877
Albums Rated
3.28
Average Rating
81%
Complete
212 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Britpop
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
92
5-Star Albums
23
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
|
5 | 2.71 | +2.29 |
|
Quiet Life
Japan
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
|
5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
|
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
|
5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
|
Leftism
Leftfield
|
5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
|
Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
|
5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
|
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
|
5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
|
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
|
5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
|
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fragile
Yes
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
D
White Denim
|
1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
|
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
|
White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
|
1 | 2.89 | -1.89 |
|
Damaged
Black Flag
|
1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
|
Survivor
Destiny's Child
|
1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
|
Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
|
1 | 2.85 | -1.85 |
|
Back In Black
AC/DC
|
2 | 3.85 | -1.85 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.75 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.75 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.5 |
| Kate Bush | 3 | 4.67 |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 4.67 |
| Prince | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beatles | 6 | 4.17 |
| David Bowie | 9 | 3.89 |
| R.E.M. | 3 | 4.33 |
| Peter Gabriel | 3 | 4.33 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Mothers Of Invention | 2 | 1 |
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 2 | 1 |
| Yes | 2 | 1.5 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1.5 |
| Joni Mitchell | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 1, 4, 5, 4 |
| Kanye West | 2, 5 |
| The Velvet Underground | 4, 4, 1 |
| Björk | 2, 5, 3 |
| Metallica | 2, 4, 5 |
5-Star Albums (92)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Hell yes! Hard to believe this was their first album and they weren’t even signed yet. They had it all: the swagger, the musicianship, those vocals, Robert Plant in ladies’ blouses. A no brainer 5
4 likes
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Ah, now this is one of my all time faves. Such a great album. I almost didn’t want to move on so I could keep playing it. It’s that good. Needs must though so on I trundle
3 likes
Muddy Waters
3/5
Live albums really don’t do it for me. I would rather be there. And a lot of these sound so similar. I get it but I don’t at the same time
2 likes
Leftfield
5/5
Yes!! Loved this back in the day, love it now. So much going on. Best listened to very loud
2 likes
The Band
2/5
Sorry ‘Muricans but this is just tedious. Take A Load Off is decent and I recognise Wheels On Fre from Ab Fab (that version is more tuneful though. The rest just trundles along in a rather dull manner
2 likes
1-Star Albums (23)
All Ratings
John Lennon
3/5
Bit dull tbh. A few decent tunes. ‘Imagine’ the song is a bit of a dirge
The Cardigans
3/5
More complex than I thought but underwhelming. Scandinavians are great at pop music but this has not aged well
Iggy Pop
4/5
Now that’s more like it. Timeless
Fugees
3/5
Beatles
3/5
Cream
4/5
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Missy Elliott
4/5
k.d. lang
4/5
The Killers
4/5
Chicago
1/5
Appalling. Nearly switched off during the ‘Free Form Guitar’ thing as it is like nails on a blackboard. And that last track is 14 AND A HALF MINUTES LONG!!! Jesus. The only reason I forced myself to listen all the way through is because that is the spirit of the project. The worst of technical musicianship. My ex probably likes it
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Is it ok to admit I never even heard of them before? Probably influential but very much of its time
X-Ray Spex
2/5
I think I get why this is on here as it was probably a landmark for its time. It hasn’t aged well though and I was mostly bored, which I don’t think is what punk was aiming for
The Specials
4/5
Aaahh, the Death in Paradise theme! Lol. RIP Terry Hall. Legend
Gary Numan
3/5
Gary Numan once held a door open for my sister at a hotel in Edinburgh. That’s all I’ve got. Clearly influential and I do love to recognise a famous sample but it doesn’t really do much for me
R.E.M.
4/5
Now this is more like it! REM was the first gig I went to with my ex. Still like them though
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Ahh, now, love singing along to this one as Anthony’s voice is in just my key. Their last decent album before they totally lost it. The lyrics are a bit nursery rhyme as per. They’ve been phoning it in ever since this one
Black Flag
1/5
Kept the Spotify station after listening and discovered it’s not just Black Flag. this is not the genre for me. Very muddy and difficult to hear the lyrics which surprises me as I am aware of Henry Rollins’ spoken word stuff. Best enjoyed by sweaty men colliding with each other violently in a mosh pit, which is something I have never understood the appeal of
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I like a lot of female singer/songwriters but Joni has always left me cold and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Clearly influential to the likes of Tori Amos and Laura Marling. Her voice irritates me and I find the music meandering. It doesn’t engage me so I find myself unable to concentrate on the lyrics. Found it on YouTube due to her boycotting Spotify and the comments were gushing and calling this the best album of all time. I really don’t get it
Hugh Masekela
3/5
I just can’t with most jazz. And I betray my ignorance by admitting I thought this was going to sound a lot more African. I started off pleasantly surprised that it was more interesting than the usual stuff I can imagine playing in the background at a restaurant but I got bored fairly quickly. Clearly talented but simply not for me
Daft Punk
3/5
I thought I liked them back in the day but turns out I probably just liked their singles. No more needs to be said
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
A stone cold classic. This has grown on me over the years, despite some of the lyrics making me uncomfortable, which I suspect is the point . Am I wrong for finding bits of this kinda sexy?
Kate Bush
4/5
I am a massive fan of Kate Bush and it is so impressive that she produced this herself. Having said that, this is a bit bonkers for me and sadly I did not have the time to give it the attention. It needs and deserves. Still getting a 4 though
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
Yes, this is more like it. Saw them live touring this album at Barrowlands. Loved it. Worst support act ever (The Locust, power violence is the genre apparently). Most of the girls in the crowd were trying and failing to look like Karen O, style icon. This album stands the test of time
Rahul Dev Burman
4/5
Not sure I really needed to listen to this before I die, however unexpected treasures are in the spirit of this thing and I’m here for it. It’s a fun listen to the soundtrack of India’s most expensive movie which stars Rex Harrison. Today I Learned lol
White Denim
1/5
Never heard of them before. Honestly completely lost on me why this is on the list. Music for ‘musos’ and the like who feel the need to stand at the back of gigs so they can analyse everything, instead of actually having fun. My ex would probably love it
Fleet Foxes
2/5
I mean it’s a pleasant listen but not particularly compelling or memorable
Iron Maiden
3/5
I surprised myself by liking this more than I thought I would. I can see how influential they are. I prefer these vocal to those of Bruce Dickinson and they haven’t descended into the caricature almost joke band they became with all the Eddie nonsense May even listen again
Stereo MC's
3/5
Aww, takes me back. I had forgotten I saw them supporting Madonna in the Blonde Ambition tour back in the day. I think I had the album too. This holds up pretty well. I still appreciate a bit of acid jazz, though this does get a bit samey tbh
Depeche Mode
5/5
An all time classic. What can I say except it still sounds amazing
Dr. Dre
2/5
I know it’s massively influential and all that but, honestly, I found this a bit of a slog. I prefer other artists from this stable E.g. Eminen, Snoop, Mary J Blige. And it really hasn’t aged well - I find the language jarring with all the ‘Bitches’, ‘Niggaz’ and ‘MFs’. Single handedly responsible for middle class suburban Scottish guys wandering about thing they are boys in the hood. Oh dear
Neil Young
2/5
I think I would really like some of the songs with a different voice and instrumentation. I really can’t get past that voice and the instrumentation is too country. Some good songwriting I think but overall not for me. I tried
Megadeth
2/5
Knew this wasn’t for me when I looked at the track listing to see how long there was left to go and discovered I was only on track 2. Dave Mustaine wanted to be harder and faster than Metallica and he succeeded. I prefer something a bit more melodic myself. They’re a tight unit though so I’ll give them that
Kings of Leon
3/5
Well, this is a blast from the past. I had this CD but never really listened. However it was nice to revisit. Listened to it a couple of times. It took my mind off running quite well. I remember them being promising back then. And then they went all stadium and married models and became a boring cliche. Would definitely listen to this again though
The Doors
2/5
Well this just left me cold. Jim Morrison is overrated anyway, pompous sixth form poetry. And not sexy. Strange Brew by Cream came on directly after this and it was such a relief
Throwing Muses
3/5
Didn’t do a lot for me and I liked this kind of music back in the day e.g. Kristin Hersh, Belly etc. Also very lo fi which I am not a fan of. I recognise it was very influential though
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Ok, so another one where it’s ‘not for me’. Ugh. I get the musicianship and that it was a smash hit. And salsa is kinda fun. Probably missing out because I don’t understand Spanish so the story is lost on me. Fun to dance and have a laugh too. A bit like background music to listen to
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
I could do an Elvis Costello ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation but I’m not keen on the actual albums. He’s one of those artists
Ian Dury
2/5
This is just not for me and I don’t really know what to say because I somehow feel like I should appreciate this more than I do. I think Dury got away with a lot because he was seen as a ‘character’
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
The lyrics are questionable, of course, but there’s no getting away from the fact that this album overall has a chill vibe and I like his voice. And Swimming Pools is a cracker. Much better than the ‘seminal’ The Chronic by Dr Dre. I have to give this a 4. Glad I listened
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
Aww, made my day this. My sister had this album back in the day. What a debut. He had it all: talent, a fantastic voice, good looks. But I reckon nobody liked Terry D’Arby more than Terry D’Arby. His hubris did for him I think. And he went a bit bonkers. Shame. So much promise
Talking Heads
4/5
MGMT
3/5
The singles are bangers, the rest not so much. Overall a bit underwhelming but passed my couch to 5k run adequately. Have they had any hits since this album?
2/5
Really, guys? Why is this on here? I mean, I like some ‘experimental’ stuff such as Radiohead’s later stuff/Thom Yorke/Atoms for Peace, and I can see bits of them in this. Also early PJ Harvey. And the premise about the witches is fun. And some tracks were listenable. You know it’s not great though when you think to yourself ‘ooh this is a bit better’ and then realise that the album has finished and the station has moved on to something else
Note to self: you have to listen to them all, all the way through, because that’s the game 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Johnny Cash
4/5
This is so good. Cash’s voice is awful tbh but somehow it works and is even really affecting. The genius of Rick Rubin perhaps. A classic
Pink Floyd
1/5
I listened to this while running and thought some of the ludicrous lyrics would distract me. I nearly stopped in frustration at all the instrumental nonsense. How the hell is this touted as a classic?
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I really like Janelle Monae. I love her style and her ambition/ But overall this just leaves me a bit cold and I’m kinda disappointed. 3.5
Jethro Tull
4/5
Well, what do you know, I liked this waaayyy more than I thought I would. So much better than ‘Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ which I had a couple of days ago. Pleasantly surprised. I don’t get everyone hating on the flute. It works well with this type of music
Rush
3/5
A bit shocked I liked this more than I thought I would. Lee’s voice is not my fave but it’s tolerable, and some of the tracks were listenable. Would prefer a heavier production and less synths. My ex is a bit of a Rush fanboy and he’s a musician who can’t enjoy a gig for scrutinising the musicianship, which says it all. Fave track is Witch Hunt by far
Magazine
3/5
I really wanted to like this more than I did. With John Leckie producing and John McGeoch on guitar who influenced the likes of Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, John Frusciante and Robert Smith. It left me a bit cold though. Genuinely disappointed
Lucinda Williams
2/5
I’m beginning to feel like I don’t like music, the selection on here lately is leaving me so cold. This was a bit dull, and I honestly have no clue from reading up why it would be on here. Come on guys, give me something to love. Yet another one where I thought ‘ahh, that’s a bit better!’ only to discover the album had finished and it had gone on to the station afterwards. Sigh
David Bowie
4/5
Can’t really go wrong with a bit of Bowie. He has a way of making every style his own. Even ‘plastic soul’. So listenable and you can’t ask for more than that
The Bees
3/5
Have never even heard of them. Beginning to question myself re music. I mean, it was pleasant. The second half was better than the first half which was pretty boring. I may listen again but it’s not life changing
The Yardbirds
3/5
I know about The Yardbirds and their three guitar legends. And like others are saying I only know of ‘For Your Love’ from a 60s album I had when I was a teenager. I liked this but it didn’t hugely grab my attention and I drifted away when I got distracted by other stuff. And I listened to it twice
Beatles
5/5
Strange yet somehow marvellous
Pretenders
4/5
I know the singles but there are some bangers on here I never heard before (Space Invader, Mystery Achievement). And of course Chrissie Hynde is an inspiration.
The Byrds
3/5
Another one where I like the singles but overall it just got a bit samey. And this is after Gene Clark left so they were struggling a bit hence four cover versions. I always let it run on to autoplay after finishing and I have been getting so much of the same style lately I swear my Spotify defaults to ‘Strange Brew’ by Cream, which is usually better than anything that has gone before. Come on generator, mix it up a bit!
Van Halen
3/5
I liked this more than I thought. The Kinks cover was terrible though. And guitar solos of any sort leave me cold. Wish I could mark these out of 10, as the disparity between all the albums I’m marking as 3 or 4 stars is huge
The White Stripes
5/5
What a banger of an album. Thank you for reminding me of its existence
Elis Regina
3/5
I really liked this. Was dancing round the kitchen while I was making the dinner. Would listen again. Would give it 3.5 if that was a thing
Rush
3/5
Well good grief, I really did like this more than I thought was possible. My ex is mildly obsessed and whenever I would hear a bit I hated it. I might be biased though. Parts of this were enjoyable and none was unbearable. I would honestly give this 3.5 if that was a thing. Shocker
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
I’m getting an awful lot in a similar genre and era and a lot of them seem to have slept with each other lol. It’s getting a bit boring tbh. Give me some variety supposedly random generator. This is pleasant, love the harmonies and obviously there are a couple of bangers. And that ‘The ‘In’ Crowd’ song which if I recall correctly was the theme tune for’Film’ whatever with Barry Norman. And poor Cass, derided for her weight and turned down by Denny while the rest of them were entangled. Swithering between a 3 and a 4. I’ll say it again; I wish there was a 3.5 or marks out of 10. Oh, and it’s hilarious that the cover was deemed obscene and the toilet had to be covered up. Americans, eh? 🙄
PS those apostrophes are so annoying!
Motörhead
3/5
I was liking this and was gonna give it a 4 and then it all started merging in to one. I think it’s another one I want to give a 3.5 to. I laughed at Lemmy saying the producer got him to sing rather than just shout. Also the thought of them appearing on TISWAS. LOL wonder if Lemmy got pied. And as others have said about the lyrics to ‘Jailbait’, no need. This would definitely be enjoyed more in a rock pub with sticky floors and a couple of ciders
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
I can’t remember anything about this except sludgy noise and a lack of melody. I get that it was apparently influential but it’s a no from me
The Verve
5/5
I read some of the scathing reviews and was thinking maybe this will not have stood the test of time. But no, it’s great. I want to give it 4.5 because it does go on a bit too long but that’s not an option so here we are
David Bowie
5/5
It’s Bowie. It deserves 5 stars for Life On Mars? alone. It makes me feel joyful
George Harrison
4/5
He writes a good song but a triple album? No need
Dennis Wilson
5/5
Omg I love this. Not what I expected and I got quite emotional times. A lovely 5 star surprise
Mercury Rev
3/5
Very Flaming Lips but this is unsurprising looking at the history. Both bands leave me a bit cold if I’m honest. And I think calling them ‘celebrities’ in the UK after this album is a bit of a stretch.
Blondie
4/5
You know it’s an absolute belter and Debbie Harry is an icon but I must admit it flags a bit in the middle. I’m torn. 4 stars
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Must admit I was not really in the mood yesterday and didn’t listen properly. It was good though
Paul Simon
2/5
This is just bland and a bit twee at times. Disappointing
Thelonious Monk
2/5
Omg this is the first album from this that bored me so much I stopped before the end. I am tired and just can’t be arsed with something that doesn’t grab my attention tbh. And this does not grab my attention
ETA: I made myself listen to the end. I kind of want to enjoy this kind of thing but I just don’t
Tom Waits
4/5
I really liked this. Yes, his voice is weird but it works. Just wish it was easier to hear the lyrics. I’m interested to hear more of his stuff now
Ryan Adams
2/5
Genuinely baffled as to why this is on here. It’s not terrible but it’s just bland and unmemorable., The voice, the lyrics, the music. It’s not groundbreaking, era defining, different. I don’t get it. And I know he’s a terrible person but if we followed that criteria many on this list would have to go. Isn’t it notable though that they always start by denying everything, no matter how many women come forward. Too many men…
ABBA
3/5
This started off really well. I loved ‘The Visitors’. But the second half sounded like a musical and I’m not in to that. I think ABBA are maybe more a singles band
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
I didn’t have much of an idea what to expect from this. I think he’s more popular in America. I loved it though and I am sure it will reward more listens. Still hating the fact there are only 5 stars
David Bowie
4/5
This didn’t grab me as much as some of his other stuff but it’s still getting 4 stars because it’s Bowie and ‘Heroes’ the song is a banger
Meat Puppets
4/5
When this first came on I thought omg because the first track is not for me. Luckily it got better. What a weird album though. And I did keep imagining Kurt Cobain’s voice, which helped tbh. Again wishing this was a 10 point scale. I want to give it 3.5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
I loved this. What a nice surprise
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
Samey
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
Legend. Saw him live not long before he passed away and it was great
Pulp
5/5
You know, I swear I had this back in the day but I don’t think I ever listened to the whole album. It’s majestic. Obviously the singles are great but the album as a whole is better than I could have hoped. Jarvis is one of the best frontmen I have ever seen life. No idea what that idiot American reviewer is thinking rambling on about the blues. Weird
GZA
3/5
Ugh, I just really was not in the mood for this and could not concentrate on it but that doesn’t mean it’s bad so it’s getting a 3
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
Another day where I wasn’t really in the mood and this did nothing to grab my attention
Adele
2/5
Yes, she has a good voice and writes a decent song but it’s all a bit bland for my taste. I’d take Amy Winehouse over this any day of the week
Stan Getz
3/5
It’s pleasant enough and I’ve always had a soft spot for the sax. Didn’t really work in the dark on the bus coming home from work though
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
The appeal is lost on me. There is the glimmer of something good buried in here but it is obscured by the overwhelming guitars, muddy vocals and production values. Another one that leaves me cold
Marilyn Manson
2/5
I’m not gonna judge him for his morals because that is not what this is about and a lot of the artists on here would be off. I was looking forward to this but it turns out ‘Beautiful People’ is the only standout track. And his music is better with the visuals
Funkadelic
3/5
This wasn’t as funky as I was expecting. And the first track was out of place. The play list that came on after was fab though
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Loved this. Have to put the man’s character aside because that’s not the point of this and, let’s face it, many would be excluded if we took their character in to account. Such energy. Would love to have been there
Sepultura
4/5
The 5 star rating system strikes again. I really want to give this 3.5 because this genre and the roaring vocal still just ain’t my thing. However I do appreciate the musicianship, particularly the percussion, and the collaboration with the tribespeople is interesting
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
I had a vague idea because my ex is a huge Zappa fan but this is worse than I imagined. Unlistenable. And taking pot shots at an easy target. And personally I don’t think The Beatles were ‘only in it for the money’. Even if they were, so what? They wrote some classics that survive the decades unlike this nonsense. Get the feeling Zappa always thought he was the smartest person in the room, in a condescending way. O stars if that was a thing
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Fantastic for Superstition alone. Liked it even better on second listen. Nearly gave it 4 stars but then I Believe (When I Fall In It Will Be Forever) came on and I was blown away
Frank Sinatra
4/5
I imagine this is one that would grow on me with more listens. I mean, it’s Frank so the voice is matchless but it all got a bit samey. Probably not best listened to on the bus home from work
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Loved the title track. The rest is all much of a muchness
Guided By Voices
1/5
This was dull, uninspiring and unremarkable. I doubt it was the best album released that week, let alone one to hear before you die. The playlist that followed was chock full of exactly the same. The Americans moaning about Britpop can do one, honestly, this is so much worse
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
Classic. Listenable rather than noodling which is the kind of jazz I like
Common
4/5
Idk, I want to give this a 3.5
Miles Davis
3/5
I appreciate the musicianship and I get that this was the start of an era in jazz, however this does nothing for me. It would be pleasant as background music in a cafe. Darn That Dream with the vocal was by far my favourite and I thought Spotify had taken me onto a playlist which says a lot about my taste in jazz
Miles Davis
4/5
Surprising but I really liked this. Much more than Birth of the Cool, which was yesterday’s selection. Shhh/peaceful is the better track by far. Can definitely see me listening to this one again. Thanks generator
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
I listened to this on the bus on the way home from work and it made no impression whatsoever
1/5
Dear god. Made it 11 minutes in and had to stop. Was on YouTube so I couldn’t even read anything to distract myself. Kept thinking something listenable would come on eventually. It did not
Stevie Wonder
4/5
This isn’t quite as good as his sublime best but there are still a good few bangers in there. Such a talented man
Pink Floyd
4/5
I liked this more than I thought I would
The Kinks
3/5
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Pleasant and sunny but kind of all blurred in to one. Not sure why it is on this list tbh
Miles Davis
5/5
This really is as good as its reputation. Shall definitely be revisiting
Femi Kuti
3/5
It’s cheery and upbeat but after a while it all kind of blurred in to one
The Young Rascals
4/5
I liked this more than I thought I would. Added to the librRy
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Now this is what this thing is for! Never heard them before and it’s right up my street. 4 due to a couple of weaker tracks but with more listens it may become a 5
Michael Jackson
4/5
I really want to give this 4.5 but that’s not a thing here so it’s a 4 from me. Absolute classic, obviously, but the second side doesn’t quite match up to the first side which is the reason for losing half a star
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
I liked this better than I thought I would because I’ve always had an impression that they are unbearably twee. Next day thought I can’t remember much about it so it’s a 3 from me. May revisit at some point
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
I wanted to like this. I thought I would like this. I was disappointed. Samey and boring and could have all been variations on the one theme
Deep Purple
4/5
It’s seminal, obviously and a 4 from me
CHVRCHES
5/5
Yassss! I love this. One of my fave running albums. Thank you 1001 albums
The Who
3/5
The three obvious ones are classic bangers but sadly the rest is a bit meh for me. Disappointing
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
I really thought I would have liked this more but it really is not for me. Sounded like a bunch of show tunes and his voice comes across as affected. And the opening track just isn’t it
JAY Z
3/5
I want to give this 3.5. Not a fan of his voice and it’s a bit patchy and too long but there’ are some great tracks
Napalm Death
1/5
Well… You know, I could actually tell the difference between sides 1 and 2. I is definitely more metal and 2 more punk. I don’t understand the appeal of this vocal style, and what is the point of having sociopolitical lyrics if they are unintelligible? I made it all the way through, unlike the John Zorn offering. I sort of want to give this 1.5 for some reason. The reviews amuse me
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Not even finished yet but what even is this? Deconstructed blues or something? I mean, there are some good elements here but it just isn’t cohesive to me. And it’s far too long. Would probably be a fun live night in a small venue though, with a couple of ciders. Lots of energy I would imagine
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I do like this it’s rather lovely but the standard does lag a bit at times
M.I.A.
