Oct 06 2023
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Have loved this one for years. Ethereal guitars
5
Oct 07 2023
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Very good. A couple of fillers but the opening track is one of my faves
4
Oct 08 2023
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
3
Oct 09 2023
Arrival
ABBA
Really?
1
Oct 10 2023
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
3
Oct 11 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Never realised how good he was on the guitar
4
Oct 12 2023
Follow The Leader
Korn
3
Oct 13 2023
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Good listening. Fairly standard blues rhythms but well executed.
4
Oct 14 2023
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
1
Oct 15 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Superstitious is a banger. The rest of the album is classic 70s restaurant music - won't offend anyone, but you won't remember it either
2
Oct 16 2023
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
3
Oct 17 2023
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
3
Oct 18 2023
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
5
Oct 19 2023
War
U2
4
Oct 20 2023
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
3
Oct 21 2023
Mothership Connection
Parliament
4
Oct 22 2023
Sheet Music
10cc
2
Oct 23 2023
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
2
Oct 24 2023
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
5
Oct 25 2023
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
3
Oct 26 2023
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
2
Oct 27 2023
Copper Blue
Sugar
3
Oct 28 2023
The Cars
The Cars
Gets better towards the end
2
Oct 29 2023
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
4
Oct 30 2023
Electric
The Cult
3
Oct 31 2023
The Predator
Ice Cube
Pleasantly surprised by this. Too much misogyny on some tracks though
3
Nov 01 2023
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
This site has a serious crush on this guy. Maybe you had to be there?
2
Nov 02 2023
Document
R.E.M.
Ripper of an album
5
Nov 03 2023
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
That was a hard listen
1
Nov 04 2023
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Mixed. Nostalgia value - my dad likes this - don't know if I'd listen again though
3
Nov 05 2023
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Some glimpses of excitement (King of the World, Show Biz Kids), but a lot of yacht rock
2
Nov 06 2023
Suicide
Suicide
Interesting. Never heard of these guys before but they seem foundational
4
Nov 07 2023
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
3
Nov 08 2023
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
4
Nov 09 2023
Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
2
Nov 10 2023
Vespertine
Björk
4
Nov 11 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
3
Nov 12 2023
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Even as a fan, the compilations are better
3
Nov 13 2023
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
3
Nov 14 2023
25
Adele
She's a great singer. I'd love to hear her let loose again
2
Nov 15 2023
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
3
Nov 16 2023
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
4
Nov 17 2023
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
My mind kept wandering away from this album while it was playing. I think that was from a sense of preservation
1
Nov 18 2023
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
5
Nov 19 2023
Paris 1919
John Cale
Odd choice for the list - maybe you had to be there?
2
Nov 20 2023
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
3
Nov 21 2023
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
1
Nov 22 2023
The Specials
The Specials
3
Nov 23 2023
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
2
Nov 24 2023
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
3
Nov 25 2023
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
4
Nov 26 2023
BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
First time I've listened to one of her albums and it was a lot better than I expected. Some genuine good tracks here, especially at the start. A bit of filler too, and let's just ignore the Jay-Z bit and pretend it's not there
3
Nov 27 2023
Pearl
Janis Joplin
3
Nov 28 2023
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
I know what this is going to be and there's plenty of other music that I want to listen to. It's fine, one song here and there is good, but no more than that and definitely not a full album
2
Nov 29 2023
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Ok. Some good guitar on this. Odd that the one hit song is what it is - several others are better
3
Nov 30 2023
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
4
Dec 01 2023
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
This was OK. The dude's voice is phenomenal, but you'd have to be in the mood for this one
3
Dec 02 2023
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Not my usual style but I enjoyed this more than I expected. Fairly angry and hard-edged sound, but well-crafted and played
4
Dec 03 2023
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Didn't enjoy this as much as Fear Of Music - I guess they were going further in their experimentation and it didn't land we strongly with me.
Definitely would have been better without the outtakes at the end.
3
Dec 04 2023
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
That was alright. Odd, but fun. 3.5
3
Dec 05 2023
Parklife
Blur
Hard to put a rating on this - one absolute ripper of a song (Girls & Boys), a few good ones, and several that get your attention in a good way. Still don't know if I'd reach for the album though ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
4
Dec 06 2023
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
Gave it a go, and musically it's OK. A few decent tracks with some filler. The band's image is bit over-the-top in an attempt to be objectionable and controversial, but each to their own I guess
3
Dec 07 2023
Hypnotised
The Undertones
This was fun. Who knew Feargal Sharkey came from this? Solid new wave, slightly punk-ish
3
Dec 08 2023
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
It's fine, but nothing you'd come back to and you wouldn't miss it if you never knew. The few originals on this are OK but the covers were all done better by others. The band's write-up says they were influential.
