1054
Albums Rated
2.9
Average Rating
97%
Complete
35 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
69
5-Star Albums
106
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Spiderland
Slint
|
5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
|
Future Days
Can
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Maxinquaye
Tricky
|
5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
|
Eternally Yours
The Saints
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
|
Close To The Edge
Yes
|
5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
|
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
The Real Thing
Faith No More
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
Pink Flag
Wire
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
|
5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.72 | -2.72 |
|
Moondance
Van Morrison
|
1 | 3.7 | -2.7 |
|
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
|
1 | 3.64 | -2.64 |
|
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
|
1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
|
Aja
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
|
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
|
1 | 3.44 | -2.44 |
|
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
|
1 | 3.43 | -2.43 |
|
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| David Bowie | 9 | 4.56 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.6 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 4.75 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.75 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3 | 5 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5 | 4.4 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| Prince | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.67 |
| Sly & The Family Stone | 2 | 5 |
| Talking Heads | 4 | 4.25 |
| Yes | 3 | 4.33 |
| Deep Purple | 3 | 4.33 |
| Public Enemy | 3 | 4.33 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Steely Dan | 4 | 1.25 |
| Van Morrison | 3 | 1 |
| Tim Buckley | 3 | 1 |
| Dexys Midnight Runners | 3 | 1 |
| Pet Shop Boys | 3 | 1.33 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 1 |
| Rufus Wainwright | 2 | 1 |
| Todd Rundgren | 2 | 1 |
| Grateful Dead | 2 | 1 |
| Christina Aguilera | 2 | 1 |
| George Michael | 2 | 1 |
| Ryan Adams | 2 | 1 |
| Robert Wyatt | 2 | 1 |
| The Divine Comedy | 2 | 1 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1 |
| The Byrds | 5 | 2 |
| Randy Newman | 2 | 1.5 |
| Gene Clark | 2 | 1.5 |
| k.d. lang | 2 | 1.5 |
| Madonna | 3 | 2 |
| Paul Simon | 3 | 2 |
| Morrissey | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Everything But The Girl | 1, 4 |
5-Star Albums (69)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Metallica · 4 likes
5/5
Their best album. A true metal masterpiece. They never topped this. Just a force of sonic intensity that never lets up. RIP Cliff Burton.
The Black Crowes · 4 likes
1/5
A mish mash of corporate schlock and pretentious blues rock that tries so hard to sound like Exile on Main Street but has nowhere near the grit or energy. Rock radio loved this album when it came out. Just another reason why rock radio is dying.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse · 4 likes
5/5
Always a good day when a Neil Young album is generated. Especially with Crazy Horse backing him up. Just a great album. So many classics on here. RIP Danny Gatten.
Don McLean · 2 likes
1/5
It's all based on if you like the title track. Well, I never liked the title track and the rest is pure self absorbed buckets of blah and tedium that sounds either schmaltzy, insincere or tedious. This doesn't belong here at all.
X-Ray Spex · 2 likes
4/5
Enjoyed this one. Solid punk album. The saxophone adds a neat touch. Visceral, angry all the good stuff that is required in a punk album. Will listen again.
1-Star Albums (106)
All Ratings
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Not my cup of tea but a decent album. Starts strong but the second half fades. If you're into folk but with a social conscious and not lovey-dovey hippie folk, this is the album for you.
Steely Dan
2/5
Lifeless noodling from technically competent musicians. Also cocaine. Pass.
Eminem
2/5
Angry young white man music was an unfortunate trend in the late 90s. I, too was an angry young white man in the late 90s and have many regrets from that era. At least this isn't Kid Rock or Limp Bizkit so it gets an extra star. But it doesn't forgive My Fault and it's horrifying lyrics.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Right Here Right Now is a five star banger. A true classic. I did like the big beat sound of the late 90s and even though it is somewhat dated, I still enjoy it. You're Not From Brighton is a hidden gem.
The Cure
2/5
Turns out I’m not that into goth. The Cure are overrated and Robert Smith is annoying. Next.
Blur
2/5
The album never got past second gear. It’s also very English and Damon Alborn sounds like a wanker. Meh.
The Monks
4/5
Never heard of these guys until now. Their back story is quite interesting. This very much inspired The Stooges and I’m all for it.
Weather Report
4/5
Terrific musicianship from this quintet. Not all the songs slay but enough do to earn a high ranking. Jaco Pastorius and Wayne Shorter shine in particular. Shame what happened to Jaco. He was an all time talent.
Megadeth
3/5
Marty Friedman is an absolute dynamo. A sterling guitarist who has magical fingers. He's the strength of this album. There's something about Dave Mustaine that really bothers me. He seems really toxic and his voice grates on me. Some great songs but too much filler.
Minor Threat
3/5
Some decent hardcore punk action here. Betrayed is a banger. I still think Husker Du did it better though. Also, this is an EP so should it belong on this list?
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
It’s too avant-garde for me but I do appreciate the musicianship and the influence this album had on many artists. Not sure I’ll revisit that often though.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
The more I listen to it, the more this album grows on me. Can definitely here the David Bowie and Talking Heads influences. Other Voices and Tonite are bangers. Black Screen is haunting and dark. Solid album.
Mudhoney
2/5
I can appreciate the influence it had on other grunge artists but the lyrics are terrible. I like grunge and punk but this is a sophomoric effort. Disappointing.
Nick Drake
2/5
Not my jam. Cello Song and Saturday Sun were fine songs but Thoughts of Mary Jane was absolutely dreadful.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Not quite prime Stones. Paint it Black slams. Going Home is a sign of things to come. A predecessor to Midnight Rambler. Still lots of filler. They won't hit their peak for a few years yet. Hot take. A Canadian band called Streetheart does a much superior version of Under My Thumb.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Can definitely hear how this album and artist influenced so many future guitarists. I've Got My Mojo Working is a standout.
Mekons
2/5
I'd rather listen to New Model Army.
The Smiths
3/5
Liked it more than I thought I would. Johnny Mar is an innovative and inventive guitarist. Morrissey is an insufferable prick.
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
Definitely was bopping my head to some of these tracks. Didn't enjoy the skits and some of the lyrics were cringey and violent. I'll concede this album wasn't made for old white guys like me but I can appreciate how important this album was to East Coast Hip Hop and Rap in general.
Aimee Mann
3/5
Better than I expected. Decent background music. Lacked a standout track and the country vibe was not necessary.
R.E.M.
3/5
Some solid tracks. Drive and Ignoreland stand out. Never liked Michael Stipe’s voice. Too much accordion and mandolin. Still a decent album.
Pixies
4/5
Really solid album. Love the big sounding drums and razor sharp guitars. Production from Steve Albini is terrific. Black Francis and Kim Deal have a chemistry with their vocals that mesh nicely. End of the album fades a bit but this was an enjoyable listen.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Some very cool funky vibes. Africano smashes hard. Prefer the up tempo songs over the ballads. Will check out more of EW&F. More 70s funk please.
Animal Collective
2/5
The production is too sparse. I prefer my electronica more dense and claustrophobic like Massive Attack.
Magazine
3/5
Decent album. Somewhat jarring. Not 100% certain what to make of it. Might explore further.
Radiohead
4/5
Somewhat eerie. Somewhat frightening. Somewhat claustrophobic. Somewhat unsettling. Yet in the end, it's a worthwhile addition to the 1001 club. Sit Down, Stand Up and There, There are outstanding tracks.
The Zombies
1/5
No.
Brian Eno
3/5
A cacophony of sounds, textures, moods and feelings. Quite abstract which doesn’t work all the time but there are some moments of quality that shine. Can definitely hear Talking Heads, Devo, David Bowie and Trent Reznor in this album. King Lead’s Hat and Spider and I are highlights.
Laibach
1/5
Sounds like background music to a bad Game of Throne parody porn film. Holy fuck this is awful!!
AC/DC
3/5
An album that's a victim of its own success. There are good songs but they've been overplayed to the point that I'm sick of them. Hells Bells and Back In Black are stand out tracks. Hot take: Bon Scott > Brian Johnson.
Bill Callahan
1/5
Boring and forgettable.
Fred Neil
1/5
So we have an album cover of a man holding a child who looks terrified. And on said album there's a song called Sweet Cocaine (which is one of the worst songs in the history of civilization). If that isn't a red flag, I don't know what is.
The Smiths
3/5
It's a shame that Morrissey is so punchable because The Smiths make interesting music. Title track is excellent. Second half of the album loses momentum. Overall decent album.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
2/5
There's better CCR albums than this. It isn't terrible but it didn't do anything for me. Very meh.
Alice In Chains
5/5
Is it depressing? Yes. Is it great? Hell yes! Arguably the best grunge album of the era. Slow, heavy, claustrophobic, relentless. So damn good. Would? remains one of my favourite songs of the 90s. A classic!
The Who
3/5
Not a big fan of live albums. Also prefer the 1970s Who output over the 1960s material. Still, there's enough on here that makes this release decent. Magic Bus is much better on here than the studio version.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
This is perfect music for a dinner party. Ella is a great singer but this is too much. I don’t think box sets should be on this list.
5/5
The zenith of U2's career. It would slowly go downhill after this brilliant album. Everyone talks about the first three tracks and yes, they are fantastic. But Running to Stand Still and Mothers of the Disappeared are hidden gems that should get more credit.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I tried. I mean I really tried. Trust me I tried. I tried so hard. But I just can't get over that voice. Sorry Bob.
Sex Pistols
4/5
A rollicking affair. Lots of energy. Some of it a tad misguided but still a wild and fun listen. Not perfect but pretty damn good.
Wilco
3/5
Decent. Might explore further.
The Birthday Party
3/5
Certainly not boring. Loud, abrasive, dark, slightly frightening. I can see why people don't like it. I didn't mind it. It's not perfect but it is a very interesting listen. Did not know this was Nick Cave's first band. Not the worst thing I've heard on here that's for sure.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Call it the Divorce Album. It's not Marvin's best but there are some interesting and chill tracks on here. His voice is just superb even with the bitterness that permeates this album. Decent but not a classic.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
One thing I'm learning about myself doing this project. The Singer-Songwriter genre is not my thing.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
Started promising with a couple of decent tracks but loses momentum shortly thereafter thanks to thin production, obnoxious horns and piercing keyboards that many 80s albums are guilty of. I don't remember this band even though I'm an 80s child. They didn't make a mark in my home and native land (🇨🇦) and I do tend to mark bands I remember from that time a bit higher. Still, meh.
Hole
1/5
I don't think this album knows what it wants to be. Too overproduced to be grunge. Too grimy to be California pop. It's a chaotic mess which basically describes Courtney Love most of the time.
The Avalanches
4/5
Didn't know about these guys until know. Quite solid. Every track flows seemlessly to the next one. Radio and Frontier Psychiatrist are standouts. The tracks have room to breathe for some fascinating samples using funk, pop standards and various influences. Fades a bit at the end but this was an enjoyable listen.
Tom Waits
3/5
You can smell the cigarettes and bourbon on this album. Hence the song Jockey Full of Bourbon which was a standout along with Union Square. Waits knows when the songs have run their course which is a lesson Bob Dylan doesn't understand. Not every song is good and it is slightly uneven but it's a decent listen and I'm willing to explore more Tom Waits.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Was very interested in hearing this when I found out that this artist had a major influence on two of my favourite artists, Neil Young and Jimmy Page. Preferred the instrumentals over the songs with vocals. The guitar playing is excellent. Folk isn't my thing but this was fine.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
First off, Trevor Horn deserves way more credit for the musical direction of this album. McLaren just discovered these artists but had no idea what to do with them or even pay them which is a crime. There's some good stuff on here but McLaren is a slime ball so I can't give it to high of a ranking. To think, Trevor Horn went from the Buggles, to Yes, to the manager of the Sex Pistols, back to Yes, to Frankie Goes to Hollywood then to Seal. Horn is a genius.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Decent. Wished it rocked out a little more. Take away the lead and closing tracks and it's pretty much a Lou Reed solo album. I prefer Transformer but again, this was OK.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Sonic Youth are a bit of a blind spot for me. I had friends who were into them but they sort of escaped my attention even when I was pretty heavy into my grunge/alt rock phase. This was my first time hearing this album and it was a smart, crackling listen. Not quite five stars but still gets praise from me.
The Saints
5/5
Terrific album by this underrated punk band from Brisbane Australia. No filler on this one. The horns are a nice touch without being overbearing. This should have been much bigger than it was. Still it was influential and I'm glad it's in the book.
Madonna
1/5
Hated this album when it came out. Still hated it after listening to it today. Not even Prince could save this turd.
Richard Hawley
1/5
A lifeless blob of an album.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Wish I was listening to this at a beachside cantina or a sun drenched patio than a sterile office environment but it is what it is. Some of the songs needed a trim and too many sounded the same but the musicianship was excellent, especially Ry Cooder's guitar work and the many percussionists that delivered labyrinth-like rhythms.
The Fall
4/5
Liked this album quite a bit. Melodic yet still punky and abrasive. Well composed and structured with some serious bite. This was a new discovery for me and I dug it.
Common
4/5
Really liked the jazz and soul samples. This was a damn good album. Shame that Kanye was involved thus a star was deducted. Still, a cool, chill vibe while being socially conscious. This would be a hip hop album Marvin Gaye would have made.
5/5
First off, I get it. I know prog rock is a divisive genre. I know there will people who will hate this album and I get it. That being said, this is brilliant! Just a superb slice of 70s prog. Rick Wakeman's church organ solo in the title track gives me chills.
Django Django
3/5
Somewhat uneven but overall decent. Quite arty and experimental.
Supergrass
4/5
Album starts off super strong. I'd Like To Know and Caught By The Fuzz are total bangers. While the rest of the album slips slightly, this is a solid listen and it's too bad I missed this back in 1995. I can hear how this influenced The Strokes and The Hives.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
Dark, edgy, somewhat menacing, even a touch nihilistic. Yet it's brilliant funk that captures the mood of the early 70s which was chaotic and frightening. Sly was on so many drugs and it shows in the production which you can hear a hiss throughout. Yet it actually adds to the mystique and tone of the album. Damn good!
The Verve
3/5
If U2 and Oasis had a love child, it would be The Verve. Liked it more than I thought I would. A bit uneven and not everything works. Note to bands. If you're not The Clash and your hidden track isn't Train in Vain, don't do hidden tracks. Overall, decent but not spectacular.
Kid Rock
1/5
That this dreck made this book while a brilliant band like Tool is completely ignored is utterly shameful. Fuck Kid Rock and everything he stands for!
Metallica
3/5
Not all of it works but it's an interesting experiment. I didn't mind it even though it's too long and bloated. Outlaw Torn stood out and is a surprise on here. Decent.
The Slits
3/5
Different from what I was expecting. Thought it was a punk album but instead much more dub and reggae than punk. Maybe post punk is a more accurate description. Liked the guitars on Ping Pong Affair. Strong bass work by Tessa Pollitt throughout. Liked the tracks Instant Hit and Typical Girls. Shoplifting was a weak track that brought the album down. Overall influential and decent.
Spiritualized
3/5
Interesting.
Dire Straits
3/5
Nice slice of Dad rock here. Sultans of Swing is a classic and Down to the Waterline is a solid yet moody opener. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is extraordinary. However, this album tends to veer to easy listening at times and I wished it would rock out more.
Sade
2/5
Sounds like a soundtrack to a late night "film" on Cinemax. Veers too much into easy listening and pop. One review I heard stated it's Steely Dan with a female singer. I don't like Steely Dan so this album is a meh to me.
Roxy Music
2/5
Was expecting something else. This was quite jarring. Yes it's arty. Yes it's influential. Yes the musicianship is sound. But I couldn't get into it. Was kind of disappointed overall.
Frank Zappa
4/5
I never know what to expect from Zappa. But I liked this. Superb guitar playing. Can totally hear how this inspired the likes of Steve Vai and John McLaughlin. Also hear some King Crimson vibes. Solid album.
Queen
4/5
Most of this album cooks. Brighton Rock and Stone Cold Crazy are pure bangers that totally rock. The medley of Tenement Funster, Flick of the Wrist and Lily of the Valley is outstanding! The final quarter is a bit of a let down but overall, this is a worthy listen. Not quite five stars but still really good.
Spiritualized
2/5
Dragged and droned throughout. Didn't click with me.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Really good! Hurt is a classic. Really liked his version of Personal Jesus. I didn't care for Danny Boy as I think that song should be sung by a tenor. Despite that, Johnny Cash is a legend and this is a solid recording.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
Again with live albums. I also prefer instrumental jazz to vocal jazz. Also prefer Billie Holiday and Nina Simone over Sarah Vaughan. Overall, it's just meh.
David Bowie
4/5
Finally a Bowie album. And a damn good one. More avant-garde and experimental thanks to Brian Eno's influence and inspiration. Bowie is trying hard to get clean here and it shows in the more atmospheric, instrumental tracks that resemble Tangerine Dream. Not perfect but a great listen.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Meh.
Orange Juice
2/5
Edwyn Collins tries so hard to sound like David Bowie. He doesn't have the master's chops. It's not terrible but it never rises above mediocrity.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Any album that features a Cheech & Chong cameo can't be all bad. I'll take this over Dylan any day. Too folky at times which is a drawback but I'm willing to listen to more Joni Mitchell.
Ramones
5/5
HELL YES! What a pleasure to revisit this classic. A game changer!
Amy Winehouse
3/5
It's OK. I prefer Back to Black over this though. Still it's a decent listen. Fuck Me Pumps is a standout.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Somewhat of a hit and miss. Georgia On My Mind is fantastic but I didn't care for Willie's version of Unchained Melody. Everything else is OK. Have respect for this forever outlaw for making this record against the record company's wishes.
The Who
3/5
This one is kind of all over the place. I Can See For Miles is a banger! Heinz Baked Beans has a Monty Python feel to it. In fact, the entire album is somewhat Pythonesque. Some of it good. Some of it, well... I do respect that the Who are calling out the commercialization of rock music way back in 1967. Ahead of their time. Overall, decent.
Death In Vegas
4/5
Never heard this before. The discovery of the week. Dirge is a flat out killer song. Just mesmerizing. Aisha and Luther's Funk are damn good too. Not perfect but this was a pleasant surprise to my ears.
Cyndi Lauper
2/5
A lot going on here. Money Changes Everything is a fine opener. Time After Time is a good ballad. She Bop is a decent synth pop tune. After that, it's a no from me. I get why people like it. I'm surprised Cyndi Lauper didn't have a bigger career. This was a huge album back in the day. But it isn't for me.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Liked it more than I expected. Dark, gloomy, uncomfortable, menacing, even a bit terrifying. But damn good. I have a soft spot for early 80s guitar sounds. It's dated yes, but when it comes to the 80s guitar and even synths, give me 1981/1982 over 1988/1989.
Fats Domino
2/5
Historically important but not my cup of tea.
OutKast
2/5
Prefer the Big Boi material over the Andre 3000 side. Sprawling and ambitious which I respect and both are talented. But it sounds too busy and all over the place. Didn't click with me.
David Bowie
4/5
Bowie's vision starts to take flight here. Life on Mars? and Queen Bitch are stone cold classics. Quicksand is an underrated gem. It's not 100% perfect but that will come later from Bowie. Still, it's a damn good album.
Brian Wilson
1/5
Very disappointing. Had higher expectations. It tries to be Sgt Pepper, Pet Sounds, early Genesis and even Tommy but not even close. Major dud.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Didn't click with me.
U2
4/5
Solid album. New Year's Day is a classic. Surrender is an underrated gem. I do think the live versions of Sunday Bloody Sunday and Forty are better than the studio versions. Still, a young vibrant and somewhat naive U2 are better than the latter day smug posers they became in the 2000s.
The Police
4/5
A rare album in that it's backloaded. Most of the best songs are on Side 2. The classics are here like Every Breath You Take, King of Pain and Synchronicity 2 but there are questionable tracks like Mother that bring the album down a bit. Still, a great listen. I just wish Zenyatta Mondatta was in the book because that's the best Police album.
Kings of Leon
3/5
A somewhat surprisingly raw album. Could be called garage country. Overall decent. Not great but it's there like most of Kings of Leon's work. Decent but not great.
Tom Waits
4/5
Enjoyed this album quite a bit. Excellent job by the Record Plant to setup and recreate a jazz club environment Waits storytelling and between song interludes are funny and interesting. Better Off Without a Wife is a fantastic song that's both funny and melancholy. I'm becoming more of a Tom Waits fan the more I listen to him.
Paul McCartney and Wings
2/5
Inoffensive but bland and boring.
Neil Young
5/5
Great album. Needle and the Damage Done is an all time classic! Out On The Weekend is a great opener. Perfect album to play on a lonely highway in Western Canada. Only Neil Young can make a country folk album that I love.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Decent listen. Always have respect for Billy Bragg.
Dolly Parton
2/5
I highly respect Dolly Parton for her humanitarianism and she seems like an outstanding person. But, this didn’t work for me. To country for this rocker.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Fuck you I won’t do what you tell me!
One of the greatest debut albums ever! Change that. One of the greatest albums ever!
Van Morrison
1/5
Can’t stand his voice. Songs are too long. A prick on stage. Apparently a cranky blunderbuss as a human. Hard no!
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Decent. Better than Ocean Rain. Still, not all of it clicks but I can tell it influenced many artists.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Folk rock isn’t my thing. I do like The Boxer but the title track is vastly overrated. I know many people like this but I’m in the minority on this one.
10cc
1/5
Meandering pap and prattle. I didn't need to listen to this when there's so much better out there that didn't make this list.
The Go-Go's
3/5
I remember my sisters listening to this back in the day. Brings back some good memories. Our Lips Are Sealed has a solid bass line while We Got The Beat will always remind me of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Decent outing.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Damn this was tasty. Some fine funk from a master. What a talent Curtis Mayfield was.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
Cocaine.
