Apr 04 2023
Who's Next
The Who
Long songs make me reflect on 'modern' music and how we have moved away from experiments to formulae. I love the way they have made his lead vocal sound, it's at the front of the mix and still sounds a bit rugged and raw. The songs all have an ending - a proper big build up and ending, like you would have live. I am surprised how many of the songs sound familiar. It's like a big musical soup with all sorts of chunks, floating about in a broth that hasn't been reduced much. The drumming really at the forefront - it's its own instrument on this album, not just a way to keep time. "My ears have heard a whole lot of music, and like me you've heard a bit too much." Great album.
4
Apr 05 2023
1999
Prince
This has some fantastic, classic Prince songs, but it's a bit too long and not every song is a banger.
4
Apr 06 2023
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
An easy-listening classic - she's the musical equivalent of wrapping yourself in a towel after a bath...and the towel has been on a heated towel rail...it's lovely, but kind of non-descript. We all agree it's nice, but this album won't change your life. It's offensive in its inoffensiveness.
2
Apr 07 2023
British Steel
Judas Priest
Bombastic, loud, daft and glorious. The root of the parodies. Steel Panther could never.... Banger after banger.
4
Apr 10 2023
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
It's rich and pleasant, sounds a bit like Flight of the Conchords in places, haha! I would listen again as background music, but if I heard it again I don't think I would ask "who is this?".
3
Apr 11 2023
Faith
George Michael
What is there to dislike? Ok, so it sounds very 'of its time' in places (e.g. I want your sex), but his voice is wonderful.
4
Apr 12 2023
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Surprised me with the electric guitar riffs. Super folky and flutey, showing how folk, metal and prog have similar roots.
3
Apr 13 2023
A Night At The Opera
Queen
3
Apr 14 2023
The Visitors
ABBA
There are some really lovely songs on this album, it sounds like a musical theatre soundtrack though... It was a treat to hear Abba songs I had never heard - I think this is their last album, and it has a sadness, a melancholy about it that I quite enjoyed.
3
Apr 17 2023
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Can't rate this without nostalgia.
4
Apr 18 2023
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen is one of those musicians that you expect to be floored by. I wouldn't listen to this album again. It was a difficult listen. Made me uncomfortable. Jazz police? Wanting to see someone naked? The production is so 1980s, cheesy backing vocals, lift-music style instrumentals, fade-outs, and his vocal delivery is.... idiosyncratic. He sounds like Tom Waits but it's earnest and sort of half-singing, half talking. Not my cup of tea.
1
Apr 19 2023
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
This is a lovely album, I always thought Kraftwerk were quite industrial, but this is gentle and catchy, lovely electronic melodies.
3
Apr 20 2023
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
A lovely voice, very nice cover of House of the Rising Sun. Great 1960s vibes, wouldn't switch it off.
3
Apr 21 2023
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
Unbearable. Made everyone in my house feel angry and irritated.
1
Apr 24 2023
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
I get it, but it's not for me. Wouldn't listen again.
2
Apr 25 2023
Ace of Spades
MotΓΆrhead
It's exciting. It's a joy. It's got elements of punk and hair metal, but it has its own identity. Yes, most of the songs sound the same, but it's unmistakably Motorhead and it's just brilliant.
3
Apr 26 2023
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
It's just magnificent.
5
Apr 27 2023
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
As I listened to this, I asked myself whether I would rather listen to nothing but Dizzee Rascal or nothing but The Fall. Thing is, both are challenging to my guitar-based-soft-rock-trained ears. However, Fix Up Look Sharp is genius, and the comedy and social commentary in Dizzee Rascal's raps/poetry is far more appealing to me than Mark E Smith's arrogant drivel-uh.
2
Apr 28 2023
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
It did not move me.
2
May 01 2023
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
This is clearly a divisive album. It's definitely not for me. Unlistenable - call me a philistine, but it's a discordant cacophony. I prefer music that I enjoy.
1
May 02 2023
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
It's just a bit too sexy for me.
2
May 03 2023
The Rise & Fall
Madness
I get that it's an iconic album with most of the hits...and I was surprised at the diverse sounds, lots of styles going on here...but Suggs' voice really starts to grate after a while. I wouldn't want to listen to the whole album again!
