Mar 10 2023
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
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.
3
Mar 11 2023
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Lifeless noodling from technically competent musicians. Also cocaine. Pass.
2
Mar 12 2023
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
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.
2
Mar 13 2023
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
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.
4
Mar 14 2023
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Turns out I’m not that into goth. The Cure are overrated and Robert Smith is annoying. Next.
2
Mar 15 2023
Parklife
Blur
The album never got past second gear. It’s also very English and Damon Alborn sounds like a wanker. Meh.
2
Mar 16 2023
Black Monk Time
The Monks
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.
4
Mar 17 2023
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
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.
4
Mar 18 2023
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
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.
3
Mar 19 2023
Out of Step
Minor Threat
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?
3
Mar 20 2023
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
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.
3
Mar 21 2023
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
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.
4
Mar 22 2023
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
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.
2
Mar 23 2023
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Not my jam. Cello Song and Saturday Sun were fine songs but Thoughts of Mary Jane was absolutely dreadful.
2
Mar 24 2023
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
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.
3
Mar 25 2023
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Can definitely hear how this album and artist influenced so many future guitarists. I've Got My Mojo Working is a standout.
4
Mar 26 2023
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
I'd rather listen to New Model Army.
2
Mar 27 2023
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Liked it more than I thought I would. Johnny Mar is an innovative and inventive guitarist. Morrissey is an insufferable prick.
3
Mar 28 2023
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
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.
3
Mar 29 2023
Whatever
Aimee Mann
Better than I expected. Decent background music. Lacked a standout track and the country vibe was not necessary.
3
Mar 30 2023
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Some solid tracks. Drive and Ignoreland stand out. Never liked Michael Stipe’s voice. Too much accordion and mandolin. Still a decent album.
3
Mar 31 2023
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
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.
4
Apr 01 2023
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
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.
4
Apr 02 2023
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
The production is too sparse. I prefer my electronica more dense and claustrophobic like Massive Attack.
2
Apr 03 2023
Real Life
Magazine
Decent album. Somewhat jarring. Not 100% certain what to make of it. Might explore further.
3
Apr 04 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
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.
4
Apr 05 2023
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
No.
1
Apr 06 2023
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
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.
3
Apr 07 2023
Opus Dei
Laibach
Sounds like background music to a bad Game of Throne parody porn film. Holy fuck this is awful!!
1
Apr 08 2023
Back In Black
AC/DC
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.
3
Apr 09 2023
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Boring and forgettable.
1
Apr 10 2023
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
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.
1
Apr 11 2023
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
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.
3
Apr 12 2023
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
There's better CCR albums than this. It isn't terrible but it didn't do anything for me. Very meh.
2
Apr 13 2023
Dirt
Alice In Chains
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!
5
Apr 14 2023
Live At Leeds
The Who
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.
3
Apr 15 2023
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
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.
3
Apr 16 2023
The Joshua Tree
U2
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.
5
Apr 17 2023
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
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.
2
Apr 18 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
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.
4
Apr 19 2023
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Decent. Might explore further.
3
Apr 20 2023
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
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.
3
Apr 21 2023
Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
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.
3
Apr 22 2023
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
One thing I'm learning about myself doing this project. The Singer-Songwriter genre is not my thing.
2
Apr 23 2023
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
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.
2
Apr 24 2023
Celebrity Skin
Hole
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.
1
Apr 25 2023
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
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.
4
Apr 26 2023
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
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.
3
Apr 27 2023
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
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.
3
Apr 28 2023
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
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.
3
Apr 29 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
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.
3
Apr 30 2023
Sister
Sonic Youth
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.
4
May 01 2023
Eternally Yours
The Saints
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.
5
May 02 2023
Like A Prayer
Madonna
Hated this album when it came out. Still hated it after listening to it today. Not even Prince could save this turd.
1
May 03 2023
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
A lifeless blob of an album.
1
May 04 2023
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
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.
3
May 05 2023
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
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.
4
May 06 2023
Be
Common
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.
4
May 07 2023
Close To The Edge
Yes
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.
5
May 08 2023
Django Django
Django Django
Somewhat uneven but overall decent. Quite arty and experimental.
3
May 09 2023
I Should Coco
Supergrass
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.
4
May 10 2023
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
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!
5
May 11 2023
Urban Hymns
The Verve
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.
3
May 12 2023
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
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!
1
May 13 2023
S&M
Metallica
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.
3
May 14 2023
Cut
The Slits
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.
3
May 15 2023
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Interesting.
3
May 16 2023
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
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.
3
May 17 2023
Diamond Life
Sade
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.
2
May 18 2023
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
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.
2
May 19 2023
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
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.
4
May 20 2023
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
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.
4
May 21 2023
Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Dragged and droned throughout. Didn't click with me.
2
May 22 2023
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
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.
4
May 23 2023
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
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.
2
May 24 2023
Low
David Bowie
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.
4
May 25 2023
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Meh.
2
May 26 2023
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
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.
2
May 27 2023
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
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.
3
May 28 2023
Ramones
Ramones
HELL YES! What a pleasure to revisit this classic. A game changer!
5
May 29 2023
Frank
Amy Winehouse
It's OK. I prefer Back to Black over this though. Still it's a decent listen. Fuck Me Pumps is a standout.
3
May 30 2023
Stardust
Willie Nelson
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.
3
May 31 2023
The Who Sell Out
The Who
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.
3
Jun 01 2023
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
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.
4
Jun 02 2023
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
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.
2
Jun 03 2023
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
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.
4
Jun 04 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Historically important but not my cup of tea.
2
Jun 05 2023
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
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.
2
Jun 06 2023
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
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.
4
Jun 07 2023
Smile
Brian Wilson
Very disappointing. Had higher expectations. It tries to be Sgt Pepper, Pet Sounds, early Genesis and even Tommy but not even close. Major dud.
1
Jun 08 2023
The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
Didn't click with me.
2
Jun 09 2023
War
U2
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.
4
Jun 10 2023
Synchronicity
The Police
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.
4
Jun 11 2023
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
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.
3
Jun 12 2023
Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
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.
4
Jun 13 2023
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Inoffensive but bland and boring.
2
Jun 14 2023
Harvest
Neil Young
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.
5
Jun 15 2023
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Decent listen. Always have respect for Billy Bragg.
3
Jun 16 2023
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
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.
2
Jun 17 2023
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
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!
5
Jun 18 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Can’t stand his voice. Songs are too long. A prick on stage. Apparently a cranky blunderbuss as a human. Hard no!
1
Jun 19 2023
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Decent. Better than Ocean Rain. Still, not all of it clicks but I can tell it influenced many artists.
3
Jun 20 2023
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
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.
2
Jun 21 2023
Sheet Music
10cc
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.
1
Jun 22 2023
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
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.
3
Jun 23 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Damn this was tasty. Some fine funk from a master. What a talent Curtis Mayfield was.
5
Jun 24 2023
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Cocaine.
2
Jun 25 2023
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
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.
3
Jun 26 2023
Risque
CHIC
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.
3
Jun 27 2023
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Decent. Again too many live albums. Still it's a fun recording.
3
Jun 28 2023
Blue
Joni Mitchell
The breakup album Taylor Swift desperately wants to write, but doesn't have the emotional maturity to do so. River is devastatingly heartbreaking.
4
Jun 29 2023
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
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.
4
Jun 30 2023
NEU! 75
Neu!
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.
4
Jul 01 2023
On The Beach
Neil Young
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.
5
Jul 02 2023
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
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.
2
Jul 03 2023
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
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.
3
Jul 04 2023
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
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.
3
Jul 05 2023
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
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.
3
Jul 06 2023
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
All killer no filler. Simply fantastic. Just a thoroughly enjoyable punk album that's sinister enough to keep it real.
5
Jul 07 2023
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
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.
2
Jul 08 2023
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
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.
2
Jul 09 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
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.
5
Jul 10 2023
Green
R.E.M.
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.
3
Jul 11 2023
Illmatic
Nas
Didn't click with me.
2
Jul 12 2023
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
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!
