1001 Albums Summary

EDIT: I originally gave this album a 3, which the below review reflects This gives me post-britpop vibes (coldplay, doves, placebo) so I'm guessing they took inspiration from those types of bands. The straight indie rock tracks are the least interesting thing here, thankfully it opens up into dreamy soundscapes and the occasional mathy sounding song, which actually sound pretty good. Definitely more of a slow burn, I could see myself liking it more on repeat listens. The last song is very emblematic of the record, after a slow start it flourishes into a pretty astonishing song. This also seems a bit ahead of the curve for this style of music, only by a few years, but this sound did get more popular around the mid 00s. Should it be in the main list: I don't think so, but it would make for an interesting inclusion Top 3 songs: 156, Symmetry, Comforting Sounds

This was very pleasant, traditional African music with a good danceable groove to it, easy music to put on in the background. I'm completely out of my depth when talking about this style of music, plus I have no idea who the guy is, but it's enjoyable. Should it be in the main list: Yes. I know nothing about this artist or this style of music, but I'd approve of it being in the main list just because it's both different and good. Top 3 tracks: Yamore, Iniagige, Koukou

Cake are a strange band, musically they're kind of a mix of RHCP and Wilco, but have a tone of "We could try but we don't want to" with their lazy style of talk-singing. Knowing what I know of Cake beforehand I was fully expecting to find this album irritating, which it is, but it's in equal parts funny too. Counterintuitively, the songs that give the album it's greatest identity are the classic cover songs; For example I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, their lazy style is offensive to the legacy of a great song at first, but after a while it's becomes pretty funny. The Distance is a classic that needs no introduction, it's easy to make fun of but it rocks hard. I feel like I might bump this up to a 4 in future, I felt like the album had too many duds but it sort of won me over by the end of its runtime. Should it be in the main list: Honestly I'm going to say yes, musically they're not that outstanding but the way they present themselves adds a unique flair. Closest thing I can think of to Cake is Sonic Youth, and I'm sure they'll be fine with just 4 albums in the list instead of 5. Top 3 songs: Frank Sinatra, The Distance, Nugget

EDIT: I originally gave this album a 3, which the below review reflects This album has a very cinematic feel to it, it flows very well and it has those big dramatic strings you hear in movies, so I'm assuming this was an intentional choice. The music itself is indie folk, very powerful and well sung, though it veers dangerously into the "stomp clap hey" territory at times. The lyrics seem very personal, and it seems like the submitter values them a lot, though I personally thought they were a bit to distracting and not the best. I'm sure it will resonate with a lot of people though. Should it be in the main list: No Top 3 songs: Secret Worlds, The Calling, Inkpot Gods

I'm amazed by this one, Aesop Rock has a great flow and style of lyricism to a point where it's easy to see why he's as influential as he is. I love the dark, industrial, electronic beats, it sounds almost rocky at times, which helps paint the grim and nebulous atmosphere that he's obviously going for. I do think there is a small fall off in the latter half of the album that picks up a little towards the end, the first half is immaculate though. I was bordering on giving this a 5. Should it be on the list: Yes, it would immediately become one of the best rap albums there. Top 3 songs: Mystery Fish, Rings, Dorks

Interesting mid 00s emo post hardcore, before that style got huge a little later in the decade. Has mild metalcore and milder screamo vibes to it, which I'm guessing is the reason for the poor rating here. I like it, very melodic, has lot of existential angst, which is all good stuff to me. Should it be in the main list: You can make a strong case for it, an album like this should have been in it and I wouldn't complain with this one Top 3 songs: Accidents, Control, Hey It's Your Funeral Mama

How was this not on the list? Great jazz album, Coleman is known for his controversial style back in the 50s, but this would go on to be an extremely forward thinking jazz album. A very chaotic album, you can see why it was edgy at the time, there are some moments of normalcy, such as on Peace, but it promptly goes back to the chaotic saxophone. I think this is an especially good pick because it gives context to John Zorn's brilliant Spy vs. Spy album from the main list, which was a cover album of Coleman's work. Should it be in the main list: Yes 100%. Obviously Coleman was important enough to be in the main list indirectly. Top 3 songs: Lonely Woman, Eventually, Chronology