276
Albums Rated
3.16
Average Rating
25%
Complete
813 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Soul
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
18
5-Star Albums
15
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
|
4 | 2.16 | +1.84 |
|
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
|
5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
|
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
|
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
|
4 | 2.41 | +1.59 |
|
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
|
On The Beach
Neil Young
|
5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
|
Blackstar
David Bowie
|
5 | 3.48 | +1.52 |
|
Marquee Moon
Television
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
New Forms
Roni Size
|
4 | 2.53 | +1.47 |
|
Stankonia
OutKast
|
5 | 3.55 | +1.45 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
|
1 | 3.62 | -2.62 |
|
1984
Van Halen
|
1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
|
Live At Leeds
The Who
|
1 | 3.33 | -2.33 |
|
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Pyromania
Def Leppard
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
Pump
Aerosmith
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
|
1 | 3.08 | -2.08 |
|
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
|
2 | 3.96 | -1.96 |
|
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
|
1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
|
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
|
1 | 2.84 | -1.84 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 2 | 5 |
| Neil Young | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (18)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Grateful Dead
1/5
Fuck me what a slog. I tried to imagine myself on a lawn at a music festival, with a little half tab deep inside me, and I decided I'd only hate it more.
The one song that connected with me was 'Death Have No Mercy'.
It's hard to imagine anyone in a Grateful Dead audience enjoying this more than the band themselves, who for the majority of this are off on their own tangents with sprawling guitar solos and out-of-time drums.
I straight up don't understand how this can be referred to as psychedelic, it doesn't leave any space to go on your own journey.
1.5/5 for the sporadic moments on this album where it all comes together and does create a little piece of magic.
13 likes
The Bees
3/5
Short and sweet, interesting arrangements. Got a little tired of it towards the end, but happy I listened to this cause I ain't heard of em before.
Light 3.5
Fav track: sunshine
3 likes
Aerosmith
1/5
Boring, cliche, annoying. Such over-polished, empty shit. Who is this music for?? What the fuck is its purpose? Surely no-one involved in this project enjoyed making it.
1/5
2 likes
The Avalanches
5/5
I didn't appreciate just how good of an album this is until the listen today.
Electric from start to finish. Great range of tracks that flow effortlessly into each other with truly incredible transitions. You could write an entire review on how perfect the transitions are and just how much they add to this listening experience.
They have struck the perfect balance between a fun and inviting album that leaves you fully engrossed, whilst also having challenging passages that keep you guessing with wild samples and beat switches.
You can feel how much effort was poured into this album, yet it never feels overdone or smothering.
5/5
Fav Track: Radio
1 likes
4/5
listened on my lunch break, deserved a more sincere listen and review sorry bout it. Liked what I was hearing
3.5/5
1 likes
1-Star Albums (15)
All Ratings
Radiohead
5/5
First half I found a little inaccessible on first listen, partly due to me finding Thom Yorkes voice slightly grating, partly due to me giving it a half arsed listen at work. The second half was glorious and felt like a wonderful catharsis for the first half.
On second listen it all came together for me. Whilst I wouldn't exactly call it a cohesive album, there is a clear flow between tracks and each track serves a greater purpose within the context of the album.
Real good album, probs my fav of the Radiohead albums I've listened to. Any Radiohead album that is not inundated with Yorkes wailing goes down better with me.
4.5/5
Fav track: There, There
The Modern Lovers
4/5
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Some seriously good tracks on here. I found most of it quite self-indulgent, it worked for me on some tracks like 'Something in the Night', but 'Street of fire' i found super grating. Enjoyed the listen tho
Dr. Dre
4/5
Still holds up pretty damn well.
Fav track: A N**** with a gun
Straight 4/5
The Police
2/5
no thanks
1.5/5
4/5
Still a fun as listen and super nostalgic, a couple tracks a little boring but great revisit.
3.5/5
David Bowie
4/5
Fav track: V-2 Schneider
4/5
3/5
I have never understood how U2 were as big as they were. Not that I'm particularly familiar with their catalogue, but I haven't heard much that has resonated with me, and this is no exception.
It's an alright album, fuck knows how it is as big as it is. There is some good listening to be had, some average listening, and some plain bland and lame listening.
2.5/5
FavTrack: Bullet The Blue Sky
Dirty Projectors
2/5
It's nice and layered but didn't amount to much.
2.5/5
The Avalanches
5/5
I didn't appreciate just how good of an album this is until the listen today.
Electric from start to finish. Great range of tracks that flow effortlessly into each other with truly incredible transitions. You could write an entire review on how perfect the transitions are and just how much they add to this listening experience.
They have struck the perfect balance between a fun and inviting album that leaves you fully engrossed, whilst also having challenging passages that keep you guessing with wild samples and beat switches.
You can feel how much effort was poured into this album, yet it never feels overdone or smothering.
5/5
Fav Track: Radio
Aretha Franklin
5/5
You'd have to be a bit of a fuck to not get around this.
Everything about this album is just so great. It's hard not to be utterly enamoured with it throughout. So much passion, so much groove. Instrumentally banging. Great range of tracks. Her ability to be such a powerful yet emotive vocalist is quite something.
One of those albums that really makes you feel alive.
Fav Track: Good to me as I am to you
Shack
2/5
Didn't need to listen to this that's for sure. Bland britpop.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
It doesn't take any risks or bring anything new to the table, it's just a real good album. Tracks blend really well together. He has such a rich voice, it carried a few songs that may have left a bit to be desired otherwise.
Fav Track: Piano Joint (fuck i'm a sucker for a piano ballad)
Van Halen
1/5
Yuck
Fav track: Jump
Motörhead
3/5
Neil Young
5/5
Why hadn't I given Neil Young much of a go before. Really enjoyed this.
Melancholic songs imbued with a sense acceptance and uplifting defiance.
Enjoyed the folky elements more than the country elements, purely personal taste tho.
Borrowed Tune fav track. Removed the corniness of 'Lady Jane' and elevated the beautiful melody.
4.5
Public Enemy
4/5
Each track is undeniably great, I just found it a bit of a struggle to get through. 3.5/5
Grateful Dead
1/5
Fuck me what a slog. I tried to imagine myself on a lawn at a music festival, with a little half tab deep inside me, and I decided I'd only hate it more.
The one song that connected with me was 'Death Have No Mercy'.
It's hard to imagine anyone in a Grateful Dead audience enjoying this more than the band themselves, who for the majority of this are off on their own tangents with sprawling guitar solos and out-of-time drums.
I straight up don't understand how this can be referred to as psychedelic, it doesn't leave any space to go on your own journey.
1.5/5 for the sporadic moments on this album where it all comes together and does create a little piece of magic.
The Monkees
3/5
Was pleasantly surprised by this. First few songs really weren't a style I could be bothered listening to and nearly tapped out.
Glad I pushed through, there were plenty of nice tracks. Bit too cheesy to make any real impact on me.
3/5
Goldfrapp
3/5
Some very nice tracks, most just didn't grab me.
Too tired to go any deeper
Fav track: Some people
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
A somewhat frustrating listening experience. Most songs had something that drew me in, but they also had a section that I found grating or the songs would be undeservingly long. I enjoyed this most at it's noisiest, bar the guitar solos. I'm just not huge on guitar solos they always lose my interest sorry bout it.
2.5
Favourite song: White line
Janis Joplin
3/5
3.5
Ride
4/5
Really surprised by this, it took me a bit to get into, but once 'Dreams Burn Down' dropped, I was hooked and didn't look back.
Loved the listening experience, takes you on a wholly cathartic journey.
4.5/5
Fav track: Dreams Burn Down
Deep Purple
4/5
Oops gonna do Janis and Purple on this one, accidental publish on last one.
