510
Albums Rated
3.9
Average Rating
47%
Complete
579 albums remaining
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Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Singer-songwriter
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
112
5-Star Albums
0
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
|
5 | 2.39 | +2.61 |
|
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
|
5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
|
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
|
5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
|
Paris 1919
John Cale
|
5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
|
Spiderland
Slint
|
5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
|
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
|
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
|
5 | 3.09 | +1.91 |
|
NEU! 75
Neu!
|
5 | 3.09 | +1.91 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Private Dancer
Tina Turner
|
2 | 3.29 | -1.29 |
|
Celebrity Skin
Hole
|
2 | 3.29 | -1.29 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 5 | 4.8 |
| Radiohead | 5 | 4.8 |
| Paul Simon | 3 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 7 | 4.29 |
| Talking Heads | 4 | 4.5 |
| Bob Dylan | 4 | 4.5 |
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 3 | 4.67 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Cure | 3 | 4.67 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
| Yes | 2 | 5 |
| Neil Young | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| Pavement | 2 | 5 |
| Pixies | 2 | 5 |
| Peter Gabriel | 2 | 5 |
| Nick Drake | 2 | 5 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 2 | 5 |
| Fiona Apple | 2 | 5 |
| The Who | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (112)
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Popular Reviews
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Not bad at all. Never listened to him before.
A little much in parts. Kind of Nilsson in parts. A little like Thom Yorke but more theatrical.
Go or Go Ahead is great! Sounds a bit like a Radiohead song.
Overall pretty good! At least a 3.5.
Cover is weird though.
6 likes
John Martyn
5/5
Love this album! Got it on vinyl. It came up in some list of albums if I like Nick Drake. At first I thought the vocals were a bit much but this album really is great sounding, catch songs, nice psychedelic breaks, folky stuff, a song for Nick Drake. 4.5+
3 likes
Robert Wyatt
5/5
Really liking this Robert Wyatt guy! It’s a right mix of eclectic and interesting but sincere and fun. I’m feeling like I even underrated Shleep.
It’s up there with that Todd Rundgren’s Wizard. I think a 4.5.
Especially love that droning outro to he album.
1 likes
All Ratings
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Interesting first album. Obviously heard many of these songs a ton. Really do like it but never listened straight through.
Title track still stands out as best, most emotive.
Deep cuts are pretty good.
Tears… has a great opening verse, smooth chorus.
Overall it sounds pretty plastic, overly compressed.
The gimmick of Motown throwback isn’t as impressive in 2023.
Deluxe version is a little less loud.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
2023 remaster, nice! A little less loud that the other version.
Reminds me of Sandlot, obviously.
Love the title track!
Other than that, this is great sounding record but nothing else very inspiring.
Mo' Onions, literally just a less good version of the title track. Some covers without any energy... just bland backing tracks.
Duran Duran
3/5
Intro pretty cool!
Great bass tone, good mix!
Rio / hungry catchy as hell, obviously!
Very 80s, but also nice. Most songs very similar bass / drum vibe. Dance-music I guess.
Save a Prayer trying to be slow but not doing it for me.
The Chauffeur is kinda cool.
The Smiths
4/5
Great album, but not their best IMO.
Great bass tone! RIP Andy
Great jangle-guitar.
Not as familiar with these songs, but it's classic Smiths.
"That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" is one of the more interesting ones, slower, with interesting panning / fading effects.
"Well I Wonder" pretty calming, nice rainy outro.
"Barbarism Begins at Home" has a funky outro, digging that. Nice bassline!
"Meat Is Murder" has a cool spacey intro with a cow. Slow jam... like it! Good closing track too. Cool reverse pulsing effect going on.
"How Soon is Now" definitely would secure 4+ stars, but even without that, or any of my favorite Smiths songs, I'd say 3.5-4.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Wow! Nice recording for 1955! Mono, but very clear.
Very classic sound... not particularly engaging, but a serious mood setter.
No big hits or anything, but still would be great chill record to play.
Pretty boring, though. Surprising that this is one of 1001, but probably just for historical context being the first 12" released... it's solid.
Likely won't be replaying except maybe background music at a swanky cocktail party.
5/5
Started with the 2012 master on Apple Music... was overly loud and crispy.
Found a vinyl rip, which is a lot more pleasant if not still a little dry.
Great Record!
It Ain't Easy is surprising, never noticed it much but that chorus kicks! Cool song, but different vibe.
"Ziggy Stardust" is really a solid jam! Wish it were a little earlier TBH.
I'll have to go with a 4, maybe a 5. I'll sleep on it.
Eels
3/5
Didn’t know they did Novocaine For The Soul.
Pretty good album. I could get into it but it’s nothing especially remarkable to me.
The Libertines
3/5
"Don't Be Shy" especially sounds very Clash.
Sounds like a Clash-inspired post-punk band from 2004. That could be unfair, but I'm not sure why this is on the list. Maybe this band was really inspirational or popular in the UK.
Seems good, maybe it'd grow on me but doesn't seem very remarkable.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Wild Horses is a jam!
Can't You Hear My Knocking last half is awesome!
Overall solid album, and legitimately probably my first time actually listening through a Stones album front to back.
Moonlight Mile is surprisingly good! Never heard this song before but it's right up in the style of music I've been liking lately. Seriously this is a fucking jam!
Moonlight Mile as a closer might be tipping it into 5. I love this track!
I'm also a sucker for a good opening / closing track.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Do It Clean sounds kind of like a Clash song...
Stars Are Stars I'm digging.
Pride starts out a bit like an Elvis Costello song with that little guitar hook.
I'm digging Villiers Terrace!
Happy Death Men jams! Seems almost psych / jam / experimental / kraut inspired. Could be a weird take.
Doesn't seem especially "top 1001" remarkable as a whole. Maybe this was a big deal for 1980 since it's bringing us out of first wave punk and into the 80s. I do see some interesting songs in here but seems like filler as well.
Still... solid album really, I'll do a 3.
Green Day
5/5
Damn this was definitely a big album for me. Can’t wait to listen through!
Know all these words. Takes me back to when things were simpler.
I remember looking at every detail of this album cover!
Can’t believe this, of all albums, is on Apple Music in 192kHz. Sounds pretty good, all things considered! Never listened to this so hi-fi before. Drums sound great! Vocals, and bass, not bad either. Guitar sounds… 90’s. But it works.
That transition from Chump to Longview! So good!
This album really does mean a lot to me. I think I’ll have to do a 5. Peak 90’s pop punk. For a kid that got into punk in the 90’s, this was a seminal record.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
A classic! Very long though and not as cohesive as I’d hope.
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Well produced album, no doubt!
Thing Called Love ends with a little Joe Walsh nod.
Love Letter definitely sounds Peter Gabriel-inspired.
My mom probably liked this album.
Ok, Have a Heart is a jam!
Probably a 3. I mean, it’s pretty good but probably won’t be listening again any time soon.
Her hand position on the cover is very awkward.
Otis Redding
5/5
Love Otis!
This one has Change Gonna Come, and his rendition is great! Two other Cooke songs too.
… Loving You still gives me goosebumps on that “tiiiiired”!
Got 192khz stream too. Sounds great!
First time listening through this album front to back. Solid 4.5+
Don’t love the Satisfaction cover. It was probably pretty novel at the time though.
Tina Turner
2/5
Opening track feels like it’s from a random 80’s movie soundtrack. Very cheesy production.
What’s Love definitely much better than most songs...
Private Dancer is good too, production holds up and all. Still really boring IMO.
I'm excited to hear "Let's Stay Together" since that's one of my favorite songs... interesting lead-in with the synth pads. She's singing well, pretty emotive in parts, I just do not like her voice... ok this sucks. Do not like the Casio-sounding beat here. Gonna need to listen to Al to rinse out this overproduced version out of my ears.
This doesn't really hold up.
I think this will be my first subjective 2/5, just compared to my other 3s I've done, this is less despite the popularity of a couple tracks, and historical significance. I don't think I'd put this on again, even ironically. I just don't think I like Tina Turner. Good for her though, fuck Ike.
Van Morrison
4/5
Yeah, great album! Excited to listen through in earnest.
Yeah, solid album... Def a 4.
Glad Tidings was a bit of a surprise.
Foo Fighters
3/5
Big Me is a great song!
Obviously an important record... very cool that he was recording this while in Nirvana...
I'm not sure if that makes it one of the 1001 I need to listen to.
And I love Dave Grohl, and Nirvana, and Foo Fighters is a great band. Just saying... this is noteworthy but not must-listen IMO.
OK Floaty is cool! Shoegazy kind of thing going on. Ok I like this.
I'm going with a 3. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Beck
4/5
Sounds really good! First 2 tracks slide together with good energy.
I remember liking this when it came out. Still holds up well!
Beck being Beck. Always liked his flow and fun lyrics.
Broken Drum is a nice surprise. Hits better than it would have for me 18 years ago.
I’m going with a 4. It’s solid throughout!
Hole
2/5
90’s alt rock. One decent overplayed radio hit. Not sure why it's on the list.
Ray Price
2/5
Try to respect it for what it is... but this is not my jam.
Scissor Sisters
3/5
Laura, opening track is catchy.
Take Your Mama is definitely a great song. Vocals are great, almost Elton John-esque. Catchy.
The disco Comfortably Numb cover... not really doing it for me. I mean it does sound a bit like a Beegees song this way, but it's too cheesy to me.
Mary sounds good too!
Production overall pretty good. Catchy stuff, good vocalist.
David Bowie
5/5
Awesome album. Life On Mars is one of my favorite songs. Also Changes. And overall great songs all over. Gotta give it a 5.
Steely Dan
4/5
Oh Aja… on every audiophile list. Obviously the production is top notch. Let’s give it a real listen through and see how it is as an album.
Really growing on me. The smooth jazz part is wearing off.
Obviously this is very well recorded.
The drum solo at the end of Aja is pushing this up to 4. Almost completely due to the ending of Aja. Solid album otherwise but that song really surprised me.
Really like Deacon Blues too.
Rush
4/5
Hell yeah, Rush!
I now realize I've been kind of a casual lame Rush fan. I really do like a lot of their songs, but never really dove into the longer tracks like 2112.
So good!!! The dynamics and vocals are great on the title track. I really like this era of vocals. I'm a sucker for the quiet water parts jumping back into the rock parts.
I started at about a reluctant 3-4... now I'm really feeling solid on a 4...
I know there's better Rush out there, so I'm excited, hoping we get some more.
The little "Kung Fu Fighting" riff is a little cringe on Bangkok, but this is otherwise is a classic Rush tune.
Other tracks are all aight. Feeling good about a 4. If the title track was just a little more fluid and if the rest of the record followed suit this would be a 5...
Roni Size
2/5
I dunno. Don’t really like this music but some of it isn’t bad. I like the standup bass parts.
Really a genre that just reminds me of Ali G.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Classic blues + late 80's collaborations and productions. Honestly some pretty nice music, but nothing blowing me away.
I’m liking the last few stripped down songs more. Might check some other Hooker stuff in that vein.
3/5
Travis
3/5
I remember liking Why Does It Always Rain On Me and have heard this band didn’t deserve to be a one-hit wonder. Curious to see how good the whole album is.
So far seems like a pretty chill Radiohead. I’m sure they hate that but it’s really the sound they have.
Really do enjoy this though.
As You Are has a tinge of Across the Universe but in a nice way. Nice solo. Radiohead with some Beatles. Not a bad mix.
Not sure it’s held up super well. It’s good but just sounds like late 90’s Brit pop. Nothing super special. Great hit but kind of passable.
Metallica
4/5
Classic album!
Title track is obviously the star of the show here. That song alone has inspired many!
Opening track opens great, but kind of fizzles once it comes in.
Overall really classic 80's Metallica. I think I like Ride the Lightning a tad more...
Probably a 3.5 though, I'll round up.
The White Stripes
4/5
Classic album. Seven Nation and Hardest Button are hits.
Nice sounding album as well.
Does seem like some filler, though.
4/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Wow. Pretty much a modern rap Dark Side of the Moon.
Always loved Kenny, and a few songs on this album are my favorites. But!
So glad I finally took the chance to listen all the way through!
5/5
Joan Armatrading
4/5
This is really good!
Never heard of her. Great recordings, really well produced! Love her vocal style too. Seems like a gem.
Surprised I didn't know about this at all.
Great opening track!
Join the Boys is funky!
I get a little bit of a John Martyn feel on this... but funkier.
This woman rocks!
4/5
4/5
Yeah! Love Devo. Not sure I’ve ever listened to a studio album through though, so I'm a little nervous that I'm just too used to Greatest Hits.
Out the gate... pretty punk, but quirky.
Satisfaction, such a great unique cover. Defines the 80's sound of New Wave. Ahead of its time for sure.
So unabashedly dorky... I love it.
Gut Feeling is a classic and sounds great! Seriously love this track.
Probably gonna go with a 4/5 because although the hits are amazing and I love this band, it's pretty short and even still it's inconsistent in production and quality, and there are many lackluster tracks.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Seems very good for what it is. Doesn’t seem particularly amazing though. Probably a 3/5.
I would expect to be blown away here but I’m not. It’s very solid, but not cohesive or groundbreaking IMO.
I really do like Song For Sathima.
I'm going to try the title track a lot today. The reverb is unfortunately a little unnatural.
Sonic Youth
4/5
I can definitely see how this was influential to some of my other favorite bands like Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, Slint, My Bloody Valentine, etc. and I respect them for that.