Pavement
3/5
Decent. They were definitely around in the 90s but I always bypassed them for some reason or another. Cut Your Hair is a cool song. First half is strong but second half is somewhat lacklustre.
CHIC
3/5
There's no doubt this album had a major influence on hip-hop. Bernard Hopkins bass lines set the tone for the rap scene in the 80s, 90s and beyond. Good Times is a banger. Side two isn't quite as good but this is a decent album overall. Also what a talent Nile Rodgers is.
B.B. King
3/5
Decent. Again too many live albums. Still it's a fun recording.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
The breakup album Taylor Swift desperately wants to write, but doesn't have the emotional maturity to do so. River is devastatingly heartbreaking.
Funkadelic
4/5
Some solid funk here. You can hear how this influenced Prince. Just wish Eddie Hazel was on this album. Still, a fine addition to the list.
Neu!
4/5
This one surprised me. Somewhat dystopian and desolate it still packs a punch and I enjoyed it. Hero is a banger! I can definitely hear how this influenced Bowie. Solid album.
Neil Young
5/5
Dark. Depressing. Moody. Also, fucking brilliant! One of Neil's best works! Ambulance Blues is one of the all time best album closers. Revolution Blues is a flat out banger. Neil can stay in the ditch all he wants if it means he produces gems like this.
The Young Rascals
2/5
You Better Run is the best song on the album. Pat Benatar's version is better. If you're best song on an album was done better by another artist, chances are your album isn't very good.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Uneven. Chaotic. Messy. Very hit and miss. Not sure what to make of it. It's probably a 2.5 since some songs are quite good but a couple of songs are flat out terrible. If I was on the 1001 albums podcast I'd go neutral.
Sigur Rós
3/5
Interesting. Very ambient. It's mood music so I have to be in the right mood to listen to it. I'll explore when I'm feeling it. There's potential for me to really like it but for now, it's just OK.
MC Solaar
3/5
If my French was better (I know remedial French at best) I'd give this a higher mark. There's definite flow and the beats are filled with jazzy goodness. But the language barrier (my fault) does make it difficult. Still, I'm glad I was exposed to this.
Dead Kennedys
5/5
All killer no filler. Simply fantastic. Just a thoroughly enjoyable punk album that's sinister enough to keep it real.
Elliott Smith
2/5
Another album from the most overrated genre in all of music. Critics love singer/songwriters because they feel it captures a glimpse of vulnerability from the courageous and brave musician that is inspired by the Beatles which apparently you have to be in order to be relevant and worthwhile. Nah. This is bland and repetitive material that is way over represented in this book. It's not terrible but it's not that exciting either. Yawn.
George Harrison
2/5
George really needed an editor or a producer with some gumption on this one. A triple album? Really George? Pare it down and it's decent. But this is overwrought and disappointing. Some high quality musicians save this from being a total dud.
Deep Purple
5/5
First off, Child in Time is an all timer. The greatest howl maybe in all of rock music was done by Gillan on the classic anti war anthem. That song alone gives this album high marks. The rest is solid proto-metal with some prog overtones. It might lean towards hard rock while Sabbath is probably more metal. Musicianship is very high. Ian Paice is an underrated but outstanding drummer. Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore are both brilliant. Yeah this is good stuff.
R.E.M.
3/5
For the most part, it's decent. I would like R.E.M more but Michael Stipe's voice just irritates the hell out of me. That said, Orange Crush is an all time classic. On the opposite end, Stand is one of my least favourite tracks. Never liked that song even though it was a sizeable hit. Overall it's OK.
Nas
2/5
Didn't click with me.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
1/5
How to make Bo Diddley sound terrible. Listen to side one of this dreck. I have to imagine the consortium who made the choices of which album appeared in this book took a whole whack of drugs back in the day. The only explanation why this monstrosity made this list. Ugh!
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
2/5
There's no denying the influence and impact this record had on rock and roll music. For that reason, it deserves a place in the book. However, in terms of musical style, it's not for me.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Liked it more than I thought I would. Good musicians. Still a bit uneven and too many Dylan covers. Overall it's fine but it didn't blow me away.
Television
5/5
How to make a punk record sound artistic. Goddamn this album is so good! The title track is insanely amazing! Tom Verlaine's angsty vocals and nimble guitar work is beyond fantastic. This is a great guitar album that isn't a classic shredder but it has a way that knows how to make use of the space that it creates. Pure genius.
Public Enemy
4/5
The saddest thing this album is still very relevant today. This packs a wallop. Incendiary rhymes delivered with force by Chuck D. The Flavor Flav material is a tad weaker but it still smokes. Fight The Power is an all timer! Welcome To The Terrordome is a banger! Nice to hear Ice Cube on Burn Hollywood Burn. Respect.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
No doubt Marianne Faithfull is a survivor. She's been through everything and still came out with a decent album here. Very late 70s early 80s vibe that is somewhat dated. I prefer Lennon's version of Working Class Hero but her version is very cold, nihilistic and detached which does work. Why D'Ya Do It is angry as hell. Not perfect but pretty good.
Otis Redding
3/5
I did not know Otis Redding wrote Respect until today. Cool. Overall decent with some hits and misses. Liked Satisfaction and Rock Me Baby. Didn't care for My Girl. (Temptations version is better) Great voice.
Slipknot
1/5
Loud teenage angst combined with some toxic masculinity equals a shit album. Again I harp on this but, this makes the 1001 list but Tool doesn't? I really question the people who contributed to this book. There's good metal out there. (Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Fates Warning, Queensryche just to name a few.) Stuff like this gives metal a bad name.
Maxwell
2/5
Starts promising but quickly delves into this "smooth" jazz and funk that is played in late night "cinema". Till The Cops Come Knockin' is a bit creepy. It's also too long. I know it's a concept album so it gets bonus points for the attempt but it didn't do it for me.
Klaxons
2/5
It's not terrible but this isn't required listening. A bit unfocused and frenetic for it to elevate the material. I never heard of these guys before and I don't think I need to hear them again.
Boston
4/5
Another album that's a victim of its own success. It's overplayed to death and yet, I like it. Quite a bit actually. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure but I can't deny the craftsmanship of the songs and the production. They never topped this which was their downfall but this is a solid listen.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Very arty. Very percussive. Very good. Yeah the production is somewhat dated by today's standards but the songs remain strong. Red Rain and In Your Eyes are gorgeous. Sledgehammer and Big Time are bangers. Love Tony Levin's bass work. Didn't know Stewart Copeland did some drum work on this album until now. An 80s standard.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Let's state the obvious first. Superstition is an all time banger. Just a great song. The rest of the album is solid in its own right. Maybe too many ballads for my taste and not enough guitar with the exception of Jeff Beck on a couple of tracks. Still, I can't complain too much.
Muddy Waters
3/5
It's fine. Pretty standard fare. Problem with the blues is it doesn't really have much place to go. So it becomes mood music to some extent. Also, it's a tad creepy to hear how horny Muddy Waters is even though he is a legend.
Basement Jaxx
3/5
Decent. Kind of dated though. Some tracks did have a groove to it which I dug. This would have been played in the clubs in the late 90/early 00s. But the album is too hit and miss.
Tina Turner
3/5
One of the most 80s albums the 80s ever 80d. Still the singles are strong enough to carry the over production. Better Be Good To Me is a standout. Not sure about the covers. I'm glad I never heard Dire Straits do Private Dancer even though Mark Knopfler wrote it. Overall, it's fine and bonus points for Tina surviving and thriving after she left Ike.
The Everly Brothers
1/5
So dated. Quite cringy. Ugh! Hard pass.
Sam Cooke
3/5
Another live album. This one is decent. Would have been cool to have been there in person. Sam Cooke can sing. Such a sad and tragic ending to his life.
The Cardigans
3/5
Confession: I had a bit of a crush on Nina Persson back in the day. So I've seen the Lovefool video a few times. As for the album, it's not bad. Hit and miss. Quirky fun but sometimes too quirky. That Iron Man cover is interesting.
M.I.A.
2/5
Despite sampling the Pixies and the Clash, this didn't click with me. Too much autotune.
Eminem
2/5
There's no denying Eminem's talent and flow. He's got that in spades. And I do think Stan and The Real Slim Shady are good songs. But man those lyrics are just frightening and haven't aged well. Also, it's too long. An edit would have been nice.
Travis
2/5
If an overhead projector made an album, it would probably sound like this.
The Kinks
2/5
Never got into the Kinks. After hearing this, still not into them.
Billie Holiday
3/5
Kind of have to be in the mood to listen to this one. Billie's voice is dripping with heartbreak and despair. The heroin and alcohol are taking their toll on her here. Still, it's a worthwhile listen.
Depeche Mode
2/5
One really good song (Behind the Wheel) and a bunch of mediocrity after that.
John Martyn
3/5
Liked this more than I thought. The jazzy interludes are quite welcoming. His voice is a deterrent which stops this album from being great. Instead it's a decent listen that I might revisit on a quiet chill evening.
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
Songs about murder and religion. Ugh!
OutKast
2/5
There is some good stuff on here (Ms Jackson, B.O.B) but there are too many skits and interludes on top of the rest of the material being extremely uneven. It's all over the place.
Duran Duran
3/5
Another one that brings me back. Not sure the whole album is great as there is some filler. But the singles are strong enough to carry it to the finish line. Better musicians than people give them credit for especially John Taylor who could flat out slap that bass.
Sonic Youth
4/5
The precursor to grunge. Somewhat arty. Somewhat noisy. Somewhat snarly. Altogether cool. The more I hear Sonic Youth, the more I like them.
Dr. John
2/5
It wasn't terrible but it was way too psychadelic for my tastes.
Eagles
3/5
Another album that's a victim of its own success. It's been overplayed and it is somewhat overrated. That said, it's still pretty good. The musicianship is there and the songwriting is on point. But it's also kind of depressing and at closer look it's a rather sad album.
Hole
3/5
Quite grungy and punky. I actually liked it. Courtney Love isn't my favourite person in the world but I'll give her credit, this album works. Not as overproduced as Celebrity Skin (which I really disliked) but the rawness helps this album.
John Cale
2/5
A pedestrian affair.
Moby
4/5
This album was everywhere in the late 90s early 00s. Moby is a bit of an unsavoury character but I can't deny it. This remains a solid album and an enjoyable listen.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Of course it's a classic! GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! THOSE DRUMS ON WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS!!
Elton John
3/5
Decent. Starts off strong but the second half of the album fades. Tiny Dancer is a classic! Drinking game. Take a shot every time Elton mentions Jesus. You'll be drunker than a frat house during pledge week.
Nirvana
3/5
I remember when this album came out and I was hugely disappointed when I first listened it. 30 years later, it's a bit better but far from perfect. The bookend tracks are the best songs on the album but you can tell Kurt Cobain wasn't going to be long for this planet. Steve Albini's production is hit and miss which is surprising. (Speaking of Albini, why isn't his band Shellac in the book? They're fantastic. Never mind.)
Fleet Foxes
3/5
The most hipster album I've ever heard. That said, it's decent and inoffensive but it's also overrated and a bid dry. Good background music and fine musicianship carries it to a passing grade but it doesn't elevate to greatness. Great album cover though.
New Order
2/5
Annoyingly 80s.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Decent. Good energy. Too bad Carrie Brownstein's voice is so annoying. Don't need that much tremolo.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
Couldn't get into it. Kind of disappointing.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Tis a shame that Win Butler is a punchable asshole because this is a solid album. Some really good songs on here.
3/5
There's no denying the influence and impact this album had on music and popular culture. And yes, A Day In A Life is a truly great song. But...I do think this album is somewhat overrated and it get so highly regarded because it's the "first" or the beginning of the rock album era. I do think there are others that followed are much better. Granted, I'm not the biggest Beatles fan, (I don't hate them but I don't love them either) so that might tilt my bias a bit. Still, it's fine but there is a lot of filler on here.
Germs
3/5
Decent. Good energy. Darby Crash's voice is a bit annoying. I also prefer Dead Kennedys and Husker Du to this. Did not know Pat Smear played guitar on this until now. Interesting.
Depeche Mode
2/5
Maybe the most overrated band that appears in this book. I never got Depeche Mode and I still don't get Depeche Mode.
Serge Gainsbourg
1/5
Who recorded this Pepe LePew? Bloody awful!
Iron Maiden
4/5
I remember when this came out and how much it pissed off the religious right. Yet, the religious right is far more evil than anything on this album. Some solid metal here. I do think Powerslave is Maiden's best album though but still, this one does cook.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
This Hendrix fellow can play guitar a little bit.
4/5
At times tough. At times tender. Solid album by someone I tend to overlook. I should delve more into PJ Harvey's work because she does produce some really good material. Enjoyed this one.
Gorillaz
1/5
Annoying fake band. Didn't need to hear this when it came out and didn't need to hear it now.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Always a good day when a Neil Young album is generated. Especially with Crazy Horse backing him up. Just a great album. So many classics on here. RIP Danny Gatten.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
It's greasy. It's dirty. It's raunchy. It's vintage Stones. Unlike most classic albums, this one hasn't been ruined by classic rock radio so the songs are more fresh. It may not have the hits but it's a great album overall.
Simply Red
1/5
Fake ass soul from a bunch of Manchester United supporters. Rubbish. Here's hoping Bayern Munich crushes the red scourge in the Champions League and I never have to listen to this tripe again.
John Lennon
2/5
The title track is so hypocritical. Lennon preaches peace and love yet was not very peaceful or loving to family members. Sorry but not buying it John. Rest of the album is very meh.
Lou Reed
4/5
Hugely influential. The glammiest of glam rock albums. Fine album. Some real bangers on here. Not entirely perfect but definitely belongs in the book.
Joe Ely
1/5
Hard no! Beyond not my thing. I heard he opened for The Clash on a few dates and was spit on and punks threw beer at him. I would have been one of those punks that would have thrown beer if I was at that show.
The Pogues
3/5
It's fine. Punky enough to earn a passing grade but too Celtic and folky for me to earn higher marks. It would be better to hear this at a British or Irish pub while sipping some Jamesons.
Chicago
3/5
The good: The version of I'm a Man is superior to Spencer Davis Group's version. Peter Cetera can play bass. Damn. In fact, the musicianship on this album is terrific. The bad: The Free Form guitar solo is nothing but noise and is damn annoying. They became sappy balladeers in the 80s. Overall, it's decent albeit a bit all over the place.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Was never a big Tom Petty fan but this album is OK. American Girl is a banger. The rest is fine. He tries real hard to sound like Bruce Springsteen but I prefer the Boss more.
Miles Davis
5/5
One of the most gorgeous albums ever made. Just a stunning masterpiece. There aren't enough words to describe this. An astounding achievement.
Beatles
3/5
It’s fine. Drive My Car is a classic. Run For Your Life hasn’t aged well. Just not a big Beatles fan.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Solid instrumental album. Very much enjoyed it. Only issue is too many covers. Otherwise this was an enjoyable listen.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Underrated but damn good album. Tomorrow's Dream is a hidden gem. Some solid sludge and doom metal here. Call it proto sludge and proto doom if you want. Sabbath were the innovators.
Kings of Leon
2/5
This might be my least favourite Kings of Leon album. They're good musicians but the songs don't cut it here. Second half in particular drags. Not sure why this one is in the book.
Neil Young
4/5
It's a great album but it isn't Neil's best. I like other albums from him more but this is still an excellent listen. The title track, Don't Let it Bring You Down and When You Dance I Can Really Love are stand out tracks.
Miles Davis
4/5
This could very well be the birth of fusion. Some jazz purists may not like it but I like the experimental style of this record. Bold and somewhat courageous outing from Miles. Always pushing the boundaries.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
This album isn't sure what it wants to be. Is it R&B? Is it pop? Is it hip-hop? Is it trip-hop? Too convoluted. I wish it was more rap because those songs work better and it would have been a more interesting album. Instead the pop stuff sounds so dated and meh.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Depressingly horny. Is Leonard Cohen depressed because he's horny or is he horny because he's depressed? By any account, he needs a therapist.
Norah Jones
3/5
In all honesty, I didn't mind this. It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination and I have to be in the right mood to listen to this (or at Starbucks which many have said on here already in earlier reviews) but this was OK.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
Mercifully, it wasn't long. Because I really didn't like this. Fake opera is what I would call it and I don't like real opera. I didn't need to hear this and I hope I never hear this again.
Rufus Wainwright
1/5
Utter rubbish. Whiny and annoying. Piss off.
The Kinks
2/5
I just can't get into the Kinks. They might be too British for my North American tastes. That said, Situation Vacant is a good song. But overall, it's not my jam.
Nina Simone
3/5
Have to be in the right mood to listen to it. She's a talent no question about that. Although I find her warbling to be a bit much. Four Women is devastatingly great.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Really solid album. Lust for Life remains a banger. Success is an underrated great song. David Bowie's fingerprints are all over this First time listening to the entire album and yeah, it cooks!
Sparks
4/5
It's quirky, arty, weird, chaotic, glammy and a whole lot of fun. Enjoyed listening to this album. One of the most unique and original bands out there. Just wish there were more albums from these guys in the book. (In particular, Hello Young Lovers which is fantastic.)
Patti Smith
3/5
Decent outing. A bit overrated though. Too much spoken word diatribes for my liking. Gloria is a standout. I think I was expecting more gnarly punk than poetry. Still, it's worth a listen and I do think it's inclusion in the book is valid.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Broad, cinematic in scope, grand, lush, and truly amazing. The Boss arrives here and never looks back. Happy to be along for the ride. Simply put, a fantastic album and I look forward to seeing him live for the first time in six weeks time.
Bonnie Raitt
1/5
Very pedestrian. Plays it so safe that moms around the world rejoiced. But for me, it's so bland, it makes laundry detergent look exciting. Blah.
Deep Purple
5/5
DUN DUN DUN! DUN DUN DA-DUN!
Frank Ocean
2/5
Not my jam.
Cee Lo Green
3/5
Decent. Some good moments. Some meh moments.
Digital Underground
3/5
Porn for the hip hop crowd. These guys are hornier than Hugh Hefner in the 1970s. That said, the beats are smooth, the grooves are cool. But it's overlong and a slight bit dated. OK but not a classic.
Joy Division
3/5
Spooky and quite nihilistic. It's decent. Day of the Lords is a banger. Not all of the songs hit which makes for some lost momentum which makes me tune out. But it's definitely influential and one wonders what would have happened if Ian Curtis didn't take his own life. New Order may not have existed or would have come about in the 90s.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Liked it more than I thought. Preferred the more rock and ambient material over the pop stuff. Bjork's voice is more restrained for the most part here. Not perfect but decent.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Couldn't get into it. There were too many moments where I just checked out. It's not the worst thing I've heard on here, but it didn't click with me.
The Undertones
3/5
Decent but I've heard better punk rock.
The Prodigy
4/5
This one brought back some memories. I went through a clubbing stage in the late 90s and this album sounded awesome in a club or rave. My old self can't do that any more but this album still sounds solid albeit slightly dated. Firestarter remains an all time banger.
Fugazi
4/5
Liked this. Quite influential. Was only familiar with a couple of Fugazi songs before listening to this but now am willing to explore them further. Solid album.
Cream
3/5
Decent. Some good songs. Excellent rhythm section. Eric Clapton is an asshole.
Pink Floyd
5/5
An album that's very near and dear to me. It helped me get through many a dark time over the years. I've been told I do build up a wall because I don't let people in and I think this album has been an influence. One of my favourite albums of all time. David Gilmour's guitar solo in Comfortably Numb is in my humble opinion, the greatest guitar solo ever recorded.
Madness
2/5
Ska really isn't my thing. Our House was a big hit and an OK song but the rest of the album is meh. Also, is there a dude in blackface on the cover? Ugh!
ZZ Top
3/5
It's fine. It's fun. A bit too processed though as the mix is drowned in synths which dilutes the rhythm section a bit too much for my liking. Still, it did extend ZZ Top's career and made them icons so I get why they did it.
Aphex Twin
3/5
Decent. Have to be in the mood to listen to it. It's also too long but it does make for some good background music. Best played at night while walking around a cosmopolitan city at night.
Pulp
2/5
Blah and meh. Didn't do anything for me.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Decent. Interesting mix of African rhythms and American blues. Some of it works. Some of it doesn't. I would be interested if there is more from this project.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
The most hipster album I've heard so far. Not necessarily a good thing.
Marty Robbins
3/5
Not a country fan but this was OK. Lots of old cowboy songs on here. Have to be in the right mood but wouldn't complain if someone threw this on at a dive bar.
The Stranglers
3/5
Decent. Some of it slaps. But there are too many keyboard and synth sounds that takes away some of the snarl from this album. It's almost post punk even though this came out at the height of punk. I'd be open to exploring more of the Stranglers.
Roxy Music
3/5
This one was OK but still a bit jarring. I can hear the talent and there are good songs but not quite a full album.
David Bowie
5/5
What a curtain call. A haunting, mesmerizing masterpiece from an absolute legend. To think, Bowie was dying from cancer when he made this artistic tour de force. Simply incredible.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Really funky and very cool. The rhymes are dope. The flow is excellent. I'm taking away a star for Infamous Date Rape which is an unfortunate inclusion. Otherwise this is a solid hip-hop album.
Queen Latifah
3/5
Decent. Some good samples and rhythms. Some songs were annoying though which made it a bit uneven but there's enough good stuff to give it a passing grade.
Little Richard
3/5
Not my favourite genre but can't deny the influence. Also, this one has a bit more snarl to it so it gets a higher grade than previous albums of similar ilk.
Jack White
3/5
It's fine. Some interesting and eclectic stuff on here. Not all of it works and at times it goes into country which I'm not into. I also think he's better with Meg White behind the drum kit. Still, there's enough good stuff on here to make it passable.
