682
Albums Rated
2.71
Average Rating
63%
Complete
407 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
32
5-Star Albums
55
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
|
5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
|
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
|
War
U2
|
5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
|
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Moving Pictures
Rush
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
|
5 | 3.6 | +1.4 |
|
Van Halen
Van Halen
|
5 | 3.63 | +1.37 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
|
1 | 3.7 | -2.7 |
|
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
American Pie
Don McLean
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
|
1 | 3.23 | -2.23 |
|
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
|
Close To You
Carpenters
|
1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
|
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
1 | 3.08 | -2.08 |
|
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
|
1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
|
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.6 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.5 |
| U2 | 3 | 4.67 |
| Grateful Dead | 2 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 5 | 4.2 |
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.25 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.33 |
| Beatles | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 1.67 |
| Leonard Cohen | 3 | 1.67 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 1.67 |
| Barry Adamson | 2 | 1.5 |
| Björk | 2 | 1.5 |
| Joni Mitchell | 3 | 2 |
| Dexys Midnight Runners | 3 | 2 |
| The Kinks | 4 | 2.25 |
| Tom Waits | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Bruce Springsteen | 3, 4, 1 |
5-Star Albums (32)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
AC/DC · 28 likes
5/5
The award for - Best recovery from a dead lead singer - goes to AC/DC Back in Black.
Ute Lemper · 2 likes
1/5
There’s been a lot of garbage on this list. But this is the worst cabaret cruise ship shit I’ve heard in a long long time. Embarrassing that it would be on this list.
Joni Mitchell · 1 likes
2/5
This wasn’t terrible but it’s not for me. Something about her style or voice just makes every song sound the same. Needs to throw a chorus in every once in a while. 2.5
Mj Cole · 1 likes
1/5
Why???
The Boo Radleys · 1 likes
3/5
This wasn’t bad and could have been on any 90s playlist of mine. But I don’t get why it’s in the list.
4-Star Albums (83)
1-Star Albums (55)
All Ratings
Funkadelic
3/5
Listened 11/3/23. Long time favorite.
The Doors
4/5
Just short of 5 stars. Not sure what else it could do. 4.75 Excellent.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Solid 4.5.
Joan Armatrading
2/5
This didn’t hurt to listen to but it’s not my thing. Glad to now know who Joan Armatrading is. Great voice. Wouldn’t turn it off if I was forced to listen to again. But wouldn’t choose to listen to it.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
All time classic
Pink Floyd
5/5
Masterpiece. One of the best albums ever made.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Iconic album. Importance in musical history cannot be understated. Run DMC. Beastie Boys and LL Cool J kicked off the new era of rap. But the fall off on songs after the first four is too great. Happy to listen to a few songs again here and there. But wouldn’t choose to listen to entire album if I had the choice. 2.3
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
One of the best debut albums ever. Incredible how many hits.
Pink Floyd
3/5
This isn’t my favorite Floyd. Understand its place and significance in psychedelics music, but it’s not super easy listening for me. But nice to where they started, with Syd.
Girls Against Boys
1/5
Not sure what purpose this album serves in the grand scheme. Plenty of better examples of this post hardcore early 90s scene. Would rather never listen to again. 1.5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
A few massive tunes for the Stones and really the album where they started to carve out their own style, but overall average album, especially given their catalog. 3.5
Miles Davis
2/5
Just not for me. Would probably be amazing live.
Sebadoh
3/5
This could have been a part of my mid 1990s playlist. Not great. But pretty good. 3.0
David Ackles
2/5
Felt like I was stuck in a broadway play. Every song sounded the same. Wasn’t horrible. But glad it’s over.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Just like Pipers, this just isn’t my thing. 2.5
Taylor Swift
3/5
As good as modern pop is going to get for me. Years of listening to the Ryan Adams version helps a lot. 3.75
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Easy 5. Opens with one of the best songs ever. Then classic Stones tune after classic Stones tune. Blues. Country. Rock. Closes out with one of the all time great rock anthems.
Eminem
2/5
Not his best album. The next two he made were much better start to finish. This one made the list because of one hit song. Last 8-10 tracks all sound the same. 2.75
Big Star
3/5
I think this one could grow on my with a few more listens. Not outstanding. But I enjoyed my second run through and could listen again.
Belle & Sebastian
1/5
Not my thing. Awful.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Pure 1970s sex music.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I don’t get what all the fuss is about. Going with a 3 because it’s definitely not terrible. But it doesn’t live up to all the hype either. I need to listen a few more times to see if it will start to hit better / differently. 3.25
Morrissey
3/5
Solid album. Happy to listen to whenever. Didn’t blow me away, but 3-4 solid tunes and the rest is fine. 3.75
Gene Clark
2/5
Wasn’t completely horrible. But I’d rather not listen again given the choice. Had maybe one or two songs that were ok. Never was a Byrds fan, and this follows suit.
Kanye West
3/5
Great intro to Kayne. I knew a few hits, but this is my first deep dive into an album. Having a son that loves his music made this more fun for me. Almost a 4, but just won’t be something I pull up and listen to as often as would a 4. 3.75.
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
Not bad. Just all sounds the same. Early 60s rockabilly isn’t my thing. 2.75
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
This album came along at the right time for me in my early 20s. Hard. Powerful. In your face. I disagree with some of their politics, but can look past that to the greatness that is the album as a whole.
AC/DC
5/5
The award for - Best recovery from a dead lead singer - goes to AC/DC Back in Black.
Lou Reed
3/5
A few solid songs. Lyrics way ahead of their time. Would be happy to give it a few more spins over time.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
1/5
Rambling’ is the right word. 1950’s country / folk is not for me.
David Bowie
3/5
This album lies right between my two favorite Bowie periods. Solid album, but far from his best, since he sets the bar so high with some of his others. 3.75
Kraftwerk
2/5
This was almost a 3 but not quite there. Not sure I’d choose to listen to this. Maybe one or two songs. 2.75
Culture Club
1/5
As it turns out, 40 years doesn’t change a thing. I hated this in 1983 and still hate it in 2023.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Solid early 80’s post punk. With another big song or two, could have been a little higher rating. 3.75
The Replacements
4/5
One of the best albums of the 1980s. Westerburg’s voice is iconic. Seems like a soundtrack to a specific time period.
Foo Fighters
3/5
Great debut album. Several massive hits. Falls off a bit in the second half. Starts to sound all alike. 3.50
Various Artists
3/5
Great Christmas album. Includes a few songs I consider the definitive versions like I Saw Mommy Kissing SC and Frosty the Snowman. Enjoyed it.
10cc
1/5
Awful. Why is this on the list??
Orbital
1/5
Why???
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Enjoyed this one. Didn’t blow me away. No song really jumps out as great, but a solid album. Will listen again.
Metallica
2/5
I get it. James Hetfield can play guitar really fast. Outside of One, which is a pretty great song, everything just sounds the same. 2.75
Deep Purple
2/5
Good early 70s metal. Respect what they did. Not my thing. 2.75
Sugar
3/5
Great album. Will likely send me down a Bob Mould rabbit hole. 3.75
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Never was a huge fan even though I loved the genre but this first album actually appeals to me. Way more punk than her later music. Lots of seeds of the British post punk movement in there as well. Heard some early Cure sounds. 3.0
Beatles
4/5
There enough grade A songs in this album to make a 5 start album. But there’s also enough general fucking around by the Beatles with songs that sound like they should be on a kids album that it knocks it back just a tiny bit. 4.75
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Solid. Enjoyed that and dove into a little more TCQ over the weekend.
3/5
Need a few more listens. It’s growing on me. A bit brooding at times. But I think I could like it with a little more time.
The Vines
3/5
Sounds like the early 2000s. Every band from that era. Not terrible. Just not original.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Solid metal. Not my thing, but I respect their place. The music is outstanding for metal. The voice is ok.
Machito
3/5
Fun. Sounds like music that was on the movies in late 50s and 60s. Like in a James Bond scene in Africa or the islands.
Miles Davis
2/5
Jazz isn’t my thing. But this wasn’t awful. I could listen in background of an event and not be turned off. But wouldn’t choose it on my own. 2.5
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
I’m just not a S&G fan.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
This wasn’t terrible but it’s not for me. Something about her style or voice just makes every song sound the same. Needs to throw a chorus in every once in a while. 2.5
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Glad I got to listen to this one. Have heard about these guys forever. Played at Woodstock. Good old 60’s psychedelic blues. Reminiscent of early Pigpen days of the Dead.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Good start. Not great. But pretty good.
5/5
Maybe the biggest album of my high school era. Remember where I was when it was released. Consumed me until I saw the final show of the JT tour that December at Hampton. 5
Dire Straits
4/5
Solid from start to finish.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Still have some work to do to complete this 4 album box set, but going to move on anyway. Classic voice. Classic songs. Going to change up my rating scale slightly. While I wouldn’t choose to put this one on again on my own, I respect it all too much to give less than a 3. It’s really good for what it is.
The Kinks
2/5
I enjoy later Kinks but this was bubble gum 1960s crap like early Beatles and Beach Boys. 2.75
The National
3/5
Enjoyed that a lot. Will definitely listen to more from The National. 3.5
Prince
4/5
Opens strong. First three songs are 5+. Levels off after that to a solid 4 at best.
R.E.M.
4/5
Really enjoyed that trip down memory lane. This album always felt like the start of REM chapter 2 for me. There’s some gems that remind me of chapter 1, but then there’s Pop Song 89, Stand and Orange Crush that definitely lead the way into the new phase, which wasn’t my favorite.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
What if Thom Yorke went the singer / songwriter route instead?? This got worse for me the second time through. Just not sure what he’s going for here.