Pearl- JJ
Great range of tracks, immense vocal performance, so much poured into each track. Purely personal taste but at times I found the vocals a little much, although when I decided to surrender to them there was an undeniable power and felt quite moved.
Fav track: Get in while you can
4/5
Machine Head- DP
Indulgent guitar solos and the performative rock from this era is so far from my jam, but quite enjoyed this. Atleast the solos in this felt consistent with the album and had purpose. Good range of tracks, particularly enjoyed the moodier numbers.
Fav track: When a Blind man cries
3.5/5
Tom Waits
4/5
Shit I feel like I don't know enough about music to give this a proper review.
I'll admit I thought it started out quite wanky, thinking it was just a talented dude flexing his musical muscle, putting together songs with random sounds and instruments, making what should be unlistenable music quite palatable.
But then a few songs deeps that feeling left, and I was in a moderate state of awe. It's a cohesive and entirely new listening experience, which feels quite amazing to say 40 years after its release.
Fav track: soldiers things
Guns N' Roses
3/5
There is so much that is tiring and uninspiring about the rock from this era, yet I found this just a bit more nuanced and powerful than similar albums from this time.
Don't get me wrong every song had something that grated me, but every song also had a chunk I quite enjoyed, and overall I think it worked as an album.
I think this would have been pretty awesome when released, this style of rock has just aged so poorly.
Fav track: It's so easy
The Replacements
4/5
Yeah quite enjoyed this, hadn't heard of them so it was a nice surprise. Raw, punchy, great range of songs.
Fav Track: We're Comin out
4/5
listened on my lunch break, deserved a more sincere listen and review sorry bout it. Liked what I was hearing
3.5/5
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Yeah look someone with as little musical knowledge as me ain't qualified to write about this.
Multiple times throughout this id forgotten it's just a dude on a piano. I was left in awe every time I was brought back to that reality. To think that people can create hours of music like this, of what I presume is unwritten? Is just so wild.
I listened to this whilst grinding out Orthos in the lab and it still took me to places.
Fav Track: that bit where he was stupendously rapid on them keys
Pink Floyd
5/5
As much as I'd love to play the contrarian this is essentially flawless.
Anything that continues to hold up, both in society and to you as your music taste develops and changes, is damn impressive.
Fav track: time
4/5
Whilst there were a few moments that didn't quite hit for me, or perhaps felt dated, overall it was a real entertaining listen. They certainly had a crack.
The slower, euphoric moments that chopped into an almost blend of disco and some type of rock were the clear highlights for me, best typified in Siberian Khatru.
3.5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Solid album, nothing I can really fault, but I got bored towards the end. Tracks maybe a bit samey, maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this sorta music. Probs harsh but a strong 2.5 for me.
Kate Bush
5/5
Such a refreshing listen amongst the self-felating guitar heavy albums that have been dominating this list.
Love the range of tracks, from the more ethereal and dark to the poppier numbers.
Fully transcended on a few of these tracks.
The last two on the album didn't quite reach the heights of the rest for me, however that's quite the bar.
4.5
Fav track: Waking the witch
Sonic Youth
2/5
Found this quite monotonous. Lots of the songs lacked grunt, and overall it just felt droll. Not moody or biting enough to warrant the low energy.
Admittedly I haven't listened to a whole lot of Sonic Youth, but have enjoyed the albums I've listened to, and have loved Kim Gordon's solo stuff, so I was disappointed by this.
Fav Track: Shadow of a doubt
2.5
4/5
Solid, fun punk record. Nothing particularly special about it, just dug the vibe.
Fav Track: In this house that I call come
3.5/5
George Michael
4/5
Wowee. Went through quite the rollercoaster of reactions on this. First two songs were utterly insufferable.
But as it lent into the disco-anthem section, and the sun was setting over kunanyi on my ride home, I was feeling it.
It dips into the self-indulgent and is grating at times, but alot of it is very well produced, vocal performances are buttery, and has just enough diversity in tracks that I didn't tire of it
Fav track: Kissing a fool or Look at your hands
3.5/5
Kraftwerk
2/5
I'm not convinced this isn't a series of B sides taken from sessions my musically challenged mates and I have been making whilst dicking around on keyboards and laptops.
I'm sure this was revolutionary in its day, it's just hard to imagine people having fun with this album now. I understand the constraints of tech at the time, but when the album feels like it's just instruments being played over other instruments, with basic keyboard riffs planted over the entire thing, it's hard to get excited.
Fav track: Metal on metal
George Michael
2/5
The acoustic numbers grew tiresome at best, grating at worst and the album just felt a bit bland overall.
Still has its moments where it elevates you, but with a voice like his that should be a constant.
Lacks the cohesiveness, power and charm of Faith.
Fav track: Angels and Cowboys
2.5
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Tough one to rate tbh.
He raps with such magnetism and the production feels big and focused, for the majority. The best moments come when he is being braggadocious but cheeky and sincere.
It feels too long and some tracks became a bit samey. The skits are very hard to sit through also.
I try to look past lyricism from decades old tracks, recognising it came from a different time and culture (however cooked it is) but it is particularly gross throughout this album and it did spoil it somewhat.
Fav Track: Respect
Metallica
4/5
This was great. I've never really listened to Metallica before.
It's got elements of rock from that era that I typically don't enjoy, but there's just so many bits that elevate it throughout. From those staccato like shred notes at the end of Battery, to the more operatic moments through out, something in each track stood out and roped me in.
Would have been better if it leaned into some Doom, but that's the case for all music, so won't mark it down for that.
Fav track: Master of puppets
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Yet another huge band who I've largely ignored, yet again I'm pretty impressed and left wondering why I hadn't been arsed to listen earlier.
Some very good tracks here.
The jangly guitar ones don't exactly do it for me, but they have enough going for them that I wasn't put off like other jangly guitar from this era.
3.5
Fav track: Moonlight mile
Pink Floyd
3/5
Hmmm a little bit underwhelmed tbh. It felt a bit unfocused and didn't have much of the charm and transcendent nature of DSOTM.
A few too many songs grated me, especially Don't leave Me Now, vocals were horrendous and it was self-indulgent without appropriate catharsis, even if the last minute of the song was up there with best moments of the album, it was so whiny beforehand that it was hard to get behind. Album felt a bit whiny overall tbh.
I think a few tracks could have been cut on this, may have increased my appreciation and I tired of the album by the end.
Not saying its a bad album, there are many very great moments on the album, just a bit hit and miss for me and the album didn't really feel cohesive enough.
Fav Track: Comfortably numb
3/5
Suzanne Vega
2/5
half-arsed review sorry about it, but this was very bland.
Rush
2/5
This did very little for me. All the elements of prog/heavy/glam I dislike were on show.
Indulgent, underwhelming and long instrumentals were rife. Vocals I found largely irritating, although I concede this is purely personal taste.
I did enjoy the final two songs. When the heavier elements were supported by a synthy back beat or were much more atmospheric. Infact the final two tracks were pretty stellar.
I can see why people would get into this, just ain't for me.
Strong 2
Fav track: Vital signs
Tricky
3/5
I do quite enjoy this type of music, the Portishead moody trip-hoppy kinda stuff.
This was certainly a serviceable album that I largely enjoyed. Nothing special and it is outshined by similar albums like Dummy. It's just a solid, enjoyable listen.
A few tracks kind washed over each other and lacked that bitta something.
3.5
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Shit yeah hadn't listened to this in yonks. Still so damn good.
4.5/5
Fav Track: Get Innocuous
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Super pleasant listening experience, soulful for the most part. Songs get very samey for me, but that could be my lack of familiarity of the nuances of the genre.
Walking home freezing my tits off in Hobart is probably not the setting Marely and co had in mind for the listening experience, would certainly go down better with a beer on some tropical island.