The Stooges
4/5
Fun album. Iggy lets loose here. The rest of the band is tight. Solid stuff.
Neil Young
5/5
Stark. Raw. Unflinching. You can hear the pain in Neil's voice as he pays tribute to Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry. It's very rough on the edges and it can be a difficult journey. But it's so worthwhile once you get to the destination. Fantastic!
DJ Shadow
3/5
Interesting. I feel that this album is a potential grower. There's some good samples and the ambience is appreciated. But I wasn't fully engaged because I wasn't 100% in the mood. But I do feel the right situation or mood would make this album better. I'll probably give it another go down the road.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
This album really needed Neil Young.
David Bowie
4/5
This is a grower for me. It took me a while to get into it. It's very good but I don't think it's Bowie's best. The title track and Cracked Actor are bangers. Panic In Detroit is really good. I do think there are better Bowie albums but I still think this one is solid and definitely belongs in the book. Also, the album cover is iconic!
Merle Haggard
1/5
Country isn't my thing. This is a no.
Pretenders
4/5
Their best album. They never topped it. Lots of solid tracks. Space Invaders is an absolute banger. Brass in Pocket is a classic. Nice blend of punk aesthetics with new wave sensibilities. A shame that addictions thwarted such a promising group.
Turbonegro
2/5
Music was decent but the lyrics and song titles are beyond stupid. Maybe this was a joke or some other comedic stunt but it didn't work for me. In a way a shame because I do hear talent amongst the musicians.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
The thing about electronica is that it has to grab me or I lose interest. This one didn’t grab me. Aimless and meh.
Genesis
4/5
I like the prog, Peter Gabriel led Genesis more than the pop, Phil Collins led incarnation of the band. So I do like this album quite a bit. It's not perfect and like most concept albums, it starts strong but fades in the back half. Still, a solid listen with excellent musicianship knowing that this won't be for everyone's taste. Basically, a typical prog album.
Radiohead
2/5
It sort of floats about but doesn’t go anywhere. Possibly my least favourite Radiohead album.
4/5
Solid stuff. The precursor to punk. Lots of energy. Last song is meh but everything else smokes.
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
I didn't need to hear this before I die.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Even though I'm not a Dylan fan, I have to admit that Subterranean Homesick Blues and Maggie's Farm are great songs. Add to the fact that this was the first time Dylan went electric, it was hugely influential. I still can't stand his voice though.
808 State
3/5
It's OK albeit a bit dated. It's fine for background music.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Starts strong but loses momentum in the second half. Overall decent. The bonus track is flat out terrible. Memo to musicians. Don't do bonus tracks. If the song isn't good enough to be on the original album, don't use it as a bonus track. More often than not, bonus tracks are awful.
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
I remember when they played Saturday Night Live in the early 90s and I enjoyed their performance. I kind of forgot about them. Listening to them today, I'm a tad surprised they weren't bigger. Then again, there were so many alt rock bands in the early 90s that they got lost in the shuffle while the Seattle bands ruled the roost. Too bad. This was a solid album.
Carole King
2/5
Unpopular opinion but I think this album is overrated. It's Too Late is a good song but the rest is just isn't my jam. Give me Aretha Franklin's version of You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman everyday over King's version.
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
At times thoughtful. At times mournful. At times scornful. Overall it's a great record but sadly, still too relevant considering the subject matter. I do want to explore Scott-Heron's discography further. Everything I've heard from him so far, I've really liked.
Rush
4/5
In my younger days, I was a huge Rush fan. My fandom has dropped a bit but this is still a great album. I'm deducting a star for the unfortunate Ayn Rand shout out. Neil Peart's drumming is sensational. I do understand people not liking Geddy Lee's voice. This one is a matter of personal taste.
Fugees
4/5
Man this is some good stuff on here. It's a shame they couldn't stick together although I do like their solo material. The mercurial Lauryn Hill has a gorgeous voice especially on the cover of Killing Me Softly. The title track samples Dove by Cymande brilliantly. I'm deducting a star for some of the skits after the song ends which hip hop is guilty of. But overall, it's a solid album. Yo L: Take it to the bridge.
Arrested Development
3/5
Somewhat uneven but overall decent. Tennessee was the hit but Mr. Wendal is the banger. They should have been bigger and it's a bit of a shame that they couldn't stay together. But it's influence remains.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
I can hear the critics now. Using words such as baroque, opaque, unique, quaint, or anything with the letter q in it. To me, I question this entry into the book. It's not terrible but it is somewhat dull and when it tries to pick up steam, it quickly fades into a languid wave of blah. Hipsters may like it but I'm not a hipster.
Little Simz
3/5
It's decent. Good flow with some solid samples. But it sounds like she's repeating words to make the lines rhyme and it sounds repetitive. She's got talent and her voice is unique but the writing needs to improve. Still, it's listenable.
Paul Simon
2/5
This album was everywhere back in the day but I never got into it and after listening to it now, I still won't get into it. There are good musicians on here. The playing is solid. But it's drowned out by annoying 80s production and synths that sound like horns which is one of the worst 80s tropes. Add to the fact the accusations of plagiarism and appropriating black music to a white audience makes this album kind of cringey.
The Yardbirds
3/5
At least Clapton's not on it.
4/5
It starts a bit slow but it kept growing on me. The longer tracks are the best tracks, especially Four Cornered Room which has an impeccable groove. I preferred this over the hits from War. Always a pleasure to get a 70s funk album.
Al Green
4/5
Silky smooth soul from a master. The title track is a classic. Al's version of How To Mend a Broken Heart surpasses the Bee Gees version. Rest of the album is quite solid. Would not complain if someone threw this on to wind down a party.
Beatles
3/5
Disjointed, jarring, chaotic, bloated, overrated and influential. There are good songs. Dear Prudence is beautiful. While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Helter Skelter are bangers. The playing is good. However, Obla Di Obla Da is flat out terrible. There's no denying the impact the Beatles had. But just because they were the first doesn't mean they were the best.
Suzanne Vega
2/5
Meh
Iron Maiden
3/5
Probably the most raw Iron Maiden album. Steve Harris may disagree but there are punk vibes on this album. Overall it's decent but I would put Powerslave in the book over this one.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
It does have one of my favourite CCR songs in Born On The Bayou. I liked it more than Green River but CCR are a singles band not an album band which explains the fact there's still too much filler. Also, what's chooglin? Don't answer that.
Eric Clapton
1/5
Fuck Clapton.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
Starts strong but has lulls throughout. Inconsistent but a decent outing. It was my first time hearing this particular album but I have hear other Dandy Warhols songs and I've liked them. I'd be open to listening to this again.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
A bit meandering and all over the place. But the playing is solid and the recording is top notch for a live album. It isn't perfect but it's far superior to anything the Grateful Dead produced.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Liked it more than I thought I would. Kind of sounds like a James Bond soundtrack from the Sean Connery era or background music in a Persuaders episode. This might need a deeper look in the future.
Dennis Wilson
2/5
Not really my jam. Friday Night is a banger. The rest is too much rich white rock star living in California whining because he did way too much cocaine and befriended Charles Manson.
Todd Rundgren
1/5
This album is the reason why punk had to happen. So pretentious. Ugh.
The Cars
5/5
A superb slice of power pop and new wave. This album has grown on me over the years. It took me a while but I now recognize how fantastic this album is. Sadly, they never topped it as they went too much to the pop side in later years. But this is a great listen.
Röyksopp
4/5
I liked it. Very ambient. First half is stronger while the second half does fade. Still a nice discovery as I've never heard them before.
The Charlatans
3/5
Sounds too much like Oasis. Thin production. But overall, not bad.
CHIC
2/5
No denying the talents of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. And Le Freak is a banger. But there are too many ballads that drag this album down. I prefer Risque over this one.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
Hugely influential. There's no denying the impact this album had on hip hop and music in general. It's not perfect and some of it is dated, but the title track is an all time banger and remains relevant today.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
The drums were excellent and as a former drummer, I appreciate that. However, the singer had a very grating and irritating voice. Musically not bad but the songs were kind of samey. Overall, OK.
LL Cool J
3/5
Title track is an all time banger! Beats are solid. Rhymes flow. But the lyrics on some songs are just ick especially on Mr. Good Bar. Yeah sensibilities were different in 1990 but still. Giving it a passing grade just because the title track slams hard.
Beck
4/5
Very experimental and most of it works. Very solid album. Not all of the experiments work but most of them do and I will revisit this album. Good addition to the book.
Van Halen
5/5
A complete smoke show of an album. Eddie Van Halen's guitar work dazzles and lights up the speakers on every listening device imaginable. To say this album kicks ass is an understatement.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Some solid old school hip hop here. Yeah it's a tad dated but this still cooks.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
A mood album. Old Blue Eyes can sing the classics like no other. But since I'm not in love or an old Bobby Soxer, it didn't wow me. Still, I understand its place and I'd be open to listening to it again.
George Jones
2/5
Have to admit Our Private Life was a fun song. However the rest of it was typical country tropes. I love her she leaves me. Blah blah blah. It's not the worst country album but that's a low bar.
Judas Priest
4/5
Solid old school metal album. It's a bit front loaded as the final third fades a bit. Metal Gods is an all time banger. This is the best Priest album as the rest of their catalogue is a tad inconsistent so credit Robert Dimery for nailing this one.
Simple Minds
2/5
A couple of decent songs but the album is stocked of tedium and bore. I like the later work of Simple Minds but this album is lacking.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Not the best Arcade Fire album. That said, The Suburbs, Ready To Start and Month of May are excellent songs. But the album as a whole doesn't have enough bangers to make it great. Decent outing but they've done better. Win Butler remains punchable.
Slayer
2/5
Bonus points for Dave Lombardo's drumming which is sensational. However, this is too extreme for my tastes. The Nazi and Satanic overtones are a big turnoff.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Always had respect for Billy Bragg. His musings and critiques on Thatcher are well served here. The problem is its too folky for my tastes. Wish it was punkier and the music just as biting as the lyrics. It's decent but it could have been better.
The Doors
3/5
A bit hit and miss. The album closes magnificently with Riders On The Storm, an all time banger. The title track is solid as well but the rest doesn't click the whole way. This was Jim Morrison's swan song so I can see why this made the book.
The Beach Boys
2/5
The album where Brian Wilson started taking lots and lots of drugs. Whatever.
The Only Ones
4/5
First time hearing it. Really enjoyed it. Another Girl, Another Planet, City Of Fun and The Beast are all bangers. This is some good power pop here. The rockers are better than the ballads. Shame these guys had a short career.
Black Sabbath
5/5
An absolute classic!
Justice
4/5
Finishes super strong. The last three tracks, (Stress, Waters of Nazareth and One Minute to Midnight) are certified bangers. Definitely influenced by Daft Punk but a tad more abrasive. Most of it works.
Scissor Sisters
2/5
Some decent moments, but not enough for me to be fully invested. The ballads in particular are flat. Not terrible but not my thing.
Björk
3/5
Thought I would hate it. Turns out I didn't mind it. Not perfect but I dug the trip hop passages that are very reminiscent of Massive Attack. Bjork's voice can be grating and that does hurt. But overall, a decent listen.
Various Artists
3/5
Phil Spector is an utterly repugnant human being but the music is really good. So the marking is right down the middle. Merry Christmas.
King Crimson
5/5
Terrific stuff from a somewhat difficult prog rock band. Might take some patience but this is required listening especially for those willing to dig deeper into the music. Robert Fripp is a genius.
David Holmes
2/5
Kind of disappointing and a tad annoying. There was some good electronica in the late 90s that should have been in here instead of this. The reworked James Bond theme is OK but Moby's is better. Just never got out of second gear.
The Who
4/5
Their best album. Won't Get Fooled Again is one of the best album closers ever. It's not perfect as it does have a bumpy middle but overall it's really solid. Townsend's ambitions were tempered which created a more grounded effort and the results are worth it.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Solid, silky, smooth-ass soul.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Solid listen. Fascinating to hear jazz with no brass instruments. The real star is bassist Scott LaFaro. His playing is outstanding.
Justin Timberlake
1/5
Utter dross. Spectacularly dreadful.
Blondie
4/5
Really solid album. Nicely balances between punk and pop. Even disco makes an appearance. This might have been the only album to be played at CBGBs and Studio 54. Debbie Harry can get me one way or another any time she wants.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
I can see why some people gave this five stars. I can also see why some people gave it one star. Liked part one. Didn't like part two. Split down the middle.
3/5
If two saxophones and two drums ganged up and beat the hell out of you, this is what it would sound like. Relentless, bruising and totally hardcore. A bit much but man the drumming is incredible. Props to Joey Baron and Michael Vatcher. I didn't hate this.
Ice Cube
4/5
Damn. This hits hard. It's sadly relevant today as there are still huge racial issues between cops and minorities. Lots of uncomfortable truths. It Was A Good Day and Say Hi To The Bad Guy are total bangers. Solid, solid stuff.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
This was better than the previous Cohen albums I reviewed. I prefer the melancholic jazz with Cohen's dour poetry over the fluttering folk he did in the sixties. That said, there's too much Cohen in this book.
Radiohead
5/5
Not a weak track on this one. I personally think this is Radiohead's best album. Jonny Greenwood is a guitar hero despite the fact he's not even close to being a classic shredder yet the way he can manipulate and devise sounds and angles into the songs is just brilliant. Fantastic stuff.
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Wasn't feeling it.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
So good! Costello's songwriting is razor sharp with barbs and melancholy but the real star is drummer Pete Thomas with fills to burn and beats that are intricate and precise.
Burning Spear
4/5
Some politically charged reggae here. Really solid listen. Slavery Days cooks! I will revisit this album again.
Sheryl Crow
2/5
Not terrible but not my thing.
The Streets
1/5
OK Robert Dimery. I get it. You fancy British artists. But this? THIS? Ugh. The beats are stilted and disjointed. The rhymes have no flow. The story is somewhat cringey and his voice is wankish. I can't believe a brilliant album like Check Your Head by The Beastie Boys is left out but this trash is listed. Ugh!
The White Stripes
4/5
Really solid album. Everyone knows Seven Nation Army but Black Math and Little Acorns are unknown bangers that cook. Kind of wish they would get back together. This was an enjoyable listen.
Wilco
2/5
Inconsistent at best. The rockers are decent but there are too many country tinged songs that bring the album down. Also, completely unnecessary for it to be a double album. But hipsters are pretentious and full of themselves.
The Human League
2/5
Tepid synth pop. Another album that's guilty of having one decent song but the rest doesn't hold up.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Dug most of it. Us V Them is a flat out banger. The closing track about New York is excellent but I wouldn't want to hear a whole album of that type of song. There are lulls but a solid album nonetheless.
Talking Heads
4/5
Arty. Nerdy. Chaotic. Ambient. Really solid. Tina Weymouth is just outstanding on bass. They're all good players. Pleasure to hear Adrian Belew on this. Not quite perfect but still a worthy listen.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
RIP. Nothing Compare 2 U is a classic. Surprised to hear some crunching guitars on a couple of tracks. Overall decent.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Solid. This Is Hell is one of the saddest songs I've heard. Costello's lyrics are biting and sharp. Pete Thomas is simply an amazing drummer. Not as good as This Year's Model but it belongs in the book.
David Bowie
5/5
Fantastic. It may be plastic white soul but no one did it better than Bowie. He had to do it to escape the Ziggy persona and build his career. He did get help from Carlos Alomar, Luther Vandross and John Lennon but Bowie was still the mastermind. Such a great album and a pleasure to revisit.
The War On Drugs
5/5
One of the best albums of the 2010s. Terrific guitar work even though it's not a shredder album. Solid musicianship throughout. Songs are well crafted and have the perfect balance of ambience and noise. This one's a keeper.
Massive Attack
5/5
So good! The birth of trip hop. Innovative, mysterious, haunting but oh so cool. Just superb. And yet, not their best. Mezzanine is even better but sadly, not in the book. Still, Blue Lines is a classic in its own right.
Linkin Park
1/5
I know Chester Bennington had a lot of issues throughout his time on this planet to the point that he took his own life and it is a sad story. But, as for the music, this isn't good. In fact, I didn't care for any of it. The rapping is second rate and the DJ scratching is grating. Would much rather have a second Rage Against The Machine album or a second System of a Down album or a Tool album to represent the alt metal movement of the early 2000s over this.
Primal Scream
3/5
A bit all over the place. Somewhat unfocused and uneven. There are good bits in here and I may give it another try down the road. Transpotting is a highlight. Prefer the instrumentals over the vocals. Fine but short of outstanding.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Some of the worst faux jazz I've ever heard. Apparently inspired by Miles Davis, it doesn't come close to the master. He also started doing heroin. So I make this an anti drug album. Do smack, make crappy albums like this.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Pleasantly surprised. Some good chunky power pop here. Plenty of snarl and bite to they lyrics. Fascinating albeit tragic back story. Will check this out further. Solid album.
Yes
4/5
Solid prog. Yours Is No Disgrace and Starship Trooper are bangers. I've Seen All Good People was used very nicely in season five of Fargo. The last two tracks aren't as strong. Still, a worthwhile addition to the book.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
Many critics accuse prog of being pretentious and for the most part they're right. (Looking at you ELP) Yet this is some of the most pretentious shit I've ever heard in my life yet the know-it-all writer that passes as a rock critic will praise this. Boring, self absorbed, bordering on narcissistic. Shut up!
Beck
3/5
Not the best Beck album but there's enough good material to make it a decent listen. I may need to revisit it in the future as it has a chance to grow on me. No denying Beck's creativity but this one falls slightly short compared to previous efforts.
The Offspring
1/5
The best part about this album was the nearly 10 minutes of silence between the title track and the hidden track at the end of the album. The second best thing about this album was the playlist Spotify conjured up following this album by playing actual good bands. The worst thing about this album was Dexter Holland's grating and irritating bro voice. I like punk. I did not like this album.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Brings back some memories. I was a little rowdier back in the late 90s and this album brought back the days of club hopping and shots of Jack Daniels. I'm older now. Don't go to clubs and don't shoot JD anymore but it was nice to reminisce about the glory days. So minus a point for making me feel old but a solid album nonetheless.
TLC
3/5
Liked it more than I thought I would. Some cool funk elements to go along with some smooth R&B and hip-hop. Some of the interludes are annoying. It's also too long and a bit too horny. But a decent listen.
The Stone Roses
4/5
Enjoyed this one. I Wanna Be Adored hit me with all the feels. Sadly, they never topped this album. It's not perfect but it's a solid listen throughout.
Jeff Buckley
2/5
This had potential to be a solid rock album. Instead, Buckley chooses tired singer/songwriter tropes that only pleased whiny, snivelling rock critics. I'm not mad. I'm disappointed.
2/5
Mediocre, inoffensive 80s schlock.
Megadeth
2/5
Title track is a banger. But the rest of the album is kind of flat. Heroin use/abuse was a factor but I also think Chris Poland wasn't the right fit for the band. This album needed Marty Friedman who is a superior guitarist. Still don't care for Dave Mustaine.
The Smiths
2/5
Have you ever been to a party where the music is really good and the vibe is chill until some insufferable jobby comes along and just ruins everything. This is The Smiths. The band is cool yet Morrissey is the warbling, whiny pissant who just destroys the mood with his yammering and incessant piffle. All that said, How Soon Is Now is an all time banger but it's only on the US release not the UK edition which Spotify has. So exhausting.
Talking Heads
4/5
After a string of mediocre albums, it was refreshing to get this funky, cool, solid piece of art. Life During Wartime is a banger. The rest is slinky, a bit tense and slightly jittery. David Byrne can convey awkwardness and menace in the same song. Good stuff.
The Black Keys
3/5
It's fine. Some decent songs. But it doesn't elevate into anything special. It's just sort of there. A decent listen but nothing spectacular.
D'Angelo
2/5
Dude's trying really hard to be Prince but he lacks the master's touch. He's a good singer and a talented musician but the songs are kind of drab and dull. Also, if you have a song called Shit, Damn, Motherfucker, make it a hardcore rap song with some venom. Don't make it a smooth R&B ditty.
Foo Fighters
2/5
This is the wrong Foo Fighters album to be in the book. The Colour and the Shape should be here instead. Also, Foo Fighters are overrated. They're not terrible and Dave Grohl seems like a cool dude but there's nothing extraordinary about them. They're just there. On top of that, this album seems kind of jokey and I can't take it too seriously.
Khaled
2/5
Didn't click with me.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Decent. Some good songs in here. Not perfect but I can see why they opened for Pearl Jam in the 90s. This one might grow on me.
3/5
Not really a big Kinks fan but this album was pretty good. Liked the concept of the waning British Empire through the eyes of a hard lucked everyman. Not of al the music hits but enough to rate it higher than the previous Kinks albums I've listened to on this list.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Decent albeit uneven affair. Starts strong but loses momentum. Still, enough good stuff to make it passable. Some grunginess but also some tenderness. Prefer the grunge. Very 90s album.
Hot Chip
2/5
Sounds like it was made in the 80s. That's not a compliment. Also, the singer's voice is annoying. Blah.
Guided By Voices
4/5
A friend of mine introduced me to their music a few years ago and I liked it but didn't dig deeper. Got a chance to listen to a full album and I did like it. Striped White Jets is a banger. Very economical album with over 20 songs in 40 minutes. But the drawback is that it loses flow at times and makes it a tad uneven. But an overall solid album.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Unpopular opinion but I think this is one of the most overrated albums of all time. Yes, the productions is good. Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows are fine songs but the rest is just Brian Wilson deteriorating into madness while Mike Love is a punchable asshole.
