507
Albums Rated
2.56
Average Rating
47%
Complete
582 albums remaining
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Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Hard-rock
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
24
5-Star Albums
98
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sex Packets
Digital Underground
|
5 | 2.67 | +2.33 |
|
Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
|
5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
|
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
|
5 | 3.01 | +1.99 |
|
Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
|
4 | 2.03 | +1.97 |
|
Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
|
5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
|
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
2112
Rush
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
Disraeli Gears
Cream
|
5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In Rainbows
Radiohead
|
1 | 3.84 | -2.84 |
|
In Utero
Nirvana
|
1 | 3.83 | -2.83 |
|
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
|
1 | 3.78 | -2.78 |
|
21
Adele
|
1 | 3.69 | -2.69 |
|
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.65 | -2.65 |
|
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
|
1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
|
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
1999
Prince
|
1 | 3.6 | -2.6 |
|
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
|
1 | 3.59 | -2.59 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Purple | 3 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 1.5 |
| Frank Sinatra | 2 | 1 |
| Pere Ubu | 2 | 1 |
| Morrissey | 2 | 1 |
| Public Image Ltd. | 2 | 1 |
| Christina Aguilera | 2 | 1 |
| Adele | 2 | 1 |
| Kanye West | 3 | 1.67 |
| Kings of Leon | 3 | 1.67 |
| Tim Buckley | 3 | 1.67 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 1.67 |
| Taylor Swift | 2 | 1.5 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 2 | 1.5 |
| Björk | 2 | 1.5 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 1.5 |
| Elvis Costello | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Verve | 2 | 1.5 |
| George Michael | 2 | 1.5 |
| Public Enemy | 3 | 2 |
| Metallica | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Depeche Mode | 1, 4 |
| Nirvana | 1, 4 |
| Kate Bush | 4, 3, 1 |
| Steely Dan | 4, 1, 2 |
| Nick Drake | 4, 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (24)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Jeru The Damaja
1/5
Right now, what can we say about this?
Not a lot really, standard (C)rap just about sums it up. 1
4 likes
Girls Against Boys
1/5
Totally uninspiring 90's twaddle. There were ahundeed band producing this kind of rubbish in the 90's this is just another one. Didn't hear of them at the time and not to be heard of since.
1 likes
Suzanne Vega
5/5
Back in the dim and distant days of yore, and what apparently was 1985. I was watching a tv program called Pebblemill at One, and they would have a musical interlude. So there sat this waif of a girl with a guitar, and she started to play and sing an ethereal piece called Small Blue Thing. And I was enthralled. Even today, some 39 years later it is still one of my all time favourite songs. Where many say The Queen and The Soldier is the stand out track, and Marlene on The Wall was the album's hit. It is Small Blue Thing that sticks in my heart and my memory. You could almost say 'Like a marble or an eye.
On the whole though this is a great album, there truly isn't a bad track on it. It can only get a 5 from me, but I guess you'd already worked that one out.
1 likes
Pixies
3/5
No time for a proper review. Didn't like it to begin with. But it grew on me. 3
1 likes
Morrissey
1/5
Maudlin Street is where this album was born grew up and hopefully will die very soon, never o be heard ever again.
God it was awful!
Although I'm not a fan, I can't understand why there is hardly been any Elvis, and so much Smiths and Morrisey. When the former had more influence over the development of popular music than the latter could dream of.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (98)
All Ratings
The Mars Volta
2/5
Judas Priest
4/5
Neil Young
3/5
Fela Kuti
3/5
Lou Reed
5/5
I've got this. Haven't listened to it for ages, had forgotten just how good it is. Great album tracks go from good to outstanding. And contains the iconic walk on the wild side and perfect day.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Not listened to a Beach Boys album before, only know the classics. It was interesting and not unpleasant. Not sure if I'd buy it.
Beyoncé
1/5
Got to admit when I saw Beyoncé come up I thought "Dear God no!!" But, I'm doing this to experience different music. So I put it on and went for a walk. To my surprise, it wasn't objectionable. However that is about the only positive thing I can say. For me it wasn't anything really. It was a sound that exists is probably the best I can say. When I got home I put the TV on and forgot I had an earpiece in. That's how little it inspired me.
Silver Jews
2/5
This was followed on you tube by Jonny Cash and Warren Zevons. All I can say is that is how to do it properly, keep practicing and in 20 years you may get there.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Never listened to this as an album before, but have all the tracks in different places.
Arcade Fire
2/5
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
1/5
Not my sort of thing, quite happy to have this sort of music used in other songs,but......
A whole album no thank you.
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
Well this is really annoying. I just don't like her voice. The music was uncomplicated and not over produced. I really liked it, and as I said I don't like her voice. Now you may think that is what makes this difficult, but you'd be wrong. What makes this complicated, is she compliments the music perfectly. I really couldn't imagine any other voice performing those tracks. Would I buy it, yes I would. Would I actively seek it out to buy, no probably not. That only leaves me one score to give it. 4
Public Enemy
2/5
Not totally against this type of music. There are rap and hip hop bands I like but these generally also have music, something that was completely missing from the first few tracks here. Also my personal feelings are that there should be no place in music for politics.
The Who
3/5
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Sounded very familiar, lead singer looked familiar too. Not something I would buy, probably.
Frank Sinatra
1/5
It's Old Blue Eyes, never have been a fan.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
A band I'd heard of but not anything by. First impression was thank god the tracks are only 2 mins long. But then the longer, later tracks were much better. The last 2 being the best.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Some classic tracks here including 2 of my all time favourites in The Boxer and El Condor Pasa.
John Coltrane
1/5
I listen to some weird shit, and several of the bands are heavily influenced by free-form jazz. But they at least carry a theme over, around, and through which they play their instruments. But with this there were many many times when it just descended into a cacophony. Not for me.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Some good famous tracks, but the rest really wasn't up to much.
Dr. Dre
1/5
I've been told that George Clinton is the most sampled artist going. That is certainly true of Let Me Ride and The Outro. All I can say is if The Mothership Connection is not in this collection then there is something seriously wrong with the people who compiled it. The rest of this album is not too hot, but some is OK. Wouldn't spend any money on it though.
1/5
Can honestly say not a fan.
Best track was intro, thought "Ooh, perhaps they are not what I expected "
Yes they were. Not for me.
Motörhead
4/5
Now, I may be going out on a limb here, but I find Mr Kilmister to be one of this worlds most underestimated lyricists. Expecially in tracks like "Road Crew", they are clever, witty, have a rhythm and meter that makes them (to me) proper poetry. And although I know it's not on this album, any man who can find a rhyme for and indeed include the word 'parallelogram' in any song is deserved of high praise indeed. Musically I guess it is somewhat simplistic, but it comes together well. Again this is an album I possess, bought mainly because it was one that I thought at the time it was one I ought to own, but I found myself liking it.
A high 4 for me
Sex Pistols
4/5
Bit disappointed. As I listen on you tube, not all tracks are available. So only four to base this on. And as much as I didn't appreciate this at the time I actually found that I liked what I heard. I mean Mr Lydon is still a twat, but I enjoyed the tracks allowed including "holidays in the sun" which I'd never heard before. Was left feeling I'd like to hear the rest of the album. Will probably keep a look out for it when perusing second hand CD stalls.
Green Day
2/5
Listening to these on you tube has its draw backs, but also its advantages. As in this case, if left to its own devices it continues to play tracks in a similar vein to these selected. This album was followed by the sex pistols and puddle of mudd. Now although green day were OK, a high 2. What followed were much better examples of the genre. Though I do like the holiday track, unfortunately this album didn't live up to it.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
Been meaning to hear more or these/him for some time. Only seen Next on The Old Grey Whistle Test. Quite liked liked it, very pleasantly surprised. High 3 low 4 me thinks.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
Fleetwood Mac, where do I start. Two of my all time favourite musicians, and a good band. So what happened here? The critics panned this album when it was released and quite frankly I can see why. The only thing is it does contain one of my favourite Mac tracks, that being the title track Tusk, which drags it up to a mediocre 2.
Rush
5/5
It's not Prog, it's just a long song.
BOLLOX! THIS IS PROG!!
Wow, what a way to start an album.
You can probably guess that I like this.
It is a superb example of a Prog album, and as that, I can totally understand why you may not like it. All I can say is this is my kind of album.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
Nice enough voice, though can't figure out why she should need lyric sheet. The songs weren't complicated. The last one was apparently scat, but I didn't think it that bad. Not for me though, solid 2.
Neil Young
3/5
Neil has one of those voices that can be either sublime or bloody awful. This album highlights both aspects. There are parts that just make me think how on earth did that ever get recorded, and what ever possessed him to make him think he could have a career in music. Yet there are other bits that make you think yeah, this is the real Neil. Not quite at his best but getting there. It's no Harvest, but good enough. High 3 for me.
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
Initial thoughts on seeing album name and band was this is going to be interesting. On hearing first minute, this is going to be very interesting. 25 mins in, ok, its getting a bit tedious now. 45 mins in, actually I'm quite enjoying having this on in the background. On the whole I liked it mid-range 4 kind of liked it. Its an album produced for a reason, and if you can't work out the reason from the title it probably isn't for you. Bit long 1 hour 41 mins long in the extended version on you tube, but hayho, I enjoyed it.
The Smiths
2/5
First impressions without listening, oh well suppose I have to, at least it's only 37 mins. I do try to keep an open mind but morrisey's voice which I can only describe as multi-tonal monotony is not for me. That said Cemerty Gates wasn't bad and does raise it up to a very low 2.
Milton Nascimento
2/5
Nothing wrong with this, nice to see (hear) a foreign language album included in this list. It's just not really my cup of tea.
Elton John
2/5
My parents never had music on in the house when I was young, except for the Kings College Choir at Christmas. The only music I heard was what my sister played in her bedroom which was next to mine, and as she was the biggest Elton John fan.....
I tell you this because I cannot remember hearing this album before, though I know she had it.
Quite frankly, it's not one of his best. I could name half a dozen I would consider more worthy of inclusion. Really its just an ordinary 2 for me.
The Temptations
4/5
Nice to see this as a start of the week. Only really know Papa, so a good album to listen to first. Yeah it was great liked it very much. Surprised by First Time didn't know they'd done it as well, but lots have.
Gene Clark
3/5
Very pleasant, at time his voice is quite Dylanesque. Not much more I can say really. Got to be worth a 3.
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
Nothing too exciting here, it was quite pleasant but that's all. Would have thought that Fairport Convention would have been a better bet. But perhaps the compilers were American.
Grizzly Bear
2/5
Listened to it 6.00 in the morning, probably says enough about it that now at 2.30 next morning I can't remember what I thought of it.
Little Simz
2/5
5 track in and I can honestly say musically I really like it. It's just a crying shame it's not an instrumental album. In one of the later track she says "It's hard talking about something you know nothing about". And that is all rapping is, talking. Usually there is a sort of rhythm and it ties in with the music, but with this she has a similar meter in every track and drowns out the music, completely ruining it.
Herbie Hancock
3/5
I thought he was supposed to be a jazz pianist, this started off really funky. I liked it. Not something I rave about or go chasing after, but equally not something I would stear clear of either. Would consider it if I saw a nice cheap CD.😁 high 3.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
First impressions before listening, and never having heard of them.
Eugh, do I have to?
Well, that wasn't what I expected. 5 tracks in, it's not bad, not amazingly my sort of stuff but OK. Ice Cold Ice is reminiscent of REM (don't know which came first). You might even say it is REMiniscent. (Been working with Mr Sharp too long). Later tracks like Bed Of Nails, (to me anyway) have a touch of New Model Army. On the whole not bad. Depends entirely on how the mood takes me at the time as to whether I'd buy some or not. Med 3. Probably a 68/100
Billie Holiday
1/5
Sorry, 4-5 tracks in and that's enough. She has a great voice even I can tell that. And I can understand that her career did a lot for black women in music. If not for her we probably would not have had Beyonce.......No I'm trying to be positive here.
Anyway, it's just not my style of music. 10-15 mins I can deal with but any more than that it's just got nothing.
Sorry not for me. A very low 1. Probably 5 or lower out of 100.
Circle Jerks
1/5
Bit of a contrast to yesterday's Billy Holiday, but perversely easier to listen to the whole album. Probably because it's only about 25 minutes long.
Listen up the likes of Green day,
THIS IS PUNK YOU ARE NOT!!!
It is raw energy with little or no talent.
It's not my cup of tea, but for some reason I still have respect for it. And because of that I want to give it a 2, but don't think I really can. Will have to wait until tomorrow to see what I eventually do.
James Brown
2/5
From listening to this, I can't work out what all the fuss was about. I know he was known as the godfather of soul music, but this, nah.
It was followed on YouTube by Get Up Offa That Thing. Now that was more like it, but that is more funk than soul, and we all know that George Clinton was Godfather to that.
All in all not for me, very low 2
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Pleased to see this. I was aware of its reputation, but had never heard it.
Really enjoyed it. Far more musical than I expected. Though I don't know why my expectations were low. Definitely one to be on the lookout for. A solid to high 4.
Deep Purple
5/5
Well now that was a surprise. Just looked it up, and this was the first of what I call the classic 3 albums. I thought it was the second. As it seems to me to bridge the gap between the very experimental Fireball, and the rockier Machine Head.
Containing as it does Speed King and that epic little ditty Child In Time. This album (as are its two companions) is a tour de force in the heavy Prog world. Though my personal favourite is the much more experimental Fireball. Nevertheless this offering from the classic MKII line up of Gillan, Paice, Lord, Glover and Blackmore deserves nothing short of 5 in my eyes.
Pere Ubu
1/5
I'm all for experimental music and the usage of unusual sounds in music, but.....
There's got to be the music there to back it up. And in this case, for me, there just wasn't. Sorry 1
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Pleasant enough. Modern easy listening.
That's about all I can say really. Nothing outstanding but nice enough for 2.5
Van Halen
2/5
Typical 80's hair rock. Eddie Van Halen was plaudited as the latest greatest thing with a guitar, but a bit too much of it for me. Wouldn't avoid them but wouldn't go out of my way to see or listen to them either. Half way again, 2.5.
Franz Ferdinand
2/5
Typical 80's hair rock. Eddie Van Halen was plaudited as the latest greatest thing with a guitar, but a bit too much of it for me. Wouldn't avoid them but wouldn't go out of my way to see or listen to them either. Half way again, 2.5.
Skepta
1/5
Well I can see why some people like this, But as with others in this genre, the voice over powers the music and I don't like that. Nor do I appreciate music being usurped for political purposes. I can live with it if it is of a high enough standard musically, as with And Then There Were None by The Enid, or 1916 by Mötorhead. But again this just didn't have it. Even so some bits were OK and each track was mercifully short. 1.5
Dead Kennedys
1/5
Would love to say short and sweet, but I'd only be 50% right. It's definitely short. But it's from the physical era, (vinyl and cd) so it would be. Heads up all you modern fake punk bands, THIS IS PUNK.
Was quite listenable but got a bit samey, and I became bored. Quite an achievement in 36 minutes and 15 tracks.
Would I listen again? No, 'fraid not. A high ish 1, but still just a 1
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Some decent songs, like hard times. And the music was good if simple, a product of its time I suppose. He's sort of the selecta of his time, but each could learn from the other, selecta need to give the music equal billing, and Mr Mayfield could learn to give his voice some oomph. His voice is just sooooo weak, watery and above all whiney. It was pissing me off from half way through the first song, it's a wonder I actually like any of it. It's only the music that has just scraped it up to barely a 2.
Radiohead
2/5
I was aware of something called paranoid android, be it track, album or band I didn't know. But I wanted to listen to it. When I saw it on this I was really interested. Musically this album was quite interesting and I enjoyed it. Unfortunately it was the vocals that really spoilt it. His voice was just so depressing not necessarily the lyrics, but the tone of his voice I found incredibly depressing. Interestingly enough you tube followed it it with Franz Ferdinand, and I found it to be much improved from when I listened to it at the beginning of the week. So much so that I relistened to the album, and would have scored it as a solid 3. With this though it is only the music that brings it just about up to a 2. If it didn't have that, it would be a solid 0.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Liked this, especially the peasant one, track 3 or 4. Folks but a little bit different.
The other way round to some of the more recent offerings, in that first bit was dodgy, then came good. Think I'll let it just scrape a 4.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Well someone is a fan of Talking heads. There were a couple of track, the first one included that definitely had that vibe. After that it drifted into modern American pop, came back a bit later but drifted off again. I suppose variety is a good thing but not particularly me. Might just scrape a 3.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Well that wasn't what I expected. I was well aware of this Nick and the Seeds, but for some reason had always thought of them as being like Alex Harvey. It's not, it's really rather pleasant. But does tend to drag on, and over the course of the whole album becomes a little maudlin. But nevertheless I think I'll give it a 3
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
This should be interesting, obviously before the era of the best blues guitarist this country will ever produce. 😁.
Well..... Damn that boy could play the blues. I've always sort of poo poo'd Eric as a blues guitarist mainly because of his later stuff, but this has given me a new appreciation of him. Still not as good as the hallowed Peter Green, but good enough. Quite surprised that I could hear a definite B B King influence in a couple of tracks seeing as I'd heard that he was more of a fan of Albert Collins (it was Peter who was influenced by BB, I am also a fan of BB). This will definitely be on my to buy list now. As will any later albums with the new line up. Definite 4.2.
Kanye West
2/5
Oh well, from the sublime to the ridiculous.
No, no, no. I must keep an open mind, no matter how crap its going to be.
Well that was a surprise. I mean, I'm not a fan of rap, but musically this was not bad. The lyrics left a lot to be desired, but I quite liked the music. I wouldn't buy it, and will probably never listen to it ever again, but can't resist giving it a 2 for the music alone.
The Killers
3/5
Well this appears to be a week of surprises. I quite liked this. But in keeping with my usual perverse side, I found Mr Brightside to be the worst track on the album. Not sure if I'd buy it, but it's got to be worth a 3.
Taylor Swift
1/5
Well, that's the last 3 albums that I have been pleasantly surprised by. Only heard the first 5 tracks so far, but am reminded of Suzanne Vega, but with out the je ne sais quoi.
Emmylou Harris
1/5
"What kind of music do you have here?"
"Oh, we have BOTH kinds of music. Country AND Western."
So do we now. YEEHAW!
God, I never realised it could be so depressing!
There were some bright spots though. Her voice is really good, and I did recognise some of the songs, but by other people. Coat of many colours I'm more used to hearing John Denver sing, and his version is much more up beat. And this may interest Gandalf's Fist. I was racking my mind to think who I'd heard do The Bottle Let Me Down. Then it came to me, but I had to search through my music on my PC to confirm it. It was covered by a band called Throw Rag. But it is their guest vocalist that is the really interesting bit. It was a certain Mr Lemmy Kilmister. Now this has left me with just one question. What the hell does Elvis have to do with Californian cotton fields?