3.5
Fav track: concrete jungle
Devendra Banhart
3/5
Slightly better than run of the mill ambient folk. A nice listen overall, had some interesting instrumental passages, but fuck the vocals grated me good.
It's unfortunate that C-grade indi vocalists (@every triple J singer songwriter) have adopted the put upon twang/hipster inflections exemplified in this, as the vocal style may have been less off-putting otherwise.
Fav track: Will is my friend
Weak 3/5
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Some big epic tracks here, great composition throughout. A few have dated slightly, but very much enjoyed this.
3.5
Fav track: three little birdies down beats
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
I dunno how it works with the more recent albums on this list, and I get that 1000 albums is alot, but I cannot fathom how this makes it.
By no means is this a bad album, it's even a decent album, but there have got to be 1000s more recent albums that are more influential, more nuanced, more polished, more experimental, less cheesy, whatever else that determines the worth of an album.
Straight up 2.5
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Such a good listen the whole way through. Nothing else needs to be said.
Fav Track: Final Hour
4.5/5
Television
5/5
Oooh fuck yeah really enjoyed. Absolutely cracking album. Hadn't heard of these guys but that's going straight into rotation.
4.5/5
Many fav tracks but Marquee Moon has to take the cake, what a journey.
Taylor Swift
3/5
I was surprised by this, the front half especially had some rich tracks that I enjoyed. I felt as the album went on it became quite repetitive, not just in lyrical content but even in vocal melody, it felt like that classic Tay Tay melody was in every song.
First half album probs a 3.5 for me, second half a weak 2.5, rounding it to a nice 3/5
Justice
4/5
So much nostalgia with this, its essentially what got me into electronic music.
Huge-production dance beats haven't aged well generally, but this still hits good for me.
Strong 3.5
Fav Track: Let There Be Light
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Dark mofos caught me slacking on these, really enjoyed this listen.
Fav track Little wings
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Took me a bit to get into it but another great listen.
Fav track: are you experienced
3.5
Can
4/5
Enjoyed a whole heap of this.
Fav track: Oh yeah
Strong 3.5
Robbie Williams
2/5
I really thought this would be better.
Fav track: Angels
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Slaps
Chicago
1/5
Fuck me what an awful album to sit through, and i skipped through parts of most songs.
It's genuinely left me with a stress induced headache, those horns were absolutely relentless. Even the keys were grating and I've never felt grated by keys before. The corny uppity vocals fucked me off like nothing else too.
It is so hard to imagine any situation where it would be appropriate for a person to put that on and listen to it for pleasure. I know I should listen to each album in its entirety but I am not physically capable of listening to all of this.
To describe it as grating doesn't even begin to cover it, this album has rattled me. Fuck this album.
0.5
Coldplay
4/5
My rents played this so much when I was younger, Spies and Yellow were some of the first songs I have memories of. I hadn't listened to it since childhood, until Alfie randomly put it on at Squeakers one time. It slapped at his shack and it certainly slapped today.
Fav track: Spies
Might be generous as it's hard to put aside nostalgia but probs a 4.5 for me.
Radiohead
5/5
These guys are pretty good
Fav track: climbing up the walls
4.5/5
Aerosmith
1/5
Boring, cliche, annoying. Such over-polished, empty shit. Who is this music for?? What the fuck is its purpose? Surely no-one involved in this project enjoyed making it.
1/5
Parliament
3/5
Good groovy fun. Some whackier bits didn't land for me but who really cares.
Light 3.5
Fav track: give up the funk
Holger Czukay
2/5
Aimless and goofy. I did appreciate the weirdness of it, but not enough of it landed and it felt like a clash of sounds rather than a coherent layering. Ultimately it was just too fucking goofy to really lean into the experimental nature of it, goofy to the point of great annoyance.
Fav Track: Hollywood Symphony (most of this song I enjoyed a decent amount, but it still had it's grating moments.
2/5
Kanye West
4/5
This a real good album. Alot of fun, so many top quality bars throughout, full of cheek and wit.
Fav track: Two words
4/5
Massive Attack
4/5
After a few weeks AWOL in Canada this is an epic album to get back into the swing of things.
Hadn't given the whole thing a proper listen before, loved every track bar the last one.
Light 4.5
Fav track: Daydreaming
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
It's not something I'd come back to, but I did enjoy a fair chunk of this.
It's hard to deny the general craftsmanship and heart, and the southern bluesy elements are quite enjoyable. Unfortunately alot of songs ended with the overstuffed and indulgent instrumental passages which are rife throughout this era of rock.
Fav Track: Simple Man
3
Frank Sinatra
3/5
With every song sounding the exact same there's not enough going on to leave any lasting impression. Very easy listening and something I'd be happy popping on in the background.
Fav track: they all the frigging same how could you pick one.
3/5
Can
4/5
How had I not heard of these guys before starting this generator journey.
I'm not always in the mood to be taken on such a journey, but I mostly loved where this took me. There was perhaps a few moments where it meandered a bit too much for my personal taste, but on a 19 minute song it's probs expected to have moments of dullness or indulgence. This is gonna be one of those albums I only listen to every few years, but will enjoy it every time.
It's maybe harsh, but a 3.5 for me (passages of Bel Air lost me)
Fav Track: Spray
Arcade Fire
3/5
Definitely a bunch of quality tracks on here and thematically on point. For me there is just a lot of, not necessarily filler, but tracks that didn't grab my attention and left the album feeling a bit bloated.
Fav track: Half Light 1
Strong 3
OutKast
5/5
It's banger after banger. Production, bars and flows so tight throughout. Feels big but intimate, full of charm, plenty of range and depth in the tracks to prevent the long runtime from dragging.
Even today this still sound fresh and weird and experimental.
Fav Track: Snappin and Trappin
4.5/5
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
It teeters into the ridiculous and overly-angsty at time, but this album is a lot of fun.
Fav Track: Eraser
3.5
Randy Newman
2/5
Political satire aside, this is boring and very same samey. If you've heard a Friend in Me, you've heard this entire album.
It's not exactly a bad album, it's just boring. If you were in headspace to analyse the lyricism you'd get more out of it I'm sure.
2.5
Fav track: A Wedding in Cherokee County
Portishead
4/5
Real cool album, what a friggin mood
Fav track: Machine Gun
Bob Dylan
3/5
Whilst his voice doesn't exactly grate me, I do find it annoying and it does sour me on what is some quite beautiful song writing for me. Defs harsh but a 3.5 for me.
Fav track: just like a woman
Elliott Smith
3/5
It's undeniably great song writing, just not fully my vibe.
Fav track: No name Number 5
3.5
Billie Holiday
3/5
Love song after love song, became quite tedious, not enough variation in sentiment nor instrumentation.
Her voice is undeniable however and especially during that first half of the album, it was easy to get swept away.
Fav track: I'll be around
Straight 3/5
The Pogues
3/5
The style does get a bit tiresome, but there are some seriously beautiful songs on this.
Fav track: Dirty old town
3.5
808 State
4/5
This is fucked up good. Every track, bar Sunrise, is a genuine banger. It's rare to have an electronic album that feels so equally at home in a club or in a bedroom (maybe it lends itself slightly more to a club, but this has enough substance to entertain no matter where you are).
So impressive to me that electronic albums from decades can still up hold up, given just how far technology in the area has come.
Fav Track: I'd love to say Cobra Bora but Pacific 202 is impossible to go past, one of the electronic GOATs.
4.5
Beck
3/5
Lots of nice tracks, nothing particularly memorable but a solid album.
Light 3.5
Miles Davis
4/5
Whilst it didn't grab me for the entirety, there are some seriously beautiful passages of music here.