Robbie Williams
1/5
The only Robbie Williams song I like (Millennium) isn't on this album so that deducts huge points. The rest is British douchiness that was way too prevalent in the late 90s. Hey Robert Dimery. Not everything Britain makes music wise is great. This was utter tosh.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Apparently this album was critically acclaimed. We really need a punch a rock critic day. Good Lord this was rubbish.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
The closest The Boss came to making a hard rock album. A number of searing guitar solos which is quite surprising but Bruce pulls it off. Really solid but because Born To Run and later Born in The USA are such high benchmarks, this one is a tad behind. But still highly recommend.
4/5
Enjoyable listen. More guitar driven than I expected. Uncontrollable Urge is a flat out banger. The satire is biting throughout the album. Hugely influential. Will listen again.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
Oddly fascinating. Definitely influential. Not my thing though. Not the worst thing I've heard since starting this project but I can hear why it's one of the lowest rated albums on the list.
Eagles
3/5
OK. Nothing special. The Eagles are more of a greatest hits/singles band than an album band. I've heard better. I've heard worse.
Dr. Dre
3/5
No denying how influential this album was. The beats are dope. Snoop Dogg raps are on point. But the lyrics are really dated and Dre is far too hung up on Easy-E which is a shame. Still a decent album overall.
Red Snapper
4/5
Liked it more than I thought I would. Especially the songs with Karime Kendra singing. Did catch some Massive Attack vibes albeit more uptempo. I'll revisit this one again.
The Triffids
1/5
Drowning in 80s production plus a Kenny G ish sax solo equals a whole lot of painful listening. If the book needed an Australian band in the 80s to be represented, Men At Work and Midnight Oil would have been more palatable.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Not bad. I've heard this band before and I liked them but this was my first time hearing this album. This one is a potential grower and I may have to check out the rest of their discography.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Very influential. From Bowie to Daft Punk. I might need a few more listens as I thought it was slightly dated. But it was interesting and I wouldn't be surprised if this grew on me.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Elvis takes a stab at an album. Thing is he's a singles artist and the hits really aren't there. Not entirely his fault. The rock album wasn't really a thing for another 5-6 years. It's a decent attempt. The two drummers (D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman) are excellent.
Bad Brains
3/5
I like the music. The playing is good. The attitude of punk is there. But the production is a miss. It can't decide whether it wants to be a hardcore punk album or an 80s metal album. It's a shame because this influenced two bands I really like in Rage Against The Machine and Faith No More. Overall good but it could have been great.
Stan Getz
3/5
This needs to be heard on the beach instead of a staid office which is where I heard it. It is relaxing and calming music but I do have to be in the mood to hear it. Prefer the songs with Astrud Gilberto singing than Joao.
Paul McCartney
1/5
Paul is missing John and George here. Hell, he's even missing Ringo. This is utter tripe. Hard pass.
Machito
4/5
Fun album. Percussion was excellent. Haven't listened to latin jazz very much but I'd be willing to listen to more after hearing this. No vocals was a plus.
Nirvana
4/5
This took me back to when I was 18 and ready for a musical revolution. After years of hair metal and really lame pop, Nirvana came out with some refreshing sounds that was very pleasing to my ears. Now it is a tad overrated and it has been way overplayed, but it is essential listening.
CHVRCHES
2/5
Not my jam.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Holy hell this was awful. A candidate for the worst album on this list and Tim Buckley is a candidate for worst artist on this list.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Perhaps the most melancholic funk album I've heard. Still relevant today which is somewhat depressing. Music is rock solid.
The Clash
4/5
Maybe the most hardcore album the Clash ever recorded. Raw, fiery, intense yet so solid. To think it gets better in two years when they released an absolute masterpiece. But this is a good start.
Blur
3/5
Song 2 is an unquestioned banger. The rest of the album is decent but it does fall off in the second half. I liked it more than Parklife but I remain somewhat indifferent on Blur.
Eels
2/5
Wasn't feeling it. Terrible album cover.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Very experimental from the master. Call it whatever you want, (I call it proto-prog) but this works and Hendrix is simply cooking here. Shame what could have followed. Who know what direction he may have gone. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) is simply a titanic closer.
The Hives
4/5
Saw the Hives with a buddy and we were sitting in the loge seats. Lead singer Howlin Pelle Almqvist decides to scale the wall and as soon as he reached us, he wasn't sure how to get down. It was one of the cooler moments I've experienced at a rock show. That all said, Veni, Vidi, Vicious should have been in the book.
Soul II Soul
3/5
A bit inconsistent. Some beats are dope. Some are flat. Back To Life is a total banger. Bonus points for a nice nostalgia trip.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Spiritual, mournful, uplifting, funky. Super solid throughout. Will revisit this one again.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Never heard of these guys before. This one surprised me in a good way. Solid beats. Dope rhythms. Smooth rhymes. Love the 70s funk influence. Enjoyed this one.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
The Rasta's best album. A bit back loaded but I believe that was done intentionally. Great to listen to at a protest or at a cabana on the beach.
Baaba Maal
3/5
It’s OK. Not really my thing but I’m glad I was exposed to it.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Hello I'm Johnny Cash.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
After listening to this, I want to buy an Adidas track suit.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Admittedly, country/folk isn't my favourite genre but this was OK. Margo Timmins voice saved it. Soft, haunting but with no noticeable twang that keeps more than tolerable. I can see why Robbie Robertson and Neil Young liked this album.
Bauhaus
3/5
Not bad. Pretty good actually. I struggled with Peter Murphy's voice but Daniel Ash's guitar and David J's bass work made up for it. There is some filler but I wouldn't be surprised if I revisited this one in the future.
Oasis
2/5
115 charges.
Bob Dylan
3/5
The songwriting and instrumentation are solid. But Dylan's voice brings it down. I just can't get into his nasaly warbling. Won't deny its influence it had on popular culture and its relevance remains today.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Right on!
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
First off, America is a great song. Will always remind me of Almost Famous which is one of my favourite films. The rest for the most part is fine but there are too many goofy and weird tracks that throws everything off kilter. At least it isn't long so it was manageable.
Electric Light Orchestra
1/5
Tepid corporate dad schlock that doesn't move the needle one bit. It's pretentious, meandering prattle that only serves Jeff Lynne's ego. Something about Lynne that rubs me the wrong way. Hard pass.
James Taylor
1/5
I've heard better Christian Rock albums than this.
Roni Size
3/5
This sounded very 1997. That said, not bad. Listened to it at work and it was good background music. It is too long and I prefer trip hop and big bet over drum n bass but this was listenable overall. Heroes was a standout track.
Jethro Tull
3/5
The title track and Locomotive Breath are absolute bangers. Hymn 43 is an underrated gem. But there's too much that sounds like minstrel wandering through the forest that Monty Python spoofed in Holy Grail. Decent but could have been great.
Circle Jerks
4/5
14 songs in 15 minutes. I dig.
Suede
3/5
It has some moments where it rocks out and I enjoyed those. The playing is solid and they know how to craft a song but it's somewhat disjointed and inconsistent. Decent but not spectacular.
The Mamas & The Papas
1/5
Not my thing. John Phillips is a reprehensible human being.
Venom
1/5
There's plenty of good metal missing in this book. Then you have shitty metal like this turd of an album that's in it. Yes I know it's a parody but then put Spinal Tap in here instead. At least they were funny. This was plain idiotic.
Prince
5/5
Phenomenal! Utterly phenomenal!
Sonic Youth
4/5
The more I hear Sonic Youth, the more I like them. Cool stuff from a band I somehow missed in the late 80s and early 90s. Can't wait till Daydream Nation is generated as my album of the day.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
Sweet Home Alabama isn't on the album which is a positive. Couple of good songs. Quite a bit of filler. It gets a passing grade but barely.
Paul Weller
3/5
Fine. I wish it would rock out a bit more though. The slower songs bogged the album down a bit. Not offensive. Decent enough. You could almost call it 90s dad rock.
2/5
Cool album cover and decent musicianship. But Damon Albarn is extremely irritating on this one. He's so punchable. Guess I'm not British enough to appreciate it.
Yes
4/5
Somewhat clunky but a solid prog album. Roundabout is a classic but Heart of the Sunrise is a showstopper. The individual tracks take it down a notch. Chris Squire's bass lines are mesmerizing. When discussing top bassists in rock, Squire should be mentioned more often.
1971 was quite the year for Rick Wakeman. Hunky Dory and Fragile in the same year. Not too shabby.
FKA twigs
2/5
Not my thing but I've heard worse.
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
We get it. You like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alabama. Geaux Tigers.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Slightly refreshing actually. Instead of macho postering which was very common in the 70s, we get some vulnerability and angst. Yet it still maintains some abrasiveness. It isn't perfect by any stretch but it's decent.
Adele
2/5
Not for me even though she has a good voice.
Pet Shop Boys
1/5
So soft and fluffy. Tepid beats and annoying synth sounds make this a slog to get through. Nearly fell asleep to this boring and utterly wasteful album.
Doves
3/5
The most neutral album I've heard.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
One of the reasons I started this project was to discover new music I haven't heard before. This was a discovery. Shades of Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield with plenty of soul, a touch of folk and even a dash of prog. (Check out the mellotron.) This was really cool Neo soul music and I will listen again and will dig into his discography.
Grateful Dead
1/5
Apparently listening to the Grateful Dead is supposed to bring enlightenment to your soul. The only moment of enlightenment I had after listening to this is the Grateful Dead are a truly awful band and I don't understand why so many people like them. Fucking dreadful.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
Quite good actually. Relax is an all time banger. It should be on every 80s playlist. I actually didn't mind the Born To Run cover even though no one will top the Boss's version. More guitars than your typical dance album. Trevor Horn's production is top notch. This one surprised me a bit in a good way.
Christina Aguilera
1/5
No need for this to be a double album. Way too long and totally not my thing.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Ol Blue Eyes has a great voice but it isn't suited to the Bossa Nova style. Frank called it an exciting genre. Disagree with you there Mr. Sinatra. This wasn't exciting at all.
Killing Joke
4/5
Hugely influential. Can hear Nine Inch Nails, Ministry and Faith No More amongst others on this album. Primitive is a flat out banger. Solid listen. Good addition to the book.
Kate Bush
3/5
Liked it. Didn't love it. Some good songs. Running Up That Hill, The Big Sky and Waking The Witch stood out. Kate Bush is immensely talented there's no denying that. Just not everything works. Still, it's decent and I'd be willing to give it another listen. This one might grow on me.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Some solid jazz work here. Playing was exceptional. Max Roach in particular shone on the drums. Monk is a craftsman and it shows brightly. Not quite as good as Kind of Blue or Love Supreme but still a worthy addition to any jazz collection.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Starts well. The middle part drones. Ends OK. It gets a passing grade but nothing more.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Solid. Love Iggy's version of China Girl. Much more sinister than Bowie's version but I detect sadness instead of anger inside that sneering veneer. The album is a bit more downbeat than I anticipated but Iggy and Bowie were trying to clean themselves up so I understand the darkness in the album.
50 Cent
3/5
It's OK but not a classic. In Da Club is a total banger. Too much mumbling makes it hard to understand and it's something that annoys me when I listen to post 2000s hip-hop. Production is excellent. Good but not great album.
Funkadelic
5/5
A bona fide classic! The title track is beyond epic. Eddie Hazel is the guitar hero no one knows but man, can he sling the axe. The rest is excellent. More of this please.
Steve Winwood
2/5
Bonus points for Winwood playing all the instruments. But this is a tepid, drab affair that is so middle of the road, Christopher Cross got jealous.
Talk Talk
2/5
Another bland 80s brit album. I know it inspired bands I like but I couldn't get into it. Mark Hollis's voice is grating. Pass.
Les Rythmes Digitales
1/5
A dance album that would clear the dance floor. Lame.
Meat Puppets
3/5
Quite influential. I can hear how Kurt Cobain was influenced by these guys. But it is a bit herky-jerky and inconsistent. Still decent and kind of cool. Might grow on me with more listens.
Grizzly Bear
3/5
Decent background music. Could use a bit more urgency though.
The xx
3/5
It's fine. Test Me is a terrific song and an excellent album closer. I prefer their first album over this one though. Still a worthy listen.
Prince
5/5
What a talent Prince was. A fantastic album!
The Soft Boys
4/5
Liked this more than I thought. A pleasant surprise. Some good stuff on here. Not perfect but I will revisit this one again.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Inoffensive but ultimately boring dad rock. Not Rod's worst but not his best either.
Mott The Hoople
3/5
It's OK. Not that original. Then again, trying to replicate David Bowie isn't the worst idea in the world but these guys aren't Bowie. It's an OK glam rock album but I'm not sure it's required listening.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Some reviews on here say this is good cookout music and I concur. Fire up the barbecue, have a cold one and put on this album for a chill, good time. Solid stuff.
4/5
Solid punk album. Liked the blending of male and female co lead singers. Brings a different vibe to the normal punk scene. Critics really liked it and I can see why. Enjoyed it.
Faith No More
5/5
A criminally underrated but brilliant band. This album cooks and it's not even their best. (Angel Dust is better) A smouldering cover of War Pigs is just so aces. Everyone knows Epic and it is a classic but the entire album is so good.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
This album and band haven't aged well. The musicians are skilled but the funkiness of earlier albums sound flat here. The lyrics are nonsensical even when they're trying to be deep. This album also brings back some not so great memories as the late 90s weren't the best time for me.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Cool stuff. It does dip a bit in the back half but this is a solid listen. Brings back some good memories. Head bopped during a number of these tracks.
MGMT
2/5
That synth sound is so annoying. Couldn't get over it. There are moments but not enough to earn a passing grade.
The United States Of America
1/5
Apparently, this was the only album from this band. It was one album too many. Absolutely dreadful.
The National
4/5
Very good. I do think Trouble Will Find Me is a better album but this is a Nic choice. Somewhat sombre and haunting. It does lean into some hipster caches which is a deterrent. But overall, a solid listen.
Minutemen
4/5
Really solid punk album. It does fade a bit later on so it could have been shortened to a single album, but this is still a worthy listen.
James Brown
3/5
It's good but it's not great. Partially due to the fact I'm not a huge fan of live albums and partially due to I prefer JB's hard funk from the 70s over the R&B 60's output. Still, it's a decent listen and there is good material on here.
Billy Joel
3/5
This is Springsteen lite. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The songs are well crafted and the playing is sound. But I wish it would rock out a bit more. Joel is guilty of going too soft at times which doesn't appeal to me. But there's enough quality on here to give it a passing grade.
Can
4/5
Avant garde, funky, weird, atmospheric, spooky, slightly frightening, ahead of its time. Pretty cool album. Quite influential as well. They were never going to reach huge commercial success but this is art that should be appreciated.
Steely Dan
1/5
To quote the late Steve Albini, "Christ, the amount of human effort wasted to sound like an SNL band warmup."
Todd Rundgren
1/5
Pretentious shit.
Metallica
4/5
It's a well produced, well made album. Sad But True and Wherever I May Roam are flat out bangers. Of Wolf and Man and My Friend of Misery are underrated gems. Enter Sandman is way overplayed. Don't Tread on Me is forgettable at best. I still think Puppets is a superior album. They may have sold out according to some fans, but this album was necessary as it helped kill hair metal with a big help from grunge. So I'm cool with it even though it isn't perfect.
Barry Adamson
3/5
I thought I would hate this album. I didn't hate it. It's actually not bad. It's flawed and I won't revisit it that much, but it's ambitious and definitely would make a decent soundtrack to some neo noir film. Solid neutral.
Jacques Brel
2/5
Pas mon truc
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Maybe the most misinterpreted album ever but it remains fantastic after all these years. This was my introduction to the Boss and I remain a fan. Great stuff.
Randy Newman
2/5
At least it's economical and gets to the point. But I don't care for his voice and his whimsical takes don't resonate with me.
Tito Puente
3/5
Fun listen. But I have to be in the right mood to listen to it. Still, it does belong in the book.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Didn't hate it but Father John Misty does this style much better. This album is quite a downer and I got tired of it midway through. Pass.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
Lovely listen. Take Five is an all time classic. It slightly fades in the latter half but that's only a minor quibble. Worthy and deserved addition in the book.
Alice Cooper
2/5
I did like the song Sweet Nothing with the James Bond style guitar licks. Otherwise, I don't care for this. Never got Alice Cooper's schtick. Not really into the macabre or horror storytelling. I Love the Dead is simply gross.
Brian Eno
3/5
There's no doubt Bowie was listening to this and it helped him shape the Berlin Trilogy. I preferred the ambient tracks over the songs with vocals. Detached and icy. There's a good chance this will grow on me but for now, it's decent and influential.
Janis Joplin
3/5
A somewhat sad album considering this was released posthumously. I also detected a Karen vibe to this as well. The major positive wast the Full Tilt Boogie Band who were absolutely solid. The singles are OK. The rest is meh. Passing grade for legacy's sake.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
I love Husker Du but this is the wrong album on this list. Zen Arcade is a masterpiece and it's omission is one of the biggest mistakes this book has made. Warehouse does have good songs but it has problems. Bob Mould and Grant Hart's relationship was so fraught that getting this album completed was a miracle onto itself and the band was fractured beyond repair. Hart's heroin addiction was out of control and Mould was a menace to the other band members. It's a shame because when they were on, this band smoked. Many here don't like this album but I suggest listen to Zen Arcade, New Day Rising or Candy Apple Grey to get the best of this Minneapolis trio.
Pentangle
2/5
This would have been better if Monty Python spoofed it.
Black Flag
4/5
Solid punk album. Rise Above and TV Party are flat out bangers. Some humour. Some social consciousness. Some anarchy. I'm down with this.
Soft Machine
1/5
There is prog that is really good and there is prog that is the drizzling shits. This album is the drizzling shits. Just another reason why punk had to happen.
John Martyn
2/5
Didn't care for it. I will revisit Solid Air someday but I won't revisit this one. Just didn't work for me.
The Police
4/5
Solid stuff. The title track is a banger and I wish the Police would have done more instrumentals. Bring On The Night and Bed's Too Big Without You are standouts as well. Always enjoyed the Police even though Sting can be a bit of a wank.
Paul Simon
2/5
For some reason, Paul Simon just doesn't do it for me. This album is further proof. It isn't terrible, but it is unremarkable and bland. I get some people like it but this isn't for me.
William Orbit
4/5
This was some cool chill music. Great to listen to late at night as a wind down. First half was pretty strong. Second half faded a bit. Will recommend to those who dig chill electronica with the occasional pulsating beat.
Moby Grape
3/5
I thought I was going to hate this. I didn't hate it. It's OK. Not great but OK. Bob Mosley's bass work is fantastic. The songs are economical and make sense. Still not a fan of the jangly psych county guitar sounds that was so prevalent in the 60s. Overall, fine.
Supergrass
4/5
Solid album. Enjoyed both albums by these guys that the book presented. How come they weren't bigger? The music industry can be fickle.
Baaba Maal
2/5
First time hearing this. Glad I was exposed to it but in the end, it doesn't do it for me. Might be the cultural difference and my Canadian ears aren't used to African folk sounds but I couldn't vibe with it.
Beck
3/5
This one has a chance to grow on me. It's a bit of a downer and I prefer Beck's more upbeat material. Still, it's a well made, well crafted album and there's no denying Beck's talent. I do think I have to be in the right mood to hear it but I'll give it another go in the future.
Bon Jovi
2/5
I will confess this album does bring back some good memories. However, this is a really dumb, idiotic collection of songs that hurt my brain to the point I may have to see a doctor because this album causes concussions. Advil required.
Blue Cheer
3/5
Can hear the beginnings of metal here. Not as dark as Black Sabbath or has the chops of Deep Purple but it has moments. Production is lacking and there's too many covers. But overall, decent.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Solid listen. Alison is one of the most heartbreaking songs ever. Watching The Detectives is a stone cold classic. I just wish The Attractions were the backing band. Still, this will do.
Silver Jews
2/5
The good news. Transylvania Blues is a good song. The bad news. The rest of the album is extremely mediocre. Lesson to bands. Make one good song into a collection of good songs in order to have a great album. Simple.
Destiny's Child
2/5
One thing about getting older is that you realize not everything is tailored for you. I recognize their talent, especially Beyonce. But this music isn't for me.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
1/5
Every song starts off with and introduction like This Song was first done in Texas in 1923 or something to that ilk. To that I say this album is annoying and grating. A painful lesson. Please generator, give me something good.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Solid album. Love Steve Albini's production here. Raw, emotional, brave and vulnerable. PJ Harvey goes through all of it. Mostly dark, she comes out of it in the end as a survivor and we're rewarded. Heard two albums so far and liked them both. Good stuff.
Slint
5/5
An emotional, sparse album that's so good. I've only heard a couple of tracks before and I liked them but the whole album blew me away. Good Morning Captain just might be the best album closer ever. A superb masterpiece.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
I don't get the hype. They're talked about as indie darlings but I find them boring and staid. It just sits there and does very little. Just can't vibe with this.
The Beta Band
2/5
Spectacularly mediocre.
Throwing Muses
3/5
Some good spunky music let down by some grating vocals. Overall I give it a pass but it could have been higher if they had a proper singer.
Hookworms
3/5
It's pretty good. Not spectacular but it was a decent enough listen. Surprised me a bit in a good way.
The Jam
4/5
Solid album. The first two tracks, Pretty Green and Monday are killer. I do think Paul Weller sounds like David Bowie on Monday. The horns brought the album down a notch but I'll revisit this one again.
Ute Lemper
2/5
Not my thing but didn't totally hate it.
Lorde
2/5
I'd rather listen to King Crimson. (The Louvre is a good song though.)
The Who
3/5
Even though I prefer 1970s Who over 1960s Who, this was OK. The title track is still strong albeit dated. There is some proto punk here that I do like. But the guitars have that 60s psychedelic jangle that aren't my cup of tea. Overall decent but Who's Next is better.