Bauhaus
2/5
I dig some early Bauhaus but this wasn’t it.
Deep Purple
2/5
Deep Purple isn’t my thing. Appreciate what they were doing in their era, but I’ve heard Smoke on the Water enough. Just not my thing.
Fugees
4/5
Lauren Hill is clearly the best female rapper ever. Whole vibe of this album is great. So unique.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Never knew Janis was in a band before she was solo. Had heard of BB&THC before. But didn’t know anything about them. Wouldn’t listen to this over and over. By wasn’t bad.
SAULT
1/5
Awful.
Nirvana
4/5
Iconic album. 4.5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Decent Dylan for 1987.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Great voice. Just not my thing. Son of a Preacher Man is really good.
Pixies
3/5
Really enjoyed this one on my second play through even more than the first. Really tough debate whether or not to go 4. Ultimately it’s a 3.75 for me. Definitely hear a lot of what early Nirvana was influenced by.
Prince
3/5
Three or four really good songs keep this from being a 2. But it’s barely a 3. Definitely not his best work on my opinion.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Not bad. His voice gets a little old after while, but I like the album and KoL in short spurts. Good to hear what they sounded like before their Sex caught Fire.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Dig the music. The singing isn’t my thing.
The Clash
5/5
Masterpiece. The Clash at their best. Punk, Reggae, Rock, back to punk. This album is great from start to finish.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Dolly is a legend. She has a beautiful country voice. But almost every song sounds just the same. And I’ve never heard someone sing about their momma so much. Just not my style / thing.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
Everything from 1965 & 1966 sounds the same. The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks, Paul Revere, The Beach Boys……they all had the same sound and same formula. Glad they all found drugs and a different path in the years to come. This wasn’t bad, but just more of the same from that era. 2.75
3/5
Not bad. A few gems like Animal Zoo. Interesting history with Led Zep. Super soft 3.
Elis Regina
2/5
Elis Regina has a beautiful voice, and will be my go to when I need to hear some Brazilian Bossa Nova. But I’m not sure when I’ll ever get that feeling to hear it again.
Judas Priest
2/5
80s Brit metal. Not the worst thing I’ve heard but not my thing. 2.5
Stan Getz
3/5
Really good music for sitting on an outdoor patio in Miami on a sunny day with a nice drink and cigar. 3.5.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Huge Jimi Hendrix fan, so that affects my review. This album, much like the Beatles White (double) Album has a bit too much noodling around in between the best songs to make it a 5. If only the best songs were made into a single album, this would be a 5, but with the addition of some of the “extras” it brings it down to a 4.
Big Black
2/5
I enjoy some punk, but this drum machine punk sounds more industrial. Just ok.
Tom Waits
2/5
I have no idea why this man has 5 albums on this list. 2.5
Janelle Monáe
2/5
Now I know what Janelle Monae sings. 2.5
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Not a big fan of 196”’s folk music.
The Byrds
3/5
Soft 3. Enjoyed the guitar.
2/5
Seems like too much going on at once. Like a car crash or a trainwreck.
Mudhoney
3/5
Great early grunge with a side of punk thrown in. Knew Overblown and a few other MH tunes but overall not super familiar with them. Will enjoy browsing through their extensive catalog. 3.5
The Cars
4/5
Just an incredible debut album. 6 solid hits including two of the best Cars songs ever - Bye Bye Love & Moving in Stereo. Unfortunately a few tunes shy of hitting a 5. 4.25.
Sister Sledge
3/5
That unmistakable Nile Rodger’s sound is what makes this album great. Solid 3. Disco!!!
Adele
4/5
Maybe the best female singer ever. She could sing the phone book and it would be good.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Not their best work but I can see where they were headed with this one and it’s much better than most other American music being made in 1987. 2.5
Pentangle
1/5
Why is this on the list??
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
Enjoyed that quite a bit. Not sure how to describe. More sour than rock. 3.75
David Bowie
3/5
Important work from Bowie, even if not my favorite. I love the whole concept. It could grow on me. 3+.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
If I made a list a list of 2001 albums I needed to hear before I died, this wouldn’t be on the list.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Despite a few gems, Block Rockin’ Beats and Where Do I Begin, the rest of the album is just too repetitive. Same beat over and over. Sometimes hard to actually distinguish one song from the next. 2.25
Erykah Badu
2/5
Beautiful voice. Not my thing though.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Great album for a warm summer day with the windows down.
Steely Dan
4/5
Great album start to finish. 4.25
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Just not sure why this band is on this list. And I know there’s one more from them which makes no sense to me. Could barely distinguish on a number of songs that there was actual singing going on. Just a lot of noise / too much noise over what might be decent songs. The last song, which I think was an actual instrumental, was probably my favorite.
Metallica
2/5
Enjoy the hits. MoP and Sanitarium are great. The rest all runs together. Appreciate what they were doing in the mid 1980s was very different. But speed guitar just isn’t my jam. 2.5
Beyoncé
1/5
Beyoncé is the Kardashians of the music industry. I hate the fucking Kardashians.
The Temptations
3/5
Fine background funk / Motown.
Neil Young
2/5
Neil is so hit or miss for me. This one is too folky. 2.5
Waylon Jennings
3/5
What country music should be. 3.25
The Kinks
2/5
Another mid 1960’s British album that sounds the same as the rest. Is it the Kinks? Is it the Beatles? Who knows. 2.5
Talking Heads
4/5
Classic album. A few of the biggest TH tunes ever. Crossed & Painless is an all time great, and Once in a Lifetime may be their best song ever. 4.5
Boston
4/5
Hit after hit after hit. Half point deduction for overplay, which wasn’t really their fault. 4.5
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Lots of gems on this one between the two big hits. Easy to pick out the songs Jorma and Jack wrote. Solid early San Fran sound. 3.5
Herbie Hancock
2/5
Not bad. Not my favorite. But I see where its place is on the list at least. 2.25
John Coltrane
2/5
Two days in a row of Jazz makes Jack a dull boy!!
Perfectly fine old school Jazz. Just not jazzed about more jazz. 2.50
The Slits
2/5
Surprising that a Girl Band imitating the Clash in 1979 never took off. 2.75 for trying.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Really enjoyed this. Listened a number of times. Approaching a 4, but not quite there. Yet. 3.95
Moby
3/5
I forgot how many songs I know and like from this one. This is as good as electronica gets for me. 3.75
Gotan Project
3/5
Enjoyed this one a lot. Sounds like music from movies. Is French Latin music a thing?? I dig it. 3.25
The Auteurs
2/5
Here’s another album I’m not sure why it’s on the list. Could blend in with another few hundred albums from this era. Was it bad? Not really. Did anything stand out as great? Also not really. 2.75
Ananda Shankar
1/5
“I wonder what Jumping Jack Flash would sound like on the sitar?” ……is a question no one really needed to know the answer to.
Queen
2/5
I get why this is here, if it’s when they started to sound like Queen. But a lot of it runs together for me. Definitely some 70s glam rock / metal in there. Killer Queen shoes what they were capable of. But they weren’t quite there on most of this one. 2.50
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
Ok. A few nice hits. Second half mostly sounds the same. 2.25
Santana
4/5
This album kills from top to bottom. Second and third times through I skipped BMW & Oye Como Va because I’ve heard them 1000 times in my life and wanted to really focus on the rest of the album. I now think they may be my least favorite two songs on the whole album. 4.50
Simple Minds
2/5
A lot of the same over and over.
T. Rex
2/5
Just meh.
Fats Domino
2/5
Not available anywhere. But I know enough Fats D to rate him a 2.75
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Solid - in its own lane.
Barry Adamson
1/5
Not sure I understand the point of this one. Interesting concept I guess.
Beastie Boys
4/5
“Oh my God, that’s the funky shit!” 4.25
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This album kicks ass from start to finish.
ABBA
2/5
Lots of classic hits. But I would be ok never hearing the whole album again.
The Allman Brothers Band
5/5
If this is actually your style of music, there has never been an easier 5.
Van Morrison
4/5
An all time classic singer / songwriter. Doesn’t get enough praise. Solid album start to finish. 4.25
Marvin Gaye
2/5
There’s certainly no Let’s Get it On or What’s Going On, on this album. Just a lot of the same old stuff. They all sound the same.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Don’t really need to hear again. But didn’t kill me.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Masterpiece. Great from start to finish.
ZZ Top
3/5
Made for 1983 MTV. My 12 year old self enjoyed this a lot more than my 52 year old self. Very schlocky. Probably generous with a 3 rating.
Miles Davis
3/5
This is about as good as jazz gets for me. 3.75
The Dictators
2/5
Silly. Didn’t hurt to listen to. But silly it’s on this list.
Deee-Lite
2/5
No one would have ever heard of this if Bootsy Collins didn’t join them for a song.
Carole King
2/5
I know this is full of popular hits, but early 70s female folky music all sounds alike to me and just isn’t my thing, and even worse, it reminds me of my mother-in-law.
The Verve
3/5
Sounds like my late 90s soundtrack. Enough big tunes to warrant a 3. Unfortunately a lot of the other songs run together.
Skepta
1/5
Not sure what to say. Not my thing. It sure why this or a few other hundred made the list.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Hopefully the last time I hear that song in it’s entirety.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
This was just ok. Might grow on me if I gave it a chance. But I won’t.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Great Dylan. Just wears on me after a while.
Beatles
3/5
Basic Boy Band Beatles. Not their best. But a few large early hits. 3.75
Klaxons
2/5
Not sure what that was. All made harder my only being available on YouTube. 2???
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Angry I have to rate this a one. One is very generous. Why was this noise recorded? And more importantly, why was this noise on this list? Dumb.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
This is as good as jazz gets for me. 3.75
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Classic Neil. 3.75
Gorillaz
3/5
I had a lot more hope that this would be really good.