3/5
Dunno what to make of this quite honestly. Could probably do with more listens. I can hear its influence on the likes of Gwen Stefani and Beyoncé. Idk if that’s a Timbaland thing
Aimee Mann
2/5
Dull
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
This was a nice surprise. Really liked it and it’s added to the library. A different sound to their later stuff. I like Joy Division et al so why wouldn’t I like this? Sounded better on headphones and I reckon it will grow on me with more listens
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Sublime. Deserves to be on this list. That is all
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Loved this. A bit all over the place but so much more interesting than some of the other flower power offerings on here
Liz Phair
2/5
This should have been right up my street but it wasn’t. A track would get me interested but the next one would lose me. I want to give it a 2.5. Disappointing. Prefer PJ Harvey any day. Oh and the number of guys on here mentioning the nipple is truly pathetic
Bob Dylan
3/5
Always a bit unsure about Dylan though I liked this more than I thought. Can’t really say I don’t when I listen to Laura Marling. Not a harmonica fan though, it hurt my ears at times on the earphones. I want to give this a 3.5
Pantera
4/5
Apparently I like Pantera more than I ever thought possible
Morrissey
4/5
Yes, I know he is a reprehensible shit. The Smiths are one of my all time faves though. Gave this a couple of listens and it definitely grew on me second time around. Not the same without Marr though
Sigur Rós
3/5
I was really disappointed by this. It’s all much of a muchness and certainly did not move me to tears like someone else said
OutKast
3/5
I didn’t finish this because I was at work and then out. Started listening to it on the bus home, at least 50 minutes. 19 minute walk, got home, fed the cat, got ready for bed, demolished a whole box of chocolates, caught up with the news, texted my daughter, fought falling asleep. And gave in. It was still going and I had to give in to tiredness. Why on earth did they not make 2 separate albums?
The Human League
4/5
More annoyed about some reviews on here than anything else. People talking about Casio keyboards and one hit wonders are display their ignorance about music history. You forget how massive this album was. Love it. Want to give it a 4.5
Big Star
4/5
I’ve heard Alex Chilton and Big Star mentioned as influences for years. Teenage Fanckub is one that springs to mind. Never listened before though. Shall be revisiting
Various Artists
4/5
Yes he was a terrible person but separate the art from the artist and all that. Classic and joyful. Knocking a star off because I won’t be listening to it again any time soon
Nick Drake
5/5
I knew Nick Drake’s story already and I know my teenage daughter likes him. How did I never get round to listening? Just lovely
The Everly Brothers
2/5
Dull and boring
Machito
3/5
I liked it but it just kind of countered along in the background as I was going about my morning. I can see it used in a party scene in some hip film. Nice and accomplished but I feel no desire to revisit
Depeche Mode
4/5
I want to give this 3.5 but I’ll round up to 4 because it’s Depeche Mode. Nowhere near as good as Violator though
Finley Quaye
3/5
Nah, this has not stood the test of time. It’s all a bit bland for me. I know he has lost his way. I hope he finds it again
Billy Bragg
3/5
Left me a bit cold. Listened before I read the context and thought it sounded a bit different from the usual Billy Bragg. Still not essential though
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Yeah. Love his voice, love the musicianship etc but it’s a bit self indulgent. All the talky bits are unnecessary
David Bowie
3/5
See this is what I don’t like about this thing. Because yesterday I just wasn’t feeling it for various reasons. And this would possibly replay more listening and I might well return to it. Nothing really grabbed me on first listen though
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
The Manics should have been my thing back in the day but they always left me a bit cold. Their posturing always seemed ridiculous to me, and their music is a bit dull
Radiohead
4/5
Radiohead are one of my all time faves and seeing them was truly a bucket list moment. This isn’t up there with their very best though. I want to give it 3.5 but I’ll round up to 4 because it’s them
Nirvana
5/5
I’m not usually into live albums but this is just sublime. Cobain’s voice. The whole thing is beautiful and the Bowie song is possibly my favourite cover of all time
Paul McCartney
2/5
This just sounds like Paul messing about at home because that’s what it is. I get the significance of the context but I don’t get why it’s here
Talking Heads
3/5
I think I can safely say I am a fan of Talking Heads greatest hits. The albums leave me a bit cold
3/5
The first track came on and I though yes, let’s go but sadly a lot of it was a bit dull and self indulgent. Disappointing
Soul II Soul
2/5
My.word this has not aged well. And his voice is awful. No club classics here
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I just don’t get it with Joni Mitchell. Her music leaves me completely cold. 5,6, 8 minutes at a time and they just meander on interchangeably, getting nowhere. 2 stars because I recognise some decent musicianship in there (hello Jaco Pastorius) and she would make a good poet or short story writer
This was fun and an easy listen.. Rod when he was still cool. Loved it
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Idk how this works. It really shouldn’t. Star knocked off for a couple of dodgy tracks and Nico’s strange voice
The Zutons
4/5
This was a fun listen with far more going on than you realise at first. I kept wanting to lose interest but then it would draw me back in. I like its vibe. I’m swithering between 3.5 or 4
Roxy Music
3/5
I want to give this a 2.5. Roxy Music just don’t do it for me and I am really not sure why. And all the men commenting on the boobs in their review is pathetic
Elvis Presley
3/5
Aww, Elvis. In The Ghetto and Suspicious Minds are classics of course, but the rest of it is just a bit underwhelming. Great musicianship by the band though. I want to give this 2.5
Ride
2/5
Nope. Sludgy samey and unmemorable. Swear I had this album back in the day, probably because I thought I should. Don’t think I ever listened. Did not come across well on my earphones. Not sure why this one is here. Wanting to give it 1.5
Tears For Fears
4/5
Majestic. Listened to the hits multiple times then went and watched Donnie Darko. Star knocked off because the non hits aren’t quite up there. Harsh, I know
4/5
I liked this. It went on a bit though. Probably not best listened to in the dark on the bus going home when it is zero degrees outside. I want to give it 3.5
The Smiths
4/5
So torn. It’s the Smiths and it’s a classic. I really want to give it 4.5 though
Rod Stewart
3/5
Rating system is really starting to annoy me know because I really want to give this 3.5. Some of it is great, some of it, particularly the cover versions, is meh
Duran Duran
5/5
I can’t not give this 5 stars because this was THE album of my formative years. John Taylor 😍. But the music is also cracking and they are good musicians too. The complete package. Made my day getting this
David Bowie
3/5
I hate to say it because Bowie is a groundbreaking legend but his later stuff generally leaves me cold. Nothing stands out on this. I want to give it a 2.5
The Cramps
3/5
I liked this much more than I thought I would. In the end though, I bet they were far more of a blast live and that was a large part of their appeal. I want to give this 3.5
5/5
Majestic and groundbreaking, amazing music and aesthetics. What a contrast to the 2.5 star The Next Day which I had a couple of days ago
Ozomatli
3/5
Ahh well, not on Spotify and only some tracks available on YouTube. Tbh 9 tracks was probably about enough, 13 would be overkill. I liked it and it was a fun listen. Kinda want to give it 3.5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I mean, it’s good, but a bit straight ahead dad rock for me. Not a bad track to be heard. Steven Van Zandt was good in the Sopranos too, what a talented man
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Oh gosh, this 5 star rating system is so frustrating. Another one I want to give 3.5. I love Amy and her voice and attitude but this goes on for too long and there are not enough standout tracks for me
Sister Sledge
4/5
Yikes, it’s another one I want to give a 3.5 to. What’s not to like about a bit of disco. Upbeat, fun, makes you feel like dancing. And Rodger’s and Edwards were a class act. For that it is getting rounded up to a 4
Nick Drake
5/5
My word. I knew of Nick Drake before this but had never actually heard any of his work before. I love it and it honestly is not what I expected. My daughter got there first, think I will be buying his biography for her birthday. I can totally see how he influenced John Martyn and I love him too so there it is. Thank you generator
T. Rex
4/5
Loved this but it’s not quite up there for a 5 I think. Didn’t quite realise how influential he was
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Yeah. I liked parts of this. It’s all over the place though and just didn’t grab me. A bonkers psychedelic trip indeed but kind of disappointing
The Allman Brothers Band
2/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. It just kept going on and on. Like I walked from the bus to my house, closed the blinds, fed the cat and put the bin out. And it was still on the same track and I kind of zoned out by then
Beck
4/5
Yeah it’s eclectic and a bit kooky but, for me, it works. Love the cover too
Faith No More
4/5
Classic. Takes me back. Not quite worthy of a five though
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I am blown away by this, though So is a fave of mine so I might have known. There is something about PG that appeals to me, possibly his unhinged side. Have listened to it 4 times now and it just keeps getting better. It makes me feel some kind of way lol
Coldplay
5/5
Omg, I’m torn. Because it’s Coldplay. I had this back in the day when they were the next big indie thing. I have to say it sounds better than I remembered. But is it really a 5? I would say 4.5 but that’s not a thing. What can you do?
Steve Earle
2/5
Country just is not for me. This was heading for a 3 at first but as it went on it dipped to a 2. Dull
Circle Jerks
2/5
Um, I really don’t know what to make of this because I actually quite liked it. Better than the Black Flag album certainly. I’ve been to hardcore punk gigs and I generally don’t get it: the aggression, the pogoing, barging into each other and all that. Such masculine energy. I want to give this 2.5. Torn
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
I really don’t know what to make of this. The first half was just shouty, the second half was more listenable. I can definitely where the ‘industrial’ name comes from. It would have been more interesting to see this live, kind of permanence. And I like the idea of constructing instruments from bits and pieces
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Some albums get a bit of a nostalgia vote. I genuinely loved this coming up on the generator. I still remember all the lyrics and was singing along like a maniac. And boy does her anger at crappy men resonate. Guys who are commenting on her looks before even mentioning the music 🖕🏻The ingrained misogyny is strong
Marvin Gaye
5/5
An absolute classic. The musicianship is amazing too. Particularly when you think that James Jamerson was playing lying down because he was too drunk to stand up
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I wanted to like this more but I couldn’t. I find it jarring. Maybe that’s the point
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Well, hallelujah, it’s about time
John Prine
2/5
I wanted to like this, I started of liking it, the lyrics are kinda entertaining, but after a while it just all blurred into one big country mass
The Black Crowes
3/5
I like this album but not sure why it’s here. Want to give it 3.5
Sonic Youth
3/5
This should be right up my street. I was a total indie rock kid back in the day, but it leaves me a bit cold and I’m really not sure why. Mid, as they say
Willie Nelson
3/5
I like Willie Nelson, he has a likeable voice and the story telling is great. Country just doesn’t do it for me though, even on this it all kind of merges into one
Marianne Faithfull
5/5
I unexpectedly loved this and have now listened to it about 5 times. Yet another woman who has been overlooked because of the men she was with
Peter Tosh
3/5
Yeah, no. This was serviceable reggae and that’s about it. Want to give it a 2.5
The Smiths
5/5
Majestic. Probably my fave Smiths album. There is really no more to say - a no brainer
The Blue Nile
5/5
Omg, it all came flooding back. Scotland’s own The Blue Nile, and dancing to ‘Tinseltown in the Rain’ at The Pub in Rose Street with my pal Tracy. Not the most danceable tune tbf. And it always stuck in my mind that Paul Buchanan dated Rosanna Arquette for a while. This was better than I remember. Fantastic
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I always think I should like PSB more than I do but there is something about their detached style and Neil’s vocals that leaves me a bit cold. I guess they are being boring… Very much a singles band for me
The Band
2/5
Sorry ‘Muricans but this is just tedious. Take A Load Off is decent and I recognise Wheels On Fre from Ab Fab (that version is more tuneful though. The rest just trundles along in a rather dull manner
Ramones
3/5
I mean, it’s kind of entertaining but it chunders along in the same deliberately dumb vein
Tangerine Dream
4/5
I actually really like this. There were only 2 tracks on Spotify though. Not sure I would listen to a bunch of their stuff though. Can totally see why they are popular on soundtracks though
Adele
3/5
Adele is just meh to me. And so much overkill. There was no getting away from her before the last album blathering on about her marriage. And then she went to the Brit school and is supposedly super talented but then Max Martin, Ryan Tedder et al are all over this. Good voice and some decent songs
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Think I might have done this one a disservice. Didn’t have lot of time yesterday so ended up listening as I got ready this morning . It’s getting a 4. Funky is a win for me
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Aww god, some absolute bangers and clearly super influential but after the first few tracks the quality drops right off and it all starts blurring into one shouty track
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Well, they formed in my home city but I feel no bias or loyalty here. At times I felt I was listening to a minstrel from Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Except that would have been a spoof and mildly amusing. The best thing about this album is the title. Very much of it’s time and place
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
I honestly thought I was going to enjoy this more than I did. The production really hasn’t worn well
Wilco
3/5
This disappointed me no end. Loved the first track and got the whole deconstructed thing. Thought it was going to be a bit Radiohead but the rest was entirely underwhelming
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I get the poetic aspect but I just cannot deal with his voice and the music. It’s dreary
Slipknot
3/5
It’s just not for me. The lyrics that are intelligible are cringey and the music is all much of a muchness. I switched it off as soon as I realised it had reached the different mixes. The masks thing was always lost on me too. Music for teenage boys. I can appreciate the percussion though and it’s sad what happened to Joey Jordison
Funkadelic
3/5
One thing I’m finding is that i really like funk however this was not funky enough for me, strangely enough. Far too many rambling smooth passages that just don’t do it for me. Disappointing tbh
Burning Spear
3/5
It leaves me a bit cold. Probably best listened to lying on a boat in the Caribbean not on a cold dark night in Scotland
Little Richard
4/5
He has such great energy and it’s a fun listen, if all a bit samey
3/5
The Kinks just don’t grab the way I would have expected and I fine the lyrics kind of condescending towards the peopk being written about bur idk maybe I’m missing the point or something
Nick Drake
5/5
Loved this. Don’t know why it hasn’t saved my rating from before
Turbonegro
2/5
This is just ok. Really don’t like the production, it does not allow the music to shine. It is all really derivative and I genuinely do not get why this on the list. And a called ‘Good Head’ just came on. Is it a parody? How tiresome and juvenile. A star off for that alone Music for 15 year old boys
Eels
3/5
The 3 songs I knew are crackers but the rest left m a bit cold tbh. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood
Elton John
5/5
I’m torn because Tiny Dancer is one of my all time faves. I want to give this a 4.5. What to do?
Leftfield
5/5
Yes!! Loved this back in the day, love it now. So much going on. Best listened to very loud
New Order
3/5
New Order are more of a singles band for me. And it is hard to get away from Bernard’s rooey vocals. Elegia is a banger though. pretty in Pink is one of my guilty pleasures
The Darkness
4/5
The Darkness really annoyed me at the time for some reason but revisiting this it is actually a fun listen packed full of bangers and good musicianship. Loved it. Nice one generator
Elliott Smith
3/5
This left me a bit underwhelmed on first listen. It would probably benefit from a bit of closer attention. Nick Drake came on immediately after and I was like aah that’s better. I want to give this 3.5
Ghostface Killah
2/5
Good grief. This was interminable and boring. I don’t like his voice and don’t get the point of the skits. Nothing grabbed me on a casual listen
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Want to give this 3.5 I think because I feel like I should like this more than I do. Think some of their later stuff is better but this all gets a bit samey. Disappointing
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Joni Mitchell is one that I really don’t get. Her stuff meanders along aimlessly and does nothing for me. And it’s on YouTube and so annoying that I can’t do anything else on my phone at the same time. Accidentally skipped a few tracks and did not feel the need to go back. It was a bit of a relief if I’m honest
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Pleasant but unremarkable. That’s it
Tim Buckley
2/5
I don’t know what I was expecting but this was not it. Disappointing
Frank Zappa
2/5
This stuff bores. Not as insufferable as the last one of his I got though
Radiohead
5/5
No brainer. I feeling of joy comes over me when listening to this. Sublime
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Too many drugs. Others did this sort of thing so much better
The Who
3/5
They hadn’t really found their thing yet, this is a bit all over the place stylistically
Michael Jackson
5/5
It’s got to be 5 stars when you find yourself dancing around the room without realising it. That is one of the reasons I love this generator. A classic and I even like the tracks everyone is naming as naff
Mudhoney
3/5
I get why this was influential but it just doesn’t really do it for me. I guess there is a reason Nirvana went stratospheric. And over 2 hours of this stuff? Absolutely no need. I gave up when I got to work about 100 mins in
Yes
2/5
Yes? No thanks. Music for musos who like to sit and marvel and the wibbling technical expertise.,No heart or emotion. And Jon Anderson’s voice gets a no from me
The Boo Radleys
3/5
I remember this coming out at the time and it was praised to high heaven as a work of genius. I don’t get it. It is completely unmemorable and unremarkable to me
Elvis Costello
3/5
Don’t get it. Dull. I should start posting one word reviews tbh
The Monkees
2/5
I’m only part way through but I’m doing the review anyway because 36 tracks?! There does not seem to be an original thought on here. Disappointing
Fatboy Slim
4/5
A few absolute bangers, a bit repetitive at times but Cook knows what he is doing and there is a reason he was everywhere under multiple pseudonyms for a while. And an extra half star for making me revisit that ‘Praise You’ vid
Johnny Cash
4/5
Love his style. The song choices are blackly brilliant and put a wry smile on my face
Stereolab
4/5
What a lovely surprise! I heard of Stereolab back in the day but somehow never listened to any of their stuff. Also I always thought she is called Laetitia Sadler, oops. This chilled me out. Quirky and right up my street
Manu Chao
3/5
I was disappointed with this one. Thought it would be joyful and fun but it just didn’t grab me
Quicksilver Messenger Service
2/5
Nope. Boring noodling. Why?