Anyway to business. Sorry Emmylou, you do have a great voice, and there were some bright spots in the songs, but I just can't bring myself to give you more than 1.
Fugazi
1/5
This was described by YouTube as post hard-core what the hell that means god only knows. To me this is PUNK, it appears to be a disillusioned youth attempting to make a political statement whilst displaying a lack of musical/vocal talent or ability. That is not to say they don't possess this ability, merely that they are trying to display this lack. In fact there is quite a bit of talent if you look past the general feel of the finished product. Having said that, not my cup of tea. 1
Duran Duran
4/5
I really enjoyed listening to this. No, honestly, I mean it. Yes, it was all a bit samey but it was very pleasant listening. Once I'd found the proper 42 minute version instead of the 2 1/2 hour long collector's edition that is. And yes it was definitely a product of its time/genre, 80's new romantic. Totally un-dancey, but good music music put together well and performed well. I found that I also knew more tracks than I recognised from the listing.
Now for the perverse bit. Would I buy it? Nah. Would I even listen to it again?Probably not. But I can totally see why it's in the list, it's a perfect example of what it represents.
So I find myself in the position of giving a very well deserved 4 to an album I will, in all probability, never interact with again. But can I justify a lower score? No I can't. So 4 it is.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Well, someone got a talk-box for Christmas. I do love a bit of funk music though, and this is not bad. It's not Clinton, but it's OK. There were a couple of stand out tracks including the title track, Somebody's Watching You and everyday People. And the two instrumental tracks were also worth a listen, even if I was expecting Sex Machine to be a cover.
A medium 4
Morrissey
1/5
I'm sure I have commented on my opinion of politics and religion before, in that there are things they just do not go with. They include sport and music (unless its for comedic effect). Add to that the fact that music should be uplifting, and then the depressing content of his songs and you may understand why I found I could only get through half this album.
Which is a real shame. Because the music it's self was more upbeat than the smiths (not hard I know). And damn the man can actually sing. I listen to a lot of stuff that many people would not even consider music, but I can find worth in it.
I suppose it must take a lot of talent to take a reasonable tune played well, add in a very good voice (when it wants to be) put them together and produce something that I just can't bear to listen to. It's not rubbish but it's unlistenable. I can't give it less than 1 but I want to.
Slade
4/5
Was pleased to see this, though as per usual I only know the famous ones.
Got off to a dodgy start with the vocals overpowering the music in the first track. After that it evened out and you could hear how they must have influenced the American hair metal bands of the 80's.
It was rawer, or perhaps with Noddy's vocals that's roarer. But still very good. I enjoyed it got to be a 4
Kings of Leon
1/5
First impression without listening, did they get the album title from the what three words app? And must of the track titles too from the look of it.
Well that was a surprise. I always thought that they were an English band, but God only knows what language that was in. I'm reminded of the Ken Lee song, and if you don't know what that is then I suggest you search it on YouTube. But the most annoying thing about this album was the first 20 seconds of each track, it gave you false hope of what was to follow. The intros were interesting, then the vocals kicked in and it all turned to shit.
A begrudging 1, would go lower if I could.
Funkadelic
4/5
Woo hoo, Funkadelic. But is there any Parliament?
And here we witness the early days of the P Funk. I can fully understand why a lot of James Brown's musicians left him for George's more free-form style of funk. This album demonstrates the coming together of your basic funk and the early psychedelic leanings of rock to form the embryonic Psychedelic Funk or P Funk as it is known. By the time George formed Parliament it had been refined into a polished gemstone. But here you can definitely hear its beginnings from the more chaotic Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis Enema Squad to it's more mellow cousin P E Squad. To me it's a great album culminating in the superb Maggot Brain. But not quite the finished item.
Really torn here, in reality its about a 4.8. So do I upgrade it to a 5,or downgrade it to 4?
The Doors
5/5
Well what can I say? It's just a brilliant album. 3 famous tracks 8 not so well known but also good. The full version of the end. Its just a great album. Don't know why I have always baulked at buying it.
Hole
3/5
At the first chord, it was a case of ok they're
just another post punk American pop rock band.(I have been informed this is what grunge is). By half way through it they are obviously not "just another", they've actually got something here. As the album progresses it continues to display this. I like it, now then how to score it? Think its got to be a high 3 again
Supergrass
3/5
Well, that's another band that appears to have used What Three Words to get their track names. That said it's not bad, not bad at all. Several tracks that made me stop and go "ooh what's this?" Sun hits sky and Hollow little rein (WTW) for two and the last track too. Some tracks seemed to be spoilt by the vocals, some wouldn't have worked without. On the whole yeah I liked it. Not quite enough for a 4, but a very high 3.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Hard to believe its from '74, sounds like could have been recorded recently. Its not bad, nice and easy going. I've never taken the risk of buying an album by Joni, even though I like what I've heard of her's before. Might well now. But even so can't really see myself giving her better than a high 3. That's quite a few of those, we've had a good run of album recently.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
Well, YouTube music takes you through to My Generation by RMS. I haven't listened to that obviously, but after listening to 14 love songs I'm beginning to wish I had.
I'm finding this album really annoying. They can both sing, the music is simple (like it's been knocked up in someone's bedroom on a bontempi kind of simple)
but still quite good and varied. BUT 69 OF THEM!!!! F.O.Y.C.
Makes me wonder how the hell the compiler of this list found it, and whether he included in a fit of pure sadism. If it was 15-20 love songs it would have probably got a high 2 to very low 3, but 69!.......
I can only give it a very low 1.
Arcade Fire
2/5
OK, now this is a strange one. The only thing I can say is I neither liked nor disliked this. There were good bits and not so bits. Part of me thinks well that means it should be a 3 then but the rest of me says if I were to do that then it would de-value all the others that I genuinely did like but only gave a 3. So there it is then 2.
Justin Timberlake
1/5
Shit, didn't realise I was that far behind.
Caught up now. What can I say about this?
Typical modern pop. Uninspiring nonsense. Not unpleasant, but equally not really worth the effort of listening to it. 1
Pixies
2/5
It's OK, not too much to write home about. Had to wait for the penultimate track Silver to get a really good one. 2.
Beatles
4/5
Never listened to a whole Beatles album before, though I do know a lot of the tracks on this one. There's a some really good experimental stuff too, which I presume was John. But doesn't quite make it to 5 for me, so 4 it is.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Typical of its ilk. Pleasant enough, just nothing special. Not my thing. 2
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Played catch-up with this one, so heard Mr Rascal first. Made me think that the compiler is an American. As in this is how its supposed to be, and this is what the Brits do with it. Basically, this is how it is supposed to be. The words have meter, rhythm and rhyme. The music provides a pleasant melodic backdrop. As you can guess I don't find this objectionable, but I'm not a big fan either. Though there is one band that do do an exceptional job of this genre and I do hope we'll get to listen to some of the Underground in this list. To sum up, it's OK. Would I buy it......... Nah! Worth a 3 though.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
I have seen Mr Rascal on the BBC version of Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and been very impressed. And the fact that I have just listened to the whole of this album goes a long way to demonstrate just how much I wanted to find something positive to say about it. And like a toothless parrot I did succeed. There were some interesting sounds used in some of these tracks, unfortunately on the whole it just epitomised the whole of this genre that is the only word I know of that begins with a silent 'c'. Yes this was definitely crap. Would give it 0 if I could.
Pink Floyd
5/5
What a way to see off the week! Though neither of the contain my favourite Floyd track, this is one of my two favourite Floyd albums.
As a comment on life in general it is as relevant today as it ever was. Starting off with the heart beat of speak to me and progressing through breathe and on the run this album contains the well known tracks of Time and Money. It is just a superb album and a classic of it genre. You know what is coming next.
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Depeche Mode
1/5
Not much to say about this. I know people who love them, I don't share that opinion.
But it's not terrible. 1
Britney Spears
2/5
It's typical pop of the era, but in all honesty done very well. She's leagues ahead of the slightly newer equivalents ie Beyoncé and her ilk. Having said that, it's not my thing but I can still appreciate despite all the hype she does have talent, a mid 2
Neil Young
4/5
Well what can I say that about this man that I haven't already? Not a lot.
The album, on the other hand I can comment anew on. Its much more polished than the other one and has several superb tracks including the title track. A truly beautiful song (though if you struggle with his voice, you would do well to check out the Renaissance cover version). I think its the lyrics that do it for me. (That's why I'm such a fan of Roy Harper.) Don't let it bring you down they sound so deep but when you really listen to them they don't quite make sense, and I love that in a lyric.
Anyway, down to business. Even with all its good points, I don't think it is quite a 5. So mid to high 4 it is.
ps If there is not anything by Mr Harper in this list then I shall consider the whole process null and void.
Public Enemy
2/5
At the start of it I thought all of my preconceptions would be way off mark, it was musical and quite pleasant. But at the start of the 3rd track my fears were confirmed. Loud raucous and virtually unlistenable. The album then proceeded to flow between the two extremes. Yeah, know its supposed to be a social commentary but that doesn't really do it for me. I don't have a problem with rap per se if it's done well. And for the most part this was. But the aggressive bits were just too unmusical for me. A solid medium to high 2 for me.
Paul Simon
3/5
My mind was elsewhere this morning. But let's try and give it a go. 3 well known tracks here, mother & child, Duncan, and me and Julio. M+jdbts was an updated version on youtube but still a good track.
Now for the rest of the album. Got off to a slow start,but picked up. Wasn't as upbeat as I expected seeing m+jdbts and m+cr in the listing, but still ok. Would I buy it? No, it's no graceland. But still worthy of a 3.
a-ha
3/5
Actually really pleased to have this come up. Which we'll get to in a bit. It's an album of its time. New romantic pop done very well. Take me on great track with a ground breaking video which I think stands up to today's standards. The other 2 releases although they didn't have quite the same impact at the time are still very good tracks. The rest of the album is very listenable. And the we come to And You Tell Me. It was the 'B' side to (I think) to Take Me On. I heard it once and thought it wonderful, a thing of utter beauty and it has been a memory at the back of my mind ever since. Unfortunately today's reality doesn't quite live up to yesterday's memory. It's still a good track but not quite how it lives in my mind. A very good album though, a very high 3 (3.8+) but just not quite a 4. I'll think on it before rating it tomorrow.
Spacemen 3
2/5
Don't quite know where yo start with this one, it's not exactly my cup of tea. I've been told it's minimalist, you can say that again. There were a couple of tracks that had the hawkwindesk guitar throb about them. Others that were quite musical. The two different vocal styles both worked.
There were tracks that I would skip past if it came on in my car, and others that I most certainly would not. It's an album of severe contrasts without sounding like it.
Would I buy it ?......No. Would I listen to it again probably not, but can't say for sure.
2 seems too low for it, but is it worth a 3?
No not really. 2.8-2.9 but I just can't bring myself to give it a 3
Roxy Music
3/5
More familiar with their later stuff (everone knows Virginia Plain), and had wondered why they were described as progressive. Now I know, and it's really rather good. Now that I've listened to all of it, yes there are a couple of dodgy bits. But on the whole my previous statement stands. Would I buy it yes. Would I look specifically for it, probably not but a definite 3.
King Crimson
4/5
This is a much laudited album that I have wanted to listen to for a long time. Not seen it at any festivals or I would have done before now. Well now, that wasn't what I expected. Don't really know what I did expect, but that wasn't it. Not to say I didn't like it, I did. I just didn't expect that. I would buy it, and it's one I will keep an eye out for.
Got to be a 4.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Not sure if it got better as it went on or if I just got used to it. They certainly sampled Led Zep quite a bit, but the better tracks were when they didn't. The two released tracks were OK, but personally I preferred Morris Minor and the Majors. WIBI? Nah. A 2 from me.
Air
3/5
Sorry, getting a bit behind. But not as far behind as I'll be by the end of April. Catching up today.
Musically I liked it. The film is obviously something of a horror story, not the sort of thing I'd watch. Judging by the commentary on the final track. But I'd certainly buy some of their stuff if I see it on one of the stalls at a festival. A solid 3
Parliament
5/5
Love, love, love this album. Put glide in your stride and a dip in your hip, and come on to the mothership. One of my all time favourites. Clinton was sampled before you could even do such a thing. Reasonably sure I referred to this in an earlier review. Unfunky UFO is one of my favouritest track ever. Only one score I can give this.
Frank Zappa
3/5
I've heard a fair amount of Zappa, would love to have seen him live. Some friends went to see him back in the 80's, but to get tickets from the touts would have cost a weeks wages. So they didn't get to see him.
Anyway to the matter at hand, a very jazzy album this one, and though I liked it, I do prefer his songs. And there was only a small amount of vocals on 'Willy The Pimp' provided I believe by a certain Captain, of the Beefheart variety. To be fair can't really justify anything better than a mediocre 3.
3/5
The Kinks, perhaps not so well known for being the social commentary band of the 60's. This is yet another album that I have known about for a long time, but never bought or listened to. A long one for it's time but with some really great tracks, some I knew some I didn't. As an album it's not exceptional but it is good. I'm torn here, from it's reputation it should be at least a 4. But for me personally its a 3.6, 3.7. So to be consistent I can only give it a 3
Devendra Banhart
1/5
For what it is its OK. There are far better exponents of this genre, can't see why this is considered anything more than a passable one. I mean why no Yuseph Islam (Cat Stephens) or Donovan Leach. Sorry but there have been albums here that I really didn't like, but I could understand their inclusion because they may be shit but in their genre they were special. Can't see why this would have that quality. A solid 1.
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
Pleasantly surprised by this. Reward was and still is an epic track. I had heard one of the other tracks from this album at the time and thought what a load of cr@p. But listening to the whole album there are a lot of incredibly good tracks. Treason works so well in both languages. They are described as a psychedelic rock band. Not sure I would quite go that far but there were certainly some serious psychedelic influences, especially Hawkwind. And definitely an album that will be on my buying radar.
A lowish 4 for me.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Not my kind of stuff, but nothing wrong with it. Pleasant listening. 3. I feel that it deserves more of a review than that, but can't really say more.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Well I can see (hear) the influence he had on music 20 years later. And to be honest I think Iggy did it better. This is quite a good album, not something I would rave over, but certainly worth the occasional listen. Would I buy it? Yes I would, but I wouldn't go looking for it especially. A very high 3.
Cheap Trick
2/5
Never been a big fan, though they are a decent example of the genre. "I want" is a good track but the others are mediocre. To be honest can only give it a high 2.
Soft Cell
2/5
The highlight of thus album is 'Seedy Film'. Great bass line, nice melodies over the top. Only spoilt by Mr Almonds voice. Other than that there are the famous ones, but nothing to write home about. Can't realistically give it better than a 2.
Stereolab
2/5
Pleasant enough, but boring. By the time I was half way through I'd heard enough. Will try to finish it off later.
Garbage
4/5
This system brought up the 20th anniversary deluxe edition, I'm assuming the original was NOT 5 hours 4 minutes long. Therefore I listened to the first 45 minutes. And apart from Super Vixen it wasn't bad. Really wasn't impressed by that track. It embodies everything that this genre means to be and it was just plain hard to listen to. A tuneless, cacophanistic mess. The rest was actually quite good (bordering on the very good) which puts me in a bit of a quandary. Because for my own personal ratings of would or wouldn't I buy it, no I wouldn't. But I feel that it deserves a 4, and that is reserved for albums I would buy.
The Black Keys
4/5
Don't like the bits where it sounded like they had covered the mics in greaseproof paper. But other than that not bad at all. Would I buy it possibly so if it was to do something like make up a 3 for offer.
Got to be a 4 then.
David Bowie
3/5
Now Bowie is a weird one. An undoubted musical genius. But there is a lot of his stuff that simply doesn't do it for me. I have a couple of his 'best of' albums. But no proper ones, and this one demonstrates why. As far as I'm concerned there is just too much crap on it. I mean, the good ones are really good. But the crap ones are really crap. Would I buy it ? Almost definitely not.
To compare this to the previous album. That was a collection of almost entirely above average songs. This is an album with a few really excellent songs and a whole load of utter tripe. A low 3 for me. A *very* low 3.
Blur
3/5
Far more experimental and varied than I expected. On the whole not bad, but I won't be looking out for it anywhere.
Saint Etienne
2/5
Pleasant ambient stuff. Got off to a bad start but improved. Nothing really to write home about a solid 2.
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
First thoughts, do I have to. But then he, like u2, is one of the most overrated acts there is. A good songwriter but a shite performer. Oh well here goes. ¾ of the way through and I've had to stop listening and write this, partially to give my ears some relief. This album is incredibly annoying. Musically it's very good and the songs appear to be well written, I'd love to here Gene Simmons perform 'Adam raised a Caine'. But somebody please do the world a favour and remove his vocal chords. Oh! That's a thought perhaps they already have!
Songhoy Blues
5/5
Oh WOW! What madman thought of combining really well played R&B music with, what sounded like, traditional African vocals. Whoever it was, they're a F@#K*#G genius.
Björk
2/5
Was quite interested to hear this. Although it isn't something I would have listened to if it hadn't come up on here, I have wondered what an album of hers was like.
Now I like some weird music, but in honesty, this is too weird for me. Would I turn it off if it came on somewhere? No. Would I put it on again? No. Would I buy it? You can guess that one. No. But its worth a mid to high range 2.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Here's another album that's a bit of a contradiction in terms for me. It's great, it creates a nice warm fuzzy feeling inside. Nostalgia was considered to be a disease once, and this album bring it on in spades (pun not intended). It's a wonderful listen. Would I buy it, almost definitely not. Yet I cannot even contemplate giving it less than a top ¼ 4. Its like the test card on the tele, it brings back memories of a simpler time, but would you want it to return? No not really.
Christine and the Queens
3/5
This will sound peculiar, but the first few tracks, in English or at least with English parts, I found boring and uninteresting. Standard modern nothingness. I nearly gave up on it and went back to catch up on one I'd missed. But I left it on, and when it got to the obviously French ones it improved immensely. Only a moderate 3 but that is way ahead of where it would have been.
Willie Nelson
3/5
A lot of standards from a bygone era here. All very pleasant, but nothing special. Wouldn't turn them off, but equally, wouldn't turn them on. Got to be a middle of the road, easy listening 3
Norah Jones
2/5
Well, it's all very pleasant but......
Seems to be a bit of a theme going on here. Is there any difference between Nora Jones, K.T. Tunstall and Katie Melua? Not to what I can remember. Not a fan of any of them at the time. And no reason to change that opinion here. A 2 for niceness.
