The Who
4/5
For a debut album this is pretty awesome. I know too well though that the who can do much better.
Prince
3/5
It starts with 2 timeless classics then slowly fades from my interest as it goes on. The songs are mostly too long for me.
Little Richard
3/5
Alright, that was pretty cool. Got a little samey after a while though.
Iron Maiden
2/5
I like a lot of different metal but this doesn't do it for me.
Steve Winwood
4/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Chicago
4/5
I grew up with Chicago, they were a staple of musical life. I never loved them, but several songs in their career are of significant sentimental or nostalgic value to me. I haven't listened to this album before, Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is? is the only song I am familiar with. But this really shattered my perception of Chicago (the band). I mean, wtf is Free Form Guitar? I love it! This album isn't perfect, but it's a lovely experimental side of Chicago that really should be experienced.
Goldie
1/5
This was painful.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Alright. Liked Needles.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
This just doesn't carry like it used to.
Def Leppard
5/5
Fucking gold
Shuggie Otis
3/5
The title track was a little interesting, but I didn't really get into this album.
Miles Davis
2/5
I'm sorry, but I just can't imagine ever wanting to listen to this again. There are pleasant moments, but I just can't get onboard. I tried this album ages ago and my opinion is consistent.
The Strokes
2/5
I just can't get on board with this. I didn't like it 20 years ago either. It's sounds like it could be ok, but the singer's voice is so grating to me I can't get past it.
Traffic
3/5
Some really good tunes, some really bad ones.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
There are a bunch of great songs here. Also a bunch I don't care for at all. Anyway, is be happy to hear this album again sometime, but I'm probably not gonna look for it.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
I'm really impressed by Amy making a classic sound and sounding authentic. Very high quality music here. That said, not my cup of tea.
Kate Bush
2/5
I tried. I really love her voice, but this was such late 80's production drivel, I can't.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
There are a bunch of elements here that I really like. But overall the album never really moves me. And I think I hate that woogie-woogie-woogie sound in the background of a lot of songs. So, a little disappointed, but not bad. I did dig Tried to Hide, so there's that.
Beck
5/5
This is not my favorite Beck album, but I can't deny it may be the most influential. Solid music all the way through.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
They got spirit and genuinely sound like the band is really enjoying themselves. For that, I'll give 3 stars.
The Dictators
3/5
Not bad, not great. I would have totally listened to this is I was 13 in 1975.
Destiny's Child
1/5
Nah. Survivor is a decent pop song, but that doesn't earn any credit in my book.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
I'm not a fan of jazz in general, but this was pleasant to hear. Not much of it stuck with me, though I do appreciate the listen and I enjoyed my time with it.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Yeah, this is just about perfect for me
David Bowie
4/5
Lost my notes on this one...
Basically Bowie is hit or Miss with me, but this is one album of his I adore.
Kanye West
2/5
I feel like I got this one already. Idk, kinda irritating. Maybe this one of those 'ya had to be there' albums. I missed the moment, I don't get it.
The Fall
4/5
Wow. This took me to places I never anticipated.
I thought I vaguely knew The Fall, but playing Live At The Witch Trials I realized quickly that this band was not who I thought they were. This is like punk avant garde.
After the first bunch of tracks, I realized that IDLES must be inspired by this shit. Two Steps Back was the turning point for me from interested to engaged. But I still can't completely describe the experience... it just sinks in. I'm not curious to hear more from this band.
I wouldn't say I love this album, but I have definitely enjoyed the time together and would be agreeable to doing it again sometime 😘
ZZ Top
3/5
I wasn't excited about this listen. I generally don't favor ZZ Top. This was good though. I'm glad to have listened to an entire ZZ Top album. They are not as bad as I imagined. La Grange is a great track, but one song doesn't make an album. However the rest of the album is solid and consistent. I kinda liked a few songs, nothing was bad.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I figured there's a reason I did not listen to this band in the 90's, but they really surprised me here. I don't love this album, but it's got a few nice spots that I wouldn't mind hearing again. Especially liked Minnesoter. Also Cool As Kim Deal, because she was my high school crush.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
I love a bunch of Stevie Wonder songs. There's a lot I don't really like though. There aren't many SW albums I'd play all the way. Innervisions happens to her one of these few I do enjoy in it's entirety. Living For The City and Higher Ground are two of my favorite Stevie songs, a bunch of others I really dig, and a few I don't love but I won't skip either. I've been playing this album consistently for about 30 years now. Easy to call it a must listen 5 star.
Joy Division
3/5
Not my bag, but still an enjoyable listen. I'm probably not going to come back to this one, but if it showed up at my door I'd invite it in for a spin.
Death In Vegas
2/5
Not bad per say, but not for me. If anything seemed interesting, it wasn't by the time the song was done.
Beatles
5/5
This album has been in my rotation for my entire adult life. It's not my favorite Beatles album by any means. I think there are a bunch of duds on this album. But there are several classics and the album has a unique voice among Beatles albums. I Want You (She's So Heavy) is a revolutionary sound for them in my opinion. This uniqueness adds value that warrants a 5 star from me. Despite it's faults, this album is a must listen. The good vastly outweighs the bad here.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
It's not horrible, it has moments. Never again though.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
I just turned 13 and this album was the most awesome gift. I listened the shit out of it for the summer. Then gone... probably lost the cassette. Funny thing is that I never thought about this album again, until tonight.