For me, this oscillated between exactly what my 15-year-old self thought of when someone says "Jazz", and transcending to some of the most delicious sax and keys passages I've had the pleasure of hearing.
Fav Track: Flamenco Sketches
Strong 3.5/5
2/5
This be one of the shitters you gotta cop on this journey.
Live albums are tedious at the best of times, I quite honestly see no reason for them to exist, so a live album with outrageously bad sound quality was never gonna tick any boxes.
There are moments on this where you can imagine enjoying seeing these guys live, there is an undeniable anger and noise that would be appreciated live. Unfortunately none of that translates onto the record itself.
Fav Track: The first 2ish minutes of "I Want Rou Right Now"
2/5
The Flaming Lips
2/5
Ooooh this wasn't my cup of tea. Flaming lips have never done it for me, Coynes vocals grate me so good. This was all a bit bubblegummy for my personal taste.
Fav track: Race for the prize
2/5
The Bees
3/5
Short and sweet, interesting arrangements. Got a little tired of it towards the end, but happy I listened to this cause I ain't heard of em before.
Light 3.5
Fav track: sunshine
Aerosmith
3/5
This ain't too bad, restrains itself from typical cock-rock indulgence and awful solo's for the most part.
I didn't love any of the tracks, but for the perhaps the first time on this list with a hard rock album, I didn't actively hate any of the tracks.
Solid 3/5
Fav Track: Sweet emotion
Violent Femmes
4/5
Alotta fun, easy to get into.
It's not particularly special, but if it isn't just very enjoyable, I dunno what it is.
3.5/5
Fav Track: Confessions
The Offspring
2/5
It's fun and I can see why my teen self got around them, but ultimately I came away from this listen thinking this was pretty lame.
Fav track: Self Esteem
2.5
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
This is a fairly solid album, the band is tight and focused. I enjoyed the couple of slower tracks, as well as the couple of louder, meatier ones. Everything in between, which was most of it, was somewhat forgettable.
Won't go into rotation, as there's not much that will draw me back, and there are similar albums from this period id much rather go back to.
Another one where I can't understand how it makes the list, but it's an alright album.
Strong 2.5
Fav track: small flowers that grow in the sky
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Again and alright album, defs at its best with the heavier stoof.
2.5/5
Paul Simon
3/5
Another nice, albeit inessential album. There are many interesting melodies and songs on this, and there are probably many people that love this album, as he's clearly a gifted songwriter.
For me, it was a bit too corny and unfocused to hit properly, especially the end of the album which left me feeling quite underwhelmed.
2.5/5
Fav track: Duncan
The Police
3/5
Started with a bang and then fizzed. I appreciate the weirdness and grit that filters throughout, but this was too hit and miss to make any lasting impression.
Fav track: Synchronicity
2.5/5
Black Flag
3/5
Fairly standard punk album, not many standouts but decent throughout.
3/5
Sister Sledge
3/5
Interesting album, half of the songs are all time classics, half the album is repetitive, boring, filler.
3.5/5
Fav track: Lost in Music
Dr. Octagon
3/5
Sheesh. This album is cooked. If you could take the lyricism and themes, and replace them with components that don't make you squirm, this would be a fantastic album.
The flows and beats throughout out are great, the tracks are diverse and the album presents as some sort of warped, cartoonish trip.
As cooked as this trip is, I guess his ability to create such visceral experience is to be commended?
The production samples and instrumentation are so tight throughout.
The skits/songs like "a trip to the gynaecologist", are so tasteless that any layer of satire, or commentary, falls completely flat. There is some proper disgusting stuff on this, yuck.
Fav track: 3000
2.5/3
Alanis Morissette
3/5
For the most part this was a fun listen. It feels a bit dated and some tracks the vocals are supremely grating, other just a bit grating, but it's good as a whole and you can't deny the album is a vibe.
3
Fav Track
Elvis Presley
3/5
It's a pleasant listen, nothing really grabbed me but certainly wouldn't mind it being on in the background. Never sat down and listened to Elvis before so I'm glad this site has led me to it, even if it doesn't seem all that special.
Fav Track: Trying to get to you
2.5/5
JAY Z
2/5
Braggadocios but lacks the wit, charm and fun to pull it off. The whole project felt insincere.
The few moments he shines most on this are when he strips back the ego and offer's genuine introspection.
Much prefer 'The Black Album', where the braggadocio is paired with bigger, better production and loads more fun.
Fav Track: Song cry
2/5
Death In Vegas
3/5
Shiet it threatened to be a good album, but was a bit too messy to make a lasting impact. Defs some good tracks on here, but too much that sounds dated and a few very weak tracks.
Another decent album where I struggle to understand it's place on this list
2.5/5
Fav track: Aisha
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
This was alotta fun, cool band name, a few more discoveries like this would be nice! Getting a bit sick of this run of bang average albums.
Strong 3.5, there were a few rather skippable songs.
Fav track: Night Shift
Jeff Buckley
3/5
I dunno it's pretty good but didn't wow me. His voice carries a fair few mediocre tracks.
Fav Track: So Real
Light 3.5/5
The White Stripes
3/5
Not an album I'd come back to, but that's purely personal taste. It's a surprisingly good album, just a tad too theatrical for me to get fully immersed.
3/5
Fav track: as ugly as I seem
Talvin Singh
2/5
Again don't understand it's place on this but a nice enough listen.
2.5/5
Fav track: eclipse
The Divine Comedy
1/5
This ain't it, I certainly appreciate that it was a short album about love. Such lame lyricism god damn.
1.5/5
Fav track: If I were you
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
This is pretty messy but I enjoyed it enough.
2.5/5
Metallica
2/5
'One' is a ripper of a song, nothing else razzed me.
Light 2.5/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
First two absolute bangers, most of the rest is pretty average. Suffers from the same fate as many indie rock albums from this era, full of filler either side of some serious tunes.
2.5/5
Fav track: Heads will Roll
The Killers
4/5
Shit alright this was pretty damn good. Really wanted to play the contrarian as I've never gotten into the Killers, but after giving this a couple listens, I finally get the appeal.
Fav track: Andy your a star
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Quite wild that this was her debut album, it was bold and close to being brilliant. Enjoyed lots of this and appreciated the scale, even if a few songs lost me.
Fav Song: Mushrooms and Roses
Strong 3.5
Gorillaz
4/5
Such an enjoyable nostalgic listen
3.5/5
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Truly killer pipes, some tracks stand out more than others, but not really any tracks I felt compelled to skip. Enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Fav Track: All Cried Out
3.5/5
Weather Report
3/5
Enjoyed it, nice range of tracks with a few that were particularly captivating.
3.5
Fav track: Palladium
The National
3/5
This is undoubtedly a good album, it just don't excite me.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Mmmmmm very pleasing
Fav Track: Gloria's Step
Strong 3.5/5
Neil Young
5/5
I can't pin exactly why, nothing on this album appears particularly ground-breaking or special, his voice is even slightly whiny, but I really enjoyed this.
Every song has its place, and they reel you in with such ease. There is just something magnetic about Neil Young on this.
Fav Track: On the Beach
4.5
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Her voice is undeniable and there aren't really any bad songs on the album (apart from Monkey Man what a stinker), in fact there are quite a few great ones, but it all feels a bit too manufactured to hit in any meaningful way.
It feels like the producers were trying way too hard for a nostalgic sound, leaving little room for fresh or interesting ideas to permeate through.
Fav Track: Me and Mr Jones
Saint Etienne
4/5
Such an easy, fun listen. Interesting samples, lovely vocals, funky beats. This the sorta shit I love cooking dinner to, dunno why but it makes me wanna chop and fry.
Fav Track: Spring
Straight 4/5
The Doors
3/5
Didn't mind the album, all songs were pretty decent, no obvious weak point.
