Oct 26 2023
View Album
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This album was exactly what this type of exercise was meant for. It was something I never would have discovered on my own. At first I didn't really care for it but as the album progressed it grew on me and I ended up enjoying it and has me curious to explore more music from this group.
4
Oct 27 2023
View Album
Bossanova
Pixies
I would have been perfectly fine not enduring this album before stepping into eternity. It wasn't grating enough to make me want to leave the room but I'll never want to listen to this again.
2
Oct 28 2023
View Album
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Not particularly a standout but an enjoyable listen. It might not be something I would actively seek out but if it were to pop up again somewhere I'd be happy and fine with listening to it again. A decent recording representative of 90's era music though it has horrible and kind of unsettling cover art.
3
Oct 29 2023
View Album
Live Through This
Hole
This kind of thing is not my jam. I'm not into that whole apathy/anger/angst/disassociated/progressive grunge type of music. I didn't hate it but didn't enjoy it either. A one and done-r.
2
Oct 30 2023
View Album
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
This is definitely of a sound that helped define the 70's. For the most part I'm not a fan of soundtracks. They have a different flow and vibe. I never saw Superfly so I have no visuals or context to frame what this music was trying to achieve though I can surmise and I get it. On the basis of whether I liked it vs musical achievement this was OK but it's a one and done for me.
2
Oct 31 2023
View Album
Teen Dream
Beach House
After reading that this would be good music to "bone" to among the reviews has me questioning whether I ever want to read a review on an unfamiliar album again. It's all I could think of while listening to it. I don't know whether I should feel more sorry for the guy, the guy's wife or the both of them if this is the kind of music that they "bone" to. The feeling I was getting was to skip the fun and go directly to sleep. This album was bland, boring, dull and had an expressive and sonic dynamic range spanning from A to C. There wasn't a single track that made me want to listen to it past the half way point. Different strokes for different folks but this album did nothing for me.
1
Nov 01 2023
View Album
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
I get the appeal, this is music I could listen to but the vocals were so annoying! The vibrato was at an 11 and I would be looking for something in the 0-3 range. The guest vocals only magnified this point of view and had me thinking that this would be a nice album if only it were sung by a different artist or artists.
2
Nov 02 2023
View Album
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
If I could give half-stars I'd give this 2-1/2 stars. At times this was a 3 for me and at other times a 2. Reading the description that this was a cross between punk and country or an early example of alt-country, had me looking forward to this one. I was hoping for a bit more country leaning as I'm not much of a punk fan but this was an OK listen.
2
Nov 03 2023
View Album
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
In the disco/R&B/pop world this album would rank pretty high, especially the title track and deservedly so but is it something I would reach for when I felt like listening to something? Probably not. I wouldn't knock it but it's not my kind of thing.
3
Nov 04 2023
View Album
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
I'm not really a fan of avant-garde jazz but this really works for me. It sounds noir-ish, urban, and bold. The Spanish influences surprised me. It's not a very casual listen and I could understand how this might not be for everyone, it's definitely challenging. An interesting vision and an accomplishment to make it happen.
5
Nov 05 2023
View Album
Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
(Techno) Dance music is meant to be danced to and isn't something I'd ever reach for for a listening experience. It gets so repetitive and tedious and I get kind of annoyed waiting for it to change or resolve and it never comes. The first song sounded like it sampled Chicago's "I'm A Man" and I kept waiting for that song to start and play out. There's also something cold and soulless about music made without any musicians or instruments so I find it difficult to get on board with that. I aged out of this type of music before it even existed but I'll give it two stars as an appreciation for some of the grooves.
2
Nov 06 2023
View Album
Parachutes
Coldplay
I knew of Coldplay and had heard some of their work but they have never been on my radar. I hadn't heard enough of them to form any kind of opinion so I was going into this pretty fresh. I found this to be a very solid debut album and an enjoyable listen. The overall tone of the album has a same-y vibe to it, not a lot of dynamic change but I was fine with that. I'd welcome another listen. This wasn't quite a 4 for me but it's better than a 3. I'd give it a 3.5.
3
Nov 07 2023
View Album
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I haven't listened to this album in a long time and it was an enjoyable re-visit. As far as influence and impact go this album is a classic and rates a pretty easy 5/5 but what this project for me is - would I enjoy this album now and would I still reach for it and give it a listen today? When this came out it was the hardest rock you could listen to. I don't listen to much hard rock these days but on the rare occasion that I do get that itch, this album would definitely scratch it. 4/5
4
Nov 08 2023
View Album
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
While listening to this I kept thinking that it sounded like a collection of Prince songs that weren't good enough to be included on his album releases. Not unlistenable and not all bad but understandably not good enough to be included on an album. I was also hearing some Beatles pastiches and what sounded like some post-Beatles John Lennon. This album didn't do much for me and I found myself fast-forwarding through most of it. I don't have any interest in hearing it again.
2
Nov 09 2023
View Album
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
If someone were to ask me I don't even know how I would describe this music or what I would call it. After one listen I can't say that I loved it but I didn't dislike it by any means either. Overall I enjoyed it and thought it to be an interesting listen. This album gives me a vibe that if I were to give it a few more listens that it would probably grow on me so I'd give it a solid 3 or 3.5.
3
Nov 10 2023
View Album
Shadowland
k.d. lang
At just over half an hour I thought this would be a pretty quick listen but it sure seemed like a slog. K. D. Lang is one of those artists where I can recognize that they have an undeniable talent but I have no interest in listening to them. I think a part of that is it seems like she is more interested in showcasing her voice than she is in serving a song so she over-sings the song. She also gives me the impression that she's someone who sings country but hasn't lived country. I didn't like the lounge-y stuff and hated the collaborative final song. Definitely a one and done for me and just squeaking past a one star rating.
2
Nov 11 2023
View Album
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
I have a difficult time listening to blues albums. Blues songs are so formulaic that they quickly get too repetitive and start sounding the same from song to song. I start getting bored and it just gets too plodding and heavy. I liked almost every song on this album but listening to them back to back is too much of a good thing. (That trilling harmonica wears out its welcome pretty quickly after one song). I like the blues but I prefer them mixed in with other music to shake up the pace.
3
Nov 12 2023
View Album
Tago Mago
Can
This album had me on board until a bit over the half hour mark when I hit Aumgn and Peking O. Aumgn was pretty much just a collection of sounds and lacked any structure long enough to hold my interest. Peking O was way too experimental and avant-garde, pretty much unlistenable. These two songs alone take up more than 29 minutes of the album! My song ratings on this one range from 1 to 5 stars so the average should be a 3 but the two songs noted above seriously drag this album down so I can't give it more than a 2. Normally I wouldn't ever listen to a 2-star album again but I wouldn't mind revisiting the first half of the album.
2
Nov 13 2023
View Album
Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
I liked this album a lot more than I expected having gone into it with some trepidation. The only thing I knew going in was that it fell into the punk category, not a genre that I would typically seek out or particularly enjoy. Their raw take on rockabilly quickly won me over with their fun energy and humor. A surprising, fun discovery that deserves more listens.
4
Nov 14 2023
View Album
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
The Talking Heads - I've never loved them, I've never hated them. I'll listen to them (or not) but it will probably be by someone else's choice or by circumstance. This album was OK, it didn't really make any strong impressions on me either way.
3
Nov 15 2023
View Album
Close To You
Carpenters
In the spectrum of music I enjoyed hearing while growing up the Carpenters definitely had a place and it wouldn't have been the same without them. Karen Carpenter had such a wonderful voice! The Carpenters were a group that I always heard via radio play and greatest hits so actually sitting down to listen to this album was a new listening experience. This is a good example of an album where you endure the filler songs while waiting for the hits. Their cover of "Help" was terrible and reminded me of the type of thing you'd hear on The Lawrence Welk show when they tried to be hip and relevant by singing something on the current charts. Nothing outside of the hits held any interest for me, it's all a bit too lush, rich and saccharine.
2
Nov 16 2023
View Album
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
I can't say that this is a masterpiece, it isn't, but I sure enjoyed it and that's what counts. It's a forward-moving product of its time and that's a good thing. This is a solid 4.5 in my book and the only album so far that I've wanted to listen to twice before deciding where to land with it. This one just squeaked into a 5 spot since I can't give it a half-star and it's better than a 4.
5
Nov 17 2023
View Album
So
Peter Gabriel
Sledgehammer is a bit played out but I enjoyed the rest of this album and was surprised that I had heard most of the tracks. I suppose that's a testament to the quality of the album when so many tracks got radio play. This isn't the type of thing I'd actively seek out on my own to listen to but I'd be pleased to hear it under almost any circumstance. Favorite song - In Your Eyes.
4
Nov 18 2023
View Album
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
"Shout, shout, let it all out" sounds like my last trip to the bathroom. I never liked that song. The Working Hour felt like it took an hour to get going and another hour to end. Everybody Rules The World is decent but it is played out because it's been so overplayed. (Head Over Heels, the same) Mother's Talk goes in one ear and out the other. I Believe just sounded whiney and I quickly didn't care what they believed. You're getting the drift. This is more like "Songs From The Porcelain Chair". Definitely a dated sound that screams 80's and much too self-indulgent and self-serious in places. There's not much here that I'd ever want to hear again. This album is a high 1 but I'm feeling generous today and awarding it a low 2.
2
Nov 19 2023
View Album
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
This was pretty much a perfect pairing, the outlaw of country music performing for imprisoned outlaws in real life. Cash knew his strengths and he used them. He knew his audience and he played them like a guitar. This album is a classic and enjoyable from front to back.
5
Nov 20 2023
View Album
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
I bought this album when it first came out and I remember being disappointed and probably didn't listen to it more than a few times. Upon relistening I find that time and age had softened my original opinion. I can appreciate it more and can better see where he was coming from. At the same time while listening I could hear and imagine where the E Street Band would have filled out and expanded on the demos of several of the songs and I'm left wishing I could have heard what those versions might have been. My initial impression would have earned 1 star but I'm moving it up to 3 stars. It's OK.
3
Nov 21 2023
View Album
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Oooooo.... Velvet Underground with Andy Warhol cover art! I'm already feeling the transforming waves of cool and hipness just at the prospect of listening to it. This critical darling didn't exactly win me over but I didn't dislike it either. I liked it more than I thought I would but I found it to be pretty uneven. At times I was digging it and at other times it was grating noise. Nico's off-tone singing didn't do much for me but I can kind of understand the appeal in this specific context. The highs and lows average out to a solid 3 for me.
3
Nov 22 2023
View Album
Scott 4
Scott Walker
What is this? The music sounds like something you'd hear played over the opening credits to a cheesy 60's movie. Yes he can sing and has a pleasant voice but I would never seek this out and wouldn't willfully listen to it for any length of time if I had any choice in the matter. It surprises me that this made the list, it wasn't my thing.
1
Nov 23 2023
View Album
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Hip hop is not my thing and this album did nothing to change that. I don't understand the reference stating that this album bridges the gap between jazz and hip-hop. I'm a jazz fan and wasn't feeling jazz at all while listening. I thought it may have been due to the use of a stand up bass for a few numbers which did make those specific numbers somewhat more interesting but not particularly jazzy. It just sounds like hype in an attempt to make something we've already heard sound like something new, different and ground-breaking. I couldn't believe it when I read, "The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time..." in the Wikipedia reference. One of the greatest albums of ALL TIME?! No way! It sounds like another product of the hype machine. Maybe it's one of the greatest in the RAP world but across all genres it isn't even remotely so. For me, rap/hip-hop is something to be tolerated in very small doses but a whole album very quickly becomes so boring, repetitive and sounding the same. I'm not in the target audience for this album so my expectations were pretty low and my expectations met my enjoyment level - pretty low.
2
Nov 24 2023
View Album
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Raw, jangly and good energy though kind of dark. I dig how the bass is forward in the mix. This isn't really my kind of thing but I liked it more than I thought I would and get the feeling that this would grow on me with a few more listens.