Kings of Leon
1/5
Now this is a surprise, I honestly didn't realise there had been a proper punk revival. This lot epitomise exactly what I think of as punk. A disassociated youth angry with society, beating tuneless crap out of their instruments and being cruel to a microphone. The main difference being this lot don't have the nostalgia effect to make it bearable.
To be fair there are bits where they do show that they are capable of actually getting a tune out of their guitars. But they soon revert to type, and I'm reminded of the infinite monkey theory. Oh yes, and talking of monkeys. What is that that they have providing vocals? I find it hard to believe it's of human origin.
All in all its just plain shite. Shame there isn't a zero, not been forced to listen to anything more deserving of one yet.
OK, so the above was written after only listening to the first half of the album and the break must have been good for my ears as the second half seemed better. They slowed it down a bit and it became more musical. I can see how the novocaine one got it's name, it reminded me of toothache. I can honestly say that with this improvement they now deserve the 1 star I'm giving them.
Common
3/5
Not a rap fan, but when done well it is good listening, and this was done well. Done very well in fact. I really enjoyed it. Musically it wasn't what I would expect to be with those vocals, but as a whole, they actually fitted very well. Would I buy it probably not, but you never can tell. And a very high 3 it is.
John Grant
1/5
He's got a good voice and the music is played well by talented musicians. But I listen to these as I'm getting ready to go to work early in the morning. And although I don't expect to be feeling like the King of the world when I leave, what I really, really don't want is to be feeling SUI(FUCKING)CIDAL.
And I'm only 2 tracks into it. It's gone.
Ramones
3/5
Now, I'm assuming that the original version of this album was not quite the 2 hour 78 track epic that I was taken to.
That said it was a pleasant surprise for it to start with the well known classic Blitzkrieg Bop. And the rest didn't disappoint, it is what it is with no airs or graces. The cover of Lets Dance did come as a bit of a surprise, but it was a decent one. Now for the biggie, yes if I come across one I will buy it. But I won't necessarily go out looking for it.
A solid high 3
The Replacements
2/5
Yeah well, heard worse. It wasn't bad for what it was. I was quite surprised by the KISS cover, and they didn't make too much of a mess of it. Not enamoured of the vocals. Now this is going to sound contradictory, a quite liked 'Unsatisfied. It sounded like a Springsteen cover, so much so that I had to Google it to see if it was. Especially as it followed 'Black Diamond'.
A solid mid to high 2 seems fair for this.
Kate Bush
4/5
From the early stages of her more experimental works, and to be honest I have struggled with her wackier ones. But the big 4 make this album worth the listen. I'm not really sure why they included this one in here as 'The Kick Inside' and 'Lionheart' were both much better albums. Still, can't bring myself to give it less than a 4.
The Beach Boys
3/5
It's the Beach Boys, you get what you expect. Nice tunes, good harmonies, pleasant lyrics. All nice, but nothing exceptional. Nice easy listening 3.
Nine Inch Nails
1/5
I've always said noone can bollox up a truly great song. The Bad News cover of Bohemian Rhapsody, Rolf Harris's cover of Stairway to Heaven are examples of this. And the cover of Hurt tht we have here, although it is definitely not the Nine Inch Nails version that I know it is still ok. But even that is not good enough to drag this heap of shit out of the mire. 1 because Hurt stopped it from being lower.
Guns N' Roses
2/5
It's at this point that I'm regretting previous scores. Namely giving utwo a 2. They didn't really deserve that high a score. This offering is so much better, but is it worthy of a 3, nah I don't think so. The famous tracks are very good and the rest are OK, but I still don't feel it is due a 3. 2.6 or 2.7 yes but it's no 3.
Prince
1/5
His singles are, for the most part, very well known and liked. So I was really interested to hear this whole album.
How disappointing. So many people say what a talented multi-instrumentalist he is, but very few say what a self-obsessed egotistical twat he is. Unfortunately it is the latter description that comes over in the rest of this album and the good work that was done in the famous tracks is completely undone by the rest of the album. Deserves no better than a very disappointing 1
Lucinda Williams
2/5
Got to say not just another country album, but only just. First couple of tracks were just that bog standard country music. But then, I don't know, it sort of changed. And for 3 or for tracks it there was something different about it. But then it degenerated again into standard stuff. Onthe whole not bad. Worth a 2.
New Order
2/5
Not what I expected at all!
To me this album has very much a pet shop boys vibe, whereas I thought New order were much gritter. That said it still wasn't to my taste. Can only award it a 2 I'm afraid.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
An album of its time, with just as much social commentary as its modern equivalent, but with out the shock tactics and bad language. And to be fair, I enjoyed it. Gets a 3 from me.
John Lennon
3/5
This is another album that I'd always thought I should listen to or get but never got round to. Starting off with the classic title track was a good move. But the second was a real surprise with its country and western vibe, especially when you actually listen to the lyrics. On the whole it wasn't bad. Would I buy it, still undecided to be honest, but definitely worth a 3.
The Avalanches
2/5
An interesting listen, not anything I would have listened to without this site. The title track was quite good, or should I say it's video was quite good. It seemed to me the music was built around the video. Anyway that was alright the rest of the album was an ok listen, but not me really.
Better than a 1 but only because of that video.
Radiohead
1/5
Not what I expected, not unpleasant, not my thing. Sort of like marsh mallows, quite nice occasionally. But really just mushy nothingness.
Want to give it a two as I didn't actively dislike it, but can't really justify it.
FKA twigs
1/5
Right then, sort of a poor man's Kate Bush but without the ability to make it consumable by the masses. was my first impression. But it improved with the last few tracks. Unfortunately it was followed on my player by Bjork and I realised that she also made a far superior job of it. Can't do better than a 1.
Can
3/5
Was a bit trepidatious about this one. But yeah, it's OK. A bit simplistic for me but not bad. If any of these tracks came on when I've got it set to random in the car I wouldn't skip it, but it's not 100% my sort of thing. Has to be a bit more there to keep me interested. Worth a strong 3.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
It's exactly what I expected. Typical of that eras soul music. Really nothing special or remarkable. Not unpleasant but not worth returning to. Not my type of music. I have nothing against it, but just can't bring myself to give it a 3 so 2 it is.
Taylor Swift
2/5
Could have been any one of a number of modern female singers as far as I'm concerned. Yes it was palletable, but nothing special. Can't really see it being worth more than 2.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
The Kings and Queens of 60's harmonies. What a change to hear "Do you wanna dance" sung as a love song. Beautiful. I have always been appreciative of the Mammas and Pappas, and do already own one of their albums on vinyl. This one is a great offering. But to be fair I just don't feel I can give it a 5. It just doesn't have that extra something ALL the way through. So 4 it is.
Faust
4/5
😁😁😁
Weird one this, nothing really outstanding musically so far, (only 2 and a bit tracks in) but it has put a smile on my face. The sad skinhead is just great, and picnic on a frozen river, deurxieme tableau has definite Gong vibes from the Gnomes in the flying teapot era. To sum it up, this is why I'm doing this, to discover bands like this. But I am left wondering why I have never heard of them before. Will definitely be on the lookout for them on music stalls. Every strong 4, so close to a 5 but not quite there.
Bonnie Raitt
1/5
I seem to remember when she appeared on the scene she was advertised as the latest thing in blues rock. Well what a disappointment! It was far to countryfied for my tastes, although there was a nod towards blues in the last one, it was nothing that you could ever describe as rock. Unless your definition of rock is that it is played on the guitar. It was background music at best. I sort of feel I ought to give it a 2, but I don't know why, so it's getting a 1
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Ooh, now this should be interesting.
As I've have said before, I don't possess a proper LED Zeppelin album, though I have several compilations. So ther were some new ones to me on here. For a general overview it amazes me just how versatile they were as a band. From the more progressive 'Immigrant Song' to the full blues of 'Since I've Been Loving You' and the folk or roots music of 'Gallows Pole' they move between genres with consummate ease. Even the tracks I hadn't heard previously fell on the ears like old friends. Incidentally, one of these is 'Hats Off To Harper', and if this collection does not include at least one album from the man who was such an influence on bands like LED Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, but include artists like Beyonce, it will invalidate the whole concept of this 1001 albums thing.
I think you know by now how many stars 🌟 I'm giving this.
10.
Pretenders
4/5
Didn't realise at first this was a double album, but I'll bet 'Stop Your Sobbing' was track 1 disc 2. There's a definite change in style. If I didn't already know it was a cover I would have guessed it was.
The first half was quite raw, like a diamond in the rough, you could hear what they were going to become. The second half was a bit more polished. With bits they would use in subsequent tracks. Like the bass line in 'Private Lives' and the drum intro to 'Mistery Achievement'.
I have always loved Chrissy's voice it's got a special something about it. So all in all a great debut promising the great things to follow. Worth no less than a 4.
Spiritualized
3/5
Well first of all let me start off by saying I misread the above as 1979 not 97. Which is why I had intended to say I was amazed at how much ahead of its time the production quality was, but 20 years can make a big difference 😁.
When a band are described as being part of a 'minority' genre, ie Space Rock. You can't help but compare them to the band that basically invented and epitomise that genre. And musically they they stack up very well. The vocals and lyrics on the other hand feel a little incongruous. For me they are too clean, too smooth. He has a good voice, btu they don't seem to match the basicness (if that is a word) of the music, though even that is a little over produced. The first, and title track does not fit the rest of the album at all as far as I'm concerned but on the whole it's not a bad album and well worth a listen. Can't quite give it a 4, but I liked it, a solid 3.8 I would say.
Iggy Pop
3/5
I don't know why, but just from his (stage) name, his voice is always way better than I expect. And when combined with the very strong Bowie influence we have here, I can't help but like the album. On the buying side, if I came across it on a music stall as part of a multi-buy offer I would probably include it, but can't see myself actively seeking it out. Another very high 3
Public Enemy
2/5
I as a rule do not have a closed mind to rap, if it's done intelligently, and with a good backing track. I saw this come up and thought oh dear. Public enemy were certainly at the beginning of, if not the ones who who started it all off, as social commentary on the lives of young blacks in America. And I have to say they did a good job of it. The more modern exponents of what is now known as gangster rap could learn a listen or two here, but mainly, that it is more powerful, and people when you use words like fuck and nigger sparingly, rather than every other word. I find myself wanting to give this a 3, but as my acid test for scores is would I buy it, and as much as I can appreciate this a very competent piece of work. No, I wouldn't buy it. So it has to go down as a 2.
Dolly Parton
1/5
Can't really understand why this is here. Ms Parton is a very talented lady, but this is just ordinary country fare, and quite boring. I'm sure she must have done better. I really want to rate her higher, but not for this piece of work.
Pixies
3/5
No time for a proper review. Didn't like it to begin with. But it grew on me. 3
Cream
5/5
Great album, thought it was a mistake at first to start off with the two big tracks. But far from it! A great album all the way through even to the music hall classic finalè.
3/5
I have a sort of best of double album by this lot, so I sort of new what I was going to get. And I wasn't exactly disappointed nor was I overjoyed. It's OK, but not what I would call outstanding. It's mid-range, so the score must match. 3 it is.
The Adverts
4/5
Yeah, well. I knew what this was going to be like before I played it.
Oh shit! No didn't this is really good. I knew I'd heard of them but couldn't think of anything they'd done. But as I listened it became apparent that they could actually play their instruments, and when 'Gary Gilmore's Eyes' came on I realised who they were. This is not an album I will go out looking for, but if I see it I will definitely get it. A solid 4.
The Pogues
4/5
Everyone knows 'Fairytale of New York', but I'd never heard any of their other music. Mainly because I'd been told it was political and that Pogues was part of a phrase that meant something really awful, and that their attitude and music reflected that. Well all I've got to say to that is what a crock of shite. It's folk music, there is always a political element, but the fun and the musicianship far out shone that. I really enjoyed it. I mean, well it's Irish folk music and that is a known quantity and this is certainly it. But it's fun and pleasant to listen to, and yes I'd buy it. It's a four for me.
ZZ Top
4/5
This is the re-invented, commercial version of ZZ Top. That is not a criticism, just a fact of life. And if it weren't for this album I would probably never heard Tres Hombres. Having said that this is the first time I've heard this album. I was obviously aware of the released tracks from it, and they're all high quality, as are the the others. Basically it's a great album, just not quite as good as TH. All in all a solid 4, and yes I would buy it.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1/5
Does exactly what it says on the can. Typical country music, not for me. One.
The Shamen
1/5
Recognised the first track, it was ok. The rest of album has had such an effect on me, that I can't even remember what the first one was now. Not my cup of tea.
Steely Dan
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Do it again is a great track to start things off with, and this quality hardly diminished from there. They have their own sound and do it well. Yes I'd listen again and I'd buy it makes it a solid 4
David Bowie
3/5
Well what can you say about Mr Bowie that hasn't already been said a hundred time before? That he was a musical genius is not in doubt. As such he attracts top musicians. But for me he falls into the same bracket as Queen. It's high quality but it's just not something I want to own or spend money on. I have his best of album and that's more than enough for me. But it's worth a 3.
Yes
4/5
This is a band that I ought to like, but had heard precious little by them. Though I do like Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman's solo stuff. I've got their best of album and there is some good some not so good tracks.
I suppose the mark of a good album is when it's finishes before you know it and indeed that happened here. You tube started playing the intro to Aqualung and I thought hang on a minute, I was enjoying that what happened to Yes.
The upshot is it's a great album worth every bit a 4
Wire
1/5
It's punk. That, basically, sums it up. 1 for me.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
This album is full classics from his too short career, so comes over more like a best of than an actual album. And includes both of my favourite tracks, Highway Chile, and Manic Depression. And also some superb new to me tracks like May This Be Love. A sort of Hendrix plays Green song. Over all a really good album, but is it worth a 5, no not quite. A really high 4 though
John Prine
1/5
It's country/folk music not much more I can say. One.
Nick Drake
4/5
Nick Drake. Well what can you say about him. Brother of actress Gabriella and member of the 27 club, and a tragic loss. For me his music and voice has a strange ethereal quality that just makes the worlds troubles drift away. Its such a shame it couldnt completely cure its creator who lost his personal battle depression. Ive been a fan ever since i first heard his voice. It's so gentle and soothing, the perfect listening material for those quiet relaxing moments. It is rare indeed that an artists work can be summed up with just one word, but Nick's can, BEAUTIFUL. I already possess this one though to be honest I prefer Bryter Layter. This is still a great album though. 9 out of 10 for me. So good, I just had to play it twice. But now I'm torn, 9 out of 10 should mean a 5, but for me 5 is perfection, and is this perfect if it's a 9? Mmmmm, I'll cogitate on this and let you know.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
It's the Stones, problem is it's the Stones. Never been a fan, and this hasn't changed that. Oh, it's reasonable enough. Just doesn't do it for me. 2
John Lennon
3/5
He has surprised me again. I didn't expect to like this much, but I did. In fairness it didn't get off to a good start, but working class hero was excellent. As a whole not quite as good as his previous offering, but still good. It's a 3 from me
Johnny Cash
4/5
As you might have noticed I'm not a country music fan. But to me this stands head and shoulders above everything else we've had from this genre. I really liked it. There was a good mix of pace, the music though simple was played expertly, there was just the right amount of atmospherics. Basically it's a really good album. Now for the hard bit what to give it, it's not a 5, and I can't give it a 3, it's better than that. But am I really going to give it a 4, can't not really.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
I possess this album, though I'd never got round to listening to it. The captain had a close association with Frank Zappa and I was curious to hear his own music. Well now that I have, all I can say is I can't hear what Frank heard. The spoken bits were very Zappa esk. But musically I can only describe it as cacophonus SHITE!
Sorry cap but it's a 1 from me.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
As you know, I'm not averse to a bit of rap if done well, and this is. It comes over as a piece of social commentary better than most, and the music is performed very well too. But even with all that it's not something I'd listen too by choice or spend money on. Definite 2
R.E.M.
2/5
Yeah, what to say about this? R.E.M. have always been a band I could give or take. They're OK, nothing special. Some good some bad. Really can't justify more than a 2.5.
Randy Newman
3/5
Well now Randy Newman, an artiste I've always thought I should like. His voice is unique in style and timbre. And indeed the theme to Monk, was superb.
And there were some good bits here, but not enough. Preferred it to yesterday's offering, but only just. Still I feel I need to make that evident with my score, so it's a 3 from me.
Cornershop
2/5
Started off OK to be fair. But seemed to be struggling for ideas after that. Seemed to be a case of, "What shall we do now? Well can't think of anything to say so.... let's do an instrumental" or "let's chuck a rap in". Not very inspiring.
Suede
3/5
To be honest I was expecting this to be crap, and was honestly surprised when it wasn't. That said it wasn't the find of the century either. It was OK some really good bits like Daddy's Speeding and some not so good bits that weren't worth taking note of. But on the whole it was alright. Worth a 3
Bon Jovi
2/5
This just about sums up all that is wrong with the poodle rock that was so popular in the 80's. But it's catchy, he's a pretty boy and he made millions out of it. I so want to only give it 1 but something is making me give it a 2. Probably the same something that makes me sing along with it.
2/5
When I first saw this I though, 'really'. But then I thought 'well.... they do say it's a good album'. And so I tried to listen with an open mind, but I'm sorry it really didn't change my opinion of this band. They are the most overrated band probably of all time. It's not objectionable but equally, has no good points. The only time they ever had a decent song was when they guested with an incredibly talented singer and guitarist by the name of BB King. Now for points, well I've sort of dug myself in a hole here. It's not worse than Big Jobby from Friday, but I only want to give it a 1. But to keep this all going along fairly it'll have to be a 2.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Surprisingly pleasant, but nothing to rave over. Wouldn't buy it, but it's got to be worth a 3.
Baaba Maal
1/5
I'm not averse to world music, in fact this would have scored a lot higher and would probably have been in the may buy it category. If only it was an instrumental album. I understand and fully realise it was in a foreign language, but his voice was SO caustic that most of the time it rendered anything that may have been intended as actual words into indecipherable wailing. And meant that what would have been a solid 3 pushing up to a possible 4 for the music is relegated to 1, but only because 0 isn't available.
The Who
3/5
Saw the film 40+ years ago, so knew what the songs where about, to a degree. But, yeah, no. It's a good album. The music is good, it's performed well and I enjoyed it. It's not spectacular and to be fair I probably wouldn't buy it. But it's got to be worth a high 3.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Very much an album of its time. Really don't know what else to say. It's almost more a pastiche of how rap music was back then, except it is the genuine article. It was an interesting listen to be reminded of that era's music. Would I buy it? No. Part of me wants to give it a 3, but part of me says is it worth that? I'll decide on Monday.
