311
Albums Rated
2.55
Average Rating
29%
Complete
778 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
6
5-Star Albums
40
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Diamond Life
Sade
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
|
Guero
Beck
|
5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
|
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
|
4 | 2.69 | +1.31 |
|
Mask
Bauhaus
|
4 | 2.85 | +1.15 |
|
Who's Next
The Who
|
5 | 3.91 | +1.09 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
|
1 | 3.64 | -2.64 |
|
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
|
1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
|
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
|
1 | 3.55 | -2.55 |
|
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
|
1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
|
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
|
1 | 3.43 | -2.43 |
|
Different Class
Pulp
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
5-Star Albums (6)
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Popular Reviews
Al Green
2/5
Classic opening song but should have ditched it halfway through the album because the rest of these songs probably aren't getting much play. The album is smooth and soulful but nothing I'd write home about. I like his groove but not the one he left on his wife's face.
1 likes
Stevie Wonder
2/5
How did I already get another Stevie Wonder album from such an exhaustive list? This one was too slow and cheesy for me, should've been called Blabbering Book. Superstition is good but not enough to carry the rest of the setlist. Maybe alright for chillin' in a lounge but not my cup of tea (too much honey).
1 likes
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Given the subject matter of many of these songs, how does it still manage to feel so white and wimpy? I found this one a bit boring, they've gotta have better albums than this because they have a handful of good songs and they aren't on here. A Hazy Shade of Winter is good but is cancelled out by At the Zoo (elephants aren't even dumb). Not enough good ones to justify a higher rating or a relisten.
1 likes
4-Star Albums (46)
1-Star Albums (40)
All Ratings
David Bowie
2/5
The first song and the last song are good, the entire middle of the album is meh. Bowie is great but this album is a pass for me.
Kate Bush
4/5
Kate Bush was way ahead of her time and it's pretty sad that it took a feature in Stranger Things to even be heard of in the US. This is her best album but everyone should give her others a listen. She's magic.
Iron Maiden
3/5
This holds its own as a debut release but I kinda wish I didn't hear the 2015 Remaster and could listen to the raw original. It's solid for the time but also pretty typical as far as lyrics and guitar riffs go. I won't judge it too hard because I actually like metal, but its too "rock" for me.
Eminem
4/5
This album will always hold a place in time for me and listening to it really brought me back to the early 2000's (but maybe not in the best way). Every angry teen grasped the vulgarity and senselessness at the time but listening to it now felt yuck at times. All of the stupid skits and the overly violent, misogynistic, dark songs I once loved were just too hard to stomach this time around. That being said, Eminem is still a beast and the music hits. There's some great songs on this album that I do love, but I will play them individually henceforth.
Tim Buckley
2/5
This album is from 1967 and it shows. Some interesting use of of background sounds (was that wind blowing? a blacksmith?) that give off psych-rock vibes and can hear a jazzy influence but it's just too folksy for me. This one didn't age well. That being said, T-Buck does have an incredible vocal range and gift for expressing emotions. This might be for you, if wispy tones and wailing are your thing ::cue pan flute::
Frank Sinatra
1/5
I thought I liked Sinatra but this was pretty hard to get through. This album has a lot of songs (spoiler alert: they all sound the same) but thankfully they're all relatively short. This one is too much "dim the lights, pine over lady, sad jilted lover" vibe. His music will always be reserved for Christmas songs for me.
Wilco
3/5
I like the experimental and ambient feels of this album but altogether it's pretty drab. Jesus, Etc. is the standout for me. Jeff Tweedy's voice has that Americana raspiness you gotta love, it gives me Neil Young and Dylan vibes (whom he as both opened for and played covers of). I like Wilco but much prefer their collabs with Mavis Staples. I'm glad this album was in the list though.
Talking Heads
3/5
Once in a Lifetime is obviously great and Crosseyed and Painless had me tapping my pen. A few of these songs got me going but overall the album didn't do much for me. Some songs felt chaotic and thrown together. I think there's probably better albums of theirs out there and I'm happy to investigate further.
Blur
3/5
I liked listening to this album and really should have checked them out long ago. Like everyone in the entire world, I only knew of Song 2 and that's rather unfortunate because its not even the best song on this album. Death of a Party for the win. Will revisit.
Al Green
2/5
Classic opening song but should have ditched it halfway through the album because the rest of these songs probably aren't getting much play. The album is smooth and soulful but nothing I'd write home about. I like his groove but not the one he left on his wife's face.
Beatles
3/5
Listening to this entire album all the way through is a journey for sure. There's a lot of good songs but there's also a lot of bullshit. Altogether its eclectic and lacking quality control (do we really need 30 tracks here, guys?) Some of them are borderline circus piano and I really disliked Bungalow Bill (probably because I feel like I know this person). What did you kill? My ears, ghat. Did I enjoy this? Not really. Does it below on this list? Absolutely, yes.
Coldplay
2/5
I think people are pretty hard on Coldplay to the point where one might even be embarrassed to say they like them. Thankfully, I'm not in that boat but I can admit they have a few good songs. My biggest pain point is they seem like they aimed low and didn't take any risks for the formula they're working with. They have a recognizable sound, good hooks, and Chris Martin has a great voice but they just fall flat. This album is dull and designed to capture the ears of mass quantities of boring, simple people. I forgot it was even playing and I hate the cover art so rounding down here. See, its fun to hate Coldplay.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Although it took me by surprise, I really like the change in main vocals on this album. I previously thought no one can top Stevie's voice but then a Buckingham song comes on and I had myself a great debate. I think the draw of this album is that manic, disorganized feel that it does really well. It goes from lo-fi and mellow to banging on a shed and I love it for that. No other band could do this better so caps off. 3.5 stars because I love Fleetwood Mac.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
I enjoyed this album, it starts out strong then sounds the same but I'd be lying if it doesn't make you really want to understand Spanish. BVSC is much better than most other bands in this genre. Very smooth, very playable as background music.
Faust
3/5
I love that "krautrock" is even a genre and was actually impressed this album was as listenable as it was. Some of the songs are too long and a bunch of them sound the same though. I had fun listening to it nonetheless and def appreciate their bizarre material.
Happy Mondays
1/5
I've never heard of this band and now I know why. Pretty BUMMED this album even made this list. It sounded like they recorded this underwater. Very mediocre and forgettable. Dare I say some of the tunes/cadence/riffs sound like they were "borrowed" from other songs by other artists (who incidentally do it much better). I will never listen to this band again.
Little Richard
3/5
You expect to see albums like this on the list and it deserves to be here. There's no doubt this was groundbreaking at the time but I do think you had to be there. He's a firecracker for sure, but it's 1 or 2 great songs repeated 10 times just with different lyrics. But it's Little Richard and he's classic, woo!
Stevie Wonder
2/5
This is a solid album but it's just too damn long. I had to break it up over two days. There's some really good classics on here and also some skips. This would have been way better if cut down to one disc. I hated the harmonica song at the end and the sound effects in the background of people talking and moving shit around really bugged me. It did not add any charm and the album art is some of the worst I have ever seen. I thought I sorta liked this but after reading my review, downgrading.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I liked this album quite a bit despite its muffled, unpolished, gritty sound. The guitar really shines here and there's something about the whole thing thats very carefree. Maybe they didn't give a fuck how it sounded and that's what's good about it. The fact that it came out before "grunge" and "garage rock" were even a thing is pretty monumental. It feels dirty and natural, like you're there just hanging at a jam session with friends. There's no golds on here but it's full of truth and passion. Worth a listen.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
This album has a lottt of filler and I'm surprised it makes the list because her only popular song is a cover. She has a good voice but this feels like "white people soul" and, aside from Son of a Preacher Man, I don't care for it.
Traffic
3/5
I don't like the band name but I liked this album. It gave me Jethro Tull vibes with the organs and flutes. It's very mellow and makes you want to chill out and smoke a joint after dinner. Very solid, will listen again.
Massive Attack
4/5
This album was really revolutionary in its day and holds up so well. It sounds as good now as it did 30 years ago. Massive Attack basically invented trip-hop and I love them for it. This album has a lot of great tracks before they really found their signature sound. I like some of their other albums better but this is a masterpiece as far as debut studio cuts go.
Elvis Presley
1/5
I get that Elvis is an icon but this album was so uninspired and mind-numbing, I couldn't wait for it to end. There's a few earlier Elvis hits from other albums that are tolerable but I found nothing redeeming about this collection.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
This felt very caught up in the 90's and I didn't hate it but I also didn't like it. Some good horns and melodicals in the backgrounds but not really vibing with the singer's voice. I don't need it, farewell.
Missy Elliott
3/5
I want to like this one more than I do. I was the sweet spot for when this was released and it is definitely feeling nostalgic. Missy undeniably deserves to be on this list, just not for this album. Still pretty solid so 3.5.
Paul Weller
3/5
Not sure why I have actually never heard one iota about this man, band, album. Really enjoyed it and will listen to more by him. Def channeling the boomer era and giving me dadvibes, but enjoyable through and through. I dig his voice WELLER enough.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
How did I already get another Stevie Wonder album from such an exhaustive list? This one was too slow and cheesy for me, should've been called Blabbering Book. Superstition is good but not enough to carry the rest of the setlist. Maybe alright for chillin' in a lounge but not my cup of tea (too much honey).
Neil Young
4/5
Finding a way to listen to a full Neil Young album online is like some sort of quest now but it's so worth it. This album is marked with all his signature melancholy and withdrawn vibes of post-Harvest, it's a hidden gem for sure. See the Sky About to Rain is incredible, many good ones on here. I loved this whole album and I miss hearing him come up on a Spotify playlist.
Ray Charles
1/5
The album title makes a big claim and Ray doesn't back it up. Too much orchestra, not enough country. I'm not sure why this is scoring so highly elsewhere, it's monotonous, repetitive, long, and boring. Dear Album: Put These Chains Back On My Heart because I Can Stop Loving You.
Def Leppard
3/5
Very cliched but very fun. This is all the things you want from glam rock: ridiculous, poppy, sonic, silly. I bet it's even better in a huge stadium full of people with headbands and glitter. I knew a lot of the songs on this album, but wasn't familiar with the title track (which is actually quite good). The whole thing is so satisfyingly bad, that it's actually good. Though it could be cut down by about 20 minutes.
Sepultura
2/5
This was an interesting listen for me and I didn't completely hate it. I sorta liked the songs that brought in the more tribal aspect and give them props for creativity here. Blending any other genre into demon shriek metal has got to be tough, nevermind adding indigenous drumming and chants, bravo. By the end, I thought this was the soundtrack for a movie like Apocalypto or 10,000 BC.
Bill Evans Trio
1/5
This album might be alright if you're 85+ years old or currently standing in an elevator. Listening to a
recording of live, improvisational jazz will never stand up to being there in person so a lot is already lost there. This type of playing takes a lot of focus, adaptation, and listening on the musicians' parts so I'll give it that. I did like that there were no horns and the bass was a star player at parts throughout. However, this was just too boring and repetitive for me. Meh 1.5.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Decently mediocre as usual, some good ones but not my faves. Solid listen, not mad at it, just never really been a big Stones fan. I like the album art and I did find one track that made me go "oh yeah" so high 2's.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
Despite the wide variety of tracks, this album was downright annoying to get through at way too many points. I don't like the main guy's voice and the vocalist changes are no reprieve either (they're actually worse). Is this whole thing a joke? Not for me at all.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Starts good then lost me. I didn't like the super long intro on the last song (By the Time I Get to Phoenix) and 2 out of 4 on here are remakes. Doesn't do it for me.
1/5
You hear one minute of this album and just wonder how the hell am I going to get through 40 more? ::Cue early memories at Nanny and Grampy's house:: The beginning is pure cacophony, like a moving truck full of instruments just flew off the road to avoid a puking cat. Then (almost exactly halfway through) the madness lines up for a few brief moments and it leaves you wondering if you're really just missing something, not understanding it or appreciating it. I'll admit the last half only improves by a small margin and listening to the full album gave me a physical stomach ache. But I can respect the free form style, the fast-pace, and the experiment. It's actually quite difficult to drum this unrhythmically and to make a saxophone squeal like that. I found myself referencing the minute's time to see which "song" I was on (and make some kind of correlation) which made it slightly more tolerable. My ears don't even really know what to do with this. It's like death-metal but make it jazz. It's either a 0 or a 5, no doubt it will be polarizing. I guess I'm glad I heard it but I would never put it on.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
This is a great album, I knew all of these songs and didn't realize they were all on the same one. Every track is listenable with Our House being the weakest (however, still good as it shows their range and works on this set). Neil's voice is so good with the rest of the band, I of course like them better when he was involved. Very solid 3.5.
Otis Redding
3/5
This album is soulful, smooth, and a classic but it's way too long. It's full of covers (many with several remasters and various versions) and it's just not really my taste. He's great at delivering emotion and his voice has it but after 2+ hours I was done. The horns started having too much of a big band sound and I just wanted it to end. Knocking points off for the length since it left me feeling annoyed.
Roxy Music
2/5
This album is just ok, nothing spectacular. I enjoyed the harmonica in a few songs, however any good feelings and enjoyment were promptly erased by Bitter Sweet. I couldn't stand that song, demoting.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
I had high hopes for this album because I really only know her hits and wanted to give her a fair shot. Much too long and did not dig the cabaret circus-vibe that showed up on a few. I was even more disappointed to find out this was mostly produced by DJ Premier. It's mediocre at best but she does have an impressive voice and is more talented than just a pop bop so I'll give her that. Nothing I'd go back and listen to.
New Order
3/5
I've been a fan of New Order long before this album so I was excited to see it on here. This isn't my fave by them but it does showcase their mix of styles. Sooner Than You Think is a really good song. This album feels dark and moody but is also somehow upbeat, so that's New Order for ya.
Adele
4/5
This album is full of great songs but nothing that pushed the boundaries of what she's capable of. She has mass appeal and a wide audience (is there anyone who really doesn't like her?) so this might be why she doesn't stray from what works. She's authentic, she's classy, she's a powerhouse. This album deserves praise and is really solid, her voice is incredible. Pretty hard to pack this many hits on any album nowadays. Just wish she really gave it to us, try something off the menu.
T. Rex
3/5
This album was much better than I expected going in since I only knew "Bang a Gong" prior. It has a similar vibe throughout, a bit repetitive but listenable. I didn't really know what kind of music T. Rex was making but I wouldn't really consider this glam rock. It's fine.
Love
2/5
This is a cleaned up, sober, mediocre version of The Doors which explains why I've never heard of them. I rather liked the last song, despite the length. The rest feel like what comes up on Pandora when you type in "The Doors" and really want to hear a specific song but have to wade through all this other stuff to get to the payoff. The band name is very lame and the singer's voice isn't doing it for me compared to Jim.
Venom
2/5
This is everything you want from heavy metal and I can appreciate the major influence they had on the genre (basically creating it). The lyrics are a bit too theatrical for me, maybe revisit some tracks on Halloween, though I did like it a lot more than expected. Good: rapid drumming, can actually understand the lyrics, no overuse of growling. Bad: recording quality, Teacher's Pet.
Goldie
2/5
This album surprised me, although not timeless, it's pretty decent (it's definitely stuck in the 90's). Good beats, good mix of sounds, good ambients. I liked the female vocals too. However, a lot of the songs are repetitive with no real standouts. It was good as background music while working.
Van Halen
4/5
Fantastic. Impressive number of singles on a debut album and holds up really well. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and knew nearly every song. Even went back to "Eruption" for a couple more listens, legendary playing. I didn't love "Ice Cream Man" but very solid.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
This doesn't have the typical Stones feel in my opinion and I think I liked it better. Maybe I'm not old enough to be a real fan. This album has a way more bluesy, folk-rock feel than I expected but the production is terrible. One great song and then a bunch of ok ones.