Recording quality is pretty poor too, which doesn't help
2
Dec 09 2023
The Next Day
David Bowie
His arhythmic vocal style works pretty well on this, but there isn't anything on the album to get your attention
2
Dec 10 2023
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
This was kinda cool, especially the Bolero re-imagining in the middle
4
Dec 11 2023
School's Out
Alice Cooper
More interesting than I expected
3
Jan 11 2024
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
3
Jan 12 2024
Melodrama
Lorde
4
Jan 13 2024
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Pleasantly surprised. I'm not much of a rap fan but this was... catchy? Could listen again
3
Jan 14 2024
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Lacks something of the energy that was in "Paranoid".
2
Jan 15 2024
Take Me Apart
Kelela
OK. More on the R&B side than electronic
2
Jan 16 2024
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Nothing on this that would make a greatest hits album...
Still curious that he wrote a song about Tony Danza before he became famous
2
Jan 17 2024
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
The 80s were weird, and so are parts of this album. Their singles were huge and still go hard. The opening tracks really hook you. (And set the scene for a concept album?).
Wanders a bit in the middle, but comes home strong. Some unexpected echoes of Pink Floyd (Wish the Lads Were Here, The Ballad of 32), but oddly they don't seem out of place.
4
Jun 26 2024
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Enjoyed this - wistful, a bit bluesy, thoughtful
4
Jun 27 2024
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Decent guitar, bluesy but very country. Old standards. If you can get over the accent it's not too bad.
2
Jun 28 2024
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Decent listen
3
Jun 29 2024
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Life's too short to sit through this
1
Jun 30 2024
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
2
Jul 01 2024
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Not bad - 3.5 overall. A couple of deserved hits, one odd but interesting cover
3
Jul 02 2024
The Bends
Radiohead
Grows on you. I've only heard the singles before but the overall album is very well crafted
4
Jul 03 2024
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
I suppose you had to be there?
1
Jul 04 2024
Pink Flag
Wire
Early-ish punk. Catchy
3
Jul 05 2024
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Those horses on the album cover are warning you - stay the fuck away from this album. "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle" {sic} because an eagle could not play this album. Couldn't play any other albums either, but it would almost be worth it.
Why? Just why did this make a list of any arbitrarily large number of albums that you must listen to before you die?
1
Jul 06 2024
Aja
Steely Dan
I hesitated before even pressing play on this one. It was everything I expected - a full dose of 70's yacht rock. The sort of thing that would have played in a restaurant when I was a kid, or in an elevator. You don't notice it enough to dislike it. A star for musicianship, nothing else of note
2
Jul 07 2024
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
OK, of its time. 2.5 stars
2
Jul 08 2024
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Decent, easy-listening, slightly out of mainstream pop
3
Jul 09 2024
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
This was good enough. Easy to listen to, but not to love
3
Jul 10 2024
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Pleasant surprise - sort of experimental instrumental rock, reminiscent of some of Band of Gypsies. Mostly noodly guitar solos, but generally good
3
Jul 11 2024
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
I can see where this fits between prog rock (e.g. Pink Floyd) and yacht rock (e.g. Steely Dan). They try their hand at ELO and Queen along the way. All OK, but the album doesn't do it better than the others
3
Jul 12 2024
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Not bad - very 70s vibes, but with more modern instrumentation. The band never really grabbed me, and they're still not one of my go-tos, but I'm happy to let it play when it comes on.
3
Jul 13 2024
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
OK, this was good. I've only ever known their singles but the album was full-on - kept coming at you
Solid 4/5
4
Jul 14 2024
Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
2
Jul 15 2024
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Nothing here for me. Not awful, but meh. 1.5 stars
2
Jul 16 2024
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Old school country story-telling. Fine if you like that sort of thing, which I don't really
2
Jul 23 2024
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Not bad, fairly classic early '90s sound. More Sonic Youth than Soundgarden. 3/5
3
Jul 24 2024
21
Adele
I love the first track (Rolling in the Deep). The rest of the album is OK. 2.5 stars, rounded up for the first one
3
Jul 25 2024
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
Oh look, the album cover has a vagina flower.
