1001 Albums Summary

I have been a casual Black Keys listener in the past and enjoyed this.

Bitch didn’t kill my vibe Simpsons: No

Good stuff

I put this one before bed and was pretty much asleep by the end of it. However this kind of exactly what I wanted it to do, so can’t complain.

Don’t know what all you cry babies are on about, this was perfectly listenable

So I already had beef with Tom Tom Club going into this. Last year I went to the cinema to watch Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense (i.e the greatest concert film of all time). Anyway about half way through David Byrne heads off to either take his massive suit off or put it on, I can’t remember which, and a couple of members of the band start playing in his absence. Anyway they were absolutely shite, David Byrne was definitely the brains behind that operation. It turns out those members of Talking Heads are also Tom Tom Club and listening to this hasn’t changed my opinion on them. Still can’t bring myself to dish out my first 1* though, it wasn’t unpleasant just not for me.

It’s a bit long and it doesn’t quite live up to any of the hits that I’m already aware of. But it’s still vibey as shit! Simpsons: of course

Didn’t actually mind it. Got too hyped up as being bad. Plus I’ll like anything Jarvis is involved in. Simpsons: No

Good vibes.

Simpsons reference: Loose reference, they parody the song We are Family by Sister Sledge which was written by Chic

Simpsons reference: Yes (episode name references them! Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk)

Not for me Clive

I was vibing to this in the bath

Needs more heartbreak

About three or four of these appear during the Christmas scenes in Goodfellas, so it was almost an automatic 5*.

A bit all over the place. One of the tracks ‘Zilch’ physically repulsed me. Looks like this was the first album that The Monkees wrote and fully played on the tracks themselves, and you can kind of tell. It’s no ‘I’m a Believer’.

Giving this the benefit of the doubt, because listening on phone speakers in the bath is probably not what they intended. Could imagine vibing to this live with a crowd.

I liked it. Then again 90’s indie/alternative is my jam

Certainly some bangers on this, but a lot of filler too

Very close to a 5* this fella. But I know S&G have at least one even better album, so I’ll give it a cautious 4. Homeward Bound might be one of the best songs ever!

Surprise

He’s obviously iconic, but not he’s my cup of tea. A few bangers

Not my usual vibe, but actually really liked this. I liked the mix of metal and orchestral stuff. Definitely going to get running to it.

I really liked this. Listened to it twice in the end. I’m still not quite sure how I’m judging 5*, so the 4 here could ultimately be harsh.

Good bath listen. But suppose it’s just not my cup of tea.

Another one I really enjoyed and wouldn’t be something I usually listen to. I’m definitely the opposite of El G, I just can’t give a bad review! Call me Arsene Wenger because I’m just throwing out 4’s (4th place) every time!

Kids, Time to Pretend, and Electric Feel are all bangers, and were the only MGMT songs I really knew before this. That probably won’t change as nothing else really stood out.

The 80s have just never really done it for me.

Just couldn’t quite bring myself to throw out a 3 here.

A couple of tunes that I enjoyed, but on the whole, not really doing for me.

I’m kinky for The Kinks! However, this doesn’t quite get itself 5 stars as they have better albums (Village Green Preservation Society) which I look forward to popping up as well. Sunny Afternoon is an all-time great though.

I once had a boss called Dipesh, and although he never made this joke, he was exactly the kind of Apprentice wannabe that would have said he was entering ‘Dipesh Mode’. So that’s all I can really think about when Depeche play their tunes. Anyway, that’s by the by, this fellas getting a 2, not offensive enough for a 1, but it didn’t have much going for it.

There are a few tracks on here that I have listened to a lot over the years, but for some reason have not listened to the full album since it came out. What a silly boy I was back in 2012. Lovely from start to finish. No notes.

I feel like punk is a ‘you had to be there’ genre.

How is it possible for Iggy Pop to look in good shape but disgusting at the same time? Anyway decent listen, 3 stars.

Rod Stewart’s voice shouldn’t work, but it does. The man sounds like he’s smoked 40 a day since primary school. Liked it, Maggie May is a banger.

Really liked this, will be listening to them more

I was ready to give this a 4 after listening to it yesterday morning, but then in the evening it took me a good few minutes to remember what the days album was. So it obviously didn’t make much of an impression. Sorry Elvis, you were a great guest star on The Simpsons.

Not really anything wrong with this, but just not my vibe

Have listened to a bit of the Smashing Pumpkins in the past and liked what I heard, never listened to a full album before though. So I’ll check out some more

Couple of good times on here, but not a fan overall.

Obviously amazing. But think it would be disingenuous to give a 5 as I’m unlikely to listen again. Simpsons reference: Yes

Have listened to a bit of this geezer in the past, and by that I mean listened to two songs a lot, including the opening credits song to HBOs Big Little Lies (would recommend the first series, not the second). However there was nothing on this album I recognised, and nothing jumping out at me. A fairly pleasant listen none the less.

Full of bangers tbf! Not quite as good as Songs in The Key of Life though, which is a stone cold 5 star when it comes up! Simpsons reference: No but he looks a lot like Bleeding Gums Murphy

I feel like I have heard so many parodies of this kind of country music that it was hard to take it seriously. Big Lurkeen Lumpkin vibes. However, it was a nice catchy listen. Simpsons reference: No

Quite a pleasant listen actually, preferred it to the John Coltrane. Simpsons reference: Yes

Not as good as the proper Beatles stuff, but still pretty decent. Simpsons reference: Yes

Pretty nice stuff. Simpsons reference: I think so PS. I need to start putting more effort into these reviews.

I Wanna Be Your Dog is a banger, but nothing else really stood out. Simpsons reference: not really.