Beatles
5/5
Classic. So many memorable tunes, amazing production and ahead of its time. What’s not to love?
Goldie
2/5
Oh dear. Well, I get why this is on here because it was influential in drum and bass. But my god, nearly 2 hours of this stuff? Absolutely no need. I was willing it to be over by the end
Arrested Development
3/5
It’s good and the singles I remember are bangers but I just wasn’t feeling it
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Beautiful and timeless. Not in the mood to write anything else
The Replacements
2/5
I was really disappointed with this. Was aware of the name Paul Westerberg back in the day but never listened before. Underwhelming
Peter Frampton
3/5
Bland, boring and middle of the road. Probably why it was so successful. Can’t be bothered doing reviews for the likes of this
King Crimson
4/5
I liked this far more than I anticipated and it sticks in my craw to say it for personal reasons that don’t belong here lol. I can see their influence and I guess I can’t really claim to like The Mars Volta and not like this
Al Green
4/5
Love a bit of soul and clearly he has an amazing voice
The Streets
4/5
This is a weird one. On the face of it it could be considered rubbish but with the concept and everything somehow it works and becomes glorious. I see all the Americans failing to get it though, which is amusing
Stephen Stills
3/5
To me the amount of Crosby, Stills, Nash and adjacent artists on here is the equivalent of Americans moaning about Britpop. Kinda tedious. And well over an hour of this stuff? Absolutely no need. 2.5
Coldplay
3/5
They front loaded this one with all the good tracks and the latter half starts to show glimpses of insufferableness (is that a word?). Downhill after the first album as I recalled correctly
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Leonard just does not do it for me. He would have made a great poet but singing? No. And the 80s production and the backing vocals with that voice just doesn’t work. ‘First We Take Manhattan almost sounds like a parody to me here.
Eagles
2/5
Ugh, no, the dreaded Eagles. Never liked them and this just confirmed it. Bland is the word. Plus a guy I had a thing for once ghosted me by sending lyrics from Hotel California, so there’s that
Rod Stewart
3/5
Yikes, I couldn’t even remember what last night’s album was so that says it alll. A bit meh if I’m honest. Next!
Eminem
4/5
Some absolute classics on here clearly but what are rappers always so self indulgent. Some of the nonsense and filler later in the album marks it down a bit. Don’t let the ego run rampant. Less is more guys!
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
I’m of an age yo have listened to them, in fact I believe I had one of their albums back in the day, and I have no idea why they are on here. If we are talking sophistipop then no one comes near The Blue Nile
Björk
2/5
I like Bjork but I think this is where her output starts to go too experimental for me. I get the premise behind it but I will never be listening again
Electric Light Orchestra
2/5
Omg some of these music types aren’t half self inducement. I was losing the will to live by the end of this
CHIC
4/5
I am not ashamed to admit I love a bit of disco. Amazing production, amazing bass. There is a reason why Nile Rodgers is still a top producer. Let down a bit by weaker tracks
Spacemen 3
3/5
This really did not engage me and I listened once on headphones and once on speakers. Something would occasionally grab me like Suicife. Idk I want to give it a 2.5. Oh, and I gave all the ‘bonus’ tracks a miss
Jack White
5/5
Love this. Saw him touring it live and it was great. 5 from me
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Love this. Love Cuba. Fun and joyful
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I really like this one. Better than the last choice I got from them. Torn for a rating. 4.5
Lou Reed
4/5
Another one I want to give a 4.5. Not feeling this atm but on I plough
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Classic stuff
Joanna Newsom
2/5
I just couldn’t with this. Did make it all the way through though which is no mean feat given Iit was on YouTube. Reminded me of Björk but I really struggled to tolerate her voice at times. 2 because of the orchestration and musicianship on display
Shuggie Otis
2/5
Ugh, I was so disappointed by this. I read his Wikipedia page first and I thought it was going to be funky and soulful. It wasn’t
Orange Juice
3/5
Rip It Up is a banger of course. The rest not so much. I do love Zeke Manyika’s style though. Instantly recognisaed it from his work with The The
Taylor Swift
5/5
I’m going to be reckless and give this a 5. I am unashamedly a fan of good pop music. And I even like her lyrics. I’ve listened to this at least 5 times since it popped up so that says something
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
I’ve been torn about this one. Is it a 4 or a 5? Nothing Compares 2 U makes my hairs stand up. Her voice is beautiful. Not sure I would ever be listening to this regularly though. So I think it’s got to be a 4
4/5
Liam’s voice is annoying. And I don’t know how it is that I can be aware that Wonderwall is a dirge and still find it amazing. Still, this has some classics of the genre lol
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Dull. Middle of the road. Uninspiring. Like a lot of the very American stuff on here tbh. Maybe it’s a cultural thing
Kate Bush
5/5
Well, it’s Kate Bush. For me this one flags at the start of side 2. Still gets a 5 though. This Woman’s Work has the ability to reduce me to tears
Nas
3/5
Turns out hip hop isn’t for me. I even had this album back in the day but truthfully it mostly all blends in to one
Os Mutantes
3/5
This did not do it for me I’m afraid. A bit bonkers
Prince
5/5
I mean it is quirky and inconsistent. And it is a double album. But man this brings back memories. And Prince. Is one of the best gigs I ever went to
5/5
Some of it is silly but it just works doesn’t it?
Steely Dan
2/5
This is just what I was expecting. Clearly the musicianship is good but there is nothing likeable about this
Fiona Apple
3/5
I had so much good will for this but it just didn’t do it for me and that is about all I can say
Spiritualized
4/5
I probably won’t listen to this ever again but it worked weirdly well for running. I really need something I can lose myself in/drift off to so I can forget what I’m actually doing. Context is important I guess
Elvis Presley
4/5
This one grew on me as it went on and I ended up wanting to sing along and had to restrain myself due to the lateness of the hour. Just over 30 minutes is perfect and I ended up doing a bit of reading about Elvis and The Colonel too
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
I prefer Spearhead. I want to like this more than I do but it goes on and on and my patience wears thin after a while
Black Sabbath
3/5
The production is terrible, even on remastered, and does the music no justice so I’m knocking a point off. Would be much better live
The Cars
4/5
Sooo this is much better than the usual Americana fare on here. What a nice surprise tbh. A good wee pop album. I may even listen again
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
Yikes, well, this was super disappointing. I kept trying to picture being at some cabaret show watching sultry dancers tangoing away. And then the vibraphone would come in and take over again and it was like something a bit naff from the 80s. Damn you Gary Burton
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Nick Cave is a strange one. On casual listening some of his stuff comes across as ludicrous but it definitely repays further listening. I bet he is great live. I had tickets but I had Covid so missed out. Definitely should have been two separate releases though
PJ Harvey
4/5
This is raw and I appreciate the Steve Albinj (rip) production. Not sure it’s one I want to listen to repeatedly though
The Fall
4/5
I have to admit to never listening to The Fall before, even although I am very aware of Mark E Smith. It’s quite telling that he has a whole Wikipedia section for ‘personality’ lol. And what a pleasant surprise this was. I wonder if this is their more accessible stuff because Brix was involved? Anyway, it’s getting a 4. Glad I listened
Doves
3/5
This hasn’t held up so well. A couple of bangers but honestly the rest is a bit forgettable. Disappointing relisten. And this was nominated for the Mercury music prize. Oh well
The White Stripes
5/5
It’s not quite up there with Elephant but still getting a 5 from me. There is something about them
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
This just annoyed me the more it went on. Dull. Lacklustre vocals. Drum solos. Drum solos get me like that Michael Scott ‘please god, no’ gif.
Haircut 100
3/5
Well, there you go, Nick Heyward was my first pop star crush. Not sure I ever thought of them as groundbreaking though obviously there are a few crackers on here. More like a 2.5
The Clash
3/5
This was a disappointment to me I must admit. The rockabilly I liked but the reggae vibes just weren’t doing it for me. It all got a bit samey and long. London Calling is such a banger too. Oh well
Mj Cole
2/5
That one I remember from the charts, Crazy Love, it’s quite good
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Love love love Led Zeppelin and Robert Plant was indeed a golden god. This doesn’t quite make it to a 5 for me though. Oh well
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
I remember them winning the Mercury and seeing her playing live but it didn’t make an impression other than her distinctive presence. This just doesn’t gel for me. And the vocals are insufferable
David Bowie
4/5
It’s Bowie but I’m not so keen on the instrumental stuf. And tbh I’m not in the mood to say anything more
Fela Kuti
3/5
Quite liked this but I have never really got live albums tbh. Live is a totally different experience and I could actually imagine having a great time watching this live. Point off for drum solos though
Mylo
4/5
People are harsh. I’m not sure this should be on the list but I feel people are marking it down simply because they don’t think it should be. It’s a nice wee electronic album he made in his own bedroom and I’ve added it to my playlist. Fair play
Radiohead
5/5
It’s a no brainer this one. Seeing Radiohead live was a bucket list moment for me. Simply beautiful
Michael Jackson
3/5
Nah, I know it was massive but it’s far from his best. Speed Demon and Liberian Girl are kind of embarrassing tbh
The Fall
3/5
Some of this is good, some of it is samey and apart from anything else it is TOO LONG!! One of very few on here I haven’t listened to all the way through
Garbage
4/5
Love Garbage. Love Shirley but on re listening this doesn’t quite make it to a 5 for me. Still want to look like her though
Van Halen
3/5
Ugh, Jump is iconic and Dave Lee Roth is such a great showman but the rest just trundles along. Hair metal is not my genre
Massive Attack
4/5
Love them but this isn’t quite up there with their best for me. Gets a bit samey. Still better than most though
LL Cool J
2/5
At one point I felt moved to check and see how long there was left to go. The track playing was ‘6 Minutes of Pleasure’. How ironic
Sam Cooke
4/5
Love the music, love the voice but there is something about live albums that doesn’t translate to listening for me and I always end up imagining how good it would be to have been there
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I want to put the rock and roll emoji here. That is all
TV On The Radio
3/5
I had no idea what to expect but was willing myself to like this as I could hear a bit of Radiohead in there. It just didn’t happen though and I was rather underwhelmed
Morrissey
3/5
I want to like this more than I do. I love The Smiths but it’s clear to see that together they had something that none of them can capture on their own
Arcade Fire
4/5
For me this isn’t up there with The Suburbs or Reflektor which I adore. Kind of want to give it a 3.5
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Love Stevie. I see how highly rated this is but for me it’s not quite up there with his very best because it’s a double album and it does overstay it’s welcome a bit. So it’s a 4
Muddy Waters
3/5
Live albums really don’t do it for me. I would rather be there. And a lot of these sound so similar. I get it but I don’t at the same time
Radiohead
5/5
Radiohead’s music is beautiful to me. Fake Plastic Trees, Karma Police, Steet Spirit. I just want to close my eyes and lose myself, which is a good thing. Takes me back to those Jonathan Glazer videos and when MTV was an interesting. So many people hating on Radiohead. Isn’t it funny how tastes can differ so massively?
The Byrds
3/5
Yep, another one from this genre. And the Americans moan about too much Britpop. Jangly and pleasant but a bit dull. Mr Tambourine Man is good but not their song. And the cover of We’ll Meet Again is a shocker. Next!
Sex Pistols
4/5
Of course it is groundbreaking and I do enjoy it but I can’t say I would ever want to sit down and casually listen
Steely Dan
3/5
Steely Dan leave me cold. Never listened to them much before but somehow always knew this. Turns out I was right
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Nope. Proof that the Stones just don’t do it for me. Most of this failed to hold my attention. I’ll stick to their greatest hits thanks
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
Don’t know what to make of this. Ended up listening to it several times. Suspect it might be better if I could understand the story. Or maybe not because it sounds a bit off colour lol. Didn’t hate it didn’t love it probably won’t listen again. Am quite taken with the ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ song that played on the channel afterwards though
Miriam Makeba
4/5
I really liked this. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it’s fun. More albums on here should be fun
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
I’m discovering that ‘classic’ rap is not the genre for me. I get and like some of this. But I can really live without all the ‘bits’, sex noises, posturing and misogyny
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Love Siouxsie but never really listened before I must confess. This was great. Has a good energy about it
Pixies
4/5
Doolittle is one of my all time faves and this isn’t quite up there. Also I saw them live a few years ago and it was one of the most disappointing gigs of my live
Julian Cope
3/5
I like him and some of the tracks were great but it just doesn’t come together as a cohesive album.for me and I certainly wasn’t listening to the 2 disc version the link takes me to
R.E.M.
5/5
Oh lord, I’ve spent ages over this one. I really want to give it a 4.5. What to do? Definitely ahead of its time, sounds like it’s from the 90s and I can see how influential it was. Better than some of the 4s I’ve given. Listened to it at least 4 times. Hmm…
Moby Grape
3/5
I listened to this 3 times and it made very little impression on me. Another one of the meh American records on here from that era. Not bad but not great either
Buzzcocks
3/5
With the best will in the world I cannot give this more than a 3. That Fast Cars one is a banger though and I do agree with him there
Yes
1/5
I was edging towards a two for this. And then America came on. And it took me a few minutes to realise it was a cover. And anyone who can make a beautiful joyous classic like that into an unrecognisable, intolerable mess does not deserve any more than a 1. Apart from all the other things I don’t like about this album
Fever Ray
3/5
Idk about this one. I started off loving it and then it all got a bit samey. Kind of disappointed
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Aww no, EBTG. I kinda remember them being indie darlings and listening to this I really don’t get why. Bland and boring. If we are talking sophistipop you cannot beat The Blue Nile. They seem like nice people though
The Associates
4/5
Ahh, torn on this one. It goes on too long. I’m surprised how experimental it is though. I was expecting a more poppy vibe. And I do like Billy Mackenzie’s voice. It seems to be divisive. His death is such a sad contrast to the glamorous pop star image. Oh go on then, have a 4. Probably should be a 3.5 though
Beastie Boys
3/5
Ugh, this is another one I want to like more than I actually do. The Sabotage video is genius and Sure Shot is great but the rest bores me a bit. Disappointing
The Beach Boys
3/5
This trundled along quite pleasantly and unremarkably and Beach Boysy. And that’s really all I have to say
3/5
I can feel the energy and I bet this would be a blast live but doesn’t it kind of defeat the purpose having it recorded? Idk, I’ve never quite ‘got’ live albums
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
My god, this has not aged well. My heart sank when I saw how long this is and I did not do the bonus tracks. Apart from a couple of tracks this is tedious and Anthony’s ‘lyrics’ are beyond parody. I’ve seen them live as well
Elbow
4/5
Ugh, so I love this album. There are a few absolutely gorgeous tunes on here. But revisiting there are a few that are a bit samey and, dare I say it, slow and dirge like. Kind of want to give it a 4.5 but hey ho. And where are all the Radiohead comparisons coming from? I don’t get that at all
Madness
3/5
I think I’ll stick to the Greatest Hits. That would be a 5
CHIC
4/5
I love a good bit of disco and of course there are some iconic tunes on here. They do kind of overshadow the rest though and I don’t think I would ever listen to this as an album
Nina Simone
5/5
Nina Simone is so captivating. What a voice. What a story. What a lyricist. What an icon. Some of these make my hairs stand up
Sebadoh
2/5
This really did not do it for me. In fact it kind of annoyed me. So much so that I am not in the mood to say anything more. It nearly went down to a 1 at one point
Common
3/5
I started off thinking ooh this is a better offering from a rap artist on this list. I like the vibe and the production. But they just do not know when to stop
Pixies
4/5
I have a liking for Pixies. And I can’t quite put my finger on it. They just work. Terrible live though; which was hella disappointing
Elvis Costello
2/5
Elvis so far is leaving me cold. His voice does nothing for me. The music does little for me. I found it difficult to pay attention to this one
Justice
3/5
Aww god, this started out banging and I was kind of excited but then it kind of fizzled out into all sounding the same. Damp squib for me. Great artwork though
Iggy Pop
4/5
Yep, this is cool. A nice surprise. Didn’t realise Bowie was so heavily involved which is right up my street. Added to the library
Van Morrison
4/5
Ooh, I actually liked this far more than I had anticipated . Missed a 5 star because it drops off a bit towards the end. A nice find though
Hole
5/5
Idk why I never listened to Hole back in the day because that was the sort of stuff I was listening to back then. Maybe I was internalising the misogyny that surrounds Courtney. Anyway, this is great. I’ve been torn on the rating but I’m going to be generous
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I had a couple of listens and this grew on me. Plus I went away and did a bit of reading on Kevin Carter. Never as radical as they were painted, maybe that aspect went with Richey. Can totally see the Phil Spector influence
Santana
4/5
My god, I loved this and it was such a surprise. I thought it was going to be another dull dad rock offering but no! This is what I love about the generator
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
I’ve never heard him before and I really like this. Definitely a grower. I find it kind of intriguing. By far the best ‘YouTube only so I can’t do anything else on my phone while I’m listening’ album so far’
Pink Floyd
5/5
This just works as a complete entity, doesn’t it? (Without the ‘bonus’ live tracks of course). The sound design is great. A one off
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Dull.Trite, hackneyed, somewhat cringeworthy lyrics. ‘Paradise’ is a really bad Simon & Garfunkel rip-off. Too inoffensive for a 1
ZZ Top
3/5
Just meh, really. It trundled along sounding kinda bluesy and that’s all I remember
Steely Dan
3/5
Well, it’s their best offering on here so far. Still does nothing for me though
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Oh, this is so good. Every single track. Saw them live at the first everT in the Park. Memories. And that photo on the cover is disturbing and iconic
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Obviously this is classic stuff. Too polished for me though. I prefer a bit of rawness a La Niña or Billie. Still some cracking stuff though
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
I never heard them before and I am glad the generator introduced me. A bit lo fi for my tastes. I would love to hear this with better production to highlight the different parts of the music better. But that would probably be missing the point
Dead Kennedys
3/5
So apparently punk is not the genre for me. I started off liking this but the novelty quickly wore off. To be fair though, it is the best American punk offering I’ve had so far, so there’s that
Black Sabbath
4/5
Love this. Kind of want to give it 4.5 because it’s not quite there. Some of the tracks drag a bit
The Black Keys
2/5
Jeez, I’m glad that’s over. I mean I really like The White Stripes, you just have to look at my summary. But this lot just leave me cold and I’m not sure I can articulate why. There’s not a lot of passion there, it’s kind of soulless, and in the end all merges in to one. I was willing it to be over. Dull
Cornershop
3/5
This didn’t leave much of an impression. And I have a distinct memory of thinking that the Fatboy Slim remix made Brimful of Asha because the original was dull and pedestrian. This isn’t bad it just doesn’t do anything for me. I want to give it 2.5
Tortoise
2/5
Nope, really not feeling this. I guess you have to be in the mood, maybe chilling with the headphones on letting it wash over you. Clearly I wasn’t
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
They’re call but I do admit that it sounds a bit same. A greatest hits would definitely get a 5. Best listened on a yacht in the Caribbean with the wind blowing through your hair
Simple Minds
4/5
This is great. Flags in places at times though but overall a winner. Captures them at their best before Jim Kerr’s pompous tendencies got the better of him. My mum was once in the same house as Jim Kerr. And she recognised him. They were that famous in Scotland
Christina Aguilera
2/5
This went down in my estimation on the second listen through headphones. Yes, there are a handful of bangers but the rest is kind of dull. They are going for raw and authentic but I’m not buying it
New York Dolls
3/5
It seems punk just doesn’t do it for me. The will is there but I just can’t. I started off liking this album then it kind of all started to merge into one. Want to give it a 2.5
Beck
4/5
I like Beck’s vibe. This is good. I really should have listened to his stuff more. This dips slightly a couple of times which brings it back from edging towards a 5
Aphex Twin
3/5
I like his less ambient stuff. You know, the ones with the amazing and freaky Chris Cunningham videos but this does what it says on the tin I guess
Paul Simon
4/5
This is great. A couple of weaker spots though bring it down. And as for American cries of cultural appropriation, if it’s good enough for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, then it’s good enough for the rest of us
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
Ok, so this makes me feel like a musical ignoramus because I know that they are really good musicians and the improvisation aspect is amazingly skilful. I also see this is fairly highly rated on here. But it just does nothing for me. It sort of wibbles on and I caring the occasional snippet of the tune it’s based on. Why am I almost ashamed of not getting it? I imagine it as background music in a bistro
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Well, what a strange journey I’ve had with this one. I was so disappointed on first listen but something drew my back again and again and now I have listened about 5 times and I think it is truly wonderful. The voice, the guitar, the production. I get it. What a loss
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Ach, I’m so torn. I wasn’t feeling this so much today for some reason. Yet I have listened to it multiple times. I kind of want to give it a 4.5. She was such a talent
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Oh, the familiar pattern of the rap album I am finding. Starts off strong and intriguing, even with the dodgy lyrics, but then the novelty wears off. And they go on far too long. They don’t half overindulge. Still prefer him to Drake though
Bon Jovi
2/5
Dull. Uninspiring. Even Livin’ On A Prayer is by the numbers. Plus one of the most toxic women I ever worked with is a massive Bon Jovi fan, to the extent of going over to New Jersey to see them. Not for me
The Cure
4/5
Oh lord, I really want to give this 3.5. It grew on me with the second listen. A Forest is by far the best track on here. By a mile
Jeff Beck
2/5
On paper I should love this. But it leaves me cold and I think it’s Rod’s voice mainly. There is something pedestrian and lacking here that failed to capture my attention
Björk
5/5
Ahh, Debut. I remember when it came out. Loved it then, love it now. Joyful is the best word for this one. It makes me feel happy about the world and that is no mean feat. No brainer 5*
Emmylou Harris
3/5
I just can’t do most country music. I’ve tried The warbling Southern tone to her voice is mildly annoying to me and I find the music quite bland. It doesn’t hold my interest for a full album. Want to give this 2.5.