I do wish that it sounded better. It doesn't need to be polished per se, but it sounds harsh and narrow and it makes it feel flatter than I hoped... I would hope for something more raw but still dynamic.
Ok, much better with my Bottlehead Crack + HD6XXs.
The studio monitors and even IEMs both make it sound much worse. Now I'll have to listen again.
It sounds so much better now! I've always heard of album -> equipment pairings, but never gave that much thought.
This really comes alive with this specific setup.
Now feeling a 4/5... which sounds snobby, but the presentation definitely helps.
Schizophrenia really is a good song!
Also really like Tuff Gnarl, has a Replacements vibe to it...
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Remember this one pretty well, know all these songs!
Still holds up. A little abrasive but that was the point. My favorites were always Maps and Y Control. Those two definitely top this into 4/5.
Modern Romance is nice, I don’t remember this one. Poor Song too. Obviously like their slow jams more.
Nirvana
5/5
Some really good songs on here. Great album, but not their most solid. I feel like Nevermind is a 5 and this is a 4.5.
Heart-Shaped Box, Rape Me, Dumb, Pennyroyal Tea, and All Apologies get it to 4.5.
Don’t think I ever noticed the strings on All Apologies.
RIP
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Weird that this is the first Neil Young album I get on here. I love NY, but there better be a bunch of others on the list because this seems like it would be barely top 10… but let me give it a solid listen.
White Line has a catchy lead tone and nice group vocals. Good jam.
Overall I’m going to give it a 3.5. Hoping it grows on me more.
Yes
5/5
Yes!
It sounds so good!
Maybe the greatest bass tone of all time. RIP Chris.
Vocals are very classic on this album, especially on Good People.
A really good mix of poppy and progressive. Very accessible but technical.
The Clap is kind of out of nowhere but sort of love it for that... I guess it's to introduce Steve Howe.
It's up there for favorite Yes albums... might be my favorite because I'm kind of a pleb, though I'm sure some others come up so I can give them a more critical listen. It's not Close to the Edge, it doesn't have Roundabout on it, but it's really good!
Eric Clapton
4/5
Really nice sounding album, though little tame TBH.
Good for him quitting heroin.
I Shot the Sheriff is a really good cover though I don’t believe him.
3.5
SZA
4/5
Never really listened to this. I’m excited to try it out.
So far, really like the production!
Those opening guitar chords on Supermodel sound so good. And when the drums come in!
Normal Girl is a surprisingly good too. Love the lyrics, and that guitar solo at the end... cool how it just drops off.
Sax on Pretty Little Birds also nice!
Solid 4/5. Maybe even 4.4. Just gotta leave some room for 5s.
Shack
3/5
Not sure what’s so amazing about this… sounds pretty unremarkable.
Kind of like the strings at first but they kind of just are always hanging out.
Almost no dynamic range on this record...
About as good as a decent local band, TBH. Hard to imagine this is in top 10,001 albums let alone 1,001. Must be a regional thing.
Captain’s Table and Streets of Kenny try to be a little psychedelic… kinda cool but still lackluster.
It’s not terrible but not particularly inspiring. I'll go with a 3, some of the tracks are growing on me, and I'm glad that I gave it a listen because I normally wouldn't have given it any time of day.
Elliott Smith
5/5
Influential album, to be sure. Between the Bars and Say Yes are absolute hits. Alameda is pretty good too!
No Name No. 5 is hitting pretty good too.
Angeles is real nice, the fingerpicking intro with that whistle sound in the background. Great ambiance.
I was not initially as impressed as I thought I'd be given the quality of the songs I already knew, but it's a slow burn.
4.5/5
Elton John
4/5
Tiny Dancer opens this record, such a great song!
Love Levon too.. the piano, strings, voice, drums are all just about perfect! Love the production.
Kind of peaks on that second song though, title track not bad. The Indian song, interesting.
Unfortunately, even though I really like EJ, I think this one is a 4.
M.I.A.
3/5
Pretty disappointed, honestly. 3 stars for having Paper Planes though.
Coldplay
3/5
I mean, they might not be cool, but this is a solid album. Great musicianship, good production... Really good debut, honestly. Even if they felt kind of a watered-down Radiohead at the time. They are good!
Maybe I'm just not always paying attention to lyrics. It's beige, but it is better than that Travis album, I think. I do like \"Why Does It Always Rain on Me?\" better than \"Yellow\" though. But overall, it's pretty solid.
3/5
Great energy! Kind of a mess, and a bit repetitive.
But, I gotta give it a little credit for the influence, for the groundbreaking "motherfucker!".
I'm not enjoying it as much as I thought I would, unfortunately.
Probably sticking with a 3 on this. Really wish it was more, but there's nothing catching me.
Bobby Womack
4/5
Secrets is nice! That bass.
Stand Up is jammin’!
If You Think You're Lonely Now is amazing! Great classic R&B here, I could see this influencing a lot of great 90s R&B.
Where Do We Go From Here, great bass lead-in!
Going with a 4/5, this is a solid album!
Björk
5/5
Yea!
Love Björk, and this is probably her best album. Definitely a 5.
Love the warm fuzzies of Cocoon, and the string instrumentation, thumping beat and vocals of It’s Not Up To You.
Undo has this wonderful build to it.
Overall, the cohesion, the textures, the dynamics. This one is a masterpiece!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Yes! This is the NY&CH album I was wanting.
Easy 4 here! Love Cinnamon Girl, really dig the extended tracks. Almost a 4.5 but I gotta leave some room up there.
Django Django
4/5
Really digging this! Great blend of Devo and Krautrock and surfy stuff. Going with a 3-4.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I liked Surrender back in the day. This isn’t as good, and is kind of dated sounding, but still solid for what it is.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Title track, Hurt... and I forgot about I Hung My Head being on this one...
Oh and the Personal Jesus cover is cool too!
Definitely one of his best.
There are some really great songs, it's recorded a little hot... and there is \"filler\", but definitely should be on the 1001.
In My Life is one of my favorite songs, and I do with they got a little better take, but I still love that it's on here.
Last thing released when he was alive. That outgoing message on We'll Meet Again. Hate to be sentimental, but I'm leaning towards 5.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Solid album,
Strangelove is probably the best track.
The synths kind of wear on me sometimes, honestly.
Behind the Wheel works well!
I Want You Now also interesting. Effective on headphones.
Still thinking a 3. Solid album, but not their best. Doesn't age terribly well.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
Hüsker Dü is one of those bands that I've always wanted to like more. They're kind of a link between 80's hardcore and the more emotional / melodic emocore / indie stuff that came after. There are a few popular songs I really do like, but I never would say I was a huge fan because I always had a hard time with the sound.
Never listened to this album, and it doesn't have any songs I recognize. There's a lot here.
“Standing In the Rain” is a style that I can get a little more into. “Could You Be the One?“ also.
Wish I could do a 4, maybe if it was a tighter selection. Gonna have to do a 3.
The Waterboys
3/5
I guess this is Celtic rock... Doesn't do much for me especially, but it's nice.
Probably 3/5...
John Coltrane
5/5
I spent the whole day trying to get into this. Finally at the end of the day, with a glass of wine and all my attention, I’m starting to get it!
Death In Vegas
3/5
It’s ok. Not as good as something like Portishead or Massive Attack, maybe that’s not fair… but still fun and listenable. 3/5
Stereolab
5/5
Yes! Love Stereolab. One of my favorites bands and basically tied for my favorite album by them.
I love this so much.
I place a high value on tone and texture and Olv 26 is a very nice example.
Overall, the mix of smooth French / English female vocals, philosophical / political lyrics, chill Krautrock moog with strings vibes is right up my alley.
5/5
Fugees
4/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
One of my favorites! Have it on vinyl.
Love the music, lyrics, vocals — crooning, biting. Some of my favorite bass playing of all time. Love the drums too, very dynamic. The overall mix is so great, The Attractions really shine. Good hooks all around, too!
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Not really my thing… it’s not terrible and I like the recording, instruments, and the singing is nice. But will likely never listen to it again. I’m gonna have to go 2.
Nirvana
5/5
One of the best live albums capturing a unique and intimate performance of one of the most influential bands mere months before the lead singer / guitarist / songwriter commits suicide. Great covers. Very much 5.
Sister Sledge
3/5
The production is obviously very good.
Opening track will always remind me of "Gettin' Jiggy wit It", thanks a lot Will.
Somebody Loves Me is probably more my vibe these days, slow and R&B... Thinking of You also really good.
We Are Family has been so overplayed, but for good reason. It's anthemic, really catchy, and means a lot to a ton of people... ok this bridge really jams and I doubt I've ever heard it!
You're a Friend to Me... so smooth, this is great! I love the guitar playing on this.
Not on my list of must-haves, but it is remarkably well done and a classic. Maybe a little tooo polished... it's groovy and nice but not especially moving or impactful, but 3/5 for being so damn slick.
Harry Nilsson
5/5
Nilsson!
Love this guy. Loved The Point since I was a kid and recently started getting back into his stuff. This is very much The Point-era Nilsson.
His musicianship, voice, sense of humor, the whole thing feels like home.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
I honestly wish I liked this more than I did... It's good, but doesn't really do much for me.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Wow, this one seems like a big jump over the last one. Much bigger, better production. More interesting and accessible.
Personal Jesus is really catchy, obviously.
Waiting for the Night has some really nice ambiance to it. I would totally listen to this without vocals. The vocals are solid, but not really my thing... but that slow build into Enjoy the Silence is great. Enjoy the Silence is just a very very solid hit. I don't remember this outro... kind of cool.
Seriously great sounding album.
Pulp
4/5
A lot of these Mercury Music winners ending up on this list… I feel like for a lot of them, you had to be there. This one seems to have stood the test of time so I'm giving it a real shot.
I kind of like the Bowie-esque vocals.
Lyrics on Mis-Shapes hitting pretty good.
Honestly kind of a 90's Bowie / Costello type of thing. A bit obnoxious but it works.
I Spy sounds a little like a Jermaine Clement doing Bowie for a movie soundtrack...
Disco 2000 is really catchy...
Kind of love Underwear too.
Not sure if this is suppose to be funny or not but I’m giving it a 3.5.
T. Rex
4/5
Production really holds up!
Very glam. Catchy, cool, and iconic.
Cosmic Dancer is the biggest surprise to me... really nice song.
A lot of similar sounds going on, but it is super solid. 4/5
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Good renditions of great songs. Most of them not the definitive version. Kind of just a collection of 60’s singles. Other than Wishin’ And Hopin’, not sure if any of these are the go-to renditions. Again, points to the list being pretty UK-centric.
I love these oldies though. And she’s a solid singer. 3/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Never really good into Nick Cave. It’s good but just not my thing.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I love Led Zeppelin. Never gave this one a listen through, to be quite honest. Not sure why, it’s amazing! A lot of great songs.
Biggest surprise: In the Light
Maybe I’m basic, but I gotta go 5. It’s Led Zeppelin. And one of their better albums at that.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I respect this band a lot more than I like them. Especially this album, I have a hard time getting into it. If I’m honest, I have to go with a 3. Just like that Nick Cave album, Hüsker Dü, MC5, and other ones I’ll come back to. Not for me today.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
As a millennial, he’ll always be Chef to me. Fond memories of asking my mom to get Chef Aid: The South Park Album when it first came out. It was my first personally-owned CD. I also like the Shaft theme, but never checked out his other stuff.
Digging this! Love that little fuzz lead on the opening track! Dirty fuzz tone. The ending of that track has some very obvious fader riding which I kind of love.
All the tracks have something good going on. I like his vocals and the band is jamming on. I like the backup vocals a lot.
At first I felt like the tracks were missing something. But after listening more, the vibe is growing. Also, considering this was one of the first albums of its kind, gotta go 4/5 on it.
2/5
Why Limp Bizkit, but even more importantly, why this one? I guess this one got removed, which is good.
I kind of do like the intro to Take a Look Around.
It’s not the worst thing in the world but definitely not required listening.
2/5
Isaac Hayes
4/5
So weird that I just had Hot Buttered Soul 2 days ago. I can dig it!
The instrumentals are very good, as with the other Hayes / Bar-Kays stuff. The title track is amazing, well produced, and iconic!
Cafe Regio's is a "whole vibe".
Also, grooving to "Do Your Thing" for about a full 18 minutes.
Going 3.5 - 4 on this too! Only thing really keeping it down is the length with a tad too much misc. "soundtrack" stuff that breaks up the real jams. It's all good, but some editing could make it a golden album, but it's not an album really it's a soundtrack.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Big fan of Elvis Costello, and even though there are some great songs on this one, and it’s a solid debut, it’s not top-tier EC. He did good by getting The Attractions.
Alison and Watching the Detectives are super solid songs.
...Red Shoes is catchy, very Costello.
Blame it on Cain is pretty rocking'.
Some throwback rock n' roll tracks which don't hold up as well.
Still going with a 3.5 - 4 because I love the above songs, and it's still a good listen, especially to see the progression.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Amazing album. Perfect production, singing, the whole works! Really a top tier pop album!
First two tracks are most memorable, but the production is great throughout.
Leaning towards a 4/5 for me, personally since I don’t think I need to listen to the whole album. I think Thriller is gonna be a 5, though.
Beatles
5/5
Yes!
One of my favorites. Don’t really need to say much else.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Never listened to this but just recently heard about it. I love Sam Cooke, so I’m excited to check his out.
Very fun! Cool to be able to hear the faster, raw, live versions. But I will say that it’s not as listenable. Things seem rushed.