2
May 04 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
It's a great Iron Maiden album, Bruce is superlative and the choons just keep coming.
4
May 05 2023
1989
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift seems to be a pretty decent human, but this album...it's a no. Poetry that sounds like it was written by a lovelorn twelve year old... Lyrically simplistic, boring, trite; plus nothing of interest musically. Reliant on a really samey drum beat for every song, rather than melodies. Really generic. The kind of lyrics I can imagine a grumpy tweenager quoting on her MSN messenger id in the late nineties. Making an effort to sound profound. I get it, you wear red lipstick. Just not for me. Ugh I sound old!
1
May 08 2023
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
This was a pretty good album, I enjoyed David Byrne's vocals and there were some nice bass-led songs. Wouldn't seek it out, but would listen again.
3
May 09 2023
American Idiot
Green Day
Loads of classics on here, and I love the way songs blend into each other. Lots of variety and a political intent - love it.
5
May 10 2023
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
It's not really my era - I feel as though people a couple of years older than me will love this album. It misses the mark with me - too much weird 90s style gentle dance music/ambience. Lots of gospel. The hits are good, obviously, but his voice is annoying after a while. I probably wouldn't listen again.
3
May 11 2023
McCartney
Paul McCartney
Not for me. Classic Paul.
2
May 12 2023
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
It's a lovely peaceful album; the bluesy numbers seem a bit incongruous with his voice, it's the gentle melodic guitar based songs that really speak to me on this album. Really liked it and would listen again, like an ageing hippy.
4
May 15 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
It's got 'Marrakech express' on it, which is a song I love. Lots of quite annoying '60s-style close vocal harmonies. Gentle, complex guitar work. All a bit samey though. 52 minutes and 14 songs felt very long!
2
May 16 2023
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
The problem is, he just sounds like the Cookie Monster, and I can't get that image out of my head....
1
May 17 2023
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Boring indie Americana. Probably one or two listenable songs. His voice is not to my taste and the 'experimental' sounds feel self-indulgent. Dull for the casual listener.
1
May 18 2023
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Well I mean, it was alright. Mark Knopfler has a 'distinctive' singing voice, but, a bit like Pink Floyd, of you pretend the guitar is the lead vocal, suddenly it sounds much better. A great length for an album and the start is very atmospheric. Overall, forgettable.
2
May 19 2023
Blunderbuss
Jack White
I like Jack White, it was alright. Would probably listen again.
3
May 22 2023
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Into my arms is such a beautiful song. The rest was ok, but not sure I would choose to listen to it unless I felt the need to wallow in despair. Happily for me, I no longer feel like doing that, and I hope I never do again - but if I do, I need to remember that this album exists. 3 stars, would have been 2 but for Into My Arms.
3
May 23 2023
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Churchy. On first listen, it felt more atmospheric and less anthemic than Funeral, but on second listen, there are a handful of bangers. I would listen again. 3 stars.
3
May 24 2023
Music
Madonna
It's a bit zero 7/Moby in places...that turn-of-the-century ambient Ibiza chill-out vibe. It's not an album that I would choose to listen to again.
2
May 25 2023
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Pure 1960s - the first track is joyous and the rest of the album is a snapshot of that late sixties sound. Time of the Season is the standout, timeless track that earns this album three stars+, but I would listen to it again.
3
May 26 2023
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Six songs, 43 minutes. Track 1 is an ambient start - a pleasant building background bop. Doesn't make you stop and listen, it just exists. Track 2 has an uncomfortable drone and jarring sounds on top, it's like a helicopter with lift music, I had to skip it. Track 3= a bit nothing, Track 4=I had an alarm clock that sounded like this. Track 5= promising start, like a drum n bass track that never really takes off. Track 6 = like being underwater, maybe in a submarine. It was certainly an experience, but the only way I would listen again would be to play Track 2 "DJ'ed" to someone who loves music, as an example of how it can make you feel physically sick.
2
May 29 2023
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Just wonderful
5
May 30 2023
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
This is just superb. Phil Lynott's comment about 'girls want a bit more Irish in them' aside (it was of its time), this is a raucous, guitar-heavy celebration of 1970s rock, and I am here for it. A dad-rock joy.
