Beginning this album I had no idea what to expect. I quickly realized I recognized half the songs on it. Night Train is the song the band is playing during the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance in Back to the Future. Jump, Jive, An' Wail had a resurgence in the 90's thanks to the Brian Setzer Orchestra and I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't know that he didn't write it. Just a Gigolo was recently featured in the second Suicide Squad movie. I think The Lip was featured in an episode of Mrs. Maisel. Even the songs I didn't immediately recognize were fun and beautiful. I'm ashamed that I didn't know Louis Prima's name before now. This album is solid and an absolute joy!
Synchronicity I is a good start to the album.
Walking in Your Footsteps is nice. It has a fun jungle vibe and on second listen I paid more attention to the lyrics. Who doesn't like a song about dinosaurs?
O My God has a nice jazzy feel, but it's not as strong as some of the other songs on the album.
Mother...what the hell did I just listen to? What drugs were they on when they wrote this? It just seems out of place and doesn't fit with the rest of the album. This is the type of "song" that would be on CDs as a hidden track and you would delight in discovering it and laugh at how silly it is. It in no way deserves to be an official track.
Miss Gradenko has kind of a catchy chorus, but is easily forgettable. Synchronicity II is a great song and easily one of the best tracks on the album.
Every Breathe You Take is obviously the big hit of the album. While it is a great song, I honestly think other tracks on the album are far better. There's something hypnotic to the opening of King of Pain. It immediately draws you in. It is a fantastic song.
Wrapped Around Your Finger has such a beautiful and haunting melody.
Tea in the Sahara is a nice song, but kind of forgettable.
Apparently Murder By Numbers wasn't initially included and was added during the re-release. It seems criminal that this was originally omitted but Mother made the original cut. All in all this album has some really strong tracks, some just ok tracks, and one "what the hell am I listening to" track. It's not perfect, but it is a good album.
This is an album that I have owned on CD since it was released in the 90s. As an angsty teenager, NIN was in constant rotation. They were my gateway to industrial music. When I was younger, I dug this album because it was abrasive and angry. It captured a lot of the emotions I was feeling at the time. The overall concept of the album was lost on me. As an adult I can appreciate the album tells the story of the destruction of man, his downward spiral.
While I still listen to many of these songs today, I can admit, I have not listened to this album from start to finish in probably 20 years. It felt like I was visiting with an old friend. As a now 40-something, I can still appreciate this album's chaotic beauty. Nostalgia be damned. This album is still a masterpiece.
Everyone knows Leonard Cohen for his song, Hallelejah, which is undoubtably a masterpiece. But I can admit beside that and a couple other songs, I've never given him much of a listen. All the songs on this album were new to me. His voice was so different than I'm used to. The wailing at the end of the album was off-putting. A few of the songs are a little too similar in melody. On first listen I felt it was just ok. However I found myself enjoying it more and more with each additional listen. It is hauntingly beautiful. Sisters of Mercy and So Long, Marriane are the standouts for me. For a debut album, this is a strong start to what will be a great songwriting career.
I love the song Ace of Spades, but I haven't actually listened to the full album before. This album has a perfect blend of metal and punk. The lyrics aren't going to win any poetry awards and some of the songs have not aged well (Jailbate, yikes). If you are looking for an album with depth and emotion, this isn't it. However, if you are looking for a fun and energetic album to get you pumped while dealing with idiot coworkers, this hits the spot. It will instantly lift your mood.
I had honestly never heard of Shuggie Otis before, which is a shame. To realize he was only 20 when Inspiration Information was released and this is his third album. It's honestly impressive. At times his voice reminds me of Jay Kay from Jamiroquai. I feel Shuggie must have been an influence on them. This album has a nice smooth feel. It is a relaxing listen. Certain songs are stronger than others. While some are a little more forgettable. But given his young age this is some serious talent. I definitely want to check out more of his music.
Bowie died of cancer just two days after the release of this album. I had not gotten around to listening it to it yet and since his death was shocking and upsetting, I put it off. As the years passed, I just couldn't bring myself to listen to this knowing he wrote this with death looming. It's been seven years and I still haven't listened to it, so it's fitting that my dedication to this project is forcing me to now. My first thought is I'm an idiot for not listening to it sooner. Yes it is a heart-breaking, emotional listen, but it is also beautiful. It will punch you in the gut over and over again and you will ask for more.