3
Nov 25 2023
View Album
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
This must have been a liberating album for Simon, writing and performing whatever he wanted and just for himself, expanding on the sounds we knew from Simon and Garfunkel. Simon was bound for success no matter what context he was in as he was such an excellent performer and song writer. Most of this album was new to me as I've only listened to Simon's greatest hits and it was an enjoyable listen. If I knew nothing of his work and was hearing this for the first time I would want to hear more.
4
Nov 26 2023
View Album
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
This was cRAP. I didn't enjoy a single minute of it. I'm definitely not their target audience and don't need this kind of hate, anger and attitude in my life. If zero stars was an option this would have earned it.
1
Nov 27 2023
View Album
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Had "The Exorcist" not used this in their soundtrack I'd guess that this album would have languished in relative obscurity. Stripped of the visual context (the movie) or lyrics, I found this to be kind of a tedious listen. It seemed so self-indulgent, especially the bits where he growled throughout the song and where he would announce the various instruments as they were added. I hated the ending. After the spacey sound journey he suddenly dives into this jarring, square-dance, Popeye themed hootnanny which was so disconnected from everything that came before it. It totally took me out of the listening experience. Another one and done listen.
2
Nov 28 2023
View Album
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
I couldn't understand a word that they were singing but it didn't matter, it was an enjoyable listen and a fun discovery.
3
Nov 29 2023
View Album
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Some good folk music here and an enjoyable listen. I'd listen to more!
3
Nov 30 2023
View Album
Sincere
Mj Cole
Wow, I pretty much hated this from the very start. After listening to the entire first song I had to check to see the running time for this album and it was over an hour! There's no way I was going to put myself through that! To be more than fair going forward I would listen to at least 1-1/2 minutes of each song or longer if I liked it. Without fail I found myself looking forward to moving on to the next song even BEFORE the 1-1/2 minutes expired. That sonically empty electronic drum was grating with that electronic snare beat boring into my brain like a Chinese water torture. This album held zero appeal for me and I couldn't wait for it to be over.
1
Dec 01 2023
View Album
Night Life
Ray Price
This is the type of country music that would have been playing on TV/radio as I grew up so it's kind of a part of my musical DNA and feels kind of like a comfortable and cozy blanket. The 60s may have been the last great decade for country music. There's still a lot to love from the 70s but country music was changing and mostly not for the better. Ray Price was one of the good ones and I could easily listen to this again and again.
4
Dec 02 2023
View Album
Is This It
The Strokes
I went into this one totally cold having only ever heard of the band name but not knowing the music. At just over 35 minutes this album was consistently strong throughout and didn't have an ounce of padding on it. For a debut album this was surprisingly good and I enjoyed it from front to back.
5
Dec 03 2023
View Album
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
This album had its intended effect - it challenged me to let down my guard and open myself up to something different and it surprised me. I can't really say that I ENJOYED it but I didn't hate or dislike it either. It kind of grew on me and I never felt like I wanted to fast forward to the next number hoping for something better. It wasn't really music as I would define it but rather artistically fashioned sounds with musical elements. At times the "soundscapes" were jarring or discordant but it wasn't just random noise, it was manipulated in such a way as to make it interesting. I don't know if this makes any sense but this album isn't really something you listen to, it's more like something you experience. I wouldn't actively choose to listen to this but I was intrigued by it and I don't think I'm any worse off for having heard it.
3
Dec 04 2023
View Album
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel were a musical match made in heaven so their vocals would be an easy 5. Not all of the material here has aged well so the songs are a pretty mixed bag ranging from 1 to 5. I don't know if this was more a thing of the past but it has a pretty scant play time at less than 30 minutes. This one ran pretty hot and cold for me but that pretty much sums up what S&G are to me. Their greatest hits were great but once you got much deeper than that I lose interest pretty quickly. Outside of the hits there's not much else here that grabs my attention.
3
Dec 05 2023
View Album
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
If I were a teen/coming of age when this came out I probably would have thought that it was a jam. It definitely sounds like a product of the 80's which is when I started losing interest in pop music. Good drumming! This album didn't move me strongly either way. Good debut album. Probably a pretty solid 3.5 but I can't quite move it to a 4.
3
Dec 06 2023
View Album
evermore
Taylor Swift
I've never listened to a Taylor Swift album before and I'm getting the vibe that this particular album wouldn't be where one would want to start with her catalog but rather something one would want to listen to as a fan who wants to go deeper. And that's not a bad thing. Taylor Swift is a talent. She's tapped into something that resonates with the psyche of her fandom and I think she fully deserves and has earned everything that she has accomplished. This album isn't really aimed at me and not the type of music I seek out but I enjoyed it. Two standouts for me were No Body, No Crime and Marjorie, a touching homage to her grandmother. This album didn't make me a Swiftie but it earned my respect and opened me to a willingness to hear more of her work.
3
Dec 07 2023
View Album
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
How many drugs does someone need to consume to enjoy this?! And where was this recorded live? Turdfest '73? And speaking of turds, Hawkwind has to be one of the most turd band names I've ever heard. It sounds like the name of a crappy, unimaginative high school garage band that will play anywhere for free because they couldn't even summon up a pity pay gig from their own family members. In keeping with the theme of this review I'd call this release a post-buffet two-flusher because it's one of the longest turds I've had to endure. It's unpleasant while it's happening and it really stinks but you feel so much better and relieved when it's finally over.
1
Dec 08 2023
View Album
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
This album inspired a haiku.
Beep-boop, endless loops
Soulless drums that sound like poop
Electronica
Electronica is just not my thing. It's too empty, too repetitive, too sterile, soulless. Music needs more feel and a human element electronica can't deliver. Some of this album had listenable moments which saved it from a 1 star rating. My life would not have been a single degree less for not having heard this album.
2
Dec 09 2023
View Album
The Wall
Pink Floyd
This is widely considered to be one of the best concept albums of all time and deservedly so. The vision, the realization and execution are remarkable and it's an extraordinary piece of work. It's a classic and definitely belongs on this list.
5
Dec 10 2023
View Album
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
This album is a bit uneven and seems to work best on the pop/hit type material and less so on the numbers that seemed more designed to show off and stretch his vocal talents. It's got some bops and it's a decent listen.
3
Dec 11 2023
View Album
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Listening to this album made me want to dye my hair black, put on a spiked dog collar, goth makeup, black clothes and then retreat alone to my darkened bedroom to stew in a nihilistic funk. This album pulls me in two directions. It's dark and depressing which doesn't really reflect my attitude or a demeanor that I would want to dwell on but at the same time I like the music itself (Dig the forward bass!) and the mood/atmosphere that it sets. I can't give it a 5 and it's more interesting than a 3 so it's a pretty solid 4.
4
Dec 12 2023
View Album
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
The best of their best are here and their distinctive harmonies made you know right away you were listening to the Mama's and the Papa's. I always thought that flute solo in California Dreaming was iconic. It really set the mood and tone for a great song. They definitely made their mark in their time and this was an enjoyable listen.
4
Dec 13 2023
View Album
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
I once owned this album back in the 70's when it first came out but I must not have listened to it very much. Listening to it now, I barely remember any of it. At times I thought I could have been listening to David Byrne/Talking Heads. I walked away from this one thinking that it's probably something I would rarely reach for but it was a fun and interesting listen.
3
Dec 14 2023
View Album
My Generation
The Who
I've always considered The Who to be a greatest hits kind of band for me not knowing their work well or really caring to go beyond the hits but this album may cause me to reconsider. Sure, the songs and sound are dated but listening to this album taking that into perspective, it was a decent listen.
3
Dec 15 2023
View Album
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Good bluegrass/country and mandolin with great harmony and vocals.
3
Dec 16 2023
View Album
The College Dropout
Kanye West
I'm not a rap fan and I'm definitely not a fan of Kanye the man so it was hard to get past that to be fair and give the music a chance. For fans of the genre I get the appeal. The R&B/soul aspect made this album more musical and interesting than many rap offerings but it still wasn't my thing.
2
Dec 17 2023
View Album
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
Meh...... It sounds like this band had 2-3 songs and and just re-did them multiple times to stretch the album into 11 songs. Everything here pretty much sounded the same and not all that interesting.
2
Dec 18 2023
View Album
Rocks
Aerosmith
Not really an Aerosmith fan but I get it. This album starts strong but I found myself getting kind of bored after the first two or three songs. Still an OK listen.
3
Dec 19 2023
View Album
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
I love ECM recordings for their quiet, still, atmospheric sound and this album fits in that vein. I don't hold this in as high acclaim as its reputation but it was an enjoyable listen and would make for nice relaxing background music. 3.5/5
3
Dec 20 2023
View Album
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Recording a show for prisoners was a great idea and this was a great pairing. Johnny Cash was never in prison but he had been in jail multiple times. He was a man who had struggled in his life, had been a broken man who had reached the bottom of the barrel and had come back from a drug addiction. He was a man the prisoners could relate to, he sang songs that the prisoners could relate to and Cash tailored his set accordingly. While I never wanted to spend a single night behind prison walls I'm very happy to have been able to hear this concert, it's a classic.
5
Dec 21 2023
View Album
Guero
Beck
An excellent album which invites me to want to hear more. Even the lesser songs are at least interesting despite not being favorites. A solid album that deserves future listens.
4
Dec 22 2023
View Album
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Not bad, not great. I kind of got bored with it and overall wasn't really moved negatively or positively. I keep thinking something on this album is something I heard in a commercial somewhere.
3
Dec 23 2023
View Album
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
I'm more a fan of a smaller combos (trios, quartets, quintets) but this nonet was an assembly of outstanding talent with outstanding results. Davis was a stand-out as might be expected but I also really liked Gerry Mulligan on baritone and Lee Konitz on alto sax. I've listened to a lot of Miles Davis in the past but always skipped over this one because of the bigger band sound. I was only cheating myself, this is some excellent jazz.
5
Dec 24 2023
View Album
Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
What does this album want to be? Cute and comic? Psychedelic rock? It seems like it wanted to be both and it doesn't really work together. There's nothing here that made me want to listen beyond the first 1/2 to 1 minute of a song, I quickly grew bored with it and most of it was not that good. I don't usually listen too carefully to the lyrics on a first listen but some of the lyrics here were pretty hack-y. Pass.
2
Dec 25 2023
View Album
Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
This album had some interesting elements to it but it wasn't really my thing and I'm not much of a fan of soundtracks. There's got to be better Indian music out there.
2
Dec 26 2023
View Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
An interesting mix with some real contemporary classics mixed in. It's a fun listen when you're in the mood for something a little different.
4
Dec 27 2023
View Album
Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Solve the puzzle!
Hanoi + (Rocks - R - O + S + U) = ?
I quit listening to a song when I lost interest and didn't make it to the end of a single one! Pass.
2
Dec 28 2023
View Album
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
When I read that this was an electronica/new wave/pop album I didn't think I was going to like it. As it turns out, I love Tracey Thorn's vocals, they're the draw for this duo. I also like the chill vibe, it reminded me of Sade or Dido. I still hate electronic drums but they were less obnoxious than what I've heard on other electronica albums offered up here. A solid 3.5/5 but I'll round up because they surprised me and won me over.
4
Dec 29 2023
View Album
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Stewart Copeland's drumming is outstanding! While I couldn't connect with all of the songs they were at least all musically interesting and well executed but there are better Police albums. A solid 3/5.
3
Dec 30 2023
View Album
The Cars
The Cars
This album is practically wall to wall bangers, what an awesome debut! I can't think of a single reason to knock off any stars, even the 1 or 2 lesser songs are still worth the listen. Loved it then and loved listening to it again.
5
Dec 31 2023
View Album
Take Me Apart
Kelela
ANOTHER electronica album? WTH! The author of this book is determined to make electronica happen in my life. : (
This was just more of the same with a different flavor, this time soul/R&B. It was a musically bland, empty, overly long, BORING slog where everything sounded the same. No thank you to this album or any more electronica.