However I didn't find anything all that spectacular, this style of music generally just doesn't excite me.
Fav Track: Riders on the storm
Scott Walker
4/5
This was pretty damn nice really.
Sometimes in teeters on being too theatrical for my personal taste but an enjoyable listen.
Fav track: plastic palace people
3.5
Pixies
4/5
It's a lot of fun
3.5/5
Fugees
4/5
Wow this just build and builds.
First few songs in I wasn't all that impressed, but somewhere during Zealots, the album starts cooking and doesn't let up.
Fav track: Cowboys
4.5/5
fIREHOSE
2/5
Ehhh I dunno, one of those ones so mediocre you don't feel inclined to write about.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Wasn't in the mood for this sorta album today. Not a slight on the album, it was a pleasant listen and the back half had some quality tunes with fun instrumentation.
Fav track: Eles
2.5/5
R.E.M.
4/5
R.E.M super nostalgic for me (thanks rogerom). Such a tight album. Stipe vocals so iconic.
Fav Track: Radio Free Europe
T. Rex
4/5
Yeah good album. Didn't love any of it, but liked pretty much all of it.
Fav track: Life's a Gas
3.5
Depeche Mode
3/5
Happy to have heard it, fun experience. Don't feel compelled to revisit as it lacks that bitta something special and is a bit too long.
Fav track: Strangelove
The Electric Prunes
2/5
The punkier numbers on this I actually really digged, the first half of the album was really quite good. But this was seriously bogged down with a number of very goofy and immensely grating songs in the back half.
2.5/5
Fav track: I had too much to dream last night
Daft Punk
3/5
Some absolute bangers on this, it ended strong, but a few of the opening tracks really didn't grab me. The harder the track, the bigger my appreciation was. The slower stuff felt weak and underdeveloped.
It's a fun album and very glad to have finally given it a full listen. It felt a bit more dated than other electronic albums of this time, maybe because it was far more influential.
3.5/5
Fav track:Alive
Dolly Parton
4/5
It sometimes feels a little preachy and samey, but on the whole this was great.
Easy listening, impassioned storytelling and such unique twang/drawl. Not an album I see myself coming back to often, but I really appreciated the listen.
3.5/5
Fav track: way i see you
Elliott Smith
3/5
Again it's really nice songwriting and an enjoyable listen, but nothing that elavates it for me.
Fav track: Better be quiet now
Light 3.5/5
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
On another day I may appreciate this more, but the uppity nature of most of these tracks slighted me a little bit. After a stressful day in the hospital, it made me feel like a bit of a cunt to play an album so cheerful.
That said, composition was bang on and didn't know how many classics would be on this.
Objectively it's probs closer to a 4, but I can't deny my emotional reaction to it, that's not how I critic.
Light 3.5
Jeff Beck
2/5
Vocals were overbearing and the album on the whole was a bit too self indulgent for my liking.
Some interesting passages throughout and I'd imagine there are plenty of people out there who really dig this album, sadly I ain't one of em.
Fav track: morning dew
Guided By Voices
3/5
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Nothing particularly great about it, I dug the vibe and felt the that short songs really suited it.
It's an interesting one because each song in isolation sounds super average and generic. But for me atleast, each song in the context of the album kinda worked.
Fav Track: Chicken Blows
Beth Orton
4/5
This was really nice.
Fav track: Stolen Car
3.5/5
The Rolling Stones
2/5
I dunno what it is but the Stones haven't ever excited me all that much, I find them very samey. There are undeniably some great tunes and interesting arrangements on this, but lots of it felt like generic country rock.
2.5/5
Fav Track: Street Fighting Man
Nick Drake
4/5
When singer-songwriters get it right it's rather nice.
Such lovely and interesting guitar throughout, although the second half of the album has some weaker songs.
Iconic album cover.
Falls into the same traps that most singer-songwriters do as it becomes a bit samey, but it's a sound I enjoy so its forgivable.
Fav Track: Place to be
A few skippable songs so a light 4/5
Ash
2/5
Fairly underwhelming but not without its moments. Very of its era.
Fav track: Let it flow
2.5/5
Manu Chao
4/5
Pretty hard not to enjoy. Just enough variation in the tunes to not get tiresome.
Fav track: Bongo Bong
3.5/5
Morrissey
2/5
This was alright, some good tracks some shockers.
Morrisey being a loser tips him down to 2 instead of the 3 ngl.
2.5/5
The Velvet Underground
4/5
good stuff. The hits are certainly a cut above the rest, and the screechy violin gets old, but a unique and quality album
Fav Track: I'll be your mirror
Strong 3.5/5
John Coltrane
5/5
Shit there was some transcendent passages on this. Very glad I gave this a second listen, it became much less overwhelming and far more beautiful.
Fav Track: Pursuance
4.5/5
Marvin Gaye
5/5
It's a little bit fucked up how good this is. Such an enthralling, cohesive experience, the way songs flow into each other is incredible. Political yet deeply empathetic. Draws you in with such ease, yet there is a deepness and complexity that warrants multiple listens.
Fav Track: What's Happening Brother
The Temptations
4/5
Has moments where it lost me, but on the whole this is a damn lovely album.
Fav track: love woke me up this morning
David Bowie
5/5
Phenomenal album.
Lazarus is such a fantastic song.
4.5/5
The Stone Roses
4/5
Very enjoyable album.
Fav track: I wanna be adored
The Stooges
3/5
A little bloated and I wasn't entirely sure which version I was meant to listen to, but it was a pretty good album.
3.5/5
Fav track: Search and Destroy
Flamin' Groovies
2/5
Yet again not sure how essential this is. Certainly has some fun moments, but it's also kinda silly and lyrically lame.
2.5/5
Fav track: Whisky woman
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Vibed with this alot, put me in a cracking mood and couldn't help but dance a little through the streets.
Strong 3.5/5
The Go-Go's
4/5
This was damn good, such infectious energy.
First half was sensational, before trailing off with a few weaker, although still good, songs in second half and it all started to become a bit samey.
Its probably a 3.5, but for my enjoyment of the first half I gotta give it a 4/5
Fav track: This town
The Cure
4/5
Great album, super atmospheric.
Fav track: lullaby
The Triffids
4/5
I don't know why this copped so much hate on the global reviews. Such lush production and sound, great listen.
Fav Track: Bury me deep in your love
3.5/5
Roxy Music
2/5
Mmmm not without some quirky and enjoyable moments, and it's got its charm, not anything I feel compelled to come back though.
2.5/5
Fav track: Virginia plain
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Not for me this one
fav track: Hot burrito #2
Michael Jackson
3/5
The songs sound quite dated and there are a few pretty shite tracks. The hits are rather good however.
Trying to seperate art from artist is always tough, especially when the album was released seemingly before he went 'bad'.
2.5/5
Sam Cooke
5/5
This was pretty bloody great. Very refreshing and impressive to have a live album that actually captures the magic of a live performance.
Electric throughout.
4.5/5
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Cooked but rather fun
PJ Harvey
3/5
Not her best but still pretty damn good.
3.5/5
Talking Heads
4/5
So much fun and joy.
Fav track: Psycho killer
Led Zeppelin
4/5
First Zeppelin album I've listened to in full. I was expecting it to be super jammy and full of solos, so i was glad to find it was focused, sprawling and diverse, even if it did have moments of boring as bat shit solos.
I didn't enjoy it as much as most people seem to, but I understand why this/they were as big as they were.
3.5/5
Fav track: babe I'm gonna leave you
Iron Butterfly
1/5
Fuck right off with this stuff. This style of music has aged terribly, it's so corny and limp.
1.5/5
King Crimson
4/5
Really enjoyed this, sprawling but found it easy enough to lock into.