Charles Mingus
3/5
Sounds like the type of jazz going on in a 70s detective shows, with the lead narrating over the music about the crime they are getting ready to solve.
Jazmine Sullivan
1/5
Why was I subjected to that?? And how many better albums were dropped from earlier versions of this list to add that garbage in the latest version? zero.
CHVRCHES
3/5
Ok. Don’t hate it. Can’t say I’d listen to the whole thing a lot, but it’s fine.
The Doors
4/5
Solid Doors blues album. Love Her Madly, LA Woman & Riders on the Storm are a few of the Doors best.
The Smiths
4/5
Great early Smiths. Love all the bitching about Morrissey in the reviews.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
It’s fine. Not sure why it’s on the list.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
I like this style of jazz.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Another perfectly fine female punk album from the 70s. But also another one that I don’t understand the purpose of it being on this list.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
There’s a few gems on here but overall this isn’t my music. I understand the relevance. And it’s crazy that a few of those songs from 1957 became major hits for other artists.
R.E.M.
4/5
The end of an era as we know it!! This album marked the end of REM 1.0. Green followed and was a transition to the new REM 2.0, but this one capped off their greatest years. Was fun to go down this road again.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
1/5
Garbage. Noise.
Common
3/5
Can’t say I would listen to this all the time, but I enjoyed it and like the style a lot.
Beastie Boys
4/5
All time classic. 10th grade me is happy I had this one.
Fleet Foxes
2/5
Was hoping for more from this. Thought it was rather boring. 2.5
Elliott Smith
3/5
Still processing this but it’s growing on me. Has a Shins feel to it. Need to dive into some more Elliott Smith to truly process. Album starts off slow, and wasn’t sure if I liked it but really picked up in the second 1/3.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan is like eating your vegetables as a kid. Everyone tells you it’s good for you, but you still end up swallowing a few without chewing to get them all down.
Kate Bush
2/5
Almost as bad a Bjork, but not as Bjorky.
The Fall
2/5
Another late 70s British punk album. Yay!!
2.5
David Bowie
3/5
This is as much a Brian Eno album as it is Bowie. Not my favorite work from one of my favorite artists.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Solid debut album
Brian Eno
3/5
Sounds like Brian Eno.
The Band
4/5
This album kicks ass. Lots to like here. Amazing they made this coming off of backing Bob Dylan, as I find him fairly boring. Chest Fever is a jam. So close to a 5 for me. Just a song or two away. 4.5
Butthole Surfers
2/5
Not as bad as I thought it would be. But don’t see me coming back to it. Ever.
Neil Young
3/5
Solid Neil album. 3.5
Elliott Smith
2/5
This album didn’t hit me as well as Figure 8. Seemed a bit more mellow and depressed. I know that’s his thing, but only one song really grabbed me after two listens. Still want to dive a little deeper. 2.75
Bon Jovi
2/5
I hated this as a 15 year old and it hasn’t gotten any better. 1 point boost for Wanted Dead or Alive. While I still hate it, it does have a slight bit of creativity to it. The rest of the album is garbage.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Willie falls in that same category as Bob Dylan for me. Everyone seems to love him, but I’m not sure he’s my thing. Sounds more like a guy talking over the music. 2.5
Rod Stewart
4/5
Great stuff. Not sure why this isn’t a Faces album. But it’s really good. 4.25.
Kanye West
3/5
My second Kanye album. Starting to see what my son enjoys about this. Music is great. Lyrics good / funny. Need to listen a few more times. But overall pretty good for post 2000 rap. 3.5.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
Not nearly as good as their debut album. A few monster songs like Little Wing and Castles Made of Sand and Bold as Love, but the rest of the album is a bit pedestrian for the legend. 3.95
The Jam
3/5
Love this band and their sound. This is solid 1970s/early 1980s British punk / new wave. 3.5
Milton Nascimento
2/5
Interesting to begin with, but all starts to sound the same after a while. 2.25
Al Green
3/5
Sweet soul music. Who doesn’t like a little Al Green.
David Bowie
3/5
This one took me a few listens but it began to grow on me. As a die hard 70s & 80s Bowie fan, his later albums never resonated with me at the time of release, so I’m glad I’m getting a chance to listen to a few on this project. Second half of the album stands out to be over the first half. 3.5
Radiohead
4/5
There are a lot of 5s on this album but just enough songs that aren’t to bring it back one notch. Incredible album. The change from OK Computer to Kid A was immense. Maybe one of the best back to back album combos in 30+ years. 4.5
JAY Z
2/5
Not a fan of his voice. Not a fan of his face. Not a fan of his lyrics. Not a fan of his lifestyle. Not a fan of his wife. Music isn’t too bad.
TV On The Radio
2/5
Interesting. Really needs a few more listens to make a great review, but it’s not something that really makes me want to listen to it again right away. So that tells me something. Just kind of meh! 2.5
Duran Duran
3/5
Classic 80s New Wave. 3.75
3/5
Enjoyed that.
Adele
3/5
Gave 25 a 4. Might have been a bit aggressive at the time. I still think Adele is one of if not the greatest female singers of the last 50 years. This one got a bit overplayed, but has some mister hits on it. Gotta dial it back a notch but still a 3.75.
AC/DC
3/5
Starts out strong but gets a little repetitive - meh after a while. Not their best effort.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I think I like the idea of The Velvet Underground more than I really like The Velvet Underground. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy the Band and their music, but in small doses.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
All their stuff sounds the same to me. Decent background music, but nothing exciting. Not sure why they have more than one album on this list. 2.5
Yes
4/5
I rather enjoyed that a lot more than I expected. Need a few more listens to be honest but I think this one’s a 4 for me.
GZA
2/5
I don’t dislike Wu Tang and all the spin offs. But it’ll never be something I crave to listen to. This one wasn’t bad. 2.5
Donovan
2/5
More 1960s jangle pop. 2.5
Joni Mitchell
2/5
She’s just not for me.
The KLF
1/5
another one that just didn’t need to be on the list.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
First time listening in years. Enjoyed that.
The Avalanches
2/5
How much electronica does one really need to hear before they die??
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Greta debut album. Saw her play this whole album opening for Blues Traveler at the Boathouse in October 1994. Good times. 3.5
This was the start of a pretty solid three album run, after a period of lackluster albums after Joshua Tree. Album starts out super strong and fades a bit at the end. But still solid.
Travis
3/5
Enjoyable. A mix of Radiohead and Keane with a splash of Coldplay. Good background music for a coffee shop or gourmet sandwich shop.
R.E.M.
3/5
I’ve always looked at Green as the dividing line between REM 1.0 and REM 2.0, with Green showing elements of both. This album falls fully into the REM 2.0 era, and I’m not a huge fan. Feels like they are actually writing songs for the radio and for MTV and not for themselves and the fans. 3.0 (boosted because they’re REM)
Songhoy Blues
3/5
This was pretty good given my expectations. Can’t go crazy over it like many of the reviews. But it wouldn’t be something I was dying to turn off.
Madonna
2/5
All sounds the same. Like Madonna.
The Cure
3/5
Love the Cure. But this isn’t my favorite. Definitely dark and gloomy. A few stand outs. 3.5
Jane's Addiction
5/5
An almost perfect album. Two huge hits, that I love, and they may be the weakest / worse songs on the album. Three Days is a masterpiece followed by another in Then She Did.
Eminem
4/5
First half - 3/4 of the album is as good as it gets. Trails off just a little in the end to keep it from being a 5. 4.5.
Linkin Park
2/5
Overplayed, overproduced manufactured anger.
Ice Cube
2/5
The Public Enemy influence was unmistakable. Always surprised when folks are shocked at the lyrics of early gangster rap. Different times. 2.75
George Michael
4/5
Overall album is solid. While this isn’t my normal genre at all, GM is easily one of the better male vocalists of the last 50 years. But Freedom! ‘90 is a damn anthem. Great piano hook. All of it. Don’t even get me started on the video. Great stuff. Album without F! ’90 might be a 2.75 or 3. But because of it it’s a 4.
Guided By Voices
3/5
Ok. Sounds like a lot of other stuff. Also sounds like a demo album.
Public Enemy
4/5
Just great stuff. Chuck D maybe the best voice ever in rap. Wore this one out on cassette and CD. 4.25
Norah Jones
3/5
Beautiful voice. Every song. I understand why this was so highly received and she won Grammys. Just not my type of music. Be happy to listen to in the background of a cocktail party or coffee shop. 3.25
Suicide
1/5
So this experiment has taught me that I really don’t like noise disguised as music.
The xx
2/5
A bit melancholy and slightly boring but also a bit interesting at times. 2.5
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Sounds like the 70s.
Paul Simon
3/5
Not a huge fan. But this is probably his best work.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Perfection. Flawless. There are very few album that have no down time and no fillers. And PF made two of them.
Air
2/5
When I first saw French electronica I assumed another 1 star rating was on the way. This wasn’t the worst thing I’ve heard. Probably would never dial it up again though. 2.65
Neneh Cherry
1/5
I hate this shit.
Anita Baker
2/5
She’s got a great voice. But the adult contemporary category is not for me.
Nick Drake
3/5
Enjoyed this one a few times. New to me. Chill laid back vibe.
Jethro Tull
3/5
Solid 70s flute rock. 3.5
Simply Red
1/5
As someone who grew up on 1980s MTV, who has many times defended the 1980s as “not so bad” when it comes to music discussions, I have to admit, this project and especially this album, make me think that maybe the 1980s was “so bad.”