Radiohead
4/5
Liked it. Darkly atmospheric and forlorn. Experimental in a good way. Everything makes sense here. Not quite as great as The Bends but this one will get revisited again.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Fun album. Lots of energy. Take Me Out is an all time banger. First half is stronger. Yeah I like this one.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
First track was good. Production is decent. The rest is a snoozer. Overall, not my thing.
Common
3/5
I did like the soul, funk infused samples that gave it a retro vibe. But the homophobic and immature lyrics were a letdown. Be is a better album than this but this is still decent albeit dated.
The Residents
3/5
It might be low rated on this site, but I didn't hate it. In fact, it's kind of decent. I might not revisit it that often and yeah it's too avant garde for me but I kind of enjoyed it. In particular, Birthday Boy was a riot.
fIREHOSE
3/5
This was pretty good. It has the chance to grow on me. I'm putting it away as an album to revisit down the road.
R.E.M.
3/5
Musically it's solid. It's the End of the World As We Know It is an all time classic. The One I Love I've grown to appreciate over the years even though it has been overplayed. But Michael Stipe's voice irritates me too much to really love this band. Also I prefer Wire's version of Stranger over this one. Still a decent offering.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Bluesier than I expected. It's OK but I can hear the weirdness coming through in the second half of the album. I liked this one more than I thought but I'm not sure how I'll feel about Trout Mask Replica.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Really solid album. Living For The City is a banger albeit a heartbreaker as it remains sadly relevant today. Higher Ground is a killer as well. Over the years, I've grown to appreciate Stevie's version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers take. Stevie was on a roll here. The 70s were very good to him.
The Byrds
1/5
I'm not flying with these Byrds.
Elis Regina
2/5
For those wondering, it is now on Spotify so it is easier to find and listen to. Was expecting something more upbeat and carnival style but it kind of morphed into cheesy smooth jazz which isn't my thing. Was kind of disappointed with this one.
The Zutons
2/5
Who killed the Futons? Those bloody saxophones. So annoying. Ruined the record.
George Michael
1/5
This brought me back to my Grade 9 year. I hated my Grade 9 year and this album. Nothing's changed. Blech.
LTJ Bukem
3/5
Couldn't find it on Spotify but I did find it on YouTube. It's not bad. Pretty chill. But it's too long and it did sound same-y. Still not as bad as many reviews on here would lead you to believe.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Despite thin production, this album was OK. Music had some good qualities to it. Definitely influential. Not totally my thing but it was listenable.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I like The Boss but this is his weakest album that appears in the book. I would have preferred The River or even Tunnel of Love over this one. Still there are good songs like Worlds Apart and Paradise and it's still Springsteen and the E Street Band so the material is still decent. But there's better from Bruce.
N.W.A.
5/5
Damn that shit was dope!
Elliott Smith
2/5
Yawn.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Stark, brooding, sparse, bare, chilling. A masterpiece from the Boss.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
The two stars of the album are Keith Levene's icy guitar stylings and Jah Wobble's slinky bass lines. They give this album depth and musical tastiness. The two problems are it's too long and John Lydon's somewhat dispassionate vocals. Having said all this, I thought it was better than most reviewers think and I may give this a follow up in the future.
Cheap Trick
4/5
Fun album. A live album that actually works compared to others on this. Some solid power pop here. They never topped this.
The Sonics
3/5
It's a bit dated and the production isn't the best but this is a good glimpse into proto-punk and the beginnings of the Seattle scene which would really emerge 25 years later. I wish there were more originals but I'd still put it in the book.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
I give Lenny credit for playing most of the instruments and doing the production. This is his album for sure. There are good songs but there's a bit of filler as well and at times stuck in retro 60s psychedelia. Overall it's OK but he does try too hard to be Prince.
The Fall
3/5
Really good rhythm section but the guitar sound doesn't work here. Too clean and the use of open strings doesn't match with Mark Smith's vocals. Still, it's OK with Two Steps Back being a standout track.
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
I'll give him an extra star for the high energy and rollicking piano playing. But stealing music and pedophile behaviour brings down my opinion of this creep. Should't be represented in this book.
Crowded House
2/5
If this album were a drink, it would be non alcoholic beer.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
The ultimate one album wonder. This should have made Lauryn Hill a superstar with a lengthy career. Instead, we got a blazing shooting star with a lot of unanswered questions about her musical direction. This is a great album marred only by over length and a couple of filler tracks.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
She has a good voice but too many covers and blah presentation brings this album down several notches. Didn't work for me.
Raekwon
2/5
Didn't click. The beats were slightly off. The delivery was so-so. The lyrics were mean. The skits were pointless. Pass.
Eurythmics
3/5
A monster title track, some decent songs and Annie Lennox's haunting voice are enough to earn a passing grade for me.
Dion
1/5
Absolutely awful. Completely terrible. A complete waste.
Ryan Adams
1/5
Oh look at me. I'm so sensitive. Yet I abuse women when I'm not recording faux indie tracks that have as much soul as a corpse. What a turd of an album. Not much better human being.
Lambchop
1/5
I'm starting to think that the generator is trying to torture me this week by giving me crappy albums. This is the third albums in a row that was absolutely awful. Beyond boring with no soul, no energy, no heart. Just a whole lot of nothingness.
5/5
After a run of ghastly albums, the generator gave me a well deserved reward with this all time classic. Timeless, innovative, freaky, and so much Bowie goodness. Mick Ronson's guitar work is exemplary. Everything about this works to a tee. Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma'am!
The Monkees
2/5
Not my thing.
U2
4/5
It's trendy to bash U2 and some of that is relevant. Bono is a bit of a wanker. But they have produced some quality music and this album is in the upper echelon of U2 albums. It's dripping with irony to the point of overload but this was an album they had to make in order to not be part of an 80s retro act that so many bands fell into. It would get worse from here but this is still palatable.
The Cramps
3/5
Psychobilly isn't my favourite offshoot of punk. That said, this was OK. Liked the their rendition of Fever. But I can only take so much of the rest. Fine but not outstanding.
2Pac
3/5
A couple of bangers, some filler, plenty of gangsta musings. All in all it's OK but there's something about 2Pac that always bothered me.
Traffic
2/5
Meh.
John Prine
3/5
Lyrics are good. Music is not my thing. Your Flag Decal Won't Get You In Heaven Anymore is very relevant today. Took guts to write and record this and I respect that.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Somewhat unique in approach. I may not listen to it all the time but I respect the originality and creativity of this album.
Joan Baez
1/5
The best part of this album was when it need and I never have to hear this again. A ghastly album. Utter crap.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
The 1960s are overrated.
System Of A Down
4/5
Wild, chaotic, frenetic, somewhat schizophrenic but a solid album here. I do think Toxicity is a better album and should be on this list as well but this is a worthy addition to the book.
The Stooges
4/5
Solid proto punk. I Wanna Be Your Dog is an all time banger. No Fun is wicked cool. Attitude galore. Good stuff.
Hawkwind
4/5
Only a band with Lemmy in it can have a flute solo sound badass!
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
Such an annoying punchable voice. Beyond irritating. They have three albums on this list. Why? Grating beyond belief.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
This one surprised me in a good way. I didn't care for The Soft Bulletin but this one was quite good. Sly commentary on technology and AI which is very relevant today. A grower. Also a very sad and distant album. Good to play on lonely rainy nights.
The Kinks
3/5
Still not totally into The Kinks but I am understanding why people really like them. There is pop craftsmanship and wry humour to please the most hardened of souls. People Take Pictures of Each Other has aged very well in the age of Instagram which would be 30 years in the future.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Classic! A great album from beginning to end.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Solid but absolutely heartbreaking album. You Know I'm No Good is an all time banger. Considering all she went through, it's a bit of a miracle this album sounds so fresh despite here many issues.
Nirvana
3/5
I prefer Alice In Chains Unplugged album over this, but this is decent nonetheless. The covers are better than the originals with the possible exception of All Apologies. It's also somewhat sad as this was the final recording of Kurt Cobain.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Uneven but I give Jah credit for experimenting and trying new things. HIs bass playing is solid but his voice leaves much to be desired. The songs with the female singers, including Sinead O'Connor are the best songs on here. As well, it's hard to find. Not on Spotify. I did find it on YouTube.
Britney Spears
1/5
Let's make something clear. Britney has been a victim of mean spirited paparazzi and shady business dealing with her father to the point I feel sympathy for her. I think she has endured a tremendous amount of hurt to the point her mental health is probably not the best. Craig Ferguson did a well thought out monologue on his old late night talk show describing what Britney was going through in comparison to his issues with drugs and alcohol. Worth watching if you haven't seen it.
That said, the music is so not my thing. Bubblegum teen pop is probably my least favourite genre but I'm also an older white male who grew up liking hard aggressive music so this is not my scene whatsoever.
Napalm Death
2/5
The most romantic album I've ever heard.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Admittedly, not usually my first choice but this was OK. Criminal is flat out a solid song. Wish it rocked out a bit more though. I do like that it's at times touch but at times vulnerable. This one might grow on me.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
No shortage of hits on this one. Probably their most complete album. I do like their version of I Heard It On The Grapevine but I do understand why many others don't like it. Too dad rock at times but still listenable.
Holger Czukay
3/5
Odd and offbeat but I'm rather odd and offbeat so I didn't mind this. Won't listen to it all the time but it might sneak in there every now and then. Glad I was exposed to this.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
I admit it. I like prog. But I don't like this and I've never been an ELP fan. The recording sounds like it was taped in a warehouse and I don't care for classical pieces done up rock style. The playing is good as these are talented musicians but this was a mess otherwise. Pass.
Missy Elliott
3/5
It's OK. When Missy raps, she sounds confident and forceful but there's too much R&B crooning by other artists that brings this down a couple of notches. Still, glad I was exposed to it.
Nick Drake
3/5
Liked it more than I thought. At least I liked it more than Five Leaves Left. Probably because this has more of a jazz feel than a straight ahead folk album. Not totally my thing but it was listenable.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Another album I was glad to be exposed to. I may not listen to it all the time but it was definitely a relaxing and calming listen. Will revisit later in the future.
Grateful Dead
1/5
I don't get how these guys are so popular. This is fucking dreadful. I loathe The Grateful Dead with a passion.
SZA
2/5
I'm old.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Wanted to like it because I hear the David Bowie and Elvis Costello influences two artists I admire. But this didn’t click with me.
Cornershop
3/5
Decent outing. Nice mix of Indian and indie styles with a dash of electronica and hip hop. Not everything works and at times they try too hard but this was listenable and I just might revisit this one in the future.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I remember hating this album when it came out. After listening to it now, I can understand why it was so incredibly popular back in the day. It's not perfect by any stretch. Her voice is grating at times and the slower songs don't measure up. But there's no denying the power of You Oughta Know with that great bass line and her searing delivery. So yeah, it's OK even though it's firmly stuck in 1995.
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Not bad. Not as good as Talking Heads but that's a difficult act to follow. I do understand why Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz wanted to do this and there is some decent stuff on here. Overall, it's listenable but it lacks the tension and nervous energy that makes Talking Heads special.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Second Indian album I received this week. It’s OK but I have to be in the right mood to listen to it.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
Mediocre and bland. Not terrible but it doesn't belong in the book. Didn't move the needle at all. A pedestrian affair.
ABBA
4/5
First off, there's no denying Dancing Queen is an all time banger. Just a great pop song through and through. The rest of the album is quite solid. A well constructed, well crafted pop album. Not every song hits but most of them do. Deserves to be on this list.
The KLF
2/5
Somewhat confusing. What mix did I listen to? What version is this? Spotify wasn't terribly clear on the mixes so I kind of dropped out. There is some good material here but there's also stuff with a country twinge that didn't work at all. Not terrible but I can't give it a passing grade either.
Gene Clark
1/5
Well that was something. If something was nothing and we're all living in a hopeless entity that will bring nothing but the end of time. Which I was hoping for after listening to this turd of an album. Awful.
Christina Aguilera
1/5
I needed to take a shower after listening to this.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
After some mediocrity, it was refreshing to hear something solid. First time hearing this particular album by this band and I was impressed. I've heard other albums by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and liked them as well. This was a nice discovery that I will revisit again.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
It's fine but not spectacular. Some of the beats cook but some fall flat. Overall inconsistent but a decent slab of 90s hip hop.
Van Morrison
1/5
I don't get the love Van Morrison gets. His voice is grating beyond belief. The faux jazz interludes are irritating and then he adds a harpsichord. Ugh! Plus he's a cranky, crusty individual whom I never want to cross paths with. Forget it.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Some of this was good. Some of it was meh. I do appreciate Nick Cave's songwriting ability and it's always a pleasure to hear PJ Harvey make a guest appearance. Overall, decent but not outstanding.
Nanci Griffith
1/5
I really don't like country music.
KISS
1/5
Nope. Just nope. Too dumb to be taken seriously. Gene Simmons is an all time asshole. Hard pass.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Discovering Stevie’s classic album period has been a highlight of this musical journey. This one did not disappoint. Solid funk. Smooth ballads (although at times too smooth). Great musicianship. Solid listen.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1/5
Nearly two hours of hillbilly music plus confederate flags on the album cover equals an absolute no from me.
Queen
4/5
Maybe a bit overplayed and there are some meh tracks but this remains a solid listen after all these years. I still think Queen are more of a singles band but I'd still recommend them to any hard rock fan that has prog leanings.
Björk
3/5
I respect Björk for being ambitious and daring. This album while it doesn’t always click is definitely ambitious and daring. For that, it gets a passing grade but I do have to be in the right mindset to listen to it.
Sonic Youth
5/5
I'm mad at 15 year old me for not listening to this unadulterated masterpiece when it came out! Mesmerizing, hypnotic, beautiful, snarling, menacing, vulnerable. Just fantastic stuff.
Beastie Boys
5/5
I was 16 when this album came out and I hated it back then. I wish I could go back in time and punch my 16 year old self for not realizing what an absolute masterpiece this album is. All the samples hit hard. The beats are dope. The rhymes are the bomb. This works so masterfully that it can't be duplicated. And this isn't even their best album. Check Your Head is beyond incredible and somehow didn't make this list. Still, 5 stars and then some for this glorious recording.
R.E.M.
2/5
Couldn't get into this one. They don't sound that confident here which makes sense since this was their debut. It just sort of sits there with very little energy. It gets better for them later on in their career but this one doesn't need to be in the book.
Sugar
4/5
Solid stuff from the former Husker Du frontman. Nice slice of 90s alt rock with some grunge and a dash of post punk thrown in. I still wish Zen Arcade was in this book but I have no problem with this and I will listen again.
Steely Dan
1/5
Steely Dan reminds me of my love life. Dull, disappointing and depressing to think about. Fuck Steely Dan!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Fine but not Costello's best. The horns and orchestration don't match Elvis's style. Pete Thomas drums sound muted and restrained which limits him which is a shame. There are good songs on here but the album as a whole lacks punch. Decent but it's no This Year's Model.
The Byrds
2/5
Too much jingle jangle for my taste.
The Byrds
2/5
Why are there five Byrds albums on this list? Why did I get the Byrds for two straight days? Too many questions. Not enough answers.
TV On The Radio
4/5
Starts kind of slow but finishes strong. I think this album will grow on me as I liked the majority of the tracks. I wish there was more real drums than using electronic beats. Still, this was pretty solid.
The Band
3/5
Influential. Songwriting is good. Not surprising since Robbie Robertson wrote the majority of the songs. A bit too dad rock and a bit too folkie at times for my taste. Decent but not spectacular.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Not her best but still decent. I wish it would've rocked out more but she goes for a more indie and at times baroque sound. I get it. She wants to grow as an artist and the songwriting remains strong. But this didn't quite hit as hard for me as previous releases. Still, worth a listen.
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
I understand the low rating on this site but I kind of liked this. Yeah the lyrics are juvenile but the musicianship is rock solid. Will listen again.
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
The main reason why I'm doing this project is to discover "new" music. Maybe a better term would be undiscovered music. First time hearing this and it was a treasure. Feels like I should be at a martini bar, talking to a beautiful woman while this is playing in the background. Not quite five stars but this will be added to my rotation.
The Coral
2/5
It has moments but not enough of them to make a good album. Also, the singer's voice is annoying. Meh.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Decent but not spectacular. The lyrics are dumb and hurt the overall product. I'm a sucker for 90s grunge like sound so this appealed to me musically. Probably made me nostalgic for the days when I was young and immature. Those were the days.
The Mars Volta
5/5
Been wanting to explore this band further. This is really good. Unconventional, yes. But if you can handle the dissonance and the chaos, it's a rewarding experience. Also, a great live band as well. Wish more of their albums appeared in the book.
Kings of Leon
4/5
Their best album. Yeah it's been overplayed but the songs are strong. (Closer in particular is a banger.) The playing is solid and the vibes just feel right. I do understand the negative reviews but I can't deny that this album deserves to be in the book. Also brings back good memories which helps its cause.
Morrissey
2/5
Started pretty good, but quickly faded into self loathing and non stop whining from this pretentious asshole. If he wasn't so punchable, he could make a decent record. Alas, he goes into his normal woe is me schtick to the annoyance of this particular listener.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Masters of War is a banger. Simply a great anti war song that's sadly relevant to this day. The rest of the album is meh. But this is a rare time that one song is so strong, it gives the album a passing grade.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
She has a good voice but the country/Americana thing isn't my jam. I can see why people like it but sorry folks. Not for me.
Method Man
3/5
Pretty good. Not perfect but I think this one will grow on me.
Boring dad rock.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Stone cold classic!
The Electric Prunes
2/5
Didn't do anything. Just some mediocre 60s psych rock.
Miles Davis
5/5
Yes, it's experimental. Yes it's difficult. Yes it's, chaotic. Yes, it's unsettling. Yes, it's daring. It's also fucking brilliant. Only Miles could pull this off and make it work. A challenging, yet rewarding experience.
Liz Phair
3/5
It's fine. Not a classic. Her voice can be grating at times but the songwriting is solid and the content at times suits her limited range. Very 90s.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Inoffensive but somewhat bland and dull. Pass.
UB40
2/5
Good social commentary but boring reggae music. It it had Bob Marley's fire this would have been great. Instead, it's just meh.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Good but not great. I prefer Holy Bible over this one. Some decent tracks but it is inconsistent overall. Still, a decent listen.
N.E.R.D
3/5
Liked it more than I thought. First half of the album is strong but it does drop off in the latter half. Still, I'll probably revisit this one in the future.
The Gun Club
3/5
A bit inconsistent but there's enough decent music on here to give it a passing grade.
Jefferson Airplane
2/5
White Rabbit is great. The rest is meh.
Joy Division
3/5
Dated but there's enough good tracks to keep this thing going. Very influential which helps its cause as well. Ian Curtis is a downer and his voice is a bit grating.
Barry Adamson
2/5
He's talented but this is a convoluted mess. He sounds like he's trying too hard to make the album to please everyone. In the end, it falls flat.
Morrissey
2/5
The more I listen to Morrissey's solo albums, the more I realize Johnny Marr was the true talent of The Smiths.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Really cool album that's slightly marred by over length and a lack of Phyfe Dog. Still, an important album from the old school hip hop days that I thoroughly enjoyed.
King Crimson
4/5
It isn't radio friendly nor will it be a commercial darling but it is daring and different and that's what I'm looking for. I do think Red and Discipline are better albums from King Crimson but this is a solid albeit difficult album.
Peter Tosh
3/5
It's fine but I'd rather listen to it on a beach or a resort over a sterile office.
T. Rex
3/5
It's certainly glam rock. It's pretty good but Bowie does it better.
Tom Waits
3/5
Not the best Tom Waits album but there's still some decent stuff on here.
Def Leppard
2/5
Way overproduced with dumb lyrics. The title track is the album's saving grace but the rest I can live without. It was a massive success but I find it disappointing when it came out and my opinion hasn't changed since.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
Hard no. This is bad prog. How this made the list and a great band like Tool was ignored is shameful. This album is another reason why punk needed to happen.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
There is no doubt the late Bon Scott was influence by these guys. Some of these songs have aged poorly. (Gang Bang is flat out gross.) Some are great. (Faith Healer is a banger.) It squeaks by with a passing grade due to its influence but the lyrics are icky.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Solid stuff. This is true soul music. Hugely influential. Definitely belongs in the book.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
This one hit some feels today. Solid hard rock/stoner rock/post grunge album. If Only was a bit of a radio hit in the late 90s but I appreciate that song more now than in the late 90s. Mexicola is a flat out banger. Thin production and slight over length subtracts a star but I'm glad this one made the list. I wouldn't have been disappointed if more QOTSA albums made it but alas, this is the only one.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
This album hasn't aged well. It's not terrible. There are still some good songs on here and the musicianship is solid. But the lyrical content and the faux rapping is very much stuck in the early 90s. That said, it does bring back some good memories so I give it a pass. It would have been higher in the 90s though.
The Vines
3/5
It's fine but they definitely weren't the new Nirvana. Some good songs, some meh songs. Decent but give me The Hives over this.
Björk
3/5
Definitely not boring. Always interesting. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Kind of have to be in the mood to listen to Bjork.
Japan
3/5
Pretty good. Definitely has a late 70s/early 80s vibe to it. I can hear the influence it had on Duran Duran but I also think Tears For Fears were taking notes as well. Not perfect by any stretch but listenable.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Definitely influential. Without this, the Berlin trilogy from Bowie doesn't exist nor does Iggy Pop's late 70s output and any other electronica album that has come out since. For influence alone and yes, influence is important, this gets a solid thumbs up from me.