Difficult one this, there were some tracks that I really liked but others that I really didn’t. Simpsons reference: No

I ended up liking this a lot more than I thought I was going to. Gave me real vibes of shaking my booty while absolutely off my noggin on £1 Vodka Redbulls at uni. Simpsons reference: A Missy Elliot song has been played in an episode, but can’t see any direct reference.

IF ANYONE SAYS ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT OCTOPUSES GARDEN I’LL KILL AGAIN. Where to start… Weirdly, Come Together might be my least favourite song on the album, doesn’t mean it’s not a banger though. Something is not only my favourite song on the album and favourite Beatles song, it might even be my favourite song of all time. Feel like I could fall in love with a piece of shit (even Chris) provided I was looking at it while this was playing. Harrison knocking it out the park on this one, with Something and Here Comes the Sun. Genuinely think there is a world we’re the Beatles might be even better than they were, had they let good old George have more than two songs an album. This may be a benefit of listening to the vinyl as I’ve never noticed it quite so acutely when listening on Spotify. But the way almost the entirety of Side 2 flows seamlessly into each other, making effectively one big track (sorry El G) is so satisfying. So yeah it’s alright innit… Simpsons reference: Every member referenced, 3/4 guest starred, and there are even some references to songs on this album. Might be the biggest Yes to this that we are going to have.

I like a bit of Gorillaz, but haven’t really listened to any full albums, since Demon Days was the most have album of Year 7 though. Enjoyed this, Clint Eastwood and 19-2000 are absolute tooons. Simpsons reference: No. Which is a shame the virtual characters could literally star in an episode.

Not really anything grabbing my attention about this one, not unpleasant to listen to though I suppose

Obviously doesn’t quite reach the heights of Abbey Road, but that’s not going to stop me from dishing out another fiver! Still banger after banger. For balance the film only gets a 4 from me. So I am capable of less than 5 when it comes to The Beatles. Simpsons: Obviously.

This was giving me Bond theme vibes, and I didn’t mind it mate. Nothing quite grabbing me to get up to 4 though. Simpsons reference: No

Not half bad. Will listen to "I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife for You, Sugar" again. The Simpsons reference: Genuinely impossible to research given their name, but I doubt it.

I do like a bit T-Rex, nothing I knew on this album though and nothing standing out for it to be in the 4s or 5s territory. Simpsons reference: There is a character called T-Rex, don’t think I can count that as a reference though.

I went into this thinking I could have a possible fiver on my hands. However it fell just short, really liked it, but it needed a couple more Basket Case level songs to get top marks! Simpsons reference: Green Day are in the film!

It was alright

The Waterboys are one John M’s favourites, so a bit of a nostalgia going here. Lovely bit of work, nice to hear a cover Sweet Thing which is one of my favourite songs. Shame it didn’t have Whole of the Moon on there, because that is a stone cold banger! Simpsons reference: No

Big fan. Not a completely straight forward 5* like Abbey Road etc. but it’s an album I have on rotation a lot. And despite the opinion of my peers I could listen to All My Friends all day everyday and never get bored. Simpsons reference: No

He may have been a dodgy geezer but he could belt out a tune. Great Balls of Fire is 🔥 Simpsons reference: Yes

Really really liked this, I was very close to giving a 5*. But I just thought knowing he’s got even better to come, I’ll go with a safe 4*. That could be a tad harsh, sorry boss. Simpsons reference: Yes (also rumoured to have turned down multiple guest appearances)

Just not really my vibe. Could imagine bopping around to it live though I suppose. Simpson reference: No (only in the non-cannon comic books)

All good stuff and obviously Fairytale of New York is a cracker. Simpsons reference: No

Just top notch. No notes. Simpsons reference: Yes

Have enjoyed the very little of the Byrds I’ve listened to in the past and this was no different. Nice stuff. Simpsons reference: Kent Brockman covers a song!

Bloody love a it of Leonard Cohen. Never listened to a full album before, just the odd single here and there (including the original and best Hallelujah). Will definitely be doing a deeper dive into some more from the sad lad. Simpsons reference: Yes

It’s good stuff tbf. Almost dropped it another star because of repetitiveness, but thought that would be harsh. I reckon it helps that I watched School of Rock this week. Simpsons: Yes

Never really been my vibe, but you can’t deny the tunes on this. It does leave you thinking what an earth is on the rest of their albums as pretty much all their good songs were on this one! Simpsons: Yea

Never really paid much attention to post-Beatles solo work (apart from my boy George) but I actually really liked this and only really knew Band on The Run (song) going into it. Simpsons: Yes

Toyed with the idea of giving this a 2, but actually think there was enough here that I would listen again if I needed something instrumental to concentrate to. Simpsons: No

Have listened to a bit of Sujan Steven’s in the past, mainly this album and the soundtrack to the film Call Me By Your Name (the one where Timothée Chalamet fucks a peach). Really like it, but it is a bit long. Simpsons: No

I liked this. Simpsons: No

Just not really my kind of thing. Probably not bad if you’re off your noggin in the mixer though. Simpsons: No

It’s not quite on the level of some of the previous Bowie albums we’ve had on the list (Hunky Dory & Ziggy Stardust), but good stuff nonetheless. Simpsons: Yes

Love Q-Tip and probably underrated that when I came round earlier. So was tempted to right that wrong and throw out a 5* here. But I think 4* makes sense, there are other hip-hop albums yet to appear that I’ll be giving a solid 5 to and this just falls short of them. Simpsons: Yes, couple of different references (A Tribe Called Pesto)

A solid mid-table of an album. The album equivalent to Crystal Palace. The Simpsons: I’m sure they parody the end of The Breakfast Club at some point, but can’t find any evidence of that.

Pure nostalgia! Banger after banger. I still know all the words despite it probably being 20 years since I last listened. Simpsons: The Archduke yes, but not the band.