Solomon Burke
1/5
I recognized the first song and like it so I thought the rest would be pretty good. But it ended up feeling too sappy and a bit boring to me. It sounds like just another record from this time and isn't soulful enough. Too vintage, too much love, and too weak overall: 1.5
OutKast
2/5
There's a lot about this album that is done well and I enjoyed it, although the double-solo-album format makes it much too long. Speakerboxxx has a lot of P-Funk influence which I really like, it shifts through several different styles pretty seamlessly. Top scores for creativity and depth on disc 1. The Love Below however, is a bit of a letdown. I really love Andre but this was just indulgent and juvenile. It takes the album down a notch, regardless of all the hits. There are good songs but I don't like the character skits between them all and I wouldn't play disc 2 again. Still gotta appreciate their individual talents and this avant-soul concept. Not as bad as ya'll made it out to be.
Billy Joel
4/5
This album is great through and through, he has such a talent for painting stories for the working class. It's very New York (before the internet), it's like memorabilia from a more innocent time (all the feels). How is "Vienna" not a bigger song? I love everything here. In fact, if you don't like this, you're not American.
Ray Price
2/5
This album is pretty sleepy and ho-hum for something called "Night Life." It also didn't age very well, the sounds are a bit geezer for me. It also had a hint of Beach Boys meets Sinatra that I didn't really dig. That being said, Price does have a quintessential country baritone voice and I liked the spoken intro, that was a nice touch. No doubt he makes the list for his tempo change to 4/4 and his pal Willie Nelson doing backing vocals and bass here. But if I'm doing country, I want all the tropes (rusty tractors, old dogs, and tears in beers) not seedy nightclubs, cigarettes, and depression. This was like an alcoholic blues album for a very lonely old person who sits in a rocking chair and smokes pipes. Tarantino should remash this as a movie soundtrack. I didn't hate it, there's a time and place perhaps.
The Sonics
2/5
My ghat, what is that buzzing sound? The recording quality of this album is abysmal to the point where it's actually distracting. Is that why it's considered "garage rock"? Because this beach-y piano says otherwise. The originals are slightly better than the covers (also too many of those). I can see how people think this influenced early punk but I'd say more The Black Keys really. This sounded like it was from the 50's and was just ok. Service Announcement: You aren't punk if you button the top button on your collared shirt and please stand closer to the mic next time. Oooph, there won't be a next time.
The Byrds
2/5
This is like the Beatles crossed with Dylan, with a lot more jingle-jangle and harmonized singing. It's not unpleasant but it's not something I'd play either. Why are there so many albums full of cover songs on this list? The darker, more ominous ones like "Here Without You" and "It's No Use" are a smidge better. It's easy to listen to but you can also forget it's there, middlin.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I think this album is pretty good, especially for coming out in the 90's. It stands out as different for its decade and definitely inspired Sufjan Stevens, Rilo Kiley, and The Shins to name a few. I like his whispery vocals and introspective lyrics. Very vulnerable and melancholy, also a little haunting given his life story. This album is for anyone trying to cope with something, especially a moody teen. It holds up well, very emotive and beautiful. I dig it.
Herbie Hancock
2/5
Starts off good then tapers off, some interesting sounds and fusions going on throughout. Pretty easy to listen to, groovy but nothing super exciting. At least it's composed and not freeform, very 70's. Jazz and synth are hard to mix well so I'll give it that. I like the eclectic use of various drums. For perspective, if this were in my living room it'd be phenomenal.
Milton Nascimento
2/5
This album started off strong but couldn't hold it all the way through, there's just too many tracks and some are too sleepy. Although, each one is it's own journey (and some are only 20 seconds long). I did really like "Um Girassol" and, unsurprisingly, a lot of the songs have "Estrela" in the lyrics which caught my ear. It's a diverse assortment of styles, very progressive, and I enjoyed the listen. Portuguese is a beautiful language and this band is better than most I've heard in this genre. Solid 2.25.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
This album is poetic and emotional, but it has a specific sound that I'm not sure I can fully appreciate ::cue several very high vocal key changes here:: It's a bit like someone reading their diary aloud in the voice of Mary Poppins but make it Canadian. She's definitely unique but the tone and sound just aren't for me. I mean, she's playing a dulcimer here, that sums it up enough. It's not about to make you jump up and sprain an ankle from jiving.
Van Halen
2/5
This album is so 80's it hurts. "I'll Wait" is the best track but I wasn't impressed otherwise. I'm not a huge fan of "Hot for Teacher," the song itself bugs me and the track title sends it over the top. Don't even get me started on "Drop Dead Legs," I despised everything there. I like the album art and there's some good guitar riffs but this felt mundane and a bit cliche'. Some classics but not enough to warrant a higher rating.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Given the subject matter of many of these songs, how does it still manage to feel so white and wimpy? I found this one a bit boring, they've gotta have better albums than this because they have a handful of good songs and they aren't on here. A Hazy Shade of Winter is good but is cancelled out by At the Zoo (elephants aren't even dumb). Not enough good ones to justify a higher rating or a relisten.
Prince
3/5
I def dig Prince but a lot of the songs on this compilation came off as a little cheesy to me, like a bad 80's video game backing track with some hip thrusts thrown in. There's a lot to unpack here so it warranted a repeat listen and was better the second time around. Still, a lot of sound effects and little melodies that tack it permanently to the early 80's (not necessarily a bad thing) that I didn't need. It's a lot of electro synth and drum machine for 9 minutes at a time and all those little beeps and pops sorta overshadow his guitar talents. By the end, you feel like your toes have been licked and your splattered in his sweat (also not necessarily a bad thing). Rounding up because Prince.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
This album is tolerable, it has some good harmonica, up-step banjo, and their voices are perfect for the genre. A more fitting album name would have been "This Circle is Never Broken" because it's like a run-on, never ending loop of knee-slaps. It's way too long and very repetitive. It's fine if you're a pilgrim, have a rag designated for cannonballs, and know anyone with "belle" at the end of their name. I didn't hate it but I wouldn't play it again.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Fatboy Slim has a recognizable sound and this album is a fun listen (even more fun if you get the title). That being said, I don't think he's a standout in this genre, just more recognizable and consumable to the everyday goer. Even if you aren't grinding your teeth while listening to this (and therefore don't get the title), this setlist is still great in the background while you're doing other things, like if you need to take a shower but are in a hurry for example. "Give the Po' Man a Break" had me smiling but "Michael Jackson Tina Turner" was a bit silly. Still not a bad take and I presume there's another FBS album on here, because this isn't his top work.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Drum rolls, looming electric bass, heavy power chords, and the simplicity of Ozzy. What's not to like. This album is very solid, even the deeper cuts are good. This must have been bone-shattering when it came out in 1970. I wish I saw it. I can't imagine having to listen to other music afterwards. These riffs are off the charts, I loved it from top to bottom.
Pixies
3/5
First listen through a full Pixies album and it's ok enough. You hear people rave about them all the time so I had high expectations. I know some of their songs and do like their sound but this didn't move me like I wanted it to. The songs I know and like weren't on here but there were a few good ones I'd revisit. I think the album is good as a whole and better than a lot of other things that came out in the 90's. It's like experimental surf rock for people who wear jeans and black hoodies to the beach. I liked it just enough to be curious about another full album by them (which I'm sure will appear). They managed to age pretty gracefully, stay out of taglines, and are still somewhat relevant today so props on that. Go Beantown.
Fats Domino
1/5
Obese Domino, with the voice only a fat man could have, is ok compared to other music of the 50's. It feels a bit hokey but some catchy riffs here and there. Most songs sound the same, don't need to explore further.
Van Morrison
2/5
This album is pleasant enough, good for a spring day outside, but overall pretty forgettable. Most of the songs are too long and sound more like drafts of songs than full fledged compositions. The whole album is just a 2-string backing track with Van mumbling over the top (and he has a mouthful of mashed potatoes 85% of the time). This felt a bit too improvisational with some wailing and horns thrown in for my likes. It's still better than a lot of other albums in this list though.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I finally feel like this is what 1001 is for as it's pretty unlikely I would have heard this album otherwise. I really liked it, like a lot. Great listen all the way through. Worldly, tribal, traditional, chanting, energetic, relaxing, it has it all. The songs are beautiful and the whole project is mesmerizing. Check out Tinariwen if you're into this.
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
I don't really know how to process this album. One minute you're sitting there tapping your toes and the next minute you're wondering if you just witnessed a murder. A lot of the songs sound the same, although I did recognize In The Pines from Cobain's reinterpretation (also much better). I get that it's from the 50's but still too much sexism and too much Jesus for me. Ya'll can keep yer murder ballads, thanks.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
This gets top billing for #1 sad boy album and feels like the soundtrack to every college kid's melancholy phase of the '90s. The tones are eerie, his voice is haunting, and he's very talented. It's beautiful and full of emotion, just not the emotion I'm feeling at this point in my life. I do like it, I just don't want to feel sad right now. But you can't help but think about the tragedy of it all when you listen to this front to back. I'm not crying, you're crying.
The Band
2/5
I sum this album up as "old feels." It's pretty bland and sounds like a continuation of basement tapes because it's a bit all over the place. Some boring noodling, a bit of jingly jangly, throw in some Americana and here we are. It's ok but nothing stands out.
Kate Bush
3/5
This album is super experimental and ahead of it's time (like all her work IMO). It's far better than a lot of other stuff that came out in the 80's but it's a bit too theatrical for me. I like a lot about it (except Suspended in Gaffa) but it also reminded me of a really dark Disney soundtrack with little muppets popping out everywhere with hisses and chants. You're transported on this wild journey for sure and it's no surprise that Bjork cites this as a fave or that it took KB 2+ years to craft (she's obviously talented). I really like the variety, from witches to bagpipes, she pulls it off. Night of the Swallow is brilliance but not for the mainstream. In the words of Uncle Ronnie... "fricken bizarre." She's taking big chances and they're working.
Fishbone
2/5
I have no doubt this band would be fun live but this album is just so all over the place I didn't like most of it. It's way too silly and honestly made me laugh at a few parts before I realized they were serious. The fusion of so many styles is just not working. I like a little more cohesion throughout an album and this was really the worst of all worlds. Tacky vocals, heavy metal guitar, outdated synths, politics, and some horn toots slapped over the top, no thank you. I wish they had a clearer style and literally never uttered the words "Ghetto Soundwave" together again. Their attempts at ska and hardcore are very weak. This album is as dead to me as Freddie, please leave it in 1987.
Animal Collective
3/5
I've listened to Animal Collective before so I welcomed this entry on the list. They have a very recognizable sound, super complex and ethereal. I love their mashup of various sounds, autoharps, synths, sequencers, samples, piano keys, household objects, etc. Their signature feature is probably the repetition of vocals that are harmonized into delay pedals (read as ::mid-word pauses::). They put the art in "artistry" and have really carved out a little niche in lo-fi indie rock. Their deep lyrics and hypnotic loops are so euphoric, it's almost like they wrote these songs while experimenting with psychedelics (wait a minute... ::side eye::). Keep doing what you're doing AC.
Beastie Boys
2/5
The sampling, beats, collaging of styles, and energy here all deserve high marks. If there were an instrumental version of this album, I'd love it because the Dust Brothers crush it. That being said, Mike D.'s voice is so f-ing annoying I really can't take much of it. For this reason, I've never really liked the Beastie Boys. I can't get past a bunch of white boys shouting nonsense rap burns at me repeatedly. Truly a shame because they definitely have some good points and are very original. I liked some tracks on here better than their usual comedy rap ballads so I'll give them that.
Arcade Fire
4/5
I listened to a lot of Arcade Fire in the early 2000's but am not super familiar with their later albums. I remember when this one came out and recognized a couple songs right away (which is always fun on this list). The opening track combo is super strong and, although they can stand alone, this album is definitely better digested as a whole. Sprawl II is excellent (especially for fans of Blondie) and there's some other standout tracks too. This project is much tighter and more concise than their previous works. I almost missed the madness but really liked it overall. AF somehow manages to evoke a feeling of nostalgia but also distrust for the future. I'm a fan and I suspect there will be more AF on this list because they are pretty powerful.
Harry Nilsson
2/5
How do you go from "Without You" to "Coconut," this is bonkers. I did like "Jump Into the Fire" and the album art. There's maybe three good songs and then a bunch of snoozes. A lot of it reminds me of kid songs, it's also too schmaltzy. Not a fan of this Harry.
Incubus
4/5
This album was the pinnacle of 90's grunge-alt in all the best ways. The timing was right for me, it felt like a defining era and I will always love Incubus. I don't get why people hate on them. There's so many good songs on here, I don't care what people say. "Stellar" is just that, meet me in outer-space baby. Hearing this album again made me realize how much "I Miss You" Incubus.
The Smiths
2/5
How does Morrissey manage to sound so morose on top of these light-hearted rockabilly guitar riffs? They have a recognizable sound but, aside from a few songs here and there, I've never really been that into them. I do like that they purposely never used synths (at a time when those were dominating) but I don't really need politics and anti-establishment in my jangle pop. I'm glad I listened to a full album by them but a lot of it sounds the same. Morrissey is too pretentious, the lyrics are weak, and nothing stands out here. This album is too centered on corporal punishment and controversy for me, it needs more protein.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I think Kendrick's note on the cover art "A Short Film" rings true as this is a more immersive hip-hop album than usual for the genre; it illustrates a full storyline in a cool way and is better listened to all the way through. He overcame immense challenges (hood life, a full stutter, murders, homelessness, etc.) and changed hip-hop forever (in a positive way). His lyrics are progressive and socially conscious, his songs actually have melody, he uses complex rhyme schemes, and he can actually sing. I think it says a lot to be in this genre and not be offensive or raunchy and still manage to be mainstream. I give him a lot for that and this album slays. Bitch, This is My Vibe. Solid 4's.
Michael Jackson
2/5
Comes out the gate strong but then falls off. I didn't like the song "Girlfriend" or the other slow ones but I can see that this was probably a disco bop rager when it came out. Not his strongest work and not really for me.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
This album is typical early 2000's pop and I'm not really the demographic for it. There's some good beats and the production is fine, you can really hear the Pharrell, Timbaland, and Janet touch on a lot of it. I thought it was ok, nothing stood out and was a bit long. I like some JT songs but they weren't on this setlist. The slower boy band songs scattered throughout are too cheesy and take it down a notch.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Did this guy lose a bet? The whole album is too theatrical, overly dramatic, and campy for me. It completely creeped me out and I couldn't wait for it to end. Who is this bizarre sleaze ball and how do I get as far away as possible? If there's something to like here it was definitely missed on me. In one song he's just screaming "bang, bang, bang" into my ear and in another he's turning frogs into cows. Not for me at all.
UB40
3/5
As far as BrittRaga goes I'm not at all familiar with UB40 (but I do like The Specials). They sound pretty similar and I enjoyed this album. The heavy dub-vibes surprised me a lot (wow, 1979). Very strong bass lines, cool incorporation of keyboard sounds (something no other reggae was doing), and good use of horns create a very likable set. I will be revisiting this one for sure.
The War On Drugs
3/5
Some of these songs sounded familiar but I couldn't tell if they just sounded like something else or I've actually heard them before. I did like how a few of the songs build over time but a few of them are also too long so it cancels out. The singers voice goes with the music nicely and I like the fast song/slow song combo throughout. Nothing super memorable but nothing bad either. I enjoyed it and could hear more by them. Terrible band name though.
Jethro Tull
3/5
I haven't listened to Jethro Tull in a very long time and hearing them again made me realize how good they are. This album showcases all of their talents and is rock solid. They have such a unique thing going, I was impressed with how well this one held up. Even the songs in between the hits are good.
