Oct 23 2023
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
3
Oct 24 2023
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Lots of interesting textures and clever use of samples. Not my usual but I enjoyed this!
4
Oct 25 2023
Doolittle
Pixies
Obviously a classic but loses me in parts - definitely some strong moments but probably wouldn’t sit down to listen the whole thing if I had it on record.
3
Oct 26 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
The reason I signed up for this, to listen to things that would never normally cross my radar. Can’t help but feel good listening to these tunes, although a compilation definitely feels like cheating!
4
Oct 27 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
A wonderful surprise. Where to start - so many layers. I think I’ll be finding things on the numerous listens to come. Funky, soulful and then some. A great example of how to use an orchestra.
5
Oct 30 2023
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Obviously influential to metal but gets a bit samey for me. Some good chugs to be had though, just don’t think I’m much of a thrasher.
3
Aug 14 2025
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
How have I never heard Nick Drake before. Such sprawling interesting compositions, exquisite guitar playing and clearly ahead of his time. It’s hard to believe this was released in 1969. I will enjoy many more listens of this and his other work.
5
Aug 15 2025
Bossanova
Pixies
I think I'm missing something - will keep trying with Pixies but not sure they're my thing. Weird as I would have thought they'd be up my indie alternative street but found myself a bit bored again with this one.
2
Aug 17 2025
Harvest
Neil Young
Nothing special for me - a bit too dreary and plodding. And I love a mopey song!
2
Aug 17 2025
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Perhaps could do without a couple of the ajoining interlude tracks but on the whole, lots of epic sprawling prog to be had. Don’t think I’ve listened to this in full before.. it’s a journey!
4
Aug 18 2025
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Not what I was expecting, hip hop and then some. A smorgasbord of jazz, funk, even some punk in there. I was obviously familiar with Sabotage but not much else but this was a great listen. Some cool instrumental bits too.
4
Aug 19 2025
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
As someone who enjoys jazz from time to time but normally a bit more stripped back vs big band stuff, this has been lovely to listen to. A great example of using a big band as an instrument in it’s own right - giving the right instruments the right parts is everything. I started thinking the intros and audience noise would get annoying but were actually quite nice for picturing being there!
4
Aug 20 2025
Amnesiac
Radiohead
I went on a deep dive with Radiohead this year after them passing me by completely whilst growing up. I guess my music taste is probably subdued enough these days to appreciate them…
This isn’t my favourite of theirs, but could see it growing on me with a few listens. Definitely has it’s moments, and they can’t be beaten for underlying textures and vibe. Knowing what else they’re capable of I think I’ll have to go middle of the road with this one.
3
Aug 21 2025
Parallel Lines
Blondie
A good album but probably wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it in full. Some classics on here and appreciate their value. Nothing offensive so will score middle of the road!
3
Aug 22 2025
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Eclectic for sure but I enjoyed the journey! Some great tracks
4
Aug 23 2025
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Important garage rock, reshaped the early 2000s. Straight up, no messing, they definitely found their formula and stuck with it
4
Aug 24 2025
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Not familiar with Charles Mingus previously but this is about as jazzy as it gets. Lots going on and I’m sure I will pick up more on subsequent listens. Will be investigating further!
4
Aug 25 2025
The Visitors
ABBA
A pop masterclass. Familiar with many ABBA tunes but not with this album, it provides all the catchiness and inventiveness you come to expect but with some maturity and fresh ideas being tried out. These songs could very easily become some of my favourites of theirs.
5
Aug 26 2025
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Not much to say, some of the foundations of rock as we know it. And this is the first one I already had on vinyl! It got cranked.
5
Aug 27 2025
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
Couldn’t get into this as much as I thought I would like it from reading up on these guys. Some nice bass playing but nothing memorable tracks wise.
2
Aug 28 2025
Pump
Aerosmith
Is what it says on the tin, Aerosmith do their thing and do it well. Sometimes you don’t want anything particularly intellectual, just some good old fashioned rock. And Love in an Elevator is a ripper.
4
Aug 29 2025
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
Not my cup of tea at all. Musically fine but a pretty dull album
2
Aug 30 2025
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Not much to say about this, some absolute stonking riffs. Probably not my favourite Sabbath album but they have some choice when it comes to defining metal. And you can’t help but smile when it starts with War Pigs.
5
Aug 31 2025
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Not a regular country listener but really enjoyed this. Not everything was memorable but the vibe is lovely for a Sunday afternoon. Enjoyed the mix of tunes, instrumental bits and recording session chatter. It is an chunky listen at 2 hours so buckle in!