This album was epic. Perhaps I didn't realize it at 13, but this was history. 30 something years later, I still feel this. It is not dated. Nothing ever sounded like Raising Hell.
Thank you for bringing this back into my life.
Arcade Fire
5/5
This album is so wonderful. This is one of several works that define the idea of 'album' to me.
The Youngbloods
1/5
This reminds me of the time when I was younger and thought I'd take a dip into jazz music. I could hear talented musicians, but I had no idea what they were trying to say. Elephant Mountain was like that.
Nick Drake
4/5
I've become familiar with Nick Drake's other albums over the years and enjoy listening to them on occasion (mostly Pink Moon). I hadn't gotten around to this one and was excited to give it a listen.
I wasn't really vibing with this until Three Hours came on. The instrumentation is really amazing. I definitely need to spend more time with this.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Really smooth, very enjoyable. I may or may not listen to this again.
Elliott Smith
2/5
I have this album several tries. I wasn't connecting to it and kept feeling I wasn't in the right mood or I was missing something. After 3 tries I'm done. I don't want to hear this again.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
Seriously, I would have been fine with dying without hearing this. But AB/7A was kinda cool.
Boards of Canada
4/5
This is a 3.5 for me. I'm familiar with BoC, but my go to album has always been Campfire Headphase. I was happy to get the push to listen to this album again since it's been a while. It's good, but I don't really get the hype. I never did. Sonically this album is a trip worth the listen, but I probably won't come back to it too often (3 stars). Extra point for being so influential. I can think of several artists I like that site this album as inspiration. Maybe one day it'll break through to me.
King Crimson
3/5
This was quite surprising. I've always revered In the Court of the Crimson King as a prog standard but haven't really listened to it. I was underwhelmed tonight. I realized that I enjoy covers of Schizoid Man better than the original. Even Court of the Crimson King sounded bland. The other three tracks did not engage me at all. So sorry this didn't work out. All the math says I'll love this album, but I don't.
Slint
5/5
This album has been a fascinating of mine for 30 years.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
Ok
Thin Lizzy
1/5
"This is uh..."
Bill Callahan
3/5
I've enjoyed some Smog in my time. This was ok.
The Cure
4/5
I have a history with the Cure. I adore Head on the Door and Disintegration. It surprised me a little tonight to realize that I've never heard this album entirely.
On one listen, not much really stood out to my ears. Hanging Garden and Figurehead were catchy though. But the whole album is a beautiful piece of art that is completely engaging throughout. I feel this is closer to Disintegration vibes sans any pop motive.
It might not be often, but there is a place for this album in my library.
Ramones
4/5
This is real wholesome punk 😁
Fatboy Slim
4/5
This album was the shit in my world in the late 90's. I'm sure I haven't listened to it in 20+ years though. It doesn't quite hold up to what I used to think of it, but it's still a ton of fun. Fatboy Slim is still fucking in heaven.
Big Star
3/5
I think this album starts strong, but by the second half the jangly guitar sound started to get to me and the songs weren't holding my interest.
Minutemen
2/5
Too much, yet not enough to keep me interested.
4/5
Great album all the way
Adam & The Ants
3/5
This didn't age well imo, but I can imagine it was popular in it's time. Bonus star for pulling some Black Sabbath inspiration for Ant Invasion.
Scritti Politti
2/5
I wasn't into this kind of music in the 80's and I'm still not.
Lambchop
2/5
I remember that I really liked a Lambchop song a while back... The Saturday Option. It was on an album prior to this one. So I had hopes for this album. Unfortunately nothing caught my attention. Just not that good imo.
De La Soul
3/5
Awesome album for it's time, but I can't imagine listening to this again.
Massive Attack
2/5
I'm familiar with other Native Attack albums, not this one. And this one is not really interesting to me. It's not horrible, but I'm seriously wondering why this is part of this 1001 list.
Throwing Muses
3/5
I recall playing The Real Ramona a lot in college. Besides that I haven't listened to this band much otherwise. I was a fan of Belly and definitely prefer Tanya Donnelly over Kristin Hersh. I haven't heard this particular album before (and I still haven't). This is not easily available, so I'm gonna give it 3 stars based on what I know of this band.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
KISS
2/5
I wouldn't have listened to this if I were a teenager in the 70s.
Nirvana
5/5
I was never a big fan of Nirvana. I didn't really pay this album to much mind when it came out because I thought it was too popular and overplayed. I heard enough of it without spending any more of my personal time listening to this. But even then, as now, I would concede that Nevermind is a masterpiece, possibly one of the greatest single albums of all time.
Frank Ocean
3/5
Totally not my listening style, but there is something special about this album. It played in the background while I was doing other stuff and it continually drew my attention. Maybe I'll enjoy it more after a few more plays.
Carole King
4/5
Fantastic album.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Awesome. Not entirely my style preference, but I can imagine being inspired to play this album again on a quiet Sunday morning or if I had friends over and was feeling a little pretentious.
Simple Minds
2/5
Ok, I can respect that this might be a "good" album, but I'm really not interested. I couldn't wait for this album to end. The combo of driving beats with moody melodic wailing makes me queasy.