I have this on CD somewhere and actually quite like it. Odd accent aside, this has mostly good vibes and gets you into it.
4
Jul 26 2024
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
I'd heard of the band but did not know what to expect from this album. This was a great listen - good as background sound and even better with focus
4
Jul 27 2024
Ramones
Ramones
Look OK, they're a bit of fun, but they've never been able to hold my interest for a full album. Even one that's only 30 mins long.
2.5/5
3
Jul 28 2024
Rocks
Aerosmith
Had to decide about this one - when you're in the mood, there's all sorts of links here to 70s & 80s metal
3/5
3
Jul 29 2024
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Started off pretty well, then got to track 5 (How Can I Be Sure) which had me reaching for the skip button. A few more of these before finishing off better with You Better Run.
Overall, a few decent tracks in the style of the Beatles or the Kinks, plus some absolute dross
2
Jul 30 2024
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
3
Jul 31 2024
Stripped
Christina Aguilera
I just can't get into this. The first track was alright but it just all blurred into nothing. It's that because she was influential and a lot of people afterwards sounded like this, or is that because she's the same as so many others?
2
Aug 01 2024
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
I started out curious, but that faded to disinterest by about track 2. Gets better (less objectionable) in the second half. Passable as ambient background sound, but others do it better.
Music to drown out office noise.
2
Aug 02 2024
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
I had no idea what to expect here. First track I thought "this sounds like a mashup of Curtis Mayfield and GNR," then realised it was a Curtis cover. Not a bad album - hint of ska mixed with rock, which probably needs a second listen
3
Aug 03 2024
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Varies between insipid and dull, with the occasional hint of interest (Lost, Bad Religion). Fades into the background without being truly annoying, so 2 stars instead of 1
2
Aug 04 2024
Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Mildly amusing, but no more. 1.5 stars but rounded up to 2 for novelty.
This is what I imagined Richard Feynman's office sounded like
2
Aug 05 2024
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
This is good, really good. Might even be enough to get me into rap
4
Aug 06 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
So there's Suspicious Minds and In The Ghetto, and I'm sure there were other tracks on the album because I had to keep hitting skip.
Country/honky-tonk/blues/piano-bar all blended together into mush. This has not turned me into a fan. 1.5 stars
1
Aug 07 2024
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Cocktail lounge jazz?
2
Aug 08 2024
A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
Doesn't stand out to me among many others of a similar ilk. 2.5 for the personality at the start, but too much insipid, generic R&B
3
Aug 09 2024
Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
So that's what industrial Krautrock is supposed to sound like. Interesting, but slightly painful
2
Aug 10 2024
2112
Rush
Vocal style doesn't seem to fit the music - the music demands something richer but the vocalist sounds a bit like a folk singer trying to sing to loud
2
Aug 11 2024
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Not bad. The first track (Perfect Skin) is one I'll come back to. Fades out a bit towards the end.
Lots of similarities to bands like Died Pretty and The Go-Betweens
3
Aug 12 2024
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Look there's some really good stuff in this, but definitely not enough to fill 2 albums. This could have been a solid 4 with some heavy trimming. 2.5, rounded up to 3 because I'm feeling generous today
3
Aug 13 2024
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
It's dirty and I love it
4
Aug 14 2024
90
808 State
Not bad as background electronica. Apparently they were pioneers. 2.5, which I suppose I have to round up to 3 because I did the same for OutKast
3
Aug 15 2024
World Clique
Deee-Lite
Surprisingly good fun. Wishing the ratings were out of 10 as this is a 3.5/5
4
Aug 16 2024
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
OK I like this one. The singles are bangers, and the rest of the album goes alright too
4
Aug 17 2024
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
What ever it is, that [album] put a spell on me
5
Aug 18 2024
Sincere
Mj Cole
Cafe music
2
Aug 19 2024
Trio
Dolly Parton
Oh for fuck's sake, do I really have to play this?
No, I shan't. 2 stars, just because Dolly is a gem
2
Aug 20 2024
In Rainbows
Radiohead
Decent, but didn't draw me in as much as some of their others
3
Aug 21 2024
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
So tinny! But still listenable. Wouldn't seek it, but it's OK
3
Aug 22 2024
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Warm and fuzzy
4
Aug 23 2024
Scott 2
Scott Walker
Can we have Neil Diamond?
No! We have Neil Diamond at home.
The Neil Diamond at home...
2
Aug 24 2024
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
That solo on Diminuendo! Fun album - seems like the muso's are having a good time.