5
May 31 2023
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Short but oh so lovely. I listened with cynicism, knowing it is a highly rated album (the highest?) but it is just perfect. Songbird had me welling up. There is variety and quality throughout. Wonderful, an easy five stars.
5
Jun 01 2023
Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Exactly an hour - a pleasing length. In this case, it's a bit too long. If I was running a kooky vintage retro shop, I would probably put this album on. As it is, it's kooky retro and vintage, and sounds a lot like other things (Captain Beefheart, Chuck Berry, screaming Jay Hawkins etc...). I'm not that into it, not sure I will be bothered to listen to the whole thing. Oh well. Two stars.
2
Jun 02 2023
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
It's difficult to rate this, because it's essentially an album of covers by a man who has a very idiosyncratic voice. I'm not sure I am the biggest fan of his voice. But there is no denying the power of the songs he sings and his being close to death, some send a chill down my spine, while some (Danny Boy) are on the edge of being slightly cringe worthy. Sorry. Needs another listen really, but it is intriguing and in places, powerful. A solid 3.
3
Jun 05 2023
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Very seventies, close harmonies and guitar solos... This was very orchestral (to be expected) and adds more weight to my theory that this list is constructed by middle aged white men. Two to three stars.
3
Jun 06 2023
Heroes
David Bowie
Trouble is, I wasn't a young man in 1977. The two last tracks are pretty unlistenable. I would rather listen to Talking Heads. Sorry Dave.
2
Jun 07 2023
(Pronounced 'Leh-'NΓ©rd 'Skin-'NΓ©rd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Classic American rock n roll. Very earnest. Obviously great guitar work, but not really one I would return to. Two stars.
2
Jun 08 2023
Cross
Justice
Nostalgic
3
Jun 09 2023
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Thing is, our generation has Laura Marling. This album is lovely, I would listen again, but it doesn't belong to me.
3
Jun 12 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Didn't like the rape song, but the hip hop jazz with brilliant lyrics is definitely listen again territory. A bit too much about "the industry" but definitely enjoyable.
3
Jun 13 2023
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Bombastic, loud, ridiculous, political, anti-war, tasty album.
5
Jun 14 2023
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
It's really good! Joyful, jazzy, funky, bass-led poptastic music. It's Edwyn Collins singing, he's brilliant. I really enjoyed it. I thought the title track was by Talking Heads, and it does sound heavily influenced throughout. Four stars.
4
Jun 15 2023
Leftism
Leftfield
It's a bit intense for me. Great atmospheric opening that reminds me of the BBC news theme tune. Lots of tracks that have been used on TV and in adverts. I wouldn't choose to listen to this again. Unless I was raving. Or doing a HITT workout. Two to three stars, will decide at the end.
2
Jun 16 2023
Goo
Sonic Youth
I did not enjoy this and didn't even get all the way through. 1 star.
1
Jun 19 2023
The Next Day
David Bowie
Ugh. My heart sank when I saw this. Another Bowie album. I accept he was an inspiration to lots of people, but for me, just...I feel like I know exactly what I am going to get, so I listened with a closed mind. Sorry. But it doesn't feel poignant or powerful to me, I don't like his voice, his lyrics annoy me, the songs aren't funky or fun but dreary and dull. Just not for me. I am annoyed about all of the assumed greatness all his work has, when it bores me. I didn't listen properly in the end, I just skipped through the tracks searching for surprises. "If you can see me" is the least Bowie-sounding. Still him though. "(You will) set the world on fire" is a song I would listen to again. Two stars.
2
Jun 20 2023
Debut
BjΓΆrk
This was interesting, I like her voice, a few songs I already knew and a few that passed by in a dreamlike way. I might be in a Bjork mood in the future and listen again. Three stars.
3
Jun 21 2023
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
It was quite sludgy, I liked it and would listen again, although it didn't have many of the songs I knew.... Torn between 3 and 4 stars.
4
Jun 22 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
Lots of psychedelic drops, a few decent, timeless songs that really show the influence of The Stooges on bands from the early 00s. I wouldn't listen again but was torn between 2 and 3 stars, mainly for it's influence.