1
Jul 13 2023
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
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.
2
Jul 14 2023
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
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.
3
Jul 15 2023
Marquee Moon
Television
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.
5
Jul 16 2023
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
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.
4
Jul 17 2023
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
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.
3
Jul 18 2023
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
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.
3
Jul 19 2023
Slipknot
Slipknot
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.
1
Jul 20 2023
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
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.
2
Jul 21 2023
Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
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.
2
Jul 22 2023
Boston
Boston
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.
4
Jul 23 2023
So
Peter Gabriel
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.
4
Jul 24 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
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.
4
Jul 25 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
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.
3
Jul 26 2023
Remedy
Basement Jaxx
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.
3
Jul 27 2023
Private Dancer
Tina Turner
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.
3
Jul 28 2023
A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
So dated. Quite cringy. Ugh! Hard pass.
1
Jul 29 2023
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
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.
3
Jul 30 2023
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
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.
3
Jul 31 2023
Kala
M.I.A.
Despite sampling the Pixies and the Clash, this didn't click with me. Too much autotune.
2
Aug 01 2023
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
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.
2
Aug 02 2023
The Man Who
Travis
If an overhead projector made an album, it would probably sound like this.
2
Aug 03 2023
Face to Face
The Kinks
Never got into the Kinks. After hearing this, still not into them.
2
Aug 04 2023
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
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.
3
Aug 05 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
One really good song (Behind the Wheel) and a bunch of mediocrity after that.
2
Aug 06 2023
Solid Air
John Martyn
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.
3
Aug 07 2023
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Songs about murder and religion. Ugh!
1
Aug 08 2023
Stankonia
OutKast
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.
2
Aug 09 2023
Rio
Duran Duran
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.
3
Aug 10 2023
Goo
Sonic Youth
The precursor to grunge. Somewhat arty. Somewhat noisy. Somewhat snarly. Altogether cool. The more I hear Sonic Youth, the more I like them.
4
Aug 11 2023
Gris Gris
Dr. John
It wasn't terrible but it was way too psychadelic for my tastes.
2
Aug 12 2023
Hotel California
Eagles
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.
3
Aug 13 2023
Live Through This
Hole
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.
3
Aug 14 2023
Paris 1919
John Cale
A pedestrian affair.
2
Aug 15 2023
Play
Moby
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.
4
Aug 16 2023
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Of course it's a classic! GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! THOSE DRUMS ON WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS!!
5
Aug 17 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
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.
3
Aug 18 2023
In Utero
Nirvana
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.)
3
Aug 19 2023
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
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.
3
Aug 20 2023
Low-Life
New Order
Annoyingly 80s.
2
Aug 21 2023
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Decent. Good energy. Too bad Carrie Brownstein's voice is so annoying. Don't need that much tremolo.
3
Aug 22 2023
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Couldn't get into it. Kind of disappointing.
2
Aug 23 2023
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Tis a shame that Win Butler is a punchable asshole because this is a solid album. Some really good songs on here.
4
Aug 24 2023
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
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.
3
Aug 25 2023
GI
Germs
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.
3
Aug 26 2023
Violator
Depeche Mode
Maybe the most overrated band that appears in this book. I never got Depeche Mode and I still don't get Depeche Mode.
2
Aug 27 2023
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Who recorded this Pepe LePew? Bloody awful!
1
Aug 28 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
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.
4
Aug 29 2023
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
This Hendrix fellow can play guitar a little bit.
5
Aug 30 2023
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
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.
4
Aug 31 2023
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Annoying fake band. Didn't need to hear this when it came out and didn't need to hear it now.
1
Sep 01 2023
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
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.
5
Sep 02 2023
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
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.
5
Sep 03 2023
Picture Book
Simply Red
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.
1
Sep 04 2023
Imagine
John Lennon
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.
2
Sep 05 2023
Transformer
Lou Reed
Hugely influential. The glammiest of glam rock albums. Fine album. Some real bangers on here. Not entirely perfect but definitely belongs in the book.
4
Sep 06 2023
Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
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.
1
Sep 07 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
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.
3
Sep 08 2023
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
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.
3
Sep 09 2023
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
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.
3
Sep 10 2023
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
One of the most gorgeous albums ever made. Just a stunning masterpiece. There aren't enough words to describe this. An astounding achievement.
5
Sep 11 2023
Rubber Soul
Beatles
It’s fine. Drive My Car is a classic. Run For Your Life hasn’t aged well. Just not a big Beatles fan.
3
Sep 12 2023
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Solid instrumental album. Very much enjoyed it. Only issue is too many covers. Otherwise this was an enjoyable listen.
4
Sep 13 2023
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
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.
4
Sep 14 2023
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
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.
2
Sep 15 2023
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
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.
4
Sep 16 2023
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
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.
4
Sep 17 2023
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
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.
2
Sep 18 2023
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
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.
2
Sep 19 2023
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
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.
3
Sep 20 2023
Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
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.
1
Sep 21 2023
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Utter rubbish. Whiny and annoying. Piss off.
1
Sep 22 2023
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
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.
2
Sep 23 2023
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
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.
3
Sep 24 2023
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
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!
4
Sep 25 2023
Kimono My House
Sparks
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.)
4
Sep 26 2023
Horses
Patti Smith
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.
3
Sep 27 2023
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
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.
5
Sep 28 2023
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
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.
1
Sep 29 2023
Machine Head
Deep Purple
DUN DUN DUN! DUN DUN DA-DUN!
5
Sep 30 2023
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Not my jam.
2
Oct 01 2023
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Decent. Some good moments. Some meh moments.
3
Oct 02 2023
Sex Packets
Digital Underground
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.
3
Oct 03 2023
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
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.
3
Oct 04 2023
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
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.
3
Oct 05 2023
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
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.
2
Oct 06 2023
The Undertones
The Undertones
Decent but I've heard better punk rock.
3
Oct 07 2023
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
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.
4
Oct 08 2023
Repeater
Fugazi
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.
4
Oct 09 2023
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Decent. Some good songs. Excellent rhythm section. Eric Clapton is an asshole.
3
Oct 10 2023
The Wall
Pink Floyd
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.
5
Oct 11 2023
The Rise & Fall
Madness
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!
2
Oct 12 2023
Eliminator
ZZ Top
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.
3
Oct 13 2023
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
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.
3
Oct 14 2023
Different Class
Pulp
Blah and meh. Didn't do anything for me.
2
Oct 15 2023
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
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.
3
Oct 16 2023
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
The most hipster album I've heard so far. Not necessarily a good thing.
2
Oct 17 2023
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
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.
3
Oct 18 2023
Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
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.
3
Oct 19 2023
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
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.
3
Oct 20 2023
Blackstar
David Bowie
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.
5
Oct 21 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
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.
4
Oct 22 2023
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
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.
3
Oct 23 2023
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
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.
3
Oct 24 2023
Blunderbuss
Jack White
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.
3
Oct 25 2023
Fun House
The Stooges
Fun album. Iggy lets loose here. The rest of the band is tight. Solid stuff.
4
Oct 26 2023
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
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!
5
Oct 27 2023
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
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.
3
Oct 28 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
This album really needed Neil Young.
2
Oct 29 2023
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
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!
4
Oct 30 2023
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Country isn't my thing. This is a no.
1
Oct 31 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
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.
4
Nov 01 2023
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
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.
2
Nov 02 2023
Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
The thing about electronica is that it has to grab me or I lose interest. This one didn’t grab me. Aimless and meh.
2
Nov 03 2023
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
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.
4
Nov 04 2023
Amnesiac
Radiohead
It sort of floats about but doesn’t go anywhere. Possibly my least favourite Radiohead album.
2
Nov 05 2023
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Solid stuff. The precursor to punk. Lots of energy. Last song is meh but everything else smokes.
4
Nov 06 2023
Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
I didn't need to hear this before I die.
1
Nov 07 2023
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
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.
3
Nov 08 2023
90
808 State
It's OK albeit a bit dated. It's fine for background music.
3
Nov 09 2023
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
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.