Overall, great music slightly spoiled by the voiceover/introductions
4
Aug 25 2024
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
I like the nods to reggae and to 60's psychadelic rock, and that he plays it all himself. 3.5/5
Notable: Does Anybody Out There Even Care?,
3
Aug 26 2024
Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
Apparently it's seminal, but many others have done it better since then. 2.5/5
3
Aug 27 2024
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
This is weird. Two nights ago I dreamt that heard Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker playing in concert. Not together on stage, but at the same place. Details are a little fuzzy (muddy maybe?) and I can't remember where this was, but the guitar was amazing (and probably not either of them).
Anyway, Muddy was one of the best at this game. Many others have done similar but he has panache that the others somehow can't replicate
4/5
4
Aug 28 2024
The Visitors
ABBA
Grrr
I have never liked this band. I still don't like this band, even though this album is not as bad as Arrival
1
Aug 29 2024
Woodface
Crowded House
I like this album overall, although there are a few misses. Best track: Fall at Your Feet.
Fun (not) fact: Weather With You was accidentally misspelt and is actually about a sheep farmer and his friend
4
Aug 30 2024
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Mercifully short. Odd, but still vaguely Beach Boys
2
Aug 31 2024
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
She sure can sing, but I've never really got into the idea of a full album of standards. 2.5/5
2
Sep 01 2024
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
I don't hate it - lots of emotion, mostly decent lyrics and some humour. Still too much "I'm so tough" for me to really get into
3
Sep 02 2024
Zombie
Fela Kuti
I love this - so much energy. Zombie is one of his best tracks
5
Sep 03 2024
Disintegration
The Cure
Good all the way through. I didn't know many of these songs beforehand. "Pictures of You" is a standout, but the album melds so well that I couldn't pick any more
4
Sep 04 2024
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Yeah! Way more than your standard punk - these guys can actually play.
5
Sep 05 2024
Leftism
Leftfield
Why have I not heard of them before! Plenty of similarities to other EDM acts from the time (e.g. Faithless, Massive Attack, Chemical Brothers, FBS), but this still caught me - adding to my playlists
4/5
4
Sep 06 2024
Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
This was interesting - refreshingly different punk-ish. High energy, high volume, with some witty lyrics. The accent and the casio-saxophone grated a bit by the end though.
3.5/5
3
Sep 07 2024
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
It took most of the album to appreciate this as more than just background sound, but this was solid
4
Sep 08 2024
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
Jazz for jazz people. Too much disconnected faffing for me
2
Sep 09 2024
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
This was OK. Fairly standard indie of the time. Not sure what made this stand out to the compiler
3
Sep 10 2024
Hotel California
Eagles
Well, I knew what I was going to get
2
Sep 11 2024
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
There's only one way this is going to go - 5 stars, despite staggering amounts of teenage angst :)
5
Sep 12 2024
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
I'd forgotten about this guy completely, but found a couple of songs that I liked from back in the day. Enjoyable trip-hop infused with reggae and a hint of soul. Comes together well.
3
Sep 13 2024
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
This was a good package. None of the songs really stand out by themselves, but the album was powerful, despite not having the raw grittiness that PJ normally brings
4
Sep 14 2024
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Smooth and mellow, like a highland whiskey. Come to think of it, ...
3
Sep 15 2024
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This is alright - pretty slick with a couple of notable songs (Oliver's Army)
3.5/5
3
Sep 16 2024
Your Arsenal
Morrissey
Not bad. Prefer The Smiths though
3
Sep 17 2024
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
That was a bit of fun. Old time blues/jazz.
Note that Spotify doesn't have this as an album, but you can cobble together all the songs
3
Sep 18 2024
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Not bad. Smooth and easy. Some odd a cappella in places
3
Sep 19 2024
Elephant
The White Stripes
Good album overall, with a couple of absolute bangers
4
Sep 20 2024
Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Quite alright - slightly fuzzy indie rock
3
Sep 21 2024
Garbage
Garbage
Full of catchy tunes
4/5
4
Sep 22 2024
American Idiot
Green Day
This album slaps. Time has not left this behind
5
Sep 23 2024
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
This is a gem. Put the headphones on, close your eyes, and let Nina take you away
Although Jeff Buckley still does the best version of Lilac Wine that I've heard
5
Sep 24 2024
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Her voice is amazing, and the recording on this is spot on.
But I don't want 3 hours of her amazing voice in one go.