AC/DC
4/5
Not my preferred sounds, but this is a very good album. Glad I stuck it out for Rick and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution, easily my favorite track.
The War On Drugs
2/5
I gave this album a shot when it came out. It never caught on with me. It still doesn't. It sounds like a boring version of Kurt Vile.
Talking Heads
3/5
It's alright. I'd hear it again.
Kings of Leon
1/5
Idk, I hear a lot of empty earnestness. At times this album made me queasy. It feels manufactured for is time and over produced.
The Stooges
3/5
We Will Fall was way too long. Actually, most of the songs felt a bit long. Otherwise I enjoyed it a bit.
CHIC
2/5
Nostalgic, but I'm not into it
The Band
4/5
I'm a casual fan of The Band. I usually listen to The Last Waltz or Music From Big Pink and I adore The Basement Tapes with Bob Dylan. I haven't played this album much besides Up On Cripple Creek.
It's really good. The album as a whole paints a beautiful landscape. Not too much stood out for me. The standards, plus I really liked Jawbone. I'd hear it again.
MC Solaar
2/5
Just couldn't get into this at all
Ray Charles
3/5
Idk, I've heard of the genius of Ready Charles, but this sounded kind of bland. I'm sure it's good for someone. I found it pleasant, but that's all.
Orange Juice
1/5
Expired!
Kelela
1/5
Torture
Christina Aguilera
2/5
I don't dig this, but it sounds well made.
Stan Getz
3/5
Ok, a little too mellow?
Dire Straits
3/5
I was only familiar with Brother In Arms. This was pretty cool
Elastica
2/5
This is so 1995
Dolly Parton
3/5
This is totally not my preference, but Dolly really makes everything shine. I was surprised to enjoy this as much as I did.
Pulp
1/5
Da fuck is this? Painful.
Nitin Sawhney
1/5
If it's not being cringe world music, it's just generic late 90's pop. This is lame, do better.
Joy Division
2/5
I thought this was pretty dull
George Harrison
3/5
There's some good stuff here, but it's lost in a sprawling sea. I don't hear this as an "album", it just goes on and on.
Can
5/5
Tago Mago was always my go to, but this album definitely has a place in my rotation. A mellower vibe. This is a beautiful work.
Beck
5/5
Yeah, this is my favorite Beck album. Thank you for another excuse to spin it.
The Monkees
1/5
That sucked
Portishead
4/5
I know this album but haven't heard it in a long while. I put off listening to this one for a bit. I never felt I was in the mood and didn't want to blow it off. Tonight I gave it a shot and Mysterons pulled me right in. Amazing opening track. But then I drifted out of it for a while. Numb and Roads pulled me back in and I totally enjoyed the album from that point on.
This is real good stuff. Not my favorite kind of stuff, but real good nonetheless.
Calexico
3/5
This is not bad. I get a Built To Spill vibe. Another band that (by the book) I should love, but don't. It's just that there's not a whole lot here that grabs me. I'm always willing to give it another chance though.
Bob Dylan
5/5
This is not my favorite Dylan album, yet it's probably top three. It runs a little long for me - I like albums generally under 45 minutes. Idk, that's just what works for me. It's hard for me to schedule over an hour to listen to an album. However, this is clearly Bob Dylan at his peak.
Sonic Youth
3/5
I was listening to Sonic Youth in the early 90's (Goo/Dirty), yet I never explored much further. I kinda got over them and didn't really look back. This was interesting. The band sounds amazing, better than what I remember. The songs aren't really getting to me though. At least if I was going to listen to Sonic Youth in the future, if probably pick this album.
The La's
3/5
Sometimes I can't resist... I read the reviews before I listened. The jist I got is that There She Goes is the only worthwhile song and I know that song and I'm kinda sick of it. So I didn't have high hopes here. Yet it's a lot better than I expected.
I had no idea that Timeless Melody was this band, I really like that song. For a while, it was pleasant enough, I got through There She Goes. At some point I drifted off though. Came to during the second half of Looking Glass. That was trippy.
So I don't know, I'm not gonna play it again, but I won't leave the room if someone else puts it on
R.E.M.
5/5
I adored this album in 1989. I haven't payed it much attention in the last 20 years. This was good to listen again with perspective. There is only one track I couldn't stand to listen to again. It's the song that got this album noticed. I think this is the transition album between classic REM and modern REM. Elements of the band's past and future are present. Still after all this time I believe this is a solid album throughout. Definitely putting it back in rotation.
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
I expected to hate this album. I didn't hate it. I found the first track interesting, and the intermittent 'tales' fit nicely. Mostly it fell flat for me. I won't listen to this again, but I didn't hate it either.
Manu Chao
4/5
I loved Bongo Bong back in the day, but I never looked any farther into Manu Chou. This album is a trip. I wish I had enjoyed it more fully at the time. Ce la vie, I'm enjoying it now!
Beatles
3/5
I'd consider myself a Beatles fan and yet I've never listened to this album. It was curious. It sounded like the Beatles, but just blander. I do prefer late Beatles albums, but this was interesting. A few tracks stood out, but mostly I wasn't interested.
Coldplay
2/5
I won't go so far too say I think this album is bad. I just don't want to hear it ever again.