3
Nov 10 2023
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
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.
4
Nov 11 2023
Tapestry
Carole King
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.
2
Nov 12 2023
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
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.
4
Nov 13 2023
2112
Rush
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.
4
Nov 14 2023
The Score
Fugees
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.
4
Nov 15 2023
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
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.
3
Nov 16 2023
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
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.
2
Nov 17 2023
GREY Area
Little Simz
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.
3
Nov 18 2023
Graceland
Paul Simon
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.
2
Nov 19 2023
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
At least Clapton's not on it.
3
Nov 20 2023
The World is a Ghetto
War
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.
4
Nov 21 2023
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
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.
4
Nov 22 2023
The White Album
Beatles
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.
3
Nov 23 2023
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Meh
2
Nov 24 2023
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
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.
3
Nov 25 2023
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
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.
3
Nov 26 2023
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Fuck Clapton.
1
Nov 27 2023
...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
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.
3
Nov 28 2023
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
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.
3
Nov 29 2023
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
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.
3
Nov 30 2023
Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
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.
2
Dec 01 2023
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
This album is the reason why punk had to happen. So pretentious. Ugh.
1
Dec 02 2023
The Cars
The Cars
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.
5
Dec 03 2023
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
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.
4
Dec 04 2023
Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Sounds too much like Oasis. Thin production. But overall, not bad.
3
Dec 05 2023
C'est Chic
CHIC
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.
2
Dec 06 2023
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
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.
4
Dec 07 2023
Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
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.
3
Dec 08 2023
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
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.
3
Dec 09 2023
Odelay
Beck
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.
4
Dec 10 2023
Van Halen
Van Halen
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.
5
Dec 11 2023
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Some solid old school hip hop here. Yeah it's a tad dated but this still cooks.
4
Dec 12 2023
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
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.
3
Dec 13 2023
The Grand Tour
George Jones
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.
2
Dec 14 2023
British Steel
Judas Priest
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.
4
Dec 15 2023
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
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.
2
Dec 16 2023
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
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.
3
Dec 17 2023
Reign In Blood
Slayer
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.
2
Dec 18 2023
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
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.
3
Dec 19 2023
L.A. Woman
The Doors
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.
3
Dec 20 2023
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
The album where Brian Wilson started taking lots and lots of drugs. Whatever.
2
Dec 21 2023
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
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.
4
Dec 22 2023
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
An absolute classic!
5
Dec 23 2023
Cross
Justice
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.
4
Dec 24 2023
Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
Some decent moments, but not enough for me to be fully invested. The ballads in particular are flat. Not terrible but not my thing.
2
Dec 25 2023
Vespertine
Björk
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.
3
Dec 26 2023
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Phil Spector is an utterly repugnant human being but the music is really good. So the marking is right down the middle. Merry Christmas.
3
Dec 27 2023
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
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.
5
Dec 28 2023
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
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.
2
Dec 29 2023
Who's Next
The Who
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.
4
Dec 30 2023
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Solid, silky, smooth-ass soul.
4
Dec 31 2023
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Solid listen. Fascinating to hear jazz with no brass instruments. The real star is bassist Scott LaFaro. His playing is outstanding.
4
Jan 01 2024
Justified
Justin Timberlake
Utter dross. Spectacularly dreadful.
1
Jan 02 2024
Parallel Lines
Blondie
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.
4
Jan 03 2024
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
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
Jan 04 2024
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
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.
3
Jan 05 2024
The Predator
Ice Cube
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.
4
Jan 06 2024
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
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.
3
Jan 07 2024
The Bends
Radiohead
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.
5
Jan 08 2024
Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Wasn't feeling it.
2
Jan 09 2024
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
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.
5
Jan 10 2024
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Some politically charged reggae here. Really solid listen. Slavery Days cooks! I will revisit this album again.
4
Jan 11 2024
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
Not terrible but not my thing.
2
Jan 12 2024
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
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!
1
Jan 13 2024
Elephant
The White Stripes
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.
4
Jan 14 2024
Being There
Wilco
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.
2
Jan 15 2024
Dare!
The Human League
Tepid synth pop. Another album that's guilty of having one decent song but the rest doesn't hold up.
2
Jan 16 2024
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
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.
4
Jan 17 2024
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
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.
4
Jan 18 2024
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
RIP. Nothing Compare 2 U is a classic. Surprised to hear some crunching guitars on a couple of tracks. Overall decent.
3
Jan 19 2024
Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
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.
4
Jan 20 2024
Young Americans
David Bowie
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.
5
Jan 21 2024
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
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.
5
Jan 22 2024
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
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.
5
Jan 23 2024
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
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.
1
Jan 24 2024
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
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.
3
Jan 25 2024
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
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.
1
Jan 26 2024
The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
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.
4
Jan 27 2024
The Yes Album
Yes
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.
4
Jan 28 2024
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
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!
1
Jan 29 2024
Guero
Beck
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.
3
Jan 30 2024
Smash
The Offspring
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.
1
Jan 31 2024
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
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.
4
Feb 01 2024
Crazysexycool
TLC
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.
3
Feb 02 2024
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
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.
4
Feb 03 2024
Grace
Jeff Buckley
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
Feb 04 2024
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Mediocre, inoffensive 80s schlock.
2
Feb 05 2024
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
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.
2
Feb 06 2024
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
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.
2
Feb 07 2024
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
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.
4
Feb 08 2024
Brothers
The Black Keys
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.
3
Feb 09 2024
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
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.
2
Feb 10 2024
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
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.
2
Feb 11 2024
Kenza
Khaled
Didn't click with me.
2
Feb 12 2024
Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
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
Feb 13 2024
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
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.
3
Feb 14 2024
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
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.
3
Feb 15 2024
In Our Heads
Hot Chip
Sounds like it was made in the 80s. That's not a compliment. Also, the singer's voice is annoying. Blah.
2
Feb 16 2024
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
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.
4
Feb 17 2024
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
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.
2
Feb 18 2024
Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
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.
1
Feb 19 2024
Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Apparently this album was critically acclaimed. We really need a punch a rock critic day. Good Lord this was rubbish.
1
Feb 20 2024
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
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
Feb 21 2024
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
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.
4
Feb 22 2024
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
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.
2
Feb 23 2024
Eagles
Eagles
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.
3
Feb 24 2024
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
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.
3
Feb 25 2024
Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
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.
4
Feb 26 2024
Calenture
The Triffids
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.
1
Feb 27 2024
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
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.
3
Feb 28 2024
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
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.
3
Feb 29 2024
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
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.
3
Mar 01 2024
I Against I
Bad Brains
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.
3
Mar 02 2024
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
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.
3
Mar 03 2024
McCartney
Paul McCartney
Paul is missing John and George here. Hell, he's even missing Ringo. This is utter tripe. Hard pass.
1
Mar 04 2024
Kenya
Machito
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.
4
Mar 05 2024
Nevermind
Nirvana
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.
4
Mar 06 2024
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Not my jam.
2
Mar 07 2024
Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
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.
1
Mar 08 2024
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Perhaps the most melancholic funk album I've heard. Still relevant today which is somewhat depressing. Music is rock solid.
4
Mar 09 2024
The Clash
The Clash
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.
4
Mar 10 2024
Blur
Blur
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.
3
Mar 11 2024
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Wasn't feeling it. Terrible album cover.
2
Mar 12 2024
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
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.
5
Mar 13 2024
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
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.
4
Mar 14 2024
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
A bit inconsistent. Some beats are dope. Some are flat. Back To Life is a total banger. Bonus points for a nice nostalgia trip.
3
Mar 15 2024
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Spiritual, mournful, uplifting, funky. Super solid throughout. Will revisit this one again.
4
Mar 16 2024
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 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.
4
Mar 17 2024
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
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.
4
Mar 18 2024
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
It’s OK. Not really my thing but I’m glad I was exposed to it.
3
Mar 19 2024
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Hello I'm Johnny Cash.
4
Mar 20 2024
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
After listening to this, I want to buy an Adidas track suit.
3
Mar 21 2024
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
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.