2
Jan 01 2024
View Album
Nevermind
Nirvana
Dare to go against the flow of popular opinion! This album was neither nirvana or an enjoyable listen for me. I'll continue to pay it nevermind.
2
Jan 02 2024
View Album
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Dave Brubeck is the leader of the quartet and the featured name on the album but it's Paul Desmond who shines the most for me. The first time I ever heard this recording I immediately fell in love with his cool, airy sound and his composition "Take Five". This is one of the most popular jazz recordings of all time and rightfully so. It definitely belongs in anyone's jazz collection. It's a cool jazz classic!
5
Jan 03 2024
View Album
Country Life
Roxy Music
The only thing I knew about this band and album was that I had seen the album cover before. While listening I kept asking myself, "What is this music?" It was different. It was unusual. It was quirky but it was interesting and it was kind of clicking with me. I'd listen to more of this.
4
Jan 04 2024
View Album
Ingenue
k.d. lang
Ugh, I'm only 70 albums in and I have to listen to ANOTHER k.d. lang album?! I didn't even want to listen the first one! There's nothing on this album that I needed to hear and I didn't make it through a single song before feeling compelled to fast forward to the next. There's very little here that would distinguish one song from another anyway so it didn't really matter. Hard pass.
1
Jan 05 2024
View Album
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
What is up with the lead singer? Did the band begrudgingly let him sing lead because he owned a van and was the only one who could get them and their gear to their gigs? He sucks and I'm at a loss to think of a lead singer who sings worse than this guy. The album was pretty crappy from the start but it managed to work its way up to an unenthusiastic "OK" despite the singer.
2
Jan 06 2024
View Album
Synchronicity
The Police
The Police are an odd group for me. I think they are better than what enjoyment I get from listening to them if that makes any sense. The songs on their albums tend to run hot or cold. This is probably their best album which I think deserves a 4 for content and execution but my overall enjoyment is more like a 3-3.5.
4
Jan 07 2024
View Album
Parklife
Blur
The first third of this album was a bop with great energy and was a lot of fun. After that it drops off and becomes more uneven. At 16 songs it's a bit bloated and would have been a better album with a 4-6 song trim. Overall I enjoyed it and would listen to more Blur. 3.5/5
3
Jan 08 2024
View Album
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
A good representation of everything I hate about rap unredeemed by anything that might have been appealing musically.
1
Jan 09 2024
View Album
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Meh, OK at best. There's really not much here beyond two of their biggest hits and I'm not all that interested in those either.
2
Jan 10 2024
View Album
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Horribly boring, painfully repetitive dreck whose songs go nowhere. This belongs on a list of 1001 albums that didn't deserve to be made.
1
Jan 11 2024
View Album
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
Whore = ho = heaux. Is that supposed to pass as clever? I hated EVERYTHING about this album, especially the irritating title. One star is as low as I can go and that's still too generous.
1
Jan 12 2024
View Album
Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
This one kind of had me on board with the first song but then listening fatigue quickly set in with each song that followed. Not a fan of the style of the lead vocals and why are they buried so deep in the mix?
2
Jan 13 2024
View Album
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
The soul-falsetto vocals almost seemed to be a parody of the genre. This album was unremarkable and a big "meh" for me. There's nothing here I'd want to hear again.
2
Jan 14 2024
View Album
In Rainbows
Radiohead
I knew nothing about Radiohead other than having heard "Creep". For some reason I thought they were heavy metal and I was very happy to discover that they weren't! I enjoyed this album and would welcome more.
4
Jan 15 2024
View Album
Let It Be
The Replacements
As a Minnesotan I kinda feel like I should already know this band but this is the first time I've ever listened to them. I like their energy and I enjoyed this album overall. 3.5/5
3
Jan 16 2024
View Album
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This was a decent listen and I'd bet this is one of his best albums but Stevie Wonder never really did much for me. I wouldn't dislike hearing this again but it's not something I would seek out either.
3
Jan 17 2024
View Album
Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
This is just not my thing. At over an hour long this was a slog. WAY overproduced. I found myself trying to figure out if there were any actual instruments played on this album. Everything sounded like it was done on a synthesizer or so overprocessed that it didn't sound like the instrument that was supposedly being played. Electronic drums are one of my pet peeves and they made too many of the songs sound the same. There's nothing here that I'd want to revisit.
2
Jan 18 2024
View Album
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
When reaching for music to enjoy this wouldn't be it. They seem to want to be more artistic than musical and it's kind of tedious.
2
Jan 19 2024
View Album
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
I "kind" of get it. There were times when I was digging the flow and vibe of what they were putting out so I could see how people could possibly love this stuff but there were other times when I could totally understand why some people think the Grateful Dead suck. This might be one of those albums that grow on you with repeated listens but I'm not interested in sticking with this long enough to see if it happens.
2
Jan 20 2024
View Album
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
How can this be so popular? I don't get it. Where's the appeal in someone rasping and croaking their way through spoken-word songs? If the redemption is in the lyrics they must be miraculous but I couldn't bear listening to this.
1
Jan 21 2024
View Album
Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
Different, fun, playful. It's interesting to hear something from a different country other than Britain. I enjoyed the listening experience more than I didn't but would I want to hear it again? Probably not.
2
Jan 22 2024
View Album
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
A little soul, a little R&B, a little jazz, this was a nice listen though I'm not especially drawn to the socio-political stuff. Favorite track - Back Home
3
Jan 23 2024
View Album
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Apparently it isn't cool to like Coldplay so maybe that says something about me? I enjoyed this album. Seems closer to a 4 than a 3 to me so I'll round up on this one.
4
Jan 24 2024
View Album
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Some 60's classics, some OK stuff and some dreck. I've never been much of a Clapton fan. I'm feeling a 2.5 but I'll be generous and round up for those classics.
3
Jan 25 2024
View Album
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I think this would be totally different music without David Byrne's distinctive vocals, a different singer wouldn't have worked nearly as well. Fun, interesting and I enjoyed this one, a pretty easy 4.
4
Jan 26 2024
View Album
Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
A self-indulgent Marvin Gaye working out his feelings on a musical divorce journey that I didn't want to go on. This is a career's worth of topical songs concentrated on one release and it's a lot. Not all of it was horrible but one listen is enough.
2
Jan 27 2024
View Album
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
There's not a single rap album on this planet that needs to be 80 minutes long. I didn't like anything about this one.
1
Jan 28 2024
View Album
Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
She's got a great and powerful vocal talent but the throaty delivery with the growls, runs, and vocal improv fills wear on the ear pretty quickly. Unremarkable songs overall, way too long and just not my thing.
2
Jan 29 2024
View Album
The Coral
The Coral
This album had its better than one star moments but the band kept sabotaging themselves in multiple ways and couldn't hold onto any one of those moments for a complete song. This one's teetering on a 2 but there's too many bad lyrics and bad choices dragging it down.
1
Jan 30 2024
View Album
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
This was an easy listen, I love Steely Dan! This album has eleven songs packed into 34 minutes and there is nothing here that is padding or filler. It was over before I knew it and I was left wanting more.
5
Jan 31 2024
View Album
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
I didn't like it but I didn't hate it which is an accomplishment for a rap album.
2
Feb 01 2024
View Album
Face to Face
The Kinks
I think I had only heard two of the songs on this album so most of it was new to me. There were a couple of songs on here I really dug and overall it was an enjoyable listen.
3
Feb 02 2024
View Album
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
I was hoping for something better for my 100th album. This isn't my thing but some of it was listenable.
2
Feb 03 2024
View Album
Eliminator
ZZ Top
I might have liked this better if I was a lyrically undemanding, horny, single, unsuccessfully on the prowl, beer-addled young male ready to party.
2
Feb 04 2024
View Album
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
This had a lot of ensemble playing which is fine but I prefer something with more soloing which makes things a bit more adventurous. This was a chill and enjoyable listen.
3
Feb 05 2024
View Album
Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Definitely a 60's sound representing what was happening in music at the time and a decent listen.
3
Feb 06 2024
View Album
Back In Black
AC/DC
This one scratches a certain itch every now and then.
3
Feb 07 2024
View Album
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
I rather enjoyed this. It's different and kind of chill. The singer's vibrato was kind of weird but it wasn't excessive and didn't pull me out of the performance.
3
Feb 08 2024
View Album
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Too long! If you're going to give me more than an hour of music there better be multiple bangers in there. Nothing really stood out or was particularly enjoyable. Not my thing.
2
Feb 09 2024
View Album
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
I can't think of a single human feeling or emotion that would put me in the mood to listen to this crap. A very hard no.
1
Feb 10 2024
View Album
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I wouldn't listen to this kind of thing regularly but I didn't dislike it.
3
Feb 11 2024
View Album
Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
This was an OK listen as was the other EBTG album that came up for me earlier but I don't see that there needed to be more than one of their albums on this list. I like the lead singer's voice, it's calming.
3
Feb 12 2024
View Album
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
Didn't love it, didn't hate it. It was OK.
3
Feb 13 2024
View Album
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Meh... but better than a 2.
3
Feb 14 2024
View Album
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
There was absolutely nothing here for me, I hated it.
1
Feb 15 2024
View Album
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
How do you say, "This album sucked!" in French? Understanding the lyrics wouldn't have made this any better.
1
Feb 16 2024
View Album
Copper Blue
Sugar
I liked some of this and other parts not so much. This isn't the type of stuff I'd generally seek out and couldn't quite give it a 3 but I get the appeal.
2
Feb 17 2024
View Album
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This isn't meant to be a dig or a dis but this sounded like something I could have heard in the 80's. I enjoyed it and would listen again.
3
Feb 18 2024
View Album
Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
I didn't hate this album but it really tried my patience. The songs were so long! Before I made it to about the half-way point of each song I was growing bored and I got everything I was going to get out of the song.
2
Feb 19 2024
View Album
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
At this stage of the game ('69), this is a career-defining album for Elvis. Cheesy songs, cheesy arrangements, cheesy background vocals and cheesy over-production. There's some truly awful stuff on here and there's not enough good stuff to save this album.
2
Feb 20 2024
View Album
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
It didn't exactly tickle my pickle but I still enjoyed listening to this.
3
Feb 21 2024
View Album
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
I'm feeling a 2.5. I think if I cared enough to listen to this more, I might grow to kind of vibe with it.
2
Feb 22 2024
View Album
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
This is probably my second favorite Pink Floyd album. I can hear bits of songs that could have been on Dark Side of the Moon and hints of what was to come with The Wall. There's some pretty tasty David Gilmour guitar and I love how they put this one together. Great stuff!
5
Feb 23 2024
View Album
The Stranger
Billy Joel
There's a lot of good stuff on here but I think I might like this more for the nostalgia and a reminder of a certain period of my life than I do the album itself.
3
Feb 24 2024
View Album
Transformer
Lou Reed
Lou Reed is not a good singer but he has this atonal, stylistic quality that is kind of interesting. I wanted to give this album a 3 but multiple factors worked against it. Some of the song lyrics were stupid and pretty bad. Strings were a bad choice on one of the songs and they took me out of that listening experience. The jury's still out on the numbers using the tuba and the other horn, I don't know if they really fit the vibe of this album.
2
Feb 25 2024
View Album
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
For the sake of this review let's forget that Rumours happened because anything else is going to pale in comparison. I walk away from this one impressed, it's better than I thought it would be but I still get the feeling that it would have been better to make a very strong single album by cutting out all the padding that made this into a double album. (I'm looking mainly at you Lindsey Buckingham, I think the women fared much better in the song writing.) It was an enjoyable listen.
3
Feb 26 2024
View Album
Marquee Moon
Television
I'd never heard of this band before which usually doesn't fare well for stuff I've heard on this site but I actually enjoyed this album despite(?) the vocals.
3
Feb 27 2024
View Album
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Excellent rhythm and flow makes this one a lot more interesting and tolerable than most rap albums I've heard so far but it's still not a genre for me. A 2.5/5 from me for this kind of thing is practically a glowing recommendation. It's too long and gets same-y but I didn't dislike it. If I HAD to listen to rap I'd want it to be something like this.