I have done my best to avoid Taylor Swift until this day. The only Taylor Swift song I had previously heard was Shake It Off, which was repeatedly played during a vacation to Disney World. I don't know why, but she just always rubbed me the wrong way, so I never actually gave her a chance. I hate to admit it, but this is a really fun album.
This immediately makes me think of the music Disney played in Epcot in the 80's. It has that quintessential 80's sci-fi sound, which was most likely inspired by it. I can respect how groundbreaking this album must have been. Peaceful, ambient electronic music.
I feel like this is one of those albums I have to listen to high in order to fully appreciate.
A classic that gets my blood pumping and makes me feel young again. This is such an influential punk album.
Prior to this my only knowledge of the Kinks was Lola and You Really Got Me, both really great songs. This album was entirely new to me. Listening to it, it's easy to understand why everyone compares them to The Beatles. Honestly, this album just didn't really do anything for me. It wasn't bad. Just nothing really stood out.
Easy 5 stars. This isn't just an album. It is an experience and a masterpiece of art.
Iconic early 90's hip hop with great beats and a smooth jazzy sound.
As a huge fan of Hole's previous album, Live Through This, I was disappointed by this album when it came out. It was missing some of the anger and grit of the previous album and instead had a more pop and polished feel. This album produced a couple of huge commercial hits. It pained me to hear Malibu playing on my mother's easy listening radio station. As an angsty teenager, I felt betrayed by this new softer side of Hole. Now as much more mellow 40-something adult, I appreciate this album a lot more. The singles are honestly great songs, with Celebrity Skin being the strongest and an absolute banger. But many of the other songs are strong too. Northern Star is amazing, and I can't believe I never heard it before now. It reminds me a little of Disarm by Smashing Pumpkins, so I guess it's not surprising that Billy Corgan did co-write some of the songs on the album. This album was an enjoyable listen and I'm glad I finally gave it a chance.
The birth of metal and an amazing album.
If you had told me this album was released within the last 10 years, I would have believed you. It still has a very relevant sound that many indie bands are trying to evoke. It has a fun energy and I'm a sucker for fiddle, so I really enjoyed this.
I honestly never knew Janis Joplin was the member of a band. I always thought she was purely a solo act. So starting up this album and hearing her unmistakable vocals was a pleasant surprise. If you told me I would enjoy the singing of a woman who sounds like she gargles gravel, I would never believe you. But for Janis, it just works. Her voice is so full of raw emotion, you can't help but be sucked in by it.
And the album art from R Crumb is the cherry on top.
As a teenager, I hated The Eagles. They were boring dad rock and the local Rock station played Hotel California constantly, which gave me a passionate hatred of that song. Now as a much more mellow adult, I have decided to give them a real chance. It was off to a good start with Take it Easy and Witchy Woman. Witchy Woman really is a fantastic song and will probably be the only thing to really save this album for me because after that, it was kind of downhill. Nothing really grabbed me.
Honestly when you compare it to many of the other albums that came out around this timeframe, this just seems watered down and uninspired. I can't put my finger on why, but it sounds like it is lacking any kind of emotions.
I haven't listened to this album since high school. It really takes me back. Bring The Pain is still such a good song. All I Need is honestly a really sweet song.
I had Girls & Boys on cassingle, so I have a lot of love for that song. I've never actually listened to the rest of the album before. This is so British and undeniably 90's. while the album is fun, it doesn't really stand out for me.
The last Nick Cave album I bought was in the 90's, so this album was new to me. There is no one quite like Nick Cave. He puts so much emotion into his vocals. I believe with continued listening this album would be a five, but for now it is a four.
I liked a few songs, but most of the album didn't really stand out. I get that appeal and will probably try some of his earlier work.
This is the type of album that makes me thankful for this project. I might not have been exposed to it otherwise and that would have been a shame. This album is equal parts energizing and relaxing. I will have to check out the rest of their albums.
I am old enough to have owned this album on cassette. Though I haven't listened to it in its entirety since then. It's filled with a lot of heavy hitters. It's honestly such a good album and produced one of the most iconic music videos of the 90's.
How have I never heard of this group before!? Their upbeat, punky new wave sound is right up my alley. I recognize the song Teenage Kicks from something. Maybe Derry Girls? This band has been such a pleasant surprise! Honestly I was in such a terrible mood before this and the energy and fun of this album turned it right around.
Never hear of Minutemen before. They have a fun sound punk/new wave sound with jazz and funk influences. They sound very ahead of their time. I think given further listening they may be a 4, but right now they are a 3.