Aaarrrggghhh! This is really difficult, for all I've said about this album, it's still head and shoulders above Bonio and Big Jobbie, but I just can't give it a 3.
The Flaming Lips
1/5
I'd heard of this album at the time, so was interested to listen to it. From the title I expected an avent guard (excuse spelling) sort of concept album. What I got was a mushy kind of disconnected nothingness. In fairness it started out sort of ok, but as it progressed so it became more and more boring. None of the later tracks could possibly stand either alone or together. Can only be a 1, even though it did start out with promise.
Burning Spear
3/5
I'm not averse to a bit of reggie if done well, and this was. Yes it contains a message but it wasn't overpowering. And the tracker stand alone. Yes I would consider buying it to complete a multi buy offer, but I probably wouldn't go looking for it specifically. But still worth a 3.
Finley Quaye
1/5
First 5 seconds and I was thinking "mmm, another reggae album, but this one is a bit more electronic. This could be quite good". Then he opened his mouth.
It's not that I don't think a few spoken lines can't add power and substance to a track, they can. But when you talk instead of singing it pisses me off. (Controversial bit here) It's why I'm don't like Frank Sinatra, he talks most of his songs instead of singing them.
Anyway, I suffered my way through first track, and low and behold he sang it "Yay!" Got through that and half of next song and started writing this, because I can now categorically say, really don't like his voice. On finishing the album there were a couple of ok songs, but basically it was a decent album musically spoiled by a singer. 1
Kings of Leon
3/5
I was pleasantly surprised that I sort of liked this album. Can't really say why, but they were certainly better than what I consider to be their contemporaries.
Worth a 3 in my book.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
2/5
Was quite interested to see this here, the title track is one of the few records my parents had when I was growing up. The album as a whole is quite pleasant, but not anything I would expect to buy. Gotta be worth a high 2, possibly more. Will think on it.
Coldplay
1/5
Oh WOW! This album is incredible. I've heard comedians make jokes about Coldplay being boring and depressing, but they really don't do this justice. I believe I may be about to coin a new musical term, mulit-tonal monotony. How the hell these people made money, let alone a career out of this beggars belief. It's a 1 purely because I can't give lower.
Machito
3/5
To me there's only one way to describe this, seventies movie music. When ever they wanted to add a Latin American theme to a movie in the seventies this is what they used. Nice listening, but not wat I would buy. Still worth a 3 though.
Bob Dylan
2/5
Not a fan of Mr Dylan, but have always loved subterranean homesick blues. Something to do with the meter and rhythm of the lyrics. And there were several tracks in the same vein musically. Then we get Maggie's farm, a track with a reputation to live up to. Unfortunately it is bloody awful. His voice is similar to Mr Young's in that it can be very hit or miss, and that was a mile wide of the target. Later we got Mr tambourine man, a song popularised by The Byrds. And to be fair I do have a certain fondness for this original version. But what followed was the worst of all. An incredibly poor attempt at a style of music that Roy Harper perfected. Overall not bad, but maggie's farm and the end dragged it down to a 2.
Bert Jansch
3/5
I know I've heard the name, but don't know where from, so was really interested when this came up. I really liked it. Yes it was simplistic, but it comes from a simple era. I could hear either where he had an influence on other artists, or they had an influence on him. I suspect it was the former. Either way the question is "Is it worth a 4?" No quite, definitely a 3.8/3.9 but not quite a 4.
MGMT
2/5
Not too much to say about this, not bad enough for a 1, no where near a 3, so 2 it is.
Fatboy Slim
1/5
I remember in the dim distant days of yore, people saying that the music I liked gave them a headache. Well now it's my turn. To an extent you have to admire him for the fact that he has probably made more money out of the music he has produced from other people's music that he sampled, than they did from the original. But that doesn't mean that I have to find it easy to listen to. Sorry Norman, but it's a 1 from me.
Genesis
3/5
Very pleased to seecthis here, it's an album with a massive reputation though I'd never heard it. Genesis started out as a Prog band and this definitely bears that out.
Now the what do I think of it? Hmm.
Well, it was OK. The stand out track being 'The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging'. For me it would need a further listen or two. But for now on 1 listen it's got to be worth a score of 3.
Tim Buckley
2/5
To be fair, not bad, but not special either. Another singer guitarist who does a good enough job of it. Nothing to write home about a low 2
Joy Division
2/5
Well that's a name to conjure with. Was it unknown? Well it was by me. Was it a pleasure? No, can't really say it was. Oh, don't get me wrong, it wasn't crap, but it wasn't for me either. But it was worth a 2.
Eminem
1/5
I have a friend who loves this album, so again I was interested to hear it. He does have a good voice for this sort of music. And as I have said beforei don't mind this genre. But I just didn't enjoy this. It could have been the swearing though it had all been blanked out except for the intro. (Can't see the point in that.) It's just too in your face, it's too...... I can't really define what but can't give it higher than 1.
Sade
3/5
Liked it more than I thought I would. That's not to say I really liked it but it was OK. As per the first track, it was smooth. Really not too much more I can say than that other than a low but definite 3.
Ute Lemper
3/5
Hmm, that was interesting. Not sure about this. It sort of did but then didn't get off to a particularly good start, and continued in that vein. I believe my life would have been poorer for not listening to it, but doubt I will ever do it again. I'm in a real quandary here. I feel it's worth more than a 2 but less than a 3. Well I have already devalued a 2 by giving that to u2 so I having set the president it'll be a 3.
Alice Cooper
4/5
Well that's a surprise, I always thought that this album was a recent one, from the 90's not from the 70's. I don't want the fact that many of these tracks are so familiar to colour my judgement. But there are many songs here that I know well and have seen live on several occasions. Makes me feel that it should be worth a high 4, but is it?
There are some great tracks here, and some classics too. Going to have to give it a 4 because I do prefer it to many of the 3's that I have awarded, but it is a low 4, only just scraped in.
And to clarify, I do not own it but it is definitely on the buy list.
Muddy Waters
3/5
The blues of this era was always simplistic, but that doesn't mean bad. I enjoyed it, especially Baby Please Don't Go, which has had so many covers. Was this the original version? I honestly don't know but it was certainly an excellent one. He's got a great voice for the blues, and yes I probably would buy an album by Muddy, but not necessarily this one. But a good solid 3 from me.
Rush
4/5
Ooh! Another Rush album, goody.
They seem to have a knack of kicking off an album with a classic track or two. Or in this case four. Tom Sawyer is one of their better known tracks, followed by one of my personal favourites Red Barchetta, and YYZ a superb instrumental (which has been covered excellently by Kinky Wizzards I might add), and then the superb Limelight.
A great album not quite worth a 5 but a solid 4.8.
Michael Jackson
3/5
It's Michael Jackson!
What we have here is someone who is extremely good at doing their job. Even I have to admit that.
The unfortunate thing is, that it's just not what I would choose to listen to.
But for quality it's got to be a 3.
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
Does what it says on the tin. It's Southern Rock. Exactly what you would expect nothing more, nothing less. A perfectly palatable record if a trifle long. Wouldn't buy it, wouldn't want to listen to the whole thing again. But if the odd track was to surface somewhere I'd probably not turn it off. Leave it as a 3 again.
Suede
2/5
Surprised by this, some of it I sort of liked and some I sort of didn't. Yet it also seemed very much of a muchness. I really don't know how to score this, it feels better than a 2 but I don't think it's worth a 3. If it was out of 10 I would definitely give it 3, which would make it a solidly in the 2 zone out of 5. But.........
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
I heard these at Beautiful Days quite a few years ago. The people in the tent next door said they had never known what a drove was until they saw people leaving in them when this lot hit the stage. This album shows why. It's class one shite. 1 because there is nothing lower.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
It's the Rolling stones what do you expect? Personally not this! I had been told that they started out life as a blues band but this was not really bourn out by their famous tracks, and I had never been inspired enough to listen to a whole album before. I was pleasantly surprised by how bluesy they were and I enjoyed it. But was I inspired enough to say I'd buy it, no I wasn't. Being the Stones I almost feel I have to give it a 4, but does it really deserve one, no it doesn't but it is worth a 3.
Radiohead
1/5
I'm sure there are those that would describe this as moody and atmospheric, I'm not one of them. It's crap. If I Had to find some positive I could say they play their instruments well, but that's it. 1. Next please
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
Only the song would come up on YouTube, so I listened to that. It was OK nothing to write home about.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Another Dylan album. I enjoyed it. Will give it a 3, but where is ROY HARPER!?!?
Better be a Roy album before a third Dylan one.
Miles Davis
3/5
Nice background music nothing special, but pleasant listening. 3
Nina Simone
4/5
Well now then, this was a bit of a surprise. Not exactly what I expected, but then what did I expect? I don't really know. Certainly what I didn't expect was to like this as much as I did. And to hear some 'original'(?) versions of track I know quite well was really interesting. I can totally understand what drove Bowie and Elkie Brooks to want to cover the title track and the stunning 'Lilac Wine'. Though I do wish Ms Simone would stop singing 'Ly-lock wine'. Now then' the important bit. Would I buy it? As part of a multi-disc deal, probably. Points wise.......
I believe it just, and only just, scrapes in as a 4.
Funkadelic
4/5
I have been aware of funkadelic because I am a fan on Parliament but I have not actually heard this album before. As a sort of forerunner to Parliament this was a lot rockier than I expected. The title track is superb and something I could quite easily imagine someone like Gary Moore playing. Although not exactly what I was expecting it was a very good album and definitely something I would consider buying i don't think it warrants a 5, but is definitely worth a solid 4.
Jane Weaver
1/5
Started out very Hawkwindesque, I thought this could be rather good. unfortunately it sort of drifted into ambient mush. quite disappointing really. Not as good as many of the 2's I've given lately, so can only be a 1.
Suzanne Vega
5/5
Back in the dim and distant days of yore, and what apparently was 1985. I was watching a tv program called Pebblemill at One, and they would have a musical interlude. So there sat this waif of a girl with a guitar, and she started to play and sing an ethereal piece called Small Blue Thing. And I was enthralled. Even today, some 39 years later it is still one of my all time favourite songs. Where many say The Queen and The Soldier is the stand out track, and Marlene on The Wall was the album's hit. It is Small Blue Thing that sticks in my heart and my memory. You could almost say 'Like a marble or an eye.
On the whole though this is a great album, there truly isn't a bad track on it. It can only get a 5 from me, but I guess you'd already worked that one out.
Elvis Presley
2/5
It's Elvis. I can fully see why he was so big at the time. But its just not really my cup of tea. though it is reasonable listening just a 2 from me.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
She paved the way for female singer-song writers. and was indeed a very talented lady. and although I wouldn't go out of my way to avoid listening to her. I, equally, wouldn't do the same to listen to her either. she's ok, just not my bag, man.
I'm going to take her worth to music in general into account and up grade my score from 2 to 3 as I think it needs to be.
The Doors
4/5
I have liked the Doors music for some years now, the famous ones at least. (Tracks not years). But the only album I've ever listened to before is L.A woman. So when I looked through the track listing and didn't recognise a single track I thought 'Oh goody'. Then Roadhouse Blues started, and it was a case of. Ahh, I know this one, just not it's name. As far as the album goes you can really get the blues origin of their music. I really enjoyed it, and it is definitely on the shopping list. It's got to be a 4. (Probably a 4.8 to be honest, just not quite a 5).
p.s. If anyone really liked Maggie M'Gill, I can heartily recommend a local band called Pearl Handled Revolver. Their sound is very much reminiscent of this style.
Scissor Sisters
5/5
I bought this at the time, having heard Take Your Mama and Laura. The rest of the album is of equally high standard. There is one track that is very controversial though. Comfortably Numb, should they have been allowed to do that to a Pink Floyd classic? It still stirs up conflict within me, and I can't help but be glad that it does. And I know that I'm weird but my favourite track is the last one, there is just something about Return To Oz that I love. It's brilliant.yeah, I think I'll have to give it a maximum.
5
M.I.A.
1/5
I suppose they do what they do well, just not for me. 1
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
This'll probably surprise you, but I really enjoyed this. Though I have previously mentioned I'm not averse to rap/hip hop/whatever.
This started off really quite mellow and relaxing, then sort of lost its way in the middle, but came back strong from Ham and Eggs. Not quite a 4, but a very strong 3. Probably a 3.8.
David Bowie
3/5
I really don't know whether it's the familiarity factor, but the first and last tracks, being the title track and 'Fame'. Are the best bits about this album. And to be honest I am more of an early Bowie fan. Sorry, but it's a very low 3, only just scrapes in. Nearly gave it a 2.
Elvis Costello
2/5
Well to be honest, I expected better. Whether I would feel differently if I had heard the whole album at the time I don't know, but hearing it now it just doesn't have the 'je ne se pas' of his early singles, and 'Watching The Detectives' seems almost out of place. I'm a big fan of his early singles, but this is decidedly ordinary. Just a 2.
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
Half way through and can't help being reminded of Solstice. Not because they sound like them, far from it. They could hardly be more different. But more because I feel I ought to like it, but there is just some indefinable quality that means I don't. It is most peculiar. Very reminiscent of a band called JJ72 but with this lot I just get bored half way through each track. Can't give any more than a 2, and it's better than a 1.
Stereo MC's
4/5
You see, here I am full of contradictions. I really liked this.it was boppy, had great beat and rhythm. The lyrics are tuneful, and not offensive or inflammatory. Basically thers plenty to like and nothing to dislike. The only criticism I could possibly give is that it doesn't have that special something to make it a classic, and therefore a 5. So it'll be getting a very well deserved 4 from me.
Bauhaus
3/5
Started off exactly as I expected. Finished off exactly as I didn't expect.
On the whole not bad, better than a 2 so 3.
Deep Purple
5/5
This is an old friend I've not listened to in a while. It's a great album. With, of course, their most iconic track. Smoke on the water. This version however also includes the beautiful 'When A Blind Man Cries'. Though it was not included on the original version of the album. Apparently Mr Blackmore hated it, and refused to let them use it.
Well this is the second album from the classic mk II line up in this list. Roll on the third, Fireball.
Well I suppose you've guessed what score I'm giving it.
R.E.M.
3/5
Quite reasonable really. I wasn't expecting much. Although I know the famous ones, I had previously not been impressed by other tracks that I had heard. But this is quite good really. Got to be worth a high 3.
Primal Scream
4/5
Wow, really surprised by this. It's a complete mishmash of styles, but it really works. I loved it! I really didn't expect to though. But yeah, I mean Stuka and Medication are two opposite ends of the spectrum but both work brilliantly. Not quite worth a 5 but a very solid 4. And yes I it is on the buy list.
Lupe Fiasco
2/5
Right now, for the first half of the album I was just wishing he'd shut the fuck up and leave just the sound track. There was some really good mellow easy listening vibes coming from it. The second half not so, and then that track appeared. I believe it's been used in some adverts, and it is a stand out track. Daydreaming a beautiful piece of music. A beacon of light in and otherwise dreary landscape. But even that can't drag the rest above a 2.
The Byrds
4/5
A very pleasant album. I hadn't realised they were a Callifornia Sound group but many of the songs were very Mamas and Papas like. I'd say very much of its time, but also with hints of what's to come. Not specifically from this band but how music was going to develope. Some parts were quite progressive. I liked it a lot, but how much? This rather annoying it's very much better than a 3, but is it a 4? Hmm.
The Cure
3/5
This is a really dodgy one for me. They are a band I have wanted to listen to more of for a long time. Close to me is a brilliant track. Unfortunately it's not on here.
There are some really good bits to this, but somehow it just doesn't float my boat. It doesn't do it for me. But still worth a 3. Just imagine what it would have got if it did work for me.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Not averse to a bit of boogie music or funk. And this was ok. A bit mellower than you get from Mr Clinton, but OK. Africano I think was the best. But worth a 3
Fats Domino
3/5
This is an album of its time. Is it my sort of thing? Not really, though it was pleasant and easy to listen to. Yes I can see why its on the list. Yes I can understand how it was influential in creating the music that has evolved into my sort of thing. And for that I suppose it should get a 4 or5. But that is not the criteria by which I'm scoring things. It whether I like it now., today, in this time. And by those criteria it gets a 3.
Dire Straits
4/5
I have always had in issue with this album. Mainly due to the way it was over hyped upon release. To many it is their seminal album. Not to me. However on a listen many years later, I had forgotten how many good tracks there were on it. One world is the almost only one that didn't greet me like an old friend. The other exception is the title track. As over hyped as U2. It really is a very poor track by their standards. And a very long way from deserving the plaudits it received.
The absolute stand out song is The Man's Too Strong. But now to the important bit the score. Is it a 3, well as most of the tracks would qualify for a greatest hits album it's higher than that. Even though before a relisten that's what I expected to give it. Is it a 5? No it still doesn't compare to their eponymous debut album (one of the BEST EVER albums). So 4 it is.
LL Cool J
2/5
Started off OK, and sort of stayed there. Now as I have said before, I don't mind a bit of rap and hip hop. But I found this to be very flat, very one dimensional. It sort of almost started to do something then didn't. I would like to give this a 3, but somehow I just can't 2.
5/5
Now this album started off with the biggest disadvantage of any so far.all the hype and paudits for an album I had never heard. And sad to say, it totally lived up to them. It is a brilliant album. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes it was obviously a 70's album, the general sound and production told you that, but the songs and the performance was spot on.
I truly didn't expect it to live up to its reputation, but it did. Can only be one score. 5
Nick Drake
2/5
I love Nick voice as I have said before, but he only made 3 proper albums and this is far from his best. To be honest I don't understand why it's on the list. Are all 3 going to be here? And if so are every Led Zeppelin album on here? Is every Frank Sinatra album here? I don't like him but would think him more deserving than Nick. Sorry, but can't go higher than 2.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Well now this was a bit of a surprise. I actually liked it. Didn't expect to, but yeah it was very good especially Mad Cyril and Rave On. I certainly would baulk at parting with money for it. Definitely worth a 4
The White Stripes
3/5
Again, one that I was really interested to listen to. It kicked off with seven nation army, but then went severely down hill.
Until she sang one after that it improved quite a lot. The version that came up for me was the 'deluxe' one, and has a lot of live tracks which were quite simply painful. But as I don't believe that they were part of the original album I'm not taking them into account when giving it a 3.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
She has a good voice, and there are some really good songs here. But it also goes through periods of being really boring, which is quite an achievement for a short album. I almost want to give it a 2 but that just feels too low for the good bits. So I'm going to risk giving it a 3.
Solomon Burke
2/5
Think they forgot about the rock part of the title. Seemed to be entirely soul to me. Having said that it wasn't too bad. But just not thing. So 2 it is.