Bob Dylan
3/5
No denying Tangled Up In Blue is a great song. The rest of the album is Ok at best. This is Dylan's divorce album no matter how much he denies it. Some songs run too long. With his voice that's a drawback. It did influence artists l like including Public Enemy who quoted lyrics from this in later albums. So I'll give it a passing grade.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Actually liked it more than I thought I would. Very relaxing background music. That said, I'm not sure I needed to hear this before I die. It's pleasant but it's also is just there. I kind of wish half star ratings were available. A pure neutral rating.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Some of it worked, some of it didn't. An interesting experiment that was novel at the time but kind of out of style by today's standards. Still decent enough to earn a passing grade.
Nick Drake
2/5
I know many rate him highly, but I can't get into Nick Drake. It just doesn't do it for me.
The Replacements
3/5
Good but I was expecting great. No doubt it influenced Kurt Cobain and the rest of Nirvana. There are good songs but not everything hit for me. Decent but not spectacular.
Deee-Lite
2/5
Groove Is In The Heart is a banger. However, the rest of the album doesn’t hold up. It’s also quite dated. Can’t recommend it.
The Adverts
3/5
It’s decent but there’s better punk albums out there.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Trying to sound like making a James Bond theme but failing spectacular. Dreadful stuff.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
A bit moody but I should expect that from Nick Cave. Decent. Some good songs on here. Don't think I'd listen to it all the time but it is a good listen when I'm having a bad day.
Prince
4/5
Maybe the smuttiest album on this list. But it's Prince and he can make smut work. Not quite as good as Purple Rain or Sign O' The Times but this is still pretty damn good.
David Ackles
1/5
Trying way too hard to make a statement about America only to have it sound cheesy and laughable. On top of that, his voice isn't great. This was a dreadful listen. A waste of time.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
Let's state the obvious first. Welcome To The Jungle is an all time banger. Maybe the best opening song on an album ever. Rocket Queen is also a banger and a great closer. If a couple of tracks were cut, this would be a perfect album. But I'm deducting a star for some outdated misogyny and Axl's somewhat petulant behaviour. But this is a rock solid album otherwise.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
This didn't need to be a double album. There are good songs on here and if the fat was trimmed, this could have been a really good album. Instead, some decent tracks and a lot of filler. Gets a passing grade but that's all.
Jeff Beck
4/5
Solid guitar album. Beck's playing is fantastic. It's strange hearing Rod Stewart's voice yet he's not the featured artist. The instrumentals are the strongest tracks here. I do like Beck's version of You Shook Me more than Zeppelin's version. One complaint, this isn't metal yet the generator thinks it is. Trust me, it's not metal. Oh well.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Decent but I think there might be too many Nick Cave albums on this list. Have to be in the right mood to listen to him.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Enjoyed this one. Solid punk album. The saxophone adds a neat touch. Visceral, angry all the good stuff that is required in a punk album. Will listen again.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Solid stuff. Enjoyed PJ Harvey's work in this project as this is her last album I get to listen to. Quality material throughout. Will check out more of her music in the future.
Finley Quaye
2/5
Not the worst but this was mediocre reggae. Bob Marley he is not.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
It is a classic but it's also a tad overrated. The issue for me is these songs were "liberally borrowed" from artists (mostly black blues artists) without their permission or consent. Granted, the bluesmen didn't have a rhythm section like John Paul Jones or especially John Bonham that dramatically changed the sound and feel of these tracks. It gets a high grade for the strong bass and drums but not perfect because it's not totally original.
Doves
4/5
A pleasant surprise. Didn't expect much but this one is quite good. Not perfect but I'll give this one another spin. Dreamy, spacey, somewhat fitting if you're a loner like I am. Solid album.
Anita Baker
2/5
She has a good voice but the 80s production and overly schmaltzy tone made this a tepid and forgettable listen.
The Bees
2/5
Giant load of meh.
The Pharcyde
3/5
First half of the album is strong but it drops off quite a bit in the second half. Decent but somewhat dated.
Soundgarden
4/5
This straight white dude enjoyed this album. Chris Cornell's voice is just wow!
The Beach Boys
3/5
Hot take: I liked this album more than Pet Sounds. By no means is this album perfect, but its darker tone and more focused musicianship made this a decent listen. Feel Flows is a highlight especially since it shows up in Almost Famous, one of my favourite movies ever.
Primal Scream
3/5
A bit all over the place but there are enough good tracks on here to make this a decent listen. I wish they would have gone all in on the electronica side because those were the best songs on the album.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Pretty good. More metallic than alternative. Jane Says is a classic. Too bad Perry Farrell is such a prick. Not totally consistent but a decent listen.
Julian Cope
2/5
Couple of OK moments, but this is pretentious, long and boring. Pass.
Goldfrapp
3/5
Bit of a mood album. Good to listen to on a Sunday morning or on a rainy day. Very chill and understated. Won't listen to it all the time but might revisit on the right day. Decent.
Small Faces
2/5
If it rocks out more, it would have been passable. But the interludes that were trying to be funny fall flat. Monty Python they are not.
2/5
At least it's short.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
A precursor to grunge. Can definitely hear how it influenced Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and the rest of the Seattle scene. Not perfect but pretty good. Didn't mind the dissonance.
Tom Waits
3/5
Started strong but faded out in the second half. I'm waiting for something to top Nighthawks At The Diner but I think that's not going to happen. Still decent though.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Solid musicianship but the songs did tend to bleed into another which dragged the album down a little bit. Still decent but salsa isn't totally my jam. Need to be in the right mood.
The Pretty Things
2/5
If it rocked out more, I would have liked it. But it tries too hard to sound like the Beatles and like most bands of the era, not succeeding. Very much stuck in the 60s which isn't my favourite sound.
Solomon Burke
2/5
Too many songs sound the same. Also, I only recognized one of the songs and it's never been a favourite of mine. (He'll Have To Go) He does have a good voice but I couldn't get into the album.
Suede
3/5
If it rocked out more, it would have been a great album. But there's too many ballads that bring this one down a bit. Decent but could have been better.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Very solid. A bit too long but still this is a worthwhile listen. King Kunta is a flat out banger. Can't wait to see him perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. I remember you was conflicted, misusing your influence.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
It's fine but I need to be on a desert highway or someplace warm rather than icy cold Canada near Christmas with snow flying overhead to listen to this.
Devendra Banhart
1/5
Trying to look like Frank Zappa. Trying to sound like Nick Drake. Failing at both. This was dreadful. A painful listen that only gave me joy when it ended. Never again.
Coldcut
2/5
Very dated. Very 80s. You know it’s 80s electronica when the Tarzan sound appears numerous times. Annoying.
Daft Punk
4/5
Now this is good electronica. No annoying Tarzan sounds or weak beats here. Da Funk is an all time banger. Alive is way cool. It’s too long which deducts a star but this is a solid album.
Talvin Singh
2/5
It tries and I admire the ambition but this didn't work for me. The beats weren't strong enough and the mixture of Indian music with soft rhythms kind of made it sound like a soundtrack to those old Skinemax films back in the day.
Skunk Anansie
4/5
First time hearing. Quite solid. Great vocals. Would like to hear more from them. Nice discovery.
Brian Eno
3/5
Strong first half but faded in the second half. Definitely influenced Bowie, Roxy Music and Peter Gabriel amongst others. Felt that the tracks with Robert Fripp on guitar were the best. Good but not quite great.
Goldie
2/5
Jungle isn't my favourite form of electronica. Nearly 2 hours of chaotic beats made by a former James Bond henchman with ADHD is way too much!
Pulp
2/5
Mediocre britpop. Jarvis Cocker tries too hard to be Bowie but he doesn't come close to the legend.
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
Couple of decent tracks but overall the beats aren't there and the feel isn't right. Couldn't get into it. Not terrible but not great either.
Elastica
3/5
It sounds a lot like Wire which isn't a bad thing. Pretty good even though it isn't original.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
A bit odd to listen to this in the dead of winter. This is definitely a summer album. Marley's politics shines but the songs are just good, not great. Give me Exodus over this one.
The Byrds
3/5
Best Byrds album I've heard so far. But there's still far too many Byrds albums on this list.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
Influential yet pedestrian. Fuck Eric Clapton.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Solid album. Maybe his best 80s album. The Attractions provide terrific backup to Costello's whims and rages against love and romance. Most reviews I've read didn't care for it but I liked it quite a bit.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
2/5
Meh. Boring. Didn't do anything for me.
Underworld
4/5
This one surprised me in a good way. First time heard it. Very cool. Would be great to listen to at a club or on a road trip. Dug the vibe. Back half is so-so but first half is strong. Will listen again.
The Cure
3/5
This was OK but Robert Smith still annoys the hell out of me.
New York Dolls
4/5
Nice mixture of glam and punk rock. Too bad they weren't around for the long run. Solid album.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Tries so hard to be David Bowie. Fails spectacularly. Godawful. Ugh!
2/5
Disappointed with this one. Drums and Wires should be in the book. Not this. Expected more. Was let down.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Not their absolute best but a solid album by the Stones. Street Fightin' Man is an all time banger! It's been played a ton on classic rock but it deserves it spot on it.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Musicianship is good but the songs kind of bleed together after a while and the music isn't totally my jam. Also, he's an alleged scumbag.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
This one surprise me in a good way. I hade Idlewild earlier and strongly disliked it so I had low expectations on this one. Well colour me shocked. This one was quite solid. More atmospheric and urban which is closer to my leanings and less sophisti-pop which bores me to tears. Wrong is the standout track, especially the remixed version.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Pretty good. The mixture of Bossa nova and funk worked for the most part. I'd listen again, but this time in the summer on a beach.
The Dictators
3/5
You can't be all bad if you're lead singer's name is Handsome Dick Manitoba.
Talking Heads
5/5
Splendid and superb album. In my opinion their best and that's saying something. The mixtures of rhythms, styles and hooks just mesh so perfectly yet awkwardly. A must listen.
Dire Straits
4/5
The homophobic slur is regrettable, especially that it was on the best song. Still a rock solid album. In my opinion, their best. They never topped themselves after this.
The Verve
3/5
Not bad. Started strong. Faded but came back. Not sure it belongs in the book as it was a typical 90s album but a decent listen.
The White Stripes
3/5
Decent listen. Not everything worked but I got into it a little. Not as good as Elephant. Also, might be too many White Stripes albums in the book. Still, it's fine.
1/5
I'll say one good thing. Wes Borland is a fine guitarist. OK enough with the compliments. This was fucking awful. How this tripe made this list while a phenomenal band like Tool was completely ignores is an absolute travesty. Fuck Fred Durst with a rusty rake.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Not enough hits and the appropriation of black music are downers. But there's no denying the influence and impact this album had on music and society. Plus The Clash used a similar album cover so it can't be all bad.
Steely Dan
1/5
The soundtrack for divorced dads who want to bang the young intern but have no chance with her.
Gene Clark
2/5
Title track was good but the rest of it was quite meh. Didn't click with me.
Morrissey
2/5
Shut up Morrissey
Air
4/5
This was on my recommendation list for a while but never got around to it til now. Great background music. Not as trippy as Massive Attack or as thumping as Daft Punk but this was a solid listen and I'll revisit again.
The Byrds
2/5
Still too many Byrds albums. At least I'm done with them. My Back Pages is a good song but Neil Young's version is better.
Madonna
3/5
Her best album but far from perfect. Swim and Frozen are the best songs It does have a Massive Attack vibe which I like. But it's too long and it has lull spots. Still, decent.
Cat Stevens
2/5
Not my thing.
The The
2/5
Lyrics are actually Ok but the music is seriously dated. Very 80s and not in a good way. Can't give it a passing grade.
The Blue Nile
2/5
Boring forgettable dated album. Singer tries so hard to sound like Peter Gabriel. Not working.
Bobby Womack
3/5
A bit too smooth for my liking as I like my funk a little bit harder and edgier. But this is still a decent listen.
Bee Gees
1/5
They burned the wrong Bee Gees album at Comiskey Park in 1979. Saturday Night Fever is a masterpiece compared to this drivel.
Elbow
2/5
Not offensive but something was missing here. It didn't click with me.
Ray Price
1/5
I don't like country music. Sorry not sorry.
Motörhead
3/5
Production isn't great and that hurt the album. Not.a fan of live albums but I like Motorhead so it gets a pass from me.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Not really my scene but this was OK. Even heard some crunch in the guitar for a more rock sound. It's not perfect. It's too long but it's listenable.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Very 90s. Happy grunge music. I prefer my grunge dark and brooding. But this was actually better than I thought it would be. Not totally great but listenable.
The Roots
4/5
Solid stuff. A tad overlong but this one delivers. Really good hip hop here. I think Things Fall Apart should have been included but I have no problem with this being in as well.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
This doesn't belong here. Too many covers. No real hits. The only reason it made this list is it's the first album from a legendary band. That isn't enough to qualify it for me though. It's quite pedestrian to my ears. They have classic albums. This isn't it.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
After hearing this, I was wearing dark eyeliner. I've never worn dark eyeliner. This wasn't too bad.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
It's decent but it's the wrong Lana album on this list. Ultraviolence should be on here. That said, a good listen.
Stephen Stills
2/5
Musicianship was solid but this sounded like a massive ego trip. This did not need to be a double album.
Heaven 17
2/5
The best musician in the band is the bass player who's not even a full time member of the band. The lyrics are OK but the music is definitely dated. Just meh.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Tries very hard to be Prince. It's a noble ambition but there is only one Prince. As Yet Untitled is a good song but the rest is just filler and the singles don't hit.
Stereolab
3/5
Ok but inconsistent. The band needed to settle on a sound and go with it. There's potential here but it just misses the mark. Decent. I'll give it a passing grade but nothing higher.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Pretty good. 80s production both helped and hurt the album. Very goth and gloomy. It was alright.
This is when U2 began to fall off dramatically. Elevation is a good song but the rest is corporate, hokey schlock that has hindered the band since. Such a waste.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Ball and Chain is the highlight here. The rest is quite sloppy but passable.
John Grant
2/5
Didn't click with me.
Garbage
3/5
Decent 90s alt rock albeit dated. Bit overproduced but a good listen.
3/5
Not bad. Hit some sweet spots. Definite lulls though as well. Decent chill out music. May have to be in the right mood to listen to it.
Traffic
2/5
They're good musicians but this didn't move the needle at all for me. Bland dad rock.
Tori Amos
4/5
Solid album. Me and a Gun is devastating. Everyone should listen to that song. The rest is very good albeit not perfect. This is a proper singer-songwriter album filled with strength and vulnerability.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
A timely album for what's going on in the world today. What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding resonates very loudly to me at this time. Some of the racial stuff isn't great but this is a solid listen and probably his second best album behind Next Year's Model.
Van Halen
4/5
Yeah it’s dated. Yeah it’s dumb. So what. This was a lot of fun to revisit. Good times.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Decent albeit slightly uneven. It never elevates itself but it doesn't lower itself either. Definitely influential.
Os Mutantes
2/5
The story behind the album is cool. Sadly the music doesn't do the story any justice. 60s psych rock isn't really my jam.
Duke Ellington
3/5
The playing is rock solid but I wish this was done in a studio instead of a live setting. The introductions and crowd noise hurt this. The music is fine which gives it a passing grade.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Lots of noise. The Gift is dark as hell. Won't listen to this on a regular basis but glad I was exposed to it.
Marilyn Manson
1/5
A grotesquely vile human being. The music isn't any good either.
Mudhoney
3/5
Very 90s. Very grunge. It was fine and definitely had solid moments. But Soundgarden and Alice In Chains do it better. Still, I get why this made the book.
The Darkness
2/5
It's not terrible and I know it's a bit of a goof. But the schtick only lasts for so long before it gets annoying. Plus, his voice irritates me.
Metallica
4/5
This was my introduction to Metallica back in the day. The production is definitely a hinderance and burying Jason Newsted's bass wasn't a great idea. But the songs are strong (albeit long) and still pack a punch.
Parliament
5/5
The world would be a better place if everyone listened to Parliament and felt the funk.
Metallica
5/5
Their best album. A true metal masterpiece. They never topped this. Just a force of sonic intensity that never lets up. RIP Cliff Burton.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Terrific talent. Keith Jarrett has been recommended to me for a while but this was my first listen and I was impressed. I want to explore more of his discography.
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
Layla is a great song. The rest is meh. it's too long. Clapton is a twonk.
David Crosby
2/5
Lots of oohs and ahs and a few umms. Doesn't make for great songwriting. Neil Young and Joni Mitchell try but they can't save this. Is it just me or does Cowboy Movie sound a lot like Cowgirl In The Sand but not as good.
The Black Crowes
1/5
A mish mash of corporate schlock and pretentious blues rock that tries so hard to sound like Exile on Main Street but has nowhere near the grit or energy. Rock radio loved this album when it came out. Just another reason why rock radio is dying.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Lots of dissonance. Lots of noise. I don't mind it personally but I can see where it would turn people off. The production holds this back. Influential for sure. Decent but could have been better.
Calexico
3/5
Unique which is good but it falls short of great. Definitely listenable and Crumble is a very good song. Maybe the mix of mariachi trumpets and accordions kind of messes up my listening experience. Still, glad I was exposed to it.
Rufus Wainwright
1/5
A celebration of pretentious whining and self absorption. Hipsters would love this album. Hipsters are very punchable.
The Killers
3/5
Not quite a great album but there are good songs on here. Mr Brightside is a staple at sporting events especially Michigan football games. Overall good but there are lulls outside of the singles that push the album to the next level.
Don McLean
1/5
It's all based on if you like the title track. Well, I never liked the title track and the rest is pure self absorbed buckets of blah and tedium that sounds either schmaltzy, insincere or tedious. This doesn't belong here at all.
Can
5/5
It's very avant garde and leans towards prog. So yes it might upset a few people. Not me. I loved it. Absolutely brilliant albeit strange and fascinating. It's a trip but this could be made today and sound modern. This is the type of album that belongs in the book. Not commercially popular but an adventurous ride for those willing to dare take it.
Pixies
4/5
So solid. Loud, quiet, abrasive yet has some subtlety as well. The more I hear the Pixies, the more I like them.
Q-Tip
4/5
Nice discovery here. Never heard it before. A Tribe Called Quest is a fine hip-hop act and I like Phyfe Dawg but Q-Tip brings it here solo style. Solid stuff.
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
I wouldn't listen to it all the time but this was OK chill out music. The bandoneon isn't my favourite musical instrument but I kind of dug the vibraphone. Interesting. Glad I was exposed to it but never rises above decent.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
I'm a sucker for big beat electronica from the 90s. This was quite solid. Dug it. Not perfect but I'll listen again.
Kelela
2/5
Didn't move the needle for me. She has a decent voice but this is typical R&B material of let's have sex, oh we're fighting now, baby please come back stuff that's so typical. Sigh.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
I missed this when it came out. It's pretty good but falls short of great. Beats are chill. The rhymes have flow but it is missing the energy that makes the great hip-hop albums great. I will listen to it again in the future. Maybe it will grow on me.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Gimmie Shelter is an all time banger and in my opinion, the best Stones song. This album would've gotten five stars if Honky Tonk Women was on here instead of Country Honk. But that slip up costs them a star. Still, a pretty damn good Stones album.
Deep Purple
3/5
Another live album. Too many of them. I like Deep Purple but this would be better if I was at the actual concert. Space Truckin' goes on way too long. They can play and the songs are good. I just prefer the studio versions.
Ice T
4/5
Some dope rhymes and hard rhythms. Solid stuff albeit too long. Still, a noteworthy album from one of the masters of gansta rap.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
60s psych pop isn't my thing. Dated and blah.
Genesis
4/5
A solid prog album. Very English. It is making a statement about the Americanization of England which still holds up today with all that is happening now. The Cinema Show might be the best song Genesis ever recorded. Musically, not for everyone and I get that with its medieval musings and Shakespearian motifs. Still, I'll listen again.
Incubus
3/5
This was everywhere back in the late 90s and early 00s. Drive brings back memories of an ex girlfriend who used to play it in her car. We're still friends to this day. My love life is in shambles.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
No denying its influence and there are good moments on here. But this is also overrated and not one of the greatest albums ever made. It does belong in the book and on this list but I can't call it best ever like so many critics do.
The Fall
3/5
A bit uneven but a decent listen.
The Specials
3/5
Not a big ska fan but this was pretty good. May not revisit it a ton but I can appreciate it.
Mylo
2/5
Never got out of second gear. Just when I thought it would go up a notch, it just listed lazily. Kind of disappointing and no it will not destroy rock & roll.
The Waterboys
2/5
Way too long and this type of music is better in a pub than on vinyl. Didn't click with me.
Mj Cole
2/5
It could've worked as background music but this is tepid electronica that tries to be R&B but never hits any right notes. Just so blah.
The Clash
5/5
MASTERPIECE!!
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Porn.
John Lennon
3/5
Working Class Hero is a classic and Lennon’s best song. The rest I could live without even though God is interesting.
Boards of Canada
3/5
Decent chill out music but if goes on for far too long.
Green Day
3/5
Green Day’s attempt at prog. Very front loaded. Some good songs but trails off in the back half. Ambitious but doesn’t 100% work. OK but could’ve been great.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Proof that good musicians don’t necessarily make good music. Never got into ELP even though I like prog. The album cover looks like a rejected Transformer idea.
Brian Eno
4/5
Liked it. Maybe because I’m going to an airport tomorrow so this was a fitting choice by the generator. It’s solid chill out music that will remind me of travelling going forward. My favourite Eno album from this list.
Love
3/5
For 60s psych, this was pretty good. Not perfect but it was OK. Listenable.
Ryan Adams
1/5
Trying to be Bruce Springsteen. Failing spectacularly. Alleged pedophile. Why does he have two albums in the book? Why does he have any albums in the book? Ghastly. Utter tripe.
Korn
2/5
I will admit Freak On A Leash is a good song. After that, it's just noise, angst and misplaced anger that the late 90s was filled with but really didn't add up to much. Also, a Fred Durst cameo? Really? Ugh!