2
Feb 28 2024
View Album
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Nope. Never liked her music, never will. Over-raitted.
1
Feb 29 2024
View Album
The Last Broadcast
Doves
Nothing too remarkable, it was an OK listen.
3
Mar 01 2024
View Album
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band is one of those groups that never really compelled me to want to listen to anything beyond their greatest hits if anything at all. Overall this album was OK to good but didn't change my mind about them.
3
Mar 02 2024
View Album
Tidal
Fiona Apple
Respect that she wrote all of the songs and released this when she was still a teenager. This isn't something that I would seek out but I like her voice and get how this would appeal to others.
3
Mar 03 2024
View Album
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
This was an appropriately titled album as it was a hellish experience trying to listen to it.
1
Mar 04 2024
View Album
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Going in I had my doubts about this album but the Dolls quickly won me over with their raw/gritty sound and energy. I dug it and I'd definitely listen to this again. 3.5/5
3
Mar 05 2024
View Album
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
I gave this one a lot of play time in the early to mid-80's, particularly side one. Younger me would have given this a 4 but older me, while I enjoyed the revisit, feels like it's a bit played out and will give it a 3.
3
Mar 06 2024
View Album
The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
Nothing very remarkable or of interest to me.
2
Mar 07 2024
View Album
Your Arsenal
Morrissey
I comfortably sat through this one and enjoyed it for the most part but occasionally the lyrics gave me pause. If I were to listen more carefully engaged in the lyrics I have the feeling that I may not have liked it as much.
3
Mar 08 2024
View Album
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Buck Owens and band mate Don Rich were the real deal and this is some fine country music. I love the Bakersfield sound!
4
Mar 09 2024
View Album
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
It had some moments but overall it was kind of boring with stupid song lyrics, tedious over-riffing and I'm not into all that Satan/Prince of Darkness image crap.
2
Mar 10 2024
View Album
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
1967! I'm just trying to imagine what it must have been like to the world's music psyche when this DEBUT album first dropped. A Jimi Hendrix experience indeed! I dig the simple trio format, it's easier to hear and appreciate what everyone is doing. Red House is my favorite cut. This one is a classic!
5
Mar 11 2024
View Album
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Warm night, cool breeze, candle light and cocktails. Smoooooth, mellow and a relaxing listen. Classic!
5
Mar 12 2024
View Album
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
I couldn't understand a single word of the lyrics but I enjoyed it musically and it was refreshing to get something different than the usual fare. 3.5/5
3
Mar 13 2024
View Album
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
I'm not a big fan of vocal albums with strings or with that jazzy lounge vibe but this was a smooth and easy listen. I didn't dislike it but there's nothing here that I need to hear again.
2
Mar 14 2024
View Album
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
David Bowie has never really been my thing. I've always kind of considered him more style and flash over substance and this album didn't change that opinion. When trying to decide what to rate it I asked myself if I would have wanted to listen to this music if it weren't David Bowie and I was leaning toward a no. His reputation and cred in the music world pushed this one to three stars but just barely. It was interesting enough to listen to the whole thing without fast forwards but I don't think I would listen to this again.
3
Mar 15 2024
View Album
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Right off the bat I didn't like the lead singer's voice and that's kind of a problem. I agree with one reviewer's apt description that he sounded like Cartman from South Park trying to sing. Then I got annoyed when I discovered that this album was over 2 hours long! If I enjoyed the music that would have been a good thing but I just couldn't get into this.
2
Mar 16 2024
View Album
The Band
The Band
The Band is one of those groups that seem to kind of fly under the radar. I know their work to a certain degree so there should be no surprises but I still enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I like their whole vibe with the vocals, harmonization, interesting blend of instrumentation and the rural/old Americana kind of feel in performance and song writing. Good stuff and an enjoyable listen.
4
Mar 17 2024
View Album
Scott 2
Scott Walker
Scott number 2 is about right, this album was sh*t.
1
Mar 18 2024
View Album
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Not horrible but never rose above unremarkable. I found her vocal style/affectations annoying/grating.
2
Mar 19 2024
View Album
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I'm still fresh from not really liking another Smashing Pumpkins album just three or four days ago so hopefully after two I'm done with them. I still don't like the singer's voice and I'm just not a grunge fan.
2
Mar 20 2024
View Album
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
This album was just OK. It took me a while to warm up to it. I enjoy a little Van Morrison but I'd pass this one up for Moondance any day.
3
Mar 21 2024
View Album
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Fun and playful music but it doesn't take too long before the fatigue from the overly dominant electric organ sets in and things get kind of same-y, tedious and boring.
2
Mar 22 2024
View Album
Celebrity Skin
Hole
Did I really need to hear a second Hole album before I die? I think I would have been OK hearing none. At a different time in my life this might have made it to 3 stars. I didn't hate it, I could listen to it not wishing for my early demise but this is still not my thing. 2.5/5
2
Mar 23 2024
View Album
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
You wouldn't think that just a duo would work but the White Stripes put any doubts to rest. Garage band music, raw and spare at its finest.
4
Mar 24 2024
View Album
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
This album gives me a rock renaissance fair, pretentious Spinal Tap Stonehenge vibe. The flute thing works for me. My enjoyment level runs between a 1.5 and a 3.5 depending on the song. I also got the feeling that this one might grow on me if I cared enough to give it more listens. Given that I'll round up the mathematical average of 2.5 to a 3.
3
Mar 25 2024
View Album
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
There might be some electronica out there that doesn't suck but this wasn't it.
1
Mar 26 2024
View Album
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
I never really understood why this album is held in such high regard. It probably has more to do with the compositions, arrangements and the studio recording techniques used given the times than it did as an overall listening experience. "God Only Knows" is a masterpiece and easily my favorite Beach Boys song. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" is also a great single but the rest of the album is just average to "meh" at best. ("Sloop John B" was another big hit but I always thought it was annoying schlock.) But for the two songs mentioned above this was a 2-star album all day, every day. For those two songs alone I'll add an additional star.
3
Mar 27 2024
View Album
Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Sounds a bit too earnest and oversentimental to me. A couple of the vocals made me think of Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees. There's nothing here of interest to me and I couldn't bring myself to sit through the entirety of a single song but I kind of liked one of them. 1.5/5
1
Mar 28 2024
View Album
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
A little rock, soul, gospel and country, this guy has a style/vibe that makes me think of Sam Cooke. I'm also getting a little Tony Orlando. I enjoyed this. It's refreshing to get an album from an unknown artist that I'm able to listen to from beginning to end without feeling the need to fast-forward through it like a lot of the garbage that is served up here.
3
Mar 29 2024
View Album
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
This album's initial appeal was the curiosity factor but it wore out it's welcome before I reached the half way point. One and done for me.
2
Mar 30 2024
View Album
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
ELO had a very distinct sound with their use of strings, harmonies and background vocals. This distinction set them apart from other groups with an easily recognizable sound but it was also their bane as all their songs start sounding the same. I think it's a rut Jeff Lynne never grew out of. ELO is one of those bands I have little interest in outside of their greatest hits. There's a few good songs here but they are far outweighed by a LOT of forgettable bloat.
2
Mar 31 2024
View Album
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I liked the performances but the mood was a lot. Better than a 2 but not a 4.
3
Apr 01 2024
View Album
The Predator
Ice Cube
I knew that I wasn't going to like this album so I decided to have fun with it. I stopped listening to a song when a profanity, the "N" word or any word that degraded women appeared in the lyrics and/or title. That album went by REALLY fast!
1
Apr 02 2024
View Album
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
I don't know.... I'm kind of impressed that this came out in 1969, it seemed ahead of it's time. I find the title kind of annoying because it seems to be trying too hard to be odd for the sake of being odd which seems to be a Frank Zappa thing. At times the music was too "out" or avant garde for me
and in some songs the noodling and jams went on for way too long. I'm not a big fan of this type of rock/ jazz fusion if that's what you want to call it but there were times I was feeling it. As an overall listening experience it was better than a 1 but didn't really earn a 3.
2
Apr 03 2024
View Album
1984
Van Halen
This album has some good songs on it so I guess it was OK even though Van Halen or other bands of this era/ilk aren't really my thing. Everyone seems to revere Eddie's guitar playing but all that shredding and tapping crap is more showing off than it is playing and it does nothing for me. Diamond Dave and the massive ego which made him such an attention-drawing showman was probably the most interesting part of this group and I don't think they would have become what they did without him. This is closer to a 2 than it is a 4 for me. 3/5
3
Apr 04 2024
View Album
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
At the end of each day I look forward to seeing what my new album is going to be and I'm always disappointed when crap like this comes up. No matter how many hip hop albums this project tries to throw at me I'm 99% sure I'm not going to enjoy it and I'm not going to want to listen to it. This wasn't an exception. I guess there's always tomorrow...........
1
Apr 05 2024
View Album
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
This is the type of thing that I hoped to discover more of when signing up for this project, an under-the-radar artist who should be better known and who is worth listening to. I like the chill vibe, his voice, his guitar playing and the spare production of just a voice and guitar. I'm surprised this was released in 1972, it sounds like something more recent. I enjoyed this album and would welcome more listens. I'm thinking 4.5/5 but I'll round up because I enjoyed it so much more than the majority of what's served up here.
5
Apr 06 2024
View Album
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
This album lost me with the opening Public Service Announcement track.
1
Apr 07 2024
View Album
American Pie
Don McLean
I remember this album being a big deal back in the day and seem to remember discussing the song American Pie in music class. I've heard the two hits innumerable times but surprisingly never heard the rest of the album until now. McLean's voice and playing made for a pleasant listen and I enjoyed it. A solid 3/5.
3
Apr 08 2024
View Album
Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
The Style Council should have spent more time in their committee meetings because it's apparent that they couldn't decide on what style of music to stick with, they were all over the place. We were friends for the first half of the album but after the second half I removed them from my Christmas card list.
2
Apr 09 2024
View Album
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Otis Redding had the perfect voice for this type of music and he puts it to good use here. Didn't love some of the covers but this was an enjoyable listen.
3
Apr 10 2024
View Album
Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Way too long. It had it's 3 star moments and it had it's 0-1 star moments. I didn't hate hearing this but I wouldn't listen to it again.
2
Apr 11 2024
View Album
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Overly repetitive, tedious, annoying crap suitable for breaking down and cracking prisoners at Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
1
Apr 12 2024
View Album
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
I think the first BB King album I heard was Live In Cook County Jail which I would rate a solid 4 stars. This one was nice but I liked the energy, vibe and the performances in Cook County better. 3.5/5
3
Apr 13 2024
View Album
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
I love Louis Prima's voice! It's got a very unique quality and paired with his style he brings so much character to whatever song he's singing. This album really swings and Sam Butera is fantastic on the saxophone. This one was a lot of fun and an enjoyable listen.
4
Apr 14 2024
View Album
En-Tact
The Shamen
Another f-ing electronica album?!! No one needs to hear this going nowhere, heard-one, heard 'em all crap!
1
Apr 15 2024
View Album
B-52's
The B-52's
This album is quirky and weird but in a good way that really works with their sound. It's funny and fun listening but delivered with such earnest commitment that you can take the band seriously but not too seriously at the same time. Great energy and an enjoyable listen!
4
Apr 16 2024
View Album
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
This is George Harrison taking a huge musical dump while extending two emphatic middle fingers directly at John Lennon and Paul McCartney when he released a TRIPLE album less than a year after the Beatles broke up. (And included Ringo to boot!) There's a lot of great stuff here and some not so great stuff which probably could have been left off to make for a shorter and stronger release. Overall I'm feeling a 3.5/5 but I'll round up because I really like the tone and vibe and because the good songs are really good.
4
Apr 17 2024
View Album
Revolver
Beatles
If I can't give the Beatles 5 stars considering the rubbish I get more than half the time then who can I give them to? Those stars are well deserved, this is a great album! The Beatles are stretching out and serving up a nice variety of music styles and we get to see a bit more of George Harrison than usual. Good stuff from top to bottom.