4
Sep 01 2025
Forever Changes
Love
Not bad, a few nice moments but nothing particularly memorable. Comme ci comme ça
3
Sep 02 2025
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Not delved Into Sufjan’s work before but this was a surprise. One that kept me intently listening, I really enjoyed the journey it weaves through with its occasional interludes. Hard to pigeon hole into a genre but the arrangements were lush and an interesting concept for an album.
5
Sep 03 2025
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Obviously heard Fast Car a million times like many but was nice to listen to the rest of the album which I don’t think I’ve done before. Totally get why the album is here but probably wouldn’t come back to it if given a choice.
3
Sep 04 2025
Hms Fable
Shack
Not sure why this is on the list, not exactly setting the world on fire.. dreading to think of the amazing albums that might have been bumped off the list because of this album.
1
Sep 05 2025
Repeater
Fugazi
Some cool post hardcore grooves and a good use of dynamics in these songs. Lost me in a couple of parts but never for long - Interested to delve into the rest of their catalogue and see how things develop after their debut
4
Sep 07 2025
Urban Hymns
The Verve
Pretty dull, nothing particularly memorable other than that song (you know the one). Not sure I needed 75 mins of britpop..
2
Sep 08 2025
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Can appreciate what a rapping talent B.I.G. was although couldn’t necessarily resonate with the subject matter. And could have done with a few less of the ‘interludes’. Might not be sticking this one on for the fam!
3
Sep 09 2025
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Think I prefer this to Harvest but I still wouldn’t say I’m a massive fan of Neil Young. Just okay
3
Sep 10 2025
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Not much to say, this is glam rock magic. Bowie is a genius.
5
Sep 11 2025
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
Just fine, not particularly memorable. A bit beige..
2
Sep 12 2025
Ingenue
k.d. lang
Lovely production and voice. Nice chill country vibes, think this is a 3.5 but don’t think I’ll come back to it enough to get to 4.
3
Sep 13 2025
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Pretty strong starting album - Elton does prog?? Started losing interest by Indian Sunset but some nice moments.
3
Sep 14 2025
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
As someone who can get on board with yacht rock this did not float my boat..
2
Sep 15 2025
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Been a while since I’ve heard this, some cool rock opera moments, perhaps some self indulgent ones that didn’t need to be here but on the whole pretty nice
4
Sep 16 2025
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Not familiar with Talking Heads but think this is funkier than I expected. Tailed off a little towards the end but pretty good. Will be giving this another listen.
3
Sep 17 2025
Manassas
Stephen Stills
Surprised by how much I enjoyed this, and didn’t get tiresome considering it’s a double album. Some nice jam band, lovely acoustic guitar work and randomly some Latin influence which is cool. Great find!
4
Sep 18 2025
Goo
Sonic Youth
Enjoyed this - lovely slab of noise rock. A fan of guitar interplay and oodles of fuzz. Marvellous
5
Sep 19 2025
Eliminator
ZZ Top
Got a bit samey and there’s some cheesy lyrics, but ZZ have their brand and are faithful to it! Some good riffs in here
4
Sep 20 2025
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Enjoyed this way more than expected, had only heard the song Aqualung prior to this so think my perspective might have been a bit off. Don't normally have much flute-prog in my life but I like it!
4
Sep 21 2025
C'est Chic
CHIC
Funky fun - gets slightly repetitive but to be honest it’s very enjoyable to just jam out to the vibe for a while.
5
Sep 22 2025
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
I’m sure this was very influential but in 2025 this is pretty mid..
Meh
2
Sep 23 2025
Machine Head
Deep Purple
This rocks, great performances all round. Everyone earns their place here and it doesn’t outstay it's welcome or become too indulgent. And I bloody love a Hammond organ
5
Sep 24 2025
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Jazzy hip hop, lovely vibe. Lyrical content is fairly clean too which makes a change from a lot of hip hop and means I don't get told off for playing it around the house.. Will probably take a delve into the rest of their catalogue.
4
Sep 25 2025
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
A pretty long album, especially considering most of it is blues jams. Getting Duane Allman to play on this was a great idea. And of course there’s that song, although it took an hour to get to it.
3
Sep 26 2025
Kimono My House
Sparks
Some weird choices, definitely grabs your attention in places but not sure it’s my thing.