2
Jun 26 2023
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
It is orchestral, soaring and epic. There are some good pop tunes on it l, as well as the more experimental sounds. It stands up and is interesting to listen to.
3
Jun 28 2023
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
I'm surprised this made it onto the list. It's good, it's like a bit derivative of 1960s music, like a lot of indie was around the mid nineties. It's got some extremely energetic tracks and great use of the theremin! Lovely guitar-based rock. I would listen again. Is it on a par with 'Dark Side of the Moon'? I am still working my head through my scoring system, but 5 is perfect, 4 is excellent, 3 is very good, 2 is ok but not great, and 1 is unlistenable. There almost needs to be a sixth rating to enable more variation between 3 and 1. 3-rated albums will have a big range of listen ability. So I think this is a 3... But it's very good, so maybe it IS a four.
4
Jun 29 2023
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
It's very difficult to be objective about this album when you are my age, because it was the soundtrack of my youth. It's evocative of the nineties, of teenage years, school, underage drinking, TV.... It's all the songs that men sing in pubs. It's an album of 20th century folk songs. People will still be singing Wonderwall in fifty years' time. It still sounds great now and it will still sounds great in the future. A well deserved place on this list. Five stars.
5
Jun 30 2023
Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Didn't really enjoy this. Aggressive and boring at the same time. Not to my taste, won't listen again.
1
Jul 03 2023
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
It was alright. I like Talking Heads, and it sounded like Talking Heads.
2
Jul 04 2023
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Because of when I was born, it has to be a five star review. A seminal album from my youth. Only skippable track was 'Porcelain' and it's actually beautiful when I listen 20+ years later.
5
Jul 05 2023
Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
It was a bit samey. Didn't love it or want to listen again.
2
Jul 06 2023
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Lovely voice, but you can have too much of a good thing.
2
Jul 07 2023
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Great voice. Like, really great. The Bontempi keyboard effects ruin it for me. Could have been great live with a horns section. The kind of music I would dance to if drunk. Liked it, didn't love it, didn't finish the whole album. 2 or 3 stars.
2
Jul 10 2023
Dirt
Alice In Chains
It's a good album, and I can hear a lot of influences - Soundgarden; Guns n Roses...epic guitar work, grunge.... Yeah, I would listen again. Three stars.
3
Jul 11 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Strong opening track - you ARE the sunshine of my life - then we go a bit funky and crack out some strong guitar moves.
3
Jul 12 2023
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Parts of it are ok, parts are particularly unpleasant. Not for me. Another one for the middle aged white men. Two stars.
2
Jul 13 2023
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
I know the Supertramp singles and always enjoyed them. I love the intro to this album, it starts with a mournful, sorrowful harmonica, and the first track is complex with a funky groove. I do like his voice. It's got some jazzy and atmospheric tracks, which don't rush to fit into a three minute pop single format, they build slowly and with unexpected complexity.
4
Jul 14 2023
...And Justice For All
Metallica
It's a Metallica album. It's fine. It sounds like a Metallica album, and I like it. Not sure it's groundbreaking, and I'm not sure there should be any more than one Metallica album on this list. Fours tars, because I like it and I would listen again and it's interesting.
4
Jul 17 2023
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
It goes Bluesy, Folky then a bit country, but is unmistakably Led Zep. Not my favourite Led Zeppelin album, but decent. Three stars, verging on four because of Sandy Denny.
3
Jul 18 2023
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Magnificent. Full of chips. Even the drum solo doesn't detract from the greatness of this album. Loved it.
5
Jul 20 2023
The White Album
Beatles
Thirty songs for an album. I mean, come on. There are a few good songs on here, and the influence of the Beatles on other musicians is undeniable. But as an album, self-contained thing to listen to - yeah, no. Too many stupid songs (I don't care about a fucking raccoon), and too bloated and self-important. Two stars.
2
Jul 21 2023
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
4
Jul 24 2023
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Hopelessly miserable, dark, sparse and depressing. It gave me sorrow. Would not listen again. I am not sure about how to rate it, because if I wanted to be desperately unhappy, I would go here. It is a musical feat to compose and arrange music so bleak.