3
Sep 25 2024
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
This was pretty good, although I couldn't wait to get that album cover off my screen
3
Sep 26 2024
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Songwriting is pretty good, but I'm not sure he has the voice for this
3
Sep 27 2024
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
J&MC: 🎶
Me: This is pretty good. Sounds like a bunch of other early 90s indie though
J&MC: 🎶
Me: What do you mean this came out in the mid 80s?
Nice tunes. 4/5
4
Sep 28 2024
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
I love the opening and closing tracks. For the rest, if I wanted to listen to country music, I wouldn't look to the Stones. I don't want to listen to country music. Skip, skip, skip, skip. FFS, I wanted to like this one.
2/5
2
Sep 29 2024
Purple Rain
Prince
As well as the massive hits, there's some shmaltzy synth-pop, some cheese, and some sleepers. Not sure where it lands overall so I guess that means a 3? Probably more a 3.5
Something about Prince reminds me of Ruby Rhod from The Fifth Element
3
Sep 30 2024
Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Overall, I like the band and I like the album. They're always gritty and dark, and sometimes that's too much. This one skirts the boundary ok. Some memorable songs in here (Papa Won't Leave You, Straight To You). Reminds me pretty strongly of Nick Cave's Grinderman side project. 3/5
3
Oct 01 2024
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Surprised myself by finding this brilliant. I've heard most of the tracks before of course, but never heard the album in full. Not someone who reminisces for classic rock, but I really got into this. 4.5/5 if I'm honest but it's got enough to round up
5
Oct 02 2024
Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
That was terrible. It's like Feargal Sharkey got stoned and decided that everyone should switch instruments for a session of Kinks covers. How did this make the list?
1
Oct 03 2024
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
This album is brilliant. Passionate, soulful, and sweet
5/5
5
Oct 04 2024
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Look at least it got better after track 3. Not that that's saying much. 2/5 because I can't choose 1.5
2
Oct 05 2024
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Respect.
Album production and recording quality lets the album down a bit. It would be amazing to listen to this recorded with modern production.
Best: Respect, Save Me
Worst: Soul Serenade
4
Oct 06 2024
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Can we have Frank Zappa?
No, we have Frank Zappa at home.
---The Frank Zappa at home.
1/5. Rarely pulls its head out of its own arse
1
Oct 07 2024
Live At Leeds
The Who
The link takes you to the 'Expanded Edition' which is pretty bloated. Pare this down to the original 6 tracks and it's decent, bluesy guitar-based rock. Never been a big fan but I liked this
3
Oct 08 2024
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
I've never understood the reverence for this album. If it was the soundtrack to some part of your life then OK, but otherwise?
It's more advanced, compositionally, than some of their earlier music, but some of it I swear you'd have to be high to enjoy. Best tracks: Fixing A Hole, A Day In The Life, and maybe Good Morning Good Morning
Worst tracks: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (you know I'm right), Mr Kite
3/5
3
Oct 09 2024
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
It's fine. A couple that I'd heard before without thinking I needed to dig deeper. Best: Get It On. Worst: It's A Gas, Rip Off
2.5/5
2
Oct 10 2024
It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
Soft and wistful and I enjoy the album, but in the end does it stand out ahead of other 90s indie pop? Idk, but I still have some of the songs in my favourites list.
And RIP to my friend Ray. Not who the song is about, but the song represents him in my mind. Miss you mate. Extra star for this song
4
Oct 11 2024
Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
Like most R&B, it doesn't often get its head above the parapets - not offensive, but mostly not noticeable either. Has a bit of substance in places though, taking down the older rap language on a few tracks.
Notable: Daydreamin', which both sounds good and is funny, and The Cool, which is just catchy.
3
Oct 12 2024
Diamond Life
Sade
Smooooooth. Let that sax slide over you, and let the voice carry you away
I've always liked Smooth Operator but never heard anything else. The rest of the album follows in this vain and, surprisingly, was a decent listen
Best: Smooth Operator, Frankie's First Affair
Worst: Your Love Is King
3
Oct 13 2024
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
OK. A little more complex than your average white noise blockout electronica. 2.5, but rounding down because the first and last tracks are a let-down
2
Oct 15 2024
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
If this was your thing back then, it will still be your thing. If not, it won't become your thing. Nothing wrong with it but it doesn't set your world on fire. 2/5
2
Oct 16 2024
Low-Life
New Order
Quite Cure-ish, but that's OK. Enjoyable album, albeit fairly melancholy and moody
Best: Sunrise, This Time of Night
4
Oct 17 2024
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
I expected Steely Bland v2, but it was a bit better than that. The album takes a while to wind up but Simple Man was very good, and the Free Bird at the end is good too. The in-between songs don't do it for me - some of them were pretty terrible while others were just meh. 2.5/5, but rounded up
3
Oct 18 2024
Under Construction
Missy Elliott
Didn't know what I'd get here but I was hoping for something that would lead me in. Just doesn't do it for me. I can't buy a boat so maybe I need to rent a Bentley (?)