The Roots
2/5
Idk, this kinda was bland. I saw the Roots live in the late 90's. I had a good time. Looking back though, I don't remember shit about the music, just the fact that I was there. I felt that tonight listening to this album. As soon as it ends, it will be lost forever. I hear there is praise for the lyrics, but lyrics come later for me and this album didn't sell the pitch.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
This is such a great album. Not a personal favorite, but I respect it.
T. Rex
3/5
It's a good album. I'd prefer The Slider.
Jethro Tull
5/5
This album is so good I don't even listen to it anymore. Really great to reunite tonight.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
I was listening to a lot of music in the 90's. I did not listen to this. Now I have and I understand why. Average 90s rock, shitty vocals, no thanks. The only song that stood out for me was My Curse (no surprise, alternate lead singer).
Ride
3/5
First song, Seagulls, was not what I was expecting. I felt a 60's vibe, with an updated sound. I think I can like this.
Can
5/5
This album comes from deep within the soul of music.
GZA
3/5
For me, as far as rap goes, Liquid Swords is palatable. Unique and stylish production kept me interested, but the songs overall didn't get through to me.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Upon starting this album I had a feeling this would not be for me, at least not now. But it was ok and I was accepting it for the first few songs. By the time Night Raid came on I felt the album was spinning away upward from me and I started to look for an escape. The rest of the album was uncomfortable and I was impatient for it to end. That was the first album, I did not play the second part.
Spiritualized
3/5
Better than I had expected, but not as good as I had hoped. Overall to long.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
I usually prefer Cosmos Factory, but this album is still stellar.
Goldfrapp
2/5
The judgement of music is so subjective. I assume that any album on this list will have a slew of people who praise it's perfection. In the spirit of subjectivity, I am comfortable saying that this album is not bad. I don't think I'll ever come back, though.
Daft Punk
2/5
So many boots, so many cats. I did like this better now than when it was released, but I don't see myself on this carousel again. Da Funk was cool.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I was hopeful. I don't really know Leonard Cohen's music, but I've looked what I've heard. This was not that good. Too much sounded strangely like the same song.
OutKast
4/5
I was never a big fan of rap in general, but several rap albums have transcended the genre for me. This is one of those albums. Solid songs, a variety of styles, keeps you bouncing. I could probably do without the interludes though.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
My only knowledge of this band is Bring on the Dancing Horses from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack. Crocodiles is alright. Not great, not bad.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
So, this was fascinating. But it's really not a good album. I love Skip's vocals though. The rest is a sloppy mess.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Live albums are rarely great imo. A few stand out and exhilarate me. Mostly, it's poor recordings of the studio tracks. Sam Cooke a naturalcooked this one! I swear I've never felt so in the moment listening to a live recording before. If I closed my eyes, I was there. Plus a phenomenal performance by Sam Cooke, he was such a natural. Thank you for this enlightenment.
The Pogues
3/5
Irish folk punk. It works!
Goldfrapp
2/5
Playable, yes. Memorable, no. Human was ok, the rest I could pass on without regrets.
Little Simz
3/5
Not bad
The Prodigy
3/5
That was a trip to revisit this album 26 years later. The singles still kick ass, but the rest is a bit bland. Except I found a new interest in Narayan. Overall this is a fun album, but a few single tracks only carry it so far. Not a great "album" imo.
Magazine
3/5
This is a real unique sound, definitely one to hear before I died. I had to give it a few listens, I felt something amazing just around the corner that I just want getting at first. Unfortunately it never happened. This is good, but didn't reach my heart. Thanks though.
Jack White
5/5
Amazing debut solo album. It stands apart from the White Stripes, but had the same flavor. It's only fault it's being outshined by Lazaretto. I haven't really revisited this album since then. It has held up and is still a neat perfect album in my opinion.
Tom Tom Club
4/5
Unique and delightful
Solange
1/5
I don't want to
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
I like me some prog rock, but this is a bit too hard core for my taste. Nursery Cryme from the same year is much more to my liking.
The Libertines
1/5
Imo, this does for indie what Syd Barrett did for phychedelia... not much.
Tina Turner
1/5
My God I hated this album when it came out. Proud to report my feelings haven't changed in 40 years.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
When I was younger, iirc my older sister wanted to be Christina Aguilerra. Never a fan of this style of music, but I can recognize that this is generally better than the rest of it's kind.
Bee Gees
1/5
I didn't even know the Bee Gees existed before disco. Now I understand why.
The Cramps
4/5
This is well worth the listen. I've heard the Cramps before, they're cool. But I never explored further than what crossed my path. A lot of fun, not all great, but certainly felt like an album. I can appreciate this.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Wow, this is extraordinarily mediocre!
808 State
2/5
Definitely not my bag
Buzzcocks
2/5
This just dies not with for me. Hate the lead singer.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Not bad! I have other Stevie favorites, but this is pretty good. Several cool tracks, some are meh.
Bonnie Raitt
1/5
Right from the start this album brings back memories of a darker time. When Thing Called Love came on, I threw up a little.
Mariah Carey
1/5
Tricky
4/5
I got this CD in the summer of 95, I was a student at NYU, and played it daily. It was quite a trip revisiting this album. It doesn't have the same power to me as it did in a certain place at a certain time, but it really is a solid album all the way through. Martina is awesome.