5
Apr 18 2024
View Album
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
This could very well be his best album and if not, it's certainly among his top five. It's a classic!
5
Apr 19 2024
View Album
Dust
Screaming Trees
I hadn't heard of Screaming Trees and after the first listen, I didn't know what to think. This isn't normally my kind of thing but there is something about this album that intrigues me. The drummer hooked me right away, I loved the drumming. I ended up listening to this a second and third time and it's really growing on me. The vocals and guitars are just right and I like their use of eastern instruments, strings and woodwinds which added an interesting dimension to those songs. (Beatles influence?) I was getting more drawn in with each listen. I was initially thinking this was a 3 - 3.5 star album but after repeated listens I can comfortably give this one a 4.
4
Apr 20 2024
View Album
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Fun, great voice and great raw energy.
3
Apr 21 2024
View Album
Machine Head
Deep Purple
All I could think of while listening to this was Spinal Tap. I think teen me would have liked this more than adult me does. 2.5/5
2
Apr 22 2024
View Album
xx
The xx
So boring that even the vocalists sounded bored.
2
Apr 23 2024
View Album
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Multiple top-tier bangers on this one. This was Steely Dan when they were an actual band vs. a duo+. This album is 5 stars all day, every day.
5
Apr 24 2024
View Album
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Very chill and relaxing album. I like Gillian Welch and prefer some of her other albums over this one but this was still a nice listen.
3
Apr 25 2024
View Album
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
What is this? I don't really get it. I can't think of a time or a reason I would want to hear this again but I like the cover.
2
Apr 26 2024
View Album
Da Capo
Love
Lyrics so awful and stupid they sound like satire. A crappy band and a one star album showing glimpses of promise but ultimately falling short of two stars. Even nostalgia doesn't make this worth listening to.
1
Apr 27 2024
View Album
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
No bangers but this was a nice, casual listen. I liked it.
3
Apr 28 2024
View Album
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Mega-nope.
1
Apr 29 2024
View Album
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
I bought this back in the day when the album was really exploding. It was great for chilling/relaxing/background music but I liked it more then than I do now. This type of thing isn't really on my radar anymore though it was a nice re-visit. Overall it's kind of like sonic wallpaper. You could have it on in the background and be aware that music is playing but shortly after it's over not really remember anything that you just heard. Still, it's a very capable, easy and relaxing listen. 3.5/5
3
Apr 30 2024
View Album
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
I liked the guitar work and I like meat so the anti-meat preachiness is kind of annoying. This isn't something I would seek out but it was OK.
3
May 01 2024
View Album
American Idiot
Green Day
This isn't really my kind of thing and it started losing me by the end but it was OK.
3
May 02 2024
View Album
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
This was a huge, self-indulgent turd. I couldn't finish listening to this mess. (Some good drumming though.)
2
May 03 2024
View Album
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
It was painful attempting to listen to this. The songs were so boring and her excessive warbling vibrato drives me nuts.
1
May 04 2024
View Album
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
My second Cohen album and I'm still unimpressed. At least he sings on this one but I still don't get the appeal. This must be for people who are into poetry and/or lyrics because musically this is a boring, repetitive downer. Please, no more....
1
May 05 2024
View Album
The Real Thing
Faith No More
For me, this would be "listen no more". I don't think I'm a fan of the genre-mash and the singer's voice is kind of annoying. Still, I kind of get the appeal which saved this from being a 1 star album.
2
May 06 2024
View Album
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
Out of all the Emmylou Harris albums they choose this one? The whole time I'm listening to this I'm thinking that it's drum heavy and over-produced. I think that she shines in more of an acoustic/organic/country-oriented setting. This one is forgettable and doesn't inspire a repeat listen. 2.5/5
2
May 07 2024
View Album
Violator
Depeche Mode
Synth-pop isn't really my thing but this had some good stuff on it and was OK overall.
3
May 08 2024
View Album
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Nothing here for me other than one more entry in the over-representation of rap on this list.
1
May 09 2024
View Album
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Ugh, hip hop and electronica, two of my least favorite genres. It seemed to take forever for a song to get going and once it did, it didn't go anywhere. Most relatable song, "Why hip hop sucks in 96" except I would remove "in 96" to make it more accurate.
1
May 10 2024
View Album
Traffic
Traffic
There's nothing here that would make me want to listen to this again. There are a few moments but it's very forgettable overall.
2
May 11 2024
View Album
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Willie has such an earnest, weathered-knowingness quality to his voice that you can easily believe whatever he is singing. He's feeling it if it's not something that he's experienced. I loved the spare production, the flow of the songs and the relaxed vibe. It's a Willie classic!
4
May 12 2024
View Album
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Why do I feel like I'm supposed to like David Bowie? He's never really piqued my interest. This album was alright but it didn't win me over. I wouldn't seek this out but I'd listen to it again. 3.5/5
3
May 13 2024
View Album
Parallel Lines
Blondie
I wasn't sure what to expect with this album because all I ever knew of Blondie were the hits played on MTV and I never liked "Heart of Glass". This album was a lot more fun than I thought it would be and it was a good reflection of what was happening with music at the time. The good outweighed the bad and I enjoyed it.
3
May 14 2024
View Album
Murmur
R.E.M.
R.E.M. definitely belongs on this list but they have better albums than this one. This is a fine debut showing a lot of promise for what was yet to come.
3
May 15 2024
View Album
The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
But for "The Jungle Line" and "Shadows and Light" this would be an easy 5 from me. This is the type of thing I would want to throw on to appreciate and enjoy the experience of a whole album rather than just wanting some background noise where the 1 or 2 songs worth hearing are buried amongst a bunch of filler. Joni surrounds herself with a lot of heavy hitters that I admire - Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, Jeff Baxter, James Taylor, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Wilton Felder and Bud Shank among others. I really liked the tasty bass in several songs, especially on "In France..." This was a solid entry and I love this jazzy era of Joni's music.
4
May 16 2024
View Album
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
An enjoyable listen which I could listen to again.
3
May 17 2024
View Album
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
More like American nightmare. A hard nope.
1
May 18 2024
View Album
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
I love some good soul-jazz and this certainly fits the bill. Cool vibe and it's great for both background music and active listening. Very enjoyable from front to back. 4-4.5/5
4
May 19 2024
View Album
Opus Dei
Laibach
The author deserves to be punished in some way for putting this Cookie Monster-sung piece of garbage on the list.
1
May 20 2024
View Album
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Nope, not my thing.
2
May 21 2024
View Album
Abbey Road
Beatles
The Beatles final album (recorded) where George Harrison is allowed to shine with two of the best songs which also happen to be among the best of the entire Beatles catalog. Side 2's medley is brilliant. Easily a classic.
5
May 22 2024
View Album
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
All hope is gone indeed. I think I'd be slippin' a knot around my neck if I had to listen to much of this.
1
May 23 2024
View Album
Odelay
Beck
Can't say that there are any real bangers on here but the music is interesting and I enjoyed it.
4
May 24 2024
View Album
No Other
Gene Clark
I get a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young or their subsequent solo work vibe from this. I guess Gene Clark was a member of the Byrds so I'm kind of surprised I didn't make that association while listening. There's a lot to like here overall and I found it to be a pleasant listen.
3
May 25 2024
View Album
Smash
The Offspring
Not my thing but I didn't hate it.
2
May 26 2024
View Album
A Seat at the Table
Solange
Boring, uninspiring, forgettable, there's nothing about this that I found enjoyable. Horrible album cover.
1
May 27 2024
View Album
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
I can get on board with this, she's got a very nice voice. It's good, relaxing background music.
4
May 28 2024
View Album
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Meh.... I guess it was OK. I really couldn't care less whether I ever hear this again or not. Let's Stay Together, the best song, is so overplayed that it's worn out it's welcome. 2.5/5
2
May 29 2024
View Album
Liquid Swords
GZA
No thanks, zero interest.
1
May 30 2024
View Album
Tommy
The Who
While listening to this I began to wonder if Tommy was the name of the rock opera or a description of Keith Moon's busy drumming. I get that this is a flowing story narrative but man is it a bloated, indulgent slog! Does the good outweigh the drag? I'm not so sure. I'm thinking a 2.5/5 but I'll round up for the overall ambition and execution.
3
May 31 2024
View Album
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
The song titled "Oxygene" sucked. Oh wait, all the songs are titled "Oxygene".
1
Jun 01 2024
View Album
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Sounds like something I'd imagine would play well in Europe. It didn't take long for bombast fatigue to set in and I found myself feeling kind of irritated and annoyed trying to listen to this. I'm unaMused.
2
Jun 02 2024
View Album
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
This is the first and last time I'd ever care to hear this. Rad cover though.
2
Jun 03 2024
View Album
Dog Man Star
Suede
Not my thing nor is it anything I would choose to listen to.
2
Jun 04 2024
View Album
Doolittle
Pixies
This is one of those albums where if it were playing I wouldn't feel like I wanted to flee the room but I would never choose to listen to this on my own.
2
Jun 05 2024
View Album
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
I grew up in the era when this type of music was popular so I could get on board with this. Some pretty good songs, some filler but overall enjoyable.
3
Jun 06 2024
View Album
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Meh. The ubiquitous violin gets tedious pretty quickly and as the album droned on I became more impatient for it to be over.
2
Jun 07 2024
View Album
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
I can't imagine why I would ever want to listen to this when there are infinitely better options and genres available.
2
Jun 08 2024
View Album
Raw Power
The Stooges
I like the raw energy and enjoyed this more than I thought I would. 3.5/5
3
Jun 09 2024
View Album
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
The Byrds trademark sound of vocal harmonies and jangly guitars hit the ears right. This one's a bit uneven so I'm thinking a 3.5/5 but I'll round up because I enjoyed it overall.
4
Jun 10 2024
View Album
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Did I NEED to hear one SATB album? Probably not. Did I need to hear a second SATB album? DEFINITELY not.
1
Jun 11 2024
View Album
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
The Beatles were coming into their own with the first album of all Lennon/McCartney songs. It would seem that this was still John's band at this point as he takes the lead vocal on the vast majority of songs. This album flies by at barely over 30 minutes. There's really nothing bad here, just a few songs that are less familiar. Enjoyed it from beginning to end.
5
Jun 12 2024
View Album
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
This one was a nice surprise and I really wish this project had more albums like this to discover and enjoy. As a double album this was a lot to take in all at once but there was a nice variety of music here and it was very enjoyable when listened to in smaller chunks.
4
Jun 13 2024
View Album
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
Enjoyment level = zero. Desire to ever hear this again = zero.
1
Jun 14 2024
View Album
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Why does knowing that this group is Icelandic make me more amenable to liking them than if I heard the same music coming from an American or British band? I had never heard of The Sugar Cubes and I had heard of Bjork but was unfamiliar with her work. This album surprised me and I liked it much more than I thought I would. It often reminded me of the B-52s but with more grit and gravity. I'd welcome listening to this one again.
4
Jun 15 2024
View Album
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell was an artist that I knew of, knew she was considered one of the best song writers of all time and I maybe knew 3-4 of her songs but that was about it. I don't recall what inspired it but one day I sat down and actually listened to one of her albums. (I believe it was Court and Spark) After hearing that album I wanted to hear more. Soon thereafter I had listened to all of her albums from 1968 to 1976. Somewhere along the way I "got" her. One major draw is that her songs are so intimate and that she reveals so much of herself in her music. Blue is impressive from beginning to end and yet it's just one of several brilliant albums in her discography. I've got nothing negative to say about this one, it was wonderful. I wish I could discover more albums that are on this level.
5
Jun 16 2024
View Album
Another Green World
Brian Eno
I liked this more than I thought I would. While I don't know that I'd want to listen to this again, I enjoyed the run through of this album and actually listened to all of it.
3
Jun 17 2024
View Album
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
HARD pass.
1
Jun 18 2024
View Album
Blunderbuss
Jack White
I think what you get with Jack White is always going to be something that is at least going to be interesting. This was a solid outing and I really enjoyed it.