Best: Work It
Worst: Hot, Funky Fresh Dressed
2
Oct 19 2024
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
The link here took me to the UK version of the album, which has Mother's Little Helper in place of Paint It Black 😒
Best: Under My Thumb (!)
Worst: Going Home
2
Oct 20 2024
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
OMFG this was good. Janis has an amazing voice, and the psychadelic-blues guitar on the first few tracks was a joy. Faded a bit towards the end, but this album definitely belongs on the list.
Best: Summertime, I Need A Man To Love, and of course Piece Of My Heart
Worst: Turtle Blues
4
Oct 21 2024
Bad
Michael Jackson
So. Goddamn. Cheesy. If were to distil the essence of the 80s, you'd get this album and a jar of hair gel. There are only (hehe) a couple of standout songs that (da) you'd remember. The others aren't (ow) terrible, mostly, but I'm (ah) so sick of drum machines (shamwow)
2.5/5
3
Oct 22 2024
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
I'm conflicted here. I loved these songs when they came out. Now, the vibe in a few tracks seems pretty off, especially in the opener. Some great riffs and great energy though. 3.5, I think
4
Oct 23 2024
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
Someone should have introduced the singer to the rest of the band. They maybe could have got together and made some music. Instead they went with the approach of some dudes playing (somewhat decent) guitar & drum lines and another dude (sort of) singing different songs to a different melody.
After hearing their first album a couple of weeks ago, I expected this to be completely shit. Turns out it was not quite as bad as I expected. Still pretty bad, but not to the same level as First Issue. 2/5
2
Oct 24 2024
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Rap version of elevator music? It's OK, I guess, I can't really remember
3
Oct 27 2024
Survivor
Destiny's Child
Usually I find R&B insipid. This was generally better than that, with their big hits carrying some energy and good vibes, but then it fell off. 2.5/5
3
Oct 29 2024
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
The Intro: Look how wacky and crazy we are!!!11!!!
After that it's OK. 3/5
3
Oct 30 2024
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
A song called guitar town should have more and better guitar. This was execrable
1
Oct 31 2024
Infected
The The
I can't see why this made the list - nothing stands out beyond standard 80s pop-rock.
2/5
2
Nov 02 2024
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
This was intriguingly good. I'd never heard of the singer before but the album opening was brilliant. Didn't maintain those heights but overall very enjoyable and something I'll come back to
4
Nov 04 2024
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
I really liked this. Can't follow the lyrics at all, but the frenetic drumming, spaced-out guitar and funky bass make for a fantastic, if way out-there sound.
Was a fan of At The Drive-In before I came to this and didn't know about the connection until I heard this and looked them up. And then I found out that it's Flea on bass - playing harder than on any RHCP album, maybe since Freaky Styley. Echoes of Tool in the sound as well.
4/5 - nearly a 5, but a little too crazy to get the final star, even though I know I'll come back to this
4
Nov 05 2024
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Thought I would hate this because "She Don't Use Jelly" shat me to tears, but I was pleasantly surprised. 3/5
3
Nov 06 2024
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Took a while to grow on me but I liked the sparse, atmospheric sound. No idea on the lyrics but that meant the vocals became more like another instrument, which worked well. May even come back to this in the future. 3/5 for now
3
Nov 07 2024
Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
That was kind of cool. More enjoyable than Sgt Peppers, that's for sure
3
Nov 08 2024
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Perfect muzak to block out the sounds of a loud office. Ambient electronica is quite useful, even pleasant, but could you really distinguish this album from countless others? I couldn't.
2
Nov 09 2024
The White Album
Beatles
I'd never listened to the album before and it probably belongs on the list based on reputation alone.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps is an absolute classic. Many of the other songs are good by themselves, and overall the album stands up to the rigours of time. Far, far better than Sgt Pepper's (of course).