Steve Earle
1/5
Hated this
Beautiful Day is an awesome song, the second is good too. After that the album gets super bland. New York woke me up from my nap. All that energy spent on a hollow soulless price of crap. This is not an album with listening to.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Nah. I think you need to be a real Springsteen fan too enjoy this. I'm not in that camp and this was not pleasurable.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
It's funny, I've always held this album in high regard... until I listened to it straight through. There's some classic songs here, but overall I'm not that impressed. Nobody Loves You and Little Wing are messy covers. But I do like Key to the Highway. Most of it is mediocre blues and way too long.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Honestly I've taken this album for granted. I never really gave it a good critical listen. So, I really dislike Nico, but aside from that, this is an incredible work of art. I am sorry that I hadn't fully experienced this album earlier.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
10cc
2/5
Ok, so not what I was expecting from my experience with 10cc. I love a bunch of their songs, but this was a while different vibe. The early tracks were cool and kept me interested, but it faded out early and just fizzled. As an album this is a fail for me.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
This is a rare example of what I expected from this list. This is a really interesting listen, overall I don't really like it. But at least it was something worth hearing once. So many albums on here sound like a lot of other albums. Then there's the super popular albums... an album everyone has heard doesn't need to be on a list of albums you need to hear. So, thanks for this at least.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
This was nostalgic and pleasant enough to listen to, but I'm not going to do it again.
Wilco
2/5
This wasn't bad, but I can't honestly imagine ever wanting to listen to it again. It's just... not bad. That's it.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
For me this is one of the best Stones albums. I find most of their albums have a few good singles and a lot of filler. I find this album pleasurable from cover to cover.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
This is not my favorite RHCP album, but I really did love it when it was released. I haven't spent much time with it in a while so I was curious how a revisit would be.
I noticed a lot of criticism for Anthony's shit lyrics, but that's not really what he's about. Anthony Kiedis is another instrument in the band, a mouth harp perhaps. 😉
The first four songs are still classic and I loved every moment. Get On Top is a poor attempt to bring the old funk back. But the next two... Californication and Easily are awesome.
The second half of the album is not so stellar. There's a bunch of interesting moments, but the songs feel incomplete, until we get to the end... Right On Time is reminiscent of the old days and Road Trippin is a great reflection of the Chili Peppers' soft side.
Shack
1/5
Competent, but typical late 90's pop.
How many times do I need to hear this before I die?
Daniella was interesting though. Thankfully it didn't take too long to get there.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
So, the version I linked to was only 45 minutes. I realized after seeing some other reviews mentioning it going on for hours that I listened to "the very best of" version. I'm sticking to that.
While it's wonderful to hear Ella sing, I don't feel that she meshed with Gershwin. Probably an unpopular opinion considering this albums stature. There are several great songs, but most of them I know another version that I like better. Ella sounds great though. I like Ella, I like George, but this mix isn't working for me.
I'm not going to come back to this, but I wouldn't object to hearing it again.
Blur
3/5
When this came out, it was all about Song 2. I never even heard the rest of the album. Only later when I started to listen to Gorillaz, I checked back on Blur. Parklife was a bust for me and so is this. It's not bad, but it gets weak in the second half and goes on for way too long.
Willie Nelson
3/5
I generally dislike country, but this was ok. Willie has the sweetest voice and I can feel some depth here. I don't totally get it, but it felt good to listen to.
Sheryl Crow
1/5
This could represent everything I hated about music in 1993. I still hate it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
That's a damn good album. I could use a little less chooglin though.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
That was difficult. Imo this is not a good album. Too much shit. If I cut half the songs I still wouldn't like it all that much. A couple of really good songs, a few are ok, but so much shit I just couldn't enjoy myself for a very long time. My respect for Todd Rundgren has dropped a few notches.
Tom Waits
5/5
A beautiful album. One of my top (sometimes favorite) Tom Waits albums.
Suicide
3/5
I am familiar with this album, but this is the first time I'm listening to it for a review. I've been a fan of Ghost Rider and Cheree, bit haven't really given the rest of the album a good listen.
Ok, so maybe some stones are best left unturned. Aside from the tracks I knew previously, Rocket USA was pretty good, but after Cheree it dissolved into a disaster.
Overall though, I feel it was worth a listen before I die.
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
Spaced Cowboy was my favorite track. That's not saying much.
Living Colour
4/5
I loved this album when I was in high school. It's been a long time since I've revisited. Cult of Personality still kicks ass. I remember loving Open Letter, but it doesn't hold the same value for me today. Most of it is a little dated, but it's unique enough to respect. I still like a lot of the tracks and the whole vibe of the album works really well.
The Byrds
2/5
I have a love/hate relationship with the Byrds. I love when they cover Dylan, I hate when they don't. I didn't hear anything worth revisiting except Eight Miles High.
Eagles
3/5
I know I'm supposed to hate the Eagles, but there's something I love about this 70's pop shit. BTW, this album is older than I imagined. The first two tracks slay. Unfortunately, the album dies for me until Peaceful Easy Feeling. Tryin' is an apropos ending.
Soft Machine
1/5
I'm sorry, I tried.