3
Sep 27 2025
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Not the worst of his albums I’ve had on here, I think Crazy Horse add some interest. I’ve still think I’ve heard enough of him. You can stop giving me Neil Young albums now
3
Sep 28 2025
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Can’t say many bad things about this album, can’t help but smile listening to it. Can imagine doing a roadtrip in a spaceship to this album. Great arrangements and a good rifle through the musical toolbox - excellent use of cowbell and vocoder
5
Sep 29 2025
Ramones
Ramones
Very different technicality-wise to yesterday’s ELO album but both worth the same amount of credit for breaking ground I think. Ramones have worked out their formula here and although the songs aren’t radically different from each other the noise they make is great and essentially the foundations of punk.
4
Sep 30 2025
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Feel inclined to rate this higher for his huge influence on music but this doesn’t grab me particularly. Undeniable hits but nothing massively standout.
3
Oct 01 2025
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Sprawling and definite weird moments but I loved it. Many moods, some great surprising moments of prog groove - groovier than I expected. Nice production - enjoyed the transitions between tracks. More familiar with Peter Gabriel’s solo work but enjoyed his contribution here especially. Phil Collins’ chops worth a mention too
4
Oct 02 2025
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
One of the many reasons this generator is great - I’d have probably never have come across this on my own accord. Samba funk is so cool! Thoroughly enjoyable.
5
Oct 03 2025
Kenya
Machito
Great fun, awesome big band jazz with bonus furious bongo action.
5
Oct 04 2025
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Thought I would enjoy this more than I did. Sunshine of Your Love is an obvious classic but otherwise this felt pretty tiresome. Some of the double albums I've had on here have felt shorter than this 33-min album.
2
Oct 05 2025
I Against I
Bad Brains
Interesting take on punk, might take another couple of listens for me to fully embrace but not bad. More melodic than I expected.
3
Oct 06 2025
Atomizer
Big Black
Super abrasive but this slab of industrial drum machine punk definitely grew on me whilst listening - Steve Albini could wrangle some proper weird sounds and I’m not mad about it.
4
Oct 07 2025
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Fair play, could be some of the most creative hip hop I’ve heard. Drawing on lots of influences, nothing out of bounds. Profound lyricism and flow is plentiful here. Thundercat puts an absolute shift in on this too.
5
Oct 08 2025
Transformer
Lou Reed
Couple of hits but the album itself didn't do much for me to be honest.
3
Oct 09 2025
Kenza
Khaled
Not my usual but exactly why I’m doing this project. Well produced but seemed pretty generic, although grew on me marginally as it went on. Point deducted for the Imagine cover..
2
Oct 10 2025
Central Reservation
Beth Orton
Just fine, pleasant enough but no standout tracks for me. As others have said, quite beige.
2
Oct 11 2025
Doolittle
Pixies
Had this one before I joined the group and gave it a 3, but think I am actually more of a fan listening on this occasion.
4
Oct 12 2025
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would, harmonies galore, lovely. Apprehensive about Neil Young’s involvement but he’s thankfully kept in check by the others here, although the tracks he leads probably make me mark down slightly. Still a great listen.
4
Oct 13 2025
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Generally fairly unbothered about Oasis but I was quite up for it when Rock n Roll Star kicked in. My excitement did tail off halfway through an album of very similar sounding tracks, though there are a few classics. Weirdly ploddier tempos than I remember.
3
Oct 14 2025
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
A low ish 4 for me but better than some 3s I’ve had - the hits are the strong points on this album but all enjoyable nonetheless.
4
Oct 15 2025
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Interesting meeting of genres, this album is pretty stacked with hits. Some great textures and sounds to be had here.
4
Oct 16 2025
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Another one I had before joining the group - still feeling similar about this one. My previous review:
As someone who enjoys jazz from time to time but normally a bit more stripped back vs big band stuff, this has been lovely to listen to. A great example of using a big band as an instrument in it’s own right - giving the right instruments the right parts is everything. I started thinking the intros and audience noise would get annoying but were actually quite nice for picturing being there!
4
Oct 17 2025
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Blues as it should be. Brass be brassin'. Swing for days. Great guitar playing and tone, BB really brings the energy on this.
4
Oct 18 2025
1984
Van Halen
Unreal album, everyone on top form here musically but a special mention to Eddie Van Halen who had to be writing some of the most creative riffs of the 80s.
5
Oct 19 2025
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Struggled to get through this, very dull.
1
Oct 20 2025
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
Very 80s, very goth. Okay but not sure I’ll keep coming back to this.