Michael Jackson
4/5
The obvious stuff. The title track, Billie Jean and Beat It are all bangers. For the most part, this album is a classic but the duet with McCartney and the ballads fall flat. Highly influential. It's huge. Solid but Purple Rain is better.
XTC
3/5
Decent listen. Dear God is a classic and somewhat fitting in today's times. Still think Drums and Wires is their best album.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Take one part personal drama. Add a boatload of cocaine. Multiply that with huge egos and you get one of the most overrated albums in music history. It doesn't mean it's bad. It's fine. There are good songs on here. But to call it one of the greatest albums ever made isn't accurate in my books. Certainly not terrible. Just fine. That's all. Oh and cocaine. Lots and lots of cocaine.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Decent but wouldn't listen to it all the time. Still glad I was exposed to it. Not totally my thing but I appreciated it.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Just can't do it. This guy is insufferable. His voice is grating. The music is mediocre at best. Just no. No more of him. Make it stop.
Donald Fagen
1/5
This album is so dull, it makes Microsoft Excel look exciting.
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
If there is a new issue of this book coming out in the near future, this album will be replaced by a Kendrick Lamar album.
Jamiroquai
3/5
Trying very hard to be Stevie Wonder. Doesn't quite get there but it's a decent attempt. Fine but didn't blow me away.
The Libertines
3/5
Pretty good but didn't blow me away. Decent indie rock.
Deerhunter
2/5
I've tried to get into these guys but something's missing here. It just isn't clicking with me.
Screaming Trees
4/5
The most underrated band of the Seattle scene. Solid llsten. These guys should have been bigger. RIP Mark Lanegan.
The Icarus Line
4/5
Most of the reviews for this album have been quite negative. The masses are wrong this time. I enjoyed it. Quite solid. Not perfect but this one surprised me in a good way.
The Who
4/5
Ambitious and sprawling and for the most part it works. Pinball Wizard is a classic. Sparks is a great instrumental. Very influential, although sometimes not for the best. Still, this definitely belongs. I still think Who's Next is better.
Happy Mondays
3/5
A bit choppy and inconsistent but okay overall. Didn't blow me away but had enough sway and rhythm to earn a passing grade.
Sepultura
3/5
A bit too heavy for my tastes but the latin tinged interludes and the politics behind the music make this an interesting enough listen and tolerable to the senses.
White Denim
3/5
Pretty good. Had a bit of pep to it. Might give this another listen in the future.
Shack
3/5
Inoffensive yet indistinguishable britpop. Has enough good moments to earn a passing grade but there isn't enough to make it an absolute must listen.
Pere Ubu
4/5
Oddly weird and jarring. I approve. This was quite good. Kind of fitting I got this album considering David Thomas recently passed away. RIP.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Went a little bit too far into the easy listening side but there's still some pretty good funk here. Solid playing. Might listen again in the future.
Beatles
3/5
Lots of covers. Probably too many covers. But an interesting look back to when the Fab 4 were just getting started. Influential if not a bit dated.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Hard to find as it's not available on Spotify or Apple Music. Opening title track is a banger. Rest is okay. Glad I found it and was exposed to it.
Randy Newman
1/5
Dropping more n-bombs than Kendrick Lamar. I get what Newman was going for here but the execution is way off. Plus, his voice sucks. Piss off.
Joan Armatrading
2/5
Has moments but didn't fully click with me. Not terrible but just kind of meh.
Louis Prima
3/5
Fun album even though I won't listen to it a whole lot going forward. Have to be in the right mood to put it on.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Mediocre, overproduced faux punk with unnecessary horns intruding on all of this. Didn't move the needle at all.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Good guitar work goes to waste in this psychedelic mess. The electric jug is annoying as hell.
David Bowie
4/5
Solid latter day Bowie album. Love is Lost is a total banger. Heat is a moody but very effective closer. Not his absolute best but this is a quality addition to the Bowie catalogue.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Just another mediocre britpop album on a list full of mediocre britpop albums. Nothing earth shattering to this. Just meh.
Stereo MC's
3/5
A bit dated but pretty good. Some solid bass lines and an old school feel. Not perfect but listenable.
New Order
2/5
Never understood the hype or love these guys get. I don't get it. It doesn't do anything for me.
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
Inoffensive but not my jam.
Donovan
2/5
One good song (Season of the Witch) The rest is very meh 60s psych rock.
GZA
3/5
Some of it slaps. Some of it is meh. I'm not an overly huge fan of Wu-Tang's material but I do hear the talent as well. I just think there's better out there. Good but not great.
The Damned
4/5
Is it the best punk album of 1979? No. (That would be London Calling) Is it a solid listen that was pleasing to my ears? It sure was. First time hearing it. Will listen again.
The Youngbloods
2/5
The 60s are overrated.
Alice Cooper
2/5
Never got into Alice Cooper. Title track hits but after that, it's annoying keyboards and overwrought horns that drag this down.
Van Morrison
1/5
It's a Van Morrison album. Ugh! It's a live album. Ugh! It's a double album. Ugh! It's a double live album. Ugh! It's double live Van Morrison album. Ugh! Fuck Van Morrison!
Tricky
5/5
Dark. Brooding. Sinewy. Haunting. Claustrophobic. Edgy. Erotic. Utterly brilliant! This is simply fantastic and a staple in my rotation.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Front loaded. The best songs are in the first half. Significant drop off in the second half. Still fine but it isn't Thriller.
The Jam
3/5
Pretty good and a potential grower of an album. Not everything hit but I have a feeling I'll revisit this one in the future.
Queen
3/5
A bit all over the place and somewhat chaotic. Heard a doom metal riff akin to Black Sabbath. Some prog moments that were Yes and Genesis influenced. The pomp was there but it just misses the mark. It's good but there's better things to come.
The The
2/5
Didn't need to hear this. 80s production is slathered all over the place like putting on too much mayo in your sandwich. Mediocre at best.
Bob Dylan
2/5
Long, pretentious, dull and massively overrated. Cool he gave Neil Young a shout out, but that's all there is to it.
Pink Floyd
5/5
A perfect mix of aching heartbreak and seething anger make this superb album a must listen. This is gorgeous, visceral and achingly sad which is best suited to listen with headphones late at night. Just magnificent!
Jane Weaver
3/5
Liked it more than I thought. Didn't love it nor did it blow me away but it was a decent listen.
The Stooges
4/5
Iggy Pop is cooler than you. He's also cooler than me.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Lots of noise. Lots of dissonance. But I kind of dug it. Very influential on the grunge scene that would explode a few years later.
Scott Walker
2/5
Can definitely hear how it influenced Bowie and many others. But the music and overall presentation isn't my thing and the subject matter is quite dated. Pass.
Portishead
5/5
An exquisitely haunting masterpiece. Beth Gibbons voice soothes and mesmerizes through sinewy, sparse electronica. A must listen.
Dolly Parton
2/5
They're talented but country is my least favourite genre going. Pass.
The Doors
3/5
Front loaded. Roadhouse Blues is a classic. Peace Frog is a banger. But the second half drops off. Decent but not great as a full album.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Some cool musicianship going on here. All of these cats can play. Some interesting rhythms as well. Not perfect but a solid release.
Motörhead
4/5
Minus a star for Jailbait. Otherwise, this album cooks and rocks hard! The Chase is Better Than The Catch is pure romance.
Come on honey, touch me right there.
Come on honey, don't cha be scared.
Come on honey, let me get you in the sack
You know the chase is better than the catch.
Play that at your next candlelight, romantic dinner. Actually don't because if you do, you should seek professional help.
Big Star
3/5
Many rate this as an underrated band. I think they're properly rated. They're okay but there's something missing. I wish they rocked out more instead of focusing on acoustic ballads. Overall fine but it never gets out of neutral.
Carpenters
2/5
Definitely not my thing but I can't deny they're talented. Karen Carpenter is a terrific drummer. Even John Bonham was a fan of hers. I just wish she had a better chance to showcase those skills instead of making really milquetoast easy listening music.
M.I.A.
2/5
Convoluted and chaotic and a bit of a mess. Lots of 80s soundbites which is surprising for an album that came out in 2005. The Sanford and Son sample was cool. But overall, it doesn't work for me.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
He does have an interesting back story as his battle with mental health is worth reading. But this is dreadful music and a slog to get through. So not into this and will not listen again.
American Music Club
2/5
Has moments but the country tinged elements bring the whole thing down for me. I wish it would've rocked out more.
Buzzcocks
3/5
Decent but I've heard better punk albums.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Interesting, different, decent. Won't listen to it too much in the future but would be fine at an outdoor cookout or barbecue as some background mood music.
Richard Thompson
2/5
Didn't click with me. I did hear some talent but it didn't move the needle for me. Not my favourite genre either.
Peter Frampton
2/5
Classic rock radio loved this album but for me, it's always been kind of meh. Frampton is a good guitarist but if they wanted someone who could really sling the axe, then both Joe Satriani and Steve Vai should have been on here. Also, another live album. Sigh.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
I can hear how it influenced Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead. But this also isn't very good. Still better than Kid Rock or Ryan Adams.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Decent but The Modern Dance was better.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
More ambient than I was expecting. This one has potential to grow on me although it is a tad overlong and I need to be in the right mood to listen to it. Still, good chance I revisit it in the future.
Wire
5/5
This is the good stuff. Such a great album. No filler. Just fantastic post punk by a criminally underrated band. There could have been multiple albums from these guys in the book but at least their absolute best is in here. A treat.
Happy Mondays
2/5
If you looked up mediocre in Webster's dictionary, there would be a picture of this album as the perfect description.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Inoffensive but Bossa Nova isn't my cup of tea.
Arcade Fire
4/5
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Win Butler is a complete prick but him and his bandmates know how to put out solid albums.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
Loud, chaotic, crazy, dissonant. Not bad. Wouldn't listen to it all the time but I could see myself listening to it again down the road on an off chance.
John Coltrane
5/5
A pleasure to revisit this superb recording. An absolute gem!
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Snoop has flow and the beats are solid which isn't surprising considering it is G-Funk and Dre was involved in the recording. The lyrics are dated and the skits are meh. Overall, it's fine but not as essential as many make it out to be.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
Lots of talk on here about Matt Groening of The Simpsons saying it's his favourite album. Well, I love the Simpsons but I can't go on and say it'll be mine. I do respect the ambition and its uniqueness. But sometimes, being weird for weirdness sake isn't necessarily a good thing.
Goldfrapp
1/5
This album nearly put me to sleep and not in a good way. Absolutely zero energy but full of boredom and dullness. Watching paint dry would have excited me more.
Fever Ray
4/5
Was introduced to this album by some friends a few years ago. Remains a quality listen. Keep the Streets Empty for Me is one of the most haunting songs ever recorded. Worthy addition to the book.
Ray Charles
4/5
Quality listen. The backing band can sure play. Wish it had more hits and fewer ballads but I'll revisit again. Ray Charles is a legend.
Ash
3/5
Kind of liked it. Heavier than I thought it would be. But I wonder if this band wasn't British, would they be in the book. Still, might revisit in the future.
G. Love & Special Sauce
1/5
Desperately trying to sound cool but failing miserably. How did this make the book but Check Your Head was ignored. This project frustrates me sometimes.
Talking Heads
4/5
I hate people when they’re not polite.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
It's fine but for an album that carries a strong message, I wish the music wasn't so laid back and had more energy. It might be due to the fact reggae is the music for drinking margaritas on the beach but still, it needed more.
Scott Walker
2/5
I didn't mind The Seventh Seal but after that, let's just say baroque pop isn't my jam. I get and I do hear how it influenced Bowie and Radiohead but it just doesn't work for me.
Gillian Welch
1/5
Call it alt country or Americana or any other name it's still country and it's not for me. Add to the fact this album bored me to death just added to the slog.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Solid album from Mick, Keith and the boys. Yeah, Brown Sugar hasn't aged well but the rest of the album is on point. Can't You Hear Me Knocking is an all timer.
Stan Getz
2/5
Talented musicians but it veers too far into easy listening and it ends up kind of dull and drab. Plus by all accounts, Stan Getz was a miserable git.
Pantera
2/5
In all honesty, this hasn't aged well. I still like Walk and it's one of those songs I'll keep around as a song I need for workouts or to release some anger. But, an entire album of this white anger is way too much. Also, Phil Anselmo is a scumbag. RIP DImebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul.
Charles Mingus
4/5
Have heard about this album before but never listened to it until it came up on the generator. The playing is outstanding. I liked this. It's not on the level as Kind of Blue or Love Supreme but this is a solid album.
Def Leppard
4/5
An admitted guilty pleasure. Yeah it's really dumb but I can't resist it. Brings back memories. Nostalgia is a helluva drug.
Sabu
3/5
The percussion cooks but the vocals don't do it for me. The instrumentals and it's different from other albums on this list will give it a passing grade. But I kind of expected more.
Tom Waits
3/5
Different but that's okay. Not perfect but that's okay. I still prefer Nighthawks at the Diner but overall, I can live with this.
Black Sabbath
4/5
The original metal album. Where it all started. Front loaded. Back half isn’t perfect but overall, solid stuff. Paranoid is better but this belongs in the book.
The White Stripes
3/5
More piano than I expected. It's pretty good but I'm not sure it needed to be in the book.
k.d. lang
2/5
She has a good voice and the production is crisp, but this was boring as hell and not my thing. Couldn't get into it.
ABBA
2/5
It sounds a bit isolated and cold which makes sense considering they were on the verge of breaking up. I admire they tried something different but the execution isn't there. The songs aren't catchy and the vibe is a bit off which leads to disappointing results. Not terrible but it misses the mark.
The Strokes
4/5
I remember the hype when this came out and it still holds up pretty well today. Solid stuff and I do think a turn to a more natural, garage rock sound would be needed today.
The Crusaders
3/5
Sounds like the soundtrack to a late 70s/early 80s dramadey that was beloved by critics but didn't hit with audiences. Not bad overall.
Beatles
3/5
Title track is probably my favourite Beatles song. Has a slight punk vibe. Rest is fine albeit too many ballads.
Sufjan Stevens
1/5
This is the type of album sites like Pitchfork love. All introspective with swirling strings and sensitive vocals that are meshed into a weird concept album. Not me. This is drivel disguised as ambitious indie faux rock/pop. Don't get it. Don't understand it. Pass.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Sometimes I question the majority opinion on here when it comes to rating albums. On this occasion, I won’t because the majority is spot on with this one. Hideously awful and one of the absolute worst listens I’ve had the misfortune of hearing. The only list it belongs in is why does this exist.
a-ha
1/5
They’re a one hit wonder and they don’t deserve to be on this list. And the one hit I didn’t like back then and I still don’t like.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Musically, it's okay but the vocals are a major turnoff. The band really needs to hire a competent singer instead of a high pitched, whiny warbler who sounds like he's sucked too much helium.
Taylor Swift
2/5
Sorry Swifties. This isn't my thing at all. I've heard worse but this wasn't made for schlubs like me.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Kind of dumb but lots of fun. They matured later but this is still an enjoyable listen despite some iffy lyrics.
Gram Parsons
2/5
I did like the version of Love Hurts but otherwise, too twangy and countrified for my tastes.
The Style Council
2/5
The attempt at rap was quite cringy and brought everything down. Yeah, this didn't belong in the book.
Janet Jackson
3/5
Kind of all over the place. She did separate herself from her brother which I admire and you can hear the Prince influence. But it is dated and it is the sound of 1989. Overall, slightly better than I remembered and she got screwed over by Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl. So a passing grade from me.
Coldplay
2/5
The perfect album for douchey CEOs to cheat on their wives with the HR lady.
Madonna
2/5
Title track is good. Had potential but it never elevates itself above mediocrity. The version of American Pie is very cringe.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I liked Juju more but this was pretty good. A tad raw but and a little uneven but a decent listen.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
Intense, sprawling, angry yet vulnerable. Admittedly, I have to be in the right mood to listen to it which deducts a star for me. But this is damn solid and a very worthy addition to this list.
Ian Dury
3/5
A bit too English for my Canadian sensibilities but I didn't hate it either. I do get some of this is satire so it has to be taken with a grain of salt. It gets a passing grade for being unique and different. Also, the bass playing is exemplary.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
In all honesty, this is my least favourite studio album from Hendix. That said. it's still damn solid. Lacking the signature song but this is still a must listen for anyone wanting to explore the genius that is Hendrix.
Radiohead
4/5
Bleak. Haunting. Unnerving. Depressing. Ambitious. It's not my absolute favourite Radiohead album but this is a necessary listen. Considering this was made in 2000, the subject of AI or at least, the hints of AI is on its way is very relevant today.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Weird. Freaky. Out there. It’s a Zappa and Mothers album alright. I get why some hate it. I get why some love it. I stand purely in the middle.
Aerosmith
4/5
Bit of a guilty pleasure here. Also, their best album. It would go downhill after this. Sweet Emotion remains a banger. Title track is underrated. Still enjoyed listening to it even though Steven Tyler is a creepy human.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Yeah. Glam metal isn't my thing. The saxophones don't help either as it had a jarring effect that just turned me away. It tried but this is mediocre at best.
Beatles
3/5
Taxman is excellent. One of the better Beatles songs. The production is ahead of its time. But it's overplayed and overhyped. It isn't terrible by any stretch but I'm just not a huge Beatles fan. They're fine but and I respect them but not my absolute favourite.
George Michael
1/5
After listening to this turd of an album, I listened to a punk playlist so I could cleanse myself from the stench of this turgid affair. Just awful.
Nico
2/5
After listening to this, I'm convinced boomers are weird...and not in a good way.
The Cure
4/5
Liked this one more than I thought I would. I've been down on The Cure during this project but this one stood out for the right reasons. More atmospheric with solid production behind it. The guitars and bass really stand out. This might turn me into a Cure fan. Well, maybe not. Robert Smith is still annoying.
AC/DC
3/5
Title track is way overplayed. Touch Too Much and Shot Down in Flames are the best songs here. I do prefer Bon Scott over Brian Johnson but Powerage would have been my choice for AC/DC albums.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Interesting. Atmospheric. Elizabeth Fraser is the star here. Her vocals are excellent. Not all the songs work but there's enough quality to give it a passing grade even though it's not totally my thing.
Fela Kuti
4/5
This was pretty cool. Really dug the drumming. I think I like Afrobeat and will explore it more down the road.
Sepultura
2/5
The older I get the less thrash metal interests me. Never got into these guys back in the day and I'm not getting into them now.
Green Day
3/5
A bit on the overrated side. There are better punk albums out there and this is a touch too poppy for me. Still, there's enough good tracks here to keep this humming along. I've appreciated more as I've gotten older but I still prefer The Ramones or The Clash.
Meat Loaf
1/5
It's big, brash, bombastic, bold and I hated every second of it. Never liked Meat Loaf. This is so over the top that it hurts. Painful listen.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
Bland, pedestrian affair that didn't move the needle at all. Not outright terrible but it doesn't need to be heard before I leave this mortal coil.
David Bowie
5/5
It's out there. It's different. It's fantastic. Through this project, I'm really appreciating Brian Eno's work and this effort with Bowie and Robert Fripp hits the mark. The title track is a classic but I dug the instrumentals as well. This makes me want to visit Berlin at some point.
Syd Barrett
3/5
You can hear is slow descent into madness here. Kind of sad actually. Syd had talent and there is craftsmanship here. But it is quite melancholic and depressing considering how he turned out. It's closer to the Beatles than Pink Floyd and I prefer the Floyidan sounds but overall, it's fine.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Very influenced by Bowie’s Berlin trilogy. Experimental and ambitious. Most of it works. I think So is a tad better but this was a solid listen.
3/5
Better than Definitely Maybe. 115 charges.
Björk
2/5
I respect Bjork's ambition and willingness to take risks. However, this didn't work for me. Too many strings which overpowers the sound to the point of annoyance. I give her credit for pushing the boundaries but this one pushed too far.
Giant Sand
2/5
This one confused me. It had moments but it just dragged on and on and on. It didn't know how to end. Cut a few tracks and this would have been passable. But nope, it just kept going and going. Yawn.
The Doors
4/5
Their best. They never topped this one. Solid albeit weird and somewhat unsettling. Some of it hasn't aged well. Still, a quality listen. After hearing The End, I feel like watching Apocalypse Now.
Aerosmith
4/5
Can’t help it. Solid album from the Toxic Twins an company. Probably their heaviest album. It would go downhill from here on out.
Pink Floyd
4/5
The only album they made with Syd. You can hear the beginning of his breakdown as the album goes on. That way, it's kind of a depressing yet worthwhile listen. I love Pink Floyd but prefer the Gilmour stylings over Syd's psychedelia. Still, a worthy addition to the book.
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
Chill and laid back. Solid listen. Especially in the evening or during a study session. Very relaxing and spacey. Does sound slightly dated but that kind of makes it endearing.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
Couldn't get into it. Different yes but I prefer East Indian music that's instrumental over vocals.
David Bowie
5/5
Take red peppers. Add milk. Throw in copious amounts of cocaine. A burned out rock star. What do you get? An absolutey brilliant album that the creator doesn't remember making. This is my favourite Bowie album and it is bleak, stark, dystopian yet so satisfying. Just superb.
Dirty Projectors
2/5
A bit all over the place. Didn't work for me. The male vocalist is annoying as hell. I don't think they knew what to be as they jumped genres faster than a hurdler. Pass.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Their best in my humble opinion. Kashmir is an all timer. Ten Years Gone is their most heartbreaking ballad. The Rover rocks hard. Black County Woman is an acoustic romp. It kind of has it all. It represents the band and it's a classic.
Pearl Jam
4/5
Their best. They never topped this one. Heavier than I remembered. Hadn’t listened to the whole album in a long time. Still holds up.