3
Mar 22 2024
Mask
Bauhaus
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.
3
Mar 23 2024
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
115 charges.
2
Mar 24 2024
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
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.
3
Mar 25 2024
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Right on!
4
Mar 26 2024
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
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.
3
Mar 27 2024
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
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.
1
Mar 28 2024
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
I've heard better Christian Rock albums than this.
1
Mar 29 2024
New Forms
Roni Size
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.
3
Mar 30 2024
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
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.
3
Mar 31 2024
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
14 songs in 15 minutes. I dig.
4
Apr 01 2024
Suede
Suede
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.
3
Apr 02 2024
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Not my thing. John Phillips is a reprehensible human being.
1
Apr 03 2024
Black Metal
Venom
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.
1
Apr 04 2024
Purple Rain
Prince
Phenomenal! Utterly phenomenal!
5
Apr 05 2024
Dirty
Sonic Youth
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.
4
Apr 06 2024
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
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.
3
Apr 07 2024
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
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.
3
Apr 08 2024
Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
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.
2
Apr 09 2024
Fragile
Yes
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.
4
Apr 10 2024
LP1
FKA twigs
Not my thing but I've heard worse.
2
Apr 11 2024
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
We get it. You like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alabama. Geaux Tigers.
2
Apr 12 2024
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
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.
3
Apr 13 2024
21
Adele
Not for me even though she has a good voice.
2
Apr 14 2024
Very
Pet Shop Boys
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.
1
Apr 15 2024
The Last Broadcast
Doves
The most neutral album I've heard.
3
Apr 16 2024
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
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.
4
Apr 17 2024
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
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.
1
Apr 18 2024
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
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.
4
Apr 19 2024
Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
No need for this to be a double album. Way too long and totally not my thing.
1
Apr 20 2024
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
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.
2
Apr 21 2024
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
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.
4
Apr 22 2024
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
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.
3
Apr 23 2024
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
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.
4
Apr 24 2024
m b v
My Bloody Valentine
Starts well. The middle part drones. Ends OK. It gets a passing grade but nothing more.
3
Apr 25 2024
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
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.
4
Apr 26 2024
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
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.
3
Apr 27 2024
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
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.
5
Apr 28 2024
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
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.
2
Apr 29 2024
The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
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.
2
Apr 30 2024
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
A dance album that would clear the dance floor. Lame.
1
May 01 2024
Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
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.
3
May 02 2024
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Decent background music. Could use a bit more urgency though.
3
May 03 2024
I See You
The xx
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.
3
May 04 2024
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
What a talent Prince was. A fantastic album!
5
May 05 2024
Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
Liked this more than I thought. A pleasant surprise. Some good stuff on here. Not perfect but I will revisit this one again.
4
May 06 2024
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Inoffensive but ultimately boring dad rock. Not Rod's worst but not his best either.
2
May 07 2024
Mott
Mott The Hoople
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.
3
May 08 2024
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
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
May 09 2024
Wild Gift
X
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.
4
May 10 2024
The Real Thing
Faith No More
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.
5
May 11 2024
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
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.
2
May 12 2024
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
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.
4
May 13 2024
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
That synth sound is so annoying. Couldn't get over it. There are moments but not enough to earn a passing grade.
2
May 14 2024
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Apparently, this was the only album from this band. It was one album too many. Absolutely dreadful.
1
May 15 2024
High Violet
The National
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.
4
May 16 2024
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
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.
4
May 17 2024
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
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.
3
May 18 2024
The Stranger
Billy Joel
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.
3
May 19 2024
Tago Mago
Can
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.
4
May 20 2024
Aja
Steely Dan
To quote the late Steve Albini, "Christ, the amount of human effort wasted to sound like an SNL band warmup."
1
May 21 2024
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
Pretentious shit.
1
May 22 2024
Metallica
Metallica
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.
4
May 23 2024
Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
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.
3
May 24 2024
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Pas mon truc
2
May 25 2024
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
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.
5
May 26 2024
Sail Away
Randy Newman
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.
2
May 27 2024
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
Fun listen. But I have to be in the right mood to listen to it. Still, it does belong in the book.
3
May 28 2024
I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
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.
2
May 29 2024
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
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.
4
May 30 2024
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
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.
2
May 31 2024
Another Green World
Brian Eno
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.
3
Jun 01 2024
Pearl
Janis Joplin
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.
3
Jun 02 2024
Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
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.
3
Jun 03 2024
Basket of Light
Pentangle
This would have been better if Monty Python spoofed it.
2
Jun 04 2024
Damaged
Black Flag
Solid punk album. Rise Above and TV Party are flat out bangers. Some humour. Some social consciousness. Some anarchy. I'm down with this.
4
Jun 05 2024
Third
Soft Machine
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.
1
Jun 06 2024
One World
John Martyn
Didn't care for it. I will revisit Solid Air someday but I won't revisit this one. Just didn't work for me.
2
Jun 07 2024
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
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.
4
Jun 08 2024
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
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.
2
Jun 09 2024
Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
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.
4
Jun 10 2024
Moby Grape
Moby Grape
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.
3
Jun 11 2024
In It For The Money
Supergrass
Solid album. Enjoyed both albums by these guys that the book presented. How come they weren't bigger? The music industry can be fickle.
4
Jun 12 2024
Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
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.
2
Jun 13 2024
Sea Change
Beck
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.
3
Jun 14 2024
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
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.
2
Jun 15 2024
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
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.
3
Jun 16 2024
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
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.
4
Jun 17 2024
Bright Flight
Silver Jews
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.
2
Jun 18 2024
Survivor
Destiny's Child
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.
2
Jun 19 2024
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
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.
1
Jun 20 2024
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
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.
4
Jun 21 2024
Spiderland
Slint
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.
5
Jun 22 2024
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
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.
2
Jun 23 2024
Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
Spectacularly mediocre.
2
Jun 24 2024
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
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.
3
Jun 25 2024
Microshift
Hookworms
It's pretty good. Not spectacular but it was a decent enough listen. Surprised me a bit in a good way.
3
Jun 26 2024
Sound Affects
The Jam
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.
4
Jun 27 2024
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
Not my thing but didn't totally hate it.
2
Jun 28 2024
Melodrama
Lorde
I'd rather listen to King Crimson. (The Louvre is a good song though.)
2
Jun 29 2024
My Generation
The Who
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.
3
Jun 30 2024
In Rainbows
Radiohead
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.
4
Jul 01 2024
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Fun album. Lots of energy. Take Me Out is an all time banger. First half is stronger. Yeah I like this one.
4
Jul 02 2024
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
First track was good. Production is decent. The rest is a snoozer. Overall, not my thing.
2
Jul 03 2024
Like Water For Chocolate
Common
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.
3
Jul 04 2024
Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
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.
3
Jul 05 2024
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
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.
3
Jul 06 2024
Document
R.E.M.
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.
3
Jul 07 2024
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
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.
3
Jul 08 2024
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
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.
4
Jul 09 2024
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
I'm not flying with these Byrds.
1
Jul 10 2024
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
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.
2
Jul 11 2024
Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
Who killed the Futons? Those bloody saxophones. So annoying. Ruined the record.
2
Jul 12 2024
Faith
George Michael
This brought me back to my Grade 9 year. I hated my Grade 9 year and this album. Nothing's changed. Blech.
1
Jul 13 2024
Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
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.
3
Jul 14 2024
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Despite thin production, this album was OK. Music had some good qualities to it. Definitely influential. Not totally my thing but it was listenable.
3
Jul 15 2024
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
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.
3
Jul 16 2024
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Damn that shit was dope!
5
Jul 17 2024
Either Or
Elliott Smith
Yawn.
2
Jul 18 2024
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
Stark, brooding, sparse, bare, chilling. A masterpiece from the Boss.
5
Jul 19 2024
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
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.
3
Jul 20 2024
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Fun album. A live album that actually works compared to others on this. Some solid power pop here. They never topped this.
4
Jul 21 2024
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
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.
3
Jul 22 2024
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
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.
3
Jul 23 2024
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
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.