Might have to go 4 as much as I love Sam.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Really great album!
Obviously, I've heard Fast Car hundreds of times... but I never really listened to it, it's a very beautiful song.
Behind the Wall is also heartbreaking.
The production is about perfect.
Reminds me a lot of Joan Armatrading. That's gotta be an influence!
Very important voice and perspective. Easy 4
Talking Heads
4/5
I really like Talking Heads but am not familiar with this album at all!
Take Me to the River holds a special place in my heart, and is really well produced!
The Good Thing and Warning Sign are both great songs. I like Found a Job as well!
Overall, really liking it! I think probably a 4/5 for me.
Bauhaus
3/5
Don't really know much of Bauhaus's stuff aside from Bela Lugosi's Dead. Interesting that this is the one chosen to be on the list.
Hollow Hills -- I'm liking this!
Kick in the Eye 2 is a nice catchy new wave jam.
Harry is kind of a goth ska vibe...
Overall it's cool, but not hitting me especially.
3/5
Randy Newman
3/5
Never got super into Randy Newman. I like him OK, but it doesn't do much for me. I'd rather hear Nilsson singing Newman.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
I really like ATCQ!
I love that old school chill 80's / 90's hip hop flow, very poetic, and their samples being so eclectic and jazzy / funky is such a good pairing. It's the creme de la creme, and you can vouch for that.
Can I Kick It? Is one of my favorite rap songs. That Lou Reed sample, the flow, lyrics... really really like this song.
Also really like Bonita Applebum.
A couple of my favorite rap songs, and overall a solid album. As a package though, I think it's a 4/5. Very good, but not front-to-back required experience.
Miles Davis
5/5
I like this more than A Love Supreme!
It is dense but I can feel how important this is. I’ll have to spend more time with it.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Pretty jamming’ overall.
Jet Set is a nice blues rock jam! Really like the outro into Anyway.
This is nice classic rock.
Johnny’s Garden is a nice tune. Not sure I’ve heard it before but definitely jumps out as a hit.
Really pretty good! I think I’ll listen more.
The Temptations
4/5
Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone is just an amazing song!
Mother Nature also pretty great!
Also, Do Your Thing! Was on the Shaft album, but a funky little cover here!
Great production!
Temptations really embracing the direction of Soul / Funk into the 70’s!
Giving it a 3.7 for Papa*
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
First track was a little disappointing for me.
Second track starts out like a Bowie song, but also has a very 90’s indie vibe with a great solo.
Fuzzy is pretty good too.
Songs really pretty inconsistent, in style and even in volume.
R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe praised Fuzzy as "the best album of the year hands down”… that’s a bit much. That year also had Siamese Dream, Souvlaki, Enter the Wu-Tang, In Utero, Midnight Marauders, Björk’s Debut….
It’s good. Probably a 3 for me.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Everyone makes a big deal about these guys…
Kind of reminds me of that early 2000’s garage rock revival… The Hives… Franz Ferdinand… a little White Stripes / Strokes but more and British. I liked this kind of music a lot around 2001 - 2005, but they kind of missed me since this came out in 2006.
I do have to say this is a very good exhibit of the style. I wish I knew the songs better.
Biggest surprise: Mardy Bum.
I do wish this was less hot... it's very 2006 compressed.
A 4/5 for me, though. Will listen again.
Alice In Chains
3/5
This is classic 1992 grunge, or alt metal or whatever.
I was always more of a Nirvana fan, also listened to Pearl Jam, or STP, or even Soundgarden (maybe?) more than Alice In Chains.
Reminds me of the 90’s MTV, Beavis and Butthead, etc. The vocals never super appealed to me.
First time hearing a lot of these songs, to be honest. Just was not an AIC fan.
Rooster is by far my favorite. Them Bones is a good opener though. And Would? is a classic too.
I really feel like this is a 3 for me.
JAY Z
4/5
I remember H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A. Still a catchy song.
Jigga is also banging.
Heart of the City has some solid sampling.
Didn't know who Kanye West was going to be at the time, so it's kind of cool to look back.
Song Cry is nice too.
Solid album for sure... there's some filler, as typical. But overall at least a 3.5
Saint Etienne
3/5
Feels very 90’s British electronic dance pop…
Really not bad at all, kind of a nice listen.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Take Me Out really is a pretty damn good song.
It’s not as dynamic or interesting as Arctic Monkey’s debut. Not as good as The Stroke or White Stripes imo.
The disco beats get a little old on this one.
Still really good but probably going to be a 3 for me.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Yep!
A 5 for sure, one of my favorite albums. Recently bought it on vinyl and re-found Elvis Costello and appreciated him even more than I did 20 years ago.
The Attractions kill it on this album. The lyrics are great. Top tier album.
Mudhoney
4/5
I really dig this... not sure why like this over MC5, Hüsker Dü, Velvet Underground that came before... but I just like this better. More Nirvana meets Dinosaur Jr. Maybe it's just the more punk / garage vibe to it. The guitar work is great for my taste. The drumming is very punchy and appropriate. I actually like the vocals... there's a decent variety but still a nice set of songs.
Biggest surprise: Pokin' Around is really catchy.
I think this is a 3.5 - 4 for me. Rounding it up because this one speaks to me more than the other 3s.
Pere Ubu
3/5
It's probably a cliche, but it does sound like Devo / Talking Heads, but less accessible. Survivorship bias there. Devo had better nerd appeal, catchier hits. Talking Heads also catchier hooks / rhythm section and better vocals... still same ilk.
I respect it, chronologically. This was no copycat, this were also Post-Punk pioneers. More experimental.
I was starting to dig it but the vocals on Calgary's Mirror was a little too weird and threw me off.
I accidentally started listening to Street Waves, was getting into it, and realized that was off The Modern Dance.
Thriller! is definitely avant-garde, so that's cool especially because the weirdness is mostly instrumental. Codex just does not work for me, I'm trying to be more open to this stuff, but it just ain't hittin'... it's cringey for me. I get that's probably the point, but I don't like it.
Going with a 3 on this one. I don't think I'd claim to be a fan of Pere Ubu based on this album, but I'm glad I'm more aware of them. Thinking I might like The Modern Dance better, so we'll see!
Madonna
3/5
Opening track is pretty damn good. Great production!
First 2 tracks are catchy and sound great. Good pop.
Love Song immediately sounds like a watered-down Prince song with Madonna on it.
Biggest surprise: Pray for Spanish Eyes -- I really like the vocal performance and arrangement, and that guitar solo.
Most of this is pretty cheesy though. It's gonna be a 3 for me.
The Who
5/5
Oooooh boy.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Many of The Who’s best songs. Great production and performance.
I just now fully get the title pun. Also seen this cover for decades and just realized the pee gag. Never paid attention, I guess!
This is top of the top!
The Police
4/5
Solid album. Really like Walking on the Moon. Good 3.5 at least.
Miles Davis
4/5
It’s not Kind of Blue or Bitches Brew. But it is Miles. At least a 3.5
Supergrass
4/5
I’ve never listened to Supergrass. I only know about them because one time somebody said I looked like the guy from Supergrass. It somehow completely missed me, like Pulp. I got Oasis, Blur, Travis, and The Verve over here…
I’m actually surprised how much I like this! It’s kind of like a mix of 90’s Brit pop, glam rock, and Queens of the Stone Age or something. Heavy 60’s influence too.
Richard III fucking rocks!
Tonight almost is like a T. Rex song, with catchy horn breaks!
Late in the Day is a bit Petty-ish
G-Song had a great solo!
Sun Hits the Sky is fantastic! That synth solo, and the outro is basically sped-up Krautrock!
Great neo-psych stuff going on too.
Very surprising! This is an easy 4. I’ll have to keep listening, but this one is the biggest surprise of the list so far.
Radiohead
5/5
I’ve loved High and Dry and Fake Plastic Trees since the 90’s. Always been favorites of mine.
Fake Plastic Trees especially means a lot to me.
Oh, Just is good too, when they still had that rock guitar solo! I remember that one.
And My Iron Lung!
The rest I don't remember as well, but it's growing on me!
Funny enough, I feel like the title track now just sounds very Britpop. "I wish it was the 60s. I wish we could be happy." Man that was very much the 90s sentiment wasn't it? Now we wish it was the 90s...
This is at least a 4.5... this is phenomenal record!
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Not their best album... but it's good! Great fuzz tone on the opening track! Kind of a motorik beat... like a louder krautrock.
Walkin on the Sidewalks has a very good driving bass growl going on!
How to Handle a Rope too!
These guitar tones and grooves are very good! It's a little too much of the same... I wish some songs were a little slower and a tad more interesting. Still it's very well done!
I think the Songs for the Deaf had the benefit of having Dave Grohl on it to really put it over the edge.
Really digging You Can't Quit Me Baby. Good change of pace.
As it stands, I feel like I'm gravitating more towards a 3... I don't know what it's missing. Maybe it's just the swagger and vocals that don't really do it for me. It’s too cool for school.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Haven’t listened to Missy Elliott in decades! Not sure I’ve ever heard this album.
It’s good, but not Supa Dupa good. 3
Radiohead
5/5
Really good. Album. Great textures, songwriting. Good sleep record too.
The Only Ones
4/5
Surprisingly I’ve never heard this!
Pretty good, really! I can see the influence on indie music.
I can kind of see what Libertines were going for.
I gotta give it at least a 3.5 with the overall tone hitting me right, feels authentic and original for the time! Will revisit.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
This is groovy!
Really digging Family Affair. So cool!
The Killers
4/5
Man I loved this album when it came out. Gotta see if it still holds up…
Opening track, love that bass line. Brings me back!
So many hits.
It’s very derivative of 80’s British synthpop. But it’s exceptional at that! So much so I think they convinced the whole country they were one of them.
For my own personal rating, I have to go solid 4. This is a very good album that brings me back!
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Huh...never heard of it, kind of surprising this is on the list. I guess just another example of how UK-centric this list is. Some unremarkable American 90’s punk band that was big in the UK…
There are about a dozen 1995 punk albums I’d put over this one. I can’t believe this is on the list but not “...And Out Come the Wolves” by Rancid.
Other punk bands with solid albums in 1995:
Jawbreaker, Lagwagon, Vandals, Good Riddance, NUFAN, Millencolin, Red Aunts, Less Than Jake, Pennywise, Frenzal Rhomb...
It's not terrible... but this is definitely not great. I'm going 2 on this one.
Eagles
4/5
A classic for sure!
Title track… that solo is so good!
New Kid in Town is a nice song but a little easy listening.
Life in the Fast Lane is jam!
Wasted Time is a pretty solid ballad!
It's pretty safe slow rock, but it is a classic and very well done. I gotta give this at least a 3.5.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Man this opening track probably knocked people out!
Good songs. A classic for its time. I’ll go 3.5
4/5
Still a very good album! Some solid hits.
Maxwell
4/5
Such a good album! I recently found out about it and love the vibe, the production. Don’t know this missed me for decades!
Hot Chip
3/5
Reminds me a lot of Chromeo but not funny. Look At Where We Are Today is definitely the best song on here, maybe because it’s slower. Flutes is good too.
Overall, vocals are a little obnoxious to my ears. Maybe if I was dancing in a club or something, which I don’t do.
But, it’s not bad really. I’ll do 3/5
Gorillaz
4/5
Damn, I remember when this came out it was such a big deal. The guy from Blur started a band of cartoon characters with the guy that made Tank Girl. I thought that was a cool concept, and the music was great. I remember playing a little flash game where you ran across a graveyard as Noodle! It was so modern and fresh!
Introduced me to Del’s intelligent style of rapping and Deltron3030 which I still love.
Opening track is so unassuming. Chill, lazy song. 5/4 getting a little more Blur. Tomorrow Comes Today is a really good one, opens like a good Beck song! Again those lazy vocals that were a whole vibe.
Clint Eastwood was fucking huge. That’s obviously how I heard about them, a friend described the video and opening verse lyrics; I was intrigued. Something very new!
Man Research isn’t much. Punk is kind of fun for variety and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Sound Check is a surprise. Dig the baseline, sampling and strings! Like the vocals too. Almost a dub / trip hop vibe.
Double Bass reminds me of a Tortoise song almost. Pretty slick interlude.
Del’s back on Rock the House which is a bit of a throwback hip hop song. Dig it.
19-2000 was one of my favorites! Fun, catchy chill jam.
Great album.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Respect is a classic song!
God she's good. Better than Dusty Springfield (who ain't bad... just saying)!
The A Change Is Gonna Come dedication! 😭
Easy 4 here.
It's only missing the cohesive front-to-back that 5s have... So, while there are multiple must-listen tracks, as an album it's a B.
The Hives
3/5
I did dig these guys back in high school... part of the big garage rock revival. Never had an album of theirs but they definitely had some good hits and cool (a bit obnoxious but in a self-aware way) stage presence.
Weird that it's this compilation and not Veni Vidi Vicious?
Great opening track to pick though.
Next two tracks also rock. I don't think I've heard Supply and Demand... but that's a jam for sure.
I dig it... but it's probably still a 3.4 or something at most. Not sure I'll bump it up to 4.
Neu!
5/5
Recently got way into krautrock and liked Can a lot, especially Future Days. Also some of Cluster's stuff.
This is right in line! I'm excited to check it out completely...
First two tracks I'm already sold, Seeland especially is just a vibe. Especially the end with the rain... this is so good! Also, end of Hero with the airplane. Love the inclusion of field recordings.