Kanye West
2/5
He's talented yes. But he's also a narcissistic and disturbed human being. Can't support it.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
Dreadful. I always hated Come on Eileen so to listen to entire album of this drivel was a painful experience.
Skepta
2/5
It tries but it definitely faded down the stretch and limped home. Not enough here to give it another listen but not overly terrible either.
Haircut 100
2/5
Just another mediocre new wave album that's only in the book because of the author's bias towards British 80s bands that like horns. At least the bassist was solid.
Orbital
3/5
Decent background music but it didn't blow me. Also, the album title leaves a lot to be desired.
Le Tigre
3/5
Nice little surprise. Kind of punky. Kind of sassy. Very political. Not perfect but I’ll listen again.
Caetano Veloso
2/5
One thing I've learned about doing this project: Bossa Nova isn't my scene. Maybe if I spoke Brazilian Portuguese, I might like this more but the language barrier didn't help.
Michael Jackson
2/5
Never cared for it. Still don't care for it. This was a step down from Thriller and it never caught on with me. Just meh.
The Prodigy
4/5
That was fun. Good workout music. This thumped. Solid.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
Interesting. Especially the covers. Somewhat relaxing yet somewhat jarring. Not bad overall.
Bad Company
3/5
The dad rock album of dad rock albums. Way overplayed on classic rock radio but admittedly, there's enough decent songs on here to give it a passing grade.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Fine. Decent blue eyed soul. Wish she wrote some of her songs but her versions are done well.
Miles Davis
4/5
Slightly prefer the modular jazz of Kind of Blue or the hard fusion of Bitches Brew over the cool jazz of this but this was still an enjoyable listen from a master craftsman. Helps that the great Max Roach is on the kit.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
Kind of mediocre and way too long. Not terrible but kind of forgettable.
Slade
3/5
Decent hard rock but not the absolute best from this genre. Lyrics are kind of cheesy and the production is wanting. But it's fun and has a rollicking style so it passes.
Steve Earle
2/5
I respect Steve Earle and he's a survivor. But this is too much country and not enough rock n roll for my tastes.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
What the bloody hell was this? Why is this on here? Supremely awful. This gives prog rock a bad name and I like prog rock.
2/5
Another live album. Sigh. So much harmonica. Too much harmonica. Sorry folkies. Dylan just doesn't do it for me.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Decent. Wished it had a tad more energy but it was an interesting listen.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
A live album that actually rules. Neil is a legend and this is fantastic. A true classic.
Fishbone
4/5
Some solid funk metal. Prefer this over Chili Peppers. The horns are a drawback but I’ll listen again.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Decent albeit too long. If it was shortened to a single album, I would have liked it more. First disc is stronger and it rocks out surprisingly. Cave is an acquired taste and I have to be in the right mood. Still, I may revisit someday.
Big Black
4/5
Noisy. Jarring. Harsh. Yep, it's an album Steve Albini is involved in. I dug it but I prefer Shellac more. Still, this one deserves to be in and it's definitely influential.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
The only thing is album inspired me to do was look up a thesaurus and look up synonyms for dreadful. There's appalling, atrocious, awful, dire, frightful, ghastly, harrowing, hideous, repulsive. Just to name a few. All describe this album and this band.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Decent slice of folk rock, even though it isn't my favourite genre. Their version of Silent Night is eerie and is comparable to events today. Might not listen to it all the time but I do think this belongs in the book.
k.d. lang
1/5
Her voice is fine but it is completely wasted on this subpar effort. Way too twangy for my tastes and the combination of twang and torch song does not mesh well. Add to the fact that these are all covers sinks this to the bottom.
Ozomatli
2/5
Erratic and chaotic. I don't think it knows what it wants to be. Is it a party album? Is it a political album? Is it funk? is it hiphop? Is it pop? Is it rock? I don't think anybody knows. Just too all over the place for me.
Rod Stewart
3/5
His best album. Which means it’s fine. The title track is terrific albeit with questionable lyrics. I’m Losing You thumps. Never cared for Maggie May. A bit too folky at times but overall decent.
Adele
2/5
Too many ballads. She has a strong voice but this is very pedestrian and bland that doesn't move the needle for me.
Bee Gees
1/5
They have a song called Somebody Stop the Music. They should've stopped this dire atrocity. Give me disco Bee Gees over this horror show.
De La Soul
4/5
After a spell of mostly dreary albums, this came with a breath of fresh air. Some energy and solid beats even if it is a bit dated at times. Still, an essential old school hip hop album that deserves its spot in the book.
Sebadoh
3/5
I think these guys listened to Nirvana quite a bit. It's pretty good albeit not terribly original. Rocks out more than I expected from an indie album. Not perfect but passable.
Living Colour
4/5
Criminally underrated and overlooked band that should have been way bigger that what they were. It's not perfect but this is a solid release with some fantastic playing. (Vernon Reid in particular) The 80s production is bit of a letdown but this is still worth listening to today.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Only Johnny Cash could pull off not one but two live albums in prison and make it work.
Beatles
4/5
It’s overplayed but I can’t deny the impact and influence of this album. And yes, it’s their best although I don’t subscribe to greatest album is all time chatter. But this is still a solid album.
Radiohead
4/5
Yes it's great but it is a tad overrated. Still, the claustrophobic, dystopian nature of the music still resonates today and it has aged very well. I do prefer The Bends over this but can't deny how good this one is.
Spacemen 3
3/5
A bit droney but I didn't mind it. I wish there was more drums on here but this kind of grew on me the deeper I got into the album. Decent.
Suicide
4/5
I kind of understand the negative reviews here. It's not for everybody. But I kind of liked it. In fact, I was into it. I have weird tastes and yes, I need therapy. Wait. I'm already in therapy. This explains so much.
Gary Numan
4/5
Quite eerie and a tad frightening. Yet this is a worthy listen from an under appreciated artist. Cars is a flat out banger. Solid album throughout.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
There's a reason why they call her the Queen of Soul.
Rush
5/5
Fitting I got this one considering they just announced their new tour with a new drummer. Speaking of drummers, all drummers/wannabe drummers need to listen to this one. Neil Peart's stick work is mind blowing and this is one of the best drum albums of all time. A pure classic. Oh Canada! 🇨🇦
Manu Chao
2/5
Didn’t click with me.
The Thrills
2/5
If you look up mediocre in the dictionary, this album would come up as its description.
Santana
4/5
Tasteful playing with soul and energy to spare. Glad this album made it instead of Supernatural. Solid choice.
Antony and the Johnsons
1/5
Nope. The warbling didn't work for me. This isn't for me.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
It's funky but it drags a bit because the ballads don't hit. It needs more deep bass funk but they only go halfway. Decent but could've been great.
Ghostface Killah
3/5
The beats are dope and the bars have bite. But too many skits and over length makes this only a decent outing but not a bona fide classic. The guest spots slam, especially a nice surprise cameo from Ice Cube. But Kanye's appearance was unnecessary. Fine but could have been more.
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
The beats are thumping and the bars have flow. But the misogyny is overboard and the subject matter is dark, depressing and borderline frightening. He had talent but this was unpleasant. Doesn't help that Diddy played a huge role in this album and well, he's a rather unsavoury character.
Thundercat
3/5
Not bad. Some decent chill funk. Sweet cameo by Kendrick. But I need my funk with a deep bass and badass vibe. This only goes halfway.
Violent Femmes
2/5
I never could get into these guys. I know friends who like them but, they just don't click with me. I don't know why but they just miss the mark. Maybe it's the fact I like my punk with electric over acoustic guitars. Whatever the case, this doesn't resonate with me.
Milton Nascimento
2/5
Couldn't connect with it. I think Brazilian music isn't for me. At least, anything that slightly resembles Bossa Nova. His voice is fine but everything else felt off. It just drifted away from me.
Roxy Music
4/5
I didn't care for the first two Roxy Music albums on this list, but this one I dug. Rocked pretty hard but still had some pop sensibilities and prog weirdness to keep this interesting while adding some glam rock flare. Shades of Bowie, Peter Gabriel era Genesis with a shade of Zeppelin makes this concoction a fine listen. A quibble. Avalon should have been on this list as well. Still, solid stuff.
The Specials
3/5
Kind of fun but also very inconsistent. A bit all over the place but does enough to earn a pass.
Frank Black
4/5
Solid stuff. A tad overlong but he had plenty of ideas and most of them worked. This will get a re-listen down the road.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Not totally terrible but not my taste either. Vocal and folk wankery which is just as if not more pretentious as prog. At least prog is self aware enough to admit it’s pretentious.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
This is pretty good but a tad inconsistent. Three Days is the highlight and might be the best JA song I’ve heard. But the last two tracks bring it down. Still, a solid listen.
Stephen Stills
3/5
This is pretty good but a tad inconsistent.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Hey Marge. Remember making out to this hymn?
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Elegant, classy soul with just enough grime to bring out the funk. First time hearing it. Enjoyed it. Nice discovery.
Gang Starr
3/5
Decent old school rap albeit the sound is a tad dated.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
This is pretty good but a tad inconsistent.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Some good songs. Some meh songs. Lots of Jaco Pastorius. Overall, fine.
Public Enemy
5/5
Damn! Complete smoke show! Sadly relevant given what’s going on but this is an absolute must listen. Fantastic!
Lou Reed
3/5
Somewhat depressing but I shouldn't expect anything less from a Lou Reed album. It's fine but I prefer Transformer over this.
Taylor Swift
2/5
It's so bland and boring. I don't get her popularity. Guess her music just isn't for me and that's okay.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Too much twang means it's not my thang. I do agree with them that Vancouver is a great city.
Brian Eno
4/5
Weird but in a good way. Kind of funky. Very arty. Some cool slashing guitars with pulsating rhythms. I dug this and will listen again.
Slipknot
1/5
So much yelling and screaming yet it feels so empty and fake. This just annoyed me the further I went into this album. Ugh.
The Shamen
2/5
The music sounds like it's played at a overhyped nightclub that closes after two weeks because the owner spent whatever profits he made on cocaine.
Kate Bush
3/5
It's fine but not great. David Gilmour's guitar work is the highlight of the album. Kate Bush can be too weird at times but her weirdness can also be charming at times.
Gang Of Four
4/5
This was a fun listen. Cool, funky, crisp, sharp, biting and a tad snarly. Yeah I dug it.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Soft core porn for people who were were embarrassed to rent it back in the day, but secretly loved it.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
They're good musicians but the songs aren't there and his voice is annoying. Plus, is this a Christian album? Lot of overtones suggest that. Overall, a mess.
Kanye West
3/5
He's an unpleasant person to say the least, but I can't deny his talent. Power is a banger. (Nice King Crimson sample) I'll give it a pass but he's still a rather ghastly fellow.
Orbital
3/5
Decent background music.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Liked it more than I thought. More crunch to the guitars than I was expecting. Wasn't perfect but listenable.
Scritti Politti
1/5
The only thing this album inspired me to do was look up a thesaurus for words similar to awful. Some examples included horrendous, dreadful, ghastly, atrocious, hideous, abhorrent, repugnant, wretched, abysmal, loathsome, woeful and pitiful. Any of those words would be apt descriptions for this putrid album.
Paul Simon
2/5
Hot take. Paul Simon is one of the most overrated artists of all time. I just don’t get it.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
If it wasn't for Sly and company, Prince doesn't exist. So funky. So smart. So cool. A bit naughty. Yeah. This is the good stuff.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
A band that should have been much bigger in North America than they were. Just wish a couple of their studio albums were on this list but this was solid for a live album. Criminally underrated.
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
So freaking cool. The birth of hip hop is right here. If it wasn't for this, the Beastie Boys and many others don't exist.
Lucinda Williams
2/5
Not my jam.
Faust
4/5
The more I listen to Kraut Rock, the more I dig it. Very influential. A bit weird at times but a good weird.
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
Definitely old school. Definitely dated. He’s also a bad dude by all reports. Renegades of Funk was fine but Rage Against the Machine’s version is better.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
For the most part, it's quite good but it does veer off track for a moment but it manages to pull me back onto course. I do think there's better Gabriel albums than this and there's better Gabriel led Genesis albums than this but still worth a listen.
SAULT
3/5
Pretty good. Kind of chill. Strong message. It did stumble at times but did enough to keep me interested.
JAY Z
2/5
Couldn't get into it. There are some dope beats but the delivery and the lyrics left me wanting. Kind of disappointed with this one.
The xx
4/5
Somewhat haunting and minimalistic, but I think it works quite well. Heart Skipped a Beat was my introduction but Night Time is the absolute gem of the album.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Old Blue Eyes is rather sad on this one. Good to listen to on a rainy day but every song sounds the same rye deeper you go into the album.
Cypress Hill
3/5
It's fine but I think I need to imbibe in the weed to really appreciate this album. But since I don't partake in the smoke, I'll leave it as decent and move on.
Pixies
3/5
It’s decent but I prefer Surfer Rosa and Doolittle over this one.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
It's fine but you kind of realize Neil Young is the star of the band and he would break out. Without him, the band disintegrated.
The La's
2/5
Started okay but dropped off quickly and faded into thin air. Inoffensive but it doesn't belong in the book.
Culture Club
1/5
Didn't like it when it came out. Don't like it now. Nothing's changed.
T. Rex
3/5
It's fine, but I was expecting more. The production is a bit of a letdown. Definitely inspired Bowie so that's a plus. I can see why it made the list but it's not an all time classic.
Sonic Youth
3/5
It's fine but the production lets this one down. The last two songs are the best but overall, I think the other albums from Sonic Youth that made this book are better. Still, this was a band I'm glad I woke up too after sleeping on them for many years.
The Beta Band
3/5
Not bad. Some decent stuff. Some meh material. Good enough for a passing grade.
Erykah Badu
3/5
Decent chill out album. Some soothing vibes but I wish it had a tad more energy and zip. Still, this is one I may listen to down the road. It has a chance to click with me.
The Associates
1/5
Good Lord this was horrendous. The guy's voice makes me want to punch him in the throat so he can never sing again. This represents the worst of the 1980s. Just awful.
Leftfield
3/5
Pretty good. Iffy at times, especially the beginning but it got better as it went along. Liked It more than most reviewers on here but it isn't perfect by any means.
Pet Shop Boys
1/5
Ugh! Another Pet Shop Boys album. Just as bad as the others. The only good thing is I'm done with them in this journey and I will actively avoid them going forward.
The Band
4/5
Solid stuff. Chest Fever is an all time classic. As I've gotten older, I appreciate The Weight even more. I think this is their best album.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
This album, along with Freedom were my gateways to Neil Young as a teenager. This could be called the first true grunge album. Not overplayed by classic rock radio so it still sounds fresh. A hidden gem of sorts and just a killer album from beginning to end.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Just another dated 60s psych album that hasn't aged well.
Kate Bush
2/5
She is talented but sometimes she gets weird for the sake of being weird which is an issue for me. The donkey braying thing brought this album down for me and it made no sense to have it on here. I liked her other stuff on this list but this one I will pass on.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Tell me you're the Rolling Stones without actually saying you're the Rolling Stones.
The Cult
4/5
A guilty pleasure. Yes it's big, dumb and dated. But it's a ton of fun and brings back memories. I might be the only person on the planet who prefers this version of Born To Be Wild over Steppenwolf's. I know. I know. it's not for sophisticated tastes but hey, you gotta let loose sometimes.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Musically, it sounds like a soundtrack to an 80s legal drama. Lyrically, it's Leonard Cohen. Open, honest and kind of creepy. I didn't hate it.
Public Enemy
4/5
An incendiary lightning bolt of an album. A tad short of their first two, but a worthy and important listen nonetheless.
The B-52's
3/5
Slowly I'm starting to get and like the B-52s. They are sometimes too weird for me and some of the songs are annoying, but there's an energy here I like and the punkish vibe helps.
Aerosmith
2/5
Big, loud and dumb. Not a guilty pleasure. This was all over the place in my grade 11 year and it has not aged well. Aerosmith are one of those unfortunate bands that were better when they were on drugs (Toys in the Attic, Rocks) than when they were clean and sober.
The Auteurs
2/5
Mediocre early 90s Brit pop/alt rock that is inoffensive yet forgettable. This made the list but Tool didn’t makes me question many things about the author that curated this list.
Femi Kuti
3/5
Solid musicianship but it sounds a bit busy and all over the place. I do like afro beat rhythms so that helped keep this long album going. It's decent and I'm fine being exposed to it but not 100% certain it's essential.
Anthrax
3/5
I remember when this came out. Not as heavy as most thrash albums. Has a punk vibe to it. It’s decent and Indians is a banger. Production is thin and it is a tad inconsistent. Good but not great.
Morrissey
3/5
The most tolerable Morrissey album on here. Rocks out a bit more than I expected. Margaret on the Guillotine is definitely provocative. He's still punchable and there's too many Morrissey solo albums on here. A begrudging three stars.
Ice Cube
4/5
Yes, the lyrics are problematic but I can't resist the delivery, Chuck D's cameo, the Bomb Squad's production and the political songs that do carry a message that is still relevant today. Take away the macho bravado about women and this would have been an absolute masterpiece.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Now is the time on Sprockets we dance! Your story has become tiresome.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Pretty good albeit kind of weird. Still don't care for Damon Albarn but Paul Simonen adds a touch of class to this.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Wouldn't listen to it all the time but I can appreciate it every now and then. Liked her version of House of the Rising Sun more than the Animals version so that's a plus.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Well made and the compositions are fine. The slower numbers worked better than the up tempo ones. Wouldn't listen to it all the time but I'll probably revisit again in the future.
Soft Cell
2/5
Didn't do it for me.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Experimental. Daring. Fun. Challenging. This should have been much bigger than it was. I enjoyed it and I know many critics lavished praise on it but it should have hit the stratosphere. Maybe that's a good thing because it wasn't overplayed. This was a nice discovery of an artist I've been meaning to check out.
Elvis Presley
2/5
This would have sounded dated in the 60s, let alone today. It's Elvis so I won't be too harsh but he leans too hard into a lounge lizard and it just seems so gaudy. I think there were better Elvis albums to choose to make this list.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Eccentric. Noisy. Weird. I kind of get why people don't like this. I wouldn't listen to it all the time but it's better than most of the pap that commercial radio force feeds us.
Pavement
3/5
Okay. Started strong but faded in the second half.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
The beginning of electronica. Ahead of its time yet still has a retro feel. Worthy addition to the list.
Mercury Rev
2/5
A bit too baroque for my tastes. If it leaned more into trip hop aka Massive Attack, I would have liked it more. Plus, the guy's voice is a bit annoying.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Really nice mixture of jazz textures and Afrobeat rhythms. A bit overlong but this was a solid discovery and a worthy addition to the book.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Pretty good, although every song sounds kinda the same. It does have energy and pep. Just needs some nuance. Decent but could have been a killer.
Big Star
1/5
I've heard it said, these guys were a great, unknown band. They should have stayed unknown. This wasn't great. It was kind of putrid. Very disappointing and can't redeem it.
David Gray
2/5
Inoffensive but boring as hell and didn't move the needle one bit. Just another meh album that I've forgotten about already. It sounds like the soundtrack to a coffee scene in Dawson's Creek or Gilmore Girls.
Tortoise
4/5
I've been getting into post rock more and more so this is a sweet spot for me. Solid album and I will look into these guys more down the road.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Had moments but it was too weird and jarring for me.
The Undertones
3/5
Music is fine but Feargal Sharkey’s voice is annoying. A positive grade for the punky attitude but a better singer elevates it.
2/5
I can hear how Zeppelin were influenced by this but the production is a letdown and it’s too psychedelic for me. Not terrible but not enough to earn a passing grade.
Waylon Jennings
2/5
Not the worst country album I've heard. But it's still a country album.
Tears For Fears
5/5
One of the best albums of the 1980s. A sublime mix of pop, rock, and new wave with hints of prog in there as well. Just an utterly superb album!
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
Decent punk album but too long. It needed to be shorter and a tad more focused. It does experiment with noise which I do appreciate but I wanted more hardcore punk. Still, an interesting and decent discovery.
Portishead
4/5
The anxiety album and it's full of anxiety. Not as stellar as Dummy but a solid, if not uncomfortable album. I'll listen to it again, maybe study it a bit deeper but not immediately.
The Temptations
5/5
The obvious. Papa Was a Rollin Stone is an all time classic! The rest, pretty damn good as well. Funky, soulful, great vocal harmonies. Some social justice. All in all, a superb album.
The Temptations
4/5
Back half fades a bit but this is a solid album of funky Motown goodness. Not quite as good as All Directions but there are bangers on here, especially the title track and Runaway Child Running Wild are stand outs.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
It had moments but the cover of We Have All The Time in The World was ill conceived and brought the whole album down. It tries to redeem itself later but it didn't work.
Elton John
3/5
Let's start with the good stuff. Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding is fantastic and is my favourite Elton song. It's the closest thing to prog he ever did. The rest, fine but there's a lot of bloat to cut through. If this were a single album, it would have been upper echelon. Instead, it's a decent outing that could have been so much more.
Laura Nyro
1/5
Directionless and pointless. Trying to be jazz, pop, rock even Broadway show tunes but none of it worked. A complete mess.
Love
2/5
Very dated. Very 1960s. It should have stayed in the 60s. Too psychedelic for my tastes
ZZ Top
4/5
Nice slice of Texas blues and snarly boogie to give this album some life. Solid stuff from this Texan trio.
Gotan Project
2/5
The accordion does not belong in trip hop. Lose that and this could have been passable. Stupid, lousy accordion.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Sublime!
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Mostly great. Immigrant Song, Since I've Been Loving You, Out on the Tiles are all flat out bangers. That's The Way has aged very well and has grown on me over the years. But the ending is such a letdown. Hats Off To (Roy) Harper might be the weakest Zep track in their entire catalogue. So a four will have to suffice here.