1/5
This was an assault on my ears. A bunch of random noises + some electronic beats + eclectic cymbals + static + cat screech = this album. The lyrics are complete nonsense and I didn't like the chanting vibes and repetition.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
This album surprised me because I didn't expect this sound for something from the 90's. I like his twangy voice and the 12-string guitar. Overall it doesn't feel as deep emotionally as I think it could be for this vibe but I liked it well enough. I listened to "Stars n' Stripes" a few times because of his mention of a "handycam" which I absolutely dug. I think once you warm up to this it gets better. It's a bit sublime and melancholic but also grungy somehow.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
1/5
This noisetrash for music really grated on me and I struggled to find something, anything, even a little tiny bit redeeming but could not. I don't mind some distortion and effects if used right but this whole album just bothered me. Everything is drowned out and the singer sounds like he's singing from underneath a very plush (and badly stained) basement sofa. Please stay there.
Prince
3/5
The only song that really stood out to me was "The Cross" which I liked a lot. The rest was pretty typical and this album is way too long. There's a lot of filler and a lot of squeaking. I get that this double disc set was attempting to showcase all of his variety but I just couldn't get into a bunch of it.
Ray Charles
1/5
How is there already another Ray Charles album in the list? I didn't like the first one and this one is only slightly better. It doesn't age well, this big band stuff will always sound dated. Not for me.
The Fall
2/5
This album is just a drunk Brit singing pub rants to his mates. There were a few good moments but it just kept dragging on and on. I liked the energy but it's pretty noisy and not well produced. There's much better early punk and this could use a bit of polishing.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
This album is often overlooked due to Led Zeppelin's other massive hits but it deserves a serious re-listen (LZ fan or not). It's the most varied in style and the song "Tangerine" truly belongs on their top list. The blues vibe and build up on "Since I've Been Loving You" is so good you're just dripping in emotion by the end of it. I also really dug the more acoustic and folksy songs on this album that I previously forgot about. You can feel the passion throughout. This is real music people.
Radiohead
4/5
This album will keep you engaged from start to finish and you'll never tire of listening to it. You hear something new each time through and it's as good as everyone has always said it is. It's atmospheric, moody, foreboding, and layered. It's also upbeat and promising at times and it aged very well. So complex but not overly produced, Radiohead does it again. You will see more from them on this list. Solid.
Supergrass
3/5
I've never heard of this band but this album is actually pretty good. I don't love BritPop but this was better than the usual. It's fun when they sing "bruvah" innit. Upbeat and jammy all the way through. Simple formula but it works for them, good for 1995.
Elton John
4/5
This man is a force to be reckoned with and it shows. Less than a minute in and you just know there's something special here. Very strong full album, fun listen, really enjoyable, and not even too long. I just convinced myself that this album alone can convert someone into an Elton fan. It fucking slays.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
I was a little confused by this album, it sounded like a muddy Jeff Buckley. I only gave it a re-listen after reading the insane backstory (which is likely why it even made this list). It's a lot of fragmented ramblings of a mad man but there's something interesting about his voice and the way you literally hear the breakdown and agony as the recording goes on. It's pretty incoherent by the end but that's all part of the madness.
4/5
This album is iconic in so many ways, from the opening riff to the very last note. It's a landmark achievement that successfully bridges different worlds (music, art, fashion, multiple generations) and is also a feat in graphic design for the time. It will always be great, it will always be at the top of lists, it will always be impactful, it's The Beatles!
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
This guy has an interesting voice but aside from that this album didn't really strike me as anything memorable. His music sounds like how he looks and his name makes me go "blahh-arrgh." It's downbeat, depressing, and a bit haunting. It doesn't stand out against the other sad boi albums we've had in the list but I did check out some of his other work, which was better. He's ok.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
I get that this was the 60's but this album is too singy-songy for me, it sounds a bit hokey overall. They have some nice harmonies but they sound too much like the Beach Boys and other groups of this time to really stand out on the list. There's one great song (obv "CA Dreamin") and a few other decents but it's not enough to carry the rest. "Straight Shooter" should be named "Straight Ripoff," I've never heard it before but somehow I have (because it's def a copy of some other band's song). Minus points for the typos and the toilet on the cover. Bye boring white people.
The Who
5/5
This is dad-rock but with actual talent and I love it for that. We heard this a ton growing up so it will always be special. The instrument playing is absolutely stellar, the energy is fully there, the album art slays, and the song themes tell priceless stories we can all relate to. The Who really has it all, they can woo you with a slow tune and then belt out an absolute banger and you'll love em both. The tracks are littered with priceless little gems (I'll gladly lose me to find you, 1 and 1 make 1, etc.) This is a damn near perfect album, if anyone people tell you otherwise... they're all WASTED!
Bert Jansch
3/5
This album will get you ramblin, the simplicity is it's allure. It feels very pure, handmade, and heartfelt. Great guitar work, Bert's skill really shines in "Instrumental Medley" but a lot of songs on here are good. Channel your inner hobo and go hop some trains with this one. Enjoyed it.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
This album has a lot of variety and comes together pretty well. Neil makes this band and is the star of this album (as with all his projects). All the stronger songs on it are noticeably his. They're dispersed in a way that gets you through the poorly written tracks. It hits a lull towards the end and would be totally missable except that Broken Arrow is really strong and brings you back in. I enjoyed the listen, but not the strongest, and not super memorable. I'd play all of Neil's song individually but I don't know if I'd go back to the album as a whole. 2.75
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
I can see that this likely had some influence on a lot of post-punk sounds but the way she sings is a bit frustrating. It's like she's trying too hard to not care (bc caring would be uncool); it lacks emotion, fire, and comes off a bit flat. Overall, lackluster album for me. Some sounds and the compelling beat were decent but then some parts sounded like a jam session at my house (see piano interlude on last few minutes of "Staircase"). I liked the weird percussion opening on "Hong Kong Garden" but anytime you say "chicken chow mein" as a lyric you completely lose me.
Jack White
3/5
I don't know how I feel about this album, it's pretty inconsistent but it surprised me. I was never the biggest fan of The White Stripes but I do like The Raconteurs so I can't really put my finger on what it is. The variety of instrumentation and the creativity in the songs on this solo project didn't go unnoticed. This album is good but there's nothing exceptional about it. Maybe I'm annoyed by his voice, maybe it's the circus overtones, I'm not sure. 2.5ish.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
This album is pretty solid, it had most of the tracks I recognize from FBS and was a fun listen. It does get a bit repetitive and some tracks are a little too long but that's to be expected in this genre (considering it was designed to be digested on a stimulant-induced dance floor). Given that, it still translates to other settings pretty well like driving, working out, or vigorously cleaning your floors. I don't know if we've come a long way in terms of sound, but the fact that this was recorded and produced with an Atari and some floppy disks is absolutely insane. Rounding up on that, high 2.65.
Queen
3/5
This is a solid rock album with more hard guitar on it than expected. I like the variety of styles but could do without the silliness (ie: remove Leroy Brown). It's a fun listen and it definitely puts you in a mood. What's not to love about Mercury's operatic voice? He's an icon and Queen being on this list is indisputable.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Ok, I did not expect that at all. The opening track has an 80's sax solo and then chants "Mother Russia" for 3 whole minutes and somehow I'm into it. This album is so goth it burns you, but like in ice. I didn't know I needed to hear this but I'm glad I did. It's moody and upbeat at the same time, it's dark but has good energy, it's borderline silly but also serious. It's like the vampire version of David Byrne joined Depeche Mode. Very intriguing.
Arrested Development
3/5
This is a more positive spin on rap and was an enjoyable listen. That being said, it doesn't always deliver and I didn't like every song. Sometimes the beat machine sounded corny but that's the 1992 of it. Most of the tracks are good though, the last few being the strongest. Really liked "Washed Away" and a little surprised I've never heard of this group. Solid.
David Bowie
2/5
What's with this crazy piano playing? I thought I was on a Bowie album not in a jazz bar at a carnival. Ok, it's glam and it's jam but it's not cohesive at all. This album is not my fave but the cover art is so iconic. It really makes you rethink an album art's importance overall and I wish I liked this record more. This was a miss for me because I don't even like "Jean Genie."
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
I really liked the top hits from this album when it came out but I don't know if I listened to the full album very often (or at all). It sounds good today but I guess it's not that memorable. I don't know if I'd really put it on necessarily, the indie rock genre is so oversaturated. But I will say, when you hear one of these songs you instantly know it's Franz Ferd. Their simple formula works and it sorta made me miss that time when a band like this could even be popular on the radio. Points for the time warp and for the manifesto-vibe.
Public Enemy
1/5
I'm surprised by how much of a struggle it was for me to get through this whole album; it's actually quite long, very repetitive, and downright annoying at times. My memory of them was better than it is after this listen. I understand the impact, the social commentary of the time, and the importance of this album for hip-hop but I no longer believe the hype. Time was not good to them at all, this sounds hella corny and weak in the 2020's. It's not raw, it's whack. Flava literally says "chicka chicka" over a high pitch squeal while someone mashes a keyboard beat machine for an hour. It's a "No" for me dawg.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Marvin has a signature sound for sure but I'm not that into Motown. I also never realized every single one of his songs is about the same thing, broaden the subject matter man. This album is smooth but you have to be in the right place at the right time to really appreciate it. Some good funk influence on here but overall too horny and too doo-wop.
The Adverts
2/5
This was probably really exciting in 1978, but gets a bit repetitive. They have a good sound but a lot of it is the same. I liked a few songs but I became a "bored teenager" part-way through the album. No song realyl stood out, pretty decent but mediocre.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
This is Zep's best selling album for a reason, it's stacked with so many classics and is a damn near masterpiece. It has both variety and cohesion, is polished but also raw, stacked with absolute bangers but also delicate acoustics. Individually they are all masters but together, this album touches on virtuosity. It's glorious.
Talking Heads
4/5
I like the end of this album better than the beginning but it's decent all the way through. Not their best but they play up the funkiness and weirdness here and it works. Seems to be a lot of Talking Heads in the list but I'm not complaining. You either like their quirkiness or hate them. The forward momentum on this album worked for me, very fun. 3.5
The National
3/5
I like The National and what they've done but I keep waiting for their tone's equivalent of a banger (like a sorrow-banger if that can be a thing). Just anything you havvve to listen to, love to hear, play on repeat, something like that (it doesn't have to be happy). I really dig their sound but it always just ends up being mood music I put on in the background. I can't name a single song of theirs but I do think they are talented. I liked this album mainly because it's recognizable as theirs, Matt Berninger's voice is great for this. It feels well-thought out, precise, and meant for whole-album consumption. It has emotion but it just doesn't grab me as much as other bands of this ilk. I will ALWAYS go to Band of Horses and then probably Grizzly Bear but I'll be sure to give the older albums (Boxer and Alligator) an attentive listen. Bloodbuzz Ohio is the best track here. Upgrade for anything mentioning "bees."
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
There are constant references made to Nick Cave in the music world but I don't get what all the buzz is about. Maybe his other work is better but this album is not fantastic and I couldn't really get into it. It has good elements: folk-rock-country vibes, paints a visual picture, and great guitar strumming. But too much of it felt theatrical and overblown, like dark Broadway (listen to him pronounce "viper" and cringe). I could see something like this growing on you over time but I don't think I have the time. I don't like this one too much but I'm willing to give his other stuff a shot.
Tito Puente
2/5
This album is groovy but all the songs are very similar. It would be great while cooking arepas or sitting in a taqueria but didn't make me want to jump up and dance. It's an enjoyable listen, very upbeat, passionate, a bit slanderous. In terms of Latin music, this is a more accessible and fun album but mambo isn't really for me. I can say, it is well recorded and has a great vibe for coming out in the 50's. Though, I feel like this was just ticking the "World Music" box for the list.
The Cure
4/5
I like the atmospheric quality they've added to their repertoire here. I actually enjoyed some of the deeper cuts much more than the hits on this album. Disintegration feels raw but also well-crafted, it's moody and borderline ambient mashed with shoegaze. The vocals are added in a way that you sometimes understand them or don't at all and they just blend into the orchestral quality of the production which is brilliant. I think this is peak The Cure. The instrumental parts also really shine. "Lullaby" is a great song if you can get past the creepy spider lyrics, I dig it. Forget everything you think you know about these guys and give this album a listen, very good.
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
A triple LP, GTFOH. I can't say I enjoyed this, the entire middle is total rubbish and many of the front and end songs aren't polished or good enough to revisit. How did Billy Corgan even become a singer? Are there people who actually like this voice? Everything he touches feels contrived. He's trying too hard to be dark, he's trying to write meaningful lyrics and they fall flat, he's not trying to grate off all your skin with his vocals but he does. I don't like this album because I don't even really like their hits. The title also sucks. My chore is complete.
James Taylor
2/5
Sweet Baby James really laying on the sweet with this one, I don't like the album title or the cover art. I felt like I was in Mr.Rogers' Neighborhood in a way that this might be fine for a specific age group but I am definitely not it. It felt hokey, tepid, and overall weak. There's a few classics on here but even those are just ok. People talk about James Taylor as if he's some Americana Folk God but he doesn't feel genuine and deep enough to me. This deserves to be off the 1001 list for "Steamroller Blues" alone, don't even get me started on "Oh, Susannah." The more I write this review the more I'm disliking the album... ::a hefty hunk of steaming junk:: jingles in the background.
Goldfrapp
4/5
This is such a change-up from my prior Goldfrapp experience (all of which has been good) and I really liked it! So ethereal and chill, her voice is so distinct and the tempo of the whole album is perfect. So airy and lush, what a pleasant journey I will gladly embark on again and again. If you've been sleeping on Goldfrapp, wake up.
4/5
This album rocked hard in 2006 and it still does now, it's supermassive, supersonic, supergood. Full of big sounds, it's edgy and a little bizarre but it also has all the good elements of serious rock. I really loved the song "Starlight" when I first heard it, there's a lot of good ones on here and no real misses.
Jurassic 5
3/5
I am somewhat familiar with Jurassic 5 but they fell off my radar in the late 2000's. I think a lot of people forget about them so this was a fun revisit. I have "Thin Line" in a playlist so it comes up sometimes and is always good. "If you Only Knew" and a couple other good ones on this album but not sure I'd put it on. Chali 2na's voice brought me back and I like their sound overall. Good use of breakbeats and incorporation of other instruments but some of it sounds too 90's for me. Still pretty enjoyable and a solid listen.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This album came out before I was born so Springsteen always seemed like music your parents listen to. But on this latest listen he's actually not as bad as I thought and I found myself rethinking this album and The Boss in general (maybe it's because I'm approaching my 40's and am now also a parent so it's ok). Also, if you've ever set foot in NJ you're obligated to like him so here I am. "Cover Me" and "Downbound Train" are actually good songs. On some others he sounds like he's straining but "Going Down" has an effortless and sloppy sound that just works. I like the darker and less put-together tracks over the hits, "Glory Days" is too corny but overall this is a good package. It ends strong with "My Hometown" and is such a complete vibe. I feel like a 60 year old dad and I like it. I think I need to give Bruce another chance and revisit his deeper cuts.
Sabu
2/5
To drum at this speed, with this repetition for 6+ minutes straight is a feat in itself and I can respect that. What I don't respect is why this album has to be heard before one dies. I don't like the call-and-respond format of the vocals, a lot of it sounds like Speedy Gonzales yelling to Chiquita Banana Lady. There's a few songs where the rhythms are decent and somewhat primal but I'd rather just be playing the drums myself. Interesting listen but not putting it on.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Right out the gate this album manages to establish that its going to be complete chaos. It jumps around all over the place and has zero cohesion. It has some interesting points and you'll start getting into the riffs right when the bad Elvis impersonator with schizophrenia comes in with a "yeah" and ruins everything. It switches from ok to annoying every 5 minutes for the entirety but somehow its still not the worst album on this list.