Especially for 1975, this was so influential!
I was digging the spacey music and then Hero kicks in and wakes you up! I didn’t really appreciate that song before, but in context it’s pretty cool.
Just based on its influence, recording quality, and my personal preference, this is an easy 4. Maybe even a 4.5, but I need to make sure that's not just recency bias kicking in, since I've been getting into this music much more lately.
Green Day
4/5
I liked Green Day a lot as a young teenager, but when this came out I had moved on to \"cooler\" stuff... so even though I recognized it was pretty good, I never really listened to it.
Very well recorded, and super catchy! American Idiot was a huge hit... Jesus of Suburbia also really great song!
Also Holiday...
And Boulevard of Broken Dreams... this song was huge too.
Ok this one is really hit after hit. Very ambitious album!
Are We the Waiting sounds like a U2 song... a little much.
St. Jimmy brings things back to more classic Green Day!
A bit of a dip...
Extraordinary Girl sounds like a Beatles song. Interesting.
Letterbomb is just a catchy pop punk song, could be on Dookie.
Wake Me Up When September Ends is a classic Ballad.
Homecoming is not great... it's trying to be a counterpart to Jesus of Suburbia but is kind of cheesy and lame. Should have ended it with September.
This is at least a 4... it's a super solid, well written, catchy, well produced album. Dookie is more of a personal favorite, but this one is right up there.
I feel like it could really have been trimmed down. There are some weird inconsistencies and run-ons as the album goes on. It's ambitious, but gets a little full of itself.
Robert Wyatt
4/5
I’m a little familiar with Robert Wyatt, mostly from his cover of Shipbuilding and work in Soft Machine, but I definitely haven’t heard this!
It’s fun, quirky, very nice textures. Especially Maryan.
Jazzy stuff happening in Was a Friend!
I really like this!
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
Pretty damn influential. Holds up. Great title track! Gotta do at least 3.5.
David Bowie
4/5
"Heroes" is one of my favorite Bowie songs! The rest of this album is not hitting the same, but I'm giving it a chance.
The rest isn't really clicking.
The Sense of Doubt -> Neuköln I dig a lot in a different way. More in line with the ambient stuff I've been enjoying lately. That's Eno for you.
Probably still a 4 from me overall. About half the songs don't really do that much for me. "Heroes" is solid, and Side B is pretty nice and inventive.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
Must have been a thing in the UK.
Opening track is no good…
Neither are the next few tracks. The Ballad is ok but still is never something I’d choose to hear. Is she trying to be Tina Turner?
The Working Class Hero cover is not bad!
Still probably a 2 for me.
Beatles
5/5
Probably not even in the top 3 Beatles albums but still a great record! Some of the best songs, and really a huge collection of material, albeit not as cohesive.
4.5
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
I really like this! Interesting year from which to include a Bossa nova vocal album like this. I'd imagine a 60's-70's one, but this is like a throwback that I never heard of.
Oh, I didn't realize it was João Gilberto's kid!
I'd say it's a 3.5 - 4 for me... dig it a lot as a chill out album. Well recorded and performed. Really like the voice and instrumentation.
Al Green
4/5
Oh man, title track is one of my favorite songs ever. Was in my wedding.
Still not sure I've listened to the album front to back.
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart is also such a good one!
It's so good. I mean easy 4, but are there enough other songs, cohesion, to make this album a 5?
If I gave Otis a 4, this will have to be a 4 too :( sorry Al!
The Verve
3/5
Not bad really. A little blue rock in parts. I like the psychedelic stuff. I was most surprised by the Brainstorm Interlude -> Drive You Home part.
Overall too long and not quite remarkable. 3/5
David Ackles
3/5
Nice. Don’t know much of anything about this! I remember the name David Ackles from a list of Jim O’Rourke influences. That was Five & Dime though.
Title track is kind of theatrical. Next song is a nice slow singer-songwriter jam. Third track back to that Broadway style. And then more of that. Seems like the genre is singer songwriter show tunes. Neil Diamond of broadway.
It’s not bad but really doesn’t do it for me. I can respect it though, especially considering how many cite him as an influence. At least a 2.5. So I’ll do a 3.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This is pretty good!
Better than the other Dusty album.
Son of a Preacher Man is just so good.
The production is great!
The Windmills of Your Mind is also fantastic.
3.5
Neil Young
5/5
One of the best albums!
Love NY, and this is him at his best.
The two orchestrated songs don’t hold up as well but still this is a 5
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Such an amazing album! The engineering and production for 1959 is mind-blowing.
Take Five is such a classic tune.
I gotta give this one at least a 4.5... it's just so influential and important. And great to listen to!
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Pretty wild… a lot of energy. About on par with that MC5 album, but rock ‘n roll piano. Fast and aggressive but somewhat repetitive.
I feel like it’s a 3 for me. For 1964 he’s pretty off the rails, though isn’t he.
Ok maybe a 3.5 for Long Tall Sally. He’s nuts! Definitely an experience.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Pretty awesome. Muddy Waters. Gonna do a 3.5 I think.
The Kinks
5/5
I thought I liked The Kinks, but obviously not super well, because this album totally missed me!
This is really good! Right up there close to Beatles or Nilsson stuff.
Village Green is the right mix of psych and pop. Feeling it a lot. Gonna go 4.5 on this one!
Venom
2/5
Not great… I guess it was something at the time but it has not aged well IMO.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Hendrix absolutely on fire! Voodoo Chile, 1983, All Along, Voodoo Child (Slight Return), so many good songs on here.
This is one of the most important albums, definitely top tier before you die stuff.
Billy Bragg
4/5
This is a cool project! I listened to it before and I really like California Stars.
Way Over Yonder..., Birds And Ships, Hoodoo Voodoo, a lot of catchy songs on here.
At My Window Sad And Lonely is also great!
I’d say this is a 3.5 - 4. Great songs, great performances.
Fairport Convention
4/5
I’m digging this a lot! Good 60’s folk / psych stuff!
A Sailor’s Life is great extended jam
Who Knows… is a really good song.
The bonus track Ballad of Easy Rider I really like as well!
Super Furry Animals
4/5
I really dig this!
A lot of variety. Sometimes a little goofy, but some really good stuff, nice instrumentation and interesting styles.
Linkin Park
3/5
I cringed when this came up. It was so overplayed and made fun of back in the day. It’s very nu metal / rap rock, but is at least a little better than the Limp Bizkit album that was on here. Chester has a good voice for the style. The production is alright, very nu metal.
2.5
Devendra Banhart
4/5
I remember this from a long time ago. Cool kids were into him. I thought the singing was weird. It’s much less weird to me now. I feel like I’m more into folk generally. I think it’s a 3.6 for me.
Todd Rundgren
5/5
Never actually listened to a Rundgren. This is weird! Really well done. The self awareness and fun combination of styles, the way everything runs together but is still very different. I feel like this is really good. It’s a wild ride in a great way!
This is the kind of album I would want to make. Seems like my kind of guy just doing whatever he wants.
At least a 4, but maybe a 4.5. Ok 4.5 considering this was 73!
Kraftwerk
4/5
I never got super into Kraftwerk. Something about it doesn’t groove enough for me. Doesn’t catch me. Doesn’t make me feel anything.
That said, this is very well done, iconic, and important.
So, 3.5 - 4
Carole King
5/5
One of my favorites!
Seriously not a bad song on this. It is a tour de force!
She’s one of the greatest songwriters of all time and this is her singing her own songs. Beautiful album in writing, performance, production. It was really important to my mom, and many other women of her generation. Love you and miss you, Mom! 5/5
Mylo
3/5
Nothing really wrong with this... I wouldn't mind listening to it, but it doesn't seem especially extraordinary to me. Maybe it was one of the first albums like this, but this kind of stuff is all over the place now.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Solid 60’s pop rock. I really like the Stepping Stone rendition. Still probably 3.2 at the most. Nothing major.
Michael Kiwanuka
5/5
I really really enjoy this. I knew him from the Big Little Lies intro. This album has lots of soul, fuzz guitar. I’m stuck between a 4 and a 5. As an album… I think I gotta go 4.5. He really worked to make it flow and that rips it over for me.
A lot of really good albums are 4, but a lot of them just have great songs on them. This is an album, with flow, intros into jams. I respect that. I also respect the vocals and guitar work. The varied arrangements and style. And the production. 4.5!
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Not bad at all. Never listened to him before.
A little much in parts. Kind of Nilsson in parts. A little like Thom Yorke but more theatrical.
Go or Go Ahead is great! Sounds a bit like a Radiohead song.
Overall pretty good! At least a 3.5.
Cover is weird though.
Erykah Badu
5/5
Really like this! Great vibe, instrumentation (I’m a sucker for Rhodes), production. I like the lyrics and personal style to the singing.
It’s so smooth. Orange Moon especially just sits so well in the atmosphere of the track. I could listen to it all day. So comforting.
Basically everything A.D. 2000 and on is really good Neo-Soul. Lovin’ it.
Above 4 but is it a 4.5? Tricky territory!
It’s got a slight edge over Maxwell because it’s a tad more real. I feel like this is right there with Kiwanuka, though it’s more soulful and less psyche. It might even be better. Especially considering its age. I’m going 4.5.
Frank Zappa
4/5
Ver much mostly like this. The lyrics / vocals on Willie The Pimp are tough for me to get into. I really enjoy the jams though. The vocals make up for about 2 minutes out of 43 though.
I can tell there’s something really cool going on here.
Not sure I can give it a 5, for me. It’s missing something for my taste.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I really like Joni Mitchell, especially Blue. I don’t like this as much. Hard to say why, I just don’t enjoy it as much. Still a 4/5.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Honestly, really good! Her voice is great. The production is nice. Well written songs. At least a 3.5!
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Not bad honestly. I like the production, arrangements, and performance. Her voice is nice. The songs are a little corny, but it’s pretty good at what it’s doing. Solid 3 I think. Not necessarily for me but it’s nice.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Well shit. Yeah, this is iconic.
The Prodigy
4/5
I thought this was very cool in 1997... and honestly it holds up better than the other UK electronica stuff that's been on the list so far.
Especially Breathe.
3.7
Dion
4/5
Kind of surprising album here. Never would have picked this up before but I do like it! Title track has a great feel.
Your Own Backyard… dig the vibe and vocals.
Also New York City Song.
At least 3.5 I feel.
Van Halen
4/5
Not the biggest Van Halen fan, but this is a great album. 3 giant hits, great production and guitar playing throughout. The drums on Hot for Teacher!
Generally don’t find the antics that entertaining. But it rocks!
Happy Mondays
3/5
Not sure if I like this
Ok it picks up in the middle!
Sounds a little like 80’s post-punk stuff. Like early Cure meets the Sugarcubes. I can see the club appeal. Not necessarily my thing but I’ll give it a 3/5.
Massive Attack
4/5
Pretty good! I dig the music a lot. I feel like it’s a 3.5 at least. The production is great. The vocals I could kind of do without. They might grow on me though.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I don’t know why I can’t get into Nick Cave. I like this one less than that other one. Still not bad.
AC/DC
4/5
I really like AC/DC's straightforward rock. Great riffs, good solos. I like the vocals.
Gotta get it at least a 3.5, so we'll go 4.
The Pogues
4/5
Idk this is pretty cool. I mean, there was a period where I did kind of like Dropkick Murphys and a little Flogging Molly, and this band is clearly a huge influence.
It really hits home in a way. This is a good album! For me, I like it quite a bit more than the Waterboys.
I’m going 4.
The Police
4/5
Pretty good album. Interesting in parts. Mother is weird! Never heard that before.
Synchronicity II is a jam!
Supertramp
5/5
First time legitimately listening through this one... it's pretty damn good! Probably one of my favorite prog rock albums.
The drums sound great... the dynamics are off the charts, really like the themes and the instrumentation. Speaking of, it's pretty close to DSoTM in themes and it's not too far off from a performance perspective.
I'm going with a 4.5
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Heard of this band, but not what I expected. 80’s hair metal from Finland. Not that bad, but not great. 2.5 - 3.
Simple Minds
3/5
Starts out very 80’s synthpop. Bass gets pretty funky in spots. I’m digging it. Pretty good overall! Probably gonna do 3 though. It gets a little old.
Johnny Cash
4/5
A true classic. Some great songs, performances, the banter, the legend around it as well. A solid 4. I’m not sure it’s a 5 compared to the other 5s, but still near the top of the classic live albums.
B.B. King
5/5
I rated the live albums of both Sam Cooke and Johnny Cash (both of which I really like) at a 4 because they lacked what I like about a polished album as a work of art. Nirvana was the exception here because of the stripped down arrangement and covers, great album.
Now, something about this one, the way King owns the whole thing, the crowd participation, the dynamics, and the iconic blues guitar going on. I love the way that he sings with no guitar and then just solos with so much emotion. “I’d like to see play a little bit.” This is so cool, great atmosphere. I gotta go 4.5 on this one.
A close childhood friend loved BB King, so this one goes out to her. RIP
William Orbit
4/5
This is actually really nice. I like it a lot more than I thought I would. For me, this is about a 3.5.
Robert Wyatt
5/5
Really liking this Robert Wyatt guy! It’s a right mix of eclectic and interesting but sincere and fun. I’m feeling like I even underrated Shleep.
It’s up there with that Todd Rundgren’s Wizard. I think a 4.5.
Especially love that droning outro to he album.
The Zombies
5/5
I dig this a lot. Right up my alley.