Fugazi
4/5
I’m really really torn because I want to give this a 3.5. The music is appealing but his voice is not. I can see how they were influential. I can see this one very slowly growing on me
Air
5/5
Ahh, I forgot how good this actually is. It is tainted by memories from the past which I shall not disclose . I suspect there is bias here because I’m highly rating many fave albums from my younger years. That’s how it goes. It’s a. 5 from me
The War On Drugs
2/5
You know how sometimes something comes up and you think why have I never listened to them more? And then you listen and there is the answer. Kept thinking this sounds like Springsteen, who I’m not a great fan of, but without the occasional banger. And it’s a bit like Arcade Fire but without the appeal. This just trundled by unengagingly
Abdullah Ibrahim
5/5
I had no idea what to expect from this and wow I love it. Listened to it 3 times and it grew on me each listen, which is the mark of a keeper. For that reason it’s getting a surprise 5
Otis Redding
3/5
This leaves me a bit cold and I am trying to put my finger on why. It all sounds a bit samey? By the numbers and lacking in passion somehow. Anyhow, this is not quite what I thought it would be
Soundgarden
3/5
Disappointed to say it’s a 3 from me. Love Chris Cornell’s voice, Black Hole Sun is a classic obviously, but it’s just overindulgent and goes on far longer than it should. In all honestly I prefer Audioslave, has that bit of punch that this lacks
Beatles
3/5
It surprised me how much this didn’t do it for me. I like the individual songs more than I like it as an album. It just doesn’t work well together for me. And I’m not a fan of the production either. A surprising 3
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
This was so disappointing/ I think I thought it was going to be ethereal, idk like The Cocteau Twins maybe. Instead it is just dull, and it all sounds the same. No eemotion, no passion, it was giving absolutely. And the cover versions are awful. Nearly gave it a 1 and didn’t make it through the second listen
Fun Lovin' Criminals
4/5
This is fun and a bit ridiculous and I feel like I like it more than I should. Want to give it a 3.5
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
This is so good it is like a greatest hits package. Banger after banger. My parents generally have terrible taste but I swear they had this back in the day, memory unlocked. Has to be a 5
The Byrds
3/5
I haven’t had a Crosby Still and Nash adjacent offering for a while. I’m going to make like an American moaning about Britpop and complain about there being far too many on here . I actually get how this was influential as it used Moog etc. The production is badly dated though, nothing stands out and it just does nothing for me.2.5
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
I don’t get Lynyrd Skynyrd. I don’t get this. There were glimmers of something occasionally but then it would descend back in to samey stuff. And so long. I don’t care about the story. I did go and read up about George Wallace though. What a piece of work he was
4/5
So torn. Want to give this a 4.5. I mean it is magnificent and gets my hairs standing on end at times but there is something stopping me from giving this a 5. Slight pomposity, slightly dated? Idk
Travis
4/5
I love this. Writing To Reach You was always my fave. It’s rather lovely however occasionally tips over in to the pedestrian. Stayed on for the secret track too 🏴🏴
Taylor Swift
3/5
This was all a bit samey for me. And I like the artists she collabs with on this but idk what it is. Her voice I think makes it all a bit drab? Anyway, the upshot is I prefer poppy TS
Love
3/5
Ugh, I kind of want to give this a 3.5 but that’s not a thing so 3 it is. Too inconsistent. There are a few bangers but the rest doesn’t do enough to engage my interest. Never heard them before so I was intrigued and ultimately a tad disappointed
N.W.A.
3/5
I start off with this one thinking well I am so far from the target market but I am feeling the vibes, even overlooking the misogyny and other nonsense. And then it gets a bit monotonous and it just goes on and on and on. So many of these rapper just love the sound of their own voice. Comes with the territory I guess
The Crusaders
4/5
Oh, I do wish I could rate out of 10. I liked this. Everyone saying on hold music has clearly not been on hold a lot. I probably won’t listen again but I enjoyed this while it lasted. Want to give it 3.5
Japan
5/5
Well, what a lovely surprise. I started off thinking Quiet Life is a banger but the rest was kind of meh But something about it drew me in and I ended up listening multiple times and absolutely loving it. Isn’t it funny how that works with som albums? Maybe it’s something to do with being a huge Duran Duran fan back in the day as there is a clear link there. Who knows? Anyhow, thanks generator for another great discovery
The Temptations
4/5
The whole is less than the sum of its parts somehow in this case. So many stone cold classics that don’t quite add up to a cohesive album. It’s more like a greatest hits I guess. Still gets a 4 though
Ute Lemper
2/5
I really don’t know what to make of this. Is it for real? Is it a parody? Would it work if I was watching it as a Cabaret style musical? I like the first few tracks and after that it just sort of descends into… something. What a weird album. The Wikipedia page doesn’t provide much insight either
Robbie Williams
3/5
Ah Robbie, this hasn’t aged well and is mostly a bit meh, isn’t it? The bangers don’t sound so banging all these years later. I forgot how huge it was when he left Take That and how his cheeky chappie persona was so popular. I think that is what drove his success more than anything else
Ash
3/5
There are some decent tunes on here. I can still remember all the words to Girl From Mars. Which is kind of what I thought about them back in the day. Tim has done well for himself though
R.E.M.
4/5
Ok, so this is a weird. First listen I was like meh, it all sounds a bit samey. But something drew me back to listen again several times and the subtleties became more apparent. It’s gone to a 4 and with time could go higher. Isn’t it funny how some albums do that. Or is it just me?
Eric Clapton
2/5
I listened to this multiple times and it made no impression on me whatsoever
Heaven 17
4/5
Well, another grower. I suspect that some of my preferences and surprising discoveries here reflect when I grew up and first got in to music. I confess that Heaven 17’s ‘Crushed by the Wheels of industry was the first single I ever bought. Not sure why. Never had anything else by them. Listened multiple times today. Torn between a 4 or a 5…
3/5
Another one that didn’t do a lot for me. A bit Led Zeppelin but without the swagger or charisma or Robert Plant’s voice. Want to give it a 2.5
Fats Domino
4/5
It made me wanna get up and dance. A bit samey but in a good way
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Well. this was disappointing. I love Songs For The Deaf, and seeing them that tour is one of my favourite ever concerts but I found this underwhelming. I think a lot of it has to do with the production
Richard Thompson
5/5
I’m surprising myself and giving this a 5. It really grew on me over several listens. Even the more kooky folksie numbers. Another great find from the generator. One reviewer compares this with Frightened Rabbit and I hear it
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
So, this sounds like what it is, a mentally unwell man left to his own devices. There is a glimmer of a decent album in there. I mean, Skip thought these were demos, they were never meant to be released in this form. And they should have left it at the original length and not added the extra tracks which are mostly a mess
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Hell yes! Hard to believe this was their first album and they weren’t even signed yet. They had it all: the swagger, the musicianship, those vocals, Robert Plant in ladies’ blouses. A no brainer 5
Nirvana
5/5
This is just sublime. There is something about Kurt’s voice and his charisma. My love for this album has never faded. It just works
Holger Czukay
1/5
I was really hoping this would grow on me on second listen. It hasn’t. I get it - he is ahead of his time with sampling etc but this is just a mish mash of sounds and weirdness. I thought of the Orb at times, but they have a more ambient sounds that appeals to me
Metallica
2/5
Apparently I don’t like Metallica as much as I thought I did. This was just all kind of samey apart from a couple of moments. I just kept imagining a bunch of middle aged men in double denim with patches and bad hair headbanging and doing the horns in a dingy club
Parliament
4/5
Love a bit of funk. There is something joyful about it and it makes me want to move. One start off for being a wee bit on the repetitive side. What’s not to love though?
Stephen Stills
3/5
The first half is pretty strong and almost had me forgiving the fact that this is yet another CSNY adjacent album. It fades away in the second half though so the blandness of the genre is just about restored
Kate Bush
5/5
Sublime. One of my all time favourites. Kate Bush has always been fearless and this album is a bit bonkers but it just works
Dolly Parton
3/5
I must confess, though I love Dolly, I am not a huge fan of that vibrato. And this all sounds a bit samey to me. I think she’s one of those artists where I would prefer a greatest hits package
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
I was expecting something a bit wild and wacky from The Flying Burrito Brothers and an album called The Gilded Palace of Sin. And this was certainly not that. Also, how is this ‘alternative’ country? This type of music just does not do it for me. Samey and uninteresting
Suzanne Vega
4/5
I loved this back in the day. Listening has brought back memories. It doesn’t quite make it to a 5 though and I’m not sure why. I think it may be the production. So it’s a 4 from me
Willie Nelson
3/5
I like Willie Nelson. The weird thing is the more I listened to this the less I liked it. It usually works the other way round. I think it all got a bit samey after a while
Lou Reed
4/5
My god, this is a strange one. On first listen I hated it but second time around I appreciated it more. My first thought was that I can see it being a musical and then I read there were plans for a stage version, which makes sense. It’s not something I would want to listen to regularly. The bit with the kids shouting for their mum is heart rending
The Divine Comedy
2/5
The juxtaposition of the orchestral music and the oh so clever lyrics just doesn’t do it for me. I toyed with giving this a one but apparently it was recorded live which is pretty impressive
Linkin Park
4/5
I know this is a bit teenage angsty and all that but I still really like it. I can shout along with all the lyrics and it’s quite cathartic. It’s heavy but also melodic which suits me
FKA twigs
2/5
I had no idea what to expect from this. It bored me. I gave it a couple of chances. There was just nothing to latch on to. It was all a bit lacklustre somehow
Milton Nascimento
2/5
This was not quite what I expected. It did nothing for me and I’m quite disappointed. I lost interest, it went on too long
The Sugarcubes
4/5
I had this back in the day but didn’t remember anything about it except that ‘Birthday’ is an all time classic. This is quirky and fun and interesting and grew on me after several listens. I see the B52s/Talking Heads comparisons and that is not a bad thing
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
On Wikipedia there is are quotes from music critics talking about ‘cacophonous ostentation’, ‘the failure of three performers to become to become creators’ and ‘enervating portentous lyrics’. No more needs to be said
Beatles
4/5
To me this is not one of their best. There are some cracking songs on there but it isn’t a cohesive body of work for me. I guess it reflects the fact that they were on the verge of breaking up. Still a 4 though
Public Enemy
3/5
I’m finding a pattern with the hip hop/rap albums on here. I start out quite excited and the enthusiasm quickly fades as every track sounds similar and starts to blur in to one. And they always love the sound of their own voices and go on for far too long. At least this one doesn’t feature misogyny or constant boasting about sexual exploits, and I do get its cultural significance
Motörhead
2/5
I’m really not a fan of live albums. You don’t get the energy and atmosphere that comes with actually being present in the crowd at a concert. And with the best will in the world, this all sounds very similar
The The
5/5
So, I know the lyrics verge on the ridiculous at times because they are so dark and self-loathing. However, I have loved this album since back in the day and have still revisited it from time to time. The Jools Holland and Zeke Manyike solos are great. He attracts some great musicians
Randy Newman
2/5
This did nothing for me and I don’t get why it’s on here at all. It’s just Randy Newman being Randy Newman. I get the feeling he is probably insufferable
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
This was just kind of underwhelming. And the bonus cover versions I could have done without. Meh
Minor Threat
2/5
This sort of shouty angry stuff just doesn’t do it for me. I would imagine a large part of the appeal of this would be experiencing it live. I’ve never understood the moshing thing though. Aggressive masculine energy. Better than the Black Flag offering though
The Smiths
3/5
I am not ashamed to admit I am a Smiths fan. However, for me this is their weakest offering. There are none of their best tracks here (the version I listened to does not have How Soon Is Now? which would take this up a notch). A tad underwhelming. Want to give it a 3.5
Skepta
4/5
I have to say that I like this more than most of the American rap offerings on here. Forgot he won the Mercury with this. It’s a 4 from me
The Adverts
3/5
This one just didn’t grab me at all, though I can see how it was influential. Idk, I heard a bit of early REM in there? Underwhelming though
Solomon Burke
4/5
This man had 21 children. Anyway, good voice but it’s all a bit generic somehow. Still getting a 4 though. Classy stuff
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Oh Marvin, I’m sorry but this bored me. I hope it was cathartic for you though
Isaac Hayes
3/5
It’s a good soundtrack. I kept picturing people walking about in the 70s gear as I was listening. But it doesn’t really work as a stand alone album. Might have to give the movie a watch now
The Rolling Stones
3/5
The first and last tracks are immense the filling in between is a bit meh. I’m discovering I am definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to the Stones
Beach House
3/5
I hated this on first listen but it grew on me a bit the second time. Still kinda dull though and I won’t be listening again
XTC
2/5
This bored me. No hooks, nothing to latch on to. I expected more pop lines tbh. Disappointing
Venom
2/5
I honestly don’t know how seriously I am meant to be taking this. I mean, I looked at the picture of Cronos on his Wikipedia page and he cannot be entirely serious surely? This is very masculine isn’t it, I picture the crowd all standing head banging and doing the rock horns with their pints of snakebite and black. Not for me. Apparently it was very influential though, so I’ll give them that
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
This is a weird one. It really grew on me over a few listens. A good pop album overall
Beck
2/5
This bored me. Too one note and too long. Clearly I prefer quirky Beck
Blur
4/5
This is definitely a slow burner that repays multiple listens. And it is one of those albums that sounds better on the headphones for some reason. Goes on just a bit too long to earn a 5 from me
Living Colour
4/5
Yet another that was underwhelming on first but I enjoyed it much more second time around. Love the funkiness
Cocteau Twins
4/5
I’ve always liked the vibe of Cocteau Twins and Liz Fraser’s nonsense language doesn’t bother me either, it somehow fits in with this type of music (wonder if Royksopp took some inspiration). It does all get a bit samey though. 🏴🏴
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
I like Teenage Fanclub but for me Grand Prix is a far better album. This one is pleasant of course but a wee bit lacking in melody and hooks. Two Scottish albums in a row though 🏴🏴🏴
Talking Heads
5/5
Ok, so this one blew me away. By far the best album of theirs on here. And I can really see how influential it has been. Leftfield, Massive Attack, Django Django etc. Triple whammy for Scotland also (yes I am claiming David Byrne)
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
I know Andrew Weatherall was a legendary producer and all (Screamadelica etc) but this just bored. No hooks, not trancelike enough, not interesting enough. Only listened to it once and I usually give every album at least two listene
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Apparently lo-fi just isn’t for me. I don’t like his voice and the muddy production values make everything sound the same. It bores me. The Cure cover is the best thing here and even it is not great (why does it end so abruptly)?
Moby
4/5
Lord I had forgotten how big this was back in the day. It’s good but not sure I’d want to listen to it on the regular. Bit too long as well
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
I had so much good will towards this and I usually love African rhythms but this kinda bored me. They should have either gone more African or more Cooder style guitar-tastic. Felt like they compromised and it ended up a bit bland
Elvis Presley
3/5
This is underwhelming to me somehow. I find his voice lacking in personality and depth. It’s all a bit pedestrian. I never expected I would say that but here we are
New Order
3/5
I want to like this more than I actually do. Not sure it has aged so well. Think I’m more of a singles girl when it comes to New Order. Want to give it a 3.5
Mike Oldfield
3/5
This is bonkers, isn’t it? I remember my dad had this on vinyl. I wonder if all those people who bought it on the back of The Exorcist knew what they were letting themselves in for. Also to the dude wittering on about child abuse, Roman Polanski did not direct Thr Exorcise and Wm Friedkin was never accused as far as I’m aware.
Solange
3/5
Disappointing because Cranes in the Sky is a banger. I like the vibe but the music doesn’t do anything interesting
Johnny Cash
3/5
I mean it’s fun and it sounds like they are all having a blast. This is one album where the live part actually enhances the listening experience. It’s not something I’d listen to on the regular though. And as others have said, why are there two of his prison albums on this?
Fiona Apple
2/5
There’s a glimmer of good songs here but then she goes off on one. I must admit to finding this kind of insufferable.