Kelela
3/5
This album starts off strong and I liked it the first time through but after subsequent listens it's very similar from start to finish. I tried to pay closer attention to give it a careful listen but kept drifting off and coming back in about 4 songs later and thinking it was still the same song. I don't like that about it but there is something interesting going on here. Her vocals are soft and layered over very lush, sonic productions. I like the sound effects of cars driving off, high heels, snaps and clicks. It's very dreamy and an enjoyable listen but it's not touching greatness. What I do like is that she knows how cool she is and part of that rubs off on you by hearing this and knowing her name. I'll round up.
The Clash
3/5
This album is a classic and deserves to be on the list. You can feel the genuine anger and the attitude is a whole vibe that can't be faked, what a time. I wish I was there to hear this in the 70's. Full of anthems, grit, and raw energy. Actually liked the take on "Police & Thieves" too. This one is timeless and a fun listen.
The White Stripes
3/5
This album hits pretty hard for a band with such a bare-bones approach. Some of the bass lines from the bigger hits are iconic at this point but there's still something that annoys me with this duo. Jack White (actually Jack Gillis) is the talent here and there's a lot to like but I'm not fully sold on him, I don't know exactly what it is (maybe the talk-singing, maybe not). I do like the loud, crunchy, unpolished vibe here. "Ball and Biscuit" is great for it's dirty blues feel, "In The Cold, Cold Night" is also great for being different than the others, but the last song is terrible and just brings me back to contemplating what I don't like about them.
Tricky
3/5
Tricky is better as part of Massive Attack and unfortunately the same goes for Topley-Bird. That makes this debut album just ok. I'm a big fan of Trip Hop and this just wasn't as memorable as the greats. The things that do stand out are not all positive. The song "Hell is Round the Corner" is a straight ripoff of Portishead's "Glory Box" which is far superior. I hated "Abbaon Fat Tracks" for the overly sexualized (and way too direct) lyrics, please be more TRICKY with that one boy. "Black Steel" was a bit better for its exploration of rock guitar over driven beats but it skips all over the place after that. I did not like the MJ samples and 90's noise on "Brand New You're Retro" and "Strugglin'" was just that, a struggle to listen to. Overall this falls short and just feels too grimy for me.
Bauhaus
4/5
Four snazzy vampires write some art-rock from their crypt ::enter Bauhaus::. It's so bizarre it's brilliant. It's like very strange, dark, dance music that you hear thumping up from the floor below in your rundown Portland apartment. Goth, glam, funk, experimental, it's somehow embodies all of these. I fully intend to blast this one on Halloween.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Neurotic and uncomfortable are somehow made accessible and even catchy by Gordon Gano with the Violent Femmes. This album deserves a lot more credit than it gets, the deep cuts are better than the hits we all recognize from radio play. It's acoustic punk if there could be such a thing, it feels dangerous and dirty, even a bit deranged (but in a good way). It's defiant, rebellious, and unique (xylophone solo, yes please). It's pure honesty and speaks to all ages, high praise for 1983. I do have to add that I love "Gimme The Car" added to the tracklist after the original press.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Jimi has so much talent, charisma, and swagger it's impossible not to love him. It's also impossible not to give this album a high ranking, the fact that it's his debut is even more nuts. It's stacked with top tracks and the whole thing is fantastic. His guitar playing is genius level and his lyrics paint vivid scenes, what a sound overall. So much gold here.
The Doors
3/5
Starts out strong with the first two tracks, couple other good ones scattered throughout, a few stinkers. If this Doors album made the list there's going to be more of them on it. They deserve all the praise and credit but this is not my favorite of theirs. It gets a little "merry-go-round/carnival-esque" at parts but I do like the return to blues. A fun journey and a decent listen.
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
I'm a sucker for melancholy violin and this album came at the right time, very emotive and interesting overall. I'm not familiar with Tango so I don't know what New Tango does differently, but I enjoyed it. It's good background music, it could be the soundtrack to a section of Fantasia made by Pendleton Ward and Tim Burton. "Nuevo Tango" stood out, "Laura's Dream" is a whole mood (very moving). The set runs a little long, but it's like a ballet for blind people so it gets away with it. It's the best you're gonna get from a xylophone paired with a giant accordion. I actually listened to it several times through.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
This album was oddly intriguing and I can't say I'd ever hear it if not for the list so there's that, it could be the soundtrack on a video game for all I know. It contains moments of decent artistry before it goes back to sounding like they're just making it up as they go along. It's a lot of guys on synths doing interpretations of what a UFO sounds like. It was a fun listen and no doubt even better live but it's a bit too much "noodling" and not really my style to ever revisit.
Killing Joke
2/5
This album sounds very industrial and even features a goth robot as the vocalist on a few tracks. There's definitely something interesting going on, between the futuristic background sounds and the scratchy production they've managed to blend metal, atmosphere, techno-dub, and garage punk into something that sorta works. I liked a few songs and I do think this was ahead of it's time in the 80's. But I don't really like the band name and some of it feels repetitive. Didn't stand out but decent.
Steely Dan
4/5
Enjoyable soft rock on the surface, complex and sophisticated song crafting below. Steely Dan crushes it with this debut. Between a handful of classics, there's really not a bad song on the set. Uptempo, swaggy, LA vibes throughout. They have such a specific sound, even the songs I'm not familiar with would be easily recognizable as theirs, and they do it really well. I'm a sucker for good yacht rock and this is very strong.
Paul Simon
3/5
Is Simon actually better without Garfunkel? I never gave that any thought, but here this album is to test theories. What a weird exploration in zydeco, African drumming, and tribal chanting. I can see how this was monumental at the time but there's a few flaws. I don't like the weird fart bass, something about the overall sound feels too island-y, and I'll never get over Simon's talk-sing delivery (like he's just reading a poem). I also don't fully get the album art (15th century Ethiopian manuscript stored at the Peabody Essex Museum) and the album title itself is a bit irksome. This combination of styles already feels like a middle-aged white man doing cultural appropriation, why pay homage to Elvis (a literal middle-aged white man who popularized black music)? In spite of all this, I somehow don't hate it (but I also don't love it).
Genesis
2/5
This album is too long for it's own good, even after reading the album summary about it telling Rael's story (a very pertinent detail actually) it's still too long. "Counting Out Time" was an ok song until the terrible kazoo solo in the last minute, on the contrary the entire first half of "The Waiting Room" is unlistenable until the instrumental in the last two minutes. The whole album jumps back and forth like this between beautiful and grating for it's entirety. The good moments are only that, moments. Even though I love Peter Gabriel, I found myself wondering if the whole thing would just be better off as an instrumental. The lyrics and delivery make it too convoluted. I get that it's an artsy concept album, but it's too whimsical and strange. It does pique my interest though because I didn't know Genesis was capable of anything but "That's All" and "I Can't Dance."
Van Morrison
4/5
Listening to this album from start to finish was very nostalgic. I knew a bunch of the songs but my childhood brain never put it together that they were from the same album. Man, was I missing out, this album is stellar. So poetic and effortless, Van's signature tone really delivers on this one. Great storyteller, fantastic songwriter, excellent blend of folk, blues, and jazz. I love all of it.
Randy Newman
1/5
There's some head turning moments throughout this album and I don't think anyone needs to hear it before they die. Satire just doesn't translate well in this medium and this album did not age well, in fact it's horribly offensive (and you can't really play it anywhere). Newman's attempt at wit and edginess just comes off wrong to me (I'm not sure if this social commentary was even well-received in 1974). There's some nice piano playing and brass arrangements but not amazing. Anything good is immediately cancelled out by Mr. Pixar so effortlessly slinging slurs. Not for me.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
This is somewhat boring and even with only five songs, it drags on a bit. That said, it's still one of the better jazz albums on the list. Based on the title, I wanted it to be a bit more funky. Turns out it's too "easy-listening" for me and the sax is the real star even though Jimmy plays the organ. I'll round up because they put a doggo on the cover but this is missable overall.
Radiohead
3/5
This is not their strongest album by any means. It's good but I don't think it belongs on the list (especially compared to their other albums). It's a little too alt-rock for me, generally pretty ho-hum with a few good tracks. There's good sound layering and their signature atmospheric tone, but then a heavy out-of-place guitar riff has me thinking "this is classic rock" and I am not liking this look for them at all.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
The production on this album is distractingly poor, I get that it was 1966 but this didn't age well. Clapton's guitar work on here is undeniable but Mayall singing about "being my little girl" is miffin' it up too much for me to like. The instrumentals with harmonica were slightly better but I got bored with it even though there's so many songs in the list. It just felt like it was hitting all the tropes of standard blues rock and I think others just do it better (with more passion and grit). This combo isn't working for me.
The Police
3/5
This album stands up to the passing of time, a very solid, fun listen. All 3 band members compliment each other really well and this blend of styles works for me. I love Sting, he's a skilled songcrafter and musician. I think a few of their other albums are stronger but this one puts their post-punk vibes on display and I dig it.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
Ok, what actually is this? Are these even considered "songs"? When would someone play this? Maybe a high school kid trying to piss off their parents, I'm not sure. I'll give them props for the sheer diversity: prominent feature of barnyard sounds, some crickets, squeak toys, Iron Man's voice, clowns laughing. But it's too weird and unsettling for me. Half the time it sounds like you're playing a tape backwards, the other half is somehow even weirder. It's wild and very avant-garde, but not in a good way. It's like bad drug trip that won't end, this is the sound of your nightmares. This is puking and shitting at the same time. Pure chaos but somehow not as bad as some others on the list.
Nirvana
5/5
This album was monumental 30 years ago and is still so good, absolutely iconic. It's so much more than the predecessor to Cobain's truncated legacy, it's deep and relatable but also apathetic, it's dark and irrational but also redemptive and just completely rocks. I wouldn't cut a single track or change a thing, near perfect album. I've listened to this album so many times it's honestly hard to be objective.
The Who
2/5
It took me a minimum of two full-listens to give this a fair review (I felt very conflicted after just one play). I get the cultural significance of being the first real rock-opera but on a purely auditory level it's really not that enjoyable (and on a lyrical level it's absolutely bonkers). I personally wouldn't play any of these songs individually so you really have to consume the album as a whole (which is daunting). The entire thing feels like a "you had to be there" moment. I respect the ambition but it could have been cut down a bit. Too much Townshend on vocals and his lyrics are borderline creepy, how is he already such a cynical grouch at age 24? I don't like musicals but I'd be down to give the movie a chance.
Sex Pistols
3/5
This is a socially significant album full of raw energy and it absolutely made waves in 1977. It's still good today but because we're numb to the offensiveness it once stood for it doesn't really hit as hard (we're also not wankers). I watched the FX miniseries "Pistol" about a year ago and liked it way more than I thought I would. It's a great story and going into this album I had a greater appreciation for the band and members in general. There's some classics on the setlist but a lot of them sound the same. Still a solid listen and rounding up because of all the shoite I now know about them.
Green Day
3/5
This album is fun and the hits are really catchy; it was the shit when it came out so I'll give it that. I also remember loving the cover art when Fan had the cassette. But all of these accolades are rooted in the past, I don't like it as much now as I did back then. It's too pop (really isn't even punk at all) and a bit too surface-level. There's also too many songs that don't stand out, overall pretty one-dimensional. I'm good for a few songs, but not a whole album of it. Too generic and commercialized for me but not denying it's sweet-spot in 1994, what a time!
Megadeth
3/5
The runtime and pace of this album are great, it burst out the gates strong. The first track just walked up and punched you in the ears, the guitar solo in the last minute is impressive and very technical. They manage to ramp it up even further on "Hangar 18" and pretty much uphold this energy for the entire album. "Tornado of Souls" is relentless but I don't love the evil-theater voice at the end of "Dawn Patrol" or the pirate in the title track. I think they do thrash metal well, in a way that makes it more accessible than most but it's a little too thick on the dark arts for me (cobwebs, bowels, rotten egg air of death, etc.). You gotta give it to them with this ridiculous cover art though.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
I get why this is on the 1001 list ("Walk This Way" alone) but there's a reason I've never listened to a full Run DMC album before. Cheesy sound effects, weak beat machine, corny-ass rhymes, super repetitive and annoying. There's some ok moments ("It's Tricky & My Adidas") but everything after the first 4 tracks just blends together into an annoying cacophony of 80's sounds. Honestly, I expected more masterful wordplay and better raps from this duo. "Stupid as can be... breakdown!"
ZZ Top
3/5
Beardy blues not bad (also not great). This album strips it back to basics: your stale-beer pub, a dusty Harley, ride off into the sunset type of shit (and it does it well). I only recognized "La Grange" but there's a bunch of other good songs mixed in here (with the right amount of mild salvation). Big props for never once singing about love or romance. This might be the only good thing that came out of Texas.
Sonic Youth
2/5
I think you have to be in the right mood (or a teenager) for this one because I am not getting it at all. Maybe it was avant-garde in the late 80's but it just sounds like a bunch of discordant, gritty noise now. It has the elements to be good like really leaning into the edginess or surreal sound but it just falls short on all accounts. Female vocalist is annoying, nothing stood out, it's bad without a "Shadow of a Doubt."
Spiritualized
3/5
This album surprised me (how can there still be something this good that I have literally never heard of) and it actually didn't feel too long. I think the length fits the type of music, very ethereal and otherworldly. I listened to it a few times through and it just got better and better. Diverse range of sounds, beautifully produced, very raw and ambitious, I loved it all. Consider this one officially entered into "Saved" repertoire.
Stan Getz
2/5
This album has a vibe but a lot of it is the same and doesn't really have any teeth. Maybe I'll revisit when I don't have any either. Overall, it's a bit too snoozey and lackluster. The songs with the female vocalist are better but still missing something. The album is old and somehow it put that on display (the sax even sounded furry). I'll blow the dust off this one in 40 years, it probably sounds better through hearing aids anyway.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
A gritty, filthy, darkly tinged pop-folk album that was very far ahead of it's time (in 1967), different than anything else in this era for sure. Reed's snide lyrics paint a world both terrifying and beautiful, it's truly fascinating. You can see how this influenced indie rock for ages to come. Trend-fuckers love this shit and I probably would have been all over it too if I were in my early 20's when it came out. It's the right combination of music, art, sleaze, poetry, drugs, and design; a culmination of New York minds that exists on this one specific album at this one very direct time.
Guns N' Roses
2/5
Prior to this listen, I never realized their biggest hits are not only on the same album but that album is also their debut release so I'll give 'em that. This is a very solid first release but it's a lot of screeching guitar and screechy singing and I've never been a big fan of them. I do recognize that they can shred and the cover art is fun but this isn't really for me.
2Pac
2/5
Aside from his bigger hits, I always find it hard to like Tupac (both as a person and on musical efforts). It's not only the East v. West rivalry although that definitely contributes (East Coast rules). He's just a shit person in general and so much of his stuff all sounds the same. This album was too long and sounds like the 90's. Meh.
Blur
2/5
There's an interesting exploration of genres going on here but it comes off a bit incohesive over the whole album. I actually thought at one point there must be another band named "Blur" because this can't be the same guys who put out "Song 2". Overall, it's a fun listen, it's fine but not amazing.
Barry Adamson
3/5
This album stands out for the concept behind it and not for the actual musicality. I'm here for the weirdness of it but you wouldn't put on one of these tracks and jam out. That being said, it does manage to accomplish a lot in just 54 minutes. It's very evocative and thought provoking, each background effect a perfectly placed clue, a hint to a deeper plot full of smoke, suspense, and moral dilemmas. It's success rests purely on the fact that there is no accompanying movie (it wouldn't even be on this list otherwise). This gives it meaning, an audio "movie" that allows the listener to construct their own plot, although I do wish the short story from the liner notes could be found somewhere. I think this is a pretty interesting piece of noir art and the fact that it's 35 years old is also impressive.