I love Care of Cell 44, especially that chorus which has one of my favorite few seconds of music “Feeels so good, you’re coming home soon!”. A Rose for Emily is great as well.
Maybe After He’s Gone isn’t as great but I do like the drums.
Some good 60’s pop after that.
I really like Changes for some reason too!
Time of the Season is obviously the most well know, it is a great song but has a different vibe. Still always been a favorite of mine.
For some reason Village Green Preservation Society hits a little more to me, comparing the two (maybe inappropriately). This is up there though.
The Notorious B.I.G.
5/5
Probably a 4.5... this is a classic, with great hits, great production, love his flow.
Probably one of the top rap albums of the 90's. Iconic.
Ramones
4/5
Love this! Love the Ramones.
First 4 tracks are some of the best of their kind.
But, as an album, probably a 4/5... it drags after the beginning.
Rocket to Russia would probably be closer to a 4.5 for me.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Layla is a good song, but overall this is pretty lukewarm.
I liked 461 Ocean Boulevard because of the production, but this doesn't even have that.
I don't think I really like Eric Clapton. He's good, but I just don't believe him.
Lorde
4/5
Alright this is pretty good. Very well produced, maybe overproduced but that’s the style.
Kinda like Robyn and FKA Twigs, newer Taylor Swift... Lana Del Ray. I don’t like her vocal performance quite as much as most in that category, she feels less genuine or something, but still a solid 3.5.
Liability does sound like My Chemical Romance.
Ministry
2/5
Not for me today.
New Order
4/5
I struggled at first because the opening track doesn’t sound like the New Order I like.
It’s funny that Fine Time and Round & Round seem to be the hits, because they’re my least favorite songs on this album. The rest of it is really good! Don’t love Mr. Disco. Those string stab samples or whatever throw me off.
I think it’s a 4 for me. I really like a lot of New Order, but probably really like 75% of this album.
Stan Getz
4/5
This is very very good. A whole vibe.
Not quite the status of Getz/Gilberto but I do Charlie's guitar work! Apparently this was the first of its kind and kicked off the Bossa Nova craze in the US.
Easy 4/5
Gillian Welch
4/5
Really dig the opening title track. The rest is super solid as well. April the 14th is very nice. Also, Everything Is Free. That 14 minute closer ain’t bad. But that title track especially. 👌
4/5
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I’ve seen this album cover on a list before. I understand the story behind it. Pretty catchy music! Overall dig it. Like the vocals a lot.
Solid 4/5.
Pavement
5/5
Love Pavement. A lot. Like maybe in my top 10 favorite bands. And I was just thinking the other day how this might be their best album.
Easy 5 for me. Almost every song is a hit.
The War On Drugs
4/5
I had to google \"The War On Drugs is Bob Dylan meets Bruce Springsteen\" and sure enough I get:
\"The War on Drugs still sounds like Bob Dylan fronting the Heartbreakers while playing Bruce Springsteen songs with an epic Pink Floyd quality. As mentioned above, the influences are obvious.\" Very accurate!
Sounds like something I'd love... but there's something about it that's just not sticking for me... there's like a try-hard unauthentic bland quality to it.
It's like slightly watered down mix of those bands. I wish the drums were better, the vocals more passionate.
Still, giving it a 4... 3.5 rounded up maybe. It might grow on me, I just wish I liked it more immediately. I think it’s mostly the vocals that seem cheesy.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
I feel bad but this is really not for me. I was gonna do a 2.5 because it seems well liked and important for the outing element. But I can’t really round up to a 3 considering how many albums I liked more in the 3s.
It’s a 2.4 for me. Seems pretty well put together, and I know it’s important for some people, but it’s so cheesy sounding and not my thing.
Pixies
5/5
Amazing album! Some of my favorite songs on this one! Bone Machine, Break My Body, Gigantic(!), Where Is My Mind, and Cactus! All great.
Also, for 1988, really important for indie rock.
Various Artists
5/5
The best Christmas album. Such a gift.
The Saints
4/5
Why do I like this so much?
Solid classic Punk sound... never heard them. Love the bass.
We open with some brass hooks.
Then we get some catchy early punk.
The on Run Down week got a harmonica going ham!
This is awesome!
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
I actually really like this.
Hard to say why I like this more than other synthpop options (PSB, didn't like), but I do. I feel like it's a good 3.8 for me.
The extra tracks like Extended Souvenir are also really good.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
This is good... I can see the punk -> post-punk action happening. I like her vocals, and I like the experimental aspect of it. The drumming really works too. Production is appropriate. Rounding up to a 4 here.
The Who
4/5
Super important. Iconic title track with a legendary bass solo. One of the best rock bands ever.
It is, however, not their best work. It's not as consistent or groundbreaking throughout as their later stuff. A lot of standard rock n' roll stuff... Still very good at that!
The Ox was pretty rockin'... didn't remember that one.
I Can't Explain has Moon going nuts. I love his drummer.
Still gotta be a 4/5 though.
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
Ooooooh man. This is such a big deal. This album opened a new world. I fell in love with it, and a whole new genre about 20 years ago, mostly due to the soundtrack to Lost In Translation. It really did open me into areas of music I wasn’t familiar with. 5/5
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Really good album. Great debut with Breakdown and American Girl. Not necessarily their best but still solid.
Miles Davis
5/5
I really like this album. It’s not as substantial as Bitches Brew, but it’s pretty close to as important and you can see the progression. In some ways I like it more. I can see a connection between this album and late Talk Talk into post rock, Tortoise, etc.
It’s smaller in scope and edits are rough. But it’s got some really good stuff going on. I keep bouncing between a 4 and 5. Rounding up to a 5. On the grand scheme of things this is so big.
Wire
4/5
I actually didn’t immediately like this one as much as I thought I would.
There's a lot of stuff going on here.
On more listens there's a lot to like. I really like the driving momentum of the title track. There's some crunchy / spacey experimentation happening, like on Strange. Good guitar tone on the right setup! I like Ex Lion Tamer and Mannequin, catchy stuff.
I wish this was more a cohesive experience, but I guess that's the point?
4/5
Bad Company
3/5
A lot of radio hits on this... but none of them would I put on intentionally.
Probably a 3.4...
Gang Starr
4/5
Never heard of this group before! Right up my alley as far as hip hop styles. That late 80’s / early 90’s smooth flow jazzy stuff. Like Tribe or De La Soul. Not sure how I’ve missed this one! Definitely in solid new-discovery 4 territory.
Drums on Check The Technique are big!
Iggy Pop
4/5
Can’t listen to this and not think of Trainspotting. One of my favorite movies with such an iconic soundtrack. And those guys loved their Iggy Pop, didn’t they.
For me it's probably a 3.5ish... up to 4… I like some of the songs (Lust for Life and The Passenger ) a lot, mostly from nostalgia. The Bowie involvement is cool. Actually, Turn Blue is pretty good when I sit down and listen. Fall In Love With Me is good too, Doors kinda song.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Really dig this! At least a 3.5 for me. Kind of a surprise.
The Auteurs
3/5
Never heard of them. Instantly I feel that Brit pop wave but this is a little different. Vocals are interesting, kind of Bolan inspired.
It gets kind of boring though. Thought I was going to like it more but it’s a solid 3/5. Not enough to be a 4 I think.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Catchy opener...
Probably a 3/5 for me. Not bad but not blowing me away. A little corny in parts but some classic Hard Rock. Can't deny some of those riffs.
Brian Eno
5/5
This one! I often see it on lists as inspiration and top of genres I like, but never really committed to listening to it!
Definitely up there with A Wizard, a True Star, but more ambient. You can see where Eno's going. The Big Ship is basically pre-post rock.
This inspired so many of my favorite albums.
The Byrds
3/5
I like some of these songs a lot, but I'm not blown away. It can be a little lackluster.
I can see how they're moving away from Dylan's songs, but still folky...
Productions is 1966...
I like that eastern psyche sounding guitar on I Know My Rider :chef-kiss:
Overall though, probably a 3.2 or so... it doesn’t resonate enough for 4 territory.
The Cure
4/5
I really like the Cure... but this was never an album I listened to much, aside from A Forest which is one of my favorites.
Play for Today is really good too!
I'm really digging the atmosphere on this. With the right listening setup this is easily a 4... It's missing a little something to move it up to a 4.5 - 5 territory.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Cool project but nothing special to me. Sounds like a neat idea they wanted to do and it got notoriety because of Alex Turner. Not bad though, but overall missed me. 3/5
Tim Buckley
3/5
Not what I expected, knowing a little Tim Buckley. The music is nice in spots but the lyrics are a little awkward.
Sweet Surrender is a pretty good song but again don’t love the lyrics.
Guitar on Hong Kong Bar is cool. Real stripped down.
3/5 though. Not for me, overall.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Well done but nothing blowing me away. In the Ghetto is great. Suspicious Minds is great. But otherwise I’m not like a huge Elvis fan.
3/5
Talking Heads
5/5
I really like Talking Heads. I wasn’t initially as impressed. But then The Overlord comes in and I’m impressed.
This is definitely a 4.5
Neil Young
5/5
Neil!
This is right up with Harvest for me. Some of my favorite songs and love the arrangements. Southern Man rocks!
Justice
4/5
Man, I remember this album. It kind of blew me away in 2007.
I was never really into this scene, but this album was so heavy and catchy! That bass tone!
Their stage presence made a big splash too.
Not as amazing as it was before, but still, for me I gotta give it a 3.5 - 4.
Scott Walker
3/5
I get what the Last Shadow Puppets are going for. But I still don’t quite get it. Close to 3.5 but I’m gonna go 3.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Opening title track is amazing! Jet is fun. Bluebird is pretty lame. Let Me Roll It is a good one, great guitar riff (sounds like a Lennon song… I guess I'm more of a Lennon / Harrison fan). I dig Mamunia… Some of it is kind of Beatles filler stuff. Sorry Paul. Still going 4 because it’s still got some great stuff.
Van Morrison
5/5
I really like this album!
Rush
5/5
Classic. Some of the best drums, bass, vocals, lyrics, production, synth. I mean it’s so good. 9/10
4/5
I know their legacy didn't hold up... but those opening pads with the delay, man this is iconic.
First 3 tracks are amazing.
Bullet the Blue Sky has a groove to is... like the driving bass.
Running to Stand Still is also pretty cool.
...
Gets a little slow from there.
But then pleasantly surprised by Exit!
And Mothers of the Disappeared has a nice atmosphere as well.
Still, a 4/5 all around. Great album.
Queen Latifah
3/5
De La Soul on track 2!
This is pretty good. Probably a 3.4. Probably pretty noteworthy but not top 1001.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
I love this album. I have an old Japanese pressing I got at a record store like 10 - 15 years ago. It’s got a whole vibe to it.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Man... what an important recording! Not quite to the level as that BB King, but solid!
Radiohead
4/5
Not my favorite Radiohead album, but still phenomenal compared to most.
3/5
Not necessarily my jam but well done. Kinda like cheesy synth pop meets disco.
The Doors
5/5
I really like The Doors, and I’m still impressed with how many great songs are on this album.
The End has always been my favorite… but I do appreciate how Light My Fire doesn’t quit!
Eminem
4/5
Stan, Who Knew, and The Way I Am, even The Real Slim Shady holds up pretty good.
I never really liked the antics / skits in rap albums that much. Some songs, like Kim, I don't like at all...
A lot of it wears on... but still great production. Amazing rapping. Iconic album.
4/5
Scott Walker
3/5
This guy again. Don’t hate it but don’t really like it too much.
Big Star
4/5
Great record. Probably a solid 4/5 for me, but not 5 material for me... it's just missing something for that.
Some solid jams though. Really like Thirteen.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Damn, this is a great album! The instrumentation, but also the vocals, the subject matter. The Deluxe edition also has some gems on it.
I really liked Shaft, but this one has the leg up, standing the test of the time and having even greater influence.
It's a 4.5 at least.
Radiohead
5/5
Well yeah this was / is massive. Groundbreaking album. The subject matter, the instrumentation, the lyrics, the vocals... the guitar work!
The dynamics of Exit, the leads on Lucky, and Subterranean Homesick Alien. It's a mix of alt, psyche, electronica.
It's cliche, but goddamn if this isn't a phenomenal record. I like less mainstream stuff too, but I'm no naysayer.
The Clash
5/5
Such a classic. I actually haven’t listened to this as much as London Calling, so it’s good to give it a real listen.
Love the lead guitar on White Riot!
The influence this album made cannot be ignored!
It’s a solid 4.5 or so, I think it edges out Ramones’ debut, but I also gotta leave room for London Calling. This one leaves me wanting more Police & Thieves. Maybe I’m just not that punk rock. But man this is one of the best.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Nothing like their peak. Bunch of standards / covers and stuff but still solid. 3
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Opening track is killer!
Factory Girl also, dig that style.
Overall, solid... 3.5 - 4, but not enough to warrant a 5, for me.
The Shamen
2/5
Doesn't do much for me at all. I know this is / was a thing... but is this the best example that I need to listen to before I die?
KISS
3/5
Never been a kiss fan, but I like a couple hits for that kind of nostalgic factor. Opening track is catchy... I like that little bass hook.
I can't argue with this one being on the list, but it's not really my thing.
KISS kinda missed me.
3/5
The Cardigans
3/5
It's very 90's poppy... Obviously Lovefool is a big hit. It's well recorded. Decently transitions.
Been It's got a good groove to it...