David Bowie
3/5
A few real gems. A few other not so much. 3.75
The Beach Boys
3/5
As a kid who was raised on the Surfin’ USA Beach Boys, I had always heard the significance of this album but until a few years ago had never given it a solid listen. Knew a few of the major hits but that was about it. While I understand the importance this album plays in musical history, it just doesn’t stand out to me as one of the greatest albums of all time. Seems a bit overproduced, which maybe was a huge deal in 1966. I enjoy it. But just can’t fall all over myself about it. 3.95
Elton John
4/5
If you took the best 9 or 10 songs from this great double album it would be a 5. Have to drop it down a notch for a few less then stellar fillers, but overall great album and the first 4-5 songs are as good as you can start an album. 4.5
Little Richard
2/5
This music drives me nuts. And Little Richard was a fraud. 1.5
The Crusaders
2/5
Street Life is ok. The rest didn’t hurt me. But I’m not chasing this down to hear it again.
The Pogues
3/5
As good as this genre is going to get. Best Christmas tune. 3.75
Eels
3/5
Good mid 1990s stuff. Nothing groundbreaking. But still fun. Opening song is great. 3.75
Eagles
2/5
New Kid in Town makes me want to poke my eardrums out with a pencil. I hate the fucking Eagles, man!! Joe Walsh is the only saving grace on this album. 2.0
Portishead
2/5
Meh.
The Fall
3/5
This one grew on me with each new listen. Petty (Thief) Lout stood out. I need to give this band a little attention.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Solid Dad Rock. 3.75
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Good debut. But not great. Saved by a few top songs. 3.25
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Just way too repetitive.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Nice change of pace. Not going to dial this one up all the time. But it was mostly enjoyable.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Pretty Good stuff. If you like that stuff.
2/5
Really no idea why an album like this makes the list. Early hard rock / punk. Wow.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Just more of the same old question- why is this on the list??
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Easy to like.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Not a huge early Elvis fan, but was an easy listen.
The Stranglers
3/5
Nothing here really blew me away, but found pretty enjoyable. Late 70s UK punk / alt rock.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Definitely a 2. But add a 1/2 point for the use of xylophone in multiple songs. That’s a bold strategy, Cotton. 2.5.
Sabu
3/5
This wasn’t awful but it follows a week of average ir bad music on this ride and that made it a little less fun for me. Latin African Drum Jazz isn’t anything I see myself craving to listen to. But it didn’t hurt me to hear it. 3
Frank Ocean
1/5
I very much dislike this whole genre is music. 1.5
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Good stuff.
Jane Weaver
2/5
This is fine as far as this type of music goes - electronica?? Maybe. Not my thing. But not offensive. Fine background music.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
Solid vocals and lyrics.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Classic Frank. Not something I could listen to every day. But it’s good to be reminded of his great voice. 3.5
The Temptations
3/5
Like bread & butter. Just a solid part of life.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Really solid debut album. Probably a 3.75, but listened to this 4 times today and really enjoyed, so I’m going 4.
Megadeth
2/5
Not my thing. I can enjoy it for what it is, but this style of music isn’t for me. 2.95
Fever Ray
1/5
Another album where I have zero idea why or how it’s on this list.
Can
2/5
Why??
B.B. King
4/5
Solid live album from the blues King.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Solid Iggy / Bowie. 3.5
M.I.A.
2/5
One song cannot save an album. But can make it a 2. Shout out to Mark Canha’s walk up song.
Louis Prima
3/5
This was pretty fun. 3.75
Arcade Fire
3/5
Ho hum. Nothing spectacular. Nothing bad. Just an 88 mph fastball down the middle.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Enjoyed this. Sounds like it would be playing in an open air bar in warm climate international city with exotic ladies dancing. 3.25
Garbage
3/5
Solid debut. A few bangers.
U2
5/5
Maybe the cornerstone album of an incredible 5 album run in the 1980s. SBS & NYD launched U2 into a different realm in the music world at the time. Probably deserves a 4.75 based on some of my prior rankings, but due to its significance in my teen years, I’ll give it the extra .25.
The Damned
3/5
Solid early Brit punk. Not sure I get all the 5s, but it was enjoyable listen or two. 3.5
The Clash
3/5
Always great to listen to the Clash. 3.75
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Not for the Start Me Up RS crowd. The culmination of maybe the greatest 5-year four album run. Quite simply a Masterpiece. Every song flows together so well. No just a collection of great music. It’s amazing how all these different genres work as one.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
This is definitely not my style of music / rap. But it wasn’t as bad as I’ve been lead to believe. A few songs I almost liked. 2.75
Meat Loaf
2/5
Used to enjoy this in high school. Then some sorority played PbtDL 1000 times at social events in college and now it makes me want to jab pencils in my eardrums when it’s playing.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Solid album. Lots of hits. Some overplayed a bit much when released. Just a tad long for me. 3.75
David Bowie
3/5
Hunky Dory is the first glimpse at what was to come in the Ziggy Stardust era. Solid Bowie. Not quite a 4. 3.95
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Fantastic overall album. Houses of the Holy, Kashmir, Ten Years Gone By, Down by the Seaside, all easy 5s. The addition of the extra songs / outtakes from earlier album brings this one down to a 4.5 for me. Like most double albums, if you chose the top 9-10 songs it’s an easy 5, but a few too many “average” Zeppelin tunes on this one. And they didn’t do “average” very often.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Just like Neon Bible, this is just another ho him media fastball down the middle. Nothing bad, nothing overly exciting. Easy to listen to. But just there for me.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
First side of album 1 is fire. Goes a bit downhill from there. But the nostalgia points make this one an easy 3 for me.
The Pharcyde
2/5
Solid early 90s rap. Better than today’s rap. Just not my thing.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Not my thing.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Bruce had never been my favorite, but I’ve always understood his place in rock history. Just not sure why this album made the list. It’s just ok. Without Prove It All Night, I’m guessing it wouldn’t have made it. 3. Barely.
Violent Femmes
5/5
This album had a huge influence on me in 8th grade, the year after it came out. The music, the lyrics, all of it. Hard to find a better debut album.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Solid album. A few really strong big hits.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Not bad. I understand its place in the list.
Arcade Fire
3/5
This is my 3rd Arcade Fire in 21 albums. I have no idea how this band landed 3 albums on this list. I didn’t need three albums to re-enforce the fact that this band just cranks out 3s. Nothing bad about them. Nothing good either. Just average background music with one or possibly two above average songs per album. If you took the very best two songs from each of the three albums I’ve listened to over the last three weeks, you’d have a decent LP that might be a 4.
Pretenders
4/5
Great debut album. Really like the whole vibe of this one. Chrissy Hynde was way ahead of her time. 4.0
Ramones
4/5
Yes, It all sounds the same. Still a 4.
The Sugarcubes
2/5
Bjork isn’t for me. Musically this album is ok. But she’s just a strange lead.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
This album certainly has its place in musical history. It came out when I was in my third year of college. Heard it 1000 times. Made for a heavy partying 20 year old. But I just can’t get passed the annoyance & cockeyness of the Chili Peppers. Saw the Foo Fightets open for them when Foo had one album and they blew the RHCP away. I was actually embarrassed for them a bit. Giving it a 3 for its place in history, but it’s a stretch.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
Fantastic old school bluegrass album. While not my every day listening choice, this album would be the perfect example of old bluegrass.
New Order
4/5
One of my all time favorites from the 1980s. Peter Hook’s bass as lead is great. They added a lot more synth on this album. Love Vigilantes is great. Elegia reminds me of old Joy Division. 4.5
Funkadelic
2/5
Ok. They have better.
Blondie
3/5
Enjoyed that. Ahead of its time for sure.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Better than the last VU I had.
The Blue Nile
2/5
Another one that I have no idea why it’s on this list. Perfectly acceptable music. But nothing special. And I’ll never listen to it again. 2.5
Solomon Burke
2/5
Good old school soul R&B. I get why it’s on the list. A lot of this music all runs together for me and it’s hard to pick the great from average. 2.75
The Band
4/5
All time classic.
Radiohead
5/5
Big ol’ 5. Great stuff.
Def Leppard
2/5
I hated this music in high school
And nothing has changed 40 years later.
The Smiths
5/5
Loved this one for 35+ years.
Mj Cole
1/5
Why???
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Solid SW album. 3.5
The Who
4/5
Best album from this mid 1960s era so far. Not the best Who album, but way ahead of its time in 1965 as far as hard rock. A few huge hits.
Ice Cube
3/5
Good old school rap. How it’s meant to be. 3.5
Dr. Octagon
1/5
Silly. No list of must listen to albums needs to include this.
Talking Heads
4/5
Consider myself a pretty good TH fan. Knew most all of the songs but can’t say I’d heard that album from start to finish before. Really enjoyed that.
Neil Young
3/5
Solid Neil album. Andrew of his biggest hits. 3.75
Nirvana
4/5
Great. 4.5
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Love her voice. One and done. Can’t be replicated.
N.W.A.
3/5
Right back to senior year in high school. Good stuff. 3.75
The Boo Radleys
3/5
This wasn’t bad and could have been on any 90s playlist of mine. But I don’t get why it’s in the list.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Pretty good Dylan for me. Not a huge fan but this is close to as good as it gets for me. 3.5
Germs
2/5
I have always been familiar with Germa and their story but clearly had never listened to their music. I was shocked to find out they only made one album. Turns out it was one too many. I appreciate their place in the LA Punk scene, but that was a tough listen.
Billy Joel
4/5
Solid album. Amazing the number of hits. The best of Billy Joel on one studio album. 4.5
Pulp
2/5
Not awful. Not great. Sort of all sounds the same. No idea what NME was thinking with their rating or why it’s even on this list.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Did not know PIL had so many albums dating back to the late ‘70s. This one was a lot of noise with a few alright songs.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Ok Ok Ok.