(excerpt: “I wake up in the arms of a beautiful girl who takes me in her eyes and we / fly over the city for a few centuries both ways / Death is for the birds who don’t notice the sky…”)
The Strokes
3/5
The Strokes helped shape the sound of the early 2000's with this debut and it will always bring me right back to that time. It feels a little young now but it holds up well enough. They have a simple formula but it works, pretty solid track list, slightly vintage feel on the distortion. They were in the right place at the right time with this one.
MGMT
4/5
I've always liked their sound which I'll describe as one part foggy-shoegaze, one part catchy-hook, one part synth-instrumental, and one part repeat-repeater. There's a bunch of big hits on this one and even the lesser known tracks are good. I like the darker tinges and the insane music vid for "Kids."
Roni Size
1/5
Please explain to me how this is considered an "essential" album, anywhere, anyway, anyhow? At first I was like "ok, sure, not my fave but let's go" but by the end it was so repetitive and draining (not to mention every song is 7 minutes too long). This isn't doing anything monumental, there's nothing interesting, there's no redeeming quality. I don't even hate drum n' bass but this had me hating. You Brits can keep Roni Size.
The Prodigy
3/5
The Prodigy somehow found the sweet spot for beat-driven music with the right amount of lyrical and sound effect flare. They incorporate a ton of background sounds that work really well and they do techno in a way that's...dare I say..."catchy." I enjoyed this album, there's def some memorable bangers on here that transport you back to Fan's giant cd binder. I will date them (and myself) by describing this as "phat."
John Lennon
3/5
When I saw the name of this album I thought I was in for Yoko Moan-O but thankfully her dogshit is not featured here (they only named their solo albums the same, aw cute/not). There's some decent songs on here, I actually have "Hold On" saved to a playlist and always smirk at 1:05 when he does "cookie" (as Cookie Monster). We see a more rough and raw version of Lennon emerging on "I Found Out" and thereafter. This feels very much like John's "therapy session" put to a recording but what better way to overcome your traumas than to face them head on, I'll give him that. I don't really like the voice inflection on "Well Well Well" and don't even get me started on "God" (dissing The Beatles is in poor taste, the whole song is pretentious). But this album is alright, it has anger but also hope, it's somewhat depressing, but also encouraging at times. It's ok.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
It's Amy Winehouse, I can't even rate this objectively. The only bad thing is that she can't make any more records like this sadly. She modernized this sound so well, her witty lyrics combined with this retro vibe are a masterpiece. She's authentic and talented to the max. There's no bad songs, the whole album is a stunner further immortalized by her early demise. It only makes the whole thing that much more powerful. If you aren't bewitched by her then I know you're no good.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Familiar with the hits but lots of filler here (by the 11th album there's gonna be a bunch). All the songs blend together and therefore sound the same, a weird choice to do that on purpose IMO. Also, the backstory isn't readily apparent (letters from Vietnam) and doesn't really add anything for me either. I get that the political commentary and emotionally charged messages were on par with a lot of people's sentiments at the time but I just wasn't there. I think he has a good voice but he should lean more on the groove and less on the shoulder of Christ. Holy God Mercy Save Me. What's Goin On? Not much really.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
I don't know what genre of music this, I don't know this guy's original name or his new name, I don't know why his career didn't take off, and I don't know if I recognized some songs or not. One thing I do know: this album is dripping in terrible 80's production effects. There's something really catchy here but it's just so stuck in time. It's a shame because based on this debut, he had really high potential to make it big. Instead, no one's ever heard of him. I don't know what happened in 1987, but I liked a few songs here and overall it's pretty good.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
This scores very high marks (bc it's LZ) but for a debut album it absolutely wrecks it. I would have loved to witness the reception when this first hit the airwaves and literally broke peoples' heads right off. So just to summarize, an unknown quartet rises from the ashes of The Yardbirds in late 1968 and 3 months later releases this mighty beast changing music and human's inner ears forever. Cool, got it.
Brian Eno
2/5
I don't think this album is bad per se, but I don't think it's "For Airports" or the 1001 list. It's really mellow (like fall asleep mellow) and it'd be better as a sound bath or meditation backing track. Some points for coming out in 1978 before those were even a thought. I think Eno himself describes it well with "as ignorable as it is interesting." 1.5
The Kinks
2/5
The allure of this album is that you can tell they're just vibing and having fun, but that's also it's downfall. Why is it so damn goofy? Although I do like The Kinks, it's hard to take this one seriously as a whole. There's some good tracks buried among all 65 of 'em but the album is really incohesive. There's a lot of different styles being explored but it doesn't serve the project well. "Phenomenal Cat" made me laugh but I really couldn't stand the cheese-ball "All My Friends Were There" with it's circus tones. Then "Wicked Annabella" brings you back in right before it completely loses you again talking about Monica's nose. This album is the happy, playful version of The Beatles with more clapping and "la, la, la." I do like the title track (it hits), but the rest doesn't work on my brain.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
This album is timeless, another I find it hard to be objective on as I know every song here. I get that reggae may not be for everyone, the genre lends itself to a lot of repetition but Bob just does it so well. He manages to evoke super revolutionary ideas without really saying that many words. Just simple lyrics and chill grooves, no skips here at all. Incredible from start to finish.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
This is not my first foray into MK's music, I have several other songs by him saved to playlists. He's a modern take on soul music with a dash of Ugandan backbeats and I really dig the whole sound. This album is full of emotion and true expression, drip some of that honey-voice over it and it's great. He's an artist in the purest sense. I listened to this full album several times through and never got bored.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
It seems like Nick Cave is appearing quite a bit in this list and I'm still not sold. He sounds like he's straining his voice and the music is generic. It's not wowing (and I really want it to), I mean is this man really singing about "hankies"? Yes. There's a few good songs on this album but I can't get past the weird voice affect and none made it to saved playlists. I'm on the fence so I'll keep trying with Nicky but O Mamma his time is dwindling.
Pink Floyd
4/5
There's nothing bad to say about this one, not even the long runtime on all parts of Shine On is negative for me. Nothing else needs to be said. Stellar.
Johnny Cash
2/5
Johnny Cash has a few decent songs but I'm generally not a big fan and this album was no game-changer. I didn't like how the "explicit" words were so blatantly (and poorly) bleeped on this set but I did sorta dig the prison crowd sounds and Cash's banter. You got a good feel for the vibe but it sounds pretty dated and I don't need to revisit it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Solid album, short and sweet. Couple big tracks that are always good. "Born on the Bayou" is a classic but also misleading, these dudes are from San Fran. Compared to most other takes this is a decent version of "Good Golly Miss Molly" but I just don't like this song ever (or the word "Chooglin").
Aerosmith
3/5
This album is tight and short but I'm not really sure if it deserves to be on the 1001 list. The two best songs are right at the beginning. Back in the Saddle is a classic and I dig the bass line on Last Child but it's on a downward slope from there. The rest is pretty mid.
Grateful Dead
2/5
I knew there'd be some Grateful Dead on this list and I went in with open ears since Jon has been to some shows. I can def appreciate the improv-jam format but I think other people/groups/bands are doing it better. The Dead's formula seems almost too easy and this album felt a bit limp and maybe even phoned in. How were these the best takes from so many different concerts? It completely lost me on "Feedback" and I only reconfirmed what I already thought. Meh.
Def Leppard
2/5
More glam rock pop ballads that I could never really take seriously. This album didn't impress me. The only memorable part was realizing that Offspring's intro on "Pretty Fly" is actually from "Rock of Ages" (and is completely made up words).
Elastica
2/5
This album was pretty good, there's some fun tracks but I wasn't fully sold on the lead singer's voice. It's a bit like Blondie when she rapped and I never really love that one part. I do like the punk vibes but was kinda bored with it by the second half. 2.45.
The Pogues
3/5
You see that accordion on the cover and instant dread sets in, but alas oh diddly dee, this album is surprisingly good! It has wide variety and crosses many different genres in a way that seems effortless. I love a good sea shanty vibe and The Pogues don't slack. They've managed to make some very catchy, energetic songs that somehow incorporate a tin-whistle and a banjo so I'm here for it. Least favorite song was "Fiesta" and you can't really listen to this on repeat since it's already repetitive in itself but I did enjoy. 2.85 for the raucous bunch.
Soft Cell
2/5
This was really out there and delivered supreme levels of cringe but I didn't completely hate it. I couldn't tell if it was parody at parts. What is it about 80's music that sounds so tacky? Marc Almond is the ultimate diva and really delivers on the sleaze and sparkle here. I didn't like "Sex Dwarf" or "Entertain Me" but there were a few decent songs buried within. Based on the album title, it fits the bill but I don't think I'll revisit. 2.30 for making everything sticky.
Beyoncé
2/5
I was relatively familiar with a few songs on this album due to insane radio play but I never bought into the hype. The popular songs aren't really that good and the unheard of tracks are bland and missable. Her attempt at rapping is super annoying. Still I'm even more annoyed that she thinks she owns the moniker "Queen Bee." I expected more from this and didn't enjoy it overall. Even the song with Frank Ocean was meh (which is insanely hard to do).
Norah Jones
4/5
I get that this album isn't for everyone but I've always enjoyed Norah Jones. Her voice is soft and unique and the blend of jazz and pop here is quite successful (walk into any coffee shop and prove me wrong). Light piano melodies, lullaby quality, relaxing vibe. Just add some rain outside and a good cocktail, I don't think you can go wrong here (+ Ravi Shankar) = 3.95.
Nina Simone
1/5
Nina Simone is a recognizable name in the jazz world but I found this to be a bit boring, even with her unique voice and tone. It's slow, dated, and a little too gospel-theater for me. The only take away was finally placing the sample from "The Story of OJ" by Jay-Z (it's from "Four Women"). The title track is one of the worst on here and the cover art is a flop. Low 1.35.
Destiny's Child
1/5
Overly commercialized, name dropping, 2000's cheese. I don't even know why this makes the list. There's no cohesion or idea behind it, it's terribly written, and it's contradictory from one song to the next. Are you bootylicious or independent? The song "Emotion" completely lacks just that. I remember it when it came out and I still don't like it. Low 1.0.
The Style Council
1/5
This album is really incoherent as a whole, it skips back and forth between instrumental jazz and cheesy soft rock (and then goes even more bonkers). There's a decent song in there somewhere but what a mess. I expected a lot more from "Dropping Bombs on the White House" and what in the love of god was happening on "A Gospel," was that a Paul Weller rap? I can't go over a 1.45 here.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I like PG's sound a lot but this album didn't grab me. About half of the songs are good and half of them are completely unmemorable. I'm not here for the politics but that's likely why it's on the list. I didn't know Kate Bush did backing vocals on a few or that Hipgnosis did the cover art but both make sense and are a good addition. Will round up to 2.25.
Miles Davis
2/5
I can't believe an era existed where this was considered the birth of "cool." It sounded like all jazz to me, I couldn't find anything that stood out to differentiate it. I know Davis is a big name but this felt like all the rest. The same backing bass line, the little cymbal tapping, some horns, great. Not really for me. 1.75
B.B. King
2/5
This album is very fluid and one of the better live performance recordings we've had to go through thus far. I don't know what I was expecting but not this, meaning it was better than my assumptions (but still not great). I don't really like the talking in between the songs or blues in general but you could do a lot worse on this list. I think the order hurt it slightly because I was very over horns and old people music. It gets a 2.0.
The Monks
2/5
Pretty impressive for 1966, good band name, simple cover art, not a lot to dislike here. I had to listen to it on YouTube so I couldn't follow along with the song names but there were def a few I enjoyed. 2.25
Ghostface Killah
3/5
This album is decent but runs a bit long. There's a few tracks I recognize and like but a lot of it is also missable. Ghostface has some skill but this isn't an album I would necessarily put on. I do like the piano on "Back Like That" and most well-known to me "Whip You With a Strap." I don't really care for skits in any rap albums and this one's no different. It's better than all the mumble rap and it tells a decent story. 2.55.
Gillian Welch
3/5
I found myself going back to this album, there's something about it. The first song is subtle and understated (almost haunting) and the second song immediately changes up the vibe but maintains the singer-songwriter folk aspect. It kept me engaged throughout, never heard of her before but would put it on again. I really like her voice and how the simple backing allows for the poetic lyrics to be the highlight. You can feel her singing. I would check out more from her in the future. 3.15.
2/5
I totally understand that this album was popular in 1995 and a game changer for the band but I never liked it. It's mediocre, it's spineless, it's lukewarm Bud Light on a swollen wood table with water rings. It feels lazy and something about them is so corn-balled, I didn't enjoy this listen. Sure it's nostalgic, but it degraded over time. The question on the front cover should be "Which Gallagher is a bigger douche?". It get's a low 2.0.
Willie Nelson
2/5
The man can tell a story, I'll say that. This album will make you feel like you're next to a campfire using yer boots as a pillow. The right mix of sleepy stories and knee-slapping strings. I liked the closer, it's a nice combination of piano and harmonica but overall the album is a little bland. I'll give it a 1.55.
Sepultura
1/5
Someone with safety pins as earrings please explain to me why this makes the list (again). It's literally the same as every other thrash metal I've heard and I still don't really like it. The description says they incorporated latin percussion and that's partially what sets this album apart from their previous but I don't hear it at all (and thanks to the list I'm a pro at latin music now). I didn't need to hear this but I guess it wasn't the worst. 1.35 for fast-drumming.
Pere Ubu
2/5
This album took me off guard, what is it... art-punk, garage rock, anti-music, a recycling truck driving down a dirt road? I didn't hate it but it's pretty out there, the highs are high and the lows are low. It's short and interesting at points, not sure I'd play it again though. The garbled mumbling and drunk sound effects feel somehow very Cleveland. Not the worst, 2.0.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
This is ambient soundscape meets bossa nova in a pretty progressive and good way. There's a sultry, relaxing vibe throughout that I really got into. I liked the tempo changeup on Bananeira and felt like several other songs had the ability to transport one to a lively brunch, a sparkly dance floor, or a poolside cabana and I wasn't mad at any of it. Would like to hear newer takes (later than 2000) where they push the electronic aspect even further. Going with a 2.65
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Fleetwood Mac is so good, this album is so good, in fact they have so many good songs that not even all of them fit on this album (still, "Silver Springs" should never have been cut from it). It's amazing they managed to create something so brilliant amongst so much friction. Buckingham is a dick, Stevie is a diva, a love triangle, couple squabbles, divorce, drugs, and addiction. Imagine the level of tension in the studio, now go and create this. The internal battle of two powerful egos eventually won but the music lives on forever. Pretty epic, easily a 4.8 or better.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
Loved it when it came out and still love it now. Every song is good and although I probably over-listened to this in the early 90's, I think it keeps getting better. I can now really appreciate the sarcasm, the stinging whit, and the irony (both in the lyrics as well as matching emotional, dark breakup themes with radio-friendly pop arrangements). The slower tracks showcase her versatility as a vocalist and songwriter and maybe even made harmonica cool. This album is 90's in all the best ways. Strong 4.0.
Funkadelic
4/5
This album is a classic must-listen and a few tracks get repeat play at my place. It's a great fusion of rock, funk, soul, and psychedelics. It pushes genres about as far as they can go. I've seen them live several times (w/ G. Clinton and Parliament of course) and the live shows are absolutely mind blowing but I did miss the P-Funk combo so knocking it down a smidge. They're stronger together so 3.85.