I know the song This Is Hell from Gilmore Girls. I honestly like his earlier albums better. This isn't bad and I may end up liking it more on further listen.
Obviously, everyone has heard Take On me. It was the best music video of the 80's and probably one of the most famous one hit wonders in America. If this was a list of the 1001 songs you should hear, I would give this the highest rating ever because Take On Me is such a good song. However, since this is about albums, I have to judge this in it's entirety. I've never listened to another A-Ha song and honestly while the rest of the album doesn't quite measure up to their big hit, it's not a bad album. It's got that perfect 80's sound and I am a sucker for new wave. Many of these songs would have fit perfectly on an 80's movie soundtrack. The oboe in Living a Boy's Adventure Tale was a nice surprise and really elevated the song. The Sun Always Shines on TV is a really good song and I'm surprised it wasn't a bigger hit in the US. Some of the other songs don't really hit the same way. Honestly this album is probably a 3, but my love of their big hit as well as my Norwegian heritage gives me a bias that makes it a 4.
I've never listened to their first album. Honestly I prefer their later sound. I feel like Ocean Rain is a far superior album to this.
Ugh, I knew it wouldn't be too long before I got a Bob Dylan album. I can appreciate him as a great songwriter. However, his voice has always irritated me. I tried going into this with an open mind, but the harmonica in She belong To Me was so painful. I could use it as an effective alarm on my phone. I honestly struggled to make it past the first few songs because the harmonica is just so obnoxious. I'll have to see if I can tolerate the studio versions of these songs, but I just can't get through these live versions.
Curtis Mayfield will always be classic.
Since this was the 70's and this album was released on vinyl, I am assuming the first 3 songs were on side A and the remaining on side B. The switch from tranquil soundscapes to something more punk rock is a little jarring in the streaming age, but I have a feeling it worked well in the vinyl age. This feels very ahead of it's time I can se how this album would influence many musicians. The song Leb' wohl is so peaceful with its sounds of ocean waves and metronome. I feel like I could meditate to this.
Other than a couple of his singles, I haven't really listened to Paul Simon too much. Honestly the man really could write a song. The album opens with a surprisingly good reggae song. The rest of the album is a delightful mix of styles. He clearly finds amazing people to collaborate with and the result is wonderful. The flutes in Duncan are hypnotic. Armistice Day has some really satisfying acoustic guitar. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is not new to me and I've always found it to be a fun song. This album is just shy of a 5, only because a couple of the songs didn't really resonate with me. But I feel like on further listen, this album will easily be a 5.
Captain Beefheart is completely new to me. I can picture dropping acid in the 60's and hearing this album and having my mind blown. It pulls from different styles while also being a bit off the wall and avant-garde. I can hear how they are influential. Some of the songs I wasn't as into. I really liked Dropout Boogie. It makes me picture a bunch of Muppets singing it. Electricity is so weird, but I find myself enjoying it. Yellow Brick Road is catchy, in a fun way. Some of the songs are a little too much for me, but I get the appeal.
I'm not sure why I've never really listened to LCD Soundsystem before. This is right up my alley. It has an 80's influence that I really dig.
I recognize the first song, Please Forgive Me, from a TV show. Maybe it was an episode of Scrubs. I also recognize Babylon. Honestly there were a couple songs that were good, but it was mostly boring. I will give it another chance at a future date though, because one of my co-workers is a huge fan.
Moondance is a great song, but I've never listened to the rest of the album. Honestly past the first couple of songs, this album didn't really interest me.
Today I learned The Byrds have a country album. I'm not really a fan of country, but I promised myself I would give any country album on this a chance. There were some nice parts in some of the songs. There's some really nice piano and fiddle that I enjoyed. I prefer The Byrds more 60's rock sound. I wouldn't judge anyone who enjoys this album, but it's just not for me.
I remember when this album came out. It was such a big deal. The drummer of Nirvana had released an album. I went out and bought the CD as soon as possible. To learn that Grohl wrote and recorded the entire thing himself as a way to recover from his friend's suicide, it makes it that much more impactful. Is it Foo Fighters best album? No. But it's history and impact definitely deserve to be celebrated. For all the kids that were heartbroken by Kurt's suicide, this album holds a special place in our hearts.
I recognized the first song and was surprised how much I enjoyed the rest of the album. I guess I'm old now. It's like if you took The Eagles and actually made them good and not boring. This is a solid rock album. The piano in Fire In The Hole is fantastic. I was going to give this a 4, but know this is a debut album makes it creep up to a 5.