Thought I’d like this more than I did, but wasn’t as good as any of the Supergrass songs I already knew. Simpsons: No

Bad ass

He wrote this while he was living in the Sharon Tate Manson murders house. Which tells you everything you need to know about his mental state. Have only ever listened to Hurt before, actually went through a stage of listening to it a lot. It wasn’t a cry for help though, I just like a good sad lad. Probably won’t be listening to any more than Hurt in the future, would have been a solid 2* without it. Simpsons: Yes

I’ve never really got Muse, always found them a bit boring (a bit rich coming from you Rozza!). Wouldn’t be surprised if everything they’ve ever made was just shat out by an AI machine. This feels like it’s probably their best work though, a few ones I recognised. Supermassive Blackhole is a FIFA song as well, so that probably saves it from a 2*. The Simpsons: No

Simpsons: Yes

Nice try Barry.

Pleasant enough to listen to in the background.

Okay they got me. Not sure they were going for ‘listenable’ anyway. Simpsons: No

First time listener to Naz I think, aware of him largely through his ‘feud’ with Jay Z. Good stuff, will listen to more. Simpsons: No

Top drawer for me

Ozzy is a funny geezer and everything, but these lads have never really been for me. A bit much, just chill out a bit. Having said that a 2 would be harsh. Simpsons: Yes

Recently discovered a sad lad by The Divine Comedy that has been on rotation for a while, so have been meaning to check them out further. Enjoyed it, will continue to listen to more. Simpsons: No

Very good stuff, up there with Andre 3000s instrumental flute album. Maybe a tad too long, which is why I went for 4 over 5. Simpsons: you’d think so, but I can’t find any evidence

A bit of me this. Lovely stuff. Simpsons: No

Toyed with a 4* for this, but not much other than American Pie sticks out. Simpsons: Yes

Thought I was going to like this, but really didn’t for some reason. Not sure there was a single cover here that even came close to the original. Maybe Hurt, but even then I much prefer the OG sad lad. I actually found Bridge over Troubled Water painful to listen to, he just took all the melody and harmony out of it. Simpsons: yes

A bit more funky than some the previous Jazz albums, didn’t mind it. Simpsons: Yes

I was on the fence about this one, if I could give 4.5 I would. It isn’t my favourite Radiohead album and it’s not where I’d start if I wanted to get into them as the earlier stuff is a bit more accessible. However, after listening to it twice yesterday, it’s bloody good stuff. Merges the more conventional elements of the early stuff with the more abstract experimental albums they’ve done post-90s. So I think even as a very basic-bitch fan that prefers the early stuff, I’ve got to give a 5. Simpsons: Looks like Creep was played in a episode.

Not really my kind of thing, a lot going on. I’m sure Nick Cave will pick up a few more stars further down the line. Simpsons: No

Some weird stuff and some quite nice stuff, difficult one to place. But I’ll be generous rather than harsh. Simpsons: somehow yes hahah

Very good, but reckon it needed a Love Will Tear Us Apart or equivalent to hit 5 stars. Simpsons: Yes

PJ Harvey is one of those people I’d heard of without ever really knowing why. Now I know. Decent. Simpsons: No

I’m not a big metal guy, but turns out I am partial to a bit of funk-metal. Simpsons: No

A lovely bunch of sad lads. Never actually listened to this before, which is odd considering it’s pretty up my street and I was fully aware of its existence. I’m sure after a few more listens it would be a 5. Simpsons: No

No denying there’s a few tunes on here. But just not for me, I always find this stuff a bit samey. Wouldn’t be out of place as the soundtrack to a cheesey 80s action film, which is fine if you’re watching Top Gun, but I wasn’t I was sat at my desk sending emails and looking at spreadsheets. Fun fact: Of the original three members drummer Frank Beard is the only one not to have a beard. Simpsons: Yes

Slightly disappointed in this, thought I might have a fiver on my hands, given what I’ve listened to from Neil Young in particular. But there was just something lacking to give it top marks. Still a lovely album though, and Our House is a banger! Simpsons: Yes

Again as with a previous country album, it just feels like I’ve heard these kind of tunes parodied too much to take them seriously. But I’m not sure there’s anything here I can be too negative about. Simpsons: No

It’s not a 2 and it’s not a 4. Simpsons: No

A bit good tbf. Simpsons: Yep

Good vibes. Simpsons: No

The issue with a song like My Generation is a really makes all the others sound quite average. Just about scrapes a 4 though. Simpsons: Yes

All good stuff Simpsons: Yes

The Nigerian government threw his mum out of a video because this vibed so hard. Simpsons: No

Poor mans Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and I don’t even like the RHCP. Simpsons: No

Fats Domino is a badass name and I liked his work. Simpsons: No (although he sounds like he could be a character, maybe a member of Fat Tony’s gang)

Ohhhh yes please, gimme more! I love Talking Heads, I don’t necessarily know why as it’s not massively aligned with the rest of my music, but I just do! Just makes me feel happy to imagine David Byrne doing his funny little dances. Simpsons: Byrne has guest starred and him and the band mentioned quite a few times!