Johnny Cash
2/5
I understand Johnny Cash and his prison tour being on this list but I don't think I needed another cell stay so soon. Aside from that, this is a very entertaining listen. The songs are already pushing the limit (cocaine, murder, hell + shit) and the banter and laughter from the crowd only takes it further (in a good way). Handcuffs rattling, warden PA announcements, and stories of crimes echoing off the concrete walls containing crime perpetrators all create the irreplaceable atmosphere that really sells this performance. This is why it's on the list and I liked him better here than at SQ. It's a 2.15 for singing about murder to applause from murderers.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
I am very familiar with this album (and the band) so am probably biased. Unpopular opinion: they're so good at what they do that they're actually hard to like. I think they provide something very different in terms of sound, vocals, rhythm, and tempo and this is definitely their most accessible album by a mile. I've honestly found it to be one of the most divisive recommendations I can give. They range from being wildly inventive to almost unlistenable (sometimes in the same song) and I love them for it. You either like the off-step time signatures and THAT voice or you hate them. But please consider the Zeppelin-inspired swirl and burst of Useful Chamber (2:42 will have you seeing sound) or Nico's These Days remake on Two Doves before totally writing them off. The layering, the abstract song-smithing, the fact that they could go off in a completely different direction two seconds later all makes them what they are. I feel like each song can stand alone, bright, colorful, triumphant. I wouldn't change a thing, Bitte More-ca! High 4.15.
Willie Nelson
2/5
I didn't recognize a single one of these songs as covers and also didn't know that Willie has this many albums (this being his 22nd). Off the bat this sounded way more jazzy and schmaltzy that I expected for him but I still didn't really need to hear it. It's not terrible but it's not good either. It's a weak, old, light 2.15.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Signature ELO sound that I was expecting but don't know if I needed 70 minutes of it. Still a good listen, starts off strong, some surprises I wasn't familiar with. A bit overproduced but accolades for all the layering (strings, chorus, orchestra, authentic rock). I like the cover art and overall triumphant feel of this. Comes in at 2.95.
Sade
5/5
This is a great debut album and I'm a big fan of Sade, she gets a lot of play at my house. There's nothing to dislike here, no skips and sax for days. Her voice is so smooth and just really easy to listen to overall. High 4.5.
Skepta
1/5
At first I was a tiny bit intrigued, but as it went on I just disliked it more and more. I don't think I liked a single track on here, although I could instantly tell "Numbers" featured Pharrell before even checking the list. Low 1.25.
Duke Ellington
1/5
This album was much too long and there were wayyy too many musician introductions at the end of each session. I doubt anyone in the crowd even knew the name of the third quartet flutist in seat 6 (or cared). I thought jazz was for old people but there were so many shrill, squeaky moments I started wondering if everyone's hearing aides were turned off. The live format of this album doesn't work at all, I know there are talented people on this stage but I think you had to be there. Jazz may be a living, breathing genre but I'm good on this one until I'm neither of those. Sufferable 1.35.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
This album was a lot better than his previous appearance in the list. Some recognizable songs but I wouldn't consider myself a fan. I do think he's a decent songwriter, he made some good choices adding the synth and leaning more on funk and groove, but he always feels formulaic to me. There's something corny or a bit too simple for me to really love his inner visions. "Living for the City" and "Higher Ground" were the strongest. I'll give him 2.25.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
I've never heard of Jarrett but the fact that he can improvise a piece of music like this for an hour is beautiful and impressive. To top it off, he had back pain, zero sleep, was hangry, and forced to play on a rehearsal piece-of-trash piano that was too small (now all his moaning throughout makes sense). The way he's able to maintain the repetition of chord sequences for so long is what makes a lot of parts sound more composed and interesting (see vamp). I don't really like live albums but I have to give him some credit here. I wish I could improv 1/10th as good as this and will likely check out his folk-rock album (on which he plays every instrument). Points! 2.5
Billie Holiday
1/5
This album really had me questioning why Billie Holiday is so celebrated, such a drag. All the songs sound the same, nothing good about them, much too long with repeats of the same track multiple times (or was this literally just the same song 16 times, I can't even tell). This sounded so 50's and reminded me of a Disney princess ballad at times (only way worse). I didn't enjoy it at all, low 0.65.
John Martyn
3/5
This album has a lot to offer and I really liked the whole experience. This is probably one of my better discoveries from the list, I'd def play it again. A folksy jazz man experiments with funk and different effects while being completely stoned. Yep, it's my in my vibe house. I like almost every track. High 3.45 ::with claps::.
Ute Lemper
1/5
I was actually surprised by how bad this album is. Dated, too long, cabaret bullshit. This is the stuff theater kids love to talk your ear off about and with some of these lyrics, it was hard to take it seriously. I started wondering if it was a big, elaborate joke I was missing. The title track is actually one of the worst songs on it. Ute has an interesting voice and this could have been so much better but instead it was divine bullshit. 0.75.
Sigur Rós
2/5
I was somewhat familiar with Sigur Rós because I listened to a lot of Jónsi (Birgisson -- lead singer) around 2010. This is a more atmospheric soundscape approach and I think it has to be the right moment to fully digest what they're offering with this album. It's pretty long and a lot of it feels like waiting for a moment that never happens but there's some really beautiful instrument combinations interspersed throughout. You almost forget that the vocals are in a different language, I personally think this improves the listen but I fully understand that people might not like this (or aren't willing to fully invest in the sonic experience). It's definitely a journey and you have to pay attention and follow along to really get it. 2.25 because I still like Jónsi's solo projects better.
Beck
5/5
Another strong performance by Beck, no surprise there. This album is consistently good at every turn, there's not a bad song on it. He manages to do whatever he wants: skip around in styles, add weird sounds, go from upbeat to slow, and it just so completely works because it's Beck. "Little Drum" is really somber and beautiful then "Farewell Ride" has you walking your spurs to your grave. Lots of different vibes happening with each song, all of them really good in their own ways, the Goldilocks zone of weird. I used to like the upbeat bangers but now I'm leaning into the slower, more melancholic tracks. Even as your tastes change, this album always delivers. Hell Yes, 4.55.
David Bowie
2/5
This album is very mid, not great but not bad either, overall listenable but no real stand-outs (although I will play "Valentine's Day" on Feb. 14th now). Hadn't heard of anything from this album prior, didn't really like "If You Can See Me Now" but the next two and "The Stars are Out" are decent. I'm glad Black Star was better. Weak finish near the tail end so 2.15.
Beck
4/5
I love this album and hearing it live at the Hollywood Bowl was amazing. Even in standard format the strings and instrumental backing are really lush and well thought out. For those who criticize this one, Beck didn't sacrifice any of his creativity here, this is a beautiful sonic achievement in all the best ways. Even if this isn't your vibe, it shows his incredible range and it really deserves to be played again (and again) because you just can't get it all in one listen. The songwriting, the lyrics, the swell, the layering, the minimal guitar playing, the whole combo, really impressive. No skips at all, really unique with each song serving a purpose, will always love this one. Easy 4.25 for me.
Nas
3/5
Nas can't be matched lyrically, his flow and rhyme scheme become the standard for all East Coast hip hop post-1994. I'm familiar with most of the tracks on here but didn't realize this was his debut, really solid. Also didn't know Q-Tip had his hand in there but really no surprise, masters of their craft and a great combo. A crisp classic 3.35.
Beatles
3/5
This album is a classic and deserves praise but it's not their best work and not my favorite. It's reputation proceeds it, the hits are bangers but some of the weaker songs make it feel sloppy. The cover art vaults it to near art status but I can't get past "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", "Mean Mr. Mustard", and Polythene Pam." Maybe I just don't like songs based around wacky characters, I'm not sure. I'm all for their enigmatic lyrics but there's a few on here that significantly reduce my ability to rate it as high as it should be. I'm going 3.35 for ending on "Her Majesty" after such a stellar run.
David Bowie
3/5
Although a departure from his earlier sounds (and Earth physically), Bowie pulls off a decent later album. I will assume this one gets better the more you hear it, it deserves a close listen and I really haven't spent much time with it. There's a variety of sounds and genres at play allowing the vocals to be an accent rather than the main feature. "Lazarus" is really haunting and mysterious, very on-point given the circumstances with secret recording sessions and timely post-death release. It's very good. I liked a couple other songs on here too, but I'm mainly impressed that he was able to consistently make relevant music this far into his career. Anyway, where the fuck did Monday go? 2.85.
James Brown
2/5
James Brown is fine but this album is very underwhelming. It sounds a bit tinny and the live format really takes away from the production value. Even with the screaming fans, this setlist does little to capture his energy and it just doesn't work. Why are there so many live albums on this list anyway? Meh 1.75.
Adam & The Ants
1/5
I think New Wave was a very forward-thinking music movement for it's time but this one didn't do it for me. I couldn't get past the pirate theme, a lot of the songs were just too juvenile and silly. However, I can see how someone would like a few songs on here, I just don't like the lyrics enough to ever get into them. It was more interesting than expected and I give them credit for doing something different but there's a fine line between odd and just plain wacky. "Feed Me to the Lions" so I don't have to hear this again, 1.45.
Wild Beasts
3/5
Never heard of Wild Beasts but overall enjoyed the sound. The music itself, the beats, synth, and arrangements are really good; the androgynous vocals that vary from low moaning to falsetto screeches are an odd choice but grow on you. I actually gave this a few listens and ended up liking it a lot more than I thought. It's a bit spacey and ethereal at times but also catchy and indie-pop. It's a good discovery from the list and it's definitely not boring. 3.25 for weird intensity combined with calming effects. Got me "Hooting & Howling" on a Thursday afternoon.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Listening to this again made my liver hurt, what a time. The whole setlist is really strong, full of nostalgia, and is an overall stellar debut. Always loved how decipherable the lyrics are, you know what you're getting with Arctic Monkeys. That being said, I don't really put them on anymore. This album sorta came and went for me. On this relisten, the middle songs all blended together and at one point I felt like it was just yelling at me. Still, AM won't reach these heights again and they're far superior to other groups of this ilk (The Strokes, Franz Ferd, etc.). Classic Reeboks mention cancelled out by pronunciation of "punch" so 3.35.
Iggy Pop
2/5
I feel like this album is all over the place, it's like Iggy is trying to be a different person on each song. The darker vibe on "The Passenger" is the best one but it comes off like a budget Jim Morrison and the guitar is too jangly. They're somehow calling this punk but singing "I'm gonna hop like a frog". I guess 70's "punk" also uses a ton of tambourine. Did not enjoy the creepy lyrics of "Sixteen" or the full blown heroin trip in "Turn Blue." The whole thing sounds like a collection of throw-away Bowie songs and the cover art is whack. This man is the "Neighborhood Threat." Remove him, 2.0.
The Stooges
2/5
This is the sound of danger emanating from the garage you walk past on your way home from school. It's aggressively pure chaos coming at you straight from hell. Raw and energetic, but also phrenetic at times. The last half of the album falls off pretty hard. The list gave me this immediately after IP's "Lust for Life" and I actually prefer the grimier, more primitive version of Iggy here but still don't love either. 2.10.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
This sounds like a darker, less theatrical version of Nick Cave (equally as pretentious but maybe slightly more listenable). Could do without "Thorn of Crowns" but "The Killing Moon" redeems. There's a couple good tracks but not anything noteworthy, lots of "la la las" and "do dos". I will say the release year had my expectations set pretty low so they're better than I thought and I can see how this influenced other bands to come. It's like goth meets punk but make it 80's and then throw in some strings. 2.65 for orchestra.
Heaven 17
2/5
Wow, ok, so three teenagers just discovered tape looping and got their hands on a synth... why is this even on the list? There's way better SynthPop out there. This could not be more 80's and it did not age well. Overuse of cricket-leg chirping sound on every song, it's damn right annoying. The lyrics are weak, songs all sound the same, horrible production choices, then add politics? Whattt. Don't even get me started on the cover art. "Groove Thang" wasn't even groovey. ::boy plays rubber band, add machine gun sound effect:: 1.55 if I'm being generous.
R.E.M.
3/5
R.E.M. has a unique sound that I'm fine with but I know a ton of people who just don't like them. $100 that it's Stipe's voice alone that's so polarizing, but I think his arching, nasally sound is actually the band's best instrument (and it's certainly on display here.) Overall, this is a solid album, lags a little in the center and don't love "Man on the Moon" but a few really good hits. R.E.M. is somehow traditional alternative that also managed to feel modern. I dig this slower, more melancholic set from them. Ends with a strong finish, really interesting lyrics and meaning behind "Find the River". 3.45 ginger, lemon, indigo.
The Cure
4/5
While I don't think this is their strongest entry, I really dug it and listened to it many, many times through. I liked a lot of these songs better than their popular hits (and I wasn't familiar with a single one of them prior). I love the haunting, distorted style on display here. It felt like an experience, a monochrome vintage film, and I'm really into atmospheric music that serves a specific setting (like a long rainy car ride, a mundane task workday, etc.). "A Forest" is definitely the best track but there's a lot to like overall; the fact that all the songs sorta run together is a purposeful decision and really works here. This is one of my better discoveries from the list and I'll def revisit. 3.80 and pretty progressive for 1980.
The Coral
3/5
This album was hard for me to rate, I listened to it a bunch of times and kept going back and forth on whether I like it or not. I've never heard of The Coral, they seem to have a good thing going but sometimes sail into annoying territory. I like the ska vibes but they sometimes go polka, I like the bass lines but then they just drop off, I like the twangy guitar but then it goes rattly, I like the vocals but then it's screaming. In the end, there were more bad songs than good. "Dreaming of You" and "Waiting for the Heartaches" are good, "Goodbye" and "Bad Man" are meh. I'm not overly impressed but it wasn't all bad, I'll give em a 2.75 for being from 2002 and being decent.
Tim Buckley
3/5
This album is an improvement for Timmy B but still not great. A lot of the songs sound the same and I'm not really into the horned up lyrics (though I can't help but wonder how they landed in 1972). It's like Barney Gumble narrating a 70's porn flick but I guess I didn't completely hate it. Some groovy baselines and interesting instrumentation (did I hear congas?), 2.60 for the sex funk tweaker.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
More SynthPop already? Low expectations going into this one with the band name and cover art so it's (actually) exactly what I thought. It's an odd mix of melancholy lyrics over upbeat backing tracks with vocals from two bored yuppies, oh and throw in some political themes from the UK. This is maybe fun if you're a very young British Chap in the 1980's. Some songs were alright but I think Depeche Mode and a few others do this better. "Shopping" was absolutely terrible but I'll give em 1.75 for the lyric "I love you, you pay my rent."
Foo Fighters
2/5
I was not impressed with this album other than the backstory. I didn't really get into any of the songs, I found them a bit grating and unpolished (while fully recognizing the purpose and setup of this recording). I've never been a big fan of Foo Fighters, although I do really like Dave Grohl, so this did nothing to convince me further. "Weenie Beenie" is terrible, "Big Me" is good, the rest fall somewhere in between. 2.45 for smashing drums and high energy.
George Harrison
2/5
This album runs long and would have benefitted from some cuts but overall it's not too bad. There's some good guitar and harmonica combos, you can hear the blues and Dylan inspiration throughout, but it's not anything I need to revisit. The whole thing is pretty mediocre. 2.35.
Kraftwerk
2/5
I can see how Kraftwerk influenced future electronic beats but this didn't hit for me. It sounded a little corny, the simplicity didn't age well, and the dark overtones are a strange choice for the genre and topic (beep boop trains Germans). It seemed a little slow but I give them credit for doing this in 1977. Too repetitive, 1.85.
The Young Rascals
2/5
A few ok songs but too many hokey cornballs that overshadowed anything good here. The "big hit" called out on the album cover is actually terrible, the only thing worse is the cover art itself, followed closely by the band name. Nothing memorable so not sure why it makes the list, at least it was short. 1.5.
Buzzcocks
2/5
This album was decent but didn't really do much to stand out from the sea of other BritPunk bands of the era. The guitar slips off-time and the songwriting is really basic but I didn't hate it. I think I just prefer more aggressive, dirty punk. This was like the Sex Pistols without the sex. A lot of the songs sound the same and I think something was wrong with the cymbal at one point but I liked that you can understand a lot of the lyrics (although very juvenile). I'll give them a 1.60 because of the upbeat, ongoing energy throughout.