4
Jun 19 2024
View Album
Reign In Blood
Slayer
When this album popped up I was pretty sure that I was going to hate it. I was right.
1
Jun 20 2024
View Album
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Forty three songs and an hour+ of play time seemed a bit daunting at first but it wasn't too bad when split into two listening sessions. This might have been better as two albums instead of one. As is, this probably would have benefitted from some trimming but where to start? No songs really stood out as better than the others. None were great and none were bad, they all just kind of happened in that minute and a half to two minute time spans. Overall I liked the energy and the vibe and thought it was an enjoyable listen.
3
Jun 21 2024
View Album
Sheet Music
10cc
There's some truly awful stuff on this album and I couldn't make it through a complete song. I also really regret having Googled what 10cc means. Giving this a 2/5 is pretty darn generous.
2
Jun 22 2024
View Album
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Monk's sense of time and choppy style are a bit jarring and takes some getting used to, his music often sounds a bit off. I enjoy some Monk every now and then when the mood hits me but this wouldn't be my top choice. I enjoyed this overall especially when compared to a lot of the other dreck I've been getting lately. More jazz please!
3
Jun 23 2024
View Album
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
The singing and playing weren't all that great and this sounds more like a demo than an album but it sort of worked for me and I kind of enjoyed it.
3
Jun 24 2024
View Album
D
White Denim
This group and their work were totally unknown to me and now that I listened to this album, I don't know that I could identify what kind of music it is. It's unusual and would be difficult to pigeon-hole into a specific genre. I wasn't bored but it didn't really grab me either. Maybe this is one of those albums that would grow on you with repeated listens.
3
Jun 25 2024
View Album
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Funk lite? I didn't really find this album to be all that funky or interesting. There's nothing here that grabbed me enough to want to listen to a complete track. I had higher expectations and was disappointed.
2
Jun 26 2024
View Album
In It For The Money
Supergrass
I don't know how memorable this album was and I don't think any song will stick with me but I enjoyed listening my way through this. 3.5/5
3
Jun 27 2024
View Album
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
This is my third Kinks album. I think the Kinks belong on this list but THREE of their albums with possibly more to come?! I think the author's English point of view and bias are showing. (yet again) This wasn't great and it wasn't bad. It hits a nice spot and was a fun and enjoyable listen.
3
Jun 28 2024
View Album
Pornography
The Cure
This isn't something I'd seek out. It's a bit dark and not especially my kind of thing but this was alright. I'm thinking a 2.5/5 but I'll round up to a 3.
3
Jun 29 2024
View Album
I Should Coco
Supergrass
I had never heard of Supergrass and now I've been given two of their albums in only four days time. Either this is a better album or they're growing on me but I enjoyed this, it was a nice debut.
3
Jun 30 2024
View Album
Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Meh, kind of boring. This didn't do much for me and I've never been much of a Beach Boys fan so I'm not looking at this through those rose colored glasses. 2.5/5
2
Jul 01 2024
View Album
Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn was country with a capital "C" and this is the type of classic country that I would have heard growing up. Short and sweet, this was an easy listen and as much as I enjoyed the album, I don't think it reached 4 stars. 3.5/5
3
Jul 02 2024
View Album
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Wow, it's hard to believe that this album is 50+ years old! Elton John is at the top of his game and this release contains some of his biggest hits which are also among some of the best songs of the 70's. This album factored heavily in my younger days and it was a great re-visit and still pretty fresh. (Except maybe the way overplayed Candle In The Wind, I had to skip it.)
5
Jul 03 2024
View Album
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
This was OK. I can listen to Bowie without suffering but I don't think I would ever actively choose to listen or seek out his music. He's like a TV show you watch because it's on. It's OK but you don't especially like it but you don't dislike it enough that you turn off the TV.
3
Jul 04 2024
View Album
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
I'm looking past all of the band's background drama, bad attitudes and blatant song rip-offs (I detected T-Rex and classic Coke commercial rip-offs on this one) and I'm just going on the music alone. I can easily roll with this, it was good album. I'd definitely listen to this again.
4
Jul 05 2024
View Album
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Three of his big hits surrounded by pleasant enough songs. I don't know if the blues numbers really work for me, they sound a bit too sweet and refined. A solid 3/5
3
Jul 06 2024
View Album
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
I get the appeal but this genre of music is not for me at all.
2
Jul 07 2024
View Album
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
I'm not really a fan of her voice and the subject matter of many of her songs is a drag and not why I listen to music. My enjoyment level was at a 2-2.5 but somehow it seems better than my enjoyment level so on it's merits for what it is I'll be generous and give it a 3.
3
Jul 08 2024
View Album
Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
This sounds like the type of repetitive, same-sounding music that would be played over the PA system of a warm weather resort's lounge and gift shop for tourists.
2
Jul 09 2024
View Album
War
U2
I think that U2 is a good band and they've got some good songs but for whatever reason this band never really clicked with me. I can't give this album anything less than a 3 but my enjoyment level doesn't warrant a 4. It's an OK album but I wouldn't seek it out again.
3
Jul 10 2024
View Album
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
The Byrds with the addition of Gram Parsons was the perfect alchemy for this country rock classic. Parsons was one of the pioneers of country rock and sadly, through mis-adventure, left us way too soon. I love everything about this album and though Parsons had parted ways with the Byrds by the time this album was released I'm so thankful to have discovered him through this recording so I could explore his music even further. This is more a Gram Parsons album than it is the Byrds but nonetheless it's an important album and well deserves to be on this list.
5
Jul 11 2024
View Album
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Looking at this through 1968 lenses, this is a pretty solid album. It surprised me because I only knew this band through their hit "Time Of The Season" which was the last track. Every song that preceded it had a totally different vibe and sounded like a different band. It was all good and I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
3
Jul 12 2024
View Album
Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
This album is like a McDonald's of country music. You keep going back because you like it. It's not especially great but by no means is it bad. It's comfortable, pleasant and satisfying. I like Dwight Yoakam and I'm a sucker for the Bakersfield sound so I enjoyed this.
4
Jul 13 2024
View Album
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
I liked this one, it's a different vibe from what I recall of other Doors albums. It's more bluesy rock, simple and straightforward. I would like to have heard more in this vein.
4
Jul 14 2024
View Album
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
It was sort of fun but this wasn't my jam. I got bored with it and impatient for it to move along. It's not something I'd ever revisit. 2.5/5
2
Jul 15 2024
View Album
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Outstanding debut and fantastic vocal harmonies! Great stuff!
5
Jul 16 2024
View Album
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
I can't...
1
Jul 17 2024
View Album
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
This album was kind of fun. I liked the energy and the raw sound. On the minus side the vocals were annoying at times and sometimes when they put down a groove they would ride it hard until they beat it into the ground but overall it kind of won me over. I'm still going to remember this sound in the coming days, weeks, months and I'd listen to it again. For that I'll round up my initial rating of 2.5 to a 3.
3
Jul 18 2024
View Album
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
I think the hype behind Led Zeppelin has always exceeded my enjoyment of them. This album was bloated so it was a bit of a drag to get through it but there are a couple of classics here.
3
Jul 19 2024
View Album
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Aerosmith was one of my brother's favored groups so I got to know this album through him. I've always been kind of neutral on Aerosmith and while this album was decent, it doesn't rise to a 4 for me. Sweet Emotion is a banger though.
3
Jul 20 2024
View Album
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
She's got a great, soulful voice and did a great job executing so many popular covers making them her own. I'm more impressed than I thought I would be even though this type of thing isn't really my jam. Nice, but probably not a repeat listen.
3
Jul 21 2024
View Album
Signing Off
UB40
Pleasant enough background music. Once you heard one or two songs you've pretty much heard them all, reggae lends itself to sameness.
3
Jul 22 2024
View Album
Atomizer
Big Black
I can't think of any situation where I'd ever want to listen to this loud, abrasive noise.
1
Jul 23 2024
View Album
London Calling
The Clash
This was much more "friendly" and mainstream music than I remembered. I was expecting something more angry, loud and harsh. I liked it and I'd listen again. 3.5/5
3
Jul 24 2024
View Album
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
I think there was an error on the cover. It should have read "beef fart", an odious warning signal preceding the massive plop that was about to escape from just below a raised tail. I tried to find something to like during this unpleasant auditory assault and I was left wanting. The music was as off-putting as the cover.
1
Jul 25 2024
View Album
Third
Soft Machine
About half of this album was decent and kind of interesting and half, not so much. Therefore, 2.5/5.
2
Jul 26 2024
View Album
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
This band has one speed and that's full-on balls to the wall. I was on board at first but song after song the relentless pace becomes exhausting and everything starts sounding the same. Change it up a bit boys!
2
Jul 27 2024
View Album
Green
R.E.M.
There are some great songs here but also a considerable amount of meh. There are better R.E.M. albums.
3
Jul 28 2024
View Album
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder and this type of music have never really been my thing but I can easily recognize that this album was an accomplishment and while it's a bit too long, it's an enjoyable listen. I'd be remiss to give this anything less than a 4 even though it's not something I'd seek out.
4
Jul 29 2024
View Album
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I knew nothing about this band or it's music but had unknowingly heard one of the songs before. The vocalist sounded soft and girly throughout and reminded me of another singer or two that I can't recall just now. It was different and a pleasant listen that I'd probably neither seek out or reject in any way.
3
Jul 30 2024
View Album
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I've always liked Elvis Costello. His music covers a spectrum of genres - rock, pop, punk, new wave, country, etc. I like his songwriting, his distinctive voice and his delivery always adds another interesting element to the music. This album is among his best if not THE best. It makes me want to dig out his CDs.
5
Jul 31 2024
View Album
C'est Chic
CHIC
There are some nice grooves but this is a very uneven listen. Most of the songs get rolling and then don't go anywhere. I remember even being disappointed with this release back in the day. More a dance album than a listening album.
2
Aug 01 2024
View Album
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
This is the only Stevie Wonder release I ever purchased. (cassette!) I lent it to a "friend" and never got it back. Good album and an enjoyable listen.
3
Aug 02 2024
View Album
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
I love jazz and I love Miles Davis but I didn't love this. I'd be perfectly happy skipping this phase of Davis' career.
1
Aug 03 2024
View Album
Dummy
Portishead
I dig the overall vibe but this album has almost zero range. All of the songs sound the same! This group would work better for me in a mix with other songs and artists.
3
Aug 04 2024
View Album
Amnesiac
Radiohead
Underwhelming. I'm not feeling the overall tone and vibe of this album. There are some moments but nothing that would make me want to listen again.
2
Aug 05 2024
View Album
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
What?! There's such a thing as rap without excessive profanity, misogyny, violent themes and anger?! This album is a lot of fun but it starts to sound same-y and repetitive pretty quickly.
3
Aug 06 2024
View Album
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Rap is just not my thing but this album was better than most of the rap I've heard here so far. I'm thinking 2.5/5 but I'll round up because I liked this more than I thought I would. {But wouldn't choose to listen to this on my own.}
3
Aug 07 2024
View Album
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Not bad, definitely not great. Rod brings me back to the 70's and that's not a bad time to visit.
3
Aug 08 2024
View Album
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
She's got a great voice and is known as the Queen of Soul. This album doesn't do anything to make me think differently.
4
Aug 09 2024
View Album
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
I like his flow. This was one of the better entries amongst the over-represented genre of rap/hip-hop on this list. I don't really like rap but I could listen to this.
3
Aug 10 2024
View Album
1999
Prince
As a Minnesotan who wasn't aged out of Prince's music when it came out I feel like I'm kind of obligated to be a Prince fan but I've never been more than ambivalent about him. (I don't own a single one of his recordings.) I recognize that he was a great talent but there were a lot of times I found it difficult to take him seriously. This album was hot and not so hot but it was OK overall.