Boston
3/5
Competent middle of the road dad rock which does absolutely nothing for me. Except More Than A Feeling which is a banger obviously
G. Love & Special Sauce
2/5
This bored me and tbh that is really all I have to say about it
Kraftwerk
4/5
Isn’t it funny how some albums grow on you just on a second listen? This one did. I can see how influential this was. Also like the sense of humour
5/5
My wee face lit up when I saw this one. An old favourite. Love her. There is an edge to her voice here which really works. And of course Thom Yorke. Never grow tired of this album
2/5
I swithered about giving this a 1. That title and cover art alone, the swearing, the excessive length, that annoying laughing that goes on and on. But in the end there are some half decent tunes here. It’s all very puerile though, I kept thinking Beavis and Butthead
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I don’t know with Bruce. I recognise he is good at what he does and that it has appeal. It just leaves me a bit cold. Did grow on me over two listens though. Funny how that works
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
This is great. I know the songs because my dad used to listen to them. So many classics on the one album. It gets a four because it is not something I would ever think of listening to on a whim
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Melt is one of my great discoveries from this thing. I’ve listened to this one several times and it just hasn’t come together for me. Maybe he was still trying to find his voice after leaving Genesis? And Modern Love sounds like Bruce Springsteen
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
There are some absolute classics on here for sure but this isn’t something I would choose to listen to as a whole
10cc
3/5
Er, I honestly don’t know what to make of this one. I’m not averse to a bit of quirkiness but I’m not really feeling their sense of humour and it does go a bit musical theatre at times. Want to give it a 2.5
Pavement
2/5
I want to like this more than I do. I used to listen to all the indie stuff back in the day. This really does nothing for me though. His voice is awful and the whole thing is lacking in melody. I don’t get it
John Martyn
3/5
Ach, I love Solid Air but this one just doesn’t do it for me. Nothing grabs me. It’s pleasant but nothing more
B.B. King
4/5
I’m not usually one for live albums but this is good. Love his voice and for me the audience noises add to it. Want to give it 3.5 because it is all a bit samey but I’m feeling generous this morning
Tom Tom Club
4/5
This is a fun listen. Knew the first two tracks but didn’t know it was them. Did check Wikipedia for the original track listing as I wasn’t listening to over 2 hours worth. With more listens this could even stretch to a 5
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
This is one that definitely works best on the headphones. LCD Soundsystem have been one of my fave discoveries of this thing. How had I never heard of them before? Would like to see them live. Was considering giving this a 5 but it doesn’t quite get there. Listened to it multiple times, there are some absolute bangers here
Iron Butterfly
2/5
Omg, this bored me. Yes, even the epic title track. Which I must have heard before (because Manhunter) but obviously did not make much of an impression. And to think this was the best selling album of the year in the US. Wild
The Soft Boys
4/5
This is surprisingly good. I never heard of them before. I can see how it has been influential. Nearly took marks off for some of the daft lyrics. Want to give it a 3.5 but that’s not a thing so 4 it is
Supergrass
4/5
I never really paid much attention to Supergrass at the time, and I can see why. This is good but I’m not sure I’d want to listen to it on the regular. Moving came on after and that is a banger. Another one I want to give a 3.5 to
Talk Talk
3/5
This was disappointing. The first few tracks were fairly strong and then it just faded away to bland nothingness for me
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Ok, so this doesn’t work as a cohesive album which is a bit odd given the supposed concept. I mean there are some absolute bangers on here - ‘America’ gives me goosebumps. But I’d rather listen to them independently or as part of a hits package than listen to this as a whole
Queen
2/5
So this strangely sounded so much better through the headphones but I’m still not a fan. It’s too metal for me I guess. I think Freddie’s voice and persona definitely fit better with their later styles
The Doors
4/5
This one almost gets a 5 but I have to knock a point off for the Morrison cringe factor, particularly the Oedipus bit in ‘The End’. I wonder if the man had a sense of humour or did he really take himself that seriously? This album gets a 4 despite itself
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Pleasant, inoffensive and a bit dull. I really want to give this a 2.5 and I’m pissed off that the likes of this is on here and the masterpiece that is Massive Attack’s ‘Mezzanine’ is not
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
I really like this and I saw them live back in the day but there’s something that stops me giving this a 5 and I’m not quite sure what it is
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Ok, so this is very evocative of a certain time. Conjures up black and white moves, Some Like It Hot etc. While I recognise they are very talented and top of their genre this is not something I would ever choose to listen to, it gets a bit boring for me, may prefer some with vocals. Also, the up tempo tracks are more appealing
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Looking back I gave their other album on here a 5. Wonder what my mindset was at the time. While this is good and probably my fave Americana type album on here, plus Bad Moon Rising is a banger, it doesn’t quite get there for me
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
This is good but her voice does grate a wee bit at times and I’m not over keen on the version of Summertime. Bet they were great live though. Want to give this a 3.5
Caetano Veloso
1/5
Nope. This is awful. A cacophony of noises. And I don’t like his voice. The whole thing just annoyed me
Brian Wilson
2/5
Sorry but this is an irritating mess. Good Vibrations is great though
Primal Scream
5/5
Ok, so admittedly this is probably a nostalgic 5 but this is great. Primal Scream never did anything else remotely as good as this though so I think Andrew Weatherall (r.i.p.) has to get a lot of the credit
Kanye West
2/5
The first four tracks bode well but after that it becomes a bit of a disjointed ans irritating mess. Not keen on the production style either
Gene Clark
1/5
The number of. Crosby Still Nash Young and adjacent albums on this thing is ridiculous. And none of them are particularly interesting. This bored me. Want to give it 1.5 but oh well
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
Ugh. I like this but really want to give it a 3.5. I am a bit of a fan of the repetitive techno genre but it does get a bit samey eventually. What to do? Think it’s gotta be a 3
Talvin Singh
2/5
This really left me cold. The cultural and globetrotting influences just didn’t come across, other than the tablas obviously. I was bored
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
Maybe this is historically important, I have no idea but it did absolutely nothing for me. My average score is going down and down at this rate. Fingers crossed for the next selection
Fairport Convention
3/5
The first half of this really grew on me but the second half really drops away and loses my interest. Much preferred the Richard and Linda Thompson offering which is one of my best discoveries from this thing
Bauhaus
3/5
This is all over the place. I love some of it, I hate some of it. Kind of disappointing tbh
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
There are moments of loveliness here but overall it bores. The amount of CSNY and adjacent stuff on this list is astonishing. And not in a good way
Miles Davis
2/5
Ugh, I don’t know what to make of this. I like some of the vibes and I recognise that they are great at their craft and there is method to their madness. But then they go off on one and go on and on and on and I just lose interest. I will never listen to this again. Want to give it a 2.5
The KLF
4/5
So, the first time I listened I thought ffs this is rubbish, more of an art project rather than musically great. Second time I'm really enjoyed it. So maybe they really did know what they were doing. It was fun being reminded of all their shenanigans. Interesting that both regret burning the money
The Strokes
5/5
This is a firm favourite. I remember the fuss at the time. They had the talent to back it up though. And looked effortlessly cool in skinny jeans. They write a great pop tune. This sounds as good today as it did then. Classic
Tom Waits
2/5
I struggle with Tom Waits. There are glimmers of a top tune or a good vocal and then it all goes quite odd and it’s a no. Great lyrics though. He would make a great poet. I feel the same about Leonard Cohen
Method Man
3/5
So, I do prefer the laid back vibe of this compared to other hip hop albums on here: And it seems to be somewhat less offensive. It all gets a bit samey after a while. At least it is a reasonable length and doesn’t have annoying interludes
The National
3/5
I feel like I would like this more with different, production and instrumentation and voice. Sounds ridiculous but there is a core of something in there that I really like but the way it is presented is dull. Want to give it a 3.5. I suspect it is a bit of a grower though
The Lemonheads
4/5
Aww, back in the day this was my Sunday morning after the Saturday night out, lying in bed chilling out/ Nice but not quite good enough for a 5
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
This has likeable elements to it but could really do with decent production to bring them out . And ditch the electric jug which is irritating and distracting
Minutemen
4/5
Kinda torn with this one. Liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I was imagining something similar to Black Flag but it’s a lot more enjoyable and complex. It does overstay its welcome though. I really want to give it a 3.5
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
This is just indulgent self important nonsense. I get it, they are proper musicians. This is ridiculous. Would quite happily listen to the original but the keyboards in particular do nothing for the pieces. Nut Rocker is the best thing here but it’s not enough
Billie Holiday
4/5
Not sure why this one of Billie’s over all others. Her voice was kind of shot by drug and alcohol abuse at this point: Also, most of her best songs aren’t here. Still gets a 4 though. Legendary
The Monks
3/5
This is all over the place. Reading their Wikipedia entry tells me why. I like the more garage-y stuff. Some of it is a bit bonkers, for example Cuckoo, which apparently is a love song? They actually had the tonsures as well. Also, not a fan of the distorted sound. Interesting though
Oasis
5/5
Well; the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts with this one. It was just right at the time. I remember the huge buzz around them. You don’t get that very often. Has to be a 5
The Damned
3/5
I guess I don’t really get the appeal of sitting and listening to a punk record. Having said that, at least this one has some tuned and decent lyrics and a sense of fun, which is something sadly lacking in the American hardcore/punk offerings on here
The Beta Band
3/5
This has some really interesting touches that piqued my interest but then they don’t really do anything with them. I wanted to like this so much more. Disappointing
Neil Young
4/5
I thought I would hate this and I was pleasantly surprised. His voice is still hard to take at times though
Pere Ubu
3/5
I didn’t hate this. I hear some Talkung Heads and some Pixies in here so that’s a win in my book. Codex is terrible though
Erykah Badu
2/5
I have so much good will towards the women on the list and there are some nice groves here. I’m not a huge fan of her voice though. And nothing stands out, it just sort of counters along inoffensiveky. I want to give it a 2.5 but the length cuts it to a 2. No need
The Prodigy
4/5
Oof, such a banger!
Bob Dylan
2/5
I just can’t with Bob Dylan and I almost feel the need to apologise for it. He just goes on and on and his voice does nothing for me. Another one in the ‘would have made a great poet’ brigade’ for me along with Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen
Aerosmith
3/5
Idk, I like elements of this but as a whole it becomes quite underwhelming after a while. Despite Tyler et al’s posturing this lacks a certain swagger for me
Throbbing Gristle
3/5
I find this quite intriguing, if I’m honest. I don’t hate it and I can see its influence . Genesis was an interesting character. I feel all their work is more like performance art
Laibach
3/5
Ok, so I got this the day after Throbbing Gristle in a wee bottom of the pile double whammy and tbh I don’t hate either of them. At least they’re not boring. It’s all about the context I feel as it’s more performance art. Would be intrigued to see them live
Slayer
2/5
Omg, well I usually listen to every album at least twice but there is no need with this one. It holds very little of interest for me, and really the screaming and the lyrics tip it well over in to ludicrous territory. The occasional discernible pleasing riff and I appreciate they have skill but this genre is not for me
Queen
4/5
I disliked this on first listen but I gave it a couple more tries and what do you know, it’s grown on me rather a lot. There is always something mildly ridiculous about Queen, I think they know it though
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Eh, so yep Lydon’s vocals are terrible. And I did think at one point they could be improvising and then I checked Wikipedia and I was right. I don’t really get it. The bass grooves are the highlight
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Ah, now this is one of my all time faves. Such a great album. I almost didn’t want to move on so I could keep playing it. It’s that good. Needs must though so on I trundle
Khaled
4/5
Cheesy and, yes, it does give me vibes of eating in a kebab restaurant. But it strangely grew on me over a few listens. I prefer the more upbeat and Arabic sounding efforts to the more Western ones. He’s getting a four from me
Deee-Lite
4/5
Of course ‘Groove Is in the Heart’ is an absolute all-time banger and by far the outstanding track on here. I don’t get all the hate for this album though. They have a fun vibe and aesthetic and it is good upbeat house music that puts a wee spring in the step
Scott Walker
3/5
He has a great voice but this whole thing is a bit underwhelming. The song structure just isn’t there, there is no hook to grab on to with most of the tracks. Also, I know that ‘Duchess’ song but I have no clue where from
Little Simz
4/5
What a lovely discovery. This is what I am doing the generator. Love the vibe and the beats behind the words are catchy. It would edge towards a 5 but the second half doesn’t quite hold up for me
Neu!
2/5
I actually liked this less on the second listen. You can tell it’s two guys doing their own thing separately. First half sounds like spa music or something off a meditation app. Second half is just a bit rubbish. Can see it was probably ahead of its time and influenced post rock but still… Want to give it 1.5 b cause it’s not quite bad enough for a one
Beth Orton
2/5
This is another one that weirdly I liked less on second listen. Stolen Car is by far the best track, the rest is a bit meh. And I had Trailer Park back in the day. If this is on here then Laura Marling really should be too
Alice Cooper
3/5
As everyone else is saying, this is unexpected. It doesn’t quite come together as a listening experience for me though. Could imagine some sort of stage should would be fun though. Want to give it 3.5
Stan Getz
3/5
This is nice but bland and would never interest me more than anything other than background music
Saint Etienne
4/5
This is an old fave. I’ve listened to it loads. I love the aesthetic and it’s so well put togethrrr. Sarah’s voice isn’t great but it really works with what they do. Doesn’t quite make a 5 for me though
Le Tigre
4/5
Liked the 60s touches on here. This was a nice surprise actually, not as shouty and angry as I was expecting. Want to give it a 3.5, probably won’t listen again tbh
Morrissey
2/5
Morrissey and Marr had some sort of alchemy together that neither has been able to conjure up since. And what happened to his morbid sense of humour? He seems to have lost it somewhere along the way. And the music is pretty dull to me. Want to give this a 2.5. Kind of torn…
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This is a weird one because on first listen through the speakers it was a bit meh in that I felt that the classic versions of the songs overshadowed this album. However on second listen through the earphones it sounded much better, her phrasing and her voice sound so good. Weird how that happens sometimes
Cheap Trick
2/5
I’m not a fan of live albums at the best of times and this one is just dull and the sound is terrible. Apparently it has cultural and aesthetic significance though so what the hell do I know?
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Sooo, I really want to give this a 3.5z I liked it but I didn’t love it, it just went on a bit too long at times. Cool vibes though and great musicianship
Orbital
3/5
For me this is better enjoyed live I would imagine. Apparently they put on a great show. On an album not so much and it really doesn’t work on the headphones. The playlist after had The Box which I love and has a great video with Tilda Swinton
Green Day
4/5
I don’t care about the concept or any of that nonsense, this is just a decent listen. Slightly uneven quality but there are some classics in there. Not punk though but whatever
Kraftwerk
5/5
Ok, it’s getting a 5. I’ve listened to it multiple times so that says something. Definitely ahead of its time and so influential, there is something compelling about it
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
So many rappers just overindulge. There’s too much of everything: too many producers, too long, too busy. And that interminable outro. There are bits of this I really like though and the lack of misogyny is refreshing
3/5
With the best will in the world I cannot give this more than a 3. There aspects of it I really like but in the end there is not enough that stands out. They have better albums than this
Underworld
4/5
Banging tunes. They know what they are doing. Probably best enjoyed on the dance floor with strobe lights and dry ice where you can lose yourself in the music
Jungle Brothers
2/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. So dated. And dull. And a bit shouty. And very little musicality. I mean it’s not offensive, which is sadly refreshing for rap music on here, but it leaves me cold
Suicide
3/5
I liked this in a weird way. That final track was a tad disturbing though. This was honestly not what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be Black Flag type stuff but tbh I liked it better
Songhoy Blues
4/5
I like the mix of rock and traditional sounds. There is something infectious and joyful about this. What a nice discovery
David Bowie
4/5
This doesn’t really grab me as much as some of his other stuff. I would imagine it’s a grower though. Still interesting enough for a 4
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I really like the use of samples, the funky elements and the jazzy elements. I got The Jungle Brothers a few days ago and this is certainly far less dated. It also has good vibes, no misogynistic nonsense which is a bonus. I fear hip hop just is not the genre for me
Elliott Smith
2/5
His stuff just bores me tbh. There is no depth to the music. With the best will in the world it does nothing for me
Madonna
4/5
I do like this but I’m not sure it has aged particularly well. William Orbit had his moment. It’s a bit on the long side too. Want to give it 3.5. Madonna is a pop legend and I did see her live many years ago supported by Technotronic lol so 4 it is
Bad Company
3/5
Idk, this is boring, pedestrian. It lacks pizzazz and swagger. It’s all about sex but it ain’t sexy. Seagull is probably the best track on here but those lyrics made me cringe. Want to give it 2.5
The Beach Boys
3/5
The myth is better than the reality A couple of belters, a lot of pretty dull filler and some wal of sound-esque production. Want to give it a 2.5, does not live up to the hype
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
I recognise this is good for what it is but I am discovering that country is really not the genre for me
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Isn’t it strange how some albums grow on you? On first listen this was a 2 but something compelled me to re listen a few times and now it’s a3.5 to 4. How does that work?
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I like The Smashing Pumpkins but this is a bit too much. I also weirdly find I have to pay attention when listening ot it does nothing for me. Definitely demands attention. The aesthetic, artwork, videos etc are fantastic
The Band
3/5
Better than the last offering from them. There are flashes of stuff I really like but not enough to stand out or entice me to want to listen again. Meh is the word that springs to mind
Supergrass
4/5
So, this is better than their other one on here. I gave that a 4 though but this one is not worth 5, say 4.5 rounded down. They mix it up more here and you can hear the influences. There is something uplifting about their music
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Underwhelming
Orbital
4/5
Oof, this thing is showing me that I am more of a raver than I ever would have thought. Love this. Much better than their other offering on here. Almost makes it to a 5, might well do over time but there isn’t quite enough variety for me a la Leftfield etc
The Stooges
4/5
Love it. Can hear how it has influenced so many (Pj Harvey, Nick Cave jump out at me). The only thing letting it down is the production. Bet this would have been fantastic live
Alice In Chains
3/5
I can hear why Nirvana were the big breakthrough act from the grunge era. There is a sense of melody that the others lack, and of course Kurt’s voice bring something extra that the likes of Layne Staley just didn’t have. It’s all a bit dirge like and samey to my ears. Next
Django Django
4/5
Aww, this is an old favourite. Doesn’t quite reach a 5 though, want to give it 4.5, and actually I think it’s the vocals that are a bit wishy washy. They are fantastic live though, so much energy to the music
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
My main feeling listening to this was annoyance and I’m trying to pinpoint why. I think it’s because there were promising glimmers here and there but then it would descend into something kind of tedious. I guess it’s the promise of something that never materialises. Plus, yes, we all know he is wildly over represented on here
Joan Baez
1/5
No, this is awful. And even more unbearable through the headphones on second listen, I was wincing at some of the shriekier moments. And there are some lovely traditional songs on here but she strips them of all character and nuance and makes them all sound the same. Not a fan of that scene anyway but this is the worst one yet
Harry Nilsson
4/5
This really grew on me over 3 listens. Funny how some albums do that. Quirky and a bit different, which I like, his personality shines through and there are some definite bangers
The xx
2/5
This leaves me cold tbh. If we’re going for something similar it really ought to be London Granmar who knock this lot out of the park
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Well, I have surprised myself by really liking this. I like the vibe much better than other offerings that have come up from him. His voice isn’t the best but it somehow works on this record. A solid and unexpected 4
ZZ Top
3/5
Ahaha, I remember this from back in the day. My dad loved those videos. The famous songs are bangers, the rest not so much
Robert Wyatt
2/5
I do see the Radiohead comparisons but I’m genuinely baffled by this album. It just doesn’t work for me. I don’t like his voice. The music doesn’t hang together and the surrealist elements (hello Ivor Cutler) don’t do anything for me either. 2 because it’s not unlistenable and there are glimmers of something good
James Brown
4/5
I’m not usually one for live albums but I really liked the energy of this. It sounded intimate and sweaty and entertaining and he was some performer. Terrible person but that’s not the point of this exercise
Butthole Surfers
3/5
I don’t hate this. I don’t love it either. It’s another of those weird ones that is all about the performance I would imagine. Plus my son used to love the band name and run about shouting it when he was a toddler, so there’s that
Tito Puente
4/5
Love this. Makes me think of being at the Tropicana Club in Cuba . There is something joyful about this music. I was jiggling away quite the thing in my seat on the bus on the way home, and you can’t ask for much more than that
Black Sabbath
4/5
I get it, it was the birth of a new genre and massively influential. For me there is something lacking though, a bit of pizazz or theatrically. There are some killer riffs but it all goes a bit pedestrian and plodding at times. I think the production is partly to blame. Ozzy’s voice is a weak link here. Want to give this 3.5
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I’m not sure if this makes sense: I get they are good at what they do but it doesn’t hold much interest for me
Crowded House
4/5
I remembered this as being sublime and it doesn’t quite live up to that hype. It somehow sounds a bit lacklustre at times. Still, there are some fantastic pop songs on here
Portishead
4/5
The famous tracks are all time classics that make my hair stand on end from the start. The rest, however, don’t quite live up to the hype. To be fair it is an exceptionally high bar. My word, I feel like this thing is starting to make me more picky
Bill Callahan
4/5
Well, this was a weird one. On first listen I really did not like this and it was a definite 2, but I gave it my customary second listen and somehow it really grew on me and it’s being added to the library. His voice is definitely an acquired taste and some of the lyrics are a bit twee but it’s still getting a 4
Dire Straits
3/5
A couple of crackers but the rest is dull dad rock. CDs and MTV did them a great service here
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
This does nothing for me. It all sounds the same, and it’s not particularly interesting to me. Bruce is no story teller, it all sounds inauthentic, there’s no heart and soul, no drama, no humour, no poignancy coming across in his delivery. Next
The Offspring
3/5
This didn’t do a great deal for me. I could see the influences and what they were going for but they don’t quite get there. His voice is lacking and the songwriting just isn’t good enough for me
Elton John
4/5
The first half of this is absolutely worthy of a 5. The second half falls away though. Some of these artists get carried away with self indulgence. A bit of trimming and this would be an all time classic. Still gets a 4 though
Cyndi Lauper
2/5
Nope, not feeling this one. Her voice is kind of annoying and the production sounds cheap and dated to my ears. The two big hits are great but they are not enough to elevate this beyond a 2
Gene Clark
3/5
Well, thank the Lord this is better than the last offering from him, which I gave ⭐️ Another in the seemingly endless number of CSNY and adjacent albums on here. At least this one isn’t boring, there is actually quite a lot of different things going on. It does tail off towards the end though. In an ideal world it would get a 7
Bob Dylan
4/5
Well, I really liked this one, which is something I never thought I’d say about Dylan. The electric Judas thing was definitely a good move. More tuneful, less whiny with some classic tracks. Drops off a bit towards the end though
Gram Parsons
4/5
This is a tough one to rate. I’m not a fan of that pedal steel classic country sound generally. But their voices sound great together and there is something appealing about this, particularly the second half with the live medley and Love Hurts. Really want to give a 3.5 but what the hell, I must be in a good mood
SZA
2/5
Call me old fashioned but a lot of these contemporary R & B albums seem to be all about the vibe and to me the vibe ain’t all that great. Where are the hooks and the melody? Maybe I’m missing the point but it just leaves me cold
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Patchy. There are some great bits and Been Caught Stealing takes me back to being in the rock club on a Saturday night. Good times. A lot of it meanders along a bit aimlessly though. And his voice gets a bit grating at times
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Remember them being popular with NME etc back in the day.. idk, this couldn’t hold my interest for long. Nothing grabbed me and engaged my interest. Suspect it may be a grower but it’s never going to get the chance. Oh well
Soft Machine
1/5
Thanks generator, I hate it. When I listen to music I am not interested in ‘the tension between complicated harmonies, extended improvisation, and the sincere desire to write catchy pop songs’. Well, they certainly failed in the last one here. This is music for boring musos - those who would rather stand at the back of a gig analysing the music than really getting in to it. Robert Wyatt’s accent is irritating (although at least there is not a great deal of it here). And I can’t even imagine this being a blast live, unlike the likes of Throbbing Gristle, Einsturzende Neubaten etc where there is very much a performance element. I imagine them standing concentrating, noodling away. No thanks. Bonus, I was motivated to do my hoovering on the second listen through
Kid Rock
2/5
I don’t know what’s happened to me. First time of listening I hated this, then when I listened again on the headphones I was bopping around my kitchen. There are some decent grooves here. I hate the lyrics though and that autotune is awful. It goes on too long and I have no intention of ever listening again. Also, I have no idea what a bullgod is and the first time I listened I genuinely thought he was singing ‘pool guy’.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
No, sorry, this is not good. I’m not hearing grunge in here, it kind of just lumbers along rather boringly. There’s no sense of dynamics, loud and soft, anything like that, and his voice is horribly exposed here. I don’t get it
The Kinks
4/5
This is great. Ray Davies is such a good songwriter. And clearly this was a massive influence on certain Britpop bands. Gets just a wee bit too whimsical for my liking towards the end though. A solid 4
Coldcut
2/5
This really hasn’t aged well. And yes it does go on for far too long. I don’t find it particularly joyous or uplifting either which is surely crucial for this genre. Loving a bit of unexpected Mark E Smith though
Neil Young
3/5
There are some great songs on here, but I am afraid I just can’t with that voice. It takes away from the songwriting and I have to deduct one point for that. I imagine there are interpretations of these songs I would enjoy much more than Neil’s versions
Ice T
2/5
Ok, this genre just isn’t for me. Not interested in hearing about bitches and pussy and booty and all of that nonsense. The only two bits that stood out for me were Body Count and the posh bird’s testimonial. And why always so long? My god they are so self indulgent in this genre. Literally in love with the sound of their own voices. Next
Marvin Gaye
4/5
I like my funk a bit funkier, if that makes sense. This is just a bit too smooth for my liking, however that voice is fantastic of course. Plus the oversexed them tips over into cringe at times. Want to give it a 3.5
Green Day
3/5
This is a bit meh, I’m afraid. Most of it just trundles along fairly forgettably in the same tempo with very little loud and soft etc. And his voice has a similar effect. Kind of boring. The singles are decent. That last track is crap though
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
I feel like this needs some time to process. I had no idea what to expect. I like all the different elements, they somehow work together to make a cohesive album. Interesting. I’ll be coming back to this one
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
Obnoxious
I suspect Zappa would have appreciated that description
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
The good parts are really really good, the rest of it is… well, dated and kind of bizarre at times. Surely that Stevie wonder song is some sort of parody? What a mixed bag
The Modern Lovers
2/5
I don’t get it. And there are plenty of technically ‘bad’ singers who are listenable because of the way they deliver a song, their lyrics, or they have interesting music and production backing them up. This has none of those
Mike Ladd
2/5
This was not great. I mean some of the vibes are pleasant but there is nothing memorable about it. Genuinely don’t know why this is here, never heard of him before
Joy Division
5/5
Something drew me to this right from the start. That bass and the overall mournful vibe. I got this feeling that this was going to be for me. And I was right. Charismatic and atmospheric. Why have I never listened to this before?