Arcade Fire
3/5
This is a solid album, I know and like a lot of songs on it, but it's not as strong as their previous entry The Suburbs (which came next in their discog). I've been listening to Arcade Fire since Rebellion (Lies) broke in 2004 and I think they get better as time passes. I dig their sound and go to them over a lot of other indie bands from the 2000's. 3.25 for the husband-wife duo.
Bob Dylan
2/5
The start of the album is pretty classic but it's shimmer quickly erodes with each song. After "Don't Think Twice" you've about had enough of Bobby D's freewheelin. His finger-strumming and literature-style vocals were groundbreaking in the 60's but are only good for a few tracks before it starts to wear out. I don't deny that he's a good songwriter; his poetic lyrics, unique voice, and simple formula have created some true folk manifestos, but I'm more of a greatest hits listener here. A lot of this album was stream-of-consciousness over sloppy harmonica and I just don't need 50 minutes of it. 1.85 for the raw, messy acoustic set by Bob Allen Dylan Thomas Guthrie.
DJ Shadow
2/5
The level of content-creation from this format is impressive but minus the effort, it's not really an amazing listen. That said, I do understand why it's on the 1001 list. Shadow creates some nice soundscapes but overall it's a little low-key for me, it's like the jazz form of hip-hop in a way. I prefer to be sonically boomed by cut-sample mixes (like Girl Talk for one) and this album felt more like background music. It faded away by the end so 2.0.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
This group is too often slept on but they have a really good combo going with a chill vibe, solid beats, and female vocals. I didn't know all of the tracks on this album but I immediately recognized their sound because so many of their songs are used during warm-ups in dance classes. I think, aside from their big hit "Missing" which got radio play, that's how most people know of EBtG. I was teleported directly back to 1999-2002 with this one and I loved it so 3.40.
Meat Puppets
3/5
All I can say is this sounded very Phoenix, AZ. It's like country rock, but then also psychedelic in ways, and somehow also grunge and punk-ish too. It's a Florida swamp man buying meth from a Mesa punk who wears cowboy boots everywhere so the fake leather is peeling. It was a little worn out, unformed, and off-putting but you just can't look away. There's some decent highs but the album is really all over the place, very rough. The best takes were later made famous by other musicians so there's some type of foundation to build upon but I'm not sure I like it in this form. I did enjoy the instrumental tracks but other ones cancel 'em out. Don't like the band name but 2.80 for the scuzziness.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
This album is relatively mundane, it's a decent foray into basic folk but so much of the middle is filler and sounds the same (with that same being a bit boring). The top tracks are the first and last, all the harmonizing in the middle feels a little corny. I'm surprised "Marrakesh Express" was a top 40 single because I didn't like that one at all. "Long Time Gone" is decent. CS&N are way better with Young but he's better without them, let that sink in...2.25.
Aretha Franklin
2/5
Aretha isn't something I'd put on but she deserves to be on the list for her monumental vocals, embodiment of soul, and civil rights activism. This album had a lot more brass and piano on it than expected. The hits are there, as well as some sleepy slower tracks, but the recording sounded very dated and it's just not really my thing so 2.0 for the Queen of Soul.
Stereolab
2/5
It's cool to hear a different sound coming out of the late 90's, this album was decent. It started off pretty good but fizzled out a bit by the end. I liked the overall vibe, the mix of French lyrics, and the layered effects of the loops but I don't think I'd revisit. It was a fun little listen (standard edition not expanded). Some points off for the very lame cover art so 2.30.
Fiona Apple
3/5
The name is familiar and I knew 3-4 songs on this album but I'm not sure what happened to her after this release. It's a decent debut but you have to be in the right mood for it because it's pretty dramatic and angry. I do like her voice but I'm only good for 1-2 songs before the glitter peels off. There's a few really slow songs and a couple that sound the same so some skips. I give the sullen girl a 2.75.
Taylor Swift
2/5
I have SiriusXM, listen to mainstream music, and am familiar with a lot of Taylor Swift's songs so it was a surprise to see this album on the list. It's really soft, relatively bland, and I didn't recognize a single song from it. I thought it would have at least a couple pop hits. I'm not ashamed to admit I like a few of her songs but I def don't get all the excessive hype around her. Her music is geared toward a younger crowd but I appreciated some of the more grown up emotion displayed on evermore. Still, a lot of this album sounded the same, it ran a bit long, and there was nothing memorable. I didn't love it, but I also don't actively hate it. She does have a nice voice and I respect that she plays her own instruments. 2.35
Rush
3/5
Rush always seemed to get picked on, like you were a nerd if you liked them or just somehow uncool. I think people struggle with the vocals and the angular time signatures but this album is actually pretty good. I liked it a lot more than expected. I will point out that it feels a bit emotionless at times and the lyrics lack depth. I think the strong suit is the backing instruments. 3.15 for the self-indulgent Canadians.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
This album isn't Neil's best but it's an interesting compilation of two very different A and B sides, acoustic v. more electric, solo then with Crazy Horse, sandwiched between two versions of the same melody. Divided by "Powderfinger," a near perfect narration ballad, this song sets the transition between the halves with Young's typical folk story laid over more rebellious rock 'n roll. I think Rust Never Sleeps is a solid concept album and is actually quite good for a live recording. It's multifaceted and the opener/closer parallel is just incredible. The more I listen to it the more I find things to like. Can't deny it's goodness so 3.55 and "my face splashed in the sky."
Funkadelic
3/5
Not as familiar with this album as Maggotbrain but still a good listen. I'm a fan of anything Funkadelic so my reviews will always be biased. I enjoyed hearing these earlier releases although some of the lyrics get a bit strange and a few of the songs are a tad too long. This is pretty standard for them though. 3.35 for the pure, uncut funk on this one.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
The album name and artist sounded promising but WOW was I in for a twist. This felt like a blind person at a really hokey German play (I hate theater, I would have rather been deaf). Parts of it sounded like bad polka, most of it was really annoying, I just wanted it to end. "Mother Beimleim" successfully freaked me out, it was like the witch from Hansel & Gretel got drunk. I also hated the one where she sang about "Too Much Coffee" and "Sackslingers." Nothing redeemed this, I don't know why it's on the list. Please don't even explain it to me, sling this sack right off a bridge. 0.60
Hugh Masekela
1/5
This wasn't the worst jazz album but it also wasn't memorable, nothing stood out to me but jazz isn't my thing (yet). There's some rolling drum fills that are entertaining but they're scattered amongst a very long, very schmaltzy hour of music for grandparents. I don't see anything that makes this worthy of the list. The best song was the last one because the album was finally over, jk, I liked the tribal drums and chanting. 1.20 for Hugh and his horn.
Pulp
1/5
The band name, cover art, and album title are all bland and forgettable. The topics of the songs and the delivery of the vocals are very off-putting. It's an entire album of a skeezy man in plaid bragging about affairs with married women while trying to sound sultry over some really primitive beats and contrived melodies. It's like a comical version of The Cure meets Elvis Costello. I can see people liking this if they grew up on it, but it's otherwise lost on me. "Common People" has the elements to be a decent song, but aside from that one, I loathed everything about this. 1.35 for the seductive vampire impersonator.
Louis Prima
2/5
This is pretty decent considering it's from the 50's but not anything I need to hear again. Definitely recognized his voice so was not surprised to read that he's King Louie (which was always a favorite part of TJB). "Buona Sera" and "Just a Gigolo" were the best tracks, was never a fan of "Jump, Jive" but also recognized that one. I liked the cymbal action and when he started singing in pure gibberish. Fun, upbeat listen, lot's of horns. This is prob the best we're gonna hear from the decade and wasn't the worst by any means. 2.0 for the monkey man.
Muddy Waters
1/5
I'm pretty sick of live albums on the list and this one did nothing to differentiate itself. It started out as run of the mill, squeaky blues from the 60's and ended up being repetitive and completely missable. I couldn't tell one song from the next, all were "Soon Forgotten." 1.15.
Wire
3/5
Short and sweet punk album from the late 70's, surprised I've never heard of Wire before. I think this was ahead of it's time and it's a pretty good foray into early grunge, true punk rock, and even pre-hardcore. I liked a handful of the songs (Three Girl Rhumba, Lowdown, Mannequin, etc.) but the brevity makes each song accessible and none overstay their welcome. Overall, Pink Flag feels a bit darker and angrier than original 70's punk and I think that helps to set it apart from the masses. I'm intrigued, 2.5.
Laibach
1/5
This was like Cookie Monster doing black metal over marching beats, it wore out it's welcome pretty quick. It's less an album and more like 3 songs repeated four times but with different battle horns added in. The only good thing is that it's completely different than anything else I've heard. 1.0 for the dystopian medieval trumpets.
Nick Drake
3/5
Forlorn, searching, melancholic but warm, Nick Drake is a talented song writer and probably would have gone far in folk music (if not for his abrupt end). I enjoyed the flutes and orchestration, his voice and strumming suits his choice in backing instruments and the result is rather pretty. It toes a line between happy and sad, is it both/is it neither? Either way, it's moving. I do think the mood and setting of the listener might affect it's reception but it hit me at the right time. I enjoyed it enough to check out his other work. 3.15 for calming abilities.
Joy Division
3/5
Joy Division made (pulsar) waves in the post-punk world by being moody instead of upbeat, down instead of up, and singing about emotions other than anger. They blended electronic, somewhat industrial soundscapes with dance music and glitchy guitars. You can hear how they were the predecessors to a lot of melancholic music to come (yes, including Seventeen Seconds by The Cure). Is Unknown Pleasures great? No. Is this four 20 year olds exploring introspective, dark themes and displaying raw emotion at a time when all music (in the UK) was the Sex Pistols? Yes. There's a few good songs on here but it's missing "Love Will Tear Us Apart" which is undeniably great. I like their sparse, angular sound for a few songs and dig the very well-known cover art. 3.0 for the short-lived epileptic.
Jane Weaver
4/5
I'm not sure why this album was so hard for me to rate; I kept going back and re-listening to it. I enjoyed it a lot, both while paying attention and simply as background music. It works really well at both. It's a good mix of luscious atmospheric sounds with a folky vibe on top, I was surprised to see it came out in 2017. This might be the most recent album on the list but I'm struggling a bit with the significance. That is not to say it isn't worthy, it's a very good album, I'm just searching for what it does that makes it noteworthy. 3.65 for fuzz pedals.
The Fall
1/5
Never heard of The Fall despite them claiming to be "prolific and innovative" which I found them to be neither. The flat delivery of the lyrics and the backing tracks themselves sounded very dated (even for the 90's). There's a few decent basslines and riffs but not enough to overcome the spoken word complaining. I didn't really like anything on this album and don't need to explore more. 1.15 is the highest I can go for the drunk, hypnotized cynic.
Bad Company
4/5
Have always loved this album and the simple text-based cover art, a bold choice for the early 70's (that I appreciated even as a kid). I never really thought about this being their debut, makes it even better really. But how the hell did I not know they're British? Paul had me fooled, this man really be singing like a full-blooded American and he's actually from Thornaby Ingleby Barwick. To my defense, they toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd so I can't be the only one. This album is Rock Steady, no skips. 4.0.
The Specials
3/5
I'm very familiar with the hits on this album and The Specials in general so it's a little hard to be objective. The hits are great (Gangsters, Rudy, Alright, Too Much Too Young) but you don't really need more than a few songs to get your fill. This album starts to get repetitive and I definitely didn't need any live renditions although they bring great energy. That being said, The Specials are influential and will always hold a place in music history. At least one of their songs is played at every ska/reggae show I've ever been to. Their music is also a whole lifestyle: braces, Fred Perry's, porkpies, and checkers. 3.25 for reminiscing on all the great times with Pretty Ricky by the beach.
Marty Robbins
2/5
I don't know what's stranger: the fact that I recognized a few songs on this album or that I actually enjoyed it all the way through. I expected to rate this very low but to my surprise it was really fun and engaging. I also like how this is considered "Pop" for 1959; catchy strumming, detailed stories, and a copper voice make these bonafide foot-tappers. You're damned if this doesn't make you wanna grab your boots and go herd cattle. It definitely evoked feelings and scenery in a very tangible way. An easy 2.35 for the cowboy waltzes, now go watch The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
Kanye West
3/5
I will preface this by saying Mr. West turned out to be a deplorable human being so I hate to like any of this (including contributing to his bottom line by streaming this for the review). He's awful but damn, he makes some fire beats. When this album came out it was different than others in the genre and a lot of the songs are really catchy and dare I say clever. He has some undeniable talent but I'm finding it hard to separate the art from the artist and I probably would have rated this higher 10+ years ago. The first half of TCD is much stronger (Slow Jamz and prior), after that it goes downhill (plus the skits are embarrassingly laughable). This sorta sums up early-Kanye into Yeezy into the sheer lunatic he is now (publicity skits included). Considering all factors, I can't go higher than a 3.05.
Suicide
1/5
The first two tracks were about all you can take of Suicide by Suicide. The rest falls off really quick and is not enjoyable at all, the whole album is rather abrasive and harsh. I'm not sure why I needed to hear this before I die, I guess it was a new sound for the late 70's but that still doesn't make it worthy. I also don't see how this noise claims to have influenced Bruce Springsteen and the cover art is terrible. Please don't let Frankie kill his kid. 0.5 for being unnecessarily dark and creepy.
The Beta Band
4/5
I don't love the band name (and let's not talk about the album name or the cover art) but this was a surprisingly good listen. I dig the groove sound, it's a unique blend of folk and electronica which I think is hard to do. A lot of the tracks were really catchy, I actually knew the first song "Squares" but not sure where from. I liked this enough to listen through a few times and check out some of their other work. The list provides again. I'm very into atmospheric, ambient rock so this was def up my alley. A few tracks left me wishing they pushed it to third gear but still very satisfied with the album (and more-so with the discovery). Of course there are people who won't like this "so no pizza for them." 3.5 for the grungy acid house Scots.
Public Enemy
2/5
Very angry and raucous, Public Enemy living up to their name with FOABP. I was annoyed throughout this listen but it's not as bad as the previous entry. It's very politically charged but the step up in production quality is noticeable. Lots of sound bites and media samples that didn't add much but "Welcome To The Terrordome" is good. It feels a bit dated and corny at times though I can see how this was culturally significant and I don't completely hate it. 1.65 for saying "Ya'll" 5,000 times.
OutKast
2/5
This album is very inconsistent and borderline chaotic. The three well-known tracks are stone cold hits but the rest of it stannnks. It's front loaded and runs on too long, the interludes are trash, and there's a few tracks (like "Snappin & Trappin" and "Humble Mumble") that are pure garbagio. How do you even mess up a song with Eryka Badu? ::Yowsky-wowsky:: It seems like they were trying to explore very creative avenues and I'm a big fan of Andre 3000 but a lot of this felt like a waste of time. I'm not all aboard the Stankonia Express. 1.95 for the low-slung funk.
Fairport Convention
2/5
I didn't know there was British folk rock but here it is. Interesting use of a mandolin and fiddle throughout these British Isle shanties. The lead vocalist is perfect for these adaptations, her voice is very convincing, like she grew up on these medleys. I don't think they wrote any of the songs but it's a decent enough album. It's like the Byrds but make em Celtic. 2.45 for saying "elfin grey" in lyrics.
Machito
2/5
I couldn't decipher one song from the next but overall a decent sound. The album is successful in creating an atmosphere, the part in a spy movie where the lead is sneaking around a fancy party. The album is not successful in it's name and cover art. This is way more Latin/Cuban/Big Band and than Afro. A little over the top with the horns at times but more listenable jazz than we've had to date. 2.05 for originally coming out in 1957.