Ray Charles
3/5
Classic cocktail hour music.
William Orbit
2/5
Not a big electronic instrumental fan. This was alright I guess. 2.25
Tom Waits
2/5
Nit a fan.
Michael Jackson
3/5
A few 5 star songs. The rest of the album is ok. But the hits are huge. 3.75.
Queen
3/5
Ok. I see this is when they “ found their sound”. But it’s just ok. 3 for being Queen.
OutKast
2/5
A few huge hits can’t save this one for me. 2.25
Guns N' Roses
5/5
One of the greatest debut albums of all time.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
No denying the talent. A few great tunes. Peak CA. Just not my music. But she’s got talent for sure.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
This was surprisingly good for an album I still don’t know why it’s on the list. I could listen to this more regularly. 3.25
Jacques Brel
2/5
French parish crooner. He’s good for what he does. Not my thing. 2.5
Supergrass
2/5
One more time - why is this on the list??
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
These are the albums I am here for. Always heard of Gram Paraon’s influence on the “country honk” side of the Rolling Stones but has never given a good listen. Really enjoyed this one. 3.75
The Prodigy
2/5
Rave music isn’t my thing.
Nick Drake
3/5
I kind of like this guy. This one wasn’t as good as Pink Moon, a bit more melancholy, but I still enjoyed it.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Great music. Theme from Shaft is a classic. But this is a true soundtrack including background music. Some songs sound like the background to a scene in a coffee shop. Just hard to listen to much of it more than once. I do love hearing Chef sing though.
Alice In Chains
4/5
While some of the off songs aren’t awesome, this album contains 4-5 monster heavy grunge tunes. For that it earns a 4.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This was surprisingly good from start to finish. So close to a 4. 3.95
Elvis Presley
2/5
Didn’t hate this. Not a huge Elvis fan. Sounded like ……. Elvis. 2.5
Van Halen
5/5
Great debut. Not a weak spot on the album.
Kings of Leon
2/5
This album confirmed for me that I do not like KoL. Every song sounds the same. And I think that singing voice is made up and not his real voice.
Sade
3/5
This is completely not my style of music, but it’s really good. The band is great and her voice is top notch. If I was into this music, it’s a 5 but just because it’s a complete style that doesn’t really work for me it loses a bit on my scale. 3.95
Tina Turner
2/5
Iconic singer / voice overtop of pure 80s cheese.
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
I prefer my world music to be Latin and not African. But this was enjoyable. Once. 2.5
The Doors
4/5
Classic bluesy Doors. Love it.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Need to give this a few more listens. But it’s starting to grow on me. 3.75
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Turns out I’m I’m not as big on the VU as I thought I was.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Not awful but just not my thing at all. One song is fine. Whole album is just too repetitive. 2.5
Green Day
3/5
I’m just glad Billie Joe and Dick Cheney made up and are now on the same team!
Music - 3.75
How punk are they - 0.00
Steely Dan
3/5
Not as good as Aja, but still a solid listen. 3.5
The Monkees
2/5
The Monkees are the dumbest thing ever.
Talking Heads
4/5
Love old school TH. This one has a few real gems on it.
Nick Drake
2/5
This is my least favorite of his three albums. Overproduced for his style. 2.5
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Beautiful voice. This old school female country isn’t my thing.
Ravi Shankar
2/5
All sounds the same.
Coldplay
5/5
Say what you want about Coldplay and what they’ve become, this album was near perfection when it was released.
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
This was a complete waste of time and space on this list.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Good old school East Coast rap. Not my favorite - I was more of a West Coast guy. And now the affiliation with Diddy sort of ruins Biggie’s rep a little more. But still a classic example of early 90s rap style.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Great timing. Just saw the Dylan movie a month ago and listened to this classic a few times the week after. I’m not a big Dylan guy at all, but this is by far his most complete work in my opinion. Definitely a few monsters on this one for him. 3.5
Prince
5/5
Outside of Computer Blue, a pretty close to perfect album. Going with a 5 here because the other 8 tracks are so well done. But more like a 9/10 5 and not a 10/10 5.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Better than I expected. Definitely long. The best 9 songs would have made a great album. Music is really good. I grow tired of his voice.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
It’s not awful. But I didn’t need to hear it.
Steely Dan
4/5
Greta debut. Really enjoyed that one.
R.E.M.
4/5
Incredible debut album. Takes me back to 8th grade era. REM 1.0 (pre-Green) was a game changer for music. 4.5
Throwing Muses
2/5
Found enough of this to listen a know it’s not my thing.
Jean-Michel Jarre
2/5
Sounds like a movie soundtrack. 2.5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Fantastic.
Beck
3/5
Solid.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Never been a fan of this early 60s rock sound, even from the all time greats. It is interesting to see where they started. But only giving it a 3 because of what this led to.
John Lennon
2/5
Didn’t know so many people hated John Lennon. Kind of refreshing to see.
Album is a 2 at best. Can’t believe his iconic solo song is on such an average / below average album.
The Saints
3/5
Oh look, another late ‘70s punk band I haven’t heard of. This one wasn’t terrible.
The Undertones
3/5
Oh look, two days in a row of late 70s punk bands I’ve never heard of. Think that makes 10-12 so far. This one isn’t terrible.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Hard to believe this came out in 1970. Must have blown some minds and speakers. War Pigs, Paranoid and Iron Man on the same studio album doesn’t even seem real. Three of the hardest songs ever. Whole album rocks. Great lyrics too.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Knew a few of the hits. Really enjoyed Stand.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Really enjoyed this one. Those late 1980s UK bands like J&MC that followed the Smiths and The Cure and others really carried the sound into the 1990s. 3.75
Hole
3/5
A few great songs. A lot of average songs. Overall a fine album. Too bad she might have killed CK. 3.5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Have always appreciated Dylan more than I’ve liked him. Recent events have had me listen a bit more and this album has probably risen in my rankings more than in the past. Not something I’m going to pull up and listen to regularly. But still a nice work.
Slint
1/5
There is absolutely no reason his album is on the list. 1.5
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
This is fine 1950’s country / bluegrass but man you really need to be in the mood for this stuff. Got a little church in, in the end too.
Gary Numan
2/5
Fun to listen to after all these years. But probably the last time. 2.95
The Who
4/5
Fantastic live album. Really enjoy listening to Keith Moon on this one. Just not sure why a few select live albums made the list. Should be no live albums unless that was the only way to hear the songs.
MGMT
3/5
Solid album. 3 songs that are 5s but the rest doesn’t hold up to those 3. Great change of pace to everything else that was being released at the time. 3.75
Motörhead
3/5
Ace of Spades is an all time classic. The rest begins to run together.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Enough with the Leonard Cohen. It’s just not worthy of multiple albums on this list. Much less 3 or 4
Bad Brains
3/5
Takes me back to my college days.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
Strange. Another one I’m not sure why it’s on the list.
3/5
I don’t hate this now, but it was much better when I was 9. 3
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Not awful. But I’m just over most of these songs and the RHCP, so it’s his isn’t a fair review.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Owned this one back in the day. Great voice. Great debut.
King Crimson
2/5
Kind of a big profit mess. Really don’t know what to think. Imagine it would take a number of listens to really get this album. 2.5
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Couple huge hits. Pretty good music.
Jurassic 5
2/5
All starts to sound the same after a while. Not awful. But not sure why it’s on the list. 2.75
Muddy Waters
3/5
Solid old school blues. 3.5
Everything But The Girl
2/5
This was not what I was expecting. Slow chill techno popish. Not awful. But just more like background music to me than anything I’d ever choose to listen to. 2.75
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
I liked this. Need to give it more time. But definitely caught my attention on a good way.
Soft Machine
2/5
First song is unbearable. Gets better after that. But four total songs on a double album is silly. 2.0
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
Takes me back to my early 20s. Silly. But good summertime music back then.
Blur
2/5
This album was not good. I thought I knew and liked some Blur. Turns out that thought was incorrect. 2.5
Fela Kuti
3/5
This was pretty good. I’ll probably never listen to it again. But good nonetheless.
The Kinks
2/5
3rd Kinks album. Still no Lola. WTF??? 2.75
Massive Attack
3/5
Not something I would go to on my own. But for electronica / this style of music - it’s pretty good.
Kate Bush
2/5
Not sure why this had a big resurgence. Sucked in the 80s and still does today.
ABBA
3/5
This was fine for walking around. Nothing overly exciting.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Did not need two from this band / duo in a 10 day period.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Great stuff. Owned this one since its release.
The Human League
2/5
One iconic song from my youth couldn’t save this mess of an album.
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
A bit slow. Incredible voice. Great cover of Sweet Jane. But just a bit too melancholy for my taste. 2.75
Iron Butterfly
3/5
This was better than I expected. Same keyboard as the Doors used. I enjoyed it. 3.5
OutKast
3/5
3 or 4 five star songs. Overall great double album. Maybe a touch too long 3.75
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
Very very country. Old school country. But too country for me.
Jack White
4/5
Great solo JW.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Beautiful voice. Just not my style / thing. 2.5
Spacemen 3
1/5
Garbage. No reason for this to be on any list other than biggest waste of time list.
Beach House
2/5
Would you have called them a “dream pop duo” if the word dream wasn’t in the album title?? Seems odd. I have no idea what this is or how it got so many publications to state it was so good.
American Music Club
3/5
This is a perfectly fine album / band. I enjoyed it enough to listen to a few other sings from them. But I have no idea what makes this special enough to be on this list.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
I’ve had enough of Leonard Cohen.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Great.