Probably 3.4 territory. Generally 4s are stuff that I'd regularly put on. I'm not sure this is something I'd play a lot. At least not as much these days... I used to be more into Apples in Stereo and that sugary stuff.
Deep Purple
4/5
Digging the opening track! From the intro to the freak out around 4 minutes.
Bloodsucker also a good stoney rock jam!
Child In Time also really good!
I dig it!
The Associates
3/5
Not terrible but not really for me. Kind of like ABC. It’s too theatrical I think.
3/5
Laura Nyro
4/5
This is really cool. I dig the time changes and movement going on. The singing too. This one of those that I’m going to go 4 because while I need to spend more time with it I can feel how amazing it is. Felt like Todd Rundgren’s Wizard. But it predates that, along with a lot of stuff that is obviously inspired by it. Gonna have to come back to this one.
Joy Division
4/5
It's cool! It's iconic. Such a great album cover too!
Not sure if it's a 5/5 though! But man for 1979... gotta give it a 4. It’s just so important.
The Pretty Things
4/5
Pretty good 60’s psyche! I appreciate that it’s the first rock opera / early concept album. But mostly I just dig the range of sounds and freak outs. Also the Beatles-like jams like She Says Good Morning. Good stuff. Easy 4/5
Eminem
3/5
Pretty classic, well made, well rapped, but corny and dated. The content did not age well. As an LP it's not there for me.
Morrissey
3/5
I really like The Smiths, but this doesn’t hit the same.
Ok, We’ll Let You Know is pretty good musically. Not sure about the lyrics though. Also National Front Disco, catchy enough song.
Certain People is a weird mix of music and vocals.
We Hate It… is pretty catchy again.
Probably a 3 overall.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Got some great iconic songs on it. I wish it was more of a consistent album... but with Somebody to Love and White Rabbit on it. This is at least a 3.6 or so.
Spacemen 3
4/5
I really dig this album. It’s close enough to ambient spacey jazz post rock territory with some interesting noise as well.
I don’t mind the repetition and minimalism, especially when I’m in the right mood and setting.
Easy 4/5
Cream
4/5
Pretty classic. Not as groundbreaking as it was back then but still at least a 3.6
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Seen her around but never really checked out her music.
Pretty good! Impressive for a debut. It’s a little long but still good and a lot of variety.
Probably a 3.5 - 4 for me.
3/5
This is pretty weird. Weird that it's on this list. Not sure how much I like it.
I'll probably give it a 3/5
Not a 2, because I do appreciate what they've got going on... but not a 4 for me.
I did kind of like Pere Ubu, but the goofy vocals threw me off... With this the vocals are a little more consistent and supportive.
Something about "They Don't Want your Corn" that I'm digging. Also, "Read the Book That Wrote Itself" appeals to me more than the average person, I think. Also, the end of "Flow My Tears"... I like the space it leaves.
Ok damnit... even though some of the lyrics seem a bit much... but "We Fenced" has a pretty good thing going.
I might go 3.4 on this one. I’m not cool enough to round up to 4.
It’s got some stuff I like but it’s missing something.
Kind of wish this was Drum's Not Dead... because it seems like that one would be more my style.
Tears For Fears
4/5
Damn... this is a good album. Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and probably one of my favorite 80's songs -- Head Over Heels / Broken!
I think this one, as an album, is probably up there with the best of this era.
David Gray
3/5
Pretty boring.
I remember that Babylon song though.
It's gonna be a 3/5 for me. I wouldn't mind listening to this but I would never seek it out. The production doesn't hold up. Probably was pretty innovative at the time, the synth and samplers behind standard acoustic singer-songwriter, but feels pretty dated and sterile now.
I love Nick Drake, John Martyn, Joni Mitchell... maybe Ben Howard for a more modern take... this is kind of luke warm in comparison.
My favorite is probably the Soft Cell cover... though Sail Away is also growing on me.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
A few things.
This far in, obviously my perception of 4 vs 5 is evolving.
I did Fever to Tell as a 4, but that's because I really liked some songs, but mostly the more minimal ones.
But this album has a lot more atmosphere to it. Skeletons is really good. It also has the acoustic version of Hysteric which means a lot to me.
Also, Little Shadow is just a beautiful song to me.
So, this one is a 4.5 for me, despite Fever to Tell being the more appreciated one.
3/5
I know she’s an indie darling, been around for a while but I never checked out any of albums. At the beginning, I was thinking more of a 3 but then Beautiful Feeling hit and I got some more depth here. Then The Whores comes in and the lyrics and vocals kinda take me out.
Oh hey, Thom!
Something about the delivery I just am not that into. Reminds me of Nick Cave a little in that I feel like I just don’t get it. Probably a 3.4 for me if I’m being honest.
Pere Ubu
4/5
I like this one way more than Dub Housing. It feels more consistent and Pixies-like.
Not sure if my taste is changing or what, but I appreciate Sentimental Journey way more than I probably would have a year ago.
The White Stripes
4/5
It’s this over Elephant, for me. Best White Stripes album.
Dr. John
4/5
I don’t know why l like Dr. John as much as I do. I’ve always really liked that Right Place song a lot. Excited to hear a whole album.
Really like Mama Roux and Gilded Splinters. Really cool.
SAULT
4/5
Opens up and I’m really liking it! Love the neosoul and hip hop aspects. Wildfires is nice! Some other really good tracks but it fades. I like the repetition on “Stop Dem”, but many of the songs get really boring. “Black” especially isn’t adding much. Then “Monsters” is damn good.
Still at least a 3.5 probably. Could be half the length though.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
It's not perfect, but I'm glad it exists. Really cool stripped-down record by as great songwriter!
Really liked Used Cars.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Tuesday’s Gone, Gimme Three Steps, Simple Man, and Free Bird all on their debut album.
On one hand I’m gonna side with Neil Young on that whole conflict. That said, Side A is basically all flawless Southern Rock. And with Free Bird closing it out, gotta be at least a 4.5 for me. As cliche as it is, this is a gold standard classic rock album.
Anita Baker
3/5
This 80’s production… oof.
Still, pretty nice sounding album. Boring though.
Elis Regina
3/5
Pretty nice overall.
Bob Dylan
4/5
It’s Bob Dylan, but this album never blew me away. I respect it, but for me, this is a 4/5. Doesn’t speak to me as much. I like his voice, generally, but his delivery on this one doesn’t feel authentic.
Maybe it just hasn’t clicked with me yet.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Definitely up there with the lyrics. The space of the production work well to support them. Probably a 3.5-4 though.
The Pogues
3/5
Maybe it’s my mood o today, but I’m feeling more of a 3/5 on this one compared to the other Pogues.
Charles Mingus
5/5
Definitely dig this...
It’s so cool and expressive. Inventive. At least a 4.5.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Damn this is a good album. Still holds up pretty well despite obviously being 80’s. Girls…, Time After Time, She Bop, all classics!
Production’s good too!
4/5
Pixies
5/5
Oh man. Probably a top 10 album for me!
Not a bad song. This is just the crucial indie rock album.
Solid 5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Was having a hard time listening on headphones.
That said, once I was listening on speakers, this is pretty good! Always loved Everyday People and that intro to I Want to Take You Higher!
Some good grooves too like Sex Machine. First two songs don’t hold up as well, as intentional and important the messaging probably was at the time.
N.W.A.
5/5
Iconic. Incredibly influential. Institutional.
Some of the lyrics are still cringe but this one has really stood the test of time. At least it’s not full of skits.
Parental Discretion Iz Advised is the biggest surprise. You never hear about it, but that’s a great track!
First three tracks are all classics, also Express Yourself and Dopeman.
This thing is dense with hits, and very important to music and pop culture.
Drive Like Jehu
5/5
Wow! This one is really surprising! I've seen this band referenced before but never checked them out. For 1994 this is incredible!
This is probably a 4.5 for me... right up my alley when it comes to aggressive music. I'm kind of embarrassed for not knowing this one.
I don't know how I missed this, must have just been the name, and timing, but this is a new favorite!
Can't believe this has the same guy that did Scream, Dracula, Scream!
Slint
5/5
Pre-Mogwai, pre-GY!BE, it's a seminal album, like late Talk Talk meets Sonic Youth.
I love the atmosphere, the tone, the timing. It can be a tad pretentious, but they were like 20... so was I… I wish I made this album. I’m just a sucker for this kind of stuff.
It's gotta be a 4.5 for me. This is my music.
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
I'm going to give this a 2.5 rounded up to 3... I don't hate it, but it definitely seems like quantity over quality. It's impressive from that aspect. But from an album I need to listen to perspective? I don't know... I'm just more of a fan of a 35-45 minute album, generally.
I think a big part of this kind of thing, is the more time you spend with it, the more it grows on you. So for a 3 hour album, in order to finish it, you have to spend a lot of time with it.
R.E.M.
3/5
Pretty good. Pretty boring. I like two songs quite a bit but probably a 3 overall.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
It’s old school punk but also proto-riot grrrl. You can tell Kathleen Hannah was inspired by this.
Digging the sax, actually!
3.8/5
Ute Lemper
2/5
Not really for me. Gonna go 2/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
At first I was like boring, overplayed, maybe a 3. Picked up around Downbound Train for me. Dancing in the Dark is the best track. Not bad all around, very radio-friendly, probably a 3.6, so rounding up on this.
Manu Chao
3/5
Probably a solid 3 for me. Obviously a great album, good production, nice songwriting, but not necessarily my jam.
The Black Keys
4/5
Oh man, I really liked The Black Keys. Still do... but for me I got way into them around Magic Potion, and this album, even though it's got great production and a lot of hits, never really did it the same for me compared to the raw blues riffs on the older stuff.
Solid 4/5 though.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Man this album takes me back to being a little kid. A lot of hits, great quality music, solid lyrics, maybe a tad overproduced but it was an achievement!
The bass work and also that guest spot from Kate Bush!
I really enjoy every song except maybe This Is the Picture.
In Your Eyes is a hell of a song!
Means a lot to me, even if it is heavy on nostalgia. Probably a 4.5.
Cat Stevens
5/5
Hell yes. This is an amazing album. Great sounding recording, classic songs with touching lyrics. Especially Father and Song, but first few tracks all hit hard. Might be a bit cliche but I like it a lot. Love his voice and the guitar playing. 9/10
Nick Drake
5/5
I love Nick Drake!
I’m pretty sure this is my favorite Nick Drake album. I know his trio of albums has a decent amount of debate around which is best, but something about the arrangements and production on this feels great. Pink Moon is the star child and is in many ways the best representation of Drake — guitar and voice. Though not as intimate, it is more lush and playful, and it has a couple of my favorite songs on it but One of These Things and Northern Sky are up. I’m also just a sucker for the strings and brass.
Depending on my mood, this one or Pink Moon. But both are 5s for me.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Kind of cool in an 80’s goth way. Kind of industrial sounding. But just not really my thing.
Giving it a solid 3/5 though.
ZZ Top
4/5
I never really listened to this album. To me, they always seemed gimmicky with the beards an on stage antics... but this is a solid Blues Rock album! Some big recognizable classics on here, and the deep cuts ain't bad at all.
Solid 4/5
Stephen Stills
4/5
Not my favorite of the CSN(Y) spinoff stuff... but it does have some great guest performances... and overall pretty solid. Going to round up to a 4.
Alice Cooper
4/5
I always thought of Alice Cooper as a bit corny but I liked this a lot more than I thought I would!
No More Mr. Nice Guy really is a hot jam...
Biggest surprise is probably Generation Landslide, but also some of the piano / string transitional elements towards the end.
It's got kind of a Todd Rundgren thing going, but more theatrical.
Not bad.
7.8/10
PJ Harvey
4/5
I might even like this one more than the other. I’m gonna go 3.5.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Wow. I was just listening to this tonight thinking I can’t wait until it comes up on my list. It's a top 5 album for me.
Not a song I don't love, and as a whole the production is as close to perfect as you can get with this type of music.
They're absolutely on their game, and the combination of influences from My Bloody Valentine, to Black Sabbath, to The Cure, to Rush, all shine... and packaged up so well.
The guitar tone, the solos, the drumming, the vocals (yes I dig Corgan's vocals).
Great mix of quiet and loud, the dynamics are absolutely dialed in!
Love it!
5/5
Television
5/5
Damn this is such a good mix of late 70’s style guitar post punk art rock. Great guitar, drums, and singing. Easily a 4.5+
Sonic Youth
4/5
Damn this one starts so good... I honestly really like it, it's almost there for me, but I'm just not quite cool enough for it to be a 5 yet.
Wilco
5/5
Already one of my favorite records.
Love the songs, production, all of it.
Been listening to it for 20 years and it never gets old to me, it's a cozy album... I like all the little details and such. Only recently did I learn a lot of that has to do with Jim O'Rourke's input. Gotten more into him lately.
Maybe it's not as cool to like it, but it's a 5/5 for me.
The Replacements
4/5
I really really really like the song Unsatisfied. I like a lot the album but not as much as I wish I did.
Coldcut
3/5
This a pretty good example of this kind of music, I think.
Good 3/5 for me. I wouldn't choose this, but it's not bad.
Goldfrapp
4/5
I like this. Especially Eat Yourself!
4/5
ABBA
3/5
The hits are catchy songs for sure, and I think ABBA is pretty well respected even if they are often parodies, right? I honestly thought the production would be better. It's so cheesy and washed out, I don't even know if I like it ironically like I thought I did.
Still probably a 3/5 for me. A 4+/5 is something I would put on for my own enjoyment. This isn’t that.