Scissor Sisters
4/5
You know, I’m not sure I had to listen to this before keeling over, however it’s campy fun, upbeat and joyful, and what is not to love about that? I don’t even dislike the Comfortably Numb cover, it’s so different it works
Pearl Jam
3/5
I could never to this album and I think it is Vedder’s voice. He just bellows away. There’s no nuance and it makes everything sound a bit dull and samey. The song that played immediately after, Just Breathe from 2009, is a different story, and suggests this is something he has developed over time
3/5
This is all a bit one note, isn’t it?
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Is this what they call twee? It’s all a bit disengaged sounding if you ask me, the vocals and the instruments. Plus ‘Call Me’ makes me think of Phoenix Nights. ‘Corned Beef, with chips or with salad it’s corned beef…’. Best thing about this if I’m honest
Traffic
3/5
Scrapes a 3 because of the last two tracks but generally this is a charisma free zone
The Style Council
2/5
I have no idea what Weller and co were going for here but it does not make for a great album. It’s like a pastiche at times, almost like they are trying out different styles but none of them quite fight. At times I was reminded of one of those Jools Holland shows where they’re jamming and then smugly congratulate each other afterwards. 2 stars
KISS
3/5
How can I kind of like this and kind of hate it at the same time? It’s dumb fun but some of the lyrics are shockingly bad. By all accounts they put on a great show though. If Kiss The Musical isn’t a thing it should be. Want to give it 3.5
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
Calming yet somehow uplifting at the same time. And unmistakably that sound from Graceland. Love it
Ministry
4/5
I can’t explain it but this excited me in an unexpected way lol
The Saints
3/5
I quite liked it but it hasn’t left much of an impression
I think that’s called damning with faint praise
Norah Jones
3/5
Yeah, so this is pleasant and entirely unmemorable. There is nothing outstanding here. Not the vocals, not the songs not the instrumentation. Bland and inoffensive. Really don’t get why this blew up so much at the time. 2.5
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
I don’t know, this definitely sounded better through the headphones. I get what his aim is here it just doesn’t quite hit the mark for me though. The spoken samples are a highlight, particularly ‘destroyer of worlds’ which is chilling. 2.5
Def Leppard
4/5
Back in the day I was in one of those music clubs and I got this as CD of the month because I forgot to cancel it. And it’s the only CD I ever gave away because I was a ‘cool’ student and Def Leppard definitely were not cool. However, this is big, dumb, ridiculous fun and who cares if it was ever cool. I feel credit really should go to Mutt Lange though. 4 stars
Red Snapper
3/5
There are some interesting moments here but they are cancelled out by the boring moments. Unmemorable
Seriously, why is this on here and not Massive Attacks’s Mezzanine. Or even some Zero Seven?
2.5
Hanoi Rocks
4/5
Arrrgghh, it’s albums like this that make me wish we had a ten point rating scale. It’s fun and there are some great riffs and decent poppy moments. Better than a 3 but not good enough for a 4. I guess that makes it a 3.5 then
The Stooges
4/5
This is sleazy and dirty and compelling and I love it. Would have loved to have seen them live back in the day. So influential. Not quite enough variation for a 5 for me
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
5/5
I was aware of Alex and his stripey top and Zal and his mime makeup but I had never heard any of their music before and did not know what to expect. And I love it. Ridiculous and quirky and wonderful. Great voice, tight band. Bet they put on a great live show. Such a shame he died so young. One of my favourite finds from this thing so far
Sugar
3/5
One of the things I have learnt from this project is that I bought quite a few albums back in the day because I thought I should. Revisiting them, l turns out a lot of them are kinda mid. This album is one of them
Kraftwerk
4/5
You can tell how groundbreaking this was by the fact it was made in 1974. I love their quirky sense of humour. Not quite up there with Man-Machine which got a 5 from me. 3.5 rounding up to 4 because it’s worth more than a 3
Steely Dan
4/5
Well, I really like this much to my surprise tbh. Far better than the other offering I have had from them on here. I suspect I dislike them as they got more polished. Still not particularly memorable though
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Never listened much to Pet Shop Boys but there are some cracking synth pop tunes here and some clever lyrics.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I tried. I saw all the reviews waxing lyrical and I tried. And I just don’t get it. The feedback and distortion takes away most of the nuance. Which is possibly the point. But it doesn’t make me want to listen again. Better than the last effort from them though. I don’t remember much about it but I gave it a 1. This one is a 2.5, so there is that
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
I really don’t know what to make of this, which I would imagine is the point. I actually find it less insufferable than Zappa and the Mothers, so that’s a plus. Two stars. Don’t think I’ll be returning to this one. Life’s too short to force myself to listen to something multiple times in the hope that I may grow to love it when there is so much great music out there to discover and enjoy
The Undertones
4/5
A fun, easy listen, which is refreshing coming straight after Trout Mask Replica. 3.5 rounding up to 4 to make up for all the ill-informed Americans whingeing about him ripping off Jello Biafra and them being one hit wonders 🙄
The Icarus Line
2/5
This did nothing for me. It didn’t engage me. It didn’t excite me the way rock music should. At times it was verging on boring ripping over into downright annoying. Never heard of them and don’t get why this is here.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I started off feeling positive that this was going to be a better Cohen album for me after the first few tracks but then it just became boring. Terrible voice and arrangements, good lyrics and some decent songwriting buried under the monotony. The ego on some of these dudes to put themselves out there when they have no singing talent. It’s quite damning that my fave song musically and lyrically is The Partisan which isn’t even his. 2.5
Sheryl Crow
3/5
This is a bit of a mixed bag. Some absolute crackers but also a few weaker efforts. I feel like Sheryl doesn’t have a strong identity as a performer. Some of her numbers came on in the playlist after the album and they were surprisingly good. A greatest hits package is the way to go with her. The 5 star rating system strikes again - 3.5 rounding down because it definitely isn’t worth a 4
Mudhoney
3/5
I find this a frustrating listen because there are glimpses in there of something I could love but it is obscured by the production style. 3.5 rounding down
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Yikes, this really has not aged well. The singles are still absolute crackers but the rest not so much. It is very Michael Jackson. The attempts at ‘sexy’ are cringeworthy, I just don’t buy it from JT. And, yes, it is too long, their egos got carried away. 2.5 rounding up to 3
Goldfrapp
3/5
Disappointing and underwhelming. From what I’d seen of Alison Goldfrapp before I was expecting something dramatic and dynamic but no, it was actually kind of dull. Second listen on the headphones started more promisingly but then it tails off in sameness. If Florence and the Machine are not on this list they should be. London Grammar are better too. I’m getting quite jaded with this tbh but on I trundle
Fela Kuti
5/5
Ooh, loved this. Such a groove, and considering what the subject matter is, loving the vibe. Been swithering but I’m feeling generous so 5 it is
Deep Purple
3/5
Idk, I found this disappointingly pedestrian. If their aim was to capture the energy of their live shows then they failed because I’m hoping their live shows were more dynamic and exciting. Some half decent tunes in there but lacking oomph
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Loved them back in my rock clubbing days but this hasn’t worn so well. Severely lacking in actual tunes and Perry’s voice is annoying
American Music Club
2/5
So this is their ‘definitive statement’? Yikes. I kept thinking something interesting was about to happen and then it didn’t. Entirely unmemorable and lacking any discernible personality
Robert Wyatt
4/5
Shocked that I like this so much because I haven’t liked anything else of his on here. Soft Machine got a 1. Second track is awful though. I had a lightbulb moment where I realised that Thom Yorke probably loves this - turns out I was right
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
The feminist message did not hit for me, in fact I feel it went the other way, honestly by over emphasizing sex. Kind of unmemorable too. 2.5
Destiny's Child
1/5
I was NOT prepared for how much I would dislike this. To say it has not aged well would be charitable. It was an ordeal to get through twice. Far too long and the production makes the voices grating on every track. The awful ‘gospel’ medley, Bee Gees cover and the cringeworthy Nasty Girl and Fancy. The rest drags the couple of half decent tracks down with it
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I hear some nice touches and decent tunes here, especially on second listen on the headphones. But there is something overall that just does not appeal to me or make me want to listen again. And like everyone else I am baffled as to why he has so many on this thing. 2.5
Anthrax
2/5
I usually hesitate to say this about any genre but yep, I feel moved to say that thrash ain’t the genre for me. I can kind of appreciate that it’s good for what it is and they’re technically proficient but I’ll leave this one to the snakebite drinking headbangers
William Orbit
3/5
Bland and boring tbh. Spa music maybe? I prefer something a bit more interesting like Leftfield or Massive Attack. 2.5
Shack
3/5
I’m confused because I have literally never heard of them before and I don’t know why this is on here. It is pleasant enough and sounds better on the headphones but nothing groundbreaking or genre defining
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Weird and kind of wonderful. I’m not sure why this works but it does. Can definitely heat the influence it has had on others. Best played rather loud
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I’m definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to the Stones. The hits are bangers but the rest is a bit meh. And I’m not the greatest fan of Jagger’s voice. That longer track was boring. Could have done with them swapping that out for ‘Paint it Black’, which is sorely missed on the UK version
Eagles
3/5
So, it starts off strongly and I was pleasantly surprised but it is all downhill from there as it descends into boring MOR ballads. Someone once ghosted me with the parting line ‘we are all prisoners here of our own device. Thanks Micah, I hope you are doing well. 2.5. Swithering over which way to round…
The Doors
3/5
I would not have known this was The Doors if it wasn’t for the hits. Jim Morrison does not sound like himself. The band sound tight but, other than the aforementioned hits, this edges too close to standard white men playing the blues for me
Tori Amos
5/5
When this came up I said ‘fuck yes’ out loud. I still remember the first time I saw the ‘Silent All These Years’ video, I was captivated. This was my early twenties angst album. Timeless. And she is amazing live. No brainer
David Ackles
2/5
With the best will in the world this did nothing for me. I tried and I see what he was going for. Not averse to a touch of musical theatre, I recently gave The Srnsational Alex Harvey Band 5 stars, but this just didn’t work for me. Some interesting lyrics though
U2
3/5
I remember when this came out and it was such a big thing because they had changed their sound. And I loved this at the time. But somehow it has not aged well. I think the production has a lot to do with it. There is something lacklustre about the whole thing. A disappointing revisit
Girls Against Boys
2/5
Boring
The Zombies
3/5
The whole is somehow less than the sum of its parts? Idk, lots of nice touches, vibes and sounds but somehow overall ends up unmemorable and a bit meh
Massive Attack
5/5
This is an absolute classic of an album. And super groundbreaking I guess. Plus ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ is a timeless gem. It gets a 4 or a 4.5 but rounding up to compensate for the that Mezzanine, one of my all time faves, doesn’t feature on here. Shame! Shame!
George Michael
4/5
Ah yes, Wham! was my first ever gig, I had such a crush on George. Such a good songwriter and what a voice. Tbh the production hasn’t stood the test of time. But still a banging debut solo effort. 3.5 rounding up for old times sake
Barry Adamson
2/5
Yeah, this doesn’t really work for me as a stand alone listen. Can’t really see it working as a movie soundtrack either tbh
The Gun Club
3/5
I get all the comparisons to Jack White and Pixies but this just doesn’t hit the way their music does. Could be a slow burner though because it went from a 2 to a 3 on second listen
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Classy stuff from them. Their voices sound great together. Probably a 3.5, rounded up because it’s worth more than a 3
The Specials
3/5
It’s fun and the lyrics are quirky and interesting. I almost feel bad giving this a 3 but it’s not something I would choose to sit down and listen to again:
Baaba Maal
3/5
I really wanted to like this and the first track was promising but then it became quite samey and boring, sorry to say. And over an hour was way too long 2.5
John Coltrane
3/5
I almost feel the need to apologise for not ‘getting’ this. I try but I just don’t. I can accept that they are fine musicians but it’s not for me
Charles Mingus
5/5
Wow, there is something compelling about this. It really drew me in. Going to see this live with the intended ballet would be amazing. Apparently ‘third stream’ is the sub genre for me. I really dig the fusion of jazz and classical. What a lovely discovery
Sorry folks, I don’t hate it. I always had a soft spot for Beautiful Day. This starts off with some bangers and then falls off a cliff. The Ground Beneath Her Feet is a strong finish though. Somehow, with all the illustrious producers involved, the production choices do this on favours.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
This really appeals to me. The subject matter, the story telling, the dark humour, the guests. It!/ quirky and different and I’ll be coming back to this one
Fatboy Slim
4/5
I liked this far more than I thought I would tbh. I think it’s better than his other offering on here. The man knows what he is doing and he does it well
Weather Report
3/5
There are some bits of this I really like and I recognised Birdland which is a jaunty wee tune but I REALLY dislike that keyboard sound. It overpowers and ruins everything far too often. It seems they pioneered that cheesy 80s sound before the 80s. I recognise that there is some cracking musicianship in here though. 2.5
Kings of Leon
3/5
I preferred this on second listen and there are some cracking tracks on here but overall there is something lacklustre and bland about this. It was ubiquitous at the time too. 3.5 rounding down to 3
Pixies
5/5
Weird and wonderful and the perfect length. One of my all time faves and a contender for my pick for top album on here. Listening to it makes me happy. Not sure what that says about me
Neneh Cherry
4/5
Aww, a wee blast from the past. Love her attitude and style and there are some cracking collaborators on here. Starts to grate slightly towards the end. Buffalo Stance is an enduring banger though
Klaxons
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I actually do. I mean, I hear similarities to Bloc Party who I love. But this has a tendency to tip over into sounding frantic which I find rather jarring
The Beach Boys
3/5
This was quirkier and more interesting than I expected. It hasn’t left a lasting impression though. A bit all over the place. RIP Brian
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
It just works. There is some sort of alchemy going on here. And the production is so good. There are some weaker moments but not one dud. And that cover is iconic
The Jam
4/5
This is a weird one to me because although I like it isn’t at all memorable. I think The Jam are a greatest hits band for me. 3.5 rounding up because it is worth more than a 3
Carole King
5/5
Ahh, such a lovely album. What a talented lady. An all time classic
Paul Simon
3/5
This just doesn’t grab me. I feel like he throws everything at some of the tracks when they would be better if the music was allowed to shine. He tells a good story
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I honestly think the legend of Jimi and the fact that he does have some absolute classics has kind of overtaken the fact that a lot of the stuff on here is self indulgent and aimless. That may be sacrilege to some but there it is
Mott The Hoople
2/5
Underwhelming. I fell asleep on the bus listening to this one
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Swithering between a 2 and a 3 on this one. I mean there are some glimmers of loveliness in there but not enough to overcome the boredom factor. And the arrangement and production does the material no favours. Hmmm… 2.5
Ice Cube
2/5
Yeah, I know I’m very much not the target audience for this so I’m probably missing the point he is trying to make. Not for me. I found spotting the samples quite entertaining though. Wanted to stop and go and listen to some Betty Davis. And why are the rap records always sooo long? They really do love the sound of their own voices
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Layla is a banger of course and there are some other crackers on here. The rest is a bit meh though. The most interesting things about this are Jim Gordon’s story and the fact that when Clapton finally got Pattie he was horribly abusive to her. What a man…
The White Stripes
4/5
Love them but this is one of their weaker offerings. Good but not great and slightly annoying at times. 3.5 rounding up
The Pogues
4/5
What great energy they have. There is something joyful about this and what’s not to like about that? The opening to Fairytale of New York makes my hairs stand on end. How Shane lasted as long as he did is a mystery. 4 stars
Buck Owens
4/5
I confess I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. There is a fun spirit about it that appeals to me. Country isn’t my favourite genre but I liked this one 3.5. The 5 star system strikes again. What to do?