Crowded House
2/5
Boring. Never really liked this band. 2.5
Suede
3/5
This wasn’t bad. Certainly wasn’t what I expected. Need more time for a proper review. But time I don’t have today.
Ute Lemper
1/5
There’s been a lot of garbage on this list. But this is the worst cabaret cruise ship shit I’ve heard in a long long time. Embarrassing that it would be on this list.
Boards of Canada
1/5
Noise
Tito Puente
3/5
This was great Latin salsa music.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
So close to a 4. Really takes me back to my high school days. 3.95
Happy Mondays
3/5
I like the sound. Can’t figure why I know this band so well but don’t recognize any songs on this album. Need to give it a few more listened and check out the rest of the catalog. 3.5
KISS
3/5
Giving this a 3 for pure nostalgia points and a few big hits. But the songs in between the hits are hard to stomach.
Burning Spear
4/5
A must for any serious reggae collection. Old school perfection.
Talking Heads
4/5
Great. As always.
The Beau Brummels
1/5
Terrible.
The Shamen
1/5
Awful. Just awful.
Soft Cell
2/5
Terrible album that cannot be saved by one great song. What’s even more amazing is, I owned the greatest hits of this band as a young teen, and the greatest hits album is also awful, with one good song.
The Cure
5/5
Excellent album. Feels like the culmination of all The Cure’s work in the 1970s came together perfectly on this album.
Turbonegro
1/5
423 albums in and I’ve finally come to the conclusion I don’t need to listen to 100% of an album to decide it’s shit. This is shit.
Bee Gees
2/5
Keep your hands clean!!
Van Morrison
3/5
Great live album. But I’m still wondering why certain live albums made the list and most did not. ??? 3.95
The Undertones
3/5
Fun late 70s early 80s pop punk. Nothing wrong with this but nothing overwhelming either.
2/5
I get this albums place in time. But hard to separate Fred Durst and all that comes with him from the few decent songs.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I enjoyed that. Need to give it a few more listens to really grow on me. 3.5
Joy Division
4/5
Solid early 80s post punk. Lead the way.
Lou Reed
2/5
This isn’t terrible, but this project is making me realize that I like the concept of Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground more than I really like their music. 2.75
David Bowie
3/5
Sound & Vision is in my top 5 Bowie songs. Album is super interesting. He was putting out so much work during this era that there were always a few gems and always a few songs that were out there but on every album. 3.5 for me.
Aerosmith
2/5
80’s MTV Aerosmith made me hate Aerosmith and never go back to listen to their classics, other than when forced to on the classic rock channels or in movies. Sweet Emotion is a great song. The rest of it is just as bad as 80s MTV Aerosmith. 2.5
Justice
2/5
Perfectly fine French dance rave whatever this is. Just not something I’d listen to again. 2.95
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Solid 3.75
Beatles
3/5
Standard mid 60s fare. Better than most. But still had that bubble gum pop sound. 3.5
3/5
Solid album. A lot of it does sound the same though. 3.5
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
Not great. Don’t care for that vocal style at all. Didn’t hurt me to listen to it. But don’t care to ever hear again.
The Associates
2/5
Don’t understand how this received so many accolades
Sisters Of Mercy
2/5
Another odd inclusion on this list. Just don’t get why anyone needs to hear this one.
David Gray
4/5
Great album. Listened to this one a lot in the early 2000’s.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Decent newish stuff from NY & CH. But still a lot of it sounds the same.
The La's
2/5
Just a bit boring. Wasn’t terrible. But I have no idea why it’s on this list. 2.25
Japan
3/5
Definitely Duran Duran before Duran Duran was a thing.
Scott Walker
1/5
Sounds like a bad Disney movie.
Tricky
2/5
Not really sure what that was. Electronica??
Tim Buckley
2/5
60’s folk music is not my thing. Seemed like one long song by the end.
Mike Oldfield
2/5
Interesting. 2.5
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
Not bad. Nothing overly exciting either.
The Youngbloods
2/5
Had some hope for this when I read the reviews. Too folky for me.
The Byrds
2/5
Blah. Average 60s stuff. 2.5.
Finley Quaye
3/5
Interesting. Enjoyed it. Didn’t know there was Scottish reggae. Might not go back to this again. But don’t shy away from listening to more.
Paul Simon
3/5
Not a Paul Simon fan. Hate S & G stuff. This is an interesting album that dominated a period of my youth. I applaud the crossing streams with the African music. But it’s still Paul Simon. I’ll be super generous with a 3. But don’t care if I don’t hear again.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Solid protest album from one of the best / originals. Solid music. Great voice.
Roxy Music
2/5
Roxy Music is kind of like The Velvet Underground for me. They have a couple great songs. But I think I like the idea of Roxy Music more than I like Roxy Music. And both of those bands have split personalities. Where some music doesn’t even resemble other music. From the same band.
The Specials
3/5
I like this stuff. Always have. Doesn’t blow me away. But it hits me just right.
PJ Harvey
2/5
Probably didn’t give this enough time. But nothing grabbed me. At all. A lot of it seemed very similar. 2.75
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
Dumb. Noise.
James Taylor
3/5
Listened to this so much growing up. Great lyrics. James Taylor is timeless. Not necessarily my thing these days. But it’s pretty solid album. 3.95
The Byrds
2/5
Better than the last Byrds album I had 10 days ago b. Still very Byrdsy. 2.75
New York Dolls
3/5
Glad to finally hear this. Heard about the NY Dolls my whole life. Wasn’t blown away. But good for the early glam / punk scene.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Standard 70’s Rod Stewart. Good to hear some licks from The Faces in the background. But he got a lot better when creating with them.
Genesis
3/5
This one’s going to take a few listens to really get it. I like what I’m hearing. 3.75 out of the gate. Likely a 4 if given proper time.
Brian Wilson
3/5
This one gets a 3 for the unique circumstances
Leftfield
2/5
As far as electronics goes this wasn’t terrible. Just not my thing. 2.85
Tom Waits
3/5
Not terrible. But too long. Just a drunk at a bar telling stories over some light jazz. Would definitely be entertaining live, with a drink in a dark bar atmosphere. Going to be generous with a 3. But it’s just over the 3 line for me.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
My favorite of all the African A Capella groups I have ever heard. 2.75
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Not bad. A few real gems. Neil is always better with Crazy Horse. 3.5
XTC
3/5
This has really held up well for me. Listened to this a ton as a young teen. When I saw it was my album today I was worried it would seem really dated or cheesy, but to my surprise I really remembered and enjoyed it all. Almost a 4 for me. Almost. 3.90
Nirvana
5/5
Forgot how great this whole album is. Last song is the one exception. Everything else is great.
Beck
3/5
The his was pretty good. 3.75
Eurythmics
2/5
Feel like I was forced to “like” this when I was a young teen by MTV. Don’t really like it then and nothing has really changed. Annie Lennox has an amazing voice. I respect what they were doing. But it’s not my favorite music. I do like the 9 1/2 Weeks song at the end. 2.85
Soul II Soul
2/5
Took me back to my late teens. Not my style. But some iconic songs. Hopefully the last time I ever hear some of them.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Solid debut. Great early 2000s stuff. Not quite a 4.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
This was entertaining. Really has a late 60s Stones sound. 3.75
Marilyn Manson
1/5
Awful. Always hated him and his music and his whole vibe / theme.
Death In Vegas
1/5
Forgettable. 1.5
Red Snapper
1/5
I don’t get it. Average at best.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
This was fine. Almost good. But I’ll never even remember who it was in a few weeks. Just kind of forgettable.
Television
4/5
I really enjoyed this. The title song followed by Elevation are the highlights of this one, but it’s all great. Would have enjoyed being at CBGBs in the late 70s.
Parliament
4/5
A couple monster funk tunes. Some of the best ever. Probably a song or two away from a 5 for me.
Little Simz
3/5
As far as female UK rappers go, Little Simz is probably my favorite. Never heard before. Likely won’t listen again. But didn’t hate it.
The Go-Go's
4/5
This was really pretty good. Go Go’s were huge when I was 10ish. I knew all the hits, but can’t say I ever listened to the whole album. Great early 80s California new wave.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Unnecessary. Has a Bjork-ish quality to it. Which isn’t a compliment.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
If there was ever a - I don’t know why this is on the list!! - it would be this album. Just blah.
Oasis
4/5
Nice timely blast from the past.
Shack
2/5
Another late 1990s Brit Pop group / album. Nothing wrong with this. Also nothing exciting about it. Just another one. 2.75
The Beta Band
2/5
This did.l nothing for me.
Holger Czukay
1/5
Garbage.
Destiny's Child
1/5
I hate this shit.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
Was sure I would know a song or two but feel like I’ve never heard any of that before. Largely forgettable. Not awful. But largely forgettable. 2.5
TLC
2/5
100x better than Destiny’s Child and B.
Sigur Rós
3/5
I enjoyed that a lot. Always have had a soft spot for SR since the Vanilla Sky soundtrack. Icelandic Radiohead. Not for everyone. But grows on you with each listen. Not quite a 4. 3.75
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
This was pretty awful. She’s clearly only famous for who she slept with.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I get her place in history. But damn she is hard to listen to for 45 minutes.
5/5
An almost perfect album. Almost. Still an easy 5. Brilliant.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Solid late 70s punk. There’s a lot of this on the 1001 list. This is better than most. But still not sure it needs to be included.
Shuggie Otis
2/5
This was fine. Nothing special.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
EC is fine. This album is fine. But not sure he needs multiple albums on the list.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Excellent choice. RIP Ozzy. Love The Wizard.
Ray Price
2/5
Some of this 50s & 60s country is just too much. It doesn’t hold up in today’s world.