Best part is the "ahaaaAH" after the "knowing me, knowing you" line.
And the album cover is solid. I just wish I actually liked this. It’s disco but with no soul or funk to it.
Michael Jackson
5/5
That’s a 5.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Wow. This is a great sounding album. This kind of music enjoy, but rarely would I put it on. However this has to be one of the best sounding recordings of this kind of music. The performances and great and soulful as well. It’s so nice to chill to. Solid 4+
David Bowie
4/5
Not my favorite Bowie... classic album cover though.
Still, it's Bowie so it's at least a 3.5 - 4.
The Stooges
4/5
Ok yeah this is proto-punk for sure. Sounds dirty garage. An angrier Kinks with Hendrix inspired guitar. I dig it!
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Very nice... but overall probably on par with that Green Onions album. It's really good, but not jumping off the page for me.
Billie Holiday
3/5
I think Billie Holiday is really cool. These are very nice recordings... but I'm honestly kind of 3/5 because it's just a little too tame.
Beatles
4/5
Not my favorite era of Beatles, but still some good songs on here. Title track, And I Love Her, Can't Buy Me Love. All good tunes.
I especially like I Should Have Known Better. I think I'm just a Lennon fan, generally. Have I said that before?
4/5
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
This is cool. Not bad. I like it.
Roxy Music
3/5
Hmm. It’s not quite there for me. Out of the Blue has a classic art / prog rock feel to it. But a lot of it doesn’t hit for me.
Parliament
5/5
This is so good. Classic. Infinitely influential. The fat synth funk. The bass of Bootsy Collins. The charisma of George Clinton. The general theme and tongue-in-cheek paired with premium musicianship and dynamics, so funking cool. Doing it in my ear holes.
4.5 easy.
Jack White
4/5
Never listened to this before.
It's Jack White for sure. It's not bad. Kind of a 3.5 for me I think
Motörhead
4/5
I think Motorhead is cool, and Ace of Spades is great, Lemmy is incredible... but this recording is not the best.
The performance is pretty good though.
If I'm being honest, this is more in line with that MC5 album... I'm thinking a 3.5 as much as I wish it was higher. If the recording was better I might bump it up... but it's all pretty muddy and repetitive.
Dire Straits
4/5
Never really listened to this album surprisingly... heard many of the songs.
The opening track intro is a beautiful lead in...
This album sounds fantastic. The guitar playing is so nice.
Easy 4/5 for me.
Really like that album cover too..
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Very good... You are the Sunshine and Superstition are classics.
Stevie Wonder is great...
I kind of regret giving Songs in the Key of Life a 4, but I would say this is a notch below, so still a 4/5 for me.
I wouldn't mind this being on, but I don't feel Stevie Wonder.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Call me basic but this album still holds up. It’s all overplayed but it’s an absolute classic of that era. Half the album is made of hits. At least a 9/10 album.
Morrissey
4/5
Always been more of Smiths fan that a Moz. But I really do like this one! I think more than Your Arsenal.
Especially The More You Ignore Me… catchy song.
4/5
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Pretty damn good 60s folk music. 4/5
Biggest surprise was Guinnevere
Marty Robbins
4/5
I dunno I feel like this is really good for this era and this style. I’m going 3.6.
John Prine
5/5
“There's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes
Jesus Christ died for nothin' I suppose”
Damn that’s good. I dig this. Sam Stone is a gut punch... Pretty Good is also pretty biting and catchy as hell.
Your Flag... has a strong message that carries on.
The recording is great for the era and style... But the lyrics especially jump out unlike most stuff does for me. This guy is awesome.
This is a surprise 4.5.
Paul Weller
3/5
Hmm this is all pretty good but nothing I really enjoy. The instrumentals are probably my favorite.
It’s like almost a 90’s John Martyn but not at all.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
This one is great. Biggest surprise: Ain’t No Way
4.5
The Byrds
4/5
Soundgarden
4/5
Chris’s vocals are amazing for this style. Black Hole Sun really takes me back. That pushes it into 3.5 territory. Also Spoonman… kind of feel bad eating this above Dirt but here we go.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Not bad. Not particularly engaging for me.
The Cure
5/5
Yep. Love The Cure and this one is likely their best.
The longer intros and interludes are especially hitting right with my new headphones. Love the drums and bass driving through.
Half this album are my favorites songs. The rest serves to connect them together.
That intro to Fascination Street was super important to me in high school as weird as that sounds. Even like the extended Mixed Up one, though I’m a bit of a Mixed Up apologist. It’s the CD I had in high school.
Paul Simon
5/5
I love Paul Simon. This is just a fantastic album. Great songs, perfect production. It’s warm and intimate and catchy.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
Damn fine album.
Talking Heads
5/5
This one starts out very funky!
Then it just gets quirky.
Love Cities.
Life During Wartime is a hell of a jam!
Memories Can’t Wait has a cool post punk goth thing going…
Air and Heaven both have a floaty weirdness.
This might be my favorite Talking Heads. It’s a great blend of styles.
OutKast
4/5
I’m just gonna say this is a 4/5. So much stuff and different ideas. Some good in there but wish it was more gelled.
Tom Waits
4/5
I really like this actually. It sounds great, it’s entertaining and flows well. It’s funny. Solid 4
Willie Nelson
4/5
Really dig this one. I like how the songs just roll together.
Frank Black
4/5
It’s not bad at all. There’s some fun stuff like Fiddle Riddle. I appreciate he wants to do other stuff outside of Pixies. But it’s just not as remarkable.
I’ll go 3.5
The Stone Roses
5/5
This is pretty awesome. I really wish it sounded better, but the mix of genres is really cool. Very modern considering it was 1989! 4.5
John Cale
5/5
At first I liked this. And then it really started growing on me!
I remember Cale’s voice from Songs for Drella that my dad played a lot for a short period of time when I was a kid. I never understood that album but it was a comforting album.
The album is so awesome. One of my favorite discoveries from the list. This has a great flow and variety to it. I think a surprise 4.5+
The Avalanches
4/5
I’ve seen this on a lot of lists but never got super into it. It’s really good, but also seems really hyped to me.
Spiritualized
4/5
Seen this a lot on RYM and I like it but I wish it was more of a 5 for me. It’s just missing something.
David Bowie
4/5
Not my favorite Bowie. I’m still having a hard time getting into Blackstar, to be honest. This one sounds great, but doesn’t do much for me. Some good songs though. And it’s David Bowie. 3.6
Prince
4/5
Damn, first two tracks are killer. Delirious is catchy too in a goofy way.
I can’t handle the drums in Let’s Pretend to be Married.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Solid album. Not his best though.
Morrissey
4/5
Not my favorite. But surprised by Maudlin Street, that’s a good one. Suedehead I know is a classic. Overall the Vini Reilly’s work is pushing this up to 3.5-4 area over the mids.
Radiohead
5/5
Amazing album... one of the best. Easily a 4.5
The Who
4/5
Pretty long and meandering and not always in the best way. It's ambitious, and it's also the Who. Pinball Wizard is definitely the star of the show here. Underture is pretty cool too.
I'm actually not a big fan of \"Rock Operas\". I like the idea of them more than I actually like them, I think.
But overall it's a 4/5.
The Kinks
4/5
Love The Kinks. This isn’t necessarily my favorite but still a solid Kinks album. Tons of catchy songs and just great feel.
Nas
5/5
At first I was like, this is good, going 4. But as it goes and I look more into it, this is really one of the peak albums in one of my favorite genres. I gotta round it up here. Gonna spend more time with it.
The Strokes
5/5
Basically the album of my generation. A true classic.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
On one hand there are some great Cohen songs on here. But that 80’s production isn’t really working. Still going 3.8 on this. Despite there being Jazz Police.
The Gun Club
3/5
It’s ok.
The National
4/5
I like it. Bloodbuzz Ohio especially. 3.6
Kate Bush
5/5
Seriously one of the best albums. Production is amazing. Great performances. All that.
The Slits
4/5
Wtf this is awesome from the start. Really surprised by this one. I dig the style. Crusty and reggae. Going 3.6+ on this.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Super solid album. Love this still of hip hop. 4/5
Frank Ocean
4/5
Solid album. Really good.
Holger Czukay
3/5
Don’t hate it. But don’t love it. It’s weird.
The Human League
4/5
Kinda sitting around 3.5 on this one. It's pretty classic synth pop.
The transition from I Am the Law to Seconds is pretty sweet... Don't You Want Me is also a classic, and I dig the upbeat music coupled to the somewhat dark lyrics.
I did 3 for Duran Duran... a 2 for Pet Shop Boys... a 3 on one of the Depeche Mode albums, 4 on the other... II like the vocals and colder minimal synth vibe going on more. It seems more Kraftwerk-inspired new wave synth pop... Great synth sounds!
So I'm doing a 3.5+ on this one.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
I don't mind this at all... 3.6+
Yes it's a little boring in parts, but I overall dig the extended jams here. Kind of like Doors but without the organ stuff.
Pretty solid dynamic range on this one!
Mona to Maiden of the Cancer Moon is probably the best part.
Fiona Apple
5/5
I dig Fiona Apple.
Never really listened to this album that much, but it's totally Fiona. And I actually like every track. I like her voice, the piano, the variety here. I'm gonna go 4.5+ for me personally. I'm a sucker for a pretty voice and a piano... Never Is a Promise has some really sweet vocals... but also the arrangement on The First Taste really sounds great!
Silver Jews
4/5
I dig this. It’s not 100% but I like the slacker rock country vibe.
Bob Dylan
4/5
It's Bob Dylan.
Not my favorite Bob Dylan, but it's still Bob Dylan.
Violent Femmes
5/5
This album is packed with pretty much every Violent Femmes hit. Kind of sad for them, but totally a lightning in a bottle, flash in a pan kind of thing.
Catchy, silly, fun album. A 4.5+ for me and my tastes.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
I really dig this... 4/5
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
I love Simon and Garfunkel and this likely their best album.
Public Enemy
4/5
Giving it a 3.5 - 4, it's Public Enemy, and it's good
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Great record!
The Cure
5/5
Hanging Garden is a classic. But also this whole album is a mood and I love the Cure, this them at their most goth… I’m just going 4.5+ with it as an old fan.
Motörhead
4/5
Badass title track. Pretty punk rock actually. Not as much my taste anymore but I gotta go with a 3.5+ for Lemmy.
David Bowie
4/5
Obviously and important transitional Bowie album. Very well liked but not my favorite. I appreciate the instrumental tracks. Still more of a 4/5 for me.
Animal Collective
4/5
I don't like this as much as I would hope that I did.
Part of it is that it's all very mushy sounding. I can't appreciate the dynamics because it's all kind of too compressed.
That said, I appreciate what it's going for as an updated Brian Wilson wall of sound, and I'm gonna do a 3.5+.
It might grow on me.
Pavement
5/5
I really really like Pavement. 4.5+ from me. I still think Crooked Rain is more my favorite, but this is still right in my top albums.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
I really am enjoying this one. It’s kind of sparse but solid. 3.6
Common
5/5
Damn, I love Common... this genre of Conscious Hip Hop appeals to me a lot, but I've never listened to this one all the way through. This is a phenomenal album.
4.5+ tier for me I think.
Steely Dan
4/5
A classic for sure. Sounds great. Couple good hits. 4/5
Lambchop
4/5
Really digging this! Never listened to Lambchop, but it reminds me of Bill Callahan and some of Jim O'Rourke's more mainstream stuff.
Massive Attack
3/5
I know this is classic Trip Hop but it just doesn’t do much for me. Appreciate the production. The vocals throw me off though.
Fiona Apple
5/5
Love this album. Reminds me of riding around during early Covid. So many great songs. Love the recording style.
Pulp
4/5
Don’t like it quite as much as the other one but it’s still really good. Missed me the first time around but I’ll have to spend more time with it.
Minor Threat
4/5
Iconic and extremely influential on a lot of my favorite bands.
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Not sure why this is on the list. It’s pretty mediocre.
Brian Eno
4/5
I like this a lot. Very cool collaboration from two of my favorite artists. Not enough to be a 5 but a solid 4 for me.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Pretty good. Stir it Up especially. This is classic and sounds great.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Not the best of theirs but really good.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
I appreciate what they’re trying to do but I don’t think it hit yet.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Overall I really liked it. I do have a soft spot for Elvis Costello though.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Love this album. Not quite as much as Siamese Dream, but it has a good variety and some of my favorites. Still, for me it’s a 4.5+
Mike Ladd
3/5
Seems ok not sure why it’s on the list though.
Milton Nascimento
5/5
Already have this in my library from some MPB cruising I did a year or so ago. A really nice album, great sounding, good vibe overall. Great collection of music from that area of music.
The Cars
5/5
One of my favorite albums. Basically all hits. I’m a bit cheesy but I really love The Cars and this is basically their greatest hits. Not to discount the rest of their catalog. This one is just top tier.
The Monks
4/5
Definitely can see it being influential, and I like the overall vibe of these songs. For 1966 I can see how amazing this would have been... doing a 3.6+
Screaming Trees
3/5
Not bad but not up to their contemporaries IMO
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
At first I thought this was a little too weird and overdone on the vibrato and drama. A little uncomfortable in parts perhaps.
But then I looked at it from the angle of all the influences on the album, the emotion, and the production... I feel like it's gotta be a 3.6+ into the 4/5
This is a substantial production.