3
Jul 25 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Thing is, there are some great songs on here, like Tiny Dancer. It's just that I would have to be in the right mood to put this on, and I'd rather listen to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
2
Jul 26 2023
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
This is reminiscent of the music from 'The Sims'.
3
Jul 27 2023
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
It sounds like a Talking Heads album. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood today, but I got a bit bored.
2
Jul 28 2023
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
There are some fantastic songs on this album, but it peters out a bit towards the end and suffers from a bit too much self-awareness and late '60s/early 70s experimentation (at the expense of actually good music). Think it's a three star album.
3
Aug 02 2023
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Trouble was, it was just a bit too overpowering for me. Lots of rage, lots of musicality, lots of talented lyrics, but I just could not ease into it - it demanded to be actively listened to, not stuck on in the background, which says more about my listening habits than this album. I do t want to give it three stars, though I can't give it two because it is undeniably influential and if I had the energy to endure it, it would be great. That said, it did give me a headache, and I gave Miles Davis a one, so it's going to be a two from me.
2
Aug 04 2023
Revolver
Beatles
I absolutely love this album. I wasn't alive when it came out, but it doesn't matter : 'Got to get you into my life' and 'Here, there and everywhere' are absolutely perfect pop songs. Chemical Brothers also heavily leant on 'Tomorrow never knows' in 'Let Forever Be.' Ahh, this is one of the few albums that deserves the hype. John's voice sounds amazing. There are pop tunes mixed with global influences. There's silliness and heartfelt simple love. I just love it. Well done The Beatles. Five stars.
5
Aug 07 2023
Van Halen
Van Halen
Excellent - strong start with "Running with the Devil" then excellent choons like "Ain't Talking Bout Love". I very much enjoyed it, although it wasn't quite banger after banger, so only four stars.
4
Aug 08 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Unfortunately I couldn't listen to it all on Spotify, but I already know and enjoy the album, so it's a solid four stars from me - a bit too prog in places to be perfect.
4
Aug 10 2023
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
This is annoying and difficult to listen to; an up-its-own-arse record. It's the kind of music about which people would say "Oh you've probably never heard of them, but I love The Mekons". It's just not to my taste - purposely bland songs with too-clever lyrics; music for the head, not for the body or the heart. This review has become a bit of a diatribe but it's the kind of music I really hate now - I want visceral, powerful, moving and beautiful songs, not post-punk rubbish that's stuck in its own head. One star. Couldn't get past track 3.
1
Aug 11 2023
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
3+3 is 9, and these are nine wonderful tracks. That Lady and Summer Breeze will always be classics, and are complemented well by the others. Sheer fuzzing psychedelic guitar perfection. Covers are fantastic. Any reason not to give it five stars? Don't think so.
5
Aug 15 2023
Thriller
Michael Jackson
This album has all the best Michael Jackson songs on it. An almost comical dud for me is 'The Girl is Mine' with Paul McCartney - the spoken section, in particular, is very very funny!
It is so difficult to know how to feel about Michael Jackson, but for me, I just feel that his musical ability and hit-making skills are unparalleled. I'm going to give this five stars because it is a spectacular pop record, and if an alien came to this planet, it would be a great introduction to pop music. Even my baby was dancing!
5
Aug 17 2023
Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
I bailed five songs in. It's just irritating - the songs all sound the same, and to start with it's all charming 1980s synth pop, then you realise, ugh, that's all it is. And like Vivaldi's Spring, when you first hear it, it's nice, but after the fourth or fifth time you end up wanting to gouge your own eyes out. One star.
1
Aug 18 2023
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
The trouble is, I heard Badly Drawn Boy before I heard Elliott Smith. It's charming and whimsical with a delicate, understated vocal. Indie pop. I feel like if I gave it a few listens, there would be some real tearjerkers on there. The musicality of it is impressive, the guitars are great, the keys, the atmosphere of each song. It's a good album. A bit samey after a while. In fact, his voice is starting to annoy me. Ben Folds is another soundalike. Oh, I don't know. Maybe three stars, maybe four. Three and a half. Won't be life-changing for me!
3