I know absolutely nothing of these lads, but this slapped. It was right in my wheelhouse. I was umming and ahing about whether to give a 4 or 5, as I’ve yet to give a 5 to something unknown, most of my 5s are things I’ve heard before. But this was tasty stuff, and I’ll be listening to a lot more. Simpsons: No

Layla is so much better than all the other songs that they’ve even reflected this in the name of the album. I’m not sure it even helps it sneak a 4. Simpsons: No

Got off to a good start this, but wasn’t convinced by the end. Simpsons: No

Facking love The Cure, the saddest lads of them all. Pictures Of You is also my favourite song of theirs, so confirms the 5 stars. The Simpsons: No

I feel asleep. I was tired, so I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. Simpsons: Yes

It was okay, nothing to go crazy about though. Simpsons: No

Big fat five for Van the Man! Just perfect from start to finish. I may have listened to this album more than any other, I’d love to see the stats on that. Sweet Thing is certainly in and around the top spot every year for most listened to song. Banger. Simpsons: No

Take Five was a bit of a banger, but in general not my cup of tea. Simpsons: Take Five used in an episode

As good as this was, I just don’t think I like The Who enough to give any of their stuff a fiver. Can’t deny some of the tunes though, and I am the Bad Man Behind Blue Eyes after all. Simpsons: Yes

It was alright. Simpsons: No

So I love Simon and Garfunkel. But I’m learning that perhaps I love Bridge Over Troubled Water and a few of the singles and just quite like everything else. This just does quite hit as much as BOTW does. Simpsons: Yes

Not garbage, but not amazing either. Simpsons: No

3’s all round. Simpsons: No

I don’t know if I’ve had one that has been so borderline 4/5 before. It was a solid 4 all the way until Something In The Way (banger) tipped it into 5, but then the final track was a pile of wank so falls back into a 4. Simpsons: basically a whole episode

Listened to this on the Vicky Line while passing through Tottenham feeling like a proper North London Roadman. Skepta has also done some stuff with us at work, so by all accounts a nice geezer. Simpsons: No

Nice and vibey, might have scored higher if I could understand any of the Spanish. Simpsons: No

Almost got itself a 4. Just don’t think it’s something I would ever sit down and choose to listen to. Certainly a good vibe though. Simpsons: Guest star

Solid three, not much to add. Simpsons: No

The Band have been top of my list to ‘get in to’ for a while, and this didn’t disappoint, I think I enjoyed every track. Controversially, I also quite like the name. When you consider that they were initially Bob Dylan’s backing band, it kind of makes sense. Simpsons: very hard to figure out due to the name

I don’t know if it’s because I was hungover, but this made very little impact on me. To say I listened to it would be a stretch, it was just on a room in a room I happened to be in. Simpsons: No

This isn’t as good as Astral Weeks for me, although that doesn’t necessarily rule out a fiver. Into The Mystic is an absolute tuuuuunnnee and Moondance itself is up there. But I would say it needs a couple more to hit full marks. Simpsons: No

It was fine. *really need to work on my reviews. Simpsons: who knows, I’m going to guess no though

I really liked this in an operatic kind of way. Simpsons: No

Fair play this pretty great stuff, banger after banger. Not something I’m going regularly whack out and play, but you can’t deny its greatness. Simpsons: Yes

Not as good as the previous Hendrix, but very good nonetheless. Simpsons: yes

Slow start, but thought it really got going in the second half. Not got the PG hits that I know and like, Sledgehammer, Solsbury Hill etc, but still enjoyable. Just shy of a four though. Simpsons: Yes

This was lovely stuff. Imagine kicking back in 1957 at Mister Kelly’s with a stiff drink and listening to this. I think I just need to go to Ronnie Scott’s again. Simpsons: Yes

Didn’t quite have the visceral hatred that everyone else seemed to have for this, didn’t seem any worse than any other rap-metal that I’ve heard. Almost popped it a three, but that would just be been to annoy you all. Simpsons: Yes

Really vibed to this. Lovely stuff. Simpsons: Yes

Quite enjoyed some of this, but also some of it I didn’t. Just a solid three. Simpsons: No

I actually quite enjoyed this, if only it wasn’t so long. Then again it is a live album, I’d feel a bit short changed if I went to a gig and it was 35 minutes long. Simpsons: Yes

Can see how this is so influential. A great listen and socially/politically charged lyrics. Simpsons: Yes

Very enjoyable stuff. Had heard My Best Friends Girl Before, and the rest were good too. Shit band name Simpsons: No

Where Is My Mind is such a toooon! I’m not even the biggest Fight Club fan but the ending + credits with this over the top is superb. The rest is good, but doesn’t live up Where Is My Mind. Although I do like Gigantic. Decent live as well. Simpsons: Yes

Enjoyed this. Heard of the them before, but this was the first time properly listening to them, although I did already know a couple of tunes. Will definitely look forward to listening to more. Simpsons: No

Pleasant to work to in the background. Not sure I’m going to listen again though. Simpson: Nah (although teardrop has been used)

Initially I didn’t think I was going to like 80s synth-pop Cohen, but I was very into it by the end. Simpsons: Yes

Good vibz. Simpsons: Oh yeah (guest star in Shot Mr Burns doesn’t get much bigger than that)

Haven’t actually had a chance to listen to this as part of our little challenge. But this is one I have listened to countless times and own a copy of the banana lad myself. Just one of the best albums of all time. Simpsons: not that I can find, but there must be a Lou Reed reference in there somewhere

Good stuff. Simpsons: Yes

Beautiful Day is obviously an absolute nostalgic banger for any fan of 01/04 premier league football. Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of is also half decent. Not a lot going on otherwise. Simpsons: Yes

I’ve got one hand in my pocket and other one is giving this album five stars. Preemptively calling Chris a knobhead for his inevitable comment about the lack of irony in Ironic. How original. Simpsons: Yes

Love it. Love it. Love it. And still not my favourite of the Bosses albums. Simpsons: Yes

Good shit. Simpsons: No

My fingers aren’t the only thing sticky after that. Simpsons: Yes

Good vibes. But a 34 minute album with one song that is 12 minutes long. Can’t help but feel short changed. Simpsons: Yes

Bold to put your only banger as the last song on the album. Simpsons: No

Possibly helped by the fact that I listened to this on the coach to Glasto, but sooo good! Simpsons: not even looking it up, just assuming yes

Bit samey Jack. Simpsons: Yes

Just lovely stuff! And Sultans of Swing is a stone cold banger. Simpsons: Yes

Bad ass

Fair play, I suppose not necessarily my thing. But you could still tell it’s a man on top of his game. Simpsons: Yes