U2
2/5
Another u2 album. And this time it's a 30th anniversary edition. There is no way I'm sitting through over 2 hours of the most over rated band of all time. I did listen to a good portion of it though and it hasn't changed my opinion. They are where they are through fortune and timing. There are 100's of 1000s of equally tallented bands and musicians out just as deserving of the success this lot have had. I don't actively dislike their music I just don't place above many pub bands I have seen. So can't give it a 1, it'll have to be a 2
The National
2/5
Not my sort of thing, too much noise under the music. But not objectionable. 2
Van Morrison
3/5
Don't really know what I expected from Van the man, but it wasn't this. Now I don't mean that in a bad way, it just wasn't what I thought it would be. Quite enjoyed it really. Definitely better than the last two offerings but not worth a 4. Think you can see where this is heading. 3
Elvis Costello
1/5
Don't know what it is about Mr Costello.
His well known tracks are brilliant, but listening to a whole album is really shit.
It's hard to believe it's the same artist (except for his voice, noone else could have a voice like that).
Sorry, but it's only a 1.
Stan Getz
2/5
Feeling a bit up and down this morning, don't know whether it's because I'm in a strange mood or because I have just spent 40 mins listening to lift music.
It was OK but not what I would choose
Metallica
3/5
First heard of and saw this lot as a support band in 83. Really didn't rate them. They have however come on in leaps and bounds since then. Either that or I have mellowed in my opinions.
I have seen them since at a fans only gig in the dome where they were quite reasonable. This album, known as the black album, is quite a decent one. Kicking off with probably their best known song Enter Sandman. Other than that there are two bright spots, Sad But True and Nothing Else Matters.
The rest was mediocre. It's worth a high 3, but doesn't quite rate a 4.
Soul II Soul
2/5
Didn't start off to wonderfully but improved quite a bit in the middle and then died a death. The only recognisable track was back to life and that wasn't the way I remember it. Not a particular fan to start off with and it hasn't changed anything. Not for me 2
Sam Cooke
4/5
Actually really enjoyed this, a lot more than I thought I would. He was obviously putting on a good performance. The atmosphere came over well, yes if I see it on a music stall yes I probably will buy it.
Definitely a 4.
Giant Sand
3/5
Well 2 hours is a bit much, but I think this was the extended version it was OK but too long in reality. I'll give it a 3.
The Verve
1/5
Other than the two famous tracks there really wasn't much to say about this album. And to be fair, the rest of the tracks seemed to spoil the drugs don't work so even that wasn't worth listening to. Probably be unpopular for this but it really wasn't good.
Blondie
5/5
Three tracks in and I was beginning to think it was their best of album. I knew it wasn't though as I have that and quite frankly it's not as good as this one. Great songs done really well, and not just the well known ones. It's definitely on the to buy list.
Kid Rock
2/5
Halfway into first track and to say it's not what I expected is a massive understatement. All I had previously heard from these is the one that ripped off the music from the Warren Zevon classic 'Werewolves of London'. Having said that though this isn't too bad so far. We'll have to see how the rest goes.
Well...
I was surprisingly impressed right up to the point where he started to actually sing, and to start with he did really well then the auto-tune kicked in and RUINED EVERYTHING!!!! It knackered the whole album for me. It's lost 2 points because of it. Can only give it 2 now.
KISS
4/5
Kiss were one of the first rock bands I ever got into, but I've not heard this album before. Even though it contains several standards. Detroit Rock City, the Gene Simmons theme, God of Thunder and the Peter Chriss ballad Beth have all been long term live songs. Over all its a good album, and certainly one i would buy if I see it. 4
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
To be fair I do quite like this. Guesting with Paul Simon on Gracelandbrought them to into the worlds gaze and I do possess an album by them, but not this one. It's nothing to write home about, but it's OK. Think it just about scrapes a 3
Fiona Apple
2/5
Never heard of her before, but the first ⅔ of the album sounded like Alanis Morissette. Only not so angry, or good. After that it got a bit samey and dull. It was OK, just a bit meh. Just a 2 from me.
Pearl Jam
4/5
I've got this, and it's an excellent album. But I'll still listen to it again, as it's been a long time since I last listened to it all. First heard it because they were at a festival in Finsbury park with 4 non-blondes and Neil Young. A great day.
Bill Callahan
2/5
On the face of it you would think i would really like this. It has a lot of the right components for something I really should like. So why is it that I really don't? Can't tell you, but I really don't 2
Guided By Voices
2/5
Well this is another peculiar one. I expected to like it, but apart from a couple of brighter tracks the only thing that it has going for it is the brevity of each track. That said there was a couple of times (out of nearly 30) when I thought "Oh is that over already". But on the whole nothing special here
Brian Eno
3/5
You can certainly hear the Roxy Music influence in the first few tracks. This is the sort of album that I'm doing this for, as I've been aware of Mr Eno for some time but never actually listened to. Was it worth it? Yes definitely. Would I listen again? Would I buy it?
There's something about it that makes me say yes I will listen again, but no for now I wouldn't buy it.
What I need to do now is score it.
Hmmm, 2.8 is what I want to give it. It so close to a 3...
Oh sod it.
Metallica
2/5
Well you can here how the black album came out of this. The seeds are here, unfortunately this one doesn't have tracks like enter sandman and nothing else matters to drag it out of the mire. I first saw them in 1984, and this album demonstrates exactly why I thought they were crap. Even though, retrospectively, you can hear the seeds of greater things, this is not great, not by any stretch of the imagination. A very low 2.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Another album that I'd heard all the hype about, but not got around to listening to. And in this case I've missed out. It is a very good album. From the well known tracks to the not well known ones it sits together very well. Certainly one I'll look out for when perusing cd's. A solid 4 for this.
Frank Ocean
1/5
Now this is the kind of album that I don't understand it's inclusion here. For what it is, its OK. But it's not outstanding in its field (whatever that is). I don't see how it can have been influential, seeing as its only 12 years old. Unless he is related to Billy, and trading entirely on that......
Nah, it's not worth the effort. It's not distasteful but I'm really struggling to not give it a 1.
Kate Bush
3/5
Not a bad album some great tracks, some mediocre tacks. It's a good album by Kate Bush. Nothing more needs to be said really. 3
The Stooges
4/5
To be honest I was quite reasonably impressed by this. A punk band, but one that can play, write and perform music.
And music that at times had a very strong 60's vibe to it too. I liked it, and yes I may well invest in it too. Got to be worth a 4.
Jurassic 5
5/5
I have said before that I'm not averse to a bit of rap, hip hop, that sort of thing. But the one thing that I really don't go for is politics in music. If you're going to do that then the actual music has got to be right up there, really really good. And this started with a political song.
A political song that musically, like the rest of the album, was right out of the top drawer. This is an absolutely stonking album. It had me dancing around at work (a feat no other album on here has achieved). I loved it, this is why I'm doing this 1001 album thing. Can only give it one score. 5.
Nirvana
1/5
There are those who criticised some of the albums on here for being too polished. Well that isn't the case here. I base this opinion on the fact that you can't polish a turd. For that it what this album definitely is. With the one exception of Heart Shaped Box, this album is the biggest load of crap I have listened to in a really long time. Compered to yesterday's offering, well it's a case of from the sublime to the ridiculous. Can only be a 1, because there is no zero.
Apparently this was a statement against producing music purely for commercial purposes. Fair play you're allowed to do that. But if you're not bothering to play the instruments to your talents, and you are just screaming at the microphone instead of using your sining ability I'm still going to say it's a steaming great turd.
Gotan Project
3/5
Really strange one this. Listened to it in a couple of goes due to time constraints. And it's a great album ...... for a couple of tracks, then it all gets a bit samey. Still I can't help feeling it's worth more than a 2, so 3 it is.
The Triffids
3/5
Well now, this sounded so familiar it was ridiculous. They are apparently an Australian rock band from the 80's and although I am not a fan the one thing that went through my mind was INXS. Still it was OK so I'll give it a 3.
The Icarus Line
1/5
This, to me, seems like the halfway house from Nirvana to the Kieser Chefs. A sort of stepping stone in the evolution of that branch of music. If you like, it's the missing link. It's just a shame someone found it. Not what I would choose to listen to, or hopefully, will ever again. Not completely awful, just not for me.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Was happy to see this, the theme from Shaft is a brilliant piece of music. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about this album. I mean it's not that bad but the two cover versions were actually awful. The strange thing is, I really want to give it a 3 but can't justify doing it.
Beatles
4/5
Really enjoyed this, whether it was just the nostalgia element or not I can't quite say. But I much prefered it to the white album. All good songs performed to a high standard. Brilliant. But not perfect. 4
Pixies
3/5
Well what can I say about this?
A group of talented musicians on the whole producing some good music. There is of course one particular track that stands out. I really can't understand the point of the second track (rock music). They could be saying we can play properly, but we can do this if we like. Why bother. Or it could be saying really we are the angry youth (pretentious twats). It really serves no purpose and does you no credit. That said the rest of the album is quite passable 3
The Waterboys
3/5
really surprised by this, i really liked it. I'm not averse to a bit of folk and much of this was very folky. it appealed to my mellow side, and its not at all like the whole of the moon (which is ok). biggest problem now is the score, don't think its quite a 4, it's a good 3.8, but not a 4.
Christina Aguilera
1/5
Well this really was an example of do not pre-judge, and first impressions can be deceptive. The first track 100 seconds of stripped intro, destroyed all of my preconceptions of this album. Unfortunately, they were the only 100 seconds worth listening to. Don't get me wrong, this was far and away better than that Beyonce album we had some time ago, but I'd be happier if it had stayed far and away. The further the better in fact. It wasn't unpleasant but it wasn't worth the effort either. 1
Miles Davis
1/5
I don't mind a bit of jazz, but I didn't like this. Possibly it's that it's brass band.bur no not for me.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1/5
Don't mind a bit of Creedence, but for god's sake get someone on the sound desk who has a vague idea of what he's doing. I have bootleg versions of gigs recorded in the crowd that are better quality recordings than this. Like the music but the recording is just plain awful. due entirely to the quality of the sound 1.
Korn
3/5
Well that was a surprise 😮. It sort of was what I expected but wasn't at all like what I expected. There were bits that appeared to be strongly influenced by the likes of Dream Theater. Just not so polished. But I have to say I liked it. And this bit surprises even me, I would indeed consider buying something by them if the right deal arises. Now for the score, and this is really difficult, because I don't think they are quite worth a 4, damn close, but just not there. So it'll have to be a 3.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Very much of its time. You can feel the late 60s and early 70s in every bar. That said there's some great tracks here, they're just not as timeless as their later works. Definitely worth a relisten or two. But for now, just a 3.
Eric Clapton
4/5
Well, this has got me. I freely admit to having a certain bias against Mr C. Who was Peter Green's (the greatest blues guitarist this country will ever produce) predecessor in John Meyall's Blues Breakers. I'll admit I do have his greatest hits album, and like it. Also Let It Grow is one of my favourites on that album, so it's presence here is a good sign. And with the exception of Hand Jive, which was waaaay tttoooooo ssslllooowww, the rest of the album didn't disappoint. I will definitely consider purchasing more of Mr C's works in the future. Now then, does it warrant a 4, yes I rather think it does, but only just, and I mean only just.
Eagles
3/5
There are certain bands where you know exactly what you're going to get, and The Eagles are one of those bands. And it was all very pleasant and nice. Easy on the ears a nothing to get upset about. They are one of those bands that I will probably buy something by them one day. Because I feel that everyone's music collection should have something by them in it. Yes I liked it, would I have about it, no. But they are a solid, high 3.
Kanye West
2/5
Now the, we've had a few modern artists from this genre, and much as I hate to admit it, this is one of the best. Yes he makes some social and political statements, but he's not too in your face about. The lyrics are well put together, for the most part, and it's not bad listening on the whole. But it's just not me enough to give me more than a 2. It's a shame really, as I can't but feel it deserves better. But I just can't do it.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Another band I have wanted to listen to a complete album by, for a long time. Just never got round to it. Did it live up to expectations, quite frankly no. Not that it's not a decent album. The music is performed brilliantly, he has a truly superb voice. It's just the material droned on and on. Thank God it was a SHORT album of love songs. I'm surprised the woman it was written for didn't strangle him by the end of it. That said each track taken on it's own, varied from ok to good.
It's just that as a collection it was a bit much. I'm pleased to say it has definitely not put me off listening to another album by them, but I don't think I'll be adding this one to my must get list.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Enjoyed listening to this. Don't mind a bit of 70's funky soul, and this is definitely that. Liked it
Aphex Twin
2/5
It's OK, and I can see why it stands out in its field. But that is about all. I know the album is called ambient sounds, but this is about as beige as you can get. I need a bit of oomph. It's a 2
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
Doing this 1001 albums thing has been a real eye opener. I know some of the original bands that are now called Prog Rock cut their teeth in jazz clubs. And that several of the more modern bands describe them selves as jazz fusion. And that with modern instruments and equipment there is a lot more sounds and effects available to modern musicians.
But I really don't understand why when I listen to this sort of music, jazz from back in the day, which can be described as the grandparent of modern Prog Rock, why do I find it...... well, tedious. It just doesn't have that quality that grabs you.
Sorry, I know you were trail blazers in your day, but by today's standards you're just boring. 2
Radiohead
2/5
There were a lot of bands like this about, I think it was in the early 90's, though it might just as well have been 10 years later. Anyway I find it difficult to tell the difference. They were all much of a muchness to me, and this album hasn't changed my mind. 2, as it is not something I actively hate, but can't say I appreciate it.
Tim Buckley
1/5
First impressions were im going to like this. Opening track was great, unfortunately that's where it ended. Rest of the album was, well somewhat less than enjoyable. Can't really define why, but it was just rubbish. Really didn't like it, so it's a rare 1 from me.
Talking Heads
3/5
Now here is a weird band.
To me their music is simplistic, minimalistic to the extreme. But sometimes less is more, and when they get it right, boy do they get it right. I have their greatest hits album, but that is the only album of theirs that I have heard, unless there was one on here earlier that I've forgotten about. Life during wartime is the only track I recognised, but the others were OK. Really not sure whether I'd buy any album by them other than greatest hits, but on the whole this one was ok. A solid high 3 from me.
Madonna
4/5
Well, I sort of do, sort of don't, know what I expected from Madge. But what ever did, this wasn't it!
And, at the risk of losing the very little street cred I had, I really liked it.
It was as though she had listened to what was popy and listened to some more off the beaten track stuff, and combined the best bits of each. And it worked! It was a little bit Kate Bush like, and a little something else that has been on here, but I can't remember who. Mixed with a little bit of the modern pop, and yes it worked.
I really want to give this a 4 but am not sure if I should, oh sod it.
Hawkwind
4/5
Back in the early eighties I hand several friends who were into Hawkwind, but I could never quite get it. Then one of them said about them appearing at Queensway Hall in Dunstable (now sadly no longer. They put a supermarket on the site) so we all decided to go.
Well, they are a band best appreciated live. It was an amazing night and from then on I have been a total convert. And they are the band I have seen more than any other, as I rarely pass up on the opportunity to see the perform. And this album does well to capture a lot of the magic of seeing them live, but, as with any recording, can never fully replicate the atmosphere. So it's got to be a high 4 from me.4
Beth Orton
2/5
Pleasant enough, but really nothing special. Didn't actively dislike it so can't give it a one.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Strange to say, but I've never listened to a proper studio album by Frank and the boys before. Every time I buy one it turns out to be live. It was very interesting listening, and much as I think Mr Zappa was a true musical genius I can only award it a high 3. It must have been an early one not quite the quality of their later stuff.
Roni Size
2/5
Electric rave music, just about all that can be said. Listenable to but nothing special 2.
Neu!
2/5
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, well in that case they have just flattered the fuck out of Jean Michel Jarre. Yeah it was done well and was enjoyable to listen to but very much I've heard it all before. It's a lot better than many of the 2's I've given, but I don't think it worthy of a 3.
Donald Fagen
3/5
Recognised the name, but can't remember what band he was in. No doubt the others in this group will tell me who it was. Though strangely enough though, the album was exactly what I expected it to be. That said, I enjoyed it. Easy listening (very) soft rock done well.
Got to be worth a very mediocre 3.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
All very pleasant, nothing objectionable. But nothing to grab me either. Nothing wrong but nothing special either. I wouldn't put it above Neu, so 2 it has to be.
fIREHOSE
2/5
I liked quite a lot of this, but think they tried to do too much, instead of 14 short tracks the should have focused on 7 or 8. Put their creative talents to the test and made them 4-5 minutes long instead of 2-3, and it could have been an excellent album. Instead what you get is basically a sampler. Which became disappointing. Even so part of me wants to give it a 3, but can't really justify it when compared to others that have only received a 2. It is a high 2 though, about 2.8 I'd say.
Weather Report
3/5
Didn't recognise this from just the name, but as soon as I heard the first track I knew that I knew it, and that I'd heard the name before. So was interested to hear the rest. I suppose it's a sort of jazz fusion. After Birdland though it went down hill a bit, but improved again on side 2. Can't help but give it a 3.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
This album for me is similar to Venus in Furs by the Velvet Underground. Not because it sounds like it or is a similar style. But because several of its components are musically what I really do not like, but put together they just work.
I have a feeling that the singer is Björk, and that is the major component that I just don't do. But with this music it really does sound right. And it comes across well. It's a good album, and a solid mid range 3 for me.
Sugar
3/5
I really liked this, good poppy, rocky, music thoroughly enjoyable. Just super nice. A high 3, not quite to the 4 range but blooming close.
Gram Parsons
2/5
Had headr the name, but didn't know where from. So had no idea what to expect, until the first bar of the first track.
And for country and western it was surprisingly OK, except of course, for the total annihilation of Love Hurts. I don't believe I've ever heard a worse rendition of that particular classic. In general ok, but not my bag. 2
Nirvana
4/5
Well now, I know there are those here who are less than overjoyed with this album. Because they 'sold out' by making it.
But it propelled them into the big time and made them a household name for a while. I believe their drummer even went on to have a proper career in music with some other band.
Back to this album. You can still hear the where the roots of it lie, it's just a little more grown up than their early stuff.
Would I buy it? Already have. Is it a perfect album? Not by a long chalk!
But worth a 4.
The Residents
4/5
This may surprise you, but I really liked this. Even though there were lots of short tracks. Unlike a previous submission with this format they all felt complete. Some were not so good but in general a good album.
Miles Davis
1/5
Another trumpet jazz album. Nuff said.
Barry Adamson
2/5
First impressions more jazzy stuff, just a bit more up to date. But it was a bit more than that changed style a bit improved, and went down hill again, but overall deserving a 2 I think
Missy Elliott
2/5
Well, what can you say about this? On the face of it not a lot. For what it is, it's OK. Questionable subject matter and lyrics. But not really for me. Worth more than a one, but only just.