Lana Del Rey
2/5
Not for me. Didn’t know what to expect. I thought she was a younger pop star.
Elton John
4/5
Solid. Can’t believe he released 3 albums in the same year.
CHIC
3/5
It’s a trip. It’s got a funky beat. And I can bug I it to it.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
Indie country. Way better than pop country. Enjoyed this as much as I could given the genre.
Portishead
2/5
Not a fan.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Respect for the album and artist. But not something I’d really listen to.
Depeche Mode
3/5
His was fine. I prefer even earlier DM. Voice starts to sound the same on every single after a while.
Joan Baez
2/5
60s female folk is not my thing. Great voice.
Britney Spears
2/5
Just really didn’t need to listen to that again - as a 53 year old.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
This was good for what it is. But it’s very specific genre. 2.75
Slade
2/5
His was entertaining. Didn’t know there were hair bands in the early 70s. 2.95
CHIC
2/5
One all time great disco song. The rest all blend together.
Sparks
2/5
That was interesting. And strange.
Beck
4/5
If I had to choose 20 albums to best represent the 90s, this would certainly be on the list. Doesn’t mean it’s one of the 20 best of the decade, but it definitely is peak 90s. 4 may be pushing it on the rating. I think the album would actually be better with two less songs.
The Triffids
2/5
It is not necessary that anyone listen to this ever. There were 1000 bands that sounded like this in 1987.
Mekons
3/5
This wasn’t bad. Had a little Echo & the Bunnymen feel to a few songs.
John Grant
2/5
Started out around a 2.75 but got worse and worse the more I listened to it. Not necessary on this list. Joins the club.
Don McLean
1/5
I’ve always secretly hated America Pie. And I don’t care for the rest of this folky storytelling album either. 1.5
Goldie
1/5
No one needs to hear this. Ever. Right at the top of the worst case this list.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Owned Without A Sound in the mid 90s and listened to it all the time. Never really dove into the back catalog. These guys were ahead of their time. Certainly influenced a lot of bands that followed.
The Who
3/5
Silly. Still a few major hits.
The White Stripes
3/5
This was just ok. Jack has better out there.
Green Day
3/5
Listened to this one 100s of times when it came out. Definitely an iconic album for the period. Too bad they turned out to be fake punks and became shills for the man. Glad to see Billy Joe and Dick Cheney are now on the same team.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
There are Zero reasons there are two albums from this band on this list. Zero.
Radiohead
4/5
Solid start to finish. Not the absolute best Radiohead album, but a few of their best songs.
3/5
Have always enjoyed Yes’ sound. Not going to listen every day, but glad this one was on the list. 3.5
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Has no idea I’d be able to sing along to three of these songs. Not bad.
Eagles
2/5
This wasn’t an awful debut. But….I hate the fucking Eagles, man!!
Steely Dan
4/5
This was good. As I expected.
Joe Ely
2/5
Heard enough to know. It’s not for me. 2.25
The Bees
3/5
Enjoyed this. Need to give it another few listens. Not blown away. But enjoyable.
Pavement
3/5
Knew I’d recognize a few. Solid mid 90s
Love
3/5
Good / different for this era of the mid - 60s. Not great. But good experimental type rock.
New Order
3/5
Not their best, but still enjoy. Seems like a mix of two different styles for a lot of songs. Clearly North and Sumner fighting a bit about direction. 3.5
Rush
5/5
Fantastic.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Solid jazz. Not something I’d really listen to. But it’s pretty damn good.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
This is silly. Vincent Price singing silly songs.
Tortoise
3/5
I would never seek this out. But for instrumental / electronic music, it is pretty good / not bad. But I’ll probably never listen again.
The Style Council
2/5
I can’t believe this is from the same guy that was The Jam. Not good at all.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Better than I expected.
John Lennon
3/5
If this exact album were played and sung exactly the same by anyone else with a different name, it wouldn’t be on this list or any of these other top lists. It’s not bad. But the only thing important about it is that it’s John Lennon.
Mike Ladd
2/5
I don’t get it. Nothing special.
The Only Ones
2/5
Had a nasally Violent Femmes vocal. Not awful. But not great.
David Bowie
3/5
Typical Bowie. One of my favorite artists. But he made so many albums that only a few stand out as amazing albums. 2-4 huge hits. The rest just average. 3.5
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
A couple good ones. But I don’t get all the “one of the best ever” hype. 2.5
John Prine
3/5
Good ol’ hippy dippy protest music. Done the right way.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
Have this a second day and an extra listen or two. A few tunes grabbed me. A lot of them lost me though. 2.25
2/5
Couldn’t listen. Not on any streaming service. Probably a 3 given what I know about XTC. But I’ll deduct a point for them being cunts and making it hard to listen.
Fred Neil
2/5
Didn’t make it through all 2+ hours but I certainly got the jist. Solid voice. Interesting. But not my thing.
SZA
2/5
Well at least now I know what SZA does. Not awful. Nor for me.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Far too long. I get the jist. Not great.
3/5
Not bad.
3/5
I’ve had three Kinks albums and still no Lola. WTF??? The first two were early Kinks and were bad. This one shows them leaning more into who they became. Not great. But not awful.
Doves
3/5
Didn’t hate it. Wasn’t overwhelmed either. Hard to believe a 2000s era band of this genre is on this list and I’d never heard of them.
The War On Drugs
3/5
This band deserves an album on the list, but it’s not this one. Great songs in Under the Pressure and Red Eyes but overall I Don’t Live Here Anymore is a better album. I know this one’s fallen off the list in later versions.
Barry Adamson
2/5
I didn’t know “fake movie soundtracks” was even a thing until I started this project. Now I’ve had a few. Strange.
The Cramps
3/5
Interesting. Never knew The Cramps were rockabilly.
50 Cent
3/5
Tons of huge hits. Like most rap albums, had 3-4 songs too many. Still solid early 2000s rap.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
There’s a reason the and broke up after this one hit the shitter. No reason it makes any list of good albums.
Lambchop
2/5
Don’t really even know what I was listening to. It’s literally just there. I agree with the one review. Passed by and wasn’t even sure I heard it. Because it was so unexciting.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Starting to really love Black Sabbath. I knew I enjoyed all the big hits. And have grown to know a handful of lesser known hits from WSP and other bands that cover them regularly, but getting to know the full albums has been a very good thing.
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
One of the greatest albums of all time. But following my prior guidance, it’s hard for me to go to a 5 due to its length (is it a double album? Almost) which means it has just a few too many songs that aren’t 5s for the album to garner a 5. Still fantastic. 4.75.
Dr. John
2/5
All sounds the same. Have seen and have subsequently avoided Dr John at every NO Mardi Gras type event / festival I’ve been too. He’s good for the movement. But once (or twice) you’ve seen him, that’s good enough. 2.75
Steve Winwood
3/5
Still writing hits in the mid 80s. Overall good album, not great. Huge hit with See a Chance. Two really solid songs in Spanish Dancer and Night Train. Solid 3.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Not my thing. But do have RESPECT.
Bee Gees
2/5
Early Bee Gees is not great.
Paul Weller
2/5
I don’t get the Paul Weller fascination. The Jam was a fantastic band that cut its own path. Weller’s subsequent acts have left me wanting more. This was better than The Style Council. But just barely. 2.5
The Cure
4/5
Excellent. Dark. A Forest is easily a top 10 Cure tune.
King Crimson
3/5
Certainly need to give this one more time. It’s bizarre. But I can imagine the big ones growing on me. Maybe the best album cover ever. Adding 1/2 point for that alone.
Brian Eno
3/5
Have heard a lot of music on this project that Brian Eno had his hand in as a producer or musician. This is my favorite so far. Elements of Bowie & the Beatles and Talking Heads. This guy influenced a lot of music.
Brian Eno
3/5
This was entertaining. Definitely as much David Byrne as Brian Eno.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
This is not the prog I like. So bizarre. And what’s with that album cover.
Jamiroquai
3/5
I like this, also did when it was released. Different. Definitely in its own lane. Sounds very 70s. But also modern.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
I like it. 3.5.
Def Leppard
2/5
I hated this in 1987 and still hate it in 2025. But what’s worse is I may hate the people who like this more than I hate the music itself.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Enjoyed half of that a lot.
Fishbone
3/5
Blast from the past. Don’t really need to hear often, but was a good reminder.
Q-Tip
2/5
Ok. Not offensive. Just not my thing. 2.5
The Birthday Party
1/5
This is awful. I do not get the authors obsession with Nick Cave.
Megadeth
2/5
Never been into this stuff.
Tears For Fears
3/5
Solid hits. Sounds like 1984.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Solid solo debut. Solsbury Hill is an all time PG tune. 3.5
Spiritualized
2/5
Space noise. Silly. Last couple songs almost redeemed the early nonsense.
Buck Owens
2/5
Howdy folks!!
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
This was good. Why did they ever let Crosby come in and fuck it up? 3.5. Neil Young is still a douche.
fIREHOSE
2/5
This was fine. Not great. Not bad. Just fine. Won’t likely ever listen again. So I’m going just below the line at 2.95
Aerosmith
2/5
These guys are like cartoon characters by this point in their career. If I never hear another song from this album again, it’ll be too soon.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
This is an easy 4+ if I was into this kind of music. Beautiful voice. Certainly influential given this album was 1960. Glad I got to hear it and know who she is. Just not something I’d ever buy or listen to regularly, so 3.5
Supertramp
3/5
This was a good listen. Solid 70s proggy yachty rock. 3.5
Queen
3/5
A few massive hits. Otherwise average. 3.5
Ryan Adams
3/5
Always been a fan of this one. 3.75
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
This band has way too many albums on this list. But this one is by far the best. Didn’t know they started out more in the punk / ska / soul genre. Should have stayed there.