Honestly this album didn't interest me. I can't quite put my finger on why. It just seems dull and lifeless. I saw a couple other reviewers said it was like Rush, but boring. I think I have to agree with that.
My mother is a huge Carpenters fan, so this takes me back to my childhood. Most of the songs are familiar to me. The Carpenters brand of pop is so sickly sweet that I feel like it will give me cavities. Yet there is still something soothing and beautiful about it. I attribute that to Karen's wonderful voice. Her voice is like a warm hug. This album isn't amazing, but it is comfortable.
I appreciate the album opening with the sounds of TIE fighters. I've never heard of this band, but I am a sucker for the alt-rock of the 90's. Impressive to learn these kids were in their teens when this released. This is a lot better than the music my friend's were writing at that time. I recognize Girl From Mars from something. Maybe an episode of Gilmore Girls. I found it to be a fun album. This is honestly probably more of a 3, since there are so many more standout albums of the 90's. But the 90's teenager in me rates it as a 4.
Sounds like a soundtrack to an indie movie, which is not a dig. I'm really enjoying it and I need to check out more from this band. The singer has a beautiful baritone voice that is haunting.
The hits off this album are great. Though I prefer the other mix of People Everyday to the one on this album. The version on this album feels flat. When this came out, it was so different than a lot of the other rap, since gangsta rap was so huge at the time.
I remember seeing the Virgin Suicides movies years ago, but I never listened to the score until now. I am a sucker for Trip Hop. This album has some beautifully mellow vibes, with some building intensity in places. Because it is a score, taking out of context from the movie it loses a little.
Ok, the weird seduction stuff is uncomfortable. It makes it feel like an album a rapist would listen to. If they were going for sexy, they failed. The album would be better without that. I actually kind of like the song Charge. This is definitely a unique album.
This sounds like an off brand Bowie, like if you ordered David Bowie from Wish.com and got this instead.
This is an easy 5 stars for me. This album is great from start to finish.
Fantastic album and so fitting to get on 4/20!
I'm familiar with MGMT's hits, but I've never listened to their albums in full. The singles off this album are stellar, so I was curious how the rest compares. On first listen I wasn't super impressed with the other tracks. But on second listen I noticed they started to grow on me.
I understand how influential Brian Eno is and maybe I would enjoy some of his other albums more, but this just didn't do it for me. I did like some of the songs, but it's not something I would go out of my way to listen to again.
Fantastic album with a lot of amazing guest contributors.
I'm not big on live albums, but this one was produced very well. I was pleasantly surprised that I recognized some of the songs. Show Me The Way and Baby, I love Your Way were both hits for a reason. Some of the other songs on the album didn't really stand out to me.
I wish I had heard this album when it was released. Someone gave me a copy of her album, Whip-Smart, which I loved. But I didn't hear this album until the early 2000's. It's such a great album.
As a child of the 90's I have a soft spot for grunge. This album is the perfect hybrid of grunge and metal. It just rocks in such a satisfying way.
I cringed when I heard the opening with it's country twangs, but I kept an open mind while listening. This is a lot better than the garbage contemporary country that my neighbor's listen to. I like the piano at the beginning of I Can't Dance and I like it's more rock sound. Brass Buttons is kind of nice. I do like their rendition of Love Hurts. Emmylou has a lovely voice. The live medley was painful and I couldn't get through it. It's a shame to read he died so young. While this isn't something I would normally listen to, I can understand the appeal.
I thought I had never heard of Television, but I immediately recognized the first song. This is right up my alley. A great mix of punk and new wave, with some psychedelia moments. This sounds like a combination of so many bands that I love and now I wonder, just how many of them were influenced by this?
An amazing album from an amazing band.
Getting this album I thought, oh this must be the album with that Sex on Fire song and that other huge hit they had. Imagine my surprise when I didn't recognize any of the tracks and learned this came before that. I actually prefer the sound of this to their later more commercial stuff. However the singers voice really grated me on a couple of tracks
Fun rock album. Some songs don't have the greatest of lyrics, but still overall fun to listen to.
I like the concept but, a little too experimental for my taste. The first track should honestly be two different tracks because the sound changes so much. I actually liked the second half of it. There is some good stuff on this album, but there's also bad too.
The music is pretty good, but then the singer opens his mouth. Sounds too much like Bob Dylan.