3
Aug 11 2024
View Album
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams was totally new to me and after hearing the first song (following the studio chatter) I was thinking all right... I can get on board with this. Then what followed was a glut of quiet, low-key songs that were so similar in tone and vibe that they were pretty much indistinguishable from one another. There were only 2 upbeat songs out of 15 and I think this album needed more for a better balance and to make it more interesting. Even so, none of the songs were really bad in and of themselves and this was a pleasant though unmemorable listen.
3
Aug 12 2024
View Album
Kenya
Machito
I'm a big jazz fan but I'm generally not a fan of large ensemble/orchestra recordings. The soloists were the most interesting part for me but their time was very short. This was OK but not a flavor of jazz I would return to very often if at all.
3
Aug 13 2024
View Album
Low
David Bowie
I wasn't connecting with this and what's with all the instrumentals? This album gives me a forgettable soundtrack vibe.
2
Aug 14 2024
View Album
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
A bunch of songs in need of a singer and lyrics. "Aladdin's Story", for one, isn't telling much of a story without any words now is it? Something about the sound made me want to like this but it didn't quite make it.
2
Aug 15 2024
View Album
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
I like country music but modern country just isn't my thing. This was basic, bland. boring and there's nothing here I'd want to hear again.
2
Aug 16 2024
View Album
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
The awesome cover art deserved a better album. This was pretty cheesy and definitely an 80's sound. "Spanish Dancer" and "While You See A Chance" were pretty good but they weren't enough to save this one. 2.5/5
2
Aug 17 2024
View Album
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I love the imagery, the word play and the story telling in his lyrics. While Ballad of a Thin Man wasn't a favorite, I like that I could put this on and enjoy the whole album. I love classic Dylan and this is just one of many.
5
Aug 18 2024
View Album
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
The front of this album is stronger than the back but overall this was OK.
3
Aug 19 2024
View Album
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Multiple decade-defining hits which just scream the 80's. This album was upbeat and fun. 3.5/5 I'll round up for Cyndi's spirit and energy and because this was such a strong debut album.
4
Aug 20 2024
View Album
Mothership Connection
Parliament
I doubt I'd ever come back to this but it was a FUN-ky listen.
3
Aug 21 2024
View Album
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
The sound quality wasn't all that great but Cheap Trick rocked! This album surprised me, I wasn't much of a Cheap Trick fan but I ended up liking this a lot better than I thought I would! I'd definitely listen to this again.
4
Aug 22 2024
View Album
The Visitors
ABBA
I was vibing on the title track but the album lost me after that - nothing else really captured my interest.
2
Aug 23 2024
View Album
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
This album is kind of like an aural coma. I can understand wanting to create a cohesive feel for an album but man, the consistent atmospheric, melancholy, low-key vibe for EVERY SINGLE SONG becomes a real drag and is really boring after a while. I hated the Hank Williams and Patsy Cline covers. Sweet Jane is easily the best song on the album. The mellow vibe and the singer's voice suited the song very well. It wasn't horrible overall and it was well executed for what it is but I have no desire to hear it again.
2
Aug 24 2024
View Album
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
There are some decent tunes on here which seem to demand that this album is better than a 2 but overall I think it's barely a 3.
3
Aug 25 2024
View Album
Stripped
Christina Aguilera
The girl has soul and she can definitely sing but her throaty growls and other vocal gymnastics rub me the wrong way. This album is way too long and it's just not my thing. Some of the songs are OK but there's nothing here that would make me want to come back. I can't hear "Beautiful" without thinking of Damian in "Mean Girls". : D
2
Aug 26 2024
View Album
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Buckley's performances were so overly sincere and earnest that they almost seemed like satire. It had the unintended effect of me not being able to take him too seriously because I obviously wasn't feeling what he was feeling. Every now and then I'd catch a spark of something that was kind of interesting but for the most part this was a drag to listen to.
2
Aug 27 2024
View Album
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
I could easily get on board with some of this stuff and not so much with other parts. Overall it was OK+.
3
Aug 28 2024
View Album
The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
I kept looking for a reason to give this album a score higher than a 1 but I couldn't find one.
1
Aug 29 2024
View Album
Hotel California
Eagles
I never owned this album but remember it being really popular back in the day. Though I am very familiar with several of the songs, this is actually the first time I ever sat down and listened to this album from front to back. Side 1 bangs and side 2 is just OK/OK+ which pretty much sums up how I feel about the Eagles.
4
Aug 30 2024
View Album
A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
I didn't hate it but it's definitely not my thing. I would never choose to listen to this.
2
Aug 31 2024
View Album
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
I'm not really a jazz fusion fan but this worked for me. It toes the line where I could still listen to it and enjoy it whereas something like Bitches Brew goes way over the edge and to me, is unlistenable despite multiple tries. I could see revisiting this but I would reach for several other Miles recordings before this one.
4
Sep 01 2024
View Album
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Most, if not all of the songs on this album are of the same tone but they were pleasant, easy to listen to and I like her voice.
4
Sep 02 2024
View Album
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
What does the album name or cover art have to do with each other or with anything contained therein? It would seem to me that this album was less about a genuine or meaningful musical expression and more about an intentional effort at being non-conventional and at forcing a reaction of some kind from the audience. My reaction was negative.
1
Sep 03 2024
View Album
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
This album lost me with the misogyny and the threat of violence against women in the very first track. I didn't need to listen to any more, I knew what was in store for me. No thanks.
1
Sep 04 2024
View Album
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
It's angry, it's interesting and it ROCKS! Banger grooves!
4
Sep 05 2024
View Album
Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
I didn't dislike this but at the same time, I didn't find it very interesting and wouldn't look for a repeat listen. I couldn't help but think throughout that the lead singer was a Lou Reed wannabe. 2.5/5
2
Sep 06 2024
View Album
Leftism
Leftfield
I might like this if I was a young club-kid high on X. The music is so
mind-numbingly repetitive and predictable that it quickly gets annoying and ultimately, boring. This is music to dance to, not listen to. 1.5/5
1
Sep 07 2024
View Album
Aja
Steely Dan
Aja is nothing short of masterful! Along with Fagen and Becker, it was performed with some of the top session musicians in the business which resulted in this widely-respected classic. One of my all time favorites!
5
Sep 08 2024
View Album
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
This group was totally new to me. The album was consistently interesting, kind of different and I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
3
Sep 09 2024
View Album
A Northern Soul
The Verve
I knew of The Verve but didn't know what to expect on this album. I liked the drumming and the fuzzy, distorted guitar work. Cutting out 2-3 songs would have made this a stronger album but I enjoyed it.
3
Sep 10 2024
View Album
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
There are artists who play a big part in the soundtrack to one's teen years and Elton John was one of mine. This album has two huge hits but there are still better Elton albums out there. 3.5/5
3
Sep 11 2024
View Album
Eagles
Eagles
This album runs either hot or cold. There are the three big hits we all know from the ubiquitous radio play and then there's the rest. There is such a disparity in the quality of the hits vs. the rest of the songs that it almost seems like two different bands or songs recorded at widely different points in the band's career. In the balance, this was just OK. If I ever feel like some Eagles I'll stick with their greatest hits. They're not a deep cuts band for me.
3
Sep 12 2024
View Album
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Skipped the first song 30 seconds in. Subtracted a star for every time I heard "bitch" in the second song and quickly ran out of stars. I couldn't listen to the rest.
1
Sep 13 2024
View Album
Mott
Mott The Hoople
My initial impression was that this album sounded dated, non-American and that this was a B-tier band but I kind of liked it. It was a fun listen and I could imagine myself in a mood to hear it again.
3
Sep 14 2024
View Album
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
I knew Bang A Gong but nothing else of T. Rex. I really liked Lean Woman Blues. The Motivator was so close to Bang A Gong that it would justifiably result in a copyright suit if it were written/recorded by someone else. Speaking of rip off, Rip Off should have been left off the album. It was an ill fit and not very good. Overall I liked his guitar sound. My expectations weren't high but I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. 3.5/5
3
Sep 15 2024
View Album
The Libertines
The Libertines
Enjoyed it. A pretty solid 3.
3
Sep 16 2024
View Album
Abraxas
Santana
Great guitar/organ/percussion sound and I was into the vibe. This would have been awesome to see/hear performed live.
4
Sep 17 2024
View Album
25
Adele
Adele is definitely a gifted singer. I love her lower register. I didn't have a problem sitting through this album but it was kind of boring and it's not my kind of thing. This isn't anything I would seek out on my own.
3
Sep 18 2024
View Album
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This is among my favorite albums of all time and is definitely one of Costello's best. Interesting writing/lyrics, interesting singing, interesting songs, interesting variety, interesting cover art. It's a classic!
5
Sep 19 2024
View Album
Rubber Soul
Beatles
Considering the wealth of dreck and mediocrity served up here, giving Rubber Soul five stars was a no-brainer and justifiably so. It belongs on this list and it's among the Beatles best.
5
Sep 20 2024
View Album
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Very nice guitar playing. I liked the simplicity of just voice and guitar, it was chill and relaxing. 3.75/5
4
Sep 21 2024
View Album
L.A. Woman
The Doors
I always found Jim Morrison's troubled persona to be more interesting than the band itself. The Doors had some great songs but their big picture didn't move me to become a big fan. This was just OK.
3
Sep 22 2024
View Album
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Meh... kind of dull and boring. Not a whole lot of range here, everything was sonically the same. 2.5/5
2
Sep 23 2024
View Album
Station To Station
David Bowie
This is my FIFTH David Bowie album! How many more are they going to throw at me? There's no doubt that he should appear somewhere among the 1001 albums but FIVE albums worth?! I'm not so sure... This was definitely better than a 2 but wasn't consistently interesting enough to give it a 4.
3.5/5 An enjoyable listen.
3
Sep 24 2024
View Album
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
When I first started listening I thought I might be listening to Green Day so I could definitely hear the Pistols influence on that band. I went into this thinking I wasn't going to like it at all but I was wrong. This album rocks! I enjoyed it so much I had to listen to it twice!
4
Sep 25 2024
View Album
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
The only thing that saved this from being a one star album is that I liked the rap/flow skill, I just didn't like what they did with it. The lyrics were off-putting from the start and there was nothing else there for me. 1.75/5
2
Sep 26 2024
View Album
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
I'm not especially a fan of concept albums. This one made for a pleasant enough listen but not so pleasant that it made much of an impression on me or would inspire me to want to seek it out again.
3
Sep 27 2024
View Album
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Overall I like Wilco's sound and their vibe. I wasn't really feeling it the first time around but it fared better on the second listen. There's a couple of Wil-no's in there. Good enough to make me want to hear more from them. 3.5/5
3
Sep 28 2024
View Album
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Very chill and relaxing. I've always liked Stan Getz, a tenor sax player heavily influenced by a favorite, Lester Young. Astrid Gilberto's vocals couldn't be more charming. Joao's vocals and guitar playing are very effective as well. I feel like I should be drinking a cocktail while listening to this. A classic.
5
Sep 29 2024
View Album
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I knew the song Cinnamon Girl but the rest of this album was new to me. I enjoyed it. I got lost (in a good way) in Down By The River. Awesome vibe. I think this album would grow on you the more you listened to it. 3.75/5
4
Sep 30 2024
View Album
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
I don't know that I could listen to this frequently but when I did, I would enjoy it. Drake's voice is very soothing and his music is relaxing and mellow. His music sounds great when produced with strings or other instruments but it would sound just as good if not better if it were just Drake singing accompanied by his guitar. 4.5/5
5
Oct 01 2024
View Album
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
I listened to this on my morning walk and was shocked when my walking app announced that I had walked 2 miles. I thought I had another lap around the pond to hit that mark. I was so caught up in the music that it made me forget walking about half a mile! That's saying something. This album is a bit uneven and maybe a bit bloated but Hendrix's undeniable talent is on full display and I like blues based rock so I enjoyed it. I'm feeling a 4.5 and more inclined to round up than down.
5
Oct 02 2024
View Album
Pelican West
Haircut 100
This band had some playing chops. I like that they had brass and I was digging the bass. The music is bright and fun but not especially my thing. A lot was same-sounding. All I could think of while listening was '80's MTV.