Beastie Boys
5/5
This is one of the most iconic/influential albums in my lifetime.
Faith No More
4/5
I like a bunch of songs on this album. It's not all great, but it is unique.
3/5
Compared to what I've heard from the Kinks in the past, this was great. It wasn't so great that I'd say I love this album, but it's real close. But it's really good, not what I was expecting from the Kinks.
Although this sounds like music I would like, I didn't really feel for anything except Stay With Me. Very unmemorable album.
Small Faces
4/5
Side one...
This a very good album, interesting stuff going on here. But personally I'm not really loving much except the title track and Song of a Baker.
Side two...
This is an album I needed to hear before I die. Fantastic psychedelic tracks. The narrator is an awesome element, but fuck if I could follow what he's talking about (I'm American 🤷♂️). But I love it all dearly.
I don't understand the divide of the two sides of this album at this point. I'll need to revisit this one some more to get a better understanding. Thank you for the introduction to this band!
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
This album is trying too hard. Overly dramatic with no cause. I don't hear anything here that I'd like to listen to again.
Pixies
5/5
I must have played this album hundreds of times over the last 20+ years. Tonight it moved me as much as it did the first time I heard it.
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
I don't get it
Van Halen
5/5
In the year 1984 this album was so present. This album was bigger news than Michael Jackson's head on fire (forgot that one?). 1984 is legendary and sounds just as fun now as it did 40 years ago. Awesome to hear guitar god Eddie bringing his magic to the keyboard. Not all the songs are fantastic, but the album as a while has an infectious energy and attitude.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I almost liked Albatross. It intrigued me at first, but never paid off for me. Swan Lake was the same feeling. I liked Socialist, after that the album degenerate for me. Most of it sounds like they recorded a jam session and called it a day. I can't imagine ever listening to this again.
John Lydon's are a little grating to me. Sometimes he's ok to me, but not on this album. The bass saves the day here. The only thing that got me through it.
Rush
3/5
The title track was the whole album for me. Perfect in itself. Not all of it is great, but as a whole it's a great prog epic. The rest of the album was mostly unmemorable to me. I almost liked Something For Nothing though.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
I did not enjoy this at all.
2/5
Not a fan of this album
Fela Kuti
3/5
This is not my bag, but I did enjoy the listen.
Supergrass
4/5
I didn't really get into Supergrass until Life on Other Planets. I don't know how I missed this one. It's pretty solid. I don't generally like brit-pop, this sounds like just good rock to me.
The album is front loaded for me. The first five tracks are awesome. Then it fades a little for the latter half. Except for Cheapskate. That's my favorite on the album. It holds up throughout though and is well worth a listen. I will definitely be coming back for more.
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
I'm really not feeling this. I realize why I never listened to this when it was new. The first track gives a little hope, but my attention is quickly fleeting after that. I was glad when the album suddenly ended and I was graced with silence.
Hot Chip
2/5
I haven't heard of this band so I didn't know what to expect, but I kinda expected dance (judging by the cover). I'm not a big fan of dance music, but this has something else It's a fun listen sans dancing, but I tired of it by the end.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
4/5
I was not expecting to like this so much. I can definitely hear a time when Bob Dylan was emulating this sound. Never thought I'd be loving a NYC cowboy. I'll be spending some more time with this album
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Oh shit, I just heard that Kid Rock is coming...
At least we have this gem. Seriously a solid album throughout. The hits are front loaded, but the vibe carries all the way through. Love this.
Bee Gees
2/5
This is not the Bee Gees. Outside the first track this sucks. Why must I listen to this before I die?
The Incredible String Band
2/5
I gotta say, this was week with the listen. So fucking bizarre. I really enjoyed this, but alas never again.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
I feel this is very of the moment it's time. It sounded like a cohesive album all together, but I wasn't that interested.
5/5
I'm not really a fan of U2 in general, but goddamn this is one amazing album. Every single song can stand on it's own merit
The Cardigans
1/5
This mostly just irritated me. When Iron Man came on, I gagged. Kinda how I felt about Lovefool back in the 90's.
Brian Eno
2/5
Well... that was mildly irritating.
2/5
I think I liked Rid Of Me, but this was disappointing. Nothing reached me until The Mess We're In. Wait, what? Radiohead? But it was just a mediocre b-side. Then after, into obscurity again.
Fugazi
3/5
Pretty cool album. It cooks more on the second half. I usually play 13 Songs, but this might enter my rotation too. I can't commit to it yet though.
Mylo
1/5
Seriously?!? This is ass sweat. It smells interesting, but really, you just shouldn't do it.
And what is up with the Scottish fetish in this list?
The Fall
3/5
Not bad. For the first few tracks, I wasn't all that impressed. The album picks up though and the more I listened the more I enjoyed it.
The Zombies
2/5
I had hoped for this album, but it let me down. Time of the Season doesn't make an album. I had no interest in the rest of it. And wtf is up with the band name? Makes no sense.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I bought this CD back in the day. It didn't really hook me. I liked it a little better this time.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
I did not enjoy this at all
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I can't say that I like this album. There is something though... something fascinating, but da fuck is up with all these long ass albums?!? Way too much and overindulgent.