3
Jul 24 2024
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
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.
2
Jul 25 2024
Woodface
Crowded House
If this album were a drink, it would be non alcoholic beer.
2
Jul 26 2024
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
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.
4
Jul 27 2024
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
She has a good voice but too many covers and blah presentation brings this album down several notches. Didn't work for me.
2
Jul 28 2024
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
Didn't click. The beats were slightly off. The delivery was so-so. The lyrics were mean. The skits were pointless. Pass.
2
Jul 29 2024
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
A monster title track, some decent songs and Annie Lennox's haunting voice are enough to earn a passing grade for me.
3
Jul 30 2024
Born To Be With You
Dion
Absolutely awful. Completely terrible. A complete waste.
1
Jul 31 2024
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
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.
1
Aug 01 2024
Nixon
Lambchop
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.
1
Aug 02 2024
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
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!
5
Aug 03 2024
Headquarters
The Monkees
Not my thing.
2
Aug 04 2024
Achtung Baby
U2
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.
4
Aug 05 2024
Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
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.
3
Aug 06 2024
Me Against The World
2Pac
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.
3
Aug 07 2024
Traffic
Traffic
Meh.
2
Aug 08 2024
John Prine
John Prine
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.
3
Aug 09 2024
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
Somewhat unique in approach. I may not listen to it all the time but I respect the originality and creativity of this album.
3
Aug 10 2024
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
The best part of this album was when it need and I never have to hear this again. A ghastly album. Utter crap.
1
Aug 11 2024
Triangle
The Beau Brummels
The 1960s are overrated.
2
Aug 12 2024
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
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.
4
Aug 13 2024
The Stooges
The Stooges
Solid proto punk. I Wanna Be Your Dog is an all time banger. No Fun is wicked cool. Attitude galore. Good stuff.
4
Aug 14 2024
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Only a band with Lemmy in it can have a flute solo sound badass!
4
Aug 15 2024
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
Such an annoying punchable voice. Beyond irritating. They have three albums on this list. Why? Grating beyond belief.
1
Aug 16 2024
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
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.
4
Aug 17 2024
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
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.
3
Aug 18 2024
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Classic! A great album from beginning to end.
5
Aug 19 2024
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
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.
4
Aug 20 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
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.
3
Aug 21 2024
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
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.
3
Aug 22 2024
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
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.
1
Aug 23 2024
Scum
Napalm Death
The most romantic album I've ever heard.
2
Aug 24 2024
Tidal
Fiona Apple
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.
3
Aug 25 2024
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
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.
3
Aug 26 2024
Movies
Holger Czukay
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.
3
Aug 27 2024
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
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.
2
Aug 28 2024
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
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.
3
Aug 29 2024
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
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.
3
Aug 30 2024
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
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.
3
Aug 31 2024
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
I don't get how these guys are so popular. This is fucking dreadful. I loathe The Grateful Dead with a passion.
1
Sep 01 2024
Ctrl
SZA
I'm old.
2
Sep 02 2024
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
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.
2
Sep 03 2024
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
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.
3
Sep 04 2024
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
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.
3
Sep 05 2024
Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
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.
3
Sep 06 2024
The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
Second Indian album I received this week. It’s OK but I have to be in the right mood to listen to it.
3
Sep 07 2024
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Mediocre and bland. Not terrible but it doesn't belong in the book. Didn't move the needle at all. A pedestrian affair.
2
Sep 08 2024
Arrival
ABBA
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.
4
Sep 09 2024
The White Room
The KLF
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.
2
Sep 10 2024
White Light
Gene Clark
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.
1
Sep 11 2024
Stripped
Christina Aguilera
I needed to take a shower after listening to this.
1
Sep 12 2024
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
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.
4
Sep 13 2024
The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
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.
3
Sep 14 2024
Moondance
Van Morrison
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.
1
Sep 15 2024
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
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.
3
Sep 16 2024
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
I really don't like country music.
1
Sep 17 2024
Destroyer
KISS
Nope. Just nope. Too dumb to be taken seriously. Gene Simmons is an all time asshole. Hard pass.
1
Sep 18 2024
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
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.
4
Sep 19 2024
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Nearly two hours of hillbilly music plus confederate flags on the album cover equals an absolute no from me.
1
Sep 20 2024
A Night At The Opera
Queen
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.
4
Sep 21 2024
Medúlla
Björk
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.
3
Sep 22 2024
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
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.
5
Sep 23 2024
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
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.
5
Sep 24 2024
Murmur
R.E.M.
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.
2
Sep 25 2024
Copper Blue
Sugar
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.
4
Sep 26 2024
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Steely Dan reminds me of my love life. Dull, disappointing and depressing to think about. Fuck Steely Dan!
1
Sep 27 2024
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
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.
3
Sep 28 2024
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Too much jingle jangle for my taste.
2
Sep 29 2024
The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
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.
2
Sep 30 2024
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
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.
4
Oct 01 2024
The Band
The Band
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.
3
Oct 02 2024
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
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.
3
Oct 03 2024
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
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.
4
Oct 04 2024
Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
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.
4
Oct 05 2024
The Coral
The Coral
It has moments but not enough of them to make a good album. Also, the singer's voice is annoying. Meh.
2
Oct 06 2024
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
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.
3
Oct 07 2024
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
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.
5
Oct 08 2024
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
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.
4
Oct 09 2024
Your Arsenal
Morrissey
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.
2
Oct 10 2024
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
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.
3
Oct 11 2024
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
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.
2
Oct 12 2024
Tical
Method Man
Pretty good. Not perfect but I think this one will grow on me.
3
Oct 13 2024
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Boring dad rock.
2
Oct 14 2024
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Stone cold classic!
5
Oct 15 2024
Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
Didn't do anything. Just some mediocre 60s psych rock.
2
Oct 16 2024
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
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.
5
Oct 17 2024
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
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.
3
Oct 18 2024
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Inoffensive but somewhat bland and dull. Pass.
2
Oct 19 2024
Signing Off
UB40
Good social commentary but boring reggae music. It it had Bob Marley's fire this would have been great. Instead, it's just meh.
2
Oct 20 2024
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Good but not great. I prefer Holy Bible over this one. Some decent tracks but it is inconsistent overall. Still, a decent listen.
3
Oct 21 2024
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
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.
3
Oct 22 2024
Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
A bit inconsistent but there's enough decent music on here to give it a passing grade.
3
Oct 23 2024
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
White Rabbit is great. The rest is meh.
2
Oct 24 2024
Closer
Joy Division
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.
3
Oct 25 2024
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
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.
2
Oct 26 2024
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
The more I listen to Morrissey's solo albums, the more I realize Johnny Marr was the true talent of The Smiths.
2
Oct 27 2024
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
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.
4
Oct 28 2024
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
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.
4
Oct 29 2024
Legalize It
Peter Tosh
It's fine but I'd rather listen to it on a beach or a resort over a sterile office.
3
Oct 30 2024
The Slider
T. Rex
It's certainly glam rock. It's pretty good but Bowie does it better.
3
Oct 31 2024
Bone Machine
Tom Waits
Not the best Tom Waits album but there's still some decent stuff on here.
3
Nov 01 2024
Hysteria
Def Leppard
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.
2
Nov 02 2024
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
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.
1
Nov 03 2024
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
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.
3
Nov 04 2024
Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Solid stuff. This is true soul music. Hugely influential. Definitely belongs in the book.
4
Nov 05 2024
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
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.
4
Nov 06 2024
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
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.
3
Nov 07 2024
Highly Evolved
The Vines
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.
3
Nov 08 2024
Debut
Björk
Definitely not boring. Always interesting. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Kind of have to be in the mood to listen to Bjork.
3
Nov 09 2024
Quiet Life
Japan
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.
3
Nov 10 2024
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
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.
4
Nov 11 2024
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
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.
3
Nov 12 2024
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
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.
3
Nov 13 2024
The Healer
John Lee Hooker
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.
3
Nov 14 2024
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
I know many rate him highly, but I can't get into Nick Drake. It just doesn't do it for me.