2
Oct 21 2025
Metallica
Metallica
Classic tracks, and although more commercial than their earlier thrash days brought metal to a whole new audience so due some kudos for that. Sounds polished, feels a little long towards the end but a good listen to a band I don’t stick on often. Chugs galore.
4
Oct 22 2025
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Cool vibe, I sometimes found the amount of sampling a bit too much.
3
Oct 23 2025
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Wasn’t sure on this, wondering if it’s one I had to be there for. This was pretty bold for 1978 I imagine.
2
Oct 24 2025
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
This is Leonard Cohen?! I always hear his name talked about in such reverence so it was a surprise to hear him casually drawling over some corny 80s backing tracks. This was terrible.
1
Oct 25 2025
The Stranger
Billy Joel
Not familiar with much of Billy Joel’s work but I really enjoyed this. Some really lovely songwriting and piano work, some surprise rockier moments, and some great orchestrations.
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - enjoyed going through the movements and imagery of the song, an unexpected treat.
Was umming between a 4 and 5 but think it has to be 5 - on a few listens and I can’t fault much really.
5
Oct 26 2025
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Good fun, probably won’t listen to this one regularly but certainly provides the early 2000s vibes. A bit long.
3
Oct 27 2025
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Not my thing, found it a bit annoying to be honest.
2
Oct 28 2025
Imagine
John Lennon
A couple of classics but gets a little self indulgent and seems like he’s complaining about something for most of this album.
2
Oct 29 2025
Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Some more fairly inoffensive britpop. Not exciting but not terrible.
3
Oct 30 2025
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
Quite wacky, especially for 1966. Didn’t offend me but not massively memorable. Healthy use of glockenspiel.
3
Oct 31 2025
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
Feel like I’ve had a few of these lately but feels fairly middle of the road, no strong feelings either way. A sort of odd mix of songs with a reggae ish vibe at times but not quite so. Do I have to listen to this before I die? Not sure on that one.
2
Nov 01 2025
Live At Leeds
The Who
Takes a few songs to get warmed up (mad decision to put the extra tracks at the start of the album!) but some strong jams as far as live albums go. Not a massive fan of the Who’s studio albums but can’t deny they must have been an absolute force to be reckoned with live in this era.
4
Nov 02 2025
Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
I knew I hated this as soon as I started it..
1
Nov 03 2025
...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
Enjoyed this, wasn’t sure what to expect as had only heard Bohemian Like You before this but nice 90s vibes and some interesting shoegazey elements as well which didn’t go amiss. A tad long for me in this style but on the whole pretty good.
4
Nov 04 2025
Stankonia
OutKast
After falling behind on my generated albums I listened to this on a run - it was an interesting run. I didn’t hate it. Interesting beats, another quite long album but enjoyed the variation. The 1-2 of So Fresh, So Clean into Ms Jackson is pretty legendary.
4
Nov 05 2025
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Probably not my favourite Bowie album but it’s a pretty high bar considering all his work. The first half of this album is particularly strong.
4
Nov 06 2025
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Good fun beats but sounds pretty dated and gets a bit samey.
3
Nov 07 2025
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
This felt like a nice winter album - soft folky instrumentation and some ideas that repeat in a comforting trance. Not reinventing the wheel but doesn’t need to really - can see how you might need to be in the right mood for this but it hit right on my listen.
4
Nov 08 2025
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
Bookended by a couple of classics but not much going on in the middle to be honest.
2
Nov 09 2025
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Old school cool big band swing. Lovely
4
Nov 10 2025
Technique
New Order
Nothing wrong with it musically but just doesn’t grab my attention.
2
Nov 11 2025
OK Computer
Radiohead
I knew what this one was going to be - straight up 5 - so good. Still hearing new things in these tracks on every listen. Bliss
5
Nov 12 2025
The Cars
The Cars
Not bad, pretty fun with a couple of standout tracks. Nice synthy bits
3
Nov 13 2025
Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Nice enough on in the background, made me feel a bit warmer! Nothing particularly standout for me
3
Nov 14 2025
Like A Prayer
Madonna
Pretty mixed but overall not really my thing.
2
Nov 15 2025
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Not really heard pre much Maiden pre Bruce Dickinson but you can hear the sound forming hear in a slightly grittier fashion. And some tunes I knew as well. Some great playing
4
Nov 16 2025
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Was looking forward to this one after Machine Head but a little self indulgent to be honest. Didn’t need quite so many solos and extended breaks
3