Steve Winwood
2/5
First track is the well known one, but after hat it just didn't seem to go anywhere. He's a talented musician with a good reputation, surely this can't be his best work? 2
Dion
1/5
Was looking forward to a bit of traditional Rock'n'Roll here to break monotony of 2's we've had recently. Unfortunately didn't get it. What we did get was someone trying to re-launch their career unsuccessfully. It has broken the run of 2's though. 1
Moby Grape
4/5
I believe there is a modern artist called moby, so I was expecting something connected to that. Couldn't be much further from the truth. Started similar to The Greatful Dead, and was later reminiscent of the Mamas and Papas. On the whole I really liked it. Got to be worth a 4
Aimee Mann
3/5
I'm writing this a few days after listening to it. So it kind of says a lot that I had to replay the beginning of a few tracks to remind me what it was like. Rocky sort of country just about sums it up. Now here's the strange bit this review probably doesn't justify the score it deserves, but I did actually quite like it so I'm giving it a 3.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Really quite liked this. Didn't expect to at all, but there you go. His voice ain't great, the music was simplistic at best. But it worked. Got to be a 4 I'm afraid.
The side effect of this is I'm really looking forward to see what they've included from Roy Harper, as without any the whole concept would be invalidated.
Steely Dan
1/5
Having trouble coming to terms with this being the same band that brought us Haitian Divorce, Reeling in the Years etc.
Thought it must have been an earlier work, but apparently not. Apparently they developed that good music into this tripe. It was bloody awful. And NO that doesn't mean I was full of awe. 1
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
Well if this was genuinely the album that YouTube gave me then I'm amazed at the contrast of styles. But on the whole a good album, I quite liked it. 3.
Arctic Monkeys
2/5
This sort of grew on me as I listened, then unfortunately I grew off it again.
This probably just means the tracks in the middle were OK, while the rest weren't. Worth a 2 though.
Tori Amos
3/5
Well you can certainly see (hear) who was a major influence on Ms Amos. Unfortunately, although a good attempt, it just doesn't match up to Ms Bush's works. Still worth a 3.
Steely Dan
2/5
Well now, that's a massive improvement on the last offering from this lot. I'm coming to the understanding that although I can appreciate the prog that is jazz based, I just don't do other jazz based music. And a fair chunk of this album was more blues based than jazz. And that is why I preferred it. Ricky is one of their classics, and it makes me think if I were to buy any of their albums it would be a best of. There were some really bright spots in this, and it was a massive improvement, a 💯 % improvement to be honest so it's getting a 2
Leonard Cohen
1/5
Only ever aware of Suzanne by this man, but he has been the but for many a comedians comic quip.
It started off OK, he has a good voice, but it just got more and more depressing as it went on.
Meat Puppets
2/5
Well that was different, and what an opening track! I mean, why did they bother? Thankfully after that they did actually make an attempt at playing music, and he proved he could sing if he wanted. Have never appreciated this type of guitar work, and only Velet Underground have ever made tracks where it sounded correct. It did improve massively after the opener (not difficult), but not enough for me. 2
Willie Nelson
4/5
Well now, at one point I was thinking this was turning into what I could only describe as a country concept album, as ridiculous as that sounds. To be fair I really enjoyed listening to it. Most of the songs were (unusually enough for country music) about heart break. But not in a morose way. And that it is perfectly acceptable for a man to kill a woman because she tried to steal his horse is always going to be heartwarming. This is very much the best country album we've had so far, but will I ever listen to it again? Probably not, but in order to style consistent with my scores so far I'm afraid it's got to be a 4.
Ray Charles
2/5
It's a thing of its time. I can fully understand why he is considered to be influential in certain areas. And why in his day he was a big star. But by today's standards it was not relevant. It's a piece of history, and an important one at that.
But only worth a 2
The The
2/5
I only really know one other track by these. The Twilight Hour. I do quite like it but this is much more poppy and not particularly me. Cant give it more than a 2 I'm afraid.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Okayyy. I was ½way through the first track before I realised they might not be a Japanese band! Not that there is anything wrong with that. As the album continued it became obvious that they weren't and yeah it was sort of ok. Nothing amazing, but nothing bad either. It's a high 2, but definitely not a 3.
Adele
1/5
At least when Alanis Morssett did an album about her failed relationships there was some emotion to it (ok, it was anger) but it gave the songs some oomph. This was just bland and boring. And her voice seemed to change part way through to become just plain annoying. Part of me is expecting me to give it a 2 but I'm not going to, 1
Anita Baker
3/5
She's got a good voice, but didn't really do anything too memorable. It was pleasant but that's all. 3
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I must be mellowing in my old age, this was better than I remember/expected. Not that the bar was particularly high, but even so worth a 3.
The Smiths
2/5
To be fair his wasn't as bad as I expected. Not to say I'll be rushing out to buy it.
But it wasn't dreadful like I thought it would be. Only worth a 2 though.
Ride
2/5
Well that was different, and what an opening track! I mean, why did they bother? Thankfully after that they did actually make an attempt at playing music, and he proved he could sing if he wanted. Have never appreciated this type of guitar work, and only Velet Underground have ever made tracks where it sounded correct. It did improve massively after the opener (not difficult), but not enough for me. 2
The Young Rascals
2/5
Was expecting something really modern for some reason, but it's so not.
Just an album of basic 60's pop. Nothing spectacular 2
Fred Neil
1/5
Well, this is sort of timeless. I would never have been able to guess the era of this album. He has a great voice very reminiscent of Roger Miller, but you won't find any Little Green Apples here and I'm sure he's unaware that England Swings. And he's certainly no King of the Road. I don't know what's been going on recently, but with Leonard Cohen, The Smiths, and now this. Pass the Stanley knife please, I have a pair of wrists that need some attention. What a waste. 1
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Well, after I eventually found this album on you tube. (The first one you got is some electronic album with all the same track names). It did exactly what it says on the can. It's standard Stones fare, ok but nothing to write home about. The only track worth a special mention is when they covered La Grange by ZZ Top, which of course they didn't, and it was called Shake Your Hips. Gobsmackingly enough, it came out the year before the ZZ Top classic too. Other than that just a standard album.
Frank Black
3/5
First impressions, is he the creepy looking guy on the cover?
Started out just like something someone had put together on the type of get up you can sort out at home nowadays.
But then his voice started to get to me. Very familiar, but can't place it. At times very like Neil Young, Iggy Pop and someone else who I now can't remember (I had this all typed out and saved, but they've deleted it. Grrrrrrrr!!!!!). Anyway it turned into a passable album. 3
Christina Aguilera
1/5
OK, so it wasn't exactly as I'd expected, it had an old time feel to it and it was professionally done.
But professional crap is still crap.
Not for me.
I feel I should give it a 2 as I didn't actually hate it, but I'd be making the same mistake I made with u2, as every other 2 I've given is leagues above them.
Tom Waits
3/5
Got off to a dodgy start, but improved massively. This is what I expected from Captain Beefheart, weird but with substance. First half is only worth a 1, but second half has upped it to a 3.
Morrissey
1/5
Maudlin Street is where this album was born grew up and hopefully will die very soon, never o be heard ever again.
God it was awful!
Although I'm not a fan, I can't understand why there is hardly been any Elvis, and so much Smiths and Morrisey. When the former had more influence over the development of popular music than the latter could dream of.
Sepultura
3/5
I put this on with dread, their reputation precedes them. But although this is a sub-genre of rock of which I most certainly not a fan. I was actually quite impressed by it. The only band I have heard do it better is Evil Scarecrow. I was also quite surprised by the cover of Orgasmatron, which in fairness I took a while to recognise it. Really liked this version. As I said this isn't my type of rock, but it was done really well. If it was my type it'd be getting a 4 definitely but I can't really justify more than a 3.
Pulp
2/5
There were bit that were obviously same band as common people and lots that weren't. But just not what I would chose to listen to. Weirdly enough, I'm going to score this lower than Sepultura. 2.
Buzzcocks
2/5
This is pure original PUNK ROCK from the late 70's. It is a thing of its time. The major songs from this era have the nostalgia factor. unfortunately that does not include these. Not my preferred Listening material, though it deserves its place in history. 2
Haircut 100
3/5
Don't know what I expected really, but this is certainly what I should have expected. The released singles were the standout tracks. But I'm not sure whether it was because I knew them or not, but they seemed to have a noticeable amount more life and oomph in them. On the whole not a bad album, but not something I'll be looking out for. 3
The Youngbloods
3/5
For some reason I was expecting this o be much more modern, possibly because I think there was a Sidney Youngblood?
Anyway, it started off quite well, but became a bit samey. Part of me wants to give it a 3, part of me says it's mot quite worth it. It is a solid 2.7. So I suppose I ought to round it up to 3. Oh sod it yes I will.
Simple Minds
3/5
Got to say, didn't think too much of this apart from the singles, but then the last 3 tracks happened. They were stupendous, worth listening to the first ¾ for. Not good enough to raise it to a 4 but certainly enough to make it a 3.
Femi Kuti
1/5
I am getting a little bit annoyed that now we are getting nearly half way through and this is the third offering from Mr Kuti, who as far as I can understand has had an influence on precisely NO-ONE. and still had nothing from Roy Harper who was a definite influence on members of bands as iconic as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.
It is what it is. It's played well, but to me it is more Cuban than African, I don't usually associate the trumpet with Africa, and there seemed to be quite a lot in this. And it is over produced and too clean to have any authenticity. It wasn't unpleasant to have on in the background but nothing special. So, as its inclusion here appears to be utterly pointless I can only give it 1
The Darkness
1/5
Oh well, I've avoided this all these years. Got to listen to it now though.
At the first few bars I thought I was listening to an album by Acca Dacca, that soon changed when Justin opened his mouth. The band played some very good, very strong heavy metal. And I was mightily impressed. But and good work they did was totally destroyed by Justin's voice. Awful doesn't even begin to describe it. The one bright point was Love Is Only A Feeling, which he decided to sing properly. Now don't get me wrong I don't have a dislike of guys with high voices. Ian Gillan can scream a perfect top C, and did a truly amazing duet with Richie Blackmore. And Joe Payne's voice on The One and The Many by the Enid is outstanding. But Justin Hawkins voice is just a total mismatch. And means I can only award a 1
1/5
I'd only heard small bits of this lot before, and from what people had said about them there must be something I'm missing. I was ready to hear something fantastic.
What I got was the kaiser chefs and the killers with more whiney keyboards and vocals. I really couldn't have been more underwhelmed. There is something I'm missing, an hour of my life.
The phrase that has been used on several occasions on here is "I'll give it a 1 because there isn't a zero." This is NOT true for this. They have fully earnt their 1.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Surprisingly enough I had never heard this entire (double) album before. I have seen it performed live when Mr Waters did so bc, but that was all. It's good little concept album, performed well and musically sound. but apart from a few outstanding bits, Another Brick Part 2, Comfortably Numb, The Show Must Go On, and Run Like Hell, nothing spectacular.
It really does fall far short of Dark Side and Wish You Were Here. Cant really give it more than a 3
Mike Ladd
3/5
Mmmm there were bits of this that I thought were really quite good, but then others that just weren't on the whole though not bad and deserving of a 3
The Beta Band
3/5
I think Squares has been used on an advert, sure i have heard it before and wondered who it was by. The rest of the album is alright. Had it on as background music while doing computer work most of it just drifted by, with the odd bit grabbing my attention. Life is probably the best track. But working out a score for it will be difficult 1,4 & 5 all out. so that leaves us with 2 & 3. it's not bad enough for a 2, but not quite good enough for a 3. it's more of a 2.8.
deserves to be rounded up rather than down, so I suppose it'll have to be another 3
CHIC
2/5
Pleasant enough, watered down Funk/Disco. Couple of famous ones. But nothing really to write home about.
Uninspiring is probably the best way to describe it.
2 for the quality of musicianship and production.
George Michael
1/5
Never been a fan, some of the Wham! era stuff was ok, but that's as far as it goes. This was just mind numbingly boring. Can only give it a 1.
Jeru The Damaja
1/5
Right now, what can we say about this?
Not a lot really, standard (C)rap just about sums it up. 1
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
Well, they're probably considered to be post-punk, and not my cup of tea to be honest. and for the most part they lived up to this. The one outstanding track was of course Pretty in Pink. Quite a bit more poppy, and I believe it was used in some film or other (can't remember the name, and never seen it)
That's about All I can Say for this. 2
2/5
Bit apprehensive about this one, obviously I know, and very much like the famous three. But I'd heard somewhere that their usual stuff was a lot weirder. Now that can either be a very good thing or a very bad thing.
This, was neither. It was to be honest uninteresting mush. Except for 2 tracks. Green Man was brilliant, and Your Dictionary was ok, but even those couldn't raise it above a
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Don't mind a bit of Reggie. And if you've going to listen to some it might as well be by one of the masters of the genre. The outstanding track was obviously No Woman No Cry, though like most people I am more used to the live version. On the whole though it's a creditable album. Well worth a high 3.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
1/5
Well, what can I say? Original cuntry music, performed by an original cunt.
I really don't want to be too scathing about this, but there really are no redeeming factors. 1
Sonic Youth
1/5
After the first few bars I thought "Hmm, that guitar sound is a bit Hawkwindy. This could be ok". How wrong can you be?
From that point onwards it just went steadily downhill to become little more than a conglomeration of noise by the end of the album. 1 because there is no Zero.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Well now, what a difference. From the ridiculous to the sublime (well not quite).
By the time they released this one they had started to experiment a bit, hence one of my all time favourite Sabbath tracks FX. When listened to in surround sound stereo the soundscape is utterly amazing the notes swirl all around and through you, it's just fabulous. And then there is that wonderful piece of music Laguna Sunrise. Which, for reasons I won't go into, I shall always know as The Goon At Sunrise. As well as all the songs being of high quality especially what has almost become their signature tune Changes. This is a great great album.
I had intended to give this a 4, but after reading this can't see how I can justify anything less than a 5. So there it is.
The Cars
3/5
If you had asked me to name a song by The Cars before listening to this I would have said Drive, for the obvious reason. And it's because of that track that I have never paid them any attention, because it's really not that good.
I can now say that I have been missing out. Yes I do know My Best Friends Girl, and You're Just What I needed, but it had never clicked that they were by this lot. And this is rather a good album. From the first track I thought not bad, sounds familiar. By the second I knew why. And the other stand out track was Moving in Stereo. Yeah, it's a good album, not at all like Drive (thank god).
Got to be worth a high 3.
Killing Joke
3/5
Quite pleasantly surprised by this. There were several tracks that had a very definite Hawkwind flavour to the music. Combined with punk style vocals made for an interesting mix. Probably not something I would buy, but an interesting listen.
Adele
1/5
Another Adele album. 4 years in the making. Was it worth it. Well in the sense of 3 years without it, yes it was. In fact another 10 would not have gone amiss. Her voice is OK, but nothing special. I mean, she's no Christine MacVie (Perfect), Chrissie Hynde, or Gladys Knight.
The River Lea was the only halfway decent track but doesn't make it much worthwhile. 1
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
I was really disappointed by this. I know their two famous tracks, Killing Moon and The Doors cover, People Are Strange. So I expected something quite different. Not necessarily what I would like, but something more experimental and off the wall. What I got was was an album that was decidedly average for time time it was released. Nothing special at all. And therefore very disappointing. 2.
Slipknot
1/5
Well, this is the 3rd one that has beaten me. Of the 343 albums I have rated, there was a jazz one, that 2hr epic and now this, that I just couldn't bear to listen to all of it. To me it has no musical worth what so ever. But then that has ever been my opinion of thrash. Though Sepultura did make a good job of it. No, to be honest I cannot find a reason for it's inclusion here except to pretend to be all inclusive. But then so far there have been many omissions so far, but I have a long way to go. And a little part of me still lives in hope that a complete genre that is conspicuous for its absence may yet appear, namely NWOBHM. (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal).
Anyway, back to the tripe at hand. 1 because three is nothing lower. -5 if I could.
2/5
Well, here we are again. Another Dylan album, can't understand why. Oh yes this one was live. Did it make any difference? No. It was just another Dylan album, a little longer than any other, but no better. It just reaffirms that he's a wannabe Roy Harper. Who is still conspicuous by his absence. Looking back through all the albums that I have reviewed it would appear that apart from the bands you simply cannot ignore, the Beatles, the Stones, Fleetwood Mac, the Who etc British music did not exist in the 20th century.
Anyway, to the job in hand. Yet another Dylan album nothing special 2.
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
This is one of those intellectual inclusions. It's a style of music that we should be aware of rather than one that is iconic or influential. And it is a pleasant there is nothing to complain about but it's not my bag. I wouldn't buy it and will probably never listen to it again. But I don't feel poorer for having listened to it unlike some of the other offerings on here. (Adelle, and Slipknot) 2
Girls Against Boys
1/5
Totally uninspiring 90's twaddle. There were ahundeed band producing this kind of rubbish in the 90's this is just another one. Didn't hear of them at the time and not to be heard of since.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
This is quite annoying, she was obviously a talented lady and I have been wanting to listen to one of her albums for some time just never taken the time. I don't believe this one does her justice. Not anything I would want to listen to again.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
1/5
Well now, I have been completely mistook for 40 years. I always thought this lot were one of the Goth bands, because of there name. And now I have found out I was totally wrong. Shame really, if they had have been a goth band there was a chance (slim I know), but still a chance I would have liked it. Instead I got this boring load of twaddle. Half tempted to give it a 2 because it wasn't objectionable, but if I did i feel it would devalue the other 2s I have given. 1 it is then.
Daft Punk
2/5
I have often been given the impression that I would like these, although I've never heard any of their music before.
And I can sort of see why, but unfortunately not. They just don't have the je ne sais quoi of, say, Ozric Tentacles or The Enid. Sorry, not for me, but better than a 1. So 2 it is.
Doves
2/5
To the best of my knowledge I have never heard of this lot before, but they sounded very familiar. They had some interesting intros, but then there an abrupt stop and the track continued in a totally different style. On the whole not much of an album. 2
The Temptations
3/5
A style of music very much of its time.
I can totally understand why they were a big band, as they did what they do extremely well. It's really my sort of thing, but I'd be happy enough to have any track appear on a various album.
Got to be a 3
Magazine
2/5
Well now this is a bit strange, can remember listening to this yesterday, but cannot remember what it was like at all.
Not a good sign. So listened to snippets from several songs, now I'm going to listen to the whole thing again. Let you know what I think later.