2
Nov 15 2024
Let It Be
The Replacements
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.
3
Nov 16 2024
World Clique
Deee-Lite
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.
2
Nov 17 2024
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
It’s decent but there’s better punk albums out there.
3
Nov 18 2024
A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
Trying to sound like making a James Bond theme but failing spectacular. Dreadful stuff.
1
Nov 19 2024
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
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.
3
Nov 20 2024
1999
Prince
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.
4
Nov 21 2024
American Gothic
David Ackles
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.
1
Nov 22 2024
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
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.
4
Nov 23 2024
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
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.
3
Nov 24 2024
Truth
Jeff Beck
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.
4
Nov 25 2024
Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
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.
3
Nov 26 2024
Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
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.
4
Nov 27 2024
Dry
PJ Harvey
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.
4
Nov 28 2024
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
Not the worst but this was mediocre reggae. Bob Marley he is not.
2
Nov 29 2024
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
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.
4
Nov 30 2024
Lost Souls
Doves
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.
4
Dec 01 2024
Rapture
Anita Baker
She has a good voice but the 80s production and overly schmaltzy tone made this a tepid and forgettable listen.
2
Dec 02 2024
Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Giant load of meh.
2
Dec 03 2024
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
First half of the album is strong but it drops off quite a bit in the second half. Decent but somewhat dated.
3
Dec 04 2024
Superunknown
Soundgarden
This straight white dude enjoyed this album. Chris Cornell's voice is just wow!
4
Dec 05 2024
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
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.
3
Dec 06 2024
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
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.
3
Dec 07 2024
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
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.
3
Dec 08 2024
Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
Couple of OK moments, but this is pretentious, long and boring. Pass.
2
Dec 09 2024
Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
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.
3
Dec 10 2024
Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
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
Dec 11 2024
Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
At least it's short.
2
Dec 12 2024
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
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.
3
Dec 13 2024
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
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.
3
Dec 14 2024
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
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.
3
Dec 15 2024
S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
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.
2
Dec 16 2024
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
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.
2
Dec 17 2024
Dog Man Star
Suede
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.
3
Dec 18 2024
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
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.
4
Dec 19 2024
Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
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.
3
Dec 20 2024
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
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.
1
Dec 21 2024
What's That Noise?
Coldcut
Very dated. Very 80s. You know it’s 80s electronica when the Tarzan sound appears numerous times. Annoying.
2
Dec 22 2024
Homework
Daft Punk
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.
4
Dec 23 2024
OK
Talvin Singh
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.
2
Dec 24 2024
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
First time hearing. Quite solid. Great vocals. Would like to hear more from them. Nice discovery.
4
Dec 25 2024
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
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.
3
Dec 26 2024
Timeless
Goldie
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!
2
Dec 27 2024
This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Mediocre britpop. Jarvis Cocker tries too hard to be Bowie but he doesn't come close to the legend.
2
Dec 28 2024
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
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.
2
Dec 29 2024
Elastica
Elastica
It sounds a lot like Wire which isn't a bad thing. Pretty good even though it isn't original.
3
Dec 30 2024
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
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.
3
Dec 31 2024
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
Best Byrds album I've heard so far. But there's still far too many Byrds albums on this list.
3
Jan 01 2025
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Influential yet pedestrian. Fuck Eric Clapton.
2
Jan 02 2025
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
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.
4
Jan 03 2025
Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Meh. Boring. Didn't do anything for me.
2
Jan 04 2025
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
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.
4
Jan 05 2025
Pornography
The Cure
This was OK but Robert Smith still annoys the hell out of me.
3
Jan 06 2025
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Nice mixture of glam and punk rock. Too bad they weren't around for the long run. Solid album.
4
Jan 07 2025
Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Tries so hard to be David Bowie. Fails spectacularly. Godawful. Ugh!
1
Jan 08 2025
Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
Disappointed with this one. Drums and Wires should be in the book. Not this. Expected more. Was let down.
2
Jan 09 2025
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
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.
4
Jan 10 2025
Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
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.
2
Jan 11 2025
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
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.
4
Jan 12 2025
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
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.
3
Jan 13 2025
Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
You can't be all bad if you're lead singer's name is Handsome Dick Manitoba.
3
Jan 14 2025
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
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.
5
Jan 15 2025
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
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.
4
Jan 16 2025
A Northern Soul
The Verve
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.
3
Jan 17 2025
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
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.
3
Jan 18 2025
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
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.
1
Jan 19 2025
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
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.
3
Jan 20 2025
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
The soundtrack for divorced dads who want to bang the young intern but have no chance with her.
1
Jan 21 2025
No Other
Gene Clark
Title track was good but the rest of it was quite meh. Didn't click with me.
2
Jan 22 2025
You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
Shut up Morrissey
2
Jan 23 2025
Moon Safari
Air
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.
4
Jan 24 2025
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
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.
2
Jan 25 2025
Ray Of Light
Madonna
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.
3
Jan 26 2025
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Not my thing.
2
Jan 27 2025
Soul Mining
The The
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.
2
Jan 28 2025
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
Boring forgettable dated album. Singer tries so hard to sound like Peter Gabriel. Not working.
2
Jan 29 2025
The Poet
Bobby Womack
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.
3
Jan 30 2025
Odessa
Bee Gees
They burned the wrong Bee Gees album at Comiskey Park in 1979. Saturday Night Fever is a masterpiece compared to this drivel.
1
Jan 31 2025
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
Not offensive but something was missing here. It didn't click with me.
2
Feb 01 2025
Night Life
Ray Price
I don't like country music. Sorry not sorry.
1
Feb 02 2025
No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
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.
3
Feb 03 2025
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
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.
3
Feb 04 2025
It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
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.
3
Feb 05 2025
Phrenology
The Roots
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.
4
Feb 06 2025
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
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.
2
Feb 07 2025
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
After hearing this, I was wearing dark eyeliner. I've never worn dark eyeliner. This wasn't too bad.
3
Feb 08 2025
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
It's decent but it's the wrong Lana album on this list. Ultraviolence should be on here. That said, a good listen.
3
Feb 09 2025
Manassas
Stephen Stills
Musicianship was solid but this sounded like a massive ego trip. This did not need to be a double album.
2
Feb 10 2025
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
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.
2
Feb 11 2025
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
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.
2
Feb 12 2025
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
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.
3
Feb 13 2025
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Pretty good. 80s production both helped and hurt the album. Very goth and gloomy. It was alright.
3
Feb 14 2025
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
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.
2
Feb 15 2025
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Ball and Chain is the highlight here. The rest is quite sloppy but passable.
3
Feb 16 2025
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Didn't click with me.
2
Feb 17 2025
Garbage
Garbage
Decent 90s alt rock albeit dated. Bit overproduced but a good listen.
3
Feb 18 2025
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
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.
3
Feb 19 2025
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
They're good musicians but this didn't move the needle at all for me. Bland dad rock.
2
Feb 20 2025
Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
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.
4
Feb 21 2025
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
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.
4
Feb 22 2025
1984
Van Halen
Yeah it’s dated. Yeah it’s dumb. So what. This was a lot of fun to revisit. Good times.
4
Feb 23 2025
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Decent albeit slightly uneven. It never elevates itself but it doesn't lower itself either. Definitely influential.
3
Feb 24 2025
Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
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.
2
Feb 25 2025
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
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.
3
Feb 26 2025
White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
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.
3
Feb 27 2025
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
A grotesquely vile human being. The music isn't any good either.
1
Feb 28 2025
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
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.
3
Mar 01 2025
Permission to Land
The Darkness
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.
2
Mar 02 2025
...And Justice For All
Metallica
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.
4
Mar 03 2025
Mothership Connection
Parliament
The world would be a better place if everyone listened to Parliament and felt the funk.
5
Mar 04 2025
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Their best album. A true metal masterpiece. They never topped this. Just a force of sonic intensity that never lets up. RIP Cliff Burton.
5
Mar 05 2025
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
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.
4
Mar 06 2025
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Layla is a great song. The rest is meh. it's too long. Clapton is a twonk.