4
Nov 12 2024
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Another one of those albums where you had to be there. While I'm not a massive fan, Rumours was pretty good. This one has its moments but doesn't hold them. Title track is great, and Sisters of the Moon is good too, but otherwise the album didn't grab me
3
Nov 13 2024
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Not bad at all - it went by quickly but it was all kind of interesting and boppy. 3.5/5
No real stand-out tracks as it's consistent and pretty cohesive, but Have You Seen Her Face and Everybody's Been Burned were catchy
And something tells me that George Lucas got inspiration for the Ewok voices from CTA-102
4
Nov 14 2024
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
I still quite like this, despite hearing a billion times from my then-girlfriend. It's not ironic though - it's just bad luck
4
Nov 16 2024
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
He's just a bit too whiny for me to listen to a lot in one go
3
Nov 17 2024
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Best country album I've ever heard. 2/5
2
Nov 18 2024
Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
The album is as much fun as the album cover
2
Nov 22 2024
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
1st track: man this is dull, skip. 2nd track: what, same again? 3rd track: no. Just no. I'm not going to subject myself to the rest of the album. There's too much good music out there to play this through.
1
Nov 24 2024
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
OK, we get it. In the 60s you did a lot of drugs and it made you enjoy the sitar at odd times. Weird, jangly folk tunes
2
Nov 25 2024
It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
It's not too late to stop. You could have stopped at a single album and it would have been a better release. One for those who went to the concert? Some great tracks on here but in general they're not as good as the studio versions
3
Nov 26 2024
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Surprised myself by enjoying this. Melodic, a bit of fun, really dialled-in. Not especially coherent as an album, but overall it was a good listen. Seems like he hadn't devolved into a complete twat at this stage, or at least it wasn't in your face in the album. 3.5/5
4
Nov 27 2024
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
It's just so dull. There was one great song at the end of the album that surprised me, but then I saw that Spotify had moved on to something else and it wasn't Steely Dan anymore
1
Nov 28 2024
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
I just love 'It's Tricky', and not just because of the snowboarding game. Very good album
4
Dec 01 2024
The Who Sell Out
The Who
This was odd. Not at all what I expected from this band. Funny in parts but that doesn't last
2
Dec 02 2024
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
I don't mind it, but there's not enough there to bring it out of the background hum of 90s music. Which is kind of how I felt about the band at the time
3
Dec 03 2024
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Is this one of those albums that's better than it sounds? I think it would grow on me, but I don't know if I want to give it the chance. Middling on first listen
3
Dec 04 2024
Technique
New Order
The drum machine grates after a while - high-pitched harmonics that almost but not quite set my teeth on edge. Aside from that, there's some decent rhythm and song-writing in here
3
Dec 07 2024
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Love the singer, didn't really like the album? A studio album would be better than this live one
2
Dec 08 2024
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
No idea what was going on with this album, but some of the songs had a great beat. Pleasant enough
3
Dec 10 2024
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
This was a breath of fresh air - something more upbeat after a long string of either down-tempo or down-vibe albums. More modern than I'd had in a while too. I'd never heard of the artist before but really enjoyed the album. Nothing especially stood out, but I could go back for more
3
Dec 12 2024
1984
Van Halen
Classic, cliched 80's rock. I can smell the hairspray from here.
Jump is OK, but apart from that it's pretty generic. 2/5
2
Dec 13 2024
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
French industrial rock? Kind of strange but I like it
3
Dec 17 2024
Doolittle
Pixies
Really enjoyed this. Spotify has been pushing a few of these tracks onto me for a while now but the album overall was a great package.
4
Dec 18 2024
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Wasn't sure how well this album would stand up after all this time, but it was like slipping on a favourite old t-shirt. Melancholy, but that's OK
5
Jan 08 2025
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
I kind of like old rap beats, but the lyrics on this? Fuck a duck the misogyny is over the top. Best track: idk, maybe Endangered Species
2
Jan 10 2025
Rio
Duran Duran
I think they were holding back a bit on this one. Better when they're being more outrageous
3
Jan 11 2025
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Quite good - better than background music, would be good to chill to. I think 'pleasant' sounds like a backhander but I was happy for this to just keep going. Reminds me a bit of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, but that could be just because I don't know jazz
4
Jan 16 2025
Whatever
Aimee Mann
Nothing really wrong with it, but it doesn't stand out
2
Jan 19 2025
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Everybody thought French electronica was shit after hearing this, until Daft Punk came out and said, "désolé, try this instead," and erased everybody's memories of this rubbish.