Was expecting to be awarding a high 3 from the above. And indeed there is a lot to like, but there is just as much not to like, unfortunately. The final track was far and away the best on the album. But in order to keep consistent with other scores I can only give it a 2. But a part of me feels it is just (and only just) worth a 3.
k.d. lang
2/5
Well I got that wrong. I thought KD Lang was that Scottish bint. Obviously not. Now is it just me, or are about 30% of the albums on here either country or jazz?
That said this was surprisingly palatable it was easy on the ears and her voice isn't unbearable. Doesn't mean I'd give it better than a 2.6, but it's got to be worth that. Almost a shame that I'll round it down to a 2, almost.
Pere Ubu
1/5
It's strange how the title of an album can lead you to expect a specific thing. And then it turns out to be completely different. Well that's what happened here.
That's not to say it wasn't still complete and utter shite, just not the shite I expected it to be. This has no redeeming features. You cannot even say it's so bad it's good, it isn't. You cannot even describe it as a novelty, comedy album. It's just plain shite. I have just thought of something positive to say about it......
It isn't slipknot.
Aerosmith
4/5
I only have greatest hits or best of albums by this lot so this is the first time I have listened to a proper album by them. And I've got to say I can see why they are such a big band. I knew the first two tracks and they are both extremely good most of the rest of the album was good, but standard fare. Then along came A Lick And A prayer, another superb track. Is it something I would buy? Yes, if I saw it, (or to be honest, any other Aerosmith album) I would definitely consider buying it.
So, it's got to be worth a 4.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
The title track was far and away the best track on the album, the rest really wasn't up to much. A bland but ok 2
Hot Chip
3/5
This'll probably surprise you. I quite liked this. I'm not usually one for the electronic genres, but I found this very enjoyable. Not really any specifically outstanding, just all of a reasonably high standard.
Got to be worth a 3
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Now this is much more what I expected from the captain. A bit left field and experimental, but not too cacophonous. It's a good collection across several genres and musical, it carries a tune. Again hot to be worth a 3.
Tim Buckley
2/5
An improvement on his previous album, but still not up to much. Nothing specific worthy of comment. 2
The Pretty Things
3/5
Very much child of the 60' this. Though it has a quality that make me doubt that that was when it was actually born. I haven't looked it up and am not inspired enough to do so. But I did like it. Best we've had for a little while, but still only worth a 3
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
Some rap i can enjoy, this isn't it. Though we have had considerably worse than this on here. No redeeming features that I can discern. 1
The Auteurs
3/5
I was expecting either some poorly done punk,or some electronica from the title. What I got was neither. I quite liked it actually. Not outstanding, but very creditable. Will probable never think to listen to it again, but it is worth it. Got to be a well earned 3
Dagmar Krause
2/5
A very peculiar album this, but not the first to have this effect on me. Half in German, half in English. But then why not, she is German. No problem there, but all the way through, I kept having the feeling that I should be enjoying this more than I am. Interesting rather than enjoyable, I'm glad I listened to it. But that's not anything I believe I'll do again. 2
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Quite musical punk. Again it's something I could get into if I were to give it the opportunity. It's just a shame they didn't use the proper spelling of Bain Sidhe.
3 for it's potential.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Surprisingly not bad. First track was a great way to start the album. It then went a bit up and down but on the whole much better than I expected. Im tempted out of sheer devilment to give it a 4. Yeah think i will. 4
The Fall
3/5
I have only heard one track by this lot before, Bremmen Nacht, and I rather like it. So I was hoping for something similarly different. And yes it sort is. It's sort like the bastard child of Depeche Mode and the Sex Pistols. A bit of a mixup of electronica and punk. I'm undecided at the moment 2 or 3? I'll probably end up over scoring it with a 3 because of the potential it has with me. I'm sur if I listen to it a few times it'll grow on me, but don't think it'll get that chance.
The Jam
3/5
Never been a fan, but this wasn't bad. Couple of their well known ones and some right crap. But over all ok. I'll give it a 3
AC/DC
4/5
Well what can you say about this? It's an absolute classic. The last one with Bon as front man. The title track is as, whatever the word is, today as it's ever been. And there are some great rock songs on here beside the 3 singles. I do possess this album, and had it on tape with Back in Black, the first Brian album. They complement each other so well. Back though to this one, it's a great album, but not perfect. Sorry Bon, Angus, Salcombe, et al but it's not a 5 a very strong 4 definitely
CHVRCHES
2/5
It's modern pop, I suppose it must be quite well liked or it wouldn't be here. Yeah, they can play their instruments, but as far as I'm concerned this is as good a recommendation for a return to vinyl as any, in that an album is limited to 40-45 mins and usually upto 9 tracks. This would definitely have benefited from that.
Her voice was to high and yowly for me.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
What I would call electro-pop, not bad though. Reasonably average so a 3
LTJ Bukem
1/5
Seems to be a bit of a misnomer. I don't believe there was a progression, logical or otherwise. Bits of it did change, but then returned to the base line. 45 minutes of lameness.can only be a 1.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
A normal album this time, in that the track listing does not read like a best of album. Still some big ones, but this time with some also rans. But a great album nevertheless. It'll be on the buy list if I happen to see it. Got to be worth a 4.
William Orbit
3/5
Ambient twidley stuff. Nothing wrong with it, but probably woulnt buy it. Reasonably pleasant got to be worth a 3
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
They received rave reviews when they emerged, couldn't really see why at the time. After listening to this album, I still can't. I don't think there is anything particularly exceptional about them. Not bad enough for a 1 though.
The Yardbirds
3/5
Unfortunately this is very dated, definitely an album of its time. However for its time it was a great album. It's no surprise that Led Zeppelin originally were (or wanted to be) called The New Yardbirds. There were so many bit where I could hear the influence they would have on later bands. That said it still stands as a piece on its own. Definitely worth a 3
Alice In Chains
2/5
Didn't expect much from this to be honest. But was pleasantly surprised by the first tracks, unfortunately the surprise faded and that was that. Didn't expect much and to be honest didn't get much. Better than a one though.
Orbital
1/5
Never let it be said that I can't handle a long song. But these just got boring. It was more or less just what I expected, but so many others have done it better.
Sorry, can only be a 1
Iron Maiden
5/5
First heavy metal album i ever got. Was given it by a friend of my sisters, along with (of all things) The Legends And Myths Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table. This is a great album, full of old friends, a must have for all Maiden fans. Not perfect, but bloody close. A good 4.8 though.
Goldfrapp
1/5
Was sure they had a hit with something quite rocky, so this was not what I expected. It's just standard, well nothingness really. Only worth a 1 from me.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Life is too short 1
Kate Bush
1/5
This album is from when she had started making music to please herself, and not the buying public. And why shouldn't she. In essence that is what all musicians should do. And it's where Kurt Cobain fell down. But it means your left with an album that is all filler, no thriller. Earlier albums all had a couple of hit singles on them, this has nothing. Why should it? If that is what she wants then why not, but in all honesty I can't give it higher than a 1. For me this has nothing going for it.
Van Morrison
2/5
He has done some reasonably decent track, shame none of them are on this one. The problem with Van is that after a few tracks his voice really grates, and becomes just plain annoying. 1 would be too harsh, but is it worth a 2? Hmmm, not sure, but I'll let him have them.
David Holmes
3/5
This sort of grew on me as the album progressed. From first 10 mins I doubt it would have got as high as 2, but by the time it was half way through I was quite enjoying it. Think I'm going to end up giving it a 3.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Never been a fan, still not. Best track was the space one because it was vaguely funky. Clinton would have done it better. It was all sort of ok, just not for me. 2
Prince
3/5
First things first. Dear you tube, an album (musically) is a collection of tracks that is 40-45 minutes long, and will fit nicely on one side of a C90 tape. It is NOT 92 tracks and 5 hours long. Even if you do call it the Super Deluxe version.
So having listened to the first 45 mins, it was actually better than I expected. In that it wasn't bad. I think I enjoyed it more than 1999, but that's about the best I can say probably the best way to give my opinion is to score it because from what I have written here I would expect a 2 but this is definitely a 3
Ian Dury
4/5
Well once I had convinced you tube that I wanted the original album, not the new covers version, I really enjoyed this album. But then I was always going to, even though I had never heard it before. I do however, know many of the track that are on it. Two of my favourites being Sweet Gene Vincent and My Old Man. Even the tracks I had not heard before were of a high standard so this one is well worth the 4 I'm going to give it.
George Michael
2/5
Never been a fan, still not. Not to say he's not talented I suppose, just not for me. The title track is the only passable one, the rest really wasn't up to much.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Another Latin American album, not bad but nothing special. Not my sort of thing, but done well enough.
The Pogues
4/5
I have seen this album for sale but never bought it because of its name and my preconceptions of the band.
So I didn't ever expect to say something like this, But.......
I think I may be a closet Pogues fan.
I really liked this. His voice though by most standards is not good, really seems to suit these songs. And the band appear to be consummate musicians. I find it impossible to even contemplate giving it less than a 4, but not worth a 5.
Michael Kiwanuka
2/5
I was expecting another African world music album. That's not what this is. It has, in several places, a sort of seventies blaxploitation feel, on the whole for what it is it's OK. Can't see myself buying it or even playing it again. Not quite worth a 3 though, so just a 2.
The Undertones
3/5
And here we go again. Never was into punk at the time, but can appreciate it much more now. And although I liked this more than the others we've had recently I feel it has less potential for improvement with me. Still got to be worth a 3 though.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Ok, so this one has obviously been interjected here because of the passing of Ozzy Osborne.
It is said that Black Sabbath invented heavy metal, and that after seeing a horror film of the time (I think it may have been Witchfinder General) they decided to play a style of music that frightened people, and the rest, as they say, is history.
On listening to this eponymous album again, you can hear each of the instruments playing their own part as well as their unique combined sound. Which later versions, although brilliant, could not replicate without Ozzy's vocals. This album contains some iconic tracks including Black Sabbath itself and N.I.B. Though Warning and The Wizard are two of my personal favourites now we come to the important bit. It is without doubt an excellent album, but there is just something I just can't define that is preventing me from awarding it a 5. I mean it is a 4.8, but just not quite there for me, so 4 it is.
Thelonious Monk
1/5
There are several band who whilst falling under the Prog rock banner, describe themselves as jazz fusion. Because of that I have for a while now said that I was OK with jazz. I can now officially say that I am not ok with jazz. The number of albums I have been subjected to on this journey is just too many. It's not completely unpleasant, but for me his album has no musical worth. 1
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Now, are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin. I quite liked this. Now that's not to say that there weren't any naff bits, there so were. But there were more quite good bits, unlike yesterday's Felonious Monk. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that I may buy it, but there are certainly tracks I would skip. But on the whole it was OK.
Got to be worth a 3.
Ryan Adams
1/5
Haven't they missed off the 'B'?
Unfortunately not. Though not a fan of Bryan, Ryan has given us a selection of country music at its depressing worst. He has a decent voice, but it's wasted here as the material is just plain awful. 1
Billy Bragg
1/5
I have said before that I don't like politics in music. But if that's what you want to do then the quality of the music has got to shine through first and foremost. Unfortunately Billy has completely failed in this respect. His voice drones on, and for the most part is tuneless. The music is bland and uninteresting. I can however understand why this is here, unlike many of the items included in this list. And he can write a good track when he puts his mind to it, because he has for others to perform. None of that can rescue this piece of rubbish though.
The Cult
3/5
Don't know why I didn't get into these at the time, think I could have done. But listening to them now, well, they seem a bit tame. It's not bad. I would probably buy it, but mainly because I feel I should have something in my collection. It was a pleasant listen, but I still don't understand the lizard in a bottle.
Björk
1/5
I can 100% say I can see why, and agree with why, this has been included. Unfortunately it's just not my cup of tea.
Air
2/5
This one started out quite good, but a couple of tracks in just sort of faded into mediocrity. It was ok background music, but nothing you would go out of your way for. 2
Megadeth
2/5
Well now, was this what I expected? To be honest, no it wasn't! It was a lot more tuneful than I expected, and a lot tamer too. Unfortunately for them that doesn't mean better. It was ok, but not for me. I'm feeling generous for some reason so 2
Joe Ely
4/5
Ok, so here we go again, yet more country. But to be honest I really enjoyed this. Perhaps it was the light relief from the previous few, but it put a smile on my face. Even the more dour ones were done in an upbeat style. With the title track, West Texas Walts, and Honky Tonkin' being the stand out tracks. Only problem now is what to score it....
It's a very high 3 at the very least, but is it worth a 4? As I said on the previous one, I, I'm in a generous mood.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Not sure what to make of this. Not my usual sort of thing, but I quite liked it. She's got a good voice, music was good and well plated. And yeah I enjoyed listening to it. Probably won't buy it but hey ho. Got to be worth a 3.
Cee Lo Green
3/5
Made a bit of a mistake with this one, thought he was the one who wears a hood. He's not.
Don't know where he got the sole machine from. He's not.
Didn't have time to listen to this in one go, which is probably just as well as I'd have been bored or annoyed and much more scathing.
Basically bits of it were good, bits of it were shite, bits of it were stolen from George Clinton, and the rest was there.
We've had a lot worse than this on here, and a lot that was infinitely betters im going to give it a mediocre 3
Sabu
3/5
I suppose I'd describe this as Afro-Latin World music. But actually sort of works, and I liked it. Neither one thing nor the other. But where each of the genres it is influenced by become uninspiring it managed to stay interesting throughout. A high 3, but still 3.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I have for some time now been of the opinion that this lady deserves a place in my record collection, and this album only confirms that. Great voice, great words, great melodies, performed superbly. What's not to like?
So now it's time to score it. Well I said like not love, so 5 is out. She is more than capable of producing a 4 or 5 album, I just don't think this is it. Don't get me wrong this is a good album it's got to be a 3.8, but does that mean I've got to give it a 4? No, something is stopping me from doing it, don't know what, might regret this. No, it's better than average.
The Cure
2/5
Once again a band that I have wanted to hear more of for some years, has let me down. It was bland and boring, the only bright spark being the title track. And they left that until last. 2
Nitin Sawhney
1/5
Does this come under the world music heading? For me it comes under Crap.
It doesn't seem to know hat it's supposed to be. You get anti-nuclear news broadcasts followed by what sound like love songs. No not for me.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Now this one does exactly what it says on the can. Doesn't mean that it's any good, but you know what you're getting from the title and the band name. There were a few bright spots, but nothing exceptional. Still worth a 2
Living Colour
3/5
Well that was better than I expected. Quite rocky, and listenable. Not too much more I can say though, but worth a 3.
David Crosby
1/5
Not unpleasant, just boring. With no redeeming features. That's about All I can say.
Motörhead
4/5
An band and an album with reputations.
Reputedly the first ever live album to enter the charts at No. 1. And Lemmy a breed of rock musician that is dieing out.
As albums go this is not a bad one, it does have iconic status. They were a no nonsense band and this is a no nonsense album, it does what it says on the can. If you like their music great album, if you don't it's not. I do so therefore it's a good album, is it worth a 5? We've had other live albums on here with much more atmosphere. Whether it's been mixed out.... (And I have seen them live enough times to believe it has)... or not, is up for debate. So not a 5, but a solid 4
Beck
3/5
Well..... First thoughts were, not what I expected from Jeff. Soon realised it wasn't who I thought. On the whole though it was alright. Probably won't listen again, but there wasca mix of genres and styles and all were done well. Got to be worth a 3
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Not my cup of tea, though there was nothing wrong with it really. Just not for me. Feel I ought to give it a 3 but I just don't want to, I preferred Beck, so 2 it is.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Not averse to a bit of folk, and this lot are one of the better bands. It's a decent album, performed well. Its ok.worth a 3
Neneh Cherry
4/5
You probably won't believe this, I don't think I do to be fair. I really liked this. Don't know why specifically. She's got a good voice, versatile with style. Great tempo, music played well. It all just fits together into what I found was a great listen. It will be going on my buy if seen list. Not perfect, but a very high 4.
Madness
2/5
As an album, im not too impressed with this. Their earlier albums, although being observations and commentaries on society too, had life and an upbeat quality that seemed to be sadly lacking from here. Even Our House appeared to be toned down. To sum up was disappointing. Sorry, the nutty boys only get a 2 for this.
Keith Jarrett
2/5
There's nothing wrong with a bit of piano music, and this man can certainly play the piano. But a 67 minute piano solo is too much even for me. Come on guys good or bad let's get things back on track.
From that you would expect a 1, but the man does have talent 2.
Louis Prima
4/5
The enjoyable face of jazz. They obviously had a great deal of fun making this album, and it really comes over. Not usually my thing but I really did enjoy this. Got to be a 4.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Im sure we've had a previous offering from Mr Springsteen. As I probably said then, he has written some really good songs. But he's written a lot of crap too, as demonstrated by this album. On the plus side they certainly suit his voice, which is just as crap. A 2 because it's not objectionable, it's just not worth the effort.
ABBA
3/5
It's ABBA, you know what your going to get, and you get it. Good tunes played well. Good songs sung well, with great harmonies. I don't possess an ABBA album nor do I think I ever will. But theyve got to be worth a 3.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Not my sort of think, but for what it is it's ok. We've had a lot worse of this sort on here, but still only worth a 2.
Destiny's Child
2/5
It's not unpleasant, their voices harmonise well. But that's about all I can say in it's favour. Not for me. 2
Soft Machine
2/5
This is the band that are most responsible for me saying I can appreciate jazz. So they had to try to prove me wrong didn't they. It would appear that the compilers of this list believe that jazz can only be played on brass instruments. This is of course complete bollox. They are a band with some superb musicians. One founder member is Daevid Allen was multi-instrumentalist genius who I was privilaged enough to see live in the early 90's as part of another band. But back to the album in hand, sorry, not the best. I'm finding this really hard to review this album without taking others into account albums like Bundles and Softs are quite brilliant but this one is quite disappointing hopefully we may get them later. This one is only worth a very low 2, possibly rounded up from 1.7 to be honest.
Talking Heads
3/5
Yet another band that I have wanted to hear an album by but not got round to it.
Now, I didn't expect every track to be a classic like Psycho Killer. But I did expect more than the first half of the album gave. It did start to pull it back part way through, or perhaps the start just lowered my expectations. Anyway on the whole it's wasnt bad, just not as good as I expected still feel I have to give it a 3 though
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Trying to catch up so saying very little.
Wow! Amazing voice never realised she had been that good. 4
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
Trying to catch up so saying very little.
Should have smelt a rat when Mr L. said he was looking forward to this one. Bass player could play, but that was not enough to prevent 1.
SAULT
2/5
Trying to catch up so saying very little.
Very political, but musically quite good.
Not my thing though. 2.5, but rounded down.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Saw the track listing and thought well there is nothing here I've heard before. Turns out I knew the first 2 tracks. On the whole, not a bad album. Not much more to say than that, worth a 3
R.E.M.