2
Mar 07 2025
If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
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.
2
Mar 08 2025
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
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.
1
Mar 09 2025
Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
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.
3
Mar 10 2025
Feast of Wire
Calexico
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.
3
Mar 11 2025
Want One
Rufus Wainwright
A celebration of pretentious whining and self absorption. Hipsters would love this album. Hipsters are very punchable.
1
Mar 12 2025
Hot Fuss
The Killers
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.
3
Mar 13 2025
American Pie
Don McLean
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.
1
Mar 14 2025
Future Days
Can
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.
5
Mar 15 2025
Doolittle
Pixies
So solid. Loud, quiet, abrasive yet has some subtlety as well. The more I hear the Pixies, the more I like them.
4
Mar 16 2025
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
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.
4
Mar 17 2025
The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
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.
3
Mar 18 2025
Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
I'm a sucker for big beat electronica from the 90s. This was quite solid. Dug it. Not perfect but I'll listen again.
4
Mar 19 2025
Take Me Apart
Kelela
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.
2
Mar 20 2025
Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
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.
3
Mar 21 2025
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
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.
4
Mar 22 2025
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
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.
3
Mar 23 2025
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Some dope rhymes and hard rhythms. Solid stuff albeit too long. Still, a noteworthy album from one of the masters of gansta rap.
4
Mar 24 2025
Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
60s psych pop isn't my thing. Dated and blah.
2
Mar 25 2025
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
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.
4
Mar 26 2025
Make Yourself
Incubus
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.
3
Mar 27 2025
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
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.
3
Mar 28 2025
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
A bit uneven but a decent listen.
3
Mar 29 2025
The Specials
The Specials
Not a big ska fan but this was pretty good. May not revisit it a ton but I can appreciate it.
3
Mar 30 2025
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
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.
2
Mar 31 2025
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Way too long and this type of music is better in a pub than on vinyl. Didn't click with me.
2
Apr 01 2025
Sincere
Mj Cole
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.
2
Apr 02 2025
London Calling
The Clash
MASTERPIECE!!
5
Apr 03 2025
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Porn.
4
Apr 04 2025
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
Working Class Hero is a classic and Lennon’s best song. The rest I could live without even though God is interesting.
3
Apr 05 2025
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Decent chill out music but if goes on for far too long.
3
Apr 06 2025
American Idiot
Green Day
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.
3
Apr 07 2025
Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
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.
2
Apr 08 2025
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
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.
4
Apr 09 2025
Forever Changes
Love
For 60s psych, this was pretty good. Not perfect but it was OK. Listenable.
3
Apr 10 2025
Gold
Ryan Adams
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.
1
Apr 11 2025
Follow The Leader
Korn
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!
2
Apr 12 2025
Thriller
Michael Jackson
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.
4
Apr 13 2025
Skylarking
XTC
Decent listen. Dear God is a classic and somewhat fitting in today's times. Still think Drums and Wires is their best album.
3
Apr 14 2025
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
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.
3
Apr 15 2025
Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
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.
3
Apr 16 2025
Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
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.
1
Apr 17 2025
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
This album is so dull, it makes Microsoft Excel look exciting.
1
Apr 18 2025
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
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.
2
Apr 19 2025
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
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.
3
Apr 20 2025
The Libertines
The Libertines
Pretty good but didn't blow me away. Decent indie rock.
3
Apr 21 2025
Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
I've tried to get into these guys but something's missing here. It just isn't clicking with me.
2
Apr 22 2025
Dust
Screaming Trees
The most underrated band of the Seattle scene. Solid llsten. These guys should have been bigger. RIP Mark Lanegan.
4
Apr 23 2025
Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
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.
4
Apr 24 2025
Tommy
The Who
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.
4
Apr 25 2025
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
A bit choppy and inconsistent but okay overall. Didn't blow me away but had enough sway and rhythm to earn a passing grade.
3
Apr 26 2025
Roots
Sepultura
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.
3
Apr 27 2025
D
White Denim
Pretty good. Had a bit of pep to it. Might give this another listen in the future.
3
Apr 28 2025
Hms Fable
Shack
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.
3
Apr 29 2025
The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
Oddly weird and jarring. I approve. This was quite good. Kind of fitting I got this album considering David Thomas recently passed away. RIP.
4
Apr 30 2025
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
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.
3
May 01 2025
With The Beatles
Beatles
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.
3
May 02 2025
Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
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.
3
May 03 2025
Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
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.
1
May 04 2025
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Has moments but didn't fully click with me. Not terrible but just kind of meh.
2
May 05 2025
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
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.
3
May 06 2025
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Mediocre, overproduced faux punk with unnecessary horns intruding on all of this. Didn't move the needle at all.
2
May 07 2025
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
Good guitar work goes to waste in this psychedelic mess. The electric jug is annoying as hell.
2
May 08 2025
The Next Day
David Bowie
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.
4
May 09 2025
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
Just another mediocre britpop album on a list full of mediocre britpop albums. Nothing earth shattering to this. Just meh.
2
May 10 2025
Connected
Stereo MC's
A bit dated but pretty good. Some solid bass lines and an old school feel. Not perfect but listenable.
3
May 11 2025
Technique
New Order
Never understood the hype or love these guys get. I don't get it. It doesn't do anything for me.
2
May 12 2025
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Inoffensive but not my jam.
2
May 13 2025
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
One good song (Season of the Witch) The rest is very meh 60s psych rock.
2
May 14 2025
Liquid Swords
GZA
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.
3
May 15 2025
Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
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.
4
May 16 2025
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
The 60s are overrated.
2
May 17 2025
School's Out
Alice Cooper
Never got into Alice Cooper. Title track hits but after that, it's annoying keyboards and overwrought horns that drag this down.
2
May 18 2025
It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
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!
1
May 19 2025
Maxinquaye
Tricky
Dark. Brooding. Sinewy. Haunting. Claustrophobic. Edgy. Erotic. Utterly brilliant! This is simply fantastic and a staple in my rotation.
5
May 20 2025
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Front loaded. The best songs are in the first half. Significant drop off in the second half. Still fine but it isn't Thriller.
3
May 21 2025
All Mod Cons
The Jam
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.
3
May 22 2025
Queen II
Queen
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.
3
May 23 2025
Infected
The The
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.
2
May 24 2025
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Long, pretentious, dull and massively overrated. Cool he gave Neil Young a shout out, but that's all there is to it.
2
May 25 2025
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
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!
5
May 26 2025
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Liked it more than I thought. Didn't love it nor did it blow me away but it was a decent listen.
3
May 27 2025
Raw Power
The Stooges
Iggy Pop is cooler than you. He's also cooler than me.
4
May 28 2025
You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
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.
4
May 29 2025
Scott 2
Scott Walker
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.
2
May 30 2025
Dummy
Portishead
An exquisitely haunting masterpiece. Beth Gibbons voice soothes and mesmerizes through sinewy, sparse electronica. A must listen.
5
May 31 2025
Trio
Dolly Parton
They're talented but country is my least favourite genre going. Pass.
2
Jun 01 2025
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
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.
3
Jun 02 2025
Zombie
Fela Kuti
Some cool musicianship going on here. All of these cats can play. Some interesting rhythms as well. Not perfect but a solid release.
4
Jun 03 2025
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
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.
4
Jun 04 2025
#1 Record
Big Star
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.
3
Jun 05 2025
Close To You
Carpenters
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.
2
Jun 06 2025
Arular
M.I.A.
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.
2
Jun 07 2025
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
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.
1
Jun 08 2025
California
American Music Club
Has moments but the country tinged elements bring the whole thing down for me. I wish it would've rocked out more.
2
Jun 09 2025
Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
Decent but I've heard better punk albums.
3
Jun 10 2025
Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
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.
3
Jun 11 2025
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Didn't click with me. I did hear some talent but it didn't move the needle for me. Not my favourite genre either.
2
Jun 12 2025
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
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.
2
Jun 13 2025
Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
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.
2
Jun 14 2025
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Decent but The Modern Dance was better.
3
Jun 15 2025
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
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.