3
Oct 03 2024
View Album
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
This one didn't really win me over but it was OK.
3
Oct 04 2024
View Album
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I was ready to exit off of this Autobahn after the first two minutes. Unfortunately I had to endure 8 more minutes for the track 1 journey to be over only to find that track 2 was 10 more minutes of the Autobahn that Kraftwerk apparently wasn't able to wrap up in the prior 10 minutes. I guess you can't hear "Wir fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn" too many times. I'd like to think that Germany has better to offer than this but the author of this project didn't find it in this album.
1
Oct 05 2024
View Album
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
In the world of rap it's so refreshing to hear something that's not all profanities, anger, violence and misogyny. Rap is not my thing but I still enjoyed this album despite it starting to sound the same after a while. 3.5/5
3
Oct 06 2024
View Album
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I'll never deny that Prince was a huge talent but I've never been more than ambivalent about him. My impression of this album was that it was self-indulgent, bloated and for the most part, meh. OK at best.
3
Oct 07 2024
View Album
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Why are there so many electronica albums on this list? No one NEEDS to hear this much electronica, if any at all. A 2-star album by virtue of me not liking it vs. absolutely hating it.
2
Oct 08 2024
View Album
Thriller
Michael Jackson
How do I rate this? In the pop world this album was a huge phenomenon with multiple bangers so it deserves 5 stars and to be on a list of albums you should hear but do I WANT to listen to it? Not really. It was an OK listen and I don't mind hearing anything from this album inadvertently (except maybe the improbable and mawkish, "The Girl Is Mine") but I would never choose to listen to this on my own.
3
Oct 09 2024
View Album
Vulnicura
Björk
I like Bjork's voice and I thought this was nice overall but there wasn't much there that would differentiate one song from another. While listening I couldn't help but think that it sounded like something a dance company would do interpretive dance to.
3
Oct 10 2024
View Album
Heroes
David Bowie
The author definitely has a thing for David Bowie, this is my SIXTH Bowie album. "Heroes" is iconic and my favorite Bowie tune and it's easily the best song on here. The first half of the album wasn't bad but the second half lost me. Did they run out of songs so they decided to pad the album with forgettable instrumentals? 2.5/5 with Heroes pulling it up to a 3.
3
Oct 11 2024
View Album
In Our Heads
Hot Chip
The fact that this is an electronica album and I didn't hate it is no small achievement. It was an OK listen but there's nothing here that would compel me to want to listen to it again.
3
Oct 12 2024
View Album
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
I never liked Dire Straits and by never liked I mean something that approaches hate. Almost everything about them was annoying. I didn't like the 80's sound - the guitar sound, the organ/synthesizer sound, Knopfler's voice, the band's looks and moves in their videos, Knopfler's stupid headband. I HATED Money For Nothing and hated the video even more. I didn't like any of their hits which only got worse the more they were played. Hard pass, change the station, I don't want to hear them.
1
Oct 13 2024
View Album
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
A lovely talent but this was not my jam and I wouldn't seek this out again.
2
Oct 14 2024
View Album
Smile
Brian Wilson
I always thought that the Beach Boys were a one-trick pony and other than a handful of songs, I wasn't really a fan. Despite all of the accolades this album seems to receive and even though no one else in the band was involved, it sounds like a boring, B-sides Beach Boys album with some real turds on it. It didn't make me smile.
2
Oct 15 2024
View Album
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
This is the first time I've ever listened to the Foo Fighters though I've known of them. I could get on board with this, I enjoyed it. I'm probably closer to a 3.5 but I'll round up to 4.
4
Oct 16 2024
View Album
The Yes Album
Yes
Meh. Didn't hate it, didn't love it.
3
Oct 17 2024
View Album
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
In my book, this is one of their top 3 albums when the Stones were hitting their peak in the late 60's and early 70's. (The others being Sticky Fingers and Let It Bleed) It's a bit long but still surprisingly solid, consistent and enjoyable.
4
Oct 18 2024
View Album
Like Water For Chocolate
Common
I didn't hate it but I didn't like it either. Rap is just not my thing. I got bored with this very quickly.
2
Oct 19 2024
View Album
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Enjoyed it, would listen again.
4
Oct 20 2024
View Album
Chris
Christine and the Queens
Generic, bland, 80's-style electronic pop. (Two or three albums worth!) The songs were too routinely unremarkable to warrant such a long album. It's not my thing but it's innocuous enough to save it from being a 1.
2
Oct 21 2024
View Album
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
A nice surprise, I liked this more than I thought I would. I think the vocals needed to be more prominent in the mix. At times the jam/groove got a bit long, repetitive and kind of self indulgent which prevents me from rounding up. 3.5/5
3
Oct 22 2024
View Album
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
This is the Elvis that the Beatles would have listened to and wanted to emulate when they were still trying to make a name for themselves. Elvis was OK as was this album but I've never been much of a fan.
3
Oct 23 2024
View Album
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Why haven't I heard of this band before? I guess it's because this stuff isn't really hit material. It's a bit uneven, there's nothing too deep and the sound quality is pretty bad but I kind of enjoyed it and would give it another listen.
2.75/5
3
Oct 24 2024
View Album
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I was disappointed right off the bat to discover that this wasn't a blues rock album. There were a few things here and there that weren't devoid of merit but as a whole, I didn't like this and wouldn't want to hear it again.
2
Oct 25 2024
View Album
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Jazz perfection. Impeccable vibe. There's nothing one could add to or take away from the performances on this album without diminishing them. It's lightning caught in a bottle and a monumental recording by legendary musicians. I'm 365 albums into this project and this was the easiest 5-star rating I've given. One of my all-time favorite albums amongst all genres.
5
Oct 26 2024
View Album
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
I had never heard of the band or the album so I had no idea what to expect. I ended up enjoying it so I listened to it a second time. It's not particularly memorable music but it's hitting me right. I like the dreamy, gaze off into the distance quality of it and the distinct 80's vibe. Enjoyable background music that I'd listen to again. 3.75/5
4
Oct 27 2024
View Album
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
The lead singer kind of sucks and the band is kind of rough but that's maybe what they are going for. They're not not my thing but I wouldn't ever see myself seeking this out. 2.5/5
2
Oct 28 2024
View Album
Solid Air
John Martyn
I enjoyed this. At times his enunciation was mushy and slurred and like most artists, there were one or two songs that weren't my favorites but I liked this and thought it had nice variety and cohesiveness. I'd happily listen to this again.
4
Oct 29 2024
View Album
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
This is the only Michael Jackson album I ever owned. It was huge back in the day but it's definitely a product of it's time and nothing that I'm interested in any longer. The most impactful song -She's Out Of My Life.
3
Oct 30 2024
View Album
Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
I liked and enjoyed it but it didn't rise to the level of something I would seek out. If I were present and someone threw it on I'd be content to listen again. Very OK.
3
Oct 31 2024
View Album
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
It's always disappointing when stuff like this comes up. I didn't like it but I allowed 2 stars because I didn't absolutely hate it.
2
Nov 01 2024
View Album
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Great bass and great drumming! This was a bit too long for me but I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
3
Nov 02 2024
View Album
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
I think I would have been more appreciative of this back when it came out but it lacks whatever quality that would make me want to seek any of this out today. Still, it was an enjoyable listen and a pretty solid 3.
3
Nov 03 2024
View Album
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Like I said with the previous Deep Purple album, I think the teen me would have liked this album more than the current me. I'm getting the vibe that this band's concerts were most likely sausage fests with a lot of attendees smoking weed and driving vans with a mattress in the back. 2.5/5
2
Nov 04 2024
View Album
Purple Rain
Prince
While I greatly admire his talent, Prince's music never really captured my fancy. If he were singing the title track most people would be getting into it, swaying and holding up their lighters but I'd be standing there going, "WTF is purple rain?". Still, this is a good one and it's even better when viewed in context with the movie. It's not especially my jam but I can't deny that there's some great bangers on this album and it's probably Prince's best.
4
Nov 05 2024
View Album
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Nearly 70 years old! Simple, basic rock and roll and an enjoyable listen.
3
Nov 06 2024
View Album
Crazysexycool
TLC
"Sexy"-Interlude? WTF?! This kind of music holds no interest for me and I would never seek this out. I didn't hate it and it wasn't horrible but doesn't reach a 3 for me. 2.5/5
2
Nov 07 2024
View Album
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
I like country and bluegrass so I enjoyed this. It was a cool concept which resulted in a wonderful recording documenting important artists in the genre. It was a lot to take in for one sitting so I had to break this one up a bit.
4
Nov 08 2024
View Album
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
While listening to this all I could think of was that this sounds like some crappy local band who had just enough juice to be popular on the local bar/bowling alley circuit and who peaked when they went on a tour of more bars and bowling alleys four or five towns over.
2
Nov 09 2024
View Album
Frank
Amy Winehouse
This one was interesting because I've never listened to Winehouse before and have maybe only ever heard one or two of her songs. She's definitely got a sense of soul and jazziness to her singing approach. She would have done justice to an album of traditional standards. This album was a different animal with many signals of the dark path that lie ahead of her. I don't know that I would seek this out but it was an enjoyable listen and I wouldn't object to hearing it again.
3
Nov 10 2024
View Album
Drunk
Thundercat
I kept searching for something that I enjoyed on this album but I couldn't find it. The songs were pretty underwhelming, bland and they sounded too much alike.
1
Nov 11 2024
View Album
One World
John Martyn
I didn't dislike it but I didn't especially like it either. His sludgy enunciation is distracting. I would be more interested in something more acoustic and less pop-leaning. 2.5/5
2
Nov 12 2024
View Album
Be
Common
I'm not a rap fan but as far as rap albums go, this was actually tolerable. For me to give a rap album a 2.5/5 would be like giving a different kind of album a 4.
2
Nov 13 2024
View Album
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
The electric jug may be one of the most notable things about this album but it was distracting and super annoying. It wears out it's welcome very quickly making this short 34 minute album seem much longer. The psychedelic vibe was nostalgic for me which saved this one from being a 1.
2
Nov 14 2024
View Album
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
I had never heard of Paul Weller so I went into this open with no preconceptions. I found it to be a solid effort, an easy listen and I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
3
Nov 15 2024
View Album
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
I love the guitar work on Solsbury Hill which is really the only notable track on this whole album. The songs are all over the place. There's no sense of direction or cohesion and more than once, the songs left me puzzled. I was surprised at how much Gabriel and Phil Collins sound alike. A one and done for me but I'll listen to that hit single again. 2.5/5
2
Nov 16 2024
View Album
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Big band isn't my favorite flavor of jazz but this had some tasty moments on it and the musicians were impeccable. Paul Gonsalves was an obvious standout for his lengthy solo on the final song. It's too bad that the recording quality was so rough, it took me out of the performances. I guess for a live outdoor recording 68 years ago it's understandable. 3.5/5
3
Nov 17 2024
View Album
Goo
Sonic Youth
Outside of the portions of songs that were just noise, I enjoyed this and liked their energy. 3.25/5
3
Nov 18 2024
View Album
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
I don't dislike Sheryl Crow but this album isn't something that I would ever seek out. There's something about her voice that pushes me a bit more than it pulls me and the hit single was overplayed/played out. 2.75/5
3
Nov 19 2024
View Album
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
CCR has always run hot and cold for me and this album was no exception. "Penthouse Pauper" was a pleasant surprise and was my favorite song on the album. After hearing "Proud Mary" umpteen times over the course of my life I wouldn't care if I never heard it again. Averaging out the highs and lows this is a 3/5.
3
Nov 20 2024
View Album
Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
There were a couple of cool beat drops but this is not my thing and it would never be more than background music which wasn't all that interesting.
2
Nov 21 2024
View Album
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
There's a tiny part of me that wanted to give this a 3 but the album was just too long and there was nothing here that interested me enough to listen past the two minute mark of any song and at times, it was even difficult to listen for that long. This was just OK at best. 2.5/5
2