Has its moments typical of the era, where indulgence trump's art, but even in the indulgent moments there's just something there that I couldn't help but dig.
There are some really interesting and unexpected musical passages throughout this.
4/5
Fav track: easy money
The Zombies
3/5
Had a bit of a brain fart on this one, fully going into it thinking it was a Cranberries album, and this lasted for nearly half the album as I was half-arse listening to it whilst doing notes at work, thinking maybe they'd just switched up the vocal leads. At the halfway point, after I finally cottoned onto the fact that this was not being sung by an Irish angel, nor was she potentially even born when this was made, I re-adjusted my expectations and gave it another listen.
Enjoyed it a fair amount, some pretty fecking solid tunes on this.
3.5/5
Fav track: Time of the season
Dire Straits
2/5
Mmmm wasn't all too stirred by this. Nothing particularly bad (some lyrics aside), nothing particularly good.
Straight 2.5/5
3/5
It's not anything I'd choose to listen to, and it's pretty bloated, but it's a pretty solid listen.
The vocals are occasionally grating, but you can't help be swept up in a fair few of the tracks.
Fav track: Champagne Supernova
Talk Talk
3/5
Nice moody jams.
Fav track: living in another world
Light 3.5
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Nice and dreamy
Fav track: electric renaissance
Light 3.5
Eagles
3/5
Didn't mind this, a little bit sappy at times, but a tenderness that shone through.
Can't see myself coming back to it, but it had it's moments.
Fav track: Try and love again
2.5
3/5
I generally can't listen to more than a few Beatles songs in succession. This was no exception.
I can appreciate the song writing and there undoubtedly a few fantastic songs on this, but I just can't deal with the vocals. They aren't exactly grating, but they are pretty fucking close and it ruins what could otherwise be a great album.
Def Leppard
1/5
Awful, insufferable listen.
Billy's got a Gun had it's moments of genuinely good song writing, the rest of the album is utter horseshit.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
Boring, plain, inoffensive, albeit a pleasant enough listen with some interesting bits here and there.
Bob Dylan
2/5
Once you've heard one Bob Dylan song you've heard em all. Ok maybe not, but his pervasive whining is so hard to get past it's hard to appreciate anything behind it.
As a music consumer who doesn't pay great attention to lyrics I'm sure I'm missing the bulk of what people love him for, but he just don't do it for me. Every line felt telegraphed with corny rhymes.
Fav track: Meet me in the morning
2
Miles Davis
3/5
I gave Kind of Blue a far too lower rating, for me this is straight 3 star Jazz.
I think I prefer the Jazz that takes me on a journey, over the more cafey fast paced stuff that's on this.
Not a bad listen by any stretch, has many moments of incredible instrumentation.
Burning Spear
4/5
Got around this big time, had a bit more variation and complexity that elevated it above most reggae.
Fav track: Slavery days
Talking Heads
4/5
Talking Heads puts me in such a good mood everytime.
Such fun and quirky instrumentals, so easy to have a goofy dance to.
Fav track: Stay Hungry
Light 4.5
Elvis Presley
3/5
I appreciate this style of Elvis more than the early stuff, but I can't help but feel there are so many similar albums that are leagues above this.
It's a decent listen, but he's really just a more kermity version of Marlon Williams on this. If it was trimmed a little it's probs a solid 3.
2.5/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
As frustrating as this 1001 albums journey can be sometimes I'm very happy it's made me dive into Neil Young.
Another great album, he just does it for me.
The incredible first half of this album was definitely let down by the second half, where it began to lose a bit of focus.
Fav Track: Thrasher
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
This was alright, nothing really grabbed me but didn't mind listening to it.
2.5
Isaac Hayes
3/5
I dug this. Being a soundtrack, I don't think it should be on this list. Soundtracks can certainly stand on their own, but without seeing the film it's hard to fully appreciate.
But I defs dug it and can see it soundtracking some dinner prep on a rainy night.
3.5/5
Fav track: theme from shaft
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
It's perfectly fine just ain't my cuppa
2.5/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
There is an undeniable charm that permeates throughout this. The album had a genuineness to it that other Stones projects have missed.
There were a couple songs through the middle that lost me, but I enjoyed it as a whole and can see it leaking into an occasional play.
Fav track: you can't always get what you want
3.5/5
Various Artists
3/5
As far as Christmas albums go, it's certainly tolerable.
Listening to this a couple days after Christmas is not as tolerable. Not a slight on the album, just an unfortunate byproduct of being sick of Christmas music a few weeks ago.
For Phil Spector being Phil Spector, and having to hear this after Christmas, I'm tempted to give it a 2 as I don't rate based on objectivity, I rate on how an album makes me feel, and this was mostly anger.
On the real actually a pretty solid collection of Chrissy tracks.
Solid 3/5
Fav track: Marshmallow Man or I saw Mommy kissing Santa
Laibach
3/5
Most out there album yet. Once I got past the initial stages and began to acclimatise to the weirdness, I enjoyed it a decent amount.
No need to listen again but good to have some albums like this on here!
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Can't believe I'm saying this about an album called Bongo Rock from the Incredible Bongo Band, but there was a little too much Bongo in this.
That being said, I enjoyed the album quite a lot and will defs get some singles from this into rotation but not an album that needs another full listen.
Straight 3/5
Fav track: Bongolia
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
This was pretty splendid.
Light 4.5/5
Pixies
5/5
Really fucking great album. I don't have much to say, this album just makes you feel awesome.
All bar one song (no 13 baby) is strong enough to be a single, but they are all so much better in the context of the album.
Monkey Gone to Heaven is up there with my favourite songs of all time.
I dunno whether it's frowned upon to give something 5 stars if you don't think it's perfect, but this is pretty fucking close to it and it's getting a straight 5.
5/5
Fav track: Monkey Gone to Heaven
Bob Dylan
4/5
I don't know why, all the things I dislike about Bob Dylan are well and truly on show here, but I dug this.
If I wasn't so grated by his vocals I'd even say I really dug this.
Really lovely story telling, great range of tracks.
Fav track: Make you feel my love
Tom Tom Club
4/5
Get in me. Such good silly fun.
Fav track: Genius of love
Count Basie & His Orchestra
2/5
Couldn't hack it, I'm sure many people froff it big time, it just ain't me
Dire Straits
2/5
average, fairly boring, but ok enough
2.5/5
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
nice transportive tunes
3.5/5
Aerosmith
3/5
Hard to believe there have been this many Aerosmith albums deemed essential, at least this one was a decent listen.
Pleasingly, this was mostly away from annoying cock-rock and indulgence. If I ignore the solos, which won't ever win me over, this was solid enough from start to finish. It's a style of music I don't get much out of it, but atleast with this record I can understand the appeal.
2.5/5
Fav Track: Nobody's Fault
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Oscillated between highly infectious and mildly irritating. Luckily it spent the majority in the fun and infectious.
Solid 3.5
Nirvana
5/5
I don't have anything clever to say, it's an awesome album and it's incredible just how much every song slaps.
Can't quite pin-point why it doesn't get the full 5 for me, maybe it's because every song is so strong individually that it's harder to appreciate them within the context of the album, or maybe it's that the songs have been played so much they've lost a little magic.
Fav track: In Bloom
4.5/5
Simon & Garfunkel
1/5
It's a perfectly pleasant listen, but shit it's got to be one of the most boring listens we have had.
A compilation of highly forgettable tunes that never offer enough to pull you in. All this made me feel was annoyed and perhaps a little frustrated, and somehow I don't think that was the intention of the album.
1.5/5
Fav Track: Scarborough Fair sorry bout it
Sepultura
3/5
I haven't listened to enough thrash metal to know if this is good or not.
I think I enjoyed the listen, but I can't be sure if that's purely because this type of music was a new experience for me.