Julian Cope
2/5
Not sure how this one made the list. It’s just kind of there.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
All time classic tunes.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
A little biased on this one because of what it meant to me as a 13 year old. Getting into the Cure and The Smiths and bands like Exho saved me from the 80s radio schlock.
The Jam
3/5
This was a nice last from the past. Was a big fan of The Jam as a kid. 3.5
James Brown
3/5
Just some good ol’ JB.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
All sounds very much the same. It’s not bad. But it’s not great. 2.95
Basement Jaxx
1/5
Awful. I hate this music.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
This is just average and boring and all sounds the same. It’s not terrible. But nothing grabs me either. 2.5
Kraftwerk
2/5
I understand their influence but it’s just not for me. Sounds very basic. Like a kid on an old Casio. 2.5
Baaba Maal
2/5
Interesting. This is what I thought I’d get a lot more of when I signed up for this project. Way better than another Leonard Cohen album. Not likely to ever listen to again. But glad I got to hear it once. 2.75
Le Tigre
3/5
Surprisingly good / fun / interesting. Sounds like a few different eras all in one. Girl punk at its best.
Bill Callahan
2/5
Turns out I did not need to hear that before I died.
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
Couldn’t find this album anywhere to listen to. Was all grayed out on iTunes. Not on YouTube. So listened to his top songs on iTunes. It’s jazz. Not blown away.
Hole
4/5
Great stuff. Underrated.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Amazing. Incredible from start to finish.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Solid.
Pavement
3/5
Good. Fine. Not great. But I enjoyed it.
Public Enemy
3/5
Chuck D could sing a phone book and it would be worth a listen. That being said, this isn’t their best. But it’s hard to beat their best.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Great old Clapton. 3.75
Randy Newman
3/5
Good listen. Didn’t know a few of those songs were originally his since they were covered so well.
Bert Jansch
2/5
This was damn fine music for sitting in a coffee shop in Ireland around 11am. Driving down the road it makes me sleepy. 2.5
Ray Charles
2/5
I guess you had to have some RC on the list. Not bad. Just nothing I’d ever choose to listen to. 2.5
Air
3/5
Interesting. Hints of Pink Floyd in a few songs.
Skunk Anansie
2/5
Don’t hate it. Didn’t love it. But not something I’d ever listen to again. 2.5
Dion
2/5
It’s ok. Just there. Nothing grabbing me.
The Black Keys
4/5
Great album. Great band. So unique at the time of release.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Pretty good. Golden Age really caught me off guard. Had no idea it wasn’t a Phish tune.
The Libertines
3/5
Another good not great UK Indie Punk band / album. Totally fine. Enjoyed it. Just too much out there that sounds similar.
Eric Clapton
4/5
Classic Clapton. Need to listen to this one a few more times.
System Of A Down
2/5
This isn’t for me. Whoever compared this to QotSA or Rage needs to listen to those bands a little more.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
I enjoyed that a lot more than I thought I would.
Carpenters
1/5
I have this music as much as any music made.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Boring. Not great.
Deep Purple
4/5
Solid early 70s hard rock. A few monster songs.
Blue Cheer
2/5
Typical late 60s psychedelic rock. Nothing stands out. 2.75
Björk
2/5
I get her strange place on the music spectrum - odd girl from Iceland with unique voice - but doesn’t mean I have to enjoy it.
Saint Etienne
3/5
Going with a generous 3. Really enjoyed some of it. Others got a little stale on me. Reminded me of St Bart’s club music in the late 90s early 00s.
The White Stripes
4/5
This one was much better than White Blood Cells. A few stand out monster hits. Jack at his near best.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Great album of old school blues performed by a master in his later years. Almost as though he made this album just to be able to work with some of the other great artists he brought in for this.
Grateful Dead
5/5
Fantastic early Dead.
Dennis Wilson
2/5
Album isn’t awful, but it’s not something I’d ever listen to again. His Wiki page, on the other hand, may lead me to read multiple books on his life. 2.5
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Lots of hits. Great voice. Knew 80% of those songs. Just nothing I would ever listen to. 2.75.
Alice Cooper
2/5
The music doesn’t really fit the persona. I’ve known Schools Out forever. But never really listened to any other AC. Just normal 70s rock. Thought it would be a bit more Ozzy. 2.75
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
Awful.
Madness
2/5
Did my best to listen even though this one’s hard to find. Not the best Madness I’ve ever heard. 2.75
Björk
1/5
This couldn’t be worse. I do not get the fascination with this girl and her music.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Was interested in this. Probably need to listen a few more times. Found it odd that Rundgren has so many songs I know but none from this album. 2.75
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I really dislike Bruce Springsteen. This is a pretty great album.
Beatles
5/5
Excellent album. I Want You is phenomenal. George Harrison’s two songs stand out amongst the rest. Really all around great. Could do without Maxwell’s Silver Hammer and Octopus’ Garden. But they’re not awful.
Traffic
3/5
Always live some Traffic. Not their best, but a few great ones. Great instrumental opening song. 3.75
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Great music to chill out to.
The Sonics
2/5
Sounds like way too much of the same from that era. How about writing some of your own songs??
Suede
3/5
Not bad. A few really good tunes. Sounds like some Echo and the Bunnymen in places. Gets a little psychedelic is other places. And then there’s some below average tunes.
Hot Chip
2/5
Not sure why this one’s on the list.
Robbie Williams
3/5
I get all the haters, but I’ve always had a Robbie Williams fascination. I think the hate comes from the boy band era. But he’s got a great voice. Sounds like Elton John on a few songs. 3.5
Cee Lo Green
2/5
It’s got its moments. But mostly not for me.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Quintessential Stones. Can’t You Hear Me Knocking is a top 5 Stones song. Great album.
Common
3/5
I enjoyed this. Old Kanye is pretty smooth. Common is a cool character. Way better than modern rap.
Tom Waits
2/5
Tom Waits is the US version of Shane MacGowan. He’s fine, but Doesn’t need this many albums on the list. 2.5.
The Beta Band
3/5
This was fine. Enjoyed a few songs quite a bit. But overall forgettable and no idea why it’s on the list.
The Police
4/5
Great. Not their best overall album. But definitely some monster hits. 4.5
Billy Bragg
3/5
A few stand out tunes. But otherwise not my favorite Wilco. 3.5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Always great. This one is just a small notch down from some of their others. But they set the bar so high. 4.5
Super Furry Animals
3/5
This is perfectly good / fine music. Just not sure why or how they have two albums on this list. Nothing about it jumps out as special. Just good 90s music.
Ash
2/5
Sounds like 1000 other bands from this era.2.5
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
I could write a page or two on this album. It’s genius. I’ve seen them play it straight through and seen them play the songs separately may many times.
I understand if the music isn’t for you, but I feel like a lot of the negative reviews, especially from the UK, don’t even understand the concept of this album, that it’s a “rock opera” if you will, telling the story of the 1970’s south through the lens of a Skynyrd fan and weaving their story into the fabric of the time. It’s not a celebration of George Wallace and those times, but more of an apology / history lesson, from a Birds Eye view. 4.5
The Stooges
2/5
Every song sounds the same. I enjoy the sound. But it gets a little old after a while. Understand Iggy’s place in history. Album likely deserves to be on the list. But still not an all time great album. 2.5
Sam Cooke
3/5
Enjoyed that one.
Radiohead
4/5
This is not may favorite Radiohead album. But it’s still fantastic. I need to give it more time, as I really spent so much time on their first 5 albums and those after have been neglected a bit. 4.25
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
This was a fun listen. Was not familiar with MF’s militant hip hop side.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Enjoyed that. Need to give it a few more listens. 3.25
Paul Simon
2/5
I find Paul Simon’s music very simple and boring.
Brian Eno
1/5
So dumb.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
4th album from Elvis Costello. I enjoy him. But this one probably the least of the four though. Not sure why this one made the list. He doesn’t need 4+ albums on this list. He’s not that great. 2.75
The Hives
3/5
Love the garage punk sound. Glad it made a comeback in the late 90s early 00s. This album had a few great tunes and the rest are not bad. Strange that a bad made a “greatest hits” album after only two albums. And stranger that it would make this list. List should all original albums.
Arrested Development
2/5
I like what they were trying to do here. But they didn’t quite succeed in making it good. A couple decent songs can’t save this below average album.
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
Let’s start by saying I hate Bruce Springsteen. It’s all started in the 1980s when he consumed way touch of my time as a young teen by being played too much on MTV and radio with this awful album. It continued into my adult life when he acted like a privileged spoiled baby ranting about the great country that has provided him with the most gifted life a human could live. So this was painful to listen to. And hopefully will be the last time I ever have to hear it in my life.
Richard Hawley
2/5
Didn’t know anyone made this music anymore.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
I still don’t get it.
Ian Dury
1/5
There’s nothing good or groundbreaking about this. It’s just dumb music. Like a complete joke album. Can’t be serious.
Minutemen
2/5
I am a fan of this style of music, but in very small doses. This is too much in one setting for me. 2.75
Sepultura
1/5
I hate this style of musoc.
Steve Earle
3/5
Not bad.
Grateful Dead
5/5
The reviews are as expected. A casual fan will never “get” the GD by listening to studio albums. You had to be there, to see them live in a dark arena to get it. Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty are folksy / country rock albums. They’re also fantastic, when taken in context to the times and everything else the Dead had done and would do in the decade around those albums.
De La Soul
2/5
Similar to Arrested Development review. I really like what they were trying to so. It’s different. Not your everyday rap, especially given the time it car out. Album is just a bit too long and all starts to sound the same. A few gems. But overall just below average. 2.75