Boston
5/5
I've never given this album any thought. Tonight I was astonished that I knew and loved every track. Most of the songs I didn't know who the band was. This is an incredible collection of perfect pop rock for it's time.
Radiohead
2/5
This is a first time listen for me. I've enjoyed other Radiohead albums, but this one didn't connect with me. I barely liked a few songs. I would not have regrets if I did not hear this before I die.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The first half of this album is godly, the second half drifts a bit. Even though this is one of my all time favorites, I have to be honest I rarely play it all the way through. It's a bit long... cut 20 minutes, if probably give it 5 stars.
Frank Black
2/5
I find this to be a strange inclusion for this list. I am a lifetime Pixies fan. Frank Black solo is ok, but it's missing something. It's like listening to John Lennon... It's good, but it's not the Beatles. Like David Lee Roth is fun to hear, but it's not Van Halen. I miss the rest of the band and full disclosure, Kim Deal's voice gives me a hard on. I can't hear the relevance in this album.
So Teenager of the Year... I do prefer Frank's eponymous debut. This one sounds good, but it's a bit long and not much really stands out to me. Actually I was getting tired of it when I noticed I was only halfway through. I'm not hearing what is legendary, influential, or important about this album.
Mudhoney
2/5
Idk, I was around for Mudhoney, I was aware of them. They never peaked my interest. I was listening to Pixies, REM, Jane's Addiction at the time and this just doesn't hold up. It's like a shittier version of the Meat Puppets out something. I understand their influence, but I really never understood why anyone upholds the hype behind this band. Whatever. Noisy waste of time.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Oh man, I never thought I'd say this, but thank God for Iggy Pop. I was in a long stretch of questionable albums participating in this project and I really came close to quitting.
Then came Lust For Life. I'm not a fan of Iggy Pop. I like some of his stuff, especially Stooges. But this album is special all on it's own.
After what I've been hearing lately if give this is a 5, but I'll be honest with a 4.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I'm not sure if I could say this is my favorite Black Sabbath album, but this one has a magic that no other has. While this album doesn't have some of the more well known bangers, the while album takes me away to another place. This album is important.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
I've got respect for a Jefferson Airplane. They have their moments and a couple of them landed on this album. As a whole though, this album loses me. Too long, too muddy. Not surprised I hadn't "discovered" it previously.
The Verve
2/5
There's a decent sound here, but it just doesn't go anywhere.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
Ok, so this is a good example of music I should hear before I die. A rare example. I didn't really like most of it, but it was not offensive and it was interesting. I'm not going to come back to this, but I respect it. Thank you.
Guided By Voices
3/5
This band is so... unique. The sheer volume of music they have published intimidates me. I've explored a bit, but it all sounds samey to me. Allen Lanes has a lot of variety though. The first track to catch my attention was As We Go Up, We Go Down because I recognized it. I was shocked that I was five songs in already. Felt like maybe three. Game of Pricks and Motor Away were kinda cool too. There's a lot of filler here, but that seems to be the band's MO.
The Darkness
2/5
This album certainly has a fun spirit. Reminds me a little of Tenacious D. Hard to tell if they are sincere or mocking. One thing for sure though, I don't like listening to the lead singer.
The Clash
4/5
Considering this is a punk staple, it's pretty tame. Still, amazing songwriting/lyrics, a variety of styles explored, and just a good sense of what sounds good... this album is legendary (the first half at least). It does go on a little long towards the back half. Nonetheless, I consider this album a classic and I am still nostalgic when I hear it.
Pavement
5/5
Yes. More.
The Everly Brothers
1/5
Something about this feels icky.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
For me, this is certainly not one of the best Rolling Stones albums (early 70's Stones is my sweet spot). I will concede that this is the album that opened the door to greatness though. There's a bit of experimentation, but delivered conservatively. In the near future this sound will gel.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I'm not really getting it
FKA twigs
2/5
Not terrible, but not my thing.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
1/5
Nah
Emmylou Harris
1/5
Ok
Röyksopp
1/5
BS
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I wasn't sure I was in the mood for this, but the first two tracks are awesome, by the time On the Level played I was hooked for the ride. This album just felt so personal, and to reveal itself to me at this particular time in my life is very serendipitous!
Robert Wyatt
2/5
The first song was palatable, but it went downhill from there. I didn't except this album at all, but for some reason I can't hate it either.
The Only Ones
4/5
The only song I knew from this band before listening to this album was Another Girl, Another Planet. I love that song, but I was not expecting much from the rest of the album. There are hundreds of band that I only like one song from and if this band was worth exploring I probably would have done that already... right?
I was wrong. While Another Girl is still by far my favorite track, the rest of the album continued to surprise me. I added several songs to my library. I think of like to check out more from this band.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Idk, I liked Fever To Tell... this was a little bland. It didn't get through to me.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Good try, Geno is ok.
The Gun Club
2/5
By the books, I should've liked this album. It just didn't speak to me, and a little annoying. Not bad, just blah.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
That was definitely different
The National
5/5
This has been one of my favorite albums since it was released. It was an album of perfect timing in my life. I recall long night drives having this album on repeat. 14 years later and it's been reduced to snippets on a few playlists. I haven't really listened to the whole album in a few years at least. This was a great opportunity to re-listen and re-access.