3
Jun 16 2025
Pink Flag
Wire
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.
5
Jun 17 2025
Bummed
Happy Mondays
If you looked up mediocre in Webster's dictionary, there would be a picture of this album as the perfect description.
2
Jun 18 2025
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
Inoffensive but Bossa Nova isn't my cup of tea.
2
Jun 19 2025
Funeral
Arcade Fire
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.
4
Jun 20 2025
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
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.
3
Jun 21 2025
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
A pleasure to revisit this superb recording. An absolute gem!
5
Jun 22 2025
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
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.
3
Jun 23 2025
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
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.
2
Jun 24 2025
Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
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.
1
Jun 25 2025
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
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.
4
Jun 26 2025
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
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.
4
Jun 27 2025
1977
Ash
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.
3
Jun 28 2025
G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
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.
1
Jun 29 2025
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I hate people when they’re not polite.
4
Jun 30 2025
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
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.
3
Jul 01 2025
Scott 4
Scott Walker
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.
2
Jul 02 2025
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
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.
1
Jul 03 2025
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
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.
4
Jul 04 2025
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
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.
2
Jul 05 2025
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
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.
2
Jul 06 2025
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
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.
4
Jul 07 2025
Pyromania
Def Leppard
An admitted guilty pleasure. Yeah it's really dumb but I can't resist it. Brings back memories. Nostalgia is a helluva drug.
4
Jul 08 2025
Palo Congo
Sabu
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.
3
Jul 09 2025
Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
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.
3
Jul 10 2025
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
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.
4
Jul 11 2025
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
More piano than I expected. It's pretty good but I'm not sure it needed to be in the book.
3
Jul 12 2025
Ingenue
k.d. lang
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.
2
Jul 13 2025
The Visitors
ABBA
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.
2
Jul 14 2025
Is This It
The Strokes
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.
4
Jul 15 2025
Street Life
The Crusaders
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.
3
Jul 16 2025
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Title track is probably my favourite Beatles song. Has a slight punk vibe. Rest is fine albeit too many ballads.
3
Jul 17 2025
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
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.
1
Jul 18 2025
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
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.
1
Jul 19 2025
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
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.
1
Jul 20 2025
Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
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.
2
Jul 21 2025
1989
Taylor Swift
Sorry Swifties. This isn't my thing at all. I've heard worse but this wasn't made for schlubs like me.
2
Jul 22 2025
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Kind of dumb but lots of fun. They matured later but this is still an enjoyable listen despite some iffy lyrics.
4
Jul 23 2025
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
I did like the version of Love Hurts but otherwise, too twangy and countrified for my tastes.
2
Jul 24 2025
Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
The attempt at rap was quite cringy and brought everything down. Yeah, this didn't belong in the book.
2
Jul 25 2025
Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
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.
3
Jul 26 2025
Parachutes
Coldplay
The perfect album for douchey CEOs to cheat on their wives with the HR lady.
2
Jul 27 2025
Music
Madonna
Title track is good. Had potential but it never elevates itself above mediocrity. The version of American Pie is very cringe.
2
Jul 28 2025
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I liked Juju more but this was pretty good. A tad raw but and a little uneven but a decent listen.
3
Jul 29 2025
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
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.
4
Jul 30 2025
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
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.
3
Jul 31 2025
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
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.
4
Aug 01 2025
Kid A
Radiohead
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.
4
Aug 02 2025
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
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.
3
Aug 03 2025
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
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.
4
Aug 04 2025
Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
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.
2
Aug 05 2025
Revolver
Beatles
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.
3
Aug 06 2025
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
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.
1
Aug 07 2025
Chelsea Girl
Nico
After listening to this, I'm convinced boomers are weird...and not in a good way.
2
Aug 08 2025
Disintegration
The Cure
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.
4
Aug 09 2025
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
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.
3
Aug 10 2025
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
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.
3
Aug 11 2025
Live!
Fela Kuti
This was pretty cool. Really dug the drumming. I think I like Afrobeat and will explore it more down the road.
4
Aug 12 2025
Arise
Sepultura
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.
2
Aug 13 2025
Dookie
Green Day
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.
3
Aug 14 2025
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
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.
1
Aug 15 2025
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
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.
2
Aug 16 2025
Heroes
David Bowie
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.
5
Aug 17 2025
The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
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.
3
Aug 18 2025
Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
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.
4
Aug 19 2025
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Better than Definitely Maybe. 115 charges.
3
Aug 20 2025
Vulnicura
Björk
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.
2
Aug 21 2025
Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
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.
2
Aug 22 2025
The Doors
The Doors
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.
4
Aug 23 2025
Rocks
Aerosmith
Can’t help it. Solid album from the Toxic Twins an company. Probably their heaviest album. It would go downhill from here on out.
4
Aug 24 2025
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
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.
4
Aug 25 2025
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
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.
4
Aug 26 2025
Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Couldn't get into it. Different yes but I prefer East Indian music that's instrumental over vocals.
2
Aug 27 2025
Station To Station
David Bowie
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.
5
Aug 28 2025
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
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.
2
Aug 29 2025
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
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.
5
Aug 30 2025
Ten
Pearl Jam
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.
4
Aug 31 2025
Yeezus
Kanye West
He's talented yes. But he's also a narcissistic and disturbed human being. Can't support it.
2
Sep 01 2025
Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
Dreadful. I always hated Come on Eileen so to listen to entire album of this drivel was a painful experience.
1
Sep 02 2025
Konnichiwa
Skepta
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.
2
Sep 03 2025
Pelican West
Haircut 100
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.
2
Sep 04 2025
Snivilisation
Orbital
Decent background music but it didn't blow me. Also, the album title leaves a lot to be desired.
3
Sep 05 2025
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
Nice little surprise. Kind of punky. Kind of sassy. Very political. Not perfect but I’ll listen again.
3
Sep 06 2025
Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
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.
2
Sep 07 2025
Bad
Michael Jackson
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.
2
Sep 08 2025
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
That was fun. Good workout music. This thumped. Solid.
4
Sep 09 2025
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Interesting. Especially the covers. Somewhat relaxing yet somewhat jarring. Not bad overall.
3
Sep 10 2025
Bad Company
Bad Company
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.
3
Sep 11 2025
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Fine. Decent blue eyed soul. Wish she wrote some of her songs but her versions are done well.
3
Sep 12 2025
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
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.
4
Sep 13 2025
A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
Kind of mediocre and way too long. Not terrible but kind of forgettable.
2
Sep 14 2025
Slayed?
Slade
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.
3
Sep 15 2025
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
I respect Steve Earle and he's a survivor. But this is too much country and not enough rock n roll for my tastes.
2
Sep 16 2025
Shleep
Robert Wyatt
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.
1
Sep 17 2025
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
Another live album. Sigh. So much harmonica. Too much harmonica. Sorry folkies. Dylan just doesn't do it for me.
2
Sep 18 2025
Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
Decent. Wished it had a tad more energy but it was an interesting listen.
3
Sep 19 2025
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
A live album that actually rules. Neil is a legend and this is fantastic. A true classic.
5
Sep 20 2025
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
Some solid funk metal. Prefer this over Chili Peppers. The horns are a drawback but I’ll listen again.
4
Sep 21 2025
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
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.
3
Sep 22 2025
Atomizer
Big Black
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.
4
Sep 23 2025
Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
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.
1
Sep 24 2025
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
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.
3
Sep 25 2025
Shadowland
k.d. lang
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.
1
Sep 26 2025
Street Signs
Ozomatli
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.
2
Sep 27 2025
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
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.
3
Sep 28 2025
25
Adele
Too many ballads. She has a strong voice but this is very pedestrian and bland that doesn't move the needle for me.
2
Sep 29 2025
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
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.
1
Sep 30 2025
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
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.
4
Oct 01 2025
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
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.
3
Oct 02 2025
Vivid
Living Colour
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.
4
Oct 03 2025
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Only Johnny Cash could pull off not one but two live albums in prison and make it work.
4
Oct 04 2025
Abbey Road
Beatles
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.
4