I like the Beach Boys. Simpsons: Yes

I’ve got a blank space baby and I’ll give you a fiver. Pop music just doesn’t get much better than this. Blank Space. Banger. Style Banger. Shake It Off. Banger. Bad Blood. Banger. Wildest Dreams. Banger. Simpsons: Yes

Proper starter Radiohead album this and my favourite. Makes everything else make a bit more sense if you’ve listened to this first. Too notch. Simpson: probably

Ahh it was alright. Simpsons: No

I like a bit of this, although not as good as the banana boi with Nico. Pale Blue Eyes is a banger. Simpsons: Yes

Can I shock you? I’ve never really got Queen. It’s all just a bit cheesy. They’ve got some bangers don’t get me wrong, I’ll shake my arse to Fat Bottom Girls all night long. But I can’t imagine they have strength and depth in the deep cuts. Don’t think they will ever trouble the 1s and 2s, but can’t really give this any more than a 3, it was fine. Simpsons: Yes

Ahh not that special. Simpsons: No

It was alright I suppose, a two would be harsh. Does feel like other bands (Led Zep etc) do this kind of thing much better though. Simpsons: Yes

Yeah this is good stuff. Not one I’d listened too before, but one I’ll listen to again. Simpsons: Yes

It was fine. Not the best work in the Skinny Jeans genre. Simpsons: No

Don’t enjoy this ad much as the first Cocteau Twins album. Simpsons: I’ll be honest I’ve stopped checking and have been guessing

What a vibe. Could listen to this all day. Simpsons: Yes

God I listened to this ages ago and forgot to rate. If I remember rightly it was lovely. Simpsons: No

I’m back baby! A solid 4 for my return. Decent stuff from the big man. Some killer a little bit of filler, pretty much bang on half an hour. No complaints. Simpsons: Yes

Not my favourite of his. Simpsons: Yes

Passed up the opportunity to see these chaps at Glastonbury, went to the far more on brand The National (sad lads) instead. Quite enjoyed this though actually. Not far off a four. Simpsons: No

A hill I will die on is that early Coldplay is superb! Although they have been shit since 2005. Simpsons: yes

One of those bands where I like about three songs and appear to dislike the rest. Design for Life was the only enjoyable one on here and the rest did nothing for me. Simpsons: No

My only points of reference for Meat Loaf prior to this were Bat Out Of Hell (the song) and his role in Fight Club. The man’s got range. After to listening to this my only points of reference will still be Bat Out Of Hell (the song) and his performance in Fight Club. The rest of the album doesn’t have much going for it. 2 would be harsh though. Simpsons: Yes

Enjoyed this. Red Morning Light is a pure FIFA banger so that helps. Simpsons: No

Just facking superb. It doesn’t get much better than this. It could well be the album I’ve listened to the most, certainly top 5. Simpsons: I doubt it

I enjoyed this very much. Could have been a fiver on another day. Simpsons: Yes

Wasn’t what I was expecting, but I jammed. Simpsons: Yes

Sounds like REM tbf. Simpsons: Yes

Good shit! Simpsons: Yes

It’s a shame Eric Clapton is a knob. Simpsons: No, but Clapton is.

Enjoyed this. Can’t say I wasn’t disappointed that they didn’t burst into Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. Which I’m aware is a very white thing to say. Simpsons: Not directly, but there is a Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes joke.

First three here are absolutely superb, the rest let it down a bit. The Simpsons: Yes

Maybe I’d have been more inclined to give a 5 if they weren’t shite at Reading. Just sing the hits! And do them in a normal way! Simpsons: No

I was going to give a 4, but I’ve decided to be generous. Wild World. Banger. Father and Son. Banger. Tea for the Tillerman. Banger (and too short) Simpsons: Yes

Not as good as Jeff. Actually did vibe with it at all. Simpsons: No

I know it’s supposed to be their best, but I prefer Sticky Fingers. Simpsons: Yes

Some very good shit here. So probably harsh with my 4. Simpsons: Yes

Fairly run of the mill. Into My Arms is a good tune and have heard it before. Nothing else really stood out. Simpsons: No

Solid. Simpsons: Yes

This is will be a lovely addition to my Reading on a Train playlist. Simpsons: had a few songs used, but no references.

This could not have sounded more R.E.M. But only one standout really. Simpsons: Yes

Can’t fault it. Didn’t love it. Simpsons: quite hard to research given their name. Doubt it though.

Very enjoyable. Definitely worth another listen. Simpsons: No

It was nice stuff but nothing really grabbing me. Maybe I prefer them when you add Young into the mix. Simpsons: Yes

I have listened to a bit of Arcade Fire in the past. But not really anything on this album. I enjoyed it and would listen again. Simpsons: No

Maybe I’m Amazed. Banger. Otherwise needs more John, George, and Ringo. Simpsons: Maybe I’m Amazed was used as an end credits!

Not an unpleasant way to spend 33 minutes. Simpsons: Yes

Well I thought I actually quite liked Adele, but other than the hits some of these were actually quite painful to listen to. Maybe it just caught me on a bad day. Simpsons: Yes

Sorry Syd, not for me lad. I’d have kicked you out of Pink Floyd as well tbf. Simpsons: I don’t think Pink Floyd references count?