Yeah, it still feels good.
Depeche Mode
3/5
As a 14yo in in 1987, I didn't have a tremendous exposure to music. I played this album a lot back then. It was the edgiest thing I had acquired at that point. Relistening now, I'm just not in this space anymore and I like a couple of tracks, but this is sounding bland to me now. I do enjoy some of Depeche Mode's later albums though.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
This was a great surprise.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I don't generally like Elvis, but this was pretty fucking good!
Supertramp
3/5
I thought I liked Supertramp, but I've realized I only really like Breakfast in America. I like a few songs on this album, but that's all.
Sister Sledge
2/5
I can't say this is bad, I just can't...
The Temptations
2/5
This feels like a "I guess you had to be there" albums. Maybe in 1969, this would've been awesome. I'm just not feeling it now.
Hugh Masekela
2/5
Nope. I tried jazz ages ago. I even pretended to like it for a while. This is classic jazz that I cannot connect with. Someone likes this, not me, not ever.
Gotan Project
1/5
Just move on
Peter Tosh
2/5
I got excited when this came up. I enjoy reggae, but haven't really explored Peter Tosh. I also love marijuana, this will be fun!
Unfortunately, past the first notorious track, this got kinda ho-hum for me. It's good, but nothing special.
The Undertones
2/5
Uugghh, this is mediocre. I really don't know how this could be an important album. In 1979 I wouldn't have listened to this. It's not bad, but bland. The "pop" in punk pop is way too heavy here. The Police faked it better.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Before this album came up for me, my entire fIREHOSE experience has been Mr. Machinery Operator, Brave Captain, and In My Mind. I bought Mr. on CD in 1993 because a girl I liked said I should check it out. No future became of the girl, but the album is still in my rotation to this day.
Anyway, we're taking about Fromohio. It's different than what I would I have expected. I hear a lot of sounds that I am familiar with from the 90's, so I'm guessing this album did have some significant influence on the future of music. Overall though, I liked listening to most of it, but not enough to really come back to it. There's a lot of great music out there and I may not have time for this album again, but I do appreciate the experience.
The Triffids
1/5
This is totally overproduced late 80's shit. I can understand if it was popular in 1987, but this did not age well. If I heard this in 1995 I would have felt the same way about it.
Slayer
3/5
I don't know if I've ever seen such a 1 vs 5 rating disparity for any other album on this list. It's dated, but it's thrash metal, and they nailed it. Considering this was released 1986 I can get that this album could be a landmark of it's genre. And I get the 1 ratings, because if you can't tolerate thrash (it's a devisive genre) , this could really suck. I'm not a fan myself, but I'm gonna hang on the fence for this one - it got my attention.
New York Dolls
4/5
This one we crazy for me. Halfway through the album I was ready to quit, it was just such bland punk. Then Bad Girls came on and that caught my interest - the first song with some life. Then the rest of the album was pretty cool. Usually I find I like the first few songs on an album and then the rest might suck. This was the opposite.
I appreciate the inclusion of this album on the list because it really made me think how I felt about it.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
If I wanted to listen to John Lee Hooker, this is not the album I would choose. It's fine, but i find some of the collaborations to be distracting. The last 3 tracks are my favorites.
Carpenters
1/5
I worked in a supermarket in my youth, this was the soul twisting musak I had to listen to all day. The only Carpenters I listen to is the ironically awesome If I Were A Carpenter compilation from 1994. Listening to this album really dredged up some low feelings. Thanks.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Granted, there are a bunch of fantastic songs on this album, but it does go on a little long for me. There seems to be a bias in this list that long albums are great albums. I can't agree. A little editing would get you a really great album. Throwing everything on the wall and celebrating that you you nailed it on a half dozen songs doesn't make a great album. Don't get me wrong, Songs In The Key Of Life is a great album. I'm speaking to the concept in general. This album could have been a 5, but not for me as it is.
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
This is what I came here for. Very cool album. I don't know if I'll listen to it again, but I'm glad I did at least once.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Drippin'
TV On The Radio
3/5
I consider myself a fan of TV On the Radio. In their anthology, this is my least listened to album. I was intrigued why this would be the album to include on this list. Certainly Cookie Mountain or Dear Science would be choices.
After revisiting this my feelings stand. This is the weakest TOTR album and this list is shite.
The Beach Boys
2/5
It's funny... As I'm listening, I was browsing other reviews and noticed a general disapproval of Student Demonstration Time. This was the only song that caught my ear. The lyrics are a little ham fisted, but it's got a good groove. Idk what you're all talking about.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This is one of the RARE instances in this list in which I don't really love this album, but I totally appreciate hearing it before I die. Thank you.
The Black Keys
5/5
Not perfect, but a real heavy hitter. This is among my favorite albums of all time.
The White Stripes
4/5
As a White Stripes fan from the beginning, this album really stood out when it was released. Elephant perfected their style, it couldn't be topped. Get Behind Me Satan takes a side step and adds a lot more dimensions to the White Stripes sound. It's not their best overall, but I find it too be very relevant in their catalog.
Steely Dan
5/5
Aja and I go way back. After a fresh listening I still know this album is worthy of being on this list. Even if you don't love it, it's still worth hearing once. IMO this is Steely Dan's pinnacle.