Genesis
1/5
This is a truly ridiculous album, but I didn't hate it. I was close to hating it, but I think it's ridiculous and dramatic enough that I could understand the appeal. Unfortunately none of that appeal resonates with me.
90 minutes of the most insufferable, theatrical and ridiculous music I've ever heard. I am genuinely annoyed that a group of people would have spent been a considerable amount of time creating something so heinously serious yet theatrical and ridiculous and just plain annoying.
What's more annoying is that there a few songs which have some genuinely lovely and left-field passages, teasing you into thinking you might actually enjoy the album.
1.5/5
GZA
4/5
Quality Hip Hop album.
Fav track: 4th Chamber
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
This is pretty bloody great. Raucous yet soulful, great variety between the tracks, and Janis is absolutely fine form.
4.5/5
Fav track: Ball and Chan
Bert Jansch
3/5
Very impressive playing and lovely moments throughout, missing that bitta something to elevate it into something special.
Ice Cube
3/5
Not enough variety in beats or lyrical themes to leave much of an impression.
A few great tracks littered throughout.
The political themes within are tainted by the rampant misogyny, which is typical of this era.
2.5/5
Fav track: Endangered species
Massive Attack
4/5
It's most certainly not an essential album. There's really not much substance to it.
The first few songs are forgettable (title track aside).
But,
It's a groovy, trance-like, trip-hop album and this shit is so up my alley that I really enjoyed the listen and it will end up on my chill playlists.
3.5/5
Fav track: Euro Child
The Who
1/5
Why the actual fuck is this on here. I've only listened to two songs and no hate on The Who, but it's getting a 1star to send a message to whoever decided this was an essential listen.
Black Sabbath
3/5
First time I've listened to an entire Sabbath album. It was a pretty fun experience, it's held up well. Loved the doom elements.
Back half lost me a bit tho.
Fav track: Black Sabbath
3.5
Liz Phair
4/5
This was bold and grand and good fun.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Why was this created, and why the fuck is it on this list?
I didn't make it through the whole album, or even half the album if I can be honest but I cant imagine the second half offered anything different
Green Day
4/5
Had more fun with this then I was expecting. Pop-Punk hasn't ever resonated with me as much as it does for many people, but I dug this big time. This had a laidback angst and flow that I prefer to other variants of pop-punk filled with the whiny American yelling.
I especially liked the vocals throughout this, found them oddly comforting, whether that's nostalgia or just his voice I dunno, but I liked how it made me feel.
In saying all that I'm not sure I feel that inclined to listen again as it does feel somewhat dated and does get a little bit repetitive.
Fav track: Longview
Strong 3.5/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
Dug this big time, lazy reviews on the catch up sorry bout it
Kate Bush
3/5
Doesn't reach the heights of Hounds of Love, which admittedly is a soaring height to reach, but I just didn't find myself all that into these tracks.
Fav track: this woman's work
The Hives
3/5
Nothing special but enjoyed it enough.
Fav track: Die, Alright!
OutKast
4/5
Loses a bit with over-indulgence, mainly on The Love Below, but across both albums this is filled with a great range of tracks, beats, bars and so much charm. It's such an inviting album, even if some components seem somewhat dated.
Straight 4/5
King Crimson
5/5
I can see why this is a bit of a divisive album but I think it's very very good.
Songs like I Talk to the Wind and Epitaph could so easily have come across as twee and Beatlesy, but there is a sincerity that shines through and turns them into incredible pieces of music.
Every song feels instantly iconic.
Fav track: Epitaph
4.5/5
Baaba Maal
3/5
It's nice to have some different music, although this album did become a little repetitive.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Very enjoyable album on the whole. Goes on a bit too long and there were a few songs I didn't particularly enjoy, but glad I copped this.
Fav Track: Save me a place
3.5/5
Roxy Music
3/5
On the whole, I couldn't quite get into it, however there was enough on show that I could appreciate the appeal. Some intriguing songs for sure
2.5/5
The Clash
3/5
Its an enjoyable record with classic punkiness. Whilst it hasn't exactly dated, it does feel a bit underwhelming and doesn't exactly stand-out.
It has some interesting instrumental passages, but the album as a whole was quite repetitive for mine.
Fav track: I'm so bored with the USA
Joy Division
4/5
This was a great listen that still sounds unique today. The vocal style however did grow tiresome as the album wore on, but still really enjoyed and glad I've heard it.
Strong 3.5/5
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
I can appreciate the energy and clear talent, it's not enough for me too look past all the shit that's been said about him, combined with the fact most of this material isn't his, combined with it being a fucking live show which I just don't think should be on this list.
Fred Neil
3/5
Ain't my type of folk, however it's perfectly harmless and it was a nice enough listen.
2.5/5
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Pretty solid album delivered with tenacity, yet it remains fun and for the most part interesting. It has a couple pretty standard tracks that prevent it from being a great album.
3.5/5
Fav track: Broken English
Metallica
2/5
Not my cup of tea this. Having not really listened to much Metallica prior to this, I thought they'd be harder than they are, this was just soft-glam rock
Elton John
3/5
First full Elton, another album where I'm happy I've heard it, I enjoyed it, it has some great moments, but ultimately isn't strong enough at its core to lift it into great territory. Like obviously he's got killer pipes and he draws you in easily and the piano is real crisp and nice, but I expecting a little bitta transcendence given the hype and didn't quite get there.
Given how strong a couple tracks on here were, I can't help but feel this would been better with a bitta trimming.
Light 3.5
Fav track: Benny and the Jets or I've seen That Movie Too
G. Love & Special Sauce
1/5
Music that you want to punch in the face.
If it was just one song of this style of music I could cop it and maybe even enjoy it in the background, but a whole album of samey douche slacker rap was a heinous assault on my ear holes.
Even for people who enjoyed this album, surely they'd agree it shouldn't be on this list, what does it bring to music?
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Very pleasant easy listen, nothing particularly special but solid background music.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Look it's much more tolerable than other Flaming Lips projects, infact there are some pretty great songs on here.
But I still cannot stand Coyne's vocals, he really does fill me with rage and it's annoying because I might have even enjoyed this album if anyone else was singing.
Fav track: Fight test
2.5/5
The xx
2/5
I find the xx to be fairly dull for the most part and this was no exception.
2.5/5
Arcade Fire
3/5
It's ok, some great moments, others a bit much.
2.5/5
Small Faces
2/5
Not for me, it has its moments of charm but was glad when this ended.
2/5
Britney Spears
3/5
Starts so strong but ends up surprisingly weak, alot of the slower tracks felt indistinguishable from one another. There are some absolute bangers on here but can't help feeling short changed.
Fav track: Hit me Baby one more time
2.5
The Birthday Party
4/5
epic album, fuck the 2/5 global review.
On the real this thing is ridiculous and awful, but I get such a kick out of abrasive music and vocals that somehow comes together to create something listenable, I really do enjoy this album and there are awesome moments littered thoughout it.
Epic album cover also
Fav Track: Several Sins
3.5/5
Tears For Fears
4/5
Great album, certainly of its time but holds up very well. So easy to get lost in.
Fav track: Listen
Light 4.5
David Ackles
1/5
It wasn't my least favourite listening experience but this could be my least favourite so far.
This is a straight up ludicrous album, overblown theatre kid energy with bland lyrics. I usually get the appeal of straight-shooting folk story style lyrics, but the stories and themes here are so boring and shallow that it simply doesn't land with an ounce of anything worth listening to.
Save from a couple of nice piano melodies and arrangements I hated this album and I truly hate that it is on this list, even if someone enjoyed this album i'm sure they'd agree it has no place on this list. This artist has 4000 monthly spotify listeners for a fucking reason.