It was good stuff, but not up there with the fivers I’ve given him in the past. Simpsons: Yes

Hmm not a thrash metal guy. Simpsons: No

Well this was a very good time. Simpsons: Yes

Not bad stuff. Nothing really standout though. Simpsons: Don’t think so

Ahhh not for me Simpsons: Yes

Loser is a bit of tune. But not on this album unfortunately. Nothing really standing out to me here, but still nice enough. Simpsons: Yes and a full on guest star in Futurama

I can see why Jane is an addict. Anything to drown out the noise. That was probably harsh. But not for me. Simpsons: No

Really liked this. A very pleasant way to spend 45 minutes. Simpsons: No

Really good stuff. Always enjoyed a bit of Lou Reed and this has the big hitters of Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side. Up there with the Velvet Undergrounds Banana Boi as the best thing he’s done. Simpsons: Yes

It’s good stuff mate. Think I’m going to postpone my 5 until Goodbye Yellow Brick Road though. Simpsons: yes

Enjoyed this, it just had a lovely vibe to it. He was briefly a member of Pulp as well, so that helps. Simpsons: No

Hmm not for me. Simpsons: No

This was my kind of slow durge. Simpsons: There is an Itchy and Scratchy episode titled My Bloody Valentine. However, that is more likely a reference to the film

Turns out I knew more Moby songs than I thought I did. Actually, really enjoyed this. Certainly my favourite of the more dance/electronic stuff so far. Simpsons: No

Really enjoyed this. Shall be checking out some more Roxy Music in the future. Simpsons: No

Strange one. There seemed to be some half decent songs on here, which were kind of overshadowed by old Bobbys singing and delivery. Having said that I did kind of get used to it by the end. Not enough to save it from a deux though. Simpsons: No

Didn’t know what to expect from this. Have heard references to Steely Dan that have ridiculed them but also some that have made them sound amazing. They were perfectly solid. Simpsons: Yes

Oooft a bit long and just not as good as I’d like it to be. Kashmir is a tune, but LZ have others that I prefer. Simpsons: Yes

Just a lovely bit of Britpop. Almost getting a 4 from me, but perhaps lacked a few standouts. Simpsons: No

I listened to this a couple of weeks ago. Can’t say I remember much about it. Simpsons: No

It’s funny to imagine these lads being young men. I always just picture them as old men in school uniform singing silly songs. Either way, some tunes on here. Simpsons: Yes

This was at least on the easy listening side of jazz, so I don’t have too many complaints. Simpsons: No

‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’, what a great song. Really encapsulates the frustration of a Sunday - you wake up in the morning, you’ve got to read all the Sunday papers, the kids are running around, you’ve got to mow the lawn, wash the car, and you think “Sunday, bloody Sunday!” Not as good as Joshua Tree for me. But compared to a lot of other U2, not half bad. Simpsons: Yes

Interesting one. I like the first Suede album, with it being the originator of Britpop and everything. But this one was a bit long and not enough to get you going. Simpsons: No

Huge album. Not Definitely Maybe. But still deserving of the fiver. Probably the last good thing they did as well. Simpsons: No

This was a decent vibe I suppose, if not a little forgettable. Simpsons: No

You know what, good vibes! Phil Lynott has a great voice, and I don’t just mean singing. Just a lovely accent. Simpsons: Yes

I preferred the early Public Enemy album. But this was still good, some interesting themes and got me bopping at my desk. Simpsons: Yes, although only really Flavor Flav

Chaos. But I didn’t actually hate some of it. Simpsons: No

Not as enjoyable as some of the later stuff that I know and love. Out of Time is a tune however. I think it needed a bit more variation to justify its runtime. Simpsons: Yes

Really really liked this. Makes you ponder where it would stand had it been released when it was supposed to be, given how iconic Pet Sounds is now. Simpsons: Yes

Really like Arcade Fire. Some big tunes on here, Wake Up and Rebellion (Lies). Perhaps needed a couple more justify a fiver though. Simpsons: No

Prefer my ambient stuff to be a bit more chill, some of this was a little jarring. But also some of it was really good. I also listened to the full hour, when the OG is actually on 39mins. So I’m going to give it the benefit of the doubt. Simpsons: Yes (David Byrne)

This is an experience. But a good one! Simpsons: Yes

Very tempted to throw out a fiver I suppose. But it’s not exactly Abbey Road, is it? And there are a fair few covers. Simpsons: Yes

In an earlier review I claimed that the 80s have never really done it for me. Perhaps that was not very well thought out. Because this was the shit! Maybe needed one or two more bangers to get a fiver. Simpsons: No

Maybe I should stop listening to these while working, but this just merged into one big mush of heavy guitar. Nothing even remotely standing out. Simpsons: No

Grew up thinking Marvin’s tunes were all just about ‘getting it on’ as he would put it. But he’s got far more depth to him. Is this the greatest protest album of all time? Greatest album of all time? Rolling Stone seem to think so, it sits on the top of their list. Which I remember being shocked by when I went to listen to the list a few years back. Listening to it this week, it does still seem very prescient and relevant. What is going on? The title track and Inner City Blues in particular are gorgeous. Simpsons: Yes

I suppose it was fairly pleasant to listen to, if not a bit boring. I couldn’t even tell that first song was 20mins long it all sounded so similar. Simpsons: No

That was a slog tbf. But at least melodic. Not sure any band can have a must listen album if they only get 6k monthly listeners on Spotify. Me and Dan got more views during our brief Vine careers. Simpsons: No

Perfectly agreeable rock. Simpsons: Yes

Superb. It’s got a good case for being my favourite so far. Although so do a few others. Simpsons: Yes

Pretty forgettable but fine. Simpsons: Yes

Fair play I enjoyed this. Imagine being a die hard Travis fan though. I did read once that after this album they were on the way to super-stardom, but then Coldplays first album came out a year later and everyone forgot about them. What might have been. Simpsons: No

Ahh Barry Adamson, our old friend. Simpsons: No

You can’t deny the bangers! A lot of shit here as well though. Simpsons: Yes, full guest star

No Simpsons: No

Enjoyed this, but maybe not as much as I did the previous Beck album. Simpsons: Yes (and Futurama etc)

I quite liked the previous one by this lot. But this one just didn’t grab me in the same way. Maybe I need to listen to the other one back just in case I was previously in a generous mood. Simpsons: Itchy and Scratchy episode named My Bloody Valentine, but it is also a film as well as a band.