Best: idk, Hypnotise was alright, and maybe Jacques Your Body
Worst: Dreamin', Music Makes You Lose Control, From Disco to Disco
2
Jan 20 2025
Risque
CHIC
If you had asked me a year ago whether I like disco I would have said no, but I'm all about this album. The first track (Good Times) is a clear standout, but the rest of the album slaps.
Quite a few times I thought I'd heard bits before - not sure if that's from copying, sampling or influencing, or if I've just heard it without knowing who they were
4
Jan 21 2025
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Didn't know his name but recognised a few of the tunes. OK, but I'll never go back to him
2
Jan 22 2025
Let It Be
The Replacements
I don't know this band, and I don't know why, maybe slightly before my time. Quite enjoyed this album
3
Jan 24 2025
Abraxas
Santana
I love noodly guitars, and he's better than most
4
Jan 25 2025
Either Or
Elliott Smith
Beautiful, intimate, touching.
This soundtracks my life right now. Wish it wasn't so, but here we are. I'd still listen to it anyway
4
Jan 26 2025
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
A bit like many of its contemporaries - Dinosaur Jr, Neil Young, Nirvana, Sonic Youth - but doesn't quite hit the same heights. Very lo-fi, with some weird tuning that gets a bit much after a while. Has it's ups and downs, but overall it's a mid.
Standouts: Emma Get Wild, Homemade
2
Jan 27 2025
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Well that was fucking weird. Ok, but different, which I guess is why I'm here
3
Jan 28 2025
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I've not heard this band before, apart from Time of the Season, which for some reason I thought was done by The Mamas & The Papas. Seem to sit squarely between the Kinks and the Beatles. Good harmonies, sometimes odd songwriting. OK overall, but I wouldn't come back to it. 2.5/5, rounded up for the last song
3
Jan 29 2025
British Steel
Judas Priest
I liked the opener (Rapid Fire) but after that it got a little too clean and a bit dull. It wasn't quite cheesy, but it headed that way sometimes (Living After Midnight). A bit of post-punk (The Rage) was nice to break things up. Iron Maiden did it better though
3
Jan 30 2025
Grace
Jeff Buckley
This album is on my all-time greatest list. I can listen to every song without needing to play it. Best ever versions of Lilac Wine and Hallelujah, plus his own tracks are brilliant too.
5
Jan 31 2025
Street Signs
Ozomatli
Reminds me of one of my favourite bands, The Cat Empire. Shame there were only 2 tracks on Spotify. Tentative rating based on some other tracks found on there - 4/5, but I don't know what was on this one so 3/5
3
Feb 01 2025
Frank
Amy Winehouse
She has a good voice, but I'm not getting into this
2
Feb 02 2025
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
I expected to hate it but it was actually kind-of listenable
2
Feb 03 2025
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
It's good, but it's not Mezzanine-good
3
Feb 04 2025
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
He's having a great time and it's one of those performances that could make you a fan of a new artist. But it's still mostly the same songs that everybody else sang at the same time. 3.5/5, but rounded up for the party
4
Feb 05 2025
The Rise & Fall
Madness
Interesting, mostly fun, and worth a listen, but it doesn't have the craziness of One Step Beyond or the catchiness of Absolutely.
Best: Our House (of course), Mr Speaker, Calling Cards. House of Fun comes up as a bonus track
3
Feb 07 2025
Stankonia
OutKast
I was going to write this off completely until B.O.B. came on. Miss Jackson is a good track but not enough to carry an album, and most of the other lead-in tracks are a bit rubbish, with too many interludes. A few OK ones after that, but then it trailed off again. Skip, skip, skip
Best: B.O.B., Miss Jackson
Worst: Red Velvet, Gangsta Shit, Toilet Tisha
2
Feb 09 2025
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
This is what rap can be - a well-articulated message without the MC being a dickhead. Arrangements and beats are a bit simple, but not boring
Best: Socio-genetic experiment, Television,
3
Feb 11 2025
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
It was OK, but I like my piano music to be more melodic
3
Feb 18 2025
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Definitely the best Beach Boys album. Iconic, wildly popular, and influential. Still don't really like it though. I kind of liked their stuff when I was a kid, but since then that's faded and it all sounds a bit meh. 2/5 for me
2
Feb 19 2025
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
I started off annoyed because of the stupid capitalisation, but they won me over. The bass runs are slick AF and the whole album flows nicely. Nothing shouts 'look at me' but overall I'll come back and listen to this again. New band on the list, which is why I'm here. 3.5/5
4