0.5/5
Louis Prima
3/5
A bit much for a Monday morning bus ride, I think I could have enjoyed more in another setting.
Fav track: Basin Street Blues
2.5/5
Blur
2/5
Wow I didn't expect this to be so boring. So, so, so much filler.
I didn't get through the double disc special spotify addition, I copped disc 1 (admittedly with a fair few moments of zoning out) and that was enough.
It wasn't a bad listen, it was a nothing listen.
Fav Track: Beetlebum
The Doors
3/5
Certainly a decent album, enjoyed it more than the previous Doors album we had on this list.
I'm not sure what i'm missing, but I don't understand how these guys are so well revered, or what separates them from their contemporaries. Maybe it's just a style/era of music that doesn't really resonate with me, so I'm not getting that bit of magic/x-factor that really elevates their music.
The strengths in this album lay in the drawn-out, almost psychedelic songs, even if these songs did overstay their welcome.
Anyways, happy to have listened to a couple Doors albums, don't think I'll be delving back in again though.
Slightly strong 3/5
Prince
4/5
Shiet tough one to rate, the album is so much fun and the variety of sounds, styles and melody switch ups keeps it interesting.
For me, there are parts that don't land, even if it's only for 30 seconds of a song, but its enough to keep me from being completely engaged.
It's a bold and expansive album, so theatrical elements and moments of indulgence are to be expected. I think it's a great album even if I don't enjoy it as much as many may.
3.5/5
The Shamen
3/5
Some pretty fun tracks on here, most of them landed for me.
Fav track: Possible Worlds (Deep PSI)
Roni Size
4/5
Stoked this made it on here, such a fun album. Banging, clean production throughout, still sounds so fresh.
Loses a bitta steam in the back half but still solid throughout.
Strong 3.5
Fav track: Digital
Queen
3/5
Queen ain't ever been my cuppa. Little bit too theatrical and self indulgent for me.
In saying that, I'd say I enjoyed 75% of every song in this. There are some brilliant passages in every song, but they are often let down by the guitar solo's or just plain silly moments.
3.5/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Mmmmm. Moments of brilliance mixed in with some horrible lyrics and some dated sounds. They can write some catchy tunes tunes tho.
2.5/5
Genesis
2/5
Didn't make it through.
Actually started off strong for the first few minutes of the first song, it went quickly downhill from there and never really came back.
Very frustrating album, there are some really fun and interesting elements to quite a few songs here, but it's so bogged down by the classic awful prog elements that really it's an awful listen.
Fav track: I know what I like
Spacemen 3
2/5
A fine enough listen. Meditative, somewhat boring and uninspired, which today I appreciated.
Light 2.5/5
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
Oh quite literally 69 love songs. 3 hours long, first few songs sound wanky.
There are probably some good tracks on here but I don't have the time and an principle this gets a 1
Led Zeppelin
2/5
I'm so fucking over these sorta albums.
This is probably a decent album, it was a bit more interesting than others in the genre.
2.5/5
Billy Joel
3/5
This was a pretty decent listen. It's a bit vanilla to hit any great emotional heights for me (Vienna aside) but there are some gems on here, as well as a couple duds.
Fav track: Vienna
Light 3.5/5
Santana
2/5
Not really my thang, some fun instrumentals here and there, nothing to really hit the soul
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
Look it's not particularly good and I thought it was going to be more interesting given this is the lowest rated album on this entire list.
It incorporates different sounds and certainly has some interesting passages, but there are also quite a few songs on here which are genuinely boring, with the only point of interest being power tools being looped or some shit like that, which doesn't actually make for exciting music.
Whilst I haven't listened to their whole discography they certainly have better albums
Light 2.5
Wire
4/5
Very solid punk album
Nirvana
4/5
Hadn't copped this before, mainly due to my dislike of live recorded albums, but this is a great listen. Adds interesting and different elements to their own tracks and the covers.
4/5
fav track: Where did you sleep last night
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2/5
Just couldn't get into this. Whether I came in with the wrong expectations I dunno, but this was very forgettable.
The The
3/5
Pretty good listen, feels a bit dated but every song serves a purpose, the more theatrical elements did annoy me a little bit however.
3.5
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
Yeah pretty meh
Hole
4/5
Starts and finishes very strong, a couple tracks through the middle lost me, but a powerful album none the less.
Fav track: Gutless
3.5
The Specials
2/5
I do not enjoy Ska, I did not enjoy this album.
This was at its best when I zoned out and did notes at work, whenever I paid any attention I largely just felt irritated.
2/5
Beatles
5/5
Whilst always great in small doses, I usually tire of the Beatles if I hear more than a few tracks in a row.
This was certainly an exception, every song is fantastic, all songs work well together and I wasn't grated by the vocals like I usually am.
It's nice to have a highly rated album truly live up to the hype.
4.5
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Nah this aint it, slow and melancholic but without any real emotional pull, just a sad dude waffling on with out of key vocals and lack lustre instrumentals.
I've had a very nice week so maybe I'm being harsh on a particularly depressing album.
1.5/5
Tim Buckley
2/5
Has some nice moments where his talent and vocals shine, but this is pretty self-indulgent and boring in parts.
Fav track: Dream letter
Light 2.5/5
Brian Eno
2/5
Couldn't quite get into it, COVID brain can't pinpoint why
2.5/5
Bon Jovi
3/5
Arena rock typically ain't my bag but there are some pretty groovin tracks on here.
Defs has its mundane moments and ridiculous moments, but I found this surprisingly tolerable.
Fav track: wanted dead or alive
3.5
3/5
Has alot of charm, witty lyrics, a fun listen.
Instrumentally lacking, it doesn't ever feel particularly interesting even if it's always enjoyable.
I think back in the day this woulda slapped tho.
Fav track: Victoria
Solid 3.5
3/5
It's repetitive and songs about relationships I generally find pretty boring, but i'm sure this woulda been a progressive femininst album in its time and these tracks woulda been absolute anthems back in the day for all the women stuck with shitty men in shitty relationships.
Not something i'd pop on but appreciated the listen.
ZZ Top
2/5
Can't do another of these but I know there are still so many to come :(
Prince
3/5
Fun but not particularly engaging
2.5/5
B.B. King
4/5
This was fun, impressive for so much charisma to carry through on a live performance.
3.5/5
Little Simz
4/5
Haven't listened to this in a while, still hits pretty hard.
Slipknot
2/5
this potentially is just slightly maybe a bit too angsty for me
The The
2/5
Fuck sake, this was a tough listen. Had its moments when the women's vocals were put to the front and atleast it was different to the usual intolerable listens on this list.
Fav track: Heartland
Sade
4/5
Smoooooth
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
Usually ain't about live albums but this was pretty great. Captured the feel really nicely and gat damn those pipes
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Didn't full grab me but it had its moments
Living Colour
2/5
Didn't do it for me. It's perfectly harmless but very of its era.
Light 2.5
Le Tigre
4/5
Good, fun, powerful
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
Starts off so abrasive and disjointed, but after a couple songs you sink into it and this is actually a damn quality album. Really keen to have another few listens, I feel it will only get better.
The only PiL album I'd listened to in full before this was "Happy?", which I found to be fairly mid, so this was a really nice surprise.
4.5/5
Def Leppard
3/5
It hasn't changed my thoughts towards the genre, but at
least with this album I can see the appeal.
It ain't for me, but there is enough on show to understand why people love this shit, even if it's lame as fuck
2.5/5
Supergrass
4/5
Some proper heaters on this, some is a bit dated, but overall this was fun and pumping and a good discovery for me
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Some really beautiful songs and passages, also some forgettable stuff, nice cooking music.
Light 3.5/5
Kid Rock
1/5
hard to rate this one objectively, it's probably a solid 2 but yeah