Really liked this. A bit long though. Shame he’s a wrong’un. Simpsons: No

California Dreaming is a choon. You can’t not bop to that. Not much else really grabbing me. But a nice solid 34mins. So can’t complain too much. Simpsons: No

Vibed to this in the gym. Didn’t mind it. Simpsons: No

Good vibes. Simpsons: No

I think I prefer Marvin’s stuff on war and poverty, less into the shagging stuff. Simpsons: Yes

This was a weird one for me. I really enjoyed the first two thirds of this. It was solidly on its way to a 4 star. I was getting some late Beatles from them. I was enjoying the vibe. But the last few songs lost it for me. Suddenly went into musical theatre style ballads, that didn’t really work for me. Simpsons: Yes

Oh Iggy you funny looking ball bag! This is very good stuff. Prefer the solo to The Stooges. Can definitely tell Bowie was involved, some of them were very Bowiesque! Lust for Life and The Passenger were superb. Although I enjoyed the last 10 minutes a little less. Simpsons: They make a Trainspotting joke in the London episode with Lust for Life. Which frankly, doesn’t really work.

I did it! I had an afternoon of uninterrupted data entry style work to do and this was the perfect soundtrack. Criticism of the length here probably doesn’t hold up, it basically predates what we now think of as an ‘album’. So is basically just a lovely collection of songs that were never meant to be listened to all at once. Simpsons: Yes

Listened in the gym and kind of vibed to this. There was also a Guardian long read about it this week, so can’t rule out that making me think it was better than it was. I know, I need to get out of my guardian-reading metropolitan elite London bubble. Simpsons: of course

Yeah. Good. Simpsons: Yes

An 8 and a half minute long instrumental song. Come on lads. Otherwise fine. Simpsons: Yes

It’s a shame Insane in the Membrane wasn’t there. Simpsons: Yes

Mercifully brief. Although there was a few bits of instrumental that I didn’t hate. Simpsons: No

This was good stuff! Simpsons: No

Ahh I dunno, maybe I’m being harsh. Simpsons: No

Love a bit of theses geezers tbf Simpsons: I don’t think so

Once went on drive through Portishead town centre while listening to Portishead. Because I’m cool. Lovely stuff. Simpsons: No

Not bad at all. Simpsons: No

Good name. Good tunes. Good vibe. Simpsons: No

It was fine. Simpsons: Yes

That is not what I expected K.D Lang to sound like. Didn’t hate it though. Simpsons: No

Excellent stuff! So many bangers on one album. Simpsons: Yes

INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS! Yes, it induced be into a melancholic malaise that I struggled to shake of for the rest of the day. But I still facking loved it. The saddest of all the lads. Simpsons: Yes

Sorry Lynyrd Skynyrd, I liked it. Simpsons: Yes

Big man ting. Simpsons: Yes

Love it. Love it. Love it. Simpsons: Yes

I love Down By the River, but 10 mins it’s a long time Neil. Overall very good! But a couple of 10 minute songs perhaps took away the fiver. Simpsons: Yes

I too get filthy when that liquor get into me. Superb. We be all night… Simpsons: Yes

There’s not a lotta lovin’ going on after I come home a drinkin’ tbf. Prefer Lurleens tunes tbf. Simpsons: The character of Lurleen Lumpkin is kind of based on her.

Prefer the other stuff I’ve heard from Primal Scream. But I liked it. Simpsons: No

Well this is lovely stuff. Maybe one too many covers to get a fiver though. Simpsons: Yes

One of the easiest decisions so far. Simpsons: Yes

I appreciate its erratic nature. Nothing quite grabbing me though. Needs a Running Up That Hill, Wuthering Heights etc. Simpsons: Songs featured, but no reference I don’t think.

Top stuff. But not his best work. Simpsons: Yes

Came to the theatre once. It was okay. Simpsons: No

Not my favourite of theirs. Although my favourite of theirs is Mr Tambourine Man and that isn’t even really theirs anyway. Simpsons: Yes

The Wu Tang boys have some good names, don’t they? This one is up there but it’s no Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Vibed to this one. Simpsons: Do Wu Tang references count? Maybe.

Someone should have told this geezer he had some decent tunes. Simpsons: No

You know what U2 aren’t half bad. Or at least they were good before I was born. This one not as good as Joshua Tree etc, but I still enjoyed it. Simpsons: Yes

I’m going to be generous and throw out a 4 here. I like their version of Mr Tambourine Man, and some of the others were pretty good as well. Simpsons: Yes

‘Here come the warm jets’ what I say when I’ve had a few and you’re sleeping in the same room as me. I liked this, almost gave it a 4. But decided not to for some reason. I’m not sure what that reason is. Simpsons: No

Well now I have to watch the Wham documentary again! George seemed like a nice chap. This is good! Freedom is a banger and maybe I’d have liked a couple more songs to have that kind of energy if I was going to throw out a 5. Simpsons: Yes

Not really a prog rock guy, but didn’t mind this. Would need to be Dark Side of The Moon or something to get more out of me for prog rock. Simpsons: Yes

This wasn’t too bad! Could be higher, but I’m feeling harsh. Simpsons: No

It’s very informative this process. I learnt about Bjork from Wikipedia hole I just went on. Not for me though. Simpsons: Does Bjork count?