The Stooges
2/5
This album was definitely raw but I did not feel the power. I listened to 3 of the 4-disc 50th anniversary edition (Bowie Mix, Iggy Mix, and Live, skipped the outtakes) and wasn't wowed by any of it. A lot of it sounds the same, sloppy and indiscernible. I can see this bunching some undies in the early 70's but I needed more from it. I liked the Iggy Mixes better for the danger and weirdness but overall not as good as Fun House. 2.0 for the sludge rock.
The Offspring
3/5
Smash was the gateway to radio punk and there's nothing to dislike. I'm not surprised to see it on the list although I do wish the list featured some less mainstream bands. There's better punk albums from this same time but it seems to favor commercial success. Anyway, I've listened to this album so many times and it still holds up (though I can't believe it's 30+ years old). One thing the passage of time can't steal, playing minute 2:40 of "Bad Habit" into people's answering machines at max volume, that never got old. I forgot how good the 90's were, such simpler times. This was a really enjoyable listen, very strong, no skips, a smash down memory lane. 3.45.
Rush
2/5
Another decent entry from Rush but I'm not fully onboard with Peart's nod to Ayn Rand. I'm all for anti-totalitarianism but these influences feel like a young person's phase and aren't really necessary. The album (and specifically "Overture") standalone as art and don't need all this symbolism to be good. Still, first half is better than the second. I don't love "Passage to Bangkok" but B-side improves a bit afterwards. Downgrading a smidge for the album art which isn't great stylistically but also just doesn't work with the original naked man removed (it's contrasting individuality and the masses so it needs the hero and the Solar Federation Red Star to work). A better album than a concept, I think we've all learned some "Lessons" here, and Rand is certainly no genius. 2.25
The Kinks
2/5
It's 1967 and The Kinks were clearly doing... Something Else, unfortunately that something else is not something good at all. The first cohesive lyric on the album describes the rest in its entirety: "I am a dull and simple lad, Cannot tell water from champagne." This album is the water in champagne, the boring, useless part, lacking fizz, taste, or delight. It's as if all the good parts went somewhere else (onto a Beatles album of course). I did not care for this at all and was mostly annoyed for 35 minutes. It's a hokey, low-budget ripoff that I nearly thought was a joke. Undeniably, The Kinks have some great songs but they are not on this album. Very missable but ends on Waterloo Sunset, it's only slight redemption so 1.65 is being generous.
Curtis Mayfield
1/5
This felt like the longest 35 minutes of my life, I do not like the slower, waltzier version of Mr. Mayfield. Incredibly boring, every song sounded the same, and nothing memorable here. His voice sounds like someone had his balls in a "Billy Jack" and I can't get past it. 1.0.
Underworld
3/5
This album is a bit hard to rate, there's things I like and things that could be better. "Juanita" is a weak and confusing track to open with and it seems a little bloated to start with two back to back 15+ minute songs. However "Sappys Curry" actually gets pretty engaging about halfway in, this one should be cut down. I also like "Pearl's Girl" and the stream of consciousness lyrics throughout. There's something about the Underworld's sound that has you really paying attention and trying to listen/decipher which is in contrast to my approach to most techno which usually just serves as background music. Overall, the album is a tad too long but it's layered, complex, and very pensive at times. I listened to it several times and enjoyed it but the right time and place will really serve this play. For the issues aforementioned, it goes middle of the pack at 2.5.
Beatles
3/5
Does the list include every Beatles album ever written, honestly starting to wonder. We should just listen to them all in order then. That said, I'm not mad at this entry, it's a solid album of exploration. I don't really care for "Taxman" (especially as an opener) but "Eleanor Rigby" is a bonafide hit. I like the next two then it gets a little slow on "Here, There" before it picks up again. You can hear the innovation and they get top marks for creativity and variation here. "Tomorrow Never Knows" is probably one of the best album finales I can think of. Always loved the album art, a few meh songs in the middle, 3.35.
King Crimson
2/5
Everything about this felt long: the songs, the album, the song names themselves, and my forthcoming review. The band name and album name don't stick with me, I don't like either and they don't match the cover art (which I do like). The first track sets a tone that the following songs don't match at all (in hindsight, it feels out of place). It's a bit screechy at times, one of the horns sounds like when you pull a balloon's neck closed, and the end is way too freeform and annoying. Also, the hook feels incomplete and I kept wanting Lake to say something after "Schizoid Man" but he leaves you hanging. "I Talk To The Wind" is ok but really sleepy, the lyrics are very surface-level obvious and I wanted something more introspective based on this soundscape. I don't hate it though because it serves as a good opener to the next three. "Epitaph" is the best track and evokes real feelings, it's almost like a funeral march. The line "Confusion will be my epitaph" is the pinnacle of the album and sorta describes it as a whole. They do something good only to negate that with some bad noodling leaving the listener mostly confused. There's three good songs in here sandwiched by some red bread. I don't like repeat songs and the last track is disposable. Based on all of the above, I can't go above a 2.15.
Slade
2/5
Very generic glam rock from another band I've never heard of in this genre and time. The only song I recognized on this album was "Move Over" because it's a cover of Janis Joplin's original (and not nearly as good). I liked the rough edges but overall used cliche' rock tropes and other bands just did it all better. This is bonafide dad rock through and through. I hate the weird spellings on the track names and don't even get me started on the band name/album name thing. 2.0
Talk Talk
3/5
This is an interesting album with a good overall sound compared to other new wave that came out in the late 80's (and remains stuck there forever). This one didn't age as poorly as those by thankfully moving away from synths and into a more ambient, lush production style. TCoS pulls from different genres, rhythm sets, and instruments to create something pretty unique and cool. It's really varied but it works, almost dreamlike at times (like a predecessor to ambient). "Chameleon Day" could be cut but the album redeems with a strong finish on the last track. I like the cover art, I don't like the band name, I do like this album. 3.0
Judas Priest
2/5
Some decent old school metal, checks all the boxes but gets a bit repetitive. Still a solid album, very good guitar work with sometimes cheesy (but authentic) lyrics thrown in. Middle of "Grinder" was good enough so don't need the live cut at the end. Better to finish on "Red, White & Blue" but overall a better listen than anticipated. 2.0 for being a little dated.
Prince
3/5
Prince is an icon and this album no doubt solidifies that. I don't love every song on it but it's still a very good listen. Parts of the backing tracks feel a little corny but there's def some hits on here and the closer is an undeniable classic. I had no idea "Darling Nikki" was the reason behind the Parental Advisory stickers on albums so that was cool (I don't really like the song though). 3.45 for this one.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
This album is a lot more cohesive (and a lot less heroin-ed) than the previous entry. You can tell the whole band is really vibing; it's polished but still maintains grit. I love their moody, melancholy sound that many later bands strive for but don't land as successfully as VU. The album starts and ends strong with lots of really good tracks in between. The song writing puts Lou Reed's versatility on full display. I'd be amiss to not mention "The Murder Mystery" because it's so strangely fascinating and ahead of its time (also very Velvet). I dig it but can see how other's may not. I listened to this album many times over and it gets better each time. The lyrics are really introspective, contemplative, and emotional. Lou will swallow you up like a pill and puke you out in Warhol's art factory. 3.95
Bobby Womack
1/5
This man is on crack and so is anyone who likes this album. The only halfway decent song is "Stand Up" but it doesn't redeem the others. Way too many boring, slow, tacky, love songs that bring nothing new. I thought this was going to be a lot better based on the cover art. He looks cooler than he actually is. 0.75 which rounds to a 1 for the audacity to call yourself The Poet.
Public Enemy
1/5
I'm pretty over Public Enemy and I don't think this album belongs on the list. There's no stand out song, most of them sound the same, and it feels like a money grab. It's an uninspired cash out because the formula worked so why not squeak another out. Apocalypse is full of annoying sound effects and cheap beats. It sounds dated and a lot of the lyrics are for shock value (ex: track 5 "I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo N" repeat 50 times). The screeching sound on "1 Million Bottlebags" is absolutely a game ender, I couldn't wait for it to stop. Closing out with "Bring Tha Noize" was a good choice, but unfortunately this one is annoying as well. I don't need to hear anything from this album ever again. Barely a 1.0 only because Anthrax.
The Doors
4/5
This is an incredible debut and probably melted people's brains in 1967 (I hope it did). The second half gets a little slow but it's still very listenable. I'll always be a fan of The Doors. 4.0.
N.W.A.
2/5
This album is way too long, it could be cut in half and be slightly more tolerable. I get the impact in the late 80's but this doesn't hold up all that well. The only thing that unfortunately still rings true is the message behind police v. the black community. I will give it credit for being very alive and sometimes funky, but it's not something I would ever put on. It's pretty aggressive and confrontational, it's more of a time capsule album and it can stay in 1988. 2.0 for "Express Yourself."
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
This album is essential and deserves to be on the list. People are more familiar with these songs from Legend and probably don't realize that most of them actually come from Exodus, his TENTH album. Every song is great, no skips, gets a ton of play at 30342. Easy 3.9 for Bob.
Serge Gainsbourg
1/5
Here was my train of thoughts and how they played out through this listen: French is not a beautiful language at all, this sounds like Pepé Le Pew with instruments, am I missing something here, the cover art is totally weird, do I need to understand the lyrics to like this because I don't to either. That prompted me to dig further and I'm 100% sorry I did: This album is about an older man crashing his Rolls Royce into a 14 year old girl on her bike who he then promptly seduces and takes advantage of. Right after that she dies in a plane crash. I can't think of anything that could ever redeem this and I regret even giving it one more play on Spotify. Apparently this is also pseudo-autobiographical so just so cringey. Rating only the music, I guess a 0.5 for the funk-style electric guitar over orchestra backing. Avoid all further reading into how this influenced Beck on Paper Tiger and inspired Portishead.
The Police
3/5
This album is decent, there's some really good songs and a few skips. I don't like "Mother" or "Miss Gradenko" but the rest hits. I really like Sting and this is a good entry from The Police. I thought they had more than five albums, I won't be mad at any of them. 2.65 here.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
This album was difficult to endure and it really dragged on. His voice affect (especially noticeable on "Green Eyes") is really deranged, he's putting it on like a bad drama kid and I don't believe this tone deaf man at all. "Black Hair" creeped me out, please stop talking about the smell on your hands, I'm pretty over Nick Cave. The boatman goes down with the ship (boat). 0.85 because it "Ain't No Good."
The Allman Brothers Band
2/5
Not bad as far as live albums go but runs long, just seven tracks took up four whole vinyl sides upon release. I enjoyed it as background jam but wow they do mean extended play. Solidifies The Allman Brothers Band as a true jam band living up to the performing arts. How many dudes are in this band anyway? 2.25.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
This album feels a bit nostalgic, it has 2003 written all over it. It's a bit too noisy and rough at times but it's decent overall. I think the Yeah Yeah Yeahs brought a lot of energy and a new drum-smashy sound to indie rock at the time. But the bad songs are really bad and the lyrics are really simple and repetitive. It's lacks substance (and a bass player) so 2.45 is as high as my fever can go.
Ash
1/5
This album is completely forgettable; the band name, album name, cover art, and music do nothing to distinguish themselves in any way. Super generic with lame attempts at sounding like a a bunch of different bands that do it better. It was like a watered-down version of Weezer meets The Offspring. I emptied the ashtray into the trash(tray). 1.5 for punch sound effects on "Kung Fu" but minus .5 for saying Jackie Chan's name with tacky "uh uh uh uh oh" after it brings 1977 in at 1.45.
Primal Scream
3/5
With a name like Primal Scream I expected a lot more raw power and noise so this album felt pretty tame comparatively. It's a run of the mill Brit-Rock entry that wasn't necessarily bad but also didn't send me "Out of this Void." I liked the mix of random sounds (except on "Star" where I kept thinking a trash truck was causing neighborhood dogs to howl) and the ambient feel on some tracks. Mid entry so mid rating at 2.5 plus .5 for the Augustus Pablo feature brings VP in at 2.55.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Emotional, poetic, and a contrast of both optimism and despair, it's the quintessential breakup album of the 70's. More personal and creative than previous Dylan sets, this one is really good. "Shelter from the Storm" is absolutely crushing it, "Jack of Hearts" is another great one here. Dylan is def an acquired taste and I've apparently acquired it. A more polished 2.70 for B-onthe-Ts.
Slint
2/5
I appreciate the atypical song structure, variation of lyrics (spoken word or screaming), and off kilter time signatures but it needed to be stronger to stand out. This was pretty exploratory and there were aspects that I enjoyed but it's missing something. The last half of the album is better than the first and that's only three songs. I don't like the band name but the album is aptly titled, like a spider crawling across a wall, it slowly builds but then there's no payoff, you squish it and walk away. 1.50 for sad boi 90's teens.
Ananda Shankar
2/5
This sitar fusion album was better than anticipated. Who knew a sitar could shred. I enjoyed this for the most part but it ran a little long. There's some high points that do well to create an atmosphere of traditional Indian street markets (or an opium tent) but the fact that the covers are the stronger tracks tells you something about the album in general. Still happy for the listen and exposure. 2.35 for Ravi-nephew.
Patti Smith
1/5
There's nothing punk about this album, it's pretty blah and mostly annoying. The songs have no hooks or anything that catches you. Her voice doesn't sound authentic, it's like she's putting on too much theater and I can do without all the weird "ah ah" additions. Send it back to Birdland, it's a 1.25 for Patti.
The Vines
3/5
Not very familiar with The Vines but I recognized the track "Get Free" or at least it sounded like something I think I've heard before. This also sums up the album overall, it's not very memorable but sounds like a bunch of other mediocre things. It's alright I guess but a little too screechy at times. I don't hate it but I don't think it should be likened to Nirvana either. It lacks emotion, authenticity, and rawness. I actually liked the slower, softer songs like "Homesick" and "Country Yard" so there's a very meh three-fer in there if you try really hard. "Factory" is too carnival for me but there's some good strumming on "Mary Jane" so this album has me flipping back and forth between good and bad a lot. This puts it squarely in the middle at 2.5 so I didn't need to hear this before I die and won't revisit.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Was not too happy about another YYY appearance so soon but was pleasantly surprised. It's Blitz! (should be spelled Itz Blitz IMO) is far better than the previous entry. It has both cohesion and variety; I did not expect the Celtic vibes on "Skeletons" but did enjoy. There's a bunch of good tracks here and the whole thing came together and landed solidly. Can hear various influences. The last decent Karen gets a 3.75 for Blondie vibes.
Queen
3/5
Did not recognize any songs on this album and had a different sound than expected but still pretty good. Definitely leaning on more prog rock and aggressive alternative at times when I really just wanted signature Queen. "Nevermore" is the only one that felt like this to me but I liked a couple here and there. Most songs are overly busy but I was entertained throughout. 2.65 for black/white album sides and design.
The KLF
3/5
This album was pretty good and reading about it led me down a vast rabbit hole into the band's insane story (which is much more interesting than the music itself). There's an actual KLF Re-Enactment Society and a handful of other mysterious websites linked to the band that deem further investigation: mumufication.com, L-13.org, klfrs.com, and the people's pyramid. Back to the album though, I listened to the Director's Cut and then went back and found the original. I liked the DC better as it was noticeably more modernized and had a few tracks with cool, vibey sounds like "Madrugada Eterna" and "No More Tears." Rounding a 2.45 all the way up to a 3 for the video of "Justified & Ancient" that has us all searching for MuMu Land now.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
A rather mundane entry by PG with the only standout track being "Solsbury Hill." It's clear he was still trying to define his sound as this album is all over the place and pretty unrefined. I didn't like most of it but the ender "Here Comes the Flood" has a mysterious sound that does well at building something up but then goes too far into theatrical crowd rejoice and it loses me. Overall, slow and not that memorable so not sure why this made the list. 2.0 for PG1 but expect to hear more from him later.