ZZ Top
4/5
I dunno these are some hot cheesy jams. I’m going 3.5+
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Don't really hate this... kind of like it actually. Very late 80s early 90s UK sound + world, but has enough interesting instrumentation to hold up. I don't know if it's consistently good enough to be regular listen but was better than I expected.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Solid Costello album.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I like this one a lot but it’s still probably a 4/5 for me as much as I respect Leonard Cohen. The lyrics are great but it’s lacking something for me.
Nick Drake
5/5
One of my favorites. Love the whole thing.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Pretty good I feel. I remember him being popular back the but never listened to it. It’s pretty Americana, but really is a solid 3.5+
k.d. lang
3/5
Not bad really but not for me.
Beatles
5/5
I’m partial to Revolver and Rubber Soul but I can’t deny that this is up there as one of the greatest.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Really dislike this one. Much more raw and engaging compared to the other PJ Harvey album.
Bob Dylan
5/5
This could become my favorite Dylan album. It’s a great mix of styles that hits right for me. Also great lyrics, obviously.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
An easy 4/5. It's not often I'll want to put this on, but if I want some reggae for whatever reason, this would be it.
The Stooges
4/5
Throwing Muses
4/5
Damn this is a good one!
Hate My Way is powerful song of teenage angst. Top tier there.
This is a solid 4/5 album, to me.
I was really surprised.
Kid Rock
2/5
Ugh... I'm giving it a 2/5 because I guess there is worse -- there are some hooks and funky bass lines and stuff in there behind the trash lyrics, but overall this is cringe.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Pretty much easy 5... so many amazing songs. Should this be on the list? 100%
Arrested Development
4/5
Some classic songs on here. People Everyday, Mr Wendel, Tennessee. I love the 90’s Conscious Hip Hop vibe. AD is one of the more corny but still it’s a 3.8.
Cornershop
4/5
At first I was like… ok another British indie band on the list… then I recognize that Brimful of Asha from the popular remix but I never listened to these guys. It’s actually really fun and interesting, the mix of instruments and style! I dig it. 4/5
Blur
4/5
As much as this is mostly played out at this point... this is a solid record, gotta be a 3.5+
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
Not my absolute favorite, but I do like this one and I really appreciate the production style. Really like the Sweet Jane cover. 3.6+
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Nick Cave is still a consistent 3/5 for me. The music is pretty chill and nice. But the melodramatic delivery ruins it. Something about him just rubs me wrong.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Good album. Iconic trio. Not my absolute favorite but I can respect it.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Slayer
4/5
A true classic of the genre! Actually holds up!
Dr. Dre
5/5
I gotta go 5 here... this is one of the most important albums in my generation.
Beck
4/5
A very nice album to listen to!
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Pretty wild stuff! I like it!
Paul Simon
5/5
Been listening to this one all day. I really like almost every song. I’m feeling like a 4.5+
I really like Paul Simon.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Not the best Springsteen.
Public Enemy
4/5
Yup!
The Icarus Line
4/5
Yep
Talking Heads
4/5
Solid! Not my favorite but still talking heads is 4+
3/5
John Martyn
5/5
Love this album! Got it on vinyl. It came up in some list of albums if I like Nick Drake. At first I thought the vocals were a bit much but this album really is great sounding, catch songs, nice psychedelic breaks, folky stuff, a song for Nick Drake. 4.5+
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Not for me but ok.
Randy Newman
4/5
I like Randy Newman. This is a great album. I really like Last Night I Had A Dream! Also Political Science of course.
Thundercat
4/5
I wish I liked it a little bit better but still a 3.6+ for production and musicianship
Arcade Fire
3/5
I wish I liked this more than I do. It’s kind of like a muddy Springsteen.
The Fall
4/5
I dig it! Classic post punk. 3.8
Megadeth
3/5
Not bad... but vocals aren't really my thing
The Boo Radleys
4/5
I'm doing a 3.5+ on this one... because it really hits a set of genres that I enjoy. That noisy indie neo-psyche mix...
Garbage
3/5
Not bad really. It holds up.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Same jams on this one. Still holds up. 3.5+
CHIC
3/5
Freak is a great one. But generally this music gets old to me. Solid production. Disco is mostly a 3 for me.
Coldplay
4/5
Ok. Scientist might tip this one into 3.5 just a bit. Overall Coldplay kind of went too mainstream and outstayed their welcome. But honestly these are good tracks. And The Scientist is a good one.
Beatles
5/5
One of the best of the best. Probably my favorite Beatles record. Maybe Rubber Soul. Either way this is a 5
The Smiths
5/5
Likely the best Smiths album. There is a Light… especially. 9/10
David Holmes
3/5
Not great. Really pretty unremarkable.
Gonna do a 2.5 though because it made for decent background music.
The Coral
3/5
Not really a fan. It's not terrible but kind of annoying to me.
10cc
4/5
Hmm I like this. I recognized that one song from J Dilla. This is good subversive 70’s progressive pop
Method Man
3/5
This one doesn't do a lot for me. Probably a 3/5 for me.
It's not bad, but not one I'd put on.
David Crosby
4/5
Can’t believe I never heard this one. Really like it!
Adele
3/5
She’s a really good singer. But not something I’d put on.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Janis Joplin
4/5
This is a classic! If it also had Take Another it’d probably be a 5. Love her.
Napalm Death
3/5
I wish I was cool enough to like this more... but I'll probably do a 2/5.
I appreciate that this was genre-defining... but I don't think it came into its own yet.
I might bump it up for being groundbreaking. I know people that are in grindcore bands. Never was my favorite.
Yes
5/5
Bass tone on Roundabout puts this at 4.5+
Steely Dan
4/5
I feel like is about a 3.6+. It’s a pretty good mix.
David Bowie
4/5
Pretty damn good I think. Fame especially, but also also all the other funky stuff…
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
A true classic. Maybe a little dated but still iconic.
The Monkees
3/5
Not bad. Kind of goofy. 3/5
Underworld
3/5
Older techno. I know them from Born Slippy on the Trainspotting soundtrack. Overall this isn't a bad listen even though I'm not as into it.
Ice T
4/5
I like this era of hip hop. This is a good album!
Black Sabbath
4/5
Not my favorite Black Sabbath but still Black Sabbath. Laguna Sunrise was a nice surprise as well!
Big Black
3/5
I appreciate this more than I truly like it.
I know it’s supposed to be harsh but it’s not my jam. 3/5
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
I really like Buddy Holly, not gonna lie. Might not be a 5/5 but it’s a solid 4/5 with some of my favorite jams. Nah screw it I’m rounding up.
The Stranglers
4/5
This is a surprising hit! Not sure how I’ve never heard them before!
Also sounds great. Love the drums and bass tone.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Solid album! No Woman No Cry is a classic.
Metallica
4/5
Definitely a solid album. One is an amazing song.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Top tier. Every song is amazing. The production is pretty much perfect.
Sepultura
3/5
Not my particular brand of metal but it’s ok honestly.
Funkadelic
4/5
Hell yeah.
The KLF
3/5
Caetano Veloso
4/5
Very nice!
Leftfield
3/5
Pretty good house music.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Solid!
The Flying Burrito Brothers
4/5
Pretty good. Gonna go with 3.5 to round up.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Pretty cool. Love all the samples. I really like the Beastie Boys and I know this one is a critic favorite but probably not my most favorite.
Kate Bush
4/5
I like Kate Bush! This is up there close to Hounds.
Peter Frampton
3/5
Overall pretty mild but still iconic. Still not really doing much for me.
4/5
3.6+... this is really chill I like it.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
I really like Dinosaur Jr. But as an album, I can't really say this is over a 4/5.
OutKast
4/5
Some absolute hits on this one. Easy 4/5
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Great performance, great sounding album. I know this was hugely influential and iconic basically put ECM in the spotlight. It's a 4/5 for me. The style isn't necessarily my absolute favorite and the little vocalizations / grunts aren't for me.
But it's a hell of a recording.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Pretty sure this is my favorite Beastie album. Am I lame? I know Paul’s Boutique is supposed to be the gym. But I just love these jams. I like the simpler samples and catchier songs. It's a classic through and through.
4.5+
The Beta Band
3/5
Nothing really appealing on this one to me. It's not bad, just kind of lame. That cover doesn't help at all...
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
Getting tired of British techno acts on this last. This isn’t obnoxious at least. Kind of cool.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
OK really getting tired of the British electronic music. This one is more obnoxious to me.
Ozomatli
3/5
It’s not bad but doesn’t seem exceptional.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This is definitely one of those iconic albums. Great songs, really great listen.
Paul Simon
5/5
Great record!
U2
4/5
I actually like some U2. This is one of their better albums. Not quite Joshua Tree but still solid. Despite their reputation, Bono is a great singer and I like Edge’s playing.
Kings of Leon
4/5
I dunno man. I really dig these jams and I like his voice. Going with a 3.6…
Dr. Octagon
4/5
I really like the production. Dan the Automator who in know from Deltron. 3.6 on this.
Lucinda Williams
3/5
It's pretty good but not really my thing.
Bill Callahan
4/5
Got into Bill Callahan a little after researching Jim O'Rourke. I really dig his style.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
It’s ok. Not enough to push me to 4 today.
Turbonegro
3/5
It’s a little obnoxious sometimes. Kinda cool sometimes. I dunno not really doing it for me.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Top tier hip hop. Really. The flow. Jazzy samples. Love it.
4/5
Pretty great performances all around. Some nice rock out parts. Cool bass tone.
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Pretty good overall but probably won’t listen again. So 3
Skepta
3/5
Probably more relevant across the pond, but honestly pretty good. Not something I'd put on regularly though.
Kanye West
4/5
I played this one a lot when it was new. Overall pretty good but not his best. I’m not rating him as a person. But he makes some good music.
Genesis
4/5
Pretty cool especially for its time. I know it’s often called out as the best Genesis album. To me it’s a little theatrical. Only thing keeping it from a 5.
Louis Prima
4/5
Pretty iconic stuff. It’s King Louie!
Jeru The Damaja
4/5
Pretty good album... slight bump up to 3.6+ because I really like this era of Boom Bap kind of hip hop.
Def Leppard
4/5
I like Def Leppard... it's cheesy and over the top but this is at least a 4/5.
Rocket is a great song!
The Damned
4/5
Solid punk rock! Live The Saints bassist. Almost 4.5+ but in the grand scheme it’s a super solid 4.
The Sugarcubes
4/5
Some really influential stuff. Basically the birth of Björk. Birthday is an iconic song! I still haven't gotten used to Einar's vocals, but I love some of this stuff. The bass tone, Björk's vocals.
I remember my dad playing their remix album It's-It a lot and I thought the lyrics to Birthday were so weird. But obviously she arew on me.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Pretty good overall... Like the title track. As an album it's like a 3.4.
Bad Brains
4/5
The The
3/5
There’s a lot to like here but something about it, lyrics or vocals, just kind of put me out of it. I like the art pop elements and stuff.
System Of A Down
4/5
I don't listen to this anymore... but when I was a teenager this album was very cool... still kind of holds up honestly. Sugar is wild. It's over the top for sure, but still I'm gonna go 3.5+
Björk
4/5
It’s Björk. Very creative and interesting. Who Is It is a great song. Overall it’s ambitious, but it ant not my favorite of hers. Gotta be a 4/5 though.
Megadeth
4/5
I wish I liked Mustaine’s voice more. The guitar work is amazing and this thing shreds.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Very cool!
Hawkwind
4/5
This is pretty awesome. Never listened to this before really. Cool to hear early Lemmy bass.
I like a lot of the drawn out jam parts.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I really like Peter Gabriel. I never really listened to this one aside from Games Without Frontiers.
I feel like this is a solid 4/5 for sure.
Really dig I Don’t Remember. Tony Levin on the Stick.
No Self Control also is a hell of a tune.
Gonna bump this one up to 9/10
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Really nice little album. Not very familiar with this stuff.
Recognize Mbube from Lion King.
Overall an enjoyable album!
Barry Adamson
4/5
At first I was a little put off by how weird it was... and then I started to get it. It's experimental for sure, but I kind of dig it!
Weird dark jazzy trip hop stuff... kind of a noir fever dream journey that I'm really starting to like.
The Adverts
4/5
Pretty damn good punk.
Snoop Dogg
5/5
Ok this is top tier G-Funk, West Coast hip hop.
TV On The Radio
3/5
This has a lot of elements of something I’d like but for some reason it just doesn’t hit. Maybe the vocals maybe the business. I dunno. Low 3s
Joni Mitchell
5/5
This is a great album and is definitely growing on me. It’s in between folky and jazzy. Gonna do a 4.5 because I can tell there’s more there.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
This is close to peak folk rock... I love this.
Metallica
4/5
Definitely some huge hits on this one. It does drag a little later though. Still solid.
AC/DC
5/5
I dunno man. I love this album. Just such a strong classic rock album. 4.5+
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Solid album but nothing that really blows me away to be honest. It’s good though.
Machito
4/5
Pretty awesome. Great drumming. Impressive for late 50’s.
Calexico
3/5
I know Sam Beam hung with these guys back in the day, and you can kind of see the influence. It doesn't do a lot for me, but I appreciate it.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I don't hate it... the synth pop stuff is good, but I just really don't like the vocals.
Gonna give this one a 2.6 or so... It's well produced synth pop.
Black Flag
4/5
When I was a teenager, this was a 5. Now, I still gotta give it a 4.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Never heard this one! Very cool I think a 3.5 for me…
Bee Gees
2/5
I dunno it’s ok.
The Roots
3/5
Pretty good, I liked it.