About as good as it gets. Simpsons: Yes

This got off to an absolute flyer and I thought a fiver might be on the cards after the first two songs. But it kind of fell flat after. Like A Prayer is a banger. Simpsons: Yes

This was pretty good if not a bit forgettable. Simpsons: No

What a lovely bit of BS! Have listened to one of their songs before but never really delved any further. I will do now. Simpsons: Yes, and they got a shoutout in a Gilmore Girls episode I watched yesterday

The first Big Star album that came up was a bit of revelation. Probably the first I gave five stars to without having already listened to in the past. I hadn’t, in fact, even heard of the band. This didn’t live up to that promise. Simpsons: No

I liked it. Simpsons: No

This has a very nice vibe to it, may have to check out some more by these guys. Simpsons: No

Would loved to have seen Van around this time. Just equality stuff. These days it seems like you have to deal with a terrible voice and that fact that he’s a crotchety old man with questionable opinions. Simpsons: No

Not bad. Simpsons: No

If you ignore some of the lyrics. This isn’t too bad. Simpsons: Yes

Excellent stuff. Faith and Father Figure are absolute toons. Simpsons: Yes

This was pretty nice. Nothing spectacular, but certainly an enjoyable half an hour. Simpsons: Niche, but the illustration of this album cover can be seen in a scene of the episode "Homerpalooza."

Really enjoyed this. She had a great voice and it was far more melodic than some other post-punk stuff that we’ve had. Simpsons: No

Ahh ya daft racist. Can write and sing a good tune though. However, it’s not quite The Smiths. Simpsons: Yes

This was fun. All sorts of different genres appearing over the half an hour. Simpsons: No

It was alright. Simpsons: No

An unexpected sad lad this. I actually quite enjoyed it. Simpsons: No

Nick Cave is an interesting one. Knew a few songs prior to this process, but not many have come up so far. And what has come up hasn’t quite grabbed me. This is probably the best yet though. Simpsons: No

Top notch. Weird how just knew most of these songs by osmosis, despite never actually listening to the album. Simpsons: No

ABBA are probably ostensibly a singles band and unfortunately this didn’t really have any standouts. One Of Us is not bad and maybe the only one I’d heard before, well it’s the only one in Mama Mia (2) anyway. Simpsons: Yes

The claim that a bit of Rudy Doobliani will sort out your asthma is an interesting one. Overall some solid pleasant stuff. Simpsons: No (there is a scene where Chief Wiggum sings Jamming by BM and the Wailers, although Tosh had left the band by this point.

Not my vibe, and you know what? For once this is too short. Really not getting your moneys worth with this one. Simpsons: No

Some solid stuff on here. Nothing standout though. Simpsons: No

Nothing on here that’s quite Bittersweet Symphony levels. But pleasant enough. Simpsons: No

Ahh it was alright. Simpsons: debatably

God that was an effort to listen to. Granted, Metal is not my thing, and I’m sure it’s very good at what it’s trying to do. But I’d happily never listen to any of that ever again.

I enjoyed this. Some tunes and an odd giggling fella towards the end. Simpsons: No

Someone get this guy a strepsil! Actually quite enjoyed it. Reminded me of some of Springsteen’s less stadium-rocky songs. Simpsons: Yes (guest star)

Good vibes. Simpsons: Yes

Pretty standard stuff tbf, but easy listening. The only Rush song I know and do really like is Tom Sawyer. But not on this album. Simpsons: Not that I can find. Pretty pivotal to the plot of the film I Love You Man though

Haha boner. I thought this was a good’un, which isn’t usually the case with a post-punk album. Simpsons: No

Probably the sad lads best work. Helped that So Long, Marianne is a superb. Simpsons: Yes

Enjoyed this. Simpsons: Yes

Hard rock has never really done it for me. But this was pleasant enough. Simpsons: No

I like the Pet Shop Boys. Well the couple of songs I already knew anyway. This didn’t disappoint. Simpsons: No

What a weird pick. As far as I can tell this is not some iconic Bollywood film that has endured the test of time. In fact it is seen as one of Bollywoods biggest critical and commercial failures. Ya man Rahul does seem to be ‘the guy’ when it comes to Bollywood soundtracks, but it’s not even seen to be one of his best. There are three other soundtracks which he won a Bollywood ‘Oscar’ for, he just got a mere nomination for this, one of nineteen. This felt like someone panicked at the last moment and decided they needed an album from India, and this was the first one they found. Simpsons: No

This was okay. Simpsons: No

Doesn’t quite hit the heights of License To Ill for me. Quite of a lot of instrumental going on. Can’t deny the bangers though. Sabotage 🔥 Simpsons: Yes (I thought they’d be a cert for guest stars though)

Really enjoyed this and could actually easily have got a 5. But my instinct seems to be going 4. Perhaps with few more listens I would wish I’d upgraded. Simpsons: No

There won’t be another album on this list that has as many bangers as this one does, albeit helped by the length. Pretty much the entirety of sides 1 and 2 are 10/10. Yes, sides 3 and 4 get a little more experimental, which is challenging for some. But where would we be if the Beatles didn’t do a little experimentation? It’s not quite Abbey Road in my opinion, but literally nothing is. Lacks the sheer perfection from start to finish that AR manages. But it’s certainly got a good claim for the #2 Beatles spot. Simpsons: Obvs

This seemed like pretty standard Madness. They are alright, not my favourite vibe though. Simpsons: No

I do like a bit a Britpop, but not quite a 4 for me. Have listened to this in the past, in the hope that it would be up there with Pulp, Blur, Oasis etc. not quite. Alright is one of those songs that everyone knows but couldn’t tell you who it was by it when it was released. Simpsons: No

Not bad Steve. Simpsons: No

Feel like I’m throwing out too many threes at the moment. Simpsons: No

I enjoyed some of this. But far too many of the songs had a lot going on. It was overwhelming for the senses, particularly the hearing one. Does that mean it’s overproduced? Is that a thing people say? Not idea if that’s a valid criticism. But it caps the review at a three for me. Simpsons: Yes

Not bad. Simpsons: Yes (glove slap)

Very enjoyable stuff. Something stopping the fiver though, not sure what. Fours across the board for Neil so far, I’m sure he’s got a fiver in him somewhere. Simpsons: Yes

Nice and relaxing. Simpsons: No