3/5
I can see why this was such a massive album at the time. The usual range of good and bad tracks. Probably not what I would buy. But a decent listen, and im glad I did. A high 3.
ABBA
3/5
It's ABBA, what do you expect. Well this is it. And it does what it says on the tin. Several of the big tracks, but little else worthy of note on here. The last track was reminiscent of something else. (Summer love sensation, I think).
I almost feel like im getting stuck in a rut here but can't justify anything other than a 3
Supergrass
3/5
The way this started I thought it was from the late 70's early 80's. Very punk. After that it settled down a bit, not a bad listen to be fair, got to be worth a 3.
Paul Simon
3/5
Starts out like someone who has run out of things to sing about. I had heard "Think too much" before and it is far and away the stand out track. There were a couple of other decent offering included, but not the best from this musical genius. We expect such high standards from him, that when he doesn't hit them the temptation is to under score him. Compared to his other works it is a high 1. But compared to every thing else out there it was a reasonable listen and therefore worthy of a 3.
This is getting to be a bit of a run of mediocre albums, come on let get a bit more extreme, try something really different.
Digital Underground
5/5
Well, what can I say about this? Not what you expect me to I'd guess. It's almost 2 albums on one. And is labelled as "Safe" side and "sex" side.
I listened to these on you tube, and the version they have is different to the one I have. (Weren't expecting that were you?)
Why they would censor "Burger King", "69" and "rim" from Humpty Dance, and leave "Bastards" in The Way We Swing, I have no idea. But they did. I know the tape version which is nearly 90 minutes long and 3 extra tracks including Hop Hop Doll. Underwater Rimes is my absolute favourite. The sex side is considered to be conceptual as for the most part it centers around the title and associated tracks. But, basically it just generates an air of fun, it puts a smile on your face, and yes I love it. There's only one score I can give this 5.
Oh, and one more thing. They are also big fans of George Clinton, and are the reason I discovered him.
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Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
It sounds and feels like I should like this more than I think I did. And I did quite like it. I really don't know. It has got me completely stumped. It would probably need to be listened to again, but I doubt if I ever will. Going to give it a 3 as more would be too much, and less wouldn't do it justice.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
Not sure of this one, don't know if that is an eponymous album title or what. They are described as a super group, but have only heard of one of them. It would seem that it has a different definition nowadays. As for the music, not impressed not really too much else I can say about it worth more than a 1, but not by much. 2.
Bee Gees
3/5
Well that was not what I expected, but apparently it was from before they became a disco phenomenon in the 70's. Wasn't bad to be fair, but nothing special. I keep thinking 2, but part of me says that's a bit harsh. So I have looked back over the last few albums. And it's definitely better than the good the bad and the queen or fault. And though it's not quite an automatic for the people or gasoline alley,it is just about on par with arrival and talking heads 77. So just scraping it's way to a 3.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Less Henry's dream, more sort of Henry's nightmare. Musicianship was good. I just found it a completely unpleasant listen.
The Zutons
4/5
Didn't start off? well, but started pulling it back, and came on strong in last third. Can honestly say I enjoyed it, didn't expect to, but I did. So I'm going to have to give it a 4.
Neil Young
3/5
Started out really good, very upbeat jolly music. An total to contrast to yesterday's Nick Cave contribution in every way. It tailed off towards the end unfortunately which was a shame. His voice was more consistent than on his other entries which helped. Hadn't heard any of the the songs before, which sort of begs the question why is it here? As it didn't have the aspect of a landmark album. But I enjoyed it. Is it worth a 4? No, but it is a very high 3.
Faith No More
4/5
Well, it started out with a couple of absolute belting classics, and of course couldn't carry on in that style. Not to say that what followed was rubbish, it absolutely wasn't. But you can't produce a whole album of Epics (Pun intended). My problem now is how to score it. It's better than most of the 3's that I have awarded, but not up to the standard of most of the 4's. I really don't want to give it either of those scores. It's a solid 3.8 to 3.9.
Oh, I can't round it down. I'll have to give it a 4
Television
2/5
It's not my sort of stuff, though it was done well for what it was. I'm sure Mr. L. Will probably give it a 4 or 5, bit it's just a 2 from me.
Chicago
3/5
I once bought a boxed set of mixed albums that included one by Chicago (but not this one). So I was aware that If You Leave Me Now was not necessarily typical of their output. I still was not quite expecting this. Having said that it was still very pleasant. So im giving it a 3
The Byrds
3/5
Definitely a product of its time. Some great songs with amazing harmonies their voices suit each other so well. But for me it's still just worth a 3.
Venom
2/5
Very Ronseal, this one. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Didn't know it at first, but I must have the title track on a various album somewhere as I recognised it. Other than that there are a lot of bands out there that do this worse, so not a 1 from me, but still only worth a 2.
Black Flag
1/5
Yet another, does what ot says on the tin band. The names of both band and album let you know exactly what you are in for.
And in this case it's not much. TV Party being the only track worthy of comment as it did make me smile. Unfortunately good as it was even it couldn't drag the album above a 1.
The Coral
4/5
Didn't have time to review this when I listened to it the first time, but I remember being very pleasantly surprised. So listened again not so surprising this time but equally if not increasingly enjoyable. What was surprising though was that the track which was vaguely familiar, that I took to be the single, was one of the least enjoyable ones. I remember thinking after the first listen that I'd give it a healthy 3. But having gone through it a second time I find myself revising that. So 4 it is, yes I really liked it.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Weird one this. One of the original punk bands, a one hit wonder. But surprisingly listenable. Would have expected them to be bigger, perhaps they were and I just missed it, I never have been into punk per se. Basically this was ok, and the title track is a classic. Got to be a 3.
The Verve
2/5
Well now. Mr Hatter told me to prepare myself to be awarding a 5 for this one.
Sorry sir no can do. It was the musical equivalent of mashed potato. Mushy nothingness, without even any buttter or even a sprinkling of chives to give it some flavour or even visual appeal. The musicianship was ok, so not a 1, just. And only just scrapes a 2.
Incubus
3/5
Once again, not as bad as I expected. Really liked Battlestar Scralatchica. But basically they are a modern heavy band in the same mold of so many others, but not a bad job. Worth a 3.
Method Man
2/5
Just another rap album. Nothing spectacular about it, some ok tracks. Better than a 1, but only just. 2
Small Faces
5/5
An album with a reputation. Supposed to be fabulous, a real groundbreaking. It was ok, nothing particularly outstanding but worth a 3.
But this is a game of two halves, or rather an album of two sides.
Now, I'm sorry, but there is no way I can give anyone who is brave (or stupid) enough to devote one side of their album to Professor Stanley Unwin telling a story in gibberish. Punctuated by some brilliant songs. Anything less than a fully warranted 5. Side one was good, side two was stratospheric.
Maxwell
3/5
Actually this wasn't bad, and to be honest I'm sure I heard several bits that Digital Underground had sampled. On the whole though it was ok, worth a 3.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
Ive said it before and ill say it again I don't like politics in music. Therefore if thats what you're going yo do the music has got to be excellent. This wasn't, but for rap it wasn't completely awful either. Basically, worth a 2
Mercury Rev
1/5
Been trying desparately to think of something possitive to say but for me it was just uninspiring rubbish. 1
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Once again I have been impressed by this lady. Modern bands of this ilk could learn a thing or two here. 11 songs at 2½ -3 minutes each, good singing and well written lyrics. I'm just not sure what to score it. In all honesty it's not as good as the last one we had, and it's not really my sort of thing. I believe 3 is a fair score.
Fairport Convention
3/5
I'm not adverse to a bit of folk music, and I can completely understand why this band are so big on the folk scene. Sandy Denny has a great voice and, as proved by the instrumental track, they are consummate musicians. Unfortunately, it's just not really me. So never going to get more than a 3 form me, but 3 it is.
Beck
3/5
This is such a departure from what I expected from Jeff. Nothing like Hi Ho Silver Lining.
Yes I know its not him, must be his brother.
Actually this wasn't bad on the whole. I quite liked it. Nothing spectacular but all quite palatable. Worth a mid-range 3.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Well you can certainly hear the influence he had on the early Pink Floyd. It's definitely an album of its time, but it needs the Floyd collaboration. If Pink Floyd is the cake, this is a bowl sugar without the flour eggs and milk. Really want to give it a 3, but I all honesty it's a mid-range 2.
The Black Crowes
3/5
I'm sure that I have seen these live a couple of times. And though I'm not a massive fan they are a decent band. And this album is typical of their output. Good solid dort of bluesy rock. At times very like the stones. Now although this is a very creditable album its not outstanding in any way. Its a very high 3, 3.8ish, but would devalue other 4's that I have awarded if I were going to give it one of them. So 3 it'll have to be.
Eels
2/5
A rather weird but very listenable album. Nothing stood out particularly, but as a whole it was ok. Now here we have the difficulty of listening to several albums back to back, because if I were to have heard just this and nothing else might be tempted to give it a 3, but it just isn't as good as the 3's I have previously awarded. It's a solid 2.8 to 2.9, but if I were to give it a 3 I would be doing a disservice to all the 3s I have given before. So 2 it is.
XTC
3/5
Im sure I have heard an XTC album before, and to be honest it didn't live up to expectations. So I had lowered my sights for this one, but it was really quite good. It doesn't have any of the big 3 on it but its still quite a pleasant album. Now for the score, its kind of between the previous two, its about a 3.0 so three it is, but not as good as the Black Crows.
Metallica
1/5
Classical and rock usually go together well. This appears to be the exception that proves the rule. Nothing Else Matters is the only track on which this experiment actually worked. The rest was more M&S than S&M. I really don't want to be this harsh, but its a 1 for effort I'm afraid.
The Kinks
3/5
This is the first time I have listened to an actual album by this lot. And on the whole it's was rather good. Ray Davis is one hell of a wordsmith, and his songs are social commentaries really. The phrase that comes to mind is that they are the jam of the 60's and 70's, except the Kinks had talent. Now for a score. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't exceptional. Is it worth a 4? No I don't think so. 3
Ozomatli
2/5
World music mixed with rap.not bad, but not for me. Sorry, 2 it is.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
PIL, what can I say about these?
THEY'RE SHIT!!!!!!
How they ever came up with Rise I will never know. To be fair I must say the rhythm section weren't bad, but a half decent rhythm section does not a band make. Purely because there is no zero they get a 1. But I do feel that devalues the other 1's I have awarded
Dire Straits
5/5
Well now, from the ridiculous to the sublime. This eponymous first album is just sublime, one of my favourite ever albums. The lyrics paint pictures, and the soulful, bluesy lead guitar brings the songs to life. Strangely enough in an album entirely of brilliant tracks, the most famous one that actually launched their career isn't even the best track! This is by far the best album they produced.
It's getting a 5 because there is no 11.
Frank Sinatra
1/5
The superlative that have been used to describe this man are too numerous to contemplate, and all completely UNJUSTIFIED. God this was awful! Morrisey come back, all is forgiven!
This was so depressing! Its no wonder he needed the mafia to launch his career, no talent scout would have spotted him.
Bearing in mind I found something positive to say about pil, you can guess where im going with the score for this one.
Kanye West
1/5
Can remember being quite impressed by previous missives by Kanye, so I looked back to check them out. And yes I was sort of impressed by them , impressed enough to award both of them a 2! it's just a shame that this load of twaddle didn't reach those dizzying heights. no redeeming features 1.
Deep Purple
5/5
This is the classic lineup of a classic band, playing some classic tunes. What's not to love. From Gillan's amazing vocals on this iconic version of Child In Time, to his 'battle' with Blackmore's guitar on Strange Kind Of Woman. And the other 'battle' between Blackmore and John Lord on keyboards, the whole album captures the energy and soul of their music. As you can probably guess im scoring this a 1.
David Ackles
1/5
Half the time his singing was so badly out of tune it was painful, or rather it sounded like he was in pain. The songs themselves were, well naff really. It just wasn't an enjoyable experience. But strangely enough was not as bad as the ones I have awarded recently. But on looking back, nowhere near as 'good' as the 2s.
Slint
2/5
The music was ok. From the first two tracks, my thoughts were. 'Get a singer'. But it became evident later that he could sing when he wanted, he obviously didn't want to very often. Which is a shame it might have got up to a 3 without the screeching.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
One of the greatest exponents of the Reggie genre. Not my bag, but eminently listenable. Nothing exceptional, so not a 4. But a very high 3.
Thundercat
2/5
Started off ok, but just too much of it. Could have been a very high 3, but now I'm on the verge of only awarding a 2. It just goes on too long. Sorry, yes it will be a 2.
Orange Juice
2/5
Not bad for what it was bit dated now title track was the best, actually want to give it a 3, but font know why. Because it wasnt that good. Dont get me wrong it was ok. Started of well, but went right downhill at the end. Left feeling very disappointed. Yes, 2 it is.
Jamiroquai
3/5
I've always thought I should like this band more than I do. But for some reason I just can't get into it. Its good music played well, just not for me. But still worth a 3.
Calexico
2/5
Name sounded familiar, but didn't know what to expect. And indeed, don't know what I got. It was a sort of half folky half I don't know what, mish mash. Bits were ok but that's all. Best track was the first and it was down hill all the way after that .only worth a 2.
Scott Walker
3/5
He's got a good voice and the music is performed well. As a whole it is a thing of its time, but you can hear the influence it has had on others in this list. Unfortunately its just not for me, but wirth a 3 any day.
Napalm Death
1/5
Was going to put something 'smart' here like. I think they've put this under the wrong genre, music. But there were a couple of bits where the guitarist did show he could actually play his instrument, not just beat the living crap out of it. Still not enough to drag them out of the one zone, but a glimmer of hope.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Dont know whether it was because I listened to this directly after napalm death or not. But I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to. It started off like lift music, but just grew into something more than that. Its a bit different to your standard Latin american. Nothing spectacular but nice easy listening. Worth 3 of anybody's points.
Laura Nyro
1/5
First impressions were "Get on with it woman". Then she did! Unfortunately when she did she stopped singing, and started shouting. It wasn't objectionable to listen to, but giving it a 2 would devalue most of the other 2's I have awarded, so 1 it is.
The Byrds
3/5
Very much a thing of its time, but you can see why they were big back then. And you can hear the influence they have had on more modern music, the second track was very like the friends theme. Over all it was an enjoyable listen, but was it a mega album? Not for me, but definitely worth a 3
Rufus Wainwright
1/5
Sorry, but I just found this tedious and boring with no redeeming features. 1
N.W.A.
2/5
Yes I know N.W.A. stands for Niggers With Attitude, and that is exactly how the album started. And constitutes all that is wrong with modern black 'music'. However if you could listen past the lyrics the actual music was done well and not bad at all. Also towards the end of the album, they did start to mellow. And as a consequence I feel they deserve a 2.
Beatles
4/5
Now, I don't consider myself to be a Beatles fan. But they have done some stonkingly good tracks. And this album does feature a couple of their better ones. As a whole it is a nicely put together piece of work, and ordinarily would be worth 3 of anyone's points.
However, does include one of my favouritest ever Beatles tracks. And they saved this gem right till last. Yes, Tomorrow Never Knows is such a fabulous piece of work it adds one point on its own. So I can't give it less than a 4.
Germs
2/5
Original Punk. That just about sums it up. well that and mercifully short. For its time on a par with NWA, so 2 it is.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Ground breaking for its time. It's simplistic, but was the birth of youth music. It's rock 'n ' roll in its original form, and it gave birth to so much. Buddy holly and others opened the way for so many people to express them selves musically in a way that wasn't really available to them before. Not only that it still sounds good today, and has a massive following. although not strictly speaking my cup of tea, I enjoyed listening to this. Would I buy it? No. Will I listen to it again? Probably not. Would I turn it off if it came on? Definitely not!
Got to give this a 4 for all it means to just about all modern music.
Tom Waits
3/5
This might surprise some of you, but I really enjoyed this. His voice is nothing to right home about, the musicianship is no better than the majority of bands here. But for me it just had that something, that indefineable quality that made it enjoyable. Its another one of those that will be on my 'if its cheap enough at a festival' list. Not outstanding, but worth a 3 any day.
The Pharcyde
2/5
Musically I enjoyed it. Lyrically it started out ok but soon (very soon) it went drastically down hill. Only worth 2
The Monkees
3/5
Ahh, The Monkees. A band from my childhood. The original manufactured boy band. Created purely for a TV program, they couldn't even play their instruments when they were formed. But they soon became a phenomenon of the age. With top level song writers like Neil Diamond, they couldn't miss. And although I know several songs on this album, Shades Of Grey stands out as one of my favourites. Part of me wants to give it a 4, but does it stand out as influential enough? The band were trail blazers for sure, but.....
No I can't do it, it just won't cut it with the other albums I have given a 4. It pains me but its a 3
Minor Threat
2/5
Musically reasonably good, and from the sound of his spoken voice he may well have had a good singing voice. But he chose to scream rather than sing. So that has knocked it down a peg to 2
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Very 70's Psychedelic. great extended version of the title track. one to keep an eye out for defo 3
Nick Drake
5/5
The best of the few albums he left us with. His ethereal voice bring a beauty to these songs that few can match. Tracks like 'City Clock', 'One Of These Things First' and 'Northern Sky' are just superb beyond belief. I can only give this one a 5. and yes I do already own it.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I do actually own this, and I bought on the strength of one track and its reputation as an album. The track is 'Venus In Furs' which is everything I hate about twangy, clinky, type of music that it is. But it has that magical something that made me fall in love with it the first time I heard it. Unfortunately there are several other tracks on the album in the same style which just don't have that quality, and are indeed crap. However, there are several tracks that are not in that style, and they are actually quite good. So for me this is a bit of a bi-polar so it has to be a classic 3 from me.
strange thing is if I hadn't already bought it, I probably wouldn't.
David Gray
2/5
I'm sure someone gave me a tape of this at the time and I quite liked it. Hadn't played it for many years though, and on this listen.... Well. He started of sounding like Bob Dylan, and didn't improve from there. Can only be a very low 2.
Robbie Williams
3/5
I seem to remember that of all the members of Take That, Robbie was supposed to be the one who wouldn't amount to anything. Yet he is the only one who ended up with a career performing, and you've got to admire him for that.
Having said that, I'm so not a fan. But, there were bits of this that really weren't that bad. on the whole I think it's worth a 3
Tom Waits
2/5
First track, the title track, was good, and the penultimate one was ok. But other than that he has decided to become a second rate Springsteen. and as I consider him to be a third rate performer, this is a real disappointment to me. I much preferred his earlier missive. Now all I have to do is decide is the 2 decent tracks are enough to drag it into the realms of a 2, yes, but only just.