Brian Eno
3/5
I almost willed myself to like this more than I actually do. I get that it’s pioneering and features great musicians and som of the tracks are quite lovely but overall it’s just lacking something for me
Hole
4/5
It’s telling the number of reviews on here saying that they dismissed Hole at the time because of their perception of Courtney. She is a great song writer and lyricist. Unpopular opinion: I prefer Celebrity Skin. Still very good though
Wild Beasts
2/5
This is a big nothingburger with only the vocals being memorable for all the wrong reasons. It’s like they went through the Mercury shortlists and picked out the most annoying ones on there
The The
4/5
Bit torn on this one because I owned it back in the day and played it to death. Do think I prefer Soul Mining these days though. The intensity sometimes tips over into ludicrousness. Still a cracking album. Need to seek out the accompanying videos
Kanye West
5/5
There is something compelling about this. It could have been a mess given the amount of people involved but every track works and pulls you in. I have listened multiple times already which says something. Almost loses points for the Chris Rock skit which I absolutely cannot stand. However, 5 stars it is. Didn’t expect that going in to this one
Happy Mondays
5/5
Ooh, will I give this a nostalgia tinged 5? It’s a great album, a bit unhinged and a lot of fun. Let’s be honest the production probably makes it . I was dancing around the room much to my cat’s bemusement. I guess that makes it worthy of a 5
David Bowie
3/5
This is one of those ones where I want to like it more than I actually do. There are good elements but it just doesn’t grab me overall. Some strange production choices with the vocal far back in the mix. Underwhelming
Dolly Parton
2/5
Yes, their voices work well together with Dolly to the fore. However, overall this is bland and boring with some poor covers. Don’t get the hype
AC/DC
2/5
Well, they found a successful formula and stuck to it, didn’t they? Fair play to them. It’s all a bit basic and I am not a fan of Brian Johnson’s voice. There are at least two all time bangers on here. 2.5. Knocking half a star off for the cringey sex-obsessed lyrics
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
This does nothing for me. He’s trying maybe too hard idk. And his voice just sounds the same the whole time. What more can I say? 2.5
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
I like this but don’t find any of it particularly memorable. Made sense now knowing it’s a soundtrack. Great musicianship with Verdine White’s bass standing out to me. Prefer the funkier number, some of the slower ones verge on the cheesy. 3.5
The Pogues
4/5
This is fun and you really can’t tell the McGowan originals from the traditional songs. Loses a bit for the awful cover of Waltzing Matilda though, definite low point
Pentangle
3/5
This genre is a weird one for me. On the one hand there is the Richard and Linda Thompson album which I loved and on the other there is the Incredible String Band which I found laughably bad. This falls somewhere in the middle. I recognise there is some great musicianship on here which I can appreciate but overall it doesn’t do a great deal for me. Not a huge fan of Jacqui McShee’s voice. 3 stars
The Auteurs
3/5
I mean, ‘meh’ kind of sums this up. It’s not particularly memorable. I remember Lenny Valentino being a banger but that’s not even on this album. I swear the compilers went through the Mercury shortlists and picked out the least worthy albums for this list. Weird
Bee Gees
1/5
Oof, this was unexpectedly awful. I guess like most people I only know them from Saturday Night Fever. I had to check if it was written by them after hearing this. It was almost like a spoof at times, those lyrics. The vocals were laughable at points and the music was dull. 1 star it is
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Ok then. Not sure what this was trying to achieve or why it made so many ‘best of’ lists. Whatever it was, the experiment did not work on me. Flashes of niceness overwhelmed by the lack of cohesion or much of a discernible tune.. No Intention stood out for me. Don’t know why
Christina Aguilera
4/5
This album strangely grew on me over 2 listens.There is no denying she has a great voice but I’m no fan of the melismatic singing style. Also this would have been better as two single albums. Despite some cringeworthy moments it’s a 7/10 from me. Damn you 5 star rating system
Small Faces
4/5
I like this. The quirkiness adds to its character, even the Stanley Unwin bits grew on me over two listens and are strangely endearing. Steve Marriott had a good voice. I imagine they had fun making this, and I can hear how influential it has been. 4 stars
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
Started off quite strong. I remember On A Rope from back in the day. Still a bit of a banger. Guess I’m damning with faint praise. I do like the use of the horns but it all gets a bit samey and his voice starts to grate. Meh. 2.5
Pulp
4/5
I think Pulp have become my favourite Britpop band. I was always a fan of Jarvis. His lyrics, his wit, his eccentricities. And he’s a great frontman as well. This was them trying to get away from being pop stars I reckon. A very different feel from Different Class. Just a bit too long. A strong 4 though, with potential to become a 5 over time
Silver Jews
4/5
My, this one has really confused me. I really did not like it on first listen, however it sounded so much better on the earphones and I ended up listening 3 times. There is something about it although none of the songs are memorable and his voice is not great. I’m not sure what to make of this one at all. Want to give it 3.5 but of course that’s not a thing
George Jones
3/5
I recognise he has a good voice but this genre does very little for me. I wouldn’t ever sit down and listen to this by choice (other than on this project of course. And, oh boy. the lyrics make me cringe so hard. 2.5
Ray Charles
4/5
He’s good. What a voice. Great arrangements and I love the fact that you can still hear a bit of country in there but he has very much made it his own.Prefer the uptempo numbers, they are fun, the slower ones get a bit samey
Tricky
4/5
I’m a fan of the darker more brooding numbers. Love the Public Enemy cover. This starts strong but falls away a bit towards the end with some blander tracks. 3.5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
This grew on me over a few listens. The synthesizer sound isn’t as immediate as the mote guitar based sound of Fever To Tell which is an all time fave of mine . The singles are obvious bangers but the rest grew on me. And Karen O is great
Lightning Bolt
1/5
I tried but I just don’t get the appeal. I m not averse to being challenged by music but there has to be something enjoyable about the process. This left my ears ringing. I’m sure I can live with the disdain of the Rhode Island art school types
The La's
5/5
This is a lovely wee album. Why have I never sought this one out before? So much more than the basic Britpop some reviewers are saying. Great songs, some clever musical touches and a bit of variety thrown in. Love it
Sonic Youth
3/5
As hard as I try I just cannot take to Sonic Youth. Legends they may be but their music does nothing for me. It doesn’t move me or excite me, I’m not blown away by the musicianship or the vocals. I don’t get it. 2.5
The Police
2/5
This is… not great. Bit of a mixed bag but mostly straying in to cringeworthy territory. They have not lasted the test of time. King of Pain is a banger though. I once spoke to a guy who had that tattooed round his neck. Pretty sure I blocked him after he sent me a dick pic. 2.5 (that’s the album rating not the pic)
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This weirdly is much better through headphones. One thing I am finding from this generator is that I am a singles girl when it comes to the lStones . Wild Horses is fantastic and the rest just can’t compare. And I’m not a huge fan ofJagger’s voice. 3.5
Killing Joke
4/5
I’m not sure what I was expecting from them but this was surprisingly good . Does get a wee bit samey and his voice can be annoying. But overall a good listen and I can see how influential this was. A surprising 4
Roxy Music
4/5
His voice can be irritating but I actually like it here. I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. Better than the other offering I’ve had from them. Definitely more complex than expected which might well be the Eno influence
The Go-Go's
4/5
Aye, the 5 star rating system strikes again. This grew on me over a few listens, and I got used to Belinda Carlisle’s voice which was a bit irritating at first. Some nice punchy wee tunes on here which I enjoyed but don’t find particularly memorable. 3.5
Maxwell
2/5
I kind of remember Maxwell with his fabulous hair and jawline. Apparently those are the most interesting things about him. There is nothing memorable here. It is boring though I will concede the musicianship is competent. It’s not sexy either. Mission failed. 2.5
The Young Gods
3/5
I didn’t dislike this. Some elements were good, others not so much. An odd mix of genres which I guess is probably the point. Love a bit of industrial but I wouldn’t ever choose to sit down and listen to this
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I can’t take to Springsteen however hard I try. This one is all a bit samey in an overblown way. It’s just too much. Too much saxophone, too busy. His voice is so overwrought at times I find it almost laughable. However there are some gems in here, that I can’t deny. And it’s better than Nebraska
Sonic Youth
3/5
Given the music I was into back then, and how revered they were, you would think I would be right in to Sonic Youth. Turns out I’m not. None of the three albums on here have grabbed me. There are glimmers of hope but they don’t turn in to anything particularly interesting or enjoyable. And underwhelming 3
Genesis
4/5
I like this a lot more than I thought I would given that prog is far from my fave genre. There are actually some good melodies In here and they are relatively restrained when it comes to the noodling. The Cinema Show is the low point, the keyboards sound dreadful. My Peter Gabriel fandom continues, somewhat surprisingly. 4 stars
Brian Eno
4/5
I really liked this one. It’s weird and quirky but it works for the most part. His methods of working are certainly interesting. Each sound sounds like it could be from a different album but it all comes together somehow. Method in his madness
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
I’m not usually a fan of a live album but this really works. I think the ambient noise and the small venue atmosphere comes across really well. Last track grates a bit though. She has a great voice and it’s always nice to hear jazz standards sung well
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I’m really not a fan of his voice, in fact it reminds me of Kermit but worse. This album strangely grew on me over a few listens though. A surprising 4 stars
Supertramp
4/5
This veers dangerously close to cheesy in a peculiar 70s way at times but overall I really like it. Lots of interesting touches and some top musicianship on display. I particularly noticed the bass - yay to Scotland’s own Dougie Thomson. A quirky 4 from me
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Sublime. Only thing missing is I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) which is one of my all time favourite tracks. Dazzling talent on display from everyone involved 👌🏻
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Man, this was disappointing. Because Family Affair is an absolute belter. And the rest didn’t live up to it. Too much rambling and not enough funky tunes for my liking
Kings of Leon
3/5
This is a weird one. I do like it even though at times it sounds like a less talented and charismatic Strokes. I don’t get the lads lads lads vibes a lot of reviewers are mentioning at all, maybe that’s an American thing. It would also be better if you could make out what he is saying. I remember when they broke through and there was a lot of publicity around them being 3 handsome sons of a pastor (and their cousin, sorry Matthew) and I honestly think that accounts for a lot of their success. 3.5 and have eventually decided to round down because there isn’t anything particularly memorable about this
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Sad to say that this bored me and the blues should not be doing that.Don’t think the collaborative thing does him any favours here
James Taylor
3/5
I like the way he goes for mixing up the styles a bit and his voice and the overall vibe are pleasant but in the end this tends towards bland. Nice
Jean-Michel Jarre
2/5
This did not do it for me at all, which is surprising because I like a lot of the stuff that he has most likely influenced. It bored me, there was nothing to grab on to. I can see why he used to have dramatic effects while performing
k.d. lang
2/5
The two hits are nice wee tunes but, with the best will in the world, the rest is dull. Next!
The Only Ones
4/5
This was not all what I expected. More tuneful and complex and varied. His voice is a bit rubbish but somehow it mostly works, and there are some decent lyrics in there too 3.5
The Beta Band
3/5
I really wanted to like this more than I did but ultimately it is lacking in something. There are some promising ideas and moments but they don’t go anywhere. The potential is there. Disappointing
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
This was kinda disappointing honestly. I was expecting more funkiness but it didn’t deliver. And his voice got a bit wearing at times. Nothing particularly memorable here
The Sonics
4/5
This is fun. They really go for it and I can totally see their influence. A lot of covers but they do them well and o like the originals too. A nice wee find from the generator
Aerosmith
4/5
This was great, surprisingly. I thought it was going to be cheesy and boring. Yes, there is a big cringe factor but I’ve heard much worse. They are having fun, not taking themselves too seriously and there are some good tunes in there too
Metallica
4/5
Thrash is not usually the genre for me but this is good. They mix it up a bit so keep it interesting. There are some surprisingly good musical moments to. hold the interest rather than just thrashing away. It is a bit bloated and they do take themselves very seriously. At the other end of the rock spectrum from yesterday’s Aerosmith but both are getting a solid 4
Tom Waits
2/5
Jesus, this goes on and on and on. Not even sure this should be on the list because for me it’s a performance piece. I can imagine it at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s Waits playing a character. The bits aren’t funny and the audience sounds fake and laughs in weird places. Should’ve been a poet or a writer, and I know he’s done a bit of acting. Anything but a singer. 2 because the musicians are decent and it would probably work as a stage shoe
The Police
4/5
Ah, now this is more like it from them. Had Synchronicity recently which really didn’t do it for me. Enjoyed this one much more. Message in a Bottle is an all time classic and the rest is good too with top musicianship and more variety and quirkiness than I expected. Still a greatest hits girl when it comes to them though
Ryan Adams
3/5
There are some really lovely parts to this and I like the use of the female singers. Overall though it’s too long and not very memorable. Less than the sum of its parts
Violent Femmes
4/5
This was a surprise. I was expecting a more hardcore experience given the name. I like it and I recognise Blister In The Sun but I have no idea where from. One of the very few albums I have liked less on second listen. 3.5
The Coral
3/5
I like what they are going for with the psychedelic edge and other wee touches but overall there is nothing about this that would make me want to listen again. A pleasant listen though (is this what’s called damning with faint praise?)
The Dictators
3/5
This is kinda fun though the humour is not for me. Overall hasn’t left much of an impression. Next!
Nirvana
5/5
Gave this a few listens because I did not rate it as highly as Nevermind back in the day. I was wrong. It is every bit as good
The Prodigy
5/5
Hell, yes. I remember being so excited for this to come out. Bought it from Our Price. It’s still an absolute banger from start to finish. Such thrilling energy
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
This bored me. Which is surprising because I used to love a bit of Gang Starr et al back in the day. Never heard of this dude before and now I know why
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Yeah, I like this. Their best offering on here so far. The bluesy style suits them and this grew on me on second listen. Still a Greatest Hits girl when it comes to them though
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Pleasant if a bit bland. Which is really all I can find to say about it
LTJ Bukem
2/5
Sooo, I understand the Spotify link isn’t the actual album. However, that’s what I went with. Over 3 hours of samey drum and bass, ffs. I’ll not be listening to it again, as I usually do. It’s more suited to a DJ set or a club night. Not something to sit listening to on the bus
The Stranglers
4/5
Hey, I had The Stranglers Greatest Hits on vinyl back in the day. Cracking. They’re a class act
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
This kept threatening to turn into something pretty good but in the end it hasn’t left much of an impression. I swear half the panel for this thing are NME journalists from the 90s/2000s
Dion
3/5
This grew on me over a couple of listens. I like some of the songs. I’m not sure the Phil Spector sound is doing them any favours though. 3.5
Lambchop
3/5
There are some lovely wee touches to this and I like some of the arrangements but that falsetto voice is something else… 2.5
Tracy Chapman
5/5
I loved this back in the day and it has absolutely stood the test of time. Gets me emotional when I’m in the right mood. Fantastic
Björk
3/5
Hmm, the first three tracks I love and then it all gets a bit much. To me this is more of a performance piece. I imagine listening as part of the 360 exhibit with the films would be a better and more immersive experience. I do appreciate it but not something I would choose to listen to on its own
The United States Of America
2/5
I’m sure this would be best enjoyed off your face at a happening. As a stand alone record it does not work.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
This is great. I was aware of them before but never really listened to anything other than the hits. Her voice is a bit strident for me at times. So influential though. A solid 4
Prince
5/5
This is fantastic. Yes it sounds a bit dated but damn it still works. Such a talented man. This rocks. 5 stars
Donald Fagen
3/5
Yeah, this tootles along kind of jauntily but in the end it’s all pretty dull and unmemorable. 2.5
Genesis
2/5
Er, what the hell? The concept s pretentious nonsense. The costumes are ludicrous. There are glimmers of decent music but they are swamped by everything else and it is far too long to hold my interest. Love Peter Gabriel as a solo artist but this ain’t it
Hüsker Dü
3/5
There are hints of some decent songs in here (I’m hearing REM) but the production choices do this no favours. The guitar sound is far too prominent leaving the songs no room to breathe. And of course it’s far too long. 2.5
Pere Ubu
4/5
I liked this a lot. Much better than their other offering on here. Some nice grooves. I could hear Talking Heads vibes. A surprising 4
DJ Shadow
4/5
This was a weird one as the first time I listened I really didn’t take to it, but second time I listened more closely and turned out there is some good stuff here. Why are all the albums in this genre so damn long though. No need
Neil Young
3/5
The thing is, there are actually some decent songs but his voice does them absolutely no favours. They could make some banging cover versions though
MC Solaar
4/5
Oh, this takes me back. Chill beats with a good flow. Rap sounds surprisingly great in French. And, from my limited understanding, clever lyrics and no misogyny. Winner all round
The Cure
3/5
I must say this isn’t really doing it for me. A bit samey and unmemorable. They definitely improved with subsequent albums
Eurythmics
4/5
Always thought the hits were great but had never actually listened to an album before. The hits do stand out and it is surprising clubby.. it’s still good though
Jane Weaver
3/5
There are some interesting moments here but not enough to really hold my interest or make me want to seek out more. Pleasant is the word
The Residents
2/5
Well, if their aim was to ‘reject rock music intended for the sole purpose of entertaining or dancing’ then they surely succeeded. Music should be for listening though and I certainly won’t be listening to this one again
The Pretty Things
4/5
Yeah, I liked this. Not a fan of concept albums usually but I’ll take this over The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway any day. 3.5
Morrissey
4/5
Oof, torn on this one. I really like it. By far his best solo offering with compelling tunes and the usual top notch lyrics. Want to give it 4.5…
Bob Dylan
3/5
I just can’t with Dylan. Tangled Up in Blue is great and the first few tracks are promising but then it turns in to the usual annoying vein. His voice really grates on me at points Another one that would have made a great poet
Thundercat
2/5
My word this was underwhelming. Really not a fan of the cheesy 80s vibe. Kind of boring with a bit of bass player showboating to boot. It’s a no from me
Beastie Boys
3/5
The vocals are too strident strident and one note. it gets irritating, my god. Great production and use of samples. Tbh when the samples came on I found myself wanting to hear the original track. 2.5
Bee Gees
2/5
They don’t half take themselves seriously here despite the daft lyrics and sometimes ludicrous vocals. There is something pompous about this. I too prefer disco Bee Gees
Public Enemy
3/5
I totally get how influential this was and I enjoy some of th music and the samples. But, very much like the Beastie Boys, it’s all a bit strident. Which is likely the point but it does not make for an enjoyable listening experience
Lauryn Hill
5/5
Well, this is actually better than I remembered. Chill vibes, a feminine perspective , no macho posturing and misogyny, a great voice, not strident, even the skits work, the concept is rather lovely and not at all ludicrous.. Some interesting musical choices. Forgot how much I loved To Zion. And this has absolutely stood the test of time
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Bit of a mixed bag. Some nice tunes. Generally pleasant, apart from that final track, but nothing particularly memorable or interesting. Next
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
I guess they’re good at what they do with the harmonies and all but what they do doesn’t do it for me. It’s a very similar and could almost just be one song. Unremarkable
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
No denying this deserves to be here as they were everywhere for a short time, and the ‘Frankie Says t shirts are iconic. The hits are fantastic, the rest not so much, and what is with all the random covers? The whole thing is a testament to Trevor Horn’s production skills and Paul Morley’s pseudo intellectual PR campaign
The Roots
4/5
This is… a lot. They throw everything at it and tbh most of it sticks. Always interesting and I enjoyed the wee throwback to Swing Out Sister. Yes, I’m old. Yet another one that’s a bit on the long side though. 3.5, would probably repay repeated listens
Calexico
3/5
Not sure what to make of this, honestly. Started off really promising and my ears perked up, then it went in to the mariachi stuff, then it felt like a film soundtrack. They were all interesting in their own way but it does not make for a cohesive album for me
Happy Mondays
4/5
Hmm, someone this shouldn’t work but t does. Not as good as Pills, Thrills. I really enjoyed some of the remixes on the collector’s edition. I do think they owe a lot to the producers though. 3.5
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
There’s something about the hi energy style and fey disinterested vocals that just doesn’t do it for me. Boring
Brian Eno
3/5
I would never put this on a a listening experience, which I think is kind of the point anyway. Might pop it on next time my anxiety starts running wild though
Pavement
3/5
Try as I might I just cannot bring myself to like this. It’s lacking in a crucial something to make it stand out. Unmemorable and uninspiring 2.5
Kelela
2/5
Meh. Some inexplicable choices from more recent offerings. There is nothing outstanding enough about this for it to be all about the vibe or whatever she is going for. Dull
Beastie Boys
3/5
Props to them for making their vision come to life. I get they’re creating a persona and I appreciate the rock element but it’s not something I would ever want to listen to on the regular
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
A mixed bag this one. I was almost willing myself to enjoy more than I actually did. The opener is fantastic. There are some real duds though which sadly bring it down to a 3.5
Dusty Springfield
4/5
So good. Son of a Preacher Man is one of my all time faves so everything else pales a little bit in comparison. Also, I wish the orchestra was dialled back a bit at times to let her voice shine
Snoop Dogg
4/5
I like the flow and the laid back funky vibes here. It appeals to me more than some of the more strident entries in the genre. It’s actually a pleasure to listen to despite the usual questionable lyrics. And the obligatory skits are not unbearable either. A solid 4
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I really thought this was going to be the one. The first 3 tracks are cracking, then it all descends into Costello’s usually slightly irritating. I know he has tried a lot of different styles in his time but somehow there is always the irritation factor, not helped by his voice. There is something smug about him. I could tolerate a Hits collection though. 2.5
Paul Weller
4/5
Yes, it’s a bit dad rock and it goes on a bit too long but there are some lovely moments here. It’s wild how much Weller has changed his style over the years. 3.5 rounding up
Slint
3/5
Can’t decide what I think of this. Actually liked it less on second listen on the earphones. There are some nice elements to this, I hear Mogwai, but overall there is something a bit precious about them which puts me off
fIREHOSE
2/5
Yeah. You know how the Americans are always whingeing about Britpop on here?
