Surfer Rosa
PixiesNo time for a proper review. Didn't like it to begin with. But it grew on me. 3
No time for a proper review. Didn't like it to begin with. But it grew on me. 3
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.
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.
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.
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.
Never listened to this as an album before, but have all the tracks in different places.
Not my sort of thing, quite happy to have this sort of music used in other songs,but...... A whole album no thank you.
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
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.
Sounded very familiar, lead singer looked familiar too. Not something I would buy, probably.
It's Old Blue Eyes, never have been a fan.
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.
Some classic tracks here including 2 of my all time favourites in The Boxer and El Condor Pasa.
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.
Some good famous tracks, but the rest really wasn't up to much.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Very pleasant, at time his voice is quite Dylanesque. Not much more I can say really. Got to be worth a 3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Pleasant enough. Modern easy listening. That's about all I can say really. Nothing outstanding but nice enough for 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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Typical of its ilk. Pleasant enough, just nothing special. Not my thing. 2
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.
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.
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
Not much to say about this. I know people who love them, I don't share that opinion. But it's not terrible. 1
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pleasant enough, but boring. By the time I was half way through I'd heard enough. Will try to finish it off later.
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.
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.
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.
Far more experimental and varied than I expected. On the whole not bad, but I won't be looking out for it anywhere.
Pleasant ambient stuff. Got off to a bad start but improved. Nothing really to write home about a solid 2.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
😁😁😁 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
No time for a proper review. Didn't like it to begin with. But it grew on me. 3
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does exactly what it says on the can. Typical country music, not for me. One.
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.
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
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.
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
It's punk. That, basically, sums it up. 1 for me.
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
It's country/folk music not much more I can say. One.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Surprisingly pleasant, but nothing to rave over. Wouldn't buy it, but it's got to be worth a 3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not too much to say about this, not bad enough for a 1, no where near a 3, so 2 it is.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.........
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.
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.
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
Only the song would come up on YouTube, so I listened to that. It was OK nothing to write home about.
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.
Nice background music nothing special, but pleasant listening. 3
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.
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.
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.
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
I suppose they do what they do well, just not for me. 1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Not my sort of thing, too much noise under the music. But not objectionable. 2
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
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
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.