Well there an awful lot of unmemorable underwhelming American ‘alternative rock’ offerings
Just saying
Wire
3/5
I can see how influential this has been. The blatant rip off by Elastica leaps out. The production does this no favours though. Some wee gems in there but not enough to make me want to add it to my library
Prince
4/5
This isn’t one of his best. It hasn’t aged well sound wise with the drum machine and the dated synth sound. Still, it’s Prince and it’s funky. Not a great deal is memorable though apart from the two biggies. 3.5 rounding up to a 4 because it’s definitely better than a 3
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Great house band for sure but not something I would ever choose to listen to vocal free. They’re good at what they do but that much Hammond organ ain’t my bag.Puts me in mind of something cheesy like Blackpool tower ballroom or Les Alanos from Phoenix Nights
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Oof. This is great. Cave and Ellis have great chemistry together. I am a fan of their film soundtracks. I imagine this will repay repeated listening. Definitely have to be in the right mood for it though. I was supposed to go to this tour but I had Covid :’(
Tom Waits
4/5
Well, I’m usually not the biggest Tom Waits fan but this is great! It just works. His voice, the interesting sounds, the storytelling. Some of the lyrics are quite moving even. Bonkers in a great way. His best on here by far
Gang Starr
4/5
Used to love a bit of Jazzmatazz back in the day. I love their more laid back style. and that’s a good thing. Some nice samples and chill vibes. Decent interesting lyrics too. Definitely my kind of hip hop. 3.5
The Fall
4/5
Well, what do you know, there are some decent bops on this! The band are doing some heavy lifting here though. Even Mark E’s vocals work on this style. What is his obsession with Spangles though?
Basement Jaxx
4/5
I don’t know what’s wrong with people, this is a banging album. Fun and joyful and got me jiggling along on the bus after a hard day at work. And that’s a very good thing
Bob Dylan
3/5
I thought this once was going to be more promising after such a strong start but nothing lives up to that first track. I just find the rest of it pretty boring and I really don’t get it with Dylan
Dagmar Krause
3/5
I really don’t feel this style works as something simply to listen to. It’s theatrical and dramatic and cabaret style and needs to be experienced in that context. No doubting that her voice and the musicians are great but it’s not something I would ever choose to listen to out of context again. 2.5
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Ahh, yes, there are some absolute bangers on this one. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor gives me goosebumps and When The Sun Goes Down is great for a singalong in a rubbish Sheffield accent. Alex Turner’s lyrics are fantastic, hard to believe he was so young when this came out. Slightly too long and a few too many generic AM sounding tracks brings it down to a 4
Metallica
5/5
There is a fine line between majestic and ludicrous. This triggered memories of listening to’Nothing Else Matters on repeat. Much like another reviewer on here I have been trying to find excuses not to give this a 5. I can’t
Tina Turner
3/5
The good parts are really really good but the rest is kind of mediocre. The 80s production is grating in its hollow slickness at times and it’s a mixed bag for the cover versions. Tina’s voice shines through though. The title track is the highlight for me.
The Velvet Underground
1/5
What a shambles this is. Going by the Wiki entry the recording was rushed and chaotic and even the band thought the production was terrible. Why anyone would want to sit down and listen to this on the regular I have no idea
George Michael
4/5
I do have a soft spot for George. So talented. This is a bit more morose and downbeat than his more poppy past. Makes sense once you know there was a dancier part two which never happened. Still a quality album though. 3.5
Spiritualized
4/5
Yeah, I like this. It’s better than their other offering on here. Love the title too. Bit on the long side though, bit of pruning and it could be an all time classic
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Meh. This didn’t make much of an impression. Nothing particularly memorable or interesting here, lacking in personality. And his voice gets kind of grating real quick. 2.5
Soft Cell
3/5
Well, they certainly had a seedy not entirely serious vision which they went for and brought to life. I do like it. Marc Almond has a great voice and the electronic sound works for the themes. RIP David Ball who died a couple of weeks ago. 3.5 rounding down because it doesn’t grab me enough for a 4
Madonna
4/5
I’ve always liked this album. Music and Don’t Tell Me are bangers. I don’t even think the American Pie cover is that bad. The vocoder effect is a tad overdone though. Still a good pop album, which is always welcome in my book
Incubus
2/5
They never had any success in the UK and I see why. All the ingredients are here but the results are lacklustre and boring. Next
The Jam
5/5
Oof, this is great. ‘Generic British rock band’ my arse. Takes inspiration from the past while somehow also being hugely influential. Great songwriting, lyrics and musicianship. A bunch of great punchy tunes.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I don’t know why but it’s like this is almost really good but falls a bit short. I feel like they had lots of ambition here but couldn’t quite pull it off. It’s nice enough but also too long. Cutting out some of the filler would have improved this no end. Absolutely no need for an hour plus
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
I really liked this. It certainly succeeded in the stated goal of taking me on a meditative journey. I was doing other tasks and I kind of zoned in and out and it was the perfect accompaniment. I found myself picturing a shepherd going about his day. If it wasn’t for the YouTube thing I could totally see myself putting this on to chill out and calm the anxious brain. Wouldn’t be quite the same with ads blasting in every so often though
Britney Spears
2/5
There’s nothing better than a great pop album. And this isn’t one.i’m not averse to a bit of Max Martin but this is weak. The production has not aged well and the overall vibe is sugary and twee. The songs aren’t good enough either apart from the obvious. Disappointing
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
I liked the overall vibe of this and I’m guessing the repetition is part of the style. It did get a bit samey though. Could have done with a shorter run time
Foo Fighters
3/5
Props to Grohl for doing this all himself. I’ve always found Foo Fighters terribly bland. It’s clear to see who had the X factor in Nirvana. I think there was so much good will for him and his ‘nicest guy in rock’ persona. Can still hear Nirvana in this though, which is a plus. Swithering between 3 and 4
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
The Cutter is so majestic the rest pales by comparison. Disappointingly mediocre. Definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to them
Digital Underground
2/5
Ugh, I guess they make good use of some samples but why do so many hip hop acts feel the need to be so juvenile? It put me in mind of going on dating apps and being bombarded by men looking for ‘dirty talk’, sexy pics or demanding to come to your house/place of work immediately for sex. Tedious and something I don’t wish to repeat ever again. 1.5
Big Star
3/5
There are some nice snatches of melody here if you listen hard enough. Cannot get past the vocals though which verge on the painful at times, I was physically cringing. This apparently influenced some good bands though so there’s that. 2.5
Guns N' Roses
3/5
The obvious tracks are all time classics. The rest is kind of forgettable. Axl’s voice grates after a while. I don’t think the production does the material a lot of favors, makes the non hits sound a bit muddy somehow. Mid
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
At times this sounds like a collection of odds and ends pulled together, unsurprising considering the chaos that surrounded it. It still works though, with only a couple of tracks erring on the dull/twee side. He sure has an ear for a sweet melody
The Chemical Brothers
5/5
I’ve been swithering about this all day but it has to be a 4.5 rounding up. It’s just banging,flows effortlessly, and there’s a nice mix of up tempo and more mellow tracks. It works. Maybe slightly too long and dips a bit
PS that top review is a travesty
Skunk Anansie
4/5
Never really paid much attention to them back n the day. This s really good. Nothing particularly memorable but I like the vibe. Falls off a bit towards the end. Skin has a great presence
Went down a rabbit hole and discovered that Skin’s ex wife is a billionaire’s daughter who is now married to Elon Musk’s brother. Unexpected
Sonic Youth
3/5
Have been aware of Sonic Youth and people gushing over them for decades and I just don’t get it. It’s ok, that’s it. There’s not a lot that engages me here
Pink Floyd
4/5
There are some glorious moments here of course, but overall the concept doesn’t really interest me, it’s all a bit self-indulgent by Roger Waters, and the film sounds terrible. Production is great. Could do with trimming off some of the fat leaving ‘the hits’, which would completely negate the point of the album but there it is. I suspect relistens would be beneficial. Genuinely surprised this has so many 5 star reviews
Queen
3/5
This doesn’t gel for me. It’s a bunch of mildly unhinged songs written by some eccentrics (and Roger Taylor) but it’s all over the place). The hits are great though. I’ll stick with the Greatest Hits package
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
This has such great energy about. Love it. So many bangers. Sex Machine is a bit too long and self-indulgent but they’re so talented and sound like they’re having such fun I’ll give them a pass. Better than their other one on here. 4.5 rounding up
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I say this every time he comes up, he should have stuck to the poetry side of things. I can’t take to his voice at all and the songs are dreary for the most part
Tim Buckley
3/5
I mean his ‘Sexy Funk’ era is kinda fun at the start, cringey lyrics notwithstanding, but the novelty soon wears off and it’s pretty unremarkable. This man is overhyped. 2.5
Baaba Maal
3/5
This started off strong, really evoking a sense of place for me. Felll away a bit as it went on. The naff synth sounds detracted from the music, and it could definitely have done with a bit of trimming. I like the vibe overall though
Faust
2/5
Not feeling this one. Not sure what they are trying to achieve here other than being ‘experimental’. Which is all well and good but it’s all over the place. It’s like they’re trying on a few different styles bur they’re not particularly good at any of them
Van Morrison
4/5
This is good. The orchestra are fabulous and Van sounds like he is having a blast, as do the crowd. A good mix of covers and originals. I’m not a huge fan of live albums and this is a bit long.. I’m saying 4 stars though
John Cale
4/5
Sooo, this is a weird one. Not particularly memorable but somehow quietly snuck up on me. I imagine this is a grower. Like his Welsh accent coming through at times too. Want to give this 3.5, help
Marty Robbins
4/5
I would never have thought this was for me. What do I know though? I felt compelled to listen multiples times. What a fun listen. And the playlist following was great too. Also, I’ve heard El Paso before, no idea where. A surprising 4
Ray Price
3/5
A country flavoured weekend what with Marty Robbins and then this. Have to say I much preferred Robbins. This was all far too similar and downbeat and, as much as I recognise it’s a fine example of the genre, it’s not for me. 2.5
Sade
4/5
This is smooth. In a good way. Sade is a class act with a great image and her voice is perfect for this style of music. 3.5 rounding up
Boards of Canada
3/5
Ugh, not sure what to make of this one by the local lads. I quite like it? That’s damning with faint praise though. I mean, there are other electronic artists I prefer. Nevertheless, it’s a 3.5. To round up or down though?
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
I’m not averse to a bit of grim but I find the strident hectoring tone of this annoying after a while. A short while. The overall vibe just ain’t it
Laura Nyro
3/5
On paper this should be right up my street but somehow it just doesn’t gel for m. Nothing memorable here and a bit directionless. Her voices grated at times too. I would probably prefer versions by other artist. It ain’t no Tapestry that’s for sure
The Who
4/5
I’m not usually one for live albums, I’d rather be there, but this one is pretty damn good. I suspect the original version is better than the expanded one on Spotify. It felt like some filler, and the whole ‘girl guide and train driver’ or whatever the hell it was is beyond cringe. The drumming stands out for me. I saw them live a few years ago and they were… not very good by then. 3.5 rounding up
3/5
The hits stand out. I don’t dislike this but the ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ approach starts to grate after a while. Overwrought
Grateful Dead
2/5
I’ve never heard Grateful Dead before but I am aware of their reputation. So, I was expecting something far out and psychedelic, worthy of a freak out or a happening, man. But this is just dull. What is all the fuss about?
Ravi Shankar
3/5
I do like this. His wee educational talks are interesting. I did open my mind. It is good to zone out to and it certainly evokes a strong sense of place. By the end I was tiring a bit though. Enjoyable in small bursts for me
Primal Scream
3/5
Good in parts. I feel they need a decent producer to pull it all together rather than doing it themselves. See Screamadelica which is a one off for them
Jamiroquai
4/5
This is funky and fun. Always enjoy an Acid Jazz vibe. Had me bopping along in my seat on the bus. The bass playing stands out. And I really dig the extras on the remastered edition, which is saying something
Jurassic 5
3/5
This started off promising, it’s always refreshing to hear a hip hop album that’s not full of misogyny and ridiculous posturing. The novelty started to wear off though and it all began to blend in to one. Still, at least it’s listenable, it’s got that going for it
Grateful Dead
2/5
Yikes, from never having heard Grateful Dead before to two albums in the space of a few days, and I can surely say I won’t be searching them out again. I can’t imagine this would have been terribly exciting in the flesh, however I guess the audience were off their faces. I went and did the hoovering during the second run through when Feedback came on. Something is stopping me giving this a one and I’m not even sure what. There are some glimmers in there I guess, maybe enough for an EP? Onwards and upwards. I’ll take Britpop any day over this
Frank Black
3/5
Nothing about this grabs me the way the likes of Doolittle does. It’s just lacking in something. And no need for a double album, a bit of pruning would have made this much better
System Of A Down
4/5
Why have I never listened to System of a Down before? This is great. Right up my alley. Heavy with enough nuance to make it interesting. Good musicianship, interesting lyrics and Serj has a fantastic voice. Glad I discovered them on this thing. A strong 4
Deep Purple
3/5
I’m not a fan of live albums because the point is to actually be there enjoying the atmosphere. I guess this one is pretty decent as live albums go, however does anyone actually enjoy extended solos other than the artist? At best tedious, at worst unlistenable. No need. 2.5
Louis Prima
4/5
This is so fun and happy and joyful. A bunch of great musicians and singers and they sound like they are having a blast. It’s infectious. I prefer the songs to the instrumentals . A mood-lifter. Love it
Roxy Music
3/5
You know, this is the best offering so far by them. It would likely be a 4 but Bryan Ferry’s vocals knock at least a point off. Not even sure how to describe them other than unbearable at times. Arch maybe? Oh, and their album covers are tacky
The Go-Betweens
3/5
On paper this should be right up my alley - a bit of The Smiths here, a bit of Frightened Rabbit there but I found it somewhat underwhelming. To be fair it sounded better on the headphones. I was almost willing myself to like it more than I did. His voice is the weak point. And they needed to go either more jangly or more beefy on the production which was a bit wishy-washy. 3.5 rounding down
Tom Waits
5/5
I went into this thinking oh god not another one and on first listen I really disliked it. On rhe second listen I loved it. Weird. Maybe it’s because it’s the first album of this style for him but he didn’t go ridiculously over the top with the character bit. Just the right amount of quirky and even touching at times
Raekwon
2/5
This genre has nothing to offer me. It’s tiresome. And the ego on these guys to put over an hour out there including the crap skits Seems to be standard. Rainy Dayz was pretty good, and some of the samples and the female vocals. These dudes need to grow up
Joe Ely
4/5
I actually really liked this. It’s fun, and with a bit more to it than your bog standard my baby done left me or whatever country nonsense: I will admit it sort of took me by surprise. Also he just passed away a few days ago so RIP Joe. 3.5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Yep, I’m definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to Bob Marley. I start off liking it but it gets a bit grating after a while. Definitely best enjoyed in Caribbean climes. Also, the version of No Woman No Cry with the awful synth sound is terrible compared to the famous version
Def Leppard
3/5
I mean, they did what they set out to do and they did it well. This style of young, dumb and full of… fun…rock just isn’t for me
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
I liked this much more than I thought I was going to. And I’m not even really sure why. There are actually melodies here. And it’s not too showgqzy, which is a bonus. A surprising 3.5 rounding up to 4
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I totally get how seminal this was but it hasn’t really stood the test of time. I was wiggling my hips to the beat but the beat is pretty much the same in every track and it’s all a bit too shouty
OutKast
4/5
Well, I like it and there are some bangers on her but my god it could have done with a good editor and losing the skits which add nothing. Yet another unnecessarily long hip-hop album. The egos on these people. Still, it’s a 3.5 rounding up because it’s better than a 3
Ray Charles
3/5
I don’t feel this shows Ray at his best. It’s very subdued somehow, lacklustre. He needs to be given room to let loose and show us what he’s got. This just ain’t it, he deserves a better choice than this one
Wu-Tang Clan
2/5
Enough already of the Wu-Tang Clan collective and solo efforts. They do nothing for me. So tired of the pathetic aggressively masculine posturing and hectoring vocals in this genre
The Avalanches
3/5
Strangely I liked this less on second listen, it’s usually the other way round. Guess I have to be in the mood. It’s like they threw everything but the kitchen sink at it - it works really well sometimes, at other times it’s too much, busy and overwhelming
Iron Maiden
3/5
With Maiden I kind of recognise that they are good at what they do but it’s just not for me. All the Eddie stuff is good fun and all but it’s more appealing to teenage boys and men who used to listen to Iron Maiden when they were teenage boys. The novelty wears off very quickly. Anyhow, the best bit is the intro to Run To The Hills, which is banging. 3 stars
Germs
2/5
Another genre that’s not really for me. It’s ok but I can’t ever see myself watching this live or choosing to listen to this. Next
Gang Of Four
4/5
Have heard of them but never heard them before and I had no idea what to expect. I was thinking throughout I know where Franz Ferdinand got inspiration and that’s no bad thing. I really like the angular choppy sounds and the prominence of the bass. This is good. The novelty does start to wear off before the end but I’m still giving this a strong 4
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
It’s Ella and the Gershwins and Nelson Riddle, so quality is guaranteed. Not so sold on the songbook idea though, I prefer it to be mixed up a bit. Would love her to cut loose a bit, it’s all a bit safe. Perhaps that’s the point. Gave the usual second listen a miss
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
This didn’t really engage me much on any level. His voice can be irritating and like others I am baffled as to how 3 of their albums made it on to this list. 2.5
Traffic
3/5
This made very little impression on me. A bit of psychedelia, a bit of dad rock. Competent. 2.5
The Stooges
4/5
Is it weird that I find some of their stuff sexy? Such a strong start but then it dips with We Will Fall. I’m detecting a John Cale influence there and it really doesn’t fit with the vibe. The album would be a possible 5 without it. The rest are bangers, so ahead of their time and massively influential